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

I am getting quite perturbed with the LA Times Crossword Puzzle on the weekends. With the last two Saturdays being so easy and probably a six-month slide down a slippery slope, I am officially declaring it dumbed down. Oh, the Times editor refers to it as "eased-up", but I call 'em as I see 'em. Anything beyond the most basic geography, history and mythology has been eschewed on the weekends for more modern stuff. The Saturday puzzle used to be a challenge, sometimes I'd have to leave it and come back, finishing it later that day or maybe even waiting until Sunday when something finally clicked.

Now if I don't finish it quickly, it's a rarity. Today's was way too easy. It included two cities in Texas, El Paso and Waco, that shouldn't happen. Uriah Heep and Descartes were also included, because they were long (and easy). Crap answers like that abound now! I saw one site that compared this week's Friday and Saturday to a Wednesday puzzle. Which was better than last week's, which was a Tuesday!

Look, I empathize with those who start doing the crosswords. There is nothing like finishing the harder ones as the week goes on and you figure out the nuances and certain words that pop up all the time. But where is the learning and, I might add, fun, in achieving that status simply because the puzzles are easier. And I understand the newspaper's plight in attracting new people to these puzzles. But, my God, this is really a sad commentary on what passes for intelligence these days. And i would wager to say the NYTimes would not do this.

Actress Tea _____, are you effin' kidding me on a Saturday puzzle?

Meal of Links

You like autumn? Well, here's your autumn. I think we call it fall, in these parts.

I thought this would start when the Limbaugh Rams takeover got public play. Would black players sign with the Rams? Probably not. Then again, these are better players talking and they have choices.

More fun with Google maps. This time in Toronto.

If you haven't started reading Letters of Note, you should. This one about The Beatles and the implied Beatlemania was really funny. "I'm 15 and feel like 80."

Guess what you can get at Wal-Mart? Kiss M&Ms!























Exercise Yard

The Baltimore Marathon is being run today. The Baltimore Sun has printed a map of where the most dangerous parts of the marathon route are located. Including the homicides.

Visitor

10 Across: Hero at the Battle of Cabra, 1079 (5 letters) Answer: El Cid

I went to see "State of Play" over at the Cinemark, where a crowd of barely double digits was in attendance. This movie was a throwback to the old newspaper thriller. You know, where the intrepid reporters are risking life and limb because of an explosive story that threatens to perhaps, bring down the political world as we know it. Really an homage to the paper, as we have the newsroom featured prominently and the production of a newspaper is covered over the closing credits.

The movie clinches it for me. I really don't like Ben Affleck, especially as a congressman. I think this guy actually thought he was a politician. Now Russell Crowe as the scruffy reporter, I liked him a lot. Crowe has a habit of delivering in these types of movies and I think he did a good job. Rachel McAdams can do no wrong in my opinion, I think she's lovely all the time, so that was a plus. She was the newspaper's DC gossip blogger.

Good stuff from Robin Wright Penn, looking great, as Affleck's wife. Helen Mirren plays a Tina Brown-like editor of the paper and gets to swear a lot. And Jason Bateman as a smarmy PR guy gets a nice few minutes to turn the story on its head. Jeff Daniels played an appropriately powerful majority whip, as well.

Not great, but not a bad effort here.

Meal of Links

The World's Top 100 Restaurants. Sadly, Sheetz is not mentioned.

Really bad fictional babysitters.
Evelle: "These blow up into funny shapes and all?"
Grocer: "Well, no... unless round is funny."

A great read on why newspapers are failing. And some things they haven't given away yet.

Rolling Stone has left San Francisco. Editorial has been gone for a long time, but still...

Two things intrigue me about CSU ticket options for next year. Season tickets remaining the same or, perhaps, cheaper on the price angle. And the all-you-can-eat-and drink section that would include beer. Uh-oh.

This site can help you with your LA Times crosswords. By all means, do not look there until you are done.

Exercise Yard

This kid allegedly picked better than Mel Kiper in last year's NFL Draft. This year's picks.

Visitor

17 Across: "The Flintstones" pet (4 letters) Answer: Dino

That was another thrilling episode of Polka Happy Hour at the Happy Dog last night. They have excellent perch and tater tots there. Tots are cool.

This morning, I had the perfect crossword. I always do mine in pen. But, for a Saturday, zero mistakes in not too much time is really good. I usually don't start to do anything until I have that done and today, by God, I knew everything right off the bat. Even the answer "prescience". I know it was relatively easy for a weekend because we had no mythology, no saints, only one Russian composer, and very little geography. But still, I was very pleased.

Then, it was off to see "Knowing", where I counted 6 who attended the 10:30 show at the Regal in Middleburg. Thank you "Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D", that means early morning shows for the rest of us. I thought this was gonna be another chance to see Nicky Cage overact. I think he reined it in on this one. And I didn't recognize anyone else in the movie. But this story morphed from a pedestrian thriller into some otherworldly/religious statement (turn your pages to the Book of Ezekiel) I don't think I was prepared of. Mildly interesting. The lesson, I guess? Either go to church or we are not alone.

Today, there was a birthday party for my niece, who is now 7. We had this exchange the other day:

Niece: "Why does it say "Parma" on your glasses?"
Me: "That's Prada, not Parma." (I wanted to add, "My pretty!" at this point)
Niece: "Yeah, I didn't think anyone would have Parma on their glasses."

And, finally, another choice rerun of "Deal Or No Deal". I tend to stumble upon the CNBC reruns. Classic episode where they talk about how great this guy is, the phrase "life changing amount of money" comes up several times, but the dude is delusional into thinking his case has $500,000. He has slowly eliminated the left half of the board and is down to three cases: $10,000, $75,000 and $500,000. The offer is $129,000 and, of course, he rejects it, citing the number on his case and how lucky it has been for him. Next case he picks has....$500,000 in it. I then laugh my ass off. he must keep the case he has after that whole buildup and his contains....$10,000. I laugh even more.

Meal of Links

Oh, man. The ShamWow! guy slap chopped a hooker. Allegedly.

Why are these foreigners taking all of our TV acting jobs? "Yeah, they're takin' our jobs!"

Kids do the darnedest things.

This guy doesn't like spectator sports. I spectate 'em and I'm not sure I like 'em either.

Words To Live By

Keith David absolutely kills me in the movie, "Men At Work". Charlie Sheen with an appropriate response. The first hour of that movie still makes me laugh hard. Even harder then "Deal Or No Deal".



Exercise Yard

A pretty fair list of the greatest Formula One drivers ever. I think Schumacher, even with his faults, should have been higher. Never took a podium finish for granted, it seemed.

Visitor

44 Across: Speaker in Cooperstown (4 letters) Answer: Tris

Today is the 71st birthday of the Sausage Shoppe. I was just there this past Saturday. After not going there for a while, I have been visiting about once a month for the last few. Two things I noticed quickly. Not as crowded as it once was and prices have clearly gone up. But the quality of the food there is still superb.

We gotta support the locals.

Meal of Links

Vanity Fair profiles "Comedy's New Legends". Danny McBride who was so good in "Pineapple Express" and "Tropic Thunder" makes an appearance.

Will Shortz talks about, what else?, puzzles. Including KenKen.

What is the ideal number of friends? Average number is about 150.

David Simon talks about covering the police in Baltimore. Things have changed since he had that beat.

Calling Tim Geitner.

Hey, was that an asteroid? Yep, without much warning, too.

What do you think about that new Pepsi logo? I'm not sure yet, just bring on those Throwbacks.

Maurice Clarett has a blog. Seriously. It sounds like his new job will be preaching.

Exercise Yard

We actually had a Horizon League tournament in town tonight, sponsored by the good folks at Speedway. My Dad and I were part of a crowd of 1988 who watched Cleveland State take on the Titans of Detroit. And since it was the post-season, Detroit brought the full compliment of band (in the section next to us), dance team and cheerleader squad

And since it was Detroit, that called for another ugly game. In two previous games, CSU kept them in the 40s, and that was the case again tonight. It's just a struggle to play them because of their walk-it-up style of play on offense and physical defense. But they are extremely offensively-challenged. In the first half, Detroit had no three-pointers nor any offensive rebounds, but they outshot CSU 41% to 31% and only trailed by 2.

In the second half, Cleveland State shot much better at 48% and that was really the difference. Detroit had 1 three, 3 offensive rebounds and 0 fast break points for the game and shot 36% for the game.

There you have it. CSU wins, 56-43 in what may be the last home game this season. On to Indy to continue league tournament play this weekend.

Visitor

41 Across: Immortal slugger Hank (5 letters) Answer: Aaron

Quick Browns thoughts. Brady Quinn is quickly approaching “Saint Tressel” status after only two games. Compiled a few games for comparison between Quinn and Derek Anderson.

Browns/Bengals: Anderson 15-24, 138 YDS/TD/INT/74.7 QB Rating
Browns/Jaguars: Anderson 14-27, 246 YDS/TD/Sack/95.6 QB Rating
Browns/Ravens: Anderson 17-33, 219 YDS/2TD/INT/Sack/80.2 QB Rating (His last start)
Browns/Bills: Quinn 14-36, 185 YDS/Sack/55.9 QB Rating

Note that I tossed the Giants game as an aberration. Anderson’s last 5 starts, 4 sacks. Quinn’s first 2 games, 1 sack. So the problem was not Anderson holding the ball and getting pummeled or being a statue. They went to that dink passing attack after the first Ravens game, which we are now getting with Quinn. I'll give you the fact that Quinn is more mobile, hence the bootleg and rollouts we saw last night.

In Anderson’s last 5 starts, his QB Ratings were:

Bengals 74.7, a road win.
Giants 121.3, a home win.
Redskins 57.9, a road loss.
Jaguars 95.6, a road win.
Ravens 80.2, a home loss.

In Quinn’s two starts, his QB ratings were:

Broncos 104.3, a home loss.
Bills 55.9, a road win.

“Quinn was 14-of-36 for 185 yards. Not great, but not bad.”-This is a Terry Pluto quote in today's PD. WTF? Barely 5 yards per attempt. No touchdowns, no long balls. If that was Anderson, he’d be hearing it today. Especially after having 11 days to prepare. The Browns certainly let everyone know Quinn’s QB rating against Denver was 104.3. I’m pretty sure we will not hear much about this week’s 55.9.

Any argument about "Quinn would have been better had not Braylon Edwards dropped passes" holds zero water. Because you could flip that argument to the two biggest drops that Anderson threw this year. One against Dallas, another against Baltimore.

All I’m saying is, if we are going to denigrate Anderson as mediocre, let’s not conversely anoint Quinn for doing basically the same thing. He's two games in, let's wait a while. Remember, we thought Anderson was the man after game 2 against the Bengals last year. And, yes, I am still not on the bandwagon, but am holding a reservation.

And don't get me started on the Browns run defense giving up 185 yards last night.

Meal of Links

Google is now hosting the Life Photo Archive. Why here's Joe DiMaggio at Dinky Donuts!






































Bruno strikes again. You'd think people would wise up.

How The New York Times met "The Simpsons".

Family Guy Spelling Bee

This put me on the floor.



Exercise Yard

Even Desmond Howard is not too sure about this Rich Rodriguez guy. Rodriguez has probably hired a food taster, at this point.

Visitor

27 Across: Brother of Curly (3 letters) Answer: Moe

Today was the day the contestants were announced for "Dancing with the Stars". Let's handicap the agenda-laden (Boy, there are some self-promoters in this group) field, even though I won't be watching:

Laila Ali

Being a boxer gives her the advantage of great footwork. But the footwork in boxing becomes second nature, even though it's completely opposite of what you would think would work. But she's a big girl, so we'll see if she can handle the spinning moves. On the show because she's running out of opponents.

Billy Ray Cyrus

Maybe he can add inability to dance, to go along with inability to sing and inability to act. On the show because he's a Dad.

Heather Mills

I know she has one leg, is that a problem? On the show to demonstrate she's not a bad person.

Clyde Drexler

Nice guy, but tall. Tall like Tommy Tune. And not exactly an outgoing guy. No Emmitt or Jerry here. On the show to fulfill the old athlete slot.

Joey Fatone

Is it "Fat-one" or "Fa-tone"? Either way, a distinct advantage being in a boy band. I defy anyone to tell me this guy did not work with a professional choreographer. I refuse to believe it. Even if he was the worst dancer of the bunch. On the show because I'm not sure where his career is presently.

Shandi Finnessey

To quote Homer Simpson, "I have no idea who that is."

Leeza Gibbons

Not a bad looker and was in "Robocop", so extra points for her. On the show because I just saw her on an infomercial, so she must be getting back in the public eye.

Paulina Porizkova

Please God, tell me she still looks good. On the show because I have not see nor heard of Paulina Porizkova in ages.

Ian Ziering

I never watched "90210", so this guy could be good or really bad. A coin flip. On the show because (see Fatone).

Vincent Pastore

This year's Springer. Can probably handle the classic dances. On the show to promote post-Sopranos worthiness.

Apolo Anton Ohno

Here's your winner. Short track speed skating a definite advantage, as is his youth and his looks. On the show because there is no professional speed-skating circuit.

Meal of Links

All-day McGriddles? It might happen.

Merv Griffin gets a new game show, "Let's Play Crosswords" on the air. I'm sure we'll get a lot of these clues: 18 ____ Fatone. First show of Merv's since "Wheel of Fortune".

How to clean like a maid. And, no, this is cleaning like a maid, not one of those other websites where "maids" do something else.

Exercise Yard

















Another Indian with bad eyesight, this time it's Jhonny Peralta. This is a rather bizarre story. The dude cannot even see the signs, so how can we expect his positioning to be correct and see the ball off the bat? Madre de Dios!

Peralta was diagnosed with myopia early in the year and was given contacts, but refused to wear them. Finally, with two weeks left in the season, he wore them. WTF? Your manager is ripping you in the paper every day, you know it's your eyesight, but fail to do anything about it? Then, after you pop them in and play better, the manager compliments you. Very weird.

Now he had off-season Lasik surgery and all is right with the world. But this episode points the finger at lots of people in the organization. Why not go public on August 1 with, "The jackass can't see and won't do anything about it."

Visitor

21 Across: The Green Hornet's sidekick (4 letters) Answer: Kato

The verdict is in on the crosswords. I'm not sure what to make of the vote, but the LA Times won over the NYTimes. I understand there is a rhythm and nuance to the same crosswords from a syndicate over the years. But I am amazed the NYTimes lost out. I'm not sure it's because it's tough, because as a town, we basically our admitting our stupidity. I did 11 of the 12 that were offered, with last Saturday's a true monster. It's something else.

I'd like to think it's because if you've liked the NYTimes puzzles, you've probably sought them all along from different sources, including the Times itself or online. And that's the problem with the NYTimes Syndicate. The Sunday puzzles are a week behind, the dailies are 6 weeks behind. For instance our January 13th puzzle was in the NYTimes on December 2. So, there is a lag time if you actually had a copy of the Times.

Needless to say, today's was really easy by comparison.

Meal of Links

I am so glad the Kinsale Tavern is not even close to where I live. I fear I would never leave.

Leo Sayer goes berserk on "Celebrity Big Brother". Over underwear. Yes, underwear.

Looks like the "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" contest was awash with bad results. Water, a killer! Who knew?

Exercise Yard

Tennis hooligans. Serbs against Croats. That's novel. Say, Let's hope Marcos Baghdatis goes far this year. His fans are nuts.

Visitor

42 Across: Queen of Soul Aretha (6 letters) Answer: Franklin

Friday, check. Monsoon, check. Pizza crave, check. When those things align, it's Map Room on the docket! I really like the Map Room, so Gale and I had our chaperone hats at the ready and went down there. If you get there early, there is some, yet minimal, competition for the hat-wearing. After about 8:00, we so own that privilege.

As I've said, this joint is the most normal of any Warehouse District watering holes. They have XM's Lucy channel playing early, then some recorded efforts later, including Mr. Johnny Cash. And the menu, while not extensive, by any means, is pretty good. Hot dogs are yummy, pizza is out-of-control good, although I have yet to see anyone eating a sub there. I think we counted 60 bottles of Vodka there, with all the flavors. And the beer is cheap. And they have plasma TVs, where you can read the closed captioning on the Cavs game. Step-away flushes on the urinals, for that turnpike feeling, as well.

Meal of Links

Well, the first week of the NYTimes crosswords is over and I'm happy to say I nailed them. Friday's was harder than Saturday's. As I said, these make you think, they're punny, and there are NYC references you need to be aware of. And to channel Jon Stewart in "Wordplay", "Shortz, I see you working!". These clues from Saturday show the main difference between the LA Times and the NYTimes:

Across:

1 See people (7) I think "Goes out" or something like that. Wrong! Bishops.
16 Either of two track stars (7) Track & field same names? Duh. Nope. Al Unser!
28 Code on some NYC-bound luggage (3) LA: guaranteed JFK. NY: Nah. LGA!
30 It may be fit for a queen (8) I'm thinking some headgear. Er...Bedsheet!

46 Actress Lords (5) Thanks for this easy one. Traci!

Down:

41 Pitching stats? (7) LA: Definitely baseball. NY: Think sales. Yup. Ad rates!
51 "The Wizard ___" (4) LA: Most definitely "of Oz". NY: Come on. Right. "of Id"!

Heidi, I know you can't read, but put this on your shopping list. Perhaps, those Christmas presents will fit now.

I noticed there has been a new ad from Home Depot running lately. I swear the Mom/Wife in the ad is the attorney from "Sagman, Bennett, Robbins, Oppenheim, Taft" from "Seinfeld".

Exercise Yard

The start of the NFL Playoffs today and well, I am gonna watch a lot of football soon.

Colts/Chiefs

Take the Colts to beat the spread. People have forgotten the Browns shredded the Chief defense. Yes, the Browns. Amazing how many jumped to the Chiefs this week. Go the other way.

Cowboys/Seahawks

Take the Cowboys. I can't figure out either team, but I think the Cowboys will be OK. If not, we'll hear how Pro-Bowler Tony Romo is a young QB, still learning the game.

Eagles/Giants

Eagles should win, even with Jeff Garcia, because the G-Men have Manning the Lesser. Take the points, however, with the Giants.

Patriots/Jets

Patriots will romp. Mangenius did a great job getting the Jets here. I think the Pats are ready for a run.

Visitor

35 Across: Faux family name in rock and roll (6 letters) Answer: Ramone