I apologize for the rapid fire of posts (has it really been over 2.5 months since I posted here?), but I have to get my thoughts out about the latest edition of the Chicago Bears.
Simply put, it was a thoroughly frustrating, yet somewhat entertaining season. They finished about where I thought they would (somewhere between 7-9 and 9-7), but did so in a thoroughly inconsistent way. Looking at the season at it's end, it really isn't that different than last year. The offense was a little better, the defense was significantly worse, and the Devin Hester show became the Danieal Manning Show. All in all, it was a pretty mediocre season. And yet, they were 8 points away from making the playoffs.
So where do the Bears go from here? The defense is getting older, and former key pieces of the puzzle like Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, and Mike Brown aren't what they once were. Maybe they can pick up a good (or at least solid) defensive tackle, another solid linebacker, and a decent safety in free agency or the draft.
On the other side of the ball, the much maligned offense did nothing but raise more questions. Orton showed some signs of competence, but also showed some signs that he isn't the answer. The Bears appear to have found a top back in Matt Forte, but he can't be expected to carry the offense year after year. Unfortunately, Greg Olson appears to be just a good, rather than a great, pass catching tight end. Given the weakness of the Bears wide receiver corps, that is yet another reason to be pessimistic for next season.
In the end, its far too early to make any observations on how the Bears will do in 2009. The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins showed how quick things can change in a season. Until the Bears make their moves in the off-season, I'll stay in a wait and see mode.
The days of football are numbered for another season, and it is time for us who follow sports to move to college basketball, which is just getting ready to begin conference season. And don't forget that pitchers and catchers report in about two months.
At least I'm not a Lions fan.
Quick Playoff Predictions
Wildcard Round
Indianapolis over San Diego
Baltimore over Miami
Minnesota over Philadelphia
Atlanta over Arizona
Divisional Round
Pittsburgh over Indianapolis
Baltimore over Tennessee
New York over Atlanta
Carolina over Minnesota
Conference Championship Round
Pittsburgh over Baltimore
New York over Carolina
Super Bowl
New York over Pittsburgh
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
About that Bears Game
Umm....Yeah....
Oh boy....
All I can say is that I am thankful the Bears only have one game left against the NFC South. Of course the way these heart-breakers are going the Saints game will end on a 55 yard FG with 1:01 left in OT after blowing a 31 point 4th quarter lead.
Well, they are still 3-3, and its time for the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully they can take care of business against them.
Monday, October 6, 2008
A big fat bloody L flying over Wrigley Field
As a White Sox fan (and a casual one at that), I can't say I was too angry about the Cubs pathetic effort in the NLDS. However, my brother is a big Cubs fan. Needless to say he isn't very happy.
Gauging the reaction of the Cubs fans, this one almost feels different than 2003, the last big Cubs postseason let down.* That year they were still the loveable losers, the team who once every 15-20 years makes a run at ending their drought but loses it in a heartbreaking way. Name a year, and the Cubs have a cute little collapse to go with it (1945 and the goat, 1969 and the black cat, 2003 and Steve Bartman). They were cheerful, unlike the acerbic Philadelphia fans, or the bitter and pessimistic Red Sox fans.
This defeat is different. In fact, I think this is the step that moves the Cubs fans out of the realm of lovable losers, and into the realm of impatient and bitchy fans. Real Cubs fans, contrary to the stereotypes, are some of the smartest fans in the league. They know this was one of the best opportunities for the Cubs to end the streak in place since Teddy Roosevelt was in office. They could feel it, and they knew it was their year.
But it wasn't to be. The ideal narrative for the Cubs season would have ended in one of two ways, with either a wild victory celebration, or a bizarre event in game 7 of the world series to deny the Cubs their victory. Either way would have satisfied the Cubs fans in some way, even if it maybe wasn't the positive satisfaction. Even a loss in five tough fought games against the Dodgers would have been somewhat palatable.
But to get swept in this way was just too much. It was a series that shakes the confidence of their supporters, a disaster that makes them question why in the hell they even bother with this team. The vast majority of these fans will come to terms with it, and will be back and ready to go once pitchers and catchers report. But there will be an edge, an apprehension to put their faith into this team. They have moved into Philadelphia/Boston** territory here, and only a long-awaited world series title can get them out of that trough.
Still, there are some bright signs for the Cubs. They did win back to back division titles, a feat no Chicago baseball team has ever accomplished. They still have some great players, and management who is willing to do the right things to put together a winner. A few more players who don't crap the bed in the postseason, and that streak might end at 101.
Meanwhile, the Cubs fans will withdraw to the corner, and commence licking their wounds. The Bears are 3-2, first place in the NFC North. The Illini, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are poised to play in bowl games. Even the Bulls and Blackhawks have some potential. Hell, maybe a few spiteful fans will get some enjoyment out of watching the White Sox go down in flames.*** Hey, it's only five months or so until pitchers and catchers.
After all, there's always next year.
*I ignore 2007, as the Cubs fans were mostly just happy to be there.
**Pre 2004. I wish no Cubs fan the ignominious dishonor of becoming post 2004 Red Sox fans, even if they win a world series.
***Unless they don't go down in flames, and somehow come back and beat the Rays. That would make it feel worse.
Gauging the reaction of the Cubs fans, this one almost feels different than 2003, the last big Cubs postseason let down.* That year they were still the loveable losers, the team who once every 15-20 years makes a run at ending their drought but loses it in a heartbreaking way. Name a year, and the Cubs have a cute little collapse to go with it (1945 and the goat, 1969 and the black cat, 2003 and Steve Bartman). They were cheerful, unlike the acerbic Philadelphia fans, or the bitter and pessimistic Red Sox fans.
This defeat is different. In fact, I think this is the step that moves the Cubs fans out of the realm of lovable losers, and into the realm of impatient and bitchy fans. Real Cubs fans, contrary to the stereotypes, are some of the smartest fans in the league. They know this was one of the best opportunities for the Cubs to end the streak in place since Teddy Roosevelt was in office. They could feel it, and they knew it was their year.
But it wasn't to be. The ideal narrative for the Cubs season would have ended in one of two ways, with either a wild victory celebration, or a bizarre event in game 7 of the world series to deny the Cubs their victory. Either way would have satisfied the Cubs fans in some way, even if it maybe wasn't the positive satisfaction. Even a loss in five tough fought games against the Dodgers would have been somewhat palatable.
But to get swept in this way was just too much. It was a series that shakes the confidence of their supporters, a disaster that makes them question why in the hell they even bother with this team. The vast majority of these fans will come to terms with it, and will be back and ready to go once pitchers and catchers report. But there will be an edge, an apprehension to put their faith into this team. They have moved into Philadelphia/Boston** territory here, and only a long-awaited world series title can get them out of that trough.
Still, there are some bright signs for the Cubs. They did win back to back division titles, a feat no Chicago baseball team has ever accomplished. They still have some great players, and management who is willing to do the right things to put together a winner. A few more players who don't crap the bed in the postseason, and that streak might end at 101.
Meanwhile, the Cubs fans will withdraw to the corner, and commence licking their wounds. The Bears are 3-2, first place in the NFC North. The Illini, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are poised to play in bowl games. Even the Bulls and Blackhawks have some potential. Hell, maybe a few spiteful fans will get some enjoyment out of watching the White Sox go down in flames.*** Hey, it's only five months or so until pitchers and catchers.
After all, there's always next year.
*I ignore 2007, as the Cubs fans were mostly just happy to be there.
**Pre 2004. I wish no Cubs fan the ignominious dishonor of becoming post 2004 Red Sox fans, even if they win a world series.
***Unless they don't go down in flames, and somehow come back and beat the Rays. That would make it feel worse.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Griffey to the White Sox?
In 1998, this trade would have been something to behold. However, in 2008 I question the sense of this move.
Of course, it seems like the Griffey to the South Side rumors are an annual thing. However, this is the first time it has gone past rampant unfounded speculation to rampant somewhat founded speculation. It all could be nixed by Griffey, but we'll see.
Of course, it seems like the Griffey to the South Side rumors are an annual thing. However, this is the first time it has gone past rampant unfounded speculation to rampant somewhat founded speculation. It all could be nixed by Griffey, but we'll see.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The PHP corner: A substr conundrum
For all you rabid PHP developers out there, I'll occasionally be passing along some stuff I found out while working on various projects I am involved with (both inside and outside of work). Some of these revelations may seem trivial to you, but they are virtually epiphanies to me, and hope that somebody might find use of my ramblings.
Today is a short fact regarding the substr() function. Were you aware that as of version 5.2.3, putting a negative value for the position parameter that is longer than the length of the string will result in an empty string, instead of the whole string? I wasn't, and it certainly perplexed me.
Example:
$bar = 'Quo Vadimus is awesome';
$foo = substr( $bar, -54);
In an older version of PHP, $foo would output:
Quo Vadimus is awesome
In 5.2.3 and on, however, it outputs an empty string.
The More You Know...
Today is a short fact regarding the substr() function. Were you aware that as of version 5.2.3, putting a negative value for the position parameter that is longer than the length of the string will result in an empty string, instead of the whole string? I wasn't, and it certainly perplexed me.
Example:
$bar = 'Quo Vadimus is awesome';
$foo = substr( $bar, -54);
In an older version of PHP, $foo would output:
Quo Vadimus is awesome
In 5.2.3 and on, however, it outputs an empty string.
The More You Know...
Monday, July 7, 2008
Quick and Pointless Notice
I have some cool stuff I'll be posting throughout this week. For now, however, I'll leave you with a quick list of my opinions on three movies I saw the past two weekends.
Wall-E - Much, much more on this later, but my view at this time is that this movie should be seen by everybody. It quite possibly is my favorite Pixar movie.
Wanted - Insanely over the top, incredibly violent, and rather goofy. Still, it was pretty fun to watch.
Hancock - Not quite sure what kind of movie it wanted to be, but still a rather entertaining movie nonetheless.
UPDATE: By this week, I obviously meant the week of July 14. Yeah, that's the ticket. Anyway, some stuff might come, if I feel up to it. Last week just ran away from me.
Wall-E - Much, much more on this later, but my view at this time is that this movie should be seen by everybody. It quite possibly is my favorite Pixar movie.
Wanted - Insanely over the top, incredibly violent, and rather goofy. Still, it was pretty fun to watch.
Hancock - Not quite sure what kind of movie it wanted to be, but still a rather entertaining movie nonetheless.
UPDATE: By this week, I obviously meant the week of July 14. Yeah, that's the ticket. Anyway, some stuff might come, if I feel up to it. Last week just ran away from me.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Faretheewell, Sweet Prince
A new era dawns at Deadspin
As we are in no way nearly as funny as the commentariat over at Deadspin, we never took the opportunity to join the community. However, we have been a devoted lurker since early 2007, and we are sad to see Mr. Leitch go.
You have done East Central Illinois proud. Good luck at New York, and may you and Deadspin live long and prosper. May His Holy Horsiness St.Barbaro bless you.
As we are in no way nearly as funny as the commentariat over at Deadspin, we never took the opportunity to join the community. However, we have been a devoted lurker since early 2007, and we are sad to see Mr. Leitch go.
You have done East Central Illinois proud. Good luck at New York, and may you and Deadspin live long and prosper. May His Holy Horsiness St.Barbaro bless you.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Summer Movies: A Quick Ranking List
Next week I'll be writing a bit more about the first half of the summer movie season. For the sake of brevity, however, I will put up my list, from least favorite to most favorite, from May and June. Keep in mind that I have yet to see WALL-E and Wanted. Remember that this list is only my preference, and really doesn't take into account artistic or technical achievement (other than that which improves my enjoyment).
Positively Meh
8. The Happening
7. The Incredible Hulk
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Enjoyable Missed Opportunities
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
4. Get Smart
Frenetic, Insane, and Awesome
3. Speed Racer
Excellent Movies
2. Kung-Fu Panda
1. Iron Man
Positively Meh
8. The Happening
7. The Incredible Hulk
6. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Enjoyable Missed Opportunities
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
4. Get Smart
Frenetic, Insane, and Awesome
3. Speed Racer
Excellent Movies
2. Kung-Fu Panda
1. Iron Man
Friday, June 20, 2008
EXXXTREEME BLOGGING TO DA MAXXX!!!!!1!
There is nothing I can really add to this picture that hasn't already been said better, whether here or here. Except that this apparently sums the feud between bloggers and old media journalists in the sports world.
If old media journalists were 120 years old, and loved the company of pigeons.
And bloggers were a Poochie-like nightmare.
Go ahead, bask in its awesome glory. As the guys at FJM said, this is the Guernica of our times.
(Also, be sure to check out Buzz Bissinger's insane ramblings about canceling free speech, one of the few journalists I know of who appears to believe the Alien and Sedition acts were a good thing.)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The West Wing: Favorite Clips
This isn't actually my favorite clip of Arnie Vinick. However, I can't find his quick piece of straight talk on ethanol in "King Corn", and this is about just as good. This works better as a clip as well, as the King Corn piece is rather short in comparison.
I honestly would have been happy with either Santos or Vinick winning at the end of the series. Alan Alda did an excellent job with this character, and its almost too bad that he wasn't in the show more. True, he was an idealized pro-choice version of John McCain (without the war record and S&L scandal). However, that isn't a reason to dislike the character. I was happy when he agreed to be Santos Secretary of State.
Up next will be a murderer's row of clips, from some of my favorite episodes.
The Who of Fry
Go check out this interview of Billy West by the AV Club. Don't know who Billy West is? Shame on you! To not know the name of the man whose voice has brought us His Excellency John Zoidberg and Philip J. Fry is ignorance of the highest level.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The West Wing: Favorite Clips
In Honor of Senator Barack Obama's new title of presumptive Democratic nominee, here is Matt Santos' Convention Speech that led to his nomination.
The great thing about the Santos/Vinick campaign is how it mirrors the 2008 election. Sure, John McCain is older than Arnold Vinick (and not pro-choice), and Matt Santos is a bigger Boy Scout than even Senator Obama. However, both candidates clearly have similarities with these idealized characters. Heck, Santos was partially based on Senator Obama.
In the interest of political fairness, I'll be including one of my favorite Vinick clips soon.
The great thing about the Santos/Vinick campaign is how it mirrors the 2008 election. Sure, John McCain is older than Arnold Vinick (and not pro-choice), and Matt Santos is a bigger Boy Scout than even Senator Obama. However, both candidates clearly have similarities with these idealized characters. Heck, Santos was partially based on Senator Obama.
In the interest of political fairness, I'll be including one of my favorite Vinick clips soon.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The West Wing: Favorite Clips
As another irregular feature on this blog, I'll be posting some of my favorite West Wing scenes, with a short blurb following. There is no particular order to this, or any regularity implied. Also, some of my favorite scenes may not be available on Youtube, so don't consider this an exhaustive list. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #114
Song #: 114
Song Title: "March to Mortality"
Album: Gettysburg
Tough luck to this track. On to round 23!
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #115
Song #: 115
Song Title: "La Llorona"
Album: Little Miss Sunshine
Tough luck to this track. On to round 22!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #116
Song #: 116
Song Title: "Shenandoah"
Album: The Civil War
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Eliminator: Super Round #5 (Songs 120-117)
To speed up this process, I am instituting five super rounds, in which the last four songs to be played in the rotation are eliminated.
Song #: 120
Song Title: "Dixie/Bonnie Blue Flag"
Album: The Civil War
Song #: 119
Song Title: "Superstar"
Album: Juno
Song #: 118
Song Title: "Collette Shows Him Le Ropes"
Album: Ratatouille
(Apologies for the forthcoming butchering) "Not anyone can be a great cook, but a great cook can come from anywhere"
Song Title: "Let Me Touch you For Awhile"
Album: New Favorite
Another Allison Krauss song is off the board.
Tough luck to these songs. Back to one at at time with round 20!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The Eliminator: Super Round #4 (Songs 124-121)
To speed up this process, I am instituting five super rounds, in which the last four songs to be played in the rotation are eliminated.
Song #: 124
Song Title: "Kathleen Mavourneen"
Album: Gettysburg
Song #: 123
Song Title: "Anyone Else but You"
Album: Juno
Song #: 122
Song Title: "Cross the Green Mountain"
Album: Gods and Generals
Both the starting and end title songs for this movie are now out of contention.
Song Title: "Star Wars and the Revenge of the Sith"
Album: Star Wars: Episode III
The title track to the last of the original six Star Wars movies is not gone.
Tough luck to these songs. On to Round 19!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Eliminator: Super Round #3 (Songs 128-125)
To speed up this process, I am instituting five super rounds, in which the last four songs to be played in the rotation are eliminated.
Song #: 128
Song Title: "Loved Ones and Leaving"
Album: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Song #: 127
Song Title: "Ashokan Farewell"
Album: The Civil War
Song #: 126
Song Title: "O' Canada"
Album: South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut
This version of the Great White North's national anthem is performed by Rush, with help from Terrence & Phillip.
Song Title: "Jacksonville"
Album: Illinoise
Still waiting for Ridge Farm to get a song named after it.
Tough luck to these songs. On to Round 18!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Elminator: Super Round #2 (Songs 132-129)
To speed up this process, I am instituting five super rounds, in which the last four songs to be played in the rotation are eliminated.
Song #: 132
Song Title: "Going Home"
Album: Gods and Generals
Song #: 131
Song Title: "Across the Stars"
Album: Star Wars Episode II
Song #: 130
Song Title: "Dinner Rush"
Album: Ratatouille
Always sucks to lose a track from Ratatouille. Oh well.
Song Title: "Trapped Like Carrots"
Album: The Simpsons Movie
Tough luck to these songs. On to Round 17!
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Elminator: Super Round #1 (Songs 136-133)
To speed up this process, I am instituting five super rounds, in which the last four songs to be played in the rotation are eliminated.
Tough luck to these songs. On to Round 16!
Song #: 136
Song Title: "General Lee's Solitude"
Album: Gettysburg
Song #: 135
Song Title: "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
Album: The Civil War
Song #: 134
Song Title: "Spider Pig"
Album: The Simpsons Movie
"Spider Pig, Spider Pig, Does whatever a Spider Pig does."
In this case, Spider Pig leaves the playing field, as it is eliminated.
Song Title: "Main Title"
Album: Gettysburg
Tough luck to these songs. On to Round 16!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #137
Song #: 137
Song Title: "It all Comes Down to You"
Album: Alison Krauss & Union Station - New Favorite
Another song down, many more to go.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 15!
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #138
Song #: 138
Song Title: "Battle Cry of Freedom"
Album: The Civil War
Another song from The Civil War is down, this time to timeless classic "Battle Cry of Freedom".
Tough luck to this song. On to round 14!
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #139
Song #: 139
Song Title: "Killer Angel"
Album: Gettysburg
"Well, if he's an angel, all right then... But he damn well must be a killer angel."
With apologies to Buster Kilrain, this track is the latest one to be eliminated.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 13!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ah Darnit
I just got some bad news a few minutes ago. I found out a job I had applied for went to someone else. It is kind of getting me down, because I was really hoping that I would get this job. It would have allowed me to move back home, and work from home. I thought I was in the running for it, but considering I didn't even get a 2nd interview, apparently I wasn't quite so close to getting the job as I thought. Apparently my almost 8 years of PHP programming experience wasn't enough.
Oh well, at least I have a decent job right now, so I don't have the pressure of having to get back up on that horse right now. It could be worse, I guess.
Oh well, at least I have a decent job right now, so I don't have the pressure of having to get back up on that horse right now. It could be worse, I guess.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Apostate Marketer: Lessons in Poor Marketing
Lesson # 418: The Youtube Video Demonstration
The Internet is a wonderful medium for marketing, if you know what you are doing. That is the key word. Unfortunately, the makers of this video either don't know or don't care about simple marketing principles.
WARNING: Turn down your speakers or volume for this one. It is really loud.
Makes you want to go out and buy a dozen right now, doesn't it?
Hmm...Incoherent screeching, nausea inducing camera work, and a garbled message. This sounds like something only a Hillary supporter could love.
The Internet is a wonderful medium for marketing, if you know what you are doing. That is the key word. Unfortunately, the makers of this video either don't know or don't care about simple marketing principles.
WARNING: Turn down your speakers or volume for this one. It is really loud.
Makes you want to go out and buy a dozen right now, doesn't it?
Hmm...Incoherent screeching, nausea inducing camera work, and a garbled message. This sounds like something only a Hillary supporter could love.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #140
Song #: 140
Song Title: "Weeping Sad and Lonely"
Album: The Civil War
A track from the soundtrack of Ken Burns' great movie is off the board.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 12!
The Eliminator: Song #141
Song #: 141
Song Title: "Ratatouille Main Theme"
Album: Ratatouille
The main theme from one of my favorite movies of the year (sorry for not finishing the movie feature) is now off the board.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 11!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #142
Song #: 142
Song Title: "O' Holy Night"
Album: Studio 60-The Christmas Episode
Tough loss here, as it is an excellent song. In fact this song almost makes up for the general mediocrity of the entire series.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 10!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #143
Song #: 143
Song Title: "A New Hope and End Credits"
Album: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
The longest track in the list, and the first from the various Star Wars soundtracks I have in the rotation.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 9!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #144
Song #: 144
Song Title: "Christmas Is Coming"
Album: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Another song from this inimitable holiday classic is gone.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 8!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #145
Song #: 145
Song Title: "Why Does Everything I Whip Leave Me?"
Album: The Simpsons Movie
Another track from The Simpsons Movie is gone.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 7!
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #146
Song #: 146
Song Title: "Fife and Gun"
Album: Gettysburg
Song Title: "Fife and Gun"
Album: Gettysburg
This marches off the iTunes Eliminator list, and into immortality.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 6!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #147
Song #: 147
Song Title: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing "
Album: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Yeah, a Christmas song in March. Deal with it.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 5!
Song Title: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing "
Album: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Yeah, a Christmas song in March. Deal with it.
Tough luck to this song. On to round 5!
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #148
Song #: 148
Song Title: "End Creditouilles" composed by Michael Giacchino
Album: Ratatouille Soundtrack
Third straight track from a movie soundtrack. Tough luck to this song. On to round 4!
Song Title: "End Creditouilles" composed by Michael Giacchino
Album: Ratatouille Soundtrack
Third straight track from a movie soundtrack. Tough luck to this song. On to round 4!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
NOOOOO!!!!!!
Sad news for Bears fans today, as it appears Brett Favre is really retiring. Why is this sad for the loyal followers of the "Monsters of the Midway"?
6-2....
Yes, say it again
6-2...
That is the Bears record against Favre since Lovie Smith took over as head coach. After the dismal Wannstedt and Jauron years, Favre lost his Bear-killer title and became a quarterback not so feared by this Chicago fan.
Rex Grossman has a winning record against him. Kyle Orton does as well. Hell, even Brian Griese beat him last fall. And each victory usually included some dumbass interception by Favre that eventually cost his team the game.
Seriously, I wish Mr. Favre the best luck in his future endeavors. There was a time there in the early '00s where I thought the Packers would keep him well into the next decade, if only to come off the bench and torch the Bears. Fortunately, his career against the Bears took a downward turn, but I can't say I'm really going to miss him. Unless the next Packers quarterback goes on another 11 game winning streak.
6-2....
Yes, say it again
6-2...
That is the Bears record against Favre since Lovie Smith took over as head coach. After the dismal Wannstedt and Jauron years, Favre lost his Bear-killer title and became a quarterback not so feared by this Chicago fan.
Rex Grossman has a winning record against him. Kyle Orton does as well. Hell, even Brian Griese beat him last fall. And each victory usually included some dumbass interception by Favre that eventually cost his team the game.
Seriously, I wish Mr. Favre the best luck in his future endeavors. There was a time there in the early '00s where I thought the Packers would keep him well into the next decade, if only to come off the bench and torch the Bears. Fortunately, his career against the Bears took a downward turn, but I can't say I'm really going to miss him. Unless the next Packers quarterback goes on another 11 game winning streak.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
2007 Year in Movies: Part II
Better than Expected
Winner: Transformers
Given Michael Bay's legacy, my expectations for this movie were rather low. Fortunately, it wasn't bad, and almost reached the level of good. Although it was full of typical Bay crap, and the GM product placement was a tad disgusting, I still enjoyed the movie. With Mr. Bay, that is the best you can hope for.
Runner Up: Blades of Glory
I really don't have much to say about this movie, other than I was mildly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Honorable Mention: Ratatouille
In the case of the first two movies, I went in expecting something bad, and got something enjoyable. For this movie, however, my expectations were higher, and the result was much higher. I knew that it being a Pixar movie would ensure a certain level of quality. However, the trailers left me a little ambivalent towards the movie. When I watched it, I realized how wrong the previews were. Save for one movie, this was probably my favorite of the year.
Winner: Transformers
Given Michael Bay's legacy, my expectations for this movie were rather low. Fortunately, it wasn't bad, and almost reached the level of good. Although it was full of typical Bay crap, and the GM product placement was a tad disgusting, I still enjoyed the movie. With Mr. Bay, that is the best you can hope for.
Runner Up: Blades of Glory
I really don't have much to say about this movie, other than I was mildly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Honorable Mention: Ratatouille
In the case of the first two movies, I went in expecting something bad, and got something enjoyable. For this movie, however, my expectations were higher, and the result was much higher. I knew that it being a Pixar movie would ensure a certain level of quality. However, the trailers left me a little ambivalent towards the movie. When I watched it, I realized how wrong the previews were. Save for one movie, this was probably my favorite of the year.
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Belated 2007 Movie Feature Begins
Hey there sports fans! Or movie fans, to be more precise. It's that time of the year again, the time for me to do my review of the past year in movies. Some of you might (accurately) point out that the time has past for this, but I say a resounding "meh" to that.
Rather than killing a whole forest of digital trees by putting it all in one post, I figure I'll split it out into several posts throughout today and Sunday. I'll try to hit all of the movies I saw over the past year, although a few were so mediocre it might not be worth writing about them.
On to the show!
A Shark's Tale award for Worst Movie of the Year
Winner: Perfect Stranger
This was a very close race, but in the end this pile of reconstituted vomit was my least favorite movie of the year. Between the horrible acting, the ridiculous plot twist, and its poor knowledge of technology, this film was a colossal waste of time. Although I am not one to walk out of a movie before it is over, this is one of two films I saw last year where I might have considered it. Heck, if I had walked out 15 minutes early, the film might have still made some sense, and saved itself from being placed on this list.
Runner Up: Shooter
This movie could have been very good if they had made it either a taut political thriller, or an absolutely mindless action film. Unfortunately, they decided to try to do both. The result was a mess, only surpassed by the disaster above. Lousy acting, a ridiculous plot, and incredibly cartoonish characters made this film offensive to my senses. Even Ned Beatty couldn't keep this movie from tanking.
Dishonorable Mention: Lions for Lambs
I'm usually a pretty easy guy to please when it comes to movies. Therefore, it was a rare accomplishment for the two movies above to actually make me loathe them. Lions for Lambs rises to the level of merely being disappointing. I would love to see a nuanced political movie about the mess in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, this movie does not do that. It tries to create a debate on the issue, but fails miserably at it. In the end, it reads like a 90 minute PSA about getting involved in government. Not that the idea is wrong, but it certainly isn't worth $9.00.
Movies that are probably deserving of spots on this list, but which I decided to refrain from viewing: Good Luck Chuck, Who's Your Caddy?, Norbit, Daddy Day Camp, Epic Movie, etc...
Rather than killing a whole forest of digital trees by putting it all in one post, I figure I'll split it out into several posts throughout today and Sunday. I'll try to hit all of the movies I saw over the past year, although a few were so mediocre it might not be worth writing about them.
On to the show!
A Shark's Tale award for Worst Movie of the Year
Winner: Perfect Stranger
This was a very close race, but in the end this pile of reconstituted vomit was my least favorite movie of the year. Between the horrible acting, the ridiculous plot twist, and its poor knowledge of technology, this film was a colossal waste of time. Although I am not one to walk out of a movie before it is over, this is one of two films I saw last year where I might have considered it. Heck, if I had walked out 15 minutes early, the film might have still made some sense, and saved itself from being placed on this list.
Runner Up: Shooter
This movie could have been very good if they had made it either a taut political thriller, or an absolutely mindless action film. Unfortunately, they decided to try to do both. The result was a mess, only surpassed by the disaster above. Lousy acting, a ridiculous plot, and incredibly cartoonish characters made this film offensive to my senses. Even Ned Beatty couldn't keep this movie from tanking.
Dishonorable Mention: Lions for Lambs
I'm usually a pretty easy guy to please when it comes to movies. Therefore, it was a rare accomplishment for the two movies above to actually make me loathe them. Lions for Lambs rises to the level of merely being disappointing. I would love to see a nuanced political movie about the mess in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, this movie does not do that. It tries to create a debate on the issue, but fails miserably at it. In the end, it reads like a 90 minute PSA about getting involved in government. Not that the idea is wrong, but it certainly isn't worth $9.00.
Movies that are probably deserving of spots on this list, but which I decided to refrain from viewing: Good Luck Chuck, Who's Your Caddy?, Norbit, Daddy Day Camp, Epic Movie, etc...
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #149
Song #: 149
Song Title: "Clap for Alaska" composed by Hans Zimmer
Album: The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack
Second straight track from a movie soundtrack. Tough luck to this song. On to round 3!
Song Title: "Clap for Alaska" composed by Hans Zimmer
Album: The Simpsons Movie Soundtrack
Second straight track from a movie soundtrack. Tough luck to this song. On to round 3!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Eliminator: Song #150
Ed. Note: At work I am cycling through 150 songs in my iTunes collection, and throwing out the last one hit. Every time this happens, I hope to give a mention to the song thrown out.
Song #: 150
Song Title: "All I want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar
Album: Juno Soundtrack
Tough luck to this song. On to round 2!
Song #: 150
Song Title: "All I want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar
Album: Juno Soundtrack
Tough luck to this song. On to round 2!
Monday, February 4, 2008
19-....ummm 18-1 is good, I guess?
The descent into Bizzaro World continued yesterday as Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning led the Giants to a 17-14 victory over the hated Patriots. Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning. That is just hard to get used to.
The Evil Belichick Empire has been defeated, and in a manner similar to the way they clawed to power. By determination, luck, and a little bit of talent, the Giants beat them on a long drive capped off by an improbable score. I sat in amazement when Tyree made that catch, a historic catch even if Manning hadn't escaped a certain sack to throw it to him.
All season, I was pretty confident the Patriots were going to lose. It took the last 35 seconds of the last game for it to happen, but it did. Never in a million years did I think Eli, who often looked like a slightly better Rex Grossman, would be the one to do it. Enjoy it Giants fans, you deserve it. And to you New England fans, I'm sure the sting will be alleviated once pitchers and catchers report to Red Sox camp.
Geez, the less Manning wins the Super Bowl against the inevitable Empire? What next, you're going to tell me that a black man and a woman are the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination? Yeah, like that'll ever happen.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
DVD Adventure: The Minister of Qumar
SPOILER ALERT: All of my posts in this series will be replete with spoilers. As all of these, save for a few movies, are past the one year moratorium, I really shouldn't need to include this warning. However, I feel it is a courteous thing to do. You have been warned.
The season finales and premieres of The West Wing were always the most anticipated episodes of their respective seasons. This was especially true for seasons 1-2 and 2-3, which combined cliffhangers with two part episodes at the beginning of the next season.
However, season 3 did not end with a cliffhanger. "We Killed Yamamoto" and "Posse Comitatus", the two season 3 episodes included in this viewing, wrap up several storylines. Josh wins a vote at the expense of Amy's job, Simon Donovan is killed before his romance with C.J. can even begin, and the President makes a very tough choice that may (or may not) have consequences later on. It is a season ending less about a buzzworthy cliffhanger, and more about setting up the election year of season 4.
I enjoyed the first two episodes, although they certainly aren't at top of my favorites list. The choice that the President has to make is one of the toughest a man like Jed has to make, a decision where moral absolutes are in short supply. I do think he made the right call in assassinating the Qumari official. They had reliable, rock-solid information that he was the mastermind of a terrorist plot on U.S. soil, and certain factors prevented prosecuting him in court. This was not a decision made lightly, nor without great trepidation on the part of the President. If every President showed this much thought and restraint, our nation's casualties of war would be significantly less.
In addition to this situation, it is an election year. Bartlet is in for a tough fight against a Dubya caricature played by James Brolin. Although I think Gov. Ritchie was far too much of a straw man to put up against Bartlet (Alan Alda's Vinick would have been awesome here), I do love the scene at the play between the two candidates.
As for the other stories, one is closed, as another is started. With one big exception, the budding relationship between C.J. and Simon Donovan is abruptly closed when he is gunned down. The President opens up the search for a new assistant, and Charlie's favorite has a rough first interview with Jed. Why is she so hesitant to apply for the job at the White House? You'll just have see in part two of this post, starting....now.
The second part of this "movie" is one of my favorite episodes of the entire series. Set over a 20 hour period, it is jam-packed with a lot of wonderful stuff. The main story is based around the journey of Toby, Josh, and Donna from Indiana back to D.C. I love this storyline for so many reasons. The trials and tribulations they go through in getting to Indianapolis International Airport is hilarious. I especially love their reaction to the whole Indiana policy on Daylight Savings.* Watching that scene cracks me up every time, especially if I imagine it being part of an Indiana tourism video.
Like every great episode of The West Wing, "20 Hours in America" mixes the poignant with the humorous. I must admit the speech by Bartlet after the tragedy at the university in Iowa isn't for everyone, but I certainly loved it. I'm a sucker for those kind of speeches, however, so take that with a grain of salt.
There is just too much I love about this episode to go into detail. Whether it is Charlie showing how a man should act, or the continued eccentric meetings between the President and Debbie Fiderer, it all just works well for me.
However, my favorite scene of the episode, and quite possibly the series, is the last one. Finally within sight of the White House, our intrepid voyagers ask the airport shuttle to drop them so they can walk to work. In the shadows of the Lincoln Memorial, Toby explains why intelligence, gravitas, and inspiration matters when choosing our President. If you want to find a better argument towards why I support Barack Obama, be my guest.
Factoid of almost no importance to either me or my readers: Despite having watched the episode several times, I never noticed Amy feeding her dog at the beginning of "We Killed Yamamoto". I'm not sure how I missed it, but I did.
Next Tuesday: "Pilots"-The first episodes of The Simpsons, Futurama, The West Wing, Arrested Development, and 30 Rock
Then: "Bender: Great supporting character: Bad Star"-Four episodes of Futurama starring Bender that are merely "good", and four that disprove the thesis.
*-In defense of the Hoosiers, this policy has been changed. Although the state still is split between Central and Eastern time zones, depending on which county you are in.
The season finales and premieres of The West Wing were always the most anticipated episodes of their respective seasons. This was especially true for seasons 1-2 and 2-3, which combined cliffhangers with two part episodes at the beginning of the next season.
However, season 3 did not end with a cliffhanger. "We Killed Yamamoto" and "Posse Comitatus", the two season 3 episodes included in this viewing, wrap up several storylines. Josh wins a vote at the expense of Amy's job, Simon Donovan is killed before his romance with C.J. can even begin, and the President makes a very tough choice that may (or may not) have consequences later on. It is a season ending less about a buzzworthy cliffhanger, and more about setting up the election year of season 4.
I enjoyed the first two episodes, although they certainly aren't at top of my favorites list. The choice that the President has to make is one of the toughest a man like Jed has to make, a decision where moral absolutes are in short supply. I do think he made the right call in assassinating the Qumari official. They had reliable, rock-solid information that he was the mastermind of a terrorist plot on U.S. soil, and certain factors prevented prosecuting him in court. This was not a decision made lightly, nor without great trepidation on the part of the President. If every President showed this much thought and restraint, our nation's casualties of war would be significantly less.
In addition to this situation, it is an election year. Bartlet is in for a tough fight against a Dubya caricature played by James Brolin. Although I think Gov. Ritchie was far too much of a straw man to put up against Bartlet (Alan Alda's Vinick would have been awesome here), I do love the scene at the play between the two candidates.
As for the other stories, one is closed, as another is started. With one big exception, the budding relationship between C.J. and Simon Donovan is abruptly closed when he is gunned down. The President opens up the search for a new assistant, and Charlie's favorite has a rough first interview with Jed. Why is she so hesitant to apply for the job at the White House? You'll just have see in part two of this post, starting....now.
The second part of this "movie" is one of my favorite episodes of the entire series. Set over a 20 hour period, it is jam-packed with a lot of wonderful stuff. The main story is based around the journey of Toby, Josh, and Donna from Indiana back to D.C. I love this storyline for so many reasons. The trials and tribulations they go through in getting to Indianapolis International Airport is hilarious. I especially love their reaction to the whole Indiana policy on Daylight Savings.* Watching that scene cracks me up every time, especially if I imagine it being part of an Indiana tourism video.
Like every great episode of The West Wing, "20 Hours in America" mixes the poignant with the humorous. I must admit the speech by Bartlet after the tragedy at the university in Iowa isn't for everyone, but I certainly loved it. I'm a sucker for those kind of speeches, however, so take that with a grain of salt.
There is just too much I love about this episode to go into detail. Whether it is Charlie showing how a man should act, or the continued eccentric meetings between the President and Debbie Fiderer, it all just works well for me.
However, my favorite scene of the episode, and quite possibly the series, is the last one. Finally within sight of the White House, our intrepid voyagers ask the airport shuttle to drop them so they can walk to work. In the shadows of the Lincoln Memorial, Toby explains why intelligence, gravitas, and inspiration matters when choosing our President. If you want to find a better argument towards why I support Barack Obama, be my guest.
Factoid of almost no importance to either me or my readers: Despite having watched the episode several times, I never noticed Amy feeding her dog at the beginning of "We Killed Yamamoto". I'm not sure how I missed it, but I did.
Next Tuesday: "Pilots"-The first episodes of The Simpsons, Futurama, The West Wing, Arrested Development, and 30 Rock
Then: "Bender: Great supporting character: Bad Star"-Four episodes of Futurama starring Bender that are merely "good", and four that disprove the thesis.
*-In defense of the Hoosiers, this policy has been changed. Although the state still is split between Central and Eastern time zones, depending on which county you are in.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Let's try that one again.
After much thought, I have decided to change my project. I made this decision after starting the project with four straight tv show discs. The reason I decided to do this was to put together my thoughts on my collection of DVDs. With over 75 discs just between The West Wing and The Simpsons, the thought of trying to slog through one of the lesser post-Sorkin discs just didn't sound fun.
On that note, I'm switching the format around. The new rules are:
On that note, I'm switching the format around. The new rules are:
- All of my movies will continue to be played in a random order, with the exception of Star Wars.
- As for Star Wars, I am saving that for a marathon weekend, a new feature I'm adding as well.
- The TV shows aren't being ignored, but are being themed
- 30 Rock, Arrested Development, and Band of Brothers will be pushed to marathon weekends.
- Futurama will be have four positions in the rotation. Each position will include eight episodes, three based around a theme, and one set of great and significant episodes that don't fit the themes. The themes are:
- Fry & Leela
- The Why of Fry
- Bender: Great Sidekick/Horrible Star
- The Best of the Rest
- The Simpsons (Seasons 1-10) follows the same rules as Futurama. The themes for the Simpsons:
- Sideshow Bob
- Lisa vs. My DVD Player
- Guest Star Bonanza
- Worst. Episodes. Ever. (Not at all true)
- The West Wing will be established as 7 distinct "movies", i.e. storylines that have distinct arcs. The list includes:
- What Kind of a Day Has It Been/In the Shadow of Two Gunmen
- The MS storyline: "17 People" to "Manchester Part Two"
- The Minister of Qumar: "We Killed Yamamoto" to "20 Hours in America"
- Twenty-Five: "Commencment" to "Dogs of War"
- A John Wells Hacktacular: "Gaza" to "Third Day Story"
- Santos for President: "Faith Based Initiative", "Opposition Research", "King Corn", "Freedonia", "La Palabra", "In God We Trust", "Things Fall Apart", "2162 Votes"
- A Peaceful Succession: "Election Day" to "Tomorrow"
- In addition to the theme sets, we'll also include two all-inclusive themed sets
- Pilots: The first episode of every show I own.
- Oddities and Innovations: Well, you will just have to see...
- Due to the lower workload, I'll only be posting twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Looks like I won't be watching ESPN the next two weeks
Well, what looked inevitable in September finally happened. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl. That in and of itself would be enough to make me avoid the coverage over the next two weeks, but their opponent being a NY team just compounds the annoyance level of this situation. I guess its slightly better than if the Cheeseland Favres had made it, but #4 made sure that wouldn't happen.
Oh well, its not like I watch ESPN very often these days anyways.
I just feel overjoyed for those poor New England fans. Can you believe its been three whole months since the region celebrated a title?
Oh well, its not like I watch ESPN very often these days anyways.
I just feel overjoyed for those poor New England fans. Can you believe its been three whole months since the region celebrated a title?
My Year of DVDs: The Simpsons Season 8, Disc 3
Series: The Simpsons
Season: 8
Disc: 3
Episodes: "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show", "Homer's Phobia", "Brother From Another Series", "My Sister, My Sitter", "Homer vs. the 18th Amendment", "Grade School Confidential", "The Canine Mutiny"
If someone who had never seen The Simpsons sat down and watched the show in its current form, they might find it funny, but would be puzzled as to why it had lasted 19 seasons. To give them a proper answer, you could lecture for hours upon hours about the history, acclaim, and cultural significance of the show. Or you could just show them some old episodes, and hope they would get all they needed from that.
If you were limited to only pick one disc from an existing DVD set, this disc would be a strong contender. Most of the episodes on this disc showcase why The Simpsons has been going strong since 1989. From the cutting social satire, to the wacky humor, to the zany characters both major and minor, this is a very enjoyable disc.
I must admit I really wasn't in a mood to do this. The first five discs of this feature are from TV shows, which makes it harder to pull together a theme for the post. However, once I realized what the episodes were on this disc, it didn't really matter any more.
"Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie" is probably my favorite episode of all time. The best thing about it is that it has only gotten better as time goes on. We are multiple generations of crap away from the original XXtreme to the MAXXXXX!!!!! craze, and Poochie still is an excellent piece of satire on the soulless, focus-group built characters that dominate our entertainment. Even discounting all the other greatness of that episode, it would still be notable for the birth of "Worst. Episode. Ever.".
I have a feeling that as this feature rolls on, some of The Simpsons and The West Wing discs are going to feel like slogging through a muddy cornfield. Considering there are 17 combined seasons worth of discs between the two, that is a lot of the same stuff to wade through. However, the first disc I delved into about the famous family of five from Springfield was certainly a treat.
Season: 8
Disc: 3
Episodes: "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show", "Homer's Phobia", "Brother From Another Series", "My Sister, My Sitter", "Homer vs. the 18th Amendment", "Grade School Confidential", "The Canine Mutiny"
If someone who had never seen The Simpsons sat down and watched the show in its current form, they might find it funny, but would be puzzled as to why it had lasted 19 seasons. To give them a proper answer, you could lecture for hours upon hours about the history, acclaim, and cultural significance of the show. Or you could just show them some old episodes, and hope they would get all they needed from that.
If you were limited to only pick one disc from an existing DVD set, this disc would be a strong contender. Most of the episodes on this disc showcase why The Simpsons has been going strong since 1989. From the cutting social satire, to the wacky humor, to the zany characters both major and minor, this is a very enjoyable disc.
I must admit I really wasn't in a mood to do this. The first five discs of this feature are from TV shows, which makes it harder to pull together a theme for the post. However, once I realized what the episodes were on this disc, it didn't really matter any more.
"Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie" is probably my favorite episode of all time. The best thing about it is that it has only gotten better as time goes on. We are multiple generations of crap away from the original XXtreme to the MAXXXXX!!!!! craze, and Poochie still is an excellent piece of satire on the soulless, focus-group built characters that dominate our entertainment. Even discounting all the other greatness of that episode, it would still be notable for the birth of "Worst. Episode. Ever.".
I have a feeling that as this feature rolls on, some of The Simpsons and The West Wing discs are going to feel like slogging through a muddy cornfield. Considering there are 17 combined seasons worth of discs between the two, that is a lot of the same stuff to wade through. However, the first disc I delved into about the famous family of five from Springfield was certainly a treat.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Year of DVDs: West Wing, Season 1, Disc 2B
Series: The West Wing
Season: 1
Disc: 2, side B
Episodes: "Take Out the Trash Day", "Take This Sabbath Day", "Celestial Navigation", "20 Hours in L.A."
Although I often take a rather bitter and cynical attitude towards things, deep down I'm an idealist. I truly want to see things better, and am always on the lookout for the "real thing" in politics. It's why I love the filibuster scene in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, why The American President and Dave are two of my favorite movies, and why The West Wing is my favorite TV show of all time.
Being an idealist often means you end up disappointed. This is true of even the Bartlet administration. The show tends to fluctuate like a sine wave between failure and success, and the four episodes on this disc are part of the first downward trend of the series. Little is being accomplished, morale is starting to sink, and the President is starting to feel restless about it all. And to top it all off, Bartlet's daughter is receiving death threats, and a potential Supreme Court justice is doing his damnest to lose his nomination fight.
Fortunately, the mood of these episodes isn't nearly as somber as some of the later down cycles (See: Early Season Five). There is the hilarious first appearance by Joey Lucas, proving once again why it is a bad idea to take an early meeting with a hangover. Leo finds it in his heart to give a poor girl a second chance, despite her almost ruining his career. And above all, Josh not only creates a "secret plan to fight inflation", he is also opposed to it.
In the end, not everything goes as intended. Sometimes you have to take babysteps, and sometimes you just mark time in the mud. There is always another day, and another battle to fight. And eventually, you just gotta let Bartlet be Bartlet.
Season: 1
Disc: 2, side B
Episodes: "Take Out the Trash Day", "Take This Sabbath Day", "Celestial Navigation", "20 Hours in L.A."
Although I often take a rather bitter and cynical attitude towards things, deep down I'm an idealist. I truly want to see things better, and am always on the lookout for the "real thing" in politics. It's why I love the filibuster scene in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, why The American President and Dave are two of my favorite movies, and why The West Wing is my favorite TV show of all time.
Being an idealist often means you end up disappointed. This is true of even the Bartlet administration. The show tends to fluctuate like a sine wave between failure and success, and the four episodes on this disc are part of the first downward trend of the series. Little is being accomplished, morale is starting to sink, and the President is starting to feel restless about it all. And to top it all off, Bartlet's daughter is receiving death threats, and a potential Supreme Court justice is doing his damnest to lose his nomination fight.
Fortunately, the mood of these episodes isn't nearly as somber as some of the later down cycles (See: Early Season Five). There is the hilarious first appearance by Joey Lucas, proving once again why it is a bad idea to take an early meeting with a hangover. Leo finds it in his heart to give a poor girl a second chance, despite her almost ruining his career. And above all, Josh not only creates a "secret plan to fight inflation", he is also opposed to it.
In the end, not everything goes as intended. Sometimes you have to take babysteps, and sometimes you just mark time in the mud. There is always another day, and another battle to fight. And eventually, you just gotta let Bartlet be Bartlet.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Start the Parade Now!
Fear not, you fans of the woebegone North Side Nine, your World Series Title drought will end in double digits. How do I know this? Jon Lieber is back in town!
/cue "Stars and Stripes Forever" and the dancing elephants
Better get the champagne on ice!
/cue "Stars and Stripes Forever" and the dancing elephants
Better get the champagne on ice!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
My year of DVDs
So it has come to this. My Opus, my grand triumph in blogging. From this Thursday to next December, I'll be watching and writing about one of my DVDs. Eventually, almost every disc I own will be covered.
Before I start, here are the rules:
1. Special Features Discs are not counted.
2. As The Simpsons Season 1, Disc 3 is one episode, and the rest special features, "Some Enchanted Evening" will be watched at the same time as Disc 2.
3. For The West Wing Seasons 1-3, Each side counts as one disc.
4. Discs will be watched on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday normally, although there is no formal pattern other than three posts a week.
5. Gettysburg and Gods & Generals each count as one disc, even though both are double sided.
6. The order has been chosen by random, except for two exceptions:
a. Primary Colors will be watched on Feb 4, Ahead of Super-Duper Tuesday. Unless Amazon doesn't get it here by then. In that case, it will take its place in the rotation.
b. Due to their length, Gods & Generals and Gettysburg will be moved to the nearest Saturday to their random position.
7. TV Shows that will be included: The West Wing, Futurama, The Simpsons (Seasons 1-10), 30 Rock (Season 1), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Vol. 1), Arrested Development, Band of Brothers
8. Movies that will be included: Star Wars: I-VI, Star Trek II, Star Trek: First Contact, Network, Letters from Iwo Jima, Superbad, Ratatouille, Little Miss Sunshine, Syriana, Good Night & Good Luck, Glory, Gettysburg, Gods & Generals, The Simpsons Movie, Futurama: Bender's Big Score, The Big Lebowski, Hudsucker Proxy, Fargo, Raising Arizona, Idiocracy, Office Space, South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, Team America: World Police, Jurassic Park 1-3
The fun begins on Thursday with Disc 2, Side B of The West Wing: Season One.
Before I start, here are the rules:
1. Special Features Discs are not counted.
2. As The Simpsons Season 1, Disc 3 is one episode, and the rest special features, "Some Enchanted Evening" will be watched at the same time as Disc 2.
3. For The West Wing Seasons 1-3, Each side counts as one disc.
4. Discs will be watched on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday normally, although there is no formal pattern other than three posts a week.
5. Gettysburg and Gods & Generals each count as one disc, even though both are double sided.
6. The order has been chosen by random, except for two exceptions:
a. Primary Colors will be watched on Feb 4, Ahead of Super-Duper Tuesday. Unless Amazon doesn't get it here by then. In that case, it will take its place in the rotation.
b. Due to their length, Gods & Generals and Gettysburg will be moved to the nearest Saturday to their random position.
7. TV Shows that will be included: The West Wing, Futurama, The Simpsons (Seasons 1-10), 30 Rock (Season 1), Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Vol. 1), Arrested Development, Band of Brothers
8. Movies that will be included: Star Wars: I-VI, Star Trek II, Star Trek: First Contact, Network, Letters from Iwo Jima, Superbad, Ratatouille, Little Miss Sunshine, Syriana, Good Night & Good Luck, Glory, Gettysburg, Gods & Generals, The Simpsons Movie, Futurama: Bender's Big Score, The Big Lebowski, Hudsucker Proxy, Fargo, Raising Arizona, Idiocracy, Office Space, South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, Team America: World Police, Jurassic Park 1-3
The fun begins on Thursday with Disc 2, Side B of The West Wing: Season One.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Let's Move that last post below the fold
Well, today is my first day back at work. Despite spending over 50 hours on trains the past two weeks, I feel pretty good and ready to start 2008 with a bang.
My holiday vacation at home was very enjoyable, even if Illinois laid an egg at the Rose Bowl. Hey, at least the Bears won two meaningless games.
I apologize for not doing my year-in-review post. I guess I was too full on cookies, or too busy celebrating my Ridge Farm Fantasy Football League Championship. As the premise of doing those lists really are relevant only to the end of the year, I won't be making a belated YIR post. I'm sure you all are heartbroken.
However, I will be making a forward looking 2008 post, as well as a review of what I liked (and didn't) at the theaters in 2007. The only reason this is not that post is that I have a few more movies to watch (Walk Hard, There will Be Blood, Sweeny Todd, and Atonement) before I can issue my final report. I'll probably catch three of the four sometime this week, and catch There Will Be Blood whenever the hell the theaters in this area decide to show it.
Until next time...
My holiday vacation at home was very enjoyable, even if Illinois laid an egg at the Rose Bowl. Hey, at least the Bears won two meaningless games.
I apologize for not doing my year-in-review post. I guess I was too full on cookies, or too busy celebrating my Ridge Farm Fantasy Football League Championship. As the premise of doing those lists really are relevant only to the end of the year, I won't be making a belated YIR post. I'm sure you all are heartbroken.
However, I will be making a forward looking 2008 post, as well as a review of what I liked (and didn't) at the theaters in 2007. The only reason this is not that post is that I have a few more movies to watch (Walk Hard, There will Be Blood, Sweeny Todd, and Atonement) before I can issue my final report. I'll probably catch three of the four sometime this week, and catch There Will Be Blood whenever the hell the theaters in this area decide to show it.
Until next time...
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