Analogies Gone Wild! Simmons does the Oscars.

by Rand on Mar 11, 2009 12:24 PM CDT Comment 63 comments

I read Bill Simmons sometimes. I'll thank you not to judge me. Sure, he's no kind of legitimate expert, but he's sorta the Jon Stewart of sports journalism: a hack, but with something to say, and with occasional insights that are worth hearing even if they're hardly original.

In the latest ESPN Magazine, Simmons collected a paycheck for an article that loosely applies sporting statistics to the judging of actors. He came to the conclusion that Meryl Streep is the greatest actor/actress working today. I like his arguments, they just happen to be completely wrong. Here's my take on the subject:

via www.wildaboutmovies.com

The first step in brokering a lasting peace between PTR and photographic images of female human beings

Streep's good. Damn good. But is she really The Greatest, the winningest of the winners? In the world of acting, the Oscar is like the NBA regular-season MVP award. It gets you in magazines, but what does it really mean? The MVP hasn't ended up winning a ring since Duncan in 02-03. And Oscars do not the 'best actor' make.

Meryl Streep is the acting equivalent of Steve Nash - beloved, respected, and a repeat award-winner. How many Streep movies are on your all-time list? 'Doubt' was superb, 'Death Becomes Her' and 'She-Devil' were wildly underrated (why did she forget that she does comedy?), and 'Kramer vs. Kramer', 'Sophie's Choice', and 'Out of Africa' are all on somebody's list of top films. Probably not yours. How many of those flicks do you DVR?

Here's another list for you: 'Star Wars', 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'The Return of the Jedi', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', 'The Temple of Doom', 'The Last Crusade', 'Blade Runner', 'Witness', 'The Fugitive', and 'American Graffiti'.

Nobody stacks up to Harrison Ford in terms of the indisputable pantheon gems on his resume. On a gut level you appreciate every single one of those movies more than anything Meryl Streep ever did in her life. And that's okay. Ford is like Manu Ginobili - nobody's ever going to sing the praises of his surgical passing, effortless stroke, or long flowing locks. All he does is go out there and beat people. And even after his recent crimes against humanity, Ford will still take Streep off the dribble on the best day she ever lived.

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nice

who are you who can summon fire without flint or tinder? there are some who call me ... tim.

Awesome. If I was the kind of guy who posted a signature line, this would be it from now on. -SiMA

by ptruser on Mar 11, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

Very nice

by Big50 on Mar 11, 2009 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The worst part of his article was the very end, when he argues that it doesn’t matter that top athletes used steroids.

by 4Him on Mar 11, 2009 2:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I especially hated that his argument was not supported at all.

“Now that I’ve gone on and on about rating actors, I’m going to conclude this breifly by saying that since great actors are memorable, then memorable athletes are great even if they cheated.”

by tandyman on Mar 11, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with you.

You’re making the same mistake that many typical movie watchers make. You’re equating an actor’s performance with the success or popularity of the film. This is a flawed way of thinking when you’re watching a film. There are 1000 different moving parts that make a film. At any moment, one or more of these parts can fail and take the entire film with it. Story, script, talent, budget, producer, director, cinematographer, set design, audio mixing, editing are only naming a few. An actor can only worry about their individual performance and it’s only fair to judge them on their individual performance; not on how many people have the dvd on their shelf or on their DVR.

Meryl Streep is one of the greatest actors of our time. Her range in her movie roles is equivalent to Dwight Howard’s hops and the choices she makes when acting are similar to Jordan driving the lane. She brings her A game on every performance and holds nothing back. Daniel Day Lewis is also in this elite company of actors. When it’s game time, these actors fucking bring it every time. This is why they are so highly revered by their peers. Remember, judge an actor solely by their performance, not by how much you enjoyed the film.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 11, 2009 2:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

High five. We need to get our heads together and write a post equating famous actors and actresses to their counterpart NBA players. Manu = Ed Norton?

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by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can get behind that. Manu’s game reminds me of Heath Ledger’s performance in Batman. Crazy, off the cuff, risky, terrifying, and absolutely brilliant.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 11, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Typical movie watchers” forsooth.

First off, would you say that Robert Horry is a vastly superior baller to Michael Jordan, just because he has many more rings? ‘Course not, and neither would I – that’s why I left ‘Apocalypse Now’ and others off Ford’s list-o-greatness. It’s not enough to be part of something great, you have to be a significant part of what makes it great. But can you honestly tell me that Harrison Ford was not an integral contributor to every single one of the movies I did list? No. You can’t.

As for referencing the “success or popularity” of the films, this is the last refuge of a snob: tarring a piece of art with the taint of commercial success. Nuh-uh. Every one of those films is a masterwork on its own merits. And certainly Ford was not the only good thing about them – but so what? When was the last time a great player won a title without all-star caliber help?

If I hear somebody talking about a player “bringing [his] A game on every performance and holding nothing back,” I generally figure they’re talking about Baron Davis scoring 32 points in a loss to Minnesota. You know who turns in solid, reliable performances that contribute to unbelievable holistic success? Tim Duncan. And Harrison Ford.

by Rand on Mar 11, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're missing the boat.

Never once said Ford wasn’t an integral contributor in those films. The lead actor is an integral part in every film. Nor am I saying that Awards alone make you great at what you do. Martin Scorsese is hands down one of the best directors of American Cinema. Look at the gems he’s made over the years…. Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Mean Streets, The Departed, Last Temptation of Christ….. And he only won ONE Oscar…. and that was for The Departed a few years ago. But your claim " Nobody stacks up to Harrison Ford in terms of the indisputable pantheon gems on his resume. On a gut level you appreciate every single one of those movies more than anything Meryl Streep ever did in her life" is ridiculous. Pound for pound Meryl Streep is a better actor than Ford. Pound for pound Daniel Day Lewis is a better actor than Ford. Now has Ford been in some great movies? Absolutely. Ford is one of the best ACTION stars out there. But he chooses “safe” roles that don’t require him to take many chances. Elite actors take chances, and branch out. They take on complex characters and become consumed by them. IE. Ed Norton in Primal Fear, Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood, Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, Hanks in Forest Gump, Sean Penn in Milk and so on….

That’s why I find this line laughable…
“Ford will still take Streep off the dribble on the best day she ever lived.”

But it is nice to meet the founder of the Harrison Ford fan club.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 11, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should read your longass replies before writing my short ones.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
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by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The line I find laughable is the one where you think Robert De Niro was in ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’.

Wow, this post really blew up.

First off, before we get back into the rhetoric … you get that this whole conversation hinges on an awareness of the inherent comedic irony of trying to apply the apparatus underlying everybody’s favorite argument about ’who’s the best player’ to a discussion that isn’t just largely subjective, but also unbacked even by the objective dimension (stats, etc.) available in the sporting realm. Right?

Any discussion of ‘best actor/actress’ will inevitably hinge on the making of judgment calls. The best way to get around this is to introduce a quantifiable dimension – one way would be to count Oscars, and I think Simmons does a good job of arguing against this. Thus, I offer an alternative – counting the truly great movies in which an actor has starred, as this helps spread the subjectivity around a little (easier to agree that such-and-such is a great movie than that this or that role was more or less challenging).

Truly great, will-be-watching-in-ten-years movies featuring Streep? Ummm … wouldn’t bet the house on any of ’em.

De Niro? No question, one of the true greats – and I’d modify that list by adding ‘Casino’ and ‘Godfather II’ . Of course, I’d also remove the movies he wasn’t actually in. So, that’s a push – and six is a mighty score indeed.

Per my earlier list, Ford checks in at 10 pantheon gems. Numbers don’t lie. Q.E.D.

by Rand on Mar 11, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The line I find laughable is the one where you think Robert De Niro was in ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’.

He wrote Scorsese, not DeNiro.

Screen don’t lie . . .

by Lauri on Mar 11, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Yes he did. Never mind. So … it wasn’t wrong, just irrelevant.

by Rand on Mar 11, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, didn’t realize you guys had dealt with this while I was sending my response.

I know… let’s have a Streep vs. De Niro face off. Oh, wait.. it’s already happened…. It’s called Falling In Love. Check out two masters at their craft.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my FSM, you’re going to hate me for this, but that movie sucks donkey balls. Hee. (Ever seen the movie it was based on, Brief Encounter? Lovely. Lovely. And of course Streep and De Niro were heartbreaking together in The Deer Hunter, too.)

I was living in New York when Falling in Love came out and went to see it just breathless with anticipation. I guess it goes to show that great stars don’t always complement each other.

Kind of like Steve Nash and Shaq.

Oh YES! And we manage to get basketball back into the conversation!

by Lauri on Mar 11, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t hate you… I was just trying to remember a film in which they both appeared. I think it’s a good film, but not great… I like their performances, but the plot is weak and the writing isn’t the greatest. The real stand out in that film is the actress who plays DeNiro’s wife… she’s excellent in that role.

However, I totally forgot about The Deer Hunter. Yes, chemistry is everything… but it just goes to show how much all the other components of a great movie add to the finished product. DeNiro & Streep flow and gel and mesh so well together in the Deer Hunter… but everyone does in that film. That movie is just incredibly devastating and Christopher Walken is absolutely amazing.

To this day, I can not watch The Deer Hunter or Platoon without totally losing it.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, Jane Kaczmarek played De Niro’s wife in ‘Falling in Love’ — you know, the mom from ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ — weird, huh?

You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea.
- LatinD

by jollyrogerwilco on Mar 11, 2009 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice try, thanks for playing

Bringing Scorsese into this argument is completely relevant. You’re just dismissing it as irrelevant because you tried to call me out and ended up with egg on your face. My argument points out that personal awards don’t always dictate greatness. If you can’t discern that from what I wrote then we might have rethink this whole conversation.

I’m not an actor, nor am I an NBA professional athlete. But what I do know, is that when NBA players and coaches shower praise on Kobe, Duncan, LeBron. They do so because they recognize the superior talent, in a league of the world’s most talented athletes. They compete with them, and against them and their testimony outweighs our opinions. The same thing applies in the acting community. Ask any actor who can actually act, who’s a better actor and they will tell you Meryl Streep, hands down. This is nothing new. She’s been and will forever be a superstar in the acting world. Actors understand what it takes to be one of the best, better than you, better than me. Meryl Streep is recognized by her acting peers as one of the greatest of our time. You may not want to acknowledge that, but it’s a fact. You’re on the wrong side of the argument my friend. That’s the equivalent of saying that Charles Barkley is better than MJ or Steve Nash is better than Kobe.

This was fun.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 11, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ummm, Rand you need to re-read his post. At that point, he was speaking about Martin Scorsese and listing the movies he’d directed.

Second, you’re seriously deluded if you don’t think people won’t be watching Meryl Streep movies in the future. The Deer Hunter? Sophie’s Choice? Out of Africa? the list will be long and extensive.

Lastly, I like Harrison Ford, I know of Harrison Ford, I’ve seen many a Harrison Ford film. However, Harrison Ford is no Meryl Streep.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Rand, Ford’s always chosen roles within his comfort zone.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
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by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you Harrison Ford? Seriously, because that would be awesome.

How do you know what’s ‘comfortable’ for Ford? And … who cares, anyway? Timmy’s very comfortable making that little mid-range bank shot – does that make him less of a player?

by Rand on Mar 11, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because I’ve seen him try different things, and they didn’t work. Because he was always successful with the same kind of character.

If all Timmy had was that little mid-range bank shot, then yes, he’d be just another player. Good at that, and probably very useful, but certainly not the best.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cmoney's totally right.

Films/Movies are such a subjective matter. Also, what you like when you’re 18 doesn’t bear discussion when you’re 25 or 40 or older. Your experiences are more diverse and you see things differently.

Some films will endure forever … some performances do, too. I can probably name a dozen actors who totally encompass a character. Even rarer is the actor who is able to do this each and every time they’re on screen like the great Meryl Streep or Daniel Day Lewis or Sean Pean. How many others are in this league? Probably Phillip Seymour Hoffman… Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchette? Certainly not many more. I’d probably add Deniro… although he does have his slips on occasion (see below).

Some have had their great moments and now on occassion just call it in… like Pacino and Deniro… remember Heat?

Other actors are like certain NBA players, they can have a particularly great performance one random night or even when they play against a certain team. Take Kevin Costner for instance… he has made a number of very enjoyable, entertaining movies… but who has he really captured on screen? I can name maybe two… can anyone picture Crash Davis or Ray Kinsella without Costner in the role?

The same goes for Heath Ledger… I can’t imagine the Joker without him (makes the Jack Nicholson version seem particularly lame) or Brokeback Mountain without his playing Ennis Del Mar.

To me, Manu & Timmy are like two great, inspiring actors who bring it every night. In my minds eye, Daniel Day Lewis reminds me most of Manu. Passionate, intense and always in the moment. Tim is probably more comparable to Phillip Seymour Hoffman… Brilliant, naturally gifted and totally underappreciated.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn you’re sexy when you talk like this. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is another great example. I’m with you 100%.

Superman wears Manu Ginobili pajamas to bed.

by CMoney on Mar 11, 2009 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aren’t I glad I changed the title of my post…. it was originally going to be “CMoney’s totally right on this one occasion”

JK ;-)

And thank the FSM you didn’t say 110… I hate when people do that. You can’t have more than 100 people.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey… why didn’t my percentage symbols show?

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Banned!

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Pean”?

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops... Penn.

I didn’t even realize I had misspelled his name. Although if he knew, he’d be giving me that steely intense eye stare… Hmmmm, who does that remind me of?

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A serial killer?

by Lauri on Mar 11, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup…. sure… that’s ummmm… exactly who I was thinking of… uh-huh, couldn’t possibly be anyone else.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And even after his recent crimes against humanity

Eh? What did I miss? Indy 4, you mean?

Anyway, I see where you’re coming from, and this was a great post (recced to the Elysian Fields), but I have to disagree. Simmons is talking about personal greatness, and Streep is better at acting than Ford. The comparison is a good one: think of the Oscars and other awards as the personal NBA accolades (MVP, ROY, scoring title, All-NBA team, etc.) and starring in a great movie that destroyed the box offices as being part of a team that wins a championship.

Ford has a knack for picking movies that became legendary, and that’s certainly a talent, but if you put him against Streep one-on-one, make-me-cry, she’s better.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Mar 11, 2009 2:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What actor would Tim Duncan equal?

Clint Eastowood comes to mind for some reason…

"Nothing can stop the man with the right attitude from achieving his goal, but nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong attitude." -Thomas Jefferson
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by Ed (dfjmed) on Mar 11, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Eastwood*————^ (man, I can’t spell today.)

by Ed (dfjmed) on Mar 11, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harrison Ford kills all

If Manu’s like Harrison, then Duncan must be sean connery. The old guy who deserves a lot of credit and is truly legendary. If only Duncan had that accent………….

With the drafting of Manu and Parker and the signing of Oberto, the International Basketball era began in San Antonio. showing that all of the world's people can, in fact, come together in peace and harmony. After all, every nationality loves to kick the Hornets' asses.

by KA1Z3R on Mar 11, 2009 2:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like this post, but...

If a movie sucks, but somebody was awesome in it, it doesn’t make the movie good. Just like if Manu goes off for 45/15/15 and the Spurs lose then his performance goes for not. Not that it wasn’t good, but if he doesn’t help the TEAM win then what good is that performance? It’s meaningless outside of stats. Wins are what matters in sports…this being the biggest reason one cannot compare the “arts” to sports. It’s not about winning in movies…it’s either about making money or making critics love you (i.e. winning awards). There are people like that in sports, see any number of NBA players as Exhibit A. I think that’d be the better comparison, who is a money maker and who is a butt kissing media whore.

by Big50 on Mar 11, 2009 3:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Please Don't Take this Personally ...

But I effing hate Bill Simmons.

My first post on this site was about how much I hate Bill Simmons. I have a theory that, as a Spurs fan, you too should also hate Bill Simmons.

Sabre

"Only a SPURS trophy will save us now."
- SiMA

"HEY! Amare Stoudamire does NOT! eat ice cream when on defense."
- Anonymous Suns Fan

- "Sportscenter - A total bum-pat fest of Kobe versus Lebron and how great it was. SOMEONE STOP THE BUS I WANT TO GET OFF!"
- Bushka

by Sabrewulf on Mar 11, 2009 5:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta go with Rand here

I am not sure if both are discussing the same thing…tbh.

I grew up going to the movies practically every week and watching movies from four different languages(english included in that). For a kid from a remote town in southern india, I knew about john wayne, clint eastwood, Stallone, Ford AND I knew about magic and Jordan. Acting perfection is a great craft. But when a half naked kid in a remote village points a stick at you and says “Feeling lucky Punk?”, just can’t beat that.

But when it comes to just pure talent in doing a variety of roles, Streep has the market cornered just becoz she has done it and we have proof. But most of the movies that Bellasa listed, I haven’t seen I think and if they are epic performance, its my loss. But my argument would be, I do catch a lot of movies on tv, internet, wherever and how come nobody has run one of these and I haven’t sat down riveted watching one. Maybe its just chance. I dun know. I will aknowledge Streep’s greatness. Like Winslet said, those ladies in the draw for best actress have the bigger honor of being in the same list as Streep..that is true. But personally, she hasn’t made me laugh or giggle or feel righteous like some of the other guys have.

But again, maybe I just haven’t seen the right movies.

by LionZion on Mar 11, 2009 7:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh..and I forgot Superman :P

by LionZion on Mar 11, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now I feel like a movie snob… and I’m not. I love movies… all kinds of movies. Horror flicks, Dramas, Suspense, Bond movies, Comedies… it doesn’t matter which genre… as long as it’s good. You owe it to yourself to try watch the greats films that have been made.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 8:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But, I’m a movie person… lots of people aren’t.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought I was a fringe movie person. But now I know I got a lot of growing up to do. lol

Still Bella, other than horror, I try to see anything good out there. Now I got an offseason list. Thanks :P

by LionZion on Mar 11, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LZ, you should really go to the American Film Institute site…. http://www.afi.com/

They rate the top 100 films of each genre, plus the top 100 Best American movies made to date. It’s a good place to start.

Horror scares me… but it’s still good when it’s well done. My best friend made me see 28 Days Later and that flick still scares the beejeezus out of me. My heart just about burst out of my chest, but I stayed because I wanted to know what happened next.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’ve seen The Orphanage right?

When you look like I do it's hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese- Zach Galifianakis

by Hipuks on Mar 11, 2009 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YES. That movie was terrifying. And ultimately so, so sad!

But I could have lived happily the rest of my life without seeing that old woman’s face after the accident. It was truly upsetting.

by Lauri on Mar 11, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, that part scared the crap out of me. But I think that movies proves that with great storytelling you don’t a thousand gallons of blood to make a horror movie.

When you look like I do it's hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese- Zach Galifianakis

by Hipuks on Mar 11, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Celtics losing to Wade!

by LionZion on Mar 11, 2009 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the remarkable thing about this thread

is that no one challenged the assertion that “American Graffiti” is a great movie.

Guh.

by wangalusa on Mar 11, 2009 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

sometimes you gotta choose your battles…. I noticed, but I think we were all more impassioned about the Meryl Streep comment.

IMHO, It’s a very good movie… but not great.

I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili

by bellasa on Mar 11, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about the fact that it “Graffiti” was listed as a Harrison Ford film, when he had about 4 minutes of screen time in it?

You’re better off trying to intimidate the sea.
- LatinD

by jollyrogerwilco on Mar 11, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just wanted to add that Meryl Streep…is hot.
Thank you everyone.

When you look like I do it's hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese- Zach Galifianakis

by Hipuks on Mar 11, 2009 10:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You just killed a fish

by LionZion on Mar 11, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not hotter than your Kate Winslet I assume? But my ScarJo is the hottest, Oscar-worthy or not.

"Upon the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of countless millions, who, on the threshold of victory sat down to wait, and in waiting they died." --- Anonymous

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 12, 2009 4:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You assume correctly.

When you look like I do it's hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese- Zach Galifianakis

by Hipuks on Mar 12, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How odd — it turns out that Simmons did a May 2007 column comparing Tim Duncan to Harrison Ford:

There’s a precedent for this: Once upon a time, Harrison Ford pumped out monster hits for 15 solid years before everyone suddenly noticed, “Wait a second, Harrison Ford is unquestionably the biggest movie star of his generation!” From 1977 to 1992, Ford starred in three Star Wars movies, three Indiana Jones movies, Blade Runner, Working Girl, Witness, Presumed Innocent and Patriot Games … but it wasn’t until he carried The Fugitive that everyone realized he was more bankable than Stallone, Reynolds, Eastwood, Cruise, Costner, Schwarzenegger and every other competitor from that time. As with Duncan, we didn’t know much about Ford outside of his work. As with Duncan, there wasn’t anything inherently interesting about him. But Ford always delivered the goods and, eventually, we appreciated him for it.

I think we’ll say the same about Duncan someday. Over the past 10 years, he’s been overshadowed by Kobe and Shaq, LeBron and Wade, Nash and Kidd, Nowitzki and KG, even C-Webb and Iverson … and yet, Tim Duncan was better than all of them.

Just wait, he’ll have his Fugitive moment. It’s coming. Maybe even next month.

by Lauri on Mar 11, 2009 11:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I love the second paragraph. Soon enough, TD’s career will be a huge eff you! bomb on all the Spurs haters. As Janet Jackson sang it, you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone. We Spurs fans are darn lucky we saw the light early.

P.S. I know, sorry for the poor song choice.

"Upon the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of countless millions, who, on the threshold of victory sat down to wait, and in waiting they died." --- Anonymous

by silverandblack_davis on Mar 12, 2009 4:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

May 2007, i wonder what happend one month lather… his fugitive moment?

"It's a basic truth of the human condition that everybody lies. The only variable is about what."

by Chilai on Mar 12, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i know i know, off topic, and the author even baited me, but… jon stewart is not a hack. that is all.

gospursgo. hook 'em. metal rules. ganja rules.

by metalandganja on Mar 12, 2009 5:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d missed that. Yes, Jon’s not a hack.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
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by LatinD on Mar 12, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stewart’s war on CNBC this week has been enormous fun.

by Lauri on Mar 12, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Cramer is gonna be on Daily Show tonight. As Jon would say, Aaaawkward….

When you look like I do it's hard to get a table for one at Chuck E. Cheese- Zach Galifianakis

by Hipuks on Mar 12, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know if anyone has said this yet, but...

Bill Simmons totally stole this from “Fanboys”. Don’t know if anyone else saw that (great, hilarious, wonderful) movie, but they cover enough of this argument for Bill to have cut and pasted it rather easily…

"I like to use my pump fake to make them come hard, that's when I use my penetration." -Manu Ginobili

by scrappy-doo on Mar 16, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs