Back at the blog in the (not so) new year!
This month happens to be bookended with my two favorite annual Sunday events - the pro football championship game and the Oscars®.
Although I'm not a Green Bay fan per se, I did enjoy their championship win mainly due to a recent viewing of the engrossing Lombardi documentary on HBO.
Vince Lombardi is a mythic and transcendent figure in sports history, a seminary school dropout who became the pope of Green Bay and the patron saint of football. Once an assistant coach of my beloved New York Giants, he gained iconic status and defined athletic excellence as the coach of the Packers in the late 1950s through late 1960s - leading them to multiple consecutive championships. He was a complex and driven man who was ultimately uncomfortable with the famous quote attributed to him, "Winning isn't everything but it's the only thing". It is quite touching and fitting that the championship trophy named for Lombardi is once again at home in Green Bay.
I confess to being slightly behind on my Oscar® documentary nominee viewings this year - I am catching a screening of Inside Job later this week, but have enjoyed Restrepo, Waste Land, Gasland and Exit Through the Gift Shop. What a great lineup and tough choice for voters.
Can't wait to settle in for another fab Sunday!
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
NBA
Laker fever is taking over LA once again, as the NBA Finals this year feature one of the fiercest basketball rivalries in history - the Los Angeles Lakers v. the Boston Celtics. Bring it!
A few months ago, I watched a cool documentary on HBO, Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals. It captures the decades of intense rivalry between NBA legends Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. The film chronicles their renowned competition starting from their college days facing each other in the 1979 NCAA championship game between Michigan State and Indiana State, respectively. It carries them through their NBA careers, playing for (you guessed it), the Lakers and the Celtics, respectively, when both teams dominated and transformed the sport in the 1980s. A story of opposites in many ways, it is also a story of the unlikely friendship that can develop between people with a shared experience. The film is a great travel down the court for any basketball fan and aired in conjunction with Bird and Johnson's joint (with Jackie MacMullan) book release, When the Game Was Ours
.
Although living in LA for as long as I have means I turn up to cheer on the Lakers at pivotal moments, I confess that my heart still belongs to the east coast of my youth, and the sometimes hapless New York Knicks. That is why I was so excited to also recently screen Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks on ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary series. In another fantastic NBA rivalry, we jump to the mid-1990s as Miller's Indiana Pacers battle the Knicks - an epic conflict between America's Heartland and The Big City. What a fun ride remembering Miller and #1 Knicks fan Spike Lee trash-talk and psych each other out during their pivotal and theatrical matchups. Check it out during an upcoming repeat.
Basketball is nothing if not entertaining, and once again, documentaries help us relive all the fun on and off the court.
A few months ago, I watched a cool documentary on HBO, Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals. It captures the decades of intense rivalry between NBA legends Ervin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. The film chronicles their renowned competition starting from their college days facing each other in the 1979 NCAA championship game between Michigan State and Indiana State, respectively. It carries them through their NBA careers, playing for (you guessed it), the Lakers and the Celtics, respectively, when both teams dominated and transformed the sport in the 1980s. A story of opposites in many ways, it is also a story of the unlikely friendship that can develop between people with a shared experience. The film is a great travel down the court for any basketball fan and aired in conjunction with Bird and Johnson's joint (with Jackie MacMullan) book release, When the Game Was Ours
.Although living in LA for as long as I have means I turn up to cheer on the Lakers at pivotal moments, I confess that my heart still belongs to the east coast of my youth, and the sometimes hapless New York Knicks. That is why I was so excited to also recently screen Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks on ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary series. In another fantastic NBA rivalry, we jump to the mid-1990s as Miller's Indiana Pacers battle the Knicks - an epic conflict between America's Heartland and The Big City. What a fun ride remembering Miller and #1 Knicks fan Spike Lee trash-talk and psych each other out during their pivotal and theatrical matchups. Check it out during an upcoming repeat.
Basketball is nothing if not entertaining, and once again, documentaries help us relive all the fun on and off the court.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Wooden
It's tough to think of a life these days more worthy of celebration than Coach John Wooden. The iconic coach, teacher and author passed away last Friday night and I think at least everyone in the Los Angeles area breathed a collective, heavy-hearted sigh. At 99 years old and with recent health challenges, his passing was not exactly surprising but a profound loss for the sports world and beyond nonetheless.
I am glad to report that HBO2 will be re-airing The UCLA Dynasty documentary in tribute to him this Friday, June 11th at 7:30pm ET/PT. It captures the amazing run of UCLA's 10 NCAA men's basketball championships under Coach Wooden's leadership.
I had the honor of meeting him once, briefly, at a book signing at the Westwood Borders - down the street from the campus where he made history all those years ago. He was promoting his book, Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
, which he graciously signed, along with my all-time favorite, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court
. I told him how I had often given copies of that book to others over the years because it meant so much to me. I will never forget that moment and his lasting inspirational messages that have served so many athletes and everyday folk in finding success and a life well-lived.
One of my favorite John Wooden quotes: "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."
Thanks Coach.
I am glad to report that HBO2 will be re-airing The UCLA Dynasty documentary in tribute to him this Friday, June 11th at 7:30pm ET/PT. It captures the amazing run of UCLA's 10 NCAA men's basketball championships under Coach Wooden's leadership.
I had the honor of meeting him once, briefly, at a book signing at the Westwood Borders - down the street from the campus where he made history all those years ago. He was promoting his book, Wooden on Leadership: How to Create a Winning Organization
, which he graciously signed, along with my all-time favorite, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and Off the Court. I told him how I had often given copies of that book to others over the years because it meant so much to me. I will never forget that moment and his lasting inspirational messages that have served so many athletes and everyday folk in finding success and a life well-lived.One of my favorite John Wooden quotes: "Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."
Thanks Coach.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Photo
I love the art of photography, so was excited to visit the new Annenberg Space for Photography last weekend for the "Sport: Iooss & Leifer" exhibit. Spanning the careers of two legendary sports photographers, Walter Iooss and Neil Leifer, this cool exhibit features many famous photos and a digital feature documentary presentation about how they have captured high-action moments and athlete portraits in such brilliant detail and clarity. I particularly enjoyed the black and white photographs from the 1960s era in baseball and football, and the iconic ringside shots of Muhammed Ali. The Annenberg space itself is very modern and spacious, but is tucked inside a large professional complex without adequate signage, so plan your trip ahead of time.
The visit also reminded me of a terrific documentary on photography that I saw earlier this year at the DWELL on Design conference, Eric Bricker's Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. The film celebrates the career and life of this singular architectural photographer who hit his apex in the mid-20th century working for the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra. It also showcases many of the modern homes that Shulman captured in his luminous style. Julius Shulman recently passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 98, but I'm glad he lived to see this anthology of his life's work. His stunning photographs, including the iconic 1960 shot of Koenig's Case Study House #22 (The Stahl House), will surely live on. The Stahl House is now open for tours, by the way, which I recommend for its amazing views of Los Angeles.
A picture is definitely worth a thousand words.
The visit also reminded me of a terrific documentary on photography that I saw earlier this year at the DWELL on Design conference, Eric Bricker's Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. The film celebrates the career and life of this singular architectural photographer who hit his apex in the mid-20th century working for the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra. It also showcases many of the modern homes that Shulman captured in his luminous style. Julius Shulman recently passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 98, but I'm glad he lived to see this anthology of his life's work. His stunning photographs, including the iconic 1960 shot of Koenig's Case Study House #22 (The Stahl House), will surely live on. The Stahl House is now open for tours, by the way, which I recommend for its amazing views of Los Angeles.
A picture is definitely worth a thousand words.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Queue
I am finally catching up on my DVR queue. After my Tivo died this spring, I realized my that new DVR doesn't have the incredible feature of allowing me to fast forward on slow speed while the captions are on to skim through a show. Thus, I have been backlogged on the copious amounts of documentaries in line to be viewed. Here are the recent highlights that I think are worth catching when they are re-aired:
HBO has been airing a number of great docs lately: Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, details the rich history and unfortunate decline of the Garment District in NYC. Its rise helped build America's middle class and labor movement in the early 20th century; its decline has mirrored and helped to drive our current state of economic despair. In 1965, 95% of American clothing was manufactured here in the U.S.; today only 5% is. That's staggering.
Outrage examines the hypocracy of closeted gay politicians who vote against and speak out against gay rights issues. It's really wild. The film is directed by Kirby Dick, who also made This Film Is Not Yet Rated, about the strange and shielded methods behind the MPAA ratings system.
By the People: the Election of Barack Obama follows the candid, dramatic and moving moments behind this historic and inspirational campaign. The campaign success was driven not only by the charismatic Obama, but by a strategic, idealistic and largely youthful staff of devoted advisors and followers. My favorite is the little 9-year old volunteer who helped work the phones. Classic.
PBS has also had a number of strong docs on its programming lineup, including Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times - a fascinating saga about the rise of Los Angeles - driven by the determination, power and hubris of the family that built the Los Angeles Times, now on a downward spiral. It's a really cool film for LA history buffs, particularly the Chandlers' sordid activities as the model for one of my favorite films, Chinatown, and the background of Dorothy Chandler's continued influence on arts and culture in the city. It's juicy stuff.
I also watched all four hours of the energetic Latin Music USA, which traces the history of Latin jazz, mambo, cha cha cha, salsa, Chicano rock, Tejano, Latin pop and reggaeton. Wow. All the way from the NYC clubs of the early 20th century to Santana's LSD-laced debut at Woodstock to Ricky Martin Livin' La Vida Loca at the Grammys. It had me dancing in the aisles (ok, my living room).
Finally, I am enjoying ESPN Films' 30 for 30 sports documentary series of 30 films celebrating the network's 30th anniversary. I watched The Band That Wouldn't Die, a heartwarming film directed by Barry Levinson about the Baltimore Colt's marching band, which kept the spirit alive for a football franchise return after the team's defection to Indianapolis in the '80s.
Whew.
HBO has been airing a number of great docs lately: Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, details the rich history and unfortunate decline of the Garment District in NYC. Its rise helped build America's middle class and labor movement in the early 20th century; its decline has mirrored and helped to drive our current state of economic despair. In 1965, 95% of American clothing was manufactured here in the U.S.; today only 5% is. That's staggering.
Outrage examines the hypocracy of closeted gay politicians who vote against and speak out against gay rights issues. It's really wild. The film is directed by Kirby Dick, who also made This Film Is Not Yet Rated, about the strange and shielded methods behind the MPAA ratings system.
By the People: the Election of Barack Obama follows the candid, dramatic and moving moments behind this historic and inspirational campaign. The campaign success was driven not only by the charismatic Obama, but by a strategic, idealistic and largely youthful staff of devoted advisors and followers. My favorite is the little 9-year old volunteer who helped work the phones. Classic.
PBS has also had a number of strong docs on its programming lineup, including Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times - a fascinating saga about the rise of Los Angeles - driven by the determination, power and hubris of the family that built the Los Angeles Times, now on a downward spiral. It's a really cool film for LA history buffs, particularly the Chandlers' sordid activities as the model for one of my favorite films, Chinatown, and the background of Dorothy Chandler's continued influence on arts and culture in the city. It's juicy stuff.
I also watched all four hours of the energetic Latin Music USA, which traces the history of Latin jazz, mambo, cha cha cha, salsa, Chicano rock, Tejano, Latin pop and reggaeton. Wow. All the way from the NYC clubs of the early 20th century to Santana's LSD-laced debut at Woodstock to Ricky Martin Livin' La Vida Loca at the Grammys. It had me dancing in the aisles (ok, my living room).
Finally, I am enjoying ESPN Films' 30 for 30 sports documentary series of 30 films celebrating the network's 30th anniversary. I watched The Band That Wouldn't Die, a heartwarming film directed by Barry Levinson about the Baltimore Colt's marching band, which kept the spirit alive for a football franchise return after the team's defection to Indianapolis in the '80s.
Whew.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
44
College football season is almost upon us, an annual reminder that autumn is not far behind. My favorite time of the year.
I'm catching The Express again on HBO; I first saw it in the theatre on opening day last October. I'm an Orangeman, you see - a proud alum of Syracuse University. The inspiring story of Ernie Davis and football jersey #44 is a fundamental piece of school heritage and pride. Our local alumni club held a screening party that day when the film came out and Floyd Little was there - the 3rd generation of the #44 All-American running back trifecta after Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. I loved seeing the picturesque SU campus captured so beautifully on screen. Brings back fond memories.
The civil rights movement was in its infancy when Ernie Davis came to Syracuse in the late 1950s. He overcame many challenges on and off the field to be named the first African-American to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy award. Ernie Davis died tragically young, but his athletic talent, indomitable spirit and grace ensure him a prime place in the annals of sports history.
I would like to see the Legend of 44 documentary that was done several years ago to delve deeper into the story of these three football icons. I'm ordering that from Manny's, the beloved Syracuse merchandise store on campus. Maybe I'll also spring for a Syracuse 44 t-shirt and help keep the spirit of 44 alive.
Go Orange!
I'm catching The Express again on HBO; I first saw it in the theatre on opening day last October. I'm an Orangeman, you see - a proud alum of Syracuse University. The inspiring story of Ernie Davis and football jersey #44 is a fundamental piece of school heritage and pride. Our local alumni club held a screening party that day when the film came out and Floyd Little was there - the 3rd generation of the #44 All-American running back trifecta after Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. I loved seeing the picturesque SU campus captured so beautifully on screen. Brings back fond memories.
The civil rights movement was in its infancy when Ernie Davis came to Syracuse in the late 1950s. He overcame many challenges on and off the field to be named the first African-American to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy award. Ernie Davis died tragically young, but his athletic talent, indomitable spirit and grace ensure him a prime place in the annals of sports history.
I would like to see the Legend of 44 documentary that was done several years ago to delve deeper into the story of these three football icons. I'm ordering that from Manny's, the beloved Syracuse merchandise store on campus. Maybe I'll also spring for a Syracuse 44 t-shirt and help keep the spirit of 44 alive.
Go Orange!
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