US – Thursday, March 11
Movies
An ‘Ugly’ farewell and a role in a ‘Wedding’
It’s time to say so long to “Ugly Betty” as America Ferrera returns to the big screen this month with “Our Family Wedding,” a culture-clash comedy about a Mexican-American law student (Ferrera) who brings her African-American fiancé (Lance Gross) home to meet her caught-off-guard family. It’s the actress’ first film since the announcement that her 4-year-old ABC comedy won’t be returning in the fall.
 
Sports
Golden Eagles refuse to Buzz off
Lazar Hayward crouched down right in front of him at the top of the key. Hayward’s 6-foot-6 frame wasn’t as imposing as a Greg Monroe. His gold jersey didn’t glisten with the flash and prestige of a Syracuse. And his coach didn’t draw up the perfect defensive stop like a Jay Wright.
 
New York
Young and hoping to be in the way
As many “adult” New York politicians — Rep. Eric Massa, Gov. David Paterson — act more unhinged than esteemed, a new crop of political pups is eager for a changing of the guard.
 
My Travel
Not your average island getaway
We promise not to get that annoying Beach Boys song stuck in your head — impossible now that we’ve  brought it up. Aruba, heading up that list of tropical islands sung about in “Kokomo,” is often incorrectly lumped with the Caribbean, when in fact, it couldn’t be more unique from the rest.
Like the others, Aruba has the gorgeous beaches and stunning coral reefs. What it doesn’t have are hurricane seasons. Tourists never have to worry about planning a vacation to the island that lands in the middle of hurricanes Brad, Manny or Zach. Instead you’ll be met with cacti and warm, dry breezes.
 
New York Sports
Devils light up Lundqvist
Deliver Rangers fourth straight loss; three things we saw last night at the Rock:
 
New York
Suspect charged in hit and run of two women
PROSPECT HEIGHTS. Police yesterday charged a woman with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries for running down two women on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
 
Philly Sports
Go Fish: ’Nova looks for spark
Fear the Fish. 
 
Published 18:42, April the 3rd, 2008
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Sports fans: Don’t forget about the C’s

The Sox are just getting their 2008 season underway. Boston has been and always will be a baseball town — I get that, and I wouldn’t want that to change. I would, however, like to remind everyone not to forget about basketball too quickly.

In the not-too-distant past, the crack of the bat has signaled the end of basketball season for most fans in Boston. March Madness provided some fun bracket distractions, but by the time “One Shining Moment” finished playing, your thoughts turned to the Sox. Who could blame you?
Unless basketball is already your passion, it was hard to get excited for a team that was more interested in ping pong balls than winning games.

In case you hadn’t noticed, all that has changed. If you still haven’t tuned in to see what all the excitement is about, if you lost track of the team after Larry Bird retired, if you just haven’t been able to get back into basketball, let me make the case for this Celtics team.

They play in a new building, but the floor is parquet. Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn still call the games. Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish are still not walking through that door, but Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are breaking records and rolling over the competition.

Skeptics doubted that this team could share the basketball and balance egos. The Celtics shut those critics up by moving the basketball, sacrificing shot attempts, and getting everyone involved. Skeptics thought a young point guard couldn’t handle the task of running this team. Rajon Rondo shut them up by developing into one of the best young talents in the league. Skeptics thought the bench was weak. Players like James Posey, Eddie House, Leon Powe, and Glen “Big Baby” Davis have taken turns shutting them up.

If that weren’t enough, they’ve shut down the rest of the NBA with the best defense in the league. heading into Thursday night’s action, they allow the fewest points per game and the lowest field goal percentage. Basically, they just intimidate and smother teams into submission.

But don’t think this team is boring just because it plays defense the right way. Pierce has 101 ways to score, and hasn’t lost his swagger. Allen is still one of the best shooters in the game. Garnett is simply the most intense superstar I’ve ever seen. He’s been known to howl at the rafters, tear at his jersey and crawl on the floor like a predator. His eyes bore into your soul and demand that you either follow him or get out of the way. You just have to see this guy play.

You just have to watch this team play. I know it is baseball season, but take some time and appreciate the other championship contender in town. You won’t be disappointed.


Jeff Clark is the founder and lead writer of celticsblog.com.

 
 
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