I know this is being posted a little late, but here's this week's eviction running journal...
0:16 - I found out my Mom watches Big Brother so maybe this crowd is more representative of the audience then I thought. I still don't get the Sunday best outfits.
0:40 - Just after I compliment Daniele on how she positioned herself she makes a series of mistakes. First she overplayed the Dom connection. If you want to play both sides you either have to have a low key relationship with the person on the other side or be very subtle in your defense of them not going on the block. Daniele didn't do either of these. She hung out with Dom all the time and then went into the HOH (Head Of Household) room and demanded that Dom be kept in the game. Of course, people started to get suspicious.
1:10 - The other mistake was overplaying her get rid of Jeff plan. Again, subtlety is the key. You never want to tell the HOH that they should backdoor their alliance members, you want to drop bits of info and advice that will make the HOH think it's their idea. Daniele just kept pushing and pushing and then getting mad when Rachel and Brendon didn't do what she wanted. The game isn't over if Jeff stays around another week or two, drop the seeds and if it happens this week, awesome, if not continue to work on it. What Daniele did was not only put the target on herself, but ensure that Dom goes home this week.
1:39 - I'm the world's worst speller and even I can spell moisturizer. Or at least know that I can't spell it. Rachel is an idiot.
1:55 - I have no idea what Shelly's game plan is. Part of that is because they don't give her any TV time, but every time they do she's kissing the Vet's asses. What does she think this is going to accomplish? She's not part of their alliance, just a lackey that feeds them info. I don't get what she is trying to accomplish.
3:24 - OH! OH! OH! This season's first use of Julie Chen's over serious "everything changes" phrase!
4:26 - Jordan is showing a lot of game smarts this season. She was totally right about how to use the veto. If you knock out Dom maybe Daniele comes back into the fold, if not she will be gone next.
7:12 - Brendon indigently says "they just want to wipe us out." I could be wrong, but I think that's the point of the game. How can you get mad at someone for trying to do that? I got some news for you Brendon, your alliance is trying to wipe you all out as well. It's the only way they win the money.
10:20 - I'm not sure why Dom isn't throwing Daniele under the bus. He's gone and it's her fault, why not just tell Jeff it was her plan. He has nothing to lose and just might be able to save himself by turning on her.
16:00 - Wait... there's someone else in the house other then Jeff, Jordan, Rachel and Brendon? Why are we just hearing about this deal now? CBS never even hinted that Kalia had a deal with the vets. I think that would have been important info to give us.
20:50 - Tick...
21:00 - Tick...
21:11 - Tick...
21:18 - BOOM! Daniele finally opens her mouth and calls Rachel an idiot. How did it take this long for someone to inform her of this?
21:30 - OK, I disappointed in that argument. I thought the explosion would have been much bigger. If Evel Dick was in the house that would have been an all out scream and tear fest. Come on, Daniele, you have to give me more then one comment.
25:00 - Yawn! Can't we get rid of this segment and just get to the voting?
27:50 - Dom gives this season's best parting speech, but I thought it could have been even more biting. He is totally right about all the newbies. For whatever reason they are just cow tailing to the vets and I don't know why. The vets have had control of the house since day one because of the newbies seem to be players looking to ride coat tails. Not good.
29:09 - And speaking of having no spine, Kalia, what the hell is your problem? You got called out in front of the whole house, the vets made it clear they don't consider you part of their alliance and you're still doing their dirty work. You had to vote Adam, if for nothing else then to make a statement. You have nothing to lose at this point, go out fighting!
29:25 - Daniele, of course, understands this.
32:00 - If I was Dom I would have hugged Daniele and left. I wouldn't have given the rest of those losers the time of day. And then Porsche starts talking shit before he's even out the door. Why don't you actually do something in the game before you start running your mouth.
37:20 - Jordan's "nobody comes between me and my man message" was hilarious. I was rolling on the floor!
37:46 - OH YEAH!!!!
39:50 - Oh, no. Julie Chen faked me out. I thought she was hinting that Dom was going to get a chance to play his way back into the house, but all she had to say was there are no more couples. Damn you, Julie!
44:12 - I'm rooting for Daniele in this one. The house needs to be shaken up a bit. If anyone else wins it will be status quo
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Top 5 : Beatles Songs
I know, I know, I haven't been very creative with my top 5 topics of late. The inspiration just hasn't been there for whatever reason. But just because this topic is a little on the bland side doesn't mean it's a easy one. People throw around the "greatest band ever" title when talking about the Beatles so much that most just take it for granted, but there is a reason they are considered the best. The Beatles recording history lasted only seven years, but in those seven years they released more brilliant music then most bands do over 50 (yes, that is a shot at the Stones). Over those seven years they released 12 studio albums considered there core catalog, and there isn't a album that can be considered anything but great. It blows my mind to think everything I've heard from the Beatles came from a period of less then 10 years. Pearl Jam has been recording for 20, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 30, Van Halen, 40 and the Rolling Stones, 50, yet none of those great bands catalog even comes close to the Beatles output. So, I sat down with the catalog and tried to pull out only 5 songs that I love more then any others and this is what I came up with, my Top 5 Favorite Beatles Songs...
5) And You Bird Can Sing (Revolver) (Lennon)
I love Harrison's intro. He may not be the greatest guitarist of all time or even on the list, but there's something to be said about the simplicity of his licks that make them so memorable. This is just a great up beat song that's fun to sing at the top of your lungs. It kind of encompasses everything Beatle music is to me.
4) Oh! Darling (Abbey Road) (McCartney)
The Beatles stab at blues. It doesn't sound as authentic as anything the Stones did, but I don't think it was supposed to. It is very much in the style of early rock's version of the blues. McCartney, probably my least favorite Beatle, does a great job of conveying the pain of breakup. When he practically screams the bridge the emotion comes pouring out of the speakers.
3) Here Comes The Sun (Abbey Road) (Harrison)
Growing up in New England, this song holds a special part in my heart. One of my greatest childhood memories is of that incredible freeing feeling of transition from winter to spring. This song causes those emotions and memories to come rushing back by totalling encapsulating the experience. Once I got my license, when the snow would start to melt and you could finally drive with the windows down, I would pop this song into my tape deck and sing along at the top of my lungs as I sped down the road. Nothing can feel exhilarating.
2) Penny Lane (Magical Mystery Tour) (McCartney)
I credit this song as the beginning of my love of songs with horns. I have an abnormal love of any song that contains some type of prominent horn line. Dave Mason's piccolo trumpet is what gives this song it's distinct sound. That's not to down play other aspects of the song that draw me to it. Although the lyrics are nonsensical and surreal, there is a literary feel to them. It's feels like you are being told a story, an absurd story, but a story none the less.
1) I Should Have Known Better (Hard Day's Night) (Lennon)
There's no great story behind my love of this song and it certainly isn't the best or most complex music on the list forget about in their catalog, but none the less it is my all time favorite Beatles song. I love listening to it at full volume, singing along, it makes me happy. I couldn't tell you why, it just strikes a cord with me. People say that Lennon wrote it after being inspired by Bob Dylan. I'm not a crazed Dylan fan and don't even really see the inspiration, other then maybe the use of the harmonica, but it's a fun fact about the song.
Honorable Mentions : Every other song the Beatles recorded other then Yellow Submarine and Act Naturally (Sorry Ringo!)
5) And You Bird Can Sing (Revolver) (Lennon)
I love Harrison's intro. He may not be the greatest guitarist of all time or even on the list, but there's something to be said about the simplicity of his licks that make them so memorable. This is just a great up beat song that's fun to sing at the top of your lungs. It kind of encompasses everything Beatle music is to me.
4) Oh! Darling (Abbey Road) (McCartney)
The Beatles stab at blues. It doesn't sound as authentic as anything the Stones did, but I don't think it was supposed to. It is very much in the style of early rock's version of the blues. McCartney, probably my least favorite Beatle, does a great job of conveying the pain of breakup. When he practically screams the bridge the emotion comes pouring out of the speakers.
3) Here Comes The Sun (Abbey Road) (Harrison)
Growing up in New England, this song holds a special part in my heart. One of my greatest childhood memories is of that incredible freeing feeling of transition from winter to spring. This song causes those emotions and memories to come rushing back by totalling encapsulating the experience. Once I got my license, when the snow would start to melt and you could finally drive with the windows down, I would pop this song into my tape deck and sing along at the top of my lungs as I sped down the road. Nothing can feel exhilarating.
2) Penny Lane (Magical Mystery Tour) (McCartney)
I credit this song as the beginning of my love of songs with horns. I have an abnormal love of any song that contains some type of prominent horn line. Dave Mason's piccolo trumpet is what gives this song it's distinct sound. That's not to down play other aspects of the song that draw me to it. Although the lyrics are nonsensical and surreal, there is a literary feel to them. It's feels like you are being told a story, an absurd story, but a story none the less.
1) I Should Have Known Better (Hard Day's Night) (Lennon)
There's no great story behind my love of this song and it certainly isn't the best or most complex music on the list forget about in their catalog, but none the less it is my all time favorite Beatles song. I love listening to it at full volume, singing along, it makes me happy. I couldn't tell you why, it just strikes a cord with me. People say that Lennon wrote it after being inspired by Bob Dylan. I'm not a crazed Dylan fan and don't even really see the inspiration, other then maybe the use of the harmonica, but it's a fun fact about the song.
Honorable Mentions : Every other song the Beatles recorded other then Yellow Submarine and Act Naturally (Sorry Ringo!)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Big Brother 13 : "Now You Know Why Everyone Likes Jeff and Jordon More Then Us"
Why did I doubt Daniele? She has Evel Dick DNA, so the game has to be somewhat ingrained, right? Nothing made me happier then to see her wheels start turning as Rachel and Brendon blew up after not getting invited to the Same Name viewing. She's putting herself in a great place. Already completely entrenched in the vet camp, she's flirted her way into an alliance with Dom that lets her play both sides without anyone being any the wiser. And now, with obvious tension between the two power couples, she gets to play Iago and whisper in the ears of each couple, fanning the flames of mistrust and pitting the two against each other. Rachel and Brendon are much to emotional in their game to not fall for this. Even though Dom and Adam were put on the block and can't help but feel that the big plan is to back door Jeff and Jordan. No matter what the result, Daniele comes out smelling like a rose. I'm sure her Dad is watching with pride.
Speaking of Evel Dick... Man do I miss that guy! I keep thinking how enjoyable this season would have been with Dick walking around the house screaming at Rachel. He would have been making her cry 10 times a day (which would actually only be a few more times then normal). That would have been satisfying TV, but alas.
My favorite to win at this moment, even though it is extremely early, is Daniele. If Dom can make it through this week, he may be a threat as well. He's been playing a great game. The way he jumped on the Rachel/Brendon fight was just as impressive as Daniele. I'm not sure what to think about Kalia and Lawon. They just haven't been given enough air time, so I'm unsure exactly what they are accomplishing in the house. Plus CBS needs to add jive subtitles or something when Lawon talks, because I have no idea what he is ever talking about. It's one thing Rachel and I actually agree on. Adam is dead weight. Brendon and Rachel are going to kill themselves. And I have a sinking feeling that one of Jeff and Jordan are going home this week.
A few other Big Brother questions...
- When is there going to be a "big twist"?
- How many bacon shirts can one man have?
- Does anyone ever really want to here the HOH (Head Of Household) letter?
- Is the Big Brother audience so dumb that we need a house guest to re-explain the competition directions right after the host gave them to us?
Speaking of Evel Dick... Man do I miss that guy! I keep thinking how enjoyable this season would have been with Dick walking around the house screaming at Rachel. He would have been making her cry 10 times a day (which would actually only be a few more times then normal). That would have been satisfying TV, but alas.
My favorite to win at this moment, even though it is extremely early, is Daniele. If Dom can make it through this week, he may be a threat as well. He's been playing a great game. The way he jumped on the Rachel/Brendon fight was just as impressive as Daniele. I'm not sure what to think about Kalia and Lawon. They just haven't been given enough air time, so I'm unsure exactly what they are accomplishing in the house. Plus CBS needs to add jive subtitles or something when Lawon talks, because I have no idea what he is ever talking about. It's one thing Rachel and I actually agree on. Adam is dead weight. Brendon and Rachel are going to kill themselves. And I have a sinking feeling that one of Jeff and Jordan are going home this week.
A few other Big Brother questions...
- When is there going to be a "big twist"?
- How many bacon shirts can one man have?
- Does anyone ever really want to here the HOH (Head Of Household) letter?
- Is the Big Brother audience so dumb that we need a house guest to re-explain the competition directions right after the host gave them to us?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Big Brother 13 : "...Now Rachel Is Crying In The Bushes"
Time for this week's eviction episode running journal...
0:18 - Seriously, I want to know where they get these audiences from. Is this a real look at the Big Brother demographic? If so, it's not what I expected. And, do they tell everyone to dress in their Sunday best? I've been to television tapings before, it was never a formal affair.
1:22 - Man that fight made me giddy! Jeff is everything that Rachel isn't in a player and I know it's killing him to be in bed with her and Brendon. His line about Brendon needing to take her aside and stroke her head or "bedazzle whatever she's wearing" had me in stitches. After this fight Cassie should have gotten right in Jeff and Jordan's ear and lobbied HARD for them to nominate Rachel and Brendon. Only watching the CBS television broadcasts, it's hard to tell how much dealing really goes on, but if Cassie didn't try to exploit this fight she's not as good a player as I gave her credit for.
1:55 - I was hoping that Rachel and Brendon would get put on the block, but in all fairness to Jeff and Jordan, it was to early to make that move. Big Brother is all about numbers, and there was no way to insure the numbers with this many people left when whichever of the two who stayed went on a crusade against J&J. The only other option then Cassie and Shelly was Kalia and Lawon, but that's not much of a choice at this point. Kalia and Lawon aren't a threat at all, where as Cassie and Shelly seem to be game players.
4:45 - "I always get my way" - Rachel. Really, is that why you won last season... oh wait, you didn't, because you're an emotional train wreck and a moron. You're being used, I would think you would understand that by now.
9:40 - Here's another example of Rachel not understanding the game or being more delusional then anyone in the history of Big Brother (and that's saying a lot). Rachel tells Cassie that her "game play is horrible." This is coming from the girl who ran and cried in the bushes after she got called out for acting like an ass during the POV (Power of Veto) competition. Now if the quote was, "your game play is horrible and I know horrible game play because I'm the master of horrible game play," I would be right there with her. But this was said in a condescending manner, like Cassie should take game play lessons from her. Idiot.
11:20 - Add the evidence just keeps piling up. Does anyone else notice that Brendon and Rachel accuse other people of all the things that are wrong with them? Every insult they throw at others or every complaint they have with how someone plays is not what the other person is doing or guilty of, but actually what Brendon and Rachel are guilty of. I want to nominate Rachel as the craziest person ever put on reality TV. I don't think she should win because there have been some total loonbags, but she should certainly be in the top 5. She cries at the drop of a hat, is as delusional as delusional gets, is prone to fits of extreme anger. Let's be honest though, as much as I want to punch her in the face, her stupidity makes me laugh.
14:22 - Cassie just found out the biggest problem intelligent people have with Big Brother, most of the people playing are idiots. You can't rationally discuss and debate your position with someone who isn't rational. And most of the time the people with the power are as far from rational as a human can be. So, instead of having an adult discussion about miscommunication, Cassie finds herself in an angry argument with Brendon. She shouldn't have wasted her time with those fools and instead focused on J&J. Jeff is a fairly rational player.
16:50 - I seriously hate these questions... I'm fast forwarding.
19:03 - Holy Shit! Adam was huge! He looks great now compared to those pictures. Good for him.
20:00 - Dom... gay? Not an insult, just a question. I'm just throwing it out there.
23:20 - See, as I explained earlier, it was to early to throw Rachel and Brendon under the bus. Glad Jordan agrees with me, although something tells me that was Jeff talking through Jordan.
27:20 - Women are jealous bitches and so Cassie goes down 9-0. In all honesty, of all the people who could have gone on the block getting rid of Cassie made the most sense.
30:10 - Two things that would get me evicted if I was ever in the Big Brother House, when everyone hugs the person leaving and when everyone goes to see the HOH (Head of Household) room. I can't stand how fake these moments are. If I just voted your ass out the door I really feel no remorse about you leaving and don't care to give you a hug. And I certainly don't care what pictures anyone has in their HOH room or what the note from their loved one said. As Rachel would tell me, "your game play is horrible!"
38:43 - SON OF A BITCH!! Who wants to see Porsche in a bikini? Don't you idiots know how much America loves Daniele? I don't think I can watch another week of these two gloating.
39:00
40:00 - This season sucks so far. I'm ready for a "big twist."
0:18 - Seriously, I want to know where they get these audiences from. Is this a real look at the Big Brother demographic? If so, it's not what I expected. And, do they tell everyone to dress in their Sunday best? I've been to television tapings before, it was never a formal affair.
1:22 - Man that fight made me giddy! Jeff is everything that Rachel isn't in a player and I know it's killing him to be in bed with her and Brendon. His line about Brendon needing to take her aside and stroke her head or "bedazzle whatever she's wearing" had me in stitches. After this fight Cassie should have gotten right in Jeff and Jordan's ear and lobbied HARD for them to nominate Rachel and Brendon. Only watching the CBS television broadcasts, it's hard to tell how much dealing really goes on, but if Cassie didn't try to exploit this fight she's not as good a player as I gave her credit for.
1:55 - I was hoping that Rachel and Brendon would get put on the block, but in all fairness to Jeff and Jordan, it was to early to make that move. Big Brother is all about numbers, and there was no way to insure the numbers with this many people left when whichever of the two who stayed went on a crusade against J&J. The only other option then Cassie and Shelly was Kalia and Lawon, but that's not much of a choice at this point. Kalia and Lawon aren't a threat at all, where as Cassie and Shelly seem to be game players.
4:45 - "I always get my way" - Rachel. Really, is that why you won last season... oh wait, you didn't, because you're an emotional train wreck and a moron. You're being used, I would think you would understand that by now.
9:40 - Here's another example of Rachel not understanding the game or being more delusional then anyone in the history of Big Brother (and that's saying a lot). Rachel tells Cassie that her "game play is horrible." This is coming from the girl who ran and cried in the bushes after she got called out for acting like an ass during the POV (Power of Veto) competition. Now if the quote was, "your game play is horrible and I know horrible game play because I'm the master of horrible game play," I would be right there with her. But this was said in a condescending manner, like Cassie should take game play lessons from her. Idiot.
11:20 - Add the evidence just keeps piling up. Does anyone else notice that Brendon and Rachel accuse other people of all the things that are wrong with them? Every insult they throw at others or every complaint they have with how someone plays is not what the other person is doing or guilty of, but actually what Brendon and Rachel are guilty of. I want to nominate Rachel as the craziest person ever put on reality TV. I don't think she should win because there have been some total loonbags, but she should certainly be in the top 5. She cries at the drop of a hat, is as delusional as delusional gets, is prone to fits of extreme anger. Let's be honest though, as much as I want to punch her in the face, her stupidity makes me laugh.
14:22 - Cassie just found out the biggest problem intelligent people have with Big Brother, most of the people playing are idiots. You can't rationally discuss and debate your position with someone who isn't rational. And most of the time the people with the power are as far from rational as a human can be. So, instead of having an adult discussion about miscommunication, Cassie finds herself in an angry argument with Brendon. She shouldn't have wasted her time with those fools and instead focused on J&J. Jeff is a fairly rational player.
16:50 - I seriously hate these questions... I'm fast forwarding.
19:03 - Holy Shit! Adam was huge! He looks great now compared to those pictures. Good for him.
20:00 - Dom... gay? Not an insult, just a question. I'm just throwing it out there.
23:20 - See, as I explained earlier, it was to early to throw Rachel and Brendon under the bus. Glad Jordan agrees with me, although something tells me that was Jeff talking through Jordan.
27:20 - Women are jealous bitches and so Cassie goes down 9-0. In all honesty, of all the people who could have gone on the block getting rid of Cassie made the most sense.
30:10 - Two things that would get me evicted if I was ever in the Big Brother House, when everyone hugs the person leaving and when everyone goes to see the HOH (Head of Household) room. I can't stand how fake these moments are. If I just voted your ass out the door I really feel no remorse about you leaving and don't care to give you a hug. And I certainly don't care what pictures anyone has in their HOH room or what the note from their loved one said. As Rachel would tell me, "your game play is horrible!"
38:43 - SON OF A BITCH!! Who wants to see Porsche in a bikini? Don't you idiots know how much America loves Daniele? I don't think I can watch another week of these two gloating.
39:00
40:00 - This season sucks so far. I'm ready for a "big twist."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Top 5 : Bill Murry Movies
I've hit a small dry spell with these top 5s. I had no real inspiration this week, so I decided to go with an old one and honor one of the best comedic actors ever. This week I'm listing my top 5 favorite Bill Murry movies. There will probably be a ton of people that argue with this list because there is no Groundhog Day and no Scrooged, two Murry favorites of most people I know. Sorry, neither ever did much for me, so here's my favorites...
5) Quick Change
Bill, Gena Davis and Randy Quaid rob a bank but have problems getting out of New York. As far as I'm concerned it's a classic. Will never forget the jousting scene. One of the most random, surreal, hilarious scenes ever. Totally under appreciated piece of work for Murry.
4) Rushmore
Or really any Wes Anderson film that Murry is in. Murry really seems to connect with Anderson's subtle sense of humor. This is my favorite of Anderson's movies. Murry plays serious in a way that makes the performance extremely funny, as only he can. This movie seemed to redefine the range Murry could play. He's much more then a slapstick comedian and this movie pointed that out and opened the door for wider roles.
3) Ghostbusters
One of the funniest movies ever made! It's crazy how well it has held up over the years. It's very much an '80's movie but doesn't feel out of place now. Not to take anything away from Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis or Harold Ramis, but this was Bill's movie. He stole every scene he was in and but in a performance I can quote for hours.
2) Caddyshack
He doesn't have a huge part in this one, but he's the only reason I watch this movie over and over. I think the movie as a whole is highly overrated, but Murry's performance isn't. The scene with him and Chevy Chase in his shack is pure comedic genius. Which becomes even more interesting when you find out these two hated each other in real life. His Masters commentary is classic as well. Easily one of the most legendary comedic performances of all time.
1) The Man Who Knew Too Little
I know this is a controversial pick for number one. Most of you probably haven't even heard of it. It's not the best movie he's ever made, but it makes me laugh harder then anything he's ever done. For years I forced everyone I met to watch it, because it's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and nobody has seen it. No matter how many times I've watched it Murry still makes me fall off the couch, grabbing my sides, laughing up a storm. It's Bill Murry at his comedic best. Please, rent it today, you won't be sorry.
Honorable Mentions : Zombieland, Kingpin, Meatballs
5) Quick Change
Bill, Gena Davis and Randy Quaid rob a bank but have problems getting out of New York. As far as I'm concerned it's a classic. Will never forget the jousting scene. One of the most random, surreal, hilarious scenes ever. Totally under appreciated piece of work for Murry.
4) Rushmore
Or really any Wes Anderson film that Murry is in. Murry really seems to connect with Anderson's subtle sense of humor. This is my favorite of Anderson's movies. Murry plays serious in a way that makes the performance extremely funny, as only he can. This movie seemed to redefine the range Murry could play. He's much more then a slapstick comedian and this movie pointed that out and opened the door for wider roles.
3) Ghostbusters
One of the funniest movies ever made! It's crazy how well it has held up over the years. It's very much an '80's movie but doesn't feel out of place now. Not to take anything away from Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis or Harold Ramis, but this was Bill's movie. He stole every scene he was in and but in a performance I can quote for hours.
2) Caddyshack
He doesn't have a huge part in this one, but he's the only reason I watch this movie over and over. I think the movie as a whole is highly overrated, but Murry's performance isn't. The scene with him and Chevy Chase in his shack is pure comedic genius. Which becomes even more interesting when you find out these two hated each other in real life. His Masters commentary is classic as well. Easily one of the most legendary comedic performances of all time.
1) The Man Who Knew Too Little
I know this is a controversial pick for number one. Most of you probably haven't even heard of it. It's not the best movie he's ever made, but it makes me laugh harder then anything he's ever done. For years I forced everyone I met to watch it, because it's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen and nobody has seen it. No matter how many times I've watched it Murry still makes me fall off the couch, grabbing my sides, laughing up a storm. It's Bill Murry at his comedic best. Please, rent it today, you won't be sorry.
Honorable Mentions : Zombieland, Kingpin, Meatballs
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
My Soap Box : Gary Bettman Is An Idiot
The sport of hockey has come to a tipping point in its history. If the world of sports was a game of poker with the four major leagues the players left sitting at the final table, the NHL may have the short stack but they also have pocket aces with another ace on the board. Six years ago the league was coming off a horribly played hand, the 04-05 lockout, and playing on tilt lost their TV deal with ESPN and ended up on a network nobody had, Versus. But the league has fought back, doing what they can to stay in the game with the small amount of chips they have. After one exciting playoff year that saw the Cup return to an important original six hockey market for the first time in 49 years in dramatic fashion, they were in the middle of an arguable even more exciting playoff with an arguably even more important original six hockey market steaming towards their first Cup in 39 years when that horrible television contract came to an end. One league, the NFL had already folded, announcing a lock-out that almost insured that there would be no football being played when the NHL dropped its first puck in October. Another league, the NBA, the league closest to the NHL in chips and easily its biggest competition, was ready to fold next, a lock-out of their own seeming inevitable. All the NHL needed to do is go all in and the game would be changed, the stacks would become a little more even. Sign a major television deal with a network that will put your games on where everyone can watch them, on a station that everyone who gets cable has, and you are guaranteed an increase in fans. Of course, unlike poker, the NHL has nothing to lose by going all in. With no football and no basketball maybe you win over fans who decided to give hockey a shot because there is no other sport on TV, if not, you at least made your product more available to the fans you already have. The logic seems obvious. A no lose situation for the NHL. So… Gary Bettman folds!
You may have missed the announcement, I didn’t hear about it until a week after it was decided, but Gary Bettman signed a 10 year contract with Versus and NBC Sports to carry the NHL. It was an easy announcement to miss because almost no news service gave it any importance and most of us were busy following our teams fight it out in the playoffs. As much of an idiot as Bettman may be, he at least knows how to keep his mistakes as quiet as possible. What makes the deal even worse is the fact that it increases the amount of exclusive games Versus gets to carry, games you only get to watch on the off chance that you have Versus on your cable package. Last year Versus had 50 exclusive regular season games, for the next ten years it will be 90. Know how you actually got to see the first round and a half your team’s playoff run this year? For the next 10 years Versus gets exclusive coverage of the whole playoffs. I wouldn’t find this so much of a problem except where I live you have to pay more to Versus, unlike channels like ESPN that come with basic service. Nobody I know pays more money to get Versus. So when playoff time comes around, I don’t get to watch my team anymore unless I find more money to spend on cable. How is this good business? Shouldn’t the NHL being trying to get into as many homes as possible? Try getting Versus in a hotel room. It isn’t going to happen. When October comes around and nobody is playing baseball or football or basketball and someone says, “Maybe I’ll try watching hockey,” but they have to pay $10 to $20 more dollars a month to do so, how many people are going to start watching hockey? How about it they just go to turn on ESPN, because that’s their habit, and nothing is on but hockey?
Gary Bettman is an idiot. He has done more damage to the sport of hockey then good and its time the league owners sacked up and got rid of him. He’s over expanded the league to cities that won’t or can’t support the sport. He’s allowed the league’s discipline committee become an absolute joke. He’s time and time again prevented the league from getting the exposure it deserves. There is no way the difference between what ESPN was offering and what he got from Versus was greater then the increased exposure ESPN would give the league. All the cards were in Bettman’s favor and he still ended up making a horrible decision for the future of the league. This was the year that hockey was going to offset the losses caused by the ’04-’05 lock-out, but now they will be no better off the next ten years then they are now. The owners may have a few more dollars in their pockets right now, but nothing compared to what they would have had with better exposure at a time where the other leagues are headed toward lock-out. Bill Simmons once said that one of the best moves David Stern ever made was letting Bettman leave the NBA for the NHL. Not only did it get incompetence out of the NBA offices, but it put that incompetence in control of the NBA’s competition.
Let’s be honest, the NHL is never going to compete with the NFL or MLB. Even competing with the NBA seems like a stretch. Hockey is a niche sport and most of us fans like it that way. That doesn’t mean the league shouldn’t try to capitalize on events that will benefit their exposure. Would a deal with ESPN have made the NHL the number 3 league in America? Probably not. In the short run, it would give people something to watch before football and basketball start back up and who knows maybe some of them would stick around In the long run, it would have defiantly done was make the sport easier to follow for those of us who are fans. We put a lot of time, emotion and money into the sport, the least Bettman could do is allow us to watch our team without shelling out more money. I am also pretty positive that an ESPN deal would have opened the game up to another generation. Kids don’t pay cable bills and they don’t really search out sports, but if you put it somewhere where the parents don’t have to pay more, somewhere the kids are use to going for sport entertainment you will create a whole new generation of hockey fans in America. Gary Bettman proved once again that he is a horrible poker player.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Big Brother 13 : Reasons I Hate Rachel and other musings
What annoys me most about Rachel isn't how dumb she is, or that god awful laugh, or even the fact that she needs to stop and stare at herself any time see passes a reflective surface. None of that compares to the fact she thinks she's a great Big Brother player (ok, it compares a little, all that other stuff makes me want to reach through the TV and strangle her as well). She doesn't think she's an adequate player, she doesn't think she's a good player, she thinks she is the best player to ever walk through the Big Brother doors and she couldn't be more wrong. I can't deny that she's really good in competitions because somehow she always wins, but when it comes to the social game and putting people on the block she's a moron. Let's not forget, she got evicted in the fifth week of her season. Having to sit and watch her talk about strategy is the most painful part of watching Big Brother. She is way to emotional about who she targets and has no skill reading people at all. I couldn't imagine actually being in the house and in an alliance with her. How do you convince someone who thinks they are the best player the game has ever seen that she has no idea what she's talking about.
Rachel's stance on Cassie is a perfect example. Although this isn't a totally misplaced target, the reasons behind it are totally off base. She called Cassie a "super floater." Rachel loves to yell and scream about how much she hates floaters but I don't think she has a clue what that means. Cassie is the furthest thing from a floater. She is totally entrenched with the newbies and has never lobbied the vets at all. A floater is someone who doesn't take sides. A great example of a floater would be Shelly. Shelly hangs out with the newbies but voted with the vets. It's unclear where she stands, it is very clear, on the other hand, what side Cassie is on. Rachel's problem is she is super catty and targets people based on this flaw. Cassie is a naturally beautiful, very intelligent women and this is threatening to an ugly idiot who needs plastic surgery to make herself feel worthy. Now, it just so happens that Cassie is one of the best players the newbies have, so voting her off wouldn't be the worst move the vets could make, but the reason for getting rid of her isn't because Rachel doesn't like her.
The vets put up Adam and Dom for eviction. I think it's the right move. Dom is by far the biggest threat to their alliance. I would say Cassie and him are probably the best players, but Dom is a much bigger threat in competitions. Unless the power of veto is used, I would imagine Dom will be sent home. That doesn't get Adam off the hook though. He may get this weeks award for the dumbest game play. When the vote came back 6-4 and Adam started to realize he was going to get blamed by the newbies for one of the votes, he should have run to the vets and taken credit for it. They don't know who voted which way! And he told them going into the vote that he was on board with them. They wouldn't have doubted him and he would have been protected long enough to make his own move. Now that he admitted he voted with the newbies his groveling comes off as insincere and puts him in serious jeopardy this week. You have to lie sometimes in Big Brother and this was the perfect time with for Adam.
The one thing Dom seems to have going for him, other then Adam's blunder, is Danielle. Being the spawn of Evel Dick, I would like to think that she's a better player then she appears at the moment. I'd like to think that she's playing Dom, stringing him along so she can work both sides, but she hasn't said so in a confessional yet and knowing her Big Brother past, she is susceptible to the showmance. It looks like she is going to lobby her alliance hard to keep Dom around and I want to think that she has a plan, but she may be letting Dom's looks get the best of her. If you're rooting for the vets, you better hope her pleas fall of deaf ears and Dom is set packing on Thursday.
Rachel's stance on Cassie is a perfect example. Although this isn't a totally misplaced target, the reasons behind it are totally off base. She called Cassie a "super floater." Rachel loves to yell and scream about how much she hates floaters but I don't think she has a clue what that means. Cassie is the furthest thing from a floater. She is totally entrenched with the newbies and has never lobbied the vets at all. A floater is someone who doesn't take sides. A great example of a floater would be Shelly. Shelly hangs out with the newbies but voted with the vets. It's unclear where she stands, it is very clear, on the other hand, what side Cassie is on. Rachel's problem is she is super catty and targets people based on this flaw. Cassie is a naturally beautiful, very intelligent women and this is threatening to an ugly idiot who needs plastic surgery to make herself feel worthy. Now, it just so happens that Cassie is one of the best players the newbies have, so voting her off wouldn't be the worst move the vets could make, but the reason for getting rid of her isn't because Rachel doesn't like her.
The vets put up Adam and Dom for eviction. I think it's the right move. Dom is by far the biggest threat to their alliance. I would say Cassie and him are probably the best players, but Dom is a much bigger threat in competitions. Unless the power of veto is used, I would imagine Dom will be sent home. That doesn't get Adam off the hook though. He may get this weeks award for the dumbest game play. When the vote came back 6-4 and Adam started to realize he was going to get blamed by the newbies for one of the votes, he should have run to the vets and taken credit for it. They don't know who voted which way! And he told them going into the vote that he was on board with them. They wouldn't have doubted him and he would have been protected long enough to make his own move. Now that he admitted he voted with the newbies his groveling comes off as insincere and puts him in serious jeopardy this week. You have to lie sometimes in Big Brother and this was the perfect time with for Adam.
The one thing Dom seems to have going for him, other then Adam's blunder, is Danielle. Being the spawn of Evel Dick, I would like to think that she's a better player then she appears at the moment. I'd like to think that she's playing Dom, stringing him along so she can work both sides, but she hasn't said so in a confessional yet and knowing her Big Brother past, she is susceptible to the showmance. It looks like she is going to lobby her alliance hard to keep Dom around and I want to think that she has a plan, but she may be letting Dom's looks get the best of her. If you're rooting for the vets, you better hope her pleas fall of deaf ears and Dom is set packing on Thursday.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Big Brother 13 : First Eviction
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Evel Dick can't leave! Who is going to balance out the highly annoying powers of Rachel and Brendon? This season just got exponentially worse. My best hope is without Dick around to help with the game play Rachel will end up leaving sooner, but I'm still going to miss everything he brings to the game and the show. What is it with my favorite reality people leaving their return seasons early. First Johnny Fairplay quits his Survivor All-Star season, now Evel Dick leaves Big Brother. How do I deal with the heartbreak?
Anyway, I've decided to steal from Bill Simmons and do the eviction episodes as a running journal. Since he will never read this and I don't do it anywhere near as good, I don't think he'll mind. So without further delay, the first eviction journal...
00:22 - Where did they get that studio audience from? It looks like they went to Burbank Town Center or City Walk and just grabbed a couple hundred shoppers and tourists. Hey, want to be on a TV show? Even though you could see people clapping, it certainly felt like canned applause. It must be hard to get a ton of enthusiasm from 65 year-old women.
5:36 - Porsche says she's not worried because the veterans told her she was safe. Porsche, are you able to do basic addition? There are 4 vets that get to vote and 6 newbies. Not that they can't sway a vote or two, but the vets have no power to keep you safe. What's the world coming to when strippers... umm, I mean VIP waitress can't add?
8:35 - The vets are now sitting around talking about who they can sway to get enough votes to keep Porsche. Here's where this group of fools really misses Evel Dick. They've done nothing but screw up since he left. If it wasn't for Jeff they'd still be up in the HOH (Head of House) room crying about losing numbers. Like I've said in past seasons, Big Brother is a numbers game. If you don't have numbers you're in trouble, so all you're decisions should be geared towards keeping the highest numbers. I know they want to give Porsche the golden key, but coming out of the POV (Power Of Veto) competition they knew they had her vote. Rachel should have used the POV to take her off the block, then the vets would have had 5 sure votes, enough for a tie that Rachel could have broke. With Porsche off the block they were guaranteed to remove whoever they wanted. Now they have to scrabble around to sway two people, which might or might not happen. I'm also not sure why, in the last episode, they talked to people as teams. They need to learn a lesson from Dick and deal with people one on one, pit people against their teammate. You're sure to get much better results then talking to them as a team.
11:16 - God I hate Rachel and Brendon. Seriously, am I going to have to put up with another full season of Brendon crying and whining and Rachel preening and cackling? America, what is it you could possible enjoy about watching these two idiots? I might have to start fast forwarding through these scenes just to keep my sanity.
15:25 - Brendon tells America he doesn't want Rachel "demasculating" him in front of others. First off, Mr. Rocket Scientist, the word is emasculate. Second, dude, seriously, you don't have to worry about Rachel doing it in front of the house guests, you do an awesome job of doing it to yourself in front of millions. You do know there are cameras on you whenever you start crying, right? I really am unsure of who's a bigger girl, Rachel or Brendon.
23:00 - As much as I enjoy this show, is there any worse TV then when Julie Chen asks these questions to the whole house before evictions? I mean, what are they going to say? Well, Julie, I actually hate Rachel and would be ecstatic if she rolled over and died right here. I know what they are going to answer before they say anything. It's like watching a televised small town mayoral debate. Let's just get rid of it and get on to the voting.
26:26 - I hate these stall tactics. Do we really need to go to break now? There isn't much drama anyway. Just announce the loser and then let's take a break.
28:46 - WOW! Kalia votes for Keith to be evicted! I was not expecting that. Looks like things worked out for the vets even though they screwed up. I'm guessing this was a little CBS bait and switch. They didn't show anything hinting that she was going to vote Keith. I'm guessing they held out on me. I wonder if the vets put the full court press on her or if she had a strong dislike for Keith?
30:00 - Keith is evicted from the house. Glad to see him go. The guy was a total ass. I can't believe he would call himself a youth minister and then go on national television and act the way he did. Would you want this guy preaching and hanging around your kids?
39:30 - Jordan wins HOH. Looks like everything worked out fine for the vets. They now have numbers and power. This could end up being a very boring season, at least until we get to individual game play. Although, if anyone can mess things up its Rachel and Brendon. I am not looking forward to at least four more weeks of these two.
Anyway, I've decided to steal from Bill Simmons and do the eviction episodes as a running journal. Since he will never read this and I don't do it anywhere near as good, I don't think he'll mind. So without further delay, the first eviction journal...
00:22 - Where did they get that studio audience from? It looks like they went to Burbank Town Center or City Walk and just grabbed a couple hundred shoppers and tourists. Hey, want to be on a TV show? Even though you could see people clapping, it certainly felt like canned applause. It must be hard to get a ton of enthusiasm from 65 year-old women.
5:36 - Porsche says she's not worried because the veterans told her she was safe. Porsche, are you able to do basic addition? There are 4 vets that get to vote and 6 newbies. Not that they can't sway a vote or two, but the vets have no power to keep you safe. What's the world coming to when strippers... umm, I mean VIP waitress can't add?
8:35 - The vets are now sitting around talking about who they can sway to get enough votes to keep Porsche. Here's where this group of fools really misses Evel Dick. They've done nothing but screw up since he left. If it wasn't for Jeff they'd still be up in the HOH (Head of House) room crying about losing numbers. Like I've said in past seasons, Big Brother is a numbers game. If you don't have numbers you're in trouble, so all you're decisions should be geared towards keeping the highest numbers. I know they want to give Porsche the golden key, but coming out of the POV (Power Of Veto) competition they knew they had her vote. Rachel should have used the POV to take her off the block, then the vets would have had 5 sure votes, enough for a tie that Rachel could have broke. With Porsche off the block they were guaranteed to remove whoever they wanted. Now they have to scrabble around to sway two people, which might or might not happen. I'm also not sure why, in the last episode, they talked to people as teams. They need to learn a lesson from Dick and deal with people one on one, pit people against their teammate. You're sure to get much better results then talking to them as a team.
11:16 - God I hate Rachel and Brendon. Seriously, am I going to have to put up with another full season of Brendon crying and whining and Rachel preening and cackling? America, what is it you could possible enjoy about watching these two idiots? I might have to start fast forwarding through these scenes just to keep my sanity.
15:25 - Brendon tells America he doesn't want Rachel "demasculating" him in front of others. First off, Mr. Rocket Scientist, the word is emasculate. Second, dude, seriously, you don't have to worry about Rachel doing it in front of the house guests, you do an awesome job of doing it to yourself in front of millions. You do know there are cameras on you whenever you start crying, right? I really am unsure of who's a bigger girl, Rachel or Brendon.
23:00 - As much as I enjoy this show, is there any worse TV then when Julie Chen asks these questions to the whole house before evictions? I mean, what are they going to say? Well, Julie, I actually hate Rachel and would be ecstatic if she rolled over and died right here. I know what they are going to answer before they say anything. It's like watching a televised small town mayoral debate. Let's just get rid of it and get on to the voting.
26:26 - I hate these stall tactics. Do we really need to go to break now? There isn't much drama anyway. Just announce the loser and then let's take a break.
28:46 - WOW! Kalia votes for Keith to be evicted! I was not expecting that. Looks like things worked out for the vets even though they screwed up. I'm guessing this was a little CBS bait and switch. They didn't show anything hinting that she was going to vote Keith. I'm guessing they held out on me. I wonder if the vets put the full court press on her or if she had a strong dislike for Keith?
30:00 - Keith is evicted from the house. Glad to see him go. The guy was a total ass. I can't believe he would call himself a youth minister and then go on national television and act the way he did. Would you want this guy preaching and hanging around your kids?
39:30 - Jordan wins HOH. Looks like everything worked out fine for the vets. They now have numbers and power. This could end up being a very boring season, at least until we get to individual game play. Although, if anyone can mess things up its Rachel and Brendon. I am not looking forward to at least four more weeks of these two.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Top 5: Super Powers
It seems like there is an inordinate amount of big time superhero movies this summer, Thor, X-Men, Green Lantern, Captain America. In honor of the Summer Of The Superhero today's top 5 is top 5 super powers...
5) Wolverine's ability to heal
You have to admit, it comes in handy when you're getting your ass kicked. One minute you're bleeding all over the place, the next you're perfectly fine. Tell me that wouldn't mess with the guy's head who's pounding on you. It also allows for things like people surgically implanting retractable metal claws under your skin. Who wouldn't want that?
4) The Flash's speed
This one makes flying needless. You get places just as fast, if not faster, plus you get a better cardio workout. It also gets you out of any situation. Just run away, nobody can catch you. I'm sure eventually people would get sick of dealing with you because you just run away when things don't go your way, but what ever.
3) Spiderman's spidy sense
Who wouldn't want the ability to sense danger? No one would ever be able to sneak up on you or scare you. You'd sense it coming. All the other powers in the list help you get out of bad situations, this one prevents you from getting in those situations in the first place.
2) Professor Xavier's telekinesis
Um... he can read people's minds and make them do what he wants. Do I need to say more? Is there any reason for me to explain the potential this power holds? Ok, I'll move on.
1) The power to be invisible
I'm not sure what super hero to attribute this power to, nobody is coming to mind right now, but it is still the most kick ass power you could possible have. I'm talking the ability to become invisible whenever you want, not line the Invisible Man who just became invisible and couldn't turn back. That would suck. Imagine all the things you could get away with if you just turned invisible. You could listen to any conversation, you could get away from anyone who wanted to do you harm, you could sneak up on all kinds of criminals, you could go all kinds of places you're not supposed to, if you didn't want to be found, you wouldn't. Seriously, I think this is the be all and end all of super powers.
Honorable Mentions: the ability to fly, Hulk's strength
5) Wolverine's ability to heal
You have to admit, it comes in handy when you're getting your ass kicked. One minute you're bleeding all over the place, the next you're perfectly fine. Tell me that wouldn't mess with the guy's head who's pounding on you. It also allows for things like people surgically implanting retractable metal claws under your skin. Who wouldn't want that?
4) The Flash's speed
This one makes flying needless. You get places just as fast, if not faster, plus you get a better cardio workout. It also gets you out of any situation. Just run away, nobody can catch you. I'm sure eventually people would get sick of dealing with you because you just run away when things don't go your way, but what ever.
3) Spiderman's spidy sense
Who wouldn't want the ability to sense danger? No one would ever be able to sneak up on you or scare you. You'd sense it coming. All the other powers in the list help you get out of bad situations, this one prevents you from getting in those situations in the first place.
2) Professor Xavier's telekinesis
Um... he can read people's minds and make them do what he wants. Do I need to say more? Is there any reason for me to explain the potential this power holds? Ok, I'll move on.
1) The power to be invisible
I'm not sure what super hero to attribute this power to, nobody is coming to mind right now, but it is still the most kick ass power you could possible have. I'm talking the ability to become invisible whenever you want, not line the Invisible Man who just became invisible and couldn't turn back. That would suck. Imagine all the things you could get away with if you just turned invisible. You could listen to any conversation, you could get away from anyone who wanted to do you harm, you could sneak up on all kinds of criminals, you could go all kinds of places you're not supposed to, if you didn't want to be found, you wouldn't. Seriously, I think this is the be all and end all of super powers.
Honorable Mentions: the ability to fly, Hulk's strength
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Big Brother 13 : "Are You Ready For Some Drama"
This first post is a little late, but everyone's favorite summer reality game show is back and I will be posting my thoughts on it twice a week. Same rules apply this year as last. I am going to write about the CBS broadcast episodes and will not be paying attention to other media reports or on-line streams. Big Brother's big slogan is "Expect the unexpected," but the twists they announced in the first episode were far from new and unexpected. The first is that the contestants will be playing in pairs. Julie Chen called this a new twist, but it sounds a lot like season 9 when the contestants were paired up with "soul mates." The other twist was six of the contestants were "all-stars" (I use that term very loosely) from other seasons. Again, a twist that is far from new in any reality style game show. Hell, Mark Burnett seems to have made this a necessity in every season of Survivor going forward.
It's a little early to really have thoughts on the new cast. Kevin and Porsche appear to be idiots, Shelly and Lawton could become very annoying, Kalia and Adam are flying under the radar at the moment, and Cassi and Dominic appear to have the deadly combination of looks and smarts, but again it's early, these are just first impressions.
The old six, on the other hand, I have very strong opinions about! I couldn't have been more ecstatic to see Evel Dick walk through the door. He is easily one of my favorite reality personalities of all time, right up there with Johnny Fairplay. He was an evil genius during his season, showing a crazy ability to both intimidate and manipulate the other house mates. A lot of people walk into the Big Brother house claiming to be super intelligent and great strategists, but Evel Dick is one of the only, along with Dr. Will, to actually fit that description. His daughter Danielle isn't a shabby player herself. I don't believe for a second that the two haven't talked in 3 years. It seems like the perfect lie for these two. One that casts doubts in the other players minds over how cohesive the two will play and is totally believable.
Jordan has to be the dumbest human beings to ever walk the earth, yet somehow she won her season. Just further proof that all these people who claim to be smart and now how to win the game are full of shit. It's a crap shoot and a war of attrition. You need to be more lucky then smart. I'm not really sure how Jeff dates this girl. It's like a full grown adult dating a mentally handicapped person. There should be some law against it.
And of course I save the best for last. As much as I will love watching Evel Dick, I'm not sure how long I can hang in there if Rachel and Brendon don't get kicked out the first couple of weeks. Holy shit are these two annoying!! Rachel, as much as she is a fabulous quote machine, has to be the most annoying person ever put on TV. What the Big Brother producers were thinking bringing her back is beyond me. Rachel said herself, "I can't believe we're back on Big Brother." Yeah, me too. She also commented, "I'm not dumb." Umm, yes you are, hun. One of the best scenes from the first two episodes had to be Jordan and Rachel sitting together talking strategy. It had to be the lowest IQ strategy session in the history of Big Brother.
Anyway, I listen to that stupid laugh as long as I can. My early prediction is a second win for Evel Dick.
It's a little early to really have thoughts on the new cast. Kevin and Porsche appear to be idiots, Shelly and Lawton could become very annoying, Kalia and Adam are flying under the radar at the moment, and Cassi and Dominic appear to have the deadly combination of looks and smarts, but again it's early, these are just first impressions.
The old six, on the other hand, I have very strong opinions about! I couldn't have been more ecstatic to see Evel Dick walk through the door. He is easily one of my favorite reality personalities of all time, right up there with Johnny Fairplay. He was an evil genius during his season, showing a crazy ability to both intimidate and manipulate the other house mates. A lot of people walk into the Big Brother house claiming to be super intelligent and great strategists, but Evel Dick is one of the only, along with Dr. Will, to actually fit that description. His daughter Danielle isn't a shabby player herself. I don't believe for a second that the two haven't talked in 3 years. It seems like the perfect lie for these two. One that casts doubts in the other players minds over how cohesive the two will play and is totally believable.
Jordan has to be the dumbest human beings to ever walk the earth, yet somehow she won her season. Just further proof that all these people who claim to be smart and now how to win the game are full of shit. It's a crap shoot and a war of attrition. You need to be more lucky then smart. I'm not really sure how Jeff dates this girl. It's like a full grown adult dating a mentally handicapped person. There should be some law against it.
And of course I save the best for last. As much as I will love watching Evel Dick, I'm not sure how long I can hang in there if Rachel and Brendon don't get kicked out the first couple of weeks. Holy shit are these two annoying!! Rachel, as much as she is a fabulous quote machine, has to be the most annoying person ever put on TV. What the Big Brother producers were thinking bringing her back is beyond me. Rachel said herself, "I can't believe we're back on Big Brother." Yeah, me too. She also commented, "I'm not dumb." Umm, yes you are, hun. One of the best scenes from the first two episodes had to be Jordan and Rachel sitting together talking strategy. It had to be the lowest IQ strategy session in the history of Big Brother.
Anyway, I listen to that stupid laugh as long as I can. My early prediction is a second win for Evel Dick.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My Soap Box: Improving the Home Run Derby
I watch every year, but every year I get bored to tears. The MLB Home Run Derby has the potential to be a fun exciting mid-season event, but the way it's set up now it has to be the most boring three hours of television ever broadcast. Yes, more boring then an actual game. Yes, much more boring then a round of golf. They took a step in the right direction this year by announcing team captains, letting them pick the participants and giving it an American vs National League feel. But they didn't change the format or the rules, so it felt no different or was any more exciting then any other year. I'm sure the league would argue that the derby gets good ratings, people obviously watch, so why change anything? But I argue, what else is there for baseball fans, or sport fans for that matter, to watch? Of course people are going to put it on when there is no other sport programing to be found. I know that's why I put it on as background music while I write stupid blog posts that nobody ever reads. No, if anyone with a pulse in the MLB front office is watching, so that obviously excludes commissioner Bud Selig, they know this event needs a format change so people stop falling asleep in the stands. Here are my suggestions on how to fix the Home Run Derby...
1) First thing we have to do is cut down the amount of participants. Four from each league is to many. The first round by itself takes over an hour to complete. By that point it feels like the whole thing should be over. You've already forgotten who the first couple hitters were. Even though four is a more symmetrical number in the normal world, three is the most symmetrical number in baseball. We are going to take three from each league for a bigger reason we will get into later.
2) As much as I like the idea of captains picking teams, I would take the top three home run hitters from each league at the break. This seems too obvious for me to even explain why. If there is some reason one of those six can't go or doesn't want to (which is bullshit, if you aren't on the DL you should be there!) we move down the list. This puts that years best home run hitters in the competition and it works as a document of the season as well as a fun event and isn't just a bunch of random baseball players fooling around.
3) We need to go back to the roots of the home run derby. The best home run derbies I've seen are the ones from the 50's television show. When I was a kid ESPN used to re-run them and I was enthralled. What made these shows so great, other then the fact I got to watch Mays, Aaron, Mantle, Killebrew, etc, etc, etc, was the format was the same as a normal baseball game. Each player got three outs an inning to hit as many home runs as they could for nine innings. The MLB Home Run Derby needs to be a nine inning game. Each player gets three innings (three players per team, three innings each equals a nine inning game). Which ever league has the most home runs after nine innings wins.
4) Also going back to the old television show, we need to get an umpire behind the plate calling strikes. The worst thing about the Home Run Derby right now is when a player sits there for three minutes watching pitch after pitch until they get the perfect pitch. That's when I go get some food, write a few paragraphs or fall asleep. If you watch a strike, it's an out. This rule alone would make things 100% more exciting.
5) If you're worried about filling time (which, I think, with this type of thing, the shorter the sweeter) and determining an individual winner, take the two players who hit the most home runs during their three innings and have them play a head to head nine inning game after the first.
Five easy steps and you get an event that is much better TV and much more exciting and interesting for the fans. Let's go MLB and get on this for next year!
One last thing on a somewhat different topic... we need to put an end to all these players ducking out of the All-Star game, especially if you're voted in. If you aren't on the DL you need to be at the game. Really Derek Jeter, you need to rest your injury? Didn't seem like you were hurting when you went 5 for 5 the other night. I think the league has to change the All-Star roster rules to insure that every one selected to the team goes to the game and we actually get 34 all-stars instead of 45. The rule they should add is simple... you get 34 players named to your team (Ok we can up it to 35 or 36)... that's it just 36. If anyone decides not to go you don't get to replace them on the roster. Yes, that means if everyone on the Yankees decides they don't feel like going the AL will be at a disadvantage. Maybe then players will stop ducking out!
1) First thing we have to do is cut down the amount of participants. Four from each league is to many. The first round by itself takes over an hour to complete. By that point it feels like the whole thing should be over. You've already forgotten who the first couple hitters were. Even though four is a more symmetrical number in the normal world, three is the most symmetrical number in baseball. We are going to take three from each league for a bigger reason we will get into later.
2) As much as I like the idea of captains picking teams, I would take the top three home run hitters from each league at the break. This seems too obvious for me to even explain why. If there is some reason one of those six can't go or doesn't want to (which is bullshit, if you aren't on the DL you should be there!) we move down the list. This puts that years best home run hitters in the competition and it works as a document of the season as well as a fun event and isn't just a bunch of random baseball players fooling around.
3) We need to go back to the roots of the home run derby. The best home run derbies I've seen are the ones from the 50's television show. When I was a kid ESPN used to re-run them and I was enthralled. What made these shows so great, other then the fact I got to watch Mays, Aaron, Mantle, Killebrew, etc, etc, etc, was the format was the same as a normal baseball game. Each player got three outs an inning to hit as many home runs as they could for nine innings. The MLB Home Run Derby needs to be a nine inning game. Each player gets three innings (three players per team, three innings each equals a nine inning game). Which ever league has the most home runs after nine innings wins.
4) Also going back to the old television show, we need to get an umpire behind the plate calling strikes. The worst thing about the Home Run Derby right now is when a player sits there for three minutes watching pitch after pitch until they get the perfect pitch. That's when I go get some food, write a few paragraphs or fall asleep. If you watch a strike, it's an out. This rule alone would make things 100% more exciting.
5) If you're worried about filling time (which, I think, with this type of thing, the shorter the sweeter) and determining an individual winner, take the two players who hit the most home runs during their three innings and have them play a head to head nine inning game after the first.
Five easy steps and you get an event that is much better TV and much more exciting and interesting for the fans. Let's go MLB and get on this for next year!
One last thing on a somewhat different topic... we need to put an end to all these players ducking out of the All-Star game, especially if you're voted in. If you aren't on the DL you need to be at the game. Really Derek Jeter, you need to rest your injury? Didn't seem like you were hurting when you went 5 for 5 the other night. I think the league has to change the All-Star roster rules to insure that every one selected to the team goes to the game and we actually get 34 all-stars instead of 45. The rule they should add is simple... you get 34 players named to your team (Ok we can up it to 35 or 36)... that's it just 36. If anyone decides not to go you don't get to replace them on the roster. Yes, that means if everyone on the Yankees decides they don't feel like going the AL will be at a disadvantage. Maybe then players will stop ducking out!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Movie Review: Green Lantern
Green Lantern: 2 out of 5 stars
Writers: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green, Marc Guggenheim, Michael Goldenberg
Director: Martin Campbell
I really like Ryan Reynolds. I mean, I really like Ryan Reynolds, probably more then I should. I’m one of the very few Americans who watched ABC’s Two Guys, A Girl, And A Pizza Place even though the name was incredibly stupid, because I found Mr. Reynolds so damn funny and entertaining. I’ve tried to see every movie he’s made. So, I was super excited when I heard he got the role of Green Lantern (even though he would have made a much better Flash). This was going to be his big break out role. He was going to get all the credit and fame he deserved… And then I went and saw the movie.
Green Lantern is a movie failure of epic proportions, further proving that when it comes to comic movie adaptations, Marvel is light years ahead of DC. The plot is so scattered it’s hard to care for any of the characters. The writing is so clichéd and browbeating it makes you sick to your stomach. If I heard one more speech about overcoming fear and the power of will I was going to throw my soda at the screen. The tone is so uneven it’s no surprise that there were four credited writers. It’s hard to take a movie serious that has no sense of identity. Was it a sci-fi flick or a super hero story? Was it a type of serious bildungsroman or a cartoon violence filled action movie? It seemed as the theory was put everything possible into a two hour movie and everyone will leave happy seeing a little of what they wanted. We all know this actually leads to everyone leaving really pissed off. The only thing the movie has going for it, bring this back to Ryan Reynolds, is the acting… well, some of the acting. Blake Lively was totally forgettable, as are almost all female leads in super-hero movies. Tim Robbins and Angela Bassett were horribly stiff and awkward, which might have played fine if this was a comical take on Green Lantern but I couldn’t help feeling that I was supposed to be taking the whole thing very serious. This leaves Mr. Reynolds, who put in a very Ryan Reynolds effort, not much range but plenty of snark to keep me entertained, and Peter Sarsgaard, who is one of the most underrated actors out there. I’m not sure I’ve seen a bad Peter Sarsgaard performance. This guy makes any movie he’s in that much better just by his presence. I guess what I’m saying is, this movie was a one star if you take Sarsgaard out of it.
The unfortunate thing is this character had a lot of potential. This is one of the big DC properties with a great origin and a great history. It allows you to explore more sci-fi storylines then the typical super-hero. The possibilities were unlimited what they could have done and I think that is where they tripped up. Instead of focusing on a good story and letting all the possibilities play out over the course of a movie franchise, they tried to cram as much information and action as they could into one movie. I knew the story and the Green Lantern Corps background and I still felt overwhelmed. It was argued that Warner Brothers was comparing this movie to Batman Begins when it decided to green light a second movie, a movie that under whelmed in its opening week box office but blew up when the second movie in the franchise came out. Here’s the difference Warner Brothers, Batman Begins was a well made movie with a solid story that didn’t try to overachieve. Word of mouth helped Batman because when people left the theater they told their friends how good it was. There is no way that is going to happen with Green Lantern. I guarantee Green Lantern 2 is going to flop worse then this horrible movie.
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