K's Best Shows of 2012

I was going to title this post "K's Favorite TV Shows of 2012" because who am I to say what is the best, I'm this is pure opinion, right? Then, I remembered, it's my blog!! I will avoid too many details on each show in case anyone out there still want to catch up on these shows without readign any spoilers.

Any of my top 5 could have been #1 on my list. Picking #1 was very difficult but I decided to go with-

1. Breaking Bad- What a great season for Walt and friends. Can't wait for the final 8 episodes of this series.

2. Mad Men- one of my favorite shows of all time (up there with Sopranos and Seinfeld), so you know this is going to be high on my list. Season 5 was not as quite as good as Season 4, but still some great television.
HONORS FOR MAD MEN

3. The Walking Dead- and AMC takes the top three honors. Much more blood and zombies this season and yet the plot lines failed to disappoint.

4. Justified- Another great story line this season culminating with two of UIC Badger's favorite lines of dialogue: "It's a Piggy Bank" and "You dis-armed him!"

5. Boardwalk Empire-  this season was uneven until the last two episodes, which were simply outstanding.

6. Homeland- not as good as season 1, but Season 1 may have been the best show of 2011.

7. Parks and Recreation-  "Ron and Diane" episode with Christie Brinkley playing Jerry's wife! Brilliant!!!

8. 30 Rock- Tina Fey is a genius, that's how we do in Second City Chicago style!

9. Longmire- This one probably surprises you. A & E's series based on "Walt Longmire:" mystery novels series.  Worth a watch.

10. (Tie) Veep, Episodes, and Nurse Jackie (The Premium Cable Sit-Coms)- With no "Curb Your Enthusiam" this year, had to go with these sit-coms. Really liked the dead-pan humor of "Veep" and looking forward to season 2.

Just missed- Sons of Anarchy
                    It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
                    Boss (Farewell! Season 2 was much better than 1)
                    Magic City

Finally watched the first 2 seasons of "Games of Thrones." Well I liked it, probably would not cracked my top 20. Liked the first season much more than Season 2. Worst thing about this show- God forbid if you criticize this show to any one who read the books!!! I will say that Peter Dinklage is outstanding on this show. I will give Season 3 a try.

Favorite Late Night Talk Show- Craig Fergy

Favorite Web Series- Comedians In Car Getting Coffee.

http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/

Ranking NFL Playoff Teams- Per Rooting Interests

1. Indy Colts- this is a great story with Chuck Pagano plus Andrew Luck (almost called him Oliver Luck) with a young team that could be an AFC contender for years.
2. San Fran- gotta root for former Bear and neighbor Jim Harbaugh,
3. Texans- a first time SB winner (never been to a Super Bowl team) would be nice. But this team limped into the playoffs so I won't be betting the house on them.
4. Seahawks- Another team that has never won the Super Bowl.. Russell Wilson!
5. Falcons- Not the most loyal sports fans, but what the hell, let them win it.
6. Redskins- My buddy Bossman deserves a Redskins Super Bowl appearance. Love RG III. Obama probably like the Redskins.
7. Bengals- Nice helmets.
8. Patriots- Tom Brady is still one of the best to ever play at QB.
9. Ravens-I could live with a Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh Super Bowl!

10. Broncos- Peyton is nice story, but damn this team had John Elway. Enough already.
11. Vikings- Beat the Packers again!! That is all. Seriously, otherwise get the hell out of the playoffs.
12. Green Bay Packers- if you have to ask....

Jerry Thanks AJ

A.J. Pierzynski played a major role in many of the greatest moments in recent Chicago White Sox history. From reaching first base in Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series, to his double in Game 3 of the World Series in Houston, to his performance behind the plate during the 2008 “Blackout Game” division-winning 1-0 victory, A.J. was a key contributor, often in his own very unique way. 

“Every White Sox fan appreciates and celebrates what A.J. meant to this organization during his time in Chicago. A.J. epitomized Chicago’s South Side through his toughness, his attitude, his flair for the dramatic and his passion for the game. He came to compete – and to win – every day. 

“A.J. will forever be appreciated and remembered by White Sox fans as a very special member of this franchise. He earned that spot in our hearts. I personally wish A.J. the very best with the Rangers and with the rest of his career. I suspect U.S. Cellular Field will be one ballpark where A.J. Pierzynski will never be booed. He’s earned our cheers.

Sweet Home Alabama!! Damn!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/crimson-tide-quarterback-aj-mccarron-apparently-dating-miss-211351301--ncaaf.html

Roll Tide, indeed!!!

A much more valuable trophy than the Heisman Trophy!!

4-4!! Officially Out of the Bowl Prediction Business

except for a few games here and there.

Little Caesars Bowl?!

Little Caesars Bowl: Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (6-6)

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20121214/bowl-game-pickoff/#ixzz2GBuOJJxj

Proof that there are too many bowl games. Western Kentucky will be coached by an interim coach. That's all I know about Western Kentucky.  I know less about Central Michigan.

My useless pick is Western Kentucky.

2012 Memories

In some ways, the Year Of Pauline Gretzky.

4-3 Bowl Record

Damn SMU!!

Happy Holidays

So Long & Best of Luck to AJ!

Merry Christmas

HAWAII BOWL

Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State (9-3) vs. SMU (6-6)

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20121214/bowl-game-pickoff/#ixzz2Fw8nq290

Fresno State is a big favorite in this game. I think this will be a close high scoring game, but I am picking the Fresno State Bulldogs.

December 23rd

23- the best number in Chicago Sports history!

4-2 Record.

Thanks, Boise and Ragin Cajuns!!

Saturday's Bowl Picks

2-2 and pissed at myself because in each of my losses I originally was leaning towards picking the other team. Oh well.

New Orleans Bowl:  East Carolina (8-4) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (8-4)

I like the Ragin Cajuns in this one

Las Vegas Bowl: Boise State (10-2) v. Washington (7-5)

Another tough one for me to pick. This is a different Boise team than the past few years, relying more on defense than offense. In a close call, I'm going with Boise.

Beef O'Brady's Bowl

My record is now 2-1 so need this one to stay above .500

Ball State v. UCF.

Been going back and forth on this one.  Ball State is on a winning streak. I'm going with the Cards on this one.

Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego State (9-3) vs. BYU (7-5)

Cougars offense has been inconsistent, but BYU has one of the nation's better defenses. I usually  go with defense over offense, but for some reasons (maybe it's the cheerleaders), I am picking San Diego State in this game.

No One Is Calling 2009 The Year of the QB

A look back at the QBs taken in the 2009 NFL Draft.

1st Round:

1. Matt Stafford- Injury prone and not exactly performing like a #1 overall pick right now.
2. Mark Sanchez-Positive: Was the QB of the team as it advanced to 2 AFC championship games. Negative: his play the last two years. Today the Jets benched him.
3. Josh Freedman- Has played much better than I thought he would (I predicted he would be a bust), so he has got that going for him.

2nd Round:

1. Pat White- remember Pat White running the Wildcat offense for the Dolphins!? Per Wikipedia, Pat White last played for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League.

4th Round:
1. Stephen McGee- a decent QB at Texas A & M. Played a little foe the Cowboys in 2010 and 2011. Dallas cuts him in 2012 and he had a tryout with the Bears. Presently, one of a million free agents out there nto playing for anyone.

5th Round-
1.  Rhett Bomar- drafted by Giants. Member of Giants, Vikings, and Raiders. While with Vikings, arrested in Mankato for alleged third-degree drunk driving. 
2. Nate Davis- drafted by 49ers. Per Wikipedia, he currently plays for the Amarillo Venom, an Indoor American football team in the Lone Star Football League.  Okay.

6th Round-

1. Tom Brandstater- drafted by the Broncos out of Fresno State. Who!? Somehow has been a member of 5 NFL teams, but has far as I can tell never took an regular season NFL snap.
2. Mike Teel- currently QBs coach for Wagner College.
3. Keith Null- started 1 game for the Rams. Threw 5 picks.
4. Curtis Painter- Colts. Had a better NFL career then 6 or 7 of the guys drafter ahead of him. But alas, he also is one of the million free agents out there not playing for anyone.

Happy Festivus!

15 years ago today, Seinfeld aired the Festivus episode. Got a 90% on the Festivus quiz:

Festivus Quiz

Weekend Highlights

1. Second row behind the Mississippi State bench. The Bulldogs started the game with 4 freshmen, but any win for Loyola is a good win.  The Horizon League should be entertaining this year.

Loyola Defeats Mississippi State

2. Butler's defeat of Indiana puts DUKE in the #1 spot in the basketball polls.

Not quite making up for the low light at Soldier Field on Sunday. I apologize to Brian Urlacher, as I obviously was the reason that the Bears lost.

Daniel's Bowl Picks

http://thechicagoan.tumblr.com/post/38007824966/these-are-the-bowls-ill-be-watching

2-0 College Bowl Picks Thus Far

Gotta brag while I still have a winning record.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Utah State v. Toledo.

Aggies should have beaten Wisconsin this year. Good enough for me, Utah State wins on the blue turf in Boise.

The GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL!!!

Finally, at noon on Saturday, you can sit by your TV and watch Nevada and Arizona play in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
This should be a high scoring affair with either team having any defense.

I think Rich Rod will lead the Wildcats over the Wolfpack. Arizona over Nevada 42-35.

It's that Time of Year!

College Bowl Season! First games on Sunday. Predictions coming soon.

More on Loyola - Mississippi State

Confirmed that The Joe will be rocking on Saturday Night! As if Dick Weasel, CK and your truly was not enough, the great Jim Cornelison shall sing the National Anthem!

SAG Award Nominations- Really?!

Alright, I have no idea who actually votes for the SAG awards- is it every member of SAG and therefore there is a vested interest in who is nominated. Here are the nominations followed by my my thoughts, especially on omissions   

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin “30 Rock” (NBC)

Ty Burrell “Modern Family” (ABC)

Louis C.K. “Louie” (FX)

Jim Parsons “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)

Eric Stonestreet “Modern Family” (ABC)

Where is Nick Offerman with quite possibly the best character on TV- Ron Swanson? How about Danny Devito as Frank Reynolds? What is so special about Ty Burrell's performance on Modern Family? Enough Modern family already! 

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Edie Falco “Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)

Tina Fey “30 Rock” (NBC)

Amy Poehler “Parks and Recreation” (NBC)

Sofia Vergara “Modern Family” (ABC)

Betty White “Hot in Cleveland” (TV Land)

Sofia Vergara qualifies as acting. She's playing a Hot Latina with Big Breasts. Who is Sofia Vergara- a Hot Latina with Big Breasts.  Oh, that's acting!? 

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

“30 Rock” (NBC)

“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)

“Glee” (Fox)

“Modern Family” (ABC)

“Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)

“The Office” (NBC)

Where in God's name is "Parks & Recreation"?  The Office has been pretty bad this year. Glee?!

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Claire Danes “Homeland” (Showtime)

Michelle Dockery “Downton Abbey” (PBS)

Jessica Lange “American Horror Story: Asylum” (FX)

Julianna Margulies “The Good Wife” (CBS)

Maggie Smith “Downton Abbey” (PBS)

Don't watch any of these shows except for Homeland and I love Claire Danes.  

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Steve Buscemi “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)

Bryan Cranston “Breaking Bad” (AMC)

Jeff Daniels “The Newsroom” (HBO)

Jon Hamm “Mad Men” (AMC)

Damian Lewis “Homeland” (Showtime)

Take out Jeff Daniels (one of my all time favorite actors but "The Newsroom" is just awful) and replace with Timothy Olyphant of Justified.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

“Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)

“Breaking Bad” (AMC)

“Downton Abbey” (PBS)

“Homeland” (Showtime)

“Mad Men” (AMC)

Hard to argue with any of these, but a nomination for "The Walking Dead" would have been well deserved.

Loyola- Mississippi State in 1963, Much More Than A Game

http://www.kinesiology.msstate.edu/pdf/mccarthy_history.pdf



On Saturday night, I will be going to The Joe with Dick Weasel and CK for the Loyola v. Mississippi State game (gotta assume that PG will also be there). Yeah, it's just another non-conference. But it was not just another game the last time Loyola and Mississippi State played almost 50 years ago. Loyola University of Chicago, still the only Illinois team to win the NCAA championship, had four African Americans in the starting line-up (almost unheard of in that time). The Ramblers had to put up with a good deal of racial tauts at many away games especially in the South. Mississippi State was all-white (read the story on the above link) and had passed on the NCAA tournament to avoid playing teams with any African Americans on it. And in order to play Loyola in East Lansing, Mississippi State had to pretty much escape Mississippi.

Yeah, I'm just going to a basketball game on Saturday, but it is going to be much more than just a game. .

More Conference Realignment Talks

Cincinnati Wants ACC Invite

Click on the link above for the article and then click on the attachments at the bottom of the article. Cincy really was begging the ACC for an invite.  As I told someone awhile again (and was laughed at), it looks like the ACC is holding out hope that Notre Dame will eventually become a full-time ACC member (joining for football too) before adding another team.

This certainly does not look good for the Big East, especially when coupled with the news that the Catholic school members of the ACC met to discuss forming a Catholic school basketball conference.

The BEST Worst Free Throw!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=x-MW5tkTWtQ

HM will no longer laugh at my basketball skills.

My Favorite Christmas Song

Temps Hit 70 in Chicago Today!!

Global Warming is awesome!

RIP, Coach!

Rick Majerus Quotes

Must-read: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/miklasz-majerus-lived-his-life-to-help-others/article_810ebd3e-7f60-531d-8722-898f6f16cd2b.html