Monday, May 28, 2018

Monday, March 5, 2018

2018 Oscars a success despite ratings drop


So many historic, entertaining and all-around awesome moments occurred on Sunday, March 5, 2018 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Everyone looked quite good in their outfits and accessories - of course. For the second consecutive year as host, late night TV funny dude Jimmy Kimmel was in vintage form doing what he did throughout the entire telecast. The expressions of defiance against the policies of President Donald Trump - as well as the Women's Rights #MeToo movement were brought to the forefront by the various creatives in attendance. 'The Shape Of Water' won four Academy Awards, including capturing Best Picture and it's Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro winning Best Director. Jordan Peele became the first African-American male to win the Oscar for Original Screenplay to his debut, ground-breaking film 'Get Out.' Recently retired and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant became the first former NBA player to win an Academy Award for his animated short film, 'Dear Basketball,' et cetera, et cetera. So why were only an estimated 26.5 million sets of eyeballs tuned in this year in comparison to last year? Well, for one thing, the Academy Awards are the only ceremonies that gives out awards to every single category live, therefore it tends to run for about four hours, max. Personally, I think giving out all the awards on TV will actually inspire many to push hard with their dreams - that the ones working behind-the-scenes get rewarded and acknowledged for their important works. So for me, the 90th edition of the Academy Awards was incredible, 'can't miss' programming in spite of the 20% decline in viewership.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Gang Green Still Alive: Jets stun struggling Chiefs to remain in playoff hunt


After falling into a gaping 14-0 hole early in the first quarter by way of two touchdown grabs by All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, the New York Jets responded strongly with just enough defense, sloppy play by the opposition and a solid effort by their veteran starting quarterback Josh McCown the rest of the way to eek out a huge 38-31 victory over the free-falling Kansas City Chiefs in front of an energetically raucous 77,562 fans at MetLife Stadium. The Jets (5-7) remain alive for an improbable AFC wildcard playoff spot with four crucial games remaining on their schedule. McCown put forth a very much-needed efficient game under center, completing 26 of 36 pass attempts for 331 yards and a TD toss to running back Matt Forte, and also entered the end zone himself on two 1-yard sneaks. Also, big kudos to place-kicker Chandler Cantanzaro on his three big field goal makes in the 'W' over KC, who fell to the .500 mark at 6-6 after kicking off the season with a 5-0 start. Next up for head coach Todd Bowles and Team Gang Green are the equally struggling and underachieving Denver Broncos (3-9) on the road come Sunday, December 10.  

The managerial hiring of Aaron Boone an interestingly bold move by the New York Yankees


Since the Bronx Bomber's positively surprising 2017 regular season and postseason run to the A.L. Championship Series ended with release of manager Joe Girardi, there was oh so much speculation as to who would be the guy to replace him. Names such as former major leaguers David Cone, Carlos Beltran, and even Alex Rodriguez were all in the conversation for the highly coveted position of Yankees manager. So when GM Brian Cashman and the higher-ups decided that former pinstriper and ESPN baseball analyst Aaron Boone, 44, would be the successor to Giradi and the 35th field manager in franchise history - despite having 'zero' prior experience either coaching or managing on any level, I think it's a refreshingly exciting move. I think Boone will step into the dugout and do a reasonably good job with his coaching staff. Plus, I think he'll not only relate well with the players on the roster come Spring of 2018, but will be very accommodating to the New York media, most importantly. Boone is already a legend and fan favorite from his days as a player in the Bronx - most notably, of course, for his dramatic, ALCS-clinching walk-off home run off of Boston Red Sox reliever Tim Wakefield back in the Fall of 2003. Plus, it helps being part of the legendary Boone family legacy in Major League Baseball. With talented young building blocks such as reigning A.L. Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up Aaron Judge, A.L. Cy Young third-place finisher Luis Severino, backstop Gary Sanchez and first baseman Greg Bird, a successful future is definitely in the cards for the new manager and the New York Yankees - with hopefully more World Series titles in mind.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Back On The Red Carpet: SAMMIE 'Coming Of Age' LP

By Ross Guity aka R.G. Major (www.instagram.com/R.G.Major)

Since his 1999 debut on the radio airwaves as a young teen, the now 30-year-old Sunshine State native Sammie has definitely experienced his fair share of highs and lows in this unforgiving music industry. Now as 2017 comes to a close, his new album release 'Coming Of Age' truly reflects his growth as a man, but with still more to learn in the game of life. Tracks like the lead single 'C.O.A.' and 'Confessional' are strong, soulfully emotional pleas for forgiveness that indeed touches the heart. Other quality selections are 'Good Life' featuring Florida brethren Rick Ross, the sexy flow of 'Tsunami,' 'Be Alone,' and the Caribbean-spiced 'Bad Gal,' which has definite potential to be on heavy rotation at radio stations worldwide. After releasing a few fairly nice EPs over the past couple of years, the awesomely talented Sammie Leigh Bush, Jr. and his creative songwriting/production team came through positively solid this time around, and has literally, truly COME OF AGE as we head in to Chapter 2K18 as the Savior of R&B!

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