Blog Posts

Landman

12/12/2024

If you're looking for something new and terrific to watch on your TV or laptop, try Landman on Paramount Plus. I only watched a couple of trailers and part of the first episode, but I'm already hooked. With an outstanding cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm and others, and from Taylor Sheridan, Executive Producer of Yellowstone, I was impressed enough to sign up for my yearly subscription to Paramount Plus. Which is exactly what they had intended.

The series started airing on November 17, 2024, and has ten episodes in Season One. Talk of Season Two is already in the works. New episodes arrive each Sunday; here's a link to the Series Trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXzhEhCOlnM. For more information about Paramount Plus, visit paramountplus.com.

Reina Mora

12/3/2024

Reina Mora

Just dropped a wonderful new episode of A Word with Joy featuring the beautiful and talented Reina Mora! Check it out at the podcast link above.

Fran Moran and the Nervous Wrecks

11/20/2024

A few weeks ago I was thrilled to be in the lucky audience when Fran Moran and the Nervous Wrecks (on left, in video above) performed at The Mint, one of the premier nightclubs in Los Angeles. They are a pulsing, energetic band, reminiscent of Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. Danceable and infectious, just kick-ass rock musicians.

I'm very happy to announce that Fran Moran himself will be a special guest on my podcast, A Word with Joy, taping next week, and going online shortly thereafter. I met Mr. Moran before the show, he was more than gracious, and invited me onto the tour bus to meet his lovely wife; and his manager. They all couldn't have been kinder, and I am very much looking forward to speaking with Mr. Moran next week for the podcast episode.

Along with Mr. Moran's band, none other than Billy Bob Thornton's band The Boxmasters performed. Mr. Thornton of course is the world class actor but also loves his music. His enjoyment of performing live came out quite magically on stage.

The opening act for the two bands was the pretty and talented singer-songwriter Angela Petrilli. Her emotional, bluesy guitar work is quite remarkable, and matched by a lovely, vulnerable voice. Angela was a delight to watch, and all in all it was quite a night. You should have seen this nearly 70 year old senior bopping along to the hit "Surrender" played by Fran's band. That song has, in my opinion, one of the best lines in all of rock music: "Surrender, surrender, but don't give yourself away." Quite inspiring!

If you're looking for exceptional live music in the Los Angeles area, I can't recommend The Mint highly enough. It's a small, classy, friendly club, with outstanding acoustics, delicious bar food, and drinks that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. And it's reasonably priced! It's easy to get to as well, with it's location on the West side of Los Angeles, and street parking is right nearby. Makes for a extremely fun, memorable night out.

12/22/24 Update: Due to scheduling issues, the podcast taping of Mr. Moran will occur in early February, and the episode will air shortly thereafter.

New Podcast Episode

11/11/2024

Another episode of A Word with Joy just dropped with Jeff Reynolds, pictured above, Founder and CEO of Jeff Reynolds Productions. Fun!

Chargers Football

10/28/2024

The Chargers Football Team, photo courtesy chargers.com.

If you're looking for an exciting place to watch professional football, you could do worse than visit SoFi for a Chargers home game. It's an up-and-coming team, winning 26-8 against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday 10/27/24. There's Coach Jim Harbaugh, above on the right, who just joined the team this past January and who seems to know what he's doing. Also there's Number 10, the promising young quarterback Justin Herbert. I went to the game on Sunday and was most impressed with the beauty of their stadium (the most expensive venue ever built), the friendliness of the fans, and the exploits of the team. You underestimate this team at your peril. And, ticket prices for seats in a very nice area overlooking the end zone are remarkably inexpensive. Very unusual for pro sports venues these days. Oh, and don't be startled by their cannon going off when the team first comes onto the field, makes a touchdown, or wins a game. It's all part of the scene.

Random Tips

10/22/2024

Smokey Robinson

If you love, love, love Smokey Robinson as I do, you can now call his voice mail line on SiriusXM Radio. He has his own channel there now, it's number 74 called Smokey's Soul Town). Call 844-7-SMOKEY to leave a message, request a song, or just say hello to a genius.

Also, I just found these delicious, healthy snack bars from Trader Joe's called Think! Delight (photo below). This flavor is Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, but they have others. Really yummy! By the way, I do not receive any compensation from anything I recommend, beyond a free ticket to get in sometimes. This is all stuff I would recommend to a good friend. And, kind reader, you are the best of friends.

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