2007 NFL DRAFT Part 1 Winners

This is my first year with NFL draft coverage and I cannot give stats for every guy drafted. However I will give out my draft grades. Keep in mind if a pick was traded for a player I am including that player in my grading.

A+

New England Patriots- Trading a 4th round pick for a Hall a Fame receiver that has played well on every winning team he has been on is a no-brainer. Randy Moss will be a pro bowler this year and there may only be one or two other guys in this draft that you could possible say that about. The also picked up a future number #1 and got a replacement for Rodney Harrison with the talented Brandon Merriweather.

San Fransico 49ers- I really like the trade for Darrell Jackson. Solidify your receiving core while weakening a division foe. Patrick Willis is a tackling machine and can play defense in both the 3-4 and the 4-3. Joe Staley has a 1st round grade and they moved ahead of Baltimore to get him. He could be the anchor on that left side for a long time. I also thought they got great value with some of the later round picks namely Joe Cohen the DE from Florida, and Tarrell Brown the CB from Texas.

A

Carolina Panthers- Dwayne Jarret I believe got penalized for putting up gaudy numbers because it seems like he was a product of the system. However this guy made so many incredible big plays that I believe he will be a red zone weapon from day one. You cannot double him Keyshawn and Steve Smith. Jon Beason is one of those safeties playing linebacker and he should fly around the field. The also picked up the top ranked center in Ryan Kahil in the 4th.

Atlanta Falcons- Jammal Anderson really impressed me in the Outback Bowl and looks like he could be a difference making Defensive End. The Falcons grabbed his teammate CB Chris Houston, a burner, who is going to pair nicely with DeAngelo Hall. Justin Blalock will help with the switch from zone blocking to a more traditional straight ahead approach and TE Martez Millner has the physical tools to give Mike Vick another redzone weapon.

Cleveland Browns- I am not crazy about giving up a future #1 to get a shot at Quinn, but he is hometown guy and an easy sell to the fans. The two picks I really like is Joe Thomas who is the closest to a sure thing in this draft and Eric Wright, who if character would not have been a premium this year would have been a first round selection but he slid to the third. I don’t know if this is enough to save Romeo, but it probably bought there GM another year.

A-

Arizona Cardinals- Something seems to be brewing in the desert and this team looks like it is ready to get over the hump. Levi Brown may have been a reach but LTs seem to be a rather safe position to draft. Allen Branch, before the combine, was a top 5 talent and the Cardinals are glad his stock has slipped. Two lower round guys I think could have immediate impact on special teams, yeah do you remember that Bears game? Buster Davis is a London Fletcher clone and has produced his whole career, and Steve Breaston is as good of returner as there was in the draft sans Teddy Ginn.

B+

Buffalo Bills- I think Marshawn Lynch is going to be the most complete back to come out of this draft and he will be able to showcase that right away. He is my pick for Offensive Rookie of the year. Paul Posluszny is a guy that slipped a bit but I think he is a perfect fit for Buffalo. This guy can play. A lot of people had Trent Edwards as the third highest rated QB and should give them a back up plan if ol uncle Rico cannot find his 1982 game.

Oakland Raiders- In my mind they picked up the top rated QB in Jamarcus Russell and the top rated TE in Zach Miller. Quentin Moses and Michael Bush are two picks that have a great amount of potential. It seemed like Al Davis got it right for the second year in a row and this team is ready to move forward instead of constantly backwords. The real question is how long do they wait to hand over the keys to Russell.

B

NY Jets- Traded a 2nd round pick for Thomas Jones who I feel is the most underrated RB in the NFL. They traded up twice in this draft to get players they WANTED in front of there rivals the NE Patriots. Revis is the closest thing to lockdown corner in this draft and David Harris played for a physical defense at Michigan and should fit right in next to Jonathan Vilma on the inside of that 3-4.

B-

Green Bay Packers- I keep hearing “how does a DT tackle help Brett Favre out” well I think improving your defense always helps your offense. The Packers Ted Thompson maneuvered well down in the draft too stock pile talent. Justin Harrell has all the ability in the world to become a great DT in this league and that would do wonders for keeping guys off Hawk and Barnett so they can make plays. This is a team with a lot of wholes and depth was definitely an issue. Thompson took a chance with some guys with injury history but there is a lot of talent. Keep an eye on David Clowney, he is going to remind people of a young Antonio Freeman.

C+

Miami Dolphins- Ted Ginn will have an immediate impact in the return game and can learn a lot from Chris Chambers on how to be a good pro. The did get a qb they can develop in John Beck, and they got a Warrick Dunn clone, in Lorenzo Booker. Brown, Williams, and Booker are going to make a real nice three headed monster at tailback.
Detroit Lions- They may have taken the best player in the draft in Calvin Johnson, but after giving big money to Mike Furrey and Shaun Mcdonald in the off-season Johnson is more of a luxury pick. They should have traded down and picked up some secondary or o-line help.

Minnesota Vikings- I like the Adrian Peterson pick but I don’t love it when you consider you gave a lot of money to make Chester Taylor the man. Peterson has a lot of ???s and they still don’t have a QB. Quinn may have made more sense here. Sindney Rice and Marcus McCaulley have 1st round ability lets see if they use it.

Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs were the talk of the draft because they were going to trade Green and LJ. Well neither happened and although Green is still going to be traded they ended having a nice day. Dwayne Bowe finally gives them a receiver with legitimate #1 potential Turk McBride and Tank Tyler will add size and athleticism across there defensive front.

Tommorow I will give you the losers of the 07' Draft.

Soprano & Entourage (Spoiler)

Well I was real happy with both Sopranos and Entourage last night. First of all in Sopranos we find out for the very first time what type degenerate gambler Tony is. I think this was the episode to really show Tony's flaws as a person or possible weaknesses and i think this is best illustrated by his straight up meltdown on Carm. However near the end of this episode they kind of put these weaknesses to bed when he comes clean with Carm and pays his debt off with heche. I know I pump this show up a lot but so often I get so pissed because they take interesting subplots and just leave them up in the air. I think this is partly because they dont have every character signed on for every episode so a lot of times they just have to leave the story after one or two episodes. A perfect example would be the rapper that wanted to get the rights to some of his grandfathers songs from Heche and then attempted an assassination. It is something that really bothers me with this show that they will hit on something that is really interesting but then leave. What ever happened to the Russian Pauly shot in the woods? Anyways still no idea where this show is headed in the final 5 episodes. I missed the preview for next week. There is going to be some hits between the two families no doubt. My guess one of the main characters is gone next week. I think it is going to be Paulie but Silvio could be a darkhorse to get whacked. i still think Tony ends up getting out without getting killed but it may leave a better lasting effect having him get the bullet at the end. One interesting note Tony would never rat on his friends but what if he caught word on a terrorist threat, they keep flashing Middle Easterners and the Feds did talk to him about that. it may be a way for Tony to get out of something that he gets busted for without rolling over on someone. I really dont know just a couple of theories and the terrorist one is kind of far fetched.

Entourage- Best episode of the season although it is pretty clear to me that this season is going to be all style and very little substance. Luckily the beautiful women and the comic relief is all this show really needs. We finally did get some story with Vince and Amanda getting down and now they both appear to like each other. This isnt going to be good for the rest of the guys especially Eric because he is going to get teamed up on. Plus Ari is going to deliver Vinces dream job and Vince is going to take Ari back. i mean come on the show is Ari he is what makes it good. I enjoyed the cameo by Chuck Liddell and Drama is always strong in his role. I think since none of the storylines are moving forward one I am hoping happens is Drama two pilots do really well and he gets a big movie deal. Every year has been the same and the boys keep doing better and better so I think Drama will finally get out from under lil bro shadows. Kind of like what Band of Brothers did for Donnie Walberg if we want to start making those comparisons. Anyways I was happy with last night, Ari at dinner was classic, and I really think Amanda is hot but this show is fading quickly and its due to its poor writing. I mean how about a sex tape, or a knocked up actress, drug charges or something else real. I mean the story is writing itself pretty much every day in Hollywood and they already got the laughs, and the hot ass to back it up.

American Gladiators Glad You Are Back!!!

I dont know about anyone else but I have been calling for the return of American Gladiators and the great people at ESPN finally delivered. I was catching up last night, I DVR'd about 20 episodes and we are running out of space, and this show is with out a doubt one of my favorite TV shows. It was a real staple of my childhood. I think instead of Pros vs Joes they should just remake this classic show. I mean how hard would be to find the gladiators, go to any gym across the country and you can find a couple of these muscle heads. I really dont think this was the best show for women though, the chick gladiators are hard to look at. I mean I dig a woman that is in good shape, but cmon ladies do you really need to throw up four plates when you are on the bench. Thank god for fake breasts or this would really be hard to watch. I will leave you this one clip and if you are not hooked you dont have a sense of humor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGDwScgb_Y0

I still want one of these...

Remember when "It" first came out. It was going to revolutionalize transportation as we know it. Well that didnt quite happen though as soon as cost go down I will be getting one. I think they are the coolest thing for lazy people of the new millenium. Basically a wheel chair for, as Larry David would say, the "able bodied". This panel discusses the significance the segway has had.

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/in_the_know_life_before_the

Humpday: Scarlett Johansson

Every time I see one of her movies she is going to make an appearance on my blog because she is without a doubt one of the top five hottest women on the planet. I think this picture made it on the old blog but it is good enough for me to bring back (definately one of my faves!) ENJOY!!!

DVD Rental Day: Half Nelson and The Prestige

I rented a couple of really good movies in the last week. The first movie is Half Nelson. Up and coming Ryan Gosling stars as a inner city teacher and girls basketball coach that has a problem with drug addiction. Gosling, is amazing in this role. I will say I have not liked any of his previous movies but he is cleary one of the most talented young actors. Not that playing a drug addict is that difficult of a role, how many other actors have done this, but you dont want to miss him in this movie. The movie demonstrates balancing an addiction while not trying to let it affect you in other areas of your life. However, we know that cannot happen, drug addiction whether it be a $20 a week marijuana addiction or $50 a day crack habit, it effects you in every area of your life. Gosling does a great job showing this. He is backed by strong performances by Anthony Mackie and Shareeka Epps. This movie is very good and I reccommend to everyone.

The other movie I watched was The Prestige, and although I didnt have high expectations about a revenge movie based upon magic acts, the Prestige suprised me. Although this movie is very confusing and the story jumps from passed to present without enough time to even allow the viewer to catch up, the story is strong enough to keep you intune. With its many twists and turns and good performances by Bale and Jackman this movie will for sure keep you guessing. The one major problem I have with movies that try and trick and fool you is they usually make most of the plot twists really believable, but then right at the end they have a turn that nobody could have predicted because it is completely impossible. I mean I love a movie that can test my logic skills and then back it up with a good explanantion as to how it is possible, but end like that. You dont need some over the top unbelievable turn of events to leave the viewer asking a million questions when the movie gets over. The Saw trilogy is great at this. Overall i think the Director Christopher Nolan is very talented if not over ambitious. Much like his movie Memento which I enjoyed but confused the hell out of me, this movie jumps from a clever reveng movie to a turn of the century sci-fi movie which is a pretty hard transition. With all that being said I enjoyed it because it is entertaining the story is difficult to follow but it gives you chances to catch up and there are some good performances by Jackman, Bale, David Bowie, and the beautiful Scarlett Johanson the inspired a humpday tribute.

Weekend Review Soprano and Entourage (Spoiler)

This weekend was one of the better ones in a long time. If this was a prequel of this summer I dont know if my old, out-of-shape body can handle it. Friday night I had the Brother Ali concert. We went out to eat at the Avenue bar for fish. What a great meal, it probably helped that I spent some of my 4-20 celebrating the holiday and I was quite hungry when we finally sat down to eat but it was definately one of the better Fish Frys i have ever had. We got to the concert at about 9 and the place was filling up fast, it ended up being a sold out show. The opening acts were decent but just kind of filler to allow me to get boozed up for the main event, one of the highlights definately had to be Snuggles beat boxing. A talent not really good for anything but very impressive when you hear someone that is good at it. Brother Ali probably came on at 12 or so and he did not dissapoint. Though he played my 3 favorite songs off his new album right away so I was super into it. The High Noon Saloon is a really cool venue to see a show and I will be frequenting there site to see who is going to be playing there. I will keep my fingers crossed that Sage Francis will again be back in Madison. Saturday can only be described as Crazy. Jake I hope you enjoyed your Bday. I got up pretty hung over and had a lot of work to do. I mowed he lawn and then jake and I went shopping for a grill, I cant believe how excited I am over my new purchase. It is kind of lame but I think having a grill makes my place feel complete. Though some cocksucker, sorry started watching Deadwood last night so my language may change on this blog, purchased the last assembled one right before I could grab. So it took sneck and I a couple of hours to put it together, who needs directions right? We grilled out and partied pretty hard. At one point I think there was like a 15 to 1 guy girl ratio so we didnt party to hard. Things got a little better later in the evening and we headed to Marshall. The Fox was absolutely packed and I was getting ripped right and left for the Euro look that I was sporting. Oh well it was fun. The A-bar at our place was crazy, I ended up just crashing because i new nothing good could come from me partying past 5 in the morning, but when I woke up at 10 there were 2 Mulherns still runnin it. I woke up with about half a dozen Krispy Kremes scattered throughout my room and the my cousin decided that I didnt need to sleep with a blanket and took it for himself. Note to anyone staying we have a bunch of blankets and pillows upstairs dont fuck with my shit!!! Sunday we broke in our new basketball hoop with a good ol fashion game of 2-2. Not a good idea I am still sore from Jake showing me up and to top it off he was wearing a gay head band. Sunday night we watched our shows and I watched a really good movie.

Sopranos: A decent episode, but not as good as the first two. This episode was pretty much about Paulie Walnuts which makes me believe he is on his way out. The writers on the show wanted us to believe that Tony was going to whack him on the boat and it looked as if Tony thought that Paulies mouth may get him into trouble, but nothing game from it. I will say it was a great seen on the boat watching Paulie get uncomfortable he had made that boat ride before. Phil Leotardo made his move to become boss and it looks like the fireworks are going to begin. I think there will at least be attempts on the lives of some of the bigger hitters Sil, Paulie, and Chris all seem like good targets. I think Paulie dies with one of the other guys taking some shots but living then Tony raining down hell one last time. I dont know if everyone else liked it but I really enjoyed the seens in the Nut house with Junior. So much of this season has been about age and getting out of the lifestyle that the Sopranos live in. With Junior he is always going to be a gangster and there is no getting out will Tony be the same. I really dont think so and it seems like real estate with carmela is going to be his out. Back to the nut house though how great was the card game that Jr has playing with white and red buttons. Then JR kicking the professors ass. I thought that was the best part of the show. I think that will be one of the last looks at Junior Sopranos character and I think he will be taking a smaller role in these last couple episodes. Again the writers tried to put the thought of Tony getting arrested by the Feds but that cleared and I just dont see that being the way the show ends so i dont put much stock in those storylines.

Entourage was better than the last two weeks and I really liked last nights episode. Ari is back to his old ways. How priceless was it when he wrote get the fuck out on the board when he fired that agent. Ari is one of best characters in television. Vince on the other hand has become one of the most boring characters on the show. I really dont care what happens to Vince he just isnt a dynamic character at all. Should be interesting now that Vince and his agent have had sex this makes it real hard for him to go back to Ari even if he can somehow produce Medallian. Drama was great explaining why hot women should not be in the work place. You just cannot say no to them. I was very dissapointed they didnt show anything from the Cabo trip. This show has peaked in my mind but I still enjoy it because it is hip and funny but as far as story goes this show has seen its better days. I am looking forward to the premier of Drama's mini series and I think it could be a real hit making lil brother jealous.

Weekend Preview

Well I hope the weather stays this beautiful for the weekend. I have a feeling it is going to be a fun one. Tonight I am going to see a concert. Brother Ali, http://www.myspace.com/brotherali, at the High Noon Saloon. We will be hitting up the Avenue Bar for some fish and a few laughs before we head to the show. I saw the Brother opening up for Atmosphere at the Rave and he was great, although the venue means everything with a hip-hop concert. Saturday is going to be crazy. My roommate Jake's birthday was last weekend, but he was Turkey hunting, so we will celebrate this weekend. I am really pumped for this party, as every birthday i have ever celebrated with Jake has been completely amazing. We have a lot of work to do to get the place ready, I know cleaning before a party is stupid, but i would be embarrassed to show the place the way it looks now. With a UFC Fight, a barrel of Ice House, and one of my friends guest bartending at the local saloon, it has the makings for one wild and crazy night. If you havent heard about the party my apologies I still dont have a lot of #s. Anyone is welcome to come all I ask is be ready to party and dont fuck up my place unless you are doing something really funny.

Humpday: Jenna Fischer

I have always had a crush on the sexy secretary from the office. After seeing Blades of Glory, my feelings were intesified. Unfortunately there are not a lot of good pictures of Jenna out there. I will keep looking for now, Enjoy!!!

Weekend Review: Spoilers

As you very well may know Sunday is a day of rest for me and a day normally filled with a lot of couch and watching a lot of televesion. After a rather tough weekend for the old liver I did the beautiful sunday up in style purchasing two new movies. One of them I have already given a review for so i wont bother, but if you havent seen it yet pick up Borat, this film is one of the funniest of the year. The other movie I picked up was Blood Diamond. I am giving this movie mixed reviews. I liked the performances of both Leo and Hounsou, but the story did not keep my interest as much as I thought and hoped it would. The sometime shocking look at an African subculture of Warlord ran diamond minds was brutal and this is something that hasnt been shown in many movies to date. However i felt that this story was somewhat un climatic. I would say that this movie is a definate movie to rent but I would not put this in one of the top movies of the year and as a rental reccomendation, I would have to put Children of Men higher on my list. Nonetheless it is a joy to watch Leo acting as he is truly one of the best of my generation.

Sopranos last night was good not great. The storyline took a few more twists as Christophers slasher movie came out and it seems as though he was trying to send Tony a message or at least that is what is perceived. There are soon to be some fireworks between Chrissy and Tony which should be great. Johnny Sacs passed away and there is still no clear cut choice for head of the NY family, but all evidence is pointed to Phil Leotardo taking the reigns as his choice for successor was also gunned down. The show is also trying to give the viewer the thought that Tony may turn to the FBI to gain freedom from his lifestyle, but I dont see anyway the show ends with Tony working with the Feds. My money is still on Christopher becoming boss, but the first two episodes sure point differently.

Entourage was again disappointing but Ari and his assistant Lloyd had some very good moments. Ari is searching for new clients now that Vince has left him and doing so he has to deal with a guilty conscience. Still no word on the Sam Mendes project as Eric and Vince were planning a trip which ends up being a little spring break for Turtle, Drama, and Vince while Eric has a little romantic get-a-way with Sloan. One storyline to watch the rest of the season is how Eric handles getting serious with Sloan and can he give up on the lifestyle of fun, fun, fun for a chance to settle down with someone. It certainly appears that the other boys have no intentions of settling down any time soon. Not much plot for the first two episodes besides the fact that it appears Lloyd will have a more prominent role and Vince will be taking more control of his own career because leaving it to Ari and Eric hasnt been going so well. i still think someone is going to get with the new agent and it will probably be Vince.

Friday Funday

The game that nearly knocked me out of college. Probably shouldnt get this on the work computer but if you are bored at home and are looking to kill 10 hours a day well then this is the game for you.

http://www.womgames.com/index.php

Top 10: Movies of the 90s

This has been the most difficult list by far. Probably because the decade in which I have seen the most movies is the 90s, but I also think this was an incredible decade for film. The names I left of were really good movies. Great depth and a great top 5.

Honorble Mention: JFK, Casino, Saving Private Ryan, Silence of the Lambs, Trainspotting, Fight Club, Braveheart, Fargo, Tombstone, Forest Gump, A River Runs Through It, American Beauty, Matrix, Resevoir Dogs, and Seven (I cannot believe these movies missed out. They all could be on, I love them all).

#10 Usual Suspects (95)- I still think there are people out there that have not seen this movie and what a shame that is. One of the best stories I have seen written on film and with out a doubt one of the best endings. A then pretty unkown Spacey delivers a wonderful performance. This movie will keep your interest from the second it starts to the very end.

#9 Good WIll Hunting (97)- I think I am going to get some flack for having this on my list but at the time I thought that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were going to be the two biggest stars in Hollywood. One turned out to be a pretty damn good the other sucks. These guys wrote a wonderful script, and with the help of Robin Williams in his best role to date, they delivered a great movie.

#8 American History X (98)- I dont think Ed Norton gets enough credit for this role. He probably put on 30 lbs of muscle for the role. This role is as good as it gets for acting. He was nominated for an oscar for his performance but did not win. This is a pretty good story with a chilling and powerful performance that I just love.

#7 Unforgiven (92)- Westerns are really a dying breed of movie. This one is the best one to come out in the last twenty years. Clint Eastwood is one of the best all-time and Gene Hackman might be better than him. I know a lot of people here Western and get turned off, but this is a wonderful film about a man that tries to go straight but the one thing he is really good at is being a cowboy. Wonderful film.

#6 Big Lebowski (98)- I am kind of torn as to whether this movie should be on this list. If I said my favorite movies well then yes it would be, but this is my best of list. I still think it deserves the cut. I saw this movie twice before liking it and now I like better every time I see it and I have probably seen it 100 times. This movie is hysterical and truly was one of the best films of the 90s.

#5 LA Confidential (97) - This like Usual Suspects is such an amazing story. This is one of those movies that you watch and you are like wow how did someone think of all of that. With twists and turns a wonderful plot and a great cast to back it all up. This is a movie that you will definately enjoy.

#4 Shawshank Redemption (94)- If Stand By Me is #1 on my list of Stephen King stories this has to be 1A. What a fantastic story about...well who doesnt know what this movie is about? Everyone has seen this and almost everyone would have it in there top 5 90s movies this is a no brainer.

#3 Schindlers List (94)- Its hard to make a movie about one of the most shameful things in the history of mankind, but Stephen Spielberg did and he did it very well. One of the most powerful movies of my time that had me in tears. Neeson, Kingsley, and Fiennes all have performances of a lifetime. Fiennes' character, Amon Goeth, is one of the best all times. See my villain blog.

#2 Goodfellas (90)- Dances with Wolves is a good movie but for Kevin Costner to beat Martin Scorscese for best director and that movie to win the Oscar is why I cant watch those shows. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Scorscesce gives us a look inside the Mafia that had never been seen before. Pesci, De Niro, Liota are all amazing. If you havent seen this...do it!

#1 Pulp Fiction (94)- Damn 94 was a good year for movies. Quentin Tarentino is one of the best at his craft and this was his coming out party. He revived the careers of Jackson and Travolta and to a certain extent Walken and Willis. From the script to the acting to the best dialogue I have ever seen written in a movie I love this film.

Lets hear your lists.

MLB Predictions

I meant to post this two weeks ago but I didnt finish it in time. I was going to scrap the idea all together once the season started but it is a long season and you cannot tell anything from the first week of the season.

AL Central Winner: Detroit Tigers
The deepest pitching staff in that division should win it. They have a solid group of position players that play good defense and hit for average. They have a flame throwing bullpen that is arguably the best in the American league. The pickup of Gary Sheffield should add some pop to there lineup and Pudge always seems to be on a winning team.

AL West Winner: LA Aneheim Angels
Again a deep staff that includes: John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, Bartolo Colon, and Joe Saunders ranks as one of the best in baseball. They have a great backend too with Scott Shields and Krod. If the guys at the top of the order can get on and give Vlad, Anderson, and Hillenbrand a lot of RBI chances this team could be an early favorite for the American League Pennant.

AL East Winner: New York Yankees
Hands down the best lineup in baseball with current or former all-stars consisting of 8/9 of there lineup. Pitching is a question mark going into the season, but there lineup should carry them through until Philip Hughes, Humberto Sanchez, and possible Roger Clemons are ready to go.

AL Wildcard Winner: Boston Redsox
I think they will barely edge out the rest of the central and the Athletics for the Wildcard. With Dice-K, Beckett, and Schilling as there top 3 starters, Papelbon closing the door, and Manny and Ortiz int that lineup if they make the playoffs they will be the team to beat.

AL MVP: Alex Rodriguez
AL CY Young: Roy Halladay
AL ROY: Dice-K

NL Central Winner: Chicago Cubs
Yes I know it is the Cubs and the always find ways to lose games but I think this team is built for for a 162 game schedule. They spent a lot of money giving them that depth but with a lineup that consists of Soriano, Ramirez, and Lee they will not need Kerry Wood and Mark Prior anything those two can give will just be an added bonus.

NL West Winner: LA Dodgers
Again Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. This team does not have much pop throughout there lineup but they have a very deep rotation with Schmidt, Penny, Wolf, and Lowe and they have some very good live arms in the pen. Furcal and Pierre are going to cause nightmares for opposing pitchers and young players like Matt Kemp, Russel Martin, Andre Eithier, and Wilson Betemit should progress enough to get them in.

NL EAST Winner: Atlanta Braves
The Braves ended there streak of divison wins last year but i think they will start a new streak this year. They still have some questions but Smoltz and Hudson are tough at the top. They are solid at the backend this year with the additions of Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. The Jones boys will provide the pop and never bet against Bobby Cox.

NL Wildcard Winner: NY Mets
Arguably the second best lineup in all of baseball with exciting young players David Wright and Jose Reyes and excellent veteran hitters in Beltran, Delgado, LoDuca, and Alou. This team has one weakness its starting pitching. If they can hold afloat long enough to get Pedro healthy and up and coming pitcher Milke Pelphrey can lock down a spot I think we could see two wildcard winners meet in the World Series.

NL MVP: Jose Reyes
NL CY Young: Jake Peavy
NL ROY: Micah Ownings

Humpday: Holly Valance

I read about this movie that is being adapted from one of my favorite video games Dead or Alive and I found that is has a pretty sexy cast. Jaime Pressley, Natasha Malthe, and Devon Aoki whom all could be featured here. However I chose the one that I have never heard of or seen before. Holly is an actress/singer that has mainly TV credits, but that soon may change. Enjoy!!

Top 10: Movies of the 80s

This follows up my list from last week and there will be one more by the end of this week. I was surprised going through my list of 80s movies. There were a lot of movies that I really liked but I didn't think were good enough for my list. Also many of these movies wouldn't make my all-time great lists. Cmon people I want to see your lists.

Honorable Mention: The Princess Bride, A Christmas Story, The Killing Fields, The Terminator, and Once Upon a Time in America, and Ghostbusters all were real close but just barely missed out. Like I said a lot of good movies but few great movies.

#10A Caddyshack: You should know by now that Bill Murray is one of my favorite actors and this is the first movie I saw him in. I was never a big SNL fan. Him and Akroyd are wonderful just like another Harold Remis movie that just missed my list. Ghostbusters is really interchangeable here but I will go with the one that I quote more regularly.

#10B Die Hard: When this movie came out they took an actor known for his role on Moonlighting and turned him into one of the biggest action stars on the planet. Bruce Willis was actually the fifth choice for the lead to this movie and they gave him a then ridiculous amount of money, 5 mil, to do the part. It worked out for all and this is a wonderful action movie for the ages.

#9 Raiders of the Lost Arc: I went back and forth with what order I should put my two favorite Indiana Jones movies on this list. Spielberg is masterful delivering this George Lucas story. I think it is safe to say that George Lucas is single handily the person to thank for the success of Ripon College dropout Harrison Ford.

#8 The Shining: I am kind of indifferent on Kubrick films I either love them or hate them. When watching this film pay attention to the music score. Suspense in film often is make or break on the music played. This film hits it right on the head. Not to mention a wonderful performance by Jack Nicholson.

#7 Last Crusade: The other Indiana Jones movie on my list. The second movie is not really that good but they hit gold on the third one. How bringing back the Nazis as the villain, adding River Phoenix as young Indiana, and adding Sean Connery as Indiana's father. Throw in a cool story about the cup of Christ and you have a great movie.

#6 Full Metal Jacket: Like I said like love him for this movie and the Shining, could have done without Space Odyssey and Clockwork. The first hour of this movie is as captivating as any movie I have ever seen.

#5 Empire Stikes Back: My favorite Star Wars movie. I really don't know why this is my favorite usually #2 of a trilogy usually blows. This movie like all three of the early released one is just very well done. Way ahead of its time as far as movies go.

#4 Raging Bull: This would probably be my 3rd favorite Scorscese film, but that doenst mean it is not wonderful. I think I would have like this film more if it was in color but I understand what Scorscese was trying to do. Great performances by De Niro and Pesci make this a wonderful but chilling look at the life of boxing great Jake LaMotta.

#3 Scarface: This is the signature performance of Al Pacino and what a wonderful one it is. This movie like all of Oliver Stones is very violent. I remembering my dad renting this movie and I was like 11 or 12 and thinking he shouldn't have let me watch this. I'm glad he did as I still haven't killed anyone and got to see one of my favorite movies ever.

#2 Platoon: A another Oliver Stone film that some how got over looked the first time I did this list. The first Vietnam movie that I have seen that really made me understand what type of mess we had gotten ourselves into. This is as powerful of a film as I have ever seen. Great performances by Berenger, Dafoe, and Sheen. I cannot believe I left this movie off the first time I did this it is one of my all time favorites.

#1 Stand By Me: I know i am going to get ripped by all Steven King fans but to me this is his best story, well at least best that has been adapted to screen. Growing up during the 80s this quickly became my favorite. I remember liking oldies because my mom got me the tape of this soundtrack. Great soundtrack by the way.

Weekend TV and Movie Review

OK this weekend I didn't think was going to be that fun but ended up being quite wild. I don't remember really anything from Saturday night. I just know I woke up at noon on Sunday with one of the worst hangovers ever. I did go see Grindhouse on Saturday. I wouldn't call this film great but it is a truly entertaining movie that is very enjoyable to watch. This is not Oscar type material that Rodriguez and Tarentino attack here. If you don't know this film is actually two films played back to back. The first film is by director Robert Roderiguez and is your classic zombie movie. I was very surprised by this movie and I enjoyed it over the much anticipated Quentin Tarantino movie, Death Proof. In this story Kurt Russell, who is wonderful in this movie, plays a retired stuntman that use his car as his murder weapon. The movie has one of the best chase scenes I have ever saw and delivers some genuine suspense. However in Tarentino's attempt to write the best dialogue ever parts of this second film get boring with long winded discussions about nothing have worked for Tarentino before but I don't think worked well in this movie. All in all it was a great watch and although this movie is long 3 hrs 20 min. It went by fast and was very entertaining.

Sunday also was the premiere of two of my favorite TV shows Sopranos and Entourage. I have to say I was a little disappointed with both premieres. Sopranos was alright it had a great fight between Tony and Bobby which of course shook some things up. Tony then makes his brother in law Bobby do his first hit. Bobby who had always been seen as the nice guy has no problems doing this and could be getting a promotion real soon. Other than that though nothing really new happened in the first episode. There are some worries about Tony going to prison after he was arrested on some weapon charges but I just don't see them ending the show with Tony behind bars.

As for the premier of Entourage, they tried to kick off the season big with Vinces birthday bash, but I think they came up quite short. It had its moments and we meet Vinces new agent Amanda who looks like possible girlfriend material for one of the guys. She gets Vince a new movie, but Ari puts everything on hold with the possibility of delivering Vinces dream job Medellin. Turtle goes over budget on there party to Vince but covers it by using the event to promo a bunch of products. Drama and Ari were wonderful as always but I expected a few more fireworks in the shows season 4 premiere. One more piece of great news a new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm is coming out this year.

Top 10: 70s Movies

I am going to do be doing a top ten movie countdown of the last three decades. The 70s was the easiest for me to do because I havent seen that many movies from the 70s and all of these are really good movies.

Honorable Mention- Jaws (75') Alien (79'): Two movies that just barely missed my list but I believe started a genre for scary movies. A suspenseful scary movie that has some sort of beast was done before these two movies but not nearly as well. They are two of the most recognizable movies of all time.

#10 Taxi Driver(76') This movie often gets put in the best movie of all time list and I just dont see it. However Robert De Niro performance alone puts it as one of my top films in this decade. People just dont understand how good of an actor this guy is.

#9 Monty Python and the Holy Grail (75') A teacher I had in 6th grade first showed me this film and I thought it was kind of funny. I watched it again when I was in college and absolutely loved it. I am not a huge fan of other Monty Python movies but this along with Blazing Saddles made satire movies an actual movie genre.

#8 Little Big Man(70') I know a lot of younger people that may read this will think Dustin Hoffman and think Rain Man well i believe his best performance came well before that in this movie. I absolutely love him in this movie. Although not uttered by him "Today is a good day to die," is one of my favorite quotes of all time.

#7 Rocky (76') I know I often joke about Rocky V being my favorite Rocky and it could be for a totally different reason this was a great inspirational story. How many movies about the underdog were made because of this movie. The answer too many but Stallone delivers a really good movie that just about everyone can enjoy.

#6 Deer Hunter(78') If you rent this movie DO NOT TURN IT OFF AFTER THE FIRST HOUR. Yes it starts off painfully slow but the well developed characters make this Vietnam movie one of the best. Walken and De Niro on screen together how could it be bad.

#5 The Godfather (72') A realistic look at what it meant to be the head of a family. Marlon Brando is amazing a Vito Corleone and we get our first look at a young Al Pacino. Even then he had a presence on film matched by few.

#4 Star Wars (77') Okay I am a big Nerd but the first time I saw this movie I was completely mesmerized. It is safe to say that Lucas is top 5 influential film makers of all-time and this film proves it. We can thank special effects as we know them today to this man.

#3 One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (75') A lot of people will say Jack Nicholson's best role is with out a doubt The Shining. I would completely disagree. I think this is one of the most underrated films ever and would is real close to my top 10 of all time. Nicholson and Devito are wonderful in this movie and there also is a wonderful villain. RENT THIS!!!

#2 Apocalypse Now (79') I didn't like this movie at all the first time I watched and I only sort of liked it the second time. What I am saying it took me a while to realize how wonderful this movie is. It is still hard for me to explain what I like so much about it. Brando and Sheen are wonderful and Duvall plays one of my favorite characters ever. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn't find one of 'em, not one stinkin' dink body. The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like... victory. "

#1 Godfather II (74') How do you make one of the best films ever better you add Robert De Niro. De Niro plays young Vito Corleone profiling his struggles as an Italian immigrant struggling to try and fit in American society. This part of the movie is shown as a flashback as Micheal Corleone, played by Al Pacino, is also having his own problems running the Corleone family. This movie is in my top 5 of all time and if you ha vent seen the trilogy yet, do yourself a huge favor and rent them. You will not be disappointed.

Humpday: Soprano Double Dose

Well as you may have noticed I am pretty pumped for the ending of the Soprano series and I mean this is a good way. Meadow and Adrianna are two of the many beautiful women on this show. I know there arent too many guys out there that would not want to get "whacked" by one of these two. Enjoy!!!