Big screen? It's not a JumboTron
Those who plan their lives according to pocket schedules, homestands and tipoff times might be surprised to learn that Oscar night is here.
For them, Briefing offers a quick rundown of some of the films up for major honors tonight:
* "The Departed" -- A harrowing look at the World Series success of St. Louis Cardinals David Eckstein, Jim Edmonds and Jeff Weaver through the eyes of Angels fans.
* "The Devil Wears Prada" -- Shocking expose about Mike Krzyzewski's other shoe contract.
* "Dreamgirls" -- Uncompromising examination of Team USA basketball groupies at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
* "Half-Nelson" -- Controversial documentary assigns blame for the 2006-07 Golden State Warriors' awful road record.
* "The Last King of Scotland" -- Magical fantasy, produced by British Tennis, stars promising newcomer Andy Murray.
* "The Pursuit of Happyness" -- Hardcore NASCAR fans compete in annual spelling bee.
* "Venus" -- An aging Peter O'Toole meets the jealous sister of the 2007 Australian Open women's singles champion.
* "The Queen" -- And then he meets the jealous sister's sister.
Trivia time
Who played football star Charles Jefferson in the 1982 movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"?
Be like Peyton
As Peyton Manning's backup with the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Sorgi doesn't play much, but he sure does listen and learn.
During Super Bowl week, Sorgi joked with reporters, "I do feel kind of anonymous. I'm the man no one wants to see play -- especially in Indianapolis. I should be the Maytag repairman, the guy bored out of my mind waiting for something to do."
With that, another Colts quarterback has become a pitchman. Sorgi has signed a promotional deal with Whirlpool, which acquired Maytag last year, and auditioned Tuesday for the role of the repairman.
In a pep talk he delivers on his audition tape, Sorgi tells an imaginary washer and dryer: "You're King Kong, baby, nobody can defeat you!"
Week 8 power rankings
This was the week the Lakers decided 2010 was just as important as 2007.
1. A-Rod versus Derek Jeter: Baseball teammates don't like each other much. In 2007, this is banner-headline news. In 1974, it was just another day with the Oakland A's.
2. Jason Kidd: The idea was to bring in somebody who can pass the ball to Kobe. Isn't that what the rest of the Lakers are for?
