A few thoughts...

Rick Perry and the "Ponzi Scheme" line about Social Security caught fire today.

Get used to it. ESPN has Monday Night Football for 10 more years. Hello, cable rate increase. Plus more Berman.

Interesting item about Carlos Carrasco's Tommy John surgery. Geez, they couldn't wait to get Jake Westbrook tossing on a one-year timetable. Carrasco? 12 to 18 months.

Jeff Tweedy Covers Black Eyed Peas



President Obama talks tough. Now that's the guy I voted for.

Buddy Holly would have been 75 this week.

"Well..All Right"/Buddy Holly



Meal of Links

Are you ready for some football? The broadcast maps are up! Somwhere Navin Johnson is dancing. Looks like it's Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots for the Browns.

I know he's bad, but today's Kevin O'Brien column was downright awful. Using semantics to deny the existence of a middle class is astoundingly stupid. Deconstructed here.

This is low. A mentally disabled guy got swindled out of a bunch of Superman memorabilia.

"Shaun Of The Dead". Incredibly funny.

Kate is told “Reality TV is not a career" by Jon Gosselin. Amen, brother...wait...WTF?

Missed last night's debate? Here are the Republican candidates in one sentence.

It's happened. Schweddy Balls Ice Cream! An instant classic from Ben & Jerry's.

Exercise Yard

The Arturo Gatti murder case will be reopened. Cyril Wecht says the original cause of death by suicide is fiction.

Visitor

17 Across: Former quarterback Peete (6 letters) Answer: Rodney

Do you ever hate it when your name is attached to TV or film projects? It's the angst of hoping "James and the Giant Peach" doesn't get more popular as a movie than the book did. because you don't want to be asked about "The Giant Peach" all the time. Well, the latest one is up for me, "JJK Security"! AMC calls it a dramedy. Right there, I have major doubts creeping in.

The show chronicles a family-owned private security company in rural Georgia. AMC said the series was inspired “by what filmmakers like the Coen Brothers, Christopher Guest and Robert Altman have done capturing quirky, larger than life characters in the scripted realm,” and will make its debut in the third quarter of 2012.

I have plenty of time to work on my cringe face.

Meal of Links

Your Labor Day Weekend TV Marathons. A tossup between "BBQ Pitmasters" on Planet Green and Discovery Health's "Strange Sex". But I'll probably look at the Current "50 Documentaries" one that i missed.

Tracking the sales of Girl Scout Cookies. A sucker for Thin Mints, but hey, they ain't healthy.

Paul Westerberg is cordial. A rare interview.

As you probably knew, "Crankshaft" and a host of other strips will commemorate 9/11. Expect "Funky Winkerbean" to be extremely maudlin.

The true cost of 9/11. Just think of those dollars spent on war.

Coffee Jerks



The rich get richer. David Cross joins "Modern Family".

Red meat for the haters. Guy Fieri refused to wear long pants. Even in Alaska.

The Huntsman tax plan looks awfully intriguing. But many tax breaks are tossed, including the mortgage deduction.

NOLA preps for an odd storm. It is Tropical Storm Lee.

Topless Bollywood types.

All the foods we love have high calories. Pasta was Number One. The last time I made pasta, it was fusilli. No Kramer present.

Bruce Feldman winds up at CBS. This concludes one of the oddest personnel moves in the history of ESPN.

More Terrence Malick love. This time for the impossibly beautiful "Days of Heaven".

Exercise Yard

Finally the preseason is over. So, of course, the Browns start next weekend. Now, how many of these teams do the Browns play again. If they win against all of these Pretenders, maybe I'll have them winning more than 4.

Visitor

44 Across: Original Speed Stick Maker (6 letters) Answer: Mennen

By Mennen

Housh Still Rules Fantasy



Kills me every time.

Meal of Links

The Dude lives. At the NYC Lebowski Fest.

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

Edmunds has a new car inventory tool. Instructions here.

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

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

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

Exercise Yard

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

Visitor

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

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.

Man, I had an interesting day today.

Had a guy tend to my roof. I had birds that were subletting without my knowledge.

I could not get my garage door to open. Electrics all screwed up.

To get the last bit out of a jar of Taco sause, I had it upside down for about a week. When I opened it...A red Jackson Pollock painting before my very eyes.

Meal of Links

Austin City potst its lineup. is that suspiciosuly like Lollapalooza?

I haven't really bothered to explore the comedy of Mitch Hedberg. But his widow has relaunched the website, so maybe it's time.

The resume is dead. The new king is your bio.

More Dogs of War. This Belgian Malinois intrigues me. "They can be destructive or develop neurotic behaviors if not provided enough stimulation and exercise." A match made in heaven.

Dan Le Batard gets his own show on ESPN2 in September. I'll have to get that into the rotation.

Comcast signs up TiVo. They have cut a lot of deals to turn it around over there. Left for dead many times.

1979. A great music year.

"Go the Fuck to Sleep" has gone viral. The campaign has been very effective.

Cornel West vs. Barack Obama.

Exercise Yard

Was that the worst lineup of the spring for the Tribe tonight? It showed.

Visitor

28 Across: Musical with the song "Midway Chase" (6 letters) Answer: Barnum

Things are looking up. The Cavs got the Number 1 pick in the draft and also got the Number 4 pick, from the Baron Davis trade. So, the NBA lottery goes our way!

The ramifications of that go way beyond just the players acquired. If those two are parlayed into star players, along with the trade exception still lingering, they may be able to get back to respectability quickly. Hence, fewer empty seats, more revenues, and on and on.

Who cares if it was fixed.

Just can't have the world end this Saturday.

Meal of Links

The ESPN book comes out next week and the buzz is really high. GQ has an excerpt. The subject of the excerpt? Why, Keith Olbermann, of course. His reign of terror at ESPN was legendary. "Welcome to the end of my career." still rates as one of the best lines ever uttered on TV.

Jerry Lewis is out as the MDA Telethon host. Probably due to the fact it's only 6 hours this year.

Elaine's in New York is closing. She once threatened this guy.

Dylan and his cult. One man wants it stopped.

According to Peter Griffin on last week's "Family Guy": "1985 brought us the gayest music video of all time":



"This happened and we all let it happen." I was on the floor.

Seth Macfarlane reboots "The Flintstones". That has hit written all over it.

You hit a deer. Now what? I ain't movin' no fuckin' deer.

Earworms? Maybe "Dancin' In The Streets".

The Pearl Jam doc goes to PBS. This is the Cameron Crowe one. Should be appointment TV.

"Wires"/Red Fang



Cuddy leaves. "House" becomes a sausage fest.

Huey Lewis and the News hit Number One with "Sports". Patrick Bateman, in "American Psycho" said this: "Their early work was a little too new wave for my tastes, but when "Sports" came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far much more bitter, cynical sense of humor." Then he put "Fore" on and killed Paul Allen.

Exercise Yard

Dean Smith vs. segregation. Nice history about Dean-o pushing for his Kansas school to be desegregated on the court in the late '40s.

Visitor

66 Across: Country star Travis (5 letters) Answer: Randy

"Better Class of Losers"/Randy Travis

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

I saw a most enjoyable film today from Tom McCarthy, "Win Win". This is the third movie I've seen from McCarthy, who also directed "The Station Agent" and got an Oscar-nominated performance from Richard Jenkins (you know, the guy Adrien Brody Googled) in "The Visitor". This one, by far, had the most laughs in it.

"Win Win" stars Paul Giamatti, as ever, as a lawyer whose business may not be doing so well these days. He also coaches wrestling at the local high school. Through a series of circumstances, a kid who decides to leave his Mom and live with his Grandpa (Burt Young, one of Giamatti's clients), ends up living with Giamatti's family. Did I mention the kid also has fantastic wrestling ability? You know, he's from Ohio.

This movie hits a home run (pins everyone?), because it's casting is spot on. Amy Ryan is Giamatti's wife. Jeffrey Tambor shares a business office with Giamatti and is the assistant coach. Bobby Cannavale, much like in "The Station Agent", provides lots of laughs. Rose from "Two and a Half Men" plays the wrestler's drug-addicted Mom and the woman of the crime family on "Justified" makes a small appearance as a lawyer. The wrestler, Alex Shaffer, has this Zen-like attitude, but gets to run the gamut of emotions, as well.

No complaints here. I thought it was well worth the time.

Meal of Links

David Simon vs. Mitch Landrieu. And why those houses in the "Treme" ads came down.

Tax the rich? It's hard, because they have clout. We do not.

Poor Slider



Who killed cap and trade? That really did fizzle out quickly, didn't it?

ESPN and its endorsement problems. Reporters and anchors can't have them, but analysts can.

Guess the bad Nicolas Cage movie. "The title refers not only to car thefts but to your hearing." I actually forgot that I saw "Family Man" in a theater. Makes you wonder what else was playing. I think that may have been a free pass.

The story behind the cover of "Abbey Road". Sort of a "Under The Covers Behind The Music".

Exercise Yard

I stumbled upon "The Brady 6" today. This NFL Films production highlighted the career of Tom Brady against the careers of the six quarterbacks taken ahead of him in the 2000 NFL Draft.

If you recall, one of those QBs was the Browns Spergon Wynn. If ever there was a clip to expose the coaching and talent evaluation ability of one Chris Palmer, you have to see the conversation between Palmer and then-Ravens coach, Brian Billick. Remember Wynn didn't even throw for 50% in college.

I'm paraphrasing here.

Billick; "You know, the guy I'm interested in seeing is this kid Wynn."
Palmer: "Oh, he's good. You know him."
Billick: "From where?"
Palmer: "Minnesota."
Billick: "Minnesota?"
Palmer: "Yeah, you were there at the same time."
Billick: "At Minnesota?"
Palmer: "At the university."
Billick: "Oh, the university."
Palmer: "He was there at the university."
Billick: "As what?"

Me: "F-u-u-u-u-u-u-ck."

So, we have Palmer, who never visited Donovan McNabb, thought Akili Smith might be a keeper, a renowned fan of how many revolutions a football takes out of a QB's arm, trying to prove to Brian Billick that he can spot QB talent. Ugh! To think they drafted Wynn ahead of Brady is sickening. I understand, with Tim Couch still at the helm, they would have never drafted Brady, but to see Palmer on this show harkens back to how lost those early years were for the return of the Browns.

Visitor

43 Down: "Talking Straight" co-author (7 letters) Answer: Iacocca (The secret to today's puzzle? The clues and answers had nary an "e" in them)

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

The World Cup is all fouled up. Remember the 2022 bid that went to Qatar? You know, it's kinda hot there in the summer? Well, now Sepp Blatter thinks it could be held in the winter. What the hell, we have 11 years to figure it out. We'll conveniently forget that all the submitted bids were for a summer World Cup.

And certainly the World Cup butting heads with Lord Football is not a good idea. And I certainly never imagined I'd have to wear a Santa hat to watch any matches.

Meal of Links

While we all obsess over Ted Williams, here's a look at those he left behind. Now this is a story that should be celebrated.

ESPN looks like it will pay $2 billion a year to keep Monday Night Football. And keep NFL draft coverage, as well.

Dead wrestlers? We got 'em! Includes Ron Martinez, local Channel 43 announcer.

Bidding help for Priceline. Not a bad little assistant.

Facebook will fade. Stay tuned.

Aretha Franklin says she's OK. Somewhere Luther Vandross sang that sentence out loud.

Another Republican nutjob has power. I'm in a dream, aren't I?

Who is the world's most dangerous terrorist? Looks like Pakistan is the major threat to the West.

Palin in Alaska. Looks like her frontierswoman aura is debunked.

Matt Taibbi takes down Boehner. "The ultimate beltway hack..."

Exercise Yard

CSU played its worst game of the year losing to Butler. Game comes at the worst possible time, when they were getting more eyeballs in their direction. Let's see where the bandwagon goes after this defeat.

Visitor

55 Across: Law partner (5 letters) Answer: Order

From the land of the extended storm watch...

At least we are not on that Avalanche Watch list.

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

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

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

Meal of Links

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

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

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

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

Exercise Yard

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

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

Visitor

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

24 years ago tonight...

"Little roller up along first...Behind the bag!...It gets through Buckner! Here comes Knight...and the Mets win it! If one picture is worth a thousand words, you have seen about a million words, but more than that, you have seen an absolutely bizarre finish to Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. The Mets are not only alive, they are well, and they will play the Red Sox in Game 7 tomorrow. "



Meal of Links

Here are 8 things you still need to pay for when times are tough. Bald tires and brakes, too.

The 5 best hotel bars in the world. I was in Puebla once, and trust me, it wasn't at this place. I think we stopped at "Ptomaine Heaven".

Lookee here. It's a Johnny Cash auction. They have a lot of handwritten lyrics up for bid. But I want The Highwaymen-signed guitar.

Meg Whitman Endorses Jerry Brown



Catching up with David Simon. He says he could tell the "Treme" story in 5 years.

Food for thought. What if the R's pick up only 35 seats next week. Is it a failure?

Seinfeldian Economics 101.

Exercise Yard

Time Warner Cable (the Devil) finally allowed me access to ESPN3 today. I almost wept. I saw a replay of Napoli and Milan was on (flares in the crowd obviously), but more importantly Cowboys-Giants on Monday Night Football from the mothership is on. The picture? Outstanding.

Visitor

15 Across: "The ___": placekicker Lou Groza's nickname (3 letters) Answer: Toe

I spent a few hours this afternoon at the Lake County Oktoberfest. This was held in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel parking lot. Beautiful day. Beer. Polkas. What more could you want on a Saturday afternoon. So, we dragged my Dad, my brother and my niece out there for the festivities.

Scary thing was when I got there around 1:00, there didn't seem to be too many people in attendance. And second, there were not a whole lot of people drinking beer. I soon corrected that. Music was provided by the Chardon Polka Band. Good group of 20-somethings playing the classics, some covers and some originals. Good stuff. They stopped when Mass started, although that's when the Sausage Eating Contest took place. That was the signal to head back home.





























It's interesting that at the real Oktoberfest in Munich, they drank a record 7 million liters of beer this year. And there were 37 kids who were lost. Hard to believe.

Meal of Links

Well, this has to be good. David Mamet writing and directing and Al Pacino starring as Phil Spector.

Speaking of HBO, I can't wait to see what Michael Mann does with "Luck". What, a series about horse racing? This combined with FX debuting a boxing series, "Lights Out", in January makes me wonder of these sports have enough interest in them.

What looks better the second time? "Barton Fink"...yeah. "You're a sick fuck, Fink."

Chick Transforms Into Jared Leto



They are remaking "They Live"! One of the greatest lines in cinematic history is in this film: "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."

They tracked down the "Cigar Guy". I still can't figure out why so few got that Jimenez connection. I knew that immediately.

Exercise Yard

More Beadlemania. This time in NBA Jam for Wii.

Visitor

27 Across: It lost to "Moon River" for a Best Song Oscar (15 letters) Answer: Girl From Ipanema

"Girl From Ipanema"/Astrud Gilberto

I feel obligated to beg. "Terriers" is my favorite of the new shows on TV this fall and no one is watching. Less than 500,000 this week and Dish Network dropping FX does not help. Granted, the promos for the series that FX ran in August were really lame. Plus, the title (an old name for P.I.'s) is not very good.

But don't feel you are a latecomer to this series. This Wednesday at 10 on FX is the appropriate time to jump in, because one story arc is going on the backburner for a while. So, we get some new stuff this week.

Don't allow another series that I love to end prematurely. Because I'm tired of it happening over and over. There is still more than half a season left, so please watch "Terriers" this week. Make me happy.

Meal of Links

10 foods that help blood circulation. Or just look at Angelina Jolie all day.

10 live recordings that trump the studio version. And we can hear the live versions! Excellent choices. We even get a Townes Van Zandt song! But if you only have time for one, listen to the musically impeccable "Bigmouth Strikes Again" by The Smiths.

Johnny Depp visits a school today. Dressed like Jack Sparrow. OK, his coolness factor is now doubled.

Togo has had to deal with a fake national soccer team. "Fake national soccer team" is not the strangest phrase I've heard this week. That title belongs to "Mennonite drug cartel".

This is awesome. You can now get a Steadicam device for your cell phone.

Lou Dobbs has used illegal immigrants for cheap labor. Isn't he the guy who used to bark about illegals...oh, never mind.

Chasing Fox News.

Exercise Yard

Dan Patrick talks about life after ESPN. His DirecTV show starts on some regional sports networks in two weeks. I am assuming Fox Sports Ohio is along for the ride?

Visitor

50 Down: Artist known for spatial impossibilities (6 letters) Answer: Escher

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

Today was the first Sunday since the 20th century that I did not possess tickets to a Browns home game. And, as it turned out, I'm kinda glad I didn't. The first half was one of the longest in memory and the overall length of the game was made up for only by one of the fastest third quarters I could recall. But the sense of inevitability of a march to defeat was quite overwhelming at the half.

As for the game, it's sort of the same old same old. The Chiefs waited until the second half to realize that it was the Browns they were playing, and that's when they started to run with authority. For the game, they had 140 yards on the ground, but while not gaining a whole lot in the second half, they were setting up the pass with that commitment, and Matt Cassel threw the ball much better.

It only resulted in 6 points for the Chiefs. However, when you are the Browns and not making any necessary adjustments, that's enough.

Seneca Wallace was OK at QB for the Browns, I guess. But he threw the fatal interception for a TD, that was mindful of the worst throws of the past.

The defense played OK, I guess. But they still don't make the plays at the end to save any game.

Special teams played OK, I guess. But Reggie Hodges saved his worst punts for his last two. Josh Cribbs and the return game are currently non-existent. Phil Dawson missed a makeable field goal, as well.

Other problems remain. The Browns couldn't even average 3 yards a carry. Wideouts caught only 6 of the 17 balls thrown their way. Josh Cribbs caught a 65-yarder for a TD that was drawn up great, but never attempted again. The passing game again, outside of a nice throw to Benjamin Watson, seems to ignore the middle of the field.

Even though it was a "sellout", you do realize the attendance was only 65,377.

So, the season is over in mid-September once again. Sure, there are 14 more games, but 87% of the teams that start 0-2 do not make the playoffs, so take that Mr. Glass Half-Full Guy.

Browns lose, 16-14.

Meal of Links

Randy Quaid and wife in trouble again. This time for being squatters.

Plaxico Burress talks about jail. He has only 9 months to go.

6 reasons this guy is not on Facebook. And they all make sense.

You know your team sucks when tailgaters garner headlines. Look for the 4 a.m. vs 7 a.m. Muni Lot answers in tomorrow's PD.

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Beadlemania continues. I think it's her laugh.

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None, on a Browns home opening Sunday.

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.

Sadly, it has come to this. Pepsi didn't even negotiate with War for the "Why Can't We be Friends?" ad.

Bourdain talks about himself. And with his 100th episode, talks about other programming. He likes "Top Chef".

If you want to get a nice Philly Cheesesteak, go to Original Steaks and Hoagies in Twinsburg. Really good stuff. Bay fries (fries with Old Bay), too.

Uh-oh. One of those Chilean miners has a whole lot of splainin' to do when he gets out.

How Christian Bale was not nominated for an Oscar for "American Psycho", I'll never know. You'll never listen to Huey Lewis the same.

There are some things I don't get. Like this couple.

Awkward first day of school photos. Dogs humping in the background is tough to beat.

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.

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31 Across: Three-time French Open champ (5 letters) Answer: Seles

I am gettin' my late summer on with an off day today.

Why is my neighbor whistling, all of a sudden?

I see a local resident was commended for stopping a guy who burglarized 8 houses around here. Not too far from me. But no neighbor noticed the dude in a yardful of large TVs? WTF?

The city is opening the Muni Lot at 7 a.m. on Browns gamedays and people are upset? Yikes! And I don't wanna hear people bitchin' about elaborate food displays. This is all about the booze. If you can't get your drink on in the requisite 6-hour window, you need help, man. I'd be more upset at the raising of the price to park to $20.

This blog puts WKNR in perspective. Could be a decent station, only if they tried. Laziest talk ever.

Another local blog discusses dumping the Dawg Pound. I am all for it. Old and tired. Especially on a game day.

Meal of Links

ESPN has its own Beadle-Mania. She'll be on a lot more, I think.

This guy wants you to run out and see "Scott Pilgrim". Like now.

Someone was messing with Uncle Leo. "I'm an old man. I'm confused! I thought I paid for it. What's my name? Will you take me home?".

Preston Sturges films are always a breath of fresh air. I try to watch "Sullivan's Travels" if I see it is on.

Exercise Yard

Jay Mariotti finally got suspended by AOL. He probably won't return to ESPN either. The first I heard from him was when the Cavs were battling the Bulls during the Coach Lenny era. His guest columns for the PD from Chicago were thankfully before the dawn of sportstalk radio, because they were the typical fodder for fans who get easily offended.

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11 Down: 1969 road movie (9 letters) Answer: Easy Rider

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!

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

Here is the LeBron story that got spiked by ESPN. It's a Vegas trip and, yes, Damon Jones makes an appearance.

And it seems everyone involved, except "Big Baby" and maybe Lamar Odom, appear to be quite douche-y.

Meal of Links

Flatten your gut. With grilling!

ESPN's "30 For 30" returns tomorrow with "Big Air". Didn't really jazz me, until I heard of Spike Jonze's involvement.

Every Cigarette Ever Smoked On "Mad Men"



Catalonia says no to the corrida. Porque?

CBS decides 40-year olds are, well, old. The new "Survivor" pits "Young Vs. Old".

Laura Linney decides to take a shot on cable with "The Big C". One of the best actresses we have.

Wyclef Jean may run to be Haiti's President. Using his lyrics to come up with his position papers.

Is it a good thing for Sarah Palin to be the 2012 GOP nominee. I'd say, "You betcha."

Exercise Yard

This is the go-to place for the Rick Pitino extortion trial. I may struggle to watch a Louisville game after reading this stuff.

Visitor

2 Down: two-time Indy champ Luyendyk (4 letters) Answer: Arie