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 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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

"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!

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!