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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
