Amaechi Announces He’s an Author

As you may or may not have seen, former NBA player John Amaechi announced that he has a book coming out in the coming weeks. I’m not sure why this is news. John Amaechi was a journeyman and put up better stats internationally and in college (while at Penn State) during his career than in the NBA. I’m sure he’s not the first person in the league that will write a book and I’m sure he won’t be the last.

Amaechi’s announcement is symbolic of our society; several people that you work with and are friends with might come out and write a book soon. Or, then again, they might never have the courage to put pen to paper. Either way, it shouldn’t change the way you think about that person.

Just like your social circles, there are several current and former NBA players who could write a book. Maybe more players would be convinced to write something if a current player whose name is actually recognized came out with a book. Please know that this commentary isn’t meant to diminish Amaechi’s literary efforts. I’m glad he decided to come out with a book. However, I can’t help but think what the impact would’ve been had he come out with it while he was playing; or, perhaps instead of writing a book just letting us know what he had to say, instead of having it tied to a published effort.

I Just Saw…

Despite how busy I’ve been the last 30 days, I did manage to see some films (thank you NetFlix). However, I didn’t see anything new or rarely seen. But, just to stay consistent:

Talledega Nights. Loved it. If you like Anchor Man, you’ll like this. But, be warned, it is like Anchor Man in the fact that you may have to watch it more than once to like it. I’m now going to name my next two kids ‘Walker’ and ‘Texas Ranger’.

 

 

Inside Man. This was fabulous. Another winner from Denzel. However, I have to tell you, it does have somewhat of a twist at the end. But as good as it is, this twist does leave you feeling that you are missing on crucial part of the story. I would give it a B+ because of this (you need to close the loop on these kind of movies, see ‘Usual Suspects’) but the movie as a whole was awesome.

Trainspotting. So, you know how there’s a movie that you know you’re going to like -and you’re friends know you’re going to like it – but you never get around to seeing it? Yea, that’s me here. I really liked Trainspotting, mainly because it transported me back to the mid-90s when the indies were really starting to achieve an elite status. But the most surprising thing was how good Johnny Lee Miller was. I kept watching it, thinking to myself ‘is that him — nah…that can’t be him.’ But it was. He completely transforms to play this part. Very nice surprise.

I’ll be posting full reviews again soon; I just received Everything is Illuminated from NetFlix. I’ll have something for you in a few days.

It’s a man’s world – and they give lousy presents

These guys at The Burger have given me the floor again. And just in the nick of time apparently, judging by the horrible Valentine’s Day ads I’ve been seeing. According to recent advertisements, we women absolutely are set aflutter over pajamas, a teddy bear and our very own star.

Guys, let me see if I can help you with this. We do not walk around the house in pajamas that look like underwear. The last time we got excited over receiving a stuffed bear was the fourth grade. We don’t own telescopes.

First, pajamagrams. Well, let me start with the question ‘where’s the gift?’ We don’t sleep in these types of pajamas, obviously, so you get to see us in something sexy and then expect something (because the pajamas got us so in the mood) in return. Right. I’m a lucky girl.

Second, Vermont Teddy Bears. What am I going to do with this? Display it on my desk? Yea, I like that; not that women don’t already have a problem with respect in the workplace, but please, let me put a teddy bear on the corner of my bookcase. That will really demand respect. Maybe I should take it home and put it on my bed, next to the stuffed heart pillow and cabbage patch doll? I’ll enjoy hours of cuddling with it while I write in my slam book.

Third, a star. This is the biggest scam, so if you buy us this you have more problems than a pissed off girl friend. Actually, this has me thinking. I may go ahead and buy your Christmas present now. Yes, I have contacted the meteorology burea and named a snowflake after you. How do you like it?

Guys–ignore the ads and follow this simple rule: ask us what we want. And, if we can’t make up our mind (we do that sometimes) go with the ol’ reliable blue box. Now, if you excuse me, I have to go put a star on eBay.

Pardon the Interruption, but Tony Kornheiser is on line one

Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge sports freak. Playing into that is my love of ESPN programming, specifically Sports Reporters, PTI, Mike and Mike and Around the Horn. So, you can imagine my excitement when I started off a recent Monday morning with a phone call from Tony Kornheiser. A client of mine had product placement in the ESPY gift bags and Mr. Kornheiser was just now redeeming his gifts.

Anyway, I have to tell you he was extremely nice and down to earth. (A little subjective of course as I am a big fan.) We talked about the championship games (the Colts and Bears had won the day before) and podcasts (I download PTI and listen to it during hated treadmill time). I always wonder how sports writers deal with being a fan and getting starstruck; however, I’m sure some of the opposite is true now. It makes sense to me that people like Tony Kornheiser deal with athletes and other sports writers all the time.

So, I would have to think that talking to an average sports fan might be a nice change of pace. Especially one who has the rare insight into disecting what’s wrong with a team like I do. At least that’s how I rationalize it.

Bottom line – Kornheiser was kool.

I’m Still Here

Ok, so I know it seems like I’ve been gone for a while. Well, I have. 30 days flies by fast. In that time there’s been a lot going, let me see if I can recap — Bits and Pieces style:

 The Cavs Miss the Point.

About as surprising as Anna Nicole’s death is the Cavaliers inability to run a successful offense. Let’s see, a coach who not only had zero experience but an affinity for defense; a team full of shoot-first guards; a slow starting center; and, am I missing anything? Oh yea–NO POINT GUARD.

 The Cavaliers suffer from a chronic disease plaguing all of the Cleveland teams – it’s called ‘ignorewhatweneed-itis’. Think about it; me, a common sports fan – as well as all of you out there – can easily spot what is wrong with our favorite Cleveland teams. The Indians? Well, when they were dominant in the 90s it was an ace starter. Now, it’s a closer. The Browns? Easy – it’s always been an offensive line (yet, they keep drafting – and people want them to – a running back; a receiver; a lousy quarterback; a tight end; whatever). And now, the Cavs.

So why do they want to ruin our best chance at a championship by not getting us a freaking point guard? Seriously? I’m not sure I understand the lack of vision here. Let the Cavs know you’re unhappy by sending e-mails here: GreatIdeas@CAVS.com.

 ID Be Worried

The countdown continues as we are now one year away from state id cards through the Real ID act. These new cards will replace your drivers liscense and contain, at a minimium, your name, SS/ID number, sex and common readable technology, to be determined by one of the most warm and fuzzy groups in our government, Homeland Security. In addition, they’ll reserve the right to include retina scans and fingerprints. Beyond this is the fact that anyone who opposes or tries to refrain from obtaining this card will be viewed with widespread scrunity and suspicion. Hmmm….I’ve read this somewhere before…oh yea, now I remember:

Rev.13:16:

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

I’ve got a better idea; why not skip this step and just turn people into their own identification card, say, with an RFID chip? Oh, I know; that will never happen, right? 

You of course know that this was approved back in 2005 (come on people, read a little) as part of the $82 million military defense bill. Why attach it to a military spend bill? Why not – if you were a politician, roughly one year out from potential re-election (see November 2006) would you vote against military spending? See you at the concentration ca— er, I mean DMV.

Off the Record, I just wanted to tell you ‘no comment’

Nick Saban, hated for several reasons, recently used the term of endearment ‘coonass’ when talking about one of those Louisiana cajuns who ‘talk funny’. Instead of apologizing, he defended himself by saying it was off the record. As a PR guy I couldn’t let this one go, so, if you’re ever in a similar situation to Quick Nick, simply follow the rules I give to clients: 1. Theres is no such thing as ‘no comment’ and 2. There is no such thing as no comment.

Quickies

Here are some other things I’ve been thinking about the last 30 days:

1. The Chineese are blowing up satellites. That’s not going to be good for anyone.

2. Strange things afoot in Arizona. Don’t worry; it’s just the “military”.

3. Growing Pains is premiering on Nick at Nite (2.12). Show me that smile again.

4. I discovered my new favorite singer/songwriter is Kenna. I need some free time.

5. I read Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘Blink’. You should too. It’ll change the way you think.