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Now that the Red Sox no longer wear the mantle of God's chosen losers, will playwrights, poets, and Boston barkeeps stop citing the team as a metaphor for existential angst? If so, the title of Most Downtrodden Fan Base could be up for grabs. Although the group of L.A. pessimists haunting Dodger Blues wallows in the perceived woes of their sun-dappled team like season-ticket holders waiting out a September rain delay at Wrigley Field (Cubs losing 8 - 1), we won't bedgrudge them their moment in the shade. Still, perusing these funny Dodger quotes, complete with sarcasm-laced annotations worthy of East Coast depressives; browsing the feature Frustrated Fan of the Month; and rummaging through opinions like "So the outfield sucks," we imagine long-suffering fans of the Giants (last World Series W: 1954) clenching their teeth at the self-indulgence. On the other hand, check out the L.A. roster and note the salary of ex-Giant Jason Schmidt (1 - 4, disabled). Now that's grumble-worthy.

Blogs written by public figures too often have the plastic sheen of public relations all over them. True believers of the Web don't ask for a lot, but they do appreciate the unvarnished truth. Anything less reeks of insincerity about the medium. That's why Curt Schilling's personal blog is a welcome respite from the watered-down happy talk that permeates the blogs of many well-known folks. The veteran Red Sox pitcher offers his opinion and you get the sense that it's truly him tapping away at his laptop keyboard. Schilling started his blog two weeks ago and has already done six posts of reader Q & A's, sprinkled alongside thoughts about spring training and his pitch selection. With Opening Day creeping close, we had to make a pitch for you to read this blog. We know it's only gonna get better as the season heats up.

For the winners of football's highest honor, the bling truly is the thing. Each player and coach from a Super Bowl–winning team receives a ring to commemorate the momentous occasion. While fashions change over the decades, the past forty years of Super Bowls have seen one constant—enormous rings encrusted with a variety of jewels. Of course, all rings aren't created equal. That's why this fascinating feature from ESPN shines like a diamond. Behind the detailed pictures of all 40 rings, you'll find that each sparkly halo has its own tale. Find out that Torry Holt can't fit his ring from seven years ago over his mangled finger, Steve Young doesn't like wearing any of his three prizes, and the legendary Vince Lombardi had a hand in designing the finger pieces for the Super Bowl II winners. Whether you're into bling or just learning about the rings of football history, you'll find stories that sum up what's great about sports.