Fears

With Halloween here, we're all thinking about what scares us and what gives a jolt. That was the topic my partner Sue was asking this morning on our show. And it really opened up a fun, and maybe not so fun can of the proverbial worms.

Sue started us off. She is not thrilled with flying but she does, she had other powerful fears that resonated with strongly with me as I intently listened. Then the listeners chimed in, flying, heights, spiders, snakes, you know the basics that make any list. But as I thought more about it... the stuff that really scares me? I have to admit I'm not really afraid of much, the fear of "things" really isn't in my DNA. But that doesn't mean I don't have any. It took a big breath to think of them, and a bit more to admit them to myself, and then even more to muster up the courage to share them over the air. I guess that in itself was a fear.

I guess the one that rings the strongest with me is the fear of.....being forgotten. I know it's a strange one. But it does scare me when I take the time to think about it. I don't have any children and I often wonder after my time is up, whenever that is, (I'm hoping for later rather than sooner on that one) who will remember that I was here? I think it's normal to think of ones legacy. What will you one day leave behind that's not spendable? Hopefully we all make a contribution that leaves this world a little better than when we found it. Kids are great at keeping that going for you. I think it's important to keep my fathers legacy alive, I feel that obligation and I'm proud to do it. It's a labor of love for me.

Maybe too, it's not being forgotten after were gone, but what about when we're still here. I have been blessed with many long term great friendships in my adult life. But we all have those that have woven in and out of our lives. Ones that you were once really close to, but for whatever reason, it's no longer. People you worked with, or dated, or were friends with. I have some of all of the above in cities I lived in, and you wonder if you really made an impact on them. My hope is yes! Because they have all made an impact on me, and made me who I am today...for the good and the not so good. Maybe I'm the exception, but I have powerful memories of the people that rolled in and out of my life in years past, and they all ....are remembered here....not forgotten.

I think we would all like to be viewed as "impact players" in others lives. I would like to know that some of the things that I have said and done in my life so far, has had an impact on others. It's something that they will take with them as they move on in their journey, as I have moved on in mine. We all deserve more than just having been here...we deserve having BEEN here!

I learned something today in 15 minutes that I didn't learn in the first 47 years here. Maybe that fear is some of my motivation to put my heart and soul that I have into the ones that are really worth it. I like to think that I'm a good guy to have around sometimes. And I do sleep well every night knowing that I gave those close to me my best that day. I just never really thought about where it may come from. Maybe in the long run, if you give your best to the important players in your life every day, it may really not be worth fearing at all.

Spare Change

For the past year or so the big word that is sweeping our landscape has been "change." One little syllable...change. Seems easy enough, easy to say, sounds good, when somethings are not going well, you whip out the old change word, and the masses rally around it - seemingly.

It was started a couple of years ago by Senator B.O. and then it sounded so good it was picked up later be Senator J.M. a few months ago. And whenever you turn on the TV, that's what you hear...we need change. Well to put tongue firmly in cheek here, I gotta be honest with you, I've had enough change lately, I'm looking for some...I don't know...some...."non change." I guess.

We've had some change alright. Gasoline prices were like 80 dollars a gallon this summer, banks failing, (and not Bob's Bank...I'm talking the big boys.) Wall Street flaming out, and the economy is in the trillion dollar toilet. Every day you turn on the news, and there is more change. We've seen extraordinary things the past year or so that no one ever thought we'd see. Truly.

There's been some good change too. The Tampa Bay Rays are in the World Series and the Yankees and the Red Sox aren't , (now there's change.) It finally rained in the Southeast after a two year drought. On a personal level - more change, I've begun writing this column for this web-site and penning movie reviews too for Akronnewsnow.com. I have a wonderful new partner on the morning show, Sue Wilson, and those changes have all been not just good...but great!

And not to be taken lightly, I got the garage cleaned out recently. Now there's some change that was really needed!

Change to many is a scary thing. We like to know it's all going to be okay before we make any decision in life, but unfortunately not always possible. So it scares us and excites us all at the same time. I can relate, 4 times in my adult life, I moved to a new city hundreds of miles away, and didn't know one person there, not one. I remember the feeling as I drove away from City A to City B, apprehensive for leaving the safety of the known, and excitement anticipating the unknown that was just beyond my headlights. Somehow I just knew things would be okay, the change was for the better, and it usually was. But as I've gotten older and shared my that story with others, I realize that's not for everyone. But at the time I never really thought about it, I just did it. And I never regretted it, not once.

Lately, it appears that all this change in our lives didn't get rolling, until we started screaming change all the time! Coincidence? I have no idea! Just and observation that's all. The old saying is absolutely true, "the only thing in life that remains the same, is change." So with that in mind, we better get used to it. Sometimes in life you don't get to know how warm the water is before you jump in.

We're all in this change thing together, and remember.... in the end it'll be okay, if it's not okay, it's not the end.

MOVIEW REVIEW - Saw V

Well Jigsaw is up to his old tricks again in Saw V new this week at the box office. Saw V is another great example in a long line of examples of a decent idea must ridden too darn long.

Jigsaw, the serial "killer" who has been challenging hand picked victims for his "rehabilitation" clinics for the past 5 years, is still at large. I think. Saw V is a feeble attempt to tell the story of the first 4 Saws in flashback form, and to try to explain the how's and the why's a little clearer. But to be honest we don't need to know. It has all been duly explained in the last two especially. Ho-hum!

I gotta give credit where it's due. The original Saw movie, was a slasher flick with a brain. It had a soul for what it was, and no one on earth saw the ironic ending that had us all shaking our heads. But each one post Saw has been more about doing terrible things to people, and it's lost it soul, although trying mightily to hang on to it.

This horse has been ridden to death...(no pun intended) Enough already. There is no new ground here, and even the "death" scenes will leave the slasher fan cold. Saw is an idea whose time has come. Not to mention that in this entire series, especially the last two or three Saws, you can go and witness possibly the worst acting in the world. Whoa re these people anyway? The directors nieces and nephews???

It's time for the Saw series to pack up it's blades and just retire to the old tool shed in the sky. But there's too much dough for Hollywood to count on, I understand that Saw 6 is already in the planning stages. Snooze. If you see Saw, you'll realize that this Saw has already been seen.

Smiles All Around!

With all that's been going on in the world lately that you may be feeling like me to a degree. The economy has been tough to swallow, I think we've all been burned out on the election thing, being bombarded with negative messages and all. If you're not careful these days, it can really sneak up on you and affect you more than you would think.

So today it back to basics, and all it took was a smile. True enough - a smile. I was hanging with a bunch of really nice people today at work and it sort of dawned on me, how good it is to be around smiling people? Some of us were just talking and sharing thoughts, and there were smiles all the way around.

A smile in it's literal form, is just a tooth show I guess. But in it's projection to the world, it's an acceptance thing. It says, "Hey I'm glad I'm with you right now." or "I'm enjoying your company today." And that just makes me feel pretty good. And even though today a dollar doesn't go as far, a smile today goes further than ever before, and the demand is high right now. Hope the supply can keep up.

I have read that the smile is the first thing that people really notice about another person on first impression, and that for me is so true. I think it's because it's more than just a smile. It's someones true light. A bright smile softens the face, calms the mind, and illuminates the eyes for all the world to see. And the really powerful thing about it is, it has the same effect on both the person doing the smiling and the person on the receiving end. We are all at our best when we smile and smile often.

I have always been a little self conscious about my own smile, in my eyes it's not the big bright smile that I see in others around me, but I give it my best. My friends today gave me a really great gift of theirs, and that is the best part of the whole thing. Making someones day a little better... with a smile. Today I was smiling big too...Gosh, I hope I returned the favor.

MOVIE REVIEW - W

Oliver Stone's new movie lands in theaters this weekend, W. W is a bio-pic of sorts, a fictional piece with true events pasted in the picture as well. It is the story told in flashback form of President George W. Bush, his early life and career and the directors account of the events leading up to the Iraq war, culminating with the firing of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

W also deals with the relationship "W" has with his family, parents and his relationship with the lordl, and alchohol. Whatever your politics, when you go to see W, and many will, you must keep in mind it's Oliver Stones version of what he sees as the truth. Stone played the same card and was vastly ridiculed for his conspiracy theory pic, JFK in 1991. JFK all agreed was interesting and facinating movie making, but over all hardly factual. But if you know that going in you understand that Stone tells it they way he sees it, and not entirely based in fact.

First, Josh Brolin as "W" is dead on with his Bush voice, mannerisms, and over all feel of the character. He is the movies shining star, and is uncannily good. Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney, again dead on, and Scott Glenn as Rumsfeld, terrific. Trouble here is the rest of the impersonators are average at best, and some even border lining on the bad. Too many parts, too many not as strong as the top three.

Also, W seems to have a difficult time deciding what kind of movie it is. Should is scare you? Make you think? Or is it a comedy? There was a bunch of laughter in the theater today. Footnote too, some may find the portrayal of Condoleeza Rice somewhat offensive. You have to watch closely, and the attempt to lampoon her falls very short. It's W's weakest point.

W! Brolin is great here. I always like seeing actors take on a huge role and pull it off. As for the rest of W, you will have to judge for yourself do you buy it, or not. It's bound to trigger many a discussion at movies end, as most Stone movies do.

Who Were Those Guys?

Happens every year it seems. When Browns season is here, things are always unpredictable. Every year the Browns take your neck.....and put it on the chopping block...and they start to swing the ax,...and then....they change their mind and do something really great. It's all just to tease us and keep us interested ...and it works!

Last night was great! On national TV we finally got out of our own way long enough to get a HUGE win against the Superbowl champs, the New York Giants 35-14! But that fact alone brings up an even more important question...who were THOSE guys? These are the same guys bumbling around on national TV, ruining every one's Sunday 4 weeks ago against the Cowboys. Then the next week on national TV, choking against with the Steelers. Next we had the decency to get thrown around by the Ravens and regional TV, and mercifully we had the Bengals in week 4, and even Massillon High can beat them.

But last night was beautiful! We scored points, we played good defense, we ran interceptions back for touchdowns, and generally kicked a New York teams' butt. And I don't care if you're playing tiddly-winks, that's always a good thing. It just inches out beating a Boston team at anything too, but it's close. If we get shellacked this week in Washington, it still doesn't take away from the Big Apple Beat-down we gave the Giants. Hope the plane ride home to Lagaggia International airport in Flushing had plenty of ice on it, because the Browns wood-shedded the G-men, and the whole country got to see it. Beautiful.

Now what about this week? I can't bear to watch, but I will. I still think our collective necks will be put on the chopping block, but hopefully the Browns will refrain from swinging the ax for one more week. And then, see their way clear to surprise us yet again with a big win over some over-blown, overrated, over exposed, cocky, arrogant, blow hard, can-do-no-wrong, ESPN favored, big TV market, east coast wimpy team. I for one am sick of being slung over those those teams shoulders, and carried off into the sunset as they move on with their fancy playoffs, and perfect seasons, Superbowl rings, and countless heartfelt vignettes on all these we only care about the Yankees and Patriots sports channels. I don't even care what kind of TV it's on. Regional, national, black and white, rabbit ears, kenetiscope, or even if it's on the DuMont network....I don't care..... just so we win!

Go Browns!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And nicely done!

MOVIE REVIEW - Quarantine

Well, here we go! Halloween is coming, and let's roll 'em out, the scary movies! Quarantine is hitting lead off, so let's get to it.

Q is a movie made much in the mold of The Blair Witch Project, or Cloverfield. It's the story of an ambitious female TV reporter and her camera man who are on assignment filming a night-in-the-life piece of Los Angeles firemen. About one AM, they are called out on a disturbance at a small apartment complex, where there is trouble. They find an elderly woman, with all kinds of problems, who attacks them like a rabid dog.

But once in this building, there is no escape. The Center For Disease Control seals off the building, and there is no escape. This "rabies" case is then contagious, and all of the residents start devouring each other with brutal attacks and horrific acts of aggression. All of this is being viewed by us, the movie patron, from the vantage point of the TV camera attempting to film the whole bloody affair for later broadcast. Will anyone make it out? Wooooo.....that is the big question here.

First, I will tell you, depending on your tolerance for fear, this movie WILL scare some people big time. This flick is made for young thrill seekers that like a good jolt. The whole time this movie was on, I felt like I was actually at a haunted house. It has that same feel to it. If a 25.00 haunted house is your thing, then maybe a 7.00 movie is a better value in these tough economic times.

If you're over 22, there's probably nothing here for you. Q is targeted young, and will jolt some out of their chairs at times, especially those who have never seen a movie in this format before. The shaky hand-held camera that is giving the illusion that what you are seeing is real, but it's not. To be fair though to the more experienced scary movie viewer, there is nothing new here to be scared about. Same ol' slashing, screaming, fake blood, you know the drill. But for those just staring out....could be a thrill.

Don't ask me who stars in Quarantine, I have no idea, and neither does anyone else. You don't need to be a Hollywood A-lister to slash peoples throats or have yours ripped out. For the right person, or maybe groups of young friends, Quarantine will be a fun beginning to a thrill seeking Saturday night. Oh, by the way, just a little hint - it's not real!

There's Art In The Heart

Well it happens every year about this time, I have another birthday in a few days. This year is no landmark day, no big number or number of any importance to the rest of the world. But when I do the math, it turns out that it'll be my 30th birthday without my dad. My goodness.

I have no idea if Robert would have approved of my education, my career choice, or the nomadic lifestyle I led for almost 20 years. I can't speak for him on that. And since I can't even imagine what my life would be like today with him in it, I won't even try. Early in my career I would travel around the country, going wherever the job and pay was better. I lived in many great cities, eventually ending up in Florida. I must have been looking for something. Then I decided to come home in 2001.

I don't know exactly how he'd feel about the mistakes I have made, and if he would have thought they were more or less serious than I did. I don't think he would have been amused by how angry I was after he died. Wasn't his fault, but I was young... guess those feelings can't be helped..takes a while to figure that out! I made a bunch of mistakes as a result of those feelings, but none that couldn't be undone. And I'm no worse for the wear.

Simply because I can't, with any certainty speak for him on those points, there is one I can confidentally speak for him on. He would be proud of the fact that I have been surrounded by great people in my life, and many of them for many years. Good people, people with heart...big heart. I have been so lucky to have most of these friends around for 20-30 years, a rarity in today's world. I know that this is the exception, and not the rule. Upon further review, maybe this has been my reward for paying such a high early price .....I don't know.

My dad didn't have everything, but he had heart...and a big one. He always taught me that friends were as important as anything, and I think he was right. When seeking out those to surround myself with, I think it's the heart I measure first. All of the long term relationships that still around me daily are people with tremendous heart. These people are in every avenue of my life, at home, in cities left behind, and at work. It feels great to be around people that are good to the core, to the heart, in the center of their being. Like my dad! It makes me better, keeps me centered, and sets the bar high in my own life.

I do miss my dad, not every single day but on occasion it still hits home., and this is one of those days I guess. I miss his heart and all that went along with it. The good heart that became silenced three decades ago way too soon. But in my lament, I feel more than fortunate, and blessed to be surrounded by the beating of so many good hearts daily, that make up for the one I lost all those years ago.

MOVIE REVIEW - Appaloosa

Ed Harris, Viggo Mortenson, Renee Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons star in the new enigmatic western, Appaloosa in theaters this week. Appaloosa is the latest western to continue the trend that began in Hollywood in the 1990's.

The trend in westerns has been to tell a more accurate story of the 19th century west. The trend has shifted away from the "black hats/white hats" good guy /bad guy westerns. Truth is many times in the Old West, the line between the two was very blurred, and politics in these small, lawless towns was the equal of the politics of today. Unforgiven (1992), Tombstone (1993) Wyatt Earp (1994) successfully portrayed the fact that the west was a lawless land. And many times the people sent into clean up the small, drunken towns were not much better than the men making it dirty in the first place. That is Appaloosa!

Virgil Cole (Harris) and Everett Hitch (Mortenson) are professional "peacekeepers." They are hired by the new town Appaloosa, New Mexico in 1882, to weed out the criminal element after the towns Marshall was gunned down in cold blood while doing his duty. They are granted absolute power, and proceed to the clean up. Toss in a love interest, the promiscuous Mrs. French, (Zellweger), and the love triangle is now on as well.

Appaloosa is NOT your typical western. Some may feel it is short on action, and it is. Truth be told though, the average old west gunfight only lasted a second or two as history has taught us, not the 5 minute depiction of old Hollywood. They were quick, bloody, and there were consequences as well. Characters in Appaloosa are well developed, and it turns into a "thinking mans" western. Appaloosa may let down some action-starved fans, but it certainly isn't short on story.

Whether you will enjoy Appaloosa all depends on why you go to the movies in the first place. This western I feel has kept women more in mind than westerns of the past. The violence is quick and rather tame, and there is far more emphasis on substance here than sizzle. Performances strong, storyline strong as well.

Appaloosa. Not fantastic, but it's always nice to see actors doing roles they've not done before. Harris and company are all outside of their comfort zone and all deliver. I enjoyed it. but I warn you, it's not the actiony western of old. But the more substantive western modern day movie making.

MOVIE REVIEW - Nick and Noras Infinite Playlist

What a concept this is. Making a movie about teens and their modern day troubles, but making it really more for adults? Hmm..that's Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist. I had no idea what to expect when I walked in, and for that I'm glad.

Nick (Michael Cera) and Nora (Kat Dennings) are typical teens living just outside of New York City. They are surrounded by a bevy of friends that all represent a true cross section of the kinds of friends teens have today. And after a bunch of events, Nick and Nora are thrown together in the Big Apple for an all night party in search of their favorite underground band, Fluffy.

They seem to have little in common at the movies beginning, but do discover that they have more in common than they think. They both love music, and Ipods, cell phones, and all that represents the modern trends in teen life. Are they right for each other? WE know they are the whole time, but Nick and Nora aren't so sure. Sort of like real life huh?

First, this may be the most accurate portrayal of teen life in movies since American Graffiti in 1973. (The film that made George Lucas a household name.) N&N captures todays era perfectly in every regard. Teens do things we like and don't like, many times within seconds of each other. The tools have changed since American Graffiti, but most big teen issues remain the same. Growing up is tough. Friends, peer pressure, girlfriends. boyfriends, jealousy, insecurity, awkwardness, and teen sex. These are timeless issues, that will never change. All adressed masterfully here. Great soundtrack runs throughout, again as in AG. N&N is not a hilarious go for cheap laughs flick. It is good, smart movie making.

But make no mistake, this movie is more of a coming out party for 22 year old Kat Dennings. I raved about her in Charlie Bartlett in March, in addition to The 40 Year Old Virgin, and she is the whole deal here. Dennings is perched to be a big star. She is engaging on screen, with a normalcy not usually seen in Hollywood. She's vulnerable, likeable, and looks like someone you would know. You love every scene she's in, and she drives this movie across the finish line in fine fashion. Remember the name, Kat Dennings. She's just getting started, and she's the next big romantic comedy star.

Nick and Nora! Don't miss it. This may be the surprise movie of the year. Wonderfully accurate, and honest. Capturing teen life is always tough for Hollywood. Most "teen" movies go for cheap laughs through crude means, that give you the impression that teens run the world. But they really don't, and that's the beauty of Nick and Nora. Teens are still basically good, but confused, just trying to find their way through adolescence. Parents should certainly see this movie. Teens will love it too. Terrific movie making to say the least.

300,000,000 to 1

There are roughly 300 million people that live in this great country. That number may seem small because lately we've been talking about 700 BILLION, and TRILLION with the economy and all, but 300 million is still a whole lot. Seems to me, that with that many people, you could find just the right person you need for just about any job. You would think...but you can't.

Have you noticed that when you see a conversation going on about the Presidential race, most seem to be allied with one choice only because they can't stand the other choice? I've never seen this before to this extent. The prevailing attitude I see, is the"lesser of two evils." Maybe you don't feel that way, but I've seen it a lot. Haven't seen a lot of "I love my guy' from many. I hear mostly, "I can't stand the other guy!" I'm not feeling a whole lot of positive passion here.

I think I've figured it out as to how we got here. There are some really smart people in this country who could probably do a really great job fixing all of our nations problems, and more than likely some other nations' too. But their gift goes unnoticed. Why? Because, they are smart...too smart to run for President.

Stick with me. Think about what you've got to be willing to go through, not just to run for President, but for ANY big-time political office. In today's world you have to be willing to put it all out there. Medical records, your history of every kind. All of your families records, etc.......Plus you have to answer every ones questions from 20-30-40 years ago. You have to hope that no one hates you from college, and puts up pictures of you on the web that you'd rather forget. Financial records, be willing to be taken to task on every decision you've ever made...it never ends. You've got to be willing to have your life permanently altered for all to comb over for all time. Your physical appearance is open season for the comics, and the appearance of your spouse and children too. And really smart people, are too smart to get involved with all of that.

Plus really smart people understand it makes no sense at all to spend 300 million campaign dollars, over the course of two years to get a job that pays 400 grand. The really smart people are running businesses, and corporations where the pay is better and the press isn't bent on bringing them down. They also don't want the Secret Service invading their life for a lifetime. Again, they are too smart to want that kind of life. They don't want to work with people who can only think in political terms and agendas. Really smart people know that nothing meaningful will ever get done when politicians are involved.

So we get who we can. The ones that are willing to subject themselves to professional and personal ridicule. Who aren't afraid to put their spouses and children out there for ridicule too. Onesthat take great pride in tearing another human being down, insulting their intelligence, stripping them of their pride and dignity, and whatever else they can steal from them on TV. That's who we get.

And while all of that is going on, the really smart people are at home, with their families building a nice life together, inventing products and running businesses, solving huge problems because they know how, and can! Oh, I have no doubt the genius of many out there could solve all of our problems for this and many other generations to come. But they're sitting this one out. And that's a shame for all of us. But I get it. The cost is too high for the smartest people on earth.

MOVIE REVIEW - Blindness

Now here's a movie that worth running away from at about 5,000 mph. My gosh, Julianne Moore stars in Blindness new in theaters this weekend, but it doesn't make any difference who is in this debacle. I wish I had better news here but I don't.

Blindness is the fictional story of a world gone blind- literally. People on earth start going blind by some...well...who knows why, they just do. Whatever it is, it's ....contagious? I guess. Because once it starts, it doesn't stop. Those "infected" by this ..whatever it is, are then whisked off to a government quarantine where they are to fend for themselves in very regard.

That quarantine then becomes a world gone wild. Food rationing, terrible living conditions, a black market pops up, prostitution rings begin, and general anarchy. Then at the movies merciful end, they are set free because the rest of the world seems to have gone blind too, and there's nothing really worth living for. How does all this happen? You never find out. Why does all of this happen? You never find out. What is the cause of all this? Who knows. And do you care about one character in this movie? No! It's a movie that just goes no where at all except down the drain.

My guess is that this is some kind of social statement being made here, and true calamity can bring out, and usually does bring out the worst in people. But my gosh....who wants to watch this? Blindness is flat out awful! I haven't been glad to leave a theater like this in years. I felt like I was in quarantine just having to sit through this putrid mess. Plus, it's offensive to those in real life that really are blind.

Depressing, dark, dank, morose, just flat out gaggable. (Is that a word?) It is now. Blindness is money and time wasted by everyone. What a waste of money to make it, market it, and certainly what a waste of MY money to go see it. The next time I want to feel this bad about something, I think I'll save my cash, walk out to the garage, and slam my hand in the car door. It would be quicker, and the pain would stop after a few minutes, instead of the two hours of my life I just let slip away. Plus I think it actually might be more fun!

There is no reason in the world to see Blindness. And there was really no reason for this mess to be made in the first place. That's the best I can do. Any choice at the box office this weekend or any other weekend is better. Run...fast away...from Blindness. Absolutely awful.