Winter is coming… and it has arrived on HBO with a thunderous bang, marrying the grand ambitions of the novel to the visceral promise of television. The first episode of the new HBO series, Game of Thrones, dispelled a lot of my ambivalent feelings about having my all-time favorite series from the fantasy genre being adapted into television format. It didn’t matter one whit that HBO had been home to some of the most brilliant television programming of the past 20 years in The Sopranos and The Wire, because adapting a book for television requires sacrifices. But I’m glad to announce that, despite the limitations of television, or perhaps because of them, the opener pulled it off.
Continue reading Game of Thrones episode 1 review: Winter is coming
Last Sunday, the writers’ club meeting started in identical fashion to the previous one: I arrived first, despite the best efforts of heavy rain and clusterfucked traffic, as well as being 30 miles away. I persuaded the hostess of Fred 62 that the rest of the party was “parking” so she sequestered me at a table in the back, serviced by a winsome waitress in racy stockings. After a few testy exchanges via iPhone, the rest of the gang arrived: Erik & then Bob bringing up the rear. We cut through the fat and through the breakfast dishes like nothing before we got to the meat of the meeting. Continue reading On writing: own the process
Last friday night, January 14th, I had ten of my graphic novel pages exhibited at Gallery Godo in Glendale. The reception went above and beyond my expectations. My family was bursting with pride and joy, and many friends and people from the community attended. The other artists were equally talented in different media. The graphic novel pages were appropriately placed in a row in the hall between the rooms. The narrow hall actually forces the viewer to step closer to observe the intricate detailed work. However, that meant my adoring crowd couldn’t really cluster around the artwork and chat! So many showed up that made others think it was a deaf night or something. Pictures after the jump: Continue reading Gallery debut show
A strong 10-5 record last weekend has me grinning ear to ear and slapping high fives with strangers. Here’s an e-five. As always, week 17 is probably the toughest weekend to predict for a couple of reasons: teams that already clinch a spot in the playoffs may pull their starters, or not, and teams that are already out may decide to show up and play spoiler, or not.
Game(s) of the week
Bears @ Packers
Although the Bears already won the division, they still can clinch a bye with a win. Packers must win in order to get a wild card spot. They still can get in if both the Giants & Bucs lose, but that’s out of their hands. Both teams seem to be peaking at the right time: the Packers offense under QB Rodgers has become a machine and both teams’ defense has grown stronger. QB Culter got over the early season inconsistency and seems reliable. Surprise, surprise! But I’m picking the desperate team. Packers by 3 Continue reading NFL week 17 picks
I finished 9-6 in week 15. Totaling at 100 to 65. A marginally better weekend than the previous, but hey, I broke .500 at least. The closer the playoffs get here, the more meaningful each game gets, and the better the play gets. Can’t ask for anything more – except a magical remote that fast forwards all those leftover games even the hardcore fans wisely skip.
Game of the week
Saints @ Falcons
Too bad the Saints lost last week, or otherwise this game would be much more meaningful. The Falcons have nothing to play for in this game, other than bragging rights of sweeping the Saints after beating them earlier this year. The Saints will bring it, but Matt Ryan doesn’t lose at home. Falcons by 3 Continue reading NFL week 16 picks
With 3 weeks left, it’s all about the playoffs: clinching a spot or fighting for a favorable seed. 23 teams are still alive! The Pats are the only one so far officially in. about 4 games qualify for the “Game of the week” honors, so it should be a great weekend! Hopefully I’ll improve on last week’s crappy 8-6 result.
Games of the week
1. Jaguars @ Colts
This game will determine the difference between a division title and a shot at a wild card. The Colts seem to be back after last week’s win over the Titans, but then again, it was the hapless, rudderless, imploding, Moss-infected Titans so we shouldn’t read too much into it. Manning is getting back some of his weapons in RB Addai and WR Collie and the Colts have extra time to prepare. As for the Jags, they’re on a roll, and after last week’s win over the Raiders, you have to tip your hat to hard-charging RB Jones-Drew. Jags always play the Colts tight (check recent history, it’s always 3 points or less). However, it’s next to impossible to count out Manning when he smells the playoffs and they’re back at home. Colts by 3
2. Eagles @ Giants
This game will decide the NFC East. Philly has a psychological edge after beating them a couple of weeks ago. But they lost rookie LB Graham, and thus their pass rush is weaker. The book on the Giants is to pressure QB Eli into difficult throws on the move. Luckily the Eagles still have all their weapons on offense, and their chief speed threats (WR Jackson, RB McCoy, Vick) can take it to the house anytime. QB Manning has one of the most potent running games in the league to fall back on. Yet he’s been making dumb throws lately. Moreover, i feel Vick is on a mission this year. Eagles by 1 Continue reading NFL week 15 picks
A successful 9-4 weekend has put a bounce in my steps. Now sitting pretty at 85-53. On with the picks!
Game of the Week
Eagles @ Cowboys
Should be the most fun game to watch. After stumbling about like a drunk Quasimodo for half of the year, Cowboys are entirely rejuvenated under interim coach Garrett, beating legitimate teams like Colts & Giants, and losing to the Saints by 3. The Eagles are no longer invincible (Bears exposed them) but they’re still an elite team. This game should be a high scoring shoot-out, unlike last night or the Ravens-Steelers tilt. Vick will make enough plays to steal this one. Eagles by 4
Patriots @ Bears
Stumbling a bit vs. the Lions last Sunday (4 point win) proved that the Bears aren’t truly an elite team. Their powerhouse defense will always keep them in a game, but I still don’t trust Cutler to pull off a clutch victory. The Patriots OTOH are on a high, after destroying the Jets, along with every shred of Rex Ryan’s credibility. No, the Pats won’t treat the Bears the same way, but they’ll win comfortably. Pats by 8 Continue reading NFL week 14 picks
I went 11-3 last weekend, my best this year so far. That brings me back over 60%. We have plenty of rematches in week 13, and that will separate the contenders from the pretenders as this crazy season finally winds down.
Games of the week
Steelers @ Ravens
Steelers are #1 against the run, which should slow down RB Rice. Plus the Steelers’ running game has been very potent recently, and RB Mendenhall can chew up the clock. Ravens aren’t a 1 dimensional running team, and will exploit the Steelers’ suspect pass defense. QB Brady shredded them to confetti, so QB Flacco may repeat the trick. Ravens by 1
Jets @ Pats
QB Sanchez exploited the Pats’ secondary the last time. Now he has a brand new and far more dangerous weapon in WR Holmes, and there’s no way the Pats can stop that combo. But the Pats have won 25 in a row at home. Plus they have a strong WR corps and RB platoon helping Brady. Jets haven’t been world beaters lately with too-close for comfort wins over pasties in Browns, Lions, Texans the past month. Pats by 3
Bonima Game of the week
Skins @ Giants
Giants D have been inconsistent all year: Cowboys took advantage with their passing game, and the Jags, with their running game. Skins may pull it off with both. However, the Giants still have a balanced attack (run or throw effectively, and stop offenses, if on occasion). They must take advantage of the Skins’ weak secondary. Giants by 10 Continue reading NFL week 13 picks
In the past, I’ve wondered a bit about this so-called “white guilt” that has passed for the collective guilt of people who are uncomfortable with their luxurious lives. I think I understand it, but I think its time has passed, and should no longer be credible. I believe that it is a form of narcissism: people crow on how deeply they feel about things they NEVER did. The secret to this type of guilt: in order to feel good about yourself, just feel bad about yourself. Continue reading White guilt