I’d just like to take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The UConn Huskies Daily Roundup post will run really late today or will not be published at all due to some personal obligations. Hopefully they get done quick enough so that I’m able to keep everyone informed. If you’re traveling tomorrow to see loved ones, family or friends for the holiday, travel safely.

The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston by Christopher Klein

BOSTON, MA—November is here and the holiday season is upon us. So what gifts do Bostonians get for the obsessed die-hard sports fan that already owns every piece of memorabilia imaginable? Christopher Klein, author of The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston: A Spectator’s Handbook offers a range of Boston Sports Gifts for this holiday season. Some might be out of the ballpark, but that’s for the ump to decide.

“There are more than enough sporting events to choose from for your family’s die-hard,” Klein says. For affordable family-friendly options, he lists several local teams, from the Boston Blazers to the Providence Bruins to local college men and women’s games.

“But why just buy tickets for one game when you could attend a whole season’s worth?” Klein notes that the Boston Blazers indoor lacrosse team offers season tickets for $80—an incredible steal. “The Blazers are one of Boston’s newest and hottest teams and season tickets are sure to be a huge hit with lax fans in the family.” The Boston Breakers also have season tickets available for as little as $165—or just $15 a game. “This local Women’s Soccer team has made a fantastic comeback at the historic Harvard Stadium. They will be sure to inspire your family’s soccer star next spring.”

Or if the goal of the gift is to go big, “Splurge for a once in a lifetime experience,” Klein says about getting tickets to see the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park. “On New Year’s Day, watch the beloved ballpark be transformed into an ice rink as the Bruins take on the Philadelphia Flyers.”

“Have a friend who can’t stop singing about the Celtics?” If so, submit a recording to the C’s and he might be selected to perform the National Anthem at TD Garden before a home game this season. “Or, for fans over fifteen, book a ride on the Zamboni at a B’s game.” The cost: donate over $150 to the Bruins Foundation.

For those required romantic dates during the holiday season—with a necessary sports twist—Klein suggests making a date for a Saturday morning. “Nothing says romance like a cappuccino in Boston’s North End. Of course, cheering on the European soccer teams with lively locals makes the experience all the more unique.”

And then, there’s always The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston. “Ok, I’m biased,” Klein says, “But, under twenty bucks, jam-packed with Boston sports history and the practical information that die-hard fans want, this book makes an ideal and affordable holiday gift for sports fans, history buffs, and Boston enthusiasts.”

The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston is available in bookstores and online.

MOVEMBER’S MOUSTACHES CHANGE THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH THIS NOVEMBER

Movember Supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG in the Continued Fight Against Prostate and Testicular Cancer

LOS ANGELES – July 1, 2009 – Movember kicks off its third annual campaign in the United States, rallying men to grow moustaches for the month of November to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. In the United States, funds raised by Movember will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of America (PCF) as well as the LIVESTRONG Foundation, two organizations dedicated to fighting cancer affecting men of all ages.

“Movember has shown a true commitment to driving awareness and support for prostate and testicular cancer,” said Doug Ulman, CEO of LIVESTRONG and a cancer survivor. “We appreciate their support and innovative approach.”

Movember, the largest global event dedicated to men’s health, was born in 2003 when three friends in Melbourne, Australia decided it was time to bring back the moustache as a tool for men to break the ice in talking about a taboo subject – their health.   To date, over $47 million has been raised to support men’s health issues through official moustache-growing campaigns in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.

Beginning September 15^th, men and women can register to join the campaign at www.Movember.com. Whether on their own or as part of a team, men, called “Mo Bros,” have the month of November to grow, and show their “Mo” (slang for moustache).  Friends, family, and colleagues can show their support by sponsoring the Mo-growing efforts and donating funds to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG. Women who register to join the campaign, “Mo Sistas,” act as ambassadors for the “Mo Bros,” spreading the word and showing their support.

Participants celebrate their “Mo” at the end of November, attending Movember’s Gala Partés in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Austin, Aspen, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Boston dressed in costume to suit their moustache and vying for the title of “Man of Movember.”

“Movember accelerates medical research that helps save and improve the lives of all those who work to save cancer affecting men,” said Prostate Cancer Foundation President and CEO Dr. Jonathan Simons. “ This is an engaging program that helps men understand prostate cancer and talk about important issues like risk factors, preventive measures and early detection.”

It’s time that men understand the facts:

• Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and it will strike one in six men in their lifetime

• The death rate has fallen 40 percent compared to what was once projected, however the number of new cases is expected to grow with the aging of “baby boomers,” with the potential to reach 300,000 per year by 2015

• More than 192,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009.  More than 27,000 will die from the disease

• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer afflicting men aged 18-35. The message is clear: more research is needed

• Within the next decade, cancer is likely to replace heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. It is already the biggest killer of those under the age of 85

Continue reading →

Thank you to all of those that have served or are currently serving in the American Armed Forces.

BangTheBook.com was started back in 2001 as a sports handicapping service. After a few years BTB realized that in order to help people bet on sports the best way was to have an open sports pick forum where sports betting enthusiasts can share football picks and sports betting tips. As the forum grew BTB then noticed the need for online sportsbook reviews to provide players reputable places to bet. Along with daily bookmaker bonus code information and poker promo codes. BangTheBook specializes in most major sports including College Football, NFL Football, College Basketball, Major League Baseball, NBA Basketball, and NHL Hockey so no matter what time of the year it is you can be sure that BTB will have all your football betting and sports needs covered.

As many of you know or found out when you came to visit the site, I decided basically overnight a few weeks ago to shut down my site. At that point I hadn’t decided whether or not it was going to be permanent. I was burnt out and stressed out from other things.

During the time off, I found myself with more time than normal during the day and began to think, had I made a horrible mistake. I knew that my site was popular but after seeing emails and tweets from people, I hadn’t realized how popular the site was.

So I got back to thinking. Was shutting the site down for good what I really wanted? Or was it that I just needed a break? If I am to bring back the site, changes need to be made but what will those changes be?

The answer to the first question after thinking was no I didn’t want to shut down the site for good. I had something built up here. To answer the second question, yes I probably just needed a break.

The answer to third question is yes there will be changes to be made to the content. Since the Patriots coverage has been nothing to spotty at best, I will be cutting that out. It will return only if Steve returns to the site (that is something I’ve discussed with him). The Celtics coverage will also be dropped. There are plenty of great sites out there for which you can get that coverage.

This will allow me to focus on the Boston Red Sox and UConn Huskies. For the Huskies coverage, it will remain the same. Previews of games, quick recaps of games and a daily link roundup.

I don’t expect to change too much in the Red Sox coverage other than I probably won’t be doing full game recaps. Although I really hadn’t done a full one in a while, I was doing brief almost AP-like recaps. I may or may not do those for the playoffs.

Also, instead of linking to every Red Sox story out there after offering up my thoughts in Morning Red Sox post, more than likely I will direct you to the media websites.

However, with that being said, if something important does come up either over night and during the day, I will link directly to the story.

So other than dropping the Patriots and Celtics, I don’t think you’ll really see too much changing here. I still plan to do the other things I’ve been doing if my schedule permits such as MMA videos and other sports stories.

I also plan to bring back the link salute to other bloggers once or twice a week. As always that will link you to some of the best stories from the blogs and sites I read on a daily basis.

I’ve talked to Amanda Bruno of Batter-up With Bruno and she’ll be stopping by from time-to-time when her schedule permits to do some cross-posting here.

I want to personally thank everyone for their support while I tried to figure out what was best for me and the site. Without you, the site wouldn’t be anything. So for that I thank you.

I had meant to get this posted earlier especially with the auction ending tomorrow.

Inspired by the design and spirit of the bottle, ABSOLUT® VODKA created a free-standing Wall of Pride to celebrate the launch of the new flavor. The city’s most beloved personalities memorialized their favorite Boston moments on the wall, reflecting upon the very core of Boston’s legendary pride – iconic sports figures, historic monuments, delectable dining and more.

All auction proceeds go the Charles River Conservancy – a nonprofit dedicated to the renewal and stewardship of the Charles River Parklands.

You bid by going to the EBay auction page. And if you’re in Boston, you can see them on display at Bolyston Plaza.

Posts for today will be later than normal. The condos which I live in have been having problems with the underground power lines. They have decided to choose today as the day to fix them. I will be heading out to my parents in a bit where they have power and internet to finish up the site for this morning. I do apologize for the inconvenience.

As much as I want to sit here and write about how sucky Brad Penny was last night and that somebody needs to light a fire under the collective A$$es of the Boston Red Sox, I just don’t have time this morning.

I have to take care of some familial obligations this morning and do hope that you understand.

As you know when I’m not around, big things usually happen. If this is the case, Ken from Fang’s Bites will be texting me if something big does happen so at least I know about it to write about when I’m done later today.

While I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to get the lineup post done, I should be done around gametime this afternoon and will start doing some updates then.

I’ll leave you with the links to the Boston papers and enemy papers.

For slices of Boston Red Sox goodness, head over to the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, and Providence Journal websites.

And if you want to see what the enemy papers are saying, head over to the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News and Contra Costa Times websites.