The Browns lost a tough game on Sunday and that's a shame.  Great season, and a hard fought game. The Browns had a number of chances to win that game Sunday at Kansas City, but just couldn't get it done.  The officiating DID NOT lose this game for the Browns.  It was a great game, and a tough finish.

But every year in the NFL Post Season there is an instance that is so amplified it triggers an off season look.  Instant replay goes back to a post season playoff game with Buffalo and New England many years ago.  What a catch is -goes back to a Packers / Cowboys game a few years ago.  (WE still don't really know what a catch is).  And pass interference was screwed up so badly two years ago with the Rams / Saints, we may never know what really happened there. And now the fumble touch back rule will more thank likely be rethought. 

When you fumble the ball out of the end zone as the Browns did on Sunday, you lose possession of the ball and the other team gets a 20 yard advantage.  It is the MOST penalized play in football, and it's not even a penalty. Just saying, when two players get into a huge fight on the field, or the most violent personal fouls happen in the NFL, there is far less penalty than this play.  Very strange rule. Name another play where the other team is awarded the ball for you making a big play.

How about this?  Fumble touch back happens.  You keep the ball and you take the ball back to the 20 yard line.  That's still a 20 yard penalty on you, but you keep the ball.  OR make it a spot foul, where the ball goes back to original line of scrimmage OR the spot of the fumble, and you keep the ball.  Makes way more sense.  The way it is now, the opposing team is rewarded the ball for playing bad  defense.

I have not cared for this rule for many years and now it will reviewed by the league.  But more than likely as most rule changes in the NFL, they will get it wrong.  They seldom get it right with this stuff when most things are subjective. But this is not.  This is pretty easy, if they simply look at it logically.

Today is a big day for Browns fans around here and all over the country.  The Browns have advanced in the NFL Playoffs, and it's time to move on to the next level.

I am so glad we get the Chiefs today.  I know they are the champs, and I know they are the darlings of the NFL.  But what better way for the Browns to move on, and command the respect of everyone than to beat the Chiefs.  This week, the Browns have taken a huge leap forward by not only eliminating Steelers, but possibly changing THAT franchise for the next few years. The Steelers have to reshape who they are now, that is clear. They know Browns are for real, and are here to stay. The days of the Steelers having a 14 or 12 game schedule (Browns and Bengals) are over.

I'm not here saying that the Browns are going to win the Superbowl this year, because the NFL can be a stair step deal.  Seems teams get better, they make the playoffs, they lose. The next year they win a playoff game, and then get eliminated. The next year, they go father, and so on.  And even though history can show that's the way it generally goes, there's no rule that says it has to be that way.  Not many teams come out of nowhere and win it all - in any sport.  But what if these Browns are a bit different?  We as fans should not be wary of the Chiefs.  We should respect them, and prepare for them, and then go out and beat them. There is no rule that says we can't.

When it comes to the Browns, I am not of the mindset of, "I'm happy to be here," or "Whatever happens today, it's been a great season,"  or "I support my team win or lose."  To me, that's preparing for a loss, and I'm not there. I say we've earned our place, we've been invited to the party, and it's time to stop knocking at the door, and now it's time to kick it down.  The best part of the NFL Playoffs is that it's not a best of series. It's one and done. Play well for a few games and you can win it all. And that plays to the Browns favor, as they are playing good ball right now.  If they play like who they are, there is no reason they can't dispense of the Chiefs and move on.

I know, the clowns at ESPN and all the other sports channels already have the Chiefs repeating, three-peating, and Mahomes is already the greatest player of all time.  But as great of a young player as he is, and will be if he stays injury free, the Browns are on fire from within. He's not entitled to a title, and neither are we. We gotta go get it. This is the time of year that the heart can really play a part. It isn't about how much you want it.  Everyone wants it, no matter what team you're talking about, that's a given.

It's how much you want  - to be who you are.  To do the right things to win a game like this.  To be smart, be disciplined, be physical, to play with no big mistakes, and to play free and easy.  And from what I see, I don't think the Browns care one bit who they play this week, or next week. 

And to me that is the way you move on. Not thinking about next Sunday, this Sunday,  but knowing that next Sunday you'll be doing the same thing again.

GO BROWNS  - Be who you are - and win from within!

Wynn's Weekend Watch -   2 Years Ago Today  #1 At The Box Office

Box Office - Croods / News Of The World / Monster Hunter

New This Week - Liam Neeson - The Marksman

Netflix - Is releasing a new movie every week this year. (Story)

Netflix Red Notice - Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson  (Preview for all below)

Netflix  - Don’t Look Up - Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence

Netflix  - The Harder They Fall - Starring Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba and Zazie Beetz

Netflix  - Thunder Force - Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, and Melissa Leo.

Stranger Things Season 4 - Comes out on August 21st!  (Story)

Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte - Are set to star in a Sex & the City revival on HBO Max called And Just Like That. (Samantha is not a part of the story)  (Story)

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem - May be starring in a new Lucy and Desi new biopic.  (Story)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

Johnny C. asked me whatever happened to country band Highway 101.  They had a very short, but very successful run.  Being honest, it had been a while since I thought of them, and it was fun to look back. I was a big fan.

This Was An Iconic Pic Of Them

They were founded in 1986, and at the center of it was a very unique and talented singer named Paulette Carlson from Northfield, Minnesota.  As a group they were a highly skilled 4 piece band of terrific studio musicians and vocalists (Which means basically, the best)  that had a bunch of hits in a very short time, including a few number ones.  Fantastic song choices, a slick sound, and a dynamite lead singer (Carlson) with a very distinct voice that really cut through and told you absolutely you were hearing Highway 101.  Tough to do then, as country bands were coming out quickly, following the great lead of Alabama.  Her voice wasn't perfect, but it was beyond perfect for them. She instantly became a star, and the entire format was taken with her performances on their songs.

Their Debut Single Was A Big Part Of Their Success

They, as much as any act I can remember really benefited from their debut single, The Bed You Made For Me. It raced up to number 4 on the charts, (should have been a #1) but new fans LOVED that song (and her) as it really spoke to a ton of people as a gritty, strong and honest cheatin' song.  It was a perfect decision, as the song was endearing to listeners with the stinging subject matter, while others loved the jaggedness of their sound and the decision not to make it a sad ballad, but a song of strength.  That single cut through both as a written song, as well as ushering in a new sound that was fresh and exceedingly different. Their debut album Highway 101 was terrific with three more hits, Whiskey, If You Were A Woman, Somewhere Tonight, and Cry, Cry, Cry all big songs and all a part of having them win the CMA for Vocal Group Of The Year 1988.

Very Big Song - Well Written And Perfectly Performed

Many people, including me and those I worked with at that time felt that Carlson's voice was very reminiscent of Pop Icon, Stevie Nicks.  Although it was not a perfect match, it had the same tone and timber of Nicks. A few notes lower than most and really edgy.  That made Nicks a star years earlier and it was going to make Carlson a star as well.  That kind of uniqueness is darn rare.  H101 followed up their first album with their second album 101(2).  (Do You Love Me), Just Say Yes went number 1, and three more singles all going top 10. They were really flying high, and seemed ready to settle in and dominate for years to come.  But it was not to be.

I Loved This Song - Big Hit - They Were Rolling

The next album, Paint The Town was a success, but not like the first two, and then the group was dealt a serious blow. Carlson left the band to go solo in 1990.  There have been many speculative reasons why, but none of that matters today and Highway 101 was forever changed. She was replaced by Nikki Nelson.  And to no fault of Nelson's, they never really recovered. Carlson's presence and uniqueness was the total centerpiece of their large success, and fans knew it.  The music that followed was fine but different, it just wasn't the same to fans and success slowed way down.  Fans wanted to hear Carlson sing their hits.  Nelson was put in a very, very tough place.

What A GREAT Song!

Observation - Carlson's solo career didn't blossom on the charts, and Highway 101 struggled. In all my decades of being in this format I have never really seen a successful solo career from a lead singer who left a successful band. It has been tried dozens of times and after a song or two it doesn't work out.  Fans don't like it when members leave, and many times the magic is lost with the band left behind.  And that's what happened to Highway 101.  There were many other personnel changes to the band, (including Carlson returning years later) and that went on for many years, but it was never the same.

Early Success - What A Sound

Hey, as far as I'm concerned we can have National Pizza Week every week, but since someone brilliant set aside this week in January as the official week, let's talk pie!

My friend and partner, Sarah Kay asked me this morning off the air, where some of my favorite pizza was, and I went with Blasiole's in Streetsboro.  It is simply delicious!  Being honest, I have not tried every pizza place in the greater metro area, (has anyone??)  but I have had a bunch, and there's, to me is delicious.  I think that's the fun part of the pizza discussion. To me, great pizza places are the ones that are regional and have their loyal fan bases.  It's fun to talk about your favorite place and compare notes with your friends and co-workers. That's how you learn about new places you haven't tried yet! 

And there is no wrong answer. Pizza is a subjective thing, and we all have our certain likes and tastes.  Even the big boys have their fans, and that's fine too. I simply like pizza.  And during this strange time we have been living through, pizza places have done pretty well.  Pizza can be delivered hot and fresh - they seem to have that down.  Pizza is delicious, and it's one of the few things on earth we can all still agree on, it is a great unifier!

Blasiole's Pizza And Eatery on Rt. 43 in Streetsboro is fantastic.  They serve a GREAT pizza and they some other amazing food as well.  But for the sake of this writing, and this week, we focus on pizza.  I moved to Streetsboro over a year ago, and I told Windy, I gotta find a great pizza joint, as I view it as an essential service, and she suggested Blasiole's.  And that was good advice.  We all seem to gravitate towards the place in our own hoods, and that's the way it should be.

No matter who yours is, please support your local, or national pizza place or joint this week, and every week.  Where we get it from, can be a spirited discussion, and that's fine too.

Grab a slice! 

Since we are all eating up a storm these days with the colder weather and after all, it is comfort food season you may be looking for some new recipes.  I love a good sandwich, and even though Grilled Cheeses are amazing sometimes, at least for me they are a bit too much work for a simple sandwich. After all, I just want have a simple snack, and a sammy is quick and easy.

Greatest Grilled Cheese Recipe??

• White bread. Sea salt butter on outside. Shredded cheddar. Shredded mozzarella. Shredded asiago. Thin slice of Swiss. Soft cooked bacon. Smoked sea salt.

• Toast the bread in a toaster. Slice up some cheddar and put it right on the toast. Splash some Worcestershire sauce over the top, and put it under the grill until the cheese is browned.

Millie asked if we could remember her favorite from years ago, Keith Whitley.  Of course.  Millie says it still makes her tear up thinking about his  - in the end, tragic story.  You're not alone.  Seldom has a country star evoked as much emotion as he did in his short life and early death.  Keith Whitley died at 34 of an alcohol overdose.  But his gift to us beyond the music, was being the blueprint for a new kind of country star.

You May Not Know  -  This Was His Song Before Any Other Version

Whitley was seemingly right on time when he hit the charts in 1985. He was a traditionalist when the movement was in the embryonic stage as we were leaving Urban Cowboy behind.  Whitley's background was deep country and bluegrass, and he grew up playing music in his native Kentucky with Ricky Skaggs, as both of them were discovered by Ralph Stanley of Bluegrass fame. They both joined Stanley's band at a very young age. Skaggs went on to his incredibly successful solo career, breaking through in 1980, and Whitley would follow a few years later.

Another Number One

Whitley was handsome, he was young, he had this big warm voice that was perfect for gut wrenching, deeply emotive, country songs that found the exact center of your heart.  He excited new fans with his newfound star power, and older fans loved him as he reminded them of the stars of their youth. He blasted upon the scene with great songs like, Miami My Amy, Homecoming '63, and Hard Livin'.  It didn't take long for fans to fall in love with him, or country singer Lorrie Morgan who did as well, and the two were married in 1986.  Whitley was poised for a huge, long run with so many great songs, it seemed we couldn't get them on the air fast enough.

One Of The Best Country Songs Of All Time

In 1988, the Don't Close Your Eyes album came out and his career was shoved into high gear, as it is one of the best country albums of the past 40 years. It was the zenith of his young career with 3 big number ones, When You Say Nothing At All, (Written by Paul Overstreet, one of the best wongwriters of that era) I'm No Stranger To The Rain (Grammy Nominated and CMA Winner Song Of The Year 1989) and Don't Close Your Eyes, (Written by Bob McDill, one of the greatest Country songwriters ever, writing 31 #1 songs)  which was named the #1 Country Song of 1988. 

He was rising to the top at a break neck pace.  Keep in mind, this is before Garth, Clint, Tim, Shania, Alan and Brooks And Dunn. This was the infancy of the neotraditionalists along with George, Dwight and Randy. They were changing the direction of country music, and setting the stage nicely for the new giants that were on the way.  Then on May 9, 1989 as he was getting ready to play a round of golf, Whitley was found unresponsive at his home, and died shortly after.  Keith Whitley's alcohol demons had proven to be too much.

In all my years in Country Music and Country Radio, it is still one of the saddest days I can remember.  I was doing the morning show at KLIK in Jefferson City, Missouri and our listeners were devastated, as was the Nashville community. Listeners called for days, that became weeks, wanting to hear his music.  The sheer sadness was something that doesn't happen that often.  This young man died, leaving a young wife, and a young child with the world at his feet seemingly.  And just like that, he was gone. 

After His Passing - Very Popular Song

Many songs would be released after his death, it seemed like he was still with us. There was very good chart success, and he had a real presence in the format and on the radio.  There were solo songs, and a duet with Earl Thomas Conley, as well as compilation and tribute albums. His voice lived on long after his passing. But the format lost a real rising star, someone that was pointing us in a new and exciting direction.  He was a big part of what happened in the early 1990's even though he never saw them.  He influenced many, and had tons of fans. And the amount of YouTube Views of his music are huge.

Duet With Earl Thomas Conley

From my seat from behind the mic, I said on the air many times long before he died that I'm No Stranger To The Rain is one of the best country songs of all time and I stand by that 32 years later.  It was written by a tremendous songwriter named Sonny Curtis (Who also wrote the iconic theme song for the Mary Tyler Moore Show). The song became autobiographical for Whitley and you know that when you hear it.  It was Whitley at his absolute best, and that album, as much as any album, set the stage for the avalanche of new stars that came in 1989 and ran through the 1990's.  And even though he was not there to see it, he along with George Strait, Randy Travis, and Dwight Yoakam had a whole lot to do with the onslaught of great music and artists that followed.  His fans believed every word and note he sang, and that's where he lived.

Keith Whitley - If you don't know him, get to know him.  We miss him still.

Done Too Soon.

We can all be excited that our Ohio State Buckeyes are going to play for a national title tonight.  Only two college teams are still playing and we are one of them.

I, like you was not overly surprised they beat Clemson last week, but I think it would be hard to find someone that called for an OSU beat down of one of the "best" college programs in the nation.  The Buckeyes simply played about the perfect football game.  They were faster, stronger, quicker, had more urgency, and they wanted it more.  In sports many times that can only come from one place  -  The heart.

To me, the Buckeyes had the look and resolve of a team that had enough. Enough of never beating Clemson, enough of Clemson Coach Dabo saying OSU was the 11th best college team in America.  And I think they had enough of hearing that they didn't play enough games to be there.  That was big talk from a coach that has built his entire program on beating up the 10 doormats or so in the ACC for the past few years. I understand what Dabo was saying, he just shouldn't have said it as it was bush league, uncalled for, and ill-advised.  Clearly the Buckeyes were listening

It's one thing to think these things about another team or an upcoming opponent.  It's another to actually verbalize it out loud or in the sports media on TV or Social Media.  When you do -  you make it real. Yes, real for minions and the fans who agree with you as you can all have a great screaming session about the injustices of a season where that is as much as the rule as the exception this year.  BUT, you also make it very real for your target, and that's exactly what happened.

The Buckeyes had simply heard enough about the whole thing, so they did what teams of great mental toughness do.  They went out and left no doubt. And if I was Alabama, I would keep my mouth closed about the entire thing.  It's a mute point anyway. I mean it really is. Dabo flapping his yap was the gas the Buckeyes needed in their engine, and he filled the tank. The time for crying over this has long come and gone, now it's time to play football.  And that was last week and that's tonight.

It's never a good idea to awaken a sleeping giant, and then tell him that he doesn't belong because you don't think he does, or more honestly -  you wish he wasn't here. But he is, so lace 'em up tight and let's see what happens.

Because that kind of talk is simply that - talk.  Let's play the game and let it decide who belongs or not.

Wynn's Weekend Watch -  One Year Ago Today This Was #1  -   GREAT MOVIE!

Box Office - #1 Croods /  #2 News Of The World /  #3 Monster Hunter

My Movie Review Of – Wonder Woman 1984 (Link)

#1 Netflix - Cobra Kai  (Story)

Chris Pine - Will be in Wonder Women 3  (Story)

The Madelorian – The most pirated show of 2020 (Story)

“Cocomelon” - The most streamed show in 2020 on Netflix (Story)

Emma Stone - Is pregnant with her first child (Story)

A Movie Based - On the invention of the Rubik’s Cube is in the works. (Story)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane Keith Whitley (link)

Getting You – Ready for the Buckeyes Game! (Link)

Getting You – Ready for the Browns Game! (Link)

For all of us whether you've never seen it, or it's been a long time, we are getting ready to watch the Browns play in the post season.  Yes, the NFL Post Season.  By this time ususally, most of the Browns players have Florida tee times, and in some seasons, we've been eliminated from playoff possibilities by week 7.  

But this year is different, and so are the Browns.  They are different in every way.  The Browns are in, and they didn't "back in."  They earned their place and and now it seems they are taking the next step.  True old saying, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  Good words, and this is the first and single step.  This week clearly has also given the Browns even more challenges  - and that's a shame.  But that's the world we live in right now.

One of the good truths about the Browns is this. They have actually been better for the past couple of years. But with the absolute wrong people at the helm, the Browns ended up face first in the ditch when they shouldn't have.  But now that the "dudes" are long gone, and we have real football adult people at the controls, the Browns are winning, and looking good doing it.  Every one of us deserves this, and we should enjoy this Sunday night.

I'm going to grow very weary this weekend of the networks playing clips of The Drive, The Fumble, and the 2002 Steelers playoff game when we blew at 20 point lead.  I'm going to focus on who we are now.  These are not the Cardiac Kids, or Kosar's Browns.  (Both eras very good).  But these Browns are different.  Better?  We will find out.  The game itself is different now, far more wide open, lots of rule and officiating changes, and the league has become pass happy which is fine.  But these Browns are still old school for the most part - and new school as well.  That is the difference and what could really help them Sunday, and beyond.

I believe in these Browns.  They are certainly not the best team in the league, but they're good.  And the way they are assembled, they could be tough to deal with well beyond this year.  AND they are very well coached.  The only game they lost this year before the game began was week one at Baltimore.  First game from a new head coach to be expected.  But this team is ready to play every week now.  And they will need to be Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Can they beat the Steelers in a playoff game?  Yes. As where other Browns teams of the past 20 years could not.  If the Browns show up -  and be who they are -  they can win this game and move on as the balance of power is slowly shifting in our division.  But will they?  This would be the biggest win in a generation.  The Steelers have had many great moments in recent history and know how to win these kind of games. And being honest and fair, they are THE BEST franchise in all of professional sports.  Their 45 year run of being really good is nothing short of incredible. 

As for the Browns - their moment was finally arrived.  What they do with their moment  - well, we will find out Sunday night inn Prime Time!