TV Tuesday: Friday Night Lights

My favorite TV show currently airing is Friday Night Lights (FNL.) A spin-off of the movie by the same name, FNL expands on the characters of the small rural town of Dillon, TX, where football is everything.

Peter Berg was the director of the movie and adapted it for the small screen. One of the things I dig about Peter is that he is a big Redskins fan. One of the shows main characters is a fullback that drinks a lot of beer, lives in a trailer and is named...Riggins. The name of Peter's production company that produces FNL is named 44Productions.

The writing and story lines in FNL are some of the best on TV today. The show is also blessed to have a group of great young actors who are given lots of freedom to ad-lib from the script. One particular actor, Zach Gilford, who plays Matt Saracen had one of the most amazing acting jobs I've seen on TV earlier this season. In an episode entitled "The Son," Matt deals with losing a father he never really knew...and struggles with how he should remember and honor a man he didn't like. Incredible job.



Other great young actors include Taylor Kitsch, Aimee Teegarden and Minka Kelly. The show has a lot of hot chicks pass thru it, which doesn't hurt it's standing with me. Coach Taylor is played by Kyle Chandler, when I hear some of his locker room speeches I want to go out and play.

FNL is currently running its 4th season on DirecTV. It will start airing on NBC in late April. I recommend you tune in to watch and get Seasons 1-3 on DVD to catch up.







Cheers and Hail

Jan 18-19: Happy Bdays

Happy birthday Brady Anderson. Brady played 14 seasons with the Orioles from 1988-2001. An outfielder who wore #9 (and long sideburns,) Brady ranks among the Orioles top ten all-time in nearly every offensive category and appeared in 3 All Star games. Brady came to the Orioles along with Curt Schilling in a trade for Mike Boddicker. Who can forget his 1996 season when he hit 50 bombs? That season he also had 92 extra base hits, drove in 110 and slugged .637! Brady was inducted to the Orioles HOF in 2004 by Cal Ripken, who has called him his “best friend” and “the greatest lead off hitter in Orioles baseball and the best athlete I ever played with.” Brady is still one of only 2 players (Bonds) to both hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. Brady was also the first player in American League history to hit 20 home runs, steal 50 bases and drive in 75 in the same season (1992.) In retirement Brady has become a co-owner in the ABA, had a baby with a Hungarian model and sexted his abs to a chick who worked for TMZ. Happy 46th Mr. Anderson.



Happy birthday Scott McGregor. Scott played his entire 13 season career for the Orioles from 1976-1988. A crafty lefthander who wore #16, Scott won 138 career games, ranking 6th on the O’s all-time list. Scott’s best season came in 1980 when he won 20 games and had a 3.18 ERA. Scott was a great post season pitcher, compiling a 1.63 ERA in 6 starts, including a shutout to clinch the 83’ World Series against the Phillies. Scott retired after the 88’ season with a 3.99 career ERA and 82 complete games. In retirement Scott got into coaching and is currently the pitching coach for the Orioles single A Aberdeen Ironbirds. Happy 56th Mr. McGregor



Happy birthday Rick Krivda. Rick played parts of 3 seasons with the Orioles from 1995-97. Another lefty pitcher who wore #38, Rick had a career record of 9-14 as an Oriole. Rick was a member of the 2000 US Olympic baseball team that won a gold medal. Rick is the only Oriole pitcher that I can claim I got a hit off of. I went 2-3 against him at Cal Ripken’s Fantasy Camp a few years back. In retirement Rick is a General Manager for Extra Innings in Baltimore. Happy 40th Mr. Krivda.



Happy birthday Randy Thomas. Randy just completed his 7th season as a Redskin, a season cut short by a torn triceps. Randy has played well (when healthy) at RG over those 7 seasons. He was signed as a free agent from the Jets back when the Redskins purged the Jets roster in the offseason of 2002-03. Randy has appeared in 82 games for the Redskins during his tenure. Known as a great cook and big eater, Randy knows his way around a grill/kitchen. He also owns a restaurant named RT’s and has taken on professionals in eating contests. Happy 34th Mr. Thomas.



Happy birthday Tony McGee. Tony played 3 seasons for the Redskins from 1982-84’. A defensive end who wore #78, Tony had 21 sacks in his 3 seasons. Tony appeared in 41 games and appeared in 2 Super Bowls, winning 1. For his career Tony played 14 seasons and played 202 games. In retirement Tony has hosted the “Tony McGee Show” and is also an enforcer for the “uniform police.” Happy 61st Mr. McGee



Happy birthday Reggie Brooks. Reggie played 3 seasons for the Redskins from 1993-95. A running back who wore #40, Reggie appeared in 29 games. Reggie was drafted in the 2nd round out of Notre Dame, where he was an All-American. His best season was his rookie campaign in 93’ when he rushed for 1,063 yards and had 1,261 yards from scrimmage. Reggie had a fumbling problem and he quickly got in the dog house after 93’, dropping to 297 yards in his 2nd season then -2 yards in his 3rd. Happy 39th Mr. Brooks.



Happy birthday Derek Smith. Derek played 4 seasons for the Redskins from 1997-2000. Derek wore #50 and was a 3rd round pick out of Arizona State, where he was teammates and friends with Pat Tillman and Jake Plummer. Derek did not miss a game in those 4 seasons, appearing in 64 games at OLB and MLB. Derek amassed 372 tackles, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 INT and 4.5 sacks during his tenure. Derek has not officially retired and has now played 12 seasons in the NFL. Happy 35th Mr. Smith.



Happy birthday Michael Adams. Michael played 4 seasons for the Bullets from 1986-87 & 1991-94. Michael played PG and wore #10. Michael appeared in 281 games for the Bullets, averaging 13.3ppg and 6.6apg. His best season came in his all-star 1991-92 season when he averaged 18.1ppg and 7.6apg. For his career Michael led the league in 3 point attempts 4 times. In retirement Michael got into coaching and is currently an assistant at Maryland. Happy 47th Mr. Adams.



Happy birthday Javale McGee. Javale is playing his 2nd season for the Wizards. A center who wears #34, Javale was a 1st round pick last year out of Nevada. Javale has struggled this season as the rest of the Wizards have. For his career Javale has appeared in 97 games, averaging 5.6ppg and 3.4rpg. Happy 22nd Javale.

Cheers and Hail

Film Friday: Tommy Boy

Better late than never….

For today’s “Film Friday,” brought to you on this fine Saturday, the spotlight is on the movie I named the 4th best comedy of all-time…Tommy Boy.
Easily the best movie of Chris Farley’s short career, Tommy Boy is the kind of movie you talk about with co-workers and the lines from the movie just start flowing. A few (of many) best lines:

“Fat guy in a little coat, fat guy in a little coat”

“Housekeeping, you want mint for your pillow”

“Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were a kid?”

“Richard, who’s your favorite little rascal? Alfalfa…or is it SPANKY?

“I used to grab bear claws as a kid, 2 at a time, and I’d get them lodged in this region here.”



“Richard, do I have a mark on my face? It really hurts. Right here. Not here or here so much. Right here.”

“Do you know where the weight room is?”

“The next thing you know there’s money missing off the dresser and your daughters knocked up.”

“Bees, bees, bees in the car! Bees everywhere! God they’re huge…they’re ripping my flesh off. Run away, your firearms are useless against them.”

“R.T. I lost my virginity to your daughter for crying out loud. Rob, you were there.”

Farley left us far too early, having appeared in only 10 movies (4 as the lead) at the time of his death. Black Sheep, Beverly Hills Ninja and Almost Heroes had their moments, but never came close to the pure gold that was Tommy Boy. His supporting roles in Billy Madison and Dirty Work produced some memorable scenes as well. It’s hard to believe that Chris has been dead going on 13 years. He will live on forever in my life in some of the quotes I listed above. Enjoy these YouTube clips of the great Chris Farley.







Cheers and Hail

NFL Divisional Games: Pickin On The NFL

Last Week:
Straight Up 2-2
Against the spread 3-1



ARI @ NO-7

The Cardinals game last week was like a playing in a game of Madden where you know that the last team that gets the ball is going to win. You don't even want to kick it to the other team after you score. This game will be similar, except I think a couple ugly turnovers (Warner fumble, a Hightower/Wells fumble) will not only mean a Saints win...but also a cover.

NO 33 ARI 24



BAL @ IND -6

I'm in the majority of people that would like to see Indy fall on their faces. Not because they rested their players, I don't have a problem with that and I don't think it's going to affect their play. I didn't like the fact that they threw the ball 5 or 6 straight times to Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, just so each could get to 100 receptions on the year. Now you're saying W's don't matter but stats do. Don't like it. Anyway, none of that matters now...the Colts will win, on a FG by longtime Raven Matt Stover.

IND 23 BAL 20



DAL @ MIN-2.5

I have Dallas winning this game but 2 things have to happen to do so. First, Favre has to play out of the system and make a couple of the stupid throws he tends to make this time of year...I think that happens. Second, I have the game finishing 24-23. The FG by Dallas better come early in the game, because if it's late...Suisham misses it and the Vikings win 23-21.

DAL 24 MIN 23



NYJ @ SDC-7

I hear some folks calling for an upset here, I just can't see it happening. You have an East Coast team with a rookie QB heading to San Diego to play perhaps the best team in the NFL. I will give the Jets the cover, as long as Sanchez's INT's stay below 2.

SD 24 NYJ 20

Cheers and Hail

Jan 14-16: Happy Birthdays

Happy birthday Fred Davis. “Sleepy” or “boozie” just finished his 2nd season as a Redskin. Fred stepped up after Cooley went on IR and finished the season with 48receptions and 6 TD’s. Fred showed improvement in his blocking and ability to gain extra YAC. Fred was the 2007 Mackey Award winner as the nation’s top tight end while at USC, where he was originally recruited to play WR…might explain that YAC stuff. It would appear that the Redskins have a serious offensive weapon if they can utilize Cooley and Fred at the same time…I look forward to seeing that. Happy 24th Mr. Davis.



Happy birthday Stephon Heyer. Stephon just wrapped up his 3rd season as an offensive tackle with the Redskins. Stephon started all 16 games and has appeared in 37 games during his career. Stephon came to the Redskins from Maryland as an undrafted free agent. While at Maryland Stephon appeared in 50 games. Happy 26th Mr. Heyer.



Happy birthday Shawn Barber. Shawn played 4 seasons at outside linebacker for the Redskins from 1998-2001, he wore #59. Shawn came to the Redskins as a 4th round pick out of Richmond University. Shawn appeared in 49 games as a Redskin, accumulating 281tackles, 3 INT’s and 3 sacks. His best season came in 99’ when he appeared in all 16 games for the NFC East Champions and had 148 tackles. Shawn retired after the 2007 season, his 10th in the NFL. In retirement Shawn got into coaching and is the running backs coach at Baker University. Happy 35th Mr. Barber.



Happy birthday Delino Deshields. Delino wore #11 and played 3 seasons for the Orioles from 1999-01. Primarily a second baseman, Delino also played some OF for the Orioles and appeared in 305 games during his O’s tenure, batting .269. Delino’s best season as an Oriole came in 00’ when he batted .296-10-86 and stole 37 (thirty-seven!) bases. Delino retired in 2002 after 13 seasons and 1,548 hits and 463 stolen bases. In retirement Delino founded the Urban Baseball League (with Oil Can Boyd) and got into coaching. In 2009 he was the hitting coach for the Billings Mustangs in the Reds organization. Delino also has a son (Delino Jr.) who is a nationally recruited RB out of Georgia. Happy 41st Mr. Deshields.



Happy birthday Don Maclean. Don wore #34 adn played 3 seasons at forward with the Bullets from 92-95. Don came to the Bullets in exchange for John “Hot Plate” Williams. While at UCLA, Don broke Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s record for career points. As a Bullet Don appeared in 176 games, averaging 12.5ppg and 4.3rpg. His best season came in 93-93 when he averaged 18.2ppg and 6.2rpg and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Don was traded to the Nuggets in 95’ in exchange for Robert Pack. Don retired after the 2000-01 season, a season in which he tested positive for steroids. This led to the famous Charles Barkley quote “I’ve seen Don Maclean naked, he ain’t on steroids.” In retirement Don is an analyst for UCLA basketball games. Happy 40th Mr. Maclean.

Cheers and Hail

Random Thought Thursday: Beer Goggles

Cheers and Hail

24 Hours At The Danny's

Comedian and blog friend Danny Rouhier contributed to this post. Check him out at funnydanny.com


picture via Hogs Haven

There is one sure fire way to know if Jerry Gray officially interviewed to be the head coach of the Redskins…did he spend the night at Dan Snyder’s mansion? Seriously, WTF is up with the sleepover interviews at the Danny’s? What other job in the world do you not only wear a suit to the interview but you also bring your pajamas? I’m not making this up…it’s well documented.

So this has to make one wonder…what goes on in that 24 hour period at Danny’s house? Luckily, I was a fly on the wall during the Shanahan interview and I’m here to report my findings. Here’s a timeline breakdown of what went down.

5pm-6pm The Interview

What interview? Shanahan was hired months ago. So…Dan, Shanny and the man Shanny HIRED…Bruce Allen, spend this time playing the hand slap game, paper/rock/scissors and Call of Duty.

6pm-7pm Dinner

The boys have worked up quite the hunger from all the games so Dan and Shanny dispatch Bruce to get some Johnnie Rockets burgers.

7pm-9pm Film Breakdown

It’s time to start evaluating talent, so Bruce, Dan and Shanny sit down to watch highlights of last years Golden Globes and Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year. Bruce and Shanny butt heads over the use of Ryan Seacrest, Bruce wants more while Shanny wants less. Dan tells Bruce that Shanny has final say…Seacrest OUT!

10pm-11pm Special Guests

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes stop by for a visit. Bruce was a big fan of Dawson’s Creek, so Katie entertains him by acting out old scenes. Tom, Dan and Shanny retreat to the basement for some clay table processing. Kenny Loggins stops by just to sing “Highway to the Danger Zone” for effect.

12am-1am Racquetball

Needing a 4th for a mini round robin tournament, Dan calls “consultant” Vinny Cerrato over to play. So…Vinny walks over to the main house from his apartment over Dan’s garage. Before match play begins Vinny dispenses the one and only piece of valuable “consulting” information he has learned in 10 years on the job…let the boss win.



1am-2am Massage

After calling several classified adds in the City Paper Bruce finds a couple of nice medical students (a blonde and an Italian) to come over and give Dan and Shanny well deserved massages. Bruce advises them to ask for the full service.

2am-4am Bonding

Bruce and Vinny have retreated to the garage apartment and it’s time for the new BFF’s to bond. Shanny originally wanted to go to bed but Dan reminded him that Gibbs worked till 4am. Shanny was pissed so he tea-bagged Danny’s drum set…but the spat was over quickly and the 2 bonded by playing truth or dare, ran a sack race and built a pillow fort. Dan also helped Shanny set up his FaceBook profile. Another spat ended the night when Dan overruled Shanahan again…Dan always gets the top bunk.



4am-8am Sleep/Brainwashing

Shanahan tossed and turned with a case of the Johnny Rockets farts. Dan spent this time brainwashing Shanny into never reading page 14 of his contract (aka the Lavar page,) and always falling in love with every “sexy” pick the Danny likes. He also convinced Shanahan to think he has “total control” even though he never really will.

8am-9am Golf Cart Ride

Bright and early Dan took Shanny on a golf cart ride around the estate. Shanny tried to explain football terminology to Dan but spent 30 minutes going over “trips” and “traps.” Dan drove down to the river to say hello to Bruce and Vinny who were busy cutting down nuisance trees.

9am-11am Cartoons!

Another fight …over the remote control this time. Danny likes old school “Tom & Jerry” and “Thundercats,” while Shanny is more of a “Phineas and Ferb” guy.

11am-12pm Extreme Makeover

Dan’s stylist comes in to hook Shanny up for his big press conference. This process involves only one thing…which of these 1,000 burgundy and gold ties would you like to wear Mr. Shanahan?

12pm-2pm The New Digs

Helicopter ride over to Ashburn where Shanny settles into his new office. The office looks more like a prison wall from where Zorn has been counting down the days using hash marks. Jerry Gray had been “squatting” in the office for several days. While being removed he was heard muttering “they said they would get back to me.”

2pm Ladies & Gentlemen…You’re New Coach



Cheers and Hail

My Redskins Predictions = FAIL

Way back on September 7th, 2009 I wrote a post about my predictions for the upcoming Redskins season. Looking back I have to ask myself one question "what are you smoking?" I did make the comment that I shouldn't post the predictions because I'm very superstitious and by posting them I'm probably going to screw them all up...I should have listened to myself. Here's a look back at the disaster that was "Fatpickle's Fearless Redskins Predictions."


The Redskins will go 10-6 and make the playoffs. This will require a NFC East road win and a west coast road win to do so.

False- They got that west coast road win against the Raiders…unfortunately they didn’t win a NFC East road game…or a home one!

Brian Orakpo will be the NFL Defensive ROY.

False- However, he was an impact player and you could have made the argument that he should have won it.

Andre Woodson will be released from the practice squad by the end of week 4.

False- He made it until late November, but he was still released.

Jeff Garcia will be signed to the active roster.

False- This was a long shot, the Eagles did sign him for a couple weeks.

After a couple of big TD’s early in the season, Malcolm Kelly will get injured and miss the last 8-10 games.

False- he stayed healthy and still hasn’t scored a NFL touchdown.

Devin Thomas will have little impact in the passing game (maybe some on special teams.)

True- Overall he had little impact at WR and showed some promise on kick returns.

Marko Mitchell will catch 30+ balls.

False- I was high on Marko coming out of the pre-season, he didn’t see much action and caught 4 balls.

London Fletcher will make his first Pro Bowl.

False- He played well enough, but got the shaft again.

Carlos Rogers will match or exceed his career total of 5 INT’s this season. He will leave after the season via free agency.

False- The 2nd half could still hopefully come true, as I hope that it will…he caught ZERO interceptions.

Fred Davis will have 1 game this season where he goes off…he’ll then disappear and probably catch fewer passes than Yoder.

False- Fred Davis played well and went off a few times after Cooley went on IR. Props to Yoder for 3 TD’s.

Marcus Mason will see more and more playing time as the year goes on… and he’ll finish with over 250 yards rushing.

True and False- He did see more and more action but finished with only 127 yds rushing.

Clinton Portis will rush for 1000-1200 yards in his last season for the Redskins.

False- If Portis would have stayed healthy he would have found his way to 1,000+ and if my aunt had nuts she’d be my uncle. His return is up in the air.

Also the last season in a Redskin’s uniform for Smoot, Wynn, Griffin, Collins, Betts, Albright, Thomas and Randle El.

TBD- I would welcome back Griffin and Albright.

Zorn will survive this season and be back for 2010.

Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full.

I will drink many beers, jump up and down, yell and scream, throw things and possibly shed tears this season (happy ones.)

True- But this was a given.

Cheers and Hail

TV Tuesday:Dennis Hopper Nike Commercials

Today's TV Tuesday features some of the classic Dennis Hopper Nike commercials. The commercials ran back in the early to mid 90's and featured Dennis as a crazed referee named Stanley who stalked NFL players. They were good then and they're even more awesome now...enjoy.

Sterling Sharpe "choo-choo"



Bruce Smith "bad things"



Junior Seau "footprint"



Barry Sanders "I still see him in my sleep"



Hardy Nickerson "el-dragon"



Michael Irvin "I hear the footsteps"



Troy Aikman "e.s.p."



95 Super Bowl (yes footsteps, football is the greatest)



NFL Playoffs "horse shoes & hand grenades"



Cheers and Hail

Jan 11-13: Happy Birthdays

Happy birthday Terence Morris. Terence played 4 seasons as a power forward for the Maryland Terrapins from 1997-2001. Terence wore #44 and appeared in 136 games averaging 12.7 ppg and 6.8rpg for his career. His best season came in 99-00’ when he averaged 15.8ppg & 8.6rpg. Terence ranks among the Terps top 10 all-time in points, rebounds, games and 3 pointers made. Terence played 3 seasons in the NBA before moving his game overseas where he still plays. Happy 31st Mr. Morris.



Happy birthday Chris Ray. Chris played 4 seasons as a relief pitcher for the Orioles from 2005-2009 (he missed all of 2008 due to Tommy John surgery.) Chris was a 3rd round draft choice out of the College of William and Mary and wore #37 (thirty-seven!) as an Oriole. His best season came in 2006 when he was 4-4 with 33 saves and a 2.73 ERA. Chris struggled in 2007 before blowing out his elbow and to this date has never been the same. He was traded this off-season for Kevin Millwood, a great trade for the Orioles. Happy 28th Mr. Ray.



Happy birthday Tim Hulett. Tim played 6 seasons with the Orioles from 1989-94. Tim was a utility infielder who wore #36 and appeared in 343 games with the Orioles. Tim was the 3rd overall pick in the 1980 draft. His best season came in 93’ when he batted .300-2-23. In retirement Tim has coached the Evangel Eagles high school baseball team to 2 state titles. Happy 30th Mr. Hulett.



Happy birthday Pete Cronan. Pete played 5 seasons for the Redskins from 1981-85. Pete was a linebacker who wore #54. Pete was a special teams standout and was singled out by Joe Gibbs in his Hall of Fame speech. Pete appeared in 40 games as a Redskin and has a Super Bowl ring from the 82’ win. In retirement Pete has done color commentary for Boston College (his alma mater) football games since 1988’. Happy 55th Mr. Cronan.

Cheers and Hail

Music Monday: Elvis

In honor of what would have been his 75th birthday last week, today's "Music Monday" features one of my favorite people of all-time...Elvis Presley. Long after his death, Elvis is still one of the coolest people on the planet.

There's not a lot that I could tell you about Elvis that you haven't heard before. We all know he's the King of Rock and Roll, had about 100 #1 hits and made a lot of crappy movies...crappy movies that are still good. If you're an Elvis fan you may also get the question, do you like young Elvis or fat Elvis better? I love the music from both...but I like the fat Elvis best, he was an original bad ass.

Fat Elvis ate whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted (I have his cookbook, you can have a heart attack looking at it.) Elvis could order up 2 peanut butter, bacon & banana sandwiches with a side of Miss Tennessee. Before Elvis "possies" didn't exist and without Elvis there would be no MTV Cribs...he still has the 2nd most famous and most visited house in the US.

For the clips I give you a couple outtakes of Elvis in his later years and one of my favorite Elvis songs...covered by Pete Yorn.

The greatest part of this clip is the thank you at the end:



"Buried in a beaver"



Suspicious Minds/Happy Bday from Yorn



Cheers and Hail

The Six Degrees Of Fatpickled

Six Degrees of Fatpickled is a weekly rundown of 6 items that I have enjoyed. Make sure you check them out.




Scouts love the Orioles as a "dark horse" team in 2010, me too! (Yahoo Sports)

Joe Theismann talks a lot more than Joe Gibbs...here's the stats to prove it. (Shutdown Corner)

An awesome story of how Benard King once threatened Wes Unseld with a gun. (D.C. Sports Bog)

NFL teams have been making a mockery of the Rooney Rule. (Redskins Insider)

Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly are getting married. (NY Post via Hot Clicks) They can live in their new lovenest when its finished.

Sneak peak at a Doritos Super Bowl commercial, BEER flavored chips! (FWG)

Cheers and Hail

NFL Divisional Games: Pickin On The NFL

Regular Season Stats
Staight Up 171-78 .69%
Against the Spread 107-117 .48%




NYJ @ CIN-2.5

I would like to pick Cincinnati here but I can’t bring myself to do so. If the Bengals could only stop the Jets running game and force Dirty Sanchez to throw the ball, the Bengals win. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Bengals doing that. The bright spot of this game…Gibbs and Theismann working the booth.

NYJ 20 CIN 14



PHI @ DAL-3.5

Conventional wisdom says that it’s very hard to beat a team 3 times in one season. History tells us that the Eagles are a solid playoff team and that the Cowboys, along with Tony Romo, haven’t performed well in January. Well, I’m going against conventional wisdom and history and predicting a Cowboys win.

DAL 24 PHI 20



BAL @ NE-3.5

The Wes Welker injury will cost the Patriots from advancing deep into the playoffs…however I don’t see them losing this game at home where they are 8-0 this season. Flacco has been very up and down this year, I look for Belichick to have a great defensive game plan for him and Rice. Patriots win it on a late FG.

NE 23 BAL 20



GB @ ARI-1

The Packers have been my team of destiny since the beginning of the year and I have had a man crush on Rodgers for 2 seasons now. The Cardinals are banged up and the Packers are playing their best football of the season. Green Bay advances to round 3 with Favre.

GB 27 ARI 21

Cheers and Hail

Film Friday: Beautiful Girls

For my first Film Friday post I am choosing a somewhat obscure movie from 1996, “Beautiful Girls.” If you haven’t seen the movie don’t be afraid by the title…this isn’t no chick flick, it’s a guy movie all the way.

The movie centers around a group of friends re-connecting for their 1st high school reunion. The main character, Willie (Timothy Hutton) is a bar-room piano player living in New York City who returns to his small northern hometown to find out how everything is the same…yet everything is different. The dialogue between Willie and his school buddies is what makes the movie great. Michael Rapaport gives his best performance in this film and Matt Dillon is awesome as well. The scene in the diner with the engagement ring is pure gold. This movie introduced us to Natalie Portman and the movie is so good Rosie O’Donnell is funny. Uma Thurman is super hot in her role as the perfect girl...right below is a great scene when Uma meets the guys.



If you haven’t seen this movie, put it at the top of your Netflix list, go to OnDemand or Redbox or whatever you need to do to watch this movie. The soundtrack is also great, featuring one of my favorite Pete Droge tunes.





Cheers and Hail

2009 Redskins D/ST Report Cards

Defensive Line – B-

The Skins ranked 16th in the NFL against the run…so that’s an ok job. 34 sacks by D-lineman (including Orakpo,) is a far better job than any in recent memory. Whether or not Haynesworth is a bust is up for debate…I say they got exactly what paid for. Haynesworth’s career averages in the 7 seasons prior to this year were 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks…while playing approx. 50% of the snaps. He gave the Redskins 37 tackles and 4 sacks and played approx. 50% of the snaps. I thought Haynesworth played well and is definitely a difference maker. Will the next D-coordinator let him make more plays? And if the next D-coordinator runs a 3-4 defense, how will Haynesworth fit in? Golston and Griffin had decent years. Carter had a career year and deserves credit for playing the last couple games with a torn bicep. Phillip Daniels also deserves credit for playing hurt. Whether Orakpo is a DE or a LB…he’s a badass. I heart Lorenzo Alexander.



Linebacker - B

London Fletcher was jobbed of a Pro Bowl appearance again. He is the rock of the defense and had 142 tackles. Rocky McIntosh had his best year as a Redskin. Orakpo had 11 sacks. Depth is an issue.



Cornerback - C

The Skins ranked 9th overall against the pass, a number I believe to be misleading. The Redskins ranked near the bottom of the NFL with only 11 interceptions. Rogers had zero interceptions and lost his starting job. Hall played o.k., but is not the elite shutdown corner that we paid for. Smoot is declining, if not done. Not sold on Tryon and Barnes couldn’t find his way onto the field. Help wanted.



Safety - C-

I heart Reed Doughty overall, but he struggles in pass coverage…which is better than Landry who just struggles. Horton lost his starting job before an injury ended his season.



Special Teams - C-

The kicking game (Suisham) cost the Redskins 2 wins. Hunter Smith made a couple trick plays work, but his punting was below average and he missed several games with a leg injury. Rock Cartwright is no longer any good at the one thing he was good at…which doesn’t bode well for his future. Thomas may be ok as a kick returner. Randle El is the worst punt returner I have ever seen in my 30 years as a fan of the Redskins. Once again, I heart Lorenzo Alexander. One final thing…swing gate.

Cheers and Hail

Random Thought Thursday: I'm A Man...

...and as a man I am generally thinking about 1 of 3 subjects...beef, beer or breasts. Sometimes, I think about all 3 at the same time. So here's a "couple" quick thoughts on each.

BEEF
I want to pass along my meat marinade. I use this marinade whenever I'm thinking about throwing some tasty steaks on the grill.

Fatpickle's Famous Marinade
(Step 1: Open a beer and drink)

1.5 cups of steak sauce (I like to combine A1, Worcester Sauce, Pickapeppa Sauce and Smith & Wollensky Sauce)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/3 cup Italian dressing or olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup

Combine all the ingredients and mix well. Pour over 2 of your favorite cuts of meat (in a Ziploc bag) and let sit for 2-3 hours in the fridge. Grab another beer. Turn the meat every half hour to coat all sides. Grab more beer as you go.

Grill over medium heat until steak is cooked to your desired taste (I prefer medium rare.) Enjoy with another beer.

BEER

In case you don't know...I like beer. My beer of choice in bulk is Bud Light, but I also enjoy sampling dark beers to taste. Here's a website about beer.

BREASTS

Well I could spend a long time on this subject...but I won't. I do want to pass along this little nugget of information that I read today. I just may live forever.

Cheers and Hail

Redskins Set To Introduce Shanahan

It's January, the most exciting time of the year to be a Redskins fan...too bad none of the excitement takes place on the football field. The Redskins are set to introduce Mike Shanahan (forever to be known here at Fatpickled as "Old Wooden Teeth," at a 2pm press conference as the new head coach and Executive VP (Vinny's old title.) The reports say that Shanahan will have full control of all football decisions. I believe that to be true in the case of Bruce Allen, who was accentually hired by Shanahan...but in Snyder's case I'm not so sure. We also have a war of words between Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis over leadership and work ethic. Never a dull moment in January...wait till free agency opens! More to come later, here's a few links:

Adam Shefter's (Shanahan's BFAM) report on the hiring. (ESPN)

A nice picture of Snyder and Shanahan sealing the deal. (Redskins Blog)

A report on the JC/Portis war of words...btw everything is cool now? (Wapo)

Cooley touched on Portis's work ethic and $1,000,000 gambling debts on Elliot Monday morning (click on the Chris Cooley weekly call red button.) (EITM)

Cooley likes Shanhan hiring and the GM/HC relationship. (Redlasso)

I know Bill Romanowski takes a lot of pills...currently he's taking the Redskins are going to the Super Bowl pill. (D.C. Sports Bog)

Cheers and Hail

Jan 5-6: Happy Birthdays

Happy birthday Gilbert Arenas. Gilbert is playing (hopefully) his 7th season as a Washington Wizard. He is, and has been, my favorite basketball player during that time. Of course my favorite basketball player pulls a gun on his teammate and may find himself suspended for the season, or released outright from his contract…of course this happens with my favorite player. Gilbert needs more than my birthday wishes this year…he needs a good lawyer. Happy 28th Mr. Arenas.



Happy birthday Ryan Minor. Ryan played 3 season for the Orioles from 1998-00. Ryan will forever be known as the man who finally replaced Cal Ripken in the starting lineup for the Orioles. On 9/20/1998 Ryan started at 3B while Cal sat on the bench for the first time in 2,632 games. Ironically, Ryan (the 3B of the future) would play his last game in the majors on Oct. 7, 2001...1 day after Cal’s last game. Ryan’s career was forgettable, he hit only .177 over 142 career games. Ryan was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1996 NBA draft, maybe he chose the wrong sport. In retirement, Ryan got into coaching and is currently the hitting coach for the O’s Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. Happy 36th Mr. Minor.

Cheers and Hail

TV Tuesday: Seinfeld

For the first ever TV Tuesday I think it’s a no-brainer to just go ahead and get Seinfeld out of the way. On many critics list as the greatest show of all-time “yada, yada, yada” the show about nothing was must-see TV back on Thursday nights in the 90’s. The Seinfeld cast recently had a reunion on Curb Your Enthusiasm; I somehow forgot to tune in. I know Curb is supposed to be a funny show, but in the couple times I’ve watched it I just couldn’t get into it.

Seinfeld will go down as one of my all-time favorites TV shows. Kramer was my favorite character, followed closely by George. Elaine and Jerry were funny together and Puddy was awesome. By the way…you can see Puddy playing basically the same character on Rules Of Engagement (a surprisingly decent show.) I could do without Newman. Jerry and George’s parents were awesome and I particularly enjoyed the shows that featured the retirement community in Florida (Kramer running for president, Jerry working out vs. Lloyd Bridges.)

I ultimately believe that Seinfeld ended a couple seasons too soon, the show was in the zone and funnier than ever when it ended its run in 1998. Now, we have reruns available nearly 24 hours a day, so we can relieve all the great memories including the following classics:

“The Contest”
“The Marine Biologist”
“The Soup Nazi”
“The Maestro”
“The Chicken Roaster”
“The Implant”
“The Hamptons”
“The Boyfriend”
“The Abstinence”
“The Comeback”

Every single Kramer entrance, in order!



10 Great Seinfeld moments



George's Top 20 food moments

Cheers and Hail

Boss Hogg

This is a re-post to an article I originally wrote back in October of 2008. Best of luck Buges, you will be missed.



I would like to pay my respects to the greatest NFL position coach of all-time, Joe Bugle. For 31 NFL seasons, Buges has been the mark that all other coaches should be measured by. Whether you are a hall of fame coach, or a rookie coach, you know you'll be better with Buges on your staff.

Buges has been around so long that he coached Romeo Crennel at Western Kentucky 40 years ago! During this time, Buges roomed with a grad assistant by the name of Jerry Glanville in a one bed apartment! After a coin flip, Buges won the bed, forcing Glanville to the floor to sleep on newspapers! I'm laughing at the thought of Jerry sleeping on papers, and leaving Elvis tickets at the W. KTY ticket gate. Buges and Jerry lived off pizza and donuts during this time (who doesn't) because they had no $$ and had a couple players who worked at the pizza and donut shop. Many nights Buges and Jerry would stay up late drawing up plays on one of the pizza boxes. Maybe 50 gut was a specialty pizza!

Did you know that Buges was the O-line coach for Bum Phillip's Oilers in the late 70's? No wonder Earl Campbell had those big holes to run thru! The Oilers defeated the Chargers in the 79 playoffs, a Chargers team who had an O-coordinator by the name of Joe Gibbs.

In 1981 Gibbs and Buges joined forces with the Skins. Soon after, The Hogs were born. Buges took guys that were old, undrafted, and undersized, and made them the meanest, baddest, mfer's in the league.

When Gibbs came back, the only way it would have felt right was with Buges. We got Buges, and we should never let go. I was worried that Buges would ride off into the sunset with Joe, but we are lucky that he stuck around. Zorn is lucky that he has a guy like Buges to lean on. Buges coaches up the young guys, and stands behind the veterans. He is our rock.

So, for the man that was born 68 years ago in Pittsburgh, PA, lets knock this Steeler's team in the mouth! Let's make them bleed! Because I know if Joe could strap on the pads, someone would be bleeding.

Cheers and Hail