Trees 2: The Root of All Evil (2004), from writer/director Michael Pleckaitis (Silent), is the sequel to the cult-classic Trees.
Eager to continue on their initial success, Michael and Producer Andrew Andrew Gernhard, made The Root of All Evil, which used many of the same characters as Trees. With a significantly higher budget, Root was a full-scale production, complete with a Hollywood-experienced crew and known talent in front of the lens.
Root of All Evil premiered at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, Connecticut on March 20, 2004 and was released on DVD in 2005.
Plot
Just as Trees was a Jaws parody, this film parodies Jaws 2.
In this sequel to Trees, killer pine trees attack on Christmas Eve. Original stars Kevin McCauley and Phil Gardiner are reunited with original cast members as well as former TV star Ron Palillo (Welcome Back, Kotter) and the gorgeous and talented LA model, Brandi Lynn Coppock.
Traumatized by the climax of the first movie, in which a "Great White Pine" tore apart the pickup truck piloted by Squint, the salty lumberjack, Forest Ranger Mark Cody wets himself in panic at the mere sight of a tree. He is just beginning to pull himself together, thanks to "one of those tree-phobia support groups," when a series of local deaths alert him to the looming threat of a new attack. Suspecting another killer tree is on the loose, Cody is belittled by authorities and the public alike as being paranoid and obsessed. Botanist Max Cooper is also suspicious, demanding of one skeptical authority, "Have you ever tried to outrun a 70-foot-tall screaming mahogany monolith with branches the wingspan of a 747?"
They soon discover the genetically-enhanced killer pine trees have been stolen from a restricted National Forestry Service area and sold as Christmas trees to the people of Hazelville. As government NFS agents attempt to conceal the creation of the mutant trees, Cody and Cooper must face the task of battling a coniferous feeding frenzy. Eventually, on Christmas Eve, rampaging CGI trees and a mob of townspeople wielding axes and chainsaws clash head-on at the town center, in a scene spoofing the collision of armies in Braveheart.
The film ends on a cliff-hanger, with Max Cooper being frozen in sap and kidnapped by the bounty hunter Lafayette - a parody of Han Solo in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980). The end credits say "The Story will conclude..." "Trees 3: Regeneration"
Production Notes
Shortly after the final cut of the film was edited and post-production complete, a lightning strike irreparably damaged the hard drive the final cut of the film was stored on, completely destroying the film. Director Michael Pleckaitis was forced to start from scratch and completely re-edit the film. The process was so time-consuming and frustrating, that he never wanted to make another film.
As a result, he never made the planned third film in the "tree-logy" - Trees 3: Regeneration. He took a three-year hiatus before beginning production on Silent (2007).
Films parodied
Several well-known movies are parodied, with trees replacing whatever was originally there, including:
*Jaws 2 (1978)
*Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
*Braveheart (1995)
*Jurassic Park (1993)
There is also an allusion to The Evil Dead (1981)
Eager to continue on their initial success, Michael and Producer Andrew Andrew Gernhard, made The Root of All Evil, which used many of the same characters as Trees. With a significantly higher budget, Root was a full-scale production, complete with a Hollywood-experienced crew and known talent in front of the lens.
Root of All Evil premiered at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, Connecticut on March 20, 2004 and was released on DVD in 2005.
Plot
Just as Trees was a Jaws parody, this film parodies Jaws 2.
In this sequel to Trees, killer pine trees attack on Christmas Eve. Original stars Kevin McCauley and Phil Gardiner are reunited with original cast members as well as former TV star Ron Palillo (Welcome Back, Kotter) and the gorgeous and talented LA model, Brandi Lynn Coppock.
Traumatized by the climax of the first movie, in which a "Great White Pine" tore apart the pickup truck piloted by Squint, the salty lumberjack, Forest Ranger Mark Cody wets himself in panic at the mere sight of a tree. He is just beginning to pull himself together, thanks to "one of those tree-phobia support groups," when a series of local deaths alert him to the looming threat of a new attack. Suspecting another killer tree is on the loose, Cody is belittled by authorities and the public alike as being paranoid and obsessed. Botanist Max Cooper is also suspicious, demanding of one skeptical authority, "Have you ever tried to outrun a 70-foot-tall screaming mahogany monolith with branches the wingspan of a 747?"
They soon discover the genetically-enhanced killer pine trees have been stolen from a restricted National Forestry Service area and sold as Christmas trees to the people of Hazelville. As government NFS agents attempt to conceal the creation of the mutant trees, Cody and Cooper must face the task of battling a coniferous feeding frenzy. Eventually, on Christmas Eve, rampaging CGI trees and a mob of townspeople wielding axes and chainsaws clash head-on at the town center, in a scene spoofing the collision of armies in Braveheart.
The film ends on a cliff-hanger, with Max Cooper being frozen in sap and kidnapped by the bounty hunter Lafayette - a parody of Han Solo in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980). The end credits say "The Story will conclude..." "Trees 3: Regeneration"
Production Notes
Shortly after the final cut of the film was edited and post-production complete, a lightning strike irreparably damaged the hard drive the final cut of the film was stored on, completely destroying the film. Director Michael Pleckaitis was forced to start from scratch and completely re-edit the film. The process was so time-consuming and frustrating, that he never wanted to make another film.
As a result, he never made the planned third film in the "tree-logy" - Trees 3: Regeneration. He took a three-year hiatus before beginning production on Silent (2007).
Films parodied
Several well-known movies are parodied, with trees replacing whatever was originally there, including:
*Jaws 2 (1978)
*Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
*Braveheart (1995)
*Jurassic Park (1993)
There is also an allusion to The Evil Dead (1981)
The Kevin and Lew Show is a conservative talk radio show on WCHC 88.1 FM hosted by students Brian Lewin and Kevin O'Brien. The show was recently added to the broadcast lineup at WCHC radio. The program is aimed at creating informed citizens. The station broadcasts out of the Hogan Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Format
The program is broadcast live every Friday from 5 to 6 pm. Callers are encouraged to call in and contribute to the conversation at (508) 793-2474. The show begins with the song Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya by the Dropkick Murphys. Kevin commences with Top Stories--news headlines of the day, while Brian comments on important political issues. Following the headlines, both discuss set political issues. There are two commercial breaks in the show featuring popular songs and public service announcements.
Politics
Although both parties are conservative, the show aims to provide the truth on pertinent political issues. If it is in the headlines, it will appear on The Kevin and Lew Show.
Music
Each episode features a Song of the Week chosen by the hosts and two popular songs.
WCHC
, 88.1 FM is a college run radio station at the College of the Holy Cross. The station is the only source for alternative music in the Worcester area. The station broadcasts live online via its website, The station also broadcasts a wide array of Holy Cross Crusader athletic events.
Format
The program is broadcast live every Friday from 5 to 6 pm. Callers are encouraged to call in and contribute to the conversation at (508) 793-2474. The show begins with the song Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya by the Dropkick Murphys. Kevin commences with Top Stories--news headlines of the day, while Brian comments on important political issues. Following the headlines, both discuss set political issues. There are two commercial breaks in the show featuring popular songs and public service announcements.
Politics
Although both parties are conservative, the show aims to provide the truth on pertinent political issues. If it is in the headlines, it will appear on The Kevin and Lew Show.
Music
Each episode features a Song of the Week chosen by the hosts and two popular songs.
WCHC
, 88.1 FM is a college run radio station at the College of the Holy Cross. The station is the only source for alternative music in the Worcester area. The station broadcasts live online via its website, The station also broadcasts a wide array of Holy Cross Crusader athletic events.
Philip Joseph LaTessa (born 1961) is an American businessman and politician from Syracuse, New York. He was elected as the City of Syracuse City Auditor in 2003 and currently is a candidate for re-election to that office.
Personal Life
Philip LaTessa was born in Manhattan and attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School on East 14th Street and lived at Stuyvesant Town . His parents relocated to Syracuse where he was enrolled in the public school systems in Syracuse and then graduated from Christian Brothers Academy High School in Syracuse [http://en. .org/wiki/Christian_Brothers_Academy_(Syracuse,_New_York)]. LaTessa lives on the east side of Syracuse, where he has resided since 1994 .
Business Career
LaTessa earned his Bachelor of Arts B.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 1984. He briefly lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and returned to Syracuse. After working as a Financial Adviser, LaTessa was offered a position with JP Morgan Chase as a Mortgage Loan Officer.
In 1997 LaTessa started The Funding Source, a mortgage company . In 2001 the firm was licensed by the New York State Department of Banking as a Mortgage Banker and received HUD Approved FHA Lender status. The Funding Source has over 30 employees.
In 2002 LaTessa started Weichert Realtors, First Residential Group which grew to be the 7th largest real estate firm according to the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors by 2006. LaTessa's real estate company has over 60 affiliated agents and staff.
LaTessa also started the Greatwood Companies in 2004: Greatwood Title and Abstract, LLC employs Attorneys and Paralegals who facilitate closings. Greatwood Appraisal, LLC offers appraisal services. Greatwood Property Management, LLC performs property management work for investors in Central New York.
Political Career
LaTessa ran for the city wide office of Syracuse City Auditor in 2003. He was elected with over 62% of the vote.
LaTessa has been an independent watchdog over the city finances performing financial and performance based audits on a regular basis. LaTessa has been cited in numerous publications including The Manhattan Institute following his audit of the national HUD 108 loan scandal in Syracuse .
LaTessa also performed the first Performance Audit of the HUD funded program Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT). . This audit reviewed the pilot program in use in Syracuse and its impact on the neighborhoods and community.
In January of 2007 City Auditor LaTessa was interviewed for the position of New York State Comptroller following the resignation of New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi . LaTessa was one of eighteen candidates interviewed by the New York State Legislature and
LaTessa is a member of the Democratic party and is running for re-election in 2007.
Personal Life
Philip LaTessa was born in Manhattan and attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School on East 14th Street and lived at Stuyvesant Town . His parents relocated to Syracuse where he was enrolled in the public school systems in Syracuse and then graduated from Christian Brothers Academy High School in Syracuse [http://en. .org/wiki/Christian_Brothers_Academy_(Syracuse,_New_York)]. LaTessa lives on the east side of Syracuse, where he has resided since 1994 .
Business Career
LaTessa earned his Bachelor of Arts B.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in 1984. He briefly lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and returned to Syracuse. After working as a Financial Adviser, LaTessa was offered a position with JP Morgan Chase as a Mortgage Loan Officer.
In 1997 LaTessa started The Funding Source, a mortgage company . In 2001 the firm was licensed by the New York State Department of Banking as a Mortgage Banker and received HUD Approved FHA Lender status. The Funding Source has over 30 employees.
In 2002 LaTessa started Weichert Realtors, First Residential Group which grew to be the 7th largest real estate firm according to the Greater Syracuse Association of Realtors by 2006. LaTessa's real estate company has over 60 affiliated agents and staff.
LaTessa also started the Greatwood Companies in 2004: Greatwood Title and Abstract, LLC employs Attorneys and Paralegals who facilitate closings. Greatwood Appraisal, LLC offers appraisal services. Greatwood Property Management, LLC performs property management work for investors in Central New York.
Political Career
LaTessa ran for the city wide office of Syracuse City Auditor in 2003. He was elected with over 62% of the vote.
LaTessa has been an independent watchdog over the city finances performing financial and performance based audits on a regular basis. LaTessa has been cited in numerous publications including The Manhattan Institute following his audit of the national HUD 108 loan scandal in Syracuse .
LaTessa also performed the first Performance Audit of the HUD funded program Tomorrow's Neighborhoods Today (TNT). . This audit reviewed the pilot program in use in Syracuse and its impact on the neighborhoods and community.
In January of 2007 City Auditor LaTessa was interviewed for the position of New York State Comptroller following the resignation of New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi . LaTessa was one of eighteen candidates interviewed by the New York State Legislature and
LaTessa is a member of the Democratic party and is running for re-election in 2007.
Robert Joseph Jacoby (b. April 22 1988) is a New York based American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist.
Rob Jacoby grew up in White Plains, New York and graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, New York. He began saxophone instruction at the age of eight with his mentor, Milt Williams, father of actress/singer Vanessa L. Williams and actor/comedian Chris Williams. By age eleven, his interests concentrated on jazz music and he began studies in this genre elsewhere.
When Jacoby was only twelve years old, he began playing in musical productions in local theaters, honing his reading abilities and doubling skills. Jacoby started his own group called the Westchester Blue Notes, a sextet, who performed throughout Westchester County in New York and the rest of the tri-state area. Jacoby began to lead his own quartet/quintet and started performing in local clubs, restaurants, and bars. At the age of fifteen, Jacoby began studying with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Ralph Lalama, who took the young musician under his wing and became one of his mentors.
Over his short, yet fruitful, career, Jacoby has performed at the Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room, the Garage, the Bowery Poetry Club, and has been seen at Smalls, Sweet Rhythm, Showman’s, and the Bar Next Door. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats including Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama, Steve Turre, Dennis Irwin, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, Brian Lynch, Joe Magnarelli, and Barry Ries.
Recent work
Jacoby has had the pleasure of recording for world-renowned jazz producer Teo Macero. The recording included legendary musicians such as Lee Konitz, Dave Liebman, Alex Sipiagin, George Garzone, and others. The album was released in the summer of 2007.
In addition to his first sideman recording, Rob also recorded his first album as a leader in 2007. The album is entitled, "Step Up," recorded on the Garagista Music label. The quartet/quintet album features Grammy Award winner Brian Lynch on trumpet, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Ray, and drummer Ron Vincent.
Jacoby is currently attending New York University in the Jazz Performance program, led by Dave Schroeder, and is given the opportunity to work with such luminaries as Don Friedman, Ralph Lalama, Brian Lynch, Joe Lovano, Billy Drewes, Jim McNeely, Dave Pietro, and Rich Shemaria.
Rob Jacoby grew up in White Plains, New York and graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, New York. He began saxophone instruction at the age of eight with his mentor, Milt Williams, father of actress/singer Vanessa L. Williams and actor/comedian Chris Williams. By age eleven, his interests concentrated on jazz music and he began studies in this genre elsewhere.
When Jacoby was only twelve years old, he began playing in musical productions in local theaters, honing his reading abilities and doubling skills. Jacoby started his own group called the Westchester Blue Notes, a sextet, who performed throughout Westchester County in New York and the rest of the tri-state area. Jacoby began to lead his own quartet/quintet and started performing in local clubs, restaurants, and bars. At the age of fifteen, Jacoby began studying with Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Ralph Lalama, who took the young musician under his wing and became one of his mentors.
Over his short, yet fruitful, career, Jacoby has performed at the Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room, the Garage, the Bowery Poetry Club, and has been seen at Smalls, Sweet Rhythm, Showman’s, and the Bar Next Door. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats including Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama, Steve Turre, Dennis Irwin, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, Brian Lynch, Joe Magnarelli, and Barry Ries.
Recent work
Jacoby has had the pleasure of recording for world-renowned jazz producer Teo Macero. The recording included legendary musicians such as Lee Konitz, Dave Liebman, Alex Sipiagin, George Garzone, and others. The album was released in the summer of 2007.
In addition to his first sideman recording, Rob also recorded his first album as a leader in 2007. The album is entitled, "Step Up," recorded on the Garagista Music label. The quartet/quintet album features Grammy Award winner Brian Lynch on trumpet, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Ray, and drummer Ron Vincent.
Jacoby is currently attending New York University in the Jazz Performance program, led by Dave Schroeder, and is given the opportunity to work with such luminaries as Don Friedman, Ralph Lalama, Brian Lynch, Joe Lovano, Billy Drewes, Jim McNeely, Dave Pietro, and Rich Shemaria.