End of the Year (2009): Part 1- A Look Back

If you are unaware what this whole "End of the Year" this is all about, read the introduction. Otherwise, let's get started! Today, we begin with a recap of some of this year's biggest moments. This may take a while to read:

JANUARY
- Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States of America as well as becoming the first African-American to do just that.

- The Florida Gators defeat the Oklahoma Sooners to finish the college football season 12-1 and win the BCS National Championship. Unfortunately for the Gators, the only thing that is remembered from that game is the terrible coverage and incredible Tebowners by Thom Brennaman and the FOX Sports crew during the game.

- The Illinois House of Representatives impeach governor Rod Blagojevich. Pat Quinn, then Lt. Governor, becomes the new governor of the state.

- Days after being inaugurated, President Obama approves the bill to close down Guantanamo Bay prison.

- US Airways pilot Captain "Sully" Sullenberg saves his passengers and crew in "The Miracle at the Hudson.."

- The MLB Network launches.

- Ricardo Moltaban dies, beginning the big string of deaths in 2009.

- A picture of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps smoking on a bong is released on the English newspaper "News of the World."

- Israel attacks Hamas at the Gaza Strip as the second week of the three week Gaza War.

- Then New York Jets QB Brett Favre retires for the second straight season, Jets later release him which began the whole offseason drama.

FEBRUARY
- Chris Brown is arrested for assaulting then girlfriend Rihanna.

- The Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals in ones of the best Super Bowls of all time.

- New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admits to using steroids.

- "Slumdog Millionaire" wins Best Picture in the 81st Academy Awards. "The Dark Knight," a.k.a. the actual best film of 2008, only wins three awards, including the Best Supporting Actor award for the late Heath Ledger.

- Tiger Woods returns from knee surgery to play his first golf tournament of 2009.


- Paul Harvey, and all hopes for a sequel to "Cars," both die,

MARCH
- The University of Syracuse defeats the University of Connecticut in six overtimes, the second longest game in college basketball history, in the Big East tournament.

- Natasha Richardson dies.

- Bernie Madoff is sentenced to 150 years of prison for operating a Ponzi scheme.(Note: I almost forgot to write about Madoff in this post, so thank you Time.com for that)

- The Jon Stewart/ Jim Cramer and CNBC fued of a week ends with an appearance by Cramer on "The Daily Show " (which Stewart owned, by the way).

- Jimmy Fallon replaces Conan O-Brien as host of "Late Night," and thousands (including me) switch to watching Craig Ferguson for the better.

APRIL
- The Swine Flu (H1N1 virus) pandemic of 2009 begins.

- The North Carolina Tar Heels win one of the most boring NCAA tournaments ever. One week later, Connecticut finishes the season a perfect 39-0 and win the tournament on the woman's side.

- The comedy "Parks and Recreations" debuts on TV, while "ER" premieres its last episode

- Susan Boyle sings a song from "Le Miserable" beautifully on "Britain's Got Talent," becomes internet sensation with video.

- Angel Cabrera defeats Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell in one of the greatest Masters Tournaments of all time.

- The Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls play the greatest early round playoff series in NBA history.

- TV legend Bea Arthur and sports broadcasting legend Harry Kalas die.

- Somalian pirates kidnap a U.S. naval ship. They are eventually all gunned down and the hostages are saved.

- Miss California Carrie Prejean shockingly (?) says she doesn't support marriage, begins her rise to fame.

MAY
- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez is suspended 50 games for using performance enhancing drugs, making thousand of his fantasy owners cry.

- The best Pixar film of the decade, "Up," is released in theaters.

- The TV Show "Glee" premieres the day before Kris Allen was crowned the winner of "American Idol." In related TV news, "Chuck" was renewed for a third season!

- Sonya Sotmayor becomes the first Hispanic woman to be nominated for the Supreme Court. (Spolier alert: she eventually does become one).

JUNE
- Governor of South Carolina Mark Sanford went missing hiking on Father's Day, said to his workers that he was going to hike on the Appalachian Trail. But he was really seeing his mistress in Argentina.

- The Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Detroit Red Wings in seven games to win the Stanley Cup.

- Conan O' Brien replaces Jay Leno as host of "The Tonight Show."

- The album of the summer (that was released during this time) , a.k.a. the fifth Black Eyed Peas album "The E.N.D." is released.

- The Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Title over the Orlando Magic,and Kobe Bryant is forgiven of everything he's done this decade.

- The following things passed away:
1. Michael Jackson (the biggest one of the year)


2. Ed McMahon


3. Farah Fawcett


4. David Carradine

5. Billy Mays

6. Jon and Kate Gosslein's marriage

- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is "re-elected" as the President of Iran. Because of this, protests outbreak in the major cities by citizens, yet the government blamed the U.S. for this.

- NFL wide receiver Donte Stallworth is sentenced to thirty years of jail and some other punishments for killing a man.

- David Letterman makes a joke involving Sarah Palin's daughter and Alex Rodriguez, and a big Letterman/ Palin fued begins.

- Artie Lange appears on "Joe Buck Live" in one of the most awkward moments of the year.

- The United States soccer team shocks the world by beating Spain and almost beating Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup.

JULY
- Hey, another death! This time, it's Walter Kronkite and Steve McNair.

- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlesberger is charged with sexual assault. But it was a civil case and the lady dropped it a few weeks later, so all was well.

- The viral video of a naked ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews that was out for a few months was acknowledged by Andrews's lawyer and all the sports blogs blame themselves.

- Michael Jackson finally has that funeral of his.

- Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle pitches a perfect game, the first in five years and his second career no-hitter. And I was there! I was there!

- Michael Vick is released from his prison sentence.

- Brett Favre says that he will remain retired and will not play for the Minnesota Vikings.

- Stewart Cink makes millions of baby boomers angry by defeating the sixty year old Tom Watson in a playoff at the British Open. Tiger Woods misses the cut.

- The mj15 blog debuts with this introduction post simply titled "Welcome!"

- "The Hurt Locker" is released in select theaters.

- Roger Federer defeats Andy Roddick in a terrific Wimbledon final.

- Bill Clinton saves the two captured American reporter from North Korean prison.

- The countdown to the big 2010 NBA free agency reached less than one year.

- "The Beer Summit," involving President Obama with the black professor and white policeman who were in the news that time was held.

AUGUST
- The list of deaths in 2009 is just starting to get really depressing. Check out the list from this month:
1. John Hughes
2. Ted Kennedy
3. Eunice Kennedy Shriver

- Brett Favre un-retires, signs with the Minnesota Vikings. A few days later, Michael Vick is signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

- Y.E. Yang becomes the first Asian to win a golf major by defeating Tiger Woods in the PGA Championship.


- Rick Pitino is involved in a sex scandal I still have no understanding of.

-Usain. F-in. Bolt! Enough said

- Former NFL wide receiver Plaxico Burress goes to jail with a sentence that was more than Donte Stallworth and Michael Vick had combined.

SEPTEMBER
- Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift's speech in the MTV Video Music Awards by saying the Beyonce's videos was better than hers.

- The NFL Red Zone channel is launched.

- The eleventh Jay-Z album "The Blueprint 3" is released.

- "Modern Family" and "Community" both premiere on TV.

- With the help of stars like Albert Puhols, Ian Kinsler, Roy Halladay, CC Sabathia and Matt Holiday, mj15 wins his first fantasy baseball championship (http://games.espn.go.com/flb/clubhouse?leagueId=43812&teamId=2&seasonId=2009)

- Director Roman Polanski is arrested in Switzerland by the United States for chargers of rape that he had over thirty years ago.

- The Jay Leno at 9 p.m. experiment begins on NBC.

- Hey, another celebrity death! This time, it's Patrick Swayze.


- The best two word quote of the year "You lie!" is set free from South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's mouth during one of President Obama's speech.


-Tennis star Serena Williams, during the U.S. Open Women's final, goes on a tirade, going as far as threatening to hurt a judge.

- The popular sports blog "Fire Joe Morgan" returns for one day on Deadspin (http://deadspin.com/tag/fjm/)

- The first Cowboys game in the new Cowboy Stadium is played with a record attendance of over 100,000+ (but they still lost). In related NFL news, Gus Johnson receives his first Gusgasm in over a year while calling this awesome moment.

OCTOBER
- Balloon Boy is in the motherhumping hizzzzzyyyyy!

- Rio de Janeiro is announced as the host city of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Chicago finishes fourth, and becomes the laughing stock of the world for a weekend.

- Tiger Woods wins his second Fed Ex Cup in the last tournament he plays this year.


- The 700+ page epic that is Bill Simmons "The Book of Basketball" is released.

- David Letterman admits to having sexual relations with some of his assistants after some guy tried o exhort him.

- NASA blows up part of the moon and finds water in it in the biggest waste of tax money this year.

- Steve Phillps is is released as a baseball analyst for ESPN after having an affair with one of his assistants, bringing rise to the infamous Deadspin "ESPN Horndoggery" posts.

NOVEMBER
- Tiger Woods gets in a car accident near his house days after the National Enquirer reported that he was involved in an affair. This begins the legend that is the Tiger Woods saga.

- The Detroit Lions defeat the Cleveland Browns 38-37 in the best game of the year that you didn't see.

- The New York Yankess beat the Philadelphia Phillies to win their 27th World Series and everyone forgets that Alex Rodriguez used steroids. In related baseball news, the Detroit Tigers pull a New York Mets and choke away the AL Central in a game in which Chip Caray introduces "fisted" to a live baseball game.

- "Mad Men" has one of the best hours of any drama on TV with their third season finale. In related TV news, the "Seinfeld" "reunion" takes place on the season finale of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

- "Fantastic Mr. Fox" premieres in theaters.

- The Taylor Swift album "Fearless" is released.

- Oprah Winfrey announces that she will finish her talk show in 2011 while crying.

- The "Twilight" sequel "New Moon" grosses $141 million in it's opening weekend, the third most all-time, including a opening day record of $72 million.

- Jimmie Johnson becomes the first person in NASCAR history to win four straight Sprint Cups. In related sports news, the very revealing Andre Agassi biography is released.

- The Fort Hood massacre. Enough said.

DECEMBER

- The Tiger Woods saga becomes even bigger, with fourteen other women admitting to having an affair with him. Some of his sponsors also drop him, his mother-in-law is hospitalized with stomach pains and he ends up taking a temporary leave from the game of golf.

- "Up in the Air" and James Cameron's "Avatar" premieres in theaters.

- Bobby Bowden retires as head football coach of Florida State. Urban Meyer also announces that he will step down as head coach of the Florida Gators after the Sugar Bowl game against Cincinnati due to health issues in the "WTF News of the Month."

- NFL player Chris Henry dies at the age of 26, Oral Roberts at some old age and actress Brittany Murphy dies at the age of 32, officially ending the string of huge celebrity deaths in 2009 (I think. Remember, there's still three more days left!)

- The Phillies receive Roy Halladay and the Mariners receive Cliff Lee in one of the biggest baseball trades in recent memory.

- Some guy tried to bomb an airplane, but instead ended up burning his testicles.

- The MTV reality show "Jersey Shore" premieres and becomes an overnight success, as well as a controversial one.

- A woman tried to attack the pope during the Christmas Mass, like last year, but failed, like last year.

- In politics, President Obama announces that there will be more troops in Afghanistan and a health care bill is finally passed by the US Senate and the US House of Representatives.

And... that's about it for now. Or at least, that's as much as I could fit right now. If you see me leave anything out, please make it known to me through e-mail or through the comments section. Also, make sure to read part two tomorrow! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap.

Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15







If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post...

The Movie of the Decade

Part one of the "End of the Year" series will be posted tomorrow afternoon. But that's not why I'm writing today. As I mentioned yesterday, but you probably noticed already, this week is also the final one of the '00s, or whatever you call this decade. In honor of this, I have decided to devote three posts consisting of the bets things from this decade. But it won't be about the decade overall for some simple reasons.
a) I was in my early years of grade school between 2000-2004. Therefore, my fragile little mind at the time could only remember the 2000 Presidential election, 9/11, the Iraq War, the storylines from the WWE and whatever was on Nickelodeon.
b) Even if I did want to make posts about the entire decade, it would be much more time consuming then one column about a whole year. Think about it: I have to remember the biggest things to come out of a span of 3,650 days from the very beginning to the very end. There might also be a lot of stuff I may have forgotten while writing it to (see point A again for more on this).

So, instead, I decided on making a three part series commemorating the best of the decade for three categories that I adore talking about: movies, sports and TV. To start, I've decided to revise my "Movie of the Decade" post from late July. If you have any comments or disagreements on it, please feel free to e-mail me. Or you can just comment on the bottom of the page. Hope you enjoy:

I watched "The Hurt Locker" with some of my friends and cousins in July. We watched the trailer and heard some of the reviews (97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.com). It was an easier decision to go watch it then finding out what theater is it playing in (it's in select theaters). After watching it, I just have to say that if it's not the best movie of the Iraq war ever, it has to be in the top 3. It was compelling, the acting was great and relate able, and simply terrific. In my opinion, it's the leading contender for February's Oscars.

Speaking of great movies, we are about to be finished with the final year of this very quick decade (2000-2009). That also means that it is time to start looking back at some of the best and worst stuff that happened in it, including the movies. Overall, this decade offered probably the least memorable movies in the last 80 years of film making.. The 30's had "King Kong," "Silent Nights," and the greatest year in film history (1939). The 40's had "Citizen Kane," "Casablanca," "Fantasia," and "It's a Wonderful Life."

The 50's had "On the Waterfront"," "Singing in the Rain," "All About Eve," and Alfred Hitchcock movies. The 60's has "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Dr. Strangelove," "Lawrence of Arabia," and "The Graduate." The 70's had "The Godfather," "Star Wars," "Apocalypse Now," "Chinatown" and "A Clockwork Orange." The 80's had "Raging Bull," "E.T.," and "Platoon." And the 90's, well that was probably the greatest decade of films ever with movies like "Schindler's List," "Forrest Gump," "Silence of the Lambs," "Fargo," "Goodfellas," "Titanic," and "Saving Private Ryan" (not to mention some of the movies I left out like "The Shawshank Redemption," "Pulp Fiction," "Toy Story," "Reservoir Dogs," "Lion King," "Dances with Wolves" and many more).

Despite that, this decade did have some memorable films. Which brings up the question: what was the best and most defining film of this period of time? Everyone has an opinion, but I'm going to end this discussion right now! Before I start, here are some of the qualifications to win this prestigious accomplishment:
- Critical reception and/or box office success
- Rewatchability
- Originality
- Awards won
I'll start by naming the nominations from each year, then proceed to name each year's top three and then each year's best films (the finalists) and finally pick the winner.

The Nominations (per year)
2000- "Gladiator"
" Erin Brokovich"
" Traffic"
" Cast Away"
"The Royal Tenenbaums"
" Meet the Parents"
" Almost Famous"
"Chicken Run"
"O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

2001- "A Beautiful Mind"
" Lord of the Rings" 1
" Shrek"
"Monsters Inc."
"Harry Potter" 1

2002- "Chicago"
" The Pianist" "
"Lord of the Rings" 2
"Spiderman"
"Gangs of New York"
"My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
"Ice Age"

2003- "Lord of the Rings" 3
" Lost in Translation"
"Mystic River"
"Saw"
"Finding Nemo"
"Pirates of the Caribbean" 1
"Kill Bill"
"Shaun of the Dead"

2004- "Million Dollar Baby"
"The Aviator"
"Ray"
"Super Size Me"
"The Incredibles"
"Shrek 2"
"Fahrenheit 9/11"
"The Passion of the Christ"
"The Polar Express"
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"

2005- "Crash"
"Brokeback Mountain"
"Walk the Line"
"Capote"
"Good Night, Good Luck"
"Munch"
"March of the Penguins"
"Star Wars: Episode III"
"The 40 Year Old Virgin"

2006- "The Departed"
"The Queen"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
"Happy Feet"
"Cars"
"Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit"
"Letters From Iwo Jima"
"Pan's Labrynth"
"Borat"

2007- "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"
"No Country for Old Men"
"Juno"
"Eastern Promises"
"Ratatouille"
"Transformers"
"300"
"Superbad"

2008- "Slumdog Millionaire"
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"The Wrestler"
"Wall-E"
"Iron Man"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"Twilight"

2009- "The Hurt Locker"
"Up"
"500 Days of Summer"
"Star Trek"
"The Hangover"
"Up in the Air"
"The Twilight Saga: New Moon"
"Avatar"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"

Top Three (per year)
2000- "Gladiator"
"Traffic"
"Almost Famous"

2001- "A Beautiful Mind"
" Lord of the Rings" 1
"Shrek"

2002- "Chicago"
"The Pianist"
"Lord of the Rings" 2

2003- "Lord of the Rings" 3
"Lost in Translation"
"Finding Nemo"

2004- "Million Dollar Baby"
"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
"Passion of the Christ"

2005- "Crash"
"Brokeback Mountain"
"Munich"

2006- "The Departed"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
"Pan's Labrynth"

2007- "There Will Be Blood"
"4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"
"Ratatouille"

2008- "Slumdog Millionaire"
"The Dark Knight"
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

2009- "The Hurt Locker"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"Up in the Air"

The Finalists (per year)
2000- "Gladiator"
2001- "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
2002- "Chicago"
2003- "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
2004- "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
2005- "Brokeback Mountain"
2006- "The Departed"
2007- "Ratatouille"
2008- "The Dark Knight"
2009- "The Hurt Locker"

The Top Five (overall)
2001- "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
2003- "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"
2004- "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
2006- "The Departed"
2008- "The Dark Knight"

And the Winner is. . .




The Lord of the Rings
trilogy
Reasons why:
-- Only film from this decade on AFI's top 100 movies list (http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vZW4ud2lraXBlZGlhLm9yZy93aWtpL0FGSSUyN3NfMTAwX1llYXJzLi4uXzEwMF9Nb3ZpZXNfKDEwdGhfQW5uaXZlcnNhcnlfRWRpdGlvbg==)

-- The highest grossing movie trilogy of all time ($2.8 billion worldwide)

-- Winner of 17 Academy Awards (most all time)

-- Nominated for 30 Academy Awards (most all time)

-- Peter Jackson. He turned what most people called an "unfilmable" novel into a cinematic masterpiece.

-- The wonderful visual effects that won them the Oscar every year in the category.

-- One of the best trilogies of all time (along with "The Godfather" and the first three "Star Wars")

-- Honestly, who doesn't think the films aren't great. I mean, really people?

And, there you go! Enjoy your Sunday, precious reader!

Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

End of the Year: An Introduction

Howdy ho, one of the ten weekly viewers of this fine,yet pointless, MySpace page! Did you enjoy celebrating one of the many holidays that comes around this time of year? I know I did!

Anyways, I'm just giong to cut to the chase. Today, December 26th, is the 360th day of 2009. It's also the start of the last week of 2009 , which will end Friday at midnight, by the way. (I know, right? It just seemed like yesterday it was 2008, and we were all worried about a great economic depression). And what a twelve months it was! We had big celebrity deaths left and right. We were introduced to many news things like new songs, new movies, new terms like "teabaggers" and "birther," and, if I'm not mistaken, a new President, who's black if you'd believe it!

We saw the fall of on of sports biggest star's personal life. We saw the rise an alledged hermaphrodite who rose to fame through some famous songs she made. We saw the redemption of what was once a beloved Atlanta Falcons quarterback. We heard "I Dreamed a Dream" perform by a unattractive Scottish lady, the defintion of "fag" changed through the TV show "South Park" and a few new books or two. We also had the distinguished pleasure of hearing some great quotes and phrases. I mean, who could forget "The governor is hiking the Appalachian trail," "You lie!" and "Get your government hands of my medicare!" [Get it? Because medicare IS OWNED by the government! Hahahahahaha! (punches wall and cries himself to sleep)]

We had political spin being spun and debates being debated. We learned the tales of a pilot who saved hundreds by landing in the Hudson River and the captain of a boat taken by Somalian pirates. And let's not forget the d-bags! Indeed, there was a long selection of d-bags. There were the ones we all know and love, from the guy who said "Taylor, I'm going to let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time!" to the politians and pundits we always adore to hear. And,of course, there were the new ones that just came out of the pop culture oven over the past twelve months. Some memorable ones include Jon Gosslein, the Balloon Boy dad, and much more.

There was... well, you get the point!

In conclusion, so many things happened that will put the year 2009 in our minds forever. And starting on Monday , through a four part segemnt in which I titled it "End of the Year," or "The Laziest Possible Name I Could Come Up With,"
I will pick out what these things are. This includes stories, pop cultuer stuff, videos, people, etc. I will also try to celebrate the year that was in my best way possible, yet make you realized how bad it was that you can't wait for 2010 to start.

In addition, since Friday will also make the end of the decade that nobody knows what to call it (some people are calling it "the aughts," but I just don't like that name), I will also post some short columns on some the best things to come out of these last ten years. That should be more entertaining for you, right? RIGHT? So, with that being said, I hope to see you Monday for the first "End of the Year" post. Until then, enjoy your post holiday weekend (unless you're celebrating Kwanzaa in which that case I hope you're enjoying your seven day celebration)!

Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

2009 NFL Predictions: Christmas Week Edition- Everybody Gets a Present!

I'll get to the picks in a moment. But first, since it's week 16, the second to last week of the season and the same week when Christmas usually occurs, I've decided to spend this column giving out some fake gifts and awards to some teams and players who have really deserved it from this season. It's like whenever a writer gives out his fake awards during a column, except most of these people on the list, but with my own twist. Here we go:

To the St. Louis Rams: The first pick of the NFL Draft.
They deserve it. From the beginning of the season, no other team in the NFL showed this much signs of not caring at all and suckiness as they did.

To coaches Lovie Smith, Jim Zorn, Eric Mangini and Gary Kubiak: A pink slip
The first three should have each received it on Thanksgiving. The fourth one might not receive it at all. However, if his team doesn't make the playoffs, that might change.

To Browns, Rams, Bills, Buccaneers and Lions Fans: A DVD of the Dave Chappelle stand-up special
They need something in their life to make them laugh and be happy for a few moments. God knows the football team isn't supplying that to them.

To Bears fans: Blackhawks tickets
They're first place in the Western conference and have a terrific chance to make the Stanley Cup finals. Support them by coming to their games! I know I've already done it.

To Brett Favre: A watch that stops and fast forwards time.
That way, you can be able to take as much time as you want to think about retiring or not without annoying everyone else like the last two offseasons. Or, you could fast forward to August and go straight to the preseason games. That way, you don't have to suffer that boring summer in Mississippi.

To the Oakland Raiders: The award for the best mediocre team in the NFL
Yes, they may have only five wins this seasons. But four of those five came against teams like the Bengals, the Eagles, the Steelers and the Broncos, who could all end up in the playoffs. Not a bad set of wins.

To the Denver Broncos: A punch in the face from me.
It's not because I hate them. I only hate their fan base after the way they treated this whole Jay Cutler situation in the beginning of the season. I just hate the way they've been so unpredictable. With them, I have the worst record of picking their games then any other team in the NFL not named the Raiders. And that really gets me angry.

To the Minnesota Vikings: A "I'm sorry" card
This is for when they lose their inevitable divisional playoff or NFC Championship game next month. I'd just thought that I would send it a bit earlier than usual. (More on this later in the column)

To the United Football League: Enough money in the world to sign Tim Tebow to play for them
Someone on the internet, I forgot whom, made a good point about this. If this little league wants to make some kind of an impact on the sports scale, they have to do what previous NFL competitors did, which is get some of the top players out of college to play in their league. The AFL did it by signing Joe Namath. The USFL did it by signing Hershel Walker and Doug Flutie after they won the Heisman trophy. Which is why the idea of signing one of the best college football players ever to play in one of the two Florida teams where he is portrayed as football Jesus for some big, Eli Manninng like contract isn't such a bad one.

To Drew Brees and Peyton Manning: A share of the MVP award.
Both of them deserve it more than anyone in the NFL, because they both are the best players in one of the league's top two teams and if either one of them didn't play for their respected team, the Saints and Colts would be nothing at this point. And if the 2003 MVP award was shared, so should this one.

To Vince Young: The comeback player of the year award
He survived the toughest part of his life that featured scrutiny from almost everyone that he was a bust (not me though. I always thought he was never a bust. After all, he won rookie of the year and went to the playoffs in his first two years as a pro) and a supposed attempt to kill himself. Now, he's leading his team, who started out 0-6 by the way, to a possible playoff berth and really playing like the guy everyone thought he was going to be out of Texas. Well done, Vince.

To Joshua Cribbs: A big contract extension
He's really the only highlight from the Cleveland Browns this season besides Jerome Harrison's two hundred and eighty-something rushing game last week. If he was smart, he would hold out at long the rest of the season and the offseason and demand at least $10 million a year.

To Fantasy Football: A big, middle finger
All right, so here I was, up ten with one week to go in the fantasy football playoffs. I was pretty confident that I would move on to the championship. Then, you know what happens? Drew Brees (my QB) only gets 9 points, Roddy White (one of my WRs) get only 3 points and only one out of my eight starters (the Ravens defense) managed to get over ten points in the game. Meanwhile, Ben Roethlesberger (my backup QB) had a 500 yard game, Ryan Grant (my backup RB), had a 200 yard, 2 TD game and the other team had all their starters score over ten points.
As you might expect, I lost and my chances at a second championship was over. Why do the FFB god have to be so cruel? All I did was try to do was have a fun season, and I ended up being a nervous wreck every week (especially the last two weeks). Then again, why am I angry antway? I still won a title and I'm still going to play it next season. Forget what I just said.

To NFL broadcasters Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, Brian Billick, Matt Millen and Trent Green (in that order): A pink slip
They were by far the worst announcers in football all season. Every game that I heard that announce my Bears or any other game this season I just either put the TV on mute or switched to either the other network or NFL Red Zone. I would've also given it to Jon Gruden. But THIS GUY! THIS GUY has enough enthusiasm to make me like him to stay.

To the NFL and all the top cable companies: A mistletoe
That way they could all kiss and make up about their whole fight together and make a decision on putting the NFL Network on the provider. Honestly, it shouldn't be that hard. If it took Dish Network one year and Direct TV almost immediately, why it so hard for people like the ones at Time Warner.

To the Colts: Victories against the Jets, the Bills, and everyone they face in the playoffs.
I want to see them go 19-0. I want to see history in my very eyes. I want to see the Indiana town celebrating, the Patriots fans even more angry and the look on Mercury Morris when the Colts reveal the 19-0 banner in Lucas Oil Stadium next year. Sure, I'm selfish. But I'm the good kind of selfish, because I want to see someone else celebrate something.

Besides those, I would also like to give Charles Woodson the defensive MVP award, the offensive rookie of the year award to Percy Harvin, a new owner to the Washington Redskins and the Chicago Bears, some confidence for Jay Cutler and a good Super Bowl to CBS, who hasn't had five since the 1960's while the other networks, NBC and FOX, always seem to have one.

And now, onto the picks! Last week was another very good week of the pick maestro, as I went 11-5 last week, the fourth week in a row with a 10+ wins record, which was one game better than mt dad, mj50 as we like to call him, who went 10-6 (he picked the Redskins for some reason on Monday night by the way. So, had he picked the Giants we would've both been tied). Those 11 wins last week also brought my record through fifteen weeks to 145-77, which is thirteen games better than mj50, who has a 132-90 record. This week, though, should be a tougher one than last week because it features 2 games a win-or-die implication, 1 game with a team trying to go undefeated against a playoff hopeful, and 9 other matchups with at least one team trying to do either make the playoffs or earn better positioning in the playoffs. But, mj50 and I did reach our predictions. The following are those very picks.

Let's begin (note: all starting game times are based on the Central time zone):

San Diego Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans (-3): Christmas- 6:30 p.m.
mj15's pick: Tennessee
Well, isn't this a nice way for football fans who don't want to talk with their family members to spend their Christmas night? You start off opening presents in the morning, eat dinner and the Lebron/ Kobe matchup in the afternoon, and then cap it all off with a really good AFC matchup between between two of the hottest teams in the entire league. Not too shabby, schedule makers. Not too shabby. Anyways, like I just said, both of these teams are on fire.
The Chargers not having lost a game since sometime in October, and the Titans being 7-1 since the greatness that is Vince Young arrived. I say this because most of the time in this part of the season you go with the team who is either on a hot streak or are playing a more inferior team than them and that opponent will treat the game as an easy "W." So, after some careful thinking, I have decided to stick with the Titans. Because unlike the Chargers, they still have something to play for. San Diego has already clinched everything but homefield advantage. They're also at home, where they have yet to lose in the second Vince Young era. Though, as always, if Phillip Rivers gets hot early, the Titans will get in trouble, no matter how many 85 yard runs Chris Johnson comes up with.
mj50's pick: Tennessee

Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers (-14): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Green Bay
The reason you might expect, I guess: Green Bay Packers are angry, blah, blah, blah, defense wants o prove that they're not a joke, blah, blah, blah, West Coast teams playing a 12:00 game, blah, blah, blah, win... BIG.
mj50's pick: Green Bay

Oakland Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns (-3.5): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Cleveland
As previously mentioned, the 2009 Oakland Raiders have been known this season to deliver the wins against pretty good, if not great, teams. However, what they also should be remembered for not doing good the week after, as they have yet to win two wins in a row. Cleveland has also started coming together, having won two straight (which this season can be considered a major achievement) and play really well against the other mediocre teams. Well, it's mostly the offense who do a good job against those teams, but still.
mj50's pick: Cleveland

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-14): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Cincinnati
I hate to compare what the Bengals are going through right now, but what is happening with them with the tragic death of Chris Henry last week (which is really sad considering how it appeared his life was coming together) looks very similar to what happened to the Redskins after their loss of Sean Taylor. Both deaths happened in the middle of the week, and both teams lost the first game after the death by a field goal and had the funeral the Tuesday after the game. So, sticking with that, I see the Bengals, like the Redskins after that, to win this next game. Then again, they are playing the Chiefs, which they would have won with or without this happening. So... forget everything that I just said!
mj50's pick: Kansas City

Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins (-3): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Miami
Alright, so here we go! A matchup between two teams in that jumbled up AFC Wild Card race in which the winner remains alive, and the loser is done. And don't , I won't use a coin flip to decide this game (even though it did work again as the Titans won). I decided that the Dolphins will win, and I chose it easily (which is weird considering that I have picked the Texans to make the playoffs in the beginning of the season). Miami is way superior to the Dolphins to the Texans in every big way except for the quarterback and receiving corps. Also, even if the Texans did have a lead in some point of the game, they will find some way to choke it away like they always do in a game against a good team.
mj50's pick: Houston

Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons (-9): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Atlanta
This game doesn't matter, neither teams matter anymore, and this game is unwatchable. So, because of that, I will state my reason in four magical words that you may have heard before: Look. At. The. Records!
mj50's pick: Atlanta

Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants (-7): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: New York
You already know the reason. So instead, I'm going to pull a Drew Magary (no, I will not explain who he is) and talk about something completely different, and talk about Matt Moore for a few sentences. I watched the game he played against the Vikings. In my opinion, if there was a game where he made a case for Carolina to end the Jake Delholmme era and make him the starter next season, that was the game. He basically did everything right, from not being pressured by the big, bad Vikings defensive line and the primetime lights, to even throwing it to Steve Smith, which is something that the previous quarterbacks for the team this season seemed to have forgotten to do. If I were Jake Delholmme, I would really start crapping my pants thinking about his future on the team.
mj50's pick: New York

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints (-14): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: New Orleans
Yes, New Orleans lost their first game of the year last week. But they still have something to play for in the regular season as they are still a win away from officially playing all their non- Super Bowl playing games at the Superdome. And, trust me, they would like more than anything to clinch it. So, forget it Tampa fans. The Saints will be focused (and more than expected after that loss) and will beat your team... BIG.
mj50's pick: New Orleans

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots (-7.5): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: New England
This game was the one, for me, to be the toughest to pick. On on hand, the Patriots are at home with a chance to clinch the division if they win this game. On the other hand, they have been really struggling lately, Brady has been beaten up, and the Jags are sneaky good on the offensive side of the ball. I ended up choosing the road team because, honestly, the Patriots own the Jags at Foxboro in games that matter for both teams. See the 2005 Wild Card game and the 2007 Divisional Playoff game for more on this. Therefore, the Jags will step up and show them an A+ effort. Also, I have to pick at least one upset, right?
mj50's pick: New England

Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Pittsburgh
Before I begin, I would just like to say that this rivalry should receive a spot as one of the decade's best. After all, is there any other rivlary in the NFL that featured two teams that each won a Super Bowl and made the playoffs at least four times in the 00's who play each other once a year? Also, each match, especially the last four played between them, were all great and came down to the last second everytime. Besides the Patriots/ Colts rivalry, no other rivalry can match this one's greatness.
Anyways, while I do think this will be another close matchup, I do believe that the Steelers will come out on top. As Bill Simmons of ESPN.com pointed out, the combination of a defeat to the Browns and a come-from-behind, last second winner against Green Bay should fuel Pittsburgh up to one hell of a finish. Also, the Steelers with Roethlesberger under center have won four straight against them, and I expect that to continue in what should be a raunchy Heinz Field.
mj50's pick: Pittsburgh

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Arizona Cardinals (-14): Sunday- 3:05 p.m.
mj15's pick: Arizona
At this point of the season, I'm just too tired to make a reason for this type of game between tow teams that each have nothing at stake. St. Louis is already going to have a #1 pick, so I doubt that they will try to screw that up by losing, and Arizona already has the NFC West clinched. So, once again, I'm just going to say the four words for these type of games until the playoffs: Look. At. The, Records!
mj50's pick: Arizona

Detroit Lions vs. San Fransisco 49ers (-12): Sunday- 3:05 p.m.
mj15's pick: San Fransisco
Look. At. The. Records!
mj50's pick: San Fransisco

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts (-5.5): Sunday- 3:15 p.m.
mj15's pick: Indianapolis
Peter King of Sports Illustrated pointed out in his weekly Monday article that the Jets would have a really good chance at winning this game if coach Rex Ryan just ordered his defense to just start blitzing and giving late hits to Peyton Manning just so Jim Caldwell will get scared just enough to pull him off this game, and thus giving New York a better direction to victory. Well, why that may seem like a good idea, Peter King forgot to mention the name Mark Sanchez. Even of the Jets would do that, that guy, against one of the best defensive lines in football by the way, will get pressured just enough to throw enough interceptions to counter act the blitzes.
And do you know what else? I actually believe that the Colts will go for a 16-0 record. Sure there are all these talks about Caldwell sitting all his starters and all that. But I have a strong feeling, no, I KNOW that Caldwell will go for it. Take last week's game for example. He could've given up at any time and just give Jacksonville the win. But, no, he made his team play to the very end. And you know what, his team played as if it was week 3 and scored 38 points to get the win.
Besides, Caldwell is human (even though it seems as if he doesn't make any real emotion at all during the football game) with some selfish needs. He wants to be known as the only coach (who's also a rookie, if I might add!) to have his team go 19-0. He, and even his entire team, wants to be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, to have their place on top of the pantheon of greats, and to pour champagne every time the last undefeated team loses like the jackasses that are the '72 Dolphins. They will try to run the tables. Trust me.
mj50's pick: Indianapolis

Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-7): Sunday- 3:!5 p.m.
mj15's pick: Philadelphia
Eagles want to have the advantage in the race for the NFC East heading into Dallas next week. The Broncos, even though they want this more, lost to the Raiders last week, signaling the start of a big collapse over the final two games of the season. There was no way that I would pass up a chance to pick the home team in this one.
mj50's pick: Philadelphia

Dallas Cowboys (-7) vs. Washington Redskins: Sunday- 7:20 p.m.
mj15's pick: Dallas
Really, NBC? THIS is your Sunday Night game of the week? Look, I know the Cowboys draw ratings, but there is no way in hell that it will be a close game. And even if it was, it would be boring. The Redskins have just given up (see that idiotic play they performed against the Giants on Monday for more details), and the Cowboys actually look like a good team in December for once. What happened, did CBS beg you not to flex the Jets/ Colts game into your schedule?
mj50's pick: Dallas


Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs. Chicago Bears: Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Minnesota
Controversy in Minnesota! Featuring Brett Favre AND Brad Childress at the same time! Yes! Yes! Yes! A Million Times Yes! As a Bears fan and a lifetime hater of anything Minnesota related, this is like a second Christmas present for me, because now I officially don't have to get worried about the Vikings winning the Super Bowl anytime soon. That being said, I still think that they will destroy the Bears. The weather is cold, and Childress will finally remember who Adrian Peterson is, therefore once again recapturing his reputation as a Bears killer.
mj50's pick: Minnesota

RECAP
The Undertaker at "WrestleMania" Lock of the Week:
New Orleans over Tampa Bay
The Y.E. Yang over Tiger Woods Upset of the Week:
Jacksonville over New England
The Diet Pepsi vs. Diet Coke "I'm Not Sure" Pick:
Pittsburgh over Baltimore

Week 16 recap and the thrilling regular season finale to the predictions column coming at ya next week! And since there will be no Thursday night game, the column will return to it's regular Friday schedule as it was before week 10. Until then, may I be one of the already dozens of people to wish you a happy and safe Christmachanakwanzaadanitet.
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on the week sixteen predictions or anything else on this post, or if you have any suggestions to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

The Golden Globes (TV), Nickelodeon Magazine and James Franco

We have a lot of thoughts to cover today on the mj15 blog. So much, in fact, that we had to go back to the old mj15 blog style of the summer and have three separate segments at once. My final "Random Thoughts" of 2009 and some more information about the next two weeks on the blog coming up in just a few paragraphs.

But, first, on Tuesday the second biggest nominations in all of TV Land and Movie Land was announced as we found out who (or is it whom? whatever) and what was nominated for this January's Golden Globe Awards. Now, for those of you who don't know, the Golden Globes is an award show presented annually by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association since 1944. Seems simple, right? Well, not really, because unlike most awards that focus on one aspect of a certain industry, the Golden Globes is an award show that focuses on the two most on-screen entertainment industries, movies and television. So while it's not the biggest award show for movies (that belongs to the Academy Awards) and TV (that belongs, of course, to the Emmys), it's still the second biggest. Plus, it's a nice way to get recognized if you win an award and an interesting way for the top people in both industries to mingle (I mean, how often do you see Steve Carrell of "The Office" and Brad Pitt in the same place?)

Now, as you might expect, the reason I have brought this up is to make my predictions on these nominations. But not for the movie awards. Here's why:

1. I only watched five movies in theaters this year, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" (surprisingly hilarious), "Up" (another great movie by Pixar), "G-Force" (I had to watch it, and it sucked), "The Hurt Locker," (best movie of the year) and "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (my pick for best animated movie of the year). Therefore, I have no knowledge of which movie was better than which (expect in the "Up" vs. "Fantastic Mr. Fox" debate), who's performance is better than whom, etc.

2. Even if I did watch these movies, I know that I would have a hard time picking it. I mean, it's not like watching one TV show 22 times a year, with some repeats. You have to watch each of these two hour movies once, then when you're finished you have to remember everything you watched and pick one of those.

3. My choices for movies are not compared to the HFPA, the Academy of Arts of Sciences, etc. For example, last year I thought that "The Dark Knight" was, by a mile, the best film of the of that time. It ended up winning only two Oscars and one Golden Globe (66.66% of that was given to the late Heath Ledger for Best Supporting Actor). That's it. They didn't even bother nominate it for the big awards like Best Picture and Best Director for Christopher Nolan.

4. Since it is hard to pick the Golden Globes, I just use the winners to make my picks for the Oscars. For example, last year 5 out of 6 of the winners of the major awards (best picture, best actor, best actress, best supporting actress, best supporting actor, best director) all won a Golden Globe the same year. The year before it was 6 out of 6! As you can see, picking the Oscars is much easier.

So, instead, I will be picking the field that I know the best (went 15-6 in predicting last year's Emmys) and I have more experienced in (as mentioned on my first official blog post in July), the TV part of the awards. So, here we go, after reading through the nominations, looking back at previous Golden Globes and Emmys, and reading & listening to other people's opinions, here are my predictions for ALL (not just some of them like during the Emmys) of the most important of the TV industry's second biggest award show:

BEST TELEVISION SERIES- DRAMA

Will and Should Win: "Mad Men"
Weddings, childbirth, affairs, divorce, turmoil in the lives of every single main character, betrayal and a great, great, great, and five more times great season finale that has made me excited for the new season ever since. A guy even got his foot cut off with a lawn mower for Christ's sake! How could not give the award to a show with that much things going on? It even has the best writing on TV, the best man in charge (Matthew Weiner), good acting, and the best definition of a "drama" in the business. Besides, it has never lost as a nominee just yet, and like with the "Emmys," I will also factor that in the proceedings.
Another opinion:
While it doesn't seem like there isn't a single show on TV that could beat "Mad Men," I still believe that "Dexter" would be my pick to beat that. Not because I watched it and thought it was very good (I don't have Showtime), but I did read other people's opinions of it, and they said it was good, especially this season. Also, no nominations for either "Breaking Bad" or "Sons of Anarchy"? Maybe that's why this award show is treated as a second rate compared to the Emmys.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES- COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Will Win: "Modern Family"
Yes, folks, I said it. I believe that for the first time since 2006, a show no named "30 Rock" will win. The reasons why is simple. First of all, it's one of the newest of the good comedies, and award shows love giving the newest kid on the block a trophy for their achievement. Second, the critics love it. And, yes, it does indeed have it moments.
Should Win: "The Office"
I know this may seem like old news for those of you who have read my previous posts, but I think "The Office" is spectacular. Everything about it is great. This season, especially. Despite possibly having some of the show's worst episodes (also known as "Mob Boss") it still had some of the show's greatest (the Jim-Pam wedding episode comes to mind. It also have more constantly funny episodes than "Modern Family"
Another opinion: Many opinions (as you might expect) from this category:
1. While I do believe that "Modern Family" will win, I still believe that they will win in a nail-biting finish against "30 Rock." I mean, you can't have a show that has one three years in a row and not be try to get a four-peat without a fight.
2. Once again, it appears that I am losing touch with what most of America finds "funny," as I don't believe that either "Modern Family" or "30 Rock" should win, and yet either of them will. Someone needs to explain to me why that is the case.
3. Can the annual nomination of "Entourage" please stop? Year in, year out this show always finds it's way to be called "one of the year's best." Have you actually seen it? I did a couple of times this season. It's boring, and most importantly, it's not funny. Apparently, Alan Sepinwall was right when talking on one of Bill Simmons's podcasts when he said that Hollywood just keeps liking it because it reminds them up their daily lives.
4. No "Parks and Recreations"? No "Curb Your Enthusiasm"? No "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"? (sigh) This is why only five nominees don't make sense!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TV SERIES- DRAMA

Will Win: Jon Hamm as Don Draper in "Mad Men"
Honestly, I really have no idea as to who will win this award. Then again, if you only watch five dramas total like I do, you really don't have a clue as to who will win. But "Mad Men" is great. And Hamm was brilliant this season as Draper. So... yeah.
Should Win: Hugh Laurie as Gregory House in "House"
I know what you're probably thinking: "MJ15, if you want Hugh Laurie to win Best Actor, then why didn't you pick him in the will win column?" That's because when you have the best person on the best show on TV, chances are he's going to take the crown. It's like if Peyton Manning would receive the MVP trophy if the Colts go 16-0 this season. However, I do believe that if it will not be Hamm, then it should definitely go to the Brit who plays the TV's rule breaking doctor to perfection. Also, he hasn't won a single award as of this point, and if there is someone who needs dome hardware for his work, it's Laurie.
Another Opinion:
As I mentioned earlier, I really don't know much about this category. So, therefore, I wouldn't be shocked if anyone in this category wins Except Bill Paxton. The character he portrays is just too boring.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES- DRAMA

Will Win: Glenn Close as Patty Hewes in "Damages"
If you thought that I had a hard time in the male part of the drama categories, then I had no clue in the female drama categories. I ended up picking Close because she won the Emmys last year. That's it.
Should Win: January Jones as Betty Draper in "Mad Men"
Jones was the only actress I watched perform every week. And she did a pretty good job playing Mrs. Don Draper as the spoiled brat she is. So...
Another opinion:
I don't know why, but I have a strong conviction that Ann Paquin will repeat. "True Blood" is that kind of show that could do that.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TV SERIES- COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Will Win: Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy in "30 Rock"
I've said it in my Emmy predictions, and I will say it again, there is no one who does a better job at stealing a scene in every way as Alec Baldwin. Once hes' on screen, you can't help but mesmerize him. Also, he's retiring in a couple of years, so this is where the "awards given for career achievement" part of his life will begin.
Should Win: Steve Carrell as Michael Scott in "The Office"
It's been six nearly five years since the US version of "The Office" debuted, and yet there has yet to be a major award given to Carell for his brilliant portrayal as the many emotions that is, Michael Scott in a way no one else would. . It's unfair, if you ask me! Grant it, he doesn't deserve it as much as he should've last season, but still...
Another opinion:
Sorry, everyone else (Thomas Jane, David Duchovny, Matthew Morrison) but it's basically a two man race between Baldwin and Carrel. The highest any of you will finish is a distant third. Also, why no love for Jim Parson as Sheldon in "The Big Bang Theory"? Are any of these three actors (especially Duchovny) really better than him? I thought so.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TV SERIES- COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Will and Should Win: Either Tina Fey as Liz Lemon in "30 Rock" or Toni Collete as Tara Gregson in "The United States of Tara"
Heading into the 2009 Emmys, it seemed as a foregone conclusion that it was going to be Tina Fey as the winner as best actress in the comedy category for the 357th time this decade. Well, it didn't turn out that way, as in the the second true upset of the awards (along with Jon Cryer with best supporting actor in a comedy series) it was Collete who won after a brilliant portrayal as the chich with the multiple personalities. Well, these two are back for a second round. Personally, I can see both of these women taking home the gold, so it really doesn't matter, and I wish both of them luck. Either one of them deserves it.
Another opinion:
While I see either Fey or Collete as the winner, don't be shocked to see yet another upset, like Edie Falco in "Nurse Jackie" and Lea Michele in "Glee," and yes, even Courtney Cox of "Cougar Town." (even though she really shouldn't).

BEST MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TV

Will and Should Win: "Grey Gardens"
Did this movie win the Emmy for the same category? (gasping) It did?! Well, I guess that wasn't sop hard to make a pick.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES, OR MADE FOR TV MOVIE

Will Win: John Lithgow as the "Trinity Killer" in "Dexter
Based on what I've heard about his performance on the show, the clips I've seen of him, and the fact that I am a fan of his acting, I have reached a conclusion that he did the best job doing what this category required, to be the best actor of a TV series in which the person spent all of the show helping the main character or being a big part of the main character's world. Especially if you consider that he was only required to do this role for only one season.
Should Win: Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson in "How I Met Your Mother"
First of all, I would just like to say that NPH was screwed out of an Emmy in September. Everybody in the room knew that it should've been him. And not Jon Cryer, who just won it for some career achievement thing. He should win it for that alone. Second, I believe that he does the best job at being the temporary show stealer in all of the comedies on TV. Any questions?
Another opinion:
If you break down the entire category, it appears that really anyone of these men can win. However, in the end it will go down to either Lithgow, Harris, and Piven (he did win the Emmy in 2008, after all).

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES AND MADE FOR TV MOVIE

Will and Should Win: Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester in "Glee"
I have yet to watch "Glee," and I dont' know anything about what's going on in the show. However, everytime I read or hear someone talk about the show and how amazing it is, they always bring up how amazing she is, how she deserves an award and how she steal every scene. So there!
Another opinion:
Not much. I would just like to point out ho this category really proved to be true to this name, as every type of TV show (series, mini-series and made for TV movie) had one actress from that type of TV show in the nominees list.

Well, that's my predictions for the major awards. I will let you know what happens with my picks. I might do it in a "Random Thoughts" column, or I might do it through a live blog similar to that of the Emmy awards, except it will probably be less shorter. Speaking of "Random Thoughts," it is Monday! It's also the last set of 'Thoughts' for the rest of 2009. So let's proceed to that (note: the following took place between Thursday, December 17th and Monday, December 21st):

RANDOM THOUGHTS:

- December 18th: For some reason, it just doesn't feel like Christmas to me. I don't know why, but there is just something missing. It just feels like December
December 20th (after my house was finished getting decorated and snow fell): All right, now it feels like Christmas time.

- I was watching some old Dave Chappelle stand-up, first the entire "Killing Them Softly," then some clip from three of his other ones. All I could say is: DAVE! COME BACK! THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR THIS INSTANT!

- The Bears offense against the Ravens looked more dead than Brittany Murphy. (thinking) Too soon?

- Dear God, what was up with James Franco's eyes during his stint on "Saturday Night Live"? I don't know whether he was squinting because of the lighting, or if he always does that, but that scared me and gave me chills for hours after that.

- After the Saints lost their first game of the season against Dallas, I bet Merury Morris and the rest of the '72 Douchephins were pouring little bottles of champagne, while beginning to cool the big one for the Colts loss. I just sensed it as soon as Brees fumbled the ball with 12 seconds left.

- "What Up With That?" with Kenan Thompson is slowly becoming the most epic sketch in "Saturday Night Live" history.










- What's the point of Google running commercials? I mean, it's not like it's the brand new Bing service. Basically everyone with a computer knows what it is. Besides, it's already the most profitable search engine of the Internet, ahead of Ask.com, Yahoo, and Bing, so it really seems pointless.

- From Nickelodeon Magazine to My House on 12/19:
Dear ____,
I am writing to let you know that effective with the December issue, NICKELODEON MAGAZINE is no longer being published. However, I am pleased to inform you that the remainder of your subscription will be honored by SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS magazine...
You will receive your first issue of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS within the next 15 weeks. If you'd rather not receive SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS, please call 1-800-788-0430 within the next four weeks to receive a refund for the remaining value of you NICKELODEON magazine subscription...
... Sincerely,
Customer Service
Well, it's official. My childhood is dead. Man, this is depressing!

- Am I the only one excited with the return of the Nike Lebron James and Kobe Bryant puppets from last year's playoffs? They are awesome!







- Reason #211 why NFL Network is awesome: they are going to show the first ever re-airing of "The Catch" game on Christmas Eve in it's entirety. I'm simply excited! Speaking of Christmas Eve, should I spend most of the primetime watching that or "It's A Wonderful Life"? I never watched the movie in ti's entirety, yet this may be the only time I ever watch "The Catch" in a way that isn't through NFL Films. I'm not putting "A Christmas Story" on the list, because it will run for 24 hours straight, so I don't have to watch it right away.

And that's the way it is! So, I'll be back either tomorrow or Wednesday, with the week 16 edition of my NFL predictions. A reminder: I'm starting on my "End of the Year" column. If you have anything that should be included in this four part segment, whether it's a story, a video, a song, a movie, etc., e-mail me at mj1599@aol.com. Finally, since this post did feature the last "Random Thoughts" of 2009, I do believe this is the right time to showcase the last "Beatle-tastic Song of the Week" of 2009.

So here we go! Ladies and gentleman, for your viewing pleasure, here is two of the band's best, "Here Come the Sun," and "Hey Jude." Enjoy:










Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15




If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

End of the Week: 12/13/09- 12/19/09

END OF THE WEEK:

Before I begin, I would just like to point out that this will be the last "End of the Week" post of 2009. The reasons are simple. The first is because I won't feel like posting one next week when it will be the day after Christmas. Also, starting next week I will be working on a special four or five part segment looking back at the year 2009, simply called "End of the Year," where I look back from the last twelve months from almost every angle. I'll also post some extra columns dedicated to some of the decades' best.
Monday will also be the final "Random Thoughts" post of 2009. So, if you are clicking your way to this site next Saturday hopping to see these two, well I'm sorry but it won't be back until after New Year's Day. So, on we go! The following are some of the best moments from the past seven days:

The Worst Timed Moment of the Week: Sports Illustrated.com's Front Page The Day Cincinnati Bengals' Wide Receiver Chris Henry Passed Away.



Well.... at least we know that Liberty Mutual can give you a new car if you are in a car accident. Your life? Not so much.

Video of the Week: "The Key of Awesome: 'The Dark Knight' is Confusing"
This video has music, a parody of last year's best film, comedy, and it tells what some people have already thought in a clever way. What more can you ask for?






Story of the Week: Elin Nordergen to Divorce Tiger Woods
I picked this story for two reasons. First of all, there were really no big stories to come out this week. Then again, there's never any real big story to come out this time of year except the biggest sales in stores and who someone thinks is the years' best and worst ___. So why not use the week's biggest story about this month's biggest story. Also, I almost went through an entire "End of the Week" post without mentioning this guy, so why not use him.

Person of the Week: You
Well, this is more like the person of the week for next week, but it still applies. After all, the holiday season is in full swing. Christmas is less than a week away. Snow is falling, making it feel more like Christmas. The football season is at it's best. You're on vacation. You're sitting at home, or somewhere else that is comfortable, relaxing and feeling good. Overall, unless you have something bad happening in your life right now, you're having yourself a good time, which makes you feel on top of the world. And that is why you are the person of the week!

And that's the way it is. So remember: there will be no "End of the Week" post until the first full week of 2010 and my last "Random Thoughts" column of 2009 will be on Monday. During this time, I'll spend most of my time relaxing on my winter break, helping my family prepare for Christmas, maybe writing a fun post or two on this blog, and working on my "End of the Year" and "Best of the Decade" posts.
Speaking of "End of the Year," if you wish to point out anything from the last twelve months that should be include on the posts, just e-mail me at mj1599@aol.com. Most likely it will be on the post. And that's that. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

Random Thoughts: 12/14/09 - 12/17/09

RANDOM THOUGHTS:

The following were on my mind between Monday, December 14th and Thursday, December 17th:

- Two highlights of my week. One was a poster for Jackie Chan called "The Spy Next Door," and realizing how unintentionally funny it will be. The other was the reaction of everybody in the same L-train station looking at it.

- It is really impossible to just put one type of soda in a restaurant's open drink station. You're more likely to cure cancer than just put cola in it, and not a mix of four different types of soft drinks.

- Speaking of restaurants: how long will it take for our generation's music to appear on one of those "oldies" station on every Subway in America? Fifteen years, possibly?

- What's the proper way to say it: freakin'? friggin? freaking? frickin? I have to know!

- It's interesting: while everyone is covering Tiger Woods and whatever the hell is happening to him, Michael Phelps is probably smoking two joints every day, and no one is paying attention.

- Hey, apparently I'm not the only who has proclaimed NFL Network's Red Zone Channel as the holy grail of non Direct TV owners. Check out this article from Sports Illustrated's Phil Taylor. He treats it as if it was an interview with Jesus Christ himself.

And that's that! The next edition of the R.T.s (and possibly the last of 2009) coming at ya (as always) on Monday. But before I go, it's time for the weekly "Beatle-tastic Song of the Week." Last week, I skipped this part of the post by playing the "Dreidel Song" from "South Park." So, to compensate for last week's loss, I'm goign to do a double feature. So here we go: first up, "A Hard Day's Night":






Alrighty then. And now, to finish off the post, the great, the entertaining, "All
You Need is Love." Enjoy.







Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

2009 NFL Predictions: Week 15

Welcome back! No long introduction this week, just a quick recap form last week. In case you're wondering I finished the week 11-5, three games better than my old man, mj50 I call him on this site, who went 8-8. Now, onto this weeks picks! Hopefully, things will continue this week as best as it can.

Let's begin (note: all game times are based on the Central time zone):

Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Thursday- 7:20 p.m.
mj15's pick: Indianapolis
I'm sticking by what I said a few weeks back and sticking with the Colts. Speaking of the Colts, I cannot believe they might be having a discussion as to whether or not they should sit their starters in the final games of the regular season? Yeah, I understand the whole theory about resting your starters. But, hello! We're talking about a 19-0 record, something that only two teams in NFL history have ever done. We're talking about a chance to add a perfect season to their already incredible decade, to do something their rival, the Patriots, could never achieve, and, most importantly, the opportunity to shut up Mercury Morris and the rest of the champagne-popping and smug '72 Dolphins.
Also, have the Colts ever considered why won their only Super Bowl in 2006. That's because it was the only year this decade they didn't rest their starters in the last two weeks of the season. Shouldn't they have realized that this should stop and that they should change their ways? Besides, they'll have a bye week anyway, so an extra week off doesn't really matter.
mj50's pick: Indianapolis

Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints (-7): Saturday- 7:20 p.m.
mj15's pick: New Orleans
Boy, is this a good week to be the NFL Network! Not only are they going to have their best Thursday night game of the season this week featuring the undefeated Colts against a good playoff potential team Jacksonville Jaguars, but they also have a bonus game this week featuring the leagues' other undefeated team, the Saints, against the Cowboys, which always draw big ratings. It's their best week as a network since they covered the Patriots 16-0 game against the Giants in 2007. All I can say is, whoever put these games on their channel should get a raise.
Anyways, I mentioned last week that if the Saints can go to Atlanta to beat the potential playoff- bound Falcons, then they should have a smooth road to a 16-0 regular season schedule (though you can argue that the Carolina game in week 17 will be pretty difficult). Well, they did and now it does in fact appear that this will be the case. Especially against the Cowboys, who haven't won a meaningful game in Decmeber since, I don't know, 2003? To summarize, while I believe that this game will be close, I still see the Saints as the one on top.
mj50's pick: New Orleans

New England Patriots (-7) vs. Buffalo Bills: Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: New England
Trouble in Beantown! Featuring the debut of Randy Moss. Nah, I don't think what transpired the past few weeks will get settled over time. After all, Bill Belicick can finish controversies pretty well. And if not, then at least New England has Wes Welker, who over the last four games has played really well by averaging about 10 grabs and 130 yards a game. So, I see this being settled, or at least for this week against the Bills.
mj50's pick: New England

Arizona Cardinals (-12) vs. Detroit Lions: Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Arizona
Gosh, how I hate NFL "analysts" in December. They just scrutinze every little detail until it' officially playoff time. One big example was how they treated the Cardinals after their loss to the 49ers on Monday Night, with some even suggesting as they have "no chance" in the playoffs. Apparently, these "analysts" seem to have forgotten how terrible the defending NFC champions were last December. Don't worry Cards fans, you'll be fine. Especially this week against the Lions, who are just terrible.
mj50's pick: Arizona

Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans (-3): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Tennessee
Hey, what do you know, my ultimate "I don't know" pick from last week was correct! Miami did, in fact, beat Jacksonville. Who knew that a flip of the coin would work so well for me? So, in honor of this, and because I still have a problem in games where Miami faces an even opponent (why do they do this to me!), I flipped the coin again. It went to Tennessee's side of the coin. Will it work again? Find out next week!
mj50's pick: Tennessee

Jimmy Claufsen/ Ndamukong Suh Bowl III
[a.k.a. Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-2)]: Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Kansas City
Well, here we are: the final leg of the JCNSB! First, it was the Rams who defeated the Lions in week 8, then it was the Lions who defeated the Browns. And now, we have the 2-11 Browns against the 3-12 Chiefs. You can't get any mediocre than this! So, while I don't beleive the loser will get the first pick in the draft (the Rams and the Bucs will be hard to beat), I do see the loser lock up the #3 pick. And, in my opinion, it ill be the Browns. The Chiefs just overmatch them in every way.
mj50's pick: Kansas City

Houston Texans (-10.5) vs. St. Louis Rams: Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Houston
I have loved Houston since the beginning of the season. Do you actually believe that I will pick against them? Better yet, against the 1-12 Rams? I don't think so.
mj50's pick: St. Louis (Crazy isn't it?)

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets (-5): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Atlanta
Should this even be considered an upset pick? After all, Atlanta is the better team then the Jets in every way except, possibly, the secondary. Plus, there are speculations that Matt Ryan will come back (even though it doens't matter becuase Mike Redmond has been playing like a beast lately), who let's face, is much better than Mark "Learns How to Slide, Then Gets Injured By Sliding After a Play" Sanchez.
mj50's pick: New York

San Fransisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Philadelphia
First of all, how about those 49ers? They just literally destroyed the Cardinals on Monday night in every way possible. Having said that ("Curb Your Enthusiasm" reference!), the Eagles offense was just outstanding against the Giants, from McNabb to Desean Jackson (who I think we can all officially say is for real). You can even start considering them the third best team in the NFCAlso, I believe there has been a little theory being tossed around by me over this past season about West Coast teams in 12:00 games (which has only been unsuccessful four times this season by the way). Eagles will win... BIG.
mj50's pick: Philadelphia

Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens (-11): Sunday- 12:00 p.m.
mj15's pick: Baltimore
Ugh, I don't want to talk about the Bears anymore. It's just become too painful for me to try to look at the bright side. And defend Jay Cutler to my (mostly Packers fans) friends. What I will do, though, is talk about the Ravens and their playoff chances. While they do have some soft spots, I do see them making the playoffs. Which means that I see them going past the Jaguars, the Jets, the Titans, the Dolphins, and ,yes, even my beloved Texans. Their defense always performs come playoff time and their running game is always a full force.
But what really separates them from years past is the quarterback. Despite a slow couple of weeks, Joe Flacco, to put it simple, can play! And he will be the real reason why the Ravens will have a good December and a good early January (if they do make the playoffs). Including this week, when they defeat the Bears... BIG.
mj50's pick: Chicago

Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Diego Chargers (-6.5): Sunday- 3:05 p.m.
mj15's pick: San Diego
The way I see this game is one between two playoff bound teams going in two different directions. The Chargers are better than ever, with an anti- Cowboys December streak goign and looking like the one team that could beat the Colts in the playoffs. As for the Bengals, boy have they really begun to look like the "Bunguls." They were crushed by Minnesota, can barely beat medicre teams like the Browns, and have a very underperforming offense. If I were them, I would really recommend a big redjustment come playoff time. I see these two trends continuing for botyh these teams after this game, as the Chargers will pull another impressive week.
mj50's pick: San Diego

Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos (-14): Sunday- 3:05 p.m.
mj15's pick: Denver
Boy, the Raiders were actually looking like a watchable team. Then, Bruce Gradkowski got injured, and now Charlie Frye (not Jamarcus Russell, who is now officially the bust of the decade) is starting. Against the fifth seed in the playoffs, no less. Broncos will win... BIG.
mj50's pick: Denver

Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2): Sunday- 3:15 p.m.
mj15's pick: Pittsburgh
Before I begin, I wouls just like to apologize to Ryan Grant for benching him last week against the Bears in the semifinals of the fantasy playoffs. I see you made a big statement against the Bears. But, things have all worked out. You're starting for me this week, and I'm leading thru one week by two points.
Anyways, while Pittsburgh have been struggling significantly since Roethlesberger's concussion, I still like them against the Packers. They have the defense that is good enough to limit Aaron Rodgers. Also, I expect a big week by Ben Roethlesberger at home, even though the Packers have one of the top ten defenses in the league.
mj50's pick: Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks (-6.5): Sunday- 3:15 p.m.
mj15's pick: Seattle
This game is so bad to think about,I ddin't even bother researching for this pick. I just took Seattle because they have the better record, and they're at home.
mj50's pick: Tampa Bay

Minnesota Vikings (-9) vs. Carolina Panthers: Sunday- 7:20 p.m.
mj15's pick: Minnesota
So, it appears that things are back to normal for Minnesota after last week's scare against Arizona. It's amazing how one win can change all that. And it appears that their mini good luck will continue this week. Minnesota. I mean, when you have Adrian Peterson, of all people, against the 26th ranked rush defense, I have a feeling the winner of this matchup will be the running back, don't you think?
mj50's pick: Carolina

New York Giants (-3) vs. Washington Redskins: Monday- 7:30 p.m.
mj15's pick: New York
Okay, so at this point there are really two teams at this point who I still have no idea what they are. One of them is the Dolphins. The other is the Giants. I mean, one week they beat good teams like Dallas, and then they lose to good teams like New Orleans and Phildelphia. However, I still think that they are still a good team. At least good enogh to beat the four win Redskins.
mj50's pick: Washington

RECAP
The Undertaker at "WrestleMania" "Lock of the Week":
Houston over St. Louis
The Y.E. Yang over Tiger Woods "Upset of the Week":
Atlanta over New York Jets
The Diet Pepsi vs. Diet Coke "I'm Not Sure" Pick:
Tennessee over Miami

Week 15 recap and a special, Christmas related week 16 post coming next Wednesday! Until then, enjoy your NFL, and whatever else you're doing, this week.
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on the week fifteen predictions or anything else on this post, or if you have any suggestions to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.

Random Thoughts: 12/10/09 - 12/14/09

RANDOM THOUGHTS:

The following were on my mind between Thursday, December 10th and Monday, December 14th:

- My updated TV top ten shows:
10. "The Simpsons" (down from #5, position previously held by "The Colbert Report")
9. "Modern Family" (down from #7, position previously held by "30 Rock")
8. "Mad Men" (down from #4, position previously held by "American Dad")
7. "American Dad" (up from #7, position previously held by "Modern Family")
6. "Community" (position previously held by "Curb Your Enthusiasm")
5. "Parks and Recreations" (position previously held by "The Simpsons")
4. "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (position previously held by "Mad Men")
3. "South Park" (down from #2, position previously held by "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart)
2. "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (up from #3, position previously held by "South Park")
1. The Office (US) (still #1)

Up from Last List (October 2009): American Dad, Community, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Down from Last List (October 2009): The Colbert Report, 30 Rock, The Simpsons, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Modern Family, Mad Men, South Park
New from Last List (October 2009): Community, Parks and Recreations, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Just Barely Made the List: Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Colbert Report, 30 Rock, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Fringe, House, Chuck, Arrested Development
Other notes:
a. "Mad Men" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" went down because their season ended in November. "South Park" has just too many repeats per week to make them drop significantly?
b. "Chuck" and "Breaking Bad" are premiering in early 2010, and "Arrested Development" is on weekly reruns, so expect them on the next list.
c. "30 Rock" has just fallen way down for me, " and "Modern Family" might end up just like them if they don't improve immediately.
d. "The Simpsons" will always be on my list, no matter how much they suck.
e. Can someone please step up and knock "The Office" from the list? At this point, it's not even that competitive.

- Call me crazy, but I think the fans of the University of Montana's football team after they won and advanced to the NCAA Div. 1-FCS championship was one of the best moments of the year in sports. There's just something about seeing that crowd and the fact that it's the only thing the school can cheer for these days that made me happy watching it.

- How come it's always the classrooms next to mine that are the ones watching a movie or appears to have a great time? Personally, I just find it unfair.

- Yay for "The Hurt Locker"! Winners of the AFI, L.A. Film Critics Assoc. and the Boston Film Critics "Best Picture/Drama" award! Sorry "Fantastic Mr. Fox," but this is still my favorite critically aclaimed movie of the year (though I have yet to see "Up in the Air").

- What's with Bill Simmons making these two part columns on the same day? What is he, or ESPN.com for that matter, trying to do? Are they trying to make it look likes Simmons doesn't write only one column a week, (which he does these days) or are they just too lazy to force him to have his deadline on Thursday, and if it is pretty long, then put it up in two separate days?

- "The Office" and "Cheers" both have the best theme songs for any scripted show in television history. It shouldn't even be a discussion.










More random thoughts to come this Thursday!
Sincerely,
Your pal: mj15



If you have any opinions on today's post, or if you want to suggest anything to mj15 on his next blog entry, e-mail him at: mj1599@aol.com. Your e-mail might be addressed on a future post.