He presided over the 1993 agreement that led to free agency and the salary
cap, and for years oversaw the league’s disputes with its players.
4 weeks ago
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Youth T-Shirts
Let me bring up something that's been on my mind for a little while. At the risk of sounding like Andy Rooney or some other bitter old man, let me ask what's the deal with little kids wearing replica concert T-shirts or band T-shirts?
The other night I attended National Night Out block party in Buffalo. There was a little girl wearing a T-shirt that had a replica of the Woodstock poster. And she was way too young to even have attended the one in 1994!
This isn't the first time. I've seen kids as young as 8, 9, and 10 wearing shirts bearing the name and/or album covers as such luminaries as Led Zepplin, AC/DC, and Jimi Hendrix. You just want to walk up to these kids and say, "I'll give you a dollar if you can name a Led Zepplin song. I mean, other than 'Stairway to Heaven.'" Maybe they can, and I am simply underestimating them.
Look, I'm no great dresser or fashionista. Even a cursory glimpse at the photos on this page should inform you of that fact. But, even I know that "faux vintage" is just not cool.
Just wondering what the deal is. Feel free to comment.
The other night I attended National Night Out block party in Buffalo. There was a little girl wearing a T-shirt that had a replica of the Woodstock poster. And she was way too young to even have attended the one in 1994!
This isn't the first time. I've seen kids as young as 8, 9, and 10 wearing shirts bearing the name and/or album covers as such luminaries as Led Zepplin, AC/DC, and Jimi Hendrix. You just want to walk up to these kids and say, "I'll give you a dollar if you can name a Led Zepplin song. I mean, other than 'Stairway to Heaven.'" Maybe they can, and I am simply underestimating them.
Look, I'm no great dresser or fashionista. Even a cursory glimpse at the photos on this page should inform you of that fact. But, even I know that "faux vintage" is just not cool.
Just wondering what the deal is. Feel free to comment.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oscar Picks- Pre-Awards Edition
Since the Academy Awards are on this evening, and since I have made it my personal mission this year to see all of the best picture nominees, I guess I should probably weigh in on tonight awards.
I'm only picking the so-called "Big 5": Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress. I will give my pick of what should win (SW), and what I believe will win (WW). Much of this is moot, since "Gran Torino" got the shaft. I'll report later on my scorecard.
Best Picture:
SW- The Reader
WW- Benjamin Button
Best Director:
SW- Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
WW- same
Best Actor:
SW- Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
WW- Sean Penn (Milk) or Brad Pitt (Benjamin Button)
Best Actress:
SW- Kate Winslet (The Reader)
WW- same
Best Supporting Actor:
SW- Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
WW- Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)
Best Supporting Actress
SW- Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
WW- Taraji P. Henson (Benjamin Button)
Check back later to see how well I scored.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Movie Review- "Gran Torino"
My buddy Dave suggested this might be Clint Eastwood's last movie. If so, this is an incredible swan song. This was, I felt, a brilliant movie. Many felt it got snubbed by the Academy. If that is true, then the other films that did get nominated must be very powerful indeed.
Eastwood directed and stars in this urban tale of racism and forgiveness. Eastwood plays an elderly tough guy named Walt Kowalski who knows his neighborhood is declining. The film starts at the funeral of Walt's wife. He seems intent on living out his days proving his toughness to the world and being grizzled. Things come to a head when a Hmong family who lives next door literally spills over into his life.
This film touches on so many different aspects of life. The easiest and most obvious layer here is racism and tolerance. On a completely superficial level, the message is about having your prejudices diminished after getting to know someone. Keep in mind, I said superficial. I did not say this is a bad thing. How else can prejudice and racism be stopped?
The theme of forgiveness is powerful in any film. But it is especially powerful here. The reason for this is also clear in the film. It is one thing to be forgiven. It is another thing to be able to forgive yourself. Often, this causes just as many problems in human interaction.
The problem with seeing movies the way I do, is that I often see them by myself. Sometimes this is OK. But, when it comes to heavy dramas (my fave genre), it's nice to have some instant processing. But, that why I have you, dear readers. That said, the discussion factor is really high in this film. Other issues it addresses are vigilantism, aging and conformity, self-sacrifice, and maturation. You can probably come up with some others as well.
The "that guy" factor is also in full-effect, most notably in the character of the barber.
I will put out one caution, dear readers: This is not a film for the easily offended. Racist slurs and f-bombs abound. If that is off-putting to you, wait until the movie is on network TV.
Acting: A
Directing: A
That Guy: A-
Overall: A
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hulk Cartoon Revisited
I said a few posts ago that I would possibly revisit The Hulk. That's the point of this post. I've decided not to do a post on my observations on The Hulk as a character. However, I will focus on 2 aspects of my current examination of the character. Here's what I mean by that really confusing statement.
I've looked into some recent issues of the comic book. Granted, I'm jumping into the middle of the current plot. Even upon looking at several back issues, I have to say: "I'm completely lost." All of a sudden there's a red Hulk?
As you dear readers know, I've been watching the cartton that came out in 1996-1997. At first, it was really good. Now, it's not as good. I don't get the gray Hulk. Plus, the She-Hulk becomes the central character. I understand her character, but I just am increasingly disappointed by the entire show.
I think that's as far as I am going with my research. I like it better when The Hulk is a misunderstood soul. I am more intrigued by the psychological relationship between Bruce Banner and The Hulk. In essence, I like it best when the Hulk is a metaphor.
And maybe I'm just being petty, or nostalgic. Maybe it's because I'm conditioned to think this way. But, I want my Hulk to be green. Just green.
I've looked into some recent issues of the comic book. Granted, I'm jumping into the middle of the current plot. Even upon looking at several back issues, I have to say: "I'm completely lost." All of a sudden there's a red Hulk?
As you dear readers know, I've been watching the cartton that came out in 1996-1997. At first, it was really good. Now, it's not as good. I don't get the gray Hulk. Plus, the She-Hulk becomes the central character. I understand her character, but I just am increasingly disappointed by the entire show.
I think that's as far as I am going with my research. I like it better when The Hulk is a misunderstood soul. I am more intrigued by the psychological relationship between Bruce Banner and The Hulk. In essence, I like it best when the Hulk is a metaphor.
And maybe I'm just being petty, or nostalgic. Maybe it's because I'm conditioned to think this way. But, I want my Hulk to be green. Just green.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Kurt Warner: PDF
The above clip is nothing unique. It's Arizona cardinals QB Kurt Warner being interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after the NFC Championship game. It's interesting how Kurt answers Bradshaw's question. He starts off by saying that we are tired of hearing about Christian faith. But, he also said that he never gets tried of talking about it. So are Warner and society at an impasse?
This, as I aid, is nothing new. When Warner was the QB of my beloved St. Louis Rams, he was just as open about his faith there. And this, I think, kind of grated on people after a while. I always wondered about that. Even I had issues with his theology at times.
But here's the rub. We, as Americans, and as Westerners, have been conditioned to believe, teach, and confess that religion and faith are private matters, best kept out of the spotlight of our lives. Or worse, relegated only to the house of worship we choose to attend. As a result, society has taught us to be uncomfortable with PDFs. That is, Public Displays of Faith.
Many people engage in PDFs. It's just that most are understated and easy to do. Examples of this would be wearing a religious symbol on your neck or lapel, certain types of clothing or attire, a bumper sticker. Stuff like that. It's easy, and predictable. In my job as a Pastor, my PDFs fit into this description. No one bats an eye when they see me in my clergy collar or my vestments on Sunday morning. Even when I tell someone that Jesus loves them, or we'd love to have them join us at church, they expect it. Some might even say, "Well, you're paid to say that." And yet, when we see Kurt Warner (or other high-profile people) so blatantly on fire with their faith, it produces all sorts of reactions in us.
It's easy to be cynical in this case too. It's easy to say, "Yeah, I'd probably be that happy about faith too if I was playing in the Super Bowl." But God is with us whether we are pro athletes or not. Whether our experiences and daily lives are going well or it seems like we are at the end of our ropes.
What do you think?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Buffalo List
So, I've been in western NY for a little over a year. And, I'll be completely honest here. Small town life took some getting used to. However, I do believe that God provides us with blessings even in the darkest of times. So, while I may complain about snow and such, there's plenty about this area that I love. So, here's a list of my fave things about Buffalo and the surrounding communities. No particular order.
1. The Anchor Bar
2. Shredd and Ragan (103.3 The Edge)
3. Bills and Sabres
4. Bills and Sabres fans
5. Canada is close
6. Scenic beauty
7. Best wings in the universe
8. The beef on weck sandwich
9. Aunt Rosie's Loganberry
10. Wine Country
11. Cassadaga Country Club
12. Niagara Falls
1. The Anchor Bar
2. Shredd and Ragan (103.3 The Edge)
3. Bills and Sabres
4. Bills and Sabres fans
5. Canada is close
6. Scenic beauty
7. Best wings in the universe
8. The beef on weck sandwich
9. Aunt Rosie's Loganberry
10. Wine Country
11. Cassadaga Country Club
12. Niagara Falls
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Artists List
I've been watching a fair amount of the Ovation channel as of late. So, I decided it was probably time to publish a list of my fave artists. Most are painters, but not all of them. I don't really favor one style over another. I just know what I like. The list, as always is in no particular order. Enjoy!
1. Paul Cezanne
2. Piet Mondrian
3. Alex Ross
4. Henri Matisse
5. Josh Agle
6. Richard Serra
7. Edward Gorey
8. Christo
9. Dale Chihuly
10. John Caldwell
11. John James Audobon
1. Paul Cezanne
2. Piet Mondrian
3. Alex Ross
4. Henri Matisse
5. Josh Agle
6. Richard Serra
7. Edward Gorey
8. Christo
9. Dale Chihuly
10. John Caldwell
11. John James Audobon
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The "I Don't Get It" List
While I do consider myself to be a garden variety armchair pseudo anthropologist of American culture, there are certain things which I just do not get. This is not to say there is anything wrong with any of the items on this list, I just don't understand their popularity. I have friends, loved ones, and relatives that like these things, but I just can't grasp their appeal. People have tried to explain it to me, but it's just beyond me. I'm sorry if some of what you like is on this list, but I probably have and do things you don't get either (Camo, Woody Allen, etc.). Make-a da world go 'round.
1. Mixed Martial Arts
2. "Sex & The City"
3. NASCAR
4. John Mayer
5. Orlando Bloom
6. Most Anime (with some exceptions)
7. "Lord of the Rings" (books and films; sorry, CSL fanboys!)
8. Monty Python
9. Cris Collinsworth
10. "Dancing With The Stars"
11. "Columbo"
12. Film and Music elitists
13. Elicia's Pizza in the STL
14. Ranch Dressing with Chicken Wings
15. Sushi
1. Mixed Martial Arts
2. "Sex & The City"
3. NASCAR
4. John Mayer
5. Orlando Bloom
6. Most Anime (with some exceptions)
7. "Lord of the Rings" (books and films; sorry, CSL fanboys!)
8. Monty Python
9. Cris Collinsworth
10. "Dancing With The Stars"
11. "Columbo"
12. Film and Music elitists
13. Elicia's Pizza in the STL
14. Ranch Dressing with Chicken Wings
15. Sushi
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Poets List
To be honest, the idea for this list came to me in the shower yesterday morning. I don't know why I was thinking about poetry and poets at that time, but, apparently I was.
As many of you dear readers know,I was an English major in college. I loved literature (and still do). I always tell people that English is the best thing to major in. Why? because when you tell people that you major in English, a good many of them will think you are a sensitive poet. A smaller faction will assume you are lonely and angst-ridden. I was not, but I knew people who were.
I even fancied myself a poet and tried my hand at it. I published a chapbook. It was a book of haiku. Maybe I'll put some of those poems on the blog. The book was called "Haiku Fuel".
Anyway, here's a list of my fave writers of poetry. As with all my lists, they writers are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
1. Langston Hughes
2. Adrienne Rich
3. Anne Sexton
4. Denise Levertov
5. James Wright
6. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
7. Jim McWilliams
8. Anne Bradstreet
9. e.e. cummings
10. Kevin Coval
I've actually met 2 of the poets on this list. Jim McWilliams, at last check lives in Columbia, MO. He and I met when we both worked for Vitamin World back in the late 90's. He inspired me to put my chapbook together and even helped me publish it. I lost track of him, but I'll always be grateful for his friendship, inspiration, and help.
As many of you dear readers know,I was an English major in college. I loved literature (and still do). I always tell people that English is the best thing to major in. Why? because when you tell people that you major in English, a good many of them will think you are a sensitive poet. A smaller faction will assume you are lonely and angst-ridden. I was not, but I knew people who were.
I even fancied myself a poet and tried my hand at it. I published a chapbook. It was a book of haiku. Maybe I'll put some of those poems on the blog. The book was called "Haiku Fuel".
Anyway, here's a list of my fave writers of poetry. As with all my lists, they writers are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
1. Langston Hughes
2. Adrienne Rich
3. Anne Sexton
4. Denise Levertov
5. James Wright
6. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
7. Jim McWilliams
8. Anne Bradstreet
9. e.e. cummings
10. Kevin Coval
I've actually met 2 of the poets on this list. Jim McWilliams, at last check lives in Columbia, MO. He and I met when we both worked for Vitamin World back in the late 90's. He inspired me to put my chapbook together and even helped me publish it. I lost track of him, but I'll always be grateful for his friendship, inspiration, and help.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Day At Niagara Falls- Canadian Side
Here's the photos from the Canadian side. What an enjoyable couple of hours! We ate at this place called Boston Pizza. I made the group try poutine. I happen to love it, but the group was kind of skeptical. However, they were won over with one taste.
I love Canada. I know it's Niagara Falls, and it's kind of geared toward tourists, but I love it. (I have also been to Toronto and loved that). There's just such a different vibe up there. It's kind of hard to explain. Maybe it's just me.
I know the US doesn't necessarily have the greatest reputation in the world right now. But the people in Canada that I've encountered are really great. Kudos to you, Canada! From this humble American, you have a great country.
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Cutest Thing Ever!
So, last night, I was shopping at Wal-Mart. I live by myself and am not married, and have no kids. Needless to say, I don't have too much for kids to do. But, my niece and nephew are coming for a visit tomorrow. So, I shopped for some toys for them. I came across these little toys from Learning Curve. It's from their "Play Town" line. They were so cute! I had to get them! Seriously, these are the cutest things I've seen in a long time.
Friday, August 1, 2008
McCain in STL
I thought this was kind of a cool picture. It's GOP-presidential candidate John McCain in St. Louis. He's standing outside of STL-icon Ted Drewes. I'm certainly not voting for John McCain, but I am very much pro-STL and pro-Ted Drewes. Plus, I figured I'd throw my dear readers in the GOP a little tidbit. Enjoy!
http://www.newsweek.com/id/148959
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Review- The Man They Could Not Hang
I guess I should explain why I'm reviewing a movie form 1939, and not a current flick. So let me start at the beginning:
Tonight was a wonderful experience. I found out that this place in North Tonawanda called the Riviera Theater is showing films from 1939 this summer as part of a series. I was thrilled! I love old movies, and if I can get the chance to see them on the big screen, that just sweetens the deal.
So I eventually get there. North Tonawanda is quite a hike from Silver Creek, as is just about everything in the Buffalo area, except Dunkirk and Fredonia. Anyway, I get there with time to kill. Fortunately, there's an Irish pub right next to the theater. I stop in for a quick Labatt Blue to kill time.
I bought my ticket and was transported back in time. The Riviera's interior is old-school and gorgeous! It made me think of this now-defunct movie house in the STL called the Avalon. Being there reminded me of some of the good times I had at the Avalon. Plus, it was on $6 to get in, and the snacks were moderately priced. But, the proceeds to go benefit the Riviera restoration efforts. Before the film started there was a brief intro by the director of the Buffalo International Film Festival. Then there was an old-school Popeye cartoon from that era. A real treat all the way around.
Now, onto the main event: I tend to view old movies through a set of rose-colored glasses. Thus, I give them breaks that I don't give to newer films. You have to remember the context of the audience at the time. You have to ask what was going on in American culture at the time? Was there a war? What were peoples' attitudes regarding race relations, politics, etc? But I digress. That said, this movie certainly fits into that mold.
This film is technically classified as a horror film (also, its a B-movie). However, that depends on what people think is scary. In this movie, Boris Karloff plays a mad scientist (go figure). he invents an artificial heart which can reanimate the dead. he tries an experiment, but it goes wrong, and the subject dies. He is charged with murder, tried, and convicted. He is sentenced to death by hanging. After the execution, his former assistant tries the experiment on him, and it works. So, he decides to wreak vengeance on those who sent him to the gallows.
The plot moves pretty fast,a s it's quite a short movie. Film snobs and other pretentious folks would probably find a lot to dislike about this film. But, I must disagree. I've already stated my biases. I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, there was really no "that guy" factor for me. But this may simply be due to my lack of familiarity with the character actors of that era.
As I drove home, I reflected on the movie, as I saw it alone. I came to the conclusion that even though Boris Karloff played a lot of the same character (the mad scientist) he really was quite an underrated actor. I've seen his 2 biggest films, Frankenstein (1931) and The Mummy (1932). Granted, I haven't seen all that many of his movies. But from what I have seen, my 3 favorite performances were in The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), where he reprises his role as the monster, and Isle of the Dead and The Body Snatcher (both 1945). I will definitely be seeing more of this great artist's work.
Here's the link to the Riviera: http://www.rivieratheatre.org/
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