CNN and founder Ted Turner; 30 years later, cable giant tries to reignite and fend off Fox

Almost thirty years ago, Ted Turner created an all-news, 24/7 cable network called appropriately enough: "Cable News Network", or more to the point, CNN.

At the time, few people gave it any chance of succeeding. For one, cable wasn't the behemoth it has become today; general, over-the-air TV was the social norm and thirty to fourty channels seemed reasonable. Remember UHF? That was considered a luxury.

Indeed, CNN founder, Ted Turner, the flamboyant, multi-millionaire broadcast magnate, created the flagship enterprise that would suddenly transform cable into both the social and cultural TV fixture it has become today.

Turner also had the business foresight that news could and should be something people would relish anytime, anywhere, any place, and everyday. And who could argue? Just as CNN was beginning to bloom, Americans had a thirst for news. ABC News' Nightline was flourishing; its inception born out of the Iranian hostage crisis that began in November of 1979.

Soon, CNN became so big, so fast, and monumentally profitable, that in 1996, Turner sold Turner Broadcasting--CNN, TNT, the TBS Superstation, Turner Classic Movies, the Cartoon Network, New Line Cinema, and several sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves--to Time Warner.

Today, CNN is still huge and its news division has become a staple for instant coverage of events all around the world. It's signiture red logo is a fixture in almost all airports and it has transformed some of its air talent into the celebrity culture. Larry King, Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper and Christianne Amanpour are part of CNN's prized assets, although some of that popularity has been eroding.

News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch's parent company which owns the Fox News channel, began in 1996 with little fanfare, but soon emerged out of the cable fortress with a steady stream of hard-hitting news and commentary, mostly leaning heavily to the conservative right.

FNC's formula was and is now heavily built around the concept of commentary and opinion-oriented shows. Today, Fox relishes its top position in the cable ratings, with shows featuring conservative-oriented Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly. In May, controversial radio host Glenn Beck was hired and his brand of "shock-jock-style" bravado has put him near the top at FNC.

While Fox has been enormously successful at ingraining its brand of style into the cable culture, CNN has stalled and on some evenings of late, has lost the ratings battle to perennial third-place cabler, MSNBC.

CNN has tried repeatedly to alter and shuffle its nightly programming, so far with little upside. Anderson Cooper delivers a first-rate news show for two hours every weeknight, but so far hasn't been the "must-see" conduit CNN had hoped he'd become; Larry King gets A-list celebrity guests nightly, but his show has seen a steady decline in audience numbers, and is rumored to be out at CNN, once his contract expires in 2010.



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KNBR's Bruce calls out SF Giants; tells it 'like it is--how refreshing

While his morning show colleagues had the audio equivalent of a frat-house rah-rah speech with Dwayne Kuiper, KNBR's straight-forward, right-on-the-mark and hellaciously knowledgable, Damon Bruce came out of the shoot this morning and essentially called out the SF Giants and their fans.

How damn refreshing. For the mutants who think I'm in the pocket of Bruce, I'm not; in fact, when Bruce came to KNBR in October of 2005, I found him utterly irritating and my first impression was, "who the hell is this guy?"

Bruce, filling in for Gary Radnich, devoted the entire first hour to deconstructing Monday night's Giants catastrophingly nauseating loss to the Colorado Rockies in extra innings. A loss that was gut-wrenching as well as a loss that all but eliminates SF from the post season according to Bruce. And who could doubt him?

It's that type of "tell-it-like-it-is" persona and style that makes Bruce highly entertaining and refreshing on a station that has become predictable and staid, and that's putting it mildly. At times, KNBR is unlistenable and don't take it from me; read the message boards and industry chatter. Ratings are good, but when there's little competition, they don't mean much.

Bruce's heated, passionate and spot-on critique of the Giants meltdown was both solidly delivered and elequent in its systematic breakdown of the team's glowing lack of offensive spark. And as a comical relief, one of the best Bruce Bochy impressions to boot.

Bruce called out GM Brian Sabean and laid the brunt of the teams problems squarely on the back of Sabean. His rant was direct and uttered without any zany sound "drops", audio histrionics, or moronic hyperbole. Again, Bruce tells it like it is. He doesn't dumb-down the audience or pander to the hard-core "root for the uniform" guys from Fresno who take the 250-mile trip to AT&T Park. He simply lays out the case and lets it flow from there. A breath of fresh air in a big market. This ain't Milwaukee or Phoenix. This is San Francisco.

Bruce isn't everyone's cup of tea. He has a tendency to over-hype himself and has a press box reputation of "I'm great", and "everyone else is 'dreck.'" OK, so the guy has an ego. Surprise, don't we all?

But his array of knowledge and passionate discourse, and his uncanny ability to make one think and consider the argument is both undeniable and incredibly compelling. It isn't three hours of "giggling" and disingenuous banter and manufactured character; it's a, yes, again-- refreshingly blunt assesment of the situation at hand.

Bruce hit it out of the park this morning and cleared the bases. Ooops; forgot about last night.

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Robinson, Papa; KRON; ESPN; NFL/NBA work stoppages

Ted Robinson's flawless performance on the Raiders-49ers radio broadcast provides a multitude of reasons why he's regarded as one of the best broadcasters in the business. Robinson is steady, excitable when necessary, and great on information without any histrionics or audio showboating. Hat's off to analyst Gary Plummer, who is very good himself, but just once Gary, please refrain from your obvious distaste of the Raiders. We get it already.

By the way, many of you have probably already heard that Ted Robinson recently had to deal with the passing of his father. My condolences to Ted and his family.

Greg Papa was also in mid-season form on radio, with Tom Flores. Papa, Flores, and Jim Plunkett did a nice simulcast, combining both radio and TV forces for Saturday's game. The late Bill King was a master at that, particularly, when it involved the Warriors in the 70's.

It's easy to kick KRON4 when they're down, but I give credit to their morning news on Friday. They were all over the hit-and-run driver incident on Taylor Street; an awful quagmire involving several parked cars getting completely demolished. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but seeing a ton of torn metal on a busy street was pretty effective local TV news. I just wished later on KRON and my dear friend, Vicki Liviakis, didn't run a 10-minute hypnosis infomercial right in the middle of the morning news, but they did. A buck is a buck at KRON.

I know a lot of people that have had it with ESPN. And many of them are simply turning off the boys and girls from Bristol. ESPN recently laid off over 100 staffers and like everyone else in this business climate, is suffering from the recession. Maybe they should check their internal polling and figure out that outside of actual sports, NFL football, MLB, among them, ESPN is losing viewership. Chris Berman has had better days and is not the sports god he thinks he is. Leave it to ESPN to bury one of their better shows, "Sports Reporters" to the relative under-viewed early Sunday morning. And I must be the only guy in the world who thinks "Pardon the Interuption" is overated and "Around the Horn" is a bunch of collective shouting. "Outside the Lines?" A very good, thoughtful program; sort of a sports "Nightline", but again, ESPN buries it in their early Sunday morning schedule.

On the other hand, there's college football curmudgeon, Beano Cook, who cracks me up and knows his sport. To ESPN: more Beano, less "Mike and Mike."

Sports fans; enjoy your upcoming football and pro basketball. The NFL's collective bargaining agreement is soon to expire and the league and players association are beginning to posture and set up their fortresses. Roger Goodell and owners want, among other things, a rookie salary cap, similar to the NBA, and the players insist they're not giving it up. Then there's the salary-cap issue. Supposedly, the players have a $200 million strike/lockout fund. Stay tuned...The NBA is hurting real bad. Like a lot of leagues, attendance is way down. There's a lot of empty arenas; (except here in Oakland, where Oracle is packed nightly) Among problem franchises include Indiana, Philedelphia, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Carolina, and yes, even Sacramento. Plus, NBA corporate revenue and sponsorship, where the league gets a ton of its revenue, is way down, across the board. TV ratings are solid, but when you lose significant ad buyers like GM and Budweiser, (both are severly limiting, if not dropping their sports ad budget altogether) well, figure it out.

Last, but not least: Yours truly had a blast the other night; I was a guest on the nationally-syndicated ESPN radio, "Bob Valvano" show. We talked Raiders and Giants and I killed as usual. Yes, modesty aside, it was cool to schmooze with Bobby V, who chairs the "V Foundation", a great charity for cancer research, in honor of his late brother, Jim Valvano.



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SF restaurant closings? It's the 'service, stupid

Want to know a simple concept that restautant owners could apply to their business model that's recession proof? It's called service and its been around seemingly forever.

There's a reason why Tadich grill has been around for generations and continues to prosper. They have great food, they're reasonably-priced and consistent, but most of all, their service is first-rate. Always. And they're packed to the rafters every night. Recession? What recession?

Boulevard is pricier and ultra-glitzy, but the food is superb and the service is generally pretty good. When's the last time you've seen Boulevard less than 3/4th full? Ditto Gary Danko, where despite prices that are extraordinarily high even by SF standards, the top-notch eatery still continues to flourish despite a sluggish economy.

Good service is a rare commodity in this area. And I'm not merely refering to the simple practice of taking your order, serving you your dish, and clearing your table. It goes beyond that. The few people that still go out to eat on a consistent basis want more. They want to be made to feel at home. They want to feel welcomed. Sure, the food is important and the centerpiece of the whole affair, but it would be nice to be acknowledged every now and then. You'd be amazed how many times people in this city get ignored.

Is it any wonder why places like House of Prime Rib and Harris' are still reeling in people night after night? Mainly because the front men and managers take the time to walk around table to table to make sure everything's ok. A simple wink and a nod does wonders. It also makes you feel as if the house wants you to be as comfortable as you should be. Pretty simple premise, but lately, a commodity in a city that should know better.

I eat out a lot. Maybe I'm a bit more sensitive to things like this, but I tend to doubt that I'm alone in this department. I'm not going to single out one or two particular restaurants for their lack of decent service because that wouldn't be fair, besides, unfortunately there's far to many to list.

The bottom line is that more and more of the dining establishments in this town that are closing could look in the mirror as to their demise. Sure, the economy is in the toilet and I know operating a restaurant in the Bay Area requires a lot of deep pockets, what with labor and building costs.

But give me any place that goes the extra distance to at least give the impression they are happy to serve you. That they value your business and don't take it for granted. Sure, the $48 steak and the $26 appetizer may be a tough sell these days, but service has no price tag. It's just a matter of teaching it. You'd be surprised, SF restaurant owners, just how many suckers like me would kill for it!



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Oakland Raiders Football: 50th season of 'Greatness' from the 'Silver and Black'

"Be there live for the 50th season of Raiders football. Call 1-800-RAIDERS or visit Raiders.com to learn more about our Full Season, Half Season, Group, and Single Game ticket options."

SEASON TICKETS

Be there for every snap this season with Season Tickets. Enjoy phenomenal seat locations, live atmosphere, and a long list of benefits that include:

• The ability to earn credit through the Raiders Referral Program;
• Priority access to Single Game Tickets and all ticket packages;
• First opportunity for Season Ticket relocations, upgrades, and add-ons;
• Access to online account manager tools, including the ability to post Season Tickets for sale, print tickets from home, and forward tickets to friends;
• Unique Season Ticket Holder gift; and
• Same great seats for all home playoff games.
Learn more at Raiders.com/FullSeason.

HALF SEASON TICKETS

Unable to commit to an entire Season Ticket package? With a Half Season Ticket package, you choose the five-game package that best fits your schedule.

• Same seating location for all five games;
• Cost savings compared to Single Game Tickets; and
• Limited Playoff Rights.
Learn more at Raiders.com/HalfSeason.

THREE-GAME TICKET PACKAGE

The Three-Game Ticket package allows you to choose three regular season games you want to attend in 2009.

• Same seating location for all three games; and
• Cost savings compared to Single Game Tickets.
Learn more at Raiders.com/3Game.

CLUB SEATS

A first-class atmosphere and some of the finest sightlines in the stadium, the West & East Side Clubs are an attractive option. Both clubs include premium seat locations, private bar and concessions, Club lot parking, and full access to both the West & East Side Clubs. Learn more at Raiders.com/ClubSeats.

HALL OF FAME SUITE

Experience game day from an all-inclusive suite location with end zone views of the action. Enjoy visits from Raider Legends, a delicious buffet, access to the West & East Side Clubs, and invitations to game day events. Learn more at Raiders.com/HallofFameSuite.

THE SILVER SUITES

New in 2009, the Silver Suites offer Season Tickets on a per-seat basis in an exclusive suite location with sideline views of the game. The Silver Suites include a buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, parking, Suite Holder amenities, privileges, and VIP treatment. Learn more at Raiders.com/SilverSuites.

PRIVATE SUITES

Cheer from your very own box in one of our private suites. With private or Club Level bathrooms, a host of catering options, VIP parking access, and special event invites, you’ll enjoy a VIP experience unlike any other in the Raider Nation. Learn more at Raiders.com/Suites

GROUP PROGRAM

A Raiders game is perfect for a company outing, family get together, birthday celebration, or any group event. Enjoy the following benefits with every Group Ticket order:

• Fun group atmosphere;
• Better seating locations;
• Cost savings compared to Single Game Tickets;
• Group scoreboard recognition; and
• Value-add options available.
Learn more at Raiders.com/Groups.

FUNDRAISING

There is no better way to raise money for your organization than by attending an Oakland Raiders game this season. Everyone in your group will receive one game ticket, a Raiders hat, and a voucher for food on game day. Just like our standard Group Ticket program, all of your seats will be together, you will receive cost savings compared to Single Game Tickets, and you will receive scoreboard recognition.
Learn more at Raiders.com/Fundraising.

Congrats to Rod Woodson; Oakland Raiders newest 'HOF'er

Former Oakland Raiders defensive back Rod Woodson, wide receiver Bob Hayes, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive end Bruce Smith, linebacker Derrick Thomas, and owner Ralph Wilson are the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.

The six-man class was elected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.

The 2009 class increases to 253 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2009 took place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 8.

The annual NFL Hall of Fame Game will be played on Sunday, August 9 and broadcast live by NBC. The Tennessee Titans (formerly known as the Houston Oilers) will face the Buffalo Bills as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the dawn of the American Football League.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival is a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class. Held in Canton each year, the festival includes 15 special public events and culminates with the Enshrinement Ceremony and NFL Hall of Fame Game.

Two other major events are the Enshrinees Dinner (Friday, August 7), and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable (Sunday, August 9). It was at the Enshrinees Dinner where each member of the Class of 2009 was presented his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame Jacket. At the GameDay Roundtable, the members of the Class of 2009 will be featured center stage to share memories of the game and their personal feelings about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

ROD WOODSON

Cornerback/Safety. . .6-0, 200. . .Purdue. . .1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders. . .17 playing seasons, 238 games with 229 starts. . .Steelers first-round draft pick (10th player overall), 1987 NFL Draft. . .First-team All-America at Purdue. . .First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return. . . From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs. . .In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months. . . Returned to action in just four months and played in Super Bowl XXX. . .Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. . . NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993. . . Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all time list. . . Is NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483). . .Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12). . .Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001). . .Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety. . .Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls – seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders. . .Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Boo Manny?; Swine flu paranoia; Buddy Greco; Monday media deli

"Boo Manny loud, Giants fans!"; really? As if he cares? I'm thinking Manny Ramirez is relaxed right now, perched in his suite in one of SF's finest luxury hotel suites. I think he probably just consumed a lavish omelette with about six eggs and 7 pieces of toast and in between his 11th cell phone call, just dialed back home to make sure the bentley was cleaned. Baseball? Boos? Uh, ok, whatever.

Swine flu paranoia/hysteria. H1N1. OK, so now we're really being warned. The fall could be your own personal, helter-skelter, unless you get a flu shot and/or a swine flu/H1-whatever-the-hell-N1-C1 shot, but the government admits there's not enough of the vaccine shots available, so you're on your own...great stuff! Nice way to scare everybody from here to beyond. I mean, having a coordinated press conference with the WHO, ( World Health organization) and CDC; what?, that was out of the equation? Paging Doc Gurley.

Bay Area TV news directors are giddy. We're having a heatwave. Time for the 4656th proverbial reporter-to-Walnut Creek story in which reporter asks family, "so, how did you beat the heat?; was it really 'hot?" and my favorite, the inevitable footage of kids near a pool and reporter, usually a giddy gal: "hey, 'it's pretty hot out here!", uh, duh, yeah, we've been known to have a heat wave now and then.

Item: VJ's on the CBS5 weekend payroll. That's not surprising, given the state of the industry. Consensus? How long before its everyday at EVERY station, and not just in the Bay Area...I don't mean to pick on KRON because I sort of know, but I've been told of extreme morale problems inside 1001 Van Ness. "You come in, do your work, and get the heck out and go home," said a longtime on-air staffer. This wasn't the only one, either. Supposedly, tons of tension in the newsroom and I'm told, two particular higher-ups are villified by news staff... Giants post-game wrap: saw that yesterday's post-game KNBR wrap was on TV; hope that was just a one-timer because, yes, I agree with Jon Miller and Kruk and Kuip: its a better show, OFF tv...If you're going to the game tonight, tip your hat to the great one, Vin Scully. Scully announced this will be his last season behind the mike after 60 celebrated years. We will miss you Vinny.

Just got off the phone with a legend: Buddy Greco, yes, THEE, Buddy Greco is coming to the Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko next Tuesday and Wednesday, (August 18-19). The last time Buddy played SF was over twenty years ago at the Venetian room. You want some entertainment and old-school style? Then you must see this Mr. Greco.



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Bellanico; a culinary gem in Oakland's gourmet ghetto

About a year ago, I was enticed by a newish restaurant in the neighborhood, Bellanico, in Oakland's Glenview district. It had all the external looks of a classic Italian trattoria, with an open kitchen, friendly, comfy bar, and the aroma of all that great, vivid little bites of cicchetti.

Chef-owner Chris Shepherd (co-proprietor, with wife Elizabeth Frumusa, of Aperto on Potrero Hill) makes a roster of deceptively simple dishes shine, thanks to technical exactness that’s usually unheard of in places where no dish strays over $20.

I'm a sucker for service. This restaurant excels in that department on every level. And the food is very good and satisfying. Dishes are extraordinarily thorough and quite creative.

Casunzei (beet ravioli) are transcendentally earthy, while Swiss chard malfatti (dumpling like mounds of sauteed greens and ricotta) make you want to dissolve into the browned butter and sage they float on. Even when an entrée like crisp black cod on Sardinian fregola tastes a tad ordinary, the chef’s flawless execution still manages to give it a lift.

The anti pasta starters are exceptional; my favorite is the la quercia prosciutto, bresaola, salame toscano, country terrine, medjool dates, pickled vegetables, and an apple marmellata. It's $14, the most expensive item on the menu, but could easily be a main course, considering the variety and healthy portions.

The grilled prather ranch sirloin steak is wonderful. And the chard stems provide a tasty, succulent vegetable underneath the meat, and the added heirloom tomatoes are nice and fresh.

The desserts are wonderful and moderately priced. Make sure you sample everything.

Bellanico is located in Oakland at 4238 Park Boulevard. Street parking can be difficult at times, but well worth the task. Bellanico's web site

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Dear Lew Wolff: Please sell the Oakland A's

Late last week I was heading down to LA on business, and on my way to the airport, drove past the Coliseum and saw tons of cars. I knew the A's were playing, but Saturday night, Toronto?--no fireworks? What gives? Wait, I had forgot it was "Rickey Henderson" night. Still, I was amazed.

I was further amazed the next day to see in the paper that the game was a sellout. Over 35,000 loyal A's fans packed the old stadium to pay tribute to the newly-entered Hall of Famer.

Those who attended the game told me it was an incredible evening, with Henderson's number, 24, officially retired and his uniform adorned on the outfield wall. Too bad the team is mired in last place and whose future home is muddled with off-the-field speculation, to sully an otherwise classy affair.

And that's the thrust of my request to A's minority owner/frontman, Lew Wolff; to sell the team to a group that would both keep the team in Oakland where it belongs, privately finance a new baseball-only venue near or on the existing Coliseum land, and revitalize the franchise to its past greatness both on and off the field.

Wolff and majority owner Jon Fisher have failed miserably in that area since buying the team in 2005.

Whether intentional or not, Mr. Wolff has systematically ruined this baseball organization from top to bottom. He has directly alienated an entire fan base and city and region, openly campaigning for a new home, first in Fremont, and now in San Jose for the entire time he's owned the team.

He has belittled the Coliseum as a virtual wasteland, which in many respects it is, but Wolff and company knew that going in. It wasn't as if he was handed this mess and got shafted. The stadium looked the same way in April of 2005, when he bought it, as it does today.

The exception being, of course, the ridiculous and hideous tarping of the third deck. Now that was a real great idea, wasn't it, Mr. Wolff? Let's take an adequate, serviceable, if not aesthetically-pleasing stadium and make it look even worse. And in the process, prevent lower-income fans from attending the game. Pathetic. Sad.

See, Mr Wolff, Oakland has a rich baseball tradition, dating back to the days of Catfish Hunter, Reggie Jackson, Dick Green, Sal Bando, Campy Campaneris, to yes, Rickey Henderson, an Oakland native and arguably, one of the greatest baseball players to ever play the game.

A franchise that thrived both on and off the field, with four world championships, and countless appearences in post-season play. From the depth of Charlie Finley to the polar opposite of the Haas family, Oakland has managed to shine with its baseball team. In case you forgot, the A's, under the Haas management, averaged 2.6M fans a game from 1987 through 1993. Granted, the stadium was devoid of "Mt. Davis" and the team consistently was at the top, but nevertheless, the ownership group was near and dear to the fans who feared they might lose their beloved team to another city.

Even under the Schott/Hoffman regime, the A's of Tejada, Giambi, Chavez and the like, in the existing stadium, consistenly drew 1.8 to around 2 million fans, making the post-season five times.

And that's just my point, Mr. Wolff. There is a genuine fan base in the Oakland/Eastbay/Contra Costa area with a firm desire to see the A's thrive and play ball, even under the present circumstances.

We know about the stadium. It sucks. But like I said, you knew that going in. Further, Mr. Wolff, you have made MONEY since you bought the team with a ton of luxury-tax revenue, a sweetheart of a lease, and the fact you bought the A's for nickels on the dollar makes it even more swell for you. And that's great frankly; you're an astute businessman and you deserve credit for keeping the team here.

But your love affair with San Jose is misguided. If indeed you're still infatuated with the southbay, fine, you have a right to dream just like the rest of us, only your 'messing with OUR team, OUR Oakland A's.

Those 35,000 fans that went out to that stadium? They showed the Bay Area, the nation, indeed the world, that you don't always need fireworks and bobbleheads to get butts in the seats. Sometimes, they just may come without the goodies. They're baseball fans and they love this team, Mr Wolff. They made a pretty good statement with that turnout.

Again, I know all about the issues with your home. It's crummy. The field is torn up in August and September with football. Blah, blah, blah, but you're still making money. Maybe not as much, but there's a lot of black ink.

If San Jose or Fremont or Vegas is still on your radar, good luck. You know the state of the world. The economy is supposedly getting better, but try financing a new stadium in this day and age. My point here, Mr Wolff; actually its a plea, is to either work with the city and county, the JPA, and get a deal done here, or sell the A's to a group of investors willing to keep the team in Oakland. I know for a fact that there's still a lengthy list of people with the financial resources to buy the team and keep them in Oakland. In fact, there still exists remnants of the original group in 2005, including the Savemart CEO, who might be interested in buying the franchise.

We deserve it. The fans of Oakland and the Eastbay, who have backed the team since its inception back in 1968. In fact, many of them are still around. They even supported their team, in spite of your constant coddling of San Jose and repeated shots at the stadium. Imagine that!

Frankly, Mr. Wolff, the team could use a jolt. It has become hard to watch the A's. They have become amazingly dull and listless. They need some care and dedication on the field too. And that's not good for you, Mr. Fisher, Mr Beane and others.

As an Oakland native, I always loved my teams-- the Raiders, the A's and yes, the Warriors. When I delved into the media biz, it was difficult for me to restrain from "cheering in the press box", but I managed to handle it. It pains me to see, and I think I speak for a lot of A's fans, to see this franchise in such sad shape.

So, Mr Wolff, quit messing with our collective mind and soul and devise a plan to the future of the team. The A's are a vital part of the Oakland/Eastbay community, and if you dare question that, think about those 35,000 people who showed up the other night to honor Rickey. And you didn't even have fireworks. Imagine that!



Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/lieberman/index?#ixzz0NXAqNAMA

'Lib radio host Mike Malloy hopes Glenn Beck commits suicide on TV; dumb and dumber

Former "Air America" radio host, Mike Malloy, (now self-syndicated through Nova; heard locally on Green 960) seeking attention and ratings, lashed out at Fox News commentator, Glenn Beck, calling for Beck to commit suicide "on camera," particularly given that suicide "is rampant in his family" and that Beck apparently is "self-destructive."

"I have good news to report," said Malloy on his Aug. 4 radio program. "Glenn Beck appears closer to suicide. I'm hoping that he does it on camera."

Let's begin by stating my complete disdain for Beck, who recently called Barack Obama a racist. The remark gave Beck a couple of days of attention and further solidified his status as nothing more than a TV version of a shock jock. Fox News loves him and he has, yes, tons of ratings, at least by cable standards. Beck also has a syndicated radio program that is heard by millions.

Malloy doesn't, and having to resort to this type of pandering speaks volumes for the original Air America host.

I've listened to Malloy's ultra, left-leaning program from time to time and while I tend to agree with a lot of what he has to say, from a content standpoint, much of his nightly rantings are essentially the same 'broken record. I mean, how many times can you repeat the term, "Bush 'crime family'?"

Malloy's call for Beck to kill himself on TV is just as crass if not worse than Beck's periodic fake, staged "crys" or his blatant histrionics, like he displayed on The View.

If Malloy was indeed seeking attention, he got it, but ultimately, this type of "shock" pandering wears thin. It only makes Malloy look more foolish, and worse yet, provides sympathy for Beck.

Now how dumb is that?

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'3 Blond Moms' hit SF by Force; Aug. 12-16th

COMEDY RETURNS TO BAY AREA FOR EXCLUSIVE RUN
AUGUST 12 through 16

J’ LA CHIC THEATRE 39

SAN FRANCISCO

Direct from Hollywood, 3 Blonde Moms is the hysterical semi-scripted comedy show starring some really Desperate Housewives! From television, stage, and screen these unlikely friends in the cul de sac bring you their unique, diverse, and hysterical tales from the ‘burbs. It’s a comedy for the family in all of us.

3 Blonde Moms is jam packed full of uproarious material about being a Mom, having a Mom, kids, schools, husbands, neighbors, in-laws and more. The audio-visual aspects of this show, their stories together and individually, just reinforce this performance as a must-not-miss!

The 3 Blonde Moms comic ensemble includes “feisty” Texas born Beaumont Bacon from the movie “Jerry McGuire”, “perky” Stepford-wife wanna-be Joanie Fagan from “The Drew Carey Show”, and Special Guest “hottie Mom” Stephanie Hodge from Disney’s “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Yes Man” with Jim Carrey. Each Mom holds an impressive repertoire of other credits but the most important role they’ve all played to date is that of being a Mom.

The smash hit, 3 Blonde Moms has been seen across the country and has been selling out venues around the Bay Area for years including shows in Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Fairfield, and the Alameda County Fair among others. 3 Blonde Moms will be making its premiere San Francisco appearance at J’LaChic Theatre 39 for a limited run, August 12-16.



Wednesday, August 12: 2pm and 7:30pm
Thursday, August 13: 7:30pm
Friday, August 14: 7:30pm
Saturday, August 15: 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday August 16: 2:00pm

WHERE: J’LA CHIC THEATRE 39, PIER 39, SAN FRANCISCO. http://www.theatre39.com.

TICKETS: $25 General Admission
$30 Preferred Seating

TO BUY TICKETS: http://www.theatre39.COM or call: 800.595.4849.

GROUP TICKET SALES: Terry Rosenstock. 415.668.0525
www.gggrouptickets.com

PRESS CONTACT: Kenny Wardell, SFPR. 650.952.2000

Paula Abdul ditches 'Idol'; the end of civilization as we know it

So, Paula Abdul has quit 'American Idol.' Naturally, she had to "tweet" it, adding insult to injury. American Idol, twitter, and Abdul; 21st century cornucopia in full throttle mode.

Paula's tweets were emphatic: "with sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to #IDOL. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all...being a part of a show that I helped from 'day1 become an international phenomenon." Modesty has always been a virtue for the one-time Laker 'girl.

As news spread that Ms. Abdul was leaving the show, immense sadness hit the Hollywood/LA corridor. CNN, conducting its 459th 'Michael Jackson' segment, immediately dispatched Jim Moret to Ryan Seacrest's home for a reaction. Ryan didn't want to talk, but his publicist said he was extremely upset. The publicist, "Guber Benjamin", tore into reporters who asked if Seacrest's reported, 3-year, $45M contract, was the impetus behind Paula's departure.

"Stop. Just stop. 'All you press guys do is create 'havoc. Leave us alone. Leave Ryan alone. And let Paula have some 'peace.'"

As news broke of Paula's bolt from Idol, Hollywood blvd. was shut down to vehicular traffic. Dan Tanas closed for the evening. Larry King cancelled breakfast at 'Nate and Al's deli in Beverly Hills, but did indicate that he would try to get Paula to come on his CNN show.

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Lou Dobbs to Fox News? "birthers" fallout heats up media speculation

Lou Dobbs and his "birthers" imbrogolio on CNN has prompted heated speculation that his Atlanta bosses may fire him. Possible? Yes. Probable? No. For a variety of reasons.

First off, yes, the whole bizarre episode has heaped a ton of embarrassment on both Dobbs and CNN itself; particularly, its US news chief, Jon Klein, who has defended Dobbs, even while acknowledging the story as "dead", but at the same time, explaining that Dobbs radio show is an independent venue from his CNN program. We'll, yes and no.

Dobbs, who insists he believes President Obama was indeed born in Hawaii and not Kenya, nevertheless gave considerable attention to the subject matter on his syndicated radio show. (The "birthers" are a right-wing, fringe group who argue that Obama has not provided a US birth certificate)

He also devoted several segments on his TV program, even after Klein's pronouncment. A TV program, whose ratings have been in freefall, but nevertheless, Dobbs presence on CNN has been a mainstay for the cabler since its inception almost thirty years ago.

Therein lies the dilemma for Klein and the higher-ups in Atlanta over Dobbs status, as his possible ouster would not be your average personnel move by any means.

For one, if Dobbs were let go, he most surely would be scooped up by Fox News. In fact, industry observers have already speculated that Roger Ailes, who heads Fox News, would love nothing more than to hire Dobbs to anchor his fledging financial network, FBN, (Fox Business network.)

For all of his dubious involvement in the "birthers" matter, Dobbs conservative views, particularly on immigration reform, provide CNN a powerful rightest voice and at times, his rantings were ratings winners, but not of late.

Nevertheless, CNN officials, at least in the short term, would figure to retain the controversial Dobbs; firing him provides ample fodder for anti-CNN bashing on radio by Dobbs, and worse yet, a probable trip to FNC.

Klein may be dumb, but he's not stupid. So yes, while Lou Dobbs has provided much derision for the late-night comedians, and while he probably has a short leash in Atlanta, it appears from this corner that his job is safe for now.

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Ann Coulter, conservative pundits, throw Lou Dobbs under the bus over 'birthers' fallout

Lost amid Lou Dobbs infatuation with a story his own CNN boss said was "dead", was a startling disavowal by key members of the right wing, conservative punditry, including Ann Coulter, Mike Huckabee, and Amanda Carpenter.

Dobbs has rekindled the validity of the birthplace of President Obama, thanks in large part to a fringe group called the "birthers", who insist Obama was born in Kenya, rather than Hawaii, despite evidence to the contrary.

Even Dobbs has acknowledged he believes the story has no basis, yet continued to give large play to the matter on both his CNN show and radio program.

Huckabee, the ex-Arkansas governor and 2008 GOP candidate, who now hosts a show on Fox News Channel, dismissed the story, pointing out had Obama not been born in the US, wouldn't Hillary Clinton have pointed this out and leaked it to the press during the '08 campaign?

Coulter, who would pick a fight with Lassie if she could, dismissed the story outright, and Carpenter said as much on "Reliable Sources."

Even Bill O'Reilly called the matter a non-story, but did defend Dobbs, which might be the first time in history a Fox News host came to the aid of a CNN staffer.

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Don't fire Lou Dobbs; just ignore him

There's a considerable number of people calling for the ouster of CNN's Lou Dobbs, over his reporting of the "birthers"--the fringe, right-wing group who insist Barack Obama was not born in the United States despite repeated evidence to the contrary.

Dobbs himself has acknowledged he believes that Obama was indeed born in Hawaii, yet still gives the group airtime on both his TV show and syndicated radio program.

The affair has been both an embarrassment for Dobbs and CNN itself; in fact, just today, Howard Kurtz, who hosts the "Reliable Sources" program on CNN, did a lengthy segment on the matter and was quite critical of Dobbs.

And the criticism has not come merely from traditional left-leaning media and pundits; even ultra-conservative Ann Coulter has criticized Dobbs over the birthers affair.

There have been calls from critics that CNN should lower the boom on Dobbs, whose TV show used to be one of the most popular on CNN. Dobbs heated programs on immigration reform, for example, were both ratings winners and provided a counter-balance to those critics who contend CNN is a left-wing network.

CNN news President Jon Klein called the whole Obama/birther story "dead", yet Dobbs did two ensuing stories on the subject. Although Klein still defends Dobbs work, there are signs he may eventually pull the plug, although that would be counter-productive.

Dobbs ratings have been sagging of late and this birthers stand could be his death knell. CNN shouldn't fire him and probably doesn't have to. Those critics and their supporters should just ignore him. Judging by the ratings, most people are doing just that.

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The Recession is over; just say it

Newsweek started it with its last issue, "The Recession is Over"; granted, part of the cover's words were a sort of illusionary act, but the wording was clear. Then, out of nowhere, the stock market went up; way up, in fact, rose the highest monthly percentage in twenty years. Why? Beats me.

Then the President tells the NY Times he's 'guardedly optimistic' about a recovery. "Bottomed out" is the new catch phrase and, "we're going to hit 'bottom soon.'"

All of this economic jabberwocky forgets that unemployment is still high, and in fact is expected to rise sligtly higher this month, but, "according to experts, filings are 'lower than the previous month'." Uh, sure, whatever.

I'm going out on a limb here; I think if you're working and everything's cool and you had a nice dinner out last night, then yes, the recession is over. But when you went home and and spoke to your friend Pete, who's been out of work since February? I don't think Pete feels the 'recession is over'.

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