January 7, 2008

Hi Answers Zance-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your interviewee interviewer and story swapper.

This week's episode of Yahoo! Answers on the Street is our last one of the run.  That means that after today, I'll be hitting the streets in a whole new way --looking for a job.  "But J. Keith," I hear you cry (I have excellent hearing), "how will you acquire the skills you need to do well in a job interview?" 

Fortunately, I've been paying attention during the six months we've been doing this project, and I've noticed something: In addition to having some fun, we actually answer questions on this show, using folks on the street and genuine experts.  So, I can actually learn from myself as we address the most appropriate topic yet... How DO you nail that job interview?

OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

EPISODE #28... JOB INTERVIEWS!

Notes:

* My chat with Ann Vanino took place in a familiar setting --the offices of Yahoo! Entertainment, right upstairs from where I had my final interview for this job!

* Lots of people recommended that job applicants research the company they're interviewing with --including my dad!  It's the most memorable piece of advice he gave me from when he ran the family business.

* Be prepared?  That sounds familiar.  Very familiar.

* Ann Vanino can not only help you get a job.  She can help you keep it.

* My chat with Bobbi Schwartz took place in a familiar setting --the offices of Yahoo! Entertainment, right upstairs from where I had my final interview for this job!

What got cut... One of the most common tips that came up --both on the street and from experts-- was to turn off your cell phone before going into an interview.  Wouldn't you know it, during my interview with Bobbi, a cell phone went off --HERS!

Well, that's it.  For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site. 

Before I start hitting that pavement, I want to expres my gratitude.  Thank you to Yahoo!, Renegade 83, and GMC for having me on this project.  Thanks to all the experts and people on the street who talked with us --many of whom you saw in the episodes and the many more you didn't.  And thanks to the Answers community and to YOU who watched the show, posted comments, sent me e-mails, and shared the videos with your friends, blog-viewers, and social-networking sites.  

I actually do know what one of my next jobs is... right here at Yahoo!  Look for my blog covering the Oscars on Yahoo! Movies starting later this month.  I'll be posting weekly until the night of the Academy Awards, and then blogging live all night when the trophies are handed out.  I hope you'll join me.

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

January 2, 2008

Hi Answers Grantz-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your exercise examiner and possible liar.

If you're like most Americans, you've made New Year's Resolutions.  And if you're like most Americans, somewhere between getting out of debt and Other, you'd like to lose weight in '08.  But wherever will you find the time?  Well, give us 3 minutes and 52 seconds, and we'll show you!
 

OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

EPISODE #27... A 30-MINUTE WORKOUT!

Notes:

* The poor fellow pumping iron behind me while I introduce the episode is Gunter Schlierkamp.  In addition to being a former Mr. Universe, he also is a great sport --he kept pumping those real weights while we tried different versions of the "script."

* The nice young fellow who exercises on his skateboard?  Ran into him again a little bit later --in line at the Universal Studios employee lunch room!  He works on one of the rides there.

* Kim Lyons really put me through the wringer.  There were no special effects here --I really had a workout.  Those folks on The Biggest Loser have to do that every week!?

* Ice cream as motivation for working out?  If it's my favorite, I couldn't exercise enough to work off the calories.

*A few weeks after we taped this, I ran into Kim & Gunter at the iconic Trader Vic's in Beverly Hills.  Why do they seem to be together so much?  Because they're married!  To each other!

* Kim & Gunter were there at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the annual TCA July tour, as Kim spoke about the upcoming season of The Biggest Loser. (It's slightly more upcoming now... it premieres this week!)

What got cut... More nonsense with me trying to lift the same barbells that Gunter did.  Also, Gunter and I ad libbed a bunch of alternate lines to one another after I couldn't.  He's very good at making fun of people who are weaker than he is (which I think is just about everybody). Here's a photo.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site. 

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

December 26, 2007

•  
  • Hi Answers Delance-ers,

    It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your frugal friend and wedding show sequel commentator.

    Well, you just HAD to outdo your neighbors.  You put up that huge holiday display on your roof.  It's got snowmen, reindeer, Santa, and elves.  Also: menorahs, dreidles, and gelt.  And: Kikombe cha Umoja, Kinara, and corn.  All of it lights up and is fully animatronic.  It draws the envy and the ire of the entrie neighborhood.  It's awesome. 
    
    And then come January, you notice a huge spilke in your electric bill.  Good thing you've got this week's episode to learn from!  OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!
  
  
  • EPISODE #26... LOWERING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL!
    
    Notes:
  • *Some would argue that mankind didn't invent electricity as much as discover it.  Of course, you can always find someone to argue anything.
  • * Appliance timers using electricity when they're plugged in?  I did totally look it up and it's true.
  • * Gene Rodriguez from Southern California Edison joined us at Home Base --the Yahoo! offices in Santa Monica, California.
  • * I can't look at the logo on Gene's shirt without recalling one of the happiest moments of my life. I was there!
  • * Yes, it turns out those compact-flourescent light bulbs are indeed coily.  That got me scared for a moment, as my first memory of the word was this Coily. Look familiar?
  • * How many video hosts does it take to change a light bulb?  I dunno.  But I do know how long it takes to change one.  About 18 seconds. That's also about how long it takes to help change the world, it turns out.
  • 
    

    What got cut... We had a long running bit getting people's attempts to correctly name the "Energy Star."  We got some pretty unusual guesses.  Additionally, did you know the official color is Cyan Blue?  I sure didn't --I'm kind of color blind!

    For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site. 

    And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

December 11, 2007

• Hi Answers Flancers,

  It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your proposal propositioner and podcast guest.

  A few weeks ago, we covered the topic of first dates.  Perhaps that proved helpful to you.  Perhaps that proved so helpful to some of you that you're ready for this week's topic: finding an original way to propose marriage to your girlfriend. (Wow, you work quickly!)

  I have never asked anyone to marry me, but I have been asked a few times.  Usually it was when the young lady was drunk, sarcastic, and/or in need of a green card.  And while it's nice to feel wanted, mocked, and/or used to commit a crime, I politely declined.

  OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

  EPISODE #24... MARRIAGE PROPOSALS!

  Notes:

• *Is there EVER a good time to say your ex-girlfriend's name?

• *That one fellow on the street says women don't care whether the proposal happens with a burger or at Niagara Falls.  Why not avoid the risk and give them both?

• *That Renee Strauss sure looks familiar!  Perhaps it's from the great advice she gave in this episode.

• *That April Beyer sure looks familiar!  Perhaps it's from the great advice she gave in this episode.

• *Say what you will about that Pizza Hut proposal, at least it's original, right?  Well... maybe not!

• *Say what you will about that hypothetical proposal, at least it's original, right?  Well... maybe not!

• *After we taped this episode, I got to see even more weird proposals and wedding moments when I was interviewed for "Wildest Wedding Show Moments," which airs periodically on E!.  Then, I got interviewed again for "Wildest Wedding Show Moments 2," which airs later this month!  I never thought I would be an expert.

What got cut... That couple who got married despite (or because of) her "conditional yes"?  That wasn't even HALF the story.  His version included several subplots and additional twists and turns of the different ways she made him wait.  I wish we could have included it all, but we only had four minutes for everything!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site. 

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

December 3, 2007

• Hi Answers Yance-ers

  It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your shopping sherpa and shameless cross-promoter.

  So here we are in December, and our topic this week is one that economists around the world have their eyes on: Buying Gifts On a Budget.

  Of course, frugal gift-giving can be a year-round pursuit (especially in my household).  Growing up, I always tried to make gifts for people.  Unfortunately, I was always a procrastinator, so my grand dreams of building a solar-powered spaceship would usually turn into a lopsided conceptual art piece made out of wine bottle corks and toothpicks --that I would forget to bring to grandma's anyway.  So I'd end up blowing all of my allowance on something at the drugstore around the corner.

  OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

  EPISODE #23... GIVING INEXPENSIVE GIFTS!

  Notes:

  *So I wonder if this upcoming holiday movie was based on the gift received by our unlucky couple in this episode.

  *If you can't decide whether to fill your bucket with candy or jewels, try both!  Or both!

  *I just bought my friend a used book for Hanukkah. Even though it was more than $1.99, I still hope I remembered to take the price tag off!

  *Before heading out to Los Angeles, M.E. Ster and her sister had their own popular boutique in Philadelphia.

  *Though I am actually a little color blind, I do know the difference between yellow and black. (The scarf/belt/headband was black, right?)

*In addition to being a gift-buyer to and for the stars, Ivy Welburn is a master flower arranger, whose company name is the tres clever "Fleur Couture"

*Our segments with M.E. and Ivy (whose names are a reminder that William Steig would have been 100 this year) were shot at the fancy Beverly Hills store LF.  As befitting this segment, the manager of the store gave every member of our crew a gift bag.  They did not look cheap.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site. 

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

November 26, 2007

Hi Answers Vance-ers

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your waste-management minder and cop clip show commentator.

Our topic this week is one that's certainly been in the news a lot this year: Recycling.

We all know we're supposed to recycle, but not many of us know what happens after we put our cans, bottles, newspapers, and whatever into the bins.  And sure, we know that recycled bottles come back as bottles, and cans and cans, but what about the items you don't think about (or maybe don't want to think about)?

OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

EPISODE #22... WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RECYCLE!

 

Notes:

*Thankfully, while taping the opening of this episode, I was neither ticketed for jaywalking nor for parking the truck facing the wrong direction.

*They're not exactly "Recycle Police," but yes, you really can get fined for improper recycling in Philadelphia.  Make no mistake, those recyclers in Philly mean business.

*The news conference for Los Angeles's recycling initiative was part of a huge event put on by the Bureau of Sanitation at one of their sites in West LA.  I've never seen so many people so excited about so many garbage trucks.

*Christine Flowers-Ewing (she must've gotten married since she met us --Mazel Tov!) of Keep California Beautiful showed us several products that were made from recycled materials.  (No, my suit wasn't one of them.)

*Speaking of changes, as knowledgable as she is on recycling, Rita Robinson has since moved on from the Bureau of Public Works and is now the head of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.  Maybe she can fill those potholes with recycled bottles!

*Yes, our intrepid cameraman, Zach, really did go into a dumpster to get that last shot.  Take THAT, Mike Rowe!

 

What got cut... One of the sanitation workers --just a normal truck driver who picks up the bins on a route-- built a radio-controlled talking robot entirely out of parts that can be found on his truck.  We did an extensive interview with it, and played some tricks on some unsuspecting kids.  He's a real nice guy and I wish we'd had the time to include it.  Alas.... Here's a photo of me with his clever creation.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

November 19, 2007

Hi Answers Crance-ers

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your pseudo-sous-chef and competitor in "The Jews vs. The Christians XIX."

Our topic this week is one that couldn't be more timely as we find ourselves at Thanksgiving week: healthy side dishes!

No matter how healthy turkey is supposed to be for us (unless of course you cook it like this), the big holiday weight gain always seems to start at the fourth Thursday in November.  The culprits aren't just the pumpkin pies; it's those sweet potatoes, cranberry sauces, and whatever other family specialties have been handed down from generation to diabetic generation.  So this year, why not start a new tradition --one that doesn't involve clogged arteries and/or housefires?

OK, on to some notes on the making of this episode!

EPISODE #21... HEALTHY SIDE DISHES!

Notes:

*When I hear the young lady on the street talk about cooking her corn on the cob with a stick of butter, I can't help wondering if she also remembered to buy a loaf of bread and a container of milk.  Apparently, I'm not the only one.

*Wolfgang Puck (no relation to Hockey) was gracious enough to let us use the technical crew he had set up for his own Yahoo! Food videos.  You may notice it's the only multi-camera shoot we did this season.

*That set that looks like an actual working kitchen is the actual working kitchen in Puck's Vert restaurant in Hollywood.

*You can see the stacks of broths that are branded with Wolfgang's face and name.  That's also his brand of wok.  And spatula.

*The succotash was so good, our producers ate it not just as a side dish, but as a main course for lunch --two days in a row!

*A few weeks after we taped this segment with Wolfgang, I took a young lady for drinks to his Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills.  When I flagged down Chef Puck to impress my date, he had no idea who I was.  Fortunately, I brought evidence with me on my camera phone.

 

What got cut... The first time I tasted the succotash, I spit it out --not because it tasted bad, but because it was burned my tongue!  For some reason, the producers decided not to keep that take...

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

November 14, 2007

Hi Answers Pancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your concerned consumer and radio reenactor.

Our topic this week is one that I found myself genuinely curious about as we were making it: getting to know about digital cameras.

EPISODE #20... DIGITAL CAMERAS!

Notes:

*Sometimes people want to end up with "a whole lot of thumb" in their photos.

*Samy's Camera is a HUGE store right in my neighborhood. It's three floors of everything photo and video --with the world's smallest and slowest elevator.

*Tim Goodwin is probably one of the most photographed people in all of Hollywood.  Everyone who tries out a camera takes a picture of him.

*Tim was so knowledgable and helpful that I returned to Samy's a few weeks later and bought one of the cameras he showed me.

*The fellow on the street who liked to have a zoom that could go over 5000 yards may look familiar.  He's a pal who we happened to catch on his way to his show that night.

*In case you're wondering: Yes, I always carry a handkerchief. Really.

*Many of our on-the-street interviews for this episode took place across the street from one of my favorite bars.  That worked out well, as this was the very, very last footage we shot for the show, and the crew and I were ready to celebrate!

 

What got cut... All the ladies (and a few of the guys) on the street who said they wanted a digital camera that was "cute."  Hmmm...

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

November 5, 2007

Hi Answers Perchance-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your able asker and Holiday Movie Guide writer.

Our topic this week is one that I'm still practicing --making a great impression on a first date.

In all the street interviews we did for this episode, I was surprised that the one topic that came up again and again from all sorts of people was... Cell Phones!  I was amazed how many potential love (or other) connections were ruined because one person just couldn't put away their phone for an hour.  Sure, sometimes there are emergencies, but more often we heard tales of romantic tensions ruined by the ringing from exes or buddies or even telemarketers.  Answering your phone and then carrying on a conversation at the table is a great way to make the person you're with feel like they're not worth your time, and that you're not worth a second date.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #19... FIRST DATES!

Notes:

*That charming lady who "hates first dates" and has to change shirts during them is actually a friend of mine who works across the street.  Check out her new movie!

*"Grammy" van Straaten didn't work as a sexy model, but she did once wear a slinky outfit and jump out of box at a bachelor party --my dad's!

*Carrie Stevens is a Playboy Playmate, and yet another member of the Hot Moms Club to be featured on our show. 

*Yes, Carrie did offer dozens of helpful grooming tips, but we did ask! I was mostly reacting to the horrendous flu-like symptoms I was having that day.  Yay for clever editing!

*I refer to the "double denim" as the "denim suit," but I have since found out its more international moniker: The Canadian Tuxedo.

*Matchmaker April Beyer would not hug me, but she did give some great advice.  I was so impressed, I gave her number to some single friends and family members!

*You might recognize the location of April's interview from a previous episode.  Suffice to say, it had great sound!




What got cut... After trying to find the perfect date for me, I ended up with my ideal... sitting across from myself!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

October 30, 2007

Hi Answers LaFrance-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your top tipster and international money-lender.

Our topic this week is one that could change the entire economy as we know it --tipping.

My first job out of college was one that really put my expensive education to good use: delivering muffins.  During my entire tenure as "The Muffin Man," I received a total of two tips.  One was from an enormously wealthy family who lived in a gated community on top of a mountain overlooking the entire city.  The other was from a guy who lived in the West Valley in the smallest and messiest apartment I'd ever brought baked goods to.  I learned then that paying for good service had nothing to do with who could afford it, only with who could notice it.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #18... TIPPING!

Notes:

*Travel writer Andrew Bender didn't really have to pick up the tab, but I did learn a lot from him about tipping in other countries.

*Andrew and I are dining atop the Hotel Angeleno, overlooking the 405 freeway. (Here's the view from the other direction.)

*Boy, that's some lunch we're enjoying... breadsticks and iced tea! Yum! :)

*Franklin Ferguson is the manager of the steakhouse in the hotel, West. He knows an awful lot about the inner workings of the restaurant business.  He also has a very firm handshake.

*Our closing wrap-up was shot at Red Rock, a cool bar on the Sunset Strip where we also ate lunch.  I was sure to leave a good tip.




What got cut... Every once in a while, I would ask people on the street what they thought they should tip someone who interviewed them for an Internet video series.  Usually I got nothing.  One time, someone finally gave me a dollar!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

October 22, 2007

Hi Answers Manse-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your dedicated detector and beneficiary of United States Patent 3992303.

Our topic this week is one that I fortunately haven't had to deal with for several years: roommates.

The last time I lived with roommates, things seemed to start out well.  We had a lovely 3-bedroom and generally kept to ourselves.  Then one of the roomies moved out, leaving me with the one who turned out to be a tad on the unstable side.  When she threatened to stand at the front door and go nuts on the friends I'd invited to a party, I was even more grateful that the next apartment I'd found was just for me and my cat.  I've been there ever since.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #17... ANNOYING ROOMMATES!

Notes:

*Running out of ways to describe your annoying roommate?  Try this.

*That's not really my roommate, but that really is his apartment --that he shares with a rooommate. 

*Dr. Maggie Carroll is not one of my many psychotherapists.  I think I'd be too distracted if she were. 

*Dr. Stephen Johnson is back for another round of good advice.

*In case these tips don't work out for you, you can always get yourself a polo mallet.  We actually had a difficult time finding one in Los Angeles!

What got cut... Ironically, as we were filming the intro to this episode, we overheard a fight between two roommates that ended with something being thrown and broken.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

October 15, 2007

Hi Answers Scaredy-Pants-ers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your nosy newshound and X-introducer.

Our topic this week is one that I'm not used to dealing with quite so soon: Halloween Costumes.  As much as I try, I always seem to end up throwing together something at the last minute.

In the past few years, my go-to costumes have been the company work shirts I've collected from various thrift stores across the country.  I can't tell you why, but when the temperature is just right, I just enjoy wearing a shirt that says "Stevens Movers, Louisville Kentucky" on it.   And at Halloween, minutes before leaving for a party, I have more than once grabbed a short-sleeved blue-and-white polyester shirt with a patch that says "Parks Department."  When someone asked what I was dressed as, the answer was easy: "I work for the Parks Department."

After working on this episode, however, I may now have to aim higher. 

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #16... HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!

Notes:

*Yep, that's really my producer whispering into my ear. And nope, I don't really have an obsession with Druids.

*You probably can't tell, so just to clarify: I am wearing neither hotpants nor Dockers. 

*Joy Bergin is another member of the Hot Moms Club who has helped us out on our show.

*Jet Rag played host for our Halloween shopping and fashion show needs.

 *Costume designer Heather Sladinski had those costumes waiting for me --how did she know I was such a fan of 1970s fashion?

*In case you can't tell, I'm dressed as a used car dealer, Mike Brady, and Mrs. Roper.

What got cut... We had an elaborate gag involving me morphing into an attractive young lady in a slinky black dress.  Alas, the shot, the gag, and the young lady are gone now.  Oh, the dress is too.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

October 10, 2007

Hi Answers Enhancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your telling telecaster and New York Times footnote.

Our topic this week is one that is close to my heart.  I'm a huge baseball fan (alas, my team got eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday) yet every time I see a pitch thrown, I wish I could identify it.  Even better, I wish I could throw it! 

Just in time for the League Championship Series, here are some tips so you can become the next Beckett, Sabathia, Webb, or Francis!

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #15...PITCHING!

Notes:

*Our day at Chavez Ravine was the very last day of taping for this cycle of "Answers on the Street."

*This was not my first time on the field at Dodger Stadium.  On certain holidays (Independence Day, Cinco De Mayo), the organization allows fans on to the outfield grass to watch the fireworks.

*I stayed after the shoot to watch the game.  In the press box, I got to say hi to organist Nancy Bea Hefley.  On the field, I got reacquainted with Sweet Lou Johnson.

*That cute couple in the Dodger Stadium parking lot?  I've known one of them since I did improv classes with her 20 years ago, and the other is one of the top commercial agents in town.  They're season ticket holders and just happened to be walking by on their way into the game while we were shooting.

*The fellow who recommended I see Rick Honeycutt? He's a good friend (and a good lawyer) who was also on his way to the game. 

*Rick Honeycutt was also at Dodger Stadium for one of the most memorable moments in baseball history.  (I was there too, but I don't think he saw me).

*The glove I'm using to catch the ball from Mr. Honeycutt?  He borrowed it for me from Brad Penny --who needed it back to use in the game that night!

What got cut... One of the coolest moments I had throughout the entire "Answers on the Street" process: Meeting and talking with Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda.  It was an honor and very informative (for both of us, I have to assume).

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

October 1, 2007

Hi Answers Lancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your intrepid investigator and copyright-holder.

Our topic this week is one that you may be dealing with RIGHT NOW.  Is there someone watching over your shoulder as you read this?  Is that person giving you grief for using the company Internet to enjoy humorous (yet informative) videos at work?  Then you may have what we in the trade call a cranky boss.

I've had to deal with plenty of cranky bosses, but the crankiest boss I ever had was when I was self-employed.  Working for yourself has a lot of advantages, but it leaves you with no one to complain to.  Establishing your own deadlines, goals, rates, dress codes... it leads to a lot of frustration and crankiness aplenty.  Finally, I quit.  (Or did I get fired?)     

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #14...CRANKY BOSS!

Notes:

*Sick and tired of being hassled by "The Man?"  You're not alone.

*I'd actually never heard of a boss being described as "cranky" before we shot this episode.  Turns out, some bosses base their entire business on it.

*If, like the lady on the street, you're a firm believer in karma, you'd better make sure you know what it means!

*It was a fun coincidence that we came across that huge neon Yahoo! sign outside of Sunset Plaza. 

*It's our friend Dr. Stephen Johnson again with the expert psychological advice.  He posted some more extensive notes on the topic on his own blog.

*Ann Vanino DID build up my self-esteem, and provide us with some helpful answers.  Look for her again in an upcoming episode.

What got cut... The gentleman on the street who told us he IS the cranky boss has a very unusual occupation that I asked many more questions about.  Because this is a family site, I can't describe it any further.  Suffice to say, I would not want to make him angry!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

September 24, 2007

Hi Answers Glancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your fact-toting factotum and charter member of Topps Stadium Club.

Our topic this week is one that never seems to go out of style: how to be (or at least appear to be) a better dancer.

When I was in 6th grade, I got a phone call from a young lady who asked me if I was interested in taking ballroom dancing classes.  I scoffed.  What kind of nerd would do that?  She then --very cleverly-- read me the list of all the people in my grade who had already signed up.  The list included all the cool kids, many of my outcast friends, and most importantly, the girl who was the target of my biggest crush.  So what kind of nerd would take ballroom dance classes?  This kind of nerd. 

I don't remember any of the moves I learned (as you can clearly see in this episode), but I do remember I got to dance with the girl I liked and that the instructor was a wonderfully proper lady named Gigi Buffington.  I haven't been able to locate my old crush online, but if there's more than one Gigi Buffington, I'll be amazed.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #13... DANCING! 

Notes:

*Okay, okay... William Shakespeare probably never said anything about getting a groove on, but honestly, can we be 100% sure of everything he supposedly did say?

*While we're parsing my misquotations, ever wonder where "trip the light fantastic" comes from?

*You might recognize one of our man-on-the-street interviewees from his recurring roles on "Frasier" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."  You really never do know who you'll run into on the streets of Los Angeles!

*Ah, The Dance Doctor (not to be confused with Doctor Dance)...  His less familiar name is John Cassese, and he really knows his stuff!

*Like that music I'm dancing to in the Dance Doctor's studio?  It's all written and performed by the Doctor himself!

*Things have really taken off for Criscilla since we started hip-hop dancing together. (OK, so maybe I didn't have anything to do with it).  Actually, she was a real pro before she encountered my awesomeness.  She's toured with Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and more!  (But honestly, dancing with me has to be the career highlight.)

What got cut... Even more of my dancing with the Dance Doctor, including, thankfully, when he played the role of my dance partner.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

September 19, 2007

Hi Answers Chancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your fact-finding fellow and member of the NSA (oops, I mean NSA).

Our topic this week is as old as canine companionship itself: getting your dog to fetch.

Me, I'm a cat person.  But the only things my cats fetch are fleas.  And they won't let them go.  I did know a woman who had taught her cat to fetch a small ball of aluminum foil. Today, she's working for NASA (oops, I mean NASA).

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #12... DOG FETCHING! 

Notes:

*Paradise Ranch ("A country club for dogs") played host for our demonstrations.  Check out their amazing digs!

*Some of our man-on-the-street interviews for this episode are right outside the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre.  There aren't any dog prints in their cement, but there are two sets of horse hooves!

*Ranji Singh & Yampa may not have known how to fetch, but they sure knew how to look fetching when hitting the town!

*Isn't Kyra Sundance amazing?!  (Chalcy's not bad either.)

*Kyra and Chalcy were so much fun, I had them on my live comedy show a few weeks later.  They also have been doing plenty of other shows too. 

*Yep, Kyra wrote a book!  I got one autographed! 

*Working on this episode got me hooked on another show about  fetching!

What got cut... Even more of my interviews with dogs.  My favorite name: Sparkledoodle!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

September 11, 2007

Hi Answers Dancers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your fact-finder and Alumni Board Member

Our topic this week is a great combination of science, etiquette, and, Eeewww: bad breath. 

This was another one of those episodes where I really learned about misconceptions I'd held about the topic, got some new information, and changed my behavior accordingly.  Plus, I got free mints!

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #11... BAD BREATH! 

Notes:

*The opening of this piece looks very familiar to me... ah yes, it's right outside my apartment building!

*Dr. Valerie Weiss sure knows a lot about microbiology.  Turns out, it's sometimes a little more complicated than bacteria poop.

*Feel bad for that guy's fiancee for being dumped for her bad breath?  Let's hope she has better luck looking for a job.  

*Dr. Parsah T. Zadeh is a great and knowledgeable dentist.  I should know; he's been taking care of my teeth for over 10 years!  

*All I kept thinking when I was looking at the inside of my mouth on the TV monitor was "Where's Yuck Mouth?"

*"Brush the bacteria poop off of your tongue's gag zone."  If that doesn't make it on to a t-shirt, I'll be very disappointed.

What got cut... Even more people smelling my breath, some of them pretending to pass out  --they were pretending, right?

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

September 5, 2007

Hi Answers Clan,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your info-hunter and fund-raiser for Amanda Watts.

Our topic this week is perfect for all the kids headed back to school: how to deal with a bully.  As if there's not enough to worry about with a new year of school --new expectations, new social circles, new mascots-- isn't it just awful to have to fear some lamebrain shaking you down for your lunch money?

Believe it or not, even I had to deal with bullies from time to time.  When I started a new high school in a new city, the adjustment was a difficult one.  It got so bad I eventually left after one year for another school.  When folks asked me why I liked my new school better, I answered, "Because it's got a better theatre program, and the students there have less of a tendency to pin me to lockers and expel gas in my face."

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #10... BULLIES! 

Notes:

*Wasn't I trying to take a couple of those expert kids on a road trip recently? 

*What's the difference between a wedgie and an "atomic wedgie?"  If you have to ask, consider yourself lucky!

*Cynthia Rothrock is indeed a world-class martial arts expert.  She also happens to be a friend and a previous guest on other shows I've hosted.

*Don't you wish more bullies identified themselves with easy-to-read t-shirts?

*I'm happy (and relieved) to report that Dr. Stephen Johnson did not punch me in the face --but did hit us up with some good information.  For more of his thoughts on bullies, check out his notes for this episode!

*Our Aussie friend wasn't the only person on the street who expressed some regret for having bullied in the past.  I was also pleased to see how many parents said they would be just as horrified to learn that their child was the victim of a bully as they would to find out that the kid was the bully.

What got cut... After I signed off, Cynthia and her sparring partner got a little too close and her high kick caught my head and sent me to the floor.  Don't worry --it was all staged.  Well, mostly...

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

August 27, 2007

Hi Answers People,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your info-seeker and contributor to Move Real Easy.

Our topic this week is keeping kids entertained on road trips. I just got back from a road trip but since I did the whole route solo, it wasn't that difficult to hold my interest (and even so, I didn't think it would be good to watch DVD's while I drove).

But I have plenty of memories of long family road trips and the zillions of boring hours slowly rolling by.  We didn't have the huge industry catering to kids and their every whim like there is now.  No video games or movies.  Instead, I'd watch cows and fight with my sister. (Or was it watch my sister and fight with cows?)  Ah, memories!

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #9... ROAD TRIPS! 

Notes:

*Those aren't really my kids in the back seat.  But they did really throw toys at my head.

*The gentleman talking about Disneyland knows a thing or two about making a road trip out of Disneyland making a road trip into Disneyland.  He's Charles Phoenix and he's quite the unique tour guide!

*"Super" Nanny Jana Lewis's clients include some big-time Hollywood celebrities.  She won't let me tell you who they are, but I'll give you a hint: one of them can be found here.

*Jessica Denay of the Hot Mom's Club proved to be a goldmine of answers for us --look for more members of her club in future episodes!

*"If only I spoke Baby..."  Well, maybe one day I will.  In the meantime, the new microphone wind screen was much appreciated.

What got cut... The boys in the back seat reading aloud from The Giving Tree and me getting weepy like usual when they got to the end.  "And the tree was happy..."

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

August 20, 2007

Hi Answers Users,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your question-answerer and fifth place finisher in this year's Tour De Rump.

Our topic this week is making the outside of your property look better.  No matter what kind of property you call home--even if you don't own it-- you can always do something to show a little pride and spruce up the neighborhood. 

Me, I'm a city-dweller and live in a ground floor apartment.  My contribution had been to put out some small plants on the window sill.  None fared terribly well.  BUT-- this spring I noticed a stem sprouting up from the drain pipe out of my wall.  Then it grew leaves.  When I came back from a trip out of town... the darn thing had three beautiful tomatoes on it!  Apparently the green thumb I have is best put to use while cleaning off my salad plate into the kitchen sink's food disposal.  Either way, the building looks much better.  Next spring, I'm planning on flushing down some begonias and a ficus.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #8... LANDSCAPING! 

Notes:

*Many of our on-the-street interviews took place at CityWalk.  I feel sorry for the people who get 411 operators directing them to this nearby restaurant.

*I don't think this is what our fellow on the street had in mind, but here's one place you CAN buy elbow grease!

*One of our interviewees is a pal of mine who happened to walk by our shoot.  I hadn't seen her in a few years.  I've since run into her six times.

*Angelo Surmelis of HGTV's "24 Hour Design" couldn't have been a better expert.  It also turned out that this was not the first time I've encountered his work.  When he was a designer on "Clean Sweep," he made over the backstage of a theatre where I often perform.

*Angelo's landscaping tips brought us to Jackalope, an amazing store with seemingly endless supplies of plants, pots, furnishings, and gifts.  They also have the nicest bathroom you'll ever see at a nursery.  At first I wondered why;  then I realized everything in it is for sale!  I did buy a few things and left with a free Jackalope t-shirt --thanks!

*Is that supposed to be me in the summary graphic mowing that lawn?  I love it!

What got cut... Guess I took that turn out of the driveway a little hard.  One of those huge and beautiful pots had a big ol' piece of it missing when we unloaded it.  Someone make a note for a question we can tackle for next season: "How can I drive around with a ceramic pot in a vehicle without breaking it?"

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

August 13, 2007

Hi Answers On The Street Viewers,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your intrepid inquisitor and host of B.O.R.E.D. Tour IX.

Our topic this week is gas mileage --how can you improve and save, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive?

At the moment, I'm painfully aware of this topic, for I write to you from the middle of my summer road trip.  Each time I stop to fill up the car, I'm grateful for every extra inch I can get out of each drop.  Actually, I try to be grateful (but sometimes it's difficult).  Mostly I'm scowling and sighing deeply and wondering why I didn't fly instead.  I do love seeing this country from its roads.  It's amazing how much variety there is in the terrain (and the people) within a just a few hours.  Anyhow, I'm stuck with it now.  So before I head back, I'll learn from this episode.  I'll get the tires properly inflated, drive slower, and, oh yes, try to use the bathroom before I interview anybody.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #7... GAS MILEAGE! 

Notes:

*Our scene inside Sam's Sunset Fuel station was the very first thing we shot on our very first day for "Answers on the Street."   I was so young then... so young.

*As you can see from the helicopter on his desk, Professor Fred Browand has some pretty neat toys.  Nothing is cooler, however, than the aerodynamic wind tunnels that are directly under his office at USC.

*Affordable Care of Hollywood wasn't too hard for us to find --they're right across the street from our production offices!  Still, we weren't lazy, just lucky.  Stacey Stevens is incredibly good at what he does, and articulate to boot.

What got cut... Stacey let me take a ride on the hydraulic vehicle lifts, while strapped inside the truck.  Check out some photos of it on my site.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

August 6, 2007

Hi Answers Pals,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your answer-seeker and former newsmagazine lyricist.

Our topic this week is organic food --what is it, why does it cost more, and does it really make a difference?

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #5... ORGANIC FOOD! 

Notes:

*As you can probably tell, I had a horrible cold the day we taped at the organic farm.  Or maybe I was just allergic to all that healthy food.

*On the streets, we talked to dozens of people from all over the world.  I don't think we found a single person who said organic food wasn't a better way to go.  

*The very crafty Jules Dervaes runs the Path To Freedom Urban Homestead with his family.  They've created a genuine farm on their plain ol' city lot in Pasadena.  They were gracious hosts to us for our shoot.  And they didn't give us a hard time for misspelling their family name in the video.

*Christine Bybee is indeed a certified nutritionist --and a nutritionist to the stars!  The Rutgers University study she cites is actually still a topic of debate in the nutrition community.  Judge for yourself.

*Anna Getty has already judged and is definitely pro-organic!  She's a spokesperson for The Organic Center and understandably I felt a little uncomfortable taking a Big Bite of hot dog in front of her.  No worries; I more than made up for it a few weeks later.

*The lady serving me my pizza and salad is Mani, our fabulous PA. I call her Libbie as a way of saying hi to my grandmother. 

What got cut... The salad Mani/Libbie put down was put together by the Dervaes family.  It was made entirely from their farm, was 100% organic, and was topped by edible flowers.  Yum!  Still, the original ending had me getting into a tug-of-war over the non-organic pizza with our cameraman! (He won.)

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

July 30, 2007

Hi Answers Fans,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your mobile questioner and marathon-finisher (743rd in my age group!).

This week, we visit a topic on the mind of many folks this summer --weddings!  There's plenty of information out there about how to plan a wedding, but what about for the folks who have to attend?  And more to the point, the few who have the important job of making a toast?  Yikes, the pressure!

Though I've volunteered several times, I've never been asked to give a wedding toast.  Maybe my eagerness is a warning of trouble to come.  After doing the legwork for this episode, I can't wait!  I'm more prepared than ever.  Now I just have to get invited to a wedding and somehow contain my enthusiasm to toast.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #5... WEDDING TOAST! 

Notes:

*Renee Strauss was such a joy to interview, you may see her as an expert on another upcoming episode.  And, she also appeared on my "What's My Line?" show a week after we shot this!

*Recognize some of our people at Farmers Market from earlier episodes?  (Oh, and recognize the butcher sign in the background from an earlier episode?)

*Is this the first episode to quote Shakespeare in an Answer?  It may be the last too! :) 

*Dr. Stephen Johnson has to have the best hair in psychotherapy --take THAT, Dr. Phil!  (He also happens to be wise and accomplished too.)

*What got cut... A very fun interview with event planner Steve Kemble, who offered a great tip: Make sure to actually give a toast!  It's amazing how many people get up there and talk and talk without actually ending the toast by raising a glass to the happy (for now) couple.  Good tip, Steve!

Also, we shot a funny bit where I try my hand at giving a toast and failing.  I'll post photos of it on my personal blog.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

July 23, 2007

Hi Answers Fans,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your roving inquirer and reigning champion of LARF.

This week, we take on the topic of that annoying summer pest --the mosquito. I seem to be one of those people that mosquitoes find no matter where I go --and they don't play fair.

One time when I was a kid, a mosquito bit my face while I was sleeping. By the time I woke up, the bite had swelled up and sealed my eyelid closed onto my cheek. I could only see out of one eye for a week, and it drove me crazy. There is just no practical way to scratch your eyelid.  Yuck.

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #4... MOSQUITOES! 

Notes:

*That's no special effect --I really did fall out of a tree.  Again and again and again.  But the first time wasn't on purpose. Turns out, some branches look stronger than they really are!

*Minoo Madon (not a doctor) of the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District  is a true expert on the subject of mosquitoes.  He's part of a department that's responsible for keeping over 4 million people safe from mosquitoes and other nuisances, plus the diseases they can carry.

*I really can pronounce the ingredient in DEET... I just wasn't asked to. :)

*The first person on the street we talk to is none other than Charles Phoenix, who just happened to be at Farmers Market the morning we came by. (Oh, and recognize the sign in the background from an earlier episode?)

*I'm not surprised we got great tips out of Michelle Karlsen from Adventure 16.  I go there before every camping trip and I've been a customer of their store in West LA since I was in high school.  In fact, I still have and use the bookbag I bought there way back when.  They fix it for free any time it breaks.

*What got cut... Thankfully, two more embarrassing moments!  One, when I was interviewing one of Mr. Madon's colleagues and I scratched myself so violently, I fell off of a picnic bench.  Second, me having to do the ending wrap-up covered in gobs of calamine lotion.  Still, as usual, plenty of me being silly remains.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  Also, if you're going to be in L.A. this summer, perhaps you'd enjoy this site and show?

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

July 16, 2007

Hi Again,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, your favorite Dutch-American Internet video host.  (If you can name another, let alone one you like more, please send a message to me via my Yahoo! 360 page.  I promise not to harm him/her; I just want to know who else is living my life.)   

Anyhow...

Some of the topics we cover on "Answers On the Street" will help your food taste better or your stereo sound better.  And some will help save your life.

I'm pleased that we're taking on the topic of preparing for a disaster.  Living in Southern California, we of course have more than our fair share --earthquakes, fires, landslides, Robin Williams movies-- and yet I see so many people who don't do the basics to prepare.

I hope that if you're watching and reading this, you'll take some time to get your emergency kit ready.  Or if you have one, to get it updated or improved. When?  Do it TODAY --right NOW-- while it's in your head!

And kids, it's the perfect time to bug your parents about it, don't you think?

OK, on to some notes about the making of this episode...

EPISODE #3... PREPARING FOR A DISASTER! 

Notes:

*"Our friend there" who obsessively collects water bottles and is finishing off her Y2K ravioli is actually a good friend of mine from college who came by while we were shooting.  You really never do know who you'll run into when you're out meeting people on the street!

*LAFD Captain Stacy Gerlich of the Los Angeles Fire Department has been a technical advisor on Hollywood movies and TV shows!

*My interview with H.T. Linke of the American Red Cross took place outside the home of our executive producer.  Nice digs!

*That drivers license photo of mine look familiar?  Perhaps you saw it on the meat thermometer from the Steak episode?

*What got cut... Chief Gerlich and the folks at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 88 in Sherman Oaks were incredibly hospitable.  They let me ride in the firetrucks and honk the horns, and even shoot water from canon on top! Check out some photos!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page or my personal site.  Also, if you're going to be in L.A. this summer, perhaps you'd enjoy this site and show?

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

July 8, 2007

Hi Again,

J. Keith here, your host/blogger/suit-wearer.

Thanks for all the kind messages y'all sent to me via my Yahoo 360 page after last week's debut episode.  I really appreciate the support and enthusiasm people are having already for our Answers On The Street project.

Speaking of Hollywood, we here in Showbizland ^tm go through so much effort to make entertainment products --don't you want to watch and listen to them and make sure they look and sound great?  Well, in this week's episode we went out looking for tips on how to get started putting together a home entertainment system.  (If I didn't write you back, it's because you had your 360 preferences set not to receive messages.)

EPISODE #2... HOME THEATRE SYSTEM! 

Notes:

*Dr. Tuffy from THX flew down from his lab in Northern California just to speak with us. THX let us shoot the interview in their specially-designed room that they built on a Hollywood production lot.  They use it to demonstrate the different features of THX and this place is BUILT --fancy equipment and the most amazing acoustics you've ever seen.  Or, I guess, heard.

*We encountered our folks on the street mainly at three notable Los Angeles locations: The Farmers Market, Hollywood/Highland, and Larchmont Village.  You never know who you're going to run into --by complete coincidence, two of the people we talked to in our quest for superior acoustics were a Juilliard-trained flutist and an organist at Madison Square Garden!

*Yep, the opening of this episode was shot in my actual living room --though I'm pleased to say I have a slightly more sophisticated setup than "Old Betsy" there.  I blogged about the crew setup in a short entry on my personal blog and you can see a few behind-the-scenes photos too.

*Nope, I didn't get to take that haul of electronics home with me. :(

*What got cut... We shot a bit at the world famous Guitar Center in Hollywood in their incredible room of vintage guitars. I got to shred with a real rock-and-roll guitarist Check out this photo!

For more info on all things tech, check out Yahoo! Tech.

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo 360 page or my personal site.  Also, if you're going to be in L.A. this summer, perhaps you'd enjoy this site and show?

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!

June 28, 2007

Hey Everybody,

It's me, J. Keith van Straaten, and welcome to the first episode of Yahoo! Answers on the Street!

I'll be your host as each week we take questions inspired by posts found on Yahoo! Answers, then bring our camera and stop regular folks to ask them their take on the topic.  We also speak to genuine experts to make sure we can leave you with actual answers to your actual questions.  And we have fun while doing it.

Here on this blog I'll have a chance to offer up some behind-the-scenes info on each episode, preview upcoming ones, and stay connected with the Answers community.  In case you're wondering (and I can't imagine you would be), I do write this blog myself, so play nice and keep in touch.

EPISODE #1... STEAK! 

Notes: 

*We went to the Farmer's Market to interview people.  It's one of my favorite places in LA.  I love the diversity of people you run into there --just look at all the different hats we found people wearing!

*I have been a customer of Huntington Meats for years, and yes, Dan Vance is the butcher's real name. 

*I was so taken with the people and the steaks at The Lodge that a few days after we taped our last segment there, I booked a table for my birthday dinner. My guests went for the ribeye and the New York strip.  I shared a porterhouse with a friend.  Outstanding.

*What got cut... Right at the end, when I say goodbye, I'm so eager to eat that beautiful steak, I pick it up with my bare hands, forgetting we were using a real grill with real charcoal.  Painful, but delicious!

For more info on who I am and what I'm up to, check out my Yahoo! 360 page.

And who knows, maybe next time we're out talking to people on the street, we'll run into YOU!