Hero Inc.

That’s right baby.  I was able to watch my beloved Atlanta Falcons destroy the San Francisco 49ers this weekend 45 – 10.  Check out NFL.com for game highlights.

This trip to San Francisco was planned about a month ago and the highlight was going to be this game.  I have been to a few different NFL stadiums (Raymond James, Alltel/Jacksonville Municipal, and Superdome) but I have never been in an NFL stadium, other than the Georgia Dome, watching an NFL team play.  I was really excited even though I was informed of the horrible characteristics that were used to describe Candlestick Park.  Horrible neighborhood.  Worst NFL Stadium.  Surly the local SF residents were exaggerating just a bit.

…..Or not.  I must state that Candlestick Park is really one of the worst stadiums I have ever been to or seen.  This includes all sports (baseball, basketball, hockey, etc.).  Sure the area was terrible.  That’s where you build stadiums because the property taxes are low and you have fewer people of “power” to complain about adding a new monstrosity.  But this stadium was/is in need of several improvements.  Heck, you pay a few hundred people and a new coat of paint would improve it drastically.  It worked for the Georgia Dome to go from this to this.

Once inside the stadium it did not get any better.  I believe the seats used inside the stadium are the same rusty seats ripped from any youngster’s early childhood memories of the local sandlot.  I think I could have gotten Hepatitis if I turned the wrong way in my seat.  I also must state that I’m never a fan of combination stadiums (i.e. baseball and football).  They just don’t work effectively in my eyes.

Enough about the stadium.  My pictures speak for themselves.  On to the fans and the game.

The fans were pure 49ers, early 80’s magic.  Walking through the tailgating area made me feel that I was a young punk during the 80’s but without a cool windbreaker jacket.  Maybe it was the throwback jerseys that I saw.  Maybe it was the atmosphere with the old stadium, but I truly felt like I took a step back in time.  I could easily pick out the fans of the dirty birds because they at least looked updated.

The 49ers fans that actually spoke to me (before the game started of course) were really great.  They loved to perform the normal trash talking that was expected.  I even had a group of 49ers fans with a fully eaten chicken bone telling me that this was the way they expected their dirty birds. It’s a shame I couldn’t find them 15 minutes into the game.

Overall, the trip to SF was great because I was able to see May (the true reason for going) and my Falcons truly put together a great game on all sides of the ball.

Go birds and I’ll see you again in Atlanta vs Da Bears.

Welcome back Michael Vick. You are now “partially” reinstated into the NFL.

Ever since Vick’s release and rumored NFL reinstatement, I have wanted to share my views to a wider range of people. When I say “welcome back” I really mean it. I hope Vick takes full advantage of this second chance and that others allow him the second chance that he deserves (that means you PETA). Ray Lewis took full advantage of his second chance and has been the model NFL citizen since that run in with the law.

I am glad that he has been reinstated, but I don’t agree with the “conditional” terms of the arrangement. Vick participated in the legal process and lost. He was found guilty and served his time. For those people to state he should not be allowed back in the NFL are being ridiculous. Not allowing Vick to return is stating that one does not believe in the legal process and rehabilitation. Don’t even begin to convince yourself that the NFL is a privilege. It isn’t. It’s a job. It’s a job that comes with more money than most normal jobs, but it is still a job. Football is something that came natural to Vick and he should be allowed to continue to showcase that skill.

I’ve said it many times to many different people, but Vick would have been better off if he had killed a human being. Yeah I said that. What he did was terrible, but the lengths people are going with their disgust is absolutely ridiculous. I mean, why should this player suffer worse criticism than a Donte Stallworth or Pacman Jones? Donte killed a human being while driving drunk and only sat in jail for 30 days. Is Donte’s incident acceptable because he didn’t lie about it? If that’s the case then that is just as ridiculous. How many people actually followed the aftermath of the Vick case and the lives of the dogs? The dogs were euthanized because no homes were found for them.

As a Falcon fan, I do not want Vick back on my team. I think it is in his best interest as well as the best interest of the team to move forward away from this terrible incident. Returning to the same stomping ground will just remind everyone of what happened and no growth will result. Therefore, I look forward to the market (NFL or UFL, not the CFL) offering Michael a second chance and the opportunity to get his life back together. Vick was an explosive and entertaining player and here’s hoping he can return to form. Good luck Mike.

The 2009 NFL Draft is now in the books.  It was a day of football super hype where we won’t know the true outcome of who was right and who was wrong for another 4 years, but that will never stop us from offering our critique today.

I will of course start this all with “I was right.”  Go back and read my preview and you will see that I stated if Peria Jerry was on the board, then we [Atlanta Falcons] take him regardless.  For those that have known me over the years know that this is a big deal for me to get a pick right.  So therefore, I throw to you my new favorite joke.

Hip! Hip! Peria!  (You pronounce his name as Per-RAY)

Overall, the Falcons draft grade from me is (B+). Here’s the quick summary of the picks thanks to NFL.com.

1. Peria Jerry (Mississippi) – Defensive Tackle, Round 1 Selection 24 ==> The Falcons address their thin defensive line by picking up Jerry. As a hard-working one-gap penetrator, Jerry gives Mike Smith the “3-technique” that he covets in the middle of the defense. Though Jerry’s production in college was a byproduct of an aggressive movement system, he’s a solid player who fits in well with the Falcons.
2. William Moore (Missouri) – Safety, Round 2 Selection 23 (55 Overall) ==> The former Tiger was regarded as a top-tier prospect heading into his senior season until injuries and inconsistency derailed his play. In spite of those flaws, he’s an intriguing prospect with the potential to blossom in the Falcons’ two-deep scheme. His range is above average and he has a knack for coming down with INTs. If he plays to his potential, he’s one of the draft’s biggest sleepers.
3. Christopher Owens (San Jose State) – Cornerback, Round 3 Selection 26 (90 Overall) ==> The Falcons pick up an aggressive corner with good cover skills. Owens loves to challenge receivers with his physical style, and he’ll compete for time as a nickel or dime corner in the Falcons’ sub-package.
4. Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. (Richmond) – Defensive End, Round 4 Selection 25 (125 Overall) ==> Sidbury Jr. played in the Shrine Game and then flew right to the Senior Bowl. He has really good pass-rushing skills and had 37 tackles for loss and 20 sacks in college. He’ll be a situational pass rusher for the Falcons.
5. William Middleton (Furman) – Cornerback, Round 5 Selection 2 (138 Overall) ==> The Falcons continue to stockpile defensive players on the draft’s second day. Middleton gives the team another athletic corner to groom as an eventual nickel or dime defender in their sub-packages.
6. Garrett Reynolds (North Carolina) – Offensive Tackle, Round 5 Selection 20 (156 Overall) ==> The former Tar Heel is a tough, hard-nosed blocker with the size to be an imposing right tackle as a pro. With time, Reynolds could develop into a potential starter.
7. Spencer Adkins (Miami) – Linebacker, Round 6 Selection 3 (176 Overall) ==> Adkins is an undersized linebacker with excellent speed. He’s a very good kick coverage player on special teams. The Falcons can use Adkins to beef up their special teams.
8. Vance Walker (Georgia Tech) – Defensive Tackle, Round 7 Selection 1 (210 Overall ==> Walker had 29 starts in college with 11.5 sacks. He did not have a great Senior Bowl week, but he was struggling with a bum ankle. Walker ran slow at the combine, which is why he fell down the draft. He fits in a four-man front that stunts and is a one-gap guy. He helps the Falcons add depth to what was a depleted defensive tackle position.

Otherwise, here are my quick hit thoughts from the draft.

• Is Oakland trying to create the NFL’s version of the Florida Gators?  Their huge reach in the first round was fueled by speed more than anything else.  Why not take Crabtree who was available instead of going after the 5th best available WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey?  Did his grandfather play in the NFL and that’s who Al Davis thought he was picking?
• Yay, the Jets have a QB.  Now I’ll get to hear about nothing else from Mike & Mike in the morning other than the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.
• If I was an NFL team and the Patriots offered to trade their picks to me, I’d quickly hang up the phone because I would know that whatever I use that pick for would be wrong.  How many more years before the petition the league to remove their requirement for accepting a 1st round pick?  I know of no other team that continues to try to trade further and further down the draft.
• There was no real crier this year because you can’t pick Michael Oher due to his situation/story.  However, Michael Crabtree was as close as you could get.
• Michael Oher has a great story so I’m going to make a terrible joke here and state that I need to start timing the homeless that I see to scout for the best 40 time.

Georgia Players Selected

• Mattew Stafford (QB) – Detroit Lions, Round 1 Selection 1 (1 Overall)
• Knowshon Moreno (RB) – Denver Broncos, Round 1 Selection 12 (12 Overall)
• Mohamed Massaquoi (WR) – Cleveland Browns, Round 2 Selection 18 (50 Overal)
• Asher Allen (CB) – Minnesota Vikings, Round 3 Selection 22 (86 Overall)
• Corey Irvin (DL) – Carolina Panthers, Round 3 Selection 29 (93 Overall)
• Jarius Wynn (DE) – Green Bay Packers, Round 6 Selection 9 (182 Overall)

And if it matters, this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” is Ryan Succop, a kicker from South Carolina.

The end of April is almost here and that means Draft Day baby. This is the day that ushers in the NFL season for me even though we are several months away. I’ll crowd around a TV and watch 4 hours of what some may call boring television in order to discover the newest players and where my Birds will go from here.

Thanks to the amazing season last year, the Falcons pick 24th in this year’s draft. The following bullets are a compilation of several mock drafts I found online about 2 months ago.

Mock Draft, Round 1

• Brandon Pettigrew, TE OSU
• B. J. Raji, NT BC
• Mike Mickens, CB Cinci
• William Moore, S Missouri
• Brian Orakpo, DE Texas
• Louis Delmas, S Western Michigan

Mock Draft, Round 2-End

• Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
• Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
• Michael Hamlin, SS Clemson
• Emanuel Cook, S
• Dorel Scott, DT Clemson
• Chase Coffman, TE Mizzou
• Mark Parson, CB Ohio
• Max Unger, OC Oregon
• Willie VanDeSteeg, DE Minn
• James Casey, TE Rice
• Alex Magee, DE Purdue
• Ramon Foster, OT UT
• Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE Richmond

I’m also throwing in the mock drafts for UGA players.

Mock Draft, Round 1 UGA

• M Stafford, QB Lions (1) or Seahawks (4)
• K Moreno, RB Browns (5) or Bucs (19) or Jets (17) or San Diego (16)

Mock Draft, Round 2-End UGA

• Mo Mass -> Jets or Dallas
• A Allen -> Cardinals or Lions or KC
• Jeremy Lomax -> Baltimore
• Brannan Southerland -> Steelers
• Corey Irvin -> Compensatory Pick

Now with the mocks out of the way, here are my thoughts.

1. First, I know everyone is saying TE for Atlanta, but I don’t know why. Our offensive system does not throw to a TE enough to pay 1st round money to a TE, maybe late rounders but not 1st.
2. The Falcons have several needs on defense but the top of the list is defensive tackle so that is my pick when Mr. Goodell calls for the Falcons.  Of course, if a better athlete is available here, then you draft best available.
3. People talk about the CB situation with the Falcons.  Please understand that is not as big of a hole as people not familiar with the team might think.  Yes, they lost Foxworth, but Houston played well.  Rookie Jackson held his own.  Grimes is small but speedy.  Hutchins returns from a season ending injury.
4. If Peria Jerry is available at 24, then the pick better take less than 1 minute to make.
5. I honestly believe this will be a failed draft for the Falcons.  I’m stating this on nothing more than the fact of how well last year’s draft went and the numerous wins.  I just don’t see lightning striking twice.  This is the Falcons and the back-to-back curse must continue.

Now to end with the pre-Draft awards.

• Best Player in the Draft – Aaron Curry (OLB), Wake Forest => This guy is a freak of nature.  He’s fully ready to start on day 1 and can be a leader in the locker room.  If you have a a defensive hole on your LB line, take him yesterday.
• Most Overrated Player – Matthew Stafford (QB), UGA => I’m a UGA fan, but I’ve never truly been a Stafford fan.  Hearlded as the next big thing for UGA, he never accomplished all he was hyped to win.  Arm strength is nice, but it isn’t everything.  For a QB to be taken within the top 15, he must be prepared to start on day 1 and lead.  I just don’t believe that Stafford is that guy.  If he goes to the Lions, he will fall harder than Carr.  If he goes to a team where he can sit for a year or two, then he will have a better chance in the long run.
• Most Underrated Player – Pat White (QB), West Virginia => The biggest issue here is  where to place him on the field.  Scouts want to convert him to a WR, but he wants to play QB.  He doesn’t have the size but he has the skills.  The question is what team can convince him to sign up for WR but work him into the new hot wildcat offense.
• Most Likely to Cry on Draft Day – Percy Harvin (WR), Florida => I’m not making this pick because of his school of choice, but because of the dumb things since leaving UF.  He amazed the scouts and had many offensive minds thinking of a new, better Reggie Bush explosive player.  Now his outside the lines issues are coming to light and could drop  him farther than he originally was predicted in going.  Percy, you will follow the same footsteps as Matt Lienart. I hope to enjoy the quality television.  If it gets bad enough Percy, you can contact Andre Smith and discover you weren’t the biggest loser on Draft day.

I’ll post again after the draft to list all of the new Falcons as well as where my UGA Alumni are headed.   Draft coverage begins at noon and the 1st round starts at 4PM (not sure why this late other than to  keep the west coast people quiet).

I don’t really have enough for a complete post about anything important but over the past few weeks there have been several items that I’d like to spill my thoughts and ideas around. That’s right. This is one of those I don’t care enough to devote full time so you are getting my halfhearted approach.  Welcome to the hodgepodge.

• Alex Rodriguez is on steroids?  Really?  The savior of baseball?  The one that was to make all of the records right and legit.  Well, he is now just another cheater.  I wonder if he is actually upset at what he did or the fact that his name was released.  I mean, you can’t state that you never did steroids and then be exposed for telling a lie.  It just won’t work out well when you ask us to believe you when you state you are no longer taking them.  He’s a cheater to me and if I actually attended games I’d boo him.
• The World Baseball Classic is coming up and the world doesn’t care.  I’m starting to notice a trend with these world athletic events.  It seems that the athletes or owners are pushing to not let the players participate.  You don’t see this same concept with the World Cup.  The players will play regardless and the world wants them to play.  Is there a higher sense of honor in the world cup?  Why don’t the other sports show it?
• I’m a fan of Lost and 24, but Burn Notice is the show that really gets me excited each week.  When its Thursday, I have a smile on my face.  Not because it is almost the weekend.  It’s because that Michael, Sam, and Fie are about to kick butt.  Everyone I’ve suggested the show to has really enjoyed it.  It’s Spy + Equalizer + A-Team.
• I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again.  Heroes is not a good show.  Yes, I watch it, but it isn’t that great.  The stories are terrible and never really conclude.  The writing can’t develop characters and now there are too many.  The first season was good but only had 2 great episodes (“Company Man” and “Five Years Gone“).
• Free Agency starts tonight at 12:01AM for the NFL.  I don’t expect big things out of the Falcons, but I could see us going after lesser Free Agents.  Derrick Brooks’ name was thrown out today which I like in ways but you can’t pick up a huge rival such as this while you are dropping your loyal player (Keith Brooking).  Instead how about we get Jermaine Phillips?  I’m always a fan of more Georgia players on my dirty birds.
• I love it when the “good” NFL combine stories are released.  Especially the ones where a kicker beats the other players in the workouts.  A kicker who benches 225 lbs 25 times?  More than his USC LB teammate?
• I’ve recently purchase cymbals for Rock Band 2 and I must say that it dramatically increases the amount of fun one can have playing rock’s greatest tunes.  I’m barely moving into the area of “Hard”, but there are a few songs that I really feel like I’m a fake rocker.
• All this talk about a new stimulus plan reminds me of the following Ducktales Inflation lesson.  I’m just glad we are passing on debt further to our children.  That just means I don’t have to pay for this mess.
• Yes, the US and the world is in bad shape due to the economy.  We all know it.  All of our investments are dropping.  It’s terrible.  Let’s get over it and begin to move forward.  We can’t fix what most of us caused so we need to begin turning over a new leaf.  No more living outside of one’s means.  Change people.  Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you no matter what John Mayer tells you.
• Watchmen comes out next week and I’m looking forward to it.  Not because it is another heroes movie.  I’ve read this graphic novel and it blew my mind.  When I started it, I didn’t think much of it other than the writing was quite good.  It wasn’t until I reached the end that I truly realized how good it really was.  Take it how you want, but I will be upset if there is not fully frontal male nudity in this movie (it actually has a purpose here).  Wow, I can’t believe I just typed that.
• Reese’s Easter Egg time is upon us.  It is now time to begin hoarding for the winter.  If you go to a store and they are out, you know where to find me.

Yes there is a delay on this post, but after a loss, I’m generally not a happy individual.  I am in a bad mood and usually vow to never watch a game again with whoever is with me (sorry for those that had to hear that from me this weekend).  In order to close out the season right, I’d like to pass on the following playoff review as well as what I’ll be looking for in the offseason.

There are many things to take away from the playoff game (Falcons 24, Cardinals 30).  These things can be both on the field and off the field as well as listed below here for your reading pleasure.  Here are my quick thoughts that I had during the game.

• The Cardinals stadium looks like it is inflatable
• Why do we get stuck with Cris Colinsworth?  He’s terrible.
• Larry Fitzgerald is amazing
• Is it just me or do the Cardinals have Ryan’s snap count figured out?  Maybe the Falcons will have that fixed in the second half.
• I’ve said it once and I will say it again:  The Van Gorder defense only works if you get to the QB.  We keep getting so close but not close enough.
• We just can’t win the field position battle.  Are we just trying to make our team go 90+ yards to score?
• Why does Roddy catch semi-difficult catches but can’t seem to bring in the ones when he is wide open and alone down the field?
• All year I have heard we need to get Norwood the ball more.  He is an impact and needs to be given the ball.  Did we forget this thought or just felt that Turner would eventually break through.
• Roddy don’t just stare at passes that are coming up short for you.  Become a defender and knock it away from the defense.
• I believe Michael Jenkins is still on this team.
• All season we have wanted a pass catching TE.  Marcus Pollard just now appears in this game?
• The media will state that Ryan ended up looking like a rookie in this game, but Sam Baker is the one looking the most like a rookie as he is getting blown up on the line.
• NFL, please stop coddling the QBs.  If a QB is wrapped up and still moving around, let play continue.  Don’t whistle the play dead because he might actually still be able to get the ball away.  The QB should be smart enough to weigh injuries vs additional penalties for certain decisions.
• Is it possible to have an onside kick after a safety?  I know many will scream at me for this move since you are already in terrible field position, but is it actually possible?  Or does the punt not have the same properties and rules as a kickoff?
• Keith!!!  We all knew it was going to be play action.  We all saw it coming but you and your veteran abilities did not.  Ahh!!!!!

The season has ended for the Falcons, but it is just beginning of looking towards the process for next year.  Here’s my quick guide for what I’d like to see this off season (draft, free agent) as well as next season.

• Last season we went out and spent for Turner and it paid off many times over.  However, I don’t really see any “big names” in this offseason that we should spend the money to get.  If anything we should pick up the quiet guys like we did last year with Coleman and Foxworth.
• On the defensive side of the ball, we need to look to fill Safety, OLB, DT, and CB.
• On the offensive side of the ball, we need to look to fill OL and TE (Pass catching)
• Keith should become more leader than player.  Teach the younger guys.  I don’t want to see Keith leave because he is always a Falcon and Georgia guy.  Let him stay here and end his career.
• Next season create more offensive plays around Norwood.  I see him as a Brian Westbrook style back that would excel best in screens and quick pass situations.
• To follow up offensive rookie of the year, let’s see if Thomas and Smitty can pick the defensive rookie of the year.
• A Pro Bowl for Koheonen in 09.  He had a pro bowl style season in Atlanta, but no one votes for punters often unless you are in the NFC East.
• Can we finally end the 43 year drought and finally get back to back winning seasons?

The process is complete.  It is now time to stay the course of action…

Another year is down and I’m just a little bit older.  With 2009 here and now, we take a quick look back across the board on the year that was 2008.

Music

I picked up several great CDs over the course of the year, but there has to be one that is a cut above the rest.  When I opened up Amarok to see which albums were listed for this year, I quickly and easily knew the answer.

Winner		Feed The Animals by Girl Talk This CD is a mix of everything you have heard and nothing you have ever heard. I’ve tried the other Girl Talk albums, but this one is where Girl Talk really found the right formula. The songs move from one to the next as a seamless transition. The album takes you back across your life as you pick out all of the songs used to make the mix. I’m personally a fan of “Hands In The Air” and “Play Your Part (Pt. 1)”.
Honorable Mention		Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings by Counting Crows Let me start by saying James is going to kill me for giving this Honorable Mention. I guess I better now shy away from Bama jokes. Anyway, Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings is easiest to describe as an infusion of “August and Everything After” and “Recovering The Satellites”. Not really sure why I would review this item again, but “When I Dream of Michelangelo” and “Come Around” still top my list for great songs on this album. The more I have heard “Come Around” on the radio the more it has become a CC mainstay for me.

Movies

2008 was the year of hype and that usually leads to disappointment, but it seems that for once the hype was for real and we were all happy to fork over our 10+ dollars.

Winner		The Dark Knight TDK led the reviews for the year (both critic and consumer). The hype was a fear factor in my eyes but this movie went above and beyond so many other “comic book” movies that it stands as simply a great movie. I’m not sure I can say much more for Batman and the Clown Prince of Gotham.
Honorable Mention		Hellboy II and Iron Man The poster may be of Hellboy II but that is simply because I don’t believe it received as much praise as Iron Man did. Hellboy II was much better than the first despite any rumors you might have heard. Iron Man was great as well even if it included Gwyneth. Hellboy II may be ending its franchise (or it looks that way) but Iron Man is only the beginning (Iron Man 2 and Avengers already in the works). However, like I said before, TDK raised the bar significantly.

Television
Heroes. 30 Rock. ER (The final season). Fringe. The Simpsons.

There were many great episodes but I’m not certain if there were any great seasons. I’ve fallen behind on my Heroes watching but it did seem to pick up as I watched more. I will still state that Heroes is not a great show but a good show. I enjoy its theme (everyday people with powers), but I know it can only have a great episode here and there.

The Simpsons has had an amazing run, but I know that it needs to come to an end.  The family has performed every action and every job known to man.  It is starting to hit the moment where it is trying to tell the same story again in a different way (with bad results).  I have a new idea though that I believe everyone can enjoy.  The Simpsons should end after this season, but become a new generation’s Charlie Brown.  Only produce the Halloween special yearly.  It is the highest rated episode and usually the best one regardless of the season.

Sports
My sports story of the year is another no shocker. Anyone who has seen me over the last few months knows that I live, eat and breath my Atlanta Falcons. The playoffs are here and I’m already pumped. My pro team is playing with passion and as a team. Not only are we a great story but an even better team. When this season is over I’ll have nothing to do until the NFL Draft returns. I mean, no other sport is worth my time after football.

Several months ago, I was looked down on due to my reinvestment in my Atlanta Falcons for another year of season tickets. My team was down with a 4-12 record and a new season was set to begin with a rookie coach and rookie Quarterback that not many fans wanted. Could this franchise lift its head again after the debacle of the previous season? I won’t even begin to vent my frustration over the coach who shall not be named. As far as I’m concerned the Falcons had a year off last year to pursue other options.

With those months behind me, I’m now looking down on people for their poor investments in this economy and I’m holding my head high as I head into the final week of the NFL season. With a 10-5 record, my falcons are playoff bound (thanks to a thrilling victory over the Vikings) and have the potential to take hold of the #2 spot and win the NFC South (based on a win over the Rams and a Panther loss at New Orleans).

I’ve already received wonderful calls and messages from many friends, family members, and the Falcons organization. This is just part of the process that we will use to continue moving towards the ultimate goal during the playoffs.

Playoffs Baby!!!!

This season has been filled with many great surprises thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, but the latest email they sent me definitely raises the bar. This was just classic.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

The acting might need some work but I was highly entertained.  Go Birds!!!!

Say what you want about my love for wrestling during the 90s (and some 2000s), but I’m not ashamed to say that I am looking forward to Darren Aronofsky’s (Pi, Requiem for a Dream, Fountain) next movie with Mickey Rourke (Sin City).  The Wrestler is exactly what it sounds like it is about and I can’t wait for it.

The trailer does not show some of Aronofsky’s normal quick cuts/edits which makes me think he might be trying to stick to his characters more this time or the studio thinks Mr. Rourke has a shot at a few awards.  Whatever, the case may be, I know where I’ll be on January 16th.