Boston Blog

Return of Friday Megalinks

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:59:55 +0000

Work has been crazy the last few weeks which is why you haven’t seen the megalinks since the beginning of the New Year. I’m hoping next week will be easier. You have your Weekend Viewing Picks , of course. National Starting with the Sports Business Daily, we have the full roster of spots for Super Bowl XLIV on CBS. Also from Sports Business Daily, the final ratings from last weekend including the Pro Bowl which was the highest rated sporting event. Wayne Friedman of MediaPost discusses how CBS is trying to sell even more spots for the Super Bowl. SportsbyBrooks explores ESPN Radio firing Michael Irvin from his Dallas radio show after three year old rape allegations surfaced this week. And apparently, Irvin is firing back filing a countersuit against the accuser. Dr. Nicole M. LaVoi is critical of Lindsey Vonn’s pose on this week’s Sports Illustrated cover. Erin Whiteside at the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State University says women lose when sports stars become authority figures. Michael Hiestand of USA Today says the NCAA’s expansion of its men’s tournament is a money grab . Dave Kindred writing for the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center says Super Bowl week can be the best week and the worst week for a sportswriter. East and Mid-Atlantic Chad Finn of the Boston Globe says the ratings for Super Bowl XLIV actually might match the media hype . Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram writes that CBS’ Jim Nantz has an affinity for the New Orleans Saints. The New York Daily News’ Bob Raissman writes a regular New York sports radio caller was saved thanks to football. Phil Mushnick of the New York Post mourns the late Tom Brookshier . Pete Dougherty in the Albany Times Union says even the broadcast team has pregame jitters . Laura Nachman says the Philadelphia CBS affiliate will have a Super Bowl special this weekend. Leonard Shapiro of the Washington Post talks with former CBS Sports producer Frank Chirkinian about the early days of the NFL. Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner writes that producing the Super Bowl for TV is a team effort . Tim Lemke looks at Bloomberg Sports’ fantasy baseball package. South Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes that his CBS Sports colleagues are surprised that Bill Cowher is still on television. Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel says the furor over the Tim Tebow Super Bowl advocacy ad shows why athletes rarely take controversial stands. Tom Jones from the St. Petersburg Times talks with ESPN’s Dick Vitale about South Florida’s basketball program. Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks at the Michael Irvin firing from ESPN Radio in the Metroplex. Barry has more on the firing. Ray Buck in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram also delves into the Irvin dismissal. David Barron in the Houston Chronicle says watching the Super Bowl in Canada is definitely a different experience . In the Daily Oklahoman, Mel Bracht writes that CBS’ analysts are leaning towards the Indianapolis Colts. Mel has the Super Bowl Sunday viewing lineup . And in his media notebook, Mel writes that the Oklahoma City Thunder are setting ratings records. Midwest In the Cincinnati Enquirer, John Kiesewetter says Pete Rose will be Andy Furman’s first guest on Monday. Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feels the Super Bowl could surpass 100 million viewers for the first time. Ed Sherman has this week’s winners and losers . Jim O’Donnell of the Chicago Tribune writes that the success of “The Blind Side” came unexpectedly to Memphis Grizzlies TV analyst Sean Tuohy. Paul Christian of the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin says CBS is expecting monster viewership if Super Bowl XLIV is close. Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch also notes that CBS could reach record numbers on Sunday. West Scott D. Pierce of the Deseret News says last Saturday’s BYU-Utah game had one of the most surreal moments caught on camera. Jay Posner in the San Diego Union-Tribune writes that the NFL is riding a big momentum wave heading into the Super Bowl. John Maffei from the North County Times says CBS is bringing back sideline reporters for the Super Bowl. Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star tells us that there’s plenty of other sports to watch on Sunday other than the Super Bowl. Jim writes as CBS’ Jim Nantz prepares to call the New Orleans Saints’ penultimate game on Sunday, he recalls seeing their first . Diane Pucin of the Los Angeles Times says ESPN is all over the Super Bowl and it doesn’t even have the game. Tom Hoffarth in the Los Angeles Daily News speaks with former ESPN’er Larry Burnett who has made a name for himself in SoCal as a play-by-play man. Tom has more with Larry in his blog. Tom also has everything you need to know about Super Bowl Sunday. Canada Bruce Dowbiggin in the Toronto Globe and Mail writes that Canadians won’t be able to watch the US Super Bowl ads. Chris Zelkovich of the Toronto Star says the Super Bowl might match the hype . Gary Mason of the Canadian Press says despite heavy financial losses, NBC expects record ratings for the Winter Olympics. William Houston of Truth & Rumours writes that after a four year absence, CTV’s Brian Williams looks forward to hosting the Olympics once again. William notes that one of Canada’s greatest Olympians was snubbed for the Olympic Torch Relay. And William has one more post on the snub. And that will do it. Enjoy your Super Bowl Weekend. Return of Friday Megalinks is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Return of Friday Megalinks

Justin Timberlake brings sexy back to Harvard

Sam Baltrusis — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Justin Timberlake, who co-stars in the upcoming partially made-in-Boston flick based on local author Ben Mezrich’s tell-all book about the founding of Facebook in a Harvard dorm, picked up his Man of the Year pudding pot during a roast orchestrated by Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals. But, JT did manage to get in a jab regarding the locally shot film ” The Social Network ” during the press conference. “I just wanted to say that Harvard wouldn’t allow us to film here,” he jokes, alluding to the fact that crews with “The Soci al Network” had to shoot the script’s Harvard scenes at Wheelock College and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. “My manager dared me to say that. Ha ha … just kidding.” During the roast, “The Social Network” star was courted by a Harvard man dolled up as Britney Spears and sported a bra made out of boxes, an obvious homage to his “Dick In A Box” skit from Saturday Night Live. “Ive never felt more like a man than I do right now,” the former *NSYNC performer muses. In the locally shot movie ” The Social Network ,” Timberlake plays Sean Parker, the Napster co-founder who became the founding president of Facebook. ” The Socia l Ne twork ” follows founder Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, getting dumped at a Boston-area bar (shot at the Thirsty Scholar Pub in Somerville) and ends with him adding his former girlfriend to his friend list on his multibillion-dollar social networking site. The story is based on Mezrich’s latest book, “The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook. A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal.” Timberlake, who joins “Bride Wars” actress Anne Hathaway as the 2010 honoree, says he was honored to snag the prestigious Hasty Pudding award. “This is cooler than any Grammy or Emmy that I’ve ever won,” he adds. Renee Zellweger and James Franco were honored last year. Christopher Walken and Charlize Theron were tapped as the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ Man and Woman of the Year in 2008. Click here for photos from Anne Hathaway’s Harvard visit on Thursday, Jan. 28. –Photos for Loaded Gun Boston by Ryan Miner, Beantown Photo Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes.

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Friday Links and Randomness

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:10:02 +0000

So is this NFL offseason going to entirely consist of Boston media types tracking down former and current Patriots players to ask them to talk about the demise of the franchise, and ask how poorly they were treated and how everything in Foxborough is just a house of cards? Just wondering, since that is the early trend thus far. We’ve heard from Richard Seymour, Adam Vinatieri, Asante Samuel, Vince Wilfork, and yesterday, Adalius Thomas . We’ve had David Thomas thrown in our faces like he’s the second coming of Kellen Winslow. (The Dad, not the son.) There have been a few props thrown the Patriots way, Randall Gay and Heath Evans have spoken positively of their time in New England, and Sean Payton has gushed about Bill Belichick and the Patriots as a model to follow, but their input is drowned out by all the negativity. I’m a little tired of it. I know that the Patriots have a lot of work to do, I don’t need it thrown in my face every time I turn around. Ratings might match the hype - Chad Finn thinks that this Super Bowl might actually match all the hype that CBS and other outlets are putting into it. Nantz was there as Saints marched in - Bill Doyle has Jim Nantz recalling attending the first-ever New Orleans Saints game, back in 1967 as an 8-year-old. Forty-Four Facts About Super Bowl XLIV - Not much that Jeff Howe doesn’t cover here. Patriots coaching staff in focus - What? Actual Patriots discussion that doesn’t involve the impending demise of the franchise? Thank God for Mike Reiss. Players own early resolve - Albert Breer has the NFLPA preparing for a lockout in 2011. Checking in at the V-Mart: A look at Victor Martinez’ value - Alex Speier looks at what the Red Sox catcher might be looking at in his next contract. Best move for Bruins? None at all - With this season seemingly out of hope, Stephen Harris says that Peter Chiarelli should just stand pat and not make any moves aimed to improve the team this season. Papelbon sticks to his guns - Brian MacPherson touches on a number of Red Sox-related topics. Sunday super for Marquis Daniels? - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics forward hoping he might return to action on Sunday. A program note on ‘biggest loser’ - With the 4-44 Nets in town tonight, Bob Ryan remembers the times the Celtics played the ’72-’73 Sixers, who finished at 9-73. Friday Links and Randomness is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Friday Links and Randomness

‘Survivor’ beauty hosts TV viewing party in Saugus

Sam Baltrusis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Danielle DiLorenzo, a Lynnfield native who schemed her way to the finale of “Survivor: Exile Island” in Panama to lose in a 5-2 vote to Aras Baskauskas for the $1 million prize, is slotted to host a viewing party starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at Za Za Restaurant & Nitery, located at 114 Broadway Street in Saugus. DiLorenzo, who attended Northeastern University and earned a degree in business with a concentration in both finance and marketing and a minor in theater, returns to the CBS competition reality show “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” where she competed on the South Pacific island of Samoa. Don’t remember her? You’re not alone. The “Survivor” runner-up flew under the radar and spent many days as an outcast with her personality and game play fueling her tribe to banish her to the game’s first Exile Island. She joins Rob Mariano, also known as Boston Rob, in the 20th season of the Emmy-award winning TV show. No surprise here, but DiLorenzo and Mariano are on the “villains” team. After leaving Boston, DiLorenzo moved to Florida to work as a medical sales representative where she made the cast of the popular CBS show. Following her first-time stint on “Survivor,” DiLorenzo returned to the states and continued her acting in Los Angeles. At the viewing bash on Thursday, Feb. 11, Za Za will serve up complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktail specials. The hot spot will air the “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” episode beginning at 8 p.m. on eight of their flat screen, high-def TVs. Click here for details. Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes.

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‘Survivor’ beauty hosts TV viewing party in Saugus

Week Log: Sportsual Healing In Order For Boston

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:19:41 +0000

A a kid, I remember Jim Rice’s broken hand costing the Sox a World Series title, and Darryl Stingley’s career ending on a preseason gridiron. I watched the corpus erodus of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Bill Walton during what could have been productive years breaking in kids like Len Bias and Reggie Lewis. And how many Cups would a healthy Bobby Orr have delivered to Boston? Sure, every fan base experiences misfortune, but on reflective days like Tuesday when I first heard David Aldridge ’s report that Celtic Paul Pierce could miss significant time due to a broken foot, it occurred to me that Boston seems to have far beyond its fair share. There are times when misfortune seems to descend like locusts to pick our championship hopes to the bone. Well, as Celtics Green reports, the news on Pierce proved better than expected, which is good since ESPN Boston Celtics Blog says no one on the roster can replace his leadership and production. Yeah, every game lost to Pierce’s foot is a lemon, but LOSCY is using it to make lemonade. Nevertheless, there are well-founded concerns across the Boston sportscape. On the hardwood, if it’s not Glen Davis’ right thumb, then it’s Marquis Daniels’ left thumb, or Kevin Garnett’s knee, which Lex Nihil Novi says is keeping the C’s in continuous uncertainty. Celtics Blog has Doc Rivers saying KG still needs more time. No Boston team has had bigger losses recently than the Patriots. Jeff Howe sees Super Bowl starting QBs Peyton Manning and Drew Brees as a good prognosis for Tom Brady, who looked out of sorts after returning from a missed 2008 season. Extra Points is taking news of Wes Welker’s successful surgery with a grain of salt, recalling how the early returns on Brady’s knee soured quickly. The Rap Sheet reports that WR Brandon Tate’s injured knee is “good.” Mike Reiss says Randy Moss’ toughness is underestimated as he reportedly played with a separated shoulder for much of the 2009 season. Mass Hysteria is miffed that some would confuse Randy’s injury with laziness. Jets DB Darelle Revis, a.k.a. The Mouth That Never Stops, is among the confused, as It Is What It Is has him still maintaining that Moss takes plays off. This guy’s lips seem to spend less time together lately than Tiger and Elan. Pats Pulpit calls Revis a punk, plain and simple. Then, there are the B’s, a revolving door to the infirmary. ESPN Boston Bruins Blog has defenseman Zdeno Chara playing with a broken pinkie since November. It’s a finger for Mark Stuart too, as Hub Hockey has his Ironman status in jeopardy after a second major injury this season. On a good note, the Boston Bruins website reports that defenseman Andrew Ference will be able to take matters into his own hands again sooner than expected, as it’s been tough for him to watch the B’s. Andrew, you are not alone. Bruins Well, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow on Tuesday, meaning only nine more weeks of hockey for the B’s, who dropped their eighth straight later that night. It was the same old tired story for Stanley Cup Of Chowder : no goals and key mistakes. Among a wealth of one-liners on scoring ineptitude, Joe Haggerty suggests the B’s are in need of a serious set of 9-volt batteries to charge the offense. If that doesn’t work, someone could always use them to light the goal lamp anyway. Big Bad Blog has the B’s saying their longest losing streak in 54 seasons will soon be a thing of the past. If it isn’t, the Black & Gold may be able to draft Taylor Hall with their own pick. However, Kathryn Tappen says sinking into the bottom-feeders is not an option on Causeway Street. And forget about mortgaging the future on Ilya Kovalchuk, as Black & Gold says the slumping B’s are more than one player away from climbing out of their Eastern Conference hole. View From 311 implores GM Peter Chiarelli not to panic by renting Kovalchuk. Hey, would you pay $4 million for a guy who can’t light the lamp? Neither would 29 other NHL teams, but James Murphy has Chiarelli declaring Michael Ryder’s availability via trade. Beanpot It will be a grudge match of college hockey’s past two national champions, as BC and BU once again play for Beanpot honors this Monday. BC Interruption has the Eagles invalidating claims that this year’s field was wide open after blanking Harvard, 6-0, in the opening round. The Heights had tensions rising between the Eagles and Crimson in the typically high-octane atmosphere of Beanpot hockey. The Hockey Journal calls BU’s 2-1 win over Northeastern a show for the ages. The Boston Hockey Blog has the Beanpot producing yet another unexpected hero in freshman forward Alex Chiasson, who netted the game-winner for the Terriers. We’re Just Saying laments the Beanpot’s erosion from a must-see event to one reserved for hard-cores only. Celtics Sunday’s loss to the Lakers may well be looked back upon as Rock Bottom. The C’s made it two straight wins last night by downing the Miami Heat, 107-102, at TD Garden. Red’s Army has Tony Allen replacing the injured Pierce in the lineup and coming up with the play of the game. Sunday’s loss may also have been a glimpse of the window shutting, but SportsCenter 5 Overtime is not ready to concede the C’s are too old yet. Celtics Stuff Live tries to enlighten Glenn Ordway on salary issues and restore order to discussions over Ray Allen’s expiring contract. CelticsBlog takes Gary Tanguay to task for his CBA ignorance. Evans Clinchy shows why the math doesn’t work in a potential deal for Golden State’s Monta Ellis. Green Street has Allen at peace with the reality of his situation. Rich Levine has Rajon Rondo taking another step towards becoming the unrivaled leader of the veteran-laden Green. Red Sox Everyone’s still in good health and good spirits on Yawkey Way. Utility Lou defends this winter’s emphasis on pitching and defense by demonstrating that nobody hits good pitching anyway. Full Count contends that the Sox’ problems last season were less about their inability to hit elite pitching and more about their inability against modest opponents. Nuggetpalooza has Jason Varitek no match against the AL’s elite pitching, which is one reason Boston Red Sox Examiner argues that a Joe Mauer extension in Minnesota is far more damaging to the Sox than the Yankees. One If By Land has newly acquired reliever Joe Nelson filling a niche in the Sox bullpen that’s already filled. Clearing The Bases has Nelson a role model of persistency to inspire some struggling farm hands. NESN’s Boston Red Sox blog thinks the best path for Tim Wakefield to stay healthy and a contributor is as a swingman. Looking back on the past Hot Stove, Sox Therapy would have traded the Sox’ new kingdom for a Holliday. And Another Thing . . . has Johnny Damon’s divorce from the Bronx a tremendously welcome development in the Sox-Yankees rivalry. Bloggers, take note as Boston Sports Then And Now is trying to organize the first-ever Boston Sports Blogapalooza . This could be a chance to show the likes of Pete Sheppard and Michael Felger that we can be prodded out of mom’s basement if there’s enough beer and sports talk involved. Stay tuned for more details, and see you back here next Thursday. Week Log: Sportsual Healing In Order For Boston is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Week Log: Sportsual Healing In Order For Boston

Celtics Take The Heat

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:39:20 +0000

The Celtics, playing without Paul Pierce, had enough to hold off Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat last night at the Garden. Frank Dell’Apa has Tony Allen making a big play on Wade with the game on the line, ensuring the Celtics victory. Mark Murphy has the Celtics making the needed plays in the fourth quarter – a welcome change from recent losses. Robert Lee has Rajon Rondo (22 points, 14 assists) taking the lead last night. Lenny Megliola the game bringing out the brilliance of Rondo and Wade (30 points, 13 assists). Bill Doyle says that it was Christmas day all over again for the Celtics. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking like a happier team after this one. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics playing their best defense in the fourth quarter last night. Bob Ryan reminds us how old and broken down the Celtics are, and says that “if” Doc Rivers can get them to the playoffs, the schedule becomes easier on old bodies. Bill Reynolds writes the exact same column. Steve Bulpett has Doc Rivers reacting to yesterday’s piece in the Herald about the team chemistry. Gary Washburn pinpoints the Celtics struggles this season as “they aren’t winning consistently and have yet to gain cohesiveness because of injuries.” Tony Lee says that Doc Rivers has worked wonders with his patchwork lineups this season. Paul Flannery has order being restored at the TD Garden last night. Chris Forsberg has Rajon Rondo’s play speaking volumes after his comments earlier in the week. Rich Levine has Rondo answering the challenge his own words created. Bulpett has Ray Allen feeling better about his situation after a talk with Danny Ainge. Murphy has Paul Pierce with a sigh of relief after his foot diagnosis. Jeff Howe has more on Pierce. Forsberg has a look at the big play from Tony Allen late in the game. Peter May has Eddie House making a big contribution in Pierce’s absence. Dell’Apa’s notebook has Kevin Garnett saying that the team’s “bickering” problems are now under control. Murphy’s notebook has KG saying that there is no “finger-pointing” going on with the team. Lee’s Celtics Journal has more on the team’s chemistry issues. Doyle’s notebook has more on Pierce’s sprained foot. Fenton’s notebook says that Pierce will likely miss tomorrow night’s game against the Nets as well. Misc Daniel Barbarisi has Daniel Bard feeling comfortable with his role heading into spring training. Michael Silverman has Padres GM Jed Hoyer backing off slightly from comments yesterday about trading Adrian Gonzalez. Stephen Harris and Mike Loftus both have the Bruins hoping that a change of scenery can change their fortunes. Kevin Paul Dupont says that the Bruins are not likely land Ilya Kovalchuk. Mark Blaudschun and Steve Conroy have a look at Boston College linebacker recruit Kevin Pierre-Louis. Eric Avidon has coach Frank Spaziani putting some building blocks in place. Celtics Take The Heat is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Back In Business

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:17:41 +0000

First of all, I apologize for the lack of a post yesterday. 1) I’m sick and 2) because of recurring problems with the core database, an impromptu migration to a new server took place. Hopefully things will be back to normal. Let’s get on to the top ten of this morning. Selfish trend top item on Celtics agenda - Steve Bulpett has the Celtics players saying that their problems this season have not been all physical. Breaking down the impact of the C’s injuries - Jessica Camerato lists out the eye-popping injury tally for the Celtics thus far this season. Together again? How Joe Johnson could return - Gary Tanguay attempts to write what he was spouting on the air yesterday, about how the Celtics could sign Joe Johnson in the offseason. Of course, they would need to have Paul Pierce opt out of his contract and then re-sign for a team-friendly deal after Johnson (or another free agent) signs. Seems a bit of a stretch. Thankfully, rumors of Pierce’s demise greatly exaggerated - Michael Muldoon looks at how rumors were flying fast and furious last night that Paul Pierce had suffered a broken foot. Bruins stumble against the Capitals - Joe Haggerty says that it is hard to believe that things can get worse for the Bruins than what they are right now. Red Sox’ Hall hits hard drive - John Tomase checks in with new Red Sox utilityman Bill Hall, who hit 35 homers for the Brewers in 2006, to see if he can regain that form here in Boston. A day in the life of Dustin Pedroia - Rob Bradford has a look at the offseason training of the Red Sox second baseman. Plenty of candidates for lone spot in Sox pen - Daniel Barbarisi looks at the pitchers battling for the last spot in the Red Sox bullpen. Red Sox have plenty of infield depth - Mike Fine says that right now, Boston has a case of infield overkill. Media Day not much to write home about - Mark Farinella isn’t missing the circus known as Super Bowl media day. Also check out the 2010 Patriots Daily Senior Bowl Review by Greg Doyle. Back In Business is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Back In Business

Holliston native Adam Green directs ‘Frozen’ flick

Sam Baltrusis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Adam Green, a Holliston native and director of the thriller “Frozen” hitting Boston-area theaters on Friday, Feb. 5, says his indie flick following three snowboarders stranded on a chairlift and forced to make life-and-death decisions was inspired by childhood treks to local ski slopes. “Growing up in the greater Boston area, I couldn’t afford to ski at the nicer resorts like Stowe or Okemo in Vermont. Instead, I often found myself slumming at the ski mountains in Massachusetts that were so small that they only stayed open on the weekends and consisted of three rickety lifts that offered to take you to an easy, medium or expert hill,” he recalls. “For the skier on a budget there was none of the glamour and awe that a ‘real’ East or west coast mountain resort has to offer, but it was the best we could get and so that’s what we did. Those experiences are where this film was born,” the director continues. Green, who produced Cambridge homeboy Paul Solet’s horror flick ” Grace ,” say s the premise behind “Frozen,” a movie following three stranded skiers–Kevin Zegers from “Transamerica,” Shawn Ashmore from “X-Men” and newcomer Emma Bell–tapped into real fears from skiing in New England. “They were low-rent mountains with merely a few operational chairs that were often only operational on the weekends due to lack of business during the weekdays. I started thinking about how shady some of those lifts seemed back then and how terrified everyone on the lift would get when it would inevitably stop for a few moments,” Green recalls. The Los Angeles-based director, who shot the New England-set flick in Utah, says the concept seemed simple and straightforward … until he began filming. “It’s just three people in a chair. How hard could it be? Man, were we wrong,” he muses. “And boy, were we in for it.” Click here for the Loaded Gun Boston interview with Cambridge native Paul Solet on his Green-produced horror flick “Grace.” Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes.

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Groundhog Day Is Early For Celtics

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:14:50 +0000

The Celtics once again held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter on their opponent, yet could not finish the job. This time, it was Kobe Bryant sinking them with a jumper with 7.3 seconds to go, and the Celtics finished their “rivalry week” set of games again Orlando, Atlanta and the Lakers at 0-3. Julian Benbow has the Celtics upset at a late offensive foul call on Paul Pierce which took away a basket that would’ve given the Celtics a three point lead just prior to Kobe’s shot. Mark Murphy has the Celtics leaving the floor angry after this one. Scott Souza has the Lakers winning a disputed decision on this one. Robert Lee has Kobe doing it once again. Bill Doyle has Paul Pierce and Kobe trading buckets in the closing seconds, but only Kobe’s counted. Jeff Howe has the Celtics unable to finish once again. A. Sherrod Blakely has the Celtics again collapsing down the stretch. Bob Ryan says that the fans really needed this win to keep their title hopes for this team intact. Steve Bulpett says that the defense is the biggest problem with the Celtics right now. Tim Weisberg says that these losses don’t doom the Celtics chances, but they are a large warning sign. Mike Fine says that these Celtics are too good to be this bad. Jim Fenton has the Celtics looking for answers after a losing January. Paul Flannery says that this reality check might be just what the Celtics need. Gary Washburn says that the Lakers, and many other teams, are no longer afraid of the outside shooting of Ray Allen, Eddie House or Rasheed Wallace. Michael Muldoon says that Allen is being paid $19 million to make that final shot, and isn’t getting the job done. He also compares this game to the Patriots loss to the Colts this season. Barry Scanlon thinks that the Celtics may need to trade Ray Allen. Peter May says that the Celtics got what they deserved. Rich Levine says that this was much more than just another regular season loss. Frank Dell’Apa has Rajon Rondo putting on a show yesterday, especially in the second quarter. Jessica Camerato examines the personal rivalry between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest. Chris Forsberg has the Celtics fourth quarter defense again coming up short. Steve Buckley says that Kobe Bryant just knows how to win. Lenny Megliola has the killer instinct of Kobe dooming the Celtics. Bulpett has Phil Jackson talking about his edgy relationship with Red Auerbach. Lynn Worthy says that the Lakers are better than their title team of a season ago. Benbow’s notebook has the Celtics staying united and positive as a group. Muldoon’s notebook has the Celtics unhappy with a few calls down the stretch. Murphy’s notebook has Ray Allen coming up short on both ends of the court on the final two possessions of the game. Souza’s notebook has Tony Allen providing a big spark in the second quarter. Lee’s Celtics journal has former URI star Lamar Odom living large in Los Angeles. Doyle’s notebook has Jackson saying that KG isn’t what he used to be. Fenton’s notebook has more on the charge call on Pierce. Forsberg’s notebook has more reaction from the Celtics on the loss. Blakely’s notebook has the Celtics flunking their test of three big games. Patriots/NFL Albert R. Breer says that the Patriots’ games against Indy and New Orleans this season showed the difference between themselves and the real Super Bowl contenders. Jim Donaldson says that even if the Colts win this Super Bowl, the Patriots are still the team of the decade. Ian R. Rapoport has several Patriots enjoying themselves in the Pro Bowl yesterday. Mike Reiss has some quotes from the Patriot participants. Rapoport checks in with Logan Mankins . Christopher Price gives us the most underrated moments in Patriots Super Bowl history. Adam Hirshfield says that taking Tim Tebow would be a real stretch for the Patriots. Adam Kilgore has Bill Belichick and Tom Brady among those on the all-decade team. Rapoport’s notebook has more on the Patriots honored. Misc John Tomase is excited about having the storyline of Josh Beckett’s contract looming over the team this season. John Beattie says that it will be tough for Junichi Tazawa to crack the opening day roster for the Red Sox. Fluto Shinzawa says that the Bruins need to show more heart. Stephen Harris says that the Bruins are making slow progress. Ken Fang has a look at the Bloomberg Sports Baseball launch. Groundhog Day Is Early For Celtics is a post from: Boston Sports Media Watch

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Groundhog Day Is Early For Celtics

Made-in-Massachusetts movie action in 2010?

Sam Baltrusis — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:01:00 +0000

With Gov. Deval Patrick’s latest budget proposal slotted to restrict tax credits for the film industry–slashed to $50 million a year for 2010 and 2011–expect a meaner and leaner film-production season in 2010. Yep, say “bye-bye” to big-budget flicks with talent like Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz who filmed ” Knight & Day ” in Boston in 2009. The good news is that the state’s 25 percent incentive will subsidize $200 million worth of production and there are a handful of possible film projects that are in the works. Here’s a list of potential made-in-Massachusetts films for 2010: Missing Links Steve Carell from “The Office” is tee-ing up to produce the set-in-Boston comedy ” Missing Links ” following a crew of golfing buddies. According to the trade pubs , Jay Lavender (”The Break-Up”) is attached to adapt Rick Reilly’s tale of a group of golfing pals at a run-down Boston course. The group discovers they’ve been playing next to an elite club and holds a competition over who will be first to play a round. The Other Side Lindsay Lohan is still greenlit to star in ” The Other Side ,” a flick following a graduate student sent to spend the summer working at a scientific institute at an island off the coast of Massachusetts. Lohan, raising eyebrows with her new flick “Machete” after reportedly going topless, is set to act alongside Woody Harrelson, Giovanni Ribisi, Dave Matthews and Alanis Morisette. Hamlet Original “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke teams up with actor Emile Hirsch in this modern retelling of the Shakespeare classic “Hamlet.” The story takes place at a small New England liberal arts college where Hamlet’s father is the president. The story will begin with Hamlet (Hirsch) returning home for his father’s funeral, only to learn that his uncle, who has taken over his father’s post, is responsible for his father’s murder. The Fallen Word is that Brian Goodman, who did an excellent job with the made-in-Boston film ” What Doesn’t Kill You ,” may finally see the on-and-off film following a Boston firefighter based on Emilio Mauro and Mike Yebba’s screenplay greenlit for 2010. According to a MTV article here and a source at a new site called Beantown.Name , Samuel L. Jackson is playing a supporting role. According imdb here , James Mottern is directing. Other contenders: The buzz is that Steve Carell may do a Kevin James and film two flicks in the Hub this year. Carell, an Acton native who spends his summer in Marshfield, may reprise his role as Maxwell Smart in a sequel to the “Get Smart” remake with Hasty Pudding diva Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. Also, since Loaded Gun Boston last checked, the on-and-off again indie flick from “Townies” writer/director Mike O’Dea is scheduled to begin filming on March 17, 2010 or St. Patrick’s Day. ” Code of Silenc e ” follows boxer Mickey Callaghan with an extraordinary family legacy … his father John Callaghan is a feared and ruthless Winter Hill crime boss. Boston-based pop culture blog focusing on the controversial voices who fuel the local news, media, arts, film, politics, music, LGBT and comedy scenes.