The reason for my slow responses, a lack of visits, and several skipped posts is a two-week stretch of working more than normal and hosting out-of-town visitors. Hoping to get back to normal soon.
The Weekend Concert Series returns with Elton John. Concert starts Saturday, 22 June at 1:00 AM (Eastern US).
Earlier this week we went to the theater for Rocketman. Interesting how it parallels Bohemian Rhapsody (which, in my opinion, was a better movie). Taron Egerton did fabulous work portraying Elton. The images at the end were awesome. Thumbs up to the movie – plus seeing the movie as the perfect primer for the upcoming concert.
The US Open has been my favorite golf tournament for many years. In recent years, the USGA has disappointed me too many times with both their course selection and layout. Therefore I can proudly say I’m no longer a USGA member.
Several weeks ago, CBS This Morning changed two of their three morning anchors. Although I still prefer and watch the show, I have noticed they moved toward a softer side (less news) as they compete with fluff heavy Good Morning America (ABC)and Today (NBC).
I received a summons from the county court for upcoming jury duty.
We visited the Burning Man Exhibit (No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man) at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Fabulous! I hope to feature it in a future post. If the exhibit is ever in your area, I encourage you to go. It’s current schedule includes the following:
- Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC (March 30, 2018 – January 21, 2019)
- Cincinnati Art Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio (April 26, 2019 – September 2, 2019)
- Oakland Museum of California in Oakland, California (October 12, 2019 – February 16, 2020)
Over the past two weeks, the Cincinnati Reds have actually spent several days out of last place.
The latest playoff season deliver two first-time champions: Toronto Raptors (NBA) and St. Louis Blues (NHL). Two obvious facts about their achievement. Neither winning before was Obama’s fault, and President Trump was obvious the major factor on their championships.
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Head-scratcher Time: President Trump gave to a question asked by a reporter Reporter Kristen Welker, NBC asked President Trump a question.
(Welker) “You seem to suggest that yesterday you essentially committing to not spying on North Korea. is that what you meant? Were those comments interpreted accurately, if so why?”
(Trump) “No, it’s not what I meant, it’s what I said and it’s different than, maybe, your interpretation.”
Understatement Time: “Donald John Trump is not considered an eloquent man.” (Carl Cannon, Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics)
I expected President Trump’s “Keep America Great” as a re-election slogan.
Left Democrats continuing to push the party and candidates to the left will drive moderate voters away.
I agree with Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson who (in this column) hit it on the button when stated that numerous Democratic presidential candidates would do the party and the country more good if they ran in their state’s upcoming senate election.
To lead you into this week’s satirical headlines, The Onion tells the real story why Sarah Huckabee Sanders is leaving the White House.
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Weekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Man annoyed at being mistaken for employee just because he’s driving forklift through store
New study finds humans could lose vestigial heads in less than 100 years (click to see the image)
Woman thankful she has type of alien looking face that makes her hot
Nike reveals size-inclusive mannequin eating a large hoagie
Krill-eating whale too cowardly to prey on something its own size
(My Combo) Woman eating large hoagie driving forklift annoyed krill-eating cowardly man looking at hot store mannequin
Interesting Reads
Ohio women and women’s right to vote
Conversing about race
The lost NHL franchise: the Oakland Seals
Talking to anti-vaccination people
(Opinion) Most under-rated Beatles songs
(Graphic) People dying and the media
(Photos) National Geographic Photo Contest 2019 winners (notice the selection tabs & buttons)
(Video) Over 2,000 world flags in 5 minutes
To send you into the weekend, here’s a song that I can’t believe I didn’t use last week. In the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
I get a weird error message for the video – not the usual: doesn’t play in your country, nor, watch on YouTube. It tells me to try again later, so I will 😉
It’s funny… I am not tempted to see Rocket Man for the simple reason that Elton John is still alive. Yet, another friend went to see it and he feels he sees Elton in a whole new light. I may have to fold and go see it…
Woot to the St. Louis Blues but even bigger wooooot to the Toronto Raptors! That last game, never mind, that series was exciting!
Looking forward to Elton John, the Musical.
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Dale,
Thanks for the video alert … fixed!
I agree with your friend as the movie puts Elton into a new light. I had no idea about his natural piano talent. Cheers to the Raptors!
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Cool! Now I’ll go back 😉
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Song will be a repeat for you.
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Hah! And Marc used this song in a recent post!
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When I saw it in his post, said OH NO because I had already picked it. 🙂
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Too funny
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I much prefer his piano-heavy version of Pinball Wizard, to the Who’s original. 🙂
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Archon,
Great song … but one problem … the concert is tomorrow. You are a legendary night owl, so concert time 1 AM (Eastern) Saturday, so I encourage you to stop by with that song – well, assuming nobody else has supplied it. Hope all is well.
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I will be a little later to the weekend concert, but I’ll get there. Fortunately Sir Elton has a lot for me to pull from. I really enjoyed “Rocketman,” and I thought it held its own very well. I loved the interplay with the “young Reginald” was very moving. And I liked the video of Laura Branigan. I love the song “Gloria,” and have for decades, but I’m not sure that I’d ever seen the artist.
Thanks for the heads up on the “Burning Man” exhibit. I have been to the Oakland museum many times. My son and family have a membership, and I’m going to put this on my calendar!
I am devoting this entire summer to the arts. Hollywood Bowl, small independent theater, art museums…I’m on a break from politics! They’ve worn me down. 😦
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Debra,
Thanks for your thoughts about Rocketman. Definitely a movie for music lovers. Knowing much you enjoy museums, I have no doubt you’ll make it to Oakland for the exhibit. See you at the concert!
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I don’t watch Basketball, but how the Toronto Raptors brought all of Canada together was amazing, most likely due to the fact, there isn’t a whole lot to cheer about these days. Did you happen to see the parade for them? Many were asking if Trump would use the pictures from that day since there were about three million people in Toronto? lol
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Catherine,
There is something about championships that brings a thrill to the non-fans. Cheers to their success!
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I haven’t seen either movie, and I don’t watch the news shows, so I can’t comment on them. Like others, I thought it was kind of odd to have a movie about Elton John when he’s still alive, although I’ve heard the movie is good. I agree that’s it’s difficult to keep up with all the posts
I probably won’t have a chance to participate with your “musical” tomorrow.
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Merril,
About the Elton movie, it focuses on early Elton – so it fits. Not long ago I saw an interview with Elton’s main song writer – Bernie Taupin – about the movie. Interesting! Meanwhile, I know you have a lot on your plate at the moment – so drop by the concert if you can.
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“Humans lose heads being mistaken for krill-eating alien driving a large hoagie.”
Happy weekend, Frank! See you tomorrow with EJ! 😉
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Marina,
That’s awesome – especially because it seems so real!!!!
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a ha ha ha………. !!!!!! 😉
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I enjoyed the Huckabee piece. Having the Dem candidates running for Congress would certainly ensure the status quo to do nothing. I would suggest they all run for a city council job which would be more meaningful to the people who elect them. There would be a closer level of accountability for their actions. Super post, Frank.
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John,
Thanks for checking out The Onion’s bit on Huckabee. One thing for sure, The People are not holding Congress accountable! Congress is quite the pathetic bunch.
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No accountability of Congress is Obama’s fault. 😀
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Cincy,
Listen, you should know by now that it’s not Trump . . . it’s US. We’re wrong not to love him for his Churchill-like presence and his Lincoln-like qualities. If we disagree with something he said, it’s probably because we misheard it. Our fault.
As for the Raptors winning the title . . you mean Trump IS cool with our championship hardware being handed out to other countries? Seems unpatriotic, but if he said so . . then, like the internet, it MUST be true.
Good luck on the jury duty. And I look forward to a possible post on the Burning Man.
The Reds are competitive, which is better than what’s happening in some corners of the baseball universe.
Gloria! YES!
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Marc,
Good points, but if we misheard it, that would be Obama’s fault because he affected our ability to interpret what is said. Regarding the Raptors, Trump will take the credit because it’s an example of his influence of spreading American ideals throughout the world – especially since the Raptors primarily have American players. After all, he prevented a wall from being built along the northern border. …. hey hey hey … Reds win the first two in Milwaukee!
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I’ll never forgive Obama for costing the Yankees all those years without a title.
Did you see where a couple of Fox News peeps questioned Trump’s account as per calling off a strike against Iran? I mean . . they must be wrong. Trump would never lie . . .
I didn’t think about it that way, but you’re right. Wow . . . that’s a HUGE win for all of us when you put it that way!
The Reds are en fuego!
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The piece on reasoning with anti-vaxers left me conflicted. The PhD author urges me to understand their point of view and their right to their own opinion. Sorry, can’t do it on this issue, reason being that their inaction endangers other people. I see the same problem existing with most political issues as well. Conservatives want to minimize government, I get that, but what it comes down to is, what kind of country do we feel safe in? Freedom isn’t free.
Love the Gloria video clip.
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Jim,
Cheers to another find in the Interesting Reads. I’m right with you about the anti-vaxers. Yes – they have their right to their opinion, and also the right to do stupid things – and neither means they are right. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Loved that song when it came out!
I am sure you enjoyed having your visitors even though it upsets your routine a bit.
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Colline,
Glad you enjoyed Gloria. We enjoyed our visitors. Interestingly, we typically not have many – so to get two sets within a week was a bit abnormal – but we had a good time with them.
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And that is the important thing 😊
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Trump’s answers/statements are always confusing! Interesting stuff as usual. I am sure you were a good host for your visitors.
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Jo,
No ridding. Between “I didn’t say that” and “You misunderstood” – he keeps us on our toes – but it’s all Obama’s fault.
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Nothing like a bit of the 80’s to start out the weekend (even if Elton is the featured concert). Glad you enjoyed the biopic. I find it inconceivable it would be better than Bohemian Rhapsody but then I’m not a huge Sir Elton fan. Queen on the other hand…💓
The prez and his challengers are making it easy for folks to continue to smack themselves in the head. We are the laughing stock of the world. And not in a good way.
Kudos to the latest first time winners of their respective championships. Nice to see some new faces this time. See ya at the concert!
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Monika,
Isn’t it interesting how pop music is segmented into eras – for instance, Gloria wouldn’t fit all ages. Meanwhile, today’s world is getting more weird by the day – and the US is a beckon for what not the do.
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Hey Frank! I definitely understand how hectic life can be away from here. We both have had that of late.
It’s been funny how much Trump’s name has been tied to the NBA and NHL first-time champs. I didn’t follow either that closely, but did watch a bit of each final games. Not only first-time champs, but both winning against recent elite powerhouses…or as close to dynasty as you can get…was an amazing feat. Speaking of Toronto, I’m eyeing that city to go to next year, most likely over a weekend.
I haven’t seen that new movie yet, but haven’t read or heard from anyone I know that has that has said anything negative about it. Since I do have a little more free time this weekend, that maybe something I get done.
Also, I appreciate the comment on my last post! Welcome back!
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David,
Thanks for chiming in. Interesting thing about my champs, I know it’s true for the Blues and it may be also for the Raptors, but each won 3 of their 4 games on the road! The Blues were off the charts on the road during the playoffs … 10-3 … but 6-7 at home. Let me know what you think of Rocketman.
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Yep, the Blues were true “road warriors” in the playoffs. Toronto was in the Finals, too. I just looked that one up and the home team only won once(Game 1) in the six games played in the NBA Finals. That means the last five games were won by the road team. So much for home field advantage in both finals. LOL.
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Yep – and thanks for verifying. 🙂
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I’ve got work to do! {I had no clue} – “Burning Man Exhibit (No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man) at the Cincinnati Art Museum.” My wife had heard of a Burner Phone, but not a Burner Person.
The good pitching on this year’s Cincinnati Reds team makes the fans willing to hang around until the late innings, which translates into more concession and TV commercial $$$$. Meanwhile even the hitting is starting to perk up.
“Man annoyed at being mistaken for employee just because he’s driving forklift through store” was a just above the cut line splat.
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Tim,
Burning Man exhibit is right up your alley … a must see! … But don’t expect any Taylor-Made Burners. Meanwhile, a splat is a splat! You ducked, but it still hit.
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Please tell me that this story is concocted but, several years ago, didn’t some wacko take the Burning Man Festival too literally and actually set himself on fire and burn to death?
As to Mr, Trump: “cocked and loaded” = half-cocked and bloated.
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C-A-L,
The Burning Man art exhibit was fabulous – but I can see how some don’t understand it.
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I received a jury summons a couple of months ago and when it was time to go for my two days of service I was told they didn’t need any jurors. Finally, I’m retired and they don’t need me. There’s a bigger story there somewhere.
Looks like those Reds of yours might be for real. We’ll know in a few more weeks. That would be fun.
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George,
This is my 3rd duty for the county court. I think one time I was on call but never went in – but if I did, only for a morning. Another time I was seating for a 2-day trial … also served on a federal court jury.
Reds are hanging in there. Split in Milwaukee this weekend (better than I thought). Angels, Cubs, Brewers, & Indians before All-Star Break … so will know more then … Rockies, Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers following the break … then definitely know! That’s a lot of divisional games over the next 5 weeks.
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