There are pluses and minuses to being an a pool that picks the winners of bowl games. You find yourself watching games you wouldn't ordinarily care about. But that allowed me to to see this sign: "UCF: The Harvard of the South" during Central Florida's win over Georgia. It may have been the same game (they all run together), but I also saw a QB spike the ball on the 7-yard line, after gaining a first down with 48 seconds in the first half. While he had TWO timeouts left! Ugh!

Since, we are getting close to the New Year, I had to settle on my Dead Pool picks for 201l. Lots of replacements. Because unless there is a strange happening where several diverse well-known people, not only get together, but die in the same place, it looks like I've won the 2010 edition.

So, while staving off some sort of weird cold I have, I decided to knock down some Jameson highballs to start the evening. Some steak and shrimp at hand, as well.

Meal of Links

Lifehacker has its Best of 2010 List. I find myself going to this site more often.

Wow, this guy looks like he'll win his case. Jeezy creezy, the cops kinda overstepped their authority there.

Hey, that's Hitch!

The 40 Drunkest Cities. 15. Toledo, 22. Cleveland, 35. Cincinnati.

Auld Lang Syne.

Kodachrome has left the building. The end of an era.

You Will Be Legal Soon, You 1990ers



Exercise Yard

Cleveland State keeps winning. Last night, they pummeled Loyola.

Another crowd over 4,000. Plus, my coat chair gone for a second game in a row. WTF?

Visitor

41 Across: Lofgren of the E-Street Band (4 letters) Answer: Nils

I'm still around!

Out of a potential 8 soccer matches I could see this week, I've seen 6 of them, with one more to choose this afternoon. Probably gonna lean toward Chelsea vs. Bolton. The best of the bunch was the Arsenal/Chelsea match on Monday. The Gunners may have tossed off some demons with a 3-1 win. It's a good time of the year with many matches, including a full slate on New Year's Day and more on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

I've seen two movies this week and it took me a long time to recognize actors in two key parts. In "True Grit", Barry Pepper plays Ned Pepper. I didn't get him until the credits.

In "The King's Speech", I didn't get it until his abdication speech, that Guy Pearce was playing Edward VIII.

As for the movies, "True Grit" is faithful to the book. This is the Coens at their best. Delicious language out of the characters mouths, Roger Deakins filming it quite beautifully, superior acting all around. This is a far cry from the John Wayne/Glen Campbell flick. A lot darker. Not sure it's going to have enough oomph for the Oscars, but it would be a shame to be overlooked.

"The King's Speech", however, is what the Oscars lap up. A personal journey of an historical figure overcoming an affliction to achieve greatness. This is the story of Queen Elizabeth's dad, King George VI, who overcame his stuttering to lead England after his brother's abdication, into the Big One, WW II. It's the story of Lionel Logue (played by "Shine Guy"), the speech therapist who helped him with his stammering. This movie is good, really good. My God, people applauded at the end. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are shoo-ins for nominations. Helena Bonham Carter is the Queen Mother.

I think it's gonna be a generational showdown at the Oscars. "The King's Speech" is clearly your frontrunner and it will butt heads with "The Social Network" come award time.

Both of these are excellent, but make sure you see "The King's Speech".

Meal of Links

Geckos as pets. My question would be "Why?".

Paris may ban SUVs within its city limits. Let's see if that works.

Best of TV 2010. With a "Terriers" mention for Best Theme Song. And "Rubicon" is here. And Mayhem.

Porter Wagoner. I actually do an imitation of Porter, "You can only find them in boxes of Breeze." Listen to the classic, "The First Mrs. Jones". Now, THAT'S a song.

I received a few gift cards for Christmas. How not to waste them.

Nate Silver shows us how snow and air travel do not mix. It's all about airline capacity.

Exercise Yard

Tucker Carlson subbed for Hannity last night. Fairly routine until he said Michael Vick should have been executed for killing dogs.

Visitor

16 Across: Stubbs of The Four Tops (4 letters) Answer: Levi

Merry Christmas to all!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

The Classic.

"The Christmas Song"/Nat King Cole



Meal of Links

Fun facts to know and tell. About Christmas.

Preserving the theatrical window. Movie chains do not want the home market opened earlier.

Le Monde picks Julian Assange as "Man of the Year". I don't know French, but I figured it out.

Can you believe the "Festivus" episode of "Seinfeld" was not going to air in December. Until one man aired a grievance. It was on last night.

All about "Point Break". Now that was an Ohio State quarterback, one Johnny Utah.

Exercise Yard

"The Fighter". And the future of the sports movie.

Visitor

58 Down: "The X-Files" gp. (4 letters) Answer: SETI

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

I love Dean Martin around the holidays. I don't know if he is best accompanied by a martini or a hot toddy. Regardless, he sounds like he might enjoy a drink or two any time of the day. Especially when he's singing, "It's A Marshmallow World". I love the word "Pumpkinhead".

"It's A Marshmallow World"/Dean Martin and Beverly Sills



I am done with work now until 2010. Posting may be sporadic over the next week or so.

Meal of Links

TV through the holiday weekend? Why, here's your last-minute Christmas specials and marathons.

This is a dick move. LA restaurant removes LA Times food critic and publishes her picture.

New restaurant reality show prize will be your own chain. Chocolate Egg Nog parlors!

The Comcast-MBCU merger. I now have a headache.

The Big House is quite a unique treasure. Let's rent it out for a party.

No one is buying 3D TVs. Now get ready for the format wars to further confuse everyone.

Put away all that late activity by Senate. We're still fucked.

Catching up with Will Shortz. The most powerful man in puzzles.

The 10 Best Serious Eats recipes of the year. The chicken wings are definitely in my rotation. Did not try the burger recipe, because this Whitey's recipe is the one.

Exercise Yard

Was Myles Brand unbelievably the sane one at the NCAA? The Terrelle Pryor incident delivers another goofy ruling by the infractions committee. Suspensions, major ones at that, but not yet?

Visitor

37 Down: Pianist Laredo (4 letters) Answer: Ruth

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

I keep resisting to put this song up, simply because there is no attached video. I've looked for years and haven't found any. But order be damned, I'm placing it in the rotation this year, because it's one of my faves. I believe Lou Rawls is the only male singer who could sing any song and make it sound terrific. Seriously, that guy had the pipes. I dig those "Police Squad"-style horns.

"Christmas is children who just can't go to sleep
Christmas is memories, the kind you always keep
Deck the halls and give a cheer
For all the things that Christmas is each year"

"Christmas Is"/Lou Rawls

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

Ah, time is running out. So, of course, I had to get Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's version of "Mr. Heat Miser" up and running. I think this matches the band's style perfectly. I think it's a great Christmas record. Should be played more often.

"I'm Mister Green Christmas,
I'm Mister Sun.
I'm Mister Heat Blister,
I'm Mister 101."

"Mr. Heat Miser"/Big Bad Voodoo Daddy



I got late notice yesterday that my windows were ready to be installed today. Trust me, any window would have been better than what I had in there previously. I had to replace 6 of them. Can't wait to see how they function when the weather gets a bit warmer than what it is now.

Meal of Links

Trader Joe's came out with their list of their most popular products of the year. I have had that Mandarin Orange Chicken and it is good. I just bought some Hummus with horseradish the other day...very good. I can attest that any of their pumpkin flavored foods are worth it. Here is one item I had from them this year that was awful. I mean that was throw away bad.

8 celebrities who rock green cars. I guess Ed Begley is not A-list enough.

Dream jobs. So, you wanted to be a computer programmer.

Jon Stewart and the first responders bill. Is he now in the game?

Roger Ebert reveals his Top 10 Movies of 2010. Two surprises: "The American", which was actually very European. And "The Ghost Writer", which I saw as a private showing at the Capitol, and was quite good.

The 25 Best TV Series of 2010. These were my regulars:

23. "Eastbound & Down"
22. "Archer"
16. "Boardwalk Empire"
7. "Terriers"
4. "Louie"
2. "Community"

Exercise Yard

Tim Howard and Everton had a good day yesterday. They beat Man City, 2-1, with 10 men.

Visitor

44 Across: Eve's partner (4 letters) Answer: Adam

On the Eighth Day of Christmas

Here's a rocker who never had a Christmas album. But there's 2 songs out there that get real popular around this time of year. Personally, I think this beats the pants off of his version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town", but I realize I'm probably in the minority on that one.

"Well done, Santa."

"Merry Christmas Baby"/Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band (from "Conan")

On the Seventh Day of Christmas

Really, is there any better modern Christmas song? Actually, I'm surprised at how well it holds up year after year.

"It's Christmas time in Hollis Queens
Mom's cooking chicken and collard greens
Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese
And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees."

"Christmas in Hollis"/Run D.M.C.



OK, all the Christmas cards have been written. All of the presents have been wrapped. Sorry to those who have stuff on backorder. I'm frustrated as I ordered early. The Christmas tunes are currently blasting. With this one on right now! I love the Vandals.

"How come, he always calls me "Kate"
and forgets his dentures on his dinner plate?"

Be nice to Grandpa, folks.

"Grandpa's Last Xmas"/The Vandals



Meal of Links

It's cold everywhere. Europe is distressed. And they cancelled all but two of the English soccer matches this weekend.

Ricky gets serious...just for a moment. Why he's an atheist.

It's science. Einstein was right.

The Senate is actually continuing to work. Due to some pretty pointed news coverage last week (Jon Stewart and Shepard Smith), the 9/11 First Responders Bill may get through. Voted down last time, changes made late. Let's hope.

Minimalism heroes. I like it.

How about renting a Christmas tree. it can be done.

Exercise Yard

It's taken me a few hours to digest today's Browns game. Losing to a team that had not won since September. Then lost its two primary receivers. Add it to the ever-increasing long list of disappointments from this team upon their return.

What did we learn today?

I think we may have seen the end of the Eric Mangini Era. I've concluded he gives way too much power to his coordinators. Today, the Browns could not stop the fuckin' run to a team that ranked 30th rushing the football. At what point do you take the headphones off and demand Rob Ryan fix that problem? I think Ryan's been overrated since he got here. Fans like his long hair and his boiler and the fact that his brother dressed like him. But the last two weeks have been awful defensively. Can Scott Fujita have meant that much to this defense?

End of the first half was a nightmare in clock management. Still can't figure out why, with 16 seconds left, the Browns were going to go for it on 4th-and-7. Then, after a five-yard penalty, decided afterward not to go for it. Complete the 12-yarder, if you can, and kick a FG. You had the timeout available. Inexcusable.

Colt McCoy was probably better-than-average today. Best on the first and last drives of the day. But they didn't exactly have the ball for a lot of time today, as the Bengals dominated possession after the first quarter. The Browns only had 43 plays.

Today's game makes you wonder what horrors lie ahead when the NFL moves to an 18-game schedule. We had a season that only 5 weeks looked promising. Since that point, it's been a slow crawl to the inevitable disappointment of every Browns season.

Wins in the next 2 games means a 7-9 season. Unfortunately, it looks the Ravens and Steelers need these games to position themselves for a playoff run.

I thought Mangini was a cinch to return next year. But his coordinators have failed him the last two weeks and we may be in for another overhaul. Let's hope not.

The Browns fail miserably, 19-17.

Visitor

None, on a cold Browns Sunday.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas

It shocked me a few weeks ago when I heard a Pogues song used on a commercial. The times they are a changin'. But "Fairytale of New York" is the most unconventional one that gets some play around the holidays. I really enjoy this one as Shane and Kirsty do a bangup job on it. Plus you get Matt Dillon as a cop.

"Fairytale of New York"/The Pogues with Kirsty McColl



My brother and I went to the Cavs game tonight. We are streak breakers. The Cavs definitely took advantage of the Knicks having two tough games with the Celtics and the Heat and won in overtime, 109-102. Anderson Varejao proving to be the star of the game with 14 points and 17rebounds.

The Knicks could not shoot straight in the second half and the Cavs somehow scraped enough points to get this one. It appeared to be Tsingtao Beer Night, as the Tsingtao Girls danced at halftime. Yes, they were showing their Tsingtaos. I assume they sell that beer there, but I got a Bud Light from the Beer Guy.

Meal of Links

How to find better answers online. Google alternatives, that is.

Here is the easiest path to an Oscar for a woman. It's scientifically-approved.

Pitchfork has the top tracks of 2010. Well, you can't go anywhere without hearing "POWER" by Kanye West.

Best new beers. The Goose Island one with the 13% ABV looks outstanding.

DADT was repealed. Joe Lieberman deserves credit and how about President Obama who could have kicked him to the curb 2 years ago. And Voinovich was a yes. Maybe they should name a bridge after him. But this is the Senate and they are actually doing things this week? Too bad the DREAM Act went down. Next, it's the START treaty.

Turner gets it right with their Blake Edwards tribute. These are the essentials.

Remember when they turned off Niagara Falls? We have proof.

Exercise Yard

In the first of two big Cleveland basketball games today, Cleveland State visited West Virginia. They lost, 74-63. If they had won, they would have been ranked, as they would have remained unbeaten.

So, in typical fashion, the fans who may have whispered about them, perhaps be intrigued by them, maybe see them in person, will now be distracted by other things. And the crowds will remain small and then everyone will wake up when they have a shot at March Madness.

Visitor

9 Down: Plastic ___ Band (3 letters) Answer: Ono

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

We all know the one where David Bowie visits Der Bingle on Crosby's Christmas special many years ago. This parody is very funny. Ferrell absolutely kills me on this one and Reilly keeps pace.

Ferrell (as Bowie): "I'm David Fuckin' Bowie!"
Reilly (as Crosby): "And it's Bing Fuckin' Crosby, pal!"

"Little Drummer Boy"/"Peace On Earth"/Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly

On the Fourth Day of Christmas

It's hard to find this song. No, not his version of "Sleigh Ride", that is just a bonus. And who is Andy driving in that sleigh, the New Christy Minstrels? Check out those high-tech special effects, too. The guy in the front looks like some sort of hipster doofus.

But since Capital One Bowl Week starts tomorrow, it's time to dust off an Andy Williams classic, "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". Not Christmas until you hear this one. The production itself kinda blows, but everyone eventually moves after Andy throws Angel Dust on everyone. 1965 was a much simpler time, eh?

"Sleigh Ride"/"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" Medley/Andy Williams



Bob Feller died at age 92 last night. Strangely, he was such a redass, I thought he'd never die. If you get chance, take a look at the front page of the PD today. They have the most beautiful photo of a young Feller with the high leg kick at an empty Cleveland Stadium. They could not have picked a better one. For some reason, they do not include that in this online collection, although some of those are pretty cool. Joe Pos has the perfect tribute. Certainly, he was the greatest Indian of them all.

1936 Bob Feller (Oscars All Around!)



Meal of Links

Pick-up lines. Some as bad as you might think.

Probably too much time on their hands. Someone built the Swamp from M*A*S*H in their backyard.

AV Club has the Worst Movies of 2010. But wait, there's more. They also have the Best Movies of 2010. The bad on the list I've seen: "Marmaduke". The best on the list I've seen: "Shutter Island", "Inception", "The Social Network" and "Winter's Bone" (Their Number 1). Next 2 weeks is catchup time.

Alert the seniors. Sweet Moses, an old-timey soda fountain, opens up soon. Mr. Negative's response: "Get ready for five dollar milk shakes."

"Pulp Fiction"-$5 Milk Shake



Biden says, "Bah, humbug!" Especially those R's who are crying about working til Christmas.

It was a pretty hot year in 2010. 129 degrees in Pakistan? That's a bit steamy. BTW, I didn't have much snow here earlier in the week. Worked from home on Monday because it was blowing all over the place. But when all was said and done and done. Maybe about 4 inches. Working in Hudson though, wow. They and Twinsburg were in that 18-24 inch area. they didn't have the roads back to normal until yesterday and it was still flurrying there yesterday afternoon.

Why Jews eat Chinese food on Christmas. Looks good.

Another death today. This one, Blake Edwards. He leaves a litany of well-known films, with some of them rated as great.

Exercise Yard

What if you could redo the NFL Draft? Why, it's a Christmas Miracle!

Visitor

33 Across: Ding Dong relatives (5 letters) Answer: Ho Hos

On the Third Day of Christmas

As you know, I have the largest selection of Christmas songs in the Tri-State Area. This year's crop was really average. It seems Coldplay and The Killers are going to continue to each make a Christmas record every year. This year it's "Christmas Lights" for Coldplay and "Boots" for The Killers. We may or may not get to those later. Annie Lennox, Katherine McPhee, and even Shelby Lynne all have Christmas albums.

For me, Little Jackie's "Mrs. Claus Ain't Got Nothin' On Me" is this year's best. But this was done for a Target CD and there is not a good video for it. It does appear on one of their TV ads though.

A strong Number Two is from, of all people, Paul Simon. The single "Getting Ready For Christmas Day" has a really good beat. This is sort of Paul goin' down to Graceland. Except he is going to Timber Country and a little church by the side of the road. A decidedly workin' man's view of Christmas.

"I got a nephew in Iraq
It's his third time back
But it's endin' up the way it began.
With the luck of a beginner
He'll be eating turkey dinner
On some mountain top in Pakistan..."

"Getting Ready For Christmas Day"/Paul Simon

On the Second Day of Christmas

Asleep At the Wheel can really grow on you. Keeping that Texas Swing alive. This song is kinda funny, the video kinda lame. But the story is Ray Benson has too much to drink and ends up in jail for Christmas. I'd say that's a modern seasonal original. "Everybody's havin' Christmas turkey. Bring me bread and water to eat."

"Xmas in Jail"/Asleep At The Wheel



Right on cue. Time Warner Cable comes through with a Christmas present for me. Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Soccer Plus in glorious HD.

Meal of Links

This is pretty cool. Especially if you saw "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford". A Yogi Bear parody! Keep the kiddies away.



Mr. Skin has a decent job. Therefore, he has his list of the Top Ten Nude Scenes of 2010.

Top Tweets of 2010. BTW, I am a huge fan of Miss Catherine Middleton.

"Jeopardy" tries to outdo Adam Richman. They'll have their own version of "Man vs. Beast".

No words for this. Except, "Americans is stupid".

Alan Sepinwall takes a look at the TV portion of the Golden Globe nominations. Mostly run-of-the-mill.

I think Joey Pants is interviewed. Barely any questions, but he talks for a while.

Exercise Yard

Barry Cofield's sack dance is killing me.



Visitor

18 Across: Actress in a classic shower scene (10 letters) Answer: Janet Leigh

On the First Day of Christmas

I am typically not a fan of these videos. I think the most famous one was a Mannheim Steamroller or Trans-Siberian Orchestra song that got posted, went viral, and got co-opted by a beer company. So, it was nice to see something different. Might be an old video, but the song is worth it just for the line, "world's smallest turkey...".

Sign o' the times. This year, only two displays on my block.

"Christmas Wrapping" (Lighting Display)/The Waitresses



Meal of Links

Dissecting "The Larry Sanders Show". It's on DVD again. This time in its entirety, and the reaction is very positive.

Inside Anonymous. A glimpse into the world of hacking.

"Zoolander 2". It's getting closer.

The 20 Best Live Acts of 2010. Missed 'em all this time around.

Racist cupcakes? I dunno, certainly goofy-looking, but Duncan Hines pulls the ad.

Another icon destroyed. "Cash Cab" is fake.

Exercise Yard

Akron beat Louisville, 1-0, for its first NCAA soccer title. Their only loss? Why, it was Cleveland State.

Visitor

15 Across: Ruthless J.R on "Dallas" (5 letters) Answer: Ewing

Lots of ugly performances in the NFL today. The Browns obliged by participating and losing in a yawnfest to the Buffalo Bills.

What did we learn today?

Probably the end of the Jake Delhomme Era. Two throws especially hinted at it. The underthrown long ball to Mohammed Massaquoi and the terrible Hail Mary at the end of the first half. Both traveled barely 40 yards. 2 of 10 on third downs won't help and certainly 3.9 yards per attempt is awful.

The Browns still can't stop the fuckin' run. The Bills had 192 yards on the ground. Have you noticed how Rob Ryan's defense has now slid to Number 22 before this game?

Peyton Hillis. Terrible fumble on a play he did not need to jump over a defender. Cost the Browns major momentum and field position.

Other than that, what a boring game.

Browns lose, 13-6.

Meal of Links

The 5 most dangerous foods to eat while driving. I think it was done for the pictures.

Elected Tea Party candidate sees it's not easy. Continues to fuck up one of the nation's wealthiest counties.

Holiday cookies. Yum.

AFI rounds up the usual suspects. It names its Top 10 films.

Exercise Yard

The Metrodome is falling. Game moved to Detroit, making Brett Favre happy he has another day of rest. Let's go.

Visitor

None, because Armageddon is starting.

From the land of the extended storm watch...

At least we are not on that Avalanche Watch list.

I heard yet another talk show on the Magic Radio yesterday debating whether Bob Dylan should retire. I've seen the latter-day Dylan a few times and I have to say, half the crowd always leaves disappointed, because they think they are going to be treated to the "Bob Dylan Songbook".

Dylan is pretty clear that his earlier recordings should be considered versions of his songs. Which allows him to tinker with, update or emasculate music you might be familiar with. Is that risky? Sure it is, but that's Dylan. Hey, I've been there. I recall one time, seeing the setlist the day after, and asking, "He sang that song? I couldn't understand it."

It's a dance that not many get to partake.

Meal of Links

God bless old Bernie Sanders. He did the filibuster, old-school style for most of Friday.

"Dexter" wraps up Season 5 tomorrow. Many questions remain.

It's hard to believe the EPL went into December without any coaching changes. Chris Hughton was sacked earlier in the week by Newcastle and no one can quite figure out why. But that's how it is over there.

Five NFL teams that need to be blown up. The Browns would have made this list, what, 7 of the last 11 years.

Exercise Yard

Peyton Hillis is on the verge of becoming the first white running back to rush for 1,000 yards since Craig James in 1985. Good for him. Browns fans haven't been in love with a running back like this since Leroy Hoard.

Speaking of Craig James, the final "30 for 30" for a while, airs tonight. It captures the demise and eventual death penalty for SMU.

Visitor

36 Across: Munsee-speaking people (15 letters) Answer: Delaware Indians

I took a day off to get a lot of errand running done. One of the things was to get an eye exam at EyeMasters. They had a coupon a while back and it expired tomorrow, so to save $15, I went.

But this necessitated a trip to Parmatown Mall. I hate malls, but I swear the ad read that EyeMasters opens at 9. Uh, no they don't. It's actually 10. So, I had to kill 45 minutes. I grabbed a bench and looked around. Mall walkers! Yes, people still do this! Macy's and JCPenney are open early, but most of the people there are mall walking.

So, I proceed with the exam by getting in there right at 10. Do all the tests, get the eyedrops, etc. Everything checks out well. No glaucoma, no retina detachment, I just can't see and need a bit of a stronger prescription.

As I leave the mall, I notice there still aren't that many people and it's about 11:00. I know Strongsville had taken away a lot of business, hence, the WalMart at Parmatown. And Kohl's and Target are to the immediate South. But, man, it's dyin' over there. Parma has their recreation office there and even Dennis! has an office. And, if you drive by the strip portion, there are a lot of empty storefronts.

Honestly, I shouldn't have been surprised, but it threw me for a bit of a loop. It used to be insane getting around there during the holidays.

Meal of Links

Miley Cyrus hits the bong. It had salvia in it.

2010's Most Contagious. Indian Fever not mentioned.

Slate names its Best Books of 2010. I read "The Big Short", so I am 1 for 15.

Many Introductions (including "I'm your huckleberry!")



Catching up with Bin Laden. He is not moving rock to rock, cave to cave.

Do you have $418? You can travel the world.

Bruno Ganz talks about playing Hitler. And he's not really mad at anyone, like those YouTube videos.

The Best Fictional Parties. Damn right, you'd love to be invited to the wedding in "The Godfather". Plus the rehearsal dinner from "Rachel Getting Married" always looks pretty cool.

Proverbial Wallets. Awesome idea.

Exercise Yard

This guy. Again. I am really ambivalent towards this story. I like the fact our community is helping out a guy. Helps that he's white and a Browns fan. But how about helping our own? It's just nutty.

Visitor

43 Across: "This American Life" radio host Glass (3 letters) Answer: Ira

Hey, it's still snowing. Today was, by far, the worst snow of this event that started on Sunday. I hardly got any before this. But this a.m., I-77 wasn't even touched as the white-outs started. Got better further to the South, but that corridor from Pleasant Valley up to 82 was pretty bad.

On the drive home, I actually saw the sun for some fleeting moments. But no snow until what appeared to be the boundary, which was 480. And that wasn't that bad until you passed the Jennings. But I was right on the edge, a mile to my South seemed fine, but the further North you went, it was more snow.

Meal of Links

Connie Schultz "is on assignment". But she writes about the death of Elizabeth Edwards.

Wouldn't you like to watch first-run movies the day they are released, on a super-cool system? You got it. It's pricey.

Bananas. Good for the colon. Geez, Ugandans eat a lot of bananas.

It's Christmas. How 'bout a cookbook?

Top 10 Female Detectives. Lisbeth Salander makes the list.

John Lennon died 30 years ago today. And Howard Cosell broke the news to America.

Sex toy ads on TV. Haven't seen one yet.

Exercise Yard

Why does modern sports announcing suck? God, does it.

Locally, we have a sports talk station whose flagship show doesn't talk sports. Or fails miserably at it when they do. I never listen to the Browns radio team. The names "Homer Tom" and "Homer Mike" give you all the info you need on the Tribe. Joe Tait has lost a bit on the fastball, but is still an all-timer, when healthy. STO baseball may be the worst. I think Al Pawlowski is inserted in these broadcasts to prevent Rick Manning from tossing Matt Underwood out of the booth.

There is a commenter here though who nails it.

He brings up some of the underrated football broadcast teams of the past:

Dick Enberg-Merlin Olsen. From the era when they would play Haircut 100 leading into a commercial.

Pat Summerall-Tom Brookshier. Just to hear Brookshier say the name, "Diron Talbert" one more time. Redskins-Cowboys 4:00 Sunday game. Appointment TV.

Charlie Jones-Len Dawson. Before modern technology came on-screen, Jones was the best clock and down-and-distance guy in the booth.

Don Criqui-John Brodie/Bob Trumpy. Criqui is still at it, but the '80s were big for him, as NBC's number 2 guy. Classic Browns games in that era with Trumpy, including the Jet playoff game.

Today's guys:

I like Kevin Harlan on just about anything. Did the Final Four on radio last year and was terrific.

Much like Harlan, Gus Johnson is the man. Should work every night of the year and even do bowling.

MLB Network has long surpassed ESPN's "Baseball Tonight". Roger Goodell wishes NFL Network was this good. And NBA TV is getting better.

There are some others and when I have more time, I'll get to them.

Visitor

59 Across: Former CNN anchor Dobbs (3 letters) Answer: Lou

I was at the Cleveland State game tonight and what can you say. You schedule an NAIA opponent like West Virginia Tech because you know they run up and down the court and sorta try for rebounds. You get yourself an easy win, the team gets a good workout and you get to rest the starters and see your bench for a bit. That's it!

So, CSU remains unbeaten at 11-0. But it now gets tougher. Roadies at Sam Houston State (NCAA qualifier last year) and West Virginia from the Big East (Final Four member last year). In two weeks, it's another Big East team, South Florida, visiting. If they get two wins out of this stretch, I think the buzz will get louder.

I gotta say, right now, they are playing better than the 2008-09 NCAA team. Plus, they are still missing a starter and their best defender, D'Aundray Brown. I think the Horizon League is theirs for the taking.

Meal of Links

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. The Park Service dedicated a new visitor center today. Around 90 Pearl Harbor veterans were expected at the ceremony.

The first season DVD of "Treme" drops in March. David Simon talks about it and the "Treme" soundtrack that he's not so happy with. The marketing of, that is.

Lifehacker posts its most popular 2010 How-To Guides. I check here every so often and amazed at what you can find.

Afghans really don't like having bombs dropped on them. I wonder about the 23% who apparently don't mind getting bombed.

Danny Boyle says he may be getting closer to a "Trainspotting" sequel. But he and Ewan McGregor do not speak, so who knows.

For some reason, during last week's Browns game, Costanza as a hand model was brought up. Get this:

Insane Hand Model



DVR Alert! The "Mobsters" episode on Danny Greene is this Friday at 10. "Mobsters" is actually one of those shows if you stumble upon a good one, it'll hook you.

Well, it looks like the tax cut debate was not a complete disaster for the Democrats. Sure, the Bush tax cuts got extended for 2 years in exchange for 13 months of unemployment extensions and a 2% reduction in payroll tax for 2010. Now let's see if it passes.

Bernie Ecclestone has a laugh about his mugging. That's a pretty striking ad.

HBO says it may want to become a standalone service. Subscriber loss is the issue.

The highlight of Cavs-Heat last week? The revelation that Craig Sager shopped at Mr. Albert's. I guess he is a regular. Well, maybe not so much with LeBron gone.

Future jobs? Uh, movie projectionist may not be a good choice.

Exercise Yard

Major crime solved. They found Lee Corso's head. Mascot head, that is.

Visitor

56 Across: Kentucky county named after a trailblazer (5 letters) Answer: Boone

Crap. They didn't even give us a full week. "Terriers" is cancelled.

FX explains it here.

Creator Ted Griffin explains it here.

Eleven One-Season TV Wonders. Interesting that "Comeback", "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared" are all in rotation on IFC right now.

I'm not giving up on FX though. In January, it's the debut of "Lights Out" and the return of "Archer".

Meal of Links

Don Meredith died today. He took a lot of unwarranted heat at the end of his career for the failure of the Cowboys to "win the big one". The Browns contributed to his demise in a 1968 playoff game. I am not sure, but I think he was responsible for the term "rubber band defense", applied to the Browns.

Obviously, he gained more fame in the Monday Night Football booth, when that was event TV. But look who did some time in the NBC booth, as well.

NBC Opening-1975 AFC Title Game



Google started a bookstore. You can download those Dickens books that Oprah wants you to read for "F-R-E-E, that spells free".

Got $3 million? Let's buy "The Godfather" house.

Jimmy Kimmel. The new Johnny Carson. I admit it, I rarely see his show.

I think I wanna go to this hotel.

Funny. Nicole Kidman tries to move her face.

Exercise Yard

The Patriots destroy the Jets. That was a hard knock.

Visitor

14 Across: "Tiny Bubbles" singer (5 letters) Answer: Don Ho

The Browns went down to Miami and actually won an awfully boring road game. That rarely happens.

What did we learn today?

Did the Browns really have enough cache with the football gods to take THREE knees before kicking the game-winning field goal as time ran out? Football-wise, it is the right move to take all the time off the clock and leave the opponents with no time to retaliate. But these are the Browns we are talking about. They even eschewed a field goal attempt on third down to waste even more time. Thank God it worked, but they haven't earned the credibility to do that. Yet.

Jake Delhomme can be effective at times, if he stays away from the killer interception. That almost came near the end of today's game. Right in a Miami cornerback's hands and he dropped it.

The Browns could not run the ball today. That is the second time in the last three games that has cropped up.

Defense gave up only 10 points and that was the low water mark for them this season.

Why doesn't the ageless Ricky Williams get more carries for the Dolphins. That's a mystery.

Joe Haden looking better and better at corner. The only flaw I see is he gets beat sometimes, but is able to outrun his mistakes. I'm not sure he can do that against really good QBs.

Josh Cribbs still not looking good and he's really awful on the Fathead commercials.

Abe Elam with another good game at safety. Trying to figure out if it's a different scheme that is getting him more involved.

Chad Henne looks like he won't be the Dolphins QB much longer. And that was after a promising 2009 season.

The Browns really didn't too much today offensively. 2-14 on third downs, barely 250 yards for the game. Zero turnovers helped.

All in all, major disappointment for Dolphin fans. Browns fans get a road one, but shows they can grind out a win, something missing from the first part of the season.

Browns win, 13-10.

Next up: Buffalo. Then the three remaining division games. Cincinnati on the road and holiday games against the Ravens and Steelers.

Meal of Links

It's the new Facebook profile. I'm on it, but not really.

Fellow mosque worshippers freaked out by jihadist. Seems he was an FBI plant. Similar to the tree bomber in Portland.

More about your mortgage deduction. I don't think they'll ever get rid of it.

Let's revisit Bush v. Gore. It's the 10th anniversary, you know. Jeffrey Toobin is on the case.

More buzz about "The Fighter". Let's see, FX will have "Lights Out" debuting in January, so we have boxing stories. HBO has one coming up on horse racing. All my favorite unwatched sports are coming alive.

Exercise Yard

The Houston Rockets, who are led by Dork Elvis, always have some interesting ideas. Like Tuesday's Menorah lighting.

Visitor

None, on a cold Browns Sunday.

I took advantage of a light EPL and college football schedule and took in "Winter's Bone" on the Time Warner PPV. This is the indie movie from the summer that is starting to get the "little movie" push for some Oscar nominations.

It's actually quite good. Jennifer Lawrence dominates as the 17-year old Ree, mature way beyond her years, who is raising her brother and sister due to her having a zoned-out Mom and a meth-cookin' Dad. They live in the backwoods of the Ozarks, and yeah, despite the meth, they're dirt poor, too.

See, Dad is in trouble with the law and has a court appearance coming up. But, as part of his bond, he has signed over his home. When he doesn't show up, the bondsman says they probably have a week left in the house. Ree has to either find him to haul his ass back in or prove, what everyone thinks, that the guy is already dead and they can stay in their home. Her trek in finding him, gives us many surprises along the way.

Lawrence is real strong here. She's in virtually every scene and is terrific. She just wants to find out what happened to her Dad, but has to deal with a multitude of indifference, bullshit and violence along the way. I think a nomination would not be that surprising. But let's face it, so few have actually seen the film. John Hawkes is also very good in his few scenes in the supporting role as Lawrence's erratic uncle, Teardrop. Hawkes is more widely known as the brother of Kenny Fuckin' Powers on "Eastbound and Down", but gets back in the indie spirit here, delivering a great line here.

Ree: "I am always afraid of you."
Teardrop: "That's because you're smart."

Not for everyone and certainly not a must-see, for now. But come Oscar time, this one may show up again.

Meal of Links

Glenn Beck. Pants on fire. But go see his movie.

Groupon says no. To a $6 million offer from Google.

This made me laugh.

Exercise Yard

I was in and out of last night's MAC Championship Game. The old alma mater pulled one out of its posterior and got a miracle 4th down completion late. Followed by a TD off a Northern Illinois blitz that left a Miami receiver as open as Denny's. Miami then hung on for a 26-21 win.

So, Miami wins the title in 2010, after winning only 1 game in 2009. Let's see where they go bowling.

Visitor

37 Down: Critic Maslin (5 letters) Answer: Janet

"Please stay LeBron, we really need you..."

Well, did The Return meet everyone's expectations? I only made it to halftime before I bailed. I was rather disgusted during the 16-0 run by the Heat in the first quarter that was fueled by, I don't know, at least 6 Cavalier turnovers. Without a shot, I might add.

Buy why did the Cavs pick that particular game to lay an egg? Everyone has a theory and here's mine. In the days coming up to the game, we heard from Coach Byron Scott on numerous occasions say that he wasn't here with LeBron. I got the sense he was in John Cooper mode. Meaning he was going to treat this Return game just like any other. Hey, he knows his team better than me.

My feeling was when the Cavs actually hit the floor, it was even bigger than they had imagined. And they just weren't prepared to play. As Charles Barkley said, they'll never have a crowd behind them as they did last night. It was also their only appearance on national TV all year. To treat it as just another game seems to have resulted in the wrong approach. But listen, there should be no apology from the team or anything like that. Let's move away from this debacle as fast as we can. Besides, how many apologies can Dan Gilbert give us?

I'm not going to go crazy on the idea of player fraternization, but that was definitely dominating the airwaves today. This has been a problem of mine for a long time and was part of the reason I didn't have a problem with LeBron not shaking hands after the Orlando series loss a couple of years back. Although I see how people are upset with LeBron chatting up the Cavs bench during free throws, it doesn't bother me because these guys are all buds. Not just LeBron, all of 'em. And, if the majority of the Cavs players had not had any contact with LeBron since he left, what are they to do exactly? Hey, I'd have preferred the handshakes and hugs to take place off the court. Seemingly, Chris Jent was not enthralled with LeBron trying to engage in some talk right before tipoff. Would have been nice to see some of the players have the same reaction. Especially after the thumping they got later.

All in all, it turned out to be a big nothing. And before the game, I'd never thought it would be the Cavs who would be the ones most relieved that this game was finally behind them.

Once again, a major disappointment for Cleveland fan.

Meal of Links

Ron Santo died and Chicago weeps. It really is a mystery as to why this guy isn't in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Here, he talks about his diabetes.

Stephen King picks his Top 10 Movies of 2010. I saw "Kick-Ass", "The Social Network", "Inception" and "The Town".

Paste lists its Top 25 videos of the year. Some good stuff here.

Michael Vick is perhaps THE story in the NFL this year. Some people, like Nils Lofgren, aren't buying it.

"Faster" did no box office. So, CBS Films canned its COO.

WTF? NYC just found 200,000 votes from its past election. That's only 17% more than originally reported. Again, WTF?

Why are some Republicans still on the wrong side of DADT? Christ, McCain said today, "I will not agree to have this bill go forward. Because our economy is in the tank." And this from a guy whose chief-of-staff is gay.

Exercise Yard

The other disappointment yesterday was the announcement of the winners of the World Cup bids. We already knew Brazil has the 2014 tournament, so the bids for 2018 and 2022 were announced. Keep in mind, England was bidding for 2018 and the USA was up for 2022.

England was stunned as the 2018 World Cup goes to Russia (note: 9-hour time difference to the Eastern Time Zone). Now England has lots of items on its world sporting menu coming up. They have the 2012 Olympics, the 2011 Champions League final, the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 Rugby Union World Cup, and the 2019 Cricket World Cup. that's a lot. And Russia, at least, does have a respectable past in soccer. However, England has not hosted a World Cup since 1966, it's only one. They are kinda pissed.

But no one was more shocked than I when the 2022 bid went to Qatar over the USA. Qatar? Man, it's hot in the summer, drinking is hard to come by, and it's tough to get there, plus there is an 11-hour time difference with the Eastern Time Zone. Seems like three strikes right there, let alone getting consensus on its pronunciation. FIFA apparently did not want a well-run tournament that makes money by having it here. So, that makes three sites out of four (South Africa, Russia and Qatar) that are pretty shaky by normal standards. That means the earliest the World Cup could return here (the only one in the USA was 1994) is 2026.

I guess I'll be watching that at the Really Old Angle.

Visitor

29 Down: Gulager of "The Virginian" (3 letters) Answer: Clu

I just finished watching the last episode of "Terriers". If it's gotta end this way. I can live with it.

I thought they did an excellent job of tying up the loose ends. And with the appearance of the man behind all the schemes, they have something to build on for Season 2, if there is one.

If not, it all the right notes.

Meal of Links

ESPN.com has a story on Believeland. An unnamed appearance by Happy Dog and co-starring Dennis Kucinich. And Dan Gilbert is still pursuing tampering charges against LeBron and the Heat.

30 Freakiest Ads of 2010. Yes, the Better Marriage Blanket is here. And a few Skittles.

Paste has its Top 50 Albums of 2010. NME has 75 of its own. LCD Soundsystem gets a #1 and a #4.

The Republicans refuse to cooperate. As this says, "Mister President, Call Their Bluff!"

Speaking of "Terriers". Tim Goodman has an excellent piece on networks and their brands.

Your 2011 Grammy nominees are here. Black Keys with some nominations.

Exercise Yard

World Cup bids are bestowed tomorrow. England is up for 2018. The US and Qatar are duking it out for 2022.

Qatar is literally Africa hot.

Visitor

32 Down: Madison Ave. figures (5 letters) Answer: Ad Men