BLOG WEEK 5

#1

Well, The Avengers:Endgame is out, and the money is rolling in. DON'T WORRY, there will be no spoiler here during our chat.

I always feel movies of this magnitude are difficult to review. The problem is, no one wants to hear anything that glowing.  If you don't love it you're judged and called "not a real fan."  Fans love every frame of this movie without even seeing it.  That is the challenge of the reviewer here.

I think movies for the most part should be reviewed on what they are, and who they are made for.  And this is made for it's core fans, and in that respect it delivers everything they can possibly want.  Yes, this is 3 plus hours, but that is not a problem.  This movies along nicely, keeps you in the game.  This movie brings all the other movies into play, and tries to tie it all up in tidy fashion.

One of the troubles they have here, it's tough to have all of your favorites play a vital role in this entire production, and some may be mad that some of their favs do not play the large role some of the other superheros do.  Just not enough screen time. Something had to give.  There also area couple of scenes here that don't make much sense, but how cares?  It's superheros on screen fighting evil, with a grand payoff.

And the ardent and casual fans will love it.


#2

Earlier this week it was Adopt A Shelter Dog Day, and the fact that day even exists makes me very happy.  I am a big believer in shelter dogs, as I feel they have a special purpose.  They more times than not had a rough start in some way.  Being abused, dumped, forgotten, or just given up on in some way.  So, they silently wait for a hero to show up who will show them there is another sunrise for them.  Dogs love people. At least they want to.

When you adopt a shelter dog, you are giving them a second chance at happiness.  But because of the sense you get from them, you may feel the same way.  Many times an adopted dog comes to you as a result of a loss of another dog in some way. Or a need you have to care for something, or the company, or simply the love you have for dogs.   You see, you and your shelter dog have more in common tha  you think.

I adopted Juneau The Husky 8 years ago when she was one year old. She had been dumped, and was on the run for about a month before she would finally succumb to the elements and hunger.  After she was collected and taken to a shelter, I adopted her.  I was interested in a Great Dane that was there a long time, but was adopted a day or so before. So skinny and scared (Atika) or Juneau as I would rename her, went home with me.

We have filled the voids in each other, as I feel she chose me.  Isn't that the charge of a shelter dog?  I think so. PLEASE consider adoption they next time you are looking for a dog.  It's about as nice of a thing as you may ever do.

#3

The Avengers will dominate the box office again this weekend, but there are a couple new flicks to take in this week!

Long Shot

This has the formula to be really funny, and fun. This stars Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen in a classic "She's out of my league film."  She is a high roller, and he is just a sloppy dude, and somehow they find each other set up for romance.

I think every guy has felt this at one time or another in their life.  Whether its accurate or not in reality, guys can sometimes feel find themselves on a date with someone out of their league.  And many times you find yourself surprised to who you are attracted to. So the formula is there for a high level of truth

I am hoping that this stay on track and doesn't sell out to a bunch of bathroom humor  as Seth Rogen I feel has worn that out.  He has a good idea here, and a strong co-star.


The Intruder

Dennis Quaid stars a  creepy dude that sells his house to a nice young couple but can't seem to let go of the past or the house.  So he terrorizes them.

I'm not sure about this one


#4

I have been in Country Radio for 38 years and have hosted morning shows in many cities.  I have heard a ton of songs over the years and lived through the ebb and flow of Country Music many times over.  I do get asked a lot, "Who are your favorites in Country?"  Truth is, I have a tendency to be a bigger fan of songs as opposed to artists.

Of course some artists resonate more with me than others, but songs are where I live mostly.  I gravitate to songs that talk to you directly.  I like songs that celebrate the lifestyle of the listener as well.  And as Country fans, we have about as wide of a range of interests as anyone.  Our music is the only one that sounds as good in a Mercedes as it does in an old F-150.

Here are couple of my favorites recently.   (No Order)


Down At The Honkytonk  -  Jake Owen


Up Down -  Morgan Wallen


When It Rains It Pours  - Luke Combs 


Hotel Key -  Old Dominion


On My Way To You   -  Cody Johnson



Why?  As a format we have stretches where we can take ourselves too seriously sometimes.  There's nothing wrong with a "lovey-dovey" song, or some kind of "You're too good to be true" song. Or "If I was yours song, I'd be great to you" song.  And we certainly have no shortage of those.  But when we are the best, in my opinion, is when we have an great balance of that and what is listed above.  Music that represents our fun, our funny side, or our more than honest side.  Our music, like our fans is as versatile as any kind of music.  When we celebrate our versatility, we are the best we can be.

When we are too heavy, too serious, too dark, too pop we are much like the rest of the music scene.  Country peeps are true and fun, and like to be reminded of such.

What are yours?


 
 

Blogs Week 4

#1

We have been riding the weather roller coaster that last few weeks, and like you, I am ready for the good weather to get here for good.   Tons of mowing yesterday, and tons of rain today, and then cool to darn near cold for a day or so.

The weather, is like anything else, sometimes you just have wait your turn.    We're waiting!


#2

What's better than being a golf course dog?  Every now and again at a public golf course you see a dog that somehow came to live at the course.  He, or she, can be seen running along side the mowers and among the workers on the course.  You can see them having the time of their lives, and when I see it, it warms my heart. All that space, cool grass, air, and friends for that lucky dog.

There was a dog that lived on a course in Columbia Station I have played before, (Creekwood) but it was years ago. I used to see him running alongside the big fairway mowers.  I am sure he slept well at night, probably in the cart barn, or the maintenance shed.  I also remember a great dog at Sugarbush in Garrettsville in Portage County that roamed the clubhouse early in the morning, and then watched us all play the 18th hole from the cool grass later that morning!

I'm thinking those dogs fell on hard times, and somehow hit the jackpot when some bighearted golf course workers decided to make them their own.  I recently learned of a dog named Dewey that passed away this week at Bob-O-Links in the Avon area (Lorain County) and it moved me enough to write this. He was a part of the landscape there for about 11 years.  He as such a part of the course, thy posted this pic on Facebook to announce his passing. What a great life!

Sleep well Dewey.  


#3

It's that time of the year when a bunch of us from WQMX come together and support Pay It Forward For Pets, the wonderful non-profit organization run by our friend Georjette Thomas.  Their annual casino night is this weekend, and I and a few of us will help emcee this wonderful event that raises money for this great organization to fulfill its charge and help hundreds of dogs find homes in Summit County.



#4

This week is a week you may remember for a long time. Avengers:Endgame comes out, and this will more than likely rewrite every single box office record there has ever been.  An at least temporarily be the biggest movie of all time.

Good idea to buy them in advance, online or go in the middle of the night.  Gonna be huge


#5

The past few weeks I have had the honor of remembering fondly the early part of my radio days.  A few weeks ago, Windy and I were in Nashville on a fun weekend, and I saw a great old friend named Dave Lenahan who is working at the Ryman these days.  Dave was the Progeram Director at WOBL in Oberlin, Ohio that gave memy first job in Country Radio, My first big break.  My first job was a Pop/Rock station (in those days)  WLRO in Lorian, Ohio.


Dave gave me a job and introduced my to a whole new world that has been, and continues to be very good to me all these years later -  every day!   I have worked at only Country Stations ever since.  It was great to see him.


Then a week or two later, I learned of the passing of a friend of mine named Damon Sheridan.  Damon gave me the second big break of my career, when he hired me to do mornings at
WRMZ in Columbus, Ohio, a new Country Station, when I was newly 22 years old.

I guess what I have been feeling, is that we all have those who we will never forget in our careers Those who made a HUGE impression, even if we are too busy to really digest it at the time, because all is happening too fast.  

To Dave, and Damon. Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I will continue to try to do you proud, all these decades later.

Blogs Week 3

Hey, I'm Browns fan like you. And it seems this Fall, we will have to adjust our Browns viewing as we have gone "Prime Time!!"  The Schedule is out!

Seems the Browns may have many as five night games, which I think may be the league limit.  Plus, looks like we will open on Monday Night Football with the Jets.  BTW - first EVER Monday Night game was at Municipal Stadium, Cleveland  -  against the Jets, with the Legend of Homer Jones  (Google it)

The Browns have figured out at long last that the NFL isn't really sports as much anymore. It's entertainment. And drafting high profile characters who can play like Baker Mayfield, and trading for lightning rods like OBJ, and others get you noticed.  Sure we all want to win, but the Browns also want to be noticed, relevant, popular, cool, and on national TV.

You have to get the fans excited in anticipation of winning, and then you have to actually win.  Thus far, the Browns have everyone excited and ready to go, including the NFL itself.

Then you have to win!  GO BROWNS!~


#2

Quiet weekend at the movies as far as new releases are concerned.  Next week, Avengers Endgame comes out, plus it's Easter weekend.  But there are an couple and both directed right at the family.


Breakthrough

This is based on a true story of a young boy and his falling through a frozen lake, and the miracle needed for him to survive.  This concentrates on his mother and the absolute agony she goes through during his fight for life.

This is going to be too much for some to see, as it may hit a bit too close to the bone.  But it this is this years spiritutal, miracle movie, and these generally do quite well, and find a loyal audiance.


Penguins

What can I say?  An hour and sixteen minutes of Penguins on film.  Family time!


NEXT WEEK!

Avengers: End Game

Blogs - Week 2

# 1

The ACM  Awards were last night, and of course the show was incredible TV, as usual.  The CMA's and the ACM's both over the past number of years revolutionized awards shows in general, by making them practically concerts over just award shows.

Both shows leaning heavily on showcasing its stars and music, as opposed to lots of other elements that have taken over other award shows. This years ACM's were no exception.  But there was something even more unique from this years awards in general.

Lots of raised eyebrows over some of the award winners, and that is fine, as it spurs a healthy debate.  As where there is absolutely no question artist like Luke Combs, Jason Aldean and others are dominating airplay, sales, both music and concerts, and score exceedingly high in the court of fans opinions, the night belonged to Keith Urban, Dan And Shay, and Kacey Musgraves,  

You can't say anymore that these award shows are predictable, this one is one of the most wide ranging ever, and will keep the conversation going on where we are going in the long run.

Talk is always good.


#2

I was lucky enough over the weekend to go see a sight that I am glad I did.  Your kids may be taking a trip this month for school, or already did to Washington DC, and I hope they saw the Cherry Blossoms.  Amazing sight.

It really was an incredible sight that everyone at some point everyone should see.  Huge crowds as you might expect, and with that said I'm not sure I need to go during peak season and see them again, but this was a feast for the eyes.


#3

Recently I have driven past this intersection a few times, and every time I do, I think the exact same thing.  The junction of I-271 and State Route 303 was the home of the Coliseum.  And even though the massive structure that was the Miracle In Richfield has been long gone for about 25 years, the gigantic piece of land is still empty.  That alone, is a miracle.

When the Coliseum opened in the mid 1970's it was a marvel.  It replaced the dark, dank Cleveland Arena that was the Cavaliers, Barons, and Crusaders home for years.  The Coliseum was a showplace and was the envy of most other cities at the time.  So many great times happened there, and then one day it was just - over.  As the movement to build arenas and stadiums downtown reemerged.  Just was the Coliseum led the charge to build them out from the city 20 years earlier.  A trend that many cities followed.

I always think it's a shame there is not something there, that says it was there.  There should be a marker that states this place was so great for so long, and gave so many such joy.  With sports, events, and music.  It was the first beacon of a new hope for an area that needed some good news at that time, and it delivered.

Long remember the Coliseum.


#4

Just a quick note today. I've been known to enjoy a Jack Daniels or two and I'm guessing you have a had a few yourself over time.   I admit, it is my drink of choice when I am in that kind of mood.  And after recently visiting their one and only distillery on earth in Lynchburg, Tennessee, I learned so much.  It's worth a drive there if you are in the area this summer on your vacation. 

This is the spring where all the water comes from they make every bottle of Jack in the world. Who knew?


#5

Pet Semetary is out, and is the most recent rendition of the Stephen King classic book, and this is quite good.

PS, is not ridiculously compelling, and this is not going to change cinematic history, but it is fun to see new life put back into great King classics.  This stars Jasen Clark, John Lithgow, and Amy Seimetz. This is what you would think, scary at times, with a hint of cheese and camp tossed in.  Visually this is quite good, and there is nice use of classic scare tactics, that are predictable, but work all at the same time.  This also has a nice thread that runs through it, that makes you examine your own thoughts on death, and what comes later.

Seimetz is really great as the terrified mother of two, who is trying to make sense of the supernatural death setting she finds her and her family in. She is the star of this movie.  t

If you have never seen this in any form before, this is going to be very intense at times.  If you're a veteran of the book and various versions that came before, I feel you may agree, this is the best rendition yet, and by far.


#6

Well, after a a day or two of severe weather, and the snow that at least didn't stick, it seems the nicer weather for the most part may finally be here.  And for me, and for you, that means the annual firing up of the equipment, and seasons first mow.  I did it today.  I was not letting someone else in my hood set the pace.  I did not want to have mow envy, I wanted to be envied because of my pace setting mow.

It's such a guy thing, you see your neighbor mowing, and you clear your schedule and get to it.  Graduations, showers, weddings, and other major activities have been missed because of the urge to mow.  And also the after party that ensues, as you sit and look at what you've done in concert with the magic of the mower.

The first mow of the year is always a good time. Yard is green, yard looks good and it's an easy chore.  That gives way to flashing forward 100 days, when the grass giddiness goes away, and then it's just another chore. But as far as this week is concerned?    Enjoy the mow.

Blogs Week 1

#1  XX

With Tribe season here, we are all getting pretty geeked up about warmer weather, summer nights, and many runs down to Progressive Field.  Wouldn't it be great if we made a deep post season run, and maybe even make it to the World Series?

The Tribe has played in the WS a few times, and won it twice.  A couple of opening days ago, on the recommendation of my friend Don, we visited the home of the 1920 World Champion Indians, League Park in East Cleveland. And what a treat it was.  If you are a big Tribe fan you should consider putting this on your list.  It's still there, not in total, but much of it is.  It is so worth stepping back in time, from the 1890's to the 1940's.  Get your phone's camera warmed up.

It's place of Bob Feller and other Tribe immortals.  It's also the place where Babe Ruth hit his 500th homer.  In short, it's an Indians fan dream.  All of Municipal Stadium is gone (thank goodness), but the place that was Tribe's home, two homes ago, is still there and waiting for you!

 
#2  XX

Nashville is one of the favorite getaway destinations for a whole lot you, and for me too.  Easy drive, easier flight with an endless amount of fun waiting on the other end.  You may love Broadway, the rooftop bars, and the incredible music.  But before you do all that, maybe a tour of the Ryman Auditorium.

I have been to the historic Ryman many times, always business related, but I had never been given the proper tour, and I am glad I did.  For a few bucks, you can do all kind of cool things, and see areas a regular ticket holder cannot.  That includes getting a chance to get your picture taken on stage at a place many fans believe is more amazing than Carnegie Hall.  Windy and I did it, and we had a blast.

We made the most of our moment, and have the pictures to prove it.

And oh yea, eat BBQ too.


#3  xx

Luke Combs is on pace to be something that is the rarest of the rare.  A "regular guy" seemingly coming out of nowhere and rocketing to the top of the charts, and the format in general.  You have heard all the numbers, #1 here, and there,  for tons of weeks.  It has all happened so fast, it's remarkable.

And this is just getting started.  Luke Combs is making a career out of flat out great, relatable music being delivered to you from a guy giving you a voice.  He reminds us of - us.  He's just a guy, who has the same feelings we do on a mixed bag of emotions with his songs and it seems there is no wall between us and him.

He sings with feelings and words you want to hear, or he says them for you, in common speak if words don't come easy for you.  He is the "every man."  He is what many hope to be when they jump off the bus with a guitar on their backs at the Nashville bus station.  It's straight forward, it's honest and it's reality.  He gives the "regular guy" a voice, which is turning out to be anything but regular -  but rather something beyond exceptional.


#4  xx

With the Indians season underway and things starting to warm up, we have much to look forward to.  The 2019 All Star Game is coming to Cleveland and the area is pretty geeked up!  Cleveland will host its 6th All Star Game, which is more than any other franchise!

I am a big Tribe fan, and a 20 game season ticket holder (section 172).   I remember as a kid when the All Star game seemed like such a big deal, and it was.  It was baseball on during the week, which was rare enough, but all those stars coming together was just magical.  With today's athletes, the pay, the hype and the saturation of games on TV, it may seem less of a big deal than it was in our youth. 

But when it comes to your town?  It's not less at all.  Having he entire baseball and social media world coming to, and watching your town is the stuff that evokes immense civic pride.  I have always said that nothing can galvanize a city like a winning baseball team.  It's the every day-ness of it, the pressure, the drama, and the post season.

Best part is this year the momentum will continue through July, as where the rest of the baseball world has a few days off to rest, we will just be warming up for the fun to come.