Rant Time:The Today show this morning had a whole segment on people getting scammed on fake designer purses on eBay.No kidding.If you get offered a $20 Kate Spade bag on the street, do you expect it to be authentic?Then why would you expect anything different from a similarly ridiculously discounted bag online?Then they went on about how these devious counterfeiters are actually going and charging prices that are only $10 or so less then a regularly priced bag.If that’s the case why in the hell are you risking being scammed in order to save 10 bucks?Just pony up for the full price and buy it in a store.Then the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard come out of Meredith Vieira’s mouth (and that says a lot):“This is a big problem.”Excuse me?A big problem?The instability and political turmoil in the Middle East is a big problem.Continued human abuse cases throughout the world is a big problem.Fake designer bags are a frakking asinine problem for people who have too much time on their hands.If you need more money for designer purses why don’t you help out that diplomat from Nigeria?He won’t stop emailing me.
Speaking of madness:Notre Dame?Hello?Winthrop?Hey, at least the women’s team knows how to win.And I can still root for the hockey team.
In the most obvious news of the day: In addition to the ongoing steroid “scandal” that has listed such names as Jose Canseco, John Rocker and Evander Holyfield, 11 professional wrestlers are now being investigated.Randy Orton!Kurt Angle!Say it ain’t so!Have you ever seen these people?Or how they disappear for 2 months and suddenly come back having gained 40 pounds of muscle? So what’s next?An in-depth congressional look into WWE match fixing?
News and Notes:
I have all my Elite 8 teams still in!Woo!My wife is still winning the pool!Damnit!
Duke:hahahahahahaha!
Rangers:In/Out/In/Out/In, the hell is going on with this team?
Until next time:
“So, for kicks you read...”
“Feminist trash. You know. Woman finds her power, leaves her oppressive husband, discovers freedom and fulfillment with an artist who knows how to cry and make love like an animal.”
"CBS on Thursday unveiled an agreement with YouTube, the online video site, to form a special web channel featuring clips and highlights from the annual "March Madness" college basketball tournament."
"Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive, said basketball fans would be posting tournament footage on YouTube in any case, and that the agreement reflected the media group's strategy to reach out to them rather than trying to discourage them."
A media company getting the fact that it can use the internet's most popular video sharing portal to increase it's market reach and consumer experience and even generate revenue? I think hell may have just frozen over.
So this update has just been forever in coming, hasn’t it?Anyways onto…
MADNESS!!!Of the March persuasion that is.Look I agree that Syracuse probably got a bum deal.But it’s just pathetic of a coach to bitch and moan about it because in the end if they had played better basketball they wouldn’t have had to worry about falling off the bubble.They’re in the ridiculously good Big East which already gets a ton of teams in so when you only win 22 games and get bounced in round 2 of the conference tourney, don’t expect to be a lock to make the tournament.
I still need to fill out the bracket but can the Irish beat Oregon in Rd. 2?Hmmmmm…
Oh and someone PLEASE, for all that is good and holy, stop showing pictures of Joakim Noah.I can’t knock his basketball ability but holy crap, this could be the ugliest man alive.And it’s not just the sweaty, basketball playing look.I’ve see him in person at the airport.He is that ugly.Someone give the man a razor or at least wax his upper lip.He’s the got the ugly mustache-like growth of a 6th grader whose parents haven’t bought him an electric razor yet.
Ok, this is ridiculous, Tony Almeida gets shot in the neck and is able to make a full recovery by the end of the day.Morris gets a power drill bored into his back multiple times and just a few hours later is completely up and running with no signs of pain whatsoever.President Logan gets stabbed in the shoulder with a fruit paring knife and is at death’s door?Come on 24!I can suspend disbelief just fine but at least let’s keep it consistent.
So my latest movies: Zodiac and 300.
Zodiac is one of those movies like the Aviator.I really enjoyed it, it was a bit too long as it seemed the director couldn’t cut anything out, and had good strong performances.It’s not Fincher’s best by a long shot but it’s still a good movie.
I don’t understand a lot of these negative reviews of the 300.It’s a great movie for what it is and that is primarily an accurate conversion of a graphic novel to screen.It’s all about the visuals.People keep ripping on the plot being thin.Well no shit, the plot is supposed to incredibly simple:King Leonidas of Sparta leads 300 soldiers to hold off an invasion by the innumerable Persian army.The movie has a lot more dialogue than its source material.The look of the movie is outstanding.It’s visceral, stylized and innovative.My only knocks on the movie are that some of the scenes added to movie from Miller’s original work seem a little weak.And in one scene, for absolutely no reason, the film’s composer pulls a Scorpion King and just out of nowhere inserts a sequence of cheesy 90’s power chords that just left me wondering “where the hell did that come from”?I still have my doubts that anyone can pull off a successful Watchmen movie, but at least Snyder has earned himself a go at it.
News and Notes:
While most people are looking at College Hoops right now, hats off to the Notre Dame hockey team, finishing up the year ranked #1 in the country.Now on to the Frozen Four!
Are people really looking forward that much to a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff?Really?
I’m terrified of what the Mets pitching rotation is going to look like this year.They better hope their bats actually manage to improve (which is actually a distinct possibility).
Do I pick Kansas to go the distance?Decisions, decisions…
Until next time:
“Yeah, I don't see what's insane about not wanting spiders to lay eggs in my corn flakes. That's how Carla's mom died.”
So the Oscars have come and gone and the newest Best Picture is the Departed.Good for Scrorcese, I’m happy for him especially since he got his Best Director statue.I’ve yet to see the movie despite the fact that it’s been sitting on my coffee table for the past week but I’ll catch it soon enough.
Pan's Labyrinth totally got robbed.I love Little Miss Sunshine (go Alan Arkin!) but Original Screenplay completely deserved to go to Del Toro’s truly unique script.No real surprises other than Arkin’s win over Murray.And what the hell, Melissa Ethridge wins for Best Song?I’m still under the impression that unless the song is performed during the movie (ie not the end credits), it doesn’t deserve to be nominated.Otherwise it’s just a hastily written song (and 99% of the time complete crap) in an attempt to win an Oscar.
Speaking of Arkin, he’s just been cast as the Chief in the upcoming Get Smart movie.The cast of this movie is just mind blowing.Now just pray that the script is better than Tom Astle’s last effort, Failure to Launch, which was only notable for gracing the world with a naked Terry Bradshaw.I’m gonna go poke out my eyes now.
Venture Brothers is coming back!Season 3 and 4 have been greenlit according to the shows creators.Unfortunately, we won’t see a new season for possibly another year.What the hell people?I understand that since it’s a hand drawn show it takes much longer than the average adult swim show to create, but still, over a year?Boooo!Then again a big cheer for it coming back at all.Make way for the homo-superior!
News and Notes:
Alllllmost caught up on 24.My mini-marathon the other day has me hating hot shot, overly ambitious politicos everywhere.You’re putting the nation in danger, damnit!
So I just got into an old west style showdown in Zelda complete with bad guys going through saloon windows.I love this game.
Now it looks like the Rangers aren’t even making the playoffs this year.I hate sports.
Until next time:
“This was a gift from Lee Iacocca. Twenty year old, single malt, scotch.”
“Here is to Mr. Iacocca, and his failed experiment, the De Lorean.”
Thank you for giving the Best Actress to Helen Mirren. If you had given it to Meryl Streep, I may have had to pull a Grammys ban on you. Thank you for making this much much easier for all of us.
PS Watch out for Jennifer Hudson's boobs. They look like they could be trouble.
I like Heroes and all but is anyone else praying that they kill Ando off?He’s officially surpassed the TV Stupidity Threshold and therefore is need of a good case of death.Also they need to watch out because quite frankly, unless they kill him off, Peter makes pretty much every other hero obsolete.He only need to be around someone once and can then permanently use their powers?While it makes for a cool scene (a la his smackdown with Isaac), he’s now officially more powerful than Sylar and that defeats the number one rule of superheroes:don’t have any one hero be stronger than the villain.Otherwise, why do you need the rest of them?
So how great was Whedon’s office episode?The last scene with Dwight chasing the bat around the kitchen had me rolling.
After tonight, there’s only one more Veronica Mars left before the CW puts it on a month long hiatus so it can broadcast a large pile of money being set on fire.Don’t cha?
I am so far behind in 24, I’ve probably missed three instances of Jack Bauer torturing someone and at least 589 usages of the word “damnit”.
It’s coming:
Zelda has slowly begun to consume my life.I’m ok with that.
Until next time:
“I am going to Europe, Richard. I am going to Europe, and I'm going to have a marvelous time. I'm going to get up at 10:00, and I'm going to have two glasses of wine at lunch every single day.”
“Only prostitutes have two glasses of wine at lunch!”
“Well then, buy me a boa and drive me to Reno, because I'm open for business!”
And the Colts take it home.I’m so happy that I don’t have hear the Manning/Marino comparison anymore, I could cry a little.And it’s not like the Prince halftime show was bad, it’s just that who cares anymore?They need to do something different to get people to do anything other than pay marginal attention to an overblown musical production featuring artists that most people don’t care all that much about anymore.And no, throwing multiple artists up there doesn’t make it any better.
Joss Whedon is off Wonder Woman.I’ve got mixed emotions here.Yeah, it sucks that the guy spent 2 years writing the script, finally getting something down and then being told the studio didn’t like it.But on the other hand, Whedon is spread too damn thin as it is.He’s currently writing the best comic on the market in Astonishing X-men to the point where I will actually buy it when it comes out in full trade.He’s overseeing the Buffy “Season 8” comic that launches soon.And he’s taking over writing duties on Runaways this spring as well as the new horror flick Goners he’s writing and directing.And to be fair, Wonder Woman is not the amazing movie character people are making it out to be.It peaked with a campy late 70’s Linda Carter version and the character has pretty much languished in the 25 years afterwards.It’s a Golden Age of Comics character that hasn’t reached the iconic nature that’s kept Superman alive, nor been reinvented and evolved to fit into the modern day like Batman.I’ve no doubt Whedon could’ve put an interesting spin on the character and if anything it hurts that he lost a major studio picture but in the long run I don’t think it’s going to be a huge loss for anyone.Cept maybe Warners.
Speaking of which apparently Goyer is off The Flash now?I’m a big fan of Goyer’s writing if not his directing (despite certain peoples’ arguments, I thought the 3rd Blade was pretty damn bad.Of course it didn’t help that Wesley Snipes was phoning it in from some place very far away).Add this to the new (and probably overblown) rumor that Joel Schumaker is looking to direct a Sandman movie and Warner apparently have lost their freaking minds.They do realize that the super-grossing James Cameron Aquaman was a fake movie right?They don’t actually have a ton of comic-based hits.
And no I still haven’t forgiven Akiva Goldsman for Batman & Robin.
News and Notes:
Wow, Steve Jobs making a statement on his blog today about DRM.Effing-A Steve.
Studio 60 we hardly knew ye.Apparently NBC is shelving it after sweeps.It’ll return now in April though this can’t possibly be a good sign for a Season 2.
I’ve yet to have someone over who doesn’t enjoy the bajeezus out of Wii Sports.
Until next time:
“Mr. Franklin, do you have a girlfriend?”
“I have a lovely wife, Deborah.”
“But don’t you have girlfriends in Paris? Like, a lot of them?”
While I’m looking forward to the upcoming 300, if you really want to get your historical fix, tune into HBO’s Rome.It’s second season has continued to top it’s first season even without Ciarán Hinds excellent Julius Caesar.This show and Deadwood prove that HBO just can deliver quality programming with an attention to detail that surpasses anything you’ll ever find on network television (probably because there’s no way a network would put up the kind of money needed for these shows that aren’t going to find a mass audience.)Sure they’re doomed to short lifespans from the get go (This will be Rome’s final season and Deadwood only lasted 3 plus 2 HBO movies to finish the series off) but as British television has proved, sometimes a couple outstanding seasons at the top of your game is a better way to go then holding out too long leading to an inevitable decline (I’m looking at you Friends and ER).
Am I the only one dreading the Oscars for no other reason than Forrest Whittaker’s acceptance speech?Look, the man is going to win.He picked up the Golden Globe and the SAG award for his role in the Last King of Scotland.But did you see his speech during the Golden Globes?He hemmed and hawed and giggled and barely got anything out.I’m sure it was just a little camera shyness and maybe a little shock.But then he went out and did the exact same thing at the SAG awards! Forrest, please just write down your speech because it’s going to horribly awkward when the orchestra starts playing you off the stage on Oscar night and you haven’t even started your speech yet.
So I have yet to make up my mind completely about where the new Shins album falls in their catalog.It’s quite good but has some very different sounds thrown in there in addition to the traditional Shins numbers (Phantom Limb will get stuck in your head so quick you’ll hate that it took them so long to get this album out). Then again, I took me quite a few listens before I fell in love with Chutes Too Narrow and now it’s easily one of my favorite albums.There’s nothing wrong with having to work at an album a little before really appreciating its nuances.After a few more listens I’ll give my full review.In the meantime, don’t hesitate to pick it up.I mean come on, it’s a new Shins album.How else are you gonna get My Humps out of your head?
News and Notes:
Hey Studio 60, the getting locked on the roof gag?Lame!
How freakin’ hilarious was last night’s Scrubs?“You shall be called Slagathor.”
I think it’s safe to say that the Prince halftime show is going to be completely tuned out.
Oh what the hell, Go Colts!
Until next time:
“So what… You’re just going to mope around like the guy in… What’s that book when the guy’s mom dies and he comes back to Jersey? And he’s got that motorcycle sidecar?
It’s pretty incredible but I don’t hate the Academy right now.Never thought I’d actually say it.But the Oscar noms just came out and all in all it’s not too shabby.
High Points:
Little Miss Sunshine getting a lot of love.Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor for Alan Arkin (too bad they can’t show his best scene in the movie:“F#$% a lot of women kid, not just one woman, a lot of women”), and Supporting Actress for Abigail Breslin (who has officially become the “IT” young Hollywood actor).
Also a lot of love for Pan’s Labyrinth which is awesome considering its foreign heritage.Based on who it’s up against I think it has a real (and very deserved shot) at Cinematography, Best Foreign Language Film and hopefully Score.
Good for the Academy for recognizing some of the lesser known performances which don’t get the hype to make the Golden Globes (Ryan Gosling, Jackie Earle Hickey).
Martin Scorcese – The Quest Continues…
Low Points:
Look, I know as far as the movie goes, The Fountain pretty much served to confuse the hell out of people but there is no denying that from an artistic standpoint it was one of the prettiest pictures of the year.So no Cinematography?No Art Direction?That it didn’t get a nom for Best Score is completely ridiculous. Ditto Visual Effects (see below). And come on, Original Screenplay?
Since when did Visual Effects turn into let’s validate summer movies by giving them a chance for an Oscar.That Poseidon actually got nominated for an Oscar makes me want to cry just a little bit.
Meryl F%$#ing Streep.
But overall, I’m really looking forward to this Oscar night.And hey, I’m already 1/5 with seeing Best Picture Noms.Go me!
I can’t tell you how happy I am to not have to see a Bears/Pats Superbowl.What a Pats/Colts game, eh?I still can’t believe it didn’t come down to a Vinateri field goal as time expired but I’ll take the last minute drive by Manning.
TV is starting to rev back up after the winter hiatus.HBO in particular has been busy with Rome back for its final season and it’s lost none of the violence.Ricky Gervais’ Extras is also back and it’s first two episode featured an Orlando Bloom displaying a whole lot of jealous animosity toward Johnny Depp (“Willy Wonka? Johnny Wanker!”) and one of the funniest scenes on TV this year with David Bowie being inspired for an impromptu song by Gervais’ depressing feelings of selling out.
Oh and to the CW: F%#$ YOU!Are you freaking kidding me?You’re cutting Veronica Mars’ season short and putting an 8 week gap after sweeps to put on “Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll”?!?!I hope whoever green lit this worthless waste of time and money comes down with a scorching case of herpes, I really do.Ricky Bobby is putting that voodoo on you.
But you know what?If they don’t renew either Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls for next year, I’ll finally be able to not worry about tuning into the CW.
News and Notes:
How great was that Scrubs episode?The only downside is that I think “Guy Love” was the best song and I had already seen it.Still was pretty damn funny.
This is a little old but: Joss Whedon is directing an episode of the Office this year.I’m so happy.The episode should be airing sometime next month.(Also look for an episode directed by J.J. Abrams.Man, everyone wants a piece of the Office these days).
New Shins this week!
Adios Tuna.
Until next time:
“You've seen Star Trek: The Next Generation have you?”
“I haven't no.”
“Why your wife won't let you have it on, is it?”
“I'm not married.”
“Oh, your girlfriend then?”
“I haven't got a girlfriend, I live alone.”
“You're not married, you haven't got a girlfriend and you never watch Star Trek?”
So Terence Stamp and the Rock have been cast in the upcoming Get Smart movie?That deserves a “frakkin’ awesome” label.First off, I love Get Smart.My childhood contained an unknown number of nights watching Don Adams’ brilliance on Nick-at-Nite.So when they cast Steve Carell as the lead, it was like the curtain dropped in front of the chorus singing Hallelujah.They couldn’t have picked a better actor to fill Adams’ shoes.Anne Hathaway as Agent 99 is a great fit but come on, Terence Stamp as the villain?Boom baby!
So the iPhone huh?Well it looks great but no way in hell am I switching carriers and paying that much money in order to get it.Yeah, I know, you get your iPod and phone all in one but honestly, I don’t really care that much.However the good news is that this means they’re almost certain to release a new widescreen iPod only device in the next 6 months or so.Now that is going to be pretty sweet.
This will be the last time I mention this (until perhaps the Oscars in which case I’ll be extremely pissed) but what the hell people?Meryl Streep does NOT deserve an award for the freakin’ Devil Wears Prada.The movie was shit and she didn’t “shine” or do anything else but a bad Cruella Deville impression.I don’t care that it’s Meryl Streep.Stop giving people awards just because of who they are and give them to people who actually deserve it.Thank you.
Do yourself a favor and go get the The Crane Wife, the new album by the Decemberists.It’s outstanding.And I would note that the Crane Wife #3 which has been playing the past week on this site was just played on last week’s Scrubs.I’m ahead of the curve.
Caught Pan’s Labyrinth this weekend.What a good movie.Most of America won’t see it as it’s a foreign movie and who wants to read subtitles but if you appreciate movies that are done well in almost every aspect, you owe it to yourself to catch this one. It’s definitely up there for most beautifully shot movie this year and outstanding movie score.With this movie Guillermo Del Toro is making a statement that he is a filmmaker to watch. I may have enjoyed Hellboy but I recognize it for the fun popcorn movie it is.This movie is dead serious, unflinching in it’s depiction of the brutal end days of the Spanish Civil War and even it’s more fanciful fairytale escapism parts.Strange bedfellows?Absolutely but it’s originality works and if this movie was in English I guarantee you we’d hear it’s title being announced with the other Oscar Best Picture nominees.As such we’ll absolutely hear it during the Foreign Picture nominees and I can’t think of many arguments as to why it shouldn’t win.
News and notes:
So can I tell you how great I find it that Scrubs has become the most widely syndicated show on TV?I swear, it’s on at least 6 times a day.It’s fantastic.
Speaking of Scrubs, tune in tomorrow night for the Scrubs musical.If “Guy Love” is any indication this could be the greatest musical since Buffy.
Zelda makes me happy.
Darius Walker is leaving and with him goes the last of Notre Dame’s dependable offense.Next season is gonna be fun.
Until next time:
“Hi, cutie! Since you have so many balls, and too many toys can be over-stimulating for an infant, Brantley here was wondering if he could borrow one to play with!”
“Oh, that's funny, because Jack here was just wondering why the crazy lady who just spent the last hour chain smoking and talking on her cell phone while her kid ate sand would come over to two complete strangers and give them parenting advice!”
“Oh, oh! He also thanked me for not naming him "Brantley"!”
Wow, I know, how freaking long has it taken me to post again?Those darn holidays tend to make things tricky on the updating.
So first news:Wiiiiiiiiii!Yes, despite the ridiculous shortage, I managed to find a Nintendo Wii (along with an extra controller which was almost just as hard to find).So far it’s frakkin’ fun as all hell.I don’t know if Wii Sports was turned off the entire weekend of New Years.Sure the graphics are complete crap, but the creation of your own Mii which you play the game with is strangely satisfying.Bowling is just awesome.Boxing is remarkably fun despite all the negative things I’ve heard about it and I swear my arms haven’t had that good a workout in a long time.
Zelda is, well come on, it’s friggin’ Zelda.Of course it’s awesome.And I’m not even remotely far into it.The use of the Wii-mote is intuitive and really feels seemless as opposed to gimmicky.The graphics are stunning and considering it’s technically a Gamecube game, I’m really looking forward to what the system can push with a game built for it.
I’ve only gotten a game or so into Madden and it’s also fun though it’s taken awhile to get used to the controls given on how I’m so used to the old system.But the use of the Wii-mote to control actions such as hiking the ball is excellent.It’s so damn effective in fact that I was drawn offside on the first play of the game thanks to a fake hike by Crowley.
RIP O.C.Fox announced this week that the series will be ending at the end of February.It’s a little sad but to be honest, even though this season has been much much better than the past season, I’m still just not as in to it.
I think Erin put it best when she said yesterday how funny it was but of all the shows she’s missed during the break, the one she’s really missing is Bones.I totally agree. I just enjoy that show more than I should.
Of the movies I’ve caught lately, Charlotte’s Web was a good, relatively faithful adaptation of the book.Though I was slightly annoyed in that I feel like they made the goose less of an annoying know-it-all because it was being voiced by Oprah.Maybe it’s just me.We Are Marshall was pretty much the same movie you’ve seen a hundred times.It’s not a bad movie and has some good performances in it but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.
News and notes:
Wow, was that ND game an ass whooping or what?The streak continues…
Wow, is the Giants game gonna be an ass whooping or what?
I really hope the Golden Globes isn’t an indication of Oscar noms because man, that’ll be a boring show.
Until next time:
“Dr. Turner said that I am a very talented young physician.”
“Jordan said I'm the only man she ever wants to have sex with.”
“Oh…”
“Aren't we sharing fantastic lies we choose to believe for personal reasons?”
Alright, I know that every year I maintain that I have no faith in the Grammys and that they are completely worthless and yet every year they find a new way to piss me off.This year it’s just knowing that, in the Best Group Pop Performance, Death Cab for Cutie’s gorgeous and haunting “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” is going to be beaten out by the worthless Black Eyed Peas “My Humps”.Of course it’s going to happen.And it’s going to make me want to find the a-hole who voted for “My Humps” and cause them permanent hearing damage because they do not deserve to listen to music ever again.On the other hand, maybe “My Humps” won’t win.There’s a small but decent chance that the Pussycat Dolls might win with “Stickwitu”.Urge to kill rising…
Once again the only category that I find slightly validating is the lone “Alternative” Music Album award where the nominees are the Arctic Monkeys, the Flaming Lips, Gnarls Barkley, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Thom Yorke.Gnarls Barkley will win obviously win.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Gnarls album and it will probably win lots of awards if only so that all those worthless voters can prove how “hip” they are.
Other thoughts;
Anyone else notice that John Mayer’s “Waiting For the World to Change” is just the main riff from Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”?
Academy please note: Imogen Heap is not a “New” Artist.Also she’s much much better than James Blunt.
I love Dylan and his new album is very good but I’m pretty sure he could cough into a microphone for an hour and get nominated for a Grammy.Please note this rule also applies to Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Tom Petty and anyone who achieved musical fame pre-1980 and is still alive.
Ouch to Michigan.But come on, you had your chance.And wow, USC.Way to blow that one.You putz!
Hey, look at that!The Giants won a game!Knew they had it in them.
Comeback award of the year: Timothy Busfield on Studio 60!
Sam Raimi moves from superhero to, well, superhero as they announced he’ll be helming a new movie of The Shadow.Recast Alec Baldwin!He can do better this time!
“My hump, my hump, my hump! My lovely lady humps!”Seriously!?
Until next time:
“I was so obsessed with getting my J.D. that I never got a chance to do the things I really wanted to do. Start a family. See the world.”
“Punch a whale.”
“Nah, I punched a whale. Right in the face. Down he went, like Liston.”
So rough loss for the Irish and the haters have commenced.I’ll say it right now: Notre Dame ended up over-rated this year.The only real quality win ended up being the GA Tech win.However, and I know everyone will call me an idiot for saying this, if Notre Dame had beaten Michigan, would everyone be saying how overrated and unworthy of a BCS game Michigan was?Look, the fact of the matter is that Michigan’s only quality win was over an admittedly over-ratedNotre Dame.The only other tough game they really played was to OhioState which they lost.Yeah there Wisconsin but seriously, they played an even easier schedule than Michigan so I don’t buy that.So Michigan, prove me wrong in your BCS game.That’s the real fun of the BCS:no more hiding behind an easy schedule for anyone.
Oh and BoiseState?Attempt to play a real team and then we’ll talk about your “undefeated” season.
So I’ve caught up on the first 4 episodes of the O.C. to see if this “comeback” is real.It’s head and shoulders above the crap that was season 3 but I’m not ready to say it’s back just yet.
Heroes has officially got me.It’s a lot easier to hook someone when you have multiple episodes tivo’d for uninterrupted watching.Now which X-men will the rip off next?
Oh my God! You killed Ed Begley Jr.! You bastards! Just like Steven Guttenberg now that I think about it. Logan Echolls is my hero.
Caught The Fountain this weekend.I won’t waste a lot of time with a review as I’m still not even sure what I saw but I’m fairly certain I enjoyed it.This movie is a total mind trip.I haven’t been this challenged by a film since Lynch’s Mulholland Drive.I think Erin’s reaction at the end of it put it best:That movie was freaking weird!And she’s absolutely right.It’s not an easy movie and it’s damn near impossible to understand the whole thing.It’s got some great acting by Hugh Jackman and Rachael Weisz and the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous.So if you’re up for a movie that’s probably like nothing you’ve ever seen, give it a try.
And just cause it's fun:
News and Notes:
This just isn’t my sports year.I’ve accepted it.From the Rangers being swept in the opening round of the playoffs, to the Mets inability to go the distance, to the Irish failing to live up to the hype, to the collapse of the Giants, I’m just not going to win this year.
Can someone please explain to me the allure of shopping on Black Friday?I just don’t get it.
Peter Jackson:he’s not directing the Hobbit/ he is directing the Hobbit.Come on New Line, don’t be a bunch of asses.He only made you billions of dollars and gave you some actual credibility.
Until next time:
“What's you problem with a giant flat screen? I mean you love TV.”
“Yeah, but just because I love something doesn't mean I want it to be giant. I love grapes, you know, but I don't wanna sit down and eat one humongous ... no, that would be fun!”
Ladies, ladies, ladies, the Mustard is in the hiz-ouse.
So much to talk about, so little time, so here we go:
First up, guess who got to play some Wii last weekend?During a quick weekend trip up to NYC, I somehow manage to convince Erin to stop by the Nintendo World Store where they had a whole lotta Wii demos set up.While I didn’t get a whole heckuva lot of time due to the large crowd there, I did get to play a little Wii Sports and Excite Truck.
I got some time in with the Bowling portion of Wii Sports and I gotta say, it was pretty fun.While the game completely eschews graphics for simple stylized (alright, I’ll admit, “kiddie”) visuals, the gameplay itself is sweet.Though it took to me to my last frame to even pick up a spare, I can see this as being a pretty darn fun multiplayer game.The ability to add spin to the throw by turning your wrist as you bowl, exactly like you would with a real bowling ball, is really cool.Add in the other games of Golf, Tennis, Boxing and Baseball and the fact that the game is an included pack-in game with the Wii and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
I got one race in Excite Truck and proceeded to come in dead last.But the control scheme is again unique and quite fun where you turn the “wii-mote” sideways and turn it like a steering wheel to maneuver.Given that I’ve never been a huge racing fan (exceptions being the Mario Kart and F-Zero series), I’m unsure if this is a must-have for me.But an awesome new feature that’s just been announced is the ability to use your own MP3’s to create a soundtrack for the game via an SD card.That’s a brilliant move and I hope we see a lot more of it.
So in general, the new controller is living up to the hype.I was pissed they didn’t have a Zelda demo up but then again, I don’t need a demo to know that game is going to absolutely own.
It’s funny, with all the craziness surrounding the PS3 Launch, I really don’t see a whole lot of exclusive launch games for it that would really make the system a must-have.Resistance looks pretty good but not really all that much better than say Gears of War on the 360.Maybe I’m missing something but I’ve yet to see a real reason to upgrade from the PS2 at this point.But then again with the ridiculous shortage of machines, that’s probably a good thing since most people won’t be able to upgrade.
You knew this was gonna be here:
Music You Should Be Listening To:
+/- (Plus/Minus) - Let's Build a Fire
The opening title track starts out as though it's being played over a gramophone before suddenly cranking out the horn section and guitars.Fadeout's minimalism feels like a song just constantly building until the very last minute when the drums and guitars explode into the picture.I'm still waiting for Steal the Blueprints to be released as Death Cab's newest single with its up-tempo guitars and backing vocals.Thrown Into the Fire has the synthy beats and sounds that are very reminiscent of Stars.An entertaining album from an off the radar band.
Ben Kweller - Ben Kweller
Things start off with the upbeat piano-fused, Run (which in no small way feels inspired by Springsteen’s Born to Run).Penny on the Track wins the Windows Down in the Car Award for this album with it’s quick, piano pounding tempo. Thirteen goes in the opposite direction with its simplicity being unbelievably effective.It’s repeating piano chords feed the songs multiple verses with no real chorus, only a simple harmonica interlude.By far my favorite track on the album.All in all a mighty fine album for when you’re looking for something a little different.
News and Notes:
South Bend was a damn fine time even if it was also damn cold.Good to finally see a win in the stadium again (haven’t seen one since my senior year).Oh and Erin nearly had a heart attack when Brady Quinn ALMOST got on our elevator in the hotel.We had to settle for the Irish D Line instead but he was that close to her!
Speaking of College Football, why why WHY couldn’t South Carolina have kicked that damn field goal!?That’s all we would’ve needed to put the Irish in really good position for a title run.Now Florida needs to fall flat before the season ends.Oh and props to Rutgers!Who would’ve guessed?
With all the shows getting picked up for a full season, you know what name I’d reeeeeally like to hear?Veronica Mars.Come on WB!!!Not just 3 additional episodes, I want the full season!
So is it really worth going to see Happy Feet in order to see the new Harry Potter trailer?That is the question a surprising number of people may be contemplating this weekend.
Until next time:
“Dad, you're eating Dr. Phil!”
“It's amazing, he tastes just like Jeffrey Tambor.”
So if I was Bernard right now, I’d be scared out of my mind.He’s the only Tailie left.Anyone else really really want them to start moving on the story here?I realize Lost is all about the mystery but if you’re going to introduce 13 new questions per show, maybe we can answer one or two?I mean yeah, we now know how the smoke monster killed Greg Grunberg but now we’ve got a pirate on the island?Let the Dharrrrrma Initiative jokes begin.Poor Eko.We shall miss him.This is the first time they’ve actually killed off a fan favorite.More power to ‘em.
Wow, John Kerry.Could that have been a dumber move this close to the election?First off, is him stumping for the candidates that great an idea?The guy isn’t all that likeable and quite frankly isn’t going to pull any fence voters.But wow, what a time to “botch a joke”.I say it’s all a conspiracy.I can see it now, a press conference is called where Kerry and Bush face off over the remark only to suddenly smile and hug each other with Karl Rove laughing in the background while good ol’ J.R. wails in the background “My God!Kerry’s screwed us all! Why, Kerry!?Why!?”
Damn you USC!You couldn’t just keep winning or at least lose to a legitimately good team like Cal?Now I have to worry about you coming into the ND game with possibly 2 losses which would make the game next to meaningless.You putz!
Prison Break is starting to lose my interest.They’re like Ricky Gervais.They take a long time to say absolutely nothing.At least Lost keeps you interested in adding in more and more possibilities.Prison Break feels like they’re just adding in more and more filler.
I think Bones has moved into my “most underrated shows on TV” list. It’s a procedural that has some great characters and introduces a lot of humor into an otherwise depressing subject area that prevents the audience from burning out on the darker aspects of the show *cough* Law and Order *cough*.Who would’ve thought David Boreanaz could survive an acting career past Angel?And Emily Deschanel needs to be put into the awards circuit.Her round circle with the 9 year old pageant contestants last night was priceless.
News and notes:
Back to the Bend!Making my first return visit to Notre Dame in 2 years this weekend for the UNC game.Giggity.
So the Wachowski Brothers:The Matrix, V for Vendetta….. Speed Racer?Apparently so. Coming summer of 2008.
Simpsons Tree House of Horror!This Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Until next time:
“It's no different than lying to a criminal to get a confession.”
“Or having Hodgins call the FAA with a fake terrorism tip.”
It’s been a week now and yet the only thing I’m able to say is this:WAS CARLOS BELTRAN THE ONLY PERSON ALIVE WHO DIDN’T SEE THE 0-2 CURVEBALL FOR A STRIKE COMING!!!!WAINWRIGHT HAD ONLY THROWN THE SAME DAMN PITCH 10 EFFING TIMES THAT INNING!!!!Seriously, I’m still THAT upset about it.
And sweet merciful Zeus, could ND have cut that game any closer?I mean come on!
The only positive thing in sports for me the whole week was the ass-kicking the Giants gave Dallas on Monday.
SCRUBS IS BACK NOVEMBER 30TH!!!!Now the bad news:it’s opposite Greys Anatomy and CSI.Thanks NBC.I’m sure the ratings this year will be huge.Frak it, I don’t care.I’m just happy to have it back.I was watching the episode where Turk proposes to Carla the other day and it made me miss the show so much it hurts sometimes.
I’ve been hearing a lot of complaints of people thinking the Office has gotten too zany this year but damnit people, just appreciate a good comedy while it lasts.Ed Helms love of the Cardigans last week was hi-lar-ious.
Um, so they average about 100 songs a season the OC but for the next mix they’re going with all covers?And not classic song covers, but covers of Modest Mouse’s Float On, Spoon’s I Turn My Camera On and The Killers’ Smile Like You Mean It?Is it really necessary to cover songs that are only a year old?And I’m sorry but we do NOT need another rendition of Phantom Planet’s California.It’s already been on 2 Mixes and with all the good music on the show that doesn’t make the mix, why push it on again? Um, and wasn’t Imogen Heap’s cover of Hallelujah supposed to be on the mix?Yet it’s not on the current track listing?
Buffalo tied the NHL mark last night by going 10-0 to open the season and still no one cares.Maybe they should bring back that totally awesome halo thing they used to put around the puck complete with the cutting edge neon tail when the put was shot fast enough.
News and Notes:
GREATEST GIFT EVER!!!Erin got me a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird signed by Harper Lee for our anniversary!How unbelievably cool is that?
Also those of you with speakers may have noticed my newest addition to the blog: song of the week. I figured if I was running that far behind with music reviews I could at least add a little something musical in here.
Factcheck.org – Please don’t vote uninformed…or solely informed from BS political ads.
And be sure to watch Lost next week because the rumors are that someone MAJOR is permanently checking off the island.
Seriously, I’m still that depressed about the Mets.
Until next time:
“Snakes are gross. Snakes are scary and slithery and do you know where snakes do not belong?”
“On a plane?”
“They do not belong on a plane.”
“It's not an ideal situation.”
“They do not belong anywhere except in cages, stuck in safes burried deep, deep underground. I hate snakes.”
“So I'm gathering.”
“With their gross no legged bodies and their scaly, scaly skin, and their wiggling and their hissing.”
“Okay, Lore, I respect your very valid feelings about snakes. But I have to say, we were fairly warned.”
“No. No. A movie should not just be its title. Driving Miss Daisy didn't all take place in a car, Dances With Wolves wasn't one long wolf dance. But this was nothing but snakes. snakes, relentless snakes, snakes, on a plane, snakes, snakes, snakes on a plane!”
