Last night, Best Friend and I saw the Foo Fighters. As always, when Dave Grohl is in town, you know you are going to a ROCK show.

The Venue: Quicken Loans Arena. The home of the $8 cocktail.

Dave Grohl: Grohl remains quite the entertainer. He reminded us that about 40 minutes to an hour away from here, there is a city with a street named after him. The city would be Warren, OH. He also said it wasn't really a street, but "an alley behind a Burger King. Because there is no way they are gonna name a fuckin' boulevard after Dave Grohl."

After the last song when everyone is waiting for encores, the video screen comes on. Again with the night vision backstage. People cheer. Then who do they switch to? Of course, it's Grohl. How many are they gonna play? He cups his ear to the crowd, they go crazy. It's always funny. Are they gonna do two songs? The negotiation begins. Then Tyler Hawkins gets into the act. Eventually, they decide five is enough and they come back on stage.

The Tickets: We were in Club Section 108 about 5 rows from the front. Pretty good seats which allowed us to see everything.

The Crowd: The upper section facing the stage was curtained off. The other uppers maybe half-filled. The floor was not overly packed and it looks like 10,000 were there. I gotta say the atmosphere in the clubs was way different than the last time we saw them, when we had great seats downstairs. Lesson learned.

The Sound: The Q used to really suck soundwise. Dave's screaming and cussing came through with no problems.

They had two opening acts last night and we got in a lot earlier than last time, when Supergrass was on the bill. The first was Mariachi el Bronx. Sort of disappointed we didn't see them. Rise Against was next and I thought they were very good. Really a hard driving sound.

The Stage: The setup was a bit different this time. The stage floor was lit up at times.. Grohl still has a ramp into the audience. This allows for the typical gesturing and running around with your guitar. At the end of the ramp was a stage, which later elevated maybe about 15 steps and that gave everyone at the shitty end to say they at least saw Dave Grohl, up close. Two video screens fronted the stage.

The Foos were back to a more normal number with 5 members and an ocassional keyboardist. You have four guitars, including Grohl, up front. In the back, we have the keyboards and Taylor Hawkins on drums, of course.

The Music: A consistently strong performance once again last night. All the hits were terrific, "Let It Die" "My Hero" and "Monkey Wrench". We got a solo version of "Best of You" this time. "Everlong" closed it out with the full band treatment, which was acoustic last time.

Setlist:

Bridge Burning
Rope
The Pretender
My Hero
Learn to Fly
White Limo
Arlandria
Breakout
Cold Day in the Sun
Long Road to Ruin
Stacked Actors
Walk
Monkey Wrench
Let It Die
These Days
This Is a Call
All My Life

Encore:

Wheels (Grohl solo)
Best of You (Grohl solo)
Times like These (Grohl solo)
Dear Rosemary
Breakdown (The Tom Petty song)
Everlong

Once more, a great performance by the Foo Fighters. More bang for the buck than any band out there. You get great tunes, jocularity from the band, and an adoring audience. Still impressive after all these years.

PD review is here.

Meal of Links

Albert Brooks is a revelation in "Drive". A long way from the Danny the Dummy era. Which slays me all the time. Somewhere, I see Andy Kaufmann getting inspired.

Albert Brooks with Danny the Dummy



Does Troy Davis signal the end of the death penalty? I remain a staunch opponent.

R.E.M. folds.

"Pop Song 89"/R.E.M.



Cameron Crowe dissects Pearl Jam tunes. PBS airs this on October 21.

TV's Best Characters. Sterling Archer should be on this list.

Let's talk about death, baby. Let's talk about you and me. Let's talk about all the noncommunicable diseases that may be.

Exercise Yard

I guess we can forget about Dan Gilbert being ruined by the subprime crisis. He is one of Forbes 400 richest Americans.

Visitor

Across Down: ( letters) Answer: TEXT

Connie Schultz leaves the PD. Probably under a cloud, as her Tea Party mea culpa was a scant two weeks ago. Generally, I thought she had an important voice, but for some, they couldn't get beyond Mrs. Sherrod Brown was in their paper. All you need to know is to read the comments on Cleveland.com to find out there is no middle ground.

Meal of Links

Aaaaar, matey! It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day.

It's your Emmy winners. I obviously watch the wrong programs.

A Feist sighting! It's been a while. I think it's been at least 1-2-3-4, probably 5 years.

Look at what Best Buy was selling 15 years ago. 28.8 modems! Packard Bell equipment! You Don't Know Jack games! VHS movies!

Another dumb politician.

Netflix has survived a lot over the years. Lately, it seems they cannot do anything right. It's obvious they need to concentrate more on streaming, while not totally abandoning DVDs. Now, they can't even name the spinoff without catching heat.

Exercise Yard

College realignment is all the rage currently. But, look at the current Big East. They expanded in 2005 (including Marquette, Louisville and Cincinnati) and now certain schools, like Pitt and Syracuse, several years later decide, eh, it's not so good here. Eventually we get those 4 super conferences and a football playoff system.

Nate Silver makes your head hurt with stats.

Visitor

45 Across: Scotch partner (4 letters) Answer: Soda

MLB had nothing better to do today, so they released the 2012 schedule . The Indians open against the Blue Jays on Holy Thursday. So, that means hot dogs unless there is a rainout. Next year, the season extends into October.

The Red Sox and Yankees only come in once, but both are here in August. Interleague is awfully strange with the new "Miami" Marlins, Pirates, and Reds at home and the Reds, Astros and Cardinals on the road. Memorial Day and Independence Day are at home. This may be the year to take a roadie out to Seattle or Minnesota, during the dog days.

The other thing you notice is those dreaded two-game series. They have two of those in May and only 9 home games in June. The June schedule is tough, because if they suck, they are out of sight, out of mind. Or, if they play well, you wish you could see them more.

Meal of Links

Frank Deford called this, "the most important article ever written about college sports". Well worth the time.

The "Austin City Limits" schedule is up. As always, it's worth watching. Jeff Bridges this year.

Your Fall TV Cancellation Forecast. Yes, there are many duds awaiting us.

Elizabeth Warren. Populist.

Exercise Yard

What happened to my alma mater's football team? After whomping on Brooklyn, 64-14, they got shutout at JFK. Last week, they were getting shutout at Cleveland Central Catholic when a brawl erupted in the third quarter. That game got called. So, being shorthanded, they did what any smart team would do. They will forfeit this week's game to Glenville. That was allegedly a home game, but they were playing it at Marshall.

On an unrelated note, we get Marv Albert for this week's Browns-Colts game!

Visitor

52 Across: Seven-time Grammy-winning jazz singer (9 letters) Answer: Al Jarreau

Sunday's conclusion of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" made me laugh really hard. Michael J. Fox and his Parkinson's. The soda kills me. Later on, Leon says, "If he handed you a carton of milk, you'd end up with a motherfuckin' milkshake." Leon is always good.

LD and Michael J. Fox on "Curb"



This season of "Curb" was probably one of the best. Oh, there were a couple of clunkers, but most times I laughed a lot this season.

Meal of Links

John Calley died today. Responsible for bringing many great movies to the screen. Especially at his stint at Warner Bros.

"Let him die." There is your republican healthcare answer.

10 Worst New Shows of the fall season. I have been watching "The Hour" on BBC America. But that's only got two episodes left. I would rather be watching Season 2 of "Terriers". "Archer" has a limited run starting this week on FX.

Doris Day has charted in the UK. Huh?

Talking with Nick Lowe. I've always enjoyed "Big Kick, Plain Scrap". And, of course...

"I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass'/Nick Lowe



Bachmann and vaccines. Here we go.

Exercise Yard

NFL retirees are suing the NFLPA. Claiming they had no right to negotiate payments for them. I still think that 10-year deal sucked for the players.

Visitor

15 Across: Pop singer Brickell (4 letters) Answer: Edie

"What I Am"/Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians

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

Not much going on today.

How 'bout some Otis?

"Try A Little Tenderness"/Peter Bjorn and John




Meal of Links

Eddie Murphy WILL host the Oscars. Fuck skewing younger, bring on the funny.

Hitch on 9/11.

States with the most uninsured people. Rick Perry's Texas has the most with 27.2%. Mitt Romney's Massachusetts has the least at 5.3%. Yet, Romney still backs away from it.

Robert Duvall still gives great interviews. His views on show business are always refreshing.

Exercise Yard

3-D TVs just aren't selling. So much so, that ESPN may shut down ESPN 3-D. Probably ahead of its time, but with not much programming, added expenses like 3-D goggles and a shitty economy, what do you expect?

Visitor

36 Down: "Star Wars" mastermind (5 letters) Answer: Lucas

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

The men in my family took my niece to see the old alma mater take on Brooklyn. I don't even know what they call this rivalry these days. The Backyard Brawl? The Battle of Biddulph? All I know is Rhodes is dominating this series lately and won last night, 64-14. That's right they scored 64 points! Would have been 70 if they had a kicker or were not just 4 of 8 on 2-point conversions.

First of all, it's a pretty cheap night. $5 to get in, pop and pizza squares were a dollar and it's $1.50 for popcorn. But there seems to be a malaise hanging over the football games at Brooklyn. Clearly, the kids who go in don't even care about the game as they congregate and do their own thing seemingly miles apart from the game. The cheerleaders don't have any focus and don't seem too thrilled to participate. They have a mascot without any direction. The band doesn't seem fired up. If I were an administrator at the school, I'd be embarrassed, or at least concerned, about the overall production.

Shockingly, Rhodes actually had fans show up on their side. They have a band this year, as well. And the guys really play hard on the field. Seems like some good things happening there.

But, much like last year's game we attended, Rhodes had big plays all night. I mean plays you wouldn't think would result in 6 points. They led, 20-0, at the end of the first quarter and it was inconceivably 40-0 at the half. Rhodes only put the ball in the air three times that I recall. A stupid backward pass on the first play of the game that failed and resulted in a turnover. A beautiful two-point conversion that made it 20-0. And a failed pass attempt on a 4th down play late in the fourth quarter. Otherwise, they must have run for at least 500 yards. Seriously. Their big running back, Wall, totaled 116 yards on his first two carries and had TD runs of 94, 36, 55 and 3 yards.

Here were the TDs:

A 94-yard run (6-0)
A 64-yard run (12-0)
A 36-yard run (20-0)
A 70-yard punt return (28-0)
A 10-yard run (34-0)
A 55-yard run (40-0)
A 3-yard run (46-0)
A 15-yard run (52-0)
A 45-yard fumble return (58-7)
A 65-yard kick return to finish the game (64-14)

Needless to say, lots of fun to watch.

Meal of Links

Irene must be important because I see Wolf Blitzer on my TV. No Geraldo sighting yet, my favorite part of hurricanes. Details here. Mail was delivered in Virginia Beach today. Kudos.

Now I find this interesting. Fox, yes, Fox, the big network, will start showing tape-delayed EPL games on a few Sundays they don't have football doubleheaders. And on Super Bowl Sunday, Chelsea and Manchester United will be on Fox that morning. As long as Michael Strahan makes no appearances and my drinks are cold, that will be the start to a great day.

Do you have any of the !00 Most Sought-After Out of Print Books. Some interesting titles, but I don't have any of them. Although, I thought I had a copy of "Cards As Weapons' by Ricky Jay laying around here, but have his other book, "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women". That's out of print, but not as popular, I guess.

How to discover new music. I still haven't had time to comprehend Spotify, but I will.

More "Louie". Although his Afghanistan looked a lot like the Korea of "M*A*S*H".

"Say Something Nice"



Upping the antihero. "Breaking Bad', "Psych" and "Dexter".

Exercise Yard

Ric Flair not only has trouble inside the ring, he's got huge issues outside the squared circle. A long history of failed marriages and financial turmoil.

Hey, my favorite sign from last week's show: "It doesn't matter what my sign says".

Visitor

3 Down: Country that eliminated the United States at the last two World Cups (5 letters) Answer: Ghana

While wondering whatever became of Robert Benigni...

I'm listening to the Tribe game. Tom Hamilton is describing what sounds like an earthquake. I don't feel a thing. Apparently, the East Coast was in a panic. Or wanted a free day on a nice summer afternoon.

Of course, it was near a nuclear power plant. Fuck.

Meal of Links

Jerry Lieber died yesterday. How would you like to have your name attached to that songbook? Think of the Elvis hits, the Coasters hits and on and on. Lieber and Stoller also produced "Stuck In The Middle With You". This is my favorite Lieber and Stoller tune:

"Spanish Harlem"/Ben E. King



Nickolas Ashford died yesterday, as well. He, and his wife, Valerie Simpson wrote many Motown hits. Listen to Marvin Gaye just kill on this Ashford and Simpson record.

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"/Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell



The odd death of Arturo Gatti. Next week, a P.I. gives his findings. Never bought the suicide for one moment.

15 arcade games we miss. They are all there. Circus never makes these lists, but damn, I ruled that game.

Art of the Title with the classic, "Catch Me If You Can". One of the best title sequences ever.

10 songs ruined by advertising. "Saved by Zero" not on the list? Bah.

"Snakes On A Plane" is 5 years old. Only made $34 million at the box office.

The Rock plus Bruckheimer equals...'80s Wrestling Show! Dust off Ron Garvin running up those stairs.

Speaking of earthquakes. What's up with Haiti?

Versus is getting more NFL on its network. Mike Florio has a Friday at 6 show, with Darren Rovell following. Now, NFL Films is producing "Turning Point". This looks like old-style NFL Films stuff, Thursdays at 10.

Exercise Yard

Pat Summitt has early onset dementia. At age 59. Fairly obvious she can't coach much longer. But damn, that's an early diagnosis.

Visitor

43 Down: Hairy TV cousin (3 letters) Answer: Itt

Hey, the Browns played this evening. There is a reason they call it an exhibition game though. Because it doesn't count. It's a little too early to start finding those elusive diamonds in the rough. Because the second and third-stringers are playing guys most likely to be cut.

I recall Coye Francies (who?) getting buzz a couple of years ago and believe it or not, he's still with the team. I saw him in for two plays before going to the bench injured.

So, we need to pump the brakes before we start declaring the Browns division champs. Do like I do. Observe and then pencil them in for 4 wins, like they always seem to achieve.

Browns win, 27-17.

Meal of Links

Catching up with Glen Campbell and his Alzheimer's. Lots of mixed emotions here.

We have Rick Perry in the race and Bachmann beats Paul for the Iowa Straw Poll. Sure she's nutty, but you have to admire how quick she dispatched Pawlenty. With Perry, it will be different. It'll be interesting to see if they beat up each other and Mitt is left holding the bag.

How we became Vodka Nation. It all started with the Moscow Mule.

Exercise Yard

Today is like Christmas, in addition to the Browns, it was Opening Day for the EPL. Last we left him, Joey Barton was unwanted by Newcastle. But they kissed and made up and Barton, with his new Travis Bickle haircut, is still with the team.

Naturally, he caused trouble today. He tweeted afterward: "O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet."

Joey Barton Makes Me Laugh



Visitor

66 Across: He came out of retirement to play Winston Churchill in "Inglorious Basterds" (9 letters) Answer: Rod Taylor

I'm back. What have we learned lately?

Facts for economic arguments: Here is a graph describing Obama vs. Bush effects on the deficit. Half of Americans do not pay federal income tax. (Hat tip to Paul).

Last I heard today, the Dow was down 330. Oops! A really bad day for the markets. Is it time for extending the payroll tax holiday? It's one of the easiest quick fixes out there.

Breakstone's Zesty Blends Jalapeno Sour Cream is wonderful.

Hey, the Skinny Cow has moved into the candy aisle. Really good.

This year's Taste of Cleveland was cancelled. Not really a surprise. The Taste of Cleveland started in 1995 at Nautica with Cheap Trick as the headliner. So, they've handled this event at that venue before. I'm not buying the construction spin so much as a lack of interest by all concerned.

This event peeked the year George Clinton was the Saturday night entertainment. Without incident, I may add. Since that time, the Saturday musical acts have tended to be more mainstream or local...Michael McDonald, Squeeze, Blues Traveler, Michael Stanley, Donnie Iris.

The amount of vendors has dropped (last year, maybe 18-20) and the prices have gone up. Even the firemen, who used to have steak-on-a-stick for MD have been long gone. I think losing Giant Eagle as a main sponsor killed the entertainment piece. Marc's did a nice job as a sponsor and, for sure, Ohio Natural Gas Taste of Cleveland sounded funny, but I don't think the event had the same funding commitment.

The Taste of Cleveland, much like larger events like Taste of Chicago, has been spiralling downward for a few years now. Curious to see if a 2012 event makes it on the calendar.

Meal of Links

Speaking of food, I found myself watching back-to-back reruns of "Man v. Food", with Man losing. I thought his record was more invincible. But Adam Richman is only 37-22 against Food.

Oh, no. The "Shawshank Tree" suffered damage.

Rolling Stone lists the Top 10 Punk Bands of All Time. Better list than you'd think.

The NYC Lebowski Fest has a cast reunion. Where's Turturro, doesn't he live in New York? Didn't mean anything by that, because "nobody fucks with the Jesus".

Just what the world needs. Another tallest building.

The easy way to keep track of the flip-flops of Mitt Romney. It's Multiple Choice Mitt.

Exercise Yard

Ed Sabol gets his due as he is inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame this weekend. But here's how the NFL Network is neutering the gold standard that was NFL Films.

Visitor

32 Down: Citi Field team (4 letters) Answer: Mets

Well, the debt deal finally got done. Here are the political winners and losers.

And, the policy winners and losers.

Meal of Links

Happy Birthday, MTV.

Kings of Leon seem to be having issues. Not breaking up, just pissing off fans.

Come on, is this year's shark attacks the D.B. Cooper case? Still, one of America's greatest mysteries, unless you think Bigfoot ate him.

I'm sure this is the type of interchange that was proposed for I-480 and Tiedeman. Obviously, shitcanned by people who seemingly know better.

HBO premiere dates. "Bored to Death" goes to Mondays in October.

The best time passages in movies. There's that pyramid again. "You know, for the kids." And that beautiful ending from "25th Hour".

"Bachelorette" summary. Great, that saved me a bunch of time.

Getting Bin Laden. Has to be the most revealing account, thus far. "For God and country—Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo."

Exercise Yard

Versus gets its expected name change, which is...NBC Sports Network. Obviously, lots of Olympics, hockey, horse racing and cycling. Don't be surprised if that NFL Thursday Night package (down the road) winds up here.

BTW, the NFL Network and RedZone Channel go to Charter. Seven of the top 8 cable carriers now have the NFL Network. The holdout? Although the public sniping has cooled, it's Time Warner, of course!

Visitor

48 Across: Maine mail order giant (6 letters) Answer: L.L. Bean

I am officially on...



Big day on the Tour day, as the snow cleared in the Alps. My main man, Andy Schleck, decided to attack with, oh, only 60 KM left in the race and got himself back in line for a shot at the yellow jersey with basically only two days left. Tomorrow may be a repeat as it's Alpe d'Huez, followed by the time trial in Grenoble on Saturday. With the ride into Paris on Sunday, a symbolic one, the finish will be bang-bang, as Rick Manning likes to say.





























Schleck's ride today will be epic, especially if he wins the Tour. Probably the best one-day ride since Floyd Landis in the infamous Stage 17 in 2006. You guessed it, shades of Eddy Merckx. But the leader, Thomas Voeckler, didn't crack and hardly anyone can believe he still has the yellow jersey. But the Schleck ride cracked Alberto Contador and Sammy Sanchez.

So, it's probably down to 4 guys. The Schleck Brothers, Cadel Evans and Voeckler. After tomorrow, the leader will be one of the Schlecks, so it all comes down to Saturday's time trial.

But the Tour finally started today.

Allez!

Meal of Links

Going to the movies in Australia is like buying books in Canada. The prices are high.

Debt ceiling talk. Yeah, it's important.

"Dexter" cranks up Season 6 on October 2. New trailer is out.

Did someone mention R.E.M.?

The endorsements are starting for US Women's Soccer. Not a bad idea, as that team competes in the Olympics next year in London. I think the real star is Megan Rapinoe.

Richard Lewis was back on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" last week. He chats about Larry David.

Comeback of the Year? WWE Wrestling!

Exercise Yard

I'm actually on Team Stevie on Steve Williams firing by Tiger Woods. Yeah, that Stevie, the scourge of photogs everywhere. Boy, are there a lot of folks giving Stevie the business over how much money he received for being Tiger's caddie.

But, let's face it, he was not on some mystery retainer and he hadn't worked that much in the last 18 months. Typical caddie pay is a Missed Cut will get you zip, 5% of earnings for a cut finish, 7% for a Top Ten, and 10% for a win.

I'm not sure how much loyalty comes into play, when you are deprived of a job you like to do and you get that itch to get out there and do something. I'm sure Stevie was tired of sitting.

But, man, is he getting blasted for being "The Caddie".

Visitor

44 Across: PETCO Park player (5 letters) Answer: Padre

It's not the heat, it's the stupidity.

Try a secret beach.

Meal of Links

Richard Jewell still had a court case against the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That case was dismissed last week. Unclear if it will be appealed.

The Weinermobile is now 75 years old. Not on my list for the next car I get.

The 5-album test. I kinda like it.

How about a limburger cheese sammie? I don't think I've ever had one.

The Gang of Six. And their plan.

Modern poverty includes an Xbox No, can't be.

As always, the day to watch the Tour de France is when they get to Alpe d'Huez. BTW, that is this Friday. It's also snowing in the Alps. Huh?

Borders is dead.

Exercise Yard

NFL free agency starts in a few days. And what a whirlwind that will be. 5 months compressed into a fortnight.

Avoid these types of players.

Visitor

67 Across: Buck of country music (5 letters) Answer: Owens

You can tell CSU has a new Athletic Director, I had been getting calls from my ticket rep a couple months ago about renewal. I was thinking, pump your brakes, dude, as I had been able to renew virtually up to tipoff of the new season. So, I get a letter today and their new renewal date is August 1.

I guess, like most schools, this allows them to sell the non-renewals as season tickets. It seems they also have lopped some heads in the athletic department. The new Senior Associate AD is a woman, so I assume she is being groomed to take over the whole thing eventually. They also have a new SID and The Ticket Guy is also gone.

Meal of Links

Are we witnessing the death of the DVD? Netflix adjusts pricing and divides streaming and DVD rentals.

Are you still reading the newspaper? There are the same number of newspapers in 2011, as there were in 1890.

"Mad Men" reruns on Sunday mornings, from the beginning. Time to catch up.

The most popular e-reader is? The Nook Color? Not Kindle? Mmmm.

I Will Not Be Riding "The Takabisha"



Can you think of a street sign that is constantly stolen? How about Stoner Avenue?

Joe Jackson. I think, at one time, I had memorized the entire "Look Sharp" album. So, "Got the Time" seems appropriate. This is my favorite song of his...

"Right And Wrong"/Joe Jackson



PolitiFact takes on Sarah Palin. And Slim Jims.

Exercise Yard

Michael Irvin champions gay marriage. Another twist in his story.

Visitor

25 Across: "Two Tickets To Paradise" singer (10 letters) Answer: Eddie Money (At the Pickerington Violet Festival in Pickerington on July 30)

Eddie Money Commercial

The Seattle Mariners had another 3-ball walk against them yesterday. Wedgie apologized to the team after missing the first one.

Here's what he said after missing the second one in a week.

"I was OK with that," Wedge said. "I figured it worked against us last time, let it work for us this time. ... I was fine with Abreu not being up there 3-1 with the next two guys coming. I felt good about Felix facing those next two guys. I was hoping for a double play, but we got a strikeout and a popup."

He is still The Mentalist.

Meal of Links

OK. I have no idea if "Senna" is here soon. But, come on. I'm there. Wait a minute. Ron Howard is doing a film about the rivalry of James Hunt and Niki Lauda? That is a huge WTF.

"Curb Your Enthusiasm" returned last night. I laughed.

Italy. The new Greece. Only larger.

24 Dance Songs you can't dance to. Including the great Roxy Music tune "Do The Strand" with a much younger Bryan Ferry and a glam Brian Eno. I actually heard "Sally Can't Dance" just last Friday.

Exercise Yard

Rest day in the Tour today. But what was with the French TV car wiping out a couple of riders to avoid hitting a tree. There have been lots of wrecks, thus far.

Poor Johnny Hoogerland went right through the barbed wire fence. He was cut up real good. Finished the stage, but in not-so-good shape.

Tour de France Wreck



Visitor

43 Across: "Sexual Healing" singer Marvin (4 letters) Answer: Gaye

"Inner City Blues"/Marvin Gaye

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.

Remember these dudes with "The whistling song" from a few years ago. I really like this single.

"Second Chance"/Peter Bjorn & John



The video blows. I think he's mocking my drumming style. Is that a mean cowbell or a sample from "Knock Three Times"?

Meal of Links

One of the crazies has left the building. That's Glenn Beck. Oddly enough, he thinks he doesn't need TV.

MoviePass update. It appears the San Francisco trial has been scrapped because they didn't have the OK of the theaters involved. Automatically tossing this venture into the "Shady" category. Current irritants if you watch movies at a theater.

You can't call the President a dick. Especially on TV. BTW, I actually found Keith Olbermann's channel. It's right above the digital BBC America on Time Warner. Shitty sound, had to crank it. Really bad set compared with Rockefeller Plaza. And odd guests like Markos from Daily Kos. Banned on MSNBC, but front and center here.

It's that time again. Know your fireworks!

Are zucchini pancakes on your Holiday menu? Good God, does that look good. Also, 5 Burger recipes from the LA Times contest.

I always mention "There's an app for that, unless you have a Blackberry". A RIM exec tells all.

I'm with "Treme" every week. Another opinion.

Spin has the best albums this year. So far.

Sampling Lou Reed. Glad they included "Vicious". But here's a throwback to the Velvets:

"Waitin' For The Man"/Lou Reed



The Enquirer says Chris Hansen has been cheating on his wife. There is video.

What if these morons actually avoid raising the debt limit/ Can they be that stupid? I'm now starting to hear rhetoric about "artificial deadlines" being repeated by those who should know better.

Exercise Yard

God bless the Internets! Hunt Me 4 Sport.

Visitor

43 Across: The Boss's backup (11 letters) Answer: E Street Band

"The E Street Shuffle"/Bruce Springsteen

What are you listening to?

"Deep In The Motherlode"/Genesis



Meal of Links

Bachmann is playing "American Girl" at her campaign stops. Tom Petty not thrilled.

The debate on marijuana. If legal, how do we cash in?

Check this out. The Netflix model for your local theaters. Unlimited movies for $50/month. This would allow more evening and weekend visits because of the prohibitive costs at night. I'm intrigued. It's called MoviePass. Starts in Frisco and it looks like AMC is on board.

Exercise Yard

I actually bet on a horse.

Merry-Go-Round Horse Race



Visitor

61 Across: Justice Samuel (5 letters) Answer: Alito

OK, I'm back. Tons of stuff happened the last few days, so let's get to it.

Went to the Happy Dog the other evening for their belated take on National Hamburger Day. The same toppings, this time on a burger. Very nicely done.

They actually found Whitey Bulger! He was the topic of one of those gangster hours on the Bio channel not too long ago. Truly a badass who became an informant and basically ran the Boston office of the FBI. He was Most Wanted #2 after Bin Laden and people were questioning if the FBI really wanted him found. Looked for him for years with no luck. The U.S. Marshals joined the hunt and within 7 months they found him. Back to Boston already. This'll be one to watch.

Was over at Paul's for the NBA Draft last night. I guess that draft class was weak. Still waiting for Dan Gilbert's pledge of excitement.

Meal of Links

Google should buy Hulu. It is up for sale and that match would be quite good.

Peter Falk died last night. He was much more than "Columbo", which is still pretty good if you catch it somewhere, but he'll always be remembered for that role. He was terrific in "The In-Laws", but my favorite Falk role was playing himself as an angel in "Wings of Desire".

Companero Scene from "Wings of Desire"



The end credits for "Rango". Great designing work.

The 6 Best Organized Burglaries. Ronnie Biggs? Still alive!

X is coming to town in October. Exene talks.

"Tree Of Life" apparently puzzles some viewers Remember, no refunds.

The films of Robert Altman. The one that is rarely shown is "California Split". I love that one.

This year's BBQ Mix. I honestly think I could do better. BTW, I just heard the other day that Level 42 has sold 30 million albums in their career. Huh? You best believe they also included this classic...

"Hot Fun In the Summertime"/Sly and the Family Stone



Judge Judy snores. Do you realize over the last year, she topped Oprah's ratings? From that mix, cue "She's A Bad Mama Jama".

Exercise Yard

Patrick Cantlay is an amateur golfer. He's been making lots of news lately. Low qualifier in Columbus for the U.S. Open. Low amateur at the U.S. Open.

He's playing in a PGA tournament this weekend, the Travelers Championship. Today, he shot a 60.

Visitor

54 Across: Valuable Ming (3 letters) Answer: Yao