Patriots gather Moss on Draft Day

That's right boys and girls, one of the NFL's bad-ass boys now plays for my New England Patriots after a draft day trade with the Oakland Raiders today. Kudos to the Patriots brass, who, like with Corey Dillon in 2004, got a Pro-Bowl caliber player for virtually nothing.

So, is this a good or bad deal for the Patriots?

I say it is not just a good deal but a great deal. Moss comes to the Patriots with more baggage than a bellhop at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, we all know this. However, it's been widely reported that Moss has been informed by Bill Belichick from the get-go that past bad behavior will not be tolerated here and one incident, just one, and he's outta here. I think the best commment I read today was from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, referring to Belichick as a human haz-mat suit when dealing with "problem" players. Plus, an athlete with something to prove can be scary good as Moss no doubt will be.

And if winning the ring is all that really matters to players (aside from insane amounts of money athletes are paid) then what better a situation than to be in than to be traded to the team that has won three of the last six championships since 2001 (and one bad series from beating Indy and thus playing in the Super Bowl last season)? Getting out of the NFL's version of a black hole too (Oakland) can't hurt and should only improve Moss' attitude. As with Dillon in 2004, there are enough veteran leaders on the Patriots that they will not be awed by Moss. Nor will Moss have to be 'the guy' as he has been in Minnesota and Oakland. He'll have to earn respect on the Patriots. Reportedly he's already spoken to Pats QB Tom Brady, who is excited to play with Moss this season.

Plus, Moss had to drastically restructure his contract in order to come here, meaning he actually agreed to be paid less than if he had gone somewhere else. He wants to be here. Moss himself said as much in an interview after the deal was finalized and that we're going to see the Moss of old, who was a truly dominant player for Minnesota from 1998-2004.

The 2007 Patriots, on paper and regarded by most prognosticators already, are a favorite for Super Bowl XLII in Arizona. Adding this guy to an already talented and re-stocked team is a scary proposition for the thirteen opposing teams on the schedule for the fall. I, for one, can't wait.

As far as attitude goes, remember that Dillon too was considered a problem child when he came to New England and had no such issues in the three seasons he played here.

It's a shame that Dillon opted to retire after asking for and being granted his release from New England, when another Super Bowl ring is definitely a realistic possibility in 2007.

Now for the most important question... what number will Moss wear, since 84 (his number in Minnesota) and 18 (his number with the Raiders) are taken?

Too bad training camp doesn't begin until July...

SNMR 3.4: "The Break-Up"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "The Break-Up" (2006, PG-13, 107 minutes), starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams, Vincent D'Onofrio and John Michael Higgins. The film was directed by Peyton Reed.

The first time I watched this movie was shortly after it came out on DVD. I bought it because I've enjoyed most of Jennifer Aniston's movies.

From the DVD's dust case:

Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston star in the charming and unpredictable comedy The Break-Up. After two years together, Gary and Brooke's relationship seems to have taken a comical wrong turn on the way to happily ever after. Now, the break-up is on, the lines have been drawn, and their honest feelings for each other are coming out. Get ready for an all-out war of the exes in this fun date movie that's hilarious and heartfelt.

From Muze, Inc.

Despite its seemingly classic date-movie setup, THE BREAK UP bucks romantic comedy tradition at almost every turn. Gary (Vince Vaughn) and Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) are a mismatched couple who meet, develop a seemingly contented relationship, and buy a beautiful condo together within the movie’s first few minutes. Soon an all-too-believable fight triggers the title event, and they spend the rest of the movie alternately arguing and playing mind games as they battle over ownership of their beloved condo--and try to decide whether or not they really want this to be the end. In one of the movie’s more dangerous yet courageous twists, neither Vaughn nor Aniston play especially likable characters. They never become unpleasant to watch, though, thanks largely to their formidable reservoirs of charisma. Vaughn is a master of the unkempt, immature, and hilarious everyman (Old School, The Wedding Crashers), while Aniston radiates bewildered decency, even in prickly roles (The Good Girl, Friends With Money). Both of them are engaging presences, even when the movie veers away from comedy and into a kind of painful realism, as Gary and Brooke get caught up in a bitter and mean-spirited cycle of fighting that neither of them can win. The script’s few weak patches are usually saved by the tremendous supporting cast, including ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT’s Jason Bateman as the couple’s realtor, Judy Davis as Brooke’s boss, John Michael Higgins as her irrepressible, sexually ambiguous brother, and Jon Favreau as Gary’s best friend, in scenes that effortlessly recapture some of the duo’s SWINGERS chemistry. Peyton Reed, the director of the underrated DOWN WITH LOVE, isn’t afraid to make his romantic comedy both unromantic and, occasionally, depressingly truthful, but thanks to the group of actors assembled here, watching a relationship unravel has rarely been more enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. It hit home for me because I recognized in Vaughn's character, some of my immaturity and shortcomings in my attitude that was one of the factors in my divorce. I think that there is definitely a realism to this film in that relationships need constant work to survive. While I'm not a huge Vince Vaughn fan, I think he plays his character well. I think the script is excellently written and flows well. The supporting cast is very good. I'll give this film four out of five stars.

Panic in the Bronx? In April, no less.

I'd say so.

Red Sox fans revel in just the thought of it, let alone the reality of it. Implosion in the Yankees clubhouse. The Yankees haven't won a game in a week and open a now crucial three game series against the Red Sox tonight at the Stadium.

ESPN.com reoprts on the chaos in New York.

I really don't think that the Yankees are that bad. Their line-up from one to nine is a killer, even better now that Hideki Matsui is back from the disabled list. However their pitching woes are another story and remain the biggest question mark.

Personally, it takes some of the fun out of the series if your opponent isn't up to snuff. Red Sox-Yankees is the best theater when both teams are healthy. Still, anytime the Yankees are down it must bring a smile to the faces of long time residents of Red Sox Nation. Some of the fun, I said.

This post will be updated, as last Friday's was, with the completion of each game.

Here are the pitching matchups on tap for the weekend:

April 27: Boston 11, @ New York 4
Matsuzaka v. Pettite [WP=Matsuzaka (3-2), LP=Pettite (1-1)]
Lugo, Youkilis power Sox, Yankees pitching woes continue.

April 28: @ New York 3, Boston 1
Wakefield (2-2) v. Karstens (0-1) [WP=Igawa (2-1), LP=Wakefield (2-3), SV=Rivera (1)]
Yankees snap seven game losing streak.

April 29: Boston 7, @ New York 4
Tavarez (0-2) v. Wang (0-1) [WP=Tavarez (1-2), LP=Wang (0-2), SV=Papelbon (8)]
Three homers power Red Sox past Yankees; finish April 16-8.

2007 PFW Mock Draft Contest

As I've done every year since 2000, I've submitted an entry into the Patriots Football Weekly Mock Draft Contest. Click on the link to read the official rules, then go ahead and enter the contest yourself. It's free, but you have to submit your entry by 5:00 PM today.

Basically you're just guessing who will be picked when in the first round of the NFL Draft tomorrow and you get certain a number of points for each correct guess. The 10 highest point totals win prizes!!!! Woo-hoo!!

My picks...

1) Russell, Jamarcus, QB, LSU
2) Thomas, Joe, OT, Wisconsin
3) Peterson, Adrian, RB, Oklahoma
4) Johnson, Calvin, WR, Georgia Tech
5) Adams, Gaines, DE, Clemson
6) Okoye, Amobi, DT, Louisville
7) Ginn, Ted, WR, Ohio State
8) Blalock, Justin, OG, Texas
9) Quinn, Brady, QB, Notre Dame
10) Anderson, Jamaal, DE, Arkansas
11) Branch, Alan, DT, Michigan
12) Lynch, Marshawn, RB, California
13) Moss, Jarvis, DE, Florida
14) Posluszny, Paul, OLB, Penn State
15) Bush, Michael, RB, Louisville
16) Hall, Leon, CB, Michigan
17) Landry, LaRon, S, LSU
18) Nelson, Reggie, S, Florida
19) Johnson, Charles, DE, Georgia
20) Alexander, Rufus, OLB, Oklahoma
21) Ross, Aaron, CB, Texas
22) Rouse, Aaron, S, Virginia Tech
23) Rice, Sidney, WR, South Carolina
24) Willis, Patrick, ILB, Mississippi
25) Carriker, Adam, DE, Nebraska
26) Irons, Kenny, RB, Auburn
27) Hughes, Daymeion, CB, California
28) Timmons, Lawrence, OLB, Florida State
29) Beason, Jon, OLB, Miami
30) Meriweather, Brandon, S, Miami
31) Tyler, Tank, DT, North Carolina State
32) Harris, David, ILB, Michigan

Bonus Pats Pick: Willis, Patrick

4/28 update: Well, I had two correct guesses for a total of 13 points. Will I finish in the top ten? Not likely. Still, I always enjoy finding out who the Patriots will draft. With their 24th pick, they chose Safety Brandon Meriweather from Miami (FL). They traded their 2nd first round pick to San Francisco for a fourth rounder this year and the 49ers 1st round pick in 2008.

A conversation with God

Someone gave this to my mom at work the other day.

---

Dear God:

Why didn't you save the school children at*.....?

Moses Lake, Washington 2/2/96
Bethel, Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl, Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah, Kentucky 12/1/97
St. Amps, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro, Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro, Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville, Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield, Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond, Virginia 6/15/98
Littleton, Colorado 4/20/99
Taber, Alberta, Canada 5/28/99
Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99
Deming, New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee, California 3/5/01
El Cajon, California 3/22/01
Blacksburg, Virginia 4/16/07

Sincerely,

A Concerned Student

Dear Concerned Student:

I AM not allowed in schools.

Sincerely,

God

How did this get started?

Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools.

And we said, okay...

Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school, the Bible that says "thou shalt not kill", "thou shalt not steal", and "love your neighbor as yourself".

And we said, okay...

Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehaved because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.

And we said an expert should know what he's talking about, so we won't spank them anymore.

Then someone said let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents.

And we said that's a grand idea...

Then, some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want. Then they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school.

And we said that's another great idea...

Then some of your top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.

And we said it doesn't matter what anybody, including the President, does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good...

And someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the internet.

And we said, every one's entitled to free speech...

And the entertainment industry said let's make television shows, movies and video games that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex... and lets record music that encourages rape, fornication, drugs, murder, suicide and satanic themes.

And we said it's just entertainment and it has no adverse affect and nobody takes it seriously anyway so go right ahead...

Now you're asking yourselves why your children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.

Undoubtedly, if we thought about it long and hard enough, we could figure it out. I'm sure it has a great deal to do with... "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW!"

Kind of makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

* This is only a partial list of school shootings. Some incidents, obviously were worse than others and got less press. Another list of school shootings can be found here.

Good-Bye Rosie

Rosie O'Donnell is leaving "The View" in June, according to this article from CNN.com. The article states that O'Donnell and ABC could not come to terms on a new contract. ABC wanted a three year commitment and Rosie only wanted to sign on for one more year.

I say good bye, good luck and good riddance.

And it can't come soon enough.

The Wooden Bowl

A friend sent me this in an email today and I thought I'd share it with you.

I hope that you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

"We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening, the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life..." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on God, your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!

SNMR 3.3: "The Time Machine"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "The Time Machine" (1960, G, 103 minutes), starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot, Tom Helmore, Whit Bissell and Doris Lloyd. The film was directed by George Pal.

I can't even recall when exactly the first time I watched this film was. It was likely that I saw it for the first time on television in the late 1980's or early '90's. Since then I've watched it several times and am never disappointed.

From the DVD's dust case:

Here today, gone tomorrow. When George (Rod Taylor) sits at the controls of his new creation, he has all the time in the world. He's invented a Time Machine that whisks him from 1899 to war-ravaged moments of the 20th century and into 802701. In that far-off era, passive Eloi face a grim future as prey to the glow-eyed Morlocks... unless the time-traveling stranger from the past intervenes.
At the controls of the movie of H.G. Wells' classic The Time Machine (now digitaly restored and remasteredand in remixed Dolby Stereo) is effects trailblazer George Pal, whose features and short films won a combined seven Oscars and Special Awards. One winner was this beloved adventure loaded with visual marvels, from the nuclear destruction of London (complete with lava eruption) to the colorful whirligig of time travel.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 1155:

Rod Taylor plays a scientist in the early 1900's who invents a device that can transport him within the dimensions of time. He goes forward past three world wars and into the year 802,701, where he encounters a world very different from the one he left. This movie has all the elements that make up a classic in science fiction.

This film is based on H.G. Wells excellent novel of the same name, which sadly, I have not read since high school. As far as I can recall, the film doesn't deviate too badly from the book. The script was adapted well. The cast is decent - Rod Taylor is good. Weena, played by Yvette Mimieux, could have been filled decently by any actress of the day. Some of the special effects are, by todays standards, considered cheesy, but are excellent for the era in which this film was made. Can you think of a more wimpy set of mindless evil dudes than the Morlocks? I still love the way the time machine looks. I always leave this film wondering what three books George took back with him into the future at the end of the movie and wondering what three books I would take if time travel like this were possible. This film is, in my opinion, always an excellent view. I'll give it 4 stars.

Yankees invade Fenway for the weekend

It's always exciting when the Red Sox and Yankees play. And they'll do it a total of 18 times during the regular season. I'll update this post as the weekend progresses....

April 20: @ Boston 7, New York 6
Pettite v. Shilling [WP=Snyder (1-0), LP=Rivera (1-2), SV=Okajima (1)]
Red Sox rally in 8th to beat Rodriguez and Yankees. Wow!! What an opening act...

April 21: @ Boston 7, New York 5
Karstens v. Beckett [WP=Beckett (4-0), LP=Karstens (0-1), SV=Papelbon (5)]
Ortiz homers, Beckett overcomes early struggles to beat Yanks.

April 22: @ Boston 7, New York 6
Wright v. Matsuzaka [WP=Matsuzaka (2-2), LP=Proctor (0-1), SV=Papelbon (6)]
Red Sox hit 4 consecutive homers in a span of 10 pitches in the third inning(Ramirez, Drew, Lowell and Varitek). First time this was done in the AL since 1964 and 5th time in MLB history. Wright is second P in MLB history to give up all four homers.

A great way to start the season series if you're a Red Sox fan. See you in New York next weekend...

return of the sun

yes folks, here in the northeastern US of A we're seeing the sun for the first time since last Saturday. The last four days have been a rainy, cold, damp, drizzly, soggy, gloomy, foggy mess. The temperature might make it into the 60's today... (it did!!) The weather should be nice over the weekend, too - which is a good thing, since the Yankees invade Fenway Park for the first time in 2007. It should be a good series and indicator of things to come for this season... I will keep you posted because I know you want to know, even if you don't.

And you know what? I totally forgot that the third anniversary of my divorce being finalized was last Saturday, until just a few minutes ago when I looked back into my archives for last April. How about that?

Happy Birthday wishes...

...to Jennifer Garner, one of my favorite actresses, who turns 35 today. Too bad she's married...

Also celebrating birthdays today: Victoria (Posh Spice) Beckham, 32; Terry Schiavo, 36; Singer/songwriter Liz Phair, 40; Former NFL Quarterback Boomer Esiason, 45; Actor Sean Bean (Boromir from LoTR), 47; and Movie Director Richard Marquand (Return of the Jedi), 68.

Notables who died on this day include: Linda McCartney (1998) and Greek actor Dionyssis Papayannopoulos (1984) noted simply because his name looks cool.

Silly Quizzes

It's been quite a while since I've polluted my blog with some of these silly quizzes. I admit I got a bit carried away...

You Are Fozzie Bear

"Wocka! Wocka!" You're the life of the party, and you love making people crack up. If only your routine didn't always bomb! You may find more groans than laughs, but always keep the jokes coming.

The Muppet Personality Test

Your Mind is 48% Cluttered

Your mind is starting to get cluttered, and as a result, it's a little harder for you to keep focused. Try to let go of your pettiest worries and concerns. The worrying is worse than the actual problems!

How Cluttered is Your Mind?

Your Famous Movie Kiss is from Romeo + Juliet

"Has my heart loved 'till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night."

What Famous Movie Kiss Are You?

You Are 40% Control Freak

You have achieved the perfect balance of control and letting go. You tend to roll with whatever life brings, but you never get complacent.

Are You A Control Freak?

You Should Drive a Saturn Sky

You're sleek and smooth, and you need a car to match your hot persona. Besides, sometimes you want your top up - and sometimes you want it down.

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

The Cure Shares Your Taste in Music

See their whole playlist here (iTunes required)

Which Musician (or Group) Shares Your Taste in Music?

You Should Travel to India

You're a passionate, gusty traveler - and India's gritty urban centers won't scare you away. Maybe you'll take in the Taj Mahal, eat the best curry of your life, or attend a huge street festival.

What Asian Country Should You Visit?

You Are 40% Cynical

Generally you give people the benefit of the doubt. But there are exceptions. You buy into many of the things that mainstream society believes, but you're not anybody's fool.

How Cynical Are You?

SNMR 3.2: "Titanic"

Ninety-five years ago tonight the largest maritime disaster in history occurred, when the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg (at 11:40 pm) in the North Atlantic Ocean, on her maiden voyage from England to New York. The disaster killed roughly 1,500 people who mostly froze to death in the icy waters. The ship sank at 2:20 am on April 15th.

In memory of those who died in this tragedy (and those that survived it), tonight's SNMR feature is "Titanic" (1997, PG-13, 194 minutes), starring Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Gloria Stuart, Frances Fisher, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, Victor Garber, Jonathan Hyde, David Warner, and Suzy Amis. The film was written and directed by James Cameron. This film was nominated for fourteen Academy Awards and won a record-tying eleven of them in 1998, including Best Picture and Best Director. I'm watching the three disc Special Edition.

I saw this film twice in the theater when it first came out, back when I was a married man, and loved it both times. I've always had an interest in Titanic and was curious and a bit skeptical at first how well this movie would be made and received. Since this film, Kate Winslet has been one of my favorite actresses. The only criticism I had was that there was no dedication to either the victims or survivors in the end credits, that I recall, in the original release of the film. An excellent web-site for more information about the ship can be found here.

From Martin & Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 1158:

Writer-director James Cameron has, against all odds, come up with an old-fashioned-style classic in the oft-told tale of the sinking of the luxury liner. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are perfectly cast as the vulnerable young lovers from opposite ends of the social strata who find true passion before the ship inevitably collides with an iceberg. As are Gone With the Wind and Casablanca, Titanic is a touching story against a cataclysmic backdrop with universal emotions and timeless grace.

From Muze, Inc.

Featuring spectacular special effects set amidst the backdrop of one of the most tragic events of the 20th Century, James Cameron's award-winning TITANIC stands as one of the greatest Hollywood spectaculars of all time. Beginning with an undersea expedition in the 1990s, in which scuba divers are searching the sunken ship for lost relics, a painting of young Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) is found. This triggers a flashback to the young woman's story as it happened on the doomed Titanic. Rose is a daughter of privilege on her way to be married to an arrogant but wealthy young man (Billy Zane). Despairing, Rose finds herself falling in love with Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a carefree and poor young artist who is also aboard. When the great ship strikes an iceberg and begins to sink, Rose and Jack have only each other as their world falls apart around them. Director James Cameron spared no expense in bringing his simple yet powerful love story to life, building a 90% scale model of the ship, fussing over the tiniest details, and ultimately spending some $200 million dollars. A worldwide smash, Titanic received fourteen Academy Award nominations and 11 wins, including Best Picture. Despite all the lavish sets and special effects, the film would be nothing without the emotional core provided by stars Winslet and DiCaprio, who give star making performances as the tragic young lovers.

This film is awesome. Good historical fiction, which this is, seamlessly blends the fictional characters with real life people and events so that it's hard to tell who or what is real and what is not. The cast is superb. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is underrated. The script is excellently written and flows well for a film over three hours long. Attention to detail in re-creating the ship and peroid costumes and events is not perfect, but still very well done. The transition between real wreckage footage and model shots is seamless. The special effects regarding the sinking of the ship are top-notch. I've always been a fan of the special features included with most dvd's these days and the ones included on this three disc set are well done and very informative. There is a reason this groundbreaking film won so many awards - a must-own for any movie or history buff. If you haven't seen it in a while it's time to go back to Titanic, again. You can find this Special Edition for less than $14. This film gets five out of five stars.

Yes she can. Anytime she likes.

As it turns out, actress Alyssa Milano is a huge baseball fan and has a new clothing line in conjunction with Major League Baseball. Her favorite team is the Dodgers, (but we won't hold that against her) according to this interview from www.mlb.com.

She actually models the same clothes for a total of eleven different teams, maybe your favorite is among them.

Yes she can. She can dress up in my favorite teams' colors anytime she likes.... definitely.

What did I tell you

Access Hollywood is reporting on the Anna Nicole Smith movie, which I predicted (predictably) would be made. The April 23rd issue of US Weekly (p. 47) confirms that actress Willa Ford will play Anna and reports that shooting for the feature film is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 16th.

Now all we need to know is when it will be out. I'm guessing inthe fall of this year or possibly next February, around the 1st anniversary of Smith's death.

I can hardly wait (not!!)... let the woman rest in peace already.

NFL Schedule released & Dice-K part deux

The NFL has released the full 2007 schedule today, which you can find here.

Of course, the most important schedule to me is that of my New England Patriots, which is - as I promised - detailed below and on the sidebar - for easy reference once this post has gone the way of the archives.

9/9 @ New York Jets, 13:00 CBS

9/16 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS, 20:15 NBC

9/23 BUFFALO BILLS, 13:00 CBS

10/1 @ Cincinnati Bengals, 20:30 ESPN

10/7 CLEVELAND BROWNS, 13:00 CBS

10/14 @ Dallas Cowboys, 16:15 CBS

10/21 @ Miami Dolphins, 13:00 CBS

10/28 WASHINGTON REDSKINS, 16:15 FOX

11/4 @ Indianapolis Colts, 16:15 CBS

11/11 bye

11/18 @ Buffalo Bills, 13:00 CBS

11/25 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 20:15 NBC*

12/3 @ Baltimore Ravens, 20:30 ESPN

12/9 PITTSBURGH STEELERS, 13:00 CBS

12/16 NEW YORK JETS, 13:00 CBS

12/23 MIAMI DOLPHINS, 13:00 CBS

12/29 @ New York Giants, 20:15 NFLN/WCVB

* The Sunday night game v. Philadelphia is subject to change under the NFL's flex scheduling rules for weeks 11-17. All games from 11/18 on are subject to flex scheduling rules, but with the Patriots already having three prime-time games during this stretch, moving a fourth game into prime time is unlikely. It's more likely that the Pats-Eagles game would be moved out of prime time if another game for that week became more attractive for the NFL to move into that slot.

Right off the top, I'll predict a 13-3 regular season record for my team, based on the free agent signings that they have made this off season which will definitely help. Plus I'm a homer when it comes to my teams. Anyway, these are the games I expect the Pats to lose in 2007: at Cincinnati (revenge for 2006?), at Miami (October wins in Miami are rare but not unheard of) and at home vs. Washington (not that the 'skins are better, just that this is one of the teams the Patriots have played bad-luck ball against over the years and haven't beaten them since the initial meeting in 1972.) The Pats will beat San Diego at home in Week 2 and at Indianapolis in Week 9. Both will be close, hard fought games.

----------

In other local relevant sports news, Diasuke Matsuzaka makes his second appearance of the season today and first of many at Fenway Park. The game is at 19:05 EDT tonight v. Seattle. An interesting bit of trivia is that the first batter Dice-K will face is the Mariners leadoff hitter and fellow countryman, Ichiro Suzuki. A Japanese rivalry, American style... should be good.

UPDATE: Dice-K was good tonight (7 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 4 K, 1 BB), but Felix Hernandez, the Mariners pitcher, was better. He threw 7 innings of no-hit ball and only allowed one hit over 9 innings. Ichiro was 0-3 with a strikeout vs. Matsuzaka.

SNMR 2.1-2.30 Index Page

Ok, so here you have it. SNMR series two is now complete and indexed here for your convenience. Enjoy.

2.30 The Cider House Rules 3 stars

2.29 Starship Troopers 2 1/4 stars

2.28 Monty Python and the Holy Grail 5 stars

2.27 Scent of a Woman 4 stars

2.26 Gattaca 5 stars

2.25 The Maltese Falcon 4 1/2 stars

2.24 The Running Man 3 1/2 stars

2.23 Aeon Flux 2 3/4 stars

2.22 The Truman Show 4 stars

2.21 The Conversation 2 stars

2.20 The American President 5 stars

2.19 Along Came Polly 4 stars

2.18 Finding Neverland 3 1/4 stars

2.17 Men In Black 5 stars

2.16 Home Alone 2 1/2 stars

2.15 It's A Wonderful Life 5 stars

2.14 Chronicles of Narnia 5 stars

2.13 Serendipity 5 stars

2.12 Planes, Trains & Automobiles 4 stars

2.11 Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round 2 1/2 stars

2.10 Be Cool 3 stars

2.9 Get Shorty 3 stars

2.8 Double Jeopardy 3 1/2 stars

2.7 Click 4 stars

2.6 Shakespeare in Love 5 stars

2.5 Mr. Destiny 3 1/2 stars

2.4 Lifeforce 3 stars

2.3 The Fifth Element 2 1/2 stars

2.2 A Few Good Men 5 stars

2.1 Cabin in the Sky 4 1/2 stars

SNMR 3.1: "The Ten Commandments"

We'll begin the third series of SNMR with a classic film, which is highly appropriate for this time of year. To commemorate the end of Passover Week (culminating with Easter tomorrow), tonight's SNMR feature is "The Ten Commandments" (1956, NR, 220 minutes), starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brenner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne DeCarlo, Debra Paget, John Derek, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Nina Foch, Martha Scott, Judith Anderson, Vincent Price, and John Carradine. The film was directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film won the 1957 Oscar for Best Effects-Special Effects and was nominated for six other Oscars that year, including Best Picture, but did not win. Charlton Heston was nominated for the Best Actor Golden Globe Award in 1957, but also did not win.

I've watched this film many times over the years (it's actually on ABC right now) and for good reason. It has become a television staple at this time of year and at 51 years old and counting, is still going strong. And let's be honest, nowadays when you think of Moses, the imagery that likely flashes through your mind IS Charlton Heston. Did you know that the real life Moses was 40 years old when he left Egypt and 80 years old when he came back to lead Israel out of Egypt amd slavery? On a more trivial note, the title of this blog is taken from a line in this film, spoken several times - can you figure out where they are and who says them? I certainly hope so. Hang your head in shame if you can't.

From the DVD's dust case:

For sheer pageantry and spectacle, few motion pictures can claim to equal the splendor of Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 remake of his epic, The Ten Commandments. Filmed in Egypt and the Sinai with one of the biggest sets ever constructed for a motion picture, this version tells the story of the life of Moses (Charlton Heston), once favored in the Pharaoh's (Yul Brynner) household, who turned his back on a privileged life to lead his people to freedom. With a rare on-screen introduction by Cecil B. DeMille himself.

From Martin and Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 1124:

A stylish, visually stunning, epic scale biblical study as only Cecil B. DeMille could make 'em. Charlton Heston, as Moses, in charge of "God's people", holds the lengthy film together.

This film is a bit long and in some instances loses it's steam in spurts but seems to always find it again. The cast is excellent, a seemingly who's who of mid-1950's Hollywood. The locations are superb and the sets immense. Even now, the special effects are top notch considering the era (the parting of the Red Sea effect is still cool after all these years). The biblical story, of course, is timeless. I wonder what DeMille used as the source of his material for the life of Moses in Egypt as a young adult, since the Bible doesn't say. This is a good film to own, especially now when you can buy both DeMille's 1923 silent film and this 1956 classic in the same set for under $15. This film gets 4 1/2 out of five stars.

$103 million man impressive in debut at KC

From here to Japan, Dice-K mania is in full effect. Let the fun begin.

Read the game recap and boxscore here.






From a sports bar in Japan, fans stayed up late (or got up early) to see their hero make his major league debut.

April showers...snow showers that is...

It's snowing!!!!!

Yes, that's right. Snow.

Every now and again New England is blessed (cursed?) with a spring snow shower. Right now the snow is starting to be visible on the ground and cover the grassy areas but is melting on contact with road surfaces. For now. The weather people claim that metro north of Boston will receive 2-4 inches of the white stuff.

As I read over and spell check this post, the snowflakes are getting bigger and heavier and the snow has started to cover the road in front of the house. (fun, fun, fun.........NOT!)

Fortunately, April snows don't usually last too long around here.

Case in point, 1997: Easter Sunday was March 31 - a beautiful springlike day with temps in the mid to high 50's and a crisp crystal blue sky. The very next day, April 1, we got dumped on with 25" of snow. I'll never forget this because as I was shoveling the driveway by myself (ex was due to give birth to our first child in mid-May, obviously in no condition to participate in the fun) grumbling all the while because we didn't have a snow blower yet and our driveway was quite long and bumpy. The snow was the wet, heavy kind too. Great for snowmen and snowballs but inconvenient and useless for everything else. Since when is snow convenient in my book? (Never)

After exerting all of that effort and energy shoveling, ye olde weather gods decided to zoom back into spring over the course of the following week. By the very next Saturday (April 6) all of the snow had melted away to the degree that you would not even have realized that there was any trace of a snowstorm just five days earlier, let alone such a major dumping, unless you had witnessed it for yourself.

Ask anyone who has lived in the Boston/ southern New Hampshire area in the last 15 years about spring snows and I'll guarantee you they'll have their own memories and stories about the April Fool's Day Blizzard of '97.

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My friend and her daughter who live in Oregon will be leaving tomorrow for Louisiana. They'll be gone over the weekend and are scheduled to arrive back home sometime next Tuesday. Why Louisiana? Well, her ex-husband, and the father of their daughter, relocated there sometime after their divorce was finalized. So this provides an infrequent opportunity for the little girl to spend some time with her father.

I just hope the trip is a pleasant experience for them and that they will enjoy safe travel both ways. I hope that the little girl enjoys the visit with her dad, however brief it might be.

Give the man points for originality

However warped and sick as it may be, you have to give points for originality to Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Richards, in an article from the Associated Press, admits to snorting some of his father's cremated ashes, mixed with cocaine, in 2002.

Can you tell me why anyone would want to snort someone else's ashes?

Will this be a new trend for drug addicts? Black market ashes? Can you imagine what the street value of some famous person's ashes might be if this were to become a fad? Look out folks for a new breed of grave robbers! I can almost see the headlines now...