This week I had the pleasure to go out and play a little golf course I had never heard of in this area. Brentwood Golf course in Grafton, Lorain County.
Fellow Dewsweeper Beef and his son (part time Dewsweeper) Dirk played there in a charity golf outing a few weeks ago for a friend who has a child with medical issues. We always like to support charity events Both came back and told me how much fun it was to play. So Dirk and I saddled up this week and teed it up at Brentwood.
The reason I'm writing this course up is simple. It is a very rare course. It only measures about 5,100 yards all the way blue-teed out. And it plays about 4,500 yards from the whites. It is par 70, and really fun to play. It's rare in the fact that is is very short, and it is NOT an executive or par three course. This is a wonderful place for high handicapped, or new players to play who are learning the game who may not be able to, or would become frustrated with a 7,000 yard track. Or who would frustrate the groups behind them. But at the same time, it's not some dinky course that you might not want to play.
I think this course is very well designed. The par 3's are legit. Their length is about the same as most courses. Most of the par 4's are not overly long, but their is some thought that has to go into a lot of shots. You do have to play most of the clubs in your bag. I like that. The par 5's are not really legit in length. They are short, and most are reachable in 2, but they are fun and would give confidence to young players just taking up the game.
There is no sand, no real water, but there are plenty of trees out there to make you hit it straight. Some of these 3's and 4's are really tight, and straight is the only way to go. You may look at the card before teeing off and think you are going to ace this place, but much of this is pretty thin.
Up front. Brentwood is NOT for upper tier players. Low handicapped players can overpower this course and shoot the lights out. And most would become frustrated at its short length, and lack of challenge for them. But for those who are on the other end, this is a fun place to play. This is nothing fancy golf too. Very modest clubhouse and facilities. (But they were grilling up some really nice steaks on the grill when we teed off). Really nice staff too. Rates are good. And the course was in great shape.
Brentwood is a great course to go out and work on your iron play if you need work on that. Even good players would be advised not to hit a bunch of drivers out there. I hit about 6. But after the tee shot, you still have to make approach shots, and putts to score. I thought the greens rolled very nice, and true.
Brentwood a very rare course indeed. For new golfers, high handicapped players, older golfers, or for those who need work on irons. Or if you simply want to play a course that's very different than you usually play. Would be great for families with kids learning to play! Or if you are an upper tier player, you can enjoy this with those not so polished, or couples. Brentwood is just a course to enjoy the game.
The game needs courses like Brentwood. I say very nice. Brentwood, a very different kind of course.
Scores
Wynn - 72
Dirk - 77
Thursday, August 30, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This Sunday it was back to Valleaire in the Medina area for the Dewsweepers. Valleaire is a course we play a couple times a year, and it's always a good time.
It's not a secret that we've been in a drought all summer long, but there has been some relief lately with rain and cooler temps. The weather has been tough on many local courses, but many seem to be pulling themselves back together, including Valleaire. This course is usually in good shape under normal conditions, and it is now after the drought.
This is an enjoyable place to play with a bunch of everything to make it fun. All 18 holes have something a little bit different to offer. Hills, some sand, some water but not a lot. Greens that in some cases are very large, and right now they are rolling very well. There's different schools of thought on large greens. I have always maintained that they make a course more difficult. Sure they are easier to hit, but large greens can mean ridiculously long putts for us amateurs. So I say medium to small are the best for scoring.
This Sunday it was me, Joe Red and Tex. Beef had the week off as it was his wife's birthday - good call. Red ended up being the low man of the day, posting 2 very consistent 9's 41/42 for an 84 on the day. Red made some hay on the back especially after posting a nice birdie on the par 5 number 16, after chipping one in off the fringe. Of course, we all had to witness his little happy dance which is tough to take, but we pulled through. In fact Red's round was defined by the last 3 holes, where he had only 2 putts. 0 on 16, and 1 each on 17 and 18. That helps. Plus, only one real blemish on his card a double bogey on the par 5 number 15, but erased it on the last 3 holes.
Tex parred number one with a nice 1-putt. In fact, Tex 1-putted the first 6 holes on the front keeping the score in check. But Valleaire can be unforgiving at times. Some of these par 4's play very long, including number 2, 440 yards to a sausage shaped green. And the two par 5's on the front can be very difficult, especially number 3, which is 540 yards, and we always play it dewy, so no roll. Tex's strong suit is short game and putting, and long 4's and 5's can give him trouble. But Tex hung in there all morning with a nice short game, good putting and kept the ball in front of him.
This was another round here where I should have scored better than I did. I generally play this course well. My 84 was fine and all, but 79 or 80 is where I should have been. I'm still getting used to my new Taylor Made Superfast Driver, and I am a bit inconsistent with. But I hit it overall well. After I birdied number one, I parred 2, 3, 7 and 9 onteh front. But a terrible double on 5 after a perfect tee shot, and an equally bad double on the par 5 number 8 really hurt. 41 on the front with 2 doubles! 43 the back with 2 terrible 3-putts, and an uncalled for double bogey on number 10, and a perfect drive bogey on number 13 really hurt. But, that's why we all have day jobs.
Valleaire is in great shape these days, and is waiting for you. Always a great time, and fun retro beer to buy and really good hot dogs as well. I also love that they have a "course cat" that hangs around to greet the early morning players each day. A nice staff, and an overall low pressure feel to this course. I love playing here.
And they listen to 94.9 WQMX in the clubhouse so they obviously have great taste in music. Go play Valleaire. Really good and challenging golf.
Scores
Joe Red - 83
Wynn - 84
Tex - 103
It's not a secret that we've been in a drought all summer long, but there has been some relief lately with rain and cooler temps. The weather has been tough on many local courses, but many seem to be pulling themselves back together, including Valleaire. This course is usually in good shape under normal conditions, and it is now after the drought.
This is an enjoyable place to play with a bunch of everything to make it fun. All 18 holes have something a little bit different to offer. Hills, some sand, some water but not a lot. Greens that in some cases are very large, and right now they are rolling very well. There's different schools of thought on large greens. I have always maintained that they make a course more difficult. Sure they are easier to hit, but large greens can mean ridiculously long putts for us amateurs. So I say medium to small are the best for scoring.
This Sunday it was me, Joe Red and Tex. Beef had the week off as it was his wife's birthday - good call. Red ended up being the low man of the day, posting 2 very consistent 9's 41/42 for an 84 on the day. Red made some hay on the back especially after posting a nice birdie on the par 5 number 16, after chipping one in off the fringe. Of course, we all had to witness his little happy dance which is tough to take, but we pulled through. In fact Red's round was defined by the last 3 holes, where he had only 2 putts. 0 on 16, and 1 each on 17 and 18. That helps. Plus, only one real blemish on his card a double bogey on the par 5 number 15, but erased it on the last 3 holes.
Tex parred number one with a nice 1-putt. In fact, Tex 1-putted the first 6 holes on the front keeping the score in check. But Valleaire can be unforgiving at times. Some of these par 4's play very long, including number 2, 440 yards to a sausage shaped green. And the two par 5's on the front can be very difficult, especially number 3, which is 540 yards, and we always play it dewy, so no roll. Tex's strong suit is short game and putting, and long 4's and 5's can give him trouble. But Tex hung in there all morning with a nice short game, good putting and kept the ball in front of him.
This was another round here where I should have scored better than I did. I generally play this course well. My 84 was fine and all, but 79 or 80 is where I should have been. I'm still getting used to my new Taylor Made Superfast Driver, and I am a bit inconsistent with. But I hit it overall well. After I birdied number one, I parred 2, 3, 7 and 9 onteh front. But a terrible double on 5 after a perfect tee shot, and an equally bad double on the par 5 number 8 really hurt. 41 on the front with 2 doubles! 43 the back with 2 terrible 3-putts, and an uncalled for double bogey on number 10, and a perfect drive bogey on number 13 really hurt. But, that's why we all have day jobs.
Valleaire is in great shape these days, and is waiting for you. Always a great time, and fun retro beer to buy and really good hot dogs as well. I also love that they have a "course cat" that hangs around to greet the early morning players each day. A nice staff, and an overall low pressure feel to this course. I love playing here.
And they listen to 94.9 WQMX in the clubhouse so they obviously have great taste in music. Go play Valleaire. Really good and challenging golf.
Scores
Joe Red - 83
Wynn - 84
Tex - 103
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
He Walked On The Moon!
This week the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong died at the age of 82. Think about that sentence for a minute. "He walked on the moon!" Only 12 men could ever say that, and he was the first.
Being first has its benefits. Tough to remember the other 11 as it has been 40 ish years ago. I was little, but I remember that July night, it was also my dad's birthday. So we watched with jaw dropping amazement with cake and ice cream. We were walking on the moon.
Armstrong was an American hero. And he was the best kind. He was humble, and a team player as were almost of those Gemini and Apollo guys in that era. The whole goal was to beat the Russians, and get on the moon by the end of the 1960's and make President Kennedy's dream come true. It was all about the team in those days. The country was a team united on getting to the moon, and back home safely.
And he was the right guy with the right stuff. In fact, they all were. Amazingly brave men who were moon walking 250,000 miles away from home with zero margin for error. Literally zero. He, and they were asked to to incredible things that those on the ground "thought" would work. No way to really test these machines, no way to know for sure if all would be fine. Armstrong spent his youth perfecting things in space for the first time that became routine and mundane for future generations to watch on HD TV with Gemini and later the Apollo programs. These guys may be the bravest explorers ever.
It was somehow nice knowing that Armstrong was still alive, to now it's sad to hear that he has passed. An era can come to and end with the death of one, and it seems that this one has ... with his. Now, Neil Armstrong begins a new trek to a higher place similar to the last great adventure he took at age 38. Now at 82, it's seemingly a heavenly journey.
Only difference is, he and he alone, can say he was there before.
Being first has its benefits. Tough to remember the other 11 as it has been 40 ish years ago. I was little, but I remember that July night, it was also my dad's birthday. So we watched with jaw dropping amazement with cake and ice cream. We were walking on the moon.
Armstrong was an American hero. And he was the best kind. He was humble, and a team player as were almost of those Gemini and Apollo guys in that era. The whole goal was to beat the Russians, and get on the moon by the end of the 1960's and make President Kennedy's dream come true. It was all about the team in those days. The country was a team united on getting to the moon, and back home safely.
And he was the right guy with the right stuff. In fact, they all were. Amazingly brave men who were moon walking 250,000 miles away from home with zero margin for error. Literally zero. He, and they were asked to to incredible things that those on the ground "thought" would work. No way to really test these machines, no way to know for sure if all would be fine. Armstrong spent his youth perfecting things in space for the first time that became routine and mundane for future generations to watch on HD TV with Gemini and later the Apollo programs. These guys may be the bravest explorers ever.
It was somehow nice knowing that Armstrong was still alive, to now it's sad to hear that he has passed. An era can come to and end with the death of one, and it seems that this one has ... with his. Now, Neil Armstrong begins a new trek to a higher place similar to the last great adventure he took at age 38. Now at 82, it's seemingly a heavenly journey.
Only difference is, he and he alone, can say he was there before.
MOVIE REVIEW - Premium Rush
There's a lot to like with the new Premium Rush, this week. Too bad no one went to see this.
This is the new Joseph Gordon-Levitt flick that showcases the bicycle delivery guys and girls who ride in terrible New York City traffic every single day. Now of course the riding, action and overall feel is completely embellished here, but it does make for interesting movie making. Right up front, this movie get points from me because it's a story you've never seen before, told this way. What I'm saying is, there are not many bike delivery movies being made in Hollywood these days.
JGL stars as Wilee (as in coyote, yes). He is in his 20's and seemingly has a death wish as he rides the streets of NYC recklessly with no brakes on his bike being a courier, making sure that everyone gets their packages on time. He is a former trick bike rider, and that gives him a real advantage on the streets. He is romantically involved with Vanessa (Dania Ramirez) who also works for the same service. One day he picks up a harmless envelope that makes him the target of a maniacal guy Bobby (Michael Shannon) who will stop at nothing to get this envelope back. But why? And who is this crazy clown?
The wild chase begins throughout NYC, and so many people get involved, you do actually become obsessed to know what is in Wilee's bag. Company policy prevents him from giving it up, so the chase begins. And with Vanessa's help will Wilee not only deliver the package, but will he stay alive? That is Premium Rush.
Sound a bit silly? It sort of is. But, this movie really is pretty exciting. It is very well filmed with a real point of action camera putting you right on the bike and weaving in and out of big city traffic. They continue to find new angles, and new points from the cameras view to keep this fresh, and that's good movie making technically. Tons of near misses of course, but more importantly, it's overall well done. There is a bunch of bike riding here, but for some reason you don't get tired of it. It stays fresh, and fun. This movie does have a nice sense of humor at times, and is graphic at times. But there is no real violence.
There are no real "performances" in this movie. It's basically all action all movie long. And that's OK. The bulk of this story takes place in NYC traffic, and that's where the movie stays focused. It is almost shot in "real time" as the length of time elapsed in the films story, is roughly the same as real time. That's kind of cool too. This story moves right along, and keeps you entertained the whole time.
Premium Rush. It's not brilliant, but it's young and fun. It speaks to a BMX kind of crowd and they need movies too. A good time to go somewhere you've never gone before. On a 40mph bike with no brakes in New York City traffic.
This is the new Joseph Gordon-Levitt flick that showcases the bicycle delivery guys and girls who ride in terrible New York City traffic every single day. Now of course the riding, action and overall feel is completely embellished here, but it does make for interesting movie making. Right up front, this movie get points from me because it's a story you've never seen before, told this way. What I'm saying is, there are not many bike delivery movies being made in Hollywood these days.
JGL stars as Wilee (as in coyote, yes). He is in his 20's and seemingly has a death wish as he rides the streets of NYC recklessly with no brakes on his bike being a courier, making sure that everyone gets their packages on time. He is a former trick bike rider, and that gives him a real advantage on the streets. He is romantically involved with Vanessa (Dania Ramirez) who also works for the same service. One day he picks up a harmless envelope that makes him the target of a maniacal guy Bobby (Michael Shannon) who will stop at nothing to get this envelope back. But why? And who is this crazy clown?
The wild chase begins throughout NYC, and so many people get involved, you do actually become obsessed to know what is in Wilee's bag. Company policy prevents him from giving it up, so the chase begins. And with Vanessa's help will Wilee not only deliver the package, but will he stay alive? That is Premium Rush.
Sound a bit silly? It sort of is. But, this movie really is pretty exciting. It is very well filmed with a real point of action camera putting you right on the bike and weaving in and out of big city traffic. They continue to find new angles, and new points from the cameras view to keep this fresh, and that's good movie making technically. Tons of near misses of course, but more importantly, it's overall well done. There is a bunch of bike riding here, but for some reason you don't get tired of it. It stays fresh, and fun. This movie does have a nice sense of humor at times, and is graphic at times. But there is no real violence.
There are no real "performances" in this movie. It's basically all action all movie long. And that's OK. The bulk of this story takes place in NYC traffic, and that's where the movie stays focused. It is almost shot in "real time" as the length of time elapsed in the films story, is roughly the same as real time. That's kind of cool too. This story moves right along, and keeps you entertained the whole time.
Premium Rush. It's not brilliant, but it's young and fun. It speaks to a BMX kind of crowd and they need movies too. A good time to go somewhere you've never gone before. On a 40mph bike with no brakes in New York City traffic.
Friday, August 24, 2012
You Can't Outrun The Storm
I am a North East Ohio native. I grew up here, and have spent most of my life here. I love the fact that I have been on WQMX 94.9 in Akron since 2001. I love hosting Wynn And Wilson along with the terrific Sue Wilson every morning 530-10AM. Life is good.
But I did have a 18-year run in this business away from Ohio before returning 11 years ago to work at WQMX. For 10 of those years I was the morning man at WPCV in Lakeland, Florida a huge country station for many years, and it still is today. I will always remember the first day I hosted that show on WPCV, August 24, 1992, 20 years ago today.
Spending most of my life here, I never really gave hurricanes much thought. They're not really part of the landscape in Akron. But that morning, I learned a bunch in a hurry. I went on the air there at 5AM that morning, and at 505 AM Hurricane Andrew hit Florida City/Homestead. It turned out of course, to be one of the worst hurricanes ever. Any time I see hurricanes bearing down on Florida it does take me back to that day. And now the huge focus for many reasons on what will soon be Hurricane Isaac, I am thinking about my many great friends still there.
When you live there, hurricanes are a way of life for a few months a year. Hurricane Erin rode over my house in Lakeland as a tropical storm in the mid-1990's and it rained for 2 straight days. Floyd, in 1999 I was convinced was going to be the one I couldn't dodge from a direct hit, but it veered off and went into the Atlantic and the Carolinas at the last minute. Still thankful to this day - for that.
That morning I learned so much about hurricanes, the state of Florida and the people of Lakeland. And more importantly I learned about the new company I was going to work for. It was, and still is a family owned company (Hall Communications) , just like the company I work for today in Akron (Rubber City Radio). And that morning, we acted like one. Everyone showed up on time, and even the management team came in very early to make sure we were all ready to go, and were there to help. Maybe they were there to make sure I was going to be OK, or didn't blow it. Lakeland had a bunch of rain and wind that day, but no direct hit.
But what I took away from it was this. They were there to support the morning team on all of our stations and that was a great gift to me. I came to learn that hurricane coverage is a HUGE deal. And that I had chosen wisely in coming to Lakeland. We even had cake and ice cream that afternoon about 2pm after all had passed with the staff to welcome me to town.
It was the beginning of a great 10 year run I had there with my first on-air partner, the huge-voiced John Bond, and eventually with my funny and talented co-host Tom O'Brien. Tom and I had an award winning run there, and still have a great friendship today. Even though we don't talk near as much as we should.
Now every year when Sue and I hosting a blizzard show, or at least a huge snow storm show here, tons of my Lakeland friends Facebook me, e-mail me or call me asking how we are getting through it all as they are basking away in 80 degree winter temps. And I say, the same way we all pulled together back then. I still work for a family company that cares, and goes the miles we have to, to make sure all are safe and informed. I loved that job then, and I love this job now. I have learned that no matter where you are, storms will follow you.
And that - no matter where you are. On the air, or in everyday life, you can't out run the storm. You just hunker down with family and ride it out.
But I did have a 18-year run in this business away from Ohio before returning 11 years ago to work at WQMX. For 10 of those years I was the morning man at WPCV in Lakeland, Florida a huge country station for many years, and it still is today. I will always remember the first day I hosted that show on WPCV, August 24, 1992, 20 years ago today.
Spending most of my life here, I never really gave hurricanes much thought. They're not really part of the landscape in Akron. But that morning, I learned a bunch in a hurry. I went on the air there at 5AM that morning, and at 505 AM Hurricane Andrew hit Florida City/Homestead. It turned out of course, to be one of the worst hurricanes ever. Any time I see hurricanes bearing down on Florida it does take me back to that day. And now the huge focus for many reasons on what will soon be Hurricane Isaac, I am thinking about my many great friends still there.
When you live there, hurricanes are a way of life for a few months a year. Hurricane Erin rode over my house in Lakeland as a tropical storm in the mid-1990's and it rained for 2 straight days. Floyd, in 1999 I was convinced was going to be the one I couldn't dodge from a direct hit, but it veered off and went into the Atlantic and the Carolinas at the last minute. Still thankful to this day - for that.
That morning I learned so much about hurricanes, the state of Florida and the people of Lakeland. And more importantly I learned about the new company I was going to work for. It was, and still is a family owned company (Hall Communications) , just like the company I work for today in Akron (Rubber City Radio). And that morning, we acted like one. Everyone showed up on time, and even the management team came in very early to make sure we were all ready to go, and were there to help. Maybe they were there to make sure I was going to be OK, or didn't blow it. Lakeland had a bunch of rain and wind that day, but no direct hit.
But what I took away from it was this. They were there to support the morning team on all of our stations and that was a great gift to me. I came to learn that hurricane coverage is a HUGE deal. And that I had chosen wisely in coming to Lakeland. We even had cake and ice cream that afternoon about 2pm after all had passed with the staff to welcome me to town.
It was the beginning of a great 10 year run I had there with my first on-air partner, the huge-voiced John Bond, and eventually with my funny and talented co-host Tom O'Brien. Tom and I had an award winning run there, and still have a great friendship today. Even though we don't talk near as much as we should.
Now every year when Sue and I hosting a blizzard show, or at least a huge snow storm show here, tons of my Lakeland friends Facebook me, e-mail me or call me asking how we are getting through it all as they are basking away in 80 degree winter temps. And I say, the same way we all pulled together back then. I still work for a family company that cares, and goes the miles we have to, to make sure all are safe and informed. I loved that job then, and I love this job now. I have learned that no matter where you are, storms will follow you.
And that - no matter where you are. On the air, or in everyday life, you can't out run the storm. You just hunker down with family and ride it out.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Hit And Run
The new R-rated action comedy Hit And Run is new this week in theaters, and it is really funny.
This is a very refreshing modern comedy that is part raunchy flick, part romantic comedy, part action and all fun. This has the look of other movies in this mold which have become popular the past few years, but this is a cut above the rest.
HAR is the story of Annie (Kristin Bell) and Charles (Dax Shepard). They are young and in love. She is a college professor, and he is in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Annie has been offered a job out of the witness protection area that Charles is allowed to stay in. But he decides that she is worth it and leaves the protected area. He now is in danger as the people he testified against track him down and now are out to get him. So is Annie's crazy ex-boyfriend, an so is Charles' crazy Federal Marshall (Tom Arnold) in charge of his safety. This is a bit manic, but it is fun.
I have never been a big Bell fan at all. In fact ,I think she has made some of the most putrid romantic comedies of the past few years. But here she shines with a real nice supporting cast and a slick and well written script. Shepard is funny as the eccentric Charles too. Also, Bradley Cooper is really funny as the complex, and nutty bad guy that Charles had testified against. Cooper's role is small, but central. He is really funny.
This movie pokes a ton of fun at political correctness, and trendiness in general. The unpredictable dialogue keeps you on your toes, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this movie. Well done action sequences help push this along nicely. HAR is highly adult with plenty of adult language and situations. Plus Cooper as you've never seen him before, make this really fun and funny. Finally a dark comedy of sorts that isn't too dark.
Hit And Run. Highly original, and flat out fun!
This is a very refreshing modern comedy that is part raunchy flick, part romantic comedy, part action and all fun. This has the look of other movies in this mold which have become popular the past few years, but this is a cut above the rest.
HAR is the story of Annie (Kristin Bell) and Charles (Dax Shepard). They are young and in love. She is a college professor, and he is in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Annie has been offered a job out of the witness protection area that Charles is allowed to stay in. But he decides that she is worth it and leaves the protected area. He now is in danger as the people he testified against track him down and now are out to get him. So is Annie's crazy ex-boyfriend, an so is Charles' crazy Federal Marshall (Tom Arnold) in charge of his safety. This is a bit manic, but it is fun.
I have never been a big Bell fan at all. In fact ,I think she has made some of the most putrid romantic comedies of the past few years. But here she shines with a real nice supporting cast and a slick and well written script. Shepard is funny as the eccentric Charles too. Also, Bradley Cooper is really funny as the complex, and nutty bad guy that Charles had testified against. Cooper's role is small, but central. He is really funny.
This movie pokes a ton of fun at political correctness, and trendiness in general. The unpredictable dialogue keeps you on your toes, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this movie. Well done action sequences help push this along nicely. HAR is highly adult with plenty of adult language and situations. Plus Cooper as you've never seen him before, make this really fun and funny. Finally a dark comedy of sorts that isn't too dark.
Hit And Run. Highly original, and flat out fun!
MOVIE REVIEW - 2016 - Obama's America
This week in limited release is the new documentary 2016 - Obama's America made by author Dinesh D'Souza.
This is a picture that attempts to take you to places that few have gone in getting to know the current president. It paints a picture according to D'Souza of America, should he be re-elected. For those who support or lean to support the president, this will be dismissed out-of-hand. For those who favor a change in national leadership, it is more preaching to the choir. So in essence, 2016 could be made for people in the middle, or who have not made up their minds on where they stand on many big issues.
D'Souza has written a couple of books about the president, and much of this is based on his writings. He spends the early portion of the movie qualifying himself as the author. He talks about his own beginnings, and his travel to America from India. He goes on to mention his Ivy League education, and his eventual job in the Reagan administration at a very young age. He also attempts to compare his journey in life to the presidents in that they both came of age in America from very humble beginnings in a foreign country.
This movie really has the feel of a TV documentary. It is about 90 minutes long, and is not blessed with a huge budget. D'Souza himself serves as the interviewer on camera for much of the movie. And his skills as an interviewer as not as polished on camera as we are used to seeing. He speaks with plenty of people that talk about the presidents past, his affiliations and the people that helped shape him from an early age. He even goes on to speak with the presidents half-brother in Africa to gain his perspective.
Plus he speaks with many of President Obama's father's friends. The president's father died in 1982, and these guests give some perspective on who he was as a man and politically. D'Souza's main theory is that the presidents primary belief and value system is that of his fathers that he wants to keep alive.
Also much of this has reading excerpts from a couple of the presidents books, in his own words. 2016 spends virtually no time in talking about his political rivals from his own or other parties. But what this movie really zero's on is the president - the man, and what makes him tick.
D'Souza's theory and predictions as you may have already gathered, are bleak and do not paint a very positive picture. But if you go to this movie you can listen to his case and then digest the information for yourself. Just like any other documentary you would see on any subject. Like you would as you watch 60 Minutes on a Sunday evening after the NFL. Understanding though that seldom are politics viewed through a quiet, and neutral mind. Emotion is always present in politics no matter what side you fall on.
2016 - Obama's America. It's relatively tidy, stays on point and makes the point it sets out to.
This is a picture that attempts to take you to places that few have gone in getting to know the current president. It paints a picture according to D'Souza of America, should he be re-elected. For those who support or lean to support the president, this will be dismissed out-of-hand. For those who favor a change in national leadership, it is more preaching to the choir. So in essence, 2016 could be made for people in the middle, or who have not made up their minds on where they stand on many big issues.
D'Souza has written a couple of books about the president, and much of this is based on his writings. He spends the early portion of the movie qualifying himself as the author. He talks about his own beginnings, and his travel to America from India. He goes on to mention his Ivy League education, and his eventual job in the Reagan administration at a very young age. He also attempts to compare his journey in life to the presidents in that they both came of age in America from very humble beginnings in a foreign country.
This movie really has the feel of a TV documentary. It is about 90 minutes long, and is not blessed with a huge budget. D'Souza himself serves as the interviewer on camera for much of the movie. And his skills as an interviewer as not as polished on camera as we are used to seeing. He speaks with plenty of people that talk about the presidents past, his affiliations and the people that helped shape him from an early age. He even goes on to speak with the presidents half-brother in Africa to gain his perspective.
Plus he speaks with many of President Obama's father's friends. The president's father died in 1982, and these guests give some perspective on who he was as a man and politically. D'Souza's main theory is that the presidents primary belief and value system is that of his fathers that he wants to keep alive.
Also much of this has reading excerpts from a couple of the presidents books, in his own words. 2016 spends virtually no time in talking about his political rivals from his own or other parties. But what this movie really zero's on is the president - the man, and what makes him tick.
D'Souza's theory and predictions as you may have already gathered, are bleak and do not paint a very positive picture. But if you go to this movie you can listen to his case and then digest the information for yourself. Just like any other documentary you would see on any subject. Like you would as you watch 60 Minutes on a Sunday evening after the NFL. Understanding though that seldom are politics viewed through a quiet, and neutral mind. Emotion is always present in politics no matter what side you fall on.
2016 - Obama's America. It's relatively tidy, stays on point and makes the point it sets out to.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Expendables 2
Summertime is action time at the movies, and the summer 0f 2012 has been the biggest one yet.
Now, the summer is winding down and there is one more straggler action flick has appeared, The Expendables 2. TE2 is the sequel to the original with Stallone, Statham, Willis, Lundgren, Norris, and virtually every other aging action hero from the 1970's 1980's and 1990's in it. This time they even drug along Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Plus, they have introduced a few new young characters with young stars Liam Hemsworth and Nan Yu.
If you didn't see the original, here's the basci deal. Barney Ross, (Stallone) leads a group of "for hire" ex-soldiers that go around the world doing impossible jobs that no one else will. They are highly trained, and the best at what they do. They deal with the most violent mobs, and cartels that one can imagine. They are also off the radar, and no one really has their backs. Thus, expendable.
Here, one of their young recruits is killed in front of them by a horrible mob named The Sangs. The Expendables then go on a mission to wipe out The Sangs and end their rein of slavery that they have instituted to mine illegal plutonium that would change the balance of world power with nuclear weapons.
Full disclosure first. There is a TONS of gratuitous violence here. Anything that can blow up does, and any kind of weapon that can be fired - is. It is not overly bloody, but there of course is way too much killing mostly of people that you hate anyway. It is loud, and it is action pretty much from start to finish. But there is something here that gives it a pass.
It is humor, and the fact that it makes fun of itself, and of themselves as actors and characters. In a very subtle and at times not so subtle sense, it parodies the movies that have made all of these action stars - stars in the first place. It's not afraid to acknowledge their respective ages, and joke about it. It is a series of very over the top action sequences that at times are more amusing and entertaining than anything else. And that works.
It also does take time to tell a real story and addresses a real man code that will endear this movie to its core audience which of course is - men. All men. This is the definition of summer fun action flicks. TE2 also takes the time develops a villian that you hate, with an agenda that makes you mad. It's over the top, and has a nice chemistry that is undeniable between our main characters. This series gets it. The time for silly "serious" movies for these guys are long over. And now it's time to look back and relive it to a degree, but recognize that you are at a different stage of your life. Time to have fun, and laugh at your own expense.
The Expendables 2. Rated R. And deserved. But somehow these movies work.
Now, the summer is winding down and there is one more straggler action flick has appeared, The Expendables 2. TE2 is the sequel to the original with Stallone, Statham, Willis, Lundgren, Norris, and virtually every other aging action hero from the 1970's 1980's and 1990's in it. This time they even drug along Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Plus, they have introduced a few new young characters with young stars Liam Hemsworth and Nan Yu.
If you didn't see the original, here's the basci deal. Barney Ross, (Stallone) leads a group of "for hire" ex-soldiers that go around the world doing impossible jobs that no one else will. They are highly trained, and the best at what they do. They deal with the most violent mobs, and cartels that one can imagine. They are also off the radar, and no one really has their backs. Thus, expendable.
Here, one of their young recruits is killed in front of them by a horrible mob named The Sangs. The Expendables then go on a mission to wipe out The Sangs and end their rein of slavery that they have instituted to mine illegal plutonium that would change the balance of world power with nuclear weapons.
Full disclosure first. There is a TONS of gratuitous violence here. Anything that can blow up does, and any kind of weapon that can be fired - is. It is not overly bloody, but there of course is way too much killing mostly of people that you hate anyway. It is loud, and it is action pretty much from start to finish. But there is something here that gives it a pass.
It is humor, and the fact that it makes fun of itself, and of themselves as actors and characters. In a very subtle and at times not so subtle sense, it parodies the movies that have made all of these action stars - stars in the first place. It's not afraid to acknowledge their respective ages, and joke about it. It is a series of very over the top action sequences that at times are more amusing and entertaining than anything else. And that works.
It also does take time to tell a real story and addresses a real man code that will endear this movie to its core audience which of course is - men. All men. This is the definition of summer fun action flicks. TE2 also takes the time develops a villian that you hate, with an agenda that makes you mad. It's over the top, and has a nice chemistry that is undeniable between our main characters. This series gets it. The time for silly "serious" movies for these guys are long over. And now it's time to look back and relive it to a degree, but recognize that you are at a different stage of your life. Time to have fun, and laugh at your own expense.
The Expendables 2. Rated R. And deserved. But somehow these movies work.
MOVIE REVIEW - The Odd Life Of Timothy Green
There are some movies that are made for the sole purpose of being able to be enjoyed by everyone. And that is the new Disney flick, The Odd Life Of Timothy Green.
TG is a mix of topical subjects in our lives that face young parents today with a bit of fantasy, and make believe tossed in. And in its own way, it works. This is certainly not my favorite flick of the year but it does have some real niceties about it.
TG stars Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton as a young married couple that live in this fabulous farmhouse in rural America. They are desperate to have a baby, but medically it is impossible and this causes great pain for our couple. So on the night they receive the final bad news that no more can be done, they drink some wine and write down all the great qualities that their child would have if they could have one. They then take those written down pages and place them in a wooden box and plant it in the garden.
That night a heavy rain comes, and through the storm a miracle happens. A young 10 year-old boy, Timothy, appears out of seemingly nowhere and claims he is their son. He came from the garden, and the box is gone. Through their bewilderment, they accept Timothy and try to integrate him into their lives. But who exactly is Timothy? And where did he come from, and what will they learn from him? And why is he there? And maybe the most important quesstion, how long will be be in thier lives?
The Timothy character is very much like "Bagger" in The Legend Of Bagger Vance from years ago. Or "John Coffee" from The Green Mile. Characters that bring more questions to the movie than actual answers. Sort of mythical, supernatural in spirit. TG the movie then goes on to take on some pretty weighty issues facing young parents today, and the challenge of raising kids children. And for the most part - this works.
A few really indisputable things about this movie are really in its favor. Being married and a parent has really been good to Jennifer Garner as an actress. Garner has realized that you can't be that bombshell from Alias forever. She has grown nicely into deeper roles lately that define who she is on screen and in real life. She is wonderful as the young, loving, maybe overprotective mother who tries her best to be the best mom she can "on the spot." Edgerton is really becoming a fine actor in each new movie he makes. I loved his performance in Warrior last year, and he won me over there.
The Odd Life Of Timothy Green. Great movie going for the entire family. No action, no animation, no cartoons. This is a nice family movie - well done.
TG is a mix of topical subjects in our lives that face young parents today with a bit of fantasy, and make believe tossed in. And in its own way, it works. This is certainly not my favorite flick of the year but it does have some real niceties about it.
TG stars Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton as a young married couple that live in this fabulous farmhouse in rural America. They are desperate to have a baby, but medically it is impossible and this causes great pain for our couple. So on the night they receive the final bad news that no more can be done, they drink some wine and write down all the great qualities that their child would have if they could have one. They then take those written down pages and place them in a wooden box and plant it in the garden.
That night a heavy rain comes, and through the storm a miracle happens. A young 10 year-old boy, Timothy, appears out of seemingly nowhere and claims he is their son. He came from the garden, and the box is gone. Through their bewilderment, they accept Timothy and try to integrate him into their lives. But who exactly is Timothy? And where did he come from, and what will they learn from him? And why is he there? And maybe the most important quesstion, how long will be be in thier lives?
The Timothy character is very much like "Bagger" in The Legend Of Bagger Vance from years ago. Or "John Coffee" from The Green Mile. Characters that bring more questions to the movie than actual answers. Sort of mythical, supernatural in spirit. TG the movie then goes on to take on some pretty weighty issues facing young parents today, and the challenge of raising kids children. And for the most part - this works.
A few really indisputable things about this movie are really in its favor. Being married and a parent has really been good to Jennifer Garner as an actress. Garner has realized that you can't be that bombshell from Alias forever. She has grown nicely into deeper roles lately that define who she is on screen and in real life. She is wonderful as the young, loving, maybe overprotective mother who tries her best to be the best mom she can "on the spot." Edgerton is really becoming a fine actor in each new movie he makes. I loved his performance in Warrior last year, and he won me over there.
The Odd Life Of Timothy Green. Great movie going for the entire family. No action, no animation, no cartoons. This is a nice family movie - well done.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
This week, The Dewseepers loaded up and took an early morning road trip to Ashtabula, and teed it up at Chapel Hills Golf Course.
Now before you panic, the drive there is relatively easy. From Akron, grab I-271 north and take it to I-90, and head east. Even though it's not next door, it is and easy drive. And it's right off the highway. It's always good to play someplace you have never played before. Although Joe Red had hit is there a couple of times, the rest of us had not.
It was a bit sad for us that it had rained a ton the night before and the course was newly wet. Although they, like everyone else right now needs the rain with the drought conditions and all. And for much of the front 9 it rained pretty consistently on us ranging from a light drizzle to break out the umbrellas. So needless to say conditions were a bit tough. But hey, so are we!
Chapel Hills reminds me a lot of Brunswick Hills here locally, as it is the story of two completely different 9's. The front is short, quirky and had a bunch of dog-legs and nuances that you have to learn to play well. The front is tight, with tons of tree lined and narrow fairways. Toss in the fact that is was a bit wet with no roll and it made for a tough front 9. No one really played very well on the front. Although Joe Red threw a birdie on number two, a real nice par 5 that is reachable in two with a good drive, which Joe hit. The front 9 is short, but challenging, and good iron play off the tee is really a good idea. You must keep the ball in front of you on the front, or it can add up quick.
The back 9 is very different in virtually every regard than the front. It is longer, more wide open and plays longer to par as it is par 37 on the back, as opposed to 35 on the front. There are 3 par 5's on the back too to help you score better to par as well. On the back the rain stopped, and the sun even came out for a while, and we all played a bit better. Because of the design, the back can handle the rain a bit better, and it was not as wet as the front. All of our scores were lower on the back except Red, who played a real nice front at 42. Then the rain came back on number 17 and 18, but we charged through.
Chapel Hills also does have a ton of hills as you might expect, and that really is noticeable on the back 9. The three par 5's are a hilly on the back, with number 13, playing down and uphill.. Number 14, playing downhill, and the fabulous number 18 playing out of a tough driving shoot , then uphill all the way to the green about 525 yards away. Great finishing hole.
Should be noted too that the rates to play there are very good, and the small and quaint clubhouse is very comfortable and nice. Pleasant staff too and an overall good feeling from the locals that call this course home. Decent golfers too should play the blue tees here, as we did
We would love to get another crack at this course in better playing conditions sometimes. Plus, the front needs to be learned. But as always we had fun, with plenty of laughs and cigars to go around. And it's always fun to load up and take a little trip, and see a different zip code, especially if there's golf a the end of the journey.
Scores
Joe Red - 88
Wynn - 88
Beef - 89
Tex - 100 ish
Now before you panic, the drive there is relatively easy. From Akron, grab I-271 north and take it to I-90, and head east. Even though it's not next door, it is and easy drive. And it's right off the highway. It's always good to play someplace you have never played before. Although Joe Red had hit is there a couple of times, the rest of us had not.
It was a bit sad for us that it had rained a ton the night before and the course was newly wet. Although they, like everyone else right now needs the rain with the drought conditions and all. And for much of the front 9 it rained pretty consistently on us ranging from a light drizzle to break out the umbrellas. So needless to say conditions were a bit tough. But hey, so are we!
Chapel Hills reminds me a lot of Brunswick Hills here locally, as it is the story of two completely different 9's. The front is short, quirky and had a bunch of dog-legs and nuances that you have to learn to play well. The front is tight, with tons of tree lined and narrow fairways. Toss in the fact that is was a bit wet with no roll and it made for a tough front 9. No one really played very well on the front. Although Joe Red threw a birdie on number two, a real nice par 5 that is reachable in two with a good drive, which Joe hit. The front 9 is short, but challenging, and good iron play off the tee is really a good idea. You must keep the ball in front of you on the front, or it can add up quick.
The back 9 is very different in virtually every regard than the front. It is longer, more wide open and plays longer to par as it is par 37 on the back, as opposed to 35 on the front. There are 3 par 5's on the back too to help you score better to par as well. On the back the rain stopped, and the sun even came out for a while, and we all played a bit better. Because of the design, the back can handle the rain a bit better, and it was not as wet as the front. All of our scores were lower on the back except Red, who played a real nice front at 42. Then the rain came back on number 17 and 18, but we charged through.
Chapel Hills also does have a ton of hills as you might expect, and that really is noticeable on the back 9. The three par 5's are a hilly on the back, with number 13, playing down and uphill.. Number 14, playing downhill, and the fabulous number 18 playing out of a tough driving shoot , then uphill all the way to the green about 525 yards away. Great finishing hole.
Should be noted too that the rates to play there are very good, and the small and quaint clubhouse is very comfortable and nice. Pleasant staff too and an overall good feeling from the locals that call this course home. Decent golfers too should play the blue tees here, as we did
We would love to get another crack at this course in better playing conditions sometimes. Plus, the front needs to be learned. But as always we had fun, with plenty of laughs and cigars to go around. And it's always fun to load up and take a little trip, and see a different zip code, especially if there's golf a the end of the journey.
Scores
Joe Red - 88
Wynn - 88
Beef - 89
Tex - 100 ish
Friday, August 10, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - The Campaign
The new political comedy, The Campaign is out this week with Will Farrell and Zack Galifianakis.
The Campaign is a topical piece that is heavy satire on the American political process, and how corrupt it can be and is at times. Our two stars play fictional Congressional candidates running for national office for a seat in rural North Carolina. And they will do anything, and I mean anything to get elected. This of course is carried to the farthest extreme that you can imagine.
To be honest, The Campaign has some pretty funny points to showcase. It tries to make the case that the American electoral process is completely out of control, and it probably is. It makes takes a strong satirical look at the huge money from outsiders and super-groups that legally influence important elections today. It pokes fun at both sides of the political aisle, and is an equal opportunity offender. It really doesn't play political favorites, but rather takes aim at the overall state of things this election season.
Sadly, for the core audience all of the above will be missed and not digested, and frankly not gotten by the majority. Rather, most of the target will only remember the slapstick, the language, and the sophomoric 6th grade bathroom humor that generated the biggest laughs. And some of it was funny. And there is plenty of it.
Farrell is at times pretty funny as the incumbent candidate running for re-election. He is an interesting actor. For 90 percent of this role, he is the same guy he is in virtually every single movie he has made. But for the other 10 percent, he shows a bit of the grown up Farrell we have seen in a few flicks the past year or two. I think for the most part his improv comedy act is overdone and forced. I think what can be taken away from his performance here, is that it completely showcases how non-versatile he really is most of the time.
Galifianakis is certainly an original. He plays a completely silly challenger in this movie, and does develop a character you have never seen before, and that's fun. His character is one of the strangest people you will ever see on screen, and some of that is funny. He has done some really good work in his young career, and has made a dog or two. But, he is a huge fan favorite who can invent original characters in today's movies that make people laugh. He is seldom the same guy in his flicks.
The Campaign does have a really big name supporting cast with Dan Akroyd, John Lithgow, Jason Sudeikis, and Dylan McDermott. There are plenty of sight gags that generated big laughs. Plus, this movie does not run too long, checking in at about 90 minutes and that's plenty.
Also, not only does this lampoon the political season, but it takes equal, if not stronger and more direct aim at organized religion, and The South in general. Reinforcing stereotypes, and basically making fun of the southern culture and the way of life. Some may find that a bit offensive. Lampooning politicians is one thing, but offending large groups of regular people sometimes is not received well.
The Campaign. Topical to be sure. Moments of fun, but a rental in 90 days at best.
The Campaign is a topical piece that is heavy satire on the American political process, and how corrupt it can be and is at times. Our two stars play fictional Congressional candidates running for national office for a seat in rural North Carolina. And they will do anything, and I mean anything to get elected. This of course is carried to the farthest extreme that you can imagine.
To be honest, The Campaign has some pretty funny points to showcase. It tries to make the case that the American electoral process is completely out of control, and it probably is. It makes takes a strong satirical look at the huge money from outsiders and super-groups that legally influence important elections today. It pokes fun at both sides of the political aisle, and is an equal opportunity offender. It really doesn't play political favorites, but rather takes aim at the overall state of things this election season.
Sadly, for the core audience all of the above will be missed and not digested, and frankly not gotten by the majority. Rather, most of the target will only remember the slapstick, the language, and the sophomoric 6th grade bathroom humor that generated the biggest laughs. And some of it was funny. And there is plenty of it.
Farrell is at times pretty funny as the incumbent candidate running for re-election. He is an interesting actor. For 90 percent of this role, he is the same guy he is in virtually every single movie he has made. But for the other 10 percent, he shows a bit of the grown up Farrell we have seen in a few flicks the past year or two. I think for the most part his improv comedy act is overdone and forced. I think what can be taken away from his performance here, is that it completely showcases how non-versatile he really is most of the time.
Galifianakis is certainly an original. He plays a completely silly challenger in this movie, and does develop a character you have never seen before, and that's fun. His character is one of the strangest people you will ever see on screen, and some of that is funny. He has done some really good work in his young career, and has made a dog or two. But, he is a huge fan favorite who can invent original characters in today's movies that make people laugh. He is seldom the same guy in his flicks.
The Campaign does have a really big name supporting cast with Dan Akroyd, John Lithgow, Jason Sudeikis, and Dylan McDermott. There are plenty of sight gags that generated big laughs. Plus, this movie does not run too long, checking in at about 90 minutes and that's plenty.
Also, not only does this lampoon the political season, but it takes equal, if not stronger and more direct aim at organized religion, and The South in general. Reinforcing stereotypes, and basically making fun of the southern culture and the way of life. Some may find that a bit offensive. Lampooning politicians is one thing, but offending large groups of regular people sometimes is not received well.
The Campaign. Topical to be sure. Moments of fun, but a rental in 90 days at best.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Charity Golf, The IBH Charity Golf Outing
This week, members of the Rubber City Radio Group family played in a really nice local charity outing benefiting the Interval Brotherhood Home in Akron.
It was the organizations 26th annual outing raising money for a very worthwhile group that gives hope to those locally that have fallen victim to addictions. It helps them in many regards and attempts to get them back into the community. Very good work for local people that need it.
This opening was played at the wonderful Fairlawn Country Club in Fairlawn right off West Market Street. I've been driving past this golf course for 11 years, and finally got a chance to play it in this scramble event. What a great track, par 70, with 6 par 3's and some very challenging holes that make you play a bunch of different clubs in the bag. FCC of course, is private but does host some charity events along the way each year I would say if you ever get a chance to play here, take it. Really worth it.
Our threesome was myself from WQMX, Dan Deely from our Smooth station WNWV 107.3 The Wave, and one of our companies Vice-Presidents Nick Anthony. Of course, we had a great time on a perfect weather day. We shot about 6 under for the event, and was not among the top scorers. But that wasn't the goal, which was to have fun and support those worth supporting.
We would really like to thanks the IBH, and the terrific staff at the FCC for making us feel so welcome. We had a great time as the opening raised thousands of dollars for a worthy cause.
Thanks again. Hope to see you there again next year.
It was the organizations 26th annual outing raising money for a very worthwhile group that gives hope to those locally that have fallen victim to addictions. It helps them in many regards and attempts to get them back into the community. Very good work for local people that need it.
This opening was played at the wonderful Fairlawn Country Club in Fairlawn right off West Market Street. I've been driving past this golf course for 11 years, and finally got a chance to play it in this scramble event. What a great track, par 70, with 6 par 3's and some very challenging holes that make you play a bunch of different clubs in the bag. FCC of course, is private but does host some charity events along the way each year I would say if you ever get a chance to play here, take it. Really worth it.
Our threesome was myself from WQMX, Dan Deely from our Smooth station WNWV 107.3 The Wave, and one of our companies Vice-Presidents Nick Anthony. Of course, we had a great time on a perfect weather day. We shot about 6 under for the event, and was not among the top scorers. But that wasn't the goal, which was to have fun and support those worth supporting.
We would really like to thanks the IBH, and the terrific staff at the FCC for making us feel so welcome. We had a great time as the opening raised thousands of dollars for a worthy cause.
Thanks again. Hope to see you there again next year.
MOVIE REVIEW - Hope Springs
Hang on to your eyes and ears there actually is an adult movie a the movies this week. It's the new Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones comedy, Hope Springs. Although superhero movies and animation will still rule the day through Labor Day, it's great to see a real movie and story at the movies.
Hope Springs is the fictional story of Kay (Streep) and Arnold (Jones). They are a very typical married couple of 31 years who live in Omaha. He is a boring CPA, and she is a very nice woman, that has a small job in retail. Their kids are grown, and now it's just them. Kay is very unhappy with the state of their marriage. They sleep in separate bedrooms, there's no romance or intimacy at all. They just go through the routine every single day and she wants more.
She still loves Arnold, but he seems detached, and aloof. Kay finds a marriage guru, Dr. Feld (Steve Carrell) on the Internet who is in Maine. He has this week long retreat with one-on-one counseling and she decides that her marriage is worth saving so she books it. Reluctantly, Arnold goes but has a closed mind, and is totally turned off to the whole thing. This is the story of how, if how, they can put their marriage back together. All done with drama, and a nice mix of comedy.
First off, there is a huge portion of the movie going public that will not be able to relate to this movie in any way, and not for one minute. It deals with people near age 60, and the problems that can plague a long-term marriage. But for many this will be on target and even a bit close to the bone for some. It daringly deals with issues that many real people choose not to.
I am not a real Streep fan, but I do have to hand it to her on many levels. She seldom, if ever picks bad projects. She is immensely versatile, and seems so immersed in her roles, you forget it's her and think she actually is who she is playing. She is brilliant here as the super sweet Kay. Jones is perfectly cast as lazy old Arnold. There is palpable chemistry between the two on screen. When things are tense, you feel it. And when it's joyful, you feel that too.
There are also some fun little performances from Elisabeth Shue, Jean Smart, and Mimi Rogers that put a little salt in the soup for flavor. Carrell is very good as the good doctor. Here he is a real guy and not some goofy Jim Carrey impersonator. He is very good. But let's not make any mistake here. This is Streep's and Jones' movie. This is well sculpted with a small supporting cast that does not let them get in the way. So well written to not have too many characters meddling in the way of our stars. Many, many movies make that huge blunder.
Hope Springs also does not make the gigantic error that it could have, of making this a "man-bashing lonely wife movie". The story is very well crafted and finds a nice balance of shared blame and doesn't forget that a marriage is two people. You really care about these two characters and want good for them. That fact alone, gives this a real sense of real. The wonderful dialogue is direct, and spot on. Terrific character development, a nice story, and super good musical soundtrack give this a real up-to-date look and sound. Also an excellent mixture of drama, comedy and skillful story telling make this really good.
Hope Springs. Not for everyone. But for its target audience, very, very well done.
Hope Springs is the fictional story of Kay (Streep) and Arnold (Jones). They are a very typical married couple of 31 years who live in Omaha. He is a boring CPA, and she is a very nice woman, that has a small job in retail. Their kids are grown, and now it's just them. Kay is very unhappy with the state of their marriage. They sleep in separate bedrooms, there's no romance or intimacy at all. They just go through the routine every single day and she wants more.
She still loves Arnold, but he seems detached, and aloof. Kay finds a marriage guru, Dr. Feld (Steve Carrell) on the Internet who is in Maine. He has this week long retreat with one-on-one counseling and she decides that her marriage is worth saving so she books it. Reluctantly, Arnold goes but has a closed mind, and is totally turned off to the whole thing. This is the story of how, if how, they can put their marriage back together. All done with drama, and a nice mix of comedy.
First off, there is a huge portion of the movie going public that will not be able to relate to this movie in any way, and not for one minute. It deals with people near age 60, and the problems that can plague a long-term marriage. But for many this will be on target and even a bit close to the bone for some. It daringly deals with issues that many real people choose not to.
I am not a real Streep fan, but I do have to hand it to her on many levels. She seldom, if ever picks bad projects. She is immensely versatile, and seems so immersed in her roles, you forget it's her and think she actually is who she is playing. She is brilliant here as the super sweet Kay. Jones is perfectly cast as lazy old Arnold. There is palpable chemistry between the two on screen. When things are tense, you feel it. And when it's joyful, you feel that too.
There are also some fun little performances from Elisabeth Shue, Jean Smart, and Mimi Rogers that put a little salt in the soup for flavor. Carrell is very good as the good doctor. Here he is a real guy and not some goofy Jim Carrey impersonator. He is very good. But let's not make any mistake here. This is Streep's and Jones' movie. This is well sculpted with a small supporting cast that does not let them get in the way. So well written to not have too many characters meddling in the way of our stars. Many, many movies make that huge blunder.
Hope Springs also does not make the gigantic error that it could have, of making this a "man-bashing lonely wife movie". The story is very well crafted and finds a nice balance of shared blame and doesn't forget that a marriage is two people. You really care about these two characters and want good for them. That fact alone, gives this a real sense of real. The wonderful dialogue is direct, and spot on. Terrific character development, a nice story, and super good musical soundtrack give this a real up-to-date look and sound. Also an excellent mixture of drama, comedy and skillful story telling make this really good.
Hope Springs. Not for everyone. But for its target audience, very, very well done.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Charity Golf, A Home-In-One Outing
For the second year in a row, I was invited to be the Honorary Chairperson for the Habitat For Humanity annual golf outing. This is called The Home-In-One Golf outing, that is played at the incredible Portage Country Club in west Akron. What an honor!
This is the third year for this outing, and it has been fun to watch it grow in both the number of golfers, and the overall feel of the tourney. Year one, they had bout 70 golfers, last year around 90, and this year a near perfect number 124 in the field, all playing a four-man scramble event.
This is a first class charity event held at one of the nicest golf courses around, the beautiful Portage Country Club. Yes, it is very private, but it lends itself perfectly for an event like this. Playing there certainly is a treat, and if you ever get a chance to play an event there, or simply to play there, take it. It is worth every bit of it.
The staff at Portage are amazing, serving up great food for lunch and dinner for us golfers on a spectacular tree covered outdoor patio. They made all fee incredibly welcome, and make you want to come back and join them again if you are so lucky.
The staff too from Habitat put on a really great event, even if it's only in its third year. They want to make sure that players have a great time, and spend the day smiling, and making you look forward to nest years outing even before you tee off in this years outing. Wonderful door, and auction prizes that get better each year. This is a nice confluence of groups of good people getting together for a great cause to raise thousands of dollars for Habitat and the wonderful work that they do throughout Summit County.
Our team consisted of Ray Horner Morning Man from our AM station 1590 WAKR, and Dan Deely from our Smooth station 107.3 The Wave's morning show. And me from Wynn And Wilson from 94.9 WQMX. We shot about 6 under for the day, a far cry from the big prize of 17 under or so that won. But we played, and and had a great time with our very capable caddy Rich, who gave us great advise, and cheered us on all day long.
Make it a point to play in this outing next year if you can. It is a great chance to have a great golf experience, and meet some terrific people along the way. All supporting people worth supporting. Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.
Proud to be with them on this really nice event. Looking forward to next year already.
This is the third year for this outing, and it has been fun to watch it grow in both the number of golfers, and the overall feel of the tourney. Year one, they had bout 70 golfers, last year around 90, and this year a near perfect number 124 in the field, all playing a four-man scramble event.
This is a first class charity event held at one of the nicest golf courses around, the beautiful Portage Country Club. Yes, it is very private, but it lends itself perfectly for an event like this. Playing there certainly is a treat, and if you ever get a chance to play an event there, or simply to play there, take it. It is worth every bit of it.
The staff at Portage are amazing, serving up great food for lunch and dinner for us golfers on a spectacular tree covered outdoor patio. They made all fee incredibly welcome, and make you want to come back and join them again if you are so lucky.
The staff too from Habitat put on a really great event, even if it's only in its third year. They want to make sure that players have a great time, and spend the day smiling, and making you look forward to nest years outing even before you tee off in this years outing. Wonderful door, and auction prizes that get better each year. This is a nice confluence of groups of good people getting together for a great cause to raise thousands of dollars for Habitat and the wonderful work that they do throughout Summit County.
Our team consisted of Ray Horner Morning Man from our AM station 1590 WAKR, and Dan Deely from our Smooth station 107.3 The Wave's morning show. And me from Wynn And Wilson from 94.9 WQMX. We shot about 6 under for the day, a far cry from the big prize of 17 under or so that won. But we played, and and had a great time with our very capable caddy Rich, who gave us great advise, and cheered us on all day long.
Make it a point to play in this outing next year if you can. It is a great chance to have a great golf experience, and meet some terrific people along the way. All supporting people worth supporting. Habitat for Humanity of Summit County.
Proud to be with them on this really nice event. Looking forward to next year already.
Friday, August 3, 2012
MOVIE REVIEW - Total Recall
Colin Ferrell stars this week in yet another big Sci-Fi action flick, Total Recall. Sound familiar to some? It should. Here we go again.
TR is the story of our world in the late 21st century. There has been a horrible chemical world war. The only two places on earth that are inhabitable are Europe, and Australia. They have different names now. Europe is the "haves" and Australia or "The Colony" has basically been enslaved to be the workers in Europe. There is a transportation system called "The Fall" that runs through the earth's middle and transports Colonists to Europe to work for them. Trouble is, they are running out of room for people in Europe and they plan to invade Australia and make it their empire.
Meet Doug, (Farrell). He is an average guy in The Colony and he is married to Lori, (Kate Beckinsdale). He works in Europe and is kind of depressed with his life. He decides to go to a shop called Recall. Recall is a service that you can get where they implant permanent memories in your brain that you pick. You can be anything you want, but it's only in your mind. Doug goes, and during the procedure it becomes clear that there is something wrong. Recall unearths memories in Doug that suggest he is not some ordinary guy.
In fact, he is a highly trained operative double agent, and the government has blocked his memory to suggest to himself he is someone else. Then his wife is trying to kill him and everyone is seemingly out o get him. Why? That's Total Recall. So, who is she, and who is basically everyone in this movie? Real or imagined?
This is a non-stop Sci-Fi action thriller that once it puts its foot on the gas pedal, it seldom lets up. This is a very busy movie with some real cool effects and some of the same ones you've seen a thousand times before. It is very elaborately decorated with computer generated effects both for the eyes and the ears. Some of this is very good summer movie making, and summer fun. But this is too belabored and way too long, and some of these action scenes are just beaten to death. Shorter would have been better.
This does though have a real nice young cast that in addition to Beckinsdale and Ferrell, has Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston and Bokeem Woodbine. Woodbine is really good in his very small role as one of Doug's seemingly best friends, Harry. Real nice performance.
Total Recall also has a lot formula to it. There are plenty of shoot-em-up scenes, and tons of shooting robots running around for effect. Much of this mas a video game feel. There are also the obligatory shots of Kate Beckinsdale's derriere in all these heavy action scenes that are obviously planned by our less that subtle director. There is some attempted humor with Biel and Beckinsdale trying to drum up a rivalry between the women, with our less than slick writers. That kind of thumped. In short, some of this works and some of it really does not. Our actors hold up there end (no pun intended) with what they are asked to do. But this is really not great writing, or super movie making.
Total Recall. Attempted summer fun.
TR is the story of our world in the late 21st century. There has been a horrible chemical world war. The only two places on earth that are inhabitable are Europe, and Australia. They have different names now. Europe is the "haves" and Australia or "The Colony" has basically been enslaved to be the workers in Europe. There is a transportation system called "The Fall" that runs through the earth's middle and transports Colonists to Europe to work for them. Trouble is, they are running out of room for people in Europe and they plan to invade Australia and make it their empire.
Meet Doug, (Farrell). He is an average guy in The Colony and he is married to Lori, (Kate Beckinsdale). He works in Europe and is kind of depressed with his life. He decides to go to a shop called Recall. Recall is a service that you can get where they implant permanent memories in your brain that you pick. You can be anything you want, but it's only in your mind. Doug goes, and during the procedure it becomes clear that there is something wrong. Recall unearths memories in Doug that suggest he is not some ordinary guy.
In fact, he is a highly trained operative double agent, and the government has blocked his memory to suggest to himself he is someone else. Then his wife is trying to kill him and everyone is seemingly out o get him. Why? That's Total Recall. So, who is she, and who is basically everyone in this movie? Real or imagined?
This is a non-stop Sci-Fi action thriller that once it puts its foot on the gas pedal, it seldom lets up. This is a very busy movie with some real cool effects and some of the same ones you've seen a thousand times before. It is very elaborately decorated with computer generated effects both for the eyes and the ears. Some of this is very good summer movie making, and summer fun. But this is too belabored and way too long, and some of these action scenes are just beaten to death. Shorter would have been better.
This does though have a real nice young cast that in addition to Beckinsdale and Ferrell, has Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston and Bokeem Woodbine. Woodbine is really good in his very small role as one of Doug's seemingly best friends, Harry. Real nice performance.
Total Recall also has a lot formula to it. There are plenty of shoot-em-up scenes, and tons of shooting robots running around for effect. Much of this mas a video game feel. There are also the obligatory shots of Kate Beckinsdale's derriere in all these heavy action scenes that are obviously planned by our less that subtle director. There is some attempted humor with Biel and Beckinsdale trying to drum up a rivalry between the women, with our less than slick writers. That kind of thumped. In short, some of this works and some of it really does not. Our actors hold up there end (no pun intended) with what they are asked to do. But this is really not great writing, or super movie making.
Total Recall. Attempted summer fun.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
LOCAL GOLF - Sunday Morning Golf Review
The Dewsweepers were back on the beam Sunday morning, and this time we were in Medina. We haven't played Pleasant Valley in a few years, so we booked at 703 tee time, and dove in.
Pleasant Valley is an 18 hole course off Hamilton Road, about 6,500 yards for the average player, with deep tees jumping back to about 6,900 yards. PV is a course that is very challenging and requires a consistent tee game to be able to score well on. It's the course of the long par 4. There are plenty of those, and that makes for tough golf for us amateurs. On the front a bunch of long par 4's of 410, 380, 375, and 432 yards. And on the much tougher back 9, 400, 385, 390, 400.
So as you can see, driving is really at a premium here. And frankly that is something overall we did not do well today as a group. There is some sand here, and tons of tree lined fairways. Not only are the par 4's long,. but the par 5's are very thin, and very challenging. This is a very nice, but very tough golf course.
Joe Red was the eventual low man of the day, by shooting a 44 on the front and a 44 on the back. A consistent round, that could have been better for him. Short putts again haunted Red as he left a few of strokes on the green, always frustrating. He struck the ball better over all than the rest of us, but you gotta get the ball in the hole. Joe Red cold have thrown down about at 82 or so.
The length of the par 4's was going to be a problem for Tex, and the rest of us. Tex is not a huge hitter off the tee, so courses that have par 4's more along the lines of 300 - 340 are more conducive to his game. Tex did putt well by canning 4 1-putts on the front. But the back jumped up and bit Tex, and the rest of us.
But this course does have a special meaning for Tex. A few years ago we all stood drop-jawed on number 14 tee, as Tex drained a hole-in-one from an elevated tee, over the pond and into the cup after rattling the stick. It was a great scene, and it was fun to return to that hole and relive it with Tex.
Beef, normally a fast starter, did not get off to his usual start. But his game did get better as we rolled on, in fact he was the only one that shot better on the back then the front, and that's no small feat. I feel the back on this course overall, is a one of the tougher back 9's around. You had better score on the front, but Beef took on the back and shot respectable back there. He kept on firing and eventually surived the back 9.
My round was marred by a serious lack of any mental focus, and a learning a new driver. The airlines broke my driver coming back from Vegas, so I bought a new one this week. And there's always a learning curve. Too bad it was on a course that requires a good driver. I hacked around a bit, hitting a good drive occasionally. But in fact, I didn't have my good game in any regard. But I did putt well, with 7 1-putts on the day that did help. Also, a drive on number 14 (par 3) about 3 foot from the hole helped too. But missed that putt. I shot a respectable 42 on the front with smoke and mirrors, only to have it catch up with me on the back plating 47 there. Gotta get more comfy with the new driver.
Course highlights? Number 6 a long dogleg left par 5, about 500 yards to a hard to hit green. Number 9, par 5 uphill all the way, 575 yards and thin off the tee. And to be fair, the entire back 9, where every hole is pretty darn tough. Highlighted by number 17 a 214 yard par 3, over a water filled gorge to an elevated green with no margin for error.
We now have put Pleasant Valley away for another year probably. This course is always in very good shape, and is always ready to play. We in the past have had issues with Pleasant Valley that had nothing to do with golf, but some of those seem to be getting better with time. Today nice day, nice course and a good time. Too bad all of us really didn't have any game at all.
Looking forward to next week, back West to Huron and Thunderbird Hills North
Scores
Joe Red - 88
Wynn - 89
Beef - 93
Tex - 100+
Pleasant Valley is an 18 hole course off Hamilton Road, about 6,500 yards for the average player, with deep tees jumping back to about 6,900 yards. PV is a course that is very challenging and requires a consistent tee game to be able to score well on. It's the course of the long par 4. There are plenty of those, and that makes for tough golf for us amateurs. On the front a bunch of long par 4's of 410, 380, 375, and 432 yards. And on the much tougher back 9, 400, 385, 390, 400.
So as you can see, driving is really at a premium here. And frankly that is something overall we did not do well today as a group. There is some sand here, and tons of tree lined fairways. Not only are the par 4's long,. but the par 5's are very thin, and very challenging. This is a very nice, but very tough golf course.
Joe Red was the eventual low man of the day, by shooting a 44 on the front and a 44 on the back. A consistent round, that could have been better for him. Short putts again haunted Red as he left a few of strokes on the green, always frustrating. He struck the ball better over all than the rest of us, but you gotta get the ball in the hole. Joe Red cold have thrown down about at 82 or so.
The length of the par 4's was going to be a problem for Tex, and the rest of us. Tex is not a huge hitter off the tee, so courses that have par 4's more along the lines of 300 - 340 are more conducive to his game. Tex did putt well by canning 4 1-putts on the front. But the back jumped up and bit Tex, and the rest of us.
But this course does have a special meaning for Tex. A few years ago we all stood drop-jawed on number 14 tee, as Tex drained a hole-in-one from an elevated tee, over the pond and into the cup after rattling the stick. It was a great scene, and it was fun to return to that hole and relive it with Tex.
Beef, normally a fast starter, did not get off to his usual start. But his game did get better as we rolled on, in fact he was the only one that shot better on the back then the front, and that's no small feat. I feel the back on this course overall, is a one of the tougher back 9's around. You had better score on the front, but Beef took on the back and shot respectable back there. He kept on firing and eventually surived the back 9.
My round was marred by a serious lack of any mental focus, and a learning a new driver. The airlines broke my driver coming back from Vegas, so I bought a new one this week. And there's always a learning curve. Too bad it was on a course that requires a good driver. I hacked around a bit, hitting a good drive occasionally. But in fact, I didn't have my good game in any regard. But I did putt well, with 7 1-putts on the day that did help. Also, a drive on number 14 (par 3) about 3 foot from the hole helped too. But missed that putt. I shot a respectable 42 on the front with smoke and mirrors, only to have it catch up with me on the back plating 47 there. Gotta get more comfy with the new driver.
Course highlights? Number 6 a long dogleg left par 5, about 500 yards to a hard to hit green. Number 9, par 5 uphill all the way, 575 yards and thin off the tee. And to be fair, the entire back 9, where every hole is pretty darn tough. Highlighted by number 17 a 214 yard par 3, over a water filled gorge to an elevated green with no margin for error.
We now have put Pleasant Valley away for another year probably. This course is always in very good shape, and is always ready to play. We in the past have had issues with Pleasant Valley that had nothing to do with golf, but some of those seem to be getting better with time. Today nice day, nice course and a good time. Too bad all of us really didn't have any game at all.
Looking forward to next week, back West to Huron and Thunderbird Hills North
Scores
Joe Red - 88
Wynn - 89
Beef - 93
Tex - 100+
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