This is the page for accumulation of current messages from retirees. The most recent will be at the top, so you can visit here daily to see the latest. Until we settle down, the style might vary from day to day, as it was started by Adrian Ettlinger and then continued by Les Burkhardt.

We are deleting E-mail addresses in the interest of privacy. All CBS retirees who view these pages should have a copy of Les Burkhardt's list for lookup of E-mail addresses.

Received Aug. 14, 2000
Received Aug. 13, 2000
Received Aug. 12, 2000
Received Aug. 11, 2000
Received Aug. 10, 2000
Received Aug. 9, 2000
Received Aug. 8, 2000
Received Aug. 7, 2000
Received Aug. 6, 2000
Received Aug. 5, 2000
Received Aug. 4, 2000
Received Aug. 2, 2000

Received Aug. 15, 2000:

From Fred Schutz   8/15/2000

Found another name for picture #3, Its Ray Savignano sitting between Charlie G. and Mary D.

From Tony Cucurullo  8/15/2000

Les you have been on more than week. Unless that is what you really look like now. My GOD Florida destroyed a once handsome guy and made him an albino. And where are the other photos (singles) that I cropped for you.

Note: Take a look at the update of this weeks sketch.  It's one of the 3 cropped photos that I received.  Ergo, you should be able to ID the person.

From Harold Deppe  8/15/2000

Hi Tony.
There may be some Technicians who would like to know what the Equipment at Grand Central Studios was like (not us old Timers but new at CBS.) As I would enjoy knowing The Equipment in use at the Production Center as of Today or are we too old to care?.
Where are the Maintenance Men Of back then? All I read about are Production People.
Pulse Lights. Light Source for 35mm Projectors Triggered by Vertical Sync. Telop Machine. Used for Paper Titles and Photos in Telecine. First Vidicon Film Chain 35-8 Film Cameras it replaced were Iconoscope Chains. Monoscope was the C.BS. Test Pattern in Master Control was on Air until Programming Started.
Video Tape Started with 2 Ampex 1000 Tape Recorders on the 2nd Floor Grand Central next to T.V.R.in 1956 or 57.With Joe Geiger at the Controls.  Later on Video Tape Became a big Operation with many Recorders on the 6 th or
7th Floor.In Grand Central .
Tony. What happend to Joe Cook ?
Best Regards...Harold Deppe...Equipment Center...1973...New York
P.S.  Tony. Do You think its Time to go back to the Big Apple? You think Virgina is Slow!!  You should see Tucson, Arizona....Its so Dry, the Trees are waiting for a Dog.

From Les Burkhardt  8/15/2000

I must write about persons at CBS who I feel were very instrumental in my garnering knowledge about the process of TV Broadcast.  I must note here that I was a field engineer working on Process Control Computers before I was employed by CBS.  I had no broadcast experience.

Deane Moore…Manager of Air Control initiated me in the manner by which information was put into the computers for on air switching.

Adrian Ettlinger…Shared his knowledge about the computer software that was used to do the on air switching.

Dick Fallek….Taught me about the print system used at CBS

Joe Strano and Irwin Solow…. co-workers in Control Maintenance, each was equally knowledgeable about the control system and how it all tied together.   Joe had the knowledge and ability to go further but hated paper work.

Al Charters…Shared information about the video system.

Ernie Lowe…Shared the information about the audio system.

Leo Kuranucki and Russ Gainor…My mentors about the PC rooms.

Frank Florio….The man everyone seemed to have learned from, shared the studio technical information.

Fred Schutz……Just for being Fred

Bob Zagoren…Was director of Tech Service who pushed me to do what he felt I was capable of doing

Doug Hennessey…also pushed me to do better.

Granted there were others and I thank you all, for your technical expertise, sounding board existence and friendship.  I watch the names sent in by you and it evokes memories of the pride and work ethic that helped produce quality technical presentations for the viewing audience.   Some of the other names that always will be remembered are Hy Badler, Bob Hammer, Jim Martens, Charlie Auletto, Fred Harman, Bert Grady, Neil Curtis, Cliff Rice, Tony Tobia and all of my card-playing adversaries.  You may not see your name here, but you are not forgotten.  It is just that the doors to your portion of my memory vault open more slowly than others.  I only hope that I, in return, was able to give you some modicum of information or memory that will last through the years. 

Les Burkhardt….Central Tech Maintenance…..1992…..New York

Received Aug. 14, 2000:

From Harold Deppe    8/13/2000

Received Aug. 12, 2000:

From Tony Cucurullo  8/11/2000

    Do you remember the first time I wrote it was to talk about those that have gone before us, but mostly to reflect on those that are still around. We have touched on quite a few characters so far. I am glad if these memories spiked some thoughts in you. However, I haven't heard as much as I thought would come back to me.  Deppe, responded when a flood gate opened in his memory bank, and he reported to us about people that I didn't remember. I do now remember Hom Young. Whose brother Henry Wey, was Chief Engineer at WNYC-TV, Channel 31. I was the Supervisor of Television Operations, along with Sal Leiteri. This was in the years 1961-1963. I remember setting up the Worlds Fair, in Flushing Meadows. I negotiated and received from RCA most of the equipment for our TV studio, gratis.
    I remember when Pope John Paul XX111, visited the Yankee Stadium. I was the TV liaison for all the networks. And, I enjoyed telling Lou Scanna, (Field Engineer, for CBS) get in line, for permits. I was issuing them to all. I just wanted to break his chops a little. I had complete authority from Mayor Wagner.   I knew, that when I came back to CBS after the lay-offs were over he would kick-ass. But, I love Lou, because he is a losing horse-player , just like me.
    Speaking about Mayor Wagner. One of my jobs was to prepare the budget for he coming fiscal year. I stood before the 'City Council', with my prepared budget. I told them what we needed. Mayor Wagner, said, "can you explain the real need for the TV station, the radio station is one of the finest in the City of New York." "Sir, let me read a brief letter from one of our viewers, she, writes; I use channel 31 as a night light in my children's bedroom, and since you have been putting on television shows, the flickering is keeping my children awake."  Needless to say, they didn't put up a fight when I said I was going back to CBS.

    I figure if you don't know Michael DeIeso, then you must be from NBC. I didn't write about him because he takes the word character to the nth degree.     Mike is made up of several parts. Vociferous, clandestine, deceptive, cunning, clever, military genius, artistic, great cook, musician, and generous (to a fault). I would have to write a book about him to put every facet into perspective. You could love him and want to strangle him in the same breath. But, you will never be bored being around Mike DeIeso.
    As a negotiator for the union he brought a STYLE to the table that is comical, perceptive, and deadly……….to the company. He and Mr. Jim Sirmons,…I feel, they  want to continue negotiating until they die at the table, in a face off. They compliment each other although they are perfect opposites.
    Mr. Sirmons ever the consumate gentleman, and Mike the rambunctious, union dilettante. The perfect, 'Odd Couple', Mike playing, Oscar Madison to Sirmons Felix Unger.
    If you challenge Michael, you had better be right. Or have the SEALS,  backing you. He loves the interplay between groups. He is a master Machiavellian. He turns a sumptuous dinner, into a union debate forum. He actually is practicing his next move on those present.
    I must add now. That I don't know any other individual that could bear to carry his cross in life with as much aplomb as he has.
    I have a great brother, but if I needed another one, I would choose Michael DeIeso.
Tony C.

From Barbara Blaskiewicz  8/11/2000

Don't know if you know that Steve has been very sick. He was so pleased to get the updated list. I don't know if he will be able to send E-Mails but I'm sure he would love to hear from his old friends

From Tony Cucurullo  8/11/2000

Les, the pix are Ok. I sent some individual shots. I have the feeling that a lot of people do not have the ability to access the WEB. What do think? We certainly are trying. I wish others would write some thing about their former coworkers. Come on Les, you can write. And Adrian, is the only one of us that doesn't have to use spell check.I am running out of pix.
Reply to Tony Cucurullo:  I think that I have about 15 pix left from a 1995 luncheon.  How do we get a candle lit under their collective behinds?  We have tried telling them that this is their site and is driven by their input.  I will endeavor to create something that can be posted and was just about to ask you information re and old cameraman whose picture I have and couldn't remember his name. Then a memory door opened up and the name returned.  John Lincoln,  another
one of "The Best".  Will get that photo in the next posting to Adrian.   I know that there are photos out there, Please send them to me as a JPEG attachment to email.

From Tony Cucurullo   8/12/2000

DearFriends
    Every field of endeavors has its inventors, pioneers, and developers. CBS was not shortchanged in that area. You could almost go down the company telephone list and pick out a handful of people that were NOT contributors in some way or another. Through the portals of CBS entered a plethora of gifted personnel. Each complimenting one another to produce a prime quality product called broadcasting. From the days of yore, when Radio was king to the advent
of Television. CBS was the leader, innovator, and imaginative, creative organization in the industry. It attained that status from the dedications of the multi-talented staff of men and women. Yet inside that cadre of talent there stands out several over-achievers. There isn't an Edison, or a Bell, but there is certainly some that standout in this cornucopia of talent. John
Triesner has to be one of these. He would make anyone's list of great contributors to a budding industry. He inspired others to emulate him. They will stand in mute testimony to his contributions. John cast a long shadow of accomplishments in CBS. To work with him was as one that could harvest from an over abundant field. He was a gadget man, a conscientious worker. I'll bet John is already working on the squeak in the Pearly Gate. I am sure he will be DX'ing from where ever he alights.
John Triesner just an R C H above the rest.

From Gayle DePoli  8/12/2000

I am in Miami now packing furiously so that I can go back to CT on Monday morning...then off to OZ.  I am very excited...but have so much to do in the meantime.  Thank you so much for you kind offer of collect calls.  But I have armed myself with CHEAP MCI worldcom cards from Costco...so there will be no need to call collect.  I'm tired just thinking about all of the work. 
I wrote to Les...the website looks great.  What a labor of love.  I will be sending some pictures....the one from Gorsuch's wedding is a classic....and all the brothers in their tuxedos!!
If I get anymore good jokes...I'll pass them along too.  Boy I may love Joe Lieberman and he is my hometown boy...but the Jew in the White House jokes are too damned funny. 
Ciao for now.
Gayle

From Cal Marotta  8/12/2000

WARNING: TELL EVERYONE!!!!
A local man was found murdered in his home over the weekend.  Detectives at the scene found the man face down in his bath tub.  The tub had been filled with milk and corn flakes, and the deceased had a banana protruding from his buttocks.  Police suspect a cereal killer.
Reply from Tony Cucurullo: Send this person to film Salvage

From Phyllis Holst  8/9/2000

I have a fond memory of the Duffys.  In the late ''70's, Freddy and I and George and Irene Klimcsak, Harry and Alice Krim, Dan and Myrt Acker, and Tom and Catherine Duffy went on a Caribbean cruise.  We all had such a wonderful
time. 
Tom Duffy was such a gentle man and Catherine was a delight.  Their deaths were such a tragedy. 

From Arnold King  8/10/2000

Tony:
For your column.  Anyone using psychotronics or color therapy?  Anyone with knowledge of cone-sight?
Suggestion for Web Sight: When time comes for changing picture format I suggest it be: "How we look
today."
73  Arny King
Could only recognize Dwight Temple  and Charlie D'Onofrio.

From Fred Schutz  8/11/2000

Hi Tony

In reply to Harold Deppe's  "Where Are They"  ?....
I'm sorry to report that..Nat Degutz,BenAckerman,Hal Warner and Milt Hass have passed on...
The following are alive and well..Bob Brown lives in NJ and is still working..John Waszak has retired and lives in Ct.
Paul Buda is still working in the Button Factory.

From Bill Naeder Sr.   8/11/2000

Les:
    Can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy the web page. Enjoyed looking at the pictures. In photo group # 3 the young lady sitting next to Harold Classen is Lisa Viscup. She was the field shop secretary for many years and was one of the best. I don't remember her maided name. She married a tech from local news who I think is now the president of Local 1212.  Again Thanks for all you have done to make the web site such a success.

Received Aug. 10, 2000:

Interjection from Adrian: The message below is the tail end of a string of communications among Les, Tony and myself, the remainder of which I decided not to post on the website because it's mostly a lot of long-winded discussion about how we do the website, precipitated by Les telling us that, in particular, the flood of photos from Tony was taking up more of his time than he'd bargained for. As Les points out, this is not just happening, and is taking up a certain amount of time from Les and myself, as well as Tony. We're expecting and hoping that once we get the techniques all ironed out, it'll go more smoothly and efficiently. The rate at which we add photos will have to held down, although I see Les has fed me quite a few to ba added today.

Les Burkhardt to Tony Cucurullo 8/9/2000

Nice, Les. I don't know who it is but it should stimulate some interest. Good work so far..
Tony C
Note from Adrian: Tony, there was a discrepancy between you and Freddie re #9, Tony Landry vs. Dick Locke. Freddie happened to phone me, and I asked him about it. Freddie tells me there was a resemblance between the two, but his memory is that Dick never had gotten to any of the lunches, also that Dick passed away sometime in the early 80's, to his recollection. I'd also thought that looked like Tony -- in fact, I'd met Tony the first day I went to work for CBS in April 1948 when Tony was a Tech in the Engineering Dept. Lab. I saw Tony at a recent luncheon and had a nice reunion. I'd recalled that Tony had once been a motorcycle cop in Westchester County. I mentioned that to him, and he showed me a couple of photos he still carries in his wallet of him and his motorcycle from those days -- probably in the 30's.

Received Aug. 8, 2000:

From Fred Schutz 8/8/2000

From Fred Schutz  8/7/2000

On Sat, 5 Aug 2000 16:38:19 -0600 "Fred C. Harman" <fharman@Pagosa.net>
writes:
 Hello Fred,  I can get the information off of the web site.
 Fred
 Any one named Fred are great people.
 The Home of Red Ryder & Little Beaver
 http://www.HarmanArtMuseum.com

hi fred
you're the first one to reply to les's message...you get one atta-boy--hi you're absolutely correct about people named "fred" wanted to relay your web site to les for the web page if he doesn't have it
i left you a message on your web site last week,when i visited it...
many thanks

From Barry Follett   8/7/2000

The basic reason for this message is to tell you  (Fred Schutz) that I will not be at the upcoming  luncheon.  To soften the sense of sorrow and  disappointment you must be feeling because of this anouncement, I will pass along the following poem ( which I found to be semi-jolly).

FOR ALLTHE COMPUTER ILLITERATES:
(Author unknown....I got it as a "forward".)

Dr. Seuss Explains Why Computors Sometimes Crash:
       If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a Port,
       and the bus is interrupted at the very last resort,
       and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort,
       then the socket packet pocket has a error to report!
        
       If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,
       And the double clicking icon puts your window in the trash,
       and your data is corrupted cause the the index doesn't hash,
       Then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash.

        If the label on the cable on the table at your house,
        says the network is connected to the button on your mouse,
        but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol,
         that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall,

        and your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss,
        so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse,
         the you may as well reboot and go out with a bang,
         'Cuz sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang !

        When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk,
         and the macrocode instructions cause unnecessary risk,
         then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM.
         Quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!

Sorry about that.   Barry Follett

From Gayle Depoli   8/7/2000

Audio????  Then how the heck did Fosso get in there???  Not for
nothin'......these guys look better now than when they were working.  I think
I better quit and stop the aging process now while I have a fighting chance.

Ed note:  apparently some of the people are still receiving email of photos before before I receive them for editing to put on the site.  But, be patient and the pictures will eventually get there.  I think that I have it all figured out.

From Harold Deppe  8/7/2000

Hi Tony.
Joe Janovsky asked how did we get Hooked up with a Bunch of Railroaders?
Could it be a carry over from Grand Central Station? In those days If you said I Work at Grand Central They thought you were an Engineer on the Railroad. What ever happend to Don Hastings ?
Best Regards Harold.
PS Where is Jim Paterson?

From Tony Cucurullo 8/7/2000

The WEB site is great. The photos are being put in. Use this site enjoy it and CONTRIBUTE to it. Come on, let's have some fun! Tony C ps Andy Gatto get the names of those still working to Les.
elburkey@cyberstreet.com
I will now be sending the photos to Les directly. ciao

From Adrian Ettlinger  8/7/2000

Hi Guys,

    The Photo Gallery section on the website is now open.

    We have a backlog of the three photos sent out on Sunday, which I need to get retransmitted to me from Les, as I lost my copies of them through some mishap.

    Freddie, thanks for finishing up the history.  I'll await Les's processing of it to put it on the site.

Best regards,  ---------------Adrian

From Fred Schutz   8/7/2000

hi tony
harold asked about jim paterson
jim is alive and well .i had lunch with him recently he is  living in merrick li..
he does not have e mail
no idear about harold hasting..
freddie s

From Fred Schutz again

tony

pictures look great  i sent this morning the history of the association  to les  about 3 pages long..did a lot of digging...i hope i didn't leave anyone out  but i'm
sure if i did i'll hear about it
...it should be up on the web..hopefully tues.mor..
remenber 1,000 atta-boys = 1 ar-shit........................
lots of fun...hi......
keep up the good work...
freddie s

Received Aug. 6, 2000:

From Joe Janovsky  8/6/2000

Hi Tony,
Since you have become the heir-apparent keeper of the archives, you
might be interested in some old lists of Technical Operations Personnel
that I have in my possession.  I have Lists from 1958 and 1959 and one
date unknown, that contain those old names of fellows that were around
then (in the good old days).  Please let me know if you are interested,
and I will make copies and send them on to you.
73 de JJJ

From Harve Gilman 8/6/2000

Gee Tony so many faces have changed Please name the gentlemen it's hard to
remember Harve   Note: Harve, that is what is commonly known as a senior moment.

From Sig Meyer 8/6/200

Can not seem to get to the web site www.rrhistorical-2.com/retcbs on any
of the ten search engines I have on my computer.  What am I doing
wrong???

Reply to Sig  from Les Burkhardt 8/6/2000

click start
click run
type the site address in the open box www.rrhistorical-2.com/retcbs
click ok

when you are at a web site
click on the address box
type in the site address www.rrhistorical-2.com/retcbs
click go

both of these should take you to the web site.

From Tony Cucurullo 8/6/2000

    Being relaxed in such a highly intensive business is an indication of a
real pro. Some of the lads seemed to excel at relaxing. I don't know if it
was because they were so proficient at their jobs or they had some physical
deficiency.
    Leon Schiff could relax through a hand grenade attack on Studio 43. When
he did audio and the producer Little Fred Stolmack  asked him to raise the
control room sound level he would open the pot with the force of Stillsen
wrench. Your hair would stand straight back. On occasion, when doing the Late
Late Show. He would nod off.  Just before leaving he would deliberately wow
the turntable so that his folks at home knew he was leaving soon. He was a
loveable OLE rascal.
    Another relaxed person has to be George Naeder.  At negotiations or at an
International Convention he was always on the alert, although it appeared
that he was nodding off. An incident comes to mind. Local 1212 was in
attendance at an International Convention, being held in Toronto, Canada. The
President John Barry was presiding, I was at one of the microphones about the
convention floor trying to get his attention to make a point for our local.
He kept ignoring me. The reason being that there was a signal you had to make
in order to be recognized. I didn't know this and we were about to finish on
this particular subject. George seized the opportunity and came to the
microphone just as they shut it off. Well in that big Booming voice of his he
got the attention of the entire floor. Turns to me and says, "go-ahead Tony, 
President Barry wants to hear you now,..right Jack". Not many people could
call President John Barry, Jack. George was so respected by the
International. When President Barry and his staff were invited to the Augusta
National Golf course by Mr. Jim Sirmonns Senior VP, he was met by bought
union and company functionaries. His first words were, "where is George
Naeder?" Well a contingent of golf carts carrying all of these people went
out to George's camera position. John Barry alights from the cart crosses
under the restraining tape and goes to George and they hug one another.
George points out that the huge tree that was some yards in front of his
camera position was just a sapling when he first started doing The Masters.
    One quick story about George. When he retired he participated in a
theatre production of 'West Side Story'. My wife, Paula and I went to see
perform as, 'Officer  Krupke'. Most enjoyable. I know most of you realize
that CTN means, Count The Naeders.
    Back to the original point to this story about relaxed technicians. "The
hands down winner has to be John Kemp."
    When John was up on the boom he could rack out the arm and before he got
it fully extended he was snoring. While he was snoring he was dreaming about
taking a nap. Side note. I never saw John not dressed in a business suit and
shirt and tie. He was a perfect gentleman.
Received Aug. 5, 2000:

From Joe Janovsky   8/5/2000

Hi Tony,
The web site is all very nice, but how did we get hooked up with a bunch of railroaders?  It doesn't really matter to me one way or the other, but it is a hell of a way to run a railroad, or a TV network, for that matter.
Hi, Hi, & 73 de JJJ
Inserted reply from Adrian:- A reasonable question, Joe. It's my fault. But it's saving us money. I started doing websites about three years ago in connection with my hobby interest in railroad history, and learned the ropes from having a site on rrhistorical.com, run by a fellow out in Chicago by the name of Dan Dawdy, who "retails" sites at a very reasonable rate. Most of his clients are railroad-related, but not all, and he'll sell a site to anyone, except for porn. I've found Dan to be a great guy to work with, very conscientious and very helpful when you have a question or a problem. So we're getting very good, personalized service and at a lower price than if we went with a large service provider.

From Romeo Quaranta 8/5/2000

I've tried getting to you but can't seem to get through. What have you against foreign born Italians?

One of the real old story tellers from the south Mr. Billy Bell from Chattanooeeee, Tenn.

Not Chattanooga,  as the rest in the U.S. would pronounce it. If you could spare me a
few minutes of your time, as Billy would say "HOLLER AT ME" Best regards the little old wine maker.   Romeo 

From Tony Cucurullo  8/5/2000

www.rrhistorical-2.com

    Above you see the address for the WEB SITE.
I am sending two pictures each day until the WEBMASTERS (Adrian Ettlinger, and Les Burkhardt) have decided whether it is proper to print pictures of some of you.
 They have done a great job so far. NO DOUBT, in my mind they will make this web site, on par, or better than most.
    We should be able to keep those memories of the days of yore coming. It doesn't matter if they aren't literally, technically, or grammatically and absolutely CORRECT. It is only important that we remember some of the parts .
If these stories create a flash or fleeting thought, or an essence of joy, then they have served you  to pause from all the geriatric, or unpleasant mystery pain moments that we  all seem to feel now in our post CBS time.
    Listen to me, I married a Scots/Irish Sicilian, (this is my penance) and a Pisces' to boot. I have to be  precise in all details or it doesn't make sense to her. She feels some of you don't like it if I embellish a story with folklore, or I am not absolutely correct in every detail. I hope that position isn't true. Because not only am I having fun doing this, but I feel
if we can poke some fun at ourselves every once in-a-while it should help relieve the weight of all of our self imposed pomposity.(In other words, "GET A LIFE")
 Another important thing for me to remember is to never go to sleep with both eyes closed. Not with my Paula.
    Last time,…… "if you feel though that you don't want your name or your picture used on my list or on the WEB PAGE,… PLEASE let me know. We seriously wish, ONLY too please you." Have a good day, and a healthy one

From William & Patricia Berridge 8/5/2000

Aug 2 was our 53rd Wedding Anniversary and I decided to read our E-Mail  before we were to meet our daughter for lunch.  The only names missing from the last luncheon was ours.  It was strange but we went on our way to meet our daughter.  On the way we were involved in a very bad accident.  Five cars were involved.  Five persons went to the hospital.  Thank the Lord we were the last car hit and walked away with no injuries and minor damage to our car.    Being omitted from the luncheon list at first hurt but being omitted permanently would have been worse.  Will be so glad to see everyone Sept. 13 and if we have big smiles on our faces, you will know why.

Pati & Red

From Lee Levy  8/5/2000

GREAT PICTURE OF THE BALD EAGLE AND GENTLEMAN CHARLIE DNOFRIO

From Tony Cucurullo to Lee Levy  8/5/2000

To:    LynnLeeR1
 
 great! I need more like you.
  I understand that You live in FLA. There seems to be enough people there to
start a lucheon group, thimk about it
 tony >>

From Nick Giordano  8/5/2000

TONY IT'S GREAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING YOUR WEB SITE IS NOW ON MY DESK TOP SO I
CAN CLICK YOU ON ANYTIME
I WAS WITH CBS 37 YEARS AND CAN RELATE TO MOST OF THE STORIES  THANKS AGAIN
FOR ALL THE WORK YOU ARTE DOING
NICHOLAS GIORDANO

From Bill Murtaugh  8/5/2000

Roy Jackson was a colorful character. A great sense of humor. When I split up with my ex-wife I moved in the early sixties I moved into an apartment complex on Riverdale Ave. In the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Roy and his wife (a schoolteacher) moved into an expensive high rise next to my place. He then bought a nice home on Riverdale Ave. near
the Yonkers line. That is where the incident took place. (he told me the story) But first another story. His new apartment had a fine swimming pool. Jay Saffron lived also on Riverdale nearby. While the three of us were in a conversation Jay asked if he could swim in Roy's pool.  Roy said that Jay couldn't but I could come over anytime. The inference was
that it was because Jay was Jewish. Now to the incident. Roy had purchased an expensive sports car, a Porsche or Jaguar,  from Joe Schwartz. He had it parked in front of his house while mowing his lawn. Some guy stopped to admire it and thought Roy was an employee. He asked whether the owner of the sports car treated Roy well. That's when Roy replied in the affirmative adding that he let him sleep with his wife.

Another incident occurred  in Washington. It was one of the early space shots. We were set up in an absent senators office in the Capital. Our newly appointed  engineer-in-charge was Art Jensen. The shot was postponed time after time. One of the Capital police, a southerner, was in constant attendance. Roy started telling the story about the time he
and the other guys were driving the mobile units back from a remote, probably the Masters. Roy got hungry so they stopped at a roadside diner somewhere in the Carolinas at a drive in. When Roy started to enter he was told to go around to the back door. That was when the trouble started. All three(?) of the drivers were arrested and hauled off to
jail. That's where the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" tale began. His description was along the lines of "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The dim light bulb in the jail cell. Their escape through the swamps, with the hound dogs lapping at their heels, the whole bit. The Capital cop was all but rolling on the floor he was laughing so hard. I never knew the real story.

Another incident with Roy. One night during the late news sportscaster Frank Gifford expressed his desire to go to a Harlem bar so Roy accommodated him. Casey Caughy(?) asked to join them. Shortly Casey  fell asleep on the bar. Roy was basking in the glory of having Frank as his guest. Suddenly Casey came out of his stupor and in a loud voice yelled
"where'd all the niggers come from?". The three of them made a hasty exit!

I also used to free lance on horse races with Casey. A different Casey. Always on time. He was one of the many valued friends at CBS. Wonder what ever happened to him.

BILL MURTOUGH

From Gayle Depoli  8/5/2000

In a message dated 8/5/00 12:05:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Tonycucu writes:

<<  Another important thing for me to remember is to never go to sleep with both eyes closed. Not with my Paula. >>

Now I remember where I heard the expression.....I knew it was in the lounge...but maybe from your mouth.  "when you sleep with a Sicilian woman you sleep with one eye open and a knife under the pillow".  Being the fine Italian Princess that I am....I can understand that thought perfectly.

Gayle

From Les Burkhardt  8/5/2000

Please this is a web site for you and about you, the driving mechanism is  you sending in comments and articles.  Don't be bashful, surely there is someone or some incident that is unforgettable in your memory.  In my early days at CBS before I became an employee, the 2 persons that I was most closely associated with were Dean Moore and Adrian Ettlinger.  In my most humble opinion, I feel that Adrian was one of the most knowledgeable persons that I had met.   Adrian was the driving force who was able to put this site together.  As a suggestion, don't use only upper case, that is recognized as shouting.  Spell check your article.

Received Aug 4, 2000: From Harold Deppe:

Subj:   Where are They?

Milton Hass .T .V.R                Paul Budder.                Joe Cavalone.                    Nat De Gutz
Joe Cook                               Art Greiner .of C B S Radio Mike Ribbon Fame.
Harry Charles.                        Frank Fink                    Joe Pontorno                     Bob Brown
John Waszak                          Ben Ackerman              Hal Warner                       Joe Geiger

P.S. Nice Web Page
Regards Harold.

From Tony Cucurullo:

Tiffany Network Name

    I have been asked when I coined the phrase; 'Tiffany Network'. Download the picture of the 1212 News. I also hung the sobriquet, "The Barracuda of Wall Street" on Larry Tisch. The Wall Street Journal, picked it up and used many times.
    Least you forget, he destroyed the company as we knew it.  Mr. Paley had the formula of success for the growth of CBS. It was the greatest Radio and Television network in the world. He gathered the very best talent; actors writers, producers, directors, and blended them with the top technical people that were just as creative and inventive.  Along came the barracuda, and he slashed indiscriminately. Losing all those great money making divisions that dropped us to the level of just another broadcast business.
CBS will rise again. Just by the dint of the spirit engendered by all of you retired employees. That spirit is imbued into the hallowed halls of the plant, and will roam like the myth of the Valkyie. In the pantheon of great businesses, CBS was and will be again the very best.

Received Aug. 2, 2000:
--------------------------------------
From Harold Deppe:

Tony . Your change to Txt Is like going from Black and White T.V. to Color .But We will make it.
Man Against Crime was not St 72 it was St 42 Grand Central St 72 was the Color Studio
On Broadway First Big Film in Color Was Wizard Of Oz .Live Shows were Cinderella and The Big Record . and later on The Verdict is Yours In Black and White Director was Byron Paul.Where Is Byron ? Gone Hollywood? Where is Hugo Ripp He could tell you
Much more About C.B.S. Does anyone know Where Frank Fink Is ? I think He was Video Man on Man Against Crime Show Danger came from same Studio St 42.
Is Jim Paterson out there Another Great Guy Speak Up Time is Too short
Regards Harold
-----------------------------------------------------
From: ?
Dear Tony;

Having spent a lot of time on Gil Miller's crew, the story about timing his 5's made me smile. Hadn't thought about them for years. I had a brand new Sieko Chronograph and remember showing Gil that his 5's were about 4 1/2 minutes.. He told me in no uncertain terms that we time the 5's on HIS watch.... He was a good guy and a very good td.>>

Re: your new type.. Unfortunately, I cannot print out the messages to forward to Hans.. Even setting my printer on horizontal does not cover all of the text....

--------------------------------------------------------
From Harold Deppe:
Tony .
Do you think Photos of the way we look Today would work or would the Lenses crack?
We could have Guys sending in Photos of Themselves It would great to see the Guys again .But the Problem is only the good looking Guys would send Photos .
Regards Harold
P.S If I become a Bore please let me know . Just trying to Join in with the Group
P.S Where is Ed Ring of Master Control Grand Central Arny King might know.
-----------------------------------------------------------
From: Arny King

Tony:

Am I the only one who failed?

And, what if the dissidents suddenly undertook to duplicate your activities?

Most in the Signal Corps detachment I was in were recruits.

A previous service {PS} came back from Panama City one afternoon. He'd been visiting his gal "Skinny Marie". In the Tropics you fall asleep quickly in the afternoon and Perce was gone when his head touched the pillow.

Someone noticed he had kicked the sheets off exposing nipples and an erection.

Just as quickly these parts were coated with mercurichrome while we sat back and awaited his awakening. When it came there was great flurry of activity while Perce wrapped himself in a sheet and dashed to the shower.

You could feel his relief when he heard our laughter....he knew he didn't have whatever he thought he had!

73

Arny
---------------------------------------------------
From Bob Wilson:

Tony

My memory, which is not too reliable these days, prompts me to elaborate on "Man against Crime".

Man Against Crime originated from Grand Central Studio 42 beginning in either "49 0r "50. I was the TD. We were called assistant supervisors in those days. Buell Taylor was Audio, Jim Taylor was the record man, Frank Fink and Bob Dehart were video, and two of the cameramen were Howard Hayes and Lee Tannen. I can't recall the other. Paul Nickles directed. The show aired weekly about 7:30 or 8Pm.

Bellamy would leave immediately after the show as he was appearing on Broadway at the time. I did the show for about six months, and was so bad they promoted me out. I was replaced by Vern Gamble who took over my crew.

You are right about Bellamy being a great actor. We did the show live in an nine hour day, there were scheduled meal periods in those days and I cannot remember any overtime.

The show was agency produced, sponsored by Camel Cigarettes, and we were given two packs of Camels by the producer.

Regards

Bob Wilson
--------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mel Waldman

Hi Tony, I don't know if you would remember me.. I worked at cbs for 30 yrs.. I retired in august, 1995.. I just wanted to know when, and where the next luncheon wil be.. E-mail me back and let me know.. It's good reading those stories you are e-mailing..
Mel Waldman
---------------------------------------------------------------
From Tony Cucurullo
Today's character tale

There comes to mind that several CBS'ers are very religious. Almost to the point of being pious. I am not referring to the generally decent men that were ample about the company, and from all denominations.
The short list would have to include, Bob Hupka, who incidentally is the person that the Vatican contacted and had him arrange the lighting and music selection for the Pieta, when it was on display at the last World's Fair in NY.
Bob, published a book on the Pieta. He is the only photographer to photograph the rear of the statue. Having been given permission by the Vatican to do so.
One of the interesting facts about the statue of Mary and Jesus is, if your were to stand Jesus upright he would be eight feet tall. Michaelangelo created the illusion for aesthetic effect. Also the nail holes are prominent at the back of the feet. You can see these pictures in Bob's book.
Another that would fill the bill as very religious is, the dear heart and good soul of Lou Dennis. He donates much of his time to the magnificent church on 10th Ave and 60th. St., St. Pauls.
The Video tape room, the bastion of curses and prayers has a former seminary student. The delightful Jerry Liccione. Jerry could always be found easily around the room. One only had to follow the smell of the ever present pipe in his mouth.
It seems Jerry had this dream to return to the home of his ethnic heritage in Naples Italy. He dreamed of sitting at a table in an outdoor café. And watching the fishermen bring in their daily catch. He always talked about this dream. Well it came to pass. There was Jerry just as he imagined, sitting relaxing and enjoying the scene of the fishermen, docking. He was so enthralled with this view, that he shouted out to them with much gusto, "Ave piscatore"("hello fishermen"), they replied " hello shit head". Clear English.
-------------------------------------------
From Tony Cucurullo (?)
'Man Against Crime' was a CBS, LIVE drama, that originated out of Studio 72. It starred, Ralph Bellamy, as a private eye detective. Hal Warner was the TD. I am not sure of the crew composition, but I remember this scene....
Bellamy is about to enter his office, when he notices a body lying ostensibly dead on the floor. He does the perfunctory examination, then opens the door to his office crosses and sits at his desk. Camera 2 carries him past he body to his desk. Camera 3 positions to take the cross shot when the body now realizes that his scene is complete, rises and walks away from the set. But, the camera catches him in the move, Bellamy, who is now talking to the police on the phone, and telling them about the body in the hall, sees what has happened and being the great actor that he was delivers this line, "the body just rose, I guess he will die someplace else."
BLACKOUT

Vignettes from my memory:
Gil Miller, long time TD on one of the soaps in the studios on 26th St.
Used to drive his crew nuts with his accurate five minute breaks. "How accurate you say?" Well the Rubidium Atom at CBS was off slightly to Gil's five.
He would admonish the crew with, "Laddies, when ya take afave, en ya walk away frome the set, ya walk back on yourr own time. I do no have you walk back after the five is oop.(that's as close as I can come to a Scottish accent in print, forgive me Gil)

Rich Brender was born without an ass, plain and simple. This caused him much consternation at times. His pants had nothing to hold them up.
At the Belmont Stakes he was asked to run in the trough that runs between the fence and the track to place a microphone. When he went to bend over to connect the cable, you guessed it, He mooned 60 thousand fans.
BLACKOUT

Al Kozak, was in a men's room while on a five minute break. When in walks the star of the show that he working on. It was Boris Karloff, the great movie actor of Frankenstein fame. Mr. Karloff took the next urinal to Al. Al, discreetly sneaked a peek over to Karloff (as most men will do only they wont admit to it, yes I do) Well Al finishes his business and leaves. He goes back to the studio and tells his story about Karloff, and says to all, "and they call him a monster" . Boris was standing right behind him and broke out laughing.
BLACKOUT

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