Hey, better late than never. Before we get to the books, movies and music, here's a couple thoughts:
— Friday's Sabres loss to the Leafs is one of those rare games that rests on the shoulders of Ryan Miller, who's been pretty ordinary for a couple weeks. I know local media seems to be laying it all on the skaters — and one goal isn't going to win you many games — but Miller had a rough go of it against Toronto. Don't get me wrong, there's no reason to change your stance on a longer term contract, especially given his warhorse streak this year, but it's been a disappointing stretch in a tough year.
— Jeremy White has an angry blog on his page about the three-pointer in college basketball, and how it killed Duke. You should tune in Monday morning so we can fight about it. I will grant him that the NCAA should consider moving the line back to NBA length, but of the last seven national champions, five could run-and-gun the three, some almost exclusively.
Take a look at the deep-ball players from some of those teams: Maryland (Juan Dixon, Steve Blake), Duke (Jason Williams, Shane Battier, Mike Dunleavy, Chris Duhon). Syracuse (Gerry McNamara, Carmelo Anthony). Florida had good inside game, but shot 10-of-18 against Ohio State. The three can kill you, but it's how many champions, not to mention upsets, are made. You can read Jer's blog here: wgr550.com/Hey-DUKE---thanks-for-coming---/1872736
— I'm a big fan of Easter, seeing my family and the like, and want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families, denominations aside. It's a holiday that helps me acknowledge my blessings, even outside my faith, so thank you for listening to our stations, reading my stuff and calling in to our shows. We wouldn't have much without you. Also, thanks to my co-workers at the station.
On to your regularly-scheduled features:
MOVIES: "Alpha Dog," (*** out of five stars) -- Missed a good portion of the beginning of this film, but the idea is easy: A teenage drug dealer and his buddies kidnap the younger brother of a junkie with big out-standing debts, and eventually there's a murder. Some good actors, including a surprisingly good performance by Justin Timberlake, make this one go, but the real story is how misguided these kids are and how weak some people are raised. It honestly has me thinking about the best way to get back into working with kids.
BOOKS: "Ray in Reverse," by Daniel Wallace -- From the author who brought you "Big Fish," comes a story not quite as compelling, but a very good read. Wallace traces the life story of Ray, only backwards, from Heaven back to his youth, trying to uncover the meaning of his final words. There are moments when the story lags a little, but there's a point toward the end where Wallace crafts a paragraph or two that stops you in your tracks, forcing you to appreciate its poignancy.
I'm working on books about Roberto Clemente and Joe Namath, so don't think I quit on sports books. It was a terribly busy week.
MUSIC: It just occured to me that my "music" picks need should come with a warning label. I've played music, and been heavily involved in it, for a long time, and my tastes run far deeper than the radio. Just fair warning... as much as I love the music of Springsteen, Neil Young and the Foo Fighters, I also love bands a lot of you haven't heard very much of, if any at all.
"Valentine Radio Hiss," by Armory Snow -- No longer living in our fair streets, George Skaros is my favorite Buffalo musician of all-time, and I can write that because he's far too humble to let it get anywhere near his brilliant head. Formerly of The Dollar Canon, who crafted my favorite Buffalo record of all-time, "Good Morning, Detective," Skaros writes pensive words and sings with a unique voice that probably isn't for everyone, especially for those who are used to my recommendations of dirty, country rock and roll, harder rock, Motown and sampled hip-hop. If you can wear your musical heart on your sleeve, check out Armory Snow. For fans of: Death Cab for Cutie, Pedro the Lion.
"The Shepherd's Dog," by Iron & Wine -- This must be the low-key week for music reviews, because Iron & Wine is the largely laid-back work of Sam Beam. It took me a while to get to this release, but it's smooth. You've heard his music in the soundtracks of many films, including "Garden State." Check out "Boy With a Coin" and "White Tooth Man." If you're into it, dig into the back catalog for my personal favorites: "The Trapeze Swinger," "Lion's Mane," and "Love and Some Verses." For fans of: Elliott Smith, acoustic Neil Young, Bob Dylan.
And because I want to be reliable, some good artists of other kinds of music:
Rock: Sam Roberts
Country Rock: Drive-By Truckers
Hip-hop: Blue Scholars
I've been tapped in the new music department, so feed me: nick@wgr550.com
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