Since I'm a latecomer to The Backyardigans, it is a great joy to 'discover' old episodes that just 'clicked'. Cave Party was one of them. The kids played cave people and they came up with clever new inventions throughout the episode.
This is one of my favorite quotes in the episode:
Tyrone: [panting, as they reached the top of the mountain] "you sure invented a lot of stairs."
Uniqua: [panting, who just invented the stairs so that they could climb up a steep mountain] "next time, I'm going to invent the elevator."
Precious!
Later, they sang and danced The Hokey Pokey.
Lovely!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Premier League - Carling Cup
Congratulations to the Tottenham Hotspur for winning the Carling Cup! I only watched the highlights, but it seemed that the game was won and lost by the coaches.
Juande Ramos, who has never lost a cup final in now his sixth triumph, came in and revived the Spur's defense. Yes, the starting of the poor-formed Paul Robinson was a little dubious for my taste - and he did cost them their goal. Luckily, the new signing, Jonathan Woodgate (who, in a previous post, I said was the best mid-season signing) saved the day and scored the winning goal.
His counterpart, Avram Grant, seemed to make many strategic mistakes, esp. partnering Drogba and Anelka up front in an awkward 4-3-3; and leaving Joe Cole on the bench until it was too late.
Juande Ramos, who has never lost a cup final in now his sixth triumph, came in and revived the Spur's defense. Yes, the starting of the poor-formed Paul Robinson was a little dubious for my taste - and he did cost them their goal. Luckily, the new signing, Jonathan Woodgate (who, in a previous post, I said was the best mid-season signing) saved the day and scored the winning goal.
His counterpart, Avram Grant, seemed to make many strategic mistakes, esp. partnering Drogba and Anelka up front in an awkward 4-3-3; and leaving Joe Cole on the bench until it was too late.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
NBA - Nets Won Post-Kidd
Hooray! The Nets won their first game post-Kidd; and the Mavericks lost their first game with-Kidd. I know these don't mean much in the overall scheme of things, but they're still good for one day of joy. Oh, and btw, the coach who ruined Kidd's debut was Byron Scott, the one he pushed out at New Jersey.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
NBA - Downfall Of The Nets
Speaking of my Nets, have you noticed that our former coach, Byron Scott, just coached the Western Conference All-Star team? That's right, with famed coaches like Phil Jackson, Gregg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, Don Nelson and Rick Adelman around, Byron earned the honor by being the head coach of the best team at the break.
Byron was the guy who got run out of town after taking us to two consecutive NBA Finals (2002 and 2003) because he didn't get along with Kidd; and we haven't been back since - even with Kidd around. Now that our All-NBA point-guard is gone, all we have left with is an incompetent head coach, Lawrence Frank (I actually liked him as an assistant), and an average at-best roster. Rod Thorn's tenure should definitely be reviewed.
Byron was the guy who got run out of town after taking us to two consecutive NBA Finals (2002 and 2003) because he didn't get along with Kidd; and we haven't been back since - even with Kidd around. Now that our All-NBA point-guard is gone, all we have left with is an incompetent head coach, Lawrence Frank (I actually liked him as an assistant), and an average at-best roster. Rod Thorn's tenure should definitely be reviewed.
NBA - Trades
There are some trades which are so one-sided that the NBA should look for improprieties.
¶ Memphis trading their top big-man Pau Gasol to the Lakers for some garbage players. (Explanation here) The connection here seems to be The Logo, Jerry West, who is a Lakers legend but was recently the Grizzlies' GM. (In fact, a head coach has raised concern already.)
¶ Sacramento trading their top point-guard, Mike Bibby, to Atlanta for some bench players. (Analysis here) This one is less suspicious but is still pretty one-sided.
¶ I am a Nets fan and a Jason Kidd fan, and I must say that this is a pretty bad deal for the Nets.
¶ Memphis trading their top big-man Pau Gasol to the Lakers for some garbage players. (Explanation here) The connection here seems to be The Logo, Jerry West, who is a Lakers legend but was recently the Grizzlies' GM. (In fact, a head coach has raised concern already.)
¶ Sacramento trading their top point-guard, Mike Bibby, to Atlanta for some bench players. (Analysis here) This one is less suspicious but is still pretty one-sided.
¶ I am a Nets fan and a Jason Kidd fan, and I must say that this is a pretty bad deal for the Nets.
Monday, February 18, 2008
TV - The Backyardigans
You may be too old to still watch cartoons, and too young to have kids to watch cartoons with. So you are probably missing out on one of the best TV programs, The Backyardigans.
The show is about five kids playing "pretend" in their backyard, and then got transposed into their imaginary world. In different episodes, they are spies, surfers (the wave kind, not the computer kind), detectives, cowboys, etc. The kids are cute, the animation is cool, the storylines are fun, the dance moves are realistic, and the music is the best part. The music in each episode features a different genre - hip-hop, reggae, polka, jazz, country & western, zydeco, Gilbert and Sullivan, etc.
My current favorite is "Into The Deep", where I am just totally taken by the "Bollywood" music throughout the whole episode. My current favorite song is "Go, Go, Go!" The song is short enough so I uploaded the video for your enjoyment - although, I must say, the video doesn't really represent the greatness and cleverness of the series.
If you want full episodes for your computer or iPod, let me know. I can supply them in mpeg, VOB, DivX or iPod formats. In the meantime, go enjoy it on TV.
The show is about five kids playing "pretend" in their backyard, and then got transposed into their imaginary world. In different episodes, they are spies, surfers (the wave kind, not the computer kind), detectives, cowboys, etc. The kids are cute, the animation is cool, the storylines are fun, the dance moves are realistic, and the music is the best part. The music in each episode features a different genre - hip-hop, reggae, polka, jazz, country & western, zydeco, Gilbert and Sullivan, etc.
My current favorite is "Into The Deep", where I am just totally taken by the "Bollywood" music throughout the whole episode. My current favorite song is "Go, Go, Go!" The song is short enough so I uploaded the video for your enjoyment - although, I must say, the video doesn't really represent the greatness and cleverness of the series.
If you want full episodes for your computer or iPod, let me know. I can supply them in mpeg, VOB, DivX or iPod formats. In the meantime, go enjoy it on TV.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
NFL - The Best Prediction
How could I forget!? One of the best football writers, Dr. Z (Paul Zimmerman, a senior writer at Sports Illustrated since 1979) actually predicted a Giants win and explained why in several SI articles. Must-reads for serious football fans.
Monday, February 4, 2008
NFL - Super Bowl XLII
In the end, it was "Defense Wins Games". That Giants' defensive line deserved to be the MVP(s), but I guess that wouldn't be 'glamorous' enough. Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan were known stars, but what about that Justin Tuck, who probably played the best game of his life.
This Giants victory reminds me of New England's first Super Bowl championship (in Super Bowl XXXVI) when they beat the St. Louis Rams, with the high-powered offensive force known as "The Greatest Show on Turf", 17-14. The Patriots, like these G-men, also started their season with two losses. They, too, were a double-digit underdog going into the big game. And they also found a way to contain the most potent offense.
The Predictions. Since New York was such a big underdog, not many non-biased pundits picked them to win. The only ones I remember are ex-coach Mike Ditka and Inside The NFL host Bob Costas. (If you know of any others, please let me know.)
23-17??? Everybody laughed at Plaxico Burress when he predicted the Giants would win 23-17. Not so much that he predicted a Giants victory (after all, as a key Giants player nobody would expect him to predict a New England win), but only 17 points for the Patriots, when they've been averaging over 30 for the season? Well, Plaxiglass was wrong. He gave the Pats too much credit. He underestimated his own defense. But, for once, he should be happy with his 'wrong' prediction.
The Miraculous Helmet Catch. I don't know if it was the play of all Super Bowls, but it was definitely the play of Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning escaped a sack when there were like five hands pulling on his jersey, then David Tyree made a miraculous catch using his hand and his helmet with a Patriots defender draping over him and grabbing the ball. That escape and that catch is going to be in New York folklore for years to come. If I were the Giants owner, I would put a photo and a video of that catch, together with the helmet, in the Giants museum (assuming they have one).
The Legendary Drive. Some New Yorkers already called that final drive which Eli led to secure a New York victory as legendary. I don't know about that. But Eli definitely elevated himself to another level, maybe even two, with that drive. Even though the Giants defense should take most of the credit, I do see Eli as a more deserving MVP than his brother was last year.
The Manning Bracket. The last time these unbeaten New England Patriots lost was also to a Manning - Peyton Manning, in last year's championship game.
The Stinking Part. The only bad thing that came out of this are those stinking Miami Dolphins, celebrating once again for their only perfect season in NFL history.
Patriots' Jinxes.
Jinx #3: Randy Moss. He's an excellent receiver, but no team was interested in signing him at the end of last season. Why? Selfishness? Anyway, he turned himself around at the Patriots and became a team player, he even borke an NFL single season touchdown record as a receiver, but you don't expect him to be rewarded with just one season of hard work. Do you?
Jinx #2: Junior Seau. He's a great linebacker, but if he was meant to have a Super Bowl ring, he would have one already.
Jinx #1: Giselle Bündchen. Didn't Tom know, from Tony Romo's example, that you should keep your high profile girlfriend away from the game?
Patriots' New Motto. In the end, I had tears in my eyes. I don't know if it was because I felt disappointed for Tom Brady and the missed chance of a perfect season, or that I felt happy for Eli and Amani and Coughlin and Plaxico and Strathan and ... Maybe a little of both.
Oh, and their new motto - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
This Giants victory reminds me of New England's first Super Bowl championship (in Super Bowl XXXVI) when they beat the St. Louis Rams, with the high-powered offensive force known as "The Greatest Show on Turf", 17-14. The Patriots, like these G-men, also started their season with two losses. They, too, were a double-digit underdog going into the big game. And they also found a way to contain the most potent offense.
The Predictions. Since New York was such a big underdog, not many non-biased pundits picked them to win. The only ones I remember are ex-coach Mike Ditka and Inside The NFL host Bob Costas. (If you know of any others, please let me know.)
23-17??? Everybody laughed at Plaxico Burress when he predicted the Giants would win 23-17. Not so much that he predicted a Giants victory (after all, as a key Giants player nobody would expect him to predict a New England win), but only 17 points for the Patriots, when they've been averaging over 30 for the season? Well, Plaxiglass was wrong. He gave the Pats too much credit. He underestimated his own defense. But, for once, he should be happy with his 'wrong' prediction.
The Miraculous Helmet Catch. I don't know if it was the play of all Super Bowls, but it was definitely the play of Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning escaped a sack when there were like five hands pulling on his jersey, then David Tyree made a miraculous catch using his hand and his helmet with a Patriots defender draping over him and grabbing the ball. That escape and that catch is going to be in New York folklore for years to come. If I were the Giants owner, I would put a photo and a video of that catch, together with the helmet, in the Giants museum (assuming they have one).
The Legendary Drive. Some New Yorkers already called that final drive which Eli led to secure a New York victory as legendary. I don't know about that. But Eli definitely elevated himself to another level, maybe even two, with that drive. Even though the Giants defense should take most of the credit, I do see Eli as a more deserving MVP than his brother was last year.
The Manning Bracket. The last time these unbeaten New England Patriots lost was also to a Manning - Peyton Manning, in last year's championship game.
The Stinking Part. The only bad thing that came out of this are those stinking Miami Dolphins, celebrating once again for their only perfect season in NFL history.
Patriots' Jinxes.
Jinx #3: Randy Moss. He's an excellent receiver, but no team was interested in signing him at the end of last season. Why? Selfishness? Anyway, he turned himself around at the Patriots and became a team player, he even borke an NFL single season touchdown record as a receiver, but you don't expect him to be rewarded with just one season of hard work. Do you?
Jinx #2: Junior Seau. He's a great linebacker, but if he was meant to have a Super Bowl ring, he would have one already.
Jinx #1: Giselle Bündchen. Didn't Tom know, from Tony Romo's example, that you should keep your high profile girlfriend away from the game?
Patriots' New Motto. In the end, I had tears in my eyes. I don't know if it was because I felt disappointed for Tom Brady and the missed chance of a perfect season, or that I felt happy for Eli and Amani and Coughlin and Plaxico and Strathan and ... Maybe a little of both.
Oh, and their new motto - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
NFL - Super Bowl Prediction
One of my football favorites, Terry Bradshaw, just expressed my sentiment on TV today.
New England Patriots 34:24 New York Giants
"To me, you [the Miami Dolphins] shouldn't be so selfish about it [their perfect season record]. Remarks that they made down in Miami; popping the champagne every year; you know what, I have enough of it. I want to give these New England Patriots that trophy tonight to shut that bunch up down in Miami."Go Patriots Go! Go for your Perfect Season!
New England Patriots 34:24 New York Giants
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Business - Microsoft Eats Yahoo
So what's bigger than the Super Bowl this week (almost)? It has to be Microsoft's bid to buy Yahoo. Notice the timing of the announcement at just around the Super Bowl - always the calculated Evil Empire.
NFL - Toughie
This is a toughie. I usually root for New York teams when they are not playing against my teams. But these New England Patriots have a chance to make history, and to erase the only perfect season record that the Miami Dolphins (one of my most hated teams) hold. So, who should I root for in this Super Bowl? My favorite quarterback or one of my favorite receivers?
Interestingly, the Patriots used to be one of my most hated teams. That was, until Bill Parcells joined them to revitalize the organization. It was then followed by the hiring of Bill Belicheat and eventually the coronation of my current favorite QB.
Interestingly, the Patriots used to be one of my most hated teams. That was, until Bill Parcells joined them to revitalize the organization. It was then followed by the hiring of Bill Belicheat and eventually the coronation of my current favorite QB.
Premier League - Tottenham
The Tottenham purchases to improve their defense paid dividend immediately.
"The late [Manchester United] goal was desperately harsh on Tottenham, who had produced a defensive display the like of which White Hart Lane regulars will not have seen for years.Too bad it was done to hurt my Red Devils. :(
Michael Dawson and debutant Alan Hutton in particular were imperious and United rarely looked like getting anything out of the game."
Friday, February 1, 2008
Cool To Do List
A cool To Do list utility is provided by Remember The Milk (registration is free). It can also be integrated into your existing calendars and/or other services. I did it with Google Calendar.
Premier League - Tottenham
The best buy in this transfer window may be Jonathan Woodgate to Tottenham. They do need help in the back and Woodgate is solid. The Spur also had a coup in signing Rangers right-back Alan Hutton, while also adding Brazilian left-back Gilberto. Looks like they are going to make a run for European competition for next season.
Premier League - Portsmouth
This is quite puzzling. Portsmouth is trying to sell their top scorer, Benjani, to Manchester City for £7M so that they have enough money to buy Tottenham's bench player, Jermain Defoe, for £9M. They are giving up a known quality for an unknown (in terms of blending into the team) for minus £2M. Go figure.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
NBA - Props to Adelman
I am not a Rick Adelman fan (from his Sacramento days), but props must be given to him for having the guts to put Tracy McGrady on the bench and pulled off four straight wins - beating San Antonio and the hot Portland Trail Blazers, no less.
Food - Bourdain on Food Network
If you watch the Food Network or know who Anthony Bourdain is, you must read this:
http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/02/guest_blogging_.html
It's pretty accurate and it's hilarious.
http://blog.ruhlman.com/ruhlmancom/2007/02/guest_blogging_.html
It's pretty accurate and it's hilarious.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Premier League - Favorite Players
Now that the Premier League season is half over, here are my favorite players. (Note that they are personal favorites, not bests, although most of them should be in the top 3 at their respective positions anyway.)
4-4-2:
Tim Howard (Everton)
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Gael Clichy (Arsenal)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Michael Essien (Chelsea)
Mikel Arteta (Everton)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester United)
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Bench: Petr Cech (Chelsea), William Gallas (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Tim Cahill (Everton) and Benjani (Portsmouth).
4-4-2:
Tim Howard (Everton)
Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea)
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Gael Clichy (Arsenal)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)
Michael Essien (Chelsea)
Mikel Arteta (Everton)
Carlos Tevez (Manchester United)
Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Bench: Petr Cech (Chelsea), William Gallas (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Tim Cahill (Everton) and Benjani (Portsmouth).
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
NFL - Giants to Lambeau Field
What a wonderful win by the Giants on Sunday. My man Toomer had another excellent performance. To paraphrase one of the in-game TV announcer: "There's a Manning going to the championship final, and his name is not Peyton." Sweet!! (As you can guess, I am not a Peyton Manning fan.)
Romo disappointed. I didn't like the Cowboys playcalling either. But that doesn't seem to affect the credibility of their coaches. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is the hottest head coaching prospect, and assistant head coach Tony Sparano seems to be destined for the Miami head coaching job.
Romo disappointed. I didn't like the Cowboys playcalling either. But that doesn't seem to affect the credibility of their coaches. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is the hottest head coaching prospect, and assistant head coach Tony Sparano seems to be destined for the Miami head coaching job.
Monday, January 7, 2008
NFL - Giants Won A Playoff Game
A nice playoff win by the Giants yesterday - first time in seven years. As usual, the media gave too much credit to the quarterback. I credit (in order)
1. the defense;
2. the playcalling; and
3. the running game.
Amani Toomer also had a very good game.
1. the defense;
2. the playcalling; and
3. the running game.
Amani Toomer also had a very good game.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
College Football - Congratulations to ...
University of Southern California Trojans - Rose Bowl - USC 49-17 Illinois
Michigan Wolverines - Capital One Bowl - Michigan 41-35 Florida
Rutgers Scarlet Knights - International Bowl - Rutgers 52-30 Ball State
Michigan Wolverines - Capital One Bowl - Michigan 41-35 Florida
Rutgers Scarlet Knights - International Bowl - Rutgers 52-30 Ball State
NFL - Favorite Receivers
1. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers)
2. Laveranues Coles (New York Jets)
3. Joe Jurevicius (Cleveland Browns)
4. Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts)
5. Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams)
6. Amani Toomer (New York Giants)
7. Troy Brown (New England Patriots)
8. Joey Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
9. Steve Smith (Caroline Panthers)
10. Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Note: Notice that the best two, Randy Moss (New England Patriots) and Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), are not on my list.
2. Laveranues Coles (New York Jets)
3. Joe Jurevicius (Cleveland Browns)
4. Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts)
5. Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams)
6. Amani Toomer (New York Giants)
7. Troy Brown (New England Patriots)
8. Joey Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
9. Steve Smith (Caroline Panthers)
10. Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Note: Notice that the best two, Randy Moss (New England Patriots) and Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys), are not on my list.
NFL - Favorite Quarterbacks
1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
2. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)
3. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
4. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
5. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals)
6. Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers)
7. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)
2. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)
3. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
4. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
5. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals)
6. Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers)
7. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)
NFL - Steelers
I really thought my Steelers would win the game after their furious 4th quarter comeback, but it was not meant to be. Roethlisberger's three interceptions and one fumble was a major reason why they lost. As the QB of my team, he is my second favorite active quauterback. I may now have to drop him to #3 depending on how Romo plays in these playoffs. Hines Ward is still my favorite receiver.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)