Johnny Carson promos, 1976

By 1976, Johnny Carson was big enough that he probably didn't need to do many promos, let alone local promos.  I'm guessing the Chicago numbers were a little softer than other big cities?  So he agreed to sit for this amusing sequence of short ID/promos for WMAQ, Channel 5.  The best part is near the end, when he clearly gets loose enough to ad-lib.

Doctors agree: start school later

As someone who never functioned well in high school until close to lunch time, I applaud the AMA for taking the bold step (see below) of recommending later start times.  I vote for 10 a.m.  We have things to do at night!

The American Medical Association has joined the chorus of leading health organizations recommending that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., a schedule that better allows teens to obtain healthy sleep.  In the past two years other national health groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have issued similar recommendations.

The AMA cites the compelling evidence showing that early school hours play a major role in widespread teen sleep deprivation, which, in turn, has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A multi-site study issued by the University of Minnesota found a decrease in teen car crashes after schools adopted later starting times, and other studies have shown links between chronic insufficient sleep and depression, substance use, sports injuries, and suicide. 

“I am encouraged by yet another powerful message about teen sleep and later school start times from a renowned and respected national medical organization,” states Dr. Lynn Keefe, a Florida pediatrician and Health Policy Director for Start School Later, Inc.  “Every local school board and superintendent needs to direct and lead the change to later school start times - working alongside parents and community pediatricians to raise and support healthy teens.” 

Start School Later is a nonprofit organization working to ensure school start times compatible with health, safety, education, and equity. SSL was co-founded by Maribel Cabrera Ibrahim and Terra Ziporyn Snider. With many schools starting in the 7 o’clock hour, resulting in bus pick-ups in the 5 and 6 o’clock hour, Ibrahim explains that we need more groups like the AMA speaking up for adolescent well-being.

"The AMA statement testifies to the strength of the evidence and affirms early school start times as a public health issue," says Ibrahim, who serves as SSL Operations Director. "The health benefits derived from later school start times outweigh any perceived inconvenience. The AMA's position is valuable for communities everywhere advocating for healthy and safe school schedules." 

For more information, please visit the Start School Later website at: www.startschoollater.net. 

Archie Goes Too Far for pizza

One of the funniest scenes from "All In the Family" always seems impossible to find.  All of the episode guides and summaries fail to really explain this episode, and so here, now, I have linked the scene (about 16:20 in) when Mike enters.  I will also provide the very helpful tags of Mike Stivic Gloria leaves fight sleepover pizza ... from season 3, episode 17 "Archie Goes Too Far."

The scene just before this may or may not be funny to you (depending on your age): Edith Bunker tries to understand why movie heroes do/don't come back for the heroine and heroin.

Classic TV Theme songs, Re-Whipped

Here’s four classic TV theme songs which have been deconstructed in some way to become even better (or, as with anything to which “Night Court” is added… worse).

Cheers, as sung by "Elvis"

Seinfeld, with vocals by David Lee Roth (Van Halen... I shouldn't have to tell you these things):

WKRP in Cincinnati, the end credits explained

Barney Miller, but with the music from "NightCourt" (created by "Barney Miller" writer Reinhold Weege)

2015 Ohio Sneaker Con

Last year's All-Star game in Cleveland was small potatoes compared to the (literal) Shoe Carnival being held at Independence High School.  And I was there!  Let's all have a tongue sandwich.

Easter Candy on SNL

It's June 3, so you know what that means... Easter Candy!  I'm not sure how I missed this one the first time it was posted, but I'm amazed at how well Michael Keaton vacillates cute and creepy.