Thursday, March 22, 2012
At the Panera...
Too cute, these little youngsters!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Mancini: "City will win the title - I also believe in unicorns!"
...an old tired line...what about keeping your mouth shut and your house in order?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Alex Ferguson mind games after Man Utd smash Wolves - I love it.
via thesun.co.uk
...only one more trophy possible for United...the EPL title. So Fergie won't let an opportunity to get into City's head go by.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The True Grit debate...The Duke is still the Rooster to me.
For those who know me (and have occasion to look at my profile pic that I haven't changed in two years), I am a fan of the Mountain West. I grew up there as a kid and still enjoy going back when I can.
(btw, for those who know me and were completely unaware that I could even sport a cowboy hat, let alone work my way around the mountains...well I do!)
But I was more than a little annoyed when the Coen brothers came out with the remake of the classic western True Grit. The reason I was annoyed was that people were saying it was a classic, and that it was easily better than the original version (a good many of those never really having seen the original all the way through). Well, you might as well spit in my energy drink if you are going to say that! I am a fan of the Western...a truly American-made movie genre. And as such, I am a huge fan of John Wayne, one of the iconic legends of American film.
My first thought was "how could an nearly exact remake be considered more of a classic that the original?" I was intrigued, but resisted seeing the Coen version as a sort of mild protest...and because I rarely even go to a movie theater anyway.
So on the suggestion of a friend, I decided to watch the Coen version with as much objectivity as possible. While it was entertaining, it was in no way better than the Wayne version. But I wanted to be fair to the people (like Roger Ebert of all people) who gushed that the new version was more true to the book. So, I read the book.
Now, having read the book, seen both movies and considered the write-ups, I have come to this conclusion....the Coen brothers did nothing for the movie other than to make it a bit more scenic and flashy with modern technology.
Example #1: Rooster Cogburn: (Really this is the main reason...and this is what the movie is really all about. True Grit...not "Mattie Ross Gets Revenge")
Ebert went on and on about Bridges' portrayal of Rooster Cogburn as a more authentic one...and complained that that John Wayne was too old to be the authentic Rooster. But whatever Ebert was doing when he wrote the review made him forget the fact the Bridges and Wayne were almost exactly the same age when they shot their respective roles.
Bridges pretty much mumbles and snorts through the entire movie and rarely do we get much in a wide range of expression...this is NOT how the book portrayed Cogburn. In the book, Cogburn was more of a tortured soul who longed to do good. He felt he had tried his best, but life conspired against him to reduce him to his fate of a lonely and weary deputy U.S. Marshall. The book Cogburn told of his wife, his child, his attempt to run a restaurant...all in a way that makes the reader pity him. Even after the classic showdown in the meadow with Ned Pepper's gang, the book showed you he really wanted to be liked...he joined a wild west show. You really wanted to (and were compelled to) like him....even though you knew he had done some dark things in his life.
Wayne's Cogburn was truer to the book in my opinion. He had flashes of temper, streaks of meanness, moments of comedy, and times of humanity. Wayne was able to get all of that and manage to not mumble through the entire movie. Wayne was under-appreciated as an actor because he did mostly Westerns. Hollywood couldn't really respect him too much....and by the way, Wayne was a hard and fast Republican who was the star of the only movie out of Hollywood that supported the Vietnam War (The Green Berets). So mainstream Hollywood in that time all the way through today rarely give him much credit as an actor. But check his credentials, he has starred in critically acclaimed classic movies, despite being mostly westerns... Stagecoach, The Searchers, The Sands of Iwo Jima, The Quiet Man. He could hold his own.
Winner for me, hands down...Wayne.
There are many more reasons, but I will leave it at that for now and invite all to read the book, watch both movies and make up your own mind.
A recent tweet... file under the "why didn't I think of that?" category
@mental_floss: Sara Blakely invented Spanx in 2000. Today she's the world's youngest self-made female billionaire. (via @TheWeek)
Shared via TweetCaster
Shared via TweetCaster
Gwyneth Paltrow injects herself with bee venom...it looks like she hits the botox hard, too.
via thesun.co.uk
...She says the bee venom makes her pain go away. Umm, yeah because her body is in pain because it got shot up with venom!!!....it's better than doping up on painkillers, I guess. But let's face it...she also named her child "Apple" which will require countless hours of therapy. Oh, and she named her other child Moses...
Titan arum: Rare corpse plant ready to bloom - Not your average house plant...beware!
via latimes.com
..I don't think this will fit on my desk in the office. And the "rotting flesh" smell may be kind of a drawback as well.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson: Dimitar Berbatov set for Manchester Utd exit - ESPN Soccernet
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United's record signing Dimitar Berbatov is set to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
PA PhotosDimitar Berbatov: Has started just five Premier League matches this season
•&nbs soccernet.espn.go.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Biden hails middle class at swanky $10,000/plate fundraiser....of course.
...those damn Republicans don't know nothing about being middle class and working for a living...hey pass me the Grey Poupon!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
One in three US adults is obese: study
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.f8db7d69218339b9285abcf6567bb20c.81
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Sent from my "smart phone," whatever that means.
Darrin Keaton - darrinkeaton@gmail.com
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"Love yourself, accept yourself, forgive yourself...." nice thought from the late "Dr. Love"
“Love yourself—accept yourself—forgive yourself—and be good to yourself, because without you the rest of us are without a source of many wonderful things.” ~Leo F. Buscaglia
Patriots end the Bronco fantasy....thank the Lord
...
While I like a good Cinderella story, I (like most of America) was growing weary of the Tebow phenomenon...come on people, he's not a good quarterback. As much as hate to see Tom Brady win, it was a necessary evil (and those who hate Brady, deal with it....).
Maybe God did us a favor this time....
Man Utd 3 Bolton 0 | Paul Scholes...he scores goals!
via thesun.co.uk
...
I don't always like eating my words, but I don't mind this time. Paul Scholes got the ball rolling with yet another goal to add to his legendary career. This was after Wayne Rooney missed a penalty. I was among those that was skeptical of a Scholes return, especially after his rusty show in the City match...but he's Paul Scholes!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
United hold on to knock City out...
This is not your vintage ruthless United, but it us still a win over hated City.
Seeing the previously retired Scholes on was nice, but it shows how weak United are in the middle. And Scholes on the pitch looked like a guy who has retired. In all honesty, he gave away the ball cheaply which led to City's second goal.
The United of three years ago would have never let up and would have put up an eight-spot on City. Oh well, United have to improve in the midfield or the season may end up with nothing.
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?w=1bdal&gameId=334484&i=TOP&topslot=1
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A rare admission from a sometimes pessimistic person....you know who you are!
Some backgound is in order....A very good friend lost a small dog recently. It happened on the coldest day of winter so far, followed by the coldest night of winter so far. After a full day search...nothing. Night came and went and no dog. It got to 18 degrees here in the Atlanta area and no small dog would have survived outside all night. Signs were put up and websites notified....nothing.
The next morning, my friend was down and not in an optimistic mood. In these situations, it's hard to know what to say that won't sound canned and trite....but I managed to get in the classic "it doesn't look good, but it is not hopeless." sigh...Emerson I am not. But I was sincere and really kind of felt that the dog had not suffered a tragic end.
This friend often says (I'm parapharsing) "I never have any luck and bad stuff seems to happen to me." This friend is a very thoughtful person but much too self-critical and, yes, pessimistic.
Well, that day, while I was still struggling to find words of comfort that meant something, a phone call came....someone had plucked the dog from the street and had taken her to their house. Everything was going to be okay. Friend and dog were reunited....all was well.
Well what did this friend say the next day? "I can't believe I got so lucky."
I suppose it's all a matter of perspective and circumstance. But I believe there lies in every person a spark of optimism that is only tempered by our natural fear of being disappointed. Being a pessimist at times is not a bad thing...we certainly cannot roll through life always thinking that everything will work out perfectly...as Laurance J. Peter once wrote..."The pessimist looks both ways before crossing the street."
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
An interesting quote.
So I like looking through quotes on various topics. I find that I can often get perspective on various issues by reading interesting sayings from other people.
These people have usually thought longer about the topic and say it so much more eloquently.... for example:
"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins." ~Bob Moawad
Good stuff. Certainly there are times when we need to rely on someone; but the idea that your life doesn't begin until you realize your life is your own is very interesting.
Mexican Grand Warlock predicts Obama loss in 2012
Mexico's Grand Warlock predicted US President Barack Obama would fail to win re-election and two more Latin American leaders would be diagnosed with cancer, in a traditional New Year's forecast Tuesday.The Grand Warlock, or "Brujo Mayor" in Spanish, leads a Mexican tradition of "brujeria" or sorcery centered in the southeastern city of Catemaco.
via breitbart.com
...
Now here's a guy who is going out on a limb. Bold prediction!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
City slip up against the Black Cats... on the last kick of the match!
ESPNsoccernet: GameCast: Sunderland v Man City
City shut out for the second straight match... United were given a gift today. Many teams have lived to regret keeping United around when there is a chance to put some distance between them.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
A Limited Edition
Awesome Christmas present from Christina at my office. I know you are jealous... the Red Devil in zippo form.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
LSU-Alabama rematch for BCS title game - yawn... last game was the WORST college game I've seen...count me OUT!
via espn.go.com
Of course ESPN and the computers put LSU-Alabama in for a rematch (ESPN has the TV rights to the SEC games).
Nobody will watch this game except the SEC.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Man Utd midfielder Anderson out until February - ok let's say it together.. "Sneijder" #mufc
...Rooney says he can play wherever, but Rooney needs to stay at center forward where he is deadly. The primary weakness has been a top class attacking midfielder. Cleverly is too young and Anderson was not really the answer. (Who among us ever really thought Anderson was the answer?)
Giggs has lost a few steps and Carrick/Fletcher are perect holding-midfielders. Strikers, Defenders, Wingers...we are stacked...but Sneijder (or even Modric) is a piece that will help put it all together. Just sayin'
Saturday, November 5, 2011
ENGLAND: MUN 1 SUN 0 Final .
ENGLAND: MUN 1 SUN 0 Final .
Courtesy: ScoreMobile for Android (http://m.thescore.com/scoremobile)
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Sent from my "smart phone," whatever that means.
Darrin Keaton - darrinkeaton@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Liverpool minority owner LeBron James to attend Liverpool match against United - (another reason to dislike Liverpool)
via espn.go.com
.... Maybe LeBron's tendency to disappear and/or choke in the final moments of big games will rub off on Liverpool...not that United need the help. Go United!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
NCAA finds no major violations against Auburn regarding Cam Newton - The ESPN/NCAA whitewash is complete.
via espn.go.com
.... Does this surprise anyone? ESPN has a financial interest in maintaining the "integrity" of the SEC because of the megabucks it is paying for exclusive broadcasting rights...meanwhile the Southern Cal investigation took the NCAA SEVEN years until they found something and put the hammer down.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Dimitar Berbatov: I'm happy at Manchester Utd - Class act. (are you listening, Carlos?) #mufc #epl
"I don't play for money. I play for glory and winning championships." Pure class from a guy who has more reason to complain than anybody. How can you not like this guy?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Report: Stoke City v Manchester United - The thugs win the day....
United could have been much better, but everything they say about Stoke is true...thugs. They kicked the hell out of United for ten minutes in the beginning including a EASY penalty that should have been called. Woodgate pushed Chicha in the back in the box and he crashed into the keeper. Watching Stoke grab jerseys as United players were rushing by was a joke.
Another easy penalty when Shawcross deflected a shot with his arm and the linesman called offside on a player (Owen) who was not even active in the play. (And by the way, linesman, it was a SHOT ON GOAL, not a pass)
United looked disconnected and they just weren't moving as quickly as the last 5 matches. But when the referee establishes that a game will be played according to beer-league rules...you have to respond. Roy Keane, we needed you today....Oh well. Marching on....
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sorry Glazer haters: Record profits for Manchester United | Debt drops even further -
via thesun.co.uk
.... once again the idiots who wanted to run the Glazers out of town have yet again been shown why they don't have the intelligence to run a world class organization.
Those stupid green protest scarves of Newton Heath are nowhere to be seen at Old Trafford these days....United are the richest, the most profitable and the most followed football club in the world...for a reason: Sound ownership, Legendary management, class players (for the most part), and a top youth development program.
For all you posers, (City), "Form is temporary, Class is permanent"
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Owen Hargreaves joins Man City --- and he won't get twenty minutes playing time between now and January.
via thesun.co.uk
... not a loss since he was a complete BUST for United when they offered him the opportunity to resurrect his career. ELEVEN MINUTES played in TWO YEARS for United. No wonder they let him go on a free....
Words of hope and change from a Democrat - Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN): Tea party wants blacks 'hanging on a tree' -
via politico.com
.... Well at least he didn't throw in the tired old "Jim Crow" line....oops, he did that too. Moron of the week....so far.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Politicians, the media and the Hurricane Irene apocalypse that never was – Telegraph Blogs
This news link, http://goo.gl/S9844 was a perfect piece on the hysteria and hype when the precious northeast is threatened with what turned out to be nothing more than a bad rainstorm.
And the pics of Obama seemingly taking control of a phantom disaster are comical.
Download Free Drudge Report from Android Market
Darrin Keaton - darrinkeaton@gmail.com
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Champions League draw: City handed stern Champions League test - ha ha!
.... United's group looks fairly routine without crazy travel or weather (although Romania may be a problem if they play away late in the stage). Barcelona get a cakewalk draw....of course.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Fulham 3 Dnipro 0 : Dempsey is a stud, I hope Klinsmann uses him more than Bradley did for USA
via thesun.co.uk
...ho hum, another European match and another 2 goals for Dempsey. For my money, he is miles ahead of Landon Donovan....
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Former Al Gore supporter Rick Perry attacks Mitt Romney - Attack the leader, eat your own....another Republican slugfest.
via politico.com
....Can you say hypocrite? ....just wait until all of Perry's pro-Gore support and pictures of Parry and Gore snuggling up together get some play....Perry is throwing rocks in a glass house.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Chelsea fails to impress, cannot manage a goal versus Stoke in a 0-0 draw- big teams have a slow start in 2011
Three of the "Big 5" teams in the league are sputtering out of the gate. Liverpool couldn't manage to capitalize on a clearly inferior Sunderland team, Arsenal looked completely toothless (and dubious), now Chelsea are held away at Stoke, despite being far better. Hopefully United can be the one big team to start strong....
But let's not delude ourselves....there will only be these 5 or 6 (Spurs) teams competing in April for the title....(Although Arsenal may be in BIG trouble if Nasri leaves too..)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Watching the mexico v usa match and the US team looks horrible...
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Sent from my "smart phone." I take no responsibility for "auto-correct" errors that might render this message incoherent and/or inappropriate!
Darrin Keaton - darrinkeaton@gmail.com
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Another masterclass from United as they beat City....ho hum, another trophy and City has to watch.
via news.bbc.co.uk
.... City tried to bully United off the pitch, but this is nothing new for United and they responded like champions.
It's going to be a very interesting season....
Monday, August 1, 2011
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