165th Edition - 12/28/07

• Bears

It seems we only have one thing to be happy for with the new year looming. And here he is ...

• Bulls

Scott Skiles is gone. No official replacement is set. And the interim coach Jim Boylan is putting Chris Duhon in the starting rotation tonight against the Bucks. And they are 9-17. Rough season. So instead, let's remember the past ...

• Stuff

*Absolutely amazing link of 113 classic tv show intros. I recommend "Head of the Class," and "My Two Dads." CLICK HERE

also, this is funny.



and this is funnier.

164th Edition - 12/21/07

• The Holidays are Coming

With the end of the year it's time to reflect ...

The Bears = Their record is 5-9 and there's no reason to believe they will beat the Packers or the Saints. The future doesn't look bright. But if they can just get a new QB, RB, offensive line, and safety we should be right back in it. It looks like 2-3 years until we can dream about getting back to the Super Bowl.

The Cubs = Fukudome is coming. He's a contact-hitting left hander. It's a nice addition, but nothing amazing. He seems to be the only main difference between last year's club and the one coming to us in 2008. Mark Prior is finally gone, and Kerry Wood might compete for the closer position. Even though the Cubs won their division, I never fell in love with the club.

The Blackhawks = I haven't watching a single second this sesason, but at least they are being talked about. If I ever accidentally stumble upon one of their newly televised home games, I'll set the remote down for a while. And if you happen to have an extra ticket to one of their games, if you pick me I promist to cheer loudly and act like I know what's going on.

The Bulls = Currently the Bulls are 9-14. No player has improved compared to last year. And they have the Celtics, Rockets and Spurs coming up. They did start the season 2-10, so they are 7-4 over their last 11 games. That's good enough to eventually get into the playoffs, but not to make a dent against the improving East.

Rich's bachelor party = $. In the entire history of bachelor parties, Rich's is the only one recorded where everyone won. 13 guys equaled $3000 at the casino playing craps. The worst winner walked away with $100. So let's just hope this is the first of many bachelor parties Rich will be having.

Iowa Hawkeyes Football = Well, my prediction of the Hawks winning the national championship next year has become a little more bold. No bowl game this year is exactly the kind of motivation these boys need to play with a chip on their shoulder the entire season.

• Stuff
  

I have 8 films reviews for 12/21 up on Stuff I Wrote. It's a record. I would pop champagne, but I'm only and don't want to be the first person in recorded history to have a champagne shower alone.

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are coming back on January 7. If they have to, it will be without their striking writers. I really hope we can tell the difference and this helps get the writers back, but I worry we won't.

163rd Edition - 12/14/07

I have no idea how long this will last ... but let's get to it.

*I have nothing to talk about with the Iowa Hawkeye football or basketball team.

*The Mitchell Report came out yesterday. Clemens, Pettite, Tejada and Gagne are among those named. It's good for Bonds to finally have company. Of course it should be noted, there is no proof that anyone took anything. People just say they did, or a check shows they paid for it. I assume there are more people out there, some that will never be named. The only thing that should matter is future testing. Unless of course you have always hated Roger Clemens and now you finally feel like you have a good reason to continue the hatred.

*The writers' strike should start killing you. This is what will happen, you'll be busy with the holidays fast approaching. You'll forget about TV for a while. Then, after the Bowl Games are over you'll begin to realize you haven't seen a new episode of "The Office" for 2.5 months. It won't be a good feeling. Start managing your Netflix Queue. I recommend "Freak & Geeks," "Weeds," "The Wire," and "Rescue Me."

**I voted for the CFCA (Chicago Film Critics' Association) Awards for the first time this year.
Here is a list of the winners.
Of the winners, there were seven that also received my vote:
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY – Diablo Cody for" Juno"
BEST ACTRESS – Ellen Page for "Juno"
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Javier Bardem for "No Country for Old Men"
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova for "Once"
BEST DOCUMENTARY – "Sicko"
MOST PROMISING PERFORMER – Michael Cera for "Juno" and "Superbad"
MOST PROMISING FILMMAKER – Ben Affleck for "Gone Baby Gone"

*The Golden Globe nominations are out. Here's the list ...
I will talk about who I think should win later.

And don't forget -- STUFF I WROTE -- lists all of my latest film reviews, articles and interviews. There should be much more coming soon.

162nd Edition - 8/30/07

162 - number of games the Cubs must play in a regular season before they head to the playoffs.

• I'm out

If you've stuck with me through the lazy times, thanks and I apologize. Once my schedule changed in the spring, this suddenly felt like work (that I wasn't getting paid for). With a wedding and honeymoon fast approaching, I'm not going to be making time for this blog. It's over for now.

If you were entertained in the slightest, thanks.

If the Cubs, Hawkeyes, Bears or Bulls with anything of extreme significance I will probably be writing about it here.

Here are some links to help you return to normalcy.

Most importantly, I'm still writing.
Stuff I Wrote: movie reviews and interviews

Sports
Bill Simmons: My favorite.
Jason Whitlock: My favorite controversial writer (was with ESPN, then AOL, and now FOX Sports).
The TMQ (Greg Easterbrook): The man does more research for a football column than anyone else.

Music
Next Music Online: Wanting to listen to the best new singles? Here you go.

Pop Culture
Pop Candy: Hands down, the best pop culture blog I have ever come across, nothing else comes close.

Movie News
Dark Horizons - Seems to know everything about upcoming movies.
I Watch Stuff - It says it has the best movie news ever, but I consider it second.

161st Edition - 8/21/07

• Fantasy: It's all over

My two fantasy football drafts are over. In one league I had the first pick, taking Tomlinson, and therefore winning the entire league. So that's nice.

• Vick: I've been thinking

I cannot walk in Vick's shoes. Apparently he grew up with different values than I did. He didn't find his actions towards dogs he owned awful. If it was cock fighting, society wouldn't have this problem with him. I'm not saying he should walk free, but the reason everyone has a problem with this is their love for dogs. I know people who feel torturing a dog is the same or worse than doing this horrible actions to a human. Please keep in mind Pacman Jones supposedly beat up a stripper. No one seems to be shedding a tear for the stripper.

• Cubs: It was a good run

We are back to being tied for first. After winning the first two games against the Cardinals, getting one canceled, and losing the last of the series ... I feel empty. The Cubs are tied with the Brewers and 3 games ahead of the Cardinals.

• Stuff

Funny, the only reason I felt like blogging today was because I discovered this clip from the Jimmy Kimmel Show. Thanks to Mike D.

160th Edition - 8/15/07

• Cubs: games and inches

The Cubs were inches, or maybe a few feet, away from coming back last night against the Reds. Fontenot hit one to the warning tracks, but that's an out and the Cubs lost 6-5.

The division looks like this ...
Brewers = 62-57
Cubs = 60-58 (1.5)
Cardinals = 56-60 (4.5)

It has become a three-team race. The Cardinals have made it back in by going 6-4 in their last ten games. That is sad. This division is sad.

• Golf: Tiger, Tiger Woods

Sorry I didn't write sooner about this ... Tiger Woods is a great golfer. What I am about to say is not supposed to be mean. I am just insanely curious. After he won, Tiger talked about how this win is very special because his daughter is there to celebrate with him. His daughter is not six months old. She has no idea what the world is, let alone the world of golf. Yet, Tiger seemed totally genuine about how this win is more special because she is there with him. When I have children, will a promotion or victory of any kind be something more endearing because I have a child? I just don't see it. They are two separate things. It always kills me when a family runs up to a winner at the end of anything. It's not the family that the moment should be shared with. It's the caddy/teammate/coach.

• Stuff

I interviewed the cast of "Superbad." -- Read it, and go see the movie this weekend.

159th - 8/9/07

• Pain

Pain is the Cubs getting swept by the Astros. But if you get a tonsillectomy and your deviated septum fixed, and can barely breath ... suddenly a couple of losses make you see the bright side.

1. The Cubs are not amazing. But they can be really good. The last two months gave Cub fans the belief that every series could be swept, and losing streaks end at two games. The Cubs are a solid team, and now with the injury of Soriano, they have holes in every section of the game (such as relying on a defensive Matt Murton).

2. The Brewers are just as bad. They can't win. So we remain 1 game back in the worst streak we have had since June. Thank god the Central Division sucks. And Cardinals ... don't you dare get any ideas about making a run.

3. Pain is temporary. The Cubs will continue to fight. And after I heal up, it looks like all signs point to me being 100 percent for my fiancee on our wedding day.

• Barry - still stroking

I saw Barry Bonds live at Dodger Stadium the year after he broke the single-season home run record. He was amazing then, and he's still getting it done. He's had an amazing career, and I think the majority of his problems stem from being an arsehole, instead of tainting the record with steroids. People cheat, lots of people cheat. Everyone is pretty sure Bonds cheated along with others. But because everyone loves Hank Aaron, and nobody except for Barry Bonds likes him ... we're annoyed. I'm just glad the constant coverage is over. Between Bonds coverage and "Who's Now!" Sportscenter was rough.

• Stuff

Wow. The Piss Screen. http://www.piss-screen.de/
Every home needs one.

Harrison Ford marathon on Spike TV this Saturday.

158th Edition - 8/3/07

So, I've golfed twice recently, and both times I shot a nine on a hole ... yet I continue to play.

• Cubs: Losing and still winning

For the first time all season, the Cubs lost a game AND remained in first place. Sure they are timed with the Brewers, but still it's something.

And today marks the BIG GULP for the Cubs this season. A man by the name of Kerry Wood is off the DL and in the bullpen. I like the nickname Big Gulp for him. Though I did hear he's lost close to 40 pounds. Perhaps it's a 'to be continued'

• You know what? That's it.

I could talk about Barry Bonds not hitting no. 755, or A-Rod not hitting 500, but who cares? They will eventually.
Bill Simmons sums up the summer quite nicely ...
Welcome to the summer of discontent

• Stuff
  
  *I still like movies. And here are two new reviews to prove it ...

Stuff I Wrote

*Andy Samberg is a part of "Awesometown" - a failed 2005 pilot. The power of the Internet commands you to watch - click to watch

*A long time ago I passed on Lollapalooza tickets. I have some friends going, but I didn't like the idea of standing in the heat all weekend. And the forecast IS ... 95 and sunny. And now, if I really want to, I can watch Lolla from here ... click to watch

156th Edition - 8/1/07

Here I go, here I go, here I go again (now imagine a guitar just kicked in)

• Things we missed ...

Vick likes animals (but not in a good way), Sergio almost becomes the best golfer not to win a major who almost wins a major, an NBA ref makes David Stern realize he might not be the only one to control who wins the games, Devin Hester is the best wide receiver ever for the Bears, and Kevin McHale decides to make the Celtics relevant again (by giving them Garnett).

That's it, that's the whole list of July events ... oh wait, there's one more thing ...

• cubs, Cubs, CUbs, CUBs, CUBS!

Yes, that's right, I am feeling confident and comfortable with the Cubs these days, and why not? They are sitting 1 game behind the Brewers, who have lost 9 of 13. It's just a matter of time before they are in first. Then Kerry Wood can come back and seal the deal ... I just threw up a little in my mouth.

• Bulls

Well, it looks the four final teams in the Eastern Conference Playoffs will be the Heat, Cavs, Bulls and now the Celtics thanks to Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. As an NBA fan, I'm excited, but this does hurt the chances of the Bulls getting another championship ... perhaps someone should make the Kobe call ...

• Who is more NOW?

Yes, July is a slow sports month, but ESPN has made Sportscenter a NIGHTMARE because of the whole, who's more NOW. Luckily, it looks like ESPN News is doing a great job of being Sportscenter from 10 years ago. I have made the switch, and I'm feeling fine.

• Stuff

If I owned a jail, this is exactly what I would have done. Luckily, now I don't need to go down that road - click here to watch the best remake of a video by an entire jail.

Kayne West gets together with Zach Galifianakis and makes a video. It's not enjoyable, just addictive - click here to watch.

I have decided to take a break.
Be back in August.

155th Edition - 7/3/07

And we're back ...

I think that was my longest break since the beginning of "The Daily Score." Sorry. I had a bachelor party and got lazy, plus the Cubs were winning and I thought it might have something to do with me not writing.

The bachelor party quickly summed up ...
I won basketball (with my 8.5-year-old nephew)
I lost dodgeball
I won slosh ball
I lost softball
Thanks to the 19 other guys that were there.

Look for another long break from me at the end of September, that's when I walk down the isle. Clearly, both situations are related to the future wife, so I assume you can see the pattern (the wife is the reason I don't write more).

I never stopped with the film reviews and now
'Transformers"
and
"License to Wed"
are up on Stuff I Wrote

• Cubs: First time in a long time

The Cubs are over .500 for the first time since they were 3-2 this season. It feels good. And they get to beat up on the Washington Nationals for three more games, then the Pirates before the All-Star Break.

I am giddy. Watching the Cubs beat the Brewers on Sunday afternoon was my second favorite moment of the season (#1 being D. Lee's pinch-hit grand slam against the Sox).

• MLB: All-Star Teams

Right now, everyone is saying who should and shouldn't be on the All-Star team, but the more important thing to discuss is HOW the teams are made and WHAT the teams fight for ...
HOW - The fans vote, and then the players vote and then the managers fill in the rest.
WHAT - They are fighting for home-field advantage in the World Series. It's a huge deal.

The problem is that fans are decided who their favorite players are, but not who the best players are and then the managers try to fill in a roster to win the game.

Why wouldn't every single AL fan (Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, White Sox, Indians) vote over and over again for the worst NL players? How is their not a web site set up for this already? They should be desperate to vote in Cesar Izturis as the NL's starting shortstop. It would be a guaranteed out and a good chance for an error. Why wouldn't a Red Sox fan show their team loyalty by screwing their opponent?

• Bears: Tank not full

That's the headline everyone is writing. Tank Johnson wasn't drunk. His blood-alcohol level was .72 and needed to be .8 in Arizona to be drunk. The Bears got rid of him, but this gives someone else the chance to believe he is a changed man.

• Stuff

*Nathan Fillion ("Serenity") is in talks to join "Desperate Housewives," sigh. I really didn't want to watch this show anymore, but he's so freaking awesome.

*Since I'm getting a shout-out, I figured I should return the favor ... For something that constantly is writing a huge variety of articles in the Minneapolis area - check out -- The Deets

154th Edition - 6/20/07

154 - before 1961, 154 was the number of games in an MLB season.

• Bye, Bye, Bye Barrett

Well, it appears I don't know as much as I think I do ... Michael Barrett was the problem, not Carlos Zambrano. After getting into a fight with Zambrano, exchanging words with Hill and playing his worst defense ever (which is saying a lot), Barrett is no longer a Cub.
He's been traded to the Padres for backup catcher Rob Bowen and a minor-league outfielder. In other words, they dumped him. It will be interesting to see if Barrett catches for Maddux. While teammates, Maddux was the only one in the rotation who didn't want Barrett to catch for him.

• And Bye, Bye for me as well...

Tonight I leave for the beginning of my bachelor party. Golf, basketball, slosh ball, dodgeball, softball and disc golf are all on the schedule. There will be 21 guys in attendance and we're taking over my parent's house. Hopefully a friend will document the event, I might not be sober enough.
(You, as an avid reader of the Daily Score, won't notice I'm gone at all since I haven't been writing much lately)

• Bulls: Come here Kobe

Yes, I want Kobe Bryant on the team. Ben Gordon and others can hopefully be enough.

• Stuff

*My interview with Bruce Willis.

153rd Edition - 6/13/07

• NBA: foul

I'm referring to Bowen's contact on Lebron James IN THE ACT OF SHOOTING ... and of course, the smell that the finals are letting off. James is a superstar and with superstars there comes favoritism (Wade in the Finals last year). You give him that call. You let him decide the game at the free-throw line (3 shots). You do this because it will make a bad series better, but most importantly, because it's the right call. I look forward to the day when robots are the refs.

• Cubs: equally foul

It was the eighth inning. The bases were loaded. No outs. The Cubs couldn't score. They lost in the 13th inning.

• Fantasy MLB: two no-hitters

There have been two no-hitters in baseball this year - Buerhle and now Verlander, sorry Schilling. I was first made aware of this from my friend Bro, who emailed me to brag about how he owns all the no-hitters this year in our fantasy baseball league.

• Stuff

Watch the entire first episode --
Flight of the Conchords
If I had talent, creativity, was from New Zealand and had a friend of the same make-up, this is the type of show I would have considered making if I had moved to the States ... I was that close.

Premiere Magazine did an article about movies stuck in development hell.
It sucks that most of this films were ones that I read the book and was INSANELY excited.

Speaking of Dave Eggers and movies ... This is a must read about old summer flicks

152nd Edition - 6/8/07

152 = The Post-Hardcore band Taking Back Sunday also have a use for the number 152. It appears on the cover of all their albums (most notably Tell All Your Friends), as it was the number of the turn off lead singer Adam Lazzara took on the way to/back from concerts for refreshments and a rest. The number appears in the forms of:
Tell All Your Friends:Picture of the road turning.
Where You Want To Be:The sign states 152 miles.
Louder Now:$1.52 entrance charge.

• MLB: Almost ...

Curt Schilling was one out away from a no-hitter. He shook off the sign from Jason Varitek, and chose to throw a fast ball away instead of a splitter. It was a single to right field. ONE OUT AWAY! This is the reason I don't play professional baseball, I just couldn't get over it. I would desperately be looking for the reset-button. In fact, I have taken a no-hitter in the ninth four times in fake life (video games), yet I have never done it ... So I guess I know exactly how Schilling feels.

• NBA Finals: Not Close ...

You didn't actually convince yourself the Cavs had a chance did you? LeBron didn't have a FG in the first half, and they were down by only five ... But more importantly the score was 40-35, this is why no one likes the Spurs, they actually use logic and skill to use the best strategy to kill their opponents.
The truth is, the Cavs would have been equal to the Lakers in the West. Maybe we get one great LeBron game from the series.

• Cubs: Here we go again

The Cubs have won 4 out of 5 and are putting together a nice little run. Rich Hill struck out 11 last night, winning 2-1. Such a tease. They are 6 games back, but 6 games under .500.

They also picked Jason Vitters third in the draft ... I don't know what that means either.

• Stuff

*My Movie Reviews
"Ocean's Thirteen"
"Surf's Up"

*Isiah Washington - Dr. Burke - is not coming back on "Grey's Anatomy." I like his character, but clearly people on the set had problems with him. Remember, he's the guy who wanted to tussle with Jennifer Lopez on "Out of Sight."

*"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" comes out on DVD (both Season 1 & 2) September 4. This was mainly written for my North Carolina crowd.

*Joy Division sneakers - A pair of sneakers inspired by Joy Division are set for production. The manufacturer, New Balance, is awaiting final clearance on making the shoes, which are based on the artwork to the band's landmark 1979 album Unknown Pleasures. This is mainly written for my Atlanta crowd.

*And finally ... I'm looking forward to suing.
read this story
then read my article

151st Edition - 6/4/07

• Cubs: Summer has begun

The Cubs area roller coaster/soap opera ... and I still have hope as they head into a three-game series against the division leading Brewers.

My dream scenario is a Carlos Zambrano for Alex Rodriguez trade (along with other names). After Zambrano lost control because Michael Barrett is a better hitter than catcher (everyone should know this by now), and tried to fight Barrett in the dug out and then succeeded fighting Barrett in the clubhouse (two black eyes and a cut lip) ... wow that sentence was as big a train wreck as the club.

Also, Lou Pinella has a huge rant on Saturday and gets kicked out, suspended indefinitely (until the meeting on Monday). I love the arguing as an amusement, but one of the most idiotic traditions continues at Wrigley ... when annoyed, fans in the bleachers throw trash on the field and delay the game. I don't believe in the death penalty, but the fans that do this have me rethinking. Ohbytheway -- anybody else notice Ozzie Guillen got kicked out of Sunday's White Sox game? Poor guy is just sniffing Pinella's fumes.

Top all this off by the Cubs winning 10-1 and I find myself right back on the bandwagon. So sad.

• Stuff

MTV Movie Awards thoughts:
*Those yahoo movie trailer spoofs were awful. Almost as bad as Dane Cook introducing them. It reminded me of the sketching during "Studio 60" -- how can there be such little talent in the world?
*Will Ferrell and Sacha Baron Cohen are comic gold and I bet most people thought Cohen was doing an accent.
*Jack Nicholson is an icon and therefore I will let whatever that was slide.
*Is constant swearing (and getting bleeped) really that cool? If I ever form a band and perform in a large venue, I can't wait to drop the F-bomb so people will worship me.
*Wow, did you hear Jerry Bruckheimer tell Johnny Depp to thank the writers when they won for best movie? HI-larious.

Box Office Review
1. Pirates: $43 (down a bunch)
2. Knocked Up: $29
3. Shrek: $26
I understand that everyone needs to see the blockbuster, just make sure you make time for "Knocked Up." It's off to a good start.

Also - think "Pirates" didn't make much sense (I agree). The screenwriters attempt to explain themselves - click to read

150th Edition - 6/01/07

• NBA Playoffs: a reason to watch
  

May 31 is now the day we believe.

LeBron - 48 points. The last 25 points. The last 11 Cleveland FG. And of course, the game-winner in double OT ... though his 3-pointer to tie it at 107 might have been more impressive.
He is King (hopefully for more than a day).

The Cavs take a 3-2 lead over the Pistons and play Saturday night in Cleveland.

And ohbytheway, he also had 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

• Kobe and the Bulls

It's not going to happen, but I loved thinking about it for the last couple of days. I would have happily given Gordon, Deng and others for five amazing years with Kobe. I'll give less and see three good years with Paul Pierce.

• Stuff

"Knocked Up" film review - it's my favorite of the summer so far.

149th Edition - 4/29/07

Wow - can you tell me heart just isn't in it lately?

I need football. Where are the pig-skin gods? If the Cubs aren't going to make any noise my summer is ruined (besides the kick-arse bachelor party that is mere weeks away).

Anyway here's some stuff to keep you entertained, because I know the Cavs-Pistons aren't doing it for you...

*Thanks to Pfil for telling me about the 'red band' "Superbad" trailer (red band means it's an 'R' rated trailer. And you can find it here -
http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/04/30/superbad-red-band-movie-trailer/
- no nudity, just language.

*And here's Michael Cera doing a little mock-up from "Knocked Up" which comes out Friday is totally worth seeing.
http://www.funnyordie.com/v1/view_video.php?viewkey=86ee661c7c98800678fa
Once again, language, no nudity. I assume this is the same type of thing that got Eric Stoltz fired from "Back to the Future."

*And one more for the road - Here's Will Ferrell in "Third Date."
http://www.funnyordie.com/v1/view_video.php?viewkey=ed11717eaec9305b2feb

*Finally, White Stripes with "Icky Thumb"
http://music.aol.com/franchise/firstview/white-stripes-new-video

*And who is joining me for the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago on my birthday (July 14)?
The Final line-up is set -

Friday, July 13:

Sonic Youth perform Daydream Nation
GZA/Genius performs Liquid Swords
Slint perform Spiderland

Saturday, July 14:

Yoko Ono
Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues (w/ members of Dirty Three, the Delta 72, and Blues Explosion)
Clipse
Mastodon
Iron and Wine
Battles
Grizzly Bear
Voxtrot
Califone
The Twilight Sad
Girl Talk
Dan Deacon
Oxford Collapse
Professor Murder
Fujiya & Miyagi
Beach House
William Parker Quartet
Ken Vandermark's Powerhouse Sound

Sunday, July 15:

De La Soul
The New Pornographers
Of Montreal
Stephen Malkmus
Jamie Lidell
The Sea and Cake
Junior Boys
Menomena
The Ponys
Deerhunter
Klaxons
The Field
Cadence Weapon
The Cool Kids
Craig Taborn's Junk Magic
Nomo
Brightblack Morning Light
Fred Lonberg-Holm's Lightbox Orchestra

148th Edition - 5/24/07

• Cubs: They call him MR. Marshall

I thought I was going to wake up and write a glowing article about the return of Mr. Sean Marshall. But then I noticed the Cubs lost 2-1. Marshall gave up a late two-run homer and now the Cubs are 20-24, and 6.5 games behind the Brewers. Marshall probably pitched well enough to stick in the rotation, which will now have three lefties in it.

It's painful right now. After watching Derek Lee hit a grand slam last Saturday to beat the Sox, I thought it was the beginning of something. It wasn't. And now neither was this.

• Bulls

Picking ninth in the draft won't happen. They will trade that pick along with either Chris Duhon, Andre Nocioni or maybe even Tyrus Thomas.

• Stuff

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" -- the review is up.

*I'll be sitting down in a group interview with Bruce Willis soon, what do I ask him?

*Saturday Night Live - The 2006/20007 Season

Zach Braff had a good start, but I will let my friend (and best man) describe the episode.

"i was pretty disappointed overall. the
opening skit was one of the funnier openers i'd seen in awhile, but
then the zach skits were just kind of blah. it seems like there are
some indicators of a less than strong show--any time they do the house
party skit (kind of funny, but the special guests always seem
uncomfortable). and then whenever the special guests play themselves
a lot in the skits. just not a lot you can do with that. finally,
there seemed to be a lot about garden state. i loved the movie, but
isn't this a couple years late? was this the season finale from 2
years ago?"

For the season: 11-9

Funny: John C. Reily, Hugh Laurie, Alec Baldwin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Justin Timberlake, Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Rainn Wilson, Shia LaBeuof, Molly Shannon

Not Funny: Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Matthew Fox, Annette Bening, Jeremy Piven, Forest Whitaker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Scarlett Johanssen, Zach Braff

*Other Season Finales:

Scrubs: Good, but they're back where they started and I'm kind of getting bored with the show.

Grey's: Depressing. I was wrong with every hunch I had, mainly because I was thinking positive.

Hereo's: Really? That's it? Compared to a great first season, it was flat.

The Office: They can't do anything wrong. It's the best show on TV.

Lost: I hope to watch this weekend.

*Michale Moore's "Sicko" trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/sicko/26778/trailer

147th Edition - 5/18/07

• Bulls: Done and done

It was a good run. The team should be proud. They're still a young team. It's a good step forward ... Whatever. I am disappointed. I wanted a Game 7.

The Bulls were ahead by five points at half time, because of P.J. Brown's 20 points. He also finished with 20 points and barely played the second half for no apparent reason. Ben Wallace's contract had back spasms and he saw limited action. When he played, there was no enthusiasm. I have a bad feeling this will be the case for the next four years.

The final score was 85-95 and the Bulls shot terrible. If the Bulls can't shoot, they lose. It's that simple, though their inability to rebound hurt last night as well.

It will be a very interesting off-season. I am putting Hinrich, Gordon, and maybe Thomas and the draft pick on the market. One of them can go. I would love to say good-bye to Wallace, but that won't happen.

Speaking of the draft pick, we find out our order on Tuesday night. I love that we have the option of taking the Knicks pick. Like there is some sort of chance of us turning it down.

• Cubs vs Sox: part 1

Inter-league play is starting and that means the players have to act like this series means something. I understand these games are for the fans, I was on the verge of REALLY getting into the Cubs, but then they decided to go 2-5 on their road trip. Now a sweep is all they need to do to get back to .500.

• Stuff

I still have "The Office," "Lost," "Scrubs," and "Grey's" to watch this weekend. Plus Zach Braff is hosting Saturday Night Live. It almost sucks that I have a full social wknd of parties, plus the weather is perfect.

The concert is The Arcade Fire at the Chicago Theater. Highly anticipated.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino will be in "Righteous Kill" together. They play cops tracking down a serial killer.

And don't forget to read my review of
"Shrek the Third"

146th Edition - 5/17/07

• Bulls: Just when I think I'm out ...

The Bulls don't feel like losing anymore ... And I love it. Two games ago I was ready to start my campaign to get Tyrus Thomas and a draft pick traded for Jermaine O'Neal. Now I'm ready to watch the Bulls mature before my eyes, perhaps this season, definitely next.

The Bulls have Game 6 tonight at home. The Pistons still have the home court advantage. So far, the only people who have suffered from this series are the NBA fans. Piston fans assume they will still win, Bulls fans think they have a chance ... but NBA fans have been left with 5 games that have all been pretty painful to watch. Lopsided. Let's hope that continues (in the Bulls favor) for Game 6.

• Where are the Cubs?

The Riot (Theriot) has been a treat to watch, but Soriano has been playing hurt (from what I hear) and Lee now has neck spasms. It's still early, but we can't say that forever and with the way the Brewers are playing, the Cubs need to start picking it up a notch.

• NBA: David Stern

I love David Stern. He was on every sports talk show on Wednesday. Mainly giving one word answers. He constantly pointed the finger at Amare and Boris for leaving the bench of the Suns during the Robert Horry hip check. I agree. If players can't learn and coaches (six per team typically) can't keep a player near the bench, then their idiocy should cost them a game. The only problem is, I want the Suns to advance. Let's hope that still happens. Though last night they had the game in their hands, leading the whole way. Then they scored 6 points in the last five minutes and lost 85-88.

• Stuff

*Star Wars movies, for fans, by fans. The winner is picked by George Lucas. click to watch

*And as always, watch where you break dance ...

145th Edition - 5/15/07

• Saturday Night Live: It's all me

So Molly Shannon hosted ... and on my previous post I wrote about interviewing her and discussing four ideas for sketches ... two of them happened.

The first was Jeannie Darcy (Molly Shannon), an awful stand-up comedian who was on during the Weekend Update section. This was a character I knew mainly because of Shannon's DVD (it was on the extras I think). Anyway, I praised that character during my interview with her and asked her to do it. Perhaps that is the reason it happened. It was a very small character of hers (compared with Sally O'Mally and Mary Catherine Gallagher) and I like to think I had something to do with it.
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/#cat=new&sec=1a&mea=103581

The next sketch was hyper-active Katlin (Amy Poehler). This is all me. The character hasn't been done all season (with the absence of RICK RICK RICK - Horatio Sanz). I begged for this character to come back with Molly Shannon adding herself into the mix somehow (ended up being her mom).
That's all. I'm happy.

For the season: 11-8 (guaranteed to finish over .500)

Funny: John C. Reily, Hugh Laurie, Alec Baldwin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Justin Timberlake, Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Rainn Wilson, Shia LaBeuof, Molly Shannon

Not Funny: Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Matthew Fox, Annette Bening, Jeremy Piven, Forest Whitaker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Scarlett Johanssen

• Bulls win

If only, that's what we can be talking about when the Bulls play the Pistons on Tuesday night. If only the Bulls could have won after having a 19 point lead in Game 3. I am not confident this roller coaster is going to continue.

• Stuff

*Officially, "Studio 60" is done. Not coming back next eyar. But "Scrubs" is coming back.

144th Edition - 5/11/07

• Bulls: Wow. Awesome.

I just woke up, but I can't wait to read the paper and watch all the Bulls highlights. I ended up going to sleep at halftime. I bet the Bulls probably ended up winning by 40 points! They dominated the first half, holding the Pistons to 28 points. Looks like this thing has a change to go seven ... Just awesome.

• Stuff

*Molly Shannon is hosting SNL this weekend. I interviewed her and we talked about ideas for a couple of minutes. I'm not getting too excited, but I have hope. The Dakota Fanning Show, RICK-RICK-RICK, Bill Hader doing Al Pacino, and Jeannie Darcy.

*Film Reviews by me -
"The Ex"
"28 Weeks Later"

*New Order is done - click to read
I had a friend pratically drag me to see "New Order" in concert. It remains one of my favorites of all time.

*Here's a story back when the Bulls and Pistons fought in 88-91. click to read

*"Friday Night Lights" is officially coming back next year.

*These boys are good...

143rd Edition - 5/8/07

• Bulls: Beat Down

The Bulls lost 87-108. The Bulls are down 0-2. The Pistons were having a good time relaxing on the bench during the 1st quarter. There is no reason to think the Bulls can win four of the next five games, even if three will be at home. It's sad. The Bulls look like a completely different team compared to the domination of the Heat.

Perhaps the Pistons were just playing possum this season. If so, nicely done.

• Cubs: Things are looking up

The Cubs are above .500. I took in my first ever roof-top game on Sunday and had a great time. I attempted to hit for the cycle (one of every meat). After a hot dog, then hamburger, then Italian beef, then chicken breast ... I stopped. I couldn't do the Italian sausage. The crowd seemed to take it hard.

• Stuff

*Mario: Game Over - click to watch

142nd Edition - 5/3/07

• NBA: Done and Done
  

Lakers = Done. Kobe is complaining about needed a better team. Poor Kobe. Suns advance.
Nuggets = Done. Carmelo now has an off-season to complain about Iverson. Spurs advance.

The Suns will take on the Spurs. Classic match up. Love the match up, based on how the Mavs are playing (after the season went 1-1, I assumed they would walk) I just wish it was the Western Conference Finals.

The Pistons will take on the Bulls starting Saturday. Classic match up. Love the match up, I just wish it was the Eastern Conference Finals.

• Cubs: Take Two

The Cubs finished up Tuesday's delay, won, and then won the next game to win two on Wednesday against the Pirates. They are 12-14, and getting close to .500. Soriano has also hit a home run in each of the last two games. Yes, I am starting to get giddy.

• Stuff

*My SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW is up.

*I don't get it. How is Bingo a TV show?

*If you live in Atlanta, perhaps you should get off your arse and go to the Coke Museum to see the Andy Warhol exhibit ... John, I'm looking in your direction.

*The WORST 100 COVER SONGS EVER

141st Edition - 5/2/07

• The Special Guest: Mark Lubbat

Officially, Mark is the biggest Bears fan I know. Season tickets, jerseys, reworking vacations to watch the games, and an undying hatred of Bret Farve ... he's a big fan. So there was no one else that should speak on the Bears' draft besides him. Mark, the floor is yours ...

Chicago Bears 2007 NFL Draft thoughts

Heading into the 2007 Draft, the Bears were fortunate to not have any glaring holes to fill in their roster. The main concerns were adding youth to an aging offensive line, adding linebacker depth or a possible replacement to Lance Briggs, getting a 3^rd RB and adding depth at DB and WR. Jerry Angelo, Greg Gabriel and the rest of the scouting department have a proven track record of uncovering talent and making prudent personnel decisions as shown by the results of previous drafts. Only time will tell how well the current draftees will fare, here is a brief analysis.

#1 – Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (#31 overall)

In many mock drafts, Olsen was projected to go in the mid- to high-teens. The Bears were fortunate that he was available at #31. Olsen should be able to contribute immediately this year as a receiving TE, though he will have to work on his blocking if he wants to play full-time. Olsen is fast (4.5 in the 40), athletic and has great hands. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches will benefit the offense, especially slot receiver Rashied Davis, who should see more room on his quick crossing patterns and skinny-post routes. Olsen can also be another viable deep threat for Rex Grossman which should help Bernard Berrian get more single coverage. Overall, an excellent pick that should be able to contribute immediately.

#2 – Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan (#62 overall)

The Bears had the #37 overall pick in the Thomas Jones trade with the Jets (Bears traded Thomas Jones and the #63 pick for the Jets #37 pick). At the time, the trade looked rather lopsided in the Jets favor, but if we analyze the trade after the draft, it ended up being quite advantageous for the Bears. We ended up trading this pick to San Diego for an additional 4 draft picks (3 in 2007 and one in 2008). So, the Thomas Jones trade netted us 3 additional picks, and allowed us to move up one slot in the 2^nd round of this year’s draft. In addition, the trade also netted us two back-to-back picks, which can be quite advantageous. That Jerry Angelo can be pretty crafty.

Bazuin has been labeled as a “reach” for the Bears at this point in the draft. Hopefully he will be as much as a reach as Devin Hester was tabbed as last year. Bazuin is a little undersized and his production his senior year was down a little from his junior year, but he was dealing with an injury and the death of his younger brother. Bazuin should be able to get into our DE rotation and possibly allow us to deal one of our 5 DE’s if necessary. It never hurts to have too many good defensive linemen in the cover-2 defense.

#3 – Garrett Wolfe, RB, Northern Illinois (#93 overall)

Very fast RB (4.4 in the 40), though small (5’7”, 186 lbs), Speed, speed and more speed is a common philosophy for the Bears when seeking out players. Wolfe should be able to contribute as a 3^rd RB, and could possibly push for the 2^nd RB slot which would allow Adrian Peterson to play on all our special teams units. Hopefully he will produce like other RB’s that have been “too small” such as Warrick Dunn and Emmit Smith. In reality, Wolfe should be a nice change-of-pace back and a good receiver out of the backfield. Let’s hope Ron Turner can utilize his speed to create mismatches when splitting him out as a receiver. He can also contribute as a returner if we choose to have two deep backs on the kickoff return team.

#4 – Michael Okwo, LB, Stanford (#94 overall)

Okwo played well on a bad team, and according to Greg Gabriel, stood out when you watched the film. Okwo and last year’s 4^th round choice, Jamar Williams (ASU, #120 overall) will provide depth and a possible replacement for Lance Briggs after this season. Williams was on IR for the majority of last year with a chest injury, so more getting another LB does not hurt in this case. We’ll see what Okwo can do at 5’11” and 232 lbs. He should fit our cover-2 defense well though he is not as fast as Lance Briggs. Briggs tends to miss a few tackles in space, so hopefully Okwo or Williams will be a better open-field defender. Either way, Okwo should contribute on special teams at worst, and be a quality replacement at the Will LB sport at best.

#5 – Josh Beekman, G/C, Boston College (#130 overall)

Beekman should add much needed depth to our guard rotation as Reuben Brown may call it a career soon. Beekman can also play center which adds a lot of value to this pick. Boston College has produced some quality lineman in the past so hopefully Beekman will follow that tradition. He’s a big man (6’2”, 313 lbs) and should only get stronger/bigger with Rusty Jones’ workouts.

#6 – Kevin Payne, S, Louisiana-Monroe (#167 overall)

Big hitter that converted to Safety from RB after Chris Harris graduated. Plays well in the box and will backup Archuleta and Harris at Strong Safety. Will contribute on special teams as well.

#7 – Corey Graham, CB, New Hampshire (#168 overall)

He is coming off an injury, but will be ready by the time training camp starts. Went to the same school as former Bear Jerry Azumah. We needed to get some CB’s as both Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher will be free-agents after this season and it is doubtful that we will be able to keep both of them. You Northwestern fans may recognize him as he had a solid game against NU this past season.

#8 – Trumaine McBride, CB, Ole Miss (#221 overall)

More CB depth. Played in the SEC against solid competition, will have to make the team as a special teams contributor.

#9 – Aaron Brant, T, Iowa State (#241 overall)

As much as it sucks to have players from Iowa State on the Bears, we needed to address our OT depth. Both John Tait and Fred Miller have a lot of mileage on them, though Brant will not be targeted as an immediate replacement. Most likely, Brant will compete with Mark LeVoir (undrafted free-agent from 2006, Notre Dame) for a spot on our practice squad.

Undrafted FA’s:

The Bears made some nice moves (on paper, that is) by adding Florida QB Chris Leak and WR Dave Ball (New Hampshire, Div 1-AA). Ball broke Jerry Rice’s 1-AA record for career touchdown catches. They also added some other stiffs from the undrafted crop, though it should be note that about 20% of the NFL’s rosters are undrafted FA’s. All these guys are a long shot to make the team. Their best chance is to make our practice squad and possibly develop in NFL Europa.

After analyzing the picks, the Bears took the “best player available” with their first and second picks, then were able to address the 3^rd RB, DB depth, LB depth and some offensive line depth. Hopefully we drafted a couple of future Pro-bowl players, but if most of these players can contribute as starters or solid reserves, then we can consider this a quality draft class.

• Stuff ( j is back in the driving seat )

*John Cusack just signed on to star in "Stopping Power," where he will star as a test pilot who sets off on a series of high-speed chases to save his kidnapped daughter from an escaped thief. Prepare to be underwhelmed a year or so from now.

*Visit Shel Silverstein today and feel like a kid. http://www.shelsilverstein.com/html/home.html

*Your guide to season finales... funny, I don't see "Studio 60" anywhere. Click here

*The cow wins.

140th Edition - 4/27/07

140 - http://www.maison140beverlyhills.com/ - rooms start at just $207.

• NBA: things change

*The Lakers had a team effort AND Kobe Bryant had 45 points. Nice to see. Suns lead 2-1.
*The Rockets scored 25 pointed in the entire second half. No surprise, the lost. Rockets lead 2-1 over the JAzz.
*The Pistons are still killing the Magic. They lead 3-0.

• A-Rod: my future Cub

Batting Average = .378 (1st)
Home Runs = 14 (1st, 2nd has 8)
RBI = 34 (1st, 2nd has 20)
Runs = 26 (1st, 2nd has 23)
OPS = 1.412 (1st, 2nd has 1,253)

• Stuff

Stuff I Wrote
Steve Austin Review
"The Condemned" Movie Review

*From the AV Club - 15 Thing Kurt Vonnegut Said Better Than Anyone Else Ever Has Or Will

*http://www.bloggerschoiceawards.com/

139th Edition - 4/26/07

• NBA

Bulls are up 2-0 on the Miami Heat. I am nervous. They have only held home court right now. Remember when they HAD to beat the Nets on the road to get the #2 seed? The Bulls aren't good on the road, maybe that changes in the playoffs, I just don't know why.

The other series ...
Rockets 2-0 and looking good against the Jazz. Can't wait to see them in the next round.
Pistons 2-0 over the Magic. Hopefully they can start looking old.
Suns 2-0 over Kobe ... I mean the Lakers.
Warriors and Mavs 1-1. Mavs are back in control. Shouldn't be a problem now. But the days of over-hype were great weren't they?
Nuggets and Spurs 1-1. Good stuff. Love the differences.
Raptors and Nets 1-1. It's the Vince Carter series, and so far, just like him, it's a let down.
Cavs 2-0 over Wizards. BOOORRRIIINNNGGGG!

• Cubs: Prior to nothing

Mark Prior has been injured 80 percent of his entire major league career. He is done this season. Probably won't be ready for spring training of next year. This is the man that I would have built my fantasy team around for the decade (3 years ago). It's sad. He's with the Cubs for this year and next, so there is a chance we will see him in a Cub uniform again.

• Stuff

*There was never a press screeing for "Next" - you've been warned.

*I hate when kids say things for attention ... this is CLEARLY not the case with this.

138th Edition - 4/24/07

• Cubs: Killing Me

I went to bed last night with the Cubs heading to extra innings. And somehow, I just knew it wouldn't be working out. The Cubs lost again in extra innings. Their record is now 7-12, and they are five games back of first. Only the Royals and Nationals have worse records.

Alex Rodriguez is just hitting all these home runs (he had two more last night) so the Cubs will pay him a lot of money next year, right? Otherwise, I just don't see the point.

• Bulls: Tonight's the night

The Bulls have a chance to go up 2-0 tonight on the Miami Heat, but if history proves correct, Shaq complaining means he will now be able to enforce his will on the refs. Thus, 1-1 looks more likely.

• Stuff

*Big day today. I get to see "Spider-Man 3" and "Knocked Up." Yes, I am giddy.

*This is one of the most interesting music sites I have encountered. Andrew Bird, Arcade Fire ... good stuff. http://www.blogotheque.net, but especially this - http://www.blogotheque.net/concertaemporter/ - if you don't read French.

*SNL
Nope, no good Scarlett Johansen. "Saturday Night Live" consisted of repeated every line into the ground until it was dead. "Marble Columns" is the best/worst example of this. Yes, it can be funny, but it's not the highest quality sketch.

For the season: 10-8

Funny: John C. Reily, Hugh Laurie, Alec Baldwin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Justin Timberlake, Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Rainn Wilson, Shia LaBeuof

Not Funny: Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Matthew Fox, Annette Bening, Jeremy Piven, Forest Whitaker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Scarlett Johanssen

137th Edition - 4/19/07

137 - apparently the number 137 gives you a headache, http://www.137.com/137/.

• Bulls: NNNNNoooooooooo!

The Bulls lost to the Nets last night in a sloppy game, the Cavs won and now ... let's just say I have no optimism. None. It's not over, but it's close.
The Bulls will have home court advantage on the Miami Heat starting Saturday. After that, they would play the #1 seed Pistons. And after they proved last night that they can't beat the Nets on the road when it REALLY matters, I just don't see them getting past the Pistons ... only to have to play the Cavs, then beat the Mavs/Spurs/Suns in the finals.
It's all up to Dwayne Wade if the Bulls even get past the first round.

• White-Sox: NO-NO!

Mark Buehrle pitched a no-hitter for the Sox last night, improving their team record to 6-7. It was the first no-hitter for the Sox since 1991. Buehrle's only walk was to Sammy Sosa, who he then picked off at first base. Good to see Sammy still making a name for himself.

• Cubs: Nope

The Cubs continue a slow slide to the dark side. They are 5-9 and in last place in the Central. One bright spot is that Felix Pie is proving himself in center field while Alfonso Soriano is out with a hammy. But this is not a team that was supposed to have to prove themselves, that's why they came with a high price tag.

• Stuff

*Ed Norton is THE HULK. It's actually happening.

*If you love Mystery Science Theater - then you love this. It's simple math. http://rifftrax.com/

*"Voyagers!" .... anybody remember this show? It's from 1982, and I was amazed to read it only lasted one season. I was five and remember a handful of episodes about Buck and the kid, traveling through time. I can't wait to be SEVERELY disappointed when it comes out on DVD July 17 ... just three days after my birthday, interesting.

136th Edition - 4/18/07

Well ... things have changed a little bit. My hunch, be prepared to read this 2-3 times a week, instead of 5. I'm not ready to change the name to "The Bi-Daily Score" or "The Daily (but not really) Score" but we'll just have to wait and see. JOB is going to get in the way a little bit. Mainly because it is a real one.

• The Weekly Bull

OK, let me explain ... no wait, that will take too long. Let me sum up ... If the Bulls win tonight against the Nets, they get the #2 seed in the playoffs. But, if the Bulls lose tonight AND the Cavs win at home against the Bucks, then the Cavs get the #2 seed. If the Bulls don't get the #2 seed, they get the #5 seed, and play the Heat in round one. Oddly enough, the Bulls would have home court against the Heat because of their records. Now, if the Bulls win tonight, that means the Nets lose. If the Wizards beat the Pacers, and the Nets lose ... the Wizards play the Bulls in round one which would be ideal because the Wizards are without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler. Otherwise, the Bulls face the Nets. SO easy.

• Stuff

*I interviewed the cast and director from "Hot Fuzz." click to read

*SNL - just interviewed Molly Shannon, who will host Saturday Night Live on May 12. Gave her more ideas, we'll have to wait and see.

Shia LaBeuof didn't use any of my ideas but he was good enough.

For the season: 10-7
Funny: Shia LaBeuof, John C. Reily, Hugh Laurie, Alec Baldwin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Justin Timberlake, Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Rainn Wilson
Not Funny: Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Matthew Fox, Annette Bening, Jeremy Piven, Forest Whitaker, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

*I have no idea why Will Ferrell did this, I'm just glad he did. It's got to be his own kid and allow me to be the first to nominate him for "Dad Of The Year"


And thank you Elijah for this gem.

135th Edition - 4/13/07

135 = (1+3+5)(1x3x5)

• Blatant Self-Promotion

Movie Reviews
"Disturbia"
"Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters"

• QOTD (Question of the Day)

Who would you be for 24 hours, and then you would go right back to being you?
My answer: Jay Leno - Because I think I could do a better job.

Give you answer down below in the comments section.

• Bears: The Schedule

There is absolutely no point in predicting the 2007 record of the Chicago Bears. They are months away, haven't even drafted yet, and it seems pointless... With that said, I am convinced they are going 10-6 and winning their division. After starting the season 1-2, that's not bad.

Here is there full schedule:
http://www.nfl.com/teams/schedule/CHI

In fact, that's another thing you could comment on down below (notice a theme).

• Don Imus

I haven't spoken of this situation, mainly because the whole thing is annoying. Thankfully Jason Whitlock wrote about it this week, and once again remains one of the few sports columnists who speaks his mind with RATIONAL thought. click here to read

• Stuff

*Kurt Vonnegut died. I highly recommend reading something by this man. Here are two suggestions - "Breakfast of Champions" and a short-story collection "Welcome to the Monkey House." Vonnegut had the rare ability to make the frivolous thought provoking.

*Steve Martin sang a serious song for Diane Keaton at her Gala Tribute. Unfortunately some of the audience thought it was a joke. watch here

*Shia LaBeouf is hosting SNL this weekend. My hunch - top three episodes of the season. With that said, if there is a sketch or monologue about Joe Smith being his real name and Shia being a stage name ... that's me. If he does a sketch with the Noonies (the annoying neighbors who are insanely odd) and turned the tables of them ... that's me. If he does a sketch where he raps and has a jewish posse ... that' me. So we'll just have to see if any of my ideas made it.

*Monkey Kick Off - click to play - My personal best is 3030 (after 5 kicks)

134th Edition - 4/11/07

134 -
*In 134 A.D. a university opened teaching rhetoric, law and philosophy in Rome, called the Athenaeum.
*The World's tallest thermometer is 134 feet in height and it is located in Baker, California.

• The Weekly Bull (47-32)

The Bulls smacked the Knicks around (98-69) and it was over after the 1st quarter (21-10). They helped themselves in many, many ways. First, the Bulls remain the #2 seed for the playoffs. They have three games remaining, and if they win out, they clinch the #2. The Cavs have 4 games remaining (3 home) and the Raptors still have a chance.

Also, with the loss, the Knicks are most-likely out of the playoffs, which means the Kevin Durant era is about to begin in Chicago ... or perhaps another lottery pick, if the Bulls don't get the overall #1 pick. Yes, since the Knicks don't make the playoffs, the Bulls get their 1st round draft pick. Eddy Curry, thanks again.

Remaining games: Friday = Bobcats, Sunday = @ Wizards, Thursday = @ Nets

• Quick Hits ... Moneny and Fame

*Most people wouldn't think Kevin Durant turning pro after one year, and Pacman Jones getting suspended for an entire year from the NFL, aren't related. I think it's the same ballpark. It's still the same ballpark if Durant never for one second does anything wrong. It's all about the money. Durant should go pro, the money being talked about is huge and Durant has been looked upon to be the financial provider for his family. Try to think about yourself at the age of 18-20, and think what you would do with millions. I would go insanely overboard, and I wouldn't have any family or friend depending on me for money (but I'm sure they would want some). Our system is broken and Jason Whitlock helped me see that a little better.

*Money is currently not buying wins for the Cubs (3-5). But luckily, no one in the Central is winning (4-4 is the best record). Once the weather changes the Cubs will hit more home runs.

*Speaking of the weather ... it's snowing sideways in Chicago. I assume the Cubs will be getting the day off.

• Stuff

Noah Baumbach ("Kicking and Screaming") has a short film on YouTube.

part 2

part 3

133rd Edition - 4/09/07

133 - I don't know why you would want it, but here's the inside scoop on Tacoma, Washington. http://www.exit133.com/

• The Masters: A tradition ... ah, you know the drill

Everyone say hi to Zach Johnson. Zach, say hi to the world. Johnson is a native of Iowa and since I'm from Iowa I have known about this guy for years ... yeah, right. No one knew Johnson could win, not his parents, not his coach, and if he had a choice, the smart money would have been on Tiger Woods coming back to beat him. But the course beat everyone except for Johnson.

Johnson was born in Iowa City and is currently living in Cedar Rapids. This is his second win ever in his nine year career. In 2007, his best finishes were 9th and 14th before his Masters' win. His final round of -3 tied for the lowest of the day and he finished at +1.

Sunday offered some good golf, especially considering Saturday, where a 7-foot putt had no chance of going in.

• Cubs: SO good, then back to average

Rich Hill and Carlos Zambrano pitched back-to-back gems, with Hill having a perfect game through five innings. Then Wade Miller came along and messed up the possibility of the sweep against the Brewers.

But more importantly ... I am going to opening day. The pitching match-up is Woody Williams vs Ted Lilly (currently a Cy Young contender, but then again, aren't we all). More importantly, the high today is 40 degrees. I already saw snow this morning. I have two pairs of pants, two pairs of gloves, two pairs of socks, a hat and hand warmers ready to go. I will not be cold.

• Stuff

*Want to find an R2D2 mailbox? Here is a map of the current locations. click here

*Premiere has the 20 coolest cameos in movie history. But they forgot to list Samuel L. Jackson in "Out of Sight." click here - any other cameos they missed?

132nd Edition - 4/06/07

132 - When counting in binary with fingers, expressing 132 as 0010000100 results in the isolation of the middle fingers of each hand, a gesture generally considered rude. The corresponding one-handed gesture is the representation of 4 ... I have no idea what this means, but I believe I just insulted computer geeks everywhere.

• Blatant Self-Promotion

Movie Review
"Grindhouse"

• BEST lazy WEEKEND EVER!

If there is a god, clearly he likes laying on the couch, sipping a beer or two, eating some chips, having the remote in one hand and the other tucked just under his belt ... I'm talking about the best lazy sports weekend of the year.

The Reasons:
1. Baseball is in full swing for the first weekend of the year. The games don't matter (still 158 to go) but you still get to check out your team and take in the new faces.

2. A tradition, unlike an other ... It's the Masters on CBS

3. Random NBA game that might matter but you don't have to start watching until the 4th quarter.

4. If your name is Mark, then you are probably spending most of the weekend gearing up for the NFL draft ... The Chicago Bears ... are on the CLOCK.

• The Masters: seriously, it's unlike anything

I was talking to a friend last night and both of us decided golf is the one sport that you really don't need/want the underdog coming through. Does anyone really want to see an unknown put on the green jacket Sunday afternoon? I want Tiger (4 shots off the lead at +1) and Phil (+4 after the first day) ... so maybe I want Sergio. So, in other words Brett Wetterich, you need to stop playing well right now.

• Cubs: too early

It's still too early to get addicted to the Cubs (1-2). But that will probably end after this weekend. Expect a Monday feature on the Cubs every week.

• Quick Hits

*Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie is the man the Kentucky Wildcats will introduce as the head coach. I'm glad I can stop attacking like I cared about this story. I am one of the few that doesn't need Kentucky to be good to enjoy College Basketball.

*Daisuke Matsuzaka (Dice-K from now on) won his first game of the season for the Red Sox. Struck out ten.

*With Gilbert Arenas out for the season with a knee ... now I wish the Bulls would play the Wizards in the first round, whether it meant home court or not.

• Stuff

*I just wanted to thank "The Office" for coming back. I missed you so much. And I could listen to Dwight talk about heroes all day.

*Want to go to a summer festival? Rolling Stone is here to help - click here

*There is a new album of Joni Mitchell covers. You can listen to the original and the cover. Artists include Sufjan Stevens and Prince. click here

131st Edition - 4/05/07

131 - It is the 32nd prime. Note that 1 + 3 + 1 = 3 + 2.

• Stuff

*For everyone that gave up on "Lost" during the first half of the season, you were wrong. There have been four solid episodes in a row. I am curious again.

*Cubs win, Bulls win.

*Will Forte made a bet with Amy Poehler that he would pay her $300 every time she mentioned his name on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." He now owes her more than $15,000.

• Special Guest: Andrew Edwards

Andrew Edwards is a winner. After dominating the *1st Annual The Daily Score NCAA Tournament Pick'em Competition Spectacular* he has been granted the keys to the castle (a saying I have used twice this week, and it might just happen again).

The City: Chicago, The Windy City, Second City, Chi-Town, Chicagoland, Da Chi, The Chill, City of Big Shoulders, The 312, The Big Onion, My Kind of Town, and Sweet Home -- List provided by j, not Andrew

So lately, I have considered the thought of moving out of Chicago. I have no reason to move, no prospects elsewhere and I just renewed my lease, so realistically, I will be around for another year – I was just thinking about the idea of moving and did sort of a cost benefit analysis in the form of the top ten lists of the best and worst parts about Chicago.

10 best things about Chicago (in no particular order):

Neighborhoods: Buying a Chicago neighborhood map was one of my first purchases. It's what makes the city so unique.

Music: Any band that is touring the US will more than likely stop in Chicago. So many venues and opportunities to see the next big band. Not to mention Lollapalooza will be in Chicago for the next several years as well as Pitchfork Music Festival.

Ethnic Diversity: I come from a suburb full of rich white people, so I love how I am now a minority in Logan Square. You can go for a 6 mile walk and hear Spanish, Polish, Korea, and many other languages.

Restaurants and Bars: Are everywhere. You can’t walk more than a few blocks anywhere in the city without coming across a local diner or pub. The ones off the main drags are the best.

Grid System: Maybe the most organized, logical, well-planned city in the world – It is impossible to get lost in. Everything is north, south, east, west.

Public Transportation: 2^nd best in the country. You can get almost anywhere in the city using it. You just need a little patience.

Summertime: I read that Chicago packs more into its summers than anywhere in the world. There are street festivals every weekend, girls come out of hibernation, people are out walking about, and the beaches are jam-packed.

Produce Markets: You can go to a Jewel or Dominick’s, but going to a local produce shop is more rewarding. A better variety of produce than the corporations and everything is a lot.

Cheaper Airports: I have now realized how great it is to be able to take a train to two airports and have the ticket to New York and San Francisco be $200 instead of $400, like it would be if you flew out of Indianapolis, Des Moines or St. Louis.

Sporting Events: Every sport is represented here – I was lucky enough to recently attend my first Blackhawks game. Got the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Fire, Rush, Machine (lacrosse), and several colleges.

Other good things that did not make the list: comedy, theatre, clubs, art galleries, museums

10 worst things about Chicago (in no particular order):

Winter: When is the Bears game today? Wait, it’s April 4th– never mind, just confused by the 15-degree wind chill and flurries coming down outside the window.

Traffic: Is brutal. There shouldn’t be gridlock traffic at midnight on a Tuesday, but somehow this manages to happen all the time.

Public Transportation: Is worse than it was ten years ago – they have no money, so nothing is getting fixed and the entire system is a nightmare right now.

Recycling: This city is horrible with its recycling programs. No one I know recycles and no one knows what they would have to do if they wanted to start.

Garbage: Walking down on the beach last weekend down by S. 70^th street, there was garbage all over the place. Not sure if people don’t care about littering or if it is just garbage cans falling over.

Parks: Walking around Lincoln Park is all right, but this city only has a couple big parks and they get real busy and full. When you have trains going by one end of the park and major streets going by the other, that just isn’t that ideal of a situation.

Outdoor Activities: You can do any artsy activity you want in town, but if you want to go mountain climbing, sea kayaking, mountain bike riding or whitewater rafting, you have to fly a few hours away.

Nature Appeal: Goes along with the previous one. The city is as flat as you can get, with one dirty river running through it. No mountains, no ocean, no raging rivers, glaciers, large protected nature reserves, etc…Just buildings and concrete.

Crime: I thought I lived in a decent neighborhood until there was a rape, an attempted murderer was caught, and two banks were robbed, all in the last couple months.

Navy Pier: Is there any reason ever to go to this place? Actually, if they moved the Imax a mile west, then the answer is no. Have to go see 300 in the Imax on Friday.

So I feel like Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world and a good place to be, but we don’t have everything. Things can always get better and for a guy that likes nature and wildlife, Washington Park doesn’t quite cut it.

130th Edition - 3/04/07

130 - need a plumber in the Chicago area? http://www.plumberslu130ua.org/

• Quick Hits

*Bill Simmons says Greg Oden is now clearly the #1 pick. click here to read

*Coming Tomorrow -- AE (the NCAA bracket winner) will be the special guest. No idea what he is going to talk about.

*Eddie Robinson, who coached Grambling State for 55 seasons, is dead at the age of 88. Once a year, Grambling State was on TV and I watched. Robinson had over 200 of his players go on to the NFL.

*Lance Briggs will not be traded to the Washington Redskins. The deal would have swapped first round picks for the Bears (31st) and Redskins (6th). If Briggs plays, this is fine, otherwise the trade would have made sense ... And we won't get to know the answer until September.

*The Bulls play the Pistons tonight. It's a must win. Just like always. The Bulls are still one game behind the Cavs for the #2 playoff stop. The loser gets the #5 spot and no home court.

• Stuff

*Alanis Morisette singing "My Humps." This seems to be a train wreck done on purpose ... and it's amazing. Click here

*I saw "Grindhouse" last night, look for the review on Friday.

*Keith Richards took his father's ashes, mixed them with cocaine and snorted his dad, this was back in 2002.

*Zach Braff has an exclusive movie trailer up on Apple for his new movie "The Ex." Click here


*Recognize this guy? It's Andy from "Family Ties." He was arrested Wednesday in Colorado on suspicion of domestic violence after allegedly roughing up his live-in girlfriend. This never would have happened if Steven hadn't died from a heart attack and Alex hadn't turned to crack to deal with the pain, thus influencing Andy. That was a rough episode to get through.

129th Edition - 4/03/07

129 - The number of wins the Cubs will not have this year.

• Cubs: Opening day

Well, it came, it went, Zambrano complained, and now I fear that I will have to come up with 162 creative to tell you that the Cubs lost ... kidding, I'm not scared. Zambrano is bad on opening day, and the bats will get better. Derrek Lee was 2-3. That's right, he's batting .667 for the season (that's good).

• NCAA Basketball: We have a winner!

Florida beat Ohio State last night, the main reason was that Florida hit a 3-pointer anytime the Buckeyes got within 6 points. Seems like a smart plan if you want to win the national title. They are the first ever to win back-to-back titles with the same starting five. Final Score 84-75.

More Toughts:
*Ohio State finishes the season at 35-4, Florida at 35-5. I wonder if the Buckeyes consider that a moral victory.
*Billy Packer LOVES Greg Oden. I know this because Packer had the chance to talk about many other players, but last night, during the telecast, talked about Oden 80% of the time (mainly praising him for not fouling other players, and at one point Packer said he doesn't think there should be a foul limit for players, just unlimited fouls). After the first 11.5 minutes, Oden had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block. Packer had already given him the keys to the castle. Oden finished with a GOOD game, but at that time, he was on pace to get 15 points and 3 blocks. Also, someone needs to tell Oden he doesn't need to climb the hoop on every dunk. Don't get me wrong, I still think he's great. Just odd.
*Dick Enberg - I've got a hand for you, actually it's just a finger. I know he is a legend, but his halftime show was lame.
*I have no need for a car, but "I'm gonna buy me a Chevrolet." Bring back OUR COUNTRY!
*Joakim Noah needs another year in school to work on his basketball skills. Right now his main move is backing down over and over again, then throwing up an awkward shot. Also, no more after game speeches please.
*If office pools were legal, I would have finished 1, 2, and 3 in the ones I entered. Thank god I believe in ONE SHEET for all brackets.
*Everytime I hear "One Shining Moment," there is a moment where I realize it's an insanely dated song but does recapture thoughts of childhood. I would wait for that song, just so I could see the 1.5 seconds of the Iowa Hawkeye highlights ... Funny, I didn't see those this year.
*Everytime you hear "One Shining Moment," you should appreciate it, because at least it is not Pink's song for NBC Sunday Night Football.

• NCAA Basketball: We have another WINNER (the Hawkeyes)

The Iowa Hawkeys have a coach. True, he is defensive minded, which fits with the Big Ten, but makes it less exciting to watch, but he is also the NABC Coach of Year! Richard Lickliter (nothing funny about that name) was the coach of the Butler Bulldogs and got them to the Sweet 16 this year. Lickliter has a 131-61 record in six years at Butler. The Bulldogs have reached the NCAA Tournament in four of his six years. And in perfect Iowa tradition, the Bulldogs lost to the eventual NCAA champs, the Florida Gators. It seems Lickliter will fit right in.

• NCAA Basketball: We have yet another WINNER: Andrew Edwards

*1st Annual The Daily Score NCAA Tournament Pick'em Competition Spectacular*

AE picked 50 out of 63 games correctly. He finished with 159 points, and in the 98th percentile. He is a winner.

Other Thoughts:
*I finished second, the finacee finished third, which means we are the greatest couple in the history of picking random/semi-logical things! Destiny is OURS!
*Other couples that aren't as good as us ...
Rich & Heather (13th and 12th). Throughout the tournament, Heather was looking forward to seeing her name in print. Well Heather, here it is, you're average. wa, wah! (sad music).
DP & Liz would have been a lot higher, but Liz is clearly holding DP (4th) back. Liz picked 31 out of 63 for 55 points. The only one to pick less than half. If only there was a boobie prize.
AE and Jumbo (brothers) could have done better as a team but Jumob (Elijah) is a doctor. You don't understand how busy he is. You do NOT understand.
*Highest finish with a typo in their team name: Emily's bracekt (18th)

And now the prize:
A 2 DVD pack that includes ...
Clearly, someone should have taken this man "Hostage." Because then I would have won. His penalty for not being taken "Hostage"? Having to watch "Hostage." It will hold you "Hostage" with suspense ... Hostage.

No, Mike D, you didn't miss out on your chance for more porn. "Inside Deep Throat" is a documentary looking at the making of the most successful adult film of all time. It's a good flick. In fact, here's my review.

128th Edition - 4/02/07

128 - The total points scored in the Ohio State vs. Georgetown game ... plus one.

• Chicago Cubs - Opening Day!

Do you know what's better than opening day? Opening day and sitting in first place, with the Cardinals in last place. Yes, the St. Louis Cardinals are off to a disastrous start, losing last night to the Mets. Sure, the Cubs are tied with four other teams in the division for first, but at least the last place team is the Cardinals.

Hunches that will be wrong ... or maybe they'll be right --
Carlos Zambrano - 2nd place in Cy Young
Cubs - Division winner
Derrek Lee - 39 Home Runs
Aramis Ramierez - 47 Home Runs
Alfonso Soriano - 35 Home Runs, 39 Stolen Bases

• *1st Annual The Daily Score NCAA Tournament Pick'em Competition Spectacular*

And then there were three ...

If Florida wins, AE wins.
If Ohio State wins, it's between my fiancee and DP. I finish 2nd or 6th (plus I win money in two other brackets if Florida wins ... not that office pools are legal)

Check back tomorrow to see the winner and the prize.

• Quick Hits

*Final Four games = boring. The only reason I was excited was because I have both teams in the finals. Oden vs. Hibbard was about as lame as going to a hockey game.

*I went to a hockey game on Sunday. Blackhawks vs. Oilers. Actually, it was a good game with a Blackhawk scoring on a short-handed goal for a 2-1 win. Free tickets make close to anything good though, thanks to Bro for making it happen.

*Bulls lost in OT to the Cavs, so it looked like the #2 seed was slipping away. But then the Cavs lost to the Celtics, yes the same team that is desperately trying to lose every game they play. So the Bulls are still only .5 games out of 2nd place.

• Stuff

*Box Office Recap
1. Blades of Glory - $33 - This seems about right. I gave it a C+, which in my opinion means - there are some laughs, not tons, only one time was I in tears. It would be a good renter.
2. Meet the Robinsons - $25 - I am convinced the reason it didn't do better is because the previews COULD NOT BE WORSE - it's a good animated film.
3. 300 - $11 - $180 total.
4. TMNT - $9
5. Wild Hogs - $8 - $135 total. Yup, I just threw up in my mouth ... which is actually funnier than anything that happened in this film.