"Swell" is the answer.
John Fugelsang, commentator extraordinaire and moderator of "Page Six," Fox's weeknight television version of the popular New York Post column, set a freewheeling conversational ball rolling when he brought words people have used through the generations to denote something cool, sharp, and contemporary.
"Cool" was one of the words, along with swell, neat, hep, groovy, groovy, awesome, rad, and
in a pinch," Fugelsang says, "def."
"Swell" was both a joke and a preference.
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The exchange was triggered by Fugelsang introducing me to a current term, "woke-af," which the urban dictionary defines and being aware are up with the times.
"Woke-af" describes Fugelsang and "Page Six" panelist Bevy Smith, who were at Channel 29, on which "Page Six" begins a new season at 6:30 p.m. tonight. They are denizens of popular culture, keeping tabs on legions of Kardashians, one ill-dressed but apparently endowed Justin Bieber, and gaggles of other designated "A-listers" who attract readers to gossip columns and reality TV shows.
"Page Six" is a bit different from other programs of its ilk, ranging from the raucous joy of exposing celebrity foibles on "TMZ" to the more conventional tones of "Entertainment Tonight." It features wit. Fugelsang is like a modern-day John Charles Daly (of "What's My Line" fame), leading panelists to make comments that seem more journalistically vetted and more sharply to the point than you see on other shows, from, heaven forfend, "Good Morning America's" Lara Spencer, or from any number of sycophantic nerds that shove mikes in stars' wake during pre-award ceremony arrivals.
Smith is Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, Betsy Palmer, Bess Myerson, and Kitty Carlisle rolled up in one.
This pair not only knows the waterfront. They know the length and breadth of it. And on the air or in person, they just how important the news on "Page Six" is and just how silly.
That's what makes them such good company on and off the air. They bring intelligence and sophistication to the tawdry world of gossip.
They know the current slang and current fashions, but they also know politics, the arts, and other subjects. And not just superficially.
Being on "Page Six" is a logical extension of their careers. Fugelsang is a comedian, who did stand-up at Greenwich Village's Duplex before he gained attention and became known for his humor, whether discussing politics or sending out terse tweets on topical issues.
Smith loves fashion and parties and being among the A-listers at major New York events to which only the celebrity crème are invited. Rubbing elbows has kept Bevy worldly. Just as keeping up with an assortment of political and cultural doings provides Fugelsang fuel for lots of outlets, from his comedy routines to the barbs and ripostes he delivers on "Page Six."
Smith shows her shrewdness when she talks about wanting to keep good relationships with the people she covers. She might use what she hears to confirm or refute something another panelist says on "Page Six," but she doesn't use what she hears at parties to denigrate or embarrass folks who are also in her social milieu. She laughs when I comment, "So you're Truman Capote before the book comes out" and finishes the reference by citing Capote's novel, "Answered Prayers."
As she does on "Page Six," Smith constantly proves she isn't on top of today's headlines alone, but also knows her history.
The deep background of Fugelsang and Smith comes out again when they discuss what makes an A-lister and whether a celebrity excites his or her own interest or whether he or she gains it by being followed closely by the press.
Given the air and print time various Kardashians (and Jenners) receive, one has to wonder about the reason for such fascination.
"Some people are famous for just being famous. They know how to promote that. The Kardashians of today are the Gabor sisters of 50 years ago. Few people can name a movie in which they saw Zsa Zsa or Eva Gabor, but they know who they are and have a distinct impression of them."
"The columnists for "Page Six" keep track of the famous and the up-and-coming," Smith says. "A Kardsashian, Beyoncé, or Justin Bieber is already there. They've generated public interest. Others strive to be noted in the same way. They work at getting themselves seen. It's not automatic that one makes 'Page Six,' but, if you're looking to be a celebrity, it's an achievement. It's a certification that you made it to a particular level in popular culture. I love opening the Post and calling someone to say, 'You reached a milestone. You're on 'Page Six.'"
The concept of A-listers and attainment of that status remains confusing in one regard. I ask, "So how about Meryl Streep? She's been a major movie star for 40 years and holds a record for Oscar nominations. (She's even favored on some lists to receive a fourth Oscar for 2017.) Is she not A-list?"
Fugelsang and Smith protest in tandem she definitely is, as A-list as anyone.
"The difference," Fugelsang pipes in, "is Meryl Streep is an artist. She's not only a celebrity but an artist, too."
Smith goes further. She talks about a "cult of personality," a phenomenon that draws people to some celebrities and keeps them interested in them. "Usually, they are people who make an effort to be glamorous or charismatic and who want to be among others who do the same. Meryl Streep speaks out sometimes, but she never aspired to that kind of celebrity."
Interview intertwines with badinage with Fugelsang and Smith in a room. They impress because they get and have the respect you will get any reference. For instance, they laughed when Smith said "culture of personality," and I said, "How Khrushchevian!" (Cold War-era Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev used that term in 1956 to discredit the regime of his predecessor, Josef Stalin. He took it from early 20th century sociological Max Weber.)
The good time I had with Fugelsang and Smith mirrors the fun they provide on "Page Six."
They don't do it alone. Regular panelist also include Carlos Green, who writes for the Post's Page Six and who approaches his gossip beat as an astute and honorable reporter, and Elizabeth Wagmeister, who covers television for Variety. Wagmeister grew up in Calabasas, Calif. and has the advantages of knowing several Kardashians from growing up with them.
Dray Clark returns
Chester native Dray Clark returns to the Philadelphia news market next month as he joins Channel 10 as a weekend anchor and general assignment reporter.
Clark is not the only newcomer at the local NBC outlet. Starting today, Steven Sosna is part of the station's weather – excuse me, meteorology – team. Sosna, born in Sellersville and hailing from Lansdale, also has local ties.
Clark is known to Philadelphia viewers from his five-year stint at Channel 3. He returns to his home region from New York, where he reported for WABC-TV. A true Delaware Countian, Clark earned his bachelor's degree in English from Lincoln University. He has been in broadcasting since 2000, In addition to Philly and New York, he has worked at stations in Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Macon, Ga.
For Channel 10, Clark will acquire anchor duties, working next to another Delco native, Rosemary Connors, on weekend mornings.
Sosna also comes to Philly from New York, where he was a senior weather producer and part-time meteorologist from WNBC-TV. He also worked at some Minnesota television stations. His bachelor's degree is from New Jersey's Kean University and is in Earth Science with a concentration in atmospheric science.
L.A. is cutting back
Understandably, after working every summer for about 45 of his 64 years, Phillies radio announcer Larry Andersen wants some time off in the mild months to enjoy the sunshine and have time with his family.
To that end, Andersen, a reason to listen to Phillies games no matter how the team is faring, has decided to lighten his broadcast booth load in 2018.
Don't worry. He's not abandoning Phillies listeners or mikemate Scott Franzke. He's only working a likely half-time schedule that will have him announcing most home games and taking a few road trips. Constant travel was one reason Andersen gave for making this move, announced by the Phillies last week.
In his statement, Andersen says his decision was not influenced by how well or poorly the Phils are doing on the field. It is strictly a matter of wanting more leisure time in a leisure season.
Word is the Phillies will opt to have guest announcers with play-by-play man Franzke. Several former Phillies have given on-air tryouts of sorts in 2017. Andersen may not be as much replaced as pinch-hit for, a relief pitcher's lot if there ever was one. TV analyst Ben Davis, a Delco native, 1993 shortstop Kevin Stocker, and Penn grad Doug Glanville have been among those at the mike this year and likely to return next season. The Phillies hire their broadcast teams, and Rob Brooks, the team's manager of broadcasting, will make the call about who joins Franzke is the booth.
Andersen earned local popularity during two stints as a Phillies pitcher, all in the bullpen. He was known as a jokester and quipster, traits that traveled with him to his broadcast career.
Among Phillies announcers, Andersen ranks with Rich Ashburn, Harry Kalas, and Byram Saam as one of the best and most loved. He knows baseball and can talk about it with expertise while maintaining a conversational tone. He doesn't hide his opinions about specific plays or moves. He leads fans in criticizing umpires. He is quick and glib and reliable for a funny line or turn of phrase. He and Franzke have a particularly good rapport, Franzke being as arch and as ready to taunt or respond to Andersen as Andersen is a natural talker.
No matter who sits in for Andersen during 2018 away games, the announcer's side comments and excellent game commentary will be missed.
Neal Zoren's television-radio column appears weekly.
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