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.

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.

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

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

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/

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

122nd Edition - 3/23/07

122 - The oldest age any person is known to have lived to (Jeanne Calment was born in 1875 and died in 1997).

• Blatant Self-Promotion

Reviews of "TMNT," "Shooter," "Reign Over Me," and "Pride."
Also, an interview with Chicago's own, Bernie Mac.
All on Stuff I Wrote.

• NCAA Basketball: 3 out of 4 is good enough for me

Last night, three games game down to the final seconds. And it is starting to be standard for Ohio State to be apart of one of them.

The Buckeyes were down 20 at one point in the first half. In fact, the most important play was probably the 3-point play they got at the buzzer at the end of the first half, decreasing the lead to 17. Tennessee can look at the free-throw line to figure out where they blew this one, and Oden's big paw. Tennessee went 8-17 from the line, and Oden (only scoring 9 points) had a block on the final Tennessee shot. Ohio State won 85-84.

Southern Illinois couldn't hold on against Kansas, but as soon as I saw Jim Belushi in the crowd I knew they were a goner. Can anything this guy attaches himself to be great? So. Ill. played some amazing man-to-man defense but had to heave a half-courter to try and tie it. Kansas wins 61-58.

Memphis squeaked by Texas A&M and UCLA won pretty easy over Pitt.

• Hawkeyes: Alford out

Steve Alford is done coaching the Iowa Hawkeyes. And we didn't have to fire him (which would have cost millions). Alford is headed to New Mexico because he wants to be at a school where basketball comes first. Well, ideally academics comes first - then whatever program is winning comes next. Alford came to Iowa the same time as Kirk Ferentz. Everyone I remember thought Alford was a brilliant hire, and no one knew who Ferentz was (we were still upset about not getting Bob Stoops).

Time has shown Alford can't do anything great. He isn't a fantastic recruiter. His coaching is sub-par, and when the Hawkeyes had off-the-court problems, he never inspired.

Here's what my friends had to say about his departure -
*I'm all broken up about it. (sarcasm)
*Yeah I saw that this morning.... What a shame. (sarcasm)
*He clearly was not a fit for Iowa. If we were supposed to be bad, we were. If we showed some promise, we drastically underperformed when it mattered (e.g., biggest upset of the tourney last year).
*At least with Dr. Tom we would make it to the second round.
*I'm just happy I'm a Tarheel now. I can't wait to get my 2007 NCAA champions hat. (This last one was from Mike D - the NFL picker who moved to Chapel Hill last week)

• Chicago Bulls - Tip-Doh!

It looked ugly with seconds left last night against the Nuggets. A loose ball, a bad shot from Gordon, a tip between Deng and Carmelo Anthony, then Tyrus Thomas tips in the game winner. Anthony said he would have rather lost by 100. Twelve games left. Bulls are 40-30.

• Cubs: Prior to this...

I was almost done with Prior. Then he went and pitched 4 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 run. It's like I'm George and he's Lizzy. I need to forget yesterday every happened. I mean, I married to a big, rich girl. I need to forget the past, and move forward even though Lizzy/Prior has been amazing before. OK, that's the last time I compare the Cubs with "Grey's Anatomy," I swear.

• Quick Hits

*Kobe Bryant - The man had 60 last night in a win over the Grizzlies. That is three 50-point games in a row, and he is one of three to have 4 or more 60-point games. I love watching this offense right now, but I find I am still in the stage of thinking half the shots (that end up going in) are bad ideas. He is the most fun train wreck to watch in sports right now.

*Coach Tubby Smith just made the Big Ten a little tougher ... I think, although he could simply be burnt out at Kentucky and looking to retire. Minnesota seems like the type of program where he could still earn his millions but not worry about pesky things like wins, and NCAA tournaments.

*Jonathan Papelbon is back as a closer for the Red Sox. He said he was losing sleep thinking about wanting to be back in the bullpen as the closer. This would have been good information before my baseball draft.

*Tony La Russa is an idiot. If you are rich, and like to drink far away from where you live ... Get someone else to drive you. It's that simple.

• Stuff

"Trapped in the Drive-Thru" - Another Weird Al gem ... 11 minutes long. Do you have what it takes to get through the whole thing? click here to watch

79th Edition - 1/10/07

• The Weekly Bull (20-15)

They beat the Pistons last week. That's all that really matters. I'll just keep telling myself that as they went 1-3 in their last four games.

Ben Gordon has been hot, Kirk Hinrich is has not.

Ben Gordon: 20.8 ppg
Kirk Hinrich: 13.8 ppg (3-22 from the floor in the last two games)

• The Big Ten: Worth Talking About

Wisconsin beat Ohio State in Madison last night 72-69. These two teams are the best chances for the NCAA title. Wisconsin has three senior starters and Ohio State has four freshmen that start.

The game turned out to be a good one, but Wisconsin had a comfortable double-digit lead until the end when Greg Oden had back-to-back dunks and eventually Jamar Butler missed a game-tying 3 at the buzzer.

I'm actually looking forward to getting into Big Ten basketball this year, mainly because I have zero expectations for the Iowa Hawkeyes ... though they are currently 1-0 in the conference.

• Hall of Fame: Ripken and Gywnn

Those two are the only ones to make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. I would have voted for them as well as Andre Dawson and Mark McGwire, though I only liked one of those men.

• Stuff

I haven't told you this before, but I like music. Discovering a new band is even better than watching a great film, because you have that hope of more to come.

Well, I have discovered a new band.

The Format
album: Dog Problems
quick thoughts: they will remind you of your favortie indie bands, but not in a copying kind of way. Each song has layers of changing tempo.
best track: "Dog Problems"

And I have this blog to thank for discovering The Format.
http://iguessimfloating.blogspot.com/

I highly recommend checking them out, especially their December posts which include the Top 25 albums of the year.

** Mike Triplett, award winning journalist (don't know if that is true) will be with us tomorrow. Stay Tuned.

77th Edition - 1/8/07

• NFL: New York, ouch babe

Colts 23, Chiefs 8
Kansas City didn't have a first down in the first half. The Colts defense played better than Peyton Manning.
next week: Colts at Ravens

Seahawks 21, Cowboys 20
The last seconds were insanely good for Bledsoe fans. Tony Romo fumbled the snap of a 19-yard FG attempt, then tried to run it in only to be tackled from behind at the one yard line.
next week: Seahawks at Bears

Patriots 37, Jets 16
The announcers were trying to say it was a close game with the Patriots leading 16-30, until Pennington threw an interception, returned for a touchdown ... It wasn't that close before the pick.
next week: Patriots at Chargers

Eagles 23, Giants 20
The Ealges got outscored 10-3 in the 4th quarter, but those 3 came from a game-ending 38-yard FG by David Akers. Tiki Barber is retiring, and ever since he announced that, the Giants are 2-9.
next week: Eagles at Saints

• MLB: The Medium Unit going back to Arizona

The Yankees actually got rid of a player to create some financial space. Randy Johnson is 43-years-old and the Diamondbacks are giving him $26 million over two years. Then again, any pitcher going from AL to NL improves, but this guy is a shell of the man who made John Kruk weak in the knees during the '93 All-Star Game.

• College Football: What do you mean there's a game on tonight?

Just awful timing. I will watch, but my attention has drifted.

THE Ohio State Buckeyes vs Florida Gators. The winner gets to win. It has been 50 days since Ohio State has played. But I'm sure with all that extra time, the players have honored all their classes. Hats off to the NCAA, making sure education is always the top priority.

• Stuff

*Quick Film Reviews
Children of Men: A-, just a great Sci-Fi (bleak glimpse into the future) with some amazing suspense/action scenes.
The Queen: B, it was nice, I just don't see what all the fuss is about.

*Chevy Chase (used to be a comedian) wrote an op-ed about Gerald Ford dying. click here to read

67th Edition - 12/14/06

Not much going on today.

• NBA: a litte boring

Dwayne Wade had his wisdom teeth pulled out. Allen Iverson hasn't been traded yet, but Bill Simmons has written a great article about the situation. Click here to read

• MLB: about time

Daisuke Matsuzaka finally signed with the Red Sox. They spent $103 million ($51 to talk to him, then a six-year $52 million deal).

• NFL: a fixture

Lamar Hunt, the Kansas City Chiefs owner who coined the phrase "Super Bowl" is dead at the age of 74. My heart goes out to my friend Brian Hunt, who recently changed his name from Brian Schneckloth (marriage reasons). Losing a Hunt this early in his name change must be hard for him.

Also, former Iowa Hawkeye Wayne Drehs has written about former Iowa Hawkeye Chad Greenway, an early draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings who has spent his season on the IR list. Click here to read

• Stuff

Coming tomorrow: An interview with Paul Feig (creator of "Freaks and Geeks")

Coming soon (maybe tomorrow): An interview with Will Smith

Golden Globe nominations are out today - here's the complete list

My quick thoughts on the Golden Globes ...
*"Babel" is now overrated. But then again, what did you think the foreign press would vote for?
*The race for "Best Comedy/Musical" is a tougher competition.
*Beyonce Knowles and Meryl Strepp are not the leads of their movies, they are just the biggest names.
*Mark Wahlberg getting nominated for "The Departed" is a waste of a vote. He was great, but his role was small and Jack Nicholson being nominated in the same category proves how pointless it is.
*I am so sick of people calling "Desperate Housewives" a comedy.
*Tony Shalhoub (love him from "Wings") better not win again for "Best Actor - Comedy."

I haven't even begun to think about all the mistakes that were made from people not on the list of nominations. More on that later.

63rd Edition - 12/8/06

• WSOPC (World Series of Pop Culture)

Once again, I am at my work computer and can't upload the necessary photos... So with that said, the update on "World Series of Pop Culture" will be happening on Monday. Promise. I mean it. Listen, I swear. Come on, don't give me that look. Good lord, not everything is my fault. Get off my back. I hate you. Is that what you needed to hear? I. Hate. You.

• MLB: Bonds is back

Barry Bonds signed a one-year deal with the San Fran Giants (the only team that can love him), for $16 million. He needs 22 home runs to break Hank Aaron's record. It should happen if his knees hold up. So we are stuck watching Sportscenter URGENT UPDATES for one more year. I guarantee Bonds will hit the history making home run at home. No way he hits it on the road.

• NBA: High

Damn. The Suns beat the Nets 161-157 in double OT. It was 133-133 at the end of regulation thanks to a three-pointer by Steve Nash with two seconds left. Jason Kidd had the most impressive line with 38 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists. Thirteen players had double digits in points.

• Fantasy World

Turd Ferguson: 9-4, 1214.28
7th Place: 9-4, 1181.86
T.D. Parker: 8-5, 1245.14 (this one's me)
Shane Falco: 8-5, 1223.46
the hunt begins: 8-5, 1222.92
bo knows: 8-5, 1176.20

Those are the top six team in my Fantasy Football league. Bonus points if you know what my team name is a reference to. Four of us with make the playoffs, two won't.
I would be more excited, accept I am going against Willie Parker and he already had 26 points last night against the Browns.

• The Picks

the update ...
j NCAA: (23-16-1)
billy z NCAA: (27-12-2)
j NFL: (18-23-3)
mike d NFL: (20-22-2)

NCAA: Billy and I will be taking a break as he enjoys his comfortable lead.

NFL:
Falcons -3 over Buccaneers
Vikings +1.5 over Lions
Titans +1 over Texans

• Stuff

I only saw one of the flicks opening this weekend ...

"Apocalypto" - It's a good action movie. Very similar flow to "Braveheart." There are some great chase scenes. I wish more directors would attempt to do what Mel Gibson has done. Instead of making a mindless action movie, he has made a mindless action movie set in a world I didn't know. You only get a glimpse of the Mayan culture, but that is much better than what we are normally handed.
B

Here are the top 50 videos of 2006, presented by DoCopenhagen. They also have a link the the top 50 of 2005. That way you have something to do in the morning AND afternoon. Click here to go to the site

Did Ali invent Rap by Chuck Klosterman. Click here

62nd Edition - 12/07/06

• The Cubs: dropping bills

The Chicago Cubs have signed another free agent. Former Toronto Blue Jay, Ted Lilly signed with the Cubs for four years, $40 million. Last year he was 15-13 with a 4.13 ERA. His career ERA is 4.60. He is an average AL pitcher. Luck might be on the Cubs side with this. There has recently been a history of AL pitchers coming over to the NL and dominating. Though it probably won't last for four years.

Out of nowhere, the Cubs are spending. Like an uncle who just won the lottery, the Cubs are buying (and overpaying for) everything in sight.

Ryne Sandberg is putting in his dues. After being pretty bad last year as a guest host on ESPN Radio 1000, Sandberg is now managing the Peoria Chiefs (Class A). He hopes to one day be a big-league manager. At this stage, I don't care. He was never my favorite Cub. Andre Dawson and Mark Grace were more interesting during those years.

Also, Freddie Bynum is now on the Orioles.

• MLB: more moves

Jason Schmidt is a Dodger. Mike Piazza will DH for the A's. Freddy Garcia is on the Phillies. Barry Bonds is begging someone to pay him $18 million for a year's work (so far, no takers).

• Quick Bull

The Bulls won their sixth in a row 121-94 over the 76ers. When the Bulls were 3-9, I said they would be lucky to get to .500 by the All-Star Break. I enjoy being wrong.

• Stuff

I forgot to post the pic of John (my teammate for World Series of Pop Culture). I will do that Friday. In fact ... Friday there will be a long post about it.

In the mean time, if you're like John at all, you will love that "Spencer for Hire" is now available for free on the Internet. Enjoy. I never got into the show. Click here to watch

For something insanely random, and addictive... Check out "Joe Mathlete Explains Today's Marmaduke." He does what he says, explaining what the joke was in the daily Marmaduke comic. 12/2/06 is my recent favortie. Click here to read

61st Edition - 12/6/06

• The Weekly Bull (8-9) (5-1 at home)

Nicely done, Bulls. I predicted they would go 2-1, and they went 3-0 last week, beating the Knicks, Wizards and Celtics. Perhaps the Bulls aren't average to below-average after all.

Some Numbers:
Five-game win streak
Seven games in a row scoring over 100 points
The Bulls are in 4th place in the Central Division.
They would be in 1st in the Atlantic.
The Bulls lead the East with a +2.9 point differential per game.
The Spurs lead the West with a +7.5 point differential.
Four players average 15 or more points (Deng, Gordon, Hinrich, Nocioni)
Ben Wallace's rpg are 8.8 (down from 10 two weeks ago)

Predictions for the week to come: Philadelphia (W), Toronto (W), Minnesota (W), Indiana (L)

• MLB: Faces and places

J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo are on the Boston Red Sox. Greg Maddux is a Padre.

• NFL: Asthma is illegal

Just an odd story. Hollis Thomas was taking Advair twice a day, and an inhaler four times a day. The team doctor says Thomas needs a high dose of inhaled steriods to keep his asthma in check. The league has decided he's in violation of the steriod policy. He's 335 pounds of fat, not muscle.

• Random Fact

The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League All-Star Game.

• Stuff

Here is an interview of Sylvester Stallone (not by me unfortunately). He answers readers' questions as does a good job with it. Click here

When "Lost" comes back, it will be at 9 p.m. instead of 8.

VH-1 has another round of "World Series of Pop Culture" in which three team members need to send in an application and a picture. So my friend John sends me this ... (I guess you have to do this on the home computer -- look for the update around 1:30 p.m.) -- We're a shoe-in for TV, don't you think?

57th Edition - 11/30/06

• Hawkeyes: Yes, they have a basketball team ...

Not a very good one though. The Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Virginia Tech 65-69. That drops the Hawks to 2-4 this year. Adam Huluska is the big man on campus this year, and he put in 24 points last night. Unfortunately, there isn't a strong supporting staff and Coach Steve Alford has never proved himself with any talent level as Iowa. The one thing Iowa could count on with Dr. Tom Davis as a coach was a C+ team would play like a B team. But an A- team would also play like a B team.

• Ready for some football?

If you have the NFL network, the football weekend starts tonight, with the Ravens vs. Bengals. I don't, but my good friend "Bar" does. The Bengals are sitting at 6-5 and only 2-3 at home.

• Hall of Fame: MLB

Lee Smith and Andre Dawson are two former Cubs who are on the ballot for the Hall of Fame this year ... and have no chance of getting in.

There are two guarrentees this year. Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gywnn.

After that, things get interesting. Mark McGwire and Jose Cancesco are on the ballot as well for the first time. How both men are voted on will be an indication of how the baseball writers feel about the steriod age. Keep in mind, these are the same writers who didn't investigate the issue when it was happening in the late 90s. So they will either continue to ignore, or attempt to make up for their mistakes at the expense of others.

My thoughts, vote for numbers, or don't vote. Having hunches is not a good enough reason to keep someone out. Even if the hunch seems obvious.

• Stuff

Seeing the newest Danny DeVito flick isn't high on my list ... but seeing DeVito drunk on "The View" -- fantastic. Click here to watch

"Studio 60," for the first time ever, GAINED VIEWERS! They went from 7.31 million to 7.45. Victory.

If you enjoy "The Big Lebowski," then check out the Nintendo Wii remake of the bowling scene (with bad language). Click here to watch

David Caruso is a bad actor. Here is proof, with a montage of Caruso one-liners from "CSI: Miami." Click here to watch (and let me know if you make it through all 7 minutes).

I just started watching "The Wire" this week, starting with season 1 of course. Very strong. Will continue.

54th Edition - 11/22/06

The Big T-day Extravaganza

OK, my next update will be on Monday, November 27. So I'll make this a long one (in other words, bare with me).

We'll get to the picks (at the end), the movies, some fluff and a little self-promotion ... But since it is Wednesday that means we start with the ...

• Weekly Bull: There's truth in the title (3-8)

Things aren't going well. The good news is that the Bulls just completed their fifth game on the annual circus road trip (the circus comes to town every year and forces the Bulls to have a big road trip). Yes, five games are done, but they have failed to win any of them. 0-5. With two games left at Philly and at NY, hopefully they can manage to finish 2-5.
This trip is a set back for the Bulls who should be one of the elite teams in the East. Now they are going to have to work hard just to get to .500 by the All-Star break (about 30 games away).

Inside the numbers:
Leading scorer - Luol Deng, 17.3 ppg (43rd in league)
Ben Wallace - 10.3 rpg (11th in league)
- 4.8 offensive rpg (1st in league)
Kirk Hinrich - 6.0 apg (19th in league)

• NCAA Basketball: Still a little early

Doesn't feel right talking about college hoops, but with Marquette defeating Duke (73-62) last night maybe I should start paying attention.

Top-ranked Florida is sick (good) right now. I mean, who would have thought they would have beaten power house Prarie View A&M (94-33). After all, Prarie View A&M had already beaten South West Assembly of God (61-57). If you can beat God, shouldn't you be able to beat Florida?

• Cubs: We need a pitcher

The signing of Alfonso Soriano is great. We still need help in the pitching department. One suggestion, Tom Glavine. The Mets have declined to pick him up for next season. He was good, not great, last season. But the Cubs need good pitchers, and after all -- crafty veterans are always a plus.

By the way, the Juan Pierre era is over after lasting just one year. He is signing with the Dodgers.

Also, in an interview yesterday Cubs' GM Jim Hendry said Soriano will play the outfield, but which position is still up in the air. He will be leading off though.

• MLB: The Final Awards

Not that anyone really cares or remembers how they were earned, but here are the 2006 MLB awards.

NL MVP: Ryan Howard
AL MVP: Justin Morneau
NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana
NL Rookie: Hanley Ramirez
AL Rookie: Justin Verlander
NL Manager: Joe Girardi
AL Manager: Jim Leyland
NL Comeback: Nomar Garciapara
AL Comeback: Jim Thome

• Stuff

Watching Michael Richards rant and rave on stage, showing he is capable of spewing racism is awful to watch -- click here
Watching Michael Richards attempt to apologize on the David Letterman Show is awkward to watch -- click here

• Living in a Fantasy

Fantasy Football: Right now I am one game out of the playoff race, even though I have more points than anyone else in the league. I keep telling myself I'm the best and the competition always tries to rise up against the best ... Then I realize I am wasting too much thought on fantasy football. With three games left before the playoffs I think I need to win two. It's going to be tough.

College Football Pick'em: With two weeks left, I have a three game lead, over mike d. I need this win. For the season so far I have picked 134 out of 244 (all the Top 25 games). 55 percent is pretty good in the world of gambling.

• Quick Movie Reviews

The Fountain
Hugh Jackman carries this film by Darren Aronofsky. I have never been blown away by a Jackman performance until now. "The Fountain" tells the story of one man's journey through a thousand years to try and save his love (played by Aronofsky's real-life girlfriend Rachel Weisz). There are definitely times when you won't fully understand what Aronofsky is trying to say in this film, but the feelings and visually you are left with will more than make up for it.
Grade: B
Blatant Self-Promotion
Click here to read my interview with Darren Aronofsky

Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny
Plot: Jack Black and Kyle Gass got their start on “Mr. Show with Bob and David” on HBO. Now they have a full-length film which tells the tale of JB and KG hungry for success, and trying to pay the rent. They set off on a quest for the pick of destiny, a legendary guitar pick that has helped many bands become rock legends. Black, Gass and director Liam Lynch (“Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic”) wrote the film, which also features new songs by the band.

Bottom Line: “Mr. Show” was on a decade ago, and this film feels about five years too late. Black and Gass still have good chemistry … but “Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny” hits us over the head that the chemistry is pot. And they probably have a point, the jokes would be funnier with a joint. That’s not a compliment. It starts off strong with Meat Loaf as Black’s father and that is just the beginning of cameos that include Amy Poehler, Ben Stiller, Ronnie James Dio, Tim Robbins and John C. Reilly (as sasquatch). The one truly laugh-out-loud moment came when Black and Gass discover their tattoos and name the band accordingly. The new songs don’t compare to “Tribute,” “F*ck her Gently,” and “Rock Your Socks.” Otherwise, it’s easy to watch and zips along pretty quick, but it’s not the greatest film of all time, as “The D” would have you believe. You would be much better off checking out Tenacious D in concert, buying their self-titled album, and waiting for this film on DVD … And have a burrito close by for when the munchies hit.
Grade: C+

• The Picks

Well, we learned some things last week --
1. I can still win a weekend with the NFL (I went 2-1)
2. billy z clearly learned how to make a post after the games are played (it's the only explanation for him going 3-0 last weekend)
3. mike d should stick to playing fantasy football

With the big t-day weekend upon us, we're going to add some more games to the mix...

Previous Standings:
j NCAA: (19-12-1)
billy z NCAA: (22-8-2)
j NFL: (14-18-3)
mike d NFL: (13-20-2)

j NCAA
Boston College -4 over Miami
Texas -13 over Texas A&M
LSU straight up over Arkansas
Tennesee -19 over Kentucky
Oklahoma -5.5 over Oklahoma St
USC -7 over Notre Dame

Last year, I went 3-0 on my Thanksgiving Day parlay. And since n=1, I will always go 3-0 on my Thanksgiving Day parlay. That's how gambling works, right?
j NFL
t-day games:
Dolphins -2.5 over Lions
Buccaneers +11 over Cowboys
Chiefs +1 over Broncos
Sunday games:
Steelers +3 over Ravens
Bengals -3 over Browns
Bears +3 over Patriots

That's it. That's enough to keep you full until next Monday. As always, look for billy z and mike d to add their picks in the comments section.

28th Edition - 10/13/06

• My Mets

Mets 2, Cardinals 0 (Mets lead series 1-0)
Carlos Beltran blasted a 440 foot homer and Tom Glavine continued to pitch like it was 1999. Actually, he was 14-11 with the Braves in '99, but you get the reference. My "name of the game" Jose Reyes went 0-4. But the Mets do currently lead in stolen bases 1-0 (which I predicted was going to be a key stat, and so far, I'm wrong since the Mets scored their runs on the HR).

Game 2. Tonight. 7:05 on Fox.
Carpenter vs. Maine.
Clearly the Cards have the pitching advantage tonight, since La Russa has moved him up a start. Though it should be noted, at home Carpenter sports a 1.81 ERA, and on the road a 4.70 ERA. Hopefully the New York crowd will get a typical Carpenter start.
Name of the Game: Beltran has found his playoff groove, I shall ride that train.

• MLB: The Others

A's lead the series 2-0 over the Tigers.
Rich Harden takes on Kenny Rogers. If you watch the pregame, the term "must win" win be used about 25 times. So we've got that to look forward to.

• The Worst Story Ever (Why I Hate People)

The complete story is here. As Mark Downs was escorted out of a court room he told reporters, "I didn't do nothing."
Well, that's not true, and thankfully he's going to jail for it.
Downs was a little league coach and told one of his 8-year-old players to intentionally throw at an autistic kid so he couldn't play.
There are moments where I wish adults had to take many, many hours of classes in order to teach, coach, and most importantly pro-create and parent. But then I realize our government would have to oversee something like that, and I realize we're stuck with idiots doing idiotic things, which brings me back to my original point -- I hate people.

• The Picks

Dough is not rolling in, but it's pretty close.
Season Stats
j NCAA: 10-4-1
billy z NCAA: 9-4-2
j NFL: 9-4-2
mike d NFL: 8-6-2

NCAA
N. Illinois (-3) over W. Michigan
Iowa St (+19.5) over Oklahoma
Michigan (-6) over Penn State

NFL
Bengals (-5.5) over Buccaneers
Texas (+13) over Cowboys
Eagles (-3) over Saints

Look for billy z and mike d with their picks and amusing commentary later today in the comments section.

• Stuff

I didn't see any of the flicks coming out this weekend ahead of time.
Hear's the buzz -
"Grudge 2" is not scary.
"The Queen" will get nominations and everyone enjoys it, but it's a drama about an old woman.
"Man of the Year" looks SO bland. Not one thing in the trailer has made me laugh, so why would I want to see it?

If you've been curious about Roger Ebert, here is an article about his recovery and here is a link to his first review in months, "The Queen."

Is this funny? click here - these two guys just got a one year deal from NBC. I've only watched this one clip, but supposedly if you watch more, you'll laugh. So far, I'm 0-1.

Oh. My. God. SNL is awful. This Saturday night they are showing the repeat of Dane Cook hosting. Please keep in mind it originally aired TWO WEEKS AGO! It's best if I just end this post now before I say something I will regret.

27th Edition - 10/12/06

• MLB

When a New York Yankee pitcher (Corey Lidle) accidentally flies a plane into a Manhattan building, it kind of puts a damper on things ...

Here is the full story, Lidle and his flight instructor died in the crash.

I spoke with my NY source and he confirmed that people were hysterical with panic and immediately thoughts went to a terrorist attack. He was also thankful that the Mets vs. Cards game was a rainout because going to the game would have been "sober."

Speaking of the Mets, if you had tickets to Game One, you're now going to Friday's game (which is Game Two). Original Game Two tickets are now for Game One, which is today with the same pitching match-up of Jeff Weaver vs. Tom Glavine.
Name of the Game: Still Jose Reyes.

Tigers 8, A's 5 (Tigers lead series 2-0)
Frank Thomas had a chance with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. He flew out to center. I don't care who wins this series but I wanted Thomas to hit that grand slam. Nothing in baseball is more exciting (except a no-hitter) than a walk-off grand slam.

• NBA: Da Bulls

The preseason has started and the Bulls beat the Wizards 87-86. Ben Wallace's first free throw with the Bulls was an airball and he finsihed 1-6 from the line. Looks like I'm in for a long season of being insanely nervous at the end of close games.

• Stuff

I thought I had something else to talk about, but I can't remember. Perhaps that's because it is 30 degrees in Chicago this morning and I am now realizing I'll be unhappy for the next six months. Or perhaps it's because I need to get ready for my interview with this girl.

26th Edition - 10/11/06

• Bears, Bears, Bears: Slow Down

Wow, hype is a dangerous thing. I feel like it will already be considered a terrible season if we don't go undefeated and if we lose in the Super Bowl. Everybody needs to just SLOW DOWN and repeat this sports cliche after me, "ONE GAME AT A TIME!"

I mean, next thing you know, someone will make a t-shirt which has all the Bears opponents on it, and come with a orange Sharpie, so after every victory, you can check off that team on the way to a 16-0 season.
Yup, that idea already exists. sixteenstraight.com --- And because Chicago is so fat, it's only available in XL, 2XL and a small for kids.

• My Mets

Game One.
Tonight at 7:19 p.m. on FOX.
Jeff Weaver vs. Tom Glavine.

Game Two, Thursday, Suppan vs. Maine.
Game Three, Saturday, Trachsel vs. Carpenter.

Mets are winning tonight. They are also taking the series in six games. Chris Carpenter will prove a little too tough on the Mets, and he'll win when he pitches on Saturday. Mainly because you can't steal bases against him. Base-running will be a key to the series, and to prove it, I'll keep track of stolen bases.
Tonight's Name of the Game: Jose Reyes, I can't say base-running will be the key and NOT pick him. By the way, out of the five "name's of the game" that I picked, three hit home runs and one pitched six scoreless innings. Yes, I am gloating.

• MLB: The others

Tigers 5, A's 1 (Tigers lead series 1-0)
Game Two, Tonight.
Verlander vs. Loaiza.
The Tigers couldn't handle Barry Zito ... through eight at-bats. Then they figured him out and sent him packing in the 3rd inning. Zito gave up all five earned runs and the A's were 2-20 with runners on base.

• NBA: There's no whining in basketball

NBA officials are telling teams there will be a zero-tolerance policy toward complaining about fouls post-whistle. Players can expect a quick technical if they curse, throw their hands up or act overly annoyed. I love this decision. I hope football can adopt this for guys that motion they just made a first down when their team is losing by 21 points.
Rasheed Wallace immediately began complaining when he heard he couldn't complain.

"It just means I must be doing something right," Wallace said. "Any time they change the rules of the game for one specific player, you must be doing something right."

Nope Rasheed, it just means everyone is annoyed you have to complain about everything.

• Stuff

Do you like Stephen Colbert? Sorry, that's not going to be good enough. You'll need to love him in order to get through this massive story. Click here to read.

25th Edition - 10/10/06

• MNF: Wake me when it's over

The Broncos handed the Ravens their first loss of the season, and the Ravens accepted in graciously. 13-3, another snooze fest. At least there was sleet. Good thing the Bears are heading to MNF next week against the Cardinals.

The Undefeateds: Colts, Bears
The Defeateds: Titans, Raiders, Lions, Buccaneers

• MLB: Torre sticks

It appears Lou Pinnela has not been contacted by the Yankees. George Steinbrenner knows what he will do, but hasn't officially announced it. Reports are now saying Joe Torre will continue to manage the Yankees.

My Mets
Looks like Tom Glavine will pitch Game One against Jeff Weaver and the Cardinals on Wednesday night. Cliff Floyd is still bothered by an injury to his left foot. The Mets are unsure about the rest of their pitching rotations and whether Floyd will miss any time.
Look for Daryl Strawberry to throw out the first pitch on Wednesday. I'm sure there are a million jokes I should be able to come up with right now, but I have a cold and I'm just not in the mood.

Game One
Tigers vs. A's
Robertson vs. Zito
Tonight at 7:00 on FOX.

• Stuff

Wow, two more shows have been added to my TV line-up. I tried to fight off "Friday Night Lights." It couldn't be done, the show is too good. Unless I forget to add it to the Season Pass tonight, then I could be in trouble.

"30 Rock" delivers. Mainly because of Alec Baldwin at this point. It's probably just carry-over from his performance in "The Departed."

So here is watch the Tivo list looks like
1. Lost
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Studio 60 from the Sunset Strip
4. The Office
5. My Name is Earl
6. Friday Night Lights
7. 30 Rock
8. Saturday Night Live

"Scrubs" will be there when it returns. "Heroes" and "The Nine" will be done on Netflix if they continue to look good.