Actually saw a crime on my way home from the CSU game this evening. Nothing earth shattering, I guess it's a big deal if it happens to you, but it was a bike theft. There is some laundry or pizza place or some takeout joint near Denison on 25th and a few blocks earlier, while at a stoplight, we saw a youth riding a bike while guiding a riderless bike next to him. I told my Dad I guess if you're gonna steal one, that's the way to do it.

As we motored near Denison, we noticed another youth hauling ass out from this storefront, running next to a bike. Wouldn't you know it, a guy came out chasing him, but couldn't keep up. I felt bad for the guy, because who knows if that's his main mode of transport. I'm guessing he was inside and had his back facing the bike and the kid decided to take a chance and pilfer it. Real shame, because it must be tough to catch these kids.

Meal of Links

Salma is employing her Hayeks for the greater good. Does she have to do this everywhere she goes from this time forward? I'm sure she'll be approached by lots of hungry men.

Peter Gabriel says, "Nope." to performing at the Oscars. Seems the new producers want the nominated songs to be sung as a medley (Halle-fuckin'-lujah) and Gabriel thinks he doesn't have enough time to convey the song properly.

Mindfuck Movies. The title is self-explanatory. There are some gems in here. I still like "Jacob's Ladder" when Danny Aiello gets all pissed off. I have seen "Memento" in the last several months and this holds up extremely well. And, of course, "Mulholland Drive", which I saw at the Cedar-Lee with a small crowd and had some of the weirdest experiences I've ever had at the movies. I still can't shake the appearance of this old couple who wandered into the theater about halfway through. They resembled the old couple in the movie and absolutely freaked me out as they kinda wandered around for a few minutes, then left. Bizarre.

This Michael Phelps case with the bong is getting way out of control. They should watch his SNL appearance, which was enough punishment for all involved, then drop the witch hunt.

I thought the Joaquin Phoenix appearance on Letterman last night was pure genius. It has an air of Andy Kaufman to it and it's Dave at his prickly best. I don't think it's sinister at all. You can see Phoenix almost bursting into laughter after some of Dave's zingers. And more importantly at the conclusion, he seems to be offering if not an apology, at least an explanation of what happened. He takes off his glasses and offers Dave a handshake as he starts to talk to him.

Remember when Lance Armstrong said his comeback would be monitored by the most vigorous dope testing available. Not so fast, my friend.

Exercise Yard

My Dad and I were "Greening the Wolstein" or whatever tonight's promotion was. It was 8-5 Cleveland State and 9-4 UW-Milwaukee in another big game for CSU in the Horizon League. CSU has set its eyes on third-place which guarantees a home league tournament game.

CSU had another excellent first half, leading by 19 at one time. But Milwaukee came back early in the second half and eventually got within 3 at 46-43. Then it seemed the foul calls turned in CSU's favor. I think by game's end, it was 11 for Milwaukee and only 3 for CSU. The Milwaukee coach basically gave up at the 5-minute mark, seemingly frustrated by the refereeing. He left 4 timeouts on the table and even the Vikings had two left at the end. Hence, we were well on our way home before 9:00.

CSU wins, 70-61. Next up: Second-place Wisconsin-Green Bay on Saturday. Home schedule closes out next Wednesday against the Fighting Penguins of Youngstown State.

Visitor

15 Across: Golfer Mickelson (6 letters) Answer: FIGJAM

I went to Cinemark in the valley to see "Rachel Getting Married". Lotta buzz about Anne Hathaway (and who doesn't like her?) in this movie and she'll probably get Oscar consideration. Speaking of Oscar, what else is worthy up to this point? Only Heath Ledger, I'd say.

Anyhow, Hathaway plays a drug addict who gets a pass out of rehab for her sister's wedding. Anne's an "It's all about me" kinda gal, so it's interesting to see how the family interacts. And we get to see the rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself and the reception. You're in tight with the group, because Jonathan Demme used a lot of handhelds in filming it. It's very different and Altman-like. Not exactly a laugh riot, but there is some humor. Hey, Fab Five Freddy and Robyn Hitchcock make appearances and the TV on the Radio singer was the groom, so there were many forms of music represented. The wedding ceremony was some of sort of Jewish/Hindu/Rasta. I somehow see my Dad at this type of wedding saying, "What the hell is this?".

Meal of Links

The perils of "Populist Chic". OK, I am checking myself into Palin rehab.

They may have found a cure for AIDS. Bone marrow plays the leading role.

Chrysler has talks with Hyundai. Yes, we all saw that coming, didn't we?

Exercise Yard

Salma Hayek paid for ball juggling lessons from Becks at an auction. And now he's off to Europe. She paid $350,000. You'd think they could sneak in a hour somewhere, don't you?

Visitor

62 Across: 1950 Tony winner born in Rome (9 letters) Answer: Ezio Pinza

I've a said it a million times. The Browns cannot stop the run. Are you kidding me? The Steelers had 305 yards rushing, uh, we had 18. That has to be a record for disparity. So, we've had two godawful games out of our last three. But, really, what did we expect? We can't get ready for a game when we have 6 days to prepare, what made us think we could do well with only 3 days.

The Steelers also threw for 225. So, they went for 528 total. Last week, in the win, it was 417. Against Cincinnati, it was 388. That's 1333 in the last three games. Man, the defense is getting pounded. Bottom line is KC was probably a mirage, because we suck. The Browns lose, 27-7.

Thoughts:

Did the late-arriving crowd in Pittsburgh ever arrive?

Derek Anderson looked OK.

Tony Dungy offering advice from the bushes is creepy.

How can you facemask a guy with a shield over his facemask?

The Nationwide commercial where the Asian guy's car fell apart made me laugh.

Bryant Gumbel isn't bad on play-by-play, it's that he doesn't get jazzed up though and probably doesn't have the voice for it.

I think Romeo might be in trouble.

Meal of Links

The Browns game made me miss the debut of "My Bare Lady". This is the show where porn stars do Shakespeare. Well, not really do Shakespeare, and I'm not sure there are spears involved. Let's just say they try and act legitimately.















Salma and her Hayeks won Mr. Skin's best nude scene for 2006. They accept the award proudly.

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. This was once a solemn remembrance, now we bitch about the Browns and new wars, I guess. Something you don't see very often. Depression Era photos in color.

Exercise Yard

I guess Klinzy didn't take the US Soccer job. Who knows, by 2010, he may be a candidate.

Visitor

6 Down: Onetime Dr. Pepper alternative (6 letters) Answer: Mr. Pibb (Onetime? I guess those labels lie. It's Pibb Xtra.)