REDIRECT
My entertainment-heavy, politics-light site seems a wee bit frivolous at the moment. I'd prefer to refer you to the people working overtime to blog this war. Instapundit, Warblogs, Matt Welch...
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
LAW AND ORDER: TV CRACK
I can't get enough of that sassy Salon TV critic, who today posits that the "Law and Order" franchise is habit-forming and addictive and may be harmful to relationships. Now, the search begins for TV methadone. My hunch is that it will lead to "Yes, Dear."
I can't get enough of that sassy Salon TV critic, who today posits that the "Law and Order" franchise is habit-forming and addictive and may be harmful to relationships. Now, the search begins for TV methadone. My hunch is that it will lead to "Yes, Dear."
Monday, March 17, 2003
IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD MARCH
The selection committee has selected and now it's time to dance. It's gone beyond madness. It's gone beyond mayhem. It is now... insanity. After doing some lengthly pre-announcement research and speculation, I would have to give the NCAA selection committee poor marks for the tournament bracket they came up with. They made some rather critical errors in judgement and placement and I'm here to call them on it.
1) Pittsburgh deserved a #1 seed and didn't get it. Not only that, but the committee essentially ranked them as the lowest two seed, because they put them in the same region as Kentucky, the favorite to win the tournament. Unfair. Unsound logic.
2) Kentucky and Arizona should be slated to play in the championship game. They are the two best teams going into the tournament and needed to be placed on opposite sides of the bracket. Kentucky should have been the #1 seed in the South or East regions. Oklahoma and Texas, both from the Big 12, each got #1 seeds in the East and South respectively, when clearly one of them should have been placed in the Midwest. The way the bracket was conceived, if all four number one seeds make it to the Final Four, the Kentucky-Arizona winner would play the Texas-Oklahoma winner. That's flat-out wrong, baby.
3) They stacked the West. Arizona, #1 for most of the season, should have been given the second easiest theoretical road to the Final Four. Instead, the region contains a strong #2 in Kansas, a #3 that deserved a #2 in Duke, Big Ten Tourney winner Illinois, at #4, a tough #5 in Notre Dame, a #6 that deserved a #4 in Creighton, and a dangerous #7 in Memphis. All of the ESPN experts agreed that the West was by far the most difficult region. The committee could have and should have found a way to balance the four regions so an answer to the question of "Which number one seed has the toughest road to the Final Four?" would have required a lengthly debate. Why punish 'Zona?
4) The BYU fiasco. Mormons don't play basketball games on Sunday. If BYU pulls a couple of upsets and makes it to the Elite 8, they are scheduled to play on a Sunday. Now, the NCAA has an assanine plan to have BYU switch regions if they reach the Sweet 16. Shame on the selection committee.
5) S-E-C bias over the Big East. The Southeastern Conference was given the benefit of the doubt on several fronts. First off, although the Florida Gators are my alma mater and my team, I thought they played themselves right out of a #2 seed and into a #3 in the last two weeks of the season. Yet they were granted a #2 and a favorable road at that, potentially meeting Texas for a shot at the Final Four. Next, as always, there is considerable debate over the "Last In, Last Out" teams. Alabama and Auburn, both from the SEC got in. Boston College and Seton Hall, both of the Big East, were left out, despite going 10-6 in conference games. Throw into the mix the aforementioned lack of respect for Pittsburgh and a disappointing #5 seed for Connecticut, and the Big East may have every right to cry foul.
For easy reference, the tournament seeds are listed below. Compare them to my pre-selection show seeding yesterday and tell me which bracket you think contains more fairness, balance, and potential marquee matchups.
WEST
1. Arizona
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. Illinois
5. Notre Dame
6. Creighton
7. Memphis
8. Cincinnati
9. Gonzaga
10. Arizona State
-------------------------
11. Central Michigan
12. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
13. Western Kentucky
14. Colorado State
15. Utah State
16. Vermont
MIDWEST
1. Kentucky
2. Pittsburgh
3. Marquette
4. Dayton
5. Wisconsin
6. Missouri
7. Indiana
8. Oregon
9. Utah
10. Alabama
--------------------
11. So. Illinois
12. Weber State
13. Tulsa
14. Holy Cross
15. Wagner
16. IUPUI
SOUTH
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Xavier
4. Stanford
5. Connecticut
6. Maryland
7. Michigan State
8. LSU
9. Purdue
10. Colorado
-------------------
11. UNC-Wilmington
12. BYU
13. San Diego
14. Troy State
15. Sam Houston
16. UNC-Asheville vs. Texas Southern
EAST
1. Oklahoma
2. Wake Forest
3. Syracuse
4. Louisville
5. Mississippi State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Saint Joseph's
8. California
9. N.C. State
10. Auburn
-------------------
11. Penn
12. Butler
13. Austin Peay
14. Manhattan
15. E. Tenn. State
16. So. Carolina St.
The selection committee has selected and now it's time to dance. It's gone beyond madness. It's gone beyond mayhem. It is now... insanity. After doing some lengthly pre-announcement research and speculation, I would have to give the NCAA selection committee poor marks for the tournament bracket they came up with. They made some rather critical errors in judgement and placement and I'm here to call them on it.
1) Pittsburgh deserved a #1 seed and didn't get it. Not only that, but the committee essentially ranked them as the lowest two seed, because they put them in the same region as Kentucky, the favorite to win the tournament. Unfair. Unsound logic.
2) Kentucky and Arizona should be slated to play in the championship game. They are the two best teams going into the tournament and needed to be placed on opposite sides of the bracket. Kentucky should have been the #1 seed in the South or East regions. Oklahoma and Texas, both from the Big 12, each got #1 seeds in the East and South respectively, when clearly one of them should have been placed in the Midwest. The way the bracket was conceived, if all four number one seeds make it to the Final Four, the Kentucky-Arizona winner would play the Texas-Oklahoma winner. That's flat-out wrong, baby.
3) They stacked the West. Arizona, #1 for most of the season, should have been given the second easiest theoretical road to the Final Four. Instead, the region contains a strong #2 in Kansas, a #3 that deserved a #2 in Duke, Big Ten Tourney winner Illinois, at #4, a tough #5 in Notre Dame, a #6 that deserved a #4 in Creighton, and a dangerous #7 in Memphis. All of the ESPN experts agreed that the West was by far the most difficult region. The committee could have and should have found a way to balance the four regions so an answer to the question of "Which number one seed has the toughest road to the Final Four?" would have required a lengthly debate. Why punish 'Zona?
4) The BYU fiasco. Mormons don't play basketball games on Sunday. If BYU pulls a couple of upsets and makes it to the Elite 8, they are scheduled to play on a Sunday. Now, the NCAA has an assanine plan to have BYU switch regions if they reach the Sweet 16. Shame on the selection committee.
5) S-E-C bias over the Big East. The Southeastern Conference was given the benefit of the doubt on several fronts. First off, although the Florida Gators are my alma mater and my team, I thought they played themselves right out of a #2 seed and into a #3 in the last two weeks of the season. Yet they were granted a #2 and a favorable road at that, potentially meeting Texas for a shot at the Final Four. Next, as always, there is considerable debate over the "Last In, Last Out" teams. Alabama and Auburn, both from the SEC got in. Boston College and Seton Hall, both of the Big East, were left out, despite going 10-6 in conference games. Throw into the mix the aforementioned lack of respect for Pittsburgh and a disappointing #5 seed for Connecticut, and the Big East may have every right to cry foul.
For easy reference, the tournament seeds are listed below. Compare them to my pre-selection show seeding yesterday and tell me which bracket you think contains more fairness, balance, and potential marquee matchups.
WEST
1. Arizona
2. Kansas
3. Duke
4. Illinois
5. Notre Dame
6. Creighton
7. Memphis
8. Cincinnati
9. Gonzaga
10. Arizona State
-------------------------
11. Central Michigan
12. Wisconsin-Milwaukee
13. Western Kentucky
14. Colorado State
15. Utah State
16. Vermont
MIDWEST
1. Kentucky
2. Pittsburgh
3. Marquette
4. Dayton
5. Wisconsin
6. Missouri
7. Indiana
8. Oregon
9. Utah
10. Alabama
--------------------
11. So. Illinois
12. Weber State
13. Tulsa
14. Holy Cross
15. Wagner
16. IUPUI
SOUTH
1. Texas
2. Florida
3. Xavier
4. Stanford
5. Connecticut
6. Maryland
7. Michigan State
8. LSU
9. Purdue
10. Colorado
-------------------
11. UNC-Wilmington
12. BYU
13. San Diego
14. Troy State
15. Sam Houston
16. UNC-Asheville vs. Texas Southern
EAST
1. Oklahoma
2. Wake Forest
3. Syracuse
4. Louisville
5. Mississippi State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Saint Joseph's
8. California
9. N.C. State
10. Auburn
-------------------
11. Penn
12. Butler
13. Austin Peay
14. Manhattan
15. E. Tenn. State
16. So. Carolina St.
Sunday, March 16, 2003
SELECTION SUNDAY: PREDICTABLE MADNESS
This may be taking things a step too far, but it's March Madness and I've gone loco. I've put together my predictions for the top ten seeds in each region when the Selection Committee announces its 65 team field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament later on today. Of course, I don't expect it to turn out exactly like the eventual bracket, but my fantasy tournement does find each region well-balanced according to conference, home teams, and difficulty.
WEST
1. Arizona
2. Kansas
3. Florida
4. Creighton
5. Wisconsin
6. Missouri
7. California
8. Cincinnati
9. Colorado
10. Southern Illinois
MIDWEST
1. Oklahoma
2. Wake Forest
3. Illinois
4. Marquette
5. Dayton
6. Utah
7. Notre Dame
8. Oregon
9. LSU
10. Gonzaga
SOUTH
1. Kentucky
2. Duke
3. Syracuse
4. Xavier
5. Mississippi State
6. Connecticut
7. Memphis
8. Michigan State
9. BYU
10. Arizona State
EAST
1. Pittsburgh
2. Texas
3. Louisville
4. Maryland
5. Stanford
6. Oklahoma State
7. St. Joseph's
8. North Carolina State
9. Purdue
10. Indiana
This may be taking things a step too far, but it's March Madness and I've gone loco. I've put together my predictions for the top ten seeds in each region when the Selection Committee announces its 65 team field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament later on today. Of course, I don't expect it to turn out exactly like the eventual bracket, but my fantasy tournement does find each region well-balanced according to conference, home teams, and difficulty.
WEST
1. Arizona
2. Kansas
3. Florida
4. Creighton
5. Wisconsin
6. Missouri
7. California
8. Cincinnati
9. Colorado
10. Southern Illinois
MIDWEST
1. Oklahoma
2. Wake Forest
3. Illinois
4. Marquette
5. Dayton
6. Utah
7. Notre Dame
8. Oregon
9. LSU
10. Gonzaga
SOUTH
1. Kentucky
2. Duke
3. Syracuse
4. Xavier
5. Mississippi State
6. Connecticut
7. Memphis
8. Michigan State
9. BYU
10. Arizona State
EAST
1. Pittsburgh
2. Texas
3. Louisville
4. Maryland
5. Stanford
6. Oklahoma State
7. St. Joseph's
8. North Carolina State
9. Purdue
10. Indiana
Thursday, March 13, 2003
TO A SELF-LOATHING PIKER
I am very disappointed that you chose not to take me seriously and to post my email in a mocking way.
The origin of "Piker" as a derogatory word stems from the influx of poor Missouri migrants from Pike County into California during the gold rush of the 1849. They were just trying to provide a better life for their families and were met with bigotry and derision.
While I have dedicated my life to rehabiliting the Piker name, you sit in California, no less the birth place of Piker ridicule and humiliation, and wallow in your self-loathing. I hope you choke on it.
Sincerely,
Johny Piker
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
I have two measly days of employment left. I shouldn't complain though. Production ended when we filmed the sixth and final episode of the run on Friday night. The stellar wrap party was held in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues on Sunday night and featured an open bar from 7 to 11. Plus, I received a gift in the form of an extra week of work to close down the office. The entire six-week gig was a blessing, as I had not held a full-time job in a year. I've been pretty low-key about my work experience, purposely withholding the name of show to protect the innocent. I will now put you all out of your misery and end the suspense. The television show I am currently working on... at least for two more days... a sitcom... is... "Watching Ellie". A press release announced today that the show will be relaunched on April 15th. Its normal time slot will be Tuesdays at 9:30 on NBC, following "Frasier." In support of me and my career, all I ask is that you tune in once, and only keep watching if you like the show. I think it's pretty funny, but then again, I've been seeing it from the inside out, including rehearsals and live in front of a studio audience, and therefore I don't have much distance or perspective. However, Julia Loius-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the funniest and most talented ladies around. She's Ellie, and she alone is worth watching.
I have two measly days of employment left. I shouldn't complain though. Production ended when we filmed the sixth and final episode of the run on Friday night. The stellar wrap party was held in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues on Sunday night and featured an open bar from 7 to 11. Plus, I received a gift in the form of an extra week of work to close down the office. The entire six-week gig was a blessing, as I had not held a full-time job in a year. I've been pretty low-key about my work experience, purposely withholding the name of show to protect the innocent. I will now put you all out of your misery and end the suspense. The television show I am currently working on... at least for two more days... a sitcom... is... "Watching Ellie". A press release announced today that the show will be relaunched on April 15th. Its normal time slot will be Tuesdays at 9:30 on NBC, following "Frasier." In support of me and my career, all I ask is that you tune in once, and only keep watching if you like the show. I think it's pretty funny, but then again, I've been seeing it from the inside out, including rehearsals and live in front of a studio audience, and therefore I don't have much distance or perspective. However, Julia Loius-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the funniest and most talented ladies around. She's Ellie, and she alone is worth watching.
DAYDREAM BELIEVER
One of my all-time favorite short stories, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" now looks like it finally has a strong chance of being remade. Producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. beat New Line Cinema in a court battle to win back the film rights and quickly set up the project at Paramount, where it's likely that Steven Spielberg will direct Jim Carrey in the title role. I never saw the 1947 original, in which Danny Kaye played Walter Mitty, but this pair doing this story is exciting. It would mark the first collaboration between Spielberg and Carrey and, if all goes well, the movie should break the bank and go down as one of the great ones. Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
One of my all-time favorite short stories, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" now looks like it finally has a strong chance of being remade. Producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. beat New Line Cinema in a court battle to win back the film rights and quickly set up the project at Paramount, where it's likely that Steven Spielberg will direct Jim Carrey in the title role. I never saw the 1947 original, in which Danny Kaye played Walter Mitty, but this pair doing this story is exciting. It would mark the first collaboration between Spielberg and Carrey and, if all goes well, the movie should break the bank and go down as one of the great ones. Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
THIS IS SPORTSCENTER, THIS IS BRILLIANT
I stumbled upon one of the greatest uses of the internet tonight. For quite some time, I've been wishing I had a tape consisting of all the ESPN commercials that have been made over the years. Finally, my pack-rat prayers have been answered. I don't know how long it's been up and running, but right there on the ESPN site, you'll find a video archive of almost a hundred hilarious "This Is SportsCenter" spots. Advertising comedy at its finest.
I stumbled upon one of the greatest uses of the internet tonight. For quite some time, I've been wishing I had a tape consisting of all the ESPN commercials that have been made over the years. Finally, my pack-rat prayers have been answered. I don't know how long it's been up and running, but right there on the ESPN site, you'll find a video archive of almost a hundred hilarious "This Is SportsCenter" spots. Advertising comedy at its finest.
TALKIN' TV
For the twentieth year in a row, The Museum of Television and Radio is holding their William S. Paley Television Festival. During the two-week period, the MoTaR puts on these great panel discussions, where they gather the writers, producers, and cast of a show for a screening and Q & A. Last night, that gorgeous TV critic at Salon must have worn her sexy boots and smooth-talked her way into a packed house at the DGA for "24", because she wrote about the event today. If you want to read about it, come with me, I'll show you where it is...
For the twentieth year in a row, The Museum of Television and Radio is holding their William S. Paley Television Festival. During the two-week period, the MoTaR puts on these great panel discussions, where they gather the writers, producers, and cast of a show for a screening and Q & A. Last night, that gorgeous TV critic at Salon must have worn her sexy boots and smooth-talked her way into a packed house at the DGA for "24", because she wrote about the event today. If you want to read about it, come with me, I'll show you where it is...
STRONG ARM TACTICS: TAKE TWO
HBO and the producers of "The Sopranos" are using some muscle on their main muscle-man. The premium cable network fired back at James Gandolfini today, filing a $100 million countersuit against the actor. They claim the nine figure amount represents their potential loss if Gandolfini succeeds in sabotaging the fifth season of the show. Clearly, with both sides going to the mattresses, this feud could get ugly. Hopefully, the heads of the families can have a sit-down and settle this war out of court. Best case scenario finds the off-screen conflict influencing the subtext of the show and adding another juicy layer of on-screen tension.
HBO and the producers of "The Sopranos" are using some muscle on their main muscle-man. The premium cable network fired back at James Gandolfini today, filing a $100 million countersuit against the actor. They claim the nine figure amount represents their potential loss if Gandolfini succeeds in sabotaging the fifth season of the show. Clearly, with both sides going to the mattresses, this feud could get ugly. Hopefully, the heads of the families can have a sit-down and settle this war out of court. Best case scenario finds the off-screen conflict influencing the subtext of the show and adding another juicy layer of on-screen tension.
Monday, March 10, 2003
"THE ELECTRIC KOOL AID ACID TEST ON TOFU"
I'm not sure I can find anyone to argue against the notion that Woody Harrelson is an eccentric. Now we have a documentary film to serve as proof. "Go Further" details Harrelson's 1,700 mile journey by hempseed oil-fueled bus from Seattle to Santa Barbara in the spring of 2001. During the THC trek, Harrelson spoke at several colleges on a range of environmental issues and brought along a support staff of stoners. In fact, Harrelson seems to play second fiddle to his elevated entourage in "Go Further."
One of the devotees on the bus is a former co-worker and acquiantence of mine named Steve Clark. Apparently, Clark eventually and inevitably takes a starring role in the dope documentary. If my experiences with him are any indication, this should prove to be a wilder ride than Mr. Toad's. Of the oodles of outrageous things I've heard him utter, the most quotable line remains: "Are you kidding? I'm doing great. A year ago, I came to town with a Bart Simpson backpack and a hit of acid. Now I have two cats and some furniture." Go as far as you need to go to see "Go Further."
I'm not sure I can find anyone to argue against the notion that Woody Harrelson is an eccentric. Now we have a documentary film to serve as proof. "Go Further" details Harrelson's 1,700 mile journey by hempseed oil-fueled bus from Seattle to Santa Barbara in the spring of 2001. During the THC trek, Harrelson spoke at several colleges on a range of environmental issues and brought along a support staff of stoners. In fact, Harrelson seems to play second fiddle to his elevated entourage in "Go Further."
One of the devotees on the bus is a former co-worker and acquiantence of mine named Steve Clark. Apparently, Clark eventually and inevitably takes a starring role in the dope documentary. If my experiences with him are any indication, this should prove to be a wilder ride than Mr. Toad's. Of the oodles of outrageous things I've heard him utter, the most quotable line remains: "Are you kidding? I'm doing great. A year ago, I came to town with a Bart Simpson backpack and a hit of acid. Now I have two cats and some furniture." Go as far as you need to go to see "Go Further."
Friday, March 07, 2003
SAFETY DANCE
For you kids going out to party this weekend, take a jacket in case you get cold, always use protection, and remember not to overdose.
For you kids going out to party this weekend, take a jacket in case you get cold, always use protection, and remember not to overdose.
STRONG ARM TACTICS
James Gandolfini is suing HBO in an effort to get a raise. It seems out of character to me. I mean, Tony Soprano wouldn't resort to a lawsuit, he would take matters into his own hands. This scares me though. I really need to see one last season of "The Sopranos." Unlike many critics, both professional and casual, I thought this past season was excellent. Will Tony and Carmela really get a divorce? Please, James and HBO, settle this thing amicably and cap this great show off with a season for the ages.
James Gandolfini is suing HBO in an effort to get a raise. It seems out of character to me. I mean, Tony Soprano wouldn't resort to a lawsuit, he would take matters into his own hands. This scares me though. I really need to see one last season of "The Sopranos." Unlike many critics, both professional and casual, I thought this past season was excellent. Will Tony and Carmela really get a divorce? Please, James and HBO, settle this thing amicably and cap this great show off with a season for the ages.
I'M A PIKER, YOU'RE A PIKER
Wouldn't ya like to be a Piker too?
Wouldn't ya like to be a Piker too?
Hello fellow Piker. My name is Johny Piker. I was very excited to stumble across you blog as I am conducting a genealogical study on the Piker family clan. Maybe you know this already, but the name Piker comes from Pike, a Native American tribe from Eastern Missouri (currently Pike county) and our ancestors were a mix of Pike tribe members and French colonialists who settled in the area prior to the Louisianna Purchase.
I am writing you because you might be a long lost Piker clan member and would therefore be very important to my work.
Please call or email me as I am very anxious to speak with you. Hopefully, we can reconnect you with your roots.
Sincerely,
Johny Piker
Thursday, March 06, 2003
LAST STOP ON THE TOUR
Folks, if you could bear with me just a little longer... I know it's been a long day, but if you'll follow me once more into the Salon, we have a fine selection of lovely desserts, some port wine, and an outstanding review of the "Matisse Picasso" exhibit at the MoMA in NYC that actually inspires me to go see some art. Tell me, doesn't that self-portrait of Matisse look a lot like Ken Layne?
Folks, if you could bear with me just a little longer... I know it's been a long day, but if you'll follow me once more into the Salon, we have a fine selection of lovely desserts, some port wine, and an outstanding review of the "Matisse Picasso" exhibit at the MoMA in NYC that actually inspires me to go see some art. Tell me, doesn't that self-portrait of Matisse look a lot like Ken Layne?
O YEAH
One of my favorite filmmakers is making another comedy. David O. Russell, director of "Spanking the Monkey," "Flirting With Disaster," and "Three Kings," is at it again. This time he's taking on existentialism in a movie tentatively titled "I Love Huckabee's". Check out that cast!
One of my favorite filmmakers is making another comedy. David O. Russell, director of "Spanking the Monkey," "Flirting With Disaster," and "Three Kings," is at it again. This time he's taking on existentialism in a movie tentatively titled "I Love Huckabee's". Check out that cast!
PUT A SPELL ON ME
Every year I get hooked after watching about a minute and a half of the Scipps Howard National Spelling Bee. I love the poise and personality some of the kids show. The one spelling bee I remember participating in, I got ousted on the word "beautiful," after failing to include the "a." Needless to say, I never spelled it wrong again. When I first heard about the documentary "Spellbound," which follows eight kids on their quest to make it to the national finals, I was really amped to see it. Then I forgot about it. Today I was reminded of it again by David Poland in his Oscar Column for Movie City News. Of course, now I'm beyond amped -- I'm stoked to see it.
Every year I get hooked after watching about a minute and a half of the Scipps Howard National Spelling Bee. I love the poise and personality some of the kids show. The one spelling bee I remember participating in, I got ousted on the word "beautiful," after failing to include the "a." Needless to say, I never spelled it wrong again. When I first heard about the documentary "Spellbound," which follows eight kids on their quest to make it to the national finals, I was really amped to see it. Then I forgot about it. Today I was reminded of it again by David Poland in his Oscar Column for Movie City News. Of course, now I'm beyond amped -- I'm stoked to see it.
DEFINE "CELEBRITY"
Piker's favorite TV critic braved the "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" marathon and lived to write about it. Once again, please follow me into the Salon. Watch your step and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.
Piker's favorite TV critic braved the "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" marathon and lived to write about it. Once again, please follow me into the Salon. Watch your step and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.