Swine Flu Makes Them Happy

Do you get the feeling that journalists and 24-hour news channels are having WAY too much fun with the Swine Flu outbreak?

Yankee Fan: You've Been Punked

I'm not militant about too many things. My dislike of the New York Yankees is one thing you will NEVER hear me waver over. I am as passionate in my lack of regard for the pinstripes as I am for my lifelong love of the Boston Red Sox.

Oh, did I mention...the Red Sox beat the Yankees Sunday, 4-1?

Oh, did I fail to point out that extends the Sox to TEN IN A ROW?

I suppose I also neglected to note that Jacoby Ellsbury STOLE HOME on the Bronx Bombers.

Sorry, Yankee Fan. You may be picked to win the AL East...and, you might well do so...but on this weekend...you were, once again, the victim. So sorry. Kinda.

Not.

Buffets Are A Bitch

Mrs. Gossman and I spent a lovely Friday night gambling away the mortgage money at an area casino. The deal we got came with discount dinners and breakfasts at the casino buffet.

Now, remember -- I am not one who can eat too many things he loves. Most of which can be found in casino buffets.

Dinner, I got through...thanks to shrimp; a wonderful clam chowder; and fresh salads. And since it was cheap, it was even better. Breakfast...well, that's another story.

Out of the ten bucks I spent...I got my choice of bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, london broil. Or, what I actually ended up with: nasty (and I suspect somewhat artificial) scrambled egg-loaf; oatmeal (two tasty helpings; no sugar) and pineapple. All for the princely sum of eight bucks.

In the two weeks since I got the doctors' orders, it was the worst of mealtimes. It sucked from end to end...and only the encouragement of my lovely bride got me to see that it was for the best.

Note to you, and to self: stay out of casinos. And their associated buffets. Rough stuff.

Remember The Movie "Twister?"

When Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton and Jami Gertz stop in that little Oklahoma town late one night and the town gets killed by a tornado?

Well, reality sucks for the people in Enid, OK right now...because a tornado is on the ground at 2218 CT. Streaming coverage from OKC's TV's at news9.com, koco.com.

Meanwhile, Enid radio station KOFM was in the process of warning people...when its signal was knocked off the air.

Health: What Else I Am Thankful For

My dear "sister" Ingrid convicts me -- rightly -- of not recognizing that I have friends. Good ones. All of whom have been checking in to get updated on my status. Update comes tomorrow.

But to Ingrid, and "Uncle Scotty", and Mister Rogers (it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood), Tanya, Ricky, Rob, Staci, Jane and all the good people...

I am well and -- for the most part -- happy. And I love you all a lot.

The Week in Beans: Red Sox Report

Monday: Sox 12, Orioles 1. BOS sweeps four straight from Baltimore.
Tuesday: Wet.
Wednesday: Game 1, Sox 10-1 over Twins. Mercy or rain called after 7.
Wednesday: Game 2, Sox 7-3.
Friday: Sox 5-4 over Yankees. Jason Bay ties it with a two run ninth inning blast; Kevin Youkilis wins it with a solo walk off.
Saturday: The Game That Wouldn't End. Finally, it did: Sox got outhit by the Yankees and did all their scoring in the fourth inning and later, and won 16-11 in a game that went more than four hours.

Do the math, folk...that's NINE IN A ROW!

Today's Poor Bastards: Kansas/Oklahoma

Mother Nature is pissed again. This time, she's taking it out on the Kansas City area and points west; and the Oklahoma panhandle.

Earlier, a tornado formed live on fox4kc.com, courtesy of some excellent work by the WDAF chopper crew. Streaming continues there, as well as in Oklahoma City at news9ok.com, with the outstanding Gary England leading KWTV's veteran storm chase team.

Sport: Red Sox Review

This is better.

Sox take three straight at home from Baltimore, 10-8 on Friday; 6-4 Saturday (Beckett wins); and 2-1 Sunday (Lester fans nine; Takashi Saito gets his first save for Boston).

The weekend continues with the Patriots' Day game on Monday at 1105 ET. Record: 6-6

Sport: Red Sox Review

Rainy Night In Georgia

WAGA-TV has popped on-air and on-line, covering the threat of tornadoes in Atlanta at 0120 ET. Streaming live at myfoxatlanta.com.

This weather is just weird. Too strange.

Media Shout Out

Columbus, GA is TV market 112 -- meaning, it's the 112th largest television market, according to the Nielsen people who compile the TV ratings. It's a smaller market, very rural, and home to a number of TV stations...none better, in my opinion, than WTVM.

There are many stations in markets of comparable size whose news teams put a broadcast on Sunday nights with a skeletal crew...sometimes with newsreaders anchoring weather and/or sport reports in the same show. At WTVM, they're not heavily staffed...but did they ever pull together tonight.

During Sunday's 10pm newscast on co-located WXTX-Fox 54, severe thunderstorms in the Columbus area started to turn violent. The WTVM news team, on air already, cut-in to their primary programming on both stations and launched into wall-to-wall tornado coverage. It was interrupted only briefly when the sound of intense winds in the midtown Columbus area -- where WTVM is located -- caused the seven or so people in the station to leave their positions and take cover in an interior bathroom for about 15 minutes. The stations radar filled screens as the storm, now believed to be a tornado, passed over.

It might have been easy for this small news team to report the worst was passed and closedown. Not these guys. At 0120 ET, they continue non-stop coverage, streaming at wtvm.com, complete with LIVE reports and reporter/photog video from Columbus to neighboring Phenix City. Damage is widespread but mercifully minor, at least as far as can be reported.

The WTVM news team, working massive overtime and providing an invaluable source of vitally needed information, is doing the kind of work that newsrooms and television stations in large markets and small can take some lessons from. Bad economy or otherwise, WTVM -- commercial-free -- is living up to its FCC mandate: "to serve the public interest as a public trustee."

Good on you, WTVM. Done right.

Jamie Little is Special

On KHTK.COM today, Mark Demsky and I had a conversation with ESPN/ABC motorsports reporter Jamie Little. Someone's going to make a good husband for her one day...if they can keep up.

In addition to being a very smart and informed journalist, and articulate as hell, Jamie Little is drop-dead gorgeous. No joke. Check out jamielittle.com and -- for a change -- actually READ the news section of the website.

Nice lady...with a ticket to anything she wants in the businesses of broadcasting and motorsport. And, she's working on a report for ESPN on a special racer...check her news page for the details.

Sport: Want Some Cheese With That Whine?

I love NASCAR...for the speed, the hot women, and the whining drivers.

Michael Waltrip got run over by Carl Edwards in Friday's Nationwide series race. His post-wreck remarks to ESPN were to the effect of "Carl's always sorry...I guess I got that goin' for me."

Robby Gordon, in Saturday's Cup Series race, got tagged by Michael Waltrip. Robby told Fox that he looks forward to having a new driver in the #55 (Waltrip's car) next year.

Boys will be boys.

Sport: Mark Martin

50-year old Mark Martin is this week's winner of the NASCAR Cup Series race, in Phoenix on Saturday night.

There is no active driver more respected than Mark Martin, at least in stock car racing, and he's a testament to the idea that you don't have to "slow down" in mid-life. Moreover, Martin's got the right attitude about life. Gratitude.

Good on you, #5.

Weather

Tornadoes tonight in Central Alabama; abc3340.com and wbrc.com are streaming their usual very good LIVE coverage.

Something Else That Earnhardt Jr. Fans Won't Like

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NOT his father.

I believe I've covered this ground. But let's recap:

Dale Earnhardt Sr. The Intimidator. The Man in the Black #3. NASCAR's best ever? Arguable.

He was, if nothing else, the most polarizing figure in stock car racing history. You either love and respect Dale, or you despise him. No middle ground. Feelings aside, it can be argued that Dale did more to bring the sport into the mainstream consciousness than anyone else. More public attention, more merchandise sales, more passion.

He also won. A lot. He's in the Top 5 in Cup series wins. He won the Daytona 500. And, he inspired a generation of drivers that followed.

I respect the legacy, and the man. I have somewhat less use for Jr.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is the most popular driver in stock car auto racing, six years running. He sells out appearances; draws more money through merchandising and endorsements than anyone in the sport; and anyone -- ANYONE -- who would dare take him out of contention to win a race does so at great personal risk.

Casey Mears...you're a marked man. The millions and MILLIONS of Jr's fans will be looking for a piece of your hide, or perhaps an effigy to burn. Your crime: you spun the #88 Saturday night in Phoenix.

Didn't see how it happened. Did see Jr's response....AFTER the race, Jr. thought it would be a good idea to spin Mears out on the cool-down lap. After which, Mears decided to give Jr. a lovely tap on the ass in the drive out to the garage area.

Who's to blame? Well, frankly, BOTH "men" have a piece of this. A lot of on-track incidents have their roots in accidental contact. Have fast cars and a narrow road surface? Good...mix in 43 rocket-powered sleds and what do you get? A recipe for bent fenders, broken splitters, and bad temper.

Should Mears have spun Jr? Probably not. Should either man have continued their disagreement after the race was over, using race cars as weapons? I'd say, no...and I'd guess Mike Helton, Robin Pemberton and John Darby might be inclined to agree.

Stay tuned on Tuesday for the next chapter in this.

Another Reason To Love California

Texas is getting hammered...by the weather, this time. Tornadoes from Amarillo through Big Spring into Midland-Odessa tonight. Say your prayers.

Before I Forget...

Red Sox Rundown:

Monday: A's 8, Red Sox 2
Tuesday: A's6, Red Sox 5
Wednesday: Red Sox 8, A's 2. Tim Wakefield knuckled his way to a no-hit performance for 7.1 innings. Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew did what most Raiders fans do at that same stadium: they left the yard.

Current record: 3-6. Brad Penny goes against Baltimore at Fenway, 1905 ET Friday.

I Got Some 'Splainin' To Do - Continued

On Monday of this week, I was fortunate enough to get the medical news no one wants: clean up your act now, or you may not have a "later."

Since then, I've been eating very responsibly -- 1500 calories a day, max; drinking more water than a camel preparing for a three-week trek across Barstow; taking nightly half-hour walks with Mrs. Gossman (sainted woman who's getting me through all my self-inflicted crap); and resting more. '

Starting weight: 230 pounds. Current weight after three days: 226.5 pounds.

End goal: 190 pounds by June 18.

It's a lifestyle change, and it is tough. Brutal, if I am being honest. There are only a few things I love in this life...my wife, my kids, fried food, coffee and dessert. I have still have my wife and kids.

Stay tuned.

I Got Some 'Splainin' To Do

Greetings, fellow citizens. It is I, once again...the angry suburban Irishman.

To all who have called, written, texted and commented, thank you. Let me start off by saying the following: I AM NOT DYING!

Over the last few days, I've had quite a few things happen. Some of which will affect my way of living and my choices; some of which affect my relationships; and some of which will make sense down the line.

To wit:

Last weekend, in a written exchange on a well known social networking site (not MySpace), a friend of mine and I slagged someone we both respect. Publicly. Badly. And, to the misfortune of all involved, the victim of this exchange got wind of it through a third party.

You've not lived a worse life until someone you've manured gets out from under the crap you dumped on him, and lets you know how much he disliked it.

There's not an excuse to be made, not a reason in the world for doing it, and certainly no justification for doing it in front of the whole world. It was unfair, disrespectful, and I regret doing it. This individual was genuinely classy in how he handled this, and he accepted an apology offered from the heart. We're moving on from it, and I respect him wholeheartedly for being the better man.

Lesson: there's a way to express oneself without resorting to personal attacks. Particularly when you have to account for what you say and do. The blog you're reading is my accountability. There won't be anymore burials here. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Stay tuned.

One Thing More About Behaviorial Changes

Recently, an associate of mine and I got into an exchange over the public internet about someone who we both respect.

Here's the lesson: don't let situations dictate what you post on your FaceBook page. If you're angry about other things, don't take it out on others. Keep your mouth shut until it passes.

Watch what you post. EVERYONE is reading it.

And, to anyone I've caused personal offense against...my apologies.

When Your Doctor Uses Certain Words, Pay Attention

I have a love-hate relationship with my physician. Nice lady, very smart and very skillful at letting you know when you're doing the right thing, and when you're not.

Yesterday, she informed me that, based on my current physical condition, I was headed for one big bastard of a stroke.

Let that sink in a moment. I did.

I come to the table genetically predisposed to cancer; heart attacks; stroke; diabetes; alcoholism; and an early death. And, in spite of knowing this, I don't seem to have done much to ward off the threat of a cerebral hemorrhage: at age 42, I am 40 pounds overweight; eat the wrong things in the wrong quantities; my primary exercise consists of taking a crap each morning (to the cheers of the crowd) and walking to the kitchen for a bite to eat.

Figuring all this together, and based on the anticipated results of a battery of tests I'll be taking on Wednesday of this week, I've been given 60 days to lose at least half the excess baggage (and, for those with a public school math education, that's 20 pounds in two months).

I start the day at 230 pounds (standing six foot-nothing in bare feet), with good intentions and pants that are about to quit in protest. I have eaten an orange; oatmeal; some low-sodium vegetable soup; and unsalted, unbuttered popcorn (ever eaten packing peanuts?) today. And, last night, the lovely and patient Mrs. Gossman went on a 30-minute walk with me.

Do any of these lifestyle changes necessarily make me happy? Oh, HELL no. But, I'd rather be alive, healthy and grumpy than disabled and happy...and unable to show it.

Stay tuned. This is going to be difficult...but it is worth doing. Feel free to ask questions.

Red Sox Report 4-13

A's 8, Boston 2 at Oakland. It wasn't bad enough that Jon Lester got roughed up again (ERA now at 9!), but NO-MAH got a jack. Garciaparra went deep, along with Jack Cust. Kevin Youkilis got his second HR for Boston, who now stand at 2-5.

Daisuke Matsuzaka goes for the Sox tonight at 2205 ET.

Sport: A Sad Day For Baseball

ESPN's Dana Jacobson tips off the death of Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, following an apparent accident on his farm in Massachusetts. A friend found Fidrych under his pickup truck at about 1430 ET Monday afternoon. It's believed he was working on the vehicle when something went wrong.

Fidrych pitched for the Detroit Tigers from 1976 to 1980. He was 54.

Pedroia Apologizes?

Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia, whose comments about his hometown of Woodland, CA have drawn criticism for him and threats against his family, now says he "didn't mean it." Pedroia, speaking at the weekend to two regional newspapers, suggested that his disparaging remarks were taken out of context because he was joking when he manured Woodland in Boston Magazine.

There's just something disingenuous about this. On KHTK Sunday, Mark Demsky noted -- and I agree -- that as many interviews as a Rookie Of The Year and World Series winner has to give, you would think that person would know better than to slag ANYONE and not think it wouldn't get back to the folks back home. Woodland may be rural, but they've got electricity, indoor plubming, and a lot of pride.

NASCAR: Front Row Joe Rolls On - Literally

Joe Nemechek took his Nationwide #87 Chevy for a roll on Saturday in Nashville, barrel-rolling it across the start-finish line late in the race. The car looked like it had been put through an accordion when Joe, who was not injured, got it back to pit road.

Reportedly, "Front Row" Joe wanted to put the car -- what was left of it -- back on the track to finish the race, which had to be red-flagged to clean up the parts of Nemechek's car that were left behind. NASCAR officials smiled politely and declined; Nemechek finished 34th.

NASCAR: Kyle Busch Is Not Pleased

Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards gave us a helluva show in Saturday's only major NASCAR race of the week, the Nationwide race at storm-ravaged Nashville. Great three-way battle through the day, with a late appearance by Brad Keselowski starring as the pain in the ass who wanted a piece of the front -- and drove like he meant it.

In the end, the rookie Logano -- whose worth as a Cup series driver I've publicly questioned -- won the guitar (the race winners' trophy) and a fair share of respect from the rest of the drivers. And one critic, in particular.

Sport: Angel Cabrera

I like the Masters, in spite of the sexist policies of the host Augusta National Golf Club. It's one of the great sporting events of the year, and it's tailor-made for High Definition TV. Angel Cabrera's win on the second playoff hole Sunday was a great treat to watch, as the culmination of a dramatic day of action. Phil Mickelson's front nine 30 put him back in contention...his wet tee shot on the 12th hole effectively took him out. Tiger Woods said it himself...he hit his worst drive on the first hole, and struggled all day.

Sadly, most people with a marginal interest in golf weren't around to see the end of the Masters, because -- and it's been proven -- many times viewers run away from TV golf when Woods or Mickelson fall out of contention.

Sport: Red Sox Weekend WrapUp

Friday: Angels 6, Red Sox 3
Saturday: Red Sox 5, Angels 4
Sunday: Angels 5, Red Sox 4; possible fines and suspensions, to be determined.

Current record: 2-4. Next: at Oakland, 2205 ET tonight.

Cleaning Up The Weekend

It's my two cents...

Police in Tracy, CA think Melissa Huckaby killed little Sandra Cantu. She's the granddaughter of the Cantu family's minister, and a Sunday school teacher at his church...which is located about a block from the mobile home where the eight-year-old victim lived. I'm still pissed about this one. Huckaby is on suicide watch in the San Joaquin County lockup. Not sure if I'd turn my back if she tried it...

The news media have, in some cases, tried and convicted Huckaby. WRONG! Innocent until proven guilty, so the system says. Like the idea of what she's charged with or not, the system has to do its job. The media need to do theirs -- which is to report FACTS, without spin or speculation.

Elsewhere...

Navy Seals shot three Somali pirates dead and rescued the captain of the Maersk Alabama. This is why our military, regardless of whether you agree with their various missions or not, is the best in the world. Simply put, they get it done.

The voice of the Philadelphia Phillies, Harry Kalas, passed away Monday at age 73. If the World Champions don't matter to you, consider that Kalas was the "God Voice" of NFL Films for most of the last few years. No other like him...in tribute, the Phillies have cancelled their scheduled visit to the White House tomorrow. A team spokesperson says "we lost our voice today." Indeed true.

Also in the obits: Marilyn Chambers, the former "Ivory Snow" baby who became perhaps the most famous female porn star in history, was found dead Sunday in Canyon Country, north of L.A. at age 56.

Mel Gibson killed his career with his anti-Jewish rhetoric. At mass yesterday, he announced that his marriage is also dead. Robyn Gibson, Mel's wife of 28 years, signed the papers on Thursday.

A rough weather weekend subsided Sunday, only to resume today with nasty storms in Georgia, the Florida panhandle and South Carolina.

Easter...where my family celebrated the resurrection by killing a lamb and cooking it. Praise the Lord and pass the mint jelly!

Sport: Jared Weaver Is Pretty Good

Angels' starting pitcher Jared Weaver just left tonights Angels/Red Sox game in the sixth, after giving up just one run. Tough night to be an Angel...but I suspect one very special one...wearing "34"...might be watching.

Beauty Is Subjective, I Realize...However:

A friend and colleague -- and apparently, much of the male population of this planet -- feels that Megan Fox is the "hottest" woman alive.

I consider myself one of the foremost heterosexual males on this planet, possessed of a strong libido. Sorta like that of a 19-year old Marine on speed.

So, why is it that -- after careful review -- I don't agree?

Will someone please give me the argument as to what makes Megan Fox supposedly so bleeding hot?

Not So Good Friday Night continued

Now, it's other parts of Georgia that Mother Nature has decided to beat up with rain, tornadoes, hail, and a generally crappy attitude. Chronicle of the battle is coming from wtvm.com in Columbus, GA...nice little small market operation, with not the most modern radar technology, but good people explaining it all.

Not So Good Friday Night

More nasty weather...right now, it's across Southeastern Alabama (ROLL TIDE)! Streaming wsfa.com for some nice live radar and tornado coverage.

Sport: Angels/Red Sox Pregame continued

A video tribute to Nick Adenhart is to be shown in the stadium; it is also transmitted via Fox Sports West and NESN, the two cable networks broadcasting the game. The emotion in the stands and on the field is visible and profound.

Both teams have gone onto the field, aligning the base lines nearest their respective dugouts. Two Angels players are displaying Adenhart's jersey on the mound. There is an extended period of silence. The Angels players display "34" in a circular black patch on the front of their uniforms.

Angel Torii Hunter runs out to the centerfield display of Nick Adenhart's action photo and number, and fist-bumps it.

Red Sox DH David Ortiz walks the field, pointing at Angels players and giving slaps on his heart in respect.

Many Angels players have handwritten "NA 34" into the sides of their caps.

Sport: Angels/Red Sox Pregame

A visage of Nick Adenhart in his pitching motion now adorns the outfield wall in Anaheim Stadium, along with Nick's number 34...the tribute looks almost like those given to players whose numbers have been retired. A "34" is also adorning the front side of the pitcher's mound, placed in darker colored soil.

Tonight's Angels starting pitcher Jared Weaver was seen crouched in front of Adenhart's wall-borne tribute, kneeling for a moment and then giving it a tap as he ran down to the dugout to prepare for tonight.

There is very little conversation in either dugout; many players are seen simply staring out onto the field.

Sport: Braves Get Wet

The umpires waited just long enough for the field in Atlanta to get ugly, then stopped the Braves/Nationals game in the 4th inning. As of 2200 ET, the rain delay continues with an Atlanta lead.

Viewers of the MLB Extra Innings Free Preview are seeing a "backhaul" feed of the game broadcast -- the raw feed being produced at Turner Field and fed back to WPCH-TV, the Braves' broadcast flagship. Just as Chip Caray tossed viewers to "Cheers," lightning and thunder drowned out the few remaining brave souls in the stands. Since then, a single locked-down camera has shown the pounding rain passing over Fulton County. Much of which was deposited on the lens of that one camera.

Sport: Not The Happiest Place On Earth

The Anaheim Angels host my Red Sox tonight, taking the field for the first time since pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed, along with two others, in a terrible car wreck in Fullerton early Thursday morning.

One suspects there will be a vastly different feel to this one. Not necessarily a happy one, either. The times have told us, though, that the Angels -- who've been the best in the West for a long time under manager Mike Scioscia, will band together and rise to the occasion. I'd expect nothing less from professionals. I can also expect the Angels will win tonight. And, for whatever reason, the outcome of the game doesn't seem quite as important going in.

After (understandably) calling off Thursday nights game, it is important that the Angels get back to business...no matter how much doing so probably puts them off.

Would You Go Out Right Now

The Atlanta Braves are neither delaying nor postponing tonights scheduled game at Turner Field...in spite of the area being under a Tornado Warning right now...and a Tornado Watch until 10pm local time. The show must go on.

Mother Nature is Pissed

Tornadoes made Murfreesboro, near Nashville, looked like it had been bombed this afternoon. Which, I'm told, is not too different from the way the locals look in the afternoon. Bombed.

Now, Atlanta is under the gun...looks like northeastern Alabama as well. Watch Mother Nature get her rocks off LIVE at 11alive.com (WXIA) and foxatlanta.com (WAGA); and northern Alabama's tremendous abc3340.com -- all with streaming video.

Mother Nature's Fury Continues

Say some prayers...folks in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee getting their asses handed to them by severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.

Good streams: wsmv.com; newschannel5.com (WTVF) (both Nashville); wfie.com in Evansville, IN.

Nasty Thursday Night

Pray for a good Good Friday for the people in Arkansas tonight. "Egg-sized" hail, tornadoes, squalls, power outage and a generally bad mood being reported tonight in from Mena to Little Rock, south to El Dorado and on into the Monroe, LA area.

Great streaming video coverage tonight on thv2.com (KTHV); and ArkansasMatters.com (KARK).

Red Sox Report, Thursday 9 April

Tampa Bay 4, Red Sox 3. Jason Varitek hits his second HR of the season. Rays take opening series, 2 of 3.

Current Sox record: 1-2.

Sport: Nick Adenhart

The Anaheim Angels have done the right thing...they've cancelled tonight's scheduled game with the Oakland A's, following the death of last night's starting pitcher Nick Adenhart.

There's a full day of coverage in progress on this, at the web stream of the Angels' flagship radio station. Click on www.am830klaa.com

Sport: Dustin Pedroia's Key To The City Chances

Dustin Pedroia plays for my beloved Boston Red Sox. He's a former AL Rookie Of The Year. He's got a ring. He's from Woodland, California...about 10 minutes west and 30 years removed from Sacramento.

It's a small town...rural, yes; one could say it's a bit backward and "redneck" in places, but then again there's a lot of that in NorCal (hey, we can't all be Modesto, can we?). Apparently, it's a bit more rural than Mr. Big Time Ballplayer would like.

Pedroia on Woodland: "It's a dump. You can quote me on that." Well, "Boston" magazine did just that. Also: "Everyone wants to get out of there. You don't want to stay in Woodland. What do you want to stay in Woodland for? The place (stinks). The newspaper there, I don't really get along with. I come from your town (Woodland). You should embrace me. I play for the Boston Red Sox. You haven't had a lot of major leaguers come out of your city."

Understand: I've been in Woodland. Hot and cold running ick, for my taste. But you only have one hometown in your life...it's where you come from, and the people and experiences you have there enable you to become "Mr. Big Leaguer." You may have a beef with the cops (they picked up his brother on child molestation charges last year); you may not like the town in general. But it is as much a part of you as you are of it.

When Dustin returns home next week as the A's host Boston, don't expect Woodland Vice-Mayor Art Pimentel to hold a parade. Unless it's to run Dustin right out of town. They still do that in Woodland, you know...

Sport BREAKING: Nick Adenhart

Wednesday night, Nick Adenhart pitched for his Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim against the Oakland A's.

This morning, Adenhart is dead.

Adenhart and two others were killed early Thursday morning in a hit-and-run accident in the Orange County community of Fullerton. One of the other victims is said to be associated with the Angels' organization.

According to Fox News and TMZ, a suspect in the case was picked up a short time later and charged with felony hit-and-run...expect additional charges.

One other victim is in critical condition with major injuries at UC Irvine Medical Center.

Nick Adenhart was born in Silver Spring, MD. His major league service was just over 11 months. He was just 23 years old.

AFL - And Not That Arena Jive

I admit it. I absolutely LOVE Australian Rules Football.

Down under, they like their rugby...love motorsports...cricket goes over big there as well...but the Australian Football League, perhaps out of the need to promote itself, refers to "footy" as the national game.

Might as well be. Half the players looked like they ought to be serving you vegemite and Yabbies (Google it) in your favorite Gold Coast eatery. The other half look like that dude from Midnight Oil. And a couple, much like Colin Hay of Men At Work, are legitimately crosseyed.

What you've heard about AFL is true: 18 men per side on the oval at once; no pads of any kind; no "passing" in the American sense; and at least one guy nearly gets killed in the course of each match, week to week. They hit, they punch, they land opportunistic knee shots on inopportunistic (and delicate) spots on their opponents. And they run. Constantly. For an average of 125 minutes per game in real time.

There are 22 weeks in the regular season; 16 teams compete (17 next year) and the Grand Final is played at the end of Australia's winter -- in October, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In fact, if there's one criticism of AFL, its that ten teams (perhaps too many) are based in or around Melbourne in Victoria.

Still, if the Aussies want to portray their men as rough, tough, decisive types, the AFL fills the bill. No offense, ladies...this is a MAN'S sport for MEN only. Search it on YouTube or order Setanta Sports on DirecTV or your local organized crime -- er, cable, company. Watch the matches LIVE late nights on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or the weekend highlight show on Tuesdays at 0100 ET. If you'd done so a couple of seasons ago, you'd have seen Steve Salapek of the Port Adelaide Power shatter his nose by running in the tailbone of an opponent; blackening both eyes and giving himself concussion, all in the first quarter...only to be bandaged up, taped up, and out playing again in the third term...kicking two goals. MANLY!

Give AFL a watch. Then, tell me that's not real. Smashmouth. Football. Rich NFL guys are such pusses.

Sport: AJ Paid For

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver AJ Allmendinger has a ride through at least September. New sponsor deals were secured Wednesday for the #44 team.

Meanwhile, reports that the end of the #8 Aric Almirola ride continue to go unconfirmed by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.

Red Sox Report: Wednesday 8 April

Tampa Bay 7, Boston 2 at Fenway. Jon Lester losing to Scott Kazmir. Sox stranded 9.

Record: 1-1

SPOILER: Idol Wrap

Scott MacIntyre can hear the cheers...and he's a nice enough performer. He'll have to be nice elsewhere...he's out of American Idol. BTW -- that's not a prediction; the show just wrapped up on the East Coast.

Today's Thing To Ignore

In an interview with Reuters, 16-year old uber-entertainer Miley Cyrus says she's "smarter than you think."

Don't give yourself so much credit, Spawn Of Achy-Breaky...I don't "think" of you at all. I have two daughters...and they're smarter, more talented and more beautiful than you are.

Go quietly into the night. Or into TMZ, whichever is your destiny. Thanks for coming.

Jus' Wonderin'

Just had an "Andy Rooney" moment. And, no -- that does not mean I just stapled two sheathes of deep pile carpeting to my forehead and called them "eyebrows."

Have you ever noticed it's much easier to have an inappropriate "chat" online with someone than it is to actually speak those words in a "proper" conversation?

Discuss. Comment. Tease.

Sport: The Masters

FOXSPORTS.COM has a story today that suggests The Masters, which starts Thursday, will come down to Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson.

Let's see...the most dominant player of his era (regardless of sport) versus the man who once called himself "such an idiot" (and lived to prove it).

Any wagers that Phil is NOT a factor...by end of Friday's 2nd round?

In Defense of Jim Cramer...Sorta

Tonight marks the 1000th broadcast of "Mad Money with Jim Cramer." CNBC will transmit the show at 1800 and 2300 ET, and the program will be produced with a live studio audience. Earlier today, Cramer rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

Cramer's come under fire of late (as has his employer) for reporting on the financial crisis. In fact, Cramer -- rightly or wrongly -- has become the poster boy for the general vilification of the media's handling of the story and its various angles.

Whether you agree with Cramer or not...regardless of your politics...it is worth noting that Cramer has been out in front of the whole story, naming names, calling out those he perceives to be at the center of the storm. I give the man a lot of credit for having the "grapefruits" to stand his ground...except, of course, in front of Jon Stewart.

In his "Daily Show" appearance, Stewart -- notioriously liberal and incredibly smart -- BURIED Cramer up to his neck in the financial experts own rhetoric. But if Cramer hadn't stepped up, he'd have no right to be wrong.

I'll watch Cramer tonight...then, I'll stick my money where it belongs. Under my mattress.

Another Thing I Don't Care About

When I turned on the TV tonight, "Entertainment Tonight" was on.  Here in Sacramento, that show is followed on other channels by "Access Hollywood," "Extra," and "E! News."  Or, as I like to call it, "two hours of your life that you can never get back."

Does anyone with a life actually watch that dreck?  Do you give a rat's ass that Sam Ronson -- whatever that is -- broke up with Lindsay Lohan?

Last I checked, the "famous for being famous" crowd NEVER helped me pay my mortgage; never put dinner on my table; and hasn't solved a single economic problem by flashing their naughty bits while getting out of the car at some nightclub.

Of course, I could be way off base on this.  I will reconsider after I watch Dancing With The Stars, American Idol and Inside Edition.  They're all on my TiVo.

Red Sox Report: Tuesday 7 April

ALCS rematch:  Red Sox 5, Tampa Bay 3.  Homers for Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek; 10 K's for Josh Beckett.

Current record: 1-0.

Sport: The NASCAR Rant Of The Week

Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing will reportedly shut down the No. 8 team in NASCAR's top series, the Sprint Cup.  If true, ESPN says driver Aric Almirola will be out of a ride, and as many as 40 people will be out of a job.

You can hang some of the problems at EGR on the present economic climate...and I think you can blame Teresa Earnhardt for nearly everything else.

The widow of Dale Earnhardt Sr. has managed to alienate the two most prominent members of the Intimidator's family, son Dale Jr. (now snatching mediocrity from the jaws of success at Hendrick) and Kelley (who runs a big piece of JR Motorsports, Dale Jr's organization).  Once Junior took his ball and walked off, Dale Earnhardt Inc (predecessor of EGR prior to Teresa's off season merger with Chip Ganassi) was rendered almost irrelevant.  The loss of the big black 8 on Sunday takes whatever profile EGR had left and places it on the shoulders of Juan Pablo Montoya, driving the 42.  

Now, if you were anyone with a piece of Earnhardt-Ganassi, wouldn't you sleep well at night knowing that Juan Montoya was largely responsible for YOUR success?

Nice work, Teresa...not that it's ALL your fault, I'm sure.  But I came to the table without much respect to start with.

Sport: UConn Win Again

A lot of people I know could care a whole lot more about women's college basketball than they do.  But that would require them to care AT ALL.

Nonetheless, tonight's accomplishment by Geno Auriemma's UConn Lady Huskies cannot be ignored.  39 wins; ZERO losses; no win by less than ten points all year; and the emergence of Tina Charles as one of this country's best basketball players -- gender notwithstanding.

I went to UConn.  Many times.  I grew up near Storrs, Connecticut (okay, I never attended the University - sue me).  And in the Nutmeg State, they care about this team.  Profusely.  So much so that the state's public broadcaster CPTV televised their games for years, to enormous ratings.

This is the sixth NCAA National Championship for Coach Auriemma, third only to Hall-Of-Famer (and greatest coach of any sport ever) John Wooden's ten titles at UCLA; and Pat Summitt's eight championships with the Lady Vols at Tennessee.

Good on 'em.  They dominated Louisville tonight and twice previously this season.  UConn, much like UNC last night, earned the right to be called "Champion."

Sandra Cantu

They found Sandra Cantu last night.

They found an innocent child, stuffed in a suitcase in an irrigation pond, three miles from home.

They found an eight year old girl. Robbed of a life of untold potential, incalculable achievement.

They found a daughter, whose only real job in life was to be loved by parents.

They found someone's friend, who touched a life.

They found a neighbor, who brought together other neighbors, and friends, and strangers.

They found a victim of someone whose very existence on this planet is a reminder that "hate" is a very real, very dangerous, and very sad thing.

They found Sandra Cantu. Too late to save her.

And if you live to be a thousand years old, will you ever find a reason for any of it?

Meeting With Castro

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus met with Cuban dictator/Depends poster boy Fidel Castro today.

Why?

Baseball Myopia

Your humble blogger is a proud lifelong citizen of Red Sox Nation. Since before such a phrase existed, I have pledged allegiance to the flag that has proudly flown over Fenway Park for decades. So it comes as no surprise to me that "Yankee Fan" is burying my beloved Beantown Boys as "Wild Card" finishers in the American League east this year (so predicted by Sports Illustrated and a few others). It also comes as no great shock that some of my fellow Boston fans are burying the Yankees after CC Sabathia's performance on Monday.
Please know and understand, and check the calendar if you're unsure: IT'S THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEASON! Open your myopic eyes and recognize...it's early, and this is a marathon -- not a sprint!
One bad game does not a bad season make. I give Sabathia his due: my guess is when the story is written, he'll go down as a great pitcher in spite of the off-days, of which the opener in Baltimore was one.
And, one final note: the Red Sox will take a "wild card." On two occasions when they did (2004 and 2007)...well, you know what happened.
See you in September.

Facebooking, Twittering, and the Death Of Conversation

In recent weeks, I've become a big advocate of Facebook. It's helped me reconnect with people I've not seen in more than 25 years...people I liked, people I didn't necessarily eat lunch with a lot, and people who knew me that I didn't know I knew.

I have some trepidation about Twittering. I'm told the purpose of Twitter is to let people know what you're up to at any given moment of the day. If I wanted anyone to know that, why wouldn't I just tell them? Oh, wait...I know why: because "Facebooking" and "Tweets" have replaced "talking" and "chatting" has replaced "conversation." It's true -- most of the people who are my Facebook "friends" are people I haven't said two words to in over half my life! Maybe it is easier for some; I find it easier to put thoughts together and tend to use fewer expletives when I write than I do when I talk.

Reminds me -- I need to pick up a phone at some point. And call Mom.

Rainy Day Drivers

When the forecast called for rain today, I cringed. Not because we don't need the rain -- the drought in California continues, virtually unabated. And, not because I don't want to save a few bucks on my water bill by not running my sprinklers tonight.

The rain -- and the thought thereof -- causes me to grow wary of California drivers. Drivers already known for their unrivaled ability to turn a freeway into a race track (with the requisite bumping, middle fingers and crashes), who thanks to the weather will be given the ability to screw everyone's day up with their lack of knowledge when it comes to driving on wet pavement.

If you happen to be out in the rain driving, SLOW YOUR ASS DOWN and watch out for the other guy...ME!

So, Why Bother To Blog?

Greetings! Welcome to the random rantings of a husband, father, broadcaster, Irishman, god-fearing WWE and NASCAR fan.

Let me assure you: the odds of you learning some life-changing piece of information or obtaining the secret of happiness on this blog are about as good as the Yankees' chances of winning a world title this year...NONE. Mind you, it is only the second day of the baseball season and I am a lifelong Red Sox fan.

Bottom line: you just never know. That's why we do what we do...on the web, and in life.