Think Money Buys Happiness? Ask Jayson Williams...

See here from SI.com.

Folks may remember Williams shooting someone back in 2004. It appears that though money may have bought his way out of a murder charge, Williams is still extremely troubled.

Hopefully all those tens of thousands of high schoolers and middle schoolers who dream of one day becoming professional athletes will learn from Mr. Williams that it takes more than many millions of dollars to live a happy life.

A happy and fulfilling life being what we all, presumedly, want out of this deal.

NFL Draft on Saturday: "No One Knows Anything" -- William Goldman

I love the NFL Draft. I have two TVs in my living room, and on draft day I will always have one of them tuned to ESPN. I go full bore. But make no mistake: I have no idea what is going on, and neither does anyone else. To think that we, as fans, or they, as management, know whether a college kid is going to turn into a decent NFL players is laughable.

But it's fascinating nonetheless. I will watch all that I can, then read the postmortems on how each team "did" in the draft. all the while knowing that each syllable, each sentence, each utterance is completely meaningless.

Take a look at the Patriots current roster (Here). An astonishing 23 young men were not even drafted, yet found their way on to the roster of the league's premier franchise. And of course the very best player on the team and possibly the greatest quarterback ever was drafted in the sixth round; one Tom Brady. Think about that for a while.

Once again, let's all enjoy the feast of football on Saturday and Sunday, all the while remembering that absolutely nobody has any idea how it will all turn out.

From This Week's "Newsweek": The Brooklyn Bridge Threatened

See Here.

Fine article by author David McCullough about the possibility of an 18 story apartment building being built right next to the famed bridge on the Brooklyn side of one of NYC's and the nation's most important and most awe inspiring landmarks.

Brooklyn, how can you let this happen? Please vote down this proposal!

Blockbuster Story From The New York Times

See here.

Waterboarding suspected terrorists hundreds of times? Is this the United States or some third world dictatorship? My God, the insanity of the Bush administration! The anger I feel at the incompetence and cruelty of those awful human beings responsible for the darkest moments our nation has experienced since Watergate, well, I can scarcely contain myself. What can we do to get the Obama administration to go through with the rumored Congressional committees that would ferret out the evildoers in our own midst? I'm open to any and all suggestions. This is simply not right.

After this bombshell how can anyone not want those responsible to go to jail for a long time?

My new blog: FireDonOrsillo.Blogspot.com

See here.

---------

Anyone agree with me?

RIP Mark Fidrych and Harry Kalas

Two notable sports deaths on Monday: Massachusetts own and former major league pitcher Mark Fidrych died in an apparent accident at his home at age 54, who was a national sensation in 1976 when he went 19-9 for the Detroit Tigers and thrilled the country by talking to the baseball and smoothing out the mound between innings. Truly one of a kind and supposedly one of the nicest and most down to earth athletes in New England's proud athletic history. He was ruined by injuries, but for that one season he was the biggest name in baseball and the most beloved athlete in the country. There is a great movie out there to be made of his magical 1976 season and subsequent injury problems.

And Phillies and pro football announcer Harry Kalas died of natural causes. Long known as the voice of NFL Films, he had a voice for the ages. A supposedly terrific Phillies announcer, though he will always be more noted for his NFL work in my eyes.

Knowing that these two beloved sports figures lived long and wonderful lives makes their passing a bit easier to take for this sports fan. The death of a young man or woman is a tragedy, but the death of an adult who has touched many lives is an opportunity to celebrate all that they have accomplished. Thanks for the memories, Bird and Harry...

My Must See TV

What shows are worth watching? Well, there aren't that many, but the ones I do DVR I enjoy thoroughly and would recommend to anyone looking for a good TV fix. As I spend most nights when I'm home watching live sports or reading, I usually record these shows, then watch them and zip through the commercials (the only way to go).

-----

"30 Rock" -- The best sitcom on TV by a wide margin.

"Parks and Recreation" -- I'll give this one a chance, though the premiere was lackluster. There is just too much talent in play for this not to succeed.

"The Office" -- I stopped recording this show early on this season because it just wasn't making me laugh, but I have read positive reviews of it lately and this week will be the first time I've watched it since the fall. Here's hoping things have improved.

"Southland" -- The first episode last Thursday was absolutely riveting! Great premiere. A true "must see" show.

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" -- Another "must see", especially for anyone as disappointed in the mass media as I am. A great source for news of the day, though Stewart has been getting a bit preachy at times lately. Please come down off your high horse a bit, Jon, and be funny more often please.

"The Colbert Report" -- Simply brilliant TV. I can see a terrific movie coming somewhere down the road for Colbert based on his blowhard character. Can't be missed.

"60 Minutes" -- Mass media done right, though I could do without the nearly 70 year old Leslie Stahl's mini skirts. Sheesh! They have had a fine season, though I usually stop the tape before Andy Rooney's pointless complaining. Shave those eyebrows, Mr. Rooney. You look really scary!

"The Simpsons" -- A disappointing season for one of the greatest shows ever. Not really that funny, and not that timely either. They just haven't brung it much in 2008-9. Maybe new blood is needed on the writing staff, but I will continue to watch, as it only takes 22 minutes to watch a taped episode.

"The New Adventures of Old Christine" -- Yes, I watch bad TV, too. Only because of Julia Louis-Dreyfus resume do I continue to spend 22 minutes in her world. It's not a bad show and the characters are likeable, it's just not that funny.

"Friday Night Lights" -- The season just ended last week, and though some of the developments are fairly implausible, the writing and acting are absolutely first rate. One of the best, if not the best, dramas on TV. Here's hoping it returns for another season on NBC, as apparently the ratings are poor and there is thought of canceling it (again).

"Law and Order" -- One of the stalwarts of the weekly TV schedule, I think they have had their best season ever. The quality of the acting and writing has never been higher. Here's hoping the show never ends, as they remain timely and interesting.

"Saturday Night Live" -- Though at times unwatchable (last week's episode being example number one), there is still hope for the only live show of note on TV. I keep rooting for poor Kristin Wiig to finally fulfill the promise she has shown, but she does not deserve the excess of sketches she receives. I am a Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Fred Armisen man. These three are versatile and talented and deserve more airtime. This show will hopefully be on longer that I am alive, as there is always a place for timely sketch comedy on late night TV.

--

That's about it for television shows I watch. What is your "must see" TV?

A Day at the Park: Portland SeaDogs Baseball arrives!

Yesterday was my first visit to Hadlock Field here in Portland to see the local Boston Red Sox AA affiliate. Hadlock is a pretty little ballpark that seats about 6,000. Due to Easter Sunday and the chilly (low 40s) temperature, there were only about 800 folks in the stands.

According to Baseball America, a highly respected publication that covers high school, college, and minor league baseball, only two of the Red Sox top ten prospects will start the season in Portland: Lars Anderson, a first baseman, and Josh Reddick, a centerfielder. Double A is where most of the prime major leaguers of the future do most of their work, as AAA is mostly for backups to the big league team and fine tuning of the skills the real prospects learned in the lower levels of the minor leagues. So it comes as a bit of a disappointment to me that there is so little talent in Portland. But I decided to make the most of it and concentrate on Anderson and Reddick for the day.

Reddick, a lefthanded batter, had a home run to right but struggled in his other plate appearances. Anderson, considered the best prospect in the Red Sox farm system, looked pretty bad and struck out three times. He did manage a bloop single late in the game. Neither did much in the field, with Anderson missing a throw from short that led to a SS error. Both players have good size and Reddick looks to have the athletic ability to play center in the majors and possibly, considering the homer, enough power to potentially play a corner outfield spot at Fenway.

The SeaDogs won on Sunday 6-1. Though the weather turned chillier as the day went on and the sun periodically hid behind the clouds, I had a great time and can't wait for my next visit to Hadlock.

A New Hope (Post "Observe and Report"): "Funny People"

...to be released at the end of July. This is the new film from the world's funniest director, Judd Apatow. Can't wait!

Here's their MySpace page, with preview!

A new piece of crap from Hollywood: "Observe and Report"

Here is The New York Times spot-on review of this simply awful and insulting attempt at comedy.

Saw this today and did laugh a couple of times in the beginning, but once I saw where the director was going I began to feel uneasy. Went with a friend so I didn't walk out, as I usually do when confronted with insulting garbage up on the screen. The comtempt that this movie holds its audience is astounding. In the final scene, Seth Rogen's rogue mall cop shoots an unarmed man, but since he doesn't kill him we are supposed to laugh. My god, the blood was everywhere. And we're supposed to laugh at this? I do not remember if anyone in the screening I attended was chuckling; I was too filled with horror to notice. What an asinine ending to a thoroughly crappy movie. Please don't go see this, no matter how starved for entertainment you are this weekend. You'll surely be disappointed if you do go see the new Seth Rogan vehicle.

Funny interview with the co-creater of NBC's new sitcom "Parks and Recreation", Micheal Schur

See here.

Mr. Schur, as you will read in the interview, was one of the bloggers for the dearly departed website FireJoeMorgan.com, one of the great inventions of the internet. His thoughts on the upcoming baseball season are priceless.

As for "Parks", I watched the first episode and was marginally impressed. Not that funny, but there is a ton of talent working on the show, so prospects are very high that NBC will have a new moneymaker.

The 2009 Frozen Four, and MY ALMA MATER is playing!

Miami University, located near Cincinnati and Dayton in Southwest Ohio, will be playing for the school's first ever NCAA national championship Saturday night at 7pm vs Boston University. This is quite the big deal for us Redskins/Redhawks, as our sports boasting is usually confined to Big Ben Roethlisberger of the Super Bowl champion Steelers and NBAers Ron Harper and Wally Szczerbiak. But today we have new heroes: the 2008-9 men's hockey team.

Here's footage from the arena and Oxford during the victory over Bemidji State on Friday afternoon.

Here's a site for fellow Miamians to talk Redhawk sports.

Here's where Miami U t-shirts can be purchased (Hint! Hint!)

Thoughts on Red Sox First Two Red Sox Games

1 - 1

So far so good, although Lester's poor start has me a bit concerned that he may have some tired arm syndrome after pitching so much last year. Often times young pitchers with heavy workloads one year can have a bad year the next. The Sox are out in front of MLB in terms of protecting their young arms from overuse, but I'll bet Theo and the rest of the Young Turks are waking up with a lump in their throats this morning worried that Lester won't be as dominant this season as last, when he was far and away their best pitcher.

--

Jed Lowrie has me a bit worried with his clueless at bats in the first two games. I love his swing and his style on the diamond, but man, if ya can't hit, ya shouldn't play. I bet Theo gives him a month to work things out before a trade is made. Lugo is obviously NOT the answer as short if Lowrie can't hit. Here's hoping Lowrie comes around, and if anyone tells you they know how this is going to turn out, they are lying.

--

The Rays are for real! Their bullpen is extraordinary, making great pitch after great pitch last night. In the offseason there was much talk about how the defensive improvements Tampa Bay, especially with Bartlett at short, had made them into the division winners. Wrong! It was improved pitch making by the starters and pen for Tampa. They went with largely the same staff that was so awful in 07 and caught lightning in a bottle last season. On Wednesday, I watched Wheeler and Balfour baffle Sox hitters in their time on the mound, and though Howell struggled, he had a great year last year and should again. It's not that Tampa's pen throws heat, they just make good pitches with their fastballs, cut fastballs, sliders and occasional curveballs. It was fun to watch.

--

Tampa's offense is not that great, and an injury to Kazmir or Shields might doom their playoff chances. Other than Longoria and Pena, there isn't a scary hitter in the Rays lineup. Crawford has turned into a thoroughly average player at the two spot (stolen bases being the most overrated category in baseball's hallowed statistical groupings), Burrell is nothing great at #5. Batting Bartlett leadoff is a weird thing for the outstanding manager of the Rays, Joe Madden, to do in the second game of the year. Bartlett can't fucking hit. It's that simple. Look for the Rays to struggle scoring as many runs as last year. Their outstanding pitching and solid D should keep them in the running, but their run of good luck might just be coming to a close. They are a good team, possibly very good, but it should take more than that to beat out Boston and New York.

--

The Sox bullpen is loaded. Ramirez last night threw absolute darts. His cut fastball/slider was very effective in fooling hitters. I have a ton of faith in Okajima, but Ramirez is so good that it won't be long before he is working the pre-Papelbon innings. Saito gave up a home run and he will surely miss spacious Dodger Stadium, but the man can pitch. He is 39, though, and should not be given any prime leverage situations, at least early. Leave those for Masterson, who should be a monster this year, Okajima, and Ramirez. The Sox bullpen is one of the real strengths of the team.

--

Enjoy the game today! One thirty start at Fenway.

Pitt Big Man Dejaun Blair declares for NBA Draft and hires an agent: BAD MOVE

With two years of eligibility left, Blair has decided to hire an agent and forego any chance of "testing the waters." He is going pro, with no looking back.

To me, Blair may occupy a roster spot next year but is not worthy of a first round pick. A great college rebounder, the man simply cannot shoot the ball. He has a decent touch from the line so making a ten footer consistently sometime in the future is not out of the realm of possiblities, but for right now Blair is a dreadful perimeter player.

With a game and body much like former league MVP Wes Unseld, there is a chance that Blair will prove my prediction wrong and be a solid NBA center for years. I just don't see it happening. A player for teams needing a spare big man rebounder, this is project for most teams to avoid in the coming draft.

The Best Baseball Book of the Year (So Far) -- "Forever in Blue"

...By Michael D'Antonio.

A great writer can make a book about the grass in your yard getting mowed interesting, and D'Antonio is a great writer.

Fortunately he has a fascinating subject in his latest work: the late Los Angeles Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley. O'Malley is one of the most controversial figures in all baseball history because he is the man responsible for moving the Brooklyn team out west to Chavez Ravine in LA. "Blue" is a bit of revisionist history that I believe will stand the test of time, as D'Antonio makes a solid and compelling case that lack of fan interest in the borough and New York's master builder Robert Moses are the real villains in the team's move west.

This book should be required reading for anyone interested in baseball, New York city, and America's post WWII history.

Not to be missed.

Youth Sports in America: How Coaches Take The Fun Out Of It.

See Here.

This "coach" is all too typical in today's America.

Youth coaches who take themselves too seriously make sports a chore, not fun. Some of my best sports memories are the middle school basketball team that reached the town championship one winter. Our coach was a terrificly nice man who played everybody, and I remember that we, the players, were as shocked as anybody else that we won in the playoffs before losing in the finals. It was fun all season long to have everybody play, and a bonus that we did well in the playoffs.

Sports for kids are supposed to bring joy and camaraderie, not slavish devotion to a manaical father figure coach. It seems the twisted adults who are attracted to coaching youth teams are exactly the wrong kind of folks to bring out the best in kids.

Sunday column from The NYTs Frank Rich

Always must reading.

Just Another Week in Gun Crazy America

See here from today.

And here from earlier in the week.

How much longer do we allow the madness to continue? This country doesn't need to enforce existing laws more thoroughly, as some Democrats have said (largely due to fear of the NRA lobbyists), but a new assault weapons ban and tougher laws restricting just about all guns.

As someone who has never shot a gun, only touched one once in my life, I am no expert on the "thrill" one gets from handling such power over life and death. But how many more innocents must be slaughtered before something is done to curb gun violence?

Good Time at the Movies: "Adventureland"

From fairly new on the scene director Greg Mottola, "Adventureland" has been marketed like a zany teenage comedy, but it is the farthest thing from that tired genre. What "Adventureland" is is a wonderful, sweet, funny, and romantic look into the lives of a group of college students as they come of age in summertime 1987 at a theme park in Pittsburgh.

The actors are all winning, especially the enchanting Kristen Stewart. Stewart, with her recent performances, has become possibly the hottest young actress on the planet. Her films seem to make money, and she has some acting chops as well. Look for more good things in the future.

"Adventureland" may not make a ton of money, since it isn't raunchy or obnoxious, but it is well worth the time and effort. In fact, having walked out on a showing this week of the vastly overrated "Two Lovers", I may just see "Adventureland" again. It's that good.