"We now have a small group of radical attorney, who on their own, have undertaken their own agenda to smear the NCAA and any one else they can along the way. These irresponsible people have alleged that there was a conspiracy between the Justice Department of the United States, the FBI, the NCAA, the University of Tennessee, and me. These kinds of statements are absurd. These are the same people who sued two sitting Alabama governors.

"University Presidents shaped the NCAA as our governing body some 100 years ago and we all participate voluntarily. In my 30 years of coaching, the people I have met from the NCAA seem to be bright and honorable people. I do not agree with everything they do, but they are our governing body and most of the rules we have has come from abuse and intended for the good of the whole body of members.

"Many coaches knew or suspected there was cheating going on and had challenged the suspect coaches to get it stopped. It was even addressed with all 12 SEC coaches in the same room at the SEC spring meeting a few years ago. It had been addressed long before the hammer finally fell.

"I strongly believe that this effort by an isolated group of irresponsible attorneys to somehow glorify or excuse illegal conduct at the expense of college football is hypocritical on their part."

As to why he didn't attend media days: "Everyone wants to know why I'm not in Birmingham. Again, I'm not an attorney, but I will do my best to explain it. I am a defendant, along with the NCAA and the American Football Coaches Association — which in my opinion is pretty good company — in a frivolous lawsuit in Tuscaloosa.

This could have been over weeks ago. Our motion to dismiss was continued several weeks ago to next Monday by the rogue lawyers and the timing of that is no coincidence. "

"I've heard it asked, 'why not give a deposition and tell the truth'. That is actually two questions. First, through this entire affair, I have told the truth and will continue to tell the truth. Second, telling the truth is much different than agreeing to be a stage prop for a lawsuit that is for show.

"They have proven they are not interested in the truth. They only showboat and grandstand. They make wild charges — incredible exaggerations and tell half-truths to try and make their case.

"The truth is not on their side. I simply do not intend to play their game. I will not be drug into a deposition the week of the Florida, Georgia, or Alabama game.

"I do not want this extended any longer. I do not want to go back and forth during the season at the whim of a lawyer. I have a duty and responsibility to my players and my university and all the fans and boosters that support it. I am going to fulfill my duties as the Tennessee coach and let the lawyers do their jobs.

"As for the attack, I plan to fight every step of the way and give nothing. I am in this, not by my own doing, unless you count doing what was right when asked by our governing body. A couple of you called me a coward. I was disappointed to see that. You can talk about my coaching if we lose. You can talk about my play calling in games. You might talk about my physique if you chose to stoop that low, but coward is way over the line.

"The same people that used the space to call me a coward have used that same space to talk about cleaning up the SEC from cheating."

|

Which Doctor Am I?
At last, a quiz I can identify with!  And it's interesting to note that I am much like my favorite Doctor. 


You are the seventh Doctor! Warm and friendly to
those around you, your manner can take a dark
turn at times. Those who cross your path have
significant reason to fear, as your morality is
a bit more liquid then might make some
comfortable. However, you are not human, and
behind those clever eyes a new scheme is
brewing. The responsibility of protecting the
universe lies on your shoulders. How can you
help it if no one understands?

Which Doctor (from Doctor Who) Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Tip of the hat to Sarah for making me aware of this one!





posted by Michael at 7/30/2004 10:54:00 AM | |

It's funny because it's true!
This week, Get Fuzzy has presented a series of strips about the customer service department at Dull Computers.  Each one this week has made me laugh out loud because they hit close to home and as a person who has worked in customer service, there are times when you wish you could get away with stuff like this! Here are links to the comics.

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Finally, I forgot to link to it last Saturday, but this Close to Home just amused me no end...





posted by Michael at 7/30/2004 10:13:00 AM | |

1st USA/Today/CNN Coaches' Poll is Out
First poll of the season
No big shock here that USC is ranked number one going into the season.  LSU comes in at number three behind Oklahoma.  The Vols are ranked fourteenth, which seems about right.  Georgia comes in at number four and I know there are some expecting Georgia to win it all.  Well, first y'all gotta figure out how to beat Florida and make it through a tough SEC schedule.  Then call me and we'll talk about your national title hopes.

Also, I hate to say it, but I think they should wait and have the polls come out a month into the season.  Let's see how things shake out a bit before we start declaring who is number one.  But, of course, then you couldn't have that big made for TV Labor Day match-up of Florida State vs Miami.  (And it is really smart to have one team pretty much out of the ACC and national title race the first week of the season?!?)


posted by Michael at 7/30/2004 10:06:00 AM | |
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Theater Thursday
My Life.
This week the topic is YOU.

At last, it's all about me, me, me!  Oh wait....isn't it always?!?

1) If there was a movie to be made about your life, what actor/actress would portray you?
For years, I thought that David Duchovny would do a good job as me.  The man can do the dramatic, he's got the timing and the humor needed to play me.  Plus, my female friends tell me he looks good in a pair of Speedos...which I don't at all--I look more like what Homer Simpson might look like in Speedos (as do most guys!  Remember--it's a priviledge not a right to wear them!).  Anyway, I think David Duchovny would be a good choice to play me.

2) What actor/actress would portray your love interest? Your best friend?
Oh goodness....I am gonna have to say Kirsten Dunst.  Oh wait, we want someone that I would have a shot with.  I really think Alexis Bledl from Gilmore Girls would be a good choice.  As for my best friend, I am not sure who would be the best person to play Barry.  He'd have to be someone who could bring dignity, intelligence and wit to the role.  Maybe a young Robert Redford.  Or maybe Ron Howard.  I think Ron Howard would be a good choice for Barry as well.   

3) What would be the title of your film?
"You're Mocking Me Aren't You?" or "Yes, We Are Laughing At You: Confessions from a Life Tech Support and Customer Service."

Bonus) What moment of your life would be the highlight of this film?
There are just so many moments from my life that would be highlights that I can't name them all here. 


posted by Michael at 7/29/2004 05:31:00 PM | |

The Amazing Race
This week's TV section of Entertainment Weekly says that Charla's biggest obstacle to overcome is Mirna.  And you know, it's hard to disagree.  But I think that every good reality show has to have someone that you just enjoy rooting against--someone that you keep going--how the heck did they make it through to next week?  Are they the luckiest people on Earth?  Because it sure seems that way.  Case in point of this week--Charla and Mirna look left for elimination at the airport only to miraculously get tickets and arrive ahead of several other teams!  And seeing Charla out there in pads, blocking hockey shots for goals...as much of a whiner as Mirna is, I have to admit I have a lot of respect for Charla and it's growing every week.

That said, this leg of the race was pretty gruelling.  The road block wasn't too bad in the long run, but the having to eat two pounds of cavier challenge...all I can say is YUCK!  I don't think The Amazing Race is springing for Beluga Cavier and I'd be hard pressed to eat two pounds of anything in one sitting.  I did notice that the person who was forced to choke this all down didn't look so perky and full of zest when they go to the pit stop point.  You had the person who wasn't forced to eat the two pounds of cavier celebrating while the person forced to eat it was looking around for somewhere to get ill.   Also, did anyone else notice that in most of the one guy, one girl couples, it was the girl who ended up choking down the cavier? 

Congratulations to Chip and Kim for making up some lost time and getting into first place this week.  As much as I missed Jim and Marsha, I think I'm pulling now for Chip and Kim.  Certainly, I am not pulling for Marshall and Lance who once again demonstrate why people in other countries hate Americans yet again and for the bowling moms who are manipulative to the extreme all while trying to come off as innocent.  I'd root for Charla if not for the Mirna factor.   Is it wrong of me to wish that Mirna had stuffed the cavier down instead of Charla just to see the tortured expression on her face?


posted by Michael at 7/29/2004 09:42:00 AM | |
Wednesday, July 28, 2004

''When you get behind all the smoke and the big pile of lawsuits, the truth still stands: rules were broken, an investigation proved it, those who broke the rules admitted their guilt, and a university paid the price. There are a few people who cannot accept the truth, so they file lawsuits hoping the truth will go away."
--Phil Fulmer's press release.

There are some Vols fans out there who would argue that the Tennessee/Alabama rivalry has lost a bit of its luster the past couple of years. Certainly, in the Vol Nation with our winning eight out of the last nine games against our once dreaded rivals, there is the feeling that it's more important to the Vols to now take care of business against Florida and/or Georgia than it is Alabama. And while I agree that there is a good sense of rivalry there between the Vols and the Gators and the Vols and the Dawgs, as a Tennessee fan, there's just nothing quite as satisfying as beating Alabama--hell, even it was a game of pick-up sticks and it was us vs. Bama, I'd want the Big Orange to win.

Last year's Alabama game, which went to five OTs, certainly showed that. This game is a huge one on the field to the player involved. If you don't get why UT vs Bama is big, you probably just don't quite get the greatness that is UT football.

Of course, this year's game should be a barn-burner with a lot of hard feelings and grudges out laid out in the open. And that's just the fans. Heaven only knows what it will be like on the field when October rolls around.

And adding fuel to the fire this week, Phillip Fulmer's decision not to attend SEC Media Days due to the possiblity of being subpenaed if he sets foot in the state of Alabama. Certainly, it has given the talk radio shows and the sports pages a ton of ink to spill and I'm sure the message boards are burning up with fans calling for blood. And as much as I'd like to see Fulmer say, "Screw them! They can't intimadate me!" and head on down there, I can understand why he doesn't go. If you're going to pay a lawyer a ton of money to tell you what to do to protect yourself legally--even if you're in the right and you know it--then you shold probably listen to that advice. And the reports out of Knoxville are that Fulmer wanted to go, but his legal team advised him not to and the university decided to heed that, eat the fine and set up a teleconfrence. (According to some sources, UT also felt that the players shouldn't go as well, but Fulmer convinced them otherwise--after all, this is supposed to be about celebrating SEC football, not some legal suit brought about by a bunch of boosters with their noses out of whack).

Goodness, there are some fans in Alabama who have been watching way too many repeats of the X-Files. Their program committed some major violations and Fulmer did what he had to do--turned them in. Sure, he didn't go the Spurrier route and send a nasty letter and threaten them, but Fulmer did testify to the NCAA along with two other coaches. Yet, a small group of fans who are led by some lawyers want to drag this thing through the legal system. It doesn't help that Fulmer turned in one of the Vols' biggest rivals. It also doesn't help that he's remained mum about this, until this week that is, thus adding fuel to the fire. He must be covering up something, you think, because he's scared. Again, I go back to--you are paying these lawyers are ton of cash and they give tell you what to do. You'd be stupid not to follow their legal wisdom. I think it's a shame that a small number of Bama fans have to ruin the reputation of the majority of the fans out there. I respect those of you out there who are Bama fans. You like your team, I like mine. A couple of weekends a year, we disagree. But this small group of fans that just can't let go, that can't get over the fact that you broke the rules, you got caugh and are paying the penalty--it's time to let go. The University of Alabama has. They accepted the penalites and sanctions. They served their time and are bowl eligible this year. This small group of fans needs to get over it, move on and maybe take some steps back toward enjoying this great rivalry again.



posted by Michael at 7/28/2004 09:16:00 PM | |
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
TV Tuesday
This week it's about you and what you remember about TV!! :)

1. What's your fondest memory of something on TV?
Well, I'm certainly not quite as bad as Bill Murray in Scrooged (stop laughing, Barry!), but I do have a lot of fond memories of things on TV. Some of my strongest memories are of watching classic Star Trek episodes with my dad, the first or second time I saw them (long before I had them memorized like I do now). In fact, some of those that I watched with my dad are still some of my all-time favorites. Also, I have special memories of a couple of Doctor Who related things. One was the first time I saw the show--it was a hot day, I'd seen all of the classic Trek repeats (this was before TNG!) and my dad said, "Have you tried this Doctor Who show?" I am sure he regrets it to this day, but I hadn't and he flipped it over. The rest is, sad to say, fan-boy history. The first Doctor I met in person was the seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy and this was long before his episodes worked their way over to the U.S. I remember at the mini-con I attended, I asked him if he'd run into the Daleks yet and he replied he hadn't but he'd go back and tell them that I wanted to see them. Well, the next season led off with a Dalek story, which I've always assumed was put into production because of my request. OK, so maybe in reading that, I am as sad as Bill Murray in Scrooged...

2. What's the first show you remember watching regularly?
Benson. In fact, at the time, ABC ran promos for it where Benson and Kraus are in a convience store and Kraus says, "Vanishing cream" and Benson replies, "My treat!" Anyway, the first episode I saw was this one and I loved it. I used to watch it with Dad when Mom was out at choir. I also remember tuning into Battlestar Galatica and Buck Rogers when they were first on. (In fact, my dad worked with Gil Gerard's brother). Again, most of these shows were watched with Dad.

3. What is the (pick one: stupidest, saddest, silliest, most disgusting..) thing you've ever seen on TV?
There are a lot of the current glut of reality shows that just plain, out and out stink. I like Survivor, I like The Amazing Race and the Apprentice is good. But some of these on FOX just make me cringe--Who Wants to Marry A Millionaire? Trading Spouses?!? What the hell?!? They cancel good stuff like Firefly for this crap! (Even though I'm getting a movie, I'm still pissed we didn't get the complete vision of Firefly that Joss Whedon had!)

~Bonus~What's the best series finale you remember?
It's interesting that you ask this--so many of the shows I enjoy watching have ended in the past couple of years. Of course, there was the superb endings to Buffy and Angel, the nicely done last episodes of TNG and DS9. The finale of Farscape annoyed me, simply because it wasn't intended to be the end of the show and they thought they had another year. The series finale for Babylon Five was well done, but after the fifth season stood out like a sore thumb, it lost something. (I need to go back and re-watch the entire series). I remember the X-Files finale for being so annoyed that it was so bad. And the Seinfeld finale--not to great end to a great show. But there are two that just stand out. One is, of course, the classic ending to Newhart. If you haven't seen it--shame on you! The second is probably lesser known. There was this crappy show that aired on ABC Friday nights after Benson in the mid to late 80's. It was called I Married Dora. It was kind of the less refined version of Whose The Boss.  (Yeah, I know...I have no idea how it's possbile either!)Anyway, the last episode aired and it was supposed to be some type of cliffhanger--well, they're building up to it when suddenly the male lead comes in and says, "It doesn't really matter, we got cancelled" and is holding a pink slip. I don't remember anything about the rest of the show, but I do remember that.



posted by Michael at 7/27/2004 08:36:00 PM | |

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing."
Anyone else remember the TV classic that is Sledge Hammer!? It was a staple of my Friday night viewing back in my junior high school days during the mid to late 80s. The first season hits DVD today including the never aired pilot and the infamous season finale where Sledge manages to blow up the entire city with a nuclear device and the words "To Be Continued" flashed on screen. Basically, the show was left for dead, so the creators made an episode as a cliffhanger that could have no possible resolution. Then ABC airs the show on a Thursday night up against a repeat of Cosby or something like that and it scores pretty good ratings. ABC then orders the second season and the creators are stuck--how the hell do we resolve this?!?

I remember waiting all summer to find out...that the second season of Sledge Hammer took place three or four years before the first one.


posted by Michael at 7/27/2004 01:19:00 PM | |
Monday, July 26, 2004
Best of Family Guy
I remember a couple of years ago, after the Super Bowl, FOX aired the original Family Guy episode. It cracked me up immensely. Unfortunately, it was months before another one aired and then FOX yanked the show all over the schedule so you couldn't find it. It faded away and got yanked, which is no great shock when you think of all the great shows FOX had cancelled recently.

Now, it's become successful again, thanks to repeats in the Adult Swim. I've been enjoying catching up with those episodes I've missed in the syndicated repeats. It's one of those shows that at least once per episode I get a really good laugh out of. And this week, we get a run of four episodes, chosen by creator Seth McFarland as his favorites. And he even hosts them. Ah, the joys of stunt television.

Reminds me of a couple years ago when I first got into Star Trek. The station I was watching repeats on was near San Francisco where they were filming Star Trek IV. They got Walter Koenig and George Takei to come by and record intros and bumpers for their favorite episodes--which ended up being about half the series (Seriously, how can Spectre of the Gun be a favorite?!? I mean, the only reason Koenig chose it was he got the girl instead of Shatner, which if you're a Trek fan, you know is pretty dang rare!)



posted by Michael at 7/26/2004 02:58:00 PM | |

TV Round-Up
The 4400: Becoming
Another solid entry in this limited series. Not quite as enjoyable as last week, but I think that's because the roots of this one were showing. Namely, the Oliver Knox plotline felt like a thinly disguised derivation of the classic X-Files episode, "Pusher". However, the far more intriguing plotlines came with the Jordan Collier plotline and his attempts to bring the 4400 together into some type of group. I've seen enough of these types of shows to realize that Collier probably isn't quite as philatrhophic as he appears, but I am intrigued to see just where they'll take this storyline over the next couple of weeks.

I was also intrigued by the notion that whoever took the 4400 and returned them might be trying to influence things. The "ripple effect" of the actions by two of the 4400 was an nicely done little tease to keep me interested and wanting to tune in next week. It also brings up some questions of who took the group and why and do they have an agenda? From Sean's story, it would appear that being taken wasn't exactly a comfortble or enjoyable procedure, but yet everyone who has returned seems to have some gift and has used it to make a difference of some kind (well, except for Knox, but we don't yet know how his plotline will impact things). So, why did the 4400 return? And, more interestingly, is Collier part of the aliens' plot? Time will tell. (I hope!)

The Dead Zone: Looking Glass
"Looking Glass" brings up some intriguing ideas about Johnny and his powers. The first is the right to privacy and do Johnny's visions represent a violation of a person's privacy. (Certainly we had echoes of that last week from Walt, taking about Johnny being able to touch someone and have instant access to the dark recesses that most people would rather keep hidden). Next, we got the question of could someone figure out a way to use Johnny's visions to create the future or outcome they wanted? Here, the two twins start out innocently enough--wanting to show Johnny as a hoax, but it slowly takes a turn for the sinister when Lennie kills his identical twin, George's girlfriend in order to complete the perfect crime. Of course, it helps that the twins have some motivation for wanting revenge on Johnny due to his connection with Rev. Purdy. There are some interesting questions raised here and some rather unsettling answers. For one, despite his best efforts, Johnny can't stop the girl from getting killed. (Is this one of the few times we've seen Johnny not be able to prevent the tragedy he sees from occurring?) Second of all, in the end, will the confession be admissable in court? I am not certain since a good lawyer would find  a loophole to get it thrown out? Finally, what is the cost of the visions to Johnny and those he helps? One intriguing idea here is that Johnny only sees the dark side of things since most of his visions involve death and/or destruction. But also, does Johnny help those he touches? Certainly, he has saved some lives, but he pretty much shattered the family here. Interesting questions and like any good show, the Dead Zone doesn't necessarily provide any easy, pat answers to them.



posted by Michael at 7/26/2004 11:51:00 AM | |

Local girl makes good.
The Rutherford section of yesterday's Tennessean featured an article about LaVergne High School grad and former Miss Nashville Tennesse, Darcy Donavan.  According to the article, she has her largest role to date in the current Will Farrel hit, Anchorman.  If you surf over to the IMDB, you can see her entire filmography which is kind of short. She appeared in Las Vegas as a dancer and in the role of sexy house wife in the movie, Uh, Oh! (as in, uh, oh, I've never heard of it!)

One thing about the article that interested me (I mean, beyond the publicity photos of the cute local girl), was her sitcom that she's currently pitching that she describes as a cross of Three's Company, Friends and Seinfeld. Ummm...OK! Doesn't that really describe a lot of the sitcoms out there today?


posted by Michael at 7/26/2004 10:40:00 AM | |

Why did it have to be snakes?
Yesterday afternoon, I was headed outside to husk some corn.   I pushed open the door from the screened porch to the deck and, as usual, it was a bit stuck.  So, I gave it an extra nudge with my foot, the door opened and I procceeded outside.  I felt something hit my arm slightly.  I lunged backward, startled, into the screened porch.  I figured it was some kind of big bug or something until I couldn't see one or any sign of one.  So, I slowly opened the door and looked down to see...a snake!
 
It was a small snake and it didn't look poisonous.  I think it was crawling in the gutters and I lodged it loose.  Either way--A SNAKE FELL ON  ME! 
 
Needless to say, I was thankful I'd used the bathroom recently so I didn't have to change pants.  


posted by Michael at 7/26/2004 08:32:00 AM | |
Sunday, July 25, 2004
What if...
Armchair quarterbacking is just one of the many perks of being a sports fan these days.  And one of the great questions that we armchair QBs ask is--"what if?"  

In today's Tennessean, sports-writer Paul Kuharksy  takes a look at some "what if" moments related to five of the bigger stories in Nashville sports history in the past couple of years.  Two of them, I care about passionately--the Music City Miracle and Clint Sterner's fumble in the UT/Arkansas game.  Both of these moments are ones that I will always remember where I was and what I was doing.  As a fan of both teams, these are those miracle type of moments that make you glad you're a fan.  First of all, the Music City Miracle--I think it goes without saying that Mike Keith's call on Titans radio for this one goes hand in hand in with play.  Hearing Keith (who I think is the best play by play guy in the NFL) call this one is magical.  I was not in Tennessee at the time--I was visiting the parental units in Texas--and only saw the game on ABC.  But thankfully, they and ESPN used the Keith call for it and I used to have a .wav of it downloaded on my PC to listen to every once in a while.  Keith and fellow broadcast, Pat Ryan, really make this one come alive--from the stunned shock at what's going on, to the awe that it's take place to the sheer joy that it worked as we won.  How can you forget Ryan saying, "I think they've got something!' and Keith saying, "THERE ARE NO FLAGS ON THE FIELD!" and going nuts proclaiming it a miracle.  It still gives me goose-bumps just thinking about it.  ESPN recently counted this as moment number 48 from the past 25 years.  Sorry, guys...you missed the boat.  This one is top five.  (I also know some people in Buffalo who to this day argue it was a forward lateral and call the play something else...all I can say is--get over it!  We did it, we won and we went to the Super Bowl!)

The next one is the one play that one UT a national championship and we had little to do with it.   I vividly remember that Susan and Brian had tickets to the game, it was pouring rain and I almost got to go.   I remember watching the whole game, just feeling sick to my stomach at how we'd acheived the number one ranking and were playing so poorly.   My parents were stationed in Hawaii and we'd call each other after each game and either celebrate or lament.  I remember us punting and sitting in my little apartment on Ferd Hickey Rd stunned, upset and ticked off.  How could this happen?  I finally had worked up the energy to pick up the phone and call my parents to lament--when it happened.   Storner goes back, fumbles the ball and we pounce on it.  I drop the phone.  I am literally on my hands and knees watching as Travis Henry comes in and pounds the ball down, yard after yard, closer and closer.  Finally, he breaks the goal line, I jump and erupt "Touchdown Tennessee!"  I proceed to do this after each replay and dance around with joy.  At that moment, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt we'd win it all...every championship run has to have a little luck and we just got ours. 
 
Moments like those are why it's great to be a sports fan.




posted by Michael at 7/25/2004 05:15:00 PM | |

TV Round-Up
Monk--Mr. Monk meets the Godfather
Every once in a while, Monk pulls off a mystery where all the clues are there in the open and you just kick yourself for not figuring it out first. This week's episode was one of those. In hindsight, it should have been completely obvious--oh yeah, the pennies went in the gumball machine and the guy at the mint had to get them back. Even still, the story so expertly drops in the red herring of the mob and the potential mafia hit and war, that you figure the worker at the mint is only a bit of intersting backstory or a red herring in and of itself.

But couched within this mystery was a show about getting the characters right. Seeing the feds dangling one of the things Monk wants most--his reistatement to the force--to get him to go along with their sting was a nice touch. Also, Sherona's romance with Big Tony was nicely done as was Randy's jealousy over the whole thing. (These two have a nice bit of chemistry in the give and take department when it's done well...I just hope they don't make the mistake of thinking we necessarily want or need the characters together full-time as that would really ruin a lot of the fun!) It appears more and more that the first two episodes of the year were aberrations with the characters acting completely and totally insane in order to go for a couple of quick jokes. In the past two episodes I've seen--I've still not had a chance to get to my videotaped copy of Mr Monk Loses His Job-- the characters have all seemed within character and we haven't had jokes made at their expense. Glad to see the writers got this under control quickly because when it's done right, Monk is a fun show to watch. And let's face it--this week's episode was fun. (I espeically loved Monk washing out the $20,000 microphone from his sting operation! Classic!)

Stargate SG1--Lockdown
It seems like ever sci-fi series these days has an episode that is derivative of The Thing--alien presence takes over one member of the crew and can possibly jump from person to person. The question then bcomes--who can you trust or should you trust anyone other than yourself? X-Files did it back in season one with the superbly done, "Ice" and Farscape did it in "A Bugs Life" (in season one as well) as well as several other episodes. As a fan whose come a bit late to the party that is Stargate, I'm not sure if they're just behind the curse in doing this type of "alien possesion, who can we trust" themed episode or if it's been done before and I just haven't seen that episode. As with all shows of this type, it isn't that you necessarily re-invent the wheel every week, so much as putting a new spin on the wheel. In this case, the spinning the wheel in a new direction is a bad-guy named Annubis who was once held to physical form by a force field until his ship blew up and now he's hitched a ride down to the Stargate on a Russian astronaut to find a way back to a world where he can, hopefully, find himself a new body. Thankfully, there's only one Stargate around, so if you close it down, you trap Annubis on Earth. Now, at this point, if Annubis can jump around from body to body, I'm not sure why he doesn't leave and jump from body to body all across Earth until such time as security lessens a bit. Surely, they're not going to shut down Stargate for all of time. Of course, he tends to tear up the bodies he's in, so that might prohibit it. What I found most lacking here was the compelling sense of tension that we had to stop Anubis and do it soon. Or the sense of claustrophobia that both Farscape and The X-Files mined from the "gee, we can't really know who we can trust here" theme. Instead, we got an episode that seemed a bit off in the pacing. A lot of time was spent setting it all up and very little on who we trust and why and then dealing with the issue. Indeed, the ending seemed a lot like classic Trek's "Trouble With Tribbles" in the--oh, we just sent the problem to somewhere else to deal with. Yes, in this case it was an icy planet where the host died and there appears to be no one else around or little Annubis can use to re-created himself, but what's to say someone doesn't wander by and he hitched a ride. Again, this may be my lack of Stargate watching experience talking here, but the ending raised far too many questions and didn't give us nearly enough good answers.

Stargate: Atlantis--Hide and Seek
If the pacing for Stargate was off, then it was definitely very much on for this episode of Stargate: Atlantis. As second epsiodes of a series go, this one did farily well, even if it was a bit by the numbers. We got some nice scenes to re-establish our situation, who the characters are and it slowly started to flesh out some of the relationships between them. Certainly, I found the different worldview of the humans and our new found friends, Athosians to work pretty well. There is some potential for some conflict and learning about each other and I found myself reminded a bit of the early days of DS9, when we had the Starfleet officers slowly learning about the history and culture of Bajor. I liked seeing them come together to try and find the lost Athosian boy and I did enjoy the predicament of Dr. McKay being stuck in a forcefield. (I have to give them credit, the concept of--what if I can't get the force field off not even to eat or drink? was nicely done. It also brings up an age-old question--OK, so he couldn't get food in, how did he use the facilities?) Sure, you could see coming a mile away that McKay would somehow have a moment in which is overwhelming cowardice would be overcome and he’d save the day, but I didn’t really mind that much. Also, the farily routine plot of we’ve released an alien menace and it’s trying to take over or harming the ship/city was nicely done here. I think the large part of it was the solution that Teyla offers--maybe it’s best to let the thing go where it wants to go through the Stargate. It’s probably ticked off at being held prisoner all these years so rather than have it run amok and kill everyone while we try to communicate with it, let it go its own way and we’ll deal with it later, maybe. This episode was stronger than Stargate was and I wonder if that was due to the proudcers focusing a great deal on the spin-off to start-up and leaving the first show to run on its own. Or it could be that I watched this one first, it was stronger and it made the Stargate episode pale a bit by comparison.



posted by Michael at 7/25/2004 04:04:00 PM | |
Saturday, July 24, 2004

Blogging at the Conventions.
Who would have thought that blogging could change the world in this way?   For the first time, a group of bloggers have been given press credentials to cover both parties conventions this summer.  (What Ralph Nader isn't letting them cover his?!?) I have to say that this coverage looks interesting, though I also wonder if the blogs in question will be pro-party.  I'd be intrigued to see a Republican blogger invited to the DNC and a Democratic blogger invited to the Republican National Convention.  That would make for some interesting reading.

In a related note,  the Rocky Top Brigade's own Glenn Reynolds aka InstaPundit.com is interviewed in the article about the blogs.  Congratulations!  

And the title is...
It's official--the title for the third Star Wars prequel is Revenge of the Sith.  Interesting bit of symmatry betweeen this title and the the third installment of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi.   Man, I'd love to get a look at the footage that LucasFilm sneak-peaked at Comic-Con International.  But I bet that Ain't-It-Cool-News will have a detailed wrap-up soon, if they don't already.

posted by Michael at 7/24/2004 08:00:00 PM | |
Friday, July 23, 2004
Forget Meet the Press!
If you really want to get the pulse on what's happening in America today and why our country is headed to the  crapper, just stop by a good ol' barber shop.  I stopped into my local barber shop here in the big-city of Smyrna this morning for a trim (hair was getting long enough to be an annoyance with the chlorine from swimming!).  While in there, I was treated to quite the dissertation on the current state of America by several older guys.  Basically, it's all the foreigners--we need to throw them all out or else start up the KKK again to do it.   That and Jesse Jackson and the NAACP.

The barber told us a bunch of stories that would make your hair curl--assuming it wasn't already. Men swapping wives in the barber shop, a prositutue coming in and stripping down right there, an old guy with a cane beating the stew out of some guy for hitting a woman, two African-Americans getting mad because he didn't know how to cut their hair correctly, and more.  I tell you, I just come in at all the boring times when none of this is going on!  The barber has told me once before he had an offer from someone to write a book of his stories from his years cutting hair, but the guy has never shown back up.  He asked if I'd do it.   It sounds like there could be some very interesting stories to tell here!


posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 01:17:00 PM | |

Your movie going choices this weekend
It looks like someone over at Warner Brothers lost that bet with Satan and had to inflict Catwoman upon us. The trailer I've seen left me less than impressed and this review from the Tennessean makes me less inclined than ever to run out and see the movie. Roger Ebert is less than glowing in his review.  And Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post says, "After her dramatic, toned-down turn in "Monster's Ball," it's as if she wants to remind audiences (and the powers that be in Hollywood) that she's really just a pretty face." Ouch! Full review here (Registration required to read it!)

Far more glowing is the review for The Bourne Supremecy. Now, I liked the first one, but I didn't think it was exactly anything to write home about. This one looks like a definite wait for DVD one (or a dollar movie, assuming Nashville had one!).

On the other hand, Spider-Man 2 hits the IMAX this weekend. Sure, admission is double the cost of an ordinary matinee, but I'd gladly pay it to see the super colossal, IMAXed Spidey! First of all, the movie is just awesome. Second of all, super-sized Kirsten Dundst!!!!


posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 12:10:00 PM | |

Sports News
I admit that I'm disappointed that Eddie George is a Titan no more. It's an irony that for a guy who was virtually fumble-free, had this deal fumbled so publically by both himself and the Titans organization. I would have loved to see Eddie retire as a Titan, but I guess it's not to be. Of course, being a Dallas Cowboy-hater, I am sick to my stomach to think he might sign with the evil empire in Dallas. Please, Eddie...they already made me turn on Jason Witten! Not you also!

On a related note, The Tennessean's David Climer offered up this interesting take on Eddie's departure from the team.

UPDATE 5:00 PM CST.  Well, it looks like Eddie took a one-year deal worth about the same as he would've made with the Titans to go and play for the Evil Empire in Dallas.  Interesting since Eddie said he wanted a two-year deal here and was offered the same money.  I have to imagine a lot of this fiasco rests with Lamont Smith, his agent.  Oh well, Eddie ain't a Titan anymore and he's playing for my least favorite team.  Here's hoping the Redskins take care of business and hold you to less than 100 yards when you play them twice this year and that you guys lose both games.  Hope you enjoy meeting Mr. Arrington, who is gonna be like Javon "The Freak" Kearse, only this time, he'll have his sights set on stopping you running.  Good luck to you, Eddie.  You're gonna need it in Dallas.

Only 46 Days Left!
In 46 days, the Vols kick off the 2004 campaign. It's getting to be that time of year when my football withdrawl syndrome (FWS) is really kicking in.

On that note, Vols' trio first-team preseason All-SEC which is good news, but in the news that has me worried categorgy, Banks to sit in UT's first three games. I worry about this story and how it's played out. Last week, it looked bad for Banks being on the team at all this year and then later this week, I heard players were rallying around him. I understand he has all the talent in the world at reciever, but I just hope Fulmer made the right choice. We do not need another Kelly Washington-like distraction!

posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 11:47:00 AM | |

Whew...I Was Worried.

43.75 %

My weblog owns 43.75 % of me.
Does your weblog own you?
Huge sigh of relief...at least I'm not owned by my blog, despite the huge number of posts per day.

Tip of the hat to Just Lani for the quiz!

posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 11:37:00 AM | |

Reflections on a week.
Last weekend, Mom and I made a trip to Memphis to visit my grandfather. My grandfather is 90-years old and lives in a retirement community there. He decided he'd like to re-arrange his furniture and so we went to move his living room around for him. Going to visit him in the retirement community always reminds me of dorm living--you walk through the halls and you can hear the TVs blaring in the middle of the hallway. Also, everyone has decorated their doorway/entry area--in college, it's with beer cans or something around the door knob to indicate to your roommate you don't want to be disturbed; in the retirement community, it's a nice plant or something. One really nice display was obviously left over from the Fourth of July with patriotic star and an angel who was dressed in red, white and blue. Also, in the retirement community, everyone eats together in the dining hall and they always complain about how bad the food is. (It's not really that bad...I've had a couple of meals there in the past few weeks and they were remarkably edible.)

My grandfather has a usual group of guys he eats with each night. One of them, Andy Anderson, loves ice cream. They serve ice cream every night and Andy always has a double helping after he which he goes back to his apartment to have some more. (Hey, when I'm over 80 I'm eating whatever the heck I want and damn the consequences!). Somehow, we got on a discussion of the best ice creams and Andy said he liked all the flavors except Cookies and Cream because that was made with rejected cookie parts and he wanted top quality and not rejects.

My grandfather is also a bit irritated that they've added more cable channels to his line-up and he can't find Turner South. We're trying to get a new card listing all his channels, but I flipped around for some time on Saturday afternoon trying to find Turner South. TBS has gone to their "all comedy, all the time" schedule and the Braves games have moved to Turner South. Well, I am not sure if Turner South is included in their new cable package--something which the guys complain about no end. After all, it's just not an after dinner nap without snoozing through the Braves! But in flipping around, I see that they get Comedy Central. Now, I enjoy Comedy Central, but it seems to me that since the retirement community picks and chooses the channels for their cable system, that it would be far more better for their demographic to have Turner South than Comedy Central. I can only imagine the coniption fit my grandfather would have if he ever stumbled across and watched South Park.

After moving furniture, visiting with my grandfather, running errands for him and helping him clean up a bathroom they'd renovated but not cleaned (how the heck they expected a 90-year old man who uses a walker to clean up an inch of dust from joint compound that was sanded down repairing his ceiling is beyond me!), we headed back to Smyrna for Vacation Bible School. I had volunteered to help out in the missions area but I pretty much went where I was needed all week. I helped with the two-year olds (the teacher bailed at the last minute because she was mad at the church...yeah, that's right, punish the kids cause you get your nose out of joint!), worked in the mission areas, tying together blankets and helped with games. First of all, let me say this--getting 30 plus two-year olds from one place to another is a lot like herding cats.

The games were pretty much designed to utilize some of the pent up energy of the young ones there. They ran about, playing spray tag--you take a water bottle and spray people with it to get them out--and kick ball. We also did some relay races, but they were not quite the draw as spray tag or kick ball. (The classics never go out of style). In helping with missions--I played games the first two nights, did the blankets the next two and then did games last night--I figured if the guys saw a grown-up guy who ran about and played games tying blankets, they'd protest less that it was too "girly." Well, this sort of worked. Some were just too wound up after playing games to really tie blankets for 20 minutes. (The blankets are for kids in the area who asked Santa for blankets instead of toys last year...it just breaks my heart to hear it). Also, some of the guys were not happy that I got to tie the manly colors together--you know, orange and white, Titans color, etc. While tying blankets, some of the guys started to tell jokes, which it amazed me that the same dumb jokes I chuckled over at their age are still popular. And you can tell the same joke or a variation of it three times in a row and still give huge laughs. (Hence why men can watch the same Seinfeld re-run 15 times and still fall on the floor laughing). The joke told here was the basic one of someone who doesn't speak English (in this case an alien) comes over, hears three phrases, latches on to them and then repeats them back at inopportune moments. If you're a guy, you may remember these jokes and be chuckling a bit to yourself at them.

To add to my week, I also looked for a job, had an interview, made a bunch of phone calls and took care of Gracelyn one morning. She was out of day care having gotten sick the day before, but you'd never know it. She has more energy than she knows what to do with and she loves having Uncle Michael all to herself to play. We made a "barn" out of her padded folding chair and a "house" out of it. The barn is the barn because you put her Elmo blanket on it and the house is blanket-less. I had a good time with her, crawling around and playing, reading books to her.

As for the job interview, it went well. It's temp to perm, so we'll see what happens. I am hopeful it will lead to something. Keeping the fingers crossed.

So, is it any wonder that I'm a bit tired after this week?

posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 11:18:00 AM | |

Classic Movie

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

So, I'm a Jimmy Stewart film, eh? I suppose there are worse things to be in life.

Tip of the Indiana Jones fedora (surf over to Barry's blog and you'll see why!) to Barry at Inn of the Last Home for this one.

posted by Michael at 7/23/2004 09:03:00 AM | |
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Volunteer Tailgate Party
Welcome to this month's Volunteer Tailgate Party! Pull up a chair, grab a frosty cool beverage and check out the best and the brightest from the past couple of weeks in the Rocky Top Brigade!

"All men are equal, up to the point of exertion," says the Conservative Zone. This statement is backed up by a study on the Power of Optimism, detailed here.

Think Dick Cheney is a hot-head for dropping the f-bomb on the Senate floor? Janet Dagley Dagley tells us this is nothing new with a three-part report on the re-enactment of the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and, then VP, Aaron Burr. You can read part one part two and part threeat The Dagley Dagley Daily Diary.

The Countertop Chronicles offers a four-part look at the Virginia Open Container laws. Part one, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four. Also, Countertop takes a moment to look at which issues are important to him in the upcoming election.

Douglas McDaniel details a letter from God to George W. Bush. In another entry, for The American Street, he examines how democracy defeated Mike Ditka. (Which it's really too bad that Ditka didn't run--I was looking forward to the revival of "Da Bears!" guys on SNL!)

On July 22, 2003, Hurricane Elvis, a sudden storm with 100-mile-per-hour winds struck Memphis. Half-Bakered details his experience before, during and after the storm and talks about how many of us never heard about how "major metropolis was wrecked, swept from the map."

The Baculum King examines how U.S. Government officials might try to disrupt the upcoming elections with an attack in October in his blog. After reading that report, if you need to relax a bit, try looking at this picture of calm, ocean ripples.

With the selection of John Edwards as a running mate for Kerry is Tennessee in play as a battleground state? South Knox Bubba examines the current and historical evidence about what each side will need to do to win the Volunteer State.

South End Grounds looks at attempts to disprupt the Republican National Convention by the "Ruckus Society."

The Volunteer State recently changed the requirements to get a Tennessee driver's license. Damn Foreigner looks at the changes and tells us why he's glad he doesn't have to try and get a license under the new regulations.

Bill Clinton's My Life hit stores this month in the U.S. In China, it's not scheduled for release until September, but that hasn't stopped black market copies from appearning. However, these copies have some differences in them, as detailed here by Voluntarily in China.

Say Uncle checks in with two entries for the tailgate party. First up, is an article about the Bush administration and their mixed signals of gun control. He then follows-up with a response to the position he takes.

How did Nancy Reagan make it through Ron's funeral? The World of Longmire offers up a possible explanation.

Hatmaran has to make a difficult choice about allowing the cats access to the bedroom.

Want to protect your privacy but still be able to read on-line articles? No Quarters shares how to avoid registration to read articles on certain web sites.

Who is artist Jack T. Chick? Damn Art Diary tells us more about his religious tract comic art here and how the "art world" doesn't give him a lot of recognition.

Think you know everything there is to know about the hit-movie, The Usual Suspects? The Les Jones Blog details continuity gaffes from the film.

Sugarfused tells us of a little situation at work where several employees wanted to turn the workplace into a tent revival and how she dealt with it. The proud grandmother also shares the latest image of her soon-to-be-granddaughter. "I think she's even smiling for the camera!" she told me in her submission! Congratulations!

Straight White Guy tells us about being a musician, his Fender guitar and his favorite song, Thrasher.

Paisley Dreams goes back to childhood and tells us about her version of Cars Are Monsters.

Missives Anonymous posts before and after pictures and details of her new haircut and how she donated her locks to the Locks of Love.

The Wandering Hillbilly finally comes out and picks his "favert sangle malts".

And last, but not least, your host, Big Orange Michael, tells about winning tickets to the Titans/Colts game in September. A follow-up on the story is here. Also, in honor of the movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, I relate the story about a game of slaughterball.

Thanks to everyone who participated and thanks for stopping by to enjoy the tailgate. We'll see you again soon out on the Net. And let's not forget, it's only 47 days until it's football time in Tennessee!




posted by Michael at 7/22/2004 09:20:00 AM | |

Theater Thursday
This week's Theatre Thursday is dedicated to those Onscreen Moments that stay with you forever.

1) What moment from what movie still makes you laugh out loud - no matter how many times you see it?
So many moments from the classic that is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  "Looks kids, a deer!"  "Dad, did you bring an axe?" "Eddie, if I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I couldn't be any more surprised than I am right now."  

2) What moment from what movie still makes you cry like a baby - no matter how many times you see it?
When Spock sacrifices himself in his version of the Kobyashi Maru in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  There are very few, better, well-handled on-screen character deaths than this one.  Every other Star Trek death has tried to best this one, and none has really scratched the surface.   Also, the scene in The Searchers where Ethan Edwards chases down Debby in the end and you fully expect him to kill her, but instead he lifts her up, hugs her and says, "Let's go home, Debby."

3) What moment from what movie made you actually turn your head from the screen - either in fear, revulsion, or contempt for the fact that you actually paid money to see the film?
As much as I enjoyed American Pie, it  seems as though a lot of comedies these days are going for the over-the-top, gross-out factor.  Even the last American Pie film went a bit too far with the whole scene where Stiffler eat dog doo claiming it's a truffle.  Just a bit too much for my liking and there have been others--such as Van Wilder--that have done similiar stunts that really make me question why I'm watching and wasting my time.

BONUS) What is one single moment from a film that is indelibly etched in your brain? Not a scene or a sequence exactly, but three or four seconds from a movie that contain an image or phrase or concept that transcends normal movies?
A couple of moments that really stand out to me.  One is from the classic movie, the Searchers with John Wayne.  It's the famous scene where Ethan Edwards and Martin finally catch-up to Debby and Ethan decides to shoot her because she's been "corrupted" by the Indians.  Martin steps in front of her and says, "No you don't Ethan!  No you don't!"  A powerful moment in cinema.  Also, the scene that I talk about above where Ethan tells Debby, "Let's go home, Debby."  Also, going back to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...after the Enterprise has been beaten badly by Khan in the first battle, Kirk asks for time to pull up data on the Genesis project to give to Khan.  Instead, he pulls up the codes to lower their shields.   The scene takes place as Khan tells Kirk time is up and Kirk responds with by lowering Khan's shields, attacking the ship and limping away in the Enterprise.  Just the music, the direction, the acting, the cutting in that scene...it makes it memorable.  Finally, one of those great stand-up and cheer moments I love comes from Superman II.  After giving up his powers and seeing the trio take over the world, Clark goes back to the Fortress of Solitude to beg for his powers back. Cut to Metropolis and the Daily Planet.  The trio shows up with Lex and tries to take Lois to bring Superman out of hiding.  The scene plays out with the John Williams score hinting that Superman is coming back, people looking up and seeing something, the breeze going and then Superman shows up outside Perry White's window and says, "General, would you care to step outside?"  It's a great moment for the build-up and the sense of relief you share with everyone that Superman has finally shown up to take care of  this problem. 


posted by Michael at 7/22/2004 08:51:00 AM | |
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
TV Round-Up
The Amazing Race
Well, I guess I'm going to have to find some new favorites to pull for to win this race, since Jim and Marsha were eliminated last night. After bouncing back from the bowling moms treachery last week, they just couldn't overcome an error in making plane reservations here to come back. Which is a shame because if there was a team that deserved elimination, it was Marshall and Lance. You wonder why people outside our country hate Americans? Just look at these two bozos. They are rude and obnoxious to EVERYONE! Was it just me or was anyone else hoping they'd still be there, biting chocolates trying to find the right one or that they'd somehow get lost and Jim and Marsha would sneak in for a win? Also, I'm getting tired of the Charla/Mirna act. To Mirna, everything is "disguisting" (please, find a new word!) and everyone is against them. And Charla...she screws everyone in the whole flight thing over by saying she needs a doctor and using that to get on the flight first. As much as I was disliking Karli and Kami, I have far more disdain for these two now. Though the sight of Karli and Kami swimming out to the island when everyone else just waded out through shallow water was the funniest thing I've seen in quite a while. Couldn't have happened to two nicer people, I say.

The 4440: The New & Improved Carl Morrisey
Last week, I wondered if all the returnees had some type of special power, and this week we find out the answer is--probably. There was a lot happening in this episode--from Sean's lying to Tom about trying to revive Kyle to Diana taking Maia out of the center with her (which from the time Diana said she would check in on Maia during the tests, it was obvious where this one would probably lead). The plotline of Carl Morrisey wanting to use his new-found powers to save his old neighborhood seemed fairly cliched, but I have to admit I liked where they took the story. Seeing his wife lose Carl again was heart-breaking and I'll admit the Carl inspires his neighbors at the end seemed a bit too pat for my liking. I still have to admit the Richard and Lily plotline is the most compelling one, esp. with Lily's apparent connection to the baby and her violating the restraining order to see Heidi. I begin to wonder if this will be some type of super-alien baby that will be born before the end of the series. Time will tell, but, for now, I'm hooked.

The Dead Zone: No Questions Asked.
Walt Bannerman has had some good fortune in his life--he's been in the right place at the right time and known how to take advantage of it. But it's not without its consequences, as we find out here. Since the beginning of the series, we've seen Walt struggle as the third wheel in the whole Johnny/Sarah/Walt triangle and even though we should hate him for being with Sarah, we can't. Why? Because the writers of this show and Chris Bruno make Walt likeable. He's a good man, trying to do the right thing for all those around him. He loves Sarah, we can see that, but he struggles with playing second fiddle to Johnny at times. Here, we see some flashbacks into Walt's past where we learn he's not quite the boy scout we think he is. Walt was having an affair, which lead to the one childhood friend getting killed and the other going to jail. Now, years later, Walt is struggling to put his past behind him, but it keeps coming back to haunt him. This was a strong entry in the series and a compelling look at what I think is the most underrated element of the series, Walt. Seeing that he's just as human as everyone else was nicely done and it was intriguing to slowly watch the mystery of what happened years ago unfold. Season three has had a lot of great exploration of Walt's character, all of which has been superbly done and well handled.

But I do have one small quibble--where the heck has Bruce gone?!?

Stargate: Atlantis Pilot.
I've never been a huge fan of Stargate SG1. Yes, I've seen a couple of random episodes here and there, but I couldn't tell you anything about the on-going plotlines or the entire backstory. That said, I decide that maybe I'd take a chance on the Stargate series attempt to become like the Trek franchise with its very own spin-off. So, I tuned in and was a bit confused, but overall, fairly impressed with the show. Yes, the premise is a lot like Voyager where you have a crew stranded far away from home with two very different sides and points of view--in this case the scientists and the military. Hopefully, this conflict will be more successfully addressed here than it ever was on Voyager where the two crews in conflict was dropped somewhere mid-second season. This first episode was a lot about setting up things for the future of the series--who are our friends, who are our enemies and what is our mission. So, it did a nice job of that. The real question is--can the series sustain itself over the long run? For me, the jury is still out--simply because the pilot didn't really seem to spend very long on any one character enough to hook me into caring about them or having much beyond a passing interest in them. So, while it was a well-done pilot visually, the hook of creating intersting characters we'll want to come to know and love wasn't quite what I'd hoped for.


posted by Michael at 7/21/2004 09:15:00 AM | |

Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Football?
I guess we'll find out this fall when we get 19 straight days with at least one football game televised. And one of them is UT vs Notre Dame. Can there be too much of a good thing?

Games end, pals forever for women's Fab Five
Forget the "dream team" in basketball for this summer's Olympics. This year's "dream team" is the women's soccer team and the "Fab Five" who have come together one last time for a run at the gold.


posted by Michael at 7/21/2004 08:29:00 AM | |
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Even More Doctor Who News
Outpost Gallifrey has screen captures and a transcript of the BBC Wales Today feature on the new Doctor Who series that began filming yesterday. If you're like me and were most curious to see the new costume for the new Doctor and his companion, Rose, check out this picture (The new Doctor is the one on the left with the leather coat). Apparently, they've decided to go with something a bit more modern and less, well, eccentric than the usual image of the Doctor we have from his previous incarnations. Not quite sure what to make of it that just yet. Of course, it could be the costumes are being used because they're filming the fourth story for the series, tentatively titled "Aliens of London." So maybe the Doctor and Rose are trying to blend in....not sure yet but I'm sure information will continue to trickle out in the days to come.

Have I mentioned lately how excited I am about the new Doctor Who series?!?

posted by Michael at 7/20/2004 04:48:00 PM | |

TV Tuesday
Week 18 - Special Reports
*beep* *beep* *beep* We interrupt your normal TV viewing for this special report!!!

You guessed it, this week's topic, Special Report interruptions! *grin*

1. On a whole do you feel most Special Reports are really that special? Or are they simply annoying?
It depends on what it is. I get annoyed at channels like FOX News and CNN where there constantly seems to be some type of alert on the bottom of the screen. NEWS ALERT! The world hasn't changed in the past five minutes. I think if it's really something newsworthy, it should be cut in for. On the other hand, I still remember a couple of years ago during the season premiere of Lois and Clark that all ABC cut into the show for footage of Jimmy Carter getting on a plane. There was nothing saying he'd be successful in what he set out to do, just that he was getting on a plane. That is not what I'd call life-threatening for me to know.

2. What special report has effected you most? (IE: (9/11, Reagan being shot...etc)
I was in school when Reagan was shot and the Challenger exploded. I'd have to say 9/11...I saw the 2nd plane hit live and was horrified to hear the Pentagon was under attack since my dad worked there at the time. I remember running down the hall at work to call him on his cell phone, hoping he was off-site that day. Wouldn't ya know it--he forgot his cell phone that day?!? Thankfully, he was OK, but I cannot imagine what it was like for those families who waited so long for a call and then got bad news.

3. Do you stay tuned in for Special Reports or do you reach for the remote?
I will stay to see what it is.

~Bonus~ Not exactly a special report but more on special coverage. What are your thoughts on some of the "Special Coverage" spots that have hit TV lately? One that comes to mind for me is the 24 hour a day coverage of Ronald Reagan's body laying in state at the White House. Something we needed to see or just plain morbid?
I think that we'll never see a funeral like Reagan's again in our lifetime, so the coverage was fully justified and necessary. It was a time for our country to come together to celebrate the life of a great leader and mourn his passing from us. I just wish that we could have that unity and willingness to put aside our differences to do what is best for our country every day instead of just in times of tragedy like Reagan's passing or 9/11.

posted by Michael at 7/20/2004 11:14:00 AM | |

First Day Shooting for new Doctor Who complete!
The reality that there will be new Doctor Who in 2005 is really, finally sinking in. (After all the years of hope and false starts, I still can't believe that it's a reality!) Filming started yesterday on the new series and Outpost Gallifrey has photos from the first day of filming. Later today, there will be a press conference where we see the ninth Doctor in costume for the first time.

The word excited does not even begin to cover it for me...

A big tip of my Tom Baker 4th Doctor hat to Sarah for sending me the link to the photos.

posted by Michael at 7/20/2004 11:07:00 AM | |

24 News
New faces for '24'
Warning! Warning! If you're an avid 24 fan and don't want to know any info about the upcoming fourth season, then please avert your eyes! You have been warned!

First of all, I'm glad to see that Reiko Aylesworth is getting work, even though I'm not a CSI fan. Second of all--hockey smokes! Just about everyone gone but Jack! No more President Palmer! OK, let's ask the real question that all 24 fans are wondering--does this mean that Kim is gone and we won't have her perils to entertain us each week?!?


posted by Michael at 7/20/2004 10:12:00 AM | |

Random Things In the News
I Guess You Really Can Buy About Anything on eBay
Ebay removed a listing for the tub that James Earl Ray stood in to assassinate Martin Luther King, Jr. Which, I guess, means those commercials are all true--they have everything on eBay.

Yet another reality show with a Tennessee connection
Lindsay Harrison, a student at Trevecca Nazarine University in Mt. Juliet, is a contestant on Animal Planet's King of the Jungle, which kicks off tonight. This article hints a little bit about her experiences on the show, though we can't know too much just yet.

Police Arrest Cheese-Covered Naked Man
On the one hand, Tennessee can be proud to have another contestant in a reality TV show. On the other hand, we have this story about a naked man covered in cheese arrested in Maryville, TN. Gee, he was drunk and stealing nachos, but that really just doesn't even begin to explain why he had no clothes on. I heard on Rick and Bubba that it was suspect Michael Monn's birthday, so I guess he really wanted to celebrate in his birthday suit. Man, can you imagine the looks he got in lock-up?

UPDATE! Rick and Bubba were trying to contact the officer in charge of this case, Captain Cook, and then the suspect Michael Monn to come on the air and answer one question--why was the guy naked? As they signed off this morning, they couldn't find either one to come on the air, but they are pursuing the story. If I hear more, I'll let you know.

10 Commandments: The Musical?!?
It's just odd to think of the guy who played Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jim Morrison on-stage as a singing version of Moses in the new musical version of the Ten Commandments. What will the hit song from the show be, I wonder--"Sit Down, I'm Parting the Sea" or "Plagues, Plagues, Who Can Stop the Plagues?"

Workers or students? After losing ruling, students still insist work is a job
I just found this article about Sheyda Jahanbani and her attempts to unionize and get greater benefits for grad students interesting. I'm not sure how it is at all university, but at UT, we got some health care benefits just for being students.

$10,000 winner suing lottery
Ah, isn't it great to live in a society where there's always a laywer willing to take a case?!? (And you wonder why I am not a huge fan of lawyers!) Second of all, why was the lottery such a great idea for Tennessee again?!?




posted by Michael at 7/20/2004 08:41:00 AM | |
Monday, July 19, 2004
Things To Think About...
I chose my blog name and screen name out of my love for all things UT. However, I didn't consider something. Earlier today, I was writing back to someone and thought I'd be snazzy and just use initials for my name--basically go with B.O. Michael instead of typing out Big Orange Michael. That is, until that little seventh grader who lives inside of me jumped up and said--are you sure you want to use the initials b.o. before you name without the benefit of being able to explain yourself?

Just a thought...

Speaking of the Big Orange, the Rocky Top Brigade's Volunteer Tailgate Party is this Thursday! Deadline for nominations is Wednesday at midnight EST. If you are new to the RTB and want to see what an old Tailgate Party looks like, go to the last one we had and check it out!

posted by Michael at 7/19/2004 01:58:00 PM | |


So, it turns out Sci-Fi's big three-hour movie about M. Night Shyamalan is nothng but a hoax and was done as a p.r. piece to drum up interest for his new movie. I didn't see it, but based on the hype I did set the VCR for it. Now I find myself dramatically less interested in it. Also, I find myself wishing that Sci-Fi's cancelling of Farscape had been a hoax. Alas, that isn't the case. (Speaking of Farscape, I saw the preview for the upcoming PeaceKeeper Wars mini-series. Wow, I'm excited!)

Speaking of sci-fi shows, William Shatner has an idea of how he could guest star on Enterprise next year. Rick Berman says that Shatner has "a great story idea" for Shatner's appearing on the show. Now, as most of you know, I love Shatner and think he's great--but the only way he should be on any Star Trek show is as Captain James T. Kirk. As for this "great story idea," I have to admit I've lost some faith in Rick Berman. Because lately he just doesn't seem to know what a great story idea is. His stories with Brannon Braga are consistenly my least favorite on Enterprise and I have to wonder if this great idea is one that is a good story or a good stunt to promote the heck out of Shatner returning to Star Trek. If you're gonna have him on there, it has to be a GREAT concept and idea to go with it, not just a--gee, how can we spike those ratings. And let us also remember that Berman thought it'd be OK to have the Borg on Enterprise even though it completely disrupts and violates the established Trek continuity. Cause dang-nabbit, those Borg guys drive in the ratings!

Banks cited for underage consumption
(Registration required to read story)
Opened up the sports page Saturday to see this news. Not good news for the Vols going into a season with inexperience at QB. Yes, we've got a plethora of wide receivers there and I hope they live up to their potential. Because, James Banks hasn't done it. And after I criticized Fulmer on Friday for appearing to have a lack of discipline, it looks like he may have to have some tough love here and cut Banks from the team.


posted by Michael at 7/19/2004 01:22:00 PM | |

Worst Motel...EVER!
Looking for somewhere to stay on your next visit to Pigeon Forge? Well, do NOT stay at the Grand Hotel. Dad alerted me to the reviews for this "motel" from TripAdvisor. They are pretty hysterical reading. That is, unless of course, you had to actually stay there...

posted by Michael at 7/19/2004 10:46:00 AM | |
Friday, July 16, 2004
Early Bowl Predictions
FOX Sports/Sporting News Early Season Bowl Predictions
Intriguing that they pick the Vols to go to a BCS game and play West Virginia....
 
Time will tell....and it just shows it's never too early to start thinking college football!



posted by Michael at 7/16/2004 06:00:00 PM | |

The Hot Seat in the SEC
The Tennessean's David Climer has an interesting article about who is on the coaching hot seat around the SouthEastern Confrence. 
 
Holtz has hottest seat in the SEC
 
Not really a huge shock that Lou Holtz is the one feeling the most heat over in Columbia.  Does anyone else remember a couple of years ago when Holtz left CBS (and millions of SEC fans cheered because we didn't have to hear him talk every Saturday!) and took the job.  There was a ton of speculation that Holtz was just getting the program on the right track to hand it over to his son, Skip Holtz when the time came.  Well, here it is six years later and this grand experiment ain't working.  Yes, the GameCocks nearly beat the Vols last year, but that's really been the story of South Carolina--close but never quite able to make it over the hump.  I'm intrigued as anything for their first game with Vandy--both programs need the win to start the season on the right note.  If South Carolina loses that game, it's a long season for them.  And would anyone be shocked to see Holtz given the boot by mid-season?  Especially if they lose to Clemson...
 
I also think Fulmer could be a bit on higher on the list.  How quickly we forget the National Championship we won in 1998 (ah, memories!).  Couple of things--first of all, the lack of playing time at QB is gonna be hurt early on.  We've got to have a good showing against Florida at home in primetime and we've gotta at least make the Georgia game competitive.  And Fulmer has got to show he's got a good handle on this team from a disciplinary stand-point.   The team needs focus this year.  The Georgia game was ugly because in the second half you could tell we'd given up due to the big fumble before halftime they turned into points.  Yeah, we should've had the lead, but we didn't.  We didn't respond to the adversity.  I argue that had we not got the miraculous Hail Mary in the Swamp to end the first half, we might not have beat the Gators last year.  We have to learn how to take the highs and the lows in the game.  Can't let it all just be about one or two plays and then give up.  I often think there's a lack of coaching leadership, at times.   And it shows--esp. in the last two Peach Bowls.  (Talk about a waste of my time watching those games!)   Also, if the offense doesn't show some marked improvement, Fulmer needs to take a hard look at Randy Sanders.  I just don't think Randy Sanders has lived up to the expectations and while I applaud Fulmer for being loyal, I'm not sure if his loyalty hasn't gone too far and he's blinded by it. 
 
Finally, it's interesting to hear that Zook is on the hot seat at Florida.  Should they lose to the Vols in primetime on the national CBS telecast, the calls for Spurrier's triumphant return will only increase.  But yet, I still love that Florida owns Georgia the way they used to own the Vols.



posted by Michael at 7/16/2004 05:37:00 PM | |

Paging King Arthur
King Arthur has been in the media a lot the past couple of weeks.  He's the subject of a new movie that is supposed to strip away the fantay side of the story and tell us the "real" story of just who King Arthur was. (I haven't seen the movie and I don't really have any overwhelming desire to run out out and fling down my five to eight bucks to see it, quite frankly).  A couple of weeks ago, the History Channel aired a 2-hour special, narrated by Patrick "Captain Picard" Stewart called the Quest for the King Arthur.  It was a fascinating look at how wasn't one person that you can point to from English history as the historical Arthur and it examined pieces of the mythology of Arthur. 
 
One of the Arthur experts, Bonnie Wheeler, author of "The Journal of Arthurian Studies" had this to say about the literary King Arthur stated that one of the more interesting aspects of Arthur wasn't whether or not you could prove he existed or not, but how each age of history wants to reinterpret or tell stories about Arthur to fit its own sensibilities.  At many times in the history of Great Britian, the legend was told about Arthur coming in at a time when things were disjointed or there was disharmony and bringing unified leadership and a code of chivalary and honor to the country when it was most needed.  At times, it served as a rallying point for the citizens of England to rally around.  Arthur also served as a unifying force against a common enemy of the English people. 
 
In a lot of ways, the circumstances for a re-telling of the Arthurian legend sound a lot like the circumstances facing the United States today.  We are facing an enemy that seeks to destroy us and instead of rallying together, we are becoming more and more divided upon lines.  We are looking for a leader that will unite us in a common goal, to defeat our enemy together and to give us a golden age. 
 
It's also interesting that I just finished reading Peter David's latest take on the Arthurian legend in One Knight Only.  The novel is a sequel to his Knight Life which was published back at the start of his writing career, went out of print and then he updated and re-released it a few years ago.  In the first book, Arthur is summoned by Merlin to rescue New York City from the depths of despair and provide it the leadership it needs.  Along the way, he is reunited with a Gwenovere (called Gwen here) and does battle with Lancelot (who is Gwen's abusive boyfriend, that Arthur rescues her from) and has all kinds of adventures.  In a lot of ways, the novel was a view of Arthur for its day and age. 
 
But with the sequel, David gives us a view of the type of leader he wants to see in Washington today by giving us his idealized Arthur, who has now ascended to the office of President.  (There's an interesting way that Arthur is established as a citizen so he can run).  One Knight Only is very much a reflection of the struggles facing the world today and our leader.  Arthur is swept into office on good will for helping with terrorist attacks on New York (thankfully, David doesn't make Arthur a hero for 9/11, but another eerily similar attack).  He now faces the prospect of fighting an enemy without a face, who is relentless.  He also struggles with his role as commander in chief, who sends the troops into battle from the safety of his office.  David's story is clearly a reflection of the type of leader he would like to see in the Oval Office and there are some pretty apparent criticisms made of the way Bush is handling his role since the attacks on September 11th. 
 
I don't necessarily agree with Peter David on a lot of political issues.  I just have to read his on-line blog and know that I don't.  But that doesn't take away from his strengths as a writer--his New Frontier book are the best things happening in any new Star Trek right now.  (Sorry Enterprise).  That said, I have to admit that I found it fascinating to look at the King Arthur legend re-interpreted for our own times through Peter David.  Arthur faces a lot of crisises and makes choices that are interesting.  At one point, he resigns the Presidency in exchange for the terrorist network in his novel being dismantled (and I do mean dismantled). 
 
Overall, both books are very good and definitely worth the time to read them.  As with all things written by David, there is a sensibility to them that can't be denied.  You'll never doubt you're reading a Peter David novel and they are very unique.  But I urge you to not just read them for a quick, fun read but also in the light of how the legend of Arthur's re-telling speaks to us and the world we live in today.




posted by Michael at 7/16/2004 01:18:00 PM | |

Firsts, lasts and in-betwens
FIRSTS

First job: Paperboy--delivered the Potomac News.
First screen name: Michael119
First self-purchased CD:  It's been so long I couldn't tell you..
First piercing/tattoo: None. 
First true love:  Elizabeth L when I lived out in California.
First enemy: Brandon in Herndon...we were best friends but got in a fight and it got ugly from there.

LASTS

Last big car ride: Augusta, GA to Nashville, TN.
Last kiss: Too long ago.
Last hot kiss: Way too long ago.
Last library book checked out: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Last movie seen: Matrix Revolutions
Last beverage drank: Glass of water
Last food consumed: Animal Crackers
Last phone call: From OfficeTeam, trying to get me interested in a temp assignment.
Last CD played: One I made with one or two songs from a bunch of CDs I like.
Last annoyance: Kids at chruch last night running up and down the aisles, making all kinds of noise during sermon and their parents not stopping them.
Last pop drank: A Sprite Re-Mix about a month ago.
Last ice cream eaten: Titans Ice Cream Sandwich. 
Last time scolded: Oh goodness...let's not go there!
Last shirt worn: White shirt for job interview/testing this morning.

I...

I am: between jobs.
I want: to find a job I love and be the best Uncle Michael I can be.
I have:  the best family and friends anyone could ask for.
I wish: that my marriage hadn't failed.
I hate: anything hurting my family or friends that I can't do anything about.
I fear: never finding a job.
I hear: a humming of the lights at the library and my clicking as I type.
I search: for peace in my life.
I regret: not telling the people I love that I love them enough.
I love: food from Sonic. 
I always: listen to the radio while driving.
I am not:  even close to perfect.
I dance: only to embarrass myself and others.
I sing: only when I have to or think no one can hear me.
I cry: when I'm upset.

YES or NO:

You keep a diary: Nope...does a blog count?
You like to cook: Heck, yeah.  Love it!
You have a secret you have not shared with anyone: Nope.  Well, except that whole being Spider-Man thing...ooops!

DO YOU...?

Have a crush: If you tell, it won't come true...oh wait ,that's a wish. 
Want to get married: Not right now, no.  But someday when it's the right, yes.
Get motion sickness: Nope. .
You're a health freak:  Yes and no.  I am all about eating your five fruits and veggies, exercising, portion control, etc..but I also looooove a sweet treat every once in a while .
Current hair color: Dark.
Eye color: Brown
Birthplace: Rome, NY (But I am not a Yankee!)

FAVORITES

Number: 42 (if you've read Hitchhhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you'll get it!) 
Color: Orange and white.
Day:  Saturday afternoons during football season.
Month: Ummm...don't know?  Any one with football in it, though!
Songs: Too many to name.
Season:  Fall.
Drink: Wild Cherry Kool-Aid
Alcohol: Amaretto Sours

PREFERENCES

Cuddle or make out: Oh goodness...it depends.  I really do like both.  Sometimes making out can lead to...well you know, which leads to cuddling, which is all good!  
Chocolate milk or hot chocolate: Hot chocolate.
Milk, dark, or white chocolate: Milk Chocolate
Vanilla or chocolate: Mmmm...chocolate.

IN THE LAST 24 HRS, HAVE YOU...

Cried? Nope
Helped someone? Yes
Bought something? Does paying for parking count?.
Gotten sick? No
Gone to the movies? No.
Said "I love you"?: No
Written a real letter: No.
Talked to an ex?: No.
Missed an ex?:  Yes and No
Written in a journal?: Yes.  (If my blog counts!)
Had a serious talk?: Yes.
Missed someone? Yes.
Hugged someone? Yep.

Your turn...
 
Tip of the hat to Vicki for this little quiz!






posted by Michael at 7/16/2004 01:10:00 PM | |

The Emmy Nods for This Year Are...
HBO's 'The Sopranos' Leads Emmy Series Nominations
No real shock to see The Sopranos clean up in the Emmy nods, though whether or not it can unseat The West Wing remains to be seen.  (I've never really watched a lot of The West Wing and don't really intend to start).  For me, it's a choice between The Sopranos and 24 to win it.   Of course, I could point out that yet again a Mutant Enemy show, Angel had a great year, but yet again, got no nods--not even acting for James Marsters or Amy Acker who were just superb this year--esp. Acker in her dual role as Fred and then Ilyeria.  But this is the type of great work that just gets overlooked.
 
But the real shocker is that, once again, Scrubs got shut out from all the major categories--best series and the acting ones.  I'm glad to see it got a writing nod, but at least John C. McGinley as Dr. Cox deserves a nod.  He does some of the BEST work out there and is constantly underrated for it.  Maybe now with Sex and the City gone that slot will come open for a show that really deserves a nod.
 
And it was a nice tribute for John Ritter to get an acting nod.  I have a feeling he is the sentimental favorite to win this one.  



posted by Michael at 7/16/2004 08:15:00 AM | |
Thursday, July 15, 2004
When Did I Become Grumpy?!?
OK, so I'm sitting here at the library, looking for some job stuff and blogging (it's faster than the home connection). Well, there are a bank of computers together and I am about to go nuts. First of all, the two kids next to me are playing some on-line D&D game and discussing it LOUDLY. Then we have a woman somewhere nearby with screaming baby who refuses to take the child outside or try to calm it. Going "Shhhhh!" at it is just not working and it's quite distracting.

I know it's not supposed to be absolute silence, but isn't the library supposed to be reasonably quiet?!?

And worse yet--am I turning into a grumpy old man?!?

posted by Michael at 7/15/2004 01:18:00 PM | |

Volunter Tailgate Party
The next Volunteer Tail Gate Party for the Rocky Top Brigade will be hosted here next Thursday! If you haven't received an e-mail it and you're in the RTB, leave a comment and I will contact you.

Deadline for submissions is next Wednesday at midnight EST.

posted by Michael at 7/15/2004 01:12:00 PM | |

Theater Thursday
This week sees the opening of the film adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic "I, Robot" starring Will Smith.
Actually, this movie was in production and they purchased the rights to "I, Robot" (which is a set of short stories) so they could use the name recongition. So, it's not really an adaptation, though it does look like they're using the Three Rules of Robotics to some degree.

1) Who or what is your favorite movie robot?
Tough choice as there are so many. I'm going to have to go with my childhood favorite, R2-D2.

2) Will we ever see the day where walking, talking robots truly become a part of every day life?
I think that day is coming, yes.

3) Should a robot ever be programmed to kill a human?
You mean like the Termantor, no. If the robot is required to kill to defend itself or another human being, then yes.

BONUS) If you had a personal robot, what would you call it? What would you like it to do for you?
I'd call the robot Herman. I have no idea why. And I would have the robot do all the stuff I didn't really want to do so I could surf the Net and blog more...

posted by Michael at 7/15/2004 01:08:00 PM | |
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
"You're a wizard, Harry.."
And apparently so am I...

My Inner Hero - Wizard!





There are many types of magic, but all require a sharp mind and a cool head. There is no puzzle I can't solve, no problem I can't think my way out of. When you feel confused or uncertain, you can always rely on me to untangle the knots and put everything back in order for you.



How about you? Click here to find your own inner hero.
And here's my mission in life....

You were put on this earth to enlighten people. They will listen to you, because they are impressed by your vocabulary, your erudition, and your ability to grasp concepts that invariably elude them. You are the one who has to figure things out, because let's face it - you're the only one smart enough.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to Discover Something. Something small, or something big. Find an unknown insect in your own backyard. Discover a cure for sunburn. Develop a faster way to get the dishes done. Calculate the number of molecules in the Andromeda galaxy. Discover a comet. Discover SOMETHING.

Dear heavens...in a way, it sounds like I'm Frasier with super cool wizard powers! As I've said before, as long as I don't turn into Cliff Claven, it's all good...

Special thanks to Barry for making me aware of this test.

posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 09:13:00 PM | |

Grrrrr...argh!
So, it's been a slightly frustrating afternoon/evening. I got a couple of rejection e-mails for jobs. One was that they had other more qualified candidates, which, hey--I understand that. The other one was--well, the department has decided to not hire anyone for that position at this time. Now that's frustrating!

Then, I went over to church to meet with someone about setting up the Disciple IV Bible Study. And they never showed up. And haven't called to say--oh, sorry I couldn't make it or sent an e-mail. Common courtesy--sometimes you just wonder if it's still out there.


posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 09:01:00 PM | |


Gas station owner rams thief with car
I heard this on the radio and couldn't believe it. The gas station owner chases the guy down and ruins two cars over $40 worth of gas?!? Crazy...

Cardinals quit off-season workouts early to resolve labor complaint
And this is why, no matter who the coach is, the Arizona Cardinals will not be winning the Super Bowl this year--or even next year or the year after that...

posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 04:39:00 PM | |

On the Highway of Life.
This is how far I have to go..

BigOrangeMichael Highway TravelWorld 8 Confusion Lane 15 Paintown 45 Dumpsville 119 Fame City 516 Please Drive Carefully

Username:

Where are you on the highway of life?

From Go-Quiz.com

Tip of the hat to Cathy for this!

posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 12:05:00 PM | |

Mid-Week Round-Up!
VeggieTales crew, friends setting up shop in Franklin
Middle Tennessee scores a successful business with the VeggieTales crew moving here. I've only seen a few of the VeggieTales stuff, but I do know that BrainBoy and GiggleGirl from the Inn of the Last Home are both big fans. When Gracelyn was younger, I bought her a LarryBoy stuffed toy because she loved the color green. Well, she was playing with it in her bouncy chair and dropped it on the floor and her then dog, Sammy, chewed it up. (He didn't know any better--it's a toy on the floor, which means it's his, right?) My sister was royally ticked off. I wasn't overly upset about it--Sammy didn't know the difference and besides, as long as Gracelyn got to enjoy it for a while that is all that matters. But it was from Uncle Michael and so my sister was not happy--apparently Gracelyn really liked her LarryBoy toy. (She was at the stage where everything goes into the mouth and it was a good toy for her to drool on!) So far, she hasn't shown much interest in the VeggieTales movie they bought her, but I figure she will soon enough. Right now she just loves Elmo. (And she has so many Elmos from Tickle Me Elmo to Country/Western Elmo to Hokie Pokie Elmo--the common theme here is it's a toy that makes lots of noise that she loves!)

Eli's playing time a touchy subject for Peyton
As a Tennessee fan, I can never resist an article about Peyton Manning. Of course, I will be rooting against him when the Colts play the Titans twice this season. But any other time, I'm pulling for him all the way.

'Jeopardy!' Champ Passes $1 Million Mark
The IRS must just be salivating over the taxes that Ken Jennings will pay from his winnings. I wish I'd remembered to tape this episode to see him go over a million.

It's a family affair.
The daughters of the presidential candidates are joining the campaign. Here's an article about Kerry's daughters and one about Bush's daughters.

American 9, National 4
Before the severe weather swept through Middle Tennessee, I saw some of MLB's All-Star Game last night. Like it really mattered--this one was over after the first inning. I'm not a huge baseball fan, but I'm still not sold on the idea of the All-Star Game determining home field advantage in the World Series. Intersting to see that Bud Selig thinks that the fans are all for this because ratings increased throughout the game last year. I agree they did, but did he ever think that it was because the game was a competitive one that came down the final innings, unlike this year's where the AL took a six-run league earlier and then shut down the NL hitting? There was drama to the final innings last year, plus the novelty value of it being the first time that the All-Star Game decided home field in the World Series. I will be far more interested to see how the ratings break down this year when it was a blow-out early.

The Amazing Race
Due to the severe weather knocking out power, I missed the last half or so of this week's Amazing Race. (I think they repeat it Satuday night, so I hope to catch it then.) But I am not strong, so I surfed over to see how got eliminated and was stunned to see it was Allison and Donny, who took a huge drop from first place last week to gone this week. Before the weather knocked out the power, a couple of things struck my attention. One, I loved either Marshall or Lance's comment while in Uruguay about all the "foreigners." Hold on a minute here, guys--aren't you the foreigners?!? Second, the twins are really starting to bug me. "Oh we'll flirt and use our sexuality to get ahead." Yeah, and the reason a lot of people weren't helping you was that you learned all your Spanish from old Looney Tunes repeats! Finally, Charla and Mirna. Why did they hold the boat for them? Second of all, Mirna is such a whiner. I just want to shake her and go, "Get over it!" Every time we see her, she is saying how no one likes her and will be her friend, etc. Honey, it's a competition. Friendship is great, but everyone is there for one thing--to win. Friendship doesn't have a lot to do with it. Finally, as much as I admire Charla, I hate that just about every time we cut to her for a comment it's about her size and how people underestimate her. Does CBS have one cut of her saying this and use it over and over again?!? It sure seems that way!

But in good news, my favorite team of Jim and Marsha were able to stay in the race.

Ah, the joys of youth.
I was typing up something today in the library and the kid next to me looks at me in awe. "How do you type so fast?" he asked. "Practice," I said.

He then wanted to know if I knew how to find cheat codes for games. He just got Grand Theft Auto III, he tells me. His buddy comes up and the kids asks the buddy to help him find cheat codes. The do a Google search for cheats and find...well, let's just say the library needs to get some better filters for their browsers. Ah, the joys of the Internet.

Smallville News: Major Character Cast and big time SPOILERS!!
If you're a Smallville fan and don't want some major details of season four's premiere, ruined then please turn back now...

OK, you have been warned...

Erica Durance has been cast as Lois Lane for a four-episode arc this season. Apparently all of us who figured that Chloe would dye her hair and become Lois were totally wrong as it doesn't look too good for Chloe to survive into season four (which is a shame as I liked the character!) I'm not sure what to make of Lois appearing on the scene so early in the Superman saga, but every time I've doubted the show can pull off something that tweaks the Superman story a bit, they always manage to pull it off. So, I guess we'll have to wait and see...


posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 11:01:00 AM | |

This will freak you out!
If you're looking for proof that your brain just doesn't quite work right, click here.

Freaky, huh?

posted by Michael at 7/14/2004 10:44:00 AM | |
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
If it's Tuesday...
Sonic has a deal on Tuesdays where you can get five burgers for five bucks after five p.m. Well, one of the Sonic's here in the big-city of Smyrna has a McDonald's right next door to it. And I've noticed driving past it that their sign says--five double cheeseburgers for five dollars on Tuesday. Which leads you think--wow, that's a pretty good deal until you realize that the double cheeseburger at McDonalds is on the dollar menu so you could get just one for a buck any time you want. It's all about the advertising. Reminds of this time in high school when my buddy, Doug, was selling band candy for fifty cents and someone asked him if he could make a better deal. Without batting an eye, Doug said, "Alright, two for a dollar." And he made the sale--two for a dollar. I guess it's all about the perception that you're getting a good deal...

Speaking of good deals--anyone else hate getting junk mail? Specifically those ads from car places where it states--official correspondence only for the person that it's addressed to. That always tends to freak me out a bit when I first see it. I guess my mind just charges to the worst case scenario and so I rip it open and then am annoyed that it's only offering me a chance to buy a new car (Hello?!?--no permanent full-time work! How the hell am I gonna afford a new car?!?). Today's envelope came and it looked pretty darn official--so much so that I was thinking--oh no, something is up with the registration of the car or my voting registration and dear heavens, how long will it take to get all this sorted out. And I open it up and it's the offer of a new car. Honestly, I know we can get privacy director call blocking for the phones...could I somehow get a forcefield for my mailbox that would scan the mail and determine the stuff that really is of relevance to my life and beam the rest into outer space?

posted by Michael at 7/13/2004 06:58:00 PM | |


Last night, I went out to my usual Monday night meeting of the Career Transition Support Group in Brentwood. We were treated to speaker Bill Karlson doing a question and answer session about all kinds of ways to negotiate for the job you want, market yourself to employers and find a recruiter. As usual, I left feeling pumped and now I feel like a failure because it's been 12 hours and I don't have a job yet.

I wandered into the room where we meet and saw some familiar faces--I've been going for a while now and know some of the regulars. But imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw a familiar face from my time at the Wesley Foundation at UTK. I ran into Anne Peoples, who is in the Nashville area and facing a career transition of her own. It was pretty nice to catch up on people I knew from my time at UT and figure out where they are now and what they're doing.


posted by Michael at 7/13/2004 09:21:00 AM | |

If Tolken Had Put Me In the Lord of the Ring, My Name Would Be...

My crappy little elf name is Moorhen Bracken.
What's yours?
Powered by Rum and Monkey.

A tip of the hat to Barry for this.

posted by Michael at 7/13/2004 09:07:00 AM | |
Monday, July 12, 2004
Monk: Mr Monk and the Blackout
A baby step in the right direction this week for Monk with "Mr Monk and the blackout."

Whereas the first two new epsiodes of this season reduced the characters to shrill charactures of themselves, this episode took a large step toward correcting that. There weren't any scenes that made you out and out cringe for these characters and that is good news. Instead, we got a nice story about Monk and his trying to make the first steps toward dating again. The scene with Monk calling Michele with a whole stack of notecards for any potential converstation spread out before him was absolutely priceless. Also, Monk's making her walk up 52 flights of stairs when the elevator wasn't exactly even with the floor was a nice touch as well.

Sure, the mystery itself was fairly obvious--I called before the first major commerical break that the killer was trying to prevent the TV show from being seen and the second attack only confirmed it. But the element of why worked pretty well, though it becomes fairly obvious fairly quickly. But as I've said before, the joy of Monk isn't necessarily the deep mysteries--it's all about the characters. And when the characters work--like they all did here, then it's not as big a deal that we guess the mystery's solution long before Monk does.

Hopefully the show is back on track now. I can't declare it there yet since last week was a repeat. But this one was definitely a good step in the right direction.

posted by Michael at 7/12/2004 01:32:00 PM | |

The 4400: Pilot
Leading up to last night's premiere of The 4400, you couldn't flip past USA without seeing a promo for it. But I have to admit that while all of the promos were quick to give-away the basic set-up for the series, they were kind enough to not give-away how really well-done the pilot was or how intriguingly it set up the series. Yes, they borrowed a lot of details from other shows--and there is definitely an X-Files like vibe to it. But I have to admit that I did enjoy it and I am hooked to see where this goes. Why did the aliens return the 4400? What is the significance of that number? And just why did certain people get some type of power and others didn't? (Or at least not that we've seen yet).

Interesting that the governmental agency here is the Office of Home Land Security. Also of interest is that William's life isn't much better than some of the 4400 returning--he seems to have no place and no home to really return to due to what happened to his son. It should be interesting to see if this set of incidents brings him closer to or widens the void between he and his wife as the series goes along.

So far, I have to admit that some of the plotlines intrigue me more than others. I really felt for Lily, especially when her husband couldn't take ten minutes out of his day to at least come down to where she was released and tell her face to face why she couldn't be back in his life. I've yet to figure out what her power is--same thing with Richard--other than somehow being able to magically find each other in a large city. Also of note is what exactly is Shawn's power? He can restore life--as he does to the bird--but was he taking it away from the bully in the fight at school? How dangerous is he? How dangerous are all of the returnees? And why are they all drawn together so?

I admit it--I'm in for the ride on this one so far. Sure, a lot of it was melodrama--if you can't see the fight over the cute girl coming between Shawn and his brother coming a mile away and if you didn't know Richard and Lily would somehow end up together by episode's end--but it was well-done melodrama. They gave us enough about these characters to make us care about them and their plight. Hopefully this series will pay off with answers that work instead of feeling like they're making it up as they go along as so much of the final season of X-Files felt.


posted by Michael at 7/12/2004 01:21:00 PM | |


If you really want to start feeling your age, just volunteer to help with the youth at church. Don't get me wrong--I am really enjoying it a good deal, but it just makes me feel old!

Last night was an evening of get-to-know-you, group-building games (what we used to refer to as Theta-games at the UTK Wesley Foundation. (Theta was the president of the Wesley Foundation Student Cabinet my first year at UTK and seemed to have an endless supply of group-building, get-to-know you games for us all to participate in. Anyone who was there will shudder as I say--Oranges and PantyHose)). I have to admit I was overjoyed to be an adult when I got to serve as a check-point/proctor for the person with paralysis game. Basically, a group of five youth all get together and four of them must carry the fifth person, who is "paralyzed." At different check-points around the church, the person changes, up to three people in the game. I was stationed near the playground, across the street from some houses, where some guys out on their porch and sitting by their car took great amusement in watching this game unfold.

So, what was the point of the this game, you ask? Well, it actually tied into a devotion that Holley gave at the end about the four men who bring the paralyzed man to Jesus. I have to give Holley a lot of credit as this really worked well. I don't think I ever learned as much from one of Theta's game--well, except that oranges and pantyhouse is a really silly game and one that should be avoided at all costs!

Other parts of the evening included a game where we all sat in a circle and passed a volleyball, a basketball, etc around the room without using your hands. Ah, the dexterity required for this--not only to pass the ball around but to avoid being beaned in the head or other areas that would not be good to have a large round object flying into them at high speeds. Then we also had a game where you made up a sign for yourself--as in something you liked to do or identified you--and then said your name and did the sign. Then, after you'd gone around the cirlce, someone would say their name and sign and call our your name and sign...and you'd say yours and then call out someone elses. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that names are something I struggle with at times. And I could remember a lot of what people did to identify themselves, but not names. Luckily being relatively new, I wasn't called on that often. And my sign--well, I debated between the remote control clicking and swimming. I went with swimming because it was a bit more distinctive in my mind and I figured one of the youth might go with lounging and watching TV as well. (Oh yeah, I got to go first in the game...did I mention that part?) Then, we had another game where you sit between two people you don't know--not terribly hard for me--and you find out three bits of info about them. I saw between Katie, who like to skateboard, play drums and plays soccer and Kendall, who is a lifeguard, has been swimming competively since she was seven and has been in the hospital 14 times for overnight stays. (I didn't have time to investigate that one further). My three things were--lived in Hawaii when little, love to eat at Sonic and swim laps every day. The lived in Hawaii thing elicited the usual "woah, cool" response.

So, it was a good evening. I am really enjoying working with the youth. But, as I said before, if you want to feel old and completely out of it with what's cool, well, just hang out with 'em. And I though I had a good amount of energy these days--but it was nothing compared to them.

Speaking of having energy, Gracelyn and Davis were back from their vacation this weekend. Davis has finally figured out how to crawl and pull himself up. So now he can scoot around the house with the best of them and it won't be long before he starts to walk. Gracelyn is less than thrilled that he can crawl now and can get into her toys! Sharing is not high on her list of priorities--be it toys, grandparents, Uncle Michael, etc. She also like to have an organization of things. Yesterday she took animal crackers for each person and made sure you got the specific one she selected to give to you. Also, Saturday, she stunned me yet again with her being perceptive. (In so many ways, she reminds me of Inn of the Last Home's Brainy Boy...he is always doing something that amazes me at just how perceptive and smart he is! Gracelyn had dumped our her water toys and brought me up a plastic boat that is a ferry boat.

"Where are the cars for the boat?" she asked me. Now, this boat has NEVER had cars on it. Nor have I said to her that this is the boat with cars on it. I quizzed other family and they didn't remember telling her that...but one of us could have said in once and not remember. But she did. Either that or she figured it out all by herself. Either way, I am impressed, as always, at how sharp she is. Of course, I'm a totally biased uncle--in both the case of BB And Gracleyn--but, wow!


posted by Michael at 7/12/2004 09:13:00 AM | |
Sunday, July 11, 2004
The 4400
Anyone else intrigued by USA's new limited series The 4400?

Sure, part of it could be the relentless promos during Monk and The Dead Zone, but I have to admit I'm intrigued by this five part limited series that starts up tonight. USA Today gives it three stars out of four and a fairly solid review. And TV Guide's Matt Roush has kind words as well. So, I will be tuning in tonight and, of course, sharing my totally random thoughts on it.

posted by Michael at 7/11/2004 12:46:00 PM | |

The saga of tickets continues
Mom is now a local celebrity. She was quoted in this morning's Daily News Journal story about her big win of Titan's tickets yesterday. Here's the story. And here is the section about her:

For Smyrna's Elizabeth Hickerson, waiting in the heat was the price she was willing to pay in hopes to land a pair of tickets for her son.

"I had to stand out here in the heat, and I'm not a real big football fan," she said with a chuckle. "I came here because I'm going to give the tickets to my husband and son so they can go. My son is a big fan, and we came up here to increase our chances of winning."

In case I haven't mentioned it lately--I have the coolest Mom EVER!

The article also quotes Walt Cerwinske, the kind gentleman who traded tickets with us from the Texans game to the Colts game. Here's a quote from him: "I didn't care where the seats were as long as I was in the stadium." I feel exactly the same way about a Titans game, a Redskins game or any UT homegame.

Dodging a bullet
I dodged two bullets this morning at church. The United Methodist Men was looking for a vice-president and according to Dad, they were one heartbeat away from nominating me for this role. (They came and asked him if I'd do it without asking me if I was interested...I guess that gives me no chance to turn it down. LOL). Luckily someone else was nominated for this honor. Then, Mom went to a VBS meetng where they need someone to run game time...and by game time they mean running about on the playground with kids anywhere from two years old to sixth grade. Which, I love kids, but I just barely have the energy to keep up with Gracelyn sometimes...I cannot imagine a whole crew of them.

And yet, I have applied to be a substitute teacher next fall and am considering going into teaching. Scary, huh?

And it's not that I don't want to help out..but right now I've adopted helping with the youth and I am going to co-faciliate Disciple IV this fall. Plus finding a job--yeah, that'd be good too. So I am afraid to take on too much and not be able to do it all. That said, I plan to be at VBS and help out somehow--I imagine I'll be out on the playground playing with the kids. But in looking on the bright side--running around with and after them will burn calories, which means that I can treat myself to shake from Sonic sometime during VBS.

Mmmmmm...Sooonic.

posted by Michael at 7/11/2004 12:33:00 PM | |
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Middle Tennessee Loves the Titans
Nashville loves the Titans. If you have any doubt, just look at how quickly single game tickets were snapped up this morning.

And if you have any further doubt, all you had to do was show up at a Kroger store where they were giving away five sets of tickets at each store. Only catch--you had to be present to win and they didn't give 'em away all at once. You had to stand around for an hour, chatting with other Titans fans and maybe answering some questions to win other free prizes--stuff given by Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Oh yeah, and the Titans sent out two cheerleaders to each location. (Nothing wrong with that!)

After my failure to get Titans tickets on-line (curse you TicketMaster!), I headed out to Kroger in Smyrna this morning. My parents went as well and we all three entered to win some tickets. I was pretty down from my failure to obtain tickets on-line this morning (curse you TicketMaster!). It was rainy and extremely muggy when we got there and my parents and I signed up to win tickets. Now, it was warm, humid and not exactly a pleasant day to be outside. Add to it the smell of the hot dogs was driving me nuts. And I was pretty doggone skeptical about my chances. Why is it that I figure I'm always going to be the only person who has this great idea?!? But, I went, with hope in my heart.

And they gave the first set away....but it was only to the pre-season game. And ya know, as much as I'd like to go, I really wanted the other four sets. Well, at least two of the four. I was about to die to see the Titans play Indy or Denver. Now, during all of this as it's hot and muggy, my mother is questioning why I have let me talk her into this "fun" way to spend a Saturday morning. (My mom loves me and she loves football, but only when it's the orange and white and in Knoxville). Then they gave away the Titans vs Indy tickets. We didn't win. I was feeling our chances slipping away. Mom had gone to where there was a bench while Dad and I stayed close. Now it was time to draw for the Titans vs. Houston tickets. They reached in, drew out a name and...it was MOM's! I was about to do the dance of joy that we had won tickets and now yours truly could fight with family members to go to a game.

But wait, there's more. Part of winning is you have to prove you identity, claim our ticket and have your photo made about 1500 times. Mom is not at all interested in this and since she is there to support me, I get to have my photo made 1500 times with the cheerleaders. (It's a terrible job but somebody has to do it, right?) (Here's a link to the Titan's Cheerleaders. I think LaVerne (2nd row, 2nd from left) and Mandy (4th row, far right) were there.) One of the photographers was with the Daily News Journal and should the photo be published on-line, I will link out to it. (So far, I haven't seen it, but hey...who knows?) Anyway, after all this and as I'm giddy with glee--though wondering how the hell do I explain to my sister that she has to move Davis's first b'day party from Sunday to Saturday so I can go to the game. Then, the guy from Titans radio comes up and says he needs to interview Mom. So, he asks her about the tickets and she says, "Oh, I'm not gonna use them, I don't care about the game. I just wanted to win them for my son." As she says--"I don't care about the game" you can see the guy from the 103.3's face drop as he realizes--shit, we're live here! We just gave tickets to someone who doesn't care! (Did I mention that he had two girls there helping him...one of whom, I swear, walking up I stood and stared at for a minute in the pouring rain...she looked THAT much like Julia. (If you know who Julia is you will understand...if you don't, maybe someday I'll get around to blogging about it.)

So, this is pretty good, I'm thinking. Mom won tickets and she will be happy to share. I got to be near the Titans cheerleaders and not get arrested. And there's a woman who looks like Julia here, though I am trying to figure out how to go up and ask her this without looking like a complete idiot. Anyway, Dad says we should stay and see if we win any more tickets. So, we do. I am hoping to win the tickets for Christmas night against Denver. Well, as I'm standing another winner approaches me.

Him: Hey, would you want to trade tickets?
Me: What game did you win? (I'm thinking--you won pre-season, you can forget it!)
Him: Titans vs Colts.
Me: ::blinking:: Are you sure?!?
Him: Yeah, I got a fishing tournament that weekend and would love to switch.
Me: Sure, I'd be happy to trade. ::turning to Dad:: Go! Find Mom before this guy comes to his senses!

Mom had wandered off to the bench again to wait. So Dad got her and we traded. So, here's where we now stand--I have tickets for the game I want to go to and they're good seats. I now realize, of course, that I only have two and that Mom loves Peyton Manning so she might want to go and leave me out in the cold. But did I mention that I have tickets to go see Titans vs Indy?!?

So coming up the third weekend in September, my weekend looks like this: Vols vs Florida on Saturday night (TV, of course), Sunday afternoon, going to see Titans vs Indy. All I can say is--woo-hoo!

Oh, and I never did quite figure out how to ask that woman if she was Julia. Right after I made the trade she vanished. But hey--did I mention that we have Titans vs Indy tickets?!?


posted by Michael at 7/10/2004 06:08:00 PM | |

Also in the News
Spider-Man's balancing act resonates with religious leaders
This article about how Spidey's famous statement, "With great power there must also come great responsiblity" and how it resonates with religious leaders of all faiths is interesting reading.

Kitten rescued from Florida bay
A nice little feline interest story about a lucky kitty, resuced from certain doom by kind-hearted people. In a lot of ways, the story reminded me Leslie's story about rescuing her new cat a couple of weeks ago. The image of the kitten out there "kitty paddling" is just kind of heartbreaking. I wonder how the kitten got out that far...

Or maybe I don't want to know...

Bonds Denies Payment for Homer Derby
All of the national sports call in shows were crucifying Bonds for allegedly taking payment to be in the Home Run Derby yesterday. And I have to agree with them. In this day and age, baseball players benefit from being in the All-Star game or the Home Run Derby with incentive laden contracts--either that or they can use this as leverage to get more money down the line. For Barry to want more money on top of that is just absurd. The All-Star Game is for the fans--it's a chance to celebrate baseball with all of the great players out there. And certainly, it creates debate over who should and shouldn't be there, which is always of great interest. But then this ugly little story reared its head. Of course, Bonds now denies he took payment and I certainly do hope that he wasn't paid to be in this. Becuase now it sets a dangerous precedent for next year--and for future years. If Bonds got his money, then the other players will expect money next year and beyond. And, honestly, at this point, the Home Run Derby is far more affordable and family friendly than the All-Star Game. Baseball keeps wanting to find ways to reach out to new and younger fans--and each time they make two steps foward, they took four to five back with a story like this coming out. Again, I hope it isn't true and we may never have confirmation that it is or isn't. But it really has put kind of a tarnish on the Home Run Derby for this year, don't you think?

posted by Michael at 7/10/2004 05:51:00 PM | |

In the News
Twitty 'duet' touching or tacky?
It's amazing what digital technology can do these days. Yes, we've had the ability for "duets" to occur before by taking an old recording and putting new vocals with it. But now, Anita Cochran has taken samples of Conway Twitty from a set of song owned by Warner Brothers, sampled his voice at various points and putting them together into a new song. As in--one that Twitty never sang during his lifetime. His estate approved it, though I wonder if it was to make a couple of bucks off good ol' Conway again. What I find interesting is how polarizing this is song is. Of course, there is one part of me that says--wow, this is cool, while another part says--boy, this could be used in exactly the wrong way. We've all seen spy movie thrillers that use this kind of plot point, but could we have record companies creating new hits for artists without their permission? And how long will it be before there is software so the average person like you or I can do this at home? Look at how many people out there are such great PhotoShop hackers. I can only imagine that there will soon be a new generation of music creation hackers. (Not to be confused with FileSharing hackers, who kindly share the music and let others download it!)

A related article discusses how the song was produced and you can hear a sample of the song here.

Red-hot showman says wet feat will be real kick
A 58-year old guy who is willing to submerge his body in the Crystal Casket Water Tomb 22 hours a day for up to eight days to raise money for St. Jude's. And if he can take it, he'll do it again later this summer.

'Game Nights' Gaining Popularity in Bars
I have to admit that this sounds like a really cool idea. There was an article about this trend nationally in this morning's Tennessean but I didn't see any local angle to it. I wonder if this type of thing will catch on in Nashville. I enjoy playing the Yahoo games from time to time, but one of the most frustrating things is trying to start a table and having people drop in and out. This sounds like a bit of that, only you can actually stare down your opponent to see if he or she is bluffing.

Morning rush for Titans tickets today at 10:00
I love the Titans and I'm excited as all get out for the upcoming season. What I wasn't excited about was how the TicketMaster web site kicked me off at 9:59 a.m and I couldn't get back on it until 10:05 a.m. So, needless to say I am ticketless so far for any Titans games this year...which stinks! But I'm off to Kroger to try and win some! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

posted by Michael at 7/10/2004 10:26:00 AM | |
Friday, July 09, 2004
Personality Test
Special thanks to Logtar for making me aware of this new personality test. If you want to try taking it, go here.

My results are here:

Wackiness: 28/100
Rationality: 68/100
Constructiveness: 42/100
Leadership: 28/100

You are an SRDF--Sober Rational Destructive Follower. This makes you a font of knowledge. You are cool, analytical, intelligent and completely unfunny. Sometimes you slice through conversation with a cutting observation that causes silence and sidelong glances. You make a strong and lasting impression on everyone you meet, the quality of which depends more on their personality than yours.

You may feel persecuted, as you can become a target for fun. Still, you are focused enough on your work and secure enough in your abilities not to worry overly.

You are productive and invaluable to those you work for. You are loyal, steadfast, and conscientious. Your grooming is impeccable. You are in good shape.

You are kind of a tool, but you get things done. You are probably a week away from snapping.

posted by Michael at 7/09/2004 09:31:00 AM | |

And so it begins
I'd like to take a moment to welcome Rich O to the wonderful world of blogging. His new blog, The Southpaw Den, is up and running. Why not surf on over, read his first post and leave him some welcoming comments?

posted by Michael at 7/09/2004 09:15:00 AM | |
Thursday, July 08, 2004
The Dead Zone: Total Awarness
After last week's season high great episode, I suppose I should have been primed for some type of letdown, which is exactly what we got here with "Total Awareness." Not that there weren't parts of it that worked, mind you--but those were, unfortunately, relegated to the status of sub-plots. I really enjoyed the scenes of Johnny trying to be "cool dad" and using his powers to pick out the perfect present for J.J. Couple that with the nicely done scenes of Johnny at J.J.'s birthday party and then his allowing J.J. to skate in the mansion and you had some great character moments. However, the main plot, which started off intriguingly enough just really fizzled out. Part of it was that it had a blink and you'll miss it motivation for why Gibson was on the run and what her connection to things was and then the reasoning behind taking out all the pyschics wasn't quite as clear as it should have been. I think a large part of this is we've seen the whole--you're being watched and vast conspiracy plotline done a lot better on other shows. Not that Dead Zone couldn't do it and do it well, but there wasn't enough time to set everything up and then have the kind of payoff we needed or wanted without it all feeling too rushed, too cliched and too much of the been there, done that feeling that we got here.

However, as disappointing as the main plot was, I think we have picked up a few vital clues that will play out over the course of the rest of the season and series. One is that Johnny's bills aren't being paid by the trust on time and he's slowly becoming aware of it. (As we all know, Purdy depleted the trust to pay-off Stillson in the two-part season premiere). Next, Johnny now knows that the armageddon vision he's been seeing could occur on New Years' Eve. We don't know an exact year yet, but at least we have a date for it.

Also, I have to question one other thing in this one--we estabish at J.J.'s birthday party that Walt is there and apparently off-duty. So why does he have to show up at Johnny's house when Gibson calls the cops? Yes, I know it's so Walt can have some part of the story, but honestly, are there not any other cops in the county who can handle things? Especially for your son's birthday party, when things aren't exactly normal to start with right now. You'd think Walt might want to restore some sense of normalcy to J.J.s life--esp. in the light that Johnny mysteriously vanishes halfway through the party.

posted by Michael at 7/08/2004 10:54:00 AM | |

Random Stuff for a Thursday
Books for Soldiers
Looking for a way to support our troops abroad? Got some old paperbacks lying around that you don't know what to do with? You can help boost our troop morale by going to the www.booksforsoldiers.com and finding an address for a service man or woman. They're also looking for CDs, magazines, etc.

Anyone interested?
I saw the announcement on the Yahoo this morning that it's getting to be time to think about playing fantasy football. Anyone else out there who reads my blog--whether from the RTB or through a friend of a friend of friend interested in forming a league? Leave a comment for me and let me know if you want to play!

Spider-Man: The Peril of Doc Ock
A shorter version of Spidey 2 done with Legos. Great fun!

Cingular is airing their commericals featuring the Tommy TuTone hit, "Jenny (867-5309)" again. The commerical always gets that song stuck in my head each time I see it. Also, I have to admit--I think the girl who is in the commericals is just adorably cute!

posted by Michael at 7/08/2004 10:25:00 AM | |

Theater Thursday
Favorite Things.
Doing things a little different this week due to hectic schedules. Sorry if the questions are a little boring this week.

This week its all about your favorites.

1. If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'm torn here because my favorite movie depends on which of two I've seen last and what my mood is. It'd either have to be Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan or The Searchers.

2. What is your absolute favorite movie soundtrack?
For the songs, the Forrest Gump soundtrack is great--it just captures so many great songs from so many eras. For instrumental music, I will have to say John Williams' score from Empire Strikes Back cannot be beat.

3. What's your favorite movie-time snack?
Pop-corn.

4. Favorite Actor: John Wayne or William Shatner.

5. Favorite Actress: So many to choose from, so little time. I admit I like Kirsten Dunst, but that may be because of the whole red-head-wig-MJ thing.

6. And last but not least, what is your favorite kind of movie: comedy, drama, action...etc.,???
As with my favorite movie of all time, it depends on my mood, though I do find I tend to lean more toward Westerns and sci-fi when I'm just aimlessly searching out a film to watch.

And what goes well with movies, but candy? Apparently I am...

discover what candy you are @ quiz me

Tip of the hat to Always Victoria for the quiz.


posted by Michael at 7/08/2004 09:49:00 AM | |
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Things In the News That Caught My Limited Attention Span
News
Demonbreun Bridge closed, likely for good
Oh this should make traffic lots of fun for the next three or so years. You know, this was the exit I used to take to go to my temp job--though I was lucky to go away from the bridge. It almost makes me happy that assignment ended--just the thought of facing this type of traffic situation every day...ugh!

N.Y. Post Corrects Gaffe on Kerry Ticket
You know, one of the things I learned in all of my journalism classes was the importance of accuracy, editing and proof-reading. But this makes two times in as many months that papers have had big stories go out entirely wrong. And we wonder why fewer people these days are reading the newspaper...

Of course, it's also interesting to see how quickly these papers went up for auction on E-Bay.

Giraffe on loan drowns in Louisiana sinkhole
Here's something you don't hear every day....

Entertainment
I've noticed the past couple of days that one of my favorite comics, Close to Home has been in "repeats" (it's labeled as Close to Home Flashbacks in The Tennessean.) I have looked around the Net and can't find why it's in repeats.

The Amazing Race
OK, I have to already say that I find Charla and Mirna totally annoying. "Oh, why won't anyone help us?" Good heavens, could these two whine a bit more?!? I found myself rooting for them to lose early and be out of the race, but unfortunately, they came in sixth and are still in it. Also, the twins, Kami and Karli--I know this thing is edited and we don't really see the real side of these people, but they did come off as dumber than a big old box of little bitty rocks. They missed not one but TWO markers and almost lost because of it. I have to admit I was torn in rooting for them to lose and between Charla and Mirna. The team I am rooting for is the father/daughter team of Jim and Marsha. You can almost hear Jim using that old Jesse Ventura line, "I ain't got time to bleed!" last night as he trips and tears up his leg two feet from the finish line. Early on, I have to say they're my favorite which means since they are now in last place, they will lose next week. Of course, in good news, Dennis starts out being a jerk to everyone and he and Erika lose out. Ah, sweet reality TV justice...

First details about Enterprise season premiere are out.
The new season starts off with an episode titled "Storm Front." If you want more, head over to TrekToday and read more about it. All I can say it--well, it looks like they might have a plan for how to deal with the Nazi alien thing. I am cautiously optomistic at this point.

Sports
UT's slate is for the Dawgs
Jimmy Hyams ranks the Vols opponents this season in terms of who will be the most difficult to beat. Interesting that he only sees one "for sure loss" out there--the UGA Bulldogs in Athens. I hate to say it, but I agree that it will be tough to go to Athens and take care of business against Georgia. But then again, as Hyams points out, they could be prime for a letdown after a tough LSU team the week before. I can see the Vols going 11-1 this year, but I can also see us going 9-3 again. I just think we do NOT need another trip to the Peach Bowl. OK, let me amend that--we don't need to go the Peach Bowl if we are going to be as thoroughly embarassed as we have been the past two years.

Opinion
Tim Chavez has some interesting thoughts on Bill Cosby's remarks to the African-American community last week. Definitely worth reading.

posted by Michael at 7/07/2004 01:07:00 PM | |
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
TV Tuesday
Everyone knows all of us who "stay at home" for one reason or another do nothing but sit and watch TV right? That was a joke, just for the record. Most people get a chance to watch TV at some point during the day and this week we're going to explore your watching habits! This week's topic is daytime TV!
Heaven knows I prefer working during the day because, quite frankly, the vast majority of daytime TV is a wasteland. LOL

1. Daytime TV: "Gimme my soaps", "Talk shows please", "More of a Game show person", or "Home shows are best!!"
A mix of either game shows or the reality shows on TLC or HGTV like Clean Sweep or While You Were Out. I will occasionally tune in for What Not to Wear so if I were to ever become fashionable, I'd know how.

2. One of the latest trends in Daytime TV is re-runs of 80's & 90's hit shows, what is your favorite that's re-running now? If you don't have one which show would you like to see re-running?
My favorite show to watch in repeats is Seinfeld. It always makes me laugh. In fact, after I finish this, I may go off in search of a couple of repeat episodes of Seinfeld. After that, it has to go to any of the Star Trek series from the 80s and 90s--specifically TNG and DS9. Great stuff.

3. What's your all time favorite day time show?
Price is Right. I used to love the summer break from school when we could watch it every day.

~Bonus~ There's lots of noise about Daytime soaps pushing the limits of what's acceptable on TV, but the soaps claim they're just keeping up with changes in society, so which is it? Are the soaps over the edge? Or has society brought it on itself?
I think that TV, as a whole, has tried to go edgier and edgier to keep the audience from diminishing. I certainly think it's good if it brings up important issues in an intelligent way and gets discussion going. If it's just done to get some quick ratings (such as the woman/woman kiss on Ally McBeal a few years back), then it doesn't really serve any greater good. Edginess without substance behind it is just hollow. It's kind of like what George Lucas said about special effects--special effects without a good story are just speical effects and no one will remember them or care about them tomorrow.


posted by Michael at 7/06/2004 05:43:00 PM | |


It's always impressive to me that no matter how good a shape you think you're in, you're never quite as good as you could be. My muscles have been reminding me of this little life lesson all day today. All I did was help trim some bushes and pull some weeds and monkeygrass (the kudzu of the flowerbed!), but yet my muscles have decided to let me know--hey, we're not used this way every day.

Now, I will admit I think I'm in pretty good shape--I mean, I do swim at least five times a week, but it's not often that I use all my muscles in such a way as yanking out weeds and plants that, quite frankly, are pretty darn happy to be in residence where they are. And, yes, I will admit that going and swimming laps today did make things feel a lot better--not only from a physical standpoint, but also a mental one. My whole outlook hss picked up just a bit from my swimming--and certainly I needed it.

Now if only my leg muscles would just stop protesting every time I do something silly like, oh, move!

But ya know, it was worth it becuase I had a great long Fourth of July weekend. My old buddy, Rich O (by the way, Rich...if you're reading this...why don't you have a blog yet?!?) made it up this way from near Atlanta to regale me with stories of his new house, that he and his wife, Carolee are expecting (congrats to them BTW!) and to just check in. Oh yeah, and we saw Spider-Man 2, which rocked. The previews--well, there wasn't a lot there that excited me as much Spidey 2, I'll be honest with you. I think the jury is out for me on I, Robot. On the one hand, it looks like they're taking just part of the Asimov book--mainly the rules of robotics--and jettisoning the rest. But on the other hand, it's Alex Proyas as director and I really think Dark City is one of the more underrated sci-fi movies out there. So I am waffling on whether or not to plunk down my money to see it. We also got a Catwoman preview, which makes me think more and more than someone owed Satan big time to get this stinker to the screen. We got some other previews as well, which were enjoyable enough, I suppose. I guess now I'm really kind of waiting for previews for the Episode III and for Serenity as the next big ones I can't wait to see.

My parents actually went to see a movie at the theater over the weekend. That makes two for my dad this year--he went with me to see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban a few weeks ago. So, this means that he's pretty much seen his quota of movies in a theater for the next four years. They went to see Terminal, which Mom raves about. She says it was great and that we should all see it. I am more of the, well, I am gonna wait for DVD on that one and rent it. Personally, I'd rather go see Dodgeball or Spidey 2, again! (I am waiting for a second Spidey trip to see if it opens on the IMAX out at Opry Mills).

Saturday night the town of Smyrna did their own fireworks show so as not to compete with downtown Nashville. It was pretty nice and I enjoyed it a good deal. But let me just say the really great fireworks show was Sunday night in downtown. My father works for the state and arranged with security for us to watch the fireworks from the 30th floor of the Snodgrass building where he works. It's got a conference room that has windows all around and a balcony running all around it. The view up there is nothing short of spectacular. We got there early and you could walk around and see pretty much all of downtown and middle Tennessee stretching out before you. You could see fireworks shows of other cities, counties, etc off in the distance and people shooting off their own fireworks all around. And then the show began--up at eye level. It was spectacular. We brought a radio along and tuned into the sound of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra's accompaniment and it was superb. In a lot of ways, it rivalled Boomsday in Knoxville--though Boomsday features my personally favorite, the power T done in fireworks. None of that here and no Rocky Top. Oh well, football season will be upon us soon enough.

All in all, I have to admit it was a pretty good weekend. And today I went out to fill out an application for a job, in addition to making some network contacts. I got to have a two minute interview at the application screening and was told my new resume (the active one that I had tweaked for this opening) looked very good and professional. So, hopefully that will at least get me into the first round of interviews and I can win them over from there. We'll see how all of that goes. At this point, the jury is still out on whether the passive or the active resume is more successful. I have yet to get any nibbles from the job fair I went to a few weeks ago, but then again I wasn't expected an deluge of calls. It's easy in the whole job search process to have this image of someone waiting by the phone or mail box for your resume to come in, seeing it and thanking the stars that you're available for work. In reality, they get tons of mail and it's part luck of the draw that they see you and notice you. The active resume, featuring bold text and points bulleted out is one way to try and draw in attention. One thing I learned in a class at college was that magazine covers have 10 seconds to make you decide to buy or not on impulse. I often feel that is the same thing with resumes--you've got ten seconds to catch an eye and make them want to read more--maybe 30 seconds--about you.

Hopefully someone will see mine soon and think--hot diggity...this guy is the perfect fit for us. Until then, I will go on fighting the good fight.

posted by Michael at 7/06/2004 05:20:00 PM | |

I knew it!
Study Finds Cough Drugs No Better Than Sugar Syrup
This just affirms what I already believed--cough syrup is really nothing more than a good shot of Jack Daniels with all the good stuff taken out!

'Spider-Man 2' Tops Holiday Box Office
All I can see is, "Woo-hoo!" I'm glad to see Spidey did so well, though it wasn't unexpected. Now the real test comes--can it have the same longevity the first one did at the box office? Honestly, I'm not seeing much out there to dethrone if any time soon. King Arthur doesn't look too thrilling. The only real threat I see is I, Robot. But we'll see.

posted by Michael at 7/06/2004 11:28:00 AM | |
Monday, July 05, 2004
Something I wonder...
What do the fireworks stands do with their leftover fireworks? Do they send them back and get a refund for those that didn't sell? Save them for next year?

It seems like a very lucrative industry and one that would be hard to predict. Sure, there are some things you have a good idea of how they'll see, but what if you order too much or too few of soemthing?

This just occurred to be seeing all the fireworks stands closing down shop for the year today.

posted by Michael at 7/05/2004 08:56:00 PM | |

Spider-Man 2 Review
Good sequels are a very rare thing these days. For every sequel that builds on the initial promise of the first movie—such as Empire Strikes Back, X-Men 2 or Superman 2—there is an ever growing list of bad sequels—movies that were basically designed to make a quick buck off the name recognition of the first, usually better films—say for example, most of the Police Academy movies or the second two-thirds of the Matrix trilogy (sorry, but I have a hard time believing that they intended for the movies to go to three movies when they were struggling to get the Matrix made years ago).

But the best sequels are those that not only build on the success of the first movie, but continue the stories begun in those films. Again, I site the examples of Superman II, Empire Strikes Back and X-Men 2. The one thing they all had in common wasn’t the desire to just capture lightning in a bottle again and rake in huge profits at the box office, but the films set out to build upon and expand the universe that was created in the first movie. In many ways, each of these films not only builds upon the success of the first movie, but surpasses it.

And now, we have yet another movie to add to that elite list: Spider-Man 2.

Two years after the first film grabbed up a huge box office and glowing reviews, the web-slinger returns to our movie screens and he’s bigger and better than ever. Director Sam Raimi gets everything in this movie right, namely because he chooses to see this as the continuation of the Spider-Man saga, not just a re-telling of the first film.

He takes all the made the first movie so good and improves upon it. But he also ensures the movie never loses its heart and its characters in the process. It’s been two years since the first movie and we see how the characters lives have changed—how they’ve grown together and grown apart. Raimi wisely chooses to blend together two of the classic Spider-Man storylines from Stan Lee’s Amazing Spider-Man days—the “Spider-Man No More” plotline and the epic battles Spidey had with Doc Ock. Along the way, Raimi and company put their own spin on things, but it’s still true enough to the comic storyline that long-time Spidey fans like myself should be satisfied.

It’s been two years and Peter Parker’s life isn’t any better than it was. He’s still in love with Mary Jane, but won’t allow himself to pursue that due to the dangers it could present to her. The first hour of the movie really puts Peter under pressure—his dual life is straining him. Aunt May could lose the house, he’s fired from two jobs, he can’t be there for Mary Jane or any of his friends, he is getting hopelessly behind in classes and he’s behind on the rent. Each of these storylines is borrowed from the Stan Lee years of Spider-Man and each one piles on until slowly Peter realizes that he may not want to be Spider-Man anymore. Also, he begins to lose his powers (something else that happened in the early Doc Ock storylines and it well used here).

Interwoven with this is the story of Otto Octavius. Octavius is being funded by Harry Osborn to conduct cutting-edge experiments. During one experiment, in which Octavius uses cybernetic arms to manipulate a reaction, things go wrong, destroying the lab, killing Octavius’s wife and fusing him with the arms. The arms slowly corrupt Octavius to a life of crime to try and begin his experiments again and erase his failure. Things soon reach a head when Doc Ock turns to Harry to get more of the fuel needed for his experiments and Harry demands Ock bring him Spider-Man in return.

Let me say this—there is a lot going on in this movie. But with as much action as we see—the battles between Ock and Spidey are nothing short of superb—the movie never loses sight of the central character theme—two men trying to do what is right and how they both fail. Peter is trying to do what is right but selfishly chooses his own way until Ock threatens MJ and brings him out of retirement (along the way, we get a nice scene by Rosemary Harris as Aunt May, taking a decidedly unique view of Spider-Man (he saves her during the film from Ock)) and Ock’s narrow focus on righting the wrong against him and proving he is the genius he knows he is. Each character is flawed and that’s what makes this journey with them so compelling. In the end, each one does what is right and what he knows he must do.

And it does leave the door wide open for Spider-Man 3. The best thing I can say about this one is that it left me eager for 2007 when the next chapter comes our way. It should be a doozy.

There are so many little things this movie gets right—from the perfect portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson by P.K. Simons to the superlative Rosemary Harris nailing the Aunt May part it all works. But the real star of this one is Toby Maguire. The thing with Spider-Man has always been that it’s more about Peter Parker than just Spidey. Spidey is what he can do, Peter Parker is who he is. And Maguire is great as Peter. Seeing him go through hell in the movie and deciding to turn away from his destiny is great. And then the desperate attempts to get his powers back when he realizes his mistake is great too (and features a great in-joke about Maguire and his back). Maguire plays Peter to perfection, just as he did in the first movie. I hope they sign him up for as much as he wants for as many sequels as he’ll do, provided he delivers the goods like he does here.

Along the way, there are a plethora of homages to the original movie and to other movies. Raimi even includes an Evil Dead 2 homage in there. I won’t go and ruin all of them for you, but there are references to the upside down kiss from the first one as well as Peter’s initial jump across the rooftops.

In all, Spider-Man 2 is as close to perfect as summer blockbuster as you will get. It’s worth the price of admission and then some. It’s one of those rare movies that I got really excited to see and it delivered the goods. I walked away with a big grin on my face, eager to see it the movie again and counting down days until we see the third installment.


posted by Michael at 7/05/2004 08:54:00 PM | |
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Happy 4th of July!
Hope that everyone has a happy and safe 4th!


posted by Michael at 7/04/2004 07:00:00 AM | |
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Random Reviews
The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell, Dustin Thomason

Based on reports that this book was simliar, but in many ways superior to Dan Brown's runaway best-seller, The DaVinci Code, I decided to give this one a try. And while I can see why it's drawing comparisons to The DaVinci Code, I have to say that this book was far less entertaining, compelling and page-turning as Dan Brown's novel. Not that the novel isn't trying very hard--but it's trying too hard in spots. It wants to be all things to all people--a mystery surrounding an ancient text, unlocking secrets, a coming of age story and a page turning race against time. But, unfortunately, it fails to really be all of any of those thngs. It would have probably been better if the book had picked one or two elements to concentrate on and jesttisoned the rest--or at the very least, given some of the elements a lesser degree of importance. The story is one of four friends and how a book called the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, an ancient text that is supposed to contain the secret to finding untold treasture, affects their lives. If this had been all it was, it might have been OK. But we get a lot of details of life at Princeton for our four heroes. Maybe if I was more fascinated by life at an Ivy League school or had gone to one, this would be more interesting to me. But the traditions on campus fail to capture much interest. Overall, I have to say this book didn't live up to my expectations or the hype. If you're looking for something with a simliar set-up as The DaVinci Code, you might find what you're looking for here. Otherwise, it's pretty much a mixed bag.

Monk--Mr. Monk and the Three Pies
If you want to see how off Monk has been in its first two episodes this season, you need look no further than this week's repeat from season two (repeats already?!? It's only two weeks into the season!). The characters all work well--each one feels real and not like a cardboard cutout. There are laughs, but they come from our understanding and love for the characters, not at their expense. Also, we learn a bit more about Monk and his family through his brother, brilliantly played by Jon Turturro. The mystery is even intriguing enough to keep you interested the entire hour of the show. Sure, looking back, it's not earth shattering, but when the characters are working this well, you don't mind as much. This is an example of how good Monk can be and why the first two episodes this year have stood out like sore thumbs. Please, let's get back to more episodes like this one and soon!

Interesting Facts from the History Channel, Part 2
The second half of the special Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked was as intersting as the first part. A couple of things that stood out:

--In the 60s, Denny O'Neill was assigned to Wonder Woman. He decided a change was in order--she was stripped of her powers and lost her costume. She then learned karate to kick butt (think like Mrs. Peel). Feminists, including Gloria Steinhem were outraged by this and wrote letters. After four years, Wonder Woman changed back to her usual self and O'Neill calls it one of the the bigger mistakes of his career.
--However, O'Neill did save Batman from the camp of the 60s show that spilled over into the comics. He did this by taking Batman back to his roots and making the art more realistic under artist Neil Adams.
--Comic books tended to avoid the issue of Vietman. Very few superheroes went to war, unlike WW2.
--Stan Lee got a letter from President Nixon, asking him to write an anti-drug story. He did so in a run of Amazing Spider-Man. In the story, Spidey saves a guy so high he thinks he can fly and later Harry Osborn starts popping pills (all this and he battles the Green Goblin!) Lee submitted the stories to the comic code authority and they were not given the seal of approval. Marvel ran them without to praise. This helped loosen some of the comic codes a bit surrounding drug use.
--Two influential comics that revolutionized comics--Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns.
--The Sandman is the only comic to win the World Fantasy Award. The next day, they changed the rules so it couldn't win again.


posted by Michael at 7/03/2004 10:04:00 PM | |

Ladies, I feel your pain...
Went to see Spider-Man 2 today out at the movie theater in Cool Springs. Great movie, great theater--well, except for one thing. You'd think with 25 screens in one theater that the bathrooms would have more than one urinal and stall each! I figured maybe the first I found was a smaller one but the one I found after the show was as small.

Ladies, I now have a better understanding of what you go through, waiting in huge lines at public restrooms.

posted by Michael at 7/03/2004 09:17:00 PM | |
Friday, July 02, 2004
A moment of silence.
James Doohan is battling Alzheimer's now, in addition to his having Parkinson's disease and diabetes. And Marlon Brando has died at 80. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families.

posted by Michael at 7/02/2004 11:24:00 AM | |

Ripped from the Headlines
News
McDonald decides not to quit, then gets fired
Continuing to follow this story, I have a number of questions about it. First of all, why did McDonald suddenly change his mind? Did he think that maybe the Election Commission might back down because he had a lawyer there with him? Second of all, why was this a partisan thing? I hate to say it, but Democrat, Republican, representative of the party for the freedom of kumqats, McDonald and his office screwed up and yet no one wants to take the blame for it. McDonald is pointing fingers at Kathy Charlton-Deshotels, who was fired, sued and then go re-instated. McDonald refuses to take responsibility for the mistakes made in his office, under his watch. One thing I've learned from watching Star Trek all these years is that even if it's an ensign that screws up, the captain is still the one who is held accountable for it. Thirdly of all--how in the world can this be "racially motivated" as McDonald's lawyer asserts? I don't care if you're purple--if you deserve to be terminated, you should be terminated. I have a feeling this one is going to get a lot worse before it gets any better. And we still seem to be missing the core issue--will those 300 military men and women's vote count in the election?

In a related story: Cosby Has Harsh Words for Black Community

"I can't even talk the way these people talk, 'Why you ain't,' 'Where you is' ... and I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk," Cosby said then. "And then I heard the father talk ... Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth."

Bravo to you, Bill Cosby! I know that it takes a village to raise a child, but a lot of the influence comes from the home. Thank you for standing up and saying that parents need to take responsibilty. And it's not just black parents--but all parents. Thank you, Mr. Cosby. Well-spoken.

Military bases put on alert for GPS Coke cans
FOX is already gearing up for a new reality special--When Summer Promotions Attack! Of course, this special will still be ten times better than Quadruplets.

Science
No, that's not a screen capture of the opening credit for TNG...

The photos of Saturn and its rings from Cassini-Huygens space probe are spectacular.

Entertainment
$40.5 million payday for new and improved 'Spider-Man'
Spidey-2 is raking in the cash! Based on the good word I keep hearing about it, it should make a ton of cash this weekend, thus ensuring that we'll get Spider-Man 3.

Guys get chance to go wild for cameras
I guess it was only a matter of time....

Alias to drop Rimbaldi plotlines
All I can say is, Hallelujah! The Rimbaldi plotline, while interesting at first, became an albatross this season. I'm not saying a show can't have a mytology and a continuity, but when it gets as complex as this one has, it can destroy it. Just see any of the last three or so seasons of The X-Files.

Sports
Yanks send Bosox reeling again
It's only July, but the way the Yankees celebrated this one, you'd think it was a trip to the World Series on the line. And maybe, in a way, it is. After the last two defeats, the Red Sox are probably demoralized. 8 1/2 games back on July 1st isn't that bad, I suppose, unless you're the Red sox and looking up at the Yankees. There just seems to be some kind of pyschological block to the Red Sox beating the Yankees. I hate to agree with a lot of the sports pundits, but the Red Sox season may be done. We'll see what happens. (Meanwhile, I stand by my prediction of Tampa Bay going to the World Series!)

Meanwhile, a new blog for radio in Nashville has started up. Nashville Radio Gossip. Should be fun!

Opinion
This column by Tim Chavez, reminds us all about the little patriotic things in our world that go unnoticed and unreported. Really puts me in the mood to celebrate and appreciate what the 4th of July means.



posted by Michael at 7/02/2004 10:34:00 AM | |
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Theater Thursday
Ok, this is the week a lot of you have been waiting on. Spiderman 2 opens, and the web-slinger (who in reality would have no shot at Kirsten Dunst) (Hey now! That's part of the magic that is Spider-Man! He gets the really hot girl...gives the rest of us hope!) swings back into action against the evil Doc Ock. This week, our questions are about those quintessentially misunderstood, ill-treated, feared and respected champions of truth, justice and the Spandex Way: the Superheroes.

1) All right, have it out. What is the all-time greatest superhero movie?
The original Spider-Man. I grew up reading the Spidey comic books and the movie captures the essense of what made Spider-Man great. I waited 20 plus years to see it--it seemed as it was always being rumored that it was coming in the comic books but we never saw it. At last, it came out and it hit every note perfectly. Toby Maguire was perfect as Peter Parker and we got see Spidey swing and sail on web lines and bounce about, just as we'd imagined it in the comics. And, yes, the Green Goblin was bit too Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, but they got the essense of the Spidey vs. Goblin storyline exactly right. (Only way it could have been better was to just adapt the Spidey/Goblin origin storyline from Ultimate Spider-Man 1-8.) I love the original Spider-Man and cannot wait to see the second installment. The runners-up in this one have to be the original Superman and X-Men 2.

2) What superhero movie has not been made that you'd like to see? Which existing one would you have redone from scratch?
I would love to see a movie version of the Flash. Or maybe the Tick. As for the existing one, I'd like to go back and re-do Batman and Robin from scratch. Just to give it an identity really--the movie could never decide if it wanted to be the dark melodrama of the first two movies (BTW--Batman Returns is still the best of the series!) or the campy over-the-top sensibility of the 60s TV show. Also, Mr. Freeze is such a tragic villian and it's a shame that Ah-nold didn't do the character justice. If you want a great Mr. Freeze, look no further than the man who played Captain Picard, Patrick Stewart. Also, if you want to see how great the Mr. Freeze character can be, check out the episodes featuring him from Batman: The Animated Series and the animated, direct-to-video feature, Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero..

3) What qualities would be necessary to elevate a superhero movie from a simple action film to a memorable motion picture? Is it possible?
Yes it is--look at the great superhero movies I've mentioned here--Spider-Man, Superman, X2, Batman, Batman Returns. I think the way to make a great superhero movie is to not just have it be a slug-fest. Have special effects, but have a story that allows the viewers to connect with the hero in some way. Cool special effects can be outdated in a year, but superlative storytelling never grows old.

BONUS) Most superhero movies take place in a more-or-less realistic modern world. If a superhero actually appeared in your city today and started fighting crime, what would be the actual public reaction?
I think there'd be a lot of reaction like what Spider-Man faces in the comic books--some would love him, others would hate him and many wouldn't know quite what to make of him.

And remember, EXCELSIOR!

posted by Michael at 7/01/2004 10:25:00 AM | |

Ripped From the Headlines!
Defiant Saddam Rejects War Crimes Charges
According to Sadaam, the charges against him are all false and "this is all theater, the real criminal is Bush." I guess the in-flight movie on the way to being handed over to the new Iraqi government was Michael Moore's Farenheit 9/11.

Sadaam is defiant and won't sign the charges without his lawyer present. Why do I have this image of the O.J. defense team on a plane coming to represent him?

Election chief says he'll resign today
Following up on yesterday's story about an oversight that prevented 300 absentee ballots from being mailed in time to military personel come the news that Davidson County Election Administrator Michael McDonald will resign today. Reading the article, I wonder how many other heads might roll. Or is he doing the "honorable" thing by falling on his sword?

Flight attendant indicted in bomb threat
Another follow-up on a story I referenced a while back, about the flight attendant who made a bomb threat on an airplane that was forced to divert to Nashville. Sounds like she could be going to jail for a long, long time. And it's too bad the O.J. defense team is already on the way to help out Sadaam, so she may be out of luck there.

But wait, wasn't she dead?!?
As much as I like Jennifer Garner, I find myself wondering--how in the world can they make an Elektra movie?!? Nothing against the character, but at the end of the Daredevil wasn't Elektra dead? Oh wait, this is the superhero world where the rules of reality don't apply! Anyway, a sneak peak article can be found at USA Today.

Spider-Man 2 IMAX possiblities!
I haven't seen Spidey 2 yet, but I definitely think it'd be worth the $11 to see it on the IMAX screen at Opry Mills. Thankfully, Catwoman would not go the IMAX route. As cool as an IMAXed Halle Berry might be, seeing her IMAXed in a movie that looks like a clunker just doesn't sound like a great idea.

Some really great photos!
A beautiful photo of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the world's first blue rose. Definitely worth a click!

posted by Michael at 7/01/2004 09:58:00 AM | |

Interesting facts from the History Channel
I tuned in last evening to watch The History Channel's Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked, Part 1. The hour was extremely interesting, especially talking about the early days of comic books. Some of the trivial nuggets that leapt out at me..

--Back in the day, Timely Comics (which would later become Marvel) had two big heroes--Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch. The creators decided that it would be great to have these two battle it out (something you didn't see much in D.C. Comics at the time--the heroes in an all-out slugfest against each other) as the ultimate battle of fire and water. The creators took the idea to the publisher on Thursday. He loved it and said, "Have it on my desk by Monday." Amazingly enough, a group of artists worked all weekend and churned out the 60 page epic issue by the Monday deadline. One of the artists even went so far as to put a board across the tub so he could work there!
--Wonder Woman was created by a pyschologist named Dr. William Molton Martin (he used the name Charles Molton on the comics), who also invented the lie detector (maybe part of the inspiration for the magic lasso?). He also serves as a consultant to D.C. at the time for the comics. Also of interest was how much subtle S&M stuff was slipped into the Wonder Woman comics. I didn't know that by binding her hands togther and making her braclets touch that she would loser her powers. Then again, I'm not a huge fan of Wonder Woman anyway--Linda Carter 70's TV series aside.
--Like all popular entertainment during World War II, comics encouraged patriotism. One thing they encouraged was recycling paper. Hence why there aren't as many of the golden age comics out there today and why the asking price is so huge--the first thing Mom made you get recycle was the comics.
--Marvel Comics came along as a result of the publisher of D.C. bragging to the publisher of Timely Comics that the sales for his superhero books were through the roof while the two were playing golf. (Comics had declined a bit at this point due to government hearing and the comic code authority). The publisher came back to Timely, called in Stan Lee and said, "Create me a team of superheroes." After talking to his wife, Joan, who advised him to write a book the "way he wanted to" Stan made history with the Fantastic Four.
--In 1965, Esquire took a poll that found that Spider-Man and the Hulk were held in the same esteem as Bob Dylan and Malcolm X when it came to the rebellion of young people.

Part two of the special airs tonight at 11 p.m. EST.

posted by Michael at 7/01/2004 09:39:00 AM | |