E.T. Comes to Tampa

October 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment

One of Steven Spielberg’s all time classic movies E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, will be coming to Tampa’s own Al Lopez Park November 1st for a free screening.

E.T. captured a generation and has been quoted as “one of the best movies ever.”  It’s one of those movies you can watch over and over again with your family and never get tired of.  I doubt there is anyone that hasn’t seen it, but if you haven’t, its a must see.

The movie is about an alien who crashes to Earth, and desperately tries to get back to his home.  Throughout the way, he finds a family and befriends their young boy (Elliott) who wants to help him get back to his family where ever he came from.  The bond is so strong that they forever are intertwined, which almost kills them both as the Alien Task Force tries to probe the ailing E.T.  Finally, Elliott gets E.T. home by breaking away from the captivity.

The movie defined the 80s, and was the spring board to Drew Barrymore’s successful career.  She was 8, I believe, when she appeared as the sister to Elliott (Henry Thomas), who helps him take care of E.T.

If you want to take your family to this event the information is as follows:

Date:  November 1, 2008
When:  Gates open at 5:00 PM, Film starts at 7:00 PM
Where:  Al Lopez Park – 4810 N. Himes Ave.
Cost:   Free

Filed Under: Events, Film Tagged With: , ,

Snow – Informer

October 22, 2008 By 1 Comment

Ah! Snow, a one hit wonder in the early 90s, yet his songs still baffle and amaze us today.  He blasted on the music scene in 1993 with his reggae, rap sound which made everyone think he was Jamaican. To everyones surprise he was a Caucasian male, hailing from Canada.  In fact, he even mentions that he is Canadian in his #1 hit ” Informer”.  His amazing sound made waves through the 90s.   This is the reason we are bringing him back in our ‘The 90s” series.

Snow had enormous talent,  his ability to speed rap with the accent he used, and he never missed a beat is truly impressive in its own right.  His rap was so fast, and so hard to understand that his music video, which aired on MTV, had captions so everyone would know what he was saying.

Snow hit the “scene” just at the right time; because the rap scene was starting to take off fast. Reggae had become very popular among the youth and was spreading like wildfire through the USA.  Snow’s lyrics paved the way into the “Gangster Rap” music scene in 1994, even though Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog had released a CD at the same time.  The lyrics gave the scenario of Snow getting arrested, and his friend who won’t rat him out; ends up going down with him. The friend was considered an accomplice, but took what was dished to him to save his freind.  The song goes into graphic detail of their arrival to prison, and how Snow gave “props” to his friend for not ratting him out… “Cause Sham won’t turn informer…”

The rest of the songs on Snow’s “16 Inches of Snow” are very good. However, when you listen to the other songs many refer back to, or have some of the same lyrics as, the song “Informer” on the album.  I personally loved Snow, I was amazed as his rapping talent and I wish he made another album.  I guess it would be tough to top “16 Inches of Snow”.

Filed Under: Bands & Singers

One Life To Live 10-20-08

October 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Rex and Gigi

Gigi finally told Shane that Rex is his real dad, after Brody kidnapped Shane during a horrific flashback to his days in Iraq.  Brody attempted to shoot Shane mistaking him for a boy he killed in the service.  Rex throws himself in the line of fire, and gets critically wounded.  He is alive but on a respirator and in a coma.  His soon to be x-wife Adriana comes back and forbids Gigi or Shane the right to see Rex out of pure spite.  Upon the doctors saying that there is nothing more they can do for Rex, Adriana moves him to her home where Gigi and Shane have no access to him.  I have a feeling that will change, because Marcy has a plan.  Once Gigi gets to Rex I know he will be revived from his coma.  Adriana, who in real life left the show is back for a cameo appearance to add drama to the plot.  She is scheduled to be here till the beginning of November…. Expect Rex to come to then.
Todd and Marty

They are falling in love, but its based solely on lies.  Marty’s nurse was told my John McBain that she could be in ememint danger since Todd raped Marty a long time ago, and that she has a son who thinks she’s dead.  It seems like she wants to do the right thing, despite the check Todd gave her to remain quiet.
 

B.E. Vs C.E

Clint has been trying hard to get his company back from Dorian, so he brought Ray Montez, Langston’s Uncle from Columbia to gain custody of her and threaten to bring her back to Columbia.  In return, Clint would stop Montez who did not want to bring her back to Columbia in exchange for B.E. back.  Dorian denies it and hires a hit man to destroy Montez.  To her surprise it works but it wasn’t the hit man who did it, he was shot by John McBain who knew she was up to something, instead it was by his wife who fled Columbia to get away from Montez, only to find him in Landview.

Dorian now is suspected of a hit for hire, which could cost her the entire stock in B.E., her family and her freedom.  Langston will probably lose her uncle but found a cousin.  The chances of Clint getting B.E. back now with Dorian in the hot seat could prove tricky but not impossible.
 

Jarred and Natalie

Tina tipped of Jarred about Natalie who was locked in the basement by Tess.  Upon finding her, Tess locked Jarred in the room with her, and decided to pack up her daughter and flee.  Vicki who returned to the show knows something is up with Tess, and may have something to do with Natalie’s disappearance, but with Tess gone nobody will know where to find Jarred or Natalie and they are soon doomed to die unless they find a way out or Tina comes through and informs them about where they are.

Filed Under: One Life To Live Tagged With:

George Lopez – Mexi-CAN

October 19, 2008 By 1 Comment

George Lopez’s career has been outstanding, and every so often when I watch his stand-up routines I hear him credit that he is one of the few Mexican comedians who can say they hosted their own sit-com.  He’s right.  In 2005 he broadcasted the hit show “George Lopez” of  which he is the co-creator, writer and producer. The show now airs on Nick At Night.

Most of Lopez’s comedy is based on his childhood, growing up in a poverty stricken family living in Mexico with his other siblings.  To the average person these stories would be sad, but Lopez has a way to turn them into hilarious puns that will make you laugh and laugh.  His execution of the jokes really creates the essence of his performance, with those slap stick poses, sounds and looks he gives while throwing a punch line.

His story is an inspirational one as well, proving no matter where you come from, if you work hard, and are determined enough you will achieve your goals; and he has done just that with a Grammy nominee in 2004 for his CD “Right Now Right Now.” his television appearance on HBO’s, Inside the NFL from 2003-04, and he won the 2003 Imagen Vision Award, 2003 Latino Spirit Award for Excellence in Television and the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award. George Lopez broke the race barrier by being the first Latino to host a spot on the Keystone Morning Radio Spot owned by Clear Channel.  Another accomplishment by this fantastic comedian is he authored a best selling book “Why You Crying,” an autobiography of his life.

Today Lopez is just as busy acting in movies such as: “Balls of Fury” and most recently released by Disney “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” which he is the voice to the gardener’s dog.

To me, George Lopez is one of the funniest comedians of our time, I adore his show and he’s proven to be one of the most successful Latino performers of the 20th century.  He had a line in his show “George Lopez.” where Max said I can’t and George Replied…. “Max your Mexi-CAN not Mexi-Can’t.” and he certainly lives up to that very quote each and every day.

Filed Under: Comedy Tagged With: ,

Sir MixaLot – Baby Got Back

October 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

In “The 90s” series, I am blasting back to a time that music and art were a bit more unique.  This story is a time warp back to 1992-93 when Sir MixaLot released his #1 hit “Baby Got Back”.

When Sir MixaLot first started in the early 90s, Hip Hop was around and growing more and more popular by the day; little did we know Sir MixALot was  about to give it Hip Hop a face lift and take it to a whole new level.  Hip Hop was slowly becoming a new fad throughout the USA as more  urban and rural children started to pick up on the catchy rhymes, and funky beats. Then came Sir MixaLot, with his 3 finger ring saying “MixaLot” who completely changed Hip Hop & Rap as we knew it and helped launch it on the path it has taken today, pioneering the new generation of hip hop.

“Baby Got Back” was probably one of the most memorable songs through out the early 90s and anyone you mention the title to will still smile.    It was played at our school dances, at roller rinks and throughout the radio and MTV nationwide. ” Baby Got Back” idolizes the “junk in the trunk” as they say and makes fun of those who were skinny.  Sir MixaLot said it was “cool” to have a big butt, the size did not matter because  big was   beautiful to him.  Some famous lines of his in this song really reiterates my point…. 36/24/36… HA HA only if she’s 5′-3″, and don’t forget “my anaconda don’t want none unless she got buns hun.”

The song shocked America, as we were still very much sheltered from the graphic nature of music and television just coming out of the 1980s; unlike today where its become second nature and we don’t think twice about what we hear or say.  People weren’t allowed to say damn on TV let alone talk about butts and sex.  In many schools and public places this song was banned.  The album carried the explicit lyrics label on the cover of the album; compare his album to what is out on the radio, TV and CD today, you will see how mild those lyrics actually are, almost to the point of being funny.

After 15 years, that song is still played at parties,  dance mixes, remixed through club techno and forever remembered as the song of the 90s.  It was really MixaLot’s only hit, due to the fact he became rich off that one song he didn’t have to produce anymore.  Today, Sir MixaLot is a producer for other Hip Hop/ R&B and Rap groups.  I would call him the Godfather of Rap as he took it to a whole new level and his song will forever make people say “Did he just go there?”  That’s why Sir MixaLot and Baby Got Back made it into my series “The 90s” because of the many memories it brings back and the influence it had, changing the  Hip Hop and Rap industry forever.

Filed Under: Bands & Singers Tagged With:

31 Days Of Horror On Sci-Fi

October 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment

If you are a horror film buff who enjoys the essence of the older low budget horror films or today’s gory bloody thrillers, then the Sci-Fi channel has something for you to enjoy.  In the spirit of the Halloween holiday rapidly approaching us, they dedicated most of their daytime and nighttime syndication to the horror film industry showing movies such as:

 

 

  • Wicked Little Things
  • Dark Ride
  • Mortuary
  • Man-Thing
  • Swamp Devil
  • Friday The 13th
  • Hellraiser
  • Twilight Zone
  • Vincent Price films
  • Alfred Hitchcock films
  • and so many more…..

If the movies don’t peak your interest, then maybe their ghost hunting syndications like T.A.P.S. Ghost Hunters based out of Rhode Island will.  T.A.P.S. takes you through real ghost hunting investigations using top of the line scientific gear to prove the dead lives beyond the grave.

The Sci-Fi channel has many other great shows till Halloween to peak your interest, so find the station on your local cable or satellite provider and tune in to make the hair stand up on your neck.

Filed Under: TV Tagged With: , , ,

The Floridan Hotels Artful Comeback

October 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment

In 1987 the historic Floridan Hotel, located in downtown Tampa, closed its doors forever.   That final turn of the lock tumblers, sealed the spot where Eckerd and Publix formed their corporations,  and where many great actors would stay when visiting the area.  The Floridan stood tall and proud since its birthday back in 1927.  The 400 room hotel and once tallest building in Tampa was monumental to Tampa’s historic past.  Some of its guests included Elvis Presley, and Gary Cooper even courted Lupe Velez here in 1955.

Since then we watched this once beautiful building,  renowned for having one of the best ballrooms,  fall to vandalism and neglect.  A building that once put Tampa on the map with it’s famous  cliental was crying for help yet nobody listened… until 2005 when Antonios Markopoulous bought the distraught hotel for 6 million dollars.  Mr Markopoulos’s vision is to restore the decaying building back into a luxury hotel that will stand apart from the rest of the skyscrapers in town.

The last time I was downtown Tampa , the sign at the top of the hotel had missing letters, the windows were cracked,  some were missing and had been replaced with graffiti covered wood, and the smell of mold and decay seeped through the cracks in the doors.  This past week, I saw a brand new sign sitting on top of this historic hotel, windows replaced and the old marquee looking better.  The construction has begun and soon, hopefully by 2010 the historic hotel will be back to its glory days.  The hotel will not only add to the redevelopment of downtown  but it will also add to the preservation of Tampa’s history, and help keep an artistic building alive.

Filed Under: Places To Visit Tagged With: , ,

Remembering Janis Joplin

October 11, 2008 By Leave a Comment

October 4, 1970 one of the music world’s most prolific and recognized singers of all time, with a voice of nails and power, was found dead  of a heroine overdose in her apartment; forever changing the world of music.  Janis Joplin who died before her time at age 27, stood against everything the government was for and about, and was probably one of the most inspiring  singers of the 1960s-1970s anti-war hippie movement which not only defined that generation, but has also trickled down into their children’s generation.

It’s hard to believe that, 38 years ago,  a tragic and wasteful end came to such a powerful voice, whose message is still heard streaming through the radios today and spoken throughout our “want to be peaceful” world.  Her songs still give me chills when I hear them, like the powerful emotions she brought to “Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart”. Nobody has ever successfully mimicked her voice, though many have tried, but there will never be another  Janis Joplin.  Joplin in spite of  her short career is still considered legendary; and in 1995, even though she wasn’t here to see it, Joplin was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, an honor seldom bestowed.

Janis’s music will continue to live on through the generations, bringing peace and inspiration to their lives.

Filed Under: Bands & Singers Tagged With: , ,

Health Beyond Medicine

October 7, 2008 By Leave a Comment

With all the hype over malpractice suits, and the dangers of taking harsh drugs that tend to worsen effects than reduce them, I have seen a trend of Eastern medicine start to become a popular solution here in America.  This trend is not only successful in achieving true health, but its healthier!

Dr. Scott Paton of Paton Chiropractic and Sports Medicine in Lutz, FL has recently released a book called “Health Beyond Medicine.”  In this book, Dr. Paton explains the importance of a perfect flowing body for health, which starts with the spine.  The spine is the highway to the brain, should something become jammed up if you wish, the brain can not function properly to fix the problem, thus health problems arise.  Having a good inlined and healthy spine may be the key to a productive healthy life.  Best of all, chiropractic means are safe and recommended for infants to the seasoned adults.

Health Beyond Medicine describes for example, that if you simply make an adjustment at the C2 vertebra, it can reduce and eliminate sinus problems over time.  The book tells you about certain shoes and how they can affect the body if they are not properly fitting, or the right shoe for you.  It goes into great detail about our everyday lives and how it can adversely hurt our body,  but through alternative solutions without costly drugs a change of life habits, chiropractic medicine can vastly improve our lives.

The book is full of  success stories and interviews from his actual cases.  On case happened to be my wife and Dr. Patton discovered that she had a serious case of Osteoporosis  through an X-Ray he performed to help her ACL tear.  At 30 this was unheard of, and most doctors would not take her seriously.  Dr. Patton informed her not to take a no for an answer and she convinced her primary care physician to do the bone density test.  To their surprise, she was off the charts, in dangerous waters so to speak with the condition that shocked the doctors.  Had it not been for Dr. Paton she never would have known her bones were like paper, and now she is getting proper treatment.

Dr. Paton is not just your ordinary chiropractic doctor.  Most people don’t take them seriously but this guy you should.  He worked with the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA team and was on the sports medicine team of the 2000 Olympics in Greece.  Dr. Paton teaches other chiropractors in conventions around the USA, sharing his vast knowledge.

This book is a must for anyone that wants to have a better life and not pay high pharmaceutical prices.  There is never a guarantee, and its not suggested by this magazine to give up what you are doing or stop what your doctors are telling you, but in combination with Chiropractic medicines and alternative solutions you may achieve a better result faster.  The goal of every American is to be drug free and living a healthy lifestyle, so why not try something that can help get to that goal.

We highly suggest reading this book, and talking with Dr. Paton himself as he will guide you in the right path.  There is no medication, no pain and is quick and easy.  I been using him for years and I never felt better, when I was told only surgery would fix my problem. 

His book is $19.99 and can be purchased at his web site http://www.patonchiropractic.com/index.php?p=24657

Filed Under: Literary, Reviews Tagged With:

Angel Blue And The Prophets – Review

October 7, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Angel Blue And The Prophets’s album “Bottom Of The Bottle Blues” is a great album. I love it.  The album is filled with Angels smooth, powerful yet sultry voice that is so enticing.  Its filled with those great blues sounds similar to the ones that started right out of the deep southern state of Louisana years ago; while bringing an upbeat get on the floor and dance tone to many of her songs.  Throughout the CD I heard many sounds from Country, Jazz, Blues, Pop and even the good ole Rock N Roll.  For me the album covers every aspect of music I like, and its something I feel everyone can listen to and enjoy.  I would certainly recommend this album to anyone.

Angel makes this album special with her many ranges and sounds of her vocals.  She can incorporate a female version of a Jerry Lee Lewis, to a Stevie Ray Vaughn style.  Then she can even go to the very hard voice of Janis Joplin that is legendary throughout the country which truly shows her vocal talents.  I am not saying she sounds exactly like them, she has her own unique sound and style similar to these outstanding greats, which gives the album a great mixture of sounds.

I don’t normally do this with reviews, I usually do the entire album or just a song;  but on this CD they have a song that I just absolutely fell in love with and want to explain why.  That song is called “Shimmy Shaken Low Down Blues.” 

This song has a piano player that can give Jerry Lee Lewis a run for his money.  It almost reminds of the great rock song he made famous in the 1950s like: “Great Balls of Fire.”  If you love Jerry Lee Lewis and the fast pace, great voice, great guitar with piano mix you are sure to love this song. Angel blasts the vocals like a master with great confidence and you can tell she is totally into the song from start to finish! ”Shimmy Shaken Low Down Blues” will make you dance while sending you back in time to the innocent music that we can all love.  Extremely well done!!!! My favorite song of theirs by far. I am a Jerry Lee Lewis fan and it was great to hear someone bring his style of music back to life again!

To buy her CD, see her upcoming shows or just meet the band, check out http://WWW.ANGELBLUEBAND.COM

Filed Under: Reviews
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