I saw "King Kong" today the way it should be. At 10:05 a.m. on a Sunday morning, because the crowd is scarce, you can take in a bagel for breakfast, and sit on the aisle to take the inevitable bathroom break during this three-hour epic. And still have lots of the day to do stuff. BTW, the trailers seemed to be for all the movies that debut in May 2006. Anyhow, "Kong" was really, really good, one of the best of the year. And you get to call him a big ape a lot, as well.

I'm not sure the kiddies can take it, because you get a lot of attacks by dinosaurs, bats, really creepy crawlers, and your typical man-eating worms, etc. And the natives are restless, as they usually are in a jungle picture. Of course, one character was reading "Heart of Darkness" and I swear I saw Martin Sheen lurking in the background ready to take down Marlon Brando. At least, I think it was him. So, it is a bit intense, at times. But it is a great ride. Do not, I repeat, do not make reservations for Skull Island. I know the brochures talk a good game, but only if you wanna remake "Run Lola Run" while you're there.

Fine performances by everyone. Jack Black (keeps shirt on) and Adrien Brody (takes shirt off) are terrific. And Naomi Watts is photographed so beautifully in this movie, it's scary. I can't recall the last time I saw an actress whose beauty was captured like that. Stunning. And she runs. A lot. Supporting cast is great, especially Kyle Chandler and the crew on the boat. Definitely worth viewing on the big screen.

Meal of Links

Time picks three Persons of the Year. Make up your mind.

Cellphone usage while driving is on the increase. I know I didn't grow up with the technology, but way too many people, self included, do not pay attention while talking on the road. But there isn't a whole lot we can do about it.

Really Bad Santas rampage Auckland. Hey, isn't there an opening at Great Northern Mall?

Exercise Yard

The Browns blow a draft pick by beating Oakland today, 9-7. I'm all for the Browns winning, but this win could drop us from around 6th to about 13th for next year's draft pick. Not much to say, as it was a typical game between two 4-9 teams. The Browns didn't average theee yards a rush and we gave up (ahem) another 100-yard rusher in Lamont Jordan. But an early missed field goal and a blocked field goal late in the game helped keep the Browns in it. Then Charlie Frye engineered a drive for the winning field goal with no time left. Sounds like it should have been exciting, but it really was a dull game.

Visitor

None, it's a "King Kong" of a Sunday.