Tough day in Hollywood. Two pop icons pass on the same day. Tough day in radio too. No way you can make the masses completely happy. Some will say we didn’t talk about Farrah enough. Some will say we talked about Michael Jackson too much. Why didn’t we play more MJ music? Why didn’t we have more clips on Farrah? In an internet society where so much information comes at us so quickly and so often, its hard to determine what ultimately is the “right call.” On a personal note, I have appreciation for what they both brought to the table. Michael Jackson’s musical legacy is an unparalled one; the Elvis Presley of our generation. Farrah was also a pop icon of unparalled influence. From a cheezy cop show to the best selling poster EVER, to a substantial actress who took the opportunity to make films that not only showcased a talent that no one bothered to give her credit for, but also brought to the forefront important women’s issues that made the public take notice. Both will be missed for what they gave us and sadly for what they possibly still had to offer.

The Steelers are NFL Champs. The Penguins just won the Stanley Cup. Now, if we can just get the Pirates organization to spend some cash and put together a winning team, all would be right in my sports world. However, inspiration must’ve come from the hockey game in some manner. The Pirates beat the 1st. place Detroit Tigers over the weekend. Nice goin’ Pirates.  But…come the fall I will once again “carry the flag” and root on our Columbus Blue Jackets. My friend brought me back a Stanley Cup Champions t-shirt. I’ll wear that with pride till October.

It’s no secret. I love movies, and in the last couple of years have started making them, too. The first effort of NEVER THE LUCK PRODUCTIONS, THE FUNNY MAN, a story about middle-aged writer/comedian who sees his life and career spiraling downward has been made an OFFICIAL SELECTION of Indie-Fest 2009 in Anaheim, CA. We’re heading out to the fest August 22-28 and obviously hoping for the best. If you’ve got friends in the area, give them the heads up. Our film will show on Tueday night the 25th. More details to come as we get closer, but yeah…I get to say it- “I’m goin’ to Disneyland!

Living to 50 years of age has been quite the accomplishment for me. And the next 50? No way to predict those years effectively. Decisions on how to live the next fifty will obviously come into play. Situations I put myself into will also factor into the mix. Touch choices will also play a role, but I think the secret there is to not make them appear as such. Under the guise of a new lease on life, I think turning 50 can give you the opportunity to get away with a lot of fun stuff. Hedonistic endeavors can be interpreted as “living life to the fullest.” Laziness could be explained away as a “rest well earned.”

Going into the next fifty years could truly be like starting over. Each time you confront something in the form of opposition, try flashing the “50 card” and maybe ask for a pass. Remember though, with every great plan some cautionary tact needs to be observed. Most will tolerate your new found “lust for life” but there’s a good chance it will also aggravate those closest to you. Also, those who DO become aggravated will be the first ones to rain on your parade of new found life. No worries. You can follow my lead and always claim an early case of dementia.

The SKINS GAME at The Memorial is always a popular attraction.  Here’s how you make it even MORE of an event.  When we used to play a pick-up basketball game (back in the day when I could still fade to my right) it was shirts and skins.  “Skins” had to take off their shirts and then- GAME ON.  I say the golfers go “true skins” when the play that charitable round of golf.  Unsightly in some cases?  Yes, without a doubt.  Seeing The Golden Bear actually bare?  A little disconcerting.  John Daly without a shirt.  Disturbing.  But I’m attaching a dollar value to the event.  In these tough economic times where corporate sponsorships are drying up for events such as The Memorial, The Skins game is the perfect opportunity to get the Coppertone people on board with their variety of sunscreen and tanning products.  See?There is a method to my madness.  Granted, a method that may hurt concessions for that day, because a shirtless, sweaty John daly doesn’t exactly scream “hot dog” but I’m trying to think of the bigger financial picture.  Your welcome Muirfield.