Over the past couple of years I've been watching a situation in my neighborhood, simply from a drive by perspective. And it quite frankly, has been fascinating to watch it unfurl.
It starts out sad. A couple years ago, an elderly couple that lived about a mile from my house, that I never knew, had a early morning terrible house fire one winter day. They did not make it out. The house, that was a nice one, in a desirable area then stood there for a while empty. It was one of those situations where the house looked abandoned, but you really couldn't tell casually from a drive by, that it was more than likely completely destroyed inside.
Time went by and I always wondered what really happened there, and what was going to happen there. There was not a time I drove by, I didn't think about these people I didn't know. Over the months there was little change. Then one day, I noticed the home was being torn down totally. Again, this didn't seem surprising - on my levels. Then I noticed the basement had been filled in, and grass had been planted. That to me was surprising. A nice piece of land in a nice area, between two other nice houses sitting empty. The land, quite valuable.
Then, the biggest surprise of all. The other day, I noticed right in the middle of this really big empty house lot, was a new basketball hoop, with a mold being prepared for a level concrete half court to be poured. I was almost stunned, and I smiled. Full disclosure, I didn't know these people, their family, or anything about this whole thing other than what I just told you.
But I know this. It is incredibly refreshing to see that someone is clearly honoring someone's wishes, or giving a loved one a lasting legacy. I don't know if this is the family, or the city, or one of their neighbors. But it's wonderful to see that someone is gentle enough to deem this a worthy idea.
This has taught me that hallowed ground is not strictly limited to the deserved National Monuments that we all know and respect. But it can be more than powerful, when it's placed in the care and memory of neighborly perished souls who met and end that none of us can imagine.
This moved me. Well done.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Friday, March 3, 2017
MOVIE REVIEWS - New In Theaters Now
This is traditionally the time they toss all the movies in theaters that, well have no place else to go Let's see if that's the case this week.
Logan
This is a good example of a series that from a movie standpoint is starting to wear thin. And it appears the end is near, and that's all I will say. Even Patrick Stewart is saying he is done.
I have to admit, expectations from me were low, as I have become fatigued on this whole Wolverine thing. But, I was reminded by Hugh Jackman that he is a fine actor, and has done a lot with this character over the past number of years. This may be a bit too long at 2 hours 15, but I was captured and entertained. And that's what these movies do, and for the most part do well.
Jackman and a solid script and a slick adaptation make this a late winter winner.
Get Out
What a surprise hit! And this is totally worth a ticket or two. This is as original of a script as we have seen in a long time. A thriller with serious racial overtones that was handled beautifully.
This is the story of a interracial couple who go home to meet mom and dad. The woman is white and her boyfriend is black. The parents clearly are messed up, but we don' exactly know how, but boy do we find out. This is a compelling story, that moves along fast, and handles a touchy topic exceedingly well.
This doesn't wear out its welcome either. It says what it needs to and moves on. Get Out is strong, original and flat out good.
Fist Fight
This Ice Cube, Charlie Day "comedy" is new this week. Um, where to begin on this one. This story is set in a modern day high school and the place is a zoo. And two teachers (Cube and Day) cross paths on the last day of school, and that leads to the two the THEM having a fist fight.
This is a really harsh, vile, foul language filled, drug glorifying "lampoon" of sort, on today's high school experience. This is also one of those comedy's that is essentially improvisational, where the actors really have no script and just try to be funny for 90 minutes. Truth is, this is not funny for even nine of it.
This could also be the most irritating movie of this year or any year. Would someone please shut Charlie Day up and ask him to quit screaming all movie in that shrill, high voice of his? And while your at it, ask the rest of the cast to do the same. This just does not work and it sends a brutal example that is supposed to be parody, but ends of being a celebration of the dysfunction of many schools.
Fist Fight. Not good, not funny, not needed.
Logan
This is a good example of a series that from a movie standpoint is starting to wear thin. And it appears the end is near, and that's all I will say. Even Patrick Stewart is saying he is done.
I have to admit, expectations from me were low, as I have become fatigued on this whole Wolverine thing. But, I was reminded by Hugh Jackman that he is a fine actor, and has done a lot with this character over the past number of years. This may be a bit too long at 2 hours 15, but I was captured and entertained. And that's what these movies do, and for the most part do well.
Jackman and a solid script and a slick adaptation make this a late winter winner.
Get Out
What a surprise hit! And this is totally worth a ticket or two. This is as original of a script as we have seen in a long time. A thriller with serious racial overtones that was handled beautifully.
This is the story of a interracial couple who go home to meet mom and dad. The woman is white and her boyfriend is black. The parents clearly are messed up, but we don' exactly know how, but boy do we find out. This is a compelling story, that moves along fast, and handles a touchy topic exceedingly well.
This doesn't wear out its welcome either. It says what it needs to and moves on. Get Out is strong, original and flat out good.
Fist Fight
This Ice Cube, Charlie Day "comedy" is new this week. Um, where to begin on this one. This story is set in a modern day high school and the place is a zoo. And two teachers (Cube and Day) cross paths on the last day of school, and that leads to the two the THEM having a fist fight.
This is a really harsh, vile, foul language filled, drug glorifying "lampoon" of sort, on today's high school experience. This is also one of those comedy's that is essentially improvisational, where the actors really have no script and just try to be funny for 90 minutes. Truth is, this is not funny for even nine of it.
This could also be the most irritating movie of this year or any year. Would someone please shut Charlie Day up and ask him to quit screaming all movie in that shrill, high voice of his? And while your at it, ask the rest of the cast to do the same. This just does not work and it sends a brutal example that is supposed to be parody, but ends of being a celebration of the dysfunction of many schools.
Fist Fight. Not good, not funny, not needed.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Jenny's Question
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.
"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.
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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