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Trick or Treat -- Football Edition
I was watching football with some friends, and someone mentioned the Raiders game, and how the coach did that thing where he calls a timeout to "freeze" the field goal kicker. Well, I've always felt that it doesn't do much. First, the kicker should be expecting the coach to do that (if they have timeouts left), so it would come as no surprise. Second, as we've seen in years past (and in this game), the kicker MISSED the field goal, but because the coach called a time out, he got another chance for the 52 yarder, and he hit it. It's kind of like when you're playing Blackjack, and someone yells at the person in the 3rd base position (that's right before the dealer draws). If that person draws the dealers "bust card" the table gets mad. But, I've seen it happen just as many times where that person took a low card, that enabled the dealer to take another high bust card. The rule is silly, though. And, it wouldn't be hard for the NFL to fix the problem, if people felt "freezing" the kicker was a problem.— October 20, 2008 1:14 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Dark Knight
Okay, let me put the "overrated" actor thing a different way. Do you think other actors in Hollywood could've played The Joker part as well as Ledger? Now, don't immediately say "no". I understand that it's hard to imagine. You've already got his character done that way, in your mind. It's one of those reasons book snobs like to always say "the book was better." Because they have the scenes down in their head a certain way. But, I think more actors could've played The Joker as well as Ledger did, than could play Two Face as well as Aaron Eackhard did.— October 19, 2008 2:36 a.m.
Divorces in the News
Wow, you guys had some awesome responses. Uh, regarding me saying I was "surprised," I guess a better way to qualify it is like this. I was FIRST surprised Madonna's marriage lasted longer than two years. After a "Hollywood" marriage makes it past the five year point, I always start to think it's going to be like Paul Newman and Woodward. That they'll make it work, and really love each other. With Tea and David, I was surprised because...he checked himself into a clinic for an addiction. When that happens (see Nicole Kidman), the wife usually sticks with them. At least until they are in a back alley getting their "fix" again. Regarding celebrities that are "gross, but hot"...great idea for a bit. When I was a teenager, the woman I put in that category was comedian Sarah Bernhardt. Something about her. Even though she had that face, like she smelled something bad. And, she had that brief affair with Madonna (but in the 80s, I mean, who didn't?)....something about her I liked. Maybe the sense of humor. I had 2nd row seats to see her at SDSU's Back Door. Great show!— October 19, 2008 2:33 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Dark Knight
Well towel...when I use the term "overrated" people always freak out on me. I have a few friends that love the Dallas Cowboys (only one of which is actually from Dallas). And, when I would say Troy Aikman was "overrated" they freaked out. I wasn't saying Aikman WAS NOT a good quarterback. I thought he was a good quarterback. I just think, that with the offensive line that team had, and the great running back (Emmitt Smith), it enabled him to do things that other NFL QBs would've been able to do if they were in that system. A QB like Warren Moon or Jim Kelly, are way better than Aikman. Yet, Aikman made it to the Hall of Fame on his first attempt, unlike those other two. And, with acting, it's like when Dustin Hoffman is in Rainman, playing a character that's autistic. Yes, he was great in that role. But so was Tom Cruise, as his selfish brother. Cruise, in fact, was just as good. To play a jerk, that slowly grows to love and care about this brother he had, that he never knew about, is a nice, subtle performance. But, it's always the flashy roles (ie Drunk guy, mentally retarded, crazed villian, etc)...that seem to get all the attention, and thus, become "overrated".— October 18, 2008 11:49 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Dark Knight
Well fifi...Ken had this idea, and I said that very thing. If someone values it so much, they'll buy the DVD. But, he brought up good points as to how you can give value to something. For example...I would gladly have given $100 to see 6th Sense, I liked it that much. I saw it four times in the theatres (although, haven't purchased the DVD...so, ownership isn't the real test of what you think a movie is worth, per se). And scribe...ha! The world will see, that you value movies way to highly. Just because there is some great cinematography or something, doesn't make it worth $25!!! A movie has to be great on all aspects, not just one small thing a film maker like you is going to appreciate. And anti....maybe Ledger can have one of the actors pick up his Oscar, that he borrowed mannerisms from. Perhaps Al Pacino (who does the tongue thing in The Devils Advocate). Or Nicholson.— October 17, 2008 11:29 p.m.
Seasons Go
aescaffi's point is great. i once debated a friend of my stepdads (who has now passed away). he said there are no movie stars today like there were back in his day, with Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogar, James Dean, etc. for some reason, he went on and on about Brad Pitt and the late River Phoenix, not being able to hold a candle to those guys. i pointed out two reasons for that. back then, a movie would come out, and it was at the theatres for months. and, it was the only movie in town. it's not like now where you have a theatre with 20 different screens inside of it, and 13 different movies to choose from. and, if a movie has a weak opening, it's gone the following week. and, a lot more movie stars, a lot more TV show in which they can promote them (and us, the viewer, getting to know those "stars" on more personal levels). it's not that the actors are any less talented, good looking, or whatever. not to mention, the tabloids now (including TV tabloid shows), will tell us stuff about drugs, womanizing, etc....back then, I think a lot of that didn't get reported.— October 17, 2008 10:14 a.m.
Cinema Valore - Dark Knight
So...a few things about this Cinema Valore. My friend Ken is a local filmmaker, and he's often involved in film events that are going on around town. He and I would always talk movies when we get together. He had the idea to do a show where you talk about the value of films. So, even though filming these segments make us look 40 pounds heavier (isn't that the amount of weight the camera adds?), and it really shows the receeding hairline we both have, we went for it. There was a spirited debate about Dark Knight in the movie section on this Reader website, but for some reason, other movies don't warrant that kind of response from people. I still suggest going to the movie section to comment on the latest film you've seen. But, every few days or so, I'll be posting one of these, where Ken and I talk about whether one of the movies we saw was worth our $11 ticket, worth more, or less. Let us know if you agree or disagree. And, we'll occasionally pick another subject on movies to gripe about. And yeah Pete, I know, I know. The segment would be a lot better if we had hot chicks talking about the value of a movie, as oppose to our mugs!— October 17, 2008 10:06 a.m.
Beer - Making People Do Stupid Things since 1878!
Yes!!!! I missed Fred. Glad to see you're back. I remember one morning waking up, and there was a big spider on the pillow next to me. And...I realized right then and there, that I must've really had way too much to drink the previous night. I had heard of beer goggles and brining home an unattractive woman after you're drunk. But....waking up with a spider?— October 17, 2008 1:26 a.m.
Salmonella Salsa
I'm not much of a drinker, or a connoisseur of Tequilas. I was blown away when I was at a place in Carlsbad (I think it was Coyote something or other), and they had 75 different kinds, and some were so expensive, that I figured they must get you drunk with one shot! I've seen at some places, that Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo is on the expensive side, but people say it's good.— October 17, 2008 1:20 a.m.
Beer - Making People Do Stupid Things since 1878!
Damn, MsGrant...I'm such an idiot. I didn't even realize what you were saying. Now it makes sense. My bad. I didn't re-read what I wrote, and I do those late at night before I go to bed. So, when I read your response, you said "aren't you the party crasher?" and then another sentence about alcoholics and said "are your editors 80 or 11?" I thought that meant for letting ME write about what an alcoholic is, or not editing that properly. I can't apologize enough. I feel so stupid. I hope you'll continue to post responses...whether you agree or disagree, with what I write. But, that editor was in their late 40s and they are no longer at the publication I was talking about.— October 15, 2008 10:47 p.m.