More Weekend Stuff

Football: The football entry was written before all of the games were completed. A pair of flawed teams go at it on Monday Night with COVID factoring in as well. Sunday Night was a rematch for Washington and Dallas.  Washington gave it a go last time, but lost.  This time, Dallas scored 42 points in the First Half.  42-7.   

One thing left out was that the Bears (who usually find a way to lose and have QB issues) had a back-up and was playing Seattle (off year). They came back late and with around a minute left could have tied it with a usually (but not every single time these days, the kick longer -- Jets missed a XP today) gimme extra point. But, they went for two. And, this not their year, no magic for Seattle in the last minute. 

The Bills tried make a first down and score to avoid OT earlier this year.  They didn't make the first down.  A chip shot field goal would have meant OT. The Ravens twice went for two late, both times not making it. Again, they could have gone to OT with one.  In each case, there was reasons to do it.  Maybe -- the odds makers say the should -- there should be a lot more two point tries.  Ditto going for it on fourth down.  

But, at times, there is more of a gamble involved.  Bears the first I know of (surely might have happened without me knowing) where it worked this season when done in such late in the game situations.  When you already have a lost season, risking it is easier.  I'll leave it to odds makers and coaches to determine when it is a good bet.

Books:  After seeing a bit of the interview on CSPAN of the author discussing her book, I checked out Her Honor by LaDoris Hazzard Cordell. It concerns a black woman's experience as a state judge in California.  It is well written and covers a lot of ground.  With so much material, at times, you feel something was left out (like a Supreme Court cite to a major California three strikes decision).  

But, overall, it was a good read.  It was the first time I recall seeing as well the a scan (shades of the QR -- Quick Response -- symbol on the table at the darn Chinese Restaurant I wrote about) at the front of the book. The book did not include notes and other material (e.g., pictures of her cartoons), providing them online.  You can scan the symbol or go to the website directly by url. 

Another movie I caught late Christmas Eve night is a Hallmark film, but not a Christmas film.  Love's Complicated is a tad generic title that doesn't really tell you much about the film itself.  Holly Marie Combs (who has an ordinary look about her) spent most of her time playing roles in t.v. series. She was in a few films early, but is not a Hallmark regular.  One actor pops up more.

This plays it low key with some buried bite in this enjoyable film.  She's a writer, who doesn't like conflict.  She winds up in a conflict management class (which she needs, if maybe not in the same way as some others) and of course falls for one of the members, someone she at first finds annoying.  But, the guy has some real charms.  And, the end has him asking to be her boyfriend.  Not quite "marriage soon!" we are in love stuff.

"Love's Complicated" is not really a good title for this film.  Some take of "conflict" or something would make more sense.  But, after seeing it a few years back, it was one of those films that work again.  The usual reasons: it isn't that deep (it is a Hallmark film), it's well paced, I like the lead (she is my favorite on Charmed too), and the other characters have charms (pun not intended) too.  

It also has a good message.  For instance, her dad scoffs when she is worried about her approval when she likes a guy who has given the dad trouble.  She's an adult.  It's her call.  Sure is!