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Interviewing celebrities, breaking national stories, blogging daily, and offering candid commentary on pop culture is just a small sample of what he does. Ralphie Aversa is the relentless, tireless, non-stop-always-go host and executive producer of “The Ralphie Radio Show.” Check out his links above, and his blog below - and thanks for swinging through!

3.09.2009

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Chris Brown's Day In Court

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Chris Brown finally faced a judge regarding his alleged abuse of Rihanna, and TMZ cameras were on the scene. TMZ's Leslie Harris tells Ralphie what Brown was charged with.


Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

CELEBRITY LAWYER BRADFORD COHEN on Chris Brown's Court Date

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TMZ nominated him as one of the best attorney's in the country... Bradford Cohen represented Vanilla Ice and Dennis Rodman in their domestic abuse cases - so certainly Mr. Cohen would be able to lend expert advice to the Rihanna/Chris Brown case.


Visit Mr. Cohen's website here.

EXCLUSIVE: Shinedown's Brent Smith

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Lead Singer Brent Smith phones in from Jim Thorpe to chat about "Second Chance", amoxicillin, and what sets Shinedown apart from other rock bands on the radio.


Shinedown's "The Sound of Madness" is in stores now.

PROF. RIVKA TADJER speaks on A.J. McLean's Substance Abuse.

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Ralphie spoke with Professor Rivka Tadjer on the recent reports of A.J. McLean's fall from sobriety.


Professor Tadjer's book, Two Weeks Under, is available in stores now or online at Amazon.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Courting An Exotic Dancer

The Wingman lends his advice on dating an exotic dancer... Rule #1: Don't call her a stripper.


Initial Wingman Response:

Reaction #1:

Reaction #2:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

EXCLUSIVE: John from Secondhand Serenade

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John from Secondhand Serenade opens up about his success with "Fall For You" and his personal life.

RALPHIE REWIND: David Archuleta Voice Mail

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To his friends' dismay, Ralphie keeps David Archuleta's voice as his voice mail greeting, as the Idol records a new message for his cell phone.


Click Here To Watch Ralphie's Interview w/ David.

EXCLUSIVE: David Archuleta

David Archuleta chats with Ralphie before his signing at F.Y.E. inside The Mall At Steamtown about Ralphie's love life (or lack thereof), his self-titled CD cover, and gracing Ralphie's voice mail greeting.

Crank That Dance Contest

97 BHT gave away front row tickets and backstage passes to see Soulja Boy Tell 'Em inside The Scranton Cultural Center. You just had to show off your best "Crank That" dance to win, inside Center Court at The Mall At Steamtown!

"LATE NIGHT W/ JIMMY FALLON"/"THE ROOTS" DRUMMER ?UESTLOVE

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The day that "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" on WBRE launched, new house band & current Roots drummer ?uestlove called in to The Ralphie Radio Show.


"Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" airs weeknights at 12:35a on WBRE/NBC.
Twitter Links:
- Jimmy Fallon
- ?uestlove
- Ralphie

EXCLUSIVE: Soulja Boy In Studio!

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Even Soulja Boy knows that no stop to NEPA is complete without a trip to The Ralphie Radio Show.

Or Watch The Interview Below!

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: The Gift Card Hit Man

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Only TMZ could find this story: the father of the victim in the Nick Hogan crash tries to kill his wife by hiring a hitman... and attempting to compensate him with a gift card!


Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

EXCLUSIVE: Thriving Ivory!

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Paul, Clayton, & Drew of Thriving Ivory chat with Ralphie inside the 97 BHT Center Court Studios at The Mall At Steamtown.

Or, Watch The Interview Below!

TMZ'S LESLIE HARRIS: Brad Pitt & Sons In Vegas

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Who spends quality time with their kids in Sin City? According to TMZ's Leslie Harris, Brad Pitt.


Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

Brad Pitt

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Bisexuals

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The Wingman offers a no-shame suggestion: Use your sister as a pawn.


Initial Wingman Response:

Reaction #1:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

RALPHIE REWIND: (Not) Carrying Cash

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Ralphie never carries cash on him, and this time, he paid for it in a non-monetary fashion.


2.23.2009

LAPD Embarasses Rihanna, Themselves...


If it isn't bad enough that someone within The Los Angeles Police Department leaked that photo of Rihanna, they then publically announce an investigation in to the internal meltdown...

... thus confirming the fact that it is authentic.

More here from TMZ's Harvey Levin, who spoke about it with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren.

New Hills Trailer...




Thoughts?

Will Smith Is The Man



Props to Keith Olbermann for pointing out why a Will Smith oft-handed comment was quite clever and ingenious of the movie star.

NYTimes: Twitter-verse Brings Fans Backstage


Great read from The New York Times regarding celebrities personal/professional use of Twitter. Actually snagged the link from Ashton Kutcher's Twitter update. Check it out here.

2.20.2009

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Syracuse's Bayje!


02.19.09 : Bayje - Find A Way
Bayje Calls The Ralphie Radio Show!
On "Find A Way":

On Syracuse, Listening To Ralphie, The Origin of "Bayje":

2.18.2009

Kanye Is A True Artist

Love or hate him, you got to respect the old school hustle and commitment of this guy. Lovin' this new video as well, for Welcome To Heartbreak. Vimeo shoutout!

EXCLUSIVE: Nick Lachey On V-Day, Paparazzi...


02.17.09 : Nick Lachey - Patience
Nick Calls The Ralphie Radio Show!
On "Patience" & Coming Up For Air:


(Old School: Ralphie & sister Raquela w/ Nick & Jess; Buffalo, 2003)
On Valentine's Day & The Paparazzi:

2.17.2009

RALPHIE REPORT: Chris Brown Speaks, Life Imitates Art, We The Kings


The following will appear in The Weekender, which hits newsstands this Wednesday.
---
Chris Brown waited a week to speak out regarding his alleged attack on Rihanna. The R&B crooner filled his two-paragraph statement with remorse, but left out the assumed victim’s name.

“Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person," said Brown, who also debunked reports that he commented on the incident to a Facebook page or any other blog.

No word from Rihanna, although her father, Ronald Fenty, did speak with the media – confirming that Brown hit his daughter and affirming that she’ll be okay, despite brusing.“At some point, she will speak out. I hope she will stand up for women all over the world,” Fenty told People Magazine.Meanwhile, the spectacle surrounding the incident continues to grow as Los Angeles authorities gather evidence and decide what exactly Brown will be prosecuted for. As of press time, only the original charge of suspicion of making felony criminal threats stood.

Another interesting twist of life possibly imitating art emerged this week, when a track sung by Mario Barrett and allegedly featuring Rihanna hit the net. “Emergency Room” details the actions that led to a woman finding out her man’s cheating ways, and her response.
“You gon’ be in the emergency room… I’m fighting with myself, I can’t hurt you even though you hurt me,” sings the woman on the hook – who sounds eerily similar to RiRi.

At least according to Mario and the author of the track, it is not Rihanna singing. Priscilla Renea wrote “Emergency Room”, with Rihanna and Akon in mind. Mario heard the song, snagged it and re-recorded the verses, leaving the part-to-be-sung-by-Rihanna on the hook. Both Barrett and Renea insist that the Barbatos-born singer hasn’t even been presented with the song, let alone graced it with her vocals.

“The record was far from done,” Barrett wrote in a statement to Vibe. “I’m still proud of the record but want to make sure that the truth is out there.”

IT’S NOT ALL SUNSHINE FOR WE THE KINGS

If you recall the last time I spoke with We The Kings, there was no sunshine – rather a hail storm on Montage Mountain during Warped Tour.

The conditions during our interview last week inside The Crocodile Rock Café in Allentown were a bit more favorable, sans the leaky ceiling. Nonetheless, the boys from Bradenton, Florida spilled about their not-so-rock star Super Bowl experience.“We were actually flying during the Super Bowl, it was kinda miserable,” bassist Hunter Thomsen told me. The conflict forced the group to forgo tickets to the big game, played an hour from their house. Plus, the guys missed their favorite show, The Office. I held off any, “Boom, Roasted,” lines – because it’s no fun being in the dark on those things.

That’s what she said.
---
Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Taking 1 For The Team

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If anyone can offer advice on being a wingman, it is clearly The Wingman.


Initial Wingman Response:

Reaction #1:

Reaction #2:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

UPDATE: David Archuleta Meet-And-Greet


So many of you have e-mailed me regarding last week's post about 97 BHT's exclusive meet-and-greet with American Idol runner-up David Archuleta.

I know a little bit more. And I mean literally, a little bit.

The day of the signing (Friday, 2/27), FYE will be selling 500 copies of David's new CD. With the purchase of a CD comes a wristband, which will allow you the chance to meet David at 7P.

Now - you probably have a lot of questions...

- What time will FYE begin selling CDs?
I don't know yet.
- Is there a per-person limit?
I would imagine 1-per, but I don't know that as fact.
- Does a CD purchase guarantee that I'll meet David?
I don't know.
- What if I already own the CD, can I just bring that?
No, you have to purchase a CD the day of in order to meet David.
- Is there a time limit on the signing?
I don't know. I do know the signing begins at 7P, and the mall closes at 9P.
- Will you know any more answers before the date?
I sure hope so.

VIDEO: Ice In The Cake!


Congrats to Carol who won a $1,000 Diamond Band thanks to Zales, Gerrity's, The Mall at Steamtown, and 97 BHT! See how it all went down below!

EXCLUSIVE: We The Kings

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We The Kings took time from "The Secret Valentine Tour" at The Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown to talk with Ralphie about the song, Twitter, and missing The Super Bowl in their home town.


Or, Watch The Interview Below!

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Mario/"Rihanna"


02.12.09 : Mario f. Rihanna (Allegedly) - Emergency Room
Read Mario's Statement Regarding This Track Here.
Hear The Original Demo ("Rihanna f. Akon" - Emergency Room) Here.
The woman who wrote/recorded the demo speaks here.

TMZ: Chris Brown/Rihanna Update

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TMZ's Leslie Harris gives Ralphie details on the types of charges that might be brought against Chris Brown - while also shedding light on an abusive past between the two.



Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

2.11.2009

RALPHIE REPORT: Rihanna, Chris Brown, Colby O'

The following appears in the latest edition of The Weekender.
---


Pop went Chris Brown’s bubble this week, in oh-so-many aspects.

In the confines of a weekend, the R&B singer lost an endorsement deal, a Grammy Awards performance, a girlfriend, and a squeaky-clean image – all while gaining a criminal record.

The downfall began on Sunday morning, around 12:30. According to witnesses, Brown allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with another female. A number of sources identified the woman as 20 year-old Rihanna.

After one onlooker heard screaming, she called 911. By the time police arrived, Brown left the scene of the crime – but turned himself in to custody later that evening. The Los Angeles Police Department booked Brown on suspicion of making felony criminal threats. Authorities released the singer after he posted the $50,000 bail.

A court date is set for March. Wrigley Jr. Company is not waiting until then to take action. The candy company suspended its marketing campaign which promotes Doublemint gum with Brown and his song, “Forever”. In a statement released Monday, Wrigley’s acknowledges due process yet takes the allegations seriously.

Coincidentally, Brown’s “Got Milk?” campaign was previously set to cease this week. That contract will not be renewed. Furthermore, the crooner will not appear at next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.

As the fallout of Brown’s fate unfolds, more details emerge about the victim, allegedly Rihanna. According to TMZ, law officials call the songstress’s injuries “horrific.” The website reported a litany of damage done by the beating – from face contusions to busted lips and a bloody nose.

Both singers cancelled their performances for Sunday’s Grammy Awards. Neither won an award.
TMZ’s Leslie Harris informed me that there’s a history of domestic violence in Brown’s family. In an interview on The Tyra Banks Show a few years ago, Brown recounted some of those childhood memories.

“I treat women differently, because you know, I don’t want to put a women through the same thing that person put my mom through,” said Brown when recalling memories of watching the abuse as young as age 7.

Rumors began to swirl earlier this month that the couple, who had been dating for at least a year, was on the rocks. Other artists even talked about the possible break-up. Grammy nominated Colby O’Donis went as far to dedicate a song off of his LP, “Let You Go”, to the duo.

“I actually just found out that they broke up,” O’Donis told me exclusively on 97 BHT the Thursday before The Grammy’s. “I’m sure they’re going to dedicate that song to each other.”

O’Donis nabbed his first Grammy nod for his contribution to Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance.” He and Rihanna share a mutual friend in singer/producer Akon.

As of press time, neither Brown’s nor Rihanna’s camp issued a statement regarding the abuse reports.
---
Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

Party Like A Movie Star on Friday

Received this info from our resident Wingman, James Holeva...
---
If you're in the Scranton, PA area come party with the cast and crew of "FORGED" Friday night at the Holiday Inn in Dunmore.

The cast including Manny Perez, David Castro, Kevin Breznahan, Jaime Tirelli and director William Wedig; as well as director of photography Zeus Morand will be on-hand to hang out, sign autographs, and talk about the movie!

Also it's happy hour from 5-7 with a dollar off drafts, and two dollars off mixed drinks.

The bar will be selling a special drink called "FORGED," which is named after the movie!

The meet and greet, autograph signing, press conference runs till 8 p.m. Hope to see you out.

Don't forget to check out all the up to date FORGED info on the movie's blog, www.forgedmovie.blogspot.com

RALPHIE REWIND: Allentown.

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Ralphie finally hit up Center City Allentown... he didn't leave all that impressed.



Catch Ralphie's chat with We The Kings later this week!

2.10.2009

Chris Brown Knows About Domestic Violence...


FF to 4:10 in this video. Interesting interview and comments given the recent events...

Thriving Ivory Live!


· WEDNESDAY, 2/25/09, 4:00PM, CENTER COURT INSIDE THE MALL AT STEAMTOWN FOR A FREE ACOUSTIC PRE-SHOW PERFORMANCE WITH THRIVING IVORY BEFORE THE CONCERT AT TINK’S ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

· LISTEN TO 97 BHT WIN PASSES TO MEET THRIVING IVORY AFTER PRE-SHOW

· PLUS LISTEN TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO SEE THRIVING IVORY AT TINK’S

· POWERED BY WIND-UP RECORDS AND 97 BHT!

Meet David Archuleta!


· FRIDAY, 2/27/09, 7:00PM AT F-Y-E INSIDE THE MALL AT STEAMTOWN
· MEET DAVID ARCHULETA WHILE HE SIGNS YOUR COPY OF HIS NEW SELF-TITLED CD, FEATURING THE HIT SONGS “CRUSH” AND “A LITTLE TOO NOT OVER YOU”
· LISTEN TO 97 BHT TO WIN ONE OF THE FIRST TEN SPOTS IN LINE
· PLUS LISTEN TO 97 BHT TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO SEE DAVID ARCHULETA AND LESLIE ROY AT THE CROCODILE ROCK CAFÉ IN ALLENTOWN
· POWERED BY JIVE LABEL GROUP, F-Y-E, AND 97 BHT

Click Here To Listen To Ralphie Interview David At The Wachovia Arena!

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Coldplay B-Side...


02.09.09 : Coldplay - The Goldrush

TMZ: Rihanna/Chris Brown Situation

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TMZ's Leslie Harris phoned in the latest on the Rihanna/Chris Brown story to The Ralphie Radio Show.


Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

2.09.2009

Probably My Favorite Grammy Performance...

Does M.I.A. get props or drops for wearing that outfit for a Grammy Performance on her due date?

Full list of Grammy Winners here.

Chris Brown Booked For Alledged RiRi Assault

Sunday night should have been a magical evening for Chris Brown and Rihanna, with both scheduled to perform at The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. However the morning hours wiped away any chance of that, with an alleged domestic violence alteraction that's left the R&B singer with a $50,000 bail and many people asking lots of questions.

Few answers are known, but here's are the facts: The Los Angeles Police Department booked Brown on Sunday for suspicion of making felony criminal threats. The crooner posted the $50 K bail and left authorities before 9 p.m. The Los Angeles Times reports that sources close to the investigation identify the female in the incident as Robin "Rihanna" Fenty. Standard procedure for the department involves not release the alledged victim's identity. 

A victim tipped off police to the incident around 12:30 PST - calling 911 to inform authorities of an altercation that involved a visably-injured female. Brown left the scene before police arrived, however turned himself in later. The victim identified Brown as the attacker.

2.07.2009

TMZ: Etta v. Beyonce?

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Everyone enjoyed Beyonce's cover of "At Last" at The Inaugural Ball... except for Etta James. TMZ's Leslie Harris fills Ralphie in.


Catch Leslie on TMZ TV - Weekdays at 6 on Channel 38 - The CW.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Jada In Studio!


02.05.09 : Jada - American Cowboy
Jada In Studio With Ralphie!
- On "American Cowboy":

- All About Jada:

2.06.2009

EXCLUSIVE: COLBY O'DONIS Talks Grammy's, GaGa, RiRi/Chris Brown Breakup

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The Grammy-Nominated Colby O'Donis called Ralphie exclusively to talk about The Grammy's, Lady GaGa, and to dedicate his new single to the recently broken-up Rihanna & Chris Brown.



Colby O is in stores now.

2.05.2009

JADA Inside Club HD Thursday Night!


Join 97 BHT for a special Club HD inside Evolution at The Woodlands - with a performance by Universal Motown's "Jada" - 18+ to party, 21+ to drink! Evolution inside The Woodlands, Rte. 315 in Plains! This Thursday!

To hear Jada's music, click here.

RALPHIE REWIND: Komen Foundation Fundraiser

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Ralphie loves helping out the NEPA Affliate of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation. Thursday night, the highly anticipated Girls High School Basketball Game between Abington Heights and Scranton Prep will also double as a fundraiser for the breast cancer foundation. Ralphie interviewed Heights Senior Guard Liz Kilzi to find out more about the game.



Game: Abington Heights vs. Scranton Prep Girls Basketball Team
 
Time: 7:30pm @ Abington Heights
 
Benefits: NEPA Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  75% of net proceeds stay in our local area to fund much needed mammograms and breast health services for uninsured women and men in 15 counties in NEPA.  25% goes towards National Research.  
 
Donations: Over 700 t-shirts between the 2 schools have been sold so far and collections will be taken during the game.
 
Read The Scranton Times' Article Here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Attracting Clingers.

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Lisa from Clarks Summit has an issue - she is constantly attracting Stage 5 Clingers. The Wingman comes to the rescue, with some interesting advice.


Initial Wingman Response:

Reaction #1:

Reaction #2:

Visit The Wingman on MySpace.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Rihanna, Fat Joe, Akon, Mraz, Trazz...


02.04.09 : Fat Joe f. Akon - One
02.03.09 : Trazz f. Colby O'Donis - She's On Fire
02.02.09 : Jason Mraz f. Colbie Caillat - Lucky

01.29.09 : Rihanna - Hatin' On The Club
***This track was cut from the rerelease of Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded. But why? Written by The Dream, Produced by Tricky Stewart.

RALPHIE REPORT: Soulja Boy's Tie To Scranton


The following will appear in this week's edition of The Weekender:
---
Last week, Scranton officially became an all-encompassing city. I couldn’t even interview Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em without drawing a connection to The Electric City.

The “Crank That” artist will visit Northeastern PA on February 26, when he performs at The Scranton Cultural Center. Soulja already has a friend in town.

DJ Woogie holds me down man,” said Soulja Boy last week, when he called into The Ralphie Radio Show. “Thought I’d never jump into the mixtape game man, but Woogie and I did it man so, you know, it’s only right for me to come down there and show love to Scranton.” 

The aforementioned “Woogie” is a product of Scranton, who still resides in the area. But, the DJ spends most of his time trotting the globe, representing the Shadyville DJs – a group of mixers handpicked by Eminem’s own, DJ Whoo Kid. In addition, Woogie spins for and with some of the biggest names in music, from Tommy Lee to Sean Kingston.

Woogie sold Soulja on releasing mixtapes – free compilations of B-sides, mash-ups, and freestyles.

Suddenly the 19 year-old rapper added a new arsenal to his repertoire. Sure, this facet of his career didn’t involve a coined dance or a million YouTube views – but the Internet certainly played a huge factor.  Over 10,000 people downloaded Soulja’s inaugural mixtape with Woogie… in its first five minutes of availability on the net.

Now Soulja is promoting his second major-label LP, iSouljaBoyTellEm. The music video for the single, “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” is already a smash on web, with over 2.7 million views.

And that’s what you can expect when you see Soulja Boy perform: music fit for dances, dances fit for YouTube, and YouTube antics fit for a live show. Here’s hoping the SCC is fit for all of the above.

GEORGE CLOONEY’S GIRLFRIEND… COME ON DOWN!

You’d think an international movie star like George Clooney would pull in A-list actresses, platinum selling artists… maybe exotic looking models as partners.

Apparently, you’d think incorrectly. Danny Ocean found his last girlfriend in Las Vegas, a cocktail waitress named Sarah Larson. Now it seems Clooney moved on to a semi-professional game show contestant.

TMZ’s Leslie Harris told me that cameras caught Clooney on a date with a woman who’s gone by three different names on four different game shows. Katie, Kate, or Stephanie Moeser appeared on Hollywood Squares, The Price Is Right, Trivial Pursuit, and Don’t Forget The Lyrics – all between 2003 and 2007.

And George thought he was a player…
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Listen to Ralphie Aversa weekdays from 5-10p on 97 BHT.

2.03.2009

Boom, Roasted.

One of my favorite parts of The Office on Super Bowl Sunday (FF to 5:45)...

A Few Of My Favorite Super Bowl Commercials...

The E*Trade Baby has a friend!

Best of the night wasn't funny - but was insightful... props to Pepsi's "Forever Young"

The girl in this is from Mountain Top!

Speaking of Doritos, loved this one, except for the end...

Back to a local flavor - the guy that gets tackled in this is a stunt double from Plains!

Overall, I thought the commericials were OKAY. Bud Light had a couple good ones as well. Very cool that a couple had local people in them.

2.02.2009

Super Bowl Equals Super Calories

Just going to link to a thread from last year about calories found in the most common Super Bowl delicasies.

See you at the gym.

No Shame In Katy's Game

People reports that she said the following to concert-goers in L.A.:

"Girls, if you have ever dated a boy – specifically the lead singer from Gym Class Heroes – don't do it! Boys should have a heart. You know what I mean girls? Boys just want the milk, but they don't want to buy the cow."

Obviously she's just a tad bitter. Pretty tacky that Katy is airing out her grievances on a concert stage, but whatev.

Bruce Introduces Crotch To HD Camera

Seriously, how funny was this last night?

Great performance by Bruce, Steve, Max - and The E Street Band.