1) The Bulls are trying to be the poster children for the term Catch-22. It's one thing to play poorly enough that John Paxson decides to make the move for Kobe, but it's another to play so horribly that the Lakers no longer want any of your, cough, cough, talent, and Kobe doesn't want to play with whatever might be left. Is the problem the lack of an inside scorer? I contest that it's the lack of someone to take over when the shot clock is under 10. That's where the money is made in the league. Ben Gordon should be that guy but he's too undersized and he combines that with poor dribbling ability, poorer decision making and somehow even poorer defense.
2) Aubrey Huff became my favorite player in baseball this week. Was it because I read some special unearthed baseball equation in a baseball guide? No. Was it because he donated to my favorite charity? No. Was it because Skip Bayless said I should like him? Hell. Effing. No. Huff became a favorite of mine simply because of a radio appearance. But not just any appearance. Aubrey happens to be old friends with a guy who works on Bubba The Love Sponge's radio show on Sirius, and he was there this past Thursday in complete regular guy mode. Downing Red Bull-vodka's in-studio, discussing his method for how he used to pick up women, and sticking around for a segment with some internet porn star that somehow got wild enough that even Huff removed his shirt (although no one really knows why.) Who are the two players that Huff has promised to return to studio with? Casey Kotchman of the Angles and (of course) Boof Bonser of the Twins.
3) Have I ever mentioned how I hate Ohio St.? I'm sorry BB, I know you're a former Ohioan, and it seems like I'm anti-all things that are Buckeye State based, but that's pretty much how it is. I root for Michigan football due to a Harbaugh inspired love that began in the 80's, and I root for Illinois in everything (including games against UofM, btw) due to being born here and my Mom's alumni status (she graduated, not just attended.) I couldn't be more pleased about the Illini going into Ohio and possibly snatching a National Title out of the Buckeyes hands. Well, I guess I could have been more pleased if they would ditch the Nikeworld uni's for something more traditional, but I'll take the victory regardless. The only thing that could top this is Michigan putting it on OSU next weekend.
4) In a non-sports related goal, I've put together a list of all the movies being released between now and February that I'd like to see. Why only February? I haven't had time to get further into the future, but I will. Some of the highlights? Hanks and Julia Roberts in Charlie Wilson's War (Christmas) looks like a winner and the next day Daniel Day-Lewis will probably give another Bill-The-Butcher-like performance in There Will Be Blood. J.J. Abrams odd monster/sci-fi/horror pic, Cloverfield comes out on the 18th of January, and I Am Legend appears to follow the formula of Castaway with the idea of saving money by dropping $20 mil on a star and then letting them pretty much be the only person on camera the whole time. I know, some crazy zombies or whatever will attack Will, but zombies aren't people, at least anymore.
Showing posts with label maybe next year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maybe next year. Show all posts
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Three Winners And A Choke -- by J.O.B.
1) I was reminded again over the last couple of days as to why I want to move to Cali so bad - to fight fires! No, actually I had a great time. Truly a business/pleasure trip. Went to Disneyland, worked on some music and got hooked up with the Assistant to the President of Warner Bros., as well as Romany Malco (aka the Black guy in 40-Year Old Virgin.) I just love southern California. Saw a couple other stars (Lisa Kudrow, Patricia Clarkson) but I'm not really a star-crazy kind of person. I just like the lifestyle. Enough to deal with a little wild fire action ...
2) Cedric Benson still sucks. Normally I am the guy that gives his team a break after a victory, unlike most Chicago sports fans, but jeez-o-pete does this guy suck. It's not the line's fault because they were able to protect for Griese just fine and everyone knows that run blocking is simpler than pass blocking. Benson blew chunks and Griese was forced to throw more than 35 passes yet again. Fortunately the Eagles offense was so inept that they only put up 16 points. Ya' think Rex could've gone 97 yards in 1:34? Nah, I didn't think so.
3) I don't buy a lot of movies on DVD. I just don't have a tendency to long for even some of the best movies I've seen. Don't get me wrong, I've got some of my favorites (Fight Club, Usual Suspects, Blade Runner,) but I almost never go running out to get the latest DVD release when I know it will be in the "4 for $20" bin at Blockbuster in 2 months. Well, I actually purchased my second 2-disc special edition DVD of the year on Friday, adding Transformers to my purchase of 300 earlier this year. Unless We Own The Night or American Gangster comes out on DVD before the end of the year, I think this might be it for me in this territory before 2008.
4) I need Brown Buddy to come tell me some more about how great his Indians are ...
2) Cedric Benson still sucks. Normally I am the guy that gives his team a break after a victory, unlike most Chicago sports fans, but jeez-o-pete does this guy suck. It's not the line's fault because they were able to protect for Griese just fine and everyone knows that run blocking is simpler than pass blocking. Benson blew chunks and Griese was forced to throw more than 35 passes yet again. Fortunately the Eagles offense was so inept that they only put up 16 points. Ya' think Rex could've gone 97 yards in 1:34? Nah, I didn't think so.
3) I don't buy a lot of movies on DVD. I just don't have a tendency to long for even some of the best movies I've seen. Don't get me wrong, I've got some of my favorites (Fight Club, Usual Suspects, Blade Runner,) but I almost never go running out to get the latest DVD release when I know it will be in the "4 for $20" bin at Blockbuster in 2 months. Well, I actually purchased my second 2-disc special edition DVD of the year on Friday, adding Transformers to my purchase of 300 earlier this year. Unless We Own The Night or American Gangster comes out on DVD before the end of the year, I think this might be it for me in this territory before 2008.
4) I need Brown Buddy to come tell me some more about how great his Indians are ...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Goals, Debacles and South America
1. First, allow me to apologize for not posting in forever…Scranton has been really, really busy and my weekends have been crazy…New York, Philly, Poconos, etc…anyway, I’m back bitches.
2. Ok…so I’m leaving again…but this time it’s out of the country. Thursday evening I board a flight from JFK in New York to Lima, Peru. I’ll be there for 11 days hiking, hitchhiking, creating international disturbances, etc. To see the Machu Picchu Trek I’m doing you can look here: http://www.llamapath.com/lares.htm. I’ll be in Lima, Cusco and somewhere in the Andes Mountains.
3. After Peru…I’m back (again)…looks like Munster, Indiana is the next stop for this guy. I will be in attendance at BB’s Beertober Fest (and I think my German name should get me in for free). I know I know, Irish guy with a German name, that’s how adoption works, kids.
4. Please allow me to address the Michigan situation briefly. First, Michigan was highly overrated going into the season…meaning, they lost most of their defense and all of the secondary (hence them giving up something like 500 yards in the first half to Oregon). Second, this is going to benefit the team in the long run. I feel terrible for Jake Long and Mike Hart, who came back this year to beat Ohio State and win a Bowl Game (both of which could still happen, I suppose). It’s clear that Long and Hart are not to blame for either, especially when you look at the numbers: 48 attempts, 315 yards, 6.6 YPC, 3 TD’s, 0 fumbles. Henne’s out this weekend against Notre Dame, which at this point, might be a blessing. The more interesting story is that Michigan is not disclosing the injury, which makes me think he either had a severe meltdown, is embarrassed or just a pussy who can’t take the pressure. John Fucking Navarre won more big games than this guy. Ryan Mallett, the highly touted freshman will start in his place on Saturday. Mallett and Clausen are each the quarterbacks of the future and hopefully Mallett won’t have to do much. Finally, even after the lost to App State, I felt like Carr’s job was safe until after the season…now I’m not so sure. Firing a coach (especially someone like Carr who’s been around for years) is NOT the “Michigan Way” but you know what? Fuck the Michigan Way. Carr’s time has passed, it’s easy to see: the boring playbook, inability to make in game adjustments, atrocious special teams play, can’t beat Tressel, failure to motivate and prepare his players (including an offense LOADED with Seniors) and a defense that looks lost…The season is ruined, the program embarrassed and the fans shell-shocked. We still haven’t won a game since Bo died and it makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I’m cutting it off right now before my day is ruined.
2. Ok…so I’m leaving again…but this time it’s out of the country. Thursday evening I board a flight from JFK in New York to Lima, Peru. I’ll be there for 11 days hiking, hitchhiking, creating international disturbances, etc. To see the Machu Picchu Trek I’m doing you can look here: http://www.llamapath.com/lares.htm. I’ll be in Lima, Cusco and somewhere in the Andes Mountains.
3. After Peru…I’m back (again)…looks like Munster, Indiana is the next stop for this guy. I will be in attendance at BB’s Beertober Fest (and I think my German name should get me in for free). I know I know, Irish guy with a German name, that’s how adoption works, kids.
4. Please allow me to address the Michigan situation briefly. First, Michigan was highly overrated going into the season…meaning, they lost most of their defense and all of the secondary (hence them giving up something like 500 yards in the first half to Oregon). Second, this is going to benefit the team in the long run. I feel terrible for Jake Long and Mike Hart, who came back this year to beat Ohio State and win a Bowl Game (both of which could still happen, I suppose). It’s clear that Long and Hart are not to blame for either, especially when you look at the numbers: 48 attempts, 315 yards, 6.6 YPC, 3 TD’s, 0 fumbles. Henne’s out this weekend against Notre Dame, which at this point, might be a blessing. The more interesting story is that Michigan is not disclosing the injury, which makes me think he either had a severe meltdown, is embarrassed or just a pussy who can’t take the pressure. John Fucking Navarre won more big games than this guy. Ryan Mallett, the highly touted freshman will start in his place on Saturday. Mallett and Clausen are each the quarterbacks of the future and hopefully Mallett won’t have to do much. Finally, even after the lost to App State, I felt like Carr’s job was safe until after the season…now I’m not so sure. Firing a coach (especially someone like Carr who’s been around for years) is NOT the “Michigan Way” but you know what? Fuck the Michigan Way. Carr’s time has passed, it’s easy to see: the boring playbook, inability to make in game adjustments, atrocious special teams play, can’t beat Tressel, failure to motivate and prepare his players (including an offense LOADED with Seniors) and a defense that looks lost…The season is ruined, the program embarrassed and the fans shell-shocked. We still haven’t won a game since Bo died and it makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I’m cutting it off right now before my day is ruined.
Back From Blog Vaca - by J.O.B.
1) Game one of "The Year Grossman Proves It's Not His Fault" is in the books, and I'm real frigging worried about the running game. Try and say Sexy Rexy wasn't able to bring the Bears back through the air all you want, but this is a team who's running game sets up the passing game. Benson managed a best run of 11 yard against a defense that often didn't put more than 6 or 7 in the box. Grossman took multiple big shots from the Charger D including the big hit on the second offensive play of the game, and continued to stay gutsy in the pocket. Yes, he had the odd fumble but didn't lose it and that wasn't what cost them by a long shot. Maybe I should change it to "The Year Benson Proves It's His Fault." Can we get Tiki out of retirement?
2) I'll be guest-hosting tomorrow on a new radio station that NPR has started called Vocalo. The show will be live on 89.5 FM and simultaneously webcast live on http://www.vocalo.org/ from 2-5 tomorrow and then repeated after that. If all goes well, I'm looking into either being the full-time guest host or maybe snagging a show of my own.
3) In what some may see as a rare sidestep for me, I love U. of Michigan football. I know I'm a homer for nearly all Chicago sports teams, but I think college sports should get a pass. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see Northwestern or Illinois win the Big Ten and challenge for a National Title, and I cheer for them to do so, but let's be real. When either does have a shot at doing so - which has only been Northwestern two times in the last 15 years, I cheer for them over UofM. Otherwise - it's go Blue. My only comment is a prayer for the retirement of Lloyd Carr.
4) Who's the tool that convinced MTV execs that having a bunch of the best talent present perform in hotel suites to be aired in 5 second snippets instead of the main stage? Like him or not, Kanye shouldn't be in a suite being seen by 100 people when there's a whole audience, both live and at home, that should be watching. I've never seen an award show give a bigger "F-U" to a larger percentage of people. Britney's lame drug-hazed looking performance opens a show and Fall Out Boy is stuck playing in some hotel room? At least give me some type of graphic so I know who all these people are singing and playing in these random rooms. The show is more about performances than it is about awards and when you isolate performances to an effing hotel room, the show is doomed. Eff MTV in the pooper with a sledgehammer.
2) I'll be guest-hosting tomorrow on a new radio station that NPR has started called Vocalo. The show will be live on 89.5 FM and simultaneously webcast live on http://www.vocalo.org/ from 2-5 tomorrow and then repeated after that. If all goes well, I'm looking into either being the full-time guest host or maybe snagging a show of my own.
3) In what some may see as a rare sidestep for me, I love U. of Michigan football. I know I'm a homer for nearly all Chicago sports teams, but I think college sports should get a pass. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see Northwestern or Illinois win the Big Ten and challenge for a National Title, and I cheer for them to do so, but let's be real. When either does have a shot at doing so - which has only been Northwestern two times in the last 15 years, I cheer for them over UofM. Otherwise - it's go Blue. My only comment is a prayer for the retirement of Lloyd Carr.
4) Who's the tool that convinced MTV execs that having a bunch of the best talent present perform in hotel suites to be aired in 5 second snippets instead of the main stage? Like him or not, Kanye shouldn't be in a suite being seen by 100 people when there's a whole audience, both live and at home, that should be watching. I've never seen an award show give a bigger "F-U" to a larger percentage of people. Britney's lame drug-hazed looking performance opens a show and Fall Out Boy is stuck playing in some hotel room? At least give me some type of graphic so I know who all these people are singing and playing in these random rooms. The show is more about performances than it is about awards and when you isolate performances to an effing hotel room, the show is doomed. Eff MTV in the pooper with a sledgehammer.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Cubs Aren't F*cked. And Ian Zeiring...as himself.
1) Deep breath, Cubs fans. You aren't out of anything...yet. If they could afford to lose one of the troika of DLee, A-Ram and Soriano, I'd say Soriano would be the guy they could afford to lose for the month. He's miscast as a leadoff hitter...the vast majority of his homeruns are of the solo variety, and he doesn't really get on base at that impressive a clip (he's no Kelly Johnson, at least). So whoever replaces him (Pie? Pagan?) will have to simply be adequate...and their pitching will take care of the rest.
2) Brady Quinn signs! Every year, everyone gets all bent out of shape over training camp holdouts. It couldn't have mattered less in Quinn's case, who wasn't going to start anyway. I'm actually part of a number of Browns fans who are mildly intrigued by Derek Anderson potentially winning the starting job. Anyone who saw his dismantling of the KC Chiefs last year knows this guy has a big arm and is fearless in the pocket. Good news is, he won't have to be nearly as fearless as he would have in previous years, with Kevin Schaffer, LaCharles Bentley, and 3rd overall pick Joe Thomas shoring up what could be a halfway decent offensive line. Oh, and lest we forget Eric Steinbach...a free agent steal from the Bengals.
3) I forgot to comment on this when it happened last week, but I hope its not lost on anyone that Tim Couch signed with the Jags last week. History has been completely unfair to Timmy Couch, unfortunately. Here's a guy who had unrealistic expectations heaped on him from the moment he was drafted. But lest we forget, he led a freakin' expansion team to the playoffs in his third full season as a starter. Then he got screwed over by one of the most incompetent coaching staffs in recent memory, tore up his shoulder, and sat for three years. This guy deserves his shot...even if its to have a Tommy Maddox-like career. He deserves better than what he got in Cleveland.
4) How could I forget my Lollapalooza review?? I only went on Sunday, but I got to see four bands I've never seen before, and have always wanted to see. First, the highlight of the day was Iggy Pop inviting everyone onto stage with him, then expecting everyone to leave in a timely manner so he could finish his set. I WILL say that it was rather disappointing that the Stooges didn't play a single song off Raw Power, one of the greatest and most influential rock/punk albums of all time. Then it dawned upon me that Iggy really doesn't have the vocal range for "Search and Destroy" anymore (which is unfortunate, since its probably my favorite song of all time). I was dying to see that song performed live, but as it stands, I'll live with the memory of the greatest commercial of all time, and, in my opinion, the best implementation of a song in a commercial (The Who's "Baba O'Rielly" in the Nissan XTerra commercial is a close second...and dammit I couldn't find it online). Anyways, Pearl Jam rocked the house, of course. But what was odd was the final song (Rockin' in the Free World) where all of Eddie Vedder's "friends" came on stage with him. We're talking about a couple dudes in wheelchairs, a fat red haired dude, Dennis Rodman, and Lance Armstrong. This of course led to speculation by myself and Skurny, can you think of an odder conglomeration of people in one place? I said maybe the 2007 Cavaliers, or perhaps even the cast and crew of the movie Domino.
He suggested the Goals Group.
Hmmmm...touche.
2) Brady Quinn signs! Every year, everyone gets all bent out of shape over training camp holdouts. It couldn't have mattered less in Quinn's case, who wasn't going to start anyway. I'm actually part of a number of Browns fans who are mildly intrigued by Derek Anderson potentially winning the starting job. Anyone who saw his dismantling of the KC Chiefs last year knows this guy has a big arm and is fearless in the pocket. Good news is, he won't have to be nearly as fearless as he would have in previous years, with Kevin Schaffer, LaCharles Bentley, and 3rd overall pick Joe Thomas shoring up what could be a halfway decent offensive line. Oh, and lest we forget Eric Steinbach...a free agent steal from the Bengals.
3) I forgot to comment on this when it happened last week, but I hope its not lost on anyone that Tim Couch signed with the Jags last week. History has been completely unfair to Timmy Couch, unfortunately. Here's a guy who had unrealistic expectations heaped on him from the moment he was drafted. But lest we forget, he led a freakin' expansion team to the playoffs in his third full season as a starter. Then he got screwed over by one of the most incompetent coaching staffs in recent memory, tore up his shoulder, and sat for three years. This guy deserves his shot...even if its to have a Tommy Maddox-like career. He deserves better than what he got in Cleveland.
4) How could I forget my Lollapalooza review?? I only went on Sunday, but I got to see four bands I've never seen before, and have always wanted to see. First, the highlight of the day was Iggy Pop inviting everyone onto stage with him, then expecting everyone to leave in a timely manner so he could finish his set. I WILL say that it was rather disappointing that the Stooges didn't play a single song off Raw Power, one of the greatest and most influential rock/punk albums of all time. Then it dawned upon me that Iggy really doesn't have the vocal range for "Search and Destroy" anymore (which is unfortunate, since its probably my favorite song of all time). I was dying to see that song performed live, but as it stands, I'll live with the memory of the greatest commercial of all time, and, in my opinion, the best implementation of a song in a commercial (The Who's "Baba O'Rielly" in the Nissan XTerra commercial is a close second...and dammit I couldn't find it online). Anyways, Pearl Jam rocked the house, of course. But what was odd was the final song (Rockin' in the Free World) where all of Eddie Vedder's "friends" came on stage with him. We're talking about a couple dudes in wheelchairs, a fat red haired dude, Dennis Rodman, and Lance Armstrong. This of course led to speculation by myself and Skurny, can you think of an odder conglomeration of people in one place? I said maybe the 2007 Cavaliers, or perhaps even the cast and crew of the movie Domino.
He suggested the Goals Group.
Hmmmm...touche.
Sori-oh-no! -- by J.O.B.
1) The Cubs effectively kissed their shot at the playoffs goodbye Sunday night with the loss of Alfonso Soriano to a quad injury. If their home run leader doesn't return until the 1st of September (right around Piniella's Labor Day expectation,) it will be 24 games missed from last night's 2-1 loss till the final month of the season. If the Cubs even go .500 during that time, they'll be out of not only the Division race, but the Wild Card race as well. The Brewers have stumbled, but I don't think they're going to tank and the competition coming from the five other teams challenging for a wild card spot isn't going away either. The Cubs will play 10 games against teams above .500 during the stretch, with only the 3 of those in Wrigley (against the Brewers,) and they've got a four-gamer against the Cardinals who've won as many of their last 10 as the Cubs have. Well at least it all happened after the trading deadline, right? RIGHT?! Welcome to year 100 of the rebuilding plan ...
2) Yeah, I know I know - right now they can only make small things levitate, but how long do you really think it'll be before someone comes out with the Casimer bed ...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070806/sc_afp/britainsciencelevitation_070806132733
3) Looking for sushi? At the moment, my spot to hit up is Butterfly on Grand. I went there a couple weeks ago and expected it to be a decent alternative to Sushi Wabi at best. What I discovered was a place with tremendous atmosphere, great proportions and reasonable pricing. Similar to Wabi, the seating at B'fly gets tight when the place is hopping, but the rolls at the top of their food chain (the Godzilla - my personal fave,) is not only $4 cheaper, but seemed to be bigger as well, and just as good. The crowd is generally 20's and 30's trendy with plenty of "talent" on both sides of the gender spectrum (guys and girls at our table were routinely caught following someone walking to or from the bathroom with their eyes.) The staff is quick and considerate, and even during a generally busy time, seating wasn't a long wait - less than 5 minutes. It's BYOB, so if you're not happy with the drink menu, it's your fault. I've been there twice in the last 30 days, so obviously I'm a fan.
4) This story has been out for a couple days, but it shows why I love Chad Johnson so much: http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/31/chad-johnson-promises-td-celebration-that-will-live-on-for-a-li/
"Week 1, if I touch the end zone you will laugh for a lifetime. I guarantee you," said the Pro Bowl wide receiver to a gathering of reporters following a sultry Monday morning practice in full pads at Georgetown College."
2) Yeah, I know I know - right now they can only make small things levitate, but how long do you really think it'll be before someone comes out with the Casimer bed ...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070806/sc_afp/britainsciencelevitation_070806132733
3) Looking for sushi? At the moment, my spot to hit up is Butterfly on Grand. I went there a couple weeks ago and expected it to be a decent alternative to Sushi Wabi at best. What I discovered was a place with tremendous atmosphere, great proportions and reasonable pricing. Similar to Wabi, the seating at B'fly gets tight when the place is hopping, but the rolls at the top of their food chain (the Godzilla - my personal fave,) is not only $4 cheaper, but seemed to be bigger as well, and just as good. The crowd is generally 20's and 30's trendy with plenty of "talent" on both sides of the gender spectrum (guys and girls at our table were routinely caught following someone walking to or from the bathroom with their eyes.) The staff is quick and considerate, and even during a generally busy time, seating wasn't a long wait - less than 5 minutes. It's BYOB, so if you're not happy with the drink menu, it's your fault. I've been there twice in the last 30 days, so obviously I'm a fan.
4) This story has been out for a couple days, but it shows why I love Chad Johnson so much: http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/07/31/chad-johnson-promises-td-celebration-that-will-live-on-for-a-li/
"Week 1, if I touch the end zone you will laugh for a lifetime. I guarantee you," said the Pro Bowl wide receiver to a gathering of reporters following a sultry Monday morning practice in full pads at Georgetown College."
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