SPECIAL DELIVERY: Raymond Tyler is coming to your daily air waves

Ten years ago when I was asked to produce a radio show for an Atlantic City FM station , I had no idea that the ride would be what it has been so far.

Well I am proud to announce that not only will I be starting a show...The Afternoon Special... that will run on Mondays to Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm. I am super happy that the station is 1620 AM Urban Classics. The station truly fits my vision for where I would like to bring a daily show. The time slot allows me to play the greatest music ever...however..I also get to produce great segments that inform and entertain.

SPECIAL SWAG

 

 

 

So far for the first week!
To share with listeners and facebook group members.
I have

TICKETS TO SEE LUPE FIASCO at Harrah's in Atlantic City
Certificates For Wine Tasting for Two at The Atlantic City Bottle Company

 

Biographies on DMC and Grand Master Flash!

Tickets to join me at The AC Bottle Company for a Special Sunday Social Event Called Sips

 

And that's just the first week.

In weeks to come we have great books, events, concert tickets, gift cards and more!

Just make sure you are a part of The Afternoon Special Facebook Group and that you follow me on twitter. www.Twitter.com/RayTheCloser

DEFINING IMAGE AND STYLE

 

In addition Stella from Complete Definition Imaging will sponsor the 4pm to 4:30pm half hour with a daily segment called
STYLE 180 +.

Every day Stella will be with us discussing IMAGE, FASHION, STYLE and More!
She's our guru for everything from what shoes are hot, to what styles are not, to picking up that great gift for Mother's day!

 

We have a lot more to tell you about

The Afternoon Special.

However, we want to save the best for the radio.
While the show is under construction!

Feel free to check out the other great shows already on tap
at 1620 AM Urban Classics.
www.WRNRadio.US

And before you know it...you will see us on the radio.

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Authors and Artists we have a great rates for you to advertise during The Afternoon Special!

Second Sunday's Are SERIOUS!!!
Join us for the hottest day parties!
$10 includes food and music by

Raymond Tyler The Closer

(1620 AM, 91.7 FM and WTTH 96.1 FM)
and Hosted By Stella
(1620 AM, 91.7 FM and WTTH 96.1 FM)

The Great TV Lounge/The Fiction and Science Journal: Why WE...Nerds, Blerds and GEEKS Loved Last Nights' SUPER GIRL

Usually on Monday Night most fans of DC Comics are making a tough choice...whether to watch Super Girl on CBS (which could be called A Glee super hero show) or the much "darker" Gotham.

Gotham follows life in fictional Gotham City...where you would find Batman. The tone of the show stays inline with a portrayal of Batman that has been pretty "dark and moody" since late 70's and the Tim Burton , Batman film of the 1990's.

From what I saw and read during the broadcast of Super Girl last night, GOTHAM got it's "butt" kicked as viewers tuned into CBS to see Super Girl team up with CW Network star THE FLASH!

For those of you who need stats here they are.

Super girl airs Monday Evenings at 8pm on CBS and stars Melissa Marie Benoist  in the title role.
(She does the role justice and is excellent every week.)

The Flash airs on The CW Network and stars Grant Gustin as Barry Allen/The Flash.

Last night The Flash appeared on Super Girl....and on the facebook groups I was on...we loved it.

Here's Why I Loved It.

1. The Flash confirms early that he is from a "parallel" earth.
The over all pace and mood of writing and directing on CW's The Flash (and other CW comics shows like Legends Of Tomorrow) is a lot different than the mood of Super Girl or Gotham. It had never dawned on me however, that the Flash was NOT in the same world as Gotham (since they air in the same week.) The fact that The Flash find's himself on Super Girl's earth truly opens up a realm of great stories, even if they decide not to directly cross over with other current DC shows.

2. The Un Batman Vs. Superman- I am so glad that this show was almost a complete opposite of what is being offered this past weekend on the big screen. Where there is tension from the time Batman and Superman meet...on this show Super Girl and The Flash become fast friends and help each other as heroes from the time they meet.

3. The Episode was FUN and Well Written. I have watched Supergirl over the past few weeks and been disappointed from the stand point of being a comic book reader for about 3 decades. I have seen Supergirl fight some of my favorite villains and get involved with story ideas I love...but felt that the execution was solely for people that are not comic fans at all.

This was not the case with last night's show. Last night's show gave long time sci-fi fans plenty to think on and yell at the screen for. After 30 years...I still want to feel like a kid watching cartoons on the weekend and this episode of Supergirl gave me that.

The other thing is that last night was FUN!
DC Comics and Warner Brothers have made so much cash from comic book fans who believe comics should mirror real life, that they forget they have a very very very large fan base of people that read comics for fun and escapism.
Personally, I can fluidly bounce between the somber relevance to today's world found in Gotham and Batman Vs. Superman....and the wink-wink and nod-nod of Adam West' Batman.
(And I never saw how The Dynamic Duo escaped from The Joker's Giant Clam...no spoilers please.)

For many of my friends that love what are known as "Bronze age" stories...last night's was a goodie with plenty of nerd stuff that we like to find when watching a show like Super Girl.

All in all...last night was what we call a win/win situation.

I am not sure we "need" more cross overs...because then episodes last night would not be as special....and last night was just not Flash meeting Super Girl. It was a special occasion.

 

 

 

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Question Of The Day...Low End Theory or Midnight Marauders?

 
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Good Night Ken Howard...COACH REEVES

 

The TV Show The White Shadow only ran for 3 years from 1978 to 1981. The impact of the show will be felt for generations. The White Shadow produced by Gwen's dad...Bruce Paltrow was the show that opened the door for network dramas to come from LA Law and Law and Order to Hill Street Blues and almost every "cop show" to follow.

Yesterday in all the celebration of the life of Malik Taylor from A Tribe Called Quest, the notice of Ken Howard's passing didn't get much attention.

I needed to take this time to acknowledge my appreciation for Mr. Howard's work on The White Shadow.

In every interview I saw with cast members they remarked how "real" high school players commended them on their acting and more impressively their "basket ball."

I love The White Shadow to this day, and if I hit the lottery...I am buying the right's to The White Shadow or the film Fast Break...or I may even shoot my own original film series based on the show.

In closing...I never believed in the term "honorary" brother or black man....but if I did. Gabe Kaplan and Ken Howard would have topped my list.

I learned a little about basket ball from watching your show...but I learned a lot more about life.

Good Night Coach Reeves....We'll Miss you.

That's Game.

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Question Of The Day: SHOULD THE CASINO'S, STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BAIL OUT ATLANTIC CITY?

The Atlantic City seat of government, CITY HALL is set to close on April 8th. According to a press release (see below) City Hall will not re open until at least May 2nd and that is dependent upon quarterly tax revenue collected.

So Atlantic City could use a "bail out."

QUESTION ONE: SHOULD AC BE BAILED OUT

QUESTION TWO: SHOULD THE CASINO'S BAIL OUT AC?

SHOULD THE STATE BAIL OUT AC?

SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STEP IN AND BAIL OUT AC?

SHOULD AC GO THE WAY OF ROME AND BE SHUT DOWN?

QUESTION THREE: WHAT NEXT?

 

Press Release

(Atlantic City, NJ) – Mayor Guardian said Monday afternoon, “The City is in discussions with the State to avoid and forestall what may be an imminent financial predicament. Unfortunately, due to financial circumstances beyond our control, we will be forced to close City Hall starting on Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 4:30pm. We anticipate this closure to remain in effect until at least Monday, May 2nd, 2016. (May 2nd is when we expect to receive our next payments of quarterly taxes.)

We are working to ensure that all essential services will continue to be provided from April 8th through May 2nd to the residents of Atlantic City. Essential services are identified as Police, Fire, Revenue collections, and some divisions in Public Works.
All non-essential services will be ended and closed effective Friday, April 8th, 2016 at 4:30pm.
Both essential and non-essential service employees will not be paid their salary during this closure period. Please note, however, health benefits will remain active for all Atlantic City employees during this period.
We are greatly aware of the potential impact this will have on all of our employees. We are making every effort to find solutions prior to the April 8th deadline. As more information becomes available, we will make sure to share it as soon as possible.
The City of Atlantic City is grateful for your continued service and support.”

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Ya On Point PHIFE...Rest In Peace!

I just got word that the MC known as Phife from A Tribe Called Quest has passed away.

More details and a special tribute mix to come.

Don't Call It A Come Back....INNERCITY RETURNS TO PHILLY AIRWAVES

 

 

INNER CITY...The radio show that launched literally hundreds of soul music careers returns to the Philly air waves tomorrow night at 7pm.

INNER CITY with Tiffany Bacon will begin again March 20th at 7pm on Old School 100.3 FM.

When we last heard INNER CITY....The Five Spot was still the hub for brand new FUTURE stars to perform on stage.

However, many of the same talents such as Musiq, Floetry, Kindred, Bilal, and The Roots were first heard on radio thanks to Inner City and host Tiffany Bacon.

In a city that seemed to be ruled by hip hop and R&B , Miss Bacon believed and brought Philly and the world great music that helped us all.

Whenever I was in Philly I listened to hear friends of mine such as poets Bernard Collins and Stephenie Renee and great music that wasn't heard anywhere else.

Inner City introduced the best new artists anywhere to people every where and I was proud to have met Miss Bacon while writing for Vibe and The Source.

Years after Inner City's first run ended...Ace 102.7 asked me to produce a show very similar with musicians that played live and had high energy.

I "borrowed" as much as I could from Inner City....if I wasn't afraid of lawyers I might have called myself Tiffany's Cousin Ray Ray.

On a serious note...the smartest people in radio steal from the people they love and who do it well....in that respect...I can say...many of the things I have produced for radio were indeed directly influenced by INNER CITY.

So when I heard Inner City was coming back I said to myself...."Should Have Never Left....BUT GLAD IT IS BACK!"

Today...not only can Inner City be heard all over Philly but with the net you can listen from anywhere between here and Pluto via the web.
So if you want to hear the best new music from the freshest artists and stuff that will heal your soul....from the absolute best personality breathing on the mic?

INNER CITY
7pm
Old School 100.3 FM
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And those are just the first hour guests!

 

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Save The Date April 17th

 

 



Can We Talk? A Poem-Torial

I look around today and more than ever....EVERYBODY is MAD.
Those that ain't mad are looking for the first reason to go "bat crap" crazy.
And trust me I have been mad.
I ain't happy that no one is going to jail for the lead in the water in Flint, Michigan.
I am not happy that I knew that no one going to jail in Flint means that none of us probably have clean water, anywhere.
I am not happy that people are saying...poor people do not have a right to clean water.
I am not happy that every time I go to the store my favorite desserts are on sale and I have been trying to eat better for 5 years now.
Thinking about girls, mothers and grand mothers that are being raped and kidnapped in Africa while I write this....hurts my heart...makes me mad.
So when I log onto face book and see other people calling Stacey Dash all kind of names...(and the worst names come from the women.) I get... confused.

 

When did it become the highest form of treason to not think like everybody else?
And what can you do to change everyone else to think like you do?

And just why should everyone think like you?
Lastly, the world we live in is rough. It rains, it snows, there are earth quakes and really bad and nasty people out there.
Somebody says they support Donald Trump, or Hillary Clinton, or Bernie Sanders and now you get upset....?

A. If you get emotionally hurt cause Trump said he don't like Mexicans or Hillary said black men must be brought to heal? How are you going to survive when one of them are in The White House?

B. How are you going to survive when the real crisis comes?
I am not saying concern is ever wasted.
I am not here to make you like anything you don't like...especially hate speech. I think hate speech should be checked and dealt with in a serious matter (boycotts, walking away and calling the speech what it is.)
However the same laws that guarantees Trump and Clinton's rhetoric. Is the same freedom that allows your favorite minister to speak from The Bible, Quran, or any Holy book. It allows Lil Wayne to make one bad song after another (not Mrs. Officer though ...I like that one...) The same laws that allow Trump and Clinton and Stacey Dash and Al Sharpton and Dr. Umar Johnson and Tavis Smiley and Farrakhan and The Young Turks and Bill O'Reilly and Obama and Mitch and Chris Rock and Gloria Steinam and MSNBC and Fox News ....allows me to share this.

 

YOU MAD

I said
Good Morning
and now YOU MAD
(I know it's morning. I don't need you to tell me it's a good morning)
I say Black Women are beautiful
and now YOU MAD
(That's all yall care about is sex sex sex.)
(Why you say Black Women are beautiful ...you should say all women are beautiful)
You Only Feel
FREE
and
SAFE

In a cold world where
the face of all your problems
are men
that say
Good Morning
It's A Beautiful Day

Nice Dress
and these nasty terrible words
SMASH YOUR WORLD INTO SHATTERED PIECES OF EMOTION
VIOLATE YOUR PEACE
and The Only Way for You To Be Strong
IS TO MAKE SURE YOU LET ME KNOW
I do not have the right
to comment to you about
Mornings
or
Sunshine
or Nice Dresses
So if it helps you
HEAL...
BE MAD

I GOT THE MEMO
That Said
ALL BLACK PEOPLE HAVE TO WORSHIP THE SAME GOD
IN THE SAME WAY
IN THE SAME PLACE
CALLING HIM THE SAME NAME...
Memo arrived with my name on it at about 5 years old...I was playing with Lincoln Logs I think
Some times my families favorite thing to do
is to stand 2 feet from each other
saying the most God Awful Stuff about each other
all in the name of
GOD
all in the name of CHRIST
If you listened to my cousins and my mom
What Jesus
WOULD Do
is
SCREAM BIBLE VERSES

at people
To Save Them from
HELL
I don't get mad about God
no more
I try to let God live through me

I Missed The Memo however
that all people
all Black people
got to think alike
I Met Armstrong Williams (black conservative)
and enjoyed my conversation with him more than I did speaking

with Magic Johnson
I disagree with both
I ain't mad at either
now if Armstrong ain't mad that Stacey Dash
is getting some of his money I sure ain't
I am not wringing my hands because Rayvon wants to be
a person
an American or if

she starts calling herself
the Grand Imperial Poobah

I ain't MAD

I don't want you to think
JUST LIKE ME
I want you to be able to tell me
WHY YOU LOVE OBAMA LIKE YOU LOVE JESUS
and I want you to be able to hear me when I say...
BEING RIGHT has NEVER Been a SHIELD FROM HARM or HURT
I don't get mad at broken clocks

and I acknowledge they keep the RIGHT TIME TWICE A DAY
and I understand where
Stacey and Rayvon are coming from
even if I don't believe the same thing

Why Can't We Talk To Each Other Any More...?
Why does..."What do you think of Unions?"
Become an invite to play the DOZENS (name calling.)
I Love
President Obama and I Love Tavis Smiley
and I need them both to do what they do
even when I wish they would do it
MY WAY
and Liberals yall need Conservatives to pressure you to do right my

the women and black people that support you
but I don't get mad
cause some where
some one is plotting to poison the food

that my niece loves to eat...now that
makes
me
MAD
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EDITORIAL: Teach Them Well

Guest Columnist Brooke Brimm

I read a story this morning about Sweetie Pie's Grandson getting shot & killed at a music studio. She said he was set up. I went to his FB page & he had guns, money, weed, colors, and gangster stuff. I thought to myself, the the set up happened long before he was called outside to get killed. We've got to love them, read to them, breastfeed them, protect them, educate them, correct them, communicate with them, advocate for them, pray for them, pray with them because the world is a rough place. Even rougher for those who think the ghetto life is something exciting. It's not! I was born in these streets, raises in these streets, and the streets don't love you at all. Save your babies from the streets because they don't have the same safety nets afforded others while they are exploring their youth. Start from the womb, so that they don't see the tomb before you. I'm sorry for yet another family.

Editor's Note: Brooke Brimm is a family friend of mine. She is also a successful wife, mother, business woman.

If you would like to be a guest columnist or write an editorial for this site?
Please reach me at RaymondCTyler@gmail.com
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Remembering Atlantic City's Chef Mike...

Right now my heart is heavy and my mind is trying to process the news I just heard.
Celebrity Chef , and Atlantic City's own Michael Stevenson has passed away.

If you didn't know...?

Mike and I grew up as biiiiiiiiiiiig hip hop heads.

Mike and I always talked about was how the culture of hip hop expanded beyond..dance,  graffiti, turntables and microphones. So that by the time we were in our 20's...he considered himself a hip hop/chef and I considered myself a hip hop writer. What we meant, was that out approach and attitude towards our selective crafts were inspired by the confidence and creativity that we felt every time we heard a Chuck D lyric or saw an emcee battle.

Mike always put himself and his own unique style into his dishes from prep to plate. He also had a number of events to celebrate his many milestones.

When ever we would get together we would thank God and AC for all that they gave us...and remark how incredible our lives had been. We were both walking around Maryland Ave as teens in the 1980's and we dreamed of doing big things....however God had blessed us to really achieve and enjoy some special moments. And Mike would do anything to help me and share any contact I could use.

I do not have the whole list of every one Mike cooked for but off the top of my head I know he was a major chef for The Washington NFL Football Team, he cooked for Hillary Clinton, Ludacris and MC Lyte. More important to me...was when I asked him to come and speak to the kids in our neighborhood he was there. I remember we both talked to the kids about growing up and having fun on Maryland Avenue. Then we also talked about hard work and being ready when the door opened for you to excel. We talked about using hip hop as a positive inspiration to dream big and live big. Lastly we charged the youth to come back (when we had too old) and to talk to the kids once they became successful adults.

Afterward we talked with each other again about being BLESSED!

Michael Steveson was my friend, my colleague and my brother....

Please join me in praying for his family and let's all thank God for what he was able to be, see and become.

I can't say I was ever prouder of anyone from my home town.

(I have more emotion than words so I will just end it here......)

Miss America Serves

 

 

MISS AMERICA ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCES THE SECOND ANNUAL
“MISS AMERICA SERVES” NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE TO BENEFIT
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS AND STATE SCHOLARSHIPS ON APRIL 16, 2016

Reigning Miss America Betty Cantrell and Miss America contestants from across the country will participate in the second annual national day of volunteer service, “Miss America Serves,” on Saturday, April 16, 2016. State and local contestants will join forces with family, friends and volunteers for a day of community service to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the U.S., the official charity platform supported by Miss America, as well as state scholarships.  “Miss America Serves” became a beacon for all at the inaugural event last year, as everyone witnessed the goodwill and generosity of the contestants' efforts in their local communities, hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, pediatric wards, senior care establishments and much more.  This event was the inspiration to create a national effort for each state representative to show their spirit of commitment and community service in their home state. “Miss America Serves” will bring together Miss America contestants and volunteers from the state organizations to create service events that address critical needs in their communities. A few of the activities confirmed thus far include volunteering at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the country; cleaning up park beaches and neighborhoods; assisting youth and senior organizations; visiting nursing homes; collecting clothes; stocking food pantries and feeding the homeless. These are only a few of the many activities planned on this special day to salute volunteerism and community service across the country. "The Miss America Organization is thrilled to host its second annual ‘Miss America Serves,’ a national day of community service presented by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals," said Sam Haskell, III, MAO's Executive Chairman & CEO. "Last year, ‘Miss America Serves’ raised over $100,000 for state scholarships and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals across the United States and we are excited to join together to serve even more communities across the country this year." Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell is excited to officially be a part of “Miss America Serves,” “Last year, I went to a grocery store in my hometown and asked patrons if they would buy canned goods to donate on their way out. I collected five grocery carts worth of canned and boxed goods and drove them over to our local Warner Robins food bank. ‘Miss America Serves’ was a huge personal accomplishment and I’m so excited to officially participate in Miss America Serves 2016!” Local volunteers from CMN Hospitals will join Miss America in this service opportunity to raise funds that will be given to their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.  Since 2007, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has been the official national platform of the Miss America Organization. More than $13 million has been raised for both the Miss America Scholarship Program and for 170 member hospitals to care for more than 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. To participate and for more information, visit www.MissAmericaServes.com. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Advertisement

 

Question Of The Day...What Are Your Favorite "Hits" in film or TV?

Today is March 15th.

The day Julius Caesar wish he had taking the long way around The Senate Floor.

Caesar may have been the first one to get killed by friends but, in films and TV....it's a way of life and death?

Later I will post my favorite 5...but what are your favorite murders on film and TV...delivered by the friends of the victim?


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QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE LOVE SONGS

 

What are your favorite love songs from the movies?

Could be musical/dramas like Fame and this classic.

OUT HERE ON MY OWN

 

Or maybe you remember movie music based on love scenes?

Do you remember who was "getting down" when The Force MD's sang Tender Love in the film Krush Groove?

 

What Are Your Favorite Film Love Songs and Why?

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The Black Panther is Back...Paying Tribute To A Hip Hop Classic

 

UNDER THE COVERS

BLACK PANTHER #1 (FEB160736)

Written by TA-NEHISI COATES

Art and Cover by BRIAN STELFREEZE

Hard to believe it's been more than ten years since we first saw Jay Z done this iconic pose in record stores, malls and other music outlets.

Marvel's Brian Stelfreeze has brought the Black Album back as a special edition cover for the newest Black Panther Series that will be available online and in stores on April 6th!

Tune into The Weekend lounge on FM 91.7 WLFR tomorrow night at 8:30pm for a review on what I've read so far from this series.

Here's some more information about all of the contributors from Marvel's PR department!
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A new era dawns for Wakanda and its ruler, T’Challa! Marvel is proud to offer your new look at BLACK PANTHER #1 written by national correspondent for The Atlantic, MacArthur Genius, and National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me) and illustrated by living legend Brian Stelfreeze, BLACK PANTHER “A Nation Under Our Feet” is a story about dramatic upheaval in Wakanda and the Black Panther’s struggle to do right by his people as their ruler.

 

The indomitable will of Wakanda -- the famed African nation known for its vast wealth, advanced technology and warrior traditions -- has long been reflected in the will of its monarchs, the Black Panthers. But now, the current Black Panther, T’Challa, finds that will tested by a superhuman terrorist group called The People that have sparked a violent uprising among the citizens of Wakanda. T’Challa knows the country must change to survive -- the question is: will the Black Panther survive the change?

 

Exclusively revealing with The Atlantic, Coates proposes a simple question that fueled his script for BLACK PANTHER, “Can a good man be a king, and would an advanced society tolerate a monarch? Research is crucial in both cases. The Black Panther I offer pulls from the archives of Marvel and the character’s own long history. But it also pulls from the very real history of society—from the pre-colonial era of Africa, the peasant rebellions that wracked Europe toward the end of the Middle Ages, the American Civil War, the Arab Spring, and the rise of ISIS.”

 

“For centuries, Wakanda has been sending would-be conquerors home in body bags.  Now, it is about to face its biggest threat — and it comes from within,” says Marvel Comics Editor In Chief, Axel Alonso.  “Under Ta-Nehisi’s unflinching gaze, the Black Panther will grapple with a threat that can’t simply be beaten into submission, one that raises questions about life, liberty and honor that are especially relevant today.”

 

Is this a bold new age for one of Marvel’s most classic heroes or his untimely downfall? Find out April 6^th as BLACK PANTHER #1 arrives digitally and in local comic retailers.

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The Great TV Lounge: 5 Reasons You Should Be watching Shades of Blue on NBC!

The one show you are probably sleeping on that you should be watching is NBC's Shades of Blue.
It's the closest you will get to Scorsese on network TV. In fact I am surprised that this show about "dirty" cops is running on network TV at all.

This show is one of the best things being broadcast on cable, network or smoke signal...here's why.

5. Jennifer Lopez- Unfortunately when it comes to acting J Lo has been looking for a vehicle to be great in since Selena. On Shades Of Blue she is serious and good as the lead "Harlee Santos."
I think she figured out that playing a "Training Day" type role would be good....and she indeed shines.

4. Ray Liotta-Ray has been a tour de force on screen since Good Fellas...as this reverse "Henry Hill" ...Liotta does not disappoint. With out Joe Pesci and with out Rob De Niro , Liotta is the leader and heads a great cast. What's really special is that the writing on the series , gives him great dialogue, action and scenes to show off his skills as an actor. As a fan of gangster films...it's just cool way Ray, play a low life living in moralities' Shades of Grey.

3. The Writing-The scripts pay off every week. There is not a episodes that is wasted or thrown away. Every scene not only adds to the story, but makes you want to see what in the world will happen next.

2. The rest of the cast-In TV..casting is EVERYTHING and this cast is a winner. You have  veteran actress Drea de Matteo (from The Sopranos) and a collection of fresh faces. NBC wisely picked people based on acting ability and not on how many sit ups they did. Each member truly holds their own and delivers in each scene.

1.The Whole Package-When you add every thing all up...Shades Of Blue is a great new show I would have expected to see on Starz or Encore. To be able to see this as a serious drama on NBC is a treat.
While seeing a butt cheek or hearing some extensive cursing may make Shades Of Blue seem more NY.....for a Thursday night show before the news....Shades is just heavy enough.

The only draw back is...what in the world can they do for next season?

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The Great TV Lounge: American Crime Season 2 Finale and Series Review

Welcome to the first edition of The Great TV Lounge Blog.

Basically when I have the time I will discuss Great TV Past, Present and or Future.

Today's installment will touch on the present...The Season Finale of American Crime Season 2 which aired last night (March , 9th) on ABC.



The Present: AMERICAN CRIME The Network Show That Played Like A Cable Show

What does cable have that ABC, CBS and NBC seems to have rejected these past 10 year?
The answer is great, excellent, top shelf drama.

Normally when you watch ABC, CBS and NBC they all feel like they have to pay off each and every episode. So you end up with drama that never quite rings true because no major story wraps in a neat bow in an hour.

Enter: ABC's America Crime. Season 2 was every thing that cable dramas are (sans the cursing and nudity.) American Crime featured over the past 8 Thursday's intelligent and writing that rings of real life with the lines delivered with Emmy level expertise by vets like Regina King, Felicity Huffman and Timothy Hutton!

The entire cast young and old, novice and vet....shine greatly.

The season finale last night left me flat however...too much of a cable ending. (More on that later.)

For those that have not seen American Crime season two... I will say....the series is a 8 week dramatic roller coaster. In episode one we find out something possibly horrible happened at a party between two boys from two different schools. The fall out effects students, teachers, parents and administrators.

If you have not checked out American Crime. Go to ABC.com and treat yourself to some of the best drama not on Starz, HBO, Showtime or Encore. American Crime is some of the best writing and acting anywhere!

The End Grade: A-.
Each scene of American Crime invites you to check yourself for feet of clay. The problem is the ending is too Sopranos, too The Wire...it ends with as many questions as when the season started. Some things indeed come full circle and many things and just left for you to write your own ending. The problem is for people that invested 8 weeks of time to get to know these people and events...we at least would like to know some things. What "really" happened at the party is still as much in question as it was in the first episode and so one gets too little pay off for all the weeks of watching.

I give American Crime a thumbs up...you will enjoy each and every episode...however the only 5 minutes that ever disappoint are sadly the last 5 before the credits roll.

 

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Question Of The Day: Should Clinton and Sanders Run Together? Why Or Why Not?

Can A Congressman and a Former First Lady Run For The White House Together...
WITH OUT DRIVING EACH OTHER CRAZY?
A few days ago I asked for ENLIGHTENED feedback on The Republican race for The White House.
(I will blog about that later.)

Now I am asking for feedback about The Democratic race.

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders seem to be both concerned about the issues. It would make sense for one to eventually run for President and one to run for Vice President....wouldn't it.

Okay we all know that rarely happens in a race so close.

But can you give me valid, hard case logic for why this would not be a great ticket in 2016?

To make my case I will say....let's consider "the black vote."

Clinton has the ears and the hearts of the Black Upper Middle Class and establishment.

While I would say Sanders has the support of people of color that bought Public Enemy recordings when they were new and younger.

Together they could garner numbers from the black community that would make Barry Obama blush.

So do you think they should run together?

If not? Who should be Sanders pick and who should be Clinton's pick?

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Tropicana to sponsor The 2016 Easter Promenade is Atlantic City

The 140^th Atlantic City Easter Promenade, which is said to be the oldest official Easter Sunday promenade in America, is still a class act whose place on the Boardwalk and in popular culture is both welcome and deserved.
On Sunday, March 27, 2016, the 140^th edition of this Grand Old Easter Holiday Tradition will be staged at 3 pm at the Boardwalk Pavilion at the Tropicana Atlantic City, which is co-sponsoring this year’s festivities. In the event of inclement weather, the promenade will be moved indoors to The Quarter near the fountain by Carmine’s.
This 140^th Easter Promenade will feature judging and prizes in 10 Adult categories,* including Best Dressed Adult Male and Best Dressed Adult Female. Tropicana Atlantic City along with Carmine’s, James Candy and Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store will provide prizes for the winners. Prizes will include overnight stays, dinners, gift cards and gift baskets ranging in value from $250 to $50. There is no fee required to participate in the Easter Promenade.
A host of VIP’s and dignitaries will be on hand to judge and participate in the event, including Atlantic City Mayor Donald A. Guardian, 2015 Miss New Jersey Lindsay Giannini and contestants vying for current the title of Miss Jew Jersey.
Bill McCullough will be serving as coordinator for the 140^th Annual Easter Promenade. Additional sponsors of this year’s event include McCullough Models, Masterpiece Advertising, AC Photo, the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation and Park Place Parking.

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The African American Museum Celebrates Women's History Month

Exhibit Celebrates Women's History Month by Showcasing Great African American Women & A Local Artist's Unique Creations

Throughout March, AAHMSNJ's featured exhibit will tell the stories of great African American women like civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Sculptor Selma Burke, and millionaire entrepreneur Madam Sarah Spencer-Washington through items from the museum’s collection. The Museum will also feature recent works by South Jersey artist Lavett Ballard.   Ballard's “Musical Elements” exhibit is the product of her father’s flood-damaged record collection and her creativity.  Her mixed media paintings of visually fractured images incorporate vinyl records, audiotape and other musical content. On Display March 1-31, 2016 AAHMSNJ | Atlantic CityNoyes Arts Garage2200 Fairmount Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Museum HoursWednesday–Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM Sunday:  11 AM – 5 PM Admission is FREE. Donations are encouraged. Advertisement

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QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Republicans Try To Stop Donald Trump?

Now I am not a big political guy when it comes to being in favor of one party over another.

But last week I saw the last Republican Nominee for President... the last two in fact, come out and ask voters NOT to support their front runner Donald Trump.

Question: Is that right? I especially want to hear from conservatives.

Question: What did Donald SAY, that is NOT IN LIGHT with the PARTY LINE?

Question: Do you feel people like Romney are disconnected from The GOP Base?

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