Five Year Anniversaries. As I watched Steve Gleason, heard and read his story, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a journey the last 5 years have been for so many of us. I began writing this blog shortly after closing my restaurant shortly after Hurricane Katrina ripped its way into our lives. One of my first blogs was about that incredible night the Superdome re-opened. Yet Steve’s halting walk to midfield puts things in perspective. His battle with ALS reminds us that while these games are fun, they are not life and death. A lot can change during the course of 174 blogs.
Last Sunday the Houston Texans brought their gunslinging ways to the Superdome Sunday and got outslung by an inspired Saints team and a won’t quit Drew Brees 40-33.
When the Saints came out in throwback jerseys Sunday, long-time Saints fans shuddered a little at the sight, and the Saints played like the Saints of old for much of the game. The only thing missing was Danny Abramowicz. The sight of a Dunbar in the middle of the field brought back memories of Jubilee Dunbar. We are being spoiled, and ain’t it great?
In the NFL, the winning formula is to hang close and let your star quarterback win it in the end. Drew Brees more often than not is moneyball. He lead the Saints to 23 fourth quarter points, the most in their history, and another come from behind win. Spoiled.
Matt Schaub has Texas quarterback disease, as he moved his team up and down the field but seemed to freeze in the clutch.
The good news is that the Saints came through this daunting 3 game opening of the season with a 2-1 record. Despite some injuries, the Saints are on track. Prepare to stay spoiled.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saints Report # 2 - September 18, 2011
The New Orleans Saints began the 2011 season by travelling to Lambeau field and running into a big fat measuring stick. While they held their own in a loss to the defending Super Bowl champions, week two presented a different challenge. The Chicago Bears were at last coming to the Louisiana Superdome. The Payton Saints have not fared well against the Bears, going 0-3 at Soldier Field. The Bears learned not to come knockin’ when the dome is rockin’. You may end up as just so much cutlery.
With Roman Harper leading the defensive charge, the Saints blitzed Jay Cutler early and often en route to a 30-13 pasting. Cutler’s offensive line had one of “those games” and Cutler spent most of the afternoon throwing off his back foot when he wasn’t running for his life. The single Bears' touchdown was tainted by a ridiculous roughing call against Harper when he failed to pick Cutler up and feather him to the ground gently. Once the Saints figured out that Tulane’s Matt Forte was the Bears' most effective weapon and decided to blanket him, the Bears went silent.
On offense, the Saints were efficient but not dominant as they broke 30 for the second straight week, a good sign in light of last year’s struggles. Drew Brees has now thrown 3 touchdowns and no interceptions 2 weeks in a row, and Payton is dialing up Darrren Sproles number a lot more often than he did Reggie Bush. Who knew?
As we walked up to the Superdome and I took in the sea of jerseys, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a golden age it is for the New Orleans Saints and their fans. Brees, Thomas, Ingram, Colston, Sproles, Graham, Moore, Henderson, Meachum, Vilma, Jenkins, Harper, Porter, Greer, and even the departed Sharper, Bush, and Shockey. All top notch players with solid followings.
It sure is fun.
With Roman Harper leading the defensive charge, the Saints blitzed Jay Cutler early and often en route to a 30-13 pasting. Cutler’s offensive line had one of “those games” and Cutler spent most of the afternoon throwing off his back foot when he wasn’t running for his life. The single Bears' touchdown was tainted by a ridiculous roughing call against Harper when he failed to pick Cutler up and feather him to the ground gently. Once the Saints figured out that Tulane’s Matt Forte was the Bears' most effective weapon and decided to blanket him, the Bears went silent.
On offense, the Saints were efficient but not dominant as they broke 30 for the second straight week, a good sign in light of last year’s struggles. Drew Brees has now thrown 3 touchdowns and no interceptions 2 weeks in a row, and Payton is dialing up Darrren Sproles number a lot more often than he did Reggie Bush. Who knew?
As we walked up to the Superdome and I took in the sea of jerseys, I couldn’t help but marvel at what a golden age it is for the New Orleans Saints and their fans. Brees, Thomas, Ingram, Colston, Sproles, Graham, Moore, Henderson, Meachum, Vilma, Jenkins, Harper, Porter, Greer, and even the departed Sharper, Bush, and Shockey. All top notch players with solid followings.
It sure is fun.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
At the Cinema July/August
The Help – 8
You’ll like this if you like
a. Mississippi Movies
b. Faithful book adaptations
c. History
There have been many movies about Mississippi. Mississippi Burning, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mississippi Masala, O Brother, Where Art Thou; Crossroads, and over 90 more that are listed in IMDB.com. Most focus on race relations, an area where Mississippi doesn’t exactly shine. But few movies capture the Mississippi I know. The Help seems to get it right. No Ashley Judd sweating buckets as if we haven’t gotten air conditioning yet.
My family first moved to Mississippi in the early 60’s, and I can’t say that the coast experienced what Jackson did, as portrayed in the movie. Having owned a restaurant in Jackson I can honestly say that Jackson is a separate world in Mississippi, much like you can divide Louisiana into New Orleans and not New Orleans. That Jackson world is captured in this movie.
Sometimes you watch a movie knowing that it’s good, even great, but it’s not enjoyable. That’s the way I felt watching this. It made me uncomfortable, but I guess that’s ok. Two performances brought this film to life. Viola Davis captures the soul of the black maid Aibileen Clark who decides to let Skeet (Emma Stone) tell her story. Bryce Dallas Howard as the aristocratic Hilly Holbrook gives the movie the villainy needed. They help make this an important movie.
Captain America: The First Avenger - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Marvel Comics
b. Old Fashioned Movie values
c. Patriotism in your movies
Captain America is better than expected, but not as good as it could have been. It’s entertaining in a 1940’s kind of way. It’s a little disconcerting to see World War II fought with advanced weaponry shown with advanced special effects, but it’s best to just eat the popcorn and enjoy.
All in all this is a Saturday afternoon kind of movie.
What 98 pound weakling hasn’t wanted a little scientific help? Steve Rogers, who has what it takes in every other way, has been rejected by the military repeatedly. He volunteers for a magical research project, and after one heroic act, is relegated to selling savings bonds in Captain America garb. He gets his chance to do a little “Inglourious Bastards” rewriting of history, and at the same time set up Joss Whedon’s Avengers movie of next summer. Sounds good to me.
Horrible Bosses – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. What passes for comedy these days
b. Fantasy Assassination
c. The usual comedy suspects.
Most people just want their boss to go away. Here’s the story of three guys searching for a more permanent solution. Their problems are as funny as their solutions. Like most comedies today, this isn’t high art. It’s ribald humor and some of it works, some of it doesn’t. When it works, like in a car chase sequence, it’s out right hysterical. Some of it just falls flat. Such is comedy in 2011.
Jennifer Anniston and Colin Farrell play surprisingly bad bosses. Of course it’s Kevin Spacey that is the most horrible, and he’s easily the best thing in the movie. Hope he does some serious work again soon. If lewd screwball comedy that continues Justin Bateman’s career renaissance is your idea of fun, this movie will be your cup of lunacy.
The Debt – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Espionage Thrillers
b. Star-is-born acting
c. CGI-less action
Three Israeli secret agents in 1965 infiltrate East Berlin to capture a brutal Nazi doctor, the Surgeon of Birkenau. The story alternates between 1965 and 1997 as the three must deal with the long term impact of not only their mission, but their complex relationship. The mission goes slightly ary when their “capture and transport” mission turns into a “capture and hold.” The love triangle that develops among the three agents before and after the capture gives this movie the emotional weight that you won’t get in a special effects extravaganza.
Helen Mirren is the star of this deliberately paced spy story. But make no mistake, Jessica Chastain, playing Helen’s character 30 years earlier is the reason to see this movie. The camera loves her and she’s the centerpiece of the movie. If she doesn’t convey the emotions of the love triangle perfectly the movie doesn’t work.
Jessica Chastain plays a pivotal role in The Help as well, and the diversity of these roles is amazing. Watch out, a star is born.
Scanning The Satellite
Torchwood: Miracle Day -8
Strike Back – 8
With the success of HBO and Showtime series it seems that every pay channel must put something out. I promise myself I won’t get involved in them, but sometimes I check them out and get hooked. Starz brings us Torchwood – Miracle Day, which has the fascinating story of how governments would react if people just stopped dying. Strike Back is a Cinemax adventure series and it’s got first rate action and some great plot twists. Be prepared however. Like HBO with Game of Thrones, Starz and Cinemark have no problem with killing off main characters.
The Tillman Story – 10
Saving the best for last, here’s easily the best movie I’ve seen in a few months. A typically infuriating documentary, this one takes you inside Pat Tillman’s family in a way that you’ll rarely see. Pat Tillman was an NFL safety who gave up his career to enlist in the Army after 9/11. He was subsequently killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan and the resultant cover-up would have stymied any family I know. I don’t know any families like the Tillman’s. Their pursuit of the truth is more riveting than any superhero movie you’ll see. This movie is a “wow” in every way. Don’t miss it.
You’ll like this if you like
a. Mississippi Movies
b. Faithful book adaptations
c. History
There have been many movies about Mississippi. Mississippi Burning, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mississippi Masala, O Brother, Where Art Thou; Crossroads, and over 90 more that are listed in IMDB.com. Most focus on race relations, an area where Mississippi doesn’t exactly shine. But few movies capture the Mississippi I know. The Help seems to get it right. No Ashley Judd sweating buckets as if we haven’t gotten air conditioning yet.
My family first moved to Mississippi in the early 60’s, and I can’t say that the coast experienced what Jackson did, as portrayed in the movie. Having owned a restaurant in Jackson I can honestly say that Jackson is a separate world in Mississippi, much like you can divide Louisiana into New Orleans and not New Orleans. That Jackson world is captured in this movie.
Sometimes you watch a movie knowing that it’s good, even great, but it’s not enjoyable. That’s the way I felt watching this. It made me uncomfortable, but I guess that’s ok. Two performances brought this film to life. Viola Davis captures the soul of the black maid Aibileen Clark who decides to let Skeet (Emma Stone) tell her story. Bryce Dallas Howard as the aristocratic Hilly Holbrook gives the movie the villainy needed. They help make this an important movie.
Captain America: The First Avenger - 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Marvel Comics
b. Old Fashioned Movie values
c. Patriotism in your movies
Captain America is better than expected, but not as good as it could have been. It’s entertaining in a 1940’s kind of way. It’s a little disconcerting to see World War II fought with advanced weaponry shown with advanced special effects, but it’s best to just eat the popcorn and enjoy.
All in all this is a Saturday afternoon kind of movie.
What 98 pound weakling hasn’t wanted a little scientific help? Steve Rogers, who has what it takes in every other way, has been rejected by the military repeatedly. He volunteers for a magical research project, and after one heroic act, is relegated to selling savings bonds in Captain America garb. He gets his chance to do a little “Inglourious Bastards” rewriting of history, and at the same time set up Joss Whedon’s Avengers movie of next summer. Sounds good to me.
Horrible Bosses – 7
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. What passes for comedy these days
b. Fantasy Assassination
c. The usual comedy suspects.
Most people just want their boss to go away. Here’s the story of three guys searching for a more permanent solution. Their problems are as funny as their solutions. Like most comedies today, this isn’t high art. It’s ribald humor and some of it works, some of it doesn’t. When it works, like in a car chase sequence, it’s out right hysterical. Some of it just falls flat. Such is comedy in 2011.
Jennifer Anniston and Colin Farrell play surprisingly bad bosses. Of course it’s Kevin Spacey that is the most horrible, and he’s easily the best thing in the movie. Hope he does some serious work again soon. If lewd screwball comedy that continues Justin Bateman’s career renaissance is your idea of fun, this movie will be your cup of lunacy.
The Debt – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Espionage Thrillers
b. Star-is-born acting
c. CGI-less action
Three Israeli secret agents in 1965 infiltrate East Berlin to capture a brutal Nazi doctor, the Surgeon of Birkenau. The story alternates between 1965 and 1997 as the three must deal with the long term impact of not only their mission, but their complex relationship. The mission goes slightly ary when their “capture and transport” mission turns into a “capture and hold.” The love triangle that develops among the three agents before and after the capture gives this movie the emotional weight that you won’t get in a special effects extravaganza.
Helen Mirren is the star of this deliberately paced spy story. But make no mistake, Jessica Chastain, playing Helen’s character 30 years earlier is the reason to see this movie. The camera loves her and she’s the centerpiece of the movie. If she doesn’t convey the emotions of the love triangle perfectly the movie doesn’t work.
Jessica Chastain plays a pivotal role in The Help as well, and the diversity of these roles is amazing. Watch out, a star is born.
Scanning The Satellite
Torchwood: Miracle Day -8
Strike Back – 8
With the success of HBO and Showtime series it seems that every pay channel must put something out. I promise myself I won’t get involved in them, but sometimes I check them out and get hooked. Starz brings us Torchwood – Miracle Day, which has the fascinating story of how governments would react if people just stopped dying. Strike Back is a Cinemax adventure series and it’s got first rate action and some great plot twists. Be prepared however. Like HBO with Game of Thrones, Starz and Cinemark have no problem with killing off main characters.
The Tillman Story – 10
Saving the best for last, here’s easily the best movie I’ve seen in a few months. A typically infuriating documentary, this one takes you inside Pat Tillman’s family in a way that you’ll rarely see. Pat Tillman was an NFL safety who gave up his career to enlist in the Army after 9/11. He was subsequently killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan and the resultant cover-up would have stymied any family I know. I don’t know any families like the Tillman’s. Their pursuit of the truth is more riveting than any superhero movie you’ll see. This movie is a “wow” in every way. Don’t miss it.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Saints Report #1 - September 8, 2011
The New Orleans Saints began their march to the Super Bowl by running out of time at Lambeau field in a 42-34 loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers. Although the Packers jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, in large part due to a pivotal Marques Colston fumble, the Saints never backed down, and never gave up. Saints rookie Mark Ingram got stopped a half yard short of the goal line on the last play of the game as the Saints tried to put themselves into position for a tying two point conversion. The Packers had never trailed.
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers doing major matriculation for four quarters, the difference was several big plays by the Packer defense where they overpowered the Saints. The last play was one of several key plays where the Saints got pushed around.
It was another Seattle-like performance by the Saint defense, although to be fair, this was a Championship team lining up against them. Who’s going to beat the Packers this year? They’re loaded. Not sure I’ve ever seen a team with this many weapons. That the Saints could hang close is actually quite a testament. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch them in the dome in the NFC Championship? The Saints went into a hostile environment and fared pretty well. Now there will be significant ground to make up.
A few things stood out. Brees played flawlessly while under more duress than Rodgers. Darren Sproles played great. The Saints tight ends looked overmatched when asked to block. Look for the Saints to add a blocking tight end this week, as well as hope Lance Moore is ready to step in for Colston who suffered a broken collarbone. Time for an Adrian Arrington sighting? Time for the Saints to find a way to pressure the QB? It may get easier with Jay Cutler and his porous line coming to the dome, but the way the Saints defense is looking Cutler may be licking his chops. Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Don’t expect this season to be.
With Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers doing major matriculation for four quarters, the difference was several big plays by the Packer defense where they overpowered the Saints. The last play was one of several key plays where the Saints got pushed around.
It was another Seattle-like performance by the Saint defense, although to be fair, this was a Championship team lining up against them. Who’s going to beat the Packers this year? They’re loaded. Not sure I’ve ever seen a team with this many weapons. That the Saints could hang close is actually quite a testament. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch them in the dome in the NFC Championship? The Saints went into a hostile environment and fared pretty well. Now there will be significant ground to make up.
A few things stood out. Brees played flawlessly while under more duress than Rodgers. Darren Sproles played great. The Saints tight ends looked overmatched when asked to block. Look for the Saints to add a blocking tight end this week, as well as hope Lance Moore is ready to step in for Colston who suffered a broken collarbone. Time for an Adrian Arrington sighting? Time for the Saints to find a way to pressure the QB? It may get easier with Jay Cutler and his porous line coming to the dome, but the way the Saints defense is looking Cutler may be licking his chops. Nothing comes easy in the NFL. Don’t expect this season to be.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Saints Kickoff
Saints Report # 22 February 5th, 2012
The New Orleans Saints ran roughshod over the Houston Texans 38 – 21 in Super Bowl 46 last night in Indianapolis. Super Bowl MVP Safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted two fourth quarter Matt Schaub passes to stymy the Texans. It was the Saints second NFL Championship in three years and featured another stellar performance by Quarterback Drew Brees who went 28 of 40 for 312 yards as the Saints avenged a pre-season and an early season loss to the Texans.
The Texans, who had blown out the Jets and the Patriots en route to the Super Bowl didn’t score in the second half, while the Saints tallied three touchdowns to put the game away. The Saints who squeaked by the Eagles, the Falcons, and the Cowboys in three playoff classics seemed relaxed and confident as they rolled up 512 yards total offense.
That’s how the NFL Season will end.
How will it begin?
Wish I knew. It’s September that has me guessing. After an uneven preseason, the Saints could start 3-0 or 0-3. It won’t matter. It’s the division that counts this year, and the Saints must turn back the Falcons and Bucs to make the playoffs. The Saints success will come down to how the offensive line plays. If the line can protect Brees with pass protection and a running game, January football is in store. No chance this season ends Crunkless in Seattle.
To win in Green Bay to start the NFL season, the Saints will have to hit the Packers in the mouth early and often and beat them up physically. With Lance Moore sidelined and Colston slowed, look for Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram as indicators of how the Saints will approach this trip into hostile territory.
Prediction – Saints 33 Packers 30
The New Orleans Saints ran roughshod over the Houston Texans 38 – 21 in Super Bowl 46 last night in Indianapolis. Super Bowl MVP Safety Malcolm Jenkins intercepted two fourth quarter Matt Schaub passes to stymy the Texans. It was the Saints second NFL Championship in three years and featured another stellar performance by Quarterback Drew Brees who went 28 of 40 for 312 yards as the Saints avenged a pre-season and an early season loss to the Texans.
The Texans, who had blown out the Jets and the Patriots en route to the Super Bowl didn’t score in the second half, while the Saints tallied three touchdowns to put the game away. The Saints who squeaked by the Eagles, the Falcons, and the Cowboys in three playoff classics seemed relaxed and confident as they rolled up 512 yards total offense.
That’s how the NFL Season will end.
How will it begin?
Wish I knew. It’s September that has me guessing. After an uneven preseason, the Saints could start 3-0 or 0-3. It won’t matter. It’s the division that counts this year, and the Saints must turn back the Falcons and Bucs to make the playoffs. The Saints success will come down to how the offensive line plays. If the line can protect Brees with pass protection and a running game, January football is in store. No chance this season ends Crunkless in Seattle.
To win in Green Bay to start the NFL season, the Saints will have to hit the Packers in the mouth early and often and beat them up physically. With Lance Moore sidelined and Colston slowed, look for Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram as indicators of how the Saints will approach this trip into hostile territory.
Prediction – Saints 33 Packers 30
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