Dr. Maya Angelou Leaves the World a Legacy of Hope, Faith and Love

Dr. Maya Angelou leaves this world a better place than when she first arrived as Marguerite Johnson, in St. Louis, Missouri. RIP Dr. Angelou, and thank you. 
Story at:
http://www.examiner.com/article/dr-maya-angelou-leaves-the-world-a-legacy-of-hope-faith-and-love?cid=db_articles

Photo credit: Kris Connor, Getty Images. #ripmayaangelou #ripmaya

Rock musician Rich Spina debuts solo CD, ‘Silly Melodies & Soliloquies’

I'd heard Rich Spina play keyboards and sing before, when Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone and The Buckinghams were in concert in Florida, but it was all music I knew all the words to. Noone is surrounded by very talented musicians in his backing band and many of them are singer/songwriters in their own right. Rich Spina, the bandleader for Herman's Hermits, not only has his own new CD, it's truly outstanding and deserves a tremendous audience to hear it. Check out the story here. Find his album at richspina.com 

Encore Channel celebrates Mother’s Day with Murphy Brown marathon

Missing the comedies of the 1980s, back when big hair was in, and plots were filled with memorable dialog? Yeah, me too. Encore Classic cable channel is hosting a special event set for Mother's Day afternoon, May 11, 2014. Beginning at 4 p.m., watch a reunion of the cast of "Murphy Brown" and hear why they selected specific episodes as their favorites to share with fans. It will be great to see the ol' "FYI" gang back together again. Read the full story here.

 The entire "Murphy Brown" gang, minus Robert Pastorelli, who played Eldin Bernaky, the permanent, semi-permanent house painter.

Joe Regalbuto played Frank Fontana, Investigative Reporter.

 Grant Shaud, series creator Diane English, and Candice Bergen who brought "Murphy Brown" to life.

Grant Shaud played Miles Silverlberg, the very, very young producer of "FYI" who had the daunting task of keeping a tight rein on Murphy, more or less.

                                           Photos by Theo Wargo, Getty images, used with permission.

CBS cancels ‘Intelligence’ and ‘The Crazy Ones’ but renews ‘The Mentalist’

It’s sad news if you are a fan of the dynamic, intelligent drama, “Intelligence,” which debuted on CBS in a prime-time slot following “NCIS” to 20,800,000 viewers just four months ago. Unfortunately, the show created by Michael Seitzman was relocated to what might as well have been a new zip code. “Intelligence” was given the network’s “time slot of eternal failure,” otherwise known as 9 p.m. on Monday nights.

                                         Photo by Cliff Lipson, CBS, used with permission
You can find the full story here:

CBS cancelled five shows today, including "Intelligence," "The Crazy Ones," "Friends with Better Lives," "Bad Teacher" and "Hostages." I will miss "Intelligence," and hope it finds new life on another channel or CBS cable affiliate. They spent too much time, money and effort to create a quality product to just stop now. They didn't cancel programs I would have cancelled, including "Mike & Molly," "Two and a Half Men," "2 Broke Girls," or "Friends with Better Lives," but then again, that's just me. I don't run anything. Still, many, many people don't want to see "Intelligence" cancelled.

Jerry Bruckheimer announces ‘CSI: Cyber’ added to CBS' fall lineup

On a quiet Friday afternoon, May 9, 2014, CBS executives decided to share good news about new shows ordered for next season. Right on the wings of learning “NCIS: New Orleans” was added to the fall lineup, even more good news traveled fast. This time it was via Twitter, as television producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared, “Thrilled to have CSI: CYBER on CBS next season.” That's how viewers learned the pilot was now officially a CBS show, also for this fall, co-produced by CBS Television Studios, and Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

                                         Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS, used with permission.
Read the full story here.

CBS gives green light to ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ series in Fall 2014 lineup ~ Let the Good Times Roll!

After the ratings success of the successful two-part new “NCIS” pilot, “Crescent City” debuted earlier this spring, the good news is in. In breaking news, May 9, 2014, TV Line’s Michael Ausiello shared the story that “NCIS: New Orleans” had been added to the CBS Fall schedule. This is the best news of the season for fans of the original “NCIS” and the spinoff, “NCIS: LA”, as there will be a third reason to smile (and tune in) each week. Show runner Gary Glasberg and “NCIS” star Mark Harmon will serve as Executive Producers of the spinoff. 

                                          Photo by Skip Bolen/CBS, used with permission. Read more of the story right here.

Applauding the Life of Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

It's hard to believe we have to bid goodbye to one of our favorite actors, Efrem Zimblist, Jr. He's been there for us so many years on TV, in movies, and on stage. He passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014.

Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and daughter, actress Stephanie Zimbalist attend the City of Hope's National Convention closing night gala on July 19, 2004 (Vince Bucci, Getty Images) 

If you are a Baby Boomer, you grew up watching "77 Sunset Strip" and watching Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. be the ever-confident assured Stu Bailey against the Roger Smith character of Jeff Spencer, in their office building on, say it with me, "77 Sunset Strip." Parking lot attendant Edward Byrnes (better known as Edd "Kookie" Byrnes) had one catch phrase of the time, "Kookie, lend me your comb." Catch the theme song and intro opening here. Talented TV legend Roy Huggins created this show.

Then, Zimbalist became a household name with the advent of the Quinn Martin Production, "The FBI."

Each week, your positive image of The FBI, the agency, was shaped by the portrayal of the agency's leaders as only Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. could impart confidence.

My tribute to Efrem is posted, together with 15 photos, here.

Patricia Arquette and cyber crime prove perfect combination for CSI series pilot

If you missed CSI last night, watch it on demand. This was the best episode I've seen in years. A pilot for their new spinoff with Patricia Arquette was first-rate. Had to write a review. Finally some good news to look forward to, if only CBS will say "Yes" to next season. Check out the review here.

Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for MOCA, used by agreement with examiner.com