Today, it's 2002 all over again

Project Italian Giallo

Thanks for the inspiration from good friend of the program Jables / the Nate Corner, we're starting another film viewing project. See the full list HERE via Listverse, titled "10 Brilliant Italian Giallo Films." Basically, it's a genre of Italian (duh) films from the early 1970's combining mystery and horror elements, with a dash of eroticism.

We're starting tonight with the 1963 Mario Bava classic, The Girl Who Knew Too Much



Personally, I'm only familiar with the two Argento films on the list: Deep Red and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage. But in the interests of completing the list, all films will be watched in their entirety...hopefully over the next month.

O Canada

Love it when "my" team peels the man boobs of a disliked rival. Team Canada came out fast and furious Wednesday night, showing the world that the North American style beats skating in circles and half-assed defensive work on most nights. Our boy Sid was left off the score sheet, but so was that doofus Ovechkin. More noticeable, Ovie was a -2 and shown on the ice twice being lazy on the backcheck for two of Canada's goals. Nabokov was a sieve, for sure...but it doesn't help when your forwards don't care about playing the defensive zone. It was a performance that reminded me a lot of last year's Game 7 Pens beat down of the Caps.

funny stuff...



Ovie wasn't alone, though. Kovalsuck, Malkin, Gonchar...they were all brutal. I've been a little harsh on Malkin all year, and perhaps it's warranted. So I didn't feel incredibly bad when Getzlaf was getting in his ear by the Canada bench. Maybe this will wake him up.

Alexander Semin was exposed as well. These guys are all incredibly gifted offensive talents. But maybe they are simply inferior when it comes to two-way play, something we've preached around these parts for awhile now. And playing against the best team in the world, they never stood a chance.

Much was made of the Dan Boyle slew-footing of Semin. In full speed, it looked like a cheap shot from Semin. Maybe it wasn't. But take into consideration the time it happened and the fact the game was out of hand, you can understand why Boyle would be peeved. After all, he does have an NHL team (not to mention, the #1 team in the league) who he reports back to next week. No call for boarding the guy, potentially injuring him, simply because you got your ass handed to you. So yes, I applaud the Boyle retaliation. Afterwards, Semin's true colors were revealed. He's a coward. Bottom line: if you don't like someone getting in your shield-protected face, don't play cheap.

More from the people making a big deal outta nothing department...

Mike Milbury referring to Russia's game as "Eurotrash." Big effin deal. I thought it was hilarious. Almost as funny as him referring to the German players as "fire hydrants" who were getting "peed on" a night earlier. I'm not a fan of Milbury, as it often seems like he takes the opposing view, simply to start an argument. Witness: Pierre McGuire vs. Mike Milbury intermission pieces, where they both come off as fake turds. But calling someone's game "Eurotrash" is not taboo, in my book. I heard some PC cop call it "racist," which is sort of insane. Russia sucked. Their game sucked. Live with it.

More big deals: Canada Women win Gold, drink beers...




I'm appalled. Victory, followed by beers. That just doesn't fly with the whole Olympic spirit thing (insert hand job motion).

And finally: congrats to RMU's Brianne McLaughlin. Brianne saw mostly mop up duty as USA's 3rd string goalie, but simply making the Olympic Team and coming home with a Silver is a great achievement for the Moon Township via Ohio star goaltender.

Reading FC and Hottie Curlers

It hasn't been a banner year for the Royals in the Championship League, Reading FC has been on a hot streak of late, and yet they still sit two places and two points from the drop zone.

However, there is still reason to rejoice. With yesterdays 3-2 (AET) victory at West Brom, Reading find themselves in the quarterfinals of FC Cup and one win from a fixture at Wembley Stadium for the first time in 83 years. Under new manager Brain McDermott, who replaced Brendan Rodgers (among the nicer descriptions of Rodgers are "twat"and "first class wanker"), Reading has found new passion and form, and are rivaling their hot streak of last season.

March 7th at home, the last Championship League side alive in the FA look to advance to the round of 4. Beyond jacked.




Since it's been too long since EC has had a curling post, here is a nice write-up of Canadian curler, Cheryl Bernard, and how she's become the Olympic face of over 40 hotties.

The "handcuffs" gesture

gets you a $40,000 fine in Italy, and a 3 game ban. The Special One claims it was misinterpreted:

“It had nothing to do with the referee. He meant to say a different thing: ‘You can even take me away and arrest me, but my team is strong and will win regardless, even if we play with nine men."

Actually, Inter Milan settled for a draw against Sampdoria in the above referenced match.

I love this guy. Never used to, but having him on my side is a hoot. This afternoon, Jose Mourinho and my beloved Inter Milan will surely take down Chelsea in their 1st leg Champions League knockout match at the San Siro. There will be bliss.

Later, Sidney Crosby and our Team Canada will take down Russia, as Ovechkin is sent home the loser once again. There will be more bliss.

Sprinkle in the Sevilla / CSKA Moscow Champions League match and some more quarterfinal Olympic Hockey games, and suddenly it's the greatest sporting Wednesday...like...ever.

Olympics on NBC; Almost as Bad as NFL

Remember a while back we posted the Wall Street Journal story that found out that your average NFL broadcast nets you 11 minutes of live action? I'm sure you do. Now, the fine folks at the WSJ are back at it, timing the breakdown of NBC's Olympic coverage.

The abridges version:
- 3.5 hour broadcast
- 56:41 of commercials in 24 breaks
- 53:37 of "live" (quotations used for obvious reasons) action
- 17:19 of Bob Costas, who is the real the real victim in all of this

However, NBC has heard your complaints over the fact they bumped USA/Canada Men's Ice Hockey to MSNBC in favor of Ice Dancing. So, the US' next game will be on the flagship station, which is great for those of us on the East Coast. Those in the West get to plug their ears and cover their eyes for three hours to watch it on delay. The irony being that had the game stayed on MSNBC, it would have been broadcast live, coast-to-coast.

NBC's rights expire after the 2012 London Games, here's to hoping that this deal isn't renewed.

Even More Curling

So the Swedish women's curling team was in a Nordic metal music video.



This sport gets better by the day.


In other news...

This happened 30 years ago today,



and this happened last night.



FKYA!

More Curling

Empties Crushed prides itself on bringing you, our faithful readers, all of latest and greatest week old news. We stand for integrity and objectivity. So while our mission is to give you unbiased sporting and musical insights, we have always refrained from showing boobs. Until now...

Ladies and gents...Danish curler, Madeliene Dupont...

Call me crazy, but I'm actually really digging the curling

Happy Friday

Robert Pollard Rewards Us

per Pitchfork. Nice little review of RP's latest record, and kinda what we've been saying all week. We All Got Out Of the Army kicks ass. Pitchfork gives it a 7.3, but a pretty nice review from the way I'm reading it.

Empties Crushed gives WAGOOtA a 9.7.

R.I.P. Jim Bibby

First Doug Fieger, now Jim Bibby. Unfortunately, you know a third death looms.

Jim Bibby played the game when the Pirates actually mattered. R.I.P dude.

Goonies NEVER say DIE!

Sid the Kid's Canadian Olympic team plays tonight against Norway. The United States has already proven themselves against Switzerland, and no doubt, our beloved Sidney will demonstrate his ability to stay alive in the run for the gold.

Mikey Walsh, Brand Walsh, "Chunk" and the gang are stickin' it out, right there with him. In the end team Canada can be expected to outlive all opponents in this round robin match-up. My apologies to USA's pair 'o Ryans (Malone and Miller, respectfully). This year it ain't gonna be you...

R.I.P. Doug Fieger

Heard my babysitter play "My Sharona" on an 8-track when I was a wee little one, and the rest is history. Who would've thunk I'd be blogging about The Knack 30 years later...

Go Canada Go!!

Two more days before we start our quest for Gold. I like our chances better this time around with the best player in the world...


Let's Go!!!!

We All Got Out Of the Army

may be my favorite Robert Pollard 'solo' album since Not In My Airforce. Got this record yesterday (which comes with a free CD-R!), fresh from the Factory of Raw Essentials, and haven't stopped playing it.

I know I may be a little "biased" as others have eluded to :) But seriously. Put this on the "get" list...

Robert Pollard - We All Got Out Of the Army.

The Soft Pack - C'mon

After a 2 week delay, my Soft Pack record has shipped. YAY.

The Air Force vs. The White Stripes

Perhaps good friend of the program (Tirpak) can verify this, but I remember sitting around Sunday watching the big game, seeing this Air Force commercial, and saying something like: "Cool...the White Stripes."

Well, I guess it's not so cool. The Air Force had someone compose "original" music for their add, which the composer claims was "original." Now Jack and Meg are peeved, having not given permission for Kem Kraft (the Salt Lake City composer) to use "Fell in Love With a Girl", the tune he obviously ripped. Reminds me of the time Vanilla Ice claimed his "Ice Ice Baby" was different than Queen's "Under Pressure":

"Theirs goes, 'Ding ding ding dingy ding-ding.' Ours goes, 'Ding ding ding ding dingy ding-ding.'"

Judge for yourself (starts about 10 secs in):



The White Stripes:



Now personally, I think Jack White comes off a bit pretentious at times. But when you're right, you're right. And he's definitely got a beef here. The Air Force immediately pulled the add upon the White Stripes objection.

Word to your mother.

MTV Stops Living a Lie

Quietly, MTV has gone with a slight change in their logo, eliminating the "Music Television" tag from the iconic M. THANK YOU! Next step will be to come up with another M word to replace music, and we'll all be good.

Now, all we need is a 24 hr music video channel...

Buzzcocks Reissues

It seems to be all about the reissues these days. This time, the Buzzcocks first 3 studio albums get their just due, all being re-released as double-disc CD's loaded with a slew of goodies. Another Music In a Different Kitchen; Love Bites; and A Different Kind of Tension will be packed with John Peel sessions, live tracks, and demos courtesy of Mute U.K. Get the lowdown on all the tracks from all 3 albums from Pitchfork HERE. Disappointing, however, there does not appear to be a vinyl format :(

From their legendary 1976 4-track EP Spiral Scratch, this is "Breakdown"...

An Announcement (Exclusivly on EC)

When I walked away from the sport years ago, it was at a time that I had become tired with the daily training and commitments that took me away from family and friends. It wasn't the game days, it was the all of the other days that had made me question my love for the game. I wasn't sure if I had the passion necessary to become a champion, to be the best.

Now, years removed from those days, and after much personal soul searching, I believe now is the time to return to the game I've always loved. I know it will be a strain on my other commitments and responsibilities, but I am ready for that sacrifice. With that said, I am here to formally announce my return to the sport of competitive Monopoly, with a goal of competition in and winning the 2013 United States Championship and then, the 2013 World Championship. As part of my preparation, I will gladly welcome any and all games of Monopoly and look forward to regaining my past form.

I want to thank my family and friends now, as this would not be possible without their support and understanding.

The EC Guide to Super Bowl Prop Bets

With the beloved not extending their season into February this year, the Super Bowl loses a lot of luster and excitement. However, thanks to the world of inane prop bets, you can still have the chance to yell and curse the television during the big game, and even for more than the 11 minutes of the on-field action.

Here now are prop bets you should be playing for tonight's Colts-saints tilt...

Coin Toss: Tails (-101) - Everyone knows tails never fails. Bet it and win big with only 1% juice!

Team To Win Coin Toss: Saints (-105) - The Saints are the visiting team, and Drew Brees also knows the tails never fails. These are the easiest two bets of the night.

Team to Commit First Penalty: Saints (-140) - Saints will take the opening kickoff and someone will be a little too amped on the opening drive and flinch on the line. Saints are the favorite for good reason, bet the favorite here.

Total Fumbles Lost by Both Teams: Over 1.5 (+115) - Come on now, we all know Bush is good for one, and given the line, I'll take the chance on someone giving up a second.

Will There Be a Successful 2pt. Conversion: Yes (+400) - Look at the line, play it!!

Total Number of Players to Attempt a Pass: Over 2.5 (+220) - The Saints are good to try something new every so ofter, or a trick punt/field goal and you're good. Take the over.

Total Sacks in the Game: Over 3.5 (+200) - Saints will get to Manning once or twice, and every game is good for a broken play sack, I'm liking the overs in this game.

First Team to Challenge a Call: Saints (-125) - I don't think Caldwell even knows what that red flag they give him is for.

Length of the National Anthem: Under 1:42 (-145) - The rumor is that this Underwood chick is going to keep sing the song, as opposed to giving her rendition of it. Going under.

Number of Windmill Moves Pete Townshend Will Do on Stage: Over 5.5 (-220) - He'll be doing it, not because he's feeling it vibe, but because he's probably contractually obligated to do them. They'll suck, but you'll win the bet.

Will Pete Townshend Smash a Guitar on Stage: No (-180) - Every performance of The Who I've seen from last five years has seen Pete's guitar stay in tact. I don't see it happening.

There it is, 11 Prop bets sure to make your "Super Sunday" all the more enjoyable. If your looking to bet on the game; I got no idea, the total line is stupid high...

New Pornographers new album announced

AC Newman contributes 9 songs, Dan Bejar has 3. The whole cast of characters is back and represented, including the lovely Neko Case. Hopefully, a tour date announcement will follow. Release date for Together is May 4th, on Matador:


They've also got a spiffy new website: The New Pornographers. Check it out.

Here's hoping the new record is a return to form from either the Twin Cinema or Electric Version days. I, personally, wasn't the biggest fan of Challengers, relative to their other records...but that's just me. From Twin Cinema, this is "Use It"...

Don't Make Me Sing

Haven't watched a lot of SNL over the years, but I found this to be pretty hysterical last week...

The Soft Pack (YEAH!!!!)

New album was released Tuesday by Kemado Records. FCKYA!!!!!



performing "Extinction" (from the Muslims EP), live at Amoeba Records...



Pretty kick ass website HERE.

Tour dates on their MySpace page below. No plans to visit Pittsburgh yet...of course not.

The Soft Pack on MySpace HERE.

Buy record from Insound HERE.

Deerhoof Custom Made double 7"

All Tomorrow's Parties has released its third installment of the "Custom Made" series. This time, it's our beloved Deerhoof. Limited to 1000 copies. Check the option for the screen printed version (only 100!! available). Cool. Buy HERE.

Perfect Sound Forever: Robert Pollard

Dan Coffey, a friend of the program, wrote this nice little piece on our favorite super hero and his solo years since the retirement of GBV...

Perfect Sound Forever: Robert Pollard

And the Nominees Are

Apparently the Grammys were last night. Who knew? I was too busy making sure I didn't have the Pro-Bowl on.

Nonetheless, we are officially in awards season, with my favorite awards, The Razzies, releasing their list of nominees, today.

Since I don't think I've actually seen any of these films, I'll have to do my best Lumley impersonation, and to work watching the best of the worst in '09.

You can find the full list of nominees and categories at the Razzies here. Below are the big three categories.

Worst Picture of 2009

All About Steve
20th Century-Fox

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Paramount / Hasbro

Land of The Lost
Universal

Old Dogs
Disney

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen
Dreamworks/Paramount


Worst Actor of 2009

All Three Jonas Brothers
JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3-D CONCERT EXPERIENCE

Will Ferrell
LAND OF THE LOST

Steve Martin
PINK PANTHER 2

Eddie Murphy
IMAGINE THAT

John Travolta
OLD DOGS

Worst Actress of 2009

Beyonce
OBSESSED

Sandra Bullock
ALL ABOUT STEVE

Miley Cyrus
HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE

Megan Fox
JENNIFER’s BODY and TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

Sarah Jessica Parker
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS?

The Razzie Awards Show will be March 6. Pumped!!!