RI General News and Views
The Governor's Latest Staff Choices
Stay tuned for some insight on who the Governor has hired onto his staff in the waning months of his administration.
Selection Sunday’s Here: Final Bracket Projection
This guy (Dick Vitale) will likely be upset about something later tonight. Check out ESPN's coverage to see what is irritating him. Courtesy of deadspin.com.
The day has come, sports fans. It’s time for bracketologists around the country to put together their final bracket projections and then tune in to CBS at 6:00 tonight to watch the unveiling of our 2010 field of 65. Today marks the beginning of a three-week process that will end in one team winning the national championship. So for one last time…who’s going to be in? Who’s going to be left shaking their heads and muttering “what-if”s? Here’s my final diagnosis:
1: Kansas, Kentucky, Syracuse, Duke
2: Ohio State, Kansas State, West Virginia, Villanova
3: Purdue, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Wisconsin
4: New Mexico, Temple, Baylor, Georgetown
5: Maryland, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Butler
6: Gonzaga, Richmond, Texas A&M, BYU
7: Xavier, Texas, UNI, UNLV
8: UTEP, Clemson, Cal, Marquette
9: St. Mary’s, Oklahoma State, Old Dominion, Notre Dame
10: Louisville, Florida State, Mizzou, San Diego State
11: Wake, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Washington
12: Cornell, Siena, Minnesota, Florida
13: Murray State, New Mexico State, Oakland, Ohio
14: Houston, Wofford, Sam Houston State, Montana
15: UC Santa Barbara, Morgan State, North Texas, Vermont
16: Arkansas Pine-Bluff, Winthrop, Lehigh, Robert Morris, East Tennessee State
Underlined = Automatic Bid
First Four Out: Mississippi State, Utah State, Illinois, Ole Miss
Others Outside Looking In: URI, Arizona State, Seton Hall
By Conference:
- Big East (8)
- Big Twelve (7)
- ACC (7)
- Big Ten
- Mountain West (4)
- SEC
- Atlantic Ten (3)
- Conference USA (2)
- Pac Ten (2)
- WCC (2)
- WAC
- All others (1)
Now it’s my responsibility to explain some of my decisions. I’ll answer four major questions that you bracketologists out there may want to ask me.
- Why is Duke my 4th number one seed as opposed to teams like Ohio State or West Virginia?
It’s a very close call, but the blue devils deserve the designation. First, I think that often we think a little bit too much about the number one seeds, as there is very little difference in the quality of competition they will have to face when compared to a two seed. That said, Duke’s overall body of work is best. To me, the seven losses that Ohio State has garnered is too many for a team that is being designated a top four team in the country. While some may argue that a few of those losses came while star Evan Turner was injured, every game must be taken into account. When looking at West Virginia, it is necessary to recognize that they did not even win their own conference’s regular season title, finishing two games behind Syracuse. That would be forgivable if their non-conference schedule was particularly impressive, but it is not. Their only victories of note outside of Big East play were against Texas A&M (good win) and Ole Miss (probably not even a tournament team).
2. Why did I leave Utah State out?
Utah State’s strength of schedule is atrocious. Their Western Athletic Conference is embarrassingly bad, and they couldn’t even get through its postseason tournament successfully (they lost to New Mexico State). If they had put together a solid non-conference schedule, complete with a few signature victories, they would be in. However, their only really strong win was against BYU. Additionally, six of their seven losses came in games against sub-par teams, and a couple of them were not even close contests. The Aggies had an okay year, but in my mind, they fall just short.
The Golden Gophers of Minnesota should be smiling tonight. Courtesy of sportslogos.net.
3. Why did you put Minnesota in but leave Mississippi State out?
As many of you may know, both Minnesota and Mississippi State had the chance to clinch automatic bids today in conference tournament finals. Mississippi State lost a heartbreaker to likely number-one seed Kentucky in overtime, while Minnesota was blown out by Ohio State. Many will, therefore, say that Mississippi State played hard “when it counted” while Minnesota “ran out of gas.” What those people fail to remember is that the NCAA basketball season is almost five months. It does not come down to one day. Minnesota’s overall package is significantly stronger than Mississippi State’s. They have signature victories against Butler ,Wisconsin, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Purdue (all possible top-five seeded teams), while Mississippi State’s can only similar victory came against Vanderbilt. To me, Minnesota’s argument for tournament inclusion is way stronger than that of Mississippi State.
4. Where’s URI?
In the end, I don’t think URI put together a strong enough package to be included by the selection committee. Though they looked like a solid pick a few short weeks ago, their late-season swoon proved to be too much. As Providence is definitely on the outside looking in, it appears that the state of Rhode Island will once again be without a tournament representative.
Sox prospect and Rhode Islander Ryan Westmoreland to have brain surgery
The Portsmouth native batted .296 with 7 home runs in Lowell last year.
19-year-old top Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland was diagnosed with a “cavernous malformation of the brain” earlier this week at Massachusetts General Hospital and is currently in Phoenix, Arizona, where he will undergo surgery on the malformation. Westmoreland left spring training on March 4 to get a diagnosis at Mass General, then was flown around the country to speak with three specialists before it was determined that the procedure would be performed by Dr. Robert Spetzler of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. According to ESPN.com, the procedure “carries significant risk of neurological damage and is potentially life-threatening.”
Dr. Joseph Maroon, the vice chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, spoke to ESPN.com about the condition earlier today. According to Maroon, the cavernous malformation “is a congenital abnormality of small abnormal capillaries [tiny blood vessels] that are connecting vessels between the arteries and veins.
“These capillaries have very thin, weak walls and are susceptible to bleeding because of their thin walls. And the cortex, or brain stem, is an extremely sensitive area from which to remove [the malformation]. It’s very unusual to find these abnormalities in the brain stem.”
Maroon also mentioned that Dr. Spetzler “has as much experience with this as anybody in the world. His results with this overall are very good. He is who I would go to if I needed this surgery.”
Westmoreland attended Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island and was selected by the Red Sox in the 5th round of the 2008 draft, signing a $2 million bonus with the team, passing up a scholarship to top baseball school Vanderbilt University. Last year in Single-A Lowell, he batted .296 with 7 home runs in 60 games, missing the end of the season with a broken collarbone after running into an outfield wall.
What the Puck?? The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in the NHL
Do you dare? I warn you, this blog will amaze you, disgust you, and maybe even make you cry (okay, so hopefully not that last one). But! Consider yourself warned…and make sure to stop by next week…if, of course, you can handle it!
March 7 – March 13, 2010:
In a week that sees teams fight for that desperate eighth spot at the same time as teams already clinching their division, you know it’s going to be a thrilling week. And that’s what we have for you today. We’ve got everything from must-see hockey fights, to a campaign against Barack Obama, to the most yummy rendition of the Stanley Cup…ever. Enjoy.
THE GOOD:
Gold- The Bruins did it again. And no, I don’t mean give up yet another lead in their typical heartbreaking fashion. This, my friends, is the next piece to what is quite possibly the single greatest video series in the NHL: Bruins Hockey Rules. The Bruins Bear does it once again—check out his thoughts on ‘beating the traffic’ at the game:
Silver- With a mere 2.1 seconds left, Chris Pronger shocks the world. Er, at least the Chicago Blackhawks and the hockey world. After finding themselves down 2-1 late into the 3rd period, Philly tied it up with 2:04 left in the game, and this game looked like it was destined for overtime. But Pronger had other plans. Like scoring this fantastic goal to steal that coveted extra point:
Bronze- Canucks’ goaltender Andrew Raycroft simply makes a miraculous save. Enjoy it folks, because this save only comes once in a very, very long time:
Oh yeah, and Raycroft is a backup. Wow.
Honorable Mention- Sharks’ Joe Pavelski scores a goal, but this one should count for about 5, it’s so damn good:
THE BAD:
Gold- The NHL GM’s finally agree to ban hits to the head. It’s about time. Why is this bad, you may ask? Well, just check out this next one and you’ll see exactly why…
Silver- Penguins’ Matt Cooke has just a disgusting hit on Bruins’ superstar Marc Savard….and doesn’t get suspended. That’s right, just hours after the GM’s agreed to ban hits to the head, the NHL announced that it wasn’t going to suspend Cooke. Seriously…are you kidding me? Check out this hit, and you tell me what should have gone down:
Oh, and it only gets worse Bruins fans, for it looks like this one will take him Savard for the season too.
Bronze- U.S. and Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller and the hockey gods just can’t seem to patch up their friendship. In his return to Buffalo after the heartbreaking silver medal at the Olympics, Miller put up a fantastic 34-save performance…but still lost. Ya gotta feel it for this guy. To continue putting up stunning performances like these—and still lose—well, this guy deserves a lot of credit. But c’mon…how can anyone, even the best goaltender in the world, save a beauty like this one:
Honorable Mention- Okay, forget the Health Care bill…this should be priority #1—President Barack Obama has to become a Capitals fan. In a campaign to “Barack the Red” (a parody on the Caps’ “Rock the Red”), the Capitals have seen Obama don the White Sox hats, throw out first pitches, draw up an NCAA bracket, and even design an NFL commercial. But it’s about time for that to change. Change we can believe in, you say? Come on, Mr. President…it’s hockey time.
THE UGLY:
Gold- Now this is just sick. The Caps clinched the division this week…the division! Yes, with about a month left to play, the Caps don’t really have to play for much, now do they? And you wonder why the East is so bad this year…Exhibit A: the Southeast division. Oh yeah, and Ovi got a game misconduct…AGAIN:
Don’t look now, but it’s his third of the year. Oh by the way—no one else in the league has more than one. Some Olympic frustation maybe, Ovi?
Silver- Your fight of the week:
Bronze- If you think the Super Bowl is big in America, check out how popular hockey truly is in Canada. The Super Bowl pails in comparison to the Gold Medal Olympic Game. Here’s the water usage in Edmonton during the game. Apparently nobody went to the bathroom…until the period was over. Brace yourselves.
Honorable Mention- Now this is just really funny. Poor kid.
POLL OF THE WEEK:
Q: Do you see the Bruins making the playoffs this season?
A: For sure. It won’t be easy, but it’s gonna happen.
B: No way. Matt Cooke just ended our season.
C: It doesn’t matter. I have Versus and can’t see them in the playoffs anyway!
Have an opinion? Did I miss something? Think you know better than sidthekid? Well, drop a comment and we’ll see for ourselves, now won’t we!
-Sidney Kushner
Remnants of rain, wind lash Rhode Island
Remnants of rain, wind lash Rhode Island
Remnants of rain, wind lash Rhode Island
Trooper killed in single-car crash
Trooper killed in single car crash
Trooper killed in single-car crash
Trooper killed in single car crash
Jeremy Kapstein poised to run against Roberts for Lt. Governor
We've mentioned this before here on RI Future, and today's article by Edward Fitzpatrick again reiterates the intention of Red Sox adviser Jeremy Kapstein to challenge Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts in a Democratic primary.
The primary election is 6 months away, and one would normally assume that an announcement by a challenger would have been made already. Kapstein, however, is not an ordinary challenger. Based on statements previously made that he has millions to sp...
Events: Biz forum, Amy Rice, Tom Sgouros, Infinity Volunteers
Busy week ahead (and you did remember to change your clock, right?) with a small business forum, an event for one of Portsmouth's reps, a campaign kickoff in the RI Treasurer race, and a pasta dinner to support our PHS kids on a humanitarian trip.
On Monday, Rep. Jay Edwards (Island Park) will be hosting his second small business forum. Representatives of National Grid will be on hand to discuss energy-saving techniques small businesses can use, and CPA Grafton "Cap" Willey will discuss regulations that apply to small businesses. At the Tiverton Community center on Judson street, 6:30pm. If you're a small business owner in Portsmouth, this one might be worth crossing the bridge for.
The Friends of Rep. Amy Rice (District 72; south Portsmouth) will be hosting a fundraising reception for her campaign on St. Patrick's Day at the 121 Speakeasy, 121 Washington Street in Providence. Amy has been a strong progressive voice in the legislature, serves Aquidneck Island well on the Judiciary and Environment committees, and I hope you'll join me in supporting her. Suggested contribution: $50. More info available on Amy's web site or connect with her on Facebook.
Tom Sgouros, a Democratic candidate for RI Treasurer, is having a campaign kickoff this Thursday, March 18 at the Hi-Hat in Providence from 6-9pm. With a huge list of co-hosts, and live music from the What Cheer? Brigade, this promises to be a fun evening. I've already endorsed Sgouros for reasons you can read about here, and if you are looking for a smart, progressive policy wonk in the Treasurer's office, I hope you'll consider joining me there. Suggested contribution, $100. Details at Tomfortreasurer.com.
Next Sunday, March 21, Infinity Volunteers is hosting a pasta dinner at Sardella's in Newport to support the nine PHS students making a humanitarian trip to New Orleans this spring. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction. Their last event was big fun, and it's a great cause. Tickets are just $20 and are going fast. For more info you can contact cunninghamk[at]portsmouthschoolsri[dot]org or, If you're on Facebook, you can connect with them here.
Full disclosure: I believe that I am likely a member of the shadowy group referred to in a quote attributed to Larry Fitzmorris by the Newport Daily News describing the "core of the Democratic Party." You have been warned. :)
Seatbelt Legislation Should Crash
If Rhode Island drivers weren’t annoyed enough by a stiff uniform demanding you “Click it or Ticket,” new legislation, sponsored by Rep. Doug Gablinske, would make the failure to wear a seatbelt a “primary offense.” This means the police can pull over anyone they suspect of not wearing their seatbelt. For your own safety, of course.
I say “suspect,” bec...
Really? Are we going to keep blaming working moms?
Bill Maher may have redeemed himself (at least in my book) with this latest post on HuffPo.
Yes, America has found its new boogeyman to blame for our crumbling educational system. It's just too easy to blame the teachers, what with their cushy teachers' lounges, their fat-cat salaries, and their absolute authority in deciding who gets a hall pass. We all remember high school - canning the entire faculty is a nationwide revenge fantasy. Take that, Mrs. Crabtree! And guess what? ...
John Lombardi, Bob kerr and the Providence Police Department
As an young Providence parent interested in the future of our city, I was interested to see what John Lombardi did when he was mayor for the couple months after Buddy went to jail. I am a big Bob Kerr fan and I was alarmed to find the following article about Lombardi. I posted this link in two other blogs so that I could hear a response from the Lombardi supporters on this website but I only got personally attacked and never got a response. What does this article say about t...
Leadership v. Politics-as-Usual
Earlier, on the "Myrth York Endorses Angel Taveras for Mayor of Providence" thread, I responded to Academy12's praise of Mr. Taveras for his "patience" in choosing not to weigh in on the Providence Police Department crises as they currently impact our city.
I harbor sufficient hubris to believe that said e-conversation is worthy of reiteration in a dedicated diary. Toward this end, I've posted my most recent offering below.
While it is eminent...
Children hurt in rollover crash in Wareham
Children hurt in rollover crash in Wareham
