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.

While trying to determine the odds of the deer I saw running through my neighborhood this a.m., actually seeing tomorrow...

I've been watching women's sports for a long time. The US Women's Soccer team is the better team. But, jeezy creezy, if you blow a game like they did today, you gotta take the heat like the men do. Instead we are treated to platitudes like Bob Ley insisting that some "were already calling it a classic". How? Why?

Is it the resiliency of Japan or the fact that the US was up twice and gave up goals late in the second half and also in the second half of added time. Good teams don't let that happen. So, they go to Penalty Kicks and the Japan keeper is getting all the credit, while I see the US having two terrible PKs to start. On the broadcast, it seemed the third US PK was somehow deemed as not good, but that clearly was a good save by the Japan keeper.

Meanwhile, Hope Solo makes one save out of four tries and in the highlights after that save, Brandi Chastain makes this statement after the match, "Hope Solo does what Hope Solo does...makes saves!" WTF? Did you just see her make only one save of four? And did you notice the ref was having none of Solo's PK shenanigans this time around, actually ordering her on to the pitch before the first US PK.

And the US coach needs to come under some scrutiny, as well. Against Brazil, her PK lineup was Boxx, Lloyd, Rapinoe, Wambach, Krieger. Today, for some unknown reason, she pulled Rapinoe in the latter stages of extra time and did not have Alex Morgan in the lineup, who has been consistently on target with her shots and scored the first US goal and assisted on the other.

So, today's lineup was Boxx with a not-so-good first attempt that was saved. Lloyd, who air-mailed the goal. Heath, who had only subbed for Rapinoe in the 114th minute, had a good attempt blocked, but I think Morgan deserved that spot. Wambach nailed her attempt and I'm not sure who Number 5 would have been.

But we don't get any of that breakdown. No, we're allegedly teaching the world to sing tonight and we'd like to buy it a Coke. Bah!

"It's The World Cup, Bro!"



Meal of Links

This was one thing that was hard to figure about the Murdoch controversy. He put Rebekah Brooks in charge of the internal investigation when she was in charge at NOTW. She resigned last week and has now been arrested.

Terrence Malick had been thinking of "The Tree Of Life" for some time. Like since 1979. You actually see some of these early thoughts in the current movie.

This is rather odd. In Taiwan, they have stripping at funerals.

Ron Howard has finally stopped wearing a hat. It was getting ridiculous.

A pretty fair look at John Kerry. And the role he plays in our foreign policy.

Exercise Yard

Indians lost their second in a row to Baltimore. Now they head to the Twin Cities for 4 games. Have you noticed the Twins lately? They are only 5 games back.

Even Tiger refers to this series with his favorite word: "Huge."

Visitor

None, on a warm Sunday.

Not much goin' on except the grillin'.

Friday-Burgers

Saturday-Drumsticks and Roasted Corn

Today-Pork Chops, then Burgundy Mushroom Burgers.

Tomorrow-Looks like Ribs.

Meal of Links

I didn't know Celeste Holm was still around. She's embroiled in a family feud.

The Ten Greatest Liars. We know a few of these.

Worst Non-Handball Call Ever



Jim Morrison's been dead for 40 years. They are reissuing "LA Woman".

Exercise Yard

Hey, Wimbledon's over. Did you know Cinemark had both the men's and women's finals in 3D? That's why you pray for rain in these situations. Instead, it's grilling and yardwork for me.

Anyhow, Jon Wertheim breaks it down. Always the best recap if you watched nary a deuce.

Visitor

None, on a terrific 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.

Alan Sepinwall writes about Jeff Conaway. I always thought he was the fifth wheel on "Taxi" and not sure I liked him until the trainwreck he provided us late in life. Sepinwall does us a favor by including the classic clip where Ignatowski tries to pass his driver's exam.

He died today at age 60 and it's pretty astounding he lasted this long. This is one of the reasons we've already turned our attention away from Charlie Sheen. Trainwrecks always end up badly.

Meal of Links

The 25 Best Progressive Rock Songs. Get the black light out. At least 23 of these will make you cringe. Save "Time" and "Shine on, You Crazy Diamond. Lots of Tull, ELP, King Crimson, early Rush, Genesis and Yes. Run.

How is Lawrence O'Donnell doing at MSNBC? He has retained Olbermann'a audience, probably making management happy.

Urban Outfitters stole another design. This time, though, social media put the smackdown on them.

John Tesh is still getting mileage from his "NBA on NBC" theme. "Roundball Rock"!

Birthday "whammies"? Delivered by a padded hockey stick? What is going on at school these days?

FIFA may be as corrupt as Cuyahoga County. Maybe even more.

Exercise Yard

Hirsh talks about tomorrow's Champions League Final. Could be the first time in a while, that Man U could actually be looked upon as a plucky underdog.

Grant Wahl chimes in.

Visitor

44 Down: High Sierra director Walsh (5 letters) Answer: Raoul

I want to like Diet Sun Drop, I really do. But I'm not sure about it. Sometimes it tastes really good and other times I can't wait to finish it.

Upon further review, who knew it had that much caffeine? Shit, more than Mountain Dew? Yikes. Of course, try and find the caffeine-free variety. I know Mountain Dew has caffeine-free varieties, as well, but they aren't stocked everywhere either. Looks like Canada's Diet Montain Dew is the USA's Caffeine-Free Diet Mountain Dew.

OK, next roadie to Canada includes a visit to Tim Horton's and a soda run.

Meal of Links

Michael Sarrazin died today. And they didn't even mention his greatest role, "Josh Ramsey, VD Caseworker".

Seriously, is this what being a Browns fan has become? Getting gleeful about Peyton Hillis gracing the cover of Madden '12. That's what happens when your fanbase gets pumped up by beating Pittsburgh in a 4-12 season.

Seven hotly debated movie questions. And their answers. I thought "Pulp Fiction" and "Lost In Translation" were somewhat disappointing.

What's up with Low-Sodium Campbell's Tomato Soup? It has the same sodium amount as regular tomato Soup. Ah, you need to read the label.

"Treme" starts this week. Can't wait for the John Hiatt song. We also get a look at HBO's series on horse racing, called "Luck". That's the Michael Mann/David Milch effort.

Exercise Yard

Who would have thought that two weeks into the season, Indians-Royals is a big series. For all things Royals, for years the place to go is Rany on the Royals.

Visitor

37 Down: Wrestling duos (8 letters) Answer: Tag Teams

Last week, the discussion was the Indians had to deal with lots of reasons for fans not attending. The Highlights:

A palpable hatred of the Dolans.

1994 Fan too accustomed to wins. 1964 Fan goes regardless.

The economy.

Ticket prices.

Gas prices.

Hard to support a team that has really stunk the last two seasons.

No stars on the team.

This week? People upset that Mitch Talbot went on the DL. Jeanmar Gomez returns.

See how things change when you win? Today they got homers from:

Grady Sizemore, in his first game back from serious injury.

Carlos Santana, who had hit only one ball to the outfield this past week. Sits out 2 games, hits 2 warning track flyballs on Saturday (one robbed by Adam Jones) and seems to have corrected things.

Travis Hafner. As I said, it's not 2005 Hafner, but he recommitted to getting into shape and look at his line: .354 BA, .407 OBP, .646 SLG, 1.053 OPS. That is insane!

I'll get a look at them against KC when they come back.

Meal of Links

Break up the Indians! Here is the at-bat music of the team. Grady Sizemore is into BRMC? Uh-oh, I may have to sling less arrows that way.

Five brain hacks that make you better at sports. Celebrating was one of them.

Nicolas Cage was arrested for a dispute with his wife in New Orleans. Here's how he acted during Mardi Gras.

There was a Sony factory in Sendei, the Japanese earthquake city. They manufactured HDCAM SR tape used in the film and TV industry solely in that factory. Hence, a shortage.

Hitch reads the Bible.

All about balancing the budget. Stop the Tax cuts!

Exercise Yard

Just when you think the FA Cup doesn't matter. Manchester City beat Manchester United yesterday. Then, Stoke beats Bolton today by a 5-0 score. Stoke! Biggest win in the FA Cup since 1939.

Visitor

None, on a cool Sunday.

I took advantage of an early AMC start time and saw "The Lincoln Lawyer" this morning. Four were in attendance. Bottom line? This is actually worth seeing.

Matthew McConaughey is the Lincoln Lawyer, because he had a DUI and works out of the back of a Lincoln, driven by his own chauffeur. He had his shirt off for the briefest of moments here and no trampoline in sight. Marisa Tomei is around as his ex-wife, who works for the DA. Marisa is just starting to have old age creep in around her eyes, but still looks great. Ryan Phillippe is a wealthy guy accused of beating up a hooker and hires McConaughey to get him off.

Now that should put everyone on alert. Phillippe has the guy who ran Shawshank as his "family lawyer", but John Leguizamo is a bail bondsman who tells McConaughey he should take the case. And when we find out there was a similar case that McConaughey had worked on in the past, well, now we have ourselves a movie.

William H. Macy, in full "Shameless" mode, is McConaughey's investigator. Frances Farmer plays Phillippe's mother. Bryan Cranston takes time off from "Breaking Bad" and has a bit role as a cop, as does old hand Michael Pare. My God, Michael Pare was in this movie!

I liked this movie. This was actually written for adults and when you have a rogue attorney like McConaughey, you know that means interesting characters are gonna pop up. You have a good cast and when you combine it with a cool title sequence and a gem of a soundtrack, it's a keeper. I'm afraid it's going to get lost in a web of "Wimpy Kid", "Limitless", "Sucker Punch" and "Rango".

Seriously, a terrific soundtrack here. Bracketed by Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" with a new take on Ashford & Simpson's "California Soul". Plus, Eric B. and Rakim bring us "Don't Sweat The Technique". You gotta love this stuff.

Meal of Links

There's smart. Then there's Shaka Smart.

Passports make you liberal. It's a fact.

Happy Birthday, Leonard Nimoy



Have you seen the 2011 update for Faces of Meth? What a surprise.

Exercise Yard

Well, the Final Four has been decided. Yesterday's half of the bracket was where I was having the most trouble and I obviously did not have Butler or UConn. Going into today's action, I did have Kansas and Kentucky.

In the large pool that I play, I ended up Top 30 of 479, so I was not too disappointed with my performance. Especially how most of the brackets were getting blown up every day since Thursday.

In this part of the country, you had to go contrarian with Ohio State and Kentucky was my play there. There was lots of talk about how Kentucky was a good home team, but terrible road team. But they had five SEC losses from mid-January by a total of only 11 points and they did win the SEC tournament. Not an obvious pick, but one I felt confident with.

My Final Four was:

Wisconsin
Duke
Kansas
Kentucky

I thought a Pitt loss would open up the bracket. It did. Unfortunately, Wisconsin played a truly awful game against Butler. Duke just got steamrolled by Arizona and Kansas was probably the biggest disappointment, not beating VCU today. I had them winning a final against Duke.

So, we'll see how it goes. Everyone loves the Cinderella, but let's see who actually watches VCU-Butler besides me.

In what may be his finest hour, let's see if Kentucky coach John Calipari can make this one stick.

Visitor

None, on a cold sunny Sunday.

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

Finally, Selection Sunday is underway. Cleveland did not get the two Number One seeds, as had been predicted. For weeks, actually, as Pitt got shipped to DC.

So, the matchups here on Friday are:

#1 Ohio State
#16 Tomato Can

#8 George Mason
#9 Villanova

#3 Syracuse
#14 Indiana State

#6 Xavier
#11 Marquette

Actually, not too bad of a pod. I loved George Mason to win at least 2 games coming into the tournament, but OSU in a faux home game is really a tough one. I think Syracuse could sleep for 20 minutes during the Indiana State game and still win. It's a weaker Xavier team this year, but one that shows up at tourney time every year. So, the seeds may hold here through Sunday.

And, of course, here are the yearly snubs. Virtually every talking head was fired up, because a notoriously weak field combined with an expanded number of teams was supposed to prevent the snubs we saw today. Then again, everyone is an expert this time of year.

Meal of Links

State Department spokesperson had to resign. His comments about Bradley Manning were his undoing.

Celebrities can't hide anymore. Even in the bathroom.

I stumbled upon this today. Google recipes!

Exercise Yard

Yeah, it's pitiful to watch the NIT Selection Show. But I thought Cleveland State might make it, and they did. They were the last matchup revealed and as a Number 2 seed, they drew the Catamounts of Vermont. Kent drew Saint Mary's.

Vermont played BYU and Connecticut and lost. They lost in the BracketBusters to the College of Charleston. Only common opponent with CSU was Iona. They won, as well.

NIT brackets here. First game is Tuesday at CSU on ESPN3.com.

Visitor

None, on a quiet Sunday.

We've sure come a long way since you had to find a place with a satellite dish to watch March Madness. Then there were times you hoped CBS would show your alma mater on local TV. Then there were times you had to find a place that would show your alma mater via the dish. Then it moved to taking off work to watch the games. Then that moved to the incredible development of March Madness On Demand. But now that CBS has outsourced its coverage to truTV and Turner, what's up this year?

Coming to the rescue, SI has posted a viewing guide. To get eyes on truTV, the play-in games are on that channel this year. I finally located the regular truTV channel. Shouldn't I have that in HD by Tuesday? Like Marv Albert, apparently Time Warner Cable says, "Yessss!". I mean, I need my car chases in HD.

It looks like Cleveland will probably get the Nooners on both Friday and Sunday. I'll be there for both days, always a great time in person.

Meal of Links

It's the 35th anniversary of "Taxi Driver". AMC Theatres are showing it around the country, but not here.

Life sucks? Here's how to deal with the most annoying problems.

Juliette Binoche is in a new movie. What is it about Tuscany? I didn't think there were any rooms there.

Don't touch me.

Michelle Bachmann visits New Hampshire. She's Palin II.

Iron Man is taking advantage of his newfound fame. He's selling his house.

Tomorrow's anniversary? Microsoft had its IPO 25 years ago. If you sat on 100 shares at $21 per until today, you'd have $750,000.

Exercise Yard

With March Madness coming up, I have watched many games this week. I was especially interested in San Diego State and how they would play BYU today. They handled them nicely. SDSU is very athletic and can hurt you several ways. Only 2 losses this year, both to BYU.

For bracket purposes, be mindful San Diego State has never won an NCAA tournament game. Last year, I had BYU going a long way. After today's game, I'm not sure I'll go with them again. If you shut down Jimmer Fredette or he gets no help, it turns out to be along day for them.

Visitor

58 Across: Band with the 1997 double platinum album "So Much for the Afterglow" (9 letters) Answer: Everclear

OK, I am still alive. S. and I were over at the House of Blues on Sunday to see the Dropkick Murphys. I'll talk about that tomorrow. Since then, I've seen two movies, had really good paczki, had my first fish fry for Lent and had a flat tire.

Gale and I saw "The Adjustment Bureau" at the Capitol on Monday. Sort of a "Men With Hats" thriller. This starred Matt Damon and Emily Blunt and they had some really good chemistry to sell this one. Damon was a politician and Blunt was a modern dancer. They decided they were meant for each other, while The Adjustment Bureau's data said "Nope."

Until the Bureau realized they should have been together and that caused the whole mess to become messier. This is probably the best movie for adults so far in this calendar year. Not a classic, but entertaining enough. And you'll be on the lookout for men wearing hats for a time after seeing it.

Last night, my Dad treated all of us, including my niece, for a showing of "Rango". My niece did a great job of not spoiling it, as this was already the second time she saw it. This starred Johnny Depp as a chameleon turned gunfighter in "Rango". Absolutely loved this one, as this was the best overall movie so far this calendar year.

Old Western references abound and you even had a bit of "Chinatown" thrown in there. Because when you control water, you control everything. There was even an homage to the fly swatter scene from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Other references from "A Fistful of Dollars", "Once Upon A Time In The West", "Apocalypse Now", "Raising Arizona", "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly". Even "The Spirit of the West" is represented by a poncho-wearing Clint Eastwood.

Not really for the kiddies, this one might attain classic status. It's that good.

Meal of Links

I still can't believe the city of Detroit does not want a statue of Robocop. I would definitely go there, if this became a reality.

Early Bowie photos. I mean early.

NPR has 50 great voices. Nice list.

Wisconsin passed the collective bargaining bill. Boy, this looks court-worthy.

Keith Olbermann says Charlie Sheen is doing an impression of Brian Wilson. hearing him interviewed in the offseason, I think he's right. BTW, a bar around the corner from me is advertising "Tiger Blood Shots".

Jason Bateman thinks the "Arrested Development" movie sounds great. He's anxious to get filming.

Great year for music? How about 1977?

Mel Gibson The Rude Warrior.

Exercise Yard

Well, it looks like Saint Tressel is taking a beating these days. Two things you've already heard from the OSU acolytes: "Every school does this." and "A coach cannot control his players for 24 hours a day."

One thing that bugs me about this is Tressel said he feared for the players during this investigation and that trumped following the rules. Huh? Really? You don't take that concern to the AD or GC of the University?

Second, Tressel knowingly playing potentially ineligible players is mind-boggling. If he acknowledges this e-mail in April, the players selling of memorabilia becomes known, OSU self-reports, and I sense maybe a one-game suspension at the start of 2010. So, now he doesn't do that, it now becomes an NCAA issue, that organization will probably add to his supension and fine, and I think the 2010 season is probably on its way to being vacated.

Certainly not a fireable offense nor one requiring Tressel to quit, but jeepers, the guy is 58 and this is really one dumb move. Will it hurt OSU? Only if scholarships get pulled and a limit on TV appearances or perhaps a season without a bowl game. Other than that, it's only Tressel's reputation that suffers and around here, that will only be a little bit.

Visitor

32 Down: "Mad Max" star (9 letters) Answer: Mel Gibson

Hey, I was hacked by the Chinese. Yep, my iTunes account was drained of the remaining total I had (pumped up by gift cards, no less) yesterday morning. I could not even access my account to change the password until this morning. It's like they took the account over for their exactly prescribed 12 hours.

I was able to change the password back, but I felt just enough pain here to get a new credit card. I didn't need that number floating about in China (not sure it really was as they negated the card on iTunes), so I opted for a new one. Not a lot of pain, as Apple is investigating, and I have already been compensated. But it's not a way I wanna spend a few hours on a day off, chasing things beyond my control.

Meal of Links

While watching some of the NFL playoffs that were blowouts this weekend, I noticed some things about the commercials:

Motorola has an airport scene where a guy is going through security. The security screen shows his phone as a PC, because it's so damn powerful. The security guy? Eddie Charles from that old Martin Tupper show, "Dream On".

When the iPad clicks on a TED lecture, that's Jamie Oliver walking across the stage.

The Sprint commercial with the injured football player and the team doctor with a Sprint phone? They must be channeling the Browns. There are three lameass "Division Winners" banners on the wall. One is from 1971-72, another in the '90s, the last one in the oughts.

Not liking the Bud Light "schmeplicate" ad. Don't like the women left behind at all in this commercial.

Borders. Tick...tick...tick. I suggest using gift cards from there quickly.

Matthew McConaughey has trouble standing.

The Horseshoe. Lego-style!

Uh-oh. I started watching "Lights Out" on FX this week. Here we go again. It's ratings-challenged at the start.

More commentary on 2010's bad movies. Ballots are here. Very funny.

Exercise Yard

Strange way to boost attendance. Lap dance contest for the mascot at a lacrosse match. Love the "boing" sound effect!

Visitor

None, on a cold Sunday.

Crap. They didn't even give us a full week. "Terriers" is cancelled.

FX explains it here.

Creator Ted Griffin explains it here.

Eleven One-Season TV Wonders. Interesting that "Comeback", "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared" are all in rotation on IFC right now.

I'm not giving up on FX though. In January, it's the debut of "Lights Out" and the return of "Archer".

Meal of Links

Don Meredith died today. He took a lot of unwarranted heat at the end of his career for the failure of the Cowboys to "win the big one". The Browns contributed to his demise in a 1968 playoff game. I am not sure, but I think he was responsible for the term "rubber band defense", applied to the Browns.

Obviously, he gained more fame in the Monday Night Football booth, when that was event TV. But look who did some time in the NBC booth, as well.

NBC Opening-1975 AFC Title Game



Google started a bookstore. You can download those Dickens books that Oprah wants you to read for "F-R-E-E, that spells free".

Got $3 million? Let's buy "The Godfather" house.

Jimmy Kimmel. The new Johnny Carson. I admit it, I rarely see his show.

I think I wanna go to this hotel.

Funny. Nicole Kidman tries to move her face.

Exercise Yard

The Patriots destroy the Jets. That was a hard knock.

Visitor

14 Across: "Tiny Bubbles" singer (5 letters) Answer: Don Ho

My brother and I attended the Cleveland State-Robert Morris game last night at the Bart. Kind of an odd weekday start at 6:00. Strange beforehand, but nice to get home early.

The Vikings may be on to something here. For they managed only two baskets in the final 14 minutes and were still able to win, Because they had a 22-point margin at one time. That got frittered away late down to 2, but they survived. Mainly it was the attempt to pound the ball inside, without any concerted effort to break down the Robert Morris zone.

So, the Vikings find themselves unbeaten at 8-0, the first Division I team to win 8. Defense is carrying the day, as the opponents have a FG percentage of .369. That's a Georgetown-in-their-heyday kind of stat. The RPI is at 20. The mid-major rank is 5.

League play starts this week in Wisconsin and it's traditionally the toughest road swing for Cleveland State. If they can somehow win 2 games, we can start to have a discussion of a league title. Especially since Butler has fallen out of the rankings for the first time in memory. But CSU has not won since 1999 in Milwaukee and 2006 in Green Bay.

Meal of Links

Home stretch for "Terriers" tomorrow. I actually wrote an e-mail to save the damn thing. It was a proud Tiger Beat moment for me. BTW, "Archer" returns on FX on January 27.

Michael Douglas talks about his health. Seems to be on an uptick presently.

The funeral aftermath of Pat Burns did not go so well. His widow was robbed. They even took his wallet.

How to sleep. Currently, I have been getting into some really deep REM action.

Nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards are out. Looks like "Winter's Bone" is one to watch for Oscar, already picking up some Gotham awards. It's on PPV, I'll get to it this week. BTW, Kenny Fuckin' Powers brother is up for Best Actor in it.

Anne Hathaway and James Franco to host the Oscars. Great idea! Not so fast, my friend.

Getting further along in Nashville. Today, it's Brad Paisley.

Barry Sanders Goodness



Even Pravda hates Palin.

Exercise Yard

Adrian Wojnarowski has written another anti-LeBron column. Always fun to catch up with these. (Hat tip to Paul)

So, LeBron scores what, 50 on Thursday?

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46 Down: White House family (6 letters) Answer: Obamas

My day started by finding out I had a slow leak in a tire and it was on its way to going flat. Well, that kinda sucked. I'll have to go Monday to the Slow Leak Shop to take care of that.

BTW, the Halloween candy goes like this for 2010 (a bag each):

Kit-Kat
3 Musketeers
Snickers
Hershey
M&M's
Twix (One kid said, "Twix, yeah!")
Milky Way
Reese's
More Snickers

Standout costumes tonight:

Lady Gaga
Julius Caesar (I asked him, "Et tu?")
Rugby Guy
Lots of Spideys
A Penguin
A toddler as a lamb

Meal of Links

Some of these are gems. The 100 Best Signs from the Rally to Restore Sanity.

Dressing up for Halloween? "Jerry, it's a new relationship killer!"

Roger Ebert talks about lists. He doesn't like 'em.

The future of local commerce. Facebook + Foursquare + Yelp + Groupon. FYI, I rarely look in on Facebook, I mean rarely. I'm not familiar with Foursquare. I use Yelp a lot. Groupon has some good deals every once in a while.

Exercise Yard

Ashton Kutcher. NCAA rules violator. Huh?

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None, on a Halloween Sunday.

Boy, I had just an awful headache yesterday, so I watched local news for some inane reason. Did I miss something? I thought both forecasters that I saw predicted a nice day today. Unless I was delirious. Off I went to do errands much of the late morning/early afternoon.

Sure, it was warm enough, but where was Mr. Blue Sky? As it became increasingly dark, I kept putting off mowing my lawn, or should I say leaves. Anyhow, I watched the end of "Heat". I've only seen that a million times. After that, I thought I'd mow, but it started drizzling. WTF? Then A&E had "Murder By Numbers" on. One of the Sandra Bullock movies I had not seen.

I took advantage of long commercial breaks and would do part of the yard, then come back in to see more of the movie. And so on and so on. Not a bad effort. If you see it on and are completely bored, watch it.

Meal of Links

Juan Williams was fired from NPR earlier this week. Lots of people protested. Apparently, some NPR "viewers" also protested.

A look at movie purgatory. That Bradley Cooper-Renee Zellweger movie that just came out? Shot on 2006.

The Quaids are at it again. This time in Canada.

Trying to get Axl Rose to speak. Complete with old mugshot.

This is nice to dream about. The best first-class seats in air travel.

Exercise Yard

It's almost as if Wayne Rooney was going to do a LeBron and leave Manchester United (ahem, that's like Cavs to the 10th power) earlier this week. Same sort of situation, if you wanna leave, there are only a handful of clubs who can afford to pay you.

Cooler heads prevailed and Rooney ultimately signed a five-year contract to stay at Man U. The crazy thing is he is with one of the most recognizable clubs in the world. It's like starring with the Yankees and thinking the Angels would be a better fit for you. Might be better for Rooney to at least start scoring some goals for this to pass.

Ian Holloway is Pissed at Wayne Rooney



Visitor

25 Across: "Against the Wind" singer (5 letters) Answer: Seger

"Against The Wind"/Bob Seger

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?

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

I had a bottle of Frank's Wing Sauce just sitting around. So, I was on the lookout for a really good chicken wing recipe. I've done wings in the past decently, but wanted to step my game up. Well, Serious Eats did the job with this recipe. OK, science is involved, but they tasted really good.

You can adjust the salt, as the baking powder has to be the key. And I put parchment paper over the rack and poked holes in it, while the rack sits on a foil-lined baking pan.

Like the A-Team, I love it when a plan comes together.

Meal of Links

25 strange credit card designs. What's with that EPOS stuff?

Man takes pictures of a water tower. Then fear happens.

Maybe God Doesn't Like Kansas State Football
















Did you know they finally closed the Liberace Museum? Remember him at Wrestlemania? I can't remember if it was at Wrestlemania I, but it was an early one.

Have you have ever heard of Arthur Anderson? He's the voice from the Lucky Charms commercial and has written an autobiography. More importantly, he was the me of "Me and Orson Welles".

When artists lie. Does it affect how their work is viewed?

Exercise Yard

Ken Burns has added a "Tenth Inning" to his "Baseball" series. This has been widely mocked over the years, but I didn't mind hearing about the old days.

The new program details action since 1995. PBS has it Tuesday and Wednesday.

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16 Across: Foe of Marc Antony (6 letters) Answer: Cicero (Tricky puzzle today)

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.

Exercise Yard

Beadlemania continues. I think it's her laugh.

Visitor

None, on a Browns home opening Sunday.