"Best of" Junk Drawer 11/30/09

best JD of the year was the ironic titles JD.

i haven’t seen too many movies this year, but the best for me was Star Trek (mainstream) and 500 Days of Summer (indie).

goes to Starvin Marvin. Despite 13 years of experience, he still manages to lose to recreational bowlers such as Prez, Xman, a 14 year old girl, and myself.

Best Album of the Decade/Year: Ron Artest’s rap CD.

Best Movie of the Decade/Year: Kazaam!

Best Video Game of the Decade/Year (I got my hands on my brother’s PS3 and I really like Bioshock): NBA Jam

Best Sports Highlight of the Year: Greg Oden pwns Yao Ming

Best Game (Blazer or other) of the Year: Blazers blow out Chicago by 40 last year.

Best Blazers Edge post (main page, sidebar): jscot’s “”http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/8/26/601427/the-dunk-heard-round-the-w" target="new">Dunk Heard Round the World"

Best Album of the Decade/Year – goes to Trey Songz ‘Ready’

For Stanford: Landry Fields has really become a good player. If he’d been this confident and aggressive early in his career, he could have really helped the Lopez brothers. Jeremy Green is their 2nd best player. The bigs are all slow and mechanical. Stanford will win a few games in the pac-10— largely because the conference is so down— but is still a candidate to finish last. How they took Kentucky to OT, I have no idea.

For Portland State: I was really impressed with Jamie Jones. Nice poise on the block and a sweet lefty hook shot. Phil Nelson is talented but kind of lazy and settles for too many threes. Dominic Waters is a pretty good PG with a mean streak— gave a forearm shiver to one of Stanford’s big stiffs and got away with it. Those 3 would all see significant minutes in Stanford’s rotation. Despite the slow start, this team should do well in the Big Sky, though Montana looks good after beating UO and almost beating UW. I don’t think PSU will go to their 3rd straight tourney, but its possible. UP is still the best D1 team in Oregon.

Best Movie of the Year

Star Trek

Best Video Game of the Decade/Year

MW1

Best Blazer Highlight of the Year

BRoy buzzer vs Knicks

Best Game (Blazer) of the Year

Destroying Lakers / Ariza hard foul

Best Blazers Edge post (main page, sidebar)

Disaster!

some nominees(according to what i have seen) for best movie of ’09: inglorious basterds, star trek, drag me to hell, district 9, extract

and i would like to add the category worst movies of ’09/decade: transformers 2

That was a surreal train ride. I received score updates from ESPN, and as I checked there were a bunch of final scores.

First:

MIN 106 DEN 100

Uh WHAT?

SAC 112 NO 96 – NO:West – 24 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast SAC: Rodriguez – 24 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast.

Bizarro world.

Bayless’ blog was actually really, really good.

He’s a good kid.

The best movie of the 2000s was Requiem for a Dream.

anyone seen law abiding citizen? it any good?

Queensland Teachers Journal, October, 1963

A VISIT TO THE U.S.S.R.

Many months ago, teachers in Queensland were informed through circulars and advertisements that an Education Tour of the U.S.S.R. was available to anyone prepared to raise the necessary £625. The writer of this article was one of three Queensland teachers who joined the tour. He devoted most of the trip to investigation of educational establishments, but had also ample opportunity to observe the people of the Soviet Union at work and at play. Since his return he has addressed numerous organisations and societies on his experiences. Interest shown by teachers has prompted this article…
Perhaps the most frequently asked question I have been asked is: “Why did you choose the U.S.S.R. as a place to visit?”

Firstly, there was the opportunity to enjoy an interesting and comparatively cheap vacation made all the more attractive by the lure of “Foreign travel”.
Secondly, any mention of the Soviet Union usually arouses heated argument and discussion. Most of us have at some time listened to the most conflicting and contradicting views on Communism and the U.S.S.R. Understandably then, Russia has become for most people “the enigma of the twentieth century”. What more natural than to wish to see it for myself?
Thirdly, public utterances by such eminent figures as Professor Messel, contrasting a disquieting state of affairs in education on the Australian scene with the great advances made in Soviet education, had become too frequent to ignore.
Lastly: When the first Russian Sputnik went into orbit some years ago, not a little consternation prevailed in the United States. Why was the U.S.A., hitherto the acknowledged leader of nations, not the first to achieve such a scientific and technological triumph? In an attempt to answer this question, a commission of inquiry was set up. After lengthy investigation, the chairman announced the committee’s findings: Soviet education had outstripped education in the United States. It was difficult to believe that a country which a bare forty years before was a sixth-rate nation with 60-70 percent. Illiteracy, and which has suffered untold devastation from civil war and the foreign invasions of World War II, could have developed, in such an historically brief period an educational system that was in advance of that of the wealthiest country on Earth. Could it be true? If so, how had it been achieved? I thought I might be able to find the answers.

As I had no first-hand knowledge of Education in the U.S.A., I limited my aim to finding the answer to three basic questions:-
(1) Is Soviet education superior to Australian education?
(2) If so, in what ways is it superior, and
(3) Why is it superior?

Fourteen Australians, twelve of whom were directly connected with education, took part in the tour. They represented a wide range of teaching activities in five Australian States: A kindergarten teacher, primary school teachers, a librarian from a denominational school, head teachers, and Education Guidance officer, teachers from secondary and technical departments, and the Principal of a Teachers’ training College.

The tour was arranged to coincide with the Australian mid-summer school vacations. All travel was by plane. Twenty-eight days were spent in the Soviet Union, as well as several days in India, Thailand, and Honkong. In the Soviet Union, the tour took us through four Republics and six cities: Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan in Central Asia; Tbilisi (Tiflis) in the Caucasian Republic of Georgia; Sochi, a holiday and health resort on the Black Sea; Kiev in the Ukraine; Moscow, the Capital of the Soviet Union; and the Baltic port and city of Leningrad. Due to the severe winter conditions (sub-zero temperatures prevailed in the north) and to the limiting time factor, our investigations were confined almost wholly to the urban areas.

Our tour of the southern regions of the Soviet Union occurred during the New Year holiday period, when most educational institutions were closed. However, our time was profitably spent in talks with officials from Universities, Training Colleges, Ministries of Education, and the Teachers’ Union. Many of these people interrupted their vacation in order to greet us and answer our questions. In Moscow and Leningrad we visited numerous educational establishments where we were able to watch students and pupils at work. At all times our questions were answered willingly and in detail.

One can express only the highest praise for Intourist (The Soviet Tourist Bureau). Accommodation was first-class and the tour, the first of its kind from Australia, proceeded with scarcely a hitch. Two highly skilled interpreters were attached permanently to our group. Charming, poised, yet refreshingly natural, with a sound University education and experience of foreign travel, these lasses smoothed the way for us and helped to make our visit a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Although organised to include visits to a large number of varied institutions, the itinerary provided ample free time. Those of us who had some knowledge of the language enjoyed ourselves immensely, wandering off by ourselves for hours at a time, seeing how the people lived, making new friends and (of course) getting lost. Everywhere I found the citizens friendly, courteous and hospitable, eager to ask questions about Australia and always willing to speak about their own country and its achievements.

To be seen in proper perspective, any discourse on Soviet education must be viewed against the broader background of historical origins and everyday activity. History, I shall leave to the text-books, but, in view of contradictory reports about life in the Soviet Union, I feel impelled to devote some paragraphs to this aspect.

Throughout the tour, our party was accommodated in de luxe suites. We were fortunate I suppose, that it was the off-season for tourists, and the best accommodation was easily available. I particular, I recall one suite that which boasted a grand piano and original oil paintings.

Soviet hotels have often been described by English visitors as very Victorian. I think a more accurate description would be that they are typically Russian â€" a style that has rejected much of the modern streamlining, aseptic simplicity and strictly functional styles so much in vogue in the West. However, I was told that many of the new hotels now under construction will incorporate more of the features usually associated with Western Europe.

In Australia we are still comparatively free of the pernicious practice of tipping (Editor: this remains true in 2008). For us, India, Bangkok and Hongkong were distressing places, for there tipping was universal. In the Soviet Union we felt more at home. No one demanded or expected a tip. Had we offered tips, it is possible that they may have been accepted, but we did not want to risk offending anyone, for Russians, we were told, will generally refuse to accept tips. I saw only one example of tipping â€" at the National Hotel in Moscow. Tourists have been blamed for introducing the practice in some places.

It is not generally realised that Moscow and Leningrad are popular with tourists. In the summer of 1961, half a million visitors passed through Moscow alone. Sochi on the Black Sea includes 50,000 foreigners in its annual influx on one million holiday-makers. Magnificent tourist vessels ply between the Black Sea and Mediterranean ports.

The military were seldom in evidence. During the New Year holidays we saw Red Army men travelling on leave. They were more noticeable in the southern border regions than in the north.

I did not envy the lot of the policemen (they call them “militia”). Traffic is well regulated and well-behaved, but the pedestrians seem determined to make the life of the policemen a misery. I have seen them swarm across a busy street, regardless of the lights or the harassed policemen who was reduced to blowing futilely on his whistle. Urgent blasts on the police whistle are the commonest sounds to be heard in the streets. Also, the powers of the militia are evidently so severely restricted that they seem to act largely as counsellors or peace-makers. I witnessed two “incidents”, but in each case, the policeman spent so much time patiently trying to persuade the recalcitrant to calm down and go on his way quietly, that I had to move on before finding out just how the episode ended.

Exciting Theatre:
The disadvantages of winter were more than compensated for by the fact that it was also the theatre season. I think I shall always associate the Soviet Union with exciting theatre. Houses are always packed and it is necessary to reserve seats. This can be done in hotels, at booths in shops and on the streets, and at the theatres themselves. As all theatres are generously subsidised by the State, prices are moderate. At the Bolshoi in Moscow, the best seats were A35/- while admission to “the gods” cost approximately 7/-. Evening performances start usually at 6 p.m. and may last for four hours or more. In the intervals which are long and leisurely the crowds visit the refreshment rooms or, in true Continental fashion, promenade the maze of corridors and ancillary halls.

Children are conspicuous by their absence from the night life of Soviet cities. Most theatres will not admit children to the evening performances. Young people attend either children’s theatres or special matinee performances. I was present at a children’s matinee in Tbilisi. It was the ballet “Sleeping Beauty” performed by a huge cast which included famous Russian and Georgian dancers, Except for a sprinkling of adults, the audience consisted of children.

It was in Tbilisi, too, that I saw for the first time animals on stage during ballet and opera. It was exciting to see a magnificent white charger prance onto the stage with its rider. I sat anxiously on the edge of my chair in full expectation of seeing the creature leap the orchestra pit into the audience.

Here, too, we saw a moving performance of Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly”. But for me the most exciting theatrical experience was the performance of the Soviet Ballet “Laurencia”. If shown abroad, it would, I am sure, create a sensation. It is sad to realise that there is no possibility yet of seeing such performances in Australia while our theatres are so small and ill-equipped.

Auditoria are, for the most part, fairly intimate, seldom seating more than 2,000. One exception is a remarkable building inside the Moscow Kremlin. This is the Palace of Congresses, a modern structure of glass and steel, with a seating capacity of 6,000. Though primarily intended as the name implies, as its name implies, for scientific and political congresses, the magnificent building is given over, for most of the year, to opera and ballet.

Theatres change their performances several times weekly, and as every large city has a number of such theatres, there is always a wide variety of entertainment both during the day and at night (Sundays included): Opera, ballet, variety, musicals, concerts, recitals, puppetry drama, and for the young at heart, a permanent circus.

Sitting at 12-5, in theory there shouldn’t be much to complain about. In theory. But among those 17 games played, only five – home against Utah and the Lakers, on the road against Portland, Miami and Atlanta – were against teams that actually scare anyone in the NBA, and including Miami in that fivesome is a stretch.

So who were the culprits for tonight’s embarrassing home defeat? In no particular order, allow me…
…head coach George Karl Nate McMillan for waiting until the five or so minute mark remaining in the game to demand that his team start playing harder and turn up the pressure on the Wolves (according to Altitude’s Maya Starks).
…Carmelo Anthony Brandon Roy, for continuing his El Matador-style defense for the second game in a row turning Ryan Gomes into an All-Star while getting to the free throw line for a mere five attempts.
…Chauncey Billups Andre Miller, for continually chucking three’s even though he made just 25% of them tonight and finished a ghastly 2-13 overall (and yes, I know I claimed Chauncey’s shot was back after the Knicks game…shows you what I know).
…Chris Andersen LaMarcus Aldridge for remaining grounded as teams take it right at him inside with no fear whatsoever.

hehe

Movie of the Decade — City of God

Video Game of the Decade — tie between Metal Gear Solid 4/Fallout 3/GTA San Andreas

Album of the Decade — pick ‘em between Kid A, the Moon and Antarctica, Elephant, College Dropout. I’d be tempted to put Marshall Mathers LP or a Lupe album up here too…

Sports Highlights of the Decade — Phelps and Bolt in the 2008 Olympics. Tiger winning 2008 US Open on essentially one leg including that crazy putt to force extra holes. Vince Young’s game winning TD on 4th and 6 to beat USC in one of, if not the, best college football games ever. Federer vs. Nadal 08 Wimbledon. George Mason advancing to the Final Four, beating UConn in one of the craziest Elite 8 games I have ever seen. The Giants beating the undefeated Patriots in the 2008 Super Bowl (although there might be better Super Bowl moments than that). 2002 (Miami vs Ohio State) and 2007 (or whichever one was Boise State vs Oklahoma) Fiesta Bowls.

Sports Lowlights of the Decade — “Practice?!?!?!” Pacers vs. Pistons vs. Fans brawl. “I wanna kiss you,” said by drunk Joe Namath. Zidane’s headbutt. Lakers’ 3 peat from 00-02.

i can’t sleep. my roommate is snoring. what should i do?

The best movie of 2009 was Funny People.

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-woods-accident&prov=ap&type=lgns

http://www.thetoyzone.com/2009/blog/10-awesome-sleeping-bags/

I like sleeping bags

to land Devin Harris?

He’s having a down year so far, and he can’t be happy with the NJ situation. NJ fans on NetsDaily are grumbling about Harris possibly wanting out because their situation sucks, but there’s nothing concrete there. Harris isn’t the kind of guy to raise much of a stink publicly, anyway.

That said, both Rod Thorn and Kiki usually like to rip teams off in any deals they pull off, and seem to be interested in building around Lopez/ FA acquisition/ Harris/ and lotto pick. I wonder if we can make them think otherwise. Give them even more ca proom to entice their free agents this summer.

Who holds the distiction of being the final draft pick in Seattle SuperSonics history? (Clue: He’s Russian.)

You constantly think “wait, that’s that comedienne???”

He’s playing very nice in the D-League. Shaking my head, that’s the guy we had in pre-season camp. If he turns out great in Philly, that would be yet another PG we let slip :)

And this is what you guys do to the Balzers? What the heck? You are all so irresponsible. Who is going to clean this mess up?