Tourniquets and Christmas Movies

By The Fillerbuster

The Cast 121818

SETTING:

This was started during the Sunday night football game.  Most was written during MNF before being released Tuesday morning.  In both cases, with it being the week before the holiday and therefore the people I call suddenly are not there after, I have too much to do so will write this briskly.  I feel the need…the need for speed.

Let’s turn and burn.

EVERGREEN (topics that don’t fade away):

SHAQ

Shaq says his Lakers from 2000 would easily destroy the present day Warriors.  I think one should use the word “destroy” carefully.  I admit that my curiosity is high to watch one of the older school big-man-in-the-middle (Hakeem, Ewing, Shaq) teams try and take on these Warriors, but I don’t think anyone is destroying either team like Shaq suggests.  Listen, the new NBA is fun to watch and three’s and position-less basketball is interesting.  And it would be a great game, both athletically and strategically.  If we are combining old school teams with NEW school fouls, then the big men of the Warriors would foul out after three quarters.  Or Shaq would have 50 points.  Or both.  I think guys like Shaw, George, Horry, Salley, and Fox could rotate fast enough to give the Warriors’ three point shooters problems.  And the Lakers would bug the Warriors from three on offense too.  Curry and Durant are all-timers, but Shaq would go through the interior easily and dish it out for easy looks when he was defended well.  He might average 8 assists during the series.  I would say that Lakers team would win in six.

CASE

The NFL is a business.  Like any business, you have to protect your assets.  Whether you agree or disagree that Elway should have brought Keenum on, he is your chosen asset, at least for another year.  Therefore, in that light, playing him is ridiculous at this point in the two remaining meaningless games.  Case had 14 games to prove his worth.  There will be no postseason this year.  But, there is next year.  And any injury Case incurs would be a negative impact on where this team wants to go.  NOW is the time to see your young talent.  Now is the time to examine the roster.  Now is the time to guard you assets and not play Case.  I know this goes against the old school people who want less losing seasons than Super Bowls or whatever their record is over the years, but health for next year comes first when the decision has already been made on a two year investment.  Don’t tank.  Try to win.  But, try to win with your younger talent and backups.

TWO POINT CONVERSIONS

Anthony Lynn sure brought two point conversions to light this past week.  Once again, my stance on two point conversions is as follows.  First, the pros need to adapt the college overtime so all of this nonsense can be dodged in the first place.  Second, do a two point conversion if mathematics support it AFTER halftime.  Maybe even in the fourth quarter alone.  Third, do it earlier if you are just looking to make things look like a football score, but unless you follow the Mike Tomlin school of thought, there is no sense to do it early on.  Fourth, when playing against a better team at their crib, ALWAYS go for it late in the game.  Lynn was at Arrowhead, didn’t want to give Mahomes back the ball whether after the two point try (really wasn’t time) or in OT, had already seen his team make a semi-magical comeback as it was, and there were seconds left in the game.  You go for it.  You bring closure when you know the odds are against you in OT.  If you are at home, take it into OT.  Your crowd is the extra man on the field.  Fifth, examine not only what happens when you MAKE the two point try, but examine what the score would be if you DON’T make it.  Sixth, go back to 15 minutes in OT.  Ten minutes makes it seem like each team literally gets the ball twice.  Make it 15.  We fans can spare another five minutes of game time to get a winner, and can handle multiple possessions by BOTH teams.  But, as I said, the pros simply need to bring in the college OT, since it is the best to decide a game AND the most fun.  The scoring a TD ends it on the first possession HELPS, but does not eliminate the problem.  Modify some rules so you don’t end up with 6 or 7 OT’s.

HARDEN

For those not familiar with detailed NBA stats, here are a couple of nuggets.  Scoring 50 points is sort of a club in the NBA.  Large club, but scoring 50 against the best players in one single game is not easy and respected among all, pllayoffs or regular season.  Getting a Triple Double is also very hard to do.  A triple double shows involvement in ALL phases of the game, and not just your shooting touch.  It is chasing your teammates’ misses, passing to your teammates, and USUALLY means you are being unselfish.  Now, scoring 50 points AND getting a triple double becomes an EXCLUSIVE club.  There are only six guys in the club, and LeBron, Kobe, and MJ are NOT on that list.  Now you are combining ultra-hot scoring with being involved in all phases of the game.  There are no ways to sugarcoat THESE triple doubles.  James Harden had a 50 point triple double the other night against the Lakers   Teams with guys who do this are 12-1 in the games.  They are winning along with posting insane stats.  But, let’s get back to Harden.  First, know that he is the ONLY person in the 60 point triple double club.  Second, his latest effort this week tied his OWN record of LEAST amount of FG attempts to GET to 50 points in one of these games.  Impressive and then some as he was on fire, involved inn all aspects of the game, AND not shooting like a Kobe every time down the floor.

WEEK-FISH (current topics of interest in sports):

NFL

• What is up with San Francisco? THEY are definitely not tanking.  They played against desperate teams with playoff hopes two weeks in a row (Seattle and Denver) and beat them both.  The Denver game was on the road a mile above sea level.
• Minnesota paid Kirk Cousins a LOT of money in the offseason. Along with big performances, they paid him for consistency too.  He is not that.  He basically got blanked by Seattle before some meaningless scores by both teams.  Then, this weekend, he suddenly looked like a guy they pay a lot of money to.  He just might be Jeff George reincarnated, but you made the investment, and he needs to at least show consistency.
• I know they fired their OC in the meantime, so that played into it, but come on.
• The Raiders are just weird. They have a franchise QB.  But, they fire their GM a day after beating the Steelers IN Pittsburgh, are being sued for relocation, and have nowhere to play in 2019 still.
• Le’Veon Bell. Stop liking Instagram posts about Steelers losses.  You are already who you are.  Don’t be THAT guy on top of it.  And the fact that Samuels had the game of his life and he is the SECOND man up ALSO means something about your value.
• What stories Kenyan Drake can tell. Not only did he score the magical last second TD against New England, but he was on the field during the Auburn-Bama return for six years ago.  I didn’t know that.  Maybe he is 50 years old and was on the field for the Stanford band play and was a kid in the stands at the Flutie Hail Mary too.
• Kenyan wants the ball back as he threw it in the stands. Let’s hope the people who have that ball parlay that ball into something LARGE or SPECIAL.  Don’t be nice, people.  When you have something someone wants very badly, use that leverage.
• Tough team to make. Brandon Marshall thought he was joining the ultimate bandwagon when the Saints brought him in.  The Saints just cut him.  Short-lived happiness.
• I live in a household where my wife cheers for Baker Mayfield, who plays for the rival of the Steelers. I don’t like it much.  I also don’t like that Baker cut into my betting by ruining my simple Denver money line bet Saturday night.  The Broncos basically, five times, have done the opposite of what I bet they will do this season.
• The media doesn’t seem to be bothered by Vance Joseph OR already knows he will be fired. In Thursday’s presser, they asked a total of THREE questions.  Is the media becoming apathetic along with the Broncos?  Do your job.  Ask lots of tough questions to a guy on his last legs.
• Shanahan, aye?  THAT is fun.
• How times have changed. Al Michaels was the only announcer who would mention the point spread previously in years past, and now the 2020 NFL Draft will be held in Vegas.
• I am sitting here watching Nick Foles and the Eagles. Who would have thought he would get his chance for several games THIS early?  Shame that Carson is out again.  Dude lit the world on fire and hasn’t had time to even get in a groove on a good team since.  In the meantime, he is giving Nick Foles Christmas dinner stories galore.
• Jalen Ramsey says the Jags should start negotiating right now for him to stay in Jacksonville. I have never heard a player who hasn’t won anything nor proven himself talk so much smack about QB’s, the media, and how much money he should be making.  I have a feeling he isn’t exactly in it for the bigger picture.
• The Steelers are pretty right on characters and players. They kept Big Ben after allegedly raping a girl and he is going to the HOF.  They let go of Martavis Bryant, and he is suspended again for drugs after being briefly with another team.
• Jimmy Graham admits his numbers suck for 2018. Given that I am someone who somehow ended up with him on BOTH of my fantasy teams, I would concur.
• The Steelers beat the Pats Sunday and of course I am happy. But, here is what also happened.  They gave Brady a chance at the end to tie the game with plenty of time left when they had TWO drives near the end to make it a two possession game.  I nearly had a heart attack and was pacing around my couch (even though I am the most low key sports watcher ever), and all I am saying is that close call wasn’t really needed.  They played pretty well though.  They benefited from a couple KEY drops in the first half that might have changed that halftime score, but I will take it regardless.  I am not sold.  Luckily, going to see the Saints isn’t seeming as daunting as it once was.  I am still expecting a loss, but at least I know there is a good chance both teams look the opposite of contenders.
• The Panthers not only have lost six straight, but have given Cam PLENTY of chances to win it in all of those games.  They need a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.  That team is too talented to be falling apart like they are, no matter who they are playing.
• Drew Brees might be the greatest QB of all time. He also coaches his kids’ teams, is a nice guy, and just sent 174 custom game balls to thank anyone he has been in contact with over the years on his recent record breaking.  What a guy.  He makes me feel really lazy.  He started out by telling his right hand man that he wanted a ball sent to any receiver who caught a pass.  That slippery slope then started including coaches, the lines, and anyone else involved on the team.
• I believe that Ezekiel Elliott is the first offensive player to be fined for leading with the helmet.
• The Texans don’t win pretty all the time, and don’t beat down bad teams like they should, but man do they simply survive and advance in their own special way.  They are doing the season long version of NCAA March Madness.
• Anyone notice that although we treat Aaron Rodgers as gold and one of the best ever, his career has the exact same results as Brett Favre? One Super Bowl ring.  They are out of the playoffs for this year, so a second will not happen this time around.  Just saying that the Packers got a nicer guy, but it is tougher to win titles than that.
• Just when we thought that the Cowboys were LEGIT, they not only lose in Indy, but get SMOKED.
• Hello, Falcons. Welcome back to your potential.  You DO know it is too late, right?  You looked good Sunday though.  Good job.
• The New York Giants looked listless again Sunday. Welcome back to you, also, guys.  I assume Eli will throw 5 TD’s this weekend and again temporarily end replacement talk.
• Joe Flacco will not return to the Ravens evidently. If I am a team looking for a QB, I am jumping ALL OVER this guy.  He has a gun.  He has a ring.  And he simply got Drew Bledsoe’d (Brady).  Or Don Majkowski’d (Favre).
• We have seen the Rams look mortal. We knew there might be some Nick Foles magic again this year.  But, the Eagles SMOKING the Rams at THEIR crib I NEVER saw coming.
• My notes from the entertaining Chiefs-Chargers game on Thursday were Derwin James is VERY good, Stephen Smith’s pregame video made me laugh the hardest I laughed all week (cue Hunter Henry), the refs totally ruined what was a great game, Patrick Mahomes looks like he will either cave in a WR’s ribs or complete a pass every time, the Chargers could be a 13-3 wildcard, and that was the most fun and stress I have had in a while trying to hit the over and the underdog points….which they did.
• I noted it last week, but the Browns loss added TO it. The Broncos have beaten some really GOOD teams, but somehow lost to the 49ers, Jets, and Browns (at home).

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

• The odds were in their favor that Kansas State would hire someone YOUNGER than Bill Snyder. The fact that they chose a 51-year-old means he can only have a 30-year coaching career with them to be Bill Snyder’s age.  If there was one team without a full team history of winning that could have taken a chance on someone definitively YOUNGER, this was the team.
• OU has submitted Kyler Murray’s name for the NFL Draft. I get he has time to make an official decision, but IF he plans on baseball through and through, can’t we stop getting these mind games?  But, who would have thought that the guy having to SIT with Baker Mayfield playing would come in and not only get back to the playoff, but win another Heisman in the process.  He is trying to pull a Charlie Ward and do the double.  Ironically, Ward chose basketball over football and didn’t follow football dreams.
• I hear there is an eight game college football playoff push coming.   Six.  Come on.  How did six teams get thrown out of the conversation?
• Of COURSE Nick Saban has recruited an controversial ex-coach to watch tape with him pre-playoff. Annual occurrence, right?  DJ Durkin and Nick are recent friends.  I bet you those two and Sarkisian and Kiffin sit around, watching film, and just get HAMMERED.
• The bowls are starting now. All 17,000 of them.
• Even if I didn’t WANT them, I expect to hear daily Tua injury updates from now until game time. Think of it like the college football version of Brett Favre comeback stories of him throwing balls to kids on some high school field in Louisiana.
• Oregon landed its first #1 overall recruit this weekend since 2009. I am happy about this, although not an Oregon fan.  I just am happy that someone besides Bama, Ohio State, and Clemson got him.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

• I am not surprised Penn gave Nova a run as Penn is a very disciplined team. I am not surprised they BEAT Nova.  What I WAS surprised about was the fact that given the fact that I watched most of the game for some odd reason, Penn was handling Nova the ENTIRE game aside from one Nova run in the first half.  They beat them not only in score, but fully on the court.
• Then, Nova turns around and almost beats KU at Allen Fieldhouse. Unfortunately, ALMOST winning big road games doesn’t really count in the old system OR in the new NET thing we have going on.  Nova is now out of the top 25, which they should be.  They are going to be one scary 10 seed.
• I turned to another game from the CU-New Mexico game. I am not fully sure how New Mexico was handling them for 30 minutes and then just totally gave up the game at the end.
• I am surprised more players don’t see this coming. Quade Green went to UK.  Quade Green was not getting enough playing time.  Quade Green is now transferring.  I expect him to go back to his almost commitment to the Cuse when the smoke clears.  I was never in that position, but why would I want to go play with 7 All-Americans and barely see the floor, rather than go to a second tier school and light it up for draft scouts nightly?
• The Houston Cougar home court advantage is fun for everyone who is not the visiting team. That place looks downright fun to go watch a game at.
• Frank Kaminsky was a college legend. So, I guess carrying babies out of the building during an evacuation should not surprise us.  Man, I would love to see some memes of him doing that.
• Props to UNC for not only beating a solid Gonzaga team, but doing it decisively. Very decisively.  I admit to taking the 3.5 points as I thought that Gonzaga would at least give them a game.  You can say whatever you want about UNC, but they play like madmen at HOME.
• Tennessee is a Final Four contender. We know this.  They beat Memphis as they should.  Everyone should enjoy this year as much as they can.  Because as of October of next year, NO ONE will want ANY part of Memphis.  With the guys they have maturing, and with the big guns they have coming in, them being off your schedule is optimal.

NBA

• I can’t speak for you or others, but still wrapping my head around how a team can be the SI Sportsperson of the Year.  The Warriors won it this year.  Make a team category.  Otherwise, there are plenty of individuals out there who are deserving.
• Davidson is a solid school. Duke is a smart school.  You guys (Curry and Irving) can take back all of the statements you want, but I have a better plan.  Stop saying stupid things.  We aren’t buying the spin selling.
• Sure, the MSG comment threw people for a spin between James and Wade, but I enjoyed the exchange more for them changing jerseys like soccer players. Pretty cool if you ask me.
• Speaking of spinning things, I think when you are firmly entrenched between 3-10 on the all time list of greatest NBA players, you should have an opinion. Kobe, give us your take.  Tell us all why you think MJ is the greatest…because he is.
• The Raptors are a contender with Kawhi Leonard. But, the Raptors were contenders without him too.  Yes, there are 82 games on the NBA schedule and singling out games as statement wins is tough to do, but going on the road to easily beat the Warriors without Kawhi was indeed a mild statement game.
• Who would have thunk? Of ALL the athletes out there globally, Tristan Thompson…TRISTAN THOMPSON…was the most Googled athlete of 2018.  Was it for “most overpaid player?”  Was it for relationships?  Was it for wondering who was on the roster who lost to the Warriors?  So, we have now concluded that Tristan is good at two things.  Offensive rebounding, and being Googled.
• The Nets just signed Spencer Dinwiddie to a contract. The ex-CU player deserved it, and recently dropped 39 points in a game.  You don’t think 39 is impressive?  You should.  It was the highest total this year in the league for a player coming OFF THE BENCH.
• LeBron is suddenly averaging TWENTY SIX feet for his three point makes. I am sure the rest of the league is thrilled that they now have to guard the hardest to guard player FURTHER from the hoop.
• The Rockets made a huge mistake by letting Trevor Ariza go. I have said this many times.  Now, Trevor just got traded to the Wizards.  I don’t understand this trade.  The Wizards traded away some young talent for a defensive and three point specialist who MIGHT keep them in the 6-8 playoff spots in the Eastern Conference for the right to get smoked by Boston, Toronto, or Milwaukee.  Just rebuild, Wiz.
• If you haven’t heard the story about Charles Barkley and Lin Wang, you need to look it up. Think you have reasons to dislike Mr. Barkley?  You will think again after hearing the tale that led up to him speaking at Wang’s funeral this week.
• The Denver Nuggets are near the top of the Western Conference and entire NBA in record. Think they are not all that and a bag of chips?  Well, they are winning still against good teams without Paul Millsap AND…they are 6-0 against Golden State, OKC, Boston, and Toronto.
• My wife found a deal on Nuggets tickets and I immediately asked who they played. Bonus 1:  VIP tickets with a tour.  Bonus 2: they play Dallas, and I get to see my new favorite young player in the league.  Luka Doncic.  I am becoming a fan and the fact that Mark Cuban owns them might make me a legitimate fan (I follow players and not teams in the NBA-Andrew Toney, Isiah Thomas, Allevn Iverson, etc…).  Can’t wait.

MLB

• The more I read the rumors, the more I think the Phillies will get Harper, Machado, or both. I think they overpaid a little for Andrew McCutchen, but him in the clubhouse will still be beneficial outside of his skills on the field.  Must be fun to “spend stupidly.”
• Talk about misguided direction combined with underperfomance over the years. The Jays released Tulo years after they paid the farm for him.
• You want a story from a money hungry franchise that would make us all feel warm and cozy if it wasn’t that particular team? The Yankees were good-hearted and paid CC Sabathia his 500k bonus for innings even though he got booted 6 innings before the inning count was reached.  So touching if it was anyone but the Yanks.
• Harold Baines getting into the MLB HOF will start a slippery slope and further dilute that magical place. Love the guy, but I was pretty comfortable with him not reaching the vote percentage.  Now, about 40 other players have an argument.

NHL

• The fighting mascot story would have been better if it was Boston or Philly’s.
• Speaking of Philly, they fired their coach. Two things are working on this move.  One, the new GM has served enough time to do his own thing.  This is his first big move.  Two, they are 12-15-4 with a better team than that.  Direction or not, mediocrity is never part of the Flyers plan.  Their close to .500 record is still last in the Metropolitan Division.
• And speaking of the Metropolitan Division, I bashed Ovechkin and the Capitals for partying all summer and expected a hangover during the season. Well, they have proven they can do both just fine.  They are in first, and Ovechkin has 17 goals and 6 assists in his last FOURTEEN games.  I can’t bash THAT.

MISCELLANEOUS

• I still have not seen 42:1 but it is on my short list. More to come.  Mentioning this because I am one boxing fan people sort of expect me to knock out (no pun intended) that viewing immediately.
• I admit to not opening up the story that Jon Jones was cleared temporarily to fight again in the UFC. Not sure what is the motivation for either side.
• Thank you for SAYING it, Kevin Kisner. Yes, everyone seems to hate Patrick Reed and I am glad it is out there.
• Below is the link for most and least sanitary stadiums and arenas in the United States. Click on it and think about the list next time you go to a sporting event.  What I found MOST disturbing was all THREE of Denver’s stadiums and arenas were in the top…errr…worst ten.

THIS AND THAT (pop culture, Fillerbuster thoughts in quick hitter fashion):

• I stopped looking at my fantasy team because I am pretty sure consolation brackets are all I made. I need to care more with that investment.
• We had our company holiday party at the Nature and Science Museum, and aside from the venue being extremely spread out (which I guess is good for avoiding people), the games being in a side hallway that not many people found, and a long wait for pasta, it was fun. We ducked out before the post-party HR events probably happened and were forgotten on purpose at Whiskey Bar, but pretty cool working for a place that does events like that.
• I realize I am getting older when bedtime conflicts with me listening to a Bill Walton college basketball telecast.  I used to wait around for those experiences.
• Negative aging research studies are funny. I just read on CNN that puzzles do NOT help an aging mind.  So, I guess I can put down the Rubik’s Cube as I get older.
• On that same five things CNN article, I read about metal pieces in Jimmy Dean Sausage packages.  I guess my streak of not purchasing Jimmy Dean in life will continue.
• Here comes the end of the world. A week closer.  Now, the Southeast is joining the earthquake party.
• I like Colorado. Not many natural disasters in our neck of the woods.
• Indication #1478 that we are out of ideas. Let’s take ONE of the robots in Transformers and make a movie about it.
• I enjoy reading weed store names, as I like word-plays.   Allgreens.  That is funny.
• Trump should give Jose Canseco a shot at Chief of Staff. Jesse Ventura became a governor.  Things aren’t going well right now.  Sounds like a good idea.
• I enjoyed seeing pictures of Frank Sinatra on Twitter on his birthday last week. I liked the one where he had a cocktail in his hand leaving a helicopter.  A tiny helicopter.  Not sure how he refreshed the ice, but whatever…
• I like work and my colleagues. But one person stole a cheese stick from my bin.  I will slide tackle that person if I ever find out who.  Take my stapler or pens, but my CHEESE?  That is just rude.
• My wife finds the events and deals. Yes, the VP of Mac and Cheese (me) is going to some Mac and Cheese event on February 8^th.  Way to look out, wife.
• How have I lived this long without ever hearing the term “trebuchet?” I must have had to play more video games with wars and stuff.
• With Thicke and Williams having to pay out for stealing Blurred Lines, the Marvin Gaye family will be having a nice Christmas as soon as the check clears.  How sweet it is, they have financial healing, and they will be ending Christmas dinner and say “let’s get it on.”
• Surprise birthday parties are one of the most intriguing things to me to pull off successfully. I attended one the other day.  It worked.  Amazing.  By the way, New Terrain Brewery is a pretty cool spot, I will say.  North Star IPA had good flavor.  I think the place should have some GAMES though.  All of that space at the bottom of a mountain, and no bags, horseshoes, or other fun stuff.
• If you go to New Terrain Brewery, they have a food truck outside for eating. If it is the Pile High Burger truck, you must get the Burn Your Face Off burger.  It was delicious.  No hot sauce needed.
• Somehow the movie Hustle and Flow came up the other day. Most people forget that movie.  GREAT movie.  The pimp song I wish was an actual hit on the radio, and Howard actually got nominated for Best Actor that year.  We knew he would lose, but being nominated for a rap film was pretty cool.
• The new Grinch movie was really good. They didn’t change the original story too much, but the graphics were refined and modern, it was short, and all in all, definitely worth seeing before Christmas.  MUCH better than the Jim Carrey attempt.
• I missed Hubie Brown announcing an NBA game for that movie, so I MUST have liked it to say nice things about it.
• One of the long previews was for the new How to Train Your Dragon movie. It has a guy, a girl, a white dragon, and a black dragon.  Lindsey immediately made the connection that it was kind of like our house.  Charlee, Jackson, me, and her.  MAN, we need a freaking dog.  Pronto.
• My wife bought glitter wrapping paper for Christmas. Needless to say, glitter is all over our home now.  Glitter is uncontrollable.  Glitter should be used in war.  It is like MJ in his prime.  You can’t stop it.  You only hope to contain it.
• I love Amazon like most people. I love being a Prime member.  I will always be nostalgic about my ritual before the holiday of going to the mall and knocking out ALL gifts in one trip, but bags suck, mall traffic sucks, and Lindsey’s major gifts are almost knocked out except for a couple that require a personal touch…but not a freaking mall.
• I am not a big fan of Lime, the restaurant at the Pavilions in Denver, but when I DO go, they have one RIDICULOUS dish you should try. The lime scampi dish is off the hook, and the sauce you might even ask the recipe for.
• Lindsey had me watch the comedian Demetri Martin the other night. That guy was funny and pretty brilliant.  I am a new fan of his.  He draws clever pictures on a white board.
• Then, I got tired, but decided to keep up the comedian kick even after Linds went to bed. I decided that watching Dennis Miller when you are extremely tired is pretty useless.  His jokes are already way over the head of energetic smart people, let alone less smart, less energetic people.  After about 10 jokes, he prompted me to hit the hay.
• Seriously, the band Toto should unite with Toto, the toilet maker. I start singing that song more often than not every time I use a urinal.
• Of COURSE I watched the SNL with Matt Damon. The things I got from the episode were: the monologue was weak, the Westminster skit wasn’t bad, the ornaments at least finally had a Good Will Hunting reference, Miley Cyrus has gotten to the point where she can sing ANYTHING weird and get away with it, the Damon-Weezer skit was funny, and they did do a Boston skit.  But, no Rounders reference.  No KGB appearance.  Rounders is the best movie…like ever people.
• I get the feeling that Welcome to Marwen will be as good as Forrest Gump, or the media is just pushing that down our throat making us want to believe it will be and maybe we will make that parallel but it will still suck.
• Kind of surprised in seeing The Mule is getting mixed reviews. I will knock that out in the coming weeks for you.
• My phone crapped out on me, and that means a 1.5 day replacement wait. Kind of irritating, kind of lost, yet kind of peaceful.
• I would be kind of mad if I was a Chevy employee and the special was that the masses were getting the same discount as me.
• El Jefe in the Highlands has bottomless mimosas, which is good, but I find their food just so-so.

TWEET OF THE WEEK:

THE BEST WORKOUT SONG EVER FOR THIS WEEK:

Tourniquet (new entry) by Breaking Benjamin (not a very uplifting song, folks, but I don’t like happy workout songs)

Runnin’ by Luther Goransson (featuring ASAP Rocky)

Watch Me Burn by Silent Theory

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Nothing jumped out this week, and the Tourniquet lyrics are too angry and depressing.

LINKS TO SAVE YOU TIME IN LIFE:

BY THE NUMBERS:

227

351

THIS WEEK’S LIST:

Given my pre-Christmas blog will be close to the day and therefore you won’t have my Christmas movie picks in time to watch them, here is my 5 minute brainstorm on favorite Christmas movies ever:

1. A Christmas Story
2. Elf
3. The original Grinch
4. Diehard/Lethal Weapon (maybe two action movies that are semi-Christmas equal one full Christmas movie)
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
6. It’s a Wonderful Life
7. Scrooged
8. Gremlins
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
10. Trading Places

THE RIDDLE:

None this week.  Didn’t have time to think of one.

CLOSING:

The theme?  Well, it is my new favorite workout song.  Tourniquet.  I tried it out today and felt like running into a wall.  How about, on the sports side of things, it is what needs to be applied to NFL teams wanting playoff spots.  Stop the bleeding, try and grab a spot, and fix the more overarching personnel items another year.  I promise to make my pre-Christmas blog much happier in theme.

That’s it for today.  Hope you enjoyed or are at least more informed.  Remember two things.  First, feed yourself, feed your family, but always, always remember to…feed the wolf.  Second,  if you can’t spot the sucker in your first half hour at the table, then you are the sucker.  Will I blog again?  That is a CLOWN question, bro.

PICS:

I had a phone malfunction, as I mentioned, so no pics this week until I find out whether the replacement phone still has my pics on it, and then I will double up next week if so.

And, in case you care about what I threw back in the pond, here you go…

Knicks owner talks selling knicks

Astros get Brantley

RB love will skip stanford’s bowl game

Baylor sexual assault case