This is an initial experimental page for the accumulation of the stories told by CBS retirees, as Tony Cucurullo has been collecting them since the middle of July. In the future, it is planned that stories will be grouped by the date received, and we will try to develop a centralized name index so viewers can go directly to material concerning any individual on the list who grabs their attention.
This page is a collection of everything that was broadcast by Tony on July 30 and 31, the last broadcast to the mailing list. This is the format Adrian Ettlinger initially adopted.
This was edited by Adrian Ettlinger, and my apologies for the many question marks, but I don't know everybody. In the future the material can be expected to be better organized with the names of the authors identified. I have deleted 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 July 31, 2000
Received July 30, 2000
Received July 31, 2000:
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From Harold Deppe:
Reading Mail from You in the last few Days a Question I would like to ask is
Who in Telecine told a Studio He was the Telecine Coordinater And received Time off with out Pay?
Which Technician was called Scoop?
What were Pulse Lights?
What and where was the Monoscope Located?
Who was Known as the Colonel?
Who was Head Man at Studio 72?
Who made the first Zoom Lens?
Studio 72 ? Its Greek to Me
I don't know. Harold better supply the answers. Or we will send him to film salvage.
Tony
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From Tony Cucurullo(?)
Talk about a colorful character, Roy Jackson fills the bill ideally. Many stories abound about Roy, but this one comes to mind readily. It seems Roy, who walked and talked like Stephen Fetchit to give the impression that he was a slow witted individual. "Oh mon aim" what a mistake that was too make. For OLE Roy was as astute at making OT moola as any of the sharp scheduling scanners were.
Roy gathered enough money to buy a prime piece of corner real estate in suburban Westchester He was cutting the lawn of this sumptuous property when a Cadillac driven by some dowager lady from the area stopped to ask him a question. "How much do you charge for cutting lawns ?" Roy, looked quizzically at the lady, scratched his head and answered, " Nothing, the lady of the house lets me sleep with her, now and then"
Roy was a pain in the ass, but he was our pain. He lent true color to CBS. For those (there might one or two) that didn't know that Roy was Afro/American. More succinctly he was NAACP black
.
Tony C
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Subj: More old friends
Date: 07/31/2000 3:16:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Andy ?
To: Tonycucu
Tony, Love the old timer stories. If you have a few on some non technical people such as Mary Durante, Lonnie shoeshine and Ruby the nurse I would love to hear them.Regards Andy
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From Lee ?
LynnLeeR1: Just got your zip file.. Thanks...You cannot imagine how much pleasure you have added to my cyber life. The computer is keeping my history at CBS fresh in my memory. The boys all look a little rounder and grayer, but the smiles are still there. Best regards Lee
Tonycucu: Thanks. It's response such as yours that makes the work a pleasure
.
Regards Tony
LynnLeeR1: HAVE A NICE DAY AND G-D BLESS YA-ALL
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Date: 07/31/2000 4:58:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: ArnolKn
To: Tonycucu
Tony:
Didn't realize you worked in 'ole 43.
Wonder if you were there when Feldman and Andy Mac the Canadian were there?
Feldman thought he was great with the girls and I had just been given some special telephone numbers. One was a continuous ring and the otherr a busy signal.
So had whoever was switching give him the message that cthis gal would be at one of the two numbers, After a few hours of calling he called the CBS op complaaining that there must be something with his phone because all he gets is a continuous ring and a busy signal on this important call. When he told her the numbers she laughed and told him his leg was being pulled. Al was quiet the rest of tthe night.
Andy was a nervous type and one night I went into 43 with a paper bag filled with air and sniffed at the console and asked Andy if he smelled something burning. As he got over the console to sniff I hit the bag and boy did he jump.
Liccione's on going tease of Al Pierce was always good for a laugh and Jerry only did it to entertain visitors.
I was interrupted a moment ago by a caller from Australia but it ended before it began.
My XYL was amazed that we got paid with some of the nonsense that went on.
73
Arny
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From: (donald stessin)
dear tonye
how come you haven't told any stories about the famous
DON STESSIN WHO LIVES IN SCOTTSDALE WITH HOWIE & VIDA PURNICK YOUR CBS BUDDY DON
ANSWER:( from Tony 'The besieged)
Why are you living with Howie and Vida? Don't you have a home of your own?
As for Howie Purnick, you should know better than to reveal where they are
.
They left NY under the Witness protection program. And another thing my Don was not named Buddy it was Enrico. And furthermore Vida is an under cover (or under the covers) agent for the Massad. But your story will be told when the truth about Telecine is completed by Ike Cohen. Who's book will be released soon, the title is, 'Born again Jews' printed by the El Fatah press.
Thank you for your inquiry
Tony C (Howie who?
Received July 30, 2000:
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From Tony C. in answer to questons posed at the bottom of page
THE CORRECT ANSWERS ARE
(1) Peck, Hupka, Kallard
(2) Charles Grenier
(3) Joe DiGiovanna
(4) Aura Nichols Sound Effects Dept
(5) The color blind tech. Was Vince Bartillucci
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From Teddy ?
Tony,
If someone is receiving unwanted email from you, they should just simply delete it if they object to receiving it. If they don't know how to do that, then they are too stupid to be using the web!
Keep those stories and info coming! I''ve talked to many CBS'ers and they all have nothing but praise for all of you efforts.
I think you'll enjoy the attachment to this message.
Regards,
Teddy
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From Vinny Castrataro
Tony
Don't stop the open forum,its fun ,it brings back memories, it keeps you in touch,and it is harmless.
Delete the names of those who requested to be removed and take the liberty of editing future stories (names ,locations,events
etc.) that may in your opinion offend anyone.
By the way I had lunch with Ted Perzetsky, Johnny MacManus, Fred Schutz, and Dwight Temple. Chico Claudio was supposed to attend, but wasn't feeling that well. We reminisced about CBS, But our main topic of conversation was who was to get custody of Ted Perzetsky while Chico was under the weather ,I lost so for the next few weeks ,Ted has been temporarily adopted by me.
Regards
Vinny Castrataro
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From: Arny King
To: Tonycucu
Tony:
There's always one in a crowd and that one shouldn't cause you to quit doing what is apparently bringing so much joy to so many others.
The mention of Irv and Sid brought back many memories of long ago.
Apparently Doris Reardon whose work I enjoy reading but do not know is not fully recovered and I join with all the others in wishing her well.
I live in a retirement village and see nothing but canes, walkers and the like. A few days a gal here whose husband is in the hospital with 11 doctors in attendance asked me how come I was so well.
My reply of not going to doctors and using color therapy elicited no response and she has not spoken to me since! That's the way life goes. And, after all these years of paying and never using Medicare I finally cancelled it and now have 40 bucks more for me. Life is sweet.
Best Wishes
Arny King
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From Phyllis Holst
To: Tonycucu
Dear Tony,
Just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading all the retirees' reflections. There were so many names I recognize. I particularly laughed at the references to Hans (who, as you may or may not know, is my brother-in-law). I know that Freddy would have gotten a kick out of all the memories and could have added many of his own.
I'm hoping that before too long I'll be able to bring myself to attend one of the luncheons. Right now, it would still be too painful. Meanwhile, I will be praying for Doris - she is one spectacular gal - and I thank you for including me in your "grapevine."
Sincerely, Phyllis Holst
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From Lee ?
To: Tonycucu
Edit your mailing list. Why deprive the rest of our fraternity from the joy of fond memories.... Lee
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From Sig ?
Dear Tony:
I do not have the e-mail address of Phylis Holst. Hans, (her brother-in-law) doesn't have a computer and doesn't know it. It must be listed under her travel agency. Would greatly appreciate it if you would e-mail it to me. The support for you to continue the great job you have been doing seems to be very heavy. Pleeeze consider continuing... Best regards........ Si
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From Al Sabin
Dear Tony, I swam with the sharks and survived, suffered many nibbles but no mortal bites. Don't let them get to you now. Keep swimming, we'll protect you. Regards from the West, Al Sabin
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From Patricia Berridge
Hi Tony, I am writing this from a CBS wife's point of view And have to say that you guys had the best jobs regardless of what you did. I loved saying my husband worked for CBS. You guys made it #1. You worked hard together and formed a close family. Not enough Emmy's were passed out to all of you. But the fond memories are unreplaceable. My husband, Bill Berridge (Red) and I talk about the great friends and funny gags they played on each other. I know, because they played many on me. Here's a list of of fellas we must all remember at one time. A special prayer goes out to them.
Pete Reed, Ed Donovan,Geo. Nader, Jim Murphy, Pat Finn, Dick Douglas, Hal Baily, Red McSpaden, Charlie Lyons, Charlie Giriard, Walter Pile, Roy Jackson, Frank Florio, Vern Serphlis, Al Bressan. Bob Hammer. There should be a CBS Memorial for all of you. Where would TV be without you? There are many others but Red needs more time to think about it.
See you at the luncheon. Red & Pati Berridge
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From: Alfred L. Consiglio
Hi Again Tony,
Glad to see all the responses to your decision to quit the chats. I agree with them all If you continue to do all the work required to keep it going, you're a better man than I. If you do continue you will of course be obligated to delete all names that are requested and also delete all references to those parties, for your own safety and peace. Which of course would be more work for you.
Good luck on whatever decision you make. Regards Al C.
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From: Sig Meyers
Dear Tony;
Thank you for your letter and the e-mail address. I don't know who this disgruntled CBSer is and I really don't care. In every group one finds some ass---- that is negative and always wants to stir the pot and create dissension in the ranks. You and I know all about patriotism. I recently had to straighten out one of my daughters about WWII and how everyone responded to the call to defend this great country of ours. The new generations just doesn't get it and it upsets me something awful. I get so worked up when I see our Flag desecrated.This happened recently here in Miami with the demonstrations by some of the
Cubans. Here, they wave Cuban flags so much that I cannot tell if the newpix on TV are coming from Havana or Miami. The WWII armed forces guy are passing on at the rate of 1000 per month!! I have recently contacted one of the local colleges
that has been advertising for WWII vets to come in and have their war experiences recorded for a permanent record. I think that it is a great idea. The coming generations should not forget that the freedoms that they enjoy is because of hundreds of thousands of men and women of our generation who responded to the call and did what they had to do. Keep in good health...
Best... Sig Meyers
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From Elliot Gordon)
But also a few tears---
I can't decipher the exchange you had with some recalcitrant brother but for my part you're the greatest secretary anyone ever had. Wish I could reciprocate with some memories but as always I'll just be a bystander.
Best wishes,
Elliot G.
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From Jorge Moran
I was delighted to see how you cared to put a chat line and bring back memories from the old days. Then I was a bit shocked with the amount of messages I got every day! But as a good maintenance person that I still am, I found a way to correct the problem: Those that I didn't recognize, I hit the delete button. If fixes the problem in 2 seconds, maybe you should inform
everyone of this solution for those who don't know. Like everything in life some people are boring, but most of the guys have been great and I hate to see your chat line disappear. My suggestion to you: Use the delete on those address that don't want to see it and continue the good work. Being that its new everyone is jumping in, but in a couple of months guys will run out of
stories and it should slow down.
Was glad to hear that my old coworker, Gail Di is doing well on the West Coast; hi, if you are reading.
Myself I'm planning to retire next year and move to Sun City Hilton Head, SC, its a great place. Anyone from CBS living there or planning to move there?
Jorge Moran
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From Harold Deppe
Tony
.
I enjoy all the info You are sending us But in the real world you cant please everyone so
Why not have Two Forums. One that you have been doing and a new one a Question and Answer. On odd Days the one you have been doing and the even Days Questions and Answers There are many Questions out there that us Ex C.B.S.Old Guys would like answered. So if a Question is asked some one might have the answer Like What was the Equipment like in 1945 compared to today or why did Jerry Martin shave off his Mustache And does Bob Daily remember who he gave Tickets so His Daughter could see Elvis Presley at the Ed Sullivan Theater way back when ? and what happend to Hom Young ?
Best Regards Harold Deppe
.
P.S If You dont like the Show CLick the Remote .
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From ?
THOSE THAT HAVE SHOWN UTTER DISREGARD FOR STORIES THAT YOU HAVE TOLD WERE AND NEVER WILL BE IN THE MAIN STREAM. THESE ARE THE SAME INDIVIDUALS WHO SWORE THEY VOTED
AGAINST THE CONTRACT AS WE WALKED THE LINES. THE SAME INDIVIDUALS WHO NEVER WOULD SHOW THE INITIATIVE TO MAKE A FINAL RESULT BETTER. THEY ARE STILL VIEWING LIFE IN BLACK
AND WHITE. KEEP THE TIDBITS COMING ANTHONY, I FOR ONE AM STILL ALIVE AND APPRECIATE THE VALIDITY AND HUMOR FROM THE PROFESSIONALS I WORKED WITH FOR 35 YEARS.
THANKS STRUNZ
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From Tom Cook
29/7/00
Tony
Don't shut down the open forum because of the few complaints. These people can just be taken off the list, can't they? I would think most enjoy the memories. It's not about turning the clock back or excessive nostalgia, just a kind of digitalised class reunion and a chance to catch up on how some people we knew (or didn't know that well, but depended upon in our jobs) are
doing and what they thought about a shared experience at CBS.
Tom Cook
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From Bruno ?
TONY I GOT THE PICTURES. BUT THATS ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE MICROSOFT WORD. ANYONE THAT DOESNT HAVE THAT WILL NOT GET THE PICS I BELIEVE. LET ME KNOW IF I AM CORRECT. I AM
HAVING TROUBLE TRYING TO SEND PIX A DIFFERENT WAY. mY SCANNER WIL SEND IT DIRECT TO EMAIL BUT WHEN THEY GET IT THEY CANT OPEN IT FOR SOME STRANGE REASON. IF YOU HAVE
SURE FIRE WAY TO SEND PIX LET ME KNOW. THANKS BRUNO
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From Arny King
Tony:
Download was successful but disappointing! Was expecting to see George and me in our younger days!
That reminds me of a funny bit with my mother. People used to remark how well she looked for her age so she added a few and looked even better.
73
Arny
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From: ?
Now don't copy this and put it in the next e-mail....Just enjoy it for a bit. I feel like Hedda Hopper and the other boys & girls need to have a chance to type.....
I didn't make it to George's wake or ever see what George Jr. wrote. Truly touching. Great picture of George with all those trophies. I am going to assume he went to Heaven wearing RED SOCKS.
A quick note about another late, great cameraman, Frank "Red" McSpadden. One day while in the NFL Today studio the subject of Emmy's came up on the headsets. Red told of the time his wife called a plumber to the house. The plumber saw Red's statues on the mantle and asked, "Who's the Bowler?"
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From: Harve Gilman
Remember Tony you owe nobody an explanation. You are agood person(not so great card Player) But that dosn't count Keep it up,( in all ways) Harve Gilman
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From Harve Gilman
I think you can't please everybody, But I have never heard from so many of the older guys as I have since you started doing this. The ones that don't want it only have to ask that their names be deleted, or erase them without opening them. Keep it alive I for one really enjoy it Harve Gilman. PS I was in on the phantom videotape era. I brought it over to VT from Sports net in
1966. I was actually my reel but that's not for publication. There was no porno on it . It was strictly out takes from many shows. Nothing illegal.
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From: Andy ?
No,No,Tony, Put me on your special mailing list. I need the jokes and imput or I feel I lose contact with the outside world. Please reconsider. Please discriminate with the list. Thanx Andy
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From Wiliam L Murtough
Hi Tony,
I am happy to hear that you are going to continue. Altjough a great many of my people have gone to that big master control room in the sky, there are many still around. Due to the fact that I had a lengthy career in broadcasting before CBS I had many wonderful friends in the business, both technical and otherwise. I see a lot of them at various old time radio conventions in Los Angeles, Newark, and Seattle. One of the joys of broadcasting. In radio days we were close to talent, musicians, agency people, and so forth and made many life long friends in all facets. It's like a big family. I cherish it very much. Therefore I enjoy all the postings. Keep them coming.
I made an error in the pomade story. Herb made it from lard and lampblack and packaged it in a cold creme jar. I assume that he had removed the labels.
Did you guys know that CBS sound effects man, Bob Mott, has written a book on Sound Effects which is selling quite well. I usually see him at old time radio conventions. Still looks as young as ever. After considerable prodding I am into the third chapter of my book. I am up to 1936.
The next convention will be at the Airport Holiday Inn near Newark airport. It should be the last weekend in October. Come and see what your forefathers look like. You would be amazed at how many of them are still around. We all have a great time! I will post the details when I get them.
Keep up the good work, Tony. It's a dirty job but somebody has to do it.
Bill Murtough
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From Fred C. Harman
Tony
I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed the mail. I often have to laugh at some of the things that happened in the departments that I was in over the 29 + years that I was there. Several of us thought of writing some of this down. I'm glad you did.This forum was and I hope is a great thing to get all of those great moments down on paper that we all shared. It would make a great book
It also brings back a lot of memories of the good people we worked with all of those years.
Fred
The Home of Red Ryder & Little Beaver
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From ?
Harold Deppe posses an interesting question. "Why not ask questions." OK!
That sounds as if it has some merit. For instance; let's ask the first question for this week.
Who, was first in ANYTHING? Such as, who invented the 45 rpm. ( I know who it is, former Audio Dept. maint. Supervisor at CBS).
You tell me your story and we will all share some CBS history.
(1) What three cameramen all on the same News Show are authors of books?
(2) What radio audio Eng. that later became a television TD and claims to have recorded the famous Benny Goodman Concert at Carnegie Hall?
(3) Who is the first technician to become a senior vice-president
(4) Who was the first woman technician?
(5) Which color blind technician made most of the cables in the construction shop?
GET THE IDEA?
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