Well THAT wasn’t good

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I’ll make not in-depth comments re: The Game. Buckeye’s got outcoached. I DID appreciate the announcer pointing out that “at least Michigan didn’t cheat this year.” Oh – and Michigan coaches were starting fights on the sidelines DURING the game. Not a good look. But hey, congrats. Enjoy the Holiday Bowl. If you get a game that good.

But what about the bracket? IMHO Notre Dame is #1 but they can’t get a bye so never mind. We’ll give them a home game somewhere. My #2 is Texas who gets to play Georgia again. This time in Atlanta. I’ll take the Dawgs this time just to screw with things. My #3 is OSU so we’ll temporarily bump them to a home game somewhere. Penn State will beat Oregon and REALLY make a mess of things. ACC sees SMU vs Clemson because OSU wasn’t the ONLY upset last weekend, just the biggest. SMU wins with relative ease. That’s three first-round byes. Big 12 gives us ASU vs ISU even though Colorado is likely the best team in the Conference. We’ll give them a home game in the first round. And the Clones over Sparky for the fourth bye spot. Boise State vs UNLV? These teams barely play a D I schedule so we’ll give the spot to Boise. And Tulane beats Army for a spot. Frankly I’d just as soon see the ND State SD State winner get a spot.

So where does this leave us? Georgia, Penn State, SMU and ISU. NOT a great group. After them we’ll have Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, Ohio State, Tennessee, Indiana, Boise State and Tulane.

Leaving out a deserving Alabama, Mississippi, Colorado.

Ohio State vs Tennessee? Buckeyes get a “rematch” with Georgia which they win at a neutral site.

Notre Dame hosts Tulane. It’s ugly. Then Iowa State. Also ugly.

Oregon hosts Boise State. A nice game for the northwest but not for the boys from Boise. They then get to demonstrate why SMU is overrated and become the THIRD upset into the final four.

Finally Texas hosts Indiana. Longhorns win then get Penn State who becomes the FOURTH bye team to lose in a HISTORIC twelve team playoff showing just how sill this whole procedure is.

Buckeyes then lose to Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns. Notre Dame beats the Ducks …. and then avenge the loss to Northern Illinois by slipping by the Texans.

Check back next week to see how much of this was wrong.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Here’s hoping you and yours enjoy the time.

a few appropriate (?) links:

Thanksgiving history: Traditions and origins, where did it begin?

Myths about the pilgrims and religious freedom have obscured some surprising truths about this great American holiday.

RE-COLONIZING WOULD BE BETTER: University at Buffalo hosts ‘tough topics’ event on ‘decolonizing’ Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving: A National Day Of Mourning

Wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without this

and finally from Benjamin Franklin: This claim from a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter, Sarah Bache, on Jan. 26, 1784. In that letter, he described his antipathy for the bald eagle and his affinity for the turkey:

He is besides, (though a little vain and silly tis true, but not the worse emblem for that) a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on.

For my own part I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead tree, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labour of the fishing hawk; and when that diligent bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the bald eagle pursues him, and takes it from him.

With all this injustice, he is never in good case, but like those among men who live by sharping and robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank coward: the little king bird not bigger than a sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. […]

I am on this account not displeased that the figure is not known as a bald eagle, but looks more like a turkey. For in truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America. Eagles have been found in all countries, but the turkey was peculiar to ours, the first of the species seen in Europe being brought to France by the Jesuits from Canada, and served up at the wedding table of Charles the ninth.

Well, THAT happened

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Lots of shake-up in the SEC last week so we’ll work through things again.

Oregon is the only undefeated but they aren’t gonna stay that way. Buckeyes win this week by 16+. Line is 20+. I hope they go for 2 after every TD because they can’t go for 3. They then get the Ducks in a rematch but this time in Indy. They’ll be a FG better.

This takes us to the 1-loss teams. OSU, Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas, PSU, State University of Florida at Coral Gables, SMU. Then there are the “others.” Indiana, Boise State, Army. Weak schedules all. Two losses? Georgia, Tennessee, Clemson, Iowa State, Tulane, ISU, Arizona State. There’s fourteen.

Now let’s look at the championships. Ohio State. SEC? Texas over Georgia. Drops Georgia to three loses. Likely a top 12 team, top 5 schedule. So sad. ACC? M-F beats Syracuse for the right to play SMU. This should be a great game and I’ll give the edge to MF, dropping SMU to two losses and keeping them in the mix.

Big 12? Colorado stepped in it last week. K State is likely the best school in the conference right now but not in the title game. a crap ton of possibilities. Wildcats lose on the road this week to Iowa State, dropping them from ANY consideration. My next favorite is the Cyclones. Colorado beats Okie State to go to 7-2 as well. Arizona State beats Arizona to go 7-2. BYU beats Houston. Four team tie gives us ASU vs Iowa State and I’ll take the Clones.

Buckeyes, Texas, M-F, Iowa State get 1-4.

Next 8? Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, SMU, Indiana, Tulane, Boise State.

12 v 5 is Boise @ ND. ND wins and goes to OSU

11 v 6 is Tulane @ Oregon. Ducks win and go to Texas.

10 v 7 is Indiana @ Penn State. PSU wins and goes to Miami.

9 v 8 is SMU at Tennessee. Vols win and go to Iowa State.

Buckeyes beat Notre Dame. Longhorns beat the Ducks. Penn State upsets the ‘Canes. Vols romp the Clones. Two conference champions lose in the first round and know why they didn’t get a bye. Two MORE lose in the next round, highlighting the fact that not all conference winners still don’t deserve a bye. Ohio State vs Tennessee. Buckeyes by 6+ in Cotton Bowl, 4+ at Orange Bowl. Texas beats Penn State by <6 at Orange, >7 at Cotton. Title game in Atlanta. Buckeyes by 1.

Working through the rest of the season

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MY thoughts. Buckeyes beat the Hoosiers by double digits (although not looking good as I’m writing this) AND TSUN by double digits (and gawd I hope they go for two to run it up) AND the Ducks by a FG in Indy to win the Big Whatever.

Notre Dame ends Army’s dreams and doubles up on USC to keep a high seed.

M-F should be the ACC rep but SMU, Clemson, the Citadel and the ‘Cocks should all have a say in it. I like Colorado for the Big 12. The SEC? Who KNOWS? But I’m gonna surprise you all and take Alabama.

Seven more spots. Why not just hand ’em out to the SEC? Right NOW I’m gonna say Texas as SEC #2. Penn State and Oregon. Georgia (toughest schedule in the country, 4-2 against top 30 teams. Ole Miss (they are fun to watch.) Tennessee. One spot left. Indiana? SMU? Clemson? BYU? Boise? BOISE?? They don’t even play a BCS schedule. And it won’t matter because WHOEVER gets this spot is gonna get rocked by the #5 seed.

Let’s get real. Anybody in the top ten can be upset by anybody in the next 20 or so. But realistically at this point there are maybe 4-6 teams who are championship caliber. The rest are just there for a check and to fill out the bracket.

A peeve

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My interests, like those of most people, are scattered and broad. My involvement with those interests varies but technology affords me two outlets …. or, rather, inputs: podcasts and blogs via RSS news feeds. I have over 100 RSS feeds. Many are basic news feeds but many are specialized. Over two dozen for D&D. Half a dozen for sports (primarily statistical analysis and NFL football.) Eight for Halloween. More on economics, education and philosophy. I listen to 30 podcasts, ranging across many of the same topics, although history gets more play here.

So here’s the peeve. IF I’m giving you my eyes (and you’re likely earning a few sheckles from viewing numbers) stay in you lane. If I’m reading your for your hot take on NFL transactions I don’t CARE what your political proclivities are. If you provide good insightful D&D info I don’t CARE what your political proclivities are. If you’re really into Halloween and scary movies and stuff like that, I don’t CARE what your proclivities are.

So if you want my eyes (or ears) keep providing what you’re providing (if you like) but don’t offend me and expect me to stick around. It’s like inviting me over to your place for a cocktail party and then making me sit through a sales pitch for a pyramid scheme. There are three fewer feeds in my reading this week and two of them will likely not be missed. The third was actually QUITE good and I may revisit in 6 months of so, but I did the same thing with this one 6 months AGO and noted no improvement. And I would not that I maintain TWO blogs. This one is stuffed to the gills with political stuff, as well as other topics, but IMHO not enough of the other stuff for any aficionado to make it “must read.” My OTHER blog is about D&D. And that’s ALL it’s about.

My peeve. Moving on.

Final Fiive

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For those who have visited in October’s past you know what’s left. Things that mean something to me and fit with the season.

  1. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is a delightful blend of humor and lighthearted chills, starring Don Knotts in one of his most beloved roles. His portrayal of the nervous, determined Luther Heggs brings heart and endless laughs. With its quirky characters, charmingly spooky atmosphere, and memorable one-liners (“Attaboy, Luther!”), this classic delivers pure family-friendly fun. An endearing, laugh-out-loud mystery that’s still a joy for fans of feel-good ghost stories and classic comedy. My Aunt Rose took me to see this when I was 8 in London, Ohio. And it stuck.
  2. Season 4, Episode 1 of X-Files. A great, chilling look into small town life and secrets. Chilling score. One of my favorite episodes of the series and it’s why “Wonderful! Wonderful” is on my Halloween playlist.
  3. Young Frankenstien. Young Frankenstein is a comedic masterpiece, blending Mel Brooks’ wit with a loving homage to classic horror. Gene Wilder shines as the passionate Dr. Frankenstein, delivering iconic lines with perfect timing. With stunning black-and-white cinematography, memorable performances, and unforgettable scenes, it’s a brilliant, affectionate parody that remains a timeless gem in comedy and horror. With the death of Terri Garr earlier this week we are left with only Mr. Brooks and Gene Hackman as living cast members.
  4. Halloween. Because of course. John Carpenter’s Halloween is a horror classic, pioneering the slasher genre with masterful suspense and a chilling simplicity. Michael Myers’ relentless presence, paired with Carpenter’s iconic score, creates an unforgettable sense of dread. Jamie Lee Curtis shines in her debut, making this atmospheric thriller a groundbreaking, timeless staple in horror cinema, although imho it does NOT stand up well to the passage of time.
  5. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. ALSO from 1966. It was GREAT being 8. a timeless Halloween treasure, capturing the charm, innocence, and humor of the Peanuts gang. With its endearing characters, especially Linus with his hopeful belief in the Great Pumpkin, it embodies the spirit of childhood wonder and seasonal nostalgia. Vince Guaraldi’s playful jazz score adds warmth, making this delightful special a comforting, beloved classic that continues to bring joy to generations every autumn.

Hope you’ve had a happy and safe Halloween. But not TOO safe. And not to worry. No more C-GPT reviews until it gets about two iterations better.

Penultimate list

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Finally, the good stuff. Kinda.
The Company of Wolves A darkly enchanting reimagining of classic fairy tales, blending horror and fantasy with surreal visuals and rich symbolism. Neil Jordan’s direction brings Angela Carter’s story to life with haunting atmosphere and striking imagery. This mesmerizing tale of transformation, danger, and desire is as unsettling as it is beautiful, leaving a lasting impression.
Silver Bullet A thrilling and heartfelt adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, blending classic werewolf horror with small-town suspense. Corey Haim and Gary Busey bring warmth and humor, adding depth to the scares. The eerie atmosphere and practical effects create a nostalgic experience. It’s a
satisfying entry in 80s horror cinema.
Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein: has charm and classic monster nostalgia but feels uneven. While the comedic duo’s timing brings laughs, the horror elements take a backseat, making it more of a spoof than a true monster movie. Enjoyable for fans of the era and feels more like a lighthearted Halloween special than a standout horror-comedy.
I then SKIPPED two. The two highest rated previously unseen movies. One turned out to be a sappy anime about a girl whose step dad was a werewolf (Wolf Children) while the other was an Irish children’s folk tale (Wolfwalkers.) Neither truly “belongs” on the list. Next year I may be returning to ghosts, witches and haunted houses.
WE DID finish the werewolf portion of our viewing with two VERY good offerings.
The Wolf Man 1941. timeless horror classic, capturing the tragedy and terror of its iconic creature. Lon Chaney Jr.’s portrayal brings humanity and depth, while the atmospheric fog-drenched forests and eerie score set an unforgettable mood. Blending suspense, pathos, and supernatural lore, it remains a defining werewolf film and a cornerstone of Universal’s monster legacy.
and An American Werewolf in London masterfully blends horror and humor, with groundbreaking effects and an unforgettable score that enhances the eerie atmosphere. Jenny Agutter delivers a heartfelt performance, grounding the supernatural story with emotion. The memorable soundtrack—perfectly timed with the film’s darker moments—adds depth, making it one of the most iconic werewolf films ever made.
On the other side we finish up with Frankenstein 1931, James Whale’s horror masterpiece, bringing Mary Shelley’s story to life with atmosphere, emotion, and groundbreaking visuals. Boris Karloff’s portrayal of the Monster is hauntingly sympathetic, capturing vulnerability beneath the terror. The film’s stark lighting, eerie sets, and unforgettable scenes make it a cornerstone of classic horror and Universal’s iconic monster legacy.
The Exorcist: a horror landmark, pushing boundaries with its chilling, unforgettable portrayal of demonic possession. William Friedkin’s direction masterfully builds suspense, while Linda Blair’s haunting performance and the eerie score create an intense atmosphere that lingers. With striking visuals and a raw, visceral tone, this film remains one of the most terrifying and influential horror classics ever made.
Bride of Frankenstein a true horror gem, blending gothic atmosphere with surprisingly modern themes of identity and belonging. James Whale’s direction again shines, and Elsa Lanchester’s portrayal of the Bride is iconic, capturing beauty and terror in every scene. With a haunting score and bold visuals, it remains an elegant, powerful sequel and a masterpiece in classic horror cinema.
Jaws a masterclass in suspense, with Steven Spielberg crafting tension from every note of John Williams’ iconic score. The shark’s ominous presence, combined with the relatable seaside setting, creates lasting fear. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw deliver unforgettable performances, making this thriller an enduring, genre-defining classic in cinematic history. But it is NOT a horror movie and I’m done including it in my list
Psycho: a groundbreaking thriller, with Alfred Hitchcock pushing cinematic boundaries to create unforgettable suspense. Anthony Perkins’ chilling performance as Norman Bates is iconic, and the film’s score by Bernard Herrmann amplifies every tense moment. The unforgettable shower scene and psychological depth make Psycho a timeless masterpiece that redefined horror and influenced generations of filmmakers.
One more post tomorrow about five items which are annual watches (for me) but never seems to make the list.

Three posts the next two days

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a few things I’ve collected over the year ….. and the reposting of some oldies for the holiday.

Count Dracula: Undead Bloodsucker or Anti-Jihad Hero?

A nice look back.

Some awesome memories from 2022

a piece from The Before Times: Trick of Treat!?

2018 was a BUSY year!:

and a metal cover of Tubular Bells

. How To Punish Undeserving Trick-Or-Treaters And Reward The Deserving Ones

Why Halloween Is America’s Most Neighborhood-Nurturing Holiday

Squirrel Wearing a ‘Scream’ Mask

Spooky Halloween Facts

How Monster Stories Can Be Good For Our Souls


This Early Slasher Flick Paved The Way For ‘Halloween’ And Is Creepy As Heck  


 Here’s The Only Completely Correct Ranking Of Halloween Candy

The Best ‘Scary’ Movies for Wusses.

Have a safe, happy one.

Fifth set … one (or two) to go … 10/27

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Gonna have to push it a bit down the wire as Tuesday and Thursday are “scheduled.)

What’s worse than watching Shane Falco play football? Watching Michael J Fox play basketball.

Teen Wolf lighthearted fun but ultimately feels dated. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the werewolf transformation is more goofy than thrilling. Michael J. Fox’s charm helps, the plot is predictable, and the overall execution lacks bite compared to other werewolf films. How many more times will C-GPT use this?
Underworld. Intriguing premise. More Kate Beckinsale. Sets up a long running franchise. While the visuals and action sequences stand out, the plot is convoluted, and the characters lack depth. It’s entertaining, but not particularly memorable.
House of Frankenstein classic Universal monster fun, bringing together Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster in an ambitious crossover. Boris Karloff shines as the mad scientist, and the atmosphere is wonderfully eerie. Carradine, Lon Chaney Jr., J Carrol Naish, and Dr. Marcus Welby’s housekeeper and the gypsy dancer! A must-watch for fans of vintage monster mayhem.
The Howling. Everyone’s favorite 80’s mom, Dee Wallace. And damned little else. Good transitions and they try to spice it up with some sex but it just doesn’t get it done.
House of Dracula. the story feels rushed and lacks depth. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is uneven, and the film fails to capture the magic of earlier Universal classics. It’s watchable but ultimately underwhelming. Glen Strang as the Monster!
Spirits of the Dead visually stunning anthology that adapts Edgar Allan Poe’s tales with style. Directors Fellini, Vadim, and Malle bring unique flair to each segment, and the atmosphere is hauntingly surreal. A captivating blend of horror and artistry that stands out. Brigitte Bardot. Jane Fonda (looking stunning but uncomfortable with her brother Peter as a love interest.)
The Shining just keeps growing on me. A masterclass in psychological horror. Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance and the film’s eerie atmosphere create an unforgettable sense of dread. With stunning visuals and haunting sound design, it remains one of the most chilling and influential horror films of all time.
With apologies The Mist (the SWEDISH version) was next on the list but I’ve been unable to FIND it. Maybe next year.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a groundbreaking masterpiece of expressionist cinema. Its twisted, surreal visuals and eerie atmosphere revolutionized horror, influencing generations of filmmakers. A haunting tale of madness, with iconic sets and a chilling twist, it remains a timeless classic. Not to mention the BBG from Casablanca, Conrad Veidt, is Cesar the Somnambulist.
The Innocents is a hauntingly atmospheric ghost story, masterfully blending psychological horror with gothic elegance. Deborah Kerr’s brilliant performance and the film’s eerie cinematography create an unsettling, ambiguous narrative that lingers long after viewing. A timeless subtle classic.
and finally Suspiria is visually stunning horror masterpiece, drenched in vivid colors and eerie atmosphere. Dario Argento’s direction, combined with Goblin’s haunting score, creates an immersive and nightmarish experience. A surreal, terrifying journey that stands as a landmark in horror cinema.

Two more groups of ten left. Gonna be a busy final week! And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Halloween third ten – 10/20

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The Monster Squad fails to strike the right balance between horror and comedy, too juvenile to be scary and too disjointed to be funny. Outdated humor and weak character development make it a lackluster attempt at a monster mash-up

Werewolf by Night has moments of style and atmosphere but lacks the bite needed to make it memorable. The pacing drags, and while the visuals are intriguing, the storyline feels predictable, leaving a lukewarm impression overall. It’s watchable but doesn’t howl with greatness. Nice Sin City style. Another Marvel cast-off. MAde both the unwatched AND the fan list, though just barely.

Wolfen offers a unique take on the werewolf genre, blending horror with social commentary. However, its pacing feels uneven, and the story drags at times. While the atmosphere is eerie and engaging, the film lacks a strong punch, leaving it more average than memorable. And for the LIFE of me I’ll never understand how Albert Finney EVER got cast as a romantic (?) lead.

Van Helsing delivers thrilling action with Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale leading a dynamic cast. Their chemistry and charisma bring energy to the screen, while the film’s stylish visuals and inventive monster battles (harpy combat in the second scene is awe-inspiring) make it an entertaining ride through the classic horror landscape with a LOT of tropes nicely tucked away inside.

Thriller’s iconic beats, unforgettable melody, and Michael Jackson’s electrifying vocals and choreography create a timeless masterpiece that transcends genres. The blend of pop, rock, and funk, paired with the haunting atmosphere, makes it an essential listen. Its groundbreaking music video set a new standard for visual storytelling in music and it’s iconic sound belongs on EVERY Halloween playlist.

Eyes Without a Face hauntingly beautiful, blending gothic horror with poetic visuals. Its chilling atmosphere and stunning cinematography elevate this eerie tale into a classic. Georges Franju’s direction masterfully balances the macabre and the melancholic, creating a film that lingers long after it ends. First movie on this years horror list that made both MY list and the fans.

A two-fer. Alien and Aliens are masterpieces of sci-fi horror and action. Ridley Scott’s Alien delivers claustrophobic tension and atmospheric dread, while James Cameron’s Aliens amps up the adrenaline with relentless action and intense character dynamics. Sigourney Weaver’s iconic performance as Ripley grounds both films, making them unforgettable classics that revolutionized their genres. But they don’t REALLY belong in the horror genre so bye-bye next year.

The Lodger, third of the four versions, this one with the underrated Laird Creger and the lovely Merle Oberon. has its atmospheric moments but struggles to maintain tension. The plot unfolds at a sluggish pace, with predictable twists and characters that feel underdeveloped. While it has some stylistic flair, the film ultimately lacks the impact needed to leave a lasting impression.

Two more entries … or maybe three. Finally up to the “good” stuff.