Dave Matthews Band Postpones Utah Concert

August 25th, 2008 by david lay

According to the band’s official website:

“Dave Matthews Band is postponing tonight’s show at Raley Field in West Sacramento, CA and Wednesday’s show at USANA Amphitheatre in West Valley, UT. We apologize for any inconvenience and will announce more information on these two dates as soon as it becomes available.”

I imagine that the funeral services for LeRoi Moore are the reason for the postponement. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.The band’s final US show is scheduled for September 9th. I imagine we can look for the new date to fall shortly thereafter.

Stay tuned.

Posted in Utah Concerts, Music | No Comments

DMB Saxophonist Moore Dies

August 19th, 2008 by david lay

Dave Matthews Band saxophone player and founding member, LeRoi Moore, died this evening at age 46.

Moore was seriously injured in an ATV accident on June 30 outside Charlottesville, VA. He had a punctured lung and broken ribs but was released from the hospital after a short stint. Moore went back into the hospital last month due to prolonged complications that continued to arise.

Moore died in Los Angeles this afternoon, after taking a turn for the worse. It is uncertain at this point how Moore’s death will effect the remainder of DMB’s summer tour.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Moore’s children and family.

LeRoi Moore 1961-2008

Posted in Utah Concerts, Tribute, Music | 1 Comment

Rose Dawson V. Scarlett O’Hara

August 7th, 2008 by david lay

Should Inflation be a Factor in Determining Top Box Office Draws?

The biggest movie of the summer is The Dark Knight, no doubt about it. There’s no realistic chance for any other film to unseat the new Batman flick from being the box office champ. In fact, after its first 17 days, The Dark Knight was already the #8 film of all time in terms of box office draw. It is predicted to earn more than $500 Million and end up just behind Titanic as the highest grossing film of all time.

So, this got me thinking about some of the other films on the list, and how inflation has impacted them. Kirk and I were talking about how “unfair” it was that great films from yesteryear are eclipsed on the list not necessarily because of inferiority, but because of inflation.

Here are the top 15 highest-grossing films of all time.

1. Titanic
2. Star Wars
3. Shrek 2
4. E.T.
5. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
7. Spider-Man
8. The Dark Knight
9. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
10. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
11. Spider-Man 2
12. The Passion of the Christ
13. Jurassic Park
14. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
15. Finding Nemo

…and here is the top 15 list of highest grossing films of all time adjusted for inflation. Pretty different.

1. Gone With the Wind
2. Star Wars
3. The Sound of Music
4. E.T.
5. The Ten Commandments
6. Titanic
7. Jaws
8. Doctor Zhivago
9. The Jungle Book (1967)
10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
11. Ben-Hur
12. 101 Dalmations (1961)
13. The Exorcist
14. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
15. Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi

What do you think? Is it fair and proper to compare a movie with .25 cent ticket prices to a modern era film at $10 a ticket? Which list do you think best represents the greatness of American cinema and the people’s voice regarding the greatest movies of all time? Or, does box office draw mean nothing in terms of how the movie will be remembered to future generations?

Posted in Yada Yada, Movies | 4 Comments

This Post May Offend You…

July 30th, 2008 by david lay

…if it does, I don’t care.

I work for an online advertising company, and I am all for creative advertising as I know how difficult it can be to brand a business, gain an audience, and then maintain that branding over time. But it seems that we now live in a day and age where creativity and humor are being a stifled by a very small group of people who seemingly look for reasons to be “offended”.

I think that being offended is the biggest crock in history. I know that there are often times that people may say or do things that may make other people uncomfortable for various reasons, but I think people use “being offended” as a way to direct attention towards themselves and towards issues that they think are politically correct. It makes them feel better about their bleeding hearts and look better to others.

There is a place in our society for some level of political correctness, but the ridiculously extreme pc movement is so out of hand now that it makes me laugh - which is probably not the politically correct thing for me to do.

A recent Ad Age article explores a couple of the most recent Television Ads that were complained about enough for their companies (Verizon and Mars Candy, respectively) take them off the air. When I first watched them, I knew there were considered offensive, but I couldn’t figure out why. I guess I just don’t have the discernment of some people.

Watch them and judge for yourself:

This one is not really that funny, but otherwise I get the point and I am baffled that people are offended by its portrayal of Pittbulls as vicious. They’re guard dogs, people. They’re supposed to attack intruders!

This next one actually is very funny! I am a sucker for anything with Mr. T in it and I had seen this one before but was by no means offended. Let me know what you think.

Stu the Wise sent me this article, again from Ad Age, that outlines a few more complaints that people have had in the past about offensive ads. I highly suggest you read it - it’s some of the most hilariously ludicrous material I’ve read in a while.

Posted in Television, Yada Yada | 7 Comments

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

July 30th, 2008 by david lay

I usually get excited about new Harry Potter movies coming out, I ain’t gonna lie. But the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince looks awesome by any standards. It personifies the darkness and tension of the book so well. I just hope the rest of the movie is as good as this first glimpse.

Have a look.

Posted in Movies | 2 Comments

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 | 1 Comment

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

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