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A Front Runner for Best Film

September 3rd, 2011

Chris Doelle

I went to see The Help with Dawn and Kenzie tonight and although I expected it to be good, it was much better than I had figured. This is easily the best movie I have seen this year!

I know the critics are lambasting it as “racist,” and I get that – but come on, how do you tell the story of a racist South without showing racist actions and words? I did not feel racism while watching it, instead, I was uplifted. It could be a case of “half empty or half full,” but I choose to see the good from this film.

The story is a very empowering story about wrongs being righted. The directing is spot on and never fails. The casting is wonderful. The sets are perfect. The costume design is excellent as well. Most of all though, the acting is great. From Cicely Tyson‘s tiny, yet powerful role as Constantine, Emma Stone‘s spunky portrayal of Skeeter and Bryce Dallas Howard‘s downright evil Hilly to the one-two punch of Viola Davis (Aibileen) and Octavia Spencer (Minny,) this case delivered time and again.

See this movie for the history lesson as they intertwined Jackson, Mississippi with the deaths of Medgar Evers and President John F. Kennedy. See this movie for the great comedy, as you will be rolling with laughter at parts. See this movie for the emotional connection, as you will be close to tears at times. See this movie because it does what great movies do – it moves you and takes you away from everyday life. See this movie because it will help you appreciate all the great things you have in your life.

See this movie.

RATING 10 out of 10
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Say it isn’t so…

September 3rd, 2011

Chris Doelle

I think the end is indeed near.. This from the Fandango website:

“The Blues Brothers is being adapted into a TV series. The plot will find Jake and Elwood traveling across the country trying to find Elwood Sr. Each episode will include one main musical number with different musicians taking on the role of The Blues Brothers band. “It’s Route 66 meets Glee and it all goes to hell in a hand basket,” said Anne Beatts, writer of the TV series.”

Please someone cancel this before my beloved Blues Brothers are forever soiled.

Worth Quoting

August 31st, 2011

Chris Doelle

“Love doesn’t make the world go round, but it makes the ride worthwhile”

– Franklin P. Jones

ChrisCast 08-18-2011 Austin’s Park

August 18th, 2011

Chris Doelle

The family took a trip to Austin’s Park where we spent the day riding go-karts, playing laser tag, riding the bumper boats, eating pizza and pasta and of course, climbing the rock wall.

Recent trip to Corpus Christi

August 17th, 2011

Chris Doelle

We took a last minute mini-vacation just before the kids go back to school. Corpus Christi was the destination – we played on the beach, ate seafood & toured the USS Lexington. It was a lot of fun and close enough that we will be going again.

Some Wars do have Winners!

August 9th, 2011

Chris Doelle

You have to love a good old-fashioned gas price war. That is what has been going on (at least in Central Texas) between Wal-Mart and H.E.B. First, they have both been consistently trading off as the lowest priced gas (according to my favorite smartphone app – GasBuddy.) Now, they have brought out the big guns in this battle for customers – discount cards.

First Wal-Mart brought out a 10cent/gallon discount on gasoline purchases using their branded gift cards. The offer expires at the end of September. Not to be outdone – H.E.B. rolled out their answer: 11cent/gallon discount on gasoline purchases using their branded gift cards and the offer expires at the end of October! I just dropped a $100 on a gift card at H.E.B. (which will not last anywhere near the end of October – but who cares, I can refill it anytime.)

Sure, both these combatants are hoping that this loss-leader will get you to change your habit (or retain it) trusting that we are creatures of habit. Long after the promotion runs out, the theory is that we will continue to shop where we are comfortable. And heck, I am sure they are counting on recouping some of the discount from people losing cards, forgetting they have money on them, or just waiting until the promotion expires to use them.

Regardless of their marketing goals – it is a GREAT promotion to take advantage of. Be smart – use the card – don’t lose the card, and you will be rewarded with lower priced gasoline. If you are like me, none of these promotions will affect where I purchase gas after the promotion ends. I know that all the gas is the same and that the company that gets me the gas cheapest & most conveniently will get my business.

Finally! I have found the BEST CHICKEN FRIED STEAK!

August 6th, 2011

Chris Doelle

Longtime friends know that there are two culinary treats I investigate every chance I get. No matter where my travels take me, I test the local barbecue and chicken fried steak. In my quest for the absolute best of each, I have found my Mecca for barbecue (I have a best for each of the big three - brisket, ribs & sausage), but never settled on the best chicken fried steak. That search is over.

The problem with trying to find the “best” chicken fried steak is that there are too many factors for any one location to be the clear winner. You have to have each of the following:

Country gravy
Batter
Steak
Mashed potatoes

Most places can do one or even two right but not all four. You can hide a poor cut of meat with great batter and some excellent gravy. You can even forgive the mashed potatoes if the other ingredients measure up. In my many years and hundreds of plate-sized offerings, I have been happy with many, but not ecstatic until now. The Gristmill in New Braunfels has done it!

The sad thing is that we have been coming to the Gristmill for a couple years now and I was always so in love with the sausage that I had never tried the chicken fried until now!

The gravy is a great off-white country gravy with tons of flavor. The steak itself is tender and tasty. The breading is hug-your-grandma good. The mashed potatoes are real and lumpy – what a perfect meal!

Just Days Away from “The Boys of Fall”

August 3rd, 2011

Chris Doelle

That’s right, two-a-days have started across the state and soon they will be strapping on the pads and knocking heads all around Texas. This affects me in many ways:

This is Dallin second year in HCRA football (youth league) and he will be the starting tailback this year. It is going to be a great season.
This is Logan’s first year in football at the junior high level. He certainly has the speed and pure grit to get the job done, I really look forward to seeing him progress
One of my media properties, Lone Star Gridiron, has launched a service providing free websites to every high school football team in Texas! The response has been amazing and it looks to be another great year for LSG.

What are your gridiron goals this year?