"1.) Two Women Abusers Lead to Yankees' Demise / 2.) 'Western Stars' Movie AMAZING"

1.) In my opinion, the two women abusers on the Yankees led to their crushing elimination from the playoffs Saturday night.  I refer to starting pitcher DOMINGO GERMAN and relief pitcher AROLDIS CHAPMAN.  First, German. 

Here is a letter I've sent to the NY Post, NY Daily News and NJ Star Ledger about him...it has yet to be printed, but I hope it WILL be....

Editor

There are many reasons for the Yankees ALCS collapse against the Astros, but let's not forget this: the loss of our best starting pitcher, Domingo German, in September.  

The Yankees commendably survived many injuries throughout the regular season, but this was one they couldn't survive by simply looking to a "Next Man Up."  Ironically, THIS injury took place not TO a player, but to a woman who was injured BY a player, resulting in German's being banned from the postseason. 

We got through the first round of the playoffs very well, but in the second round, facing dominant starting pitching from the likes of Verlander, Cole and Grienke, the Yanks really could have used our only 18 game winner. Alas, his own immoral activity has harmed not only the woman, and himself, but the entire team here in October when it counts the most. 

I really hope German won't be in pinstripes next year and that free-agent-to-be, stud starter Gerritt Cole, will be a Yankee. But whether or not that happens, baseball aside, it is wrong for a man to strike a woman. Period.

Chet Jelinski

Now, on to Chapman.  He gave up the game-winning, series-ending homer to ALTUVE on Saturday night....(the same Jose Altuve who had to endure pathetic chants of "Ef Altuve!! Ef Altuve!!" at Yankee Stadium a few nights earlier, by the way.)  Neither GERMAN or CHAPMAN (who had domestic violence issues BEFORE the Yankees signed him, traded him, then acquired him AGAIN) should stay on the team, in my opinion.  Both Chapman and German have names that end in "man" but in my opinion, a true MAN will never hit a woman. END THE SILENCE, STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!! The Yankees need to make that statement and boot BOTH of these guys.

They need to carry "Next Man Up" into 2020, and replace them with real MEN.

2.) "WESTERN STARS" MOVIE, LIKE THE ALBUM, WAS AMAZING!!  Like his new album of the same name, Bruce Springsteen's new movie "WESTERN STARS" is an absolute masterpiece of self-expression.  I saw a "sneak preview" here in Jersey on Saturday night...it goes into nationwide release this Friday, Oct. 25th.

I've written about the album on my blog previously and pointed out that I WAS NEVER A SPRINGSTEEN FAN BEFORE THIS and technically I am STILL not a Springsteen fan...but I love this ALBUM and I loved the MOVIE.  You see, "The Boss" just turned 70 and is trying new things (he recently wrote a book, did a play, did a "Western" themed album with an ORCHESTRA, and now this movie about that album.)  I've always admired artists who try something new late in life.  For example, 15 years ago when Clint Eastwood did "Million Dollar Baby" as he was approaching 75, I really appreciated his new "turn," and I referred to that movie as "Clintspirations" as *I* am getting older now.  Springsteen is ALSO breaking personal new ground with "Western Stars" and it's interesting that, in this movie he even QUOTED Clint at one point.

My wife Mercedes has always liked Springsteen but does NOT like the new album because it IS such a departure for him. But again, I'm just the opposite...I am NOT a fan of the man but I DO love the album and the movie!! He wrote all 13 of the album's songs and performed them live, in order, in the movie...accompanied by a band, with an orchestra, in a VERY intimate setting.  Bruce's masculine voice and appearance, his thought-provoking lyrics and AWESOME musical accompaniment (esp. by the STRINGS) just blows my mind.  I love how he took a chance....went out on a limb with something new and this challenges ME with MY creative endeavors!! Except for ONE unfortunate profanity, there is nothing sexual or violent in the movie and yes, I know he's a Liberal but there are NO politics in the movie. His references to God are very positive and reverent, and he even quoted SCRIPTURE at one point. His wife appears with him in the movie and they seem to have a very good marriage. (And speaking of WIVES, Mercedes didn't want to see the movie with me in the theater but was happy to let me go alone, which I appreciate.)

And go alone, I did...traveled about an HOUR to BURLINGTON but if I'd gone the same distance in the other direction, I could have seen the movie in Springsteen's native FREEHOLD, New Jersey where he did a surprise appearance in the theater to greet his fans.

Doesn't matter...when you see this movie you feel you've MET Springsteen in person.  I did!!
No make-up to cover up his wrinkles in the closeups.  Looks directly into the camera as he sings.  The short videos between songs contain rare, archival, PERSONAL footage of him from the past along with EXTREMELY personal and perceptive verbal reflections. And....lyrics about growing old in a changing world, via an album where it's clear that he IS an "old dog who can learn new tricks."

Springsteen did this movie to promote the album, as he's apparently too old to TOUR now.

But the concert on the album is FAR more intimate and meaningful and far less EXPENSIVE than a live concert would be.  The songs would not come across as well in a large, live concert venue and even in the front row, you couldn't have a better view than there was on that big movie screen.

AGAIN, THE MOVIE GOES NATIONWIDE THIS COMING FRIDAY, THE 25th.  See it if you can!!