Happy Halloween

Hope that all of you are having a safe and happy evening. I just got back taking Connor around the neighborhood. It's always fun to be around such nice people who decorate the neighborhood and just enjoy having fun. Anyway have a great time. I will settle in with a few scary flicks before bed.

But let me leave you with some Halloween greetings from some people that know how to scare you. You will also notice that they will do what I've been doing for you for the last 31 days. Checking the internets for creepy footage. Enjoy.

Countdown to Halloween- Day 30

One of my favorite rides is the Haunted Mansion in Disneyworld. Even by today's standards it stil holds up. But the music is always what sets the tone. Only one day until Grim Grinning Ghosts come out to socialize.

I am Iron Man!

I would have expected the Black Sabbath chords to quickly follow and then watch as the Road Warriors would dash to the ring to decimate another batch of opponents. 

But, this is another superhero movie. So who's it going to be next Antman? No way at least not yet. I was never a comic book geek but even I could tell you that Iron Man was on the second tier of superheroes. 

However it has a few things going for it. One, it is the maiden movie for my fantabulous new home theater. Yes, 92 inches of white screened beauty with 5.1 surround sound. Once I settle down I'll get some pictures up. Second, Robert Downey Jr. makes the movie. He portrays Tony Stark as he should, an overindulgent whiz who can't seem to get enough of himself or the ladies. But, he's also very funny and its the humor that tells you that the movie is just ready to take you on a ride and isn't too serious about itself. 

The effects and sound were fantastic and the plot does a good job jumping right in and setting on his origin story. It's believable and actually makes sense. Of course there is no surprise when you see who the villain really is, I just laughed that it was the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges bald with a trimmed beard. 

The movie moves along at a crisp pace and it of course leaves the door wide open for new adventures. The little nugget at the end of the credits with Sam Jackson as Nick Fury was even cool as he mentioned The Avengers. I admit I had to look that one up, but it means more supers together in a huge team. So that should be after Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3. (which Downey just signed on for) Overall I definitely enjoyed it but it doesn't quite unseat The Dark Knight as best supers movie but again there's always next time. (9.0)

OTHER MOVIES I SAW

I was a little behind with this, with the basement being completed, work being nuts but I actually saw these earlier last week.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) : Breakups are never fun and movies always try and go over the top with them. So you get the point quickly when goofy composer Peter and his longtime actress girlfriend Sarah (How that happened I have no idea) begin the movie by parting ways only it includes some unwanted full frontal nudity and I'll give you a huge hint it aint Kristen Bell. Plot quickly moves to Hawaii as the two happen to run into each other at a resort and she already with another guy, a rock star named Aldous. After repeated crying scenes he finally notices Mila Kunis who again for no other reason is attracted to him. I guess she found whimpering and self loathing hot. Anyway. They get together in the end. There are several funny parts throughout though. A puppet musical based on Dracula, Jonah Hill as a desk clerk, and that sort of gay sounding guy from 30 Rock. It's at least got some laughs. (7.0)

The Wire : Season One (2002) : Yeah I know I'm so way behind the curve on this show. I finally put time aside to get into it. I haven't been disappointed. Character development is amazing. Season one shows both sides of the drug wars in the gritty streets of Baltimore. I anxiously await the last two discs so I can finish up. (10.0)

Countdown to Halloween - Day 29

Relishing in the shortcomings of others is always a good way to pass the time. So how about some Halloween pranks? Nothing says Halloween like scaring the crap out of your younger brother.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 28

It's very simple either you are a Munsters fan or you liked the Addams Family, there is no in between. Once you break it down there is no comparison. The Addams' had Jon Astin as the head of the clan and he actually believes that he's the real Edgar Allen Poe. And even if he was eccentric he was definitely down for any kind of action with Morticia. Lerch could groan with the best of them. But, Uncle Vester trumps Gram pa Al Lewis any day of the week.

Countdown to Halloween - Days 26 & 27

Ah, sorry but I couldn't help breaking the streak. I went to the Ravens game yesterday and enjoyed beautiful sunshine, cold beers and a Ravens win. So I promise a double shot of Halloween goodness.

First, I love Halloween, not just the holiday but the movie. I even liked the sequel. But anything with or three of higher after the title quite frankly should not have been made. But, there was one redeeming quality of the third installment, that creepy Silver Shamrock commercial. The rest of the movie stunk on ice and where the hell was Michael Myers?




Second, I was shocked and impressed at the skill some people have to create incredible pumpkin designs. This is a montage from last year. It's a bit better than my geometric shapes and square teeth.

Ravens Ruin Raiders 29-10

Ravens Roll to Second Straight over Raiders 29-10

Once again the Ravens followed their winning recipe for the 2008 season to cruise past the visiting Oakland Raiders 29-10 at M & T Bank Stadium.

The Raiders never quite seemed in this one as they were behind 19-0 at the half and hardly had much to show for their efforts on either side of the ball.

For Baltimore the ingredients have been simple, first a strong running game led behind a bruising line. The team rushed for 192 yards as they used some old weapons like Willis McGahee who ran for 58 yards and a score and some new ones like Troy Smith, who saw his first action of the season in a few packages.

Second, the defense was dominating in the first half, sacking JaMarcus Russell for a first quarter Safety to set the tone. They also shut down the rushing attack, which could only muster 47 total yards on the ground. They attacked Russell most of the game and broke a brief slump by registering 4 sacks as well.

And Finally they took care of the football, and that begins with Joe Flacco who did a little bit of everything, he connected on a 70 yard bomb to Demetrius Williams, he caught a 47 yard pass from Troy Smith after some trickery and he ran one in for a touchdown of a nice fake late in the game.

When all of these elements are working the Ravens become a formidable foe. They will need to keep the positive vibes flowing as they get ready to enter a tough three game stretch away from the friendly confines of Crabtown that begins with a stop in Cleveland next week.

POINTS TO PONDER

-Ray Rice had his best game as a pro amassing over 100 total yards and picked up several first downs by catching the ball in open space and making defenders miss. His involvement has slowly increased week by week.

-The “Suggs” package was unleashed to today. That would be any set including Troy Smith of course. He had a few runs and then the beautiful pass to Flacco setting up a field goal. First, it’s great to see Smith on the field recovered from his illness. Second, would the previous coaching staff ever have cooked up some interesting ideas and formations that we just saw today?

-Chris McAlister was deactivated today citing the right knee as the reason. So was he hurt last week? There’s something that isn’t being said here and I’ll say right now that I’d be shocked to see him in a Ravens jersey next season. I think there is more here than a bum wheel.

-Jonathan Ogden was inducted in to the Ravens Ring of Honor in halftime ceremony today joining Peter Boulware, Michael McCrary, Earnest Byner, Art Modell and several of the key members of the Baltimore Colts such as Johnny Unitas and Lenny Moore. Great to see the first ever draft pick back in the stadium and no doubt he’ll be a shoo-in for Canton.

-Today’s victory also helped achieve a special milestone as Baltimore now has 100 team wins.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 25

I hope that at this point you haven't waited to find a good costume. Although since the big day falls on Friday there may be a more than a few parties that will still be a week away. So, if you have no clue what to be this season let Costume Tribute give you a few good ideas.

Literal Music Videos

Ever wondered what a music video would sound like if they just sang about what was happening? Wonder no more. What helps this premise even more is that fact that every video from the 80's was bizarre. Check out Tears for Fears.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Countdown to Halloween - Day 24

It would just be too easy to throw up one of the best Halloween videos ever, of course I'm talking about Thriller by Michael Jackson. "I'm not like other guys." Truer words were never spoken Mike. But seriously I want to bring you something you don't normally see. How about the Indian version of that great hit song. Not for the faint of heart. You think the singer could at least get a red leather suit that fits.

Highly Patriotized

Of course it would take an election year to give SNL it's highest ratings to date and actually make it watchable again. But, notice each of the main players in this next skit are all older members who when they were on always were funny. I can't say that about any of the new crop.

Special guest star: Will Ferrell as W.

And I Approved this Message

It's getting closer. Closer. Closer still. Election Day is on the horizon. Just in time for a return of my favorite office linebacker, Terry Tate. "When it's game time, it's pain time! Whooooooo!"

Countdown to Halloween - Day 23

TOP 5 HORROR MOVIES

As always with any of my lists, it is based on movies that I have actually seen. You'll probably notice that I don't have many recent horror movies mainly because the wife really doesn't get into them. But, once the home theater is in (Monday!) I can always catch up when I need to.

5- SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999)

This movie has become an annual staple. Tim Burton's movies always have an amazing fantasy element to them and this one really shows off the imagination and mood that is created by the sets and camera work. Johnny Depp is fantastic as the nancy boy Crane. Christina Ricci isn't bad as the love interest but the blond wig doesn't seem right. Great supporting performances as Miranda Richardson gets to  ham it up and the topper is Walken as the Horseman. As you can see there is a lot to like. "It was a Horseman ..... Headless!"

4- Hellraiser (1987) 

So, you have a secret box that when opened summons a prickly Brit who oddly enough is named Pinhead. See how the terror just writes itself. Plenty of good scares throughout and I know that I'll need to revisit this one again but it must have made an impression on me enough to list it. Unfortunately this is another movie that was ruined by the franchise tag.

3- The Exorcist (1973) 

This scene says it all. The power of Christ compels you!!!!

2- Halloween (1978)

I still laugh thinking that one of the greatest horror icons is actually the face of William Shatner. Myers is a tough customer and never appears in a hurry. But Dr. Sam Loomis played by the great Donald Pleasance tries to capture pure evil. The music is iconic. "Lonnie get your ass away from there."

1- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) 

Easily the scariest movie that I've ever seen. The grainy quality of the film gave it some authenticity and the idea itself was wild. Of course Leatherface is no slouch either, looking like Sloth's older more demented brother, swinging the chainsaw with bad intent. I have yet to see the remake but I may give it a chance I just don't see how you improve on perfection. BUZZ-BUZZZZZZZZ- BUZZZZZZ. Never has a power tool been so chilling.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 22

Chris DeBurgh is known best for his super slow cheesy ballad, Lady in Red. But I hope that his fans haven't forgotten his Halloween inspired video from 1982. Don't payyyyyyyyyyyy the Ferryman!

Countdown to Halloween - Day 21

I'm sure there are plenty of options to choose from when picking your Halloween costume this season. There are many creative and fun ideas out there and then there are some that I'm not so sure about. Guess which category this one is in?

Countdown to Halloween - Day 20

If there was ever anyone who fit the Halloween theme in rock music it would have to be Ozzy Osbourne. Biting heads off of bats and general drunkenness are quite a potent combo. It isn't much of a stretch to think of Ozzy as a werewolf or some other beasty. Watch Ozzy, Bark at the Moon.

Ravens Squish Fish 27-13

Ravens back on track; Pound Phins 27-13

It always feels good to get a win in the NFL but for Baltimore offensive coordinator, Cam Cameron there had to be some extra satisfaction sticking it to his old team.

There had been talk during the week from Dolphins players in response to John Harbaugh’s comments how Cameron did a good job “with what he had last season”. It was a fairly innocent comment about a team that did turn over half their roster from 2007. Cameron however didn’t add to bashing and fully accepted his responsibility for his team’s failures. When the final whistle sounded he pumped his fist and received a Gatorade shower as well as the game ball for his efforts in helping the Ravens even their record at 3 and 3.

But, there were many reasons why the Ravens were able to march out of South Florida with a victory.

Start with the defense, no doubt smarting from last week’s thumping from the Colts, who stuffed the run game and Ronnie Brown and held Miami to 71 yards on the ground. They also took the claws right out of the “Wildcat” set, which only netted 4 yards on 5 plays. But the big play, was Terrell Suggs’ 44 yard interception return for a touchdown pushing Baltimore ahead 10-3 and the team never looked back from there.

Next, Joe Flacco who has been taking his share of criticism following his worst performance, no doubt turned in his best performance of the season tossing a TD to Derrick Mason and posted a gaudy quarterback rating of 120. He looked calm in the pocket, made strong throws and most importantly protected the football.

Lastly, the two-headed monster in the backfield gained another dimension as Ray Rice notched seven carries but made his biggest plays on screen passes and also returned kicks due to the injured Yamon Figurs. Willis McGahee was strong in his Miami homecoming running for 105 and a touchdown, as the offensive line was able to open up holes.

Baltimore will now return back to M & T Bank Stadium to face the Oakland Raiders who are fresh off an Overtime victory over the Jets, before they go back on the road for three straight games.

Points to Ponder

-Chris McAlister was used sparingly during today’s game and you may even go so far as to say he has been benched. Word is that the repercussions may be a bit more serious in terms of off the field issues for the former first round draft pick. Stay tuned throughout the week.

-Chris Chester filled in nicely at starting guard for the injured Marshall Yanda. Chester is a former second round pick and needs to show well given the chance, as it might be the last for him.

-Ray Rice and Jim Leonhard were solid in kick return duties and helped the Ravens in a big way with the field position battle in today’s contest averaging 25 yards a return.

-Lastly, it was proven once again that the Miami Dolphins couldn’t win with Cam Cameron on the sidelines.

(This article is taken from my work at www.Ravensgab.com so please check it out!)

Countdown to Halloween - Day 19

Tim Burton is one of my favorite directors. He always has a unique take on his subjects and most of the time his films are cool just to watch what's going on in the background. The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of those movies. It's amazing that in the age of digital that he would be that committed to doing a stop-motion film. It's slightly more labor intensive. Anyway here is the opening.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 18

Haunted Houses are always on the "must do" list during this time of year and with the new types of technology out there, today's haunted houses are a bit more sophisticated that just a few white sheets and fake blood. I took a look about to find not just attractions that are in Maryland but also if you want to travel a bit north for your scares you have plenty of great options.

Bennett's Curse

The medieval themed haunt is located near Arundel Mills Mall and has been voted one of the best scares in the area. They have an excellent website to give you all that you need to find your way.

http://www.bennettscurse.com/

Creepywoods

Brought to you by the same people behind Bennett's Curse is an attraction located in Harford Count at Huber's Farm right on Philadelphia Road. Looks like the same quality attraction that's a a little closer to home.

http://creepywoods.com/index.html

Fright Factory

Located in Philadelphia, this haunt was featured on the Travel channel's Scariest attractions. Three places to spook you; Horror High, The Asylum and Village of the Damned. Looks fantastic and seems worth the trip.

http://www.frightfactory.tv/

Go ahead Mess with him

Let me start of by saying that I am actually enjoying Netflix. I've only had it for at least three transactions and it's been great. I realize that about 90% of you either have tried or continue to use this marvelous movie service but as I notice as age creeps up on me I seemingly always find things, tell them to others only to realize that I'm behind the curve. Certainly great for blogging. Next post I'll tell you all about the wonders of eight track tape. Stay tuned.

So I ripped open the little red pouch to pop in Adam Sandler's latest opus, You Don't Mess with the Zohan. You know what you're getting most of time with him except for those occassional forays into drama territory like Punch Drunk Love or Reign Over Me but please would you want to see a clown do a dramatic reading of Shakespeare? Since it's a Sandler flick you can at least expect steady work for Rob Schneider.

So instead we are treated to an SNL character that was never created or at least would have been if given the proper time. The Zohan is the Israeli army's secret weapon, who has sex with anyone at the drop a yarmukle and secretly yearns to go to New York City to give people 80's hairstyles. Must be a little behind over in the promised land.

It wouldn't have been so bad if they didn't milk every joke and pun off of every stereotype imaginable. How many jokes about Hummus can you fit in a film? But of course there must be conflict so Zohan, after tried of banging old biddies catches the eye of his Palestinian boss. Very West Side story. I won't spoil the ending but it does involve some of the fun parts of the film; John Tuturro as Zohan's nemesis The Phantom and an evil Michael Buffer.

If you are a Sandler fan you'll definately dig it but, if you can only stand his style of comedy and bad accent for so long then I suggest you mess with another film. (6.5)

Countdown to Halloween - Day 17

As you can tell I am a product of the 70's and 80's and so much of what I really like is rooted from those eras. Men at Work is one of those great Eighties pop bands. One of their lesser known hits talks about a scientist who works in his lab and drinks a potion and is transformed. No it's not David Hasselhoff. Although his Broadway show is hilarious. It's not supposed to be though. Ah, judge for yourself. Here is a Friday double shot. Dr. Heckyll and Mr. Jive and Herr Hasseloff "singing" Confrontation. Scream with fright. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Strange Picture #101608

Ok. So I tried to fool some of you with my Batman v. Penguin debate footage. I thought it looked the same but then again I was writing on a few hours sleep.

The above picture comes straight from last night's debate.

Please use your create a caption skills to explain just what in the hell John McCain is doing.

I'll start:

John McCain shows you his new Adam Sandler inspired Halloween costume ; "I'm about to lose the Presidency guy."

or

BOO!!!!!

Countdown to Halloween - Day 16

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is still probably for me the scariest movie that I have ever seen. The grainy footage and that fact that I was in middle school when I first watched it may have helped a bit. Plus the first Haunted House I ever went to around that same time was run by the Towson Jaycees and had plenty of fake Leatherfaces cranking up their chainsaws for the finale. I've never run that fast before.

So, combine that with the incredible haunted houses that are run all over the country and you can have a top notch scare or two. I'll list out some of the great spots in Maryland and nearby PA too if you want a good fright later in the week. But, today I have a great house that comes from Jacksonville, Florida from the Burnsed family. This is really scary stuff kids.

The Final Debate

I just finished taking the in final presidential debate and I was able to find footage already. Boy, the internets is fast. I think McCain needed to change out the purple hat and the monocle as it just makes him look like an overweight monopoly guy or at least a friend of the rich. Obama kept to the same monotone delivery and it was hard to get him flustered. But, since when were candidates allowed to smoke on stage or even carry an umbrella? Holy debate!

Countdown to Halloween - Day 15

Ghosts are another staple of the Halloween cannon. They are the easiest costumes. Just grab a sheet and poke a eyes and yell "Boo!" once in a while. But the presence of real ghosts has always been disputed. Well ,who ya gonna call? Ghost Hunters. Often found on the Sci-Fi channel or Discovery these high tech busters are at the very least entertaining television.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 14

Horror movies come in all shapes and sizes. But many fall into the category of schlock or "B" films, with the "B" standing for Bad. One of my favorites is the 1968 chiller, The AstroZombies. The tag line was killer; "Watch it and you die a thousand deaths!"

Countdown to Halloween - Day 13

What's great about Halloween movies is that they can be scary, cheesy, creepy, and just bad and you can still enjoy them. This next promo has fallen into every one of those categories for me. I present from 1978 one of the greatest worst movies ever Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park. It's story portrays the foursome as semi-superheroes in addition to hard rockers. It was also reported that the drummer Peter Criss was so drunk during tapings that they had to get an actor to dub over his lines. Rock on!!!

Colts Stampede

Colts Stampede Ravens 31-3

After watching the first half of today’s Colts-Ravens game I felt compelled to check my calendar. Was it still 2008?

Peyton Manning was supposed to be struggling and today he looked relatively at ease as he carved up the Baltimore defense for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns. Marvin Harrison was back to Pro Bowl form as hauled in two of the three strikes. The Colt D, which was dreadful against the run, looked quick to ball and stuffed the Ravens and held them to 51 yards rushing and forced 5 turnovers.

The education of Joe Flacco continued, as he looked rattled in front of the Indy crowd. He tossed an interception on the third play of the game, botched a handoff and couldn’t even generate a first down until the second quarter.

But certainly every aspect of the Ravens attack had its moments of ineptitude. Yamon Figurs couldn’t decide to simply down a ball kicked 8 yards into the end zone. Chris McAlister turned his body and lost Marvin Harrison for the game’s first score early. Le’Ron McClain coughed up a screen pass that led to another Colts score. Everyone had their chance and just about everyone failed to get the Ravens in the right direction.

From the opening kickoff to the closing gun the Ravens never got any of there game plan underway and appeared a step slow to the speedy Colts who were not about to drop their third game in front of the home fans. They also sent a clear message to everyone that they aren’t dead yet.

The Ravens will need to regroup as they set out on the road again to sunny Miami to play a Dolphins team that is using old tricks to stay ahead of teams. It will be the challenge of the coaching staff to get focused to play a team that they don’t have a good lifetime record against and memories of last season’s setback still have to burn for those on the roster.

Points to Ponder

-Both Willis McGahee and Marshall Yanda left the game in the Fourth Quarter. No word on their condition has been made as of yet.

-The Ravens vaunted ground game was never a factor as they got behind early and quickly. I didn’t care for the types of run plays called when they did decide to run. They opted for draws and movement side to side instead of a downhill north-south attack.

-The Ravens defense registered two sacks and no turnovers. I wonder if Rex Ryan will learn that you can’t continue to expose an already iffy secondary to man-to-man coverage all game long? They should have used more shifts and even throw out some 6 or 7 DBs at some point. They let the receivers move too easily to their spots and they paid the price.

-Special Teams again was a hindrance to the team. Baltimore spent most of the day with poor field position to work with and the return game has been non-existent or a decent return has been wiped out by penalties. A former strength of Baltimore has turned into a liability.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 12

When it comes to Adam Sandler you fall into two categories either you think he is somewhat amusing or you want to bludgeon him with a sneaker. I actually went to a stand up concert where he performed at Loyola College back when his SNL star was on the rise. The show was alright but the highlight was buying him a shot at Gator's pub later that night. True story.

So here he is in a second installment to help you with some cheap Halloween costume ideas. "NOW GIMMIE SOME CANDY!"

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 11

New horror movies really haven't been that horrifying, just gory. Which is okay if that's what you dig. But, I am more than a little intrigued by the latest movie due out October 17th. Check out Quarantine.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 10

I can't seem to get off of the idea that clowns are creepy. Here is a fan produced video involving two of the scarier clowns around, Pennywise from It and Marylin Manson. "It" was yet another Stephen King story that they botched turning it into a movie. The only thing they did get right was Tim Curry (appearing for his second time in the countdown) as the crazy clown.

Stop Speed Stop!

With the opening of the new basement / theater room / private man cave only two weeks away I finally sent away for my free Netflix trial. You can be a bit overwhelmed by the selection but I felt pretty good about choosing a family feature for Connor, a girlie movie for Nicki and a movie for me. I've already decided that the I'm holding off on Iron Man until the 92" screen is in place. So my first rental was Speed Racer.

I had heard several things about this movie, unfortunately none of them good. But I like to make up my own mind so off we go. I have that nostalgia feeling as much as anyone as I can think of fond times coming in from school, flipping on Captain Chesapeake and hearing that it was three bells and time for Speed Racer. The cartoon was my first exposure to Anime and I admit with a catchy theme song and some cool action it was one of my fav cartoons of my life.

When I heard it was going to be a live action film I had some hopes that with the technology out there it would at least be watchable. Interesting choice of words. The visuals are eye-shattering. No literally. After twenty minutes I felt as if I was captive to a CGI dream with a boldly colored world in front of me. So it was creative but my brain actually hurt after a while.

The story is no better than any of the old plotlines from the cartoon and the overuse of the word ass was just annoying but probably just so they could avoid a G rating. The flick appears to target young kids and for that it should do fine. I am long removed from those days and was begging for this over two hour movie to hit the finish line. (4.5)

OTHER MOVIES I SAW:

BABY MAMA (2008) : Tina Fey, who seems to have renewed popularity for her great Palin impressions teams up with old Weekend Anchor pal Amy Poehler in this silly comedy. The premise is actually not bad. Fey can't have a kid do she gets a questionable surrogate to carry for her. It has a few laughs but not enough for me. The plot also ties up way too easily in the third act just so we get to the conclusion. Not that I was that upset though. (6.0)

88 MINUTES (2007) - Al Pacino is one of my all-time favorite actors. However he falls into the pattern of taking movies to simply cash the check, this is one of those. He is a shrink who is smarter than everyone and the plot is worse than any ABC -TV movie of the week. Plot points are simply thrown out of nowhere until I just don't care who the killer is at the end. Al spends most of his time walking about with wind blown hair tracking down clues faster than Sherlock Holmes. Which is funny, but this isn't supposed to be a comedy. (5.0)



BRIAN REGAN : THE EPITOME OF HYPERBOLE (2008) Regan has a new stand up special courtesy of Comedy Central and it's fantastic. You have to love a comedian who I like and can still show to my four year old and worry about him going for the cheap way out with a curse word. If you've never seen him, rent or buy his stuff now. I'm shocked the guy never get a TV deal, he'd rule. (10.0)

Countdown to Halloween - Day 9

Clowns often send even the most stalwart five year old running for the exits. The makeup and balloon animals. It can be a little creepy. But imagine if clowns came from another galaxy. The 1987 HBO staple , Killer Klowns from Outer Space asks that very question. Even Dean Wormer as chief of police can't stand a chance.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 8

Just a quick message to all of you. When you're drivin', don't drink and when you're drinkin', don't drive. Have a safe and responsible All Hallows Eve.

King of the Trick Shots

It's hard to believe what you see when you find a video on the internet. Camera tricks can play havoc with the senses. So you be the judge as Kevin Love shows you why he is a trick shot master.

I also had to post this because I need a new adjective to describe this total dweeb of an announcer. He screeches and squeals with delight after each shot and gives out the dorkiest high fives this side of Michael Scott. That is what I am talking about! Word to your mother. I would "love" to see that shot again. He's an asshat.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 7

As as youngster whose formative years were trapped in the 70's I can remember seeing some pretty strange stuff on television. But, none more unusual than The Paul Lynde Halloween Special broadcast in 1976. Mr. Lynde was best known to me as the center square and as Templeton the rat in Charlotte's Web. He has assembled quite a group here; Margret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch of the West from Oz), Witchiepoo from HR Puffinstuff, and the great Billy Barty. Top it all off with a performance from a band that thinks Halloween is every day of the year - KISS. I would have thought that I dreamed this if I didn't find it on You Tube.

Countdown to Halloween- Day 6

A vastly underrated Halloween movie is Sleepy Hollow directed by Tim Burton. It's greatness lies in the erie tone of the sets, Johnny Depp's portrayal of Ichabod Crane as a whimpering nancy boy, and Christopher Walken as the Headless Horseman. How do you know it's Walken when he's supposed to be head less? I guess you need to just watch then, don't you.

Titans Best Ravens

Before the NFL realigned the divisions and introduced fans to the South and North configuration the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans had built quite a rivalry with many exciting games and playoff matchups.

This was another one of those hard-hitting contests. And even though several of those players from those days aren’t suited up anymore you couldn’t tell that from the demeanor on the field.

Twenty-One.

That’s the number of combined penalties in this game. But one stands out to me more than others and the outcome of this game. With 5 minutes remaining on a 3rd and long for Tennessee, Kerry Collins faded back and then threw an incomplete pass to the turf. The joy from the over 70,000 in attendance turned sour as the flags were on the field. There were two penalties, one for a false start by Tennessee and a second on Terrell Suggs for Roughing the Passer. This kept the drive alive and eventually led to the game winning TD with about 1:30 left in the ball game.

I am more than happy to point out when a player does something foolish at a key point in the game. However after watching the replays several times Suggs foul was nothing more than incidental contact, not to mention that if a false start was called the officials should have made a better effort to blow the play dead. Much like last Monday the penalty was a game changer and allowed the Titans enough momentum to pull out the victory.

The Ravens will need to regroup as they travel to Indianapolis and should face a tough test on the turf.

Points to Ponder

-I have to say it again. The Suggs penalty was simply a bad call that helped change the complexion of the game. The Ravens have certainly earned their share over the years but this wasn’t one of them.

-The Ravens defense was sparkling again. Holding super rookie Chris Johnson to 44 yards and snatching two picks from Kerry Collins. They put pressure on the quarterback but could not register a sack.

-Joe Flacco was18-27 for 153 but threw 2 interceptions. Flacco got into trouble as he rolled away from pressure and threw balls across his body.

-The Ravens clock management was questionable heading into halftime as they called a time out only later to come back and attempt a field goal that Stover missed. With the time on the clock they at least could have taken a shot at the endzone and then kicked it.

-Baltimore continued to run the ball well as Le’Ron McClain scored his 4th Touchdown and rushed 51 yards and Willis McGahee had 64 yards on 22 carries. With Willis’ injuries I would have liked to see Ray Rice involved more and help provide fresh legs in the later quarters.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 5

Stephen King is known as the king of horror. His books frighten but most of the time they are just turned into decent movies. Pet Semetary is classic example of this statement. However, to make a scary video just have the Ramones sing it. That should bump up the fright meter.

Bow to Your Sensei

Fred Simmons (Danny McBride) is a loser. In his own mind he is a Tae Kwon Do master and runs his own studio with a variety of misplaced kids at his command. If you loved Napoleon Dynamite you'd probably like this and I have a feeling that repeat viewings would make this even more enjoyable. McBride is committed to his character and should be a breakout star in the next few years. It's no surprise that Will Ferrell liked this so much that helped distribute it. It's exactly the type of character he would play. I enjoyed it but be aware that this is definitely an indy film with all the uneven polish you would expect. The Foot Fist Way is certainly go enough for a rental and if you like watching people get hurt it's for you. (7.5)

Countdown to Halloween - Day 4

Halloween, the John Carpenter flick is my favorite horror movie of all time. It has all the elements of great suspense, plot and characters. Michael Myers is the bogeyman and Dr. Sam Loomis is the man that tried to study him and realized that his subject was pure evil! Watch as Donald Pleasance takes you through all the scenes in Halloween set to a pretty good remake of "Land of Confusion" by Disturbed.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 3

Zombies have been a part of Halloween lore for years.

But have you ever imagined if the Zombie apocalypse ever did take over the Earth, would there be beer? Well I know what my hope is. But if you want to find out for yourselves take the three hour trip to New York City and check out the show that combines Zombies and beer called Brew of the Dead. My cousin Justin is directing and fellow member of Johnny U's Golden Arm club fantasy football league Pat Storck penned this opus, so you know it's entertaining. At least I do.

http://www.brewofthedead.com/

Tonight is opening night and I wanted to wish them luck. They have even been kind enough to film some PSAs to help educate people that when the Zombies do come preparation is key.

The Orioles...My Final Words

Yeah Aubrey the second half was that bad. 93 losses and last place for the first time in 20 years. But I guess there's always next year.

Countdown to Halloween - Day 2

Sorry Hogwarts. But the idea of having a school for witchcraft and wizardry wasn't JK Rowling's idea it was Jill Murphy's. She wrote a series of books about young girls attending Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches and it was made into a movie for HBO in 1986, called The Worst Witch.

What makes this clip great and equally scary is that Tim Curry dances about as he tells all the little children that anything can happen on Halloween. Tim has apparently stolen "Macho Man' Randy Savage's ring robe and thrown a bat necklace around him to accessorize. And look out for those realistic 80's effects. Now that's scary kids.

W

Oliver Stone is at it again. He likes too take on controversial issues and our current president's approval rating isn't the best with citizens. As long as an Indian or wild dove doesn't fly across the screen for no reason it should at least be interesting.

31 Days of Halloween

Creepy crawlies and things that go bump in the night. Halloween is a special time of the year and one that is special to my family in particular. So in honor of that ,each day leading up to the feast of Samhain you can expect a little something extra on the blog.

Let us begin with a fantastic event held every year in Florida, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. Just imagine a typical Haunted House done on a huge budget. It's like walking on to a movie set. So If you are a horror fan I recommend a visit. I was lucky enough to be able to go three years ago and at least some members of our clan try to meet there every year. It helps that cousin Travis has worked the event and lives down in Orlando as well. It gives you an excuse to catch up and enjoy the sunshine as the weather turns to Autumn. Here is the preview for this season.