Bob Andelman Interviews

With Battle of the Band Names: The Best and Worst Band Names Ever (and All the Brilliant, Colorful, Stupid Ones in Between), award-winning veteran music journalist Bart Bull has created a one-of-a-kind book and compiled hundreds of the most colorful, clever, obscure, and unusual band names of the past 50 years. Broken down into 35 highly designed chapters, Bull covers the worlds of Ska, Surf, Hip-Hop, Punk, Country, and Heavy Metal alongside more creative categories such as Tribute Bands, Girl Groups, Japanese Bands with English Names, and, most daringly, the Best and Worst band names of all time. The book’s free-styling flow is irresistible as one band name trips gracelessly over another from Sublime to The Ridiculous Poodles and on to The Ultimate Spinach. Bullis a former SPIN, Details, and Vogue editor, multiple winner of the Deems-Taylor-ASCAP Award for excellence in writing about music, and the Mr. Blackwell of band name choices.

The magician’s sacred code of silence is broken forever in the second season of MAGIC’S BIGGEST SECRETS FINALLY REVEALED, starring the infamous Masked Magician every Monday at 9pm (ET/PT) on MyNetworkTV. He entertains and enlightens fans of all ages by exposing the secrets behind magic’s most mystifying illusions. The Masked Magician continues to defy his fellow conjurers and disclose the tricks that have captivated audiences for centuries. Over 120 of magic’s most memorable illusions will be unveiled, including the MOTORCYCLE VANISH, TRAIN LEVITATION, WATER ESCAPE, WALKING THROUGH SOLID GLASS, WALKING ON WATER, MAGIC YOU CAN DO and much more. Val Valentino, The Masked Magician, has starred in a multitude of international and national TV specials. His four blockbuster FOX TV network specials were among the highest rated in the history of the network, and garnered better numbers than the World Series. He has successfully performed more illusions on television in one year than any other magician in history. For additional information, go to themaskedmagician.com

What’s the secret to creating brands people love? Brands not only that people flock to buy, but brands that earn a place in the hearts and minds of consumers? With the current economy on a downswing, what can marketers do to improve the success of a new brand or strengthen an existing brand so that they continue to generate interest and appeal to today’s discerning consumer? In The Truth About Creating Brands People Love, by Brian D. Till, Ph.D & Donna Heckler, the authors answer these questions by providing marketers with 51 crucial principals for successful branding. They offer detailed examples with brands they have worked with and others that have been successful. Till is the Steber Professor of Marketing and Chair of the Marketing Department at Saint Louis University. Prior to his university career, Dr. Till worked in brand management at Purina. Heckler is the Brand Strategy Lead for Monsanto, where she leads the company in its brand building and brand portfolio management. In The Truth About Creating Brands People Love, marketers and business professionals will learn how to: define brand promise, name and position new brands, determine when, if and how to reposition existing brands, package products to support your brands, manage the retail experience, measure the power of brands and effectiveness of campaigns and avoid the disastrous branding blunders too many companies make. Your calls and comments welcome: 1-646-595-3135.

STARTS @ 10:40 a.m. ET! Chef Gordon Ramsay did the unexpected and threw Lacey out of “Hell’s Kitchen” before elimination! Not that we didn’t see it coming, but still… Find out what went wrong and what she did to cause Chef Ramsay to explode when Lacey talks with Mr. Media! “Hell’s Kitchen” airs Thursdays at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. Catch up on Mr. Media’s earlier interviews with eliminated chefs: LA J Charlie Colleen

David Lawrence is an actor, writer, comedian, and radio personality, based in Los Angeles—perhaps best known today for his appearances on the NBC TV hit series ”Heroes” as Eric Doyle, a.k.a. “The Puppetmaster.” His radio show, “The David Lawrence Show,” airs in numerous markets and on satellite radio. Lawrence was an original founder of the American Comedy Network. For more than a decade, he hosted “Online Tonight,” a technology-oriented radio show. Lawrence grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a childhood friend of comedian Drew Carey. Carey has publicly credited Lawrence for helping him get started in comedy by encouraging him to write material for a morning radio show that Lawrence hosted in the 1980s. He and Carey remain close; Lawrence is reportedly advising Carey on the development of several online entertainment projects. In addition to acting and radio work, Lawrence worked in technology including stints at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and America Online. Lawrence's voice can still be heard on the automated voice system for America Online's technical support telephone system. Although others claim credit, David Lawrence is arguably one of the creators of the concept of podcasting. As for the “XVII” after his name? He was the 17th “David Lawrence” to be added to the IMDb.com database! Check out David H. Lawrence’s cool personal site here. Got a question for The Puppetmaster? Call in: 1-646-595-3135.

This week on “Hell’s Kitchen”: Chef Ramsay puts the team’s palates to the test in a surprise taste-test challenge. During dinner service in a packed restaurant, tensions always run high. However, when a few celebrities (guest stars Eric McCormack and Robert Patrick) stop by for dinner the intensity really heats up. Who did Chef Ramsay send home this week? “Hell’s Kitchen” airs Thursdays at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. The eighth eliminated chef from the show, LA, is my guest on this episode of Mr. Media! Catch up on Mr. Media’s earlier interviews with eliminated chefs: J Charlie Colleen

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, one of the most prestigious festivals of its kind, celebrates 18 years of wine and food with a five-day extravaganza, May 19- 23, 2009. The event brings together world-renowned winemakers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a showcase of signature events designed to entertain, educate and inspire! As part of the 18th annual NOWFE, FEASTiVAL will be hosted by Chef John Besh and will bring together some of America’s favorite celebrity chefs for a “feast” of signature dishes paired with select wineries. Rosenberg will join chefs Paul Kahan, Michel Richard, Marc Vetri, Neal Fraser and Rick Browne. “Top Chef” Season 5 winner Hosea Rosenberg and fellow contestants Leah Cohen, Jamie Lauren and Jeff McInnis will also present signature dishes at the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 23rd. Chef Reggie Southerland, Next Food Network Star, Season 2 Runner-Up, and regular guest on “Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee” is also confirmed for the Saturday Grand Tasting. Joining Mr. Media to preview the FEASTiVAL are Joyce Godbold (executive director of the event), Greg Reggio (president of the board) and Chef John Besh. Besh set the benchmark for fine dining in New Orleans, with four successful restaurants: August, Besh Steak, Lüke, and La Provence. For additional information, go to nowfe.com

STARTS at 10:10 a.m. ET! Scott Adsit plays producer Pete Hornberger on NBC's two-time Emmy "30 Rock," Tina Fey’s workplace comedy where the workplace exists behind-the-scenes of a live variety show. A seasoned improv and sketch performer from Second City in Chicago, Adsit has appeared in countless television shows including "Felicity," "Monk" and the influential sketch comedy shows "Mr. Show" and "Tenacious D." Adsit has guest-starred on "The Office," "Malcolm in the Middle," "Huff," "Alias," "CSI Miami," "Friends" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." He also wrote, produced, directed and perfored voices for Adult Swim's critically acclaimed "Moral Orel." His feature credits include the Christopher Guest comedy "For Your Consideration," and he has starred in "The Bad News Bears," "Kicking and Screaming," "The Terminal," "The Italian Job" and the critically praised indie film "Lovely and Amazing." Adsit has a role in Steven Soderberg's film "The Informant" in 2009. This week on “30 Rock,” while Jack (Alec Baldwin) plans the perfect 50th birthday party for himself he watches old home videos that inspire him to recreate one of the happiest moments he had as a young boy. Liz's (Fey) ex-boyfriend Dennis "The Beeper King" (Winters) decides to come clean to Liz about an addiction, stirring up drama between Liz and Jenna (Krakowski). Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Pete (Scott Adsit) team up to make Tracy's (Morgan) childhood dream come true. “30 Rock” airs every Thursday at 9:30 p.m. on NBC. Catch up on Mr. Media’s earlier “30 Rock” interview with guest star Patti Lupone!

In a city where beautiful women are a dime a dozen, Brande Roderick stands out as a star among the masses. In addition to "The Celebrity Apprentice," Brande will be starring in a new reality show with Brooke Burke and Tracy Bingham called "Flirty 30's," a mix between "Sex and the City" and "Desperate Housewives". Most recently, she guest starred in "The Game," on the CW Network. Brande also hosts a show on the Reelz Channel called, "What I Learned from the Movies." Additionally, Brande has recently held supporting roles in several movies, including The Nanny Diaries"starring Scarlet Johansen, Starsky & Hutch,Dracula II and Hood of Horror starring alongside Snoop Dog. Brande's big break came in 2000, when she was asked to audition for "Baywatch Hawaii." During her screen test, Executive producer/writer Frank South felt she "hit it out of the park," and gave her the starring role of Leigh Dyer. Brande is also widely known for being Playboy's coveted 2001 Playmate of the Year. In January 2003, following "Baywatch," Brande took a bite out of reality, as one of the stars in "The Surreal Life," on the WB Network. She also reprised her starring role as Leigh Dyer in the Baywatch reunion movie, "Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding." “Celebrity Apprentice” airs every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on NBC.

Amy Alcott, author of THE LEADERBOARD: Conversations on Golf and Life, has won 32 professional tournaments worldwide, including the U.S. Women’s Open, and is a member of the World Golf and LPGA Halls of Fame. She has won the Kraft Nabisco Championship three times—an accomplishment she shares with only two other women—and five major championships. In this candid collection of conversations, Alcott uses the game of golf as an entryway into the personal lives and experiences of well-known entertainers, athletes, and political leaders—all of whom share the bond of a fierce love of the game. The Leaderboard offers an entertaining, poignant, and rare glimpse into the fascinating lives—both on and off the golf course—of 27 celebrity golf enthusiasts. Reflecting on her vast experience as a professional golfer and her remarkable network of celebrity golfing friends, Amy Alcott delivers a one-of-a-kind compendium of wisdom about the game. Some highlights: Bill Clinton reveals why Hillary encouraged him to start playing again in his late twenties; Jack Nicholson explains how he began to play golf in his forties and got good enough to shoot a sixty-five; Ben Crenshaw reminisces about his close relationship with Harvey Penick and about winning the 1995 Masters just days after serving as a pallbearer at Penick's funeral. Visit Amy Alcott’s website: amyalcott.com

”Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion is taking the GMA audience “In Search of Of The Truth." For three days GMA will delve into the myths and legends surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, The Loch Ness Monster and Vampires. Wednesday, Sam Champion reports from near the Bermuda Triangle. On Thursday, ABC News correspondent Nick Watt reports from Scotland and the Loch Ness Monster. And on Friday, correspondent Claire Shipman reports on vampires. For years and years there has been such interest and intrigue surrounding the above and GMA will take viewers inside and explore what makes them so fascinating. Champion will give Mr. Media a sneak preview in this exclusive interview. Champion debuted as weather anchor of "Good Morning America" and weather editor of ABC News in September 2006. As weather anchor of "GMA," Champion is based at "Good Morning America's" Times Square Studios home in the heart of midtown Manhattan where he reports the latest national weather throughout the morning program. If you miss an installment of the series, catch up online at the GMA web site! Got a question for Champion? Call in: 1-646-595-3135.

Putting the Public Back in Public Relations: How Social Media Is Reinventing the Aging Business of PR is written by Brian Solis, principal of FutureWorks, an award-winning PR and New Media agency (author of the PR 2.0 blog) and Deirdre Breakenridge, president and director of communications at PFS Marketwyse a marketing communications firm. The authors show how to reinvent PR around two-way conversations with new influencers, tastemakers, and customers directly in addition to media, analysts to bring the "public" back into public relations and get an entirely new level results. Drawing on their unparalleled experience making Social Media work for business, industry leaders, Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge show how to transform the way you think, plan, prioritize, and deliver PR services. Putting the Public Back in Public Relations teaches you how to: • Build the relationships that matter, and reach a new generation of influencers • Leverage social media platforms ranging from Twitter to Facebook to Blogs • Immerse yourself in the communities that are shaping the future – becoming a digital anthropologist • Learn how new, intelligent, and socially rooted PR will transform your organization into a proactive communication powerhouse that is in touch and informed with its community of stakeholders Putting the Public Back in Public Relations enables communications professionals to become part of the new PR movement and learn how today’s brands need to communicate in the market to be successful. Visit www.deirdrebreakenridge.com.

This week on “Hell’s Kitchen”: Chef Ramsay introduces the team to the latest culinary trend of small-plate, or tapas-style, dining and asks them to transform a day’s leftovers into perfectly portioned delectable dishes. At dinner service, one chef’s mistake nearly sabotages both teams’ performances, and a lack of unity in the Blue Team leaves Gordon furious. “Hell’s Kitchen” airs Thursdays at 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX. J, the seventh eliminated chef from the show is my guest on this episode of Mr. Media! Catch up on Mr. Media’s earlier interviews with eliminated chefs: Charlie Colleen

STARTS @ 10:40 a.m.!Chris Hansen is a correspondent for NBC News' "Dateline NBC." He joined NBC in May 1993, as a correspondent for "Now with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric." In September 2004, Hansen began his breakthrough investigative reporting on online sexual predators. Eleven dramatic hidden camera investigations have exposed over 250 men who target young teenagers over the Internet. In April 2007, he reported in "To Catch an ID Thief," an unprecedented investigation into the massive billion-dollar epidemic of identity theft. Using "Dateline's" signature hidden camera techniques, the report followed the trails of an international identity theft ring, capturing for the first time on network television how the crime works and some of the people that may be behind the process. Hansen was responsible for much of "Dateline's" coverage of the September 11 terrorist attacks, with breaking investigative stories that focused on the terrorists and operations of the Al -Qaeda network. Hansen exposed how a group with links to Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda tried to buy stinger missiles and other deadly weapons, including components for nuclear devices from American citizens. He also worked on the exclusive report detailing how terrorists attempted a similar attack in France in 1994. Now, in a three-part investigative series, Hansen takes a comprehensive look "Inside the Financial Fiasco." The in-depth trilogy of reports, each an hour long, will air on Sun., March 22 (7:00 PM/ET); Fri., March 27 (10:00 PM/ET) and Sun., March 29 (7:00 PM/ET).

Tatyana Ali is best known for her co-starring role as “Ashley Banks” alongside Will Smith on the long-running NBC sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” She grew up on the show as a child star, playing Will's niece, but as you can see from her photo, she’s all grown up now. Her upcoming music CD will be The Light. She also has three new films in production, including Mother and Child with Samuel L. Jackson and Naomi Watts and is the host of “Access Hollywood”'s sister show, “TV One Access.” On Saturday, March 21, Ali will be the guest host of the Acme Comedy Theater in Los Angeles.