Wisconsin had a year packed full of stories, ranging from Cinderella, a rebirth, a team and legend on the decline, and the exit of a savior. Here are the top 10 stories of 2005.
10. Terry Porter Gets The Dreaded Vote Of Confidence
After Larry Harris held a press conference to announce that Terry Porter was his guy and shouldn't worry about his future. Less than two months later, Porter was fired. The Bucks had some money to spend and had recently won the NBA draft lottery, so Harris thought he'd flirt with a big name coach, Flip Saunders. Saunders, a friend of Harris, wanted to wait until the situation in Detroit was resolved. After the organization thought they could wait no more (and a failed last minute run at Doug Collins) Harris settled on his man, former Bucks assistant coach Terry Stotts.
9. The Marquette Golden Eagles-Gold-Golden Eagles
After finally realizing what Marquette faithful have been saying ever since the name change, Marquette decided the nickname Golden Eagles was no good so they sought out to find a new one. From now on, Marquette would be the Marquette Gold. The Gold? What does that stand for, like the color gold? So after taking national heat, the University decided to vote on a new name. Warriors was not an option however. The list would get trimmed down to finalists, and in June the University announced their new nickname. The Golden Eagles. Apparently the University is just a big fan of the Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper character on the OC.
8. Pearle Volunteers His Services
Literally fresh off the heels of his UWM Panthers NCAA tournament run to the Sweet 16, head coach Bruce Pearle announced to his team on sunday March 27 that he intended to take the head job at Tennessee. On Monday March 28, Pearle was introduced as Buzz Peterson's replacement and the new head coach at Tennessee. The Panthers went on a job search shortly after before settling on Bo Ryan longtime diciple Rob Jeter.
7. What I Did On My Summer Vacation
The Milwaukee Bucks had arguably the best offseason in basketball. First they announced that their 2003 1st round selection TJ Ford would be healthy enough return to the hardwood when the season opened in November. Then they won the draft lottery and with the first overall pick selected Utah Center, and National Collegiate Player of the Year Andrew Bogut. Next they brought in a new head coach in Terry Stotts. After the new coach was in place, thier next move was to announce the re-signing of Michael Redd. The Bucks rounded out the summer by resigning Dan Gadzuric and Toni Kukoc, siging free agent swingman Bobby Simmons, and trading for New Orleans center Jamaal Magloire.
6. Tell Me You Saw That Creepy Grinn...
They should have wound up with the 6th or 7th pick, and the odds were definitely not in their favor, but somehow in need of a big man in a year where the best player in the country played that position the Milwaukee Bucks beat the odds and won the NBA 2005 Draft Lottery. When the second card was pulled and revealed the Hawks, the screen cut to Larry Harris and the creepy grinn he was flashing. Priceless. Also priceless was the "ANDREW BOGUT-CHA-CHA-CHACHACHA-ANDREW BOGUT.." chant started by three dudes in the Miller Park bleachers when the scoreboard flashed the news that the Bucks had won the lottery. Those three dudes were us (Fabos, Platta and myself), and man did the crowd dig it.
5. Wake Me Up When December Ends
Most Packer fans didn't know what to think about their chances going into the season as it was, but assumed teh team would be competitive and challange the Vikings for the divisional title. Fast forward to Christmas day at approximately 7:30pm. The Packers sit at 3-12 and the Bears have clinched the division. The team lost two pro bowl lineman in the offseason, and countless skill position players to major season ending injuries resulting in the team finishing below .500 for the first time in the Brett Favre era, and looking horrible in the process. Packer fans are now seeing something we never thought we'd see, Brett Favre on a losing team, and a horrible one at that.
4. Barry
Badger Head Coach and UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez announced before the season that this would be his last as head coach so he could shift his focus solely on serving as the University's Athletic Director. Alvarez also announced that Defensive Coordinator Brett Bielema would take over as the team's Head Coach in 2006. Alvarez goes out as the Univerity's all time winningist coach, the winner of three Rose Bowls in three appearances, and the only coach in Big Ten History to win consecutive Rose Bowls. Farewell and Thank You Barry.
3. The Times They Are A Changing
The Packers went through a drastic overhaul in the offseason. It started when Head Coach and General Manager Mike Sherman was striped of his General Manager title. Ted Thompson was plucked away from the Seahawks to replace Sherman as GM. The team also saw many coaches leave. Jethro Franklin went to USC, Ray Sherman left for the Titans, Bob Slowik was replaced and so was Kurt Schottenhimer to name a few. Slowik's replacement was former Dolphins interim Head Coach Jim Bates. Many speculated Bates was brought in to be a potential replacement to Sherman. The team also let a lot of veteran players leave via free agency or by releasing them. Mike Whale, Marco Rivera, Darren Sharper, Cletidus Hunt, Hannibal Navies were all amungst the names gone when training camp rolled back around. Since Thompson's arrival he has had the clear plan of a GM (rather than a coach) in rebuilding to make the team better for the futre at the cost of the present.
2. When Animals Attack
The NCAA tournament saw the state of Wisconsin put forth a good showing. The Badgers took eventual NCAA Champion North Carolina to the limits in their Elite 8 Matchup before UNC could narrowly escape the upset, but the story was the UWM Panthers. Making the tournament for just the second time in three years (and School history)UWM knocked off 5 seed Alabama in the first round, and then two days later stunned Boston College in another upset. The run would 5 days after that when they went down to the eventual National Runner up Illinois, but UWM captured the hearts of the nation and became the tournament darlings.
1. Come See What's Brewin'
For the first time in 13 sesons, the Milwaukee Brewers held the attention of the city for not only April and May, but the duration of the summer as well. Fans were even interested once September was winding to a hault. The reason, the Brewers broke their futility streak by finishing 81-81 (a record not sub .500 for the first time since 1992) and remained in a wild card hunt for the better part of the summer. Attendance records were set, and fans got the chance to finally see the prospects we've heard so much about for the past few years (JJ Hardy, Ricky Weeks, Corey Hart, Prince Fielder). The team has captured the city much like UWM did during their tournament run. With the Packers seemingly on the decline, it looks like the Brewers now have the stranglehold on the state with no intentions of releasing it.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Best of 2005: Albums
2005 was an interesting year in the music business. New discs came out from legendary artists like Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Cream released a live disc. MTV continued playing hardly any videos, and the ones they do play are all hip hop, and the rock scene continued to make it's comback. Here are the top 10 releases from 2005.
10. O.A.R. Stories of a Stranger release date 10/4/05
This was the second major label release from the Maryland via OSU group, and much like 2003's In Between Now and Then, Stories of A Stranger sees the group continue the evolution in sound. The production quality on the disc is higher than any thing a fan of the group has heard from them as drummer Chris Culos and Sax player Jerry DiPizzo really shine on this record. The Album pulls of the feat of lending from an even wider range of influences than any previous O.A.R. disc, without losing any direction or making it feel out of place.
Key Tracks: Heard the World, Love and Memories, The Stranger, Lay Down, 52-50
9. Wallflowers Rebel Sweetheart released 5/24/05
Yes, the Wallflowers are still together and no this isn't their first release since 1996's Bringing Down the Horse. Rebel Sweetheart is the group's fifth studio release, and best album to date. Lead singer and guitar player Jacob Dylan's, the son of Bob, chose to go at it in the music busniess as a group so as not to bring attention to his family name and catch a break he otherwise wouldn't be afforded. The influences in this album are clearly classic acustic rock (Springsteen, Petty) and the end result is the fifth best album released this year.
Key Tracks: Days of Wonder, The Passenger, The Beautiful Side of Somewhere, Here He Comes (Confessions of a Drunken Marionette), We're Already There
8. Hot Hot Heat Elevator release date 5/5/05
The Record sounds more like something we would hear in the late 90's, early new millenium when the new wave of The Vines, The Strokes, The White Stripes and other bands first hit the scene. The lyrics are nothing to write home about, most of the songs are just about good natured burns, but the album packs a punch in the guitar category. The One song you may have heard before is the single "You Owe Me an IOU" just now starting to be featured on cell phone commercials.
Key Tracks: Goodnight Goodnight, Ladies and Gentleman, You Owe Me an IOU, Island of the Honest Man, Middle of Nowhere, Shame on You
7. Bruce Springsteen Devils and Dust release date 4/26/05
The Boss made his studio return this year sans the E-Street Band and much like 1995's Nebraska we once again saw a darker side of Springsteen. The album follows the same path as the 2002 release with the E-Street Band, The Rising in following a journey of a man, woman and society and as much as we'd like to believe it's the case, things don't always turn out the way we planned, or good for that matter all, the time.
Key Tracks: Devils and Dust, Reno, Long Time Coming, Maria's Bed, The Hitter
6. Kanye West Late Registration release date 8/30/05
While some will argue (myself included) that his 2003 release The College Dropout was a better album, the difference in the two is that record was more about Kanye the emcee and this record is more about Kanye the artist, featuring his songwriting, and production skills more than his mic skills. The end result is still avery solid album. Definitely the hip hop album to pick up for non-hip hop fans.
Key Tracks: Heard 'Em Say, Gold Digger, Drive Slow, My Way Home, Crack Music, Roses, Bring Me Down, Diamonds Remix
5. Death Cab for Cutie Plans release date 8/30/05
The Veteran groups seventh studio release has by far been their most commercially successful album. 2003's Translatlanticism started to garner them a small main stream following and Plans has added to that. They have recently been featured on Six Feet Under, The O.C. and performed on Comedy Central's Last Laugh '05.
Key Tracks: Marching Bands of Manhattan, Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Your Heart is an Empty Room, Crooked Teeth
4. The Rolling Stone A Bigger Bang released 9/6/05
I wasn't exactly the biggest Stones fan growing up, but I appreciated their work. Actually, this was the first studio Album of thiers I'd ever purchased (greatest hits collections not withstanding). This album is if not the best, one of the better rock albums to come out in the past few years. It does take a political stance and after listening to a few songs it's easy to see what side of the fence they lie on, but that's what a Rock and Roll album should do. If nothing else, they've proved they still got it after all these years.
Key Tracks: Rough Justice, Let Me Down Slow, It Won't Take Long, Rain Fall Down, Streets of Love, She Saw Me Coming, Oh No Not You Again, Sweet Neo Con
3. The White Stripes Get Behind Me Satan released 6/7/05
Since the release of White Blood Cells in 2002, Jack and Meg White has constantly been re-inventing themselves and turning out a new sound on each album, while still making it sound like a White Stripes Album. For the life of me I still cannot figure out how they produce so much sound when the band consists of just two people, even at live shows. Get Behind Me Satan saw them continue to flirt with a more gritt country sound all the while still turning out a rock album. With out a doubt, the best piece of work they've done yet. the Walking With a Ghost EP recently released also goes hand in hand with this album, pick that one up too. The unique thing about this album is that it is more singles driven than "overall theme" of the record and that works great for it.
Key Tracks: Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Little Ghost, The Denial Twist, Take Take Take, As Ugly as I Seem, I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)
2. Coldplay X&Y released 6/7/05
Parachuttes and A Rush of Blood to the Head were both good discs, but X&Y is great. One of the best to come out in the last half decade. Where The White Stripes focused on a singles driven record, Coldplay went after the entire album concept and pulled it off. The songs each show evolution and seem to tell a story, and so do the song titles (It opens with "Square One" and ends with "Kingdom Come"). On this album more than ever before they seemlessly melded Chris Martin's powerful vocals and piano stylings with a rock driven bass line and guitar play. Even if you are not a fan of the band (oddly enough before this album I really wasn't) pick this disc up.
Key Tracks: Square One, White Shadows, Fix You, Talk, Speed of Sound, A Message, Hardest Part, Swallowed in the Sea, Kingdom Come
1. Franz Ferdinand You Could Have It So Much Better released 10/4/05
This disc was supposed to be your typical sophmore album where we see after a breakthrough debut album, this band was nothign more than a flash in the pan. One small problem with that, nobody informed the boys from Scotland of this plan. You Could Have It So Much Better blends new age rock, classic rock and punk all in one and makes it sound like a style all their own. It also shows it that this album and the debut album, Franz Ferdiand, only scratched the surface of what they have to offer as a group.
Key Tracks: The Fallen, Do You Want To, This Boy, Walk Away, Evil and A Heathen, Elanor Put Your Boots On, Well That Was Easy, You Could Have It So Much Better
10. O.A.R. Stories of a Stranger release date 10/4/05
This was the second major label release from the Maryland via OSU group, and much like 2003's In Between Now and Then, Stories of A Stranger sees the group continue the evolution in sound. The production quality on the disc is higher than any thing a fan of the group has heard from them as drummer Chris Culos and Sax player Jerry DiPizzo really shine on this record. The Album pulls of the feat of lending from an even wider range of influences than any previous O.A.R. disc, without losing any direction or making it feel out of place.
Key Tracks: Heard the World, Love and Memories, The Stranger, Lay Down, 52-50
9. Wallflowers Rebel Sweetheart released 5/24/05
Yes, the Wallflowers are still together and no this isn't their first release since 1996's Bringing Down the Horse. Rebel Sweetheart is the group's fifth studio release, and best album to date. Lead singer and guitar player Jacob Dylan's, the son of Bob, chose to go at it in the music busniess as a group so as not to bring attention to his family name and catch a break he otherwise wouldn't be afforded. The influences in this album are clearly classic acustic rock (Springsteen, Petty) and the end result is the fifth best album released this year.
Key Tracks: Days of Wonder, The Passenger, The Beautiful Side of Somewhere, Here He Comes (Confessions of a Drunken Marionette), We're Already There
8. Hot Hot Heat Elevator release date 5/5/05
The Record sounds more like something we would hear in the late 90's, early new millenium when the new wave of The Vines, The Strokes, The White Stripes and other bands first hit the scene. The lyrics are nothing to write home about, most of the songs are just about good natured burns, but the album packs a punch in the guitar category. The One song you may have heard before is the single "You Owe Me an IOU" just now starting to be featured on cell phone commercials.
Key Tracks: Goodnight Goodnight, Ladies and Gentleman, You Owe Me an IOU, Island of the Honest Man, Middle of Nowhere, Shame on You
7. Bruce Springsteen Devils and Dust release date 4/26/05
The Boss made his studio return this year sans the E-Street Band and much like 1995's Nebraska we once again saw a darker side of Springsteen. The album follows the same path as the 2002 release with the E-Street Band, The Rising in following a journey of a man, woman and society and as much as we'd like to believe it's the case, things don't always turn out the way we planned, or good for that matter all, the time.
Key Tracks: Devils and Dust, Reno, Long Time Coming, Maria's Bed, The Hitter
6. Kanye West Late Registration release date 8/30/05
While some will argue (myself included) that his 2003 release The College Dropout was a better album, the difference in the two is that record was more about Kanye the emcee and this record is more about Kanye the artist, featuring his songwriting, and production skills more than his mic skills. The end result is still avery solid album. Definitely the hip hop album to pick up for non-hip hop fans.
Key Tracks: Heard 'Em Say, Gold Digger, Drive Slow, My Way Home, Crack Music, Roses, Bring Me Down, Diamonds Remix
5. Death Cab for Cutie Plans release date 8/30/05
The Veteran groups seventh studio release has by far been their most commercially successful album. 2003's Translatlanticism started to garner them a small main stream following and Plans has added to that. They have recently been featured on Six Feet Under, The O.C. and performed on Comedy Central's Last Laugh '05.
Key Tracks: Marching Bands of Manhattan, Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You Into the Dark, Your Heart is an Empty Room, Crooked Teeth
4. The Rolling Stone A Bigger Bang released 9/6/05
I wasn't exactly the biggest Stones fan growing up, but I appreciated their work. Actually, this was the first studio Album of thiers I'd ever purchased (greatest hits collections not withstanding). This album is if not the best, one of the better rock albums to come out in the past few years. It does take a political stance and after listening to a few songs it's easy to see what side of the fence they lie on, but that's what a Rock and Roll album should do. If nothing else, they've proved they still got it after all these years.
Key Tracks: Rough Justice, Let Me Down Slow, It Won't Take Long, Rain Fall Down, Streets of Love, She Saw Me Coming, Oh No Not You Again, Sweet Neo Con
3. The White Stripes Get Behind Me Satan released 6/7/05
Since the release of White Blood Cells in 2002, Jack and Meg White has constantly been re-inventing themselves and turning out a new sound on each album, while still making it sound like a White Stripes Album. For the life of me I still cannot figure out how they produce so much sound when the band consists of just two people, even at live shows. Get Behind Me Satan saw them continue to flirt with a more gritt country sound all the while still turning out a rock album. With out a doubt, the best piece of work they've done yet. the Walking With a Ghost EP recently released also goes hand in hand with this album, pick that one up too. The unique thing about this album is that it is more singles driven than "overall theme" of the record and that works great for it.
Key Tracks: Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Little Ghost, The Denial Twist, Take Take Take, As Ugly as I Seem, I'm Lonely (But I Ain't That Lonely Yet)
2. Coldplay X&Y released 6/7/05
Parachuttes and A Rush of Blood to the Head were both good discs, but X&Y is great. One of the best to come out in the last half decade. Where The White Stripes focused on a singles driven record, Coldplay went after the entire album concept and pulled it off. The songs each show evolution and seem to tell a story, and so do the song titles (It opens with "Square One" and ends with "Kingdom Come"). On this album more than ever before they seemlessly melded Chris Martin's powerful vocals and piano stylings with a rock driven bass line and guitar play. Even if you are not a fan of the band (oddly enough before this album I really wasn't) pick this disc up.
Key Tracks: Square One, White Shadows, Fix You, Talk, Speed of Sound, A Message, Hardest Part, Swallowed in the Sea, Kingdom Come
1. Franz Ferdinand You Could Have It So Much Better released 10/4/05
This disc was supposed to be your typical sophmore album where we see after a breakthrough debut album, this band was nothign more than a flash in the pan. One small problem with that, nobody informed the boys from Scotland of this plan. You Could Have It So Much Better blends new age rock, classic rock and punk all in one and makes it sound like a style all their own. It also shows it that this album and the debut album, Franz Ferdiand, only scratched the surface of what they have to offer as a group.
Key Tracks: The Fallen, Do You Want To, This Boy, Walk Away, Evil and A Heathen, Elanor Put Your Boots On, Well That Was Easy, You Could Have It So Much Better
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Hunt For April
There is one week left in the NFL regular season, and it's winding down to a photo finish. Just who will win the Race for Reggie? Well, if it ended today, the Texans would be placing Domanick Davis on the trading block and hiring the seamstress to fit Mr. Bush in blue with red trim. Here's how it looks now...
Houston 2-13
New Orleans 3-12
New York Jets 3-12
Green Bay 3-12
San Francisco 3-12
Houston can clinch the top spot with a loss this sunday when they battle fellow dwellers the 49ers. A win would not only cost them potential season ticket holders, but would cloud the picture and force math geeks to decide the fate of Reggie.
New Orleans is arguably the worst team in the NFL. The Packers drubbed them by 49 points way back in week five, so should the Packers and Saints both finish 3-13 would the Saints hold a futility tie breaker over them? The answer is no, tie breakers are determined by strength (or lack there of) of schedule, and as of right now the Saints have played the weakest schedule of the five teams in contention. Because it is the NFL's belief that if you struggle while playing inferrior competition you must be really bad and really need the top pick, the Saints would be the winners.
The Jets are also a terrible team. By looking at their record and play, you'd never know their head coach is Herman Edwards, but the NFL is weird like that. When Brooks Bollinger is leading your offense, an offense that I should point out features Cedric Houston, Jericho Cotchery, Chris Baker, a washed up Laverneus Coles and a highly overrated Just McCariens, looks like the defense better be scoring points for ya.
The Packers may just give the Jets a run for their money in terms of comically bad offensive players and names. Brett Favre's greatness regardless of what you hear from critics, has continued this year. Favre is tanking games and doing everything in his power to makesure he's lining up under center with Reggie Bush behind him next year. There is no other logical reason as to why else he has looked this bad. Well not unless you factor in that he's lost:
Javon Walker
Bubba Franks
Ahman Green
Najeh Davenport
Samkon Gado
Terrence Murphy
Robert Ferguson
Mike Flannigan
Rivera and Whale before the season even started
Now lets realize that he has thrown passes to:
Donald Driver
Javon Walker
Ferguson
Franks
Chatman
Donald Lee
David Martin
Mark Tauscher
Andre Thurman
Rod Gardner
Jamal Jones
Tony Fisher
ReShard Lee
Henderson
Gado
Green
And handed it off to:
Green
Gado
Davenport
Lee
Walt Williams
Fisher
Noah Herron
Yes his decision making has been aboslutely unfathomable, but he's playing with no talent around him and wisely realizes this is a bad team and winning won't help them. I'm glad that Favre is such a competitor and doesn't care about stats so much that he's willing to put a blemish on his otherwise hall of fame career by giving Vinny Testaverde a run for his money in terms on interceptions in a season. (If you're scoring at home, he has 28 and trails Vinny by 7...)
The Niners have a bad record and are a bad team, but unlike the Saints they play really hard. This scares the dickens out of me as a Packer fan.
The Docket
Seattle at Green Bay
Buffalo at NY Jets
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Houston at San Francisco
Prognosis
As a Packer fan, the prognosis isn't good. Seattle has locked up every thing already and may rest Hasslebeck and Alexander after a quarter or even drive. Howeva, the Seahawks' reserves are without question better than any team we can put on the field, I mean c'mon people have you not been watching this team for the past 4 months? The Seahawks pick up the W.
Green Bay: 3-13
Neither the Jets nor Bills have anything to play for. The Bills already beat the Bengals last week. That was thier Super Bowl. Vinny starts and the Jets pick up a costly win.
New York: 4-12
Tampa is fighting for the Division crown. They're actually fighing for their playoff lives too. Factor in who they're playing. This is a no brainer. Not only are the Saints bad, but they always lay down at the end of the season. Who does Jim Haslett have naked pictures of?
New Orleans: 3-13
I really hope CBS puts their top crew on this game because for all intents and purposes, "The Bush Bowl" is the game of the week. The Niners have shown fight, and the Texans have had a propensity for "losing" close games, or just games period lately. Gee mysteriously Kirs Brown misses badly on an easy field goal attempt. Somehow they blow a 21 point lead in the 4th quarter. Then all of a sudden when the Packers pick up a win and give them some breathing room they win a game? I'm not buying it. Houston knows what's at stake here and they won't let this oppotunity slip away. San Francisco 24 Houston 6.
PROJECTED WINNER: THE HOUSTON TEXANS
So there you have it, we're still waiting on the final number from California and Texas, but we here at the Brew City Beat are going to go ahead and Project the Houston Texans as the newest employer of Reggie Bush.
Houston 2-13
New Orleans 3-12
New York Jets 3-12
Green Bay 3-12
San Francisco 3-12
Houston can clinch the top spot with a loss this sunday when they battle fellow dwellers the 49ers. A win would not only cost them potential season ticket holders, but would cloud the picture and force math geeks to decide the fate of Reggie.
New Orleans is arguably the worst team in the NFL. The Packers drubbed them by 49 points way back in week five, so should the Packers and Saints both finish 3-13 would the Saints hold a futility tie breaker over them? The answer is no, tie breakers are determined by strength (or lack there of) of schedule, and as of right now the Saints have played the weakest schedule of the five teams in contention. Because it is the NFL's belief that if you struggle while playing inferrior competition you must be really bad and really need the top pick, the Saints would be the winners.
The Jets are also a terrible team. By looking at their record and play, you'd never know their head coach is Herman Edwards, but the NFL is weird like that. When Brooks Bollinger is leading your offense, an offense that I should point out features Cedric Houston, Jericho Cotchery, Chris Baker, a washed up Laverneus Coles and a highly overrated Just McCariens, looks like the defense better be scoring points for ya.
The Packers may just give the Jets a run for their money in terms of comically bad offensive players and names. Brett Favre's greatness regardless of what you hear from critics, has continued this year. Favre is tanking games and doing everything in his power to makesure he's lining up under center with Reggie Bush behind him next year. There is no other logical reason as to why else he has looked this bad. Well not unless you factor in that he's lost:
Javon Walker
Bubba Franks
Ahman Green
Najeh Davenport
Samkon Gado
Terrence Murphy
Robert Ferguson
Mike Flannigan
Rivera and Whale before the season even started
Now lets realize that he has thrown passes to:
Donald Driver
Javon Walker
Ferguson
Franks
Chatman
Donald Lee
David Martin
Mark Tauscher
Andre Thurman
Rod Gardner
Jamal Jones
Tony Fisher
ReShard Lee
Henderson
Gado
Green
And handed it off to:
Green
Gado
Davenport
Lee
Walt Williams
Fisher
Noah Herron
Yes his decision making has been aboslutely unfathomable, but he's playing with no talent around him and wisely realizes this is a bad team and winning won't help them. I'm glad that Favre is such a competitor and doesn't care about stats so much that he's willing to put a blemish on his otherwise hall of fame career by giving Vinny Testaverde a run for his money in terms on interceptions in a season. (If you're scoring at home, he has 28 and trails Vinny by 7...)
The Niners have a bad record and are a bad team, but unlike the Saints they play really hard. This scares the dickens out of me as a Packer fan.
The Docket
Seattle at Green Bay
Buffalo at NY Jets
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Houston at San Francisco
Prognosis
As a Packer fan, the prognosis isn't good. Seattle has locked up every thing already and may rest Hasslebeck and Alexander after a quarter or even drive. Howeva, the Seahawks' reserves are without question better than any team we can put on the field, I mean c'mon people have you not been watching this team for the past 4 months? The Seahawks pick up the W.
Green Bay: 3-13
Neither the Jets nor Bills have anything to play for. The Bills already beat the Bengals last week. That was thier Super Bowl. Vinny starts and the Jets pick up a costly win.
New York: 4-12
Tampa is fighting for the Division crown. They're actually fighing for their playoff lives too. Factor in who they're playing. This is a no brainer. Not only are the Saints bad, but they always lay down at the end of the season. Who does Jim Haslett have naked pictures of?
New Orleans: 3-13
I really hope CBS puts their top crew on this game because for all intents and purposes, "The Bush Bowl" is the game of the week. The Niners have shown fight, and the Texans have had a propensity for "losing" close games, or just games period lately. Gee mysteriously Kirs Brown misses badly on an easy field goal attempt. Somehow they blow a 21 point lead in the 4th quarter. Then all of a sudden when the Packers pick up a win and give them some breathing room they win a game? I'm not buying it. Houston knows what's at stake here and they won't let this oppotunity slip away. San Francisco 24 Houston 6.
PROJECTED WINNER: THE HOUSTON TEXANS
So there you have it, we're still waiting on the final number from California and Texas, but we here at the Brew City Beat are going to go ahead and Project the Houston Texans as the newest employer of Reggie Bush.
Friday, December 16, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Christmakuh Barmitzvahka'sode
"Johny's gotta a gun. Mmm, maa, mmmm, ma, mmmmm. Johny's gotta gun." Folks, I truly thought this was a nice episode for several reasons that probably don't need much explaining, but you have to seriously love this Johny kid's logic. He buys a piece from some guy on the street for $100 bucks so he can rob the mini-mart and all $30 in it's register. Boy, Schwartz must really hate the state of California public school system or something. As bland of a character as he is, I think I'm starting to like him for his unintentional comedy. Getting whacked by cars, popping too many vikes, brilliant logic. I can't wait to find out what happens next with him. I'm putting my chips on him being gay for Ryan next. Seems to make sense. Enough about a non main character though right? Gaddis might decide to go take a schnooze soon. It was Christmakuh, meaning only one thing. Major league hangover, that's what the holidays are good for correct?
Riding the high of banging out another hangover on the same laptop as Summer Roberts, we may as well start with the most unexpected character re-entrace. Summer's dad. The guy has had roughly six lines, appearing in exactly one episode per season and suddently he's prominently featured and on the cusp of becoming Julie Cooper's next ex-husband. This is such a great twist on so many levels. For one, it brings in a character that many viewers have questioned the lack thereof and seems to allow Julie to get back on the high road by continuing her legacy of marrying for money. if life has taught me one thing recently Mr. Roberts. Holla we want pre-nup! We want pre-nup! It's nothing that you need to have, but when she leave yo ass she gonna leave with half. we'll see how they handle this budding relationship along with the likely return of Jimmy at some point. I'm interested to say the least.
We also learned that Seth looked like a 13-year old when he was 13, but his parents either looked really old when he was 13 or didn't age at all, because they looked the exact same. I must say, there was nothing else the producers could really do except have Kirsten and Sandy's back to the camera. Well played over all. The video was hilarious. And I loved Ryan giving Seth some crap for being all by himself on his Barmitzvah and requesting to see video of his pals misery. Even bettered when Seth proclaims he'll have to kill him first, only to pop the video in on his own.
Julie Cooper stole this show. From her first scene of popping in a chaw whilst watching some sort of backyard auto racing, to showing her lovely red thong, she was back in full form this week. Her ending the episode by finally having the nerve to face Marissa and tell her she is broke as Cody on Friday morning, and telling Ryan, "I come in peace." JG is probably upset over this, but he likes to be upset and is at his best when in that state. More on this later. Julie also came to grips and we can safely assume she informed Marissa that she is indeed broke. We might have to wait until January to find out for certain.
Overall, I didn't think anything substantial happened, but it was an entertaining episode as the writers continue to have Johny bounce back and forth between lovable loser, guy we should hate or unintentional comedy. It's interesting how Ryan continues to arrive and witness something between his girlfriend and Johny that is really nothing but looks bad from his vantage point. I'll say this, those two are completely safe until some other female enters the show that Ryan could persue post-Cooper should that happen. There have been several hints this season to suggest it won't.
Enjoy your holidays everyone, don't drink too much holiday nog or festive whiskey. Catch you in 2K6.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH
1. How many episodes has it been since Julie and Marissa talked?
2. Is Taylor Townsend starring part time in some other show? She's been MIA the last two weeks. I, for one, am glad.
3. Could Julie, Marissa, Summer and her dad possibly co-exist under one roof?
4. How many episodes does Johny have left?
5. Which bowl is Alabama playing in? Hint: Not the Rose Bowl.
6. Will I knock an early prediction out of the park when the Fab 4 all finish the season at Harbor?
DRIVIN DOWN THE 101
The last time we saw Caitlyn she was being hurried off to boarding school and is now ready to return as a full blown slut, appearing to have aged at least 7 years in a two year span. I love it.
Oui Humbug has been used as an expression in every season thus far. Here's for three more.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Trey will return and hook up with Caitlyn. Boo-ya!
...you can believe that when the previews said a past member comes back, JG was all uup in arms thinking his four horsemen super heel theory was getting off the ground. Sorry Lovable Grump, you lose this round.
I'm out, enjoy your time away from work!
Riding the high of banging out another hangover on the same laptop as Summer Roberts, we may as well start with the most unexpected character re-entrace. Summer's dad. The guy has had roughly six lines, appearing in exactly one episode per season and suddently he's prominently featured and on the cusp of becoming Julie Cooper's next ex-husband. This is such a great twist on so many levels. For one, it brings in a character that many viewers have questioned the lack thereof and seems to allow Julie to get back on the high road by continuing her legacy of marrying for money. if life has taught me one thing recently Mr. Roberts. Holla we want pre-nup! We want pre-nup! It's nothing that you need to have, but when she leave yo ass she gonna leave with half. we'll see how they handle this budding relationship along with the likely return of Jimmy at some point. I'm interested to say the least.
We also learned that Seth looked like a 13-year old when he was 13, but his parents either looked really old when he was 13 or didn't age at all, because they looked the exact same. I must say, there was nothing else the producers could really do except have Kirsten and Sandy's back to the camera. Well played over all. The video was hilarious. And I loved Ryan giving Seth some crap for being all by himself on his Barmitzvah and requesting to see video of his pals misery. Even bettered when Seth proclaims he'll have to kill him first, only to pop the video in on his own.
Julie Cooper stole this show. From her first scene of popping in a chaw whilst watching some sort of backyard auto racing, to showing her lovely red thong, she was back in full form this week. Her ending the episode by finally having the nerve to face Marissa and tell her she is broke as Cody on Friday morning, and telling Ryan, "I come in peace." JG is probably upset over this, but he likes to be upset and is at his best when in that state. More on this later. Julie also came to grips and we can safely assume she informed Marissa that she is indeed broke. We might have to wait until January to find out for certain.
Overall, I didn't think anything substantial happened, but it was an entertaining episode as the writers continue to have Johny bounce back and forth between lovable loser, guy we should hate or unintentional comedy. It's interesting how Ryan continues to arrive and witness something between his girlfriend and Johny that is really nothing but looks bad from his vantage point. I'll say this, those two are completely safe until some other female enters the show that Ryan could persue post-Cooper should that happen. There have been several hints this season to suggest it won't.
Enjoy your holidays everyone, don't drink too much holiday nog or festive whiskey. Catch you in 2K6.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH
1. How many episodes has it been since Julie and Marissa talked?
2. Is Taylor Townsend starring part time in some other show? She's been MIA the last two weeks. I, for one, am glad.
3. Could Julie, Marissa, Summer and her dad possibly co-exist under one roof?
4. How many episodes does Johny have left?
5. Which bowl is Alabama playing in? Hint: Not the Rose Bowl.
6. Will I knock an early prediction out of the park when the Fab 4 all finish the season at Harbor?
DRIVIN DOWN THE 101
The last time we saw Caitlyn she was being hurried off to boarding school and is now ready to return as a full blown slut, appearing to have aged at least 7 years in a two year span. I love it.
Oui Humbug has been used as an expression in every season thus far. Here's for three more.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Trey will return and hook up with Caitlyn. Boo-ya!
...you can believe that when the previews said a past member comes back, JG was all uup in arms thinking his four horsemen super heel theory was getting off the ground. Sorry Lovable Grump, you lose this round.
I'm out, enjoy your time away from work!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Double Brown'pisode
Remember that song by Motley Crue that went "girls, girls, girls...long legs, burgandy lips?" Yeah, it was called 'Girls, Girls, Girls' and it was written about strip clubs and should have been playing when Ryan was getting a lap dance from a naughty police officer. Way to drop the ball Schwartz and hand Ryan a presumably non-alcoholic drink making him look like that creepy 50-year old guy drinking an O'Doul's at the strip club's son. I'm giving you all a fair warning here, that I'm probably going to pump out the shortest and boringest Hangover since the AFL-NFL merger to accurately reflect how boring this episode was. In fact, I'm not even hung over.
The opening scene gave away how bland of an episode this was because it was awful. I think whoever scripted this 'pisode was indeed hungover. So what happened that was signicant? Nothing. They painted a picture of the Fab 4 distancing themselves, only to have them all buttoned up by the end. Sandy's apprentice was fired than hired thanks to his lying stripper, law student friend. Aren't they all "entertaining" just to pay the college bills Sandy? To show you have ho-hum this episode was, Sandy said, "Well we've been working on our marriage for almost 25 years." Huh, that's weird, according to my season two dvds, last year you and Kirsten were married 20. I guess this year is four or five years later.
Last episode they tried killing Johny by having him get whacked by a car, now they try to throw the kid a bone by having him get doped up on vicodin and spill his soul and profess his love to "the one and only Marissa Cooper." It was vicodin, not booze, since when does it make you loose lipped and laughing, singing songs and havin' no regrets? Secondly, I only respect one individual on vicodin and he came back to win Super Bowls and MVP awards. Hey Gaddis, remember how the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996? You should, it was a lot more recent than 1985.
So here's the other signifant parts of the episode. Seth and Summer are both applying to Brown and still very much in love. Julie and Kirsten are starting a high end dating service. Apple is doling out major money to The OC. I honestly think the best part of this episode was the commercial for King Kong. I already bought my advance tickets to the Ultra Screen because of it.
Seriously, is it Christmakuh yet?
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Did Schwartz purposely plant a snoozer before the Christmakuh Barmitzmakuh'pisode?
2. Why would Chili, who idolizes Johny up and leave when his best buddy is on the PUP list?
3. Did Gaddis finish this episode or did he take a nap half way through?
4. How bored am I?
DRIVIN DOWN THE 101:
Let's see, we had a reference to Marissa's vicodin OD from season one. That was pretty cool.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Sandy's business partner will fail yet again.
...Julie will screw up in her new "face" role.
...neither Seth or Summer will get into Brown.
The opening scene gave away how bland of an episode this was because it was awful. I think whoever scripted this 'pisode was indeed hungover. So what happened that was signicant? Nothing. They painted a picture of the Fab 4 distancing themselves, only to have them all buttoned up by the end. Sandy's apprentice was fired than hired thanks to his lying stripper, law student friend. Aren't they all "entertaining" just to pay the college bills Sandy? To show you have ho-hum this episode was, Sandy said, "Well we've been working on our marriage for almost 25 years." Huh, that's weird, according to my season two dvds, last year you and Kirsten were married 20. I guess this year is four or five years later.
Last episode they tried killing Johny by having him get whacked by a car, now they try to throw the kid a bone by having him get doped up on vicodin and spill his soul and profess his love to "the one and only Marissa Cooper." It was vicodin, not booze, since when does it make you loose lipped and laughing, singing songs and havin' no regrets? Secondly, I only respect one individual on vicodin and he came back to win Super Bowls and MVP awards. Hey Gaddis, remember how the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996? You should, it was a lot more recent than 1985.
So here's the other signifant parts of the episode. Seth and Summer are both applying to Brown and still very much in love. Julie and Kirsten are starting a high end dating service. Apple is doling out major money to The OC. I honestly think the best part of this episode was the commercial for King Kong. I already bought my advance tickets to the Ultra Screen because of it.
Seriously, is it Christmakuh yet?
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Did Schwartz purposely plant a snoozer before the Christmakuh Barmitzmakuh'pisode?
2. Why would Chili, who idolizes Johny up and leave when his best buddy is on the PUP list?
3. Did Gaddis finish this episode or did he take a nap half way through?
4. How bored am I?
DRIVIN DOWN THE 101:
Let's see, we had a reference to Marissa's vicodin OD from season one. That was pretty cool.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Sandy's business partner will fail yet again.
...Julie will screw up in her new "face" role.
...neither Seth or Summer will get into Brown.
Friday, November 18, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The non rumble by the Pier'pisode
Forgive me if this week is less than my best work. If you were trying to watch your favorite program while your mother had a dozen former sorority sisters over upstairs, you'd be a little foggy and just relieved to be out of the house as well. Translation: Nasty hangover this morning. But probably not as bad as last Sunday, wink, wink, STAIRWELL! While I fail to see how this was the craziest episode of The OC ever as last weeks previews billed it, I must say, it was a welcome change from the previous two episodes. My heart was thumping at a terrific pace when Ryan was playing unstable crazy nutball who just might bash in a guys face with a broken gin bottle on the beach. And you know what? Man, do I wish he would have pulled the trigger on destroying that Volcheck guy. Think about it folks, after he uncorks on him he says, "My girlfriend my shoot people, but I kill people." Then Schwartz could cue that happy go lucky early 90's song with the refrain, "I'm walking on, walking on, broken glass." Yeah, ibuprofen? Outstanding.
The big news, someone finally took steps to rid the program of Charlotte. To be honest, I was expecting Julie to go along with her on this one. This is the character that has done basically everything, so I thought she's long overdue for another stunt. I loved her classic Ju-Ju line of "this town is only big enough for one manipulative bitch." I also liked how she threatened her to call the cops, go ahead, do it, c'mon. Just like Ryan threatening that guy on the beach. I wanted to stand and pump my fists in the air or hit something. I wasn't sure if the scene with Ryan taking out his aggression on the boxing bag was really cool or really lame. I could probably be persuaded on it.
As I seemed to nail down at one point in a previous Hangover, Taylor will take a couple to the brink, but not end them. There's still plenty of time for that one to reverse, but if Taylor freaking Townsend turns out to be the end all of Seth and Summer, I'll pack my OC watching bags and move straight to Riverside. You have to admit, that Taylor is something else. Now that they have actually given her character some depth with the slight addition of the Newpsie mother that is five cards short of a full deck, she adds something to the show. But I have a hard time believing she'd be all into Japanese films and more so that after her little 'Brad and Jen' speech to Ryan about S/S, that Atwood wouldn't say to his pal, "uh, that crazy girl is blatantly trying to break up you and Summer." So now that Seth is still Summer's boyfriend and also has another attractive girl who wants him, will he still be the dorky geek? Where I come from, he who has two hot girls after him; usually not the geek. But it appears with the lying to Summer that Seth might be taking a step away from his more mellowed out state, back to the crazy, babbling Cohen. Time will tell.
Sandy fired four people. Or did his assistant fire four peole? Sanford laying people off on The OC, next thing you know he's going to be stumping for George W. Bush and pumping his boys full of Republican propaganda.
It's now official. Marissa Cooper could leave the public school for the school of the cognitively disabled. I'm not a Marissa or Mischa hater like most, but are you kidding me? "Ok, I'll get in your van with you while you transport me to an ATM. I see absolutely no possible way this could not turn out as planned, none at all." Yeah Marissa, and Alabama beat LSU last weekend and is a favorite to win the National Title.
It was kind of nice to not get a new character thrown into the fray this week. It might be the first time this season that that happened. Next week the fab 4 will apparently all choose their respected colleges and the show will conclude for the season. Or we'll find out if our beloved program has a future post HS. The OC CY? CY=College Years. Think about Seth at his first college basement party......done? Oh it has a future when they're in college. And I'll leave you with the initial character/college choices, don't think this is set in stone.
Summer-USC (private school)
Marissa-UCLA (public school...her family is broke remember?)
Seth-Cal (He needs to get out of Orange County at some point, they've been hinting at it since S1, E1.)
Ryan-Nope, tech school at best.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Does Ryan suddenly have some outrage problem that he needs to unleash on a punching bag? Remember season two when he didn't get in any fights?
2. Was I the only one who thought Trey was going to reappear on the beach under the pier in the same spot he assulted Marissa, this time fighting for her and her brother?
3. Did the producers forget they had the Bait Shop set sitting around somewhere until this week?
4. Marissa, seriously, you got in the van?
5. How good does Filzen look in LSU purple and gold?
6. How many episodes until Taylor does a complete heel turn again?
7. How gullable are they making Summer? She doesn't think the same girl that lied to her and got her detention could filch a small horse?
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
Contrary to Natekon Filzo's voice message last evening, yesterday was not the first time we've seen a black person on The OC. That occured earlier this season at the public school dance.
So in season two we saw underagers getting Brothers 2004 drunk, people selling cocaine and shooting at each other, but they didn't get kicked out of the Bait Shop. In season three a guy grabs a girl, then a different guy puts him up against a wall and the guy that grabbed said girl gets the boot. That's interesting.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...Seth is UW-Madison bound. He's always wanted to go east. No way he's going coast to coast. He'll settle down in the liberal hotbed of the Midwest.
...Casey will reappear on the show.
...Sandy will fail horribly with the Newport Group.
...These are stuggling lately, I know. But for my first time ever.....
NOBLE AND COLD
See I'm writing this bad boy from a Barnes and Noble and I figured I'd throw in a small quick hit about this rather annoying 11 year old here with her mom. The 11 year old is talking on her own cell phone, complaining how her coffee is too carmely. Boy do I hope she's a Hangover reader, will she feel like quite the fool.
The big news, someone finally took steps to rid the program of Charlotte. To be honest, I was expecting Julie to go along with her on this one. This is the character that has done basically everything, so I thought she's long overdue for another stunt. I loved her classic Ju-Ju line of "this town is only big enough for one manipulative bitch." I also liked how she threatened her to call the cops, go ahead, do it, c'mon. Just like Ryan threatening that guy on the beach. I wanted to stand and pump my fists in the air or hit something. I wasn't sure if the scene with Ryan taking out his aggression on the boxing bag was really cool or really lame. I could probably be persuaded on it.
As I seemed to nail down at one point in a previous Hangover, Taylor will take a couple to the brink, but not end them. There's still plenty of time for that one to reverse, but if Taylor freaking Townsend turns out to be the end all of Seth and Summer, I'll pack my OC watching bags and move straight to Riverside. You have to admit, that Taylor is something else. Now that they have actually given her character some depth with the slight addition of the Newpsie mother that is five cards short of a full deck, she adds something to the show. But I have a hard time believing she'd be all into Japanese films and more so that after her little 'Brad and Jen' speech to Ryan about S/S, that Atwood wouldn't say to his pal, "uh, that crazy girl is blatantly trying to break up you and Summer." So now that Seth is still Summer's boyfriend and also has another attractive girl who wants him, will he still be the dorky geek? Where I come from, he who has two hot girls after him; usually not the geek. But it appears with the lying to Summer that Seth might be taking a step away from his more mellowed out state, back to the crazy, babbling Cohen. Time will tell.
Sandy fired four people. Or did his assistant fire four peole? Sanford laying people off on The OC, next thing you know he's going to be stumping for George W. Bush and pumping his boys full of Republican propaganda.
It's now official. Marissa Cooper could leave the public school for the school of the cognitively disabled. I'm not a Marissa or Mischa hater like most, but are you kidding me? "Ok, I'll get in your van with you while you transport me to an ATM. I see absolutely no possible way this could not turn out as planned, none at all." Yeah Marissa, and Alabama beat LSU last weekend and is a favorite to win the National Title.
It was kind of nice to not get a new character thrown into the fray this week. It might be the first time this season that that happened. Next week the fab 4 will apparently all choose their respected colleges and the show will conclude for the season. Or we'll find out if our beloved program has a future post HS. The OC CY? CY=College Years. Think about Seth at his first college basement party......done? Oh it has a future when they're in college. And I'll leave you with the initial character/college choices, don't think this is set in stone.
Summer-USC (private school)
Marissa-UCLA (public school...her family is broke remember?)
Seth-Cal (He needs to get out of Orange County at some point, they've been hinting at it since S1, E1.)
Ryan-Nope, tech school at best.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Does Ryan suddenly have some outrage problem that he needs to unleash on a punching bag? Remember season two when he didn't get in any fights?
2. Was I the only one who thought Trey was going to reappear on the beach under the pier in the same spot he assulted Marissa, this time fighting for her and her brother?
3. Did the producers forget they had the Bait Shop set sitting around somewhere until this week?
4. Marissa, seriously, you got in the van?
5. How good does Filzen look in LSU purple and gold?
6. How many episodes until Taylor does a complete heel turn again?
7. How gullable are they making Summer? She doesn't think the same girl that lied to her and got her detention could filch a small horse?
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
Contrary to Natekon Filzo's voice message last evening, yesterday was not the first time we've seen a black person on The OC. That occured earlier this season at the public school dance.
So in season two we saw underagers getting Brothers 2004 drunk, people selling cocaine and shooting at each other, but they didn't get kicked out of the Bait Shop. In season three a guy grabs a girl, then a different guy puts him up against a wall and the guy that grabbed said girl gets the boot. That's interesting.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...Seth is UW-Madison bound. He's always wanted to go east. No way he's going coast to coast. He'll settle down in the liberal hotbed of the Midwest.
...Casey will reappear on the show.
...Sandy will fail horribly with the Newport Group.
...These are stuggling lately, I know. But for my first time ever.....
NOBLE AND COLD
See I'm writing this bad boy from a Barnes and Noble and I figured I'd throw in a small quick hit about this rather annoying 11 year old here with her mom. The 11 year old is talking on her own cell phone, complaining how her coffee is too carmely. Boy do I hope she's a Hangover reader, will she feel like quite the fool.
Friday, November 11, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Back to the Roots'pisode
I hope my computer doesn't decide to up and not publish my musings this week. None too pleased doesn't quite describe how I felt after penning what I thought to be one of the best Hangover's since the AFL-NFL merger. But as the converse commercial has taught me, fall down seven times, get up eight. I'm also proud to proclaim The Hangover can now be viewed at our wonderful sister site, www.theocbeat.blogspot.com. Yeah you read that right. And no, you weren't having flash backs like Marissa when you thought you were viewing seasons one and two rolled into one big season three episode. Confused? I'm here to help. The creative geniuses needed to re-incarnate Luke from season one in the form of the dude that hates the dude that we thought (and probably still will) we should hate. Bottom line, they needed to toss in another preppy, cocky asshole for Ryan to rumble with. Then, they have Marissa sleep in her best friends bed. If I were Summer, I'd be a tad concerned, season two did prominently feature Marissa as a bi-sexual remember. Oh, how I do remember. By the by, they should cast Summer in those pajamas a whole lot more often.
So at this point the whole plot of Marissa leaving Ryan for Johnny seems to have come to a screeching halt, although I'm sure that story line is far from over. I'm not going to lie, I was confused when the episode ended, showing Ryan and Johnny talking over burger and fries and Summer telling Marissa it isn't going to be hard that Johnny likes her. Didn't make much sense to me after seeing Ryan cold cock the guy that just slept with Johnny's girlfriend.
Taylor Townsend can apparently still function after the loss of her beloved Dean Hess. She also has an ass that isn't made for low-cut pants, according to her brutaly honest mother. And, AND, she won't be the end of Seth and Summer after her not letting Summer into the gym tactic. Our (my) beloved couple won't be brought down by Double T, like it appears Kirsten is being brought down by Julie Cooper-Nichol and Charlotte Morgan, or is it Muggy May Sampson or Martha Stewert?
Charlotte is doing her best Grandma Simpson impersonation by toting three or four ID's all with different names. And of course Julie isn't going to take the high road when she could use the back door. Zing.
If you haven't noticed by now, I thought this was a rather ho-hum episode. So much so, that I think the guy that looks like Zach's dad who is now in training to be a young Sandy Cohen, may have been the best part. Ringing up shots for he and Sandy, being ethical behind his bosses back, teaming up with the new solo artist. I look forward to that one taking off as it now appears a new pawn is in place to form the JLA OC. Dammit, just tipped my hand to Schwartz.
In the most surprising moment of this episode, we saw that public school kids have parties just like the Harbor School kids do. They even had scantily clad hot females at their party too! Who knew the public school kids in Orange County could figure these things out? Maybe their outdoor hallways aided in that process.
I realize this hasn't been my best work on The Hangover, but I'm a tad worried my computer is going to butt heads with me again and even a maestro like myself can't make a bland episode all that much better. But I don't know why I'm wasting any more of your time, since next week is going to be the 'craziest, wildest episode ever!'
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH
1. Who honestly gets upset when they call their boyfriend at 4 in the morning and he groggily says, "we'll talk about it later, go back to sleep?" C'mon Coop, now you're just being ridiculous.
2. FROM LAST WEEKS HANGOVER: Is Seth Cohen UW-Madison bound? Think about it folks, Sandy, an alum from the hippie haven Cal-Berkley sees his boy off to the liberal haven of the Midwest. So gets out's your seat and jump around.
3. Did Julie Cooper ever consider getting a job? Seems like a way to make money to me.
4. What will Sandy and his new strapping side kick accomplish next?
5. How many cups of coffee has Gaddis consumed this morning?
DRIVING DOWN THE 101
Kind of hit on this section in the opening paragraph, but here's another piece of nostalgia for you. Not only did they script in another Luke in the form of that Valcheck lad, but they also had Ryan deck him on the beach by a campfire ala S1, E1.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Taylor will take S/S to the brink, but not all the way.
...you can believe Valcheck will wind up humping Julie Cooper and having a gay father.
...you can believe Kirsten will start drinking in two more episodes.
That's all I got, Lovable Grump, that would be your cue.
So at this point the whole plot of Marissa leaving Ryan for Johnny seems to have come to a screeching halt, although I'm sure that story line is far from over. I'm not going to lie, I was confused when the episode ended, showing Ryan and Johnny talking over burger and fries and Summer telling Marissa it isn't going to be hard that Johnny likes her. Didn't make much sense to me after seeing Ryan cold cock the guy that just slept with Johnny's girlfriend.
Taylor Townsend can apparently still function after the loss of her beloved Dean Hess. She also has an ass that isn't made for low-cut pants, according to her brutaly honest mother. And, AND, she won't be the end of Seth and Summer after her not letting Summer into the gym tactic. Our (my) beloved couple won't be brought down by Double T, like it appears Kirsten is being brought down by Julie Cooper-Nichol and Charlotte Morgan, or is it Muggy May Sampson or Martha Stewert?
Charlotte is doing her best Grandma Simpson impersonation by toting three or four ID's all with different names. And of course Julie isn't going to take the high road when she could use the back door. Zing.
If you haven't noticed by now, I thought this was a rather ho-hum episode. So much so, that I think the guy that looks like Zach's dad who is now in training to be a young Sandy Cohen, may have been the best part. Ringing up shots for he and Sandy, being ethical behind his bosses back, teaming up with the new solo artist. I look forward to that one taking off as it now appears a new pawn is in place to form the JLA OC. Dammit, just tipped my hand to Schwartz.
In the most surprising moment of this episode, we saw that public school kids have parties just like the Harbor School kids do. They even had scantily clad hot females at their party too! Who knew the public school kids in Orange County could figure these things out? Maybe their outdoor hallways aided in that process.
I realize this hasn't been my best work on The Hangover, but I'm a tad worried my computer is going to butt heads with me again and even a maestro like myself can't make a bland episode all that much better. But I don't know why I'm wasting any more of your time, since next week is going to be the 'craziest, wildest episode ever!'
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH
1. Who honestly gets upset when they call their boyfriend at 4 in the morning and he groggily says, "we'll talk about it later, go back to sleep?" C'mon Coop, now you're just being ridiculous.
2. FROM LAST WEEKS HANGOVER: Is Seth Cohen UW-Madison bound? Think about it folks, Sandy, an alum from the hippie haven Cal-Berkley sees his boy off to the liberal haven of the Midwest. So gets out's your seat and jump around.
3. Did Julie Cooper ever consider getting a job? Seems like a way to make money to me.
4. What will Sandy and his new strapping side kick accomplish next?
5. How many cups of coffee has Gaddis consumed this morning?
DRIVING DOWN THE 101
Kind of hit on this section in the opening paragraph, but here's another piece of nostalgia for you. Not only did they script in another Luke in the form of that Valcheck lad, but they also had Ryan deck him on the beach by a campfire ala S1, E1.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe Taylor will take S/S to the brink, but not all the way.
...you can believe Valcheck will wind up humping Julie Cooper and having a gay father.
...you can believe Kirsten will start drinking in two more episodes.
That's all I got, Lovable Grump, that would be your cue.
Friday, November 04, 2005
The Basketball Diaries: 11/4
For the first time in four years, there is legitimate hope in the city of Milwaukee when it comes to basketball.
Not since the days when Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell made up the "Big Three" was there this much optimism circulating around the city. And for good reason, the Bucks are a good team.
Larry Harris did his share of wheeling and dealing this offseason, and set this team up with it's best nueclues since the 1971 NBA Championship season. That's right, even better than the 2001 Eastern Conference runner up team.
That team was built to score. They couldn't stop anyone to save their life, and Sam Cassell was the go to guy down the strecth, no matter what you think. That's not good. Glenn Robinson and Ray Allen failed to step up when it mattered most, and will be remembered as not quite as good as they should have been.
So what makes this team so good? Why should you be legitimately excited about the prospects of possibly making it to the conference finals? I thought you'd never ask...
Not since the days when Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell made up the "Big Three" was there this much optimism circulating around the city. And for good reason, the Bucks are a good team.
Larry Harris did his share of wheeling and dealing this offseason, and set this team up with it's best nueclues since the 1971 NBA Championship season. That's right, even better than the 2001 Eastern Conference runner up team.
That team was built to score. They couldn't stop anyone to save their life, and Sam Cassell was the go to guy down the strecth, no matter what you think. That's not good. Glenn Robinson and Ray Allen failed to step up when it mattered most, and will be remembered as not quite as good as they should have been.
So what makes this team so good? Why should you be legitimately excited about the prospects of possibly making it to the conference finals? I thought you'd never ask...
- TJ Ford: He's baaaaack. Man does Terrance look good back in the fold. TJ does so much for this team, words cannot even describe. It's a noticable difference.
- Terry Stotts: Terry Porter was a good guy, but he was too raw, and the only reason why he got the job was because of his roots. Stotts is a very good young coach, and let's not forget he was the top deciple of George Karl. He did have a few head coaching offers during the 1998-2001 run, but decided to turn them down and stay with George until the two had a falling out.
- The Twin Towers: As Bucks fans, we've always looked at teams with a good big man and thought why can't we ever have one of those? We now have two. Andrew Bogut is going to be a very special player in this league. He has the tools, and the intellect, he just needs the molding. Jamal Magloire is his body guard. Magloire does the dirty work and Bogut cashes in. Plus this allows Joe Smith to come in off the bench, something he is better suited to do at this point in his career. Joe Smith playing 15-20 minutes a night as a reserve is a pretty nice fall back option.
- Michael Redd: Redd is a bonafide superstar waiting to erupt. I've been pulling for this guy since 2001 and felt all along he would suceed if given the chance to play. Michael Redd will end up being one of the greatest players in franchise history, and has already evolved into just as good of a player as, if not better, Ray Allen.
- The Nuecleus: This team is virtually all young guys just coming into, or about to come into their own. Magloire, Redd, Simmons are all guys just hitting the high level. Mo Williams, TJ Ford, Bogut and Charlie Bell haven't even cracked the surface yet. Toss in vets like Joe Smith, Big Erv (Earvin Johnson) and Special K (Toni Kukoc) and they've got a nice mix. Not to mention Jiri Welsch, who hasn't even cracked the rotation yet.
- Larry Harris: The guy seems like hes pure evil and 100% slime ball. But that's somethign this city isn't used to. A win at all costs guy. Granted I wouldn't trust him, or want to meet him in a dark alley (look at him and seriously tell me he doesn't look like "a made guy" if you know what I mean) but he's putting a good product on the floor.
The only thing holding this team back for now is the fact that they play in the toughest division in basketball. Give them a few years, but somethig big is happening in Milwaukee. Basketball and Baseball (who would have thunk it...)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Northern Exposure: Week 8
Results
Green Bay 14 Cincinnati 21
Detroit 13 Chicago 19
Minnesota 13 Carolina 38
Standings
Chicago 4-3
Detroit 3-4
Minnesota 2-5
Green Bay 1-6
Breakdown
It's official, the Bears have won the NFC North. With nine games left in the season, a one game lead may as well be a six game lead in this division. The Lions have too many problems, the Vikings and Packers are bad, and the Bears just keep getting better.
The Vikings continued to be those Vikings we all know and love. One week after looking as though they've turned it around and like they might actually make a run in this division, they failed to get off the flight into Carolina and were blown out by the Panthers. Better yet, Duante Culpepper essentailly blew up his knee and will be sidelined for the rest of the year. The comedy coming out of Minnesota is non stop.
The Packers hung around with another team, only to do what bad teams do. Not win. Everyone who is, or was calling for Mike Sherman's head-myself included-should momentarily cool it. Look, do I have my doubts about him? Yeah, but he has won thre consecutive NFC North crowns, a stat you can't exactly throw by the wayside. You have to let him finish the season, if for nothing else than the reason that his players still believe in him. If the team had given up on him already they would be getting blown out in every game, but they're hanging around. They were in the Detoit game virtually throughout it all, and the other five losses have come by a combined 16. Six losses by 33 points. These are all games they would be winning in years past, but the fire power's just not there this year.
This much is clear, the players believe in Mike Sherman, and the defensive guys believe in Jim Bates. Now if they keep showing progress, those are two pretty good building blocks for next year. Yeah, next year. I can't believe I'm already looking forward to next year in week 8.
Funniest Moments of the Week
And there were many. Lets see, where do I begin. There was...
Chad Johnson giving water to an official and then getting asked for some by another official. Say what you will about him but the man provides us with good comedy.
Chad Johnson earning himself a Giecko endorsement deal by saying "The bad news is you have to face me, the good new is you can save %10..." to Al Harris.
The Vikings game.
Fred Smoot going out of his way to talk trash to Steve Smith, only to get lit up for four penalties, 201 receiving yards, 11 catches and one touchdown. Nice job "Smut". Oh yeah, Smoot was unavailable for comment after the game.
Jeff Garcia going as Joey Harrington one day early for Halloween. At least I think he did, thats the only explanation I can come up with as to why he would throw that pass in overtime.
Stat of the Week
One.
The Packers have one freaking win after seven games.
Upcoming Schedule
Pittsburgh at Green Bay
Detroit at Minnesota
Chicago at New Orleans
In Case You Missed It
The Packers have severed ties with last years third round pick Joey Thomas. While I will agree that Thomas has been horrible, and has been constantly outplayed by Ahmad Carroll, isn't it kind of early to give up on a third rounder whom you thought had so much potential and could blossom?
I don't think Thomas will be a player because he looks slow, he doesn't have good instincts, and I still can't get over him closing his eyes before whiffing on a tackle last year, but can you really give up on him this early when you're this bad?
Upon Further Review
The Bears are actually a good team. Imagine if they had a non rookie quarterback starting, that and another reciever opposite Muhmmad.
Questions of the Week
Reggie Bush or Jimmy Williams?
Am I really looking forward to the Draft already?
Saddest Moment of the Week
Watching Brett Favre attempting to get himself off the ground only to fall back down, absolutely drained and exhuasted after sunday's loss. The look on his face is truely sad. At least to Packer fans, it's as if he's thinkning "Why don't these guys want it as bas as I do?"
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birs and snakes, and aeroplane..."
With Brett Favre under center, the Packers played the Bengals and not only lost, but were expected to lose going in. What's going on here? Am I dreaming? The Packers are in last place in the NFL and the Bengals lead their division?
Green Bay 14 Cincinnati 21
Detroit 13 Chicago 19
Minnesota 13 Carolina 38
Standings
Chicago 4-3
Detroit 3-4
Minnesota 2-5
Green Bay 1-6
Breakdown
It's official, the Bears have won the NFC North. With nine games left in the season, a one game lead may as well be a six game lead in this division. The Lions have too many problems, the Vikings and Packers are bad, and the Bears just keep getting better.
The Vikings continued to be those Vikings we all know and love. One week after looking as though they've turned it around and like they might actually make a run in this division, they failed to get off the flight into Carolina and were blown out by the Panthers. Better yet, Duante Culpepper essentailly blew up his knee and will be sidelined for the rest of the year. The comedy coming out of Minnesota is non stop.
The Packers hung around with another team, only to do what bad teams do. Not win. Everyone who is, or was calling for Mike Sherman's head-myself included-should momentarily cool it. Look, do I have my doubts about him? Yeah, but he has won thre consecutive NFC North crowns, a stat you can't exactly throw by the wayside. You have to let him finish the season, if for nothing else than the reason that his players still believe in him. If the team had given up on him already they would be getting blown out in every game, but they're hanging around. They were in the Detoit game virtually throughout it all, and the other five losses have come by a combined 16. Six losses by 33 points. These are all games they would be winning in years past, but the fire power's just not there this year.
This much is clear, the players believe in Mike Sherman, and the defensive guys believe in Jim Bates. Now if they keep showing progress, those are two pretty good building blocks for next year. Yeah, next year. I can't believe I'm already looking forward to next year in week 8.
Funniest Moments of the Week
And there were many. Lets see, where do I begin. There was...
Chad Johnson giving water to an official and then getting asked for some by another official. Say what you will about him but the man provides us with good comedy.
Chad Johnson earning himself a Giecko endorsement deal by saying "The bad news is you have to face me, the good new is you can save %10..." to Al Harris.
The Vikings game.
Fred Smoot going out of his way to talk trash to Steve Smith, only to get lit up for four penalties, 201 receiving yards, 11 catches and one touchdown. Nice job "Smut". Oh yeah, Smoot was unavailable for comment after the game.
Jeff Garcia going as Joey Harrington one day early for Halloween. At least I think he did, thats the only explanation I can come up with as to why he would throw that pass in overtime.
Stat of the Week
One.
The Packers have one freaking win after seven games.
Upcoming Schedule
Pittsburgh at Green Bay
Detroit at Minnesota
Chicago at New Orleans
In Case You Missed It
The Packers have severed ties with last years third round pick Joey Thomas. While I will agree that Thomas has been horrible, and has been constantly outplayed by Ahmad Carroll, isn't it kind of early to give up on a third rounder whom you thought had so much potential and could blossom?
I don't think Thomas will be a player because he looks slow, he doesn't have good instincts, and I still can't get over him closing his eyes before whiffing on a tackle last year, but can you really give up on him this early when you're this bad?
Upon Further Review
The Bears are actually a good team. Imagine if they had a non rookie quarterback starting, that and another reciever opposite Muhmmad.
Questions of the Week
Reggie Bush or Jimmy Williams?
Am I really looking forward to the Draft already?
Saddest Moment of the Week
Watching Brett Favre attempting to get himself off the ground only to fall back down, absolutely drained and exhuasted after sunday's loss. The look on his face is truely sad. At least to Packer fans, it's as if he's thinkning "Why don't these guys want it as bas as I do?"
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birs and snakes, and aeroplane..."
With Brett Favre under center, the Packers played the Bengals and not only lost, but were expected to lose going in. What's going on here? Am I dreaming? The Packers are in last place in the NFL and the Bengals lead their division?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Northern Exposure: Week 7
Results
Green Bay 20 Minnesota 23
Cleveland 10 Detroit 13
Baltimore 6 Chicago 10
Standings
Chicago 3-3
Detroit 3-3
Minnesota 2-4
Green Bay 1-5
Breakdown
The division took an interesting turn this past weekend. The Lions took a step in the right direction by benching Joey Harrington in favor of Jeff Garcia, and three of the four teams picked up a win.
The Bears defense looks so good, Jeff Garcia starting makes you think the Lions offense could be so good, and the Vikings gave you a glimpse of what might be.
As long as Kyle Orton doesn't make many mistakes (preferably any) the Bears will be in every game on their schedule. In my eyes, the next two games on thier docket are key. A road game against the Saints and a home contest with the god awful 49ers. Both are winnable games, and games the Bears need to win if they want to take this division.
I say that because the seven games that follow those two are: Carolina, @ Tampa Bay, Green Bay, @ Pittsburgh, Atlanta, @ Green Bay, @ Minnesota. Tampa, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and possibly Carolina and Minnesota are all playoff teams, and as bad as the Packers are Brett Favre absolutely owns the Bears.
The Packers may have done everyone in the division and possibly conference a disservice this weekend by waking a sleeping giant. This may have been the wakeup call the Vikes have been waiting on all season. If they had someone other than "FrankenTice" running the ship I'd feel a little more confident saying that.
The Lions still have five or six winnable games left on their schedule, whereas I'd say the Bears have four or five. If they Lions don't get to 8-8, Mooch has to join Joey Harrington in the unemployment line. Yes Harrington has been abismal, and the defense has been bad, but we've seen Packers, Vikings and Rams teams at least make the playoffs on offense alone. Especially when you're playing in the NFC, and NFC North at that.
As much as it pains me to say this, I think the Vikes are primed to make a run and take this division. This win may have been the epiphany they needed, the have the most offensive weapons, and a defense loaded with talent that just hasen't performed. Oh yeah, they also have the schedule that sets up nicest.
The Packers are done. They might go on a run, and while I wouldn't be totally shocked if they did come back and it least make it some sort of a race, I just don't see it happening. They've lost too much on offense to compete. Brett Favre will win them two to three more games on his own this year, but that's all they have.
Funniest Moment of the Week
A sign in Cleveland (Jeff Garcia's team last year) that read "Hey Detroit, Thanks for taking out our Trash!"
Stat of the Week
18 TD's
0 Int's
6 yards per rush
Daunte Culpepper's numbers in his last 6 games against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have won 4 of those games.
Upcoming Schedule
Green Bay @ Cinncinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
Minnesota @ Carolina
Either way, at least one team is picking up a win this week...
Incase You Missed it
The Packers brought in FredEx himeslf for a workout. If all goes well, Freddie Mitchell may well be starting opposite Donald Driver this sunday in Cincinnati.
Other prospects for getting added by the weekend are the familiar Walter Williams and Andre Thurman.
Upon Further Review
Sadest Moment of the Week (And Possibly My Life)
I'm already looking forward to opening day, and as Fabos told me in an earlier email...
"Man I really hope that hot stove is indeed hot this offseason..."
Questions of the Week
Why take the ball out of Brett Favre's hands on third and short and call a draw play when you've averaged a shade over 3 yards per carry all game!?
How did Mike Sherman get outcoached by Mike Tice?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
Mike Tice made half time adjustments, and out schemed, game planned and coached someone across the sidelines.
Stock up on non perishable food items and water while you can...
Green Bay 20 Minnesota 23
Cleveland 10 Detroit 13
Baltimore 6 Chicago 10
Standings
Chicago 3-3
Detroit 3-3
Minnesota 2-4
Green Bay 1-5
Breakdown
The division took an interesting turn this past weekend. The Lions took a step in the right direction by benching Joey Harrington in favor of Jeff Garcia, and three of the four teams picked up a win.
The Bears defense looks so good, Jeff Garcia starting makes you think the Lions offense could be so good, and the Vikings gave you a glimpse of what might be.
As long as Kyle Orton doesn't make many mistakes (preferably any) the Bears will be in every game on their schedule. In my eyes, the next two games on thier docket are key. A road game against the Saints and a home contest with the god awful 49ers. Both are winnable games, and games the Bears need to win if they want to take this division.
I say that because the seven games that follow those two are: Carolina, @ Tampa Bay, Green Bay, @ Pittsburgh, Atlanta, @ Green Bay, @ Minnesota. Tampa, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and possibly Carolina and Minnesota are all playoff teams, and as bad as the Packers are Brett Favre absolutely owns the Bears.
The Packers may have done everyone in the division and possibly conference a disservice this weekend by waking a sleeping giant. This may have been the wakeup call the Vikes have been waiting on all season. If they had someone other than "FrankenTice" running the ship I'd feel a little more confident saying that.
The Lions still have five or six winnable games left on their schedule, whereas I'd say the Bears have four or five. If they Lions don't get to 8-8, Mooch has to join Joey Harrington in the unemployment line. Yes Harrington has been abismal, and the defense has been bad, but we've seen Packers, Vikings and Rams teams at least make the playoffs on offense alone. Especially when you're playing in the NFC, and NFC North at that.
As much as it pains me to say this, I think the Vikes are primed to make a run and take this division. This win may have been the epiphany they needed, the have the most offensive weapons, and a defense loaded with talent that just hasen't performed. Oh yeah, they also have the schedule that sets up nicest.
The Packers are done. They might go on a run, and while I wouldn't be totally shocked if they did come back and it least make it some sort of a race, I just don't see it happening. They've lost too much on offense to compete. Brett Favre will win them two to three more games on his own this year, but that's all they have.
Funniest Moment of the Week
A sign in Cleveland (Jeff Garcia's team last year) that read "Hey Detroit, Thanks for taking out our Trash!"
Stat of the Week
18 TD's
0 Int's
6 yards per rush
Daunte Culpepper's numbers in his last 6 games against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have won 4 of those games.
Upcoming Schedule
Green Bay @ Cinncinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
Minnesota @ Carolina
Either way, at least one team is picking up a win this week...
Incase You Missed it
The Packers brought in FredEx himeslf for a workout. If all goes well, Freddie Mitchell may well be starting opposite Donald Driver this sunday in Cincinnati.
Other prospects for getting added by the weekend are the familiar Walter Williams and Andre Thurman.
Upon Further Review
The Packers really miss a healthy Mike Flannigan. They've essentailly lost the entire middle of their offenisive line since last year.
Nick Collins is the best saftey they have, and far better than any of us have noticed.
Brady Poppinga is the second coming of Bryce Paup.
Duante Culpepper is to the Packers what Favre is to the Bears.
The worst part of Donald Lee being such a good discovery by Ted Thompson is that he plays a postion the Packers need little help at.
Mwelde Moore won the Vikings running back job with about 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Michael Bennett is a gunner? He was a first round pick. What a bust.
Sadest Moment of the Week (And Possibly My Life)
I'm already looking forward to opening day, and as Fabos told me in an earlier email...
"Man I really hope that hot stove is indeed hot this offseason..."
Questions of the Week
Why take the ball out of Brett Favre's hands on third and short and call a draw play when you've averaged a shade over 3 yards per carry all game!?
How did Mike Sherman get outcoached by Mike Tice?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
Mike Tice made half time adjustments, and out schemed, game planned and coached someone across the sidelines.
Stock up on non perishable food items and water while you can...
Monday, October 17, 2005
Nothern Exposure: Week 6
Results
Chicago 28 Minnesota 3
Carolina 21 Detroit 20
Standings
Chicago 2-3
Detroit 2-3
Green Bay 1-4
Minneosta 1-4
Breakdown
The NFC North continues to make a mochary of divisional races. Anytime Chicago and Detroit hold any lead over Minnesota or Green Bay past week one, it catches you off guard.
The Bears absolutely demolished the Vikings yesterday, 28-3. Hey Minnesota, thanks for showing up. The Vikings have failed to even make an effort in three games this year (Cincinnati, Atlanta and Chicago) when does this fall on the shoulders of Mike Tice? I realize no one on that staff can coach a team-even on an interim basis-but this team has no direction or leadership.
The Bears have now absolutely manhandled two divisional opponents at home, and the defense continues to look good, but they are still not a very good team. When they go up against a team with a halfway good defense, they lose. Week one versus Washington, 7 points scored and a loss. Week three versus Cincinnati, 7 points scored and a loss, and week four against Cleveland, 10 points scored and another loss.
Put points on the board and play adequate defense and you will, not can, will beat this team. Kyle Orton has looked pretty good for a rookie, but you're still relying on a rookie quarterback.
Defensive coordiantors clearly have the blueprint. Stuff the box and double team Mushin and the Bears have no anwer.
How on earth have the Lions won two games? Well Green Bay played poorly in week one and lost thier best offense player not named Favre, and the Ravens are just horrible. Yes they played the Buccaneers and Panthers close, but who hasen't this year. This is all you need to know about the Lions, for how much they dominated the Green Bay and Carolina games, Green Bay still had a shot up until the end, and they lost the Carolina game. Oh yeah, and had it not been for a meltdown by the Ravens, or an inept offesne, they lose that game too. They won by 18 points because the Ravens turned the ball over in costly spots, and had a butt load of personal foul calls. Joey Harrington's stat line: 10-21, 97 yards no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The winner of the Packers Vikings game on sunday is still the favorite to win the division. The only shot Chicago and Detroit had was a bad start by the Vikings and Packers-which they got- and a good start of their own. I'd hardly call 2-3 a good start. The Bears and Lions needed to be at least 3-2 to give them a chance at winning this.
If Duante can return to old form, and this high priced editon of Extreme Defense Makeover can avoid getting cancelled (cheap tv pun) the Vikings will be fine.
Same can be said for the Packers, if Ahman Green can get the running game going and as long as this defense continues to improve, the Packers will be fine.
Funniest Moment of the Week
Without a doubt the funniest line of the line of the week comes to us courtesy of the Vikings. In a statement released through the team, Mike Tice has now made it mandatory for players to arrive to team meetings, are you ready for this, on time. So they could just show up whenever they wanted before? God this story keeps getting better by the day.
Stat of the Week
The Green Bay Packers defense ranks 14th in the NFL in scoring, and 5th in the NFC. In terms of yardage it looks like this
Total: 11th NFL, 5th NFC
Rushing: 11th NFL, 6th NFC
Passing: 12th NFL, 6th NFC
The Packers are a middle of the road defense after 5 games, and have improved every week. If only our defense was just average was the story of the Packers season the last two years. They finally have that scenario, now if only the offense keeps putting up points...
Upcoming Schedule
Detroit at Cleveland 1:00pm
Green Bay at Minnesota 1:00pm
Baltimore at Chicago 3:15pm
The Larry David Special...
Okay, so maybe I should curb my enthusiasm here, but the brutal murderers row of a schedule the Packers were facing a few weeks ago doesn't look that bad all of a sudden.
Vikings game is very winnable, the home game against Cincinnati is a probalbe loss, but winnable. Pittsburgh and Atlanta will be tough and are losses, but then...
Minnesota
Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Detroit
@ Baltimore
Chicago
Seattle
Not one of those games strikes you as a sure fire loss. Just glancing at it, you would think, again if the defense continues to play like this and improve and Favre continues to play this well, you can win at least four, and as many as 6 of those 7 games.
Question of the Week
Can we trade for the rights to Reggie Bush right now?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
The Bears are 2-0 in division play, and have outscored their opponents in those games by a combined score of 66-9. I know what you're thinking, but those numbers are correct, and no you didn't read that wrong.
Chicago 28 Minnesota 3
Carolina 21 Detroit 20
Standings
Chicago 2-3
Detroit 2-3
Green Bay 1-4
Minneosta 1-4
Breakdown
The NFC North continues to make a mochary of divisional races. Anytime Chicago and Detroit hold any lead over Minnesota or Green Bay past week one, it catches you off guard.
The Bears absolutely demolished the Vikings yesterday, 28-3. Hey Minnesota, thanks for showing up. The Vikings have failed to even make an effort in three games this year (Cincinnati, Atlanta and Chicago) when does this fall on the shoulders of Mike Tice? I realize no one on that staff can coach a team-even on an interim basis-but this team has no direction or leadership.
The Bears have now absolutely manhandled two divisional opponents at home, and the defense continues to look good, but they are still not a very good team. When they go up against a team with a halfway good defense, they lose. Week one versus Washington, 7 points scored and a loss. Week three versus Cincinnati, 7 points scored and a loss, and week four against Cleveland, 10 points scored and another loss.
Put points on the board and play adequate defense and you will, not can, will beat this team. Kyle Orton has looked pretty good for a rookie, but you're still relying on a rookie quarterback.
Defensive coordiantors clearly have the blueprint. Stuff the box and double team Mushin and the Bears have no anwer.
How on earth have the Lions won two games? Well Green Bay played poorly in week one and lost thier best offense player not named Favre, and the Ravens are just horrible. Yes they played the Buccaneers and Panthers close, but who hasen't this year. This is all you need to know about the Lions, for how much they dominated the Green Bay and Carolina games, Green Bay still had a shot up until the end, and they lost the Carolina game. Oh yeah, and had it not been for a meltdown by the Ravens, or an inept offesne, they lose that game too. They won by 18 points because the Ravens turned the ball over in costly spots, and had a butt load of personal foul calls. Joey Harrington's stat line: 10-21, 97 yards no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The winner of the Packers Vikings game on sunday is still the favorite to win the division. The only shot Chicago and Detroit had was a bad start by the Vikings and Packers-which they got- and a good start of their own. I'd hardly call 2-3 a good start. The Bears and Lions needed to be at least 3-2 to give them a chance at winning this.
If Duante can return to old form, and this high priced editon of Extreme Defense Makeover can avoid getting cancelled (cheap tv pun) the Vikings will be fine.
Same can be said for the Packers, if Ahman Green can get the running game going and as long as this defense continues to improve, the Packers will be fine.
Funniest Moment of the Week
Without a doubt the funniest line of the line of the week comes to us courtesy of the Vikings. In a statement released through the team, Mike Tice has now made it mandatory for players to arrive to team meetings, are you ready for this, on time. So they could just show up whenever they wanted before? God this story keeps getting better by the day.
Stat of the Week
The Green Bay Packers defense ranks 14th in the NFL in scoring, and 5th in the NFC. In terms of yardage it looks like this
Total: 11th NFL, 5th NFC
Rushing: 11th NFL, 6th NFC
Passing: 12th NFL, 6th NFC
The Packers are a middle of the road defense after 5 games, and have improved every week. If only our defense was just average was the story of the Packers season the last two years. They finally have that scenario, now if only the offense keeps putting up points...
Upcoming Schedule
Detroit at Cleveland 1:00pm
Green Bay at Minnesota 1:00pm
Baltimore at Chicago 3:15pm
The Larry David Special...
Okay, so maybe I should curb my enthusiasm here, but the brutal murderers row of a schedule the Packers were facing a few weeks ago doesn't look that bad all of a sudden.
Vikings game is very winnable, the home game against Cincinnati is a probalbe loss, but winnable. Pittsburgh and Atlanta will be tough and are losses, but then...
Minnesota
Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Detroit
@ Baltimore
Chicago
Seattle
Not one of those games strikes you as a sure fire loss. Just glancing at it, you would think, again if the defense continues to play like this and improve and Favre continues to play this well, you can win at least four, and as many as 6 of those 7 games.
Question of the Week
Can we trade for the rights to Reggie Bush right now?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
The Bears are 2-0 in division play, and have outscored their opponents in those games by a combined score of 66-9. I know what you're thinking, but those numbers are correct, and no you didn't read that wrong.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Second Quarter
The Panthers put together a good looking drive, aided by Ahmad Carroll. Carroll, stop me if you've heard this before, gets flagged for pass interference on Steve Smith. The Panthers take over inside the Green Bay 30.
The Panthers continue to move inside the redzone, but the drive stalls and they cannot convert on third and short. Cue John Kasay.
Kasy just nailed a field goal. By nailed I mean he fit it about 18 centimeters inside the goalpost.
12:53: Carolina 10 Green Bay 7
Packers are unable to convert a third and one behind their new patchwork offensive line. Clifton left the game when Ahman Green rolled up on his knee, and I doubt he returns judging on the looks of it. The left tackle is now Adrian Klemm, MIA Grey Rugamer is the new left guard and Scott Wells is in at center replacing the also injured Mike Flannigan.
3rd and 7 from the Carolina 34, DeShawn Foster is wide open over the middle and makes the grab. How does he get this open? It doesn't stop there, Earl Little chases Foster and goes for the strip. Foster drags Little for 47 yards down to the Packers 19. You get one shot to strip the ball, if it doesn't work you have to give up on it and just go for the tackle.
The Panthers smelled blood in the water. Michael Gaines is left wide open at the 2 yard line and hauls in his first career touchdown reception. Great.
In a stunning twist, the PAT is blocked.
I just saw the replay of the Touchdown grab. What the hell are Roman and Harris doing? COMMUNICATE! They just got schooled on a pick and didn't talk at all.
8:30: Carolina 16 Green Bay 7
I'm a little worried Favre will try to do too much here and turn it over. God I hope my instincts are wrong.
Okay, so an intersting tibit just came up. Mike Sherman decided on dressing 8 linemen instead of 7 tonight, thank god. The question is this, 7 linemen? 7, are you serious? You're gonna tell me that last year you'd routinely dress 9 and now this year-a year after losing both of last year's starting guards mind you-you decide to dress just 7 linemen? What the hell is Mike Sherman thinking?
Speaking of which, why does Vonta Leach get more snaps than William Henderson? I like Vonta a lot, but William is a pro bowler.
William Henderson, all he does is make big grabs. Huge catch William. First down Packers.
Once again the Packers are responding very well to a big drive by the Panthers with a big drive of their own. I have to say I'm very impressed so far.
I speak too soon. Robert Ferguson lets all Packer fans down again. God I hate him, he's boderline horrible. Shut up about wanting an expanded role, all you do is screw up and drop passes.
3:37: Interception Carolina ball
Two penalities on the interception, and now one more on Barnett.
Stephen Davis may have just sucked the life out of the Packers. Touchdown Panthers. This time the PAT is good. 16 unanswered points, we can really ill-afford that.
3:19: Carolina 23 Green Bay 7
Terrence Murphy gets hurt on the insuing kick off. Can someone tell me why this team routinely dresses, or has for that matter, just four wide recievers? We're already without one playmaker in Javon Walker. Awesome. Now we're down to pretty much just Donald Driver when it comes to offense playmakers not named Brett Favre.
I think I can safely say this game is over...(I hope that worked as a motivational tactic)
Halftime: Carolina 23 Green Bay 7
The Panthers continue to move inside the redzone, but the drive stalls and they cannot convert on third and short. Cue John Kasay.
Kasy just nailed a field goal. By nailed I mean he fit it about 18 centimeters inside the goalpost.
12:53: Carolina 10 Green Bay 7
Packers are unable to convert a third and one behind their new patchwork offensive line. Clifton left the game when Ahman Green rolled up on his knee, and I doubt he returns judging on the looks of it. The left tackle is now Adrian Klemm, MIA Grey Rugamer is the new left guard and Scott Wells is in at center replacing the also injured Mike Flannigan.
3rd and 7 from the Carolina 34, DeShawn Foster is wide open over the middle and makes the grab. How does he get this open? It doesn't stop there, Earl Little chases Foster and goes for the strip. Foster drags Little for 47 yards down to the Packers 19. You get one shot to strip the ball, if it doesn't work you have to give up on it and just go for the tackle.
The Panthers smelled blood in the water. Michael Gaines is left wide open at the 2 yard line and hauls in his first career touchdown reception. Great.
In a stunning twist, the PAT is blocked.
I just saw the replay of the Touchdown grab. What the hell are Roman and Harris doing? COMMUNICATE! They just got schooled on a pick and didn't talk at all.
8:30: Carolina 16 Green Bay 7
I'm a little worried Favre will try to do too much here and turn it over. God I hope my instincts are wrong.
Okay, so an intersting tibit just came up. Mike Sherman decided on dressing 8 linemen instead of 7 tonight, thank god. The question is this, 7 linemen? 7, are you serious? You're gonna tell me that last year you'd routinely dress 9 and now this year-a year after losing both of last year's starting guards mind you-you decide to dress just 7 linemen? What the hell is Mike Sherman thinking?
Speaking of which, why does Vonta Leach get more snaps than William Henderson? I like Vonta a lot, but William is a pro bowler.
William Henderson, all he does is make big grabs. Huge catch William. First down Packers.
Once again the Packers are responding very well to a big drive by the Panthers with a big drive of their own. I have to say I'm very impressed so far.
I speak too soon. Robert Ferguson lets all Packer fans down again. God I hate him, he's boderline horrible. Shut up about wanting an expanded role, all you do is screw up and drop passes.
3:37: Interception Carolina ball
Two penalities on the interception, and now one more on Barnett.
Stephen Davis may have just sucked the life out of the Packers. Touchdown Panthers. This time the PAT is good. 16 unanswered points, we can really ill-afford that.
3:19: Carolina 23 Green Bay 7
Terrence Murphy gets hurt on the insuing kick off. Can someone tell me why this team routinely dresses, or has for that matter, just four wide recievers? We're already without one playmaker in Javon Walker. Awesome. Now we're down to pretty much just Donald Driver when it comes to offense playmakers not named Brett Favre.
I think I can safely say this game is over...(I hope that worked as a motivational tactic)
Halftime: Carolina 23 Green Bay 7
First Quarter
Okay, two things happend early that really disturbed me. Number one, what was David Martin doing on that fumble? Who was he looking at, who was he supposed to pick up and and why didn't he get out of Clifton's way? I don't get it, but anyway the Packers fumble. Carolina recovers inside the 20.
Secondly, it's second down on the 8 yard line, someone explain to me why the Packers have lined up in a dime formation. They only have 18 yards to work with including the entire endzone. This allows DeShawn Forster to gorge a big run down to the 2 yard line.
Touchdown pass to Chris Mangum.
12:30: Carolina 7 Green Bay 0
The Packers impressed me by actually responding to the score and putting together a good drive.
Ahman Green had some tough yardage on the drive where he bounced off of tackles to gain extra yards. Where were those the first three weeks of the season?
Terrance Murphy makes a nice third down conversion grab. How many weeks before Murhpy replaces Ferguson in the starting lineup.
Favre makes a nice pass over the top to Martin, and Martin makes an even better grab for the score.
7:30: Carolina 7 Green Bay 7
As a Packers fan, I like the way the first quarter played out. The game is tied, you responded to a turnover resulting in a score two minutes into the game, and your defense looks pretty good. The progress they showed appears to have carried over to this week.
Secondly, it's second down on the 8 yard line, someone explain to me why the Packers have lined up in a dime formation. They only have 18 yards to work with including the entire endzone. This allows DeShawn Forster to gorge a big run down to the 2 yard line.
Touchdown pass to Chris Mangum.
12:30: Carolina 7 Green Bay 0
The Packers impressed me by actually responding to the score and putting together a good drive.
Ahman Green had some tough yardage on the drive where he bounced off of tackles to gain extra yards. Where were those the first three weeks of the season?
Terrance Murphy makes a nice third down conversion grab. How many weeks before Murhpy replaces Ferguson in the starting lineup.
Favre makes a nice pass over the top to Martin, and Martin makes an even better grab for the score.
7:30: Carolina 7 Green Bay 7
As a Packers fan, I like the way the first quarter played out. The game is tied, you responded to a turnover resulting in a score two minutes into the game, and your defense looks pretty good. The progress they showed appears to have carried over to this week.
MNF: Packers at Panthers
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Don't fall behind early. Carolina is built on taking the lead early and using the running game to shorten the game.
Run the ball. If the Packers can establish a running game, odds of them falling behind dip dramitically. If not, they will be forced to pass the ball, which will all but eliminate the run and allow Carolina's ends to pin their ears back and rush Brett Favre.
Win the turnover battle. Don't give Carolina second chances or good field position.
Blitz. The pass rush needs to be there. Jake Delhomme will pick this secondary apart if given all day. If you pressure Delhomme he's shown he will commit mistakes.
Don't fall behind early. Carolina is built on taking the lead early and using the running game to shorten the game.
Run the ball. If the Packers can establish a running game, odds of them falling behind dip dramitically. If not, they will be forced to pass the ball, which will all but eliminate the run and allow Carolina's ends to pin their ears back and rush Brett Favre.
Win the turnover battle. Don't give Carolina second chances or good field position.
Blitz. The pass rush needs to be there. Jake Delhomme will pick this secondary apart if given all day. If you pressure Delhomme he's shown he will commit mistakes.
Friday, September 30, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Stach'psode
Ah, the dreaded last episode before a month long hiatus. You know, as the founder of this entry stated, if it weren't for the fact that I enjoy the Major League Baseball postseason, I'd be fighting mad. But alas...
Episode started out kind of slow, we see Taylor attemping to start up a friendship with Summer. Don't believer her Summer, don't believer her, Ahh. Stupid Summer. So long story short, Taylor tells Summer that Cohen could be in trouble with the Dean for stealing the school property and acting alone, Summer comes to his rescue and admits to helping and the Dean strips her of her title as Social Chair. Taylor replaces her. Really, didn't see that coming.
Marissa goes to her new school, and meets a new group of friends. God I hope these kids don't last long. Kinds talk about her behind her back, and one girl asks her if she's going to shoot her. First of all, if she already shot someone why would you want to entice her into shooting another? And secondly, isn't Newport the nicest part of California? I highly doubt the Newport Public School would resemble a high school found in the city of Milwaukee.
Ryan gets blown off by Marissa, twice actually, and so he quasi-spies on her and goes to her new school. He sees her crying and one of her new friends with her. Bad acting alert, Bad acting alert, goes without saying when Marissa's character is in the scene. OK admit it, you all wanted to see the old Ryan Atwood return and see him slug the guy, didn't you? Me too, but he didn't.
Fast forward to the real action, this stuff is boring. Seth and Summer attend the dance, Taylor takes credit for all of it, which pisses of Summer. Fast forward a little bit, little more, STOP. Summer see's Taylor kissing someone in the hall. Who is it? They've gotta tease this right? They won't show us wh.....Oh my god! It's the Dean! Taylor is making out with the Dean!
Let's reset a conversation that took place last Thursday.
Cell Phone rings
ID: Fabos
I answer
We talk about what a good episode it was, and formulate ideas of what might happen.
Me: "I think Taylor and the Dean are going to be involved in some way, like he's not a real Dean, or Taylor's family hired him to bring down our gang of four so Taylor can take over."
Fabos: "Maybe, not a bad idea. I'd like to see a plot like Taylor and the Dean hump."
Me: "Yeah, that would be awesome, even with this show that's not too far fetched."
Taylor and Dean Hess are making out, and we are officially owed Royalties by Josh Schwartz. I want them ASAP. You steal my Jimmy Cooper theory, you refernce things that Fabos mentioned last year, like the volume of music in the bait shop, you call Julie's character Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper, a name Fabos has referenced many times, and now you steal our Taylor idea. I'm telling you guys, the Fourhorsemen Super Heel Theory is not too far fetched. Oh it get's better.
Our other major plot turn of the evening sees Charlotte with her man in a seedy hotel. They discuss getting money from Kirsten and Charlotte assures him see has money. We come to find out Charlotte does not have a drinking problem (No Way!) and she has scouted out Kirsten for the purpose of taking money from her. That bitch!
Charlotte approaches Kirsten, has lunch with her and asks he if she want's to be a financial parter with her so she can buy property and turn it into a heaven for recovering alcoholic women. Ok, on a side note, this business is the dumbest idea I've ever heard of.
Kirsten tells her she doesn't have the money, Charlotte bluffs and Kirsten tells her that Caleb left her nothing. She mentions the business and Kirsten tells her it's being liquidated. Well that certainly throws a wrench into the plot.
So there it is, that's what we're left to mull over until November 3 when the OC returns.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Why did they expose the relationship between Dean Hess and Taylor already? They could have milked that thing for a good two or three episodes.
2. Who is Dean Hess? Seriously, we know he's not a Dean and he's gotta be a work, what's his story?
3. When will Ryan and Marissa break up again? That answer will give us the answer to question number four.
4. When does Theresa return? Return with Ryan's baby that is.
5. Just an overall question here, how is this Charlotte thing going to end?
ONE MAN'S OPINION:
I said it earlier, and although nothing really would point to it after this episode I steal whole heartedly believe that Marissa's character is leaving the show. Theresa will return and she and Ryan will start a family. A new character will be introduced for Seth to hang with. Jimmy Cooper will return once more, to save the Cohens from the evil Charlotte-Julie Duo. Those are the recent ideas running through my head.
YOU KNOW I COULDN'T LEAVE WITHOUT SOME MORE GLOATING:
We see Charlotte pissed when she finds out Kirsten doesn't have the money she thought she did. We also see Julie Cooper in her new home, the hotel, crying. She needs money, she can't live like this. This is the point where I say to Gaddis, so this is documented, "You know Charlotte and Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper are going to team up to get money from Kirsten." He scoffs at it. We then see previews for what's coming in November. Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper and Charlotte together and saying, "No one can know about this" or something to that nature. The Loveable Grump strikes again!
Episode started out kind of slow, we see Taylor attemping to start up a friendship with Summer. Don't believer her Summer, don't believer her, Ahh. Stupid Summer. So long story short, Taylor tells Summer that Cohen could be in trouble with the Dean for stealing the school property and acting alone, Summer comes to his rescue and admits to helping and the Dean strips her of her title as Social Chair. Taylor replaces her. Really, didn't see that coming.
Marissa goes to her new school, and meets a new group of friends. God I hope these kids don't last long. Kinds talk about her behind her back, and one girl asks her if she's going to shoot her. First of all, if she already shot someone why would you want to entice her into shooting another? And secondly, isn't Newport the nicest part of California? I highly doubt the Newport Public School would resemble a high school found in the city of Milwaukee.
Ryan gets blown off by Marissa, twice actually, and so he quasi-spies on her and goes to her new school. He sees her crying and one of her new friends with her. Bad acting alert, Bad acting alert, goes without saying when Marissa's character is in the scene. OK admit it, you all wanted to see the old Ryan Atwood return and see him slug the guy, didn't you? Me too, but he didn't.
Fast forward to the real action, this stuff is boring. Seth and Summer attend the dance, Taylor takes credit for all of it, which pisses of Summer. Fast forward a little bit, little more, STOP. Summer see's Taylor kissing someone in the hall. Who is it? They've gotta tease this right? They won't show us wh.....Oh my god! It's the Dean! Taylor is making out with the Dean!
Let's reset a conversation that took place last Thursday.
Cell Phone rings
ID: Fabos
I answer
We talk about what a good episode it was, and formulate ideas of what might happen.
Me: "I think Taylor and the Dean are going to be involved in some way, like he's not a real Dean, or Taylor's family hired him to bring down our gang of four so Taylor can take over."
Fabos: "Maybe, not a bad idea. I'd like to see a plot like Taylor and the Dean hump."
Me: "Yeah, that would be awesome, even with this show that's not too far fetched."
Taylor and Dean Hess are making out, and we are officially owed Royalties by Josh Schwartz. I want them ASAP. You steal my Jimmy Cooper theory, you refernce things that Fabos mentioned last year, like the volume of music in the bait shop, you call Julie's character Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper, a name Fabos has referenced many times, and now you steal our Taylor idea. I'm telling you guys, the Fourhorsemen Super Heel Theory is not too far fetched. Oh it get's better.
Our other major plot turn of the evening sees Charlotte with her man in a seedy hotel. They discuss getting money from Kirsten and Charlotte assures him see has money. We come to find out Charlotte does not have a drinking problem (No Way!) and she has scouted out Kirsten for the purpose of taking money from her. That bitch!
Charlotte approaches Kirsten, has lunch with her and asks he if she want's to be a financial parter with her so she can buy property and turn it into a heaven for recovering alcoholic women. Ok, on a side note, this business is the dumbest idea I've ever heard of.
Kirsten tells her she doesn't have the money, Charlotte bluffs and Kirsten tells her that Caleb left her nothing. She mentions the business and Kirsten tells her it's being liquidated. Well that certainly throws a wrench into the plot.
So there it is, that's what we're left to mull over until November 3 when the OC returns.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Why did they expose the relationship between Dean Hess and Taylor already? They could have milked that thing for a good two or three episodes.
2. Who is Dean Hess? Seriously, we know he's not a Dean and he's gotta be a work, what's his story?
3. When will Ryan and Marissa break up again? That answer will give us the answer to question number four.
4. When does Theresa return? Return with Ryan's baby that is.
5. Just an overall question here, how is this Charlotte thing going to end?
ONE MAN'S OPINION:
I said it earlier, and although nothing really would point to it after this episode I steal whole heartedly believe that Marissa's character is leaving the show. Theresa will return and she and Ryan will start a family. A new character will be introduced for Seth to hang with. Jimmy Cooper will return once more, to save the Cohens from the evil Charlotte-Julie Duo. Those are the recent ideas running through my head.
YOU KNOW I COULDN'T LEAVE WITHOUT SOME MORE GLOATING:
We see Charlotte pissed when she finds out Kirsten doesn't have the money she thought she did. We also see Julie Cooper in her new home, the hotel, crying. She needs money, she can't live like this. This is the point where I say to Gaddis, so this is documented, "You know Charlotte and Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper are going to team up to get money from Kirsten." He scoffs at it. We then see previews for what's coming in November. Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper and Charlotte together and saying, "No one can know about this" or something to that nature. The Loveable Grump strikes again!
Friday, September 23, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: The Humpin'pisode
Morning all, hope your coffee is extra tasty, helping to soothe the notion that you make Bob Huggins look like he enjoys alcohol responsibly. Let's cut right to the chase this week shalst we?
Dear Mr. Schwartz,
On behalf of myself and all of the faithful readers of this blog and column, please, we beg you, as loyal watchers of the very program you worked so hard to create, GET RID OF DEAN HESS! Now! I'm a huge fan of your show, I watch it every week. In fact, I look forward to it. Please, heed the advice of everyone and make the dean have a fatal boating accident or something along those lines. Not only might he be the most over the top, demented, unintentionally gay character in the history of television, but he's even too fake for The OC, where anything flies.
Did you review his lines before casting him? Here, let me fresh your memory just a tad:
"I know you were responsible for bringing Marissa Cooper to the carnival."
"No, I'm not giving you the pleasure of reuniting with Ryan, you're staying here with me."
"This is your idea of school spirit?"...followed by beliving such a blatant crying episode from Taylor???? (More on this later)
Remember the Oliver debacle? Dean Hess is about 600 times worse. He's reaaaaaaaaaly testing my patience. Not that I'm a cat or anything, but he's reaaaaaaaaly pushing my buttons. Thank you for your time Mr. Schwartz,
Yours in OC watching,
(sign name here)
Now that I got that off me chest, I was none too disapointed to see the "Due to violence and other scenery, parental discretion is advised," before the episode even started. You just know that it was going to be good stuff. Kind of like being 12 and seeing a PG-13 movie. Perhaps the warning was in reference to James Cooper getting blugeoned by the ocean, or maybe it was Ryan and Marissa's romp in the commandeered beach hut that was apparently too much for the youngins to watch in prime time. I'm actually pretty surprised that it took a Midwestern two seasons plus for those two to do the horizontal mambo. And let me tell you I was terrified, just scared out of my mind that the Dean was going to be out on the beach on a mission to find his missing hut. Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Now, I've claimed several times before that J. Schwartz reads the Brew City Beat, but after he has Seth directly mention to Ryan, "you could start a blog, so she has every detail about you," now I'm convinced. Hence why I started this bad boy with an open letter to send to the mastermind of said Orange County, Calif., USA.
Staying on my favorite, no longer a bumbling doofus character for a moment, I really like how he's a toned down guy this season. I've counted at least 14 times the Cohen from years past would have messed up things with Summer since they got back together at the "O. Sea." Not this year. In fact, quite the opposite. He actually looked down the Dean and cooly quipped off the best line of the episode:
Dean: "I'm keeping you here with me."
Seth: "That's kind of creepy."
And he then proceeded to gut an extra month of detention all in the name of protecting Summer from being punished as well for the punishable by death act of taking and returning a prop. Way to be a hard ass dean.
For whatever reason, even though Jimmy has basically done nothing but be a crook throughout the entirety of this show, I still pulled for him. Seeing Marissa and Julie appear as though they had actual feelings for each other was a nice touch too. Poor Jimmy, but who in their right mind would approach Jimmy and be like, "I've got a great idea. You've bankrupted your clients in the past, but awh what the hell, I'll give you another chance." I believe I predicted Jimmy gone by week four, sue me I was one week off.
How will the Coopers manage without Jimmy or Caleb? An interesting scenario to say the least. But before I forget, Kirsten came home! Truthfully, I shouldn't have waited this long to bring it up, but you all watched the show anyway right? Exactly. Look good, feel good. And I look good. It appears that Charlotte is trying to dabble in the identity theft pool and that's cool, maybe she'll end up on the cover of Newsweek. I just hope she doesn't trace my online activities. But nonetheless, a welcome sight it was to see the Cohen household operating at full strength once again.
Let me state that season three is more than picking up the slack for last years. And oh boy do I love it. Check you next week when The OC goes Public School. Could it get any worse than that? Public schools in Newport Beach?
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. How the hell did Seth know who wrote 'South Pacific?"
2. Will Jimmy attend Halloween parties as an OC Frankenstein that bankrupts people?
3. Have we seen the last of Mr. Cooper?
4. Was I the only individual who was thinking that there are public schools conviently located along all major U.S. highways for Marissa and Ryan to attend when Julie was flipping out about her daughter not being able to go to school anywhere?
5. The Moto commercial prominently featuring ?uestlove of the Roots...an instant classic?
6. Is the Dean being paid by Charlotte to wreak havoc on the Cohens?
7. Are we actually supposed to believe those previews of Marissa at a public school? I mean seriously, does Newport Beach not have any public schools and she got hiked to Compton?
8. I couldn't have been the only person hoping for an Alan Dale voice over when Kirsten was reading the letter from him.
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
Julie married Caleb for money, or for the security that money brings. Jimmy came back to Julie because she married Caleb, who died, and he needed money. Turns out when Caleb died, he was broke. Funny how many episodes and plots that wily old guy foiled.
Seth and Summer instantaneously mounted when push came to shove in season one. It took the smooth guy, Ryan, till season three. Huh.
The first time Jimmy and Julie got back together I refered to the Mrs. as Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper. Schwartz took till this episode. I'm fully expecting him to "post a comment," this week.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe that the dean will exit stage left and forever be gone when it is discovered he and Taylor are having relations in a mop closet.
...you can believe Marissa will start to morph into a gun-totin' sniper at the public school.
...you'll buy into the notion that Taylor will try to be the end all of Seth and Summer.
...you can bet Ryan and Marissa will end the season at the Harbor school.
...Charlotte will take Sandy to the edge and back as he tries to save his marriage again.
...you can believe I've added another section below.
FROM THE MIND OF THE LOVABLE GRUMP:
The LG predicted a Jimmy Cooper death. He came oh so close. Eat it Grump. He has also predicted a Charlotte goes nuts for Kirsten scenario, which seems to be on target. One can only imagine what the Lovable Grump is musing right now. (Yes, I realize this section will need a little fine tuning, but give me a week, it'll be just fine.) Out.
Dear Mr. Schwartz,
On behalf of myself and all of the faithful readers of this blog and column, please, we beg you, as loyal watchers of the very program you worked so hard to create, GET RID OF DEAN HESS! Now! I'm a huge fan of your show, I watch it every week. In fact, I look forward to it. Please, heed the advice of everyone and make the dean have a fatal boating accident or something along those lines. Not only might he be the most over the top, demented, unintentionally gay character in the history of television, but he's even too fake for The OC, where anything flies.
Did you review his lines before casting him? Here, let me fresh your memory just a tad:
"I know you were responsible for bringing Marissa Cooper to the carnival."
"No, I'm not giving you the pleasure of reuniting with Ryan, you're staying here with me."
"This is your idea of school spirit?"...followed by beliving such a blatant crying episode from Taylor???? (More on this later)
Remember the Oliver debacle? Dean Hess is about 600 times worse. He's reaaaaaaaaaly testing my patience. Not that I'm a cat or anything, but he's reaaaaaaaaly pushing my buttons. Thank you for your time Mr. Schwartz,
Yours in OC watching,
(sign name here)
Now that I got that off me chest, I was none too disapointed to see the "Due to violence and other scenery, parental discretion is advised," before the episode even started. You just know that it was going to be good stuff. Kind of like being 12 and seeing a PG-13 movie. Perhaps the warning was in reference to James Cooper getting blugeoned by the ocean, or maybe it was Ryan and Marissa's romp in the commandeered beach hut that was apparently too much for the youngins to watch in prime time. I'm actually pretty surprised that it took a Midwestern two seasons plus for those two to do the horizontal mambo. And let me tell you I was terrified, just scared out of my mind that the Dean was going to be out on the beach on a mission to find his missing hut. Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Now, I've claimed several times before that J. Schwartz reads the Brew City Beat, but after he has Seth directly mention to Ryan, "you could start a blog, so she has every detail about you," now I'm convinced. Hence why I started this bad boy with an open letter to send to the mastermind of said Orange County, Calif., USA.
Staying on my favorite, no longer a bumbling doofus character for a moment, I really like how he's a toned down guy this season. I've counted at least 14 times the Cohen from years past would have messed up things with Summer since they got back together at the "O. Sea." Not this year. In fact, quite the opposite. He actually looked down the Dean and cooly quipped off the best line of the episode:
Dean: "I'm keeping you here with me."
Seth: "That's kind of creepy."
And he then proceeded to gut an extra month of detention all in the name of protecting Summer from being punished as well for the punishable by death act of taking and returning a prop. Way to be a hard ass dean.
For whatever reason, even though Jimmy has basically done nothing but be a crook throughout the entirety of this show, I still pulled for him. Seeing Marissa and Julie appear as though they had actual feelings for each other was a nice touch too. Poor Jimmy, but who in their right mind would approach Jimmy and be like, "I've got a great idea. You've bankrupted your clients in the past, but awh what the hell, I'll give you another chance." I believe I predicted Jimmy gone by week four, sue me I was one week off.
How will the Coopers manage without Jimmy or Caleb? An interesting scenario to say the least. But before I forget, Kirsten came home! Truthfully, I shouldn't have waited this long to bring it up, but you all watched the show anyway right? Exactly. Look good, feel good. And I look good. It appears that Charlotte is trying to dabble in the identity theft pool and that's cool, maybe she'll end up on the cover of Newsweek. I just hope she doesn't trace my online activities. But nonetheless, a welcome sight it was to see the Cohen household operating at full strength once again.
Let me state that season three is more than picking up the slack for last years. And oh boy do I love it. Check you next week when The OC goes Public School. Could it get any worse than that? Public schools in Newport Beach?
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. How the hell did Seth know who wrote 'South Pacific?"
2. Will Jimmy attend Halloween parties as an OC Frankenstein that bankrupts people?
3. Have we seen the last of Mr. Cooper?
4. Was I the only individual who was thinking that there are public schools conviently located along all major U.S. highways for Marissa and Ryan to attend when Julie was flipping out about her daughter not being able to go to school anywhere?
5. The Moto commercial prominently featuring ?uestlove of the Roots...an instant classic?
6. Is the Dean being paid by Charlotte to wreak havoc on the Cohens?
7. Are we actually supposed to believe those previews of Marissa at a public school? I mean seriously, does Newport Beach not have any public schools and she got hiked to Compton?
8. I couldn't have been the only person hoping for an Alan Dale voice over when Kirsten was reading the letter from him.
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
Julie married Caleb for money, or for the security that money brings. Jimmy came back to Julie because she married Caleb, who died, and he needed money. Turns out when Caleb died, he was broke. Funny how many episodes and plots that wily old guy foiled.
Seth and Summer instantaneously mounted when push came to shove in season one. It took the smooth guy, Ryan, till season three. Huh.
The first time Jimmy and Julie got back together I refered to the Mrs. as Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper. Schwartz took till this episode. I'm fully expecting him to "post a comment," this week.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...you can believe that the dean will exit stage left and forever be gone when it is discovered he and Taylor are having relations in a mop closet.
...you can believe Marissa will start to morph into a gun-totin' sniper at the public school.
...you'll buy into the notion that Taylor will try to be the end all of Seth and Summer.
...you can bet Ryan and Marissa will end the season at the Harbor school.
...Charlotte will take Sandy to the edge and back as he tries to save his marriage again.
...you can believe I've added another section below.
FROM THE MIND OF THE LOVABLE GRUMP:
The LG predicted a Jimmy Cooper death. He came oh so close. Eat it Grump. He has also predicted a Charlotte goes nuts for Kirsten scenario, which seems to be on target. One can only imagine what the Lovable Grump is musing right now. (Yes, I realize this section will need a little fine tuning, but give me a week, it'll be just fine.) Out.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Almost Hunting Season
We are just 20 days away from the Milwaukee Bucks 2005 exhibition season opener. So, since many "experts" picked this team to win 20 games last season, and before the tremendous offseason they had this year, I thought I'd take a look at our 2005-2006 Milwaukee Bucks.
Losses:
Erik Strickland
Zaza Pachulia
Marcus Fizer
Calvin Booth
Additions:
Bobby Simmons
Andrew Bogut
Charlie Bell
Jiri Welsch
Earvin Johnson
Ersan Ilyasova
Ok, so losing Calvin Booth and Marcus Fizer has no impact on this team what so ever, and while losing a promising young player like Zaza Pachulia is discouraging, let's not forget we've got Andrew Bogut patrolling the paint now, so Zaza really had no place on this team.
Erik Strickland's loss will be a bigger impact than expected on the surface. Strickland did a great job working with youngsters like TJ Ford, and he and Mike James did the same for Mo Williams. He was a great insurance policy to have, he could play both guard positions and a little small forward. Besides that, the guy was the "dorm mircrowave," you know not quite as big as a household version, but put him in when you need to heat it up. Instant offense.
Two additions not mentioned, that I would classify in that category are resigning Michael Redd, and bringing back Toni Kukoc for at least one more season. Let's face it, Redd carried this team last year, and they needed him back, but this year he won't be the only offensive option. Kukoc will do a great job mentoring young Andrew Bogut, a player he models his game after as is.
So what does this leave us with as far as rotations? Keep in mind, this is very early, but basing this off of nothing other than following this team and the NBA since I was 12 here's how I break it down.
Starters
Andrew Bogut
Joe Smith
Bobby Simmons
Michael Redd
TJ Ford
Top Reserves
Gadzuric
Kukoc
Mason
Welsch
Williams
Insurance
Charlie Bell
Earvin Johnson
Not quite sure if Ilyasova will be on the squad or play overseas yet. Speaking of which, what ever happened to Symon Siezchweck? The second round pick in 2003, he was a highly touted Polish player, much like Ilyasova and played overseas the last few years.
I didnt' mention Reece Gaines because I'm really not sure where he stands with this team. He won't play ahead of Jiri Weslch, Mo Williams, TJ Ford, Des Mason, Michael Redd, or Bobby Simmons, and I really think Charlie Bell will be thier new find, much like Damon Jones in 2003.
What I like:
This team can throw so many different fronts at opposting defenses. They can play small ball much like Phoenix had success doing last year, with TJ at the point and Mason, Redd and Simmons on the wings and Bogut manning the middle.
They can go with the conventional lineup like I listed above, they can play a bigger lineup when playing teams with good post play (Any combo Gadzuric, Bogut, Smith, Kukoc, Simmons, Johnson) and they have a lot of depth.
Redd, Mason, Johnson, Gadzuric, and Kukoc all have familiarity with Terry Stotts. This is encouraging because Redd will be the focal point of you offense, Mason is your sixth man, Johnson and Gadzuric will be relied on heavily not only for thier play (in the case of Gadzuric more so than Earvin) but also the help Bogut along, and Kukoc will be relied on to be the "coach on the floor."
What I don't like:
TJ Ford. Is he healthy enough yet? Can he do everything yet? Don't interperet that opening the wrong way, I love TJ and all of the things he brings to this team, when he's there they run on all cylinders and are much harder to defend and much better defensively. The problem is I was certain he would never play again six months ago, now you're telling me not only will he, but he'll be ready come Octocber? I hope so, but we'll see.
The Bucks have drastically improved this offseason, but are still hindered by the fact that their division features Detroit, Indiana, an improving Chicago team and an up and coming Cleveland team. Believe me when I tell you that the Central Division may prove to be the toughest in all of basketball.
Losses:
Erik Strickland
Zaza Pachulia
Marcus Fizer
Calvin Booth
Additions:
Bobby Simmons
Andrew Bogut
Charlie Bell
Jiri Welsch
Earvin Johnson
Ersan Ilyasova
Ok, so losing Calvin Booth and Marcus Fizer has no impact on this team what so ever, and while losing a promising young player like Zaza Pachulia is discouraging, let's not forget we've got Andrew Bogut patrolling the paint now, so Zaza really had no place on this team.
Erik Strickland's loss will be a bigger impact than expected on the surface. Strickland did a great job working with youngsters like TJ Ford, and he and Mike James did the same for Mo Williams. He was a great insurance policy to have, he could play both guard positions and a little small forward. Besides that, the guy was the "dorm mircrowave," you know not quite as big as a household version, but put him in when you need to heat it up. Instant offense.
Two additions not mentioned, that I would classify in that category are resigning Michael Redd, and bringing back Toni Kukoc for at least one more season. Let's face it, Redd carried this team last year, and they needed him back, but this year he won't be the only offensive option. Kukoc will do a great job mentoring young Andrew Bogut, a player he models his game after as is.
So what does this leave us with as far as rotations? Keep in mind, this is very early, but basing this off of nothing other than following this team and the NBA since I was 12 here's how I break it down.
Starters
Andrew Bogut
Joe Smith
Bobby Simmons
Michael Redd
TJ Ford
Top Reserves
Gadzuric
Kukoc
Mason
Welsch
Williams
Insurance
Charlie Bell
Earvin Johnson
Not quite sure if Ilyasova will be on the squad or play overseas yet. Speaking of which, what ever happened to Symon Siezchweck? The second round pick in 2003, he was a highly touted Polish player, much like Ilyasova and played overseas the last few years.
I didnt' mention Reece Gaines because I'm really not sure where he stands with this team. He won't play ahead of Jiri Weslch, Mo Williams, TJ Ford, Des Mason, Michael Redd, or Bobby Simmons, and I really think Charlie Bell will be thier new find, much like Damon Jones in 2003.
What I like:
This team can throw so many different fronts at opposting defenses. They can play small ball much like Phoenix had success doing last year, with TJ at the point and Mason, Redd and Simmons on the wings and Bogut manning the middle.
They can go with the conventional lineup like I listed above, they can play a bigger lineup when playing teams with good post play (Any combo Gadzuric, Bogut, Smith, Kukoc, Simmons, Johnson) and they have a lot of depth.
Redd, Mason, Johnson, Gadzuric, and Kukoc all have familiarity with Terry Stotts. This is encouraging because Redd will be the focal point of you offense, Mason is your sixth man, Johnson and Gadzuric will be relied on heavily not only for thier play (in the case of Gadzuric more so than Earvin) but also the help Bogut along, and Kukoc will be relied on to be the "coach on the floor."
What I don't like:
TJ Ford. Is he healthy enough yet? Can he do everything yet? Don't interperet that opening the wrong way, I love TJ and all of the things he brings to this team, when he's there they run on all cylinders and are much harder to defend and much better defensively. The problem is I was certain he would never play again six months ago, now you're telling me not only will he, but he'll be ready come Octocber? I hope so, but we'll see.
The Bucks have drastically improved this offseason, but are still hindered by the fact that their division features Detroit, Indiana, an improving Chicago team and an up and coming Cleveland team. Believe me when I tell you that the Central Division may prove to be the toughest in all of basketball.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Daily Brew 9/21
It was a pretty big night last night, and I'm not talking about sports. Last night featured a pretty big matchup between the Brewers and Cubs, but that's where my sports interest ended.
Yeah, lets just say I got a lot of mileage out of the DVR, brought to you by Charter (just like my paycheck) as we saw the series premiere of My name is Earl, the season premier of Nip/Tuck, and how could we forget The Real World?
Toss in a quick game of Madden, and a trip to two different grocery stores (don't ask) and my night was pretty full.
All in all, I was slightly disappointed with the evening. The positives were the Brewers win, and My name is Earl. I liked the show, but it may be due to the fact that I'm a fan of Jason Lee.
It wasn't overly funning, and I didn't walk away saying "Wow, that show was great" but I liked the premise of it, and it held my attention.
As stated earlier, the crew picked up a big win over the rival Cubs in their quest for .500. Doug Davis took the mound and struck out 10, but shockingly picked up the win. I think he's now 1-2 in his last 49 starts.
Editors note here, please, PLEASE, fire Sutton, and Brainerd. Schroeder is pretty bad too, if he goes I have no problem, if he stays he's got one year to prove himself. These guys bring nothign to the broadcast, what so ever. All Sutton does is talk, and all of it is pointless, wrong, annoying or irrelavent.
Memorandum
To: Darron Sutton
From: People who view sports on TV on a regular Basis
CC: Bob Brainerd
Dear Darron,
You are a televison play-by-play man, television not radio. YOU DO NOT NEED TO MINDLESSLY FILL THE ENTIRE BROADCAST WITH SPOKEN WORDS WHEN YOU ARE ON TV, AGAIN THIS IS NOT RADIO!
Please stop saying, "Get some runs," stop yelling when average plays happen, stop metioning Leinnekugels, and stop overhyping all Brewers players.
I really don't care to know if people in the bucket head section feel Howie Long would be a good fit, or if he is invited to the Buckhead Brigade section. I change the channel everytime a certain lanky blonde annoying guy comes on the screen.
Thanks,
All of Southeast Wisconsin
P.S. Stop trying to give us baseball advice, why would we want to take advice from a guy who has pitching in his genes and yet couldn't even hack it as a AA pitcher, and I know this doesn't fall on you, but tell your boss to stop with the "Bill's Grill" segments.
That's it for now.
Anyway, I though Nip/Tuck was kind of disappointing. They fooled my by having the whole funeral setup and making me believe that the carver actually killed Christian. So it started out good with that, but then they wasted the entire episode on removing the huge lady from her house, and eventually her death. I really didnt' need to see her on screen for an hour, no offense.
Lastly, the Real World is starting to get real annoying and borderline unwatchable. Johanna got arrested, Wes got drunk, and Melinda and Danny continued this three week in the making fall out.
Oh my god, I really wanted to kill myself while hangliding while watching that last night. Danny wants his space, Melinda loves Danny, Danny doesn't want to hurt Melinda, Melinda gives him his space, Danny meets other girls, Melinda hates Danny.
Ohh my god, I can't take it. I'm not in college anymore, I can't take this soap opera saga. The best thing that came of the episode was the preview for next week. Let's just say Wes is pulling off the crazy-scorned-love sick-psycho-stalker role perfectly.
Man, I gotta recoup. Hasta manana.
Yeah, lets just say I got a lot of mileage out of the DVR, brought to you by Charter (just like my paycheck) as we saw the series premiere of My name is Earl, the season premier of Nip/Tuck, and how could we forget The Real World?
Toss in a quick game of Madden, and a trip to two different grocery stores (don't ask) and my night was pretty full.
All in all, I was slightly disappointed with the evening. The positives were the Brewers win, and My name is Earl. I liked the show, but it may be due to the fact that I'm a fan of Jason Lee.
It wasn't overly funning, and I didn't walk away saying "Wow, that show was great" but I liked the premise of it, and it held my attention.
As stated earlier, the crew picked up a big win over the rival Cubs in their quest for .500. Doug Davis took the mound and struck out 10, but shockingly picked up the win. I think he's now 1-2 in his last 49 starts.
Editors note here, please, PLEASE, fire Sutton, and Brainerd. Schroeder is pretty bad too, if he goes I have no problem, if he stays he's got one year to prove himself. These guys bring nothign to the broadcast, what so ever. All Sutton does is talk, and all of it is pointless, wrong, annoying or irrelavent.
Memorandum
To: Darron Sutton
From: People who view sports on TV on a regular Basis
CC: Bob Brainerd
Dear Darron,
You are a televison play-by-play man, television not radio. YOU DO NOT NEED TO MINDLESSLY FILL THE ENTIRE BROADCAST WITH SPOKEN WORDS WHEN YOU ARE ON TV, AGAIN THIS IS NOT RADIO!
Please stop saying, "Get some runs," stop yelling when average plays happen, stop metioning Leinnekugels, and stop overhyping all Brewers players.
I really don't care to know if people in the bucket head section feel Howie Long would be a good fit, or if he is invited to the Buckhead Brigade section. I change the channel everytime a certain lanky blonde annoying guy comes on the screen.
Thanks,
All of Southeast Wisconsin
P.S. Stop trying to give us baseball advice, why would we want to take advice from a guy who has pitching in his genes and yet couldn't even hack it as a AA pitcher, and I know this doesn't fall on you, but tell your boss to stop with the "Bill's Grill" segments.
That's it for now.
Anyway, I though Nip/Tuck was kind of disappointing. They fooled my by having the whole funeral setup and making me believe that the carver actually killed Christian. So it started out good with that, but then they wasted the entire episode on removing the huge lady from her house, and eventually her death. I really didnt' need to see her on screen for an hour, no offense.
Lastly, the Real World is starting to get real annoying and borderline unwatchable. Johanna got arrested, Wes got drunk, and Melinda and Danny continued this three week in the making fall out.
Oh my god, I really wanted to kill myself while hangliding while watching that last night. Danny wants his space, Melinda loves Danny, Danny doesn't want to hurt Melinda, Melinda gives him his space, Danny meets other girls, Melinda hates Danny.
Ohh my god, I can't take it. I'm not in college anymore, I can't take this soap opera saga. The best thing that came of the episode was the preview for next week. Let's just say Wes is pulling off the crazy-scorned-love sick-psycho-stalker role perfectly.
Man, I gotta recoup. Hasta manana.
Friday, September 16, 2005
The OC Friday Morning Hangover: Harbor School'pisode
CRUE! CRUE! CRUE! That was for you JG. I think I can proclaim that I have my finger on the pulse of The OC and I've first now discovered what it needs: more Motley Crue references. Which by the way...what was Seth doing with The Dirt? He likes indie rock, not the baddest, most wickedly cool rock band of all time. But, I like it. Well played Seth. We're glad to have you. I hope Kirsten likes reading about how Vince was with Pam long before Tommy was as much as I did. We all knew Marissa was getting tossed from Harbor, but we did not know about Ryan until last night. But did any of you think for a second that he wasn't going down in a blaze of glory to defend her honor? Yeah, me neither. We were introduced to two new characters this week and although I highly doubted it, but they've casted a worst actor than Lindsay from Season Two in the mold of the tough and rough Dean of Discipline. On to that pounding headache we all have.
I'm going to stay on the topic of this new Dean jo-jo. I say with the utmost confidence that he has not been laid since at least 1965. Seriously, run this scene that you didn't see aired through your head, going on at the same time as the Kickoff Carnival.
Dean: I'm heading out honey.
Wifey: But honey, it's getting late, where are you going? Come to bed.
Dean: There's this former social chair of the Harbor School who I kicked out because she saved her boyfriends life, and, stop traffic babe, IS AT THE CARNIVAL WHICH ISN'T ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!!!
Wifey: I won't be up waiting for you...again.
Man did I want to see Ryan tear that guy apart, or have Marissa shoot him. Think about it...hilarious. There was another scene that I thought should have been aired after the episode ended, but that didn't happen either. The Dean says to Ryan and Marissa, "If I see either of you near Harbor ever, I'm calling the Police." Enter a Ryan quote that should have had him saying, "Why? So Sandy can make you look like a fool for even trying?" Seriously Dean, if you're cast as the token gay guy I get it, but holy man.
We also saw Jimmy Cooper demonstrate that he simply doesn't believe in living in the black ink. Everyone's favorite filch is at it again. For a minute there I thought I dosed off and it was season one. But at least he proposed to Julie again so she can officially become Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper. I sniffed that one out bygones ago, back in the land before time when JG wasn't a grumpus.
It seems as though Seth and Summer have decided to quit their constant bickering from years past as they seem like a normal, happy duet at this point. The best scene in the episode being when Summer was describing her list of why the carnival she molded bettered the other (new character) carnival, turbo-bitch Taylor's, and Summer says, "I'm not done yet, we have a third, right Cohen?" And her snuggly boyfriend gets all amped up, "yeah, yeah we do!" Poetic justice.
And that brings us to the seasons creepy character number one, Charlotte. From the looks of it, she thinks every night is actually Thursday because she's an alcoholic who has some vendetta against Kirsten living happily ever after. She's leading Kirsten on to think that, quote, "She's been around this track," but it ain't supposed to happen like that. Man, this shit is Bananas.
I also liked how Summer went from not knowing anything concerning "the real world" when around Zach's family last season to bashing Karl Rove for entire episode. It's great. Schwartz you genius. I'll bet Gaddis was pissed.
So that's that folks. We know that to replace vilians Luke and Caleb from seasons past, we now have the Dean, Charlotte and Taylor. Personally, I hope the Dean follows Calebs lead and dies. So will Marissa and Ryan finally consumate their feelings for each other next week by humping in a port-o-john looking thing on the beach? Time will tell and although this show lacked any Bloc Party tunes, the closing acoustic version of "California" was a nice touch and Season Three is a resounding two-for-two so far.
"I'm the one they call Dr. Feelgood, I'm the one that makes you feel allright....." That's called a callback.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Is the Yacht Club that Jimmy is always slumming in this seasons' Bait Shop?
2. Is Marissa paying rent to that lifeguard stand on the beach?
3. Did anyone else want to take their XBox to the ocean and plug in after that Mountain Dew commerical aired?
4. Will Ryan morph back to bad boy from Chino?
5. How many times did a character say "hey" in the episode?
6. After prominently featuring The Motley Crue's book which will shortly be a movie for those of you keeping score at home, will Schwartz cast one of the bad boys on the show next?
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
The last Motley Crue reference came when Julie explained to Marissa that her past including some dabbling in the lesbian pool involved a little Motley Crue and a lot of Jager.
Season Three just completed the hat trick of the Kickoff Carnival.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...You can believe Charlotte is a lesbian and is all about Kirsten Cohen
...You can believe Charlotte is Kirsten's twin sister
...You can believe that Seth is next up to butt heads with the Dean
...One of the main characters will wind up dating Taylor
...After Ryan humps Marissa, Theresa will re-enter the show on cue
I'm going to stay on the topic of this new Dean jo-jo. I say with the utmost confidence that he has not been laid since at least 1965. Seriously, run this scene that you didn't see aired through your head, going on at the same time as the Kickoff Carnival.
Dean: I'm heading out honey.
Wifey: But honey, it's getting late, where are you going? Come to bed.
Dean: There's this former social chair of the Harbor School who I kicked out because she saved her boyfriends life, and, stop traffic babe, IS AT THE CARNIVAL WHICH ISN'T ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!!!
Wifey: I won't be up waiting for you...again.
Man did I want to see Ryan tear that guy apart, or have Marissa shoot him. Think about it...hilarious. There was another scene that I thought should have been aired after the episode ended, but that didn't happen either. The Dean says to Ryan and Marissa, "If I see either of you near Harbor ever, I'm calling the Police." Enter a Ryan quote that should have had him saying, "Why? So Sandy can make you look like a fool for even trying?" Seriously Dean, if you're cast as the token gay guy I get it, but holy man.
We also saw Jimmy Cooper demonstrate that he simply doesn't believe in living in the black ink. Everyone's favorite filch is at it again. For a minute there I thought I dosed off and it was season one. But at least he proposed to Julie again so she can officially become Julie Cooper-Nicol-Cooper. I sniffed that one out bygones ago, back in the land before time when JG wasn't a grumpus.
It seems as though Seth and Summer have decided to quit their constant bickering from years past as they seem like a normal, happy duet at this point. The best scene in the episode being when Summer was describing her list of why the carnival she molded bettered the other (new character) carnival, turbo-bitch Taylor's, and Summer says, "I'm not done yet, we have a third, right Cohen?" And her snuggly boyfriend gets all amped up, "yeah, yeah we do!" Poetic justice.
And that brings us to the seasons creepy character number one, Charlotte. From the looks of it, she thinks every night is actually Thursday because she's an alcoholic who has some vendetta against Kirsten living happily ever after. She's leading Kirsten on to think that, quote, "She's been around this track," but it ain't supposed to happen like that. Man, this shit is Bananas.
I also liked how Summer went from not knowing anything concerning "the real world" when around Zach's family last season to bashing Karl Rove for entire episode. It's great. Schwartz you genius. I'll bet Gaddis was pissed.
So that's that folks. We know that to replace vilians Luke and Caleb from seasons past, we now have the Dean, Charlotte and Taylor. Personally, I hope the Dean follows Calebs lead and dies. So will Marissa and Ryan finally consumate their feelings for each other next week by humping in a port-o-john looking thing on the beach? Time will tell and although this show lacked any Bloc Party tunes, the closing acoustic version of "California" was a nice touch and Season Three is a resounding two-for-two so far.
"I'm the one they call Dr. Feelgood, I'm the one that makes you feel allright....." That's called a callback.
QUESTIONS FROM THE COUCH:
1. Is the Yacht Club that Jimmy is always slumming in this seasons' Bait Shop?
2. Is Marissa paying rent to that lifeguard stand on the beach?
3. Did anyone else want to take their XBox to the ocean and plug in after that Mountain Dew commerical aired?
4. Will Ryan morph back to bad boy from Chino?
5. How many times did a character say "hey" in the episode?
6. After prominently featuring The Motley Crue's book which will shortly be a movie for those of you keeping score at home, will Schwartz cast one of the bad boys on the show next?
DRIVIN' DOWN THE 101:
The last Motley Crue reference came when Julie explained to Marissa that her past including some dabbling in the lesbian pool involved a little Motley Crue and a lot of Jager.
Season Three just completed the hat trick of the Kickoff Carnival.
IF YOU BELIEVE THEY PUT A MAN ON THE MOON...
...You can believe Charlotte is a lesbian and is all about Kirsten Cohen
...You can believe Charlotte is Kirsten's twin sister
...You can believe that Seth is next up to butt heads with the Dean
...One of the main characters will wind up dating Taylor
...After Ryan humps Marissa, Theresa will re-enter the show on cue
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Daily Brew 9/14
OK, let me get this straight, Kevin Mathis just so happened to tear his ACL and MCL in practice yesterday and is lost for the season? Did this injury occur during part of practice that was closed to the media?
The evidence is piling in my favor that this was indeed a work. Seriously, now you're gonna tell me that the "sacraficial lamb" Kevin Mathis injures his knee two days after he was suspended from the game for "fighting" with Jeremiah Trotter. C'mon, everyone reading this has to admit I was right.
Jeremiah Trotter could kill a bear in a fight if he wanted to, and this 180 pound nickle back is going to intice him into a fight?
Moving on, the crew dropped a heartbreaker last night, but like Fabos pointed out to me in an email this morning, I'm not all that disappointed because they didn't deserve to win. Clutch hitting was again no where to be seen, and they scored their only run on a balk. Nice job offense. Houston Rockets circa 1995 this team is not, especially when it comes to batting with runners in scoring position. (Thats "Clutch City" for those who aren't familiar)
.500 is going to be tough, they're one below right now at 72-73, and have to face the Cardinals, Cubs and Astros yet. They really needed to sweep the Diamondbacks and Pirates to give themselves a real good chance.
One of the strangest plays you will ever see in baseball occured last night when Tony Graffanino hit a home run and had to stop running the bases because Gabe Kapler, who was on first base, didn't know if the ball was going to clear the fence or not. Kapler was running so hard that when he rounded the bases he ruptured his achilles. A pinch runner had to be inserted during Graffanino's home run trot.
Just to tell you how much of a joke the WNBA is, their Finals Series is best of5. Win three games and you're champs. The real joke of it is it used to be best of 3. BEST OF 3! Get lucky twice and you're champs. Oh well, not like I really care. Seriously, do women even watch this? If my daughter played for one of the teams, and they played their games in Madison, here's how the conversation would go...
Daughter: "Coming to the game tonight dad?"
Me: "Ahh, you know what I gotta shovel some snow, you know how much your mom can nag."
Daughter: "But it's August Dad."
Me: "Look honey, there's no real easy way to say this, you're league is a joke. At first I thought it was kinda cute that you wanted to play basketball, and I encouraged it, but the truth is your mother and I get embarassed when people ask what you're doing now. It's gotten to the point where we tell everybody you went back to school in Australia."
Daughter: "But dad..."
Me: "Yeah I know, look I'd love to continue this, but real sports are on TV right now. Good luck with your thing tonight."
God I hope I don't have a daughter.
The evidence is piling in my favor that this was indeed a work. Seriously, now you're gonna tell me that the "sacraficial lamb" Kevin Mathis injures his knee two days after he was suspended from the game for "fighting" with Jeremiah Trotter. C'mon, everyone reading this has to admit I was right.
Jeremiah Trotter could kill a bear in a fight if he wanted to, and this 180 pound nickle back is going to intice him into a fight?
Moving on, the crew dropped a heartbreaker last night, but like Fabos pointed out to me in an email this morning, I'm not all that disappointed because they didn't deserve to win. Clutch hitting was again no where to be seen, and they scored their only run on a balk. Nice job offense. Houston Rockets circa 1995 this team is not, especially when it comes to batting with runners in scoring position. (Thats "Clutch City" for those who aren't familiar)
.500 is going to be tough, they're one below right now at 72-73, and have to face the Cardinals, Cubs and Astros yet. They really needed to sweep the Diamondbacks and Pirates to give themselves a real good chance.
One of the strangest plays you will ever see in baseball occured last night when Tony Graffanino hit a home run and had to stop running the bases because Gabe Kapler, who was on first base, didn't know if the ball was going to clear the fence or not. Kapler was running so hard that when he rounded the bases he ruptured his achilles. A pinch runner had to be inserted during Graffanino's home run trot.
Just to tell you how much of a joke the WNBA is, their Finals Series is best of5. Win three games and you're champs. The real joke of it is it used to be best of 3. BEST OF 3! Get lucky twice and you're champs. Oh well, not like I really care. Seriously, do women even watch this? If my daughter played for one of the teams, and they played their games in Madison, here's how the conversation would go...
Daughter: "Coming to the game tonight dad?"
Me: "Ahh, you know what I gotta shovel some snow, you know how much your mom can nag."
Daughter: "But it's August Dad."
Me: "Look honey, there's no real easy way to say this, you're league is a joke. At first I thought it was kinda cute that you wanted to play basketball, and I encouraged it, but the truth is your mother and I get embarassed when people ask what you're doing now. It's gotten to the point where we tell everybody you went back to school in Australia."
Daughter: "But dad..."
Me: "Yeah I know, look I'd love to continue this, but real sports are on TV right now. Good luck with your thing tonight."
God I hope I don't have a daughter.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)