Aug 26, 2008 | 11:50 AM
Category:
Sports
The games of the XXIX Summer Olympics have come and gone. I watched them on TV as I have always done. I've always enjoyed them--always enjoyed the ceremonies and all the nations coming together and I enjoy the competition. I am a big sports fan. I watched these Olympics on NBC (who I think have televised them since 2000, if I'm not mistaken). I give their coverage of this year's Games a B, or, if a medal was to be awarded to the network, I think they would get the bronze medal. I enjoyed the coverage of the swimming, diving, gymnastics. I thought Michael Phelps was just awesome--winning gold in all eight of his events in less than a week! He is truly a great champion and seems a nice, down-to-earth, humble young man, too (kind of cute also :) ). Glad I got to see LeBron James of the Cavaliers and team USA get basketball gold and the Argentine men take soccer gold (broadcast on Telemundo). But I think NBC put too much emphasis on volleyball (both the beach and indoor kind). I think they should have put more emphasis on soccer and basketball. I do not think that volleyball is more internationally popular than soccer and basketball. Basketball is obviously growing and gaining fans globally. This could be seen in the Opening Ceremony of these 2008 Olympics--where 5 of the flagbearers in the Parade of Nations were NBA players. I think I may have liked to have seen more of the equestrian events, too. I also did not like how at times, NBC would start covering an event then they would cut away to another then back again. I think they should start and finish an event; showing it in its entireity before going to another. And show more of the medal ceremonies after the events. So NBC's Olympic coverage of these Olympic Games for me earns a bronze medal. I do think they need to step up and show more of basketball and soccer. ABC is not afraid to show soccer. I think NBC overdid the volleyball coverage.
I am glad however that these were a fairly peaceful Olympics; that the athletes are returning home safe and sound. In a year and half; in 18 months (2010), it all happens again, with the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. I look forward to watching again.
Aug 5, 2008 | 1:42 PM
Category:
Sports
I created a petition that I hope my fellow Cleveland sports fans will join me in supporting. It is located at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/clevemls/petition.html
I think it deserves support because soccer is a growing sport in the USA and Cleveland has some of the best sports fans in the world. I think it would help to boost our city's economy and create jobs and promote Cleveland bringing more people to see what the town has to offer, which includes our excellent museums, world class orchestra, and more. Also great theatre and concert venues and the beautiful Browns stadium which is underused.
Jul 23, 2008 | 3:16 PM
Category:
Entertainment
I have created yet another petition in favor of my favorite band Lifehouse. The petition is located at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/lhattheq/petition.html
They are a brilliant, talented band from California consisting of 3 down-to-earth, affable, funny young men who enjoy playing in Cleveland and are always well-received when they come here. I have been a fan of them since their first album and had the good fortune to meet them last year. They, especially frontman Jason Wade, always speak highly of this city when they come and Jason always talks about he is fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and of Lebron James. I think this group deserves the best venue Cleveland has to offer and I have seen concerts in at least 3 venues and I think the best is the "Q" arena in this town so I feel strongly that their next show in Cleveland should be at the "Q". I hope other Lifehouse fans will join me in signing this petition to get their concert at the "Q".
Jul 23, 2008 | 3:13 PM
Category:
Entertainment
I have created a new petition that I hope my fellow fans of Josh Groban will join me in signing at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/joshespy/petition.html
I feel he should host this awards show because seeing him in concert I have noticed that he is a charismatic, affable, funny young man ( I have seen him perform but haven't met him but I hope to someday). I also watched him on singer Michael Buble's special "Caught in the act" on the dvd and he was hilarious. I think he'd do a fine job hosting the show. After seeing the brilliant work of Justin Timberlake hosting on 7/20/2008, I felt Josh would be great as well. And I know Josh is a sports fan and has sung at several sporting events.
Jul 5, 2008 | 3:24 PM
Category:
Music
Reading the latest news on my favorite band, Lifehouse, I learned that they have released "Broken" as their next single off their album "Who we are". I must say that as much as I enjoy the cd "Who we are" on the whole, I am not a fan of the song "Broken". I find it rather depressing and rather slow. It is unfortunate that they did not choose to release "The Joke" as a single. That song is more upbeat--has a sort of funky rhythm and Jason's voice really shines in it. He shows his versitility on that one. I enjoyed the first single "First time" very much as well, and "Disarray", "Who we are", and "Bridges". The rest are rather slow, sleepy, weepy ballads that don't do much for me, much as I appreciate Lifehouse in general. "Broken", as well as the single "Storm", in hearing the lyrics, also seem to me that those songs would be more at home on a worship album, a church hymnal, or on a religious radio station. I don't think they are going to work on a mainstream radio station. I myself am a Christian and have nothing against hearing Christian worship music, but not 24/7. And I also don't think worship music needs to be depressing.
Lifehouse's "Who we are" is a good album but I still think their best one continues to be "No name face", their debut.
Today is the birthday of Lifehouse frontman Jason Wade! A happy birthday to him! He, Rick, and Bryce continue to be my favorite band! I look forward to their return to my city (it's been nearly a year since I attended a quality concert; a Lifehouse concert--I am going through withdrawal!)very soon! I also look forward to a new album from them.
Jul 4, 2008 | 11:20 AM
Category:
Music
On Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008, I attended the free Annual Cleveland Orchestra concert in "Public Square" in downtown Cleveland. This concert is always held around the 4th of July to celebrate the holiday. Always a wonderful concert by the best Orchestra in the world. They were lead in this year's show not by the regular music director but by a guest conductor. The program started with the National Anthem and featured a soprano and several lovely compositions. It lasted about an hour. A good portion (some 20-25 minutes) of the concert was cut out as was the lazer show that is usually put on during the "1812 Overture" played toward the end, as is custom. That's one of my favorite parts and I kind of missed it. The finale was "Stars and Stripes Forever" by Sousa; then there were fireworks. And then it started to rain so the fireworks were cut short as everyone sprinted to their cars. All in all an enjoyable evening. It could have been even better if I had been able to sit closer or at least sit where I could have seen the orchestra better. At least I could kind of see the jumbo screen next to them. And then there were people near me who were just chattering away instead of enjoying the music. I think they ought to show more respect for the orchestra and for the people who came to hear them. I don't mind the show being outdoors (though it gets crowded there in public square). But I am wondering why this concert cannot be held at Cleveland Browns Stadium. There's plenty of seats there to accomodate everyone and it can fit even more than Public Square. And the city spent lots of taxpayers' hard-earned money on Cleveland Browns Stadium so the city and its taxpaying citizens should get more use out of the Stadium when the Browns are not playing. This concert is such a popular annual event that I think it might be enhanced by being held at the Browns' beautiful stadium and more people could attend and get to hear a great orchestra
Jun 25, 2008 | 2:51 PM
Category:
Entertainment
On June 20, 2008, for the first time ever, I attended a wedding. This was the wedding of a good friend from high school; a woman I have known for 18 years. The ceremony was nice and simple; in a church in Cleveland. There was a mass along with the ceremony. It was lovely. My friend and her new husband seem happy. I wish them the best. She's a great friend--been supportive of me and my family through happy times and sad ones as well. I have not met her husband yet but he seems a nice young man. My only quibble with the ceremony was the music. It was bit mellow and sad for a joyous occassion such as a wedding. And the cantor left something to be desired. I have heard better ones. And I think that it would have been sweet if the cantor had been a singer like Josh, or Sarah Brightman, or Jason, the lead singer of Lifehouse. I think if and when I get married, I will try to incorporate Josh songs, Lifehouse songs, along with other favorites into the actual ceremony if possible and definitely after the ceremony. For example, when me and my new husband walk out of the church and everyone is applauding and waiting to greet us, I'd like to have a song like Sarah Brightman's "Pasion", or "All'improvisso amore" or "Canto alla vita" by Josh or "everything" by Lifehouse playing. My friend did not have anything like that. And I was sorry that I did not get to greet her and her husband after the ceremony. They did not stick around very long at the church. If I get married, I hope that me and my husband will stay and greet the family and friends who have come to share this special day with us. There was also this part where we had to blow bubbles when the bride and groom walked out of the church (in lieu of throwing rice, I suppose). That would have been awesome if everyone had done it right at the same time. But it was all in all a pleasant afternoon ceremony. Interesting experience. And as I said the first wedding I have been to. I am happy for her. She and her family are good people and her husband seems to be as well. I'm glad she found someone. I hope I will soon, too.
Jun 19, 2008 | 6:02 PM
Category:
Sports
Another NBA season has come and gone. I watched the NBA Finals, including Tuesday's (June 17, 2008) deciding game 6. Congratulations to the 2008 NBA Champions Boston Celtics and to their fans. They were the best team. The Lakers didn't seem to have any fight left in this game as the Celts crushed them (beat 'em by 39!). Boston deserved to win. But it still stings that my team the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to them in Round 2 (the second time in less than a year that a Boston teams knocks a Cleveland team out of the playoffs! damn!). It's small consolation that the Cavs took the best team in the league to 7 games in that second round series (a series in which the Cavs made a valient effort; especially LeBron James who played his butt off). It kind of sucks that this city of Cleveland has been twarted again (and by Boston again--did I mention that?)in a run at a championship! But I must congratulate Boston and their fans again. As a Clevelander, I am still a Cavaliers fan, however, and I wish them better luck next year and I hope they make it back to the playoffs and back to the Finals and get the Championship! I'd been also rooting for the Dallas Mavericks (who were unfortunately knocked out in round 1 this year!). I also wish them better luck next season and a return to the playoffs and to the Finals. I also hope they win the Championship (if the Cavaliers don't). The Mavs like the Cavs have never won an NBA Title that's why I enjoy rooting for them and hope to see one of these teams get the Championship ring in the near future.
May 12, 2008 | 4:28 PM
Category:
Music
Just recently received and took a look (and listen) at the new live album "Awake live" by Josh Groban. This is very much a live version of his cd "Awake" and it is one of his concerts that was taped lasted year during his "Awake" tour in Salt Lake City. It is pretty much like the concert I saw here in Cleveland in February of 2007 (except that here in Cleveland he did not perform "Canto alla vita"; which is one of my favorites). I genuinely enjoyed that show last year and I liked watching this "Awake live" dvd. It brought back great memories of that night at the "Q" arena as I watched and listened to Josh perform my favorite songs on this live album, songs like "Mai", "Alla luce del sole", and "Machine". Josh has such a magnificent baritone voice and he seems to genuinely enjoy performing for his fans. He really seems to put his heart and soul into every show. And he is so damn hot, too:)
But as I said about his "Awake" cd, I found most of the songs on "Awake live" rather sad. I prefer the more upbeat songs on his albums "Closer" and "Live at the Greek". And I am not a big fan of duets. I think Josh does an incredible job singing on his own and needs no help to do that.
So my grades on "Awake live" are: A+ for Josh's performance, voice, presence, etc:)
B+ for the songs.
It is good solid live album and has me looking forward to Josh going back on tour here in the USA and returning to Cleveland:)I hope it is soon:)
May 3, 2008 | 4:18 PM
Category:
Music
On Wednesday night (early Thursday 5/1 ) 4/30, I watched one of my favorite singers Josh Groban on "Late Night with David Letterman". Let me say again, first of all, he IS one of my favorite singers. I have seen him in concert twice. I have been a fan of his since his album "Closer" (still my favorite Josh album). I do appreciate the fact that he puts his heart into his concerts and gives 110% in his performances. I appreciate that he has genuine talent: not only singing, but singing in various languages, and playing the drums and piano. I have never met him but he seems to be a nice, down-to-earth, genuine, (as well as good looking )young man. But I was kind of let down by his performance on "David Letterman". He did not, in my opinion, sing as strong as I've seen him do. Also, the choir with him was rather unnecessary and choice of song "Weeping" was a little bit sad. He himself did not seem very happy. I have to ask: "what's up, Josh?" because I have to rate his "Letterman" appearance a "C+"; it is not the performance I'd hoped to see from him. I've seen better performances from him and where he was more upbeat. I know anyone can have an off-night once in a while and I hope in future appearances he will be performing as well as I'm accustomed to seeing him. I also like it better when Josh is singing solo--without other voices. I think his voice does not need any help.
Apr 28, 2008 | 3:56 PM
Category:
Entertainment
The telanovela (or "soap opera") "Pasion" had its "gran final" (grand final)on Friday, April 25, 2008 on Spanish-speaking network Univision. The show was excellent;had something for everyone: adventure, mystery, intrigue, romance, sex. It also had very good actors, especially those who played the title roles of Camila (Susana Gonzalez) and Ricardo (Fernando Colunga).
The story of "Pasion" takes place in the 18th century. A young woman named Camila Darien is engaged to a young man Santiago (Sebastian Rulli) from her small town of San Fernando (in Mexico; before Mexico declared its independence from Spain). But events the night before her wedding change the course of her life. A short time later, she meets a pirate called Ricardo de Salamanca when she is captured by his group. At first she does not know his name and she despises him. She is sold as a slave and purchased by Ricardo's cruel uncle Timiteo de Salamanca who persuades Camila to marry him to gain her freedom. She ultimately does get her freedom and the old man's money, too. Camila returns to her hometown where she finds her fiance married to her sister. She is devastated by this but Ricardo then comes to her village. She and Ricardo fall in love and Ricardo wants to quit being a pirate but he and Camila face many obstacles, including Santiago who continues to be in love with Camila and Ricardo's blind cousin Lizabeta (Daniela Castro) who is obssessed with Ricardo.
I give this telenovela an "A+" not only for the brilliant acting, but for the costumes, and the storyline, and the theme song "Pasion" performed by singers Sarah Brightman and Fernando Lima.
I do recommend this show highly. I would watch it again. I hope it will be repeated or be on dvd in the near future.
Besides everything else I mentioned, the novela has some very handsome men (and they can act): Fernando Colunga, Sebastian Rulli (whom I already have mentioned and Sebastian bears a resemblance to the lead singer of my favorite band), William Levy (he played Camila's brother Vasco Darien and he was excellent). I hope to see these guys in novelas again soon.:)
Apr 14, 2008 | 3:16 PM
Category:
Music
On a chilly, wet, Thursday afternoon 4/10/2008,in Cleveland, I met singer/songwriter Jason Mraz courtesy of a contest by a local radio station. The meet-and-greet was at a recording studio in Downtown cleveland. First, Jason, accompanied by drummer Toca Rivera, played five songs for us contest winners (there were a good many of us; more than for the Lifehouse meet-and-greet and men and women were present; the audience at the Lifehouse meet and greet was all female). He featured three songs from his upcoming new album "we sing, we dance, we steal thing" ( i kind of dig that title), including the new single "I'm yours" and he played two songs from his debut album "Waiting for my rocket to come": "The Remedy" and " You and I both". I think after hearing the three songs from the new cd, I think I will buy it. I enjoyed his upbeat and rather funky performance. He is a talented musician and he's funny and has a good voice and he is a also a nice guy. He is also kind of good looking. After performing the five songs, he took pictures with us fans and signed autographs and talked a bit to each of us. I enjoyed hearing him and meeting him, as did my friend who was with me. I saw him perform in concert in 2004 and that was an enjoyable show at the Palace theater here in Cleveland. Thank you, Jason, and please come back soon to Cleveland
Feb 25, 2008 | 3:15 PM
Category:
Music
Last Thursday(2/21/08), I watched "American Idol" alumnus Chris Daughtry and his band Daughtry perform on PBS "Soundstage. They played songs from their debut album in the 55 minute show, which is also called "Daughtry", including the familiar "It's not over", "Home", and the lastest single "Feels like tonight". This was the first concert I have actually seen by them on tv or in person and I did enjoy the upbeat performance, although Chris did sometimes have a tendancy to try too hard, like when he used a megaphone during the concert. I found that a bit unnecessary. He has a decent voice, but the lyrics of the songs (the songs are good) tend to get repetitious. Still, Chris and co. are off to a promising start. They showed plenty of potential. I give their performance a "B+" and wish Daughtry good luck and continued success
Feb 1, 2008 | 9:41 PM
Category:
Music
Last night (1/31/08)I watched Lifehouse, my favorite band, on PBS "Soundstage". It was good to see them on tv; it's been a while (actually a month; I saw them on the Fox New Year's Eve Special). It was an excellent show (Jason, Bryce,and Rick never give anything less :) )and they played at least twelve songs, mostly from the new album. They played "The Joke","Whatver it takes", "Disarray" "Storm", "First Time" "Broken" from album #4 "Who we are", "Better Luck Next Time" and "You and me" from the album "Lifehouse" (2005), "Spin" from the sophomore album "Stanley Climbfall" (2002), and "Somewhere in between",and "Hanging by a moment" from their debut cd "No name face" (2000). Awesome show. I give it an A++Iamvery grateful to Lifehouse and to PBS for bringing us fans this program. I am glad that the guys are going on tour soon and I hope they will be back in my city of Cleveland soon. I enjoyed meeting them last year and attending not one but two Lifehouse concerts in 2007.
Jan 23, 2008 | 3:43 PM
Category:
Entertainment
Recently a telenovela (soap opera) that I watched on the network Univision had its "gran final" (finale). It was called "Amar sin limites" ("love without limits"). It was on of the better telenovelas I watched. It's the story of a young man called Diego who returns to his home town after being away from it for some time and he goes to work in a fashion store and meets a young woman called Azul with whom he falls in love and she falls in love with him, too. There are of course complications: Azul is engaged to another man--an unscrupuluous businessman called Mauricio and two other woman are in love with Diego: a businesswoman in charge of Mauricio's company called Eva and a woman called Silvana both of whom have troubles of their own. Further complicating Diego and Azul's relationship is that Diego is working for Eva and Mauricio's illness (which he has inflicted on himself) and uses this to obligate Azul to marry him. Azul does but then learns the truth about Mauricio and she is rescued by Diego and divorces Mauricio (who goes to prison). Azul and Diego get married but just when you think their troubles are over--there is still more to come! For Mauricio comes into their lives one last time. What happens next tests the love of Azul and Diego as well as the strength of their marriage.
I found it a good show because first of all I liked the theme song that was sung by Laura Pausini. I think it's called "Dispare, Disparame" and I can't find it any of her cds. I thought there was a good plot, too, for a relationship is not always easy but when it is "meant to be" like Azul and Diego's it will ultimately triumph. I thought the actors were excellent, too, especially the ones who played the main roles of Diego, Azul, and Mauricio.
I give the telenovela an "A" and I'd watch it again and hope it comes out on DVD. Good work and thank you, Univision, for bringing "Amar sin limites" to your network.
