4 Straight Losses...and No End In Sight
(full story)

Again, I feel like a broken record lately, but the Rangers continue to play themselves out of the playoff race. The bullpen was better, but Ricardo Rodriguez stunk up the joint (4 HRs allowed in 5+ innings).

Just remember: only 5 days left until Cowboys training camp...

Willy Wonka: Take Two

Being a huge fan of the 1971 movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," I was a little wary when I went to see Tim Burton's take on the same story, "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory." It turned out to be a really enjoyable flick. My impressions:

*I was worried that Burton, as with most of his past movies, would make this extremely dark. It was dark, but in a weird, colorful sort of a way...which was actually kind of cool.

*Johnny Depp did a great job in his portrayal of Willy Wonka: kind of a 'Michael Jackson, never grew up' sort of a guy. Creepy, yet funny...

*The other cast members were great as well, especially Freddie Highmore (Charlie Bucket), Grandpa Joe (David Kelly) and Christopher Lee (Dr. Wonka).

*It was interesting to see some of the things glossed over in the original movie, such as where the Oompa-Loompas came from, Willy Wonka's background and Grandpa Joe's connection to the factory.

All in all, a really good movie that I would heartily recommend. Enjoyable for adults and kids as well...

Animated Greatness...
('Family Guy' Sundays at 8 on Fox)

Although 'The Simpsons' continues to be the standard-bearer for animated series, 'Family Guy' comes in a very close second. The show got cancelled in 2002, but when DVD sales of the series went through the roof, FOX wisely brought it back this summer.

Seth MacFarlane is an absolute genius...not only creating the show, but voicing its 3 dominant characters (Peter, Stewie & Brian). Part of my enjoyment of watching the show is seeing just how far MacFarlane tries to push the envelope in this 'post-Janet Jackson Super Bowl boob' world. Seeing FOX have to run disclaimers for 'animated nudity' before episodes makes me giggle.

Even if you aren't into animated shows, at least give 'Family Guy' a try. But you might put the kids in the other room before you start watching, otherwise you could have some weird questions thrown your way from the youngsters...

How Can I Live on ONLY 7-Million a Year?
(full story)

Poor Terrell Owens. He says he will be at Philadelphia Eagles training camp, but he's not happy that the team has the audacity to make him live up to the 7-year, 49-million dollar contract that HE chose to sign just last year.

This is the kind of story that just makes me hate pro sports today. Guys like Owens who, rather than appreciate the fact that they are making in one week more than most people do in a year, think they are owed even more.

Shut up Terrell...get your ass on the field and do your overly-paid job.

Hello Loss Column (again)...
(full story)

What can you say about the Rangers' current meltdown that hasn't already been said? Oh well, good seats are still available for the 2006 season...and Cowboys training camp starts in 6 days.

The Rangers' Swoon Continues...
(full story)

Another night, another loss for the Rangers. Hope is starting to dwindle for the AL West race (8 back of the Angels), the Wild Card race (4 back of the Twins) and, at this rate, finishing over .500 might be a stretch.

Let's all just remember: only a week left until the start of Cowboys training camp.

Cobra Snake Gear
(get it here)

Here's your chance to let all your friends know about the Cobra with an official 'Cobra! Snake!' T-shirt.

Party...

The Triplets in The Ring Of Honor
(full story)

This is one move that Jerry did get right: deciding to induct Emmitt, Troy and Mike in the Cowboys Ring of Honor at the same time. None would have had nearly as much success in their career without the others, so it only seems right to have them honored at the same time.

This move is slightly disheartening in the sense that it shows once again that the 70s Cowboys probably won't have many more of their own in the Ring. Jerry's going to start putting his guys in (Daryl Johnston and Darren Woodson just a couple that come to mind) and not worried honoring players from the past regime (Charlie Waters, Drew Pearson).

Scotty Gets Beamed Up
(full story)

Being a sci-fi fan, I was bummed to hear news that James Doohan (Scotty on Star Trek) had passed away. I have always been more of a Star Wars geek, but Star Trek is also on my list. I remember staying up late on Sunday nights during college with the rest of my nerd friends to watch back-to-back episodes of the old Star Trek. Not the coolest memory, but a good one...

Dazed & Confused 2: Ricky's Back!
(full story)

Now this should be fun. Just a year after leaving his Miami Dolphins teammates high & dry in order to travel the world and smoke out, Ricky Williams has been cleared by the NFL to take part in the team's upcoming training camp. Don't expect the guys who were around last year to immediately welcome Ricky back with open arms...what he did is something that those players won't soon forget. It might be impossible for Ricky to ever fully gain their trust and loyalty again...

Closing in On Number 7
(full story)

Barring some sort of catastropic event in the next few days, Lance Armstrong will win his 7th straight Tour De France this weekend. Some questions to ponder as the Texan wraps up his final event:

1) Does Lance rank among the greatest athletes of all time? I say absolutely. Look at his accomplishments...add to that he's done it after battling cancer...and there should really be no question.

2) Will Americans follow the Tour De France after Lance hangs it up? They will, but definitely not as closely. What he has done to bring cycling to a more mainstream audience is amazing however.

3) Did Lance take steroids along the way? Don't know and, in this case, don't care. The man deserves all the credit in the world for what he has done and that should not be tainted with the steroid question.

4) Should Lance dump Sheryl Crow? Yes...definitely get rid of the commie mulehead.

'Guest Booking League' Merchandise Now Available!
(check it out)

Listeners of BaD Radio on the Ticket know all about the Guest Booking League. Now here's your chance to sport a nifty tee telling the world about it!

Does a person really ever have too many t-shirts? I don't think so...

The Gambler Tries To Pick Another Fight!

(full story)

Kenny Rogers is either a complete idiot or a complete jackass...actually probably a combination of both. The guy has the nerve, as he is being booked on charges of assaulting two cameramen, to start jawing with another cameraman at the jailhouse!

WFAA reported on its Web site Monday that photographer Mike Zukerman was videotaping the procedure when Rogers turned to him and said, "You're getting really close; you know that? Do you hear me?"

A few seconds later, Rogers again turned to the camera, saying, "You must be pretty proud of yourself, too."

After Zukerman replied, "It's just my job, Kenny," Rogers responded: "Yeah. Your job. That's just your excuse."

Yeah Kenny, it's his excuse. Do you think this guy would have just showed up at the jail to bug you had he not been working?

The reason Rogers keeps doing this stuff is very simple: he knows that the cameramen (and the press in general) cannot fight back. If that were to happen, Rogers would walk away unscathed while the reporter/cameraman has his credentials taken away by the Rangers and possibly have other sanctions imposed by his employer.

The Gambler is in a no-lose situation...except for the fact that he looks more like a pompous ass every day.

P.O.D - Poop On Delivery

(full story)

This is one of the main reasons I have never used eBay before. How do I know that instead of getting my 1982 Journey concert shirt, some freak will just send me a pile of crap! Depending on whether you like Journey or not, there might not be a difference...