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June 29, 2007

The NBA Draft, a scared wife, the media & more

My better half walked into our home last night around 8:30 and I can’t blame her for immediately darting upstairs.

Here’s what she saw: Me at the kitchen table, furiously typing my thoughts about the Celtics’ trade for Ray Allen in a live NBA Draft chat room.
I’ve also got the big plasma tuned to ESPN, which is competing with commentary from Sports Radio WEEI-AM and, AND a live podcast.

Somehow, I managed to listen to all three broadcasts — over the Internet, TV and radio — and argue with some dude over the Web about the trade. It was kind of loud and overwhelming. Welcome to Casa de Ravens, a.k.a. NBA Draft Central! Sorry, honey!

I woke up this morning thinking I’d put together some essay on how last night was yet another example of New Media. There’s loads of outlets — cell phones, computers, TV, newspapers, blogs, podcasts, radio — and it’s turning the business upside down. But we already know that, so let’s talk about the draft — that’s more fun.

As a former sports writer, I haven’t injected the Ravin’ with Ravens blog with enough sports chat. Hey, it counts as entertainment, right?

Here are my thoughts on the trade, which netted the Celts an All-Star in Allen: I hope there’s more to come. I think the C’s are now one big trade away (isn’t everyone, though?) from making a serious run at the Eastern Conference title.

If Danny can move Big Al, and some lesser parts for Kevin Garnett — DO IT! A three-headed monster of KG-Pierce-Allen would make the Celts instant contenders in the East, which is weaker than Kevin Durant on the bench press.

But, winning the East doesn’t mean all that much when you consider the West is king. However, you never know what can happen in a seven game series. I could go on, but I’ll spare you another sports cliché — you’ll get enough of those this weekend from almost EVERYONE with a microphone or computer.

Have a good weekend!

—Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:01 AM | Comments (3)

June 28, 2007

Thursday's TV picks

NBC gives viewers every chance in the world this summer to catch-up on the funniest show on TV, “The Office,” which stars Acton’s Steve Carell.

Viewers can catch three classic episodes tonight (WHDH-TV, Channel 7) at 8:30, 9 and 9:30. If you’ve been on the fence about the show (which some have considering its OK ratings that should be a lot BETTER) do tune into the 8:30 p.m. episode where Michael (Carell) experiences a panic attack — classic stuff there.

Other Thursday TV highlights include:

“Star Wars IV: A New Hope” (5:45 p.m., HBO-HD)
NBA Draft (7:30 p.m., ESPN)
“My Name is Earl” (8 p.m., NBC)
“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m., ABC)

Thanks for all your e-mails about my front page story the other day about “Harry Potter” mania. For those of you who don’t get The Sun (!) below is my story:

By Andrew Ravens
aravens@lowellsun.com
The final Harry Potter book hits store shelves July 21 and fans of the wizardry series gear up by doing what else?
They reread the first six books at a furious pace, of course.
Chelmsford’s Becky Krupkoski just polished off the first five novels (some of which exceed 600 pages) in four weeks. The 14-year-old is now rereading the sixth installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which took her less than 24 hours to finish the first time around. She expects to devour the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in similar fashion.
“I can’t wait for the book or the movie,” said Krupkoski, who called July the longest month of her life. She’s not kidding.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book and latest movie, comes to theaters on July 13 and it’s hard to determine what fans are more excited about: The release of another movie or the final novel from English author J.K. Rowling.
Chelmsford’s Alex Dews, 15, will dress up as a Hogwart’s student — sporting stockings and a full robe — when she attends the movie’s midnight premiere.
“I like going to the midnight showings,” said Dews, who works part time at Chelmsford Public Library. “All the funny people go. It’s going to be funny.”
Dews next week plans to start reading all six books for what she calls the “sixth or seventh time” in preparation for the new movie and Deathly Hallows. She figures, depending on her work schedule, to finish the series in about a week.
Dews thinks Rowling is ending the Potter series at just the right time — stretching a mystery or fantasy series too long makes it vulnerable and uninteresting, she said.
“I have a feeling she’s (Rowling) not done completely in the Harry Potter universe,” said Dews. “I’ve read books where authors will use the same universe to create new characters. There might be a new character who runs into Harry, but it (the story) wouldn’t be about Harry.”
Harry Potter fan Paul Oliver, 13, of Wilmington, also doesn’t sound too disappointed that the end is near.
“I’m going to read them all over again,” he said of the books. “It’s always a new adventure to me.”
Oliver is a regular guest of Harry Potter discussion groups held at the Wilmington Memorial Library, where everyone makes predictions about the series conclusion.
Susan MacDonald, Wilmington’s children’s librarian, runs the discussions and hasn’t found anyone who is really upset that the end is near. She also indicated that most readers believe Harry will survive.
“I haven’t seen anyone depressed yet,” she said.
Still, there’s help for anyone needing a Potter fix as the library tonight at 7 will host a predictions and support group.
Maureen Foley, head of children’s services at Chelmsford Public Library, has read every book three times in preparation for a July 7 Potter discussion she will host.
Foley says the Potter books increase children (and adult) reading and encourage readers (especially kids) to reach for thicker books with challenging vocabulary.
“Children know these books in such detail — it’s breathtaking,” she said. “This is a cultural phenomenon. I hope parents recognize the special time we are living in. We have a month to go and the end will be known. That’s why the speculation is fascinating — Is Snape good or evil? Will Harry live?”
Becky Krupkoski’s mom, Debbie Krupkoski, who teaches reading at the Lincoln School in Lowell, also appreciates what Rowling’s stories have done.
“I was skeptical at first,” said Debbie Krupkoski, who predicts Harry will not survive. “But as I got into it I picked up the first book and it really draws you in. The wonderful characters, thinking about what could happen — it’s incredible.”
For the first time, Debbie Krupkoski will bring Becky and her other daughter, Amanda Krupkoski, 24, to the Midnight Madness Potter book release party at Barnes & Noble in Nashua that starts at 6 p.m. on July 20.
Dews will also be there in Nashua with her 10-year-old brother, Peter Dews, to buy the last Harry Potter book. She also has some good advice for any midnight newbies.
“Some kids find the last sentence (of the newly released book) and shout it out loud,” said Dews, who has a plan to avoid hearing the ending. “I’ll bring earplugs and my iPod and play it very loud.”
Let’s hope there are no spoilers out there.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)

June 26, 2007

Are you down with HPM? (Harry Potter Mania)

Be sure to check out my big Harry Potter story in tomorrow's (Wed.) Sun. In the meantime, here's a list of local Potter happenings and a few suggestions on what to do after the final book is released on July 21.

Harry Potter Predictions and Support Group
7-8:30 p.m., Tomorrow (Wed.)
Wilmington Memorial Library
175 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington
Open to residents and non-residents

Roped in by Rowling (Harry Potter discussion)
9:30 a.m., July 7
Chelmsford Public Library
25 Boston Road, Chelmsford
Open to residents and non-residents.

Roped in by Rowling
9:30 a.m., July 7
Chelmsford Public Library’s MacKay Branch
43 Newfield St., N. Chelmsford
Open to resident and non-residents.

Midnight Madness
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
6 p.m., July 20 (book purchase begins at 12 a.m.)
235 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, N.H.
Open to all

Grand Hallows Ball
Borders Books & Music
Open all night, July 20 (book purchase begins at 12 a.m.)
6 Wayside Road, Burlington or
281 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, N.H.

********************************************************************************

There’s plenty of other fantasy authors and books to dig into once the Harry Potter series wraps up on July 21 with the release of the seventh and final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Maureen Foley, head of children’s services at the Chelmsford Public Library, recommends The Lord of the Rings, Eragon or Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series.
Chelmsford’s Alex Dews, who also works at the Chelmsford library, suggests Potter fans should check out authors Tamora Pierce, Garth Nix, Cornelia Funke and Diane Duane.
“I’m not at all concerned that kids will stop here (Potter series),” said Foley. “People read Harry for all different reasons and they’ll go in all different directions.”
— ANDREW RAVENS

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

June 25, 2007

Jury is still out on "John"

HBO’s new surfing series “John From Cincinnati” is ruining an older series, “Deadwood.” Both HBO shows come from creator David Milch, who hit a homerun with “Deadwood” — a Western — and a fly out with “John,” the story about a strange dude (is he God?) who suddenly shows up in a California surfing family.

The language of “Deadwood” was dirty. Swearing was everywhere and every character spoke in odd sentences. Every sentence seemed to begin with the word “Being.” I didn’t mind it, because I thought that’s just how everyone talked out there in the Old West.

Well, I think I was wrong because the actors in “John” are speaking in those same (now annoying) sentences. I guess this is Milch’s cute little thing that he does. Well, it worked in “Deadwood,” but it doesn’t work here. Still, I’m giving “John” a few more episodes before I surf to another channel on Sunday nights.

Tonight’s TV highlights:

“Office Space,” 8 p.m., E!
“Big Love,” 9 p.m., HBO.
“The Closer,” 9 p.m., TNT

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2007

Miserlis takes center stage

Lowell native George Miserlis will sing with "Seinfeld's" Jason Alexander and the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl tonight in Cali. Miserlis, a regular guest star on NBC's "Scrubs," is part of the venue's "Opening Summer Night" honoring Placido Domingo.

Good luck, man!

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

June 21, 2007

"Evan" is kind of "Almighty"

I gave "Evan Almighty" 2 1/2 out of 4 stars. Generous? Probably, but for a PG-rated movie this had people of all ages laughing at the Boston press screening I attended — which is pretty cool. Here's my take:

By Andrew Ravens
aravens@lowellsun.com
Steve Carell’s career took off in 2003’s "Bruce Almighty" when he stole the spotlight from comedy superstar Jim Carrey with a supporting role as quirky newscaster Evan Baxter.
The Acton native reprises his role as Evan, who is newly elected to Congress and anointed by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ark in the family friendly $175 million comedy "Evan Almighty," which opens in theaters today.
The PG-rated and special effects-laden flick sparked consistent chuckles from children and adults of all ages at a recent press screening in Boston.
The film’s broad comedic appeal and Carell’s ("The Office," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin") star power likely mean it will do just fine at the box-office, despite some inevitable poor reviews.
The film relies too much on generic jokes — bathroom humor and physical mishaps are everywhere — but there’s a collection of one-liners and scenes with Wanda Sykes ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") and the emerging Jonah Hill ("The 40--Year-Old Virgin") that make it worth a look.
The film opens with Evan saying his good-byes on-air at the television station in Buffalo, N.Y. A brief montage explains Evan won the election and promised voters that he would “change the world.”
God takes notice and convinces Evan to build an ark — much like Noah did — to prepare for a pending flood. (Freeman seems uninterested and coasts through his role as the Almighty One, which he first played in 2003’s "Bruce").
Evan’s wife (Lauren Graham), three children and staff (Sykes, Hill and John Michael Higgins) think their boy has gone crazy. The congressman’s beard grows back seconds after shaving and his hair sprouts at uncontrollable lengths (Sykes wonders if he’s been “shooting up Rogaine”). God also makes Evan wear a robe, which completes the Noah transformation.
Evan’s biggest trouble comes from congressman Long (John Goodman), who wants the junior congressman to co-sponsor an environmentally unfriendly bill.
The plot is a bit hazy as director Tom Shadyac ("The Nutty Professor") tries to send a message about the environment and family togetherness that quickly gets washed in the shuffle.
The circus is the giant wooden ark and its guests — dozens upon dozens of real animals (kids will love all the animal gags). After watching a few scenes with the wildlife and big boat, you’ll understand the film’s considerable budget.
Viewers will recognize most of the supporting class, which also includes former "Saturday Night Live" star Molly Shannon and "The Office’s" Ed Helms.
Shannon has a few funny scenes as an obnoxious, hyper real estate agent, while Helms plays an annoying and easily frightened TV reporter — not much of a leap from Andy Bernard, whom he plays on "The Office" opposite Carell.
Although some of the jokes sound and look familiar, there’s no denying "Evan Almighty" is a fun summertime popcorn flick for the entire family.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

June 19, 2007

Is Evan almighty?

Loyal Sun readers know that we like to keep track of locals making it big in Hollywood. Acton's Steve Carell ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin," NBC's "The Office") certainly falls into that category.

I'll be attending a press screening tonight of Carell's new movie, "Evan Almighty" — the sequel to "Bruce Almighty" — the movie that really launched Carell's comedy career.

The Sun will run my review in Friday's paper and I'll be sure to post it here, too.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:18 PM | Comments (0)

June 11, 2007

Vacation is all I ever wanted...

Are you too busy at work to use up all of your vacation days? When you’re on vacation, do you find yourself still working — checking e-mail, voice mail and fielding phone calls? You’re not alone. Americans are not using up their vacation time and The Sun wants to know why. Please tell us your story by sending an e-mail to reporter Andy Ravens at aravens@lowellsun.com or call him at (978) 970-4622.

This little shoutout will appear in tomorrow's Sun. Don't be shy; give me a call!

— Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

June 8, 2007

What do you think?

We gave readers the chance to chime in with their thoughts on "The Sopranos" finale that airs Sunday night at 9 on HBO. Here's what our readers had to say or write:

A few points:
o the scene with Tony, Bobby and Silvio in the restaurant when they put their fists up - the music in the background is from "Godfather III." "Sopranos" has always run a parallel to the "Godfather" films. The christening scene at the beginning of the season with Christopher's baby is reminiscent of that film. The daughter was killed in "Godfather III" - Meadow will definetly be killed.

o Paulie is involved in taking Tony down. He didn't have any urgency in filling up the plastic bags with food when Tony did at the Soprano McMansion house and commented on the legs of AJ's girlfriend.

o Silvio isn't dead - how could they give the cousins the wrong address to kill off Phil? I think Silvio who has been the good boy all along has collaborated with Pauly and Phil to take down Tony because his leadership has been weekened by the gambling (since Vito was a primary money make and the cash flow dimished) and the asbestos issue and AJ's suicide attempt - Pauly and Silvio have maybe thought Tony has become a weak leader and collaborated with Phil to join the families and take Tony out . Silvio isn't dead - if they were on alert with targets on their back why didn't he have his gun readily accessible? The shots didn't look like they killed him.

o AJ gets upset after his sister is killed and goes after Pauly or Phil to kill them.

o Some shoot out at the estate house where Carmella might be staying because we haven't seen her parents yet this season and all the characters have had a "goodbye" scene. Maybe they get killed at the estate house - maybe there is a shootout there.

o Tony goes to the FBI informant to tell all after Meadow is killed.

o They go into witness protection.

Suzanne Page
Lowell

Here's another opinion:

Hi
Tony will survive. The cynic in me says there is too much money tied up in the Sopranos franchise for HBO to kill him off. Without Tony, how can they have the big Soprano's Reunion Movie a few years from now? You know, the one beginning with a reception by the ever famous Soprano pool celebrating the christening of Meadow's first child. Back to where it all began.
For Tony to survive Phil will have to die and Tony's guys will have to win the gang war. I just hope that Sil and Paulie (two of my favs) don't die either. Note- Sil is "in bad shape" but not dead as last weeks show ended. I think that is a good sign.
Look forward to reading your article,
Pam Fitz
Dracut, MA

Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:54 PM | Comments (0)

June 4, 2007

The Sopranos...The End

Hey,
I'm looking to speak with anybody — ANYBODY! — about predictions for the final "Sopranos" episode that airs Sunday night on HBO. Call my office line at 978-970-4622 or drop me an e-mail at aravens@lowellsun.com.

I don't want to spoil too much about last night's episode because I know some haven't watched it yet (just found out the hard way after talking loudly about some deaths that a co-worker was unaware of). Oops. So, I'll give you time to catch the second-to-last episode on On Demand and then you can get back to me.

Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)