Seth Mnookin Visits Thom's

Thanks a lot to Seth for dropping by, fielding questions about the Sox, and signing paperbacks of his best-selling book "Feeding the Monster". Seth stayed and watched most of the embarassing loss to the Rockies Thursday night.

Looking ahead on the schedule:

Monday is a BLOHARDS viewing party. We'll be doing a little play-by-play Ka(y)reoke and there'll be a film crew shooting footage for a new Red Sox movie.

Tuesday is the normal Ka(y)reoke night. Come in and sign up for an inning of play-by-play. The film crew might even be back.

Thursday is the latest Boston Teabag Party. Come in and see the best comic minds from New England living in New York talking about New England! Hosted by Fitzy of Townie News.

Here He Comes To Save The Day!

Confused about this season so far? You’re not alone.

How do the Sox have the best record in baseball with three starters batting less than .250? Can Lowell match a home run for every error he makes this season? How long before our joy turns into that dreaded feeling of “Not again”? I’ve been there. Felt that. I was at Yankee Stadium in 2003 when what’s his name hit that homer. I know how quickly the glee can go.

Well, don’t fear; the man with the answers is here. Seth Mnookin, author of “Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts, and Nerve Took a Team to the Top ” is going to be at Thom’s tonight at 7 pm selling and signing copies of the paperback edition of his best-selling book and talking all about the Sox and what makes them tick. You got questions? He’s got answers.

Seth is just the latest in what’s become our summer author series. Andy Wasif was here last month talking about his book “How to Talk to a Yankee Fan” . And Brett Rapkin will be in next month to talk about his film, "Impossible to Forget: The Story of the '67 Boston Red Sox". We have a lot more lined up so stay tuned to the blog for details.

Speaking of celebrities, you could be one if you're at Thom's next week. The BLOHARDS are having a viewing party on Monday and word on the street is a film crew is coming in to shoot them doing Ka(y)reoke. They might even come back Tuesday. Do you want to be in the next Sox film? Then come by. The worst that could happen is you watch the Sox or get drunk and join the BLOHARDS.

(Photo of Thom's regular Stephanie Gaskell in Iraq with a "Sox Fan" patch on her body armor!)

Mister Trouble never hangs around

When he hears this Mighty sound.

"Here I come to save the day"

-Seth Mnookin

Here I Go Again!

Catch the Q Train at noon! Thom's Trivia Maven John Quinn will be interviewed on Voice America Radio today talking about the Sox!

If you're like me there's a part of you that hopes that the Sox drop two to the Yankees again. Why? Have I gone bananas? Am I soft?

That little glimmer of hope the Yankees had last week when they beat the Sox that was then crushed when they proceeded to lose 5 straight was so doggone satisfying. To have Youk's streak still alive and the Cap'n's gone; to have Beckett and Petitte have basically the same ERA and to have dramatically different records; to have the radio updates say, "The Yankees gained a game on the Red Sox" when they mean they're 13.5 back and tied for last with Tampa who also "gained a game" is all almost worth losing 2 of 3 if it means the Yankees will lose 5 straight again. Almost. Let's just sweep them and get this over with.

As always we'll have all the games this weekend and all the specials: $4 Thom's Ale by Harpoon, and $4 Spaceman Ale by Magic Hat.

Tonight come meet Andy Wasif, author of "How To Talk To A Yankee Fan" and creator of "Red Sox University" on NESN. He'll be signing books and talking about his experiences with the Red Sox during the game. By the time you leave you'll know "How To Talk To A Yankee Fan."

The Monster is back!

Come meet son of Newton, Seth Mnookin, author of "Feeding The Monster" at Professor Thom's on Thursday June 14th. He's been signing books and talking about his unlimited access working with the Red Sox.

Teabag Party

The next installment of the hit show "Boston Teabag Party" featuring the best comedians from Boston in New York will be June 21. Get your tickets now!

Coming soon

A screening of "Impossible to Forget", the film about the '67 Sox. Filmmaker Brett Rapkin (Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey) will be in attendance for this film that had scenes shot at Thom's!

Thommies in the News

Portsmouth, NH's own and devout Thommy, Stephanie Gaskell gave up her comfy bar stool at Thom's for a while for a flak jacket in Iraq. She decided Thom's needed a correspondent in the Middle East.

Here's her first two stories:

Mosul again becomes model of U.S. success at rebuilding

In Kirkuk, a War on Garbage

Thommy Rick Field is famous for jarring his pickle. So it's no surprise that The Boston Globe would want to do a story about Rick's Picks:

Pick a peck of pickles photos

I dont know where I'm going

But, I sure know where Ive been

Hanging on the promises

In songs of yesterday

An I've made up my mind,

I aint wasting no more time

But, here I go again

-coverdale/marsden

The Night The Lights Went Out.

If a blog is written on a holiday weekend will anyone read it?

Ahh philosophy, from the greek word μαλάκας. It's what makes baseball a cerebral pursuit.

Tuesday was the time to be at Thom's! (Ahh, alliteration from the greek word Malakas. It's what makes a bad writer seem clever.) Not only was it the only win of the Yankee series but, the power blew on the amp temporarily shutting off all of the TVs and leaving the speakers off permanently. There was no music at all until Kim and Gareth stepped up and led the whole bar in "Sweet Caroline". I don't have to tell you that there were a few "Hands touching hands." And, then, of course, we sang "Dirty Water" after the game.

This happened at Fenway Park not too long ago. I was but a sprite (Ahh, sprite, from the greek word: lymon.) sitting in the bleachers with my chums enjoying Cracker Jack when suddenly the lights went out. Fenway was pitch black and fear gripped me. No, it wasn't Father O'Reilly. He was sitting two rows away. It was the idea that there were 30,ooo drunken imbeciles left to their own wiles, unwatched. When suddenly, the voice of an angel united us all.

It was Sherm Feller, the Red Sox PA announcer. He asked us to join him in round of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." The organ kicked in, and join him we did. Sherm got us through that tough time. All in all only 13 deaths were reported and 6 people are still missing. This was Boston in the 80's; you have to expect some losses. I really miss Father O'Reilly.
`
Monster Seats
Don't forget there's one more week to buy $10 raffle tickets to watch the Red Sox and Yankees at Fenway Park June 3rd from the Green Monster. This game is projected to be Clemens' triumphant return to Fenway Park. So, get in and get tickets!

Thom's Videos
I have copies of all of the TV spots that have been shot at Thom's. Some of you even appear in the Riv footage! If any of these miscreants (Craig Weiner) is positively identified from the video there will be sever repercussions. If anyone wants a copy let me know.

Ahh no one's reading this. I think I'll just go play some Wiffle ball. Who's in?

When the lights go down in the city
And the sun shines on the bay
Do i want to be therein my city,
Ohoh ohohohoh ohoh
Mmmmhmhm ohoh ohohoh ohoh
-Journey

The Rocket, Clams, and Teabags.

The Rocket has landed back in The Bronx. Steinbrenner's not sure what he has left, but he's curious enough to make him the highest paid player. How fondly I remember the last time he was here. But, Roger Clemens (nee' The Dayton Doughnut) could not possible steal the spotlight from Clamapalooza III: Bye Bye Bi-valve. Sure, it brought Suzy to hysterics (or histrionics). But, we know better. We've seen this show before. It's been 17 years since the Sox first made Clemens the highest paid player in baseball and he's back on top. I can't wait till he gets knocked out in the third inning at Fenway. But, I digress.

Clams and Teabags Tonight! (By the way, do not do a Google image search for "teabag" or "clam" or both together. Yuk!) It's time again for a taste of New England at Thom's. The hottest clam event this week!

First, it's Clamapalooza III at 7 pm featuring clams on the half shell, fried Ipswich clams, and clams steamed in our star of the night: Harpoon Brown Ale. We'll be serving up tartar sauce made with Rick's Picks, the best pickle to come out of New England since Pitt Street Pickles was torn down with the old West End. And after you get your fill of zinc downstairs, get zinged upstairs by New England's best comedians in New York. It's time again for The Boston Teabag Party.

The Teabag Party will feature: MATT MCCARTHY, SHANE MAUSS, PAUL MECURIO, NICK STEVENS, and DJ TANNER. It starts at 9:30 so get your seats early.

LOOKING AHEAD

There are still seat's available to see the Comedy Central taping of Teabag Party regular God's Pottery. Check their website for more details.

June will be busy with bonuses. Authors Andy Wasif and Seth Mnookin are coming back to talk about their respective books and even sign a few. Look for details on the blog.

And, if you find yourself in Boston on June 16th go to The Greatest Bar and help The Calhoun Cousins (Thom's regulars) raise money for ALS at their fundraising spectacular. They'll be auctioning off everything you've ever wanted.

THOMSFOOLERY

Celtic retiring number 420?

The Next Thom Brady?

More John Henry Williamses? No!

Ol' whiskey comes from ol' Kentucky

Ain't the country lucky?

New Jersey gives us glue

And you - you come from Rhode Island

And little ol' Rhode Island is famous for you

-Howard Dietz

May Flowers

Well, it's taking a little longer than I thought for reality to set in. Either Papelbon needs some maintenance on his positronic matrix or he's just human after all.

Nah! Our favorite automaton CLOSER 5000 will be back in form very soon. So don't fret. In the meantime come by Thom's to enjoy all of the Sox games. Now that the Yankees are off the schedule for a little while it will be easier to get a seat.

And, just when you thought it was safe to block out the out-of-town announcers, Ka(y)reoke is back. Ka(y)reoke started last season when we were sick of listening to the Yankees announcers, so we let you take the mic and call the game live for an inning. Every Tuesday that the Sox are on the road you'll get your chance at play-by-play. Hosted by John Quinn, get there early and sign up for your slot.

Also at Thom's

Thursday, May 3rd

Let the Professor school you on exotic beer and rich cheeses at our first of many future Monthly Tasting Classes at the Professor's Loft. From 7-9pm at the Loft, get a taste of over 15 types of Craft Beer and Saxelby Cheeses plus a mystery Cask beer! Tickets are still available. Email petelevin@mac.com or call the Loft at 917.421.9678 for tickets or more information.

Everybody Wins

Huh! Everybody loses! I have the displeasure to inform you all that nobody at Thom's will be throwing out the first pitch at a Red Sox game anytime soon. We did our best though. With your help we raised $1000 for the charity. And 10 regulars will receive gift certificates and T-shirts. Thank you.

Good luck to Thom's regular Stephanie Gaskell who gave up her cosy digs at The Post to go report on the war in Iraq. I hope when you come back the Sox are still in first. It's the least they could do.

And try to catch another regular, Randy Ingram, performing with jazz vocalist and composer Julie Hardy live at the Cornelia Street Cafe Thursday, May 10th. Sets at 8:30pm and 10:00pm$10 cover.

Knee deep in flowers will stray, we'll keep the showers away.

And if I kiss you in the garden, in the moonlight, will you pardon me?

Come tiptoe through the tulips with me!

-Al Dubin and Joe Burke

Round II

Was anyone else confused at the end of "Rocky" when he's jumping around screaming "Adrian" and everyone is cheering and Apollo is depressed? Rocky lost? Why the hell do you do "the Cinderella story" and end it with Cinderella still sweeping ashes? Why? For the sequel, that's why.

Stallone figured out early that the sequel was where the money was. The original cast of "First Blood" (One of the best movies ever!) had Kirk Douglas playing Colonel Trautman instead of Richard Crenna. KIRK DOUGLAS! Spartacus quit when Stallone refused to adhere to the book's original ending that had Trautman killing Rambo, not leading him out to the police. Why? Sequel baby! Imagine Kirk Douglas killing Rambo! Wow.

Well, life imitates art, or so it would seem. Because, although Spartacus beat the Yankees soundly last weekend, this weekend it's on again. Now, by this point I can't remember in this metaphor if the Sox are Rocky, Apollo, Trautman, or Kitty and Stud. But I do know that Jason Giambi is Frank Stallone and the Sox are on at Thom's.

Come in for $4 Thom's Ale and Spaceman Ale during the game. And, when Dice K pitches $4 Asahi.

Clamapalooza III: Bye Bye Bi-Valve

Speaking of sequels, the clams are back with a vengeance. On Thursday May 17, we'll be bringing back Clamapalooza for the premiere of Harpoon Brown. There will be specials and give-aways all night. And after the Sox game, The third Boston Teabag Party will be going on upstairs featuring the best New England comedians living in New York. So many sequels, it's like deja vu all over again.


(BTW, yes Stallone is making another Rambo: John J Rambo.)


Kitty: Someday you'll be known as the Italian Stallion.
Stud: Let's get high

The Beat Goes On

One game down and 18 to go. The boo birds that were asking for Joe Torre's head last year will surely be back if he keeps managing like he did last night. Of course last night's win was meaningless at this point in the season. After all, in 1999 the Sox dominated the Yankees during the season 8-4, then got dominated themselves for the pennant. But, the role reversal that I first documented last year is progressing nicely. The poles are shifting. Don't worry, Al Gore; the Earth is safe. This is baseball:

More and more last season as the year closed, Yankee fans were talking about the batting title for Jeter and, after the season, how he deserved the MVP because of his average. Where are the days of rings? When has gone the time when individual awards were nothing next to a "Ring"? Those individual awards were once the solace of Red Sox fans and their many Cy Young Awards and batting titles, but no championships.

Now, we find ourselves in the middle of an A-Rod explosion and all of the media of New York is aflutter with the possibility of the "best year ever". But, the Yankees are in third place. While Michael Kay bemoans the Red Sox' loss of Alex Gonzalez at shortstop for the "barely acceptable" defense of Julio Lugo, he misses what has happened to the Yankees in general since 2000.

Like the Yankees once did, the Red Sox have gotten improbable performances from otherwise underwhelming players like Bill Mueller, Todd Walker, and Hideki Okajima (see Scott Brosius, Chuck Knoblauch, and Jim Leyritz) on their way to winning the 2004 title. While the Yankees stack their line up with All-stars, the Sox are overpaying for neverbeens.

What does any of this mean? Not a god damned thing. The Sox will probably still be battling for the Wild Card in September. The Yankees still will finish first in the division. So, on to the levity:

I think my father, in his advancing age, is losing grasp of his beloved Red Sox (actually he grew up a Braves fan). While complaining about Varitek yesterday on the phone he said, "Christ, his back up's hitting better than him. What's his name? Clarabella? The guy who catches for the guy who throws goofballs." Senility? Clarity! What's the difference what his name is. If he hits play him. Goofballs? That's just too much.

A lot of you have been sending video lately so, it's time to share:

Yet Another Hero.

No Laughing Matter.

War! What is it Good For?

An Adult Conversation.

Cockshut approaches and with it another Sox/Yankees game.

The Townies Are Back!

It's a weekend of returns!

First, it's the return of The Boston Teabag Party in the Loft Thursday night:

"The 2nd ever BOSTON TEABAG PARTY, the show that seeks to introduce you to the best comedians from Boston who live in New York but you didn't know they were from Boston, is happening tonight at 9pm, upstairs at Professor Thom's.

Our special Boston-connected guests tonight include:

BARON VAUGHN

GOD'S POTTERY

TOM SHILLUE

Plus another Minuteman Challenge! And BEER! Lots and lots of BEER!

Hosted by the man with the largest head you know (size 8 1/4, kids!), Braintree, MA's own NICK STEVENS.

Tunes and grooves a la carte from another Braintree, MA boy, DJ TANNER '88!

Good vs. Evil!

Then, it's on! It's Davey vs. Goliath. It's Ali vs. G. It's Q*Bert vs. Coily. It's "Miami Vice" vs. "The Insiders". It's Dick York vs. Dick Sargent. It's Univision contra Telemundo. Quien es mas macho? It's the battle to end all battles.

It's Red Sox vs. Yankees: Episode I. And it all starts Friday.

We'll be busy all weekend, so get there early and bring a tent. Thom's Ale by Harpoon and Spaceman Ale by Magic Hat are always $4 during the game!

I'm back in the saddle again

Out where a friend is a friend

Where the longhorn cattle feed

On the lowly gypsum weed

Back in the saddle again

-Gene Autry

Get Your Sox On

Well last night might not have ended up the way we would have liked but what a crowd! That was the biggest Sox crowd we've had so far. Thank Heavens that Drew came threw with a hit in the eighth.

It starts back up again today at 4 pm. Tell your boss you have to get out early and get down to Thom's; Happy Hour lasts until 7. What do you get with Happy Hour? Excellent question. How about $3 beers and $4 wine and $4 mixed drinks. Not too shabby, huh?

Remember, during the Sox games not at Happy Hour you get Thom's Ale by Harpoon for $4 and Spaceman Ale from Magic Hat for $4. And, when the Dice-san pitches Asahi is 4 bucks too.

Raffles!

We still have a few $10 raffle tickets left to throw out the first pitch at Fenway, so ask your bartender for details. You could win tickets to the May 11th Orioles game at Fenway and a chance to be on the mound to through out the first pitch. All the money goes to charity!

After that's done, we'll be raffling off two Green Monster seats for a Yankee game. We also have shirts and hats and stuff all season long.

Ticket Corner

Do you have tickets you want to sell? Let me know and I'll advertise them here.

For Sale: 4 Tickets to the Patriots Day game at Fenway. E-mail me if you're interested.

Fitzy is Back!

Next Thursday we're having our second Boston Teabag Party: A showcase of the finest comedic minds New Engalnd has to offer. Tickets are $5 at the door. You could also win them at Q & A Trivia with John Quinn or other events.

Bah-bah-bah-bah, bah-bah-bah-bah

Bah-bah-bah-bah. bah-bah-bah-bah, at the hop!

-Danny and The Juniors

Don't Go Breaking My Heart

It's official! They are back to their heart-breaking best. If the Red Sox were sitting in a circle at college orientation and some crunchy senior asked, "If you were an animal which one would you be?" The Sox would have to say, "a Push-me-pull-you." Ok, so that's a long way to go to say that the Sox were embarassed opening day by the Royals, leaving us to harmonize yet another chorus of "Not again". Then, they turned around and dominated the Royals for two games to take the series, and leave us solidly in first place. It promises to be our customarily painful year.

More than 60 people turned out yesterday to see the Dice-san dominate in his first major league start. (Don't you people have jobs? I hope not.) This was a far cry from the poor control he exhibited on Saturday in Philly which 50 Thom's regulars saw live! If you missed the Philly trip, you're a damned fool. But, there are still plenty of chances to cash in at Thom's:

Stop Being a Wicked Loser!

For the next 4 weeks we'll be selling raffle tickets that give you a chance to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park on May 11th. The lucky winner will also get 2 tickets to the game. The tickets are only $10 and all of the proceeds go to a good cause. Ask your bartender for details.

When that promotion is over, we'll be raffling off 2 monster seats for a Yankees game! I'm serious! And, to boot, we'll be doing weekly raffles involving Red Sox triva for t-shirts and gift certificates. Wow!

Ice-Brackets

The College Basketball Tournament might be over, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any brackets left. Come out tomorrow night and see BC in the NCAA Hockey Championship for the 2nd straight year. Their foe: the hated Michigan State Spartans! BOOOOOO!

Back By Popular Demand

We had to turn people away from the first Boston Teabag Party comedy night at Thom's. So, we decided to do another and another. In fact, we're going to do it every month starting April 19. The tickets are $5 at the door, but you could win free tickets at bingo or trivia night.

BLOHARDS

Don't forget to get your tickets for the BLOHARDS spring lunch on April 27! There will be guests from the Red Sox and more.

So don't misunderstand me

You put the light in my life

You put the sparks to the flame

I've got your heart in my sights

Ann Orson and Carte Blanche

The Streets of Philly

All Aboard!

The Professor's Express will leave from Thom's at 10 am Saturday morning. Destination: Philadelphia and Dice-K's last warm up before the real thing. If you have already paid for your ticket, please try to get to Thom's by 9:30 so that we can be ready to go by 10. If you're running late, please call me.

Strike One!

Ever dream about throwing out the first pitch at a Red Sox game? Well, for just $10 you could win one of 4 chances to make that dream happen. We're raffling off chances to throw out a pitch a Fenway Park on May 11th and the money is going to Everybody Wins, a literacy campaign in Boston. Ask the bartender for details.

The Man We Call Yaz...

On Friday, March 30 NESN will be premiering "Impossible to Forget", the story of the '67 Sox. Come to Thom's to see archival footage of the '67 season along with interviews featuring past Red Sox, Thom's regulars, and BLOHARDS.

And Speaking of BLOHARDS:

The Benevolent Loyal Order of the Honorable Ancient Redsox Diehard Sufferers of New York is having there Spring lunch on April 27. The BLOHARDS have been suffering in this city for a long time and they throw one hell of a party. They usually have a Red Sock there and a broadcaster from the Olde Towne Team. They're even supplying the music with John Pizzarelli of "Meet me at Foxwoods" fame. For more info, visit the BLOHARDS or buy tickets here.


Opening Day is right around the corner. Get to Thom's early Monday for a seat to see the Sox go wire to wire.

Trying hard now

it's so hard now

trying hard now

Getting strong now

won't be long now

getting strong now

Gonna fly now

flying high now

gonna fly, fly, fly...

Bill Conti

The Dice Is Cast.

Well, the verdict's in:
Might as well just cancel the season. According to Benedict-ah, I mean Johnny Damon, the Yankees are the fairest damsel in the land. And, Captain Jetes couldn't agree more, "You want people to feel as though you have the best team," Derek Jeter noted of Damon's comment. "A lot of it is a mindset, and an attitude. You want people to have that attitude whether you win or lose. We're number one. A-Rod sucks." These comments came as no surprise to loyal Yankee fans who are still celebrating their 33rd World series title. "This is great", The pilgarlic Vinny from Ultimate Road Trip said. "I've become so freaking confident in this team that I stopped watching 7 years ago. I just wait until October and celebrate. Boston sucks!" Kevin Kernan, the author of the Damon story, then whispered something in Vinny's ear and Vinny spontaneously combusted.

Grill of My Dreams

Well, if you were looking for Manny's grill on ebay, you're going to be disappointed. Ebay has pulled the item which last carried a bid of $99,999,999.00 (That's 2000 euros). But, the good news is that you could still bid on these items: Manny's pants, Manny's quilt, and Manny's manatee. That's just Manny being Bobby Flay.

More Thom's Foolery

As the regular season approaches we are still showing all the spring training games we can at Thom's. Also, look for specials on Thom's Ale from Harpoon, Spaceman Ale from Magic Hat, Geary's, and other New England beers. Also, we'll be having $4 Asahi every time Dice-K pitches. (Oops, sorry. Wrong Dice.)

Have you ever dreamed of throwing out the first pitch at Fenway? Well, now you can, and for a great cause. $100 will get you a chance and the money goes to Everybody Wins. Call 617-654-0259 for more info.

Check out our own John "The Q" Quinn's contributions on Top 100 Red Sox.

Failing at your bracket? Well the East Village Idiot has the answer: March Radness "pits the things you love to hate and hate to love about New York City against each other to determine this year’s ultimate quirk to city living.".

Our regulars are out of control bloggers. Check out the links on the Thom's blog.

Speaking of regulars, filmmaker Brett Rapkin of "Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey" fame has a new film: "Impossible to Forget: Summer of ‘67" that features some Thom's regulars. Part of the film was shot in the Loft and airs for first time Friday, March 30th at 9:00 PM.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato

Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes

Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer

Well good God almighty which way do i steer for my

-Manuel Aristides Ramirez

The Main Event

The time is now. You've had your warmup swings. You've gushed over the return of baseball. Now, it's time to get serious. Tonight at 7 pm at Professor Thom's it's Red Sox vs Yankees. It's the Good Guys vs The Bad Guys. It's the New vs. the Old. It's our guys you've never heard of but you find yourself strangely rooting for because they all try so hard against their spring invites that won't make the team and wear high numbers but you hate them anyway because of their pin-stripes which they're not even wearing.

And this time, it's personal.

Only a few more days until the first Boston Teabag Party on Thursday, a monthly showcase of the best Boston-area comics currently living in New York City. Hosted by Braintree, Mass's own NICK STEVENS (VH1, ESPN, Townienews.com), with DJ music magic and sidekick action from GEOFF ". More details to follow.

More Thom's Foolery

The brackets are set for the NCAA Tournament. so join Thom's online bracket tournament by clicking here. The password is: "bracket". It's free to join. There will be prizes.

It's been such a long time

I think I should be goin', yeah

And time doesn't wait for me, it keeps on rollin'

Sail on, on a distant highway

I've got to keep on chasin' a dream

I've gotta be on my way

Wish there was something I could say.

Brad Delp June 12, 1951 – March 9, 2007

Where Everybody Knows Your Game.

Okay, everyone can breath again. Just when you thought they were climbing out of the lottery, The Celtics ended their 3 game winning streak last night and got back to their losing ways. This year would be even more disappointing if they didn't ride their franchise record losing streak into the number one draft pick...Huh? What do you mean you don't understand? The Celtics. Basketball. Remember? Oh forget it. Back to baseball:

Dice-K continued to roll over opponents in his first start against major league talent. He had three K's in three innings against the Marlins Monday. Don't forget, we'll have Asahi specials whenever he's on the mound. And speaking of specials, SpaceMan Ale by Magic Hat will be back on tap soon. This tribute ale to former Sox pitcher Bill Lee is available only one place in the universe: Professor Thom's.

We'll be showing any spring training games they're showing. So, if it's not on, write nasty letters to NESN, MLB, Scooter Libby, or anyone else that will listen.

The Townies are Coming! The Townies are Coming!
Only one more week until the comedy event of the year. It's the Boston Teabag Party upstairs at Thom's Loft. Next Thursday we'll feature some of the most talented comic minds to escape New England. I swear, it will be a howl. It'll be funnier than that time Sully got his thumb caught in the coat hook under the bar at the Purple Shamrock and had to pound his beer so that his glass would be empty so he could pee in it while he waited for an ambulance to come to free his thumb, but had to pee again because he just pounded his beer and was dumb enough to order another. Now that was wicked pisser!

College Hoops

March Madness is here! We are the official bars of Michigan and UMASS, but don't feel left out we'll have your game on too and plenty of fans to talk too. At Thom's College Hoops fans know their game and yours too. So come out and join the party.

Football

This has been some off-season for the Patsies. First they signed stud LB Adalius Thomas, then stud Thom Terrific turns out to be also prolific. For the second time in the last two months one of his girlfriends, Gisele Bundchen, is with baby (gravida in Portuguese). I only wish Brady had this much accuracy versus the Colts!

More Press

It's getting so you can't swing a cyberstick without finding another story about the veritable olde Thom's. The Observer is tauting our "Jack Bauer Power Hour" this week.

Papa dont preach,

Im in trouble deep

Papa dont preach, Ive been losing sleep

But I made up my mind,

Im keeping my baby, oh

Im gonna keep my baby, mmm...

-Madonna Louise Ciccone Ritchie

Spring Has Sprung!

It's back. How do I know? Because you were there, and you were there, and you, and you too. Thom's was once again a hot bed of baseball activity last night as throngs of the Faithful watched the Red Sox battle to a 4-4 10th inning tie with the hated Twins.

Most of Florida was in bed by the time this one ended, but you were there. And, you'll be there again on Friday to watch the premiere of Dice-K as he battles those bold Eagles of BC.

And, talk about being there, Our own Gareth (he of sheep sharing) actually was there last night in sunny Florida representing Professor Thom's. He even sent a picture from his phone (above) to prove it. What other bar's blog has live shots of spring training? Ah, a little bit o'heaven.

Are you going to Florida to see the Sox? Let us know and we'll give you a sign from Harpoon to bring down. Anybody seen on the air with a sign will get rewarded bigtime!

Speaking of bigtime, have you heard about the Boston Teabag Party in the Loft?

"The townies are coming! The townies are coming!"

"As if New York didn't have enough smartasses, attitude, and transplanted Red Sox fans, now they get more of them all in one fantastic comedyshow.

On March 15th, 2007, Professor Thom's proudly presents the premiere of THE BOSTON TEBAG PARTY, a monthly showcase of the best Boston comics living in New York City. Hosted by Nick Stevens (from Braintree, MA -VH1, ESPN, Townienews.com), THE BOSTON TEABAG PARTY will feature the people who grew up in a city so historical, so sharp, so tight-knit thatwe all had to move to New York to make people laugh...for money. Plus, last call here is three hours later than Beantown.

Starring comedians from "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Daily Show", SpikeTV and more, THE BOSTON TEABAG PARTY will not be all about Boston.It's about the people from Boston throwing a comedy party in NYC. Kindalike the 2004 ALCS. Except more enjoyable for Yankee fans.Sure to be wicked. Sure to be pissah. And sure to involve drinking and fighting."

March Madness

And, since it's the first day of March, madness is already setting in. If you want to see the coolest new place on the web to follow college hoops go testify at the Church of Bracketology. The most reverand Dr. Raycroft is breaking it all down for us.

In parting, happy belated 200th birthday Longfellow. (Oops! wrong long fellow.) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's take on baseball's approach:

As a summer wind upheaves

The innumerable leaves

In the bosom of a wood,--

Not as separate leaves, but massed

All together by the blast,--

So for evil or for good

His resistless breath upheaved

All at once the many-leaved,

Many-thoughted multitude.

Dennis Johnson, Dead at 52

The closest I ever got to Dennis Johnson was when I approached him at the Celtics bench during a game to ask for his autograph. He was tying his shoe; he bit his bottom lip and just shook his head "no". I held that against him until I was all of 16. But, DJ is the guy I site every time I make the argument about what a point guard should and shouldn't do. He needs to direct the offense. He needs to distribute the ball. He needs to position himself for a medium range jumpshot. He needs to get back on defense. It seems these days, most point guards think their job is to penetrate, shot, or hit the 3. Not, DJ; he played the position perfectly. Watch in this most famous clip of DJ how he has the awareness to cut to the basket when he sees the steal.
RIP

Here are some more clips:

ESPN Tribute
Local Legends Tribute
Bird Steal
After
The Long Clip

Has Anybody Seen Manny?

Baseball is officially back! And, it wouldn't be the same without our favorite lightning rod: Manuel Aristides Ramirez. (Better our lightning rod than theirs!) Much like that globetrotter of yore, Carmen Sandiego, nobody knows exactly where Manny is.
But, we can guess:

Is he at a car show? Is he at the mall?

Is he in New York? Is he in the Wall?

Does anyone know where Manny is?

Hopefully he'll be back in time for you to see him at Thom's. The Spring is in full swing with the first scrimmage only a week away. The usual suspects, Papi, Shilling, and Manny have dominated the headlines. They have been joined in equal billing by Daisuke and his mythical gyroball.

While many of you are heading south to see the games the rest of you should be heading to Thom's. Not only will we be airing every game we can, we'll be hosting a showcase of New England comedians on the 15th with Nick Stevens and starring comedians from "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Daily Show", SpikeTV and more, THE BOSTON TEABAG PARTY will not be all about Boston. It's about the people from Boston throwing a comedy party in NYC. Kindalike the 2004 ALCS. Except more enjoyable for Yankee fans.

Then on the 31st we're heading to Philly to see the last Sox spring training game.

After that the fun begins. There will be drink specials galore, clams, book signings, Asahi, pickles, rare game footage, movie screenings, Asahi, more clams, and baseball. My God it does not get better than this.

I guess I'm lying to myself

Its just you and no one else

Lord I won't miss you child

You've been blotting out my mind

Fooling on my time

No, I won't miss you, baby, yeah

-Sir Michael Phillip Jagger

Where Everybody Knows Your Name.

Any cursory study of the TV show "Cheers" would show that Gary's Olde Towne Tavern, that mustacheod rival of the good guys on Beacon Street, always won their intermural competitions with Cheers. Such is our fate too. Finnerty's and their foozball faithful beat Thom's last night in the final installment of the Bargame Games, taking the coveted Silver Bowl and proceeded to do the wanger-bop all over our sacred soil. In short, we lost. It was sad to be sure.

But, a more detailed analysis of said sit-com shows that Gary's Olde Town Tavern only appeared in 5 or so episodes. So, to hell with them! They're but bit players in our grand show. They won't be mentioned here again until the Bargame Summer Games. We have better things on the horizon. (Way to brightside it!)

The trip to Philly is philling up!

In case you didn't know, we have phorty tickets to the March thirty-phirst Red Sox game at Philly. It's the last pre-season game. Iph you have signed up already come in and pay phast; there aren't many spaces left. Iph you haven't signed up yet, do it now.

The Summer of Love.

Filmmaker Brett Rapkin wraps up his New York interviews this weekend for the documentary on the '67 Sox. He's been shooting the spots at Thom's. So, when it comes out, look for your local to be featured prominently.

Do You Know a Wicked Pisser Good Joke?

Comedian and VH1 celebrity Nick Stevens will be hosting a night of Boston comedians in The Loft on March 8th. Details to follow.

See, there is quite a light at the end of the tunnel.

Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead;

The morning's looking bright;

And your shrink ran off to Europe,

And didn't even write;

And your husband wants to be a girl;

Be glad there's one place in the world

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to go where people know,

People are all the same;

You want to go where everybody knows your name.

-Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo

T Minus 13 Days!

It was the worst of times...

The Bargame games took a nasty turn last night when that house of ill-repute next door, Finnerty's, beat Thom's in Poker. In fact, a Thom's player didn't even make the top two. Tsk, tsk. Now, it's all tied up at 3 games apiece going into the Megatouch finale next week. This is for all of the marbles. Come by Thursday night for the closing ceremonies of The Bargame games!

But, back to business:

Apparently the countdown has begun. Baseball is once again almost upon us. According the Mighty Quinn Media Machine it's 13 days, 23 hours, 3 minutes, and 59-no 58-ahm, 55- well you get the idea; it impends. So what is Thom's doing about it?

Well, if you haven't heard we're going to Philly on March 31 to watch the Red Sox in their final preseason game. We have 40 tickets and plenty of bus space. So, come on in and sign up. The first 40 to pay will be going.

That's all? No, that's not all. March 1, we're planning "A Night of Boston Comedy" in the loft. There'll be stand up, sketch, etc. all from funny guys from Mass. Details to come.

And? what do you mean "and"? that's not enough? Did I mention that all month long The Loft will be used to shoot interviews for a documentary about the '67 Sox? Yeah, that's right. An impossible dream come true.

We felt bad that the January Peter Gammons event got cancelled, so we decided to turn it up a notch. BAM!

Don't miss all of the games on DirectTV this year at Thom's. I haven't met one fan upset with MLB's proposal to allow DirectTV all of the out-of-market games. We'll be happy to have you. It's going to be one, big family. (BTW, in the spirit of full disclosure, Bud Selig, if you're reading this, Chris O'Reilly did not take into account beer specials, buybacks, and raffle winnings on his bill. He's making out like a bandit!)

I just can't wait, no, no, my baby

I just can't wait, no, no, no

I just can't wait, no, no, my baby

I just can't wait, no, no, no

-J. Geils