Monday night's Boston Celtics game was amazing. Yes, you read that correctly, I said the loss was amazing. Before you accuse me of being an advocate of tanking, let me explain why losing to the Chicago Bulls (80-94) for the 2nd straight night qualifies as "amazing."

Rajon Rondo!

That simple. Rondo treated Celtics Nation to a much needed respite from frustration, agony, draft-speculation, Jeff Green bashing, tank-talking, Avery Bradley's contract and Coach Brad Stevens' performance review. Not to mention, Celtics' fans had a very rare glimpse into the mind of the perplexing Rajon Rondo.

In a much anticipated broadcasting debut (and a brilliant marketing ploy by CSNNE), Rajon Rondo sat along side the legendary Mike Gorman for not 1, but 2 full quarters! It was debatable whether Rondo would ever relinquish his mic to Cedric Maxwell for the remainder of the broadcast.

In the meantime, Twitter was ablaze with reactions, criticisms and high-praise for the captain's work, filling in for Tom Heinsohn. Here are some reactions from Boston bloggers, media, beat reporters, locker room crews and over-all great basketball minds. In addition to checking out the reactions to Rondo around Twitter, consider below a list of "must-follows" in Celtics-Nation. By clicking on their Tweets below, you will be linked to their websites (where applicable) and/or their Twitter feeds. As a bit of public service, I've also compiled a list below that will provide direct links to everyone's Twitter handles; like I said, these people are a must-follow!

Enjoy!

Follow CLNS Radio on Twitter

Twitter Glossary

Mike Gorman - Celtics TV Voice

Sean Grande - Celtics Radio Voice

Jared Weiss - CLNS Radio Locker Room Reporter | Host - Garden Report

Igor Mitic - Celtics Talk Radio

Christopher Vincent - Celtics Super Fan

Brian Robb - Celtics Hub Editor

CSNNE - CSN Official twitter Handle

Jimmy Toscano - CSNNE | Co-Host Garden Report

John Karalis - Red's Army

Chuck M. - Red's Army

KWAPT - Red's Army

Jay King - Mass Live

Hardwood Houdini - Fansided Celtics' Blog

Causeway Street - Celtics Blog

Nesha - Celtics Super Fan

Gary Dzen - Boston Globe

Evans Clinchey - CelticsBlog Locker Room Reporter | Co-Host Garden Report

Gethin Coolbaugh - Editor Boston Sports Today

CelticsLife - Celtics Blog

Adam Lowenstein - CLNS Celtics Post Game Show | Celtics-Nation | Celtics Hub

Nick Gelso - Founder | Co-Owner CLNS Radio

This is in no-way to be considered a definitive list of Celtics fans, bloggers or media. If you'd like to be included in posts similar to this, follow CLNS Radio on Twitter.

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Fearless Folks at Celtics-Nation...

Fearless indeed. Last week, our very close friend and fan, Nicola Bogani, sent in a mailbag entry, asking me 5 strategic questions regarding the Boston Celtics 2013-14 season. Nicola is the administrator of the very popular Celtic-Nation Italia Facebook group. After accepting Nicola's offer to participate in his 5 on 5 challenge, I realized just how out of touch I've been with the NBA season.

Launching Beats & Eats Podcast, running the business of a blogger and every-day life, has left me out of the loop with Celtics news. I can think Nicola for opening my eyes and sparking my interest in our Celtics again.

A big THANK YOU to Celtics-Nation and Celtic-Nation Italia Facebook Group for kicking me in the butt and getting me covering the team that brought me into podcasting and the blogosphere in the first place.

Grazie Nicola! Go Celtics!

Here's a Preview of the Q&A from Celtics-Nation & Celtic-Nation Italia Facebook Group

1)We are approaching the end of the first year of the rebuilding process. How would you rate this season, considering the whole picture we were into?

Jay: “Could it have gone much better? Jared Sullinger’s healthy, Kelly Olynyk’s improving, Brad Stevens can obviously coach at the NBA level, Avery Bradley’s expanding his range, Rajon Rondo’s bought in, and the Celtics could finish with one of the NBA’s three or four worst records (lottery!). This season’s been awful, but it’s also been a success on just about every level.”

Nick: This is a tough one. As a fan, my first reaction is to be annoyed and spout out, “F!” But that’s not fair… Coming into the 2013-14 season, I had predicted 26 wins. Today, the C’s sit with 23 wins and 12 games remaining. I guess that’s right on track, or exceeding my expectations…

Jamey: “This season was one of the more agonizing as a Celts fan. Granted, it was nothing like the ML Carr mess of 1996 or some of Doc’s early years, but it was tough to watch. But it certainly could of been a lot worse. This team as it sits now has a lot of competitors. These guys want to win and they’ve got a lot of heart. But that’s not enough. At this point, I just want it to be over. I absolutely detest the feeling of watching a game, knowing that it will be better for us to lose than win. Hopefully over these next few weeks we can inch closer to a top 3 pick & stay at least in the top 5. The latter being more realistic, as we simply won’t catch Orlando or Milwaukee loss wise.”

Adam: “While it is difficult to put the 2013-14 Celtics season on a scale from one to ten, it has sure has provided many exciting moments. From Jeff Green’s game-winner in Miami to Kris Humphries’ jumper that forced overtime in New Orleans to quite a few more, I have had fun enjoying the season for what it is: a focus on player (and coach) development. There have been some interesting discoveries from this season as Brad Stevens and the rest of the Celtics organization looks to see which players will be a part of the future. For instance, Green is most likely the third or fourth option on a championship team. In addition, Avery Bradley enjoys being a volume shooter. However, the questions then arise: how do these players fit in for the 2014-15 Celtics with Rajon Rondo as the projected centerpiece.”

Igor: I think when we put all the things Danny Ainge and Boston menagment did last year in the rebuilding process we ll must be very happy and very optimistic towards the future of the franshise..We have 9 or 10 first rounders in next 5 years drafts..We re loded with young tallents and solid veterans..We have All Star player,captain and the leader Rajon Rondo,proven player in NBA playoffs tested..Ainge is ready to make a Big Deal and to get us one or two stars in order to make us contenders in next 2 years..I m happy with the development of the young players and with the job Stevens did overal.It was fun to watch development of Avery Bradley,Jared Sullinger,Kelly Olynyk,revival of Kris Humphries,it was hughe difference when Rajon Rondo returned with the team…I can not wait for the next season to watch those youngsters,Stevens and Rondo..They can be only better..I d say A minus Mark for rebuilding process this season.

2) End of the rookie season for Brad Stevens. A quick feedback on his first year as Nba coach and your expectations for the future.

Check out the rest of the Q&A by clicking here

The  Boston Celtics are facing disqualification from the NBA Playoffs, for the first time since 2007. As our C's will be heading off to vacation early, my eyes have moved on to different NBA cities, with very familiar storylines. Here's a review of a couple news stories from around the league that involve our former stars in Boston.

Glen "Big Baby" Davis vs. Doc Rivers:

When Baby was shipped off to LA, to play for Doc Rivers again, my first thought was, this is a very frustrating situation. The LA Times is reporting on Sunday that Glen Davis was sent to the bench during the 2nd quarter of Saturday night's game, vs the Rockets. Baby Davis' "exchange of words" with Doc is nothing unfamiliar to Celtics fans. We've seen it before; we've criticized it before and now we watch from afar.

From LA Times:

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers grew so upset at Glen Davis that he had the backup forward removed from Saturday's game at Houston.

Rivers sent Davis to the locker room early in the second quarter after the two exchanged words.

After Rivers had pulled Davis early in the second quarter, Davis yelled something at Rivers, who in turn yelled, “Sit your big … down.”

A few seconds later associate head coach Alvin Gentry went to talk to Davis, but Rivers then told the team’s security personnel to escort Davis to the locker room.

That made the Clippers very short-handed in the frontcourt because Blake Griffin was in the locker room getting treatment for the back spasms that caused him to leave the game in the first quarter and Danny Granger had been sent to Los Angeles earlier in the day for treatment on his injured left hamstring.

Kevin Garnett to be benched for remainder of regular season:

When the 2013-14 NBA season tipped off, and the rebuilding Boston Celtics took the floor, devoid of Kevin Garnett, I thought to myself, what will I watch for now?

In KG's recent seasons in Boston, my eyes were rarely trained on double digit rebound numbers, soaring lobs from Rajon Rondo to KG, to the rim and game changing intensity. Those traits were still exuding from Garnett's presence on-court, however, my eyes were fixed on KG's ancient knees and legs at all times. I would find myself watching how Garnett jumped, how he landed, how he defended, how he moved laterally. Sadly, to me, it was much less of exhibition of admiration for Garnett's now legendary assets, and more of a silent watch over Garnett's body-movement. Our seasons fell largely on Garnett's contributions, especially down the stretch.

Brooklyn Nets fans were recently given the news that Garnett may sit out the rest of the season. I suppose I'd rather be contending for seeding this year, then already planning coverage for next year. However, things have changed in Boston but, according the NBC Sports, not much is different about what Garnett and Nets fans are now experiencing in uncertainty of his return.

From Bondy/NY Daily News:

In fact, Kidd said prior to the tipoff against the Cavs that Garnett doesn’t have to play again in the regular season to start the playoffs in shape or in rhythm.

Why?

“He’s played this game. It doesn’t change. If he gets to play before the playoffs, that’ll be great. If he gets to practice before the playoffs, that’ll be great. And if he had no practice or no games, for him being on the floor (in the playoffs) would help us dramatically. So however you look at it, him playing with us will help us. And game shape? He plays at a high level so he’s going to get tired no matter what.”

Deja Vu?

Celtics fans have heard those words before in relation to Kevin Garnett's availability.

It may be a disappointment to not make the playoffs, however, we are watching our former players from afar and, the uniforms may change but most storylines don't.

Brandon Bass receives high praise from CLNS Radio's Celtics Post Game Show...

It's been a tough season for this diehard Boston Celtics fan. Due to business distractions, the launching of a brand new style of podcast and the usual hustle and bustle of every-day life, contributions on the Celtics Post Game Show have been fleeting this season. Understanding the craziness that has captured my life, Post Game Show Producer, Matt Rury, has scheduled me more and more as social media analyst. This is different for me, the guy that our team has always described as a "big mouth," now silenced behind the CLNS social media handles. Different but also a fun a different way of observing our broadcast teams' loyal, reliable and intelligent coverage.

During Friday night's post game show, hosts Matt Rury and Matt Fahey sang high praise for the oft forgotten, Brandon Bass. Matt Rury called Bass, "consistent thru constant rotational and minute changes."

Bass echoed Rury's sentiments to Washburn/Globe:

TORONTO — The Celtics starters were outscored, 77-52, Friday night against the Raptors at Air Canada Centre, and Brandon Bass believes the recent lack of production may be a chemistry issue.

Brad Stevens went with his bench down the stretch as Boston went on a 26-10 run before losing, 105-103, on Amir Johnson’s putback with 7.1 seconds left. Rajon Rondo was the only Boston starter to play more than 30 minutes, while the trio of Bass, Kris Humphries, and Avery Bradley combined for just 18 field goal attempts.

Stevens correctly pointed out that the bench was producing.

The reserves scored 49 points, including a team-high 20 from Jerryd Bayless. Bass said the bench’s success is a byproduct of less structure.

“When they’re out there, they’re just playing,”

I am pretty sure that Brandon was not listening to Friday night's Post Game coverage. That said, a constant "criticism" of Coach Brad Stevens this season has been his inconsistent rotations and line-ups. It's clear Bass is also sharing in Celtics' fans' frustrations with the rookie head coaches decision-making in regards to player minutes. Bass said. “Everything is free flowing. With the first group, we have to play to our strengths, man. We got players out there that have to play to their strengths. If you don’t play to your strengths, it’s like your just out there.”

Don't forget to tune into CLNS Radio's Celtics Post Game Show, following every-single Celtics game.

According to Brad Stevens, Avery Bradley will return to action Friday night, vs. the Phoenix Suns.

Stevens told 98.5 The Sports Hub that Bradley will return tonight. Stevens also admitted that Rajon Rondo will likely only play the first game of this back-to-back series.

In Bradley's most recent bout with injuries, he has not played since February 9th. The lack of playing time has limited Avery's opportunities to share the back court with Rajon Rondo.

CLNS Radio will have their post-game coverage podcast, immediately following tonight's contest. Subscribe to the CLNS Radio YouTube Channel for full length, high definition, locker room coverage and the CelticsBlog/CLNS Radio HD Post Game Show, recapping every Celtics game at TD Garden.

Good Evening CLNS'ers.

For those of you that don’t know, I am Nick Gelso. Co-Owner/Co-Founder of CLNS Radio AND the co-host of the Award Nominated Podcast Beats & Eats.

CLNS Radio launched in 2010. Since then, Brandon Paul and I have been in pursuit of a charity for CLNS to partner up with.

On behalf of the ownership group at CLNS, I am proud to say that the pursuit has concluded.

In December of 2013, Gillian Larson of the hit reality show, Survivor, reached out to my Beats & Eats co-host, Ty Ray to invite CLNS and Beats and Eats to participate in her Reality Rally Charity Event.

Reality Rally is a 3 day fund raising event in Temecula California every April. The Rally brings over 100 Reality TV Stars and Hollywood Celebrities to town from about 30 different shows, Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, Hell’s Kitchen to name a few.

Reality Rally puts the FUN in Fundraising. Their "Fun for Funds" weekend is for the public to meet Reality Stars and interact with friends and family and raise funds for Michelle's Place, breast cancer resource center.

Now comes what you’ve all been waiting for…

Yes! This is a CALL TO ACTION!

On behalf of the ownership groups, management AND contributors of CLNS Radio AND The Beats and Eats Podcast Network, we are asking YOU to consider donating however much OR little to the Reality Rally event to benefit Michelle’s Place.

Because your charitable ways are so appreciated, a donation of $25 gets you a FREE ticket to the Reality Rally “Breakfast with the Stars” event. There you will meet many of the 100+ celebrities, as well as myself, Ty Ray, CLNS Radio AND MTV’s Awkward’s Matthew Fahey, Hell’s Kitchen Chefs’ Barret Beyer and Anthony Rodriguez, CLNS Celtics Locker Room Reporter, Jared Weiss and potentially many more of your favorite CLNS personalities.

100 percent of your the net proceeds of your donation goes DIRECTLY to Michelle’s Place.

The fundraising period ends on Friday, February 14th so time is of the essence.

Join us helping to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. It’s so easy to donate. Simply go to CLNS Radio’s Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/clnsfans OR go directly to www.beatsandeatscharities.com - There, you will find that you can donate using major credit cards and donations are accepted  in any amount - No AMOUNT is too little.

Sincerely,

The Ownership Group of CLNS Radio

http://www.michellesplace.org/

http://www.realityrally.com

http://www.beatsandeatscharities.com

Nick Gelso wants to catch up with you and ask for your help..

Happy New Year to all of my friends at CLNS Radio.

It's been quite a while since I personally checked in with you all. In that time, much has taken place in my life, I'd like to fill you in and ask for your help...

As many of you can remember, during the 2012-13 Boston Celtics season, I complained of writers block. I had isolated myself to solely contributing to the Celtics Post Game Show on CLNS. Though I was still active in all the behind-the-scenes decision making, I had stopped writing or making guest appearances on other podcasts, radio shows throughout the nation. Some would call in podfading, others may say I had jumped ship with Kevin Garnett, Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce. Truth be told, after 5 years of living, breathing, sleeping, dreaming and bleeding Celtics green, I had found myself completely burnt out and devoid of much creativity.

In July of 2012, I was contemplating stepping back from CLNS Radio all together.

In August of 2012, Ty Ray approached me with an idea to get my creative spirit back. He had talked about creating an outlet for he and I to allow our sports friends/fans to get to know us a bit more intimately. A way for people to find out what we do when we are not breaking down Celtics games or bashing the LA Lakers and Miami Heat.

Ty had envisioned a virtual lounge that would act as a happy hour for OUR minds; two sports broadcasters, sitting around, smoking a cigar, sipping a scotch and BS'ing about things we love, outside of sports.

Frankly, I thought he was crazy. But in an attempt to regain my motivation for online, creative work, I thought I'd give it a try. This was the birth of the Beats & Eats Podcast Network.

After three months of planning, Ty Ray and I were ready to launch our iTunes and Stitcher Feeds that stands alone, yet is still associated with our roots, here at CLNS Radio.

I am so appreciative to my friends and fans from CLNS that have embraced our new project. It's often said that people who aspire to be podcasters, but get into the business with no support or following, often podfade, before their 10th episode goes live. Ty and I had the advantage of having a faithful and loyal following, that spanned 6 years, right here at CLNS Radio. To those of you, and there's many, who have followed us on our new journey, Ty and I owe you a very heartfelt Thank you!

So, to now bring you up to speed on where I am today...

Beats & Eats has grown beyond my wildest dreams. I now have the starving desire for this venture that I felt back in 2008, when I launch North Station Sports and again, in 2010 when North Station Sports merged with Gino's Jungle to create CLNS Radio. It feels so good to have that passion back in my veins and have my mind over-whelmed with the possibilities that lie ahead...

I am encouraging you, I am asking you to take a look at what we are doing by visiting our iTunes feed and, while you're there, please leave us a rating and review. Most importantly, subscribe to our iTunes feed; it costs you nothing, yet helps us tremendously - here's the link. We are so proud to tell you that, after only 3 months of broadcasting, B&E has been featured on the front page of iTunes for 2 of those months, and ranks in the top 10 in the pop culture category! We need your help, our friends/family here at CLNS, to keep us there. Rating, reviewing and subscribing is the key to our success with B&E.

Beats & Eats has launched an iPhone/iPad App. We really encourage you to download it for FREE here. This is an amazing way for you to get caught up with what we are doing now and to get involved by joining our growing community. Here's the link to our FREE APP.

Now, on to the most exciting news...

As you've heard on CLNS Radio, we have been really promoting Stitcher as the newest and best way to listen to CLNS broadcasts and Beats & Eats podcasts. Stitcher is narrowing the gap between number 2 and number 1 in the way people consume podcasts. It's expected that Stitcher will likely surpass iTunes in podcast consumption in 2014. Stitcher is currently being outfitted in BMW and Mazda in 2014. This is a exciting news for both CLNS and B&E because, after 6 years in the podcast business, it finally seems that the masses are catching on to the great entertainment that podcasting presents them.

I am so excited to share with you that Beats & Eats has been nominated for Best Food and Wine Podcast in the Annual Stitcher Awards. Among the 20,000+ active podcasts on Stitcher, Beats & Eats has made it to the FINAL SIX in the category of Food and Wine. Our competition is stiff, as we sit along side Celebrity Chefs, Alton Brown and Andrew Zimmern. So we really need your help by voting today, and every day leading up to the January 13th deadline. You can VOTE HERE

Here is are "play-by-play" instructions on how to vote:

Remember: you can vote once per day, every day....

Go to the Stitcher Voting Home Page Here

Before voting, you must link your Facebook Account to the Stitcher Page

Click the Vote Now Button to take you to the voting page

Scroll down to the Beats & Eats logo and click

Submit your vote. You will then be prompted to share that you voted on your social media accounts. Though it would help us tremendously for you to share every day that you vote, we do respect your privacy and understand if you do not want to share. Sharing, or not sharing does not affect your vote being counted.

Again, we cannot thank you enough for your support in our effort to win the Annual Stitcher Awards. We hope that your will show B&E the same passion, loyalty and love that you've shown CLNS Radio over the years.

Thanks again and GO CELTICS!

Sincerely,

Nick Gelso

95 years and 7 months of waiting are now over...

On Thursday night, the Boston Red Sox clinched their first World Series Title at the historic Fenway Park since 1918. The city of Boston can celebrate their 3rd title in 10 years. This time, the Sox have won on their home field, in a year that found Bostonians' over-coming great adversity.

On April 15, 2013, the tragedy at the Boston Marathon struck horror in the hearts of all Americans. Who can forget the echoes of Sweet Caroline billowing out of ball parks and sporting arenas around the world? The Boston Marathon Bombings brought the world together and on Thursday night, the Red Sox capped off a tragic year with a championship celebration, in the very city where so much sorrow struck it's citizens just seven months earlier.

#BostonStrong were the chants that were heard in the streets of Boston. Boylston Street, Causeway Street, Fenway, living rooms, "man-caves," were all ablaze with, not sports chants, but resounding echoes of unity, in celebration of their Red Sox.

This was not just a sports victory, but a small bit of closure and a sense of triumph for a city still hurting from the events that were caught on camera, all around the globe. Yes, Boston deserves a celebration and Thursday night, they got it.

Congrats to our Boston Red Sox! You are #BostonStrong!

Stay Tuned to CLNS Radio for a full game 6 recap

LeBron James, basketball historian, athletic extraordinaire. When recently asked who his top 3 players were in NBA history, he sat back, exhaled and thought a bit... he spouted out...

#1 - Michael Jordan

#2 - Dr. J.

#3 - Larry Bird.