President Barack Obama comes to Pittsburgh next week. The White House is not giving any details of the purpose of the visit just yet other than it's for an event at Carnegie Mellon University Wednesday.
The White House did say it's a priority for the President to travel outside Washington which he has been doing on a near weekly basis recently.
The President is in Chicago spending the Memorial Day Weekend with his family.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Saturday is Beyond Bikes Day
The event is meant to familiarize families and individuals with Pittsburgh's bicycling offerings--from the roads that have bike lanes, to easy, kid friendly bike rides and biking safety information. A number of groups are sponsoring Beyond Bikes Day and the activities kick off at the Kingsley Association Community Center at 6435 Frankstown Ave., May 29 from 12 p.m to 3 p.m. Rides of three different lengths, all less than 30 minutes long will leave every 20 minutes from the center, and while riders are asked to bring there own bikes, a number of loaner bikes will also be available. Organizer Von Singletary with Venture Outdoors says this is an opportunity for beginner bikers to get a handle on the biking scene in the East End and perhaps pick up a new hobby or new mode of transportation.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Boys Soccer: 2010 All-Northern Region Selections
2010 All-Norhthern Region Soccer Selections
First Team
Position Name School Year
Forward Jan Gunderson Langley SR
Forward Tim Whitebread Mclean SR
Forward Erik Schmidt Washington and Lee SO
Forward Steve Mashinski Chantilly SR
Midfielders Jose Noriega Robinson SR
Midfielders Dylan Price Langley JR
Midfielders Matt Jansen Mclean SR
Midfielders John Sheehan Washington and Lee SR
First Team
Position Name School Year
Forward Jan Gunderson Langley SR
Forward Tim Whitebread Mclean SR
Forward Erik Schmidt Washington and Lee SO
Forward Steve Mashinski Chantilly SR
Midfielders Jose Noriega Robinson SR
Midfielders Dylan Price Langley JR
Midfielders Matt Jansen Mclean SR
Midfielders John Sheehan Washington and Lee SR
Banner Night for Dulles District Teams: Briar Woods Softball, Broad Run Baseball and Girls Soccer Claim Tournament Titles; BR and PF Boys Soccer Settle for Tie
Briar Woods Softball Wins Second StraigthtDulles District Title
Broad Run Girls Soccer Wins 4th StraightDulles District Tournament Title
Broad Run Baseball Weathers the Storm for Dulles District Title
Photos courtesy: Briar Woods softball by Michele Jones; Broad Run girls soccer by Kristie Brady; Broad Run baseball by Tim Small
(May 28, 2010) - Thursday night at Freedom High School had four
Broad Run Girls Soccer Wins 4th StraightDulles District Tournament Title
Broad Run Baseball Weathers the Storm for Dulles District Title
Photos courtesy: Briar Woods softball by Michele Jones; Broad Run girls soccer by Kristie Brady; Broad Run baseball by Tim Small
(May 28, 2010) - Thursday night at Freedom High School had four
DotW: Navel Gazing
It was a week of painful navel-gazing from many in the venture community, as some of the industry’s best and brightest gathered in Napa for the annual C21 Bioventures conference at the Meritage Resort.A panel of VCs kicked off the event with a gloom-and-doom overview of the private financing world. As Ilan Zipkin, a partner with Prospect Ventures succinctly put it, "It’s a good thing we’re not holding this meeting in San Francisco. Here in Napa there are no bridges to jump off."
Ouch. Are things really that bad in private biotech land?
As we’ve been pointing out for some time, for VCs, the answer is yes. Funds raising money now are having a tough time and the expectation is future fund sizes will be smaller too, with returns down across the board. As InterWest Partners’ Chris Ehrlich put it: "People feel worse about themselves. LPs, the life blood of capital for venture, are saying the role of VC an asset class is limited. That casts a pall." Ehrlich likened the current climate for VCs who came of age in the most recent decade as "born in the crossfire of a hurricane." (Our heart goes out to Ehrlich and we’d likely be far more sympathetic--if we weren’t in the publishing industry.)
For biotechs looking for financing, things are a bit more hopeful, thanks to the rise of corporate venture groups, including newly formed units from Boehringer Ingelheim and Abbott. But certainly expectations must be adjusted. In terms of exits, Alison Kiley of Alta Partners is telling her firms to "keep their heads down, operating as if there will be NO IPOs." And, as IVB has said in the past, the shift is away from big M&A to back-end licensing deals, with pharmas using their leverage to make smaller biotechs share the risk and cost of early stage drug development. Still, a negative discussion about the rise of option-based deals in the final panel of the first day suggests many in our own industry are refusing to face up to the new economic realities.
In the words of the immortal Charles Darwin, it’s worth remembering that "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change."
Of course, VCs and early stage biotechs aren’t the only ones who need to adapt. J&J and BP come to mind as well. On that cheery note...we break for a holiday weekend and no more tsk-tsking from your mother for wearing white shoes. It's time to fire up the barbecue, crack open a cold one, and turn on the tunes (The Ramones "I want to be sedated" and Greed Day's "Basket Case" come to mind.) All the while reading another edition of …
Sanofi-Aventis/ Nichi-Iko: Sanofi’s deal team has been on a role, especially when it comes to inking very early stage collaborations (see below) or tie-ups with players in the consumer and generics spaces. (So much for the coming M&A storm, eh?) The French drug maker continues its eastward march, moving from Poland to Japan this week with a joint venture with one of the top Japanese generics’ firms, Nichi-Iko. Sanofi-Aventis owns 51% of the new J/V which is less than creatively named Sanofi-Aventis Nichi-Ikko K.K. (we’re guessing the abbreviation of choice will be SANI not SANK.) One of the J/V’s top initial priorities will be to rake over marketing and distribution rights in Japan for Sanofi’s anti-insomnia medicine Amoban, which generated 2009 sales of roughly €43 million. As our sister publication PharmAsia News has noted many a time, western pharmas are increasingly interested in tapping into the Japanese generics market because of a series of national policies that are encouraging generic drug use. (Japanese cos are interested too; hence Daiichi’s desire in 2008 to take partial ownership of Ranbaxy.) Pfizer, Merck, and Novartis have all made forays into the Japanese generics market, as has Teva. In allying with Nichi-Iko, Sanofi gains a considerable footprint in the island nation. Nichi-Iko owns five distribution centers and supplies drugs to 120,000 medical facilities in Japan. Last month the company reported generic sales grew 13.7%, with net profits up 103.9% for the quarter ending in February.—Ellen Foster LickingSanofi-Aventis/Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Another week, another corporate/academic research collaboration surfaces. This week it’s Sanofi-Aventis’ turn to make headlines, announcing a three-year, $4.2 million research collaboration with MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation. The collaboration's initial focus will be in the areas of nanotechnology and biologics. Although no funding has been awarded yet, the pharma is most interested in emerging technologies that provide new solutions for patients, such as next-generation nanoparticles for drug delivery, novel sensor technologies for diagnostic purposes, needle-free and wireless drug-delivery tools, and devices that monitor clinically relevant metabolites and biomarkers. As such, it fits Sanofi’s evolving belief that the drug companies of the future will be those that provide not just pharmaceuticals but end-to-end health care solutions in the vein of its recent acquisition of glucose monitoring play AgaMatrix. The MIT partnership will build on Sanofi's existing presence in Cambridge, Mass., which includes a 60-person research center and the company's vaccine subsidiary, Sanofi Pasteur Biologics. With Big Pharma companies looking at ways to reduce R&D spending, low-risk partnerships with academia and startup drug companies, in which drug makers get access to external R&D for a nominal price, are becoming more common. Pfizer recently announced a five-year tie up with Washington University in which university researchers are granted access to Pfizer compounds and data in a reprofiling effort. In the case of Sanofi's alliance with MIT, a joint steering committee will allocate annual grants ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 to academic researchers, with the French pharma holding an option on any completed research to fund further work.—Joseph Haas
Clovis/Avila: Clovis Oncology, which raised an impressive $145 million Series A in 2009, has partnered with three-year old Avila Therapeutics to develop and commercialize Avila's preclinical epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-selective inhibitor (EMSI) and a companion diagnostic. Under the terms of the deal, Avila and Clovis will collaborate on the preclinical development of the drug, which is being tested as a potential non-small cell lung cancer therapy. Clovis bears responsibility—and cost—for the drug’s clinical development and commercialization, as well as for the creation of the diagnostic. Total biobucks associated with the deal are $209 million, with Avila receiving an undisclosed upfront fee. For Clovis, the deal, announced May 25, marks the second asset the company has acquired since its initial financing. The company-- led by Pat Mahaffy and a band of cohorts formerly from the oncology play Pharmion--was formed with the aim of in-licensing oncology drug candidates in clinical development and pushing them through to commercialization. In November 2009, Mahaffy’s company bought Clavis Pharma’s Phase II lipid-conjugated formula of Eli Lilly's chemotherapy Gemzar (gemcitabine) in development for pancreatic cancer for $15 million upfront. In both the Avila and Clavis deals, the importance of a companion diagnostic targeting the appropriate patients has been a central part of the deal logic. Whether or not Clovis does the actual dx development is a different question. Earlier this year, Clovis signed a deal with Roche's Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. to develop and commercialize the diagnostic for the gemcitabine compound.—Jessica Merrill
Gentiva/Odyssey Healthcare: IVB doesn’t typically devote much space to healthcare services but the size of the Gentiva/Odyssey tie-up makes it impossible to ignore. Gentiva is a major provider of home health care services, while Odyssey is one of the leaders in hospice care in the U.S. Both companies have strong balance sheets and scale, so as Daily Finance writer Tom Tauli put it "assuming the integration is seamless, the result will be a powerful combination." Gentiva will spend about $1 billion to bring Odyssey’s 20 in-patient facilities and 92 Medicare-certified programs in-house, as well as the ability to provide a seamless transition from in-home care to end-of-life care. The $27-a-share price for Odyssey represents a 40% premium to the company’s closing stock price on Friday May 21, the day before the merger was announced. Hospice care is a relative new industry but one of increasing importance, given the aging demographics in the U.S. Analysts have been debating the merits of combining hospice and home-based care for some time, with proponents emphasizing synergies in shared referral and recruitment sources and marketing staff. Certainly the recent regulatory scrutiny over home health-care billing practices may have encouraged Gentiva to diversify, especially after it divested non-core assets in respiratory and infusion therapy back in February. Still, according to the WSJ, at least one analyst, Arthur Henderson of Jefferies & Co., was "taken aback by the magnitude" of the deal, Gentiva’s first in the hospice space. "We view this deal as an indication of management’s renewed vigor in driving accelerated growth through an aggressive acquisition strategy," Henderson said.--EFL
Image courtesy of flickrer vasta used with permission through a creative commons license.
Ed. Note: Let's Go Flyers!
IndyCar: Paul Tracy will race in Edmonton
EDMONTON - The field is now full for the two Canadian stops in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series. The “Team Oh Canada” field that is.
The Honda Indy Edmonton is elated to announce that Canada’s own Paul Tracy and his KV Racing Technology Team will be on the track at the Honda Indy Edmonton, July 23, 24 and 25.
“To have Paul racing in Edmonton again is very, very exciting,” said Northlands President Ken Knowles. “He’s always been a huge favourite with our fans, and we know that Paul’s a fan of the race track at City Centre Airport. Having Paul and Alex Tagliani, the other key member of Team Oh Canada, race against each other will provide some very exciting moments during the three days in July.”
Tracy, the 2003 ChampCar World Series champion said, “The Honda Indy Edmonton is one of the biggest auto races in all of Canada, and a huge IZOD IndyCar Series event. Competing at Edmonton has been a terrific mental and physical challenge over the years. The fans are not only enthusiastic but they’re also really knowledgeable and they treat me very well, every year. I’m really looking forward to being in Edmonton in late July.”
Team Oh Canada is running promotions with prizes to include access to both team’s garages and hospitality spaces to further promote the Honda Indy Edmonton. Fans attending upcoming races will also be able to collect hero cards of both Paul and Alex, as well as their autographs, and they’ll be given information about the Honda Indy Edmonton and the city of Edmonton.
“We’re inviting IndyCar fans from across North America to take in our event on one of the most challenging courses on the circuit,” Knowles said. “During the next few weeks, fans will be hearing lots more about Paul and Alex promotions allowing contest winners to be part of the drivers’ teams. Fans will also be given the opportunity to bid on Paul and Alex collectibles like gloves, helmets and fire suits during a silent auction.
“Both Paul and Alex are respected athletes and recognized celebrities who will help us draw international attention as well as local fan support for the Honda Indy Edmonton. We’re really looking forward to a great Canadian showdown in Edmonton in a couple of months.”
Tracy has competed in 270 open-wheel events during his career and has established himself as one of the world’s top drivers in open-wheel racing. The resident of Las Vegas, Nevada is among the top 10 in almost every open-wheel career statistical category including wins: 31 (seventh all-time), poles: 25 (ninth all-time), and laps led: 4,231 (seventh all-time).
Media Contacts:
Sid Priddle Randy Kilburn
Media Relations Manager Media Relations Consultant
Honda Indy Edmonton Honda Indy Edmonton
Indy Lights: Hinchcliffe Third in Firestone Freedom 100
Toronto, Ontario (May 28, 2010) – James Hinchcliffe followed up last month’s Firestone Indy Lights Series Long Beach victory with another trip to the podium on Friday as the Canadian claimed third in the ‘Firestone Freedom 100’ at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Toronto-born racer turned around a frustrating eighth-place qualifying slot to record his second straight top-three finish of the season behind the wheel of the #2 Team Moore Racing Dallara-Firestone, James completing the podium behind race-winner Wade Cunningham and Charlie Kimball.
Having been forced to wait over a month before returning to competitive action, ‘Hinch’ was glad to be back racing and was keen to put a disappointing early retirement in last year’s ‘Firestone Freedom 100’ firmly behind him.
Initially dropping a spot to ninth on the opening lap of Friday’s 100-mile sprint, James’ pace was obvious when the race finally developed after a handful of laps under the caution thanks to contact between a spinning Jeff Simmons and a helpless Pippa Mann, the pole-sitter.
Hinchcliffe picked off his rivals from sixth at the re-start quickly joining New Zealand’s Cunningham and America’s Kimball in a breakaway trio at the front. He claimed second from Kimball on lap 18 with the duo dicing for position while racing flat-out on the legendary 2.5-mile oval.
James ultimately lost out in the battle for second several laps later, almost hitting the wall as France’s J.K. Vernay played himself into proceedings despite being several laps down on the leaders. The 23-year-old Canadian, once free again, then held his own in third, fending off all advances from behind, equaling his best oval result to-date in the Firestone Indy Lights Series.
“To be able to race up at the front of the field was awesome,” stated Hinchcliffe afterwards. “Last year my motor blew up on the opening lap so this was really my first time racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s a really cool feeling to compete here and the crowd today was amazing!
“To get a podium at Indy is terrific so I can’t be too upset about the incident which dropped me back to third. Ultimately it was a good day for points, not least with J.K. Vernay struggling. We just need to maintain our consistency moving forward!”
2010 Top-5 Driver Standings (R4/13): 1st Vernay (FRA) – 157pts, 2nd Kimball (USA) – 152pts, 3rd HINCHCLIFFE (CAN) – 134pts, 4th Plowman (GBR) – 120pts, 5th Saavedra (COL) – 107pts
Round 5 of the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights Series is hosted at the Iowa Speedway on Saturday 19th June – www.indycar.com // ENDS – www.hinchtown.com // Press release issued on behalf of James Hinchcliffe by SM-PR: Tel: +1 514 684 2621 / Cell: +1 514 945 3253 / Email: stuart@sm-pr.com
Low Budget Horror Films - A Fair Criticism
Luke Owen with his thoughts on the low budget horror debut...
Some people have accused me in the past of having double standards. I have criticised films such as Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen for having a terrible story structure, dreadful dialogue and awful acting. Yet I can sit and watch Happy Birthday to Me, a film with terrible story structure, dreadful dialogue and awful acting, and quite enjoy it. So how come some films can get away with it?
A couple of months ago, I went to a Q and A session with British filmmakers David Bryant and Sebastian Smith for their low budget horror film Dead Wood. During the session, we were given a free copy of the DVD and a copy of the script to read through. A couple of nights later, I popped the film into my DVD player and then sat through one hour and twenty five minutes of terrible film.
The film slumps around at a frighteningly slow pace, the acting is GCSE drama class bad and the script may have well been written in crayon on a piece of pink paper with a flower border. Dead Wood is 100% grade A dreadful from start to finish and it was difficult to get through in one sitting.
But I can get behind this film and its filmmakers in full support in a cheerleaders outfit and a big banner expressing my love and support.
Why? Because these people are first time filmmakers and they did it all by themselves. These are a group of friends who got together to make a cheeky horror film for little to no budget and try and make a name for themselves. It was a long process and it was a hard process and it cost them more money than planned. Well, seven years later it finally paid off when they got a DVD distribution deal with Lionsgate Films. The sad fact is that the DVD didn’t sell all that well and they didn’t make any of their money back. But the most important part of the process was that they have learned from the mistakes they made and won’t make them next time round. The next film they make will be a lot better than Dead Wood.
Filmmaking is a learning process. You can’t be taught how to be a good at it and you can’t buy your way into being good at it. You can take all the courses in the world you want but you have to physically go out and do it if you ever want to improve. Nearly all first time filmmakers will make a terrible film. They may think it’s the dog’s bollocks when they make it but over time they’ll realise it’s just bollocks. I should know, I’ve been there and I’ve done it.
This cropped into my mind last night while I was watching Backwoods Bloodbath, a low budget no frills horror film I picked up in ASDA for seven quid.
This has all the hallmarks of a true low budget horror affair. A group of teenagers go on a “get away” weekend to mourn the death of one of their friends. Whilst there, they encounter a local who tells them about “the horrors” that await them in the woods. The teens, predictably, ignore him and end up getting bumped off one by one in horrific ways.
The film gets off to a great start over the first hour (the first five minutes aside) and is really fun to watch. The characters are quite engaging and well thought out (if a little clichéd), the script is funny and not overly cheesy and the on-set make-up effects are outstanding. Some of the dialogue is interesting and well delivered and there are some genuinely excellent set pieces.
It’s not all positives unfortunately; the basic story premise is pretty weak and doesn’t sustain enough interest and debut camera operator Erin Castrapel frames some shots with such atrocious inaccuracy, which doesn’t help the film's already amateur look. The film also features some of the most unsexy sex scenes I’ve ever encountered. They looked really uncomfortable and were difficult to watch.
But it really falls off a cliff by the time the final act rolls in. The idea for it is actually pretty great and well thought out and how it plays out could have been a really strong ending to what had been quite an enjoyable film. But the acting gets so terrible, the direction disappears and the scene timing and progression are so badly executed that the film started to lose its appeal, which is a real shame.
This was never going to be a film that set the horror world on fire and it was never going to be hailed as a classic. But I’ve seen films in the same genre made for the same money that are much worse. It’s just frustrating that the film doesn’t deliver come the final 20 minutes.
But going back to my original point while discussing Dead Wood – this was their first film and I was not expecting miracles. What I got instead was a film with some great set pieces, some good comedy dialogue, some superb special effects and a terrible final half hour. This was a great first attempt at filmmaking and I’m sure Donn Kennedy and Brandon Semling will go onto make more films and will get better and better.
And I wish them the best of luck.
As always, thoughts and opinions to boddicker_scripts@yahoo.co.uk or visit my website www.boddicker-scripts.moonfruit.com
Luke Owen
“Why don’t you take a cue from my dick and go long” – Brent, Backwoods Bloodbath (2007)
Addendum: One final comment, this film won the New York Independent Film Festival award for Best Horror Feature. I can only imagine that no other films were nominated in that category.
Some people have accused me in the past of having double standards. I have criticised films such as Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen for having a terrible story structure, dreadful dialogue and awful acting. Yet I can sit and watch Happy Birthday to Me, a film with terrible story structure, dreadful dialogue and awful acting, and quite enjoy it. So how come some films can get away with it?
A couple of months ago, I went to a Q and A session with British filmmakers David Bryant and Sebastian Smith for their low budget horror film Dead Wood. During the session, we were given a free copy of the DVD and a copy of the script to read through. A couple of nights later, I popped the film into my DVD player and then sat through one hour and twenty five minutes of terrible film. The film slumps around at a frighteningly slow pace, the acting is GCSE drama class bad and the script may have well been written in crayon on a piece of pink paper with a flower border. Dead Wood is 100% grade A dreadful from start to finish and it was difficult to get through in one sitting.
But I can get behind this film and its filmmakers in full support in a cheerleaders outfit and a big banner expressing my love and support.
Why? Because these people are first time filmmakers and they did it all by themselves. These are a group of friends who got together to make a cheeky horror film for little to no budget and try and make a name for themselves. It was a long process and it was a hard process and it cost them more money than planned. Well, seven years later it finally paid off when they got a DVD distribution deal with Lionsgate Films. The sad fact is that the DVD didn’t sell all that well and they didn’t make any of their money back. But the most important part of the process was that they have learned from the mistakes they made and won’t make them next time round. The next film they make will be a lot better than Dead Wood.
Filmmaking is a learning process. You can’t be taught how to be a good at it and you can’t buy your way into being good at it. You can take all the courses in the world you want but you have to physically go out and do it if you ever want to improve. Nearly all first time filmmakers will make a terrible film. They may think it’s the dog’s bollocks when they make it but over time they’ll realise it’s just bollocks. I should know, I’ve been there and I’ve done it.
This cropped into my mind last night while I was watching Backwoods Bloodbath, a low budget no frills horror film I picked up in ASDA for seven quid.This has all the hallmarks of a true low budget horror affair. A group of teenagers go on a “get away” weekend to mourn the death of one of their friends. Whilst there, they encounter a local who tells them about “the horrors” that await them in the woods. The teens, predictably, ignore him and end up getting bumped off one by one in horrific ways.
The film gets off to a great start over the first hour (the first five minutes aside) and is really fun to watch. The characters are quite engaging and well thought out (if a little clichéd), the script is funny and not overly cheesy and the on-set make-up effects are outstanding. Some of the dialogue is interesting and well delivered and there are some genuinely excellent set pieces.
It’s not all positives unfortunately; the basic story premise is pretty weak and doesn’t sustain enough interest and debut camera operator Erin Castrapel frames some shots with such atrocious inaccuracy, which doesn’t help the film's already amateur look. The film also features some of the most unsexy sex scenes I’ve ever encountered. They looked really uncomfortable and were difficult to watch.
But it really falls off a cliff by the time the final act rolls in. The idea for it is actually pretty great and well thought out and how it plays out could have been a really strong ending to what had been quite an enjoyable film. But the acting gets so terrible, the direction disappears and the scene timing and progression are so badly executed that the film started to lose its appeal, which is a real shame.
This was never going to be a film that set the horror world on fire and it was never going to be hailed as a classic. But I’ve seen films in the same genre made for the same money that are much worse. It’s just frustrating that the film doesn’t deliver come the final 20 minutes.
But going back to my original point while discussing Dead Wood – this was their first film and I was not expecting miracles. What I got instead was a film with some great set pieces, some good comedy dialogue, some superb special effects and a terrible final half hour. This was a great first attempt at filmmaking and I’m sure Donn Kennedy and Brandon Semling will go onto make more films and will get better and better.
And I wish them the best of luck.
As always, thoughts and opinions to boddicker_scripts@yahoo.co.uk or visit my website www.boddicker-scripts.moonfruit.com
Luke Owen
“Why don’t you take a cue from my dick and go long” – Brent, Backwoods Bloodbath (2007)
Addendum: One final comment, this film won the New York Independent Film Festival award for Best Horror Feature. I can only imagine that no other films were nominated in that category.
R.I.P. Gary Coleman (1968-2010)
Former child star Gary Coleman has passed away aged 42. The actor - best known as pint-sized Arnold Jackson in the classic TV comedy series Diff'rent Strokes (1978 - 1986) - suffered a brain haemorrhage after fall at his home on Wednesday and died earlier today after his life support machine was turned off. After making a number of TV appearances early in his childhood, the ten-year old Coleman was thrust into the spotlight with his turn as Arnold in Diff'rent Strokes, spawning the popular catchphrase "What'choo talkin' bout, Willis?" and quickly becoming the main star of the show. He struggled to shake off the character in later years, making sporadic television and film appearances in the likes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Simpsons and Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, while his personal life was beset with legal problems.
2010 Farmers Market Guide
A new handout from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will help consumers find local farmers markets.
The 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide is available by calling the Department of Agriculture at 717-787-6041, or by visiting their website and searching for "farm market."
The guide also discloses which farm markets participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. That program helps seniors and low-income families buy fresh produce by supplying them with $20 in vouchers.
Local farming has thrived in recent years. In 2003, there were about 900 farm markets. That number has since grown to more than 1,200.
The 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Market Guide is available by calling the Department of Agriculture at 717-787-6041, or by visiting their website and searching for "farm market."
The guide also discloses which farm markets participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. That program helps seniors and low-income families buy fresh produce by supplying them with $20 in vouchers.
Local farming has thrived in recent years. In 2003, there were about 900 farm markets. That number has since grown to more than 1,200.
Track and Field: PF's Nicole Fauteux, PV's Dennis April Lead Area Athletes at Region II Meet
(May 28, 2010) - Park View High School's Dennis April and Potomac Falls' Nicole Fauteux both won two individual events at Thursday's Region II track and field meet and helped the Patriot boys finish second and Panther girls fourth.
Fauteux was first in the 100 hurdles with a 15.45, some 0.16 faster than second place. Also qualifying for the AA state meet in the 100H was Jessica Fedderson of
Fauteux was first in the 100 hurdles with a 15.45, some 0.16 faster than second place. Also qualifying for the AA state meet in the 100H was Jessica Fedderson of
Auto Clearing Motor Speedway: Racing cancelled for May 29, 2010
RACING THIS WEEKEND CANCELLED ... due to the inclement weather, racing this weekend at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway (Saskatoon, SK) has been cancelled. We will reschedule the WEST Express Foods 125 race to be included in next weekend's action, on June 5. The SKL Trailers Pro Trucks and Cooper Tires Thunder Stocks are yet to be determined. Watch the website for further updates.
www.autoclearingmotorspeedway.ca
Delaware Speedway News and Notes - May 28th, 2010
NASCAR Late Model Triple Crown Begins Tonight!
The stakes in any Delaware Speedway race are always high for the NASCAR Late Models. In a given event drivers are fighting for Delaware Championship points, NASCAR Championship points, not to mention the feature race win craved by so many of these drivers.
Tonight, add Triple Crown points to that list with the first Triple Crown points event of the year set to get underway. The Triple Crown race raises the stakes in a number of ways. First off, it is a separate three-race points series. Performance in these races means a larger share in the minimum $5,000 points fund at the end of the series. Moreover, the Triple Crown race is divided into two twenty-five lap events. Each of those events counts for Delaware Speedway and NASCAR Championship points.
Don't miss a great night of racing with great weather! Also on the card tonight are the Delaware Super Stocks & Demar Aggregates Trucks.
Gates Open 6:00 pm
Practice: 6:00 pm
Time Trials: 7:15 pm
Racing Starts: 8:00 pm
Nascar Canadian Tire Series Weekend Notes (Next Weekend)
TICKETS: Preparations are well underway at Delaware Speedway for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Weekend which runs next Friday June 4 through Saturday June 5.
ADVANCED NCATS TICKETS & WEEKEND PASSES: The advanced discounted tickets for the weekend will close at midnight on Wednesday, June 2nd. Tickets will continue to be available through the speedway website at full price leading up to the event. Adult passes for the Saturday NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Race are currently discounted to $32 and will return to full price of $40 when the advanced window closes.
The best deal of the weekend is the full weekend pass. Weekend passes for adults are currently available for $42 for adults, a savings of $14 off the full gate price. Similar discounts apply to senior and student tickets.
Families should take note, children 12 & under are free to all events in 2010, including the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series weekend!
CAMPING: Camping is on a first come first served basis behind the back straightaway. Campers must register their site when they arrive for the entire weekend for $20. The standard site size is 20’ X 47’ although some larger sites will be made available for RVs. Pre-reservations are not available; the only way to secure your site is to register upon arrival with speedway staff.
Groups of campers wishing to camp together should ensure that the first of their group to arrive is able to register their additional sites. Campers are welcome to arrive as early as Wednesday, June 2.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Delaware Speedway campground!
Prepared by Announcer John Houghton (john@delawarespeedway.com)
Trouble Down the Road for PAT
Port Authority of Allegheny County CEO Steve Bland says PAT will likely slash routes, increase fares and cut hundreds of jobs if more state transportation funding isn’t found.
Pennsylvania’s transportation budget is down $472 million after the federal government rejected tolling Interstate 80 last month. That includes $50.6 million for the Port Authority.
Governor Ed Rendell has opened a special legislative session to address the issue.
Bland says the problem is in the legislature’s hands now – but they must act quickly to avoid painful PAT service cuts in the coming months.
“We would probably come out with specifics -- very specific route-by-route, service-by-service fare specifics -- in July,” says Bland. “Those would go out to public hearings through the summer… with the board acting on those likely in September, going into effect in January.”
Bland says service would be cut between 20 and 30 percent, meaning 300 or more employees would lose their jobs.
Pennsylvania’s transportation budget is down $472 million after the federal government rejected tolling Interstate 80 last month. That includes $50.6 million for the Port Authority.
Governor Ed Rendell has opened a special legislative session to address the issue.
Bland says the problem is in the legislature’s hands now – but they must act quickly to avoid painful PAT service cuts in the coming months.
“We would probably come out with specifics -- very specific route-by-route, service-by-service fare specifics -- in July,” says Bland. “Those would go out to public hearings through the summer… with the board acting on those likely in September, going into effect in January.”
Bland says service would be cut between 20 and 30 percent, meaning 300 or more employees would lose their jobs.
Offer to Sestak Came from Bill Clinton
White House Counsel Robert Bauer denies that anyone from the White House offered Congressman Joe Sestak last year if he would drop out of the Senate Democratic Primary race in Pennsylvania clearing a path for the renomination for Republcan-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter.
Bauer issued a memorandum saying that allegations of improper conduct "rest on factual errors and lack a basis in the law." However, Bauer admitted that the White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel enlisted former President Bill Clinton to offer Sestak an option of serving on a presidential advisory board while remaining a member of the U.S. House and avoiding a divisive primary race. Bauer said that the advisory position would have been unpaid and he said Sestak declined.
Sestak mentioned in a television interview that the White House had offered him a job if he would give up his challenge to incumbent Arlen Specter. But then Sestak refused to say who made the offer, or what the job was. Senate Republicans have been asking for a special prosecutor to determine if federal laws were violated.
Bauer issued a memorandum saying that allegations of improper conduct "rest on factual errors and lack a basis in the law." However, Bauer admitted that the White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel enlisted former President Bill Clinton to offer Sestak an option of serving on a presidential advisory board while remaining a member of the U.S. House and avoiding a divisive primary race. Bauer said that the advisory position would have been unpaid and he said Sestak declined.
Sestak mentioned in a television interview that the White House had offered him a job if he would give up his challenge to incumbent Arlen Specter. But then Sestak refused to say who made the offer, or what the job was. Senate Republicans have been asking for a special prosecutor to determine if federal laws were violated.
Sportscar Boutique - Open House - Saturday May 29
You can also check them out online at http://www.sportscarboutique.com/, or see their ad in Inside Track Motorsport News each month.
Sportscar Boutique
85 Glen Cameron
Thornhill, ON L3T 1N8
Canada
Tel. (905) 731-0700
Mets-Phillies: 27 up, 27 down!
I'm still waiting for that Met no-hitter, but last night almost felt like one. Throughout the game, Gary Cohen kept noting the growing total of consecutive scoreless innings. Once the Mets built a small cushion with Jose Reyes' two-run double extending the lead to 3-0, the countdown began. 25 innings down, two to go!
In the ninth inning, Francisco Rodriguez came in to face the heart of the Phillies' order - Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth. K-Rod had allowed one run in his last five appearances and had an ERA under two. The Phillie bats were ice cold. But just one home run from any of these three power hitters would end the streak. A home run with a man on base, and the Phillies were right back in the game.
As anyone who watched the 2007 and 2008 seasons can attest, the Phillies are no strangers to ruining things for the Mets at the last minute.
But not tonight. Instead, Cohen screamed out the time of the conclusion of the historic feat: at seven minutes before midnight, the Mets had shut out the Phillies three straight games!
In some ways, it was better than a no-hitter. As Metsblog noted, via Elias, it was only the third time since 1876 that a team swept three or more games from a first-place team without giving up any runs.
And best of all, it was against the Phillies.
Three shutouts, none started by Johan Santana, but two started by Hisanori Takahashi and R.A. Dickey.
So that's five out of six against the Yankees and Phillies. Amazing!
*
But before anyone starts getting carried away, thinking the Mets are only a Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt away from the postseason, remember that this team is two games over .500 at 25-23 and still closer to last place than first. They're great at home and horrible on the road, and so far have played eight more games at home.
One year ago, the Mets actually had a better record, 26-20, and were in first place.
There's a lot to be excited about - Jose Reyes is back and Mike Pelfrey is pitching like an ace. Hisanori Takahashi looks like he could be for real as well.
Let's hope the Mets can keep it up on the road, which they are going to need to do before they can truly call themselves a contender.
In the ninth inning, Francisco Rodriguez came in to face the heart of the Phillies' order - Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth. K-Rod had allowed one run in his last five appearances and had an ERA under two. The Phillie bats were ice cold. But just one home run from any of these three power hitters would end the streak. A home run with a man on base, and the Phillies were right back in the game.
As anyone who watched the 2007 and 2008 seasons can attest, the Phillies are no strangers to ruining things for the Mets at the last minute.
But not tonight. Instead, Cohen screamed out the time of the conclusion of the historic feat: at seven minutes before midnight, the Mets had shut out the Phillies three straight games!
In some ways, it was better than a no-hitter. As Metsblog noted, via Elias, it was only the third time since 1876 that a team swept three or more games from a first-place team without giving up any runs.
And best of all, it was against the Phillies.
Three shutouts, none started by Johan Santana, but two started by Hisanori Takahashi and R.A. Dickey.
So that's five out of six against the Yankees and Phillies. Amazing!
*
But before anyone starts getting carried away, thinking the Mets are only a Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt away from the postseason, remember that this team is two games over .500 at 25-23 and still closer to last place than first. They're great at home and horrible on the road, and so far have played eight more games at home.
One year ago, the Mets actually had a better record, 26-20, and were in first place.
There's a lot to be excited about - Jose Reyes is back and Mike Pelfrey is pitching like an ace. Hisanori Takahashi looks like he could be for real as well.
Let's hope the Mets can keep it up on the road, which they are going to need to do before they can truly call themselves a contender.
Track and Field: Region II Complete Results
Region II 2010 track and field meet complete results
Held at Handley High School on May 27, 2010
Event 1 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay================================================================
School Finals
================================================================
Finals
1 Western Albemarle 'A' 9:25.40
Held at Handley High School on May 27, 2010
Event 1 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay================================================================
School Finals
================================================================
Finals
1 Western Albemarle 'A' 9:25.40
Commission: No One Spoke Up for Juveniles
The commission created to investigate Luzerne County’s “cash for kids” judicial scandal says the county experienced “a collapse of the rule of law,” and that everyone from judges to lawyers to the general community shares part of the blame.
The Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice’s final report says what happened in Luzerne County, where two judges allegedly shuffled juvenile offenders into privately-held detention centers in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks, was an isolated incident.
Chairman John Cleland says no one including defense attorneys, prosecutors, police or probation officers stepped up to challenge or report what Judges Mark Ciavarella or Michael Conahan were doing.
"Now in other counties, there might be a breakdown in one or maybe two aspects of that. And the others would come into play and the system would right and balance itself. But it is astonishing to all of us, I think, the total collapse that we witnessed."
Cleland says some of the details were shocking.
"You have a situation where you have a seven—an 11-year-old little boy who owes 488 dollar in fines and costs. And the judge says, can you pay it? And he says no. and the response is, put handcuffs and shackles on him and get him out of here and put him in detention. And nobody in the courtroom said a word."
The Commission issued 43 recommendations, including making it more difficult for juvenile defendants to waive their right to counsel, and creating a statewide office to help families of defendants appeal sentences.
The report says judges and lawyers should receive more ethics training, and face stiffer penalties for ethical violations.
The Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice’s final report says what happened in Luzerne County, where two judges allegedly shuffled juvenile offenders into privately-held detention centers in exchange for millions of dollars in kickbacks, was an isolated incident.
Chairman John Cleland says no one including defense attorneys, prosecutors, police or probation officers stepped up to challenge or report what Judges Mark Ciavarella or Michael Conahan were doing.
"Now in other counties, there might be a breakdown in one or maybe two aspects of that. And the others would come into play and the system would right and balance itself. But it is astonishing to all of us, I think, the total collapse that we witnessed."
Cleland says some of the details were shocking.
"You have a situation where you have a seven—an 11-year-old little boy who owes 488 dollar in fines and costs. And the judge says, can you pay it? And he says no. and the response is, put handcuffs and shackles on him and get him out of here and put him in detention. And nobody in the courtroom said a word."
The Commission issued 43 recommendations, including making it more difficult for juvenile defendants to waive their right to counsel, and creating a statewide office to help families of defendants appeal sentences.
The report says judges and lawyers should receive more ethics training, and face stiffer penalties for ethical violations.
Jenny Sanford very popular
Nothing brings up a female political figure's popularity like getting cheated on by their husband.
Jenny Sanford has the best poll numbers of anyone we've looked at so far in 2010, with 61% of South Carolina voters viewing her favorably to just 16% with an unfavorable opinion of her. That positive view of Sanford holds true across the board with 61% of Democrats, 61% of Republicans, and 58% of independents all holding a positive opinion of her.
The last woman we found with these kinds of poll numbers was Elizabeth Edwards. Although her numbers have dropped since then, last May 58% of North Carolinians viewed her favorably to just 22% who had a negative opinion of her.
Hillary Clinton also saw a large increase in her personal popularity after the whole Monica Lewinsky saga.
Sanford's ex-husband is doing a little less well in the polls. Only 33% of voters in the state approve of his job performance while 56% give him bad marks. He's still at 53% with Republican voters but his popularity has completely tanked with independents (30%) and Democrats (10%).
If Jenny Sanford ever decides she wants to run for office she'll be able to get elected to whatever she wants if she can keep up these kinds of numbers.
Full results here
Jenny Sanford has the best poll numbers of anyone we've looked at so far in 2010, with 61% of South Carolina voters viewing her favorably to just 16% with an unfavorable opinion of her. That positive view of Sanford holds true across the board with 61% of Democrats, 61% of Republicans, and 58% of independents all holding a positive opinion of her.
The last woman we found with these kinds of poll numbers was Elizabeth Edwards. Although her numbers have dropped since then, last May 58% of North Carolinians viewed her favorably to just 22% who had a negative opinion of her.
Hillary Clinton also saw a large increase in her personal popularity after the whole Monica Lewinsky saga.
Sanford's ex-husband is doing a little less well in the polls. Only 33% of voters in the state approve of his job performance while 56% give him bad marks. He's still at 53% with Republican voters but his popularity has completely tanked with independents (30%) and Democrats (10%).
If Jenny Sanford ever decides she wants to run for office she'll be able to get elected to whatever she wants if she can keep up these kinds of numbers.
Full results here
Soccer: Stone Bridge Boys, Girls Shutout Foes in Regional Quarterfinals
(May 28, 2010) - The Stone Bridge High School boys and girls soccer teams turned up the defense Thursday night in the AAA Northern Region quarterfinals, shutting out their opponents to advance to the semifinals and one win away from clinching state bids. The Bulldog girls blanked Lee, 3-0, at home, while the Bulldog boys went on the road and blanked Lake Braddock, 2-0, in a game played at South
Rendell: White House, Sestak Need to Explain "Job Offer"
President Barack Obama says the White House will soon explain what, if any, job offer an administration official made to Congressman Joe Sestak in order to get him to drop his primary bid against Senator Arlen Specter.
"I can assure the public that nothing improper took place. But, as I said, there will be a response shortly on that issue."
Mr. Obama fielded a question about the issue yesterday during a press conference.
The pressure on Sestak and the White House to come clean on the issue has been growing in recent days.
A group of Senate Republicans has called for a special prosecutor to look into whether any laws were broken when the administration official allegedly offered Sestak a job last year to quit the race.
Sestak’s opponent, Republican Pat Toomey, says the Democrat needs to “be more forthcoming” about the issue, and even Democratic ally Governor Ed Rendell says Sestak or the White House needs to explain what happened.
"I can assure the public that nothing improper took place. But, as I said, there will be a response shortly on that issue."
Mr. Obama fielded a question about the issue yesterday during a press conference.
The pressure on Sestak and the White House to come clean on the issue has been growing in recent days.
A group of Senate Republicans has called for a special prosecutor to look into whether any laws were broken when the administration official allegedly offered Sestak a job last year to quit the race.
Sestak’s opponent, Republican Pat Toomey, says the Democrat needs to “be more forthcoming” about the issue, and even Democratic ally Governor Ed Rendell says Sestak or the White House needs to explain what happened.
Playoff Brackets for Memorial Day Weekend
(May 28, 2010) - If you head to beach for the weekend you will miss all the high school action as the Northern Region kicks off softball and baseball first round playoffs tonight and Loudoun Valley hosts boys and girls regional lacrosse finals. Then on Monday its Region II baseball, softball and soccer action along with Northern Region baseball and softball quarterfinals.
As usual,
As usual,
More evidence Dems aren't losing the center
The main reason Scott Brown was able to pull off a shocking upset in the Massachusetts Senate race earlier this year was that he beat Martha Coakley 55-41 with moderate voters. Just how rare of a feat is that for a Republican Senate candidate? There isn't a single other one in a competitive Senate race we've polled this year leading with moderates- in fact with the exception of Florida the Democratic candidate is up by at least 8 points with centrist voters in every race.
It's just another data point showing that Democratic troubles this year are not the result of them losing the center, but of conservative voters being more motivated to turn out. In places like Kentucky and Missouri, where the GOP will be slightly favored to win this fall, Robin Carnahan and Jack Conway lead their respective Republican opponents by 40 points with moderates. Democratic candidates also have 20+ point leads with moderates in places like North Carolina, Colorado, and Ohio.
I think we may have all (myself included) made too much of the impending doom the Massachusetts results portended for Democrats this year. The combination of an exceptionally strong Republican candidate in Brown and an exceptionally weak Democratic candidate in Coakley created a formula that made it possible for the GOP to win moderate voters. But the Republicans haven't shown the ability to replicate that formula in any other key Senate contest yet, and as a result Democrats are decidedly winning the center.
Here's out Senate data on moderates:
-Jack Conway leads Rand Paul 60-20
-Robin Carnahan leads Roy Blunt 61-21
-Elaine Marshall leads Richard Burr 59-24, Cal Cunningham leads Burr 54-26
-Michael Bennet leads Jane Norton 54-31
-Lee Fisher leads Rob Portman 47-27
-Joe Sestak leads Pat Toomey 45-29
-Alexi Giannoulias leads Mark Kirk 36-23
-Harry Reid leads Sue Lowden 51-41
-Blanche Lincoln leads John Boozman 49-40, Bill Halter leads Boozman 45-36
-Paul Hodes leads Kelly Ayotte 47-39
-Charlie Crist has 34% to 32% for Kendrick Meek and 19% for Marco Rubio
It's just another data point showing that Democratic troubles this year are not the result of them losing the center, but of conservative voters being more motivated to turn out. In places like Kentucky and Missouri, where the GOP will be slightly favored to win this fall, Robin Carnahan and Jack Conway lead their respective Republican opponents by 40 points with moderates. Democratic candidates also have 20+ point leads with moderates in places like North Carolina, Colorado, and Ohio.
I think we may have all (myself included) made too much of the impending doom the Massachusetts results portended for Democrats this year. The combination of an exceptionally strong Republican candidate in Brown and an exceptionally weak Democratic candidate in Coakley created a formula that made it possible for the GOP to win moderate voters. But the Republicans haven't shown the ability to replicate that formula in any other key Senate contest yet, and as a result Democrats are decidedly winning the center.
Here's out Senate data on moderates:
-Jack Conway leads Rand Paul 60-20
-Robin Carnahan leads Roy Blunt 61-21
-Elaine Marshall leads Richard Burr 59-24, Cal Cunningham leads Burr 54-26
-Michael Bennet leads Jane Norton 54-31
-Lee Fisher leads Rob Portman 47-27
-Joe Sestak leads Pat Toomey 45-29
-Alexi Giannoulias leads Mark Kirk 36-23
-Harry Reid leads Sue Lowden 51-41
-Blanche Lincoln leads John Boozman 49-40, Bill Halter leads Boozman 45-36
-Paul Hodes leads Kelly Ayotte 47-39
-Charlie Crist has 34% to 32% for Kendrick Meek and 19% for Marco Rubio
Brighton Speedway: $25 Car Load Night on Saturday
BRIGHTON, ON - The action gets hot and heavy again this Saturday May 29th as Town and Country Plumbing presents $25 Car Load Night. Bring a car, bring a van, bring a bus! As many people as you can safely get in your vehicle can gain admission for just $25.
Vanderlaan's Building Supplies Pro Late Models, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks and Bill's Johns Comp 4’s will be joined by the Gord’s Water Vantastics and the Motorsports of Trenton Flat Track 4 Wheelers for their first appearances of 2010.
Ron Piotrowski of Humber Nurseries will also be waiting in victory lane with an extra $100.00 to the winner of the Late Model feature in preparation for the upcoming Humber Nurseries Pro Late Model Challenge with Can Am Speedway.
Bainer's Radiator Canadian Modifieds are also welcome to come and get some testing and tuning done during their hot lap sessions. There has also been a Canadian Modified Dash for Cash added to the race card.
Gates open at 5:30, racing action starts at 7:00 pm. For complete details visit www.brightonspeedway.com.
Capital City Speedway: Race Results from Opening Night - May 26, 2010
Capital City Speedway
Opening Night // Wednesday May 26, 2010
Stittsville, Ontario
Late Model Heat #1
1) #17 Justin Holtom
2) #14 Sean Kennedy
3) #88 Tim Dorning
Late Model Heat #2
1) #31 Spencer MacPherson
2) #2 Ken Baird
3) #17 Justin Holtom
Late Model Feature – rained out
Mini Stock Heat #1
1) #27 Doug Mould
2) #44 Daryl Gow
3) #82 Kyle Baker
Mini Stock Heat # 2
1) # 09 Mike Oakley
2) #27 Doug Mould
3) #44 Daryl Gow
Mini Stock Feature
1) #27 Doug Mould
2) #95 Wally Lynch
3) #82 Kyle Baker
4) #28 Nolan Gould
5) #44 Daryl Gow
Thunder Car Heat #1
1) #7 Greg Ogilvie
2) #53 Todd Musker
3) #11 Dave Stinson
Thunder Car Heat #2
1) #7 Greg Ogilvie
2) #53 Todd Musker
3) #11 Dave Stinson
Thunder Car Feature – rained out
Legends Heat #1
1) #55 Kevin Foisy
2) #92 Dave Riopelle
3) #5 Chad Windsor
Legends Heat #2
1) #92 Dave Riopelle
2) #55 Kevin Foisy
3) #5 Chad Windsor
From Jeremy Coulter // General Manager // 613-863-6990 // jeremy@jmmotorsports.ca
Science Center to Host Sunday Memorial Service
The submarine U.S.S. Requin will welcome back some of her former sailors Sunday morning, when the Carnegie Science Center hosts a special Memorial Day weekend service on deck.
Science Center Curator of Historic Exhibits Patty Rogers says the service will start at 10:00 a.m. with a pledge to the American flag. Next, veterans of the Cold War-era Requin will toll the sub’s bell once for each American submarine that is now on “Eternal Patrol” under the sea. Rogers says the veterans will then cast flower petals into the water, in hopes that they reach their comrades still at sea.
Rogers says the service will conclude at about 11:00 a.m. with a 21-gun salute from a local Marine Corps League. The event is without charge and the submarine will be available for free tours for the rest of the day.
Also, HBO has set up a kiosk in the Science Center where visitors can record a short thank-you to veterans or active service members. Rogers says if desired, the video can instantly be sent to a specific soldier or sailor.
Science Center Curator of Historic Exhibits Patty Rogers says the service will start at 10:00 a.m. with a pledge to the American flag. Next, veterans of the Cold War-era Requin will toll the sub’s bell once for each American submarine that is now on “Eternal Patrol” under the sea. Rogers says the veterans will then cast flower petals into the water, in hopes that they reach their comrades still at sea.
Rogers says the service will conclude at about 11:00 a.m. with a 21-gun salute from a local Marine Corps League. The event is without charge and the submarine will be available for free tours for the rest of the day.
Also, HBO has set up a kiosk in the Science Center where visitors can record a short thank-you to veterans or active service members. Rogers says if desired, the video can instantly be sent to a specific soldier or sailor.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Butler and Donaldson Return to Victory Lane in Night 2 of Sunset Speedway's Grand Opening Weekend - Race Report (May 23rd)
Butler Returns to Victory Lane; ‘Wheely’ Stays Perfect in Night 2 of Grand Opening Weekend
Spencer Lewis
Sunday May 23rd marked the second night of Sunset’s Grand Opening weekend, and highlighting the night’s card of racing was the 2010 debut of the OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour. However, while the popular, high-horsepower monsters dominated the stopwatches, a pair of Donaldson Racing Stable teammates looked to show the capacity crowd that it’s not the size of the motor that counts.
Only one night removed from their respective victories, teammates Kevin Van Der Beek and Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson looked to hold on to their points leads and rack up another pair of victories for their stable.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks were the first feature on track. Grand Opening Night 1 winner Kevin Van Der Beek (No. 51 Highland Collision Centre/Custom Steering Nissan) appeared to be the man to watch early on in the night, capturing the win in his first of two qualifying heat races. However, in Van Der Beek’s second qualifying heat, an on-track incident with a lapped car left his Nissan 240sx with heavy front end suspension damage.
Van Der Beek was able to answer the bell for the 25-lap A-Main, though it was clear his car’s overall handling had been effected. With Van Der Beek’s car suffering, the door was opened for the rest of the field.
Early on, both Ralph Sikes (No 37. Dwinnell’s DEL. & Movers LTD./irisvisualinc.com Ford) and Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) enjoyed their time at the front of the field, though it was not until defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 Jeff’s Towing/South Barrie Collision Nissan) made his way to the head of the field on lap 6, that things got interesting.
As 2009’s most dominant Mini Stock pilot took over, it no longer became a question of wether or not Butler had the car to beat, but rather how many cars he could lap while leading the race.
Whilst the New Lowell, ON teenager carved his way through the field, a strong assortment of drivers were making a bee-line through slower traffic, in an attempt to reel in Butler’s Nissan. Those charging towards the front included defending Peterborough Speedway Chase for the Colours champion Mike Smith (No. 06 speedysmith.com Dodge), former Barrie Speedway Charger champion Billy Melenhorst (No. 14 Benzor’s Toyota 4x4 Parts/Tire Guys Nissan) and defending race winner Kevin Van Der Beek.
The three would eventually be joined by 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton (No. 33 Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood/CB Services Honda), and would put on their own battle for position, dazzling the fans, as paint, dents and positions were all exchanged between the 4.
Meanwhile, Butler had placed a full straightaway – chok full of lapped cars – between himself and the rest of the field.
At the checkered, Butler would claim his 2nd feature win of the year, followed by Paxton, Van Der Beek, Smith and Melenhorst.
In victory lane, Butler explained that while his car was dialed in, it wasn’t all positives for the defending champion, “The car handled pretty good tonight. It’s just that we’re pushing these cars so hard now, it’s getting to be too much for the tires we’re on. It’s starting to become an issue”
After thanking his sponsors and crew for their support, Butler had a message for his competition, “Keep me on my toes! Keep pushing me. Let’s keep this fun. Work hard to beat me, and we’ll keep putting on a show for these people!’
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stock’s 30-lap A-Main would round out the Sunset support divisions before the OSCAAR tour was set to take to the track. However, as entertaining as the racing action turned out to be, the on-track battles seemed overshadowed by a scary incident involving a trio of cars shortly after the green flag flew.
Upon the drop of the green, Orillia, ON’s Charlie Smith (Orillia Kitchens/Mr. Transmission of Orillia Chevrolet) snatched the lead from outside the front row, though 2 laps later was quickly unseated by “The Upgrade” Rick Walt (No. 99 Rama Moccasin and Smoke Shop Chevrolet).
Walt would begin to put some space between himself and the rest of the field, but would find himself hounded by Edward Cole (No. 27 Brian Rogers Trucking/TTK Tool Chevrolet) until the first caution of the event flew for a fluid spill in turn-2.
The race would take a scary turn only 3 laps after the restart when, after a lap of pressuring Walt from behind, Ken Denhollander (No. 31 Pontiac) would make contact with the left-rear of Walt’s Chevrolet exiting turn-4. The contact would send Walt violently into the front stretch wall, incapacitating the #99 in front of oncoming traffic. Just as the caution light came on to alert the rest of the field of Walt’s stationary vehicle, returning driver Chris Cunnington (No. 68 Cunnington Racing Ford) would make heavy contact with the rear-end of Walt’s prone vehicle, lifting the #99 up on 2 wheels upon impact.
Both drivers would walk away from the incident, though Walt could be seen cradling his right arm shortly after.
After a lengthy red flag to clean up a gasoline spill left from Walt’s split fuel cell, 2x winner Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Chevrolet) would take over the lead from outside the front row, carrying on unchallenged for the remainder of the event.
In victory lane, Donaldson was once again quick to praise his competition, “It’s never easy to come from the rear. Dave [Doucette] was following me those last few laps, he’s a great driver and it’s never easy to beat someone of that calibre’
Later on, after loading his nearly totalled vehicle onto his trailer, Walt had this to say about the incident, “I realize we were kind of holding things up after the restart, but where did he think he was going to go? He was into my [left side] the entire lap before”
When asked about his confrontation with Denhollander in turn-2 during the red flag, Walt responded with a laugh, “It’s funny, because when I got in his window on the track, he was apologizing and explaining that he didn’t mean to turf me and it was all his fault. But as soon as we get back to the pits with his crew around, all of a sudden it’s my fault. It’s real sad, because a guy with a tonne of money just took out 2 unsponsored teams. Neither Chris [Cunnington] or myself have a whack of cash to play with, and this wreck is definitely going to hurt us”
Disappointed yet determined, Walt would add a promise for his competitors and fans alike, “I guarantee you this car will be back for Saturday. Grampa [Merv Walt of the Frame Shop] and I are going to take it home, and I don’t care how much work needs to go into it, we’re going to get this thing fixed and we will be back”
At press time, Denhollander was unable to be reached for comment.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 4: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 6: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
B-MAIN: Pookie Brown Stroud, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
3) Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Ken Denhollander Barrie, ON
HEAT 2: Jason Elliott Angus, ON
HEAT 3: Kyle `Wheely`Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: `The Deuce`Dave Doucette Angus, ON
B-MAIN: Flyin`Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Kyle `Wheely`Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) `The Deuce`Dave Doucette Angus, ON
3) Mark Adams Burlington, ON
Spencer Lewis
Sunday May 23rd marked the second night of Sunset’s Grand Opening weekend, and highlighting the night’s card of racing was the 2010 debut of the OSCAAR Super Late Model Tour. However, while the popular, high-horsepower monsters dominated the stopwatches, a pair of Donaldson Racing Stable teammates looked to show the capacity crowd that it’s not the size of the motor that counts.
Only one night removed from their respective victories, teammates Kevin Van Der Beek and Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson looked to hold on to their points leads and rack up another pair of victories for their stable.
The Owens Corning Mini Stocks were the first feature on track. Grand Opening Night 1 winner Kevin Van Der Beek (No. 51 Highland Collision Centre/Custom Steering Nissan) appeared to be the man to watch early on in the night, capturing the win in his first of two qualifying heat races. However, in Van Der Beek’s second qualifying heat, an on-track incident with a lapped car left his Nissan 240sx with heavy front end suspension damage.
Van Der Beek was able to answer the bell for the 25-lap A-Main, though it was clear his car’s overall handling had been effected. With Van Der Beek’s car suffering, the door was opened for the rest of the field.
Early on, both Ralph Sikes (No 37. Dwinnell’s DEL. & Movers LTD./irisvisualinc.com Ford) and Ken Donaldson Jr. (No. 03 Custom Steering Nissan) enjoyed their time at the front of the field, though it was not until defending track champion Doug Butler (No. 10 Jeff’s Towing/South Barrie Collision Nissan) made his way to the head of the field on lap 6, that things got interesting.
As 2009’s most dominant Mini Stock pilot took over, it no longer became a question of wether or not Butler had the car to beat, but rather how many cars he could lap while leading the race.
Whilst the New Lowell, ON teenager carved his way through the field, a strong assortment of drivers were making a bee-line through slower traffic, in an attempt to reel in Butler’s Nissan. Those charging towards the front included defending Peterborough Speedway Chase for the Colours champion Mike Smith (No. 06 speedysmith.com Dodge), former Barrie Speedway Charger champion Billy Melenhorst (No. 14 Benzor’s Toyota 4x4 Parts/Tire Guys Nissan) and defending race winner Kevin Van Der Beek.
The three would eventually be joined by 2009 Rookie of the Year Warren Paxton (No. 33 Blue Mountain Honda of Collingwood/CB Services Honda), and would put on their own battle for position, dazzling the fans, as paint, dents and positions were all exchanged between the 4.
Meanwhile, Butler had placed a full straightaway – chok full of lapped cars – between himself and the rest of the field.
At the checkered, Butler would claim his 2nd feature win of the year, followed by Paxton, Van Der Beek, Smith and Melenhorst.
In victory lane, Butler explained that while his car was dialed in, it wasn’t all positives for the defending champion, “The car handled pretty good tonight. It’s just that we’re pushing these cars so hard now, it’s getting to be too much for the tires we’re on. It’s starting to become an issue”
After thanking his sponsors and crew for their support, Butler had a message for his competition, “Keep me on my toes! Keep pushing me. Let’s keep this fun. Work hard to beat me, and we’ll keep putting on a show for these people!’
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stock’s 30-lap A-Main would round out the Sunset support divisions before the OSCAAR tour was set to take to the track. However, as entertaining as the racing action turned out to be, the on-track battles seemed overshadowed by a scary incident involving a trio of cars shortly after the green flag flew.
Upon the drop of the green, Orillia, ON’s Charlie Smith (Orillia Kitchens/Mr. Transmission of Orillia Chevrolet) snatched the lead from outside the front row, though 2 laps later was quickly unseated by “The Upgrade” Rick Walt (No. 99 Rama Moccasin and Smoke Shop Chevrolet).
Walt would begin to put some space between himself and the rest of the field, but would find himself hounded by Edward Cole (No. 27 Brian Rogers Trucking/TTK Tool Chevrolet) until the first caution of the event flew for a fluid spill in turn-2.
The race would take a scary turn only 3 laps after the restart when, after a lap of pressuring Walt from behind, Ken Denhollander (No. 31 Pontiac) would make contact with the left-rear of Walt’s Chevrolet exiting turn-4. The contact would send Walt violently into the front stretch wall, incapacitating the #99 in front of oncoming traffic. Just as the caution light came on to alert the rest of the field of Walt’s stationary vehicle, returning driver Chris Cunnington (No. 68 Cunnington Racing Ford) would make heavy contact with the rear-end of Walt’s prone vehicle, lifting the #99 up on 2 wheels upon impact.
Both drivers would walk away from the incident, though Walt could be seen cradling his right arm shortly after.
After a lengthy red flag to clean up a gasoline spill left from Walt’s split fuel cell, 2x winner Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Chevrolet) would take over the lead from outside the front row, carrying on unchallenged for the remainder of the event.
In victory lane, Donaldson was once again quick to praise his competition, “It’s never easy to come from the rear. Dave [Doucette] was following me those last few laps, he’s a great driver and it’s never easy to beat someone of that calibre’
Later on, after loading his nearly totalled vehicle onto his trailer, Walt had this to say about the incident, “I realize we were kind of holding things up after the restart, but where did he think he was going to go? He was into my [left side] the entire lap before”
When asked about his confrontation with Denhollander in turn-2 during the red flag, Walt responded with a laugh, “It’s funny, because when I got in his window on the track, he was apologizing and explaining that he didn’t mean to turf me and it was all his fault. But as soon as we get back to the pits with his crew around, all of a sudden it’s my fault. It’s real sad, because a guy with a tonne of money just took out 2 unsponsored teams. Neither Chris [Cunnington] or myself have a whack of cash to play with, and this wreck is definitely going to hurt us”
Disappointed yet determined, Walt would add a promise for his competitors and fans alike, “I guarantee you this car will be back for Saturday. Grampa [Merv Walt of the Frame Shop] and I are going to take it home, and I don’t care how much work needs to go into it, we’re going to get this thing fixed and we will be back”
At press time, Denhollander was unable to be reached for comment.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 4: Terry Clodd Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 5: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
HEAT 6: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
B-MAIN: Pookie Brown Stroud, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
2) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
3) Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Ken Denhollander Barrie, ON
HEAT 2: Jason Elliott Angus, ON
HEAT 3: Kyle `Wheely`Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 4: `The Deuce`Dave Doucette Angus, ON
B-MAIN: Flyin`Frank Davey River Drive Park, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Kyle `Wheely`Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) `The Deuce`Dave Doucette Angus, ON
3) Mark Adams Burlington, ON
No Last Lap Heroics Needed As Watson Nets Second Victory of 2010 - Sunset Speedway Race Report (May 22nd)
No Last Lap Heroics Needed As Watson Nets His 2nd Win of 2010
Spencer Lewis
17-year old phenom Brandon Watson looked much more dominant in his 30-lap feature win on Saturday night than he had 7 days prior. Gone were the scrambles to create opportunities in the dyeing stages of the race, the last lap heroics and the shocked looks on the faces of the Sunset faithful. Instead, there was Watson, in clean air, swatting off challengers like hornets in a Tim Hortons drive-thru.
The evening’s A-Mains began, as usual, with the Owens Corning Mini Stock division. The packed entry-level class was set for a 25-lap affair, and right from the word “go”, it was apparent the evening belonged to rookie Kevin Van Der Beek (No. 51 Custom Steering/Highland Collision Centre Nissan).
After capturing wins in both of his qualifying heats, the Aurora, ON resident appeared both confident and collected heading into the A-Main. Van Der Beek would take the lead on lap 1, and hold the top position to the checkered flag, surviving a pair of restarts before the first lap was completed.
Upon collecting his first ever feature victory, Van Der Beek appeared happy, yet unsatisfied. “I guess the car was alright tonight”, shrugged the Donaldson Racing stablemate.“We’re definitely hoping to make a run for the championship this season, so long as things keep going our way”
Van Der Beek would go on to thank his sponsors, as well as his crew, including defending Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car champion Kyle Donaldson, Kyle’s father Ken and team engineer Stickman Pariseau.
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stocks were next to take over the 3/8 mile oval, with an A-Main set for 30-laps of green flag racing. The previous week’s winner, Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Chevrolet) entered the tilt on a 5 race (4 heats, 1 feature) winning streak.
Similar to the class’ first race of the 2010 season, Donaldson and new rival Jason Elliott (No. 22 Great Canadian Wiring Co/Woodward Service Centre Chevrolet) wasted little time in breaking away from the rest of the 21 car field.
In no time, the surging leaders were met with a volley of lapped traffic, sending both cars scrambling to find a lane sans obstruction.
As the leaders bobbed and weaved around the slower cars, the rest of the top-5 were waging all-out war for the third spot. Rookie ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald (No. 07 Weld It Creations/Steve’s Towing Chevrolet) and veterans “The Deuce” Dave Doucette (No. 44 Superior Machining & Repairs Ltd/D.B. Mobile Sandblasting & Spray Painting Chrysler) and Paul Maltese (No. 28 Presto Appliance & Repair/Graham Contracting & Landscaping Chevrolet) brought the fans to their feet, utilizing every useable groove on the racetrack in search of an advantage.
Up front, Elliott would not be able to pull closer than a car length from Donaldson’s bumper, before the flag-to-flag affair came to a close...handing Donaldson his 2nd victory of the young season.
Wheely’ was officially followed across the line by Elliott, Archibald, Maltese and Doucette.
In victory lane, Donaldson was quick to deny that his second victory came any smoother than his first. “I don’t know if it looked easy, but I can tell you that anytime you have Jason Elliott chasing you down, it’s far from easy.”
This was really fun” added the former Sunset champion. When asked about the multitude of lapped cars, ‘Wheely’ made it clear that slower traffic is simply part of the game, “It wasn’t all that different dealing with the lapped cars. You just have to choose the right line, and guide the car through”
When the topic turned to Donaldson’s readiness to accept defeat should his winning streak come to an end, the young veteran deadpanned, “Absolutely. You’d be a fool to not be prepared to lose when the competition is this fierce.
As Donaldson cleared the track, on his way to post-race technical inspection, it was time for the main event of the evening.
One week earlier, young phenom Brandon Watson (No. 9 Shear Metal Products/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) brought the fans to their feet with an incredible last lap pass around leader Jason Witty. For his second act, Watson was intent to control the race long before the final circuit.
The 17-year old would find himself starting inside the front row of the 23 car field. It took no more than a single lap for Watson to assume sole control of the race lead.
The Stayner, ON driver would find himself pressured early on by veteran Al Inglis (No. 69 Innovative General Contracting/Byers Hobby & Welding Dodge) but would use his smooth hands and top notch cornering to sail away from his grizzled counterpart.
As Watson settled into traffic, shortly before the halfway mark, Inglis would see his spot inside the top-3 evaporate, as a freight train of cars made up of ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker (No. 48 St. Onge Recreation/B&B Towing Chevrolet), ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (Morrow Electric/Robert Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) and Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) would catch Inglis out of the groove, and knock him back to 4th place in a quest to track down the young leader.
The race would find it’s flow marred by a trio of cautions only laps past the halfway point. It was on these restarts that Watson would find himself challenged more than at any other time in the race. On the final 2 restarts, Morrow, a 7-time Sunset champion in his own right, would pull to within a car length and a half of Watson’s bumper, only to have Watson pull away by a half straightaway after the first corner, much like he did on lap 1.
After the final green flag of the night, Watson would go unchallenged for the remaining 9 laps, clinching his 2nd checkered flag of the season – along with the Sunset Limited Late Model points lead. The remainder of the top-5 would be filled by Morrow, Walters, Baker and week-1 runner up Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty (No. 19 Matco Tools/Larue’s Haulage Chevrolet).
In victory lane, surrounded by family and crew, Watson admitted the second trip to victory lane was a tad easier than the first. “The car was handling really well tonight. I think the extra seat time absolutely helped me learn the best way around the new configuration”.
Although, the teenager admitted the late-race restarts had him prepared for the worst, “I knew Chris [Morrow] was coming. I could see he was right there, I just didn’t know how fast he was. But, we were able to get a good restart and that let us hold on to the lead.”
Watson would go on to thank the fans, his sponsors and crew before reminding the packed house he would return with his OSCAAR Super Late Model for Sunday’s 50-lap tour race.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 4: Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 6: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
B-Main: Pookie Brown Stroud, ON
A-Main:
1) Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
2) Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
3) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Jason Elliott Angus, ON
HEAT 2: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A-Main:
1) Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Jason Elliott Angus, ON
3) ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald Barrie, ON
LIMITED LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 2: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
HEAT 3: Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Al Inglis Orillia, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
3) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
Spencer Lewis
17-year old phenom Brandon Watson looked much more dominant in his 30-lap feature win on Saturday night than he had 7 days prior. Gone were the scrambles to create opportunities in the dyeing stages of the race, the last lap heroics and the shocked looks on the faces of the Sunset faithful. Instead, there was Watson, in clean air, swatting off challengers like hornets in a Tim Hortons drive-thru.
The evening’s A-Mains began, as usual, with the Owens Corning Mini Stock division. The packed entry-level class was set for a 25-lap affair, and right from the word “go”, it was apparent the evening belonged to rookie Kevin Van Der Beek (No. 51 Custom Steering/Highland Collision Centre Nissan).
After capturing wins in both of his qualifying heats, the Aurora, ON resident appeared both confident and collected heading into the A-Main. Van Der Beek would take the lead on lap 1, and hold the top position to the checkered flag, surviving a pair of restarts before the first lap was completed.
Upon collecting his first ever feature victory, Van Der Beek appeared happy, yet unsatisfied. “I guess the car was alright tonight”, shrugged the Donaldson Racing stablemate.“We’re definitely hoping to make a run for the championship this season, so long as things keep going our way”
Van Der Beek would go on to thank his sponsors, as well as his crew, including defending Kawartha Speedway Thunder Car champion Kyle Donaldson, Kyle’s father Ken and team engineer Stickman Pariseau.
The Tim-Br Mart Super Stocks were next to take over the 3/8 mile oval, with an A-Main set for 30-laps of green flag racing. The previous week’s winner, Kyle Donaldson (No. 53 Custom Steering/Planet Recovery Chevrolet) entered the tilt on a 5 race (4 heats, 1 feature) winning streak.
Similar to the class’ first race of the 2010 season, Donaldson and new rival Jason Elliott (No. 22 Great Canadian Wiring Co/Woodward Service Centre Chevrolet) wasted little time in breaking away from the rest of the 21 car field.
In no time, the surging leaders were met with a volley of lapped traffic, sending both cars scrambling to find a lane sans obstruction.
As the leaders bobbed and weaved around the slower cars, the rest of the top-5 were waging all-out war for the third spot. Rookie ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald (No. 07 Weld It Creations/Steve’s Towing Chevrolet) and veterans “The Deuce” Dave Doucette (No. 44 Superior Machining & Repairs Ltd/D.B. Mobile Sandblasting & Spray Painting Chrysler) and Paul Maltese (No. 28 Presto Appliance & Repair/Graham Contracting & Landscaping Chevrolet) brought the fans to their feet, utilizing every useable groove on the racetrack in search of an advantage.
Up front, Elliott would not be able to pull closer than a car length from Donaldson’s bumper, before the flag-to-flag affair came to a close...handing Donaldson his 2nd victory of the young season.
Wheely’ was officially followed across the line by Elliott, Archibald, Maltese and Doucette.
In victory lane, Donaldson was quick to deny that his second victory came any smoother than his first. “I don’t know if it looked easy, but I can tell you that anytime you have Jason Elliott chasing you down, it’s far from easy.”
This was really fun” added the former Sunset champion. When asked about the multitude of lapped cars, ‘Wheely’ made it clear that slower traffic is simply part of the game, “It wasn’t all that different dealing with the lapped cars. You just have to choose the right line, and guide the car through”
When the topic turned to Donaldson’s readiness to accept defeat should his winning streak come to an end, the young veteran deadpanned, “Absolutely. You’d be a fool to not be prepared to lose when the competition is this fierce.
As Donaldson cleared the track, on his way to post-race technical inspection, it was time for the main event of the evening.
One week earlier, young phenom Brandon Watson (No. 9 Shear Metal Products/Huronia Landscaping Chevrolet) brought the fans to their feet with an incredible last lap pass around leader Jason Witty. For his second act, Watson was intent to control the race long before the final circuit.
The 17-year old would find himself starting inside the front row of the 23 car field. It took no more than a single lap for Watson to assume sole control of the race lead.
The Stayner, ON driver would find himself pressured early on by veteran Al Inglis (No. 69 Innovative General Contracting/Byers Hobby & Welding Dodge) but would use his smooth hands and top notch cornering to sail away from his grizzled counterpart.
As Watson settled into traffic, shortly before the halfway mark, Inglis would see his spot inside the top-3 evaporate, as a freight train of cars made up of ‘The Bully’ Dwayne Baker (No. 48 St. Onge Recreation/B&B Towing Chevrolet), ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow (Morrow Electric/Robert Ford Collision Centre Chevrolet) and Stompin’ Tom Walters (No. 47 McColl Racing Enterprises Chevrolet) would catch Inglis out of the groove, and knock him back to 4th place in a quest to track down the young leader.
The race would find it’s flow marred by a trio of cautions only laps past the halfway point. It was on these restarts that Watson would find himself challenged more than at any other time in the race. On the final 2 restarts, Morrow, a 7-time Sunset champion in his own right, would pull to within a car length and a half of Watson’s bumper, only to have Watson pull away by a half straightaway after the first corner, much like he did on lap 1.
After the final green flag of the night, Watson would go unchallenged for the remaining 9 laps, clinching his 2nd checkered flag of the season – along with the Sunset Limited Late Model points lead. The remainder of the top-5 would be filled by Morrow, Walters, Baker and week-1 runner up Jason ‘Bam Bam’ Witty (No. 19 Matco Tools/Larue’s Haulage Chevrolet).
In victory lane, surrounded by family and crew, Watson admitted the second trip to victory lane was a tad easier than the first. “The car was handling really well tonight. I think the extra seat time absolutely helped me learn the best way around the new configuration”.
Although, the teenager admitted the late-race restarts had him prepared for the worst, “I knew Chris [Morrow] was coming. I could see he was right there, I just didn’t know how fast he was. But, we were able to get a good restart and that let us hold on to the lead.”
Watson would go on to thank the fans, his sponsors and crew before reminding the packed house he would return with his OSCAAR Super Late Model for Sunday’s 50-lap tour race.
QUICK RESULTS
MINI STOCKS
HEAT 1: Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 2: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 3: Rob Krystal Holland Landing, ON
HEAT 4: Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
HEAT 5: Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
HEAT 6: Doug Butler New Lowell, ON
B-Main: Pookie Brown Stroud, ON
A-Main:
1) Kevin Van Der Beek Aurora, ON
2) Mike ‘Speedy’ Smith Port Elgin, ON
3) Warren Paxton Holland Landing, ON
SUPER STOCKS
HEAT 1: Jason Elliott Angus, ON
HEAT 2: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
HEAT 3: ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
A-Main:
1) Kyle ‘Wheely’ Donaldson Queensville, ON
2) Jason Elliott Angus, ON
3) ‘Doomsday’ Danny Archibald Barrie, ON
LIMITED LATE MODELS
HEAT 1: ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
HEAT 2: Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
HEAT 3: Keith McLeod Barrie, ON
HEAT 4: Al Inglis Orillia, ON
A-MAIN:
1) Brandon Watson Stayner, ON
2) ‘Mr. Excitement’ Chris Morrow Anten Mills, ON
3) Stompin’ Tom Walters Bradford, ON
Put a Cap on It
Toyota. Massey Energy. British Petroleum. Johnson & Johnson?That is not a list J&J wants to see. But, as the company testifies today about a series of recalls affecting its consumer product line, J&J's corporate brand is very much at stake.
Sometimes, it isn't so much what you do but when you do it that matters. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, quality control problems are an unfortunate fact of life. Even the best run companies run into problems. Manufacturing is complex, QC standards evolve, and global multinational management structures invariably mean pockets of underperformance. No one is perfect.
Unfortunately for J&J, there may not be a worse time for a company to have problems like it is having. A massive recall of well known consumer product brands like Tylenol would be a black eye any time. A recall at a time when FDA is moving back towards a tougher enforcement posture is even worse. When the newly installed FDA deputy commissioner (Josh Sharfstein) has made his public health bona fides by focusing on the risks of OTC medicines, including Tylenol, it is a double whammy.
But to face all that at a time when Congress is investigating industrial disasters in multiple sectors means moving from a major FDA issue to a potential life-and-death moment for the corporation. We're talking Enron here.
What can J&J do?
Well, like BP, they need to stop the gusher. The analogy to the oil pouring into the Gulf of Mexico is a stretch, but for J&J there is a distinct sense that the bad news keeps coming. Just this year, there was an FDA warning letter for failing to follow-up with alacrity on complaints about a "musty smell" associated with some bottles of Tylenol. That was followed by the shut down of its Fort Washington, PA facility and the recall of much of the company's OTC product line.
Heading into a Congressional hearing, J&J faced two more untimely developments: the final resolution of an investigation into off-label promotion of Topamax (including a guilty plea by the division responsible), and another FDA warning letter focused on its medical device manufacturing. (Read more here.)
Today's hearing (and a likely follow-up in the Senate) will bring more negative headlines and unflattering attention. The key for J&J is to make it stop.
There is hope: as Genzyme seems to have proven, a company can indeed put a cap on a seemingly out of control compliance issue. Cynics would say it took awhile, but once Genzyme brought in outside managers to take over its manufacturing QC, the company seems to have regained control of the situation. The company moved into a consent decree negotiation, achieved a resolution along the lines it predicted, and received approval for an important new product as a result. Genzyme has a lot of work ahead of it, but the gusher of bad news has been capped, for now at least.
We don't think J&J will have the same period of time to get its house in order that Genzyme had: progress from here better be fast and sure. But it can be done.
Then there is the uncontrollable element of luck. The hearing today coincides with what might be BP's last chance to seal the Gulf Oil leak. Whether that effort succeeds or fails, that will be the lead story tonight--and J&J's issues will get a bit less attention than they might have otherwise.
Of course, if BP succeeds in capping that gusher, it means even more pressure on J&J to stop the flow of bad news about its brand.
The Skinny on Wednesday's Playoffs: Valley Girls, Boys Lax Clinch State Bids; Valley Softball, Baseball Win District Titles; and More
(May 27, 2010) - It was a night of celebration and heartache Wednesday in the playoffs as Loudoun Valley High School saw its boys and girls lacrosse teams clinch state tournament bids and advance to the regional finals and the Vikings baseball and softball teams went on the road to win Cedar Run District titles.
There were more titles just missed as both the Loudoun Valley girls and Heritage
There were more titles just missed as both the Loudoun Valley girls and Heritage
Audit: Discrepancies with Service Providers
Allegheny County Controller Mark Patrick Flaherty says 6 human service agencies that have contracts with the county are out of compliance and owe the county more than a half million dollars.
Flaherty says they regularly audit the contracts "to make sure that the dollars are spent the way they should be and that taxpayers are getting efficient use of their money for these programs"
Flaherty says the audits showed key compliance issues with Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pressley Ridge, Womanspace East, Next Step Foundation, Community Human Services Corporation and Community Empowerment Association (CEA).
"The most significant disparity was found in Community Empowerment Association’s noncompliance with its contract revealing that the agency owes Allegheny County approximately $304,000 for unsupported service hours and operating expenditures."
CEA is an agency that works to empower the African-American community through jobs, economic development, housing, education and family support systems.
Flaherty says Next Step, which provides transitional housing, education and support to individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, owes the county $64,900 due to an erroneous payment by the Department of Human Services.
According to the audit, Goodwill billed the county for salaries and benefits that exceeded the contract’s allowable amounts by $33,636; Pressley Ridge, a foster care provider, received $31,692 more than net eligible costs; Womanspace East owes the County $4,200 due to improper invoicing; and, Community Human Services (CHS)Corporation owes Allegheny County $23,000 billed for indirect, unsupported costs.
However, Adrienne Walnoha, Chief Executive Officer of CHS says her organization has been working with the County for two months to rectify this situation. "CHS did not inappropriately bill the County for any funds. We received an unqualified independent audit for the fiscal year in question and billed costs as outlined in our contracts."
Flaherty says he's recommending full reimbursement by these agencies
“The reviewed agencies should focus on strengthening their program management, documentation and accountability standards to preclude further disallowances from occurring. The Department of Human Services must closely monitor the terms of its contracts, units of service and other regulations to ensure compliance.”
Flaherty says it's hard to say whether these were just honest mistakes or if there were any intentional actions involved.
Flaherty says they regularly audit the contracts "to make sure that the dollars are spent the way they should be and that taxpayers are getting efficient use of their money for these programs"
Flaherty says the audits showed key compliance issues with Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pressley Ridge, Womanspace East, Next Step Foundation, Community Human Services Corporation and Community Empowerment Association (CEA).
"The most significant disparity was found in Community Empowerment Association’s noncompliance with its contract revealing that the agency owes Allegheny County approximately $304,000 for unsupported service hours and operating expenditures."
CEA is an agency that works to empower the African-American community through jobs, economic development, housing, education and family support systems.
Flaherty says Next Step, which provides transitional housing, education and support to individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, owes the county $64,900 due to an erroneous payment by the Department of Human Services.
According to the audit, Goodwill billed the county for salaries and benefits that exceeded the contract’s allowable amounts by $33,636; Pressley Ridge, a foster care provider, received $31,692 more than net eligible costs; Womanspace East owes the County $4,200 due to improper invoicing; and, Community Human Services (CHS)Corporation owes Allegheny County $23,000 billed for indirect, unsupported costs.
However, Adrienne Walnoha, Chief Executive Officer of CHS says her organization has been working with the County for two months to rectify this situation. "CHS did not inappropriately bill the County for any funds. We received an unqualified independent audit for the fiscal year in question and billed costs as outlined in our contracts."
Flaherty says he's recommending full reimbursement by these agencies
“The reviewed agencies should focus on strengthening their program management, documentation and accountability standards to preclude further disallowances from occurring. The Department of Human Services must closely monitor the terms of its contracts, units of service and other regulations to ensure compliance.”
Flaherty says it's hard to say whether these were just honest mistakes or if there were any intentional actions involved.
News: Heritage and Washington Mystics Teaming up for Summer Girls Basketball Camp
(May 27, 2010) - Heritage High School and the Washington Mystics are teaming up for a summer girls basketball camp from July 12-16 in Leesburg.
The camp, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, will be held at Heritage and cost $210 for the week.
For more information, see this flyer on the camp or see the registration form.
The camp, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, will be held at Heritage and cost $210 for the week.
For more information, see this flyer on the camp or see the registration form.
Mets finally overcoming bad spring training decisions
The Mets made a lot of terrible decisions in spring training, and it's taken well into May to finally undo them.
The Post's Joel Sherman writes that "the organization recognizes now that it was wrong to hand starting spots to John Maine and Oliver Perez in spring without a fight."
But the dysfunction goes beyond the rotation. This is the same organization that gave the starting first base job to Mike Jacobs, even though Ike Davis and Chris Carter were having much better springs. And the starting centerfielder on Opening Day was Gary Matthews Jr.
Most, if not all of these decisions have to do with money. The Mets make a bad signing, then make matters worse by not only refusing to eat the salary, but keeping the bad player in the lineup because they are paying him all that money.
Fortunately, things are starting to change, but they won't really change until the Mets actually start cutting their losses by eating salary. Starting with Gary Matthews Jr. And probably continuing with John Maine.
I can see not dropping Oliver Perez, because that is a lot of money to eat, and Perez is unpredictable enough and has enough upside for him to suddenly find his form with another team. I'm already resigned to that happening once his contract is up.
But I'm sick of constant rumors about trading Luis Castillo, which only show how desperate the Mets are to shed his contract.
Even if the Mets somehow found a taker for Castillo, who will actually play second? Alex Cora showed last year he's not a starting player. Ruben Tejada is playing short in AAA. Please don't tell me that the plan is to stick Daniel Murphy there and hope for the best.
It makes you wonder if the Mets are so eager to trade Castillo not to improve the team, but to save money.
In 2006, well before Madoff, and when the Mets were a strong contender, they were still willing to hurt the team by keeping Kaz Matsui on the roster and giving him 30 starts. Matsui hit .200 with an OPS of .505 before the Mets finally got rid of him in June once they had Jose Valentin.
The Mets are having a fantastic week, and overall I'm very happy about it, but I can't forget that the mess they were in before things started going so well was of their own making.
The Post's Joel Sherman writes that "the organization recognizes now that it was wrong to hand starting spots to John Maine and Oliver Perez in spring without a fight."
But the dysfunction goes beyond the rotation. This is the same organization that gave the starting first base job to Mike Jacobs, even though Ike Davis and Chris Carter were having much better springs. And the starting centerfielder on Opening Day was Gary Matthews Jr.
Most, if not all of these decisions have to do with money. The Mets make a bad signing, then make matters worse by not only refusing to eat the salary, but keeping the bad player in the lineup because they are paying him all that money.
Fortunately, things are starting to change, but they won't really change until the Mets actually start cutting their losses by eating salary. Starting with Gary Matthews Jr. And probably continuing with John Maine.
I can see not dropping Oliver Perez, because that is a lot of money to eat, and Perez is unpredictable enough and has enough upside for him to suddenly find his form with another team. I'm already resigned to that happening once his contract is up.
But I'm sick of constant rumors about trading Luis Castillo, which only show how desperate the Mets are to shed his contract.
Even if the Mets somehow found a taker for Castillo, who will actually play second? Alex Cora showed last year he's not a starting player. Ruben Tejada is playing short in AAA. Please don't tell me that the plan is to stick Daniel Murphy there and hope for the best.
It makes you wonder if the Mets are so eager to trade Castillo not to improve the team, but to save money.
In 2006, well before Madoff, and when the Mets were a strong contender, they were still willing to hurt the team by keeping Kaz Matsui on the roster and giving him 30 starts. Matsui hit .200 with an OPS of .505 before the Mets finally got rid of him in June once they had Jose Valentin.
The Mets are having a fantastic week, and overall I'm very happy about it, but I can't forget that the mess they were in before things started going so well was of their own making.
Brown up big in California
The big winner from the Republican primary for Governor in California? It might be Jerry Brown. The likely Democratic nominee, benefiting from bad feelings between Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner, has commanding double digit leads over both of them.
Brown is up 48-36 on Whitman and 48-32 on Poizner. There are almost no races in the country this year where Democratic voters are more unified than the Republicans- in almost every case there are more Democrats voting for GOP candidates than vice versa. That's not the case in California though where Brown takes 79% of the Democratic vote to Whitman's 72% of the Republican vote and 78% of the Democratic vote to Poizner's 67% of the Republican vote. Brown is bucking another overwhelming national trend by leading both of the GOP contenders with independents.
These results aren't particularly surprising in light of what we found in our polling on the GOP primary in the race. Whitman voters have a very negative opinion of Poizner and Poizner voters have a very negative opinion of Whitman. That's a dynamic more often seen in general election contests than primaries, and it's hampering the ability of both Republican candidates to be competitive with Brown this fall.
Brown is not particularly popular with 37% of voters having a favorable opinion of him to 39% with an unfavorable one. Amazingly after Brown's decades in the California political spotlight 24% of voters have no opinion of him but that speaks both to the length of time since he last served as Governor and also how hard it is to really make an impact on voters in such a large state. Brown looks like Mr. Popularity though when his favorability numbers are compared with those of Whitman and Poizner. Just 24% of voters see Whitman positively, with 44% having a negative opinion of her. And Poizner's even a little worse with 19% holding a favorable opinion of him to 43% unfavorable.
Republicans are going to have a lot of healing to do in the general election if this is going to be a competitive race. For now Brown is a strong favorite.
Full results here
Brown is up 48-36 on Whitman and 48-32 on Poizner. There are almost no races in the country this year where Democratic voters are more unified than the Republicans- in almost every case there are more Democrats voting for GOP candidates than vice versa. That's not the case in California though where Brown takes 79% of the Democratic vote to Whitman's 72% of the Republican vote and 78% of the Democratic vote to Poizner's 67% of the Republican vote. Brown is bucking another overwhelming national trend by leading both of the GOP contenders with independents.
These results aren't particularly surprising in light of what we found in our polling on the GOP primary in the race. Whitman voters have a very negative opinion of Poizner and Poizner voters have a very negative opinion of Whitman. That's a dynamic more often seen in general election contests than primaries, and it's hampering the ability of both Republican candidates to be competitive with Brown this fall.
Brown is not particularly popular with 37% of voters having a favorable opinion of him to 39% with an unfavorable one. Amazingly after Brown's decades in the California political spotlight 24% of voters have no opinion of him but that speaks both to the length of time since he last served as Governor and also how hard it is to really make an impact on voters in such a large state. Brown looks like Mr. Popularity though when his favorability numbers are compared with those of Whitman and Poizner. Just 24% of voters see Whitman positively, with 44% having a negative opinion of her. And Poizner's even a little worse with 19% holding a favorable opinion of him to 43% unfavorable.
Republicans are going to have a lot of healing to do in the general election if this is going to be a competitive race. For now Brown is a strong favorite.
Full results here
College Signing: Broad Run's Brenna Smith to Play NCAA Division I Soccer at American
(May 27, 2010) - Broad Run High School senior defender Brenna Smith, who has helped the Spartans to back-to-back state titles, signed earlier this spring to play NCAA Divison I soccer next year at American University.
"I was able to see Brenna play a number of times with her club and high school and she can play as both an outside and central defender,” commented American coach David Bucciero in
"I was able to see Brenna play a number of times with her club and high school and she can play as both an outside and central defender,” commented American coach David Bucciero in
Matt Pritiko strong at Delaware Speedway
LONDON, ONTARIO - Urlin Motorsports Late Model driver Matt Pritiko has made an immediate impression on not only his team, but the fans of Delaware Speedway this season. Pritiko, with the first two races of the season now behind him is very upbeat about the kickoff to his Late Model season.
"It really has been a good start for us," Pritiko said of his season so far. "As a rookie, I have to start at the back, but that has been good for me, it helps me learn more."
In the opener, Pritiko started the first heat in 10th and moved to sixth, then in the feature he started 11th and he moved to fourth, and sat fifth in points.
Last week, he had similar results with a fifth place finish in the heat. "We had another great Friday night," Pritiko said. "In the feature, we started at the back of the field because of my rookie status, and I was fighting a handing problem and a carburetor float issue near the end. I was able to get to fifth and hold on to that position. I am really looking forward to this weekend, which kicks off the first round of the triple crown race - even though I will have to start at the back again.
In addition to a new style of racing, Pritiko has picked up a number of new sponsors this year. They include, Global Warranty, Hype Energy, Rogers, Spencer Steel, CIBC, One Goal Elite Soccer, McColl and Tilco.
Matt Pritiko Fast Facts: Matt Pritiko is one of Canada's up and coming stars of motorsport. He is from London Ontario. In 2009, Pritiko made the switch from sedan race cars to stock cars, making his debut as Sunset Speedway. He then moved over to Delaware Speedway in preparation for the 2010 season. In 2007, Pritiko completed his rookie season in Koni Challenge, finishing 15th in the standings, with a top five and four top tens. Pritiko was a member of Sunoco's Team Ultra 94 and collected 1 win, 2 poles and five podiums in the Bridgestone F2000 Series. In 2002, Pritiko is was 2nd in F125/80cc in the Point Pelee Championships and took home the 2002 Most Sportsmanlike award. Pritiko is supported by Burwell Auto Body.
Release prepared by Russ Bond Agency, Inc. (www.russbondagency.com)
News: More Host Families Needed for 2010 Babe Ruth World Series Players
Leesburg (May 27, 2010) - Greater Loudoun Babe Ruth World Series Inc. is seeking additional host families for players in the 2010 14-year-old Babe Ruth World Series. The tournament will be held August 21-28 at Fireman's Field in Purcellville. Approximately 130 boys need to be placed in local homes. Currently, housing has been secured for 40 players; there is still a need for approximately 45
Girls Lacrosse: Loudoun Valley's Harkey Named Cedar Run District Co-Player of the Year
(May 27, 2010) - Loudoun Valley High School's Shannon Harkey has been named the 2010 Cedar Run District Co-Player of the Year, along with Battlefield's Caitlin Hester.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Girls Lacrosse Selections
First Team
Attack
Morgan Clarke (B)
Morgan Becker (LV)
Michelle Zakrzewski (LV)
Mary Margaret McCaleb (B)
Midfield
Shannon Harkey (LV) - Co-Player of the Year
Sophie Swan (
2010 Cedar Run All-District Girls Lacrosse Selections
First Team
Attack
Morgan Clarke (B)
Morgan Becker (LV)
Michelle Zakrzewski (LV)
Mary Margaret McCaleb (B)
Midfield
Shannon Harkey (LV) - Co-Player of the Year
Sophie Swan (
Boys Lacrosse: Valley Sweeps Cedar Run Awards - Swankowski Player of the Year, Lewandowski Coach of the Year
(May 27, 2010) - The Loudoun Valley High School boys lacrosse team swept the Cedar Run District honors with senior defender Garrett Swankowski named the Player of the Year and Jeff Lewandowski as the Coach of the Year.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Boys Lacrosse Team
First Team
Matthew Mullins-B-Att
Dylan Zook-LV-Att
Chris Rabung-LV-Att
Ty Kashur-SJ-Att
Chris Daddio-LV-M
Steve Slayton-Osb-M
Chuck
2010 Cedar Run All-District Boys Lacrosse Team
First Team
Matthew Mullins-B-Att
Dylan Zook-LV-Att
Chris Rabung-LV-Att
Ty Kashur-SJ-Att
Chris Daddio-LV-M
Steve Slayton-Osb-M
Chuck
Baseball: Loudoun Valley's Southerland Named Cedar Run Player of the Year
(May 27, 2010) - Loudoun Valley High School senior Beattie Southerland has been named the 2010 Cedar Run District baseball Player of the Year in a vote of the district's coaches.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Baseball Team
First Team
Cal Masterson-Osb-P
Beattie Southerland-LV-P
Matthew Reed-LV-C
Beattie Southerland-LV-1B
Chris Moylen-B-2B
Adam Gontkovic-Osb-SS
Alex Owens-LV-3B
Mike
2010 Cedar Run All-District Baseball Team
First Team
Cal Masterson-Osb-P
Beattie Southerland-LV-P
Matthew Reed-LV-C
Beattie Southerland-LV-1B
Chris Moylen-B-2B
Adam Gontkovic-Osb-SS
Alex Owens-LV-3B
Mike
Not much support on the homefront
Our polling is making it more and more clear: no one seems to want their home state politicians running for President in 2012:
-Last July we found only 27% of Louisiana voters thought Bobby Jindal should make a bid for the White House while 61% said he should not.
-In December we found 28% of South Dakota voters wanted John Thune to run for President while 55% did not.
-Also in December we found that in MN-6, the state's most Republican leaning Congressional district, only 32% wanted Tim Pawlenty to launch a national campaign with 50% opposed to the idea.
-And on our South Carolina poll this week there was only 15% support for a Jim DeMint 2012 campaign with 56% opposed.
It's hard to know what to make of these numbers. In the Jindal and Thune cases it may be an indication that voters want them to stay right where they are because they like them- they've posted some of the best approval ratings of any politicians in the country over the last couple years. Pawlenty and DeMint aren't all that popular though so voters in their states may just think they're not up to the task.
Voters also might be concerned that their politicians running for President could bring embarrassment upon their states. As someone who lives in the same county as John Edwards, I certainly can't blame them.
-Last July we found only 27% of Louisiana voters thought Bobby Jindal should make a bid for the White House while 61% said he should not.
-In December we found 28% of South Dakota voters wanted John Thune to run for President while 55% did not.
-Also in December we found that in MN-6, the state's most Republican leaning Congressional district, only 32% wanted Tim Pawlenty to launch a national campaign with 50% opposed to the idea.
-And on our South Carolina poll this week there was only 15% support for a Jim DeMint 2012 campaign with 56% opposed.
It's hard to know what to make of these numbers. In the Jindal and Thune cases it may be an indication that voters want them to stay right where they are because they like them- they've posted some of the best approval ratings of any politicians in the country over the last couple years. Pawlenty and DeMint aren't all that popular though so voters in their states may just think they're not up to the task.
Voters also might be concerned that their politicians running for President could bring embarrassment upon their states. As someone who lives in the same county as John Edwards, I certainly can't blame them.
Softball: 2010 Cedar Run All-District Selections Released
(May 27, 2010) - The Cedar Run District released its 2010 all-district softball selections this week.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Softball Team
NAME SCHOOL POSITION GRADE
1st TEAM
Bailty Liddle (Battlefield) Infield JR.
Brittany Clendenny (Battlefield) Infield SR
Allison Coates (Heritage) Infield JR
Krystal Smith (Stonewall Jackson) Infield SR
Carly Johnson (Valley) Catcher SR
Katie Brennan
2010 Cedar Run All-District Softball Team
NAME SCHOOL POSITION GRADE
1st TEAM
Bailty Liddle (Battlefield) Infield JR.
Brittany Clendenny (Battlefield) Infield SR
Allison Coates (Heritage) Infield JR
Krystal Smith (Stonewall Jackson) Infield SR
Carly Johnson (Valley) Catcher SR
Katie Brennan
Boys Soccer: Heritage's Eric Dentler Named Cedar Run District Player of the Year
(May 27, 2010) - Heritage High School senior Eric Dentler has been named the 2010 Cedar Run District boys soccer Player of the Year in a vote by coaches this week.
Dentler helped the Pride to qualify for next week's regional playoffs.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Boys Soccer Team
First Team
Eric Dentler - HHS
Brian Henken - BHS
Daniel Nesbit - LVHS
Francisco Galvan - SJHS
Tommy Sangbouasy - OHS
Dentler helped the Pride to qualify for next week's regional playoffs.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Boys Soccer Team
First Team
Eric Dentler - HHS
Brian Henken - BHS
Daniel Nesbit - LVHS
Francisco Galvan - SJHS
Tommy Sangbouasy - OHS
Girls Soccer: Loudoun Valley Sweeps Cedar Run District Honors - Manning Player of the Year, Davidson Coach of the Year
(May 27, 2010) - The Loudoun Valley High School girls soccer team has swept Cedar Run District honors with Ashley Manning named Player of the Year and Kerry Davidson Coach of the Year in a vote of district coaches.
The regular-season champion Vikings placed seven players on the first team.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Girls Soccer Team
First Team
Amber Cook-LV
Chrystal Oden-LV
Brittany
The regular-season champion Vikings placed seven players on the first team.
2010 Cedar Run All-District Girls Soccer Team
First Team
Amber Cook-LV
Chrystal Oden-LV
Brittany
DeMint's Standing
Jim DeMint continues to post pretty underwhelming approval ratings but with his opponent for the fall largely unknown at this point he holds a 19 point lead in his bid for reelection.
43% of South Carolina voters like the job DeMint is doing for them in the Senate while 36% disapprove. His reviews are predictably very polarized. 67% of Republicans approve of him with 15% disapproving while his numbers with Democrats are nearly a mirror image with 59% disapproving and only 14% giving him good marks. Independents split right down the middle in their opinions of him with 42% each happy or unhappy with the job DeMint is doing.
There are some signs that voters in the state are becoming a little frustrated with DeMint's increasing national presence. Only 38% think DeMint is spending the right amount of time focusing on representing South Carolina in the Senate while 39% think it's not enough. DeMint's constituents are cool to a potential 2012 White House bid. Only 15% want to see him run for President while 56% explicitly say they do not want him to. Even among Republicans just 24% would like to see him attempt to make that move.
DeMint leads likely general election opponent Vic Rawl 49-30. That 19 point lead for DeMint is a little inflated by Rawl's current anonymity. 82% of voters in the state say they have no opinion of him and part of the fallout of that is 30% of Democrats are undecided in the Senate race while just 11% of Republicans are. Assuming most of those voters come home to the party in the fall this race would look a lot closer but DeMint does lead 48-27 with independents and that would need to change for him to really be threatened in a state where there are more Republicans than Democrats.
Another thing working to DeMint's definite advantage is Barack Obama's lack of popularity in the state. Just 43% of voters approve of the job he's doing while 51% disapprove and it may be difficult for Democrats this year to topple Republican incumbents in states where the President has those kinds of poll numbers.
Still given DeMint's somewhat tepid approval ratings this is a race worth keeping an eye on. And to put Rawl's standing in perspective he's actually polling closer to DeMint than Blanche Lincoln was to John Boozman the last time we polled Arkansas.
Full results here
43% of South Carolina voters like the job DeMint is doing for them in the Senate while 36% disapprove. His reviews are predictably very polarized. 67% of Republicans approve of him with 15% disapproving while his numbers with Democrats are nearly a mirror image with 59% disapproving and only 14% giving him good marks. Independents split right down the middle in their opinions of him with 42% each happy or unhappy with the job DeMint is doing.
There are some signs that voters in the state are becoming a little frustrated with DeMint's increasing national presence. Only 38% think DeMint is spending the right amount of time focusing on representing South Carolina in the Senate while 39% think it's not enough. DeMint's constituents are cool to a potential 2012 White House bid. Only 15% want to see him run for President while 56% explicitly say they do not want him to. Even among Republicans just 24% would like to see him attempt to make that move.
DeMint leads likely general election opponent Vic Rawl 49-30. That 19 point lead for DeMint is a little inflated by Rawl's current anonymity. 82% of voters in the state say they have no opinion of him and part of the fallout of that is 30% of Democrats are undecided in the Senate race while just 11% of Republicans are. Assuming most of those voters come home to the party in the fall this race would look a lot closer but DeMint does lead 48-27 with independents and that would need to change for him to really be threatened in a state where there are more Republicans than Democrats.
Another thing working to DeMint's definite advantage is Barack Obama's lack of popularity in the state. Just 43% of voters approve of the job he's doing while 51% disapprove and it may be difficult for Democrats this year to topple Republican incumbents in states where the President has those kinds of poll numbers.
Still given DeMint's somewhat tepid approval ratings this is a race worth keeping an eye on. And to put Rawl's standing in perspective he's actually polling closer to DeMint than Blanche Lincoln was to John Boozman the last time we polled Arkansas.
Full results here
Soccer: Possibility of Severe Weather Forces Changes for Northern Region Match-ups
(May 27, 2010) - Stone Bridge High School has pushed up its Northern Region girls soccer quarterfinal at home tonight from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. in hopes of getting the game in before the possibility of severe weather.
The Stone Bridge boys game at South County High School against Lake Braddock has also been pushed up to 6 p.m. At 3 p.m. a decision will also be made as to weather to move the game to
The Stone Bridge boys game at South County High School against Lake Braddock has also been pushed up to 6 p.m. At 3 p.m. a decision will also be made as to weather to move the game to
Lockhart Truck Center Joins Pro Stock Tour as Race Sponsor
(Halifax, NS, May 26, 2010) – The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is pleased to announce that Lockhart Truck Center has come on board as a major sponsor for the 2010 season. The Lockhart Truck Center 100 is set to run on July 3rd, at Scotia Speedworld, located just outside of Halifax, NS. Lockhart Truck Centre is Nova Scotia’s premier heavy truck dealer, servicing the Maritimes since 1985.
Lockhart have been a long time supporter of local racing, however this is their first partnership with the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. “We look forward to being a partner with the Maritime Pro Stock Tour.” Said David Lockhart, President of Lockhart Truck Center. “Lockhart's enjoys supporting local racing and wishes fans and racers our best for the upcoming season.”
The Lockhart Truck Center 100 replaces the long standing Forbes Chevrolet 100, that fans and racers alike have become accustomed to in early July. The Maritime Pro Stock Tour would like to thank Forbes for their many years of support and some incredible racing history.
The Lucas Oil 100 kicks off the 10th anniversary season of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, June 5th at 4:00pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for youth 8-15 years, children 7 and under are free. Tickets available at the gate on race day, or on line at www.ticketatlantic.com, Ticket Atlantic Box Office, participating Atlantic Superstores and charge by phone 902. 451.1221 (Service charges apply)
About Lockhart Truck Center:
Lockhart Truck Centre is Nova Scotia’s premier heavy truck dealer, servicing the Maritimes since 1985. Lockhart offers the complete Western Star line up of premium line haul and heavy-duty vocational applications and a new level of customer service that makes Lockhart Truck Centre your number one choice for sales and service. Their knowledgeable factory trained staff are ready to serve you with customized solutions tailored to your business. Visit www.lockharttruckcenter.ca for more information.
About the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour:
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour (CPST) is the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. CPST visits four tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com
About CARQUEST Auto Parts:
With nearly 4000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.
Lockhart have been a long time supporter of local racing, however this is their first partnership with the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour. “We look forward to being a partner with the Maritime Pro Stock Tour.” Said David Lockhart, President of Lockhart Truck Center. “Lockhart's enjoys supporting local racing and wishes fans and racers our best for the upcoming season.”
The Lockhart Truck Center 100 replaces the long standing Forbes Chevrolet 100, that fans and racers alike have become accustomed to in early July. The Maritime Pro Stock Tour would like to thank Forbes for their many years of support and some incredible racing history.
The Lucas Oil 100 kicks off the 10th anniversary season of the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, June 5th at 4:00pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for youth 8-15 years, children 7 and under are free. Tickets available at the gate on race day, or on line at www.ticketatlantic.com, Ticket Atlantic Box Office, participating Atlantic Superstores and charge by phone 902. 451.1221 (Service charges apply)
About Lockhart Truck Center:
Lockhart Truck Centre is Nova Scotia’s premier heavy truck dealer, servicing the Maritimes since 1985. Lockhart offers the complete Western Star line up of premium line haul and heavy-duty vocational applications and a new level of customer service that makes Lockhart Truck Centre your number one choice for sales and service. Their knowledgeable factory trained staff are ready to serve you with customized solutions tailored to your business. Visit www.lockharttruckcenter.ca for more information.
About the CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour:
The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour (CPST) is the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. CPST visits four tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com
About CARQUEST Auto Parts:
With nearly 4000 locations in North America, CARQUEST Auto Parts supplies the professional automotive service repair industry as well as do-it-yourselfers with replacement parts, tools and equipment.
Call For More "Weekend Backpack" Programs in PA
A State Senator from Philadelphia is calling on more food banks across the state to launch “Weekend Backpack” programs for needy children. The programs pack the knapsacks full of nutritious easy to prepare food and then send them home with students after school Friday and before holidays. The goal is to bridge the kids to Monday morning when they get back to school breakfast and lunch programs. Sen. LeAnna Washington says it is great that the programs can get healthy food to children at risk of hunger in a way that is discreet and easily accessible. Kitchen says fighting hunger also helps to fight school problems, “Studies show that hungry and food-insecure students are 1.4 times more likely to repeat a grade, 1.6 times more likely to miss days of school, and twice as likely to require special education or be suspended from school.” Food Banks in Westmoreland County, Central Pennsylvania, York County and Lehigh Valley currently run Weekend Backpack Programs. Among the items in the backpacks: macaroni and cheese, canned soup, tuna meals, canned fruit, pudding, peanut butter and fruit juice.
The concept of the Weekend Backpack Program originated in Arkansas, when a school nurse noticed a large amount of students with upset stomachs, complaining of dizziness. It was later discovered that those students were not sick but hungry.
The concept of the Weekend Backpack Program originated in Arkansas, when a school nurse noticed a large amount of students with upset stomachs, complaining of dizziness. It was later discovered that those students were not sick but hungry.
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