Well here it is baseball's opening day once again. A sure sign that Spring really is coming, and that a warm Summer is on the way as well. 162 games to watch. Day games, night games, late night games. It's where we spend our Summers, and if we're lucky, our Falls too.
How great is baseball? That's easy. It's the greatest game ever invented. I know football has actually become more popular on TV, NASCAR too. To be honest, more people bowl every year than any other sport we know. But none of them teach us more lessons on and off the field than baseball does. I thought I'd point out some of the unique traits that baseball brings to us as a people first, and as a fan second.
1/ There is no time limit in baseball - Just like in life. The game is played at a certain pace, and the drama can be relived over and over again. Also, as in life the game must be played out to it's natural conclusion. You can not run out the clock in baseball or in life.
2/ Nine against one - Doesn't life feel like that sometimes? Americans always embrace the underdog. Baseball is the ultimate role for the underdog.
3/ The Everday-ness - Baseball is an every day thing. That's part of what makes it really great. Life is everyday too. You don't get days off just because your sick, or banged up, or busy. Life and baseball can both be a grind sometimes.
4/ You can't win them all - Maybe baseballs best lesson. No one goes unbeaten, or with one loss in baseball. In life you win some, and you lose some - period. This is something that a younger generation especially needs to learn and baseball can teach it far better sometimes than people. Baseball doesn't' stick up for you and scream when you lose, or try to change the outcome. Baseball understands that it is.....a game.
5/ Individuals and teams - Baseball is the ultimate "individual-team sport." You learn how to be a part of a team - great lesson. But when you step in that batters box it's just you, and no one can help you. Your individual performance directly affects your team. Just like a family.
6/ Every city- Every day - Starting in the spring there is some kind of baseball game played in every city and town in America. From little leagues to the big leagues and every level in between. There are few exceptions. Under the sun or under the lights, there is always baseball.
7/ The defense has the ball - Unique to baseball. Maybe the one on the list that serves the fan first and the person second. But if you've ever wondered why we find baseball so intriguing as a game, that may bring some new perspective.
Look, baseball is life. We try, we fail. We win, we lose. There is no perfect season, no being the best every day. Victories are hard fought and well appreciated when achieved. Losing hurts, but we learn to accept it as a part of our life. And the next day we go out and try to do better and start anew.
Baseball has been teaching us that for 160 years. Thank you Alexander Cartwright! And if you wonder who he is, he was a volunteer fireman who invented baseball in the 19th century. Interesting, a regular guy inventing a game that mimics every day life.
Baseball - It is our life in microcosm.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - 21
21 is the new "Vegas" movie in theaters this week. I have no doubt this will be a big hit for this time of the year at the box office.
Inspired by true events, 21 is the story of an MIT professor (Kevin Spacey) and a troupe of 5 gifted MIT students who learn to beat Vegas by counting cards while playing Blackjack. Be mindful counting cards is not actually illegal, but is frowned on by Vegas casino security. The troupe wins in Vegas time after time, and finally the jig is up. Vegas security (Laurence Fishburne) finally catch up with them, and the drama really begins. There are numerous side plots too that make 21 an engaging movie to be sure. Especially when you think about what else is at the box office this time of year.
There is nothing really wrong with 21. But somehow, I feel there's something missing, and I can't really put my finger on it. It's right at 2 hours, it is draggy in a spot or two, but I did enjoy the movie. I did come away though wondering what more could have been done. The band of young actors that play the students are fine, Spacey is fine, and Fishburne really steals the show in his small role. I found myself waiting for him to come back into the movie when he was out of it.
It's always fun to see a movie set in Las Vegas. It really is a nice backdrop to a movie. Plus the story is compelling enough. One thing 21 does extremely well, is show you the effect Vegas can have on a young mind and just how mesmerizing it can become. 21 also makes a good decision or two as well. There are times it could have gone to a more violent place but chooses not to, and that's a good choice. It would not have made it a better movie.
You will more than likely enjoy 21, and it will be good for business in Vegas. You can count on that.....actually.. you should maybe just bank on that and not count. Counting is frowned upon in Vegas.
Inspired by true events, 21 is the story of an MIT professor (Kevin Spacey) and a troupe of 5 gifted MIT students who learn to beat Vegas by counting cards while playing Blackjack. Be mindful counting cards is not actually illegal, but is frowned on by Vegas casino security. The troupe wins in Vegas time after time, and finally the jig is up. Vegas security (Laurence Fishburne) finally catch up with them, and the drama really begins. There are numerous side plots too that make 21 an engaging movie to be sure. Especially when you think about what else is at the box office this time of year.
There is nothing really wrong with 21. But somehow, I feel there's something missing, and I can't really put my finger on it. It's right at 2 hours, it is draggy in a spot or two, but I did enjoy the movie. I did come away though wondering what more could have been done. The band of young actors that play the students are fine, Spacey is fine, and Fishburne really steals the show in his small role. I found myself waiting for him to come back into the movie when he was out of it.
It's always fun to see a movie set in Las Vegas. It really is a nice backdrop to a movie. Plus the story is compelling enough. One thing 21 does extremely well, is show you the effect Vegas can have on a young mind and just how mesmerizing it can become. 21 also makes a good decision or two as well. There are times it could have gone to a more violent place but chooses not to, and that's a good choice. It would not have made it a better movie.
You will more than likely enjoy 21, and it will be good for business in Vegas. You can count on that.....actually.. you should maybe just bank on that and not count. Counting is frowned upon in Vegas.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
God Bless Chippewa Lake
You may not be old enough to remember the old amusement park Chippewa Lake in Medina County and that's okay...please keep reading. For over 100 years it was a place that families could go to do what families do best. Have fun. A place built for one reason only. Our enjoyment. Chippewa Lake closed for good in 1978.
You may heave heard recently that the 95 acre park may be developed into recreation and some housing too. I'm by no means saying that's a bad thing. But it is the final thing. When Chippewa Lake closed in 1978 they just shut the doors and that was it. It overgrew, the rides were still there, many of the buildings survived, even the front entrance. It was just like someone just lost interest. Sad. And it has been sitting there for over 30 years, decaying, overgrowing, and just slowly dying ever since. What happened there just doesn't happen anywhere ever!
It's a little eerie to be sure. You can do a Google search and see some truly fascinating photo's of Chippewa Lake in it's years of decline, and I urge you to do so. You may never get to see these kinds of pictures ever again. Abandoning lakefront property for a third of a century just doesn't happen in this country.
Perspective. Thank goodness for ten decades, someone built a place that people could go to and ride rides, play games, dance, sing, listen to music and eat fun food. We desperately need places like Chippewa Lake. It's good for the human soul. I picture people in the 1890's going there for fun, picnics at the turn of the 20th century, generation after generation going to the same place for the same reason. Chippewa Lake survived WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Great Depression, and even a huge fire a few years ago to one of it's biggest arcades. It was open when Gunfight at the OK Corral took place, and when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Then it just ended sort of...but even in it's closing, Chippewa Lake kept giving back in another way.
It has provided a generation or two with the fascination of something that once was. Enthusiasts from all over the country have visited there since 1978 to see the fallen park. Granted, not in the same numbers that graced it's entrance when it was open, but they came nonetheless. Exploring and photographing something that just doesn't happen. An amusement park that was just left to die. With the advent of the Internet, it's legacy has bewildered a whole different group that never had the pleasure of going there personally. And because of the fore mentioned Chippewa Lake will live in immortality. And that's all anyplace, anything or any person can ever ask for.
I went to Chippewa Lake twice as a kid and loved it both times. I remember it was on the lake and in the woods, so different that most parks today. It is always sad when a place built specifically for our enjoyment closes. It hurts and you can't help but feel loss. So, for whatever kind of fun you had going there, or exploring there the book may finally close. Chippewa Lake gave us fun for a century and now mystique for eternity. And I want to say thanks.
So no matter how it all finally plays out, God Bless Chippewa Lake....and thanks.
You may heave heard recently that the 95 acre park may be developed into recreation and some housing too. I'm by no means saying that's a bad thing. But it is the final thing. When Chippewa Lake closed in 1978 they just shut the doors and that was it. It overgrew, the rides were still there, many of the buildings survived, even the front entrance. It was just like someone just lost interest. Sad. And it has been sitting there for over 30 years, decaying, overgrowing, and just slowly dying ever since. What happened there just doesn't happen anywhere ever!
It's a little eerie to be sure. You can do a Google search and see some truly fascinating photo's of Chippewa Lake in it's years of decline, and I urge you to do so. You may never get to see these kinds of pictures ever again. Abandoning lakefront property for a third of a century just doesn't happen in this country.
Perspective. Thank goodness for ten decades, someone built a place that people could go to and ride rides, play games, dance, sing, listen to music and eat fun food. We desperately need places like Chippewa Lake. It's good for the human soul. I picture people in the 1890's going there for fun, picnics at the turn of the 20th century, generation after generation going to the same place for the same reason. Chippewa Lake survived WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Great Depression, and even a huge fire a few years ago to one of it's biggest arcades. It was open when Gunfight at the OK Corral took place, and when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. Then it just ended sort of...but even in it's closing, Chippewa Lake kept giving back in another way.
It has provided a generation or two with the fascination of something that once was. Enthusiasts from all over the country have visited there since 1978 to see the fallen park. Granted, not in the same numbers that graced it's entrance when it was open, but they came nonetheless. Exploring and photographing something that just doesn't happen. An amusement park that was just left to die. With the advent of the Internet, it's legacy has bewildered a whole different group that never had the pleasure of going there personally. And because of the fore mentioned Chippewa Lake will live in immortality. And that's all anyplace, anything or any person can ever ask for.
I went to Chippewa Lake twice as a kid and loved it both times. I remember it was on the lake and in the woods, so different that most parks today. It is always sad when a place built specifically for our enjoyment closes. It hurts and you can't help but feel loss. So, for whatever kind of fun you had going there, or exploring there the book may finally close. Chippewa Lake gave us fun for a century and now mystique for eternity. And I want to say thanks.
So no matter how it all finally plays out, God Bless Chippewa Lake....and thanks.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Who Eats Peeps?
I heard of a new competition this weekend that takes place in Sacramento, California and I have to admit I was dumbfounded. It is the Peep Eating Contest. A contest to see how many peeps one can eat in an hour. Are you serious? You know "peeps" the marshmallow things made for Easter baskets and such.
I have a real problem with peeps. I have never eaten a peep that I though tasted good...or even fresh. Sugar with some kind of marshmallow carnuba wax thing, with paint or however they color them, that's what baked, or deep fried, or what the heck do they do to peeps? Does anyone know? Turns out no one does. The company that makes peeps in Pennsylvania keeps the peep making machine under a tarp so no one can see how it's done. I'm not eating them.
But back to the competition. Do you know how many peeps one can eat in an hour? It must be in the hundreds! And how must they feel afterwards? I know there's all kinds of eating contests all over the place including the hot dog eating championships with Kobyashi. You may say, "what the heck is in a hot dog?' And that's a fair question. I never think about that as I mustard up a Sugardale Coney at an Indians game. They really don't tell you what's in a hot dog..and I'm good with that.
But the hot dog eating championships are only 12 minutes! Not an hour like the peeps. AND the peep people make no bones about what's in a peep! SUGAR! I am not condoning eating 56 hot dogs in one sitting, but I can't get on the hour-long peep popping parade either.
Also, have you really ever eaten a FRESH peep? I don't think they exist. I think they go stale in about 2 seconds after you open the wrap. The only way to get a truly fresh peep, is to open one end of the plastic, and slide it down your throat before any air hits it. Hot dogs are much more forgiving. We had people calling the show last week saying they liked peeps stale, or torched up in the microwave so they would be less stale. Strange, these proud-peep-popping-people.
But in their defense, peeps have been around for 100 years and more than likely will be here long after we've all gone to that big candy factory in the sky. So if you're a peep-person enjoy your peeps today. I will be peep-less this week, but pass the jelly beans please, but I don't like the dark ones..........wait...don't get me started...that's another article for another time.
I have a real problem with peeps. I have never eaten a peep that I though tasted good...or even fresh. Sugar with some kind of marshmallow carnuba wax thing, with paint or however they color them, that's what baked, or deep fried, or what the heck do they do to peeps? Does anyone know? Turns out no one does. The company that makes peeps in Pennsylvania keeps the peep making machine under a tarp so no one can see how it's done. I'm not eating them.
But back to the competition. Do you know how many peeps one can eat in an hour? It must be in the hundreds! And how must they feel afterwards? I know there's all kinds of eating contests all over the place including the hot dog eating championships with Kobyashi. You may say, "what the heck is in a hot dog?' And that's a fair question. I never think about that as I mustard up a Sugardale Coney at an Indians game. They really don't tell you what's in a hot dog..and I'm good with that.
But the hot dog eating championships are only 12 minutes! Not an hour like the peeps. AND the peep people make no bones about what's in a peep! SUGAR! I am not condoning eating 56 hot dogs in one sitting, but I can't get on the hour-long peep popping parade either.
Also, have you really ever eaten a FRESH peep? I don't think they exist. I think they go stale in about 2 seconds after you open the wrap. The only way to get a truly fresh peep, is to open one end of the plastic, and slide it down your throat before any air hits it. Hot dogs are much more forgiving. We had people calling the show last week saying they liked peeps stale, or torched up in the microwave so they would be less stale. Strange, these proud-peep-popping-people.
But in their defense, peeps have been around for 100 years and more than likely will be here long after we've all gone to that big candy factory in the sky. So if you're a peep-person enjoy your peeps today. I will be peep-less this week, but pass the jelly beans please, but I don't like the dark ones..........wait...don't get me started...that's another article for another time.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Shutter
The new rage in Hollywood this Spring are these imported stories from other countries, each stating they will show us in the U.S. what is really scary. The latest of these is Shutter.
Shutter is the story of a Ben and Jane. A young newlywed couple, who move to Tokyo on their honeymoon. Ben is a photographer who lands a big job there. The couple shorty thereafter become haunted by the spirit of an ex-lover of Ben's, who shows up in shadowy forms on his work photos, and the photo's of Jane's. The spirit is angry, somehow develops great strength and sets out to kill Ben and his co-workers whom she also has issues.
Remember The Grudge? Or maybe The Blair Witch Project? Remember how scary these movies were supposed to be and weren't? Same deal here. Shutter is NOT scary, and IS predictable. My gosh can't we do better than this to be scary at the movies? It is packed full of things popping out about every 5 minutes. Oh, and don't forget the loud noises, overacted screaming, and horrified looks on the actors faces. Question here too - Doesn't anyone ever turn a light on anymore? Seems to me if I was being haunted and knew it, I would turn on a light at 3AM when I thought something was in the house and trying to KILL me. Insulting!
If you're looking for a good scare at the flicks, you'll be let down here. One positive in Shutter? It is filmed primarily in Tokyo, and you get to see a lot of what one of the worlds biggest cities is like. It's more of Tokyo than I've ever seen and I rather enjoyed that.
Shutter limps out of the gate, gets draggy, and then crawls home a tired, exhausted mess. A rental in 3 months when all the good movies are already rented.
Shutter is the story of a Ben and Jane. A young newlywed couple, who move to Tokyo on their honeymoon. Ben is a photographer who lands a big job there. The couple shorty thereafter become haunted by the spirit of an ex-lover of Ben's, who shows up in shadowy forms on his work photos, and the photo's of Jane's. The spirit is angry, somehow develops great strength and sets out to kill Ben and his co-workers whom she also has issues.
Remember The Grudge? Or maybe The Blair Witch Project? Remember how scary these movies were supposed to be and weren't? Same deal here. Shutter is NOT scary, and IS predictable. My gosh can't we do better than this to be scary at the movies? It is packed full of things popping out about every 5 minutes. Oh, and don't forget the loud noises, overacted screaming, and horrified looks on the actors faces. Question here too - Doesn't anyone ever turn a light on anymore? Seems to me if I was being haunted and knew it, I would turn on a light at 3AM when I thought something was in the house and trying to KILL me. Insulting!
If you're looking for a good scare at the flicks, you'll be let down here. One positive in Shutter? It is filmed primarily in Tokyo, and you get to see a lot of what one of the worlds biggest cities is like. It's more of Tokyo than I've ever seen and I rather enjoyed that.
Shutter limps out of the gate, gets draggy, and then crawls home a tired, exhausted mess. A rental in 3 months when all the good movies are already rented.
Friday, March 21, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Drillbit Taylor
When it's early spring time at the movies with Owen Wilson starring, you can bet that a sophomoric movie is in the offing. Here comes Drillbit Taylor.
Drillbit Taylor is the story of three 9th grade kids who are getting bullied by upperclassmen starting from their very first day. They set out to hire a bodyguard, and end up with Drillbit Taylor (Wilson.) He is not a real bodyguard, he is in fact homeless and AWOL from the Army. He manages to sort of protect the boys somehow by posing as substitute teacher at their school. Sound far fetched? Well it is. But it's okay here.
The scene stealer in Drillbit Taylor is not Owen Wilson, but is Akron native Nate Hartley (from Uniontown.) He plays the main character Wade, a scrawny, gangly kid who initially gets the idea to hire the bodyguard in the first place. His performance is funny, and remarkably believable. He is perfectly cast in this major role for him.
Look, truth be told, Drillbit Taylor is what you think it is. It's silly at times, funny at times, and crude at times...it's a teenage comedy. They try hard to give this movie a heart and at times they succeed. But it is what it is. If you're in high school you'll get a real kick out of it, and we need flicks like this too sometimes. To it credit it's not just a bunch of sight gags back to back for 2 hours. There is a story, and a meaning for the most part, and nothing here is really objectionable. Young people need movies to call their own sometimes and Drillbit Taylor will be that movie this spring.
Drillbit Taylor not for all.... but not all for naught.
Drillbit Taylor is the story of three 9th grade kids who are getting bullied by upperclassmen starting from their very first day. They set out to hire a bodyguard, and end up with Drillbit Taylor (Wilson.) He is not a real bodyguard, he is in fact homeless and AWOL from the Army. He manages to sort of protect the boys somehow by posing as substitute teacher at their school. Sound far fetched? Well it is. But it's okay here.
The scene stealer in Drillbit Taylor is not Owen Wilson, but is Akron native Nate Hartley (from Uniontown.) He plays the main character Wade, a scrawny, gangly kid who initially gets the idea to hire the bodyguard in the first place. His performance is funny, and remarkably believable. He is perfectly cast in this major role for him.
Look, truth be told, Drillbit Taylor is what you think it is. It's silly at times, funny at times, and crude at times...it's a teenage comedy. They try hard to give this movie a heart and at times they succeed. But it is what it is. If you're in high school you'll get a real kick out of it, and we need flicks like this too sometimes. To it credit it's not just a bunch of sight gags back to back for 2 hours. There is a story, and a meaning for the most part, and nothing here is really objectionable. Young people need movies to call their own sometimes and Drillbit Taylor will be that movie this spring.
Drillbit Taylor not for all.... but not all for naught.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
March Gladness!
Here we are on the eve of what I feel is the best sporting event that there is. It's the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I'm glad. Why is this event so loved seemingly more than all the others? The answers are so numerous. Let's check them out in no particular order.
1/ It's rectangular theater- This is high drama to be sure. The youth, the emotion, and playing
for the sheer joy of the game. That's The NCAA's. It's just like going to a play, only fun!
There's an opening act, intermission, and a second act. And unlike a play you might even get
a bonus act if it's tied!!!
2/ It's played during business hours - Wow, now how great is that? People who work in a
cubicle especially like the NCAA's. The only time you'll see the "Cubicle People" Thursday
and Friday is at halftime or during a time-out. Not that you see them that much anyways.
3/ The office pool - Actually the "highly illegal office pool." Contrary to urban legend, the
state does not give an office and honorary exemption to gamble on the NCAA's. And I'm
sure your office would not lower itself, and does not participate in this despicable tradition. If
that sounds like your office, congratulations....yours is the ONLY ONE!
4/ The Secretary - Goes hand in hand with number three. She will surely throw down her two
dollars, stick her hand into the hat and draw two slips of paper that will read, Duke and
North Carolina. The next question will be, 'Are they any good?" And all the clowns that
stand around the vending machines for hours pontificating about the NCAA's will moan with
disgust.
5/ The Office Know-It-All - And the extreme office basketball fan, will stick his hand in the
same hat, and pull out Southeastern Idaho A & M South Central State-Stark Campus as
their pick. Everyone howls...it's great. Top notch entrainment.
6/ Uniform Colors - If I hear of one more wife picking the eventual NCAA Champion,
because they like their uniforms, I think I'll scream. But it happens every year get used to
it. I actually think it works!
7/ The Nicknames - This year these are actually some of the teams names in the field of 64.
The Saints, The Gaels, The Governors, Big Red, The Delta Devils, The Toreos, Hilltoppers
and The Retrievers!!!!!!!!!!! The Retrievers??? How great is that? I'm cheering for them!
So sit back and enjoy the nations premiere sporting event! In all seriousness, it is great drama. Young people enjoying a pure game, and playing it the right way, for all the right reasons. It is the ultimate David and Goliath game, and we Americans love the underdog. It really is the only sporting event where the little guy can play the big guy for one game, one day, and maybe pull off a miracle. That's the whole deal right there.
Bust out the brackets and watch the brackets get busted! Oh, and one more thing, GO Southeastern Idaho A & M South Central State- Stark Campus....GO!!
1/ It's rectangular theater- This is high drama to be sure. The youth, the emotion, and playing
for the sheer joy of the game. That's The NCAA's. It's just like going to a play, only fun!
There's an opening act, intermission, and a second act. And unlike a play you might even get
a bonus act if it's tied!!!
2/ It's played during business hours - Wow, now how great is that? People who work in a
cubicle especially like the NCAA's. The only time you'll see the "Cubicle People" Thursday
and Friday is at halftime or during a time-out. Not that you see them that much anyways.
3/ The office pool - Actually the "highly illegal office pool." Contrary to urban legend, the
state does not give an office and honorary exemption to gamble on the NCAA's. And I'm
sure your office would not lower itself, and does not participate in this despicable tradition. If
that sounds like your office, congratulations....yours is the ONLY ONE!
4/ The Secretary - Goes hand in hand with number three. She will surely throw down her two
dollars, stick her hand into the hat and draw two slips of paper that will read, Duke and
North Carolina. The next question will be, 'Are they any good?" And all the clowns that
stand around the vending machines for hours pontificating about the NCAA's will moan with
disgust.
5/ The Office Know-It-All - And the extreme office basketball fan, will stick his hand in the
same hat, and pull out Southeastern Idaho A & M South Central State-Stark Campus as
their pick. Everyone howls...it's great. Top notch entrainment.
6/ Uniform Colors - If I hear of one more wife picking the eventual NCAA Champion,
because they like their uniforms, I think I'll scream. But it happens every year get used to
it. I actually think it works!
7/ The Nicknames - This year these are actually some of the teams names in the field of 64.
The Saints, The Gaels, The Governors, Big Red, The Delta Devils, The Toreos, Hilltoppers
and The Retrievers!!!!!!!!!!! The Retrievers??? How great is that? I'm cheering for them!
So sit back and enjoy the nations premiere sporting event! In all seriousness, it is great drama. Young people enjoying a pure game, and playing it the right way, for all the right reasons. It is the ultimate David and Goliath game, and we Americans love the underdog. It really is the only sporting event where the little guy can play the big guy for one game, one day, and maybe pull off a miracle. That's the whole deal right there.
Bust out the brackets and watch the brackets get busted! Oh, and one more thing, GO Southeastern Idaho A & M South Central State- Stark Campus....GO!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Modern Day Love Boat
This week is the debut of Dancing With The Stars on ABC. One of the first articles I wrote for this page was, "I Admit, I Watch Dancing With The Stars!" So let's preview the big season premiere.
I'm not going to discuss Edyta, Cheryl, or two-time defending champ Julianne Hough or their skimpy outfits. No Maxim, Derek, Len, or Bruno. Not the snappy live salsa music, host Tom Bergeron, or the "would you please not say anything" Samantha Harris. I'm stealing Jason Taylor's cleats, hiding Christy Yamiguchi's skates, and telling Pricilla Presely to keep those blue suede shoes in the box for just a minute.
Instead I want to talk about the whole idea of Dancing With The Stars. It's one of TVs most popular shows. It's watched every week at La Casa de la Wynn, and keeps my wife happy that there is as show we can watch together. The idea seems original enough, but it's not. The premise of putting a bunch of sort-of stars on TV is nothing new. As a matter of fact ABC did it the last time some 30 years ago on The Love Boat!
Remember The Love Boat? The corny song? Captain Stubing's terrible shorts? That goofy Gopher, and who the heck told Doc he was funny anyway? I remember all the sort-of -stars pictures in the life preserver at the beginning of the show, don't you? Such compelling stars like..Florence Henderson, Bert Convy, Jack Cassidy, J0Anne Worley, and I think even Soupy Sales was on a few. The only real difference is that we couldn't vote someone off each week, and that's was a shame. Would have made it a better show.
C'mon why did we watch The Love Boat? I think it was to see if we were going to get a peek of Maureen McCormick wearing a bathing suit in her week on the show in 1976. It certainly wasn't to see if Brett Summers or Charles Nelson Reilly was going to find true love in the five minutes before Fantasy Island came on afterwards.
The concept is nothing new. Just has a better stage, better costumes, and better music to be sure. They better not have Jack Jones Night on DWTS anytime soon, because I've heard The Love Boat theme enough in my life.
So let's get ready. Let's shine up the shoes, tune up the band, and let's go to JoAnn Fabrics to buy a third of a yard of fabric and make every one's costume for tonight's big show. Because tonight. Live from Hollywood! This is Dancing With The Stars!!!
I'm not going to discuss Edyta, Cheryl, or two-time defending champ Julianne Hough or their skimpy outfits. No Maxim, Derek, Len, or Bruno. Not the snappy live salsa music, host Tom Bergeron, or the "would you please not say anything" Samantha Harris. I'm stealing Jason Taylor's cleats, hiding Christy Yamiguchi's skates, and telling Pricilla Presely to keep those blue suede shoes in the box for just a minute.
Instead I want to talk about the whole idea of Dancing With The Stars. It's one of TVs most popular shows. It's watched every week at La Casa de la Wynn, and keeps my wife happy that there is as show we can watch together. The idea seems original enough, but it's not. The premise of putting a bunch of sort-of stars on TV is nothing new. As a matter of fact ABC did it the last time some 30 years ago on The Love Boat!
Remember The Love Boat? The corny song? Captain Stubing's terrible shorts? That goofy Gopher, and who the heck told Doc he was funny anyway? I remember all the sort-of -stars pictures in the life preserver at the beginning of the show, don't you? Such compelling stars like..Florence Henderson, Bert Convy, Jack Cassidy, J0Anne Worley, and I think even Soupy Sales was on a few. The only real difference is that we couldn't vote someone off each week, and that's was a shame. Would have made it a better show.
C'mon why did we watch The Love Boat? I think it was to see if we were going to get a peek of Maureen McCormick wearing a bathing suit in her week on the show in 1976. It certainly wasn't to see if Brett Summers or Charles Nelson Reilly was going to find true love in the five minutes before Fantasy Island came on afterwards.
The concept is nothing new. Just has a better stage, better costumes, and better music to be sure. They better not have Jack Jones Night on DWTS anytime soon, because I've heard The Love Boat theme enough in my life.
So let's get ready. Let's shine up the shoes, tune up the band, and let's go to JoAnn Fabrics to buy a third of a yard of fabric and make every one's costume for tonight's big show. Because tonight. Live from Hollywood! This is Dancing With The Stars!!!
MOVIE REVIEW - The Bank Job
There are exceptions but all really good movies start off with a really great story. And The Bank Job is a really great story.
The Bank Job is based on a true story out of London in 1971, of a spectacular bank robbery that had immense implications at every level. The stealing of the monetary of course, blackmail, cover up and corruption at the highest level possible within the British government, and even the vaunted British Intelligence. This is a very complicated story, that one has to see on the screen to be appreciated. The Bank Job is a gem!
First what The Bank Job doesn't have. It has no star power at all. The star of the movie is..the movie. It also lacks a lot of the bells and whistles that mediocre movies use to cover up the shortcomings of a weak story. Example...flashy soundtrack, special effects, or sort-of stars.
What is does have a a snappy script and a story that needs to be told. Twists and turns at every turn, skulduggery, and underhandedness, this movie has everything that you need to be good. This is a first class story. I hope this movie does not get lost at the box office.
The Bank Job is rated R, and it warrants it. It is an adult movie in every regard. If you like your movies smart, then The Bank Job is for you. I have to admit, I loved every frame of this movie. It's a complicated story I was completely unfamiliar with and they explain it perfectly and at just the right pace. All performances are right on as well. For adults, this is probably the best movie at the theaters right now.
The Bank Job. A real smart night at the movies, and well worth the price of a ticket.
The Bank Job is based on a true story out of London in 1971, of a spectacular bank robbery that had immense implications at every level. The stealing of the monetary of course, blackmail, cover up and corruption at the highest level possible within the British government, and even the vaunted British Intelligence. This is a very complicated story, that one has to see on the screen to be appreciated. The Bank Job is a gem!
First what The Bank Job doesn't have. It has no star power at all. The star of the movie is..the movie. It also lacks a lot of the bells and whistles that mediocre movies use to cover up the shortcomings of a weak story. Example...flashy soundtrack, special effects, or sort-of stars.
What is does have a a snappy script and a story that needs to be told. Twists and turns at every turn, skulduggery, and underhandedness, this movie has everything that you need to be good. This is a first class story. I hope this movie does not get lost at the box office.
The Bank Job is rated R, and it warrants it. It is an adult movie in every regard. If you like your movies smart, then The Bank Job is for you. I have to admit, I loved every frame of this movie. It's a complicated story I was completely unfamiliar with and they explain it perfectly and at just the right pace. All performances are right on as well. For adults, this is probably the best movie at the theaters right now.
The Bank Job. A real smart night at the movies, and well worth the price of a ticket.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Still Cheaper Than Fancy Coffee
I'm sure you are as cheesed off at the price of gasoline as I am. Then I reach for the cheese again, when I see no one on Capital Hill really upset about it. But that's another article for another time. The price seems to go up so fast at times and takes a long time to go back down. The days of the cheap fill-up are over.
But I always try to keep some sort of perspective in my life, so I went in search of the silver lining here. And I found something to bite into. Gasoline is still cheaper as of this writing than a fancy coffee from one of the those foo-foo coffee shops. A gallon of gas is about $3.40 or so, and 16 ounces of foo-foo coffee is 4 bones plus....even more sometimes.
I just flat out don't get that at all. Yea I know, it does taste good. No denying that. But I by-and-large am a coffee-cream guy. Milk is good, half and half, even powdery cream. All of the above is good with me, and what's the damage? Buck or so? Let's do the math, at roughly 4 bucks a fancy coffee, 2 cups to a quart, 4 quarts to a gallon, my calculator says that's $32.00 a gallon for the foo-foo joe! Are you kidding me???????? Have you ever seen a boarded up Starbucks? Me either. And although I've never tried it, gasoline has no carbs or calories either.
People are all up in arms about gasoline, and we should be, but who can afford $32.00 a gallon for coffee? Sometimes a few times a day. Then there's milk, about the same as gasoline. There seem to be plenty of cows running around, haven't heard of the much dreaded cow shortage have you?
And don't get me started on bottled water. You don't hear of many bottled water companies going spigots up to you? And don't we live next door to the largest body of fresh water on EARTH?? When did all this liquid get so expensive? Were our backs turned and they just slipped it by us? I'm guessing!
The price of gasoline really does cheese me off! But upon further review there is some perspective to be gained. The next time you fill-up, just be thankful the SUV doesn't run on Caffee-latte-half-pump with whipped cream and sprinkles.
But I always try to keep some sort of perspective in my life, so I went in search of the silver lining here. And I found something to bite into. Gasoline is still cheaper as of this writing than a fancy coffee from one of the those foo-foo coffee shops. A gallon of gas is about $3.40 or so, and 16 ounces of foo-foo coffee is 4 bones plus....even more sometimes.
I just flat out don't get that at all. Yea I know, it does taste good. No denying that. But I by-and-large am a coffee-cream guy. Milk is good, half and half, even powdery cream. All of the above is good with me, and what's the damage? Buck or so? Let's do the math, at roughly 4 bucks a fancy coffee, 2 cups to a quart, 4 quarts to a gallon, my calculator says that's $32.00 a gallon for the foo-foo joe! Are you kidding me???????? Have you ever seen a boarded up Starbucks? Me either. And although I've never tried it, gasoline has no carbs or calories either.
People are all up in arms about gasoline, and we should be, but who can afford $32.00 a gallon for coffee? Sometimes a few times a day. Then there's milk, about the same as gasoline. There seem to be plenty of cows running around, haven't heard of the much dreaded cow shortage have you?
And don't get me started on bottled water. You don't hear of many bottled water companies going spigots up to you? And don't we live next door to the largest body of fresh water on EARTH?? When did all this liquid get so expensive? Were our backs turned and they just slipped it by us? I'm guessing!
The price of gasoline really does cheese me off! But upon further review there is some perspective to be gained. The next time you fill-up, just be thankful the SUV doesn't run on Caffee-latte-half-pump with whipped cream and sprinkles.
MOVIE REVIEW - Funny Games
As I walked into the theater to see Funny Games someone asked me if it was a comedy. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Funny Games, starring Naomi Watts and Tim Roth is the story of a nice, wealthy family with a young son, who go away to their vacation home. They are then kidnapped by a pair of privileged, seemingly polite, young drug addicts who are completely out of their minds as a way of life. They explain they steal from wealthy families to support their drug habit. But in Funny Games, stealing is not near enough for these two. They torture, humiliate and kill those from which they steal. To be honest....it's even beyond that. Lovely huh?
I want to be careful here. Funny Games reminds us of what really scares us. If you go you will be scared and uncomfortable at times. Very skillfully done in that regard. Freddie Krueger really doesn't scare us. What is real, and possible does. You will feel the helplessness, the terror and the pain these victims go through. That's where I stop.
Truly, there are better things to make movies about. Slasher flicks are one thing, this is something completely different. I know, the movie maker would tell you that because you're uncomfortable, that makes it good movie making. Many times that is true. Not here. I will warn you up front there are things that happen in this movie that are totally distasteful There are subject lines and deeds done that NO one wants to see. When I say distasteful, I'm not kidding. This movie dares to go where movies really never go. Moms...you especially will hate this movie.
The message here is that there are young, out-of-control youths out there on drugs to the degree that most of us can not imagine. And I fear that is so in our world. This flick does not glorify this, but does make you aware of it. But I warn you again...it is very hard watch at times. So choose your movie going partner carefully. Funny Games, not funny, not games either. Disturbing, utterly and totally disturbing.
Funny Games, starring Naomi Watts and Tim Roth is the story of a nice, wealthy family with a young son, who go away to their vacation home. They are then kidnapped by a pair of privileged, seemingly polite, young drug addicts who are completely out of their minds as a way of life. They explain they steal from wealthy families to support their drug habit. But in Funny Games, stealing is not near enough for these two. They torture, humiliate and kill those from which they steal. To be honest....it's even beyond that. Lovely huh?
I want to be careful here. Funny Games reminds us of what really scares us. If you go you will be scared and uncomfortable at times. Very skillfully done in that regard. Freddie Krueger really doesn't scare us. What is real, and possible does. You will feel the helplessness, the terror and the pain these victims go through. That's where I stop.
Truly, there are better things to make movies about. Slasher flicks are one thing, this is something completely different. I know, the movie maker would tell you that because you're uncomfortable, that makes it good movie making. Many times that is true. Not here. I will warn you up front there are things that happen in this movie that are totally distasteful There are subject lines and deeds done that NO one wants to see. When I say distasteful, I'm not kidding. This movie dares to go where movies really never go. Moms...you especially will hate this movie.
The message here is that there are young, out-of-control youths out there on drugs to the degree that most of us can not imagine. And I fear that is so in our world. This flick does not glorify this, but does make you aware of it. But I warn you again...it is very hard watch at times. So choose your movie going partner carefully. Funny Games, not funny, not games either. Disturbing, utterly and totally disturbing.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
50 Wings & Heavy Western Beef
I will admit I rode out the blizzard last weekend in Central Florida. My arrangements were made long before and on Thursday when I left the forecast was calling for 3-6 inches of snow. Well things do change, the biggest blizzard here since 1978. 30 years!
Two or three times a year my friend Don and I head down to Lakeland, and Apollo Beach Florida. I lived and worked there for 10 great years and still have life long friends there. We meet up Ray and Tim, play golf on private courses, go boating, sit by the pool, watch NASCAR, and a multitude of other sports we can find on HD TV. This visit was especially great, as it was about the only place on earth warm this weekend.
First I DID feel guilty about not being home to help out with the bad conditions. But my bride Stacy assured me she was doing alright, and she was. She did yeoman's work keeping our drive open and house running smoothly. I was very proud of her. Great job baby!
So with everything under control, we decided to have take advantage of the fact we were there, and not here. We started off by eating 50 chicken wings upon arrival in about 3 seconds all while sitting on the patio at the Winghouse. Nice start. Golf the next day, followed by a visit to The Tribe's spring training game in Winter Haven and saw them win! After the game we bought steaks for the grill from a place called Mac's Heavy Western Beef across the street from Chain 'O Lakes Stadium in Winter Haven. How great is that name? I'm shopping there to be sure! We laughed about that name all weekend, and gave the owner assurances we'd only by our beef from them from this day forward. That place by name alone is hallowed ground.
The next three days pretty much the same. More golf, more games, a change or two, Beef O'Brady's for wings, some stuffed grouper at a restaurant on the water, and some fresh cookies for desert. All while hanging with the best group of friends anyone could ask for.
Occasionally you've got to take a few days and recharge and get your mind right, and this was it. It's good for the soul to do the things you like best down south at a time when you can't do them up north. I think that's why they invented Florida and the rest of the Southeast. I am blessed to have the great friends, and the time to enjoy them. I am also blessed my bride kept the home fires burning, and assured me she was okay and told me to have fun.
Friends, golf, boating, the Tribe, and sun. Now that's the way to ride out a generational blizzard. I have vowed that's how I'm doing it from now on. Blizzard here? Golf there! And in 2038 when the next blizzard hits I'm doing just that. Oh, and let's not forget the Heavy Western Beef!..Hope they're still in business then.
Two or three times a year my friend Don and I head down to Lakeland, and Apollo Beach Florida. I lived and worked there for 10 great years and still have life long friends there. We meet up Ray and Tim, play golf on private courses, go boating, sit by the pool, watch NASCAR, and a multitude of other sports we can find on HD TV. This visit was especially great, as it was about the only place on earth warm this weekend.
First I DID feel guilty about not being home to help out with the bad conditions. But my bride Stacy assured me she was doing alright, and she was. She did yeoman's work keeping our drive open and house running smoothly. I was very proud of her. Great job baby!
So with everything under control, we decided to have take advantage of the fact we were there, and not here. We started off by eating 50 chicken wings upon arrival in about 3 seconds all while sitting on the patio at the Winghouse. Nice start. Golf the next day, followed by a visit to The Tribe's spring training game in Winter Haven and saw them win! After the game we bought steaks for the grill from a place called Mac's Heavy Western Beef across the street from Chain 'O Lakes Stadium in Winter Haven. How great is that name? I'm shopping there to be sure! We laughed about that name all weekend, and gave the owner assurances we'd only by our beef from them from this day forward. That place by name alone is hallowed ground.
The next three days pretty much the same. More golf, more games, a change or two, Beef O'Brady's for wings, some stuffed grouper at a restaurant on the water, and some fresh cookies for desert. All while hanging with the best group of friends anyone could ask for.
Occasionally you've got to take a few days and recharge and get your mind right, and this was it. It's good for the soul to do the things you like best down south at a time when you can't do them up north. I think that's why they invented Florida and the rest of the Southeast. I am blessed to have the great friends, and the time to enjoy them. I am also blessed my bride kept the home fires burning, and assured me she was okay and told me to have fun.
Friends, golf, boating, the Tribe, and sun. Now that's the way to ride out a generational blizzard. I have vowed that's how I'm doing it from now on. Blizzard here? Golf there! And in 2038 when the next blizzard hits I'm doing just that. Oh, and let's not forget the Heavy Western Beef!..Hope they're still in business then.
MOVIE REVIEW - 10,000 BC
Many times I feel movies are made solely to see if the movie maker can do it. That's 10,000 BC.
10,000 BC is a 100 minute story of various civilizations 10,000 years ago. It attempts to explain the unexplainable according to the writers. More on that later. First let's dish out some kudos. The sets on this movie are spectacular, as are many of the beautiful sites around the world this movie is shot in. There's a big soundtrack that's nice, and legendary Omar Sharif is the narrator.
Now let's flip it over. 10,000 BC is a disjointed, hard to explain, big budget.....mess. Who stars in this movie? Who cares? We're supposed to believe that 10,000 years ago, great warriors traveled thousands of miles on foot with no food or water, speaking a multitude of languages in bare feet all while sporting perfectly groomed goatees! Toss in a feeble attempt to explain the great pyramids, sphinx, a mention of Atlantis, and some lousy loin cloths, and we're just getting warmed up.
Don't forget to throw in a tiny helping of computer generated mastodons, some goofy looking, shadowy man eating big birds too. Not to mention the movies primary promotional character, the gigantic computer generated sabre tooth tiger. Oh by the way, he is on screen for a whole 25 seconds or so no kidding! Mix it all up with a few mediocre, hand to hand battle scenes, and characters you never really get to know or care about and you've got a real snoozer here.
In all seriousness 10,000 BC is a silly, why did they really make this movie. A love story of sorts, where our hero warrior travels the world over to free his people, and save his love. The whole time I was watching it, I was wondering who these people are, where they were on earth. Also a note, I almost always feel that when you have to have a narrator throughout the ENTIRE movie the class of Omar Sharif, you're having a tough time telling the story through cinema, so someone has to tell it for you. It's just not my thing in movies.
10,000 BC too will more than likely give way to another, and more than probably another, so we should get used to it. Doesn't mean we have to like it.
10,000 BC is a 100 minute story of various civilizations 10,000 years ago. It attempts to explain the unexplainable according to the writers. More on that later. First let's dish out some kudos. The sets on this movie are spectacular, as are many of the beautiful sites around the world this movie is shot in. There's a big soundtrack that's nice, and legendary Omar Sharif is the narrator.
Now let's flip it over. 10,000 BC is a disjointed, hard to explain, big budget.....mess. Who stars in this movie? Who cares? We're supposed to believe that 10,000 years ago, great warriors traveled thousands of miles on foot with no food or water, speaking a multitude of languages in bare feet all while sporting perfectly groomed goatees! Toss in a feeble attempt to explain the great pyramids, sphinx, a mention of Atlantis, and some lousy loin cloths, and we're just getting warmed up.
Don't forget to throw in a tiny helping of computer generated mastodons, some goofy looking, shadowy man eating big birds too. Not to mention the movies primary promotional character, the gigantic computer generated sabre tooth tiger. Oh by the way, he is on screen for a whole 25 seconds or so no kidding! Mix it all up with a few mediocre, hand to hand battle scenes, and characters you never really get to know or care about and you've got a real snoozer here.
In all seriousness 10,000 BC is a silly, why did they really make this movie. A love story of sorts, where our hero warrior travels the world over to free his people, and save his love. The whole time I was watching it, I was wondering who these people are, where they were on earth. Also a note, I almost always feel that when you have to have a narrator throughout the ENTIRE movie the class of Omar Sharif, you're having a tough time telling the story through cinema, so someone has to tell it for you. It's just not my thing in movies.
10,000 BC too will more than likely give way to another, and more than probably another, so we should get used to it. Doesn't mean we have to like it.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Penelope
I don't know about you but I feel the art of making real family movies is a dying craft. Cartoons and snappy animated flicks have taken their place. Enter Penelope! This is the new Christina Ricci, James MacAvoy and Reese Witherspoon flick.
The story is simple and complicated at the same time. Penelope (Ricci) is born with a family curse from generations back with a pigs nose and ears. Her mother goes to great lengths to shield her from the press, and the world in general. Mom also hires matchmakers to court Penelope and get her married so the curse can be broken. There are numerous side plots too here, too many to mention and they're not real important anyway for the sake of review.
Let's just say this first. There is nothing wrong with Penelope! Both in character and as a movie. This is a real nice little family movie that doesn't have a bunch of cartoon characters singing a lot of bad songs. It isn't silly or juvenile either. You can load up the whole young family here and go to a real movie, starring real people, and see a fairy tale type story and have a great time doing it. This movie was produced by Reece Witherspoon as well. I'm thinking she wanted to make a movie her young kids could enjoy, and she's done it.
Penelope too has a nice message. Being excepting of others and ourselves is an important thing in this world. The "beauty is only skin deep" thing has been told time after time in movies, but it never really gets old. There are certainly worse things for our young kids today to see. And you can even strike up a conversation with them afterwards about the lesson over ice cream.
I always feel that movies like Penelope have to be reviewed for the kind of movie it is, and what the intent was. It drives me nuts to hear "big time critics" trashing flicks like this because it doesn't make a "statement" or if they are not "great cinema." Give me a break! I am not the target audience for Penelope and I rather enjoyed it. Penelope works for what it is. A family movie with a heart and soul and no special effects. A refreshing change in today's computer generated world. It's a nice night out with the family at the movies.
The story is simple and complicated at the same time. Penelope (Ricci) is born with a family curse from generations back with a pigs nose and ears. Her mother goes to great lengths to shield her from the press, and the world in general. Mom also hires matchmakers to court Penelope and get her married so the curse can be broken. There are numerous side plots too here, too many to mention and they're not real important anyway for the sake of review.
Let's just say this first. There is nothing wrong with Penelope! Both in character and as a movie. This is a real nice little family movie that doesn't have a bunch of cartoon characters singing a lot of bad songs. It isn't silly or juvenile either. You can load up the whole young family here and go to a real movie, starring real people, and see a fairy tale type story and have a great time doing it. This movie was produced by Reece Witherspoon as well. I'm thinking she wanted to make a movie her young kids could enjoy, and she's done it.
Penelope too has a nice message. Being excepting of others and ourselves is an important thing in this world. The "beauty is only skin deep" thing has been told time after time in movies, but it never really gets old. There are certainly worse things for our young kids today to see. And you can even strike up a conversation with them afterwards about the lesson over ice cream.
I always feel that movies like Penelope have to be reviewed for the kind of movie it is, and what the intent was. It drives me nuts to hear "big time critics" trashing flicks like this because it doesn't make a "statement" or if they are not "great cinema." Give me a break! I am not the target audience for Penelope and I rather enjoyed it. Penelope works for what it is. A family movie with a heart and soul and no special effects. A refreshing change in today's computer generated world. It's a nice night out with the family at the movies.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
15,000 Years Of Dogs!
I was watching one of those really smart Sunday Morning shows last weekend, when I saw a story that stated a fact that I really found intriguing. 15,000 years it is thought that dog has been man's best friend. Now that's a relationship that's worth celebrating.
Somewhere 15,000 years ago, some guy and some dog crossed each other's path. Maybe they ran across each other in some field somewhere and sized each other up. After a few minutes, they decided to give friendship a try. Good move. I'm thinking they made a fire. Then decided that sharing a meal, was preferable to making one out of each other, and they were good to go! Realizing too, that there were other terrible things out there in the night like Wooley Mammoths, Sabre Tooth Tigers and the like, they decided that maybe they should take turns and keep an eye out all night for protection. One could sleep, one could watch. What a team!
Look I know this is all conjecture on my part but it could have happened. Makes a good story right? One thing that is true, I love dogs, and lucky for me they love me too. It doesn't make any difference how it happened just so it did. In the worlds history, I tried to find another permanent, positive association that has endured that long, and I couldn't find one. NOT ONE!
I think the main reason that man and dog have gotten along so swimmingly for eons, is that they get each other. When you're sad, they know it, When they're sad, you know it. Works the same for happy too! We both like to eat, go outside, play, and sleep on a comfy bed or couch. It's pretty basic stuff. No wonder we've been pals for 15,000 years.
Sad part though is that even though we live the same life seemingly, our pals don't live as long as we do. And that doesn't seem fair sometimes. We are left to go on without them and that can be tough too. But lucky for us we are usually fortunate enough to get another friend that can never replace the previous, but can remind us how lucky we are to have a friend as good as a dog.
I love dogs! Always will. You know dogs make a lot of things better. Their loyalty is unmatched, and friendship is without condition. They've earned our praise. If you own one be thankful, if you could be a great friend to one, adopt one. Please support your local shelter, I have and I've never once regretted it. There's probably a dog out there right now waiting for you to show up and be friends. How lucky for you!
Not sure if that's true? There's 15,000 years of history on your side!
Somewhere 15,000 years ago, some guy and some dog crossed each other's path. Maybe they ran across each other in some field somewhere and sized each other up. After a few minutes, they decided to give friendship a try. Good move. I'm thinking they made a fire. Then decided that sharing a meal, was preferable to making one out of each other, and they were good to go! Realizing too, that there were other terrible things out there in the night like Wooley Mammoths, Sabre Tooth Tigers and the like, they decided that maybe they should take turns and keep an eye out all night for protection. One could sleep, one could watch. What a team!
Look I know this is all conjecture on my part but it could have happened. Makes a good story right? One thing that is true, I love dogs, and lucky for me they love me too. It doesn't make any difference how it happened just so it did. In the worlds history, I tried to find another permanent, positive association that has endured that long, and I couldn't find one. NOT ONE!
I think the main reason that man and dog have gotten along so swimmingly for eons, is that they get each other. When you're sad, they know it, When they're sad, you know it. Works the same for happy too! We both like to eat, go outside, play, and sleep on a comfy bed or couch. It's pretty basic stuff. No wonder we've been pals for 15,000 years.
Sad part though is that even though we live the same life seemingly, our pals don't live as long as we do. And that doesn't seem fair sometimes. We are left to go on without them and that can be tough too. But lucky for us we are usually fortunate enough to get another friend that can never replace the previous, but can remind us how lucky we are to have a friend as good as a dog.
I love dogs! Always will. You know dogs make a lot of things better. Their loyalty is unmatched, and friendship is without condition. They've earned our praise. If you own one be thankful, if you could be a great friend to one, adopt one. Please support your local shelter, I have and I've never once regretted it. There's probably a dog out there right now waiting for you to show up and be friends. How lucky for you!
Not sure if that's true? There's 15,000 years of history on your side!
MOVIE REVIEW - Semi Pro
Will Farrell's new movie is called Semi-Pro and It could not be more aptly named. Semi Pro would indicate part professional, mixed with part amateur status...well that's Semi-Pro.
It's another sports parody for Farrell and his traveling sports movie troupe. It's the story of the waning days of the old American Basketball Association (ABA.) Farrell plays a one-hit wonder 70's soul singer whose only big song gives him wealth enough to buy the fictional Flint Tropics ABA franchise. The year is 1976, and the ABA is folding and four teams are going to be absorbed by the NBA, the rest will be disbanded. Surviving are the Spurs, Nuggets, Nets, and Pacers. That part is not fictional.
Farrell tries to save the Tropics with hopes of being chosen by the NBA in the merger, and let the hi-jinx begin. I'm not sure who is supposed to get the joke here. Not many of Will Farrell's fans can remember the old ABA, or even know that it existed. The parody that worked so well in Talledega Nights, and Blades of Glory falls flat on it face here. The ABA was a flashy, above the rim, self promoting, and colorful league that had to do what it could to survive. But unless you're around 45 or over, you don't remember the ABA at all. Farrell's fans aren't. And that's the real trouble here. Jokes that no one understand.
Mix in a joke no one gets, with Farrell's old and tired act, and some really bad language that's prevalent for two hours, and this is a disaster. The language, dialogue, and story line is so awful in this flick you watch almost with amazement that's this is all they can come up with. (Man bring back the writers strike!) He even pulls Woody Harrelson along with him for this ride in to the wall, and for some reason Maura Tierny from ER is in this movie, and if you ask me why, I have no idea why her character is even in this train wreck. One positive, Semi-Pro does have a snappy musical soundtrack with great songs from the era. I wouldn't mind owning that CD myself.
Semi-Pro is ghastly. It's not funny, and it even looks tired. With no new ideas, it looks like real work for the actors to get through this thing. It was work to watch it too. No real laughs here. A chuckle or two, a smile from time to time, but mostly you're just praying for the closing credits.
It's another sports parody for Farrell and his traveling sports movie troupe. It's the story of the waning days of the old American Basketball Association (ABA.) Farrell plays a one-hit wonder 70's soul singer whose only big song gives him wealth enough to buy the fictional Flint Tropics ABA franchise. The year is 1976, and the ABA is folding and four teams are going to be absorbed by the NBA, the rest will be disbanded. Surviving are the Spurs, Nuggets, Nets, and Pacers. That part is not fictional.
Farrell tries to save the Tropics with hopes of being chosen by the NBA in the merger, and let the hi-jinx begin. I'm not sure who is supposed to get the joke here. Not many of Will Farrell's fans can remember the old ABA, or even know that it existed. The parody that worked so well in Talledega Nights, and Blades of Glory falls flat on it face here. The ABA was a flashy, above the rim, self promoting, and colorful league that had to do what it could to survive. But unless you're around 45 or over, you don't remember the ABA at all. Farrell's fans aren't. And that's the real trouble here. Jokes that no one understand.
Mix in a joke no one gets, with Farrell's old and tired act, and some really bad language that's prevalent for two hours, and this is a disaster. The language, dialogue, and story line is so awful in this flick you watch almost with amazement that's this is all they can come up with. (Man bring back the writers strike!) He even pulls Woody Harrelson along with him for this ride in to the wall, and for some reason Maura Tierny from ER is in this movie, and if you ask me why, I have no idea why her character is even in this train wreck. One positive, Semi-Pro does have a snappy musical soundtrack with great songs from the era. I wouldn't mind owning that CD myself.
Semi-Pro is ghastly. It's not funny, and it even looks tired. With no new ideas, it looks like real work for the actors to get through this thing. It was work to watch it too. No real laughs here. A chuckle or two, a smile from time to time, but mostly you're just praying for the closing credits.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
I Didn't Know They Cared
I'm sure that what's been going on at our house, has been going on at yours too. The phones been ringing off the hook day and night. Most of them from all of our brand new friends...and coincidentally, they are all running for office.
At our house it's just Stacy and me. Our phone rings a moderate amount of times a day with close family and friends, the occasional call from the office. We're on the national "do not call" list so we're seldom bothered by unwanted phone invaders. But this week? Sheesh!!!! I have never felt so loved in all my life.
In the past 7 days alone, I have received calls from Barack, Hillary, and John (they are all running for President you know) and countless others asking for me to vote for one of the 3 aforementioned. Now this will really impress you. I even got a call from...Dennis! When I answered the call, he even said.."Hi this is Dennis!" I almost dropped the phone. Actually I did, right back on the phone cradle.
I've got some advice for all of these guys, and I think I may speak for many here. Just a few small things.
Check the national do-not-call list - You're selling something on the phone! I'm on it for a reason. How about following a rule once in a while? Rules (n) "a prescribed guide for action or conduct" - Noah Webster.
Don't call me during dinner - If I'm on the fence about who I'm voting for pulling me away from a good meat loaf is a sure fire way to lose it quick. I don't know about you Hillary, but my mom and dad taught me, and I hope you taught Chelsea not to call anyone during dinner time. Get some manners for cryin' out loud. This is meat loaf here!!!!!!!!
Don't give me the long version - No one on earth really likes to listen to a loooooongggg message on the answering machine do they? Get it said and move on. If I'm not home, leave a number and I'll call you back Barack and we can talk it over in detail. Now THAT would be change. Real change.
Start talking when I answer - I grab the phone, I say hello.?...Hello??? Hello??? Silence....then a click..then I hear "Hi..this is John McCain...blah blah blah.....after like 5 seconds. What was he half listening?? Not a politician. And how about calling me by my name? Is that too much to ask? After all you called me.
And finally, how about calling me AFTER the election? - Maybe to see what I really think about things. To see how my family is doing, or here's a stretch, to say thank you for my vote, or for paying my taxes on time or for just being a good citizen. To be honest, THAT' S the call I leave the meat loaf for. That's the call most of us would be honored to get, but sadly it's the call that will never come. There's no benefit in that.....for them.
I'll vote this week and I encourage you to vote too. Be a part of the process, after all you've earned it by developing carpel-phonal syndrome this week. But until then, when Barack, John, Hillary, or even Dennis calls back, I will be a good citizen. I will look at the caller ID, and do what any honorable American should do, I will give my meat loaf my full and undivided attention.
At our house it's just Stacy and me. Our phone rings a moderate amount of times a day with close family and friends, the occasional call from the office. We're on the national "do not call" list so we're seldom bothered by unwanted phone invaders. But this week? Sheesh!!!! I have never felt so loved in all my life.
In the past 7 days alone, I have received calls from Barack, Hillary, and John (they are all running for President you know) and countless others asking for me to vote for one of the 3 aforementioned. Now this will really impress you. I even got a call from...Dennis! When I answered the call, he even said.."Hi this is Dennis!" I almost dropped the phone. Actually I did, right back on the phone cradle.
I've got some advice for all of these guys, and I think I may speak for many here. Just a few small things.
Check the national do-not-call list - You're selling something on the phone! I'm on it for a reason. How about following a rule once in a while? Rules (n) "a prescribed guide for action or conduct" - Noah Webster.
Don't call me during dinner - If I'm on the fence about who I'm voting for pulling me away from a good meat loaf is a sure fire way to lose it quick. I don't know about you Hillary, but my mom and dad taught me, and I hope you taught Chelsea not to call anyone during dinner time. Get some manners for cryin' out loud. This is meat loaf here!!!!!!!!
Don't give me the long version - No one on earth really likes to listen to a loooooongggg message on the answering machine do they? Get it said and move on. If I'm not home, leave a number and I'll call you back Barack and we can talk it over in detail. Now THAT would be change. Real change.
Start talking when I answer - I grab the phone, I say hello.?...Hello??? Hello??? Silence....then a click..then I hear "Hi..this is John McCain...blah blah blah.....after like 5 seconds. What was he half listening?? Not a politician. And how about calling me by my name? Is that too much to ask? After all you called me.
And finally, how about calling me AFTER the election? - Maybe to see what I really think about things. To see how my family is doing, or here's a stretch, to say thank you for my vote, or for paying my taxes on time or for just being a good citizen. To be honest, THAT' S the call I leave the meat loaf for. That's the call most of us would be honored to get, but sadly it's the call that will never come. There's no benefit in that.....for them.
I'll vote this week and I encourage you to vote too. Be a part of the process, after all you've earned it by developing carpel-phonal syndrome this week. But until then, when Barack, John, Hillary, or even Dennis calls back, I will be a good citizen. I will look at the caller ID, and do what any honorable American should do, I will give my meat loaf my full and undivided attention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
