Merry Christmas!  -  Here are some of your choices at the theaters this upcoming Christmas Week. Enjoy!

Box Office Results -  #1 Avatar  -  (134 Million)

Holidays  – Puss and Boots / Babylon / I Wanna Dance With Somebody / Women Talking  

Lots of Oscar Buzz  - And general award buzz for the new movie, Babylon

Avatar - A disappointment last weekend, as it only brought in 134 million – they were hoping for around 200  (Story) 

Now We Know Why - 150 new Christmas movies will premiere on television and streaming services this year, including 40 from Hallmark. They are very cheap to make - about $2 to 3 million each  (Story) 

Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot  - Have been cut out of the new Flash movie as DC goes in a very new direction (Story)

Henry Cavill - Will continue to battle evil -- by taking the lead role in the film version of the Warhammer 40,000 video game  (Story) 

Twisters - A sequel to the 1996 movie Twister, will hit theaters July 2024  (Story) 

First Trailer - For the Barbie movie is out – Movie in theaters July 23

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

Christmas is only a few days away, and we are all bombarded by Christmas songs. Love them or hate them, we listen to them every year.  Here is a list of some of the best, and you can compare them against your favorites.  I don't know if I have a favorite version of a favorite Christmas song. 

I will say I like instrumental versions of most Christmas songs better than sung ones.  But I like instrumental music in general, I love hearing good musicians play.

Check it out

And Merry Christmas!!

BEST Christmas Songs Ranked

This is so incredible think about this. This holiday season when you have to run out and grab some butter or some rolls.  I know you have to drive "all the way up there"  I get it!  I don't like it either, but this is a whole other level!

Sheesh!

Gets Her Groceries By Plane!

  The Browns had a nice win at home this weekend against the Ravens 13-3 in the cold. The Browns have won 3 of 4 and are 6-8 on the season with three to go.  How big of a win was it?  Looking at it very honestly, it would have been exceptionally disappointing not to win this game.  At home, national TV, with a QB depleted divisional Ravens team. I mean if you're not gonna beat them now, then when? But a win is a win and we move on to the Saints at home closing out the home schedule.

The game was very big for the Ravens, and the loss to us was a big blow to them.  The Browns got the Ravens at the right time, as it is many weeks in the NFL, it's when you get 'em.  The Ravens without QB Lamar Jackson are very pedestrian in about every way.  But injuries are a part of the game and it paid the Browns big dividends this week. The Ravens are also overrated and their climb into the playoffs is now a far bigger one. They need Lamar back to compete.  The Browns played a decent game in many aspects, but are still the same Browns in others.

The Browns scored a mere 13 points at home on national TV against a rival.  Hardly a reason to be all giddy.  They missed easy field goals, and were gashed again by the run.  In the last three games the Browns offense has scored 29 total points, and only two TD's, but to their credit have won 2 of those games.  But can we dive into this?  The Texans are the worst team in the NFL, and last week the Bengals beat us as we scored 10. At full strength, the Bengals would have scored 35 points.  And this week, we beat an MVP QB depleted Ravens team.  The Browns will have to get better than this moving forward.

They got the Ravens with Jackson out and their kicker, (the best the NFL as EVER seen), on the worst night of his career.  Sometimes it does line up, and when it does, you need to take advantage, and the Browns did. Even a few weeks ago beating Tampa, they got a mediocre Bucs team at home with Brady having a terrible day.  These three wins are possibly saving numerous coaching jobs here. The Browns right now, as constructed can't beat really good teams that are healthy and ready to play. Yes, the Browns have some injuries too, but not to really very key players, they have been very lucky this year in that regard.  (Watson being out with suspension, they knew that going in.)

Think about this  - the Browns losses are to the Bills, Jets, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Ravens, Dolphins, and Falcons.  All of them except Falcons playoff teams, or darn near.  The wins, Panthers, Steelers, Texans, Bucs, Bengals, Ravens. Well below average teams except Bengals and Ravens.  BOTH of those wins at home on national TV.  The Browns have much work to do in the off season. This roster is overrated, but there are some great pieces here to build on. But there a number of glaring problems that need a total overhaul. And without much to draft for the next few years the challenge will be tough.  They must be active in free agency, some coaching changes, and a very different direction on defense and special teams.  If they keep this very small, light, speed only defense, they will get steamrolled again next year.

Whether you love Stefanski or not, he's probably going to be here another full year.  It's an owners thing.  Firing him makes THEM look even worse than they already do, so that's not gonna happen.  Plus, he's going to be granted a full year with his crown jewel QB he wanted, but that's it.  A clunker next year with Watson making 45 million per, will cost him his job. 

BUT keep this in mind.  The Browns proved last off season, if a REALLY GOOD THING becomes available, like say, Sean Payton, they could make a change, just like Watson last off season. Remember then? They said one thing, did quite another.  I don't feel ownership really likes Stefanski, as he is probably wasting their time, money and prime years of a few superstars, so they will do what they feel they need to, to win.  With Dallas having a great year, seems Payton going there is less and less. Ownership here has proven that money is no object, and they would pay Payton, or another first class coach whatever he wanted, just like Watson.

As in the Bucs, as in the Ravens, as in Watson, and as in who is available in the off season -  it's when you get 'em.

GO BROWNS!

I feel that 2022 was a pretty good year for many in some regards and not so for others.  Sure times are tough economically for about everyone, but 2022 signaled back to normal for most of us.  For me, mostly good, although was not happy about my Florida home going through the teeth of a hurricane (Ian).  But we are getting back on our feet down there too.

But overall, happy in life and played a bunch of golf this year, so there's that!

How was your 2022? 

Very cool article about the things learned in 2022. 

Check it out from this writer!

52 Things Learned In 2022

Box Office Results - #1 -  Wakanda Forever  - 5 weeks

New This Week - Avatar  /  Spoiler Alert

Second Worst - Weekend of the year at the movies  (Story) 

December – Puss and Boots / Babylon / I Wanna Dance With Somebody / Women Talking

John Cena and Jason Momoa - Are teaming up in an action comedy called  Killer Vacation (Story)

Taylor Swift - Has written a screenplay and direct a movie for Searchlght Pictures - key details, like plot and casting, are still secret  (Story) 

Julie Andrews - Says it's probably not going to be possible' for her to be in Princess Diaries 3 (Story) 

Netflix - Has canceled Warrior Nun after two seasons -  (Lots of fans upset)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane  (link)  

Also  - New country countdown coming soon  (Link)

This week we will take a look at The Influencers Part 2.  In the 42 years I've continuously been in Country Radio, I feel these artists are among the most influential in one way or another, each in their own way.  They paved the road for the sound, shows, styles and images of the next generation and for today.  Keep in mind this list is from about 1980 forward.  This is how we got where we are today. This is Part 2   -  (Part 1 Click Here)

No order.....

Alabama  (Full Profile)

When Alabama showed up in 1979, everything began to change in country. They were the start of a complete and total overhaul that began with their arrival and culminated in 1989 when the real surge came and the boom of the 1990's. Alabama looked like the new listeners we were looking for. Young and cool and not at all what was the the style of the time.  But the really big thing they heavily influenced was the country "band."  They were really the first and only for quite a while, but in time others came and had great success, although not "Alabama" success. Their music was great, so was their image and they gave confidence to other country bands out there in the shadows that they could make it too in a world of solo artists.   Alabama dominated the 1980's like no one had ever before.

The Judds   (Full Profile)

This duo was as different as anything we could have imagined in the early 1980's when they came to prominence.  A stylish mother-daughter act that was based in acoustic country with beyond slick harmonies and a treasure trove of great songs.  Their absolute difference was their strength.  They were the most unique act at the time and gave rise to other similar acts like Sweethearts Of The Rodeo, The Whites, and The Forester Sisters.  But no one could touch The  Judds.  I feel they were as big of an inspiration to many young women singers that dreamed about being a country star as anyone.  They were universally loved and their following was enviable in and out of country.

Dwight Yoakam  (Full Profile)

When you help save a genre of music, you make the list. Yoakam came along about the same time as Randy Travis and together sent country on a new direction that made it thrive. Yoakam was the predecessor to Garth in helping reinvent the country stage show. His very cool music was enhanced even more by his new and inventive way on stage when he showed up in 1986.  His style too was new and copied by many.  Yoakam is one of the real spokespersons for acts in country that are so newly unique at the time that fans gravitate to them and other artists wonder why they did do it first. Yoakam was an original and that's darn rare. He really put the movement into the stage show and turned the "cool" meter on high.

Tanya Tucker   (Full Profile)

Her amazingly distinct voice is not easy to imitate, so no one ever did.  As a kid you could hear she was gifted, and as an adult it just got better.  In the late 70's with her controversial album cover, TNT, she single-handedly ended the huge floor length dresses, bouffant and beehive hair, and general stuffiness that had been the style for women in country, and she loosened up the men too.  Her leather pants album pic was loved by many and hated by same, as it was way outside the norm at that moment.  BUT in one swoop, we never went back to the old style, even though some hung on to it for a while.  Suddenly we were younger, cooler, and different.  She deserves a lot of the credit for this.  From that point on the styles were tight jeans and more flattering dresses for women and wardrobes in general for men were not rhinestone leisure suits and polyester pants.  She also was the champion of second chances, reinventing herself a few times very successfully and inspiring others not to give up on their dreams.  Very powerful artist and person.

Brantley Gilbert

This one may surprise many, as he is still a very current artist.  BUT it was the song, the sound of THAT song that turned a lot of heads and woke others up.  His anthem, Country Must Be Country Wide was a very influential song when it first came out.  Influential like the Hank Jr song he references.  Many of today's artists heard his song, pointed to the radio and thought, "I want to do THAT!"  It was an anthem, it was honest, it was hard core country, it was southern rock. It was many, many strong things wrapped up in one slick package that pointed where we were going, while bridging from - but not disrespecting where we had been - and solidified where we were.  It was a turning point for many and some could not keep up and others were inspired to find that kind of song of their own.  They are tough to find. 

Barbara Mandrell   (Full Profile)

It's not often that someone can do it all, but she could. BM had an amazing musical career, with tons of hit songs. She was an actress, a musician that skillfully played a dozen instruments. She was a TV star with her own network TV show.  And she was a real game changer as far as live entertaining was concerned. Her concerts were incredible, with high energy and a fast pace. Very different than most females at the time. Barbara Mandrell overall may be the most talented person we have ever had in country. That doesn't mean the "best".  It means what it means, her extreme musical talent is legendary, and she was an incredible inspiration for many to chase a new dream and to be a star.  The incredible Barbara Mandrell.

For the past few years I've been writing and posting my Country Music Memory Lane Series here and my Mega Star Series too.  They post here on Thursdays and will continue to do so, as we look back at the artists that got us where we are today.  But I am starting another year long series in January in addition to CMML.

I will have a year long countdown of the 50 Songs That Stuck.  Over the past 42 years I've played Country Music on the radio, I will feature 50 songs that are the ones I have enjoyed playing, and in many cases still play -  on the radio.  Of course these lists are always totally subjective, but they are fun.  I'll post these on Tuesdays right here!

Here are some of the loose parameters.

I am NOT saying these are the BEST songs, just the ones I enjoy the most.

I am NOT saying I am "right"

There is a great mix of traditional country, pop country, and crossover as I have played country through many phases.

These songs are all that I have played, or still play on the air since 1981.  They didn't necessarily have to be released during that time, just played on the radio.

I tried to represent as many artists as possible.

There is only ONE artist that is mentioned twice.

We will start with #50 in January!!

Thanks for reading, commenting and sharing as always!

The loss to the Bengals pretty much closes out the Browns on any post season.  Another awful loss from an organization that seemingly moved on to next year before Sundays game, leaving hard working players and loyal fans behind.  A loss filled with terrible penalties, boneheaded in game choices, and offensive futility yet again.  This week the Browns told you they gave up on the season.

And can we just stop with all the local and national media with this silliness that the Browns have the Bengals "number?"  And that the Browns are in Joe Burrows head?  I know you need on air fodder, but that is ridiculous.  Burrow is as poised and as complete of a QB that has come around in a while.  Anyone that thought he was intimidated coming into this game - that's just laughable.  Where they are and where we are  - well, it's a large crevasse. 

In the last two weeks the Browns played the leagues worst team in Houston, and one of the best in Cincy.  So, it's been a fair test when you average it out.  The offense has scored a grand total of 16 points in those games with a single touchdown. Last week alone the special teams and defense scored 21.  Sunday, the Browns defense played a darn good game, admittedly against a Cincy team without three legit offensive weapons.  But the Browns were in a position to compete and maybe win. But they chose otherwise.  They chose to start spring training for 2023 early.

They had a chance to get in that game with a QB that has led the offense all year long and has the stats to back it up.  But Brissett rode the pine all day, while Watson was left in there to learn on the job.  OK, I know he is the future, he's going to be great again and that's fine.  But right now, his present is not good.  Teams are showing amazing, almost brazen disrespect to him, it's almost embarrassing.  Teams are just jamming up the running game against us and telling the Browns, "Go ahead Watson, throw the ball and beat us!"   Watson is lost right now. 

With next season in view already, the only thing that can really happen to the Browns in the next month is not good.  There will be no post season this year and Brissett will not be here either next year.  So if sending out Watson for the next few games is Stefanki's, or the Browns choice, that is flawed.  If 2023 is what you're really thinking, getting Watson possibly seriously hurt in these next meaningless games is a real organizational risk. The Ravens this week and the Commanders in a couple weeks are playing BIG games for themselves for THIS season, and they will be ruthless, and couldn't care less about Watson.  Then the Steelers in the final week.

The Browns have a major problem that is clearly organization wide. They know everything.  That's a bad way to be in life or as an NFL team.  You see, when you know everything, there is nothing left for you to learn.  So you don't - and won't -  and if you are of that ilk, you will have little success and lead an existence that is lonely and alienating.  With Watson as your clear future - the future is simply that - it's not today.  Winning Sunday was all that mattered and Stefanski told every other hard working veteran that's been there for years that this season was over.  This staff has no idea how to win that game -  on that day.

The Bengals simply laughed as a noncompetitive, rusty and confused QB tried to beat them  -  and he couldn't and didn't.  Brissett is not the long term answer, but he may have been Sunday when it still could have mattered, but we will never know.  With his knowledge of the offense and his experience THIS season with THIS team he would have given then Bengals something else to think about.

The Browns are 5-8 with 4 games to go.  But it's OK, we are in good hands, because the coach and organization knows everything.

GO BROWNS!

This time of the year is filled with so many feelings and emotions.  Many are really great and some are not so.  Many feel big pressure on gift giving, both receiving and giving.  The latter is a major problem for many.  Especially as you get older it is harder to buy gifts for people, namely family members.

So here is some help, on how to step up your gift giving game!

Be A GREAT Gift Giver!