A List Of Things Thrown Five Minutes Ago

SIX DEGREES OF...DA COACH: I wrote a fun story in the Sunday Chicago Tribune linking Mike Ditka to this holiday season's biggest movies a la the Kevin Bacon Game. Because of space considerations (and I urge to check out the print edition--p. 5 of the Arts Section--as it doesn't translate quite as well on the Net), a few of the movies got cut, so I thought I might as well share those with you here...

"Lions for Lambs" (Opened Nov. 9)
This contemporary political drams was directed by and stars Robert Redford
Redford was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal con man Johnny Hooker in "The Sting" (1973)
The Chicago Sting of the North American Soccer League played many of their home games at Soldier Field
Soldier Field has been the home field of the Chicago Bears since 1971 and on game days from 1982-92 the home team sidelines were patrolled by…Mike Ditka

"Walk Hard" (Opens Dec. 21)
This mock bio of a rock legend was co-written by Jake Kasdan
As a child, Kasdan appeared briefly in his dad Lawrence’s film, "The Big Chill" (1983)
The main characters in "The Big Chill" all met at the University of Michigan
University of Michigan alum Jim Harbaugh was the Bears first-round pick in 1987 and though he had some successes as a Bear, is perhaps best remembered for throwing an interception that led to the firing of…Mike Ditka

"There Will Be Blood" (Release date TBD)
This story of oil corruption in the ’20s was written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Anderson also helmed "Punch Drunk Love," which improbably starred Adam Sandler
Sandler more typically was in the remake of "The Longest Yard," which also featured wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Austin was once married to pro wrestling diva Debra McMichael
McMichael was previously married to former Bears defensive tackle Steve "Mongo" McMichael, a longtime starter on the defensive line for the Bears teams led by…Mike Ditka