The Red Sox are finally back in first place, where they belong. At 57-40, they're up half a game on the pesky Rays, and 6 games up on the A-Rodonnas. It wasn't that long ago that I said I was switching gears and focusing on the Red Sox now that the C's dream season had come to an end. Well, I lied. It's a combination of me not coming down from my Championship high yet, and Scott, the CEO, sending me a couple great links.

Now, I'm not entirely sure what Scott was Googling when he came across this first bit of news, but I think we can all agree that society, as a whole, is much better off that he found it.  Our dear old friend, Sam Cassell, has found himself something to keep busy this offseason while he anxiously searches out a new fan base to torment:  Judging the POLESTAR 1st Annual Pole Dancing Competition, of course!

POLESTAR Invitational is presented by X-polesitions and film/TV casting director Leah Daniels-Butler.

Confirmed Celebrity judges: NBA Star Sam Cassell, Cassie Walton, XXX Star Amber Rayne, comedian Chris Spencer. Other celebrity guests / VIP expected.

If any POLESTAR hopefuls are reading this blog (and I don't know why they wouldn't be), here's my advice if you truly want to impress Sam:  Any time a dancer is on the pole and is having a great routine, immediately jump onto the stage and punch her in the face.  Any time a dancer has some great momentum, and seems to be in rhythm with the music, hop up and make the show about YOU -- don't worry about the outcome, or what the crowd may be thinking -- just do whatever pops into your head at that exact moment, but make sure it revolves around you.  Sam will completely understand.

The Sam Cassel era, ladies and gentlemen.  Can't believe it ended with a trophy.  

The other link he shared with me was a tale of a boy, a shirt, a shooting guard and shattered dreams.

A boy and his mother were on the Sankaty Ferry in Martha's Vineyard and spotted Ray Allen a few cars ahead.  Armed with a #5 Celtics shirt (which just happens to read 'God' above the number), the boy approached Mr. Allen hoping for a signature.  What he got instead was a black eye and a broken clavicle.

Wait, I misread that (Damn you, Hooked On Phonics, you've failed me again!).

What he actually got was nothing... Ray, world renowned as one of the true "good guys" in the league, refused to sign the boy's shirt.  I don't know if we can read anything into this (and I seriously doubt that we can), but if you like to play conspiracy theory, have at it!

Lastly, if you haven't checked out Rajon Rondo's official website yet, here's the link: http://www.rajonrondo9.com.

It's a well-done site, and as long as he puts the same effort into that as he does his Yardbarker blog, it'd definitely be worth creating a bookmark for.