I found it odd that the penis amputation victim was from the city of Waddy, KY. BTW, how unsympathetic of a character are you when the jury rules unanimously in favor of the doctor?

Meal of Links

Steve Jobs resigned today. Hard to believe he's been a headline grabber for over 30 years.

Another Louis C.K. interview. I am sure after his series hit the high water mark two weeks ago, something's been missing since. Although those kids were awfully cute in the Halloween episode. One dressed as Frederic Douglass!

Matt Taibbi on a roll.

TiVo confounds again. More subscribers lost.

There are 1 billion cars in the world. They say 2.5 billion by 2050.

Canada lost a good one.

Exercise Yard

Here's the Jimenez-Pomeranz/White trade from the Rockies perspective. The takeaway? Rockies fans hate Dan O'Dowd and loved Ubaldo.

Visitor

6 Down: Five-time Grammy winner James (6 letters) Answer: Taylor

Housh Still Rules Fantasy



Kills me every time.

Meal of Links

The Dude lives. At the NYC Lebowski Fest.

Nate Silver on Rick Perry's electability. I just can't see it. I actually like what Jon Huntsman (However, he blew the Iowa debate) and Gary Johnson (He skipped Iowa every way possible) have to say, but they have worse than a snowball's chance.

Edmunds has a new car inventory tool. Instructions here.

Time has the Top 50 Websites of 2011. Pretty nice selection.

McNulty from "The Wire" is in a BBC America show like "Mad Men" with a bit of "Rubicon". I watched the first episode. I'm in.

The summer of the Woodman continues. "Midnight In Paris" is actually adding theatres. It is a good one.

Exercise Yard

The legend that was, or could have been, of Arvydas Sabonis. The greatest Lithuanian hoopster of all time.

Visitor

42 Down: Laker teammate of Magic (6 letters) Answer: Kareem

While on vacation...

I was getting bids on my roof, as I have to get a new one. So, on Saturday, I got a call from a prospective bidder, who said he would be over but about 20 minutes later than planned. This gave me an opportunity to run to the bank.

So, as I was heading up to Third Federal on Ridge, I encountered some slow traffic on Pearl past Brookpark. I mean REALLY slow. I was third through the light, but, damn, the first car through was like following a horse and buggy. Naturally, I bolted to the right lane for a seemingly easy pass. Just as I was about to make my move into the left lane. I check my mirrors and now the guy is right next to me. WTF?

Yep, it was the old "I was going slow, but I will now prevent that guy from passing me" move. Some sort of strange behavior where he is judge and jury on YOUR driving. As we come to the next light, I decided to get behind this car, which is obviously being driven by an old-timer. As we are now stopped, he looks in his rearview, starts yelling, and seems to be writing something in the air.

I am now truly puzzled, but he is still yelling. I decide to yell back, "Whatever you're writing, you are! Yeah, that's you! That's what you are!" As we approach Ridge Road, I realize this dance is gonna be played again because:

a) We are stopped at another light.
b) We are both turning left onto Ridge.
c) We both know I am passing him pretty much as that light changes and I get onto Ridge.

So, as we complete c, I see him once again crazily pointing his arm towards the right side of the road. It finally dawns on me. He is pointing at the speed limit sign! Which reads 25! So, this is what he had been drawing at the previous light, the number "25"!

Yes, while on vacation, I yelled at a old-timer and called him, in not so many words, a "25".

Meal of Links

S&P downgrades U.S. Treasuries. That kinda blows. First time ever.

The verdicts in the Danzinger Bridge shootings, alluded to very much on "Treme" are in. 5 NOLA cops guilty.

Why the markets are tanking. And not a lot can be done.

The best 2011 road trip vehicles. Porsches, of course.

"Louie" had another great episode last night. It actually touched on the accusations of Dane Cook stealing material from Louis C.K.

WTF? Martha Stewart's empire is actually crumbling?

I mentioned the lack of Joey Barton for Newcastle in Columbus last week. Now Newcastle doesn't want him anymore. For a free transfer.

Exercise Yard

Joe Pos on a forgotten moment of Track & Field. Carl Lewis and the 30-foot jump.

Visitor

18 Down: Wile E. Coyote's supplier (4 letters) Answer: Acme

Well, the debt deal finally got done. Here are the political winners and losers.

And, the policy winners and losers.

Meal of Links

Happy Birthday, MTV.

Kings of Leon seem to be having issues. Not breaking up, just pissing off fans.

Come on, is this year's shark attacks the D.B. Cooper case? Still, one of America's greatest mysteries, unless you think Bigfoot ate him.

I'm sure this is the type of interchange that was proposed for I-480 and Tiedeman. Obviously, shitcanned by people who seemingly know better.

HBO premiere dates. "Bored to Death" goes to Mondays in October.

The best time passages in movies. There's that pyramid again. "You know, for the kids." And that beautiful ending from "25th Hour".

"Bachelorette" summary. Great, that saved me a bunch of time.

Getting Bin Laden. Has to be the most revealing account, thus far. "For God and country—Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo."

Exercise Yard

Versus gets its expected name change, which is...NBC Sports Network. Obviously, lots of Olympics, hockey, horse racing and cycling. Don't be surprised if that NFL Thursday Night package (down the road) winds up here.

BTW, the NFL Network and RedZone Channel go to Charter. Seven of the top 8 cable carriers now have the NFL Network. The holdout? Although the public sniping has cooled, it's Time Warner, of course!

Visitor

48 Across: Maine mail order giant (6 letters) Answer: L.L. Bean

It's not the heat, it's the stupidity.

Try a secret beach.

Meal of Links

Richard Jewell still had a court case against the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That case was dismissed last week. Unclear if it will be appealed.

The Weinermobile is now 75 years old. Not on my list for the next car I get.

The 5-album test. I kinda like it.

How about a limburger cheese sammie? I don't think I've ever had one.

The Gang of Six. And their plan.

Modern poverty includes an Xbox No, can't be.

As always, the day to watch the Tour de France is when they get to Alpe d'Huez. BTW, that is this Friday. It's also snowing in the Alps. Huh?

Borders is dead.

Exercise Yard

NFL free agency starts in a few days. And what a whirlwind that will be. 5 months compressed into a fortnight.

Avoid these types of players.

Visitor

67 Across: Buck of country music (5 letters) Answer: Owens

I really like my Saturday Plain Dealer. Not so much for any editorial or ad content, but the fact the Saturday Crossword has finally arrived on my doorstep. So, it pains me when I get that edition of the PD stolen. I've had that happen before at various times and it blows.

While I was recovering from some Ommegang Wittes last night, I finished up yesterday's version of the local daily newspaper. Looking at all of the Patio Issue, as it were. So, I didn't exactly get out there early for today's paper, grabbing it around 8:30. After finally getting to it 15 minutes later, all I could say was "Fuck me!".

Someone pilfered my PD and replaced it with the weekend version of the Wall Street Journal. So, I guess I have some sort of benevolent thief or some sort of overly aggressive WSJ deliverer. Which caused me to trudge up to the Circle K to get my fix.

Because the last time I went through this from the PD, I learned:

It was my fault.

and

They sorta kinda don't get there quick enough with a new paper for me.

Needless to say, I'm back on early sentry duty.

Meal of Links

The Best Muscle Cars. They are beauties.

Matt Dillon died yesterday. Not the actor. Well, yeah, the actor, but the other guy. The "Gunsmoke" Guy.

"Cash Cab" pays off. Ben Bailey hosts a network show. Hey, anything to have less Guy Fieri on my TV is a good thing.

Kid Learns To Ride Bike



"Pawn Stars" is the No. 1 show on cable. And sparked TV's hottest genre. Thrift TV.

Looks like Pat Coyne picked the wrong market for Krispy Kreme sites. Should have said the UK, instead of Brunswick.

Shades of Brian De Palma. If there are truly no cuts, as it appears so, it's pretty cool. Roger Ebert called it "the greatest music video ever made".

"The Grand Rapids LipDub"



Speaking of beer. how to enjoy it.

Exercise Yard

The Rangers pitcher who beat the Indians yesterday? He has an interesting story. And he's 6-0.

Visitor

1 Across: Candy vehicle (4 letters) Answer: SCTV

SCTV-The Great White North/Babe Ruth Story

The men in my family accompanied my niece to see "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: The Search For Curly's Gold". Actually it was "On Stranger Tides". Not ready to be put out to pasture, given last weekend's box office, but it's getting close.

First off, this one clocks in at over two hours, about 2:20. And it was a slo-o-o-o-ow first 45 minutes or so. There was an extremely long runup to the meat of the story and it was a struggle to watch, at first. I'd like to see more funny lines out of Jack Sparrow or perhaps even some action. I'm afraid you don't get much of either in this one. Quite frankly, there were only a couple of lines that I'd call remotely funny. Maybe the 3D version had all the laughs.

Shine Guy as Barbossa (with a peg leg) was pretty good. Ian McShane channels Oliver Reed more than ever in the role of Blackbeard. Penelope Cruz offers a rather tepid love interest for Depp. Al Capone from "Boardwalk Empire" (you know, Tommy from "Snatch") gets the largest role out of the minor characters along with some guy known as the "Catechist", who falls for a mermaid.

Anyhow, the group in this is seeking the Fountain of Youth. As an audience member, I was seeking the Fast Forward button. Looking ahead, I'm sure this series will go as far as Depp wants to take it, and I see maybe one more, if that.

Meal of Links

Interviewer: Dave Grohl. Subject: Kristen Wiig.

Happy Birthday to Bob Dylan.

"Maggie's Farm"/Bob Dylan (Rolling Thunder Review)



50 dinners in 50 states. In Ohio, it's the Culinary Vegetable Institute in Milan.

Here are the cars that get 30 mpg combined. The Nissan Leaf gets 99 mpg for first place.

Exercise Yard

You just climbed Mt. Everest, what do you do for an encore? Well, you climb Lhotse. In the same day.

Visitor

16 Across: Ponce de ____ (4 letters) Answer: Leon

I really hate being ill, even if it's for only a short while. But I picked up a bit of a cold over the weekend, as I guess I was running around as if it was 80 degrees instead of the 62 it actually was.

Yesterday, I had a hell of a time as the day wore on. Battling pretty hard until mid-afternoon, when I started getting the chills, along with some non-stop sneezing. Knocked me out pretty good and then I got to play a lame-o when I went home. Signified by my cable going out with 18 seconds left in regulation during the Miami-Boston game. Do I crawl and grab the cable box for a manual reboot? No, I turn on XM and get a score from ESPN radio.

You always have to be resourceful.

So, is it starve a cold or feed a fever? WebMD says never starve.

Meal of Links

Clear the decks, start checking off the bucket list. The world ends on May 21. Boy, if you're not raptured or subsequently saved, it's gonna really suck around here.

Gus Johnson lands on Fox. I'm not sold on him being permanently removed from March Madness coverage. Especially with Turner involved. Clearly, their influence got Marv Albert, Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller NCAA gigs this year and Kevin Harlan has been doing double duty for a while. But I'd love to see Gus get a Fox NFL playoff game soon.

More on the Derby winner, Animal Kingdom. And those lying trainers.

Google Music has arrived. Just in time for the apocalypse.

"Party At Ground Zero"/Fishbone



That's why there is an Internet. Things Tracy Jordan said on Season 5 of "30 Rock".

Bible? Yes. All other books? No.

Gary Coleman is dead. Has been for a year. That doesn't mean he's buried.

You're watching a favorite TV show. In this episode, the characters go on a game show. "Odd Couple"? On "Password"? Yes, sir! Plus "Sanford and Son" go "The Gong Show".

Michael Bolton Is Funny



The center of population since 1790 in the United States. Go west, young man.

Painful stats on Americans and their cars.

Hitch is losing his voice. Strange, but every time I read him, I actually hear his voice saying those words. Just picked up a National Magazine Award, as well. Of course, he can still find time to neuter Noam Chomsky.

Exercise Yard

Dan Rafael from ESPN has a nice wrapup on the Pacquiao-Mosley fight from Saturday. It's a shame these things cost $54.95 on the PPV. I mean who pays for these, especially when you hear the 39-year old Mosley say, "I wasn't going to take those kinds of risks. I was looking to land my shot." Which means, "I stayed away from Pacquiao for 12 rounds and got my $5 million."

It's tough to put any blame on Manny, but he hasn't knocked anyone out since Ricky Hatton. And that fight was two years ago! Since then, he's carried Cotto, Clottey, Margarito and now Mosley for 12 rounds. Now with the Mayweather fight seemingly not going to happen until both these guys are in their forties, Manny is starting to run out of opponents. It looks like Marquez will be next, because they can sell the fight to the public. After that, who knows?

BTW, Pacquiao-Mosley's $8,882,600 gate was the 14th best in Nevada history. It shows the public still loves Manny, regardless of who he fights. Showtime has the replay this weekend.

Looking ahead, what other fight holds any interest? I see Haye and Klitschko are starting to knock around a bit for their heavyweight fight. That's July 2nd on a crowded holiday weekend, so we'll see what audience that will attract. Haye talks a good game, so it'll get interesting as we get closer. HBO will have that live during the late afternoon on July 2.

Visitor

63 Across: Singer with Crosby and Stills (4 letters) Answer: Nash

"Chicago"/Graham Nash

I think I need Glenn Beck's blackboard. Especially now that he won't be using it. This almost seems like a victory for the left, as he'll be off of Fox by the end of the year. But I think it's really a story of making up shit and people getting bored with it. Half his audience under age 50 had left. I used to laugh when Olbermann called Beck, "Lonesome Rhodes", but the truth is he was pretty much that character.

But the reason I need that blackboard is I finally did my taxes. Just in time for the looming government shutdown. I'd like to trace where my refund is heading. Or stalling.

Meal of Links

The thing about the Paul Ryan budget is it really cuts back funding on low-income programs. Probably close to 70% of the cuts are there. That's a huge difference from what the Budget Commission proposed. Of course, the Democrats hopped all over the budget, but you have to admit, it's the closest thing to serious reform we've seen in a while. That's why the D's need a plan of their own. Come up with an alternative to that $2.9 trillion in low-income cuts and show how it can be done. Like taxing the highest 2%. How long will it take to get that in there.

Playing with Spam. I'm always surprised when someone says they've never had the stuff.

Did you see the list of material selected by the National Recording Registry? Steely Dan's "Aja" made it. Reminds me to listen to that again soon. "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" and "Stand By Your Man" also recognized. De La Soul, Mort Sahl and Al Green, if you need 'em.

2011's Ten Ugliest Cars. There are some bad ones here.

You asked for it. The Complete Guide to Jerry Seinfeld's Sneakers. Chronologically, I might add.

Mark me down for this one. The Bill Hicks doc is starting its release this week. Better get here soon.

Will Ferrell. MeetGary Sanchez.

The Grammys got revamped again. No more Best Hawaiian, Native American or Cajun/Zydeco awards.

The road to Nashville ends. In Nashville.

Exercise Yard

Speaking of docs, did you catch that surprise 25-year look back at the 1986 Masters that ESPN ran today? Once again, had the best line ever in golf lore for me. Conversation between Jack Nicklaus and his caddie, also his son, on the 16th hole. Nicklaus stripes his tee shot on 16.

Caddie: "Be right."
Jack (bending over to get his tee): "It is."

Jack on 16 (1986)



Visitor

23 Down: His 3,000th hit was a homer (5 letters) Answer: Boggs

Gathered the troops for a late morning viewing of "Unknown" with Liam Neeson. Good morning, Liam. This is the one where Neeson is a doctor visiting Berlin for a conference, who gets rapped in the head and suffers some memory loss. The only thing he remembers is a picture of him by a window with his wife, January Jones. Showering with January Jones. And having sex with January Jones. And then January Jones with a different hair color. Maybe that's what we all picture before our own demise, who knows.

But it takes Neeson a long time to realize who he is, but then it's not who he thought he was or something that Dennis Green would say:



Neeson is actually decent in his role as a doctor seeking his true identity. Bridget von Hammersmark (OK, the lovely Diane Kruger) plays a Bosnian cab driver who saves Neeson's life after a car accident, who later befriends him and joins in his search. January Jones doesn't really do much and is basically January Jones, standing around and looking pretty. Aidan Quinn is along to confuse matters as the guy Neeson thinks he is, and provides enough shenanigans to cloud the picture even more. Hitler, I mean, Bruno Ganz, plays a former East German spy who still has connections beyond the Cold War to also help Neeson. Good work from Frank Langella who calmly shows up late as Clarissa, and explains it all.

So, what do we have here? A short comment on the immigration problem in Germany via Kruger. A car chase in which Neeson, allegedly in Berlin for the first time, driving around as if he owned the streets. With complimentary reverse driving. We have the lamest German assassin ever, who fails to kill Neeson not once (because the guy was late to a train), not twice (Neeson was able to extricate himself from being tied up), but three times (Kruger and Neeson combine to kill the guy). Ex-spies still use cyanide. Biotech conferences have never been this action-packed.

Not a wait for cable type movie. Because there are some great throwbacks done well here. The second time the assassin tries to get Neeson is rather Hitchcockian and full of suspense. I thought a scene at a photo exhibit was straight out of the De Palma Guide. Not worth a full fare, but extremely enjoyable for a matinee price.

Meal of Links

Clarissa explains it all. For those who missed it.

Brett Butler remembers when she was the 20th Century Charlie Sheen. But I'm sure hardly anyone remembers her show.

I assumed "Rango" was in 3-D. But it's not. Gore Verbinski explains.

Shortest break-even periods for diesels and hybrids. Remember, no more tax credits for these.

15 great jingles for fake products. "Cheesy Poofs" and "Log" make the list.

The Cleveland Film Festival is nearing. I've circled two must-sees for me. One on Polkas and one on Bobby Fischer.

Has Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker lost the war. We'll see.

The Northwestern sex show...er...after-class assignment, at least introduced everyone to the (NSFW) "fucksaw". Now I know why she needed a partner. Black & Decker would be proud. Here's an account by someone who was there. Seems there was supposed to be a demo on female ejaculation.

Comparing the Qaddafis and the Bluths. Very funny.

Why bad teachers survive? "Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it."

I recommend Jersey Mike's. The Big Kahuna was quite good.

Exercise Yard

You still can't applaud in the pressbox. SI's freelance NASCAR writer found that out the hard way.

Visitor

17 Across: Five-time All-Star second baseman (10 letters) Answer: Chase Utley

We had some crime in the hood last night. Some brave soul went up and down everyone's driveway, looking for easy marks. Yes, I was one, as I left my car unlocked after chipping off a whole bunch of ice Monday, thinking last night's mix was going to be a nuisance. I suffered an incredibly minor loss. My neighbor, ouch. He got nicked bad.

Meal of Links

Memories...the 5 most dangerous cars. Of course, the Pinto was Number 1.

With St. Patrick's Day nearing, it's Shamrock Shake time. Here is your Shamrock Shake Locater.

If you stumble upon it, I guarantee you'll get some laughs. The world of Adult Swim.

Always had a thing for Judy Greer. So, here you go.

What you will see on the Oscar telecast. What really bothers me is when they basically show the trailer for nominated films. Why not pick the best scene, like they used to?

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Renting. Not a bad idea anymore.

Some people go ga-ga for their Oscar parties. Especially their food selections. "127 Hours", I guess, provides stumpy foods?

Palin with an old trick. The second online identity! Amen.

Exercise Yard

Norris Cole gets some ESPN love. He is clearly the best player CSU has had in the last 20 years, surpassing J'Nathan Bullock.

If the Gary Waters Era truly takes off, I look for Cole's number to eventually be retired.

Visitor

24 Across: Jazz guitarist Montgomery (3 letters) Answer: Wes

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

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

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.

The Browns bid adieu to Jerome Harrison today. It's a classic "I'll trade my bad guy for your bad guy" trade. So, the Browns get Mike Bell in return.

Harrison is one of those guys who seemed to be the People's Choice. Many words have been written about him, urging the Browns to use him more. Outside of an unbelievable stretch at the end of last year, he had good results that were few and far between.

This year, it's almost like he was wearing cement shoes. Absolutely no fire and obviously disgruntled, so the Browns got what they could for him under the circumstances.

Let's see how much production he'll get in Philly behind Shady McCoy.

Meal of Links

An adult film star tested positive for HIV. That means studios start going on Operation Shutdown.

You buy a car, there's always that pesky insurance you need. Here are the cars that provide the most and least expensive insurance.

Zach Galifianakis has another "Between Two Ferns" up. This time with Bruce Willis. "Did you know that some actors turn down roles?" Genius.

The most powerful bald men in America. Charles Barkley is Number One.

Chris Dudley. Former Cav. Oregon gubernatorial candidate. Minority?

Another appreciation of Sally Menke.

Confessions of a Bad News Bear. Don't get too excited, it's good, but it's Toby.

Joe Queenan writes about the author, Jimmy Carter. Carter has now written 25 books. Very funny.

Exercise Yard

This is so sad, it's beyond words. Tommie Smith is selling his gold medal.

Visitor

12 Down: Joan of "Knots Landing" (6 letters) Answer: Van Ark

Real Americans Had No Doubt























The USA sure took a long time to put Algeria away, eh? I caught the last 15 minutes on a renegade Univision feed, and it didn't sound any more encouraging in Spanish. I was pleased they added 4 minutes at the end of the second half though.

And, sure enough, with about a minute gone, they hit paydirt. Jozy Altidore actually setting up the goal (that's 2 now in this World Cup) with a pass to Clint Dempsey, who missed again in this match, and then Landon Donovan slammed in the loose ball for the 1-0 win. Then the dogpile appeared. USA wins a Group for the first time in forever, as England beat Slovenia, 1-0.

Donovan's Goal



Of course, another awful decision by a ref nullified a goal earlier in the match.

Offside? What Offside?



But we are the home of the NBA, so we should be used to bad calls by now.

Next up for the USA are the Black Stars of Ghana on Saturday. Ghana was beaten by Germany, 1-0. But they still advanced because Serbia spit the bit against the Socceroos, 2-1. On paper, this is a much better matchup than Germany. However, Ghana eliminated the USA in 2006. BTW, Germany plays England on Sunday, which should be a good one.

I do not know much about Ghana except their official language is English and they have gold there. So, my early prediction is that I will have many adult beverages on Saturday. And if you take a peek at the bracket, it is shaping up as a "weak" one, so who knows what may happen?

Meal of Links

They actually let Gen. McChrystal go today. Here is the Rolling Stone article that prompted his removal.

25 things you didn't know about Blondie. Well, I knew some of them.

Tea party protester or soccer fan? You decide!

What a car costs. Ohio is sorta middle-of-the-pack.

Landon Donovan's goal earlier today may also have set a record. A record for Internet traffic. Up 190% more than usual.

Exercise Yard

Major leaguers and their relationships with their bats. Love 'em or hate 'em.

Visitor

5 Down: Partner of Seals (6 letters) Answer: Crofts

"Summer Breeze"/Seals and Crofts (plus guy in back)

Hey, Frank Yankovic and his Yanks go international.

"The Acapulco Polka
Like Rum and Coke-A
Is here to stay..."

"The Acapulco Polka"/Frank Yankovic



Meal of Links

Are cameras the new guns? Three states now say you can't film a police officer in the line of duty.

A car powered by Mentos and Coke Zero? yes, those guys are back.

We can all rest easy. "Wizards of Waverly Place" got renewed for a fourth season.

More fawn news. Must be summer.

Sometimes I will watch an occasional rerun of "The Andy Griffith Show". And I know, by show's end, they will have tried to teach me a lesson. Here is an episode about a church sermon. Special Guest: Old Man Quartermaine!

Sixteen bucks for a movie. And it was not in 3-D. Two days until "Marmaduke".

What this must have been like. Alex Cox was one of Dennis Hopper's henchmen.

All about Brits. Ramsay, Cowell and Hitchens show up.

Exercise Yard

Bill Simmons latest effort on ESPN.com was on the NBA Finals. These guys didn't like it.

Visitor

44 Across: West of Hollywood (3 letters) Answer: Mae

I admit it.

To this day, if there is anything written about "Twin Peaks", I just gobble it up. So, here's another one dissecting the third hour and then chronicling the rise and deep, deep fall of the series in Season Two. It includes many clips, including perhaps my favorite subtle one where Johnny Horne is eliminated in the Tibet sequence. You had to be there. And, if you only have time for one clip, watch the dwarf. BTW, read the Comments. It certainly jogs the memory. I think I had forgotten about Harold Smith. Geez, that subplot, one of many in Season Two, just sucked the wind out of the series.

Meal of Links

Ernie Harwell died the other day and there were many good things written about and by him. We were very lucky to be within listening range of his voice. His Hall of Fame speech. Ernie allows a sportswriter to shadow him. Mitch Albom with some memories. Joe Posnanski shares some thoughts. Hard to believe his first game with the Tigers was right after the Harvey Kuenn-Rocky Colavito trade.

Drinking Songs! I actually have several of these in my collection. I'm a huge fan of "The Alabama Song". Richard Butler does an awesome version on that Kurt Weill tribute album I have laying around here somewhere.

More reality series. Starring Hasselhoff, Saget, Danza and Dee Snider. The Hoff may actually die in his. I heard this week he was in some sort of Gumball Rally. Yep, it visited Canada this week. I wish I had a spare $45K. I would do that in a heartbeat.

Jack White says Meg White has conquered her anxiety. No reunion yet.

Remember George Costanza's fiance, Susan? She now plays the ukulele.

Doofus who can't spell ruins stock market for a time. Whoops.

Exercise Yard

His best rant since last year's grades. I think it was Kobayashi who got an F-Minus on that one.

Drennan Goes Off On The Tribe



Visitor

58 Across: '50s-'60s TV Earp portrayer (6 letters) Answer: O'Brian

Yeah, I actually did it. I had to take a sick day yesterday. Just had all the things you hate to have, and they happened simultaneously. Headache, sneezing, blocked sinuses. Oh, it ran the gamut. Worked from home today, as I was still not 100%, but look to get back to full speed tomorrow. Hopefully.

Meal of Links

WBWC has the Summer Marathon Schedule up. The biggest surprise? No Simple Minds this year.

Check out these Dream Islands. Wouldn't you like to call someone and say, "I'm in Yap!".

Bourdain on tour. Long interview with shots at Guy Fieri.

After seemingly a 100 versions, the American version of "Top Gear" is finally set. Much different cast than what was mentioned in the past.

The GEICO voiceover guy got fired due to teabaggers. Lots of media saying this is the voice of the gecko, it is not. It's the "15 minutes..." guy.

Clearing up that "big bank bailout" phrase from the Financial Reform bill. Nope, not in there.

Exercise Yard

Lord Football smacks baseball. Again. No World Series break this year.

Visitor

27 Down: New Wave band _____ Boingo (5 letters) Answer: Oingo

Yeah, it's a bit creepy now, but back then...

"Little Girls"/Oingo Boingo



Upon further review...it was creepy back then.

If I see or read one more reference to "corned beef" as "corn beef", I may harm someone. Seriously.

Anyhow, with Brady Quinn shuffled off to Denver, the Browns went out and signed Jake Delhomme. I kinda like the guy. In between his two best years, Carolina always had injury problems and they seemed to claw their way to respectability each year. Until last year.

Not worried about year two of that deal, as it probably won't happen due to labor strife. One overlooked item is regardless of how bad Delhomme was last year, and he was bad, he still had a better QB rating than the two guys we are dumping. And every year in Carolina, until last season, his rating was above 80.

This is a test to see if Mike Holmgren truly is the QB Whisperer. He may feel Delhomme can still make the throws, and that he can correct his recent penchant for making those throws to the other team. 30 of his career 94 INTs have come in the last two seasons.

Last season, Delhomme had three really bad games. A terrible opener against the Eagles, a game that ended his season with the Jets, and a Buffalo loss in which he threw for 325 with 3 interceptions. But he was not a total failure, as there was a close road game with the Saints, a road win at Arizona and both games against Atlanta where he was pretty good.

My guess is Delhomme will be a bridge to whoever that next guy is. He'll give us what a veteran should give. The ability to make some plays, hopefully keep the stupid ones to a minimum (and in our division, that may be asking a lot), and some leadership.

One thing we do know is Delhomme will make a lot of cash money in 2010. $12 million from Carolina to leave and $7 million from the Browns to play.

Meal of Links

"Hello, Prius!", now where did you go with your sudden acceleration? Investigators are having trouble duplicating the latest incident.

The discoverer of the PSA test for prostate cancer says, "Not so fast, my friend.". Even he thinks the test is overused.

Pink Floyd was in the news this week. Reunion? Hah! They won a court case against EMI preventing Pink Floyd songs from being downloaded as singles. Something about the artistic value of a whole album.

Hitch rewrites The Ten Commandments.

Country music as a subject in the movies. Lots of 'em.

I always liked Blue Oyster Cult and since I heard this song yesterday, it will now stick in your head. "...Books by blameless and by the dead. King in yellow, the Queen in red..."

"E.T.I"/Blue Oyster Cult



Exercise Yard

I saw the last 4 rounds of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight last night. Our friends, the Chinese, didn't have a feed or one I could find, so I found one from the UK. Didn't miss much. Pacquiao dominated for 12 rounds and was not really in any serious trouble. Most impressive was 50,000 in attendance at Jerry's World.

Let's see if Pacquiao meets Mayweather later this year.

Visitor

None, on a cloudy Selection Sunday.