Over the weekend my bride Stacy wanted me to take her to the movies. She decided that Nights In Rodanthe was on the top of her list, so we went. For those of you not real familiar with that movie, it's written by Nicolas Sparks who has written tons of heavy-drama, love stories that almost always end up with a main character dying before their time leaving true love and happiness out of reach. Now doesn't that sound fun?
So we went. And as I watched the theater patrons during the movie, it got me thinking about the differences between men and women and their movie watching habits. During Rodanthe, I looked around at opportune times. When there was some big moving moment, especially when Richard Gere was heaping on thick some wonderful out-of-the-movies line to Diane Lane I would see the shiny cheeks all around the theaters. You know, the light tears that make cheeks shiny in the movie light? You could also hear the sniffs, and the nose blowing that goes along with crying, and the sobbing, and it got me thinking again. Is this fun?????
Think about it, knowingly paying 8 bucks a throw, to go to the movies and cry in front of 100 people or so. And there lies the difference, in just that simple sentence. And keep in mind......this is what we're doing for enjoyment. There was one woman that was so choked up, she picked up her purse and walked out with about 15 minutes to go. Gurgling, choking,and sniffing the whole way. She did come back after composing herself in the can......I mean ladies room, sorry, and she finished off the movie. She just couldn't miss any more of the fun I guess.
I wanted to make this announcement to all before the movie started, "OK, it's Nicolas Sparks, so don't get too attached to the characters, because one of them will certainly die!" But I didn't. I knew this from history, not from the story. Then when one of them DOES die in Rodanthe, the place goes all boo-hooey! I mean a wailing, blubbering mess! I think most of these people had even read the book and the KNEW it was going to happen. Even more fun! This is a blast.
That night though is when the real difference slapped me square in the face. We stopped over our friends Don and Terri's house. Stacy was talking about Rodanthe at length and was in the middle of the whole sad, lovey-dovey thing, when there was a quick lull. Don then asked me in front of the wives, if I really had a Double Beef Whopper before we came over. Which I was bragging about as I entered their house. I confirmed it - yes. He then we switched our conversation over to the awesomeness of such a burger, and how long it had been since we had one last. And then even a memory or two of a Double Beef Whopper we ate once. The girls were less than amused.
Look, the truth is we're different and that's great, even preferred. This weekend it just hit me right between the eyes, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Next time, I get to pick the flick. Hmmm.... And by the way, that Double Beef Whopper??? Now THAT was a beautiful thing.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Nights In Rodanthe
Time for another Nicolas Sparks best- eller come to the box office, this time it Nights In Rodanthe. NIR stars Richard Gere and Diane Lane together again since they last paired in in Unfaithful 5 years ago.
NIR is the story of Adrian (Lane), the mother of two young children whose husband has left her for another woman, but now wants reconcile. She is unsure of his motives and is reluctant. So she decides to work at her friends bed and breakfast for a long weekend in Rodanthe, North Carolina to do some thinking. She finds herself alone with the lone guest for the 4 days, Dr. Flanner, (Gere) who also is trying to work out a number of crisis' in his life.
It all comes together. The house in Rodanthe is about the most fabulous place on earth. Both of these people are beautiful, they're alone, lonely, and then a hurricane comes and gives them the added push they need to fall into each others arms and fall in love. Somehow they end up changing each others lives, and begin a trek to spending all eternity together.
NIR is clearly a romantics movie. Like most Sparks stories, it speaks directly to women with no apologies. NIR will sweep many off their feet to a place that doesn't really exist, and that's the draw here. Mixed in among the real-life of Sparks' stories, is the element of fantasy that many find irresistible. That is his trademark. I have seen most Sparks movies and read many of his books, and that's where he lives. And that's OK.
Strangely enough, NIR is only about 90 minutes long, and it seems at times they were stretching to get it that long. There is also some odd musical choices made in it's soundtrack that seem out of place. But also undeniably, there are some breath taking ocean front shots, and wonderful sets, and you do feel transported off to this ocean front paradise. But with all things being fair, NIR will be seen as very romantic to some, and just sappy, and cheesy to others. That's the relationship the public has with Sparks. For me, it's a mixed bag. I completely understand the attraction of many to stories like this. I mean who wouldn't want to be trapped in a hurricane in this house with one of these two people? But I'm still reaching for the cheese.
Oh, if only life was actually like a Nicolas Sparks book and movie, but it's not sadly. But that's the allure of virtually all of his stories. NIR knows it's audience and speaks directly to it, and there's nothing wrong with that. Women will love this movie, no doubt. Honestly, it will be a nice night at the flicks for many with coffee, desert, and in-depth discussion afterwards.
NIR is the story of Adrian (Lane), the mother of two young children whose husband has left her for another woman, but now wants reconcile. She is unsure of his motives and is reluctant. So she decides to work at her friends bed and breakfast for a long weekend in Rodanthe, North Carolina to do some thinking. She finds herself alone with the lone guest for the 4 days, Dr. Flanner, (Gere) who also is trying to work out a number of crisis' in his life.
It all comes together. The house in Rodanthe is about the most fabulous place on earth. Both of these people are beautiful, they're alone, lonely, and then a hurricane comes and gives them the added push they need to fall into each others arms and fall in love. Somehow they end up changing each others lives, and begin a trek to spending all eternity together.
NIR is clearly a romantics movie. Like most Sparks stories, it speaks directly to women with no apologies. NIR will sweep many off their feet to a place that doesn't really exist, and that's the draw here. Mixed in among the real-life of Sparks' stories, is the element of fantasy that many find irresistible. That is his trademark. I have seen most Sparks movies and read many of his books, and that's where he lives. And that's OK.
Strangely enough, NIR is only about 90 minutes long, and it seems at times they were stretching to get it that long. There is also some odd musical choices made in it's soundtrack that seem out of place. But also undeniably, there are some breath taking ocean front shots, and wonderful sets, and you do feel transported off to this ocean front paradise. But with all things being fair, NIR will be seen as very romantic to some, and just sappy, and cheesy to others. That's the relationship the public has with Sparks. For me, it's a mixed bag. I completely understand the attraction of many to stories like this. I mean who wouldn't want to be trapped in a hurricane in this house with one of these two people? But I'm still reaching for the cheese.
Oh, if only life was actually like a Nicolas Sparks book and movie, but it's not sadly. But that's the allure of virtually all of his stories. NIR knows it's audience and speaks directly to it, and there's nothing wrong with that. Women will love this movie, no doubt. Honestly, it will be a nice night at the flicks for many with coffee, desert, and in-depth discussion afterwards.
Friday, September 26, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Eagle Eye
When it rains, it pours it seems. With not much at the box office the last few weeks, Steven Spielberg's, Eagle Eye leads the weekends charge of big new movies. If it's action you're looking for, you're looking for Eagle Eye.
Eagle Eye is the fictitious story of privacy laws gone amok, and the development of a "super spy computer" named Eagle Eye. It was designed to be able to access all power grids, traffic cams, cell phones, and anything else that can received a signal, to help the Federal Government in the war on terror. But someone, or something has hacked into Eagle Eye, and now it's a rogue player that recruits innocent civilians to carry out it's programmed agenda against the United States. Sound complicated? It is to tell, but not to see.
Starring Shia Labeouf, Michelle Monaghan, and Billy Bob Thornton, EE is a thriller action movie. To be honest EE is captivating, and seldom slow. The well thought out story does keep you guessing till the end, and a twist here and turn there and you've got a pretty solid movie. In typical Spielberg form the star of this movie is the movie and story and not the actors. All are solid, but there's not a lot of acting here, EE is an action movie from start to finish.
I think Eagle Eye is supposed to be a wake up call or even scary to the viewer. A flaw possible? I think by now we are all aware that anytime we make a call, or swipe a gas card, credit card, or drive through a school zone and the list goes on and on, we can be tracked and monitored and information gathered. I think this is common knowledge. We may not like it, but it's the world we live in now. As far as the "scare factor" goes, this movie would have been far scarier 5 years ago, when many were still in the dark about this fact. But it doesn't take away from EE, but it just may take a little of the bite out of the broth for some.
Eagle Eye, a good night at the movies. If you're a big fan of action, big government movies, this is your cup of tea. Although you may never look at your cell phone the same way again!
Eagle Eye is the fictitious story of privacy laws gone amok, and the development of a "super spy computer" named Eagle Eye. It was designed to be able to access all power grids, traffic cams, cell phones, and anything else that can received a signal, to help the Federal Government in the war on terror. But someone, or something has hacked into Eagle Eye, and now it's a rogue player that recruits innocent civilians to carry out it's programmed agenda against the United States. Sound complicated? It is to tell, but not to see.
Starring Shia Labeouf, Michelle Monaghan, and Billy Bob Thornton, EE is a thriller action movie. To be honest EE is captivating, and seldom slow. The well thought out story does keep you guessing till the end, and a twist here and turn there and you've got a pretty solid movie. In typical Spielberg form the star of this movie is the movie and story and not the actors. All are solid, but there's not a lot of acting here, EE is an action movie from start to finish.
I think Eagle Eye is supposed to be a wake up call or even scary to the viewer. A flaw possible? I think by now we are all aware that anytime we make a call, or swipe a gas card, credit card, or drive through a school zone and the list goes on and on, we can be tracked and monitored and information gathered. I think this is common knowledge. We may not like it, but it's the world we live in now. As far as the "scare factor" goes, this movie would have been far scarier 5 years ago, when many were still in the dark about this fact. But it doesn't take away from EE, but it just may take a little of the bite out of the broth for some.
Eagle Eye, a good night at the movies. If you're a big fan of action, big government movies, this is your cup of tea. Although you may never look at your cell phone the same way again!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jessica Stopped By
This morning with Wynn and Wilson we had a first! Today Sue and I we were lucky enough to have Jessica Simpson stop by for a hour-long on air visit! We had about 20 great WQMX listeners win their way in to see her, and I gotta say a great time was had by all.
Jessica Simpson is a star, no doubt. She's done it all, TV, movies, commercials, pop singer, and now country singer. There was great anticipation in the room before 7am when Jessica was due to arrive..and she did, right on time. I think we all felt instantly at ease with her. Dressed in jeans and a simple shirt, plus a really cool hat, she was just one of us.
Jessica took her time with all the listeners, and staff. She was calm and poised on the air as well, speaking candidly about her ups and downs in her career. She and Sue chatted about the new music and CD, and Jess and I talked about her long road to Nashville, and how great it was to have her come to town and set up shop. She also talked about her business ventures and her charity work. We featured many of the great songs from her number one country CD Come On Over, and each one generated response e-mails and texts from our morning show listeners.
I think we all were impressed equally by her demeanor off the air as well. I always feel that the really great performers in country music, are the ones that have the ability to connect with their fans. Country singers have a long history of that. You could see the excitement in many of our guests eyes prior to meeting Jess. Jessica this morning was accessible and approachable and really took the time to make sure everyone was treated wonderfully. Everyone that left our studios this morning after it was all over, had huge smiles on their faces, great memories to take with them, and stories to tell after they got to work or school today. That was fun to see.
This really was a great experience for all of us. It really is great when WQMX listeners get to have an experience like this one. It's one of the best parts of our job, taking care of the listeners who take such good care of us every day.
Well done Jessica, come back and see us anytime. You have an open invitation.
Jessica Simpson is a star, no doubt. She's done it all, TV, movies, commercials, pop singer, and now country singer. There was great anticipation in the room before 7am when Jessica was due to arrive..and she did, right on time. I think we all felt instantly at ease with her. Dressed in jeans and a simple shirt, plus a really cool hat, she was just one of us.
Jessica took her time with all the listeners, and staff. She was calm and poised on the air as well, speaking candidly about her ups and downs in her career. She and Sue chatted about the new music and CD, and Jess and I talked about her long road to Nashville, and how great it was to have her come to town and set up shop. She also talked about her business ventures and her charity work. We featured many of the great songs from her number one country CD Come On Over, and each one generated response e-mails and texts from our morning show listeners.
I think we all were impressed equally by her demeanor off the air as well. I always feel that the really great performers in country music, are the ones that have the ability to connect with their fans. Country singers have a long history of that. You could see the excitement in many of our guests eyes prior to meeting Jess. Jessica this morning was accessible and approachable and really took the time to make sure everyone was treated wonderfully. Everyone that left our studios this morning after it was all over, had huge smiles on their faces, great memories to take with them, and stories to tell after they got to work or school today. That was fun to see.
This really was a great experience for all of us. It really is great when WQMX listeners get to have an experience like this one. It's one of the best parts of our job, taking care of the listeners who take such good care of us every day.
Well done Jessica, come back and see us anytime. You have an open invitation.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Ghost Town
I have a tendency to really like "little movies." I don't know why, maybe it's because that most really good movies start and end with a really good story. And that's Ghost Town. This is a terrific little comedy. Kind of like the "little comedy that could!"
Starring Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni and Ricky Gervais, Ghost Town is a charming little story about the crossing of paths between the tangible world and the hereafter life. Meet Dr. Pincus (Gervias). He is a totally self absorbed, dentist in mid-life crisis, that is about as rude as one can get. He hates people, and about everything that goes along with them. He is a lonely soul that doesn't know it, but wants a better life for himself.
Then there's Frank (Kinnear.) He is another jerk of a man in his 30's, who is married to Gwen, (Leoni.) He is a womanizer and a fraud. He gets hit by a bus, and dies. But as the story dictates, since he left unfinished business behind in this life, he is "ghosted," to try to set things right so he can crossover. After Dr. Pincus almost dies himself in a surgical procedure, the Dr. is visible to those "ghosts" who need his help to solve their dilemmas of unfinished business. It sounds so complicated, but through great story telling, it really is all so simple.
I always think the best comedy's are the ones that have a nice point, a story to tell, and a soul to keep. Ghost Town is brilliantly written, and has all of the above. It's a quirky little piece, that makes you forge what's going on in the real world for a couple of hours, and we need that these days.
GT is a great flick. Ricky Gervias is so perfectly cast in his role, and although he may be an acquired taste, it's hard not to laugh at his fantastic dead pan, stammering speechy humor. Greg Kinnear is always fun, and Tea Leoni is not in enough movies for me. I like her every time out. GT is worth a night out, a dinner too. No problem here on the company you take with you, the more the merrier. Ghost Town is a fun, fun time.
Ghost Town. Don't miss it. Worth every dime and minute you spend on it. It might even be video collection material in 90 days. Long live the little movie!
Starring Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni and Ricky Gervais, Ghost Town is a charming little story about the crossing of paths between the tangible world and the hereafter life. Meet Dr. Pincus (Gervias). He is a totally self absorbed, dentist in mid-life crisis, that is about as rude as one can get. He hates people, and about everything that goes along with them. He is a lonely soul that doesn't know it, but wants a better life for himself.
Then there's Frank (Kinnear.) He is another jerk of a man in his 30's, who is married to Gwen, (Leoni.) He is a womanizer and a fraud. He gets hit by a bus, and dies. But as the story dictates, since he left unfinished business behind in this life, he is "ghosted," to try to set things right so he can crossover. After Dr. Pincus almost dies himself in a surgical procedure, the Dr. is visible to those "ghosts" who need his help to solve their dilemmas of unfinished business. It sounds so complicated, but through great story telling, it really is all so simple.
I always think the best comedy's are the ones that have a nice point, a story to tell, and a soul to keep. Ghost Town is brilliantly written, and has all of the above. It's a quirky little piece, that makes you forge what's going on in the real world for a couple of hours, and we need that these days.
GT is a great flick. Ricky Gervias is so perfectly cast in his role, and although he may be an acquired taste, it's hard not to laugh at his fantastic dead pan, stammering speechy humor. Greg Kinnear is always fun, and Tea Leoni is not in enough movies for me. I like her every time out. GT is worth a night out, a dinner too. No problem here on the company you take with you, the more the merrier. Ghost Town is a fun, fun time.
Ghost Town. Don't miss it. Worth every dime and minute you spend on it. It might even be video collection material in 90 days. Long live the little movie!
Monday, September 22, 2008
When It All Goes Right
Over the weekend, I took the WQMX Care-A-Van to the Akron Zoo, and lent support to the Walk For Babies for Children's Hospital. There was maybe 500-600 people there to walk, and to work the event. It was a beautiful morning, and it was nice to be out with the listeners.
But something else happened on Saturday morning. I met some of the best people I've met in a long time. Those with big smiles, great attitudes and something a little extra special. A child that was one time in Children's unit for babies. What a joy!
I don't have any children of my own, so I don't can't possibly understand what these parents have gone through. I try to imagine. Even though I am not qualified to relate fully to them, I can share in their joy that is apparent when you talk with them. All of these parents and extended family were so grateful to have their now healthy child with them you could not help but share in their joy and appreciation for life in general.
Many had extraordinary stories to tell, and I listened. I was amazed on the courage both child and parents possess, but I was also awakened by the numbers. For someone that usually makes his living by talking for a living, I found myself speechless, as one amazing story after another was made available to me. It reminded me to listen more, I have to keep that in mind. It was an inspiring day.
Thanks for sharing your stories with me, it is an honor. I think I learned more Saturday morning than I've learned in a long while, and lucky for me, if was information worth learning.
And amazing too, the great folks that work at Childrens making sure that these kids who need a boost in their early life get it, and go on to walk in walks and be members of their loving family. I learned too that sometimes in life when it seems that all is going wrong, there are those caring souls out there that make sure ...that it all goes right.
I was a great day! For those who told me your story, thanks for sharing. And for those who made it possible...thanks for caring.
But something else happened on Saturday morning. I met some of the best people I've met in a long time. Those with big smiles, great attitudes and something a little extra special. A child that was one time in Children's unit for babies. What a joy!
I don't have any children of my own, so I don't can't possibly understand what these parents have gone through. I try to imagine. Even though I am not qualified to relate fully to them, I can share in their joy that is apparent when you talk with them. All of these parents and extended family were so grateful to have their now healthy child with them you could not help but share in their joy and appreciation for life in general.
Many had extraordinary stories to tell, and I listened. I was amazed on the courage both child and parents possess, but I was also awakened by the numbers. For someone that usually makes his living by talking for a living, I found myself speechless, as one amazing story after another was made available to me. It reminded me to listen more, I have to keep that in mind. It was an inspiring day.
Thanks for sharing your stories with me, it is an honor. I think I learned more Saturday morning than I've learned in a long while, and lucky for me, if was information worth learning.
And amazing too, the great folks that work at Childrens making sure that these kids who need a boost in their early life get it, and go on to walk in walks and be members of their loving family. I learned too that sometimes in life when it seems that all is going wrong, there are those caring souls out there that make sure ...that it all goes right.
I was a great day! For those who told me your story, thanks for sharing. And for those who made it possible...thanks for caring.
MOVIE REVIEW - My Best Friends Girl
I have to ask one question of Kate Hudson, and Alec Baldwin before I review My Best Friends Girl. Did you actually READ this script before you took the money.
For heavens sake, MBFG, is the new Dane Cook flick which is out this week. Also starring American Pies Jason Biggs, Hudson and Baldwin. This "romantic comedy" is duly rated R, and deserves it. And the story is as follows.
Meet Tank, (Cook). His paid hobby is going out with other guys' ex-girlfriends. They pay him to take them out and be as vile as humanly possible, with the thinking being they will call the ex-boyfriend begging to take them back. And it's a racket that seems to be working pretty well. By the way, when I mean vile, I mean vile! Well, all this goes wrong when Tank is asked by his best friend (Biggs) to take out his ex, Alexis (Hudson.) And as the title suggests, Tank falls for his best friends girl.
Compelling? Not really. Sit back for two hours of really harsh language, and to many, a very offensive story line. Also you better really like the song by The Cars, My Best Friends Girl, because you're going to hear it about 10,000 times in one form or another in this flick. This is a mean spirited "comedy." Dane Cook can be funny, and you have to admit, he does have a certain style and swagger that is interesting to watch, but this is just sell-out, 18 year old boy, dirty word, bathroom humor junk.
Look, no one minds some some low brow humor from time to time. But only when it makes the movie better, or funnier. In MBFG, it just makes it more vile, and offensive. Movies seem to be trending that way for 18 year olds. And Hollywood is pushing the limits as to what the market will bear. MBFG, was a tremendous flop this weekend.
Man, you've got to wonder what on earth has happened to Kate Hudson as well. I bet mom Goldie Hawn is real proud that her once Oscar nominated daughter made this piece of garbage. Hudson who has done great work in that past, has also sold out to junior high, lowest common denominator comedy's lately. Oh, how the mighty has fallen. And Alec Baldwin? Well never mind, same thing pertains to him. By the way the esteemed Baldwin just won an Emmy Sunday night. How did this movie happen?
Advice - maybe you should actually read the script before you ask how much you'll be paid. Everyone makes a clunker from time to time, but many of those you don't see coming. This one you did. A huge flop over the weekend a the box office. It will be a big rental in 90 days with the directors cut and all, but it still won't be worth it.
My Best Friends Girl. Vile, and only to be loved by a small slice. Don't forget to miss it!
For heavens sake, MBFG, is the new Dane Cook flick which is out this week. Also starring American Pies Jason Biggs, Hudson and Baldwin. This "romantic comedy" is duly rated R, and deserves it. And the story is as follows.
Meet Tank, (Cook). His paid hobby is going out with other guys' ex-girlfriends. They pay him to take them out and be as vile as humanly possible, with the thinking being they will call the ex-boyfriend begging to take them back. And it's a racket that seems to be working pretty well. By the way, when I mean vile, I mean vile! Well, all this goes wrong when Tank is asked by his best friend (Biggs) to take out his ex, Alexis (Hudson.) And as the title suggests, Tank falls for his best friends girl.
Compelling? Not really. Sit back for two hours of really harsh language, and to many, a very offensive story line. Also you better really like the song by The Cars, My Best Friends Girl, because you're going to hear it about 10,000 times in one form or another in this flick. This is a mean spirited "comedy." Dane Cook can be funny, and you have to admit, he does have a certain style and swagger that is interesting to watch, but this is just sell-out, 18 year old boy, dirty word, bathroom humor junk.
Look, no one minds some some low brow humor from time to time. But only when it makes the movie better, or funnier. In MBFG, it just makes it more vile, and offensive. Movies seem to be trending that way for 18 year olds. And Hollywood is pushing the limits as to what the market will bear. MBFG, was a tremendous flop this weekend.
Man, you've got to wonder what on earth has happened to Kate Hudson as well. I bet mom Goldie Hawn is real proud that her once Oscar nominated daughter made this piece of garbage. Hudson who has done great work in that past, has also sold out to junior high, lowest common denominator comedy's lately. Oh, how the mighty has fallen. And Alec Baldwin? Well never mind, same thing pertains to him. By the way the esteemed Baldwin just won an Emmy Sunday night. How did this movie happen?
Advice - maybe you should actually read the script before you ask how much you'll be paid. Everyone makes a clunker from time to time, but many of those you don't see coming. This one you did. A huge flop over the weekend a the box office. It will be a big rental in 90 days with the directors cut and all, but it still won't be worth it.
My Best Friends Girl. Vile, and only to be loved by a small slice. Don't forget to miss it!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
We Should Be Beyond This
How about a little venting this time?
I am an optimist when it comes to most things in life. I can almost always see the big picture, and find the silver lining in most clouds. I'm proud of that. It keeps me sane sometimes. But I gotta level with you, three weeks ago I wasn't as primed up as many about the Browns this year. I was having fun with it in blog form. Getting people fired up for our first game on national TV. Expectations were high, and I really was guarded. I wanted then, and still hope for the best from here forward. But let's be real.
The Browns should be way beyond the point that they are at right now. I get it, injuries. I know. With that said, they have been not just beaten, but embarrassed in two of the three big TV audience games. What's going on right now is not professional. It's not just the losing, it's the total inability to do anything right at all. I challenge you to disagree with that. Find me a stat what suggests otherwise and I'll listen.
It's not one player, or coach, or anything else. And I don't want to hear about Brady Quinn. That has nothing to do with it. It's just bad...period. Do you find yourself gleeful when we complete a 4 yard pass? Yes, me too! Does anyone throw more 3 yard passes than us? We can't come close to stopping anyone, and we can't move the ball. The differential between us and them is embarrassing right now. Penalties, no pass rush, defense is on the field a million minutes a game. This is expansion team stuff, it really is, and it's hard to watch as a fan.
You know the funny part is, it would be hard for anyone to really disagree with this, even the Browns themselves. It just needs to be said out loud I guess. This team right now is expansion team caliber, and I have no idea how we've gotten here yet again. We're not competitive, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I'm truly not trying to be offensive..just honest. Even the most die-hard Browns fan can't be at all happy seeing what is going on here.
Getting beat is one thing, we can live with that. I don't know who we can beat right now, if anyone. I think most anyone who is in touch with football at all would wholeheartedly agree. We should be way beyond these kind of stuff by now. Way beyond.
I am an optimist when it comes to most things in life. I can almost always see the big picture, and find the silver lining in most clouds. I'm proud of that. It keeps me sane sometimes. But I gotta level with you, three weeks ago I wasn't as primed up as many about the Browns this year. I was having fun with it in blog form. Getting people fired up for our first game on national TV. Expectations were high, and I really was guarded. I wanted then, and still hope for the best from here forward. But let's be real.
The Browns should be way beyond the point that they are at right now. I get it, injuries. I know. With that said, they have been not just beaten, but embarrassed in two of the three big TV audience games. What's going on right now is not professional. It's not just the losing, it's the total inability to do anything right at all. I challenge you to disagree with that. Find me a stat what suggests otherwise and I'll listen.
It's not one player, or coach, or anything else. And I don't want to hear about Brady Quinn. That has nothing to do with it. It's just bad...period. Do you find yourself gleeful when we complete a 4 yard pass? Yes, me too! Does anyone throw more 3 yard passes than us? We can't come close to stopping anyone, and we can't move the ball. The differential between us and them is embarrassing right now. Penalties, no pass rush, defense is on the field a million minutes a game. This is expansion team stuff, it really is, and it's hard to watch as a fan.
You know the funny part is, it would be hard for anyone to really disagree with this, even the Browns themselves. It just needs to be said out loud I guess. This team right now is expansion team caliber, and I have no idea how we've gotten here yet again. We're not competitive, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I'm truly not trying to be offensive..just honest. Even the most die-hard Browns fan can't be at all happy seeing what is going on here.
Getting beat is one thing, we can live with that. I don't know who we can beat right now, if anyone. I think most anyone who is in touch with football at all would wholeheartedly agree. We should be way beyond these kind of stuff by now. Way beyond.
Friday, September 19, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Lakeview Terrace
Samuel L. Jackson stars in this weeks big debut at the box office the thriller, Lakeview Terrace. I will start by giving you this little tid-bit. Samuel L. Jackson has never been better. Intrigued? Read on.
The story is simple enough, Chris and Lisa are a young bi-racial couple that move into the upscale subdivision, Lakeview Terrace in Southern California. Their next door neighbor is Able Turner a Los Angeles cop, whose been on the job for 28 years. Able is a rough, tough egomaniac street cop with serious baggage on and off the job. He is a complex guy, a single parent, a control freak, and a conniving, manipulative scary individual. He uses his police power in every aspect of his life. Turner decides that he hates the idea of Chris and Lisa living next door, and goes out of his way to terrorize them at every turn, in an effort to get them to move.
The story really doesn't vary much from that basic premise, although Chris and Lisa make about 5,000 terrible decisions during LT, they really don't deserve the terror that is brought upon them. No one does. You may find yourself yelling at the screen a few times, wondering how stupid they really are, but all is forgivable because of Jackson's stellar performance.
Jackson was seemingly born to play this role, and LT, does not work without him. I can't imagine anyone else playing this leading role. Able Turner is scary, and sympathetic at the same time. LT relies heavily on Jackson to deliver, and he does. I will tell you this movie is compelling, and moves long at at nice pace. Don't worry about anyone else in this movie, because at the end of the day, Jackson is hook, line and sinker. It's his movie and he is terrific!
You may have not been moved to see Lakeview Terrace from the trailers. This movie I feel was packaged poorly. To me, 2 months ago it looked like some throw away late summer flick, but LT was a big surprise to me. Jackson alone is worth the price of a ticket. Great adult thriller, no problem here. Lakeview Terrace, Samuel L. Jackson makes it a real winner!
The story is simple enough, Chris and Lisa are a young bi-racial couple that move into the upscale subdivision, Lakeview Terrace in Southern California. Their next door neighbor is Able Turner a Los Angeles cop, whose been on the job for 28 years. Able is a rough, tough egomaniac street cop with serious baggage on and off the job. He is a complex guy, a single parent, a control freak, and a conniving, manipulative scary individual. He uses his police power in every aspect of his life. Turner decides that he hates the idea of Chris and Lisa living next door, and goes out of his way to terrorize them at every turn, in an effort to get them to move.
The story really doesn't vary much from that basic premise, although Chris and Lisa make about 5,000 terrible decisions during LT, they really don't deserve the terror that is brought upon them. No one does. You may find yourself yelling at the screen a few times, wondering how stupid they really are, but all is forgivable because of Jackson's stellar performance.
Jackson was seemingly born to play this role, and LT, does not work without him. I can't imagine anyone else playing this leading role. Able Turner is scary, and sympathetic at the same time. LT relies heavily on Jackson to deliver, and he does. I will tell you this movie is compelling, and moves long at at nice pace. Don't worry about anyone else in this movie, because at the end of the day, Jackson is hook, line and sinker. It's his movie and he is terrific!
You may have not been moved to see Lakeview Terrace from the trailers. This movie I feel was packaged poorly. To me, 2 months ago it looked like some throw away late summer flick, but LT was a big surprise to me. Jackson alone is worth the price of a ticket. Great adult thriller, no problem here. Lakeview Terrace, Samuel L. Jackson makes it a real winner!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - The Women
It's not often that Hollywood decides to remake a movie that was originally out 70 years ago, but that's The Women. It's based on the Clair Luce Booth 1936 play that was made into a movie in 1939. She was in interesting sort. After her writing career, she was elected to the U.S. House Of Representatives and served our country.
The Women stars every woman in Hollywood. Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, and a slew of others and cameo's to keep you busy for 2 hours plus. One point of interest, there is not one man in this entire movie, not one second. (I think I'm offended, kidding.) It's the story of Mary (Ryan) who is cheated on by her husband, and how her and her band of friends deal with this crisis, and the numerous crisis' that surround them as friends.
Obviously, the story has been updated to fit the lifestyles of today. Over all The Women does have some funny dialogue, and moments. I, of course am not the target audience so I listened for the other 99.9 percent of the theater to hear their reaction to The Women. I did hear some laughter, but not what I expected. I actually really was surprised at the lack of response I heard from the female dominated crowd.
One problem The Women has, is there's not enough movie for all these characters. Some come and then go for 40 minutes at a time. Messing is one of the movies real bright spots, but she takes a hiatus for much of the middle of the flick. Way too much Annette Benning who is cast as Ryan's best friend. She is totally miscast and unbelievable as a Ryan contemporary. For the half of the movie, she seemed to be doing a Samantha from Sex And The City impersonation, and a bad one a that, and it doesn't work. She looks more like Ryans aunt, as opposed to someone that Meg Ryan would have gone to college with as the script suggests.
The Women. I think everyone was stunned that this movie stumbled out of the gates at the box office last weekend. The Women may very well get lost in the movie shuffle and lend itself more to a rental at Christmas with your jammies on. Problems... some, is it worth it? Girls night out.
The Women stars every woman in Hollywood. Meg Ryan, Annette Benning, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, and a slew of others and cameo's to keep you busy for 2 hours plus. One point of interest, there is not one man in this entire movie, not one second. (I think I'm offended, kidding.) It's the story of Mary (Ryan) who is cheated on by her husband, and how her and her band of friends deal with this crisis, and the numerous crisis' that surround them as friends.
Obviously, the story has been updated to fit the lifestyles of today. Over all The Women does have some funny dialogue, and moments. I, of course am not the target audience so I listened for the other 99.9 percent of the theater to hear their reaction to The Women. I did hear some laughter, but not what I expected. I actually really was surprised at the lack of response I heard from the female dominated crowd.
One problem The Women has, is there's not enough movie for all these characters. Some come and then go for 40 minutes at a time. Messing is one of the movies real bright spots, but she takes a hiatus for much of the middle of the flick. Way too much Annette Benning who is cast as Ryan's best friend. She is totally miscast and unbelievable as a Ryan contemporary. For the half of the movie, she seemed to be doing a Samantha from Sex And The City impersonation, and a bad one a that, and it doesn't work. She looks more like Ryans aunt, as opposed to someone that Meg Ryan would have gone to college with as the script suggests.
The Women. I think everyone was stunned that this movie stumbled out of the gates at the box office last weekend. The Women may very well get lost in the movie shuffle and lend itself more to a rental at Christmas with your jammies on. Problems... some, is it worth it? Girls night out.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Celebrate The Women!
This is in honor of the new flick out this week The Women. All of the women in the movie are there to make us laugh, and many of them have been doing it for a long time. So I thought this might be a good time to celebrate the women who make us laugh every day. Hopefully there is one in your life.
I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something that's very endearing about a woman that isn't afraid to step out of the comfort zone and take a chance on looking somewhat silly at times. Truth is, that is not in some womens nature, or some mens nature either. But we like that! Sometimes as a society we expect men to look foolish, so it's not as amusing after a while. But women that are willing to take that same chance are just funnier for it.
Television has been loaded with them. Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Fran Drescher, and now Tina Fey, and of course every one's favorite Friend was Phoebe! TV reflects our lives much of the time. We love all these women because they were funny, and not afraid to take a chance. Would you rather see Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, or City of Angels? Case closed.
My wife Stacy...she cracks me up! She can get so physically funny getting excited about the smallest thing. One time she chipped in a shot in the 5th green while we were playing golf, and I thought she was going to have a heart attack. You would have thought she won the lottery (I was hoping that she did) , but good for her. With all her jumping around, screaming and cheering, I watched sheer joy come over her. She didn't care who saw her, and that's just flat out endearing. Stacy also doesn't mind when the joke is on her, and that's about as attractive as it gets.
Every single one of my buddy's wives, without exception has been blessed with a good sense of humor and has made me laugh and shared in big laughs with us over the years. One of them even gave us all an accidental sour cream splashing in her face and hair episode one nice summer afternoon at the Sunday dinner table. And when SHE laughed at herself about it, all was good. You see, it just wouldn't have been as funny if the sour cream had splashed in my face and hair. Guys are expected to do that kind of thing. Happens all the time.
My sister Kris is 7 years older than me. She was the first girl that could make me laugh, and she still does. She too, can get geeked up over life's small joys, and that's fun to watch as well. She has a big laugh, and did our family one better, she married a guy who's a hoot too. Bill has one of the sharpest wits I've ever heard. You could shave with it
My new partner Sue Wilson. One of the interesting things about her? It seems that sometimes she doesn't know how funny she really is, and that flat out cracks me up to begin with. But when she steps off the ledge and takes a chance on the show that many women wouldn't, that's just funny in itself. Good for you Sue.
These are some of the great women in my life, and I know I'm lucky to be around these women every day. I love to laugh. And guys, isn't there something really endearing when a woman makes you laugh? Oh course!
So to all the above mentioned great women, thanks for giving me a laugh every day. Mine and the lives of others are better for it. Let's celebrate the women! Guess now I gotta go see the movie.
I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something that's very endearing about a woman that isn't afraid to step out of the comfort zone and take a chance on looking somewhat silly at times. Truth is, that is not in some womens nature, or some mens nature either. But we like that! Sometimes as a society we expect men to look foolish, so it's not as amusing after a while. But women that are willing to take that same chance are just funnier for it.
Television has been loaded with them. Lucille Ball, Mary Tyler Moore, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Fran Drescher, and now Tina Fey, and of course every one's favorite Friend was Phoebe! TV reflects our lives much of the time. We love all these women because they were funny, and not afraid to take a chance. Would you rather see Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, or City of Angels? Case closed.
My wife Stacy...she cracks me up! She can get so physically funny getting excited about the smallest thing. One time she chipped in a shot in the 5th green while we were playing golf, and I thought she was going to have a heart attack. You would have thought she won the lottery (I was hoping that she did) , but good for her. With all her jumping around, screaming and cheering, I watched sheer joy come over her. She didn't care who saw her, and that's just flat out endearing. Stacy also doesn't mind when the joke is on her, and that's about as attractive as it gets.
Every single one of my buddy's wives, without exception has been blessed with a good sense of humor and has made me laugh and shared in big laughs with us over the years. One of them even gave us all an accidental sour cream splashing in her face and hair episode one nice summer afternoon at the Sunday dinner table. And when SHE laughed at herself about it, all was good. You see, it just wouldn't have been as funny if the sour cream had splashed in my face and hair. Guys are expected to do that kind of thing. Happens all the time.
My sister Kris is 7 years older than me. She was the first girl that could make me laugh, and she still does. She too, can get geeked up over life's small joys, and that's fun to watch as well. She has a big laugh, and did our family one better, she married a guy who's a hoot too. Bill has one of the sharpest wits I've ever heard. You could shave with it
My new partner Sue Wilson. One of the interesting things about her? It seems that sometimes she doesn't know how funny she really is, and that flat out cracks me up to begin with. But when she steps off the ledge and takes a chance on the show that many women wouldn't, that's just funny in itself. Good for you Sue.
These are some of the great women in my life, and I know I'm lucky to be around these women every day. I love to laugh. And guys, isn't there something really endearing when a woman makes you laugh? Oh course!
So to all the above mentioned great women, thanks for giving me a laugh every day. Mine and the lives of others are better for it. Let's celebrate the women! Guess now I gotta go see the movie.
MOVIE REVIEW - Burn After Reading
The Coen Brothers are back with another big hit, Burn After Reading. Again the Coens have chosen all of their friends to be in it, George Clooney, Fancis MacDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Jon Malkovich. Lots of the same people and the same result. A flat out original movie.
Brad Pitt even gets into the act in BAR, and he is a character you've never seen him play before. And isn't that the beauty of all the Coen movies. Time after time, they continue to introduce you to quirky characters and stories that you have never seen before. You would think that this formula would work once or twice, but with them it's ongoing.
Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Oh Brother, and No Country For Old Men, are just some examples of Coen stories that are original and off beat, and for some reason they really work. BAR, really does work as well.
It's a story of a bunch of bumbling idiots in every aspect of the movie. Attempted blackmail at the federal level, the CIA, The FBI, and all the morons that are working outside of the government as well. Like Fargo, everyone in BAR, is trying to do something "important" and they all are completely unqualified to try to pull off. That was the charm of Fargo, and that's the charm here.
BAR is funny, original and quirky. All of the performances are just as strange as you might expect. But to be fair, The Coens are an acquired taste. Some people will go to BAR, and "not get it," and I get that. Others will howl hysterically. Adult content for sure, with all the trimmings that go with a real adult comedy.
Burn After Reading. Funny again, from funny guys. Thank you Coen Brothers.
Brad Pitt even gets into the act in BAR, and he is a character you've never seen him play before. And isn't that the beauty of all the Coen movies. Time after time, they continue to introduce you to quirky characters and stories that you have never seen before. You would think that this formula would work once or twice, but with them it's ongoing.
Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Oh Brother, and No Country For Old Men, are just some examples of Coen stories that are original and off beat, and for some reason they really work. BAR, really does work as well.
It's a story of a bunch of bumbling idiots in every aspect of the movie. Attempted blackmail at the federal level, the CIA, The FBI, and all the morons that are working outside of the government as well. Like Fargo, everyone in BAR, is trying to do something "important" and they all are completely unqualified to try to pull off. That was the charm of Fargo, and that's the charm here.
BAR is funny, original and quirky. All of the performances are just as strange as you might expect. But to be fair, The Coens are an acquired taste. Some people will go to BAR, and "not get it," and I get that. Others will howl hysterically. Adult content for sure, with all the trimmings that go with a real adult comedy.
Burn After Reading. Funny again, from funny guys. Thank you Coen Brothers.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Politics Schmolitics!
I really don't like politics. Oh, I don't mind debating politics, but it's the whole "politics" thing that grows weary on me. With all the election coverage these days, it got me thinking about how it transfers to our own lives on personal level.
And here it is smack dab in the middle of the Presidential Race, and politics are on TV 24/7. Don't you get tired of all the bickering? Man I do. One side says Yes, just because the other side says No. I do get concerned that one day my head will actually explode and it won't matter anymore. But seriously, it does get tiresome.
Some say that it's just healthy debate, and I guess it can be if anything ever really got done. Seems to me disagreeing to simply disagree isn't healthy at all. You know in your personal life, you divorce people like that. But in this country we elect them and put them on the lifetime payroll.
Truth is, politics permeates every major avenue of our lives. Elections, at home and in relationships. If you're lucky, you don't have to play a lot of that game. I think the key is to get the right people in your life, and keep them there. Funny part is if you simply go about your business, and spend your time doing the right thing, the politics stay low and you stay happier. Truth again is, most people DO know what the right thing is, but sometimes getting them to execute it can be another issue.
I, like you have never minded putting a ton of energy into other people. It's totally worth doing, putting energy into something greater than yourself. I have for the most part been blessed to have people in my life with the same point of view. You put a lot in and miraculously you get a lot out of it without even thinking about it. It's easy. You need a real friend, to act as a real friend for any good reason, I'm in.
Sometimes the tough part is knowing when the right people are around you, and when the wrong ones are. In elections the company you keep can win you or cost you election. But when it's over and done, we all move on. In life it gets a little dicier.
In elections, politicians choose other people for their own political gain, and that's to be expected. There's nothing personal about it. And that's why they are unpopular with the rest of us. The difference rests in our personal lives. Sometimes we choose those who are out for their own personal gain, instead of the common good of both. And those people generally succumb to the same fate as politicians. They become unpopular with us in our own lives, and we end up making other arrangements.
The election is sort of a microcosm of our lives. We vote for those who are good for us and vote against the ones that make our lives less fulfilling. It just doesn't get as much TV coverage. Good luck, and choose wisely in both arenas.
And here it is smack dab in the middle of the Presidential Race, and politics are on TV 24/7. Don't you get tired of all the bickering? Man I do. One side says Yes, just because the other side says No. I do get concerned that one day my head will actually explode and it won't matter anymore. But seriously, it does get tiresome.
Some say that it's just healthy debate, and I guess it can be if anything ever really got done. Seems to me disagreeing to simply disagree isn't healthy at all. You know in your personal life, you divorce people like that. But in this country we elect them and put them on the lifetime payroll.
Truth is, politics permeates every major avenue of our lives. Elections, at home and in relationships. If you're lucky, you don't have to play a lot of that game. I think the key is to get the right people in your life, and keep them there. Funny part is if you simply go about your business, and spend your time doing the right thing, the politics stay low and you stay happier. Truth again is, most people DO know what the right thing is, but sometimes getting them to execute it can be another issue.
I, like you have never minded putting a ton of energy into other people. It's totally worth doing, putting energy into something greater than yourself. I have for the most part been blessed to have people in my life with the same point of view. You put a lot in and miraculously you get a lot out of it without even thinking about it. It's easy. You need a real friend, to act as a real friend for any good reason, I'm in.
Sometimes the tough part is knowing when the right people are around you, and when the wrong ones are. In elections the company you keep can win you or cost you election. But when it's over and done, we all move on. In life it gets a little dicier.
In elections, politicians choose other people for their own political gain, and that's to be expected. There's nothing personal about it. And that's why they are unpopular with the rest of us. The difference rests in our personal lives. Sometimes we choose those who are out for their own personal gain, instead of the common good of both. And those people generally succumb to the same fate as politicians. They become unpopular with us in our own lives, and we end up making other arrangements.
The election is sort of a microcosm of our lives. We vote for those who are good for us and vote against the ones that make our lives less fulfilling. It just doesn't get as much TV coverage. Good luck, and choose wisely in both arenas.
Friday, September 12, 2008
MOVIE REVIEW - Righteous Kill
It doesn't happen often. Two huge stars like Pacino and Deniro get together for a big movie, but that's Righteous Kill. Al Pacino and Robert Deniro star in this new police drama/murder mystery new in theaters this weekend.
These two play two NYC 30 year police detectives that have been partnered up for the majority of their time together on the force. They obviously are the dinosaurs of the department, and are struggling to maintain the edge that is paramount to being a great law enforcer. But the world is a different place than it was 30 years ago. They watch as the court system continually let them down and the skels they work so hard to arrest are walking free seemingly at will.
At times they take the law into their owns hands to get the "proper" result, and they cover up these "crimes" well. But suddenly out of nowhere a serial killer emerges killing off others that are bucking the legal system, and the search is on. Toss in some young cops who are thinking that our dinosaurs are the perpetrators, and you have RK.
I't always fun to see two big stars command the screen like these two, and make no mistake these two are the movie, end of story. RK, though for me looks more like a TV show on the big screen. One thing it seemed to lack was the "wow" factor of the movies, and the written parts for Pacino and Deniro were average at best. They are both good in RK, but this movie stops and ends with them together. Everything else around them is average at best, including the story itself.
There's nothing really wrong with RK. Should have been a lot better. A more compelling story line, and some snappier dialogue would have freshened things up a bit. But I will say, it is good to see the two of them on the screen together again.
Righteous Kill, hopefully will get the box office cranking again this early fall, after some really lean weeks at the movies. RK. Won't bore you to tears, and won't knock your socks off either. It's good, solid, salt of the earth movie making. Would have been nice to have a dash of cayenne pepper in it though for some added spice.
These two play two NYC 30 year police detectives that have been partnered up for the majority of their time together on the force. They obviously are the dinosaurs of the department, and are struggling to maintain the edge that is paramount to being a great law enforcer. But the world is a different place than it was 30 years ago. They watch as the court system continually let them down and the skels they work so hard to arrest are walking free seemingly at will.
At times they take the law into their owns hands to get the "proper" result, and they cover up these "crimes" well. But suddenly out of nowhere a serial killer emerges killing off others that are bucking the legal system, and the search is on. Toss in some young cops who are thinking that our dinosaurs are the perpetrators, and you have RK.
I't always fun to see two big stars command the screen like these two, and make no mistake these two are the movie, end of story. RK, though for me looks more like a TV show on the big screen. One thing it seemed to lack was the "wow" factor of the movies, and the written parts for Pacino and Deniro were average at best. They are both good in RK, but this movie stops and ends with them together. Everything else around them is average at best, including the story itself.
There's nothing really wrong with RK. Should have been a lot better. A more compelling story line, and some snappier dialogue would have freshened things up a bit. But I will say, it is good to see the two of them on the screen together again.
Righteous Kill, hopefully will get the box office cranking again this early fall, after some really lean weeks at the movies. RK. Won't bore you to tears, and won't knock your socks off either. It's good, solid, salt of the earth movie making. Would have been nice to have a dash of cayenne pepper in it though for some added spice.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Strap it on!
It's time to strap on the chin straps and lace 'em up tight, Browns season is here again! I am not a negative person by nature, and I'm glad of that. I am also aware of the possible bad outcome of any situation. That to me is something to be respected, but not expected. That brings me to the Browns.
Here we are on the cusp of another season of Browns football. I hear all the Nay-Sayer's boo-hooing already. We have too many injuries, we can't win, we're not as good as Dallas, or Pittsburgh or some of the other elite teams in the NFL. "We stink, we never win, it's the BROWNS, somethings bound to go wrong." To these folks I have one thing to say. 'QUIT BEING A NAM BY-PAM BY, PULL THE CHIN STRAP ON TIGHT AND LET'S GET TO WORK!"
What the heck is wrong with these clowns? Who cares about 1986, 87, or any other near misses. It's 2008. Let's play the games and see what happens! I'll bet you if you ask any Arizona Cardinal fan, they would love to have ONE hear miss even talk about. True, the Browns have never been to the Superbowl, and have had their share of problems in recent history. Who cares?
I love Sundays in the fall. We go to our friends Don and Terri's, and make tons of food, eat ourselves silly from the Browns game right on through the four 0'clock game. I was thinking about it. Over the years the Browns have given me more heart attacks, more glee, more frustration, and even more ojida than any team has a right to. You gotta admit, being a Browns fan is exciting. For some reason the Browns for 30 years have decided that virtually every game should be determined in the final minute. The bad teams get that part over with in the first half most Sundays. Same with the great teams. For me, I want my complete 60 minutes worth. And the Browns give it to me.
So let's strap 'em on, and get going. The Cowboys are in town and I'm in the mood to kick some down south, arrogant, starred helmet, egomaniac, overexposed, pretty boy Dallas Cowboy butt! And after we get done with them, we'll bend Big Ben Rothlessberger around the 50 yard line and beat them too. I'm good to go!
It's 2008, if you're not all in, then go to the library on Sunday afternoons and read Nicolas Sparks paperbacks and have a good cry, or host a Little House On the Prairie marathon at the house on the small TV, while the rest of us are attending to serious business - Eating...and Browns Football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here we are on the cusp of another season of Browns football. I hear all the Nay-Sayer's boo-hooing already. We have too many injuries, we can't win, we're not as good as Dallas, or Pittsburgh or some of the other elite teams in the NFL. "We stink, we never win, it's the BROWNS, somethings bound to go wrong." To these folks I have one thing to say. 'QUIT BEING A NAM BY-PAM BY, PULL THE CHIN STRAP ON TIGHT AND LET'S GET TO WORK!"
What the heck is wrong with these clowns? Who cares about 1986, 87, or any other near misses. It's 2008. Let's play the games and see what happens! I'll bet you if you ask any Arizona Cardinal fan, they would love to have ONE hear miss even talk about. True, the Browns have never been to the Superbowl, and have had their share of problems in recent history. Who cares?
I love Sundays in the fall. We go to our friends Don and Terri's, and make tons of food, eat ourselves silly from the Browns game right on through the four 0'clock game. I was thinking about it. Over the years the Browns have given me more heart attacks, more glee, more frustration, and even more ojida than any team has a right to. You gotta admit, being a Browns fan is exciting. For some reason the Browns for 30 years have decided that virtually every game should be determined in the final minute. The bad teams get that part over with in the first half most Sundays. Same with the great teams. For me, I want my complete 60 minutes worth. And the Browns give it to me.
So let's strap 'em on, and get going. The Cowboys are in town and I'm in the mood to kick some down south, arrogant, starred helmet, egomaniac, overexposed, pretty boy Dallas Cowboy butt! And after we get done with them, we'll bend Big Ben Rothlessberger around the 50 yard line and beat them too. I'm good to go!
It's 2008, if you're not all in, then go to the library on Sunday afternoons and read Nicolas Sparks paperbacks and have a good cry, or host a Little House On the Prairie marathon at the house on the small TV, while the rest of us are attending to serious business - Eating...and Browns Football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MOVIE REVIEW - Bangkok Dangerous
Nicolas Cage stars in the new international thriller Bangkok Dangerous new in theaters this weekend. Before we begin, this is not light hearted movie viewing.
Right up front, BD has it problems and does have some plot holes. I know this movie did not screen for critics beforehand, so I was strapped in for anything. Cage can hit a home run at the movies or he can foul one off his foot, you just never know. As I buckled in, and took it in, I found that BD is not the mess it very well could have been.
Cage plays a big-time international, highly trained assassin. He really has no name, friends, or a life. But he is on the edge of losing his assassins edge. Jobs are becoming more difficult from his moral compass. He travels to Bangkok, Thailand to pull off 4 assassinations. He is hired by terrible people to knock off 4 targets from various walks of life, both good and bad. He hires on a local "messenger" which is standard in his line of work and pays him well. The messenger ends up being Cages' student of killing, something Cage he has never done before.
Cage also is lonely. He meets a stunningly beautiful young Thai woman at the local pharmacy. They fall for each other and that plot is thickened by the fact the she is deaf. Interesting twist. She's deaf, and they wouldn't speak the same language if she could hear. Their communication is hard, but they muddle through. She is young and vulnerable with the look that she has never had anyone interested in her before. These two "misfits" develop a pretty nice chemistry. Albeit, she has no idea what he does for a living. This is the best part of BD. In a movie shrouded with death and gun play, it softens up a bit to bring a real nice perspective on who he really is. Sadly, there is not enough of this in BD. The plot line as abandoned to a degree and that's a shame.
Toss in a totally too long gunfight near the end, mix it all up....and you actually DO have a pretty decent flick. I'm not going haywire here, BD does have problems and some holes but it's not a wasted time at the movies. I've been to far worse this summer. BD is a dark, almost morose movie that is intense in almost every regard. I wouldn't go on a first date to BD, but for real movie goers this is do-able.
I was braced for the worst, and didn't get it. Bangkok Dangerous. Somehow, someway this movie worked for me.
Right up front, BD has it problems and does have some plot holes. I know this movie did not screen for critics beforehand, so I was strapped in for anything. Cage can hit a home run at the movies or he can foul one off his foot, you just never know. As I buckled in, and took it in, I found that BD is not the mess it very well could have been.
Cage plays a big-time international, highly trained assassin. He really has no name, friends, or a life. But he is on the edge of losing his assassins edge. Jobs are becoming more difficult from his moral compass. He travels to Bangkok, Thailand to pull off 4 assassinations. He is hired by terrible people to knock off 4 targets from various walks of life, both good and bad. He hires on a local "messenger" which is standard in his line of work and pays him well. The messenger ends up being Cages' student of killing, something Cage he has never done before.
Cage also is lonely. He meets a stunningly beautiful young Thai woman at the local pharmacy. They fall for each other and that plot is thickened by the fact the she is deaf. Interesting twist. She's deaf, and they wouldn't speak the same language if she could hear. Their communication is hard, but they muddle through. She is young and vulnerable with the look that she has never had anyone interested in her before. These two "misfits" develop a pretty nice chemistry. Albeit, she has no idea what he does for a living. This is the best part of BD. In a movie shrouded with death and gun play, it softens up a bit to bring a real nice perspective on who he really is. Sadly, there is not enough of this in BD. The plot line as abandoned to a degree and that's a shame.
Toss in a totally too long gunfight near the end, mix it all up....and you actually DO have a pretty decent flick. I'm not going haywire here, BD does have problems and some holes but it's not a wasted time at the movies. I've been to far worse this summer. BD is a dark, almost morose movie that is intense in almost every regard. I wouldn't go on a first date to BD, but for real movie goers this is do-able.
I was braced for the worst, and didn't get it. Bangkok Dangerous. Somehow, someway this movie worked for me.
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