From the Inside Out

Brad and Jen. Ben and JLo. Jessica and Nick. We’ve seen lots of celebrity couples split up during the last few years, but none have affected me as much as this one. I was really disappointed, sad even, when it happened.

Normally, these separations last forever. You seldom see two big names reconcile after parting, but it finally happened. The announcement came yesterday. Two “greats” are joining forces, re-embarking on a once thriving relationship. Apple and NBC have worked out their differences — they are together again. Okay, I know what you are thinking. Apple and NBC are not a celebrity couple, but they are two really big names (dare I say “celebrities”) within the technology and entertainment industries. With that in mind, I think the intro is fitting.

Anyway, the two companies parted last year after disagreements about the pricing structure on iTunes. Some reports stated NBC sought control over the pricing, wanting to charge up to $4.99 per episode. Before the fight, NBC (including its family of networks like Bravo, USA, and SciFi) was the number one supplier of iTunes digital media.

I was really hacked when they pulled out of iTunes. When I’m traveling, I like to download a few episodes to watch on the plane. After NBC left, I couldn’t access some of my favorite shows. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it was annoying.

I’m happy to report that it’s all over now. NBC shows are available again on iTunes. They are even extending a few “welcome back” perks to customers. For a limited time, you can download some of the most popular NBC (and peacock network) shows for FREE. Yes, that’s right — absolutely FREE.

If you are an iTunes user, you can head over there now and let the downloading begin. If you aren’t an iTunes user, it’s easy to become one. Simply download and install the free software, then click on the iTunes store. Once there, click on the NBC banner at the top to download the free episodes.

Yesterday was our last day in New York. We got up early for a tour of the NBC studios at Rockefeller Center. No pictures were allowed. NBC claims that everything in the building is under copyright. Okay…yeah…sure.

Anyway, it was a fun tour. We got to see the MSNBC studios during a live broadcast, and we visited the NBC Nightly News set. For me, the highlight of the tour was the Saturday Night Live studio. SNL isn’t taping during the summer, so the studio was temporarily being used for other purposes. However, you could still view the three SNL stages: (1) where musical guests perform, (2) the main stage where the opening monologue happens, and (3) a staging area for the more complicated or “messy” sketches.

After the SNL set tour, the group was ushered into a sound stage that looked like a newsroom. They asked for volunteers. I raised my hand and got to conduct the weather report for a fake newscast. Reading the teleprompter while trying to watch the monitor (which shows a flipped image) was difficult, but fun. I now have more respect for the weathermen — haha!

Following the NBC tour, we went to the “top of the Rock” to get a glimpse of New York city from 70 stories up. The top of the Rockefeller building gives you glorious 360 degree views of the city. It was gorgeous up there.

New York skyline and Empire State Building

Central Park

Gary pinching the top of the Empire State Building

Rockefeller Plaza Area

After leaving the Rockefeller Center area, we grabbed a late lunch at one of the local cafes, walked around Times Square and headed to the airport. It was a great day and a fun trip.   New pictures are available in the “photos” section of the blog.

On Monday, I was back at work. Gary had the day off so of course I was jealous. I really wished I could take another day off, but work is crazy right now. Two days of vacation was all I could take.

Anyway, I made it through the day without losing my “vacation aura”, then headed to the first rehearsal for SNL. I’m really happy with our cast and sketches for the show this year. I think it’s going to be great! Mark your calendars — October 3 and 4. You don’t want to miss it!