Sunday Stuff

A few things for you today. First, I went to my favorite bar in Seekonk, MA to find it had been sold and taken over by new management. Now, I had heard this was a possibility, but two weeks ago, the old owner had told me that the new liquor license for the potential buyer was rejected and he was going to stay on. This was good news to me because I’m friends with the owner and in general, I don’t like change in my drinking establishments. But last night, I went in and found the new owner there. Luckily, the bartenders I have known for many years were still there. Many of the wait staff were there, but overall, it was a different feeling.

While the new owner had just taken over that week, there was this sad sentiment that an era was over. The new owner will probably clean up the place and give the place the injection it needs, but it was also a feeling that my favorite place will just be a memory now.

As I told the bartenders who have no idea if they’re going to stay, as long as they’re in place and the beer is cold, there’s no reason for me not to come. But it’s also strange to see my friend not in his usual place.

I have had my favorite bars come and go. It’s been said once your home bar closes, you become lost until you find a new one. It’s happened to me three times and it’ll probably happen again before I die. But as long as this place in Seekonk remains and the bartenders remain, I still have a place to go on Saturdays.

Ok, there are a few links to get to today.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post says Yankee radio broadcasts have gotten out of hand with in-game ads. Not the ones played in-between innings, but ones that John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman have to read in-between pitches.

Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News gives it to the NBA for signing a cable-heavy TV contract at the expense of network games. He says it’s resulted in lower ratings for the NBA Finals.

Newsday’s Neil Best says the New York Islanders are pioneers for giving a section at their games for bloggers. And in his blog, Best says while sports leagues hate short series, sportswriters love them.

Barry Horn of the Dallas Morning News looks into the NBA ratings.

Roger Brown of the News-Herald (OH) gives his grade to the NBA Finals coverage.

Diverse Education magazine has a profile on CBS’ James Brown.

I keep forgetting to link to this. ESPN Ombudsman Le Anne Schreiber says viewers are a bit fed up of being force fed storylines.

And one last word. Saw ESPN’s College World Series coverage last night. Oregon State took on Cal State Fullerton. Erin Andrews looked very lovely. That’s all you need to know.