Even before the injury to Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback, Andrew Luck became public, I did not think the Colts were worthy of the heavy favorite status afforded them to win the AFC South.
They should be contenders in what I think will be a wide open division.
Both the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans are considered ahead of them, but I will predict the biggest underdog, not that big in that category, the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the division that they won 2 years ago.
Andrew Luck, pictured above.
“Life Sucks,” playing at the Acorn Theater (410 West 42nd Street), written by Aaron Posner, adapted from (as stated “sort of”) “Uncle Vanya,” by the immortal Anton Chekhov is humorous, thought provoking and extremely well acted.
Seven characters are in a house, talking about their feelings, as they somehow become more aware that life full of regrets and as one character intones— the reality of the day after the nice night dream, is still worth and must be lived.
That is one of many complicated or not so, thoughts that permeated my brain while I enjoyed the humor and pathos of the Jeff Wise directed performance.
The cast which includes the truly great, veteran actor, Austin Pendleton as “The Professor,” was great.
On the day I saw “Life Sucks,” the key role of “Ella,” (the characters effectively “break the fourth wall” in this production) was played by Jenny Strassburg and she really excelled in the role and specifically, in her “break the fourth wall” words.
Nadia Bowers as Ella, Kimberly Chatterjee, Kevin Isola, Barbara Kingsley, Stacey Linnartz, Michael Schantz and the aforementioned Austin Pendleton comprise the cast.
Click below to buy tickets. I suggest doing so quickly as the play closes on September 1st.
Life Sucks Tickets | Tickets 2019 | Theatre Row – Acorn Theatre
I do not think it is anywhere near certain that the defending NFC champion, Los Angeles Rams will win a third straight NFC West crown.
In my opinion, both the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have a legitimate chance to win the division title.
It is very unlikely that the Arizona Cardinals will contend this season. It would be nice if they do as their great pass receiver, Larry Fitzgerald is still on the team.
Larry Fitzgerald, pictured above.
After the great concert of John Fogerty last Thursday, discussion included an upcoming show at the same Radio City venue, regarding the film, “Easy Rider.”
How very sad that the presentation will now not have Peter Fonda, who co-wrote, produced and starred, as he died a day later, at the age of 79.
If you know film acting, as you call the roll of the best, both male and female, it does not take long to call Peter’s father, Henry or his sister, Jane.
No matter your politics, surely all three participated, something Peter Fonda long and in his last known interview, emphasized.
Peter stood out and showed his “acting chops,” in “Ulee’s Gold” in 1997, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Peter was always enjoyable and eloquent, when I heard him interviewed.
So much good and bad, fifty years in the “rear view,” now a big name and contributor, who still did not find “America,” hopefully will find the peace and equality, that a life lived well can bring.
Mr. Fonda certainly lived life well, participated, created and contributed. I say Henry and even your mom, Frances Seymour, will be more open and revealing now.
Peter Fonda, pictured above.
Don’t all of us, (MORE than) one time or another?!!
Today a little bit different, and syndicated episode of “What’s My Line?” from 1971, in color and hosted by Wally Bruner, not John Charles Daly. The latter was the long time host.
A truly great and legendary announcer, Johnny Olson introduces all four panelists.
In order they are Soupy Sales, Anita Gillette, Arlene Francis and Bennett Cerf.
The highlight is the mystery guest. It is Burt Reynolds.
Enjoy.
Fifty years after performing at Woodstock, John Fogerty was magnificent in concert, at Radio City Music Hall, two nights ago.
John Fogerty talked of going on in the wee hours of the morning at Woodstock with his legendary group, Creedence Clearwater Revival and sounded great, singing so many great songs the group and John, as an individual performer, made so popular.
My heart and mind raced with delight, as such seminal songs as “Proud Mary,” “Who’ll Stop The Rain” and the late great, Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” were heard in the magnificent setting that is Radio City Music Hall.
Fogerty weaved in good stories and two of his sons (Shane in the band and Tyler, who sang) and his granddaughter were on stage. The show had an exciting, nostalgic opening and stayed strong throughout. It is well worth it to see this legendary performer.
Click below for schedule and ticket information.
John Fogerty 2019 Tour | Tickets On Sale | All Dates
John Fogerty, pictured above. Click below to see John perform “Down On The Corner” and “Centerfield.” Notice the guitar in “Centerfield.” What a show!
The most frequent World Series match up is the one between the New York Yankees and the Dodgers, whether in Brooklyn or Los Angeles.
They have clashed 11 times, the Yankees winning 8, however, the franchises have not met in a World Series since 1981.
In a 40 year/41 seasons period (1941-1981), all 11 World Series clashes between the teams took place.
L.A. has a big lead for the National League one seed, while the Yankees having gained 4 and a half games in the 6 days, since the American League favorites, the Houston Astros, ripped the Baltimore Orioles (23-2), now lead by 3 plus games, (Houston has the tiebreaker) in the race for the A.L. top seed.
Regarding the Orioles, after the (23-2) loss last Saturday, the O’s won Sunday vs Houston as one of the biggest game underdogs on record.
Subsequently, they lost all 4 games they played at Yankee Stadium, making them (2-17) vs the Yankees in ’19, losing the final 16 games. This is reminiscent of the vaunted Yankees dominance vs the Orioles ancestors, the St. Louis Browns. One day, talk will focus on the Bill Gullickson karma in this matter.
Bob Kuzava, pictured above, helped the Yankees win 3 straight titles from (1951-1953). Before Kuzava came to the team, the Yankees also won the World Series in 1949 and 1950.
Kuzava got the last out in both ’51 and ’52, getting help from fine defensive plays by Hank Bauer in ’51 vs the Giants and in ’52 from Billy Martin vs the Dodgers.
A year has passed since the great performer, Aretha Franklin died on August 16th. Babe Ruth, Margaret Mitchell, and Elvis Presley also died on that/this date.
They all inspired and here is a link as a remembrance.
It involves the city of Detroit, the hometown and a very important part of Ms. Franklin’s life.
Ernie Harwell, who did not die on August 16th, was a big part of Detroit, as a beloved radio voice of the baseball, Detroit Tigers for many years.
He grew up in or near Atlanta, Georgia and was Margaret Mitchell’s paper boy.
Babe Ruth hit his 700th home run at Detroit and his 60 home runs there, are the most by any visiting player. I have included a link to a story about what was perhaps “The Bambino’s” longest home run, below.
Elvis Presley, who died in 1977, 29 years after Ruth and 28 after Ms. Mitchell, performed in Detroit more often than any city, save his hometown, Memphis and show business hub, Las Vegas.
Maybe they are all making beautiful music and telling great stories where they might be.
Certainly they left us a legacy, in the form of great memories and performance.
Click below to read Richard Bak’s article.
Babe Ruth’s longest home run was launched in Detroit
Aretha Franklin, pictured above was born in Memphis, Elvis’ hometown.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will win their 7th straight N.L. West crown this season.
In all likelihood, they will get the top seed in the National League for the upcoming baseball tournament.
Perhaps this season, they will win their first World Series since 1988.
They lost in the last two World Series, losing to Houston (Astros) in 7 games in 2017 and to the Boston Red Sox in 5 games last season.
Both of those World Series ended with (5-1) Dodgers’ home losses.
Kirk Gibson, pictured above hit many big home runs in his career.
He put L.A. ahead to stay with an extra innings, road home run in game 4 of the ’88 NLCS at Shea Stadium vs the Mets. I “think” there was another big one one six days later.
Of course that one, won #1 vs the Oakland A’s, in the ’88 World Series.
As usual, there was quite an interesting twist in the plot of an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” which I viewed last night on MeTV.
The episode titled “Most Likely To Succeed” starred two actors far better known for comedy and they were outstanding, Jack Carter and Howard Morris.
Joanna Moore was excellent in the role of Carter’s character’s wife.
I like seeing Alfred Hitchcock, essentially “goof around” at the beginning and end of the episodes.
“Alfred Hitchcock Presents” airs two episodes each weeknight and Sunday, commencing at 1 A.M. and 1:30 A.M. Eastern Time.
Andy B Sports 