While listening to Phil Savage's press conference this morning, it struck me how language constantly evolves. This has been going on for a while, but especially in sports, for some reason, things seem to change often. For an older example, no one hits .174 anymore, it's now "a buck seventy-four" and has been for a while.

Today, Savage was droning on about Reuben Droughns and the type of year he was having. He mentioned some off-the-field situations, then mentioned "he's had a knee, he's had a foot". Now, if you were Martian, you would say, of course, he has a knee and he has a foot. But this is new speak for "He's had injuries to both his knee and foot this year." And that's why English is our official language.

Meal of Links

Hey, Cleveland now has a gay sports bar. The concept doesn't bother me, it's the idea of "dancers" that puzzles me. I don't think you see that at Cleats.

After watching the movie "Bobby" last week, there were some things I needed to know. Demi Moore plays a drunken has-been singer in the flick. Lots of people think it's based on Rosemary Clooney (you know, George's aunt), who was, in fact, at the hotel and witnessed the shooting. But she did not perform at the Ambassador Hotel that day. The Everly Brothers were the act.

It astounded me that I could not remember others being hit with stray bullets during the shooting. There were five of them. Their stories do not particularly jive with the movie.

Things were a bit foggy regarding the actual primary process back then. For instance, Humphrey did not campaign in California. LBJ barely beat Gene McCarthy in New Hampshire on March 12. RFK jumped in on March 16. LBJ quit the race on March 31. That's when HHH entered the race. The movie leads you to believe that after wrapping up California, RFK would have been the nominee. The results after that primary, however, were: HHH 596, RFK 393, McCarthy 258. So, Chicago 1968 would have been more of a free-for-all than it actually was.

"Iconoclasts" has a marathon on Saturday. The debut of the Maya Angelou-Dave Chappelle episode tonight was really cool.

Exercise Yard

It appears the NFL is now very committed to Toronto. Recall earlier this year, there were rumors that the Browns were going to play the 2008 regular season game there.

Visitor

60 Across: Jackie's designer (4 letters) Answer: Oleg

Cleveland is in the running to host the 2011 Special Olympics. The first thing to remember is if you go, please do not laugh. Seriously, do not laugh.

I found it curious that the Opening Ceremonies would be at Cleveland Browns Stadium, but the Closing Ceremonies are at Canal Park in Akron. I don't get it, is that some sort of cruel joke? It's as if they confirm big-time event status at the beginning and then dare the contestants to find their way to show up in Akron. Almost like hey, they won't pay attention, so we'll switch the finale to Akron. That bugs me for some reason.

Meal of Links

WWDDD? Apparently, he'd get drunk before he would go on "The View". Oh yeah, he was there to promote his Christmas movie. Good grief.

Carolyn from "The Apprentice" found a new job. She now works for Microsoft to find the best small business idea.

How to calculate Pi by throwing frozen hot dogs. Roy G. Biv looks on intently.

Exercise Yard

Nomar Stalker and I headed over to the CSU-Kent State game tonight and a crazy thing happened, CSU won. They had a 10-point lead at half, extended it a bit, Kent battled back to a 4-point deficit and then CSU pulled away at the end. Kent seems like they will have a down year, but CSU is on the improve, winning 66-59. They better be as they play Butler, K-State with Coach Huggs, and then #1 Ohio State in the next 10 days.

Highlights included a Becky Burger and some beers. Oh, that was pre-game. During the game, CSU got killed inside and the bench was outscored 40-16. But they gave up no fast break points and outrebounded Kent. It wasn't pretty, but they finally gutted out a win, for a change.

Visitor

35 Across: "The Simpsons" bartender (3 letters) Answer: Moe

Moe: "Say, ya, Barn, remember when I said I'd have to send away to NASA to calculate your bar tab?"
Barn: "Yeah, we all had a good laugh, Moe."
Moe: "The results came back today. You owe me 70 billion dollars."

Can you be killed by an olive? I had one of those huge Trader Joe's olives, stuffed with jalapeno. The damn thing was unexpectedly hot, it's not the first jar I've sucked down, and it pert near offed me. Right there in the kitchen.

All I could think of before dying, besides wondering how I was going to form words while calling 9-1-1, was I hadn't finished my turkey yet. I think I have one more leftover meal remaining. No more mashed potatoes and the gravy bit the dust today. Would have been a shame not to finish that.

Meal of Links

"Borat" gets blamed for a lot of things. Kid Rock chimes in.

Next vacation: The ABBA Museum.

We all know GNR was in town last Friday and they didn't start until Midnight, and so on and so on. Well, they fired their support band, Eagles of Death Metal. A fine one-show performance.

Exercise Yard

You knew it was coming. The World Chess Federation takes anti-doping measures. As I walk the mean streets in town, I am hearing the term "castling" more often.

Not only that, they are forcing well-dressed hostages to LISTEN to chess being played behind them. Torture the likes of which we've never seen before.













Visitor

21 Across: Byrnes of "77 Sunset Strip" (3 letters) Answer: Edd

I was so excited when a new HD channel showed up on the cable. Then I realized it's Weather Now, the HD weather channel from 19/43. So I get Tanchak in HD on his own weather channel. Plus I have Channel 3's local weather channel as well in digital. America, what a country.

Meal of Links

Pam Anderson gets a divorce. Man, I thought it would last a little longer then 5 months. Jeepers.

If you like making witty comments at the cinema, as I do, Lycos Cinema lets you do it online. The content sucks, but with the right kind of movie, perhaps one about racism not choices, this idea would work. I think this would be cool if you were snowed in or up real late and wanted to chat with your buds.

Much like the next GNR album, rumored forever but never released, "Twin Peaks: Season 2" may finally come out. I am all over this, if it happens.

Exercise Yard

Let's take a break from the verbal fellating of Brett Favre this evening and watch something cool about Cleveland sports.

Check out LeBron goofing around in a layup drill.



Visitor

46 Across: Valhalla VIP (4 letters) Answer: Odin

Randomness from today's Browns home game:

My brother Jeff, along with his uncanny Browns winning percentage, is today's special guest. Browns ("Here in Cleveland? I didn't know they still had a team!") Version 2.3 seems to think a moral victory against Pittsburgh has won them respect. Why? I have no idea. This is a week where Braylon Edwards calls out his own teammate for a legal hit and criticizes his offensive coordinator for lack of red-zone scoring. These youngsters never learn, do they? The Browns come into the game not scoring an offensive TD in their last 6 quarters. But the Bengals sport the #32 defense in the league. That's bad. The Browns appear that they should be able to at least score on offense this week.

Today's opponent: The Cincinnati "Who dey, who dey, who dey think gonna beat them Bengals?". We have had trouble containing the Bengals lately. They killed us down there earlier this year and with their no-huddle offense, pose lots of problems for our team. Rudi Johnson usually runs all over us. Each time we play them, I think of "Rudie Can't Fail" by The Clash. And, of course, "Ocho Cinco" has been on fire. The Bengals defense, as I said, is crap, but the offense has been clicking lately and I do not have a good feeling going into this one.

The weather was unbelievable for a late November Sunday. Temperature was in the mid-60s with plenty of sun and no wind. A day like this, this late in the year, is stealing.

Today's giveaway: None. Not even Excedrin Migraine for the thumping we were about to witness.

Section 345 was comatose for most of this one. It appears, with the last of the division rivals present and a holiday weekend, that the season ticket holders have bailed once more. Many Bengals fans present to lower the average IQ of the crowd by at least 25 points. The crowd was so silent, in the third quarter, we heard a motorcycle revving by on the Shoreway. I kid you not.

Today's running game was abysmal. Lemme see, we dressed Reuben Droughns only to have him play special teams and to run the ball twice. Jerome Harrison was our leading rusher with (are you kidding me?) 18 yards. He ran the ball 54 feet! That won't win many games. US Bank sponsors a contest where the winner gets $5 for each yard our leading rusher gets. They paid out a whopping $90.

The game was so shitty, I swear G.E. Smith was there.

Worst Browns play: Pick any Charlie Frye interception, Browns running play or Bengals pass play where we didn't sack Carson Palmer or intercept him. It's a tie.

Best line from me (After Joshua Cribbs opening kickoff return for a TD was called back by a penalty): "I hope that's not our only highlight today." I am changing my name to the prophet Isaiah.

Best lines from randoms (In Section 345, a Browns fan threw two empty beer cups at a Bengals fan. A guy in a Corey Dillon jersey went to security to rat on the Browns fan, resulting in...): "Snitches get stitches!" "Tattletale!" "Pussy!"

Oddest Browns jersey: No question, the pet peeve of the day. Since it was warm, many Browns fans broke out their jerseys today. It is amazing how many fans still sport the jerseys of some of the most reviled names in the history of the new Browns. It is quite the amazing scene. Why, just today, I saw: 2 Couch, 5 Garcia, 17 Holcomb, 31 Green, 92 C. Brown. This is unacceptable! The topper, however, was 64 Jurkovic. Jurkovic! Let me say that again. JURKOVIC! Even Spock would be stupefied by that one.

I actually bought items at this one. Ticket: $40, Parking: Free, Pre-game Corona Lights (with lime): $6, Hot Dog: $4, Mountain Dew in a souvenir cup: $4.75, Witnessing, perhaps, the ugliest football game which forced me to leave when the score hit 30-0: A new hobby of cutting myself.

Best Browns play: Joshua Cribbs opening kickoff return for a TD. Oh, wait a minute, a penalty wiped that one out. Uh...er...mmm...next.

We saw a grandmother sporting a boa today.

Best Fan Cam feature: This may have been more maddening than the game. At halftime, Brian Colleran of Channel 3 hosts a halftime show from Legends, behind the Dawg Pound. He should be renamed "Baghdad Brian". This guy runs down highlights from the first half and you would have thought the Browns were running the Bengals out of town. They showed no Bengal TDs, a Browns sack, a pass to Dennis Northcutt, a pass to Kellen Winslow (he's a soldier, you know) and some other insignificant tripe. Then this Mensa says one of the keys to the second half is "Establish the run". My God, man, we have 5 first downs, losing 17-0, and you want us to run the ball? I begin to carve his visage into my upper arm at this point.

Worst stat: The Browns had 9 first downs.

2nd worst stat: Charlie Frye's 4 interceptions.

Most interesting stat: Although we got our ass kicked, Rudi Johnson was stopped. Only 64 yards on 25 carries.

The Bengals, with the worst defense in the league, gain their first shutout since 1989, also against the Browns. We were not close in this one, as the Browns offense has not scored in the last 10 quarters. The Browns played a game that was reminiscent of the two-year reign of Chris Palmer. May have been worse than last year's 41-0 shellacking by the Steelers, also at home. Each time I believe it can't get worse, it does. We have Braylon Edwards sniping at Charlie Frye on the sideline, while Romeo Crennel fiddles. Appropriate, because Romeo must be on the hot seat after this effort. It was mindful of John McKay as coach of the Buccaneers when, after a game, was asked: "What about your team's execution?" He replied, "I'm all for it."

Certainly, the Browns worst game of the year. And one of the worst ever in the new Stadium.

Meal of Links

Hey, "The Match Game" has its own special on GSN. That should be blankin' awesome.

If you hate Rachael Ray, join this club. I must say, I saw Friday's edition of her show. I could barely make it through 10 minutes.

The world of adult Legoists. There are some crazy designs out there.

Exercise Yard

HBO ran a great replay last night of the Pacquiao-Morales fight. Manny Pacquiao is a fave of mine, trained by Freddie Roach, and always gives 100 percent. His fight with Erik Morales was the last of a trilogy and Manny delivered a third-round KO.

Big time crowd that was absolutely insane. Most enjoyable.

Visitor

None on a beautiful Browns Sunday.

I saw the movie "Bobby" yesterday. It's eerie that in a week where Robert Altman died, Emilio Estevez tries to be Altmanesque with his flick. The idea of people gathering at a certain place and we get to witness why they are there and their respective outcomes. First of all, it ain't Altman. There are too many characters you don't give a hoot about. Easily 5 to 8 of these people could have been dumped.

The story is what takes place at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles the day RFK dies. A Republican nowhere in sight, it seemed. It is very ham-handed in its approach to parallel some events of 1968 to modern times. Immigration, racism, an unpopular war, etc. And they have the historical context offscreen of Don Drysdale setting the scoreless streak record the very same night with the Dodgers and Andy Warhol getting shot the previous day. Drysdale got more play in this movie since the time he was on "The Brady Bunch". Only a few performances really shine through, because the real star is Bobby.

(As an aside, I just got a whiff of my turkey from the roaster. Mmmmmm...turkey.)

They have some video clips and voiceovers of RFK that I'd say make up about 15, maybe 20 minutes, of the movie. By far, these are the best parts, because it was the last great campaign in this country. When RFK came to town, everybody showed up. Take a look at some of the news items from those days, it's a mob scene. Black, white, hispanic, old, young. Didn't matter, they flooded the streets. And if you listen to the words, there was a lot of hope for lots of people in those messages. After watching the movie though, I wondered if a documentary about RFK would have been the better way to go.

Meal of Links

Crap. David Blaine stopped spinning. I'm glad those kids can go to Target and buy knitting needles to thrust into his temples.

Baseball-Reference has added every box score from 1957 on. Play-by-play, as well.

50 mistakes men make when having sex. Read the comments.

Exercise Yard

I was at my uncle's for Thanksgiving yesterday and we were thrilled to learn he had the NFL Network, a channel he was unaware he had. He has the WOW service. There was a certain "Grey's Anatomy" faction brewing, so we didn't know how it would play out. When it was gametime, a crawl appeared on his screen that said if you were in the US of A and you were not in the local area of the teams playing, you won't get the game. So, lemme get this straight. You have the network, but can't get the games? I thought that was the idea of having the network.

It's so confusing.

Visitor

13 Down: Mr. PiBB and Dr. Pepper (5 letters) Answer: Sodas

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I've watched some "Seinfeld" reruns since Kramer's meltdown, and I think I can handle it. (And that is part of the problem, we can't think of the guy as Michael Richards. Even when he's apologizing, we are waiting for Kramer to deliver the punchline.) Oh, it's there in the back of your mind that he's a racist hipster doofus, but a few more viewings of the "pinky toe" episode and I believe it will be somewhat normal once more.

Meal of Links

The Bargainist looks around for some deals. Some interesting items have popped up on sale.

David Blaine spins for kids. Come on, even if he doesn't make it, he should take the kids shopping.

All about "A Christmas Story" house. I don't know, will this be a tourist attraction? Hard to figure a snowy February day makes this place a destination.

Exercise Yard

Kind of a time waster at the CSU game last night. Except that I got a free t-shirt! Using a method honed at many an old Cavs game at the Coliseum to get one of those small basketballs. Yes, it was the rebound method. First of all, female cheerleaders can't throw very far and when they do, it's of that high arc variety. Inevitably when the shirt comes back to earth, multiple sets of hands go for it.

It worked to perfection. The shirt sailed directly over my head, not worth the leap, and I positioned myself as Wes Unseld, waiting for the rebound, and it happened. Four hands in the row behind me collide, it pops back up in the air and lands gently in my hands.
The game was fugly. Too many fouls, we even saw three technicals and an excessive contact foul. Had a flow to it much like the Chagrin River when it thaws. CSU beat the Blue Streaks of John Carroll, 84-65

Visitor

5 Down: Nancy's pal, in comics (5 letters) Answer: Sluggo (What a creepy comic strip)

I went after work to pick up the new Sufjan Stevens "Songs for Christmas" set. He's got one with Jack White and it's called, "Get Behind Me, Santa". Tee hee. The box is definitely a keeper. Speaking of egg nog, I will now partake.

Meal of Links

Kelly Ripa is a homophobe. Naw, she doesn't like being muzzled like a 3-year old. I'm with her on this, regardless of where Clay Aiken's fist has been.

You can never have too much of "Arrested Development". "They were not making fun of Andy Griffith. This cannot be stressed enough."

Robert Altman died. Probably the last of the old mavericks that were still making movies. As I said previously, watch "California Split" if you can. It's one of his overlooked best.

Exercise Yard

Baseball has been busy with INSANE contracts. They are spending cash as if it's 1999. Justin Speier got 4 years and $18 million from the Angels. For a setup guy. Good grief.

And who would have though Pujols and Jeter were not MVPs? Travis Hafner was 8th in the A.L. vote. Idiots.

Visitor

32 Across: Kilmer of "The Saint" (3 letters) Answer: Val

Thanksgiving always brings some good marathons on TV. But it looks like the start of the day is a good one as WGN runs the "Beverly Hillbillies" back-to-back at 8:00 a.m. In the first episode, Elly makes a pet of the Thanksgiving turkey. Sounds like hijinks aplenty. In the second, the clan spends Thanksgiving in Hooterville. That can only be laugh-out-loud funny.

Meal of Links

Uh-oh. Kramer uses the N-word. Lots of times. "That can't be good for business." "That can't be good for anyone."

Will Mario Lopez dump his dance partner? Signs point to "Yes".

What's up in the "Fast Food Nation"? I think there's shit in the meat.

Exercise Yard

This year's 10 Best Baseball Books. I see "The Bronx is Burning" from last year's Christmas list is back on the list. Dare I mention books on this year's Christmas list? The unveiling is Thursday.

Visitor

18 Across: Cereal with a spokesrabbit (4 letters) Answer: Trix

Randomness from today's Browns home game:

Gale is today's special guest. Browns Version 2.3 has been talking a good game about revenge this week. Yes, revenge for last year's 41-0 debacle against the Super Bowl Champs. We have won 2 of our last 3 games for one of the few times in recent history. A win at home will go a long way in restoring what little faith remains in this year's squad.

Today's opponent: The dreaded Pittsburgh Steelers. Our biggest rivals on paper, but in a rivalry, most teams share the winning every once in a while. They own us lately. But the Steelers have the same record as the Browns coming in, and the way they've played, gives us a chance, I think. Last year, I knew a month ahead of time we would lose, so there is some excitement this year.

The weather was abysmal today. If it's gonna rain, be warmer. If it's that cold, it might as well snow. It drizzled for most of the game, rained a bit and some strange wind kicked up ice pellets at one point. The ice came after the "Pittsburgh Sucks" chant. Ye football gods were angered. Unbelievably, after the game, it was the coldest I felt all day.

Today's giveaway: To combat the Terrible Towel, AT&T provided Browns flags. We arrived too late to partake.

Section 345 was rather subdued. But, once again, many season ticket holders bailed on this game and, oddly enough, many of those tickets ended up in the hands of Steelers fans. Not as bad as Christmas Eve 2005, but enough to be annoying.

The running game today was decent, as Reuben Droughns was hurt. Imagine that. Our smaller, quicker backs had an OK day running. Mmmmm.

The only time I saw G.E. Smith this week was in David Bowie's video of "Fashion".

Worst Browns play: Not many that were truly ugly. Probably the early reverse to Braylon Edwards for -8 yards qualifies.

Best line from me (After the game, while passing Public Hall. White smoke billowing from some outlet pipe, into the sky): "I guess they chose a new Levert today."

Best line from a random: "Hey, Steeler man. What are you lookin' at? I'm a motherfuckin' Browns fan." People are so civil.

Oddest Browns jersey: 81 Morgan (Is this guy so cheap, he doesn't wear shoes?) 95 Willie made me laugh.

No in-game purchases.

Best Browns play: No question, Joshua Cribbs kickoff return for a TD. The best return guy we've had since Eric Metcalf.

The cold prevented many costumes today. Lots of plastic wraps, blankies and gloves and mittens.

Best Fan Cam picture: More of a promo where the police dog barks at a guy on the ground, while hovering over him. Accompanied by Pink Floyd's "Dogs of War".

Worst stat: The Browns gave up 253 yards in the last quarter. Ugh!

2nd worst stat: The Browns gave up over 31 yards per kickoff return. Strangely, their best coverage came after Cribbs TD return, when we got an excessive celebration penalty. That forced us to kick from the 20 and we handled that well.

Most interesting stat: Our running backs caught only 2 balls. That means Frye was doing a better job of checking downfield.

Of course, this is the type of game the Browns always seem to lose. The defense was on the field a lot late, but it's a talent issue. I give the Browns credit for patching together a secondary this year. Superb safety play is making us look good on D. Brian Russell and Sean Jones are playing very nicely together. And Brodney Pool is stepping up in man coverage. But injuries have forced Jeremy Perry, Ralph Brown (my favorite whipping boy) and Daven Holly to garner significant playing time. Holly had two interceptions, one for a TD, but that group is forced to play a coverage that prevents the big play, but opens up a lot of underneath stuff. It worked for three quarters, but killed us late in the game today.

Charlie Frye didn't kill us today. The Steelers had just enough to beat us. Next week, the Bengals and their no-huddle offense come in. Not good news.

Meal of Links

I was so punchdrunk from the Browns game that I was absolutely giddy watching "The Simpsons" tonight. I almost spit out my Green Tea when after a day of "Vermonting", Bart said, "We learned lots of things today. Did you know candles are made by losers?"

Stopped at Melt after the game. That Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is a killer. Had a bacon, ham and swiss grilled cheese that will be finsihed for a meal tomorrow.

All about "Dexter". OK, I pimp it a lot, but it's so different (to me) than anything on the tube these days.

Exercise Yard

Does anyone remember when Bonnie Bernstein didn't wear hats?















Her hat blended in with the crowd during a shot at OSU on Saturday, so you could play "Where's Waldo?"

Visitor

None, it's a blustery Browns Sunday.

Wasn't that OSU-Michigan game "Shat-rageous" or whatever the ad for "Show Me The Money" says. And to witness the trailer for the new "Rocky" was almost unbearable. Also, I'm sure Bo was "looking live" from football Valhalla, but his death had not much impact on the game, as some misguided people thought.

I have been pretty much anti-Michigan-OSU rematch, but I think it may happen. Rutgers died in Cincinnati. USC won (and isn't it funny to hear the announcer say, "He got a piece of Booty.") and if they beat Notre Dame next week, the Irish are out. Realistically, how could Michigan fall behind Notre Dame, given the fact they beat them handily. I still believe the SEC winner has a shot, but 42-39 is tough to ignore.

As for the game, Michigan played OK, but they never really stopped OSU on defense. I think OSU may have had one or two punts all day. I thought Michael Hart and Chad Henne played big for Michigan, but it's tough to compete with the passing game of OSU. Troy Smith won the Heisman today, and their receivers had a really good first half. But the two long runs up the middle just killed the Wolverines.

We got to see another coach kick an extra point when he should have gone for two, but it only mattered from the standpoint of Michigan having to attempt a 2-point conversion after their next touchdown, which they did. It's becoming an epidemic of stupidity. Disappointing today, but as Gordon Gekko says: "You win a few, you lose a few, but you keep on fighting. And if you need a friend, get a dog."

Meal of Links

Man, O.J. is back. And no one likes it very much.

Lemmy sponsors youth soccer. Ain't that a kick.

Here are some of TV's memorable Thansgiving moments. "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

Exercise Yard

I know the NBA is just starting to get going, as most teams have played around 10 games. But pay attention to the Utah Jazz, this year's most entertaining team to watch. Other NBA news.

Visitor

11 Down: 2002 skiing silver medalist (10 letters) Answer: Bode Miller

I'd love to talk about Pam on "The Office" or the "B" sample of one Floyd Landis, but...there's kind of a big game played this Saturday at 3:30, down the road a piece.

(Bo Schembechler)

















I kinda like this one. Al Pacino (or is it Frank Caliendo?) fires up the Wolverines for Saturday's game against the Buckeyes. And a nice segue into the "Victors".



Meal of Links

(Tom Harmon)















A bunch of OSU-Michigan traditions. Probably should still be played at Noon, but moved to 3:30 because of the magnitude of this year's game.

(Desmond Howard)









Seems this is the only thing Taft has won lately, besides a light sentence from a judge. The annual Governors Bet. Apparently, Taft stole parts of his gift basket, because the only thing they mention from his side is chocolate buckeyes.

(Anthony Carter)















An OSU-Michigan debate.

(Charles Woodson)















Famous alumni.

Video of the Week

Not taking the rivalry too seriously, here is a song by the Dead Schembechlers. I love the name of the band and the song and the war film approach to the video. Things to look for: The old timey football practice (I think it's the Browns in Vero Beach under Marty), major league fireworks throughout, nuclear winter, lots of people ducking and covering near the end. The closing title "For the truth about the international Wolverine conspiracy to enslave mankind. www.deadschembechlers.com" Ha ha ha.

Dead Schembechlers-"Bomb Ann Arbor Now"



Exercise Yard

(Braylon Edwards)














What to look for during the game.

Visitor

1 Across: At 7:03 p.m. Saturday, the #1 team in College Football (8 letters) Answer: Michigan

John Kolesar. 1988. Michigan beats OSU. At Columbus.

The kick return...



...then the TD grab.



Meal of Links

Nancy Pelosi endorsed John Murtha for House Majority Leader. The problem is not everyone's on board with it, something to do with Pelosi's comments about the D's and ethics. Next minefield: Alcee Hastings as Intelligence Chair.

The 2006 Weblog Awards nominations are open. Always a great place to find new favorites.

This guy's a little late to the Bob Ufer Party. Where's that scoring horn? Gotta find that for Saturday.

His call of Anthony Carter's TD against Indiana in the 1979 Homecoming game is still the greatest football call. Ever. "...from football's Valhalla..."

Exercise Yard

Did the Red Sox acquire the rights to Daisuke Matsuzaka or Sidd Finch? Apparently, Matsuzaka throws a Gyroball. Whatever it is, Casey Blake can't hit it.

Up for debate is whether the Red Sox putting up $51.1 million for Matsuzaka makes financial sense. What is not up for debate is that the new TV, Internet, and Satellite Radio deals are giving owners lots of money to spend. And they are spending it.

My God, Aramis Ramirez almost got MANNY Ramirez money (5 years/$75 million) from the Cubs. Matsuzaka may get $38 miilion for 3 years. Let's see what Barry Zito gets. This is not good news for the Tribe.

Visitor

2 Down: Greene of "Bonanza" (5 letters) Answer: Lorne (Dead or Canadian?)

There was another fire here locally last week and I'll be damned if one of those "Teddy Bear Memorials" didn't soon appear. I don't get these. Typically when a youngster meets an unusually cruel fate, the scene of their demise becomes an instant memorial. I'm not sure why people do this.

Sadly, the one who can benefit from all of the gifts isn't around. And we really don't know if they even liked these items in the first place. Maybe they were into Star Wars or Transformers or something else.

As an observer, I get misty when I read about these things or see them on the news. That's why I don't watch "Extreme Home Makeover". But I am not affected to the point where I purchase a bear to make myself feel good about the situation. Can't we do something more practical with our time and money?

And who becomes the caretaker of said memorials? And what's the statute of limitations on when to take it down? A week? A month? And who gets the remnants at that point? These things beg to be answered, I think.

Meal of Links

Here is the rest of the 100 Greatest Cover Songs. Some excellent choices, but others, especially near the top, seem to be chosen for their sheer audacity. If you choose some videos, try to watch Social D's "Ring of Fire" (Obviously a homemade one), Nirvana's "The Man Who Sold The World" (and if you ever hear Lulu's version, it's really good, too. But it is a great Bowie song, so no surprise), "I Fought The Law" by the Clash, "Bizarre Love Triangle" by Frente! (a beautiful record), "Viva Las Vegas" by the Dead Kennedys (when punk was punk), and Devo's "Satisfaction". But if you can watch one video, make it "Proud Mary". This is the Ike and Tina Turner Revue at its best. It's from a "Soul Train" with Don Cornelius (is that a napkin or a tie?) and his afro plus Japanese subtitles (Ha, I still introduce Graham Central Station as Don). The girls are shakin' it, the horn section is at the little kids' stage on the side, and everybody's groovin'. Tina is a tour de force on this one. "...we never, ever, do nothin' nice and easy."

Time tries to do a Top 100 Albums list. First of all, compilations should not be on the list! Second of all, no "Dark Side of the Moon" or "The Wall" or any Allman Brothers or Elvis Costello. Uh, that makes the list null and void. End of discussion.

Another art crime. A Goya was stolen in transport. Interesting caper.

Exercise Yard

I think Michigan has a big game this week. Or so I've been told.














Visitor

59 Across: Lacoste of tennis (4 letters) Answer: Rene

Today is "Happy Odd Couple Day". So, Oscar, use your coaster!

The greyhound episode:

Felix: You were right, Oscar. He's got racing in his blood.
Oscar: Then he needs a transfusion.

"Password":

Felix: "It's a known fact that Lincoln loved mayonnaise."

Hah!

Meal of Links

The GQ food critic ate a lot in NOLA. And has a long report on what he found. And, of course, the local rebuttal.

Life is good for Keith Olbermann. Ratings and book sales are up.

This guy hates the fireworks at the Cavs games. Imagine that, someone disliking pyrotechnics.

Exercise Yard

My Dad and I attended this evening's CSU game against Notre Dame. This wasn't Notre Dame from South Bend. This was Notre Dame from South Euclid. I expected Cleveland State to win by 25, and they won by 26. The final score, in a Friends and Family game, was 88-62.

Visitor

53 Down: "My Dinner with Andre" director Louis (5 letters) Answer: Malle

The Browns played today's game with the Falcons as if it were a game of hide-and-seek. The Browns hid behind the door early and waited, waited and then waited some more for the Falcons to find them, but they never did. Oh, they walked by a few times, put their ear to the door once in a while, but they never turned the knob.

This reminded me so much of last year's Bears game, where we played 70 seconds of football and won. I think we had two long passes to Kellen Winslow and a TD pass to Braylon Edwards, and that was pretty much our offense for the day. We still cannot run the ball. However, the Falcons played a horribly misguided game on offense and give credit to the Browns defense. That may have been their best effort of the season. Plus, our excellent field position helped us in the first half. In the second half, we struggled to get a few first downs.

Three things that will get overlooked but shouldn't:

a) What were the Falcons doing kicking an extra point after their touchdown made it 14-9? That's a no-brainer to go for two to try and make it 14-11. Not saying they would make it, but you have to go for two points there. Sure enough, the Browns 4th quarter field goal made the score 17-13, ensuring that Atlanta needed a TD on their last drive.

b) Only the Browns could stop the clock TWICE when running out the clock. The first time was after the second down play where Charlie Frye got hit in the head. Why did we take a timeout? Just so Frye could hand the ball off? Our second stringer was ready to go in. But, no, we took a T.O. with 1:13 left. Amazing.

c) Letting the play clock expire on our last punt was an incredible mistake. Again, man, we are running the clock out. SNAP THE BALL! Even Romeo was muttering after that one.

The Browns were 2 out of 14 on third downs, had only 236 yards, and lost two fumbles. Regardless, the Browns won, 17-13. As I grab my coat to meet them at the airport.

Meal of Links

How to be funny. Number one, for me, is you have to be able to laugh at yourself. And try to find humor in...everything. Let's face it, Billy Joel driving his VW off the road into someone's yard is not funny. Billy Joel driving his VW off the road into someone's yard, while going to pick up a pizza, IS funny.

Physical appearance. It has something to do with symmetry. Or eyesight. Or something.

How women judge men. No mention of wallet size.













Looking symmetrical, what's in her wallet?

Exercise Yard

Hard to believe something could be more boring than the Browns game, but HBO had two snoozers on their boxing program last night. The first was a replay of Mayweather-Baldomir from last week. As we know, Floyd Mayweather threw a shutout, winning all 12 rounds on two of the judges cards. According to Larry Merchant, Baldomir was fighting "like a guy, walking around, looking for an address". Not the most eye-catching of bouts, it had some leaving, most booing by the end. Hey, I saw Pete Rose in the crowd! I thought HBO was rather unfair to Mayweather by saying he should have KO'd Baldomir. I thought he took him apart rather mechanically. All signs point to Mayweather-de la Hoya, however. It must happen.

The live action was the Klitschko-Brock match. Didn't think this was a tough one to call. One guy nicknamed "The Steel Hammer", the other, "The Boxing Banker". Well, who do you think is gonna win? Wladimir Klitschko had trouble getting anything going for 4 rounds. Then he realized, "Hey, I'm fighting Calvin Brock, the Boxing Banker." In the 5th, he rediscovered his jab and wallpapered Brock's face with it. In the 7th, Brock got hit with a jab, quickly followed by a straight right hand, and a visit from Mr. Sandman. Klitschko wants to unify the belts. I would anticipate those to be rather dull affairs.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

Last night, I tried a different place for dinner, as Gale and I went to Vhooda. This is out by the Regal Beagles of Middleburg. They have a rather huge bar on one side with one big TV screen and a few, not many, smaller TVs around the side. In the dining room, they have this huge aquarium in the form of an arch, probably about 15 feet high on either side. It looks a lot bigger from the outside.

I'm still trying to determine what they are striving for here. There is some sort of backstory about some Mayan god and Vhooda means feast or some such nonsense. By the time we finished dinner, we were 2 of only 6 people remaining in the dining area. On a Friday night. Uh-oh. Maybe Midpark was playing football or something. I think they remain exclusively an after-work place for the bar (good Happy Hour prices) and a fore-and-aft movie place.

I'll say the food was decent, not outstanding or anything. Crab cakes were the best, not a lot of filler. I liked the Yucatan shrimp app that I ordered. There were some bigass shrimp that were breaded, then coated with buffalo sauce, and accompanied by ranch dressing for dipping. Do they have buffalo sauce in the Yucatan? I confirm that my gastrointestinal system works. I rarely order steak, but I had a ribeye that was OK. It came with a baked potato and I used the leftovers to have steak and eggs this a.m. If I go back, it may be just for the bar.

Meal of Links

If you don't watch "Cheaters", you should take in an episode every once in a while. It's a hoot and an ego boost, if you're depressed. Plus, the program recently won a lawsuit. The lawsuit stemmed from an episode I actually saw. It involved a policeman from Fort Worth fooling around with this married woman. The married guy kept saying the cop's name over and over during the confrontation portion of the program. I laughed. Then I realized three lives were ruined. And then I laughed some more.

Kylie Minogue is back on stage. Good for her.

How to take hold of your iTunes library. Tips in the comments section such as: "Len? Did I buy this shit? Oh well, the single is still kind of catchy and it’s only disk space." I could sub a myriad of bands in there.

Exercise Yard

For once, the post game trip to Sokolowski's did not beat the Cleveland State game by a mile. Only about a half-mile today, as George Mason beat the Vikings, 79-74 in front of, by God, 3,000 people. CSU had a 16-point lead in the first half, but eventually got done in by superior talent.

Mason barely missed a shot in the second half, but CSU had no defensive answer for Will Thomas and Darryl Monroe. Those two big men dominated the second half. The never-ending story for CSU is getting outscored in the paint, 46-30, and getting outrebounded by 10. It appears we can hang with the teams that don't have an inside presence, but if one exists, we don't have an answer yet. All in all, a good effort, and the pork chops was go-o-o-o-o-od.

Visitor

18 Across: Explorer of kids' TV (4 letters) Answer: Dora

Thoroughly disgusted by seeing Christmas commercials for Target and Old Navy today. I just looked, it's November 9th.

I couldn't believe it yesterday when I heard that Bruce Dern resigned. Then I realized it was "Rumsfeld", not "Rumsfield", who fell on his sword. The mystery to me was why that didn't happen six weeks ago. I'm not sure it could have saved the Senate for the Republicans, but it might have. Wow, Rummy must have woke up Wednesday saying, "They hate me. They really hate me.".

I stayed up until about 2:15 on Tuesday, trying to make sense of the election. I was surprised at some of the Senate results. I really thought Allen was going to hang on in Virginia, "macaca" and all. And how would you like to be Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island? This guy was an anti-war Republican, did not back Bush in 2004, was the only guy in the GOP to support full marriage equality, had a 66% approval rating...AND STILL LOST!

As for Rick Santorum's family, God, are they taking a beating via Photoshop for the appearance they made during his concession speech. Poor kids. Here's a normal pic.















As for the House, I was overwhelmed at some of the Republicans who got tossed. And the numbers were way above what I thought would happen, so it truly was a wave for the Democrats. I think it's easy to get caught up in some wild predictions of good news, but this time they proved correct. So, let's hope the Democrats don't blow this chance.

Meal of Links

Nice pop reference on "Dexter" this week. See, Dex is a serial killer and used the alias of "Patrick Bateman". Surely, you know that Christian Bale played Patrick Bateman in "American Psycho".

R.E.M. or U2? Who's better?

Another example of why I hate modern celebrity. Maybe I should just read books and not watch TV. The star of Fox's latest sitcom? Kellie Pickler!

Video of the Week

Speaking of R.E.M., here's a look at "Pop Song 89". This is probably my favorite song of theirs, as I really like the beat. It's a black and white video and at some points, dizzying to watch. Things to look for: Michael Stipe's hair. Not difficult to see the censorship. I like the little waves when saying, "Hi". And the graphic, "Should we talk about the government?".

R.E.M.-"Pop Song 89"



Exercise Yard

The Indians made a terrific deal for Josh Barfield. We gave up two minor-leaguers who are already 25 years old in Kevin Kouzmanoff and Andrew Brown. Kouzmanoff can hit, but he's hardly ever healthy and Brown...well, with all of our bullpen troubles last year, it's a mystery why Brown was not called up. Barfield is 23, and as Hubie Brown would say, "He has tremendous upside". Hit .280 with decent power, only had 9 errors last year, and gets out of Petco Park. Doesn't walk much though, but he's only a rookie. Considering the other free agent second basemen out there, this is outstanding. Plus, no more Joe Inglett starting next year. Yippee.

Visitor

16 Across: Jazz flutist Herbie (4 letters) Answer: Mann

Hey, I live in a blue state! Why, just yesterday, it was red. I went to vote after work and there was a line. WTF? That never happens. It took me about 20 minutes to vote, when in most years, it takes me about 20 seconds. And advice to my poll worker: Do not loudly proclaim you didn't vote today. Kinda makes it look like you are not taking the election seriously.

But it looks like we now have a Democratic Governor (Strickland), a Democratic Senator (Brown), so don't forget about Northeast Ohio, you two. Let's see minimum wage is up, and we can't smoke nor gamble, did I read that correctly? Boy, that gambling is a tough nut to crack, isn't it? We still have lots of races in the Senate and the House to determine how much of a sea change, if any, was represented by this election.

I happened to try and listen to Air America on the way home for some election results. It's impossible. Lawrence O'Donnell, noted D observer, was trying to make a valid point and Janeane Garofalo (and, I guess, she's not even a host anymore) would not get off the constant rant of "R's are bad, R's are evil" and let him speak his mind. I like discussion that at least fosters some political debate, rather than falling into the trap of "the opposition sucks". And that's the pitfall of the network. If you wanna avoid the stereotype of the whiny liberal or progresssive, then stop acting that way. And I voted about 90% Democratic today!

Jeezy creezy, Sherrod Brown had the volume on "Fanfare for the Common Man" at about 14, eh.

Meal of Links

Faith Hill says, "Hey, it was a joke." It was an ill-advised attempt at humor, I say. But, hey, she'll get a round of TV appearances she would not have otherwise received.

If you want to get a jump on Christmas shopping or the planning thereof. Here is Best Buy's ad for Black Friday.

"When Black Friday comes
I'll fly down to Muswellbrook
Gonna strike all the big red words
From my little black book"

Should we be surprised? Genesis on tour.

Exercise Yard

This evening, I embarked upon another leg of the unending journey that is CSU basketball. It was an exhibition against Slippery Rock. But it was deja vu all over again.

The band did not learn anything new. Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name" ("Bad Name") and "Vehicle" featured prominently once more. And, of course, "Machine Head" by Bush and "Thunder" by AC/DC were piped in. I think Rhianna's "SOS" was the only new thing I heard.

Musical chairs was back at halftime. I absolutely love that!

The world's worst mascot, Vike, was back. I thought he was to be canned, but nope, there he was.

The second hand dryer on the left in the south men's bathroom still does not work! This is a three-year old problem.

My Dad will be happy to know this, the 10-year male cheerleader was back. He thinks that guy won't ever graduate. BTW, he was the only one male cheerleader.

Christ, 46% from the foul line. Ugh. 39% from the field. Close to ugh.

Outrebounded by an NAIA school. Double ugh.

Next up, 2006 Final Four Cinderella, George Mason (that's a team, not a guy) on Saturday. Hope the Wiggles do not destroy the Bart in the interim.

Visitor

15 Across: "Common Sense" author (5 letters) Answer: Paine

I finally have time to recap the day I spent in court last week. I have been involved with the courts twice, and found each experience to be incredibly mind-numbing.

As most know, my home was burglarized in September of 2005. I thought they may catch the guy, but not as quickly as they did, which was about a month later. So, after a year or so of delays, the case had to come to a conclusion. We were either gonna go to trial or the guy needed to plead. I had received a subpeona in September to show up, but did not hear anything from the prosecutor until I got a message the day before. This was about the 8th or 9th prosecutor as we moved along. I called him back twice, without a return call. So, I figured I had to go the next day for 9:00 a.m.

Being the Good Citizen I am, I paid $8 to park (yes, I had to pay for parking) at the old courthouse and showed up on the required floor at 8:30. Now, there are about 40 chairs outside the courtrooms, but there really is no check-in or waiting area. If you are a witness, you are sitting with the rest of the crooks, family members and assorted randoms who also have to show up on that floor. It's like Arlo Guthrie from "Alice's Restaurant": "...there I am on the bench, sittin' right there on the bench with the mother rapers and the father rapers...". It wasn't that bad, but that's the setup.

My floor was a flurry of activity that morning, as there were TV cameras in the courtroom. Gee, my case must be big, I thought, or maybe they are filming a new edition of "Cleveland Justice" for the local access channel. No such luck. There were two big cases decided that morning. One was a case where some food bank workers were beat up by a bad man, the other was one where an older son beat up his Alzheimer's-ridden father with a cane and other assorted blunt instruments. Both guys got their sentences on that day.

And this is what you have to put up with when you go. I had the fortunate experience of sitting next to an urban woman named Ebony. There is so much idle time, everyone brings their cellphone (well, those who actually use one) to chat away the time. Here is what I heard after Ebony leaves a message for her friend, Kiki.

Ebony: "Yo, bitch. How come you don't return my motherfuckin' calls? Ho."
To which I believe Kiki asks, "When did you call?"
Ebony: "Saturday. Ho."
To which Kiki states someone had shit goin' on that day, because Ebony then asked.
"Who had shit goin' on?"

Then you just sit and wait and sit and wait some more. You have various defense attorneys and prosecutors who pop their heads out of court and ask for certain individuals. It's about a 50% success rate if those requested names are present. So, you sit some more. Finally about 10:00, the detective and prosecutor call my name and we have a discussion on where the negotiating stands. It seems the guy wants to plead for probation, but the state really wants me to go ahead with a trial. I, too, want a plea, but I want a plea for a second-degree felony, which is what the state is really pushing for. So, we are all in agreement and they tell me to sit tight, they'll go back to him and say, "No deal."

At about 10:30, a bailiff arrives on the scene and asks if anyone had a subpeona to be a witness. Of the now 50 or so folks milling about, only 2 of us raised our hand. She told us she would let the prosecutors know we were there, but I informed her I already had that discussion with mine.

About 11:05, my legal team calls me again and the detective gives me the thumbs up. The guy will plead to the second-degree felony charge. I'm relieved that there would not be a trial, and we proceed into the court to hear the guy make his plea. He'll be sentenced near the end of the month. I have the opportunity to make a victim statement, which I think I'll pass on. No need to show my face at that proceeding.

Then I have the prosecutor sign my subpeona. After waiting 10 minutes for an elevator (the worst bank in the city), I ask county worker where I go for witness vouchers. He points up to an escalator, which I take to the second floor. Look, no line, I think, as I approach. After stamping my paper and tearing off a section, I think I'm paid. But no, I have to go the County Administration Building.

So, I leave the Justice Center and cross the street. I empty my pockets before security and ask where do I go? "Down the hall to the right." I enter this big room and walk to a line where there is a teller. It's my turn, I move in and ask if that's the line for vouchers. "No, that's over there." So, I walk down to the Witness Voucher area. More stamping and more tearing off. I think now I'll get paid. "Take this down to the teller over there.", the line I was in before. I turn in my sheet and get paid the princely sum of...six dollars. Yes, six dollars, not enough to cover parking. Thank you for your time, Good Citizen!

And that was my day in court.

Meal of Links

You, too, can paint like Jackson Pollock. Right-click for a new color.

Nothing says wine like the name Coach Ditka. What goes with a Johnsonville?

"Here come those Santa Ana winds again." It's hot in LA.

Exercise Yard

I can't say this enough. I once saw John "Cougar" Mellencamp in concert vow that he would never allow a song of his in a commercial. So, what gives with this Chevy ad? And they play it about 4,000 times during each game.

Visitor

No one today. I'm sad. (Actually I threw my paper out and the online version was Sunday's.)

The Browns lost 32-25 today. Good sign is that we didn't give up. Bad sign is we couldn't stop the run when San Diego actually decided it was a good strategy. Geez, they really kept us in this game via stupid play calling and duh-umb penalties. Glad to see Marty Schottenheimer keeps his Dad employed as "sideline-marker guy", you know, the one that was run over by Winslow. Next up: Michael Vick. Not in HD.

I saw the phenomenon that is "Borat" this morning. It was easily the funniest movie this year. Sacha Baron Cohen impresses me, McMahon, and I don't impress that easily. This guy gets it. He is a combination of Andy Kaufman, Bill Hicks and Peter Sellers. He drives his audience to the point where they hate him or at least feel extremely uncomfortable like Kaufman, has a social commentary side to his comedy like Hicks, while fitting comfortably into many guises like Sellers. He is that good. This is the type of comedy we need, to push that envelope. It happens rarely, but when it does, it must be encouraged. His weekend box office blew all of the predictions out of the water and, I would think, guarantee a sequel.

Yeah, there is a lot of crude humor in this one. But check your prudidity at the door. When he meets with Alan Keyes, the former Presidential candidate and says, "So, what you telling me is man who offered to put rubber arm up my ahnus last night was homosexual?", that's too funny for words. The closing credit "Mr. Cohen's feces provided by..." is a gem. The hotel wrestling match was, arguably, one of the funniest things I've ever seen in a movie. You must see it.

Meal of Links

After a day of losing money yesterday, why not do something appropriate like clean the bathroom? By staying in, it afforded me the opportunity to see some TV last night. I can't pimp Sufjan Stevens enough, as he and his orchestra were on "Austin City Limits". I will see this guy next time he comes to town. They crammed four songs in 25 minutes of airtime. This is rerun on Channel 49 on Thursday at 2:00 a.m. Nice use of Catholic bells on "Casimir Pulaski Day". And he dedicated "Oh Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head!" to Jack White and...himself. Which was funny.

I also got see to Bernie Kosar on "America's Most Wanted". I would say he comes from the Jack Webb School of Acting, as I'll charitably describe him as wooden. As an aside, you can really see Bernie's illness taking shape. It's very sad.

Lastly, I saw "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" on cable. You must watch this movie. It was really unique and I know what killed this at the box office. The trailer! The studio had no idea how to sell this one and it showed. I didn't see it in the theater because of that. It looked dumb. Conversely, it was one of the more inventive flicks out there, from the opening title sequence and the narration through the close. Check it out.

Chalabi says it's better to be America's enemy than its friend. Hey, I thought mission was accomplished.

The experts predict the 2006 election results. I think the R's will win the Senate, and the D's gain in the House, but not the overwhelming numbers some are predicting.

Exercise Yard

The crowd at Chase Field in Phoenix wasted no time booing the Briggs-Liakhovich fight last night on Showtime. They were hooting after Round 1. At one time I thought the ring girls were gonna be the only highlight. But it points out why people simultaneously love and hate the heavyweights. They love it when the heavyweights throw the big bombs, but a lot of fighters don't want to get hit with those big bombs. That's why we have a fight that suffered from Dancing Bear Syndrome.

Briggs finally followed up a big punch in the last minute of Round 12 to put Liakhovich down. Then Briggs put him down a second time, as Liakhovich fell out of the ring, to win the fight. Not sure if a punch put Liakhovich through the ropes or if he gave up Wallenda-like and fell through. Anyhow, we waited for 11.66 rounds to see some action. Briggs is now the only American currently holding a belt, his from the WBO.

Of course, the good fight last night was on PPV, with the rerun next week on HBO.

Visitor

None, it's Sunday.

I have finally crawled out of my spider hole, because today is Christmas for any horseplayer. Yes, it's Breeders Cup Day! For the first time, it's broadcast on the four-letter, ESPN, starting at High Noon. After a decent amount of preparation, I have come away with some thoughts on today's card. So, here are my picks:

Juvenile Fillies

My pick is 3 Cash Included.
Also use: 1 Dreaming of Anna, 6 Bel Air Beauty, 13 Quick Little Miss (Longshot)

Juvenile

My pick is 9 Circular Quay (pronounced "key").
Also use: 3 Scat Daddy, 6 Principle Secret, 10 Pegasus Wind (the Lukas Longshot, very much under the radar)

Filly & Mare Turf

2 Ouija Board
Also use: 7 Wait a While (clearly this is Ouija Board's to win)




















Frankie Dettori celebrates the only ticket I cashed.

Sprint

As usual, this is a crapshoot. Strap yourself in and hang on for about 67 seconds.
The three speedballs are: 4 Henny Hughes, 6 Bordonaro, 8 Pomeroy. The question is do these three burn themselves out or will one prevail. Knock on Henny Hughes is not enough races. Pomeroy is coming back from 7f to 6f.
I'll give you two at a price: 11 Siren Lure and 14 Kelly's Landing.

Mile

Let's beat the 7 Aragorn.
My pick is 12 Gorella.
Also use: 3 Araafa, 4 Sleeping Indian, 6 Echo of Light.
The one worry I have is 8 Badge of Silver alone on the lead. The 6 may not let that happen.

Distaff

I can't split hairs, so let's use 2 Pine Island and 6 Spun Sugar. Upon further review, I'm goin' with the 6.

Turf

My pick: 6 Cacique
Also use: 3 Icy Atlantic, 4 Scorpion, 7 Hurricane Run

Classic

THE pick: 3 Bernardini, 3 Bernardini, 3 Bernardini
If he wins this and comes back well as a 4yo, we probably have the best horse since Spectacular Bid.

Breeders Cup-Alysheba vs. Ferdinand

Trevor Denman will call today's Breeders Cup races, but Tom Durkin has had some great calls. Like this with Alysheba and Ferdinand from 1987:



Meal of Links

"George. The ocean called. They're running out of shrimp." Seriously, they're running out of shrimp.

Kanye West hates French people. Justice and Simian beat him for best video at MTV's European Video Awards.

Wal-Mart starts the Christmas discounts early. I still don't shop there, I'll wait for the others to fall in line.

Exercise Yard

Maybe the Cavs are for real, as they beat San Antonio, a rarity in Tejas.

BTW, my NBA Fantasy team, Adopt an NBA Orphan, is rather interesting:

G Raymond Felton
G Stephon Marbury
F Tim Duncan
F Ron Artest
C Etan Thomas
6 Ricky Davis

That would be a real life stroke-in-waiting for any General Manager, but they were good last night.

Visitor

44 Across: University founder Stanford (6 letters) Leland

I'm in a mood of anguish today, because I broke up with my Onion Dome. While attempting to wash it, it slipped out of my hand, breaking into several pieces. Then, while attempting to pick it up, it cut me. There it sat, mocking me, while I bled. Oh, it was a small cut, not a gusher, but enough that I had to take immediate clean up action. I forgive your mockery, because we had so many good times together. I'll miss you, Onion Dome.

BTW, I'm glad my Flip Jars aren't made of glass. I loves me my Flip Jars.

Here's what I've been listening to lately:

"On A Noose"/Towers of London
"Shitlist"/L7
"Welcome To The Black Parade"/My Chemical Romance
"Hungry For You"/The Police
"Smile"/Lily Allen
"Tell Me Baby"/Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Shadrach"/Beastie Boys
"Mr. Tough"/Yo La Tengo
"Cactus"/Pixies
"I Don't Know Anything"/Mad Season
"Is It Really So Strange?"(Live)/The Smiths
"Is It Any Wonder?"/Keane
"I Don't Remember"/Peter Gabriel
"Who Did You Think I Was"/John Mayer Trio
"Hard Knock Life(Ghetto Anthem)"/Jay-Z
"Beaten to the Punch"/Elvis Costello
"Think I'm In Love"/Beck
"The Magnificent Seven"/The Clash
"Get Myself Into It"/The Rapture

Meal of Links

"Kidnapped" died. One less thing for the DVR.

Aren't you glad I'm here? Yahoo! Food debuted today.

A postal worker is attacked by a squirrel. "Because the mail never stops. It just keeps coming and coming and coming. There's never a letup, It's relentless. Every day it piles up more and more, but the more you get out, the more it keeps coming. And then the bar code reader breaks. And then it's Publisher's Clearinghouse day."

Exercise Yard

Hey, we thought swearing at the enemy was common at football games. In Buffalo, they beat the crap out of you.

Speaking of football, my teams suck this year.

High School: 0 wins
College: 1 win
Pro: 2 wins

And, as if on cue, my CSU basketball tickets have arrived.

Visitor

9 Down: Indians, to fans (8 letters) Answer: The Tribe

Had a really long day yesterday. It started at the Justice Center, where my burglary case was finally adjudicated. After only 14 months! I'll give the details in a future post. Oh, there's stories.

In the evening, Best Friend (in her crocodile hat. I guess she does snap at people a lot) and I (in my Boy Scout shirt and I have no idea what the hell I was supposed to be) headed over to Quicken Loans Arena on Halloween to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. She thought the show was "awesome", I thought it was "really good".

Tickets: We had tickets in the second row in Section 109. These were pretty good and I had no one next to me, so I didn't have to worry about blocking anyone's view. Or spilling anything. We did not see the opening act, Mars Volta. I can only describe them as a "Hard Listen" so I'm not sure we missed anything.

The Band: Well, they kinda sorta dressed up for Halloween. Flea was Nosferatu. Chad Smith was Ricky Bobby. John Frusciante was an old-timey football player, I guess. He had eye black on and an old football shirt. Anthony Kiedis (Happy Birthday, BTW) was Anthony Kiedis. Virtually no stage banter at all. Flea started saying things about three-fourths of the way in, but it was straight kickass rock. Surprisingly good sound at the Q. I'm starting to wonder if old Dan Gilbert has somehow improved the sound in that place. I'm not an acoustic engineer, but perhaps the new seating and other improvements have made a difference as the sound bounces around. I dunno.

The Crowd: As soon as the guy in front of us said he was 50, chaperone hat remained out of view. Not many costumes. Fairly tame crowd, not many drunks, a little bit of the hippy lettuce was there and overall a very pleasant experience.

Backdrop: Not much to report. Nothing in the way of "lasers", but a fairly large tower of lights behind the band, Seemed to have 6 or 8 large panels. They had the ubiquitous four screen setup. with the kicker being they may all line up next to each other horizontally for one song, then may have two in one row and two in another for the next one.

The Music: I thought they played most everything that you would want them to play. They were on for about 120 minutes. I'm telling you, John Frusciante is one of the best guitarists out there and I'm not sure he gets enough credit. He can really make some sweet sounds. Really stellar versions of "Higher Ground", "Give It Away", "Dani California" and a song I really like, "Snow (Hey Oh)". Sometimes, I do my own version and sub "Lame-O" in there, sort of an autobiographical touch. Other standouts were "Blood Sugar Sex Magik", "Can't Stop", "Tell Me Baby" and "Californication".

A side note, RHCP were in Columbus on Monday and I thought this was neat. They played a little bit of "Hail to the Victors" at one point and when Chad Allen came back at the end for his jam, he had a block "M" shirt on. Hahahahahahaha. Of course, they were booed on both counts and some people are complaining about them being "disrespectful". It's rock and roll, baby, loosen up.

Meal of Links

What happens when you wear a Halloween costume that might offend people? Ask Cory Lidle.

Everything you want to know about this year's SNL. Now if they could just get people to watch.

The start of a list of the best cover tunes ever. Really, this has some very good selections. Be sure to watch The Dickies version of "The Banana Splits Theme". And "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)". "That's nobody's business but the Turks."

Exercise Yard

I love Robby Gordon. But he gets in trouble more than any other driver.

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57 Across: Hall of Fame '40s-'50s Browns quarterback (10 letters) Answer: Otto Graham