Thoughts, predictions, etc.
Kobe Bryant (1978-2020)
Some thoughts on Kobe Bryant.
Where does Bryant rank in terms of the all-time greatest players? He actually wouldn’t be in my top five. However, I will say the following:
- I would put him above LeBron James;
- He is not the same player as Michael Jordan, but in terms of scoring ability and competitive intensity, he and Jordan are basically clones. You talk about the killer instinct, and these two might be the first two I think of. In terms of the ability to score one-on-one (not necessarily the best penetrators), in terms of non-centers, these two may be the best of all time.
Covers of Songs You Like
We used to have a thread for variations of songs that people liked. I couldn’t find it, so I’m starting a new thread, largely to keep these versions in one place.
movies mmxx
A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad.
Samuel Goldwyn (1956)
Reading MMXX
Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wants to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.
E. M. Forster (1985)
Senate Impeachment Trial
Thoughts on the trial.
XFL Rules
It hasn’t started yet, so how can I be so enthusiastic? Well, I’m not–this is actually a thread to discuss the rules that differ from the NFL.
Best Movies of the 2010s
Much of my interest and enthusiasm for movies has waned significantly (and I never thought I’d get to this point). But I am interested in seeing some of the best movies of the decade, especially those that compare favorably to all-time great movies prior to the decade. I’m going to use Film Comment’s top 50 as a guide. If you guys know of any other good lists, or have any strong, personal recommendations, let me know. Continue reading “Best Movies of the 2010s”
MLB Scandal–Stealing Signs
I’m assuming you guys have been following this story much more than I have. My vague understanding is that the Astros were filming opponents and figuring out the signals, and then possibly using a buzzer type of device that hitters would have on their body to tell them what pitches to expect. Is this accurate?
Off the top of my head, I’m OK with players (at second base) trying to steal signals from the catcher and then trying to alert the batter. My rationale is that it requires skill to detect this and convey the info. Additionally, it requires skill of the catcher to make sure their not tipping the pitches. It’s similar to pitchers being aware of things their doing to tip their pitches. It also seems similar to football defensive players reading body language, etc. to figure out a play before it happens.
But the buzzer and the video seem to cross a line–particularly the former. What do you guys think?
2019-2020 NFL: Conference Championships
Titans-Chiefs
Packers-49ers