Author: epilcher319

What The World Needs Now, Is Noir Sweet Noir.

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By Erich R Pilcher

For those of you that are uninitiated, I’m a film fan or cinephile, as we are known. Movies have always offered a form of escapism for me, as it does for the majority of those that view them. As I have aged, my film tastes evolved (mainly through viewing The Godfather in 1998 and college film courses), I became entrenched in classic Hollywood style and genre evaluation.

Orson Welles in a blockbuster performance as corrupt Police Captain Hank Quinlan in the seminal Film Noir, Touch of Evil. Welles also directed the film and it was his final film directed in America
Photo Courtesy: IMDB

I enjoy many different genres of film, but one has always stuck with me and that is Film Noir. The genre evolved from the pulp detective stories that came about during the Great Depression. These films are films that embrace the dark side of the world, the urban, crime-ridden areas. They are approached with a cynical view of the world. We have no heroes, everyone has an ulterior motive and their actions only serve themselves. Filmed with a dark, deep filming style and biting, bitter venom laced dialogue these films bring you into these world. The central character is often down on their luck in life and could be a law-abiding citizen or a criminal. It does not matter, that is how much this genre blurs the lines between right and wrong.

Director Quentin Tarantino best uses elements of noir in modern cinema
Photo Courtesy: Den of Geek

More than likely, you have viewed a noir film and not even known it. Early gangster films (another favorite genre of mine) such as Public Enemy, Little Ceaser, and Scarface exude many elements of noir. Other famous noirs are Key Largo, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Pickup on South Street, Asphalt Jungle, Chinatown, and Touch of Evil. In the modern era, director Quentin Tarantino has used noir elements in many of his films. Most notably, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Jackie Brown.

The Roman Polanski film Chinatown is one of the most well known Film Noirs.
The film stars Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway.
Photo Courtesy: American Cinematographer

The difficult aspect of noir films is how does one of these films become successful? Many times while reading about one of the films, you realize they were not successful in the theaters. Their success was found in art houses and by critical film analysts. This resurgence leads to their appreciation and affirmation as great cinema. But upon further review, one can see there is a tie to the success of these films.

The world has to be as dark, cynical, and as down and out as the subjects and areas are.

I’m a firm believer that for a film to have success, there has to be a degree of relatability. If that is not there then the film needs to be so separated from reality that a viewer can escape into the film. When the nation is in financial peril, at war, crime rates are high, there are vast divisions and differences between people, and so forth. This causes people to flock to these films. That is because they mirror our world and we can see ourselves in it

That is because all those circumstances are circumstances we are facing right now.

That we can look at a theater screen and say “I’m feeling exactly what this lead character is” or “This is how I see the world” is such a powerful aspect to viewing film. And, because of these feelings we can escape into that world and feel that it is offering us a vision of promise. That the world might be bad now, but there can always be a silver lining. That is what noir offers, a dark world that through these real individuals we see how we can endure the situation.

I feel noir is looked at as a forgotten genre and that is a great shame. In this current cynical world, we need noir films. The characters can be our new heroes, our beacons of light in a dark, hero-less world. We need to be released into worlds that are darker and as hopeless as we may feel our current world is. As depressing as this may seem, the end credits provide a light. That is a light of hope, that tomorrow will be a better day.

It is a hope that we don’t just need, we deserve.

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When March Loses it’s Madness

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By Erich R Pilcher

March.

This month alone brings hopes of spring. It takes us away from the doldrums of winter. Our clocks spring ahead an hour, we start thinking about summer vacations, college students entering spring break, and so forth. It is a great time of the year. It also brings us one of, if not the greatest event in all sports. The National Collegiate Association of America (NCAA) Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Or, commonly known as March Madness.

Every year 68 teams compete over three weeks in a single-elimination tournament period to crown the National Champion. There are magical moments, stars are born, upsets happen, buzzer-beaters and Cinderella teams. It is pure magic. It encapsulates all that is beautiful and elegant in the world of sports. To have such a great event, there must be a magical voice to tell the audience the story. Sadly, one of those voices will not be around this season and it dampens the magical madness a great deal.

Dick Vitale with Joe Boyle during one of the first college basketball broadcast in the networks history.
Photo Courtesy: ESPN

Richard John Vitale, known as “Dickie V” has been a college basketball analyst mainstay since 1979 when his coaching career ended when he was a part of ESPN’s first college basketball broadcast. For the next 40 plus years, Vitale would provide the soundtrack to the college basketball season. His unique voice and catchphrases would become a part of common vernacular.

“Diaper Dandies (talented freshman), “P.T.P’er”(prime time player or great player), “Dipsey Doo Dunkeroo” (an exciting dunk), “Super Scintillating, Sensational (said when a great play occurs or to describe a great player) and “Awesome baby” (used to show excitement), among many others. You more than likely have heard these phrases because they don’t even just transcend basketball, they transcend sports, they have become a part of society. That just shows the popularity Vitale has due to his passion and knowledge.

Dick Vitale preparing for one of his cancer treatments.
Photo Courtesy: New York Post

This past August, Vitale announced he was undergoing treatment for a melanoma that had been discovered by doctors. Then in October (right before the start of college basketball season) Vitale was diagnosed with Lymphoma and sought treatment. He made his triumphant and emotional return to the booth in a Final Four rematch between Gonzaga and UCLA. He cried pregame, but he delivered a performance that was the standard of Vitale. It was as if the world returned to normal. Dickie V had reclaimed his throne.

Dick Vitale would make his emotional return to college basketball. Commentating the blockbuster early season matchup between Gonzaga and UCLA.
Phot Courtesy: AP

Sadly, it was short-lived. January 24 Vitale announced via Twitter (following his absence after the aforementioned game) that he was diagnosed with dysplasia on his vocal cords and would need to rest. This effectively ended the season for Vitale. Despite this Vitale has been active on Twitter giving analysis that is on a character limit. But because of Vitale’s limitless knowledge, drive and passion he gives the people what they want within those character limits. Because Vitale has limitless character.

When speaking of Vitale, one would be remiss to not speak of his charitable endeavors. With the same love, joy, and passion he exudes in college basketball broadcast, he does for the V Foundation (click the link to donate). Named after the late North Carolina State Head Coach James “Jimmy” Valvano or Jimmy V (his 1983 team won the national title with an epic upset of the Houston Cougars in the title game). Vitale has worked tirelessly to raise over 290 million dollars for cancer research. Most notable 100% of every penny raised goes to cancer research.

To me, this college basketball season has felt a touch empty without Vitale. So many moments have felt diminished without his exuberance, his excitement, and his love. This March those catchphrases that echoed through our television speakers and brought unbridled excitement to the game are not there. There will be no Dickie V upset special picks on Selection Sunday and no overwhelming joy when Cinderella strikes a sledgehammer to a majority of the nation’s brackets breaking them and the pieces falling to a faint memory.

However, at this time of the year, I do not think Vitale would want us to be sad and glum. He would want us to be excited, to enjoy the madness. To embrace next three weeks. Vitale recently announced he has already won March Madness, his doctors advised he is cancer free. So as we watch let’s loosen vocal cords and in our best Dickie V voice scream “Awesome Baby” at our televisions. Because even if this March will not be the same without him, it is only because no March has been the same because of him.

WRITERS NOTE: I myself have lost many family members to the horrible disease that is cancer. In honor of Dick Vitale being cancer free, or if you have lost anyone to this disease, I would like to ask you to click the link below to donate to the V Foundation. You can contribute in the memory of someone you have lost, do it in your name or remain anonymous. Remember, 100% of ALL DONATIONS go to cancer research. Any amount helps. Thank you for your consideration.

https://donate.v.org/give/353765/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=Homepage&c_src2=DonateButton

With Woke Eyes and Tone Deaf Ears

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By Erich R Pilcher

Woke, or being woke is a disease that has flooded down upon society. Now, everyone might have different definitions of this term. But I feel it is people that have faux rage over a bevy of societal issues. They flock to social media, posting news stories as if their blistered fingers of rage from pounding keys are going to fix society’s problems. All the while not doing anything else to fix the issues, or even have a basic understanding of them.

Recently, this plague of ignorance has found its way into our forms of entertainment. Either as little tidbits of virtue signaling to full-blown using a platform to push their beliefs and theories down everyone’s throats.

The Conners has been a hit show on ABC since its premier in 2019
Photo Courtesy: TV Insider

Enter the ABC hit show The Conners. The show is a spin-off of the legendary series Roseanne (which came back in 2018 and was renamed The Conners after one season when creator/star Roseanne Barr was fired for racist comments). The show itself has become a woke culture darling. Addressing illegal immigration, workplace drug testing, transgender issues, drug abuse (they wrote Barr off the show by having her die of an Opiate overdose), and alcoholism On March 2, they aired an episode called Triggered.

To start the episode one of the stars Lecy Goranson (plays oldest daughter Becky Conner) warns the audience of the sensitive nature of the episode regarding gun violence. In this episode, the family is on lockdown due to an active shooter situation.

First of all, the episode attempts to tug at our heartstrings by having Becky’s daughter with her father at the local mall where the shooting occurs, adding to this emotional pull is that Becky cannot be there because she is on lockdown. This is where the episode falls into woke absurdity.

The Conners glued to thier television as an active shooter situation unfolds in thier community. From left to right Lecy Goranson (Becky Conner), John Goodman (Dan Conner), Katey Sagal (Louise Conner) and Sara Gilbert (Darlene Conner).
Phot Courtesy: AP

The Conners are glued to their televisions as the local news station covers the police as they surround the home of the shooter (whom the Conners have known since they were a young child. Yet another generic heartstrings tug). Then as the suspect emerges he pulls a gun and police gun him down on live television. The family watches in horror as he is shot down, including jaded young adult Mary (daughter of DJ Conner, absent from the episode)as family matriarch Dan Conner “powerfully” shields her from the image after it happens, the episode goes to a dramatic break.

At this point woke culture is excited with glee. They are sitting in front of their screen gushing, “how powerful, how sad, what is what is going on with society”? Let me rain on your woke parade. It never would have happened. As someone who has worked for a news station, in this situation, everyone is in the control room and the minute he pulled the gun, they would have cut to whatever they could to avoid this being shown and provided an update. So strike one, on this woke crackpot pie.

It only gets better (or worse depending on your level of common sense), from here. During the lockdown, Dan goes and gets a gun that is secured in a lockbox. Showing responsible gun ownership and wanting to defend his family, this is where I started to get some hope that this nightmare would end and I was wrong. He is consequently admonished by his family for having a gun in the house. Despite them being in danger, they are still clinging to being against the very thing that could save them in an active shooter situation.

The Conners meet around the table and celebrate crimes being comitted in the name of curbing gun violence. Woke culture at it’s finest.
Photo Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly

The show closes with Darlene’s (played by woke talking head on The Talk, Sara Gilbert) daughter Harris stealing Dan’s gun and selling it to the police. Dan is angry but “understands” why she did it. He only demands that she make up the difference for what he was paid for the gun and what it is worth. How heartwarming (please insert sarcasm) this brave girl commits multiple felonies (possession of a stolen firearm, selling a stolen firearm, carrying a firearm while not licensed and many more I’m sure), and yet she is the hero of the episode. How quaint. Finally, during the credits we see two people visit the Conners seeking donations for the victims of the families of the shooting and Dan gives them the money from the unlawful sale of his gun. AWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

It is nonsensical drivel like this that causes irreparable damage to society. Look at the trend. Someone shows responsible gun ownership and a need to protect their family and they are admonished. Then someone commits multiple crimes and there is no punishment. The reason is they had good intentions. This is what woke society does, it ignores common sense and tugs on emotions to get people to see their side.

After I watched this episode, I realized that entertainment has changed. I have long since denied this and I’m no better than those that allow themselves to be manipulated by this. This is not the first TV show to do this and sadly, it won’t be the last. They use the most overblown, dramatic approach they can to prove their point. Common sense, laws, and even real-world application are thrown out the window. All to make us see they are right and know what is best for all of society.

If we want real change in regards to societal issues, we must do our research, come to our conclusions and not let entertainment or agenda-driven mainstream media (both on the right and the left) make our decisions for us. Let us close our woke eyes, open our tone-deaf ears and expand our minds. Then we can truly be woke to the world around us.

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Film Review: The Batman (2022)

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By Erich R Pilcher

Although very entertaining, most current comic book films follow a very simplistic formula. They are action-packed, with bright pulsating colors, dynamic special effects, and a star-studded cast. Keep in mind, I said MOST comic book films, there is a new film that is bucking that trend.

The Batman is the most recent film to tell the story of Gotham City’s masked avenger of the night. Directed by Matt Reeves, it stars Robert Pattinson (The Twilight Saga) as the cowled crusader (and his secret-identity Bruce Wayne). In the film, he takes on the Riddler (played by Paul Dano) who is taking out high-ranking members of the Gotham Community in a violent attempt to expose corruption in the city. Assisting Wayne is Commissioner James Gordon (Jeffery Wright) and Catwoman/Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz).

In the lead-up to this film, some reviews attacked Pattinson’s performance. Calling it emo, whiny among other emasculating descriptions. However, this is who Batman is. He is dark, brooding, and emotional. He is not your clean-cut superhero, glossed over for the masses. He is flawed. That is a part of his appeal and quite frankly exposes the ignorance of the reviewers in regards to the source material. That source material is largely assumed to be the critically acclaimed Batman comic miniseries The Long Halloween and Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, among other darker Batman tales.

Three Batman tales by the longtime comic tandem of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Tim Sale.
Two of them, The Long Halloween and Dark Victory a largely believed to have inspired the film The Batman.
Photo Courtesy: DC Comics

Pattinson delivers an excellent performance. I must admit, I have not been a fan of his work in the past. However, he makes the role his own and meshes the two personas of Batman and Bruce Wayne together in a beautifully haunting way. He gives the viewer the flawed, human, and emotionally scarred Batman we are drawn to. It is quite possibly his most powerful and best performance to date.

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman delivers a blockbuster performance in The Batman
Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

The drawback to this film (and it is a minimal one) is the pacing, at least initially. It is a slow build. There is not this cataclysmic event that brings Batman into the fold or even a drawn-out origin story like other superhero films. It builds suspense through dialogue and mystery. If you can make it past the first 30-minute slow build, it is quite rewarding to view. It plays out like a suspenseful mystery. This hearkens back to Batman’s prowess as a detective extraordinaire. Even with the suspense, there is enough action to satisfy you. It is not over the top and does not feel mind-numbing. When it is put into play, it is placed quite well.

Paul Dano plays the Riddler. Despite an initially laughable costume, his performance is a sight to behold. Photo Courtesy: Empire

To have a strong superhero movie, there needs to be a strong villain. That is where Dano as the Riddler comes into the fray. When we first see the Riddler he wears an outfit that is reminiscent of The Gimp from Pulp Fiction. When I saw this on the screen I was horrified. There was this throughout of this is where the film “jumps the shark” and that issue has plagued most DC Comic films. Dano’s performance makes you quickly forget about this gaffe. His dialogue is minimal but when he speaks it is like a moth to a flame. You are drawn in by his insanity and rage. It is the perfect foil to the tormented and conflicted role of Batman.

Batman (Pattinson) and Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), a relationship that is never meant to be.
Photo Courtesy: AP

The final credit to this film is the overall cast works well together and the direction of Reeves. The one dynamic that drives this is between Batman and Catwoman. The romantic tension that has always been present between the two is here. It’s a tension that this relationship will never be fully developed due to their philosophical differences, but the feelings do not go away. Kravitz delivers the greatest Catwoman performance with her outing and that might even be an understatement to what she achieves.

I have long stated that the DC Cinematic Universe has needed to have its own identity and separate from what the Marvel films do. With the success of The Joker and this film, I believe they have found that identity. They need to be darker and edgier than the Marvel films. That approach seems to be what works for them. This film is proof of that.

When going into this film I was concerned. Mainly due to the early negativity surrounding the performance and I honestly felt Ben Affleck did exceptionally well as The Dark Knight. Despite that, this film is a credit to the film legacy of Batman. It is a strong, suspenseful film with just enough action to drive it to that exceptional film level. If you are a fan of Batman, comic book films, or even film in general, you would make a grave mistake by dismissing The Batman.

Final Rating: **** out of 5 stars

SPECIAL BONUS: To honor the release of this film, I reviewed the 1966 film Batman: The Movie starring Adam West and Burt Ward. It aired on WMNH and Matt Connarton Unleashed on 3/4/22. You may listen to the review by clicking here


What is Greatness Without K?

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By: Erich R Pilcher

Goat in American English: (goʊt) NOUN

1. Word forms: plural goats or goat

a. any of a genus (Capra) of wild or domesticated bovid ruminants with hollow horns

b. US Rocky Mountain goat

2. a lecherous man

3. US, Informal a person forced to take the blame or punishment for others; scapegoat

That is the technical definition of Goat. Sadly the acronym for Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) is not listed. The world of sports who is the greatest is often debated. Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Pele, Wayne Gretzky are usually at the forefront of this debate. However, coaching is one aspect that is not as definitive.

I’m here to say the debate is over. There is a clear-cut and definitive choice. It is Duke University Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and the debate is not even close. 

Mike Krzyzewski at his introductory press conference in March 1980.
Image: Google Images

Krzyzewski took over the head coaching job at Duke in 1980 following a five-year stint as the head coach for Army (Where he went 73-59 with one National Invitational Tournament berth). Since then, Duke has been the preeminent program in college basketball. Duke has made the NCAA Tournament 37 out of 40 years (They missed in 2021 due to COVID and will make the tournament this season), he holds the record for both most wins and most tournament wins (1,195 wins overall and 97 in the tournament), he has an astounding 12 Regular season and 15 conference tournament titles in arguably the toughest basketball conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Coach K cutting the nets following his first national title in 1991.
He has since won four more across three different decades.
Image: Google Images

Finally, he has won a national title in three different decades and five overall (1991, 1992, 2001, 2010, and 2015), led his team to 12 Final Four and he rejuvenated United States basketball on the global stage, leading the team to three consecutive gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016 (following the unmitigated disaster and near-catastrophic showing in the 2004 Summer Games). 

Coach K with the United States Men’s Basketball team following winning the Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Games.
This team was dubbed the “redeem team” after the disaster that was the 2004 team.
Coach K would lead the team to two more gold medals in 2012 and 2016
Courtesy: Google Images

Those stats alone would justify his lofty standing. Then we ignore the intangibles. This is where he truly shows his greatness. He has done most of this from a private university in Durham, North Carolina. A school was known as the “Ivy League of the South”. He has outlasted his rivals. When he started he had to combat Dean Smith and Bobby Knight (who he eventually passed in most measurable categories) throughout his career he has had wars with Rick Pitino, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun, Jim Boeheim, Tom Izzo, and many more. Not only has he thwarted them, but he has also lapped them. Krzyzewski has also done so by running a clean program, with no major infractions or controversies. Something not many of his foes can say. 

In this debate, people will throw out other names such as Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, former Iowa Wrestling coach Dan Gable, or pro basketball coach Phil Jackson. In regards to the professional coaches, they often have a say in what players they get and ultimately how long they stay. Krzyzewski does not. 

Early in his career, Krzyzewski would only get kids that would stay for four years and graduate. Once “one and done” became common, many thought Duke would be finished. Not only has Krzyzewski evolved, but he also succeeded. He embraced the one-and-done and has modified his program’s approach to getting kids ready for the pros. His offense and defense are less basic and more fluid. It is based on the players he has not the scheme he wants. 

His control is limited to his recruiting pitch. After that the decision is the kids, how long they stay, and if they venture to Durham. Pro coaches can offer, or get management to offer, long-term deals, re-negotiate contacts and get more money. This is a luxury not afforded to Coach K and he has won despite it.

Then, some will point to the championships won by Lombardi and Gable. To that point, competition has to be debated. Lombardi won most of his championships in an eight-team league and to be fair it was a glorified YMCA dad league. Gable also had limited competition and Iowa is a wrestling-rich state. So not only did he have limited competition, he had his pick of the top-tier talent. 

Most impressive is the fact that Coach K was able to get NBA players to believe in him as he led them for 12 years across three Olympic Games. When he was first hired, many felt that he could not do this. There were egos, such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and others. The thought was his approach would not be accepted by NBA players. But not only did he get them to buy in, the players often shower adulation and praise on the legend. Something that shows he transcends levels and can get anyone to believe in him and his approach. 

Anyone is welcome to debate me on this. But the stats and intangibles do not lie. What Krzyzewski has done is something we have never seen before and will never see again. Nearly 40 years of consistent dominance from a small campus, shrouded in Gothic decor and high academic standards. He succeeded despite a constantly changing environment. 

Coach K arguing with an official at his last game in Chapel Hill against rival North Carolina earlier this season
Courtesy: Google Images

This Saturday night “The Man” coaches his final game, in front of his people, The Cameron Crazies. A fan base he cultivated by his success. I would advise any sports fan to watch and see because it is something we will never see again. 

Boston on my mind

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Throughout the history of the world there have been many tragedies. We have had Pearl Harbor, Exxon-Valdez, Waco, Columbine, 9/11 and many others that time and word count don’t allow me to list.

However, for the first time ever a national tragedy touched me personally and it occurred yesterday. This is when two homemade bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

For those that know me, you know I love the city of Boston. I call it my home away from home. I love the sports teams, the history, the food,  the Kennedys’ and yes I even swear by drinking Samuel Adams beer because it is the greatest beer ever (see true Bostonian through and through).

Image

Me before taking down the Beckett Big Mouth Berger during my first trip to Boston. I bleed Bean town!

Every year I go up to that amazing city. I go to Cheers, I see the Red Sox play at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark, I touch the statue of Ted Williams, I walk through the Prudential District, I take the T (the transportation system in Boston), I even visit the museum of Arts and Science. Why? Because I LOVE THAT TOWN. To me it has something for everyone. It has history, sports, food, arts it literally has something for everyone.

To me, one of those things was taken away yesterday.

When I first heard the news I was stunned. The first thought I could muster is “Why Boston?” Then I started to cry because the day they chose was not just an attack on Boston it was an attack on our freedom. This is because they chose Patriots Day to commit this atrocious act.

For those that don’t know, Patriots Day commemorates the day the first battle of the Revolutionary War was fought. It is held in the highest regard in Boston and celebrated, almost as much as Independence Day. It was this day a group of people that were huge underdogs decided they had enough with British rule and decided to fight back. Eventually they won and thus won OUR independence that we cherish and hold so dear.

The city of Boston celebrates this day, as they should. It is a government holiday, people in Massachusetts and Maine are given an extra day to complete their taxes, just so they can celebrate. The Boston Marathon is run on this day and the Red Sox play a game starting at 11 am just so people can see the runners run down Yawkey Way, right outside the famed Green Monster during the marathon.

To me this was a personal attack on those freedoms that were fought for and those freedoms that we still fight for on a daily basis. Then I think of the lives ruined, kids that died that were just celebrating a great day. A day without school, a day they were spending with their parents and just like that, with the flash of a homemade bomb and shrapnel; their young lives were cut down. Not to mention the people, finishing a marathon and crossing the finish line only to be injured or murdered by those same bombs.

I will be honest 9/11 did not really affect me. I was upset but I was not devastated and at the point of tears. I don’t know why that was. To me, 9/11 was a strategic act of war. They attacked our financial and military infrastructures and took innocent lives to do it. To me this was personal and not just because of my feelings of the town they attacked. This was an assault on the very day that America began its rise to the land of the free and the home of the brave.

You see everyone is saying pray for Boston. I must admit that is a nice thought. But rest assured Boston will be back and stronger than ever. That town will fight just like those brave men fought British rule. They will keep battling much like Paul Revere did on his famous ride and they will never quit just like the Red Sox did not quit when they were down 3-0 to the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS and fought back to win the World Series. That is the Boston I know and that is what Boston will always be. A city of fighters, workers and champions. That is what needs to be remembered in the annals of history.

So in closing I would like to leave you with a lyric from the song Dirty Water by The Standells. I type these words with pride in my heart, those lost on my mind and tears in my eyes….

I LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER, OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH,
BOSTON YOUR MY HOME

Shake the thunder from the sky

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Like any typical human being I enjoy being right. It gives me a vicarious thrill. My chest puffs out, my ego get pretty large (bigger than usual, in some people’s eyes) and I love to tell people that I’m right. So if my loyal readers will indulge me for a moment…..

I TOLD YOU SO.

A little over two years ago I wrote a blog that said in four years Notre Dame Football would be playing for bigger things than a win against a major rival. I said they would be worrying about playing for National Championships. In that same blog I said the fan base needed to believe in head coach Brian Kelly and the players he had. Now on December 2, 2012 the faith myself and every other fan of the Fighting Irish had in this program was rewarded when it was announced that Notre Dame would play national power Alabama on January 7, 2013 for the National Championship. They achieved this by going undefeated (12-0) throughout the regular season and being ranked Number One in the country the last three weeks.

Now, that is not to say my faith was not tested. A week after I wrote that blog Notre Dame lost to Michigan State in overtime by the way of a fake field goal. Then there was the embarrassing back to back losses to Navy and Tulsa. Despite those set backs I stayed true to what I said and the Fighting Irish faithful stayed faithful to their team, even though the following season was a disappointment. And then you had the players that stayed the course that Kelly put this team on and finally everyone is seeing the benefits of that faith.

This season has been one of the most enjoyable football seasons I have had the pleasure of watching and that includes both college and professional football. All year the Fighting Irish bucked the doubters and proved them wrong, all the while proving their believers right. And, even making non-believers the believers they dreaded becoming.

When the Irish started the season everyone heard how they would not defeat Michigan and Michigan State. They defeated them both with dominating defensive performances. Next the naysayers said a home game against Stanford would be the first blemish on their record. Notre Dame clinched the victory in overtime with a goal line stand where they stuffed stalwart running back Stephon Taylor on three consecutive running plays from the one yard line.

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Brian Kelly and Man’ti Teo have spearheaded Notre Dame’s resurgence to relevance in college football.

Then it was said they would go on the road against Oklahoma and get soundly defeated. The Irish were the ones that soundly defeated the Sooners shutting down an offense that at that time was averaging 55 points a game. Then the final road block was a road game against another rival USC. This game was ripe for an upset. USC wanted to play spoiler and was starting a quarterback who had only played a handful of plays. But Notre Dame proved that the disappointments and letdowns from seasons past were gone and once again using a phenomenal defensive effort beat USC.

This season has been a magical and memorable one and needless to say the memories could keep mounting. Not including the aforementioned championship game, phenomenal Notre Dame Linebacker Man’ti Teo is a lock for finalist for the Heisman Trophy and many of the experts have him pegged to win it. That would make him the first defensive player to win the award. But this achievement is not about individuals, not by a long shot.

What the Fighting Irish have done is loaded with noteworthy individual performances. From the performance of redshirt Freshman Quarterback Everett Gohlson, the performance of utility offensive player Theo Riddick, dominating defense led by Teo, the phenomenal coaching job done by Kelly and his staff and the perseverance of seniors Tyler Eifert, Robbie Toma, Mike Golic Jr among many others that stuck with this program even in its gloomiest days. This group won every game the right way; as a team and a band of brothers fighting for one common goal and dream. A dream that is so close to being achieved.

No matter if this team wins or loses the National Championship game, they have achieved so much already. They have restored the gleam of their once tarnished golden helmets, they have fought off everyone who said this football program was irrelevant and made the realize that this is not the case. Those achievements alone are worth more than any trophy.

Now everyone is saying that the mighty Alabama is too much for Notre Dame. That this was a nice little run by the Irish but is bound to end by a prime time whooping. Well, to that I say just keep saying this team can’t or wont. Because all it has been is fuel to the flame that has reignited the pride, passion and tradition in Notre Dame football. But, then again I love being right and so does this team. I mean it is only human nature right?

Just Win Baby, a motto for the American dream

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Whether you loved or hated him, his death made you realize he was one in a million, the last of dying breed. Everyone should mourn the loss of Raiders Majority Partner Al Davis.

That is because Davis is the epitome of the American dream.

Al Davis, while serving a majorit partner of the Raiders led them to three Super Bowl championships and becomming one of the nations most recognizable sports franchises.

Think about it for a minute. Davis was a man that started in the National Football League as an assistant coach for the Los Angels Rams and from there rose through the ranks holding every position in the NFL ultimately becoming Majority Partner of the Raiders, a position he held until his death.

However, his most impactfull position he held was that of AFL commissioner. While serving that post he began to take the premier players from the National Football League, thus forcing them to merge and become the NFL we know today.
It was the shrewd businessman attitude that triggered many controversies surrounding Davis. He sued the NFL for not letting him move his team (he won), sued other teams (those cases never saw the courtroom) and was known to hold a grudge against anyone that crossed him or his “Rah-durs.”

Al Davis with his first of three Super Bowl championship. He enjoyed winning these and saw them as a way to defiy the NFL hierarchy

But, through all of the controversies Davis was a progressive man. He was the first owner to hire minorities as head coaches (he hired the second Latino coach in the history of the league and hired the first African-American coach) and was the first owner to hire a female for a front office position. He also believed in second chances often picking players that teams had cut for various reasons and giving them chances to play. More often than not these moves were successful.

What truly made Davis great was side that no one saw or knew until after his death. Davis always said “Once a Raider always a Raider” and he lived that quote. Whenever a former player, coach, front-office staff and even janitors needed help Davis was always there.

He coined the terms “Just Win Baby” and “Commitment to Excellence” and he held his team to those standards. Many will remember Davis for his disaster drafts of recent years and hiring and firing coaches at an accelerated rate. But I will remember his contributions to the game and the way he ran his team.

That is why owners like Davis are a dying breed. With the passing of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner there are only a few of these loud, ever present and successful owners. Now a day’s owners are content to be out of the spotlight and that is sad. So I implore those fans of sports remember Davis in a respectful way. Because his journey and his life is what the American dream is all about.

Disappointment at two-and-half percent

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I have been a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox since 1996. This was in the twilight of the days of Mo Vaughn and the rise of a young shortstop named Nomar Garciapparra. Needless to say there have been massive disappointments (2003, 2001 and 1999) and great joys. (2004 and 2007) One thing the Sox have never done of late is shied away from expectations.

That is until this season and it reeks of disappointment.

This off-season the Red Sox added offensive power in the form of All-Stars, outfielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. With an upgraded bullpen, a vaunted pitching staff and these two acquisitions it was thought the Sox would immediately be the best team in the American League and coast to a world championship. Too bad that predictions don’t win games, players do.

Carl Crawford (left) and Adrian Gonzalez (right) were supposed to bolster the Red Sox offensive output. But just the opposite has happened leading the Sox to start the MLB season 0-4

The Sox currently sit at 0-4. That explosive offense has only scored 12 runs and five of those came in the first game. The vaunted pitching staff has been shellacked only averaging a paltry five innings an outing and allowing home runs at a record setting pace. The bullpen has done what it can, but in the first game dominant setup man Daniel Bard allowed four runs in one inning, something unheard of until that day.

This leads us to two prized acquisitions Crawford and Gonzalez. While Gonzalez has shined, Crawford has struggled only collecting three hits in the first four games and striking out a handful of times, often at pitches outside the zone.

So the question is not what is the problem, those are evident. The question is will this get righted and will the Sox play up to the potential they are capable of ? The answer is one would hope. A friend of mine who is a fan of the hatred rival New York Yankees said “They will get it figured out they are too talented not too.”

Talent can only take a team so far, then fundamentals and love of the game must take over. The fact is these Sox are crumbling under the expectations. What the Sox need to do is get back to playing baseball and not worrying about the expectations. Last year the Sox were ravaged by injuries, losing All-Stars Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youklis to season ending injuries. Not to mention three out of their starting five pitchers missed extended periods of time. For any other team they would have packed it in, but the Sox still managed to win 89 games.

This is the fight and intensity the Sox need to get out of this rut to start the season.

So, will it happen ?  That remains to be seen. Someone asked me where I was on the panic meter and I answered on a scale of 1-10, I was at a five. The truth is, a 162 game season is only four games old and the Sox still have time to get it figured out. So these cries by the Red Sox faithful for managers and coaches to lose their jobs, players to be traded and saying the off-season acquisitions were a mistake are a bit premature.

Red Sox pitcher John Lackey shortly after leaving a game against the Texas Rangers after allowing nine earned runs in five innings

The next few weeks will dictate what is to become of the Sox season. Whether it is to become one of massive disappointment or a grand story of resurgence is up to them and them alone.

Sadly, the only thing we as fans can do is watch and sometimes, that can be the most painful thing to do.

Sins of the past

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How many times growing up did your parents say these infamous words, “When will you learn?” These words often followed a boneheaded mistake or choice that led to one getting into trouble.

The reason why I ask that is because someone needs to say that to the NCAA infractions committee. Because it is painfully obvious they have learned nothing from past mistakes.

On December 1, 2010 Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was allowed by the NCAA to play in the upcoming SEC Championship game, a game which if Auburn wins would clinch a berth in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game. This is despite allegations that Newton was involved in a “pay for play” scheme where he would be paid if he were to go to a certain college and play football for that college. This payment would be on top of the full ride scholarship Newton would receive as well to play for Auburn rival Mississippi State.

Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton following his teams come from behind victory against in state rival Alabama. Newton, recently was the subject of an investigation by the NCAA regarding improper benefits.

This, by NCAA rules and regulations is illegal and voids a student athletes amateur status and thus would make Newton ineligible.

The NCAA stated they found no evidence to show that Newton was paid any amount to play at Auburn and the whole scheme was spearheaded by his father Cecil, while his son was being recruited after a stint at the junior college level.

Newton is also a finalist for many prestigious awards for his play. This includes the Heisman Trophy, which is the most prestigious of these awards. This is also my problem with the ruling the NCAA made.

Because it just proves they have learned nothing from past mistakes.

Reggie Bush was turning the college football world upside down in 2005. While playing for USC, his electrifying runs and hard-nosed running style powered USC to a national championship bearth. It also led to him winning the Heisman Trophy. Recently it was found Bush had received improper benefits while playing for USC thus making him ineligible. Bush, forfeited his Heisman Trophy (voiding the winner for the first time in the awards storied history) and USC was forced to vacate all wins during Bush’s time on the team and numerous other sanctions were levied on the school.

Reggie Bush after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005. He later forfeited the award after an investigation found he received improper benefits while playing for USC

Now, when the NCAA handed down this ruling they stated “We do not have sufficient evidence at this time to prove Cam Newton received improper benefits.” To me this means they don’t have the evidence yet and are still looking into it.

My point is this, the NCAA has learned nothing since the Bush situation. Because if they had, this investigation should still be going, until they knew without a doubt Newton was clean and his father acted without his knowledge.

It will be sad day if it’s found Newton did have knowledge and thus was ineligible, because it would ruin a dream season for Auburn and more than likely another Heisman winner will be forced to forfeit the award.

Right when that happens I will initially be sad, because it will be another stain on college football. Then I will respond with a hearty “When will you learn?”

Because if not now, then the NCAA never will learn.