Latest updated news about Dolphins, Bucs Start Preseason With Wins from Florida Today
Phillip Livas scored on a 75-yard punt return in the third quarter to help Miami overcome a difficult start by quarterback Chad Henne in the Dolphins' 28-23 preseason victory against the host Atlanta Falcons on Friday night.
Not to be outdone, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into Arrowhead Stadium and came out with a 25-0 romp against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Dolphins trailed 17-0 at one point in their game. Henne threw interceptions on two of Miami's first three possessions before connecting with Brian Hartline for a 44-yard touchdown pass that made it 17-7 early in the second quarter.
Henne, who completed 4-of-8 passes for 77 yards, did his best work against defensive reserves.
For the Dolphins, who host Carolina at home next week and open the regular season at home Sept. 12 against New England, it was more a matter of who didn't play as coach Tony Sparano decided to avoid injury risk.
Running back Reggie Bush, receiver Brandon Marshall and defensive end Jason Taylor wore uniforms, but not helmets, and stood on the sideline. Left tackle Jake Long wasn't in uniform.
Daniel Thomas started in Bush's place and ran four times for 5 yards. Davone Bess subbed for Marshall and caught two passes for 8 yards.
Miami is coming off a 7-9 season after which Dolphins owner Stephen Ross considered firing Sparano but brought him back when Jim Harbaugh took the San Francisco job.
Freeman, meanwhile, was smooth and efficient while leading Tampa Bay to points on three of the four series he played, and the third-year quarterback helped the Buccaneers take advantage of every bobble and blunder that the Chiefs made.
Freeman was 9-of-13 for 73 yards while playing for the first time at Arrowhead Stadium, just a few miles from where he grew into a high school star. He also ran 5 yards for a score.
Backup Josh Johnson looked like veteran Michael Vick against the Chiefs' backups, completing 7-of-12 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled five times for 57 yards, showing a lot of open-field elusiveness and causing the Kansas City defense fits.
The game figured to be sloppy after the NFL lockout wiped away the offseason. Teams have only been together for about two weeks, and veteran free agents couldn't even practice until last Thursday because of new language in the collective bargaining agreement.
Kansas City had barely worked out in pads, and coach Todd Haley decided not to scrimmage during camp, wary that too much hitting too early might result in unnecessary injuries.
It wasn't much surprise that the Chiefs looked unprepared.
Quinten Lawrence made a poor decision to bring the opening kickoff out of the endzone, getting wrestled down at the 8. The Chiefs went three-and-out on their first possession, fumbled on their next two, and watched backup quarterback Tyler Palko get sacked for a safety on another.
Freeman needed only two plays to turn the first fumble into a touchdown, then led Tampa Bay on an eight-play drive that Connor Barth capped with a 25-yard field goal.
Barth added another field goal later in the half before Palko's safety made it 15-0.
Things didn't improve for Kansas City in the second half.
Tampa Bay marched right down field against the Chiefs' backups, putting together a nine-play, 55-yard drive that resulted in a 3-yard pass from Josh Johnson to Michael Spurlock and a 22-0 lead.
Backup kicker Jacob Rogers added a 46-yard field goal early in the fourth.
Freeman is trying to build on a breakout season in which he threw for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns. The tall, strong-armed quarterback has looked sharp all camp, and he certainly carried the momentum right into his first preseason game. Freeman checked off when warranted, eluded a feeble Kansas City pass rush when necessary and deftly managed the offense when he was in the game.
Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris planned to play his starters about 20 plays, so Freeman was done early in the second quarter. But that didn't stop the Bucs from churning out offense.
Just about the only positive for the Chiefs was that none of the starters got hurt.
They didn't have much chance.
Cassel was on the field for four plays and didn't throw a pass. Running back Jamaal Charles, who ran for 1,467 yards a year ago, didn't have a carry. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe didn't make a catch.
Defensive end Tamba Hali, the Chiefs' franchise player who signed to a five-year, $60 million contract during training camp, looked awfully good standing on the sideline. He was among several players for both teams who did little more than dress for the game.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Not Too Late For Meteor Viewing Tonight - Abilene Reporter-News
Latest updated news about Not Too Late For Meteor Viewing Tonight from Abilene Reporter-News
A yearly meteor shower that must have inspired wonder and fear in ancient humans — and led some more modern people to suspect that ETs were in the sky — hit its expected peak before dawn this morning.
The Perseid meteor shower, an annual event that starts in mid-August, often has been described as "fire in the sky" and may have inspired that phrase in the late John Denver's ballad "Rocky Mountain High."
During Friday night's show of the meteor shower, the event was accompanied on stage by two companions — the full moon and the International Space Station gliding far aloft above American towns and rural territory, said Tony Phillips of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
"The meteor shower is already under way. Earth is passing through a broad stream of debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, and specks of comet dust are hitting the top of Earth's atmosphere at 140,000 mph," Phillips wrote on NASA's website. "These disintegrating meteors stream out of the constellation Perseus — hence the name 'Perseids.' "
The problem with the full moon is that moonlight and meteor showers don't mix well, for much the same reason that city lights mar the background for viewing the shower.
Susan Feemster, science content specialist for the Abilene Independent School District, said she and her husband had to get out of town the last time they watched the Perseids.
"We went out past Tuscola after dark," she said.
Almost a half-century ago, American astronomer L.V. Robinson was assigned to help dispel concerns that a fiery display in the night sky over England was unidentified flying objects, possibly space aliens.
Robinson, who worked for the U.S. Air Force's Air Sciences Division, reported that to the best of his limited information, "these meteors could be an explanation of some of the sightings observed over Lakenheath and Bentwaters."
The Perseids could be quite spectacular over England, and are at their visual peak between Aug. 11 and Aug. 20, Robinson wrote in his report dated Aug. 14, 1956.
Although the peak spectacle has passed, it's not too late to view the Perseids, said Hardin-Simmons University astronomer Patrick Miller via email.
"The shower does linger around more than a couple days, since the debris stream is a wide one, and the Earth spends a couple of weeks or so crossing it," he said.
A yearly meteor shower that must have inspired wonder and fear in ancient humans — and led some more modern people to suspect that ETs were in the sky — hit its expected peak before dawn this morning.
The Perseid meteor shower, an annual event that starts in mid-August, often has been described as "fire in the sky" and may have inspired that phrase in the late John Denver's ballad "Rocky Mountain High."
During Friday night's show of the meteor shower, the event was accompanied on stage by two companions — the full moon and the International Space Station gliding far aloft above American towns and rural territory, said Tony Phillips of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
"The meteor shower is already under way. Earth is passing through a broad stream of debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, and specks of comet dust are hitting the top of Earth's atmosphere at 140,000 mph," Phillips wrote on NASA's website. "These disintegrating meteors stream out of the constellation Perseus — hence the name 'Perseids.' "
The problem with the full moon is that moonlight and meteor showers don't mix well, for much the same reason that city lights mar the background for viewing the shower.
Susan Feemster, science content specialist for the Abilene Independent School District, said she and her husband had to get out of town the last time they watched the Perseids.
"We went out past Tuscola after dark," she said.
Almost a half-century ago, American astronomer L.V. Robinson was assigned to help dispel concerns that a fiery display in the night sky over England was unidentified flying objects, possibly space aliens.
Robinson, who worked for the U.S. Air Force's Air Sciences Division, reported that to the best of his limited information, "these meteors could be an explanation of some of the sightings observed over Lakenheath and Bentwaters."
The Perseids could be quite spectacular over England, and are at their visual peak between Aug. 11 and Aug. 20, Robinson wrote in his report dated Aug. 14, 1956.
Although the peak spectacle has passed, it's not too late to view the Perseids, said Hardin-Simmons University astronomer Patrick Miller via email.
"The shower does linger around more than a couple days, since the debris stream is a wide one, and the Earth spends a couple of weeks or so crossing it," he said.
North Kitsap Options Alumni Return For Hamlet North Kitsap Herald
Latest updated news about North Kitsap Options Alumni Return For Hamlet from North Kitsap Herald
PORT GAMBLE — What began as an after school acting group transformed into a production company dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. Comprised of North Kitsap Options Alumni, the Changeling Shakespeare Company has brought the works of Shakespear to the North Kitsap community off and on for about 10 years. Starting Aug. 18, the Options graduates will return to the area for a production of “Hamlet,” and hope to take full advantage of the Port Gamble Theater.
“(The company) looked at a couple other places, but it’s exciting that we’re going to be in the newly opened theater,” producer Kendal Peiguss said. “The location is great.”
Peiguss, 21, who will play Hamlet, began acting in the Options program’s drama workshops at about age 10. Though she now studies public relations and marketing at (insert college in Boston), she said the drama program integrated in Options left her with more than fond memories. Learning how to communicate and work as a team was invaluable, she said. Peiguss described herself as “shy,” but after her studies in Options, she left as an “excellent communicator.”
The drama program was built up by Bob Deweese, now retired from the North Kitsap School District. Drama is now incorporated into all Option’s classrooms, each class producing at least one play per year. Peiguss said the production of “Hamlet” is a way to honor Deweese’s work in the Options program. Deweese is also directing the show.
Though the company performs multiple Shakespeare plays, Peiguss said “Hamlet” was chosen because it explores the human psyche and incorporates aspects of human life that most people can relate to. The actors will speak using Old English, but even if audience members do not understand all the language, the stage acting and character interaction will draw them in, she said.
Actors range from ages 14 to 22. The membership of Changeling morphed as students graduated, but this cast is mostly those who have stuck with the production company. Many alumni are traveling from around the West Coast and the country to be a part of the play.
Because The Roving Players are holding “The Mousetrap” in the Theater until Aug. 14, the Changeling crew must make do to rehearse at a private residence. Making rehearsal more difficult was the cast could not begin until everyone could get together. Peiguss said everyone has their lines down, it’s really just the stage acting left to practice.
“We’re doing intensive all-day rehearsals,” she said.
The cast begins rehearsal about 7:30 a.m. and ends in the evening; sometime around 8 p.m.
Not able to fill the theater until Aug. 15, Peiguss said everyone is excited to act in the newly renovated Port Gamble Theater, which reopened this year for the first time in 60 years.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work in (Port Gamble Theater),” she said. “We’ve done (the play) in small classroom theaters and we’ve managed. So having more space will give us more options.”
PORT GAMBLE — What began as an after school acting group transformed into a production company dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. Comprised of North Kitsap Options Alumni, the Changeling Shakespeare Company has brought the works of Shakespear to the North Kitsap community off and on for about 10 years. Starting Aug. 18, the Options graduates will return to the area for a production of “Hamlet,” and hope to take full advantage of the Port Gamble Theater.
“(The company) looked at a couple other places, but it’s exciting that we’re going to be in the newly opened theater,” producer Kendal Peiguss said. “The location is great.”
Peiguss, 21, who will play Hamlet, began acting in the Options program’s drama workshops at about age 10. Though she now studies public relations and marketing at (insert college in Boston), she said the drama program integrated in Options left her with more than fond memories. Learning how to communicate and work as a team was invaluable, she said. Peiguss described herself as “shy,” but after her studies in Options, she left as an “excellent communicator.”
The drama program was built up by Bob Deweese, now retired from the North Kitsap School District. Drama is now incorporated into all Option’s classrooms, each class producing at least one play per year. Peiguss said the production of “Hamlet” is a way to honor Deweese’s work in the Options program. Deweese is also directing the show.
Though the company performs multiple Shakespeare plays, Peiguss said “Hamlet” was chosen because it explores the human psyche and incorporates aspects of human life that most people can relate to. The actors will speak using Old English, but even if audience members do not understand all the language, the stage acting and character interaction will draw them in, she said.
Actors range from ages 14 to 22. The membership of Changeling morphed as students graduated, but this cast is mostly those who have stuck with the production company. Many alumni are traveling from around the West Coast and the country to be a part of the play.
Because The Roving Players are holding “The Mousetrap” in the Theater until Aug. 14, the Changeling crew must make do to rehearse at a private residence. Making rehearsal more difficult was the cast could not begin until everyone could get together. Peiguss said everyone has their lines down, it’s really just the stage acting left to practice.
“We’re doing intensive all-day rehearsals,” she said.
The cast begins rehearsal about 7:30 a.m. and ends in the evening; sometime around 8 p.m.
Not able to fill the theater until Aug. 15, Peiguss said everyone is excited to act in the newly renovated Port Gamble Theater, which reopened this year for the first time in 60 years.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work in (Port Gamble Theater),” she said. “We’ve done (the play) in small classroom theaters and we’ve managed. So having more space will give us more options.”
EPL: Chino Rheem Bests Seidel For First-Ever Epic Ring - Bluff Magazine
Latest updated news about EPL: Chino Rheem Bests Seidel For First-Ever Epic Ring from Bluff Magazine
Rheem had to be escorted to the cage by security
Prior to the start of the Epic Poker League $20,000 Six-Handed Main Event, Chino Rheem was already a notable name in the poker world, both for his poker accomplishments, such as winning a WPT and final tabling the 2008 WSOP Main Event, as well as some personal issues, including a criminal record and an alleged history of owing debts to other players.
The final table of the Epic Poker League event served as a spotlight for both Rheem’s poker skills and his personal struggles. He defeated an all-star line-up of players at the final table to pick up the $1 million first place prize and inaugural Epic Poker win, but the event was marred by controversy and tension as players sweated the action.
The final table began with Hasan Habib, Rheem, and Jason Mercier clustered near the top of the counts, but a slow start to the final table saw the players near the bottom of the counts make up some ground.
The short stack when the final table began was Huck Seed. He managed to gain some ground on his competitors, but he still ended up being the sixth place finisher, heading home when he lost a coinflip holding J
J
to Mercier’s AK
to head home in sixth place.That hand gave Mercier the chip lead, but Rheem didn’t take long before he clawed his way back to the top spot. Mercier fought back by picking up the rest of Gavin Smith’s chips. Smith busted at the hands of Mercier when he ran pocket nines into Mercier’s pocket queens.
Sure, Mercier volleyed, but it only took a couple of orbits before Rheem returned, eliminating Habib in fourth place. Habib moved all-in over the top of a raise from Rheem holding 6
6 and Rheem called with 77. Habib hit the rail and the field was down to three.The early goings of the final table were dominated by Rheem and Mercier, but three-handed play is when Erik Seidel made his presence known. He doubled thru Mercier in a massive coinflip where Seidel’s A
K flopped a king against Mercier’s 55. That hand put Mercier on the shortstack. Seidel got the rest of Mercier’s chips a short while later when Mercier took a stand with 89 and Seidel called with KJ. Mercier failed to improve and Seidel chipped up enough to start heads-up play against Rheem with virtually even stacks.The heads-up battle may have been even when it began, but Rheem quickly pulled ahead, winning pot after pot and doing so with a flourish, bantering back and forth with Seidel as the two took turns showing each other cards. Seidel seemed to be having just as good a time as Rheem was, even though he found himself at a serious chip disadvantage.
On the final hand of play, Seidel took a stand with A
Q and Rheem had him in bad shape AK. The A843T board was no help to Seidel and Rheem picked up the first-ever Epic Poker Championship Ring, not to mention $1 million.Though he won the title, beating a tough, tough field, Rheem was subdued following his victory. The less than overwhelming response to the victory might be explained by the fact that Rheem is rumored to have outstanding debts with a number of pros, several of which were waiting for the tournament to end, ostensibly to collect.
Security escorted Rheem to the cage after he received the Championship Ring from League Commissioner Annie Duke. While Rheem told Duke and EPL host Ali Nejad that he was thrilled to be back in the winner’s circle for the first time since he won the WPT Festa al Lago event in 2008, it certainly was not a stress-free day for the league’s million-dollar man.
Seidel, meanwhile, adds to his already enormous 2011 bounty, increasing his 2011 earnings to more than $6.2 million.
Here are the final table results from the opening Main Event of the Epic Poker League:
1st: Chino Rheem - $1,000,000
2nd: Erik Seidel - $604,330
3rd: Jason Mercier - $360,970
4th: Hasan Habib - $237,560
5th: Gavin Smith - $154,260
6th: Huck Seed - $107,980
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Sunday, August 21, 2011
Rodman Shows Off His True Colors - ESPN
Latest updated news Rodman Shows Off His True Colors from ESPN
By Justin Verrier
ESPN.com
Archive
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- It's a shame Dennis Rodman's photo will be drenched in sepia like the rest of the gatekeepers that peer down from the circular ceiling at basketball's hallowed hall.
For the most colorful palette the NBA has ever seen, tie-dye might be more appropriate. Maybe with a few sequins, too.
For the better part of 14 NBA seasons spread across five franchises, Rodman defined excess.
On the court, he grabbed more rebounds than any other player in seven straight seasons from 1991 to '98, and he finished his career with the best rebound rate (23.4) in NBA history. Off the court, he grabbed as many headlines as possible, wearing more outlandish outfits and hair colors than anyone in league annals while throwing his body around nightclubs and the party scene as hard as he would chasing after a loose ball.
But as Rodman stepped on the stage at Springfield's Symphony Hall and into the Basketball Hall of Fame, the persona for which he's been known for so long slowly melted away to reveal the man so long forgotten behind the dark green eye shadow.
Oh, there were outrageous oufits. Plural.
Rodman didn't come dressed in his birthday suit like he said he would years ago. But the garb he did don was certainly no letdown. A silver coat with matching plumage-adorned cowboy hat and boa, the ensemble of his red-carpet arrival was part cockatoo, part astronaut, part Steven Tyler. And sometime during the speeches of the nine other members of the Class of 2011 that came before, "The Worm" managed a quick costume change into a black suit with "Pistons," "Bulls" and his initials, among other designs, bedazzled on the front and back, complete with a scarf so blinged out that not even Liberace would have dared to go there.
But in his 13-minute goodbye to the basketball world, Rodman eschewed all the glitz and glamour that his career stands for to so many and bared his soul for the world to see.
After spending the first two minutes of his speech reading off a long list of names of people who had helped him along the way -- including, of course, comedian Penny Marshall, who's filming his documentary -- Rodman spent almost a minute choking on his tears, all 6-foot-7 of his brawny frame erupting with raw emotion.
"I didn't play the game for the money," Rodman said, his eyes welling with tears as he paused to force out the next words. "I didn't play to be famous. What you see here is just an illusion; I just love to be an individual that's very colorful."
But as Rodman went on, his speech became more confessional than congratulatory.
He reached out to his fellow Hall of Famers, for the struggle he and other poverty-stricken players had to endure to get where they are.
"I coud've been dead; I could've been a drug dealer. I could've been homeless -- I was homeless," he said. "A lot of you guys that are in here in the Hall of Fame know what it's like to be in the projects and trying to get out the projects. And I did that. But it took a lot of bumps along the road."
He reached out to his father, Philander, who he claims cashed in on his fame with a book despite never being a part of his life.
"He made a lot of money, but he never came and said hello to me," Rodman said. "But that didn't stop me from persevering."
He reached out to his mother, Shirley, sitting in the audience, never sugarcoating a troubled past that includes Rodman being kicked out of his home in his early 20s.
"I resented her for a long time," he said. "My mother rarely ever hugged me or hugged my siblings. She didn't know how. But she managed.
"I wasn't like most players in the NBA who say, 'I'm going to take care of my mother.' I was real selfish, because of things she did to me in my life. But as I got older things changed. I haven't been a great son to you the last [few] years, but now we can laugh about that."
And he reached out to his wife, Michelle, and his three children, his young boy sporting a Rodman-esque blue Mohawk hidden behind his dad's fine-feathered hat.
"If anyone asks if I have any regrets in your career being a basketball player, I say I have one regret: I wish I was a better father, " Rodman said.
With the "only man that would ever cry for [him]," Phil Jackson, by his side, Rodman reached a level so seldom seen these days by reaching through the superficial. The same way Rodman said Jackson, Jerry Buss, Chuck Daly and James Rich, who long ago helped Rodman off the streets, once did for him.
This year's induction ceremony was full of memorable moments.
Chris Mullin was smooth and precise, shouting out his Brooklyn roots and his favorite two nuns seated in the audience with equal poise and enthusiasm. Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer was as measured and confident as she is in the huddle, calling upon words from Malcolm Gladwell and telling the tale of how her parents met in Springfield some years ago. Tom "Satch" Sanders -- inarguably the smoothest new member of the Hall -- and Artis Gilmore each went out with style and grace.
The night, however, belonged to Rodman. To his one last chance to put on a show, one last chance to remind us what had us glued on him, even when in the presence of basketball's greatest.
During a recent phone call with my generally basketball oblivious mother, I mentioned my trip down to Springfield to watch Rodman, a player she knows only through his high-profile flings with Hollywood starlets, ride off into the sunset.
"The weirdo with the hair?" she queried, almost in disbelief.
The one and only.
Justin Verrier is an NBA editor for ESPN.com.
By Justin Verrier
ESPN.com
Archive
Just In Time For The New NFL Season, Taptu Brings Fantasy Football ToMobile ... - Washington Post
Latest updated news about Just In Time For The New NFL Season, Taptu Brings Fantasy Football ToMobile from Washington Post
By TechCrunch.com,
From its founding in 2007, Taptu was a startup that specialized in search and touch-based interfaces for mobile, launching a realtime mobile search engine in conjunction with OneRiot back in 2009, for example. In November of last year, the startup made the smart decision to bring its mobile search proficiency into the news reader market, launching Flipboard-like Android and iPhone apps that brought an interesting value proposition to bear on the burgeoning mobile reader market: Users could aggregate more than 5,000 mixed streams — no paltry number, and far more than that offered by the competition.
In April, Taptu launched on the iPad with a sleek and clean design that, again, worked to differentiate itself from competitors like Flipboard, Pulse, Flud (and perhaps Editions) by bringing its proprietary mobile search tech to bear on the aggregation of thousands of news sources, rather than relying on those tired RSS feeds.
As some readers may know, the National Football League had been in the grips of a contentious lockout that put the 2011 season in jeopardy. The owners and players were recently able to come to terms, ending the lockout on July 25th, and allowing the pigskin show to go on. Seeing as football is back on, not wanting to miss out on a golden opportunity to expand their feature set, Taptu is today entering into a new athletic domain with the launch of a NFL fantasy football news stream for Taptu users on both smartphones and tablets. The new stream enables fans to receive updates on every critical stat and news item in realtime, allowing fantasy footballers to field a competitive team each and every week.
As my colleague MG wrote last week, the sports world has largely been underrepresented on tablets and news readers, because ESPN (the behemoth of sports content) has basically been absent from the space — at least in terms of partnering with other developers or startups to syndicate their content. But last week, Pulse dropped a bomb on the news reader tablet market by announcing that it was the first player in the space to receive an infusion of ESPN content, along with existing content from Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, and so on.
While this was a big win for Pulse, there is still an even more coveted, niche demographic that remains underrepresented on tablets, which would be none other than fantasy sports. Fantasy sports are currently played by over 27 million Americans; it’s becoming an increasingly popular pastime (and money maker). And for those who are involved, or have friends who play, fantasy sports are by and large a rabid group.
Though it depends on the sport, in order to field the best team each week, fantasy sports players have to consume a lot of information about who’s playing well, including what players are injured, or under-performing, etc. Fantasy sports enthusiasts consume a lot of news and statistics, they do their homework, like analysts, or enterprising journalists — obviously a great customer to have if you’re a mobile startup.
Over the next 30 days, loads of football fans will be building out their teams on their desktops and mobile devices in preparation for the start of the season. And now, thanks to Taptu, those fans no longer have to visit multiple websites to get the lowdown on a trade or injury. Plus, Taptu’s fantasy feature lets users mix and match from football’s big publications and blogs into one stream, making the information easy to read and glance over.
And, in a nose-thumbing at Pulse, Taptu will feature breaking news from ESPN, SB Nation, Fox and CBS Sports, among others. To find the app’s fantasy football stream, users simply go to the “Stream Store” and look for the fantasy football icon, click “+”, and the stream will be added to a user’s news collection. As before, Taptu is available for free on iOS (here) as well as Android phones and tablets (here).
Movie Review Final Destination Death Rolls On - Daijiworld.com
Latest updated news about Movie Review Final Destination Death Rolls On from Daijiworld.com
By Satyen K. Bordoloi
Film: "Final Destination 5"; Director: Steven Quale; Actors: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell and Arlen Escarpeta; Ratings: ***
Among all horror films, the "Final Destination" series has an ingenious plot. Unlike your slasher, monster, supernatural killer films, the villain is none other than death itself - a super villain if you can call it that - that can neither be fought nor reasoned with because it's not really a 'living', visible entity. There is thus no postponing the inevitable, only the illusion of it.
The fifth instalment of the movie plays the exact same plot. After a group of people survive sure death in a suspension-bridge collapse due to the premonition of a colleague, they fatefully realise that there's no way to cheat death as it comes for them one by one.
There are seemingly endless ways for people, fragile as we are, to die. The strength of the franchise has not been the originality of the plot or script, but of coming up with the most bizarre and unconventional ways to kill its protagonists.
The idea is to put the invisible man, death, at the helm of this orchestra of killings.
And for this invincible, omnipotent and omnipresent opponent, every little thing counts. Even a little screw has the potential to cause the most gruesome death through a series of events that work like clockwork under death's conducting wand.
Since the adversary - death - cannot be fought, the series can work only in terms of the ways in which the characters die.
This fifth installation does bring out its dose of some of the most inconceivable deaths... during a Chinese acupressure therapy, while getting laser done on the eye, and during a gymnastic routine, among others.
For audiences who like this kind of cinema, the film really works.
It has many elements that make it better than the rest in the series. Compared to the others, this one has a fairly steady pace. The film also introduces a certain way to cheat death -- which works for it.
The visuals and effects work up the horror of the manner of dying and the film does manage to tease the viewers with multiple permutations and combinations to its death.
The scene of the death of the gymnasts illustrates this best. A small loose screw from an AC duct above lies in wait for its victim, so does a loose performing rod nearby while a little gush of water is making its way to an open electrical wire.
The audience, aware that death is inevitable, is at the edge of their seats wondering what will cause it. The way it finally happens is scientifically impossible, but macabre nonetheless.
The film ends on the plane where the first one had begun. And going by the looks of it, this particular film may have ended, but this - one of the most successful horror franchises from Hollywood - is far from its final destination.
By Satyen K. Bordoloi
Film: "Final Destination 5"; Director: Steven Quale; Actors: Nicholas D'Agosto, Emma Bell and Arlen Escarpeta; Ratings: ***
Among all horror films, the "Final Destination" series has an ingenious plot. Unlike your slasher, monster, supernatural killer films, the villain is none other than death itself - a super villain if you can call it that - that can neither be fought nor reasoned with because it's not really a 'living', visible entity. There is thus no postponing the inevitable, only the illusion of it.
The fifth instalment of the movie plays the exact same plot. After a group of people survive sure death in a suspension-bridge collapse due to the premonition of a colleague, they fatefully realise that there's no way to cheat death as it comes for them one by one.
There are seemingly endless ways for people, fragile as we are, to die. The strength of the franchise has not been the originality of the plot or script, but of coming up with the most bizarre and unconventional ways to kill its protagonists.
The idea is to put the invisible man, death, at the helm of this orchestra of killings.
And for this invincible, omnipotent and omnipresent opponent, every little thing counts. Even a little screw has the potential to cause the most gruesome death through a series of events that work like clockwork under death's conducting wand.
Since the adversary - death - cannot be fought, the series can work only in terms of the ways in which the characters die.
This fifth installation does bring out its dose of some of the most inconceivable deaths... during a Chinese acupressure therapy, while getting laser done on the eye, and during a gymnastic routine, among others.
For audiences who like this kind of cinema, the film really works.
It has many elements that make it better than the rest in the series. Compared to the others, this one has a fairly steady pace. The film also introduces a certain way to cheat death -- which works for it.
The visuals and effects work up the horror of the manner of dying and the film does manage to tease the viewers with multiple permutations and combinations to its death.
The scene of the death of the gymnasts illustrates this best. A small loose screw from an AC duct above lies in wait for its victim, so does a loose performing rod nearby while a little gush of water is making its way to an open electrical wire.
The audience, aware that death is inevitable, is at the edge of their seats wondering what will cause it. The way it finally happens is scientifically impossible, but macabre nonetheless.
The film ends on the plane where the first one had begun. And going by the looks of it, this particular film may have ended, but this - one of the most successful horror franchises from Hollywood - is far from its final destination.
Source: Texas A&M To Join SEC - ESPN
Latest updated news about Source: Texas A&M To Join SEC from ESPN
ESPN.com news services
ESPN.com news services
Texas A&M intends to move from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference, where it hopes to begin play in 2012, school officials have said.
After 15 years in the Big 12, Texas A&M has been considering the switch for the second time in a year.
A high-ranking source within Texas A&M confirmed to ESPN's Doug Gottlieb on Saturday morning the Aggies were poised to join the SEC. The San Antonio Express-News reported the time frame of their tentative plans to begin competition.
Several possible roadblocks remain, however.
All but one of the SEC's school presidents will meet Sunday to discuss A&M's admission to the league, The New York Times has reported, citing a high-ranking conference official with first-hand knowledge of the talks.
And the Big 12's athletic directors have scheduled a 4 p.m. ET conference call with commissioner Dan Beebe to discuss the situation, multiple conference sources told ESPN.com's Andy Katz.
The SEC official said there was still a 30 percent to 40 percent chance the Aggies would not get enough votes for an invitation to the league, The Times reported. And the issue of needing to add a 14th team along with A&M remained, the newspaper reported.
"We realize if we do this, we have to have the 14th," the SEC official said. "No name has been thrown out. This thing is much slower out of the chute than the media and blogs have made it."
The official told The Times that Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin called SEC commissioner Mike Slive three weeks ago and said the Aggies regretted not leaving the Big 12 for the SEC last summer.
Two weeks ago, Slive and SEC lawyers met with A&M officials, when the league requested that the school work out the possible legal ramifications surrounding its contract with the Big 12, the report said.
"They have a contract now," the SEC official said, according to The Times. "We're very sensitive about being part of breaking a contract. What we asked them to do was to go settle their issues and not have us be on the table as the agent of causing them to leave."
The SEC now likely will pursue Florida State, Clemson and Missouri, a source told ESPN's Gottlieb, though Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said the school was not in talks with any conferences about a possible move.
"No, no, no," Alden told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Saturday, before reaffirming the school's commitment to the Big 12, in whatever form that might be.
Florida State president Eric Barron also has said the Seminoles haven't had any talks about the school leaving the Atlantic Coast Conference for the SEC. Still, he didn't say it would never happen.
"I don't think there is anything to talk about right now," Barron said Friday. "I don't speculate when there's no conversation."
The Texas A&M board of regents will convene for a special meeting Monday that includes an agenda item about conference alignment.
The item, part of the executive session agenda, is called: "Authorization for the President to Take All Actions Relating to Texas A&M University's Athletic Conference Alignment, The Texas A&M University System."
The Texas legislature also has called a meeting. On Tuesday, the Texas House Committee on Higher Education is set to discuss realignment, a meeting to which Big 12, SEC and Texas A&M officials have been invited.
"There are millions of dollars at stake," Texas Rep. Dan Branch said Friday. "And this could affect students at other schools like Texas, Texas Tech and Baylor."
The Big 12 believes it could withstand the loss of A&M, with Texas and Oklahoma remaining as anchor schools. If A&M were to leave, the Big 12 could consider Houston as a replacement to the TV market.
One possible reason for Texas A&M's renewed interest in leaving the Big 12 could be because the school isn't happy about The Longhorn Network -- created through a 20-year, $300 million deal with ESPN.
The Big 12 says A&M's issues with the Longhorn Network are being addressed. And it is focused on the significance of maintaining regional rivalries and geographic relevance.
But it was political pressure and legislature that played a key role in the Big 12 staying together last summer, when parts nearly broke off to join the Pac-12.
The Big 12 looked to be in trouble last summer when Nebraska and Colorado left the conference and several other schools were courted by the Pac-10. Texas decided to stay in the Big 12, which made it much easier for Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State to remain in the league as well.
Information from ESPN's Joe Schad and The Associated Press was used in this report.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Rock-a-bye Baby! Tina Fey Gives Birth To A Girl, Penelope Athena -Daily Mail
Latest updated news about Rock-a-bye Baby! Tina Fey Gives Birth To A Girl, Penelope Athena from Daily Mail
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Tina Fey has given birth to a baby girl who she has called Penelope Athena.
The 30 Rock star welcomed her second child with composer husband Jeff Richmond, 50, on Wednesday.
The couple are already parents to five-year-old Alice who Tina said was excited to become a big sister.
Rock-a-bye-baby: Tina Fey has given birth to her second daughter who she has called Penelope Athena
But in her memoir, Bossypants, Tina said she was 'stricken with guilt' that Alice was an only child and actually cried during a gynaecological appointment through stress.
'I thought raising an only child would be the norm in Manhattan,' she explained. 'But my daughter is the only child in her class without a sibling. Most kids have at least two.'
'Who will be my daughter's family when my husband and I are dead from stress-induced cankers?' she laughed. 'She must have a sibling.'
New addition: The 30 Rock star and her husband Jeff Richmond are already parents to five-year-old Alice
Tina, 41, announced her pregnancy during a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show earlier this year.
The comedian said that her second pregnancy was 'easy' but debated whether to interrupt her career to have another child.
'My husband and I really decided that we felt rather than risk having 30 Rock end in several years and feeling like part of our family is missing that we were going to prioritise our family,' she said earlier this year.
By
Daily Mail Reporter
Tina Fey has given birth to a baby girl who she has called Penelope Athena.
The 30 Rock star welcomed her second child with composer husband Jeff Richmond, 50, on Wednesday.
The couple are already parents to five-year-old Alice who Tina said was excited to become a big sister.
Rock-a-bye-baby: Tina Fey has given birth to her second daughter who she has called Penelope Athena
But in her memoir, Bossypants, Tina said she was 'stricken with guilt' that Alice was an only child and actually cried during a gynaecological appointment through stress.
'I thought raising an only child would be the norm in Manhattan,' she explained. 'But my daughter is the only child in her class without a sibling. Most kids have at least two.'
'Who will be my daughter's family when my husband and I are dead from stress-induced cankers?' she laughed. 'She must have a sibling.'
New addition: The 30 Rock star and her husband Jeff Richmond are already parents to five-year-old Alice
Tina, 41, announced her pregnancy during a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show earlier this year.
The comedian said that her second pregnancy was 'easy' but debated whether to interrupt her career to have another child.
'My husband and I really decided that we felt rather than risk having 30 Rock end in several years and feeling like part of our family is missing that we were going to prioritise our family,' she said earlier this year.
Premier League - Watch Barclays Premier League Highlights On Yahoo!Eurosport - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Latest updated news about Premier League - Watch Barclays Premier League Highlights On Yahoo!Eurosport from Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Viewers in the UK can watch Barclays Premier League highlights on Yahoo! Eurosport this season and they are better than ever!
From 00:01 UK time on Monday, you can watch 3-4 minutes of action from your side in HD.
At the same time you can also check out all the goals from that weekend in our 90 seconds compilation and you will get the chance to watch the top five goals of the weekend and vote for your favourite in our online poll.
New for this season, we will have a daily lunchtime news bulletin, wrapping up all the big stories in the Barclays Premier League.
On Tuesday mornings, the ever popular Hot or Not will be back on your screens with all the super moments and terrible mistakes from around the top-flight.
And on Tuesday evenings, new for the 11/12 season, top referees Alan Wiley and Steve Bennett will analyse one of the controversial moments from the weekend’s games.
On Wednesday mornings we go ‘Under the Microscope’ where we give an in-depth scouting report on one of the week’s topical players.
Thursday mornings, we will decipher tactics and formations with the help of popular blogger 'Zonal Marking', and give you the moment of the week in stunning HD.
Friday will see us preview the next round of matches with our weekend preview programme, giving you the lowdown on who and what to watch that weekend.
So come to Yahoo! Eurosport all the week for the best Barclays Premier League highlights on the web.
Eurosport
Viewers in the UK can watch Barclays Premier League highlights on Yahoo! Eurosport this season and they are better than ever!
From 00:01 UK time on Monday, you can watch 3-4 minutes of action from your side in HD.
At the same time you can also check out all the goals from that weekend in our 90 seconds compilation and you will get the chance to watch the top five goals of the weekend and vote for your favourite in our online poll.
New for this season, we will have a daily lunchtime news bulletin, wrapping up all the big stories in the Barclays Premier League.
On Tuesday mornings, the ever popular Hot or Not will be back on your screens with all the super moments and terrible mistakes from around the top-flight.
And on Tuesday evenings, new for the 11/12 season, top referees Alan Wiley and Steve Bennett will analyse one of the controversial moments from the weekend’s games.
On Wednesday mornings we go ‘Under the Microscope’ where we give an in-depth scouting report on one of the week’s topical players.
Thursday mornings, we will decipher tactics and formations with the help of popular blogger 'Zonal Marking', and give you the moment of the week in stunning HD.
Friday will see us preview the next round of matches with our weekend preview programme, giving you the lowdown on who and what to watch that weekend.
So come to Yahoo! Eurosport all the week for the best Barclays Premier League highlights on the web.
Eurosport
Mike Myers Signs On For New Austin Powers Movie - TheCelebrityCafe.com
Latest updated news about Mike Myers Signs On For New Austin Powers Movie from TheCelebrityCafe.com
Hillary Johns
“Yeah, baby. Yeah!” Mike Myers is bringing back Austin Powers for a fourth go around.
Having spent the last few years doing voice-overs and a small part in Inglourious Basterds, HitFix confirms that Myers has signed on to pull his mojo out one more time. It will be the first time that the international super-spy will be back since Goldmember in 2002.
There are no details past Myers’s involvement, but there is hope that Jay Roach, director of the past three Powers flicks, will return for the new installment.
Myers’s last live action movies have left his fans wondering if he still cares about his career. He revisited another of his beloved characters in February when he teamed up with Dana Carvey for a "Wayne’s World" cold open on Saturday Night Live.
After The Love Guru, is there any hope left for his comedy career? Can bringing back his old characters revamp his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Hillary Johns
“Yeah, baby. Yeah!” Mike Myers is bringing back Austin Powers for a fourth go around.
Having spent the last few years doing voice-overs and a small part in Inglourious Basterds, HitFix confirms that Myers has signed on to pull his mojo out one more time. It will be the first time that the international super-spy will be back since Goldmember in 2002.
There are no details past Myers’s involvement, but there is hope that Jay Roach, director of the past three Powers flicks, will return for the new installment.
Myers’s last live action movies have left his fans wondering if he still cares about his career. He revisited another of his beloved characters in February when he teamed up with Dana Carvey for a "Wayne’s World" cold open on Saturday Night Live.
After The Love Guru, is there any hope left for his comedy career? Can bringing back his old characters revamp his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Saints Dealt Tony Puletua Injury Blow - St Helens Star
Latest updated news about Saints Dealt Tony Puletua Injury Blow from St Helens Star
SAINTS are facing an anxious wait to see if Tony Puletua will be available for the Super League play offs after it was revealed the forward has a damaged shoulder.The Samoan was withdrawn from Saints’ squad that defeated Huddersfield on Friday night after ongoing soreness in a shoulder got worse.
Scans have revealed damage to the rotator cuff (muscles and tendons around the shoulder) but the player,who will see a specialist on Monday, is hopeful a month of rehabilitation will get him fit for the play offs.
Simmons, who has already lost forwards Josh Perry and Shaun Magennis for the rest of the season, said: “He (Puletua’s) got a rotator cuff problem.
"We had the scan today there’s damage there. It could be at best a month’s rehab or at worst an operation – which would mean he’s gone for the year.
“But Tony is positive about doing the rehab thing, maybe sit out a month and hopefully be back for the play offs.
“The scan was done today and there’s damage to the rotator cuff but until we see the specialist on Monday we don’t know how much damage.
“He’s been a bit sore in games and it has gradually got worse. He woke up later in this week and the strength had just gone in the arm.”
Friday, August 19, 2011
Video Games: Gateway To Evil Or Mother's Best Friends? - ChicagoNow
Latest updated news about Video Games: Gateway To Evil Or Mother's Best Friends? from ChicagoNow
Video Games: Gateway to Evil or Mother’s Best Friend?
Much to the chagrin of my children, my history of video games is rather brief:
Intellivision ? Atari ? Computer Games ? Handheld Nintendo Game Boy
Sure, it was fun playing Space Invaders, Pac Man, Pong, Centipede and Marble Madness. But I was never the child who spent hours with a controller in my hand, hypnotized by the screen in front of me and shaking with frustration hours later.
After about 15 minutes, I hated the unnatural electronic noises, flickering seizure-inducing screen and protecting my body from the eager hands of my siblings trying to steal my controller. Soon enough, I just stopped playing completely, preferring board games to electronic games.
I will admit that I did experiment with Tetris in my youth, which led to some dark months of addition. I would sneak the Nintendo Game Boy under my covers with a flashlight, lower the volume and play through the entire night. I spent months with the Tetris song repeating in my head, my hands stuck in a claw-like grip and constructing completed lines of peas, carrots and chicken on my dinner plate.
Hormones flooded my body just in time to save me from flunking out of school. Video game rehab was intense and required hours of stolen issues of Seventeen Magazine, innumerable phone calls to other boy-crazy friends and secret notes passed in my classes with one simple question: Do you like, like me? Circle: Yes or No
I was saved by my first kiss, kiss at the end of sixth grade. Thank you to the awkward, clueless boy who smelled like B.O. and tasted like Juicy Fruit gum. I was just as awkward and clueless and really hope that I smelled and tasted better than he did, but I could finally escape my geometric nightmare!
While I clearly was born without the video-gaming gene, my brother was given a bonus strand of Nintendo sponsored DNA. My brother has yet to meet a video game/computer game that he can’t master. Though my parents spent many years envisioning a future with my brother sequestered in his room playing electronic games, he surprised all of us when during his own sixth grade year he programmed his first computer game. (Yes, that was not a typo. Talk about pressure: during my sixth grade year, I was kissing Juicy Fruit/B.O. boy, while three years later my brother was computer programming during his sixth grade year! It is not easy growing up with a younger brother boy genius.)
Needless to say, my brother fluently speaks the video/computer game language. Lightening struck for him years ago, and he has a very successful career computer programming, creating apps, and participating in world-wide competitions. In short, my brother is living the dream. His name is spoken in hallowed whispers amongst gamers all over the world, and my own kids worship Uncle Jim.
Even though the video gaming gene skipped me, all three of my children were definitely born with it. In fact, there are days when I am pretty sure they should see a doctor before their left hands mutate into Nintendo DS’s with styluses morphing from each finger on their right hands. (I promise to post pictures when this happens! I’m already writing headlines for the National Enquirer!)
Computer games were introduced to my children as soon as they could sit on my lap at the keyboard. Jump-start Baby was the gateway game, which led to harder use from Jump-start Toddler, Preschooler, Pre-K, etc. Similar Leapfrog games were introduced, along with some others, but, yes, I was often greeted with grimaces and a great deal of head-shaking when Cassie would ask to play computer games the second I would pick her up from the tony Lincoln Park preschool she attended. Those children were only allowed to play with fancy European toys and Montessori-approved manipulatives.
I do have to admit that it was very hard not to stick out my tongue at those judgmental well-manicured and perfectly-coiffed mothers when the teacher exclaimed how my daughter at age 3 was teaching their children ages 5 & 6 how to read. And, I did really appreciate my hour of free-time each day while Cassie happily sang songs along with the computer.
In the beginning, I tried diligently to limit the time Cassie spent in front of all things that flicker electronically, especially when those reports about Japanese kids having seizures were all over the news. Only 60 minutes a day of either video games or television -- never both in the same day! And I filled the rest of her day with creating art, reading, rhyming, and playing with those awfully-expensive-so-unnecessary-when-all-a-toddler-really-needs-is-an-empty-cardboard-box fancy European toys. It was exhausting.
Phillip's birth changed my rigid view of electronics. Suddenly, the handy kitchen timer collected dust as I bartered a piece of my soul and most of my mommy morals to the electronic babysitting gods.
"Hey, Cass! Why don't we see what is on Playhouse Disney while I nurse Phillip?"
"Mama needs a shower while Phillip takes his nap. You can play another game on the computer!"
Thankfully before the petition could circulate to expel our family from preschool as I'm sure the lengthy handbook explicitly detailed such electronic infractions, we moved to the 'burbs where my meager monitoring (I really hadn't abandoned all of my parental responsibilities) was laughable. As my children didn't have personal computers, televisions or video game consoles in their own bedrooms, I was quickly labeled the strict mom. The label bothered me at first because I surely would have preferred carnival mom or cute mom or mom of great snacks and clean house.
However, I learned to appreciate the label and in one of those cartoon light bulb moments as my own children were whining about how strict I was and that I never let them do anything, I finally realized that I had inadvertently given myself the ultimate currency with my children. I could finally abandon those dreaded marble jars and sticker charts cluttering up my kitchen -- I could bargain with video game/computer/television time! Electronic stimulation had become my children's drug of choice, and I would happily supply them with their fix... for a price.
My life became so much easier, and my children quickly learned how to negotiate. Magically the bedrooms were cleaned, toys were picked up, and behavior was modified. My life shined vivid technicolor, and I learned to tune out the awful background Pokemon video game music.
Not every day is as magical as those early days. As the children get older, they learn new ways to manipulate the system (me). Sure, they still whine and fight and occasionally refuse to put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket until they have absolutely no laundry left and are forced to wear fancy clothes to school, but ultimately when the misbehaving child realizes that his/her siblings are in electronic utopia, the child is willing to change at least until (s)he earns electronic privileges again.
Now, sure, some would call my new form of parenting bribery, but I prefer to think that I am only teaching them life skills in a language their digital culture understands. Good behavior is rewarded with privileges. Exemplary behavior is rewarded with additional privileges. Poor choices/behaviors have consequences.
For those interested in trying this approach, here is a basic synopsis:
Child A has age appropriate expectations, such as cleaning room, making bed, feeding a pet, putting away laundry, using respectful language, etc.
If Child A does these things, Child A gets 1 hour of video games/television/computer time (along with additional privileges such as hanging out with friends, etc.) every day.
Child A can earn additional electronic time and privileges by completing a specific additional task, helping a sibling or parent without being asked, etc.
If Child A is not meeting the basic daily requirements, they do not earn any electronic time nor time with friends, etc.
All children are given only 1 warning each day.
Full disclosure: The above is a very rudimentary outline. This is actually a part of my children's level plan, which works brilliantly, but it is more complex and completely off topic. I finally have a system that totally works for me and my family.
I never imagined all those years ago that I would willingly place a controller in the hands of my child or that video games would be so vital to my life with a teen, tween and 7 year old, who thinks he is a tween, but they are. And I'm okay with that as long as I can finally have some peace in my house, even if it is only for an hour each day.
For more information on my brother's app, which is fun for adults and kids of all ages, please check out sketchclub. It is really brilliant and fun for the whole family!
Video Games: Gateway to Evil or Mother’s Best Friend?
Much to the chagrin of my children, my history of video games is rather brief:
Intellivision ? Atari ? Computer Games ? Handheld Nintendo Game Boy
Sure, it was fun playing Space Invaders, Pac Man, Pong, Centipede and Marble Madness. But I was never the child who spent hours with a controller in my hand, hypnotized by the screen in front of me and shaking with frustration hours later.
After about 15 minutes, I hated the unnatural electronic noises, flickering seizure-inducing screen and protecting my body from the eager hands of my siblings trying to steal my controller. Soon enough, I just stopped playing completely, preferring board games to electronic games.
I will admit that I did experiment with Tetris in my youth, which led to some dark months of addition. I would sneak the Nintendo Game Boy under my covers with a flashlight, lower the volume and play through the entire night. I spent months with the Tetris song repeating in my head, my hands stuck in a claw-like grip and constructing completed lines of peas, carrots and chicken on my dinner plate.
Hormones flooded my body just in time to save me from flunking out of school. Video game rehab was intense and required hours of stolen issues of Seventeen Magazine, innumerable phone calls to other boy-crazy friends and secret notes passed in my classes with one simple question: Do you like, like me? Circle: Yes or No
I was saved by my first kiss, kiss at the end of sixth grade. Thank you to the awkward, clueless boy who smelled like B.O. and tasted like Juicy Fruit gum. I was just as awkward and clueless and really hope that I smelled and tasted better than he did, but I could finally escape my geometric nightmare!
While I clearly was born without the video-gaming gene, my brother was given a bonus strand of Nintendo sponsored DNA. My brother has yet to meet a video game/computer game that he can’t master. Though my parents spent many years envisioning a future with my brother sequestered in his room playing electronic games, he surprised all of us when during his own sixth grade year he programmed his first computer game. (Yes, that was not a typo. Talk about pressure: during my sixth grade year, I was kissing Juicy Fruit/B.O. boy, while three years later my brother was computer programming during his sixth grade year! It is not easy growing up with a younger brother boy genius.)
Needless to say, my brother fluently speaks the video/computer game language. Lightening struck for him years ago, and he has a very successful career computer programming, creating apps, and participating in world-wide competitions. In short, my brother is living the dream. His name is spoken in hallowed whispers amongst gamers all over the world, and my own kids worship Uncle Jim.
Even though the video gaming gene skipped me, all three of my children were definitely born with it. In fact, there are days when I am pretty sure they should see a doctor before their left hands mutate into Nintendo DS’s with styluses morphing from each finger on their right hands. (I promise to post pictures when this happens! I’m already writing headlines for the National Enquirer!)
Computer games were introduced to my children as soon as they could sit on my lap at the keyboard. Jump-start Baby was the gateway game, which led to harder use from Jump-start Toddler, Preschooler, Pre-K, etc. Similar Leapfrog games were introduced, along with some others, but, yes, I was often greeted with grimaces and a great deal of head-shaking when Cassie would ask to play computer games the second I would pick her up from the tony Lincoln Park preschool she attended. Those children were only allowed to play with fancy European toys and Montessori-approved manipulatives.
I do have to admit that it was very hard not to stick out my tongue at those judgmental well-manicured and perfectly-coiffed mothers when the teacher exclaimed how my daughter at age 3 was teaching their children ages 5 & 6 how to read. And, I did really appreciate my hour of free-time each day while Cassie happily sang songs along with the computer.
In the beginning, I tried diligently to limit the time Cassie spent in front of all things that flicker electronically, especially when those reports about Japanese kids having seizures were all over the news. Only 60 minutes a day of either video games or television -- never both in the same day! And I filled the rest of her day with creating art, reading, rhyming, and playing with those awfully-expensive-so-unnecessary-when-all-a-toddler-really-needs-is-an-empty-cardboard-box fancy European toys. It was exhausting.
Phillip's birth changed my rigid view of electronics. Suddenly, the handy kitchen timer collected dust as I bartered a piece of my soul and most of my mommy morals to the electronic babysitting gods.
"Hey, Cass! Why don't we see what is on Playhouse Disney while I nurse Phillip?"
"Mama needs a shower while Phillip takes his nap. You can play another game on the computer!"
Thankfully before the petition could circulate to expel our family from preschool as I'm sure the lengthy handbook explicitly detailed such electronic infractions, we moved to the 'burbs where my meager monitoring (I really hadn't abandoned all of my parental responsibilities) was laughable. As my children didn't have personal computers, televisions or video game consoles in their own bedrooms, I was quickly labeled the strict mom. The label bothered me at first because I surely would have preferred carnival mom or cute mom or mom of great snacks and clean house.
However, I learned to appreciate the label and in one of those cartoon light bulb moments as my own children were whining about how strict I was and that I never let them do anything, I finally realized that I had inadvertently given myself the ultimate currency with my children. I could finally abandon those dreaded marble jars and sticker charts cluttering up my kitchen -- I could bargain with video game/computer/television time! Electronic stimulation had become my children's drug of choice, and I would happily supply them with their fix... for a price.
My life became so much easier, and my children quickly learned how to negotiate. Magically the bedrooms were cleaned, toys were picked up, and behavior was modified. My life shined vivid technicolor, and I learned to tune out the awful background Pokemon video game music.
Not every day is as magical as those early days. As the children get older, they learn new ways to manipulate the system (me). Sure, they still whine and fight and occasionally refuse to put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket until they have absolutely no laundry left and are forced to wear fancy clothes to school, but ultimately when the misbehaving child realizes that his/her siblings are in electronic utopia, the child is willing to change at least until (s)he earns electronic privileges again.
Now, sure, some would call my new form of parenting bribery, but I prefer to think that I am only teaching them life skills in a language their digital culture understands. Good behavior is rewarded with privileges. Exemplary behavior is rewarded with additional privileges. Poor choices/behaviors have consequences.
For those interested in trying this approach, here is a basic synopsis:
Child A has age appropriate expectations, such as cleaning room, making bed, feeding a pet, putting away laundry, using respectful language, etc.
If Child A does these things, Child A gets 1 hour of video games/television/computer time (along with additional privileges such as hanging out with friends, etc.) every day.
Child A can earn additional electronic time and privileges by completing a specific additional task, helping a sibling or parent without being asked, etc.
If Child A is not meeting the basic daily requirements, they do not earn any electronic time nor time with friends, etc.
All children are given only 1 warning each day.
Full disclosure: The above is a very rudimentary outline. This is actually a part of my children's level plan, which works brilliantly, but it is more complex and completely off topic. I finally have a system that totally works for me and my family.
I never imagined all those years ago that I would willingly place a controller in the hands of my child or that video games would be so vital to my life with a teen, tween and 7 year old, who thinks he is a tween, but they are. And I'm okay with that as long as I can finally have some peace in my house, even if it is only for an hour each day.
For more information on my brother's app, which is fun for adults and kids of all ages, please check out sketchclub. It is really brilliant and fun for the whole family!
Notebook: Thompson impressed With Obama - Green Bay Press Gazette
Latest updated news about Notebook: Thompson impressed With Obama from Green Bay Press Gazette
CLEVELAND — The Green Bay Packers’ brief time inside the halls of power on Friday included a glimpse of just how busy a man President Barack Obama is.
Before and during the ceremony on the White House’s South Lawn to celebrate the Packers’ Super Bowl win last February, the team’s traveling party spent 15 minutes, at most, with the president. Team president Mark Murphy, General Manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy met privately with the president for about three minutes before Obama’s speech, and then walked to the podium on the South Lawn with him. After the speech the president shook hands with every member of the team’s approximately 150-person traveling party.
“Intimidating in a way,” said Thompson in describing being inside the White House and on the South Lawn. “You know there’s serious business being taken up, and the president’s an unbelievably busy guy, every minute of his day is accounted for. I certainly think the team, the organization and the players got a kick out of it and knew they were able to do something really special.”
Thompson said Obama’s brief conversation with him, Muprhy and McCarthy essentially consisted of the president congratulating them on winning the Super Bowl, and them saying thank you.
“I was very impressed with him as a person,” Thompson said. “He looks you right in the eye, he listens. I know he has to be a politician, but I can see why people like him when they meet him. I was impressed with him.”
The Packers weren’t able to visit the White House in May or June, when most Super Bowl winners do, because the NFL owners lockout prohibited contact between teams and players. If the Packers had visited in the spring, they also probably would have visited the Supreme Court. Apparently the court’s chief justice, John Roberts, is a big Packers fan even though he was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and grew up in Indiana.
“I know he called to offer to bring us to the Supreme Court and let us sit on the (bench) and all that,” Thompson said. “And there are other things you’d like to do, so you schedule a couple-day trip, and take everybody, including guys (who signed) with other teams. But it wasn’t to be.”
CLEVELAND — The Green Bay Packers’ brief time inside the halls of power on Friday included a glimpse of just how busy a man President Barack Obama is.
Before and during the ceremony on the White House’s South Lawn to celebrate the Packers’ Super Bowl win last February, the team’s traveling party spent 15 minutes, at most, with the president. Team president Mark Murphy, General Manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy met privately with the president for about three minutes before Obama’s speech, and then walked to the podium on the South Lawn with him. After the speech the president shook hands with every member of the team’s approximately 150-person traveling party.
“Intimidating in a way,” said Thompson in describing being inside the White House and on the South Lawn. “You know there’s serious business being taken up, and the president’s an unbelievably busy guy, every minute of his day is accounted for. I certainly think the team, the organization and the players got a kick out of it and knew they were able to do something really special.”
Thompson said Obama’s brief conversation with him, Muprhy and McCarthy essentially consisted of the president congratulating them on winning the Super Bowl, and them saying thank you.
“I was very impressed with him as a person,” Thompson said. “He looks you right in the eye, he listens. I know he has to be a politician, but I can see why people like him when they meet him. I was impressed with him.”
The Packers weren’t able to visit the White House in May or June, when most Super Bowl winners do, because the NFL owners lockout prohibited contact between teams and players. If the Packers had visited in the spring, they also probably would have visited the Supreme Court. Apparently the court’s chief justice, John Roberts, is a big Packers fan even though he was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and grew up in Indiana.
“I know he called to offer to bring us to the Supreme Court and let us sit on the (bench) and all that,” Thompson said. “And there are other things you’d like to do, so you schedule a couple-day trip, and take everybody, including guys (who signed) with other teams. But it wasn’t to be.”
(Page 2 of 2)
When the lockout ended, the Packers offered the White House several dates to visit, but Friday was the only one that fit with the president’s schedule. The Packers had to cancel a practice McCarthy had scheduled for Friday.
When asked if he’s concerned about the missed practice and the detour in the team’s traveling schedule, Thompson said: “I don’t think so. But we’ve about put (the Super Bowl) to bed, quite frankly. This was important enough for us to make the effort. We appreciate the White House making the effort, because it’s not easy for them to schedule something like this.”
Saturday night scratches
Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Sam Shields, and tight end Jermichael Finley were among the 11 Packers players scratched from Saturday night’s game. Woodson by all appearances was healthy and getting the night off to avoid injury and allow other players more time on the field. Shields injured his hip Thursday night in practice, and Finley has been out with a glute injury.
The other scratches were because of injuries: receiver Brett Swain (hamstring), halfback Alex Green (hamstring), safety Brandon Underwood (knee), cornerback Davon House (hamstring), linebacker Diyral Briggs, defensive end Chris Donaldson (shoulder), guard Adrian Battles (Achilles), tackle Chris Campbell (shoulder).
Cleveland’s scratches included two possible starters, safety Usama Young and weak-side linebacker Chris Gocong.
Lineup notes
Frank Zombo started at right outside linebacker ahead of Erik Walden and played both series with the No. 1 defense.
With Woodson not playing and Shields unavailable, the Packers’ starting cornerbacks were Tramon Williams and Jarrett Bush. Pat Lee was the third cornerback in the nickel. With the No. 2 defense, Bush and Lee played in the base personnel, and Josh Gordy was the No. 3 cornerback in the nickel.
The No. 2 offensive line consisted of Derek Sherrod at left tackle, T.J. Lang at left guard, Nick McDonald at center, Caleb Schlauderaff at right guard and Marshall Newhouse at right tackle.
Ozzie Guillen: Carlos Zambrano Is embarrassed - Chicago Sun-Times
Latest updated sport news about Ozzie Guillen: Carlos Zambrano Is embarrassed from Chicago Sun-Times
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com
BY TONI GINNETTI tginnetti@suntimes.com
Johnny Giavotella slides safely into first as Brent Lillibridge reaches for the tag in the second. | John Gress~Getty Images
Updated: August 13, 2011 10:17PM
The latest transgression by Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano “is a very bad and very sad situation,’’ White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Saturday.
“I can talk from both ways, as a manager and his friend,” Guillen said. “It’s tough on how a manager would handle that because he’s very intense about respect, loyalty. On the other side, this kid has a lot of pride. This kid’s embarrassed. This kid wants to be good, and I think he feels like he’s not doing his job.’’
Venezuelans Guillen and Zambrano are close, and Guillen said the Cubs pitcher talked to his wife briefly Friday night after his unannounced departure from a game in Atlanta after being ejected. Guillen said he didn’t speak to Zambrano, who was placed on a disqualified list Saturday without pay for at least 30 days.
“I don’t take anything away from what people say [about Zambrano], but I don’t think too many people know why or they don’t know why he’s acting that way,’’ Guillen said. “Whatever people say I respect and he should respect. It’s just a very, very tough situation because he’s one of the best pitchers they have.’’
Zambrano’s last outburst last season happened at U.S. Cellular Field against the Sox, that being the dugout tirade against teammate Derrek Lee that led to Zambrano’s suspension and mandated anger management counseling. That night, Zambrano kept a planned dinner with Guillen and his family.
Guillen said Zambrano, who started a charitable foundation this year, is “a great guy’’, but he added “it gets to the point of enough is enough.
“What can I say? Hopefully today he feels a little bit better. He should feel embarrassed, he should regret what he said or what he did, but I don’t think he said anything bad. There’s a lot of people thinking [about] what he said [retiring]. I did a lot. You know how many times I wanted to quit? But I can’t because I love this game. So does he.
“I guarantee you in two or three more days, he’ll be thinking, ‘Oh my God, what I did?’ And believe me, I don’t know why, I don’t know what really happened, but I guarantee he’ll feel more embarrassed than anything. Knowing him, I’m pretty sure that’s the way he’ll feel.’’
Guillen said the situation “is the Cubs problem,’’ adding, “Obviously it’s going to be hard, but just stick with him. Listen to what he says.’’
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Only once did Guillen directly discipline a player he felt violated team rules, when he sent home relief pitcher Damaso Marte late in the 2005 season for reporting to the park late without advanced permission. Marte was allowed back days later but was traded after the season.
“I packed his bag out of my clubhouse,” Guillen said. “He deserved it. He didn’t respect my rules the team rules.
“On this ball club, it’s not going to happen,’’ he added of a situation like Zambrano’s. “I know my players and I think we respect each other. Like I’ve said in the past, hate me, love me, I don’t care. But one thing — respect. That’s all I care about with players. And win games for me. That’s what I get paid for. Every manager does.’’
Notes
Adam Dunn left the team because of the death of an uncle. Guillen said he would return Tuesday for the start of the Cleveland series.
??Catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who was hit on the left wrist Friday, also is expected to play again Tuesday after Monday’s off day.
Lee Gets Playing Time - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Latest updated news about Lee Gets Playing Time from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs is congratulated by fans after catching a touchdown pass.
Twist on Repeat
We are looking for a clever spin on the Packers as they seek to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Cleveland - His position decimated by injury, Green Bay Packers cornerback Pat Lee had a golden opportunity to prove his worth Saturday in Cleveland.
In his fourth season, he's finally healthy. That's what held him back, cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt Jr. said.
The verdict is still out. On Cleveland's first drive, Colt McCoy hit Joshua Cribbs for a 27-yard touchdown over Lee's head, but he recovered well. The Packers' secondary was up and down against a Browns passing game that ranked 29th in the NFL last year.
Before the Packers had even played a game, the cornerback position was running on fumes. Sam Shields, who injured his hip at Thursday's practice, walked off the field before the game with a pronounced limp. Rookies Davon House and Brandian Ross remained out with hamstring injuries.
The 34-year-old Charles Woodson got the night off, and Tramon Williams made a cameo.
It all added up to plenty of work for everybody else. The former second-round pick Lee, in the midst of a critical training camp, was in a tough position on Cribbs' score. On an island up the right sideline, he faced a jumpball situation against one of the game's finest athletes.
From there, he saw extensive action throughout the first half and seemed to rebound well.
At times, Lee stepped into run support well to stop Peyton Hillis and Brandon Jackson. He wasn't afraid to close in. Also, on one third and 9 in the second quarter, Lee closed in to wrap up tight end Evan Moore for just 4 yards and force a punt.
Once the walking wounded return, the competition should stiffen.
Strong start:Randall Cobb wasted no time flashing his ability in Green Bay's offense. The second-rounder from Kentucky operated over the middle of the field with Matt Flynn to jumpstart the offense. In the first half, Cobb caught three passes for 60 yards.
On the Packers' nine-play, 89-yard scoring drive at the end of the first half, Cobb caught a 19-yard pass on third and 10 when the Packers were backed up at their own 10. Then, moments later, he had a 28-yard reception.
Rhodes is back: Former Packers head coach Ray Rhodes was on the opposite sideline Saturday. After serving three seasons as the senior defensive assistant for the Houston Texans, Rhodes retired from coaching. But apparently the 60-year-old isn't finished.
Rhodes returned with the Browns as a defensive assistant. He also was Green Bay's defensive coordinator in 1992 and 1993.
Injury update: Several Packers didn't dress in the opener. In addition to Woodson and Shields, tight end JermichaelFinley (glute) remained sidelined. Also out for the Packers were Alex Green (thigh), Brett Swain (hamstring), Brandon Underwood (knee), House (hamstring), Ross (hamstring), Diyral Briggs (hamstring), Chris Donaldson (shoulder), Adrian Battles (Achilles) and Chris Campbell (unspecified).
It's the key: Running backs can't play for coach Mike McCarthy if they can't pass protect.
"Obviously, that's a big part of our offense," said Jerry Fontenot, the first-year coach of the running backs. "You've got to be able to pass protect and know where your checkdowns are. We demand a lot of our guys. That's the way it is."
Green, the third-round draft choice from Hawaii, is receiving a crash course in pass protection.
"The protections that they did in Hawaii were a little bit different," Fontenot said. "He's learning it. It's all about communicating and being on the same page with the line and the quarterback."
Fontenot already has seen enough from Green to say he is physical enough to pick up linebackers.
Last year, Jackson performed as the third-down back, but John Kuhn also was used in that role down the stretch. With Jackson in Cleveland and Kuhn not the ideal athlete for the position, the Packers are hunting for a third-down back.
"To rule anybody out at this point wouldn't be fair," Fontenot said. "You can ask me in two or three weeks and I'll certainly have a better idea. I know we have the guys that can do it."
Missing in action: No one was more disappointed than safeties coach Darren Perry when Underwood suffered a sprained knee a week ago. A cornerback for most of his first two seasons, Underwood is now playing safety.
Underwood did look good in the first week. "He's going to," Perry said. "He's got cornerback skills."
What Perry really wanted to see was how physical Underwood would be.
"Tackling is so important at safety," Perry said. "If you're not careful, you can get fooled watching them run around in shorts and helmets. We don't have a lot of sessions where we've got to get backs on the ground. Is he going to be able to hold up to the physicality playing that position?"
In reality, the Packers haven't done any tackling in camp and won't. The only live contact will be found in the four exhibition games.
"I really was looking forward to seeing him do it in a game," Perry said. "I was happy with his development."
Underwood is expected to miss at least another week.
The elite:Tim Masthay has studied quite a few punters and puts two at the top of his list: Oakland's Shane Lechler and Dallas' Mat McBriar.
"Lechler is the marker for punters," Masthay said. "Just look at the production the guy has had. It doesn't matter what the ball flight looks like."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Rigging Falls At Indiana State Fair, Killing Four - New York Times
Latest updated news about Rigging Falls At Indiana State Fair, Killing Four from New York Times
By SARAH MASLIN NIR
At least four people were killed and 40 injured after whipping winds sent metal stage rigging crashing down onto the crowd at a concert at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday night, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
The accident occurred around 9 p.m. at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand during an intermission, according to Jill Schmidt, a regional dispatch manager for the Indianapolis police.
Three children were taken to Riley Hospital for Children and eight adults to Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis. At Wishard Memorial Hospital, 17 patients, children and adults were being treated for injuries, none of them life-threatening, according to a hospital spokesman. None of the performers were injured.
At around 9:30, the singer-songwriters Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of the headlining act Sugarland posted on their Twitter account: “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.” Shortly after, videos of the accident surfaced on YouTube and Facebook. In one, dust lashes across the sky before the rigging collapses onto the screaming crowd.
At the hospitals, auxiliary emergency room workers were called in; at Methodist, a staff of 50 was treating the severely injured on Saturday night as more than a dozen walk-ins poured in through the evening.
“It’s a pretty serious situation, especially when you have to call in most of your emergency crews,” said Kristofer Karol, a spokesman for Indiana University Health, which operates Methodist and Riley. He would not say what sorts of injuries were being treated. “It’s under control back here but everybody is working to get us through this,” he said.
At 10:30, Sara Bareilles, the evening’s other performer, posted on Twitter, “I’m speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost.” She signed with the tag “#indyiloveyou.”
Opening Statement: Newton Lacks Accuracy But Flashes Downfield Magic -SportingNews.com
Latest updated news about Opening Statement: Newton Lacks Accuracy But Flashes Downfield Magic from SportingNews.com
CHARLOTTE — The result didn’t match the buildup, but Cam Newton’s debut with the Carolina Panthers didn’t disappoint, either.
And for a town that watched the worst quarterback play in the NFL last season and has struggled to find an answer at the position for years, that’s a considerable step up.
Newton finished 8-of-19 passing for 134 yards, playing solidly in the second and third quarters but failing to get the Panthers into the end zone during their 20-10 preseason win over the Giants on Saturday night. But he did produce two field goals on crisp drives and, perhaps most important, didn't try to do much (read: no interceptions).
“I just tried to go out and prove to myself that I could play at this level,” Newton said. “My first game, the competitive juices started to flow, and I kind of felt like I belonged at this level and got a little swagger about myself. ... “I thought it was OK, but I could always be better.”
It wasn’t the kind of performance that will demand an immediate replacement of short-term starter Jimmy Clausen. But considering Newton had only two weeks of practice time to prepare for the game, it was an impressive and significant first step.
• Moved the ball downfield. The first play the Panthers called for him was a conservative dumpoff to tight end Greg Olsen, but it didn’t take long for Newton to find Olsen for a 30-yard chunk. Later, he hit Armanti Edwards for 36 yards with a nice ball in the seam. Downfield passes are what this offense is built around, and Newton may already throw the prettiest deep ball in franchise history. While that’s not saying much, he brings a new element to the game-planning.
• Took sacks and bounced back. He was sacked on the first play of his second and third drives but never lost his poise or willingness to stay in the pocket. Instinct would have had him breaking the play and running, but he showed the discipline to stay in the pocket. Perhaps the biggest surprise about his performance is that he finished without a rush attempt.
• Took what was there. The Panthers didn’t take that many chances in play-calling, and Newton showed sufficient touch on the little passes to his backs. Considering the nice stable of backs the Panthers have, it's a wise move to check down to them. Combined with the space he creates by throwing long, the dumpoff can be an effective weapon.
• Couldn't produce a TD. He fired blanks in the red zone just before the half, throwing three straight incompletions into tight areas after getting the Panthers down there with the strike to Edwards. Newton will have to get better in short spaces before the coaches trust him completely. Once you get close to the end zone, you have to make quicker decisions and the passes have to be pinpoint. He’s not there yet on either count.
• Wasn't accurate enough. Throughout camp and again Saturday night, his misses tended to be in the dirt. Though you prefer that to hanging the ball over the middle, it’s a consistent issue. He drilled a pass to Legedu Naanee that was too low to handle, killing a third-down conversion opportunity.
• Took an unnecessary risk. You have to wonder if his eagerness to please is going to result in putting himself in peril. Newton threw a solid block on a reverse, putting a lick on Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson. But coaches yelled at him in camp after a similar play. It’s good that he’s stout enough to take a shot or two, but a quarterback is going to take enough hits as it is, and there’s no sense borrowing trouble.
CHARLOTTE — The result didn’t match the buildup, but Cam Newton’s debut with the Carolina Panthers didn’t disappoint, either.
And for a town that watched the worst quarterback play in the NFL last season and has struggled to find an answer at the position for years, that’s a considerable step up.
Newton finished 8-of-19 passing for 134 yards, playing solidly in the second and third quarters but failing to get the Panthers into the end zone during their 20-10 preseason win over the Giants on Saturday night. But he did produce two field goals on crisp drives and, perhaps most important, didn't try to do much (read: no interceptions).
“I just tried to go out and prove to myself that I could play at this level,” Newton said. “My first game, the competitive juices started to flow, and I kind of felt like I belonged at this level and got a little swagger about myself. ... “I thought it was OK, but I could always be better.”
It wasn’t the kind of performance that will demand an immediate replacement of short-term starter Jimmy Clausen. But considering Newton had only two weeks of practice time to prepare for the game, it was an impressive and significant first step.
What he did well
• Moved the ball downfield. The first play the Panthers called for him was a conservative dumpoff to tight end Greg Olsen, but it didn’t take long for Newton to find Olsen for a 30-yard chunk. Later, he hit Armanti Edwards for 36 yards with a nice ball in the seam. Downfield passes are what this offense is built around, and Newton may already throw the prettiest deep ball in franchise history. While that’s not saying much, he brings a new element to the game-planning.
• Took sacks and bounced back. He was sacked on the first play of his second and third drives but never lost his poise or willingness to stay in the pocket. Instinct would have had him breaking the play and running, but he showed the discipline to stay in the pocket. Perhaps the biggest surprise about his performance is that he finished without a rush attempt.
• Took what was there. The Panthers didn’t take that many chances in play-calling, and Newton showed sufficient touch on the little passes to his backs. Considering the nice stable of backs the Panthers have, it's a wise move to check down to them. Combined with the space he creates by throwing long, the dumpoff can be an effective weapon.
What he didn't do well
• Couldn't produce a TD. He fired blanks in the red zone just before the half, throwing three straight incompletions into tight areas after getting the Panthers down there with the strike to Edwards. Newton will have to get better in short spaces before the coaches trust him completely. Once you get close to the end zone, you have to make quicker decisions and the passes have to be pinpoint. He’s not there yet on either count.
• Wasn't accurate enough. Throughout camp and again Saturday night, his misses tended to be in the dirt. Though you prefer that to hanging the ball over the middle, it’s a consistent issue. He drilled a pass to Legedu Naanee that was too low to handle, killing a third-down conversion opportunity.
• Took an unnecessary risk. You have to wonder if his eagerness to please is going to result in putting himself in peril. Newton threw a solid block on a reverse, putting a lick on Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson. But coaches yelled at him in camp after a similar play. It’s good that he’s stout enough to take a shot or two, but a quarterback is going to take enough hits as it is, and there’s no sense borrowing trouble.
Local Books: Buried Secrets, Amanda Knox's Travails, Time-traveling AndBC Parks - The Seattle Times
Latest updated news about Local Books: Buried Secrets, Amanda Knox's Travails, Time-traveling AndBC Parks from The Seattle Times
New releases
"When the de la Cruz Family Danced" by Donna Miscolta (Signal 8 Press, $16.95). Seattle author Miscolta pens the story of Johnny de la Cruz, who returns to the Philippines and has a quick sexual encounter with an old flame. Years later, 19-year-old Winston Piña finds a letter his recently deceased mother wrote — but never sent — to Johnny. Miscolta will read from her novel, along with Oliver de la Paz, who will read from his poetry collections, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Seattle's Elliott Bay Book Co. (206-624-6600 or www.elliottbaybook.com)
"The Fatal Gift of Beauty: The Trials of Amanda Knox" by Nina Burleigh (Broadway, $25). The latest book-length investigation of the events surrounding the incarceration, trial and conviction of Seattle student Knox in Perugia, Italy. Burleigh, a contributing editor at Elle, lives in New York; Publisher's Weekly called her book " a powerful example of narrative nonfiction."
"The Brahms Deception" by Louise Marley (Kensington, $15). Seattle author Marley returns with the story of Frederica Daniels, a brilliant musicologist who gets to time-travel back to the era of Johannes Brahms. A rival scholar is elected to bring her back, but Frederica doesn't want to return.
"British Columbia's Magnificent Parks: The First 100 Years" by James D. Anderson (Harbour, $44.95). An informative, copiously illustrated book on BC's park system, by a career park administrator.
"Only Mine" by Susan Mallery (HQN Books, $7.99). The Seattle author produces a new installment in her "Fool's Gold" series: Dakota Hendrix, a psychologist, has to screen eligible bachelors for a romance reality competition filming in her hometown of Fool's Gold. Complications ensue.
New releases
"When the de la Cruz Family Danced" by Donna Miscolta (Signal 8 Press, $16.95). Seattle author Miscolta pens the story of Johnny de la Cruz, who returns to the Philippines and has a quick sexual encounter with an old flame. Years later, 19-year-old Winston Piña finds a letter his recently deceased mother wrote — but never sent — to Johnny. Miscolta will read from her novel, along with Oliver de la Paz, who will read from his poetry collections, at 7 p.m. Thursday at Seattle's Elliott Bay Book Co. (206-624-6600 or www.elliottbaybook.com)
"The Fatal Gift of Beauty: The Trials of Amanda Knox" by Nina Burleigh (Broadway, $25). The latest book-length investigation of the events surrounding the incarceration, trial and conviction of Seattle student Knox in Perugia, Italy. Burleigh, a contributing editor at Elle, lives in New York; Publisher's Weekly called her book " a powerful example of narrative nonfiction."
"The Brahms Deception" by Louise Marley (Kensington, $15). Seattle author Marley returns with the story of Frederica Daniels, a brilliant musicologist who gets to time-travel back to the era of Johannes Brahms. A rival scholar is elected to bring her back, but Frederica doesn't want to return.
"British Columbia's Magnificent Parks: The First 100 Years" by James D. Anderson (Harbour, $44.95). An informative, copiously illustrated book on BC's park system, by a career park administrator.
"Only Mine" by Susan Mallery (HQN Books, $7.99). The Seattle author produces a new installment in her "Fool's Gold" series: Dakota Hendrix, a psychologist, has to screen eligible bachelors for a romance reality competition filming in her hometown of Fool's Gold. Complications ensue.
Rhode Island Beats Massachusetts 13-7 To Reach Little League WorldSeries - Washington Post
Latest updated news about Rhode Island beats Massachusetts 13-7 to reach Little League World Series from AP
By Associated Press,
BRISTOL, Conn. — Ryan McCormick homered twice and drove in six runs, and Rhode Island beat Massachusetts 13-7 on Saturday to advance to the Little League World Series.
Cumberland American of Rhode Island won the New England Region championship and will open the Little League World Series against the West Region winner, either Northern California or Southern California.
Chris Wright, Max Hanuschak and Jake Glod also homered for Rhode Island, which went 4-2 in the tournament and beat Massachusetts twice.
Daniel Walsh homered and finished with three hits for Andover National. Cedric Gillette also had three hits for the Massachusetts team.
Andover National scored three times in the first inning but Cumberland American responded with eight runs in the bottom half. McCormick led off with a drive to center, Wright hit a three-run shot and McCormick added a two-out grand slam.
“Ryan McCormick’s leadoff homer, after that I knew we were coming and we did,” Rhode Island manager David Belisle said. “Ryan’s the key to our offense and he’s been on it the last three days and he showed it today.”
McCormick went 8 for 10 with three homers and seven RBIs in three straight wins that sent a team from Cumberland to Williamsport for the first time.
Hanuschak hit a solo shot in the fourth and Glod belted a two-run drive to right in the fifth.
“They came out swinging,” Massachusetts manager Paul Finn said. “I got to give Cumberland a tremendous amount of credit. They mashed the ball today. Even their subs were hitting shots all over the place. That’s a great hitting team.”
The Little League World Series starts on Thursday in Williamsport, Pa.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Green Bay Packers & Mason Crosby Resumes Kicking Duties - Green BayPress Gazette
Latest updated news about Green Bay Packers & Mason Crosby Resumes Kicking Duties from Green BayPress Gazette
CLEVELAND — Kicker Mason Crosby’s injured ankle on his plant foot wasn’t at full strength but was good enough for him to kick for the Packers in their 27-17 loss in a preseason game Saturday night against the Cleveland Browns.
Crosby had rolled his left ankle while planting his foot on a kickoff in practice a little over a week ago and sat out the Family Night scrimmage the next night. He didn’t return to practice until he worked on a limited basis Thursday night, then two days later handled all the Packers’ kicks against the Browns.
Crosby made his lone field goal attempt, from 31 yards; hit both extra-point attempts; and four kickoffs.
“We’ll see how it is tomorrow when I get up,” Crosby said after the game. “But I feel like I hit the ball well, was able to plant pretty good.”
Crosby averaged 71.7 yards on his second kickoffs, which with the new kickoff point from the 35 meant he averaged hitting the kickoffs almost seven yards deep in the end zone. The Browns returned all of the kicks, but their best starting point was only their 21.
“It was nice to hit the kickoffs the way I did without feeling like I was really trying to go after it,” Crosby said. “So get this thing fully recovered in the next week or so, and then hopefully I’ll be able to get them out of the end zone so they’re not trying to bring them out at all.”
It’s unclear whether Crosby will take off any practice time this week to let his ankle heal more fully. The Packers’ next exhibition game is Friday night at home against Arizona.
“We’ll have to see how it feels in the morning and form a plan for this week,” Crosby said. “But definitely want to get over this so for the rest of the season we don’t have any issues. I’m taking it as it comes and how it responds planting it and getting after it. Was able to get through a game and kick the ball with a minimal amount of feeling it. so that was a good thing.”
Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers had three injuries of unknown severity in Saturday night’s exhibition opener against Cleveland.
CLEVELAND — Kicker Mason Crosby’s injured ankle on his plant foot wasn’t at full strength but was good enough for him to kick for the Packers in their 27-17 loss in a preseason game Saturday night against the Cleveland Browns.
Crosby had rolled his left ankle while planting his foot on a kickoff in practice a little over a week ago and sat out the Family Night scrimmage the next night. He didn’t return to practice until he worked on a limited basis Thursday night, then two days later handled all the Packers’ kicks against the Browns.
Crosby made his lone field goal attempt, from 31 yards; hit both extra-point attempts; and four kickoffs.
“We’ll see how it is tomorrow when I get up,” Crosby said after the game. “But I feel like I hit the ball well, was able to plant pretty good.”
Crosby averaged 71.7 yards on his second kickoffs, which with the new kickoff point from the 35 meant he averaged hitting the kickoffs almost seven yards deep in the end zone. The Browns returned all of the kicks, but their best starting point was only their 21.
“It was nice to hit the kickoffs the way I did without feeling like I was really trying to go after it,” Crosby said. “So get this thing fully recovered in the next week or so, and then hopefully I’ll be able to get them out of the end zone so they’re not trying to bring them out at all.”
It’s unclear whether Crosby will take off any practice time this week to let his ankle heal more fully. The Packers’ next exhibition game is Friday night at home against Arizona.
“We’ll have to see how it feels in the morning and form a plan for this week,” Crosby said. “But definitely want to get over this so for the rest of the season we don’t have any issues. I’m taking it as it comes and how it responds planting it and getting after it. Was able to get through a game and kick the ball with a minimal amount of feeling it. so that was a good thing.”
Other injuries
Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers had three injuries of unknown severity in Saturday night’s exhibition opener against Cleveland.
(Page 2 of 3)
Tight end Andrew Quarless injured his groin, running back James Starks his ankle and tight end Tom Crabtree his ribs.
McCarthy said he didn’t know if Quarless’ injury is serious.
“Tomorrow’s evaluation will always tell the story,” McCarthy said, “particularly on those fatigue injuries.”
Starks rolled his ankle but said after the game he had no swelling and wasn’t walking with any kind of limp.
Meeting the president
The Packers’ brief time inside the halls of power on Friday included a glimpse of just how busy a man President Barack Obama is.
Before and during the ceremony on the White House’s South Lawn to celebrate the Packers’ Super Bowl win last February, the team’s traveling party spent 15 minutes, at most, with the president. Team president Mark Murphy, General Manager Ted Thompson and McCarthy met privately with the president for about three minutes before Obama’s speech, and then walked to the podium on the South Lawn with him. After the speech the president shook hands with every member of the team’s approximately 150-person traveling party.
“Intimidating in a way,” said Thompson in describing being inside the White House and on the South Lawn. “You know there’s serious business being taken up, and the president’s an unbelievably busy guy, every minute of his day is accounted for. I certainly think the team, the organization and the players got a kick out of it and knew they were able to do something really special.”
Thompson said Obama’s brief conversation with him, Murphy and McCarthy essentially consisted of the president congratulating them on winning the Super Bowl, and them saying thank you.
“I was very impressed with him as a person,” Thompson said. “He looks you right in the eye, he listens. I know he has to be a politician, but I can see why people like him when they meet him. I was impressed with him.”
The Packers weren’t able to visit the White House in May or June, when most Super Bowl winners do, because the NFL owners lockout prohibited contact between teams and players. If the Packers had visited in the spring, they also probably would have visited the Supreme Court. Apparently the court’s chief justice, John Roberts, is a big Packers fan even though he was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and grew up in Indiana.
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“I know he called to offer to bring us to the Supreme Court and let us sit on the (bench) and all that,” Thompson said. “And there are other things you’d like to do, so you schedule a couple-day trip, and take everybody, including guys (who signed) with other teams. But it wasn’t to be.”
When the lockout ended, the Packers offered the White House several dates to visit, but Friday was the only one that fit with the president’s schedule. The Packers had to cancel a practice McCarthy had scheduled for Friday.
When asked if he’s concerned about the missed practice and the detour in the team’s traveling schedule, Thompson said: “I don’t think so. But we’ve about put (the Super Bowl) to bed, quite frankly. This was important enough for us to make the effort. We appreciate the White House making the effort, because it’s not easy for them to schedule something like this.”
Saturday night scratches
Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Sam Shields, and tight end Jermichael Finley were among the 11 Packers players scratched from Saturday night’s game. Woodson by all appearances was healthy and getting the night off to avoid injury and allow other players more time on the field. Shields injured his hip Thursday night in practice, and Finley has been out with a glute injury.
The other scratches were because of injuries: receiver Brett Swain (hamstring), halfback Alex Green (hamstring), safety Brandon Underwood (knee), cornerback Davon House (hamstring), linebacker Diyral Briggs, defensive end Chris Donaldson (shoulder), guard Adrian Battles (Achilles), tackle Chris Campbell (shoulder).
Cleveland’s scratches included two possible starters, safety Usama Young and weak-side linebacker Chris Gocong.
Lineup notes
Frank Zombo started at right outside linebacker ahead of Erik Walden and played both series with the No. 1 defense.
With Woodson not playing and Shields unavailable, the Packers’ starting cornerbacks were Tramon Williams and Jarrett Bush. Pat Lee was the third cornerback in the nickel. With the No. 2 defense, Bush and Lee played in the base personnel, and Josh Gordy was the No. 3 cornerback in the nickel.
The No. 2 offensive line consisted of Derek Sherrod at left tackle, T.J. Lang at left guard, Nick McDonald at center, Caleb Schlauderaff at right guard and Marshall Newhouse at right tackle.
Kimbo Slice Returns To Action Tonight As A Boxer - Yahoo! Sports (blog)
Latest updated news about Kimbo Slice Returns To Action Tonight As A Boxer from Yahoo! Sports (blog)
The last time we saw legendary street fighter Kimbo Slice he was wincing in pain after taking a bevy of leg kicks from Matt Mitrione. The UFC decided to cut bait and release Kimbo after UFC 113. It's been 15 months since the 37-year-old has seen any sanctioned fight action. Tonight, he climbs back in there, but it's in a ring not a cage.
The fighter who cut his teeth on the streets is ready to strap on the big gloves.
Kimbo faces James Wade (0-1) at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla. He makes his pro boxing debut in a four-rounder. Kimbo is the main event on seven-fight card. Surprisingly, Showtime Super Six participant Allen Green is also on the docket on the undercard.
Slice has high hopes for his boxing career. A 235-pounder, Kimbo says the heavyweight division needs an action fighter.
Former UFC fighter Charles McCarthy mans the mic for this solid sitdown with Kimbo. Part two is here.
The last time we saw legendary street fighter Kimbo Slice he was wincing in pain after taking a bevy of leg kicks from Matt Mitrione. The UFC decided to cut bait and release Kimbo after UFC 113. It's been 15 months since the 37-year-old has seen any sanctioned fight action. Tonight, he climbs back in there, but it's in a ring not a cage.
The fighter who cut his teeth on the streets is ready to strap on the big gloves.
"I'm ready to go baby, my blood is boiling," Slice told the Miami Herald. "I was born to fight and [mess] people up."
Kimbo faces James Wade (0-1) at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla. He makes his pro boxing debut in a four-rounder. Kimbo is the main event on seven-fight card. Surprisingly, Showtime Super Six participant Allen Green is also on the docket on the undercard.
Slice has high hopes for his boxing career. A 235-pounder, Kimbo says the heavyweight division needs an action fighter.
"The problem with heavyweights now is they don't have that fighting mentality," Slice said. "I am a nonstop fighter. My thing is nonstop aggression. When you fight me, two things are going to happen — I'm going to knock you out or you're going to knock me out."
Former UFC fighter Charles McCarthy mans the mic for this solid sitdown with Kimbo. Part two is here.
Fifth Person Dies, 45 Hurt In Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse - WRTVIndianapolis
Latest updated news about Fifth Person Dies, 45 Hurt In Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse from WRTVIndianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS -- A fifth person has died after a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair that injured 45 people during a severe thunderstorm on Saturday night.At a Sunday morning news conference, ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten confirmed that four people were pronounced dead shortly after the collapse and that another died early Sunday.Watch:
Uncut: Gov., ISP News Conference On Stage Collapse
View Slideshow: Indiana State Fair Concert Stage Collapses |What Happened? Kevin Gregory Explains State Fair Storm The victims were identified as Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; and Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, who died early Sunday at Methodist Hospital.The leader of the local stage hands union confirmed that Byrd was among the spot light operators that were up in the rigging when the stage collapsed.Bursten said the injuries to some other victims are so severe that the death toll could rise. He did not know how many of the victims were fans and how many were crew members.The collapse happened about 8:50 p.m. as Sugarland, a country music act, was preparing to perform on the fair's main stage.The National Weather Service said winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph buffeted the stage ahead of a line of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for Marion County before the collapse."What hit really wasn't a storm. It was a significant gust of wind," Bursten said.David Lindquist, a reporter for the Indianapolis Star who was there to cover the concert, told 6News that an announcement was made that weather was moving in about two minutes before the winds kicked up, but those in front of the stage had little time to get out of the weather, if they wanted to do so.Watch: Uncut: Witness Recounts State Fair Stage Collapse "There is an evacuation plan that is prepared. There were preparations in progress in anticipation of a severe storm arriving around 9:15," Bursten said. "Personnel were being put in place for an evacuation if that were deemed necessary."Indiana State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said Sunday that the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the contractor responsible for structure, Greenfield-based MidAmerica, and that a company engineer from Tennessee was coming to the collapse scene.Gov. Mitch Daniels called the collapse a "freakish accident," but he praised the response as instantaneous and highly professional."Individual Hoosiers ran to the trouble, not from the trouble, by the hundreds, offering, in many cases, their own professional skills," he said, choking up.An on-site emergency center was set up at the fairgrounds immediately after the collapse. Other people at the concert converged on the collapsed stage in the immediate aftermath, trying to pull the injured from beneath the mangled wreckage."After the stage fell, it was complete chaos. Everyone had froze," said Jason Scofield, who was at the concert. "There was hundreds of people trying to lift the front of the stage up."People ran to escape the collapse, but they tripped over each other as the stage came down, another witness told 6News."It was very scary, but I'm very fortunate I escaped with minor injuries," a 14-year-old victim said. "There was people underneath the stage trying to get out. The stage hit me. It was like a scene from a movie. It just happened so fast."The Indiana State Fair canceled events for Sunday and planned to reopen on Monday at 8 a.m. with a special ceremony at 9 a.m. remembering those who died and were hurt. It was not immediately known what will happen with concerts scheduled in the coming days."Our thoughts, prayers and assistance go out to the families impacted by the tragedy. We continue to be grateful for the performance of our first responders and the instant reflex of Hoosiers helping Hoosiers," said Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who also serves as Indiana's secretary of agriculture.Officials asked anyone worried about a loved one they haven't heard from after the stage collapse to contact the American Red Cross, which opened its headquarters on East 10th Street in Indianapolis. People trying to get in touch with loved ones can call the Red Cross at 317-684-4305. The organization said it had a list of 33 injured people as of 2:45 a.m. and was working to add others who were hurt to the list.Officials urged people who were at the concert and weren't injured to update their social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to cut down on calls to authorities from concerned friends and loved ones.Sugarland posted this message on the band's Facebook wall:"You may see on the news that our stage collapsed tonight. We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and for the people of Indianapolis," the post read. "We hope you will join us. They need your strength."Sara Bareilles, the opening act at the concert at the fairgrounds Saturday night, posted on Twitter, "I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost #indyiloveu."Train, a rock band set to perform with Maroon 5 at the fairgrounds Thursday, posted condolences on its Twitter page: "Indianapolis, we are so sorry that you are suffering right now. We are sending all our love and good wishes. Be there soon. Hoping to help."ISP and Marion County authorities will lead an investigation of what led to the accident.Watch 6News and refresh this page for updates.
INDIANAPOLIS -- A fifth person has died after a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair that injured 45 people during a severe thunderstorm on Saturday night.At a Sunday morning news conference, ISP 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten confirmed that four people were pronounced dead shortly after the collapse and that another died early Sunday.Watch:
Uncut: Gov., ISP News Conference On Stage CollapseView Slideshow: Indiana State Fair Concert Stage Collapses |
What Happened? Kevin Gregory Explains State Fair Storm The victims were identified as Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; and Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, who died early Sunday at Methodist Hospital.The leader of the local stage hands union confirmed that Byrd was among the spot light operators that were up in the rigging when the stage collapsed.Bursten said the injuries to some other victims are so severe that the death toll could rise. He did not know how many of the victims were fans and how many were crew members.The collapse happened about 8:50 p.m. as Sugarland, a country music act, was preparing to perform on the fair's main stage.The National Weather Service said winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph buffeted the stage ahead of a line of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for Marion County before the collapse."What hit really wasn't a storm. It was a significant gust of wind," Bursten said.David Lindquist, a reporter for the Indianapolis Star who was there to cover the concert, told 6News that an announcement was made that weather was moving in about two minutes before the winds kicked up, but those in front of the stage had little time to get out of the weather, if they wanted to do so.Watch: Uncut: Witness Recounts State Fair Stage Collapse "There is an evacuation plan that is prepared. There were preparations in progress in anticipation of a severe storm arriving around 9:15," Bursten said. "Personnel were being put in place for an evacuation if that were deemed necessary."Indiana State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said Sunday that the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the contractor responsible for structure, Greenfield-based MidAmerica, and that a company engineer from Tennessee was coming to the collapse scene.Gov. Mitch Daniels called the collapse a "freakish accident," but he praised the response as instantaneous and highly professional."Individual Hoosiers ran to the trouble, not from the trouble, by the hundreds, offering, in many cases, their own professional skills," he said, choking up.An on-site emergency center was set up at the fairgrounds immediately after the collapse. Other people at the concert converged on the collapsed stage in the immediate aftermath, trying to pull the injured from beneath the mangled wreckage."After the stage fell, it was complete chaos. Everyone had froze," said Jason Scofield, who was at the concert. "There was hundreds of people trying to lift the front of the stage up."People ran to escape the collapse, but they tripped over each other as the stage came down, another witness told 6News."It was very scary, but I'm very fortunate I escaped with minor injuries," a 14-year-old victim said. "There was people underneath the stage trying to get out. The stage hit me. It was like a scene from a movie. It just happened so fast."The Indiana State Fair canceled events for Sunday and planned to reopen on Monday at 8 a.m. with a special ceremony at 9 a.m. remembering those who died and were hurt. It was not immediately known what will happen with concerts scheduled in the coming days."Our thoughts, prayers and assistance go out to the families impacted by the tragedy. We continue to be grateful for the performance of our first responders and the instant reflex of Hoosiers helping Hoosiers," said Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who also serves as Indiana's secretary of agriculture.Officials asked anyone worried about a loved one they haven't heard from after the stage collapse to contact the American Red Cross, which opened its headquarters on East 10th Street in Indianapolis. People trying to get in touch with loved ones can call the Red Cross at 317-684-4305. The organization said it had a list of 33 injured people as of 2:45 a.m. and was working to add others who were hurt to the list.Officials urged people who were at the concert and weren't injured to update their social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to cut down on calls to authorities from concerned friends and loved ones.Sugarland posted this message on the band's Facebook wall:"You may see on the news that our stage collapsed tonight. We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and for the people of Indianapolis," the post read. "We hope you will join us. They need your strength."Sara Bareilles, the opening act at the concert at the fairgrounds Saturday night, posted on Twitter, "I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost #indyiloveu."Train, a rock band set to perform with Maroon 5 at the fairgrounds Thursday, posted condolences on its Twitter page: "Indianapolis, we are so sorry that you are suffering right now. We are sending all our love and good wishes. Be there soon. Hoping to help."ISP and Marion County authorities will lead an investigation of what led to the accident.Watch 6News and refresh this page for updates. Indiana State Rep. Under Pressure To Resign After Gay Craigslist Tryst- Daily Caller
Latest updated news about Indiana State Rep. Under Pressure To Resign After Gay Craigslist Tryst from Daily Caller
Indiana state Rep. Phillip Hinkle is under pressure to resign, just a day after a series of emails was released to The Indianapolis Star suggesting the politician had arranged a sexual rendezvous with an 18-year-old man via Craigslist.
The Republican state representative had apparently responded to a posting on Craigslist’s “Casual Encounters” section, and offered a young man $80 plus a tip to meet him at an Indianapolis hotel. Hinkle used his publicly listed personal email address to answer an ad looking for a “sugga daddy.” (Feds pay for study of gay men’s penis sizes)
The young man, Kameryn Gibson, says when he met Hinkle and realized who he was, he tried to back out of the deal. Hinkle grabbed him, exposed himself to Gibson, and then offered him an iPad, a blackberry and $100 cash to keep quiet.
When reached by the Star for comment, Hinkle didn’t deny the existence or authenticity of the emails. He would only say he was “aware of a shakedown.” Pressed further, he referred any and all questions to his lawyer.
Now, a number of Indiana political figures have responded to the reports. Fellow Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said he was “sad” when he heard about what had happened and called the incident “a personal family tragedy.”
State Rep. Brian Bosma, a Republican and Indiana’s House Speaker told the Star: “If the circumstances are as reported, it is an extremely sad and disappointing situation for all of us, especially the families involved.”
Aaron Schaler, president of Indiana Stonewall Democrats, said this is the kind of thing that happens “when someone is not allowed, by either community attitudes or personal conflicts, to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Others called for Hinkle’s resignation. Marion County Republican Chairman Kyle Walker strongly recommended “Hinkle resign his position so that he can focus on his family and not have this situation detract from that or the work that needs to continue in his legislative district.” Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb would only say Hinkle needs to “do the right thing,” though he stopped short of using the word “resign.”
Hinkle’s lawyer, Peter Nugent, says he doesn’t know whether his client plans to resign. Nugent was still trying to figure out exactly what had gone down when the Star reached out for comment. “I’m making progress,” Nugent said, but had no further comment.
Indiana state Rep. Phillip Hinkle is under pressure to resign, just a day after a series of emails was released to The Indianapolis Star suggesting the politician had arranged a sexual rendezvous with an 18-year-old man via Craigslist.
The Republican state representative had apparently responded to a posting on Craigslist’s “Casual Encounters” section, and offered a young man $80 plus a tip to meet him at an Indianapolis hotel. Hinkle used his publicly listed personal email address to answer an ad looking for a “sugga daddy.” (Feds pay for study of gay men’s penis sizes)
The young man, Kameryn Gibson, says when he met Hinkle and realized who he was, he tried to back out of the deal. Hinkle grabbed him, exposed himself to Gibson, and then offered him an iPad, a blackberry and $100 cash to keep quiet.
When reached by the Star for comment, Hinkle didn’t deny the existence or authenticity of the emails. He would only say he was “aware of a shakedown.” Pressed further, he referred any and all questions to his lawyer.
Now, a number of Indiana political figures have responded to the reports. Fellow Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said he was “sad” when he heard about what had happened and called the incident “a personal family tragedy.”
State Rep. Brian Bosma, a Republican and Indiana’s House Speaker told the Star: “If the circumstances are as reported, it is an extremely sad and disappointing situation for all of us, especially the families involved.”
Aaron Schaler, president of Indiana Stonewall Democrats, said this is the kind of thing that happens “when someone is not allowed, by either community attitudes or personal conflicts, to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Others called for Hinkle’s resignation. Marion County Republican Chairman Kyle Walker strongly recommended “Hinkle resign his position so that he can focus on his family and not have this situation detract from that or the work that needs to continue in his legislative district.” Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb would only say Hinkle needs to “do the right thing,” though he stopped short of using the word “resign.”
Hinkle’s lawyer, Peter Nugent, says he doesn’t know whether his client plans to resign. Nugent was still trying to figure out exactly what had gone down when the Star reached out for comment. “I’m making progress,” Nugent said, but had no further comment.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Michele Bachmann Vs Rick Perry Vs Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Poll:Prospects - TimesWireService
Latest updated news about Michele Bachmann Vs Rick Perry Vs Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Poll:Prospects from TimesWireService
Michele Bachmann vs Rick Perry vs Ron Paul 2012 Presidential poll. This is the most likely fight emerging for GOP nomination to take on President Obama
Texas Governor Rick Perry has announced his plan to run for the Republican nomination for 2012 Presidential race. Mr. Perry lashed out severe criticism against the incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama for his failures in financially controlling the nation.
Perry blamed Barack Obama for the Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the U.S.A to AA+. He launched massive criticism against Obama for the country’s whopping unemployment rate and financial deficit.
Talking to a friendly crowd in South Carolina, he revealed his plan to become a Republican candidate against Obama in the 2012 Presidential election. Obama has already given signs for his possible second run to the White House in 2012.
“I declare to you today as a candidate for President of the United States,” Perry said. “It's time to get America working again,” the Texas Governor said. He argued that “recovery is a meaningless word if the bank has foreclosed on your home.”
Perry touted his victory in producing more jobs in the state. He added that 40 percent of America’s jobs since 2009 were created in Texas because of his efforts.
“You cannot win the future by selling America off to foreign creditors,” Perry said in criticism against Obama’s financial policies. He added that Change in America, Obama’s campaign slogan, should come to people, not in White House.
Republicans and Tea Party activists have been extensively blaming Obama for his incapability to solve the worse financial conditions. America is suffering from huge financial crisis with unemployment rate remaining over 9 for a long period.
Michele Bachmann vs Rick Perry vs Ron Paul 2012 Presidential poll. This is the most likely fight emerging for GOP nomination to take on President Obama
Texas Governor Rick Perry has announced his plan to run for the Republican nomination for 2012 Presidential race. Mr. Perry lashed out severe criticism against the incumbent Democratic President Barack Obama for his failures in financially controlling the nation.
Perry blamed Barack Obama for the Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the U.S.A to AA+. He launched massive criticism against Obama for the country’s whopping unemployment rate and financial deficit.
Talking to a friendly crowd in South Carolina, he revealed his plan to become a Republican candidate against Obama in the 2012 Presidential election. Obama has already given signs for his possible second run to the White House in 2012.
“I declare to you today as a candidate for President of the United States,” Perry said. “It's time to get America working again,” the Texas Governor said. He argued that “recovery is a meaningless word if the bank has foreclosed on your home.”
Perry touted his victory in producing more jobs in the state. He added that 40 percent of America’s jobs since 2009 were created in Texas because of his efforts.
“You cannot win the future by selling America off to foreign creditors,” Perry said in criticism against Obama’s financial policies. He added that Change in America, Obama’s campaign slogan, should come to people, not in White House.
Republicans and Tea Party activists have been extensively blaming Obama for his incapability to solve the worse financial conditions. America is suffering from huge financial crisis with unemployment rate remaining over 9 for a long period.
Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse: Country Stars Mourn On Twitter -Taste Of Country
Jason Merritt / Rick Diamond, Getty Images
Last night (August 13), high winds blew the stage at the Indiana State Fair, causing it to collapse on the fans below who were waiting to see Sugarland perform. The tragedy resulted in a total of five deaths and 40 injuries. Thankfully, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush were unharmed, but not unscathed. They, as well as many of their fellow country music stars — like Jason Aldean, Reba, Blake Shelton, Martina McBride and more — reached out to the families and friends of those lost and those critically injured as a result of the stage collapse. See how country music's biggest stars reacted to the horrible news out of Indiana.
Just saw the video of stage collapse last nite at the Sugarland concert. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of the people who were killed and injured. Unbelievable!
What happened in Indianapolis tonight is what promoters, artists, crews and fans pray never happens. From my band, crew and the entire Starstruck organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to the 4 people who lost their lives tonight and to everyone who was at the concert . Jennifer and Kristen, I love you both.
My heart goes out to everyone who experienced the horrific event at the Indiana St. Fair last night. Prayers for the families that lost loved ones.
4 confirmed dead…. The more I see and learn about this the sicker I am… Storms and high winds!!! When will we learn?
Filled with sadness for those killed and injured in Indiana tonight. So so scary.
So sad to hear about the State Fair in Indianapolis. Our prayers are with Sugarland, their fans, and all the personnel working there. And most importantly, our prayers are with the families of the injured and the families of the four people who were killed.
jst came offstage & heard what happened in Indiana. Our Hearts, Prayers & Thoughts are w/all of u & ur families on this very sad nite-locash
I just saw the footage from Indiana State Fair tonight on youtube and am absolutely in shock. We send our prayers and thoughts to each and everyone of you who were there and your families and loved ones as well. God bless you all – KU
So sad to hear about the lives lost and those injured at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis. Our prayers go out to their families.Xo Meg
Huge knot in stomach, feeling completely sick watching/reading about Indy! All of us in Idaho are praying for ya!
All thoughts and prayers go to the folks in Indy and Sugarlands camp tonight… What an awful tragedy…
Thoughts and prayers goin out to everyone at the @Sugarlandmusic concert at the Indiana state fair 2day. We are sending our love to u all -G
My thoughts & prayers go out to the Sugarland fans in Indianapolis as well as Kristian, Jen & the @sugarland band/team. tragic
Every guy in our crew has thoughts and prayers going out to folks at Indiana State Fair and our friends @Sugarlandmusic.
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