For my birthday, which is actually on the 14th, Jenny took me to Superhero Museum in downtown Indy. For 5 bucks a person, it's pretty cool. It takes about a half hour to go through and they have some pretty cool stuff. It's really a Superman/Batman museum as about 65% of the exhibits are Superman related and the other 35% is Batman. The highlights of the museum would be the Bat-boat from the 1966 Batman movie and the Batmobile from the 1989 film. That stuff is pretty cool. He also has costumes from the Superman film/TV incarnations--all the way from the 1940's movie serials to Smallville. They even have an autographed Club Zero-esque Michael Rosenbaum shirt. The museum is just filled with a lot of toys, some old, and other collectibles showcasing Superman and Batman. I'll be frank...take away the Batman movie artifacts...I would have to put my personal Batman collection against that of the museum's. All in all it was cool...while we were downtown...Jenny did treat me to lunch at Rock Bottom...and some Circle City Light. (Petty, you would have been able to get in this time)
--For cable subscribers in Indy...still no Big Ten Network. This issue has completely pissed me off to the extent that it's just about fried my brain. I'm holding out hope that something gets done...but if not I might be at Links during some of the IU games that will be on the Big Ten Network. I guess I should just get satellite but in reality I'm very satisfied with my digital cable...so I don't know.
--We officially have new neighbors at 127...haven't met them yet (a guy and girl couple) but to my surprise they have an outside pet dog.
--I hope the Colts rebound this weekend...but I'm weary just because the team is so banged up. Another loss is not going to wreck their season...but I want them to hold on to that number 2 seed in the AFC. Should be Addai time again.
--The Hoosiers kick off their season on Monday night and I think they are going to have a stellar year. They should compete if not win the Big Ten and a run at the Final Four is definitely not out of the question.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
"Heroes" Season 2 Stuggles
Found this over at ew.com...Heroes creator Tim Kring is apologizing to fans for some of season 2's shortcomings. I have to agree with him on a lot of them...the show really struggled for the first few episodes but does seem to be getting back on track (it didn't help that Jenny and I were about 3 episodes behind...but we are currently caught up).
By Jeff Jensen
On the chilly Monday morning that Hollywood's writers went on strike, Heroes creator Tim Kring called from the streets outside the Hollywood studio where his NBC series is shot. ''Yes, I'm picketing my own show,'' says the 50-year-old writer-producer. ''So surreal.''
But Kring wasn't calling to discuss labor woes — he was calling to explain why Heroes, suffering a creative decline and a 15 percent ratings drop from the same period last year, went from Human Torch hot to Iceman cold. The good news? A turnaround appears to be under way. After weeks of sluggish storytelling, the Nov. 5 episode recaptured some of last season's fanciful energy. We've also seen the next two episodes — and we like them, too. The cliff-hangers are back. Narrative purpose has been discovered. Old favorites like Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) and Horn-Rimmed Glasses (Jack Coleman) take center stage. Even more encouraging: Kring himself is keenly aware that Heroes is broken. Here's his candid critique:
THE PACE IS TOO SLOW ''We assumed the audience wanted season 1 — a buildup of intrigue about these characters and the discovery of their powers. We taught [them] to expect a certain kind of storytelling. They wanted adrenaline. We made a mistake.''
THE WORLD-SAVING STAKES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED SOONER The premonition of nuclear apocalypse created a larger context that unified every story line last season. Kring now sees that Volume 2 (the first 11 episodes of season 2) would have been better served if Peter's vision of viral Armageddon had appeared in the season premiere rather than episode 7. ''We took too long to get to the big-picture story,'' he says.
THE ROOKIES DIDN'T GREET THEMSELVES PROPERLY New Heroes Monica (Dana Davis), Maya (Dania Ramirez), and Alejandro (Shalim Ortiz) ''shouldn't have been introduced in separate story lines that felt unattached to the show. The way we introduced Elle (Kristen Bell) — by weaving her in via Peter's story line — is a more logical way to bring new characters into the show.'' (That said, Kring says a few newbies won't make it beyond this second volume, which wraps Dec. 3.)
HIRO WAS IN JAPAN WAY TOO LONG Hiro's (Masi Oka) time-bending adventure in 17th-century Japan — where he mentored samurai hero Takezo Kensei (David Anders) — finally came to an end on Nov. 5. But Kring says it ''should have [lasted] three episodes. We didn't give the audience enough story to justify the time we allotted it.''
YOUNG LOVE STINKS Kring regrets sticking Claire (Hayden Panettiere) with a super-dud boyfriend and forcing Hiro to moon over a cutesy princess. ''I've seen more convincing romances on TV,'' he admits. ''In retrospect, I don't think romance is a natural fit for us.''
Yet while Heroes has finally found some dramatic traction, this second volume is pretty much a wash. The Dec. 3 episode has been retooled to function as a potential season finale — a move inspired by the writers' strike and a desire to give the show ''a clean slate'' when it goes back into production for Volume 3. At that point, Kring wants to craft a rebooted Heroes that can attract new fans and win back those who've tuned out: ''The message is that we've heard the complaints — and we're doing something about it.''
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Greg Maddux, greatest defensive player ever
Well probably not...but he is now the all-time leader with 17 Gold Gloves. He breaks the mark of 16...held by Jim Kaat (Pitcher) and Brooks Robinson (3B).
Here's the story via Yahoo Sports
Here's the story via Yahoo Sports
Padres pitcher Greg Maddux won his record 17th Gold Glove while Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis earned his first award Tuesday for fielding excellence.
Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez won for the 13th time and outfielders Andruw Jones, Ichiro Suzuki and Torii Hunter added to their totals. The Colorado Rockies, who set a major league record for fielding percentage, did not have a winner.
Maddux broke a tie with Baltimore third baseman Brooks Robinson and pitcher Jim Kaat for the most Gold Gloves.
Known for his quick reflexes on the mound even at age 41, Maddux won his first Gold Glove in 1990 with the Chicago Cubs. Since then, the 347-game winner has taken home the honor every year except 2003, when Mike Hampton broke his streak.
"It's cool to win again," Maddux said in a release. "I'm fortunate to still be pitching at this level and honored to be recognized with this prestigious award."
Earlier this week, Maddux and San Diego agreed to a one-year contract for next year.
The Gold Gloves were first awarded in 1957. Managers and coaches vote on players in their own leagues.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Greensburg's Mayor's Race
The Frank Manus(D) administration is over.
Gary Herbert (R) defeated Manus by a vote of 1679 to 1000.
Gary Herbert (R) defeated Manus by a vote of 1679 to 1000.
"American Gangster" movie review
This week we'll be taking a look at the current #1 movie at the box office, American Gangster. Ridley Scott directs this detective (Russell Crowe) vs. gangster (Denzel Washington) drama, set mostly in New York City during the end of the Vietnam War.
Ryan: It is not everyday that two Hollywood megastars co-star in a major motion picture. The pairing of Washington and Crowe is what makes American Gangster such a must see film. Make no mistake about it: American Gangster is a very good film. It is not a movie that's an instant classic (or even best picture material like last year's The Departed) but it is a film that is tremendously well put together that showcases the talents of two of the best actors of their generation.
Andy: It's true that Crowe and Washington are both big stars, but make no mistake about it. Denzel Washington's presence here is what filled theatres. In spite of his obvious talent as an actor, Russell Crowe has never connected with his audience as a major draw to a movie. Washington, on the other hand, almost always seems to have a strong opening weekend, at least. This movie offers an example of why this may be the case. Crowe and Washington both have outstanding, equally impressive performances. But Washington seems so much cooler doing it than Crowe does. I wish Washington did not so frequently play the tough-as-nails anti-hero, but he sure is good at it.
Ryan: This isn't Washington's or Crowe's best work but they do deliver strong performances. They don't share much screen time together and that might put off some moviegoers. But their respected performances are solid enough that they propel the dual narratives along until they intersect each other. When they do finally meet up on screen it makes for a really cool movie moment. The scene might not have the most dramatic effect that one might want from the pairing of two stars but overall the scene works within the framework of the film.
Andy: I actually would have liked to see Ridley Scott play up the meeting of Crowe and Washington's characters a little bit more. The whole movie is leading us toward their inevitable confrontation, and when it happens it's a little anticlimactic. It would have been fun to watch two actors of this caliber trading chops on screen, but instead we get a bit of a tidy, wrapped up ending. As Ryan said, it does fit the movie pretty well, but it's hard not to wonder what could have been between the two.
Ryan: Like I said before, American Gangster is a fine film but it doesn't have that “something extra” that really grabs you. It's a film that's good enough to end up on many critics' top ten lists but it won't be a film that makes the number one spot. It just lacks that pizzazz that would have made it a great film. It's based on a true story and at times it feels like the movie's pace is more along the lines of a Sixty Minute's news segment as opposed to a drug-trafficking crime thriller. The resolution to the movie is a bit clunky as well as the movie takes an unexpected turn with the two leads that might frustrate some moviegoers. Even with these shortcomings, American Gangster is a finely made entertaining film.
Andy: Good, not great is a fine way of summing this movie up. There aren't that many shortcomings of the film, but nothing jumps out as being particularly overwhelming, either. It may garner a couple of random Oscar nominations, but mostly it's just a good, escapist crime drama. If this is the sort of movie you are into, you won't be disappointed, but no new ground has been broken here.
American Gangster is solidly constructed and well acted. Final grade: B+.
Ryan: It is not everyday that two Hollywood megastars co-star in a major motion picture. The pairing of Washington and Crowe is what makes American Gangster such a must see film. Make no mistake about it: American Gangster is a very good film. It is not a movie that's an instant classic (or even best picture material like last year's The Departed) but it is a film that is tremendously well put together that showcases the talents of two of the best actors of their generation.
Andy: It's true that Crowe and Washington are both big stars, but make no mistake about it. Denzel Washington's presence here is what filled theatres. In spite of his obvious talent as an actor, Russell Crowe has never connected with his audience as a major draw to a movie. Washington, on the other hand, almost always seems to have a strong opening weekend, at least. This movie offers an example of why this may be the case. Crowe and Washington both have outstanding, equally impressive performances. But Washington seems so much cooler doing it than Crowe does. I wish Washington did not so frequently play the tough-as-nails anti-hero, but he sure is good at it.
Ryan: This isn't Washington's or Crowe's best work but they do deliver strong performances. They don't share much screen time together and that might put off some moviegoers. But their respected performances are solid enough that they propel the dual narratives along until they intersect each other. When they do finally meet up on screen it makes for a really cool movie moment. The scene might not have the most dramatic effect that one might want from the pairing of two stars but overall the scene works within the framework of the film.
Andy: I actually would have liked to see Ridley Scott play up the meeting of Crowe and Washington's characters a little bit more. The whole movie is leading us toward their inevitable confrontation, and when it happens it's a little anticlimactic. It would have been fun to watch two actors of this caliber trading chops on screen, but instead we get a bit of a tidy, wrapped up ending. As Ryan said, it does fit the movie pretty well, but it's hard not to wonder what could have been between the two.
Ryan: Like I said before, American Gangster is a fine film but it doesn't have that “something extra” that really grabs you. It's a film that's good enough to end up on many critics' top ten lists but it won't be a film that makes the number one spot. It just lacks that pizzazz that would have made it a great film. It's based on a true story and at times it feels like the movie's pace is more along the lines of a Sixty Minute's news segment as opposed to a drug-trafficking crime thriller. The resolution to the movie is a bit clunky as well as the movie takes an unexpected turn with the two leads that might frustrate some moviegoers. Even with these shortcomings, American Gangster is a finely made entertaining film.
Andy: Good, not great is a fine way of summing this movie up. There aren't that many shortcomings of the film, but nothing jumps out as being particularly overwhelming, either. It may garner a couple of random Oscar nominations, but mostly it's just a good, escapist crime drama. If this is the sort of movie you are into, you won't be disappointed, but no new ground has been broken here.
American Gangster is solidly constructed and well acted. Final grade: B+.
Colts fallout Part II
All right...yes I was pissed on Sunday night. It wasn't until the Shelbyville exit (we watched the game at Reiger's condo in downtown Indy) that I could muster some words together to talk to my wife. (Hats off to her for putting up with my surliness...but she knows the drill...It just takes me some time to process a demoralizing sports lost with one of my teams). Ultimately it was a helluva of a game. It was exciting...it was nailbiting...it lived up to the hype. I don't think the Colts necessarily blew it...maybe gave it away...the Patriots on both ends of the ball made the plays in the fourth quater...and the Colts didn't.
Here are my observations:
1. Not much of a surprise but the Colts and Patriots are the best two teams in the NFL. Most people are aware of that...but this game proved it. It also proved that they are still, I think, evenly matched. The Patriots got us on Sunday but by no means are they utterly superior to us. If we played 10 games we would win half of them.
2. Randy Moss is a stud. When the pass rush faltered in the fourth quarter, it was then that Brady had the time to make the big play...and Moss has got to be the best big player receiver in the NFL. If they play again...I'm not to sure how the Colts will try to stop him...although I don't think Tim Jennings is the answer.
3. The Colts defense is good...I mean Super Bowl good. For 50 minutes they pretty much shut down the best offense in the NFL. They were making plays and getting pressure on Brady (which is the key to slowing them down and also why I think down the road...that the NY Giants might have more than chance to beat them). Unfortunately, due to fatigue or the Patriots making adjustments, the defense just could not hold them for the whole game. That was dishearting because they played their asses off.
4. I'm not saying that the injuries to several of our starters cost us the game but come on...it would have made a big difference...easily a 4 point difference. For the first time, the Colts offense really missed Harrison. The passing game was pretty slow and it is safe to say that with Harrison on the filed...at the very least...it opens more things up for the rest of the guys. The offensive line really missed Tony Ugoh as well especially in the fourth quarter. The line really let down the rest of the offensive in the fourth with the penalties and the lack of protection. And not to call out Charlie Johnson, who did an admirable job, but Ugoh is a stud and he would have made a difference. Maybe the defense would not have stumbled in the fourth quarter if Freddy Keiaho and/or Tyjuan Hagler would have played. Those guys are playmakers and greatly would have added to the defense's depth. I just think if the team was at full strength the result would have been different.
5. I don't buy the notion that the Colts can't win a potential rematch in Foxborough (AFC Championship). With the defense that the Colts have and with the ability to pound the ball with the run, they can win a smash'em up cold weather game. I'm not saying they should win...but they can. Furthermore, a cold weather game might actually effect the Patriots offense more than the Colts. The Pats are basically running the same 3 WR-set offense that the Colts ran in 2004. In a cold weather game with a tough defense (that the Colts have) the Pats' offense is not going to be running at optimum levels. I rather the game be in Indy...no question about that...but it's not a lost cause in New England (after all we have beat them the last two times in Foxborough).
6. I sill hate the Patriots. Tom Brady is great quarterback but he's also a whiny bitch. I remember quite vividly two instances of him whining during the game. (I'm aware that Manning doesn't have the best body language either...but he's better with it now). Bill Belicheck, while being a great football coach, is far from being a classy guy. His post-game handshake with Dungy boarded on being completely ridiculous. As for Teddy Bruschi...I just hate that guy. I'm just not going to say anything more.
Bottom line...the Patriots are a great team but so are the Colts. I hope we get them in the playoffs because we can beat them no matter where the game is going be.
Our next game in San Diego is not going to be an easy game...but I think we will get back on track.
Go Horse!
Here are my observations:
1. Not much of a surprise but the Colts and Patriots are the best two teams in the NFL. Most people are aware of that...but this game proved it. It also proved that they are still, I think, evenly matched. The Patriots got us on Sunday but by no means are they utterly superior to us. If we played 10 games we would win half of them.
2. Randy Moss is a stud. When the pass rush faltered in the fourth quarter, it was then that Brady had the time to make the big play...and Moss has got to be the best big player receiver in the NFL. If they play again...I'm not to sure how the Colts will try to stop him...although I don't think Tim Jennings is the answer.
3. The Colts defense is good...I mean Super Bowl good. For 50 minutes they pretty much shut down the best offense in the NFL. They were making plays and getting pressure on Brady (which is the key to slowing them down and also why I think down the road...that the NY Giants might have more than chance to beat them). Unfortunately, due to fatigue or the Patriots making adjustments, the defense just could not hold them for the whole game. That was dishearting because they played their asses off.
4. I'm not saying that the injuries to several of our starters cost us the game but come on...it would have made a big difference...easily a 4 point difference. For the first time, the Colts offense really missed Harrison. The passing game was pretty slow and it is safe to say that with Harrison on the filed...at the very least...it opens more things up for the rest of the guys. The offensive line really missed Tony Ugoh as well especially in the fourth quarter. The line really let down the rest of the offensive in the fourth with the penalties and the lack of protection. And not to call out Charlie Johnson, who did an admirable job, but Ugoh is a stud and he would have made a difference. Maybe the defense would not have stumbled in the fourth quarter if Freddy Keiaho and/or Tyjuan Hagler would have played. Those guys are playmakers and greatly would have added to the defense's depth. I just think if the team was at full strength the result would have been different.
5. I don't buy the notion that the Colts can't win a potential rematch in Foxborough (AFC Championship). With the defense that the Colts have and with the ability to pound the ball with the run, they can win a smash'em up cold weather game. I'm not saying they should win...but they can. Furthermore, a cold weather game might actually effect the Patriots offense more than the Colts. The Pats are basically running the same 3 WR-set offense that the Colts ran in 2004. In a cold weather game with a tough defense (that the Colts have) the Pats' offense is not going to be running at optimum levels. I rather the game be in Indy...no question about that...but it's not a lost cause in New England (after all we have beat them the last two times in Foxborough).
6. I sill hate the Patriots. Tom Brady is great quarterback but he's also a whiny bitch. I remember quite vividly two instances of him whining during the game. (I'm aware that Manning doesn't have the best body language either...but he's better with it now). Bill Belicheck, while being a great football coach, is far from being a classy guy. His post-game handshake with Dungy boarded on being completely ridiculous. As for Teddy Bruschi...I just hate that guy. I'm just not going to say anything more.
Bottom line...the Patriots are a great team but so are the Colts. I hope we get them in the playoffs because we can beat them no matter where the game is going be.
Our next game in San Diego is not going to be an easy game...but I think we will get back on track.
Go Horse!
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