If it's Standard Time, it must be Halloween. For the first time in three years, I am distributing candy to all the rugrats who happen upon my palatial estate.

Tonight's rules were:

All kids old enough to shave get Almond Joy.

Heath bars are at the bottom of the bowl, in case of leftovers.

The over/under on kids taking a header over the temporary hoses is three.

Here is what happened:

The good news is only one kid took a header and virtually every kid was polite this evening. I am not kidding, most everyone said "Thank you." No explanation for it, except the kids must have known who they were dealing with.

The only sass I got was from Zorro. I flipped him a Reese's cup and he said, "I don't like that." So, I told him to look in the bowl and find something he liked. He picked Almond Joy! Change that "Z" to an "L", pal.

One of the kids passed the leaking valve of the temporary hoses and said, "Hey, a sprinkler." Not quite.

One of the accompanying adults took this opportunity called Halloween to walk his pit bull. That was a first.

Some older kid dressed as the gayest pirate I've ever seen. And it looked intentional. Very scary.

I'd say I gave out about 130 pieces of candy (Kit-Kat, Reese's, Reese's Stix, Almond Joy, Heath, Hershey chocolate) and I bet maybe 20 went to locals. If you charged for parking for all of the interlopers that showed up, I'd have made up for my betting disaster of Saturday. Maybe.

Meal of Links

"Boondocks" makes it to the little screen.

So much for fence-mending. The Supreme Court nomination of Alito will be a battle. (Watch ad, read text)

Waco pastor dies during a baptism. Somehow, he stood in a baptismal pool and grabbed a live microphone. Shocking.

Exercise Yard

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein chooses the trick, instead of the treat. I wouldn't worry about him. He and DePodesta will hook up with some sorry team. Maybe Philly.

Visitor

45 Down: John who played Basil Fawlty (6 letters) Answer: Cleese

My water was restored yesterday. The explanation for not having any water pressure for three days was "You done weren't hooked up." Well, thanks Sherlock. But I got affirmation while I was cooking chili when he stopped in, because on the way out he said, "That smells go-o-o-o-d."

Anyhow, today was the semi or is it tri-annual meeting of the self-appointed "Single Losers Club". These are days where my uncle and his wife host the unmarried cousins of the clan, because we can't cook or something. Not really, but it does afford us the oppportunity to have a nice meal and let's face it, I don't have the chance to dunk vanilla wafers in pumpkin dip every day. And it afforded a nice distraction from the Browns-Texans game. Oh, I got to see that debacle, and man, we suck.

Meal of Links

Stallone says he'll do another Rambo. What's next? "Judge Dredd II"?

The buzzwords of the White House scandal. It was a beautiful Fitzmas day on Friday.

I know pennies and walnuts are cool, but would you consider handing out Play-Doh for Halloween? Seems like a rad giveaway, but would the rugrats hate you?

Exercise Yard

The Browns game was a tough game to swallow today. 325 yards resulted in only 16 points. Once again, terrible red zone performance, awful third down efficiency, bad punting (Richardson should be cut this week. A gesture to the rest of the team.), a couple of turnovers. We let Houston hang around in the game and it cost us. Defense gave up too many rushing yards up the gut in the second half, but played well enough for a win. The offense had 325 yards, we ran for 156 (a rarity and why did William Green become featured all of a sudden?), and didn't play that badly for a team that stinks. Except when it counted, especially inside the 20. And obviously, Dilfer must not take a sack with 1:03 left...just cannot do that. I guess we were right to be the underdog, as Vegas always knows. One of those games they'll watch afterward and say "How could we lose this one?".

Visitor

None. It was a nice, sunny Sunday.

We are at Day 3 of having no water pressure in this war-torn city. The boys from Utilicon and the Dept. of Water have ignored my pleas. They are supposed to come into the house to perform something called a "blowback" procedure, which sounds cool. But I think someone shut a valve somewhere and this is getting old. Took a break last night to go down to Becky's, where the crab cakes were pretty good.













Our traditional family excursion to Thistledown had to be aborted this year, because they really didn't offer anything great, as far as the package this year. The pisser of it all is I'll probably have to bet the Breeder's Cup from home. In HD, of course. And I have to admit this year, I am wa-a-a-a-y behind in my handicapping. Here is what I slugged through pretty quickly as far as my bets:

Juvenile Fillies: Folklore (Lukas horse)
Juvenile: Sorcerer's Stone (Why not?)
Filly & Mare Turf: Wonder Again (Soft turf a big bonus)
Sprint: Lost In The Fog (Cannot see anyone beating him)
Mile: Leroidesanimaux (No idea what it means. Hopefully, it means "I win.")
Distaff: Stellar Jayne (I look for her to run away)
Turf: Gun Salute (The other Mott horse...at a price)
Classic: I'm trying Suave, but Borrego probably wins.

Keep in mind, these picks were made without the full-court press I usually do for this event.

Meal of Links

iPod clothes. And I thought dog apparel was insane.

It says "Libby, Libby, Libby on the label, label, label" of these indictments. "Scooter, you're doin' a heckuva job."

The Gateway Arch is now 40 years old. You have to go. At least once.

Exercise Yard

With the NBA season looming, 82games.com gives you a large amount of data.

Visitor

10 Down: "99 Luftballoons" pop group (4 letters) Answer: Nena (not ABBA)

I currently have no water. And, no, I didn't go to FLA today. They are doing some water main cleaning around here and I guess this is part of the process. At least I think so. I hope I don't have to do the "make arrangements to shower elsewhere" routine.

I was at the Rocky River Brewing Co. last night. I drank a schooner of Pirate Light Ale. It was pretty good. Matey.

Meal of Links

Halloween Yard Display Alert: Names on tombstones have the citizenry near the Twin Cities irate. Up in arms, I tell you. The quote from the kid about Hugh Jass slays me. Check out the video.

Dead Elvis has left the building. With pockets full of cash.

"Psst, Harriet. We are withdrawing, I mean, you should withdraw your Supreme Court nomination today. You see, we have these indictments coming down on Friday and need a distraction."

Exercise Yard

Men want to play in women's golf events. Why? If they win, it'd be easy money. Of course, while making a stand.

Visitor

10 Down: Storyteller Myron (5 letters) Answer: Cohen

I spent yesterday gathering my pennies and walnuts for Halloween distribution this year. Contrary to popular belief, I do not have razor blades as a bonus giveaway. This will be the first time I have given out goodies in a while, because it finally lands during the week. I have plenty of time to prepare, because we move the clocks back this weekend and I am already on alert. Remember, "Spring forward, fall back." or whatever the official slogan tells us.

Tom Hamilton must be irate this a.m., what with the White Sox on the verge of winning the World Series. His contempt for this organization knows no limit and to have the Sox win before we do, must be propelling Hammy into a deep depression. Anyhow, here is why the White Sox are not the "White Socks." They didn't forget Poland, it has nothing to do with that country.

Meal of Links

The passing of Rosa Parks brings up a lot of topics. I'm afraid she's probably regarded as a footnote during Black History Month for most. But her act was such a courageous one (and I know she wasn't the first one to protest), that it shows when social change becomes the rule, lives can be impacted beyond your dreams.

The Cream reunion seems to have gone off without a hitch. Even at $355 a ticket. Still waiting for Floyd to release something. Even in download form.

Eureka! A beer that tastes like bourbon. Thanks, God.

Exercise Yard

Hey, it's Breeders Cup week. They drew post positions today. With Pat Day retired, it looks Jerry Bailey drew some good mounts. Bailey/Mott on the turf looks like the glory days. Oh, it's study time the next few evenings.

Visitor

40 Across: Director Pakula (4 letters) Answer: Alan

I was surprised that I was late with a mortgage payment last month. Not really, but I received a notice that I had. Last month, I had to go through the process of opening up a new checking account, and, of course, had the auto-pay function for my payments. Well, someone at Third Federal decided to turn off that function without my knowledge. OK, that was strange. The money was in there, but no one felt compelled to check out that part of the deal. But it's all fixed now. Or so they say.

Meal of Links

If you have a chance to listen to KEXP, do it. I can dial in via iTunes. I just heard a song from Nigeria, as I type this. Check out the website at www.kexp.org.

"Goodfellas" is named the greatest movie ever. Total Film also had "Fight Club" at 4.

Fuzzy math of the day. The show "Frazier" makes $1.5 billion during the course of its run. How does it become $200 million in the red?

Exercise Yard

Oh, yeah, I'm watching the World Series. But I am at the end of my rope with Tim McCarver. The man will not shut the fuck up. I watched the last two innings of the game on mute, because of this gem regarding the Houston closer, Brad Lidge: "Tonight, the bridge to Lidge is a wide span." Why can't Joe Buck say, "That is a disgusting act!"? Jee-zus.

Visitor

15 Across: "Fernando" pop group (4 letters) Answer: ABBA

Randomness from today's Browns home game:

My brother Jeff was today's special guest. It is my first live look at Browns Version 2.3. The opponent: The incredibly inept Detroit Lions.

The weather looks promising as there appear to be no rain clouds approaching. Indeed, it did not rain and the sun was out a bit.

Today's giveaway: There wasn't one.

The cold snap prevented many of the typical Downtown smells from surfacing, except during the fourth quarter when the first joint appeared.

The passing game today was horrible. Dilfer threw three interceptions, two of which were really bad. After the third one, the "Charlie!" chants started. I think Dilfer better produce against winless Houston next week or he is in jeopardy as starting QB. An unacceptable performance.

Chris Crocker's a hitter, dude.

The G.E. Smith Band (my favorite) is still there. Although they were treating their dugout like a spider hole and didn't come outside much. No sing-along this year.

A rather civilized crowd in Section 345. Until a fight broke out in 344 around the two-minute warning. Then people appeared to be more interested in that than watching the Browns final drive. Since that drive resulted in a 4th and 26, maybe they were right to look away.

Best line from me: (after an early Jeff Garcia streak of three incompletions in a row): "Harrington, get ready." (I guess I was wrong.)

Best line from a random (after Garcia scored the only offensive TD of the game): "Just like Garcia to sneak in the backdoor."

Best sign (at the top of Section 535): Penthouse Pound

Best defacing of a #2 jersey: Not many, but it was "OUCH".

Oddest Browns jersey (Two-way tie): 80 Rison, 29 Jackson

Best shirt: Of course, my "What Would Johnny Damon Do?" T-shirt.

The only thing I purchased was a Diet Pepsi for $4.75. Ugh! Beer is now $6.00, BTW.

The Village Idiot, Jeff Tanchak, now handles the gametime weather. Continental and Marky Nolan have been replaced by Delta and this goof. He was not playing with his Doppler on the field.

Best Browns play: Joshua Cribbs 90-yard kick return for their only TD.

Beggar solicitations: None. (Although my Dad was asked this a.m if he had a quarter. The guy said he would give it back the next time he saw him.)

A few boas today, but scarves seem to be in play this year.

Worst Halloween costume: A guy with a really large pumpkinhead.

Drunks I saw fall down: 2

Worst stat: Dilfer 10-19, 73 yards, O TD, 3 INT

2nd worst stat: Browns 3rd down conversion, 0 for 8

3rd worse stat: Browns Time of Possession, 22:43

The Browns offense has played for 38 seconds in the last 3 games. That will not win you many games. It's a struggle, but with Houston next week, we may be able to get a W. However, the Texans should be fired up for a winnable game at home.














In a game we should have won, and easily one of the five all-time worst games I've seen since the return of the Browns, the Browns lose, 13-10.

Meal of Links

George Clooney talks about "Good Night and Good Luck". I believe it is a smoke-free story.

The race for New Jersey Governor is bringing out the political heavyweights. Sen. Corzine seems like an honorable man. An incredibly rich one, but honorable one nonetheless.

Japan has no friends.

Exercise Yard

Bobby Valentine is managing in the Japanese World Series. Check that, he may be Japan's only friend.

Visitor

None, it's a Browns Sunday.

Yesterday, I was at the Winking Lizard. (Huh? What?). Obviously not for the food, but to kill time. From the corner of my increasingly bad vision, I was able to detect bottles of Witte from the Ommegang Brewery near Cooperstown. In the last month, I have asked for this beer twice at two places in town. The first time, the lady said "Water?". Yesterday, the guy said, "Whitey?". No, mensas, it is Whi-ta. At $4.60 a pop, get it right.

Of course that led to another excursion to the Happy Dog, where I continued to not eat so much while drinking. Not a good move. Plus I switched to Old Grand-Dad, because I am a dang fool. The Chris Allen Band finally starts around 11:30 and they were pretty good, but I hit the wall in a big way having consumed only popcorn and some hummus all evening. Gee, couldn't see that hangover bearing down on me.

Today, I was out at O's at Cedar Center, because (everyone) it's all about the O. So that meant more beer.

Then it was over to see the movie, "Good Night and Good Luck". This is a terrific period piece, directed by George Clooney, about the battle between Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joe McCarthy. The look of the early 50's is amazing. The sets, wardrobe, technology are accurate. It's in black and white and is easily the smokiest piece of entertainment since a Denis Leary special. Man, I bet these people's pets smoked. The guy behind us said, "I'm getting cancer just watching this thing." This movie is definitely worth seeing, as it shows how some of the internal policies of CBS were paralleling the HUAC hearings.

Then it was over to Champps, where I successfully went off the menu (once again) to order a BLT. I guess I could have ordered a club and told them to hold the ham and turkey and add lettuce, but I didn't.

Meal of Links

Phil Spector made some comments after the Lana Clarkson shooting that implied he shot her. Not so fast, says his defense team.

Here are the biggest commuter cities in the US. Hey, we have elephants theat moved downtown because the circus is here.

What the Flock?

Exercise Yard

Didn't it look like Penn State was going to score, I dunno, 80 points in this game?

Visitor

49 Across: An ex of Artie and Frank (3 letters) Answer: Ava

It looks like another hurricane, Wilma, is about to strike Florida. I'm wondering what the government response will be. It seems FEMA and the Red Cross and others have to step it up on this one and make sure this effort runs more efficiently and quickly. Unfortunately for Gulf Coast residents, they'll be wondering why they didn't rate when Katrina came through.

I guarantee we will see many more updates from the government and many pictures of the relief effort. I am not sure how high the winds will be when it gets to Florida, but I heard this was a deeper storm than Gilbert, a biggie from the late 80's. It should weaken, but my goodness, this exercise is getting tiresome.

Meal of Links

The hippie lettuce may actually help you grow new brain cells. I guess those eggs in that pan are a little less scrambled, eh?

Tom Delay answered his charges today. I dislike the man, but I'm still not sure these charges are gonna hold up.

My show sucks. But it's all Martha's fault.

A real fan of the Basketball Jesus. Felon adds three years to his sentence to honor Larry Bird.

Exercise Yard

A look at the 100 Best Sports Books. List is a few years old, but Terry Pluto's "Loose Balls" gets a mention. Any book that features Marvin "Bad News" Barnes is a great one. My favorite Bad News story was the one where he refused to board an airplane. The plane was flying a short flight from the Eastern time zone to the Central. Therefore, the ETA was earlier than the ETD. The quote: "I ain't gettin' in no time machine."

Visitor

7 Down: Rod Stewart's ex (5 letters) Answer: Alana

I saw some very strange architecture being constructed on Ridge Road. Some mensa decided to build a quick oil change business, not at Ridge Park, but across from it. In an area that would be termed residential. I kind of doubt the success of this place, simply because traffic patterns are not conducive to easy access at that location. Very strange.

Hey, at least they took down the "Kenny Chesney coming August 5th" billboard.

Meal of Links

"CSI" burnout seems to have hit the Miami version. Although all Monday night network viewership is down.

The government can determine what you print. Hey, only the Secret Service was supposed to be able to track that code.

I do not like Halloween lights. But I'm down with pumpkin carving.

Exercise Yard

Victor Conte has seen the light or is he still a huckster? It is fascinating to think that two years ago the public did not know this guy, but he ended up being indirectly responsible for baseball cleansing itself of steroid use.

Visitor

43 Down: "Finding Forrester" actor (7 letters) Answer: Connery

There must have been some sort of event at the Stadium this evening, because they were blasting the radio through the sound system. I happened to stroll by while "What's Love Got To Do With It?" was cranked. I decided Tina Turner looked a whole lot better than me shuffling around to that tune.

Speaking of tunes, here is what I have been wearing out lately:

"Five Foot One"/Iggy Pop
"Crash and Burn"/Transplants
"Teen Age Riot"/Sonic Youth (God, I ignored that band way too long)
"Take Me, I'm Yours"/Squeeze
"From a Whisper to a Scream"/Elvis Costello
"So Into You"/Les Paul & Peter Frampton (Yes, it's that song)
"All These Things That I've Done"/The Killers
"Damaged Goods"/Gang of Four
"Would I Lie to You?"/Eurhythmics
"Only"/Nine Inch Nails
"Sunshine Superman"/Donovan
"Thank You for Sending Me an Angel"/Talking Heads
"Soul Meets Body"/Death Cab For Cutie
"No Thugs in Our House"/XTC
"No More Mr. Nice Guy"/Alice Cooper
"Do You Want To?"/Franz Ferdinand
"Wacky Tobacky"/NRBQ
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead"/Warren Zevon
"Here Comes Your Man"/Pixies

A final thought. Esquire has 59 things a man past 30 should not do. No. 11 is "Skip". That made me laugh.

Meal of Links

Hal Lebovitz died today. Terrific sports editor of the PD and News-Herald. A Baseball Hall of Famer, as well. "Never Cut A Boy" is probably the most famous of his columns.

I can't hold it anymore. My neighbor has had his Halloween lights up for three weeks now. I've decided I loathe Halloween lights as much as fireworks. And that's sayin' a lot. Look at these pathetic scenes of some random's house. It's Halloween, freak.

Here are the the best magazine covers of the last 40 years. Number 7 is an all-timer.

Exercise Yard

There has been lots of talk about the new NBA dress code. I must say that during last year's playoffs, all of the Pacers stood out in the post-game conferences because of the way they dressed. To the nines. Must have had something to do with the Basketball Jesus. And it provided a stark contrast to some of the other guys, like A.I., who I happen to like very much. But I don't feel the NBA should mandate it. I'm more concerned with on-the-court play.

Visitor

59 Down: Folk singer Phil (4 letters) Answer: Ochs (Link to Chicago 7 testimony. Very funny.)

I'm waiting while my doors are installed today. We are now in hour three. Man, is it noisy. However, I am only getting a substitute door on the inside as the door I ordered had a dent in it. Arrrrrgh. I have to wait until a good one gets delivered.

My goal of not turning on my furnace in October is really getting tested. I think I have to go outside to get warm now. Damn Dominion East Ohio.

Meal of Links

Salma and her Hayeks enter the Miller-Law fray. Wait a minute, weren't they done as a couple? Not the Hayeks, but Jude and Sienna.

Bush's version of "White Lines" made me laugh. I guess "Dick is a killer".

I get a kick from the GEICO commercials. There is something about that guitar guy, Esteban, that makes me laugh under normal conditions. When he shows up in this GEICO ad, he's creepy enough to make me laugh out loud. Did this just come out? If not, where have I been?

Exercise Yard
















Hopefully, Coach Ditka will sing at their park now. Sox win. Sox win.

And Peter King band drops U2 in today's MMQB column. Is it December yet?

Visitor

32 Down: Mexican revolutionary Villa (5 letters) Answer: Pancho

Whoa, I think I had too many bloodies today. But certainly not enough to cloud the disturbing vision of today's Browns game. The offense was inept today as we did not seem to think about attempting the run in the first quarter. By the second quarter, it was too late. Lots of mistakes, as L.J. Shelton had his usual two penalties and we made Ravens QB Anthony Wright look like Sammy Baugh. Aesthetically about as ugly as last week's Bears game. Defense played reasonably well, but we did nothing when we had the ball.

One other thing. You cannot punt with 4:08 left and you are down by 13 points. What was that?

Meal of Links

In Toledo, see, there was this neo-Nazi march and then gangs got involved and then, well, let's start looting and rioting and stuff.

Riddle me this, Batman. INXS new single, "Pretty Vegas", is their highest entry ever at 37, and is their first single in the Top 100 in 12 years. How does that happen?

David Korn blasts the NYT for not giving us anything new on the Judith Miller story. Both by her and another report in the Times. This case is definitely getting stranger.

Exercise Yard

Yesterday was such a strange day for college football. I saw Michigan State blow a game they should have won against the Luckeyes. The tide turned on one of the worst attempts at a field goal ever seen. Too much confusion and Michigan State lined up only 10 men for the attempt, leaving the entire left side of the line open. The holder needs to count only 10 men and not call for the snap. Now lots of things have to happen for the worst case scenario to occur. But they all did. OK, the kick is blocked, the ball bounces right to an OSU guy, the kicker gets knocked over and the OSU guy runs for a touchdown. Ohio State, which was dead, is back in the game, and they eventually win. Unbelievable turn of events.

In the USC-Notre Dame game, it comes down to a final play in which the refs seemed too eager to continue play and offered USC a most generous spot on the half-yard line as time was running down. USC scores with three seconds left to win. I think the refs should have taken more time to determine exactly what had happened on the previous play, which was a fumble near the goal line.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday, Bloody Mary Sunday.

I think we've all been accosted with the "ran out of gas" scam. But I was down by the Stadium the other day and someone added a new twist. This car pulls up with three people in it. Two guys in the front and one woman in the back. The passenger side guy gets out of the car and asks me, "Do you speak English?" Not sure where that came from, as I was not wearing lederhosen. Strange question still. Anyhow, he tried to say his son ran out of gas, blah, blah, blah. Of course, I told him I couldn't help.

Not that I needed to analyze what just happened, but I did. I could not understand why the other two people in the car weren't "helping" the guy. It was weird. The guy got back in the car and they sped off. I was perplexed.

Meal of Links

You need to watch video number ten from Friday's "Today" program. Reporter in New Jersey in a canoe talking about bad floods. Two guys then WALK by her and the water is ankle deep. Thank God, Lauer and Couric called her on it. You had to admire the reporter for sticking to her guns, but come on, you can't invent the news.

Monty Python scripts. "New Bruce. Are you a pooftah?"

I guess folks actually thought Walken for President was legit. Oh boy.

Exercise Yard

Tedy Bruschi will attempt to come back from a stroke and play this season. Now that would be an amazing story.

Visitor

50 Across: Lady who was a friend of Shaw (5 letters) Answer: Astor

The White House has officially lost its mind. Today we had our President fumble his way through an obviously scripted question and answer session with some troops in Iraq. One of the delights of C-Span is watching the daily White House briefing. To see Scott McClellan try and handle the suddenly vigilant WH press corps is one of the funniest series on TV right now. He tried to deny that the Iraqi session was scripted, when the WH released a tape of a woman actually coaching the soldiers beforehand. Amazing.

You need to watch the briefings at length on C-Span. The sound bites do not do them justice. Ever since the Karl Rove denial briefing back in August with David Gregory of NBC leading the charge, the gloves are off. Even Carl Cameron of Fox (yes, that Fox) is getting into it. You had Rove, Sheehan, Rove, Katrina, Rove, Miers, Rove and now today's debacle over the last two months. It's great to have the press back.

Meal of Links

This year's Crack Catalog, I mean, the Harry and David catalog showed up today. They have some good shit in there. And it's good for ya. I think.

A genetic link to Tourette's has been found. They are cussin' like "Deadwood" in that lab.

How to put DVDs on to your new video iPod. Can't wait to see "Rio Bravo" on there.

Exercise Yard

Last night's non-Strike 3 call in the Angels-White Sox game was a joke. Replay for baseball would have been perfect in that situation. Terrible call.

Visitor

14 Across: "Bolero" composer (5 letters) Answer: Ravel

I'm back. I think I'm entitled to at least some part of the year to have my "Fuck You" shoes on, but I feel better now. But I hate doing it, because it is so not me.

Amongst many other things, I had it out with the good folks at Lowe's. I had the measurements for my doors taken three weeks ago. I was told when I ordered the doors, it would take a while for the installation. I called yesterday to find out nothing had been done with the measurements, but that there was an extra installation charge, as well. OK, when was someone gonna call me with that info? They are getting here on Monday. Finally. Oh, it ranked as one of my better rants. The all-timer is still the infamous Labor Day weekend bashing of a Cablevision guy several years ago, that resulted in, shall we say, a better deal for me.

And my blood test for my kidney came back AOK. Again, it's one of the "That was a false read" explanations.

Meal of Links

It's the premiere of the Video iPod. Very interesting to see what kind of content will be offered, besides the initial ABC/Disney stuff. Perhaps ESPN content down the road? Such as a video podcast of the late Sportscenter for free, for the morning commute? I mean, they are a Disney network.

I thought the choice of the new James Bond was kinda dumb. He's blond and I don't think he's a good-lookin' chap.

Tom Shales has an incredibly funny review of "Freddie". The Post's TV team of Shales and Lisa De Moraes is the best in the country.

Exercise Yard

The Minnesota Vikings are officially in disarray. New owner, embattled coach, and a sucky team. Try and get that new stadium bill passed now.

Visitor

15 Across: "American ____" (4 letters) Answer: Idol

I took a detailed look at my credit score today. Jeepers, I have great credit. Who knew?

Meal of Links

Kids don't attend movies as much as they used to. I say adults probably feel the same way.

Why, David Byrne can make an instrument out of a factory. Somewhere, Reggie White approves.

Germany has their first woman chancellor. No, Geena Davis didn't move over there.

Exercise Yard

I guess Tiger beat John Daly in a golf playoff yesterday. Thanks for telling me. With baseball and the NFL going strong, who watched it?

Visitor

26 Down: Actress Penelope (4 letters) Answer: Cruz

Strolled over to the Bart last night to see the triple bill of Kaiser Chiefs/Weezer/Foo Fighters. It's all about the Foo, you know. Nice demographic mix, as there was someone who was over 70 in the crowd.

OK, so Kaiser Chiefs opened with a short set. I think this band has some potential. It's tough to be the opening act of three when most are there to see the other two, but the boys did a fine job. Sounded great on the couple of songs that get airplay, like "I Predict A Riot", so the future looks good.

I love Weezer, so I had no problem enjoying their set. Two surprises were covers of the Foos' "Big Me" and Blur's "Song #2". But they pulled out all of their hits and I thought it was good. Looks like 80 minutes worth of music. And at my advanced age, I didn't have to stand once...that pleased me.

But let me tell you, when the Foo Fighters take the stage, you know you are at a fuckin' rock concert. I know just enough of their music to be dangerous, but my God, they know how to put on a show. Dave Grohl has great mic skills with the crowd, as well. They offer loud, headbangin' music that has enough of a hook, so you can sing along with many of the tunes. You can't help but stand, shake your ass a bit and get lost in that music. Quite the terrific set, I'd say.

Meal of Links

Keep your eye on the Delphi bankruptcy. There is a lot more beyond the surface, regarding the costs of Delphi's own suppliers, lower union wages, and the potential for amazing change within the auto industry.

"The Odd Couple" starts this week with who else? Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane. I guess they are attached at the hip going forward.

Say, that red carpet business is serious stuff for the entertainment shows. Dumber questions, however, have never been asked.

Exercise Yard

















Well, it looked like another dull, "we ain't gonna win" Browns-Bears game, until Trent Dilfer throws two beautiful TDs in less than a minute, and somehow, the Browns win, 20-10, over Chicago. For the longest time, this was a battle of two inept offenses against two pretty good defenses. The kind of game where "nap time" is looming large. But Dilfer hit Antonio Bryant on a well-run corner route for the first TD and tossed another nice ball to Bryant for the second one.

Yes, it was ugly, and it was only the Browns Version 2.3's 15th home win out of 50, since they've come back. But it's one we typically do not win and the next home game is the first one I'll be attending this year.

Word of caution: We still cannot stop the run. The Bears rushed 34 times for 176 yards. Ouch. That's 5.2/carry. But we won. Yippee.

Visitor

None, it's a victorious Browns' Sunday.

I had the strangest thing happen to me yesterday. After I picked up my car after an oil change, my key ring got caught between the key and the ignition. Of course, I didn't realize this until I had decided to turn off the ignition and couldn't. So, I had a choice of cutting the ring, which didn't work or uncoiling the ring, which did work. It was odd, because I had such a small space with which to uncoil. Thank goodness it worked. But it was hell trying to uncoil that thing.

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Wesley Snipes is not your Daddy. So quit bugging him.

There sure is a lot of talk about bird flu lately. Bottom line is no one wants to make vaccines anymore, because I don't think it's profitable. If it spreads quickly, we're SOL.

Here's CNET's stab at a Blog 100. Lots of good stuff.

Exercise Yard

The Red Sox lack of pitching finally caught up with them as Chicago swept them. Boy, El Duque is really looking great in relief, much like he did last weekend against the Tribe. Seems unhittable again.

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52 Across: "Spanglish" costar (8 letters) Answer: Tea Leoni

After work today, I zipped over to Rozi's in Lakewood. Yes, me in a wine store. Don't ask. Don't worry, I'll drink what I paid for. Anyhow, I am going on the record and saying people drive really slow in Lakewood. Doesn't matter what street, they're tourists. Damn, speed it up.

Excellent reporting by the Plain Dealer this morning on the aftermath of Tuesday's primary. For instance, my ward has a ton of votes up for grabs, because Others had more votes than Campbell and Jackson by a wide margin. I think Jackson will do it, but jeepers, it may be close.

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Vancouver is still the most livable city in the world. I'd love to go back there. A really nice place. BTW, Cleveland (26th) and Pittsburgh were the highest US cities. Please come here. No lines anywhere, even at the polling place.

I guess Tom Cruise forced Katie Holmes to watch "Magnolia". "Tame it."

Terror alert in NYC. Something about the subways. Why do I envision some infidel kid with a fake accent making the call? And what terrorists phone ahead? Maybe they are throwing us off and attacking elsewhere.

Exercise Yard

Michelle Wie's coach talks about her turning pro at age 16. I think it's because she left about $700,000 on the table this year, while playing as an amateur. I believe the major sponsors have already signed her up. She's got the talent, I say go for it. But win some ladies' tournaments instead of trying to compete with the men. For now.

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13 Down: Animal rights activist Cleveland (5 letters) Answer: Amory

I guess I was one of the 16(!) percent of eligibles who actually voted in the Cleveland mayoral primary yesterday. What a shitty turnout. Something has gone terribly wrong with the mentality of the Cleveland voters over the last two months. The tax levy vote had not much of a turnout and now this. It's disheartening when apathy takes root in the electorate. This used to be a town that would bitch about a lot of things, but at least would show up to vote.

Perhaps folks will wake up in a month and vote. I guess people assumed Campbell is on her way out and don't really care who takes her place. I'm not sure Frank Jackson is the right choice either, but my God, we cannot let Campbell get another four-year term. The last time we did that in this state, both Taft and Bush got another four years and we regretted it the day after that election. Wake up out there!

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Roses are red
Violets are blue
Nipsey Russell is dead.

I'm very disappointed that after investing 12 weeks in determining who was roit for our band, INXS, they decide not to tour here. Looks like Chicago is the closest realistic venue. Unbelievably, their new hit single, "Pretty Vegas" was #4 on iTunes today. Mayne Daphna bought it.

If you face some tough questions, ask a philosopher. As in: "If I really hate the band Interpol, and then hear a song that I like called "Evil", should I continue to speak out against them or bite my tongue til it bleeds?"

Exercise Yard

Jon Wertheim of SI is such a good writer, he may get you interested in tennis. I don't watch much of it anymore, but I always check out his columns.

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12 Down: "80's Ladies" singer (7 letters) Answer: K.T. Oslin

I was surprised to hear that Harriet Miers was the latest Supreme Court nominee. Some can't get over the fact you have a nominee without any prior judicial experience. It's like you nominated Harry Anderson to the highest court in the land. I'm sure there are advantages to having someone without a paper trail, but my sense is they would end up being a puppet.

The Dems have to put up a fight, because they promised they would. Don't they?

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An excellent piece detailing how ludicrous the Judith Miller case had become. Did her lawyer, the respected Floyd Abrams, not have a phone? Very strange.

Nicky Cage names his son Kal-El. The date when he will be first picked on by other kids? How about today?

There was a solar eclipse today. Please wear your safety goggles.

Exercise Yard

Alabama thumps Florida and now Urban Meyer's offense is called into question. He's only been there 5 games.

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I was too lazy to look it up today.

Well, the Indians did the unbelievable and didn't win the Wild Card. I guess they finally realized "Cleveland" was part of their name. Once again, there was no hitting today. It seems after that Sizemore error last Sunday, the team figured they would waltz in and win maybe four of the six remaining home games and that didn't happen, as they only got one.

I don't think it's that difficult to figure out what went wrong. Look at the teams in the American League that basically played out of their asses for long stretches of time this year. Chicago, Oakland, Cleveland and the Yankees. I think these teams have to stay mentally tough for so long, that eventually they crash. Chicago had their streak in the first 90 games and that's an incredible amount of time to maintain that high level of play. Don't forget, this was the team that was supposedly going to commit one of the biggest flameouts ever and they recovered nicely over the last two weeks of the season and took us to the woodshed this weekend. Unfortunately for Oakland, their streak of good play ended at the end of August and they didn't even win 90 games. The Yankees have not really stopped yet, but I expect a meltdown in the playoffs.

The Indians? Well, you can't blame the pitchers. They held up all year. It seemed that the top of our lineup was sucking wind over the last week or so. And we had no hitting with men on base. Some really eager hitting in unexpected situations didn't help things either. And our high level of play really ended with that KC game a week ago.

BTW, here is what I wrote on Opening Day for the Tribe:

Today is Opening Day for baseball and trust me when I tell ya, I think the Indians are gonna contend. Not for the whole thing, but they can make a run at the division title. Here's why:

The Royals are bad. Detroit is improved. The White Sox dumped a lot of power. The Twins had to let go of some core players for the first time in a while.

But the main thing the Tribe has this year is depth. Both on the pitching staff and the bench. Yeah, I know they are doing it on the cheap and we have Casey Blake in the outfield, but it's a solid bunch.

Starting Pitching: C.C. is OK. A healthy (key word is healthy) Millwood is an improvement. I like Cliff Lee and he should be fine. Not sold on a repeat from Westbrook. A fifth starter is a fifth starter.

Bullpen: A veteran bunch. A healthy Wickman would be tremendous. Veteran setup men: Howry, Riske, Rhodes, Sauerbeck. Not bad.

Position Players: Hafner and Martinez are very good. Aaron Boone makes me more comfortable than Casey Blake. Belliard turns the DP very well, and I think a decent-hitting Peralta would be OK at short. Sizemore and Ludwick should be an OK platoon. Not a big fan of Coco Crisp, but he's improved his offense each of the last three years, but I may have a better arm than him. And you just know the ball will find Casey Blake in rightfield, you just know it. Bench of Cora and Hernandez gives Wedge more flexibility than he's had, now let's see him earn those contract extensions.

(Maybe I should have gone to Vegas? Not after mentioning Ludwick, however.)

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Trouble will always find Pete Doherty. It's like it knows his forwarding address before he does.

The new Franz Ferdinand record is out this week. Lots of good buzz.

Chief Justice Roberts starts tomorrow. I wonder if he fills out paperwork for a half a day before he starts Chief Justicin'.

Exercise Yard

Was any one surprised that Rock Hard Ten won the Goodwood Handicap race at Santa Anita? I didn't think so.

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None, it was a sucky Sunday for the Tribe.

First of all, I was at the car wash this morning and the line broke down! Since my car wasn't involved, I admit it was kinda neat. Some old-timer's front end was out of alignment, so the wheel kept turning in and it jumped the track.

I was at the Tribe debacle last night. There were two main culprits in the game. And, yes, it was the two perennial whipping boys who, of course, were front and center. Apparently Casey Blake's previous 159 games playing rightfield had no bearing on the situation, as he absolutely butchered a line drive out there, allowing a triple. Then Ozzie Guillen, who I'm here to tell you, could be the worst manager I ever saw, gets him off the hook by trying a squeeze play, which ends up being a disaster, but the batter went to second. After a walk, good old .135 hitter, Russ Gload, hits a double to win it. Crap.

But Ben Broussard. Yikes! This guy whiffs on three pitches with the bases loaded in the 11th. Not only taking a called a third strike, but swinging at the first two pitches after the two previous hitters had walked. Jeezy creezy, I say. Then in the 13th, he goes after the first pitch (again) and pops up. This is right after Belliard homered. My God, Bob Wickman, Jr. (Bobby Jenks) is on the hill and this clown hits the first pitch. Boy, that was an awful game to lose.

Meal of Links

Jessica Alba is in a bikini in her new movie. Plot be damned.

I can't say it enough: God bless Roger Ebert. His review of the new Jenny McCarthy movie is an all-timer.

The lovely Kate Bush has a new album. And it seems if there's some sort of secret message involved. "Number nine."

Exercise Yard

David Ortiz is the MVP of the American League. If not, it should be tagged as a criminal case.

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23 Across: Former Canadian statesman Levesque (4 letters) Answer: Rene