Glenn Beck: A Man on a Mission

At my senior year graduation, one of my gifts was a copy of Glenn Beck's An Inconvenient Book. This looked like your typical conservative book, lots of criticism of the liberal media and a golden thrown for Ronald Reagan. There were some differences from the mainstream, but nothing that captured mainstream audiences like Glenn Beck's Common Sense, a book written for ordinary Americans who believe in traditional values that have been self evident for over 220 years. Beck started the 9/12 Project, a group dedicated to the values and ideals we had on September 11, 2001. There were no red states or blue states just Americans. Ted Kennedy and Trent Lott hugged on the steps of Congress. Beck's critics laughed when they heard about how we should return to the values and traditions that the Founding Fathers laid out in The Constitution. Beck and others who were concerned with excessive government power and spending slowly started a social political movement called, the Tea Party movement. The Tea Party is now a political movement growing faster than hybrid car sales. It's a symbol of fiscal responsibility and a growing population who is tired of failed promises. President Obama will never admit he's afraid of the Tea Party movement, because it's free speech. However, if Obama and the Democrats lose control of Congress in November, the Tea Party will come out the victor and Glenn Beck's 9/12 Project can be called a success.  

Ever since Beck joined the Fox News Channel critics have tried multiple ways to discredit Beck. From Jon Stewart's impersonations of Glenn Beck (Funny) or Beck's tendencies to cry on stage. The mainstream media cannot for their life figure out Glenn Beck. He's a recovering alcoholic whose from Washington state. Beck became a... Mormon. He's a polarizing figure, but he's able to attract millions of people daily due to his love for the country. Beck is not a Republican, he criticized the Bush Administration for two years about their use of wiretapping without warrants. He criticized the Bush Administration for their excessive spending! Does the mainstream media tell you this? NO! If more people didn't watch soundbites or The Daily Show they would understand what Beck is talking about. His radio and television shows are unlike any other on the air. Unlike CNN who airs the same stories but with different anchors for 24 hours, Beck's show is different from the mainstream. Rarely will you see him talk about the political issues of the day or about the JetBlue flight attendant. This is why Beck was able to assemble 400,000 people in one day at the Lincoln Memorial. He's not about politics, he's not about Republican or Democrat, he's about what's best for the country. The principles and values that made America a great country. I ask all people to watch 10 minutes on YouTube of Beck during the 8/28 rally in D.C or his interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday. If you don't like it that's fine, but don't criticize the man before you hear what he has to say.

Joseph Turcotte

The Turc Report has returned!

After a long hard summer, The Turc Report kicks into full gear for the fall! Here's our lasted gaming podcast with myself and Brad "Shadowfoot" Bosley. Also, a special guest will appear on our show!

Part 1- Call of Duty: Black Ops Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyKeR9jqGFs

Part 2- Read Dead Redemption Review:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_hqx0RT7k

It's Time for an Upgrade

The United States of America needs their citizens to be able to compete with the best in the world. We can no longer believe that our educational can sufficient against countries like Japan and France. That means we need top-level teachers who can inspire our minds and dreams with their teaching methods. However, the dropout rates have risen to unacceptable levels and kids are failing out of school. We need new approaches to create a better educational system for the future.


Former US President George W. Bush tried to stop these two major problems with the No Child Left Behind Act. The law has been widely unpopular in the educational system due to the added stress and work for the teachers and students. I do not completely agree with the law, but it’s intentions sheds light on the problems. Teachers need to be held more accountable for the learning and comprehension of their students. Therefore, the position of tenure might have to be eliminated or used sparingly to ensure that each teacher understands the importance of results and accountability. This does not mean that teachers will be fired every year, but rewarded for their performance. Merit based or performance based salary will ensure that our students get the best education possible. Salaries should not be based on quantity of years. A great teacher should not be let go in the district because they don’t have the “experience”. This new pay method goes against traditional methods used by teachers unions. The longer a teacher teaches in the district, the more dues or fees a union collects from that teacher. The teachers need more control not the unions. Teachers who truly want to teach and help students learn must be rewarded.

This is Part 1 of The Turc Report’s editorial on the educational system. As a product of the system, I have seen the positives and negatives and have some suggestions to make our education system better. My analysis will not be accepted by all of my readers. However, our goal is the same. The discussions and debates about the problems in our education system will help our society transform into a better society.

Thank You,


Joseph Turcotte


Founder, The Turc Report

Perfection, Again?

     Roy Halladay made history last night by throwing the 20th perfect game in MLB history, an accomplishment that only a few can say they did. In 2010, we have seen two perfect games in only two months! Roy Halladay always has the ability to go nine innings. In a baseball culture surrounded by pitch counts, Halladay still amazes fans and foes with his ability to go nine innings. Major League Baseball executives probably jumped for joy when Halladay finished his masterpiece.
     On May 29, 2010 Roy Halladay showcased his ability to get people out even in tough situations. His ability to get out of trouble when the count went 3-0, 3-1, and 3-2 showcases why Philadelphia traded Clif Lee for him.   As the 7th inning started nervous Phillies fans held their breathe every time Roy threw to catcher Carlos Ruiz, but Halladay painted the wide strike zone with his two-seam fastball and curveball. Florida Marlins batters complained about a wide strike zone, but the strike zone was wide throughout the game and the Marlins didn't adjust. A possible perfect game wasn't going to be denied to arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Overall, all baseball fans should excited for Halladay except if you support the Marlins or the Blue Jays.

Lovin' Summer!

The Turc Report has kicked into summer drive. With a new design and a new Twitter account, The Turc Report has been redesigned to fit into your summer needs. Here are a couple of upcoming topics for The Turc Report!

Red Dead Redemption Review Podcast: Watch and listen to our review the best Western game to date!

Iron Man 2 Review: Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark, but is the sequel better than the original?

Oil Spill Consequences: How BP's inability to stop the oil leak will affect future energy in the USA.





 

Two Different Teams, One Result: Game 5 in Orlando

        Game 4 was a classic example of two teams with different mindsets throughout the game. The Magic played with a sense of desperation and the Celtics played like they were up 3-0. However, this does not mean the Celtics will lose this series, like the Bruins. For the first time in this series Orlando Head Coach Stan Van Gundy out coached Doc Rivers. The Magic had a great game plan: run the floor, get Rashard Lewis started early, and throw a thousand alley-oops to Dwight Howard. JJ Redick hit clutch threes late in the fourth quarter and Jameer Nelson outplayed Rajon Rondo. I was impressed with the Magic, but they still could have lost that game. The Celtics' mental toughness typically shown throughout the playoffs was lagging. The Celtics argued every foul and no call, to their credit the refs made a couple of terrible calls, but they needed to stay focus. They could have theoretically won the game if Rasheed Wallace didn't get a technical foul.
         Finally, the Celtics offense execution was atrocious throughout the game, especially when the game mattered most. Paul Pierce over dribbled and missed a wide open (how?) Ray Allen at the end of regulation. In overtime; did Rondo know they were down by 4 with 10 seconds remaining? With great confidence, I believe the Celtics will win this series, but Game 4 was important for both teams. The Magic only needed one game to get going and Game 4 was just that.

Dice-K: Finally!

After three years and $150 million has Daisuke Matsuzaka finally shown his potential? Last night he allowed one hit over eight innings. He did walk four batters and the Red Sox defense was stellar. However, Dice-K looked more confident on the mound and was working faster. It wasn't a typical Dice-K outing where he goes 5 innings, walks 6, and throws over 100 pitches. Red Sox Nation doesn't like players who don't show their emotions such as JD Drew and Dice-K. A man while I was driving home from work said, "Dice-K doesn't have any emotions so he doesn't care." Last night Dice-K trusted his defense and it paid off. Adrian Beltre and Dustin Pedroia made great plays and David Ortiz looked confident playing first play. He and Dice-K made a great play and Matsuzaka gave a little smile to Big Papi. If Dice-K can continue similar pitching performances like last night and John Lackey starts earning his money, we can make a run for the Wild Card. The Red Sox need to win series and beat sub .500 to get back in the race. Also, they also have 118 games remaining in the season.

What Happened?: The Story of the 2010 Red Sox

     On my 21st birthday a Red Sox victory apparently seems to much to ask for. The Red Sox were leading throughout the game, but the final score doesn't speak that truth. David Ortiz has found his bat, finally. For the first time all season while watching the Sox I didn't think Ortiz was going to strike out at every at bat. Their offense seems to be finding some equilibrium except at one stop, the three hole. The spot in the order who drives in runs and protects the clean up hitter. Victor Martinez has not slumping throughout the start of the season. He's a great hitter and helped dearly last year, however; Francona needs to sit Martinez for a couple of games to get Victor focused on his bat. Martinez's struggles behind the plate have made forget about his bat. He's so concerned about his catching duties; he forgets about his bat. Like the classical philosopher Aristotle put it; we can't live our lives in excesses or deficiencies, rather a mean between those two extremes. Maybe Martinez should buy Aristotle's Ethics and get back to hitting.
    At 19-18, this seems like the record the 2010 Red Sox will have unless they make a major change; Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder would help the struggling offense. The pitching will come around, however; this team's current format will lead to a record around 87-75. An addition like A-Gon or Prince would push it up to around 97-65. As the Nation watches their Red Sox, we expect Theo Epstein to make a big move to help this team. We'll see.

The End of a Dynasty: Law & Order

A premiere television show that produced great actors and stories will end this May. Law & Order will end on May 24 with great applause from their faithful audience. They cultivated great stories and characters, but what set Law & Order apart was their attention to realism. By shooting their show in New York City with live camera action, they were able to capture realism that no hand built stages could ever do. Law & Order was fortunate to have great acting. Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston, Jesse L. Martin, Benjamin Bratt and Fred Thompson all captivated audiences with their great performances. What a television series, but all great things must come to an end.

Dethroning King James: Game 6 in Boston

             LeBron James has never had adversity since he entered the league as "The Chosen One". Everything he touches turns to gold and the Cavaliers have become an elite team in the NBA. However, Game 6 tonight will be toughest battle James will ever have to fight. This seems like a bold prediction, but hear the argument. First, if the Cavs lose then James leaves as a free agent and goes to a big market team that sucks ( Knicks, Nets, or Heat). Therefore, the whole Cavaliers organization needs to play their heart out tonight to keep James from leaving. They have provided a solid supporting cast around James, however; could the problem in Cleveland be caused by LeBron? If the Cavs win the series and then lose to the Magic which would probably happen, then LeBron leaves. See the pattern here. The Cleveland Cavaliers will have to win the championship to keep the King in Camelot. I stated earlier that LeBron could be the problem in Cleveland.
             LeBron is the greatest regular season player over the past 7 years, however; his playoff performances suggests he doesn't have what it takes to win in the playoffs. He's probably too good for himself, but great players need great coaches. Michael Jordan didn't win until he was forced to trust his teammates with the triangle offense put in place by Tex Winter and Phil Jackson. Kobe Bryant was a young dunker with a great fro, but he didn't know how to win. Then Jackson came along and they won the championship. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown is a solid coach, but he's not an elite coach. He's similar to former Bulls coach Doug Collins, because they both allow their superstar to run the show and sit back. This does not mean they don't coach, but it shows it takes a great coach to change a star. LeBron needs a great coach to teach him.
            Tonight's game will feature James scoring 40 points and dishing 10 dimes. That equals 60 to 70 points depending on the amount of 3 pointers made. The Celtics now have a big 4, they share the basketball and have one goal. It's not about winning their second championship for themselves, but for the team. It feels like LeBron wants to win a championship for himself and not his team. Until that changes LeBron won't be celebrating with the Larry O'Brien Trophy anytime soon.

Our 2nd Podcast

Click on the link below to hear The Turc Report's review on Splinter Cell: Conviction and lots more!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBNTTjl02CY

Jonny Be Good

Jon Lester has always been considered as one of the top left handed pitchers in the MLB. The Red Sox almost traded him with Jacoby Ellsbury for Johan Santana a couple of seasons ago. Now, sometimes the trades you don't make are best ones. On Mother's Day, a day when pink bats and arm bands were seen throughout Major League Baseball to symbolize the fight against breast cancer. Lester took the mound and started to work his magic. His cutter was untouchable to right handed hitter and his curveball was untouchable for left handed pitchers. He did surrender 2 solo home runs to Nick Swisher and A-Rod, but he went 7 strong and allowed only 2 runs.
At the beginning of the season, Red Sox Nation was told that pitching and defense was going to be the focus of this 2010 Red Sox team. Well, this hasn't happened yet. Josh Beckett's ERA is over 7 and Dice-K hasn't looked great. In order for the Red Sox to compete with the Yanks and Rays, their starting pitching needs to improve dramatically. A great start by Lester could kick start a .500 team.

The Boston Massacre

As a Boston sports fan, Friday literally was The Boston Massacre. Celtics were killed by the elbow, Sox were creamed by the Yanks, and the Bruins lost in overtime. I was most disappointed with the Celtics. The NBA has developed this new playoff scheduling to help their older superstars get healthy. The Celtics had three full days to get ready for LeBron and the Cavs. Maybe the rest helped the Cavs more than the C's, but man that game was frustrating. Especially, watching Paul Pierce play like Gary Trent (Google him). Pierce has not played up to the level he performed at in 2008, when he was matching James point for point. Apparently he can't play defense on LeBron, but he played defense on James for all regular season games. I was pissed as a Celtics fan watching Pierce as the 3rd Quarter started joke with Shaq. Where's the fire or the willingness to win Game 3? Game 3 means a lot in the NBA playoffs. Now, the Celtics have to win Game 4, then go back to Cleveland and win Game 5. Nice job Boston, James outplayed everyone. However, this does not mean the series is over. But, damn I'm pissed I watched my Boston Celtics look like crap. They deserved to be booed, because they played like crap. JTT

Josh McDaniels Coaching Career Took a Big Risk

        Denver Broncos Head Coach Josh McDaniels better have a plan to bring the team into the playoffs again. In less than one year McDaniels traded Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. Broncos fans watching the soap opera right in front of their eyes. Then on Thursday Prime Time in the Radio City Music Hall, McDaniels decided to take another risk. The Broncos decided to move up and draft Florida Gators Quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow was one of the greatest college football players of all time. He's a different kind of quarterback, he's not very accurate and has a slow delivery. However, Tebow has leadership qualities seen by veteran NFL players. So, why did the Broncos trade UP for Tebow? Before the Senior Bowl, Tebow always played in a shotgun option offense with Urban Meyers. During the Senior Bowl, Tebow looked slow and inaccurate under center during the game. Draft experts around the league believe Tebow would be a 2nd Round or 3rd Round draft pick. Tebow showcased his "new release" during his pro day workout. The media was all over Tebow's delivery, especially ESPN. A viewer couldn't go one day watching Sportscenter without seeing Todd McShay or Mel "What does he do not during the draft" Kiper Jr.
       I'm not sure how Tebow will do in the NFL. He's a class act kid and a role model for all young kids. However, I don't think his new release will last in the NFL. Sure, during a workout when no one is defending or rushing Tebow then he'll complete his passes. However, when linebackers are blitzing on 3rd Down that's when we'll see the real Tebow. McDaniels made a risky move that will be reviewed and written about for years to come.
          

A Troubled Time in New England's Sports

       New England sports fans have been spoiled with success the last 10 years. Three Super Bowls for the Pats, two World Series Rings for the Sox, and 17th Championship for the C's. Sorry Bruins, until Jeremy Jacobs stops being like Donald Sterling (Crappy Clippers Owner) they won't win. Before 2001, New England has lost more hair, teeth, and anything else that you can pull out due to our crappy sports teams. The Celtics only won 15 games in 1997 and we're "certain" to land Tim Duncan. Yeah that didn't work out, I mean we did draft Chauncey Billups with the 3rd pick, but Pitino TRADED him after only 50 games. I never understood Pitino's reasoning for trading a future All Star and Finals MVP. Pitino said he couldn't work with a young point guard. What!!!! You were a college coach for 20 years! Anyways, New England has been spoiled and older sports fans will say that my generation has become spoiled with winning. Is that a bad thing? NO it's a good thing. A big market where millions of fans shell out their hard earned money (well some people do) to see their favorite teams.
       The next five years or so are going to be tough on New England's fans. The Patriots are looking like the third best team in the AFC East after the Jets and Dolphins. I'm disappointed with the leadership in the Pats front office. They sometimes spend money on overrated linebackers (Adalius Thomas) and don't pay for top corners (Assante Samuel comes to mind). New England needs to realize that the Patriots are rebuilding for the future. The Celtics are about to cash in their social security checks soon before our government becomes officially bankrupt. Also, the suspension given to Garnett was crap. Quentin Richardson started the fight and started Garnett's elbow didn't mean to hit Richardson. The only thing Richardson has ever done worth mentioning is marry Brandy, and no not the drink. The Red Sox' philosophy is doing worse then my Ethics research paper, and I haven't even started. I pray to the God of Red Sox Nation that they turn it around, but I have little hope. Francona needs to stop watching highlights of 2004 David Ortiz and see reality. He's old and needs to be benched for good. I feel horrible for saying this, but it's necessary. Terry needs to grow a pair and bench Ortiz. Could the Bruins be our knight in shining armor? The team that hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1972. Since Savard's injury, the B's have played with fire and passion. They have been down ever since management traded Phil Kessel. But, they can make some noice. To conclude I want all New England's fans to come together and tell the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox that we won't settle for anything thing less than championships. We deserve better.

Joe Turcotte

Crisis in Poland

On April 10, 2010 President Lech Kaczynski of Poland was killed in a plane crash. The plane crash showcased Poland's up and down political system since the fall of communism in 1990. The plane was carrying the president's wife, the President of the National Bank, Chief of the General Staff of the Arm Forces. The plane was headed to Russia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre, when 30,000 Polish citizens and officers were murdered by Soviet officers in the early 30's. Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin signed off on the killing of the anti-communist leaders. The aftershock of the plane crash was seen throughout the world as the Polish people were looking for answers. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, "The contemporary world has not seen such a tragedy."
      I feel there has been a cover up from Russia. A couple of hours after the crash, Russian Puppet President Dmitry Medevdev commissioned a special investigation led by Prime Minister ex KGB officer/ dictator Vladimir Putin. Putin and Medevdev could have acted out of compassion, but this is unlikely considering many pieces that don't fit the puzzle. Polish President Lech Kaczynski was a protester of Soviet politics in the 70's. The president's appearance in Russia would show how Poland and the anti-communist movement has defeated Russia symbolically. Finally, why were there so many important officials on one plane? That doesn't make sense, especially because the day was supposed to be a grand day in Polish politics. I know I'm just speculating, but many pieces don't fit the puzzle, therefore; the pieces came from the outside.

Joe Turcotte

Oil or Green, Why not both?

The United States of American consumers large amounts of energy each day to keep this country going. For sixty years, we realized on oil as our primary energy choice. It's 2010 and the oil supplies aren't expanding anytime soon. So, what should we do? Well, that's the million dollar question and if you know it please call 1-800-IMTHEMAN (This doesn't exist) Renewable energies look positive, but we need a multiplicity of energy supplies to avoid future energy shortages. I feel the green movement is trying to hit a home run each at bat (I'm talking to you David Ortiz) by trying to find the perfect solution to oil. The oil side wants to drill for more oil and natural gas. The United States has vast amounts of oil and natural gas reserves that haven't been tapped. However, we need to respect the world we live in. How about we compromise and have both. Renewable energies sounds like science fiction, but they're real. Tax breaks and subsidies can help companies keep costs down to produce bio-diesel until they're ready for the market. Oil companies can drill offshore for natural gas, which burns cleaner and produces less carbon dioxide. It's easier to hit a home run if you have a lot of players who have the ability to reach Yawkey Way. If you try hitting a home run each time with one solution, you will fail. Our growing need for energy independence needs to involve all people, because we're all Americans.

Joe Turcotte

Beltre's Hot Start

Adrian Beltre has become a savior for the Red Sox in 2010. The Sox's offense hasn't had the consistency it needs to win a World Series. Victor Martinez (.200), Ortiz (.134) and Drew (.182) have not started the season strong and it shows in the Red Sox record. Adrian Beltre has become an early savior for the Sox. Beltre has batted .375 with 6 RBI through the first seven games and provided a spark. Beltre became a free agent after four years in Seattle. He never produced like his 2004 campaign (48 HR .334 BA 121 RBI) due to the larger ballpark in Seattle and injuries. Beltre decided to take a one year deal with Boston worth $9 Million. Beltre had other offers from A's and Angels, but he wanted to win and play in the AL East. As the season goes along Red Sox Nation should start to accept Beltre at 3rd Base instead of Mike Lowell. This hypothesis could be right or could be wrong, but Beltre keeps on hitting.

Joe Turcotte

Upcoming Topics!

Tuesday: Why Adrian Beltre may get an extension soon!

Wednesday: Oil or Sustainable Energy? Why not both?

Thursday: Crisis in Poland

Friday: 3 Ways to Improve Video Games

Saturday: Podcast: TBA

Our First Podcast!

Here is the link to The Turc Report's first podcast! My special guest Brad "Shadowfoot" Bosley and myself will dive in Splinter Cell: Conviction!

http://www.youtube.com/user/theturcreport?feature=mhw5

Will the Celtics lose in the first round?

The playoffs are fast approaching and the Celtics aren't making New England confident. Since they won the championship in 2008, the Celtics have looked old and sluggish. In 2008, the Celtics defense was great, they didn't allow anybody into the paint and they rebounded. James Posey and PJ Brown were important parts of the defense in 2008, but they're gone. The Celtics of 2010 don't play good defense, therefore; they reach and commit fouls. When Danny Ainge acquired Allen and Garnett, we knew this wasn't going to last long, but few predicted this short. Also, Ainge's offseason moves haven't worked well. Rasheed Wallace is overweight, slow, and playing the worst basketball of his career. Marquis Daniels was a great pickup, but the injury bug got to him. If the playoffs started today, the Celtics would have to play the Miami Heat. The Heat resemble the Bulls of 1988, where only Dwayne Wade cares the team and everyone else stands around and chews gum (if anyone can name someone other than Jordan or Pippen please comment). Ok, the Celtics should defeat the Heat, however, the Second Round will be tougher, especially playing against the Magic. The Celtics need to do three things to be competitive in the playoffs:
 
1.) REBOUND, REBOUND- Rebounding early and often eliminates shots that leads to the difference at the end of the game.

2.) PLAY DEFENSE- Defense wins championships, they need Kevin Garnett to lead the defense like in 2008.

3.) PLAY YOUR HEARTS OUT- The final 40 games of the regular season the Celtics looked bored and sluggish. They need to show us that they care about winning another championship.

Joe Turcotte

Three Movies That Should Impress

The summer is coming and big time movies are coming to the theaters. Here are a couple of action movies that should rack in the cash.

The Losers: Due out on April 23^rd, this movie is based on a DC Comic. Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Comedian in Watchmen) leads five United States Elite Force soldiers in a Bolivian jungle. The team find themselves the target of a betrayal instigated from inside by a powerful enemy known only as Max. Believed to be dead, the group makes plans to even the score when the mysterious Aisha (Zoe Saldana who was in Avatar and Star Trek), a beautiful operative with her own agenda, joins them. This movie should excite the audience with lots of explosions (but in a good way, unlike a Michael Bay movie) and humorous dialogue. I will definitely be going to see this movie. Comic book nerds might think the movie doesn’t follow the story, but who really cares about them? Look for this movie in your overpriced low quality theater, unless you live in Farmington, Maine.

View Trailer: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypdB65jNpu0

Iron Man 2: Due out on May 7^th, this movie is a sequel to the successful action movie. Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the brash Tony Stark. If you recall, Stark announced to the world he was Iron Man. Now, Stark goes around the world explaining the domination of the Iron Man weapon, like Steve Jobs explains why Apple kicks ass. Don Cheadle stars as James Rhodes or War Machine. Cheadle replaces Terrance Howard, who didn’t get along with Director Jon Favreau (Pete Becker to all Friends fans). Look for great action sequences and comedic Tony Stark. Also, if you watched the end credits of Iron Man, Nick Fury played by Samuel L. Jackson entered Stark’s mansion. Fury is back to help Tony Stark defeat Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). Look for this movie in your overpriced low quality theater unless you live in Farmington, Maine.

View Trailer: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Olpjl_IrE

Robin Hood: Due out on May 14^th, Ridley Scott (American Gangster and Black Hawk Down) directs another movie that should thrill the audience with great acting. Russell Crowe (I don’t have to say any movies he’s been in) and Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones: The Bad Movie) retell a classic story. Look for this movie in your overpriced low quality theater unless you live in Farmington, Maine.

View Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSqL9ygBCck 

2010: Bipartisan Solutions to Stimulate Our Economy

         The United States economy needs to rebound soon. Unemployment rate is still 9.7% after the economy gained 160,000 jobs, but many jobs were gained from the government hiring for the 2010 Census. Government jobs can help our economy, but we need the private sector to start hiring again. The United States Congress needs to produce a bipartisan jobs bill that can help people get back to work. 

        Both sides have ideas that can help our economy rebound. Democrats want to provide tax incentives to companies who are producing green jobs, a necessity to help our country become energy independent. I think this proposal would help to get college educated employees good paying jobs that are needed to help this country. Republicans want to cut the capital gains tax on large companies to allow them to make investments domestically. Both parties need to understand that Americans want the bickering and special interest to leave Washington. People don’t care who produces the needed legislation. I think parties are so focused on elections that they become inefficient and lazy. President Obama has momentum, but he can’t get arrogate. He promised to be a centrist, but he has not delivered on his campaign promise. The Democrats will lose seats in November, but their performance in the next seven months will decide the Congress in 2011. The Republicans need to make a list of clear goals and values the party stands for. They still don’t have the trust of the American people, but their actions in the next seven months will also decide their seats in 2011. The United States is still a great country that provides so many hopes and opportunities to millions of Americans. However, we need to stand together to remain a leader in the world.

Joe Turcotte 

Analysis of Opening Night- New York vs. Boston

All Red Sox fans were told that pitching and defense were going to win ball games for the 2010 Red Sox. However, Sunday night's day told a different story. Here's my grading for opening night at Fenway Park.

Pitching- D-, Josh Beckett better find his curveball soon. Last year, Beckett struggled when he tried to throw too many fastballs, Beckett has been an unhittable ace when he varies his pitches. But, no pitcher should give up two home runs back to back. I hope Beckett turns around soon. The bullpen was ok, Ramon Ramirez needs to develop another pitch than a straight fastball. Okajima and Bard were fine, but not overpowering. Papelbon looked better than in Game 3 of the ALCS. I think the talk of Bard becoming the closer next year has made Pap work harder.

Offense- A-, who thought? Adrian Beltre gave Red Sox Nation a glimpse of his true production. Cameron and Scutaro were great and didn't look like first time Red Sox. Pedroia and Youkillis again show their All Star potential. Big Papi and  Ellsbury were the only two Red Sox not to get hits. Overall, great job by the offense.

Defense- B, no errors, but dumb mistakes. It will take Ellsbury some time to get used to left field. Mike Cameron and J.D Drew were solid. However, Victor Martinez made a big mistake. With Brett Gardner on third and Jeter at first, Jeter tried to steal second (I think Jerry Remy is a god, because he foresaw this play happening). Martinez threw to Scutaro at second, but allowed Gardner to score on the play. He should have held the ball and gave Jeter second. Beltre worked magic at third and might become the bargin on the 2010 Offseason.

Overall Grade: B, first game, but no excuses for a World Series caliber team. Their offense won't always bailout last night's horrible pitching. One down, 161 to go.

Joe Turcotte

Upcoming Topics!

Monday: Red Sox Analysis from Sunday Night's Game

Tuesday: United States Economy: Solutions to Unemployment, lower wages, and higher energy costs

Wednesday: Upcoming Movies- Iron Man 2, The Losers, and Robin Hood

Thursday: TBA

Friday: Will the Celtics lose in the first round?

Saturday: Splinter Cell: Conviction: Upcoming Game impressions with my guest Brad "Shadowfoot" Bosley

Happy Easter and Happy Opening Night

Apparently it's easier to shoot a 3 pointer when know one is guarding you, who knew (Duke beating West Virginia). Anyway, tonight Major League Baseball starts with the old fashion New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox. This season becomes more stressful for Red Sox Nation as the hated Yankees won the World Series in 2009. Theo Epstein decided the Red Sox couldn't beat the Yankees at offense, so he focused on pitching and defense. All of Red Sox Nation criticized Epstein, because he didn't try signing Matt Holliday or resign Jason Bay. However, the Red Sox had a great offseason. Marco Scutaro has been an underrated player in the MLB for five years and he is great defensively and has a good bat for the nine hole. Mike Cameron is older than Moses, but still has great range and has a killer arm. Adrian Beltre has already wowed Terry Francona in Spring Training with his glove. Now Beltre won't hit 47 Home Runs and drive in 120 RBI, but he can hit .270 with 25 Home Runs. Red Sox Nation loves Mike Lowell as do I, but he's getting old and doesn't have any range at 3rd Base. Lowell can become a 1st Base/ DH vs. Left Handed Pitching. Finally the signing of John Lackey was awesome. The Sox now have three aces (Beckett, Lester, and Lackey) and they can match the Yankees pitching. The Red Sox are only one big bat away from being a serious contender in the MLB. Sport Illustrated has picked the Sox to finish 3rd, however; they also picked the Rays to make to the World Series. Where has SI's good journalist gone? Do they only write about the NFL with boring repetitive stories about old quarterbacks, I'm talking about Peter King. Anyway, the Red Sox need their pitching to dominate and they need Pedroia to return to his 2008 self. Now, I know people will say Pedroia hit .297, but Pedroia can hit .330. David Ortiz is the X-Factor for Boston. If he can be the Ortiz from June to October they can win a World Series. He's still a feared hitter who led Boston to two World Series. What about JD Drew? If he can stay healthy, then he can be a Top 10 Right fielder. I know he's being paid $14 Million to walk a lot, but he's still better than Trot Nixon. So tonight when Don and Jerry call the first strike from Beckett, then the season has finally started. Let's play ball! Joe Turcotte

It's Finally Time for the Final Four

Listen, I know ESPN has shoved the NCAA tournament down our throats this week, but it's finally here. No more Hannah Storm and Josh Elliot love on stage (Come on!). The best game is Duke/West Virginia. This should be the championship game, but whatever. Duke finally meets a qualified opponent and West Virginia plays without Truck Bryant. Duke has a Dynamic 3 (Scheyer, Smith, Singler), haha SSS. However, West Virginia has three great players too. Huggy Bear teaches his inner city kids to play great basketball. Da'Sean Butler is the best player in the tournament. He leads WV destiny in this tournament. A clutch player (6 game winners) and great shooter. He better be taken high in the NBA Draft, unless Darko Milici enters the NBA Draft again. Duke does not have anybody who can guard Butler; therefore, West Virginia wins.

Butler Cinderella (They were in the AP Top 10 in the preseason) vs. Michigan State (How were they a 5 seed)= Butler

West Virginia (Huggy Parts the Sweat Sea) vs. Duke (Where's Grant Hill)= West Virginia