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WHAT'S BETTER
"Friday Night Lights": The book, movie or TV show?
Let's start by eliminating the movie. It's not bad, just dishonest. This happens a lot: A complicated and interesting true story gets condensed, then dumbed down, for the big screen. The events are changed to make the story more dramatic. Booby Miles didn't hurt his knee on a bone-rattling tackle during a game, but in a preseason scrimmage when it snagged on the turf. A minor quibble, maybe, but "Friday Night Lights" is a sacred tome for avid sports readers. More inexcusable is the final game, changed into the state championship for the movie instead of a semifinal. This story was fine without being tinkered.
The show, on the other hand, is inspired by the book but features a fictional Texas high school football team (Dillon instead of Permian). It gets all the details right, from the town to the practices. And the interaction between Dillon's coach and players has been borderline brilliant. He's not a jerk or a savior, just a good coach who cares about his players. And the show is as well-acted and directed as the movie.
In fact, a distinct "Friday Night Lights" directorial style - soft lighting with changes of focus, flighty soundtrack - has been born, and it's terrific.
The show's better than the movie, but the book can't be topped. It's a truthful and stunning American portrait, using football to frame issues of race and class. It was as honest and important as sportswriting gets, and no fictionalized version can ever top it.
Phil Parker
WHAT'S BUGGIN'
Fantasy football has officially ruined my life. I don't play. Did once. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't much better than, say, any board game. I could never comprehend why it is so addictive, but, until recently fantasy football didn't bug me. My attitude was: If that's your thing, cool. Just don't talk to me about it. That was until it interrupted my happiness. Since I was in third grade I have read Sports Illustrated. I couldn't wait for stories from Gary Smith, Rick Reilly (his older stuff) and Austin Murphy, to name a few. To me, it was the pinnacle of sports journalism. Gradually, SI has devoted more pages to fantasy football. Not only do they now have a fantasy football preview edition, but ever since the start of the NFL season, a big chunk of pages have been wasted with what amounts to fantasy football tips.
Why? For the first time in my life I am considering axing my subscription. It's a sad time, folks . . .
Oh, and since when did Cleveland Browns supporters become model NFL fans? Results of a scientific study published on Bizjournal.com found Browns fans are the NFL's most loyal during the past decade. I'm not a Cleveland hater, but I don't think we, as a nation of NFL fans, should look up to those who gnaw on Milk-Bones during games.
James Staley
5 THINGS
Albuquerque Thunderbirds General Manager Billy Widner on the five reasons to follow the T-Birds entering their second season in the NBA-Development League. The season tips off Nov. 24.
1. We're winners. We won a D-League championship last season. I guess it doesn't get any better than that.
2. We have cool promotions. We're giving away replica championship rings from last year's team to a few fans throughout the season.
3. $5 tickets. The Thunderbirds are all about making it affordable for everyone in town. These tickets will be similar to the berm seats they sell at Isotopes games.
4. We throw parties. The Thunderbirds are having a pre-draft party Thursday at Kelly's Brew Pub.
5. We have great coaches. We give local greats like (head coach) Michael Coooper and (assistant coach) Joe Harge an excuse to stay in Albuquerque.
WHAT'S IN/OUT
IN
Santa Ana Star Center
MLB logos on caskets
Scott Spiezio's red soul patch
Lobos' football comebacks
Bears' Brian Urlacher
OUT
Tingley Coliseum
MLB logos on Little League uniforms
Todd Jones' Fu Manchu
Lobos' basketball spats
NFL offensive coordinators
