Dude Movie Reviews: No Country

Here's a new exciting stream that could mimic the popularity of my last stream, Dude Dining. I finally saw No Country For Old Men this weekend. I have to say, I didn't really enjoy watching it. Kind of gory. But, I didn't hate the ending like everyone told me I would.

But the more distance that grows between me and that Netflix envelope, the more I start to like it. I start to think about the complexity of the three characters and how they interact and what they represent.

So really I just don't know what to think. Now aren't you happy you spent time reading this post?

Draft Recap

Because no one else seems to give a shit about writing on this blog, let me give some post-draft thoughts on the Jags now that the dust has settled. By the way- the Jacksonville Times-Union absolutely sucks when it comes to covering the Jags. Seriously. I bet no other hometown paper does worse.

FIRST ROUND

The Jags traded their first round pick (#26), both third-round picks (#71 and #89) and their fourth round pick (#125) to go to #8 overall, where they selected Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey.

I'm not completely sold on this pick. Harvey is a very good defensive end, and can rush the passer, but he was not worth the eighth pick. Look at it this way- if the Jags could have traded to get Jason Taylor, who could be counted on to give them a better '08 and '09 season- Taylor or Harvey? No contest there, plus the Jags could have held on to their third and fourth round picks.

As a counterpoint, the invaluable (but obviously biased) Jaguars page at Scout.com actually has a pretty interesting analysis arguing that the Jaguars made out like bandits with this trade, based on the points system teams use to evaluate trades. They also make a fairly good case that beyond #8 was actually where Harvey might go.

SECOND ROUND

The Jags traded picks with Tampa Bay to move up and get Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves with the 52nd overall pick. Groves is a pass-rushing machine, though he has a lingering foot injury and reportedly some motivational problems. This is more of a high risk-high reward type of pick, and I am fine with it especially since the Jags essentially backed up their first round pick with this one. One of the two will likely work out. Interestingly, the MVN website picked Groves to go to the Jags at their original #26 pick in their mock draft.

FIFTH ROUND

USC Linebacker Thomas Williams. A little home cooking here as Jags coach/ porn enthusiast Jack Del Rio also played linebacker at USC. But Williams is a good pick in the fifth round. He was hidden behind some real talent in the USC linebacking corps so he did not see much playing time, but perhaps with a few seasons of coaching he could make an impact. Could also see some action on special teams.

South Florida CB Trae Williams. Another good pickup. Much of the attention rightly goes to his teammate CB Mike Jenkins, but Williams has shown some consistent ball-hawk abilities (16 career interceptions) and is perfect for the Jags, who need some help in the defensive backfield. Williams projects as playing in a nickel or dime package. With the Jags starters at cornerback being the very good Rashean Mathis and the serviceable, newly-acquired Drayton Florence (who Stan thinks he played against in high school, seriously), and the rangy Reggie Nelson perhaps it wont be so easy for laserrocketarm to carve up the Jags for the next few years.

SEVENTH ROUND

USC running back Chauncey Washington. Honestly there is not much you could hope for in the seventh round, but I love this pick. Not only does it play right into my strategy of drafting running backs late, but if he gets his head right Washington seems like the type of player who could eventually make an impact. The Jags are a good fit for him- Fred Taylor is getting up there, and Maurice Jones Drew really cannot be an every-down back. Washington has the size and strength to be a primary back (if it ever gets to that point), and will be competitive with the Jags other backups and could get a roster spot. I seem to remember Mel Kiper arguing on Sportscenter that Washington was the most underrated player in the draft, for what its worth.

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENTS

Of note here is QB Paul Smith, who might make the team as a scout team/ 3rd QB; CB Brian Witherspoon who reportedly (video) posted a 4.16 40 time, though it was a little slower in his pro day workout (can't teach speed!); and WR Clyde Edwards who stands a good shot at making the team because the Jags wideouts generally suck.

OVERALL

There is something to be said about the Jags knowing what they need, primarily pass rushing from the ends and secondarily help in the defensive backfield, and then going out and doing it. The number of picks they gave up to get Harvey does hurt, because the Jags have always been good at finding guys in later rounds who can make the team. However, because of that very fact there really aren't that many roster spots where someone is guaranteed to fill in immediately. Jags GM James "Shack" Harris said as much when he told Scout.com "With our roster, we're not sure they [third-round picks] could make the team." Given that, the Jags did a good job of filling their immediate needs, then cherry-picking players in the latest round who they thought could possibly compete for a spot.

Of course we don't like to think this way, but there might be some marketing sentiment here as well. Harvey played at nearby UF, and the Jags have been active in drafting UF players in the past. Keeping this going might help put some butts in the seats and boost Jacksonville's chronically bad turnout. A little of the same with Groves as well- Auburn is close to Jacksonville, not to mention in the SEC.

Here's what people who do this for a living thought

Sports Illustrated:

• Dr. Z (who has made a career out of getting shit wrong) thinks the Jags overreached.
• Tony Pauline thinks the Jags overreached for Harvey but got a steal with Groves in the second round.
• Michael Lombardi thinks the Jags closed the gap on the Colts
• Peter King also seems pleased with the Jags draft, but is sad nobody drafted Brett Favre :(
  

ESPN:

• Draft guru Mel Kiper gives the Jags a C-, noting that they should have traded for Jason Taylor. Hmmm...I wonder where he got that idea.
• Todd McShay is also down (video) on the Jags

Others:

• Pete Prisco at the underrated CBS Sportsline believes the Jags did the right thing to trade up for Harvey, but reached on Groves for an overall B-. The exact opposite of Pauline at SI.
• Larry Weisman at USA Today gives the Jags a B, although he cant find a bad word to say about the choices. Imagine that. USA Today being uncontroversial.
  
• Brendan Sonnone at MVN is a little disappointed in the Jag's day 1 selections.
• Clifton Brown at The Sporting News gives the Jags a C, noting that both Harvey and Groves had consistency issues in college.
• Jason Cole at Yahoo Sports gives the Jags a C+, also noting that Jason Taylor would have been a better option.
• Vinnie Iver at The Sporting News also gives a good review of every round here.

Reactions from Jacksonville fans here and here

Draft Time! Go Jags Go!

*why does his head look so small?

No more about the running backs, but I reserve the right to throw a tantrum when some idiot GM gets caught up in the hype and throws a wad of millions at Darren McFadden. This is about the Jacksonville Jaguars, my dear team.

This year the Jags pick at #26, near the bottom of the first round. They need to shore up their defensive front. This is only more pressing after the offseason trade of Marcus Stroud, who along with John Henderson formed the most intimidating defensive tackle duo in football. But it doesnt take Emmitt Smith to tell you the Jag's problem is with the pass rush. Anyone who watched the AFC semis last year versus the Pats remembers Brady hanging a pedestrian %92.9 completion percentage (thats probably higher than the Jag's handoff completion percentage) on the board and walking off the field without a speck of dirt on his uniform. Playing in a division with laserrocketarm further underscores the need to bolster the pass rush.

On that note, some have speculated about the Jags trying to get Clemson DE Philip Merling who is talented, but somewhat of a question mark as he is coming off hernia surgery as well as being more of a project than an immediately ready-to-contribute guy. Other names have floated around, including a few half-hearted suggestions that the Jags try and move up to grab some of the premier guys like Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. Thats not gonna happen.

Instead, the Jags should trade for Miami DE and six-time pro bowler (and 2006 defensive player of the year) Jason Taylor. Not only are the Dolphins shopping Taylor for a reported first round pick, the Dolphins also want to move up into the end of the first round to get QB Chad Henne, the college teammate of their first overall selection OT Jake Long. Henne will be there at the Jags #26 pick. Its true Taylor is getting up there, but he can still give the Jags 3 good years. Not to mention he gets to play on a contender and mentor the exciting crop of youngsters the Jags are developing on the defensive side of the ball. The Jags have always drafted well in the later rounds, especially when they go defense, so odds are they will be able to get some good prospects later in the draft, maybe Marcus Dixon from Hampton (good choice especially with his college teammate Justin Durant coming into his second year with the Jags).

Over to you, Del Rio. Pull up the mesh shorts, stop watching Bubble Butt Bonanza, and get this done!

clinton is nixon...nixon is clinton?

The Horror. I agree with Marty Peretz...guhhhh...a shower and apricot scrub may not even be enough to purge this grimy feeling.

There definitely are paralells here, between Clinton and Nixon. Both are deeply unhappy, secretive, defensive, and vengeful. They are dour people with really distasteful traits. Yet at the same time are always looking for affirmation and a chance to prove to people that once you get to know them, they are really nice people. Witness Hillary instructing some of her canvassers: "Oh, just knock on the door and say, ‘She is really nice,’ ” Mrs. Clinton said. “Or you could say, ‘She is not as bad as you think.’" The problem, of course, is that their character flaws usually intrude on anyone actually wanting to invest the time and energy to get to know them.

Hillary, please go away

Part I

I used to think that the "dream" ticket of Barack/Hillary was never going to happen. I used to give it 2% odds. But the longer this goes on, the more it creeps up. I'd say now we're at a solid 10%. Still unlikely, but too likely to make me nervous.

Part II

Hillary yesterday threatened to obliterate Iran if they attack Israel. Obviously, we would retaliate if that happened. But, as Helen of Troy studiously pointed out to me this morning (and correct me if I'm wrong INTA bloggers), the Middle East is largely about perception. And as I've learned from reading some Friedman, humiliation is one of the biggest things that keeps all the bad things in the world going. I think her saying that, and everything about her campaign, is very 20th century. There is only one candidate with the possibly to make this not just another four years.

Three words: British Andy reunion

Ignorance is Bliss...

It is with a joyful heart I inform you that instead of watching the Obama/Clinton debate last night I watched Top Chef (x2) and The Real World-Hollywood (Premiere). After glancing over a few blogs/news reports this morning it is apparent that I made an excellent choice. At this point debates are completely silly. We know their positions on the major issues (at least to the extent they are willing to talk about them). More debates only open the door for personal attacks and straight up ridiculous statements. Oh yeah, having a former Clinton staffer (someone who owes having his current job to Bill and Hillary) as the "moderator" for a debate is absurd.

On more important topics. The Real World is fucking awful, but for some reason I still get drawn in. Greg just makes me feel sad. What the fuck makes a 20 year old kid act that way? As for the other roommates it is just more of the same. This house is definitely going to be a hook-up house. No doubt.

On the Top Chef front it is about time for Ryan to go although I think Mark and Nicki have tobe booted soon as well. The judges have hated Ryan since the beginning when he didn't know how to make chicken picata (WTF?). Nicki can only cook pasta and Mark looks like he is doing lines of coke every night. Also, it was great to see Gail Sayers and William Perry on the show last night...they should have brought those guys in as special guest judges. That would have been hilarious!

One complaint about last nights show...if you are going to do a beer challenge then at least use come fucking good beer. Are you kidding me? Michelob is the only person willing to sponsor the show. Fuck, at the least you could have gotten Sam Adams or if you wanted to push the envelope get Dogfish Head or some other kickass craft beer.

Coca-Cola Chili Recipe

In the second installment of the dude dining guide, I am going to weigh in with my own recipe for chili. The sweetness of the coke contrasts very well with the smokiness of the dried ancho chilies.

In a crock pot set on low, add:

1 can Coke
1 can tomato paste
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 can black beans (drained)
2 diced jalapeno peppers (change to habaneros or aji peppers if you like it more spicy)
3 medium tomatoes, sliced in large chunks
1 small sweet onion (vidalia), diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 T red pepper flakes
1 T chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin

fill small saucepan with 2.5 cups of water and 1 T olive oil and add:

3 large ancho chilies destemmed and de-seeded
1/2 clove of garlic

allow to boil for 10 minutes. Add contents of saucepan (including water) to food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add to crock pot.

After 4 hours or so cooking on low, add 1/4 bag of sweet white frozen corn and about 1 pound of cooked and diced sausage. Spicy chorizo sausages seem to give the best results, but hot italian style works also. cook on high for 30 minutes, then serve.

A good traditional side is cornbread. When I make it, I use 2 boxes of the Jiffy mix, add a little less milk than the recipe calls for, but add in a small can of creamed corn and a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, then just bake as directed.

I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don’t know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

Real Foreign Affairs Experience

Its been a few weeks since dudeweekend took Barack Obama into their tender mouths so I guess we're overdue. As loyal readers of dudeweekend (all one of them) will know, we have relentlessly hated on the pantsuited monster for all manner of her bullshit. But the one issue that really sticks in my crawl is this whole recent line of attack that she has more foreign policy experience than Obama owing to her time as first lady. Anyone with half a brain knows this is ridiculous even without Hillary lying to them about snipers and ducking for cover. But lately Barack Obama put his finger on another really important point. He said

"When Senator Clinton brags 'I've met leaders from eighty countries'--I know what those trips are like! I've been on them. You go from the airport to the embassy. There's a group of children who do native dance. You meet with the CIA station chief and the embassy and they give you a briefing. You go take a tour of a plant that [with] the assistance of USAID has started something. And then--you go."

This is exactly right. It reminds me of a dipshit I see at meetings all around DC of assorted Very Important People. He is always shooting his mouth off about "the situation" in Iraq or somesuch, always bragging about what he knows, who he knows, and how he knows it, how his information is much better than yours, because you dont have the "sources" he does. Honest to god, I was at a meeting where he challenged a quite senior defense department official and insinuated that the official was being played because Mr. Dipshit's "sources" in that country had told him something different. This type of crap is why I hate DC.

This type of stinking asshole is actually pretty common in DC. Its the guy who jets into a country, takes a limo past the stinking slums and narrow alleyways, checks in to his 5 star hotel, goes downstairs to the conference center and attends a seminar with assorted government bigwigs (all of whom speak English and wear nice suits), then on the way back up to his hotel room he stops and asks the bellhop "so what do you think about X?" And then the douchebag gets in his limo, goes to the airport, and goes home, where he tells everyone who will listen what the mood on "the street" in said country is.

Which brings me back to Barry O. If youve read his autobiography (and really, there is no excuse if you havent) you'll know that Obama has actually spent time in a foreign country. Not 3 nights in a five star hotel with a post-conference dinner at the attached Ruth's Chris, but living in a sprawling Indonesian suburb, a dusty African capital, or a teeming South Asian metropolis. This is real knowledge of foreign affairs, tangible knowledge of how people think and act in different contexts, based on rationales sunk deep into cultural and social networks. This is the polar opposite of Hillary Clinton and her "knowledge" of foreign affairs, filled as it is with obsequious foreign officials, scheming businessmen, and slick spokesmen, people who have more in common with her philandering husband than they do with their countrymen who work at the fucking noodle stand down the road.

Its this superficial, wishful thinking type of "knowledge" that leads people to argue that "we will, in fact, be greeted as liberators" in Iraq or that Hamas can't be popularly elected because, hey, Mahmoud Abbas and all of his cronies speak English and drink whiskey, and we like them, so obviously the Palestinian people should also. With a few exceptions, this is the knowledge of the Bush Administration. Its the knowledge of McCain and Clinton as well.

DUDE WEEKEND

A camel doesn't change its stripes.

New York Times FAIL

Let's say youre the "Paper of Record," the "Grey Lady," the fabled New York Times. WTF happened where this egregious error slipped past all the editors and proofreaders and into the bolded headline in an above-the-fold feature story. FAIL.

Cloggers McDoggers

If you skipped the Cherry Blossom Festival this past weekend, you missed the Loudoun County Cloggers at the Jefferson Memorial.

WWBJD?

Is this what we have to look forward to when we open the sports page from now on? I have to admit my complete surprise to see ESPN and various newspapers pick up this "story." Is there something wrong with a 24 year old starting quarterback to be hanging out with a bunch of hot 20 year college students? Is there any guy in America that doesn't wish he was in the hot tub over the weekend?

People are being a little naive to think that our athletes are going home every night, taking their dog for a walk, and going to bed. Let's stop pretending that these people are saints and be glad that Leinart wasn't "making it rain" and getting people killed.

I guess we can thank the Facebook and Myspace generation for this joy. Can't wait to see what the future holds...