When I heard about the tiger at the San Francisco zoo this week killing a young man and badly injuring three others it got me thinking. First how did this happen? And then feeling sad for the man and his family. Now the investigation is going to find what it finds, and if there's a penalty to be paid for someones idea of a joke or prank then so be it. They would have earned the wrath.
There may have been some taunting or teasing of the tiger involved. Word is that this magnificent 325 pound animal jumped over a 18 foot mote and somehow scaled a 15 foot high wall and got loose. Think about what I just wrote. 325 pounds, 18 and 15 feet! So with all the official questions hanging over our heads I'm asking one more. Why do humans constantly underestimate things NOT human. Why on earth would someone tempt a tiger? I know we have imposable thumb and the big brain that make us rulers of the world for the moment, but many times we put both to bad use.
Messing around with nature and animals is not ever a really good idea. When big hurricanes are coming....leave, when tornado's are predicted, take it seriously, and when wild animals who are three times are size are involved you better respect them. We seem to have this invincibility thing going. I think this is a phenomenon that is growing more every generation or so. We routinely underestimate the things in life that can harm us. Whether it be nature, animals, addictions, or even the possible consequences of our actions, many times we appear to be our own worst enemy.
Many times too we underestimate the power of the perceived small things in life. You know, the good stuff. The healing power of a touch, the calming of a loved ones smile. The right phone call at just the right time or a child's laughter. These are actually the big things in life and they are underestimated all the time. Maybe it's because we're all just so busy. We with regularity, forget to place the right emphasis on just the right thing.... at just the right time many times in life.
Transversely we tend to overestimate the power and show too much respect to things that maybe DON'T deserve it. Money and fame perhaps. I'm like you. I'd love to have Tom Hanks' money. At least I think I would. I think it's normal to think that it would be easier to navigate our complicated world if we had more "things." BUT that argument doesn't seem to be working all that well for the Lohans, the Simpsons' or the Spears' family.
Maybe if we just took the time to respect the things in life that can harm us a little more, and the same time embracing the things that can benefit us we'd all be a little better off. I guess it's possible, maybe even probable. We can only estimate that if this was practiced in San Francisco the other day, the man and the tiger would both be with us today.
But... one can only estimate.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
A Simple Christmas Song and Story
Every holiday season we all sing along with our favorite Christmas songs. We know most of the words and singers. But we seldom know the story behind the song or the writer and more importantly.....the WHY. I'm thinking that there's no real story behind Jingle Bells, or Sleigh Ride, but there is a great story behind a classic Christmas song that you hear every year or at least know the tune.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day is my favorite Christmas song. It became such three years ago when I really listened to the words when I played it on the air and had to know more. So I googled it. As I read the lyrics on the screen it became my favorite right then and there.
It was a poem written by one of the greatest writers and poets of any time, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day 1864. He had lost his wife two years earlier during the holidays in a fire and his son had just been terribly wounded in the civil war which was ravaging the nation still. He was weary too of the war between the states and prayed daily for it's speedy end. He was alone on Christmas for the first time in his life and as he drank his coffee he heard beautiful church bells ringing proudly announcing it was indeed Christmas morning. You know that sound. I do too. Sometimes that sound really can move you in magical ways and give you hope. I've been there. You too I'm betting.
He was so moved by the beauty of the bells, Longfellow took out his journal and wrote the poem in 30 minutes the legend says. How on earth was he to know that he was writing his most famous piece that morning of all mornings. It was put to music many times in many different tunes. But the tune you know today was given the gift of Longfellow's words in the 1950's. When you hear the song it always sounds so melancholy but the words are anything but.
Amazing people do amazing things under the most extreme conditions sometimes. I can not sit here and tell you I am a huge Longfellow fan. But I will tell you that amazingly 143 years later we still are moved by words written by a legend a century and half ago at the lowest part of a mans life. The poem is worth googling, printing even. Isn't it a miracle of the season that the best in a man, can be brought out by the holiday even when that man is near the bottom.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, is not Winter Wonderland or Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. Both of those songs I love too, along with Holly Jolly Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman. But it does capture the true spirit of the season in a way that moves me more every time I hear it. And after you know the story, you may be in awe that a simple man dug deep and found the means to be great when it would have been easier not to. Plus the tune that holds Longfellow's words is a perfect musical marriage.
If you have a minute share the words with someone who needs comfort this holiday season. They'll thank you for it. If you know someone separated my miles or life's circumstances this Christmas, Longfellow's moving words can give them hope or maybe you too if it's a tough holiday for you this year. Might be a great gift.
Merry Christmas to you my friend, and thank you Mr.Longfellow. "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth good will to men." Footnote... the Civil War ended that Spring.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day is my favorite Christmas song. It became such three years ago when I really listened to the words when I played it on the air and had to know more. So I googled it. As I read the lyrics on the screen it became my favorite right then and there.
It was a poem written by one of the greatest writers and poets of any time, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day 1864. He had lost his wife two years earlier during the holidays in a fire and his son had just been terribly wounded in the civil war which was ravaging the nation still. He was weary too of the war between the states and prayed daily for it's speedy end. He was alone on Christmas for the first time in his life and as he drank his coffee he heard beautiful church bells ringing proudly announcing it was indeed Christmas morning. You know that sound. I do too. Sometimes that sound really can move you in magical ways and give you hope. I've been there. You too I'm betting.
He was so moved by the beauty of the bells, Longfellow took out his journal and wrote the poem in 30 minutes the legend says. How on earth was he to know that he was writing his most famous piece that morning of all mornings. It was put to music many times in many different tunes. But the tune you know today was given the gift of Longfellow's words in the 1950's. When you hear the song it always sounds so melancholy but the words are anything but.
Amazing people do amazing things under the most extreme conditions sometimes. I can not sit here and tell you I am a huge Longfellow fan. But I will tell you that amazingly 143 years later we still are moved by words written by a legend a century and half ago at the lowest part of a mans life. The poem is worth googling, printing even. Isn't it a miracle of the season that the best in a man, can be brought out by the holiday even when that man is near the bottom.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, is not Winter Wonderland or Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. Both of those songs I love too, along with Holly Jolly Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman. But it does capture the true spirit of the season in a way that moves me more every time I hear it. And after you know the story, you may be in awe that a simple man dug deep and found the means to be great when it would have been easier not to. Plus the tune that holds Longfellow's words is a perfect musical marriage.
If you have a minute share the words with someone who needs comfort this holiday season. They'll thank you for it. If you know someone separated my miles or life's circumstances this Christmas, Longfellow's moving words can give them hope or maybe you too if it's a tough holiday for you this year. Might be a great gift.
Merry Christmas to you my friend, and thank you Mr.Longfellow. "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth good will to men." Footnote... the Civil War ended that Spring.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Picture That Launched These 500 Words
It's Christmas time, and I think it gets us all thinking about things we don't usually think about the rest of the year. I am in my home office where I work on the morning show and this article and today I ran across one of my favorite pictures on my desk. It's there all year long, but the way I look at it a few days before Christmas is very different than I would 5 days before the 4th of July.
The picture is of my dad and his three brothers hamming it up at some function many years ago. It's black and white with a solid white border. They seem to be wearing 50's style clothing and having a big time. Standing is my uncle Joe, John and and my dad, Bob and Hank is sitting on some chair that looks like it's off the set of I Love Lucy. They all seem to be yucking it up after someone said something really funny. It's truly a great candid shot that caught the very essence of who they all were.
Years ago as young adults, we ran across this photo one Christmas and my brother, brother-in-law, Hank (who was still with us) and me decided to recreate the same picture. And we did. It's framed too and it sits on the desk in my office as well. It looks amazingly similar, except it's color and it's not quite as faded. But as I compare the shots side-by-side I can't help but think that's where the similarities end.
My brother, brother-in-law and myself all are living good lives in various cities around the country. Luckily we are all healthy. We enjoy all the up to the minute gadgets and fads that quickly come into favor in today's world and fade. We all live within a few hours drive of each other and get together when we can. Or we simply whip out the cell or the computer and keep each other updated on our busy lives.
The four men in the older picture have all passed away. They all eventually succomed to the same illness in various decades and at differerent stages of life. They all grew up in the depression, shared nickels with each other when they had them and the all went off to World War II together. They were in all corners of the world.... apart.... long before cell phones, GPS, e-mail, or even a phone that could be used to call home from overseas. And.... they all came home to their mom, all healthy and grown up. That was absolutley amazing for the time. The picture was taken long after those days were over in better times. The good time caught in the picture was due to them.
I like the new picture, but I love the old one. Sometimes a moment is just captured and it can't be re-created no matter how hard you try. I have no idea who took the old picture or where it was taken. But I think that's the fun of it. Just four young men enjoying a hearty laugh. And if I know them as I think I do the laugh was at no ones expense. Whatever it was, it was probably just good clean fun. I will keep the picture always.
I'm sure you have that ONE old picture too! I hope you do. It's fun to know where you came from. There's something about an old photo of loved ones that can bring you back to center. It can give you perspective with just a glance on just the right day.
It's been about a year now since the last of the brothers passed on from the old photo. Hank passed away just after Christmas last year. I was there. I think he thought I was my dad. He called me Bob, and I'm good with that. Then he died. It was that simple. Talk about perspective, the last Christmas without one of those brothers in the world was 1908! But I think a Christmas wish was granted as a result. Now the boys are together again and I'm guessing Bob, John and Joe, were just waiting for Hank.... so another longer-lasting picture of the boys could finally be taken.
The picture is of my dad and his three brothers hamming it up at some function many years ago. It's black and white with a solid white border. They seem to be wearing 50's style clothing and having a big time. Standing is my uncle Joe, John and and my dad, Bob and Hank is sitting on some chair that looks like it's off the set of I Love Lucy. They all seem to be yucking it up after someone said something really funny. It's truly a great candid shot that caught the very essence of who they all were.
Years ago as young adults, we ran across this photo one Christmas and my brother, brother-in-law, Hank (who was still with us) and me decided to recreate the same picture. And we did. It's framed too and it sits on the desk in my office as well. It looks amazingly similar, except it's color and it's not quite as faded. But as I compare the shots side-by-side I can't help but think that's where the similarities end.
My brother, brother-in-law and myself all are living good lives in various cities around the country. Luckily we are all healthy. We enjoy all the up to the minute gadgets and fads that quickly come into favor in today's world and fade. We all live within a few hours drive of each other and get together when we can. Or we simply whip out the cell or the computer and keep each other updated on our busy lives.
The four men in the older picture have all passed away. They all eventually succomed to the same illness in various decades and at differerent stages of life. They all grew up in the depression, shared nickels with each other when they had them and the all went off to World War II together. They were in all corners of the world.... apart.... long before cell phones, GPS, e-mail, or even a phone that could be used to call home from overseas. And.... they all came home to their mom, all healthy and grown up. That was absolutley amazing for the time. The picture was taken long after those days were over in better times. The good time caught in the picture was due to them.
I like the new picture, but I love the old one. Sometimes a moment is just captured and it can't be re-created no matter how hard you try. I have no idea who took the old picture or where it was taken. But I think that's the fun of it. Just four young men enjoying a hearty laugh. And if I know them as I think I do the laugh was at no ones expense. Whatever it was, it was probably just good clean fun. I will keep the picture always.
I'm sure you have that ONE old picture too! I hope you do. It's fun to know where you came from. There's something about an old photo of loved ones that can bring you back to center. It can give you perspective with just a glance on just the right day.
It's been about a year now since the last of the brothers passed on from the old photo. Hank passed away just after Christmas last year. I was there. I think he thought I was my dad. He called me Bob, and I'm good with that. Then he died. It was that simple. Talk about perspective, the last Christmas without one of those brothers in the world was 1908! But I think a Christmas wish was granted as a result. Now the boys are together again and I'm guessing Bob, John and Joe, were just waiting for Hank.... so another longer-lasting picture of the boys could finally be taken.
Monday, December 17, 2007
It Really Is Going To Happen
One of the reasons I became a broadcaster is that I am a big sports fan. When I was about 10 I would huddle in bed and listen to the Cavaliers, or Indians games on my transistor radio I got for Christmas. I seemed to get one of those every year from someone. I think at one time I even had a small collection of them. As I remember the radio ran on a 9 volt battery. They had a little earpiece too so no one could hear you have the radio on too late at night. Many a night I spent bending Bob and Barb's bedtime rules listening to 3WE or CKLW.
I was always in awe as the Cavs or the Indians were playing somewhere far away late at night and wondered how it all worked. I like you, grew up listening to Joe Tait and Herb Score. They were my heroes, and I wanted to be on the radio just like them. Joe and Herb and countless others spent years announcing games in Northeast Ohio usually for teams that were less than stellar.
I bet you'll remember it like I do. We really didn't care, it was just the way it was. The Browns were sort of good, the Cavs were new, and the Indians stunk. It was that simple. We cheered for the Miracle in Richfield, the Browns won some divisions and the Indians....well tickets were not a problem. Then we suffered through The Drive, The Fumble, Red-White 88, Micheal Jordan beating the Cavs every year, and the Indians.....well they just watched.
Then the 90's. The Tribe rocketed to the almost top, the Browns moved to Baltimore, the Cavs rode the up and down roller coaster. And we were there to cheer, cry and anguish and hope for REALLY better sports days. They are just about here!
In 6 days the Browns will be handed a center piece by every fan in northeast Ohio. And If they put it where it belongs and beat the Bengals, the puzzle will be complete. If it goes that way, for the first time ever the Indians, Cavaliers and the Browns will all make the playoffs in the same year! HOLY COW!
Is it world peace? No. But it is exciting! This is an honor usually reserved for other cities, and we just watched. Oh ...were watching still alright. These Browns are fun and well coached. Romeo should be coach of the year. I'm not getting ahead of myself and saying Superbowl, but I am looking forward to Sundays game. And you know what??? That feels good!!!!!!!!
Just as I'm looking forward to the Cavs second half, and the Tribe's spring training. We have all waited for so long for a year like this and it's here. All three teams in post season in the same year?? Something I could NEVER have even dreamed of, in my best of dreams under those covers after drifting off to sleep at 10 years old while the transistor radio played the last three innings of an Indians game I would never get to hear.
I was always in awe as the Cavs or the Indians were playing somewhere far away late at night and wondered how it all worked. I like you, grew up listening to Joe Tait and Herb Score. They were my heroes, and I wanted to be on the radio just like them. Joe and Herb and countless others spent years announcing games in Northeast Ohio usually for teams that were less than stellar.
I bet you'll remember it like I do. We really didn't care, it was just the way it was. The Browns were sort of good, the Cavs were new, and the Indians stunk. It was that simple. We cheered for the Miracle in Richfield, the Browns won some divisions and the Indians....well tickets were not a problem. Then we suffered through The Drive, The Fumble, Red-White 88, Micheal Jordan beating the Cavs every year, and the Indians.....well they just watched.
Then the 90's. The Tribe rocketed to the almost top, the Browns moved to Baltimore, the Cavs rode the up and down roller coaster. And we were there to cheer, cry and anguish and hope for REALLY better sports days. They are just about here!
In 6 days the Browns will be handed a center piece by every fan in northeast Ohio. And If they put it where it belongs and beat the Bengals, the puzzle will be complete. If it goes that way, for the first time ever the Indians, Cavaliers and the Browns will all make the playoffs in the same year! HOLY COW!
Is it world peace? No. But it is exciting! This is an honor usually reserved for other cities, and we just watched. Oh ...were watching still alright. These Browns are fun and well coached. Romeo should be coach of the year. I'm not getting ahead of myself and saying Superbowl, but I am looking forward to Sundays game. And you know what??? That feels good!!!!!!!!
Just as I'm looking forward to the Cavs second half, and the Tribe's spring training. We have all waited for so long for a year like this and it's here. All three teams in post season in the same year?? Something I could NEVER have even dreamed of, in my best of dreams under those covers after drifting off to sleep at 10 years old while the transistor radio played the last three innings of an Indians game I would never get to hear.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Best Gift Idea Ever - Time.
Wednesday morning on the show my partner Shannon made mention that her boys and their dad went to Quicken Loans Arena, and watched Lebron and Larry Hughes and the Cavaliers dismantle the Indiana Pacers 118-105. I gathered there was much enthusiasm from the witnesses in the post-game comments to her, and it sounded like everyone had a great time. How fun for them! She didn't know it at the time, but that short story set my memory back on it's heels almost immediately. Not in a negative way at all, but I did stammer for a minute or two.
December 25, 1977. That day was the last day my dad was ever home. He had fought a short battle with cancer that spread like wildfire through him. Things are different today. In those days, there was diagnosis, chemo, radiation, then you died. And he did April 11, 1978. I was 16. I hadn't thought of this in a long time, but I remember vividly going to many Cavaliers games at the Coliseum with my dad! Many on short notice. I can still hear him, "Hey why don't you and I sneak off to see the Cav's tonight!" And we did. Many times in fact. You know he used to take me to opening day with the Indians at the old stadium, and that was fun. But for some reason the Cav's games were days of gold to me.
Come to think of it, my dad and I did a lot of "sneaking off" in those days. Bob Evans, Cav's games, Indians games. Sometimes we'd just drive around in the summer and listen to the Tribe games on the radio. Just the two us. Man, am I lucky. Lucky to have those memories. And until this morning, I hadn't forgotten them, just hadn't pulled them up in a while. Lucky me that I did!
I remember after my dad died, I lost interest in many things that had been important to me before. I think that's normal. I wanted to play football for the University of Nebraska. That was my immediate plan. I have no idea why Nebraska, but I did. My dad used to come watch me play on the fields of Roehm Jr. High and Berea High School, and that too is burned in my memory. Afterwards we'd analyze the game I just played over a Brown Derby steak, another place we'd sneak off to from time to time. Some of this stuff happened so long ago, I'm amazed it is all so vivid to me still, but it is. It really got me thinking.
Christmas time is here, and we're all out looking for the "must have" gifts. Lots of time and money, energy too. I guess it was the same when I was a kid, but to tell you the truth I don't remember. I can't really remember many gifts I ever got for Christmas. Oh I got some, but Hot Wheels and Tonka trucks fade in color and in memory over time. BUT, those "sneaking off' times, those are the best gifts I ever got, and they weren't even for Christmas. How lucky that I decided then that those things were worth doing with my dad, at a time of life that it is reserved for spending time with your friends. These are among the best decisions I ever made in my life to this day.
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that this Christmas, it may not be worth any one's while to agonize over what gift to give. I never do. Oh, I'll joke about it on the radio and have fun with the fact that I really don't know how to Christmas shop. It's the gift of time that matters. It's the best Christmas gift of all time.
It's the time together. I'm not going to say I wish for another day here, or if I could have just one more day with my dad. That to me is senseless. What I will say is that I am thankful this holiday season that when this time of year rolls around, this is the stuff that really matters to me. Not anything else. It's the time. The place doesn't matter. It's the time. I can only speak for me, but I am so thankful that I took the time, and that time was taken with me. RFW 1924-1978. Thank you.
December 25, 1977. That day was the last day my dad was ever home. He had fought a short battle with cancer that spread like wildfire through him. Things are different today. In those days, there was diagnosis, chemo, radiation, then you died. And he did April 11, 1978. I was 16. I hadn't thought of this in a long time, but I remember vividly going to many Cavaliers games at the Coliseum with my dad! Many on short notice. I can still hear him, "Hey why don't you and I sneak off to see the Cav's tonight!" And we did. Many times in fact. You know he used to take me to opening day with the Indians at the old stadium, and that was fun. But for some reason the Cav's games were days of gold to me.
Come to think of it, my dad and I did a lot of "sneaking off" in those days. Bob Evans, Cav's games, Indians games. Sometimes we'd just drive around in the summer and listen to the Tribe games on the radio. Just the two us. Man, am I lucky. Lucky to have those memories. And until this morning, I hadn't forgotten them, just hadn't pulled them up in a while. Lucky me that I did!
I remember after my dad died, I lost interest in many things that had been important to me before. I think that's normal. I wanted to play football for the University of Nebraska. That was my immediate plan. I have no idea why Nebraska, but I did. My dad used to come watch me play on the fields of Roehm Jr. High and Berea High School, and that too is burned in my memory. Afterwards we'd analyze the game I just played over a Brown Derby steak, another place we'd sneak off to from time to time. Some of this stuff happened so long ago, I'm amazed it is all so vivid to me still, but it is. It really got me thinking.
Christmas time is here, and we're all out looking for the "must have" gifts. Lots of time and money, energy too. I guess it was the same when I was a kid, but to tell you the truth I don't remember. I can't really remember many gifts I ever got for Christmas. Oh I got some, but Hot Wheels and Tonka trucks fade in color and in memory over time. BUT, those "sneaking off' times, those are the best gifts I ever got, and they weren't even for Christmas. How lucky that I decided then that those things were worth doing with my dad, at a time of life that it is reserved for spending time with your friends. These are among the best decisions I ever made in my life to this day.
I guess what I'm really trying to say is that this Christmas, it may not be worth any one's while to agonize over what gift to give. I never do. Oh, I'll joke about it on the radio and have fun with the fact that I really don't know how to Christmas shop. It's the gift of time that matters. It's the best Christmas gift of all time.
It's the time together. I'm not going to say I wish for another day here, or if I could have just one more day with my dad. That to me is senseless. What I will say is that I am thankful this holiday season that when this time of year rolls around, this is the stuff that really matters to me. Not anything else. It's the time. The place doesn't matter. It's the time. I can only speak for me, but I am so thankful that I took the time, and that time was taken with me. RFW 1924-1978. Thank you.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Get Ready To Meet Taylor Swift - Fast!
About 18 months ago I was hosting a Rising Star Showcase here at WQMX, and we were lucky enough to have Taylor Swift as our performer. She was 15 at the time, and she had the good fortune to have a hit song on the radio, the song "Tim McGraw." There was a good crowd here, I'd say about 60 listeners, and everyone had a great time. I remember thinking at the time that Taylor was quite poised , and had a nice relationship with her budding fan base.
Taylor put on a good show, and we all thought she was a nice kid. She was here with her record industry reps, and her mom! I remember thinking at the time that having mom here was a good touch, and if I were her parents I'd want to tag along too. I don't think one of us that night thought that Taylor Swift was destined for REALLY great things. In hindsight, I wish one of us had. - ME.
Taylor Swift is a budding young star all of 17 now, and is on the fastest track imaginable to becoming a star that will cross over endless boundaries. She recently won CMA's, and is now up for a Grammy. She's put a few songs near the top of the charts, and it seems right now the sky's the limit. I've been playing country music on the radio for 27 years, it's rare to see someone with a future so bright. Baseball great Reggie Jackson said it so great once about Derek Jeter, "I'd trade my past, for his future!" That applies to Taylor Swift. Many performers I'm sure feel that way about her.
My opinion of Taylor Swift really changed from her award show performances. The ACM's when she walked out and sang TO Tim McGraw with a guitar only, the song that bears his name as they met for the first time right there on TV! And at the CMA's where she performed a song she wrote flawlessly in front of her idols, who were recording songs long before she was born. Such poise! Her use too, of all forms on modern communication with her fan base has been extraordinary.
I asked her mom when she was here, if Taylor was the kid that put on little shows and always told others that she was going to be a country star. Her mom said yes. I asked too, if other kids made fun of her, and she confirmed that as well. After all, every graduating class has a kid like that. But those dreams go up in smoke with the playing of Pomp and Circumstance, and give way to a normal life. Taylor Swift is not going to lead a normal life. Taylor Swift is going to be a huge star. And he hasn't even heard Pomp and Circumstance yet! She will cross over to many kinds of music, and fans. She will win awards, make videos, commercials, record hit albums and songs, and pass virtually very other woman in country music and other forms of music along the way.
I remember too telling her record rep at the time, that I believed every word she sings in the song "Tim McGraw." He said he never heard it put that way before, and he concurred. That is her strength. She is totally believable in all aspects of her young career. Look, whether you like her music or not, the way she delivers it is totally honest. And to be frank, whether you like the songs or not, it's tough NOT to like HER. She comes off as one hundred percent likable, approachable, and humbled by all that's going on in her young life. I feel she handles herself so well, it's a testament to her parents and to her handlers that they have this young superstar in their midst, and no one seems to know it. And for a change.....that is so refreshing!
I liked meeting Taylor Swift, and she has an open invitation to be on the show with Shannon and me any time. I'm rooting for Taylor Swift. Country music could use another superstar. If your not sure who Taylor Swift is, wait about 5 minutes, and you'll find out.
Taylor put on a good show, and we all thought she was a nice kid. She was here with her record industry reps, and her mom! I remember thinking at the time that having mom here was a good touch, and if I were her parents I'd want to tag along too. I don't think one of us that night thought that Taylor Swift was destined for REALLY great things. In hindsight, I wish one of us had. - ME.
Taylor Swift is a budding young star all of 17 now, and is on the fastest track imaginable to becoming a star that will cross over endless boundaries. She recently won CMA's, and is now up for a Grammy. She's put a few songs near the top of the charts, and it seems right now the sky's the limit. I've been playing country music on the radio for 27 years, it's rare to see someone with a future so bright. Baseball great Reggie Jackson said it so great once about Derek Jeter, "I'd trade my past, for his future!" That applies to Taylor Swift. Many performers I'm sure feel that way about her.
My opinion of Taylor Swift really changed from her award show performances. The ACM's when she walked out and sang TO Tim McGraw with a guitar only, the song that bears his name as they met for the first time right there on TV! And at the CMA's where she performed a song she wrote flawlessly in front of her idols, who were recording songs long before she was born. Such poise! Her use too, of all forms on modern communication with her fan base has been extraordinary.
I asked her mom when she was here, if Taylor was the kid that put on little shows and always told others that she was going to be a country star. Her mom said yes. I asked too, if other kids made fun of her, and she confirmed that as well. After all, every graduating class has a kid like that. But those dreams go up in smoke with the playing of Pomp and Circumstance, and give way to a normal life. Taylor Swift is not going to lead a normal life. Taylor Swift is going to be a huge star. And he hasn't even heard Pomp and Circumstance yet! She will cross over to many kinds of music, and fans. She will win awards, make videos, commercials, record hit albums and songs, and pass virtually very other woman in country music and other forms of music along the way.
I remember too telling her record rep at the time, that I believed every word she sings in the song "Tim McGraw." He said he never heard it put that way before, and he concurred. That is her strength. She is totally believable in all aspects of her young career. Look, whether you like her music or not, the way she delivers it is totally honest. And to be frank, whether you like the songs or not, it's tough NOT to like HER. She comes off as one hundred percent likable, approachable, and humbled by all that's going on in her young life. I feel she handles herself so well, it's a testament to her parents and to her handlers that they have this young superstar in their midst, and no one seems to know it. And for a change.....that is so refreshing!
I liked meeting Taylor Swift, and she has an open invitation to be on the show with Shannon and me any time. I'm rooting for Taylor Swift. Country music could use another superstar. If your not sure who Taylor Swift is, wait about 5 minutes, and you'll find out.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
What's The Deal With Frosty Anyway?
On the show this morning my partner Shannon and I were talking about all the Christmas specials that are on TV these days. We were having the usual fun with them, when she made the off-handed comment that Frosty the Snowman, was" a little whiney," and it wasn't her favorite. I decided that was funny, and ran with it. I too recalled Frosty being "whiney," and I think I even threw in a "sniveling" or two. Shannon was right. His voice is kind of whiney, and spineless. Then we tried to track down the actual story from the TV special and we found out we needed help. And the phone started ringing!
Listener after listener called in to tell us the story as they saw it. There was this "evil scientist" that was chasing Frosty. That character turned into a "musician" then a "magician," then a "jokester" and even a "mad scientist." It finally came to be officially confirmed as a magician, who was trying to get his magic hat back, that brought Frosty to life in the first place. So he terrorizes our hero.
Then the debate raged on. Frosty became locked in a "potting shed," that became a "shed," that became a "garage," that became a "barn," that became a "greenhouse," where he began to melt! It was confirmed that it indeed was a greenhouse, that the magician DID lock Frosty in so he WOULD melt so the magician could get his magic hat back.
Speaking of the magic hat, Shannon even mentioned that there was a bird flying around in the hat, and even provided sound effects. Then there was Karen, the little girl that Frosty is traveling with to the North Pole so he won't melt and she gets cold. So Frosty says he'll risk life and limb to take shelter in the warm greenhouse. He then gets locked in by the magician while Karen is warming up. AND HE MELTS, as the magician laughs!!!. Frosty melts into a pool of water on the floor, with nothing but the hat laying on the cold, cold ground!
I don't remember one word of any of this in that silly song I learned in the 2nd grade!
Are we sure this isn't a lost Stephen King novella of some kind???? This whole thing sounds kind of brutal!!! There was so much confusion from so many listeners, this became an interesting study in human communication. How can so many people watch the same old Christmas special for so many years, and have such different accounts of the actual story? And this should be mentioned, most of the calls were from MEN! Might not be a bad idea for a stocking stuffer for the guy in your life.
Look, does Rudolph go through this?? I think not. Charlie Brown? No again. We know these classics cold. NO one gets Rudolph wrong. NO one thinks Rudolph's nose goes on the fritz and Santa's sleigh goes cantilevering out of control and Christmas Eve is ruined. And everyone knows about the stupid, lousy stick tree Charlie Brown buys for some reason and the happy singing at the end. But for whiney, dizzy old Frosty, there is massive confusion. Even though this special has aired every year since 1969.
But in the end, Frosty is fine, Santa saves the day and Frosty has life. But even after all this debate about this rotund ball of snow, Frosty is still a bit whiney. Shannon was right!
Listener after listener called in to tell us the story as they saw it. There was this "evil scientist" that was chasing Frosty. That character turned into a "musician" then a "magician," then a "jokester" and even a "mad scientist." It finally came to be officially confirmed as a magician, who was trying to get his magic hat back, that brought Frosty to life in the first place. So he terrorizes our hero.
Then the debate raged on. Frosty became locked in a "potting shed," that became a "shed," that became a "garage," that became a "barn," that became a "greenhouse," where he began to melt! It was confirmed that it indeed was a greenhouse, that the magician DID lock Frosty in so he WOULD melt so the magician could get his magic hat back.
Speaking of the magic hat, Shannon even mentioned that there was a bird flying around in the hat, and even provided sound effects. Then there was Karen, the little girl that Frosty is traveling with to the North Pole so he won't melt and she gets cold. So Frosty says he'll risk life and limb to take shelter in the warm greenhouse. He then gets locked in by the magician while Karen is warming up. AND HE MELTS, as the magician laughs!!!. Frosty melts into a pool of water on the floor, with nothing but the hat laying on the cold, cold ground!
I don't remember one word of any of this in that silly song I learned in the 2nd grade!
Are we sure this isn't a lost Stephen King novella of some kind???? This whole thing sounds kind of brutal!!! There was so much confusion from so many listeners, this became an interesting study in human communication. How can so many people watch the same old Christmas special for so many years, and have such different accounts of the actual story? And this should be mentioned, most of the calls were from MEN! Might not be a bad idea for a stocking stuffer for the guy in your life.
Look, does Rudolph go through this?? I think not. Charlie Brown? No again. We know these classics cold. NO one gets Rudolph wrong. NO one thinks Rudolph's nose goes on the fritz and Santa's sleigh goes cantilevering out of control and Christmas Eve is ruined. And everyone knows about the stupid, lousy stick tree Charlie Brown buys for some reason and the happy singing at the end. But for whiney, dizzy old Frosty, there is massive confusion. Even though this special has aired every year since 1969.
But in the end, Frosty is fine, Santa saves the day and Frosty has life. But even after all this debate about this rotund ball of snow, Frosty is still a bit whiney. Shannon was right!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
I Took Seinfeld For Granted - And I'm Sorry!
When the show Seinfeld was airing the 90's, I didn't watch it much. I don't really know why exactly. I was doing the Morning Show in Lakeland, Florida at WPCV-FM and 3 AM does come early. Plus I think in the years that Seinfeld was on NBC, there were plenty of other shows on various networks on various days that could make us laugh. There was no actual need to watch Seinfeld. Now there is! How times have changed.
The writers strike aside, even when they're working, the sitcom on network TV is in serious trouble. I know there are some shows with some success, Two And A Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and others. But to be honest, they don't make us laugh like those Seinfeld clowns. And it's not even close! We kind of took Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer for granted in those days, and I'd like to apologize to them for that. We really didn't know how good we had it back then. We thought that the funny shows were just going to roll on forever, but they haven't have they? Creating a truly funny show has to be a lot harder than we must know, because they haven't created one in a really long time.
This is not longing for the old days. Seinfeld is not the "old days." It's not all that long ago at all. Thank goodness for TBS. At the end of the day when I'm done with the world and I want something to crack me up. It's Seinfeld. You know the simple truth is even a decade later to me, it is easily the funniest show on TV. Best part is, we can watch it many times a day now instead of once a week in the 90's.
I know the curse too. The four stars have not had real success since the show ended. Well so what? Jerry is still a funny stand up, Jason Alexander (George) has had his flops, Micheal Richards (Kramer) his troubles too, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Elaine) does have a new show (New Adventures of Old Christine) that's on from time to time. But it's all academic. They were among the funniest ensemble casts ever put on TV. And luckily with cable and DVD, we'll be able to watch them forever. Plus in the case of Dreyfuss, I think she is one of the funniest women to ever be on a sitcom. She's in the same class as Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore. She was absolutely fantastic on that show. The heck with the curse. Those 4 worked their whole careers to get a gig so great. They climbed to the top of their profession, and stayed there unchallenged for 9 years. They do not need to answer to any critic anywhere.
I miss the great sitcom. This is the era of crime-dramas and reality TV. Nothing really wrong with either one. I can catch Law and Order SVU, or American Idol, Survivor too. I'll even admit to watching Dancing With The Stars. But I miss the really funny sitcoms. I mean the REALLY FUNNY ones. Shows we'll still be roaring over a decade later. I don't mean simply laughing at, I mean howling.
I am very sorry I took it all for granted all those many years. I have seen my errors and have taken the appropriate steps. Tell me you don't laugh out loud at Seinfeld after all this time. I still do every single time.
The writers strike aside, even when they're working, the sitcom on network TV is in serious trouble. I know there are some shows with some success, Two And A Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and others. But to be honest, they don't make us laugh like those Seinfeld clowns. And it's not even close! We kind of took Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer for granted in those days, and I'd like to apologize to them for that. We really didn't know how good we had it back then. We thought that the funny shows were just going to roll on forever, but they haven't have they? Creating a truly funny show has to be a lot harder than we must know, because they haven't created one in a really long time.
This is not longing for the old days. Seinfeld is not the "old days." It's not all that long ago at all. Thank goodness for TBS. At the end of the day when I'm done with the world and I want something to crack me up. It's Seinfeld. You know the simple truth is even a decade later to me, it is easily the funniest show on TV. Best part is, we can watch it many times a day now instead of once a week in the 90's.
I know the curse too. The four stars have not had real success since the show ended. Well so what? Jerry is still a funny stand up, Jason Alexander (George) has had his flops, Micheal Richards (Kramer) his troubles too, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Elaine) does have a new show (New Adventures of Old Christine) that's on from time to time. But it's all academic. They were among the funniest ensemble casts ever put on TV. And luckily with cable and DVD, we'll be able to watch them forever. Plus in the case of Dreyfuss, I think she is one of the funniest women to ever be on a sitcom. She's in the same class as Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore. She was absolutely fantastic on that show. The heck with the curse. Those 4 worked their whole careers to get a gig so great. They climbed to the top of their profession, and stayed there unchallenged for 9 years. They do not need to answer to any critic anywhere.
I miss the great sitcom. This is the era of crime-dramas and reality TV. Nothing really wrong with either one. I can catch Law and Order SVU, or American Idol, Survivor too. I'll even admit to watching Dancing With The Stars. But I miss the really funny sitcoms. I mean the REALLY FUNNY ones. Shows we'll still be roaring over a decade later. I don't mean simply laughing at, I mean howling.
I am very sorry I took it all for granted all those many years. I have seen my errors and have taken the appropriate steps. Tell me you don't laugh out loud at Seinfeld after all this time. I still do every single time.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The New Holiday Classics?.......Not!
I was looking on line a the movie listings today, and this just hit me like a ton of bricks. I looked a few times, and then started piecing this together. Here we are just a few weeks from Christmas, and just in time for you to gather the kids and family and go to the flicks!!! And why not?. It's an American tradition, Christmas time and Christmas movies. FUN!!!
I hope that no matter what form of entertainment medium comes out in the future, that we always go to the flicks. I know it's expensive, and the dining at the theater is expensive too, but it's a slice of American communilism that I'm not willing to give up yet. So let's load up right now, let's even take gramps and granny out for a great American night at holiday time and see what's showing down at the old movie house! Let's see how we can all fly into December, soaring with the holiday spirit as a family!!!!!!!!!
Let's see what's in theater one. What family wouldn't love the chance to go see the new holiday classic "Hitman?" This came out last week right on time. This frolicking flick stars a new holiday classic character named "47". You'll marvel as granny gets to watch quote "strong bloody violence and nudity" That's not my quote, it's from the movie overview. Destined to be a holiday favorite for minutes to come.
Next door is another Yuletide yawner the family will love, "American Gangster." Big stars too like Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe. A two and half hour true story picture. Lets read further, oh here we go..."violence, pervasive drug content, and of course ..nudity."
And on screen 3, 4 and 5, it's Beowulf, "disturbing images, nudity (pg-13)", No Country for Old Men "strong graphic violence, nudity," and The Mist...."violence, terror, and gore." Now see??The Mist got a little more creative and somehow got some good ol' gore tossed in there. Don't all those movies just want to make you run home and put up the tree? Actually, upon further review...they kinda do.
Now hold on, I do not have blinders on, I know there are flicks out now, that all can go to, and I respect that.
Look, I am a huge fan of the movies, and I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination. I love all kinds of movies, and respect the rights of those who make the movies. But I always thought that holiday time was a good time to go to the movies. That's when the "really good movies" come out. This is not an indictment of any of these movies. It just seems like a strange time of the year to be wading through this much carnage. Am I alone in this?? No wonder we're all so stressed at the holidays, even going to the movies is tough.
I hope that no matter what form of entertainment medium comes out in the future, that we always go to the flicks. I know it's expensive, and the dining at the theater is expensive too, but it's a slice of American communilism that I'm not willing to give up yet. So let's load up right now, let's even take gramps and granny out for a great American night at holiday time and see what's showing down at the old movie house! Let's see how we can all fly into December, soaring with the holiday spirit as a family!!!!!!!!!
Let's see what's in theater one. What family wouldn't love the chance to go see the new holiday classic "Hitman?" This came out last week right on time. This frolicking flick stars a new holiday classic character named "47". You'll marvel as granny gets to watch quote "strong bloody violence and nudity" That's not my quote, it's from the movie overview. Destined to be a holiday favorite for minutes to come.
Next door is another Yuletide yawner the family will love, "American Gangster." Big stars too like Denzel Washington and Russel Crowe. A two and half hour true story picture. Lets read further, oh here we go..."violence, pervasive drug content, and of course ..nudity."
And on screen 3, 4 and 5, it's Beowulf, "disturbing images, nudity (pg-13)", No Country for Old Men "strong graphic violence, nudity," and The Mist...."violence, terror, and gore." Now see??The Mist got a little more creative and somehow got some good ol' gore tossed in there. Don't all those movies just want to make you run home and put up the tree? Actually, upon further review...they kinda do.
Now hold on, I do not have blinders on, I know there are flicks out now, that all can go to, and I respect that.
Look, I am a huge fan of the movies, and I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination. I love all kinds of movies, and respect the rights of those who make the movies. But I always thought that holiday time was a good time to go to the movies. That's when the "really good movies" come out. This is not an indictment of any of these movies. It just seems like a strange time of the year to be wading through this much carnage. Am I alone in this?? No wonder we're all so stressed at the holidays, even going to the movies is tough.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Giving Equals Happiness
A couple of times a year my friend Don and I leave our wives here in Ohio for a weekend to fend for themselves, and we travel down to Florida for a great weekend of golf and food. I lived and worked in Florida for 10 years, and have some great friends there still. My wife and Don's wife are best friends, so it works out well on both ends. Our friends Ray and Tim both whom we've known for years, take some time off, and we play as much golf as we can squeeze into a few days. It's a first class time, with first class people.
Invariably on the way home, we talk what a great time it was, and how much fun it is to be around Ray and Tim. We only see them a couple times a year. These trips get me thinking about how lucky I am to have friends like these three who have really great outlooks on life. All of these guys are among the happiest people I know. And I think I have figured out why. They all are highly generous and all have a big benevolent streak. All three too, have highly generous wives and families.
Now I'll be the first to admit, at least as far and Ray and Tim are concerned living in the Florida sunshine doesn't hurt. But it's more than that. This is the holiday season and a time for giving. I have been out on some charity fundraisers for the community lately, and have noticed an interesting phenomenon. The people that stop by and give what they can to others, without even a second thought have this undeniable goodness about them. And they just flat out seem happier than most. You feel lucky that you just met them. Just like my three friends and their families.
It makes you wonder if giving to others who are truly in need with either money or some other generous act is much better for the soul than we think we already know. When we give, it makes us happy. Period! We feel good being around givers, even if you don't know their name or their story. Those who simply stop by and support worthy groups or organizations really inspire me. Being around givers, makes all of us want to give more. I think that's natural. I am also very lucky to have a wife who is very big-hearted and gives to many, including animals, out of the goodness of her heart. She sets the pace at our house.
Stop and think about the people in your life. The happiest ones you know, I'm betting, are those who give unselfishly of themselves as a way of life, and are glad to do it. You know, when you think about it, NOT giving, at the giving time of year takes a lot more energy than actually giving. It takes lots of energy to be suspicious of others, or to be reluctant to give to those with real need. Now no one is saying that we should all be stupid and give what we don't have. That just doesn't make sense. BUT this season, I plan on giving more of my time and being more generous than before. I think we would all like to be viewed as a benevolent person with a gentle soul. I know I do.
There has to be a connection. We do live in a complicated world. But could it be that the old adage that "it'll come back to you" is really true? Does it came back as true happiness? Could it really be that easy? Can it be that the key to being really happy, could be as simple as being more generous and benevolent? I'll ask my three friends. I'm thinking there's more and more to this all the time. I'm also thinking it couldn't hurt to try!
Invariably on the way home, we talk what a great time it was, and how much fun it is to be around Ray and Tim. We only see them a couple times a year. These trips get me thinking about how lucky I am to have friends like these three who have really great outlooks on life. All of these guys are among the happiest people I know. And I think I have figured out why. They all are highly generous and all have a big benevolent streak. All three too, have highly generous wives and families.
Now I'll be the first to admit, at least as far and Ray and Tim are concerned living in the Florida sunshine doesn't hurt. But it's more than that. This is the holiday season and a time for giving. I have been out on some charity fundraisers for the community lately, and have noticed an interesting phenomenon. The people that stop by and give what they can to others, without even a second thought have this undeniable goodness about them. And they just flat out seem happier than most. You feel lucky that you just met them. Just like my three friends and their families.
It makes you wonder if giving to others who are truly in need with either money or some other generous act is much better for the soul than we think we already know. When we give, it makes us happy. Period! We feel good being around givers, even if you don't know their name or their story. Those who simply stop by and support worthy groups or organizations really inspire me. Being around givers, makes all of us want to give more. I think that's natural. I am also very lucky to have a wife who is very big-hearted and gives to many, including animals, out of the goodness of her heart. She sets the pace at our house.
Stop and think about the people in your life. The happiest ones you know, I'm betting, are those who give unselfishly of themselves as a way of life, and are glad to do it. You know, when you think about it, NOT giving, at the giving time of year takes a lot more energy than actually giving. It takes lots of energy to be suspicious of others, or to be reluctant to give to those with real need. Now no one is saying that we should all be stupid and give what we don't have. That just doesn't make sense. BUT this season, I plan on giving more of my time and being more generous than before. I think we would all like to be viewed as a benevolent person with a gentle soul. I know I do.
There has to be a connection. We do live in a complicated world. But could it be that the old adage that "it'll come back to you" is really true? Does it came back as true happiness? Could it really be that easy? Can it be that the key to being really happy, could be as simple as being more generous and benevolent? I'll ask my three friends. I'm thinking there's more and more to this all the time. I'm also thinking it couldn't hurt to try!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Long Live The Card Table!!!!
Here we are just a few days away from my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, and as I look around you'd never know it. In America, we have become so obsessed with Halloween the past few years, and when you marry it with the long standing commercialization of Christmas?? Well.... those two just seem to blend together. And who gets caught and eventually squeezed out of the middle? Thanksgiving.
Hey, I'm a realist, Thanksgiving is not the flashy, pizzazzy holiday that the others two are. I get that. But I feel it's the one real holiday left that really captures what a holiday is, at least to me. First, there are the things that Thanksgiving does NOT have in its favor as compared to the other two.
There is no huge gift exchange or gift shopping. This is a big problem for the masses. A holiday just isn't a real holiday unless you spend hours of time you don't have finding that "just right" Aqua Velva gift set. Or scouring the mall so you'll watch with delight as your loved ones rip open gifts that they already knew they were getting from you. And don't forget the years of joy you'll remember, as you watch the kids unwrap that gift card that some out of town relative sent. Ah yes, precious memories all.
And how can poor Thanksgiving compete with the glee of going into debt to rent that Paris Hilton, or Brittany Spears costume? Have I left out the x-raying of the candy, or the family gathering together as one, spending a great night out at the movies enjoying Saw 5???
Thanksgiving is simple. It's food, fun, family, football on TV. You even get a little of the other holidays thrown in. The kids get to wear a costume and dress up as Pilgrims and Indians at school, and you get Santa in the Macy's parade on the tube! You get to eat off the good plates and silverware, the nice napkins, even the yearly use of the gravy boat. Plus, you get to check on the condition of the hard to find, CARD TABLE!
The card table is for the overspill of people that can't fit at the big table for Thanksgiving dinner. You've been there, and you've moved up to the big table. It's like the minor leagues of eating. You're there for a few years, and then because of circumstances at the big table you get called up, leaving behind the others still waiting for their eventual date with eating destiny. That wait can be a long and agonizing one. Once called up, you never go back. Young people are born into the proud tradition of the card table and they too must wait their turn as we waited for ours.
Oh, it's not always pretty. There's always one person still stuck at the card table that is about 10 years older than the rest of those still there, and they're not happy. It can be wobbly, it can sit too low, and you generally have a long wait for the turkey to get there usually without a lot of the white meat left. In some extreme cases the card table may even be in another room, or foyer! It has a different table cloth and most of the time the regular every day plates, silver and glasses. But it's still a great Thanksgiving tradition that exists in virtually every American household today!
Now that Halloween is a month over, and Christmas is a month away, take this Thanksgiving season to give thanks. Honor the card table and it's cold dressing eating occupants who eagerly are awaiting the bullpen phone to ring and go to the big table with the adults. The card table is in the basement waiting. Waiting for it's turn to be called up too. You might want to dust it off first!
Hey, I'm a realist, Thanksgiving is not the flashy, pizzazzy holiday that the others two are. I get that. But I feel it's the one real holiday left that really captures what a holiday is, at least to me. First, there are the things that Thanksgiving does NOT have in its favor as compared to the other two.
There is no huge gift exchange or gift shopping. This is a big problem for the masses. A holiday just isn't a real holiday unless you spend hours of time you don't have finding that "just right" Aqua Velva gift set. Or scouring the mall so you'll watch with delight as your loved ones rip open gifts that they already knew they were getting from you. And don't forget the years of joy you'll remember, as you watch the kids unwrap that gift card that some out of town relative sent. Ah yes, precious memories all.
And how can poor Thanksgiving compete with the glee of going into debt to rent that Paris Hilton, or Brittany Spears costume? Have I left out the x-raying of the candy, or the family gathering together as one, spending a great night out at the movies enjoying Saw 5???
Thanksgiving is simple. It's food, fun, family, football on TV. You even get a little of the other holidays thrown in. The kids get to wear a costume and dress up as Pilgrims and Indians at school, and you get Santa in the Macy's parade on the tube! You get to eat off the good plates and silverware, the nice napkins, even the yearly use of the gravy boat. Plus, you get to check on the condition of the hard to find, CARD TABLE!
The card table is for the overspill of people that can't fit at the big table for Thanksgiving dinner. You've been there, and you've moved up to the big table. It's like the minor leagues of eating. You're there for a few years, and then because of circumstances at the big table you get called up, leaving behind the others still waiting for their eventual date with eating destiny. That wait can be a long and agonizing one. Once called up, you never go back. Young people are born into the proud tradition of the card table and they too must wait their turn as we waited for ours.
Oh, it's not always pretty. There's always one person still stuck at the card table that is about 10 years older than the rest of those still there, and they're not happy. It can be wobbly, it can sit too low, and you generally have a long wait for the turkey to get there usually without a lot of the white meat left. In some extreme cases the card table may even be in another room, or foyer! It has a different table cloth and most of the time the regular every day plates, silver and glasses. But it's still a great Thanksgiving tradition that exists in virtually every American household today!
Now that Halloween is a month over, and Christmas is a month away, take this Thanksgiving season to give thanks. Honor the card table and it's cold dressing eating occupants who eagerly are awaiting the bullpen phone to ring and go to the big table with the adults. The card table is in the basement waiting. Waiting for it's turn to be called up too. You might want to dust it off first!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
C.C.'s Cy.....Sigh...
I am a huge baseball fan. I think the two best sports ever created by man are baseball, and golf. I love following baseball, and love playing golf. I grew up in Northeast Ohio, and went to old Municipal Stadium as a kid and sat in the bleachers for 50 cents. I am also a life long Indians fan, and that hasn't always been easy. Even through my radio job stops in Columbus, Richmond, Jefferson City, and Florida, I always remained a die hard Tribe fan.
When I learned today that C.C. Sabathia won the American League Cy Young award today, I felt the same pride I felt during September and October over my favorite ball club. I sighed and smiled. Like you, I got caught up in all things Tribe this season. I went to the Jake, watched them on TV, and listened on the radio. I have to admit, I was geeked up and giddy when we were up 3-1 on Boston, and deflated when we couldn't nail it down. Like you too, I was already at the World Series, long before we failed to finish off the Sox.
But When C.C. was announced as this years winner, I forgot the 6 month roller coaster of emotion that is the MLB season, and was just glad I am a Tribe fan. I'm not going into stat's here, ERA, and all that meaningless drivel . I feel today that MY team really exists. (Hang in there with me.) We haven't had a pitcher win this award since 1972 (Gaylord Perry), and these kind of honors are usually won by glitzier, sexier, bigger name pitchers that cash gargantuan paychecks and live in more exotic area codes. But the voters got it right. We lived and eventually died with C. C. all year, and he was the leagues best pitcher. THAT'S what I'm going to remember from 2007. Toss in today too, that Eric Wedge was named manager of the year, and 2007 no matter the end, was a great success. My investment of time in the Tribe, now totally validated.
I get very tired of TV networks talking up New York, Boston, and Los Angeles teams every year, and sort of knowing the Indians and their players. I'm weary too of undeserving major market players in all sports winning awards simply because they get more time on ESPN. Understand this, those pitchers and players are not better, the TV networks just say they are. I think C.C.'s Cy, is a victory for the "little guy," the underdog, and we as Americans are always willing to root for them. Well done C. C. Well done!
The Indians and underdog in the same sentence is no surprise to anyone, but C.C., and "Little Guy" in the same sentence?? I told you baseball is great game.
When I learned today that C.C. Sabathia won the American League Cy Young award today, I felt the same pride I felt during September and October over my favorite ball club. I sighed and smiled. Like you, I got caught up in all things Tribe this season. I went to the Jake, watched them on TV, and listened on the radio. I have to admit, I was geeked up and giddy when we were up 3-1 on Boston, and deflated when we couldn't nail it down. Like you too, I was already at the World Series, long before we failed to finish off the Sox.
But When C.C. was announced as this years winner, I forgot the 6 month roller coaster of emotion that is the MLB season, and was just glad I am a Tribe fan. I'm not going into stat's here, ERA, and all that meaningless drivel . I feel today that MY team really exists. (Hang in there with me.) We haven't had a pitcher win this award since 1972 (Gaylord Perry), and these kind of honors are usually won by glitzier, sexier, bigger name pitchers that cash gargantuan paychecks and live in more exotic area codes. But the voters got it right. We lived and eventually died with C. C. all year, and he was the leagues best pitcher. THAT'S what I'm going to remember from 2007. Toss in today too, that Eric Wedge was named manager of the year, and 2007 no matter the end, was a great success. My investment of time in the Tribe, now totally validated.
I get very tired of TV networks talking up New York, Boston, and Los Angeles teams every year, and sort of knowing the Indians and their players. I'm weary too of undeserving major market players in all sports winning awards simply because they get more time on ESPN. Understand this, those pitchers and players are not better, the TV networks just say they are. I think C.C.'s Cy, is a victory for the "little guy," the underdog, and we as Americans are always willing to root for them. Well done C. C. Well done!
The Indians and underdog in the same sentence is no surprise to anyone, but C.C., and "Little Guy" in the same sentence?? I told you baseball is great game.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Decade to Forgive the English Patient!
First of all, I love the movies. All kinds of movies. I can see Saw 1,2,3,4, I can enjoy Gone With The Wind. I've even sat through dogs like Joe Dirt, and Gone Fishin' and triumphs like Titanic and Apollo 13. Overall I think going to the movies is one of my favorite things to do. Except that dreadful night in 1996 when I walked into The English Patient, and then staggered out of it a babbling, confused idiot! More on that later.
This weekend, I went with my bride and friends to see the new Steve Carell flick, Dan In Real Life. I honestly did not know that Juliette Binoche was in it. She of course was one of 4 big stars in the English Patient. Ralph Fiennes, Willem DaFoe and Kristin Scott Thomas the other three. So much did I loathe the EP, that I implemented a self imposed ban on myself that I would NOT go to another movie that starred ANY of these four! That lasted a little over ten years.
I will readily admit, I accidentally saw three movies in that time that had one of these four in it. All by accident. After buying my ticket, and corn, and then seeing one of their names in the opening credits, I told myself it was an honest error and the ban was still good and in effect. That happened again this weekend, when I saw Juliette Binoches' name in the opening. Being there with three others, I decided to tough it out.
The English Patient to me is so horrible, overrated, and did I leave out BORING?? Yes, I've seen flashbacks before, yes, I know some say it's romantic, and I know it's soooo deep... I know it won awards. Please....IT STINKS! Oh I forgot, could it be any LONGER????? I know for a fact that I am not alone in the hatred of this celluloid sewer.
But after seeing Juliette Binoche Friday night with her great performance in a really good movie, I decided that 11 years was long enough. I'd made my point to myself and those around me. She is a lovely, fresh face that isn't in a lot of movies, and I would like to see her more often. For that to happen, the moratorium had to be lifted. It did require a majority vote, of 1, and I voted for it to be lifted and it is so. Forgive yes, forget no!
These blue's will never subject themselves to another screening of the EP. If it's on TV I'm turning, if it's on at your house I'm leaving, if it ever comes back to the theaters, I'm picketing. Thank you Juliette Binoche, you have freed me to view you in a whole new light. I do feel liberated on the ban being lifted, but I am confident that the ban being instituted in the first place was apt!
This weekend, I went with my bride and friends to see the new Steve Carell flick, Dan In Real Life. I honestly did not know that Juliette Binoche was in it. She of course was one of 4 big stars in the English Patient. Ralph Fiennes, Willem DaFoe and Kristin Scott Thomas the other three. So much did I loathe the EP, that I implemented a self imposed ban on myself that I would NOT go to another movie that starred ANY of these four! That lasted a little over ten years.
I will readily admit, I accidentally saw three movies in that time that had one of these four in it. All by accident. After buying my ticket, and corn, and then seeing one of their names in the opening credits, I told myself it was an honest error and the ban was still good and in effect. That happened again this weekend, when I saw Juliette Binoches' name in the opening. Being there with three others, I decided to tough it out.
The English Patient to me is so horrible, overrated, and did I leave out BORING?? Yes, I've seen flashbacks before, yes, I know some say it's romantic, and I know it's soooo deep... I know it won awards. Please....IT STINKS! Oh I forgot, could it be any LONGER????? I know for a fact that I am not alone in the hatred of this celluloid sewer.
But after seeing Juliette Binoche Friday night with her great performance in a really good movie, I decided that 11 years was long enough. I'd made my point to myself and those around me. She is a lovely, fresh face that isn't in a lot of movies, and I would like to see her more often. For that to happen, the moratorium had to be lifted. It did require a majority vote, of 1, and I voted for it to be lifted and it is so. Forgive yes, forget no!
These blue's will never subject themselves to another screening of the EP. If it's on TV I'm turning, if it's on at your house I'm leaving, if it ever comes back to the theaters, I'm picketing. Thank you Juliette Binoche, you have freed me to view you in a whole new light. I do feel liberated on the ban being lifted, but I am confident that the ban being instituted in the first place was apt!
Friday, November 9, 2007
It Can Only Make....Not Break!
In these parts Sundays in the fall are for the 4 "F's". Sundays are family, food, fun, and football. We all get together and have these big Browns parties, complete with all the trimmings that real fans enjoy. We sit down as friends and families to watch, analyze, and voice our opinions about the Browns. But since 1999, there have been many trying Sunday afternoons. The celebratory dances in the living room in front of the TV have been too few and far between. But, the for the past three weeks, we may not have actually gotten up and gotten down with our bad selves in front of the tube, BUT we're loosening up those hips!
The Browns have won three in a row and that's big news. This Sunday it's the big brother/little brother battle with the Steelers. If the Browns can pull this off, it would be four in a row, and I can only speak for myself, I would probably go all Apollo Anton Ono/Emmit Smith about it. I'm hoping for that dance chance.
The Browns/Steelers match up has been one of the NFL's best rivalries for about 50 years. But over the past ten, it's just been a beat-down. Sunday it will be interesting to see if the surprising Browns can continue to stun us by giving Pittsburgh a go.
Occasionally in sports, the game takes a back seat to the bigger picture. Professional sports spark civic pride, bragging rights, a sense of well being, and can lift the mood of an entire area. Especially one that could use a lift. This Sunday is that day. The best part about it is, the Browns and the fans have no pressure this weekend. This game is not a make or break game for the Browns. The season can not be broken even with the worst of defeats. BUT.......this game could MAKE the season for the Browns for endless reasons.
First a loss. It's just a loss, the Browns would be 5-4 with 7 schedule friendly games to go. No big deal. With this team playing the way they have been nothing would be lost except one Sunday in November.
BUT....a win......and it is so much more. Pride. Civic pride! Every once in a while, a single win can ramp up everyone it touches. This win would be a win for the fans, the Browns organization, Romeo Crennel, Phil Savage, all the players, the fan who suddenly becomes a fan with the news that the dragon had been slayed. The NFL itself. Rivalries have become too few and far between in this league since the ESPN era began. Rivalries have become what the network wants us to watch, and we believe it. Do you really care about the Giants and the Eagles, or the Chiefs and the Raiders? Of course you don't. The Steelers and the Browns have been rivals because the TEAMS say they are. And lately this one has faded. But a win by the Browns, and all bets are off. It would be back on again. All accomplished in one three hour game.
Browns fans like me are just about ready to burst. This could be the Sunday we put the pin to pop. Wouldn't it be more fun for all, if this 2-time a year game really meant something? Well this week could be the game that brings all of that back to both cities. It's the best of all worlds, this game can only MAKE the Browns season, not break it. There is a huge upside, and virtually no down. The Browns are so much better this year, and it's fun to cheer them on again!
Try to keep that in mind this Sunday. I will try to keep that in mind when I'm watching the game with my friends. But I sure wouldn't mind goin' all Happy Feet at the end of the fourth quarter myself. It's been too long! GO BROWNS!
The Browns have won three in a row and that's big news. This Sunday it's the big brother/little brother battle with the Steelers. If the Browns can pull this off, it would be four in a row, and I can only speak for myself, I would probably go all Apollo Anton Ono/Emmit Smith about it. I'm hoping for that dance chance.
The Browns/Steelers match up has been one of the NFL's best rivalries for about 50 years. But over the past ten, it's just been a beat-down. Sunday it will be interesting to see if the surprising Browns can continue to stun us by giving Pittsburgh a go.
Occasionally in sports, the game takes a back seat to the bigger picture. Professional sports spark civic pride, bragging rights, a sense of well being, and can lift the mood of an entire area. Especially one that could use a lift. This Sunday is that day. The best part about it is, the Browns and the fans have no pressure this weekend. This game is not a make or break game for the Browns. The season can not be broken even with the worst of defeats. BUT.......this game could MAKE the season for the Browns for endless reasons.
First a loss. It's just a loss, the Browns would be 5-4 with 7 schedule friendly games to go. No big deal. With this team playing the way they have been nothing would be lost except one Sunday in November.
BUT....a win......and it is so much more. Pride. Civic pride! Every once in a while, a single win can ramp up everyone it touches. This win would be a win for the fans, the Browns organization, Romeo Crennel, Phil Savage, all the players, the fan who suddenly becomes a fan with the news that the dragon had been slayed. The NFL itself. Rivalries have become too few and far between in this league since the ESPN era began. Rivalries have become what the network wants us to watch, and we believe it. Do you really care about the Giants and the Eagles, or the Chiefs and the Raiders? Of course you don't. The Steelers and the Browns have been rivals because the TEAMS say they are. And lately this one has faded. But a win by the Browns, and all bets are off. It would be back on again. All accomplished in one three hour game.
Browns fans like me are just about ready to burst. This could be the Sunday we put the pin to pop. Wouldn't it be more fun for all, if this 2-time a year game really meant something? Well this week could be the game that brings all of that back to both cities. It's the best of all worlds, this game can only MAKE the Browns season, not break it. There is a huge upside, and virtually no down. The Browns are so much better this year, and it's fun to cheer them on again!
Try to keep that in mind this Sunday. I will try to keep that in mind when I'm watching the game with my friends. But I sure wouldn't mind goin' all Happy Feet at the end of the fourth quarter myself. It's been too long! GO BROWNS!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
"Nashville, The Eagles Have Landed......"
By and large it is hard to watch Rock and Roll singers and bands get old. I hate it. Heroes and idles from our youth turning....old.....whatever age "old" actually is. Who can forget the disaster that took place at the 50 yard line of the Superbowl a year or two ago, when the Rolling Stones "performed" at halftime. Even Paul McCartney a couple years earlier put us through the same agony at the big game too. And don't even get me started on Phil Collins, Elton John or The Doobie Brothers. Stars one and all and among may faves growing up. Long past their performing prime. Just a bunch of guys that should just go enjoy the hundreds of millions of dollars they have made, get a standing tee time, buy a boat and spend equal amounts of time in their many houses situated around the world. In Paul McCartney's case get his divorce settled. Not a bad plan.
But to every rule there is an exception. "Ladies and Gentlemen....The EAGLES!" Remember them? Hotel California, One Of These Nights, Desperado? Those Eagles. Frey, Henley, Walsh, you know...that bunch. The Eagles landed Wednesday night at the CMA awards in Nashville and performed as a unit for the first time ever on an awards show. I have to admit, I was nervous. How pitiful is THIS going to be? But after hearing their new single How Long sung on national TV, I breathed a sigh of relief, and sat back in my recliner. These are the Eagles I remember. They looked and sounded great..... like........The Eagles! Not pitiful 65 year old men flopping around on stage with more make-up on than actual body weight, who have long since lost their allure singing songs for the 145th millionth time! This was a big stage that The Eagles were willing to walk on after 28 years between albums.
It isn't often that great things are equally great the second time around. I'm not saying this is, what I'm saying is for one moment in time, when our memories were on the line, the Eagles did not disappoint. I know, they looked a little stiff, with the old school guitars, and hairstyles and a more quiet presentation than the half a dozen stars that performed ahead of them. BUT, they raised the bar for the evening, and riveted the audience, even the majority of the performers who were not even born when the Eagles were soaring to their zenith years ago. A standing ovation, deserved and observed. Every star that performed after them, had to raise their game. Luckily a commercial break bridged the gap between them and the next singer. And honestly, I can't remember who that was. Because I just saw hero's of my adolescence not let my generation down.
The Eagles are an American treasure. Why tread on a slope so slippery, where others of their era have embarrassed themselves? Make no mistake this was a gamble. It took guts to erase the years of success, and put yourself out there for all to judge all over again. These judges too by and large were not around the first time The Eagles were flying. I was nervous, I'm sure they were too. Maybe they had the luxury of watching others attempt before them, and learned from their miscues. Kicked the bones and carcasses out of their way, and made sure The Eagles would fly, before actually jumping off the cliff.
The Eagles were a huge deal when I was growing up, and were all of our favorites. I wasn't ready to watch them crash-land in some ill advised comeback attempt. I was not prepared to have to explain to the many people 15 years my junior that I work with that they were once really great, and last night was a shame. I have been spared that fate.
But more importantly......thankfully so have The Eagles!
But to every rule there is an exception. "Ladies and Gentlemen....The EAGLES!" Remember them? Hotel California, One Of These Nights, Desperado? Those Eagles. Frey, Henley, Walsh, you know...that bunch. The Eagles landed Wednesday night at the CMA awards in Nashville and performed as a unit for the first time ever on an awards show. I have to admit, I was nervous. How pitiful is THIS going to be? But after hearing their new single How Long sung on national TV, I breathed a sigh of relief, and sat back in my recliner. These are the Eagles I remember. They looked and sounded great..... like........The Eagles! Not pitiful 65 year old men flopping around on stage with more make-up on than actual body weight, who have long since lost their allure singing songs for the 145th millionth time! This was a big stage that The Eagles were willing to walk on after 28 years between albums.
It isn't often that great things are equally great the second time around. I'm not saying this is, what I'm saying is for one moment in time, when our memories were on the line, the Eagles did not disappoint. I know, they looked a little stiff, with the old school guitars, and hairstyles and a more quiet presentation than the half a dozen stars that performed ahead of them. BUT, they raised the bar for the evening, and riveted the audience, even the majority of the performers who were not even born when the Eagles were soaring to their zenith years ago. A standing ovation, deserved and observed. Every star that performed after them, had to raise their game. Luckily a commercial break bridged the gap between them and the next singer. And honestly, I can't remember who that was. Because I just saw hero's of my adolescence not let my generation down.
The Eagles are an American treasure. Why tread on a slope so slippery, where others of their era have embarrassed themselves? Make no mistake this was a gamble. It took guts to erase the years of success, and put yourself out there for all to judge all over again. These judges too by and large were not around the first time The Eagles were flying. I was nervous, I'm sure they were too. Maybe they had the luxury of watching others attempt before them, and learned from their miscues. Kicked the bones and carcasses out of their way, and made sure The Eagles would fly, before actually jumping off the cliff.
The Eagles were a huge deal when I was growing up, and were all of our favorites. I wasn't ready to watch them crash-land in some ill advised comeback attempt. I was not prepared to have to explain to the many people 15 years my junior that I work with that they were once really great, and last night was a shame. I have been spared that fate.
But more importantly......thankfully so have The Eagles!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
OK, I watch Dancing With The Stars!
The other day on our morning show, My partner Shannon said these words when we were having a discussion with another member of our show, Tony. "I don't watch the show, but I know you boys do, so I'll just listen to what you have to say" Shannon was referring to Dancing With The Stars. It got me thinking. Is it OK for me to watch this show? Tony too? And the answer is........I think so!
I am the first to admit, I am not a huge network TV guy. Few shows grab and hold my interest. For some strange reason, DWTS does. After Shannon uttered these now famous, thought provoking words I have been searching for the answer. I may have found some.
First of all, it's on at 8pm. A must for a morning show host. It also has great live music from a real band. Three judges that I kind of like, a host that doesn't make me want to cuss, and the fact that the eventual winner, only wins a cheesy glass trophy. Good start!
I can hardly listen to host Tom Bergeron on the AFV show, he does make me want to cuss there, but for some reason he works on this show. Len, Carrie Ann, and Bruno are just different enough to be entertaining. Yea, I know, I'm watching a bunch of "celebrities" that would rather be starring in their own movies, shows, or concert tours, but I'm good with the fact that this is where they've landed, and I find myself cheering for them, or wanting them out.
There is a feel good factor to DWTS that doesn't exist in many other similar shows on TV. No underhandedness, of skulduggery. That is refreshing too. My bride Stacy loves the show, and it makes her happy watch it with me. Special bonus points there as well. I used to fight her on it, but I've seen the light. Plus if there's a Monday Night Football game I want to see, I only miss the first few boring minutes. And then she's much more willing to watch some of the game with me. Bonus again!
We also should not forget the costume factor as well. If you've watched the show, I'm sure you are just as baffled as I am, on how these dresses actually stay on the whole time. No one looks as good as they do dancing. One trip to your local dance club will confirm that! Sheesh!
Do I watch DWTS? I know who Edyta is, Cheryl, Maxim, and Kim too. I know that Sabrina Bryan is a Cheatah Girl, and got the shaft by getting voted out last week. I was there when Marie Osmond fainted fanny first towards the camera, and when the country finally had enough of Jane Seymours "claaaaasss' and sent her packing back to the UK. I know that Samantha Harris should NOT be allowed to talk on this show, or any other show. And I'm going to be there next week, when they try to pile all of that womanhood that is Mel B into another dress that is 3 sizes too small . Plus I'm hoping one of these weeks I'm actually going to be able to understand a complete sentence that Bruno says. See what you're missing?? DWTS is fun, challenging, straight forward, honest, faced paced, sexy, and the whole family can watch too!
I thank Shannon for posing those words of inspiration. I have faced my fascination head on and have decided, fear not Dancing With The Stars! 20 million a week can't be wrong. But please, send Marie Osmond home for pity sakes!
I am the first to admit, I am not a huge network TV guy. Few shows grab and hold my interest. For some strange reason, DWTS does. After Shannon uttered these now famous, thought provoking words I have been searching for the answer. I may have found some.
First of all, it's on at 8pm. A must for a morning show host. It also has great live music from a real band. Three judges that I kind of like, a host that doesn't make me want to cuss, and the fact that the eventual winner, only wins a cheesy glass trophy. Good start!
I can hardly listen to host Tom Bergeron on the AFV show, he does make me want to cuss there, but for some reason he works on this show. Len, Carrie Ann, and Bruno are just different enough to be entertaining. Yea, I know, I'm watching a bunch of "celebrities" that would rather be starring in their own movies, shows, or concert tours, but I'm good with the fact that this is where they've landed, and I find myself cheering for them, or wanting them out.
There is a feel good factor to DWTS that doesn't exist in many other similar shows on TV. No underhandedness, of skulduggery. That is refreshing too. My bride Stacy loves the show, and it makes her happy watch it with me. Special bonus points there as well. I used to fight her on it, but I've seen the light. Plus if there's a Monday Night Football game I want to see, I only miss the first few boring minutes. And then she's much more willing to watch some of the game with me. Bonus again!
We also should not forget the costume factor as well. If you've watched the show, I'm sure you are just as baffled as I am, on how these dresses actually stay on the whole time. No one looks as good as they do dancing. One trip to your local dance club will confirm that! Sheesh!
Do I watch DWTS? I know who Edyta is, Cheryl, Maxim, and Kim too. I know that Sabrina Bryan is a Cheatah Girl, and got the shaft by getting voted out last week. I was there when Marie Osmond fainted fanny first towards the camera, and when the country finally had enough of Jane Seymours "claaaaasss' and sent her packing back to the UK. I know that Samantha Harris should NOT be allowed to talk on this show, or any other show. And I'm going to be there next week, when they try to pile all of that womanhood that is Mel B into another dress that is 3 sizes too small . Plus I'm hoping one of these weeks I'm actually going to be able to understand a complete sentence that Bruno says. See what you're missing?? DWTS is fun, challenging, straight forward, honest, faced paced, sexy, and the whole family can watch too!
I thank Shannon for posing those words of inspiration. I have faced my fascination head on and have decided, fear not Dancing With The Stars! 20 million a week can't be wrong. But please, send Marie Osmond home for pity sakes!
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