Saturday, October 31, 2009

What's your Halloween costume?

Alright, ladies and gentlemen. The floor is open for you to discuss who or what you are dressing up as for tonight's Halloween festivities. Be descriptive, because I want to be sure this thread is a lot of fun.

I'll start off by saying that I will be a blind referee. Although the way the Tigers were royally screwed in the one-game playoff to decide the American League Central, I might as well be a blind umpire. But with the way the NFL, SEC, and Pacific-10 royally screw things up on a consistant basis, I couldn't resist. The costume comes complete with a referee's shirt and hat, as well as a blind man's glasses and walking cane. I've got the black pants, shoes, and socks that were not included, so I think this will be a hit tonight wherever I go. Who knows, maybe I get with a girl who feels sympathy for my blindness, LOL.

Alright, now that I've got my costume out of the way, it's your turn. What you going out as and why?

Monday, October 26, 2009

TiVo Guide Week of October 26, 2009 *spoiler alert*

“The Backyardigans” Austin's boogeyman isn't scary so much as silly, but that doesn't stop spooky hunters Uniqua and Pablo from trying to capture him. Music genre: Martinique beguine. Monday at 8:30 on Nickelodeon.

“Lie to Me” An old friend of Cal's (Lennie James) attempts to pull him into a criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, the Lightman Group probes a high-school student's murderous threats. Monday at 9 on Fox.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” The "Peanuts" Halloween treat features Charlie Brown finally getting invited to a Halloween party, Snoopy battling the Red Baron and Linus awaiting the Great Pumpkin. Included: the bonus cartoon, "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown," with Linus running for class president. Tuesday at 8 on ABC.

“Biggest Loser” Derek Jeter leads a baseball challenge in which the winner receives a healthy Mediterranean meal cooked by chef Curtis Stone. Also: the players compete directly with a member of the other team during the weigh-in; and a contestant breaks a show record. Tuesday at 8 on NBC.

“World Series:Game 1: Phillies at Yankees” Philadelphia at New York Yankees in Game 1. The Yanks' 40th appearance in the Fall Classic begins with two former Cy Young Award winners on the mound...the Phils' Cliff Lee and Yankees' CC Sabathia...who both won the award while with Cleveland. The Phillies won two of three regular-season meetings in May. Wednesday at 7:30 on Fox.

“America’s Next Top Model” The models move to Hawaii for the remainder of the competition. The ladies take surfing lessons to prepare for a photo shoot and they are each transformed into a biracial model. Petite model Kirsty Hume is a guest judge. Wednesday at 8 on The CW.

“Supernatural” Bobby plays a high-stakes poker game with a witch and bets 25 years of his life for a chance to be free of his wheelchair, but he loses. As he begins to rapidly age, Dean attempts to save him, but he also ages into an old man. Thursday at 9 on The CW.

“The Mentalist” The team investigates the claim that a wealthy man was killed by a ghost that haunted his mansion. Victoria Abner: Frances Fisher. Thursday at 10 on CBS.

“Ugly Betty” Marc is assigned to be Betty's temporary assistant while she works on a story about New York's worst jobs; Hilda becomes a potential political liability to Archie's campaign; Natalie's group leader (Dylan Baker) takes an interest in Daniel. Lexie: Brooklyn Decker. Friday at 9 on ABC.

“Young Frankenstein” Director Mel Brooks' parody of horror films finds Dr. Fronk-en-steen (Gene Wilder) following in his ancestor's footsteps. Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman. Inga: Teri Garr. Keep watching Eye-gor's hump. Saturday at 7:30 on AMC.

“Robin Hood” Word spreads that King Richard has been killed in the Holy Land, but Robin suspects that something doesn't add up. Saturday at 9 on BBC America.

“Desperate Housewives” Bree drifts further away from Orson as she begins to fall for Karl; Katherine keeps trying to get Mike back as her conflict with Susan intensifies; Gaby gets Juanita expelled from school; Lynette learns that Tom is cheating on his midterm; and Angie covers for her mother. Sunday at 9 on ABC.

“Dexter” Dexter steps up his own investigation into the Trinity Killer case when he realizes the police department is making major headway; Debra's frustration over getting shut out of her own case leads her to make compromising decisions that could impact her job. Elsewhere, Batista and LaGuerta have second thoughts about personal and professional decisions that may affect their jobs and relationship; and Dexter gets romantic advice from an unlikely adviser. Sunday at 9 on Showtime.

Bragging Rights results

GD IT ALL TO H! I thought I was going to do well with Bragging Rights. But I think Dr. Cox can best explain my performance as only he can.

Anyways, I only managed a 2-3 record, dropping overall to 225-193. Thanks to Undertaker and Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool & Natalya from making sure this didn't turn into a total wash-out. As for Randy Orton; Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Shawn Michaels & Triple H; and John Morrison, **** YOU WITH A BRICK! Let's hope things get better with Survivor Series.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Bragging Rights card and picks

Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship:
WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena
* No DQ or Countout - Cena must leave Raw if he loses

14-Man Raw vs. Smackdown Bragging Rights match
Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Cody Rhodes, Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, Big Show, and Mark Henry vs. Chris Jericho, Kane, Matt Hardy, R-Truth, DH Smith & Tyson Kidd

Four-Way Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
World Hvt. Champion The Undertaker vs. C.M. Punk vs. Batista vs. Rey Mysterio

Champion vs. Champion
U.S. Champion The Miz vs. Intercontinental Champion John Morrison

RAW Divas vs. SmackDown Divas:
Divas Champion Melina, Kelly Kelly and Gail Kim vs. Women's Champion Michelle McCool, Beth Phoenix and Natalya

Things have been looking up for me as of late at picking WWE PPV winners, and I don't see that ending tonight. Going in, I am 223-190. I just know that is going to improve. That is why I'm going with Randy Orton; Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Jack Swagger, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Shawn Michaels & Triple H; Undertaker; John Morrison; and Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool & Natalya. Wish me luck for tonight.

Friday, October 23, 2009

The one thing that would make Victor watch "Dancing With the Stars"

Or "Strictly Come Dancing," as the Brits like to call it (why, I haven't a freaking idea).

God, I miss Stacy Keibler. The next time Raw comes to Baltimore, I hope her schedule is open, because I want to see her return to the WWE as a guest host. Anyways, the Legs of WCW turned Legs of the WWE turned Weapons of Mass Seduction recently turned 30, and she doesn't look a day over 25 if you want my opinion. So as a special salute, I bring you the very best of Stacy Keibler in the WWE ring and on the "Dancing With the Stars" hardwood.

Monday, October 19, 2009

TiVo Guide Week of October 19, 2009 *spoiler alert*

“Arthur” Mrs. MacGrady has cancer: Arthur and D.W. take her chicken soup and stuffed animals; Muffy pretends nothing has changed; and an upset Francine can't bring herself to visit. Lance Armstrong makes a special appearance to teach Francine and the others what they can do for cancer survivors. Monday at 7 on PBS.

“Gossip Girl” Vanessa hopes to impress her mother (Gina Torres) by delivering NYU's freshman toast, but she has to compete with Blair to win this honor. Meanwhile, Dan introduces Olivia to Lily and Rufus, and Serena and Nate join forces to help out Carter. Monday at 9 on The CW.

“Dancing With the Stars” The fifth-round results show. Included: a tribute to Michael Jackson. Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

“Melrose Place” Former Melrose Place resident Jo Reynolds (Daphne Zuniga) photographs Riley for the Anton V campaign; Jonah meets with a sexy film executive (Jenna Dewan), who asks him to join her for a late-night drink; Lauren learns about David's secret. Tuesday at 9 on The CW.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” The prime suspect in a child-rape case seeks amnesty by offering to give up the leader of a civil-rights group that supports child-adult sexual relationships. Eva Banks: Rosie Perez. Wednesday at 9 on NBC.

“Top Chef: Las Vegas” The galloping gourmets take on the sprawling and time-tested "Restaurant Wars" challenge, in which they must manage all aspects of a restaurant owned by "Top Chef Masters" player Rick Moonen. The tasks include serving, cooking and hosting. Moonen serves up a guest-judge turn. Wednesday at 10 on Bravo.

“FlashForward” Mark fields questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee about his flash-forward during a hearing about funding Wedeck's team. In other events, Janis ponders how her flash-forward will impact her current relationship and Olivia receives information about Mark's flash-forward. Thursday at 8 on ABC.

“The Office” Jim and Pam return from their honeymoon, only to get walloped with stunning news regarding the identity of Michael's newest sweetheart. Meanwhile, Dwight delivers a bizarre peace offering to Jim in an effort to make amends for years of torment. Thursday at 9 on NBC.

“Smallville” Oliver is kidnapped by a woman named Victoria (Steph Song), aka Roulette, who warns him his life is in danger. Later, Oliver is arrested after Victoria is found dead, prompting him to seek help from Chloe. Meanwhile, Lois is upset with Clark for not telling her about Oliver's attempted suicide. Friday at 8 on The CW.

“Dollhouse” Sierra's introduction to the Dollhouse is revealed when she faces her connection to the Rossum Corporation, a link that leads to obsession and murder. Matthew Harding: Keith Carradine. Friday at 9 on Fox.

“Penguins of Madagascar” The animated adventures of four Central Park Zoo penguins with commando skills. Based on characters from the DreamWorks film 'Madagascar.' Saturday at 11 on Nickelodeon.

“Always and Forever” Former high-school sweethearts Grace and Michael (Rena Sofer and Dean McDermott) reconnect at their 20-year high-school reunion. Sparks fly, but the pair are hesitant to jump into a relationship that already failed once. Grace's mom (Barbara Eden), meanwhile, is quick to offer her two cents on her daughter's romantic woes. Max Gail and Rob Boltin also star. Directed by Kevin Connor. Saturday at 9 on Hallmark.

“Desperate Housewives” Susan and Katherine fight (literally) over Mike; Angie and Nick cover up the result of Danny's lapse in judgment; Gaby is determined to show that she's a good mother; a motel maid castigates Bree for her affair with Karl; and Lynette is annoyed when a handyman consistently seeks Tom's approval (and not hers) of his work. Sunday at 9 on ABC.

“Brothers & Sisters” Sarah's new beau, a French artist named Luc (Gilles Marini), makes an instant impression on the Walkers; Robert does his best to take Kitty's mind off her illness; Kevin and Scotty's debate over starting a family takes an interesting turn. Sunday at 10:01 on ABC.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Michigan vs. FCS, round 2

So Michigan is once again playing an FCS team in Delaware State. Last time Michigan played an FCS team, they were ranked number 5 in the country and were upset by Appalachian State. Not this time. Look for Michigan to win by at least three touchdowns.

Monday, October 12, 2009

TiVo Guide Week of October 12, 2009 *spoiler alert*

“CSI: Miami” A hated Miami investor who lost many people's life savings is murdered. The CSIs search for the killer along with the dead man's hidden treasure. Monday at 10 on CBS.

“Rachel Zoe Project” In the Season 2 finale, Rachel tries to balance her stressful workload, which includes a high-end fashion shoot and the launch of her brand. But more stress comes in the form of a disenchanted Taylor, who threatens to walk away from Team Zoe for good, triggering a relapse of Rachel's vertigo. Monday at 10 on Bravo.

“Hell’s Kitchen” Chef Gordon Ramsay picks a winner in the Season 6 finale following the final dinner challenge, but first there's another dinner challenge to pare the field to two. And before that, the three remaining chefs must prepare dishes from around the world that are judged by an international panel of culinary experts. The challenge winner's family gets to sample those recipes, prepared by executive chefs. Tuesday at 8 on Fox.

“NCIS: Los Angeles” Search and Destroy Tuesday at 9 on CBS.

“Cougar Town” Jules is irked when Grayson doesn't return her compliment on his physical appearance; Ellie bemoans the loss of her looks since her son's birth; Bobby and Travis look for common ground as father and son. Wednesday at 9:30 on ABC.

“Nip/Tuck” As Season 6 begins, Christian has news for Liz and the economic downturn has hit McNamara/Troy hard. But the boys might have found a lifesaver in Dr. Mike Hamoui (Mario Lopez), who's now in L.A. and has found a very profitable niche specialty. Meanwhile, Sean's relationship with Teddy Rowe (now played by Rose McGowan) has blossomed, and Matt, who's down on his luck, takes up mime. Roger Payne: Barry Bostwick. Voice of Authority: Linda Hunt. Wednesday at 10 on FX.

“Survivor: Samoa” The tribes participate in a challenge that requires them to eat unusual food items, such as sea-slug guts, and a torrential rainstorm leaves everyone wet and cold. At tribal council, another castaway is voted out of the game. Thursday at 8 on CBS.

“Community” Señor Chang tries to weed out a cheater by threatening to flunk the whole Spanish class. After someone confesses, Jeff comes to the aid of the accused. Elsewhere, Annie asks Pierce to compose a song for the school. Thursday at 8 on NBC.

“Saturday Night Live” Gerard Butler hosts. Shakira is the music guest. Saturday at 11:29 on NBC.

“Desperate Housewives” Katherine is falling apart after losing Mike, and Bree comes to her aid; the attention that John Rowland (Jesse Metcalfe) is showing Ana is getting to Gaby; Lynette tells her family to do more around the house; Susan learns that Julie is keeping secrets from her; and Angie throws a party for her son, Danny. Sunday at 9 on ABC.

“Californication” Hank has problems with Becca's decidedly adult fashion sense and feels the need to address the issue; Hank and Charlie head to a strip joint to scope out a student who may be moonlighting there; an unexpected stumbling block affects the sale of Charlie and Marcy's house. Sunday at 10 on Showtime.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

BRING ME THE HEAD OF RANDY MARSH!

This sad excuse of a baseball umpire screwed the Tigers out of the American League Central Championship and a playoff berth. Here's the scene. Brandon Inge is batting in the top of the 12th with the bases loaded and one out when this happens.

Clear as day, Inge is hit in the jersey. Marsh, however, completely miss the call and eventually Inge fails to advance. Had Marsh made the right call, Inge would have taken first base and a runner would have scored. Instead, the Tigers left them loaded, and the Twins took the game. Marsh was arrogant enough afterwards to say he could not make that call and hadn't see the replay. BS! It happened. You have to have be blind in one eye and have that milky film over the other eye not to correctly make that call. Frankly, I believe the only Randy Marsh that could see what really happened is Stan's dad from "South Park." You blew it, Marsh. I hope to God that play haunts you for the rest of your natural-born life.

Monday, October 05, 2009

TiVo Guide Week of October 5, 2009 *spoiler alert*

“Sherri” Recently divorced paralegal Sherri (Sherri Shepherd) rebuilds her life while pursuing her dream of being an actress and comedian. In the series opener, Sherri turns to her coworkers for support after learning her ex's 20-year-old girlfriend is pregnant. Monday at 7 on Lifetime.

“Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times” Liev Schreiber narrates the story of the Chandler family, who ran the Los Angeles Times for generations, beginning in the late 1800s with Harrison Gray Otis and his son-in-law, Harry Chandler. The documentary includes interviews with family members, journalists and historians, and features never-before-seen home movies, photographs and correspondence. Monday at 9 on PBS.

“90210” Silver has an unpleasant run-in with her mother (Ann Gillespie) at Adrianna's AA meeting; Naomi starts working with a tutor at CU, but soon becomes distracted by a cute student (Travis Van Winkle); and Sasha figures out Dixon's age. Elsewhere, Adrianna and Navid go on an awkward double date with Teddy. Tuesday at 8 on The CW.

“The Good Wife” Alicia returns to her old neighborhood to defend a former friend's teen son, who is accused of murder. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

“So You Think You Can Dance” The first round of callbacks in Las Vegas. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

“CSI: NY” Mac and the team hunt for an ingenious killer (Skeet Ulrich) after two bodies are discovered on opposite ends of the city. Wednesday at 10 on CBS.

“Fringe” While the Fringe division is alerted to a crime spree that's connected to the shape-shifters, Walter cooks up a prescription to help Olivia recall the details of her meeting with William Bell (Leonard Nimoy), and another subject of Walter's past experiments emerges. Thursday at 9 on Fox.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” Frank's behavior is more bizarre than usual---so bizarre that even the gang notice---so they decide to stage an intervention. Gail the Snail: Mary Lynn Rajskub. Aunt Donna: Nora Dunn. Thursday at 10 on FX.

“FlashForward” In Germany, Mark and Janis meet an imprisoned Nazi who claims knowledge about the mass blackout; a tip causes Demetri to fear the worst about his future; Aaron asks Mark to help him get his daughter's remains exhumed and DNA retested. Friday at 8 on ABC.

“Wizards of Waverly Place” Justin creates a female monster to guard his room from Alex's constant snooping, but the plan backfires when Alex and the monster become friends. Friday at 8 on Disney.

“Good Eats” Alton Brown celebrates 10 years of "Good Eats" with a food-based variety program. Saturday at 10 on Food.

“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” The comedian's performance in Washington, D.C., includes riffs on having a black president, motherhood, 21st-century pirates, her first bikini wax, coming out as a lesbian, aging and working on a gay cruise. Taped at the Warner Theatre. Saturday at 10 on HBO.

“The Simpsons” The Ultimate Punch, Kick and Choke Championship comes to town, and it's a predictably bad influence on the boys at Bart's school. Marge starts a campaign to ban the "sport" and the event's founder agrees to shut it down if she'll fight him and win. Sunday at 8 on Fox.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” Larry has an awkward encounter with Christian Slater at Ted and Mary's anniversary party, and also meets an old girlfriend (Sherry Stringfield) at a restaurant. Meanwhile, Larry's doctor (Philip Baker Hall) gives him a personal contact number. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Hell in a Cell results

I finished at 5-3, that's how I did. PARTY! Thanks a ton, Shawn Michaels & Triple H, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, Big Show & Chris Jericho, and Mickie James. As for John Cena, CM Punk, and R-Truth, SCREW YOU! My record has now improved to 223-190. Not to toot my own horn, but God, I am good at this.

Hell in a Cell card & picks

Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Championship
John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton

Tag Team Hell in a Cell match
D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels) vs. The Legacy (Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase)

Singles match for the WWE Intercontinetal Championship
John Morrison (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

Triple Threat Match for the WWE United States Championship
Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Jack Swagger vs. The Miz

Hell in a Cell match for the World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk (c) vs. The Undertaker

Tag team match for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship
Chris Jericho and The Big Show (c) vs. Batista and Rey Mysterio

Singles match for the WWE Divas Championship
Mickie James (c) vs. Alicia Fox

Singles match
R-Truth vs. Drew McIntyre

I'll keep this short and sweet because I am so late. Going in, I am 218-187. My picks were John Cena, Shawn Michaels & Triple H, John Morrison, Kofi Kingston, CM Punk, Big Show & Chris Jericho, Mickie James, and R-Truth. How did I do?

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Rio de Janeiro, really?

I cannot believe that Rio de Janeiro was picked over Chicago (as well as Madrid and Tokyo) to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. I, for one, can't figure this out. Certainly, Chicago has a crime problem, but it pales in comparison to Rio de Janeiro. If you're a South American city with 6.2 million people, you know you're going to have a far worst problem with police. Hell, that's the reason I'm worried about South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Outside the tourist cities, crime is such a problem, the police have been rendered ineffective and have all but be replaced with private security companies.

You know, maybe that there is an emotional piece that is doing the talking. How sweet would be do drive the 250 or 300 miles along I-94 to Chicago to see the world's best athletes, or to mingle with people of different nations and backgrounds that you normally would never meet?

That's why I envy you, Victor. You don't need to remind me you're not thrilled about the 2012 Summer Olympics being in London, but it's not all about the sports, but it's also about meeting new people from other corners of the globe and diverging into new cultures. I think that's what the purpose of the Olympics, bringing the world together. The athletic competitions is just the icing on the cake. Still, I wish it were Chicago instead of Rio de Janeiro. I would kill for an Olympics that is within driving distance from my home.