Monday, August 31, 2009
Braves
Remember last year when some Big Brains were telling us that the Cubs' Geovany Soto was the best catcher in the National League? Well, a year later he's hitting .212 and headed to the bench. Meanwhile Brian McCann, the best catcher in the NL (at least), is hitting, hitting for power and driving in runs.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Aches and pains
I have what my rehab expert (Gay Rice of Dalton) calls a "frozen shoulder." That means it doesn't work.
Actually it's OK for most basic movements but anything requiring me to reach behind my back or pick up any weight to the side is either very painful, or the shoulder just won't do it. Also, I no longer have the blazing fastball I have been blessed with all these years. I can barely lift my right arm over my head and can hardly cock it back at all.
I throw -- as my rehab expert, a female I might add, -- "like a girl."
A few cortisone shots provided by Dr. Conrad Easley helped alleviate the pain I was suffering (from inflammation of the ACL joint)but didn't fix the basic problem. Ex-rays and other tests did not reveal any structural damage so rehab became my best option.
I've had two "workouts" and the shoulder is definitely better.
The point of all this whining is a plea for any suggestions from folks who may have had the same problem. Any tips, experiences or suggestions that might help.
And I've already tried large doses of bourbon, so don't bother with that one.
Actually it's OK for most basic movements but anything requiring me to reach behind my back or pick up any weight to the side is either very painful, or the shoulder just won't do it. Also, I no longer have the blazing fastball I have been blessed with all these years. I can barely lift my right arm over my head and can hardly cock it back at all.
I throw -- as my rehab expert, a female I might add, -- "like a girl."
A few cortisone shots provided by Dr. Conrad Easley helped alleviate the pain I was suffering (from inflammation of the ACL joint)but didn't fix the basic problem. Ex-rays and other tests did not reveal any structural damage so rehab became my best option.
I've had two "workouts" and the shoulder is definitely better.
The point of all this whining is a plea for any suggestions from folks who may have had the same problem. Any tips, experiences or suggestions that might help.
And I've already tried large doses of bourbon, so don't bother with that one.
Movies-The Klansman
I haven't been doing many of my mini-reviews lately but sometimes a film comes along that is either so good or so bad that it's my duty to mention it.
The Klansman (1974) is one of the latter.
I don't know what the worst things about ths picture is. The acting is bad and it's not just by the performers (Linda Evans, Lola Falana, Cameron Mitchell) you would expect to be shaky. In fact, the work turned in by Lee Marvin and Richard Burton(!) make OJ Simpson's turn as Defiant Young Black Man look like Oscar material. And can anyone tell me why they cast Luciana Paluzzi as a southern woman and then dubbed her voice with Dixie Carter (I think).
This is basically an overblown exploitation film. The script is so stunningly one-track and bereft of subtlety that you have to laugh. Even a veteran director like Terence Young seems overwhelmed by the sheer stupidity of this thing.
One of my favorite bits is the fight between Richard Burton and Cameron Mitchell in a bus station. One-armed Richard uses absurdly inept little judo chops to wallop hulking Cam, who at a key point takes a totally illogical sideways tumble over some luggage and onto a stuntman's air mattress that no one bothered too conceal.
Did anybody here have any pride at all or was everyone just looking for a big payday to cover their coke habits.
As a southerner I could be very offended by this film.
As a human being I could be very offended by this film.
Instead, as a southern, human being who loves movies, I choose to marvel at its ineptitude.
They don't make them quite like this anymore! At least I hope not.
The Klansman (1974) is one of the latter.
I don't know what the worst things about ths picture is. The acting is bad and it's not just by the performers (Linda Evans, Lola Falana, Cameron Mitchell) you would expect to be shaky. In fact, the work turned in by Lee Marvin and Richard Burton(!) make OJ Simpson's turn as Defiant Young Black Man look like Oscar material. And can anyone tell me why they cast Luciana Paluzzi as a southern woman and then dubbed her voice with Dixie Carter (I think).
This is basically an overblown exploitation film. The script is so stunningly one-track and bereft of subtlety that you have to laugh. Even a veteran director like Terence Young seems overwhelmed by the sheer stupidity of this thing.
One of my favorite bits is the fight between Richard Burton and Cameron Mitchell in a bus station. One-armed Richard uses absurdly inept little judo chops to wallop hulking Cam, who at a key point takes a totally illogical sideways tumble over some luggage and onto a stuntman's air mattress that no one bothered too conceal.
Did anybody here have any pride at all or was everyone just looking for a big payday to cover their coke habits.
As a southerner I could be very offended by this film.
As a human being I could be very offended by this film.
Instead, as a southern, human being who loves movies, I choose to marvel at its ineptitude.
They don't make them quite like this anymore! At least I hope not.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Comics
Jack Kirby celebrated. This fine collection of his work comes from Reason Magazine (via Charles Oliver.)
Your free Sunday tune
Leon Russell sings My Cricket with a little help from Willie. It's nice and sweet as Leon can be when he chooses.
Friday, August 28, 2009
College football
Terry Bowden takes charge at N. Alabama and signs up every big school reject/malcontent he can get his hands on.
Iran
The U.S. remains silent as Iranian show trials crush dissent. Where is Obama and Hillary as this tragedy (and crime) unfolds? There's more here. Meanwhile Obama is troubled by the Afghan election.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Elmer Kelton
Bill Kaufmann on the fine western writer who died this week. From American Conservative.
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