Scenes from last night's Tribe game. The weather and StubHub gave rise to a last-minute decision to attend the Indians 11-2 thumping of the White Sox.
Beautiful night for a game.
Asdrubal Cabrera knocked in five runs.
Harold Baines was coaching first for the Sox last night. I was waiting for a bus at the Federal Building several years ago as Harold was making his way down East 6th for a game.
Me: "Hey, Harold. Don't hit us too hard tonight."
Baines (smiling): "4-for-4 with 4 RBIs."
Jeanmar Gomez is 5-0 for the Tribe since his last callup.
Can't we bunt on this guy?
Fukudome is tired. It's September.
Joe Smith doing an imitation of my contorted body following the Foo Fighters.
Carlos Santana, looking prepared.
Two Indians pitchers I didn't even know were on the team finished up last night.
First, Putnam.
Then Kluber.
Meal of Links
Roger Ebert fixes Netflix for them. Even he thinks streaming is the way to go.
OK, I'm back. Tons of stuff happened the last few days, so let's get to it.
Went to the Happy Dog the other evening for their belated take on National Hamburger Day. The same toppings, this time on a burger. Very nicely done.
They actually found Whitey Bulger! He was the topic of one of those gangster hours on the Bio channel not too long ago. Truly a badass who became an informant and basically ran the Boston office of the FBI. He was Most Wanted #2 after Bin Laden and people were questioning if the FBI really wanted him found. Looked for him for years with no luck. The U.S. Marshals joined the hunt and within 7 months they found him. Back to Boston already. This'll be one to watch.
Was over at Paul's for the NBA Draft last night. I guess that draft class was weak. Still waiting for Dan Gilbert's pledge of excitement.
Meal of Links
Google should buy Hulu. It is up for sale and that match would be quite good.
Peter Falk died last night. He was much more than "Columbo", which is still pretty good if you catch it somewhere, but he'll always be remembered for that role. He was terrific in "The In-Laws", but my favorite Falk role was playing himself as an angel in "Wings of Desire".
Companero Scene from "Wings of Desire"
The end credits for "Rango". Great designing work.
The films of Robert Altman. The one that is rarely shown is "California Split". I love that one.
This year's BBQ Mix. I honestly think I could do better. BTW, I just heard the other day that Level 42 has sold 30 million albums in their career. Huh? You best believe they also included this classic...
"Hot Fun In the Summertime"/Sly and the Family Stone
Judge Judy snores. Do you realize over the last year, she topped Oprah's ratings? From that mix, cue "She's A Bad Mama Jama".
Exercise Yard
Patrick Cantlay is an amateur golfer. He's been making lots of news lately. Low qualifier in Columbus for the U.S. Open. Low amateur at the U.S. Open.
He's playing in a PGA tournament this weekend, the Travelers Championship. Today, he shot a 60.
On Sunday night, S. and I were at the Rock Hall for the 3rd Annual Chef Jam. This raises money for the Ohio City Farm, which picked up a check for $5K, and education programs for the Rock Hall.
This year featured a higher ticket price, more music, less people and less vendors. But still rates fairly high on the fun list, as this year, even some of the vendors got into the act and started dressing the part. Prosperity had the Ramones, I think Melt had Kiss and there were some Beatles as well, dishing out some Yellow Submarine sammies.
The music started earlier with the band from Crop. As usual, they played "Whipping Post". The Naked Cowboy strolled around, publicizing Naked Cowboy Oysters, by mainly posing for pictures. There was of very good cover band, Abbey Rodeo, before the headliners appeared. That was the English Beat (actually only Dave Wakeling with other unknowns), who actually treated this as an appearance, and played more than an abbreviated set including some General Public stuff.
English Beat Setlist:
"Save It For Later" "Tears Of A Clown" "I Confess" "Tenderness" "I'll Take You There" "Ranking Full Stop" "Mirror In The Bathroom"
Sampling of Restaurants/Plates:
B Spot: Beef Sliders
Deagan's: Mushroom Stuffed Quail
Melange: Pork Belly and BBQ Beans
Melt: Fried Twinkie
Moxie: Whiskey River Gelato
Prosperity Social Club: Sloppy Joes and Mac N Cheese
Last night, I went to the Cinemark and saw the latest Woody Allen flick, "Midnight In Paris". I must say, moving his productions to the other side of the pond have revived the guy. This was sort of a "Back To The Future" for the adult set.
This time, Owen Wilson plays the Woodman Voice as a successful Hollywood writer with a deep love for '20s Paris. He is taking a shot at writing a novel and about to marry Rachel McAdams. I normally like McAdams, but she seemed off here. Michael Sheen eats some scenery as a friend, maybe former lover, of McAdams. He's an art professor, lecturing at the Sorbonne, so he knows everything about art and wind and just about everything else. Type of guy who corrects tour guides, Described perfectly as "pedantic" by Carla Bruni. Yes, stunt casting has Bruni in not just one, but two scenes.
Anyhow, as the clock strikes Midnight, McAdams and Sheen and his wife go elsewhere, Wilson is transported back in time on a nightly basis. Where he meets artists like Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, Cole Porter, Kathy Bates as Gertrude Stein, Picasso, Bunuel, Adrien Brody as Salvador Dali ("Dah-LEE"), those types. Accepted almost immediately and never questioned about his clothing, even at the most formal gatherings. Of course, he is smitten with Marion Cotillard during these throwbacks.
The story is a nice take on nostalgia. If you immerse yourself completely, it appears that Allen has decided it stifles you creatively. Because everyone has their own idea of what the greatest time was. For example, when you think Wilson and Cotillard are a match, she opts for the Belle Epoque period of Paris.
Definitely a love letter to Paris, especially the shots in the rain. Certainly worth the 90 minutes when it comes to cable. And, you have to admit it, Allen still has some interesting stories to tell. Hopefully.
Hugh Hefner's fiancee decided not to marry him. She realized she was about to marry a fossil. So, Dr. Phil's son shows up. For her, not Hef.
In case you did not know, the CIA has drones over Yemen. Shouldn't there have been a vote on that or something?
After last night's Republican debate. Could this be their future?
Exercise Yard
Big Game 7 for the Bruins tomorrow. Newest hero: Brad Marchand, the Erich Barnes of the NHL.
Quote of the year:
Why did Marchand keep punching him then?
"Because I felt like it," Marchand said.
"Golf Boys" Video/Crane, Fowler, Mahan, Watson
Visitor
29 Across: 1983 Woody Allen title role (5 letters) Answer: Zelig
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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.
My Dad and I were going to go to today's Indians game. This was the last Saturday 1:00 start of the year and I really like that start time. The forecast looked too ominous, so we backed off pretty early on going.
Instead, we headed to the Capitol and took in the documentary "Bill Cunningham New York". Cunningham is the iconic photographer of the New York Times. Not only takes pictures at social functions, but does the shows in Paris and also shows the fashion from the streets of New York.
Absolutely a first-rate production. Just enough of a picture into the guy's life. A guy still doing his job at 80, riding to and from work and to the events on his bike. Sweet guy who has an eye for what looks good on people and a keen sense of what would make a good photo.
After the movie, while it was still raining, BTW, we went for our first taste at Sweet Moses. This is the new ice cream joint on Detroit. Neat interior and the ice cream is really good. I had a root beer float and he had a chocolate malt. I had one taste of that and have to get one of those next time. Highly recommended.
Meal of Links
Michael Heaton is right. The Lady Gaga-Madonna comparison is so obvious, I can't believe the lawyers haven't been summoned. You hear a song and you say, mmm, that's "Express Yourself' or "La Isla Bonita". Watch the Gaga special on HBO, It's laughable. My favorite part was the shoutouts to "Jesus Christ" and "Jesus Christo" for being real superstars.
Paul Simon is kind to Canadians. He got a request from the audience and let the requester play guitar.
"Treme" got renewed for a third season. I was starting to worry about the ratings ("Terriers" territory) and wondering if HBO could continue to buy into David Simon's 5-year vision. Good for them.
Speaking of NOLA, the Mighty Mississip has to empty somewhere. Can you really trust the Corps decision to open up that Spillway? Limited options, but, oh, if they get it wrong.
Catching up with Bootsy Collins. Includes "Groove Is In The Heart".
Man City Wins the FA Cup
The WBWC Summer Marathons on Thursday have started. This year, even Gordon Lightfoot gets the treatment.
These are not pictures of government officials watching Bin Laden get his. Nope. These are funny. The one with Bob Ross kills me, because you also have notables such as Quint, Spongebob, Pee Wee Herman, The Rally Monkey, and Mr. Clean.
Huckabee says "Not for me." Keeps his job and his money. Might have made some early primary noise but would not have won a nomination, in my opinion.
Exercise Yard
Harmon Killebrew has decided to end his cancer treatment and head over to hospice. Now this is how you want to sign off. Beautiful. As Rick Telander said, "...it's not raising the white flag, but perhaps lowering the party banner."
Killebrew was not your prototypical slugger. Kind of short and squat. But he homered 40 times in 8 different seasons (along with A-Rod, Bonds and Aaron) and only Babe Ruth has done better.
I found myself at Champps last night. Mr. and Mrs. Mix were in town, so Jeff and Gale and I had a meetup at Crocker Park. Hey, they have Harp on tap there and I had a Fan Favorite known as a Club Sandwich. Anyhow, we found out Mrs. Mix and her family celebrated Dyngus Day for years. What Secret Society is this?
Anyhow, most of the TVs had the Tribe game and I noticed there was some MMA on, as well. Perhaps some old reruns from Spike or something. Boy, as soon as 9:00 came about, most of the TVs were tuned to MMA. Now, I realized it was the PPV event from Toronto. As I looked about the room, I noticed all the Affliction shirts and figured this was the reason for the crowd. Because it was kinda packed. No doubt these places get people to show up, because of the high PPV price for home use.
I'm still old-school boxing, but we saw a bout end in 20 seconds last night by a questionable referee's decision. So, at least that carries over from the Sweet Science. If you care, here are last night's MMA results.
Meal of Links
Our Governor is a Steelers fan. But he loves Cleveland. So, in the unlikely event of the Browns ever making the Super Bowl, sorry, but he cannot participate.
Never buy expensive HDMI cables. Why? It's science.
You are a thief. You need electronics. Where do you go? Starbucks.
The thing I like about President Obama is he handles these types of things with a pretty good delivery of these funny lines. Trump! Hah!
Looking back at the Playboy Clubs. I am assuming there was not one here.
Exercise Yard
I just found out that the Tribe is serving Christmas Ale. Stand by Section 153. That's not a bad idea, but wow, if the crowds get bigger, it may go quick. I'm not sure I've ever had that when the temperature outside was warm.
I survived Dyngus Day. Yes, Mardi Gras for the Polish was so successful, it will now marked with a permanent spot on the calendar. Or should I say, drinking calendar. Locally, it joins St. Patrick's Day, Opening Day, any Browns home game, and Cinco de Mayo as an excuse to drink in the afternoon when you'd ordinarily be at work or lounging around on a weekend.
We took part in the Parkview Nite Club portion of the proceedings. Big Chuck was there in his Certain Ethnic Man outfit. There was a Miss Dyngus Day complete with a crown of sausages.
The crowds later on at Happy Dog and Reddstone were reported to be big, as well. So, I assume next year (April 9), it might be expanded or even more crowded.
Meal of Links
The President is an American. Whoo hoo! Now it's on to his college transcripts and Selective Service records for the non-believers. Where are Trump's tax returns?
"Celebrity Apprentice" has one of the largest Democratic audiences. Trump, with his "China is raping our country" shtick, is literally driving away its audience.
Chain restaurants with the fattest meals. I'm glad I've not had any of them.
Good stuff with Rowdy Roddy Piper. Loved that guy. Great entertainer in the ring.
Tom Durkin bows out as the Triple Crown announcer. He cites stress. I don't blame him, especially in the Derby. You got 20 horses and have to mention them all. By the time you do that and get back up front, God knows what might happen. And, heaven forbid, you call a horse late, which he has done. Not as easy as it seems.
Tom Durkin Calls a Race
Exercise Yard
I took my Dad to the Indians game last night. The opponent was the hated Kansas City Royals. The bottom line is if they pitch and hit like they did last night, they'll hang in the pennant race for a while.
Pitching good news? Justin Masterson, not at his best, gets into the 7th, allowing only three runs. Struck out 7 and walked 2. Oh, Melky Cabrera drilled a homer and got to stare it down, but that was about it. Vinnie Pestano then got out of an 8th inning, based loaded jam without giving up any runs. I said when he came in that I didn't trust him yet. I may have to change my thinking.
Pitching bad news? Tony Sipp looks like he's back on the slippery slope after dominating for three weeks.
Hitting good news? When you hit five homers in a game, almost everyone looks good. Homers from Jack Hannahan (who hit 2), Matt LaPorta, Grady Sizemore and Shin Soo Choo. All of them smoked.
Pitchers are going to have to go back to the old book on Grady Sizemore, because they are pitching him using the 2009-10 book and he is just killing everything. On his second double, he was motoring around first like the old Sizemore and should have had a triple, but the third base coach, Steve Smith, held him up. They need to let him loose.
Choo's homer came off the first pitch from Lewis Jackson. It's as if Choo told the ball, "Where have you have been all spring?" Absolutely crushed it and pretty much clinched the game.
Hitting bad news? Orlando Cabrera isn't a very disciplined hitter and it's starting to show. His average is in decline. And Carlos Santana is now looking at fastballs when he has a hitter's count. A 2-1 fastball, with men on, from Hochevar and he never moved the bat off his shoulder. Uh-oh.
But it was a good win. There were only 9620 in attendance (the Monsters drew more next door) and it felt even emptier. But I got cheap seats behind the Indians dugout through StubHub and they even had the $4 concession value built in. So we opted to get super dogs. And they were good. The threat of rain was gone and it was most enjoyable to watch that victory.
6 Across: Texas Rangers CEO Nolan (4 letters) Answer: Ryan
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Opening Day 2011
Got my first look at the Indians of 2011 yesterday. Naturally, they lost. This time though, it was embarrassing. The White Sox absolutely pounded Fausto Carmona on their way to a 15-10 win. Gale and I had seats in Section 109, and I got to be "End of Row Boy".
Progressive Field was a beacon in the distance, two hours before game time.
Things of note: Typically, everyone wants to know what's going on inside the park. No, I didn't go all the way around, but virtually everything inside has gone up in cost. Opening Day Parking, BTW, was stable. I paid $20 in the traditional Hanna Garage spot, and most places were charging that price.
Rabbi Feldman's grilled hot dog stand in right field has changed this year. It's a bigger grilled dog slathered in onions, called a Slugger Dog, and that'll set you back (gulp!) $8.50. Not sure if other grilled dog stands exist. We'll find that out later. You can get a Brat or Italian Sausage there for $6.75. Not sure about the price of vendor dogs.
Cracker Jack is $4.00, Peanuts are $4.50, so Marc's still cannot be beat. New this year is multicolored Cotton Candy. This comes in a bag for the amazing price of $6.00. A unique concept of a product kids love, but don't like to share, at exorbitant prices! Bottles of water were $4.50 and Gatorade will set you back $5.00 a bottle.
But, what about the beer? OK, I didn't see the foreign beer stand where, in years past, you could get Guinness and others. The Leinie Lodge had $7.75 Leinenkugels.
Dad's Beer Stand, predictably, had the longest lines. You could wash down Andy Capp Fries and Beer Nuts with a 12-oz. Blatz, Gennesee, Iron City, Natural Light, Pabst, Rolling Rock, Schaefer or Stroh for $4.50. I honestly don't get the nostalgia here. There are some lousy beers in that bunch.
Beer from a vendor? This is where the variable pricing model has run amok. You can get a 24-oz. can (yes, they are back this year) of beer for $10.00. Yes, beer has hit $10 at the park. Or you can get a 16-oz. bottle for $7.75. Even more choices, a Gennessee vendor has 24-oz. cans for only $8.00. That would be Gennesee, Genny Cream or Gennessee Ice.
Bob Feller Salute
I'll hand it to the Indians, they did a much better job with the Feller salute than with the Herb Score Tribute a couple of years back. Big time ups on the video. The team wore Number 19 uniforms in the pre-game. Mrs. Feller put the ball of the first pitch on the pitching rubber. Bunting. Balloons. Bigass Flag. As Always. Real nice stuff.
The Game
Can we quit with the White Sox as an opener. Chicago's Mark Buehrle now has 9 Opening Day starts. Six against the Indians.
Even though I was in the park, I have yet to see the Indians score a run in person. in a tribute to Bob Feller...Redass, we did a "five-and-fly". We had good seats in right-centerfield, but our row should have been renamed Row P. Our row seated 24 people, but it might as well have been 100, because I have never had to let that many people out to buy a beer or pee in all of my years attending sporting events. Ever.
Combined with a joke of a game, where I think I saw Austin Kearns flag down seven balls in the leftfield corner and watch two homers fly over his head. And, while it was 14-0 in the fifth and watch the Tribe look at only four pitches in their half of the inning, it literally drove us to drink, cheaply, at Alesci's. Where we got to see whatever faux comeback fall short.
White Sox kill the Tribe on Opening Day. Loss No. One, 15-10. Today, the smallest crowd in the history of the park watched them lose again. It's a shame, but that's Baseball 2011.
Meal of Links
I realize I am a bit late to this game, but I went to Outback Steakhouse for the first time on Thursday. Kind of impressed with the place. My Dad had been there before and got a 6-oz. size and enjoyed his potato soup. I opted for a 10-oz. ribeye that was chargrilled over an open flame with a baked potato and salad. At the very least, I'll consider this as a dining option and no, I have no idea why it took this long to get there.
Us polkateers went to the early morning viewing of "Polka: The Movie". So popular, the Film Fest had two showings this morning. I figured at least 300 people were there to see this one. Kind of an average movie, which suffered from some decidedly poor editing. We get it, the Slovenian neighborhood of Cleveland is in decline. They really needed more music here. It was like they got to the '70s and said OK, who still plays this stuff? If it was a history lesson, you never got the full version. Not even any "Polka Varieties" footage. Hell, even Paul Sciria was in "Kill The Irishman".
After the movie, we visited P.J. McIntyre's in West Park. Heavy Irish vibe, but really good food, liquor and beer selections here. Not a surprise, it's a popular place. I shared some Reuben Egg Rolls and followed that with some Angus Beef Sliders. Homemade chips, too.
It's the Ramones. Always good, no matter what is recommended.
Looks like Eddie Izzard will have another go at an FX series. "The Riches" first season was superb, I thought.
They have announced the 2011 Peabody Awards. Those you may have heard of: "Justified", "Men Of A Certain Age", C-SPAN, "Degrassi", "If God Is Willing and da Creek Don't Rise", and ESPN's "30 For 30".
How to play well with drugs. Mainly, don't mix your drugs.
New book is out. "The Oxford Book of Parodies", which asks the question, "Mickey or Bugs?" As a cynic, I am solidly in the corner of Bugs.
Exercise Yard
Who won the World Cup of Cricket? Why, that would be India.
For reasons I can't really explain, I found myself at the Golden Corral after the CSU game yesterday. I think this joint has now replaced the mall as the place to watch what's wrong with the world these days.
First of all, you have people willing to stand in a long line, almost out the door, for their place at the feeding trough. Then you have no semblance of rules or order at any food station, requests for additional drinks or any other exercise you go through.
And trust me on this one, very few people in attendance are getting the appropriate exercise. Except for the kids who use the Golden Corral as their own personal playground.
Plus, since you are stuffing your piehole, you'll eat any combination of food to get your money's worth. I had salad, tacos, bourbon chicken with rice and a piece of steak. I can't recall the last time I polished off tacos and said, "Boy, I could go for a steak right now." BTW, the salad was fresh, tacos were OK, bourbon chicken average, but the medium steak I had was actually pretty good.
In my defense, I didn't have lunch nor dinner, so this was kind of the in-between chow and I didn't have a meal later. I'll have to go sometime later to see if there are still Menu Changers on Sundays who show up before breakfast ends, but stay until that day's entrees come out, to get the best of both worlds.
The Razzies were held last night. Here are the winners. I mean, losers. Shyamalan rules as we knew he would. "The Last Airbender" was criticized intensely.
Exercise Yard
I'm watching the Carling Cup Final this morning and suddenly, Obafemi Martins (who may be as old as Greg Oden) comes on as a sub. Geez, this guy has bounced around. Showed up in Birmingham three weeks ago. I remember his goal celebrations always consisted of some handsprings and flips. So, he scores the gamewinner.
Visitor
None, on a snow-melting Sunday.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
If Jason Statham is in a movie, I am there pronto. So, today, Shaun and I hit the early viewing of the remake of "The Mechanic". Statham plays Arthur, the hitman who is really a no-nonsense kind of a guy. Gets the assignment, does the job cleanly, gets out, gets paid. And goes back to his fancy bayou home near New Orleans.
Donald Sutherland is his mentor, who gets involved with a mess with Tony Goldwyn, the top guy in the organization. After he gets taken out, his out of control son, Ben Foster, starts to learn the ropes from Statham. Foster wanted to be Statham, but Sutherland chose Jason to carry out all of the assignments. So, Foster wasn't exactly a neophyte. In the original, this was Charles Bronson taking Jan-Michael Vincent under his wing.
This version was better than expected. Contrary to the trailers, this was not a shoot 'em up from start-to-finish. It was only 90 minutes and after a bit of a slow start that actually included a couple of killings, it moved quickly to a very satisfying conclusion.
This was a Chartoff-Winkler production, sons of the team that did the original version. I was intrigued that they mentioned "The Gambler" was ripe for a remake, as well. Of course, that starred James Caan and he was outstanding in that one. One of my all-timers that is rarely seen these days.
Meal of Links
After that movie, Gale and I hit Vieng's Asian Bistro for some chow. I had the Hot and Sour Soup, which was really good today. And then had me some General Tso's. They also have Shiner on tap. Now, that was a meal that hit the spot on a cold day.
It's The Coenfographic. The great thing about it is the rundown of the character names. From Garth Pancake to Gale Snopes.
Hangin' out at White Castle. Do their fries still only come in one size?
Exercise Yard
The LPGA is in a sticky situation. They hardly play any American events anymore and when they do, they run into this. They are going to stage a Founders Event next month, where the players don't actually get any prize money.
Visitor
5 Down: CNN Gulf War reporter (6 letters) Answer: Arnett
Friday, January 28, 2011
I got my new front doors installed today. Well, almost. The drywall was not drying sufficiently (too cold in the foyer), so the guy has to come back and do the necessary sanding. Plus, I need a different sort of hinge on my storm door, so it can open up like it should. But it was a long day, as they got here at 9 and were finally wrapping up until almost 8. And, as I suspected, it was probably wishful thinking that it would take only one day.
Already had a neighbor call and she liked the way the doors looked. And I must say, from the inside they did a hell of a job of reconfiguring my round-top entry way. So, it'll just be a bit longer to have this project finished.
Meal of Links
Hot chicks at the Snowsports Industry America Show. Scull Candy sells headphones and earbuds, but who noticed? If they sold hot water, I think I'd buy it. Actually, the slide show was kinda disappointing.
It's the Renewal Scorecard. Which of your network TV favorites will get renewed?
Egypt is all fouled up. Al-Jazeera English was the place to be online earlier today.
I've seen their commercial and, trust me, they don't emphasize it enough. Denny's has $4 all-you-can-eat pancakes!
"Restrepo" airs February 2. On the National Geographic Channel. Terrific doc.
The movie, "Series 7: The Contenders", is awesome. I saw this over at the Shaker Cinema, where it was up for maybe a week. Surprisingly, this came out 10 years ago, before Reality TV really got going. In this movie, the contenders try to kill each other. Hey, now.
Charlie Sheen finally goes to rehab. I stuck up for him the other day, saying how I don't think he's missed any work. But that's good that someone decided to have an intervention.
The New York Times explains its WikiLeaks connection. Lots of cloak-and-dagger stuff, publishing-style.
Since I was last here, I fully recovered from "Black Swan".
I saw CSU win two games over Detroit (a nice game) and Wright State (outside of Butler, the ugliest game of the year).
I got pulled over by the police. No headlights which resulted in a friendly advisory statement through our windows. It was cold and they didn't want to get out of their car and chat.
I went to Sokolowski's for the first time since 2009. Great meat loaf and pie right outta "Twin Peaks".
I look away for two minutes and Keith Olbermann is done? WTF? I love KO, but one criticism of his show I've had (unlike Maddow/O'Donnell) is no opposing view. Even the parroters on his show open up on others. Goodness knows, he's burned a lot of bridges along the way, but I have no idea where he goes now. CNN seems logical, but... Ed Schultz at 10, Lord help us.
I look away for two minutes and the March Madness broadcast teams are announced. Remember, Turner has a piece this year, so there will be an NBA-influenced setting. Big moves: Dick Enberg/Jay Bilas out, Marv Albert/Steve Kerr in, More Gus!, I'm not sure of Reggie Miller joining Kevin Harlan and Dan Bonner, Steve Kerr broadcasting the Final Four, and the TNT NBA studio crew is in (that late night Thursday and Friday should be great with them). All I need is truTV in HD by then and I'm set.
Gang of Four are back. New record is out next week.
I look away for two minutes and the Coachella lineup is announced. Hopefully, they get their webcasting shit together.
One of my favorite music lists is out. Pazz and Jop 2010. Of course, Kanye West is No. 1 for albums, "Fuck You" for singles.
Speaking of "Fuck You", Regis Philbin "retires" because of a pay cut. Welcome to the jungle, Reege.
Of course, "Hawaii Five-O" would have a tsunami episode. Right after Sunday's AFC Championship Game, too. Wait a minute. Danno hates the water, gets on a board, then the tsunami comes? How convenient.
A look back at Harry Nilsson. "Everybody's Talkin'" was a monster hit, but it plays very pleasantly when you haven't heard it in a while.
"You're Breakin' My Heart"/Harry Nilsson
Exercise Yard
Randy Lerner can't find an Offensive Coordinator for his team. But his Other Team just spent a whole lot of cash on Darren Bent. Paid some early dividends as he scored the winner for Aston Villa today.
The great Eric Cantona (good goal-scoring compilation enclosed) is now running the New York Cosmos. Uh, the Cosmos aren't even in the MLS. They need a stadium to get entry.
34 Across: Three-time Grammy award winner for comedy (9 letters) Answer: Chris Rock
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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!
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?
Trying to cram in a lot this weekend. Yesterday, I found myself at two places I had not been to in a really long time. First, I had to go to a shoe repair place, as I had a blowout on one of my shoes. Obviously, kicking a lot of ass around here. Yes, these places still exist. Look, I'm not gonna pay triple digits for a replacement pair, if this one can be fixed.
The other place was Borders. Hadn't been there in so long, I did not realize they now open at 10:00 a.m. Of course, they drove me out of there because my entry and exit were bracketed by these jewels from Neil Diamond, "Yesterday" and "Alone Again Naturally". Bah!
I spent the early afternoon on Saturday taking care of my lawn for the last time this year. Trimmed and mowed. I cannot remember the last time I had to do this in mid-November, but we really didn't have any Indian Summer until this past week, so I had to deal with it. I think I gave Mother Nature the go-ahead to release the hounds!
Also, this weekend, Cleveland State started their schedule by hosting a tournament for 4 days. I attended Friday with my Dad to see Bryant and Local Chuck went with me yesterday to see Iona. Already exchanged tickets out of Monday's game, but opted out of tonight's Kent game, after the Browns OT game.
By having a 6:00 start last night, I was afforded the opportunity to visit a couple of my favorite places. Who can resist the Becky Burger at Becky's? Seriously, try to. Postgame found it kinda warm, so I went over to the local gem of an ice cream shoppe and that is the Honey Hut. The peanut butter sundae was beckoning me for my last visit of the year.
As for the games, CSU is still shaking off the rust. They struggled both nights, although the transition defense was much better against Iona. Norris Cole is now a senior and clearly he is the rock of the team. Looked very good, so far. The Vikings have been picked to finish third in the Horizon League and I think that's a proper prognostication. Crowds still suck though. For CSU-Iona which was Game 2 of the doubleheader, I think there was 600 people in attendance. Kent should change that today.
Who did not see this coming? "Rubicon" got cancelled. Clearly, the agonizingly slow first 4 episodes killed it. By the time it found its feet, the audience had moved on. Let's face it though, zombies are in. One of the few who liked it. I will say, it probably is worth viewing in an on-demand setting or a summer rerun, as I doubt there will be a DVD release.
BTW, I'm always awed at how quiet the EPL crowds are during a minute's silence for Remembrance Day. It's almost creepy, then you get this massive applause. It's something to witness.
Remembrance Day at Villa Park
Exercise Yard
It has been a long time since I've been fired up for a Browns regular season game, as I was this past week. I think we have to go to the last century. But after today's game, we've been down this path with the Browns before, haven't we?
We are going to have to see how the team responds after today's OT loss against the Jets. For all the horrible seasons the Browns have had upon their return, there are parallels with what happened today. Most people can't remember Jeff Garcia actually winning games as the Browns QB. But in 2004, the Browns had a 3-3 record, and things were looking rather decent. Then the Eagles came to town and beat the Browns in an overtime game, 34-31. The Browns had a bye the next week and then they waved bye to the whole season and won only one more game, finishing 4-12.
In 2008, the Browns were 3-4, coming off a surprise win at Jacksonville, and had home games against Baltimore on a Sunday and Denver on a Thursday. The Ravens beat the Browns late, 37-27, with a Derek Anderson interception adding to the defeat. He got benched for Brady Quinn for the Denver game and the Browns got torched by Jay Cutler, 34-30. Accusations of players quitting were launched, every QB got hurt from that game forward and the Browns ended up 4-12.
Based on what I saw today, I don't think the Browns are headed to 4-12. But as Bill Parcells once said, "You are what you are." and right now, the Browns are 3-6. And to hammer this point home once again, the defense NEVER comes through for the Browns. NEVER.
So, what did we learn today?
Colt McCoy's a keeper. The game-tying drive late looked awfully good.
The Browns depth on defense is sold as a strong point. But they seemed to miss something with Scott Fujita and Sheldon Brown out with injuries. Let alone, the offense seemingly dormant for a time without Josh Cribbs available. The defense didn't get the turnovers they had been blessed with the last two weeks, so that made a tough job even tougher today.
Looks like the Eric Wright Hate Factor goes way up after his, I don't know, nonchalance in going after Santonio Holmes on the game-winning TD. He needs to be more chalant next time.
I thought the Browns were on their way to a win, but then Chansi Stuckey fumbled. Great that Nick Folk took him off the hook with a missed field goal, but my goodness, they looked like money before that play.
The Browns gave up 456 yards today, with 172 of them on the ground. Just sayin'.
For all of the talk about the Browns wide receivers, isn't it obvious from today's game, they still need a serious upgrade at that position. Granted, they almost won a game while completely ignoring their own wideouts, but with a serious threat at that position, things will get easier offensively.
Browns last drive of the game in OT can be debated. I like the fact they went for it with a throw on first down. And I understand the Jets timeout situation factored in to running on second down. My thought was, let's throw it on second down, as well. My thinking was one first down probably eliminates the Jets from winning, but allows the Browns a chance at a win. After the second down run, I thought it was only a tie for the Browns.
And certainly after the punt, a good one by Hodges, I didn't think a TD would beat them and was setting myself up for a field goal loss. So that made the Holmes catch even more tough to take.
None, on what appeared to be the first sunny Sunday of winter.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
What if the Browns had two weeks to prepare for every opponent? Today's game was another impressive effort, this time for the home fans. My God, we beat the Hoodie and Tom Brady's Hair and won two straight for the first time this season.
What did we learn today?
What a difference a week makes. I'm now on board with the Colt McCoy crowd. We gotta see what he can do the rest of this season. That means Jake Delhomme is definitely not here in 2011, and we'll have to see if Seneca Wallace wants to still be in the mix.
Can we put the Mike Holmgren wants to coach the Browns talk away, at least for this week? It was obvious the players knew how much this game meant to the coaching staff and they played their hearts out.
OK, I admit it. I was wrong on Peyton Hillis, who only had 184 yards rushing. The commitment to the run keeps the pressure off of McCoy. And Hillis can also catch the ball, keeping him on the field for more downs. BTW, Brady Who?
And don't forget the offensive line today. They played their best game of the year today. No sacks and 404 total yards.
Best Browns Giddiness Since The Winslow Cartwheel
Hey, we stopped the fuckin' run for once. The Patriots only getting 68 on the ground.
Boy, Tom Brady did not get a lot of help in this one from his teammates. Maybe we should play them between the Vikings and Steelers all the time. I'm sensing a different New England team shows up for that one.
Give it up for the defense, holding Wes Welker to 4 catches. Their lack of a stud deep threat even made Eric Wright look good today.
Another trick play worked today. The "Stuckeyrooski"! And it went for a TD! Keep them coming.
The cool thing about today was that everyone contributed. Brian Robiskie had a big catch off a McCoy scramble. Ray Ventrone and Abe Elam had fumble recoveries. Phil Dawson nailed two field goals. I had to remind myself who I was watching.
The Browns get the Jets, who pulled one out of their ass today, next. Still waiting for the inevitable shitty game from the Browns and haven't seen it yet this season. Hopefully, it won't come for a while.
So, just when you think the Browns may get back to reality, they go out and create some sort of alternative reality where they dominate the best team in the AFC. Who thought that going in?
This is an interesting case. In the UK, if you knowingly lie against your political opponent and win, the results are voided.
The new "Hawaii Five-O". It has all the elements of a hit TV show.
Damn, I messed up this weekend not getting the $50 iTunes deal at WalMart for $35. However, here is the another deal. $30 iTunes gift cards this week at your favorite grocer, including Giant Eagle, for $25. Makes a great stocking stuffer.
Don't forget the free stuff this week:
Outback (Free Bloomin' Onion and Beverage for Vets on 11/11) Chili's (Free Meal for Vets on 11/11) Applebee's (Free Meal for Vets on 11/11) Subway (Free 6-inch Sub for Vets on 11/11) Krispy Kreme (Free Doughnut for Vets on 11/11) Golden Corral (Free Meal for Vets on 11/15)
BK (Every Friday in November gets everyone a free 12-oz. coffee)
Exercise Yard
Liverpool beat Chelsea. Not sure I saw that coming, but the crowd at Anfield was into it today. Liverpool now heating up.
Fernando Torres Wakes Up
Saw some good soccer this weekend. Bolton beating Tottenham, 4-2, yesterday and with everyone else getting their extra hour earlier today, I saw Newcastle beat Arsenal, 1-0.
BTW, midweek games this week in the EPL, including Man U and Man City on ESPN2 this Wednesday.
Visitor
None, on a sunny football Sunday.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Drew (picking up Clooney air miles these days) and I were at O's last night. First time I had a burger there. I selected the J.V. Burger. On an English muffin, with a bit of bacon, tomato, lettuce and bleu cheese. Very good. And, of course, I had the Tomato Soup.
They had the Cavs and the World Series on, as well. So, it was a good time. Drew may be the only person I know who has been to New Brunswick. Not a suburb of Brunstucky. Canada.
Meal of Links
Jim Rome started a day early and warned everyone with his annual "If you are older than 12, and you are wearing a Halloween costume, you are a loser" rant. How appropriate are costumes at work?
Frank Jarvis died. Don't know him? He was a driver in "The Italian Job". You know, the one where Michael Caine says, "Just remember this. In this country they drive on the wrong side of the road."
Could "Moneyball" work at Liverpool? Not sure. Just because there will be a cut in player wages isn't an automatic adoption of "Moneyball" principles. Huge late Saturday match this week: Manchester United vs. Tottenham.
Here are 15 Black Friday myths. I have snagged some good deals on Turkey Day before, without waiting until Friday. This year, I'm trying for a Thermapen.
This is old news. Really. I heard this shortly after the controversy died down that this was a prime motive of all involved.
Exercise Yard
A look back at the post-season managing of Mike Hargrove with the Indians. Oh, God, the pain.
They're all here:
1995: Jim Poole in Game 6 of the World Series.
1996: Casey Candaele pinch-hitting for Jim Thome in Game 3 of the ALDS vs. Baltimore. Jose Mesa for a FOURTH inning in Game 4.
1997: Surprisingly devoid of stupidity.
1999: Jaret Wright in Game 3 of the ALCS. Forcing both Bartolo Colon and Charles Nagy to go on three days rest.
2001 (OK, this was by Uncle Cholly): With Ricky Rincon warming up, Bartolo Colon remained in the game to pitch to Ichiro.
Hence, no title since 1948.
Visitor
2 Down: Stern with a Strad (5 letters) Answer: Isaac
Friday, September 03, 2010
OK, it's Air Show practice time. I think I may have been attacked by a jet or was that the New Zealand earthquake....
What kills me about the R's is that every time they think they've found new blood and praise them as forces to be reckoned with, these people have a tendency to implode. From Rand Paul earlier this summer to Chris Christie of New Jersey just this past week. Well, here's the latest from Gov. Jan Brewer. During the immigration law fiasco, she was getting praised to high heaven about her abilities. But take a look at this performance from the Arizona gubernatorial debate on Wednesday.
Jan Brewer Is Puzzled
How do you defend that performance?
Then, during the debate, one of her opponents, Terry Goddard, tried to get Brewer to admit she was wrong on quite a simple fact. See, Brewer conveniently noted during the immigration controversy that crime was so bad there that there were beheadings, yes, actual headless bodies found throughout Arizona. A simple polling of all the coroners in the state rendered that statement patently untrue. But she wouldn't recant.
Afterward, reporters tried to ask her about the beheadings and she would not address it, pulls a Fonzie and walks away.
Of course, we have to deal with Yawn and Yawner for our Ohio Senatorial race. Portman widens his lead.
Meal of Links
Here are the 25 best fall tours. No Roger Waters, but I know Deerhunter is actually at the Beachland in October.
Medical stats. Win an Oscar and you'll live longer than the loser nominees.
Time Warner Cable and Disney made nice yesterday. For me, the benefit is clearly the ability to get ESPN3. Word is, that will be up and running this evening. I think I'm also a Sports Pass subscriber, so allegedly I get a college football (ESPN Goal Line, which sounds like the RedZone Channel for the NFL) and basketball highlight channel. Plus, ESPN Deportes in HD, as well.
Here are your Labor Day Weekend Marathons. "Hawaii Five-O" on Spike looks interesting. And Sunday, there is a catch-up of "Rubicon" on AMC.
How does Netflix endure? Critics have been beating them up for a while, but they keep succeeding.
Exercise Yard
I was just thinking about the Browns escaping the preseason without major injury. Then Monterio Hardesty tears his ACL.
Visitor
31 Across: Three-time French Open champ (5 letters) Answer: Seles
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I got the call from the bullpen earlier this week. Nomar Stalker came through with Orioles tickets for last night's Tribe game. His Dad's company has moved from Club Seats to tickets a few rows behind the Indians dugout. He knew I was trolling for cheap tickets sometime this week, so "F-R-E-E, that spells Free" came through for me and my Dad. Uniquely, a "Clash of the Titans" affair. Baltimore now with 40 wins (8 in their last 10 games) and the Indians remained at 47.
What did I take away from the game? Well, the Indians are in a rut. Their starting pitching has gone south. Last night was another game where the starter, this time Josh Tomlin, only went 5 innings. He gave up 10 hits and thankfully only walked one. Otherwise, the O's would have scored more than 3 off of him.
The Orioles had fantastic defense in this game, robbing the Indians of a few hits early. So much so, the Tribe only had two hits. A Valbuena single in the 5th and a Cabrera single in the 9th. This off a pitcher, Brad Bergesen, with an ERA over 6 and a non-winner since May 11. Really ugly, as Bergesen had an easy 6th through 8th innings, only having to toss 7 pitches, then 7, then 8 in those 3 innings.
They announced the attendance at 11,555. Probably accurate. But there was no atmosphere. How could there be when the final three in the lineup were Valbuena, Nix and Chris Gimenez. I need to hear an explanation on why Gimenez is still on this club. I don't think they could do it with a straight face.
I must say, the Indians do have a video that packages highlights from their history. They didn't even ignore Albert Belle, so that tells you something. It may have been one of the better videos they've produced. Shown late in the game, ostensibly to fire everyone up. Unfortunately, I think it depresses the hell out of those in attendance.
As we see that cavalcade of stars in the video, we naturally overvalue our present players. Shin-Soo Choo comes to mind. Don't get me wrong, he's a good player. I like him a lot. But let's not start elevating him beyond that.
For example, I used to call him the Asian Trot Nixon. Well, Trot had a three-year stretch in the early oughts where he averaged 26 HR and 90 RBI. But let's face it, he took a backseat to much better players on that squad, and was a cadaver by the time he arrived here.
So, let's compare Choo with Luke Scott (former Tribe farmhand) of the Orioles:
So, when we start talking about Choo at an All-Star level, keep in mind, he's barely our own Luke Scott.
The highlight for me was avoiding hot dogs at the game and getting some at Steve's Diner in Brooklyn after dropping my Dad off. Clean, no one there, got my dogs to go, it started raining. They tasted good, just like on Lorain.
After work today: Mow lawn or grill chicken? I decided to grill chicken. I used thighs and it was good stuff.
Look who dominated the DVD charts this week. "Kick-Ass"!
I've mentioned pot and Canada before. US legalization could cause a recession in Canada. With a picture of a guy smoking a "Bob Marley Joint".
I have a couple of favorite songs this summer. One is "Holiday Road" by The Dahlmanns. Yes, that's a cover of the old Lindsey Buckingham song from "Vacation". I can't thing of an easier sing-along while tooling around town. Then there is another cover.
This one by the Hotrats. Actually this came out earlier this year and somehow recently I stumbled upon them. This band was formed out of Supergrass. They have several covers including "Pump It Up", "Love Is The Drug" and "E.M.I" and an oddly haunting take on the Beasties" "Fight For Your Right". But they also perform a nifty version of Bowie's "Queen Bitch", of which I wish I had better sound.
