Mike Cullity

Chatting with Craig T. Nelson

Last week I got a taste of Hollywood when I interviewed veteran actor Craig T. Nelson. Best known for his role as college football coach Hayden Fox on the 1990s ABC sitcom "Coach," Nelson is back in the TV spotlight, playing family patriarch Zeek Braverman on the NBC Tuesday night drama "Parenthood." And his latest film, "The Company Men," opens on Friday. 

In the movie, Nelson plays the CEO of a company battered by the nation's economic woes. The film chronicles the travails of three of the firm's employees - played by Oscar winners Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones - after they become victims of corporate downsizing.

I got in touch with Nelson as part of an upcoming golf article I'm working on - he's an avid 7-handicapper - and he offered insight on his current projects during our phone interview. His comments appear in an article I wrote for the TV, Arts & Entertainment section of the Dec. 5 New Hampshire Sunday News.

Colorful Kaprielian a recession casualty

I was saddened to read yesterday that the recession has taken yet another casualty, wacky weatherman Al Kaprielian. For 26 years, Kaprielian has been a staple on MyTV, a Derry, N.H., cable station formerly known as WNDS (Channel 50). Kaprielian's job, along with those of five other employees, will be eliminated come year's end.

Kaprielian carved out a following with his squeaky "Good eeeeevening!" greeting and perpetual enthusiasm. He was far from polished, but he won over viewers with his quirky but earnest manner. He was also active in the community, often speaking about meteorology at local schools. A few years into his career, in fact, he spoke to my junior-high class. 

Though some dismissed him as a goofball, Kaprielian brought color to the airwaves and will be missed. Here's hoping he lands on his feet.