A Sit Down with Kim Jong-un

North Korean Dictater; Kim Jong-un

I was granted a rare opportunity over the weekend. I was asked to interview Kim Jong-un, the dictator of North Korea. I was apprehensive at first because it has been 23 years since I set foot in Korea and back up at Panmunjom. I accepted and called my Uncle Duff. He was the one who got me started in blogging and used to host a blog called “One Man’s Tofu.” He said I should take the chance because it will probably be the only chance the American People have to hear from him on the situation going on there. He reminded me to take his interview kit with me so I would have a good trip.

So armed with my pad and pencil, a bottle of 20-year-old, single malt scotch and a package of Nutter Butters, I left for the airport. When I arrived in Seoul it almost felt like I never left. I was met by a representative from our Embassy there and escorted to a secure area for a briefing before the 45 minute ride up MSR 3 (Military Supply Route) for my interview. I was cautioned to not say anything that could escalate the current situation but then I was asked to try and gather any intel I could. Not escalating the situation might be hard for me with my propensity to be a smart ass but agreed and was taken out to a waiting car.

When we arrived at Panmunjom, I was escorted to the very room where the cease-fire was signed some 61 years ago and I visited 24 years ago in the winter of 1989. Armed guards from both the North Korean Army and Republic of Korea (ROK) were stationed outside the doors. A white line ran down the middle of the room to designate the 38^th Parallel and signify the division between north and South Korea. There was a large oak table in the middle of the room with a chair on the north and south side of the table. I of course was seated on the southern side.

Panmunjom – On the 38th parallel

I was nervous as I sat there. I opened my notebook and put my pencil out. I set the bottle of scotch and Nutter Butters out as well. I was fidgety as I waited. I folded my hands neatly and sat there waiting. The door opened up on the Northern end of the room and in walked a portly little fella roughly about 4’ 10”. I stood up, trying to remember my diplomacy and extended my hand. “Sir, it is a great honor,” I said. He looked me over, up at me actually, and shook my hand. “It is a preasure to welcome you,” he replied. I noticed they had discreetly placed 3 books on his chair so he could see over the table. I opened the package of Nutter Butters and offered them to him. He took his share and slid the package back to me; with three left in it. “Sir,” I said, “Would you like a drink?” I motioned towards the bottle of scotch. “What you got?” he asked. “A 20 year-old bottle of scotch,” I said. “Hooch?” he asked. I smiled and felt the hair on the back of neck stand up. Hooch. It was better than the Soju they try and pass off as booze. Anyhow, with the pleasantries over with, it was time to get down to business.

ATCMC – You are currently under fire for ramping up your nuclear program and threatening a launch. Does this concern you in the overall picture of everything?

Kim Jong-un – (Through a mouthful of Nutter Butters) Me not worried what others think. Me running this prace, not the U.N. Hey, that my name. ha ha ha ha. He took a swig of scotch, belched, and continued. Your Plesident Balack Obama think he can treaten us with sanctions, he clazier then he rooks.

ATCMC – So you are saying the threat is real and nothing the United States does will hinder your progress, correct?

Kim Jong-un – Vely good, you understand compretree. There is nothing that can be done to stop us.

ATCMC – Is your nuclear program that far along that a launch is imminent?

Kim Jong-un – Not in so many words, but yes we are getting leddy for a major raunch. All our tests have been pletty plomising.

As he spoke, little cookie bits were flying everywhere. It was like standing beside the discharge of a lawnmower while you were running it over a gravel driveway. I put my glasses back on more for safety then vision.

ATCMC – Do you have a target in mind, or are you going to see where it hits?

He took another swig of scotch, finished it, and then banged it on the table for a refill. Apparently I was not only acting as an interviewer but a bar tender as well. I filled his glass and patiently waited for a response. He took another swig.

Kim Jong-un – (belch) You Amelicans tink you pletty smart. I not ter you where we going to shoot at.

ATCMC – A source close to you told the Associated Press that you had capabilities to hit Guam. Is that the intended target?

Kim Jong-un – I not terring you. You will just have to see the awesome power of our weapons. We have a contlact with a good weapons maker and he not messing alound. It cost us rearry big money. We show the world.

ATCMC - Okay, okay, calm down sir. I didn’t mean to upset you. Now, I have heard rumors that the North Korean Air Force isn’t a threat.

Kim Jong-un - What you mean not a threat? We have the most advanced technorogy on the pranet.

ATCMC - Pictures have been leaked showing what some might call, um, sub-standard equipment.

Kim Jong-un - It is all Plopaganda to make round-eyes rike you feel more secure. We are a super power.

ATCMC - Okay, what ever you say buddy boy, but I don’t believe that calling me names is called for.

Kim Jong-un - Well, I not aporogizing. You have to deal with it. Now to show you I not a bad guy, I want you to join me for runch.

ATCMC - What are you serving?

Kim Jong-un - My convoy hit a dog on the way here.

ATCMC - Pass. But speaking of food, I understand Weight Watchers wants you to be a spokesman of sorts for them.

Kim Jong-un - Well, they apploached me and ask me if I could be a before picture? I not know what that mean, but I know they offer to pay me so I take job to fund nuclear proglam.

As we were talking his lunch arrived. There was enough food there to feed a small country. There was seafood, kimchi, noodles and vegetables and some kind of meat. I assumed it was the dog hit earlier. I graciously declined any of the offerings. He looked at me and said, “This mine runch, you say you not hungly.” I watched in horror as this little fella mowed through the food set before him like Chuck Norris through an entire brigade of commies. I’m pretty sure he ate the Nutter Butters wrapper and empty scotch bottle as well since I couldn’t find them when he was done. When he finished he pushed all of the empty plates and dishes to the side, and snapped his fingers. Two men came in and scurried around the room gathering up the empties from his lunch. He sat back in his chair and belched. Then he farted and acted like it was the funniest thing ever in the world. I cleared my throat and got ready to ask more questions.

He stirred in his chair, almost falling off the books he was sitting on. He got a strange look on his face. I wasn’t sure what was going on until he leaned to one side again and, um depressurized yet again. He sat back in his chair and smiled. “False ararm,” he said. “Is everything okay?” I asked.  “Yes, no probrem,” he answered. “No probrem” my ass. The room smelled like the dumpster at a slaughterhouse in August. Nonetheless I pressed on because the hour was getting late and I wasn’t sure how much more time I would be granted.

ATCMC - So you said earlier that you did the Weight Watchers ad to fund your nuclear program, is that correct?

Kim Jong-un - That is right. Rike I say before. We have new Weapons factory working for us and we have good maker. The missile is best money can buy.

ATCMC - Is Iran helping you at all with the development of your nuclear weapons? I mean, it has been said in the media that your missile launches have been failures.

Kim Jong-un - Why you ask so many questions about my missiles? You tlying to be funny guy?

ATCMC - It is the big thing on everyone’s minds these days. I mean no disrespect I just want to ease the American Public’s fears about a nuclear attack.

Kim Jong-un - You not need to worry who helping us. All you need worry about is when we strike. Like a cobra.  But now I must ask you question of my own.

ATCMC - Certainly sir, what ever you need to ask.

I was afraid of what the question might be. He was such a weird one, it was hard to imagine what earth-shattering questions this little fella could have.

Kim Jong-un - You got any more of them cookies?

Realizing I didn’t eat the 3 that he had graciously left me, I passed them across the table.

ATCMC - Here you go sir.

Kim Jong-un - Thank you but it is getting rate, I must be going, time for dinner soon. And prease don’t take our missile program rightry. We are a nuclear super power. You just don’t go around thinking you better than us. We not messing around.

ATCMC - I hope you enjoyed the Nutter Butters and Scotch.

Kim Jong-un - Yes, yes, good hooch. I rike the cookie too. You must tell me where to get them. I think it onry fair. We give you Ramen, you give us cookies.

I asked a few more questions but Kim Jong-un was becoming uncooperative. Apparently since it was 45 minutes since he ate last he was getting hungry and cranky. He stood up and climbed down off of his chair. He did not shake my hand or say anything else as he left. I was glad I made the trip now just so I could discover what a tool bag he really was. The third one of this family to be in control of North Korea and just as effed up as the other 2. The third generation cuckoo doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

I realize now that people like Kim Jong-un is what is wrong with the world. They are bent on world domination instead of everyone working together. I also want to take this time to send a prayer out to Boston where they had the bombing near the end of the marathon yesterday. Too many crack-pots out there and all they are doing is turning the world to shit. Kim Jong-un is just another mental midget in a line of thousands. Geeze-o-man, and they call ME carzy…

 

New Threat or Old Song?

Kim Jong Un; New Threat to the United States?

Kim Jong Un, the latest hater of the United States is threatening to launch a nuke at America. Really? Get in line behind every other country that hates the USA and threatens to nuke us off the map. Un succeeded his father who overdosed on Ramen and Kimchi in December of 2011. No,  seriously, his father died of natural causes. Un is not the oldest of his father’s sons but he got the job anyway. (The brothers were probably too smart to take it). He says they have a serious nuke program and will be ready to launch a strike soon. Maybe, but I bet all your missiles say “Made in Japan” on them somewhere. This is not a stable man by any stretch of the imagination. So should we take this as a joke or be worried. Because he is a few fries short of a Happy Meal, I wouldn’t say worried is right word. Pensive, Alert, Cautious are probably better words. Our own government is more of a threat to us then this little fella.

Guard Post Collier, DMZ South Korea

Now for a little history lesson. Way back in February of 1989, yours truly was stationed on the DMZ in this very Guard Post. This is Guard Post Collier, approx 2 Kilometers from Panmunjom where the Cease Fire was signed way back in 1952. Yes, I said cease-fire. There was never an agreement to end the war signed. Technically, we have been at war all this time. Obama said we will go to war if we have to. Really, like anyone cares now when we say that. I think we need stiffer penalties then crushing them again like we did 61 years ago. Let’s take Oodles of Noodles, and DaeWoo and Kimchi out of our stores and that will fix them. I mean really. We sent a fleet over there as a show of force. If Mr. Miagi would try to launch a missile, it will be shot out of the sky. His bigger concern should be his haircut. I mean what is it about the crack pots bent on world domination. Hitler, Mussolini, Saddam Husein, John Kerry, they all had really bad haircuts. In all truthfulness, there should be a certain amount of fear because ANYTHING is possible. We never dreamed 9-11 could happen and guess what, It Did!

After all, its our own damn fault. We play kissey face with these countries and they are just biding their time until they get the opportunity to turn on us. I mean why don’t we stop sending them money and let them hate us for free. We always want to stick our noses in where they don’t belong and look what it gets us. Obama threatened action if Kim Jung Un continued with his plans to begin a nuke program again. Well B-Dawg, where’s the action? A fleet positioned off the coast is like hanging a Beware of Dog sign in your front window. After a while, When you don’t see the dog, you know it was a bunch of bull. Ask my daughter. I threaten to punish her or ground her when she misbehaves, she knows it ain’t gonna happen. Un knows it too. Obama just started getting us out of one war, does anyone really think he wants to go into another one? South Korea has an Army, why do we need to hold their hands, again? We need to be cautious but we should also expect other countries to handle their own problems… I mean really. Here is my solution for all of this…

I mean, it seems pretty simple to me… And They Call ME Crazy.

Justice for Jennifer – Part III – Another Conviction

Victim, Jennifer Daugherty

 

Ring Leader; Ricky Smyrnes

In a swift deliberation earlier this week, a Westmoreland County Pennsylvania jury found Ricky Smyrnes guilty of first degree murder in the death of Jennifer Daugherty in 2010 and will return Tuesday the 19^th to decide if he should spend the rest of his life in prison or be put to death.

The jury deliberated roughly two hours before finding Smyrnes, the accused ring leader of the infamous “Greensburg Six” guilty on all counts including second-degree murder, conspiracy and kidnapping in the torture murder of Daugherty in Smyrnes shit-box apartment in Greensburg.

The speed of the verdict surprised Smyrnes’ lawyer Mike DeRiso. “It came back faster than any of us anticipated,” he said. Really? I didn’t think it was a real stretch to find him guilty. This writer believes that what these people did to Ms. Daugherty, the mentally challenged woman who was befriended by these monsters, is incomprehensible to anyone with an ounce of compassion.

DeRiso felt that the jury would come back with a guilty verdict for second-degree murder not first. Oh well. Maybe there are people who think and believe like the rest of society does and after hearing the pure misery, terror and pain Ms. Daugherty suffered at the hands of these six monsters, couldn’t find any result other than guilty of first-degree murder.

DeRiso himself did his best to lay the ground-work for an insanity plea when he was talking to the press. He said that Smyrnes is “nuts” when he’s off his meds. Since Tuesday is the penalty phase of the trial, Smyrnes’ mental capacity and criminal history will be at issue. Insanity is a common plea since you can’t find someone “bat-shit crazy” you have to say insane. It is the more politically correct way to say it.

No matter how you slice it they will be going balls to the wall to try and spare him the death penalty. It’s what defense attorney’s do. Do I agree with it? We’ll leave that one alone. I think all of the “Greensburg Six” should get the needle but that choice is not up to me. Then there is our state of Pennsylvania. While they re-instituted the Death Penalty they haven’t used it since 1999 when Gary Heidnik took the lethal injection for killing and eating his victims and feeding them to the others he held captive.

John Lesko

 

Michael Travaglia

What I truly believe is that if the great state of Pennsylvania is never going to execute another death row inmate then let’s do away with the death penalty all together. What is the point of ceremoniously sentencing someone to death to never execute them. Then to allow these cretins to file appeal after appeal does nothing but clog our justice system and cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars to put these convicted killers back on trial again and again. Lesko and Travaglia of Westmoreland County are the poster children of countless appeals. The have had somewhere around 15 appeals between the two of them since their 1981 “Kill for Thrill” spree in Pittsburgh, Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties where their victims included a female who picked them up hitchhiking, a police officer shot down in cold blood and a church organist who they beat and drowned in an Indiana County Park Lake.

Ex-Trooper; Kevin Foley

Kevin Foley, the disgraced PA State Police Trooper, was convicted of the 2006 murder of his girlfriend’s estranged husband John Yelenic in his Blairsville home. Yelenic was beaten, stabbed and his throat was slashed so savagely he was almost beheaded. Foley was tied to the murder by bloody foot prints and security camera footage from a nearby convenience store.  He too is filing appeal after appeal although he was not convicted to die he was still sentenced to life in prison.

Pennsylvania has what it called Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA). Once an inmate has been convicted and sentenced, they are granted one appeal. For some reason the legal system allows for appeal after appeal after appeal. Apparently being found guilty umpteen times is still grounds for an appeal. My point is simple though. No matter what the crime is there should only be a certain amount of appeals before they are out. I mean really, how many times do Lesko and Travaglia need to be found guilty and sentenced to death before the courts realize; “Hey, these guys might really be guilty…”

Melvin Knight

 

Angela Marinucci

The bottom line is simple; We need to change sentencing guidelines and limit the number of appeals someone can have. Two other members of the infamous “Greensburg Six” have already been tried and convicted. Melvin Knight was convicted and sentenced to death late last year and Angela Marinucci was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Since she was under 18 at the time of the crime she was not eligible for the death penalty. Now Ricky Smyrnes will wait for the same jury that convicted him of his crimes to decide the outcome of his sentence.

A second defense attorney Terrence Faye will argue that Smyrnes is mildly retarded. The same argument Mr. DeRiso made at trial on Thursday during his closing. Under the law, mentally challenged people can’t be put to death. Does that mean they can be kidnapped and murdered?

DA John Peck argued that Smyrnes knew exactly what he was doing. During his closing Peck described him as a conniving schemer who incited his 5 roommates, including his girlfriend Angela Marinucci, to hold Daugherty captive for two days while beating and torturing her. Peck said it was Smyrnes who held a “Family Meeting” to take a vote on whether or not Daugherty should live or die, then ordered co-defendant Melvin Knight to kill her with a knife. Peck then said Smyrnes pitted Marinucci against Daugherty in a bid for his affection in what amounted in a twisted love triangle. Then Marinucci and the other assholes, sorry, accused, then ganged up on Daugherty and killed her according to the prosecution.

The Greensburg 6

As I end this I am glad to see that so far Westmoreland County DA John Peck is 3 for 3. These people need to pay for what they did to a woman with mental disability is unbelievable. While I think that life in prison is too good for these pieces of shit, sorry, that was insensitive, The final judgement is God’s. The judge in the court room has judged them and now there is only one judgement left. “Vengeance is mine says the lord…” Although I say; “An eye for an eye…”

The Battle of the Ball Bags

Well here we go. Super Bowl 47 is set. The San Francisco 49ers Will face the Baltimore Ravens. It has been dubbed “Harbaugh Bowl”. I call it the battle of the ball bags. The Harbaugh Brothers are known throughout the NFL for crying to the officiating staff after every play. Jim Harbaugh surprised everyone but the bookies in Las Vegas with his team’s come from behind victory against the Atlanta Falcons. Of Course his brother showed that Baltimore can win… Even a fixed game. Tom Brady played worse than Paul Crew in the movie “The Longest Yard”. I’ve seen poor performances before but New England’s Poor Play last Sunday against Baltimore  was the worst acting job since Jean-Claude Van Damme in ANY of his movies. No my dear readers, the outcome of both Championship Games was decided before any of the teams ever took the field.

Can the Harbaugh Brother’s coach? Well, they are not the worst coaches in the NFL but I would like to see less crying and whining during the game. Yes, there will be questionable calls, but that is part of sports. Should the referee’s be stepped to when they blow it? Absolutely, but I mean really, after EVERY PLAY? Now I must digress. Do I like John Harbaugh? No. He is coach of Pittsburgh’s most hated opponent; the Baltimore Ravens. Yes, we split the season with them but They are still our most hated rivals. I mean c’mon, the Ravens are the old Cleveland Browns. Jim Harbaugh used to play and he was good. I just don’t like the arrogance they both display. Harbaugh even made a comment last year about living in California. He has no idea what the STFU Filter is. But now the question remains; Who do you want to win the Super Bowl? Is it the Hated Ravens or San Fran who can equal Pittsburgh’s record of 6 Super Bowls Rings. Here’s how I look at it. If San Fran wins they will only be TYING Pittsburgh’s record. If Baltimore Wins then We’ll just have to beat up on the Super Bowl Champs in the regular season next year. Of course I’ll be more interested in the commercials anyhow.

Ray Lewis 2000 mug shot

In other Football News, Anna Welker, wife of New England Patriot Wes Welker made some unsavory comments regarding Raven’s Ray Lewis. Yes, we all know Lewis was acquitted of a murder in 2000 and obviously Anna Welker is not a member of the Ray Lewis Fan Club. She made her comments then apologized for them. They were: “Proud of my husband and the Pats. By the way, if anyone is bored, please go to Ray Lewis’ Wikipedia page. 6 kids 4 wives. Acquitted for murder. Paid a family off. Yay. What a hall of fame player! A true role model!”  Do I like Ray Lewis? No. I also think that any regular Joe, accused of Murder as Lewis was would have never been acquitted. Should Anna Welker be worried about legal repercussions from Ray Lewis? I doubt it. What could he really get her on? Definition of Character?

It will be an interesting Super Bowl to say the least. The very least actually. But I have also heard some of Steeler Nation saying they will be cheering for Baltimore this year. And I guess if one of the two bothers have to win I guess I’d rather see Baltimore then San Fran. I mean this is Ray Lewis’ final season. Pittsburgh went through it when Jerome Bettis retired so I understand what it means to Baltimore. Let’s just have a safe game with no injuries. I mean all joking aside, Winning the Super Bowl the year you retire is special. Ray Lewis would be going out on a high note I guess you could say. I just hope the money he gets from it won’t affect his AARP and Social Security benefits.  I mean what kind of retirement could he have if he breaks a hip or something. I’m sure if Baltimore wins the Super Bowl Ray Lewis’ party will be killer. Oh, sorry, I guess that was a bad choice of words.

We’ll see Pittsburgh there next year. It was tough sledding this year what with all the injuries they suffered. No matter what happens, Steeler Nation is still the greatest bunch of fans in the world in any sporting event.

The Mothman; Hollywood Hoax or Real..?

With Halloween approaching I thought this would be an intersting post. In 2002 movie mania gripped Armstrong County in Western Pennsylvania. Why you ask?” Officer and a Gentleman”, Richard Gere, was in Kittanning filming a movie called; “The Mothman Prophecies”, based on John Keel’s book of the same name. The events take place in a little town in West Virginia on the Ohio River. Point Pleasant is a real place and between November of 1966 and December 1967 there were several “sightings” and other incidents that took place in Point Pleasant and the surrounding area. A creature between 6 and 7 feet tall with human legs, wings and burning red eyes was seen several times. Several events took place and ended with the collapse of the Silver Bridge  into the Ohio River during an afternoon traffic jam on December 15, 1967.

On November 15, 1966 at 11:30 p.m., two newlywed couples were driving around the TNT area. ([Note: the TNT area is an abandoned WW II munitions plant 10 miles north of Point Pleasant.] As they drove past an abandoned generator plant, one of the women, Linda Scarberry, pointed out two large, red glowing eyes staring at them from the blackness. As the huge eyes moved away from the building, they could see they were part of a large figure. A six to seven-foot-tall creature now stood in front of them. They could clearly see gigantic wings folded behind its back. It was gray and stood on legs like a man’s.

Stricken with terror, the witnesses began fleeing from the creature … As they made a curve in the road, they spotted the creature again. It was standing on a hill just looking at them. As soon as they all noticed it, it shot straight up into the air without flapping its wings.

Because he trusted the word of the four witnesses, deputy sheriff Millard Halstead drove out to the TNT area to investigate. Halstead didn’t find the Mothman, but his radio wouldn’t work while he was in the area. A loud garbled noise was all that would come out of the radio while he was there.

On December 4, 1966, five pilots were standing at the Gallipolis, Ohio airport. Gallipolis is just on the other side of the Ohio River from Point Pleasant. One of the men pointed out a strange object approaching them from the Ohio River. They quickly realized they were viewing a gigantic ‘bird’ that was silently soaring toward them at an estimated 70 mph. Its wings never flapped and the creature was rapidly moving its head from side to side.

On November 26 Ruth Foster was confronted by Mothman in her front lawn near Charleston. The next day Mothman visited a golf course in Mason and then returned to a suburb of Charleston where it harassed two girls as they passed a local junkyard.

Also in November, Mothman confronted two firemen in the TNT area. The creature terrorized five teenagers as they were driving past a rock quarry. A National Guardsman spotted Mothman standing on a tree limb in Point Pleasant. . . . In Point Pleasant, an elderly businessman went outside to hush his barking dog. Mothman stood right in front of him in his front yard. The man was stunned and transfixed by the creature’s glowing red eyes. . . .

The Silver Bridge before the December 15, 1967 Collapse

After the collapse

On December 15, 1967 at 5:00 p.m., a traffic jam occurred on the Silver Bridge at Point Pleasant. The bridge quivered, then collapsed, plunging about 50 cars and trucks into the icy waters of the Ohio River. 46 people died in what is still the worst bridge disaster in U.S. history. Some bodies and cars were never recovered and it was assumed that many people who were ‘missing’ after the bridge’s collapse were forever lost in the river.

The collapse of the Silver Bridge represented the end of the West Virginia Mothman episode.

Point Pleasant still enjoys the legend. They have a festival every year in September and even have a statue of the “Mothman” in town. In the movie, Richard Gere was getting messages that something tragic was going to happen on the Ohio River. He assumed it was something at the explosives plant. But like in the sightings from 1966 to 1967 the “Mothman” was warning them of the collapse of the Silver Bridge. The cause of the collapse is still unknown to this day. There were 46 people killed in the collapse and only 44 of the bodies were ever recovered.

This is where my post comes from. Was a lot of the “Mothman” movie embellished for Hollywood or was it more or less true? Some people say there were mothman sighting before 9-11. There are also rumors that he was spotted several times before the Chernobyl disaster. People always try and equate one thing with another. Like, I see red velvet cake before my snacking urge gets quenched. I guess there might really be something to it. The bottom line I guess is the fact that all of us enjoy a good mystery now and again. The Mothman is one of those things.  Some people say; “Of course it happened in West Virginia… It’s all the Percocets and Mt. Dew they do down there…” Nonetheless it happened there and they have documentation of it. I guess it’s one of things that will baffle mankind for ever, just like; why is Jersey Shore so popular?

Now I ask you. Is it plausible? Sure. In this day and age anything is plausible.

Clash with the Titans…

Yes dear readers, it has been a while since I posted… There have been a million things going on and something had to give. I have still been watching football and NASCAR but have little time to blog.

Last week at Talladega Alabama, Tony Stewart set off a multi-car crash on the last lap. He was leading crossing the stripe to begin lap 188. Stewart had even said if someone tries to block him he will crash them… This comment was made a few weeks earlier and it was sad to see it come to fruition but someone else doing it to him. The crash shook up the points for the Championship and it is almost anybody’s race to win now. I haven’t been as religious watching as I usually am but I still try to see the results and try to catch a lap or two. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Michael Vick and the Eagles visited Hinze Field this past Sunday. Vick was named MVP… By the Pittsburgh fans. The Eagles were in the red zone and Vick showed why he is not worth the 110 million he is being paid. He fumbled and Pittsburgh recovered in the end zone. He had trouble hanging on to the ball other times during the day as well. Vick Proved that unless it is a dog leash, he can’t hold on to it. Now I know I seem to hate the cross-state rival Eagles. I don’t. I don’t like Michael Vick or Any Reid. Vick should have never been allowed to re-enter the NFL after serving Federal jail time for dog fighting. Andy Reid is just a pud. He is not a good coach and a poor judge of talent. Vick has only ever played a complete season in his second year as a pro. If he finishes this season it will be a miracle. Most of his “injuries” occur after he has done something stupid, like fumble, throw an interception or completely screw up a play. Thankfully we are done with them for a few seasons until we have to beat on them again.

After the playoff game a few years back when Tennessee came to the Burgh and beat the Steelers they haven’t done much. The reason is the curse. they stomped the Terrible Towel and bad luck has befallen them ever since. Their QB Steve McNair was killed in a love triangle, Jeff Fisher was fired and they haven’t been tearing up the win column. In fact their stats have been less than impressive. Now tonight the Black and Gold travel to Tennessee after a 4-day break after beating Philly on Sunday. Now that could pose a problem but most of the Steeler faithful, myself included, don’t think it will be. As long as Pittsburgh plays their style of football and doesn’t play down to their opponent, like against Oakland, they will emerge victorious.

Anyhow, back to the curse. Myron Cope developed the towel during a playoff game in the 70′s. He was told by his bosses to come up with something to rally the fans. He told everyone to bring a yellow dish towel to Three Rivers Stadium to wave in support. Well that was it. The Terrible Towel was born. For 30 some odd years he towel has been a fixture in Steeler Nation. For the last 14 years the proceeds from the Terrible go to the Allegheny Valley School for autistic and handicapped children. Myron had a child that went there and it was his way to give back a little.

Myron Cope was a leader and a pumper upper of Steeler Nation. His unique voice and vocabulary became a fixture on Steelers broadcast with Bill Hillgrove and Tunch Ilkin. No matter what Pittsburgh was doing, winning or loosing, Myron had a way of speaking that became almost as famous as his towel. Below are the top 10 quotes from Myron.

10. “Like all copycats, they flop. Maybe they (fans) sit on them and if they take them home they use them for dust rags.” — Myron on imitation terrible towels.

9. “If that boy billionaire thinks he can shut me up, he should stick his head in a can of paint.” Myron Cope, after Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder sent someone into the broadcast booth during a game to tell Cope to stop referring to his team as the “Wash Redfaces.”

8. “I was freelance writing for Sports Illustrated and other magazines and the program director at WTAE radio said, ‘We’d like you to do commentary for us.’ I said, ‘Don’t try to kid me. I’ve heard my voice on tape.’ And he said, ‘That’s okay. Obnoxious voices are coming into style.’”

7. “Once people become inured to my voice, they listen to the content.”

6. “People may think I’m senile, but I ain’t. I thought I was a celebrity.”

5.”Okel Dokel!” Myron Cope-ism to describe something agreeable. For example, “Hey Myron, don’t the Bungals stink?” “Okel Dokel.”

4. Yoi – Yiddish saying by Myron to express shock or joy.

3. Double Yoi! — An addition to No. 4, but with more emphasis.

2. Triple Yoi! — No. 3, but with pinache. Such moments include the Immaculate Reception, Lynn Swan’s Super Bowl grab, or a sandwhich at Primatti’s (extra slaw).

1. Hum-Hah! — Used by Myron as a normal day equivalent to … well … nothing. Hum-Hah became an icon the same way Myron did; repetition and warm-heartedness. Rest in peace you cackling madman, you Dr. Cope, you Cope-a-canbana, you legend.

Myron created something special with the towel, the Titans tried to desecrate it and the curse prevailed. Tonight might be the same if Tennessee decides to go the same again.

Good luck Black and Gold…We love you win or lose…

Here We Go…

It’s that time again. Football season is here. It started Thursday with what amounted to a high school game that saw Dallas play the Giants. I don’t think much of Tony Romo so even though Dallas won, I won’t comment on the game. Someone watching the game saw a true act of laziness. Jerry “The Jagoff” Jones actually has someone that sits in his owners box that cleans his glasses. Really Jerry? Do you think that you are so much better than anyone else? Ass.

Tried and True – Big Ben

Manning – Sent packing

Pittsburgh will open the 2012-2013 season traveling out to Denver to face newly transplanted Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Pittsburgh will start Roethlisberger who had a decent pre-season and looks ready to go the distance this season. Manning is returning to play his first regular season game since 2011. He injured his neck last year and ended up having an experimental procedure done over seas. Many pundants wonder if he is done or not. Obviously the Colts did. Instead of having him stay and mentor Andrew Luck, they ditched him. One of the best QB’s in many years, Indianapolis showed just what kind of front office they really have. Now needless to say, I have always liked Peyton Manning. He seems to be a down to earth person and approachable. He is no Tom Brady who just acts like a jagoff. Hey Tom, you ain’t that great. Now Big Ben, what else can you say. We are opening the season against the team that knocked us out of the playoffs last season on a questionable play but nonetheless we lost. Had we played better football that game that last play wouldn’t have mattered.

The Steelers Nation is in full swing and everywhere I have looked I see Black and Gold. No matter how the boys played last year it is last year and the Nation looks forward to the next season. I will say that no matter if the Steelers win or loose the Nation is one of the most faithful following I have ever seen. While many think that this game will be an easy win because Manning is rusty, let me remind you. It’s Peyton Manning. Rusty or not he is always a threat. Just coming off of an off season with injury doesn’t matter. It’s Peyton Manning. Now Roethlisberger has taken him on before and beat him. This is a new season and who knows, maybe the experimental surgery Manning had last season made him like Steve Austin, you know “The Six Million Dollar Man”, Nothing is a lead pipe cinch and over-confidence is not always a wise thing.

As I close, Good luck Black and Gold and let’s come home with a better outcome then last year. In closing something to make you laugh. My favorite “Pittsburgh Dad” football episode…

Pittsburgh Dad with Mike Tomlin

Pittsburgh Dad Watching the Steelers

The Ins, Outs and the WTF’s

Outsourcing gone wild…

It seems that outsourcing has gone totally out of control. The latest case involves our own Olympic team. While the majority of teams are self funded, the U.S. team has private sponsors. This year Ralph Lauren designed the outfits but that left the manufacture of said clothing to their own sub-contractors. This job fell on one of Lauren’s sweat shops, oops, I mean manufacturing plants in China. Instantly, a red flag went up. (Did you get the joke there?) So many people were so outraged that our own teams uniforms weren’t made in America. With so many Americans out of work, this was probably not what was needed to bolster support of our Olympians. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid said that the panel should be ashamed and the uniforms should be burned and start over. Sen Bob Mendez D-N.J. said the situation was “appalling” and “embarrassing.”  Sen. Bob Casey, D-PA said; “The U.S. Olympic Committee was 100 Percent wrong to outsource the manufacturing of U.S. uniforms for the opening ceremony to China.” To that end Six Senators have proposed a bill that will require the committee adopt a policy that ensures ceremonial uniforms are “Sewn and/or assembled in the United States…” Time will tell how this all plays out but i do truly believe our Olympic gear should read; “Made in USA”.

Statue coming down?

Monster in the closet

With all of the hullabaloo after the release of the Freeh report outlining the investigation of the sexual abuse at Penn State there has been a ton of backlash. In a nutshell it said that there was an obvious cover up into the abuse and that Joe Paterno was complicit in the said cover up. This has left many crying foul and some screaming for the removal of JoPa’s statue outside of Beaver Stadium. The CEO of Nike has said that Paterno’s name would be removed from the name of their juvenile Early Development Center in Oregon. Paterno’s family is obviously outraged and some have come to his defense in this whole mess. They feel that his statue should not come down but it has still not been decided. PSU has increased security at the statue and there have been supporters leaving messages and notes in support of JoPa. We here at ATCMC will keep you posted. As for Sandusky… Good for you, you piece of shit…

Pirate slugger Andrew McCutchen

Much to everyone’s surprise, The Pittsburgh Pirates are in first place heading into the second half of the season following the All-Star Break. This is the first time the Pirates have had a winning season in 19 years…. Um, if I’m not mistaken, the Pirates have been on a 19 season skid and have set a MLB record for longest losing streak. However, Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen was invited to play in this years All-Star Game. He took part in the home run derby and was out after the first round with only 4 dingers but it was still proud to take part nonetheless. The Pirates began the second half of the season with a 3-game series against Milwaukee in their park on the 13th. A late game grand-slam led the Brew Crew over the Buccos 10-7 . Hopefully they can regain their pre-break magic and continue to power through the rest of the season… Let’s “Raise the Jolly Roger…”

Training at the lake

Keeping the community safe is a big job, it also takes money. The Derry(PA) Volunteer Fire Department is holding a BBQ, Car Cruise and Dance this Saturday. These are a great bunch of guys and do what they do for free. It is a daily struggle to maintain gear and trucks to be ready to respond at a moment’s notice to fires, accidents, flooding and a myriad of other emergencies. Not to mention there are trains that run through Derry every day and the Fire Department must also be ready to respond to rail emergencies as well. Come out and support these guys. Check out some old cars and get a bite to eat. The dance is from 9pm-1am and they are only asking a $5 donation at the door. If you want to enter your car in the judging it is $5 per car. It is going to be a great day and there is a huge turnout expected. Please come support them and have a great time as well.

In closing I wanted to mention that Watt’s Mack Sales in New Alexandria is having  their 5th annual truck and equipment show that the New Alexandria Demo Derby Grounds on August 18th from 8am to 4pm rain or shine. There will be all kinds of antique cars, truck and equipment there and it should be a good time for all. Admission is free and there will dash plaques for the first 100 registrants! Come out and have a good time and show your community spirit.

From Pulp Fiction to Pole Smoker?

Defendant, John Travolta

A second Masseuse has filed a sexual battery lawsuit against John Travolta a day after a Texas-based Masseuse filed a similar complaint. The second masseuse is being represented by the same lawyer as the first complainant and both are seeking punitive damages of 2 million dollars each. The second complainant is named only as “Doe Plaintiff #2.” He claims to have significant documentation and witnesses  to corroborate his statements. In his complaint “Doe Plaintiff #2 says: “[Travolta had] a strange demeanor and bloodshot eyes as he climbed onto the already set up massage table… Travolta removed the entire sheet from his body,  and he claimed the sheets were sticky and he could not tolerate the heat… Travolta further indicated that he like a lot of ‘Glutes’ work meaning a massage on his buttocks…  While the [the Plaintiff] was massaging around Travolta’s buttocks area, Travolta would open his legs and spread his butt cheeks open and had a full erection and would maneuver around in such a way to force Doe Plaintiff #2 to touch his chocolate starfish and around that area.” Eeewwww! It all is really disgusting. Doe Plaintiff #2 said that Travolta told him that was how Hollywood worked. He started doing “favors” when he played Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back Kotter. Although he never elaborated on what “Favors” he did. Personally I think this is all a bunch doo doo but then again, if you are famous be prepared for a shitstorm of sensationalism.

Personally I think the exchange went something like this:

“Good morning Mr. Travolta.”

“Hey! Welcome Back Kotter!“

“How are you feeling today Mr. Travolta?”

“Well I kind of feel like a Boy in a Plastic Bubble, I think I have a Saturday Night Fever.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Well it’s my own fault. I’ve been riding the motorcycle so much I feel like an Urban Cowboy.”

“You look okay Mr. Travolta.”

“I’m Staying Alive, But Look Who’s Talking. You look a little rough as well.”

“Look who’s talking too Mr Travolta.  I was at a club last night and I had to Shout a lot.”

“Well Look Who’s Talking Now. I read a book last night about the fantasy situation about destroying a paper factory called Pulp Fiction.”

“Mr. Travolta, are you becoming aroused?

“Yeah, why don’t you come and Get Shorty.“

“Shorty? It looks more like a Broken Arrow.“

Well the real Phenomenon is the fact it works at all.

“Joseph, Michael, and John Mr. Travolta. I think you should watch the hockey game. It’s almost time for the Face/Off.”

“Yeah, okay. By the way, General Petraeus just returned from Afghanistan.”

“Petraeus is okay Mr. Travolta but you should see the General’s Daughter.“

“Good looking?”

“Better looking than a Swordfish.”

“So anyway, I have been looking for new ladders to use around the house. I have tried 48 other ones and didn’t like them. I’m hoping Ladder 49 is the one I like the best.”

“Well, Be Cool Mr. Travolta, I’m sure you’ll find the right one.”

“I went to Home Depot to look at ladders yesterday and all the sales clerks surrounded me like a pack of Wild Hogs. Then I went to the drug store because Kelly needed a can of Hairspray. I got treated the same way there. I finally had to Bolt back to the car.

“Next time you should take Pelham 1 2 3. Most of the people who ride that are a bunch of Old Dogs.“

“Thanks for the advice. By the way, I got you a gift when I was in France last month. It’s an embroidered pillow that says “From Paris with Love.“

“Thank you Mr. Travolta. Get on the table and we’ll get started.”

As you can see. I think this whole thing is a ludicrous as the last conversation I just wrote out for you. If these were truthful charges then why were there no criminal charges filed? Just as in the Ben Roethlisberger case from Denver, I think this is just a ploy to get money. I mean the lawyer will take the case because I’m sure he’ll get at least 20%. Since all of the Plaintiffs are asking for 2 Million, and now there’s a third, that would come out to 1.2 Million. Not a bad payday for smearing a well-known celebrity.

Vinnie Barbarino

Charlie Wax

From Vinnie Barbarino on Welcome Back Kotter to Charlie Wax in From Paris with Love, John Travolta has been a perennial fan favorite and it is a shame that there are parasites out there who want nothing more than to milk them for money. Just like the Paramedics when his son died trying to get money from the information from Travolta’s personal life. Is what these masseuses saying true? No one really knows. Of course you can leave it up to the media to convict him with no proof other than hearsay. It is a sad state of affairs that this is happening. It is a sign of the times these days that pieces of shit out there will try and malign Travolta for a few bucks. Needless to say, guilty or innocent, Travolta has already been tried and convicted in the media.

From Cult Classic to Iconic

In everyone’s life they have things that influence them.  With my entire family being involved in the military it was natural that I too would join. A show we watched helped me with my decision to join the service. True my career was influenced after the service by EMERGENCY but prior to that M*A*S*H was watched by everyone in my house. I even got to see some of the areas mentioned in the show when I was stationed in Korea from 1989 to 1990. No other show in history had a larger audience and no other TV show, Prior to Super Bowl 43 had a larger viewing audience. The final episode of M*A*S*H had the largest audience ever according to the Nilson Ratings. Below are some of the main characters and where they are now.

Hawkeye and B.J.

Benjamin Franklin Pierce

B.J. Hunneycutt

Born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo in New York City, Alan Alda landed the role of Hawkeye Pierce who became the main character for the sitcom. He didn’t sign on to do M*A*S*H until 6 hours before filming the pilot episode because he didn’t want war to be looked on lightly he wanted people to know it was a bad place to be. He is the only person to win an Emmy in all three categories; acting, directing and writing episodes of M*A*S*H.

Born in St. Paul Minnesota Mike Ferrell was cast to play BJ Hunneycutt in the series after the departure of Trapper John in season 4. He and Hawkeye then were the main focuses of the show from then on out. After the final episode he stayed away from TV and started his own production company and was the producer of the movie Patch Adams because of his close acquaintance with the real life doctor.  He and Alan Alda remain good friends today.

Hot Lips and Ferret Face

Major Margaret Houlihan

Major Frank Marion Burns

Born in Passaic New Jersey Loretta Swit took on the role of “Hot Lips” Houlihan in the show. A no-nonsense Regular Army Major, she showed she had a soft side as the love interest of Frank Burns. They broke up when she announced her engagement to Lieutenant Colonel Donald Penobscot in season 5. She won two emmys for her performance in the show and remained for all 11 seasons.

Born in Ojai California Larry Linville played Major Frank “Ferret Face” Burns.  A stickler for the rules, a fair surgeon and tent mate of Hawkeye and BJ. He was an obnoxious whiner and loved playing every minute of the role. It was so different from him in real life. His character flipped out at the beginning of season 6 when Hot Lips got married to someone else. Consequently, his character left the show in the middle of season 6. Sadly, Linville died in 2000 from pneumonia after cancer surgery.

Colonel Blake and Radar

Lt. Colonel Henry Blake

Corporal Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reiley

Born Edgar McClain Stevenson, McClain Stevenson played the loveable goofball commanding officer of the 4077th Col Blake. Born in Normalville Illinois to a cardiologist, Stevenson didn’t begin an acting career until he was 31. Leaving at the end of Season 3 to pursue other acting roles, Stevenson’s character didn’t just leave. When the cast was given the script for the episode, the ending was left out. No one got to read it until 5 minutes before the shoot to capture their true emotions. Blake’s plane was shot down and he did not survive. It was truly a groundbreaking ending. Stevenson died in 1996 from a heart attack.

Born in Bristol Connecticut, Gary Burghoff will best be remembered as Radar from the show. In the show he was known for knowing what was going to happen before it did, henceforth the name, Radar. He was also known for his caring for animals. He was licensed by the state of California to care for wounded animals. He was seen on an episode or two playing the drums. That was really him playing. He was the drummer for a jazz trio in the early 60′s called We Three. In Stevenson’s final episode, Burghoff was the only one to get to see ending. He left the show at the end of season 7 due to burnout and wanting to spend more time with his family but returned in season 8 for a 2 part special called “Goodbye Radar.” He was one of the original actors in the movie “MASH” in 1971.  Burghoff attended McClain Stevenson’s memorial service when he died in 1996.

Trapper and Klinger

"Trapper" John McIntyre

Maxwell Q. Klinger

Wayne Rogers was born in Birmingham Alabama and attended Princeton. He was 39 when he landed the role of “Trapper” John for the pilot of M*A*S*H. He made a small dent with minor parts in movies such as Cool Hand Luke and The Glory Guys. His part in MASH finally gave him the stardom he was looking for. Amid sour feeling of playing second banana to Alan Alda and contract disputes, Rogers left the show at the end of season 3. He stared in several TV Movies after MASH, but the fame was never the same. He became a business man and managed the affairs of Peter Falk and James Caan just to name drop a little.

Born Jameel Joseph Farah, Jamie Farr was from Toledo Ohio. He was one of only two actors to star in the show to actually have served in the Korean war. Alan Alda was a gunnery officer. The dog tags Farr wore were his issued set from the Korean War. He was only supposed to appear in one episode but was so popular he became a day player then was offered a contract in season 3 and stayed until the final episode. He was best known for his nose and recurring gag of wearing dresses. When he took over for Radar at the end of season 7 as company clerk, he stopped wearing dresses. He is on the advisory board of St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and had been battling rheumatoid arthritis the last several years.

Colonel Potter and Major Winchester

Colonel Sherman Potter

Major Charles Emmerson Winchester III

Born Harry Bratsberg in Detroit Michigan in 1915 he is best known for two roles he played. He was known first as Officer Bill Gannon in the TV Show Dragnet. There he stared with Jack Webb. He then reprised the role  in 1987 when Dragnet was replayed and Morgan played Gannon again. His first role on M*A*S*H was not as Colonel Potter, he played Major General Bartford Hamilton Steele, a general who wants to move the 4077 closer to the front lines. The episode was called; “The General Flipped at Dawn.”  In many of the MASH Episodes after returning to play Colonel Potter, Morgan is seen Painting pictures. Morgan actually painted them as it was a hobby of his. Morgan said he could have gone on playing the Role of Colonel Potter for ever. Sadly Morgan died in 2011 at the age of 96 from complications from Pneumonia.

Born on Halloween in Peoria Illinois, David Ogden Stiers will always be remembered as Major Winchester. Joining the show in the 6th season Stiers was an accomplished actor before joining the show. While in the show he claimed Harvard as his Alma Mater but actually attended Julliard where he studies drama. He does however teach acting games at Harvard. He is also seen in many episodes pretending to direct an orchestra. In real life he has conducted over 70 orchestras with over 100 appearances and is a resident conductor of the Newport Symphony Orchestra in Newport Oregon. He has lended his voice to over 30 Disney movies. Some of the best known were as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas I and II and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. In 2009 Stires publicly came out as gay. He said he could say he came out for reasons of nobility but he honestly said that at this point in his life he wanted to find someone and didn’t want them to have lead a life of deep discretion for him. Stires still conducts and acts will voice for animated features when needed.

Father Mulcahy and Dr. Freedman

Captain Father Francis Mulcahy

Doctor Major Sidney Freedman

Born in Evanston Illinois William Christopher never dreamed he would be part of something that was so great. When he auditioned for the role as Father Mulcahy he ignored the lines given to him and ad libbed. He read it in a priestly tone and the producers liked it but cautioned him to stick to the script from there on out. He played a Catholic priest on the show buy is actually Methodist. He also plays an amateur boxer but had no knowledge of boxing prior to the show. While he moved his time in the show, when people tell him how much they loved the show and his character William simply thanks them and tells them MASH is in the past.

Allen Arbus was born in New York, New York and was actually in the Advertising and Photography business and had played bit roles before landing a recurring guest spot as Psychiatrist Sydney Freedman. After M*A*S*H he continued to play small roles up until 2000. No matter where he goes he will be remembered as Dr. Sydney Freedman.

Colonel Sam Flagg and Who was that Korean guy?

Colonel Sam Flagg

The Korean Guy

Born in Ventura California, Edward Winter was twice nominated for Tony Awards as best supporting or featured actor in a musical. e played guest stints on M*A*S*H as over zealous CID Agent Sam Flagg. He was constantly over reacting to situations and causing all sorts of chaos. He began his acting career at the San Francisco Actors Workshop in 1962, he moved to New York where he debuted on Broadway in 1966 is Cabaret. Winter Died in 2001 in Woodland Hills CA from Parkinsons

Soon-Tek-Oh was one of the more well-known guest stars on the show but some just called him the Korean Guy. He had a total of 5 guest spots on the show from 1975 to 1982 and two of those guest spots were in 1975 alone. Born in Japan but raised in Korea, Oh moved to California with his family in 1959. in 1995 he founded the Lodestone Theater Ensemble in response to the 1992 LA riots that reignited racial stereotyping.  His continued efforts to portray Asian-American culture on stage has been significant. He also voiced the character Fa Zhou in the Disney full length cartoon Mulan and Mulan II.

Nepotism and Acting

Major Anothony Borelli

Corporal Jarvis

Robert Alda born Alphonso  Giuseppe Giovani Roberto D’Abruzzo in New York city. He got his start in vaudeville. The father of Alan Alda he had two guest spots on M*A*S*H. He played a visiting medical advisor who ruffled the feathers of Hawkeye in both of their meetings. Alda says the spelling of his last name is derived from his birth name. the “AL” came from his first name Alphonso, and the “DA” came from his last name of D’Abruzzo. AL+DA=ALDA. He died in Los Angeles in 1986 from the effects of a stroke.

The half-brother of Alan Alda, Antony had a guest role on the show as well. Born Antonio D’Abruzzo in France. He played an Aid Station Medic on the 1980 episode “Lend a hand”, the second episode the Robert Alda appeared in. There wasn’t much information on Antony Alda but it did say that he dies in 2009.

Some other well-known guests

Marcia Strassman played nurse Margie Cutler on MASH but was better known as Mrs. Kotter on Welcome back Kotter

Loudon Wainright III, played Calvin Spauding on several episodes and went on to be a folk singer

Dennis Dugan had two appearances on the show but is better known as the director for the majority of Adam Sandler's movies

Mary Jo Catlett had several appearances on the show but was better known for voicing Mrs. Puff on Sponge Bob and the narrator on Caliou

Pat Morita appeared several times also but will always be remembered as Mr. Miagi from the Karate Kid Trilogy

Sorrell Booke appeared on MASH as a General and while he might not be remembered there he will always be known as Boss Hogg from the Dukes of Hazzard

Rita Wilson appeared on the show twice, is an accomplished actress and has appeared in many movies as well as being married to Tom Hanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The original movie, while not a box office smash, has become a cult classic. The series was only slated to last a season or two and ended up running twelve years and the finally was one of the most-ever watched of ANY TV show in history. Many actors were either unknown or little known before M*A*S*H, many had the show launch their careers. While only watched on reruns or, if you’re like me by buying the gift set, it is a show that will always be remembered as one of the greatest of all times.