I avoided enough of the raindrops tonight and made it over to Cinemark to see "Senna". For this documentary, there were more in attendance than some features I have seen. It's not really difficult to see the hold that Ayrton Senna still has over people. The greatest Formula One driver ever. And this doc is actually quite brilliant, catching all of the Senna magic. Great use of archival footage and no talking heads. Uses interviews from the past and only voiceovers from the same participants today.

Covers a lot in Senna's racing career. You can't dream up a hero like Senna and the villains, across the board, in the world of Formula One. We get the drives in the rain (including Monaco), Senna in the John Player Special (the best looking car ever in F1) for Lotus, the rivalry with Alain Prost at McLaren and then Ferrari and Williams, the politics of the FIA, the many dramatic incidents at the GPs of Japan, the first win at Brazil, some late Nigel Mansell and early Michael Schumacher driving, the three World Championships, the move to Williams and the fateful weekend at Imola (including Barichello's horrific crash and the deaths of Ratzenberger and Senna).

This is an ESPN Films production, so I have to believe it gets an airdate there. Has to be a Documentary Oscar nominee...it's that great.

Top Gear Senna Tribute



Meal of Links

Cliff Robertson died today. For all of his roles, the one that sticks out for me was "The Great Northfield, Minnesota Raid".

Uh, about that Arab Spring we heard so much about. You can't predict what happens in a vacuum.

Beers that America no longer drinks. All you have to do is see the expanded shelf space at your local grocer. Lots more choices.

Exercise Yard

Third weekend for the EPL. Is it already a two-team race?

Visitor

55 Across: "Dead Man Walking" Oscar wnner (8 letters) Answer: Sarandon

The words "Tea Party" are finally recognized as bad for a candidate. They could have asked me that two years ago.

Meal of Links

The Golden Globes is in legal turmoil. Dick Clark Productions negotiated a broadcast rights contract without the involvement of the Hollywood Foreign Press. Of course, renewal rights and money are at stake.

This is fantastic. Martin Scorsese is doing a remake of "The Gambler" with Leonardo DiCaprio. I can't help but be there on Day One. "The Gambler" is that hidden gem from the '70s with James Caan that I can't tout enough.

More important events than 9/11. Now that's an interesting read.

The science of sleeping. Brought to you by Overstock.com. Huh?

Bourdain talks about Southern food.

"50 Documentaries To See Before You Die" ends tomorrow. It's a pretty good post-1988 list. Number One is "Hoop Dreams", which went from rarely seen to almost a carved-up weekly feature on ESPN Classic.

Exercise Yard

Might be the last year to root for the Vikings in Minnesota. They are as good as gone.

Visitor

52 Down: Suave Butler (5 letters) Answer: Rhett

My thoughts on the Indians trades last night?

I love them. I've actually seen this written on the Land of Ignorance (Cleveland.com) that some are comparing this trade to Rocky Colavito for Harvey Kuenn, which is currently the dumbest analogy on the boards. Colavito, the most popular player ever for the franchise compared to 4 minor leaguers who have appeared in a combined, what, four games for the club.

This is why I love the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. First of all, this trade is so anti-Shapiro, can we finally put to bed the idea that he is still the GM, instead of Chris Antonetti? Antonetti's got balls the size of church bells with this deal.

He locks up a 27-year old Jimenez (a pitcher ALL of the contenders wanted) through 2013 with a fairly cheap contract. $2.8 million this year, then $4.2 million and $5.75 million for 2013. Years, if you recall, when we were actually supposed to contend. Quite frankly, Antonetti should demand something else from the Rockies for starting Jimenez last night. That is not how it works.

Losing Matt McBride and Joe Gardner...meh. I thought Alex White looked good in his stint here in April. But if he is targeted as a non-closing relief pitcher in the future, this deal's pain only lies with losing the upside of Drew Pomeranz.

If Jimenez plays a part in the Indians making the playoffs, let's say 2 of the next 3 seasons, how is this considered a bad move? And if I see one more person cite Ubaldo's ERA this season, I will take action. The dude was injured and seems to be fully recovered. Toss out the first month-and-a-half, and he's a different pitcher.

Remember the year C.C. Sabathia was traded? Every contender wanted to trade for him. His record that year when the Indians finally did trade him? Age 27, 6 wins, 8 losses, 3.83 ERA. He's been 66-22 since. Not saying Ubaldo can equal that, but he's a damn fine pitcher.

Mid-market teams must take these risks.

As far as Orlando Cabrera being traded, Keith Law said it best. "The Giants, tired of playing a statue (Tejada) or an automatic out (Crawford) at short, acquire Orlando Cabrera, who is both."

How we got a breathing human in return for Cabrera is a mystery.

Jeff Passan breaks down the trade.

Meal of Links

Samuel L. talks about, well, what it's like to be Samuel L. Loves that golf.

Lunch with Angelina Jolie. She had the penne with chicken.

They called it "Football".

Babes of the '80s. Then and now. Daryl Hannah seems to have made a turn, not from the '80s, but from as recent as "Kill Bill". Jennifer Beals needs to be studied, she remains outstanding.

Exercise Yard

One of the best things ESPN has ever done, "30 For 30", returns this fall. Finally, the much-delayed Alex Gibney doc on "Bartman" is first out of the gate.

Other topics include Renee Richards, Chuck Wepner, and Charismatic. Charismatic should be good as Chris Antley's story will intersect.

Visitor

None, on another hot Sunday.

I go to Giant Eagle this a.m. and when I leave I discover, after opening it, my right front window will not close. I'm kinda happy it didn't rain today.

Meal of Links

Large breasts on Chatroulette. With male expressions. It's probably a tie between Column 1 and 3 with some priceless gems. Guy under blanket, for one.

The HBO doc on Bobby Fischer airs tomorrow at 9. I saw this at the Film Fest and it's well worth the time. Especially to those who may not be familiar with Fischer.

Selena Gomez attends a Justin Bieber soccer match. Looks like the local chicks hate her.

Why can't they just admit it? She's an idiot.

More death. The smartphone is really killing the PC. Even faster than predicted.

What we're tired of at the movies. You're kidding. They are doing a "Battleship" movie.

100-year old Ohio woman has had an account at the same bank since 1913. "I get along good because I don't have many wants."

Exercise Yard

Donald Brashear wins another fight. This time as an MMA fighter.

Visitor

None, on a sunny Sunday.

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.

"Good Eats" is done.

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.

Visitor

51 Down: Shortstop Vizquel (4 letters) Answer: Omar

While watching Bin Laden watching himself on TV...

Today is Kentucky Derby Day. Even if Uncle Mo had not been scratched, this was gonna be a pretty mediocre Derby. Let's face it, the favorite is probably going off at 5-1, which means you don't really have a favorite.

Regardless, I have lit upon two horses that I think have a chance. That would be:

#1 Archarcharch -and-

#17 Soldat

Archarcharch is your Arkansas derby winner. he has one of the best speed figures in the race. But he drew the dreaded #1 post. No doubt, he'll be flying late.

Soldat gagged as the Florida Derby favorite last time out. Maybe Thunder Gulch revisited? He's got the speed and class to win this. If he doesn't get to the front, does he like the dirt in his face? In Florida, that answer was a no.

Meal of Links

The other day, I visited Palookaville Chili for the first time. I had the Texas Beef Chili, Cornbread and Chili Chips. Chili and 2 sides is $9. I just wish the bowl of chili was bigger, because it was really good. I had cheese, sour cream, jalapenos and onions added. They don't add a lot of volume, but just enough for some more kick. No beans and really good beef here, so i understand the pricing. Cornbread was only so-so, the chips very good.

What happens when a merely distinct movie gets branded a "classic"? See "A Bronx Tale" at Cannes.

OK, I understand oil prices took a huge drop this week. But the increases at the pump lately are blamed on speculators and Bernanke.

I turn my head and Gus Johnson may be leaving CBS. I think Twitter exploded the other day.

The new era of Internet search. Answers, not just links.

"Hey, those Muslims make me uncomfortable." So, they are removed from the plane. their destination? A conference on prejudice against Muslims.

TV has officially run out of ideas. Now, it's a second sitcom based on the life of an ESPN Radio host.

They made a movie about Paul the Psychic Octopus. Seriously.

Seinfeld has his own website. Looks like a few clips per day.

Oprah should have waited to start her network. Already fired the CEO.

Catching up with D.A. Pennebaker. That guy knows how to shoot a doc.

The problems with celebrity charity. Lengthy read.

I've picked up a couple of Groupon deals. Here is their model.

This is very cool. The dogs of war.

Exercise Yard

Seve Ballesteros died today. Deserves every accolade he gets today. The most emotional golfer ever, truly an entertainer. Invented the European Tour, saved the Ryder Cup from its negligent period, and a 5-time major winner. If you think Phil Mickelson can't keep it in the fairway, you should have seen this guy. Really a big loss for golf at age 54.

Visitor

48 Down: "Tommy" rockers (6 letters) Answer: The Who

Happy 4/20 Day.

In case you haven't noticed, DirecTV is about to premiere Premium VOD for the price of $29.95. This allows certain studios to have their product in your home only 60 days after its theatrical release. Now, I don't know a lot, which includes: Where is all the demand for this type of product coming from?

Certainly, in another 30-60 days, you'll get the normal PPV and DVD release for a much cheaper price. Plus, if you go the hardcopy route, you own the thing. The PR on this stuff seems to include a hard-to-quantify clamoring for "movie nights". Meaning call up the family, neighbors and friends. We're too cheap or inconvenienced to go to a theater. So, we'll spend $30 on the latest Ed Helms flick for a "Movie Night" at home. WTF?

I see this scenario. Good luck with the chip-ins on the $30. And you better have good popcorn and shut these people the hell up while I'm trying to watch this on your shitty TV. Of course, within the prescribed 48-hour download period.

James Cameron and some other Directors are honked off.

Seven questions about the service.

Theater owners hate the concept.

I still like going to the theaters. Love that timpani.

20th Century Fox Fanfare



Meal of Links

"Restrepo" is such a gut-wrencher to watch. One of its co-Directors, Tim Hetherington, was killed in Libya today. Lots more online, if you are interested.

What a cool project. They want to make an app for Matthew Modine's "Full Metal Jacket Diary". I hope they meet their funding goal.

News organizations are turning more to outside help for comment moderation. Troll through cleveland.com for some local gems.

Have you thought about locating some obscure movie or music? As this article states, everything is available. Nice mention of Dylan's "Hard Rain".

I have never seen "Top Gun". Well, the 25th anniversary is coming up and it's in theaters. But not locally. Whew!

Reddit has this AMA (Ask Me Anything) Feature. I think Danny Pudi showed up recently. Today, I was thinking, crap, I remembered this kid being interviewed in the aftermath of Columbine. 12 years later (yeah, time DOES fly), it's interesting to read his thoughts.

Columbine



A chat with Morgan Spurlock on his new doc. All about the promotion. Pom being the title sponsor. His suit reminds of Greg Kinnear in "Mystery Men". Hey, Sheetz is in it! Just had lunch there on Monday. I call it "The Grassy Knoll" because, well, that's where they are located. The flick debuts here in 2 weeks.

The descent of Charlie Sheen. From the crew.

Exercise Yard

Remember the tased guy at PNC Park. There was a woman yelling in the background to stop it. Well, she's a KDKA producer and yelled other things, as well. She's guilty.

Visitor

42 Down: Thurman of "Kill Bill" (3 letters) Answer: Uma ("Uma, Jerry, Uma!")

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

I've been in somewhat of a cinematic mode this week.

I discovered I had some passes from the Capitol that were due to expire tomorrow. The only non-pass restricted engagement this week was "Kill The Irishman", so I went. Spoiler alert: Danny Greene gets blown up. Shawshank alert: The guy who ran Shawshank is back in this one as the union boss before Greene ran him out.

This was better than I thought it would be. Not the greatest, but interesting to see Hollywood's take on the story. For sure, Greene was made out to be the Robin Hood of Collinwood, but overall, it was a decent story. What hooked me was the old actors who got to chew on some scenery. Paul Sorvino, Robert Davi, Tony Lo Bianco and Christopher Walken, all professionals here. Walken as Shondor Birns made me laugh, because he's just playing Walken, but it fits. Even Vinnie Jones (old "Bullet-Tooth Tony") shows up as Keith Ritson.

A nice trip down memory lane. Even though it was filmed in Detroit.

Lots of movies to see at the Cleveland International Film Festival, but so little time to see them. I actually made it to the HBO presentation of "Bobby Fischer Against the World", by Liz Garbus. HBO is showing this doc over the summer and I urge you to watch. It's a pretty compelling view of the rise and fall of Fischer.

Hard to comprehend now, but in 1972, Bobby Fischer may have been the most famous person in the world. And he played chess! Great archival footage and photographs from that time. Even "Wide World of Sports" is there, covering Fischer-Spassky.

You get the chess genius of Fischer, a US champ in his teens. The defeat of Spassky. His complete withdrawal from the game. His sudden re-emergence and subsequent exile from the US. And his demise, following his anti-US rants, post-9/11.

A very good documentary.

Meal of Links

This explains why the Michigan film industry is probably dead. Those tax credits got rolled back. Let's see if Ohio can make it work.

Interested in the Royal Wedding? Here are the media in attendance. Even the Weather Channel will be there. They better send Jim Cantore to see if he brings bad weather everywhere.

March Madness fans have spoken. It's back to Luther's version of "One Shining Moment". The last one with Luther had Raft with the famous "Onions! Double order!!" from Siena-Ohio State.

Thank God for "Archer". It stayed out of the Danger Zone and got renewed.

"Archer"/Danger Zone



20 great songs from movie trailers. "The Lake House" made it. And "(500) Days of Summer". Check that one out, if you haven't seen it.

Matt Howard is from Connersville, IN. That city chipped in to help his parents see Butler in the Final Four Fear the Glasses!

What's up with baseball cards? The 2011 sets look pretty good, especially those Allen & Ginters.

"Mad Men" seems to be in chaos. Rumors are some characters need to be axed. That means you, January Jones.

Boots on the ground. Boots on the ground. In Libya. Only for (ahem) "intelligence gathering".

Costco sells wedding dresses. And giant cans of olives. "Lindsay, Jerry, Lindsay".

Exercise Yard

Baseball starts tomorrow. Guess what happened 30 years ago? Fernandomania!

Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award winner, Silver Slugger winner, World Series ring. That's a nice start to a career.

Visitor

17 Across: Whip-cracking cowboy of old films (9 letters) Answer: Lash Larue

Can't say enough about three things. Drew and I attempted to save the world once again at O'Reilly's at Cedar Center. I think I had the coldest beer I've had this year last night, a Harp. Man, that hit the spot. And I had their Steak Quesadillas. They never disappoint.

And with March madness in the air, you have to see the docs that aired this past week. Clearly, the star of "The Fab Five" was Jalen Rose. They did a fairly decent job of the Fab Five's journey from high school through Michigan even without Chris Webber's particpation. Now, Jalen appears to be getting in trouble for some comments he made about Duke. It was his thought, at the time, that blacks who played ball at Duke were Uncle Toms. I thought he made it clear that those were his long ago thoughts. But Grant Hill felt compelled to reply

The other doc was an HBO production on the Runnin' Rebels of Nevada-Las Vegas. You have Tark the Shark in all his defiant glory. Remember his quote, "The NCAA is so mad at Kentucky, they gave Cleveland State two more years of probation." Lots of nice footage of their style. The best line was when the word "Thugs" was being tossed around (a lot) to describe them. One guy said, "Thugs? Their point guard was head of the Young Republicans!". Indeed, Greg Anthony was.

Those were two very nice throwbacks down memory lane.

Meal of Links

An excellent primer on drinking early in Cleveland. These gems are rare these days. Unless it's St. Patrick's Day.

Has any company reinvented itself more successfully than Netflix? They now own 61% of the streaming market.

Charlie Sheen. The Anatomy of a Winner.

Gilbert Gottfried got sacked by AFLAC because of some lame jokes about the tsunami. Fairly stupid, because he probably gets a decent amount of cash for saying one word. Now he says do the opposite of of what I do.

Clash of the Titans. Hee Haw vs. Soul Train.

Did Batman go to college? Yale thinks so.

Evan Bayh. Hypocrite.

Exercise Yard

One of the nagging thoughts going into March Madness is this. Does Jimmer shoot too much?

OK, here are Thursday's winners (get your brackets out):

Clemson
Old Dominion
Georgetown over VCU (USC over Georgetown)
Temple
Kentucky
Pittsburgh
Vanderbilt
San Diego State

Florida
BYU
Connecticut
Wisconsin
UCLA
Gonzaga
Missouri
Kansas State

Visitor

12 Down: Nicolas Gage memoir (5 letters) Answer: Eleni

Not sure about the Storm of the Century. If there is one thing I've learned from Dick Goddard, it's when you're on the Southeast side of a Panhandle Hook, that's a good thing. And we lucked out, as the snow line seems to be going to our West.

I thought I was going to have to work from home today, but that looks more likely to happen tomorrow. I had more snow than I thought we'd get last night, around 6 inches. But after shoveling, I realized it wasn't snowing, wasn't that cold and there was a long window of not much weather happening, I decided to go in.

The ride took 60 minutes, which is 1.5x longer than normal. My Cleveland street was untouched. Brooklyn apparently won't pay its workers OT for snow removal. 480 was a disaster. 77 was decent. The turnpike was pristine. Route 8 was in fine condition.

A plow did arrive this afternoon. Dumping all of that snow into everyone's driveway. There has to be an invention out there, where that doesn't happen.

So, now it's "Ice Ice Baby" from here on out.

Meal of Links

I always thought there was something, I don't know, disingenuous about the VISA ads with the four guys who never miss a Super Bowl. Did you know the NFL sells them their tickets?

A new book looks at the early history of National Lampoon. A talk with an artist.

Comparing the Steelers and Packers. Both teams have no cheerleaders.

Accidents can happen. A list of odd deaths.

"Exit Through The Gift Shop" is streaming on Hulu. It's Oscar-nominated.

The 50 Most Controversial Films. They pretty much nailed the list. Many of these were actually protested, including the No. 1, "The Last Temptation Of Christ".

He is most interesting. "Stay thirsty, my friends."

Dog? Or colonoscopy?

Robert Osborne has my dream job. I love the guy. He and Alec Baldwin restart "The Essentials" in March.

Ask Men reveals its Top 99 Women. My litmus test on these lists is Kate Beckinsale. This year, she's 14. OK, I'll live with that.

More Beck Bullshit (with multiple blackboards)



Exercise Yard

Soccer's transfer window ended last night and it was insane. There was a record amount of money spent and even Randy Lerner was in on it.

Visitor

34 Across: Pop music's Lady ____ (4 letters) Answer: Gaga

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?

John Lydon lives by the beach. And wouldn't we all like to do that?

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.

Exercise Yard

A must-read from The New Yorker. Football and concussions.

Visitor

31 Across: 2008 Libertarian presidential candidate (4 letters) Answer: Barr

The Oscar nominations were announced yesterday. And, for the most part, I think they got it right. I was a bit surprised of the love for "The Fighter". I did not think it was Best Picture-worthy, thus eliminating David O. Russell out of the Best Director category. But they both made it, unbelievably leaving out Christopher Nolan for "Inception".

Also, Amy Adams must now be the 21st century's Meryl Streep. She was good in "The Fighter" and for once, didn't play a nun. That somehow got her a nomination.

For me, the best nomination was the brother of Kenny Fuckin' Powers, John Hawkes, who was nominated for "Winter's Bone". Not onscreen that much, and I thought it would kill his chances, but he was one tough hombre in that role and deserved the nomination.

Other than that, I thought it was ludicrous to think "The Town" would get any nominations outside of Jeremy Renner. And it didn't get any other major consideration.

And the documentary nominations differed from the DGA list quite a bit. "Inside Job" and "Restrepo" made both lists. But Oscar went with "Gasland", which aired on HBO over the summer, "Waste Land", about a landfill in Brazil, and "Exit Through The Gift Shop" which if it wins, how do we know the real Banksy picks up the award? That's why the DGA didn't go for it. "Client 9", "Last Train Home" and "Waiting For Superman" were the other DGA nominations.

Where to see all this stuff? Crocker Park is the place to be this weekend as many of the nominated films and actors are out there. Even Franco, Kidman and Michelle Williams. Meanwhile, I'm psyched and will be there for "The Mechanic" with Jason Statham. The Capitol has the Oscar Short Films starting Feb. 11.

You can also catch these films on Time Warner On-Demand:

"Inception"
"The Kids Are All Right"
"The Town"
"Toy Story 3"
"Winter's Bone"

Turner starts 31 Days of Oscar on February 1.

Meal of Links

Leave it to Hitch. "The King's Speech" contains some untruths.

Yep. He's my congressman.

You don't hear much about Charley Pride these days. But he was big.

It's the last column for The Miminalist. Oh, Bittman will stay with the New York Times, but he'll be doing other things.

America's Top 10 New Sandwiches. I want the Crispy Drunken Sandwich immediately.

Marriott bids adieu to porn. I guess people are bringing their own.

I don't know what it is. But I wouldn't put my lips on it.

The Old Spice Guy returns.

Taco Bell. It ain't all beef.

You do realize there is a May 2 GOP debate? No one has declared yet. What if no one shows up?

I will be watching this series. Simply beacuse I was the only one in the theater to get the Stirling Moss reference in "The Crying Game".

Exercise Yard

Since I have tickets to March Madness this year, I am intrigued by the most recent Bracketology. Both CBS and ESPN have agreed.

If Ohio State and Pitt maintain how they're playing and both get No. 1 seeds, they will play here. That means we will see a No. 1 seed in both sessions on Friday and probably see them both again on Sunday. Not bad.

Visitor

17 Across: Diana Prince's alter ego (11 letters) Answer: Wonder Woman

I'm ba-ack.

What happened while I was away?

President Obama made a speech at the Tucson Memorial on Wednesday that was fine. But I thought the crowd (i.e. the Arizona students) were completely off the mark with their reactions. I mean, it was a memorial, not a pep rally. And the Native American blessing was straight out of the SNL playbook. With a National Anthem singer who looked like Glenn Beck...well, there you go. This touches on issues I had with the whole thing. Especially about the "rain puddles".

Pat Shurmur was hired as Browns coach. And Browns Version 2.5 begins. I guess we're running a 4-3 and Shurmur will call his own plays. That's about all we learned about Shurmur at yesterday's presser, along with his Eric Wedge-like use of the word "process".

And they finally broke ground on the Medical Mart yesterday. Glad to see the uninvolved like Kasich and Fitzgerald grabbing a shovel.

I craved beer all week, so I requested this song at the Happy Dog.

"I Like Beer"/Tom T. Hall



Meal of Links

Pope John Paul II is getting closer to becoming a saint. I guess he performed a miracle somewhere down the line. But you need two. Lemme guess, we'll hear about that soon after the beatification.

Football's chattiest announcers. Number One is Kevin Harlan, who I really like. The least? Kenny Albert, who I cannot stand.

Best docs of 2010. Ebert's doc picks. The Most Underappreciated Movies of 2010.

I forgot to mention this. Queensland is flooded and it's Brisbane, as in Lisbon. Not Bris-bane.

"Hannah Montana" is over. The problem I have with this show is it gives kids free reign to say unfunny stuff.

The TV press is out in Cali with all of the networks. Interesting news from Showtime. "Californication" is renewed, I don't watch this very much. "Dexter" is said to have a "long shelf life". And they are going to do a "24/7" HBO-like series on the San Francisco Giants next year.

The real genius of "Real Genius". This movie has grown on me over the years.

Should the idea of death threats on Sarah Palin be scrutinized. You betcha.

Tunisia is all fouled up.

Exercise Yard

More NFL Playoffs today. This weekend has three of the four games looking good on paper, and I think Chicago-Seattle will surprise, as well.

The picks (and I can't believe I have three road dogs):

Ravens +3
Packers +2.5
Patriots -8.5
Seahawks +10

Visitor

14 Down: Jim with 589 lifetime homers (5 letters) Answer: Thome "Essentially, Thome last season had the best hitting season for any part-time player since World War II. And by a lot..."

Hope you got to see another "30 For 30" tonight on George Steinbrenner by the great Barbara Kopple. Images of Thurman Munson abound. As usual, Kopple did not shy away from some topics (ticket prices for example) in the film. Really good stuff.

Upcoming topics include:

9/28 Terry Fox (this Steve Nash film premiered at TIFF last week).
10/5 Red Sox-Yankees 2004
10/12 Drazen Petrovic/Vlade Divac
10/19 Tim Richmond
10/26 Bartman
11/2 Marion Jones
11/9 SMU

And I think that finishes it up. Can't say enough about the series. It ranks with the best ESPN has offered over the years.

Meal of Links

Mmmmm. Peanut butter.

We haven't even seen the first episode of the new season of "Community". But we are already talking about their Christmas episode.

Leonard Skinner died. And if you have to ask, well...

Do not mess with "The King of Kong". The Wiebe-Mitchell rivalry is one of the greatest ever.

Save the gibbon! Many species are nearing extinction.

I saw a bit of "Annie Hall" last night. This scene kills me. "What am I, your son?".

"Annie Hall" Spider Scene



Lyle Lovett is returning to acting in "Castle". But, here's a look at his music. It's stuff you don't hear very often. "If I Had A Boat" gets some love. As does the terrific "L.A County". But I absolutely love his version of "Tennessee Flat Top Box".

"Tennessee Flat Top Box"/Lyle Lovett with Raul Malo and The Mavericks



"Don't Ask Don't Tell" failed today for the estimated 48,000 gays still in the military.. The WSJ had an impressive column on why conservatives should vote for repeal. Costs $42,000 to honorably discharge someone and they have booted out 14,000 gays from the military. That's a cost of almost $600 million.

This is another reason to get your dander up. Tim Geithner wins as Larry Summers announced today he is leaving his post at the White House. And that's a good thing. But President Obama's new Budget Director is Jacob Lew, Clinton's old Budget Director. Lew is part of the Summers/Robert Rubin gang who wanted the repeal Glass-Steagall, and led us into this economic mess. So, our President cannot possibly replace Summers with a Wall Street guy, can he? Let's hope not.

Exercise Yard

Mo Williams contemplated retirement after LeBron left. Wow, that's not a reaction I wanted to hear.

Visitor

10 Across: Country music pioneer Ernest (4 letters) Answer: Tubb

Not sure what puzzles me more. Frank Russo finally indicted or Marc's not having a weekly ad this week.

Thoughts during Saints-Vikings:

Are you ready for some football?

What exactly is Harry Connick, Jr.'s job these days? I haven't seen him behind a piano in years.

After the Saints first drive resulted in a TD, it became much clearer. They will kill the Browns.

Jonathan Vilma made some tackles for the Saints and I didn't hear the word "Haiti".

Kevin Butler's ads for the PS3 are outstanding. Check out his Tweets.

Vikings coach Brad Childress, aka Mr. Noodle, seems determined to get Adrian Peterson 800 touches this season.

They showed the "little piggy" GEICO ad, but I love the woodchuck one better. "Hey, Woodchuck! Quit chuckin' my wood."

Do you ever notice the Saints injured and practice squad players? They really stood out last year, because of their gold shirts. Well, the Gold Shirt Posse was back tonight!

Saints defense played much better in the second half. Vikes were really shut down.

Do you get the feeling Al Michaels really enjoys his New Orleans visits?

If the Saints kicker had missed 10 field goals, would Cris Collinsworth say "He must need more pressure." 10 times.

Old Carl Weathers makes me laugh.

Meal of Links

The Koran-burning pastor pulls a Brett Favre. Burning On. Then Off. Now it might be back on. A look at his past.

Sometimes you just stumble into watching things. Zipping through the dial after the Russo 6:00 news on the local channels, I watched "Let's Get Lost" on Sundance. This is the doc about Chet Baker. Absolutely a must-see. Airs again next Saturday, the 18th, at 6 and three times on Wednesday, 9/22.

Everything I know about love, I learned from the Beastie Boys. That and White Castle fries only come in one size.

SNL-The Game. And Don Pardo is 92.

Stephen Hawking is still alive. He wants more funding for science.

I really wish "Arrested Development" was a bigger hit. For those that remember, here is a look at the "Good Grief" episode.

Men's pants. Oh, how they lie! And what the hell is going on at Old Navy?

Exercise Yard

Uni Watch delivers this season's NFL jerseys. Hey, look who is now featured on the Browns visor tabs!

Visitor

7 Down: Tucker of country (5 letters) Answer: Tanya

What is with this pastor who's going to burn Korans on Saturday? I take it, on a good day, he speaks to about 50 people at most. Yet, he can parade around on TV and get more than the 15 minutes he's due, when the world thinks he's a tad overzealous?

Gainesville has a Florida Gator home game this weekend. So, they have to deal with the security of 90,000 at the game and addressing this nutjob at the same time. Could you imagine being in law enforcement and get taken off stadium detail to deal with this crap? I wouldn't be happy.

My sense is that God puts Glenn Beck on hold and tells this pastor to cool his jets on this subject by Saturday. Because he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to call it off.

Meal of Links

What a way to go. The bassist from ELO died by getting crushed by a hay bale.

You think you have problems. Check out these frustrating relationships from literature.





























I don't watch "Psych" very often. But a "Twin Peaks" episode intrigues me.

Now, this is art. A 600-member Hanna Barbera Cartoon Character Matrix.

They watch TV in Canada, too. The best Canadian shows of the past 25 years. "Degrassi", of course, and "The Kids in the Hall" make it.

Jeezy creezy. The judge in that Don Johnson "Nash Bridges" trial doubled his damages to $51 million.

Cannot wait. Donal Logue is back on TV tonight with the debut of "Terriers".

A look back at Tammy Wynette. Of course, they include "D-I-V-O-R-C-E". I think she is very under appreciated these days.

A review of "I'm Still Here". Yep, the Joaquin Phoenix doc draws nigh.

The importance of David Bowie. And a re-release of the 6-song masterpiece, "Station to Station". I just heard "TVC15" a week ago and I marvel at how good it still sounds.

"TVC15" (Live Rehearsal)/David Bowie



Exercise Yard

Lord Football starts tomorrow. Saints vs. Vikings. Look for Drew Brees to start the "Who Dat?" chant.

Visitor

12 Down: Punk rock icon Joey (6 letters) Answer: Ramone

"Judy Is a Punk"/Ramones

I took a late afternoon swing today and headed over to Cinemark to see "Restrepo". This is the documentary that follows an army company through a 15-month deployment in probably the worst area for fighting in Afghanistan. This was co-directed by Sebastian Junger, the "Perfect Storm" author, who has carved out a really fine career as a war correspondent, in places such as Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The directors are apolitical here, but I can't see how you could be pro-war after viewing this one. The thing that is so striking is how young these guys are and, in the end (we find the US withdrew from here in April), they fight for what? But no one can question the resolve and professionalism these guys exhibit. Regardless of being at death's door on an almost daily basis, they have a job to do and perform it well.

The story revolves around the unit that has to go to the Korengal Valley to fight the Taliban. The guys hear the stories before they get there (CNN called it "the most dangerous place in the world"), but nothing prepares them for what they are about to experience. Restrepo was an outpost named for one of their fallen medics early in the fighting. A tribute to him and the bond these guys have with each other.

We also get to witness the problems they have with the locals, the rare times of boredom, the childlike hijinks and the effects of losing more of their brothers. Basically your heart gets ripped out when you hear how they try and deal with what they witnessed over there.

Anti-war? Probably. Pro-soldier? Most definitely.

Meal of Links

I happened to see Glenn Beck cry earlier this week on his show. I forget the context, but I think it's his 8/28 Fest or some other nonsense. So, to top most of his other idiocy, he says President Obama reminds him of Lucifer.

Wyclef Jean is running for President of Haiti. Sean Penn isn't a hater, but asks where he's been since the earthquake.

Eight inventors who changed the world. Tesla, Edison and Ford top the modern list.

Exercise Yard

Shades of Eric Plunk. Pitcher cannot intentionally walk a guy.

Visitor

13 Down: One of the original Politburo members (7 letters) Answer: Trotsky

Today is International Beer Day

and

National Underwear Day. I hope you enjoy both.

Last night, I decided to catch up on "Community". I actually was surprised on how many episodes I had neglected. "Archer", CSU basketball and March Madness really interfered with my Thursday viewing. Let's put it this way, the first catch-up "Community" was from the first week of March.

Therefore, I did not know that Senor Chang was relegated to student status. I also did not know that two women had professed their love for Jeff or that he welcomed Annie back with a kiss. And, most of all, I did not know about the "Paintball" episode. So, I am thankful I avoided all spoilers and got to enjoy these "lost" episodes.

Next: Catching up on "The Office".

Meal of Links

Toronto Film Festival has released its list of 25 docs. Looks like Errol Morris, Springsteen, the old master Frederick Wiseman on Boxing which has to be cool, Alex Gibney has Elliot Spitzer as a subject, and there is also one on Lillian Roxon. Sounds well done.

Hitch talks about his cancer. "Against me is the blind, emotionless alien, cheered on by some who have long wished me ill. But on the side of my continued life is a group of brilliant and selfless physicians plus an astonishing number of prayer groups."

More John Madden. But this one you'll like. The story of the development of Madden NFL.

Airships are making a comeback. Would you fly in one?

Lollapalooza starts tomorrow. No live streaming. I'm not even sure XM is there this year. But looks like Arcade Fire, Green Day, Soundgarden, Lady Gaga and The Strokes are the major players. But you can get Spoon, Devo, Black Keys, Against Me!, Social D among others. Easily 25-30 known acts.

I knew it was bad, but this? 27% of Republicans say President Obama was probably not born in the US and 14% say he was NOT born here. Hawaii IS a state, people.

Move over, Comic-Con. Next year, it's the Reality Rocks Expo in Los Angeles.

Good grief! This guy was running for Governor of Tennessee. Methinks he does not win today.

Things are heating up for Lance. Another of his US Postal teammates has testified against him. So, now we have Floyd Landis, Frankie Andreu and who else? Now, Levi Leipheimer is accused, as well. The issue here is not Lance's work for fighting cancer, but can he be above scrutiny when a lot of his closest rivals have admitted doping.

Exercise Yard

Manny Acta needs to stay out of the injury analysis business. Carlos Santana out for the year.

Visitor

29 Down: Midler's "Divine" nickname (5 letters) Answer: Miss M

Bette Midler Fan

ESPN has released the late summer/fall schedule for "30 for 30". On paper, it's probably the best Sports Doc list you'll see.

Ron Shelton on Michael Jordan in the minors.

The unsolved murder of Tupac, the night of a Tyson championship bout in Vegas.

Evert vs. Navratilova.

Barbara Kopple on Steinbrenner!

Steve Nash on Terry Fox, who was in the spotlight again at the Vancouver Olympics (get the Kleenex out for that one).

One on the all-but-forgotten Drazen Petrovic and Vlade Divac.

The race car driver Tim Richmond, which should be an emotional roller coaster.

Alex Gibney on Bartman!

John Singleton on Marion Jones!

The rise of SMU football and the Pony Express.

And the final one on Marcus Dupree, the next Herschel Walker.

I don't think there's one you could skip in the whole bunch.

Meal of Links

First, it was the letter. Now, it's the death of the phone call.

Some ex-Brown is singing opera this week at Tanglewood. Never heard of him.

An homage to Paul Rudd. I like him, but this person really likes him.

Joe Queenan asks if this is the worst movie year ever. I say no, but it is unfair to include a picture from "Grown-Ups" right off the bat.

Kim Jong-Il is the new Steinbrenner. The World Cup coach is now working on a building crew.

Remember that remake of "The Rockford Files"? Dermot Mulroney is out.

Exercise Yard

Joe Pos visits his old home. And he doesn't like what he's hearing. The bad memory, "Fat Guy Eating Beer Cans", gets a mention!

Visitor

26 Across: Rahm Emanuel's talent agent brother (3 letters) Answer: Ari