Comic Book Geeks

Check out this website... Comic Collector Live.

You can download for free... software that allows one to organize their comic book collection in a database. It is really pretty cool and quite user friendly.

I haven't spent a lot of time using it yet...but I do realize that have a lot... and I mean a lot of comic books.

JLA Movie Rumors

The internet is abuzz with rumors swirling Warner Bros attmept to make a Justice League of America movie.

Rumor #1

George Miller (Happy Feat) is attached to direct.

--I don't know about this. I'm not too familiar with his work but for what it's worth he also directed the Mad Max movies...and Babe. Kind of strange.

Rumor #2

Seven to ten days ago it was rumored that the movie was going to be shot in the same manner as The Polar Bear Express movie and the forthcoming Beowulf film. Apparently this is called CGI/performance capture film. (Although in the last few days this rumor has died down...and now allegedly only parts of the movie are going to use this specific type of animation)

--I actually liked this idea. One, a JLA movie is going to have a lot of special effects (which would suite this specific type of filmmaking.) Secondly, the filmmakers would more easily be able to capture the look of a comic book. I would love for an iconic 1980's comic book looking JLA film. (Art similar to the JLA t-shirt that I have.) Thirdly...and I'll touch on this later...a JLA movie shot in this format would not be dependent on a given actor to play the part.

Rumor #3

Christian Bale and Brandon Routh have not been asked to play Batman and Superman in the movie.

--This is quite accurate. Bale is on video (batman-on-film.com) explicitly saying that he has not been asked to play Batman in the movie nor would he really want too. He wants to stick to the vision that he and director, Christopher Nolan, have created. That makes sense to me. I definitely don't want a JLA film to wreck the progress that Nolan and Bale have done with the character. There's no secret how much I love Batman Begins and how excited I am for the The Dark Knight...so I don't want to see a scenario where the current franchise gets railroaded by another franchise. With that said...if another actor were to play Batman in a JLA movie I'm not sure how that will go over with moviegoers. That is why I like the CGI idea. Bale is Batman/Bruce Wayne and I just don't want to see another actor play the role.

--As for Routh...I'm not really sure what his feelings are....but this kind of leads into the next rumor

Rumor #4

Tom Welling has been approached to playing Superman in the JLA film

IESB.net reported that Welling is indeed interested in playing Superman on the silver screen. Kryptonsite.com denies that Welling would do this but nevertheless the rumor is out there.

--I do kind of like the idea of Welling donning the tights. I think most Smallville fans would like that as well. There are definitely strong expectations of finally seeing Clark become Superman. But then again it doesn't add consistency to the film universe when you have one franchise performing Superman with one actor and another franchise with another actor playing Superman. So I'm not sure how much I buy this rumor. I don't want to discount Routh who I thought did a fantastic job playing Superman. If Warner Bros is this deadset on making a JLA film then I see no reason why they wouldn't get Routh. I can see why Bale wouldn't be interested in doing a JLA movie...he's earned the right to be selective and choose the projects that he wants...it would seem to me that Routh would be interested (as I don't think he has that many projects lined up) in doing Superman for a JLA movie.

Rumor #5

IESB.net also has reported that Warner Bros is either going to go for a Superman sequel in the summer of 2009 or a JLA movie.

--I think they should go with a Superman sequel. I would love for a JLA movie but I want a JLA film done right and I think they are rushing it just to beat Marvel before they make an Avengers film or something I really liked Superman Returns--the reviews were very positive but it didn't rake in the bucks that they had hoped for. Apparently a lot of other movie goers just thought the film was all right. Anyway...Singer is already on record saying that another Superman movie would be loaded with action (which is what the fans want). I have the utmost confidence that Singer can deliver. In my book he has never make a bad or even average film. I really think that Warner's should concentrate on the Batman and Superman franchises before coming up with something that is half baked that is going to potentially stunt the development of what is already laid out. Although again...I think a big budget CGI-type film would work.

I hope that clears things up (for those that are concerned).

Padres 3 Diamonbacks 1

Maddux threw another quality start last night...he didn't get the win but the Padres won thus propelling them to a tie for first in the NL West with the Diamonbacks. Maddux looked solid again...he has historically struggled against Arizona so it was nice to see him pitch a quality game.

Here's the recap via Yahoo sports...



BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
August 30, 2007

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Everybody seems to be impressed with Greg Maddux except the pitcher himself.

Maddux didn't walk a batter for the sixth straight start and the San Diego Padres inched past Arizona and back into the NL West lead with a 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night.

Brian Giles, who homered in the third, scored the go-ahead run on Mike Cameron's double in the eighth for the Padres, who lead the Diamondbacks by one percentage point. San Diego, trying to win its third straight division title, has won the first three of this four-game series. The teams will play a three-game series in Phoenix starting Monday.

All-Star Chris Young will start Thursday night's series finale for San Diego, against Doug Davis.

The Padres have won seven of nine and have made up five games in the standings since Aug. 19. They're back in first for the first time since leading Los Angeles by one percentage point on July 20.

The 41-year-old Maddux pitched seven strong innings, allowing one run and eight hits while striking out five. He got a no-decision after winning his previous three starts and four of five.

Maddux has gone 38 innings in his last six starts without walking a batter, and his overall streak is 42 innings. The last batter he walked was Astros starter Roy Oswalt in the second inning of a 3-1 loss at Houston on July 28. Maddux worked six innings that game.

Maddux has a ways to go to match his NL record of 72 1-3 innings, but the Padres will take whatever he throws out there.

"That's phenomenal," said manager Bud Black, a former big league pitcher. "He's a phenomenal strike thrower. And he's a phenomenal ball thrower, too. I mean, he can throw a ball when he wants and he can throw a strike when he wants. That's what makes Greg Greg, is his ability to command the ball."

Maddux isn't getting all worked up about it.

"I don't worry about it, you know?" he said. "Strikeouts and walks are overrated. I think I've just been fortunate enough to be in a position where I haven't had to walk anybody.

"The last thing you want to do is have a meaningless walk streak affect how you go about hitters," Maddux said. "I'm not good enough to just lay it in there and save a walk streak. I think my last one ended when I intentionally walked somebody."

In August 2001, Maddux's NL-record streak of consecutive innings without a walked ended when he purposely threw four balls to then-Diamondback Steve Finley.

Maddux deftly got out of a jam in the seventh, when the Diamondbacks had runners on first and third following two-out singles by Justin Upton and Owings. Black came out for a visit and let Maddux stay in the game. He struck out Chris Young, then was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the inning.

"I thought he was throwing great," Black said. "I wanted to let him know that I thought this was his at-bat."

Said Maddux: "Yeah, I didn't want to come out. I was going to lose it or keep it where it was and he gave me the opportunity."

With the movement Maddux puts on his pitches, "You have to focus on seeing the ball over the plate or you're going to jam yourself," said Young, who did have an RBI double in the third. "He threw a good changeup for strike three, but I shouldn't have been in that position."

The Diamondbacks have lost 7 of 10.

"We didn't want to lose the first three here," said manager Bob Melvin. "We'll keep our heads up and keep battling, like we have all year."

The Diamondbacks are just 2-for-20 with runners in scoring position in the series.

Kevin Cameron (2-0) pitched a perfect eighth to earn the win.

Arizona starter Micah Owings also went seven and didn't factor in the decision. He surrendered one run and only three hits, struck out six and walked one.

Giles opened the eighth with a single to center off reliever Doug Slaten (3-2), who made way for Brandon Lyon. Cameron hit Lyon's first pitch off the base of the wall in left-center to bring in Giles, who had three hits. Adrian Gonzalez hit a one-out RBI single and was thrown out trying to take second.

With Trevor Hoffman having worked seven of the nine previous games, Heath Bell pitched the ninth for his second save in six chances.

Maddux allowed one run on three hits in the third but also saved a run with his defense.

Mark Reynolds and Upton opened with singles before Owings struck out and Young doubled to left-center to score Reynolds. Maddux, a 16-time Gold Glove winner, fielded Orlando Hudson's chopper and threw out Upton trying to score, with catcher Josh Bard making a nice tag. Eric Byrnes flew out to end the inning.

The Padres tied it in the bottom of the inning when Giles hit a leadoff homer to right on a 1-2 fastball. It was Giles' eighth, and the 1,000th run of his career.

It was Giles' first homer at Petco Park this season, raising his four-season total at home to 23, in 1,024 at-bats.

Big Ten Network update

Just in...the Big Ten Network has reached a deal with some Insight Cable markets (regretfully not mine). They have reached a deal with Evansville, IN; Columbus, OH and Northern Kentucky. The channel in Evansville and Columbus will be offered on the classic package while the channel will be part of a sports package in northern Kentucky.

I'm actually optimistic that the Big Ten Network will be available very soon. It is safe to assume that this kind of arrangement is how it is going to do down. That basically the channel will be offered in the classic package where there is a large Big Ten fanbase. Where there isn't (like in Big East, SEC or Pac-10 regions)--than the channel is going to be offered in a sports package.

What is somewhat puzzling is that all future announcements revolving other Insight markets will be announced by Comcast.

I'm not really sure what that means...but I think this entire fiasco is going to be over very soon.

Greg Maddux article

Tom Verducci had a nice little anecdote about Maddux's recent outings on si.com.

Here is that article:

Greatness, in Mad Dog Years

Wins With No Walks Greg Maddux 135 Don Sutton 67 Tom Glavine 54 Gaylord Perry 54 Roger Clemens 51 Randy Johnson 44 Tom Seaver 42 Phil Niekro 38 Pedro Martinez 36 Steve Carlton 26 Nolan Ryan 13

At 41, and with little velocity to speak of, Greg Maddux continues to enhance his reputation as not only one of the greatest pitchers of all time, but also one of the most efficient. He is 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA in August with no walks to the 122 batters he's faced. Take a look at his last start, pitching in the bandbox in Philadelphia. He won the game without walking a batter or throwing 90 pitches -- something that's been done by only three other visiting starting pitchers in the four-year history of Citizens Bank Ballpark (Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte, and, from the Department of Which One Doesn't Belong, Jaret Wright.)

That got me thinking: Have we seen anybody like Maddux in our lifetime? The answer is no. Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez and Johnson may be valued higher because of their ability to throw hard and strike out batters, but what Maddux has done is more unique and, because he relies on pitching to contact -- poor contact -- more difficult.

Put it this way: Maddux's win in Philly was the 39th win of his career in which he went at least seven innings without walking a batter or throwing more than 90 pitches. Clemens (1), Martinez (1), Johnson (2) and Tom Glavine (6) have 10 such wins combined.

Also, his win at Philadelphia was the 135th of his career in which he did not walk a batter. When compared to his elite contemporaries and to modern 300-game winners, the guy is in a class by himself (see chart, above).

Oh, and one more thing. Maddux has made up five career wins on Clemens this year, and now trails him by 10 (353-343). It's not difficult to imagine Maddux pitching like this for two more seasons. So it's entirely possible that Maddux can supplant Clemens as The Winningest Pitcher Alive. And that's a title that will be held by either man for a long, long, long time.

Sprignsteen's Tour Dates

Via backstreets.com...looks like some traveling is going to have to be done.

Date	Venue	City	On Sale
Oct 2	Hartford Civic Center	Hartford, CT	Sept 8
Oct 5	Wachovia Center	Philadelphia, PA	Sept 8
Oct 9	Continental Airlines Arena	East Rutherford, NJ	Sept 10
Oct 10	Continental Airlines Arena	East Rutherford, NJ	Sept 10
Oct 14	Civic Centre	Ottawa, ON	Sept 17
Oct 15	Air Canada Centre	Toronto, ON	Sept 17
Oct 17	Madison Square Garden	New York, NY	Sept 10
Oct 18	Madison Square Garden	New York, NY	Sept 10
Oct 21	United Center	Chicago, IL	Sept 8
Oct 26	Oracle Arena	Oakland, CA	Sept 15
Oct 28	Venue TBA	Los Angeles, CA	TBA
Nov 2	Xcel Energy Center	St. Paul, MN	Sept 22
Nov 4	Quicken Loans Arena	Cleveland, OH	Sept 15
Nov 5	Palace of Auburn Hills	Auburn Hills, MI	Sept 21
Nov 11	Verizon Center	Washington DC	Sept 21
Nov 14	Mellon Arena	Pittsburgh, PA	Sept 14
Nov 15	Times Union Center	Albany, NY	Sept 8
Nov 18	TD Banknorth Garden	Boston, MA	Sept 22
Nov 25	Palacio De Deportes	Madrid, ESP	Oct 2
Nov 26	Bilbao Exhibition Centre	Bilbao, ESP	Oct 2
Nov 28	Datchforum	Milan, ITA	Sept 10
Nov 3	Geldredome	Arnhem, NED	Sept 8
Dec 2	Sap Arena	Mannheim, GER	Aug 31
Dec 4	Oslo Spektrum	Oslo, NOR	Sept 3, 9 a.m.
Dec 8	Forum Copenhagen	Copenhagen, DEN	Sept 3, 10 a.m.
Dec 10	Globe Arena	Stockholm, SWE	Sept 1
Dec 12	Sports Paleis	Antwerp, BEL	Sept 8
Dec 13	Koln Arena	Cologne, GER	Aug 31
Dec 15	Odyssey Arena	Belfast, IRE	Sept 6
Dec 17	Palais Omnisports De Bercy	Paris, FRA	Sept 7
Dec 19	O2 Arena	London, UK	Aug 30

"Radio Nowhere"

Go to itunes music store where you can download The Boss's new single for free...yes free. The free offer is good for one week only. You can also pre-order the album.

rock on.

Bruce Springsteen "Radio Nowhere"

Here's the new single from The Boss, Radio Nowhere. It's just audio...no video.

There's a chance the song my be available on itunes on Tuesday but that is just a rumor.

I've listened to the song a few times...it's got a good rockin' riff.

Step aside, Cy Young

Greg Maddux sets mark in San Diego Padres' 14-3 win over Philadelphia Phillies

By The Associated Press
August 25, 2007

Not even Cy Young accomplished what Greg Maddux has now done over the past 20 years.

The 40-year-old Maddux became the first pitcher to earn 10 victories in 20 consecutive seasons, tossing seven solid innings in the San Diego Padres' 14-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.

Cy Young had 19 straight seasons with double-digit wins from 1891-1909. Maddux is tied with Nolan Ryan for second behind Don Sutton for most seasons with 10 wins. Sutton had 21, but not consecutively.

"I didn't know that. That's cool," Maddux said, shrugging off his latest accomplishment.

Milton Bradley hit a pair of three-run homers and Adrian Gonzalez also connected twice for the Padres, who moved three games ahead of the Phillies in the NL wild-card race. Josh Bard had five of the Padres' season-high 22 hits.

San Diego also gained a game on first-place Arizona in the West and are two back. Philadelphia fell to six behind the New York Mets in the East and into a tie for second with Atlanta.

In other NL games, it was: Cincinnati 5, Florida 3; New York 5, Los Angeles 2; Pittsburgh 8, Houston 3, 15 innings; Atlanta 7, St. Louis 2; Colorado 6, Washington 5; Chicago 6, Arizona 2; and San Francisco 11, Milwaukee 6.

Maddux (10-9) allowed three runs and seven hits, outpitching Jamie Moyer in a matchup of 40-something hurlers with a combined 570 wins.

Benches emptied in the fourth inning when Carlos Ruiz slid hard into Padres second baseman Marcus Giles trying to break up a double play on a grounder by Abraham Nunez. Giles got up after his late relay throw to first base and immediately got in Ruiz's face, but no punches were thrown.

Ruiz's late slide into Giles' knees cost the Phillies a run. Umpires ruled interference so Nunez was out at first and Shane Victorino returned to third base, even though he scored easily on the play.

"There's playing hard and playing dirty," Maddux said.

After seeing the replay, Ruiz said he understood why Giles was angry.

"It was a little high," Ruiz said. "I was just thinking about breaking up the double play. I was just playing hard."

Giles led off the next inning and Ruiz glared in his direction, but home plate umpire Wally Bell stepped between the players to ensure nothing happened. Giles singled and left the game later in the inning with a right hip pointer.

With two outs, Bradley broke his bat and still homered to left to give the Padres a 5-3 lead. Gonzalez followed with a drive to straightaway center for his third homer in four at-bats and 23rd this season. Gonzalez hit a solo shot in the 10th inning to give San Diego a 9-8 win over the New York Mets on Thursday night.

A fielding error on third baseman Nunez kept the inning going and Bard added a two-run double to make it 8-3.

Moyer (11-10) gave up eight runs -- six earned -- and 10 hits in 4 2-3 innings. The 44-year-old left-hander has allowed 13 earned runs in his last two starts, raising his ERA from 4.68 to 5.16.

The injury-depleted Phillies have lost three of four to start an important 10-game homestand.

"It was a good game for four innings and then it got ugly," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

Bradley went deep off Jose Mesa in the ninth to make it 13-3.



***This was a pretty exciting game to watch. Maddux had some trouble in the first but settled in and pitched another quality start (7 innings/3 runs). Over his last several starts, Maddux has really been on it and has been blessed here recently with some good offensive support. Maddux also takes over sole position of ninth place on the all time wins list...he now has 343 wins.

The article makes mention of the bench clearing incident in the fourth and that was pretty wild situation. It was first and third with no outs...and after the interference call...instead of it being 4-2, with the Phillies winning, and a runner at first with one out...it remained 3-2 with a runner at third and two outs. That's a huge difference. I was watching the game with the Phillies feed on MLB.tv. I 'm not sure who was calling the game (it was not the legendary Harry Kalas--he was doing radio at the time of the play). Anyway...the given announcer was making me livid by being completely adamant that the hard slide was just hard nosed baseball and that there wasn't anything dirty about it. I'm not saying that I completely buy the interference call but there is no way one could argue that the slide was just a good clean, hard slide. If that would have been Josh Bard barreling into Chase Utley (the Phillies all-star second basemen) than this particular announcer would have been crying for an interference call.

Hats off to the umpiring crew for not letting the situation get out of hand. The second base umpire immediately stepped in between Giles and Ruiz and prevented a situation from getting out of control.

But there are two games left in this series so the craziness might not be over.

Good bye Mate!

Ben Allen leaving IU basketball after 2 seasons
From Staff Reports, Indiana Daily Student
August 24, 2007

(CSTV U-WIRE) BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Junior center Ben Allen will transfer from the IU men's basketball team, coach Kelvin Sampson said in an IU Athletics Department statement.

"We appreciate Ben's efforts at Indiana, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future," Sampson said in the release.

Allen averaged 0.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 24 games last season as he struggled to adjust to playing more in the post. Allen played inside more often last season as the tallest player on the team, and even gained 36 pounds of muscle to become more of a post presence.

During his freshman season, Allen saw action in all 31 games, displaying good three-point range.

Allen's best game came early in his freshman season against Indiana State. The Melbourne, Australia, native scored 21 points on 8-10 shooting, including 5-6 from beyond the arc in a road loss to the Sycamores.

Allen missed several games last season fighting mononucleosis. He returned to action Dec. 22 against IU Purdue University Indianapolis to score four points in 11 minutes.

Incoming freshman Eli Holman, a 6-foot-9-inch center from Richmond, Calif., and transfer DeAndre Thomas, a 6-foot-8-inch forward from Florida's Chipola Junior College, are expected to play significant minutes in the Hoosiers' frontcourt.

Holman was the 80th-ranked prospect in the incoming class of 2007, according to recruiting Web site www.rivals.com.

Thomas helped lead Chipola to a runner-up finish in the NJCAA tournament last season with fellow Hoosier Jamarcus Ellis. Thomas was ranked a three-star recruit in the same class on www.rivals.com.




My take...not to surprising. With the talent IU has coming in, Allen's playing time was going to be almost non-existent. I don't want to rag on the guy...but for whatever reason (or reasons) he wasn't getting it done at IU. He had that one game against Indiana State that showed a lot of potential but in retrospect that game was just an anomaly. Granted he did bulk up and he tried to play in the post but that didn't work out to well as he normally just got into foul trouble. Maybe it will work out for him somewhere else. At the very least...he could return to his native country of Australia and slam some VB beer (since you can't buy it in the states).

Now the Government is involved

I'm not always for government poking their noses where it doesn't belong but in this case I support anything that will get the Big Ten Network on my cable provider.

Something similar to this happened on a national level earlier this year involving MLB's season ticket program on satellite TV. Senator John Kerry had to intervene to allow cable subscribers to have the same access as satellite subscribers.


Here's an article from today's Indy Star:


Lawmaker seeks solution to Big 10 TV flap
Lafayette Journal & Courier
August 23, 2007

Rep. Dave Crooks, D-Washington, attempted to enlist the help of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) this week to make sure the majority of fans could see Indiana and Purdue sports on television.
Comcast is now at an impasse in negotiations over how to offer the Big Ten Network.
Crooks sent a letter to Susan Macey of the OUCC requesting that the OUCC step in and "bring the appropriate parties to the table."
He said he got a call back from Macey Wednesday.
"She said she had no statutory authority to be involved in this," Crooks said.
Anthony Swinger, an OUCC spokesman, said Macey received the letter but had not had a chance to review it yet.
Crooks said Macey recommended that mediators be hired in the dispute, but he doesn't believe that's adequate. He thinks legislators will get many impassioned calls from constituents once constituents find out that they might have to pay extra to watch IU and Purdue sports.

creationism vs. evolution

I was late to church the other day but did see something in the church announcements about the Creation Museum (in Petersburg, KY). I know that there is some curiosity with some of my friends about visiting the museum. I'm just kind of indifferent about it.

My main concern is not so much the museum but this never ending argument in our culture over evolution vs. creationism.

I'm over it.

I feel that that I've moved beyond it and I wish both parties would do the same. It doesn't do either side any good to keep arguing over and over about it. For one the issue is extremely divisive to most people and secondly, the arguments don't go anywhere because both sides (and maybe one side more than the other) gets bogged down with their rhetoric. Every time I see this played out on a cable news show it just nauseates me. If anything it is nothing more than a loaded question that does nothing but spurn negativity.

Look I'm a Christian and as I Christian I don't feel that the issue of creationism vs. evolution is at the heart of my spiritual believes. I don't have to jusifiy how this planet started to buy my believes in Jesus Christ. It frustrates me when I see other Christians talking about the issue with such passion that they think if they aren't arguing for the merits of creationism than they are not going to go to heaven. I'm under the impression that is not how it works.

When I said that I moved beyond the argument what I mean is that I don't look at the Adam and Eve story as being true or not. To me it is inconsequential. What does have relevance are the truths that I can take away from the story---God loves man, that man was created in the image of God, that marriage is two becoming one in flesh, that we are not accidents.

Maybe it is a wishy-washy stance...and if people want to say that than that's fine. As a historian and (what I would like to think) somewhat of intellectual it is hard to buy the creation story as being literal fact. It just is. Do I believe that the divine had a hand in us being here and getting things started in the universe? Yes, I do truly believe that but I am not going to presume to know the scope of what that means.

Ultimately being a Christian is believing in Jesus and also believing in how he lived. Sometimes people get swayed away from that thought when they get fixated on issues that divide and not unite. The discourse (the idea of Christianity versus Science) would be better served with finding common ground.

This subject has been on my mind for the last several days and I feel better about letting it out. I figure there is nothing wrong with throwing in a (more) serious post every now and then.

No BW3 in Greensburg

For several weeks we have been hearing that Greensburg is getting a BW3 in the old Prime Time building.

Not happening...although it is going to be a wing's place. A Buffalo Wings and Rings is set to open in September. Click here to see their website.

I'm thinking that this was the chain that used to be on Lincoln Street in the late '80's/early 90's. ???????

Regardless...I'm kind of bummed that it isn't going to a BW3. (It would be nice if Greensburg would have a place to watch "the big game" even if it would be a generic bar like BW3.)

Maybe this new place will fill the void.

Big Ten Network Update

This is spiraling out of control. I think much of the fault lies with the Big Ten Network. They want to be part of a cable company's classic package (hence more money for them). If cable provider's do this than they are going to jack their prices up because sports-themed channels demand lucrative licensing rights (which stinks for consumers...especially those that don't care about sports).

If you are an Insight customer click here for their stance with the Big Ten Network. You will also be able to send an email to the Big Ten Network.

I think they are making a good point in that the channel should be part of their sports package--like the NFL network and ESPU.

Here are some more points that Insight is making with regard to the Big Ten Network:

* Insight will still have a lot of Big Ten sporting events - including football. In fact, the top football match-ups involving Big Ten schools will continue to be available on ABC, ESPN & ESPN2 (which we carry on Classic cable for all of our customers). Those contracts and existing agreements mean that the marquee games—and postseason action—won’t be on the Big Ten Network. The network’s own Web site acknowledges that it will not have first choice of football games during any week in the season. They’ll have the second pick only three times, and the third pick in another three weeks. That means that in most weeks, Big Ten Network will air games that ESPN and ESPN2 have chosen not to carry. We understand that diehard fans want to see every game in which their team plays. That’s why we are so upset that the Big Ten Network is refusing to let us launch their channel alongside other college sports networks.
* The Big Ten Network is pushing the limit by asking for more money than almost any other channel despite having one of the weakest Big Ten schedules. Make no mistake about it, the Big Ten Network is looking for customers to pay a whole lot more than they currently pay to watch college sports, while at Insight we are trying to keep the cost of sports programming in line for our customers. That is what this disagreement is about.
* Sports Networks are expensive and we don’t want our customers who are not sports fans to have to pay for them. Although we have offered the BTN a substantial payment for each Digital customer who would receive the network, they have continued to holdout. We are guessing that our offer simply isn’t enough to satisfy their greed.
* Insight has made an offer to launch the Big Ten Network (BTN) on digital. The BTN has not yet accepted our offer, and unless they do we will probably not be carrying the Big Ten games on the BTN. At this point the ball is in BTN’s court. We are ready to flip the switch when they are ready to give customers a choice.
* BTN has decided that rather than accept our offer to put them on Insight Digital 2.0 with the other college sports networks (ESPN U and CSTV) they would hold out for Classic carriage. By doing this they are attempting to extract a very large license fee for every Classic customer, not just those interested in college sports programming.
* We understand that are customers are disappointed. We are too. We serve many college towns, and understand the passion of college sports fans. We are also a leader in delivering sports programming from the top sports networks. Insight was one of the first (and few) cable companies that agreed to carry ESPN U, College Sports Television, and the NFL Network all as part of Insight Digital 2.0. So we are puzzled that the BTN has refused to accept our offer.
* We are aware that some customers of other cable companies are receiving the games. The Big Ten Network likes to talk about the large number of cable companies that they have already signed up. All of these companies combined have fewer customers than Insight has digital customers. The BTN has continued to reject the digital carriage offers from all of the major cable companies.
* We would love to bring the Big Ten Network and these extra games to our customers, and if the BTN accepts our offer we will carry the games.

It looks like the Big Ten Network is going to have to be the first to blink...and I think they should be the first to do so.

Maddux now tied for Ninth

Greg Maddux picked up career win #342 on Sunday afternoon moving him into a tie with Tim Keefe for ninth place on the career win's list. Maddux went 6 innings and gave up only one run on a Lance Berkman solo homerun in the first. The Padres won 5-3 and still maintain a slim one game lead for the NL wild card spot. Maddux also had two hits and looked like he might have hurt himself when sliding hard into third base in the third inning. After a short visit from the trainer, Maddux declared himself all right (by giving a thumbs up) and went on to pitch three more innings. I'm guessing he's all right.

The Padres go out east this week with three games (each) against the Mets and Phillies. Those games against the Phillies are going to be super important since it is the Phillies who are only one game behind the Padres.

Photo courtesy of (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

Superbad...Super-awesome

Bopper and I saw Superbad yesterday afternoon...the movie lives up to the hype. Not only is it super hilarious, the movie has a charm to it reminiscent of this year's Knocked Up. It is definitely one of the best films of the summer.

It might be a movie geared more to guys but not necessarily. Ultimately...like most timeless comedies, Superbad will get even funnier after multiple viewings.

The Boss returns

Mark it down...Oct. 2...Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return with a new CD, Magic, that according to manager John Landau is "...a high energy rock CD. It's light on its feet, incredibly well played by Bruce and the members of the E Street Band, and, as always, has plenty to say. It's also immensely entertaining."

Want even better news...according to Backstreets.com a tour will be forthcoming.

Awesome.

Book of Fate

A few weeks ago, I finished Brad Meltzer's political thriller, The Book of Fate. It was a pretty good read. I don't read a lot of fiction (besides comics) but did enjoy the book. Speaking of comic books...it was the comics that inspired me to pick the book up. While I haven't read any of Meltzer's other books I have immensely enjoyed his comic book writing. In 2004 Meltzer penned the critically acclaimed DC Comics miniseries, Identity Crisis, and he just recently wrapped up a 12 issue run in the current run of the Justice League of America.

As for The Book of Fate...it was a pretty entertaining work of historical fiction. I kind of had the impression that the book was going to be along the lines of some of Dan Brown's work (historical conspiracies and all that). While that was there to a degree...it never materialized the way that I thought it was going too. By the cover of the book and by the synopsis on the back of the book one would expect a historical conspiracy involving the Masons. That was only briefly touched on in the book.

But I will say that the book held my interest and Meltzer's writing is very direct and snappy, which I like. He has a good pulse for today's pop culture and does a good job working that into the narrative without being overt about it.

I recommend it for those interested in the genre of historical (conspiracy-laden) fiction.

Maddux gets win #341, Padres roll

Greg Maddux finally picked up career win #341 as the Padres defeated the Rockies last night 8-0. It was Maddux's first win since June 27 although he has pitched well over his last several starts. In his last five starts he had given up a total of 10 runs but was 0-2.

Last night the Padres jumped on starter, Jeff Francis, for 7 runs through the first three innings. That was all Maddux and the bullpen needed as they went on to shut the Rockies out. (For the record, Maddux went 5 2/3 innings).

The Padres pull within two games of the west leading Diamondbacks and maintain a slim one game lead in the wild card race.

Photos courtesy of Donald Miralle/Getty Images

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good: Wedding weekend in Wilmington, NC was a blast. Congrats again to Andy and Elizabeth. The entire trip was very memorable. Many thanks to the Spalt family and their neighbors who offered up their of beach house that we stayed in. Special shout out to Sam and Akemi for leaving the master bedroom for Jenny and I. We truly appreciated that simple gesture. The reception rocked on many levels...Andy and Elizabeth had an up and coming indie band--Schooner--play for most of the reception and they played an up tempo set that perfectly fitted the atmosphere of the reception. Of course what reception would be complete without ending on the highest note possible---jamming to Springsteen's Born to Run. It was a great weekend...Jenny and I had a fantastic time hanging out with old friends and making new ones.

The Bad: Jenny and I will never (maybe an exaggeration) fly US Airways again. We were supposed to leave Indy at 8:55 on Thursday morning--arrive in Charlotte and then take a short flight to Wilmington and be in Wilmington at 12:38. Well...we didn't arrive in Wilmington until 8:30 that night. (Three of our friends drove from Indiana and beat us there). Not cool. The reason for our original delay was mechanical problems with the the plane. Interestingly enough...the person working the US Airways counter at our terminal actually told us that the reason for the delay was that the mechanics were "out looking for a part." WTF...was my reaction. Around 10:00 this same lady said that there would not be an mechanical update until noon and that she suggested that we should reroute...which we did...and didn't leave Indy until 3:45 (Yes, I spent most of my time reading ESPN's fantasy magazine). Lo and behold we found out at about 2:00 that afternoon that there was an update at noon and that the plane was not only fixed but departed to Charlotte. (And yes there was no announcement--WTF again).

We then arrived in Charoltee...and guess what...our plan for Wilmington was delayed for approximately 60 minutes. (Although I'll concede that the Charlotte airport is pretty nice). Like I said earlier we did finally arrive...(thanks to Chris and Caroline for picking us up and for being on standby for us all day).

I was kind of dreading our return trip but things started out all right (special thanks to Narwold for taking us to the Wilmington airport) Our return trip was supposed to be Wilmington to Cincy and then to Indy. So at the very least we would be in Cincy, which ended up being a blessing as our connecting flight from Cincy to Indy was not only delayed but that Delta (who we flew home with) was not even sure if the plane coming would be large enough to accommodate everybody booked on the flight. Jenny and I decided that was enough and my sister, Valerie, came and picked us up. Thankfully we got our luggage (we finally met somebody in the airlines business that knew what was going on--some young gentlemen named Anthony who works at Delta--thank you again). Of note...I also learned that it takes five Delta employees to fix a printer.

Consequently Jenny and I spent Monday evening going to Indy to get my car out of long term parking. (Which is why there is no movie review this week--I didn't make back in time to watch Stardust--oh well--nothing wrong with taking a break).

The Ugly: I'm not going to get into this...but let's just say that my system was pretty distraught from all of the food and beverages that I consumed over the weekend.



Ultimately we did make it home safe and that's all that matters. Delta compensated us with some nice vouchers--so that's cool. Thankfully the travel headaches didn't effect the great time we had in Wilmington.

Let's get ready to rumble!

I'm not the biggest boxing fan by any means but I like matches with a lot of star power. Looks like we are going to get a mega fight when Roy Jones Jr. takes to the ring against Felix Trinidad. Trinidad is coming out of retirement and Jones is coming out of...who knows? But anyway...looks like an exciting match. Granted both boxers are (probably) past their primes but there is definitely potential for it to be an exciting match.

Click here for the full article courtesy of espn.com

Back in the 'burg

Jenny and I finally made it home on Sunday night. I'll go into later...but let's just say that our experience with both US Airways and Delta Airlines was a mickey mouse operation.

Nonetheless...we had a blast in Wilmington. The entire weekend was extremely memorable and fun. Congrats again to Andy and Elizabeth.

Well I'll be back shortly with a rant about our travel woes but also will post more about the trip when we get our pics developed.

I wish I was back on the beach.

Blog Break

1. I'm having computer issues...not making me very happy.

2. I will be taking a short vacation to the great state of North Carolina to attend my good friend's wedding (Andy and Elizabeth).

In essence...no entries until Monday. I hope everybody can handle that.

Keep it real.

Batman anime DVD

I heard about this a few weeks ago...looks like it is going to happen. Sounds very cool. I would assume it would come out a few weeks before The Dark Knight gets released (July 2008).

Per Newsrama:

Set in the period between BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT, this brand new adventure follows BATMAN as he unravels a mystery over six original stories done in the style of Japanese Anime. Each of the six original stories has been written by a highly respected screenwriter or comic book creator. The talent includes Academy Award nominee Josh Olsen (The History of Violence), screenwriter of the Blade films and Batman Begins David Goyer, and famed comic book writer Brian Azzarello, among others.

The Batman Anime DVD is viewed as a perfect companion piece to BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT. The original stories introduce a number of classic characters from the DC Comics BATMAN universe as well as following up on characters and storylines that were introduced in BATMAN BEGINS.

Superbad (R-rated clip)

I came across this clip for Superbad and couldn't resist posting it. I've been talking this movie up for months and I think its going to deliver and be one of the funniest films of the year. It opens August 17.

Maddux vs. Bonds

One good thing about Bonds pursuit of the record is more baseball on ESPN...more specifically more NL west coast baseball on ESPN.

The Bonds circus rolled into San Diego last night...as the Giants took on the Padres...more specifically--as ESPN was hyping it--Maddux vs. Bonds. With this case, I can get into the hype. I was shocked that the matchup actually led off PTI yesterday evening. But considering that its two future hall of famers going at it with the home run record in reach...in my mind...it is worth hyping it up.

Further adding to the buzz were the comments that Maddux made prior to the game--

“It's easy pitching to Barry because if it matters, you just walk him...I mean, it's not that hard to throw four a couple feet outside...I know he taught me to beat lineups and not hitters. You do what you can to keep him in the park. No disrespect to the other eight guys, but you've got to make sure Barry doesn't beat you.”

It was these comments by Maddux that led to much of the discussion leading up to the game...would Maddux actually pitch to him?

It didn't take long to answer that. With a runner on second in the 1st inning, and Bonds at the plate...Maddux's first pitch set the tone on how he was going to pitch to Barry...and that was that he was going to go right after him (in terms of how Maddux goes after a batter). It was a pretty cool moment that after that first pitch Bonds and Maddux--with a grin and head nod--acknowledged their mutual respect that they have for each other. Certainly that first at bat was the highlight of the game for me. Bonds worked the count full. I told Jenny that Maddux was going to try and get him on the inside corner with that cut/sinking fastball that he throws to lefties. And sure enough he struck out Bonds looking...vintage Maddux. I was pumped.

In Bonds's next two plate appearances against Maddux, Bonds took his licks. Maddux induced him for a ground out and a fly out. In retrospect one could see Maddux's comments as a way to maybe throw Bonds off a little bit. He certainly implied that he was not going to pitch to him, but in fact he pitched to him probably more than he should have. Maddux isn't the pitcher that he used to be...but more times than not he is still one step ahead of the hitters.

As for the rest of the game...Maddux ended up throwing a quality start (6.1 innings/ 3 earned runs) but it was his opponent, Matt Cain, that was the story of the game up until the 8th inning. Cain was simply baffling the Padres hitters as they could muster no offense whatsoever. Finally in the 8th...after a couple of hits...Cain exited the game. Newly acquired outfield Scott Hairston came to bat and belted a game-tying home run. Lo and behold in the tenth inning Hairston belted a walk off solo home run to win the game.

It was an unbelievable finish to a classic ballgame. Hats off to Hairston for hitting not one...but two crucial home runs. No question he was the player of the game. In essence it was just a great game. The Bonds/Maddux hype...with my perspective...lived up to the hype and for a Padres fan the end of the game was simply exhilarating.

(photo courtesy of AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

That sure woke me up

I'm sitting here this morning...checking my teams...while watching Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN2. Mike and Mike are not there so I'm blessed with Doug Gottlieb and some other dude.

No shitting...Gottlieb just referred to Micheal Irvin, who is getting inducted into the NFL hall of fame this weekend, as the second greatest wide receiver of all time.

Wow...they pay this guy for his thoughts.

Update: Here are Michael Irvin's all-time ranks:

Receptions...he is 21st all time (750)
Receiving TD's...he is 43rd all time (65)
Yards...he is 14th all time (11,904).

By comparison

Marvin Harrison is

4th in all time receptions (1,022)
3rd in receiving TD's (122)
6th in receiving yards (13,697).

Again...maybe the dumbest comment that I've ever heard coming from an ESPN "analyst"

Smallville Rumblings from Comic Con

Really I couldn't resist to post another pitcher of Laura Vandervoort aka Supergirl...

But anyway some interesting tidbits from the forthcoming seventh season (and yes that is hard to believe).

--Phil Morris (Martian Manhunter) will be guest starring in several episodes.

--Green Arrow, Justin Hartley, will also be back in some capacity this season.

--Dean Cain, who played Superman/Clark Kent on Lois & Clark will be guest starring as a villain in one episode.

--No Batman/Bruce Wayne...and probably no Wonder Woman

--Apparently Rosenbaum had back surgery but he's all right...probably hurt himself in that pimp wagon of a van that he owns.


--I think it is unclear at this point how much of Lana Lang we are going to be seeing. She might only be around for half the season (assuming...and I think it is a pretty safe assumption...that she's not dead).

Smallville continues to be one of my favorite shows. One might assume that the show is not what it once was but there were some great episodes last season. As long as they can weave new characters and ideas in and out of the Superman myth the show will continue to be successful.

Special shout out to Kryptonsite...the Smallville website that always keeps me informed.

Shoot 'em Up Red Band Trailer

The Red Band Trailer for Shoot'em Up can be viewed by going to the official website...click here.

Click on "view age restricted content"...and then enter your name, birthday & zipcode.

The trailer kicks ass...Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci and Motley Crue...what more does one want.

I would have to say that as the Fall Movie season arrives the three movies that I'm most looking forward to see are 3:10 to Yuma, Shoot'em Up, and Rambo 4 (actually I'm not even sure when that comes out).

Anyway...I've said it before...I like that Hollywood is putting out these red band trailers especially since most of them more accurately showcase what movie's "about."