Last night was my first try at attending the Cleveland Oktoberfest . OK, I'll say it. I didn't have any German food. It was too warm to even think about having a pigout session. I just stuck with the beer at this sauna. Hofbrau's Oktoberfest Beer being a really keen brew. Beer was relatively cheap here. If you stayed away from promotional cups and all, the German beers were $5 and I think Buds were only $4 for a draft pounder. You cannot beat the carny food, as I had a gyro. Overall, a nice gastric experience.

The crowd showed up despite the heat, however. There seemed to be an unusual attraction from the human glockenspiel activity. These people would come out every hour on the hour. Do a little German dancing and then throw stuff to the audience. It sorta reminded me of the lines at the Food Show where people would stand in them for a lengthy time, just because something was free. The items tossed were mainly beads, but I think there were other trinkets and t-shirts were also distributed. I didn't really get this attraction, but it seemed to be very popular, so I won't quibble too much.

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra was scheduled to appear there during this evening's rain. Even with the shower, let's hope more people observed that than the clock.

Meal of Links

One of the great things about Harry Shearer is he tracks the Olympic movement. Well, lookee here. The no-fly zone in London next summer may bankrupt firms. You know, small companies like flight schools.

Not that I've watched it in years. And it's hard to believe that Channel 8 always used to cancel US Open Tennis coverage because of it. But it will be strange to see the MDA Telethon proceed without Jerry Lewis. Such an odd breakup.

How a cinema saved a town. Kind of a neat story.

Economy class is getting better. Apparently on airlines I don't frequent.

An R who left the cult. That's why even an off-year election is important.

Somehow this guy is always overlooked when it comes to hosting the Oscars. How about Eddie Murphy?

Another Ed Gein tribute. This time, it's "Ed Gein, The Musical". I am laughing so hard, I could barely type that.

Exercise Yard

The Cubs may stop serving Old Style at Wrigley field. That's a shame. However, even Giant Eagle has such a wide selection of beer these days, these old brands are bound to suffer.

Having said that, I'm off to finish a Modelo.

Visitor

None, on a cloudy Sunday.

We officially live in Podunk. How can a simple Motivation Seminar cause major gridlock in town? You would not believe the traffic I saw this morning. The Jennings was backed up to State and it was barely moving. Then the 480 East exit ramp to 77 North was backed up onto 480, because of all the people who were not moving on the Jennings. Coupled with regular 77 North traffic that was, at one time, backed up to 82. WTF?

All that because Rudy Giuliani invited us to this seminar at, not $9.95 per person, but $9.95 for the entire office. Also on the bill were Goldie Hawn and Bill Cosby among others. I can't blame you for thinking "scam' as a description. Because they obviously oversold it.

Anyhow, our little hamlet was completely disrupted by this non-event. Incredible. Come on everyone, get motivated to arrive early next time.

Meal of Links

FCC Commissioner approves the NBC-Comcast merger. Now she steps down to take a lobbyist job. At Comcast, of course.

Weird news from last month.

Good news. More "Family Guy". For a 10th season!

Keith Olbermann is compiling his list of contributors for his new show. Now they have to let us know where Current is on the cable dial. I'm guessing Richard Lewis will be funnier than Dennis Miller on O'Reilly. BTW, you know Al Gore gets a lot of press for his Current Association, but Joel Hyatt is a bigwig there. Yes, that Joel Hyatt.

Reminders of the origins of Social Security.

The Hoff wants to remake "The Equalizer". I, subsequently, want to throw up.

Newt Gingrich for President? You have to be fucking kidding me. He's like Mikey. He hates everything. Best slogan, thus far: "Gingrich 2012: He will always love America. Unless it gets cancer."

Exercise Yard

Brazil is going to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. So, what better time to ratchet up the fear, then the present.

Visitor

16 Across: Best Supporting Actress before Paquin (5 letters) Answer: Tomei

Now that football is gone for a while, one of the better things on Sundays is I get back to listening to Harry Shearer on "Le Show". Really good music today, like this:

"(Everytime I Turn Around) Back In Love"/LTD



And his news of the "greenest Olympics" in Sochi was really funny today. The best tidbit:

Perhaps Sochi's biggest challenge will come from the heavens: It's another temperate maritime city like Vancouver, where snow had to be trucked and airlifted in for the ski events in 2010, and adequate snow cover will be a challenge. As a climate scientist said last year, "I rolled my eyes when they picked a city on the Black Sea," said Simon Donner. "I'm pretty certain it never snows in the city. They grow palm trees there."

Meal of Links

BAFTAs or Grammys? I actually leaned more towards the BAFTAs tonight. Those winners are here. With Best Film handed out by Samuel L.!

BTW, Detroit has a significant indie movie presence. I applaud Cinemark for filling the void locally when a trip to the Cedar Lee is out of the question.

Top 7 destinations after 10 p.m. Good suggestions.

Prison economics. Fish and coffee are now king. I did not know cigarettes are banned in federal pens.

This Is Cool



Exercise Yard

Weird hockey stuff, including Ovie Christ. And this is choice:

Ovie. Russian Spy?



Visitor

None, on a thawed-out Sunday.

The wingnuts have gone over the edge. I was listening to the Magic Radio at Noon yesterday and they interviewed a lady who was in charge of some Eastern Pennsylvania Tea Party. Now there were two parts, actually three, that would have driven me to the bottle, if I had one handy.

First of all, they don't "endorse" candidates, they just "back" them. Someone needs to explain that difference to me. She claimed her Tea Party wasn't the cause of the R's losing the Senate. Basically, don't blame me, we don't endorse anyone.

Second, her thoughts on Social Security were misguided. She acted as if she is getting back what she and her husband paid into it, completely ignoring the fact she is reaping the benefits of those who have paid into the program before her. It's nuts. She also acted as if the government would cut her SS benefits, she and her husband would get by, as they always do.

Third, the CBO report on healthcare is, in her words, "baloney". You know, the fact that it will actually cut into the deficit. "I don't believe one word of that." Of course, she couldn't name anything to cut to make up for the deficit, just that "they need to get on a budget" citing welfare, Medicaid, and any other entitlement buzzword. Then she brought up, as a place to start, this insane rumor that President Obama's trip to India would cost $200 million a day.

This was the first I had heard about it. Believe me, I looked. I could not find one credible news source yesterday afternoon that reported it. It came from a quote from some Indian website and it was pure speculation. Completely overlooking the US operation in Afghanistan runs at about $190 million per day.

Absolutely confounding.

Meal of Links

I used to watch MTV. Whatever happened to Gideon Yago? Do you care whatever happened to Gideon Yago?

Are we talking Olympics already? Danny Boyle says the Opening Ceremonies in London will have some rock and roll.

Danny McBride talks about his faves in pop culture. "Locked Up Abroad" looks scary.

Toronto cops get disciplined for actions during the G20 summit. That was a bad scene.

FT has a long piece on why there isn't much of a market for Annie Liebovitz photos. Seems the art galleries aren't exactly enamored with here, and I guess you have to play that game.

Exercise Yard

One of the all-timers died today, Sparky Anderson. Obviously known more for managing the Reds, but we got to see him a lot as manager of the Tigers. Regarded as one of the nicest people in baseball. And that 1984 Tigers team was quite a ride. First place the entire season.

Two Sparky lines have always stuck with me. "You can have the guy who loses the 3-2 games, I want the guy who wins the 5-4 games." And when he gave a pitcher the hook, you were to hand him the ball "like it was an egg."

Kirk Gibson, my all-time favorite non-Indian, with some words.

Visitor

6 Across: ___ Mahal (3 letters) Answer: Taj

The Browns bid adieu to Jerome Harrison today. It's a classic "I'll trade my bad guy for your bad guy" trade. So, the Browns get Mike Bell in return.

Harrison is one of those guys who seemed to be the People's Choice. Many words have been written about him, urging the Browns to use him more. Outside of an unbelievable stretch at the end of last year, he had good results that were few and far between.

This year, it's almost like he was wearing cement shoes. Absolutely no fire and obviously disgruntled, so the Browns got what they could for him under the circumstances.

Let's see how much production he'll get in Philly behind Shady McCoy.

Meal of Links

An adult film star tested positive for HIV. That means studios start going on Operation Shutdown.

You buy a car, there's always that pesky insurance you need. Here are the cars that provide the most and least expensive insurance.

Zach Galifianakis has another "Between Two Ferns" up. This time with Bruce Willis. "Did you know that some actors turn down roles?" Genius.

The most powerful bald men in America. Charles Barkley is Number One.

Chris Dudley. Former Cav. Oregon gubernatorial candidate. Minority?

Another appreciation of Sally Menke.

Confessions of a Bad News Bear. Don't get too excited, it's good, but it's Toby.

Joe Queenan writes about the author, Jimmy Carter. Carter has now written 25 books. Very funny.

Exercise Yard

This is so sad, it's beyond words. Tommie Smith is selling his gold medal.

Visitor

12 Down: Joan of "Knots Landing" (6 letters) Answer: Van Ark

The good news is Mr. Mix and I headed out to the Rusty Barrel to watch the Browns game today.

The bad news is we were actually watching the Browns game.

Quite frankly, you can't underestimate the agony of today's Browns loss against Tampa Bay. Virtually the entire community had the Browns pencilled in for 2 wins at the start of the season, and now, after one game, it appears all hope may have been lost.

What did we learn today?

Kellen Winslow Waving His Flag























The dreaded Jake Delhomme interception didn't even wait a half to rear it's ugly head. That interception he threw to Ronde Barber ranks with some of the gems we've seen around here from our other QBs. It was some sort of, my body is at a 45-degree angle toss to the other team. Not so much the ineptitude of the toss, but the timing. You're ahead 14-3 before the half, driving in Tampa territory. Perhaps going up as much as 21-3, then that throw. Tampa Bay converts it into a score and now it's 14-10.

Having said that, the Browns tried to sneak in an insanely long Phil Dawson field goal before the half that had the distance, but was no good. And in their first drive of the second half, Evan Moore caught about 65 yards worth of passes, before the People's Choice, Peyton Hillis, fumbled in the Red Zone.

Then it was Tampa Bay just hanging around and hanging around and hanging around and eventually they scored the go-ahead TD late.

Cheerleader Waving Her Bucs





































But the problem today was what we saw in the preseason. Not many outside threats at wide receivers on the Browns, and I defy anyone to tell me these second-year receivers have improved enough to be solid contributors for all 16 games. Let's face it, the Tampa Bay safety took a rather dumb route to the ball on Mohammed Massaquoi's TD. He only caught one other pass. Stuckey had 4 catches, mostly on the underneath crossing routes. Great if he breaks a tackle, he gains 8, instead of the usual 5. Cribbs and Robiskie combined for 3 catches for 16 yards. And then there are the dumpoffs to the backs

The only semblance of a medium passing game is through the tight ends again. Moore and Ben Watson as the targets. BTW, Delhomme averaged 6.2 yards per attempt, in case you needed more proof of the dink and dunk.

Return game provided nothing today.

The defense? Say all you want about they played good enough to win. But I tire of a defense that continually breaks down when they need a stop the most.

Maybe I need to sleep on it, but I can't think of an opening game that was more disappointing because they should have won today, against what we all thought was an inferior opponent.

Browns gag, 17-14.

Meal of Links

Form September 12, 2001. Hunter S. Thompson talks about 9/11. Outside of a drastically inflated number of deaths (remember there were early rumors of 20,000 dead in the WTC), he was spot-on in his analysis. Yes, children, he did write for ESPN.com at the time.

"Honor killings" are growing rapidly. Horrible.

The New York Jets may have harassed a female reporter yesterday. Then when you realize it's Ines Sainz, well, things get interesting. That woman knows how to fill jeans.

I dig Rebecca Hall. Yep, you've seen her, too.

Exercise Yard

Nicole Bobek. From figure skating queen to meth addict. Now on the road to recovery.

Visitor

None, on a nice, sunny Sunday.

Joe Barton thought that the $20 billion deal the government cut with BP was a "shakedown" and apologizes to BP. Which, these days, is akin to rooting for Hitler.

So, the GOP leadership pulls him aside, and I guess, in their version of an actual "shakedown", give him the option of resigning his ranking committee position or retract his apology.

He opts to retract his apology in the lamest way. Is there an apology in this statement: "If anything I said this morning has been misconstrued to the opposite effect, I want to apologize for that misconstrued misconstruction."

What he is actually saying is, "Obviously you, the littles, misconstrued what I said and for that misconstruction, I apologize."

Speaking for all the small people, we didn't misconstrue a thing and heard you loud and clear. How someone can be so out of touch speaks volumes about the people we elect.

Meal of Links

Five plants that can almost survive dark. Begonias are one.

Here is the saddest IMDB page ever. Something to be proud of, I guess.

Paste picks the 10 best Ramones songs. Good to see some love for "Cretin Hop" and "Judy Is A Punk", they don't get played as much as the others.

Danny Boyle gets the call to direct the London Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies. I sense dancing.

Crap. More evidence that you can't retire at 65. Hello, lottery.

Remember that Joaquin Phoenix doc? Or is it a mock-doc? Anyhow, it's release is getting closer.

The "Blues Brothers" movie is 30 years old. Great movie. Hate the "Blues Brothers" impostor acts these days, but a great movie nonetheless.

The technology of "Minority Report". An absolutely underrated movie, but even ESPN has adopted gesture-based computing. They used it in the NFL draft, I've seen it during horse racing's Triple Crown and I even saw it used the other day for NCAA conference realignment.

Exercise Yard

Erin Andrews figures to leave ESPN. Her contract is up at the end of the month. But what exactly can she do going forward? Outside of late-night Olympics hosting, where does she go?

Apparently to find her luggage.

Visitor

68 Across: "Gymnopedies" composer (5 letters) Answer: Satie

"Gymnopedia No. 1"

The Derek Anderson Era is over. Then he went all Sean Penn on the way out. Not sure what to make of it all, as I kinda liked the guy. But the NFL highway is littered with guys who get 15-20 starts (in D.A.'s case, 34), some with early success, and then they just seem to fade away.

But it's better to burn out than fade away.

Which leads us to the Seneca Wallace Era. I don't mind Wallace as he knows how to run the offense. Not Brian Daboll's offense, mind you, but Mike Holmgren's offense. All I can say is, we better have a starter prepared to run this offense. I don't want Brady Quinn or someone of his ilk learning this offense from a guy (Daboll) they admit is taking a crash course in learning this offense.

I see way too many times during a game this upcoming season where Holmgren will say, "Why did he call that play at that time?".

Meal of Links

The easiest way to make a timeline. Ryan Garko in the outfield would be a good one.

NPR has the White Stripes live. DVD out next week.

Time catches up with Chelsea Handler. She is always funny.

Many have asked for it and now here it is. The Hall and Oates tribute by The Bird and the Bee.

Coco does good. Even Larry King gravy trains.

Why pick on Bob Barker? Now? Old '70s clips.

Exercise Yard

Speaking of timelines, the epitome of the Sports Bathroom Break. Water usage in Edmonton during the Gold Medal Hockey Game at the Olympics.

Visitor

33 Down: Cosmetician Lauder (5 letters) Answer: Estee (She lived til she was 97)

I had not been to First Watch before. Originally, S. and I were gonna go to the one at Crocker, but all the kids out there must play, "Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey" on Saturdays, as it was crowded. So, we went to the one in Rocky River instead.

Not bad. I had some pancakes, which are huge, so I only had two. Had a side of sausage, although good, you only get 2 for $2.99. I like that V8 is an option. It looks like they are big on omelets, as well. Like I said, decent grub, but you may do better by supporting the locals. For instance, we passed Herb's (who has Saturday and Sunday breakfast) on the way and that place was jammed.

Meal of Links

The Big Picture posted Part 2 of Olympic photos this week. I am telling you that Crosby/Niedermayer picture is a classic. The timing involved with having Sid's gloves and sticks out of the picture and the Canadian captain Niedermayer coming over to start celebrating is awesome.

Lilith Fair. It's back. "Police Academy". It's back.

Did you ever wonder what music is popular in strip clubs? Funny you should ask. Weezer is extremely popular. I wonder if they play "Dope Nose".

"Dope Nose"/Weezer



Late-Period Steve Martin. He's into everything, and hosts the Oscars tomorrow.

The European Poker Tour was in Berlin this week. And they got robbed today. On live TV! Six gunmen took 800,000 euros.

You are more likely to be sentenced to death for offing someone of high status. So much for justice.

"Dexter" updates.

30 favorite opening lines in literature. The one from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is especially good.

Exercise Yard

I think it is cool when they name schools after people we've actually heard of. For instance, in Milton, Canada, they have named a new elementary school after the wrestler, Tiger Jeet Singh.

Visitor

38 Down: Actor who often said, "Sorry about that, Chief." (8 letters) Answer: Don Adams (Two weeks in a row with clean Saturday crossword sheets, as he pats himself on back)

I had a strange thing happen today. My neighbor's tree disappeared from their tree lawn. We lost a tree two doors down last year due to wind. I am not sure what happened to this one. I was working from home today and am not clear on when it took place.

I had an oil change early in the morning, so I was back by 9:30 and it was gone. Very little remnants left. Bizarre.

Meal of Links

Polkas in Cleveland. Yes, the Happy Dog is mentioned. BTW, my Dad figured out he doesn't have to eat a hot dog there by channeling Jack Nicholson from "Five Easy Pieces".

"I'd like a hot dog with fried egg and a tomato on a bun. No ketchup, no mustard, nothing else. Now all you have to do is hold the hot dog, bring me the bun with the egg and tomato, give me a check for the hot dog, and you haven't broken any rules."

Leitch on Roger Ebert. Ebert shows up on "Oprah" tomorrow.

Brian Williams leaves Canada a thank-you note. I think I could do without inflatable beavers and God, did I feel bad for Catherine O'Hara last night. But, well done, otherwise.

Exercise Yard

I failed to mention that I received my Browns season ticket package last week. Still debating on what to do, although leaning toward non-renewal. The most hilarious thing is the introduction of the braintrust: Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Eric Mangini.

They list their NFL experience, regular season record, playoff record, playoff berths, division titles, conference titles, Super Bowl appearances and Super Bowl record. Get a load of what they list as the coaching record for Mangini:

Regular Season: 140-116 (.547)
Playoffs: 11-4 (.733)
Playoff Berths; 6
Division Titles: 3
Conference Titles: 3
Super Bowl Appearances: 3
Super Bowl Victories: 3

Below, in the tiniest font you could find, it designates (* Head Coach)and indicates that is 2006-2009. Not even disingenuous, it's laugh out loud funny.

Visitor

33 Across: Jackson 5 brother (4 letters) Answer: Tito

While enjoying the start of the snow melt today, a couple of things bugged me. I was at Big Lots (don't ask!) and the woman at the checkout line says, "It looks like it's starting to melt out there." I said, "Yeah, that's a good thing." She replies, "I hear another storm is coming on Tuesday." WTF? I hadn't heard that (personally, I think she's nuts), but why pee on my parade with that "Woe is me!" crapola.

And with that melt, opportunities arise to have your driveway fully removed of snow again. But the plow not only came by this morning, but again this afternoon, defeating all of us who thought we were done once more. This time with the big snow boulders.

The Olympics ended today with an epic hockey game, but I still have not heard a reasonable explanation almost 2 weeks later on the Men's Moguls. Remember, the first Canadian gold was going to go to a woman in their Moguls event. Last one on the hill is an American, who eventually crushed the Canadian celebration, by winning.

The Men's Moguls had a similar setup the next night, if you recall. The Canadian, who had a brother with cerebral palsy or something, is leading with only one more person left. That dude is a Frenchman, who just blasts down the hill, in what they say is the fastest time of all the runs. Surely, Frenchie may not win, but certainly he's gonna medal. Well, his judging goes up and they say he finishes SIXTH! What the hell just happened? Since it was Canada's first gold, the announcers focus on that fact and leave at least one viewer, me, completely flummoxed.

Compounding that mishap, they showed it again tonight on the recap show and I still haven't received an adequate answer.

Meal of Links

US manufacturing is not dead. It just seems that way.

Hey, MSNBC, Nature is not out of control. You shoddy journalists, you.

Do vacations make us happy? I fall into the "Hell, yes!" category. However, it seems the real happiness comes in the planning and and anticipation before the vacation. And, yes, I will post about Kauai. The photos are still in the camera, etc.

Exercise Yard

canada wins at their game.

Visitor

None, on a snow-melting Sunday.

What did we learn today?

Geoff Bodine still makes a mean bobsled. A gold-medal bobsled, BTW.

She sure sounded like a nice lady, but while watching tsunami coverage, I was struck by the irony of a stuttering seismologist on MSNBC.

Remember it's not the first wave of a tsunami, it's the second wave. Or perhaps even the third wave you need to worry about. Or is it the fourth?

I'm not Mr. Foreign Relations, but why does Chile insist they need no help with that massive earthquake? Don't throw out this canard of "everything's under control", while admitting most of your highways and half a million homes suffered major damage. There is a thing called Haiti Fatigue and if you wait a few days to ask for help, sorry, you've missed your chance.

A set of curling stones costs $7,000.

Best sign at curling tonight: "That's gold, Johnny. Gold."

Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal had his leg broken above the ankle on a bad challenge today against Stoke. Even the players were immediately grossed out. I'm not gonna post the pic, but it is described everywhere as a "horrific". Lemme tell ya, it was the old tib-fib. I had that same injury, a bit higher on my right leg, and for me, it was the sound of the break that I'll never forget. Not good when things end up pointing the wrong way. And with his injury more towards the ankle, it was not pretty. They wouldn't even show the replay. Oh, they'll show dead lugers, but not this.

It still sucks when the plow ruins your great job of shoveling.

Meal of Links

Carly Simon says it's David Geffen in "You're So Vain". Wow, why not just carry that one to the grave.

Olympic pictograms. Some of these are pretty lame.

A comeback for Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". Or should I say another comeback. It won't go away.

Dermot Mulroney gets to play Jim Rockford. Can that really be a good thing? Well, if he gets that role, I wanna be Angel Martin.

Rockford's Answering Machine: "Jimmy, old buddy, buddy. It's Angel! You know how they allow you one phone call? Well...this is it."

"Life In Quarantine". I like the bin part at the end.

Another thing I have to fret about. Wheat fungus. Not among us. Yet.

Exercise Yard

I was at the final CSU home game this afternoon (I like how the tsunami was scheduled, so I had plenty of time to kill) and they pulled out a thriller against Wright State. So, we get a home playoff game on Tuesday. CSU wins, 68-63.

Visitor

39 Across: Upset winner at the 1992 Kentucky Derby (7 letters) Answer: Lil E Tee

Continuing on the Oscar path, Gale and I took in "The Lovely Bones" at Regal last night. A grand total of 4 in attendance. We saw this because Stanley Tucci took time from his AT&T voiceovers to garner a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He put on a toupee, talked funny and, in general, gave everyone the skeeves. Mark Wahlberg and the always yummy Rachel Weisz starred as parents of the 14-year old girl who Tucci killed.

Quite frankly, this was one of the most bizarre movies I've ever seen. It was directed by Peter Jackson. And, if you watched "Lord of the Rings", you know going in, the movie is gonna be at least 30 minutes too long. And it was. Tucci, as the killer, is revealed quickly, so the entire movie is spent hoping someone can point out he's not only a suspect, but indeed, the perpetrator.

However, after the girl is killed, we go off into these metaphysical segments. You see, the girl is in limbo, because unlike Mark McGwire, she can't quite give up her past and refuses to look forward. As in look forward and go to heaven. Instead, she ends up in limbo, and I guess because the Pope says there is no limbo ("In heaven, there is no limbo..."), they called it "the in-between". So, when she ends up in the in-between, she does a lot of running. Across fields of amber waves of grain, and then goes further. And then further. Lemme tell ya, the in-between kinda sucks. I can't tell how you get to heaven. If you're supposed to come to grips with your death or if the earthlings you left behind are at peace with your demise. Either way, let's get to a quicker conclusion.

Susan Sarandon also starred as the grandmother. The only reason I mention this is she was the film's comic relief. However, it was placed in such a weird position in the movie, it just generated a huge WTF with me. And there's so much more, I've barely scratched the surface of the oddities of this flick.

It's been a long time since I was completely baffled by a movie.

Meal of Links

Esquire reveals their Alternative Oscars. Biggest Waste of Talent: Luis Guzman in "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3". If you saw it, you would agree.

How to live to 100. I'd like to raise a practical question: Do you want to live to 100?

"Zoolander 2"? It's coming. Apparently 9/11 didn't prevent me from seeing this in the theater.

The last 4 minutes of Air France Flight 447. Lengthy read, but worth it.

Vanity Fair has an article on the making of "Raging Bull". Marty was hesitant to make it.

When k.d. lang was country. Didn't last long, but she was good.

John McCain. Sill campaigning.

"Uncontrollable Urge"/Devo (at the Olympics)



Exercise Yard

The latest medal winners for the US. Huh? In Nordic Combined?

Visitor

26 Across: Quarterback Roethlisberger (3 letters) Answer: Ben

Big crowd at the AMC Westwood Town to see "Up in the Air". A grand total of 4. At $4.25 per head. Ouch. Maybe George Clooney will visit their HQ and can somebody. In fairness, the DVD comes out in 2 weeks, so that's why this was the last theater in town still showing it. This movie is up for Best Picture and George Clooney gets a nomination for Best Actor. Anna Kendrick (a character I really didn't like) and Vera Farmiga get Supporting Actress nominations.

First of all, the subject matter of firing people is not exactly all grins at this juncture. So, this is not laugh out loud funny. Oh, there are some light-hearted moments, but this is not Comedy Central. I think it was in "A Perfect Storm" where I realized Clooney is a star. This guy can rise above weak material and I think to a certain extent, he does that here. But he and Farmiga make a great couple. Sparks fly. She pretty much matches him whim for whim, to coin a Steely Dan phrase.

But then Clooney, in a mere blink of an eye, rejects what he stands for by basically saving his sister's wedding. Cold feet by Danny McBride and Clooney talks him off the figurative ledge and straight to the altar he goes. Somehow, we are to believe that a family that he's not even close to, and a "casual" relationship with Farmiga result in him having an epiphany at a truly awkward moment. While giving a speech at a convention.

Maybe it's the time lapse since this movie came out, but I expected lots more out of this movie. After watching it, I didn't think there was a whole lot of there there. Probably worth a DVD rental, but not a DVD purchase.

Meal of Links

10 reasons to not talk on the phone. Impending bodily functions are a good way to end a call.

Robert Duvall talks about "Crazy Heart". He's a big Jeff Bridges fan.

"U-S-A! U-S-A!"

They found the world's tallest dog. A Great Dane from Arizona.

Exercise Yard

Hitler is Shocked as the USA Beats Canada in Hockey



"U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Visitor

69 Across: Artist Warhol (4 letters) Answer: Andy

The hazard of the tape-delayed Olympics is when you try to avoid the results and then stumble upon them. Today, I did a pretty good job of avoiding the results of the Women's Downhill when a guy on the radio blurts out, "Hey, Lindsey Vonn won the downhill." Crap. I watched it anyhow. It wasn't Franz Klammeresque, but she was fairly out of control at times.

Still have not seen curling. But I saw Shani Davis pick up a gold in the speed skating. Unfortunately, I think men's figure skating returns on Thursday.

Meal of Links

Kevin Trudeau's next book may be "Things You Need to Know To Stay Out of Jail". "The FDA has guns..." may be my favorite line from his infomercials.

Esquire with a fine profile of Roger Ebert. I think he may get a Pulitzer for his Internet writings.

Mary Tyler Moore's stab at a variety show years ago. With video.

Exercise Yard

Danny Ferry makes the deal. Antawn Jamison, I believe, is the final peice to the puzzle. If the Cavs get Z back in 30 days, so much for the better.

Visitor

39 Across: Wolfgang Puck's restaurant (5 letters) Answer: Spago

I listen to "Sound Opinions" virtually every Sunday evening on XM. Where two Chicago rock critics spend an hour a la Siskel and Ebert and rate the music of the day with an interview or two spliced in. Nice place to hear some music you would not normally hear. Their website is here.

Anyhow, Jim DeRogatis picks his worst rock movies. I love "The Last Waltz", but he's pretty much spot on with his other choices.

Meal of Links

If you want to remodel a kitchen or bath, these sites are for you. Cannot help with the necessary cash, however.

A 1938 guide for single women and dating. In the photos, the 1938 woman seems like fun, while 1938 guy seems a bit of a prig.

All about the early Woody Allen. Complete with a Foster Grant ad. Great stuff.

Reality politicians.

The Olympics Sap-O-Meter. Stay tuned.

Family Guy Farts



Exercise Yard

Even colleges these days get into the pre-game videos to fire up the crowd. This one is from the Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks hockey game. Pretty cool, except they blow up my university. And Ohio State gets it, too.



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15 Across: "Milk's favorite cookie" (4 letters) Answer: Oreo

It was 20 years ago this week that Buster Douglas KO'ed Mike Tyson. I recall the exact spot where I heard the news. I was in Puerta Vallarta on a trip from work and, earlier in the day, we actually thought about watching the fight at some bar. We decided not to do it.

So, after a late dinner and some drinks, several of us were in the lobby of our hotel around 3:00 in the morning. All of a sudden, some Canadians appeared and tried to convince us that Douglas had won. I was pretty skeptical that they were trying to put one over on us, and they were pretty convincing. But still...

This was pre-Internet and barely cable days. But it was obvious by the next morning that something big had happened. Could not wait until I saw the replay when I got home. It remains the most stunning sports result in my lifetime.

BTW, Nelson Mandela was released from prison on the same day.

Meal of Links

The war in Afghanistan? It's heating up.

The Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver. In pictures. Well, they already killed a luger. The "Tour of Canada" was nice, I guess. Something about the phrase "welcome poles" reminds me of Peter Griffin saying the word, "penis". Steve Nash with a torch. I was happy to see Anne Murray was still alive. The Great One with THE torch, of course. kd lang with a great version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah". When does curling start?

Craig Ferguson talks about "The Late Late Show". He has a budget smaller than Carson Daly's show.

What happened to chicks in '90s rock like Liz Phair? I still find interviews with Liz Phair pretty compelling.

I can't say enough good things about "Archer" on FX. This week's great joke was a boat named "Chum Guzzler". It's on Thursdays at 10.

Exercise Yard

This afternoon, Cleveland State played its biggest game of the year at home (hey, almost 4700 showed up), as the dreaded Butler Bulldogs came to town. Butler has remained a Top 20 team most of the year and came into the game at 22-4 and 15-0 in the Horizon League. CSU was riding a 6-game winning streak and was 9-4 in the conference.

My Dad and I arrived early to get a knit cap. Silly us, it wasn't a CSU cap but a Cleveland Clinic cap. Did they advertise that? I'm not sure.

As for the game, CSU decided on this day to come up with a dud. Although the game was 29-27 Butler, at the half, the signs were there that it was going to be a long game for the Vikings. They shot poorly and were getting absolutely hammered on the boards. Adjusting after the half, Butler started going inside a lot more and CSU had no answers defensively. Last three games, Butler has been winning by a combined one point at the half, and ended up winning each game by a combined 36 points. That's the definition of adjusting.

Stat sheet says it all. CSU shot 37% for the game, and hit on only 1 of 15 three-pointers. They were outrebounded (gulp!) 46-20. Too bad, because they caused 17 Butler turnovers and held them to 41% shooting. In a game never in doubt after halftime, CSU loses, 70-59.

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35 Down: "Suspicion" Oscar winner, 1941 (8 letters) Answer: Fontaine

I had a long saga ordering some flatware. My old stuff from Target kept disappearing or breaking and I was really getting short on forks and was down to a single butter knife. So, I found a really good deal from Oneida and ordered some over MLK weekend.

After I ordered, I didn't hear anything for several days. The really nice people there told me on two different occasions over the course of the next 2 weeks, that they had some coding issues with their inventory that their new system was not recognizing. So, imagine my surprise when I returned home from vacation that the package arrived last Friday.

But it was weird. After the initial e-mail, I didn't receive any further notification that the item had been shipped or when I could expect it. Maybe the new system has caught up, but it's awfully strange they operate in this manner, when some companies go overboard on their communication.

Having said that, I really do like the set. And they do have some good sales from time to time. I guess my advice is if you order from their site, keep after them.

Meal of Links

Karaoke killings! Do not sing "My Way" in the Philippines. I repeat, do not sing "My Way" in the Philippines. And in Thailand, you may wanna skip the John Denver.

Nate Silver looks at Sarah Palin's 2012 primary path. Nice work.

Hitchcock movies that were never made. Cary Grant as a modern-day "Hamlet"?

Since there are 10 Best Picture nominees this year, AMC has changed their schedule to 2 Saturdays for viewings. With an AMC card you can watch them at Ridge Park for $40. They still haven't released the schedule and of course, in Cleveland, you can see "Avatar" in lovely 2-D!

John Boehner. Confused politician.

OK, she's got a great ass, but what else qualifies Rachel Uchitel to be on "Extra"? Wait a minute, she was interviewed by Mario Lopez, so, there you have it.

Your Olympic broadcast teams. In other broadcast news, The Champions League Final actually ends up on Fox, the big network, in May.

Exercise Yard

Now we turn our attention to college hoops. And NASCAR.

Visitor

16 Across: Gonzalez in 2000 headlines (5 letters) Answer: Elian "They broke Elian's bed!"

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

I am not sure where this rates among the Bruce Springsteen Christmas recordings. But the tune is really one of my holiday favorites. This is from 2002, when everyone looks much younger. Conan on guitar. Interesting blonde in the front row. Clarence jingling his bells. Presents include a blow-up doll for Max and a George Foreman Grill for Conan. "Well done, Santa."

"Merry Christmas, Baby"/Bruce Springsteen (on Conan)



Meal of Links

Let's do some catching up....

Yes, I was affected by today's Blackberry outage. You know when you look at your e-mail and you have had nothing for 4 hours.

The five laws of human nature. Still no law for E-Z Pass scofflaws.

Nickelback is the band of the decade! Everyone now...WTF?

Stephen Colbert's SI cover outtakes. The tie kills me.

Mr. Skin reveals his top nude scenes of 2009. I did not see any of them.

The worst movies of 2009. Didn't that John Cena movie. "12 Rounds", come out this year? That sucked. Here are the best. Jeezy creezy, there's "In The Loop" again at No. 6. Big ups to "The Hurt Locker". It is the best movie I saw in 2009.

Denver has opened the first marijuana restaurant in the US. Called "Ganja Gourmet".

Howard Dean continues his kill the bill campaign on healthcare. He makes a lot of sense, but I don't think it will happen.

Greece is all fucked up.

"Bad Santa" is revisited. Excellent timing.

It was 20 years ago today. Not Sgt. Pepper..."The Simpsons"! But do they matter?

Julie Benz talks about getting killed on "Dexter". Still a very compelling scene, several days later.

The 10 Worst Predictions of 2009. Some really bad ones, I think.

Opining on Reality TV.

Exercise Yard

Are NFL teams circumventing the Rooney Rule? The commish says the Redskins complied while conducting a seemingly quick Bruce Allen hire.

And I feel the Browns hiring of Fred Nance will somehow allow the Browns to hire Mike Holmgren, if it happens. It's easy to say Nance was interviewed for that job, but was more qualified for the job that he eventually received.

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46 Down: Comics cowboy Red and others (6 letters) Answer: Ryders

Was over at Paul's for Browns-Bengals today. Sheesh, are they bad! I dare say Brady Quinn resembled the guy from the start of the season who got benched. Rushed throws when he didn't have to. Threw poorly at other times. A really shaky performance today.























Of course, the defense also gave up over 200 yards on the ground. I am getting perturbed with the excuse that the Browns defense is not really that bad, because they are on the field so much. Well, if they are not that bad, how about a three-and-out every once in a while or some regular stops?

Plus, there are still 4 home games remaining!

Browns lose, 16-7.

Meal of Links

"Screen Epiphanies" has directors talk about the first movies that mattered to them. Danny Boyle talks about "Apocalypse Now". I remember where I saw that. I even saw the feature with the added feature over at the Cedar-Lee a while back. Loved it.

Grooming wisdom for men. "46. Graduate to a drink you can call your own."

The Tao of Don Draper.

Exercise Yard

Eddie the Eagle is back. The famous ski jumper will carry the Olympic torch in Canada.

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None, on an ugly Browns Sunday.