Standup Comedian, writer, and Second City actor Martin Morrow (Why? with Hannibal Buress, Last Comic Standing) joins the show. Martin talks about his journey in the Chicago comedy scene, how he applies his improv training to standup, writing sketches and jokes for sensitive audiences, and the effect social media has had on the industry. He also names his Second City “Mount Rushmore” and gives some advice for future professional comedians. (12:10 mark, if you want to jump ahead)
Meanwhile, Michael and TJ go through their goals for Summer. Plus what’s on TJ’s Spotify playlist, things Mike rationally and irrationally dislikes, and much more. It’s a good bit of fun.
Don’t forget to use Promo Code “Piffcast” for great deals when getting a ride with our new friends at Lyft!
The creators/writers/co-executive producers/stars of The Jamz,Chris Petlak and Jim Kozyra, join the show! We discuss how the workplace comedy came together, the New York Television Festival and Indie TV, influences for the show and characters, plus filming in and identifying with Chicago. Jim, Chris, TJ and I also hold a “Favorite Chicago-based Films and TV shows Draft”. You can let us know who won and also watch the show on Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and XBOX. (23:17 mark, if you want to jump ahead)
Meanwhile, a congratulations is in order for TJ, spoiler-less reaction to Game of Thrones, superhero show rankings, and a preview of the upcoming Summer TV that we’re looking forward to.
After a nice nod to the original four scientists who “saved New York” 30 years ago, we finally meet the new Ghostbusters.
At last, we have footage of Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones kicking ass in the jumpsuits…and ghosts doing nasty slimy things to them.
Your first thought may be, “who fits which roles from the original?” That seems easy with Abby Yates (McCarthy) filling in as Dan Aykroyd’s “Ray”, as he was considered the glue of the group. The rest seem to be their own characters though, with traits of the original Ghostbusters. Erin Gilbert (Wiig) is a physicist with Egon’s demeanor and some of Venkman’s humor. Jillian Holtzman (McKinnon) is the engineer, like Egon was, but also seems a bit quieter with a mix of Venkman’s and even Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy’s personality…meaning she’ll land some solid punchlines.
You can try to peg Patty Tolan (Jones) as Winston, but really it’s Leslie Jones being “Badass MF’n” Leslie Jones…slapping the silly out of everyone.
Also hey, Chris Hemsworth…
…who plays their secretary, Kevin. Kevin may be possessed in his scene. Also listed in the cast are Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live), Michael Kenneth Williams (The Wire, Boardwalk Empire), Andy Garcia (The Untouchables, Ocean’s 11), Matt Walsh (Veep, Upright Citizens Brigade), Elizabeth Perkins (Big), and possibly some surprise cameos from the original cast.
The new Ghostbusters, directed by Paul Feig (Spy, Bridesmaids)will be in theaters July 15th, 2016.
Consider this a cognitive therapy session to help you feel better about the season that several of your friends and family have moved away from. If you still live here after the past two winters, congratulations…you’re a midwesterner. You grew up with 4 seasons, strapped on your snow pants, found creative ways to de-ice your windshield because you forgot your scraper, and you haven’t been stomped by AT-ATs on State Street…yet.
I personally like snow and I know I’m not alone. I also don’t mind a trip somewhere warm in order to endure it with a tan, but I take pride in where I’m from and love that I can appreciate the other 3 seasons because of Winters here. You also get an awesome and natural excuse to stay in and binge watch Netflix shows with a glass of some-something.
So before posting your super cliche “ugh, Chicago Winter. Get me out of here” Facebook status, turn up 93.9 on your radio for 24/7 holiday tunes and consider some proactive options that you can’t get most places.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lights
Lions, Tigers, and beers…oh my!
You read that right. Along with a whole calendar of events, you can peruse the zoo with beers (and maybe Bears) or other adult beverages as the whole place gets lit up like you’ve never seen before. It’s free to enter, as always, and there’s a number of activities to partake in including rides, crafts, and seeing Santa. There are a few dates to mark on the calendar as well.
Want to know a great way to stay warm in Chicago? Laughing. Where better to do that than in a tiny cramped venue, brushing shoulders with the table next to you, sipping on a rum and something, and then forgetting it all with belly laugh after belly laugh.
Dave Chappelle is in the middle of a 6 day residency at Thalia Hall, Dec. 1 – 6, but good luck getting tickets for that. All 12 shows were sold out, but MAYBE a ticket or 2 will show up on StubHub. Meanwhile, you and your rowdy friends can check out any of the following clubs for standup shows:
Or you can get literally spontaneous comedy at any of the improv institutions that helped put Chicago on the map in show business like Second City, iO or Comedy Sportz.
Last, but not least, John Oliver is performing at the Chicago Theater December 30th and 31st. Maybe don’t miss that.
Christkindlmarket
I’m sure you’ve heard of it but in case you’ve never been, head over to Daley Plaza at Clark and Washington to see for yourself. The tradition began in Nuremberg, Germany in 1545 and was brought to Chicago in 1996. It’s considered the largest open-air Christmas festival in the city, but my favorite part is the mug of hot wine that I can mosey about with.
It’s open till Dec. 24th, so get over as soon as you can.
Marshall Fields
(Nobody wants to call it Macy’s this time of year)
This is Christmas nostalgia at it’s finest for most of us who grew up around Chicago. Winter break from school, Mom and Dad have some last minute shopping and your family from New York is in town…where do you head to? State Street, that great street, to see the windows at Marshall Fields.
Every year there’s a different story being told around the building, and people of all ages can’t wait to see what’s next. Inside, on the 7th floor is another sight to behold. The Walnut Room has been a Chicago tradition since 1907.
Star Wars (Chicago Style)
If the pre-sale numbers and the marketing haven’t already told you, people are excited for Star Wars. So how can you best celebrate the release of Episode 7?
The Whistlerin Logan Square will be transforming their bar into the Mos Eisley Cantina on December 16th. There will be local musicians on hand as the house band from A New Hope and the cocktail menu will be overhauled with galactic themed beverages.
Then there’s Adler After Dark the next evening, December 17th, as the Adler Planetarium will be hosting a Force Awakens party unlike any.
Star Wars Trivia
A screening of Space Balls
Star Wars-inspired beer from Empirical Brewing
Lightsaber Combat Workshop!
human-robot interactives from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
It’s a roving night market, self-described as being “dedicated to emerging culinarians, artists and that guy from high school who’s a DJ now – an evening of food, art and debauchery set to the tune of “Hypnotize”. Intrigued? Sure you are.
December 15th, SAUCED will be at Emporium Arcade Bar in Logan Square for your not-yet-last-minute holiday shopping, great food from Chicago vendors, and craft beer. It sounds way too interesting to pass up.
One Of A Kind Show
Love art or just any alternative to retail? This is for you. From December 3rd – 6th, 600 artists from across North America will be at the Merchandise Mart on Orleans with every kind of handmade creation you can think of.
Accessories, ceramics, sculptures, furniture, photography, paintings, glass, jewelry, fashion, etc. And here’s the show schedule:
Thursday, December 3 11am-8pm Friday, December 4 11am-8pm Saturday, December 5 10am-7pm Sunday, December 6 10am-5pm
I find it funny that there are still people around Chicago who haven’t caught on to Topgolf. It’s the grownup version of Chuck E. Cheese, Enchanted Castle, Leaps & Bounds, or whatever kids amusement place you used to frequent when you were younger.
It’s golf meets bowling, where each individual ball you hit has a chip inside and you aim for targets to score points against your friends. Full bar, great food, multiple monitors to watch sports, parties every night…and you it’s open year round with plenty of heat.
I actually went with my dad on the coldest of year and it was an absolute blast. Here’s proof.
If you have anymore recommendations to make December better, please pass them along on Facebook or Twitter.
My relationship with Saturday Night Live is at the point where I need to delete their number, block them on all forms of social media, and cringe whenever their name comes up in conversation.
I loved SNL. Not L-U-V. Not loosely. I had genuine affection for a sketch show that I could bond over with my dad, laugh about with my friends, and break the ice with strangers by referencing classic characters and lines. When have you been able to do that with this current cast? Kate McKinnon’s “Hillary Clinton” maybe, and then what? Another sour-faced Taran Killam creation?
Rather than develop memorable characters or be funny anymore, this current brand of SNL is all about what’s trendy and what might be viral the next day. Social media practically wrote last Saturday’s “Larry David as Bernie Sanders” cold open on the night of the Democratic Debate.
Then host Tracy Morgan was reunited with his 30 Rock cast mates for his monologue. That was terrific! Understanding how far Morgan has come since his near fatal bus accident over a year ago, it was a special moment for him and his fans. What was note-worthy after the monologue though? I changed the channel two sketches later when the writers were resorting to poop jokes and more cutaways to awkward Keenan Thompson reactions.
It’s not the Saturday Night Live I grew up with. Being a kid in the 90’s, I had Wayne’s World, Operaman, Matt Foley, and yes, Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer. Characters like that made me so interested in the past and all the superstars that were produced from the show like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy and Gilda Radner. That all made me romanticize about Second City in Chicago and how I could eventually see performers there show up on NBC every Saturday nights.
Outside of McKinnon and maybe Pete Davidson, there’s nobody in the current cast that makes me excited for what they can do after Saturday Night Live. There isn’t a Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader or Kristen Wiig. You couldn’t pay me to suffer through another Kyle Mooney “I’m a nervous kid giving a high school presentation” bit. I’m sure Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Vanessa Bayer will do fine in complimentary roles in the future, but I’m not tuning in or buying a movie ticket because of them. And Jay Pharoah’s impressions have gone from “wow, that’s dead on,” to “oh look, it’s Jay Pharoah as Jay Pharoah trying to be someone else.”
You also know it’s not your kind of show anymore when saying something critical about SNL on Twitter turns into having to block every One-Directioner, Belieber, and Demi Lovato fan that lives-and-dies by things like that, and wants you to know it. That’s right. SNL is the Justin Bieber of television. They make headlines over quality for ratings. Choosing Miley Cyrus to host your season premiere and to give Donald Trump an entire episode is more than enough proof of that. I certainly don’t plan on watching the Trump episode, but I would find some comfort in reading the next morning that musical guest Sia went Sinead O’Connor on a photo of him.
The 40th Anniversary Special last winter was everything. I hadn’t laughed that hard in years, thanks to the Celebrity Jeopardy reprisal, Bill Murray singing, and Wayne Campbell telling Kanye to sit down. They played the hits, just like you’d want to hear at classic rock band’s concert. There were clips of sketches that have lasted over four decades, and hardly anything from the current cast. It was great. It also reminded me that any of the better moments on the show recently had to do with a former cast member making a surprise appearance or hosting…and that Colin Jost still sucks.
Rather than waste more time on a Saturday evening or DVR space, I have to let SNL go. The fact I felt compelled to write over 700 words on the topic is probably a pretty good reason to (and probably get some help as well). Maybe SNL will change for the better. Maybe it will be funny again. The healthier thing for me, and perhaps you, to do is to not wait and see.
Can you relate? Want to talk me off the ledge? Let me know on Twitter and Facebook.
In the last palindrome year you’ll see until 2112…
The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah
NASA discovered water ice deposits on the planet Mars.
The Sims became the all-time best selling computer game.
Joe Strummer of the Clash passed away at the age of 50.
And here’s what happened in Movies, Music and Sports…
Movies
Comedy
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Punch Drunk Love, About a Boy, Mr. Deeds, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Friday After Next, Sweet Home Alabama, 40 Days and 40 Nights, The New Guy, Barbershop, Adaptation, Two Weeks Notice, Kung Pow! Enter the Fist, I Spy, Undercover Brother, Showtime, Bubba Ho-Tep, Slackers, AND…
Jackass: The Movie
Action/Thriller
Spider-Man, Minority Report, The Transporter, 007: Die Another Day, Panic Room, Red Dragon, Signs, Murder By Numbers, Blade II, The Sum of All Fears, Phone Booth, K-19 The Widowmaker, Equilibrium, Swimfan, Star Trek Nemesis, 28 Days Later, Insomnia, One Hour Photo, XXX, Resident Evil, Changing Lanes, Reign of Fire, The Ring, Enough, Bad Company, Collateral Damage, AND…
The Bourne Identity
Drama
Catch Me If You Can, Gangs of New York, 8 Mile, The Pianist, City of God, The Hours, 25th Hour, Secretary, About Schmidt, We Were Soldiers, Frida, Chicago, Antwone Fisher, Far From Heaven, The Magdalene Sisters, A Walk To Remember, Road to Perdition, Unfaithful, Amen, Bloody Sunday, The Count of Monte Cristo, AND…
John Q
The 75th Academy Awards
Best Actor
Nicolas Cage, Adaptation
Michael Caine, The Quiet American
Daniel Day-Lewis, Gangs of New York
Jack Nicholson, About Schmidt
Adrien Brody, The Pianist – Winner
(Adrien Brody won his only nomination, and kissed Halle Berry in the process)
Best Supporting Actor
John C. Reilly, Gangs of New York
Christopher Walken, Catch Me If You Can
Ed Harris, The Hours
Paul Newman, Road to Perdition
Chris Cooper, Adaptation – Winner
(This was Chris Cooper’s only Oscar nomination)
Best Actress
Salma Hayek, Frida
Diane Lane, Unfaithful
Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven
Renee Zellweger, Chicago
Nicole Kidman, The Hours – Winner
(Nicole Kidman won once out of 3 Oscar nominations, also for Moulin Rouge and Rabbit Hole)
Best Supporting Actress
Kathy Bates, About Schmidt
Julianne Moore, The Hours
Queen Latifah, Chicago
Meryl Streep, Adaptation
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago – Winner
(Like Brody and Cooper, this was Catherine Zeta-Jones’s only nomination and win)
Music
Rock Albums
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Hip Hop Albums
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Pop Albums
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Billboard Year-End Top 25 Songs
“How You Remind Me” – Nickelback
“Foolish” – Ashanti
“Hot in Herre” – Nelly
“Dilemma” – Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
“Wherever You Will Go” – The Calling
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
“In the End” – Linkin Park
“What’s Luv” – Fat Joe featuring Ashanti
“U Got It Bad” – Usher
“Blurry” – Puddle of Mudd
“Complicated” – Avril Lavigne
“Always on Time” – Ja Rule featuring Ashanti
“Ain’t It Funny” – Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule
“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
“I Need a Girl (Part One)” – P. Diddy featuring Usher and Loon
“U Don’t Have to Call” –
“Family Affair” – Mary J. Blige
“I Need A Girl (Part Two) – P. Diddy featuring Ginuwine and Loon
“Gansta Lovin” – Eve featuring Alicia Keys
“My Sacrifice” – Creed
“Without Me” – Eminem
“Hero” – Enrique Iglesias
“All You Wanted” – Michelle Branch
“Get the Party Started” – Pink
“Hero” – Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott
Sports
Baseball
League Leaders
Offensive
Average: Barry Bonds (SF) – .370
Hits: Alfonso Soriano (NYY) – 209
Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez (TEX) – 57
RBI: Alex Rodriguez (TEX) – 142
OPS: Barry Bonds (SF) – 1.381
Stolen Bases: Luis Castillo (FLA) – 48
Pitching
Wins: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 24
ERA: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 2.26
Strikeouts: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 334
Complete Games: Randy Johnson (AZ) & Bartolo Colon (CLE/MON)
Shutouts: AJ Burnett (FLA) – 5
Saves: John Smoltz (ATL) – 55
MVP
AL – Miguel Tejada (OAK)
NL – Barry Bonds (SF)
CY Young
AL – Barry Zito (OAK)
NL – Randy Johnson (AZ)
Rookie of the Year
AL – Eric Hinske (TOR)
NL – Jason Jennings (COL)
World Series
Anaheim Angels over San Francisco Giants (4-3)
Basketball
NCAA
Final Four
(1) Maryland, (1) Kansas, (2) Oklahoma, and (5) Indiana
National Championship
(1) Maryland over (5) Indiana 64-52
NBA
League Leaders
Points Per Game: Allen Iverson (PHI) – 31.4
Rebounds Per Game: Ben Wallace (DET) – 13.0
Assists Per Game: Andre Miller (CLE) – 10.9
All-NBA Team
Kobe Bryant (LAL)
Tim Duncan (SA)
Jason Kidd (NJ)
Tracy McGrady (ORL)
Shaquille O’Neal (LAL)
MVP – Tim Duncan (SA)
Rookie of the Year – Pau Gasol (MEM)
NBA Finals
Los Angeles Lakers sweep New Jersey Nets (4-0)
Football
NCAA
Heisman Trophy – Carson Palmer, USC
National Championship
(1) Ohio State over (2) Miami 31-24 in the Fiesta Bowl
I didn’t know how sports-centric Amy Schumer’s sorta-RomCom feature would be prior to seeing it yesterday. Sure Bill Hader’s character is a sports physician/surgeon and his closest friend in the film is LeBron James, but Judd Apatow goes above and beyond in sports-ness throughout the film.
If you haven’t seen “Trainwreck” yet, I’ll warn you that there are spoilers ahead…but you should have assumed that before clicking. Let’s take a look at the numerous cameos and references that made a generally “okay” movie a little bit better.
10. Hader Sports Trivia
In an effort to distract Amy’s dad (Colin Quinn) while sewing up stitches for him following a fall in an assisted living home, Bill Hader asks him a Trivia question that many sports fans have been asking to kill time or break the ice with for years…
“Which 9 Pro Sports Team Names Don’t End With ‘S’…?”
Tampa Bay Lightning
Minnesota Wild
Colorado Avalanche
Miami Heat
Utah Jazz
Orlando Magic
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
You’re welcome…for future parties.
9. Amy’s Cheerleader Number
Anyone who tells me that Cheerleading isn’t a sport is dead wrong. This scene is certainly evidence of that. While it also puts the icing on the cake to define “Trainwreck” as a RomCom (like as How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days as it gets), it’s actually a super impressive scene. Schumer said herself that it took 2 and a half months to train for the scene…and at least 10 takes.
The reason I didn’t rank this higher, despite the admirable effort by Schumer, the scene and its conclusion made me walk away feeling like I just watched an Adam Sandler movie. Not a good thing.
8. “Dallas Sucks”, Tony Romo
Kind of a sleeper in this film is Amare Stoudamire and his handful of scenes, despite being a real focal point to the movie’s plot. It’s awkward and a little dated because Amare isn’t even in New York anymore, but how can you not appreciate a “Dallas Sucks” heckle when Tony Romo is trying to have a semi-heartfelt moment introducing Hader’s character for an award.
7. John Cena “Dirty Talk”
I’m going to have a hard time looking at John Cena the same way again…and wash cloths.
In an attempt to spice things up, Amy tells John Cena’s character, Steven, to try talking dirty. Cena warns her that he’s not very good at that but he gives it a shot anyway…It goes from talking about “protein” to his best attempt at a cheesy sports movie coach’s inspirational speech. The sad part is that it pretty much summed up all of the cliches Gene Hackman used in “The Replacements.”
6. Hader hitting a shot on LeBron
I’ll be more extensive in my appreciation for LeBron James later, but I have to give props to Hader first…He takes a beating for most of this scene while LeBron is trying to give him dating advice and blocking every attempt made. It ends with a Hader jumper from the elbow, a weak contest from LeBron, and the ball hitting nothing but net.
I too would give up playing basketball forever if I hit a shot over LeBron James.
5. Colin Quinn vs. Babe Ruth
Anyone else wonder where Colin Quinn had been for the last thousand years? The former SNL ‘Weekend Update’ Anchor opens the film explaining why monogamy is dumb to his kids and that kinda-but-not-really justifies Schumer’s “Trainwreck” behavior throughout the film.
He’s living in an assisted living home due to MS and goes on typical Colin Quinn rants whenever he’s on screen. The best of his rants comes toward the beginning when one of the residents brings up Babe Ruth. As a huge Mets fan, he ruins the old Yankee fan’s dreams by telling him that every latin pitcher today would destroy Babe Ruth…who never played against black ballplayers.
4. Amare really likes Tom Brady’s wife
As I mentioned earlier, Amare is a serious sleeper in this flick. There is (and isn’t) a lot riding on Hader being able to successfully operate on Amare’s knee to get him back playing for the Knicks.
Sidenote: If this is taking place during the NBA season, why is LeBron spending so much time in New York following Hader around?
Anywho, Amare asks Hader how the procedure went and he is told that it was “Tom Brady” good. That prompts a medically drug induced Amare to profess his love and admiration for Gisele Bundchen.
From “I need me one of those” to “I follow her on Instagram”, that single scene was the perfect contrast to the creepy and gross Tom Brady stalking in “Ted 2”.
3. Marv Albert in the Intervention
While the scene seemed wildly out of place, and even more Sandler’ish than the cheerleader number, Marv Albert calling play-by-play of an intervention curated by LeBron for Hader following his breakup was too good.
Matthew Broderick and Chris Evert were there as well (why?), but that randomness was subsided by Marv doing his Marv thing.
2. Any and All LeBron Scenes
I want LeBron to be my best friend after seeing this movie.
He makes the movie fun by trying to be a normal dude looking out for his “best friend.” You’re not totally sure if Hader feels the same way about the LeBron, but that makes the chemistry all the more entertaining.
And you giggle like a kid when he gets pumped about “Sexual Intercourse”.
1. Hader’s “Client” Namedropping
I laughed the loudest (and probably way more than the few people where in the theater with me) at this scene, warranting it’s #1 ranking.
While at a birthday party for Schumer’s nephew, Hader gets the “new boyfriend” treatment from the other guys there. Tim Meadows and Mike Birbiglia ask Hader specifically who he has worked on as a sports surgeon and it goes a little like this…
Bill: “Tom Brady…”
Them: “Wow!”
Bill: “Jay Cutler…”
Them: “Cool.”
Bill: “Alex Rodriguez…”
Tim Meadows: “FUCK THAT GUY!”
Yep. The “Ladies Man” gets the smallest part in the movie, but drops the best timed punchline over the course of 2 hours and too many more minutes.
Can you think of anything else from “Trainwreck” that sticks out to you? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
As we waited to see what would happen when Y2K hit…
The Sopranos debuted on HBO.
President Bill Clinton was acquitted in impeachment proceedings.
Sega Dreamcast was released in North America,
George Harrison was attacked at his home in Friar Park.
Wilt Chamberlain passed away at the age of 63.
And here’s what happened in the worlds of Movies, Music, and Sports…
Movies
Comedy
American Pie, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, 10 Things I Hate About You, Notting Hill, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, Being John Malkovich, She’s All That, Big Daddy, Galaxy Quest, South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, Never Been Kissed, Dogma, Stuart Little, Blue Streak, Analyze This, Jawbreaker, Bowfinger, Dick, Idle Hands, Mystery Men, Life, Drive Me Crazy, EDtv, Detroit Rock City, The Bachelor, Superstar, AND…
Office Space
Action/Thriller
The Sixth Sense, The Matrix, Three Kings, The Boondock Saints, End of Days, Deep Blue Sea, The Insider, Universal Soldier: The Return, A Murder of Crows, 8mm, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Double Jeopardy, Instinct, The Bone Collector, The World is Not Enough, The Ninth Gate, Arlington Road, Chill Factor, True Crime, Payback, Resurrection, Stigmata, The Mod Squad, Entrapment, The Astronaut’s Wife, The Rage: Carrie 2, AND…
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Drama
Fight Club, American Beauty, Eyes Wide Shut, Bicentennial Man, Boys Don’t Cry, Anna and the King, Girl Interrupted, Animal Farm, 200 Cigarettes, The Virgin Suicides, October Sky, Great Expectations, Onegin, Flawless, The Hurricane, Brokedown Palace, Magnolia, Cruel Intentions, Random Hearts, All About My Mother, The Winslow Boy, Varsity Blues, The Cider House Rules, The Deep End of the Ocean, Tuesdays with Morrie, Black and White, AND…
The Green Mile
The 72nd Academy Awards
Best Actor
Russell Crowe, The Insider
Richard Farnsworth, The Straight Story
Sean Penn, Sweet and Lowdown
Denzel Washington, The Hurricane
Kevin Spacey, American Beauty – Winner
(Spacey’s 2nd Oscar. First was Best Supporting Actor in 1996 for The Usual Suspects)
Best Supporting Actor
Michael Clarke Duncan, The Green Mile
Jude Law, The Talented Mr. Ripley
Haley Joel Osment, The Sixth Sense
Tom Cruise, Magnolia
Michael Caine, The Cider House Rules – Winner
(Caine’s 2nd win out of 6 nominations.)
Best Actress
Annette Benning, American Beauty
Janet McTeer, Tumbleweeds
Julianne Moore, The End of the Affair
Meryl Streep, Music of the Heart
Hilary Swank, Boys Don’t Cry – Winner
(This was Swank’s first of two Oscar nominations and awards.)
Best Supporting Actress
Toni Collette, The Sixth Sense
Catherine Keener, Being John Malkovich
Samantha Morton, Sweet and Lowdown
Chloe Sevigny, Boys Don’t Cry
Angelina Jolie, Girl Interrupted – Winner
(Jolie has also won the Humanitarian Academy Award in 2014)
Best Picture
The Cider House Rules
The Green Mile
The Insider
The Sixth Sense
American Beauty – Winner
(American Beauty won 5 of the 8 Oscars it was nominated for.)
Music
Rock Albums
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Hip Hop Albums
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Pop Albums
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Billboard Year-End Top 25
01. “Believe” – Cher
02. “No Scrubs” – TLC
03. “Angel of Mine” – Monica
04. “Heartbreak Hotel” – Whitney Houston featuring Faith Evans and Kelly Price
05. “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears
06. “Kiss Me” – Sixpence None the Richer
07. “Genie in a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera
08. “Every Morning” – Sugar Ray
09. “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” – Deborah Cox
10. “Livin’ la Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin
11. “Where My Girls At?” – 702
12. “If You Had My Love” – Jennifer Lopez
13. “Slide” – Goo Goo Dolls
14. “Have You Ever?” – Brandy
15. “I Want It That Way” – Backstreet Boys
16. “I’m Your Angel” – Celine Dion and R. Kelly
17. “All Star” – Smash Mouth
18. “Angel” – Sarah McLachlan
19. “Smooth” – Santana featuring Rob Thomas
20. “Unpretty” – TLC
21. “Bills, Bills, Bills” – Destiny’s Child
22. “Save Tonight” – Eagle-Eye Cherry
23. “Last Kiss” – Pearl Jam
24. “Fortunate” – Maxwell
25. “All I Have to Give” – Backstreet Boys
Sports
Baseball
League Leaders:
Offensive
Average: Larry Walker (COL) – .379
Hits: Derek Jeter (NYY) – 219
Home Runs: Mark McGwire (STL) – 65
RBI: Manny Ramirez (CLE) – 165
OPS: Larry Walker (COL) – 1.168
Stolen Bases: Tony Womack (AZ)
Pitching
Wins: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 23
ERA: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 2.07
Strikeouts: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 364
Complete Games: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 12
Shutouts: Scott Erickson (BAL) & Andy Ashby (SD) – 3
Saves: Mariano Rivera (NYY) – 45
MVP
AL – Ivan Rodriguez (TEX)
NL – Chipper Jones (ATL)
CY Young
AL – Pedro Martinez (BOS)
NL – Randy Johnson (AZ)
Rookie of the Year
AL – Carlos Beltran (KC)
NL – Scott Williamson (CIN)
World Series
New York Yankees sweep Atlanta Braves (4-0)
Basketball
NCAA
Final Four:
(1) Duke, (1) Michigan State, (4) Ohio State and (1) UConn
National Championship:
(1) UConn over (1) Duke 77-74
NBA
League Leaders
Points Per Game: Allen Iverson (PHI) – 26.8
Rebounds Per Game: Chris Webber (SAC) – 13.0
Assists Per Game: Jason Kidd (PHX) – 10.8
All-NBA Team
Tim Duncan (SA)
Allen Iverson (PHI)
Jason Kidd (PHX)
Karl Malone (UTAH)
Alonzo Mourning (MIA)
MVP – Karl Malone (UTAH)
Rookie of the Year – Vince Carter (TOR)
NBA Finals
San Antonio Spurs over New York Knicks (4-1)
Football
NCAA
Heisman Trophy:
Ron Dayne (Wisconsin)
National Championship
(1) Florida State over (2) Virginia Tech 46-29 in the Sugar Bowl
NFL
League Leaders
Passing Yards: Steve Beuerlein (CAR) – 4,436
Passing Touchdowns: Kurt Warner (STL) – 41
Passer Rating: Kurt Warner (STL) – 109.2
Rushing Yards: Edgerrin James (IND) – 1,553
Rushing Touchdowns: Stephen Davis (WAS) – 17
Receiving Yards: Marvin Harrison (IND) – 1,663
Receiving Touchdowns: Cris Carter (MIN) – 13
Receptions: Jimmy Smith (JAX) – 116
AP MVP: Kurt Warner (STL)
Super Bowl XXXIV
St. Louis Rams over Tennessee Titans 23-16
Hockey
League Leaders
Goals: Teemu Selanne (ANA) – 47
Assists: Jaromir Jagr (PIT) – 83
Points: Jaromir Jagr (PIT) – 127
Hart Memorial Trophy: Jaromir Jagr (PIT)
Stanley Cup
Dallas Stars over Buffalo Sabres (4-2)
Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03.
michaelpiff 