Passings,...

Director Sidney Lumet Dead at 86

NEW YORK -- Sidney Lumet, the award-winning director of acclaimed films such as "Network," "Serpico," "Dog Day Afternoon" and "12 Angry Men," has died. He was 86.

Lumet's death was confirmed Saturday by Marc Kusnetz, who is the husband of Lumet's stepdaughter, Leslie Gimbel.

Lumet was nominated for Academy Awards four times as a director. He never won, but he did receive an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar in 2005.

"Network," a scathing view of the television business, proved to be his most memorable film and created the enduring catch phrase, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Many of his films, including "Serpico" and "Dog Day Afternoon," showed the grittier side of New York City.

His movie directing debut was 1957's "12 Angry Men," starring Henry Fonda.

"12 Angry Men" is STILL on of my favorite movies,too!

Manny Ramirez at Peace With Retirement Despite Failing Drug Test

NEW YORK -- Manny Ramirez walked away from baseball on Friday, abruptly ending the mercurial career of one of the most talented -- and tainted -- hitters to ever play the game.

The slumping Tampa Bay Rays slugger tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during spring training, sources told ESPN.com, and informed Major League Baseball that he would retire rather than face a 100-game suspension.

"I'm at ease," Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com via phone from his home in Miami. "God knows what's best [for me]. I'm now an officially retired baseball player. I'll be going away on a trip to Spain with my old man."

Ramirez served a 50-game suspension for violating the drug policy in 2009 while he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and second-time offenders get double that penalty.

This is why I support my beloved Phillies - they don't bring attention to themselves off the field, they play by the rules and they steer clear of the law.  Is it any wonder why they win every year??