My brother and I attended the Cleveland State-Robert Morris game last night at the Bart. Kind of an odd weekday start at 6:00. Strange beforehand, but nice to get home early.

The Vikings may be on to something here. For they managed only two baskets in the final 14 minutes and were still able to win, Because they had a 22-point margin at one time. That got frittered away late down to 2, but they survived. Mainly it was the attempt to pound the ball inside, without any concerted effort to break down the Robert Morris zone.

So, the Vikings find themselves unbeaten at 8-0, the first Division I team to win 8. Defense is carrying the day, as the opponents have a FG percentage of .369. That's a Georgetown-in-their-heyday kind of stat. The RPI is at 20. The mid-major rank is 5.

League play starts this week in Wisconsin and it's traditionally the toughest road swing for Cleveland State. If they can somehow win 2 games, we can start to have a discussion of a league title. Especially since Butler has fallen out of the rankings for the first time in memory. But CSU has not won since 1999 in Milwaukee and 2006 in Green Bay.

Meal of Links

Home stretch for "Terriers" tomorrow. I actually wrote an e-mail to save the damn thing. It was a proud Tiger Beat moment for me. BTW, "Archer" returns on FX on January 27.

Michael Douglas talks about his health. Seems to be on an uptick presently.

The funeral aftermath of Pat Burns did not go so well. His widow was robbed. They even took his wallet.

How to sleep. Currently, I have been getting into some really deep REM action.

Nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards are out. Looks like "Winter's Bone" is one to watch for Oscar, already picking up some Gotham awards. It's on PPV, I'll get to it this week. BTW, Kenny Fuckin' Powers brother is up for Best Actor in it.

Anne Hathaway and James Franco to host the Oscars. Great idea! Not so fast, my friend.

Getting further along in Nashville. Today, it's Brad Paisley.

Barry Sanders Goodness



Even Pravda hates Palin.

Exercise Yard

Adrian Wojnarowski has written another anti-LeBron column. Always fun to catch up with these. (Hat tip to Paul)

So, LeBron scores what, 50 on Thursday?

Visitor

46 Down: White House family (6 letters) Answer: Obamas

The Browns escaped with one-point win over Carolina. Geez, this one was nerveracking.

What did we learn today?

I like Jake Delhomme. And it looked like he was going to have a fine day. His passes to the middle of the field were superb. But his first two passes in the second half brought Carolina right back into the game. In fairness, these were routes that were not run in the first half. But that second pass. Yikes! Rated with the worst we've seen since the Browns return.

Oh yeah, that was really funny. Rob Ryan almost intercepted a pass late. Big laughs. Watch the replay, this idiot had his foot in play right before he gets hit. Jackwagon.

The end of two Browns drives in the 4th quarter were really bad. The 4th-and-1 when Peyton Hillis was stuffed at the Carolina 25 was painful. Quit calling for Lawrence Vickers election to the Pro Bowl, if you don't use him in that situation. My God, they had no Vickers and Evan Moore, noted in the PD as a bad blocker, and Royal Roberts in. No wonder it didn't work.

And the quick snap and QB sneak by Delhomme on 3rd-and-1 for no gain was ludicrous. Thank God, Phil Dawson hit the go-ahead field goal. Just when you think Brian Daboll had turned the corner as a playcaller.

Evan Moore fumbling inside the 5 was a killer. You knew right after the Browns went up 21-7, it was gonna be a long day. They have no right to think they'll stomp anyone until they do it regularly. You could see it in the body language that they relaxed.

Josh Cribbs was nowhere near being ready today.

Hillis should have run the ball 30 times today. Carolina could not stop him early.

Conversely, the Browns could not stop the fuckin' run either. 151 yards and a 5.5 average for Carolina.

The Browns had a trick play, the halfback option with Hillis, that should have worked. I'm not sure I'd have called it inside the 10, but Hillis had a terrible throw.

Overall, it's hard to squawk, because the Browns did win one at home. After so many close ones early that went for losses, hey, I'll take any win. But let's face it, at 21-7, plus Moore's fumble, the Browns should have put this one away early. As it turned out, they let a 1-9 team hang around and sometimes you don't escape those types of games.

Lucky to win? Maybe. I prefer to say they missed an opportunity for a big win and barely hung on for the victory. Browns win, 24-23.

Meal of Links

The Plain Dealer decided to run a travel piece from the Orange County Register on Kauai today. It's 2 months old, but still fits. Here is a view from Brennecke's, which the guy called his quintessential Kauai:

















Here is an interesting photo collection. Where gun crimes have occurred in London.

David Lynch. Pop Singer!

Speaking of Lynch...

Nicolas Cage Losing His Shit



Where we spend our money. Food. Damn food.

Enrico Pallazzo did not die today. But Leslie Nielsen did.

"It's Enrico Pallazzo!"



Goal celebrations! First, it's the Western Conference. And the Eastern Conference. Ric Flair, hah!

Exercise Yard

Cleveland State is really on a roll right now, upping their record to 7-0. Was at last night's game after my heat came on. The opponent was St. Bonaventure from the A-10 Conference.

Cleveland State shot a dismal 22% in the first half, but somehow were still ahead by 1. Then, over the next 10 minutes, the Vikings played their best stretch of ball since the 2008-09 season. They completely demoralized the Bonnies by cranking up the tenacious D (yes, like the band) and attacking the rim on offense. It was something to see. Then they cruised to the finish.

CSU wins, 69-51. And the Bart debuted three new concession stands, which I will test soon.

Next up: Bob Morris comes to town, tomorrow at 6.

Visitor

None, on a sunny Browns Sunday.

Hey, I have no heat today. WTF? And it's cold, too. Geez, this has happened at least twice before where it suddenly gets cold and blammo...no heat!

We'll see what this is gonna cost me.

Meal of Links

I saw "Faster" with The Rock back in an action movie and I absolutely loved it. Loved it from the moment when Tom Berenger gives him advice on leaving prison and what happens if he runs into any trouble on the outside. Berenger asks him if he has any questions and The Rock asks him, "Where's the exit?". Great stuff. Billy Bob Thornton is in this, as well, and is good. He explains his absence. And what have we learned from the movies.

Willie Nelson is arrested on a dope charge. That is not really a surprise.

The sexiest bartender in America lives in Cleveland. Never heard of her.

Best movie spaceships. Lots of cool ones.

Exercise Yard

Well, I suspected it very early this season. Michigan kinda sucks.

They waited until the OSU game to play badly on offense, defense and special teams in the same game. Season-low 7 points. My sense is Rich Rodriguez is gone.

Even if Jim Harbaugh, in fact, comes in, I can't believe he could coach 'em up that quickly. Because the recruiting of Rodriguez means the cupboard is bare, especially on defense.

Visitor

37 Across: Ludlum's amnesiac Jason (6 letters) Answer: Bourne

Happy Thanksgiving to all!
























And God Bless Costco for having the balls to open up at 9:00 a.m. (at least this year) on Black Friday!

After bolting from work early today, a huge crowd of 8 saw Russell Crowe in "The Next Three Days". It was worth it to hear my Dad bitch about the Senior price at the Regal.

Anyhow, Crowe is a teacher at a community college in Pittsburgh. Yes he is, and they actually filmed it in Pittsburgh. He's married to Elizabeth Banks who conveniently gets arrested, charged and convicted of the murder of her boss rather quickly. This allows the appeals process to peter out, as Banks is housed at county during that timeframe. Without makeup.

After that, Russell has to decide how he's gonna get Banks out of jail and he sets up a meeting with Liam Neeson, a prison breaker turned author. Liam has broken out of seven jails. That sounds good on paper until you realize he keeps getting sent back to to the hooskau.

So, Crowe goes about plotting how he can spring Banks. He needs cash, passports, IDs, weapons, and most importantly, a plan on how to get her out. Neeson sets expectations at 15, then 35 minutes. You see, roadblocks, train stations, airports will all be set up to stop you, by those times. Now Neeson is onscreen for maybe 5 minutes but he outlines what Crowe needs to do, even telling him to pick a destination where Americans don't normally travel. "Think Yemen." Then we see Crowe for about the next hour or so do just that. Plot.

In the meantime, I get to stare at Olivia Wilde who shows up in a rather thankless role. Brian Dennehy is also here as Russell's father, but I don't stare at him. Then we get onto the prison break and the start of the lam.

Not bad, by any means, but not much potential to do much else with it. No one is great in it and no one is terrible.

Meal of Links

A slideshow of 40 people from "Twin Peaks". Of course, I read every word. Even David Lynch is sorta still acting.

Thanksgiving facts. I hate Green Bean Casserole.

Go ElfYourself! This time with a float.

21 ads from the '80s. Did Taco Bell really serve tacos that large?

It depends on what your definition of an earmark is.

Motor Trend named the Volt its Car of the Year. Rush Limbaugh didn't like that and attacked Motor Trend. Motor Trend fought back. It really is a brilliant rebuttal.

Salon just finished its list of the hackiest pundits. Definitely worth reading.

Don't Stop Believin' in Robocop



Remember when you could shop for records? Check out the Black Friday vinyl. Lots of Christmas-y stuff, including Sinatra. Local participants here.

Exercise Yard

Hustler loses the case of publishing photos of Nancy Benoit. No damages yet.

Visitor

39 Down: Aniston's ex (4 letters) Answer: Pitt

This made me laugh a lot.



As usual, the collection of star commenters has me asking...how much do they pay to be on the show?

Meal of Links

Odd Macy's balloons. Eddie Cantor? Plus some news on Crispy Critters.

When Jay Mohr subs for Jim Rome, it typically is a riot. Well, he's back in the sitcom game.

All about 3-D TV. Uh, not yet. I don't see a crying need for it.

Obviously, China has high-speed rail. Here's why the USA will never get it.

Noomi Rapace looks beyond her role as Lisbeth Salander. No question, she'll be very popular in the US market soon. She's got the look.

Exercise Yard

NBA Lockout coming? Looks like it.

Visitor

49 Across: Cle. hoopsters (4 letters) Answer: Cavs

The Browns lost a tough one today to the, and I can't believe I'm saying this, the first place Jacksonville Jaguars. The last time the Browns were in Jacksonville, they won a game no one thought they could win. Today, was a winnable game and I'm kinda miffed they lost.

What did we learn today?

Defense gave up 367 yards today. Could have been worse, because they got 6 turnovers. 24 first downs against them, which means Jacksonville was moving the ball fairly easily.

And yet, they still gave up a bad play, the MJD screen pass for 75 yards late. That had some pretty bad tackling when Sheldon Brown opted to tackle the ball, instead of Jones-Drew.

Colt McCoy got lucky at times, but still avoided the really bad turnover. Got sacked six times today, too. And the final two-minute drill was fairly inept. Always spike it on first down, dude.

Contrast in rush defenses today. The Jaguars kept Peyton Hillis in check, as he only had 48 yards, most of that in the first half.

The Browns couldn't stop the run today. 145 yards for Jacksonville.

The sub returner for Josh Cribbs was horrible.

Good game from Abe Elam today, probably his best as a Brown. Recovered a fumble for a TD.

Brian Daboll, the Browns O.C., probably gets the heat this week. Twice in the third quarter, the Browns got two turnovers in excellent field position. Once on the Jaguars 48, the other on the Jaguars 19. Both times, runs were called on first AND second down. The first time, the combined runs gained 4 yards. The second, they lost a yard. The results were a punt and a field goal. For the quarter, the Browns ran 9 plays and gained ZERO yards.

This happened once more in the 4th quarter, after another Jacksonville turnover at the Jaguars 35. Two Hillis runs gained 2 yards. Hence, Phil Dawson missed a 51-yard FG which is not a gimme. Getting turnovers is one thing, doing something with them is a completely different exercise in which the Browns failed today. And getting those turnovers in great field position has to result in more than 3 points.

In a headscratcher, the Jags win, 24-20.

Meal of Links

Look who voted to censor the Internet. There are some name here that I thought would know better.

Facebook wants to become your home page. And eventually take over the world. BTW, Path allows you to only have a much more manageable 50 friends.

The TSA is a mess, isn't it? We'll have to see what happens during these big travel days soon.

Can Arab-Americans save Detroit? Looks like they might.

Sarah Palin on bears and wolves. This isn't new news, by any means. Let Audubon explain.

Six cars that will save General Motors. I still think the Volt will fail. Too costly.

Exercise Yard

No question that boxing can spit you out when you are no longer needed. Look at Kelly Pavlik since he started getting hurt. Here is a look at another former champ, Iran Barkley.

Visitor

None, on a nice Browns Sunday.

I still have lingering pain with my foot today, but it's better than yesterday. If I move around, it seems OK. But, I didn't do too much of anything.

After spending much of the morning watching soccer, I found myself watching OSU and Iowa. As a matter of fact, I thought the best thing about the Ohio State game today was Saint Tressel's jacket. that looked sharp.




















Meal of Links

Aw, jeez. Ten reasons parents should love cougar women.

I will have issues with President Obama if he caves on the Bush tax cuts. My patience is wearing thin.

The pain of poker. A really cool read.

LeBron James is one of NBC's People of the Year. No reason to get upset when you realize Kim Kardashian is on the list. I guess Matt Lauer needs ratings.

Fox moves "Idol" to Wednesdays and Thursdays. I thought it was already on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Sometimes you just can't understand verdicts. Jim Leyritz walks.

Exercise Yard

One of hockey's best coaches, Pat Burns, died yesterday. Burns coached 4 teams, and was in charge of the Bruins for a time, but had better success elsewhere with Montreal, Toronto and New Jersey.

Best quote: "You don’t cry because it’s over, you’re happy because it happened."

It's too bad they could not get him in the Hall of Fame. It is strange he got passed over this year.

Canadiens Tribute to Pat Burns



Visitor

33 Down: Quantum theory pioneer (9 letters) Answer: Max Planck

I took today off, because I still had over a week of vacation that was untouched. Wouldn't you know it, I wake up and I'm having trouble walking. This is very reminiscent of the time I had plantar fascitis.

That sounds like the dumbest thing you can get. But as someone who has flat feet, it can be a royal pain. So, I'm tryin' to stretch that puppy out and keep moving. And I got my repaired shoe back today, so maybe that will help.

Or alcohol.

Meal of Links

Every now and then, I check the Programming Notices on Time Warner Cable. Mainly so I can complain about what I don't have. But, lookee here, Fox Soccer and Fox Soccer Plus seem to be arriving in HD before the holidays.

Boxing and movies do go together. that's why I'm also anxious about the FX show, "Lights Out" in January.

Home stretch for "Terriers". Here's why it should not get cancelled. It's gonna be a fight to the finish, ratings-wise. For the first time ever, I am joining the crusade and writing FX.

(NSFW) Here is how your Playboy centerfold pics are done. It's a thing called Photoshop. As if you did not know.

Your guide to NFL Concession Stands.

All of Pee-Wee's Secret Words are here. Around, whoo-o-o-o-ooo!

Time for Turkey Day TV Marathons. Highlights: "Phineas and Ferb" on Wednesday. "Man vs. Food" on Thursday seems apt. TBS has "Seinfeld" on Friday, same day as "Hitler's Bodyguard".

Black Friday shopping? How about a free Slurpee? 7-11 is calling it "Purple Friday".

Bizarre entries from the ""2011 Guinness Book". Longest handshake was over 12 hours.

The Mayor of London suggests W. avoid a European book tour. Something about that pesky thing called torture.

Alec Baldwin is doing commercials for Wegmans! Fairly straightforward, too.

The payroll tax holiday sounds like a good idea. But what if it didn't expire after one year. Uh-oh.

It's the latest Pew Research News IQ Quiz. Come on, it's not that tough.

Exercise Yard

Yesterday was a great day for statheads. For King Felix won the AL Cy Young Award.

Visitor

19 Across: Cash in Nashville (6 letters) Answer: Johnny

I feel like the drunk yelling at the corner to no one in particular. Because I have seen the movie "Unstoppable" and it should have been named "Unbelievable". But somehow, the critics have been overly kind to this crappy movie. And I'm really at a loss as to why.

Once again, this movie pairs up director Tony Scott with actor Denzel Washington. For the fifth time. These two were responsible for the extremely underrated "Man on Fire". But they were also responsible for last year's dreck that involved a train, the remake of "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3". After viewing "Unstoppable", they need to get off the train at the next station.

Look, I'm willing to suspend belief for most movies, but this one was tough to take. I'm not even sure Denzel had the most lines, as that honor went to Rosario Dawson. Let's face it, Hollywood still hasn't figured out what to do with her yet. Anyhow, she is the operations chief at one of the railyards. You know, where Jason Lee's brother from "Earl" carelessly hopped off an engine to pull a switch on a track, but then realized he was too out of shape to run down the train, as it moves out of the yard. Thought to be a "coaster", Earl's brother also allowed the throttle to fall to full, so the train is now cruising at 70 mph.

Of course, this is also a day some local kids are getting a train ride back to this station. Rosario is doing her best to inform her dispatcher and her boss as to what is going on. And is pretty much the focal point from this point forward.

Rosario: "Where are you, Frank?"
Denzel: "We just passed milepost number 57."
Rosario "7-7-7 is about three miles away."
Denzel: "Roger that."

Riveting, eh?

I'll take a timeout here to say the movie also tried to make some statements. Silly, as they were. Chris Pine from "Star Trek" comes on as a young buck who gets to work with the old train vet, Denzel, for the day. This causes resentment among the older members, because the kids "are takin' our jobs." As the train is barreling down the countryside, the Chairman of the train company is obviously on the golf course, because no executive actually works, right? And while figuring out what to do, the company's operations chief is more concerned with the bottom line, while a finance guy is only concerned with what an accident will do to the stock. Then they form their rescue plan, which doesn't work. Only about three times.

Meanwhile, Pine and Denzel are taking a train, which Pine conveniently added five cars as a mistake, on the same track toward the runaway. First up is the kiddie train. Of course, they move onto a parallel track in the nick of time. Denzel has to pass up a really easy exit out of harm's way because Pine's mistake won't allow the train to move completely off the track. Of course, they do finally exit in a close call as the runaway clips off one of the last cars on their train.

Then to set up the preposterous last third of the movie, Denzel and Pine decide they are going to chase that runaway, hook their engine up to it, and slowly work their braking magic and save the day. Did I mention they had to go in reverse?

Clearly, this had to be a comedy, as I laughed all the way through it. And I like action movies. I saw "Transporter 3", OK. But this was so inane, I couldn't take it.

By all means, spare the 90 minutes for cable and turn up the surround sound. But don't spend a cent on this garbage and encourage Hollywood to do more of the same.

This is the only spot-on review I could find.

Meal of Links

The Gus Johnson Top 10. "ha-HA."

TSA body scanners are getting the heat. I wonder if "Don't touch my junk" Guy is related to "Don't tase me, bro" Guy. Shocker that Michael Chertoff is involved with the scanner company.

Eva Longoria. Tony Parker. Very confusing.

This could be good. Joel McHale gets to host this year's Independent Spirit Awards.

This week, it's Buck Owens and the Bakersfield sound. "My Heart Skips A Beat" is my favorite record of his.

This guy really hates the dancing of Bristol Palin.

Gotta give it up for Hitch. Still doing the interviews.

Exercise Yard

This story absolutely kills me. You know, the one where the drunk Browns fan tackles the kid wearing the Jets jersey. if true, I'm sure the guy muttered something like, "I'm gonna sack Sanchez."

Wisely, the Dad is staying away from this story.

Visitor

42 Across: Vibraphone virtuoso Lionel (7 letters) Answer: Hampton

"Flying Home"/Lionel Hampton

It's been a long-standing history of misleading previews on "Dexter", but I thought this past week was really absurd. In it, we have Lumen in Dexter's old house and someone is trying to come in through the kitchen door. Methinks it's going to be Dexter's sister, Deb.

And another piece indicates that Robocop may have the goods on Dexter and Lumen. Clearly, he has pics of Dexter and Lumen leaving on the boat, but I don't think his long lens took anything else but that. Plus, he is still going on the theory that Lumen and Dexter were an item before Rita was killed. And we know that's wrong.

At least, that's what I gathered this past week.

Meal of Links

One of the guys from "Restrepo", Sal Giunta, will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow. Very much worth viewing the ceremony, because they are not handing out these medals with great frequency. Book it now. "Restrepo" will debut on the National Geographic Channel on November 29.

NBC shakes it up. Thursday gives you three hours of comedy. "Community" stays at 8, "30 Rock" moves to 10.

"The Night of the Hunter" gets the Criterion treatment. Oh, it's creepy.

All about the Keith Olbermann suspension. Pretty sure Comcast will not tolerate him when it takes over.

PC Magazine picks its top blogs for 2010. Lots of stuff in here.

Exercise Yard

Wrigley hosts football this weekend. It's Northwestern vs. Illinois and not much room beyond the endzone at the outfield wall.

Something like six inches at times.

Visitor

62 Across: Poet ____ St. Vincent Millay (4 letters) Answer: Edna

Trying to cram in a lot this weekend. Yesterday, I found myself at two places I had not been to in a really long time. First, I had to go to a shoe repair place, as I had a blowout on one of my shoes. Obviously, kicking a lot of ass around here. Yes, these places still exist. Look, I'm not gonna pay triple digits for a replacement pair, if this one can be fixed.

The other place was Borders. Hadn't been there in so long, I did not realize they now open at 10:00 a.m. Of course, they drove me out of there because my entry and exit were bracketed by these jewels from Neil Diamond, "Yesterday" and "Alone Again Naturally". Bah!

I spent the early afternoon on Saturday taking care of my lawn for the last time this year. Trimmed and mowed. I cannot remember the last time I had to do this in mid-November, but we really didn't have any Indian Summer until this past week, so I had to deal with it. I think I gave Mother Nature the go-ahead to release the hounds!

Also, this weekend, Cleveland State started their schedule by hosting a tournament for 4 days. I attended Friday with my Dad to see Bryant and Local Chuck went with me yesterday to see Iona. Already exchanged tickets out of Monday's game, but opted out of tonight's Kent game, after the Browns OT game.

By having a 6:00 start last night, I was afforded the opportunity to visit a couple of my favorite places. Who can resist the Becky Burger at Becky's? Seriously, try to. Postgame found it kinda warm, so I went over to the local gem of an ice cream shoppe and that is the Honey Hut. The peanut butter sundae was beckoning me for my last visit of the year.

As for the games, CSU is still shaking off the rust. They struggled both nights, although the transition defense was much better against Iona. Norris Cole is now a senior and clearly he is the rock of the team. Looked very good, so far. The Vikings have been picked to finish third in the Horizon League and I think that's a proper prognostication. Crowds still suck though. For CSU-Iona which was Game 2 of the doubleheader, I think there was 600 people in attendance. Kent should change that today.

The good news is CSU starts with 2 wins.

Meal of Links

Who did not see this coming? "Rubicon" got cancelled. Clearly, the agonizingly slow first 4 episodes killed it. By the time it found its feet, the audience had moved on. Let's face it though, zombies are in. One of the few who liked it. I will say, it probably is worth viewing in an on-demand setting or a summer rerun, as I doubt there will be a DVD release.

The phone call is dead. Seriously, texting is much easier.

I am not sure who constructed this list of 55 Hollywood Babes. Maybe, a 13-year old. Jolie is listed at 29. Now here's a woman.

A David Bowie Primer. Feel free to crank "Sound and Vision".

For all the women who want to stand to pee.

Does your TV viewing lean left or right? I'm definitely right.

You think you're smart? You fix the budget.

James Blunt, of all people, stopped World War III.

Who makes the best sour cream and onion chips? Looks like Ruffles takes the plain category.

Mystery surrounds Terrence Malick. That's not new news.

WTF? I was witness to this midday stunner. Sunderland beat Chelsea, 3-0. At Chelsea.

BTW, I'm always awed at how quiet the EPL crowds are during a minute's silence for Remembrance Day. It's almost creepy, then you get this massive applause. It's something to witness.

Remembrance Day at Villa Park



Exercise Yard

It has been a long time since I've been fired up for a Browns regular season game, as I was this past week. I think we have to go to the last century. But after today's game, we've been down this path with the Browns before, haven't we?

We are going to have to see how the team responds after today's OT loss against the Jets. For all the horrible seasons the Browns have had upon their return, there are parallels with what happened today. Most people can't remember Jeff Garcia actually winning games as the Browns QB. But in 2004, the Browns had a 3-3 record, and things were looking rather decent. Then the Eagles came to town and beat the Browns in an overtime game, 34-31. The Browns had a bye the next week and then they waved bye to the whole season and won only one more game, finishing 4-12.

In 2008, the Browns were 3-4, coming off a surprise win at Jacksonville, and had home games against Baltimore on a Sunday and Denver on a Thursday. The Ravens beat the Browns late, 37-27, with a Derek Anderson interception adding to the defeat. He got benched for Brady Quinn for the Denver game and the Browns got torched by Jay Cutler, 34-30. Accusations of players quitting were launched, every QB got hurt from that game forward and the Browns ended up 4-12.

Based on what I saw today, I don't think the Browns are headed to 4-12. But as Bill Parcells once said, "You are what you are." and right now, the Browns are 3-6. And to hammer this point home once again, the defense NEVER comes through for the Browns. NEVER.

So, what did we learn today?

Colt McCoy's a keeper. The game-tying drive late looked awfully good.

The Browns depth on defense is sold as a strong point. But they seemed to miss something with Scott Fujita and Sheldon Brown out with injuries. Let alone, the offense seemingly dormant for a time without Josh Cribbs available. The defense didn't get the turnovers they had been blessed with the last two weeks, so that made a tough job even tougher today.

Looks like the Eric Wright Hate Factor goes way up after his, I don't know, nonchalance in going after Santonio Holmes on the game-winning TD. He needs to be more chalant next time.

I thought the Browns were on their way to a win, but then Chansi Stuckey fumbled. Great that Nick Folk took him off the hook with a missed field goal, but my goodness, they looked like money before that play.

The Browns gave up 456 yards today, with 172 of them on the ground. Just sayin'.

For all of the talk about the Browns wide receivers, isn't it obvious from today's game, they still need a serious upgrade at that position. Granted, they almost won a game while completely ignoring their own wideouts, but with a serious threat at that position, things will get easier offensively.

Browns last drive of the game in OT can be debated. I like the fact they went for it with a throw on first down. And I understand the Jets timeout situation factored in to running on second down. My thought was, let's throw it on second down, as well. My thinking was one first down probably eliminates the Jets from winning, but allows the Browns a chance at a win. After the second down run, I thought it was only a tie for the Browns.

And certainly after the punt, a good one by Hodges, I didn't think a TD would beat them and was setting myself up for a field goal loss. So that made the Holmes catch even more tough to take.

Browns lose in OT to the Jets, 26-20.

Visitor

None, on what appeared to be the first sunny Sunday of winter.

Thanks to all the Veterans for their service. Nice to see Veterans Day getting a much larger profile in recent years.

I started the day by listening on XM to a terrific program by Bob Edwards, "Surviving the Fallen". This was all about remembrances and descriptions of what happens to the surviving family members, when a soldier dies in combat. How they are notified, what preparations they make before they go to combat (wills, insurance forms) where to bury them (near home or Arlington), etc. Extremely poignant.

As always, there are many organizations that could use your help. Three of them that I follow are the IAVA, the USO, and The Pat Tillman Foundation.

I got an e-mail from the Tillman Foundation promoting their good work, especially the Tillman Military Scholars. Cleveland State is one of 31 participating universities, BTW, that allow Veterans to further their education. And CSU is one of only 8 university partners with the Foundation. This year, 60 Veterans were chosen nationally, and 2 of them are CSU students.

Anyhow, this prompted me to check (for the millionth time, I think), when and if "The Tillman Story" was going to make it into town. I have been waiting for months to see it. Lo and behold, it finally snuck into town today of all days, albeit to the Atlas Theatres in Mentor. So, I went after work and grabbed an early show. Actually, it turned out to be a private showing.

It was as good as I heard it would be. You get background on Pat and his family. And you get details on how he was killed and how his family just wanted a simple explanation on how it happened. The government originally said he had been killed in a heroic firefight and then had to backpedal when family pressure determined that was not what occurred. Congressional testimony was also included.

Can't recommend it enough. Probably in town for a week.

Meal of Links

What's happening in Pittsburgh? One thing that becomes an issue as you get older is weather. Combined with all of Pittsburgh's charms, they average about 40 inches of snow. It's not a bad place to live.

What's up with Bowie? Iman has the scoop.

25 Classic TV Title Sequences. Nice list to look at.

Jack White hints at a White Stripes reunion. He's also producing a Wanda Jackson record. Now that should be great.

Exercise Yard

Last night, Nomar Stalker and I went to the Cavs-Nets game at the Q. The Cavs did a nice job by saluting veterans throughout the evening, but when it comes to this, they still can't beat the Browns. For they have flyovers. But the Cavs still have fire coming out from the scoreboard and it's still hot.

The atmosphere has really changed down there, obviously, as we experience Life Without LeBron. Oh, Q Tube is still in effect with Oblivious Cam and the Joe Tait Sweater Cam, and Moondog is still dunking and taking off multiple shirts to get alternating cheers and boos.

Over the last several years if you attended a Cavs game, odds are they were gonna win. Now, however, when a team like New Jersey comes to town, you have your doubts. So, last night, it was the back end of an NHL-style home-and-home with the Nets here in town. The crowd really wasn't into it, because, well, it was the Nets. But they better get used to it and not take anything for granted this year.

We had club seats. Center court stuff. A really nice find I got about a month ago. Thanks, StubHub! Pretzel and a pop cost me $7.50.

The Cavs ended up losing this one. They had a double-digit lead early and were up comfortably at the half. Then the third quarter woes reared their ugly head once again and the Nets kept chipping away, eventually getting the lead late in the third quarter.

However, Mo Williams went down with an injury and even with his on-and-off shooting, they could have used him down the stretch. While the Cavs had a fairly active lineup including Varejao, Gibson, Sessions and Parker, they could not make a shot. And it irritated me that the Nets outrebounded the Cavs for the game. The Cavs had no answer fo Devin Harris and let people like Kris Humphries and Anthony Morrow provide big contributions.

Then there was the mysterious absence of J.J. Hickson in crunch time as well, as the Nets held on for the win. Curious. If Hickson is one of your best players and Williams is out, Hickson probably needs to be in there. At the very least, an inside presence is available with him in the lineup.

My take is the Cavs have a lot of work to do. They can't let up on an opponent like the Nets, who had lost 5 straight coming in and were winless on the road. Not a stunning loss, by any means, but a bit of a puzzling one, I'd say.

Cavs lose, 95-87.

Visitor

53 Across: ______ Tunes (6 letters) Answer: Looney

It's that time of the year.

It's Mixmas.

Ugh!

Meal of Links

W. has been making the rounds this week. Revisionist history taking place on the question of how bad was he? Uh, really bad.

Palin still lies. Plus, the producer of "Dancing With The Stars" says this gem, "I don't really see any particular gain for them in skewing a ballroom dance competition." From everything I've heard, Bristol Palin is terrible.

Alcohol. And what it does to your body.

"Wheel of Fortune" had a puzzle solved the other day. Not really news, until you realize it was a seven-word answer with only one letter revealed. Contestant next to her cannot believe it.

Robert Downey, Jr. as Mr. Peanut



Combined with Nissan ads and "Due Date", his voice is all over the place.

Danny Pudi talks about "Community". He had a line two weeks ago in the Halloween episode, when Troy was fighting the zombies, that was choice: "Troy, make me proud. Be the first black man to get to the end."

Diabetes myths debunked. Some think it's contagious?

Exercise Yard

Look at the Browns this week. they are all growed up. Nantz and Simms with the call. "Let him have a life."

Visitor

17 Across: High jump technique created by 1968 Olympic gold meadlist Dick (11 letters) Answer: Fosbury FlopTEXT

What if the Browns had two weeks to prepare for every opponent? Today's game was another impressive effort, this time for the home fans. My God, we beat the Hoodie and Tom Brady's Hair and won two straight for the first time this season.

What did we learn today?

What a difference a week makes. I'm now on board with the Colt McCoy crowd. We gotta see what he can do the rest of this season. That means Jake Delhomme is definitely not here in 2011, and we'll have to see if Seneca Wallace wants to still be in the mix.

Can we put the Mike Holmgren wants to coach the Browns talk away, at least for this week? It was obvious the players knew how much this game meant to the coaching staff and they played their hearts out.

OK, I admit it. I was wrong on Peyton Hillis, who only had 184 yards rushing. The commitment to the run keeps the pressure off of McCoy. And Hillis can also catch the ball, keeping him on the field for more downs. BTW, Brady Who?

And don't forget the offensive line today. They played their best game of the year today. No sacks and 404 total yards.

Best Browns Giddiness Since The Winslow Cartwheel



Hey, we stopped the fuckin' run for once. The Patriots only getting 68 on the ground.

Boy, Tom Brady did not get a lot of help in this one from his teammates. Maybe we should play them between the Vikings and Steelers all the time. I'm sensing a different New England team shows up for that one.

Give it up for the defense, holding Wes Welker to 4 catches. Their lack of a stud deep threat even made Eric Wright look good today.

Another trick play worked today. The "Stuckeyrooski"! And it went for a TD! Keep them coming.

The cool thing about today was that everyone contributed. Brian Robiskie had a big catch off a McCoy scramble. Ray Ventrone and Abe Elam had fumble recoveries. Phil Dawson nailed two field goals. I had to remind myself who I was watching.

The Browns get the Jets, who pulled one out of their ass today, next. Still waiting for the inevitable shitty game from the Browns and haven't seen it yet this season. Hopefully, it won't come for a while.

So, just when you think the Browns may get back to reality, they go out and create some sort of alternative reality where they dominate the best team in the AFC. Who thought that going in?

Browns win, 34-14.

BTW, Cavs are in first place. Good times, my friends, good times.

Meal of Links

How to clean that bathroom. Vinegar.

This is an interesting case. In the UK, if you knowingly lie against your political opponent and win, the results are voided.

The new "Hawaii Five-O". It has all the elements of a hit TV show.

Damn, I messed up this weekend not getting the $50 iTunes deal at WalMart for $35. However, here is the another deal. $30 iTunes gift cards this week at your favorite grocer, including Giant Eagle, for $25. Makes a great stocking stuffer.

Don't forget the free stuff this week:

Outback (Free Bloomin' Onion and Beverage for Vets on 11/11)
Chili's (Free Meal for Vets on 11/11)
Applebee's (Free Meal for Vets on 11/11)
Subway (Free 6-inch Sub for Vets on 11/11)
Krispy Kreme (Free Doughnut for Vets on 11/11)
Golden Corral (Free Meal for Vets on 11/15)

BK (Every Friday in November gets everyone a free 12-oz. coffee)

Exercise Yard

Liverpool beat Chelsea. Not sure I saw that coming, but the crowd at Anfield was into it today. Liverpool now heating up.

Fernando Torres Wakes Up



Saw some good soccer this weekend. Bolton beating Tottenham, 4-2, yesterday and with everyone else getting their extra hour earlier today, I saw Newcastle beat Arsenal, 1-0.

BTW, midweek games this week in the EPL, including Man U and Man City on ESPN2 this Wednesday.

Visitor

None, on a sunny football Sunday.

Although, I didn't place any bets this this year, my Dad and I had our annual ritual of watching the Breeders Cup today. All the focus was on the quest of Zenyatta to finish her career at an unbelievable 20-0. That race was the Classic and it actually lived up to the hype.

In typical fashion, ABC took the first two hours of coverage until 3:30, when ESPN would take over. Except for one thing. Michigan couldn't stop Illinois and vice versa, so we had to watch 3 overtimes to determine that Big Ten football winner. Then 22 minutes later, it was the Juvies almost finishing their post parade before they switched. Geez, horse racing always gets the shaft. I remember once the Travers, the Summer Derby, getting shuffled around because a Little League World Series game was rain-delayed. WTF? Maybe it's the dearth of non-US companies paying the freight of advertising of this event. Except for Sentient Jet, it was Fly Emirates and Grey Goose all day. Where is Budweiser?

Anyhow, there was some excitement before the big race, but not a whole lot. No jockey fights today! And, really, how hard is it to break up a jockey fight?

The Juvie Turf was won by Pluck. That was good, because I got to say, "Oh, Pluck!" after the win. They had to euthanize Rough Sailing after she slid into the first turn.

In the Sprint, it was one of those rare ones, when it was over early. Big Drama rolled wire-to-wire in that one. Give it up for the old master, D. Wayne Lukas. He got a winner of a claiming race last out into a second-place finish.

The BC Turf Sprint



I liked Bridgetown in the Turf Sprint and thought he had it in the bag. Central City on the hedge to his inside moved toward him a bit, and he got all discombobulated. Chamberlain Bridge picked up the pieces.

The BC Juvenile



My Dad picked Uncle Mo in the Juvenile. Look out. This is your early Derby favorite. Just an awesome move to win it. Notice how far the top 2 finishers are from the rest of the field. Stay Thirsty was also in this one.

Next up was the Mile. Goldikova won that race for the third time in a row. That's never been done before.

The Turf Mile had the longest shot of the day, Dakota Phone, hitting the board.

The BC Turf



The Turf was kind of a weird race. Not many greats here and no one wanted the lead. So, it was basically Champ Pegasus and Dangerous Midge going out for a ride. They were 1-2 the whole way, with Dangerous Midge and Frankie Dettori moving up to get the win late for a nice $172 exacta. This race was won at the 1:15 mark. Watch Rosario on Champ Pegasus give a peek behind him. That signalled to me that he realized he was sitting on a pokey pace and that he had a lot of horse and might win on the lead. Note how Dettori pushes the pace down the backstretch and both Champ Pegasus and Dangerous Midge start to separate from the field. Just a terrific tactical race from two of the longer shots in the field. That's why they call it gambling.

The BC Classic



Watching the coverage, it was definitely The Zenyatta Hour of Power. My God, Steve Cyphers was assigned Barry Bonds duty and had to watch her all day. Where she stood around and ate grass for the most part. My Dad wondering if we would get updates if she took a shit. So, it's very easy to get cynical about her.

As for the race, we were both all over Blame. Zenyatta had so many strikes against her. A better field than last year's Classic. She hadn't raced east hardly at all. She ran mostly on synthetic surfaces. And her running style of laying back and just getting to the wire at the end is tough to do, but she does it all the time. You have to figure some time, somewhere, some horse will beat her. Today, we thought it was Blame's turn.

And, as it turned out, we were right. But the charge of Zenyatta coming like a train at the wire and not getting the win this time just sucked the air, not just out of the room or Churchill Downs, but the whole world of racing. I can't tell you how many times in horse racing over the past several years (or couple of decades), when the Triple Crown is on the line or horses with huge winning streaks like Cigar are reaching for history, they all seem to fail.

Even a cynic like me, after that ending in the Classic, decided it would have been not only a good thing, but a great thing, if she had won. And it sure would have made a helluva movie.

Now she'll have to perhaps settle for just being the best filly ever. And, in today's world, probably disappear faster then you can say her name.

Recaps are here.

Meal of Links

Hitch firmly believes there needs to be cancer etiquette. "So I get straight to the point and say what the odds are. The swiftest way of doing this is to note that the thing about Stage Four is that there is no such thing as Stage Five."

Growth and trends of online spending. It's the way to go.

Response to LeBron James Ad



I'm sure we all did this today. Turn back your clocks and change smoke alarm batteries. Actually, I did my battery thing last week. And, obviously have synchronized my time devices already.

Berkeley Breathed talks about everything. Hard to believe it's been 21 years since "Bloom County" ended.

Studying Mexican Coke. This is now starting to show up at Giant Eagle for one dolla. Love that bottle.

I know I shouldn't have, but when David Cross stumbled upon the deaf tour of the House of Parliament in the season finale of "Todd Margaret", I loved it. One guy actually threw a shoe at him. I believe the line was, "Sir, these people are deaf, not retarded."

Exercise Yard

Windy says the Hornets showed the NBA the blueprint for beating the Heat. I'll be at the Cavs-Nets game on Wednesday. (Hat tip to Paul)

Visitor

33 Across: 16-time Gold Glove winning pitcher Jim (4 letters) Answer: Kaat

The wingnuts have gone over the edge. I was listening to the Magic Radio at Noon yesterday and they interviewed a lady who was in charge of some Eastern Pennsylvania Tea Party. Now there were two parts, actually three, that would have driven me to the bottle, if I had one handy.

First of all, they don't "endorse" candidates, they just "back" them. Someone needs to explain that difference to me. She claimed her Tea Party wasn't the cause of the R's losing the Senate. Basically, don't blame me, we don't endorse anyone.

Second, her thoughts on Social Security were misguided. She acted as if she is getting back what she and her husband paid into it, completely ignoring the fact she is reaping the benefits of those who have paid into the program before her. It's nuts. She also acted as if the government would cut her SS benefits, she and her husband would get by, as they always do.

Third, the CBO report on healthcare is, in her words, "baloney". You know, the fact that it will actually cut into the deficit. "I don't believe one word of that." Of course, she couldn't name anything to cut to make up for the deficit, just that "they need to get on a budget" citing welfare, Medicaid, and any other entitlement buzzword. Then she brought up, as a place to start, this insane rumor that President Obama's trip to India would cost $200 million a day.

This was the first I had heard about it. Believe me, I looked. I could not find one credible news source yesterday afternoon that reported it. It came from a quote from some Indian website and it was pure speculation. Completely overlooking the US operation in Afghanistan runs at about $190 million per day.

Absolutely confounding.

Meal of Links

I used to watch MTV. Whatever happened to Gideon Yago? Do you care whatever happened to Gideon Yago?

Are we talking Olympics already? Danny Boyle says the Opening Ceremonies in London will have some rock and roll.

Danny McBride talks about his faves in pop culture. "Locked Up Abroad" looks scary.

Toronto cops get disciplined for actions during the G20 summit. That was a bad scene.

FT has a long piece on why there isn't much of a market for Annie Liebovitz photos. Seems the art galleries aren't exactly enamored with here, and I guess you have to play that game.

Exercise Yard

One of the all-timers died today, Sparky Anderson. Obviously known more for managing the Reds, but we got to see him a lot as manager of the Tigers. Regarded as one of the nicest people in baseball. And that 1984 Tigers team was quite a ride. First place the entire season.

Two Sparky lines have always stuck with me. "You can have the guy who loses the 3-2 games, I want the guy who wins the 5-4 games." And when he gave a pitcher the hook, you were to hand him the ball "like it was an egg."

Kirk Gibson, my all-time favorite non-Indian, with some words.

Visitor

6 Across: ___ Mahal (3 letters) Answer: Taj

It's the most wonderful time of the mid-years, so get the pretzel rods and pizza ready...

"Electioneering"/Radiohead



I voted after work, so my precinct was up to Ballot 273 when I left at 6:00. Every parking space in the lot was taken. Some controversy, as some recently moved people to the area were told to go to this precinct. Chaos ensued.

This is my ballot.

Federal:

Fisher for Senate (Democrat)
Kucinich for Congress (Democrat)

State:

Strickland for Governor (Democrat)
Cordray for Attorney General (Democrat)
Pepper for Auditor (Democrat)
Cantrell for Treasurer (Libertarian)

Smith for State Senator (Democrat)
Williams for State Rep (Democrat)

O'Connor for State Supreme Court Chief Justice (Republican)
Lanzinger for State Supreme Court Justice (Republican)
Pfeifer for State Supreme Court Justice (Republican)

County:

McCormack for County Executive (Independent)
Crossman for County Council (Green)

Court of Common Pleas:

Astrab (not McCafferty)(Republican)

With that, it finally comes to a head tonight.

Finally, no more Jimmy Dimora sneaking around in cuffs in unrelated political ads.

No more John Boccieri-Jim Renacci ads. How much did they and their minions spend?

OK, Ted, I get it. Kasich worked for Lehman Brothers.

Sorry, "Orange Boy", you didn't get my vote.

The "Yawn and Yawner" battle between Portman and Fisher finally hits full snooze mode.

I think Dennis has this in the bag, doesn't he? I saw my first Peter Corrigan ad last night. Nate Silver had this at 57-40, Kucinich.

This is probably going to be a big night for the Republicans. Let's see what type of gains they will get. Figuring about 20 seats are traditionally Republican and those will flip back, how about 24 more in the House for a total of 44. I'm looking at 53 for the D's in the Senate.

Here is a guide on what to look for as you are watching the returns. Good stuff, keys in on crucial House races. Keep it handy by your TV.

Meal of Links

I failed to mention the IAVA came out with their Congressional Report Card last month. If you recall, each congressman is graded on what they do for veterans.

In the House, Steve LaTourette and Dennis Kucinich both get a C, down from a B and an A in 2008. Tim Ryan, Marcy Kaptur and Betty Sutton all dropped from an A+ to a C, a C and a B. John Boccieri gets an A+ his first time around and Zach Space maintains his A from 2008. Marcia Fudge's first grade was a C. John Boehner gets a D, down from a B.

In the Senate, Sherrod Brown gets a B, the departing George Voinovich gets a D.

The only Senator with an A+ is Blanche Lincoln, who will be trounced in Arkansas tonight.

Notable Senate F's: DeMint and Coburn (McCain maintains his "D" and lets end this fallacy, once and for all, that he is a friend of the military. He is not.)

Nude scenes! With no nudity!

You are what you watch. I like "Family Guy", so I'm a rule breaker.

Game show hosts.Right-wingers.

Such a nice story. If that's O.J. walking by, the girl gets spiked.

"Hot in Cleveland" is on the fast track. new episodes already in January.

Roseanne Cash tells John Boehner (Asshat) to cease and desist. He's been using The Man in Black as a punchline, and we don't take too kindly to that stuff.

Man U gets on the Chicharito bandwagon. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...

Exercise Yard

The Giants won the World Series last night and I'm not sure anyone cares.

They had unbelievable pitching from September 1 on til the end of the regular season:

19-10 record.

Six shutouts.

Only 5 games with 4 or more runs allowed.

And that pitching never left them in the postseason, as they had four shutouts in 14 games.

Tim Lincecum, the pot-smoking Freak, with the win. Lincecum probably represents the biggest "What If?" in the last decade of Indians baseball. We'll never know what may have been, after he was drafted by the Indians in 2005 in the 42nd round and deferred signing. The following year the Giants picked him first, with the 10th pick of the 2006 draft.

Visitor

2 Down: Goldie of "The Banger Sisters" (4 letters) Answer: Hawn