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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

127th Edition - 3/30/07

127 - http://www.127band.com/

• Blatant Self-Promotion

Film Reviews
"Meet the Robinsons"
"Blades of Glory"

• NCAA Basketball: Final - Four - Predication!

Florida will beat UCLA. Both teams are breaking defensive records. Florida has held opponents under 60 points 10 of the last 14 games. UCLA is letting their tournament opponents score 50 point per game ... So with that in mind, look for Joakim Noah to get fouled in the closing seconds, and make one of two free throws giving the Gators the win 27-26.

Ohio State will lose to Georgetown. Even though I have picked the Buckeyes to beat Georgetown, I am now reversing it. Georgetown is a team of destiny. They were on TNT's NBA Halftime Show last night and gave Kenny Smith a jersey. These things don't happen, unless you make the finals. Otherwise, you just look foolish ... (this is an attempt at a reverse jinx - of course I am not changing my pick. As long as they get enough electricity pumping through Frankenstein (Oden) then the Buckeyes will win 73-66).

• Bulls: close AND a cigar

If the Chicago Bulls only played the 1st and 3rd quarter of each game, they would dominate. But rules state they must also show up for the 2nd and 4th ... so that's what they do, show up -- but just barely. The Bulls stunk, especially in the 2nd quarter where they shot 4 of 22 from the field and received technicals on separate instances (one by Hinrich, the other by Skiles -- also known as the team leaders).

After all that complaining, you might be surprised the Bulls won by two last night in Chicago against the Eastern Division leading Detriot Pistons (83-81).

It was a must win, and thanks to Hinrich drawing a foul with 2.8 seconds left, and hitting 2 of 3 free throws, the Bulls escaped with a victory.

Ben Wallace had 19 rebounds and Tyrus Thomas (and his oodles of energy) had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

• The shoes: Wallace's feet are worth $15

Ben Wallace is helping friend Stephon Marbury promote his new sneaker, the Starbury. It's not another story about a selfish athlete. Starbury's come out April 1, and are being sold for $14.98, and Marbury isn't making millions in this deal. http://www.starbury.com/

"Kids don't really understand what it takes to go out and buy a pair of $300 pair of shoes," Wallace said at a news conference on Tuesday. "We don't understand the pressure we put on our parents when we're growing up. This is one of the things where I think the parents will appreciate it a lot more than the kids right now because it eliminates so much stress from the parents. All parents want to see their kids have nice things."

I am looking forward to putting on a pair and seeing if they are worth it. This is the best story to come out of the NBA this season, it deserves TONS of coverage. Everyone should appreciate this ...

LeBron James doesn't appreciate this ...
James took a little shot at Marbury's $14.98 kicks, saying he couldn't imagine endorsing a sneaker that cheap. "No, I don't think so," James said. "Me being with Nike, we hold our standards high."

• Stuff

*Just a very interesting story -- http://www.friendlyatheist.com/
I just received a copy of his book - "I Sold My Soul On Ebay" and interviewed him.

*Chris Farley for an ESPN commercial - recreating the shot that Christian Laetnner had against Kentucky (while he was still alive). click here

*The best kissing cam of all time ... even if there is one scene that HAS to be staged ... make sure to stay until the end and watch Wade and Shaq. click here

*The Spider-Man 3 soundtrack will feature songs by The Flaming Lips, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Snow Patrol and more.

*April Fools is Sunday - this might help you get in the mood- http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/

125th Edition - 3/28/07

125 - Opus 125 is the ninth symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven, the longest symphony to the time of its completion, the first symphony to use a chorus, and Beethoven's last complete symphony. And it's a really bad Japanese magazine - http://www.125magazine.com/

• Special Guest: Mr. Bro* (aka Brendan Breault)

I teach/coach at St. Mary of the Angels Elementary School in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. This has been a goal of mine for awhile - to create a presentation using pics/video for the end-of-the-year sports awards banquet. The "dream" became a reality when I started flirting with iMovie on my new MacBook. With the help of friends and family, I was able to use video of the boys and girls varsity (7th and 8th grade) championship games. I did the best I could with mostly layups and free throws. And "One Shining Moment" just seemed to make the most sense, especially during March Madness. 99 cents well spent. I plan on burning a DVD for all the players including some additional pics. Hopefully, it will be something for them to enjoy time and time again.

click here to watch the video

*Just so you know, Bro is normally a "life of the party" type. I assume he is under the impression that "The Daily Score" is vastly more popular than it actually is, and he thinks parents/kids might be reading the post.
Any way, watch the video, and stay for the very end ... it's "magic."

• The Weekly Bull: 42-30 (4 games out of first, One game out of second)

Down the strech they come... The Bulls have won three straight and have ten more games to play. Winning the division is out, but taking second place away from the Cavs is still VERY possible. The Cavs have 11 games to go. Currently the Bulls would get the #5 seed and play the Wizards (without home court advantage even though the Bulls would have the better record). If the Bulls capture second in the division, they would play Orlando and get home court. It's a big deal for a team that hasn't escaped the first round since Pippen was around (and Jordan).

The next four games are all that matter. Two games against the Pistons, one against the Cavs and the Hawks. IF (it's a big one) they win all four, we are looking at a clusterf**k at the top of the division and then anything could happen.

• Stuff

This is an add to make sure and buckle up in the back seat, otherwise apparently it could lead to the coolest, most awesomest ride of your life.

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