The other day I was doing what you were doing. I was scrolling through Facebook, and I saw this status question posed by "Jenny, " a friend of mine.
"At what age can one lose her filter and just say whatever comes to mind without repercussions?"
Man is that a wonderful question. And the immediate answer that came to me was, "Most of us begin this way too late." Some people don't have this problem at all. Never do - and just toss it out there and they don't care where the plates land, or how badly they shatter. But for many, this is one of the toughest things to do in life. To really speak what's on our mind (in person) and have no fear of what others will think of us. And after thinking a bit more about it, sadly, this is something that develops over time and doesn't happen near early enough in life.
I see people in their 20's and even 30's all the time stressing out about the reactions of their peers over something that they say or do, but especially say. And it does take me back to an age that I would never go back to again. I admit, I still think very carefully before speaking most times, on the air on off. And I'm glad I do. That's just my DNA. I also put a ton of thought into social media posting as well. That is very easy to leave the wrong impression with people that hardly know you.
Truth is, the keyboard on our phones, tablets and computers has emboldened a new generation, young and old, with a sense of invincibility that anything can be said confidently, even defiantly without any repercussions. But there are, they just don't have to face the music in person. And that lacks - guts.
So what is the answer to "Jenny's" poignant question? I say, as soon as possible. But it begins with making sure you have the best people in your world that you can. And that begins with being that very person for others who may be wondering the same thing you are. Who are wishing silently, like Jenny, to be surrounded by those who simply want your total friendship, and your insightful perspective - unabashed, and straight forward. And will love you all the more for it.
I do believe you teach people how to treat you. So be the person to them, you wish them to be for you.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Sunday, February 26, 2017
OSCAR PREVIEW - 2017 Winners!
Tonight are the Oscars, one of the biggest TV events of the year. Planning on watching? Here is my Oscar preview for tonight. I will give you my choice as the best performances, and then the likely winner
Best Picture
My Pick - I loved Hell Or High Water. Jeff Bridges led a real nice cast in a very topical story. I am also partial to Manchester By The Sea. Great cast and a very powerful story. That movie also contained the single best scene of any movie this year.
Likely Winner - LA LA Land - But Hollywood also LOVES Hidden Figures. Keep your eye on that one too. I loved LA LA Land, but I was not on the Hidden Figures train as much as many.
Best Actor
My Pick - Casey Affleck from Manchester By The Sea. Huge role, great movie, and he was amazing. Perfect casting of him in this role of a enigmatic character you have never seen before.
Likely Winner - Denzel Washington for Fences. An amazing amount of dialogue, he was terrific.
Best Actress
My Pick - Natalie Portman for Jackie. This will more than likely be the best role she ever does, even though she is a past Oscar winner for Black Swan. She brought Jackie Kennedy to life in an incredible way.
Likely Winner - Emma Stone for LA LA Land. This movie will win a bunch, and this is one of them. She was terrific in a role that was semi-autobiographical for her.
Best Supporting Actor
My Pick - Michael Shannon for Nocturnal Animals. On of the most authentic performances of the year. A terminally ill cop from rural Texas trying to solve one last murder case before he dies. He was the gas in the engine of this movie.
Likely Winner - Mahershala Ali for Moonlight. Hollywood loves this movie. This is going to be one of the most popular moments in tonight's show.
Best Supporting Actress
My Pick - Viola Davis for Fences. She was powerful in a role that was opposite a gigantic role of Washington. She was simply amazing.
Likely Winner - Viola Davis for Fences. But keep your eyes on Michelle Williams for Manchester By The Sea. One scene in that movie could win her an Oscar.
scott@wqmx.com
Best Picture
My Pick - I loved Hell Or High Water. Jeff Bridges led a real nice cast in a very topical story. I am also partial to Manchester By The Sea. Great cast and a very powerful story. That movie also contained the single best scene of any movie this year.
Likely Winner - LA LA Land - But Hollywood also LOVES Hidden Figures. Keep your eye on that one too. I loved LA LA Land, but I was not on the Hidden Figures train as much as many.
Best Actor
My Pick - Casey Affleck from Manchester By The Sea. Huge role, great movie, and he was amazing. Perfect casting of him in this role of a enigmatic character you have never seen before.
Likely Winner - Denzel Washington for Fences. An amazing amount of dialogue, he was terrific.
Best Actress
My Pick - Natalie Portman for Jackie. This will more than likely be the best role she ever does, even though she is a past Oscar winner for Black Swan. She brought Jackie Kennedy to life in an incredible way.
Likely Winner - Emma Stone for LA LA Land. This movie will win a bunch, and this is one of them. She was terrific in a role that was semi-autobiographical for her.
Best Supporting Actor
My Pick - Michael Shannon for Nocturnal Animals. On of the most authentic performances of the year. A terminally ill cop from rural Texas trying to solve one last murder case before he dies. He was the gas in the engine of this movie.
Likely Winner - Mahershala Ali for Moonlight. Hollywood loves this movie. This is going to be one of the most popular moments in tonight's show.
Best Supporting Actress
My Pick - Viola Davis for Fences. She was powerful in a role that was opposite a gigantic role of Washington. She was simply amazing.
Likely Winner - Viola Davis for Fences. But keep your eyes on Michelle Williams for Manchester By The Sea. One scene in that movie could win her an Oscar.
scott@wqmx.com
Thursday, February 16, 2017
LOCAL GOLF - Get Out This Weekend
It looks like we are entering an early beginning to the 2017 gold season locally. Get out and play this weekend, But when I learned that there will be less courses to play around here, as a few have chosen to close it made me sad.
I always mourn when certain places close down forever. Theaters, amusement parks, stadiums, schools and golf courses. Places that were built with no other purpose but to bring people together for fun. Even if you're a hard core tough guy, it is hard to watch the end of any long running era that was once so important come to a permanent end. These kind of closings always have, and will always make me sad. There were hard times for some of these courses, and some are making room for newer commerce.
This spring, I will wonder how those workers will feel when they climb high atop gigantic machinery, and level those golf courses for good. It's their job I get it, but a couple of these courses have been around for almost 100 years. How much fun and joy did they bring to so many for so long?
There is no denying that less people are playing golf over the past few years. The recession chased some people out of the game altogether and they never came back. Profit margins on courses are slim and with a drop in play, some just can't make it anymore.
But a larger question does remain. Golf remains very popular, and tons of people still play, but will they continue to do so years from now? Threats are development as land is valuable, and future players themselves.
Golf is about the only sport you can play your entire life. Some of the best friends I have ever made, and best times I have ever had, have been on a golf course. Golf is a game that requires patience, and isn't learned quickly or easily. Do teens, or younger adults have the attention span, desire and the patience to learn a game that isn't fast or action based?
That's a fair question, and I hope so. Support your local golf course.
I always mourn when certain places close down forever. Theaters, amusement parks, stadiums, schools and golf courses. Places that were built with no other purpose but to bring people together for fun. Even if you're a hard core tough guy, it is hard to watch the end of any long running era that was once so important come to a permanent end. These kind of closings always have, and will always make me sad. There were hard times for some of these courses, and some are making room for newer commerce.
This spring, I will wonder how those workers will feel when they climb high atop gigantic machinery, and level those golf courses for good. It's their job I get it, but a couple of these courses have been around for almost 100 years. How much fun and joy did they bring to so many for so long?
There is no denying that less people are playing golf over the past few years. The recession chased some people out of the game altogether and they never came back. Profit margins on courses are slim and with a drop in play, some just can't make it anymore.
But a larger question does remain. Golf remains very popular, and tons of people still play, but will they continue to do so years from now? Threats are development as land is valuable, and future players themselves.
Golf is about the only sport you can play your entire life. Some of the best friends I have ever made, and best times I have ever had, have been on a golf course. Golf is a game that requires patience, and isn't learned quickly or easily. Do teens, or younger adults have the attention span, desire and the patience to learn a game that isn't fast or action based?
That's a fair question, and I hope so. Support your local golf course.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
MOVIE REVIEWS - New This Week February 12
The movies this week are both acquired tastes. And they are polar opposites. Let's look.
John Wick Chapter 2
The original of this series I thought was simply sensational, in what it was. An over the top, basically a parody of graphic novel movies starring Keanu Reeves are the amazing John Wick. He is an incredible hit man who is trying to retire (yeah right), and he keeps getting pulled back into the game. And he does here again as well.
He is called on to this time kill a sister of a mobster so the mobster can rise in the "field." Wick has no option but to oblige, again reluctantly. To say this is violent is the biggest understatement of the year. But this is really fun, and when you understand this is what it is, you can swallow it and let yourself escape with this.
The action is simply wonderful and the opening sequence is as fun, funny, over the top and ridiculous as any you will see. NO KID on earth should see this movie. Insanely violent and a HARD R rating. But interestingly with all the violence, there is virtually no bad language, nudity, or sexual situations of any kind. Very interesting there.
John Wick 2. Great escapism.
50 Shades Darker
Perfect example of a flick that critics are going to shred like last weeks mail, and fans are going to love more than any other movie this year. Second installments of trilogies are usually the worst of the lot, and it's tough to imagine the next one could be worse than this.
The books were so big and popular, that the pressure on the movie makers here is intense. I feel the fatal flaw in this whole idea of making this series is the watering down of the premise. I say take the risk, make it NC-17 and let adults see what they are grown up enough to see and let their visions from the book come to life. In short, with a story and premise so bold and taboo, they are simply making lame mainstream movies about it.
This again is diluted down to a safer, less edgy series that may be striking a chord with fans toa degree, but where they could be going with this would be more honest. Now we have a love story, and for many this is simply boring. Pretty tough to do, but take this subject matter and make it a snoozer? They did.
50 Shades Darker. True, it is darker, slower, boring and far less than the original.
scott@wqmx.com
John Wick Chapter 2
The original of this series I thought was simply sensational, in what it was. An over the top, basically a parody of graphic novel movies starring Keanu Reeves are the amazing John Wick. He is an incredible hit man who is trying to retire (yeah right), and he keeps getting pulled back into the game. And he does here again as well.
He is called on to this time kill a sister of a mobster so the mobster can rise in the "field." Wick has no option but to oblige, again reluctantly. To say this is violent is the biggest understatement of the year. But this is really fun, and when you understand this is what it is, you can swallow it and let yourself escape with this.
The action is simply wonderful and the opening sequence is as fun, funny, over the top and ridiculous as any you will see. NO KID on earth should see this movie. Insanely violent and a HARD R rating. But interestingly with all the violence, there is virtually no bad language, nudity, or sexual situations of any kind. Very interesting there.
John Wick 2. Great escapism.
50 Shades Darker
Perfect example of a flick that critics are going to shred like last weeks mail, and fans are going to love more than any other movie this year. Second installments of trilogies are usually the worst of the lot, and it's tough to imagine the next one could be worse than this.
The books were so big and popular, that the pressure on the movie makers here is intense. I feel the fatal flaw in this whole idea of making this series is the watering down of the premise. I say take the risk, make it NC-17 and let adults see what they are grown up enough to see and let their visions from the book come to life. In short, with a story and premise so bold and taboo, they are simply making lame mainstream movies about it.
This again is diluted down to a safer, less edgy series that may be striking a chord with fans toa degree, but where they could be going with this would be more honest. Now we have a love story, and for many this is simply boring. Pretty tough to do, but take this subject matter and make it a snoozer? They did.
50 Shades Darker. True, it is darker, slower, boring and far less than the original.
scott@wqmx.com
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
MOVIE REVIEWS - New In Theaters
A huge range of movies to choose from right now. There is something for everyone.
The Comedian
This little Independent movie has a huge cast, a great concept and really marginal, if not bad execution that really left me disappointed. Robert DeNiro, Leslie Mann, and a bunch of others including a ton of cameos from big comedians can't save this.
This is the story of an aging comedian (DeNiro) that is trying to come to grips with the fact that comedy has changed and he struggling to be relevant. He also finds younger love (Mann) and is having a tough time adjusting to that. He is his own worst enemy, and finds life more difficult as time goes on.
This is terrible. The "comedy" written for this is absolutely horrible His stand up routines are brutal and almost unwatchable. These scenes are vile, crude, and flat out not funny. The movies best moments are those between Mann and DeNiro, as she is really great in this, in a role you have not seen her in before.
For a movie about comedy, this is not funny. Almost never funny. What a shame. This was a good idea that could have been pretty darn good, everything was in place. Horrible writing.
A Dogs Purpose
For a few moments, let's put aside the disturbing video with the German Shepard in the making of this movie and talk about - The movie. No one liked that video, including me. But this movie is a very emotional piece that dog lovers and owners will tear up with.
This is the story of a single dogs spirit that lives through 4 different dogs. After an one passes on, he is reborn in another. The spirit is wonderfully voiced by Josh Gad, who really is the star of this movie. This is very powerful at times, hard to watch at times, and very solid at times. If you own a dog, get ready to really run a huge range of emotions.
This could have been a bit shorter, and refocused a bit tighter. This for some reason is just not as good as t should be. There are some really nice moments here, but overall this is just a project that should have been put in different hands.
Is it bad? No, but this is an opportunity lost
scott@wqmx.com
The Comedian
This little Independent movie has a huge cast, a great concept and really marginal, if not bad execution that really left me disappointed. Robert DeNiro, Leslie Mann, and a bunch of others including a ton of cameos from big comedians can't save this.
This is the story of an aging comedian (DeNiro) that is trying to come to grips with the fact that comedy has changed and he struggling to be relevant. He also finds younger love (Mann) and is having a tough time adjusting to that. He is his own worst enemy, and finds life more difficult as time goes on.
This is terrible. The "comedy" written for this is absolutely horrible His stand up routines are brutal and almost unwatchable. These scenes are vile, crude, and flat out not funny. The movies best moments are those between Mann and DeNiro, as she is really great in this, in a role you have not seen her in before.
For a movie about comedy, this is not funny. Almost never funny. What a shame. This was a good idea that could have been pretty darn good, everything was in place. Horrible writing.
A Dogs Purpose
For a few moments, let's put aside the disturbing video with the German Shepard in the making of this movie and talk about - The movie. No one liked that video, including me. But this movie is a very emotional piece that dog lovers and owners will tear up with.
This is the story of a single dogs spirit that lives through 4 different dogs. After an one passes on, he is reborn in another. The spirit is wonderfully voiced by Josh Gad, who really is the star of this movie. This is very powerful at times, hard to watch at times, and very solid at times. If you own a dog, get ready to really run a huge range of emotions.
This could have been a bit shorter, and refocused a bit tighter. This for some reason is just not as good as t should be. There are some really nice moments here, but overall this is just a project that should have been put in different hands.
Is it bad? No, but this is an opportunity lost
scott@wqmx.com
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