Proudly, for many years on WQMX, I have been the voice of The Amy Wengerd Group (TAWG).  She and her team are amazing realtors in our area that get incredible results of course for thier clients, and are simply great people to know and befriend.  Amy is a very nice woman that leads her intrepid team, and is always asking me, "What more can we do for the area, or charity?  Let's team up and do something." 

They believe in giving back, and always support our community and the meaningful events we do on WQMX.  They sponsor Bosom Buddies and always contribute generously to our WQMX Tree Of Lights, which benefits NEOPAT now.  (Northeast Ohio Foundation For Patriotism)  So last week when I had lunch with Amy, we discussed what more can be done.  At that point we discussed her new TAWG acronym.  And as the conversation continued, the idea for TAWG For Troops was born.  Which means this.  For every home Amy's group sells this year, they will make a donation to NEOPAT.  As this conversation continued, I was reminded just how proud I was to have them as a partner on WQMX.

We are a local company at WQMX, and Amy is too, and so are so many other great partners we have, like Klaben Auto stores. who also generously support every important fundraiser we do on WQMX, and who I am also a voice for.  That's why we only raise money for local charities at all of our station events.  We have so many wonderful ideas lined up for sensational fundraisers this year, I can't wait to get going. That includes our first ever bowling fundraiser at Charger Lanes in Norton Febraury 15, also benefitting NEOPAT.

So remember, TAWG, The Amy Wengerd Group's TAWG For Troops all of 2020 if you are buying or selling a home this year. And thank you Amy. 

Amy At WQMX Bosom Buddies

You may have heard that the Indians signed Frankie Lindor to a nice 17 million dollar contract for the upcoming season.  Good news.  Does that mean he'll be here for the next two years?  No.  They will never be able, and shoudn't pay him, or anyone 300-400 million to play ball here in Cleveland.  But it does mean if the Tribe gets off to a good start, and is very much in the playoff hunt, he'll be here all year. 

I feel the Indians are really thinking about making a run this year.  With good health, good pitching and some good luck they should. And Lindor will be right in the middle of it. Bad start and fall out of it, Frankie could be dealt by late July.  It's about that simple.  I love him too, but the price tag is far too high, and I think most of us know that, although not liking to admit it.  The owners are not cheap. They are smart, and run about the best originization in MLB, and 300 million is a lot of money on a single player, and would strap the team.  Think about this.

The vast majority of the top paid 15 paid players in MLB last year were NOT in the post season.  Teams simply can't afford to spend it, and put a good roster on the field. Look at Bryce Harper. All those years in Washington, leaves and signs a 350 million dollar deal with Philly, who don't make playoffs and Washington WINS the World Series.  Not coincidence.  The Yankees, and Dodgers spend zillions, and they have not won it either recently.

But what Lindor has done and will do will be remembered for years here.  He's a great guy, great player, and when they drafted him he was the front man on rebuilding the franchise.  He's taken us to the playoffs, and World Series. And this year he may again.  But then there's the future legacy.  When the time comes for him to go, he will rebuild the team yet again, as he will bring a kings ransom when they do trade him.  But let's worry about that when the time comes.

This year, let's watch him work his magic, let's get this thing started.

Well the Browns hired another head coach, and there are plenty that are less than happy about it. Kevin Stefanski is in, and the harsh critics are out in full force.  Will he be any good?  I have no idea.  None of us do.  Time will certainly tell.

Fans are venting their frustrations because this looks exactly like all the rest of them on the surface.  There's no way around that. It does. Same kind of guy, same level of experience, same no name.  I get it, it gets tiring after a while. It's like having the same bad dream every night.  But again, only time will tell.  And being frank, I would have gone a different direction, and that's no reflection directly on Stefanski.

The Haslams have put themselves back on the hook.  Hiring say, New Englands Josh MacDaniels would have taken them off of it. I don't know if he would be a success or not either, as I am not here speaking as a MacDaniels fan. There are questions there too.  But his 6 rings from the Belichick tree, and his resume is not in question, plus his local roots.  If he failed, then it could be said he was the best man out there for the job and they would be right in the perception of the press and fans.  Now, it's back to the belief in someone that is unproven and green.  And if Stefanski fails, it looks really bad again, and this ownership needs a win.  It's a shame he comes into town under less than ceremonious circumstances.

I don't know Kevin Stefanski, and niether do any of the rest of us, and let's wish him the best.  But it does look the same as always, and that's a tough pill for many to swallow. 

LOL  -  I saw this sign as I entered a local joint called the Valley Cafe, in the Valley this week!

1917

This looks amazing, and I can't wait to see this!  Based on a true story from WWI, this is filmed in a revolutionary new way. This week has been good to this movie as it just won a Golden Globe.  Big cast, and a really amazing story.

Many think this is the Oscar winner this year!

Just Mercy

This too is based on a true story from the American South, about a lawyer who dedicates his life to representing those who are wrongly sentenced to death row. This looks very powerful and boasts an equally powerful cast, with Jamie Foxx, Michael B. Jordan and Brie Larson.

Not light movie watching, but considered one of the years best pictures.

Like A Boss

Being very honest, this looks like a movie, that once you see the trailer, you may have seen the entire movie.  Or the only parts you want to see.

Big cast, sizable budget, and more than likely a really marginal movie at best.

I love food!  Many years ago when I worked in Columbus, doing mornings at WRMZ,  like most Columbus-ites found Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village. And lucky for me the past two years, I have rediscovered it. What a tremendous place to eat. The place is legendary. 

Incredible German food, beer, and oh yeah, CREAM PUFFS!  ........

Which leads too..........

If you love really good food, and cool little places to eat it in, try Schmidt's sometime!  German Village Columbus!

We love this place!

Over the weekend, drove down to Columbus to see a Blue Jackets game on Saturday afternoon!  It was a blast, even though we lost. But what we did later was just as fun. We went to a place called  True Rest Float Spa

Windy found this Groupon deal to go "floating."  I had never heard of it, and niether one of us had ever done it before, so we decided we were in!  It was a very cool experience.  It is, what it says it is.  You get into a pod, (private) and effortlessly float in about a foot of water. It's so incredible, I would love to do it again. The water is heavily salted, and it makes you float like magic. It was invented in the 1950's and has a bunch of great benefits for you.

There are few times in life you are suspended with absolutley no pressure on your body, and this is one of them.  You shower first, get in the pod, pull the cover over you, and float while some kind of Zen music plays softly and relaxes you along with very gentle dim lights that take the stress away.  It's a very cool experience. Our session was an hour, and being honest that was sufficient for my first time.  Then you shower again to get the salt water off of you and then you are done.

I know, it looks a little strange, but it is really a cool thing to do!

You feel incredible afterwards and it is totally worth doing.  If you, or if you know someone who likes pampering, massage, or the like, this is a real treat and would make an amazing gift to give them. It's also very original!

I'm so glad we did this, I recommend it highly.

Over the weekend, The Beautiful Windy and I made a short road trip to Columbus to catch a Blue Jackets game on Saturday.  We had so much fun last season doing it, we decided that it was a good idea again.  We had the best time!!

We went to the new Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse here in Cleveland last weekend, to see the Ohio State/West Virginia basketball game, and it's amazing! But this weekend, we were at Nationwide Arena in C-Bus!  Both incredible places.  While we were there, enjoying a Christmas Ale, I struck up a conversation with Nate The Organist at Nationwide Arena before the puck dropped.  Good guy.  He sits right there in the seats and plays during the game.  I had forgotten how much I liked having it played during the game.  A bit of old school, but sometimes that's great.

Talking with Nate before the game!

They have the same type of stuff all arenas do, with the great videos, and loud pop songs to get you going during the game, and we all love that too. But it is fun to hear the organ played during the game!  Takes you back.  And as I talked with Nate, he states that the organ is making a comeback to stadiums and arenas around the country, and he, and they, are at the forefront, as he has been there 7 years now.

It was great talking with Nate, as I always love talking with people who do interesting jobs.  And Nate has one.  Even tough the Jackets lost 3-2, a great time to be sure.  The Blue Jackets really put on a GREAT show and going to a game is totally worth it. 

Go Nate!  And Go C-B-J!!

Next week many of 2019's biggest acclaimed movies go to wide release, Like 1917, and Just Mercy.   This week is a quiet one.

The Grudge

This looks a bit creepy, and scary as this franchise goes on.  Seems a strange time of the year for a movie with this content is out, a Halloween release may hav been better. BUT January can be a very tough time at the movies, and some may be looking for something to do.

 You judge, The Grudge.

For about every reason there is, 2019 has been the best year of my life.   From my successes profesionally here at WQMX ,with my show mates, and co-workers ,and my sponsors. To my incredible friends and golf buddies, and to the tons of great WQMX listeners.  I am so thankful for every good thing, and person in my life. 

And to the Beautiful Windy, our life together is so great, and was so worth waiting for. Thank you!  Can't wait for what's next, my sweet.

2019 reminded me that sometimes things are more in reach that we sometimes think.  Can't wait for 2020 to begin!