A League of Ordinary Gentlemen - deleted scene

Not to be confused with the 2003 film "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" starring Sean Connery, the 2006 PBS Independent Lens documentary "A League of Ordinary Gentlemen" discusses the decline of pro bowling's popularity and follows the lives of 4 prominent professional bowlers: Chris Barnes, Pete Weber, Wayne Webb and Walter Ray Williams Jr.

I first found out about this film almost 3 years ago from an old friend who has followed bowling a lot longer than I have. The video I've included in this posting is a deleted scene from the documentary.  Even if you don't follow bowling, the documentary goes beyond bowling and explores the sacrifices, struggles and lack of glamour to be a road warrior on tour.

If you like what you see and want more, go to YouTube and check out the entire documentary (shown in multiple segments) and other deleted scenes.

AFI's Top 100 Movie Quotes

We love movies. We watch them over and over so much that we can quote lines from memory.  For you film fanatics out there, this is the American Film Institute's Top 100 Movie Quotes.  For me, it was no surprise what the top movie quote was.  My personal favorite in this list is, "I am big!   It's the pictures that got small!" 

This list would make a great trivia/quiz night with friends and/or family.  Don't forget the popcorn and Red Vines (or Twizzlers, if you prefer).  And if you're up for more, go to AFI's website to get access to their other lists which include Heroes and Villains, Greatest Musicals, Film Scores, and so much more.

Kingpin or Big Lebowski?

Kingpin - Showdown

For many avid film fans, the 2 quintessential bowling films are "Kingpin" and "The Big Lebowski".  To film goers and/or bowlers out there (I'm both), which is your favorite?  My leanings are toward the mindless slapstick of Roy, Ishmael and Ernie. Not to say The Dude doesn't abide.  

The Big Lebowski - trailer

Play Ball!

Today is Opening Day for Major League Baseball.  My team for the past 28 seasons, the San Francisco Giants, play their first game of the 2012 season against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow in Phoenix.

As a fan, I find the real enjoyment in baseball is the nuance. It is not an easy game to learn.  Try explaining what a balk is to someone who's seeing his first game. I played slow-pitch softball for over 20 years and found there's always something new to learn.  If you know nothing about the game and have a short attention span, then you're probably not going to like baseball.

And, on a lesser important note, as we are in a Leap Year, this is my 366th blog entry.  It's time to lace up the cleats, grab your mitt and bat.  Shag some fly balls, field a few hard grounders and smack line drives over 2nd base.  Welcome to a new season.