Eveybody loves a clown

Must-see video below about a woman waking up to a giraffe staring at her Sunday morning. My favorite nugget is:

"Not knowing what to do, she called police, but Ann Marie says they showed up laughing and taking pictures."

For the zing:
"It was nice to see people laughing instead of complaining about the economy."

Multicultural marketing

Words escape me. Must see!

LOVE IT!

Magnificent!

Filmed in North Africa.

Quite simply...




Magnificent!

It's Official!

The Cleto Show Season Premiere debuts in San Antonio May 16!



It will air every other Saturday on Fox San Antonio at 11:30 p.m. then the next night on My 35 TV at 11 p.m.

We are currently shooting Webisodes around town to air on thecletoshow.com

Our sites are still keeping in San Antonio but going national!

Be sure to keep up with us at twitter.com/TheCletoShow and also at thecletoshow.com

Thanks for the support!

Tweet, tweet!

How I spent part of Saturday.

Superblog XLIII

LAMEbardi Trophy goes to: Pepsi. Who in their right mind made Will dot i dot am the voice of a new generation?



Best Quote Taken out of Context: “He’s been to the rodeo before,” brought to us by Commentator Al Michaels. I honestly don’t know which player or what he was talking about, but does that really matter?

Yoko Romo: 6:15 p.m. CST NFL promo shows past championship rings. Close up of three Dallas Cowboy Superbowl rings. Ouch. Et tu, Jerry Jones?

Punny Use of Graphics: NBCee It. The network’s clever play on words for their instant replay footage.

Google of the Night Courtesy of Overstock.com: Don't keep up with basketball; no idea who Carlos Boozer is.




Best Use of Obscure Movie Reference: Officials call players out for Unnecessary Roughness during the third and fourth quarters. Nice to see Sinbad is still relevant!



Idiot Paparazzi: Is that you, Diana Ross? Oh wait, It’s Steelers Troy “Mean Joe Green” Polamalu.



Jumping to Conclusions: Steeler’s no. 92 James Harrison delivers a heads-over-heels touchdown after intercepting the Cardinal’s ball from their second yard line for a 100 yard turnaround. I guess you could say he really [wait for it] flips for the game.

Wow: Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald hoofs it to gain the lead.

Wow, Wow: Fourth quarter, incomplete pass in the Steelers end zone.

Wow, Wow, Wow: Touchdown Steelers fourth quarter, 35 seconds left. Santonio Holmes.

Please Don’t Pull a Brett Favre: Kurt Warner. You are definitely a man of character and ability. So sorry your career turned out to compare to Dan Marino rather than John Elway. I really wish I could have written a better ending for you… Please retire with grace, dignity and respect. It’s best to bow out rather than sputter away. Much luck and success.

Ouch

File this under: Sucks to be you.




Can't say I blame the gal. Public engagements can be quite uncomfortable for all involved.

The question of the night is, what is a Ty Beanie Baby doing as the Houston Rockets mascot?

Great video!

Here is a great video regarding the (r)evolution of media. It takes a look at print, radio, TV and citizen journalists/ bloggers.

KJ 97

The one thing I will definitely remember from the KJ 97 interview with "Kactus" Lou Ramirez is his hardy laugh. Lou and Cleto were able to play naturally off each other. Lou quite frequently has comedians in studio, so his timing and wit are well excercised!

The KJ office is lined with platinum albums which is quite usual in a radio station. One interesting album cover was that of Kenny Chesney. I agree with Lou... Who would have thought millions of screaming women would find this goofy little boy attractive?


Wait, wait... here's a better photo!


Fetal position. Santa hat and khakis. THIS is what drives middle America wild?!

I'm sure he's a great guy, but my eternal visual of Kenny is catching him at the Kentucky State Fair while trying to find our way to the Peter Frampton stage. (Yes. Frampton. I admit it. Ooh baby I love his way.) I just remember mistaking Chesney for a sickly oiled-up little boy.

Anyhoot, thanks for taking time out of your afternoon to spend time with us, Lou!

KJ 97's Lou Ramirez with Cleto.

Bonus information: On our way out, we swung by to see if Bree was at her desk. Sadly she was not... but her Christmas Story leg lamp was!


Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.

KONO

We got to visit with golden voice Dave E. Rios of KONO 101.1. Another energetic gent! He shared about how sometimes being in a closed space, "talking to yourself" on the radio, one often takes for granted the influence you have on your audience.

Dave shared how once a recently naturalized citizen came up to him during an appearance to let him know that listening to his morning show taught her the pledge of allegiance! [Dave always plays the pledge of allegiance and the Texas flag pledge during his morning show.]

Ever since that moment, he said he realized that his gift is radio and radio is his ministry. Let us not forget that people are always around us observing our actions.

Cleto with KONO's Dave E. Rios

I'm a fan of Dave's sign off: Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift... That's why it's called the present!

Magic 105.3

When I think of Magic 105.3, many memories fill the mind:

The catchy line "Every little thing she does is magic" by The Police.

The breathy "oh ho ho it's magic, you knoooow" pop tune by UK band Pilot from the mid 70s.

My friends Laurie and Eric's mother, because they used to joke she would wear "the best of the 70s, 80s and today" (one of Magic 105.3's slogans from the 90s.)

Well now we've got a new memory: Hanging out with Joe Caruso of The New Joe and Karen Show! Joe interviewed Carlos and Cleto. It was great because Joe was familiar with Cleto's comedy, so it made for a great interview. The interview will air Friday, Dec. 12 during the 7 a.m. hour, so tune in to 105.3 FM!

Joe, Cleto and Carlos ready to get the photo over because the camera wasn't picking up the prior logo in the background.

After the extended session, Joe escorted us out to the lobby where we stood in front of the office Christmas tree while producer David tried to fiddle with the flatscreen to project the Magic logo in the background. Unfortunately after all that hard work, we ended up just going with old-fashion signage because I'm a putz. Thanks for the effort though, David!

Fox News First

We had to haul right after the 99.5 KISS interview to KABB's Fox News First. When we entered the TV lobby, we were greeted with a room full of guys in camouflage. How... unexpected! It turns out they were a jazz band from Fort Sam Houston in-studio to promote their free public concert on post.

Due to the many guests, Carlos and I had to watch the interview in the lobby while Mickey and Cleto got rushed to the studio. (We were pressed for time, remember?) It turns out that Cleto and co-anchor Monica Taylor had unintentional complimentary outfits. Happily married Monica mentioned during crosstalk to happily married Cleto that she felt they needed to go out on a date because they matched, to which Cleto's wife texted "over my dead body!" Cute!

After the interview, Carlos and I rushed into the studio to snap a quick photo of the gang. It was hot in therre. (As opposed to Nelly's "so hot in herre.") It was the perfect opportunity to pull a, "Is it hot in here? Or is it me?" line in front of the soldiers.

What's that? It's hot because of the studio heater?

Mmm-k.

I'll... just... snap the photo.

Mickey, Monica, Cleto and Ernie on the set of KABB's Fox News First

It is always a pleasure to spend the morning with Monica and Ernie Zuniga! Looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Lisle and Hahn in the Morning

Another early morning! Mickey, Cleto and I arrived at 99.5 KISS FM studios early Wednesday morning. Mickey made a pit-stop at a local taquería to pick up some barbacoa tacos for the Lisle, Hahn and Kelly Kendall. Back when Mickey and Gibby were promoting their acclaimed short film "Barbacoa" (which went on to land them a deal with Nickelodeon for The Brothers Garcia), they did a barbacoa and Big Red media tour. Smart! As die-hard Cevallos Brothers supporters, Mickey continues the tradition with Lisle and Hahn.

Producer Carlos Maestas and I hung out in the producer's booth during the two interview segments. The phone screener Lauren was very busy. Boy can that girl multi-task! Taking song requests, telling callers that the contest would be happening later, as well blocking out the Magic 105.3 producer screening contest phone calls next to her.

Mickey, Kelly, Steve Hahn, John Lisle and Cleto after two great segments with the famed rock station.

Lilse and Hahn are an institution in San Antonio. I really, really like their voices. They make me want to pick up smoking... but I won't since my lung capacity is already pretty bad.

By the way, my friend Laura married a gent named Hans. Sometimes I mismatch Laura and Hans' name with Lisle and Hahn.

I'm a bad friend.

Great Day SA

Cleto Rodriguez of "The Cleto Show" and I got caught up in traffic enroute from The Woody show to prior to Great Day SA. (The only thing better than 410 at 8 a.m. is 410 at 5 p.m.) Luckily director/ producer Mickey Cevallos of Cevallos Brothers Productions had taken off earlier to the studio, so he was on-time.

The show's rundown included a husband/ wife team making pork tamales (tamale masa= enemy/ lover/ hater/ friend), a personal trainer and the John Marshall High School choir. The choir kept singing "Carol of the Bells," one of my Christmas favorites! Couldn't help but mentally follow the baseline. Unfortunately the tamale folks didn't take a cue from Oprah and have a dozen waiting under the studio audience's chairs. Ho-hum.

Tidbits: Because Cleto had driven 14 hours to a gig the day before, he fell alseep in the audience prior to the segment. The clapping startled him awake. Mickey had driven his dad to the studio for the interview. Mr. Cevallos is ever-bit as much of a celebrity as his sons are around that set!

Great Day SA's guests get situated during the show's last break prior to the choir performance.

Let me introduce you to a few folks: Host Bridget Smith (pink), as always, was so great and as always- so gracious. I respect Eileen Teves (green) because she too has done time in West Texas... and she's also a half marathoner! Gotta love runners. Kinya Cano (gray) is producer extraordinaire. Not only does Kinya produce Great Day SA, but she also produces The Cleto Show. Ever meet somebody who is really, really good at their job? That's Kinya.

Mickey, Kinya, Cleto, Bridget and Eileen pose after Wednesday's show.

I headed up to the sales department after the show to say hello to my dear sweet friend from college, Karen. She's so sweet, she could have been candy. Her nickname in college was Kthom, but now recently married, it has evolved to Kdrube. (She has gained a difficult Swedish last name. Pity the children!) Well it turns out that Kdrube was still on vacation. So sorry we missed catching up, Karen!

The Woody Show

The day started by arriving to the radio station prior to director/ producer Mickey Cevallos and "The Cleto Show" star Cleto Rodriguez, so I decided to venture to the local Shell station on a whim. Sure glad I did! The clerk there was a breathe of fresh air. I have never met a happier gas store attendent. Who knows-- he could have been the owner. Either way, he was loving life before sunrise and his spirit was contagious. Forget the purchased caffeine-- I'll have what he's having! Thank you, mystery contact.

Headed back to KTFM where producer/ talent Fabian let us in and got us caught up on his big birthday bash. That dude has spunk. In general, I am always impressed by morning personalities.

After hanging a bit in the break room, we got ushered to the studio where Woody, Robynne and Lil' Hip Hop introduced themselves. LOVE them! They were all so gracious and accomodating.

Left: Robynne, Cleto and Woody laughing it up at KTFM studios. To the right is Mickey's relection.

Cleto was on for two segments and even did some promos for the show. Mickey and I hung out in the producer's booth with Lil' Hip Hop and Fabian. The whole gang was so enthusiastic about the show. In the parking lot, a "suit" stopped Cleto and shared some encouraging words as well.

Lil' Hip Hop, Cleto, Woody, Robynne, Mickey and Fabian post-interview.

Nothing but love for The New 94.1 KTFM's The Woody Show! You guys are the best!

What is a Cleto?

If you live in San Antonio, hopefully by now you are planning on spending this Saturday, Dec. 13 in front of the TV to support:

The Cleto Show
Sat., Dec. 13
11:30 p.m.
KABB Fox San Antonio



The show is part sitcom/ part late night show/ part reality show that follows around a local comedian (Cleto Rodriguez) in his quest to launch a late night show in San Antonio. Taping of the show took place from places like La Cantera Golf Resort and the AT&T Center to the Bandera Road Flea Market.

The Cevallos Brothers (of Nickelodeon's "Brothers Garcia" fame as well as others) are directing/ producing, so you know it's going to be quality.

Because the pilot airs this Saturday, the success of the show depends on you! Please be sure to watch the episode and let us know what you think! Feel free to also e-mail your opinions to thecletoshow@gmail.com and kabbtv@kabb.com. You guys are the best! Shine, San Antonio, shine!

More than words

Words cannot express how jealous I am of this guy's talent.

Triple threat!



Somebody get me his contact information so I can book him for my retirement party!

Wind Beneath My Wings

Sarah Palin's favorite Baldwin brother won't leave me alone!

It started off as an innocent plane ride. Then there was the reunion at the coffee chain, then at baggage claim, and now Stephen Baldwin is interrupting my work outs!

I was on the elliptical trainer on the gym this morning, catching up on reading, sports and music videos, when who should throw me a curve ball? None other than the usual suspect himself, Stephen Baldwin!

He's in a music video for fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestant Trace Adkins called Muddy Water.

The video reminded me: 1) Surely Trace should be able to afford a decent haircut by now and 2) Stephen constantly has a constipated/ confused look on his face.



We also learn that Stephen enjoys backpacking, waving and dare I conclude... is Baptist?!

Who knew he had a budding music video career? 

For this, for the throw back to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, for engaging in decent conversation and for ultimately being a good sport, Stephen Baldwin- you are the wind beneath my wings!

As the credibility of my undergraduate degree continues to plummet...

If there is one thing life has taught me, it's that there are a lot of ignoramuses out there. 

Unfortunately, a bunch tend to congregate in Waco, Texas. 

Chalk one up for the argument that natural selection/ survival of the fittest does not exist or else these buffoons would have been removed from the food chain a few generations ago. 

Still, the First Amendment is there to protect us all... even the imbeciles. 

[Tip of the fedora to Joe for the upsetting news tip.]

It is what it is

The most competitive marathons in the United States are the Chicago marathon, the New York marathon and the Mecca that is Boston. For getting the opportunity to run the five boroughs of New York, I am humbly grateful. Definitely not something I earned or deserve.

With that out of the way, let's open up a bottle of good whine. (By the way, this entry is going to be a pretty painfully long one, so you might want to skip it if you are not a running nerd or if you are selfish and don't care about Debbie Downer!)

Cruel, cruel summer
It's been a difficult training season. This was my first season really training in San Antonio. I had been living in cooler, hillier climates prior to former competitions. I sat out the past three season due to injuries and had a new injury resurface prior to this run.

Baby, it's cold outside
I was on a 5:30 a.m. bus to get to Staten Island for the 39th New York Marathon. I had the great fortune of befriending a New York Roadrunner on the bus ride. She (Ruth) and her friends (David, Victor, Amanda and Tami) were great company during the 4 hour-plus wait in the windy, low 40s field at Fort Wadsworth. During the wait, I, like many other runners, was underdressed. I had figured that I would be alright in my five layers of clothing, but had underestimated the brutal northeastern wind. If I could do it again, I'd have packed more layers, a jacket and a blanket. Also, I would have taken the best-kept-secret/ under-utilized Staten Island ferry to the starting line. Organizers don't really promote the option, but runners can wake up later and stay in the warm terminal until their wave (my wave was at 10:20 a.m.). Ask me about transportation details if you plan on running this marathon because I want you to learn from my mistakes.

Water you talking about, Willis?
Unfortunately, water and carbohydrates ran out quickly. Definely not enough on-hand for 39,000 participants during the four hour wait.

Looking back, I wasted energy shivering for four hours and not correctly hydrating prior to the run. Argh!

Once again, I have to be thankful for the opportunity. Going into the race, I knew I wasn't going to break any personal records, so I did my best to enjoy the ride.

I'll shut up now and let the photos do some of the talking.

Here is a smart runner who packed a blanket and caught a few zzzzzs during the wait.

Runners cast off layers of clothing during the race. Organizers collect the clothing and donate them to charity.

The course takes you from Staten Island to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx then through Central Park for a glorious finish. The crowd support is great. There are about 100 bands lining the course and residents from the five boroughs come out to cheer for the mega-marathon participants. Great crowd support.

I hit "the wall" (the point of muscle and mental fatigue) at mile 6. How embarrassing! Traditionally, "the wall" is reached around miles 18-22, so I hit the wall quick and hard! As mentioned, looking back, I believe I spent too much energy shivering at the start. I ingested an energy gel at mile 8 (usually don't need them until mile 18) and made peace with the fact that my lame ankle wasn't going to cooperate.

I've started wearing obnoxious Texas flag running shorts when running outside the state. It's a great conversation starter, makes me easily identifiable to friends and family, plus it garners additional support from South Americans. To explain: This is what the Texas flag looks like:


And this is what the Chilean flag looks like:

As you can see, the union of both countries (let's face it, Texas is its own country) are red, white and blue and both share a lone star. However, the Chilean flag has a longer read band across the bottom.

So when I run, I get cheers from Texas as well as Chile. God bless geographic ignorance.

The run through Brooklyn was enjoyable. The run through Queens (miles 13-16 and the surrounding) was quite a drag. The neighborhoods were desolate and the roads were neglected.

Running through the Upper East Side of Manhattan was quite a treat! Mile 18 was well-welcomed site of seeing supporters Marilyn, Jon, Alyson and Russell. Thanks guys for coming out and braving the wind and cold! [Jon jumped in at mile 18 and ran along side until getting kicked out around mile 26.] Their names now join the list of you other wonderful sideline bravehearts to whom I am eternally indebted [Roll call! Laura, John, Ashley, Gaby, Connor, Brian, Vicki, Ed, Ron, Meta, Kasey D., Robin, Monica, Justin, Hiral, Erica, my mom and dad to name a few.]

One of the most beautiful moments of the race for me was when my favorite U2 songs, City of Blinding Lights, came on over my earbuds during one of my lulls. Bono once explained that the song is a reflection of a surreal naivety U2 had when they first arrived in New York in 1980. He said they were in awe looking out from New York into Brooklyn at night. The band revisited the sentiment when they played in New York following the 9-11 attacks. They then penned both occasions in this one song.

I remember looking out from Staten Island towards Manhattan in 2003 with my friend Dan and mentioning to him that someday I'd like to run New York. Five years later, God and Bono were there to remind me of the unexpected blessing as we reentered Manhattan at mile 21!

So how does the story end?

The unfortunate reality is that I ended up crossing the finish line about an hour later than my worst marathon time, but the course made for an enjoyable long run. Got to meet some new friends and reconnect with former contacts... Got to hobble away with a medal as well as a victory cape [foil insulating blanket]... Got to warm up while waiting for the group over a handy heated subway vent. All-in-all, a success!

Can't wait to see you all at the next race, whether it be as a spectator, volunteer or a competitor! Looking forward to hearing what great feats you accomplish! Only two months left in 2008... Finish strong!