Blog Archives
Using a Crane (or 2) to Grab a Song from the Must See Past
It’s blog posts like this one that solidify the excitement and necessity for “Throwback Thursday.”
Frasier is one of the best sitcoms in television history. The writing, characters, acting, settings, cleverness and overall tone of the show were absolutely top drawer. This series began with very real emotions and situations that were relatable to a broad audience, whilst adding just the right amount of suspended belief to make its stories greatly entertaining with notes of appreciated realism throughout the show’s illustrious 11 seasons.
Please enjoy one of these very scenes that captures the love (and laugh-out-loud comedic timing) of the Crane men. Martin Crane (the father) discovers a newfound connection with his sons who aptly remind him of their likeness, well, just watch.
It’s a must see clip.
#Family.
That short scene demonstrates why Frasier was so masterful.
Happy “Throwback Thursday.”
P.S. Actually, a tossed salad and scrambled eggs sound pretty good right now…
RIP John Glenn
To say that John Glenn was a pioneer would be a massive understatement.
Famed astronaut, aviator and former Ohio Senator John Glenn has died at the towering age of 95. Living a full life by taking big risks by venturing into outer space resulted in a big legacy that will not be soon forgotten. Mr. Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth, as well as being one of the first people in space (#5).
He will be missed and celebrated as an American space-race icon.
Plus, we all remember his hilarious cameo on Frasier.
A great man, on Earth and in space.
RIP John Glenn.
SOS (Sigi’s Outta Seattle)
(Sigi Schmid)
Unlike Frasier, Sigi Schmid will sign-off from Seattle without a shelf full of awards.
Sigi Schmid, the now former head soccer coach of the Seattle Sounders (and mid-season, no less) will now be afforded an intriguing future that could very well pin his resume beside Jürgen Klinsmann’s resume. At 63 years of age, Mr. Schmid, barring an unknown physical condition/restriction or family issue, has many years left to lead a soccer club.
Or national team?
On the plus side, Mr. Schmid compiled a team in the Columbus Crew that had a few familiar names (foreign and domestic) and nearly an entire roster of virtual unknowns that put together one of the best MLS Cup runs in the league’s history. That championship, the first MLS Cup for the Crew, was hoisted with fanfare in 2008 in Los Angeles. And fans remember that special title from eight years ago.
On the negative side, his teams in Seattle, while filled with young and excitingly promising talent, was mostly just that: promising. On a further negative note, Mr. Schmid’s squads are typically anchored by a foreign star near or slightly above his prime. Consider that arguably the greatest dilemma for the USMNT (United States Men’s National Team) is transitioning from the current/older roster of players from the past two World Cups towards a revolution of youth and unknown chemistry, so to speak.
Could Sigi Schmid find his creative stroke circa Columbus Crew 2008 again?
Possibly.
At the same time, recall Sigi Schmid failed to win the MLS Cup in Seattle with the Sounders with all the money and resources thrown his way. And winning the MLS Cup was the purpose of his hire.
This debate will slowly intensify and U.S. Soccer has to move fast to determine if results and style against the best national teams in the world hold any significance in maintaining or appointing the USMNT head coach. U.S. Soccer can illogically stick with Mr. Klinsmann (when an artist paints a frustratingly repetitive and dismal future for an audience craving optimism, hire a new artist) or fire and then hire a new manager with an exciting and dynamic vision with a proven record of success at either the club or with a national team at the highest level.
Interestingly, the word “fired” hasn’t been used to describe the “parting of ways” between Sigi Schmid and the Sounders organization. Perhaps Seattle’s MLS brass foresaw a firing as a self-admittance and declaration of going 0-8 at trying to win the MLS Cup. Was it just bad luck? Note that this kind of streak didn’t exist when Sigi Schmid managed the massive Columbus Crew. Maybe that was then and this is now?
As Frasier Crane would say, with authority, wit and his piercing glare, “there are no accidents.”
We’ll have to wait and see if U.S. Soccer executives agree with that psychological diagnosis whilst eating tossed salads and scrambled eggs.
P.S. Frasier’s logic also applies to current USMNT head coach Jürgen Klinsmann.
Taxi Driver (The Funny One)
The must see interview is here.
Legendary sitcom director, creator, writer and producer James Burrows was given a 2-hour NBC special this past Sunday night. The shows we know and love were featured (Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Will & Grace, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, to name a few) through cast interviews (most of them, anyways). The trademark gestures and words of wisdom by Mr. Burrows were revealed through comedic ribbing, including his surprisingly distinctive voice. For a man made famous for his shadowy presence, former NBC stars impersonating their former boss was akin to an SNL alum impersonating another behind-the-scenes maestro: Lorne Michaels.
The vocal range between the two men is kind of striking.
James Burrows spoke for a few minutes at the end of his NBC special for directing his 1,000th sitcom episode, but there is still so many more stories to be told.
And advice to be given.
Cheers, James Burrows.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 