Tag: 260507

Lost weekend for Boston

The Big Story – Loserville Weekend: Well, the Bruins had their season ended with a 4-1 loss to Buffalo on Friday. Saturday it was the Celtics’ turn, getting turned out in more brutal fashion by losing a playoff series to the 76ers for the first time in 44 years (1982) after blowing a 3-1 series lead, to make Boston Loser City for the winter pro sports teams over the weekend.

Sports 101: Who was the last NL’er to hit .400 and when did he do it?

Big Story II – Saint Anselm Drops Down To D-III: The rumor that’s been around forever finally came true when Saint Anselm Athletic Director Phil Rowe announced last week their athletic programs would compete in D-III after the 2026-27 season for mission-related reasons.

It prompted basketball HC Chris Santo to resign and be replaced by top assistant Trey Witter. It ends the great local men’s basketball rivalry between the Hawks and SNHU. Though it really hasn’t been the same since Keith Dickson and Stan Spirou each retired a few years ago.

News Item – Red Sox: In a 3-4 week when they scored just 2.5 runs per game things are still pretty much a disaster. But one good thing new manager Chad Tracy did was move his best RBI guy, Roman Anthony, out of the lead-off spot, back to third in the order, where he belongs.

News Item – Gronk Goes to Patriot Hall:As predicted, the wildly popular Rob Gronkowski was selected in a fan vote to be the next to enter the Patriots Hall of Fame. Gronk goes in on the strength of being arguably the greatest tight end ever with after being their all-time TD leader with 80 to go along with 521 receptions and a second best all-time 7,861 receiving yards.

The Numbers:

-6 – revealing plus/minus rating when the Bruins’ alleged best defenseman Charlie McAvoy was on the ice as the B’s were eliminated in the Stanley Cup series by the Buffalo Sabres 4-2.

7 – MLB record-tying consecutive walks issued by Cincinnati pitchers in the second inning of a 17-7 loss to Pittsburgh.

13 – major league leading homers hit by Japanese import Munetaka Murakami, who embattled Sox GM Craig Breslow passed on last winter for his power-devoid team for a measly $35 million over two seasons.

… Of the Week Awards

Thumbs Up – Airplane Advertising: For the one flying over Fenway on Friday dragging a banner behind it begging John Henry to SELL THE TEAM.

Quote of the Week – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: From YouTube post about why the skyhook he made famous has faded away from the game. “So the kids, they don’t want two points … that’s not cool. They want to go out there in the stratosphere and shoot three-pointers. … They don’t get to realize that if you get close to the basket, a lot more of your shots will go in.”

Sports 101 Answer: NY Giants player-manager Bill Terry hit .401 in 1930 to be the last NL’er to hit .400 or better. He was a lifetime .340 hitter, but didn’t have the power numbers Ted Williams had when he was the last .400 hitter.

Final Thought – Celtics Elimination:

Joe Mazzulla is the only coach I’ve ever seen who expands his rotation in the playoffs rather than shortening it like everyone else has done since James Naismith nailed that first peach basket up on the side of the barn. A long way from Pat Riley’s “use 8, rotate 7, play 6, trust 5” Lakers credo.

Does anyone besides slow Joe think Boston wouldn’t be a top team if they became less 3-ball dependent?

Besides, a much bigger problem was their shot selection on those 3’s. Which was about taking really quick ones, settling for that rather than running through the offense to get a better one or forced 3’s because the shot clock was running down after never taking it below the line.

But give the Philly D its due. All of their wings have outstanding quickness to tie up guys with the ball on the perimeter and had one of basketball’s best big men at protecting the rim if someone got by them.

Outside of the White House, if there’s a bigger sideline crybaby in the world than Sixers coach Nick (good night) Nurse I’ve yet to see who it is.

Let the record show that the ridiculous starting line-up Mazzulla opened Game 7 with included his eighth (to fill in for Jayson Tatum), ninth and 11th best guys for “strategic” reasons, did not score at all and put them in an immediate 13-point hole.

If KC Jones had done that for Game 7 vs. L.A. in 1984, it would have given Carlos Clark, Greg Kite and 112-year-old M.L. Carr the start.

Bottom line – Joe does a great job keeping everyone playing hard through the regular season. But he is the worst game coach with strong talent I’ve seen since Guy Lewis got U of Houston to all his Final 4 appearances.

Fortunately for them, their next moves will be made by GM Brad Stevens.

Email Dave Long at dlong@hippopress.com.

Quality of Life 26/05/07

Full tank, empty wallet

According to a May 4 press release from online fuel price tracker GasBuddy.com, New Hampshire gasoline prices rose 28.5 cents per gallon during the week beginning April 24. The average gasoline price in the state as of Monday, May 4 was “$4.35/g … according to GasBuddy’s survey of 875 stations in New Hampshire. Prices in New Hampshire are 44.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.48/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 21.3 cents compared to [April 24] and stands at $5.621 per gallon.”

QOL score: -1

Comment: The same announcement reported that gas inflation in New Hampshire is fairly modest compared to the rest of the country.

New Hampshire, the Lithium State?

As reported in an April 29 online news story in the Concord Monitor, “a new USGS assessment estimates that the Appalachian region of the eastern U.S. contains 2.3 metric tons of undiscovered, economically recoverable lithium: enough to replace 328 years of U.S. imports.” Lithium deposits have been known about in Maine for several years, the report continued, “and the geological conditions suggest that similar deposits likely exist in New Hampshire.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “Lithium has long been a valuable resource for industrial and health-related applications,” the Monitor story read, “but has become much more important as the energy transition has increased the importance of batteries, often based on various lithium chemistries. About half of the lithium used in the U.S. is currently imported. “

New proms, experienced dresses

As reported on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle on April 28, many area teens will be wearing second-hand or vintage dresses to prom this year. “There are several reasons teens are thrifting for prom,” WMUR reported, noting “the cost, environmental concerns, or wanting a unique look no one will have. Lucky for those students, there are several free or low-cost options available around the Granite State.” One of these options, according to the report, is Missy’s Closet Thrift Shop (13 Hazel Lane, Manchester, 978-7872, facebook.com/MissysClosetBoutique); ReProm Pop-Up in Exeter and Tom and Chickpea in Derry were also mentioned.

QOL score: +1

Comment: The story said that Missy’s Closet “collects donations all year long and started the season off with 3,000 dresses and received 1,000 more over the four weeks it was open.”

A Nashua Junior Ranger?

An April 29 online article in The Cabinet Press was headlined “Nashua fifth grader in running for Junior Ranger title … and $20k.” Fifth-grader Gavin Ryan is one of five remaining contestants in his age group in this year’s Junior Ranger contest sponsored by Ranger Rick Magazine, the story said. The competition’s website (jr-ranger.org) says the contest is designed to “celebrate curiosity, confidence, and a love for the natural world.”

QOL score: +1

Comment: “The competition ends on June 4 and the winner will be announced on June 19,” the Cabinet story read. “Should Gavin win the competition, he would be featured in Ranger Rick, have an exclusive wildlife experience with renowned biologist Jeff Corwin and receive $20,000.” The story also noted “The link to vote for Gavin is available at jr-ranger.org/2026/gavin-8531.”

QOL score last week: 46

Net change:+2

QOL this week: 48

What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?

Let us know at news@hippopress.com.

News & Notes 26/05/07

Energy week

NH Energy Week continues through Friday, May 8, according to a press release from Clean Energy NH. Throughout the week, which started May 4, more than 30 in-person and virtual events are scheduled, focusing on a range of energy-related topics, the release said. Events on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8, include 603 Solar for a “Solar Lunch and Learn” on May 7 in Exeter at noon; Energy Trivia at Rockingham Brewing Co. in Derry on May 7 at 6:30 p.m.; a virtual program on “How to Combat Rising Energy Costs with Solar Panels” on May 8 at 11 a.m., and “Currents of Change: Hydro & Community Power at Amoskeag” in Manchester at noon on May 8, according to nhenergyfuture.org, where you can find details on these and other events those days and register to participate. On Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Lake Region Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold a “Love Your Earth Day” event at Veterans Square in Laconia, the website said. See cleanenergynh.org for more on Clean Energy NH.

Career Closet

Plymouth State University Student Support Foundation and Academic and Career Advising Center has opened the University’s Career Closet, a program that gives students access to business casual clothing, according to a press release. The program offers the clothes to students at no cost and will accept donations of clean, stain- and tear-free men’s and women’s blazers and jackets, dress pants, button-down shirts, sweaters, cardigans, suits and matching sets, professional dresses and skirts, professional shoes and accessories such as belts, ties and bags, the press release said. “Clothing donations must be scheduled prior to drop-off; appointments are available Monday through Friday. Anyone interested in scheduling a donation appointment may email career.development@plymouth.edu or call 603-535-3065,” the release said.

Fundraiser for veterans

The Pulse of NH radio stations will hold an on-air fundraiser Wednesday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. — the Veterans Count “Make 12-Hours Count Radiothon,” according to an Easterseals NH press release. The money raised during the event will support New Hampshire service members, veterans and their families, the release said. The event will broadcast on stations including “News Talk 107.3 WTPL, 98.1 WTSN, and 107.3 WEMJ” and “music stations, including Frank FM, 105.5 JYY, Country 93.3 The Wolf, and Country 95.3 & 107.1 The Wolf,” the release said. “Easterseals NH Veterans Count is joining forces with Binnie Media to present a day of programming by and about veterans to fundraise for the New Hampshire military community. Hosted by Jack Heath of Good Morning New Hampshire and broadcast legend Mike Pomp, listeners will enjoy a day filled with stories, sponsor interviews, celebrity endorsements, and dignitary spotlights,” the release said. Last year’s event raised more than $70,000 according to the press release, which said “close to 100,000 NH residents over the age of 18 are either active-duty service members, in the National Guard or military veterans.” See vetscount.org/donate-now.

Ride for a cause

Iron Legacy Motorcycle Club – Freedom Crew in partnership with American Legion Post 27 and Connor’s Climb Foundation (“an organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives”) will host a Charity Ride for Mental Health & Suicide Awareness on Sunday, May 17, at the American Legion Post 27 in Londonderry, according to a press release. “This community-focused event aims to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention while supporting a meaningful cause,” according to the release, which said that 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Connor’s Climb (see connorsclimb.org for more on the organization). Registration is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with “kickstands up” at 11:30 a.m. Participation costs $20 per rider, $30 per rider with passenger, and $10 non-rider admission to the party, which will feature food, a cash bar, raffles and more, the release said. Contact abarilone0405@gmail.com for more information.

Twilight tour

The Currier Museum of Art is selling raffle tickets for a private Twilight Tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses for up to six people featuring drinks and light bites, according to currier.org. Tickets cost $100 each and only 150 will be sold, the website said. A winner will be drawn on May 15 and proceeds will go to the Currier’s Annual Fund, according to the website, where you can purchase a ticket.

Evening at the village

The Canterbury Shaker Village will hold “Simply Shaker,” a fundraiser, on Thursday, June 25, starting at 5 p.m., according to shakers.org, where you can purchase tickets. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, live music, an opportunity “to experience traditional printing methods and to create a handmade souvenir,” dinner and a presentation about the Meeting House preservation project and the Village’s new summer internship program, the website said.

Night at camp

The New Hampshire Boat Museum in Moultonborough will host its fundraiser, “Night at the Museum: Up to Camp,” on Friday, June 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event is a tribute to New Hampshire youth camps and will feature “camp-themed cuisine with a modern twist” as well as dancing, auctions and more, the release said. Guests are encouraged to wear camp-inspired attire, the release said. Tickets cost $150; see nhbm.org.

Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth will hold Springfest: A Celebration of Gardens and Baby Animals on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature animals, artisan vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, hands-on activities, food trucks and a bake-off of Portsmouth orange cakes on Sunday, according to strawberybanke.org, where you can purchase tickets.

Families in Transition will hold its Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, May 17, starting at noon in Veterans Park in Manchester, according to fitnh.org, where you can register to participate in the 2.5-mile loop and find details about the after-party.

The NH Humanities Council and the New Boston Historical Society will host a program on “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution” with speaker Glenn Knoblock on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the New Boston Community Church, 2 Meetinghouse Hill Road, according to newbostonhistoricalsociety.com.

Keith O’Brien will be at Balin Books in Nashua on Saturday, May 9, at 2 p.m. to discuss his new book Heartland, about the life of Larry Bird and his “unlikely rise from a struggling small-town life in Indiana to college basketball stardom,” according to balinbooks.com.

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