Record: 5-2-0
Last night's win against Toronto was a big one. Not just because Toronto was ahead of us in the standings, some may say that's the only reason needed, but because we have Toronto's first round pick again next year. The B's have a vested interest in the Maple Leafs finishing as far down in the standings as possible and every game we win against them pushes them further down the standings. Toronto had a great start, but maybe, just maybe, we can make those "Thank You Kessel" chants mean that much more.
Once again Tim Thomas was spectacular. I thought for sure Rask was going to be the man this year, but Thomas has changed that in a big way. He's not just winning games, he's doing it with huge saves, carrying the team through any slow spells they may have. Two shutouts in 5 games. Only the second Bruins goalie ever to win his first five starts. Hopefully he can keep this play up.
The other Bruin that continues to impress is Jordan Caron. I love this kid. With all the offseason attention focused on Seguin, Caron has quietly established himself as the rookie of note on the Bruins roster. The Bruins front office obviously knows what its doing when drafting and developing these players. Two years ago the youth movement was being established by Lucic and Kessel. Now we have Seguin and Caron. The front office was able to absorb the loss of Kessel and stay both competitive and young. After years of missteps and poor development, it looks like the Bruins finally have management that can put together a cup winner!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
How I Met Your Mother: Baby Talk
In all honesty, I have nothing to really say about this episode. Probably not even worth posting this, but just to have something for every episode I'll comment briefly. It was a very blah episode. Not much happened, the joke weren't really that funny, they didn't go over any new or interesting ground. It was a complete throw away as far as I'm concerned. I guess over the course of a 24 episode season there has to be a few throw aways, let just hope it doesn't become the norm. The few highlights, and I'm stretching by calling them highlights, were probably the Jeremy reference and the joke about Lilly not wanting to name her child after problem kids from her school. The Jeremy thing was a little out of character for the show. They don't usually do pop culture references, it was something I would expect from shows like Community, but it worked and got a chuckle out of me. I'm not sure it's a direction I would want the show to go, I like when they do pop culture in the groups discussions, but it was OK here.
Boston Bruins: Game 6
Record: 4-2-0
This was a classic let down game. The B's were coming off two big wins against a top opponent and now facing a hurting Rangers team with most of their offensive threats on the DL. The B's played physical and didn't back down, which was nice to see, but they just weren't crisp with their play. Some of the stuff that seemed like good ideas last game came back to hurt in this one, namely Mark Recchi at point in the power play. What ended up being the game winning goal was scored when Recchi miss handled the puck at the point and it leaked out of the offensive zone and on to the stick of a streaking Ranger who broke away and beat Rask. Here's hoping this performance is just a let down and not a sign that we are in for another up and down season.
The highlight of the game from a Bruins perspective, other then the three fights and their all around physical play, was the Horton goal. David Krejci went into the corner and made a no look through his own legs pass right on Horton's stick in the slot. I have no idea how he did it. I wonder if he could see Horton's reflection in the glass because he didn't even give a peak over his shoulder as he went into the corner. Either that, or it was just dumb luck.
Next game is against Toronto on Thursday
This was a classic let down game. The B's were coming off two big wins against a top opponent and now facing a hurting Rangers team with most of their offensive threats on the DL. The B's played physical and didn't back down, which was nice to see, but they just weren't crisp with their play. Some of the stuff that seemed like good ideas last game came back to hurt in this one, namely Mark Recchi at point in the power play. What ended up being the game winning goal was scored when Recchi miss handled the puck at the point and it leaked out of the offensive zone and on to the stick of a streaking Ranger who broke away and beat Rask. Here's hoping this performance is just a let down and not a sign that we are in for another up and down season.
The highlight of the game from a Bruins perspective, other then the three fights and their all around physical play, was the Horton goal. David Krejci went into the corner and made a no look through his own legs pass right on Horton's stick in the slot. I have no idea how he did it. I wonder if he could see Horton's reflection in the glass because he didn't even give a peak over his shoulder as he went into the corner. Either that, or it was just dumb luck.
Next game is against Toronto on Thursday
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Boston Bruins: Game 5
Record: 5-1-0
The B's passed the first big test of the season with flying colors, taking both games of a home and home with the Washington Capitals. After taking the first game in Washington, 3-1, the B's came back to Boston two days later to try again. The Caps had control over most of the first period, carrying the play and determining the pace of the game, but Michael Ryder's power play goal with seconds left in the period turned the game around. When the Bruins came out for the second period they never looked back, controlling the rest of the game and adding tallies by Jordan Caron, Nathan Horton and Zedano Chara for a 4-1 victory.
I don't know if I should call it a surprise, but one of the highlights of the season so far has to be the play of Tim Thomas. I'm starting to believe that this guy only plays well when everyone is down on him. He kept Boston in the game in the first period with some spectacular saves and has stepped back up into the starting position. The biggest problem with the team at the moment seems to be that we have two starting goalies, a problem I'm sure every other NHL team would gladly have.
Another problem that the Bruins have been trying to address is a somewhat lack luster power play. With a 3 for 4 power play in this game, it seems like the work they have been doing may start to pay off. Julien kept the HuLK line (Horton, Lucic, Krejic) together, something I think should be more common. Why wouldn't your number one line also be your power play line? If they are your best scorers, shouldn't they be together for the power play as well? Another interesting move was putting Recchi on the point. Over his career Recchi has been a force in front of the net, but he seemed to be just as valuable at the point. He moved the puck well and added another threat on the ice.
I found it interesting that Julien started the game with the number 4 line on the ice (Thorton, Campbell, Marchand). I read somewhere that one of the problems the B's had last year was that Begin played hurt most of the season, so the 4th line only logged a few minutes a game. Now with this year's 4th line playing so well, they are on the ice more giving the other lines more time to rest. I can't tell you how much fun it is watching this line play. They are all over the ice, playing tough physical hockey, and it's ending with great results. If they can keep up the pressure, it is going to mean good things for the Bruins this season.
The B's passed the first big test of the season with flying colors, taking both games of a home and home with the Washington Capitals. After taking the first game in Washington, 3-1, the B's came back to Boston two days later to try again. The Caps had control over most of the first period, carrying the play and determining the pace of the game, but Michael Ryder's power play goal with seconds left in the period turned the game around. When the Bruins came out for the second period they never looked back, controlling the rest of the game and adding tallies by Jordan Caron, Nathan Horton and Zedano Chara for a 4-1 victory.
I don't know if I should call it a surprise, but one of the highlights of the season so far has to be the play of Tim Thomas. I'm starting to believe that this guy only plays well when everyone is down on him. He kept Boston in the game in the first period with some spectacular saves and has stepped back up into the starting position. The biggest problem with the team at the moment seems to be that we have two starting goalies, a problem I'm sure every other NHL team would gladly have.
Another problem that the Bruins have been trying to address is a somewhat lack luster power play. With a 3 for 4 power play in this game, it seems like the work they have been doing may start to pay off. Julien kept the HuLK line (Horton, Lucic, Krejic) together, something I think should be more common. Why wouldn't your number one line also be your power play line? If they are your best scorers, shouldn't they be together for the power play as well? Another interesting move was putting Recchi on the point. Over his career Recchi has been a force in front of the net, but he seemed to be just as valuable at the point. He moved the puck well and added another threat on the ice.
I found it interesting that Julien started the game with the number 4 line on the ice (Thorton, Campbell, Marchand). I read somewhere that one of the problems the B's had last year was that Begin played hurt most of the season, so the 4th line only logged a few minutes a game. Now with this year's 4th line playing so well, they are on the ice more giving the other lines more time to rest. I can't tell you how much fun it is watching this line play. They are all over the ice, playing tough physical hockey, and it's ending with great results. If they can keep up the pressure, it is going to mean good things for the Bruins this season.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Terriers: Missing Persons
Terriers is really hitting its stride as it moves away from the Lindus story thread and has started to focus on more one-off episodes. I don't believe the Lindus thing is over (well, it might be over if Terriers doesn't get a second season),but for now the one-offs are great. In Missing Persons we are introduced to what every great PI show needs and what Terriers had been missing up until this episode, colorful underworld informants, characters that for whatever reason are on the outs with society but are able to give our heroes important information when needed. In this episode we met Doc Johnson, an ex-pharmacist who now works a ice cream cart, and a group of tech kids I'll call the Winnebago Nerds, since we weren't given their names and they run their operation out of a Winnebago on the beach. It's characters like these, sprinkled throughout the show, that add depth to the storylines and help make the weekly mysteries more interesting. I look forward to more dealings with the Winnebago Nerds. I feel like there is a whole episode somewhere with their names on it.
Even though the episode's main story line was a self contained mystery, it was far from insignificant as far as the main character development goes. One can't help but feel bad for Britt, who finally lashed out at Hank about their very one sided partnership. He senses something is wrong with Katie, his partner keeps pulling him into sticky situations that he wants nothing to do with, things are not working out for him. And now we have to wait to see if Hank spent Britt's half of the bonds to put his sister into assisted living. That could very well be the last straw for Britt. Hank has that special gift of being able to talk his way out of everything, of smoothing over whatever issue you may have with him, but spending Britt's money, money Britt told him he wanted and needed, might be to big a crime to forget.
Even though the episode's main story line was a self contained mystery, it was far from insignificant as far as the main character development goes. One can't help but feel bad for Britt, who finally lashed out at Hank about their very one sided partnership. He senses something is wrong with Katie, his partner keeps pulling him into sticky situations that he wants nothing to do with, things are not working out for him. And now we have to wait to see if Hank spent Britt's half of the bonds to put his sister into assisted living. That could very well be the last straw for Britt. Hank has that special gift of being able to talk his way out of everything, of smoothing over whatever issue you may have with him, but spending Britt's money, money Britt told him he wanted and needed, might be to big a crime to forget.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Top 5: All Time Videos
Don't have a lot of time this week, so I don't really have a reason for this one, just went with something easy. Top 5 Videos Of All Time. For those of you who don't know what a video is, its those things that MTV used to play but know you can only find on YouTube...
5. Weapon Of Choice - Fat Boy Slim www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF5cBoAV5Ys
This is the one with Christopher Walken dancing all over the place. Pure Comedy! Spike Jones is a music video genius. This is, as you will find out, was his second best video.
4. November Rain - Guns N Roses www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE&ob=av3e
I always enjoyed this video, even though my enjoyment of Guns N Roses is very hit or miss. It is extremely cinematic even though I don't think anyone knows what story Axel was trying to tell. It's beautiful and emotional none the less.
3. Here It Goes Again - Ok Go www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA
In all honesty, this might be a career achievement award. Pick a video, Here It Goes Again, A Million Ways, White Knuckles, either of the two This Too Shall Pass. Ok Go have become the master on the one shot video. I enjoy there music more because of their genius making videos. This is the one that put them on the map.
2. Take On Me - Aa-Ha www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EXxMlIExpo
It is hard for me to put this one at number two because it's been around so much longer then all the others, but it just isn't better then number one. This video was so far ahead of it's time as far as creative story telling videos went. Most people point to Thriller, but this was much better and less ostentatious. Fuck Michael Jackson, whoever came up with this video was a true pioneer.
1. Sabotage - Beastie Boys www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE&ob=av3n
This is by far the greatest video ever. Pure comedy, pure entertainment. This is Spike Jones at his absolute best. It is extremely funny and fits the music perfect. An instant classic.
5. Weapon Of Choice - Fat Boy Slim www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF5cBoAV5Ys
This is the one with Christopher Walken dancing all over the place. Pure Comedy! Spike Jones is a music video genius. This is, as you will find out, was his second best video.
4. November Rain - Guns N Roses www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbUC-UaAxE&ob=av3e
I always enjoyed this video, even though my enjoyment of Guns N Roses is very hit or miss. It is extremely cinematic even though I don't think anyone knows what story Axel was trying to tell. It's beautiful and emotional none the less.
3. Here It Goes Again - Ok Go www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA
In all honesty, this might be a career achievement award. Pick a video, Here It Goes Again, A Million Ways, White Knuckles, either of the two This Too Shall Pass. Ok Go have become the master on the one shot video. I enjoy there music more because of their genius making videos. This is the one that put them on the map.
2. Take On Me - Aa-Ha www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EXxMlIExpo
It is hard for me to put this one at number two because it's been around so much longer then all the others, but it just isn't better then number one. This video was so far ahead of it's time as far as creative story telling videos went. Most people point to Thriller, but this was much better and less ostentatious. Fuck Michael Jackson, whoever came up with this video was a true pioneer.
1. Sabotage - Beastie Boys www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5rRZdiu1UE&ob=av3n
This is by far the greatest video ever. Pure comedy, pure entertainment. This is Spike Jones at his absolute best. It is extremely funny and fits the music perfect. An instant classic.
How I Met Your Mother: Architect Of Destruction
Sometimes its amazing how much they can cram into one 21 minute episode. There were so many good moments in this one, but none of them seemed to be all that connected. I would guess that there were a bunch of jokes left on the writing table that nobody was sure where to put or couldn't develop them enough for them to warrant their own episode, so what we the viewers are left with is one episode crammed with little tid bits. Many times this could mean disaster. So much is going on that none of it really works, but in this case the HIMYM writers pulled it off.
My favorite moments are...
-new is better vs old is better discussion
I thought this was going to be the theme of the episode, but it ended up just being a funny back and forth between Ted and Barney. I enjoy these moments. This one was particularly funny.
-changing one's personality to fit with a new girl
This was introduced late in the episode but ended up being the theme. Its something we've seen Ted do, even without the new examples they gave us. It's also something I'm sure all of us have experienced in real life. Who doesn't have the friend that changed the minute they started dating some new girl? They suddenly become some new person we didn't know. The key, as they pointed out in the show, is not to change as much as add to what is already there. The best partners in life introduce us to new experiences and bring out the best in who we are, but don't totally alter who we are and what we do for fun. It's an easy trap to fall into.
-some old jokes
I know it's old at this point, but I still find the legendary jokes funny. I don't care how many times Barney pulls out this catch phrase, I'm going to laugh. The writers also decided to fall on the old standard of penis jokes. Unlike Legendary, there is such thing as too many penis jokes. HIMYM doesn't rely on them that often, so an episode full of them was enjoyable.
-Locker room talk
They nailed this one. As much as you ladies may think all guys do is talk about sex in the locker room, we never go into any detail. A guy may talk about a certain conquest for everyone to hear, but it is usually only in hushed tones that the specifics are given, if at all. In all honesty, once you've had sex yourself, you don't care at all about the details of other dudes experiences. The other thing they nailed is the one old naked guy that makes everyone else uncomfortable. The minute they started describing a guy locker room I said there had to be a naked old guy. I don't know why, but there is always one naked old guy.
The only other thing worth mentioning is the arrival of Jennifer Morrison (Cameron from House). Many speculated that she would be Ted's future wife, but we discover early on that she is married and we get her name, which if Ted is telling this to his kids, they would know that it was their mom. So, it doesn't look like she's "the one" or do the HIMYM creators have a twist in store for us?
My favorite moments are...
-new is better vs old is better discussion
I thought this was going to be the theme of the episode, but it ended up just being a funny back and forth between Ted and Barney. I enjoy these moments. This one was particularly funny.
-changing one's personality to fit with a new girl
This was introduced late in the episode but ended up being the theme. Its something we've seen Ted do, even without the new examples they gave us. It's also something I'm sure all of us have experienced in real life. Who doesn't have the friend that changed the minute they started dating some new girl? They suddenly become some new person we didn't know. The key, as they pointed out in the show, is not to change as much as add to what is already there. The best partners in life introduce us to new experiences and bring out the best in who we are, but don't totally alter who we are and what we do for fun. It's an easy trap to fall into.
-some old jokes
I know it's old at this point, but I still find the legendary jokes funny. I don't care how many times Barney pulls out this catch phrase, I'm going to laugh. The writers also decided to fall on the old standard of penis jokes. Unlike Legendary, there is such thing as too many penis jokes. HIMYM doesn't rely on them that often, so an episode full of them was enjoyable.
-Locker room talk
They nailed this one. As much as you ladies may think all guys do is talk about sex in the locker room, we never go into any detail. A guy may talk about a certain conquest for everyone to hear, but it is usually only in hushed tones that the specifics are given, if at all. In all honesty, once you've had sex yourself, you don't care at all about the details of other dudes experiences. The other thing they nailed is the one old naked guy that makes everyone else uncomfortable. The minute they started describing a guy locker room I said there had to be a naked old guy. I don't know why, but there is always one naked old guy.
The only other thing worth mentioning is the arrival of Jennifer Morrison (Cameron from House). Many speculated that she would be Ted's future wife, but we discover early on that she is married and we get her name, which if Ted is telling this to his kids, they would know that it was their mom. So, it doesn't look like she's "the one" or do the HIMYM creators have a twist in store for us?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Boston Bruins: Game 3
Record: 2-1-0
I hate that the last column in the record is tie loses and not just ties. There is nothing wrong with a tie in the regular season and even if there was, shootouts is not the way to solve it. A shoot out win ends so anti-climatically. Even the best goal scorer only scores on a penalty shot 20% of the time. Why not just hold a coin flip?
But I digress without even really starting what I want to write about, game three of the Bruins 2010-2011 season. There are high hopes for the B's this year coming off a disappointing regular season and one of the worst exits in sports history last year, an exit of Yankee like proportions. The hopes are high after an offseason that saw the Bruins pick second in the draft and trade for the sniper the team has needed the last couple of years. Even with Marc Savard, the teams best playmaker, out for an indefinite period of time with post-concussion symptoms, the Boston faithful can't help but be excited about what the team can accomplish. And, so far, so good. After a lifeless first game in Prague, the B's have bounced back with two excellent games.
Last night's 4-1 domination of the New Jersey Devils is hopefully a sign of what this season has to hold for the Bruin's fans. The B's were in total control of both zones as they handed one of the best defensive teams in hockey a beat down. Reminiscent of the 2008-2009 season, when the Bruins surprised everyone with the best regular season record in the east, everyone on the roster added to the victory. 11 different players had points and those who didn't made their present felt none the less.
If things keep up this way, coach Claude Julian is going to have some tough choices to make when Marc Savard is able to return to the line-up. The odds on favorite to be kicked off the roster, Michael Ryder, had a bounce in his step and his shot that was lacking all of last year. Its still a little early to determine if all the talk of Ryder being left off the roster has motivated him to find his 2008-2009 form, but things are looking bright so far. Another nice surprise so far this year is rookie Jordan Caron, who scored his first NHL goal on future HOFer, Martin Brodeur. Caron seems to be the prototypical Bruin, a big winger not scared to get dirty in the corners or in front of the net. I have high hopes for this kids future.
My choice of player to sit when Savard returns is Blake Wheeler. I'm just not impressed and haven't been even when he was putting pucks in the net on a regular basis. His decision making is beyond poor and he tends to take full games off, forget about shifts. Daniel Paille, even though he doesn't score goals, has skills that the team could use and I can't say the same about Wheeler. If Caron keeps up his play, Wheeler, who plays much smaller then 6'5", 205 lb frame, is easily the most expendable player on the team.
The other question Savard's return will bring is what line should he be on? Julian will probably want to stick him on the first line with Horton and Lucic but why mess with the chemistry David Krejic has formed with the two? I have said for two years now that what Krejic needs to be a huge success in this league is a true sniper on his wing. A Brett Hull to Krejic's Adam Oates. A Cam Neely to Krejic's Craig Janney. Nathan Horton is that sniper. If Julian keeps Horton and Krejic together both of them will have career years.
So, like I said, so far so good. Up next for the B's is a home and home on Tuesday and Thursday with the Washington Capitals. This will by far be the biggest test of the young season. We will know for sure where the B's stand this time next week.
I hate that the last column in the record is tie loses and not just ties. There is nothing wrong with a tie in the regular season and even if there was, shootouts is not the way to solve it. A shoot out win ends so anti-climatically. Even the best goal scorer only scores on a penalty shot 20% of the time. Why not just hold a coin flip?
But I digress without even really starting what I want to write about, game three of the Bruins 2010-2011 season. There are high hopes for the B's this year coming off a disappointing regular season and one of the worst exits in sports history last year, an exit of Yankee like proportions. The hopes are high after an offseason that saw the Bruins pick second in the draft and trade for the sniper the team has needed the last couple of years. Even with Marc Savard, the teams best playmaker, out for an indefinite period of time with post-concussion symptoms, the Boston faithful can't help but be excited about what the team can accomplish. And, so far, so good. After a lifeless first game in Prague, the B's have bounced back with two excellent games.
Last night's 4-1 domination of the New Jersey Devils is hopefully a sign of what this season has to hold for the Bruin's fans. The B's were in total control of both zones as they handed one of the best defensive teams in hockey a beat down. Reminiscent of the 2008-2009 season, when the Bruins surprised everyone with the best regular season record in the east, everyone on the roster added to the victory. 11 different players had points and those who didn't made their present felt none the less.
If things keep up this way, coach Claude Julian is going to have some tough choices to make when Marc Savard is able to return to the line-up. The odds on favorite to be kicked off the roster, Michael Ryder, had a bounce in his step and his shot that was lacking all of last year. Its still a little early to determine if all the talk of Ryder being left off the roster has motivated him to find his 2008-2009 form, but things are looking bright so far. Another nice surprise so far this year is rookie Jordan Caron, who scored his first NHL goal on future HOFer, Martin Brodeur. Caron seems to be the prototypical Bruin, a big winger not scared to get dirty in the corners or in front of the net. I have high hopes for this kids future.
My choice of player to sit when Savard returns is Blake Wheeler. I'm just not impressed and haven't been even when he was putting pucks in the net on a regular basis. His decision making is beyond poor and he tends to take full games off, forget about shifts. Daniel Paille, even though he doesn't score goals, has skills that the team could use and I can't say the same about Wheeler. If Caron keeps up his play, Wheeler, who plays much smaller then 6'5", 205 lb frame, is easily the most expendable player on the team.
The other question Savard's return will bring is what line should he be on? Julian will probably want to stick him on the first line with Horton and Lucic but why mess with the chemistry David Krejic has formed with the two? I have said for two years now that what Krejic needs to be a huge success in this league is a true sniper on his wing. A Brett Hull to Krejic's Adam Oates. A Cam Neely to Krejic's Craig Janney. Nathan Horton is that sniper. If Julian keeps Horton and Krejic together both of them will have career years.
So, like I said, so far so good. Up next for the B's is a home and home on Tuesday and Thursday with the Washington Capitals. This will by far be the biggest test of the young season. We will know for sure where the B's stand this time next week.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Terriers: Ring-A-Ding-Ding
At it's heart Terriers is a show about relationships. Relationships with clients. Relationships with friends. Relationships with loved ones. It deals closely with how people start relationships, how they ruin them and how they try to fix them. It highlights bad relationships, great relationships, broken relationships, mutually beneficial relationships. Every character's major dilemma centers around a relationship. Should I further this relationship? Should I rekindle this relationship? Should I stay in this relationship? That being the case, Ring-A-Ding-Ding is a watershed episode in the Terriers universe. Every relationship in the show will be drastically altered after this episodes events, whether it's how Hank will deal with his ex's pending marriage or when Brit will pop the question to Katie or how Katie will respond or how Hank will go forward with Brit holding on to the information he now has, no one is coming out the same.
We've pretty much realized from the get go that Hank is all about Hank, no matter what the relationship. He's shown us time and again that other people's feelings and well being don't mean much when compared to his goals. The whole Lindus situation was slow moving avalanche that Hank kept getting more and more people caught under, some without them even knowing it. I have a feeling we haven't seen the end of this storyline and when it reemerges everyone in Hank's life will be at risk because he didn't know when to give in and back down. In Ring-A-Ding-Ding, we see an inkling of growth though. You can't help but hope that Hank sees the error of his ways and will be willing to let his ex and her fiancee be at peace, if for nothing else then her happiness. It was spelled out for him and he seemed to understand the message, now he just needs to act properly.
The most heart breaking twist was the unveiling that Katie is more Hank when it comes to relationships then she is Brit. The whole slow train wreck of a situation played out agonizingly beautifully, leaving the viewer to constantly apologize for Katie's actions right up until the moment she confess to Hank that she knew what she was doing all along. Hank understands, of course. We can only guess that all the broken relationships in his past, his ex-wife, his ex-partner, ended because he too didn't "feel like he deserved it." But one can't help but feel impending disaster when the response is to keep Katie's digression quiet.
Now that everyone's relationship has been turned on its head we will see what Terriers really has to say about relationships. Are they worth it? Does someone always have to play the fool? Can they bring true happiness? Or only impending pain? I hope the show doesn't get canceled before we find out!
We've pretty much realized from the get go that Hank is all about Hank, no matter what the relationship. He's shown us time and again that other people's feelings and well being don't mean much when compared to his goals. The whole Lindus situation was slow moving avalanche that Hank kept getting more and more people caught under, some without them even knowing it. I have a feeling we haven't seen the end of this storyline and when it reemerges everyone in Hank's life will be at risk because he didn't know when to give in and back down. In Ring-A-Ding-Ding, we see an inkling of growth though. You can't help but hope that Hank sees the error of his ways and will be willing to let his ex and her fiancee be at peace, if for nothing else then her happiness. It was spelled out for him and he seemed to understand the message, now he just needs to act properly.
The most heart breaking twist was the unveiling that Katie is more Hank when it comes to relationships then she is Brit. The whole slow train wreck of a situation played out agonizingly beautifully, leaving the viewer to constantly apologize for Katie's actions right up until the moment she confess to Hank that she knew what she was doing all along. Hank understands, of course. We can only guess that all the broken relationships in his past, his ex-wife, his ex-partner, ended because he too didn't "feel like he deserved it." But one can't help but feel impending disaster when the response is to keep Katie's digression quiet.
Now that everyone's relationship has been turned on its head we will see what Terriers really has to say about relationships. Are they worth it? Does someone always have to play the fool? Can they bring true happiness? Or only impending pain? I hope the show doesn't get canceled before we find out!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Book Review: The Poe Shadow
In the world of music, many times, a bands first album is their best. Chances are they were touring for years with the same material when they finally land a record deal, giving them plenty of time to tweak and morph each song to perfection before stepping into the studio and laying them down for eternity. The second album never lives up to its predecessor because the band is rushed into the studio for a follow up and forced to produce songs in a quarter of the time they had for the first one. The world of writing is much different. With each book an author usually builds on the lessons learned heading closer and closer to his or her masterpiece. Matthew Pearl seems to be the rare novelist who fits in better with the rules of the music world then writing. His first novel, The Dante Club, threw him suddenly to the top of the historical fiction genre. It was an intriguing and exciting piece of literature that used historical characters to create a page turning mystery novel. With his second novel, The Poe Shadow, Pearl took a huge step backwards. Much like The Dante Club, The Poe Shadow uses real people and the very real mystery of Edgar Allen Poe's death to set up a fictional story about the deaths investigation. Unlike The Dante Club, the novel struggles to establish a tone, leaving the characters to come off as farcical and unbelievable and the mystery lacking. Cries of, "Come on," and questions like, "Am I supposed to be taking this serious," were common as I trudged through the books 384 pages. By the time I reached the concluding chapters, I found myself not caring at all for the protagonist or the mystery he was working so hard to solve. The mysterious conditions surrounding Poe's death seemed ripe for a deeply exciting page turner, but Pearl totally dropped the ball. His biggest mistakes come with the character's he uses to push his story's plot along. The main character, a Baltimore lawyer, Quentin Clark, is not interesting or compelling at all short of his one dimensional love of Poe's work. The two major antagonists, Clark's best guesses at the possible inspiration for Poe's famous detective C. Auguste Dupin, both come off so comical and unbelievable the reader becomes lost over what the novel's tone is supposed to be. Is it a suspenseful query into the death of one of America's greatest writers? Or is it a comical farce about obsessed fans? As high a bar as The Dante Club set, it seemed that Pearl was headed toward placement in the conversation about this generations best novelists, but that just isn't the case with The Poe Shadow. Hopefully Pearl will find his stride with his next novel. There are plenty of musicians who take time developing their third album, or sometimes their fourth, and are able to regain the magic of their first. I hope Pearl follows this career path and not the one of the one hit wonder.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Top 5: Live Sporting Events
In honor of the hockey season starting and NESN playing the 1990 Bruins vs Whalers playoff game on Bruins Classics, I decided to do Top 5 Sporting Events Seen Live. Now, I've never gone to an All-Star Game or any professional championship and I've never seen a no-hitter, so this list is more the weird and exciting things I have happened to see in my 25 years of going to sporting events. Its not a very majestic list, but I think its fun...
5) Man Walks Across Green Monster
This goes back to the good old days when there wasn't seats atop the Green Monster. Those of you familiar with Fenway Park know the Green Monster is a three or four story tall wall that sits out in left field. Back before they put the seats up there, the top of the wall was just a two foot wide strip of wall with a net behind it to stop baseballs from flying into the street behind it. The wall went right up to a section of seats in right field. So we're at the game, having a good time, when I look up and see a guy walking across the wall, four stories high, with nothing between him and the outfield grass below. A homerun had been hit the previous inning and this crazy (and probably very drunk) guy thought he would just climb up on the wall and walk across it to pull the ball out of the net. Needless to say, we stopped watching the game, as the guy slowly crawled out to the ball and then slowly back to the seats where, of course, the security team was waiting to haul him away. I've never heard of anyone trying this before or after.
On a similar note, during one of the Yankee games I went to, a fan jumped or fell (not sure which) out of the upper deck of Yankee Stadium in to the safety net that catches foul balls behind the plate. A couple of years ago this happened again on National TV and they acted like it had never happened before, but I knew different.
4) WrestleMania XI
Putting this on the list is bitter sweet for me. I had always dreamed of attending a WrestleMania event. It was always so bigger then life and the thought of having been there live to see Hulk Hogan body slam Andre the Giant or Roddy Pipper beat the crap out of Mr. T was beyond belief. So, when the greatest event in wrestling was coming to Hartford, CT, I lost my mind. The bitter part is the fact that it is considered one of the worst WrestleManias held. I got to see Bret Hart, my all time favorite wrestler, wrestle live with Roddy Pipper as special guest ref, but there wasn't much more in the highlight column. At the very least, I get to say I attended a WrestleMania and that's cool enough to put this on the list.
3) Bruin Fan Goes After Ref
So, we're at a Bruins game, sitting pretty close to the ice, behind the Bruins bench and the ref is having a horrible game. He's missing obvious calls left and right. It gets so bad that we see Glenn Wesley, one of the Bruins defensemen, come over to the bench with a huge gash over his eye he got from a high stick. The Bruins coach yells at him to go over to the ref and show him what he missed. The Bruins crowd was going crazy and then, while the players were lining up for a face-off, a crazy (and probably drunk) fan climbs up over the boards, falls to the ice and starts to charge the ref. Out of nowhere one of the linesmen comes flying over and hits the guy with one of the best open ice hits I've ever seen. The guy slides into the boards and players pile on top of him, taking many liberties, I'm sure. Now, there have been a few instances of hockey players climbing into the seats to fight the fans, one instance where a fan reached over the boards into the penalty box and grabbed a player and many instances in other sports where fans have run onto the field, but I have never heard before or after of a fan jumping on the ice. It was crazy!
2) Heat II (Ryan vs Clemens)
Thanks to Roger Clemens this match-up means less then it once did, but it still only happened twice and I got to see it. You have to remember, this was before Clemens took steroids and was the most feared started in baseball. Nolan Ryan was aging but still had a few no hitters left in him. If Clemens hadn't gone and tarnished his reputation, this would have gone down as a match-up of the two best power pitchers to ever step on the field. Clemens won, but it was a great game with more excitement then is common for a regular season game.
1) Bruins vs Whalers 1990 Adams Division Semi-Finals Game 4
In the grand scheme of things, this wasn't all that important a game. It wasn't an elimination game. It was the first round of the playoffs. But I have never had a more electric experience at a live sporting event. At the end, it felt like the Bruins had won the Stanley Cup. Bruins/Whalers games at the Hartford Civic Center were always crazy to attend. Since Boston and Hartford are so close, there were always a ton of Bruins fans at the games and the two sides would end up in a number of bloody fights in the stands. The fans of the two teams did not like each other! The Whalers were a far inferior team that year. The Bruins had finished with the best record in hockey and were favorites to take the cup. The Whalers had limped into the playoffs finishing in the last qualifying spot. But none the less, the Whalers were up two games to one and had jumped up 5-2 going into the third period in this game. The chances of coming back from a 3-1 deficit were slim and there was a sense of doom for us Bruins fans. But somehow the Bruins fought back and scored 4 goals in the 3rd period to win the game. The Bruins fans went crazy, even though we were in Hartford all you could hear was "Hear We Go Bruins" chants. The celebration spilled out into the streets as car horns honked for Bruin jerseys and fans hi-fived each other and continued chanting all the way to their cars. It was insane and one of the greatest sport related feelings I've ever had.
5) Man Walks Across Green Monster
This goes back to the good old days when there wasn't seats atop the Green Monster. Those of you familiar with Fenway Park know the Green Monster is a three or four story tall wall that sits out in left field. Back before they put the seats up there, the top of the wall was just a two foot wide strip of wall with a net behind it to stop baseballs from flying into the street behind it. The wall went right up to a section of seats in right field. So we're at the game, having a good time, when I look up and see a guy walking across the wall, four stories high, with nothing between him and the outfield grass below. A homerun had been hit the previous inning and this crazy (and probably very drunk) guy thought he would just climb up on the wall and walk across it to pull the ball out of the net. Needless to say, we stopped watching the game, as the guy slowly crawled out to the ball and then slowly back to the seats where, of course, the security team was waiting to haul him away. I've never heard of anyone trying this before or after.
On a similar note, during one of the Yankee games I went to, a fan jumped or fell (not sure which) out of the upper deck of Yankee Stadium in to the safety net that catches foul balls behind the plate. A couple of years ago this happened again on National TV and they acted like it had never happened before, but I knew different.
4) WrestleMania XI
Putting this on the list is bitter sweet for me. I had always dreamed of attending a WrestleMania event. It was always so bigger then life and the thought of having been there live to see Hulk Hogan body slam Andre the Giant or Roddy Pipper beat the crap out of Mr. T was beyond belief. So, when the greatest event in wrestling was coming to Hartford, CT, I lost my mind. The bitter part is the fact that it is considered one of the worst WrestleManias held. I got to see Bret Hart, my all time favorite wrestler, wrestle live with Roddy Pipper as special guest ref, but there wasn't much more in the highlight column. At the very least, I get to say I attended a WrestleMania and that's cool enough to put this on the list.
3) Bruin Fan Goes After Ref
So, we're at a Bruins game, sitting pretty close to the ice, behind the Bruins bench and the ref is having a horrible game. He's missing obvious calls left and right. It gets so bad that we see Glenn Wesley, one of the Bruins defensemen, come over to the bench with a huge gash over his eye he got from a high stick. The Bruins coach yells at him to go over to the ref and show him what he missed. The Bruins crowd was going crazy and then, while the players were lining up for a face-off, a crazy (and probably drunk) fan climbs up over the boards, falls to the ice and starts to charge the ref. Out of nowhere one of the linesmen comes flying over and hits the guy with one of the best open ice hits I've ever seen. The guy slides into the boards and players pile on top of him, taking many liberties, I'm sure. Now, there have been a few instances of hockey players climbing into the seats to fight the fans, one instance where a fan reached over the boards into the penalty box and grabbed a player and many instances in other sports where fans have run onto the field, but I have never heard before or after of a fan jumping on the ice. It was crazy!
2) Heat II (Ryan vs Clemens)
Thanks to Roger Clemens this match-up means less then it once did, but it still only happened twice and I got to see it. You have to remember, this was before Clemens took steroids and was the most feared started in baseball. Nolan Ryan was aging but still had a few no hitters left in him. If Clemens hadn't gone and tarnished his reputation, this would have gone down as a match-up of the two best power pitchers to ever step on the field. Clemens won, but it was a great game with more excitement then is common for a regular season game.
1) Bruins vs Whalers 1990 Adams Division Semi-Finals Game 4
In the grand scheme of things, this wasn't all that important a game. It wasn't an elimination game. It was the first round of the playoffs. But I have never had a more electric experience at a live sporting event. At the end, it felt like the Bruins had won the Stanley Cup. Bruins/Whalers games at the Hartford Civic Center were always crazy to attend. Since Boston and Hartford are so close, there were always a ton of Bruins fans at the games and the two sides would end up in a number of bloody fights in the stands. The fans of the two teams did not like each other! The Whalers were a far inferior team that year. The Bruins had finished with the best record in hockey and were favorites to take the cup. The Whalers had limped into the playoffs finishing in the last qualifying spot. But none the less, the Whalers were up two games to one and had jumped up 5-2 going into the third period in this game. The chances of coming back from a 3-1 deficit were slim and there was a sense of doom for us Bruins fans. But somehow the Bruins fought back and scored 4 goals in the 3rd period to win the game. The Bruins fans went crazy, even though we were in Hartford all you could hear was "Hear We Go Bruins" chants. The celebration spilled out into the streets as car horns honked for Bruin jerseys and fans hi-fived each other and continued chanting all the way to their cars. It was insane and one of the greatest sport related feelings I've ever had.
How I Met Your Mother: Subway Wars
Another week of HIMYM and another step in the right direction. I'm pretty sure any episode that has Ranjit in it is worth watching. As much as I felt we've gone over the episodes major subject before, Robin not being a real New Yorker, the episode was funny and continued to push forward many of the story lines we've been following this year. The way the Lilly/Marshall story line was handled in this episode was more along the lines weighty emotional stuff should be handled. Their manic behavior set up many laughs and the somewhat corny conclusion didn't take away from everything else that was going on. The Marshal vs The Machines folk song was genius! The multiple Maury Povich sitings was great as well, especially since it was never explained why. The episode also supplied further evidence that we may be heading towards a Barney-Robin wedding. There has to be more to Barney's action then just being a good friend.
If I had one complaint, I think they may have missed the boat on the ratemyproffesor.com bit. They basically just introduced the topic, made Ted slightly manic about it in such a manor that none of us really cared and solved the dilemma with one line by Marshal. There was more comedy gold to be mined from this subject, but for whatever reason the writers just let it go.
Over all, that's two good episodes in a row. As much as I think they should just tell us who the Mom is and move on, I'm going to have faith in the writers, who seem to be back on the right track, and ride the show to its conclusion.
If I had one complaint, I think they may have missed the boat on the ratemyproffesor.com bit. They basically just introduced the topic, made Ted slightly manic about it in such a manor that none of us really cared and solved the dilemma with one line by Marshal. There was more comedy gold to be mined from this subject, but for whatever reason the writers just let it go.
Over all, that's two good episodes in a row. As much as I think they should just tell us who the Mom is and move on, I'm going to have faith in the writers, who seem to be back on the right track, and ride the show to its conclusion.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
From My Queue: Drillbit Taylor
Drillbit Taylor: 3 out of 5 stars
writers: Kristofor Brown, Seth Rogan
director: Steven Brill
Business in Hollywood isn't difficult to figure out. If something works, do it again... and again... and again until it doesn't make money anymore. Almost all of us have uttered at one time or another that there are no new ideas in Hollywood and every year this seems to be more and more true. The box office seems to be cluttered with remakes and retreads, the same old stories and the same old characters put on display time and time again. Knowing what I know about business in Hollywood, it isn't hard to guess what happened with Drillbit Taylor, a high school comedy produced by Judd Apatow and written by Seth Rogan. Either, A) the studio had made it before Superbad, wasn't crazy about how it came out, put it on the shelf, decided they could make some money off it once Superbad blew up. Or B) After Superbad blew up the studio grabbed whatever script Seth Rogan had lying around and rushed it into production before the Superbad craze died down. Drillbit Taylor has everything you would expect from Seth Rogan with characters that are eerily similar to, if not exactley the same, as those in Superbad. At times I felt like I was watching what must have been the first draft of Superbad combined with another script about a homeless drifter. There was nothing new or original about the movie at all.
All that being said, I loved Superbad and I love Judd Apatow and I love Owen Wilson. In many ways this movie was a waste of great comedic talent, it included performances by Leslie Mann, Danny McBride, Stephen Root, Lisa Lampanelli, Kevin Hart, Matt Besser and David Koechner, but it still had it moments. I laughed, maybe not as much as I would have wanted, but I laughed enough. If I had spent money to see this in the theater I most likely would have walked away pissed, but seeing it through Netflix made it pleasantly enjoyable. If you're not expecting the world, Drillbit Taylor is worth a watch.
writers: Kristofor Brown, Seth Rogan
director: Steven Brill
Business in Hollywood isn't difficult to figure out. If something works, do it again... and again... and again until it doesn't make money anymore. Almost all of us have uttered at one time or another that there are no new ideas in Hollywood and every year this seems to be more and more true. The box office seems to be cluttered with remakes and retreads, the same old stories and the same old characters put on display time and time again. Knowing what I know about business in Hollywood, it isn't hard to guess what happened with Drillbit Taylor, a high school comedy produced by Judd Apatow and written by Seth Rogan. Either, A) the studio had made it before Superbad, wasn't crazy about how it came out, put it on the shelf, decided they could make some money off it once Superbad blew up. Or B) After Superbad blew up the studio grabbed whatever script Seth Rogan had lying around and rushed it into production before the Superbad craze died down. Drillbit Taylor has everything you would expect from Seth Rogan with characters that are eerily similar to, if not exactley the same, as those in Superbad. At times I felt like I was watching what must have been the first draft of Superbad combined with another script about a homeless drifter. There was nothing new or original about the movie at all.
All that being said, I loved Superbad and I love Judd Apatow and I love Owen Wilson. In many ways this movie was a waste of great comedic talent, it included performances by Leslie Mann, Danny McBride, Stephen Root, Lisa Lampanelli, Kevin Hart, Matt Besser and David Koechner, but it still had it moments. I laughed, maybe not as much as I would have wanted, but I laughed enough. If I had spent money to see this in the theater I most likely would have walked away pissed, but seeing it through Netflix made it pleasantly enjoyable. If you're not expecting the world, Drillbit Taylor is worth a watch.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Top 5: Most Hated Songs
So, I got the new Guitar Hero game and took a look at the playlist and was horrified to see "Losing My Religion." It dawned on me that mostly likely I was going to have to play this song at least once and my heart sank. In an attempt to pull something positive out of the horrible development, I was inspired to come up with this week's top 5, Top 5 Songs That Make You Want To Find A Sharp Object, Grip It As Tight As Possible, And Jamb It Repeatedly Into Your Ear Until The Intense Pain Drowns Out The Horrible Music. I won't include links. I wouldn't want to torture you anymore then reading this will.
5. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
I'm not sure what it is that I hate so much about this song. I just do. I always have. From the first minute I heard it. Maybe it's Adam Durtiz's horrible singing. Maybe it's his pretentious lyrics. Maybe it was just his dreads. Anyway you look at it, I really do not like this song and will turn off any radio that attempts to play it.
4. Bills, Bills, Bills - Destiny's Child
This song is just fucking stupid, much like anything sung by Beyonce. It hurts my brain to listen to anything that she sings, but this song takes the cake.
3. Losing My Religion - REM
I hate REM and I have hated them from the moment I heard this song. It bores the piss out of me. I'm not sure what all those college kids found so enjoyable about Michael Stipe's whining. The band's "genius" was totally lost on me. There is only one of their songs I could stand, the rest could burn in hell for all I care.
2. Umbrella - Rihanna
I don't get it. Not for a second. People go on about how great her voice is and all I hear is some horrible hack making the word umbrella last as long as humanly possible by singing each syllable as many times as she can without the person recording the song coming out from the booth and punching her in the face. The only thing this song is good for is annoying the heck out of your co-workers and why anyone would choose to listen to it otherwise is beyond me.
1. Zombie - The Cranberries
Holy cow, do I hate this band!! I could have easily made this list just their songs, but I thought it would be more fun to only list one per artist. The element that adds to my hatred of almost all the songs on this list, is how popular they became. How anyone can stand hearing Dolores O'Riordan carry on like a devil possessed banshee over and over again is beyond me. It pains me to say anything bad about anything Irish, but this is not an Irish product to be proud of.
Honorable Mentions - like I said anything by REM and The Cranberries could have made the list, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Beyonce, Crank That (Soulja Boy) - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
How surprised are you that Dave Matthews appears nowhere on this post?
5. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows
I'm not sure what it is that I hate so much about this song. I just do. I always have. From the first minute I heard it. Maybe it's Adam Durtiz's horrible singing. Maybe it's his pretentious lyrics. Maybe it was just his dreads. Anyway you look at it, I really do not like this song and will turn off any radio that attempts to play it.
4. Bills, Bills, Bills - Destiny's Child
This song is just fucking stupid, much like anything sung by Beyonce. It hurts my brain to listen to anything that she sings, but this song takes the cake.
3. Losing My Religion - REM
I hate REM and I have hated them from the moment I heard this song. It bores the piss out of me. I'm not sure what all those college kids found so enjoyable about Michael Stipe's whining. The band's "genius" was totally lost on me. There is only one of their songs I could stand, the rest could burn in hell for all I care.
2. Umbrella - Rihanna
I don't get it. Not for a second. People go on about how great her voice is and all I hear is some horrible hack making the word umbrella last as long as humanly possible by singing each syllable as many times as she can without the person recording the song coming out from the booth and punching her in the face. The only thing this song is good for is annoying the heck out of your co-workers and why anyone would choose to listen to it otherwise is beyond me.
1. Zombie - The Cranberries
Holy cow, do I hate this band!! I could have easily made this list just their songs, but I thought it would be more fun to only list one per artist. The element that adds to my hatred of almost all the songs on this list, is how popular they became. How anyone can stand hearing Dolores O'Riordan carry on like a devil possessed banshee over and over again is beyond me. It pains me to say anything bad about anything Irish, but this is not an Irish product to be proud of.
Honorable Mentions - like I said anything by REM and The Cranberries could have made the list, Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) - Beyonce, Crank That (Soulja Boy) - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
How surprised are you that Dave Matthews appears nowhere on this post?
How I Met Your Mother: Unfinished
The creators of HIMYM promised that they would be returning to the original formula of their show, the formula that had us all in stitches every week. After the first two episodes of the season, I was a little leery, it seemed like the same sitcomy Season 5 stuff with a lot of emotional slop thrown on top. With "Unfinished" it looks like we might finally be headed in the right direction. Not only were the laughs back, but so was the formula that makes for a great HIMYM episode. That formula is an episode about Ted and his issues that is carried by Barney with the others sprinkled in for laughs. "Unfinished" is really all about Ted struggling with how to go forward in life. Should he follow his dreams and take a gamble on designing a goliath of a building? Or should he continue down the safe road and continue to teach? What makes the show move, though, is Barney treating Ted like one of his many conquests as he tries to persuade Ted into designing the GNB building. The show is never funnier then when Barney is caring the laughs, but the show is called How I Met Your Mother and Ted is the character we are most emotionally invested in. We never have much doubt that Ted is, as Robin said, "so going to open his legs and design the building," but this show is about the journey, whether that journey is forward, backward, or sideways in time, and its great to feel like we are being taken somewhere again.
As important as Ted's journey and Barney's laughs are to the show getting back on track, we can't lose sight of the other friends and this episode was strong in that regard as well. Lilly coined yet another classic catch phrase, "Where's the poop?" Robin was great with her drunk phone calls to Don. Marshal brought two hilarious moments to the table with his continued attempts to be Barney's wingman and his amazing band "The Funk, The Whole Funk, And Nothing But The Funk". I have my fingers crossed that in true HIMYM style, it isn't the last we've seen of these guys!
Now that the HIMYM writers have me laughing again, I'm praying it's not a flash in the pan. Hopefully they have found their rhythm again and this is more a sign of things to come then a one off classic episode.
As important as Ted's journey and Barney's laughs are to the show getting back on track, we can't lose sight of the other friends and this episode was strong in that regard as well. Lilly coined yet another classic catch phrase, "Where's the poop?" Robin was great with her drunk phone calls to Don. Marshal brought two hilarious moments to the table with his continued attempts to be Barney's wingman and his amazing band "The Funk, The Whole Funk, And Nothing But The Funk". I have my fingers crossed that in true HIMYM style, it isn't the last we've seen of these guys!
Now that the HIMYM writers have me laughing again, I'm praying it's not a flash in the pan. Hopefully they have found their rhythm again and this is more a sign of things to come then a one off classic episode.
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