JoseGrinan's Blog

Comedian, actor and television host Bill Bellamy stopped by our studios Thursday morning for an interview and some laughs. He’s in town for a weekend stint at the Improv.

After a few hearty on-air laughs, I asked him about the recent death of fellow comedian George Carlin. Well, Bill had just returned to the U-S from Jamaica… and was totally unaware of Carlin’s passing. For a moment, he may have even thought I was playing a joke on him. But when he realized I was serious… he got serious, too. He then praised Carlin as a comedic pioneer who was one of the best in the business.

Bellamy will headline the comedy show at the Improv. He’ll be joined by Houston’s own Rene Garcia, a young funny guy from “the northside” who moved to LA to get his comedy career going. He’s returning home for his first gig at the Improv.

Both are excellent comedians. Check ‘em out… if you get a chance.

I've been emceeing their banquets for several years. But this year was the first time I was able to participate in the event that is the hallmark of the Dive Pirates Foundation (divepires.org)... the annual Dive Pirates dive trip. It was not only a lot of fun, but also an eye-opening experience that gave me just a peek into the world of the disabled who challenge themselves to do better.

They came from the Dallas area, Albuquerque, NW, Tucson, AZ, and here in the Houston area. We all travelled to Cayman Brac for a week of "blowing bubbles" and weightlessness or neutral bouyancy underwater. And if you don't know about Dive Pirates... this is what the organization does. With a network of dive instructors and team leaders, military veterans, many with catastrophic injuries, are taught to SCUBA dive. The program is now reaching out to the civilian community, too. Occupational therapists from Memorial Hermann TIRR were also on this dive trip.

Heartfelt Kudos and Love go out to my dear friends Barbara Thompson and Dr. Sophie Wimbery. They shared a vision with other diving instructors... and that vision now brings joy, comraderie, and fun back into the lives of some very special veterans.

My daughter and I are better persons and very blessed to have been a part of this year's dive trip. More pictures are uin my photo album... and there are more to come... 

Can you "BLOW BUBBLES" like the Dive Pirates?

Character actor James Hong and his daughter April were in the FOX 26 studios Thursday for an interview, just a day before the "Kung Fu Panda" is released nationwide. 

And during the interview, James talked about growing up in Minneapolis and did a few impromptu impressions of Jimmy Stewart. Quite impressive, I must say. He says, while growing up there were not many roles for Asians, so he improvised.

Hong and his daughter were in Houston for a Houston premiere of the summer blockbuster movie “Kung Fu Panda.” Hong lends his voice talents to the character of Mr. Ping, owner of a noodle shop who’s also the father of the “Kung Fu Panda.” 

 And speaking of the premiere on Tuesday, close to 200 people showed up at the Edwards Grand Palace to get a sneak peek at the new film. Among them, Houston city councilmember Anne Clutterbuck, who gave the city's official welcome to the Hollywood star.

Houston Film Society critic Nic Nicholson,  and Ashok Rao, executive producer of the film “Before the Rains,” were also on hand for the Houston showing. 

Hong has a great way with crowds. He talked casually with many of his fans, and was easily accessible for them to snap souvenir pictures.

He also uses his celebrity status to help raise money for earthquake victims in China by selling photos of some of the characters he’s played in more than 400 movies.

 We may see more of him and his daughter April in Houston in the coming months. He is currently collaborating with a local producer on a film that would feature local Chinese Television anchorwoman Yi Tian.

So, are you and the kids going to see "Kung Fu Panda?" This big kid did... and I loved it.

Angling for some fun fishing?

Me too! And, instead of heading down to the Galveston area, I found the fishing and fun down in Rockport a few weeks ago. I made a fishing trip there to hang out with some friends and meet some new ones, too. And, I had a blast.

It had been several years since I’d been to the Rockport area. I’m a sucker for a charity fishing tournament. And when the folks at the Cystic Fibrosis Association asked me to emcee their first “Casting for the Cure” fishing tournament, I was honored and accepted the duty for a couple of years. The first year I even won the celebrity division for the largest/longest redfish.

In some ways returning to Rockport was one of the most relaxing times I’ve experienced in a while. There is definitely something to be said about being on or near the water, and being able to see it, and hear it, too. There are roads that hug the shore as you move from one part of town to the other. It’s not a long drive. And if you miss being around water like me, it will recharge your batteries. Day or night!

But we were here to do some fishing. Those of us participating met some of the fishing guides at a cocktail reception at the Rockport Country Club. It was sponsored by several companies representing fishing related technologies. New underwater lights, lubricants for your fishing gear, new lures, organic insect repellant, sunscreens, a new type fishing canoe (if you can call it that) called a flatstalker, and a device to keep you from getting sabbed or poked by a hook were all on display. Links to the products are included below. Check them out!

As for the fishing itself... Unfortunately, a storm rolled in the day before I arrived. And it seemed as though the fish had either gone to deeper water, or they were hiding. So, the fishing was fun. It wasn’t great. But it was fun. I lucked out and was buddied up with some great guys. We all had a great time and shared some gut busting laughter.

Since I work for “Your Gulf Coast Weather Authority” I also wanted to remind the guides that our FOXRAD Stormeseeker Radar provides information online and alerts directly to your cell phone on the weather in your area. Go to www.myfoxhouston.com and go to the weather tab and sign up.

Now, most of the fishes we caught were small. So we threw them all back in, especially the hardheads (saltwater catfish). We hooked a few reds, and a few trout, too. But everything was small. And, when we caught a keeper, none of us wanted to go back to our hotel with it. So, they too went back in the water.

I want to commend, compliment, and thank Captains Rany Filla, of Fill A Bite Guide Service, and George Rose, of No Fish? No Pay! I was impressed by both of them. They were informative about the area and they tried their darndest to find the big fishes for us. But on those two days it was not to be. However, I have to say there have been times I’ve been here and as soon as a baited hook hit the water… you were ready to reel in a catch. So, being the eternal optimist I say there’s always another weekend.

The City of Rockport has some quaint and comfortable restaurants. And you really don’t have to dress up.

There’s the Boiling Pot, sort of a rustic type seafood restaurant where your feast is served on the table… without a plate.

It may sound strange to some of you. But it is a great way to enjoy all of the fixins in an outdoor setting with a whole bunch of friends. Just so you know, they serve the rest of the menu on plates or bowls.

The chefs at the Rockport Country Club get raves reviews for the spread they set up for the , sponsors, the captains and their fishermen.

Another restaurant overlooking some boat docks is Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare The food and service were good. And there’s a new boutique across the street. I can’t remember the name, but it’s a popular spot for ladies looking for something special… whether it’s a bathing suit or a new pair of sandals.

Just up the road, you can walk the docks where commercial fishermen tie-up their boats. It’s right outside of a state park that is shaped like a small peninsula surrounded by wetlands, bird sanctuaries, beaches, with a covered pavilion that is used for special events. You can bird watch from the shore or you can take an official bird watching tour… that might include an alligator sighting or two.

And just up the road from the park is a small 10 block area of curio and specialty shops. Just park the car and take a stroll. You’re bound to find something you’ll want to take home with you. 

In addition to the nautical related activities, a number of festivals and art shows are held there annually. 

More photos at: http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.asp
x?aid=33469&un=JoseGrinan

Here are the links to sponsors’ products.

www.luresafetywrap.com , www.flatstalker.com , www.fishinglights.com , www.smartshield.com , www.foreverlast.com , www.fillabite.com , www.corrosionx.com , www.texascoastfishing.com , www.mcsaltwatertackle.com  

Here are the links to the City of Rockport and the Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce.

http://www.cityofrockport.com/

http://www.rockport-fulton.org/

Safe Boating and Big Catches!

And, tell me if you've ever been to the Rockport area?

Dishing out Dollars for Culinary Excellence

Close to a 150 restaurateurs, food suppliers, and folks who represented restaurant related services and products, gathered in the main ballroom at the Houstonian Tuesday night to induct the incoming president of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association. I served as the emcee for the event.

This year’s new president is Ricardo Molina of Molina’s Restaurants. Congratulations! Molina succeeds Carl Walker of Brennan’s Restaurant, who’s been at the helm of the organization for the past two years.

Normally, these restaurant owners would be dishing out scrumptious plates of food. But on this night they were dishing out dollars to two young men, who have shown promise as future restaurateurs.  Both have demonstrated a passion for the industry and others noticed. Now, the two are being rewarded for their efforts with the Hospitality & Culinary Arts Scholarship. They both received $5,000 dollar scholarships to further perfect their culinary skills and business acumen.

Gabriel Gomez is a student at HCC with a GPA of 3.4. He donates most of his time to Navidad en el Barrio, which helps less fortunate children. He’d like to become the Executive chef at his own restaurant by age 35.

And, Jeff Jenkins is currently a student at the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, and plans to become a chef, owner, operator and investor in restaurants.

Reliant has underwritten this annual event for more than half a dozen years. It’s President and CEO, Mark Jacobs was the night’s guest speaker.

(l-r) Mark Jacobs, Reliant, Ricardo Molina, incoming GHRA president, Carl Walker, outgoing GHRA president, and Carmelo Mauro, Texas Restaurant Association president.

Among the guests offering congratulations and words of wisdom to the scholarship recipients was Rosemary Garbett, founder of Los Tios Mexican Rstaurants.

 The GHRA has been in existence since 1949. And among its membership are many, if not most, of Houston’s fine dining restaurants.

Throughout the year, in addition to running their restaurants, members raise money for charitable causes and to cover the costs of the annual scholarships.

Now, what word would you use to describe a very good meal?

Yummy?

Scrumptious?

Delectable?

Tasty?

Lip smackin’? (but only for barbecue and Cajun food)

Delicious?

Sabroso?

Exquisite?

If these don’t work for you, what’s your word to describe a very good meal?

Wow! What a Career Day at Austin Park Elementary School in Sugar Land.

School counselor Mary Prine, with the help of FOX 26 and others, combined visible careers, a mascot, some football players and cheerleaders and came up with a Career Day program that was beyond the imagination of all of the students and teachers.

Hundreds of students, from kindergarten to 5th grade were packed inside the school’s cafeteria, where the program was held. And you could feel the excitement in the air.

Patti Shieh, photographer Jim Dunham, and I, talked about our careers in broadcast journalism.  Several police officers talked about their jobs. And, a Harris County judge also talked about his job on the bench. 

We all gave informative and interesting presentations. But I’m so glad we went first.

When the Rough Riders (indoor area football team) mascot, players and cheerleaders entered the cafeteria, the kids went wild with excitement. And that was something reporters, police officers and judges just couldn’t do. But it was a great way to keep the kids interested and combine education with some fun.

Following the program, other professionals in various fields visited individual classrooms and gave presentations about their careers.

Thank you to all of the presenters. Thank you to the students and staff at Austin Parkway Elementary School. And, Thank You Mary Prine. 

I think Career Days are very important to a child's development. Do you? Or, is it a waste of good classroom time? Let me know...

More photos at:  http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.as
px?aid=22485&un=JoseGrinan

Wednesday night, I saw a gas station marquee that shocked me. In plain view for all to see, on the NE corner at Beltway and Memorial Drive the sign read $4.07. I know there are other cities experiencing higher prices. But I was shocked to see 4 dollar plus gas in the Bayou City.

We usually tell you where the cheapest gas can be found. But I'd like to know if you have seen 4 dollar plus gas in our area? If so, where?

The FOX station in Atlanta did a story about about a newly created Obama T-Shirt and a protest that came about after the T-shirt was seen publicly.

The creator of the T-shirt thought it resembled Obama. I  disagree and personally take offense to the characterization because a similar incident or comparison was made about me nearly 15 years ago. Did I think it was racist? Yes! But one can rise above these types of insulting and degrading images about Black men that come from people who think its funny or just an excercise in free speech.

Watch the story and decide for yourself.

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/myfox/pages/ContentDeta
il?contentId=6534254

Or, just let me know how you feel about the picture. Is it funny, foolish or free speech?

60th Anniversary Reception

Dozens and dozens of Israeli flags draped downward from the ceiling as the perfect backdrop marking the celebration of the 60th Anniversary the State of Israel.

More than 400 guests attended this celebration that was sponsored by the Israeli Consulate in Houston, with the honorable Consul Gen. Asher Yarden and his wife Tamar serving as the night’s host and hostess.

A number of local Israeli and Jewish businessmen and women were among the invitees, as well as many others from throughout the Houston area. They all noshed on Israeli “finger foods” and sipped (if you dared to) some authentic Israeli wine.

Israeli folk music filled the air during the brief time I spent at the reception, which was held on an upper floor of the Westin Galleria Hotel.

As I made my way through the crowd, I could eavesdrop on groups of people having a conversation and hear some of them talk about politics, others talked about religion, others recounted their first visit to Israel, and some were telling stories about living in Israel and playing a small part in the creation of their homeland.

Security was tight for the reception, which is standard operating procedure for any official consular event. All guests had to pass through a metal detector. And, there was a visible contingent of plainclothes security officers and local police downstairs and upstairs. Thank goodness they were not needed. And it is comforting to know they are nearby.

Israel’s 60th Anniversary was celebrated here in the Houston area and in countless communities around the world.

Shalom! Happy Anniversary! And, Zai-Gazundt!

more photos in my albums  http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.asp
x?aid=33464&un=JoseGrinan

T-I-E FEATURES LESSONS OF SUCCESS

A SURVIVOR OF THE DOT- COM BUST DURING THE 1990'S WAS THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE MOST RECENT BANQUET OF THE HOUSTON CHAPTER OF T-I-E, "THE INDUS ENTREPRENEURS." RAJ LAKHANPAL FOUNDED THE WEBSITE HEALTHAtoZ IN THE MID 90'S. HE EVENTUALLY SOLD IT TO UNITED HEALTHCARE FOR WHAT WAS TERMED "GAZILLIONS OF DOLLARS."

Pictured above... Mark Sullivan, Continental Airlines, RaJ Lakhanpal,founder of HealthAtoZ, Sanjay Rao, Southwest Shipyard, and Nevelle Ravji, Tara Energy.

LAKHANPAL SHARED HIS STORY... AND HIS SECRETS FOR SUCCESS WITH THE NEARLY 200 LOCAL BUSINESSMEN AND WOMEN FROM THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN THE HOUSTON AREA.

T-I-E, ALSO KNOWN AS TALENT IDEAS AND ENTERPRISE HOSTED THE EVENT AT THE PETROLEUM CLUB, WHICH OFFERS ONE OF THE BEST NIGHT-TIME VIEWS OF THE CITY. T-I-E IS A NETWORKING ORGANIZATION THAT FOSTERS ENTREPRENEURSHIP. IT HAS MORE THAN 13-THOUSAND MEMBERS IN 11 COUNTRIES AROUND THE GLOBE.

MORE PICTURES IN MY PHOTO ALBUMS...  http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.asp
x?aid=33461&un=JoseGrinan

World reknowned heart Surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley, former US Secretary of State James Baker, their wives, philanthropist Lynn Wyatt, and many others showed up at "The Reef" restaurant on a recent Sunday night for the annual Escape Celebrity fundraiser.

 The event benefits  the Escape Family Resource Center in Houston, which assists families in crisis over abuse. It also provides counseling services for families at risk . In past years, The fundraiser has been held at the Benihana's on Westheimer. But this year, renovations and or remodeling allowed us to enjoy the ambiance (and a little food, too) offered by the "Reef." (But I'm anxiously waiting to see what the "new" Benihana will look like, too.)

At Benihana we (the so-called celebrities) served as Celebrity Chefs. On this night we would be Celebrity waiters.

And, excuse the pun... our ranks were "stellar"... and literally "out of this world." There were two Apollo era astronauts, at least one former professional football player, and a host of on-air personalities from a number of radio and television stations in the Houston area.

Now, we didn't have to serve the entire meal. The "REAL" waitstaff did that. But we were responsible for keeping the water and tea glasses full, making sure everone's wine glass was at a certain level, we ran to the bar for any mixed drinks our tables wanted, and we tried our darndest to entice attendees to donate generously and bid "high" on some of the "live" auction items.

The theme for this year's benefit was along the line of ...Cool Caribbean. And we were encouraged to sort of dress for the part. So, I dusted off the Panama Hat and wound up taking a picture with Dr. Cooley and Sec. Baker.   

The fundraiser was a lot of FUN... and I was honored to be in the orbit (even temporarily) of some of the people who have helped mold and make the city of Houston what it is.

I hope our efforts as "waiters" helped fill the coffers at Escape. Thanks for letting me be a part of such an outstanding event.

Do I have a GREAT JOB, or what?

Wow! Another great morning on the AM News.

DVD #1

Actress and talk show hostess Rikki Lake talked with us "Live" via satellite about her new book about childbirth and the options women have... hospitals, birthing rooms, midwives, and having baby at home. Its supposed to be a great documentary for expectant moms... and those dads who want to be there at the moment of birth. Its titled "The Business of Being Born."

CD

Clay Aiken from American Idol celebrity a few years ago also talked with Sibila and me "LIVE" from New York about his skyrocketing career and his new CD that hits stores today. Its titled " On My Way Here." And, its in stores TODAY!

DVD #2

The Best of Loco Comedy Jam Volume 1 was also released on FOX morning news with producer and Latino comedian Mike Robles in the studio to talk about it. Mike is on the DVD with George Lopez and a host of other Latino funny men. I'm told there are also some cute and hialrious moments backstage that could not be aired on regular TV... but they are included in the DVD. It also goes on sale TODAY!

Details are here now.

The check presentation was the morning's initial high point for an annual event that usually raises several hundred thousand dollars.

Randy Tabor, Star of Hope's executive director says, "donations for non-profits are way down. And Star of Hope is feeling it, too. The money raised will go a long way to maintain services and possibly expand programs for men and families that are in crisis."

The other high point was the actual fashion show. Television, radio and print journalists and personalities, some management types, and some real professional models took to the runway to "strut our stuff" in some great fashions... both casual and business wear.

More Pictures at... 

http://community.myfoxhouston.com/photos/ViewAlbum.a
spx?aid=33338&un=JoseGrinan

San Antonio native (the guy in the center) Mike Robles says, he's on a mission... a mission to spread and popularize "Urban comedy with a Latino flair, or Latino comedy with an Urban flair." He's had the calling for some time... but he was given a bit of a spiritual boost after a chance meeting with author and motivational speaker Depak Chopra. Now, "Loco Comedy Jam" and Mike Robles are listed on Chopra's website. And Mike is super-excited about Tuesday's nationwide release ( on FOX 26 Morning News) of his new DVD the "Best of Loco Comedy Jam."  

As a producer/comedian he won an Emmy Award for "Video Mix Con Mike Robles." He's been involved with "The Original Latin Kings of Comedy," all of the "Loco Comedy Jam" DVDs and comedy concerts, including one here in Houston last year. That night in the Verizon Theater was groundbreaking for Latino/Urban (or vice versas) comedy in the Bayou City.  It featured 6 really funny comics in one venue: one White, two African-American, and three Latinos. 

Tommy Davidson( of "In Living Color" fame) Mike Robles, Chris Reid (from "Kid and Play" fame), Darren Carter, Joey Medina, and Houstonian Rene Garcia are the comedians who had outstanding on-stage performances that kept the audience in stitches for hours. Rene Garcia, whom I think is very talented, was performing for the first time in Houston. His mother was in the front row... and had never seen the act he performs in LA and on the road. For him... a little embarrassing... but she loved his performance. And so did his son, who was also there that night. 

The humor that night was very Urban and has been described as "cutting edge ethnic humor." I'm sure some of the language would disturb some of you. However, I thought it was funny, along with a few thousand more who were there that night.

Does Urban cutting edge comedy bother you? Why? Why not?

The Veteran's Project that's been undertaken by U of H communications students has been extended, possibly giving additional students in the department the opportunity to videotape the stories of many more veterans in the Houston area. These stories and others from around the country will then be preserved in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Under the guidance of Army veteran Allen Grundy, the university's Veterans Affairs office has worked with Cong. Nick Lampson's office and amassed dozens if not hundreds of stories that some veterans have never shared before.

Last Friday, I was involved in a taping as a Viet Nam Era veteran. The other veterans covered the time from WW2 until the present.

 Some veterans tell stories of being in actual ground combat. Others tell stories of submarine duty and flying a bomber that was shot down over enemy territory, losing dozens of friends in the crash, being taken prisoner, and the escape before being shipped to a POW camp in Germany during WW2. There are also stories of discrimination in the Armed Forces. The stories are funny, sad, and poignant. And all have a patriotic thread to them.  (pictures are in my photo albums)

To these brave men and women, I say Thank You for sharing your stories. But most of all Thank You for your Service. 

Do you know a veteran who hasn't told his story?