Well, we buckled up and strapped in for 90 minutes of American Idol last night. No washing the dishes, walking the dog or flipping over to watch extended segments of the Michigan-Michigan State or Tennessee-Florida. Nope, just AI, full throttle.
Last night was Dedication Night, which can cause problems for the contestants. On the one hand, they get to make a nice little video before they sing, which enhances their appeal to the audience and is probably personally meaningful. On the downside, they usually choose a pretty corny song (with a few exceptions) to sing as a result, and most of them just are not talented or polished enough to bring it off. So, in order of appearance:
Philip Stacy: Missed the birth of his child for his initial audition and last night, with the perfect opportunity to make up for that, chooses instead to dedicate his song to his band (and was the only contestant to pick someone other than a family member or girlfriend). Probably not going to be invited to perform for Families First. Decent job on the song (John Waite's Missing You), but he moves on stage as if he is still wearing his double-starched Navy dress whites.
Status: Could be singing Anchors Aweigh next.
Jared Cotter: Did a fine job on Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On," an odd choice to dedicate to your parents, odder still when you consider that Gaye's father shot him to death. I wish I could find the black and white video of Marvin singing "Ain't That Peculiar" that I've seen on TV a few times. Very stylish and ahead of its time, I think. Instead, you'll have to make do with this version from the wonderfully named killmtv.tomorrowpictures.tv (fast forward through the ad at the beginning).
Status: Welcome back next week, Cotter.
A.J. Tabaldo: I know Feelings, Feelin' Alright, and Feelin' Groovy (okay the 59th Street Bridge Song, for you purists), but I don't know the song A.J. sang - Feelin' Good. Does it have anything to do with Applebee's Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood? Not terrible, but not much stage presence.
Status: Might be Feelin' Worse tomorrow night.
Sanjaya Malakar: This Michael Jackson thing has really gone too far. Last week it was Rock With You, this week the fedora and the ponytail. What do we get next week, the black and red leather from Bad or the aviator shades blue Sergeant Pepper jacket with epaulets? Emmanuel Lewis joining him onstage? He has a nice voice, but his confidence is pretty shot, a la Lisa Tucker last year. His choice of song (Steppin' Out With My Baby by Irving Berlin!) was very strange and his performance was modest, at best. Still, he will get the what I like to call the Ace Young votes from the teenyboppers, and he also benefits from the Yao Ming effect. What is the Yao Ming effect? Yao Ming is a very good basketball player from China who hlds the record for most NBA All-Star votes ever received in a single season, 2,558,278. China is the most populous nation in the world with about 1.3 billion inhabitants. India is second with about 1.1 billion. Sanjayah Malakar was born in the U.S. but is of Indian descent. Straight math, homie!
Status: Sayonara, Sanjaya? Not yet.
Chris Sligh: The grownups in our house like this guy, the kids, not so much. And the footage of his wife gave hope to every other songwriter who looks like an extra from Freak and Geeks as well. He sang Trouble, by Ray LaMontagne, a song that I did not know before Taylor Hicks sang it last year, but I enjoyed it then and again last night. If I buy this CD and like it, I will finally have to give credit to American Idol for providing something worthwhile to my life.
Status: Solid, in my book anyway.
Nick Pedro: The cool crooner does the 10,000th version of Fever. Okay, but nothing special and not very appealling to the kids today.
Status: Not enough votes for Pedro.
Blake Lewis: Another favorite of mine, Blake hip-hopped out of the box with Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" and added a little "beatscatting" in the middle. Simon called it "mostly unoriginal," and he may have a point, but it was good and different in a good way from all the other performances. I'd like to hear him do Ben Harper's Steal My Kisses. Don't know it? Here you go.
Status: Blake don't fake the funk.
Brandon Rogers: Nice, but unspectacular on Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time. Could have been worse, could have been Shebop or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun with a cameo from the immortal Captain Lou Albano. I'm getting a little tired of the judges saying he has to stop being a backup singer, except that they are right.
Status: Mr. Rogers may not be in the neighborhood much longer.
Chris Richardson: Very entertaining, if a bit boybandish, version of something called Geek in the Pink by someone named Jason Mraz. Chris is from the same part of Virginia as Elliott Yamin, and while he does not have Elliott's vocal, he is far, far more telegenic. And when he stands next to Ryan Seacreast, Ryan looks like a tiny person, which amuses me. Only thing he needs is a more interesting name.
Status: No dis for Chris, he can't miss.
Sundance Head: Honestly, I think Pontiac made a better Sundance. Okay, he wasn't that bad, but mostly I thought he was wailing more than singing Mustang Sally. I'd rather watch the guy in The Commitments sing this one. Still, the crowd liked it, the judges liked it and he will get a lot of "awwww" votes for the dedication to his newborn son.
Status: A Sundance Festival.
Okay, that's it, gotta go rest up for another hour and a half of mostly mediocre singing.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Yesterday's News
I know Monday is usually Poll Day, but the Pinewood took precedence in many ways the last week. Of course, I submitted my votes before Georgetown lost at Syracuse last night, so just pretend that didn't happen yet. Maryland gets the big boost to #2 from its win over Carolina and Virginia tumbles perhaps a bit too much for losing at Miami. Lots of wins in the top seven, too many losses in the bottom three. Other than George Mason, I think all of these teams have a shot at winning their conference championship, so watching some of the early conference tourney games should be fun this week. Here's where I have them.
1. Georgetown
John Thompson calls Karl Hobbs, asks to borrow the term “overachieving.”
2. Maryland
Terps making a bigger comeback than Jackie Earle Haley.
3. Virginia Tech
Seth Greenberg stuns college basketball world by announcing that he is openly metrosexual.
4. Old Dominion
They have won 11 in a row, they beat Georgetown at Georgetown, and they are still three spots behind the Hoyas. This is why dead people get elected to Congress in this country.
5. Virginia
Miami’s proximity to Puerto Rico causes Cavaliers to stumble.
6. VCU
24-6. Yeah, that’s about where I had them this year.
7. GW
Domain name firekarlhobbs.com becomes available in a two-for-one special with firegarywilliams.com.
8. Loyola
After the Greyhounds beat the Golden Griffins, Jimmy Patsos makes good on his promise to take them to the Golden Arches.
9. George Mason
About as much fun to watch as Perry Mason.
10. American
Loss to Bucknell in Patriot League semifinals seems almost as inevitable as an Oscar for Martin Scorsese.
Pinewood, Part Deux
Happy Monday, everybody! We had a little moisture fall from the sky yesterday and some of it was still on the ground this morning, but the brave school officials of Baltimore County threw caution to the winds and decided to go ahead and open the schools two hours late. And they say there are no heroes anymore.
So, which major event of the weekend should we start with today? GW's third straight win? Georgetown's 11th? Maryland's huge bubblicious upset of #5 North Carolina? No? How about the big score by Scorsese at the Oscars last night? No, I'm talking really big. That's right, I'm talking Pinewood Derby.
You may recall that about this time last year, I published a long ode to my odious achievements in this annual Cub Scout event. At my therapist's recommendation, I'll spare you all the excruciatingly painful details, but again yesterday, I found myself seated among some 200 6-12 year-old boys and parents, all of us awaiting the swift and relentless judgment of race day.
We again had two entries, my older son choosing a very original T-bone steak design (complete with a USDA Prime seal of approval) and the younger boy vying for the Most Patriotic Award with an American-flag themed rectangular prism. Several observers noted that it had the appearance of a flag-draped coffin, but since none of the other cars had yellow ribbons affixed to their bumpers, no political arguments erupted. Besides, this is not a day for division, it's a day for unity in pursuit of the checkered flag at the end of a 20-foot wooden track.
The boys and I had worked harder than ever on the cars this year. We also worked smarter. After the designs were selected and initial drawings completed, we visited a friend who possesses tools and skills, and he generously assisted them in cutting their cars to the designed shape. Several afterschool sanding and painting sessions later, we were ready for the weight and the wheels, the most crucial elements of peak Pinewood performance.
I consulted a few websites (pinewoodpro.com - "Increase your child's self-esteem! Here's how... Design a Winning Pinewood Derby Car!" and derbydominator.com - "I would say 'good luck' but, as you will see, luck has nothing to do with winning the pinewood derby"), and then leaned on another friend who knows all the speed tricks. I figured if I could do even half of what he told me, I'd be way ahead of last year. After yet another trip to the hobby shop - where they always smile when they see me walk in the door - I had five grades of sandpaper, a couple files and enough graphite to build new shafts for a Big Bertha driver and fairway woods. Six hours of work later, they weren't perfect, but I was pretty sure these cars would make it to the finish line, and maybe even faster than before.
The night before Race Day is sort of like a reverse Chirstmas Eve - I can't sleep, but it's not joyful anticipation. After church in the morning, another friend asks me about the legality of weights attached underneath the car. "Of course that's okay," I reply, but I am not sure, and panic sets in as I realize that the Flagmobile has about 1.5 ounces screwed into its undercarriage. Alternate plans swirl through my mind for the next hour until we arrive at the race site and find that we are well within the clearance limits. Whew!
The race scene is the same as always. Excitement, tension, and relief mix with the smell of steamed hot dogs and everywhere there are metallic gray smears of powdered graphite. We tinker with the Flagmobile, adding and removing tenths of ounces, until it hits exactly 5.0 on the official scale. Finally both cars are checked in and we can relax.
This is my favorite time of the day. We can do nothing more, we won't even be allowed to touch the cars until the races are over. At the same time, our record is unbesmirched and optimism prevails. I wander over to the stage and look over the other entries. There are several NASCAR facsimiles, the requisite Swiss cheese car with mouse atop, a Spiderman vehicle, a wedge of green-frosted birthday cake complete with a candle, a thin Mr. Goodbar, a thick, fatty slab of bacon, and a cellular phone displaying a picture of the owner's brother picking his nose. Sheer genius.
Flagmobile races first, and my first error rears its head. Apparently I mounted the weight toward the front of the car, against the experts' recommendations. Our four heats are decidedly unremarkable, and we finish somewhere in the middle of the pack. In a move toward a kinder, gentler Derby, there are awards for every car and my younger son marches to the stage to claim his Most Patriotic Car medal. I guess Best Unintentional Political Statement is not a category this year.
Steakmobile is up next, and the tension ratchets up a notch. My older son tends to be more rigid in his expectations, harder on himself and others in the event of failure. In Heat One, we clock in at 2.58 seconds, faster than any of last year's runs, but fourth out of four running. My son's accusatory reaction from five seats away is abrupt and a little louder than I care for. "You said it would race better this year. You liar!" Pointing out the incremental improvement doesn't seem to help much.
Heat Two is a lot better at 2.53, but unless you can post in under 2.5, you're not taking home a trophy. We are a very close second in Heat Three at 2.51. I am pleased enough with the performance that I can't remember Heat Four's time. I am also pleased that the Pack Leader has taken my recommendation from last year and does not display the complete standings on the big screen. The top three in each age group are announced and awarded, but nobody knows who finished fourth, or tenth, or dead last. I would guess that like his brother's, my older boy's car is in the middle, but nobody likes seeing his name at the bottom of the list, and I would know. Steakmobile wins the Most Imaginative medal, and suddenly, it's all over.
We watch the other age groups, and then the finals, and then the boys head over to some friends' house for the remainder of the day. I head home to start cleaning the kitchen counter that has been Derby Central for the last few days. Later I go to pick them up, and their friends' dad and I have a beer and watch the Terps' game. His sons are triplets, so he has to help get three cars built and then watch them compete against one another. He emphatically and quite convincingly describes Derby Day as the "most stressful day of my year."
This morning at breakfast, both of the boys want to know why our cars were "so slow." As an answer, I find one of the stopwatches Santa Claus left in their stocking this year.
"Your best time was 2.51 seconds," I say. "The winner's best time was about 2.45. That's a difference of six one-hundredths of a second." I click the start and stop button on the stopwatch as fast as I can, and after a few tries I can get it as low as 0.12 seconds. "That's pretty quick, isn't it?" I ask. When they nod, I remind them that it is twice as long as the margin of defeat. I can only hope the appreciate how close they really were.
So, which major event of the weekend should we start with today? GW's third straight win? Georgetown's 11th? Maryland's huge bubblicious upset of #5 North Carolina? No? How about the big score by Scorsese at the Oscars last night? No, I'm talking really big. That's right, I'm talking Pinewood Derby.
You may recall that about this time last year, I published a long ode to my odious achievements in this annual Cub Scout event. At my therapist's recommendation, I'll spare you all the excruciatingly painful details, but again yesterday, I found myself seated among some 200 6-12 year-old boys and parents, all of us awaiting the swift and relentless judgment of race day.
We again had two entries, my older son choosing a very original T-bone steak design (complete with a USDA Prime seal of approval) and the younger boy vying for the Most Patriotic Award with an American-flag themed rectangular prism. Several observers noted that it had the appearance of a flag-draped coffin, but since none of the other cars had yellow ribbons affixed to their bumpers, no political arguments erupted. Besides, this is not a day for division, it's a day for unity in pursuit of the checkered flag at the end of a 20-foot wooden track.
The boys and I had worked harder than ever on the cars this year. We also worked smarter. After the designs were selected and initial drawings completed, we visited a friend who possesses tools and skills, and he generously assisted them in cutting their cars to the designed shape. Several afterschool sanding and painting sessions later, we were ready for the weight and the wheels, the most crucial elements of peak Pinewood performance.
I consulted a few websites (pinewoodpro.com - "Increase your child's self-esteem! Here's how... Design a Winning Pinewood Derby Car!" and derbydominator.com - "I would say 'good luck' but, as you will see, luck has nothing to do with winning the pinewood derby"), and then leaned on another friend who knows all the speed tricks. I figured if I could do even half of what he told me, I'd be way ahead of last year. After yet another trip to the hobby shop - where they always smile when they see me walk in the door - I had five grades of sandpaper, a couple files and enough graphite to build new shafts for a Big Bertha driver and fairway woods. Six hours of work later, they weren't perfect, but I was pretty sure these cars would make it to the finish line, and maybe even faster than before.
The night before Race Day is sort of like a reverse Chirstmas Eve - I can't sleep, but it's not joyful anticipation. After church in the morning, another friend asks me about the legality of weights attached underneath the car. "Of course that's okay," I reply, but I am not sure, and panic sets in as I realize that the Flagmobile has about 1.5 ounces screwed into its undercarriage. Alternate plans swirl through my mind for the next hour until we arrive at the race site and find that we are well within the clearance limits. Whew!
The race scene is the same as always. Excitement, tension, and relief mix with the smell of steamed hot dogs and everywhere there are metallic gray smears of powdered graphite. We tinker with the Flagmobile, adding and removing tenths of ounces, until it hits exactly 5.0 on the official scale. Finally both cars are checked in and we can relax.
This is my favorite time of the day. We can do nothing more, we won't even be allowed to touch the cars until the races are over. At the same time, our record is unbesmirched and optimism prevails. I wander over to the stage and look over the other entries. There are several NASCAR facsimiles, the requisite Swiss cheese car with mouse atop, a Spiderman vehicle, a wedge of green-frosted birthday cake complete with a candle, a thin Mr. Goodbar, a thick, fatty slab of bacon, and a cellular phone displaying a picture of the owner's brother picking his nose. Sheer genius.
Flagmobile races first, and my first error rears its head. Apparently I mounted the weight toward the front of the car, against the experts' recommendations. Our four heats are decidedly unremarkable, and we finish somewhere in the middle of the pack. In a move toward a kinder, gentler Derby, there are awards for every car and my younger son marches to the stage to claim his Most Patriotic Car medal. I guess Best Unintentional Political Statement is not a category this year.
Steakmobile is up next, and the tension ratchets up a notch. My older son tends to be more rigid in his expectations, harder on himself and others in the event of failure. In Heat One, we clock in at 2.58 seconds, faster than any of last year's runs, but fourth out of four running. My son's accusatory reaction from five seats away is abrupt and a little louder than I care for. "You said it would race better this year. You liar!" Pointing out the incremental improvement doesn't seem to help much.
Heat Two is a lot better at 2.53, but unless you can post in under 2.5, you're not taking home a trophy. We are a very close second in Heat Three at 2.51. I am pleased enough with the performance that I can't remember Heat Four's time. I am also pleased that the Pack Leader has taken my recommendation from last year and does not display the complete standings on the big screen. The top three in each age group are announced and awarded, but nobody knows who finished fourth, or tenth, or dead last. I would guess that like his brother's, my older boy's car is in the middle, but nobody likes seeing his name at the bottom of the list, and I would know. Steakmobile wins the Most Imaginative medal, and suddenly, it's all over.
We watch the other age groups, and then the finals, and then the boys head over to some friends' house for the remainder of the day. I head home to start cleaning the kitchen counter that has been Derby Central for the last few days. Later I go to pick them up, and their friends' dad and I have a beer and watch the Terps' game. His sons are triplets, so he has to help get three cars built and then watch them compete against one another. He emphatically and quite convincingly describes Derby Day as the "most stressful day of my year."
This morning at breakfast, both of the boys want to know why our cars were "so slow." As an answer, I find one of the stopwatches Santa Claus left in their stocking this year.
"Your best time was 2.51 seconds," I say. "The winner's best time was about 2.45. That's a difference of six one-hundredths of a second." I click the start and stop button on the stopwatch as fast as I can, and after a few tries I can get it as low as 0.12 seconds. "That's pretty quick, isn't it?" I ask. When they nod, I remind them that it is twice as long as the margin of defeat. I can only hope the appreciate how close they really were.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Oscardamus
Okay, as promised, let's take a look at the Academy Awards, which will be televised beginning Sunday night at 8:00 and ending sometime after the tulips bloom around my mailbox (it's 30 degrees with 45 mph gusts of wind today, but somehow, some way, the schools opened on time. Such courage in the face of adversity). But first, please bear with me as I dispose of a few obligatory cheap shots to clear my head. I read where Oscars host Ellen DeGeneres said she will be wearing a variety of tuxedoes during the show; what are the chances that one of them will be a NASA jumpsuit with a diaper on the outside? What's the over-under on how many times Britney Spears checks in and out of rehab during the broadcast? Finally, will there be a special tribute to Anna Nicole Smith? No? You mean to tell me that Academy will ignore the decidedly brief but indisputably searing genius of her performances in Skyscraper, To the Limit and the Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult? Okay, seriously, when they show the pictures and video of all the stars who died in the last year, will she be included, and if so, how will the crowd react? To me, this is much more suspenseful than any of the awards. Honestly, I don't think that DeGeneres would have made any jokes about her, but the judge in the matter of Anna Nicole's burial will prove to be too irresistible a target to pass up.
So what about the movies? Once again, just like last year, I only saw one of them (not counting the nominees in the best animated feature; I saw two of those in the theater with my kids). Last year, it was Crash, which won Best Picture; this year, it was Little Miss Sunshine, which I reviewed recently. Crash offered a very entertaining treatment of the "disparate narratives intricately woven together by the end" formula while LMS spun an offbeat remix of the "roadtrip begets life lessons" recipe. I liked it, but how can I so easily dismiss the other nominees? Just watch me.
Babel is a sort of Crash gone international, with its showy multiple languages and exotic locations and its high and mighty Biblical title. But just as National Lampoon's European Vacation didn't quite capture the magic of the domestic Vacation, Babel will fall short of the Oscar. I do think we will hear several different pronunciations of the title (babble, bayble, bab-EL) and numerous phrases of foreign languages in acceptance speeches delivered pretentiously by non-native speakers who win other awards for this film. And any day now I expect to see a YouTube mashup of this movie with some Anthony Perkins footage called Psychobabel
The Queen squeezed into the nominations after the Academy loosened the requirements of the Mandatory Biopic Rule (see Ray, Capote, A Beautiful Mind, etc), and because Rocky Balboa was released too late for consideration, but I think the title confused the voters because the movie is, in fact, about a queen. Much too literal. Voters prefer a title like Half Nelson or The Last King of Scotland, something that confuses them so they can spend hours speculating about its "real" meaning. Letters from Iwo Jima is actually a mistaken nomination. In a hurry to fulfill its contractual obligation to put a Clint Eastwood movie on the ballot, the nominating committee wrote down "that Iwo Jima movie" and got this one instead of Flags of Our Fathers. And I'll go along with most of the experts, who are saying that the violence at the end of The Departed will be too much for the Academy to tolerate, but they will make it up to Scorsese by finally giving him a Best Director Oscar.
Scorsese is a pretty easy call because Eastwood has gotten more than his just due, Paul Greengrass (United 93) and Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) are first time nominees, and Stephen Frears (The Queen) is ready to be anointed the Best Director never to have won an Oscar (Dirty Pretty Things, Mrs. Henderson Presents, High Fidelity, The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons, My Beautiful Laundrette - this guy is good and has been for a long time).
Okay, Best Actor. Tough, tough call. Sentimental pick for eight-time bridesmaid Peter O'Toole or the equally gifted tour de force that is Forest Whitaker? O'Toole was a riot in a recent Daily Show appearance even as he seemed to have no idea where he was, and I vividly remember every performance I have seen from Whitaker, going back to The Color of Money ("I never made that shot in my life!"), the Crying Game (there's another part of that movie I also vividly remember, no matter how hard I try to forget it), and of course, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (by the way, the answer to yesterday's trivia question is Sean Penn, duh, and Nicolas Cage, credited as Nicolas Coppola). Ryan Gosling needs to grow up into Ryan Goose before he gets serious consideration, Leonardo DiCaprio's two previous nominations wilt against O'Toole's slate and ditto for Will Smith's one. I'll say the Academy stays sentimental here and gives the award to O'Toole, whose acceptance speech will be hilariously profane but unbleeped by censors because it will also be largely unintelligible.
Best Actress? Wow, talk about your heavyweight catfight slugfest! Twenty nine total previous nominations with Meryl Streep contributing the lion's share of 14. Throw in three Brits (and what was wrong with Maggie Smith in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?) and the hotter than habanero Penelope Cruz, and now you've got an international coalition we can all really get behind. Toss out Streep because this was more of a comedic role (and lets face it, she's no Marisa Tomei), Cruz because it's her first nomination, and Judi Dench because she won already for playing the Queen of England in Shakespeare in Love. That leaves Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet. Umm, I have an irrational hatred of Titanic (sort of a chicken-egg situation involving Celine Dion), so it looks like it's Mirren.
Okay, doggedly pressing onward to the finish. Best Supporting Actor. Marky Mark Wahlberg? Only if he agrees to accept the award after performing live in a reunion with the Funky Bunch. Eddie Murphy? Only if he agrees to sing Party All the Time in his acceptance speech. Djimon Hounsou? I think it's more likely that the Academy would reward industry veteran Pokemon first. Jackie Earle Haley? 27 years after Breaking Away and 31 after Bad News Bears, and a 13-year hiatus that included jobs as a limousine driver, furniture refinisher, security officer and pizza deliverer, I would love to see this happen. But I think this one goes to Alan Arkin because why wouldn't you vote for a heroin-addicted, porn-reading grandfather who teaches his preteen granddaughter a striptease routine for her beauty competition? (Oops, I think I gave away some plot there) This one is something of a lifetime achievement award as well. If you don't know why, it's worth your time to go rent The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming, Wait Until Dark, Catch-22, The In-Laws, and Glengarry Glen Ross. This guy has gotten it done.
Finally, Best Supporting Actress. Again this year, several actresses I have never heard of. Rinko Kikuchi? Sorry, I am better acquainted with the work of Officer Andy Renko of the Hill Street Precinct. Adriana Barraza? A quick Google Images search (best conducted with at least Moderate SafeSearch levels) reveals that she's no Adrienne Barbeau. Abigail Breslin? Liked the movie, loved her performance, but if she wins, she'll do that screaming thing and then probably thank her lawyers like Halle Berry, so, no. Cate Blanchett? She just won for The Aviator two years ago, who does she think she is, Tom Hanks? So that leaves Jennifer Hudson, in the Dreamgirls role I thought would go to last year's American Idol contestant, Mandisa. Somewhere Jennifer Holliday is weeping.
If it clocks in at less than four hours, that will still be less time than American Idol was on this week. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. And to give credit where it is due, the title of today's post comes from the commenter occasionally known as Andrew from Mandrew. Have a nice weekend.
So what about the movies? Once again, just like last year, I only saw one of them (not counting the nominees in the best animated feature; I saw two of those in the theater with my kids). Last year, it was Crash, which won Best Picture; this year, it was Little Miss Sunshine, which I reviewed recently. Crash offered a very entertaining treatment of the "disparate narratives intricately woven together by the end" formula while LMS spun an offbeat remix of the "roadtrip begets life lessons" recipe. I liked it, but how can I so easily dismiss the other nominees? Just watch me.
Babel is a sort of Crash gone international, with its showy multiple languages and exotic locations and its high and mighty Biblical title. But just as National Lampoon's European Vacation didn't quite capture the magic of the domestic Vacation, Babel will fall short of the Oscar. I do think we will hear several different pronunciations of the title (babble, bayble, bab-EL) and numerous phrases of foreign languages in acceptance speeches delivered pretentiously by non-native speakers who win other awards for this film. And any day now I expect to see a YouTube mashup of this movie with some Anthony Perkins footage called Psychobabel
The Queen squeezed into the nominations after the Academy loosened the requirements of the Mandatory Biopic Rule (see Ray, Capote, A Beautiful Mind, etc), and because Rocky Balboa was released too late for consideration, but I think the title confused the voters because the movie is, in fact, about a queen. Much too literal. Voters prefer a title like Half Nelson or The Last King of Scotland, something that confuses them so they can spend hours speculating about its "real" meaning. Letters from Iwo Jima is actually a mistaken nomination. In a hurry to fulfill its contractual obligation to put a Clint Eastwood movie on the ballot, the nominating committee wrote down "that Iwo Jima movie" and got this one instead of Flags of Our Fathers. And I'll go along with most of the experts, who are saying that the violence at the end of The Departed will be too much for the Academy to tolerate, but they will make it up to Scorsese by finally giving him a Best Director Oscar.
Scorsese is a pretty easy call because Eastwood has gotten more than his just due, Paul Greengrass (United 93) and Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel) are first time nominees, and Stephen Frears (The Queen) is ready to be anointed the Best Director never to have won an Oscar (Dirty Pretty Things, Mrs. Henderson Presents, High Fidelity, The Grifters, Dangerous Liaisons, My Beautiful Laundrette - this guy is good and has been for a long time).
Okay, Best Actor. Tough, tough call. Sentimental pick for eight-time bridesmaid Peter O'Toole or the equally gifted tour de force that is Forest Whitaker? O'Toole was a riot in a recent Daily Show appearance even as he seemed to have no idea where he was, and I vividly remember every performance I have seen from Whitaker, going back to The Color of Money ("I never made that shot in my life!"), the Crying Game (there's another part of that movie I also vividly remember, no matter how hard I try to forget it), and of course, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (by the way, the answer to yesterday's trivia question is Sean Penn, duh, and Nicolas Cage, credited as Nicolas Coppola). Ryan Gosling needs to grow up into Ryan Goose before he gets serious consideration, Leonardo DiCaprio's two previous nominations wilt against O'Toole's slate and ditto for Will Smith's one. I'll say the Academy stays sentimental here and gives the award to O'Toole, whose acceptance speech will be hilariously profane but unbleeped by censors because it will also be largely unintelligible.
Best Actress? Wow, talk about your heavyweight catfight slugfest! Twenty nine total previous nominations with Meryl Streep contributing the lion's share of 14. Throw in three Brits (and what was wrong with Maggie Smith in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?) and the hotter than habanero Penelope Cruz, and now you've got an international coalition we can all really get behind. Toss out Streep because this was more of a comedic role (and lets face it, she's no Marisa Tomei), Cruz because it's her first nomination, and Judi Dench because she won already for playing the Queen of England in Shakespeare in Love. That leaves Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet. Umm, I have an irrational hatred of Titanic (sort of a chicken-egg situation involving Celine Dion), so it looks like it's Mirren.
Okay, doggedly pressing onward to the finish. Best Supporting Actor. Marky Mark Wahlberg? Only if he agrees to accept the award after performing live in a reunion with the Funky Bunch. Eddie Murphy? Only if he agrees to sing Party All the Time in his acceptance speech. Djimon Hounsou? I think it's more likely that the Academy would reward industry veteran Pokemon first. Jackie Earle Haley? 27 years after Breaking Away and 31 after Bad News Bears, and a 13-year hiatus that included jobs as a limousine driver, furniture refinisher, security officer and pizza deliverer, I would love to see this happen. But I think this one goes to Alan Arkin because why wouldn't you vote for a heroin-addicted, porn-reading grandfather who teaches his preteen granddaughter a striptease routine for her beauty competition? (Oops, I think I gave away some plot there) This one is something of a lifetime achievement award as well. If you don't know why, it's worth your time to go rent The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming, Wait Until Dark, Catch-22, The In-Laws, and Glengarry Glen Ross. This guy has gotten it done.
Finally, Best Supporting Actress. Again this year, several actresses I have never heard of. Rinko Kikuchi? Sorry, I am better acquainted with the work of Officer Andy Renko of the Hill Street Precinct. Adriana Barraza? A quick Google Images search (best conducted with at least Moderate SafeSearch levels) reveals that she's no Adrienne Barbeau. Abigail Breslin? Liked the movie, loved her performance, but if she wins, she'll do that screaming thing and then probably thank her lawyers like Halle Berry, so, no. Cate Blanchett? She just won for The Aviator two years ago, who does she think she is, Tom Hanks? So that leaves Jennifer Hudson, in the Dreamgirls role I thought would go to last year's American Idol contestant, Mandisa. Somewhere Jennifer Holliday is weeping.
If it clocks in at less than four hours, that will still be less time than American Idol was on this week. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. And to give credit where it is due, the title of today's post comes from the commenter occasionally known as Andrew from Mandrew. Have a nice weekend.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Little Song, A Little Big Dance
Alright, what did I say we were going to do today? Oscars, AI, and NCAA Tournament. Okay, here we go, in reverse order.
College Basketball
Pinewood Joe (see below) wants to know if Maryland will get into the Tournament this year. Well, it's certainly easier to say yes after the win over Florida State last night, but they still have to finish well. The Terps are now 21-7, 7-6 in the ACC, with games remaining at Duke, and home against UNC and NC State. If they only win the NC State game, they'll need at least one win in the ACC Tourney to make sure. In that scenario, they would still be only 6-4 over their last 10 with their best road wins this year being at Illinois and Clemson, neither of whom is a lock to get in either.
Before the ACC fans start to bluster about how strong the conference is, let's take a look at the Illini: 20-9, tied for fourth with an 8-6 mark in the Big 10 (home of #1 Ohio State and #2 Wisconsin). Yes, they lost at Xavier, but they didn't let anyone as bad as Miiami beat them at home, and they have won five of their last six, just like Maryland. Illinois also lost at Arizona, who is 17-9 and sixth in the Pac-10 but had an out of conference schedule that also included UNC, Louisville, UNLV, Virginia and Memphis.
Or how about Notre Dame, which gave Maryland its first loss of the season? The Big East has five teams in the Top 25, including West Virginia, currently in seventh place in the conference standings. The Fighting Irish are tied for fourth with a 9-5 league record, 21-6 overall, with a loss at lowly South Florida but wins at Georgetown and at home against #5 Alabama.
The point is, you can't take five or six teams from all the big conferences. The Mountain West has three teams with 21 or more wins and the CAA has four teams with 20, and after George Mason's run to the Final Four, you cannot discount the lesser conferences so easily and limit them to only one bid.
If that sounds complicated, that's the point. Maryland is in pretty good shape, but they still need to win some games in the next two weeks .
Idol
Okay switching over to American Idol. For once,and hopefully this is the only time this will ever happen, I agree with Ryan Seacrest, who told us on Tuesday night, "If five hours of American Idol this week isn't enough for you, perhaps you should seek professional help." I have only caught bits and pieces, so I'm not ready to handicap or predict who will be sent packing tonight, but I do have one observation/question? Who is helping these people choose the songs? Knights in White Satin is a great tune if you have the backing of a full symphony orchestra and a gospel choir and even better if the audience is in the 50+ age demographic, but of all the songs you could pick .... And it's not as if that was an aberration. Last night, one of the girls sang Eric Carmen's All By Myself, which I hadn't heard in at least 30 years, and the only reason I remember it is because there was a girl in our neighborhood who used to cry every time she heard it. I cry also, but I think for different reasons. I learned today that Celine Dion has also performed this song recently, just another reason to hate it. Like I said, I haven't seen everyone, but my favorites so far are Lakisha, Chris Sligh and the Beat Box guy. If he hangs around a few more weeks, maybe I will learn his name.
Oscars
With any luck, I'll have a full preview tomorrow before noon but for now, here's a little Oscar trivia for you, courtesy of my new friend Kevin: If Forest Whitaker wins for his performance in The Last King of Scotland, he will be the third member of the cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High to receive a Best Actor or Actress Award. Who are the other two? The Godfather has four (Brando, Duvall, Keaton, Pacino), so one could argue that Fast Times is nearly its cinematic equal. One could, but one wouldn't.
College Basketball
Pinewood Joe (see below) wants to know if Maryland will get into the Tournament this year. Well, it's certainly easier to say yes after the win over Florida State last night, but they still have to finish well. The Terps are now 21-7, 7-6 in the ACC, with games remaining at Duke, and home against UNC and NC State. If they only win the NC State game, they'll need at least one win in the ACC Tourney to make sure. In that scenario, they would still be only 6-4 over their last 10 with their best road wins this year being at Illinois and Clemson, neither of whom is a lock to get in either.
Before the ACC fans start to bluster about how strong the conference is, let's take a look at the Illini: 20-9, tied for fourth with an 8-6 mark in the Big 10 (home of #1 Ohio State and #2 Wisconsin). Yes, they lost at Xavier, but they didn't let anyone as bad as Miiami beat them at home, and they have won five of their last six, just like Maryland. Illinois also lost at Arizona, who is 17-9 and sixth in the Pac-10 but had an out of conference schedule that also included UNC, Louisville, UNLV, Virginia and Memphis.
Or how about Notre Dame, which gave Maryland its first loss of the season? The Big East has five teams in the Top 25, including West Virginia, currently in seventh place in the conference standings. The Fighting Irish are tied for fourth with a 9-5 league record, 21-6 overall, with a loss at lowly South Florida but wins at Georgetown and at home against #5 Alabama.
The point is, you can't take five or six teams from all the big conferences. The Mountain West has three teams with 21 or more wins and the CAA has four teams with 20, and after George Mason's run to the Final Four, you cannot discount the lesser conferences so easily and limit them to only one bid.
If that sounds complicated, that's the point. Maryland is in pretty good shape, but they still need to win some games in the next two weeks .
Idol
Okay switching over to American Idol. For once,and hopefully this is the only time this will ever happen, I agree with Ryan Seacrest, who told us on Tuesday night, "If five hours of American Idol this week isn't enough for you, perhaps you should seek professional help." I have only caught bits and pieces, so I'm not ready to handicap or predict who will be sent packing tonight, but I do have one observation/question? Who is helping these people choose the songs? Knights in White Satin is a great tune if you have the backing of a full symphony orchestra and a gospel choir and even better if the audience is in the 50+ age demographic, but of all the songs you could pick .... And it's not as if that was an aberration. Last night, one of the girls sang Eric Carmen's All By Myself, which I hadn't heard in at least 30 years, and the only reason I remember it is because there was a girl in our neighborhood who used to cry every time she heard it. I cry also, but I think for different reasons. I learned today that Celine Dion has also performed this song recently, just another reason to hate it. Like I said, I haven't seen everyone, but my favorites so far are Lakisha, Chris Sligh and the Beat Box guy. If he hangs around a few more weeks, maybe I will learn his name.
Oscars
With any luck, I'll have a full preview tomorrow before noon but for now, here's a little Oscar trivia for you, courtesy of my new friend Kevin: If Forest Whitaker wins for his performance in The Last King of Scotland, he will be the third member of the cast of Fast Times at Ridgemont High to receive a Best Actor or Actress Award. Who are the other two? The Godfather has four (Brando, Duvall, Keaton, Pacino), so one could argue that Fast Times is nearly its cinematic equal. One could, but one wouldn't.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The Return of the TK
Snow days, ice days, school delays, federal holidays, I'm in a daze. Seriously, I am more confused than an NCAA bubble team today. I am looking outside. It's sunny and 50 degrees, but this morning, the schools opened one hour late. It was a little chilly and foggy when I was out early, but they went on time yesterday. To quote Tom Hanks in "Big", "I don't get it."
Okay, now that I have gotten that out of my system, let's turn to a significant and mildly disturbing event in my life (no, not my 40th birthday). Tuesday morning, Tony Kornheiser returned to the air at 8:30 on Washington Post Radio with a two-hour show immediately rebroadcast at 10:30. If you read this blog regularly or just glance at the subtitle, you know that this is a big deal to me, a reason to rejoice, but why is it disturbing?
Well, first, there is a slight format change. Washington Post Radio is not an all-sports station, so the show's format of sports, entertainment news, and whatever happens to be on Mr. Tony's mind fits a little more comfortably than it did at SportsTalk 980 and ESPN Radio, his two previous homes. Better fit = better show, right? No, not necessarily. Part of the show's charm was TK's outsider status, his stance that there were more interesting and important things to talk about than the Redskins' historical success with fourth-round picks or the RPI or the tire pressure in a NASCAR race. This was heresy in that world and was never illustrated better than when "serious" sports media personalities criticized ESPN for hiring TK for Monday Night Football.
There is still plenty of sports. The first two guests were Michael Wilbon and Bob Ryan, and John Feinstein is scheduled for tomorrow. But, now, Mr. Tony can veer off topic into a discussion about the crazy astronaut lady, Britney Spears or his dog, and nobody bats an eye. It's a fine point, I guess, but the flavor has been altered Not like Coke going to New Coke, more like the difference between the original Coke vs. Coca Cola Classic (remember, this is an obsession for me).
The new show also has a changed cast of characters. Sports guy Andy Pollin is still at his old station and Gary Bigtime Braun, who was a hilarious TK foil, has another job also. Instead, for sidekicks we get movie critic Joe Barber and Jeannie McManus, aka My Friend Nancy, who was one of Mr. Tony's editors at the Washington Post. Jeannie is fine, I guess, but it's not the the same as Gary, who was always willing to make the cheap, sexist joke. She seems to be more of a voice of reason when what you really want is someone who will nudge Mr. Tony over the edge into a full ranting rage, as Gary so often did. And Joe Barber was okay once a week on movies, but now he seems to be trying too hard, and he must get rid of that cackle. I don't know about you, but I cannot listen to a chucklefest. Nigel is back, which is fine, but he is good as an occasional touch, like a nice balsamic vinegar.
So, these are minor points and I should be able to adjust, but one of the signatures of the Mr. Tony show, and of most talk radio, is his feuding with those who have tread on his tremendously paranoid, large and fragile ego. One of his current targets would appear to be none other than Big Stein, my boy Dan Steinberg, whose work I have come to enjoy and, if I may say so, have contributed to with the local hoops poll. Now I really don't want to have to choose (why should I?), but this thing could get ugly.
For instance, yesterday, Big Stein had an item about Chicago sportswriter Sam Smith and his disrespect for bloggers, portraying them as illegitimate facsimiles of "real" journalists, like himself. The article goes on to show that in his colum this week, Smith cited two items first reported by bloggers. Not much love for Mr. Smith in the comments section, let me assure you. And who was a guest on Mr Tony's show today? None other than TK's good friend, Sam Smith.
Now, sometimes Mr. Tony's animosity is just a pose, as with his fellow WP columnist Mike Wise, but I think this could be a little more serious for him. Although Big Stein said nice things about Nigel this week. Anyway, who knows?
And, yes, "Bill in Phoenix, Maryland" sent an email that did not get read today, another strike against Mr Tony.
Now that you've had that little peek into my head, I'll try not to bring it up again. Tomorrow: Oscars, Idol and the NCAA Tournament
Okay, now that I have gotten that out of my system, let's turn to a significant and mildly disturbing event in my life (no, not my 40th birthday). Tuesday morning, Tony Kornheiser returned to the air at 8:30 on Washington Post Radio with a two-hour show immediately rebroadcast at 10:30. If you read this blog regularly or just glance at the subtitle, you know that this is a big deal to me, a reason to rejoice, but why is it disturbing?
Well, first, there is a slight format change. Washington Post Radio is not an all-sports station, so the show's format of sports, entertainment news, and whatever happens to be on Mr. Tony's mind fits a little more comfortably than it did at SportsTalk 980 and ESPN Radio, his two previous homes. Better fit = better show, right? No, not necessarily. Part of the show's charm was TK's outsider status, his stance that there were more interesting and important things to talk about than the Redskins' historical success with fourth-round picks or the RPI or the tire pressure in a NASCAR race. This was heresy in that world and was never illustrated better than when "serious" sports media personalities criticized ESPN for hiring TK for Monday Night Football.
There is still plenty of sports. The first two guests were Michael Wilbon and Bob Ryan, and John Feinstein is scheduled for tomorrow. But, now, Mr. Tony can veer off topic into a discussion about the crazy astronaut lady, Britney Spears or his dog, and nobody bats an eye. It's a fine point, I guess, but the flavor has been altered Not like Coke going to New Coke, more like the difference between the original Coke vs. Coca Cola Classic (remember, this is an obsession for me).
The new show also has a changed cast of characters. Sports guy Andy Pollin is still at his old station and Gary Bigtime Braun, who was a hilarious TK foil, has another job also. Instead, for sidekicks we get movie critic Joe Barber and Jeannie McManus, aka My Friend Nancy, who was one of Mr. Tony's editors at the Washington Post. Jeannie is fine, I guess, but it's not the the same as Gary, who was always willing to make the cheap, sexist joke. She seems to be more of a voice of reason when what you really want is someone who will nudge Mr. Tony over the edge into a full ranting rage, as Gary so often did. And Joe Barber was okay once a week on movies, but now he seems to be trying too hard, and he must get rid of that cackle. I don't know about you, but I cannot listen to a chucklefest. Nigel is back, which is fine, but he is good as an occasional touch, like a nice balsamic vinegar.
So, these are minor points and I should be able to adjust, but one of the signatures of the Mr. Tony show, and of most talk radio, is his feuding with those who have tread on his tremendously paranoid, large and fragile ego. One of his current targets would appear to be none other than Big Stein, my boy Dan Steinberg, whose work I have come to enjoy and, if I may say so, have contributed to with the local hoops poll. Now I really don't want to have to choose (why should I?), but this thing could get ugly.
For instance, yesterday, Big Stein had an item about Chicago sportswriter Sam Smith and his disrespect for bloggers, portraying them as illegitimate facsimiles of "real" journalists, like himself. The article goes on to show that in his colum this week, Smith cited two items first reported by bloggers. Not much love for Mr. Smith in the comments section, let me assure you. And who was a guest on Mr Tony's show today? None other than TK's good friend, Sam Smith.
Now, sometimes Mr. Tony's animosity is just a pose, as with his fellow WP columnist Mike Wise, but I think this could be a little more serious for him. Although Big Stein said nice things about Nigel this week. Anyway, who knows?
And, yes, "Bill in Phoenix, Maryland" sent an email that did not get read today, another strike against Mr Tony.
Now that you've had that little peek into my head, I'll try not to bring it up again. Tomorrow: Oscars, Idol and the NCAA Tournament
Monday, February 12, 2007
The Poll Must Go On
What a lousy sports weekend. After a week to prepare, GW gets crushed at home by Xavier. Ditto for the Wizards against Portland, but at least they can blame Jamison's injury. And the Pro Bowl was "played." Look for the NFl to boost ratings by adding a "Pros vs. Joes" angle next year, like the Grammys with Justin Timberlake last night. (No, I didn't watch the show, but here's what I thought of last year). So, it's Monday, and the Poll never sleeps, unless it drank way too much sangria the night before, but that, my friends, that is a different post, hopefully to come later in the day.
So, Georgetown stays on a roll and stays on top, upsetting Marquette for its seventh straight win. Virginia Tech dumps 12 feet of New York style blizzard on UVA's hot streak, and VCU's air of invulnerability dissipates like, well, air. Maryland's NCAA hopes are upgraded from critical to serious, and Old Dominion looks like it could give the selection committee another CAA headache this March. GW "foggy" bottoms out, and is very close to joining the also-rans at the bottom of the poll.
So, Georgetown stays on a roll and stays on top, upsetting Marquette for its seventh straight win. Virginia Tech dumps 12 feet of New York style blizzard on UVA's hot streak, and VCU's air of invulnerability dissipates like, well, air. Maryland's NCAA hopes are upgraded from critical to serious, and Old Dominion looks like it could give the selection committee another CAA headache this March. GW "foggy" bottoms out, and is very close to joining the also-rans at the bottom of the poll.
1. Georgetown
Hoyas dismantle Marquette, located in Milwaukee, pronounced "mill-e-wah-que" which is Algonquin for "the good land."
2. Virginia Tech
A.D. Vassallo outscores J.R. Reynolds 22-21 in Tech’s win over UVA, sets sights on B.A Walker for Bog Poll “Initials for Name” Top Scorer honors.
3. Virginia
Cavaliers’ 57 points against Virginia Tech their lowest total of the year, but only two fewer than they scored against Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
4. VCU
Team distracted by possibility that Anthony Grant could be the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter.
5. Maryland
Terps hand Duke their fourth straight loss. Cameron Crazies download couch-burning how-to’s from terptalk.com.
6. Old Dominion
Old Dominion suddenly more fun than King’s Dominion.
7. GW
Xavier shows GW the meaning of strict Jesuit discipline.
8. William and Mary
The Number 8 spot is traditionally reserved for the third-best CAA team in the Bog Poll.
9. Loyola
Greyhounds lose to Fairfield twice in one week, thereby placing themselves on Bog Poll double-secret probation.
10. George Mason
Patriots clinging to the Number 10 spot like Wile E. Coyote clinging to a tree branch on the side of a cliff.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Friday FitzFix
Man, it's Friday afternoon already, and I got nuthin'.
Let's see ... I applied for a passport this morning. It was pretty painless. Expensive, but painless. Just went to a local post office with an application I had downloaded from a government website, showed my driver's license and birth certificate, and was in and out in less than 10 minutes. They even had a camera to take your picture. I was all set to write about waiting in line and the quirky characters there, but nope, nothing but polite, expeditious service. If I were a radio talk-show host, now I would begin to talk about how this is too easy for the terrorists, but, hey, I just appreciate the convenience.
What else ... Hannibal Rising is out this weekend, and I have no desire to see it. Some 15 years ago, I read Red Dragon cover to cover in an obsessive frenzy (the Doc has never let me forget how I even read while she drove us somewhere, not a long trip either). This might have been after I saw Silence of the Lambs, and I remember thinking, "If this stuff really happens, then the world is a sick place, but if it doesn't, then whoever thought it up is really twisted." Naturally, I also read that book in short order, but the whole franchise went south when Thomas Harris wrote the sequel, Hannibal. I was eager to read Hannibal, but unlike the first two, finishing it became a chore, not a pleasure. And the movie was even worse. Ridley Scott obviously has his gifts, but his only defense of this one is that he was handcuffed by a ponderous script. An review of Hannibal Rising in the New Yorker last fall succinctly covered this declension. And, yes, I am one of those snobs who prefers Michael Mann's Manhunter to Brett Ratner's Red Dragon, both of which take inspiration from the same source. I guess Harris has had a hard time letting go of Lecter, who has been his meal ticket (insert rimshot) but it might be time to go in another direction.
Anna Nicole Smith? Sorry, no. Pass. At least I will try to.
Oswego County, New York, is digging out from the nearly eight feet of snow that has fallen since Sunday and could get another four feet this weekend. And, according to the Dallas Morning News, most of the schools were in session on Wednesday. (Did you hear that, Baltimore County, Maryland, school officials who decided to close schools this week because there was less than two inches of accumulation? And thanks for dumping enough salt at the end of my driveway to brine an elephant.)
Blogging soundtrack for most of the week has been The Replacements' Don't You Know Who I Think I Was. Very enjoyable and lots of related youtube video to unearth, including a hilarious (to me) clip of Paul Westerberg singing Roadhouse Blues, lying flat on his back, hidden from the camera behind monitor speakers, as smoke from his cigarette drifts upward. I am not going to even try to say that I was cool enough to like The Replacements when they were big (and all still alive). I knew them from Say Anything, and a friend of mine included some Paul Westerberg on a mix tape he gave me, but for those of us who will be turning 40 soon (unlike Anna Nicole. See? I knew I couldn't do it), this music takes you back to earnest youthful angst and anger, the halcyon nights of Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Fortunately, I guess, the schoolbus will be pulling up soon, expelling my children and launching me forth to 2007 and parental responsibilities.
Have a nice weekend.
Let's see ... I applied for a passport this morning. It was pretty painless. Expensive, but painless. Just went to a local post office with an application I had downloaded from a government website, showed my driver's license and birth certificate, and was in and out in less than 10 minutes. They even had a camera to take your picture. I was all set to write about waiting in line and the quirky characters there, but nope, nothing but polite, expeditious service. If I were a radio talk-show host, now I would begin to talk about how this is too easy for the terrorists, but, hey, I just appreciate the convenience.
What else ... Hannibal Rising is out this weekend, and I have no desire to see it. Some 15 years ago, I read Red Dragon cover to cover in an obsessive frenzy (the Doc has never let me forget how I even read while she drove us somewhere, not a long trip either). This might have been after I saw Silence of the Lambs, and I remember thinking, "If this stuff really happens, then the world is a sick place, but if it doesn't, then whoever thought it up is really twisted." Naturally, I also read that book in short order, but the whole franchise went south when Thomas Harris wrote the sequel, Hannibal. I was eager to read Hannibal, but unlike the first two, finishing it became a chore, not a pleasure. And the movie was even worse. Ridley Scott obviously has his gifts, but his only defense of this one is that he was handcuffed by a ponderous script. An review of Hannibal Rising in the New Yorker last fall succinctly covered this declension. And, yes, I am one of those snobs who prefers Michael Mann's Manhunter to Brett Ratner's Red Dragon, both of which take inspiration from the same source. I guess Harris has had a hard time letting go of Lecter, who has been his meal ticket (insert rimshot) but it might be time to go in another direction.
Anna Nicole Smith? Sorry, no. Pass. At least I will try to.
Oswego County, New York, is digging out from the nearly eight feet of snow that has fallen since Sunday and could get another four feet this weekend. And, according to the Dallas Morning News, most of the schools were in session on Wednesday. (Did you hear that, Baltimore County, Maryland, school officials who decided to close schools this week because there was less than two inches of accumulation? And thanks for dumping enough salt at the end of my driveway to brine an elephant.)
Blogging soundtrack for most of the week has been The Replacements' Don't You Know Who I Think I Was. Very enjoyable and lots of related youtube video to unearth, including a hilarious (to me) clip of Paul Westerberg singing Roadhouse Blues, lying flat on his back, hidden from the camera behind monitor speakers, as smoke from his cigarette drifts upward. I am not going to even try to say that I was cool enough to like The Replacements when they were big (and all still alive). I knew them from Say Anything, and a friend of mine included some Paul Westerberg on a mix tape he gave me, but for those of us who will be turning 40 soon (unlike Anna Nicole. See? I knew I couldn't do it), this music takes you back to earnest youthful angst and anger, the halcyon nights of Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Fortunately, I guess, the schoolbus will be pulling up soon, expelling my children and launching me forth to 2007 and parental responsibilities.
Have a nice weekend.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Snow Day = Slow Day
Slow day for FitzFacts writing that is. Yes, actual snow fell from the sky on Tuesday night. And despite the fact that Tony Montana had more snow on his desk at the end of Scarface than I had on my front lawn yesterday morning, the county schools were closed. So the boys slept in and ate a late breakfast and then demanded that I take them to their school ... because that's where the good sledding hills are, of course. We arrived to find that most of the inch-and-a-half layer had blown away and one trip down the hill pretty much cleared away the rest. But they were happy to slide bumpily and muddily for about an hour before deciding that the hour of the hot cocoa was upon us. And so we went home.
Now, today, it's still cold, but the school bus arrived on schedule, so I should have time for a quick spin 'round the old blogosphere. Just hang on a second while I make sure I've got everything I need. Steel mallet, pepper spray, hunting knife, rubber tubing, adult diapers, okay, I think we're good to go. Alright, alright, I only have two questions about this whole astronaut thing ("Paging New Order, New Order to the stage please"). First, can we stop comparing her NASA publicity photo to her mug shot? Yes, in her arrest photo, she looks like a cross between Heidi Fleiss and the Runaway Bride, but does anybody look good in a mug shot (I mean, besides Tom DeLay)? Second question, if you are going to drive 900 miles to confront a romantic rival without stopping for bathroom breaks, what music do you choose for the road? What, you don't have a Freakishly Organized Homicidal Rage playlist on your iPod? Actually, I think she went with one song over and over again, like, I don't know, Life is a Highway. And not the new Rascal Flatts version, but the original from Tom Cochrane's aptly-titled 1991 album, Mad Mad World? Either that or some Dr. Phil Self-Empowerment tapes.
Next in the news, former Penn State and NBA player John Amaechi has apparently decided to speak publicly about his homosexuality on an upcoming edition of ESPN's Outside the Lines. You know, I am not surprised by this. I remember watching him in college and thinking to myself, "He's so articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." Alright, seriously, good for him and good for the NBA. Having spent plenty of time in sports team locker rooms, I think this is something that will take a long time for some people to get used to, and maybe some of them never will, but if someone is willing to talk about it, at least there is an opportunity for the rest of us to show some support, and already I have seen some interesting comments.
For instance, yesterday, I heard Loyola College basketball coach Jimmy Patsos reply to a hypothetical question about how having a homosexual player on his team might affect recruiting. His reply went along the lines of, "Well, how good is he?" The radio host snickered, but Patsos went on, saying something like, "If Michael Jordan was gay, I don't think that would be a problem for his team or his coach." Exactly. Judge your teammates by their performance on the court. And for all of you concerned about who might be watching you in the shower, listen up. People play a sport for a lot of reasons, but I'd be willing to bet that checking out your hot teammates has got to be pretty low on the list. For well-reasoned, thoughtful analysis of this issue (and everything else related to the NBA) listen to the wisdom of Henry at truehoop.com.
Okay, what else? I guess I should apologize to Antawn Jamison. I've questioned his defensive ability in the past and argued that the Wizards should trade him for a more athletic rebounder and defender, but his current stint on the injured list shows just how important he is, and not just to Washington's offense. Since Jamison went down against Detroit, the Wiz have lost three of four and surrendered about 116 points per game, 10 higher than their season average. The best-case spin of this situation is that it's an opportunity for Andray Blatche to develop with some quality minutes, and first place in the Eastern Conference might not be so desirable anyway, with Miami making a drive for the playoffs behind a healthy Shaq and DWade. Should be fun to watch teams try to dodge that bullet down the stretch of the regular season.
I really tried to watch the Wiz last night, but somebody turned back the Spurs' clock a couple years and Parker, Duncan and Ginobili put the wood to Washington in a way that recently-deceased Texan Molly Ivins would certainly have appreciated. And then I was sort of enjoying UNC's win at Duke (not as much as Bog Poll voter Robert Lintott, who had this gem of a pithy comment, "Every time Duke loses an angel gets its wings... thank you UVA"), but what grabbed my attention and my remote control was American Movie Classics' showing of Starman. What an underrated 80s gem this movie is. Alien crashes into earth and assumes the form of the dead husband of a woman who helps him get back to his planet. Yes, it's heavy on the evil government scenario and there's much unsubtle Jesus imagery, but Jeff Bridges always makes me laugh and Karen Allen, well, you loved her in Animal House, you loved her in Raiders of the Lost Ark and you'll love her in Starman because she gets wonderful treatment from director John Carpenter. It would be tough to make this movie now, what with GPS and cell phones, and the idea that a state trooper would take orders from some antiauthoritarian science geek might be more implausible than the whole concept of alien visitation, but by that point in the movie, you are willing to see it through. I've never been tempted to pick it up at Blockbuster, but it's definitely worth a stop when it pops up onscreen.
I didn't watch much of the Idol this week, but I am told by my sons that my slam dunk pick Sarah Krueger has some competition in one Bailey Brown. When I asked them to make their own pick, my older boy wisely said, "It's too early."
And, finally, the Colonials, who followed up a nice win at Rhode Island with losses on the road to Dayton and St. Louis last week. They were in both games late in the second half but couldn't get the defensive stop or the crucial bucket when they had to have it. Diehards are clinging to a wisp of hope for an at-large NCAA bid, but first GW has to win on at home on Saturday against Xavier. The Musketeers have also lost three conference games on the road, so don't count on seeing the Colonials' 24-game home win streak in A-10 play come to an end this weekend.
Alright, that's all I got today. Can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.
Now, today, it's still cold, but the school bus arrived on schedule, so I should have time for a quick spin 'round the old blogosphere. Just hang on a second while I make sure I've got everything I need. Steel mallet, pepper spray, hunting knife, rubber tubing, adult diapers, okay, I think we're good to go. Alright, alright, I only have two questions about this whole astronaut thing ("Paging New Order, New Order to the stage please"). First, can we stop comparing her NASA publicity photo to her mug shot? Yes, in her arrest photo, she looks like a cross between Heidi Fleiss and the Runaway Bride, but does anybody look good in a mug shot (I mean, besides Tom DeLay)? Second question, if you are going to drive 900 miles to confront a romantic rival without stopping for bathroom breaks, what music do you choose for the road? What, you don't have a Freakishly Organized Homicidal Rage playlist on your iPod? Actually, I think she went with one song over and over again, like, I don't know, Life is a Highway. And not the new Rascal Flatts version, but the original from Tom Cochrane's aptly-titled 1991 album, Mad Mad World? Either that or some Dr. Phil Self-Empowerment tapes.
Next in the news, former Penn State and NBA player John Amaechi has apparently decided to speak publicly about his homosexuality on an upcoming edition of ESPN's Outside the Lines. You know, I am not surprised by this. I remember watching him in college and thinking to myself, "He's so articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." Alright, seriously, good for him and good for the NBA. Having spent plenty of time in sports team locker rooms, I think this is something that will take a long time for some people to get used to, and maybe some of them never will, but if someone is willing to talk about it, at least there is an opportunity for the rest of us to show some support, and already I have seen some interesting comments.
For instance, yesterday, I heard Loyola College basketball coach Jimmy Patsos reply to a hypothetical question about how having a homosexual player on his team might affect recruiting. His reply went along the lines of, "Well, how good is he?" The radio host snickered, but Patsos went on, saying something like, "If Michael Jordan was gay, I don't think that would be a problem for his team or his coach." Exactly. Judge your teammates by their performance on the court. And for all of you concerned about who might be watching you in the shower, listen up. People play a sport for a lot of reasons, but I'd be willing to bet that checking out your hot teammates has got to be pretty low on the list. For well-reasoned, thoughtful analysis of this issue (and everything else related to the NBA) listen to the wisdom of Henry at truehoop.com.
Okay, what else? I guess I should apologize to Antawn Jamison. I've questioned his defensive ability in the past and argued that the Wizards should trade him for a more athletic rebounder and defender, but his current stint on the injured list shows just how important he is, and not just to Washington's offense. Since Jamison went down against Detroit, the Wiz have lost three of four and surrendered about 116 points per game, 10 higher than their season average. The best-case spin of this situation is that it's an opportunity for Andray Blatche to develop with some quality minutes, and first place in the Eastern Conference might not be so desirable anyway, with Miami making a drive for the playoffs behind a healthy Shaq and DWade. Should be fun to watch teams try to dodge that bullet down the stretch of the regular season.
I really tried to watch the Wiz last night, but somebody turned back the Spurs' clock a couple years and Parker, Duncan and Ginobili put the wood to Washington in a way that recently-deceased Texan Molly Ivins would certainly have appreciated. And then I was sort of enjoying UNC's win at Duke (not as much as Bog Poll voter Robert Lintott, who had this gem of a pithy comment, "Every time Duke loses an angel gets its wings... thank you UVA"), but what grabbed my attention and my remote control was American Movie Classics' showing of Starman. What an underrated 80s gem this movie is. Alien crashes into earth and assumes the form of the dead husband of a woman who helps him get back to his planet. Yes, it's heavy on the evil government scenario and there's much unsubtle Jesus imagery, but Jeff Bridges always makes me laugh and Karen Allen, well, you loved her in Animal House, you loved her in Raiders of the Lost Ark and you'll love her in Starman because she gets wonderful treatment from director John Carpenter. It would be tough to make this movie now, what with GPS and cell phones, and the idea that a state trooper would take orders from some antiauthoritarian science geek might be more implausible than the whole concept of alien visitation, but by that point in the movie, you are willing to see it through. I've never been tempted to pick it up at Blockbuster, but it's definitely worth a stop when it pops up onscreen.
I didn't watch much of the Idol this week, but I am told by my sons that my slam dunk pick Sarah Krueger has some competition in one Bailey Brown. When I asked them to make their own pick, my older boy wisely said, "It's too early."
And, finally, the Colonials, who followed up a nice win at Rhode Island with losses on the road to Dayton and St. Louis last week. They were in both games late in the second half but couldn't get the defensive stop or the crucial bucket when they had to have it. Diehards are clinging to a wisp of hope for an at-large NCAA bid, but first GW has to win on at home on Saturday against Xavier. The Musketeers have also lost three conference games on the road, so don't count on seeing the Colonials' 24-game home win streak in A-10 play come to an end this weekend.
Alright, that's all I got today. Can only imagine what tomorrow will bring.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Super Poll
Okay, it's Tuesday and I know what you're thinking. "Where is the college basketball poll? I mean, how am I supposed to get through my week without knowing how FitzFacts ranks the Top 10 men's Division I college basketball teams in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.?" Come on, I'm sure you had enough Super Bowl stuff to get you through yesterday, but since you asked (although it would have been nice if you'd said, "Please"), here's what I got:
Georgetown wins at Madison Square Garden and moves into the top spot. Admittedly St. John's is not what it used to be, but it is still better than St. Peter's, St. Bonaventure, St. Joe's (I think), both St. Francises, and Mount Saint Mary's. Virginia is hotter than the back of Joe Biden's neck and shoots up to second (Anybody with me on predicting a second-tier ACC finish for Duke? Could very easily happen.) The next four teams all lost at least one game last week. Old Dominion is suddenly trying to challenge the top tier, and the bottom three haven't changed much. Big Stein has them almost the same as I do:
Georgetown wins at Madison Square Garden and moves into the top spot. Admittedly St. John's is not what it used to be, but it is still better than St. Peter's, St. Bonaventure, St. Joe's (I think), both St. Francises, and Mount Saint Mary's. Virginia is hotter than the back of Joe Biden's neck and shoots up to second (Anybody with me on predicting a second-tier ACC finish for Duke? Could very easily happen.) The next four teams all lost at least one game last week. Old Dominion is suddenly trying to challenge the top tier, and the bottom three haven't changed much. Big Stein has them almost the same as I do:
1. Georgetown
JTIII credits trans fat-free pregame meal at Marriott Marquis Hotel for Hoyas’ victory at St. John’s.
2. Virginia
Dave Leitao must convince Cavaliers not to look past upcoming games at Maryland and Virginia Tech in anticipation of hated foe Longwood next week.
3. VCU
Hofstra leaves the gun, takes the cannoli, and ends Rams 10-game win streak.
4. Virginia Tech
Boston police department’s antiterrorist unit confiscates Seth Greenberg’s clipboard, citing suspicious drawings that resemble the basketball court located inside BC’s Conte Forum.
5. GW
Karl Hobbs asks official for a technical at St. Louis but doesn’t get that call either.
6. Maryland
Mike Jones held scoreless in win at Wake Forest as Demon Deacons confuse him by blitzing safeties and dropping down linemen into coverage.
7. Old Dominion
ODU players shake off chants of “O –D-US! O-D-US!” from clever George Mason fans, win fifth straight.
8. George Mason
Life comes at you fast, Jim Larranaga.
9. Loyola
Jimmy Patsos forced to defend himself against charges of making "Marist" remarks in postgame press conference.
10. Towson
If the Tigers keep this up, they’ll play themselves right out of the draft lottery.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Super Bowl Summary
So, how'd you like that game last night? (I know, I know, in the blogosphere it might as well have been weeks ago, but I had some stuff to do today, okay?) I thought the game was fine, nothing special, great if you're a Colts fan, lousy if you're a Bears fan, and reasonably suspenseful, in the sense that you wondered whether the scoreboard would ever reflect what a real blowout the game actually was. For the record, my nine-year old predicted a 28-17 Indianapolis victory. Vegas, baby, Vegas!
I guess I am happy for Tony Dungy, hard not to cheer for a guy like him. Peyton Manning certainly earned his place in history, especially on several throws where he had to absorb a defensive hit as he delivered the pass. The Colts' running game and defense were even more impressive, muscling the supposedly more physical Bears. And they wisely kicked away from Devin Hester after he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Bears' QB Rex Grossman might have been more dangerous than Hester ... to his own team. Take note, Rexy: Trent Dilfer played a pretty decent game against the Giants when the Ravens won the Sper Bowl, and found himself off the roster over the summer.
For my Baltimore-bred friends and neighbors, of course, it was painful to watch the Colts bring a championship to Indianapolis. "Get over it," you might say, but once you hear some of the tales of middle-aged men pining for lost youthful dreams, you can respect the sentiment a little better. I won't embarrass them by repeating the stories, but just as having a team to cheer for and suffer with as you grow into adulthood allows you to become more rational as a fan, having your team ripped away can keep you stuck in the emotional jungle of a twelve-year old. Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck tried to give some soothing perspective today, but it doesn't sound like many of the old Colts are any happier than their fans.
The Bears certainly had their chances but couldn't capitalize enough on Indy's early turnovers. Losing running back Cedric Benson didn't help, but they just got pounded into the turf by the Colts' running game in the second half. And when it was time for Grossman to make a play, he got sacked, fumbled, tripped and threw a couple really bad interceptions. I'm not sure what the future holds for the young QB, but maybe he could take the Kevin Federline role in next year's Nationwide commercial.
Speaking of the commercials, the Bud Light ax-wielding hitchhiker got the only big laugh in the room where I was watching. K-Fed was alright, but overhyped (Wow? Really? Gotta be a first for that guy, right?), and Oprah and Dave was very clever. The Snickers ad brought an awkward silence and then puzzlement as the actors did something "manly" by ripping out their chest hair. Okaaay ... And a big boo to Career Builders for abandoning the monkeys in the office for the savage office environment. It was an original concept, as was whatever that was Robert Goulet did for the nut company, but it just didn't quite make it for me. None of these commercials came close to Terry Tate, Office Linebacker, let alone, "Thanks, Mean Joe."
The on-field pregame show certainly was festive and very Miami, I guess, but the feeling I got was more of a watered-down Olympics opening ceremony from a European nation, sort of like when a Hollywood studio remakes a foreign film like "La Femme Nikita" or "La Cage Aux Folles." And now I challenge you to find another Super Bowl review that references those two films. Billy Joel did a very nice, straight-up National Anthem, but do you think Marlee Matlin ever gets tired of being the only deaf celebrity? Seriously, I think this is a real niche growth industry. Prince put on a good show at halftime, live or Memorex. And Jehovah's Witness or not, he still worked in some phallic imagery playing the guitar in silhouette.
So let's see, Billy Joel, Prince, lopsided football game ... are you sure we didn't somehow journey back to the 1980's yesterday?
I guess I am happy for Tony Dungy, hard not to cheer for a guy like him. Peyton Manning certainly earned his place in history, especially on several throws where he had to absorb a defensive hit as he delivered the pass. The Colts' running game and defense were even more impressive, muscling the supposedly more physical Bears. And they wisely kicked away from Devin Hester after he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Bears' QB Rex Grossman might have been more dangerous than Hester ... to his own team. Take note, Rexy: Trent Dilfer played a pretty decent game against the Giants when the Ravens won the Sper Bowl, and found himself off the roster over the summer.
For my Baltimore-bred friends and neighbors, of course, it was painful to watch the Colts bring a championship to Indianapolis. "Get over it," you might say, but once you hear some of the tales of middle-aged men pining for lost youthful dreams, you can respect the sentiment a little better. I won't embarrass them by repeating the stories, but just as having a team to cheer for and suffer with as you grow into adulthood allows you to become more rational as a fan, having your team ripped away can keep you stuck in the emotional jungle of a twelve-year old. Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck tried to give some soothing perspective today, but it doesn't sound like many of the old Colts are any happier than their fans.
The Bears certainly had their chances but couldn't capitalize enough on Indy's early turnovers. Losing running back Cedric Benson didn't help, but they just got pounded into the turf by the Colts' running game in the second half. And when it was time for Grossman to make a play, he got sacked, fumbled, tripped and threw a couple really bad interceptions. I'm not sure what the future holds for the young QB, but maybe he could take the Kevin Federline role in next year's Nationwide commercial.
Speaking of the commercials, the Bud Light ax-wielding hitchhiker got the only big laugh in the room where I was watching. K-Fed was alright, but overhyped (Wow? Really? Gotta be a first for that guy, right?), and Oprah and Dave was very clever. The Snickers ad brought an awkward silence and then puzzlement as the actors did something "manly" by ripping out their chest hair. Okaaay ... And a big boo to Career Builders for abandoning the monkeys in the office for the savage office environment. It was an original concept, as was whatever that was Robert Goulet did for the nut company, but it just didn't quite make it for me. None of these commercials came close to Terry Tate, Office Linebacker, let alone, "Thanks, Mean Joe."
The on-field pregame show certainly was festive and very Miami, I guess, but the feeling I got was more of a watered-down Olympics opening ceremony from a European nation, sort of like when a Hollywood studio remakes a foreign film like "La Femme Nikita" or "La Cage Aux Folles." And now I challenge you to find another Super Bowl review that references those two films. Billy Joel did a very nice, straight-up National Anthem, but do you think Marlee Matlin ever gets tired of being the only deaf celebrity? Seriously, I think this is a real niche growth industry. Prince put on a good show at halftime, live or Memorex. And Jehovah's Witness or not, he still worked in some phallic imagery playing the guitar in silhouette.
So let's see, Billy Joel, Prince, lopsided football game ... are you sure we didn't somehow journey back to the 1980's yesterday?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Hoops Hangover
Pretty awful hoops last night. GW lost a winnable game at Dayton, the Wizards got a sound beating at Toronto and my pickup team blew a 7-4 lead to go down 13-10. And VCU, my top-ranked poll team for two weeks, went down at Hofstra.
Let's stick with the Colonials today (get your Wiz fix at hoopsaddict). Dayton is now 14-0 at home and 0-7 on the road. Even in college basketball, that is an absurd difference. Listening to the game on the radio, the crowd noise was remarkable, both for its' pin-drop silence during Flyer free throws and indignant volume on every call that went against the home team. Even though the final score was 84-69, I called this one winnable because the teams traded the lead throughout the second half and it was tied at 65 with about four minutes to play. Then things went terribly wrong.
After calling timeout, Dayton scored on three straight possessions, Karl Hobbs went ballistic on a no-call and got himself ejected and the Flyers closed out going 7-7 from the line. Now, I wasn't there, but this is a familiar scenario for Dayton opponents. Let's just say, you'd better have a big lead or make a miracle shot like Carl Elliott's halfcourt heave a couple years back, because down the stretch, the Flyers seem to have the darndest luck.
So where does this leave GW? Well, right now they are still tied with Fordham (!) and URI(!) for first place in the A-10, just half a game ahead of UMass and Xavier. Coming up this weekend is a tough game at St. Louis and a week later, a visit from the Musketeers . Very few of the remaining games look easy, but none of them looks impossible either. So the conference is wide open, but in terms of NCAA berths, I'll be very surprised if an Atlantic 10 team gets an NCAA bid this year.
I still like GW's chances. The starting unit has been the same all year; Maureece Rice has emerged as the primary scorer, with Elliott jumping up as needed. The frontcourt of Rob Diggs, Regis Koundjia and Dokun Akinbade have been more than serviceable on offense and defense and the reserve unit of Travis King, Damian Hollis and Cheyenne Moore has mautured and can make major contributions. Despite its lack of froncourt bulk, this team is tough to score on, leading the league is steals and third in blocked shots. They don't play at the same frantic pace as last year, but no lead is safe, for them or their opponents.
I would love to see Moore getting more minutes, but it's become clear that Hobbs can't use him much more than 10 minutes per game due to lingering effects of the stress fracture in his tibia. That and the arrested development of Noel Wilmore are the lone dark spots for GW in what has been a pretty good year and bears watching into March. I'd be more confident if they can pick up a win this weekend or another on the road at Charlotte or St. Joe's.
Let's stick with the Colonials today (get your Wiz fix at hoopsaddict). Dayton is now 14-0 at home and 0-7 on the road. Even in college basketball, that is an absurd difference. Listening to the game on the radio, the crowd noise was remarkable, both for its' pin-drop silence during Flyer free throws and indignant volume on every call that went against the home team. Even though the final score was 84-69, I called this one winnable because the teams traded the lead throughout the second half and it was tied at 65 with about four minutes to play. Then things went terribly wrong.
After calling timeout, Dayton scored on three straight possessions, Karl Hobbs went ballistic on a no-call and got himself ejected and the Flyers closed out going 7-7 from the line. Now, I wasn't there, but this is a familiar scenario for Dayton opponents. Let's just say, you'd better have a big lead or make a miracle shot like Carl Elliott's halfcourt heave a couple years back, because down the stretch, the Flyers seem to have the darndest luck.
So where does this leave GW? Well, right now they are still tied with Fordham (!) and URI(!) for first place in the A-10, just half a game ahead of UMass and Xavier. Coming up this weekend is a tough game at St. Louis and a week later, a visit from the Musketeers . Very few of the remaining games look easy, but none of them looks impossible either. So the conference is wide open, but in terms of NCAA berths, I'll be very surprised if an Atlantic 10 team gets an NCAA bid this year.
I still like GW's chances. The starting unit has been the same all year; Maureece Rice has emerged as the primary scorer, with Elliott jumping up as needed. The frontcourt of Rob Diggs, Regis Koundjia and Dokun Akinbade have been more than serviceable on offense and defense and the reserve unit of Travis King, Damian Hollis and Cheyenne Moore has mautured and can make major contributions. Despite its lack of froncourt bulk, this team is tough to score on, leading the league is steals and third in blocked shots. They don't play at the same frantic pace as last year, but no lead is safe, for them or their opponents.
I would love to see Moore getting more minutes, but it's become clear that Hobbs can't use him much more than 10 minutes per game due to lingering effects of the stress fracture in his tibia. That and the arrested development of Noel Wilmore are the lone dark spots for GW in what has been a pretty good year and bears watching into March. I'd be more confident if they can pick up a win this weekend or another on the road at Charlotte or St. Joe's.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Super Marketing
Okay, after yesterday's post, I'm sure everybody is ready to lighten up a bit. I know I am. So, big game this weekend, but as Duane Thomas said, "If it's such a big game, why do they play it every year?"
When did the Super Bowl become such a major megacelebration? As usual, I am way behind on this one. When I was in college, twenty years ago. I worked in the office responsible for the fundraising phonathons for the Athletic Department, the ones that you've screened and dodged ever since you got Caller ID. Sunday nights were always considered great for catching people at home, but my boss made sure that we didn't schedule anything for Super Bowl Sunday. I remember wondering what the big deal was.
I think that was the same year the Giants beat the Broncos (maybe the greatest New York sports year, evah, with the Mets winning the World Series and the Islanders beating the Caps in a four-overtime playoff game). One of my roommates was actually angry at me when I told him I hadn't watched the game. Actually, I did watch it, I just wanted to annoy him, but I was taken aback by his vehement reaction.
This was two years after Apple's "1984" commercial for its new Macintosh computer, which most experts and blowhards point to as the beginning of the rise of the Super Bowl commercial era. In 1986, Refrigerator Perry used his Super Bowl fame to become the Peyton Manning of his time, appearing in a multitude of national TV spots. And in 1988, a reporter at Media Day asked one of the Denver Broncos, "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" All of these nuggets apparently combined into a large boulder that began rolling downhill, and we have all fled its path of destruction, heading straight for the nachos and chicken wing platters.
So who do you like this weekend, Colts or Bears? Good guys in white hats or black-helmed Monsters of the Midway? All-American, milk-drinking, commercial-filming Super Manning or the antihero, Gross Man? The coach with the ordinary first name and funny last name, or the one with the funny first name and ordinary last name? (Have I mentioned that both coaches are black? Apparently, that's required by Internet publishing law. Great article this week about how that same circumstance went virtually unnoticed when Al Attles' Golden State Warriors swept K.C. Jones' Washington Bullets in 1975). Anyway, like I was saying, dome-stadium, offensive juggernaut or snowy, bare-armed, hard-knock defense?
Me, I'm going with the Bears. The Colts are favored, always a reason to pick against them. After living here for 12 years, some of the Baltimorean hatred of the Team That Left in the Middle of the Night has rubbed off on me. There's not much else to hate about Indianapolis, really, but it is my least favorite American -polis, well behind Minneapolis, MN, and Coraopolis, PA, home of the fabulous Knotty Pine Diner. The rest of Indy is similarly unoffensive - the Indy 500, the NCAA headquarters, ummm, that's it, right?
But, what's not to love about the Bears? The defense, the tradition, Papa Bear Halas, "Brian's Song" (always the original, never, ever, ever the remake), Da Bears, Urlacher (even the name is right out of central casting). And of course, "The Super Bowl Shuffle." There are so many versions of this beautifully awful classic available online that I'm not even going to bother posting a link. Not one, but two Saturday Night Live spoofs. The rapping and dancing of the all-star cast of Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, et. al., has held up just horribly over time. I could watch it again and again.
Alright, in case I forget: Bears 23, Colts 17.
When did the Super Bowl become such a major megacelebration? As usual, I am way behind on this one. When I was in college, twenty years ago. I worked in the office responsible for the fundraising phonathons for the Athletic Department, the ones that you've screened and dodged ever since you got Caller ID. Sunday nights were always considered great for catching people at home, but my boss made sure that we didn't schedule anything for Super Bowl Sunday. I remember wondering what the big deal was.
I think that was the same year the Giants beat the Broncos (maybe the greatest New York sports year, evah, with the Mets winning the World Series and the Islanders beating the Caps in a four-overtime playoff game). One of my roommates was actually angry at me when I told him I hadn't watched the game. Actually, I did watch it, I just wanted to annoy him, but I was taken aback by his vehement reaction.
This was two years after Apple's "1984" commercial for its new Macintosh computer, which most experts and blowhards point to as the beginning of the rise of the Super Bowl commercial era. In 1986, Refrigerator Perry used his Super Bowl fame to become the Peyton Manning of his time, appearing in a multitude of national TV spots. And in 1988, a reporter at Media Day asked one of the Denver Broncos, "If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" All of these nuggets apparently combined into a large boulder that began rolling downhill, and we have all fled its path of destruction, heading straight for the nachos and chicken wing platters.
So who do you like this weekend, Colts or Bears? Good guys in white hats or black-helmed Monsters of the Midway? All-American, milk-drinking, commercial-filming Super Manning or the antihero, Gross Man? The coach with the ordinary first name and funny last name, or the one with the funny first name and ordinary last name? (Have I mentioned that both coaches are black? Apparently, that's required by Internet publishing law. Great article this week about how that same circumstance went virtually unnoticed when Al Attles' Golden State Warriors swept K.C. Jones' Washington Bullets in 1975). Anyway, like I was saying, dome-stadium, offensive juggernaut or snowy, bare-armed, hard-knock defense?
Me, I'm going with the Bears. The Colts are favored, always a reason to pick against them. After living here for 12 years, some of the Baltimorean hatred of the Team That Left in the Middle of the Night has rubbed off on me. There's not much else to hate about Indianapolis, really, but it is my least favorite American -polis, well behind Minneapolis, MN, and Coraopolis, PA, home of the fabulous Knotty Pine Diner. The rest of Indy is similarly unoffensive - the Indy 500, the NCAA headquarters, ummm, that's it, right?
But, what's not to love about the Bears? The defense, the tradition, Papa Bear Halas, "Brian's Song" (always the original, never, ever, ever the remake), Da Bears, Urlacher (even the name is right out of central casting). And of course, "The Super Bowl Shuffle." There are so many versions of this beautifully awful classic available online that I'm not even going to bother posting a link. Not one, but two Saturday Night Live spoofs. The rapping and dancing of the all-star cast of Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, et. al., has held up just horribly over time. I could watch it again and again.
Alright, in case I forget: Bears 23, Colts 17.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
RIP, Barbaro
Predictably and deservedly, the death of Barbaro has received extensive news coverage in the last 24 hours. Here in horse-mad Maryland, it was the top story on the front page of today's Baltimore Sun, and the subject of another article and two columns in the Sports section. I won't attempt to add my voice to the chorus that has praised and mourned a champion whose destiny was so suddenly and terribly altered last spring. I am sure there are at least dozens of people more qualified to tell that story.
What I would like to do is address the question raised by some people since Barbaro first suffered his injury at the Preakness Stakes. Why all this fuss about a horse? Right after the Preakness, it seemed that every news article or radio update was inevitably met with a letter to the editor or an abrasive caller questioning why such a big deal was being made about Barbaro. These were probably the same people who wondered why ESPN named Secretariat one of the best 100 American athletes of the 20th century. I guess these folks never read William Nack's great tribute, "Pure Heart," or Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit," and I would be willing to bet that they have never seen a horse race up close.
You have to go to the track, watch the horses being saddled in the paddock, see them strut, saunter and stomp through the post parade. And then you have to stand on the rail, near the finish line. Pick a long race, so they pass you twice, and you can feel the energy of the crowd surge behind you as they come down the stretch. You don't even have to go to a big race, just pick an average track day, because the drama is the same to the participants, just as the last out in a Little League game is the same for the players as the seventh game of the World Series. If you do all those things and still come away unimpressed, well, God bless you, and I sure hope you have found a passion somewhere else in your life.
Not that horses are a great passion of mine; I'm not even a close second in my own family. That honor goes to the Doc, who was a competitive equestrienne from childhood through college. Six years ago, she realized a lifelong dream and bought a horse, Egyptian Summer, who she would ride every day if she had the time. A few years back, she did go to the barn every day when Egypt had a nasty bout with laminitis, the same condition that finally felled Barbaro. Even though Egypt hadn't suffered the multiple leg fractures like Barbaro, our vet still cautioned that recovery was doubtful, but the Doc tended to her daily, for weeks going on months, and fortunately the leg healed.
My grandparents on my father's side were also great horse lovers, more as aficionados than riders, though. Their two-week trip to Saratoga for the thoroughbred racing season was an annual summer highlight. One of my earliest memories of them is a picture of my grandmother standing next to a racehorse with my grandfather's face pasted over that of the jockey sitting astride his mount. This pre-Photoshop alteration so tickled them that a lifesize blowup of it hung in their garage.
For years, they would come down from New York for a big family and friends outing to the International, a turf race in Laurel, Maryland, that featured horses from around the world. They would read the racing form and comment on this horse's sire or that one's dam and races they had won or lost. They'd ask you what you thought about the colors or the names and maybe stake you to a $2 bet on your favorite.
Now for the tough part. Those are fond memories for me, but as we learn on days like yesterday, life is never going to be all glory and roses in the winner's circle. Gambling is a large part of horse racing, and much as I'd prefer otherwise, I cannot exclude it from my reminisce because gambling was one of the addictions that plagued my father and brought him to an early death. Without going into more detail, I think it's easy to see how there are more than a few sides to this story for me. So how do you handle a piece of your personal history so confluent with joy and pain?
Well, for starters, knowing the hereditary nature of addiction, you don't make a habit out of going to the track. Nor do you open up an Internet gambling account or make room in your various sports obsessions for point spreads and money lines. But if you allow yourself to continue to enjoy the races the way you did when you were a kid, you can add more good memories to the scale, and let them meld with the old ones to outweigh the bad eventually.
For the last few years, part of our family's end-of-summer ritual is a day at the Maryland State Fair. Sometime between the farm animal exhibits, the simultaneously sweet, salty, and greasy food, and the overpriced thrill rides of dubious safety, we take an hour or so to sit in the grandstand at the race track. Horses that we will never see on TV on a Saturday in May take to the track, and after the Doc's keen appraisal and the boys' color and name analysis, I put down a few bets. Everybody has some lunch, and we watch at least one race at ground level, right by the finish.
And every spring, I watch the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, just as excited as everyone else to see a Triple Crown contender emerge. And when greatness like Barbaro's falls victim to fate, I mourn.
What I would like to do is address the question raised by some people since Barbaro first suffered his injury at the Preakness Stakes. Why all this fuss about a horse? Right after the Preakness, it seemed that every news article or radio update was inevitably met with a letter to the editor or an abrasive caller questioning why such a big deal was being made about Barbaro. These were probably the same people who wondered why ESPN named Secretariat one of the best 100 American athletes of the 20th century. I guess these folks never read William Nack's great tribute, "Pure Heart," or Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit," and I would be willing to bet that they have never seen a horse race up close.
You have to go to the track, watch the horses being saddled in the paddock, see them strut, saunter and stomp through the post parade. And then you have to stand on the rail, near the finish line. Pick a long race, so they pass you twice, and you can feel the energy of the crowd surge behind you as they come down the stretch. You don't even have to go to a big race, just pick an average track day, because the drama is the same to the participants, just as the last out in a Little League game is the same for the players as the seventh game of the World Series. If you do all those things and still come away unimpressed, well, God bless you, and I sure hope you have found a passion somewhere else in your life.
Not that horses are a great passion of mine; I'm not even a close second in my own family. That honor goes to the Doc, who was a competitive equestrienne from childhood through college. Six years ago, she realized a lifelong dream and bought a horse, Egyptian Summer, who she would ride every day if she had the time. A few years back, she did go to the barn every day when Egypt had a nasty bout with laminitis, the same condition that finally felled Barbaro. Even though Egypt hadn't suffered the multiple leg fractures like Barbaro, our vet still cautioned that recovery was doubtful, but the Doc tended to her daily, for weeks going on months, and fortunately the leg healed.
My grandparents on my father's side were also great horse lovers, more as aficionados than riders, though. Their two-week trip to Saratoga for the thoroughbred racing season was an annual summer highlight. One of my earliest memories of them is a picture of my grandmother standing next to a racehorse with my grandfather's face pasted over that of the jockey sitting astride his mount. This pre-Photoshop alteration so tickled them that a lifesize blowup of it hung in their garage.
For years, they would come down from New York for a big family and friends outing to the International, a turf race in Laurel, Maryland, that featured horses from around the world. They would read the racing form and comment on this horse's sire or that one's dam and races they had won or lost. They'd ask you what you thought about the colors or the names and maybe stake you to a $2 bet on your favorite.
Now for the tough part. Those are fond memories for me, but as we learn on days like yesterday, life is never going to be all glory and roses in the winner's circle. Gambling is a large part of horse racing, and much as I'd prefer otherwise, I cannot exclude it from my reminisce because gambling was one of the addictions that plagued my father and brought him to an early death. Without going into more detail, I think it's easy to see how there are more than a few sides to this story for me. So how do you handle a piece of your personal history so confluent with joy and pain?
Well, for starters, knowing the hereditary nature of addiction, you don't make a habit out of going to the track. Nor do you open up an Internet gambling account or make room in your various sports obsessions for point spreads and money lines. But if you allow yourself to continue to enjoy the races the way you did when you were a kid, you can add more good memories to the scale, and let them meld with the old ones to outweigh the bad eventually.
For the last few years, part of our family's end-of-summer ritual is a day at the Maryland State Fair. Sometime between the farm animal exhibits, the simultaneously sweet, salty, and greasy food, and the overpriced thrill rides of dubious safety, we take an hour or so to sit in the grandstand at the race track. Horses that we will never see on TV on a Saturday in May take to the track, and after the Doc's keen appraisal and the boys' color and name analysis, I put down a few bets. Everybody has some lunch, and we watch at least one race at ground level, right by the finish.
And every spring, I watch the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, just as excited as everyone else to see a Triple Crown contender emerge. And when greatness like Barbaro's falls victim to fate, I mourn.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Super Poll
Happy Super Bowl week, everybody! Seriously , when is the federal government going to make it official and declare the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday? We could call it Vice Recovery Monday or Sleepitoffday. There could be sales and everything, just like Memorial Day and Presidents' Day, which honor, you know, something. Anyway, today is just another Monday here at FitzFacts, so here is your local hoops Top 10:
1. VCU
“Trailer for sale or rent, rooms to let, fifty cents. No phone, no pool no pets, I ain’t got no cigarettes.”
2. Georgetown
Hoyas beat Cincinnati. Shockingly, no Bengals are arrested.
3. Virginia Tech
Seth Greenberg implores Blacksburg community for better Tech support, gets voice mail.
4. GW
Colonials take first place in A-10 with win at Rhode Island. Karl Hobbs praises team bus driver for “overachieving” on quick post-game drive to the airport.
5. Virginia
J.R. Reynolds harder to defend than George Bush’s Iraq policy.
6. Maryland
End of Terps’ two-game losing streak coincides with CBS’ decision to cancel “Armed and Famous.” Coincidence? Umm, yes, that’s why I said coincides.
7. Old Dominion
Monarchs put together their fifth two-game win streak of the season. Two more and they can get a free latte at Starbucks.
8. George Mason
Patriots saving themselves for March.
9. Loyola
Greyhounds whip winless Iona for the second time this season. Also steal the Gaels’ lunch money and dip their pigtails in ink when the referees are not looking. 10. American
Welcome back to the Top 10, AU Eagles! Now, about that fifth place in the Patriot League…
Thursday, January 25, 2007
What a difference ...
So, it turns out that yesterday was the one-year anniversary of this blog. In honor of the occasion I have added an Atom feed button over there to your right, just above the Google search box. This will enable you to subscribe to FitzFacts and receive new content on your newsreader. At least, I think that is what it will do (remember, this is being written by a guy who has a hi-fi, but neither hi-def nor wi-fi).
I hope to make some other changes and updates next week or soon after. In the meantime, I looked back at the last year and decided to post links to some of my favorites. So if you have a lot of time on your hands, enjoy!
Getting started
My First Movie Review
Winter Olympics Preview
Sledding
Shoveling
Pinewood Derby
George Mason Basketball
American Idol
A Not So Shaggy Dog Story
Duke Lacrosse
Cereal Polygamy
Father's Day
Sept. 11
Playing Pickup
Poll #1
I hope to make some other changes and updates next week or soon after. In the meantime, I looked back at the last year and decided to post links to some of my favorites. So if you have a lot of time on your hands, enjoy!
Getting started
My First Movie Review
Winter Olympics Preview
Sledding
Shoveling
Pinewood Derby
George Mason Basketball
American Idol
A Not So Shaggy Dog Story
Duke Lacrosse
Cereal Polygamy
Father's Day
Sept. 11
Playing Pickup
Poll #1
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Suns Shine, Wizards Whipped
Well, I found myself all alone in the basement with the Wizards once the Suns went up 41-23 in the first quarter last night. Not even the dog wanted to watch as the rest of the family abandoned me for Randy, Paula and Simon. Just me and several baskets of clean laundry to fold - an activity that can be quite therapeutic when you are watching your favorite team get the Charlie Watts treatment.
Actually, that's not quite fair. The Doc did wander down at one point, around halftime. Coincidentally, at that moment, some guy named Sundance was wowing the Idol judges. And then we switched back to the game and watched the Suns dance all over the Wiz.
Yup, Phoenix really showed Washington what an aberration the Wizards' win in Arizona was. They made six three-pointers in the first quarter and stretched the lead as high as 29 in the second. The Wizards, meanwhile, got off to a slow start, especially Gilbert Arenas, who missed six of his first seven shots. He then made his next four, including two treys, but at the half, the Suns led 76-51 and the only suspense was whether they could score 150.
Caron Butler led a third quarter effort with two powerful dunks bracketing a three point play that got the home crowd riled up and the Wizards within 15, but two quick Phoenix baskets by Shawn Marion quashed any hope of a comeback. In the fourth, it was Antonio Daniels who sparked the Wiz to cut the margin to 13, but again the Suns calmly executed their passing offense to perfection. In some games, teams make a big comeback, only to run out of time at the end. This was not one of those games. You got the impression that Phoenix would have turned back every Washington rally for the rest of the week.
Steve Nash's two MVP awards have correctly bestowed the credit where it is due. Amare Stoudamire was in foul trouble, personal and technical, that limited his minutes, and while Marion and Leandro Barbosa are marvelous basketball players, Nash puts this team way, way over the top. He is never hurried, never panicked, the ball goes exactly where he wants it to go, and he rarely chooses to put it in the wrong hands. He doesn't scare you as a defender, but he puts pressure on your offense to score because you know he is coming to get his two or three at the other end after your team is finished. A British soccer coach I know once described his own diminutive star player as a "wee magic man," and it was this thought that kept coming back to me as Nash and the ball would disappear into a crowd of players and the ball would reappear in the hands of a wide open Sun for an easy bucket.
So,the Wizards reign as Eastern Conference leaders ended quietly. They have the chance to seize it right back with home-and-home against Detroit and a trip to Boston coming up. For no good reason at all, I like their chances.
Actually, that's not quite fair. The Doc did wander down at one point, around halftime. Coincidentally, at that moment, some guy named Sundance was wowing the Idol judges. And then we switched back to the game and watched the Suns dance all over the Wiz.
Yup, Phoenix really showed Washington what an aberration the Wizards' win in Arizona was. They made six three-pointers in the first quarter and stretched the lead as high as 29 in the second. The Wizards, meanwhile, got off to a slow start, especially Gilbert Arenas, who missed six of his first seven shots. He then made his next four, including two treys, but at the half, the Suns led 76-51 and the only suspense was whether they could score 150.
Caron Butler led a third quarter effort with two powerful dunks bracketing a three point play that got the home crowd riled up and the Wizards within 15, but two quick Phoenix baskets by Shawn Marion quashed any hope of a comeback. In the fourth, it was Antonio Daniels who sparked the Wiz to cut the margin to 13, but again the Suns calmly executed their passing offense to perfection. In some games, teams make a big comeback, only to run out of time at the end. This was not one of those games. You got the impression that Phoenix would have turned back every Washington rally for the rest of the week.
Steve Nash's two MVP awards have correctly bestowed the credit where it is due. Amare Stoudamire was in foul trouble, personal and technical, that limited his minutes, and while Marion and Leandro Barbosa are marvelous basketball players, Nash puts this team way, way over the top. He is never hurried, never panicked, the ball goes exactly where he wants it to go, and he rarely chooses to put it in the wrong hands. He doesn't scare you as a defender, but he puts pressure on your offense to score because you know he is coming to get his two or three at the other end after your team is finished. A British soccer coach I know once described his own diminutive star player as a "wee magic man," and it was this thought that kept coming back to me as Nash and the ball would disappear into a crowd of players and the ball would reappear in the hands of a wide open Sun for an easy bucket.
So,the Wizards reign as Eastern Conference leaders ended quietly. They have the chance to seize it right back with home-and-home against Detroit and a trip to Boston coming up. For no good reason at all, I like their chances.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tough Choices
Uh-oh, worlds colliding tonight. Just four days after winning their biggest game of the year, the Wizards meet the Phoenix Suns tonight at 7:00. We'll be rushing home from swimming to catch the tipoff, but what's this - American Idol in Memphis at 8:00. Actually, this is an easy one for me; I'd never stay up past midnight to watch an AI episode. But there appears to be a strong Idol sentiment, which may find me and my younger son watching the Wiz in the basement, and catching AI on tape tomorrow.
(We interrupt this blog entry for the following Tony Kornheiser Radio update. TK will be back on the air in a few weeks. Better get the old email machine warmed up.)
Okay, the game and AI should wrap up around 9:00, the kids go to bed, so what should we watch to tide us over until "Dirt" comes on F/X at 10:00? Auburn-Alabama, nah, maybe if it was football season ... "Sex and the City" reruns on TNT, let's hope the Doc doesn't notice that .... "Devil's Pond" starring Tara Reid as a newlywed whose husband is plotting to kill her, sounds like a great comedy, perfect casting, but it's billed as a drama on Lifetime, so no dice.
(By the way, I am really excited about TK's return. It's pathetic, I know, but I am even using his parenthetical writing device)
What? The State of the Union? Seriously? Come on, do I have to? Can't I just watch the highlights on "The Daily Show" tomorrow? Because the preview that Jon Stewart did last night was hilarious. I guess I would watch the State of the Union to win a bet, but if somebody calls while it's on, I'm grabbing the phone. Even if it's the old alma mater looking for an annual gift, I am talking that guy's ear off. Better yet, one of those long, consumer product surveys. "On a scale of 1-10, how would I rate the fabric softener choices at my grocery store?" Wow, that is a tough one, let me see...
Look, it's not that I don't like politics or George W. Bush; well, actually I don't care for either, but that's not why I won't watch it. I was never a big Ronald Reagan fan, but at least he knew how to hold an audience. I'll catch the analysis on NPR tomorrow, maybe a little FOX news to balance that out, but something tells me I'll be more entertained, and better informed, by "Dog, the Bounty Hunter." (9:00 on A&E)
(We interrupt this blog entry for the following Tony Kornheiser Radio update. TK will be back on the air in a few weeks. Better get the old email machine warmed up.)
Okay, the game and AI should wrap up around 9:00, the kids go to bed, so what should we watch to tide us over until "Dirt" comes on F/X at 10:00? Auburn-Alabama, nah, maybe if it was football season ... "Sex and the City" reruns on TNT, let's hope the Doc doesn't notice that .... "Devil's Pond" starring Tara Reid as a newlywed whose husband is plotting to kill her, sounds like a great comedy, perfect casting, but it's billed as a drama on Lifetime, so no dice.
(By the way, I am really excited about TK's return. It's pathetic, I know, but I am even using his parenthetical writing device)
What? The State of the Union? Seriously? Come on, do I have to? Can't I just watch the highlights on "The Daily Show" tomorrow? Because the preview that Jon Stewart did last night was hilarious. I guess I would watch the State of the Union to win a bet, but if somebody calls while it's on, I'm grabbing the phone. Even if it's the old alma mater looking for an annual gift, I am talking that guy's ear off. Better yet, one of those long, consumer product surveys. "On a scale of 1-10, how would I rate the fabric softener choices at my grocery store?" Wow, that is a tough one, let me see...
Look, it's not that I don't like politics or George W. Bush; well, actually I don't care for either, but that's not why I won't watch it. I was never a big Ronald Reagan fan, but at least he knew how to hold an audience. I'll catch the analysis on NPR tomorrow, maybe a little FOX news to balance that out, but something tells me I'll be more entertained, and better informed, by "Dog, the Bounty Hunter." (9:00 on A&E)
Monday, January 22, 2007
Hoops Junkie
Over the weekend, I watched one entire college basketball game live and most of three on television. I also watched both Wizards games, coached a practice for one son's team and a game for the other's. And I played in pickup games two nights last week. They say the first step in dealing with an addiction is acknowledging that you have a problem.
"Hi, my name is Bill, and I am a basketball addict."
"Hi, Bill."
Not to live in denial, but I think it's fair to blame Big Stein's Bog Poll for at least part of this. None of the college games I saw this weekend involved GW, but all had at least one poll-eligible team playing.
Saturday afternoon, the whole family headed to the Towson Center for the Tigers' tilt with UNC Wilmington. It was the third visit for me and the boys, the first for the Doc. Our first two trips came on weeknights after swimming, but a few of our sons' friends were ballboys Saturday, so we thought we would go for moral support. The team UNCW put on the floor was not even close to the squad that went up 18 on GW in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last spring. They had some big inside players but they couldn't handle Gary Neal or the backside lobs that netted a couple breathtaking dunks for Tommy Breaux and less exciting, but equally effective, layups for Dennard Abraham. Pat Kennedy was trying different combinations than we had seen earlier in the season, and it was working well enough on this day. The Tigers stretched a six-point halftime lead to as many as 15 before finishing with a comfortable 75-61 win.
There was more Colonial Athletic Association action after dinner when I clicked on the VCU-ODU game, a ferocious contest that made me rethink my position that Towson has the talent to contend in the CAA. Maybe it was because the teams are higher up in the standings or the schools are traditional geographic rivals, but the atmosphere seemed far more intense than what we had seen earlier in the day. ODU led at halftime, but the Rams stormed back after the intermission, led by Eric Maynor, who had 16 of his team-high 23 in the second period. He was also the high point man in VCU's win at Towson that we saw, but the Rams have had five different players lead them in scoring this season, one of the reasons I am so high on them. Old Dominion obviously has the talent to win the CAA - they beat Georgetown at McDonough in November - but have struggled otherwise on the road.
Sunday was ACC day, sandwiched around some tasty football games of course. In the opener, Wake Forest at Virginia, the Cavs' JR Reynolds was smoking like RJ Reynolds as he hibachied the Demon Deacons for a career-high 40 points. UVA needed every one of them because Sean Singletary played more like Mike Singletary, picking up four fouls in 28 minutes. Wake seems to have made itself at home in the ACC cellar but freshmen Ishmael Smith and Jamie Skeen show a promising future.
The nightcap featured Maryland at Virginia Tech, tipping off at about the same time the Patriots set the stage for the biggest comeback in playoff history. With the snowstorm in Blacksburg threatening to hold down attendance, Tech opened the doors to its student body, and Cassell Coliseum rocked all game long. The players rocked, too, and bumped, hacked, and fought every play as hard as the the guys on the gridiron in Indianapolis. After a few first half lead changes, the Doc remarked presciently, "It's going to be like this the whole game, isn't it?" Then she wisely fell asleep. And it did seesaw back and forth for the next hour. Maryland was never able to stop Tech's penetration and while James Gist and and Ekene Ibekwe are wonderful athletes, the Terps needed more minutes for Bambale Osby, whose rugged frame was better suited to this game. They also needed better than 9-25 shooting from DJ Strawberry and Mike Jones, especially in overtime when they converted only one field goal. Despite rallying from an eight-point second half deficit, the Terps fell short in OT, 67-64, and suddenly, a team that looked ready to challenge North Carolina in December can barely catch a glimpse of the Tarheels (and BC) in the ACC standings.
So how did all this affect my poll (it is Monday, after all)? Well, Tech lost at Florida State before beating Maryland, so they had to fall out of first. Up comes VCU. Let's see if they can last. And Georgetown won two on the road, so they bypass Tech as well. GW beat the Hokies head-to-head, but that was a long time ago, and Tech's more recent history keeps them a hair higher than the Colonials despite two GW wins. Maryland's two ACC road losses sends them down two spots, just a smidge ahead of UVA. George Mason is a bit further back at #7 but on the come, as is #8 Loyola, but ODU and William and Mary are just filling seats like Kramer at the Tony Awards at this point. Here's the whole schmear:
"Hi, my name is Bill, and I am a basketball addict."
"Hi, Bill."
Not to live in denial, but I think it's fair to blame Big Stein's Bog Poll for at least part of this. None of the college games I saw this weekend involved GW, but all had at least one poll-eligible team playing.
Saturday afternoon, the whole family headed to the Towson Center for the Tigers' tilt with UNC Wilmington. It was the third visit for me and the boys, the first for the Doc. Our first two trips came on weeknights after swimming, but a few of our sons' friends were ballboys Saturday, so we thought we would go for moral support. The team UNCW put on the floor was not even close to the squad that went up 18 on GW in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last spring. They had some big inside players but they couldn't handle Gary Neal or the backside lobs that netted a couple breathtaking dunks for Tommy Breaux and less exciting, but equally effective, layups for Dennard Abraham. Pat Kennedy was trying different combinations than we had seen earlier in the season, and it was working well enough on this day. The Tigers stretched a six-point halftime lead to as many as 15 before finishing with a comfortable 75-61 win.
There was more Colonial Athletic Association action after dinner when I clicked on the VCU-ODU game, a ferocious contest that made me rethink my position that Towson has the talent to contend in the CAA. Maybe it was because the teams are higher up in the standings or the schools are traditional geographic rivals, but the atmosphere seemed far more intense than what we had seen earlier in the day. ODU led at halftime, but the Rams stormed back after the intermission, led by Eric Maynor, who had 16 of his team-high 23 in the second period. He was also the high point man in VCU's win at Towson that we saw, but the Rams have had five different players lead them in scoring this season, one of the reasons I am so high on them. Old Dominion obviously has the talent to win the CAA - they beat Georgetown at McDonough in November - but have struggled otherwise on the road.
Sunday was ACC day, sandwiched around some tasty football games of course. In the opener, Wake Forest at Virginia, the Cavs' JR Reynolds was smoking like RJ Reynolds as he hibachied the Demon Deacons for a career-high 40 points. UVA needed every one of them because Sean Singletary played more like Mike Singletary, picking up four fouls in 28 minutes. Wake seems to have made itself at home in the ACC cellar but freshmen Ishmael Smith and Jamie Skeen show a promising future.
The nightcap featured Maryland at Virginia Tech, tipping off at about the same time the Patriots set the stage for the biggest comeback in playoff history. With the snowstorm in Blacksburg threatening to hold down attendance, Tech opened the doors to its student body, and Cassell Coliseum rocked all game long. The players rocked, too, and bumped, hacked, and fought every play as hard as the the guys on the gridiron in Indianapolis. After a few first half lead changes, the Doc remarked presciently, "It's going to be like this the whole game, isn't it?" Then she wisely fell asleep. And it did seesaw back and forth for the next hour. Maryland was never able to stop Tech's penetration and while James Gist and and Ekene Ibekwe are wonderful athletes, the Terps needed more minutes for Bambale Osby, whose rugged frame was better suited to this game. They also needed better than 9-25 shooting from DJ Strawberry and Mike Jones, especially in overtime when they converted only one field goal. Despite rallying from an eight-point second half deficit, the Terps fell short in OT, 67-64, and suddenly, a team that looked ready to challenge North Carolina in December can barely catch a glimpse of the Tarheels (and BC) in the ACC standings.
So how did all this affect my poll (it is Monday, after all)? Well, Tech lost at Florida State before beating Maryland, so they had to fall out of first. Up comes VCU. Let's see if they can last. And Georgetown won two on the road, so they bypass Tech as well. GW beat the Hokies head-to-head, but that was a long time ago, and Tech's more recent history keeps them a hair higher than the Colonials despite two GW wins. Maryland's two ACC road losses sends them down two spots, just a smidge ahead of UVA. George Mason is a bit further back at #7 but on the come, as is #8 Loyola, but ODU and William and Mary are just filling seats like Kramer at the Tony Awards at this point. Here's the whole schmear:
1. VCU
Rams coach Anthony Grant is the most popular Grant in Richmond since Ulysses S. Grant, which isn’t saying much.
2. Georgetown
Hoyas prefer slow tempo, don’t even use EZ Pass on their successful two-game road trip through New Jersey.
3. Virginia Tech
Hokies can handle Duke, UNC and Maryland, but they can’t handle the pressure of being Number One in the Bog Poll. Seth Greenberg no longer speaking to Big Stein. 4. GW
Colonials beat Charlotte, but instead of game coverage, Washington Post begins a five-part series on Karl Hobbs’ hatred of puppies.
5. Maryland
After losing at Virginia Tech, Gary Williams is overheard asking Maryland’s SID, “When do we get to play Wake Forest?”
6. Virginia
J.R. Reynolds shouts “Bog Poll votes!” as he releases each shot on his way to a career-high 40 points against Wake Forest.
7. George Mason
Patriots win fifth in a row against Northeastern despite rumors that the Huskies had brought in some guy named Vinatieri.
8. Loyola
Greyhounds beat St. Peter’s and Rider, making Poll teams 4-0 against New Jersey teams this week. Insert New Jersey joke here.
9. Old Dominion
Top Ten elimination game this Wednesday when the Monarchs host William and Mary should open the door for Towson.
10. William and Mary
Tribe coach Tony Shaver announces that he has formed an “exploratory committee” on how to break a four-game losing streak.
Playoff Pleather
Oh, what a weekend! If I were a radio talk show host, I would say that I don't know if we are going to have time to cover everything that happened. Especially when you throw in the two-hour, one inch of snow, school delay this morning.
Let's start with the NFL. For a while in the first game, I thought I was watching a snowy rerun of the Ravens-Colts game the week before. Then I guess somebody told the teams they were allowed to score touchdowns, and the Bears listened a little better than the Saints. Pretty impressive watching Chicago run Thomas Jones eight straight times for the first TD of the day late in the first half, but equally impressive seeing Drew Brees march his team right back down the field to answer.
Reggie Bush strutted his stuff just a little too much for my liking when he turned to taunt the Bears' defense at the end of his fabulous 88-yard touchdown catch and run in the beginning of the third. And his flip into the end zone reminded me of the showy Superman TD dive he took just over a year ago against Texas in the Rose Bowl. His opponent got the last laugh in that game and this one as well.
The Saints wisely stacked their defense against the run in the second half and Chicago QB Rex Grossman failed to take advantage, going two-for-eight, until he caught fire late in the third period and completed four straight to put the Bears in the end zone and up by nine. The defense took over from there, forcing a fumble, an interception and two turnovers on downs. Thus endeth the Saints' magical journey.
Game Two gave CBS announcer Jim Nantz almost more drama than he could handle. I won't rehash the details, but when Peyton Manning broke the huddle to start the Colts' final drive, Nantz intoned, "This drive could change Peyton Manning's life," as if we hadn't been listening to the proclamations of every other pigskinhead for the last two weeks. Not much to say about Manning other than he rallied his team to the biggest comeback in playoff history and delivered in the clutch.
So the games were fun even if they didn't exactly stick to Hollywood studio scripts. The Saints couldn't continue to heal their battered and abandoned hometown, and the winning Colts' score wasn't Manning's or Adam Vinatieri's but Joseph Addai's. For me the greatest drama was whether Bill Belichik's trademark cutoff sweatshrt would survive. The way he kept clutching at the collar, I thought he was going to rip it right down the middle (okay, substitute hoped for thought, to make that last sentence more accurate).
So, who's ready for two weeks of mind-numbing Super Bowl overcoverage? As I wrote earlier, we got a dusting of snow yesterday and more is supposed to be on the way later in the week, which sets up two of my most hated media phenomena: local news team snow hype and Super Bowl mania.
The matchup is almost perfect for the media machines. The white-hatted heroes led by their heroic quarterback versus one of the most venerable franchises in NFL history, personified by the All-Pro middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. Seriously, what's the over-under on Dick Butkus references for the next two weeks, about a billion? Which is also the number of emails Bill Simmons is going to receive this week.
Next up, college basketball, including this week's Top 10 Poll.
Let's start with the NFL. For a while in the first game, I thought I was watching a snowy rerun of the Ravens-Colts game the week before. Then I guess somebody told the teams they were allowed to score touchdowns, and the Bears listened a little better than the Saints. Pretty impressive watching Chicago run Thomas Jones eight straight times for the first TD of the day late in the first half, but equally impressive seeing Drew Brees march his team right back down the field to answer.
Reggie Bush strutted his stuff just a little too much for my liking when he turned to taunt the Bears' defense at the end of his fabulous 88-yard touchdown catch and run in the beginning of the third. And his flip into the end zone reminded me of the showy Superman TD dive he took just over a year ago against Texas in the Rose Bowl. His opponent got the last laugh in that game and this one as well.
The Saints wisely stacked their defense against the run in the second half and Chicago QB Rex Grossman failed to take advantage, going two-for-eight, until he caught fire late in the third period and completed four straight to put the Bears in the end zone and up by nine. The defense took over from there, forcing a fumble, an interception and two turnovers on downs. Thus endeth the Saints' magical journey.
Game Two gave CBS announcer Jim Nantz almost more drama than he could handle. I won't rehash the details, but when Peyton Manning broke the huddle to start the Colts' final drive, Nantz intoned, "This drive could change Peyton Manning's life," as if we hadn't been listening to the proclamations of every other pigskinhead for the last two weeks. Not much to say about Manning other than he rallied his team to the biggest comeback in playoff history and delivered in the clutch.
So the games were fun even if they didn't exactly stick to Hollywood studio scripts. The Saints couldn't continue to heal their battered and abandoned hometown, and the winning Colts' score wasn't Manning's or Adam Vinatieri's but Joseph Addai's. For me the greatest drama was whether Bill Belichik's trademark cutoff sweatshrt would survive. The way he kept clutching at the collar, I thought he was going to rip it right down the middle (okay, substitute hoped for thought, to make that last sentence more accurate).
So, who's ready for two weeks of mind-numbing Super Bowl overcoverage? As I wrote earlier, we got a dusting of snow yesterday and more is supposed to be on the way later in the week, which sets up two of my most hated media phenomena: local news team snow hype and Super Bowl mania.
The matchup is almost perfect for the media machines. The white-hatted heroes led by their heroic quarterback versus one of the most venerable franchises in NFL history, personified by the All-Pro middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. Seriously, what's the over-under on Dick Butkus references for the next two weeks, about a billion? Which is also the number of emails Bill Simmons is going to receive this week.
Next up, college basketball, including this week's Top 10 Poll.
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