Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Draft Day

Draft Day - starring Kevin Costner & Jennifer Garner.  Draft day follows, not surprisingly, NFL draft day for fictional Cleveland Browns GM Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) as he navigates his fellow GM's, his coaches, his players, prospective players and their agents, and a disgruntled fanbase all the while trying to balance his only personal life.  As a self proclaimed draftnik, I had to see this one.  It wasn't a horrible movie, it had some strong moments.  If you like football, you might like it, if you're not a football fan though, and are not too familiar with the NFL draft, I'm guessing you wouldn't like it much.  As for the good, I loved seeing some of the supposed inner workings of an NFL front office on draft day, from the sounds of it, much of it was close to reality.  The ensemble cast was also strong, I loved how they worked in some actual NFL personalities into the movie.  On the downside, if NFL GM's were as stupid and naive as some of those portrayed in this movie, that team's fans would certainly revolt.  Still, overall, it's worth a watch

I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars (*****).

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

AZ Tidbits

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Saturday, April 26, 2014

TPSG Top 10 Movies of 1998

Continuing with my look at the best movies of years gone by.

Top 10 Movies of 1998:
  1. Saving Private Ryan - Tom Hanks, Matt Damon
  2. There's Something About Mary - Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz
  3. American History X - Edward Norton, Edward Furlong
  4. Very Bad Things - Christian Slater, Daniel Stern 
  5. Rounders - Matt Damon, Edward Norton
  6. Out of Sight - George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez
  7. Elizabeth - Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush
  8. The Big Lebowski - Jeff Bridges, John Goodman
  9. A Simple Plan - Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thorton 
  10. Rushmore - Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray 
"Saving Private Ryan" is arguably one of, if not the greatest war movie ever.  IMO, "There's Something About Mary" is one of the Top 10 Comedies of All Time.  Edward Norton is tremendous as a reformed white supremacist in "American History X".  "Very Bad Things" is a twisted tale of a bachelor party gone wrong, I loved it, it's a great dark comedy!  "Rounders" can rightfully be attributed with planting the seeds to the great poker boom of recent years.  I'm not sure which was a better combo in "Out of Sight", Steven Soderbergh/Elmore Leonard or George Clooney/Jennifer Lopez, all I do know for sure is that if you put all four of them together you'll get a tremendous film.  "Elizabeth" was surprisingly entertaining for a film about a Queen, the casting on this one was great.  "The Big Lebowski" remains a cult favorite, the Dude lives!  Watching a supposedly simple plan fall apart in "A Simple Plan" makes for a great ride. "Rushmore" gave me my first real taste of Wes Anderson, and it is quite a bizarre taste. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

POTpourri

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Brian Williams Raps

I love this!  Funny stuff


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Rick Adelman Retires

Did you catch the news?  The Timberwolves are looking for a new head coach. 

Here's my list of the Top 10 Candidates to replace Rick Adelman:
  1. Fred Hoiberg 
  2. Billy Donovan
  3. Tom Izzo   
  4. Jeff Van Gundy
  5. Lionel Hollins 
  6. Stan Van Gundy
  7. George Karl 
  8. Flip Saunders
  9. Jerry Sichting 
  10. Tom Thibodeau
Flip Saunders has stated that he wants someone with head coaching experience, college or pro.  He wants someone who will command the respect of the team immediately.   Pretty much everyone on the above list fits that criteria.  Fred Hoiberg would be my ideal choice, he's been a successful head coach at Iowa State, he's played in the NBA, he has front office experience with the Timberwolves, I doubt that he'll leave Ames though, he owns that town.  Billy Donovan would be next on my list, he seems ready for a new challenge, he's still young, he's had success, he innovative, not much to not like.  Next on my list would be Tom Izzo, he and Flip Saunders are tight, he has a great track record, I have no doubt that his coaching ability would translate to the pro game.  Of those with pro coaching experience, Jeff Van Gundy would be my top choice, I don't really see him leaving the broadcasting booth though, that's too good of a gig.  I'm a big Lionel Hollins fan going back to his days with the Suns, he seems to have gotten a raw deal with Memphis, I'd welcome him as the next coach.  Stan Van Gundy would be next on my list, he had a nice run with the Magic, I think he'd be a fine choice.  George Karl has a fantastic track record and would bring tons of credibility, I'm not sure if there is a desire on his part to coach the Timberwolves though.  Flip has to be on the list too, I hope he doesn't go that direction though, I'm not a big fan of GM/Head Coaching combo's.  Jerry Sichting would be the only assistant I'd put on the list, he's been around the pro game forever and has worked for some of the best, I think he's just needing an opportunity.  Tom Thibodeau is a long shot, he'd have to get fired by the Bulls for this to happen, and if they lose in the first round of the playoffs that could conceivably happen, don't count on it though. 

In the end, as a betting man, I say put your money on Stan Van Gundy or Lionel Hollins. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Body By Victoria

Just because!


Monday, April 21, 2014

AZ Tidbits

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Heaven Is For Real

Heaven Is For Real - starring Gregg Kinnear & Kelly Reilly.  This movie is based upon the true story of a young boy who claims to have visited heaven during a near death experience and the reactions of those close to him to his story.  This movie was all about the story, it's an incredible one, especially if you are a person of faith.  If you're not a person of faith, it may give you some pause to reconsider.  Based upon the story itself, I highly recommend this one. Now that that is out of the way, there really isn't anything else about the movie that is all that remarkable, it's more introspective and thought provoking than fast moving, the acting is nothing spectacular and the direction nothing special. 

I'll give it 3 out of 5 stars (*****). 

There is also a best selling book on the story if you're interested.  

Friday, April 18, 2014

Catrinel Menghia Marlon

I've had a bit of a thing for Catrinel ever since I saw her in person several years ago.  Talk about gorgeous!


Thursday, April 17, 2014

TPSG Top 10 Movies of 1999

Continuing with my look at the best movies of years gone by.

Top 10 Movies of 1999:
  1. Fight Club - Edward Norton, Brad Pitt
  2. The Sixth Sense - Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment 
  3. Three Kings - George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg
  4. American Beauty - Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening
  5. The Insider - Russell Crowe, Al Pacino 
  6. American Pie - Jason Biggs, Chris Klein
  7. The Matrix - Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne
  8. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson
  9. Being John Malkovich - John Cusack, Cameron Diaz
  10. Election - Reece Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick
Rule one of "Fight Club" is that you do not talk about "Fight Club".  The ending of "The Sixth Sense" is as good as they come.  "Three Kings" is a great crime caper that takes place at the close of the first Gulf War.  Kevin Spacey was tremendous in "American Beauty".  "The Insider" tells an important tale of the insidious American tobacco industry.  "The Matrix" in my opinion is one of the best sci-fi films ever made.  Overlooking Jar Jar Binks, "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" brought back the Star Wars saga in grand style.  Spike Jonez bizarre look inside the mind of John Malkovich in "Being John Malkovich" was quite the trip.  "American Pie" brought me back to the raunchy teen comedies that I grew up with.  Watching Reece Witherspoon torment Matthew Broderick in "Election" was top notch. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

POTpourri

Monday, April 14, 2014

Sunday, April 13, 2014

2014 TPSG NFL Mock Draft 4.0

We are getting closer, the 2014 NFL Draft is now less than a month away, so it seems like a good time to update my NFL Mock Draft. 
  1. Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney - DE - South Carolina
  2. St Louis Rams - Greg Robinson - OT - Auburn
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Blake Bortles - QB - Central Florida
  4. Cleveland Browns - Sammy Watkins - WR - Clemson
  5. Oakland Raiders - Johnny Manziel - QB - Texas A&M
  6. Atlanta Falcons - Jake Matthews - OT - Texas A&M
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Khalil Mack - LB - Buffalo
  8. Minnesota Vikings - Teddy Bridgewater - QB - Louisville
  9. Buffalo Bills - Mike Evans - WR - Texas A&M
  10. Detroit Lions - Justin Gilbert - CB - Oklahoma State
  11. Tennessee Titans - Anthony Barr - LB - UCLA
  12. New York Giants - Taylor Lewan - OT - Michigan
  13. St Louis Rams - Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix - DB - Alabama
  14. Chicago Bears - Timmy Jernigan - DT - Florida State
  15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darqueze Dennard - CB - Michigan State
  16. Dallas Cowboys - Aaron Donald - DT - Pittsburgh
  17. Baltimore Ravens - Calvin Pryor - DB - Louisville
  18. New York Jets - Eric Ebron - TE - North Carolina
  19. Miami Dolphins - Zach Martin - OT - Notre Dame
  20. Arizona Cardinals - Kony Ealy - DE - Missouri
  21. Green Bay Packers - C.J. Mosley - LB - Alabama
  22. Philadelphia Eagles - Odell Beckham - WR - Louisiana State
  23. Kansas City Chiefs - Marqise Lee - WR - USC
  24. Cincinnati Bengals - Kyle Fuller - CB - Virginia Tech
  25. San Diego Chargers - Jason Verrett - CB - TCU
  26. Cleveland Browns - Derek Carr - QB - Fresno State
  27. New Orleans Saints - Ryan Shazier - LB - Ohio State
  28. Carolina Panthers - Bradin Cooks - WR - Oregon State
  29. New England Patriots - RaShede Hageman - DT - Minnesota 
  30. San Francisco 49ers - Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Florida State
  31. Denver Broncos - Xavier Su'Filo - OG  - UCLA
  32. Seattle Seahawks - Stephon Tuitt - DT - Notre Dame

Notes:
  • I think it's safe to say it's either Bortles or Clowney for the Texans at number 1 overall.
  • Greg Robinson seems like a no brainer for the Rams at number 2. 
  • The Raiders are a wildcard, they could do anything.  
  • Unless Khalil Mack falls to them, I don't see how the Vikings go anywhere but QB.
  • I have to believe that the Cardinals will go DL, with a DB is also being a possibility. 
 
Previous Mocks:  Mock Draft 1.0, Mock Draft 2.0 & Mock Draft 3.0.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

It has a nice ring to it, I'm looking forward to it. 


I will miss "The Colbert Report" though.

Friday, April 11, 2014

AZ Tidbits

Fascism


"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross."

Remind you of anyone?  The Tea Party perhaps?  Just saying.  

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

TPSG Top 10 Movies of 2000

Continuing with my look at the best movies of years gone by.

Top 10 Movies of 2000:
  1. Gladiator - Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix
  2. Memento - Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss
  3. Cast Away - Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt
  4. Almost Famous - Billy Crudup, Patrick Fugit
  5. Traffic - Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro
  6. O Brother, Where Art Thou? - George Clooney, John Turturro
  7. Best in Show - Fred Willard, Eugene Levy
  8. Remember The Titans - Denzel Washington, Will Patton
  9. Billy Elliot - Jamie Bell, Julie Walters
  10. Erin Brockovich - Julia Roberts, Albert Finney
"Gladiator" is the ultimate guy film, I absolutely loved it!  "Memento" was my first taste of Christopher Nolan's brilliance.  Tom Hanks was perfectly cast in "Cast Away".  Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographic "Almost Famous" is a tremendous coming of age film.  I loved the way Steven Soderberg tied several parallel stories together to show the horrors of America's drug war in "Traffic".  "O Brother, Where Art Thou" is one of the Coen Brothers best films, that's saying a lot.  Best in Show" is a hilarious look at a national dog show, much of it's improvised too.  "Remember The Titans" is an excellent football film with a nice dose of social commentary.  "Billy Elliot" is about a boy growing up in a tough mining town in the northern UK who wants to do nothing but ballet dance, it's funny, it's heartfelt, it's rough around the edges, it's just a great movie.  "Erin Brockovich" tells the story of single mother turned legal assistant who decides to take on a power conglomerate that is polluting a city's water supply, great story, great acting, great direction

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Elizabeth Warren Calls Out The GOP

I love this lady!  She really has a great way of speaking in a manner that is both concise and easily understandable by the masses.  Dare I say that she is the future of the Democratic Party?  Hell, put her in charge of the DNC right now! 


Monday, April 7, 2014

POTpourri

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Possible David Letterman Replacements

It seems only fitting that I create a Top 10 list for my early picks to replace David Letterman on "Late Show".  Here goes:
  1. Patton Oswalt - smart, quirky, edgy, he'd have my full support
  2. Tina Fey - late night could probably use a female presence. 
  3. Conan O'Brien - he did replace Letterman once before. 
  4. John Oliver - he was fantastic filling in for Jon Stewart last summer.
  5. Louis C.K. - it doesn't get any funnier, he'd keep things loose.
  6. Craig Ferguson - he is very good on "The Late Late Show"
  7. Chelsea Handler - probably too edgy for a network but that's why I'd love to see it.
  8. Jay Leno - he needs a job, just throwing it out there.
  9. Neil Patrick Harris - he's been fantastic as an awards show host. 
  10. Jerry Seinfeld - he's still as funny as they come.
I've heard the names Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert mentioned too, I have no doubt that either of them would make great hosts, but I really love them where they are now, I don't want to see either of them leave their current shows so I didn't list them.  

Friday, April 4, 2014

What Are They Hiding?

Yikes, try following this maze of dark money.

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Thursday, April 3, 2014

AZ Tidbits

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

TPSG Top 10 Movies of 2001

Continuing with my look at the best movies of years gone by.

Top 10 Movies of 2001:
  1. A Beautiful Mind - Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly
  2. Training Day - Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke
  3. Black Hawk Down - Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor
  4. Mulholland Drive - Naomi Watts, Laura Harring
  5. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings - Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom
  6. Hannibal - Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore
  7. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Ziyi Zhang, Yun-Fat Chow
  8. Sexy Beast - Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone
  9. Snatch - Brad Pitt, Jason Statham
  10. The Fast and the Furious - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker 

"A Beautiful Mind" might just be Ron Howard's best movie, it's a tremendous film.  Speaking of best work, "Training Day" is without a doubt my favorite Denzel Washington film, he makes a great villain in this one.  "Black Hawk Down" is one of the best military movies that I've ever seen, great acting, great direction from Ridley Scott, based upon a true story, action galore, I highly recommend.  That Naomi Watts/Laura Harring scene from "Mulholland Drive" is still etched into my memory, great movie too.  "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings" won 4 Oscars and had 9 additional nominations, they deserved everyone of them too, it's just a visually stunning film that is wonderfully directed by Peter Jackson.  While not on par with "The Silence of the Lambs", I was thoroughly entertained by "Hannibal".  I don't know how anyone cannot be terrified by Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lechter.   The special effects alone in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" made this one worth watching, they are spectacular.  "Sexy Beast" is a brutal film about aging gangsters, it also has a terrific cast.  "Snatch" was my first exposure to Guy Ritchie, after watching this one I understood what all the hype was about, it's a lot of fun.  I know, "The Fast and the Furious" was no cinematic masterpiece but I quite enjoyed it, it was fast paced, it was full of action, the interplay between the late Paul Walker and Vin Diesel was fun to watch, I was pleasantly surprised by it.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014