The Black Lodge

Post Olympic Hockey - Almost Live

2010-03-01T20:21:00.001-08:00

This is what it was like after USA lost in overtime to Canada for Hockey gold.

And also, the street hockey and rave

Sorry, new camera. It was my rookie run using it, and at night.

Love Songs by Swamp Thing

2010-01-22T21:34:00.001-08:00

I had to post this...If only for a good laugh. Train understands

These are your Hawks

2010-01-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

This Screams Lodge Gathering

2009-11-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Roll: Hooters Bowling Lounge
Now open: 17034 116th Ave SE; Renton; 425.226.2035
Already famous for big round things you can't touch, Hooters' latest enterprise revolves around big round things you can; beyond the typical wings & beer, their 1st ever bowling alley restaurant boasts an orange-tastic, 50 flat-screened, 24-lane lounge, plus a 15-table casino, an arcade, and -- wait for it -- a children's party room with wall-to-wall, life-size pictures of classic superheroes (WonderBra Woman?)
Click right here for all the info you need

2005-2009

2009-10-21T11:53:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in a good double header on Sunday August 23rd

2009-08-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

You can get ready for Football Season the right way.

Catch both the 1st scrimmage of the Varsity Knights coached by Goose, and in the same day catch the 1st EVER Football Scrimmage and live contact by the Gossling as his rookie squad battle both Woodinville and the hated Wolverines.

Where do you catch this stellar 2-fer? Well this year the Newport Scrimmages will be held at Beloved HUSKY STADIUM!!!! Yes you heard that right. Goose will walk the sidelines of Husky Stadium, and for one day...Purple and Gold will take a back seat to the Red and Gold

Enjoy Yourself

2009-06-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, hi I’m Terry I’m going to enjoy myself first...

From one of the best Specials songs and Reno 911 characters comes the antagonist to the only activity on this section of the internets in a while. I admit, my venom was thick and transcribed by one of Dude’s students and the point was sometimes lost…but, I’m committed to Enjoy Myself this go around. Hopefully I can keep up with the record, so here goes. (put the record on 2 minutes ago)

Rat Race

Because we can’t leave well enough alone...I confess that tomorrow represents the age-old half day in the corporate world to spend drinking socially with the same people that made you work to get that Paula Abdul prescription. But, your author can’t lie…the free combo provided by the company in awkward an awkardd company situation does wonders for the inspiration and bowling game.

Man at C&A

Since this is a nice little two-tone dub without a lot of overt symbolism usally given with light-hearted drinking songs, I’ll use this to talk about my new found love for the game of Baseball. No, not them…I’m talking about baseball…the game that involves pinch hitters being moved in the nine spot, tons of starch and the Pirates. I found my nationalism somewhere between Montgomery Street and McCovey cove, by understanding that the same nine play both sides of the inning, unless you have Lenny Harris or Dave Hansen ready for the seventh. It’s not too late for the Hometown Nine, we made the mistake before by giving the 'Crew' to the Real League (eventually), let’s make a deal with the Fathers from Whale’s Vagina, or the Colorado Zephyrs (how’s that for a lack of a real vowel.)

Hey, Little Rich Girl

To the state of Washington , I’d just like to say thanks for making me realize I pay an extra 20% for a 1/5 of anything to only be able to buy during my lunch break and sold by men wearing vests. I’d like to thank the governor of the fine state of California for giving me my visual from Total Recall, so I had somethin in Safeway when I realized Makers Mark was only $19.99 in certain parts of the world. State of Washington, I'm not singing you the Hall and Oates song.

I Do Nothing

To the Ska-Seinfeld song of the album. Here’s to my fashion sense, and my love of the DMC that will never stop the power of German engineering, in rubber souls.

Pearl’s Café

Not sure where to go with a chorus that is: It’s all a load of bullocks… but here goes. Nothing beats waiting 45 minutes for food….anywhere. Seriously, well….as long as you have the necessary booze or coffee within arm lengths. This explains the phenomenon of the suburbs and George Romero.

Sock it to ‘em J.B.

Nope…not that one…not that one either…but this one…To my second favorite song on the record. I mean, come on, who else can name all the J.B. films auto-biographically to 1981. Let's get to the point though - who else can name all the Red Wing Championships? That’s right…just dropped the puck. Best Dynasty since the drama, but since they dress themselves in proper CSSR attire, no one seems to be a fan. If history does indeed repeat itself, then only your New York Rangers (colours only) can tackle the beast from the ….sorry…West? Dude, this is your time to make a comment. Please bless this Lodge Saint Mario

Stereotypes

Yes, drum along with a computer beat from the early 80’s. To other things from the 80’s that have no business having grown men earn union dues in 2009: GI Joe, Transformers, Ghostbusters, Footloose, Tron. I’m sure I’m missing Designing Women, but I’ll let the audience let me know.

Holiday Fortnight

Fortnight=14 days. Holiday Fortnight=Placement in a Corona Advert/Swine Cold

I Can’t Stand It

To the worst song on the record…comes…every airline I’ve ever flew besides Virgin America. Cable television is not requested, but required moving forward. Watching game 6 of the NBA Western Conference or Adult Swim on a flight shouldn't be termed illegal? Illegal if you want a piece of Richard Branson in the larger places of Asia. The world is a cold dark place and Virgin Airlines is the light.

International Jet Set

I wrote the previous statment before I realized this was the worst song on the album and actually dealt with flying. I suppose this is why there’s been one comment on a post 13 days ago.

Enjoy Yourself (reprise)

CONGRATS TO MY LADY DAWGS!!!!! THANKS FOR BRINGING PRIDE BACK TO THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT. UW – ‘Where Title VIX Worked!!!”

Life isn't like the cover of Abbey Road

2009-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Set the controls for the heart of the sun, and make sure there’s an IPA and a Show going while you’re at it. Here’s the venom:

*Commuting
*Boss/Co-workers
*Lack of bowling skills

Not necessarily in that order. At this time of night it seems like a fading memory that deserves very little play. The lack of play that only JR Smith would understand, but regardless, the Lodge moves on. We recognize the brilliance in survival, and more important than survival: Winterland Arena 1974.

Without plagiarizing too much from Coach D’Amato, life takes an inch at a time. Life takes accepting a merging automobile, an acronym labeled HR that incorporates the following letters: H-U-M-A-N and co-workers that try not to take their best material from Mike Judge. I realized today (and my entire existence as a tax-payer) that life is an adversary that needs a week to game-plan against. Sorry, I confused life with the sports again. You’re right, I don’t have coordinators or a mascot (not your fault Cash) but I do have reps and rookies, so I’ll go from there.

Guidelines for the working environment with Jimbo (and thoughts he might have during your employment):

*It’s not that its 0930, it’s that I assumed by this point I would be teaching at the Jedi Academy.
*I do like conversation, but only when you’ve had couple.
*Two-hour meeting? Just say where and when.
*Saturdays? That’s the day the lord gave to you to make me work for free
*Hungover? No, I would’ve called in sick; I consider this homework for today.
*Miami sounds great, so you’re out of the closet now?

If you don’t associate with the six statements above then f@&k you Steve Sanders, I was only your friend for the True Hollywood Story.

“….gonna get there…I don’t know…”

The above references a break in consciousness or literary talent. Luke in ‘Cloud City’ camouflage wasn’t as confused at his future as I am now, and he was 20.
The only time the quasi-Peter Gibbons environment really gets to me, is when the harmony of the universe if effected. RE: tonight.
Here is the conversation that happens when * statements occur:

*No worries man, you’ll get ‘em next time/not our night/must be something in the rack

You, fair reader are not reading this for the first time in English so translation is not needed. I do ask of you for the following: please understand that there is a breed of us in the cubicle world that need either:
a) Extreme tranquilizers
b) Extreme tranquilizers and a Xbox 360
Please give where you can.

You knew it was coming...

2009-05-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

Mark it three for the year, three in a row and chance for the glorious double in 10 days...Glory-Glory!!!

...and if you want to really experience the magic:

The New Big Red Machine

2009-05-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

"We want to sell it to the American crowd. When the game flows, if you have a foul, it's just a foul and you just continue to play and play and play. That's a beautiful game to watch. That's what we're trying to sell. And today when something like this happens, it's frustrating."

...cont...what I've been told here is that I can't say too much in the interview about the refs. I could be suspended, but you can imagine what I think."
-Our Swedish Captain

I wonder if Tim Weyland is just as incompentant at TriNet Human Resources Outsourcing as he is on the pitch?

(Taken from an actual meeting at TriNet)

Big Boss Man: "So Tim, how are Q1 numbers looking like?"
Weyland: "Well BBM, it appears that we're showing a 4% growth in new business and 8% in revenue"
BBM: "Outstanding!!!!"
Weyland: "Oh wait...hold on...ummm...looks like that's actually a 25% decrease across the board"
Sigi Schmidt: (holds head in hands)

Star Trek: Review

2009-05-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, I'm not going to say any spoilers. Last week Thursday, I was blessed to see a sneak preview of the new Star Trek movie being released at midnight tonight. I took Train, because he answered his phone. Sorry, Jimbo... but the Mexican lucked out.

Train was holding the fifth spot in line, dutifully getting there right after work and waiting for me to bring him a burger to feed the beast. I parked outside a gentlemen's establishment on 7th Avenue named "Lil' Darlings". Paying for parking, I asked an attractive young lady in sweats, who was talking on and off her cell phone, a question about the parking meter, and bought my parking ticket. I asked why she was waiting, she explained that she was waiting because she was short the amount needed. I promptly gave her my remaining change to cover her fee and proceeded back to my vehicle.

While placing my pain-in-the-ass Seattle parking ticket/sticker on my inside car window, I overheard the young woman now speaking to another woman, a noticeably older "veteran" of the club, and asking if she had heard about her needing to change her schedule to adjust for her classes. So it's true. In this case, this stripper was indeed "paying her way through school."

Oh, and Star Trek was amazing. One work sums it up... "chills." I'm not giving anything away, but you will get chills during the last shot of the film. I didn't see it coming, am not a Trekkie by any means, but it got me. Well done, Abrams.

Couple of Loose Ends...

2009-05-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Got a few things to go over so please excuse the complete lack of regard for organization.

First, to recap a nice point MCP made in the post right below this one…the 80’s action film…I think this really needs a week (perhaps year?) long commitment of posts exploring all effected elements…since that requires too much organization I’ll dedicate 200 words to a major player from 1980-1989 and may we someday see the return of the “Hand of the 80's God”

The Mini-Uzi:
A derivative of Major Uziel Gal’s post Arab-Isreali war weapon that incorporated the best parts of economical and simplistic designs. The best compliment the Major ever gave for the ‘Uzi’ was this little ditty: “Please don’t name it after me”. Well I guess the Major wasn’t forward-thinking enough for Hollywood and the pony-tailed Austrians, Germans, Colombians, Bloods, etc… that required a ‘simplistic, economical’ weapon of choice to take down the action hero of the month.

Much like the Polar Bears and the myth of Global Warming, the lack of the mini-Uzi was the first sign that the world would not be the same as soon as Dick Clark dropped the ball on Jan One, 1990. The incumbent governor of the Golden State wakes up every morning re-enacting the following scene just to be reminded of a better place and time:

I’m afraid our generation has failed the children of tomorrow with subtitled animation and Tom Hanks. It will be left to Dude’s students to bring action films back to their glory, and what tool of destruction will they take into the gauntlet of celluloid? Dunno Spud, but I’m excited to find out.

Portland:

“Forget the goddamn Blazer Gear, let’s just get the gun and go”

Yes, our southbound croc wearing, stumptown-drinking, manicured bearded cousins who apparently have a hard time supporting the only f’n professional sports team they have.

My assumption going into the weekend was that I would stumble across a few stores pimping Blazer gear, since, after all I was staying DIRECTLY DOWNTOWN IN A CITY THAT ONLY HAS ONE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM.

I didn’t set out to find a specific place or item, and apparently that was my down fall, because I might as well have been in downtown Sioux City with the complete and lack of anything promoting, THE ONLY F’N PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM IN THE STATE. This was somewhat tempered by the fact that I finally found a missing link in my vinyl collection, but that’s another story on a completely different Lodge night.

A couple of theories behind not seeing a damn thing sporting the Black and Red of my youth spend across the river in ‘Van-Town’ proper.

1 NBA = Adidas. I find this a positive since, well, I associate the swoosh with every evil in this beautiful world not already poisoned by NASCAR. This would also explain why one of the devil’s right hand men would stop at nothing to cease the propaganda of a sport that dare defies the endorsement of the master of evil and Prefontaine.

2 Zach Randolph. Not that one person could effectively change the selling of propaganda for an entire city, but I do reference this encounter with one of the valet’s at the Hotel Monaco to capture the entire JailBlazer era:

Me: “Hey, do you know where I could find some gear around here, doesn’t seem to be any downtown”
Valet: “ Not sure, probably around the Rose Garden” (you think around the actual stadium for the ONLY F’N PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM IN THE ENTIRE F’N STATE?)”
Me: “Man, you guys sure are gun-shy to support the team, we’ve (you like how I immediately became an Oregonian) moved on, we have the NW basketball Jesus now” (this may or may not have been said)
Valet: “Man, we had Zach Randolph down here a couple of times, and man I’ve never met a bigger asshole in my entire life, do you want my season tickets for next year?” (the part about the season tickets was definitely not said)

Now, my immediate reaction to his last point was, WOW, this is a valet at one of the top hotels (because you know how the Poobah rolls) in Portland and he has to deal with assholes on an hourly basis, probably more minute by minute on weekends, and if he’s referencing a player that’s been gone for two seasons (thanks again Zeke), he’s had quite a few litmus samples by which to make this claim of biggest asshole ever, therefore making this a legitimate test case to state the catchphrase for the JailBlazer era: “The Biggest Collection of Assholes Ever”. Put that on your next commercial Stern.

A city that embraces a daily protest march in its main city center, (Friday was Immigration, Saturday Million Man Marijuana March, Sunday must have been Save Ferris) I believe is a little reluctant to come back and embrace a team, even if it is led by the NW basketball Jesus, which ultimately explains the lack of propaganda, although I’m still not convinced this is enough, but I’ll leave that up to the Lodge to decide.

The bigger question at hand is: Are they equipped to become a rival to the greatest MLS franchise in the country and especially I-5? Based on my sample study this weekend I think you know the answer already: I'm Ron Burgandy?

Other things of note from the 503: Burgerville – Pepper Bacon Cheesburger = happiness, Everyday Music Vinyl Selection=Legendary, Brewery Only Beers at Deschutes=Things that make the Gods cry, Norma and Dean out in McMinniville, OR who showed us around their estate=priceless

Thanks for reading and the above mentioned quote for this section is credited to my one and only and upon further reading really ties this post together and also came this afternoon at a Joe’s in Newberg, OR.

Coming Soon: “Why Red Dawn changed the world and only the Cohen Brothers noticed”

Confessions of a film snob: Why I loved Crank 2 - High Voltage

2009-04-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

Wow...the lodge lives. Train wasn’t fooling around. Figured I ought to post something.

So judging by the box office returns I think it’s safe to say that I’m just about the only member of the lodge who even saw Crank 2. Yeah, I could have saw ‘The Soloist’ or ‘Sugar’ or something subtitled...but no. The second I saw the trailer for Crank 2 I knew it was my destiny to see it opening weekend.

It’s easy to dismiss the Crank movies. Jason Statham doesn’t exactly scream thespian. The man has not only starred in a Paul W.S Anderson film but also in a film from the only person ever to win a lifetime achievement award from the Razzies: Uwe Boll. The co-directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, have never directed anything else according to IMDB but they both worked on the magnum opus, ‘Biker Boyz’ (Neveldine is credited as the ‘extreme visual sequences creator’. Sounds like a job you would apply for in the Mountain Dew marketing department).

It has been suggested by many people that have known me that I am a film snob. So how is it that I love these movies like Joe loves jack & coke at Sounders games? I submit the following reasons:

You're crazy man. I like you....but you're crazy.

So, in case you don’t know, here’s a quick rundown of the Crank films:

Crank 1: Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) is injected with a poison that will kill him in 1 hour. In order to keep the poison at bay he has to keep his adrenaline flowing until he can get his hands on the antidote. Shenanigans ensue.

Crank 2: After surviving a fall from a helicopter thousands of feet up, Chev is captured and his heart is removed and replaced with an artificial heart. In order to keep his fake heart beating he has to keep it electrically charged until he can get his hands on his new heart. Even crazier shenanigans ensue.

I imagine the writing of the Crank movies involved the filmmakers coming up with as many weird action moments as the can ("and then he literally shoves a shotgun up a guys ass!") and then finding a connective thread to hopefully link them ('We'll cut to a godzilla style fight!")

In the course of 100 minutes you are bombarded with non stop action thats slightly off kilter from anything you'd see anywhere else. You have to at least respect the originality of it all.

Filmmaking For Dummies

The single biggest thing I love about the movies is how they're made. Crank is an A.D.D kids wet dream. Everything happens at a blistering pace that can make your senses go into overload.

But it works.

The filmmakers really employ a unique look for the film. It's a hodgepodge of styles. It's nearly all hand held, with lots of cutaways and just about every film trick in the book. It can come off as excessive, but that's kind of the point. Everything is overloaded. It's quite a rare thing for new filmmakers to have such a unique stamp to identify their work.

Return of the 80’s action film

Somewhere in the 90’s, macho action films became passé’. Stallone, Van Damme, Segal, Schwarzenegger...all of these guys used were huge action stars who all saw their careers derail at roughly the same time. Peoples interest in over the top action flicks waned. The reasons were completely reasonable. We started asking for more of our action heroes, CG became more important than the stars, we liked a little bit of intelligence mixed into our action.

But at the same time, how cool are movies like ‘Red Dawn’, ‘Commando’, etc.? We’ve all seen those movies...multiple times. What happened to those? Well they kind of morphed. I think the biggest thing that happened was the humor angle. You could do these films still, but you could no longer play them completely straight faced anymore. Audiences had keyed into how ridiculous these flicks were. The tone became much more tongue in cheek. This style led to movies like ‘The Rundown’, ‘The Transporter’ etc. I see ‘Crank’ as a natural evolution of this genre.
Enter the Haim

I love the use of casting in the Crank films. The second one in particular. Like these movies or not you can't deny their casting choices are anything short of....creative. A rundown:

Dwight Yoakam: Seeing Yoakam go from Mr. Country singer to a drugged out former doctor who watches Mortal Kombat with hookers is nothing short of a pleasure.

Efren Ramirez aka Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite: I just love seing Pedro play a drag queen with full body tourettes.

Bai Ling: Yes...that Bai Ling. I never thought I'd see the day where I'd think she was perfectly cast in a movie. She plays an absolutely psycho hooker...so she's pretty much just playing herself.

David Carradine: He's only in it briefly, but he's awesome in everything.

Geri Hallwell aka Ginger Spice: Why not?

Corey Haim: Yep somebody actually gave him a job. He rocks an epic mullet.

John De Lancie: Motha#$%$in' 'Q'

Maynard James Keenan: Don't know if y'all are fans of Tool, but Maynard rocks his comedy chops in his scene. I knew he had a funny side but I'd never really seen it before.

So there you go...they're not great films, but damn are they entertaining.

Glad to see the lodge back up and running!

Happy Champions League Semi-Final Leg One

2009-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

...and to celebrate those fighting blues trying to slow down the Spanish Armada:

Goose's NFL OffSeason and Draft Predictions

2009-04-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

So it seemed the Lodge was dead...and i wasn't even checking it daily until Train sent me a message about the resurgence. Now it looks like the flat lining Lodge may have a pulse, and being the resident Lodge Ball coach I figure we needed a little Football just before the draft. Lets also address some Off Season Football news as well

1. Jay Cutler. The trade itself will probably work out for all teams. Denver gets Three high draft picks and Chicago gets its 1st established QB since Sid Luckman. On a side note to Jay Cutler...quit your bitchin and whining, answer your F'n phone when your coach and GM calls, realize that you have only 1 of 32 NFL Starting QB Jobs this year and stop acting like a god damn prima donna. They explored other option. Big deal. Wait till your ass gets boo'd in the Windy city (Where you have no WR's...by the way)

2) TO to Buffalo. Hopefully the last stop in this Pain in the Ass career. Will teams PLEASE stop signing him?

3)Matt Cassell to KC. Man beware of this KC team in a year or 2....they could be REALLY good.

4) The 100 million dollar man....Albert Haynesworth. So on the 1st hour of FA in 2009, the skins sign Big Al to a 7 year 100million dollar contract. I as much as anyone value a big run stuffing DT more than anyone, I foresee three injury plagued years and a huge 2014 cap hit to the Skins when Al is released.

5) Corey Dillion Part 2. Fred Taylor is in New England...and he's pissed.

Now on to Goose's 2009 Mock Draft

I'll list TOP 5...then go over some general things to look out for in the draft

1- Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

2- St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

3- Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, ILB, Wake Forest

4- Seattle Seahawks: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

5- Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Lets talk Seahawks. 1st. I could potentially see the Hawks trading out of #4. Look for the Redskins to try to move into the top 8 to draft Mark Sanchez. If the Hawks do trade down, look for them to draft OT/OG. Then look at QB in Round 2 or 3. Also look for them to take a high choice for a BIG Cornerback. If the Hawks stay at #4. I think they take either Monroe or Smith...the top 2 OT's. Funny thing there is 5 or 6 mock drafts I saw and none of them show the Hawks taking the same player. Crabtree , Orakpo, Sanchez were all predicted picks. My choice if he falls past #3 would be to draft Aaron Curry. The man is a monster at LB. They could still end up with Sanchez...but I have my doubts.

Denver- may be one of those teams looking to move up if Sanchez drops around the 8-9 spot. If not look for Denver to draft defense. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU or B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College.

Dallas - Dallas traded its #1 to Detroit in the Roy Williams Trade. They will have a hard time rebuilding this year after that trade, losing 1st and third rd choices.

Its nice to see the Lodge making a comeback. For those of you interested. I am looking for some new coaches over at Newport. Start putting your Football knowledge to good use.

Saying Goodbye to the Mountain

2009-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Nice little game two in the Rose Garden last night, thanks to the NW Basketball Jesus dropping 42. Bigger news is the potential end of the Cookie Monster's basketball career at the young age of 74. Best story I ever heard from a friend of a friend, or I just made it up about the Mountain, was him giving the following line..."WHO WANTS TO PARTY WITH MUTOMBO!!!" after walking into a social gathering...now that's how a Mountain should roll

Leaving the NBA Witness Protection Program

2009-04-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

The above title refers to my return to following the Association for the past two half seasons, and my excitement for hardwood/ice Playoff Saturday.

The reason? That’s right Lodge readers, happy days back in the Rose City as the Association tips off their playoff edition, which, after six months will prove whether it’s better to have the King James or the Black Mamba version of the New Testament of Stern.

So far, the Chicago Rose’s have taken game one in the Garden, and Kent’s own Rodney Stuckey tries to prove that the shoot first point guard isn’t entirely dead.

I know 3.0 is the only one with even a slight interest in the Association anymore, but after suffering through a dark decade in P-town, beginning with the Pippen-led, Dunleavy-coached underachievers losing a 14 point 4th quarter to the New York Yankees of the NBA in 2000 and closing with the leadership of the Washington-basketball Jesus to a 54-28 record and a home court for RIP City in the 1st round.

In the middle of this dark decade sandwich you’ll find Zach Randolph & Darius Miles contracts, Rasheed’s record breaking T’s, Mo’Cheeks, Bullet Bob Whitsitt’s chemistry degree, death of 00, a six year playoff drought, being a nanny for Ruben Patterson, being a joint in Mighty Mouse’s Yellow Hummer, being one of Qyntel Woods dogs, burning a #13 on Seba Telfair and generally just having Bonzi Wells in the 503 area code.

There…that felt good, but not as good as…The Kevin Pritchard era at GM, death of the Jail Blazers and Mac10 the coach, the bench power and excitement of the Spanish Armada , Przybilla’s lunch pail, Nicolas “Bowen” Batum, the LaFrentz contract, LaMarcus’s athleticism, Oden’s six fouls and of first coming of Jimbo’s favorite NBA player without the last name of Nash.

Does any of this mean we move on to the Promised Land? Probably not, but hope beats the hell out of depression…trust me…I follow Husky Football. The Association: Where enjoying basketball has happened again...

Vic Rattlehead is a Red is a Red...he hates Chelsea!!!!

2009-04-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Brother will kill brother...spilling blood across the land, killing for (your clubs name unless you support Liverpool) something I don't understand - from Megadeath's "Holy Wars"

Well, well, well…let us get it on indeed…Sorry the Scouse decided not to join the final four party, but this just further proves the justness of the Soccer God. I’ve already heard from an extremely nervous Smurf Fan this morning who already forfeited his team’s chances and claimed Barca – United is the inevitable.

I unfortunately do not share the same belief structure as my Smurf friend, despite being a supporter of the greatest club on the planet not named Barcelona or SoundersFC . This all changes if the United squad from last night continues to emerge and Rio’s back holds out for a couple more weeks.
But I want to hear from the people, I want to talk gatherings and bets…I want more Megadeath!!!

Vaya con Dios, Brah

2009-04-14T23:26:00.000-07:00

“All Aluminum Recyclable Can”-Rainer Tall-Boy

The Great Doctor once said that he learned to write by re-writing great works of fiction by the likes of Faulkner or Hemingway, so I figured I’d start off a long overdue post by quoting a famous point of inspiration for anything great I've ever been able to accomplish.

Anything of substance here Jimbo?

Nope, but I get the urge every six months to vomit all over the internets, but instead of an emotional and overdone post about my return or the fact that nobody gives a shit, I’ll commence with the words and crank out a top six and half that came up over a better than average pint:

Top Six and Half Fictional FfffffffffBeeeeeeeeIiiiiiiiiiiiii Agents of All Time:

6.5) Agent Gordon Cole - (Conversation for the Twin Peaks pitch in the ABC studios)

Studio Exec: Ok David, so we get the dead prom queen and the dude from Dune who isn’t going to solve the case, but what else you got for me….
Sir Lynch: YOU ARE WITNESSING A FRONT THREE-QUARTER VIEW OF TWO ADULTS SHARING A TENDER MOMENT!!!

5) Agent Angelo Pappas – Please choose which of the following statements was actual dialogue from the 1991 Masterpiece “Le Pointe de Breaka”:

a) Listen you snot-nose little shit, I was takin' shrapnel in Khe Sanh when you were crappin' in your hands and rubbin' it on your face.
b) I'm so hungry I could eat the ass end out of a dead rhino; I should have had you get me three of these things!
c) 22 years. Man, L.A. has changed a lot during that time. The air got dirty and the sex got clean.
Give yourself a cupped-handed ass slap if you said:
d) - all of the above, just another reason we owe our living souls and all of our possessions to original Lodge HOF’er Lord Busey and his 1.5 on a 6 point scale

4) Agent Joseph D. ‘Joe’ Pistone aka ‘Donnie Brasco’ – Some would point to the flawed nature of a ‘deep’ undercover agent and the inability to be either FBI or Gangster and the further conversation regarding the duality of man (a later post), I would point to ‘Don the jewel thief’; and the following interchange which is standard dialogue following every meal at Casa d’ Edwards:
(As anything that is factually carbon-based is presented on the dinner table)
Me: “It’s a Fugaaaayyyzi”
Pops: “I don’t know...I don't know…how you knew….that was a Fugaaaayyyyzi”

Points above Lord Busey, because, well…i.it has elements of factual evidence, except where Mr. Blonde’s name is there when they open up the books. Bonus points goes to Lodge 'legend' Bruno Kirby's performance as who else? Yes: 'Nicky'

3) Agent Ray Levoi – “An FBI man with Sioux background is sent to a reservation to help with a murder investigation….” Stop….if you need more of a plot summary, well you probably aren’t reading, and you probably don’t watch much cable, but if you followed cinema in 1992, you saw Jim Morrison in a suit on the Rez buying cartons of Pall Mall’s for $15.75 or you watched the movie ‘Thunderheart’ then you'll understand the 3 spot ranking.While looking for amusement with quotes I realized that the supporting cast for this film is as following:
Chuck Yeager
Kicking Bird
Gus Grissom
And Senator Fred Thompson
I feel like there’d be a City Council spot for me with an endorsement from that group….well at the very least Gus Grissom.
And for those of you needed that mandatory quote:
Richard Yellow Hawk: “You better watch yourself pal, I'm the FBI round here. Full blooded Indian.” don' t you feel better now?

2) Agent Neville Flynn:
1 - I’ve never seen this film.
2 – If I thought #1 was necessary for #2, then, well you’ve missed the entire point of this experience.
3 – These are the facts that I’m aware of for Agent Flynn being #2
a) He’s played by Sir Samuel Jackson
b) There’s an airplane involved
c) Reptilian species are more prominently involved as an antagonist than ‘Raiders’, and that’s pretty f’n impressive
I also realized that I searched for a solid 20 minutes through Comcast’s bullshit ‘On Demand’ for a quality match to this film and this is the top three I found:
1) Johnny Mnemonic
2) Darkness of the Dead? (I’m not even pulling IMDB at this point)
3) Does the third member of this list really need to get mentioned?
Point is…why is Les Snakes on des Planes not a permanent On Demand fixture for those nights where you need a double feature to go along with ‘Machete’? You see…you don’t get it either.

#1 If you’ve been playing ‘Can we guess the #1 reason why Jimbo made this list’ at home you’ll know that:
Special Agent John Utah is the inspiration behind this almighty list and perhaps the earth’s rotation. Over the past 18 years, Agent Utah and I have worked some of the best robbery cases to ever come out of Los Angeles, or perhaps just the same one, that is until Internets vomiting is induced. For those of the congregation still missing the gospel, let’s just suppose that perhaps the greatest Ohio State Quarterback to ever suffer the greatest ACL injury in the greatest 4th quarter blowout of any Rose Bowl ever, went on to become the greatest bank robbery expert in the greatest bank robbery capital of the United States to the greatest avid everyday surfer to the greatest globetrotting stalker of the greatest Patrick Swayze character ever and then suppose that person was totally into Lori Petty and what does that do.?

You’re right…

Monday Morning Pitch Talk

2009-02-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Liverpool took out Chelsea yesterday in the second biggest match-up of Super Bowl Sunday. Plus, in a highlight of my morning, a Guardian reporter used "gimp" to describe the tussle: "The slight difference in the set-up of their central midfields, with Liverpool playing 4-2-3-1 and Chelsea 4-1-4-1, means that the two mould into each other. These sides fit like a gimp mask, restricting each others' oxygen and movement."

Wow. But with i5hooligans on the putz, I'll post my football ramblings in the Lodge, much to the predictable dismay of Goose and Casey, if Casey takes off his Spock ears and actually logs on. Sunday's brace from Torres hopefully is a sign of things to come and that the Spaniard is rounding into last season's blistering form that saw him net 30 goals.

I'm curious on Jimbo's take on the Premier League action through the transfer window (which end today, apparently extended due to the snowstorms in England). And Champions League thoughts from Train (since his Blues did not look good & Scolari looks like a much lesser version of the Special One.

Spurs bought back Robbie Keane from Liverpool at the deadline. His style of play obviously doesn't suit a style of play like a manager like Benitez establishes. I wish him luck at Tottenham. Kuyt is just better and the same type of player. I do wish we would have signed at least one speedy winger for the second half of the league fixtures, but apparently it twas not to be. Andrei Arshavin to Seatown's Arsenal squad? Let's get this thing rolling again!

Hollywood Hype: Golden Globes

2009-01-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Belatedly reporting from Hollywood, California, this is Hollywood 2.0 with his annual Golden Globes report. Yes, I know the fellas always hate on me for commenting on the awards shows, hating on the fashion and film columns like Statler and Waldorf in the peanut gallery. But like always, I don't particularly care what the boys think... I DO WHAT I WANT!

I thought the red carpet was pretty lame this year, with Jenny watching Ryan Seacrest and the skinny Gulianni chick on the E! Network. Apparently Seacrest is working everything nowadays, New Years Eve countdowns, morning radio talk shows, hosting American Idol, as well as a nightly E! show that Jenny watches that send me sprawling for my iPod to drown out the sound. He is officially the new Dick Clark. Although Seacrest might be working too much, as he tried to high-five a blind guy on American Idol this week.

Best and worst dressed? Salma Hayak looked amazing in a white classic dress, remaining in my Top 5 (fellas, you know what I'm talking about). Megan Fox is still hot, but more importantly, pulled off the gold look 83 times better than J-Lo, who apparently was attempting to dress AS a golden globe. Renee Zellweger just annoys me for no reason, but now I finally have one after rummaging through her grandmother's closet and pulling out this horrid black number. Eva Mendes also chosed white and was stunning and chose the perfect turquoise necklace to accent her skin and dress color. Jenny thought another Eva, Longoria was one of the best dressed, I can't agree. Although whatever she wears, she makes look good.

As far as the Golden Globes awards themselves. I thought most of the awards went to their deserved winners, with the exception of "In Treatment" star Gabriel Byrne winning for "Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama". My two favorite shows are Dexter and Mad Men, and Michael C. Hall narrowly edged Jon Hamm in my mind as the true winner for that award. 30 Rock deservedly cleaned up in the comedy categories. And Colin Farrell was really good portraying a hitman on layaway in the film "In Brudges", one of my Top 5 films of the year. Finally, Slumdog Millionaire was in my Top 5 and is deserved of Best Picture (although my favorite movie of the year was WALL-E).

The GG's (as the industry apparently calls them down here in tinsletown) have the reputation of giving the awards to the deserved winners, rather that the popular winners that the Oscars tend to lean towards. And I enjoy them more each year. Less pomp and circumstance, just as much glitz and glamour, with quality recognition in the outcomes. The Golden Globes.

One of my favorite hits of all time

2009-01-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

This is my Will Weakside LB (Nicknamed "Butter") de-cleating a Inglemoor Viking
I love this play

Mother of All Super Bowl Parties 9 years running

2009-01-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

I know its pretty much the same post from last year, but like a Charlie Brown Xmas special, good things can be seen over and over again

Back in 1982... the Redskins made the Super Bowl, and Goose's Mom hosted her 1st Super Bowl party... We had all of our Redskin friends over, decorated the house and mom made a Big pot of Spaghetti and Meatballs using the old family recipe. A young Goose noticed something... after the initial meal was eaten all the guys went back to the kitchen...grabbed a big roll and filled it with Meatballs, thus creating the 1st Super Bowl Meatball Sandwich...

Flash forward. It's now 2009, and it is now time for the Gooses 9th annual Mother of all Super Bowl Parties.It started with Brian Billick and the 2000 Ravens, lasted through the NE Dynasty, the Tampa Bay rout, the Rain game of 2007, the worst 18-1 team in history and yes... even a Hose Job by the Steelers.

I need RSVP's on who is coming.

Please comment if you are planning on attending. Again as always all food is provided, however things you can bring.

Bring your own Beer... I always have some, but there is always room for more.

If you would like we are always accepting donations for the Nest Bar....Two years ago was a Banner year for Tequilas, this year the them can be great Rums of the world. Jamiaica, South America?

This year we will have the usual spread plus one. As always Chicken Wings and Meatball Sandwiches will star in the lineup, however to add a new twist, you the attendees will decide the third item in the holy Trilogy of Super Bowl Spread (More to come...in a post you will vote to complete the Trilogy)

Feb 1st 2009

Pregame Festivities start at 1:00pm See you all there.

Rey Maualuga says hello to Erin Andrews

2009-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

Street Terror

2008-12-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Seattle blames Tyrone Willingham, Howard Schultz, and Lo Pan for this incident.

and good luck to My Vic in a Box or Flex Appeal as Lodge FFF champion. May Egg Shen smile upon you.

"You will III-Peat no more~!"

Steve Sarkisian... COME ON DOWN!

2008-12-05T12:52:00.000-08:00

You are the next UW Head Ball Coach! Steve, you inherit a program in shambles, thanks to a decade of horrible coaching, decent recruiting, and a depressed fan base.

The news is that Steve Sarkisian will be named head coach at Washington early next week. The sports radio guys down here in LA love the guy. And the past two years I've been hearing about the past SC QB's thoughts on his tutelage, from Carson Palmer to Matt Leinart's beer bong, and they are always glowing about the guy.

The Seattle Times likes the pick. And Steve Kelly hasn't liked anything in the Seattle sports scene since GP was running point at the Key. How does the Lodge feel about the pick? Mixed feelings about a USC guy? He played at BYU, is he Mormon?

Thoughts about the last 48 Hours...Apple Cup Edition

2008-11-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Going to try this again, sober this time. I have no qualms about diving right in and continuing my promise for more posts; since I am more than willing to admit writing about one-self to one-self is the first stage of insanity. Actually, I believe writing about one-self following an 0-10 football team 4+ hours to the Eastern parts of nowhere might be the final stages of insanity, but we can leave that for later when I travel to a different state to watch an 0-11 football team make football history.

Yes, I remain dedicated to one of the worst disasters in human history that finds new and interesting ways to remove crucial parts of my soul.

Things that have improved my life over the last 48 hours:

*Road trippin’ with the old man

*Derek & The Dominoes Live at the Fillmore 1970

*Friday Night Husky Drink and Appetizer Specials at TI Shenanigans in Spokane (say Shenanigans one more time)

*Bartender Matt at aforementioned restaurant on Friday

*The genuine hospitality of the good people of Spokane employed in the hospitality industry *Iron & Wine on ‘Austin City Limits’ and Western Idaho PBS
*Alumni Bus Leader Erin and her genuine enthusiasm for keeping track of a bus full of intoxicated Dawg Fans
*For relaxed booze regulations on the Cougar campus and allowing a full bar restaurant 500 feet from the stadium
*Martin Stadium, for reminding me that there are alternatives to 70,000+ stadiums and making me feel attached to the game without a $200 ticket
*To the wonderful healing (day) and blackout (night) power of Theraflu Liquid Cold Medicine *Great weather, capped off by a perfect 10 for November 23, 2008
*Road trippin’ with the old man

Things that exist, neither for negative or positive in my life:

*Sheryl Crow
*Cougar Fans and Washington State University
*Beer that requires fruit
*Fish N’ Chips
*Red Lion Inns
*Camouflage
*Prime Rib and Bartender Matt on Saturday night at above mentioned Irish named restaurant

Things that will significantly improve my life in the future:

*Tyrone Willingham no longer employed by a Division One School especially mine

It was a memorable Apple Cup for reasons other than what occurred on the field, and I encourage anyone and everyone to make the trip and experience the Cup from the other side of the mountains, just make sure to bring plenty of camouflage.

As it stand, November 13th or -ish

2008-11-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

Words play a funny trick, one moment you contemplate yourself the next semi-sober HST, then next you're trying to figure out how you type a complete sentance to two-year-olds (there's a trick question somewhere there). None of this matter or does justice to the complete and total abandonment that I've shown to one of my own. I'm ready for the Dateline, but I'm expecting KONG news and Jessie.

Sometimes a climate so ugly and nauseous forces those comfortable with the sidelines to find their helmet and "get back in f'n the game". Yes, sometimes there can be no excuse, sometimes reasons simply do not matter, but at a times like now, I can think of no better place to be than with my brother(s)the Lodge, and waiting for my oil to be changed.

We've lost so many of our own, to so many a poor excuse that I place myself on the front of the alter, but alas poor brother, no more. Let the guard of feminist, sexist, nerdish, bronco-ish and Southern Califonia-ish walls be brough down with a mighty Tuba blow and the chant of a nation that screams for more than just a participatory trophy. Make no mistake brothers, we have no choice, but to be "in it to win the whole f'n thing".

A wad of bazooka joe only spoke as loud as when you could feel the plastic felt grip of a 28" Easton between your hands. Post routes are only as good as your accuracy between mailboxes. And tall boys are only as good as the words they inspire.

I'm not sure when it begins, but I've had a taste of what it looks like when it ends, and I'm not all in on Mariner season tickets yet. My teams deserve better, and I know for a damn sure that you all deserve better, so while I won't promise anything worth quality, I will only promise a f'n effort and that's about 100% more than you've received from me and my football team in a long time, (notwithstanding the 425's own Newport Knight's, whom I'm convinced have hired Senator hopeful Tom Osburne as an Offensive Consultant).

And because I'm emotionaly and out of words to say, I'm going to let Coach Gaines take us out and get ready for the Bruins:

Huskies vs Slick Rick (Tickets)

2008-10-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

So on Nov 15th Slick rick comes back to town. I have two tickets to the game for RJ and I that I got in a school auction. What was weird is the Huskies sent me 3 extra tickets, the catch is they are all single seats. nothing together. Is anyone interested in a Solo Husky seat for the return of Ricky?

7-0 for the 1st time

2008-10-14T12:46:00.001-07:00

So the regular season is now completed and for the 1st time in 14 years of coaching, Goose has completed the regular season undefeated. Like the Pats last year, I now have the pressure to complete the full season undefeated, including the playoffs. 1st Playoff game is saturday vs the Kangs at Newport at 9am. Wear Red.

"All I saw was Red"

Below is the play of the game last week, a 61 yard punt return for a TD. Watch the crackback block on the 50 yds line, Its brutal :)

The Knights Hit 6-0

2008-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

With a 20-8 win of the Wildcats, The Knights move to 6-0 and clinch the #1 Divisional seed.
Im biased on this play as it is a pick 6 just before halftime. (You can hear the gun go off at the end). I'll bet they take a knee next time

Beautiful October

2008-10-03T16:43:00.001-07:00

Clearly one of the best months of the year. Fall arrives, as do the autumn colors and weather... and apparently boobs and beer, thanks to Oktoberfest being celebrated world wide. These beauties are from the Munich celebration where the waitresses are wearing traditional Bavarian clothes that accentuate the fullness of the, ah, the beer... ah, right. Immature... maybe. Still worth a taste... definitely.

A must see for the lodge Faithful

2008-09-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Gooses 3rd annual Fantasy Draft review and predictions

2008-09-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

1st and formost, Newport record is 1-0 after a 4th quarter 20-7 come from behind win against Mercer Island

So year 3 of the Lodge Fantsy League means year three of my draft reviews

Lat year goose succesfuly predicted the train repeat and was right on the money. Will he predict a 3peat this year? Read on....

Lets get rolling

Hancock NCentral HS

Predicted Finish 8th

Jimbo, solid at the starting positions with Addai, Romo, Witten, Fitzgerald and Calvin J. Your issues comes with depth. Forte is a big ??? and may not be able to carry the load against Bears opponants stacking 8 in the box. Speaking of the Box, the human Puma Box at running back with eaither be a steal (800yds and 8tds) or suspended /waived by week 4. Tough call. Might have to work some trades to get the Rb situation fixed

Major Boobage

Predicted Finish 2nd

Nothing stands out as outstanding with this team. Solid, definately solid. However my prediction is Derek Anderson will have a down year and you may turn to McNabb early in the season. I think this team will compete for a playoff spot but will need to wheel and deal to win it all. Good sleepers on the bench at WR in Hackett and Gonzalez. If they explode, this team could be dangerous

#37 So Long Comittee

Predicted Finish 10th

So long playoffs for this team. Dude, you need to start hitting the waiver wire soon. Carson is a good fantasy QB and your WR's are good. You already need depth at RB without RUDI RUDI and your RB's without Westbrook are big question marks. I think unless the stars align, your team is in trouble. You get the Goose Whammy

My Vic In A Box

Predicted Finish 9th

I like the michael turner pick, he will give you a quality RB. I doubt Moss can have the same impact as he did last year, though he is still good for 14td's. Your depth could be better and there were better RB's on the board without drafting forsett. This is another team that will struggle to make the playoffs.

Flex Appeal

Predicted Finish 7th

Lloyd. Good starters. Lets hope the Steven Jackson holdout doesnt become a hangover. He may start slow and may not be able to get on track. Plus holdouts lead to nagging little injuries. McFadden should be a stud, however your bench is pretty bad. Chris Brown is already done for the year, Leinart isnt even the starter, and neither is Kenny Watson. Hit the wire, or else you'll be watching the playoff from whereever it is that you sit (Since I dont really know you)

Taint Punch

Predicted Finish 5th

Casey, thank Train for actually not screwing you with a team. You are actually looking pretty good, however you will probably win the award for "Most times forgetting to set your roster". I see a good team here, but you may need help at RB, both at starters (After LT) and depth. Make sure you pick up another kicker, 2 is NEVER enough

III Peat

Predicted Finish 6th

Train. Im dissappointed in you. 1st. We have not had a TO blowup in 2 year, prepare yourself, its coming. 2. I give you the curse of the cowboys. You will not repeat this year because you drafted classless bums. 3. You just signed a raider, which goes against your beliefs. You are a sad Mexican and like Dirty Steve said "YOU DO IT WITH YOUR HORSE!!!" Your team will make the playoffs, however your dreams of a three peat ended when you decided to Trust in cowboys.

Professor Bad Beat

Predicted Finish 4th

Im not sure what your team names means but that doesnt matter. Duke I like this team. Its riddled with quality sleepers, so it could be 7-7 or 11-3. Big Ben at QB, Good WR's and solid RB's. (Id draft a different defense though). However You have no Backup RB's and 3 QB's. I'd hit the waiver wire quick before Dude does.

The Program

Predicted Finish 1st

Hollywood 2.0. Another team that has sleeper all over it. Brady will not hit 50 again, White and colsten will be solid at WR. TJ and Willis will be solid (I think willis is due for a breakout year, 1400yds and 12 tds plus another 50 balls recieving). Your depth is good, and I think your team is on of the top 3 in the league. Health will be key, and I know you will scout the wire and manipulate some people into trades. You get the vote this year.

Halls of Monk 08

Predicted Finish 3rd

I like my group. QB's and RB's are strong. AP could hit 1800 this year if healthy (If not I have Chester). WR's are good for 70/1000/8 and depth is good with two sleeper RB's in Perry and Stewert (Perry may hit 1000yds and catch 60 balls). Defense and kickers are good and I have my big man Cooley ay TE. With a little luck we may get to the final 4 and/or beyond

Fantasy Football Keepers?

2008-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

So I have a question for each of you in preparation for the Lodge Fantasy Football League draft that is scheduled for next Thursday, August 28th at 9PM PST. Should we introduce keepers into the league? I am for it, since I do believe these 10 teams are people that can be counted on (Yes, even you MCP) and it would add a cool element to draft strategy.

C-Town, John & The Dude still aren't in the league. If any of you talk to them. Please get them signed up before the draft next week. Thanks.

If we vote and decide to include that wrinkle -- Do we say a team can keep 2 players at the end of the year? If it's 2 keepers -- Do we say that you keep them in the round you drafted them (with 3 year contracts)? Or do we just say 2 keepers, no round forfeiting? Obviously there needs to be a vote and then ideas thrown around for it to work. But I love the idea of this working. Please comment and give your opinions.

Stay Classy Spain!

2008-08-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

Got Racism?

Its about time.....

2008-08-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

Lodge Fantasy Football League

2008-07-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

So NFL football season is approaching... and the Poobah has assigned the designation of starting The Black Lodge Fantasy Football League back up again. So the details are below. Invites have been sent to all 10 owners from last years league in Yahoo! and Train is ready to defend his title.

League ID#:	172375
League Name:	The Black Lodge 3.0
Password:	liverpool
League URL:	http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/blacklodge
Draft Type:	Offline Draft
Max Teams:	10
Scoring Type:	Head-to-Head

Shawn is in charge of getting John to the draft, Devo needs to make sure Lloyd is present via phone or iChat video, and Train will make sure Casey clears his convention schedule to attend. I'll be conferencing in via iChat video and plan on making myself available any day of August.

Which brings up draft times... last year we chose a weeknight for the draft, which didn't go super smooth. But let's discuss and comment your preferred dates for a draft in the Lodge.

Drunk History

2008-07-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

Booze + Actors on Strike = Drunk History
VOL. 1

VOL. 2

VOL. 2.5

RIP: Seattle Supersonics

2008-07-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

I'm still reeling from the Sonics leaving Seattle news that finalized yesterday afternoon. Adande mentions that the team is willing to leave the SuperSonics' name, colors and history behind -- with owner Clay Bennett said "I was always amenable ... to reserving the name for Seattle fans." Even that quote pisses me off. Basically he's admitting that he wanted to leave all along. I haven't really hated many people in my life. Clay Bennett is one of them.

With the gavel finally coming down on the side of the franchise, now I have a seemingly unthinkable decision on whether to follow the surprisingly well-run Blazers squad down South in Portland. Did anyone see the draft? I loved me some Jerryd Bayless, even thinking the Sonics messed up by picking Westbrook over Bayless at #4. Everyone praised them for picking Rush, but then they upgraded their point guard position (the only noticeably weak link on their team) with the draft day deal.

The memories of my favorite team will remain. Unfortunately, so will the pain of that team leaving thanks to a shady back room deal between David Stern and Clay Bennett. What a douche. I want to pul an X-man and strangle them both. I'm feeling myself moving towards the darkside with these events. Hate leading to anger and all...

TOD: George Carlin

2008-06-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

After finishing school finally, this past week I have been able to read books I want to read, rather than have to read. When you have to read a minimum of 10 books every 10 weeks, you tend to shelve the fun books you want to read until the school work is done. So this past week I picked up Live From New York, biography about the history of Saturday Night Live. It's an excellent book that tells the SNL story first hand through all the writers, cast members and hosts. Why am I telling you this? Because George Carlin was the first host on the premier show of SNL.

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.
George Carlin

I was loaded on cocaine all week long.
George Carlin [on hosting the SNL debut show]

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me - they're cramming for their final exam.
George Carlin

Carlin died Sunday night of heart failure. He was 71. He was a standup legend and irreverent comic icon that the counterculture was drawn to while the mainstream feared him. Carlin won four Grammy Awards for best spoken comedy album and was nominated for five Emmys. On Tuesday, it was announced that Carlin was being awarded the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which will be presented Nov. 10 in Washington and broadcast on PBS. [Because apparently Mark Twain was hilarious back in the day.]

Smite Him

2008-06-17T11:45:00.003-07:00

2.0 -- as the Lodge's de facto spiritual guide, you should ask the Lord to smite this man.

As I was going through downtown yesterday I saw herds of green and yellow walking their way down to the courthouse. It was a good rally for the S.O.S. crew, and yes we still need a miracle.

There is a large civic sentiment that will not be settled. Thankfully we can get the inside look on the trial blog.

Inevitable

2008-06-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

The news isn't much of a shocker considering the Mariners are the worst team in MLB by a few games. What's more shocking is how long it took for Bavasi to get shown the door. And how come Howard Lincoln still is with the club? Does he have naked photos of the Nintendo President strangling a dead hooker Rising Sun style?

Maybe the Mariners will shell out 50 million for Yu Darvish and see if 3 Ace's on a team will help us before going out and getting a big bat that needed in the lineup everyday. Frustrating to say the least. At least MLS is coming next spring!

Masters of Arts in Theology

2008-06-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow morning I graduate with my Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary. I'm pretty excited to be done. But that not even the good news... what is is we are planning on moving back to Seattle in the Fall. So get ready, 2.0 is coming back!

Best moment of the season so far

2008-06-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Not as interesting as the upcoming Hard Knocks, but the Lodge always loves a good tirade... [Editor's Note: I found a better sound bite on the tirade on ESPN's Mike & Mike]

This may be the funniest quote I have read in a long time

2008-06-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

From ESPN

Since being traded to the Cowboys, Pacman Jones has tried to surround himself with a better support group. He's befriended former Cowboys Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders. Now that he's allowed to be at the Cowboys facility, Jones will be able to work with Calvin Hill, a consultant who works with player development. Jones also has become friends with several of his new teammates, including Tank Johnson, who the Cowboys helped return from a similar suspension last season.

So to summerize for Pacman, I'll be hanging with Primetime and Michael Irvin (Plenty of strippers and coke) while shooting off AK47's with Tank Johnson. Nice circle of influence

A little fun for the Lost Season Finale tonight

2008-05-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

New week, new T.O.D.

2008-05-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hate to kick the week off with a T.O.D, but I appreciated the work of Sydney Pollack, both on screen and behind it, so I'd like an official nomination for the Lodge H.O.F. for a Hollywood Icon. It was odd that two weeks ago I commented to some members of the Lodge about one of his first roles in the 1960 season of The Twilight Zone, in an episode called "The Trouble with Temptation" and the amount of quality actors that broke on that show.

If you're unfamilar with his work, I suggest taking an hour to review the list here. He was at his best in the cameo role typically giving the protaganist of the film the reality of the plot and transitioning the film into the final third (i.e. "Eyes Wide Shut", "Michael Clayton"). Anyway here's to you Sydney Pollack, and here's to my personal favorite in your extensive catalog:

Remake Craziness

2008-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

MGM to Bring Back Red Dawn and RoboCop
Source: The Hollywood Reporter May 18, 2008

MGM said at the Cannes Film Festival that Red Dawn, John Milius' 1984 movie about a group of American rebels fighting Soviet forces, is a candidate for a remake, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The studio's Harry Sloan and Mary Parent also confirmed that 1987's RoboCop could resurface in a new version.

I'm really not certain how they're going to bring back a communist invasion for the 21st century. I think what would be better is keeping it a straight remake that is set in 80's USA.

As for Robocop, they should definitely just bump it into Robocop vs. Terminator. Arnold can only stay in office for so long.

There's been a lot of talking about Wrestling here...how 'bout a little love for the other kind...

2008-05-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Unemployed Classicsessess...

2008-05-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

During the course of the past several months I regret not keeping a running tally of my daytime films that occupy my time while I figure out how to make an income. I could no longer resist the temptation to post and give my first (and hopefully close to last) daytime review of a classic lost in the many, many “free” movies offered from Comcast.

Without any delay…John Carpenter’s 1988 socio-politico-economico masterpiece “They Live”. My professed man-love for all things related to the Russell/Carpenter dynamic duo has already been explored on the Lodge, but is it possible that the Pipper/David/Carpenter power trio reigns supreme in the 80’s Carpenter Canon? Like Green Day trumping The White Stripes, it’s possible that “They Live” is the Christmas Star on the Carpenter’s plastic-frosted tree.

To steal a segment from “Cheap Seats”, here are some things to look for:

*the tri-corders (I don’t even know if that’s a real word and I’m not going to bother to look it up) used by the Aliens to seek out the domestic human terrorists are identical to those used by Stanz and Egon while finding supernatural life in the downtown New York Library in the Lodge classic “Ghostbusters”, and since "Ghostbusters" was made four years prior, “They Live” gets marked down a half grade, not for the prop, but for not using the correct sound effects for the prop

*the fear that Meg Foster’s eyes put in to you during her limited scenes as Holly Thompson, for those of your unfamiliar with the work of Meg Foster, you might remember her as the original Chris Cagney from Cagney & Lacey, or as Rutger Hauer’s love interest in “Blind Fury”

*the total number of wrestling moves made by Rowdy Piper throughout the film, I think the unofficial count came to about 22, highlighted by an extended fight scene with Keith David in a random alley…

For those of you unfortunate souls not to have seen this classic, I’ll give you the full length plot review: Roddy Piper=drifter who stumbles upon some glasses that make him see the truth behind the world (possible Matrix copyright infringement alert) and that the “Power Alliance” (a combination of alien and human rich dudes, “think Trading Places”) run the world and keep everyone down by subliminal tactics and really bad paying jobs. Marxist theme’s aside, Carpenter’s ability to illustrate the Reagan-nomics so eloquently with the blank canvas that was Roddy Piper’s acting career and Meg Foster’s Hulk-ish eyes really demonstrates the modern day Degas at work.

Keeping with the Cheap Seats theme here we go again with “Do You Care”:

*despite being billed from Glasgow, Scotland, wearing a kilt and being introduced to bag pipes, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was in fact from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and is a lifelong Winnipeg Jets fan and went on an expletive filled tirade when interviewed for the Lodge about hockey in the state of Arizona

*David Keith was initially slotted for the role of Frank, but despite roles in Officer and a Gentleman and Firestarter was turned down for the Keith David coming off back to back smashes in Vietnam films Platoon and the Oscar winning Braddock:Missing in Action III

---UPDATE, I just looked at IMDB and my initial comment about the P.K.E. meters is true, they were exactly from Ghostbusters, the train just arrived from Crazy Town

And Finally, the greatest line in the movie, spoken with true-Canadian flare:

"I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubble gum" was ad-libbed proving the point that Pipers Pit was all the screen test that Rowdy “not-Scottish” Piper needed to land one of the ten best 80’s films of all time.

Lodge Quiz: List your favorite role by a Pro-Wrestler in a film

Is anyone else getting LOST??

2008-05-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

So this season I am totally getting back into LOST? Has anyone else been watching? Is it time for a discussion?

I am Tingling

2008-05-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

...with excitement.

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G.I. Joe the movie

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has leaked the only character that matters.

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a real American hero:

Click here for a military history recap.

did I mention that this article made me tingle?

This man will play Shipwreck. - and this page has some other cast.

(RUMOR: Seriously, Brendan Fraser as mutha 'effin GUNG HO?!)

Ozzie does it... Arod faint of heart.

2008-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

The news today of Arod's wife throwing him under the bus is classic. The boo-birds around the MLB stadiums are going to take this one and run with it. My favorite line is, "As tough and big as he seems, he is real wimpy around doctors or any type of medical situation," said Cynthia Rodriguez.

Goose & Devo, do you have any stories you'd like to share with the Lodge about hospital visits? Need to get something off your chest?

BONUS: You can't beat a bomb filled tirade from a grizzled manager. It's always good times! This one is from yesterday, but they finally edited and posted it online. Enjoy.

Train hopes you enjoyed your Cinco de Mayo...

2008-05-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Wilks v. Sexson: Sexson Wins!

2008-04-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Brad Wilkerson had 3 hits yesterday, with 1 walk, bumping his average up to .232 for the year. Today, he was designated for assignment. Baseball terms for fired. Sacked in Brittish. So it's officially over. Richie Sexson is the "winner." I use quotes because anyone who is batting only .207 isn't really a winner.

On Monday, Jimbo made a plea for Wlad the Impaler in his comments on the subject. Today, the Mariners called up catcher Jeff Clement and outfielder Wladimir Balentien from AAA Tacoma today. As you may know and can read in the linked Times article above, these two young bucks add much needed power to the M's lineup. Hopefully manager John McLaren will play the two youngsters, sitting the struggling hitters to spark the team. If you want to read more on the players, here are some notes I found on Balentien and Clement courtesy of the News Tribune.

How High?

2008-04-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Seriously Ronaldo, how high were you?

I thought I was scared reading about another Austrian Dungeon story, but after reading about your transvestite prostitute interlude I am even more baffled.

'When they all booked into a motel, Ronaldo discovered that the prostitutes were in fact men. '

Did they look that beautiful on whatever you were snorting?

Were you too high to realize, 'I'm one of the greatest footballers in the world - I can get hot girls for free.' ???

You were sooo high, you let a boy-girl hustle your ID?

'Albertino took the footballer's documents, police said Ronaldo alleged...'

Now the BBC might have been very plain in their reporting about the incident, but my brothers in Bangkok know the truth about she-men.

How high Ronaldo? How high?

Maybe the pain meds you're taking for your knee and the coke just really made things crazy for you to try new stuff.

In light of this, you reinforce an elementary education of learning "Just say No" all over again.

Wilks v. Sexson (the Steve Kelly addition)

2008-04-28T13:51:00.000-07:00

We check in with a third installment of Wilks v. Sexson. The Seattle Times eternally whining Steve Kelly called out for Wilks to be out right waived in today's paper, after he took a called third strike to end the eighth Sunday, in what became a 4-2 Mariners loss to Oakland.

Brad Wilkerson is now hitting .189 overall, with "Big Sexy" Richie Sexson above the Mendoza Line at an .207 AVG. Also entering the conversation is the M's switch hitting DH José Vidro barely edging out Wilks with a .195 batting average.

So in our informal race, Big Sexy is in the lead now with a higher average coupled with 5 HR and 16 RBI. Of course, he's making 10 million dollars more per year.

Kelly's article is his umpteenth plead to the Seattle organization to bring back Ken Griffey Jr. Although I think it would be a great story to bring the face of the franchise (with apologies to Alvin Davis and Edgar Martinez), it's highly implausible due to the fact that Griffey originally wanted to go back "home" to Cincinnati and play for the Reds. And although the Reds aren't going to win anything anytime soon in the NL Central, why would Griffey's reasons for leaving have changed? His homes are in Cincinnati and Florida. Nostalgia is a powerful tool. But stop toying with our emotions, Kelly. At this point, you are three years away from becoming the second coming of Skip Bayless.

Gooses 2nd NFL Mock Draft

2008-04-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

The NFL Season is about to begin:

This weekend is the NFL Draft and for the 1st time we will not be blessed with Mel Kiper Jr's Hair for 48 straight hours.

#1 Miami Dolphins- Jake Long OT Michigan
Not too much of a strech here as Long has already been signed sealed and delivered. This is a rock solid foundation and while not a flashy or sexy pick, most teams that value a solid oline have turned losing franchises into Super Bowl Contenders

#2 St. Louis Rams- Chris Long DE Virginia
Leanord Little is old, the rams defense is pourous and Chris Long is probably the best defensive player in the draft. He's 6-3 275 and ran the 40 in 4.75. Has good technique and hits the edge hard.

#3 Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan QB Boston College
Matt Ryan has two things going for him. He is a solid QB and he is not Michael Vick. This is a team in desperate need of a leader and a face, Ryan can fit the bill. A secondary strech could be Darren Mcfadden but I thing they need a QB most of all

#4 Oakland RaidersVernon Gholston DE/OLB Ohio State
If you watch Gholston play, you will see a mirror image of Terrell Suggs. A classic Tweener would fits perfectly as an OLB in a 3-4 or a DE in a 4-3....HOWEVER...look for Oakland to potentially trade this pick, trying to move down. They are Cap strapped and dont want to pay big money for a #4 pick

#5 Kansas City Chiefs- Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
If the Chiefs stay at #5 I think they take Dorsey. If they trade down they would look at Ryan Clady from Boise State. Their biggest need is OT but dorsey may be too good to pass up.

#6 N.Y. Jets- Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
McFadden is the type of back who will make Jets fans forget about Curtis Martin. Of course they already want to forget about Thomas Jones. He could be this years Adrian Peterson, hopefully not this years Blair Thomas

#7 New England Patriots- Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
The Pats are always tough to get a read on. They would love Gholston but wouldnt trade up for him. They could take Ryan Clady if he drops. Jenkins in the #1 CB on the board and the loss of Asanti Samuel makes this a need pick

#8 Baltimore Ravens- Brian Brohm QB Louisville
The Ravens could wait until Round 2 or trade back into the late-1st to get a QB. New Coach John Harbaugh needs his franchise QB. Last time they waited they ended up with Kyle Boller.

#9 Cincinnati Bengals- Sedrick Ellis DT USC
LB was the biggest need however with Odell Thuman reinstated I think they go DT with this pick. Sedrick Ellis is a tough solid run stopper. Look for the Bengals to also potentially trade down.

#10 New Orleans Saints- Leodis McKelvin, CB Troy State
They wanted Jenkins and would take him if NE Passes. Either way they go CB with this pick. The pass defense was horrid last year and they need impact players

Now we choose the Lodge Teams picks:

#12 Denver Broncos Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
Matt Lepsis retirement forces the Broncos to fill a huge hole on the OL. Williams can play G and T but is more suited to be a RT. He'll find a home Cutting and Chop Blocking in Denver

#21 Washington Redskins Calais Campbell, DE Miami (FL)
Campbell filled a need at the pass rusher position and could be a sleeper pick this late in the draft. However his Miami ties will surely guarantee him some jail time sometime in the next 8-12 months. Mark my words.

#22 and #28 Dallas Cowboys
Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State, James Hardy, WR Indiana or Antoine Cason, CB Arizona at #22 (If any of them fall). Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, CB Tennessee State or DeSean Jackson, WR/KR California. Obviously the cowboys will be looking at CB and WR for their top 2 picks. I wont add more inforamtion because I simply dont care.

#25 Seattle Seahawks
Watch the Detroit and Arizona pick at 16 and 17 to determine the Seahawks moves here. If J Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall are gone, look for the Seahawks to potentially look OL or TE. Dustin Keller, Purdue and Fred Davis, USC are the two top TE's.

Champions League Semi-Final

2008-04-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

WTF!

I promised a post on it. But yesterday as I was watching the game I felt fairly confident in the outcome. Chelsea had played like shite and Liverpool appeared to have the advantage going to Stamford Bridge in the 2nd leg. And then Riise made possibly the worst play of the year, my heart sank, screamed the phrase above, and stared at the screen for a long while. It's not over... but the stat that "Liverpool hasn't scored at Chelsea in the last 8 matches" doesn't exude confidence. [sigh]

the conference semi's coming to a tv near you! Part 1

2008-04-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Okay with the two clossial game sevens tonight...the second round will be great.

Montreal Scenarios

First scenario: Canadiens vs Flyers: I really hope this scenario doesn't happen...but if it does, the Flyers are tough nose and scrappy which could get rookie goalie Carey Price flustered. The Flyers feature free agent signing of Daniel Briere from the former President Trophy winners Buffalo Sabres. Briere going into game 7 had 6 goals. The Canadiens don't have one guy and are tough to prepare for. Either Philadelphia or Rangers will have their hands full with their opponent.

Second scenario: Canadiens vs Rangers: This would be the second consectitive original six matchup for the Habs. The Rangers have a mix of youth, with Drury, Gomez, and Avery. They also have some grisled veterens like Jagr, Shanahan, and Straka. The Rangers were built up over the off-season and was made to go places in the playoffs. I think this could be a classic series where both goalies are young talents and have a great mix of youth and age.

Pittsburgh scenarios

Pittsburgh vs Washington: This would make the league mess their pants. Sid Crosby vs Alex Ovechkin, Malkin vs Backstrom, and Hossa vs Semin. This match-up screams ratings for NBC (which is sad, that perhaps in a different post). This would be the great series that the NHL wants and the problem is...you still have two more rounds and you can't make this a Celtics/Lakers match up. Crosby and Ovechkin both have long term contracts, but it would be interesting if these stars could split conferences and make a great coast to coast rival.

Pittsburgh vs Rangers: This would be a good series but then you will think what if...Pittsburgh would like to play the Rangers. Crosby would shine down in Midtown and Jagr would return home to where his brillance started...in Pittsburgh. I would love to Lemieux come down from the owners box and take Jagr to school.

So Eastern Conference aka Wales Conference preview of possible two scenarios...tomorrow we should know the answers and we'll have a Cambell Conference preview of the semifinals that already have Detroit, Colorado, and Dallas with their tickets punched...enjoy game 7's tonight fellas...

Miggy Tejada's Fake ID

2008-04-17T14:14:00.001-07:00

With all of the commotion over the first day of the Bigger Dance, I'm not sure if ya'll heard the story on the AP wire about Miguel Tejada telling Astros he's actually 33, not 31. I love that he tells his third team this info after he gets traded. Classic. And we are supposed to believe him when he says his name shouldn't have been in the Mitchell Report. To commemorate the story, I give you a Miggy fist pump.

New Link: Fistpumps.com

2008-04-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, I was pimping this link on my school blog. It's possibly one of the greatest websites in the past 5 years and has brought me an embarrassing amount of joy. Another blogger site like our our Black Lodge, I give you:

Fistpumps.com

Please note the Professional and Amateur fistpump montages on the right side of the site. They update it daily and run the gamut of classic fist pumps in every sport from EPL action to Tennis pumps. It is now linked on the sidebar of the Lodge for future enjoyment.

Lodge King of the Hard Wood 2

2008-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry to bump the Llama down but this is important....We all know the story from last year, as Seatown got his 15 minutes and then was gone.

Its that time of year again

KJR's Bigger Dance is now on and EVERYONE should be in on this, no excuses.

1) 1st of all go to http://www.kjram.com/

2) click on the Bigger Dance Link

3) The Office pool is called "The Black Lodge" with the password of "knockers"

4) Pick your ladies.

$5 to enter. Winner takes all. This contest is about hot chicks gentlemen, There are no points for second place.

Jimbo- Train, You've been busted, you lost your qualifications as Lodge leader three times, put in hack twice by me, with a history of Drunk and disorderly in Canada, Puking into Bread bags after your ass hurt,, and one forgettable viewing of a Lodge Classic Movie

Goose- ESB? [Train shrugs]

Jimbo- And you asshole, you're lucky to be here!

Goose- Thank you, PoohBah.

Jimbo- And let's not bullshit Train. Your family name ain't the best in the Lodge. You need to be doing it better, and cleaner than the other guy. Now what is it with you?

Train- Just want to be a "Pal", be the best man in the Lodge, sir.

Jimbo- Don't screw around with me Train. You're a hell of an instinctive Fantasy Player. Maybe too good. I'd like to bust your butt but I can't. I got another problem here. I gotta send somebody from this Lodge to KJRAM. I gotta do something here, I still can believe it. I gotta give you your dream shot! I'm gonna send you up against the best. You two characters are going to The Bigger Dance.

Big Hitter

2008-04-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

"The Dalai Lama himself, twelfth son of the Lama!" - Carl Spackler

As much as I disagree with the Lama's heathen beliefs, I am utterly in awe of the dual view point Lama Politics article by the Times. They actually took the daring attempt to show the perspective of ethnic Chinese who are offended by the pro-Tibet backlast. Because its not all about the Richard Gere. (Beastie Boys are briefly forgiven.)

Not only that, some editor at the times goes balls out and lets this mind bomb drop: What he finds hypocritical is American political leaders making statements about the Tibet situation and human rights in China, when "we are doing worse things in the Middle East."

O_O

Thanks for finally putting up good international reporting Times. And watch out for Lama traffic Lodge.

Playoff time Baby!

2008-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hey it's the early April...which means two things...First, the NBA season is winding down, which I haven't really cared about in at least three years. The second thing is the NHL playoffs. As games started last night, some interesting things are happening. Let's breakdown each series.

East

#1 vs. #8...Montreal vs Boston.

Montreal has dominated the Bruins in the past 27 games, winning all but 3 of them. The B's get Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard hopefully back in this series after missing serious time throughout the year. Will it help the B's? Who knows but I think the Habs will come out victorious despite missing their captain, Koivu, with a broken bone in his foot.

Dude's Pick: Montreal in 5

#2 vs #7...Pittsburgh vs Ottawa

Ottawa is hard to figure out. Here is a team that jumped out to a dominant start and looked like they were going to be this seasons Ducks with how they coasted throughout the season. Well it didn't turn out that way. With questions of committment from former #1 goalie, Ray Emery and the tailspin that led to the firing of their coach John Paddock, the Sens are a huge question mark. Their former head coach and now GM Bryan Murray took over and the team has played better. There is even smack talk saying the Pens mailed it in on their finale just so they could play the Sens. On the Penguins side, Sidney Crosby has only played a handful of games since missing a chuck with a high ankle sprain. Malkin has emerged as a stud and will need to show that ability in the playoffs. The Pens got their #1 goaltender back with Marc-Andre Fleury. The Pens are not a one stud team with Sid the Kid...This team is going to be a tough out.

Dude's Pick: Pittsburgh in Six

#3 vs #6...Washington vs Philadelphia

Washington should be known as the Phoenix...they only won 8 of their first 30 or so games, and came back to win the SE division and knock out the Caroline Hurricanes. This team features AO8-Oveckin. They also feature a ton of other young talent. They obtained a young goal tender in Chris Huet from Montreal. Philadelphia is the comeback kids from last season. The team signed a couple of big free agents, including Briere. The Flyers also have a young upcomer name Mike Richards. This team is scrappy but I don't think they have enough to wipe the Caps off their wave of momentum.

The Dude picks Caps in six.

#4 vs #5 New Jersey vs NY Rangers

This will be an instant classic. The Devils will always be in a series with Marty Brodeur and the Rangers have the scorers with former Devil Scott Gomez and Jagr so scoring won't be out of the question. The Rangers made headlines last off season with the signings of Drury and Gomez. Jagr's numbers are down but had his seventeenth consective 25 goal season. This is a really tough series for me to pick and I think this will go the distance. Home ice I think will make a difference.

Dude's Pick...Devils in 7.

This conference should be fun to watch with the two young stars of the league in Oveckin and Crosby. All these series should be entertaining but I think the mid range seeds should provide some great first round action

Western Conference

#1 vs #8...Detroit vs Nashville.

This should be an interesting series. Detroit rolled through the season winning the President Cup for the best record in the league. Detroit is aging and has shown it's age later in the year. They play a divisional rival in Nashville which held their own going 3-3-2 against the Red Wings. The Wings have the best blue liner in Lindstrom and have Zetterburg and the ageless one in Chris Chelios. Nashville has some young kids and were pretty much sold in the fire sale. They have Ellis as a keeper, and Jason Arnott and JP Dumont as their stars. This series should be done early but who really knows.

Dude Picks Detroit in 5.

#2 vs. #7...San Jose vs Calgary

I know a certain lodge member (Jimbo) is looking forward to this series. I think series will go down to the wire. Now for the six of the past seven years, a two has fallen to a seven seed. San Jose has picked up Brian Campbell from the Sabers and have leaders Joe Thorton and Cheechoo. They also have former T-Bird, Patrick Marleau. The Sharks have Evgeni Nabokov who played in 77 games this year. The Flames have the Kipper in front of net and MVP hopeful Iginla and some stud blue liners. I don't think Calgary can do it...

Dude picks Sharks in 7.

#3 vs. #6...Minnesota vs Colorado

Minnesota is a good solid defencive team and the Colrado has the worst powerplay of any playoff team. Colrado has Ryan Smyth and Peter Forsberg also with Joe Sakic and some other guys. I think Colorado could seen up on this team, where the goal keeping has been a little suspect this past year. Look for a lot of 3 to 2 games.

Dude's Pick...Colorado in 6.

#4 vs #5 Ducks vs Stars

The defending Stanley Cup Champs have bulked up and look ready to defend their title. They have their retirees back from taking a half of a year and have fresh legs. They also have veterens Bertuzzi and Scheider and look tough. Stars have been led by a solid year from Marty Turco, the Stars got stronger with acquistion of Brad Richards from the TB Lightning. This should be like the East 4/5 game. This series should be a knocked out drag them out fight.

Dude picks Ducks in 7

There are a couple of active players in the playoffs who have played a lot of games and not raised the Cup. Luke Richardson of Ottawa has played 1410 games. The other player is Jeremy Roenick of the Sharks with 1313. Hopefully one of these guys can get their time with the Cup.

The Cup brings a lot of surprises and a lot of disappointment...just like any other professional sport, only one team will finish on a winning note...who will it be...fourteen teams are already watching at home. Will your team be watching or celebrating?

Wilks vs. Sexson

2008-04-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Times picked up the Lodge Wilks vs. Sexson battle and ran with it in today's paper. It's amazing when Sexson is the "leader" in the battle, and he's hitting only .217 with 5 hits in 23 at bats. At least he has 3 2Bs and 1 HR in his 5 hits.

Wilkerson is hitting just .059 after seven games, with a lone single to show for his 17 at-bats. "I'm not swinging the bat worth a crap right now," he said. At least he can admit he stinks. Just keep Big Sexy away from him so we don't have 2 guys dragging us down. He does have seven walks, which is tied with 1B Richie Sexson for the team lead. Said Wilkerson, an admitted slow starter: "It's only 17 at-bats, but I've got to start to do my part."

We all know the shaky bullpen, the M's are now 2-5 and traveling to TB for a series on the road against the Rays. Remember the Soriano trade to ATL about a year and a half ago... thanks for that, Bavasi. That's when I was calling for his head, I'm back on the job. Fire Bill Bavasi.

UPDATE: Sexson went 2 for 3 tonight to raise his AVG to .259 for the year. Wilks was 1 for 4 with a 2 RBI single to raise his AVG to a robust .095 for the season.

T.O.D - CHARLTON HESTON

2008-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

I guess we can all now take that gun from his cold dead hand. No matter what I thought of the mans love for guns or his political beliefs. The man could act his ass off.

The Lodge would like to recognize Chuck Heston as the second memeber of the All Star Train of Death Team. Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois, on Oct. 4th 1923, the son of Lilla (née Charlton) and Russell Whitford Carter, a mill operator.

In 1944, Heston enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He served for two years as a B-25 radio operator/gunner stationed in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands with the Eleventh Air Force, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

The Heston our parents know was Larger than life on the big screen. Playing historical figures like Julius Ceaser, Moses, and El Cid. I remember always trying to stay up and watch all of The Ten Commandments on ABC every Easter weekend. I never made it past the parting of the Red Sea. Heston won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Ben Hur.

The Heston the Lodge knows is the one of Sci-fi stong men. The Goose, I'm sure can tell you all about his feeling on Planet of the Apes. Heston seemed to seek out Sci-fi loner roles of the late 60's and 70's. He stared in cult favorites like Soylent Green and Omega Man. These films also gave us such memorable lines as the one on the POD and " Soylent Green is People."

The Lodge has to recognize the fact that Heston has been with us since the beginning. He guided us through our first Lodge outing, in Vegas no less. Who can forget the Battle of Midway ? I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

Sahara Hotel

Goose: You want to play some blackjack?

Train: Na, I'm a little tired. What's on TV. Awesome, Midway's on.

Goose: Sweet!

LATER THAT DAY. GOOSE AND TRAIN GET IN THE ELEVATOR WITH JOE AND JIMBO.

Goose: What did you guys do?

Joe: took a nap

Jimbo: I watched Midway

Goose: Sweet, so did we.

Train: Heston can F'n act.

Joe: I want some Peach Schnappes!

AND THE NAME IS...

2008-04-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

Over 14,500 fans registered their vote for the new MLS in Seattle team name. The name of Seattle's new MLS franchise is:

Seattle Sounders FC

Watch the noon press conference live on SoundersFC.com

The second coming of Paul Crewe

2008-04-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Check out what Michael Vick is doing in Prison (Besides avoiding the "Sisters")

Jay Cutler's (Not) Favorite Person

2008-04-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

"It's always something with him. He's not my favorite person right now... He's had many wakeup calls. He's been in [coach Mike] Shanahan's office many times. I've been up there with him and he's said the same thing: 'it's a wakeup call.' Blah, blah, blah. Until he goes out and proves it, we'll see what happens."

~Denver quarterback Jay Cutler on star young wideout Brandon Marshall, who severely cut his arm and forearm in what he claimed was an accident after he said he slipped on a McDonald's wrapper and put his hand through a TV set.

Welcome to Wilks vs. Sexson

2008-04-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here's to a new weekly running segment chronicling the misadventures of RF Brad Wilkerson, the $3 million free agent signing that has the potential to outshine the other Bavasi free agent diamonds such as Scott Spezio, Rich Aurilla and Pokey Reese and everyone's favorite 6'7" 1st basemen.

Because I think everyone is familiar with Sex Machine here's a little background on our newest contestant:

*came up through L'Expos farm system, but hails from Owensboro, KY which is less than 100 miles away from Florence, KY home to another Seattle Fan Favorite who used to wear #37 for the Seahawks

*came in 2nd in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2002 when he hit .266 in 507AB, two points lower than his career high, oh and he also gobbled up 161 SOs that season, which was good for fourth place in the NL, 8 SO's more than fantasy killer Pat Burrell

*Has a lifetime .249 average, but has failed to hit above that mark since 2004, his last with L'Expos.

*Last season with Arlington Rangers hit .234 in 338ABs w/ 107 SO, 20HR 67RBI and 4SB to boot...now compare that with a certain lengthy cleanup hitter that did this last season: .204 in 434AB w/ 100 SO, 21HR 63RBI and 1SB and you have all the makings of a quality middle of the lineup

So here is our initial rundown of Wilks vs. Sexson, which is only three games in so far with 450 AB's still to go, but if the first 3 games are any indication of the fun we're going to have the season...well...people get f'n ready:

Wilks:
3G 11AB 1H 1SB 2BB 3SO .091

Sex Machine:
3G 11AB 1H OSB 2BB 4SO .091

Total Pants Points:

*Sexson -1

*Wilks -0

This weeks winner goes to Sexson for getting that extra SO and steering clear of trying to swipe 2nd with the long strides that make the Crouch-a-tron jealous.

Forget Call Girls...give me a case of Keystone and some Tri-Delts

2008-04-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Matt, Thanks for another 12 starts next season...Love Kurt W.

161 to go...and 99 more losses for the Rangers...

2008-04-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this woman?

2008-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hideki Matsui shows off a sketch Thursday of his new wife, whom he described only as a “25-year-old civilian.”

I think Napoleon Dynamite drew this picture.

Spring Training Update

2008-03-26T21:43:00.000-07:00

Scott Chamberlain and I met in Arizona for Spring Training earlier this week to catch a couple of games in the sun. It was a little over a 5 hour trip out to the desert from LA. It is my Spring Break this week, so I took full advantage of the close vicinity to Spring Baseball and made the journey out.

Monday afternoon we saw the Cubs edge out Texas in Mesa 7-6 as Dempster looked horrible starting for Chicago. DeRosa, Lee and Ramirez all handled the bat really well for the Cubbies, but Japanese newcomer Fukudome didn't play. My boy Josh Hamilton went 1-3 with an RBI... he hit the ball hard in all 3 AB's though. He's oing to hit 35 HR this year.

Tuesday afternoon we drove up to Maryville, AZ to the Brewers Spring Training facilities and caught their game versus the "visiting" Dodgers. I use quotes because there were as many Dodgers fans out from LA-LA land as there were Brewers fans. Scott and I both got a little burn while laying out on the grass in the outfield. The game ended in a 3-3 tie. Penny looked decent only giving up 1 run on 1 hit in 5 innings, but he walked 5. Furcal, Loney and Ethier handled the bat well for the Dodgers, and Juan Pierre looked old. Pierre did have a bunt infield hit in the 8th though. Andruw Jones looked like he was at least 20 pounds overweight. Scott labeled him "chubby". That's all Scott said all day... so you know Jones looked fat.

The Brew Crew looked like a solid lineup, although they only have 1 LH bat in Prince Fielder in their lineup, which isn't much balance. Weeks looked really good though leading off. Prince looked about 280 lbs and 5'10" tall, about the same height as Weeks. He's going to hit 40+ this year though. Good player in person. Braun lost a fly-ball to left in the sun in the 3rd (which they didn't give him an error), but then redeemed himself and made a nice running catch a few innings later. He should be fine in his transition from 3B.

Overall it was two great days of baseball. I didn't catch the M's in Peoria... but there's always next year. Lodge Roadtrip? Goose?

I love you, Clay! And I think we should adopt a child together in Vermont! Answer me!...say it...David Bennett!!!!

2008-03-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

The second hand for the final hour has hit 12 and as the city does the collective, "what the f' just happened?" all Darth Stern can do is continue to emphasize his undying man-love for Oklahoman Cowboys....hmmmm.....

In seemingly the only good news to come out of this cluster-f, is that the Cowboys pooled their collective hearts together and they were able to scrounge up this lasting gift to the city...

Big ups...all the way Clay...all the way...

Roundup Time

2008-03-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday night, and while I wait for CBS to give me an “inside look at the real David Beckham” I figured I’d bust out a few words on the weekend that just was in Mother Goose’s most beloved sport. We’ll start in the present and work backwards, much like the GOP….hey ohhhh!!!! Rolling rocks tonight….

Thanks to the good folks at Kings Hardware for a proper boozefest on Saturday in celebration of my 30th year on this planet, but curses to one Dude Comfort and his repeated pitchers of Blue Ribbon that had me awake at 545am this morning with nothing to do, but log on to the Internets and check out one of the most lopsided rivalries in British Football since the arrival of Mr. Unbelievable to the Premiership. If you want an official recap on the match please visit a proper football site, if you want my biased take please keep reading.

Coming into the match an argument could be made that Stevie G and the rest of the Spanish Army were playing the best football in not only England, but the rest of Europe. An argument that lost any relevant support after Sunday. I’m not going to pretend that I was even slightly objectionable in viewing the match, but trust me when I say that I do respect the players on the pitch even if their crest might be the actual Seventh Sign. Tactically, Rafa and the Reds had finally figured out how to utilize their talent after 6 months of playing football, and by using Stevie G. right behind "There was something in the air that night…The stars were bright, Fernando” w/ the human Labrador Dirk Kuyt on the wing doing what he does best…running without the football. Throw in Ryan Babel and you have yourself Dutch bookends on the wings with Xavi and Javier Mach right in front of the back line and BAM!!!...you have yourself several million happy Scousers, or are they?

What they didn’t expect…was the highly overrated and soon to be transferred Wes Brown…and his head/back shot into the net for a 1-0 lead…and then in a twist that is soon to be flogged to death in the next week…Javier Mac was given a second yellow for dissent and proceeded to throw one of the greatest “hold me back….hold me back” exits of a sporting field that I’ve ever seen. Now, I’m not exactly sure that it would have mattered if Javier Mac stayed in the match, but since he didn’t and Ronaldo is on a vision quest to 40 plus goals in a season…the Devils pushed on with two more in the second half including another cracka’ by one Young Nani, who is sure to turn eyes this summer in Austria for Portugal. 3-0 to the United…5 points clear of the top and hopefully a confidence boost to take into the Champions League.

post draft update: looks like things could get a lot worse for Javier Mac

*There was another game on Sunday between a couple of smaller clubs from London…(nice touch from the fans calling out Avi Grant for subbing out Ballack only to have Belloti and Anelka assist in the tying goal...and then nice touch by Grant for calling out Drogba for getting the two goals that kept Chelsea in the title hunt)

Relegation Watch:
To those of you reading this unaware of the concept of relegation, I give you the brief explanation from the gospel for all facts in life…yes…every last one. The short, the bottom three of the 20 team Premier League are demoted and lose out on about 35-40 million pounds.

Weekend Winners:

*King Kev and the Toon Army get off the schnide v/ FulhamAmerica, who rocked 5 American Starters over the weekend…although as we’ll see Fulham’s name in the Losers list, this may not be a good thing for American’s playing abroad

*The Black Cats from Sunderland and the original Keano…got their first three points on the road this season and pushed themselves 4 points clear of the drop zone against the rapidly falling European Dreams of the Villians from B’ham…

*M’brough just secured safety, but still maintain the mantle of most unattractive football, combine that with the worst team to ever play in the Premiership...and you have the MLS...

*Reading might have done the same thing, although the Royals are right above M'brough on teams to watch if you're in a coma

Losers:

*Wigan isn’t out of the clear and the solid D might be falling, (_______fill in funny quote about Wigan here if you have one_____)

*Bolton got a point…but still couldn’t score crabs at a Washington State Sorority House...(shoota!!!)

*The play of B’ham is the only bright spot to Fulham getting out of the drop zone...and that's the best I have on that

*Derby…

The numbers:

Derby 10...Fulham 23...Bolton 25..........Newcastle 32

Europe Recap:

Italian Serie A-

* The wheels are coming off for Intern Milan...dropping three points at home to Turin side Juventus and allowing Poohbah fave AS Roma to get within 4 points with 8 games to play…

Spanish La Liga-

*Valencia took down Real Madrid 3-2 while Barca beat Valladolid 4-1 to close the gap again to 4 points…

Germany-

*It’s done

Be Champions….

"Goodbye Dave" - TOD: Arthur C Clarke

2008-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sir Arthur C. Clarke was not a scientist or a scifi writer, he was a futurist.

In 1945 he predicated that geostationary satellite communications could be achieved with low platform orbits. This was done in 1969 and as a result, Goose now does work in network communications.

Space craft today employ the use of 5 independent computers to make system-wide decisions. This is to avert a single "Dave" from taking over and possibly endangering flight missions. Seriously.

The concept of space stations, motherships, landing pods, and the internet have bases in his science fiction.

He began monitoring possible earth-bound meteors during the 70's, the world did not think this was really important until Ben Affleck helped save the planet in Armageddon.

One intangible idea of a "space elevator" has yet to be done, but it is continually repeated in science fiction with the most current example in Gundam 00.

Sir Clarke now space walks into the unknown, may his unholy agnosticism connect him with a monolith of grace...

Brushes with Fame

2008-03-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

So in the mold of a good 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon theme...I want to know how close some famous people are to the Lodge. Lets see who our top Celebrity is thats 1 or 2 degrees from the coveted Lodge Honorary Membership.

I'll give my list here.

Poppa Goose (Gooses Dad) once colaberated on a Movie Script with John Travolta

Goose rode in an elevator with Kool and the Gang

Goose set up Trent Dilfers Blackberry

Goose trained Curt Warner on his Blackberry

Goose beat Slick Rick in a youth Football game...then insulted him.

I have some more but this should get the discussion rolling.

Im betting we get Trains "I saw Tony Dorsett naked story :)"

Have you Seen This Man?

2008-03-17T16:58:00.000-07:00

It has been since November since a Jayne post...so I'm curious...did he get sucked into the Del Ridge cyphoon? I miss my random movie posts or how a certain someone will be at the local comic festival this year....so if you see Jayne...led him back to the Lodge!

Monday Pitch Talk

2008-03-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

ALTHOUGH Shawn claims that I only post when Liverpool wins, that is completely untrue. I only post when I have time. And when I'm procrastinating. I have two 12 page papers due by Friday that I only have an outline on one done so far... yet I'm caught up on football. No, Goose... not the NFL combine. We are talking the football the world knows. And it being the A.M., I'm busting out a late night Monday Pitch Talk for ya Wilco style.

By taking out a scrappy Reading club, Liverpool is now set up for a tough five-game stretch that will define their season in the EPL and in Europe. Manchester United are next at Old Trafford, then Everton, followed by three clashes with Arsenal, including both legs of the Champions League quarter-finals. We will see if they have it in them.

Arsenal again drew to an inferior club, beginning to look like my Reds during a winless January. With the aforementioned Champions League draw and a mighty tough league schedule the remainder of the 2nd half of the season, the Gunners might have just fallen from the top of the table for good. Train's Chelsea squad is quietly lurking within striking distance in 3rd. With all the chanting for Grant's head, I think the Blues' fans are missing a great season here.

America's team in Fulham pulled off a shocker versus Everton, which leads me to bring up that Jimbo is going to have a Pitch Talk on Tuesday with all of the regulation worries that must be discussed with 8 matches remaining. Can Fulham pull out of the zone with upcoming consecutive matches versus also-ran struggling clubs in Newcastle United, Derby, Sunderland and Reading? Jimbo will bring the details tomorrow. Stay tuned...

ESLEWHERE in the world, with my brother by my side [Mike was down in La-La land on business], I witnessed PSV completing the knocking off of Spurs in UEFA this past week. I was pleased to see the Dutch squad with a ton of noticeable young talent finally pull through in a big [well, kinda big] match against a quality opponent. Spurs were the butt of a joke again. [Sidenote: Speaking of jokes about Tottenham... the movie In Bruges is worth your 10 bucks at the movie theater, and it includes a great quip about Spurs. The film altogether was very good, with quality acting, clever writing, and it is very well edited. Taking on the subject of death is a tough one, and they pulled it off.]

IN SERIE A, Inter bounced back from losing domestically and in the CL with a 2-1 win over Polermo. While Roma kept chase with a decision over Milan under the same score. Roma have a chance to overtake Inter. A small chance. But still a chance. Milan on the other hand, needed those 3 points versus Roma, and are now 4 points back from non-Champions League play next season. Personally, I think Fiorentina is going to blow it versus Napoli and Lyon in these next two weeks.

Sid Lowe believes this is the worst LA LIGA in history. Barca sh!t the bed in an attempt to gain points on Real. After the league leaders lost on Saturday, the Messi-less Barcelona squad only could managed a draw. They are done, put a fork in them. Barcelona's coach Frank Rijkaard will be looking for a job in six weeks time. I'll celebrate St. Patty's right now by pouring one out for the doomed Dutchman, than making another and drinking it down slowly.

Monday Pitch Talk

2008-03-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

AND WE'RE BACK! With both Chelsea and United winning their Champions League matches then subsequently falling to second rate clubs in England's FA Cup, the importance of the FA Cup has now reached a new low... regardless of SAF's tirade against the referees. Although it would be tragic because of the rich history of the Cup's, the FA should think about removing the Premier League from one of the competitions and letting the Championship and lower divisions battle it out for alleged glory.

In league play in England, we saw Arsenal draw against the much weaker Wigan... and Liverpool continue their improved form versus the seemingly regulation bound Newcastle side to regain fourth place. Torres is on fire, simply a force of nature. Moving on, a hiccuping Spurs club got over their Carling Cup hangover with a 4-0 Premier League thrashing of West Ham at White Hart Lane. Now we'll see if they can beat the Dutch side PSV in Eindhoven to continue on in the UEFA Cup.

I don't have any updates from Serie A, La Liga or the Bundesliga, since I didn't watch any non-Premiership matches over the weekend. As always, I recommend listening to the Guardian Unlimited's Sid in Spain to get the low down. Or Jimbo and his sidekick Train can chime in with an update from his viewings. Sorry, Train. But you're the sidekick... at least that's just the way I'm writing it.

Lastly, it was looking like half of the Gillet/Hicks ownership debacle at Anfield was going to come to an end with DIC in Dubia buying out Gillet for 49% of the holdings of L'pool. That, until today's news that Hicks is pulling out of the talks. Not good news for the Reds. The faster the better for those Texans to get out of the owners box as far as I'm concerned. After talking to a couple of new Facebook friends [that I randomly met playing poker on Facebook] from Liverpool about the team, they are convinced the two will eventually sell all of their shares. Apparently the papers over there are going crazy over the possibility.

Why Most Have Real Lives...

2008-03-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

S.O.S.

2008-03-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

I tried to just set up the POD and let it be, but I just have to weigh in on this whole Sonics debacle...and believe me, I will be brief (or should I say, as brief as I can). If you would like to experience this tirade in its entirety, I would be happy to accompany you to any fine local establishment for some fine ales and discussion of the finer points....for now, this will have to do.

Let me first say straight out of the gate that for whatever reason, over the last several years, I have seen myself falling out of love with the NBA. (This is a whole different topic, and one that I think a few of you may agree with...but I won't go there.) That being said, I can't tell you how incredibly sick this whole thing has made me. I am excited to see the story getting national attention....finally. I am also encouraged to see that the "attention" is mostly negative towards the NBA, David Stern and the business model that continues to hold local governments hostage and extort/divert public money (that could/should/would be spent on more importatnt issues) into the coffers of billionaire "business" owners that change the facts as it becomes convenient. When they need money, the team is a viable local and cultural icon. When they want to move because the public stands up and says "...pay for some of this shite yourself", the team is an "asset"...and they get to be good business owners, and treat the team as an "asset", without any responsibility to the community that has embraced the team for 4 decades. I think it's also interesting to note that the people of OKC really want an NBA team, but even those local yokels don't want somebody else's "hijacked" team...because that's what is going on here. A business deal between two longtime ~~douchebags~~ friends.

Do I agree with the way that Seattle government officials an the state legislature have handled this situation? Does it matter? Do I agree with the way our state officials handle anything? Does it matter? (For the record, the answer(s) are 'can you blame them', 'not really', 'sometimes', and 'no'.)

This "debate" has changed direction now, which is why we are seeing people changing their ideas, and coming across the fence. I do believe that the "debate" is still founded on principle, and I believe that is all that Seattle has said so far. The team is important and it's important to keep them here, but it also important to stare a pack of a**holes straight in the eye and tell them to bugger off.

Read the blogs. Read the Sports Guy (Part I & Part II). Listen to the interviews with the local group that is pledging their cash to renovate a public facility. Call or email your legislators. Step up. Weigh in. You can do something, and you don't even have to "do it" for the Sonics....just do it because this whole thing just feels wrong. (You may also do nothing, but please just shut up).

...and for the record, we wouldn't be here if Howard Schultz actually had a pair. Please tell me again how difficult it was to be an NBA owner and make $150 million when you sold Seattle's soul?

Gooses Take : Brett Favre

2008-03-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

Its no secret what type of Football player can be one of "Goose's Guys". No Deion Sanders or michael Irvin. No Randy Moss or TO's. It takes Guts, Heart and Class to make the list as one of Goose's Guys.

I look around my little office and I see some of the things I have collected over the last several years. A Bobby Engram signed mini ball, Bobble heads of Brian Urlacher and Napoleon Kaufman (Given to me this Xmas by my oldest Gossling, found in a thrift store). A James Hasty football card. Numerous game balls from Newport. Also there is a Brett Favre Autographed Football that I received as a gift back in 96.

I love Brett Favre. I love the way he plays the game. I've probably watched as many Brett Favre games then I have Redskin games over the last 15 years. I remember watching him throw for 4TDs the day after his father died. I remember the look on his face after each TD. I remember watching his 2 Super bowls. I remember numerous crap weather games in Lambeau field. And yes I remember him beating the Seahawks. I can still see the scramble, the underhand toss to Bubba Franks for the 1st down.

Statistically he is the greatest QB to have played the game. He is Footballs version of Cal Ripken, and his streak of 275 starts will probably stand longer than any of his other records. If I had to start a team and could pick any QB right now...Id take Brett Favre. He'd be one of Goose's Guys

TOD- RIP Jeff Healey 3/25/1966-3/4/2008

2008-03-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Most of you probably have seen him from his mega cameo in Roadhouse. The Lodge and Goose mourn the passing of a Jazz Blues and Rock icon in Jeff Healey at the age of 41. After seeing roadhouse I started listening to "The Blind guitarist from Roadhouse" and became amazed by his talents. This video is on of his best performances (While my Guitar Gently Weeps by the Beatles). Plus he has Joe's ultimate GeriCurl Mullet.

Enjoy

Roundup Time: Carling Cup Hangover

2008-03-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

No A League final to report on this week and I'm dealing with a new/old laptop that hopefully will make it through this post, and if not you'll just have to be kept in suspense, much like the American public with just 26 days remaining until the start of the MLS season. So in honor of Mother Gooses favorite league and sport here we go:

Domestic:

* Everyone can stop with the calls and emails, the greatest #10 to don the red,white and blue stripe is the now "officially" the greatest goal scorer in this country...what’s that?...we’re reviewing whether the last game versus the Swedish U-15 B Team to see if that was an official Friendly? ok...well...stay tuned...maybe we can get a special ceremonial penalty kick to commemorate the occasion

* Congrats to Philly for getting the 16th MLS Franchise, no cynical remarks on this one, the state is behind it and the fan support will no doubt be top notch, much like cheering at Micheal Irvin we he was carted off on a stretcher or having the largest Stadium jail in the US...big ups Brotherly Love, now don’t name it the f’n Independence...

* Yes, they may be even worse than last year, but at least you get to see every game on TV , speaking of which, be sure to tune in this week for Alexi Lalas's traveling salvation show vs. Shanghai-Hong Kong United on Wednesday...

Import:
Spain:

*After putting the fear into the Madrid last week and showing outstanding form in Scotland, Barca showed why they are the bipolar sisters of the European Football Family by dropping four goals to the other club from Madrid, Athletico, but not before Ronaldinho climbed into the way back machine for this beauty:

* Robinho’s back and so is Real’s chances at the Champions League and La Liga...

Italy:

*After an entertaining mid-week draw with Roma, Inter Milan continue the free fall by dropping three points to former Maradona club Napoli
*Meanwhile Francesco Totti continues to play like the best player on the planet right now and drops Inter’s lead to 6 pts

*AC Milan have real problems, like Fiorentina and Juventus

Germany:

* Looks like the greatest deformed Frenchman is heading for the Champions League next year, and the Roundup couldn't be happier

England:

*Tough break for the Villains from B’ham this weekend at the Emirates, the rock chip is slowly making its way to all points on the windshield...good luck tomorrow...UPDATE: and luck had nothing to do with it thanks to the Cesc Strikes Back (sorry for the Asian feed and 3 minutes, but the goal is worth it):

*Reading get off a six game snide at M’brough in a game watched by no one...

* My Black Cats were absolutely f’n robbed at Derby in the FA’s continuing plan to get at least one offside call a weekend wrong...

*B’ham got Spurs exactly how they wanted them...hung over...

*Well played by the Hammers at home...you succeeded in bailing Avi Grant out for not only his style, but also his midfield rotation for the next three games

*Everton is still the best team in L’pool, and Tim Cahill gives controversy to goal celebrations...

Relegation Watch:

Derby 9...Fulham 19...Reading 25...............Newcastle 28

Be Champions...

TOD: Netscape

2008-02-29T07:58:00.001-08:00

As former ELNK'ers, I think there's a touch of mistiness in the eyes with this news.

As of 03.01.2008 Netscape will die into the annals of cyberspace history.

Let us sing a dirge for you oh Netscape, "1100101010010000111110....."

For me, it was the first time I left the AOL world and saw the internet as an open field of dreams.

The first time I learned how to use bookmarks.

The intense 16bit button graphics looked really cool.

I saw @#%^@#$ for the first time on a netscape.

Netscape actually integrated with Real Player.

Using Netscape was reminiscent of a foray into politics. With websites saying IE only or Netscape Optimized. It was a browser war heyday that would be a harbinger for the red/blue decisions we now make as adults.

Thank you Netscape, you taught us so much about life, seeing @#^&* go do !%$%& with %^#*!. You took away my innocence and showed me the world in a way only a cruel mistress would. And as such, your floppy disks fall into the shadowy recycle bins of many.

Roundup Time

2008-02-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

Despite your specific flavor of the football colours, you had something interesting going on this past week/weekend. Let’s get caught up with things that probably don't matter:

One thing that may or may not matter, but worth mentioning anyhow is some big ups to the Newcastle Jets of the Australian A League. I try and catch the Grand Final every year, since it’s the only A League game broadcast in the States and they've only had three of them so far. However, I found myself fascinated with the intensity of the Grand Final and came up with this formula to help explain the A League to outsiders:

1 part MLS (talent) + 2 parts ex-Pat Support (crowd noise and attendance) + 1 part Australian Rule Football/Six Nations Rugby (off the ball knocks) = Australian A League.

The game didn’t match the 5 or 6-0 drubbing last year, where Archie Thompson netted four goals in the biggest game of the year. I don’t care what league or place you’re playing, but four goals is knocking on the door of a golden shower and that’s why we watch the game (I realize that statement may need some more explaining, but I’m going to let your imagination run wild for the moment).

One bit of news that came out of the game was a clear hand ball in the box in the 92’ minute that should have netted the opposition Central Coast Mariners a penalty kick, but ended up netting their goalkeeper a 15 month ban for hitting the referee Mark Shields after missing the call, congrats to Danny Vukovic for crossing the line we’ve all wanted to go with Mark Clattenburg for a long time.

Moving continents…

Spain...looks like Real wasn’t as locked as thought in La Liga after blowing a home match to mid-table club Getafe, 1-0 and everyone’s favorite Dutchman wondering how he can get back on the DL.

Compounding Real’s issue is the fact that Barca now look like the Alpha dog in not only Spain, but the rest of Europe after getting a 3-2 result at Celtic and handing bottom of the table Levante a 5-1 mercy rule loss.

Italy…a few minor notes after a mixed review for the Italian clubs in the Champions League…

*Roma is getting closer to Inter (9pts w/ 14 games left) with a nice 1-0 home decision versus 5th place side Fiorentian (a game currently being shown delayed in the Lodge)

*This also marks the point of the season where AC Milan have re-entered the top 4 and make their San Antonio Spurs type run to the top of Champions League playing some of the most unattractive brand of Football out their, so kudos to them for making the beautiful game look like U-12 All Star game.

Germany…

England...Today’s pic of the day describes the big news that Spurs has finally achieved at winning something and with current form look to challenge to become a new member of the big four. I’d like to thank Lodge favorite, the G&D, for providing a good atmosphere last night for a 12 hour delayed game, big ups.

*Question of the week—where does this put Chelsea who are still playing for the other three trophies? A) 3 for 4 B) 2 for 4 C) 1 for 4 D) 0 for 4, please text in your answer.

Even quicker roundup:
*
Kevin Keegan’s back line is really, really bad, no I mean, really, really f’n bad

*Martin Taylor’s not a big fan of Brazilian born Croats playing for an English Team, seriously though, I did see on the Sky this morning that Taylor has only received 8 (2 red, 6 yellow) bookings in 240 matches, which is un f’n believable for any premier player. The Lodge’s thoughts are with young Eduardo da Silva and his out in the first round of Euro ’08 Croatian national teammates.

*El Nino is a good player when not on the bench

*Let's see if Dave from Seattle's Everton can get some points today to secure themselves back in the fourth place and give Timmy Howard an opportunity to get back to Europe's big stage

Relegation watch:

Derby 9…Fulham 19…Reading 22.............Newcastle 28

Be Champions...

Let the Beast Out

2008-02-19T10:03:00.001-08:00

I've been on baby mode for the last few months. Its time to unleash that pent up fury in a better place... Tacoma: Strikeforce @ The Dome

In case you didn't know Bob "The Beast" Sapp is a cultural phenomenon overseas. What else can you be after playing UW and then getting kicked out of the NFL for steroids? I've seen him whale on people on tv and I can't wait to see him dominate in real life.

Ticketmaster wants my money, and I'm going to give it for the main event. I think the other half of these guys are from Forks and Kent:

-Bob Sapp vs. Jan "The Giant" Nortje

-Maurice Smith vs. Rick Roufus

-Brad Blackburn vs. Ray Perales-Steve Berger vs. Eddy Ellis

-Jorge Masvidal vs. Ryan Healy

-Andrew Pedersen vs. Mychal Clark

-Zach Skinner vs. Scott Shaffer

-Nathan Coy vs. Chris Davis-Joe Riggs vs. Cory Devela

I can smell the beer, peanuts, and blood now. ~~mmmmmm

Indiana Jones

2008-02-15T17:04:00.001-08:00

Steven must have kept George off the set... Because this looks like it's gonna be F'n good...

How does this not happen more...

2008-02-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

As I'm enjoyin' my mid-winter break, I can't get the thought out of my head about the couple of incidents that happened in the NHL this week. Richard Zednik of the Panthers was cut in the carotid artery in his neck by an accidental skate. The cut nearly completely severed his artery. It was held by a strain and made the surgery easier for doctors. Zednik might get released from a Buffalo hospital this weekend and could possibly play in 6 weeks.

The second clip shows an Oiler getting cut in the eye, and the third clip is a referee getting cut on the cheek. A side note on the referee, he is retiring after this season, and he got numerous stitches to his face. Also there was a great couple of fights in this clip.

I think some safety precautions should be made by the NHL. Here in just a week or so, two players and an official have been sliced with skate, I'm not even going to mention the thug Chris Simon who used his skate as a weapon earlier this year...

Tonight...the former Tacoma Rockets come to town. I will be enjoying a couple of suds and some chants that Rockets Suck...at the Key tonight...T-Bitds and Everett lock up this Saturday up the EEC.

NHL Network Friday games: 4:30 Washington v Florida, 7 Dallas v Anaheim. For the weekend games on CBC 4 you have four possibilities and at 7 Vancouver v Edmonton. NBC on Sunday will have Dallas v Red Wings. Plenty of Hockey...very little time...

Have a great weekend everyone...

The Week that was...the Hall of Fame..and other rumblings from the 253

2008-02-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

So its been a while since my last post (before the Super bowl) so I thought it was about time to give you a good recap of the last week and of course... Gooses take:

1st of all as you all know Goose's boycott of the city of Canton has ended with the Election of Art Monk to the Hall of Fame. Inducted with him were fellow Redskin Darell Green, Emmitt Thomas, Gary Zimmerman, Andre Tippett, and Fred Dean. All worthy canidates. I like seeing Tippett finally getting in as well, he was overshadowed his whole career, being the AFC sidekick of LT. (Without the coke).
After 31 years "Inside the NFL" had its final show. I can honestly say this is one of the few shows that I have watched religiously for almost 25 years. I loved Len and Nick. The show did jump the shark lately with the removal of those two stallwarts and the addidtion of both Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth. The final show aired last week has some great moments of the last 31 years, however was tarnished by the whining of one Cris Carter. Carter swelled up with tears and chatised the HOF voters for "Not electing him on the 1st ballot". I think Cris Carter is a lock HOF, and probably was deserving of being on the 1st ballot. However show some class. Hey Im dissappointed that I did not get in on the 1st ballot but I look forward to next year". I want to send him a big bag of Flaming Dog Crap and sign it..."See what 8 years feels like, Love Art Monk". (Side note...interesting article of the Monk/Carter debate).
Gotta give a shout out to the 253 and Chambers Bay for getting the US Open in 2015. Hopefully the Paper Mills and the Aroma of Tacoma will have dissapated by then. If any Lodge menbers have $150 burning a whole in your pocket you can play the course.
Love the Eric Bedard Trade. Too many years we have looked for Prospects to come of age...Ryan Anderson, Gil Meche, Joel Pinero and look where the M's ended up. I think this is a bold move with good upside. This also makes Jarrod Washburn a #4 starter, where he should be.
Paris Hilton release a movie "The Hottie and the Nottie"and spent 9 million dollars for the production. In its 1st week it grossed 27 thousand dollars. Thats not a mistype. 27grand. Why does Goose bring up Paris Hilton in the lodge? 2 reasons. 1. Because I get to mock her by delivering a line like....Gee thats only 27 grand more than Casey's Wolverine Movie yet he only spent $23.95. Also 2 as a warning and plea to Hollywood...Please let her 15 minutes be over....Please
Roy Scheider died at the age of 75. While we may not see the Train of Death article, this man earned Lodge respect, not once, but twice fighting and defeating a 25 ft Great White shark. Plus uttering one of the greatest lines of Movie history... "You're gonna need a bigger boat."

Rex Grossman is a God, in Romania....

2008-02-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

I had a nice laugh this morning. I came across this picture and article in the Times.

"Three Romanian girls wear donated Chicago Bears 2007 Super Bowl "Champions" sweat shirts."

It reminded me of our MOASP conversation and the fact that a child in Africa thinks Jim Kelly is the greatest QB of all time.

The Times article noted: some people in the Gulf Coast may be wearing Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XL champions shirts. Kartes believes some of those shirts were distributed to
victims of Hurricane Katrina that year.

Monday Pitch Talk

2008-02-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

Up late writing on my school blog, before I hit the hay, I wanted to bust out some quick thoughts from yesterdays matches in the Premier League to get everybody's week started. On a oddly busy Sunday, I was only able to catch United's disappointing form in the Manchester Derby without the suspended Wayne Rooney & Chelsea drew against L'pool. I'm pretty happy with the result for my Reds, especially considering Torres was out thanks to a hamstring injury sustained during the midweeks effing friendlies. Although Liverpool needs some wins instead of these friggin' draws. I'm just holding out hope that we will pull together some wins and claim that 4th Champions League spot during this second half of the season...

I'm not trying to be mean or anything, because he's a gifted player... but Tevez kinda looks like the main Orc from LOTR. Check it. Hey, I'm just sayin'...
City just seemed to have waaay more quality opportunities than United throughout the match, with Giggs showing why he's a step too slow to play on the front line on more than one occasion.
The throwback kits in the Derby were awesome.
Speaking of kits, I love that there were countless Chelsea supporters sporting the yellow bumble-bee kits. What would motivate a fan to buy that kit!?! A dare or lost bet are the only things I could come up with.
Alex is a friggin' beast in the back for the Blues.
Similarly, Skrtel has looked very strong for Liverpool. Only 23, he has played very well so far since his transfer.
I think Malouda is French for "disappears for long spells."
You have to love that Pizarro continues to rock the mullet. That's the best picture I could find, but the party was definitely going on in the back.
And look, I know everybody praised Chelsea for the Anelka signing during the January transfer window, but he doesn't strike fear into the opponent like Drogba. It's just a shame that Kalou will probably be headed to the bench once the Elephants are back from the ACN.

It's About Time!

2008-02-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Seatown Mr. Bedard. It's been a long 2 weeks and I'm tired of you already.

People are really split right down the middle on this deal, some loving and some hating. I for one, LOVE it. This deal is right for both teams....right now. The M's now have a left-handed, flame-throwing ace that can take the pressure off of Felix and let him stop trying to be the man. Newly acquired Carlos Silva at the No. 3 spot...Miggy and Washburn can fight over No. 4 & 5...and let's not forget about Brandon Morrow...because he can grow into a starting spot with no pressure now as well.

What did we give up for this Canadian stud? Who really knows? In my mind, it had to be done. "Prospects" are always a crapshoot. Is Adam Jones a prospect anymore? ...No. But c'mon. Maybe he becomes the next frickin' Eric Davis....maybe not. It's all speculation. I'm not hearing much speculation on the future of Erik Bedard though. Across the board better stats than the other top 5 pitchers in the league (excluding Santana in his big season) when you eliminate wins/losses.The M's have a nice group of young talent on defense that showed a little 'pop' last year. Adam Jones has played in 70 games. Bottom line is, Bedard played on a crappy team...and no matter how good you are, you are going to lose games. ERA, SOs, IP, WHIP....everything else is the bomb. And now he's coming to a pitchers park with a solid D. I think we can all agree that this guy will sell a few more tickets than the Jeff Weaver show. It's ok to pretend like you're excited Seattle. You don't have to ride the "I told you so" fence just so you can pull that shit out later if anything happens, or the flipside by saying something like "...I knew all along that this guy was gonna be good...and how about that mass transit, huh?" Get off the fence and commit, nobody will fault you for being a fan either way.

I'll go ahead and take one for the team/Lodge and head down to AZ in a few weeks to scout out this guys true potential. I will be objective but heavy-handed in my critical analysis, and I will report back on my findings.

West Beefing Up

2008-02-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

With the reports tonight of Shaq being traded for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks [a horrible contract that the Suns made 2 years ago], pending a physical that Shaq will take early Wednesday morning, the Western Conference is better than ever. Especially considering Pau Gasol making his debut Tuesday night and scoring 24 and pulling 12 after being dealt from Memphis last week to the Lakers for a pu-pu platter.

I know most of you don't follow the NBA [with the exception of Jimbo, occasionally], but bear with me. With the Mavericks losing out on the Shaq talks, they will most definitely trade for Jason Kidd in the following weeks. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 21, and Kidd has repeatedly asked to be traded out of New Jersey.

In the next few weeks, mark my words that you'll see a trade of one Dallas PG [either Devin Harris or Jason Terry, probably Harris due to his youth and "upside"], Eddie Jones [expiring deal], and Erick Dampier OR a sign and trade with another contract guy they have, plus 1 or 2 1st round draft picks. The Nets are stubborn... so they could hold onto Kidd for another year. And I couldn't find a better deal on the ESPN NBA Trade Machine that works between those 2 teams. But bottom line is, I'd be surprised if Kidd isn't dealt by the deadline.

New Blog, Votes That Count & German Jimbo

2008-02-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

I'm back in the middle of another busy quarter. If you feel like reading some theology for sh!ts and giggles, I had to start a blog for one of my classes that I update almost every weekday. Don't forget to vote today. Obama is getting two votes from me and Jenny + its in a state where it counts!

Today, I was perusing the Sports Guy Collection and found the priceless Hitler piece pasted below that somehow reminded me of what Jimbo was probably like a few weeks ago, even though he "swore off" his Cowboys last off-season and doesn't speak German.

I usually don't like to pile on, but this was too good...

2008-02-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks again to Straightcashhomey