Cup of Coffee: July 21, 2008
Posted by SBG on Monday, July 21st, 2008 at 6:37 am
What's tough to take about Sunday's game is that the Twins totally shut down the best offense in the game all weekend, outscoring them 20-3. To beat up a team like that and NOT sweep is a disappointment. Now, the Twins will have the spotlight on them as they head to New York, where they'll play their LAST GAMES IN THE REGULAR SEASON, EVER at Yankee Stadium. I hope New York has planned for this demolition of their stadium by building a new one.
A couple of things. First of all, check the "Blog Page" listed in the toolbar across the top of the page. It provides a simpler view of the WGOM -- more like a blog. Second, the LTEs were down last night, but they are back up. Third, I'm working on incorporating more AJAX into the page. When that occurs, things will be fantastic. I might change the front page, again, although the changes will be relatively minor. Things are looking up here, as usual.
"more like a blog". Heh.
btw, I hope the threaded comments won't continue to send font sizes to asymptotically small. Even I can't read below about 4 levels down, and I have better than 20/20.
Are you still seeing that? I was trying out the AJAXed threaded comments, and one of the problems right now is that small font, as well as no support for our avatars, and the complete inability to post new LTEs at all. Other than that, it's working fine!
No, it's all good.
and yea, avatars being back is nice. It's harder to talk when you can't see someone's fake face!
I promise that the AJAXed LTEs will be the best thing ever*
*Other than a lot of other things that are clearly better.
I get a kick out of where a homepage refresh dumps you--usually way at the bottom of the page. Reminds me of the bit in Being John Malkovich --where they wind up in the ditch next to the NJ turnpike.
Actually, it puts you on the 7 1/2th floor.
I saw The Dark Knight yesterday. It was a pretty sweet movie. The only thing that I wasn't a fan of was that I wasn't prepared for the length - 2 and 1/2 hours. Other than that, a fantastic movie.
Maybe just a little bit... but it certainly was not aided by the 9 or 10 previews they crammed in there. Was Warner Brothers pimping all of their remaining 2008 movies? Sheesh.
Yeah, the previews pushed it close to 3 hours. The IMDb run time is 154 minutes. Plus, the reel broke during the previews for the new Crowe-DiCaprio movie, which lead to much tooth-gnashing by the less patient members of the audience.
And none of the previews looked particularly good. Maybe the graphic novel one. The Crowe-DiCaprio and the DeNiro-Pacino ones both looked... underwhelming.
none of the previews looked particularly good. Maybe the graphic novel one
clearly, not a Watchmen fan. I and the Boy were a-gaga over that preview.
the rest, not so much. A lot of barf.
We didn't get many previews at all. Plus, I was sitting in front of a HUGE screen at the drive in. Still, though, I'm going to check out the IMAX offering.
clearly, not a Watchmen fan
Not exactly my genre, but I'm willing to learn.
I have to ask, what exactly is Watchmen and why should I care? I had never heard of it before seeing the preview, and it looked like the most generic and bland superhero movie ever. There was a blue guy with lightning, some other assorted dudes in uninspired masks, and maybe an explosion. Yet all the nerds that went to Dark Knight in costume were raucusly cheering when the preview was over. What's the deal?
bS and The Boy are nerds.
Watchmen is Alan Moore's masterpiece. Picked by Time in 2005 as one of the top-100 English-language novels (ok, from 1923-2005, but still). It is the most celebrated graphic novel of all time and the only one ever to win a Hugo (sci-fi's top award), albeit in a one-time, made-up category.
Moore also wrote the graphic novels V for Vendetta, From Hell and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
bS and The Boy are nerds.
Guilty.
bS and The Boy are nerds.
Did I say nerds? What I really meant to say was Superhero Enthusiasts.
I'm reminded of this particular Triumph. (Prolly NSFW)
still, you owe it to yourself to give Watchmen a try.
Calling it a great novel may be pushing the hype a bit too far. But it is a very good novel packaged as a great (GREAT) graphic novel.
Watchmen is great - I strongly second brianS's recommendation. One of the best sci-fi takes on the politics and ethics of the use of power. A realistic and evenhanded evaluation of paternalism and libertarianism. If you have a prejudice against comic books, you'll need to put that on hold for a few chapters before things start to come together to show you what the story is really about.
I'm quite skeptical about the movie. I'm probably the only comic book fan who hasn't seen 300 (Zak Snyder's other recent film and comic adaptation), but Watchmen is very different material from 300. There's a lot going on with Watchmen: it spans multiple storylines and a fairly long timespan. Snyder also had some interview months ago where he basically equated the depiction of rape with being a serious movie - PG-13 films can't be serious because you can't graphically depict rape or something. It was a pretty dumb statement that doesn't convince me he brings any nuance or storytelling skill to the table (and 300 was widely reviewed as being a pretty blunt narrative, though the source material lends itself that way).
Eh, anyway. Watchmen is great, read it if you have some time to kill.
Really? I thought that movie was a little underwhelming. The whole two-face plot was quite rushed and Christian Bale's voice as Batman was sort of a joke.
I also thought that the special effects were lacking.
Not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination but there was not one extraordinary thing about the movie in my opinion.
He used that same voice in the first one, too. That's a pretty limiting device, but it was pretty cool in the first one, I thought. I am going to reserve my thoughts until I see it again. I really thought the first one was terrific. I'm not sure yet on this one.
I also thought BB was a little better than The Dark Knight. The whole Harvey Dent-Rachel Dawes plot seemed pretty ridiculous and poorly developed. Still, the Joker scenes were pretty fantastic. Heath Ledger picked the wrong year to be a great villain, though, because Anton Chigurh was still much, much better.
And he's done picking.
Yea, I agree that the Harvey Dent thing was weak. And Rachel Dawes, a lawyer who seems to have slept with every boss she ever had. I could do without her character.
I protest the Heath Ledger << Anton Chigurh thing, however. Both were stratospherically great.
Was Bruce Wayne her boss? I don't recall that, but I could be wrong.
No - she apparently had "a brief relationship with her boss, District Attorney Carl Finch" in BB. I had to look it up.
If I were her I would argue small sample size.
Nope. But she got friendly with DA Finch in the first film, as well as DA Harvey Dent in this one. As an assistant DA. Puh-leeeze.
[or, is this just a movie??]
Fair enough- but her minor league stats suggests that she does enjoy hitting home runs with upper managment.
[or, is this just a movie??]
Are you suggesting that what I saw didn't really happen? I didn't recall that Rachel was such an ambitious little trollop. Bruce Wayne is better off chasing a ship full of ballerinas.
Heath Ledger picked the wrong year to be a great villain, though, because Anton Chigurh was still much, much better.
For the record, No Country for Old Men was released in 2007.
I know, but it is still pretty fresh in our minds.
Oh, and I think Rachel Dawes was just hoping to get a chance to work for Jack McCoy.
oooh. Well, Gotham DOES need a new D.A.!
Christian Bale's voice as Batman was sort of a joke
I would need lots of lozenges if I had to talk like that all the time.
No one has come close to shutting down the Rangers this year the way the Twins did. The last two games of the series the Rangers scored three runs, which was less than the Rangers had scored in any consecutive games in the first half. And that didn't include the shutout in the first game of the series. I think the fewest runs the Rangers had scored in three consecutive games was eight coming into this series.
The wife and I were at the game yesterday. I was keeping score and after the 5th inning looked down and realized that Baker had a perfect game going. Of course, that was enough to put the jinx on and after getting the first two outs in the sixth, Teagarden hit his dinger. One mistake and Baker takes the loss, but he was really dealing on the mound. Too bad the offense took the day off.
Scott Baker's ERA in his 3 losses this year: 2.14
Scott Baker's ERA in his 6 no decisions this year: 2.97
Scott Baker's ERA in his 6 wins this year: 4.17
Clearly a pitcher that doesn't know how to win.
Clearly, Baker needs to give up more runs.
I rarely make impulse 'big' purchases.
1. I live in a small apartment so space is limited So the stuff I do have is essential (excecpt for my cd collection, but I found space for them so that not a problem)
2. When I go shopping, I know what I am getting and do no veer off that path.
3. I am not a trendsetter. I see news stories about people waiting 15 days or whatever for the latest new electronic device and shake my head.
4. cool things cost a lot of money
But I found myself at a Wal Mart at 2am last night with a friend (its Wal Mart and Kwik Trip for place to go at 2am) who needed kitty litter. We mosied over to the electronics section (got to see if those HDTVs have come down to my price range yet) and I looked over and saw this DVD player. I said to myself 'well I need one of those' (I have been using my XBOX (not 360) as a DVD player for years now) picked it up and headed to the checkout.
So yay, I am moving closer to the 21st Century.
This is my worst nightmare. But congratulations on climbing another rung on the technological ladder.
I still use my PS2 as a DVD player. Everytime I think I want to buy a new DVD player I have to remind myself to pass because I'm moving soon and I can't take it with me.
But, I did get my new external HD on Friday. I've been spending most of the weekend ripping "The Wire" so that I can take them with me to Ireland. without hauling 5 boxed sets. Well, that'd require I buy the other 4 seasons first at $60 each, then lug them to Ireland. My new HD only slightly bigger than an iPod touch, so it's much more portable. I'm going to rent the other 4 seasons from the library again and rip them so I can take them.
Is that computer going to work in Ireland? Aren't they on 220 power?
My transformer should be equiped for 220V. I'll just need the pin adapter so I can use their outlets.
I'm going to rent the other 4 seasons from the library again and rip them so I can take them.
But that would be a violation of the DMCA, Andrew, so watch out for the Brute Squad. Also, I would recommend taking and using a portable surge protector.
Did I say "borrow from library and copy"? I meant rush to my nearest DVD retailer and drop $300 for a bunch of TV episodes, then make backups as allowed by law in case of disc damage.
I love that the PS3 comes with a Blu-ray. Yay Blu-ray!
Isn't NBB going to one of these Yankee games? Got tickets from the Chinese mafia or something? Bo? Pally? Anyone?
Yesterday AMC ran a Mad Men marathon, every episode from the first season back to back. In case you haven't heard, the show was nominated for 16 Emmy awards last week. It also won a couple of Golden Globes earlier in the year. It currently ranks among my top 3 shows on TV. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it highly, especially for the Nation's resident artists (the art direction, from sets to wardrobe to props, is absolutely top notch). If you have cable, I believe all of the episodes are available via OnDemand. If you're already a fan, season two kicks off on Sunday.
On another programming note, I caught the first episode of HBO's Generation Kill over the weekend. It's a 7-part miniseries based on the book by Evan Wright, the Rolling Stone reporter embedded with the U.S. Marine First Recon Battalion at the start of the Iraq War. More exceptional television from HBO. Also highly recommended, but this show is definitely not for kids.
I saw one episode of Mad Men a few months back and really liked it, but I hate jumping in the middle of a show like that. I tivo'd the marathon yesterday and will be working my way though them. I have an opening now that I've canceled HBO.
Mad Men and Generation Kill are two shows I want to see. As soon as I get internet back, I'll find a way.
Watched the first Generation Kill last night and have the second on DVR. Pretty good, so far. The part when ZIggy (ok, I don't know his new name yet but he'll always be Ziggy) is singing Avril is pretty humorous.
Along those lines, Prez (who will always be Prez) is in that new commercial with Diddy promoting Burger King. I saw it last night during "The Simpsons" and said "Hey! That's Pryzbylewski." Liz looked up from her dinner and said "What the hell are you talking about?" "The Wire babe, don't worry about it." Then she just rolled her eyes and went back to her chicken.
Heh, I watched an old episode of Homicide when the squad had to camp out in Prezbo's house to do surveillance on his neighbor. Same thing happened except Sheenie also liked seeing a younger Prez.
I enjoyed the Minnie Riperton duet in the Humvee, myself.
I've managed to catch the first two episodes of Generation Kill. Very interesting stuff. I enjoyed the movie Jarhead for showing what life is like for soldiers outside of the well-documented combat situations, but this show does it a whole lot better. Especially since it's a bunch of unknown actors, or in some cases actual marines portraying themselves.
What the show really drives home is how ridiculously over-confident the military was and how dangerously under-equipped the soldiers were. It's dizzying to think that it all really happened.
We read Jarhead for my "Literature of War" class a few years back, just as the movie was being released. It was a really good book, but I haven't seen the movie yet.
I watched the first couple episodes of Mad Men and didn't really get into it. I think the 1950's style sexism just bugged me too much. I couldn't relate.
I will be at Yankee stadium on Wednesday. My boss and I are flying out there together on Wednesday morning at returning Wednesday night.
That is what I call an excellent work bonus. Assuming that the Twins win of course, otherwise my wise cracking, Yankees fan boss is going to give me a lot of crap on the plane ride back.
At least it's only a 45 minute flight. Besides, I'm sure there is enough booze in B-town to help console you if the Twins lose.
This weekend I went to a friends lake cabin on Schaffer Lake (Monticello, IN) which also has an amusement park on the lake called, Indiana Beach. I have to say that it wasn't the rides (although fun) that made my experience there as much as the people watching. If you enjoy people watching, and for some reason find yourself in the middle of Indiana, stop there and just sit on a bench. It makes Valley Fair look upscale.
Also on note for this weekend trip: Me + Jet Ski = Sore everything
There's more than corn in Indiana...at Indiaannnnaaaa Beeaaach!
Althought that commercial has not changed in the 22 years of my existence, I've never been to Indiana Beach.
Yeah there is more than corn in Indiana, there are kids with rat-tails, Amish men playing shoot-up games at the arcade, pregnant 15 year olds wearing bikini tops, and I'm pretty sure to be a resident, you need to have at least 4 different cross tattoo's on your body that are always visible.
Now don't go around getting down on the whole state.
I was in Detroit Lakes over the weekend. Played a lot of horseshoes and bean bag toss, drank more than my fair share of Cabo Wabo, Brau Brothers Scotch Ale and our own version of Summer Shandy. Played my best round of golf in 15 years at Wildflower (from the back tees) and did not lose a single ball. Played a round this morning on my home course and lost 5 balls in 9 holes.... yup the golf gods giveth and the golf gods taketh away!
Tried the Chardonel from Montrelle Winery via Rhubarb Runners friendly advice. It was actually pretty good! Very nice balance. It reminded me of some of the unoaked chardonnays I have had from New Zealand. Yummy!
On the other hand, my wife and I tried the River Country White from the same winery. It was too sweet for my taste and lacked... oh, how do I say this... um... flavor. Just bland and blah.
I will try the Seyval from Montrelle tonight or Wednesday. I am looking forward to it.
Nice to see the Twins play well while I was away. I was the one who jinxed Light Rail. I turned on the radio on the way home and told my wife "he has a no hitter going" immediately before home run. Gee... I'm sorry guys!
Three weeks' worth of Keeping Up with the Ex-Twins. I know some of this is very old news, but I like to be complete, and it's possible some of it escaped your attention:
Baltimore acquires Juan Castro from Colorado for Mike McCoy
Boston organization reinstates Bobby Kielty from the disabled list
Cleveland puchases the contract of Mark Redman from Buffalo
Colorado recalls Mark Redman from Colorado Springs
Colorado designates Mark Redman for assignment
The Mets place Luis Castillo on the disabled list
Yankees add Sidney Ponson to forty-man roster
San Diego recalls Luis Rodriguez
Seattle options Ryan Rowland-Smith to Tacoma
Tampa Bay places Jason Bartlett on the disabled list
Mark Redman has had quite the ride lately
That's what she said.
FTLT, do you catch the Rochester club when they come through town? I meant to ask you about the Bisons. Are you a season ticket holder?
Not a season ticket holder but I make it out as often as I can. I make it to almost all of the Rochester games though. I have to go to Rochester for work a couple days a month for work as well and I always try to schedule it for a time that the Wings are having a home stand.
The worst part about the Bisons this season is that I have to watch Jason Tyner start every day. Though, to Buffalo's credit; he starts in left field, rather than DH, and bats 9th.
Stopped at that little souvenir shop by the Dome after the game yesterday. They had Bartlett jersey style t-shirts on clearance for 5 bucks, but nothing that would fit. I really wanted one, but couldn't possibly squeeze into the available sizes (S/M/L). I was also sorely tempted by a Lew Ford jersey, but the price was not sufficiently reasonable.
Can't go wrong with the Lew Ford jersey.
BTW - I will get more Convention pictures up real soon. I found my USB drive, so I can bring them to work and upload them here.
Anybody remember the TV show Northern Exposure? Well, small town North Dakota had such an episode this morning. I took my son to his baseball game this morning and learned that all games were cancelled because there were 2 moose trapped in one of the diamonds. My son didn't think it was near as funny as I did.
I remember not liking that show
of course I was about 10 when it was on
I would probably love it if it was on today
I should Netflix that
The show was a hoot. Each bit character more bizzare than the last.
I really liked that show. Rob Morrow and cast were pretty funny. I thought John Corbett's character was pretty cool. Small town radio DJ... not attached to the material things in life. Like many good--->great shows, it did not outlast it's welcome. They packed up the trucks and shut it down after 6 seasons before it got old and stale.
There has been a steady stream of suspicious looking citizen registrations lately. Be on the lookout for spamming. If you see any, please let me know.
I couldn’t understand some parts of this article, but it sounds interesting.