Big 3 League Has Potential

 

This past Sunday, I attended the Big 3 basketball game at CFG Arena. Founded by Ice Cube and some business partners the league has been around since 2017. Now I'm not a basketball spectator, I may watch the NBA playoffs casually but thats the most from me. 

And it took me a minute, and some explaining from my buddy before I understood the rules of the league and how they play the game. However, once I got how the game was played it was an enjoyable day. As I looked at the crowd everyone seemed to be into it and I thought this isn't a bad deal.

The tickets are affordable, especially for seeing 3 games in one day which amounts to about 3 hours or so of your time. Typical for any sporting event honestly. The rules are designed to make it more entertaining than strictly competitive. And I had no idea that the games air on CBS and Vice TV.

Which leads me to this, Ice Cube and company have something on their hands. Bringing stars who NBA careers have ended like Dwight Howard, is a step in the right direction. If they get more guys with personalities they can build around. The league could really grow, of course not reaching the NBA level but as a quality alternative to it. Not to mention an affordable alternative for families to enjoy a game.

Now if they manage to secure a video game license deal, and if the game play is reminisce of something like NBA Street. The league definitely will gain new life long fans young and old..ish.

The sky is the limit for the Big 3 league honestly. And I, a guy that really does not watch or keeps minimal tabs on basketball. Am now one of the organization's biggest supporters.

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The Wire's 2nd Season Is Criminally Underrated

 

The HBO classic series The Wire recently turned 22 earlier this month. I rewatched the series a few months ago with my wife who had never watched the show. For five seasons The Wire introduced institutions in Baltimore which truthfully represented all American cities, and how these institutions were letting common folks down. Without a doubt season 4 is the best overall season, season 5 while still a good season, did not meet the standards fans had come to expect from the series, Season 1 and 3 are honestly neck and neck, it's really a matter of personal preference on which one is the "better" season.

Then there is season 2, which upon it's debut caught a lot of flack for kind of straying from the story that season 1 laid down. The Wire is revered for its realism, and season 2 was very real. Looking back that season is a very underrated season, because it included a component of crime and the war on drugs that weren't exactly covered at that time. The organizations at times very sophisticated and connected criminal organizations that arrange for drugs and other contraband to come into the country. As well as it showed the struggles the every man goes through just to make ends meets with the port of Baltimore dock workers representing the everyman.

Just like Walter White in Breaking Bad, dock workers like Frank Sabotka and his crew made some tough, morally wrong decisions to simply make it in this rough ass world. As a teenager when I first watched the show I didn't get it. Now as an adult, in this rough economy where everything is sky high but compensation, and the increasing divide between the haves and the haves not. And the shrinking middle class, which really propels this country you understand they dilemma they had. 20 plus years later, the unfortunate collapse of the Key bridge in Baltimore earlier this year, which severely affected work at the ports for many working families. Highlighted just how important the port is to the city of Baltimore, and the dock workers. Which the series creators of course had no idea would happen, but makes the season and the story of these men told even more relevant.

Along with the dock workers, the story used the criminal organization led by the mysterious Greek to connect the dots on the partnership between these big players bringing the drugs in, and the players on the street level selling them. While alluding to on a global scale how small the drug organizations are in the big picture. The Greek's would also come into play in later seasons which made that whole idea of all the pieces fitting the puzzle matter even more.

I will admit when season 2 debuted in 2003, I was very on the fence about it downright debating about not watching the season. As it progressed and everything came together I understood the purpose of the season, especially as later seasons followed it. Now, I downright appreciate it and the story it was telling in the grand scheme of things. Still to this day it is the most underrated season of The Wire and deserves more credit. 

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5 Random Sitcoms Set In Baltimore

 

When it come's to sitcoms the most well known sitcoms set in Baltimore are Roc, One on One and spin-off series Cutz. There have been a few sitcoms that were set in the charm city, many of them truly obscured. Once I went down the rabbit hole, I will admit most of these sitcoms I've never seen or heard of. In the spirit of sharing knowledge, even it's information you absolutely do not need. Here are 5 sitcoms based in Baltimore.

5. In The Beginning

This sitcom is probably the legendary Norman Lear's biggest sitcom failure in his storied career, next to another Baltimore based sitcom he created in the 70's Hot l Baltimore. Released in September 1978 on the CBS network, the sitcom followed Mclean Stevenson as an uptight conservative priest Father Clearly, who is assigned to an inner-city parrish. He experiences a bit of a culture clash and frequently butt's heads with a nun who is more liberal minded named Sister Agnes, portrayed by Priscilla Lopez.

The sitcom managed to only air 5 episodes, with the remaining four never to be seen. The most footage available for this sitcom is the opening intro, but beyond that nothing on this series.

4. The Ellen Burstyn Show

Looking this sitcom up, I'll be honest I only knew Ellen Burstyn as the grumpy neighbor in the Baby-sitters Club movie from the mid-90's. Watching clips of the sitcom, I also got the feeling this was inspiration for a sitcom that would premiere just a couple years later in Murphy Brown. Debuting in September 1986 on ABC, the series followed Ellen as she handled being a college professor and dealing with her busy body mother, her daughter who is getting over a divorce and her active grandson.

This sitcom did not last either, it was cancelled after eight episodes and then bought back the following year to run through the remaining episodes. 12 episodes aired, with only one never making it on-air. The biggest success story from this sitcom is probably Megan Mullally of Will & Grace fame.

Family Rules

This UPN sitcom debuted in 1999 and was an outlier of what the target audience was for the network at the time in the sitcom realm. The sitcom starred Greg Evigan as a widowed dad, raising his four daughters in Baltimore. He is the basketball coach at a university called....Morgan College, and that's probably the most Baltimoreish connection the series creates. The show was a mid-season replacement and survived for one full month, before catching the axe. No wonder no one remembers it, or that it was set in Baltimore.

Life's Work

Life's Work was a sitcom ABC that debuted in September of 1996 and lasted for only 18 episodes. It starred Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa in Abbott Elementary) as a assistant district attorney in Baltimore. Juggling the demanding job and home life of being a wife, and mother to a young daughter and toddler son. The sitcom was intended to be the next breakout sitcom of a stand up comic but it never caught on to get that far.

I don't remember this series at all, a promo clip on YouTube includes a rendering of the Inner Harbor to help drive the fact it is set in Baltimore. 

True Colors 

This Fox sitcom lasted the longest of the forgotten Baltimore sitcoms stables, it debuted in the fall of 1990 and ended in '92. The season were broken up so it really only had 2 seasons for a total of 45 episodes The sitcom starred Frankie as widowed dentist Ronald Freeman, who meets Stephanie Faracy's character Ellen, the two soon elope and blend their families together. Ronald had two teenage boys, while Ellen had a daughter and her mother who did not approve of a interracial marriage to bring into the fold.

In season 2 Frankie was replaced by Cleavon Little of Blazing Saddles fame. Cleavon was battling some health issues during this time, along with Nancy Walker who played Ellen's mom Sara. Fox cut the show from under it's leg's and cancelled it early in it's season 2 run.

There are a few full length episodes on YouTube, along with promo videos and the original intro.

I'm sure there are more sitcoms set in Baltimore and I may revisit this topic. Until then, maybe time a new sitcom rises to show Baltimore some love.

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We Need A Baltimore Day

 

There's been a lot of talk about the Baltimore Renaissance. Great things happening in the city, businesses giving the city opportunity. The O's are coming back to prosperity and hopefully make a deep run in the playoffs this year, the Raven's although not making the Super Bowl produced a lot of purple fever. The planned Inner Harbor revitalization which I'm personally 50/50 on but that's neither here nor there.

The CIAA tournament just finished up in town and bought a multitude of College basketball fans and events here to experience the city and what it has to offer. CFG Bank Arena is bringing big name acts back to the city, the frenzy the day Usher announced his tour was crazy. There's still A LOT of  work that need's to be done on public safety but there is progress and it will take time to change mindsets, behaviors and systemic conditions that lead to that.

All of these things got me thinking. We need a day to celebrate Baltimore, it's culture and what it means to be a Baltimorean. It would be great if the day occurred in the summer months so some type of outdoor event could be held. If not though, we still need something to celebrate the Inner Harbor, our sports teams, crabs, natty boh's, snowballs and of course Baltimore club music. 

It's a way to help instill civic pride in natives and make them love Baltimore good and bad for what it is.  I previously wrote a blog about having a Baltimore sign, much like other cities do against the backdrop of the Inner Harbor. Creating the perfect opportunity for a photo op to show Baltimore in it's beautiful glory. Let's hope those in City Hall think of the great things a day to honor Baltimore could do for the city, and make it official. 

Imagine folks walking around saying "Happy Baltimore day tew you".

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Bruno Mars At Preakness Experience

 

Saturday night at the Preakness fest, I was able to check off a bucket list item by seeing Bruno Mars live. Despite the rain that began to pour just as his set was beginning, it was 1,000% worth it. In 45 minutes Bruno Mars backed by his crew The Hooligans, had the entire audience singing every word of every song, dancing in the field despite the muddy conditions, and overall having a good time after waiting all day to see him.

He opened with one of his biggest hits 24 K Magic, and closed with what probably is his biggest crossover hit Uptown Funk. He effortlessly danced across the stage, carefully avoiding the spots on the stage getting hit from the downpour. He played guitar so that he is a MUSICIAN and not just an artist. He has so many hits that it was probably difficult to curate his selection and cram into the limited set, and it's easy for us as fans to forget that he only has released 3 solo albums beginning with his debut 2010 album Doo Wops and Hooligans.

He showed love to all three of his albums performing hits such as Just The Way You Are and Marry You from his debut album. Locked Out Of Heaven  and one of my favorite Bruno songs which in my opinion is one of his most underrated songs Treasure and from his second album 2012's Unorthodox Jukebox. Along with the title track from his 2016 third album 24K Magic (hard to believe it's been almost 7 years since that album released), he also performed That's What I Like. Serenading the crowd while he played guitar he performed the 2010 Travie Mccoy hit Billionaire which he was featured on.

I personally wished he would have performed Finesse, but have no real qualms about the set list. If I would have had to stand in the rain for a 90 minute set from him, I would have. Even in the rain, his performance was just as entertaining and mesmerizing as any TV performance you've seen. He proved why he is a modern day musical legend. I'm gathering my coins to see a full length Bruno concert (his show tickets are quite pricey), and just like this time it will be well worth it.

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The Wire 20 Years, 20 Favorite scenes

 

Today marks 20 Years since the iconic HBO series The Wire debuted. One of HBO's best produced and most revered properties, on the surface it's about drug dealers and cops. The series digs much deeper than that over its 5 seasons, instead using drug dealers and cops to touch on how institutions and the system fails individuals.

When I started writing this particular blog I started on top ten episodes in my book. After thinking about it, I felt ten episodes didn't do the series justice. I decided to instead focus on my favorite scenes from the show.

Here are twenty scenes from across the five season 60 episodes series, that have resonated or stood out to me for a variety of reasons.

20. Prez Figures Out The Puzzle

Det. Roland Pryzbylewski better known as Prez was assigned to the special crime detail in season 1, cause he just wasn't fit for the streets. An encounter in episode 2 proves that, but being related to a major within the BPD (and his white privilege) he was going to continue to be given breaks. Prez was very aloof and book smart but obviously not street smart.

Prez soon proves his worth in season 1 episode 5 when he cracks the pager and pay phone code The Barksdale organization uses to communicate. It shows everyone's skill set brings something to the table and just how deep the Barksdale organization are in covering their tracks.

19. Cat And Mouse Game 

This particular scene in season 1, episode 9 showed just how careful Avon Barksdale and his organization were. On a hot summer day after a east Baltimore vs west Baltimore basketball game, Avon hops into the car to his next destination.

Initially unbeknownst that he is being followed by Lt. Daniels and company  Always one to look over his shoulder he soon is very aware and leds the team on a cat and mouse game across a few city blocks. He eventually evades them, but not before trolling Lt. Daniels. While he assumed by the cops to be a high ranking "Yo" Boy, Avon was very smart about how he went about his business.

Avon in season 1 was always one step ahead.

18. Omar and Bunk Brief History

If you're from Baltimore chances are your very familiar with one of its many nicknames "Smallitmore". Everyone know's everyone in some fashion, and if not through directly knowing a person then they know someone who knows someone. This scene perfectly illustrates that ideal, as Omar recognizes Det. Bunk and they realize they went to high school at the same time. Audience's also learn some background on Bunk who played lacrosse in high school.

A brief scene that in the grand scheme of the show illustrates the different connections in life, you may not be aware of that come into play down the road. 

17. Take Care Of My Fish

Season 1, Episode 11 in the aftermath of Kimas shooting, its determined Wee-Bey needs to tie up some loose ends, get out of town and lay low. D'Angelo is then summoned by Stringer and Wee-Bey for a mission, but isn't told what the mission is. Thinking he's in trouble and scared for his life he gingerly walks into Wee-Bey's house sobbing to himself, until Wee-Bey turns some fish tank's on. He just needs someone to watch his fish while he's gone.

This scene while tense is hilarious for the simple fact D'Angelo thinks hes messed up and all Wee-Bey wants is for someone to watch his fish. A personality trait we learn is something Wee-Bey is very passionate about.

This scene is also hilarious because while D'Angelo is obviously very scared and acting strange as hell, meanwhile Wee-Bey is either very oblivious to it or just doesn't care.

16. The Big Score 

I love a good heist movie or good heist TV show, this scene gave viewers the best example of a heist in the world of the wire.

Omar gathers a team to rob a huge shipment of Prop Joe's supply. It has all the making of a good heist, a huge score, decoys, catching the targets off guard. Driving away newly rich, the ensuing subplot of selling the product back to The New Day Co-Op in which the asking price keeps going up as it flows through different channels is hilarious.

15. D'Angelo Reflects On His Life

To many, season 2 is viewed as the weakest season of the series due to the primary shift from the streets of Baltimore to the dying docks of Baltimore. When you really look at season 2 in the overall story it's very important. It brings up a very important question in the war against drugs, how do they get to the streets? Who's bringing them in? How connected are they? Who else besides the continuous media representation of Black males are involved in this deadly trade?

This scene from season 2 episode 6 however features a season 1 regular D'Angelo Barksdale. Sitting in the book club of his prison, he and fellow members discuss the true meaning of the classic The Great Gatsby. D'Angelo reflecting on his life and where it has gotten him at that point and the need to who know you are, reinvent yourself if needed, but also be real with yourself. D'Angelo hinted he was trying to erase his past and move forward in his life.

14. Bubbles Finally Confronts His Grief

Grief is very hard to tackle and face head on, it also takes a lot of time. At the end of season 5, Bubbles is clean from his addiction and finally tackles the grief around Sharrod's death head on at one of his meetings. It's the final closure Bubbles needs to finally move on with his life and start a new chapter free of his past.

How Andre Royo who played Bubbles did not win any awards for this scene is beyond me.

13. Date Night

This season 3 scene is hilarious in nature but more coincidental. Herc and Carver leave the movies with their respective dates and run into Bodie and Poot who are doing the same.

Poot and Bodie make light of the fact the detectives try to bust them everyday to no success. Chalking it up as part of the game, they tell the detectives they'll see them tomorrow. Herc and Carver without their badges protecting them are left speechless and dumbfounded.

12. Cutty leaves the game 

In this season 3, episode 6 scene, after a trial run back in the game former enforcer Dennis "Cutty" Wise finds out he no longer has it. He let's Avon know he want's out, he's older now and the game just ain't in him no more. 

This scene proves people do change and it show's just how much Avon respected Cutty. In fact maybe the scene highlighted how much Avon wished he could just walk away.

11. Chris Shocks Even Snoop

All through season 4 Marlo enforcer's Chris and Snoop were very careful about the murders they carried out. Meanwhile it was always implied Michael had been molested at a young age, when his younger brother Bug's dad returned everything came together. Michael went to the only person he could in Marlo to help rectify the situation.

As Chris and Snoop carry out the orders of taking out Michael's problem, it's also heavily implied Chris was molested at a young age. This scene is so powerful in Chris's brutal assualt finally getting some sort of revenge, the sheer shock on Snoop's face unaware of Chris past and a likely explaination to why Chris turned into the brutal killer he became. The scene is even more profound with Michael's smirk back home knowing his problem is gone for good and he can start to heal from his tramautic past. 

10. Bodie's Last Stand 

Season 4 finale scene showed Bodie ever the soldier taking his last stand. 

Knowing Marlo's crew was after him he refused to bow down and give up his "corner". Poot desperately tried to persuade his friend to run, but Bodie was willing to go down protecting what was his and the morals of the game he tried to live by.

Bodie was one of the last remaining symbols of the old Barksdale organization in season 4. One of my favorite characters he went down with a fight.

9. Namond Not bout that life

In case you haven't picked up on it yet, if  you ask me season 4 is the best season of the series.

Finding out little bad ass Kenard stole from him, Namond approach's him. Kenard knows he doesn't have the heart to try him, and doesn't respect him so he talks shit to Namond. Until Michael intervenes and beats Kenard ass. Showing Michaels slow burn to the influences of the street. 

It also show's Namond's façade all his life as the son of a street legend, as he is terrified in the change within Michael and runs away. 

8. Marlo Intimidates Old Face Andre

This scene from season 4, episode 4 subtlety shows how psychotic Marlo is. After Old Face Andre gets Marlo stash taken from Omar he meets with Marlo and Chris.

Old Face Andre gives his siloquoy about the global economy, while Marlo never changing his tone bullies his prized ring off his finger. Later commenting to Chris how he may send Chris to make easy work of fellow poker players he's having trouble beating.

7. Fuck!

One simple word drives this scene from season 1. As McNulty and Bunk investigate a cold case they believe is linked to the Barksdale crew. 

Scouting the vacant apartment of the victim they look at the notes from the scene to what they see. Sensing stuff isn't adding up they just look at one another at different times and utter the famous four letter word.

6. Life Is Chess Not Checkers

This season 1 gem of a scene features D'Angelo Barksdale stumbling upon corner boys Wallace and Bodie playing checkers on a chess board.

He decides to teach them the game of chess comparing it to the drug game their familiar with. Avon's the king they must protect, Stringers the queen, everyone else are the pawns. The first line of defense and the first to go early through significant jail time or death. It's a brilliant scene honestly explaining life and how several organizations are set up from street gangs, to the military, to corporate America.

5. Brother Mouzone And Omar Standoff

Straight out of a western the opening to season 3 Episode 11 features a stand off between two "legends" in the game. The cinematography in this scene is top notch, the tension is high, background music is thrilling enough. Both men although they barely know another one, knows just enough to sense the other knows something was amiss in their previous encounter and they should talk it out before guns start blazing.

If it already isn't, this scene should be studied in film classes that's how great it is.

4. McNulty and Bodie Have A Heart To Heart 

This season 4 scene bring's Bodies story full circle. At this point in the series Bodie is all of 20 or 21 and is a veteran in the drug game, he quickly is realizing the rules of the game are changing and the new organizations don't follow the rules or even have morals enough to respect the game. 

He alludes to feeling old because of just how long he's been in the game and how much has changed. Making a point that even as a drug dealer you have to have some type of moral code. The scene is even more poignant when he references the game of chess and life D'Angelo taught him in season 1.

3. Chris and Snoop Interrogate New Yorkers

Season 4, episode 8 show Chris and Snoop on the prowl taking care of invading dealers from New York. In a hilarious attempt to make sure they have the right targets, they start conversation about local Baltimore music. The problem is Chris is up to par on the local music scene, while Snoop isn't and frankly doesn't care to be. 

Which highlights two funny scenes. Snoop nearly killing a guy since she doesnt know anything about  local radio and Chris having to quickly intervene. Followed by Chris brazenly taking out another dude who is clearly not from the area. This scene was another example of just how ruthless the two are.

2. Bodie and Poot kill Wallace 

This just maybe the saddest scene from season 1, maybe even the entire series. After some time away in hiding Wallace returns home and honestly he should have stayed away. 

The Barksdale organization at this point were well aware of the heat on them from the cops, and was all about tying up loose ends. Wallace was deemed a liability and had to go, it was even worst when Bodie and Poot were tasked with making sure it happened. They go out for their last meal as friends before the deed is done.

When Wallace realizes what's happening he pleads with his friends who are just as upset with the situation, but as soldiers it has to get done. Throw in the fact these are all teenagers manipulated by grown men makes it even sadder. The character of Wallace and his arc hits home for many, he was a good kid in a bad situation who would have lived a completely different life if his circumstances were different. That in itself is enough to make you bawl.

1. Avon And Stringer Reminisce 

My favorite scene from the entire series, Avon and Stringer on the rooftop looking over the water living their respective versions of the American dream. 

Reminiscing about their youth, where they came from, and all they accomplished together. This scene makes it even more apparent that now they are on different paths and are in one another's way from accomplishing their true goals.

Knowing what they are about to do to each other makes the statement "We Brothers" more gutwrenching.

I'll admit it was tough to make this list, going back and forth over scenes and rankings. Feeling bad leaving out some scenes, because this show was that damn good. To me in revisiting the series to craft this list, highlights why this show is considered one of the greatest TV dramas ever and why it still resonates today. It also helped me remember why I use to could not wait til Sunday evenings to get my dose of good quality TV.

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Baltimore The Movie Character

You may have seen the trailer for HBO's latest mini-series "We Own This City" debuting later this month and starring Jon Bernthal (The Punisher), Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country), Jamie Hector (Marlo, "The Wire") and Baltimore native Josh Charles (Sports Night). The series produced by David Simon focuses on the true story of a corrupt Baltimore city PD task force.  

The series was very active filming around the city last summer. Shoot, they filmed a block up from my street and parked a big ass trailer right in front of my house. 

Seeing the trailer (the actual promo trailer) got me thinking about movies that were actually filmed in Baltimore.

The city of Baltimore is known for alot of things, some positive most of it unfairly negative. One often overlooked positive is how it is a great backdrop for films. 

It's often an overlooked aspect of filmmaking unless the plot is dependent on it, but what city a film is set in is a important component of making movies. It sets a tone and can assist in driving home the message of a movie. Now Baltimore may not be in the conversation with LA, New York, or Atlanta when it comes to movies being filmed here. 

However, the city is no slouch with Hollywood depictions, there are several films out there you may not realize were filmed in Baltimore. Oftentimes it's a stand in for D.C. since filmmakers don't have to deal with the challenges of filming in the nation's capital. Other times it's a stand in for other cities (Major League II, The Replacements). The best times though,  are when a film is actually set here. Hollywood get's the most bang for it's buck when it accurately depicts the city for it's beauty,, quirkiness nd grim.

I've compiled a list of five films I think really exemplify and made the city it's own character. Note, this list is strictly about movies so The Wire and Homicide: Life On The Street two great TV series, where the city was a major character just as much if not more than the actors of the shows are omitted.

5. Liberty Heights

Released in 1999, Liberty Heights is one of Baltimore native Barry Levinson's "Baltimore films". This film follows a Jewish teenager Ben (Ben Foster) observing and living life in the 1950's as his father has a role with the mob and under close watch by the feds, his school has recently integrated, and he falls for a fellow student Sylvia who is Black.

Baltimore neighborhoods particularly the Liberty Heights area are highlighted in the film. Druid Hill Park was a filming location. Pennsylvania Ave and the famed Royal Theater which was the Black mecca in Baltimore during the 50's and 60's is depicted. Famed Baltimore gangster Lil' Melvin is even portrayed in the film by Orlando Jones. My family lived in the Liberty Heights area for years spanning multiple generations, and as a kid it was very cool to see an area I was familiar with in a Hollywood movie.

4. He's Just Not That Into You

This 2009 film bought alot of star power to Baltimore. Starring Ben Affleck, Scarlett Johannson, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Jennifer Connolly, Kevin Connolly and Jennifer Aniston. They came together for a romantic comedy above love and life and is actually a decent rom-com movie.

The movie follows different characters in different stages of relationships. More importantly it shows quite a few areas of Baltimore. Fells Point, Brewer's Hill, Mount Vernon, water taxis around the Harbor, Canton, and the famous Domino Sugar sign. Local beer Natty Boh is heavily shown in many bar scenes. This movie maybe almost 13 years old but its actually a great advertisement for Baltimore and it's charm.

3. Diner

Diner is basically Barry Levinson's love letter to his youth and the city that made him. Released in 1982 and set in the 1950's the film covers a group of friends who love to frequent a Fells Point diner. It's at the diner where they love french fries and gravy and debating over roast beef sandwiches on rye. 

Local TV station WBAL is name dropped. The main characters stan the Baltimore Colts, which a humorous subplot involving a marriage is dependent on the Colts is included. Fells Point, overview shots of a pre Inner Harbor harbor, Camden Station and other Baltimore landmarks are prominent. The movie is very Seinfeldish in that it really has no plot, it just follows a group of friends experiencing different situations in life. If you've ever hung out with your friends agitated one another simply to debate, and done some wild and random shit in your youth, you'll appreciate the movie. 

2. Charm City Kings

Starring Meek Mill, Ja'hani Wiston, and Baltimore dirt bike legend Chino Braxton. The movie highlights the dirt bike culture of Baltimore. How much work goes into building dirt bikes and learning the craft of riding one. It also provides clues on why dirt bike riders are considered Superheroes to inner city kids.

It has little nuances like the Baltimore accent where we say "doug" or "dug" instead of dog.  Beloved UTZ crab chips are displayed a few times and two characters eating not quite a 4 wings and fries chicken box but almost there. It also showed everyday Baltimore neighborhoods, dipilated housing and all that natives would recognize or snap their fingers and be like damn I know that area.

1. Hairspray 

John Waters has set all of his films in Baltimore, and made all efforts to show the quirks of the city. From Pink Flamingo to Serial Mom, and Pecker, John Waters will show just how off many residents in different phases and demographics of life.  The 2007 musical film of Hairspray does a wonderful job of making Baltimore it's own character in the film. It's opening song is even a catchy ode of a song to Baltimore 

As great as that movie is, it mainly was filmed in Toronto, Canada. The nod here however goes to the original 1988 film starring Ricki Lake. For actually being filmed in the city, and showing many landmarks,quirks and Baltimore slang of the 1960s. Love or hate the film or the director, you cant hate his love for his hometown. 

If your curious about the various movies and TV shows filmed in Baltimore click here

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A Sign For Baltimore

Baltimore, a city that’s like the little engine that could. Nestled between New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. it often gets overlooked when mentioning the big cities of the east coast. When it is mentioned it’s often for negative reasons that shed a bad light on the city.

Baltimore however is a wonderful city, full of so much potential to be more. Baltimore is also a great destination for tourist, in my travels I’m amazed at how many people have Baltimore on their list of places to visit. Most folks mention the seafood we’re known for and want to check it out. Some have mentioned “I just want to see what Baltimore is like.” One thing that could possibly help Baltimore attract more tourist, is to have a legitamite Baltimore sign stationed at the Inner Harbor, or maybe moved throughout the city for photo ops.

The Toronto sign nestled in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square. The “I Amsterdam” sign which has been moved around the city. Dubai has an “I love Dubai” sign in one of their malls. I recently visited Houston, which has a “We Love Houston” sign nestled outside a local brewery in Downtown Houston. There are countless others signs like these nestled around the world.

In this social media age, these signs are great marketing tools. Locals show pride in their hometown, visitors use it for photo ops, sharing their travels and hopefully marveling at how nice the place their visiting is.

In the grand scheme of what Baltimore needs to be a better city, a large Baltimore sign for selfies is at the bottom of the totem pole. However, it could help boost morale among citizens who want to show hometown pride. It could also boost tourism, with visitors eager to visit city landmarks or tourist attractions to take a photo. In fact it could become it's own landmark in the city. When people either tourist or locals take a picture with that sign, essentially they are proclaiming that they love Baltimore. If the plan is to really turn Baltimore around for the better, this is one small step to that roadway.

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Here We Go Again

 In a city that has struggled for decades to turn it around its image around, the mayor getting caught up in some shit is not unexpected but also is not something we need. Mayor Catherine Pugh battling a recent case of pneumonia has to take an indefinite leave of absence to focus on her “health” after it has come out she was working some big money deals under the table. As a member of the University of Maryland Medical System board of directors she received $500,000 for a series of books she wrote “Healthy Holly”.  She also received $100,000 from Kaiser Permanente for the purchase of her books, while Kaiser was vying for a city contract. We all know that is a serious conflict of interest.

  Just last week former Police commissioner Daryl De Sousa was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for tax fraud. His original planned successor Joel Fitzgerald was nominated for the position earlier this year but withdrew for “family reasons” amid more thorough investigations into his background and resume claims. Now Police commissioner Michael Harrison bought in from New Orleans is providing some stability to the city police department as they work under a federal consent decree to reform the entire department.



   Michael Harrison seems to be doing a good job so far and I wish him much success as Baltimore’s commissioner to reverse the crime trend that has plagued the city for what seems forever. As he is getting a handle on the position and the city this news comes out about Mayor Pugh and once again the administration of Baltimore City local government has some type of scandal to deal with.



    Scandals are a part of politics it’s just a part of the game, but this is another example of how Baltimore cannot get out of its own way. Any progress made is often overshadowed by some shenanigans going on to briefly halt that progress. I don’t agree with everything Mayor Pugh has done in her administration, but I honestly believe she’s serious about turning Baltimore around for the better.

  I just want the best for Baltimore, it’s my hometown and has so much potential. Of course no place is perfect and has its own issues, but many of Baltimore’s problems are a result of Baltimore blocking Baltimore. Hopefully we can move past this scandal and continue to turn things around.

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Two "New Days" in Baltimore

This past week Baltimore aimed to proclaim a "New Day" in two ways. Baltimore's Mayor Catherine Pugh selected a new police commissioner Joel Fitzgerald, the fourth police commissioner in five years. Meanwhile in the sports world the Oriole's bought on a new general manager Mike Elias from the Houston Astros who played a great deal in their resurgence. Both men seem qualified in their respective positions and have a mountain of work ahead of them,

Joel Fitzgerald is coming from Fort. Worth, TX as the police chief there to take the position. He has already proclaimed he is coming to "help heal the city" and is very aware of the task in front of him. A disheartening stubborn murder rate, reported low morale among the men and women in blue. Trust issues between the police department and the community it serves, and a federal mandate to reform the department and some of it's practices. Hopefully he's the man to help change things.

Mike Elias who was an assistant GM in the Astros organization, is a man many are hoping will spearhead the effort to bring a World Series championship back to Baltimore. Coming off a horrible 115 lost season, he has to find a new manager and coaching staff, rebuild the farm system which has been in disarray for years. Take a look at the current roster which has a few valuable trade chips but not many, and expand the organizations footprint in Latin America which it is severely behind other clubs on. He has made the statement his goal is to build "an elite talent pipeline". The Orioles cant develop pitchers let alone many impact players for any position, hopefully he stays true to his word and is here to change that.

While both men have two completely different jobs that have different effects on peoples lives. They both have a steep hill to climb and both deserve a chance to turn things around. Along with being the man in charge there is something else they will need....help. These reforms won't be successful without a good support system around both gentlemen.

Baltimore did not get the crime rate it's known for overnight. It's an result of decades of neglect, systematic policies that hurt citizens as opposed to helping, carelessness, sense of hoplessness and a "not our problem" mentality. For Joel Fitzgerald and the police department to truly turn things around for the long haul, it's going to require a lot of help from the local government, state government, and community. A way to keep repeat offenders off the streets and mean it, reach out to troubled youth and steer them in the right direction before it's too late, bring more jobs to the city. Bring the school system up to date to engage kids who have more then enough distractions. Making sure the police department is well staffed and equipped for the job, and has the resources needed to get the job done.

The Orioles had a brief renaissance, but still did not address organization wide issues that plagued them for years and proved to be a culprit in their massive downfall. Elias has already began building his team by bringing analytics guru Sig Mejdal over as assistant GM with him from the Astros. One of the most important positions in my opinion is finding a qualified person who can finally develop some quality pitchers like the O's were known for back in the 60's and 70's. Taking nothing from Andy Macphail, Buck Showalter, or Dan Duquette but truly bringing back the Oriole Way throughout the entire organization. Bringing the organization into the 21st century is a career at this point. And Mike Elias will have to surround himself with the right people to make it happen in a time frame fans will accept.

Personally I hope both men are true agents of change. I also hope they are allowed to think outside the box and be innovative with how they approach change. Obviously what's going on in the police department and the Orioles isn't working, so new ideas need to be bought in. Let's give them a shot and hope the crime rate goes down to historic lows in a few years and stays that way, let's hope the Orioles finally bring that championship home. In both ways it'll heal the city. 

 a mountain of work ahead of them.
This
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Too much emphasis on Coaches?

The Orioles abysmal season of 47-115 has come to an end. With half the roster gutted during the midseason trade deadline,
Adam Jones likely playing his last game as an Oriole. Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette statuses up in the air, with one likely done or both.

  Often when teams collapse like the Orioles did, someone has to be the sacrificial lamb and that often is the manager.
Hired to lead the team managers get all the praise and all the blame depending on which way the wind blows.
When managers are released the reason often given is their “message” has gotten stale.

  While it may be true that after so many years especially on teams with veteran players, they may get tired of hearing the same thing.
The philosophy of the coach may sound like a parent repeating themselves.
Or as the generation gap widens between coaches and players, they may find they cant relate to the players.

  Now for all of the blame managers get when things go south real fast, there's one tangible managers don't do. That's play on the field and produce. At the end of the day if a team is not equipped with stars who produce, they may not get very far.      
 Coaches defined as the greatest ever often had power players on their team, that’s not to take away from their style or philosophy. At the end of the day their style and a roster of play makers made for good managers.

The Bill Belichick's of the world, Bill Parcells, Phil Jackson, Joe Torre, Pat Riley, John Madden, Vince Lombardi and so many more. Yes their great coaches but put them with a D league roster and let’s see how far their philosophy will take them.

          That raises a question, is too much emphasis placed on head coaches or not enough emphasis? Yes their paid millions of dollars to lead the team, but their also field generals. Often not having much say in decision making and one way or another being told to get it done with what they have. Come of think of it their often given directives that regular folks experience just making way less money.  Coaches can raise trophies or head home into oblivion, either way I think the amount of emphasis placed on head coaches is sometimes unfairly just right or wrong.

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