Damnburger

July 23rd, 2008 by david lay

Its been a long time, and I couldn’t resist sharing this clip. Thanks to Greg and his golf blog for showing me this morsel of funniness.

Posted in Movies | No Comments

Eddie Murphy Calling it Quits (Sort of)

July 1st, 2008 by david lay

In the “wow, I didn’t see that coming, though maybe I should have” department, we get word today that Eddie Murphy has made his last film and now plans to retire from Hollywood and go back to the stage and continue his career as a standup comedian.

“I have close to 50 movies and it’s like, why am I in the movies?” he said, “I’ve done that part now. I’ll go back to the stage.”

Murphy who is now 47 said that there is indeed a Beverly Hills Cop 4 picture in the works, but he has opted out of it because it “wasn’t ready to be done.”

I found my jaw dropping this morning when I read that Eddie was retiring from film because after films like Pluto Nash, Norbit, and Daddy Day Care, I figured that he obviously didn’t care if his films sucked.

But then again, after Pluto Nash, Norbit, and Daddy Day Care, it’s pretty hard to deny that your films suck and maybe you should go back to doing what made you popular. Maybe after a couple trips back around the comedy circuit, he’ll be fresh enough again to get back into the motion picture business - but let’s not count on that.

I really think this is a great decision by Eddie, and an opportunity to regain his popularity and to return to the headlines, instead of the punch lines.

Posted in Tribute, Yada Yada, Movies | No Comments

George Carlin 1937-2008

June 23rd, 2008 by david lay

You made a lot of people laugh, and we thank you for that. Rest in peace you foul, filthy, sonofab**ch!

Posted in Tribute, Television, Yada Yada, Movies | 1 Comment

AFI’s 10 Top 10

June 18th, 2008 by david lay

Every June since 1997, the American Film Institute releases a new list of films in its 100 Years… series - celebrating 100 years of American films. I set a goal a few years ago to watch all of the movies in the series, but I didn’t complete that mission. When the “updated” list came out in 2007, I rededicated myself to watching them all, and I’m proud to say that I accomplished that goal within the last six months.

I have found so many great movies through AFI and their efforts to preserve and promote American films, though in all honesty, I have found a handful of stinkers as well. The good has FAR exceeded the bad, however and I am so grateful that I undertook the challenge - there’s a reason that these movies are so well respected!

Today, AFI announced a new list - the 12th in the series, AFI’s 10 Top 10. I have actually said before that I think they should do this - breaking down a “top 100″ into smaller genres and ranking them against similar films.

So, here is the list - AFI’s 10 Top 10 (with a few comments):

Animation

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - First Feature-length animated film - still great!
2. Pinocchio
3. Bambi
4. The Lion King
5. Fantasia
6. Toy Story - Groundbreaking - I remember the first time I heard “computer animated”
7. Beauty and the Beast
8. Shrek
9. Cinderella
10. Finding Nemo

Romantic Comedies

1. City Lights - One of my new favorite films - I LOVED it!!!
2. Annie Hall - I used to think Woody Allen was overrated - then I watched Annie Hall.
3. It Happened One Night
4. Roman Holiday
5. Philadelphia Story
6. When Harry Met Sally
7. Adam’s Rib
8. Moonstruck
9. Harold and Maude - This is one of those movies I’ve always said I wanted to see… Haven’t yet.
10. Sleepless in Seattle

Western

1. The Searchers - Awesomeness
2. High Noon - One of THE best movies ever made! Most requested film by US Presidents.
3. Shane
4. Unforgiven
5. Red River
6. The Wild Bunch
7. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
8. McCabe and Mrs. Miller
9. Stagecoach
10. Cat Ballou

Sports

1. Raging Bull - Scorsese’s best film.
2. Rocky - Classic.
3. Pride of the Yankees
4. Hoosiers
5. Bull Durham - Starring Danny Gans!
6. The Hustler
7. Caddyshack
8. Breaking Away
9. National Velvet
10. Jerry Maguire

Mystery

1. Vertigo - One of four Great Hitchcock films on this list - but where’s Psycho?
2. Chinatown
3. Rear Window
4. Laura
5. The Third Man
6. Maltese Falcon - FANTASTIC! Fell in love with this film noir while watching the top 100.
7. North by Northwest
8. Blue Velvet
9. Dial “M” for Murder
10. The Usual Suspects

Fantasy

1. Wizard of Oz
2. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - This film represents the entire trilogy…
3. It’s a Wonderful Life - They begin to stretch the “Fantasy” moniker at this point, but I get it…
4. King Kong
5. Miracle on 34th Street
6. Field of Dreams
7. Harvey
8. Groundhog Day
9. The Thief of Bagdad
10. Big

Science Fiction

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
2. Star Wars: A New Hope
3. ET: The Extra Terrestrial
4. Clockwork Orange
5. The Day the Earth Stood Still
6. Blade Runner - I think this film is good, but very overrated.
7. Alien
8. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
9. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
10. Back to the Future - Awesome!!! So glad this is on the list!

Gangster

1. The Godfather - Love it! Definitely don’t think it insists upon itself.
2. Goodfellas
3. The Godfather Part II
4. White Heat
5. Bonnie and Clyde
6. Scarface: The Shame of a Nation (Not the one with Al Pacino)
7. Pulp Fiction - Great Flick!
8. Public Enemy
9. Little Caesar
10. Scarface (The one with Al Pacino)

Courtroom Drama

1. To Kill a Mockingbird - Extremely powerful and emotional
2. 12 Angry Men - Learned who Henry Fonda was the first time I saw this. Excellent.
3. Kramer Vs. Kramer
4. The Verdict
5. A Few Good Men
6. Witness for the Prosecution
7. Anatomy of a Murder
8. In Cold Blood
9. Cry in the Dark
10. Judgment at Nuremburg

Epics

1. Lawrence of Arabia - Beautiful landscapes and cinematography
2. Ben-Hur
3. Schindler’s List
4. Gone With the Wind - As good as they come.
5. Spartacus
6. Titanic
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
8. Saving Private Ryan
9. Reds
10. The Ten Commandments

My initial thoughts are that this a good list only a couple of obvious omissions (Psycho and Double Indemnity from the Mystery category, namely). I’m sure I’ll find some more down the road…

But overall, not bad?

Posted in Tribute, Yada Yada, Movies | No Comments

It Insists Upon Itself…

June 16th, 2008 by david lay

This is one of the cleverest, funniest pieces of Television writing. Just hilarious.

Posted in Tribute, Television, Yada Yada | 2 Comments

Random Trivia

June 11th, 2008 by david lay

I had a conversation with Stu today at work in which the following items came up…

Without giving away the answers who knows what either one (or both of them) are - specifically? I’m really curious how many people are as weird as me.

Posted in Yada Yada | 3 Comments

Retro Commercial of the Day - Hardee’s

June 5th, 2008 by david lay

I was randomly watching some old tv ads today when I came across this one. I did a double take when I realized who it was.

If you don’t watch Lost, you wont get it.

Posted in Television, Yada Yada | No Comments

Thrillionaires - Utah’s Improv Theater

May 13th, 2008 by david lay

For two years running, The Thrillioniaires have been making up Broadway-style musicals and improvising other film and theater styles for Utah audiences. Using only suggestions from the crowd, The Thrillionaires are the perfect union of theater and improv and are happy to have found a home at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.

Previously, they have been privileged to perform with musician/actor Kirby Heyborne and British theater veteran Orlando Seale. They have shared the stage with noted and award-winning performers such as Jenny Frogley, William Joseph, Jericho Road, Alex Boye, Mindy Gledhill and George Dyer. Even LaVell Edwards, Stephen R. Covey, and Mayor Lewis Billings have been in attendance to enjoy The Thrillionaires‘ special brand of entertainment.

If you haven’t seen The Thrillionaires perform, you are missing one of the most unique experiences live theater has to offer. It might make you laugh, it might be heart-wrenching, or it might be both. But, whatever happens, it will definitely be an unforgettable experience! Don’t hesitate to reserve your tickets today.

Additionally, most Tuesday nights at 8:00 at Covey Arts Center offer Cheap Thrills: The Thrillionaires‘ experimental (but experienced) improv group. This is your chance to see our up-and-coming cast showcase their talent. Missing are the costumes, sets and other trappings of our full-scale Thrillionaires shows but there is an abundance of heart, talent and laughs. It’s a night of live, improvised contemporary theater at a special price.

For more information, visit CoveyCenter.org.

Posted in Utah Concerts, Yada Yada, Events | 2 Comments

Coldplay Announces Utah Concert

May 9th, 2008 by david lay

Coldplay has just announced their Viva La Vida North American Tour in support of the their new album of the same name, which is set to drop on June 17th. The forthcoming tour will kick off on June 29th in Philadelphia and close out here in Utah at Energy Solutions Arena on November 22nd. Ticket information for the Utah concert is available at Coldplay.com and they will go on sale June 14th at 10 am.

Viva La Vida, Coldplay’s upcoming album, will be released by Capitol Music on June 17th. The album is produced by Markus Dravs and Brian Eno and is the follow up to X&Y, which debuted at #1 in 32 countries and has sold more than 10,000,000 copies worldwide.

Coldplay is one of the most popular bands on the planet, and I’m sure tickets will sell fast for their concert in Utah, so don’t wait too long to pick yours up!

Posted in Utah Concerts, Music | No Comments

Nine Inch Nails in Concert in Utah

May 7th, 2008 by david lay

Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails played an important role in bringing industrial music to the masses in the 90’s. Though often referred to as a “group” NIN is only officially made up of Reznor, the singer/instrumentalist/producer who is solely responsible for NIN’s direction in the same way that Dave Grohl is the Foo Fighters, despite other fairly regular band members.

In Reznor’s case, his innovative approach to industrial music helped open the ears of millions to the genre that was previously considered by many to be harsh or grating on the ears with its electronic beats and heavy distortion. He also resurrected the genre by adding a bit of a human touch and became a recognizable figure in the industry and offered fans someone to equate with the genre.

Nine Inch Nails will perform on September 3rd at the E Center along with Deerhunter. Tickets will be on sale Saturday, May 10 at Smith’s Tix Outlets and the E Center Box office. Ticket prices are $35 and $45.

Posted in Utah Concerts, Music | 1 Comment

Red Butte Gardens Concert Schedule Announced

May 6th, 2008 by david lay

I have said before that I think Red Butte Gardens amphitheater is my favorite venue for concerts in Utah. Its small size creates an intimate environment while its location (the middle of a botanical garden on the University of Utah campus) adds to its beauty.

Additionally, Red Butte Gardens has played host to some of the best musical acts to tour Utah, in my opinion. They tend to focus on slightly lesser known names in the alt. country, blues and jazz genres which fits in pretty well with the overall feel of the venue. Past shows at Red Butte include Indigo Girls, Ryan Adams, Son Volt, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, and Wynton Marsalis.

The amphitheater was renovated a bit this winter and the summer lineup was just released:

July 11	Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
July 15	Jonny Lang with special guest Dusty Rhodes and the River Band
July 20	Emmylou Harris with special guest Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein
July 22	Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi - Soul Stew Revival with special guest Scrapomatic
July 30	Los Lonely Boys & Los Lobos – “The Brotherhood Tour”
August 10	Alejandro Escovedo & Greg Brown
August 18	Wilco
August 19	A Prairie Home Companion: The Rhubarb Tour with Garrison Keillor
August 20	KT Tunstall
August 26	Bonnie Raitt with special guest Richard Julian
September 3	Al Green
September 11	G. Love & Special Sauce with special guest the John Butler Trio

I don’t think this is quite as strong as the last couple of years, but there are definitely some gems in there - Wilco, Derek Trucks and Prairie Home Companion would all be fun.

If you get a chance to check out one of these shows at one of Utah’s most unique and fun venues, and let me know what you think.

Posted in Utah Concerts, Music, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Danny Gans - Entertainer of the Year

May 4th, 2008 by david lay

If you have been to Las Vegas in the past five or six years, and are observant at all, you are probably familiar with Danny Gans. Danny Gans took over for Sigfried and Roy at The Mirage after Roy Horn was attacked by the white tiger in October of 2003.

Gans is billed at The Mirage as “The Man of Many Voices” due to his Vegas show in which he mixes his knack for comedy and music to create a hilarious act as a musical impressionist. However, Gans did not begin his career as a singer or an aspiring entertainer.

Gans was a high school and college baseball star, being drafted by the Royals after high school and by the White Sox after college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he became an All-American. He played for a while for the Durham Bulls and was even on screen as a third baseman during a brief scene in Kevin Costner’s 1988 film, Bull Durham.

A knee injury had ended Gans’ career as a baseball player, but like any true superstar, he picked himself up, dusted himself off, and started all over again. Gans began a 15 year tour throughout the U.S. working as an impressionist and motivational speaker . Soon he was one of the hottest and most sought-after performers in the corporate world, playing for thousands of people for McDonald’s and IBM and various other Fortune 500 company events. He began to catch the eye of fellow entertainers such as Bill Cosby and Natalie Cole, and soon he was a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Danny Gans has been in Las Vegas now for 12 years and has headlined at The Mirage for nearly six of those. He has won numerous awards during his career and has certainly earned the status of “Entertainer of the Year”. Next time you are in Vegas, look for his billboards, and try to check out his show at The Mirage.

Additional Links:

Danny Gans at The Mirage.
Danny Gans Official Site.
Book Danny Gans as a Motivational Speaker.

Posted in Baseball, Tribute, Utah Concerts, Yada Yada, Sports, Movies, Events, Music | 1 Comment

First Look at Will Smith’s New Movie, Hancock

April 28th, 2008 by david lay

A while ago, I posted the initial trailer for Will Smith’s New Movie, Hancock. This new superhero comedy is, as many have pointed out, in danger of being left by the wayside this summer due to a sizeable list of competitors.

Iron Man, Batman, and The Hulk could own the “superhero” market - not to mention Indiana Jones, but one should never underestimate the box office draw that is Will Smith. Additionally, Hancock’s July 2nd release date gives it the edge on Independence Day weekend. So, we’ll see what happens. Personally, I think it’ll do just fine.

Here is a first look at Will Smith’s Hancock:

Posted in Movies | 5 Comments

Sheryl Crow In Concert

April 25th, 2008 by david lay

Sheryl Crow is coming to concert in Utah on August 25th at USANA Amphitheater

Sheryl Crow, a nine-time Grammy winner has announced her summer tour dates for 2008, and among them is a stop at Utah’s USANA Amphitheater. Sheryl’s Detours tour will be making a stop in Utah on August 25th.

Joining Crow for her tour are: Reggae act, Toots and the Maytals and British singer/songwriter James Blunt - both of whom were handpicked by Crow for this tour.

Crow’s sixth album, “Detours” was released last month and has risen to #2 on the Billboard 200. Crow says “Detours” is a highly personal album inspired by recent experiences in her life such as her battle with breast cancer, her newly adopted child, and her highly public break up with cyclist Lance Armstrong.

Tickets for Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, and Toots and the Maytals at Utah’s USANA Amphitheater will go on sale April 26th at 10 through SmithTix and the E Center box office.

Posted in Utah Concerts, Music | 1 Comment

Jimmy Fallon Taking Over for Conan

April 25th, 2008 by david lay

Many people have been speculating about the future of Late Night once Conan O’Brien takes over the Tonight Show next year, and now that question has been answered.

No sooner were Stu, Alex, and I watching (or attempting to watch) one of Fallon’s great characters, Nick Burns, The Company Computer Guy, on YouTube than the news came across the wire.

Check out the full story at Fox News.

Posted in Television | 3 Comments

« Previous entries