2013

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Warner Russell in Entertainment, Featured, Music | Leave a comment

First off, let me commend the city of Memphis for what is shaping up to be the best year of live music the city has seen in years, maybe even decades. Between the big name, stadium shows (Elton John, Paul McCartney, Justin Timberlake), the enjoyable outdoor shows (Bob Dylan/Wilco/My Morning Jacket at AutoZone Park, the Live at the Garden series, the Beale St. Music Festival, Steely Dan at Mud Island, the Levitt Shell Summer Concert Series, Dave Matthews at Snowden Grove), and the up-and-coming/indie shows at Minglewood Hall and the new Hi-Tone (The Shins, Dawes, Local Natives, Titus Andronicus, Neutral Milk Hotel), Memphis has gone far and beyond what we have seen in years past in terms of the quality of live music being offered in and around the city. I know that my bank account has seen a hit so I can go to most of these, and that honestly makes me pretty happy. My wife and I, after our recent trip to Portland, OR, discussed what it would be like to live there (or Nashville for that matter) given the constant amount of great live music being showcased. We both agreed that we would probably be broke. So it’s a nice change of pace to have to make such difficult decisions when we pick and choose which concerts to go to. So Memphis, concert booking agencies, local venues… I tip my hat to you all. Thanks for kicking ass this year. It’s been a great one so far and looks to get even better as it goes on. Read more

Political Passport: Everything You Need to Know about the IRS Scandal

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Joseph Williams in Featured, Politics | Leave a comment

I’ve recently been asked to contribute occasionally to PolicyMic , an up-and-coming website striving to be an interactive and intelligent forum for diverse views on all topics affecting the Millennial Generation. Fear not, I’ll always excerpt and link these posts here on The Wise Guise as well so you can continue checking this site as one-stop shopping for all random ramblings from yours truly. And if you think it’s going to slow down my contributions here, fear not! Check out my other new post today taking a look at who all is returning to our TV screens in the next year.

Here’s some key excerpts from my latest post breaking down all the details surrounding the latest IRS scandal. As I published the article, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the FBI and Department of Justice are investigating IRS actions for any potential illegal activity. If you want to read the entire article to find out everything you need to know to be educated and informed about what the IRS has done, CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE ARTICLE!

Jack Bauer, Michael J. Fox, and Agent Coulson – They’re Back!

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Joseph Williams in Entertainment, Featured, Television | 1 Comment

Jack Bauer and 24 are BACK!

I’ve tried to contain my excitement to just a few social media posts every day. It’s been a wild week at work and spending as much time as possible with my new baby nephew Walt, so that’s helped distract me from sitting on the couch in my CTU t-shirt and just watch all 8 seasons of 24 in a row. I have to remember to be a productive human being still and live my life in a productive and free way that makes Jack Bauer’s ongoing sacrifices worthwhile. Read more

Movie Review: The Great Gatsby

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Alex Beene in Entertainment, Featured, Movie Reviews, Movies | Leave a comment

It’s everything you ever dreamed it would be. The elaborate costumes, the overblown sets, the dazzling effects, the quick and furious cuts, the smoothly incorporated soundtrack – all the hallmarks of director Baz Luhrmann are apparent in “The Great Gatsby.” Read more

Why We Love Baz Luhrmann

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Alex Beene in Featured, Movies | Leave a comment

“I remember that first scene between Leo and Claire so well. Leo glancing at her through the fish tank. The visuals are so rich, and they were both so young and beautiful. Both were dressed to perfection – Claire’s dress and that armor Leo was wearing. And that song in the background (“Kissing You,” Des’ree). It’s just a magical moment. That whole soundtrack is phenomenal.”

-Jose Rodriguez on “Romeo + Juliet”

NBA Playoffs: A House Divided

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Warner Russell in Basketball, Featured, Sports | 3 Comments

My wife is from Oklahoma City. I’m from Memphis. We live in Memphis. Needless to say, the current NBA Playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies is creating a bit of tension in our house.

In order to vent some frustrations, here are our thoughts on the other’s fandom. Read more

Exclusive Music Interview: Friendly Savages (Playing LIVE in Nashville at Exit/In on Tuesday Night!)

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Joseph Williams in Featured, Music | Leave a comment

This weekend, I had the chance to interview an up-and-coming band based out of Austin, Texas. Friendly Savages just released their first full album. They’ve been playing shows all around the Lone Star State and return to play in Nashville, TN at Exit/In this Tuesday night!

You won’t want to miss this Exclusive Interview that will have you laughing and wanting to see them play live, download their album, and just want to be friends with these guys. The band has a great story. They have a phenomenal album. Get on board now!

If you want to listen to their first single for free, go here. If you want to check out their Nashville show, go here. If you want to download the whole album, this is where you’re going to want to go. Trust us!

Check out the whole interview below, discussing the band’s history, their songwriting methods, their dreams, their goals, what’s on their DVR, what movies they’re looking forward to this summer, and so much more!

Books To Watch For: May 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Joseph Amagliani in Books, Entertainment, Featured, Guest Spots | Leave a comment

Our resident book expert, Joseph Amagliani, drops by today to share the three books he is most looking forward to for the month of May. Read more

Movie Review: Iron Man 3

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Alex Beene in Entertainment, Featured, Movie Reviews, Movies | 1 Comment

It’s difficult to remember now, but when the first “Iron Man” blasted into theaters in 2008, the Marvel film was a bit of a shocker. Audiences were expecting standard superhero fare, and what they got was a smart, witty blockbuster that earned some of the best reviews of the year and had a sensational box office run.

Maybe that’s why when “Iron Man 2” debuted in 2010, the reception was unenthused, to say the least. The sequel isn’t guilty of being a poor production, but rather just a lackluster outing where completion of the project on time seems to have taken precedent over creativity.

Director Shane Black knows this is the series’ shot at redemption, and he wastes no time in infusing this third installment with the charm with which the first film won so many over. Robert Downey Jr. and company are back, loaded yet again with plenty of sly one-liners that are intended for more than just small chuckles. Read more

He Said, She Said: Movie Review – Mud

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Joseph Williams in Featured, He Said, She Said, Movie Reviews | Leave a comment

Today Joseph and Palmer give their thoughts on the new film that is spreading like wildfire, Mud. Read more