Blue Devils!!

Chris Sale to Start Tomorrow

Hey Twins, Argo F#UCK Yourselves!!!

http://gogowhitesox.tumblr.com/post/81657722968/how-the-twins-feel-about-playing-at-us-cellular

Bye, Bye, Maryland!!

A Video Just For Me.

DUKE Flashback

"Revised" List Of Favorite TV Shows of 2013 (Kind of)

Finally watched Season 1 of "House of Cards" which came out in 2013.
So if I had watched "House of Cards" in 2013, where would it have been on my list of favorite 2013 shows.

1. Breaking Bad- great final 8 episodes to conclude this series! One of my top ten shows of all time.
2. Mad Men- As usual, failed to disappoint. A return to the "old Don Draper" was a treat.
3. House of Cards- Totally hooked on this show. Couldn't stop watching it.
4. Boardwalk Empire- Sometimes when watching this series, you wonder what the hell is going on. But no show does as good a job or wrapping up loose ends at the end of each season.
5. The Walking Dead- the last half of Season 3 and the first half of Season 4.
6. The Americans- Just watched season 1 for a second time and I think I should have ranked it higher. 
7. Justified- for me not as memorable as last season, but still very good.
8. Parks and Rec- easily my favorite comedy on network TV.
9. Lilyhammer- Another Netflix series.  As a huge "Sopranos" fan, love this series. If you liked the Sopranos and you have Netflix, give this a try.
10. Homeland- loved Season 1 of this show. Season 3 was not nearly as good ( and the finale had some big problems) and I fear where this show may be going for Season 4. Still enjoyed it and looked forward to watching it every week.

The Southwest Side!! Where I Grew Up!

RIP, Harold Ramis

My Favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman Roles

Two of my favorite actors of their generation are/were Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giammati.
Neither of them had leading man good looks (Many would say far from it for Philip Seymour Hoffman) but both were able to provide great performances in many varied roles.

PSH had so many great performances, that it was tough to narrow it down. I have ranked my favorites but I realize that you re-order this list in so many ways.

1. Owning Mahowny-
    I'm guessing that most have not seen this role. I have seen it several times and PSH makes me think I am       watching a documentary of Dan Mahowny rather than a film  adaptation!!

Here's a clip:
OWNING MAHOWNY

2. Almost Famous- Lester Bangs

3. Scent of a Woman- one of his very first roles. When you watch it now, it's hard to believe that is                 Hoffman.
4. Along Came Polly- Sandy Lyle
    - except for Jennifer Aniston, the only good thing in this movie. In a minor role, steals the film.
5. Big Lebowski
    -  You wanted to punch him in the face in the Big Lebowski. Admit it.
6. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
    - Gets to have sex with Marisa Tomei in this flick. Highly recommend it.
7. Capote
    - Not a huge fan of this flick but PSH won an Oscar and he nails the role!!
8. The Invention of Lying
   - Another minor role, playing Jim the Bartender. Usually on screen with Louis CK and Ricky Gervais, I        laugh at almost everything he says.
9.  Love Liza
   -plays a man trying to deal with the suicide of his wife. Strong performance.
10. (Tie) Pirate Radio- again, not a great movie except for Hoffman
               Nobody's Fool- a very minor role as Officer Raymer

Honorable Mention:  Magnolia (did not like this film at all,  but PSH is very good in his supportign role); Jack Goes Boating; The Savages: Punch Love Drunk; and, State and Main

I still need to see:  Boogie Nights; Charlie Wilson's War; The Talented Mr. Ripley; Doubt; The Master; Ides of March; Moneyball; Happiness; Flawless; and, A Late Quartet.

K's Top TV Shows of 2013

Well damn, I watch a lot TV, but this was tough this year except for the first two on the list:

1. Breaking Bad- great final 8 episodes to conclude this series! One of my top ten shows of all time.
2. Mad Men- As usual, failed to disappoint. A return to the "old Dpn Draper" was a treat.
3. Boardwalk Empire- Sometimes when watching this series, you wonder what the hell is going on. But no show does as good a job or wrapping up loose ends at the end of each season.
4. The Walking Dead- the last half of Season 3 and the first half of Season 4.
5. Justified- for me not as memorable as last season, but worked for me.
6. The Americans- toughest part of this show is that you don't want to root for the main characters, Russian spies living in America.
7. Parks and Rec- easily my favorite comedy on network TV.
8. Lilyhammer- On Netflix. (Have not yet watched "House of Cards" or "The New Black is Orange" which made many critics' list). As a huge "Sopranos" fan, love this series. If you liked the Sopranos and you have Netflix, give this a try.
9. Homeland- loved Season 1 of this show. Season 3 was not nearly as good ( and the finale had some big problems) and I fear where this show may be going for Season 4. Still enjoyed it and looked forward to watching it every week.

10. Sports Series: "A Football Life" and "30 for 30" I'm cheating here but, tough! The best "30 for 30" episodes of 2013 were "Big Shot", "Free Spirits", "Youngstown Boys" and "Elway to Marino." The "Steve Gleason" episode of "A Football Life." Also enjoyed "Houston '93" and "Steve Sabol."

Just missed- Veep

Big Disappointment- Sons of Anarchy!

Ranking the NFL Playoffs by Rooting Interest

1. Denver Broncos- Apparently it "cool:" to hate Peyton Manning. So, I'm rooting for him..
2. Carolina Panthers- Ron Rivera. At one point early in the season, he was reportedly in danger of being fired. Now he has a chance to make the Super Bowl.
3. San Fran- Jim Harbaugh, please beat the Packers.
4. Seatlle- If Pete Carroll wasn't such a prick, would have them higher.
5. Colts- Andrew Luck
6. Saints- Wish this team played better on the road.
7. Chiefs- Nice turnaround for Andy Reid
8. Bengals- Andy Dalton. Marvin Lewis. That's about it.
9. Chargers- Can Rivers finally make it to the Super Bowl.
10. Eagles- like the team and the coach. Hate the fans.
11. New England- Unlike many, I don't hate the Pats and Tom Brady is one of the all-time great QBs; but, enough Boston sports already!!!
12. Packers- F the Green Bay Packers!

My Favorite Shows of 2013

Will try to post the list today.
Wondering what #1 will be?

I Have Seen 17 of These Movies

151 Best Movies You Have Never Seen

So there!

Jabari Parker- Just So Much Fun To Watch!

ALWAYS A FUN TIME AT THE BLACKHAWKS GAME!!

Eight Years Ago Today

Reminding Myself Where I Was Eight Years Ago Today!

Leyland- He's the God Damn Manager No More!

Ten Years Ago.

I was there at Wrigley.

Cubbies have not won a Playoff game since that day.

BRAVE

Basesball Playoffs- Eight is Enough

1. Pittsburgh- Another ex-White Sox, Jason Grilli. 
2. LA Dodgers- Juan Uribe.

3. Boston Red Sox- Bulldog and Matty Ice
4. Oakland A's-  Bartolo Colon!! Big Boy!
5. Atlanta Braves- Freddy Garcia!!!

6. Tampa Bay-A Team of Destiny?
7. St. Louis Cardinals- A little more likable without LaRussa.
8.Detroit Tigers- I got nothing good to say about any Detroit sports team.

And Then There Were Nine...

1. Pittsburgh- Morneau and Liriano with a weird feeling this morning. A Playoff Win!!
2. LA Dodgers- Time to add to the Legend of Juan Uribe!
3. Boston Red Sox- Bulldog and Matty Ice
4. Oakland A's-  Bartolo Colon!! Big Boy!
5. Atlanta Braves- Kate Upton. Okay!

6. Tampa Bay- Time to Beat The Tribe!
7. St. Louis Cardinals- Whatever!
8. Cleveland Indians- Nick Swisher get off my TV!
9. Detroit Tigers- Please, no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ranking MLB Playoff Teams Per Rooting Interest

1. Pittsburgh- "We are family..."
2. LA Dodgers- Juan Uribe! Juan Uribe!
3. Boston Red Sox- A ring for Jake Peavy and Matt Thornton
4. Oakland A's-  Cool unis
5. Atlanta Braves- the South!

6. Tampa Bay- I guess Crain would get a ring on the DL.
7. Cincinnati- Dusty's success still upsets Cubs fans.
8. St. Louis Cardinals- Nothing against them, but enough already.
9. Cleveland Indians- If it wasn't for Nick Swisher, the Tribe would be higher.
10. Detroit Tigers- the sooner they are eliminated the better.

Really, anyone but Nick Swisher or the Tigers will be okay with me.

NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS AFTER THREE WEEKS!

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP:

Denver Broncos 35 Kansas City Chiefs 24

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Seattle Seahawks 31 New Orleans Saints 28

SUPER BOWL:

Denver Broncos 31 Seattle Seahawks 21

SI COVER (NO JINX PLEASE!)

Victory Monday

There were several enjoyable aspects to the Bears' Victory over the Vikings.
1. A Bears' Tight End that catches passes and even scores TDs!
2. Tim Jennings Pick-6
3. Another 4th quarter drive lead by Jay Cutler.
But if you know me, the thing that I enjoyed most about the victory:
4. Devin Hester: 249 return yards!! The Best!!!

My Hero

JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS!!

NFL PROJECTED PLAYOFFS AFTER WEEK ONE!

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP:

DENVER BRONCOS  35
NE PATRIOTS             31


NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

SF 49ers                   34
Eagles                      28

Super Bowl

Broncos 33
49ers      31

Da Bears!!!

Not Bad

For "Parks and Rec" Fans

K's Totally Useless College Football Top Twenty

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Clemson
4. Florida State
5. South Carolina
6. Stanford
7. Texas A & M
8. Ohio State
9. Louisville
10. LSU
11. Florida
12. Georgia
13. Michigan
14. Wisconsin
15.Oklahoma State
16. Oklahoma
17. Texas
18.UCLA
19. Washington
20. (tie) Notre  Dame
             North Dakota State

Followed By Four Losses

Video Tribute For AJ's Return

Some Praise for White Sox Fans!

Credit to White Sox for how they received A.J. Pierzynski this week. Always a sharper group than the pseudo-hipsters at Wrigley.
— Gerry Fraley (@gfraley) August 25, 2013

A Nice Welcome For AJ

Fox Sports One - You Decide.

Hoping That This Is Some Real Competition for ESPN!

The Future

hopefully it is bright.

8/8/88

Better than watching The Newsroom

The Snoozeroom: Episode 2 - No Rest For The Wicked - watch more funny videos      

Emmy Nominations

OUTSTANDING DRAMA

1. "Mad Men"
2. "Breaking Bad"
3."Homeland"
4."Game of Thrones"
5."Downton Abbey"
5,"House of Cards" -A Show that is streamed on Netflix!! Really?!


Snubs- Boardwalk Empire. The Walking Dead. Can't think of a network (CBS, ABC, NBC or Fox) show that deserves to be here. (Maybe HM will think of one) That's telling you something about Network TV.

Not MANY Great Moments

Ten Years Ago Today...

I attended the 2003 All-Star Game.
Yeah time files and of course I am bragging about the fact that I have attended an All-Star Game

Of the AL Starters, only Soriano (started at 2nd base) and Ichiro are still playing in the majors.
Of the NL Starters, only one- Albert Pujols (who started in the OF!) is still playing in the majors.

Can't wait to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Bartman Game (I was also there)

Birthday Wishes!!

Wow, faithful reader Daniel Strauss shares a birthday with Robin Ventura and Steve Stone!!
Enjoy!!!

Winning Streak of 1!!! White Sox Win A Game!!!

Something to Enjoy about Baseball-Nick the Dick Swisher!

http://wapc.mlb.com/play?content_id=28736323

Gif of Nick-Swisher-Falls-Down

Couldn't Find the Video Where the Heat Thank Their Fans, So I Went With...

Damn! Awesome Parade and Rally!!

Lord Stanley's Cup Returns to Chicago

Last time there was a 49 year wait between Cups. This time 3 years. I like the 3 year wait better.

What does this championship mean for Chicago? Well in a city that prides itself as a great sports city, it certainly mean alot. While we have had other champions; however, except for the Bulls of the 90s, many of those teams, as great as they were, failed to repeat their success:

1985 Super Bowl Bears- a great team that failed to return to the Super Bowl.

2005 White Sox- since that incredible 11-1 post season run, the White Sox have only officially won 1 playoff game (I say officially because the 2008 Blackout game does not count as a playoff victory but it should).

Cubs- ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!

But the Blackhawks, first had to shred a lot of contracts because of the salary Cup returns with the same core  players for the most part. Not it wasn't a repeat but with the salary cap, twice in 4 years is pretty amazing. Add to that the incredible regular season run for this team and Chicago can gloat a little!

Hoping for the Handshake Line on Monday Night

How We Roll in Chicago!!

James Gandolfini

RIP, James Gandolfini

I'm saddened by James Gandolfini's passing. He was a great talent & I owe him. Quite simply, without Tony Soprano there is no Walter White.
— Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) June 20, 2013

Incredible tweet from Bryan Cranston after the death of James Gandolfini. Sopranos is one of my top three TV series of all time, and maybe # 1 (Sopranos, Seinfeld and Mad Men). Breaking Bad makes my top 15 list and Cranston could not be more right about the importance of The Sopranos and the character of Tony Sopranos on the spectrum of TV evolution.

While he will always be Tony Soprano and that is clearly his best role. don't forget:

1. Welcome to the Rileys
2. The Last Castle
3. The Mexican
4. A Civil Action
5. "Bear" in Get Shorty!

RIP, Tony Soprano
RIP, James Gandolfini

Anchorman 2

Not the biggest Anchorman fan out there, but this trailer looks incredible!

Because It's The Cup!!

Lord Stanley's Cup!

Ranking College Baseball World Series by Rooting Interest

1. NC State- ACC, they are playing Carolina and their alt unis look like the 1983 White Sox unis.

2. Louisville- Future ACC members

3. Oregon State- The Beavers

4. UCLA- Cool uniforms. Even better cheerleaders

5. Indiana- Big Ten good in baseball?

6. Mississippi State

7. LSU

8. UNC- Go to hell, Carolina, Go to hell!

Office Workers In Chicago This Morning

Blackhawks. Triple Overtime. Stanley Cup Final Game 1.

Stanley Cup Final Game 1- Just An Incredible Game!!

It is 12:15 am, too tired for any analysis other than- Wow!!

Nice, Mr. LeBron!

Michael Jordan never scored fewer than 20 points in a Finals game; LeBron James has yet to score 20 points in a 2013 Finals game.
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) June 12, 2013

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were -30 tonight via @nbastats. Via @bball_ref that's the worst two man +/- since 2008 (Kobe-Odom) in June
— Eye on Basketball (@EyeOnBasketball) June 12, 2013

Three Years Ago Today!

Stanley Cup Champions Parade!

Time for another one of these!!

White Sox Log

Three in a row!! That's officially a winning streak!!

The things I do for my team!! Stayed throughout the Fog Delay. Didn't get home until 1:00am! But-

K's Attendnace Record: 8-4!

Dunn 4-4 with 2 HRs.

Stanley Cup Final

Going to try to blog more during the Stanley Cup Final.

Original 6- Boston v. Chicago!!

Chara- Hossa: Slovak Power!

For the Boston Perspective during the Stanley Cup Final, check out:

Dueling Couches

White Sox Log

Two wins in a Row?!!!!! Almost counts as a winning streak!

K's Attendance Record: 7-4.

Sox Overrall Record: Not good.

RIP, Charlie Coles

Because Juan Uribe is Awesome!

WGA TOP 101 TV SHOWS

A Good List!

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-wga-top-101-tv-shows-pictures,0,7076975.photogallery

Time to Embrace the Losing Streak

It is not easy to lose 8 in a row if you are really trying! Congrats!!!

Adam Dunn hit a home run yesterday! That blind squirrel has been finding more nuts!!

Trade Bait Jake Peavy hurt?

White Sox Log- Back to Hating Dunn!

An all too familiar sight- Dunn striking out!!
Bad enough losing two in a row to the Cubbies- but to get dominate and to look like you don't give a damn!!

White Sox Log

THREE in a Row!! Sweep!!
Yeah, it was the Marlins, but still!

White Sox record: 24-24
K's Attendance Record: 6-3

White Sox Log

Two Wins in a row!!

Mauer Hate!!

Twins Fans Hating on Mauer!

And Twins fans get upset when White Sox fans say- "Suck it Mauer!"

I am surprised this fan didn't bring up the fact that 1) Mauer makes enough money from doing commercials and;

2) he doesn't play catcher all the time!

White Sox Log

Back home and a win.
White Sox record:  20-23
K Attendance Record: 5-3

The End of The Office- Finally!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Office-Oral-History-Steve-Carell-Exit-1065648.aspx

At one times one of the best comedies on TV, but for the past two years, thus show has been very bad ("Jumped the Shark").
This past season has been almost unwatchable and would have been if one did not know the end was on the horizon.
Hopefully the Finale will be more like the old- Steve Carell days of The Office!

http://www.hitfix.com/whats-alan-watching/the-office-a-look-back-at-a-brilliant-volatile-comedy-mix

LeBron. He funny!

Stay Classy Miami

Crazy Miami Couple!

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299228

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-filomena-tobias-middle-finger-miami-heat-fan-joakim-noah,0,6814851.story

Should Have Been A Hockey Player

More From Susannah Collins

I am completely exhausted. Not from the game last night. From the tremendous amount of sex I've been having all season. @susannahcollins
— Jonathan Toews (@19JToews) May 1, 2013

(Fake Toews Account)

Playoffs!!

Not Good

Two defeats in a row.
Too early to panic, but.....

Record with K in attendance: 4-3

Three in a Row!

Tyler Greene homer!
Hector Gimenez homer!
Conor Gillespie homer!

Just as expected.

Welcome, Kyle Long!!

Very excited to join the @chicagobears I need Bears fans to tell me what it means to wear the Navy & Orange #AboutOurColors @tide #Spon
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) April 26, 2013

Went to bed thinking I was dreaming - woke up a Chicago Bear. So blessed.
— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) April 26, 2013

I am happy with anyone as the Bears' first round pick as long as it was not Manti Te'o!!

Sox Game Rained Out!!

For the White Sox, that is the closest thing to a win lately!!!

I'm counting it as a win- lovely lady time!!!

ACC Grant of Rights

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/dukenow/duke-acc-grant-of-rights-coach-k

Looks like you can stop the rumors about more teams leaving the ACC!!

White Sox Log

Losing Ugly!

White Sox Record: 7-11
Record with K in Attendance: 3-2

Congrats to the \Twins, who apparently won the division yesterday based on a the celebration after Sunday's victory.
Side note re Twins fans. In the second inning two couples sit down in the row behind me (I was directly behind home plate, Row 18 together with at least 2 scouts). The two buys were Twins fans while the ladies were White Sox fans. One of the guys: "Please pass the ketchup for my hot dogs."  I turn around and yeah, the two guys from Minnesota are eating hot dogs with ketchup. Luckily and rightfully so, they were escorted out of the seats in the next inning when the true seat holders arrived. I am sure that the two idiots from Minnesota (and let me tell you they were idiots) must have been shocked that a black family was even at the ballpark- much less with seats that good!!!

Gavin Floyd with a quality start. Bullpen decides it is okay to walk batters. Donnie Veal probably needs to be sent down to the minors if he can't get lefties out.

Offense continues to disappoint. I could go on, but why even bother at this point

1983 Winning Ugly White Sox

1983 Winning Ugly Team Photo

Team Photo Link #2

From Chicago to Boston...

today, we are one! We Got your back, Boston! Be Strong!!!

White Sox Finally Win!

You win tomorrow and that's a winning streak!

White Sox- Stop Losing Already!

Sox Record: 4-6

Some hits with runners in scoring position would be nice!

White Sox Log

Tank with the Walk-off HR in the 10th inning!

White Sox Record: 4-2
With K in Attendnace: 3-1

White Sox Update

White Sox Record 3-2
Record with K in Attendance 2-1

Heroes- Rios, Conor Gillespie, Donnie Veal and Addison Reed
Not so much- Jeff Keppinger and Matt Thornton.

White Sox

Season Record 2-1
Record with K in attendance: 1-1

Will try to blog more about the South Siders!

RIP, Roger Ebert

2. Classic Appearance on Letterman

RIP, Roger Ebert!

1. Roger Ebert's Letter to Jay Mariotti after he left the Sun-Times in a very douche-bag fashion:

Dear Jay,

What an ugly way to leave the Sun-Times. It does not speak well for you. Your timing was exquisite. You signed a new contract, waited until days after the newspaper had paid for your trip to Beijing at great cost, and then resigned with a two-word e-mail: "I quit." You saved your explanation for a local television station.

As someone who was working here for 24 years before you arrived, I think you owed us more than that. You owed us decency. The fact that you saved your attack for TV only completes our portrait of you as a rat. Newspapers are not dead, Jay, and this paper will not die because you have left. Times are hard in the newspaper business, and for the economy as a whole. Did you only sign on for the luxury cruise?

There's an old saying that you might have come across once or twice on the sports beat: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Newspapers are not dead, Jay, because there are still readers who want the whole story, not a sound bite. If you go to work for television, viewers may get a little weary of you shouting at them. You were a great shouter in print, that's for sure, stomping your feet when owners, coaches and players didn't agree with you. It was an entertaining show.

Good luck getting one of your 1,000-word rants on the air. The rest of us are still at work, still putting out the best paper we can. We believe in our profession, and in the future. And we believe in our internet site, which you also whacked as you slithered out the door. I don't know how your column was doing, but we have the most popular sports section in Chicago. The reports and blog entries by our Washington editor Lynn Sweet have become a must-stop for millions of Americans in this election year. After a recent blog entry I wrote about the Beijing Olympics, I woke up at 5 a.m. one morning, when North America was asleep, and found that 40 percent of my 100 most recent visitors had been from China. I don't have any complaints about our web site. So far this month my web page has been visited from almost every country on earth, including one visit from the Vatican City. The Pope, no doubt.

Hope you were doing as well. You have left us, Jay, at a time when the newspaper is once again in the hands of people who love newspapers and love producing them. You managed to stay here through the dark days of the thieves Conrad Black and David Radler. The paper lost millions. Incredibly, we are still paying Black's legal fees. I started here when Marshall Field and Jim Hoge were running the paper. I stayed through the Rupert Murdoch regime. I was asked, "How can you work for a Murdoch paper?" My reply was: "It's not his paper. It's my paper. He only owns it." That's the way I've always felt about the Sun-Times, and I still do. On your way out, don't let the door bang you on the ass.

Your former colleague,

Roger Ebert

Happy Birthday, HM!!

My friend is OLD!!
I may be a day or two off (but I know it wasn't yesterday because that was my big brother's b-day!).
If it is today, he shares a b-day with this famous people:

Almost as Cool as HM!!!

There was a time when women fought over HM(that was a LONG time ago!!)

And I am sure one of his birthday wishes is sharing a pizza with Erin Andrews! (Papa John's!?)

But at the end of the day, this guy is a great family man and awesome friend (but a lousy softball player!!)

To Many More, bud!!! "STO LAT!!"