This is the schedule of events for the four venues in the area of Broad and Pattison, starting last night:
Fri. 7 pm - 76ers vs. Milwaukee - 76ers home opener (Wachovia Center)
Sat. 1 pm - Flyers vs. Carolina (Wachovia Center)
Sat. 7: 3o pm - Pearl Jam - final concert at the Spectrum
Sat. 7:57 pm - Phillies vs. NY Yankees - World Series Game 3 (Citizens Bank Park)
Sun. 1 pm - Eagles vs. NY Giants (Lincoln Financial Field)
Sun. 8:20 pm - Phillies vs. NY Yankees - World Series Game 4 (Citizens Bank Park)
Mon. 5 pm - Flyers vs. Tampa Bay (Wachovia Center)
Mon. 7:57 pm - Phillies vs. NY Yankees - World Series Game 5 (Citizens Bank Park)
Tomorrow will be the wildest day, with big games at the two largest stadiums. 68,000 at the Linc in the afternoon and 45,000 at CBP at night. Imagine the traffic headaches, even if there isn't a transit strike (as of now it appears the buses and subways will continue to run through the weekend).
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Quick Review: Paranormal Activity
A movie that cost $15,000 to make and is probably going to hit $100 million at the box office: why can't I come up with something like this? I feared that "Paranormal Activity" would be terrible based on the marketing campaign that helped bring in that box office bonanza. It reminded me too much of both "Cloverfield" and "The Blair Witch Project." Both of those movies also had clever marketing and, like this one, are faux documentaries using found video footage depicting the events. The former, I found quite overrated; the latter, I never saw in the theater but when I finally tried to watch it on cable I turned it off after no more than 30 minutes. With "Paranormal Activity," though, it works much better. A woman has been haunted since she was young, and her boyfriend sets up a video camera and other equipment in their bedroom to try and capture evidence of the hauntings. It starts out with a lighthearted tone as he cracks jokes and doesn't take it that seriously. As we see portions of each passing night, though, the tension is ratcheted up. I had an idea of how it might end, and my suspicion was confirmed. It didn't lessen my enjoyment, though. What is lessening my enjoyment is the news that Paramount is planning a sequel. My grade: A-minus.
My Week In Comics 10-21-09
Between my usual procrastination and other events, I'm falling behind again, so I'll keep this rather brief. In order from most- to least-liked...
Blackest Night: Superman 3 (of 3): As with the Batman tie-in miniseries, since the black ring-wearing pseudo-zombies are still causing death and destruction in many parts of the universe, it's not a complete conclusion to the story. However, the immediate threats to Smallville and New Krypton are repelled in a more satisfying way than it was handled in "Blackest Night: Batman."
Supergirl 46: The final chapter in "The Hunt for Reactron" finds Reactron with the upper hand against Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird. Trying to reach them are Lois Lane and Lana Lang, but they run into a problem...
Lois: Oh snap! Science police have blocked off the area. We'll have to go another way.
Lana: Did you...did you just say "Oh snap"?
Simpsons Comics 159: Lisa makes a friend online, which leads to, among other things, new employees of Springfield Elementary: substitute teacher J. K. Rowling and swim instructor David Hasselhoff.
DC Universe Halloween Special '09: A one-shot featuring "13 All-New Tales of Terror!" Actually more funny than scary, though. What do you expect when the story that bookends the whole thing stars Bizarro?
Superman/Batman 65: Also something of a Halloween Special. Superman, Batman, Lex Luthor and the Joker are all having nightmares thanks to another villain. The Luthor and Joker dreams are clever, but that's about all that I really enjoyed from this book.
Blackest Night: Superman 3 (of 3): As with the Batman tie-in miniseries, since the black ring-wearing pseudo-zombies are still causing death and destruction in many parts of the universe, it's not a complete conclusion to the story. However, the immediate threats to Smallville and New Krypton are repelled in a more satisfying way than it was handled in "Blackest Night: Batman."
Supergirl 46: The final chapter in "The Hunt for Reactron" finds Reactron with the upper hand against Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird. Trying to reach them are Lois Lane and Lana Lang, but they run into a problem...
Lois: Oh snap! Science police have blocked off the area. We'll have to go another way.
Lana: Did you...did you just say "Oh snap"?
Simpsons Comics 159: Lisa makes a friend online, which leads to, among other things, new employees of Springfield Elementary: substitute teacher J. K. Rowling and swim instructor David Hasselhoff.
DC Universe Halloween Special '09: A one-shot featuring "13 All-New Tales of Terror!" Actually more funny than scary, though. What do you expect when the story that bookends the whole thing stars Bizarro?
Superman/Batman 65: Also something of a Halloween Special. Superman, Batman, Lex Luthor and the Joker are all having nightmares thanks to another villain. The Luthor and Joker dreams are clever, but that's about all that I really enjoyed from this book.
iTunes Shuffle Baker's Dozen - 2009 World Series Edition!
Okay, it has nothing to do with the World Series whatsoever. Only one of the songs is even remotely sports-related, and that's only because it's from the soundtrack to a rather disappointing movie in which Bugs Bunny and the other Looney Tunes slummed it with some former basketball player.
Love Is A Matter Of Distance - Will Young
Downhill Racer (Kenny Dope Remix) - Everything But The Girl
All At Once - Whitney Houston
Party Girl (Turn Me Loose)(Satoshi Tomiie Interpretation) - Ultra Naté
Space Jam - Quad City DJ's
A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley
Love Is A Stranger (Coldcut Remix) - Eurythmics
Move Your Feet - Junior Senior
Someday We'll Know - New Radicals
Heaven Knows - Donna Summer
Echo - Cyndi Lauper
Where Did My Heart Go? - James Ingram
Just Like Noah's Ark - Elton John
Love Is A Matter Of Distance - Will Young
Downhill Racer (Kenny Dope Remix) - Everything But The Girl
All At Once - Whitney Houston
Party Girl (Turn Me Loose)(Satoshi Tomiie Interpretation) - Ultra Naté
Space Jam - Quad City DJ's
A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley
Love Is A Stranger (Coldcut Remix) - Eurythmics
Move Your Feet - Junior Senior
Someday We'll Know - New Radicals
Heaven Knows - Donna Summer
Echo - Cyndi Lauper
Where Did My Heart Go? - James Ingram
Just Like Noah's Ark - Elton John
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
World Series: Good vs. Evil
It's the Big Apple against the Big Scrapple. ;-) The Phillies are hours away from beginning the 2009 World Series against the New York Yankees, also known as the Evil Empire. I've written a preview for Outsports.com's blog, which you can find here.
I'm looking at the outcome as I looked at the previous two playoff series. I can very easily see the Yankees winning the World Series, just as I wouldn't have been too surprised if the Rockies took the Division Series or the Dodgers had won the League Championship Series. However, the way the Phillies have bounced back from seemingly dire circumstances -- starting with the 7-game deficit with 17 left in 2007, up through the Rockies' and Dodgers' closers blowing saves this year while Brad Lidge (so brilliant in 2008, such a mess in 2009) hasn't allowed a postseason run yet -- this determination, focus, fearlessness, whatever you want to call it has astounded me. Seeing them fall short every year from 2001-2006, I didn't think they had it in them. Now they do. So, as in the NLDS and the NLCS, I'm going to give the defending world champions the benefit of the doubt. Phillies in 6.
GO PHILLIES!! SPANK THE YANKS!!!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Quick Review: Law Abiding Citizen
I wasn't expecting what I got from "Law Abiding Citizen." The main reason I wanted to see it was because they filmed it here in Philadelphia. I didn't realize it was going to be so much fun despite the cheesy dialogue, some over-the-top acting, and so many plot implausibilities. A man (Gerard Butler) whose wife and daughter are murdered takes the law into his own hands, against both the murderers and the system, including the prosecutor (Jamie Foxx) who cut a deal with one of the murderers. It started a bit slowly, but once the revenge started happening, it got to be a real hoot. I think my favorite moment was when a judge, who had earlier admonished Foxx's character over his cell phone's ringing in the courtroom, answers a cell phone call in her chambers...I won't spoil what happens. I place this movie in the same category as two other 2009 movies, "Obsessed" and "Orphan." Totally stupid fun popcorn movie. Don't think, just enjoy. My grade: B.
By the way, Gerard Butler has a brief moment of rear nudity in the film. Jamie Foxx is not nude in the film, but a full-frontal shot of Foxx hit the Internet in August, and he recently confirmed on the Tonight Show that it's not a fake. You can find that one on your own, but here's a nice, less x-rated photo.
By the way, Gerard Butler has a brief moment of rear nudity in the film. Jamie Foxx is not nude in the film, but a full-frontal shot of Foxx hit the Internet in August, and he recently confirmed on the Tonight Show that it's not a fake. You can find that one on your own, but here's a nice, less x-rated photo.
Quick Review: Couples Retreat
"Couples Retreat" was rather disappointing, to say the least. Three married couples and a divorced guy with a new, younger girlfriend go off to a beautiful island, at the behest of one of the couples (Jason Bateman, Kristin Bell). They're trying to save their marriage and decide on a couples' therapy retreat, called Eden. However, to afford it they have to book a group rate so they persuade their friends to go along by saying the other couples (Vince Vaughn and Malin Ackerman, Jon Favreau and Kristen Davis, Faizon Love and Kali Hawk) can do all the fun stuff without participating in the couples' therapy activities. When they arrive at Eden, they're told all the couples must go through the therapy sessions or they all must leave.
Had this movie been raunchier, more adult in nature, it might have worked better. Instead there are obvious turns -- the happiest couple starts arguing, the young girlfriend just wants to party, etc. There are some fun moments, but not nearly enough. My grade: C.
To make us feel better, here's a picture of Vince Vaughn from the movie "Clay Pigeons," back when he was younger and firmer-bodied:
Had this movie been raunchier, more adult in nature, it might have worked better. Instead there are obvious turns -- the happiest couple starts arguing, the young girlfriend just wants to party, etc. There are some fun moments, but not nearly enough. My grade: C.
To make us feel better, here's a picture of Vince Vaughn from the movie "Clay Pigeons," back when he was younger and firmer-bodied:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Quick Review: Whip It
I am bound and determined to catch up here, so here's the first of three movie reviews for tonight (I hope).
"Whip It" is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. Not being a filmmaking expert I don't know how one determines if a movie is well-directed or not. For me, a great movie must mean a great job of directing. Yet I'm sure there are plenty of occasions where a film wins major awards for best picture but not best director. I'll just say that I liked the movie but didn't love it, so I guess for a first-time director Drew didn't do a bad job. Film aficionados please feel free to educate me.
Ellen Page ("Juno") stars as Bliss, who doesn't really fit in with the crowd in her small town. Her mother is pushing her into entering beauty pageants, but she isn't really into it. On a shopping trip she discovers a flier for a Roller Derby event in Austin, and attends with her best friend. She loves it, and is encouraged to try out herself by one of the Derby participants. Since she knows her family won't approve, she hides her involvement. The whole thing plays out much as expected, with the appropriate messages for young girls about female empowerment and being yourself and so on. But it's somewhat enjoyable. One thing that I liked about Page's performance is that Bliss isn't quite Juno -- she's not yet confident, self-assured, quick with a smartass comment, and so on. Page needs to avoid being typecast, so this is a step in the right direction. My grade: B-minus.
"Whip It" is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. Not being a filmmaking expert I don't know how one determines if a movie is well-directed or not. For me, a great movie must mean a great job of directing. Yet I'm sure there are plenty of occasions where a film wins major awards for best picture but not best director. I'll just say that I liked the movie but didn't love it, so I guess for a first-time director Drew didn't do a bad job. Film aficionados please feel free to educate me.
Ellen Page ("Juno") stars as Bliss, who doesn't really fit in with the crowd in her small town. Her mother is pushing her into entering beauty pageants, but she isn't really into it. On a shopping trip she discovers a flier for a Roller Derby event in Austin, and attends with her best friend. She loves it, and is encouraged to try out herself by one of the Derby participants. Since she knows her family won't approve, she hides her involvement. The whole thing plays out much as expected, with the appropriate messages for young girls about female empowerment and being yourself and so on. But it's somewhat enjoyable. One thing that I liked about Page's performance is that Bliss isn't quite Juno -- she's not yet confident, self-assured, quick with a smartass comment, and so on. Page needs to avoid being typecast, so this is a step in the right direction. My grade: B-minus.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
My Week In Comics 10-14-09
These are a week old, thanks to my procrastination. I'm going to try to remember each week to put these in the order in which I enjoyed them, starting with the best...
Adventure Comics 3: I'm disappointed in what I've read about the plans to replace Superboy as the star of this series after a few more issues, because I'm really loving what they've done so far. Conner is still making up his checklist comparing his own actions to those of his "fathers," Superman and Lex Luthor, and enlists the help of his best friend Tim Drake, AKA Red Robin, in finding Luthor. The reason is a surprise. Tim, of course, is on his own quest -- to prove Bruce Wayne is still alive. This story does a better job of explaining Tim's actions than his own book (more on that shortly). And the dialogue between the two is spot on. Plus, another nice moment between a (Super-)boy and his (Super-)dog.
Action Comics 882: The third of four parts of "The Hunt For Reactron," starring Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird. They're back in Metropolis and still hunted by Squad K. As it turns out, Squad K has been joined by Reactron. There's plenty of action (befitting the title of the book) and treachery in abundance. And the "second feature," with Captain Atom, more and more ties into the whole Superman/New Krypton/General Lane puzzle.
Blackest Night: Batman 3 (of 3): The miniseries concludes, although it doesn't really conclude, because the whole Blackest Night event isn't even half-over. The immediate threat to Batman and Gotham City ends, in a not-entirely satisfactory manner, as the title of this column explains. But you have to love a book that features, thanks to guest-star Red Robin (boy, he gets around), the following not once, but twice: "Robin." "What?" "No, the other Robin."
Red Robin 5: And speaking of Red Robin, he's getting more deeply involved with Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins. He's detoured from his mission of finding Bruce Wayne. He's now got an innocent bystander to protect. And I'm slowly losing interest.
Detective Comics Annual 11: The conclusions to the two stories that began in Batman Annual 27 that I bought a week earlier. And I'm wishing I hadn't bought either of these annuals at all. One of the two stories doesn't really conclude, and I'm not even sure what's going on in it. I imagine they'll follow up on it somewhere, but they'll do so without me.
Adventure Comics 3: I'm disappointed in what I've read about the plans to replace Superboy as the star of this series after a few more issues, because I'm really loving what they've done so far. Conner is still making up his checklist comparing his own actions to those of his "fathers," Superman and Lex Luthor, and enlists the help of his best friend Tim Drake, AKA Red Robin, in finding Luthor. The reason is a surprise. Tim, of course, is on his own quest -- to prove Bruce Wayne is still alive. This story does a better job of explaining Tim's actions than his own book (more on that shortly). And the dialogue between the two is spot on. Plus, another nice moment between a (Super-)boy and his (Super-)dog.
Action Comics 882: The third of four parts of "The Hunt For Reactron," starring Supergirl, Nightwing and Flamebird. They're back in Metropolis and still hunted by Squad K. As it turns out, Squad K has been joined by Reactron. There's plenty of action (befitting the title of the book) and treachery in abundance. And the "second feature," with Captain Atom, more and more ties into the whole Superman/New Krypton/General Lane puzzle.
Blackest Night: Batman 3 (of 3): The miniseries concludes, although it doesn't really conclude, because the whole Blackest Night event isn't even half-over. The immediate threat to Batman and Gotham City ends, in a not-entirely satisfactory manner, as the title of this column explains. But you have to love a book that features, thanks to guest-star Red Robin (boy, he gets around), the following not once, but twice: "Robin." "What?" "No, the other Robin."
Red Robin 5: And speaking of Red Robin, he's getting more deeply involved with Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins. He's detoured from his mission of finding Bruce Wayne. He's now got an innocent bystander to protect. And I'm slowly losing interest.
Detective Comics Annual 11: The conclusions to the two stories that began in Batman Annual 27 that I bought a week earlier. And I'm wishing I hadn't bought either of these annuals at all. One of the two stories doesn't really conclude, and I'm not even sure what's going on in it. I imagine they'll follow up on it somewhere, but they'll do so without me.
Another Programming Note
For those of you sitting by the computer waiting breathlessly for my latest update...I'm sure there are three or four of you...I'm a little behind on some of my regular topics. I still have to write about my comics from last week (not to mention those I bought today), and the movies "Whip It" and "Couples Retreat." Circumstances (and the Phillies) have kind of gotten in the way, particularly the last couple of days. I will get these updates done, though.
Phillies Repeat As NL Champs!
October 21 should be declared a new holiday in the city of Philadelphia: Phillies Day. Even if it's not an official shut-down-the-government, close-the-banks, paid-day-off holiday, it needs to be recognized. Just look at the record:- October 21, 1980: the Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals to win their first World Series championship. Since I was at the Vet that night, I don't feel quite so bad about not being at any World Series games since.
- October 21, 1993: Curt Schilling's shutout keeps the Phils alive in the 1993 World Series against Toronto. It was a temporary reprieve, but we won't dwell on that.
- October 21, 2009: the defending world champions punched their ticket to the 2009 World Series, with a 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers finishing off a 4-1 win in the National League Championship Series. Ryan Howard was named the Most Valuable Player of the NLCS (he's shown here holding the MVP trophy).
Let's go, Mayor Nutter. Come on, City Council. Just make it a holiday already: Phillies Day.
It's hard to imagine sometimes how the Phils could be so successful this year. At the beginning the starting pitching was hideous. Coming off his stellar 2008 postseason, Cole Hamels was mediocre all year. The bullpen has been hit-or-miss most of the year, with Brad Lidge blowing more save opportunities than Madonna's blown...never mind. Their leadoff hitter, Jimmy Rollins, didn't show up until July. Their key free-agent addition, Raul Ibanez, was mostly MIA in the second half after a groin injury disrupted what had been an MVP-caliber performance in the first half.
Yet every time they seemed ripe for the taking -- when the Braves and Marlins started getting close in the NL East race, after a disappointing Game 2 loss to the Rockies in the Division Series, after a very disappointing Game 2 loss to the Dodgers in the NLCS -- the Phillies bounced back. The thrilling come-from-behind wins in the NLDS clincher and in NLCS Game 4 were just the most recent demonstrations of a resilience that was missing from the teams that fell short in this decade prior to 2007.
This is an unprecedented era in Phillies history. The 2007-08-09 Phils have surpassed the 1976-77-78 teams that also won the NL East three straight years. That team lost in the playoffs every year. This one will be appearing in its second straight World Series, with one championship already won; no other Phillies World Series team has ever been to the World Series in back-to-back seasons. These truly are the glory days for this franchise.
The Phils are the first World Series champs to return to the Series the following year since the 2001 New York Yankees and the first repeat NL champs since the 1995-96 Braves. If they win the Series again they'll be the first NL team to win back-to-back Series since the Cincinnati Reds did it in 1975 and 1976. Barring an epic collapse, they'll face the Yankees on Wednesday night. It should be a tough test, but it's not hard to imagine another Broad Street parade in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, with a week before the Series begins, let's get to work on that holiday.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Does J-Roll Want To See That Thong?
In baseball, when a player gets a walk-off hit to win a game, it's rather common for one or more teammates to plaster his face with a towel or paper plate full of shaving cream, preferably during a post-game TV interview. Last night was no different. After his two-run 9th-inning double gave the Phillies an incredible 5-4 win over the LA Dodgers and a 3-1 lead in the NL Championship Series, Jimmy Rollins got the shaving cream treatment. Apparently it was all over his head, and when he cleaned it up some it was left like this:
Remind you of anyone?
Fortunately, for J-Roll, his team and its fans, his career has been more successful and sustained than that of Sisqo...then again, Jimmy Rollins hasn't been seen quite like this:
Remind you of anyone?
Fortunately, for J-Roll, his team and its fans, his career has been more successful and sustained than that of Sisqo...then again, Jimmy Rollins hasn't been seen quite like this:
Monday, October 19, 2009
Philly Sports Update: The GBU
"The GBU" stands for, in case you haven't figured it out, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Bad and Ugly are pretty much interchangeable, though.
Good: The Phillies, a team that seems to be able to shake off adversity with no problem. Lose Game 2 of the NLDS and then have to play two in frigid Denver? No problem. Blow a 1-0 series lead in the NLCS due to poor managing, poor fielding and poor relief pitching? Meh. Just send Cliff Lee out there to pitch 8 shutout innings and roll to an 11-0 win to take a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers. The Phils are two wins away from a second consecutive World Series appearance. This is unprecedented, given their history. The Phillies have only been to the World Series 6 times, and in four of the previous five, they didn't even make the playoffs (of course, the first two times there were no divisions and no postseason other than the Series).
1915 -- lost World Series; 1916 -- 2nd place in NL
1950 -- lost World Series; 1951 -- 5th place in NL
1980 -- won World Series; 1981 -- 1st place in NL East pre-strike, lost in Division Series
1983 -- lost World Series; 1984 -- 4th place in NL East
1993 -- lost World Series; 1994 -- 4th place in NL East
Bad: The Flyers. After two strong wins to start the season, they split a pair of high-scoring games against Washington and Pittsburgh. After that they blew a 2-0 lead late in the game and lost in a shootout to Anaheim. That was a week ago Saturday. Since then they're in an 11-day stretch where they play once, despite the tighter schedule caused by the 2010 Olympic break. That one game was a lackluster 4-2 loss to a Florida team that came into the game 1-4-0. For all the hype, so far it looks like the same inconsistent, ultimately underachieving Flyers team from last year.
Ugly: The Eagles. Oh, where to begin after a 13-9 loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders, a team that lost to the Giants 44-7 a week earlier? No touchdowns; 52 pass attempts to 14 running plays; two missed field goals; wasting all three first-half timeouts early and then, after driving deep into Raiders territory, calling a timeout when they had none left; six sacks allowed by their offensive line, just two sacks for their defense; 2-for-16 on third downs...one of the more disgraceful, embarrassing losses in the Andy Reid era.
Good: The Phillies, a team that seems to be able to shake off adversity with no problem. Lose Game 2 of the NLDS and then have to play two in frigid Denver? No problem. Blow a 1-0 series lead in the NLCS due to poor managing, poor fielding and poor relief pitching? Meh. Just send Cliff Lee out there to pitch 8 shutout innings and roll to an 11-0 win to take a 2-1 lead over the Dodgers. The Phils are two wins away from a second consecutive World Series appearance. This is unprecedented, given their history. The Phillies have only been to the World Series 6 times, and in four of the previous five, they didn't even make the playoffs (of course, the first two times there were no divisions and no postseason other than the Series).
1915 -- lost World Series; 1916 -- 2nd place in NL
1950 -- lost World Series; 1951 -- 5th place in NL
1980 -- won World Series; 1981 -- 1st place in NL East pre-strike, lost in Division Series
1983 -- lost World Series; 1984 -- 4th place in NL East
1993 -- lost World Series; 1994 -- 4th place in NL East
Bad: The Flyers. After two strong wins to start the season, they split a pair of high-scoring games against Washington and Pittsburgh. After that they blew a 2-0 lead late in the game and lost in a shootout to Anaheim. That was a week ago Saturday. Since then they're in an 11-day stretch where they play once, despite the tighter schedule caused by the 2010 Olympic break. That one game was a lackluster 4-2 loss to a Florida team that came into the game 1-4-0. For all the hype, so far it looks like the same inconsistent, ultimately underachieving Flyers team from last year.
Ugly: The Eagles. Oh, where to begin after a 13-9 loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders, a team that lost to the Giants 44-7 a week earlier? No touchdowns; 52 pass attempts to 14 running plays; two missed field goals; wasting all three first-half timeouts early and then, after driving deep into Raiders territory, calling a timeout when they had none left; six sacks allowed by their offensive line, just two sacks for their defense; 2-for-16 on third downs...one of the more disgraceful, embarrassing losses in the Andy Reid era.
My iTunes Shuffle Baker's Dozen 10-19-09
Technically, this is from a few days ago. I just held off on posting it. Unlike recent shuffles, there weren't any repeats in the first 13. So I guess that's good news.
Last One In The World - Blondie
Too Darn Hot - Erasure
You Are My World - Communards
The Beautiful Ones - Prince and the Revolution
How Can I Be Sure - Gloria Estefan
I'll Never Break Your Heart - Backstreet Boys
Last To Know - The Brand New Heavies
Relax - Crystal Waters
Burning Love - Elvis Presley
Bad Connecton - Yaz
Now That You're Gone - Diana Ross
Fine - Whitney Houston
Save Me - Remy Zero
Last One In The World - Blondie
Too Darn Hot - Erasure
You Are My World - Communards
The Beautiful Ones - Prince and the Revolution
How Can I Be Sure - Gloria Estefan
I'll Never Break Your Heart - Backstreet Boys
Last To Know - The Brand New Heavies
Relax - Crystal Waters
Burning Love - Elvis Presley
Bad Connecton - Yaz
Now That You're Gone - Diana Ross
Fine - Whitney Houston
Save Me - Remy Zero
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quick Review: The Invention Of Lying
The premise of "The Invention Of Lying" is that a man named Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) discovers that he has the ability to lie, in a world -- an alternate reality, to be precise -- where no one is able to lie or even comprehend such a thing as a lie. Everyone tells the truth, even in advertising. Beyond that, though, they tell the truth even when unnecessary. They blurt out mean comments about people's looks, social status, etc. without being asked. Also, there's no such thing as fiction. There's no acting. The only movies are history lectures with a single narrator. There's no such thing as religion, or beliefs, or any thought of a possibility of a higher power.
It's like John Lennon's "Imagine" became reality, but it's not nearly as wonderful as the song describes. This alternate world is rather nasty and mean-spirited and totally lacking in imagination. I have no idea what makes people happy in this world, and so I have no idea why Gervais's character falls for a woman (Jennifer Garner) who tells him she would never consider being with him because of his looks and financial situation. And when he begins using his power to lie to make his life, and the lives of others, better, it doesn't make much sense that she would start feeling differently. And, in comforting his dying mother, he unintentionally invents religion as well. Yet near the end, a wedding is taking place and it's at an old church, although it's not called a church, and a minister, although he's not called a minister. How do these things exist, if there's no underlying beliefs? Just another thing that doesn't make much sense. My grade: C-minus.
It's like John Lennon's "Imagine" became reality, but it's not nearly as wonderful as the song describes. This alternate world is rather nasty and mean-spirited and totally lacking in imagination. I have no idea what makes people happy in this world, and so I have no idea why Gervais's character falls for a woman (Jennifer Garner) who tells him she would never consider being with him because of his looks and financial situation. And when he begins using his power to lie to make his life, and the lives of others, better, it doesn't make much sense that she would start feeling differently. And, in comforting his dying mother, he unintentionally invents religion as well. Yet near the end, a wedding is taking place and it's at an old church, although it's not called a church, and a minister, although he's not called a minister. How do these things exist, if there's no underlying beliefs? Just another thing that doesn't make much sense. My grade: C-minus.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
My League Championship Series Picks
Baseball's best-of-five Division Series -- the mini-playoffs, if you will -- are over (and rather quickly, with three sweeps and a four-gamer). Now it gets serious. The National League Championship Series starts in less than 20 hours, and the American League series gets under way a day later. I correctly predicted three of the four participants. Let's see if I can get both of these right...
AL: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels -- I keep going back and forth. The Yankees have the best closer, which is important, but I think the Angels might have better pitching overall. The media will hype up the Yankees, and Alex Rodriguez in particular, but I'm still not convinced. The Minnesota Twins barely showed up for the ALDS after scratching and clawing their way into the playoffs. The Angels took care of Boston, and I think they'll take care of the other AL East team. Angels in 6.
NL: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies -- Here we go again. For the second year in a row the Dodgers swept the highly-touted NL Central champs, while the Phillies took out the Wild Card team in four games. Some circumstances are different. For one, the Dodgers have home-field advantage. Needless to say, it probably comes down to the Phillies' bullpen. Does Brad Lidge's two saves in those two terrific wins in Denver mean he's back? No one can say that and really, truly believe it. With Pedro Martinez starting Game 2, J.A. Happ is back in the bullpen and Chan Ho Park is on the NLCS roster (replacing Brett Myers, who isn't happy about it). I'm going to stick with what I said about the last round: I'm giving the defending champs the benefit of the doubt. Phillies in 7.
AL: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels -- I keep going back and forth. The Yankees have the best closer, which is important, but I think the Angels might have better pitching overall. The media will hype up the Yankees, and Alex Rodriguez in particular, but I'm still not convinced. The Minnesota Twins barely showed up for the ALDS after scratching and clawing their way into the playoffs. The Angels took care of Boston, and I think they'll take care of the other AL East team. Angels in 6.
NL: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies -- Here we go again. For the second year in a row the Dodgers swept the highly-touted NL Central champs, while the Phillies took out the Wild Card team in four games. Some circumstances are different. For one, the Dodgers have home-field advantage. Needless to say, it probably comes down to the Phillies' bullpen. Does Brad Lidge's two saves in those two terrific wins in Denver mean he's back? No one can say that and really, truly believe it. With Pedro Martinez starting Game 2, J.A. Happ is back in the bullpen and Chan Ho Park is on the NLCS roster (replacing Brett Myers, who isn't happy about it). I'm going to stick with what I said about the last round: I'm giving the defending champs the benefit of the doubt. Phillies in 7.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My DC trip: not the best
This past weekend I was in Washington, DC for a softball tournament. My team went last year and it was a lot of fun (not to mention perfect weather). This year, I went with another team from our league as mine decided not to go this year. Still, I thought I might have even more fun since some friends from out of town were also going to be there, playing in the Gay Bowl IX flag football championship tournament.
Unfortunately, overall things didn't go so well. While Friday was a spectacular day, with temperatures in the 80s, a cold front past through that night. Saturday morning, when we started playing, it was not only cooler, but rather windy with intermittent rain at times. It was rather uncomfortable. To make things worse, both times I got to pitch I was utter crap, and our team lost all three games we played. The first two, in the round-robin portion, were completely lopsided disasters. The score of the third game, our first in the double-elimination round, was 18-13 but to me it didn't seem that close.
This meant that our Sunday game was set for 8 a.m. It was under 50 degrees. Not as bad as the weather the Phillies had to put up with in Denver, but then again we're not paid millions of dollars. We had to win in order to stave off elimination. I pitched a lot better, and it was a closer game, but we still lost.
As for the off-the-field stuff, on Friday night the host bar was not easy to find, and after registering for the tournament it got so crowded that I was extremely uncomfortable. I don't like bars much to begin with, especially if I'm by myself. Even though I was there with some of my teammates I got out of there early and went back to the hotel.
The host bar Saturday, on the other hand, didn't get very crowded at all while I was there. There was supposed to be a jockstrap contest but it was canceled because they had no entrants. From what I heard it got busy later, but by that time I was long gone. I was tired from being up early and had to get up even earlier Sunday, so it was back to the hotel early again. At least the Phillies-Rockies game was called off so I didn't have to stay up to watch it.
Sunday, after our game ended we went back to the hotel, which was in New Carrollton, Maryland (the two parks where the softball fields were located were out there). It had a shopping center on its grounds that had an IHOP, so we had breakfast there. (It also had a Five Guys Burgers & Fries, and I am deeply in love with their food, but I didn't get a chance to partake.) After showering and changing I decided to go into DC and watch the final games in the flag football tournament, and kinda-sorta dragged my teammate Kurt along, since he didn't want to stay in the hotel room by himself. We took the Metro downtown and were supposed to take a bus from there to get to the park. Then I decided I didn't want to go there, and we went to the ESPN Zone thinking we could watch the NFL games. It was way too crowded at the bar and there was a line to be seated at a table.
We ended up meeting Shane, one of our teammates on our regular softball team, who was playing for the Philly team in the flag football tourney. They were eliminated earlier in the day. We tagged along with him, going to the Capitol for the National Equality March (which was well under way by that time; they had already started the rally on the Capitol steps when we got there). That meant a fair amount of additional walking, so my feet were really, really sore.
I was ambivalent about this march. I feel like the whole marching-in-DC thing has been done so often by so many different groups that it's almost a cliche, and I don't know how much of an impact it had. I feel like it would have been better to march on a place like Salt Lake City. And some of the speakers we heard were very strident. They were so angry (not that I blame people for being angry with what's going on in this country) that the messages they were trying to send got lost in their anger.
Some of the speeches were worth hearing, though. NAACP chairman Julian Bond made many excellent points. And we actually got to hear (not see, as we were way in the back; I barely could see the video monitor) the one and only Lady Gaga.
As we were walking towards the Capitol there was a small stream of people headed in the opposite direction; after Lady Gaga spoke that stream picked up some intensity. She didn't sing, however, and that disappointed some people, especially after an interpretation of "America The Beautiful" by Billie Myers that was lacking.
Kurt and I had dinner with Shane and a few of his football teammates, and then went back to our hotel. (Three nights in a row in the hotel early for me! I'm so lame!) Monday I took Amtrak home.
So, to sum up: losing softball, poor pitching, not so great weather (not awful, but not the best), no real drinking fun, aching feet. The biggest disappointment was that I didn't get to see my friends from out of town who were playing flag football. I was really looking forward to getting together, but for various reasons it didn't happen.
Still, it wasn't all bad. The team I played with, the Mt. Airy Family Practice Shots, was a fun group. Their tradition is to give the guys on their team girls' names, and give the girls boys' names. I was dubbed "Jill." I'm not sure why. At least I made out better than Kurt, who was assigned "Eunice."
Unfortunately, overall things didn't go so well. While Friday was a spectacular day, with temperatures in the 80s, a cold front past through that night. Saturday morning, when we started playing, it was not only cooler, but rather windy with intermittent rain at times. It was rather uncomfortable. To make things worse, both times I got to pitch I was utter crap, and our team lost all three games we played. The first two, in the round-robin portion, were completely lopsided disasters. The score of the third game, our first in the double-elimination round, was 18-13 but to me it didn't seem that close.
This meant that our Sunday game was set for 8 a.m. It was under 50 degrees. Not as bad as the weather the Phillies had to put up with in Denver, but then again we're not paid millions of dollars. We had to win in order to stave off elimination. I pitched a lot better, and it was a closer game, but we still lost.
As for the off-the-field stuff, on Friday night the host bar was not easy to find, and after registering for the tournament it got so crowded that I was extremely uncomfortable. I don't like bars much to begin with, especially if I'm by myself. Even though I was there with some of my teammates I got out of there early and went back to the hotel.
The host bar Saturday, on the other hand, didn't get very crowded at all while I was there. There was supposed to be a jockstrap contest but it was canceled because they had no entrants. From what I heard it got busy later, but by that time I was long gone. I was tired from being up early and had to get up even earlier Sunday, so it was back to the hotel early again. At least the Phillies-Rockies game was called off so I didn't have to stay up to watch it.
Sunday, after our game ended we went back to the hotel, which was in New Carrollton, Maryland (the two parks where the softball fields were located were out there). It had a shopping center on its grounds that had an IHOP, so we had breakfast there. (It also had a Five Guys Burgers & Fries, and I am deeply in love with their food, but I didn't get a chance to partake.) After showering and changing I decided to go into DC and watch the final games in the flag football tournament, and kinda-sorta dragged my teammate Kurt along, since he didn't want to stay in the hotel room by himself. We took the Metro downtown and were supposed to take a bus from there to get to the park. Then I decided I didn't want to go there, and we went to the ESPN Zone thinking we could watch the NFL games. It was way too crowded at the bar and there was a line to be seated at a table.
We ended up meeting Shane, one of our teammates on our regular softball team, who was playing for the Philly team in the flag football tourney. They were eliminated earlier in the day. We tagged along with him, going to the Capitol for the National Equality March (which was well under way by that time; they had already started the rally on the Capitol steps when we got there). That meant a fair amount of additional walking, so my feet were really, really sore.
I was ambivalent about this march. I feel like the whole marching-in-DC thing has been done so often by so many different groups that it's almost a cliche, and I don't know how much of an impact it had. I feel like it would have been better to march on a place like Salt Lake City. And some of the speakers we heard were very strident. They were so angry (not that I blame people for being angry with what's going on in this country) that the messages they were trying to send got lost in their anger.
Some of the speeches were worth hearing, though. NAACP chairman Julian Bond made many excellent points. And we actually got to hear (not see, as we were way in the back; I barely could see the video monitor) the one and only Lady Gaga.
As we were walking towards the Capitol there was a small stream of people headed in the opposite direction; after Lady Gaga spoke that stream picked up some intensity. She didn't sing, however, and that disappointed some people, especially after an interpretation of "America The Beautiful" by Billie Myers that was lacking.
Kurt and I had dinner with Shane and a few of his football teammates, and then went back to our hotel. (Three nights in a row in the hotel early for me! I'm so lame!) Monday I took Amtrak home.
So, to sum up: losing softball, poor pitching, not so great weather (not awful, but not the best), no real drinking fun, aching feet. The biggest disappointment was that I didn't get to see my friends from out of town who were playing flag football. I was really looking forward to getting together, but for various reasons it didn't happen.
Still, it wasn't all bad. The team I played with, the Mt. Airy Family Practice Shots, was a fun group. Their tradition is to give the guys on their team girls' names, and give the girls boys' names. I was dubbed "Jill." I'm not sure why. At least I made out better than Kurt, who was assigned "Eunice."
I'm back...with shirtless hockey players!
I have a number of things to post about -- the Phillies, my weekend in DC, the Phillies -- but for now I'm just going to share a link. Because the Flyers last played Saturday and don't have another game until Friday at Florida, the team is spending the week in the Sunshine State doing bonding and team-building exercises. Today they were on Biscayne Bay, and part of the activities included a regatta race. The gallery at the Flyers' website includes many pictures of shirtless hockey players (and a coach or two) on sailboats, although they don't identify each one by name. Be sure to click on the Large view for maximum enjoyment!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
My Week In Comics 10-7-09
So I was supposed to buy just one book this week. I ended up buying two, because I didn't want the other book to be lonely.
Superman: World Of New Krypton 8 (of 12): A battle between Kryptonian and Thanagarian forces is under way, but then Superman's typical heroic leadership leads to the battle ending, cooperation between the two sides on another urgent problem, and a new diplomatic initiative between the two planets...then someone shows up at the end, providing a cliffhanger for next issue. Yawn. I'm more interested in the events involving the anti-Kryptonian fever spreading on Earth, to be honest.
Batman Annual 27: I thought there was going to be one story. There were two, both of which are continued in the upcoming Detective Comics Annual. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have bought it. The main story guest-stars a character known as Azrael, who, in an earlier incarnation, took Bruce Wayne's place as Batman. This Azrael is getting his own series, which is supposed to spring from this story. Meh. The other story stars Barbara Gordon, and involves a man who thinks he's a vampire. He's captured easily enough, but Barbara thinks something's not right, and the last page proves her right. That, and the "To Be Continued" caption.
Superman: World Of New Krypton 8 (of 12): A battle between Kryptonian and Thanagarian forces is under way, but then Superman's typical heroic leadership leads to the battle ending, cooperation between the two sides on another urgent problem, and a new diplomatic initiative between the two planets...then someone shows up at the end, providing a cliffhanger for next issue. Yawn. I'm more interested in the events involving the anti-Kryptonian fever spreading on Earth, to be honest.
Batman Annual 27: I thought there was going to be one story. There were two, both of which are continued in the upcoming Detective Comics Annual. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have bought it. The main story guest-stars a character known as Azrael, who, in an earlier incarnation, took Bruce Wayne's place as Batman. This Azrael is getting his own series, which is supposed to spring from this story. Meh. The other story stars Barbara Gordon, and involves a man who thinks he's a vampire. He's captured easily enough, but Barbara thinks something's not right, and the last page proves her right. That, and the "To Be Continued" caption.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Phillies may be in trouble
The NL Division Series got off to a spectacular start for the Phillies, with a 5-1 complete game win by Cliff Lee on Wednesday. However, the Colorado Rockies bounced back Thursday, taking a 4-0 lead against Cole Hamels and hanging on for a 5-4 win.
The series shifts to Denver for Games 3 and 4 -- Saturday at 9:37 pm ET and Sunday at 10:07 pm ET. These starting times are ridiculous, especially considering the weather forecast Saturday calls for temperatures around 30 degrees with possible snow showers or freezing drizzle. The blame goes to MLB and to TBS (whose performance in televising the playoff games has been pathetic, by the way).
This weather may be a factor for the Phillies, but a bigger question is who will start those games. Hamels was lifted for a pinch-hitter after 5 innings Thursday. The Phils then used both Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ in relief. Blanton only threw 19 pitches and Happ threw 4, with the fourth being lined off his left leg. He has a contusion and x-rays are negative. He says he can pitch Saturday but the Phils are planning to go with either Blanton or Pedro Martinez (as I write this, the decision hasn't been announced). Martinez has struggled in the first inning of most of his starts. With it being so cold in Denver, it'll be that much harder to warm up.
Happ is lefthanded and the Rockies have more trouble with lefties, so if he's healthy enough and doesn't start Saturday he'd better be pitching Sunday. It could be that he'll be kept in the bullpen, but if he enters a game early because the Phils have fallen behind (the way Blanton did today), the Phils are in trouble.
The series shifts to Denver for Games 3 and 4 -- Saturday at 9:37 pm ET and Sunday at 10:07 pm ET. These starting times are ridiculous, especially considering the weather forecast Saturday calls for temperatures around 30 degrees with possible snow showers or freezing drizzle. The blame goes to MLB and to TBS (whose performance in televising the playoff games has been pathetic, by the way).
This weather may be a factor for the Phillies, but a bigger question is who will start those games. Hamels was lifted for a pinch-hitter after 5 innings Thursday. The Phils then used both Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ in relief. Blanton only threw 19 pitches and Happ threw 4, with the fourth being lined off his left leg. He has a contusion and x-rays are negative. He says he can pitch Saturday but the Phils are planning to go with either Blanton or Pedro Martinez (as I write this, the decision hasn't been announced). Martinez has struggled in the first inning of most of his starts. With it being so cold in Denver, it'll be that much harder to warm up.
Happ is lefthanded and the Rockies have more trouble with lefties, so if he's healthy enough and doesn't start Saturday he'd better be pitching Sunday. It could be that he'll be kept in the bullpen, but if he enters a game early because the Phils have fallen behind (the way Blanton did today), the Phils are in trouble.
Programming Note
I'll be in Washington, DC playing softball this weekend. Although I anticipate having Internet access, I don't think I'll update the blog much. I have a couple of posts scheduled to go during the weekend, though. I plan to post status updates on Twitter and Facebook.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Quick Review: Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
This is an animated film that's really more for kids, but I enjoyed it anyway. It's based on a children's book but from what I've read, the book's plot has been expanded. The town of Swallow Falls, a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, is suffering because its main source of income (selling sardines to the rest of the world) has dried up. A young inventor builds a machine that can turn water into food. The machine doesn't work at first, but when it gets accidentally launched into the sky, a storm forms that begins raining food. At first the town is thrilled, but after a while there are problems that threaten the entire world. Obviously, things all work out in the end and there are messages for the kids, but it's a silly fun movie nonetheless. My grade: B-plus.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Flyers Hate Poor People
In their advertisements, the Flyers keep saying that tickets are available for their games, as if we should be surprised by that fact. They then specify that "Lower level tickets are available!" Well, sure. Everyone would like to sit in the lower level, all things being equal. But all things aren't equal. Individual game tickets in the lower level start at $96.00 -- and these aren't luxury or club boxes. These are just regular seats downstairs. There are tickets for some sections in the upper levels that go for $20.00 and $26.00. After that the next lowest ticket is $46.00, and the cost just soars from there.
Naturally, with the economy being such a mess, even successful and popular teams such as the Flyers are having trouble selling those expensive seats. Most people have cut back on spending, so they can't splurge on $96.00 tickets. This means the greatest demand is for the less expensive tickets.
So it was interesting to find this on the Flyers' Twitter feed: "Come down to the Wachovia Center early tomorrow to watch the Phillies, and stay for the Flyers-Pens game!" -- along with a link to a message on their website stating that not only can fans get into the building early to watch the Phillies' playoff game on the TV screens at the pavilion just inside the arena doors (and, of course, buy food and drink), but that if you show up at the box office with your ticket stub from the baseball game, you can buy a Flyers ticket for the game for $25.00.
This could be a great hockey game! The Flyers are off to a great start this season and the Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champions! I'd love to go. It's a shame I can't afford a ticket.
If you go to the Flyers' website and try to buy tickets for the game, you can't get their $20.00 ticket. Or their $26.00 ticket. None are available. In fact, the lowest price available for a single ticket to tomorrow's game is $63.00. And that's still in the upper level. If you want to buy two tickets -- because many people prefer to go with a friend or family member -- you're out of luck. Unless, of course, you want to pay $96.00 each to sit in the lower level. (And these prices don't even include the fees and service charges.) However, if you have a ticket stub to a Phillies playoff game you can buy a ticket tomorrow for $25.00.
If you can afford Phillies playoff tickets -- they are scarce and more expensive than regular season tickets -- you can probably afford a Flyers ticket at their regular price! If the Flyers want to sell the tickets they have left, why don't they consider discounts for everyone? I can only conclude that the Flyers hate poor people and don't want them to attend hockey games. If you don't agree, Flyers, prove me wrong. Get me some cheap tickets.
Naturally, with the economy being such a mess, even successful and popular teams such as the Flyers are having trouble selling those expensive seats. Most people have cut back on spending, so they can't splurge on $96.00 tickets. This means the greatest demand is for the less expensive tickets.
So it was interesting to find this on the Flyers' Twitter feed: "Come down to the Wachovia Center early tomorrow to watch the Phillies, and stay for the Flyers-Pens game!" -- along with a link to a message on their website stating that not only can fans get into the building early to watch the Phillies' playoff game on the TV screens at the pavilion just inside the arena doors (and, of course, buy food and drink), but that if you show up at the box office with your ticket stub from the baseball game, you can buy a Flyers ticket for the game for $25.00.
This could be a great hockey game! The Flyers are off to a great start this season and the Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champions! I'd love to go. It's a shame I can't afford a ticket.
If you go to the Flyers' website and try to buy tickets for the game, you can't get their $20.00 ticket. Or their $26.00 ticket. None are available. In fact, the lowest price available for a single ticket to tomorrow's game is $63.00. And that's still in the upper level. If you want to buy two tickets -- because many people prefer to go with a friend or family member -- you're out of luck. Unless, of course, you want to pay $96.00 each to sit in the lower level. (And these prices don't even include the fees and service charges.) However, if you have a ticket stub to a Phillies playoff game you can buy a ticket tomorrow for $25.00.
If you can afford Phillies playoff tickets -- they are scarce and more expensive than regular season tickets -- you can probably afford a Flyers ticket at their regular price! If the Flyers want to sell the tickets they have left, why don't they consider discounts for everyone? I can only conclude that the Flyers hate poor people and don't want them to attend hockey games. If you don't agree, Flyers, prove me wrong. Get me some cheap tickets.
My MLB Division Series Picks
After 162 games -- 163 for the Minnesota Twins -- it's time for major league baseball's postseason to begin with the best-of-five Division Series round. Here are my observations and predictions, starting with the two American League series. The team listed first in each pairing has home-field advantage.
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins: It took a hot streak for the Twins to tie the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central lead, and 12 innings in their one-game tiebreaker to win the division. Their reward: flying to New York to face the Yankees less than 24 hours later. The AL East champion Yanks won 103 games, best in baseball, including all 7 against the Twins in 2009. As much as I'd love to see the Twins pull off an upset -- and even if they win Game 1, which I half-expect, because strange things happen a lot -- I can't see them moving on. Yankees in 4.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox: Again? This is the 4th time in 6 years these teams have met in this round. The Sox have won every time previously, in sweeps in 2004 and 2007 and in four games last year. I think this one goes five, though. As to who wins...tough call. I think the Angels may finally break through. (Note that I use the word "may" and not "will.") They had more of a challenge winning the AL West, and the Red Sox struggled a little more than they should have to get the Wild Card. I just think LA is in slightly better shape. Angels in 5.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards had a fairly easy run to the NL Central title. The Dodgers had a big lead most of the year, but a late 5-game losing streak nearly cost them the NL West, although they had a playoff spot locked up. In this series the biggest factor is the starting pitching, and I think the Cards' rotation is clearly better. Cardinals in 4.
And finally...
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies: After an awful start that got their manager fired, the Rockies poured it on the rest of the way to win the NL Wild Card and nearly steal their division from the Dodgers. The Phillies have issues. The starters were lousy early, and inconsistent at the end; the bullpen is extremely shaky; the hitters slumped through much of the last few weeks. It would be easy to pick the Rockies in this series, but every time it seemed like the Phils were in serious trouble in the NL East, they bounced back and put more distance between them and their chasers. So, for this round at least, the defending World Series champions get the benefit of the doubt. Phillies in 4.
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins: It took a hot streak for the Twins to tie the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central lead, and 12 innings in their one-game tiebreaker to win the division. Their reward: flying to New York to face the Yankees less than 24 hours later. The AL East champion Yanks won 103 games, best in baseball, including all 7 against the Twins in 2009. As much as I'd love to see the Twins pull off an upset -- and even if they win Game 1, which I half-expect, because strange things happen a lot -- I can't see them moving on. Yankees in 4.
Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox: Again? This is the 4th time in 6 years these teams have met in this round. The Sox have won every time previously, in sweeps in 2004 and 2007 and in four games last year. I think this one goes five, though. As to who wins...tough call. I think the Angels may finally break through. (Note that I use the word "may" and not "will.") They had more of a challenge winning the AL West, and the Red Sox struggled a little more than they should have to get the Wild Card. I just think LA is in slightly better shape. Angels in 5.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals: The Cards had a fairly easy run to the NL Central title. The Dodgers had a big lead most of the year, but a late 5-game losing streak nearly cost them the NL West, although they had a playoff spot locked up. In this series the biggest factor is the starting pitching, and I think the Cards' rotation is clearly better. Cardinals in 4.
And finally...
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies: After an awful start that got their manager fired, the Rockies poured it on the rest of the way to win the NL Wild Card and nearly steal their division from the Dodgers. The Phillies have issues. The starters were lousy early, and inconsistent at the end; the bullpen is extremely shaky; the hitters slumped through much of the last few weeks. It would be easy to pick the Rockies in this series, but every time it seemed like the Phils were in serious trouble in the NL East, they bounced back and put more distance between them and their chasers. So, for this round at least, the defending World Series champions get the benefit of the doubt. Phillies in 4.
My Week In Comics: 9-30-09
Four books this week. Next week -- which is tomorrow...or actually today since it's after midnight -- I only have one book to buy. I may not make the trip to the store since I'll be busy watching the Phillies' playoff games the next two afternoons and then leave for Washington, DC for the weekend.
Green Lantern 46: Continuing with "Blackest Night," but not the events taking place on Earth (the ones featuring Superman and Batman that are so much fun, for example). The problem with this is, it involves characters I don't know much about, and don't care much about; although it's not a bad book, for me it doesn't quite have the same impact.
Superman 692: This issue could have been called "Revelations" because we learn where both Mon-El and John Henry Irons are (not in the same place or in the same condition), among other things. Still, trying to piece together the whole puzzle of what all of these things are leading to -- all we know is that Superman is involved in a huge event next year, as if what's going on now isn't huge enough -- is not easy.
Gotham City Sirens 4: I complained about the last issue because it didn't feature its stars. No complaints this time, as Catwoman and Poison Ivy are out to rescue Harley Quinn from Hush (pretending to be Bruce Wayne). Of course, she doesn't even realize she's in trouble. Then there's The Joker, who's also after her...
Futurama Comics 45: "Anthology Of Interest II" -- in which everyone uses the Professor's What-If Machine to find the answers to questions such as "What if Bender ruled the world?" Since there were two episodes of the TV series with the same plot, and they were called "Anthology Of Interest I" and "Anthology Of Interest II," shouldn't the story in this book be "Anthology Of Interest IV"?
Green Lantern 46: Continuing with "Blackest Night," but not the events taking place on Earth (the ones featuring Superman and Batman that are so much fun, for example). The problem with this is, it involves characters I don't know much about, and don't care much about; although it's not a bad book, for me it doesn't quite have the same impact.
Superman 692: This issue could have been called "Revelations" because we learn where both Mon-El and John Henry Irons are (not in the same place or in the same condition), among other things. Still, trying to piece together the whole puzzle of what all of these things are leading to -- all we know is that Superman is involved in a huge event next year, as if what's going on now isn't huge enough -- is not easy.
Gotham City Sirens 4: I complained about the last issue because it didn't feature its stars. No complaints this time, as Catwoman and Poison Ivy are out to rescue Harley Quinn from Hush (pretending to be Bruce Wayne). Of course, she doesn't even realize she's in trouble. Then there's The Joker, who's also after her...
Futurama Comics 45: "Anthology Of Interest II" -- in which everyone uses the Professor's What-If Machine to find the answers to questions such as "What if Bender ruled the world?" Since there were two episodes of the TV series with the same plot, and they were called "Anthology Of Interest I" and "Anthology Of Interest II," shouldn't the story in this book be "Anthology Of Interest IV"?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Jon Gosselin Chewed Up, Spit Out!
I cannot remotely say that I'm a fan of Nancy Grace, but this clip rocks! In the light of Jon Gosselin's lawsuit trying to get his kids off the TV show -- after TLC announced the show would be re-branded "Kate Plus Eight" -- and Jon's reportedly withdrawing all but $1,000 from a joint account he held with his wife, Jon and his lawyer have been making the media rounds. I don't know who told them it would be a good idea to appear on "The Insider" with Grace (and three others; I don't know who they are but one of them seems like she should be in the audience of a daytime talk show and the other two are unimportant). She tears them to pieces.
Quick Review: Zombieland
So, Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Cera: if they ever appeared in the same movie, would that cause a rift in the space-time continuum? Are they not the same person? Skinny, pale, sensitive, etc.? In "Zombieland" Eisenberg plays a college student in Austin, Texas who has managed to survive the collapse of society (caused by an outbreak that led to most people turning into zombies). He's trying to get to Columbus, Ohio to find his parents and meets up with Woody Harrelson, who's on his way to Tallahassee, Florida. Harrelson's character insists that no real names be used, so they refer to each other by their destinations.
Columbus and Tallahassee run into two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), at a grocery store. After various plot twists, they're on their way to an amusement park in California because the girls heard there are no zombies there. There's lots of zombie violence and some good lines; Columbus narrates throughout, highlighting his list of rules for surviving in Zombieland (number 1, for obvious reasons: cardio!). On the way to the amusement park they hit Hollywood, and decide to sleep at the home of a major star. This segment, featuring a cameo by said star, is easily the best part of the movie. I will not spoil it by revealing the star's name, but the whole thing is utterly brilliant. My grade: B-plus.
Reminder: there's a link on the home page that leads to a list of my grades for every movie I've seen in 2009.
Columbus and Tallahassee run into two girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), at a grocery store. After various plot twists, they're on their way to an amusement park in California because the girls heard there are no zombies there. There's lots of zombie violence and some good lines; Columbus narrates throughout, highlighting his list of rules for surviving in Zombieland (number 1, for obvious reasons: cardio!). On the way to the amusement park they hit Hollywood, and decide to sleep at the home of a major star. This segment, featuring a cameo by said star, is easily the best part of the movie. I will not spoil it by revealing the star's name, but the whole thing is utterly brilliant. My grade: B-plus.
Reminder: there's a link on the home page that leads to a list of my grades for every movie I've seen in 2009.
Another reason Canada rules, USA drools
There's a free preview of the NHL Center Ice game package. Until October 24th I've got 14 channels showing out-of-market NHL games. When there aren't too many games, they'll carry both teams' feeds. Tonight there's only one game: Columbus at Vancouver. So I'm watching the Vancouver feed, and during a commercial break there's an ad for the local lottery. In British Columbia (and perhaps other Canadian provinces as well), local residents can play the lottery online. They can play the usual daily number games and the national Lotto (think Powerball or MegaMillions), plus Keno, "Pacific Hold-em" Poker and even sports betting. And they can do it all online.
Try playing a lottery number online in Pennsylvania. Buy a Powerball ticket online? Not here. As for sports betting, well, as David Letterman said the other night, do you feel like a little story?
This year the state of Delaware announced a plan to begin single-game wagering on sports. The Delaware Park racetrack and slots parlor spent lots of money to open up a sports book like those in Las Vegas casinos. A federal law passed in 1992 banning sports gambling exempted Delaware because, in 1976, they ran a game in which you could place parlay bets -- meaning, you had to pick winners in at least 3 games -- on NFL games. It was such a failure that they ended the game within a year.
The major pro sports leagues and the NCAA filed lawsuits to stop Delaware's sports betting, and a Federal appeals court put a halt to Delaware's plan. The court ruled that the law states that the exemption is limited to the parlay betting game previously run by the state, and no other type of sports wagering. So the state (which was depending on revenue from sports betting to help balance the budget) and the racetrack (which now has a sports book that's practically useless) are screwed. They did go ahead with a new version of the game they tried in 1976. I doubt it will be much more successful than the old one.
It's the NFL's stance that is particularly hypocritical. Football wouldn't be as popular without the betting (both legal and illegal) that revolves around the sport. The point spreads are widely available, even on shows by the TV networks carrying NFL games. The multitude of betting odds given on the Super Bowl -- even extending to things like the length of the national anthem -- give the game even more hype than it gets on its own. If the league is so concerned with gambling, why is ESPN and NBC and Fox allowed to hype the point spreads on their shows and websites? Why doesn't the NFL try and get a law passed to shut down the Vegas sports books?
Whether it's sports betting and buying lottery tickets online or including a public option in health care reform, the question is the same: if Canada can do it, why can't the United States of America do it?
Try playing a lottery number online in Pennsylvania. Buy a Powerball ticket online? Not here. As for sports betting, well, as David Letterman said the other night, do you feel like a little story?
This year the state of Delaware announced a plan to begin single-game wagering on sports. The Delaware Park racetrack and slots parlor spent lots of money to open up a sports book like those in Las Vegas casinos. A federal law passed in 1992 banning sports gambling exempted Delaware because, in 1976, they ran a game in which you could place parlay bets -- meaning, you had to pick winners in at least 3 games -- on NFL games. It was such a failure that they ended the game within a year.
The major pro sports leagues and the NCAA filed lawsuits to stop Delaware's sports betting, and a Federal appeals court put a halt to Delaware's plan. The court ruled that the law states that the exemption is limited to the parlay betting game previously run by the state, and no other type of sports wagering. So the state (which was depending on revenue from sports betting to help balance the budget) and the racetrack (which now has a sports book that's practically useless) are screwed. They did go ahead with a new version of the game they tried in 1976. I doubt it will be much more successful than the old one.
It's the NFL's stance that is particularly hypocritical. Football wouldn't be as popular without the betting (both legal and illegal) that revolves around the sport. The point spreads are widely available, even on shows by the TV networks carrying NFL games. The multitude of betting odds given on the Super Bowl -- even extending to things like the length of the national anthem -- give the game even more hype than it gets on its own. If the league is so concerned with gambling, why is ESPN and NBC and Fox allowed to hype the point spreads on their shows and websites? Why doesn't the NFL try and get a law passed to shut down the Vegas sports books?
Whether it's sports betting and buying lottery tickets online or including a public option in health care reform, the question is the same: if Canada can do it, why can't the United States of America do it?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Quick Review: Surrogates
Imagine a world where people interact with each other only through machines. Wait, isn't that Twitter and Facebook? No, this goes beyond that. Advanced robotics, we're told at the beginning of "Surrogates," allow you to never leave the house. You control your own robot, or surrogate, from home. Supposedly this is a better way of life, although how, I'm not quite sure. You still have to eat. Why would you send a surrogate out to a nice restaurant for a fancy dinner? Or even to a fast-food chain?. We're told that because of surrogates, the world is so much better. People are happier, racism and sexism are disappearing, crime is down 98 percent. Except, early on, a large majority of the surrogates partying at a nightclub are white. That doesn't mean their owners are, but still...it doesn't match the message. Oh, and wars are still being fought...although they're now fought by surrogates. Plus there's a group of anti-surrogate people who have treaties with the government allowing them to have armed compounds where surrogates are banned. Sounds like a utopia to me.
Then a surrogate is struck down by an advanced weapon, and its owner, back at home, is found dead. Then it happens again. The FBI has to investigage the first murders in years, and Bruce Willis is one of the agents. He's ambivalent about the whole "surrogate" technology, though he uses it at first. Why his surrogate doesn't have better hair is beyond me. At least he doesn't bother with a hairpiece when he actually gets out and investigates on his own, without the robot. There are a few red herrings, the usual double-dealing, conspiracy theories, etc. and what happens in the end is fairly predictable, even if it doesn't entirely make sense (I can't say more about that without spoiling it). I hope the comic book series on which the movie is based was better. My grade: C-plus.
Then a surrogate is struck down by an advanced weapon, and its owner, back at home, is found dead. Then it happens again. The FBI has to investigage the first murders in years, and Bruce Willis is one of the agents. He's ambivalent about the whole "surrogate" technology, though he uses it at first. Why his surrogate doesn't have better hair is beyond me. At least he doesn't bother with a hairpiece when he actually gets out and investigates on his own, without the robot. There are a few red herrings, the usual double-dealing, conspiracy theories, etc. and what happens in the end is fairly predictable, even if it doesn't entirely make sense (I can't say more about that without spoiling it). I hope the comic book series on which the movie is based was better. My grade: C-plus.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Quick Review: Fame
As in the 1980 original, "Fame" follows a group of students at New York's High School of Performing Arts from auditions through senior year. It's little more than an exercise in nostalgia. Actually, it's more of an attempt to capitalize on the success of "High School Musical," since there's not nearly as much acting or classical dance as musical numbers, be they solo and quiet or big and splashy. The remake is only rated PG (the original got an R rating) so the problems encountered by the kids are not quite so serious -- girl wants to sing but her father insists she become a classical pianist, boy wants to be a ballet dancer but he's just not good enough, etc. -- and are fairly easily resolved. Also, of course, there's a chaste romance. It's not a horrible movie, but it pales in comparison to what it once was, and the attempt to bring in the youthful HSM demographic failed as well, judging by the box office results.
The only two songs from the original to be retained are the two originally sung by Irene Cara. I really dislike the revised version of the title song, playing over the closing credits, but "Out Here On My Own" is sung very nicely by Naturi Naughton. Debbie Allen, a dance teacher in the original film and the TV series spinoff, plays the principal here. Among the faculty now are Charles S. Dutton and Megan Mullally (who sings a song), as well as Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth, who have no scenes together, thus denying us a reunion of Frasier and Lilith. My grade: C-plus.
The only two songs from the original to be retained are the two originally sung by Irene Cara. I really dislike the revised version of the title song, playing over the closing credits, but "Out Here On My Own" is sung very nicely by Naturi Naughton. Debbie Allen, a dance teacher in the original film and the TV series spinoff, plays the principal here. Among the faculty now are Charles S. Dutton and Megan Mullally (who sings a song), as well as Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth, who have no scenes together, thus denying us a reunion of Frasier and Lilith. My grade: C-plus.
Strong start for the Flyers
I still can't quite get around the fact that it's fall, the NFL and college football have been in full swing for weeks, and now it's hockey season. Where does the time go? At any rate, the Flyers began the 2009-10 season with 2 fine road wins. Last night's 2-0 win at Carolina was followed by tonight's 5-2 win at New Jersey. Beating Martin Brodeur and the Devils has been difficult over the years, so to get 5 goals off him (in his 1,000th career game, no less) is very nice. And if the info I'm getting from the post-game show on TV is correct, it's the first time in about a decade that the Flyers have started a season with two wins.Prior to the season I was skeptical about the additions of Chris Pronger (due to his age and how much he'll count against the salary cap) and Ray Emery (due to his various team-disruption issues). But the Flyers' retooled defense, anchored by Pronger, looks much more secure than it has in recent years, and Emery has been very strong. These two games don't exactly end my skepticism. After all, Pronger is still getting up there and there's plenty of time for Emery to self-destruct. But so far, so good.
The Flyers start the home portion of their schedule with games on Tuesday and Thursday against two Eastern rivals, the Washington Capitals (featuring the awesome Alexander Ovechkin) and Pittsburgh Penguins (featuring the whiny Sidney Crosby). If anyone has extremely inexpensive (or better yet, free) tickets for me, please get in touch.
Facebook SUCKS!!!!!
I repeat: Facebook sucks. In recent weeks, using Facebook has been increasingly irritating. Weird problems are constantly occurring. You try and reply to something and get an error message. You try posting a status update and get an error message. Today, I'm getting one page of updates on my news feed but there's no link to view the older posts. Or I get "there are no updates on your news feed." If I click on my profile, I get a message that the link doesn't work.
Not only are these problems occurring almost every day, there seems to be no easy way to contact them to complain. There are all kinds of "help" topics and such, but not one simple "contact Facebook" link. I don't want to have to wade through page after page of crap to find a link about a specific problem when there are MULTIPLE problems.
Facebook is getting more and more useless. Is anyone even in charge of Facebook? Does anyone run it? Is anyone actually employed by Facebook to keep it running? Anyone?
Not only are these problems occurring almost every day, there seems to be no easy way to contact them to complain. There are all kinds of "help" topics and such, but not one simple "contact Facebook" link. I don't want to have to wade through page after page of crap to find a link about a specific problem when there are MULTIPLE problems.
Facebook is getting more and more useless. Is anyone even in charge of Facebook? Does anyone run it? Is anyone actually employed by Facebook to keep it running? Anyone?
Friday, October 2, 2009
James Franco on a soap? Why?
I don't know what bothers me more: the news that actor James Franco is going to appear on "General Hospital" in a story arc that's set to last for a few months (although he's only scheduled for three tapings, the article says) -- it seems to me that someone whose career is currently not on a downward slide shouldn't be doing a TV soap opera -- or the fact that the role where I found him to be the most attractive is, strangely enough, "Pineapple Express."
Yes, really. I have no idea why, so don't ask. It is what it is. Let's just accept it and move on.
Yes, really. I have no idea why, so don't ask. It is what it is. Let's just accept it and move on.
David Letterman's been a bad boy
A CBS employee has been arrested in connection with an extortion attempt against David Letterman. Letterman told his audience tonight (well, last night, I guess, since it's after midnight), that this person demanded two million dollars in exchange for keeping silent about sexual relationships he had with women who work on his show.
Letterman said he called his lawyer to set up a meeting with the man, who threatened to write a screenplay and a book about Letterman unless he was given money. There were two subsequent meetings with the man, the last one resulting in the check being delivered.
He told the audience that he had to testify before a grand jury on Thursday.
"I was worried for myself, I was worried for my family," he said. "I felt menaced by this, and I had to tell them all of the creepy things that I had done."
"The creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show," he said. "My response to that is yes, I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Yes, it would, especially for the women."
I was thinking of making the title of this post "David Letterman is a slut" because when women are involved in scandals like this they're generally referred to that way, while men don't get the same treatment. It's not clear, though, how many women are involved or when these affairs happened. He's been with his wife since 1986, although they didn't marry until this past March. They had a son in 2003. Has this relationship been constant, or were there periods that they weren't together? Did he get involved with these employees during breaks in the relationship or did he just cheat?
Something that's weird is that he was targeted before, when a house painter who worked on his ranch in Montana was caught in a plot to kidnap Letterman's son and a nanny and hold them for ransom. Why can't this stuff happen to Jimmy Fallon?