Uncanny

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Disclaimer: Forgive me for going full on nerd over the next few sentences.
Finally got a chance to check out The Wolverine, which is obviously my favorite of the mutant genre.  I don't pretend to be a movie critic, but since it's fresh on my mind I'll give it a go.  This wasn't your "expected" slash and grab (or berzeker barrage for the real fans) that has been presented in the previous installments.  There was quite a bit of range and depth displayed throughout the entire 2 hour run time.  I'm sure the franchise could have survived without this character development, but Wolverine's struggle with immortality and his love saga with Mariko were 2 stories that needed to be told.  I won't go full on Uncanny X-men, Vol 1 here, but the groundwork laid for future installments was as well done as I could hope Hollywood would do.  For a character that is essentially un-killable and has been seen in settings such as World War 2 AND Hell...covering these layers that make up one of the most unique Marvel characters of all time was important....even if the Gaijen won't remember it next week.

Still shying away from Football Americana (for another week or so) and staying on Futbol.  Significant tourney win in the Gold Cup for the United States....3/2 favorites to do so if you're into that sort of thing.  The latest string of wins (11) and the Gold Cup trophy are the first prominent visuals of the Jurgen Klinsmann era.  This is the first time in recent memory I recall the US being favorites AND playing as such.  This win is minimal in the world-wide spectrum, however, it is an important step in finalizing the World Cup roster and gaining momentum.  Most importantly, it provides an unmatched confidence as compared to previous iterations of the national squad.

Quick thought/question about a golfer from this past weekend.  Hunter Mahan recently withdrew from a tournament just before the 3rd round began to be with his wife, who was going into labor.  He was the leader of the tournament at the time that he left.  I do not begrudge his decision to be with his wife, but I have to ask, is the 1-million dollar prize NOT on the list of things that would make missing the birth of your child acceptable?  Am I a horrible person because I have a list of things that I would miss a birth for? I'm actually sure the answer to that is yes, but just to be clear my list looks similar to this:

A chance to win a million dollars
A chance to win $100,000 (hell, a chance to win $50,000)
Going to the Superbowl (feel free to judge me!)

I could honestly state that I would pause Madden the first day it came out if I got the call.  That has to count for something.

A couple of vids for the road!


Vid of Jack Nicklaus' grandson using one of his 9 lives



Does this mean it will or will NOT be raining men? (see what I did there?)

The Phoenix

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Greetings all.  I have dusted off the keyboard after a short hiatus to resume fulfilling that empty void of unimportant information and biased opinions that you've been missing.  First, let me tell you what I've been up to since the last time...kidding, I won't go that far into self-absorption.  It's been a struggle to find the motivation needed to put pen to paper (as if my writing is legible) while football season is on break.  That, combined with the job that keeps the lights turned on requiring more time....it's been a minute.  Of course I'm probably a full 3 weeks off of the weekly rants...and yes, that coincides with the NFL kicking off.

Not that you care, but I'm currently submerged into the Sopranos.  I have heard that this is the greatest show "of all time" from more than a few.  It's hard to get past the fact that they are still watching tube tvs and Tony Soprano has a flip phone.  I'm at least 2 upgrades past the flip, so I tend to mock those who still use them...even if I'm watching an old show.  Nevertheless, I've somehow avoided any spoilers all of these years (other than the last scene of the last episode).  I really didn't become emotionally invested until Big Pussy had to pay for his snitching sins.  I guess snitches don't actually get stitches eh?

In case you were wondering, the US Men's National Soccer Team is on an unprecedented 9 game winning streak heading into the semis of the Gold Cup tournament.  I know, that just blew your mind right?  I may ride the wave and bet the U.S. -2 and/or drive to Jerry's stadium Wednesday to see my $ multiply...if that sort of thing were legal.  Needless to say, heading into the last few stages of the World Cup Qualifying, Jürgen (the coach!) may be on his way to fielding the best mix of veteran and youth that we've seen represent the stars and stripes to date.

Lastly,  we are on the cusp of another round of suspensions for PED usage in MLB.  I find it somewhat entertaining how the different sports and its fans view the usage of performance enhancing drugs.  Baseball [allegedly] wants to rid its game of these players while still having guaranteed contracts which basically makes the gamble worth it.  It's assumed that it's done in football, as long as you don't go overboard and show up to the game with the needle still entrenched in your buttocks...besides, concussions are more important right?  Basketball and other sports beyond is an afterthought.  Personally, I never really cared.  I get more wrapped up in the sensationalism of who gets caught, how well they deny it or what rationale they have for these drugs being in their system.  I suppose I should hope that those "cheating" are removed from the game to level the playing field for those doing it right.  Realistically, I just hope if they are on the team I'm going for, that it's not exposed until the eulogy (or Hall of Fame speech...whichever comes first).