Tom Tancredo is now getting mentioned as a possible replacement for Scott McInnis as the Republican Gubernatorial nominee in Colorado. How would he fare? A poll we did in January 2009 gives a pretty good indication.
On that survey we tested both Tancredo and McInnis against Michael Bennet for the Senate. McInnis trailed Bennet by 6, while Tancredo trailed McInnis by 9. So John Hickenlooper would probably be about 3 points better off against Tancredo than McInnis. Given that our last poll was a tie that would likely push Hickenlooper into a small advantage.
It's possible that Tancredo would not wear well as a statewide candidate, but it's hard to make the argument that you can with some of the other more extreme GOP hopefuls across the country that voters didn't know them initially and that the better they get to know them the less they'll like them, i.e. Rand Paul. That survey last year found 84% name recognition for Tancredo in Colorado, with 40% of voters seeing him favorably and 44% unfavorably.
Certainly Hickenlooper would be better off running against Tancredo than McInnis before the plagiarism allegations, but I wouldn't just assume it's over in such a scenario.
Full results from that January 2009 poll here.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Flight 93 Victim Honored With Memorial Gamelands
More than 665 acres of gamelands adjacent to Somerset County's Flight 93 National Memorial have been dedicated to Richard Guadagno, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist who was killed in the Flight 93 crash of September 11, 2001.
Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman Tom Fazi says the gamelands will act as a buffer to help prevent unsightly development from building up around the memorial. Fazi says PA Game Commission crews worked over the past few years to acquire the land and convert it from a strip-mined parcel to a beautiful wetland that Guadagno would have loved.
The dedication of the gamelands and a granite memorial stone came during a national conference of wildlife officers, so Guadagno's father had an assembly from many states and Canadian territories honor his son during yesterday's ceremony.
Guadagno was the refuge manager for Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Eureka, California. The visitors' center there has also been named in his honor.
Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman Tom Fazi says the gamelands will act as a buffer to help prevent unsightly development from building up around the memorial. Fazi says PA Game Commission crews worked over the past few years to acquire the land and convert it from a strip-mined parcel to a beautiful wetland that Guadagno would have loved.
The dedication of the gamelands and a granite memorial stone came during a national conference of wildlife officers, so Guadagno's father had an assembly from many states and Canadian territories honor his son during yesterday's ceremony.
Guadagno was the refuge manager for Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Eureka, California. The visitors' center there has also been named in his honor.
Deals of the Week Must Be Dreaming
Befitting the above image from Inception of the streets of Paris getting wrapped up like the subject of a misinterpreted Manfred Mann tune, DOTW believes a lot of weird shit happened this week. Right? (Please pardon our French.)
The dealmaking was rather quiet, attributable perhaps simply to the calendar but more likely the FDA Advisory Committee main events that were taking place down in quake-prone Maryland. First, go find your nearest In Vivo blogger, and pinch him or her. We must be dreaming. That quake should barely raise an eyebrow compared the rest of the week's strange goings-on.
Our first inkling that we were living in dreamland was when the National League won the MLB All-Star game. Clearly, this isn't reality. BP finally capped the oil leak? Now we're definitely not in Kansas anymore. Next thing you'll be telling us that Steve Jobs is going to address all those complaints about the iPhone 4. Good one.
The oddities included events closer to our -- and probably your -- industry interests. The headfake from FDA's Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee saw Vivus' Qnexa on the short end of a close decision. But that was supposed to happen, right? Sure. But first the briefing documents came out. "Surprisingly benign!" seemed to be the universal refrain. Then the committee meeting itself, where members beleaguered from what must've seemed like a 17-day Avandia reckoning reassembled to discuss Vivus' obesity hopeful. All seemed to be going quite well! Then 7-9. Oops, no, 6-10.
Further dream-sequence confusion? The past quarter's venture numbers and our column-cousin FOTF's poetry slam. And did Avandia really make it out of committee with a very good chance of staying on the market?
Finally, know who else was dreaming (or at least putting on a very smiley nothing-to-see-here face)? Whoever wrote this headline for Vernalis. The news? Biogen and Vernalis pulled the plug on the smaller co's great hope, an A2A receptor antagonist program destined for Phase III trials, because of a preclinical tox signal.
We don't mean to get all Billy Ocean on you, but please: get out of our dreams, get into ...
Mylan Labs/Bioniche: Mylan Labs is breaking into the North American generic injectables market with the $550 million cash acquisition of privately held Bioniche Pharma Holdings from parent co Bioniche Life Sciences, the companies announced on Wednesday. The purchase price, at 4.2x revenue, is richer than the typical generics deal, but according to Mylan the buy brings in "higher-barrier" products, higher-profit margins in the oncology, anti-infectives, and CSN spaces, and sets it up for a push into generic biologics some time down the road. Bioniche adds nearly 30 products and 15 ANDAs and a substantial pipeline to Mylan's UDL Labs unit dose business and will combine with that unit to create Mylan Institutional, a new business focused on hospital and institutional sales in North America. Read our full take on the deal in "The Pink Sheet" DAILY. --Joseph Haas
Evotec/DeveloGen: The long road traveled by DeveloGen, the surviving entity from several rounds of German biotech consolidation during the past decade (Peptor, HepaVec) whose consituent parts date back to the early 90s, is finally at an end. In further German coalescence Evotec said on Wednesday that it was acquiring the metabolic disease-focused private biotech for €14 million in stock plus a potential cash earn-out. DeveloGen adds to Evotec two diabetes-focused deals: a Type-1 diabetes development partnership with Andromeda (that company in turn licenced the compound, DiaPep277, to Teva) and a Type-2 diabetes discovery deal, signed only last year, with Boehringer Ingelheim. Evotec gains a third project, targeting beta cell regeneration for Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes, which is in lead optimization and currently funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. DeveloGen's backers -- surely not breaking anywhere close to even here since its constituent companies raised close to €100 million over the past 17 years -- are eligible for undisclosed cash payments based on future milestones and royalties. -- CM
Watson/Itero Biopharmaceuticals: Privately-held Itero Biopharmaceuticals inked its first product-focused deal this week with Watson Pharmaceuticals. Watson will pay Itero an undisclosed upfront licensing fee to access the San Mateo, CA-based biotech’s recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (rFSH), a biosimilar currently in preclinical development for the treatment of female infertility. Watson, which takes on full development, manufacturing, and commercial expenses related to the rFSH’s development, also owes Itero development and regulatory-based milestone payments, as well as an undisclosed percentage of net sales or net profits in various regions of the world. Formed in 2007, the largely stealth Itero raised $21 million in financing in 2008 from a venture syndicate that includes SV Life Sciences and Panorama Capital. In 2009 it signed an alliance awith XCellerex suggesting cheaper manufacturing of its follow-on proteins may have been one of Itero's strategies. For Watson, the deal is part of a two-pronged strategy to bolster its women’s health offerings and expand into biosimilars, an arena not without risk given the still murky U.S. approval pathway for follow-on-biologics. The New Jersey based biopharma, which develops both generic and branded drugs, has a number of proprietary drugs in women’s health, including Gelnique and four novel contraceptives in various stages of development. The company has plenty of competition from generics firms such as Teva and Novartis’ Sandoz, as well as big pharma players such as Merck and Pfizer.--Ellen Foster Licking
Genentech/MRC Technology: Genentech, in one of its first deals under the new leadership of business development head James Sabry, has brokered an exclusive alliance with the MRC Technology’s Centre for Therapeutic Discovery (CTD) to access an undisclosed number of small molecule drug candidates for treatment of neurological diseases. MRC Technology, the entity responsible for translating research discovered by the UK’s Medical Research Council into commercial products, receives an upfront payment and is eligible to receive clinical development milestones and sales royalties. Full financial terms and the target of the small molecule collaboration were not disclosed. The collaboration is yet another reminder that biopharmaceutical companies in search of innovative medicines are eager to tap the wealth housed in academia. Although this is the CTD’s first official collaboration, MRC is hardly a stranger to the dealmaking table. On July 5, the technology transfer group inked a wide-ranging discovery deal with AstraZeneca in which it agreed to screen a 150,000 compound library from both parties to identify molecules that show activity against 10 biological targets. (Financial terms of that tie-up also weren’t disclosed.) In the case of the recent deal with Roche’s South San Francisco outpost, a focus on neurological diseases is hardly surprising given the depth of talent associated with the therapeutic area now residing within Genentech. In addition to Sabry, who trained as a neuroscientist before leaving academia to play central roles at biotechs Cytokinetics and Arete, both EVP Richard Scheller and CSO Marc-Tessier-Lavigne are highly regarded neurobiologists. —EFL
Carnegie Library Hosts More Community Meetings
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will kick off its second round of community "brainstorming sessions" tomorrow with a meetings in Lawrenceville and Beltzhoover aimed at finding ways to raise money for the cash-strapped system.
Library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says the first round of meetings in May brought forth a flurry of ideas to help the library manage itself within its waning operational budget.
"We went back, and with our board and staff, we refined some of those ideas, and we also looked at different opportunities for the future based upon some of the best practices in other library systems," says Thinnes. "So this time around, it's really a discussion focused on what mix of these ideas best meets the library for the future."
Thinnes says the library identified five areas of service the community values the most: collections, the digital experience, hours, locations, and programs/outreach.
The library spokeswoman says about 570 people have participated in the discussion so far either online or in person. Thinnes says most of the comments focus on efforts to find sustainable funding sources.
"Looking at the state budget cuts, and comibined with the 30% decrease [in state funding] the library saw last year, we're facing about a $2 million deficit," says Thinnes.
She says the library has organized a funding task force, and will be looking to Pittsburgh communities for ideas and support.
The meetings:
* (7/17) Lawrenceville - Stephen Foster Community Center (10 a.m. - noon)
* (7/17) Beltzhoover - Warrington Recreation Center (2 - 4 p.m.)
* (7/18) Brookline - Carnegie Library in Brookline (2 - 4 p.m.)
* (7/19) East Liberty - Union Project (7 - 9 p.m.)
Library spokeswoman Suzanne Thinnes says the first round of meetings in May brought forth a flurry of ideas to help the library manage itself within its waning operational budget.
"We went back, and with our board and staff, we refined some of those ideas, and we also looked at different opportunities for the future based upon some of the best practices in other library systems," says Thinnes. "So this time around, it's really a discussion focused on what mix of these ideas best meets the library for the future."
Thinnes says the library identified five areas of service the community values the most: collections, the digital experience, hours, locations, and programs/outreach.
The library spokeswoman says about 570 people have participated in the discussion so far either online or in person. Thinnes says most of the comments focus on efforts to find sustainable funding sources.
"Looking at the state budget cuts, and comibined with the 30% decrease [in state funding] the library saw last year, we're facing about a $2 million deficit," says Thinnes.
She says the library has organized a funding task force, and will be looking to Pittsburgh communities for ideas and support.
The meetings:
* (7/17) Lawrenceville - Stephen Foster Community Center (10 a.m. - noon)
* (7/17) Beltzhoover - Warrington Recreation Center (2 - 4 p.m.)
* (7/18) Brookline - Carnegie Library in Brookline (2 - 4 p.m.)
* (7/19) East Liberty - Union Project (7 - 9 p.m.)
Pgh-Cle High-Speed Train Explored
Pittsburgh has popped up on a list of cities that Ohio officials would like to see linked into its still-being-built passenger rail system. Ohio expects to link Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland with a 79 mile an hour train by 2012 and the Ohio Rail Development Commission has signed a $7.8 million contract with the Los Angles based engineering firm AECOM to assess what would need to be done to institute 110-mph passenger trains on four routes, including Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The work is being funded through a federal grant. Commission spokesperson Stu Nicholson says the study will look at routes, environmental impacts and ridership. In January the Whitehouse announced that Ohio will be given $400 million in federal funding for the three-city high-speed rail link, which is expected to host 478,000 riders in the first year of operations. Nicholson says extending spurs from the “Ohio Hub” is the next logical step. A spur from Cleveland to Toledo is also being explored. Nicholson says building such lines will take a mix of funding sources including federal transportation dollars. He says he thinks interest in high-speed rail has grown in Washington DC as the debate over climate change and energy independence intensifies. It is still unclear who would operate the spurs.
Beechview Looks for Replacement Supermarket
Pittsburgh area state lawmakers and Urban Redevelopment Authority officials are trying to attract a grocer to the site of a former Foodland store on Broadway Avenue in Beechview that closed at the end of June.
State Representative Chelsa Wagner of Beechview hosted a community meeting Saturday at the Beechview United Presbyterian Church to update residents and gather more input. Wagner says there's been growing concern in the community as the now closed Foodland store "has been going downhill for a good year" with fewer and fewer goods being offered. Wagner says one constituent told her that her sons couldn't even buy a pack of gum at the store and it stopped selling Port Authority passes.
Wagner says her fear was that the old owner would keep letting his store decline over the next 3 or 4 years and there would be no interest in a grocery store in that community....so the closing "is not a bad thing." Wagner says that's because over the last year or so there have been informal talks with parties interested in a grocery store at that site "involving a complete renovation of the current store or knocking it down and building a new store with a parking facility." According to Wagner, residents have been approached about selling adjacent properties so that a new grocery store could have a bigger footprint...."I think the timing is hopefully going to work out for the community in a way that's going to benefit the community long term. Because what we really need is a full-service quality grocery store that will be there for years to come.
Wagner says she doesn't know of a timeline to have a new store.
State Representative Chelsa Wagner of Beechview hosted a community meeting Saturday at the Beechview United Presbyterian Church to update residents and gather more input. Wagner says there's been growing concern in the community as the now closed Foodland store "has been going downhill for a good year" with fewer and fewer goods being offered. Wagner says one constituent told her that her sons couldn't even buy a pack of gum at the store and it stopped selling Port Authority passes.
Wagner says her fear was that the old owner would keep letting his store decline over the next 3 or 4 years and there would be no interest in a grocery store in that community....so the closing "is not a bad thing." Wagner says that's because over the last year or so there have been informal talks with parties interested in a grocery store at that site "involving a complete renovation of the current store or knocking it down and building a new store with a parking facility." According to Wagner, residents have been approached about selling adjacent properties so that a new grocery store could have a bigger footprint...."I think the timing is hopefully going to work out for the community in a way that's going to benefit the community long term. Because what we really need is a full-service quality grocery store that will be there for years to come.
Wagner says she doesn't know of a timeline to have a new store.
Sarah Palin the Next RNC Chair?
Michael Steele is losing the support of the Republican Party. 27% of Republicans said he should step down as RNC Chair and 45% said they’re not sure about the fate of his career. Worst off Republicans in his own state don’t like him; only 42% of Maryland Republicans have favorable views of their former Lieutenant Governor. Republicans are notoriously allegiant which makes these numbers more dooming than they would be for a Democrat. It may be time for Steele to step down as chair.
There may be another candidate for the job. In many ways Sarah Palin has taken on leadership roles of the party. The media has featured her as a prominent conservative voice in politics. She has traveled the country endorsing candidates and helping them raise money. 59% of Republicans said her endorsement would make them more likely to vote for a candidate. She is widely popular amongst Republicans; 70% of Republicans have a favorable view of the former Governor. No other leading Republican has nearly as high of approval ratings.
But in a race for her party’s Presidential nomination, she falls squarely behind three other candidates, all less popular. This suggests that even though Republicans like Palin, they don’t have Presidential aspirations for their former Vice Presidential nominee.
However, when asked if Sarah Palin should become the Chair of the RNC, 44% of Republicans said yes and 29% said they were not sure. Republicans may think that Palin is a better campaigner than a Commander and Chief.
While she might make Republicans happier as the RNC Chair, it isn’t entirely clear that she’ll be good for rebuilding the Republican image. She still is a very divisive figure in America. 51% of Americans said an endorsement by Sarah Palin would make them less likely to vote for a candidate. But, currently, it may be in the Republicans’ better interest to work on reuniting the traditionally tightly woven party and Palin may be the woman for the job. She could be successful at bringing together Republicans and Tea Partiers.
It would undoubtedly be interesting to see Sarah Palin become the next RNC Chair.
There may be another candidate for the job. In many ways Sarah Palin has taken on leadership roles of the party. The media has featured her as a prominent conservative voice in politics. She has traveled the country endorsing candidates and helping them raise money. 59% of Republicans said her endorsement would make them more likely to vote for a candidate. She is widely popular amongst Republicans; 70% of Republicans have a favorable view of the former Governor. No other leading Republican has nearly as high of approval ratings.
But in a race for her party’s Presidential nomination, she falls squarely behind three other candidates, all less popular. This suggests that even though Republicans like Palin, they don’t have Presidential aspirations for their former Vice Presidential nominee.
However, when asked if Sarah Palin should become the Chair of the RNC, 44% of Republicans said yes and 29% said they were not sure. Republicans may think that Palin is a better campaigner than a Commander and Chief.
While she might make Republicans happier as the RNC Chair, it isn’t entirely clear that she’ll be good for rebuilding the Republican image. She still is a very divisive figure in America. 51% of Americans said an endorsement by Sarah Palin would make them less likely to vote for a candidate. But, currently, it may be in the Republicans’ better interest to work on reuniting the traditionally tightly woven party and Palin may be the woman for the job. She could be successful at bringing together Republicans and Tea Partiers.
It would undoubtedly be interesting to see Sarah Palin become the next RNC Chair.
Bird Babies Born at National Aviary
Lots of babies have been born at the National Aviary this summer. Baby birds that is.
Ten species have produced chicks including the cape thicknee, the golden-breasted starling, white crested laughing thrush, blue-bellied roller, crested wood partridge, shaft-tail finch, scarlet -headed blackbird, crested oropendula, boat-billed heron and fire-tufted barbet.
Other birds are nesting. The aviary credits the baby boom to specialized diets and habitats and exhibit conditions.
Steve Sarro, Director of Animal Programs, says not all of the birds will stay at the Aviary. They have a partenership with other zoos and will send birds to those establishments.
The National Aviary has more than 600 birds representing nearly 200 species.
Ten species have produced chicks including the cape thicknee, the golden-breasted starling, white crested laughing thrush, blue-bellied roller, crested wood partridge, shaft-tail finch, scarlet -headed blackbird, crested oropendula, boat-billed heron and fire-tufted barbet.
Other birds are nesting. The aviary credits the baby boom to specialized diets and habitats and exhibit conditions.
Steve Sarro, Director of Animal Programs, says not all of the birds will stay at the Aviary. They have a partenership with other zoos and will send birds to those establishments.
The National Aviary has more than 600 birds representing nearly 200 species.
Gingrich leads
Our monthly look at who GOP voters prefer as their 2012 nominee finds that Sarah Palin is the most popular potential Republican hopeful with the base...but that she finishes just fourth when it comes to who they want as their nominee. For the first time Newt Gingrich is the leader in this poll with 23%, followed by Mike Huckabee at 21%, Mitt Romney at 19%, Palin at 17%, and Ron Paul at 7%.
70% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of Palin, putting her tops. That's followed by Huckabee at 64%, Gingrich at 63%, and Romney at 59%. But only 24% of the GOP loyalists who like Palin list her as their top choice for the 2012 nomination. Gingrich is ahead even though he's not as popular because 34% with a positive opinion name him as their top choice for the nomination. That figure is 31% for Romney and 28% for Huckabee. There is a significant disconnect between liking Palin and thinking she should be President, and that's one of the biggest things she'll have to overcome if she does end up getting into the race.
Angry white men were credited for making Gingrich Speaker of the House in 1994 and they're propelling him to the lead in this poll. He gets 26% from them with Romney at 20% and Huckabee and Palin both at 17%. Huckabee has the advantage with women at 26% to 19% for Gingrich, 18% for Romney, and 17% for Palin.
The big picture on this poll is the same as it is every month: the leading GOP contenders are closely bunched with no clear frontrunner.
Full results here
70% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of Palin, putting her tops. That's followed by Huckabee at 64%, Gingrich at 63%, and Romney at 59%. But only 24% of the GOP loyalists who like Palin list her as their top choice for the 2012 nomination. Gingrich is ahead even though he's not as popular because 34% with a positive opinion name him as their top choice for the nomination. That figure is 31% for Romney and 28% for Huckabee. There is a significant disconnect between liking Palin and thinking she should be President, and that's one of the biggest things she'll have to overcome if she does end up getting into the race.
Angry white men were credited for making Gingrich Speaker of the House in 1994 and they're propelling him to the lead in this poll. He gets 26% from them with Romney at 20% and Huckabee and Palin both at 17%. Huckabee has the advantage with women at 26% to 19% for Gingrich, 18% for Romney, and 17% for Palin.
The big picture on this poll is the same as it is every month: the leading GOP contenders are closely bunched with no clear frontrunner.
Full results here
If Mets win, it will be in spite of Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya
I feel bad for Fernando Tatis and wish him well now that he has undergone shoulder surgery and is on the 60-day DL, but the fact remains that almost 1.5 of Omar Minaya's Opening Day roster consisted of players that would not make most major-league teams. It took half a year, but the Mets have finally purged the roster of Tatis, Mike Jacobs, Gary Matthews and Frank Catalanotto.
A case could be made that a pennant contender would also not have players like Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and John Maine, who were not only on the Opening Day roster, but started the season in prominent roles.
If the Mets still had their Opening Day roster, and Ike Davis, R.A. Dickey, Hisanori Takahashi and Ruben Tejada were not on the team, they would not have gone 48-40 in the first half.
Minaya does deserve credit for finding Dickey and Takahashi. Everyone keeps getting ready to write Dickey off, but last night he kept the Mets in the game against two-time defending Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Imagine if Maine or Perez had been pitching instead.
Tejada improves the Mets' defense over Castillo, and when he was hitting at least a little, the Mets were winning, going something like 15-5 in the first 20 games Tejada started after Castillo went on the DL. But with Tejada in a deep slump, the nearing return of Castillo may not be the disaster that it appeared to be a couple of weeks ago.
But Perez is also nearing a return, which brings up a big difference between last year's Met team and this year's. Last year, the team and fans waited, mostly in vain, for injured players to return. But now that Carlos Beltran is back, most fans and probably the team as well are dreading the return of players like Perez.
Despite Jerry Manuel's numerous curious moves, I was ready to give him credit for the Mets' successful first half until the handling of Jose Reyes' oblique injury. The Mets appear to have forgotten the lessons learned last year about rushing players back. The organization as a whole likely shares responsibility, but it was Manuel who put Reyes in his original lineup for Thursday night's game against the Giants, because, as Metsblog reported:
"I assumed that he was ready to play…I put him in the lineup, and then [Ray Ramirez] came to me and said that there is still a bit of discomfort, even though he feels much improved, and I took him out of the lineup."
Reyes had not swung a bat since Sunday, but Manuel assumed he was ready to play. Manuel added that Reyes appeared "much better," which appears to be more wishful thinking on Manuel's part. As Metsblog writer Michael Baron wrote:
…if he’s not ready to play, i don’t think he can be 'much better' as Manuel indicates…i think it would be ok if someone simply said 'the guy is hurt, he needs time off to rest'…that really would be ok, because that would mean nobody is going to try and accelerate his return, like last year, and prolong this issue…
The Mets went through this last year and nobody lost his job. If Reyes is out any length of time, someone needs to be held accountable.
And if Reyes is out, the Mets don't have to worry about trading for some so-so starter who probably won't make an appreciable difference to a team whose big problem now is scoring runs, because the Mets will be out of the race.
A case could be made that a pennant contender would also not have players like Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and John Maine, who were not only on the Opening Day roster, but started the season in prominent roles.
If the Mets still had their Opening Day roster, and Ike Davis, R.A. Dickey, Hisanori Takahashi and Ruben Tejada were not on the team, they would not have gone 48-40 in the first half.
Minaya does deserve credit for finding Dickey and Takahashi. Everyone keeps getting ready to write Dickey off, but last night he kept the Mets in the game against two-time defending Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Imagine if Maine or Perez had been pitching instead.
Tejada improves the Mets' defense over Castillo, and when he was hitting at least a little, the Mets were winning, going something like 15-5 in the first 20 games Tejada started after Castillo went on the DL. But with Tejada in a deep slump, the nearing return of Castillo may not be the disaster that it appeared to be a couple of weeks ago.
But Perez is also nearing a return, which brings up a big difference between last year's Met team and this year's. Last year, the team and fans waited, mostly in vain, for injured players to return. But now that Carlos Beltran is back, most fans and probably the team as well are dreading the return of players like Perez.
Despite Jerry Manuel's numerous curious moves, I was ready to give him credit for the Mets' successful first half until the handling of Jose Reyes' oblique injury. The Mets appear to have forgotten the lessons learned last year about rushing players back. The organization as a whole likely shares responsibility, but it was Manuel who put Reyes in his original lineup for Thursday night's game against the Giants, because, as Metsblog reported:
"I assumed that he was ready to play…I put him in the lineup, and then [Ray Ramirez] came to me and said that there is still a bit of discomfort, even though he feels much improved, and I took him out of the lineup."
Reyes had not swung a bat since Sunday, but Manuel assumed he was ready to play. Manuel added that Reyes appeared "much better," which appears to be more wishful thinking on Manuel's part. As Metsblog writer Michael Baron wrote:
…if he’s not ready to play, i don’t think he can be 'much better' as Manuel indicates…i think it would be ok if someone simply said 'the guy is hurt, he needs time off to rest'…that really would be ok, because that would mean nobody is going to try and accelerate his return, like last year, and prolong this issue…
The Mets went through this last year and nobody lost his job. If Reyes is out any length of time, someone needs to be held accountable.
And if Reyes is out, the Mets don't have to worry about trading for some so-so starter who probably won't make an appreciable difference to a team whose big problem now is scoring runs, because the Mets will be out of the race.
Survey Looks for Gaps in Bike/Pedestrian Access
Allegheny Active is turning to commuters, walkers, bicyclists and those with disabilities to learn where intersections, sidewalks and paths need to be improved so people can reach their destinations with ease. The survey will help identify areas that are dangerous, where bike lanes are needed and trails need to be extended to help people get where they are going without having to drive. Lynn Heckman, Assistant Director of the County Transportation Initiative says lots of spots come to mind when it comes to gaps in access. "For instance, on the West Busway in Carnegie there's a wonderful trail which can also be used as a commuter bike way to get to Carnegie, but it ends in Collier Township in Walker's Mill. A three mile extension to that trail would help people in McDonald, Rennerdale–all those types of places–get to the bus station with their bikes."
The results of the survey will be prioritized and will become a part of the transportation section of the county's comprehensive plan. Heckman says implementation can be done by the state, county, city or local municipalities and the prioritized list will show what areas are most critical. The survey can be found through their website, ActiveAllegheny.com. It will be posted until July 23.
The results of the survey will be prioritized and will become a part of the transportation section of the county's comprehensive plan. Heckman says implementation can be done by the state, county, city or local municipalities and the prioritized list will show what areas are most critical. The survey can be found through their website, ActiveAllegheny.com. It will be posted until July 23.
Pitt Tuition Up 5.5%
The Board of the University of Pittsburgh has set an operating budget for the 2011 fiscal year of $1.89 billion dollars and increased tuition rates for nearly all students to cover the spending plan. Tuition increases will range from 2.5 percent for students at the University’s four regional campuses, to 3 percent for out-of-state students at the Pittsburgh campus, and to 5.5 percent for in-state students at the Pittsburgh campus. Tuition for an in-state main campus student in the school of arts and sciences will come in at $14,076. In a press release the university says the increase is needed to, “further advance the University’s position as an international center of pioneering research, and to sustain its long-standing tradition of public service initiatives.” At the same time, the budget includes $6 million in additional funding for financial aid, enhanced support for library acquisitions and new student life initiatives. Faculty and staff will see pay increases from a 3 percent salary increase pool. The salaries of University faculty and staff were frozen last year. University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg says, “Our annual benchmarking of peer institutions confirms that we have been losing ground on the salary front. To recruit and retain the caliber of employees whose work is essential to our continued success in attracting both the best possible students and the highest possible levels of research support required that we make a commitment to end our salary freeze and provide for at least modest salary increases this year.” Nordenberg says the university has been facing “intense budgetary challenges” and notes that several revenue streams have either fallen or have held steady at a time when costs continue to rise. He says, “Our three top priorities in structuring this budget were to maintain the high quality of our programs, to provide relief from the current salary freeze for the committed Pitt employees whose efforts have been central to our progress, and to keep tuition increases as moderate as possible.”
Looking Ahead on Financial Reform
Now that the financial reform bill has passed, Democrats need to go out and sell it just like they do the health care bill. When we polled on financial reform in May 46% of Americans said they trusted Democrats most on the issue, compared to just 36% who said they trusted Republicans. But when it came to opinion on the bill itself only 38% said they supported it while 37% were opposed.
Voters knew they trusted Democrats more on the issue but they didn't necessarily know that much about what the bill entailed. Finding a way to effectively communicate that this fall will be key to actually making this a winning issue for the party.
While independents turned against Democrats on health care they're very much on the side of the party when it comes to financial reform. That poll found a 19 point edge for the party on the issue with 42% saying they trusted Democrats more on financial reform and only 23% siding with the Republicans. But with independents there was an even larger disconnect between trusting the Democrats and supporting their bill- opinion on the legislation itself was only 41/40 in favor. There's a lot of potential benefit for the party on this but we'll have to see how it plays out.
These poll numbers here
Voters knew they trusted Democrats more on the issue but they didn't necessarily know that much about what the bill entailed. Finding a way to effectively communicate that this fall will be key to actually making this a winning issue for the party.
While independents turned against Democrats on health care they're very much on the side of the party when it comes to financial reform. That poll found a 19 point edge for the party on the issue with 42% saying they trusted Democrats more on financial reform and only 23% siding with the Republicans. But with independents there was an even larger disconnect between trusting the Democrats and supporting their bill- opinion on the legislation itself was only 41/40 in favor. There's a lot of potential benefit for the party on this but we'll have to see how it plays out.
These poll numbers here
Central Valley Gets Teachers Contract
The teacher contracts in the Center Area School District and the Monaca School District differed greatly when it came to workday rules, vacancies, transfers, and pay and the new board and union have been working for nearly two years to bring them in line under the flag of the newly formed Center Valley School District. A deal was reached this week and the union and the board both gave their approval Thursday. “If you would have asked me two months ago if there would be a contract [for the start of the school year] I would have said ‘no,’” says Pennsylvania State Education Association Spokesperson Butch Santicola, “I listed this as a real crisis situation.” The five-year deal is retroactive to the first of this month. The union is not talking about specifics but Santicola says the lower pay scale of the Center teachers was brought up to the higher Monaca rates to start the calculations. Central Valley Superintendent Dan Matsook says the contract includes a pay raise of 3.5 percent and adds instructional days to the school year and time to the length of the teacher’s day. Matsook says the process went “very well” which was a good thing because both Matsook and Santicola felt the eyes of the education and political community were on them. A few other districts in the state are openly considering voluntary mergers and many are hoping to learn from the Central Valley experience. “When the dust settles and I get a chance to catch my breath, I can put together some type of a presentation that can serve as a foot print that says, ‘these are the big rocks’ and if the big rocks lineup the little rocks will fall in place,” Says Matsook. The district is still working on a deal with its support staff employees but Matsook says he is optimistic it will be finished soon. The elementary schools in the district were merged last year and the Jr high and the high school will be merged this fall.
PHOTOS: TW Steel / Dario Franchitti / James Hinchcliffe event at La Swiss / Yorkdale Mall
TORONTO, ON - On July 15, Yorkdale Mall's La Swiss store hosted the Canadian launch of the TW Steel Dario Franchitti Limited Edition Watch.
TW Steel is a sponsor of the Renault F1 team, and have also created associations with various motorsports ambassadors, like David Coulthard, Emerson Fittipaldi, Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe, to name a few.
At the La Swiss event, for media, clients, and customers, all were able to view the TW Steel Collection, including the Official Dario Franchitti Edition. Dario and James spent time chatting with those at the event and to conduct media interviews, including our own James Neilson. Thank you to Stuart Morrison for the invitation.
Words and photos by Mike Galipeau / Inside Track Motorsport News
Ag Dept. Submits New Dog Law Rules
***UPDATE***
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has submitted revised dog law regulations to the state's Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
A minor controversy arose earlier this week when State Representative James Casorio (D - Westmoreland) complained to the agency that its attempt to allow nursing mother dogs to be kept on wire flooring was unlawful according to the Dog Law (Act 119) of 2008.
Casorio said the mothers would be allowed to spend half of the year on wire flooring under the first set of rules proposed by the Agriculture Department, which he said was unacceptable. He said that no adult dogs are allowed to be on wire flooring under the dog law because it can lacerate their paws and even require amputation.
The Agriculture Department said that the nursing mothers would be on wire flooring because that type of floor allows puppies' waste to fall through, preventing infection of the young dogs' weak immune systems.
Department of Agriculture Special Deputy Secretary of Dog Law Enforcement Jessie L. Smith says under the latest proposal to the IRRC, mothers could spend a maximum of 14 weeks per year on wire flooring, with at least 50% of each cage having a solid floor in the six to eight weeks after their deliveries.
Smith says the attempt to require a split of wire and solid flooring came at the behest of Governor Rendell, due to a gap in the dog law regarding nursing mothers and their puppies. Smith says by law, mothers can whelp just twice per year and usually nurse for 6-8 weeks, after which time the puppies can be sold. The mother must give birth alone in a solid-floor whelping box.
Smith notes that since the dog law was passed, about two-thirds of Pennsylvania kennels have closed. She says that many which haven't closed have been granted waivers or extensions because they either are in the process of making significant improvements to comply with the law, or are involved in litigation obstructing their ability to comply. Smith says most of those waivers expire in October.
The IRRC is slated to vote on the Department of Agriculture's proposal August 19.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has submitted revised dog law regulations to the state's Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
A minor controversy arose earlier this week when State Representative James Casorio (D - Westmoreland) complained to the agency that its attempt to allow nursing mother dogs to be kept on wire flooring was unlawful according to the Dog Law (Act 119) of 2008.
Casorio said the mothers would be allowed to spend half of the year on wire flooring under the first set of rules proposed by the Agriculture Department, which he said was unacceptable. He said that no adult dogs are allowed to be on wire flooring under the dog law because it can lacerate their paws and even require amputation.
The Agriculture Department said that the nursing mothers would be on wire flooring because that type of floor allows puppies' waste to fall through, preventing infection of the young dogs' weak immune systems.
Department of Agriculture Special Deputy Secretary of Dog Law Enforcement Jessie L. Smith says under the latest proposal to the IRRC, mothers could spend a maximum of 14 weeks per year on wire flooring, with at least 50% of each cage having a solid floor in the six to eight weeks after their deliveries.
Smith says the attempt to require a split of wire and solid flooring came at the behest of Governor Rendell, due to a gap in the dog law regarding nursing mothers and their puppies. Smith says by law, mothers can whelp just twice per year and usually nurse for 6-8 weeks, after which time the puppies can be sold. The mother must give birth alone in a solid-floor whelping box.
Smith notes that since the dog law was passed, about two-thirds of Pennsylvania kennels have closed. She says that many which haven't closed have been granted waivers or extensions because they either are in the process of making significant improvements to comply with the law, or are involved in litigation obstructing their ability to comply. Smith says most of those waivers expire in October.
The IRRC is slated to vote on the Department of Agriculture's proposal August 19.
CMHF / Kelly Wood at Mosport 'Celebration of Speed'
MOSPORT, ON - The chance of driving a Mercedes convertible at Mosport International Raceway with the Hall of Fame turned out to be a memorable event for Kelly Wood.
A Porsche, Mercedes, Ferrari, Corvette, Volkswagen GTI and Cobra were some of the high performance sports cars at the event and all spent the whole day lapping the famous Mosport track.
The Celebration of Speed is a fund raising event for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. Car owners can spend the day lapping, also top manufacturers supply cars for racing personalities to drive guests on a high speed ride around the track. Kelly completed close to 100 laps during the day, from young children to screaming adults, all had a fantastic experience.
The Celebration of Speed has a second date planned for October 4 and Kelly is planning on having a two-seat NASCAR-style road course car prepared for the track day. We will post more information about the event closer to the date.
Check out www.cmhf.ca and www.kellywoodracing.com
From Kelly Wood
South Buxton Raceway: Mid-Season Preview and Points
CHATHAM, ON - Ridgetown’s Dale Glassford and Blenheim’s Shawn Jones will start on the pole in their Mid-Season Championship races this Saturday at South Buxton Raceway. The line ups for the Mid-Season Championship races will be determined by the order of points after the completion of the pursuit races on Saturday.
A maximum of 30 points are available if a driver sweeps both the heat and pursuit races, which means Glassford and Jones have already secured the number-one starting positions for their features.
Glassford holds a 79-point lead over Chatham’s Brad Authier in the Dover Sanitation UMP Late Model standings.
Authier will start on the outside pole in the Late Model feature as the six-time track champion has a 58-point lead over third-place Chatham’s Jason Haskell.
Jones has a 54-point advantage over Cottam’s Rob Quick in the Four Seasons Driver Education standings. Chatham’s Rick Balasin goes into Saturday 13 points behind Quick with Cottam’s DeSerrano 16 points back as three drivers still have shots at the outside pole for the Comp 4 feature.
The pole for the Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modified division will go right down to the wave of the checkered flag at the end of the pursuit race to determine the first three starting positions as four points separate the top three drivers.
Seven-time track champion Brad McLeod moved atop the Modified standings as he holds a two-point edge over six-time series champion Jim Dale Jr. of Shrewsbury with Chatham’s C.J. Field another two points back in third.
Dale Jr. held the points lead for the first seven weeks before Field took over the points lead for one week.
The pole in the Windride Transportation Services is in the hands of Essex’s Doris Lajeunesse, who has a 17-point lead over Chatham’s Eric Vanderiviere. Gerald Martin of Essex is all but assured of a second-row starting position as he is 24 points behind Eric Vanderiviere but 21 points up on fifth-place Eren Vanderiviere.
Merlin’s Steve Shaw, last week’s feature winner, sits fourth in points as he will be looking for the eighth Mid-Season Championship of his long career.
The Mid-Season Championship races will be extended by five laps, as the Late Models, Modifieds and Sport Stocks will all run 25 laps while the Comp 4s will run 20.
This is the first Mid-Season Championship night since 2008, when Dale Jr. won both the Late Model and Modified features while Wallaceburg’s Gary Vyse won the Sport Stocks and Leamington’s Brandon Windsor the Comp 4s.
Three of the divisions are assured of new Mid-Season champions as Dale Jr. is only running a Modified this year while Vyse and Windsor are not racing.
The grandstand opens at 5:30 p.m. with racing starting at 7 p.m.
South Buxton Raceway
Following are the Points Standings, including car number in brackets, driver's hometown, points (PTS), feature wins (FW) and total flags (Fl), following Sat., July 10 races.
Dover Sanitation UMP Late Models
Pts FW Fl
1. Dale Glassford (60) Ridgetown 761 2 5
2. Brad Authier (1A) Chatham 682 1 5
3. Jason Haskell (RH94) Chatham 624 1 3
4. Mike Lewis (05) Wallaceburg 601 2 2
5. Jim Jones (34) Chatham 595 1 2
6. Gregg Haskell (RH21) Chatham 467 0 1
7. Kirk Hooker (38) Chatham 419 0 3
8. Mark Glassford (90) Goderich 195 0 0
9. Tim Mackenzie (81) Chatham 185 0 0
10. Jeff Jardine (28) Dover Centre 122 0 0
11. Mike Dale (00D) Chatham 16 0 0
Schinkels Gourmet Meats UMP Modifieds
Pts FW Fl
1. Brad McLeod (43) Merlin 670 1 6
2. Jim Dale Jr. (00) Shrewsbury 668 2 4
3. C.J. Field (C4) Chatham 666 2 3
4. Brian Speelman (22S) Wyoming 593 1 4
5. Mario Toniolo (25M) Belle River 581 0 2
6. Dan McIntyre (77) Windsor 546 0 1
7. Emerson McIntyre (71) Windsor 489 0 0
8. Brad Simpson (53) Mt. Brydges 449 0 0
9. Jeff Daniels (20D) Chatham 441 0 1
10. Joel Dick (09D) Leamington 435 0 2
11. Joey Brosseau (47B) Merlin 425 1 3
12. Mike Demars (75) LaSalle 404 0 1
13. Clayton Smith (55) Woodslee 394 1 2
14. Chris Vandewiele (0) Rutherford 315 0 3
Windride Transportation Services Sport Stocks
Pts FW Fl
1. Doris Lajeunesse (38) Essex 475 1 1
2. Eric Vanderiviere (93) Chatham 448 2 4
3. Gerald Martin (43) Essex 434 0 2
4. Steve Shaw (17) Merlin 420 2 9
5. Eren Vanderiviere (29) Merlin 413 1 1
6. Tyler Lozon (1A) Chatham 388 0 1
7. Tiffany Ellis (88) Kingsville 382 0 0
8. Paul Gossmann (92) Wheatley 362 0 2
9. Dave Jones (27) Blenheim 361 1 4
10. Jim Ellis (32) Kingsville 358 0 1
11. Scott MacKenzie (28M) Maidstone 342 0 2
12. John Sylvestre (57) Windsor 273 0 1
13. Todd Van Hal (06) Chatham 258 0 0
14. Ken Morrison (28) Chatham 242 0 1
15. Louis Clements (3) Chatham 119 0 1
16. Brian Simard (50) Toronto 66 0 0
Four Seasons Driver Education Comp 4s
Pts FW Fl
1. Shawn Jones (27) Blenheim 509 2 3
2. Rob Quick (18) Cottam 455 1 5
3. Rick Balasin (21) Chatham 442 0 1
4. Denis DeSerrano (69) Cottam 439 2 3
5. Nate McNally (8) Charing Cross 390 3 8
6. Patrick Lajeunesse (98P) Essex 355 0 3
7. Norm DeSerrano (96) Kingsville 349 0 0
8. Randy McKinlay (26) Chatham 333 0 7
9. Murray Van Hooste (13) Ridgetown 310 0 0
10. John Beaulieu (52) McGregor 275 0 0
11. James Beaulieu (26B) McGregor 272 0 0
12. Brett Hope (49) Blenheim 262 0 1
13. David Bacon (29) Belle River 222 0 0
14. Reid Fenton (47) Blenheim 221 0 1
15. Kyle Hope (93) Blenheim 213 0 0
16. Joel Desjardins (23D) Chatham 176 0 0
17. Brad Noland (18N) Cottam 104 0 0
18. Shawn Nelson (20) Windsor 100 0 0
19. Brett Konecny (10) Chatham 46 0 0
Next Race Night: Mid-Season Championships, Saturday, July 17 (Gates open 5:30 p.m.; Racing 7 p.m.)
For more information, please contact Mike Bennett 519-351-4765
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series at the Toronto Indy
NASCAR announced that Canadian racing legend Ron Fellows will be part of the live broadcast team on TSN for Saturday afternoon's Jumpstart 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race at the Honda Indy Toronto. "DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced today the broadcast team for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series presented by Mobil 1 Jumpstart 100 event, scheduled for Saturday, July 17 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place, that will be telecast live on TSN and TSN HD. Canadian racing star and part-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ron Fellows headlines the on-air crew and will be joined by Vic Rauter, Dave Bradley and Todd Lewis. ... TSN’s coverage for the Toronto event will commence at 2:30 p.m. ET with the Jumpstart 100 taking the green flag at 2:45 p.m."
Crazy E-Mail of the Day
I thought about editing out the profanity but I'm generally in favor of letting people's words speak for themselves:
From: jose dopazo [mailto:thejerseymaniac@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 4:55 PM
To: Jensen, Tom
__________________________________________
Speaking to the 'substance' of this argument I think PPP has been exceptionally fair to Ron Paul. We include him in all of our Republican primary polling both nationally and at the state level and we've polled him in national head to heads against Obama twice. But until he starts polling more competitively in those GOP primary surveys his level of support does not merit testing him against Obama every month. We've thrown Paul more of a bone than most polling companies.
From: jose dopazo [mailto:thejerseymaniac@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2010 4:55 PM
To: Jensen, Tom
Subject: POLL
| another clown asleep at the wheel. the only electable candidate who the people stand with is ron paul. stop giving us all these bullshit neo con choices we are awake but apparently your still asleep. i guess this is what passes as journalism in america these days. as a life long republican i will not vote for any of these candidates if its not ron paul get it thru your fucking heads....next time do a real poll. traitors to the constitution. |
Speaking to the 'substance' of this argument I think PPP has been exceptionally fair to Ron Paul. We include him in all of our Republican primary polling both nationally and at the state level and we've polled him in national head to heads against Obama twice. But until he starts polling more competitively in those GOP primary surveys his level of support does not merit testing him against Obama every month. We've thrown Paul more of a bone than most polling companies.
Down Jones Industrial Average
At early morning most stocks are declining on the Dow Jones. Bank of America is down over 6%. BAC reported a profit of nearly 3 billion and stated that non performing loans declined as charge-offs of loans gone sour fell. Traders sent BAC lower on skepticism of their ability to execute in the future. General Electric reported a profit of over 3 billion. GE's top line growth fell from the previous year which is in focus today by the markets. The markets have sent GE shares spinning 3%. Alcoa is down another 1.3% today in trading news. There is a quiet whisper on Wall Street that Alcoa will be replaced in the Dow Jones. Pfizer is currently level on the day with a quiet whisper on their ability to develop new drugs. This has sent Merck tumbling .36% as a new push by Pfizer means declining sales for Merck.
Frack Water Makeup Listed
One of the companies drilling for natural gas in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale formation is publicly listing the chemicals it injects into the ground at well sites.
Environmental advocates are applauding the move.
Beginning this week, Range Resources will disclose the chemicals it mixes into the water it blasts into the ground to extract natural gas from shale rocks.
A draft report written by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection last month claimed companies are using toxins that cause cancer and neurological diseases, but the department has since backed away from that claim.
Range Resources Vice President Ray Walker says the company is making the information public in order to calm fears.
"They are pumped in a highly diluted form. And the chemicals that we actually put in the frack fluid that’s pumped down the hole are very comparable to household items. And you’ll see that also in these reports. Comparisons to things you and I would understand."
Jan Jarrett, the president and CEO of PennFuture, says she’s still concerned by the chemicals Range Resources and other drillers are injecting into the ground, but she the company’s announcement as a step in the right direction.
"I think it’s especially useful for local emergency responders. To know exactly what they may be dealing with, should something go wrong that requires them to show up at the site and take care of some sort of accident or fire or other kinds of emergency at the site. That’s very critical information for them to have."
Jarrett is urging other drillers to follow Range’s lead and disclose what chemicals they’re using, and if they don't, the state should consider making the listing mandatory.
Environmental advocates are applauding the move.
Beginning this week, Range Resources will disclose the chemicals it mixes into the water it blasts into the ground to extract natural gas from shale rocks.
A draft report written by Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection last month claimed companies are using toxins that cause cancer and neurological diseases, but the department has since backed away from that claim.
Range Resources Vice President Ray Walker says the company is making the information public in order to calm fears.
"They are pumped in a highly diluted form. And the chemicals that we actually put in the frack fluid that’s pumped down the hole are very comparable to household items. And you’ll see that also in these reports. Comparisons to things you and I would understand."
Jan Jarrett, the president and CEO of PennFuture, says she’s still concerned by the chemicals Range Resources and other drillers are injecting into the ground, but she the company’s announcement as a step in the right direction.
"I think it’s especially useful for local emergency responders. To know exactly what they may be dealing with, should something go wrong that requires them to show up at the site and take care of some sort of accident or fire or other kinds of emergency at the site. That’s very critical information for them to have."
Jarrett is urging other drillers to follow Range’s lead and disclose what chemicals they’re using, and if they don't, the state should consider making the listing mandatory.
Request to Delay Razing of Arena
The group "Reuse the Igloo" has asked the city-county Sports and Exhibition Authority to put off for one year a decision to demolish the Mellon Arena. The SEA owns the arena but the Pittsburgh Penguins have the development rights to the 28 acres on which the arena sits. The Penguins, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato want to raze the arena to make way for 1,200 units of housing, a 150-room hotel, entertainment and retail, office space, 2,100 parking spaces and a little more than an acre of park space.
Architect Rob Pfaffmann, the leader of Reuse the Igloo, asked for the one year delay and said his group would develop a plan to help the SEA with maintenance costs for the arena which could reach $100,000 a month. Pfaffmann says his group would use the time to devise an economically sustainable plan to re-purpose the arena.
State Senator Wayne Fontana, who chairs the SEA Board, says there is no timeline for a decision..."Do we want to gather information as quickly as possible to make a decision...of course. But if that means it takes a year to do it....it takes a year to do it. But we have to have the understanding that it could cost (the public) up to six figures a month to keep the arena mothballed. That's a big consideration. But if it's worth it, if that's the right decision, that's what we will do."
Fontana says it will come down to the economic impact of the plans that come forward and if the cost of delaying a final decision is worth it.
Architect Rob Pfaffmann, the leader of Reuse the Igloo, asked for the one year delay and said his group would develop a plan to help the SEA with maintenance costs for the arena which could reach $100,000 a month. Pfaffmann says his group would use the time to devise an economically sustainable plan to re-purpose the arena.
State Senator Wayne Fontana, who chairs the SEA Board, says there is no timeline for a decision..."Do we want to gather information as quickly as possible to make a decision...of course. But if that means it takes a year to do it....it takes a year to do it. But we have to have the understanding that it could cost (the public) up to six figures a month to keep the arena mothballed. That's a big consideration. But if it's worth it, if that's the right decision, that's what we will do."
Fontana says it will come down to the economic impact of the plans that come forward and if the cost of delaying a final decision is worth it.
Scotland to Ireland. New freight route launched by Redhead international
Redhead International, one of the UK’s leading logistics companies, has announced the introduction of a new daily direct round trip service from Scotland to Ireland, as the company continues to meet increased demand for its freight services.The new service will leave the company’s Scottish depot each night loaded with groupage, which has been collected throughout the day by the domestic collection fleet.
It will travel through the night arriving in Redhead’s Belfast depot in the early hours. Northern Irish cargo will be off-loaded and the trailer will continue on to the Dublin depot arriving early morning.
The new service means that cargo from Scotland can be delivered into all areas of Northern Ireland and some parts of the Republic of Ireland the next day. Redhead will also be able to deliver to the Belfast and Dublin city areas the next morning.
On the return leg Redhead’s trailer will leave Dublin for Belfast to load groupage from Northern Ireland bound for Scotland. The vehicle will then arrive at the company’s Scottish depot early next morning, providing the same next day link between Ireland and Scotland.
Austin Duffy, marketing manager at Redhead International, said: “We are continuing our commitment to expand our operation to meet the ever-increasing diverse needs of our customers. By adding this new route from Scotland to Ireland, and vice versa, we will provide customers with a very quick and effective overnight service.”
Redhead now boasts scheduled services to over 40 countries across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
About Redhead International
Redhead International was established in 1978 and has depots in Bradford, Burton-on-Trent, Basildon, Bathgate, Belfast, Dublin and Paris. Employing over 170 staff internationally, the company has regular scheduled services to over 40 countries every week in Western, Eastern and Southern Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa, the Middle East and the CIS countries, turning over more than £25 million a year.
Contact Details:
Redhead International
Dealburn Road
Low Moor
Bradford
West Yorkshire BD12 0RG
Telephone: +44 (0) 1274 464646
www.redhead-int.com
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A Mediocre Number
Google reported a profit of $6.45 a share after the closing bell last night. This was much higher than least year’s quarter of $5.36; however, analysts were expecting Google to earn $6.52 a share.
The stock got hammered after hours, down more than $20. The stock price hit a wall earlier this year when Google decided to pull out of China. It could have a major effect on future earnings. This is the first time in 2 years that the search giant has lagged behind analyst estimates.
The stock got hammered after hours, down more than $20. The stock price hit a wall earlier this year when Google decided to pull out of China. It could have a major effect on future earnings. This is the first time in 2 years that the search giant has lagged behind analyst estimates.
VivaLoudoun's 2009-10 High School Sports Year in Review: Part 3 - Spring
Here is the third and final part of our review the 2009-10 high school sports season. In the Spring Loudoun teams shined with the Broad Run and Stone Bridge girls soccer teams bringing home state title, but that was just the tip of a spectacular run for Loudoun athletes.
Here is a look at each sport in the Spring:
Baseball
Potomac Falls captured a school-record 22 wins in 2009 and made it to
Here is a look at each sport in the Spring:
Baseball
Potomac Falls captured a school-record 22 wins in 2009 and made it to
Official 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Program
Click here or on the cover image at right to see a free, flip-book version of the Official 2010 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Program, which was produced by Inside Track Communications in conjunction with NASCAR and NASCAR Canada.The piece includes driver bios, features, commentaries, schedules, stats, technical and track info and more.
Paul Tracy at a Canadian Tire store...
Amazing Fact
When we first started polling a Barack Obama/Sarah Palin Presidential contest in March of 2009 her favorability was 39/50 and she trailed Obama 55-35.
Now her favorability is actually even worse at 37/52, but she's knotted with Obama at 46%.
Makes you wonder how much the Republicans would be beating Obama by right now if they actually had any candidates people liked. And it certainly confirms that the shifts we've seen over the last year are all about Obama and not a sign of faith in the GOP hopefuls.
Now her favorability is actually even worse at 37/52, but she's knotted with Obama at 46%.
Makes you wonder how much the Republicans would be beating Obama by right now if they actually had any candidates people liked. And it certainly confirms that the shifts we've seen over the last year are all about Obama and not a sign of faith in the GOP hopefuls.
PA's Jobless Rate Holds Steady
Pennsylvania's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 9.2%, unchanged from May compared to the national rate of 9.5% last month.
The labor force, the total number of employed and those looking for work, declined by 27,000 in June. Troy Thompson, spokesman for the State Department of Labor and Industry, says the number of jobless Pennsylvanians declined by 1,000 in June, the first drop in that category in 2 and a half years. However, that decline is likely due to the decrease in the labor force with some people giving up looking for work at this time.
Thompson said in June the number of non-farm jobs dropped by 6,300 but countered that Pennsylvania has added a net 64,200 jobs in 2010. That compares to a loss of 143,300 jobs for the first half of 2009.
Thompson said the professional and business services sector added 5,400 jobs in June..."That's where you see your temporary employment agencies. That is definitely a good sign. It shows employers are testing the waters. We usually see that sector show an increase during a recovery as employers move towards being able to hire full-time workers. First they make those temporary hires."
The labor force, the total number of employed and those looking for work, declined by 27,000 in June. Troy Thompson, spokesman for the State Department of Labor and Industry, says the number of jobless Pennsylvanians declined by 1,000 in June, the first drop in that category in 2 and a half years. However, that decline is likely due to the decrease in the labor force with some people giving up looking for work at this time.
Thompson said in June the number of non-farm jobs dropped by 6,300 but countered that Pennsylvania has added a net 64,200 jobs in 2010. That compares to a loss of 143,300 jobs for the first half of 2009.
Thompson said the professional and business services sector added 5,400 jobs in June..."That's where you see your temporary employment agencies. That is definitely a good sign. It shows employers are testing the waters. We usually see that sector show an increase during a recovery as employers move towards being able to hire full-time workers. First they make those temporary hires."
E-ZPass Customers Get Break in Fare Hike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has approved a new fare schedule for 2011 that increases rates by 10% system wide but holds the increase to 3% for E-ZPass users. A spokesperson for the Commission says the two new rates combine for an overall toll increase of approximately 5% percent, which is expected to generate an estimated $35 million in new revenues. The Commission says almost two-thirds of Pa. Turnpike users pay electronically via E-ZPass. "We believe it's essential to encourage more consumers to get E-ZPass. Besides the enhanced convenience for motorists, it's four times more efficient, processing up to 1,200 vehicles per hour compared to 300 per hour in a cash lane," says PA Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier. Several other states offer similar discounts. The new toll rates take effect Jan. 2, 2011. The Commission has increased its rates three years in a row, but only 8 times in the 70 year history of the Turnpike. Brimmeier says, “We've done our best to streamline operations and become more efficient - especially after the economic downturn that impacted us as it has every other business." For E-ZPass customers, current rates will be multiplied by .03 and then rounded to the nearest penny. Cash rates will be set by multiplying the current rate by .10 and then rounding to the nearest nickel. The Pennsylvania Turnpike manages more than 850,000 active E-ZPass accounts. Toll rates on the Findlay Connector/Toll I-576 (coin machines) near Pittsburgh International Airport will remain at their current level.
Financings of the Fortnight Is A Poet and Doesn't Know It
It's not quite thirteen ways of looking at a blackbird, but the two main venture surveys have delivered two different ways of looking at the latest VC fundraising numbers in the US. You be the judge if anyone is exercising a little poetic license.Here's the headline of the quarterly report from the National Venture Capital Association and Thomson Reuters: "VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY REMAINS SLOW: Dollars Raised Declines to Lowest Quarterly Level in 7 Years." (Their capital letters, not ours.)
Now, DowJones VentureSource: "Venture Fund-Raising Rallies After 6-Year Low in 2009: Venture Fund-Raising Up 13% in First Half of 2010; Substantial Closes By Established Firms Buoy Totals."
Caw! Ain't that something? Talk about glasses half full or empty.
(Meanwhile Wallace Stevens, who as an insurance company executive knew a little something about finance, "was of three minds / Like a tree / In which there are three blackbirds.")
Beyond the headlines, the researchers' numbers don't match up, either. (Keep in mind these are for all venture firms; the surveys don't separate life science from high tech or clean tech since most firms invest in more than one sector.) DowJones says 72 funds raised $7.5 billion in the first half of 2010. NVCA/Reuters says 69 funds raised $5.6 billion, or a full 25% less.
Half that $2 billion gap was immediately explainable: DowJones included Sequoia Capital's $1 billion Sequoia China Foreign Currency Fund III. NVCA/Rueters did not, because the fund is managed from Beijing, a spokeswoman said. So there's a difference in how each shop accounts for "US" venture. Another difference the two sides acknowledged to us could explain the gap is when they count dollars. When an active fundraiser brings in $100 million in Q4 '09 and $100 million in Q1 '10, DowJones is more likely to count the raises separately, while NVCA/Reuters only counts "closed cash," a spokeswoman said.
Enough sausage-making for now. The methodology behind the madness might not make for the sexiest blog copy, but we still have those divergent headlines to explain. DowJones chose to highlight the bump from 1H '09 to 1H '10, though their release includes a slide that shows 1H '10 still far below the first-half totals from '07 and '08. The bigger picture is that the NVCA -- the trade group for the venture community -- has been forthright for several quarters about the coming shakeout. Fewer VCs mean fewer members -- down about 7% from an all-time high of 460 -- but NVCA execs haven't sugar-coated their forecasts or descriptions, including this week's all-caps headline.
NVCA's data is more extensive and show the years 2005 to 2008 saw annual venture fundraising that totaled between $28 billion and $36 billion. Last year, the total was under $16 billion. This year, Q2 numbers are up from Q1, but it's fair to say VCs will be hard-pressed even to match 2009's dismal total.
So where's the money going if not into US venture funds? One clue can be found in the Sequoia China fund that accounts for half the $2 billion gap we just mentioned. In a VC survey released this week by NVCA and Deloitte, a majority of VCs in China, India and Brazil expect venture to expand in their countries in the next five years. Wishful thinking or not (and that Sequoia fund makes us think not), it's stark contrast to the US response. More than 90% of US VCs expect a stateside contraction through 2015. Large majorities in France, Israel and the UK said the same for their countries. In other words,
It was evening all afternoon.
It was snowing
And it was going to snow.
The blackbird sat
In the cedar-limbs.
Some call it poetry in motion. Some call it purple prose. We call it...
Trevena: The blue-chip investor group backing small-molecule drug developer Trevena has re-upped with a $35 million Series B round, two years after supporting it in a $25 million Series A. New Enterprise Associates, Polaris Venture Partners, Alta Partners and HealthCare Ventures contributed equally to both rounds, Trevena CEO Maxine Gowen told "The Pink Sheet" DAILY. Yasuda Economic Development Corp. of Japan made a small contribution to each round as well. King of Prussia, Pa.-based Trevena is exploring drugs based on biased ligands, which bind with G-protein coupled receptors but only activate pathways with beneficial effects, potentially resulting in more specific and better-targeted therapies. The startup will use the funds to support Phase II trials on its primary candidate, a compound to treat acute heart failure, as well as preclinical and early clinical development of drugs that treat pain and inflammation. Last fall, Trevena received a $7.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify and improve biased ligands that act on six GPCRs. According to Polaris’ Terry McGuire, Trevena’s research could also yield broader insights into biased ligands, potentially making its platform useful in improving a wide variety of therapies. -- Paul Bonanos
Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Despite a stock price near 50 cents a share, Sunesis finally closed an epic three-tranche $43.5 million financing on June 30, cash it sorely needs to push its lead candidate voreloxin into Phase III pivotal trials for acute myeloid leukemia later this year. It's been a rollercoaster ride for Sunesis, which public in 2005 then suffered a big setback in 2007 in its Phase II lung cancer program and discontinued two trials. The next year it cut all discovery research and went all-in on late-stage development of voreloxin in ovarian cancer and leukemia. To kickstart the three-part financing, a group of investors including Bay City Capital, Venrock Associates and Alta Partners purchased 2.9 million preferred shares last April at $3.45 a share and redeemable for 10 common shares. The second tranche in October placed 1.45 million preferred shares at the same price. With the closing tranche, Sunesis sold 103.6 million common shares at 27 cents a share and returned to a single class of stock, as all preferred stock issued through the first two tranches converted into common stock. While the financing was highly dilutive -- the company now has 221.2 million common shares outstanding -- it netted the company $41.7 million at a time when Sunesis was cash-poor despite promising Phase II results for voreloxin in AML. -- Joseph Haas
Calithera Biosciences: It's a Jim Wells double-dip this week. The former Genentech protein engineer who founded Sunesis is also a co-founder of Calithera, which announced July 7 a hefty $40 million Series A to further its work on small-molecule oncology compounds that activate capsases. Now the head of his own lab at the University of California, San Francisco, Wells published a paper in Science last fall that detailed a method of directly activating caspases in order to induce apoptosis. Calithera took a license from the school, and it has also tapped into Mission Bay Capital, a venture fund affiliated with QB3, a research and entrepreneurial outreach institute headquartered at UCSF that shares a roof with the Wells Lab (Wells is also on QB3's executive committee). Morgenthaler Ventures led the round, which also included U.S. Venture Partners, Advanced Technology Ventures, Delphi Ventures, and Mission Bay. Calithera hopes to enter a candidate into Phase I trials within four years. Calithera’s Series A is the second-largest for a biotech in 2010, following only Incline Therapeutics’ $43 million round, which we'll dissect in the upcoming issue of Start-Up. -- P.B.
iPierian: The stem-cell startup said June 30 it lost its CEO John Walker but gained an unusual new investor in Google Ventures, the venture arm of the Web search giant that led iPierian's $22 million Series B round. Google famously backed genetic testing firm 23andMe, run by Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife Anne Wojcicki, but the venture arm -- launched in March 2009 with a $100 million commitment from sole LP Google -- now handles all Google venture activity. At a time when the stem-cell field is starting to explore ways to generate revenue, iPierian is one of a few firms developing induced pluripotent stem cells for drug discovery purposes. The product of a merger of two tiny start-ups last year, it's jostling with rivals, particularly Fate Therapeutics, to build a patent portfolio. The B-round syndicate includes existing backers Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Highland Capital Partners, MPM Capital, and FinTech Global Capital, plus first-time investors Mitsubishi UFJ Capital and ATEL Ventures. iPierian also said that CEO Walker, who's been deeply involved in starting a regenerative-medicine lobbying group, was stepping down for personal reasons. President and chief scientific officer Michael Venuti will replace him and take his board seat. Venuti is a veteran medicinal chemist with stints at Celera, Axys, Genentech and Syntex. iPierian is Google Ventures' second biotech investment; its first was a September 2009 Series D round supporting Adimab. The venture firm has made a total of 12 investments across several industry categories including software, Internet and cleantech. -- P.B.
Photo courtesy of flickr user DigitalSextant through a Creative Commons license.
Maryland down on Steele
If Michael Steele ever does get ousted at the RNC he's not likely to find a soft landing running for office in Maryland again. Only 19% of voters in the state have a favorable opinion of him while 56% view him unfavorably and he would lose a rematch to Ben Cardin 58-28, quite a contrast to his relatively competitive 10 point defeat in 2006.
Even Republicans in Maryland aren't too high on Steele: just 42% view him favorably while 31% see him negatively. He has virtually no popularity with independents (17/53) or Democrats (8/68).
Most striking in Steele's poll numbers is his standing with black voters. Just 6% see him positively, while 73% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Any thought that having Steele as the RNC chair would help Republicans reach out to blacks can be strongly dispelled, at least in the state where voters know Steele best. Cardin leads Steele 89-3 among black voters in a hypothetical rematch. What might be most remarkable about that is it's an even wider margin than the 86-6 Barbara Mikulski posted against Republican no name James Rutledge in numbers we released yesterday on this year's Senate race.
Speaking more broadly to Cardin's overall political standing, 42% of voters approve of the job he's doing while 28% disapprove. Those are good numbers for a Senator in this climate. Tested against a generic Republican for reelection in 2012 he leads 51-33. Cardin appears to be one member of the Democratic Senate Class of 2006 who shouldn't have too much trouble sticking around for a second term.
Full results here
Even Republicans in Maryland aren't too high on Steele: just 42% view him favorably while 31% see him negatively. He has virtually no popularity with independents (17/53) or Democrats (8/68).
Most striking in Steele's poll numbers is his standing with black voters. Just 6% see him positively, while 73% have an unfavorable opinion of him. Any thought that having Steele as the RNC chair would help Republicans reach out to blacks can be strongly dispelled, at least in the state where voters know Steele best. Cardin leads Steele 89-3 among black voters in a hypothetical rematch. What might be most remarkable about that is it's an even wider margin than the 86-6 Barbara Mikulski posted against Republican no name James Rutledge in numbers we released yesterday on this year's Senate race.
Speaking more broadly to Cardin's overall political standing, 42% of voters approve of the job he's doing while 28% disapprove. Those are good numbers for a Senator in this climate. Tested against a generic Republican for reelection in 2012 he leads 51-33. Cardin appears to be one member of the Democratic Senate Class of 2006 who shouldn't have too much trouble sticking around for a second term.
Full results here
East Liberty Library to Reopen Late August
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s East Liberty branch will reopen next month after more than a year of construction and renovation.
Carnegie Library Executive Director Barbara Mistick says crews have installed a 9,000 square foot addition that allows all library services to be housed on the first floor, including the children’s, teen, and adult sections.
Two main entrances will allow for both parking lot and pedestrian access.
The second floor will consist of three meeting rooms, which will accommodate the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council’s tutoring sessions. The basement will house the library’s Heritage Collection, including documents dating as far back as 1617.
EDGE Studios lead architect Anne Chen says the exterior of the building will now be visible from Baum Boulevard.
“The zinc panel that we used, we really love. I think it’s a beautiful kind of organic material. It has some depth to it, and some texture. It sort of reminds me of a metal velvet,” says Chen.
Chen says a new atrium also opens up the interior, while lighting hung at different levels sectionalizes the first floor space.
The building will be LEED certified as well. Evolve Architecture principal and green consultant Mark Mondor says more efficient water fixtures and modern window and heating systems will save the library money.
The changes are part of Carnegie Library’s Capital Improvement Program, which aims to refurbish or replace outdated libraries in various Pittsburgh communities. The total cost of the East Liberty renovation was $5.6 million. The library is slated to reopen August 27.
A sign of the times
One interesting product of the national political climate is that we've polled on five races in the last few months where the Democratic candidate's net favorability was 7 points better or more than the Republican's...and the Democrat still wasn't winning. These are five races where perhaps in any other election year the Democrat would win but in this one the Republicans may pull it out, likely on account of the President's unpopularity in their states, all of which voted twice for George W. Bush.
-Texas is the most extreme example. Our last poll found Bill White's net favorability (+12 at 37/25) 25 points better than Rick Perry's (-13 at 36/49). But Texas is a tough state for Democrats even in the most favorable of years and with the President's 40% approval rating in the state White has a lot to overcome that's beyond his control.
-The Colorado race for Governor clearly has seen its complexion change dramatically this week and we don't really know yet what the new standing on the race is. But when we last polled there in May it was tied even though John Hickenlooper was personally much more popular (+14 at 47/33) than Scott McInnis (+1 at 31/30). I'm actually not convinced Hickenlooper is going to become a shoo in if McInnis is replaced on the ballot because the closeness of the race had nothing to do with McInnis being popular (he wasn't) and was perhaps more a reflection of anti-Democratic sentiment in the state (a 45/50 approval rating for the President.)
-In Missouri neither Robin Carnahan or Roy Blunt had very good favorability numbers the last time we polled it, but the numbers reflected a much higher level of animosity toward Blunt. His favorability was a net -16 at 25/41 while Carnahan's was just a net -5 at 38/43. Blunt nevertheless held a 4 point lead at that point, and Obama's 43/52 approval in the state probably was dictating that more than how voters actually felt about the candidates.
-In Kentucky you have someone voters don't feel very strongly about (probably a good thing in 2010) in Jack Conway running against someone they don't really like in Rand Paul. Conway's personal favorability is a net +2 (31/29) while Paul's is -8 (34/42). Nevertheless our last poll found a tie and most people still expect Paul to win- it's a hard sell for Democratic candidates anywhere that the President's approval rating is 37%.
-In North Carolina you have a challenger in Elaine Marshall who voters have slightly positive feelings about (a +2 at 22/20) running against an incumbent in Richard Burr who voters have slightly negative feelings about (a -5 approval rating at 34/39). But Burr still leads by 5- I'm pretty sure he would have been gone in 2006 or 2008 but timing counts for a lot in politics and there's no doubt Burr's been running in the right cycles for a Republican candidate.
-Texas is the most extreme example. Our last poll found Bill White's net favorability (+12 at 37/25) 25 points better than Rick Perry's (-13 at 36/49). But Texas is a tough state for Democrats even in the most favorable of years and with the President's 40% approval rating in the state White has a lot to overcome that's beyond his control.
-The Colorado race for Governor clearly has seen its complexion change dramatically this week and we don't really know yet what the new standing on the race is. But when we last polled there in May it was tied even though John Hickenlooper was personally much more popular (+14 at 47/33) than Scott McInnis (+1 at 31/30). I'm actually not convinced Hickenlooper is going to become a shoo in if McInnis is replaced on the ballot because the closeness of the race had nothing to do with McInnis being popular (he wasn't) and was perhaps more a reflection of anti-Democratic sentiment in the state (a 45/50 approval rating for the President.)
-In Missouri neither Robin Carnahan or Roy Blunt had very good favorability numbers the last time we polled it, but the numbers reflected a much higher level of animosity toward Blunt. His favorability was a net -16 at 25/41 while Carnahan's was just a net -5 at 38/43. Blunt nevertheless held a 4 point lead at that point, and Obama's 43/52 approval in the state probably was dictating that more than how voters actually felt about the candidates.
-In Kentucky you have someone voters don't feel very strongly about (probably a good thing in 2010) in Jack Conway running against someone they don't really like in Rand Paul. Conway's personal favorability is a net +2 (31/29) while Paul's is -8 (34/42). Nevertheless our last poll found a tie and most people still expect Paul to win- it's a hard sell for Democratic candidates anywhere that the President's approval rating is 37%.
-In North Carolina you have a challenger in Elaine Marshall who voters have slightly positive feelings about (a +2 at 22/20) running against an incumbent in Richard Burr who voters have slightly negative feelings about (a -5 approval rating at 34/39). But Burr still leads by 5- I'm pretty sure he would have been gone in 2006 or 2008 but timing counts for a lot in politics and there's no doubt Burr's been running in the right cycles for a Republican candidate.
George Steinbrenner, Joel Sherman, and what it means to be a great man
Longtime reader Uncle Mike weighed in regarding my squawk about sportswriter Joel Sherman discounting George Steinbrenner's philanthropy. Mike made some really good points in the comments section about the nature of philanthropy: such good points, I thought, that I'm doing this post so everybody could read them. Here's Uncle Mike:
When Sherman wrote "Birth of a Dynasty," about the 1996 Yankees, he wrote like one of the classic baseball writers, like Red Smith or Roger Kahn. When he writes anything else, he writes like a New York Post employee. And I don't mean Jimmy Cannon, an example of the former, because Cannon died before Rupert Murdoch turned the Post from the people's paper into the crazy people's paper.
Are we not supposed to go to a library because it was endowed by Andrew Carnegie, who authorized the cold-blooded murder of unionized employees at his mines and mills? Are we not supposed to go to a museum because it was endowed by John D. Rockefeller, who did the same?
Lots of people have done a lot more wrong, and far worse things, than George Steinbrenner did. Most of his wrongs were less "How dare you?" and more "What were you thinking?"
We're not talking about Walter O'Malley here. What did he ever do for kids, or sick people, or old acquaintances in trouble? And anything he ever did that helped the game of baseball, he did it first, foremost, and often only because it was going to help himself. Face it, if he thought he could make more money in Japan than in Los Angeles, the Yankees would have played some World Series against the Tokyo Dodgers.
George Steinbrenner could have taken the Cornelius Vanderbilt attitude of "The public be damned." Instead, he took the Carnegie attitude of "I have to make amends." Even if we don't like him -- and no one is required to like him -- we should at least respect his willingness to change for the better, and to act on that change. No, he was no saint. But show me one person who ever owned a sports team who was.
When Sherman wrote "Birth of a Dynasty," about the 1996 Yankees, he wrote like one of the classic baseball writers, like Red Smith or Roger Kahn. When he writes anything else, he writes like a New York Post employee. And I don't mean Jimmy Cannon, an example of the former, because Cannon died before Rupert Murdoch turned the Post from the people's paper into the crazy people's paper.
Are we not supposed to go to a library because it was endowed by Andrew Carnegie, who authorized the cold-blooded murder of unionized employees at his mines and mills? Are we not supposed to go to a museum because it was endowed by John D. Rockefeller, who did the same?
Lots of people have done a lot more wrong, and far worse things, than George Steinbrenner did. Most of his wrongs were less "How dare you?" and more "What were you thinking?"
We're not talking about Walter O'Malley here. What did he ever do for kids, or sick people, or old acquaintances in trouble? And anything he ever did that helped the game of baseball, he did it first, foremost, and often only because it was going to help himself. Face it, if he thought he could make more money in Japan than in Los Angeles, the Yankees would have played some World Series against the Tokyo Dodgers.
George Steinbrenner could have taken the Cornelius Vanderbilt attitude of "The public be damned." Instead, he took the Carnegie attitude of "I have to make amends." Even if we don't like him -- and no one is required to like him -- we should at least respect his willingness to change for the better, and to act on that change. No, he was no saint. But show me one person who ever owned a sports team who was.
Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' July 9-12, 2010
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Rick Young's 'Rick at the Races' ... www.rickattheraces.com ... July 9-12, 2010
- 10 July Brockville Ontario Speedway
- 11 July Cornwall Motor Speedway, Ont (SUPER DIRT SERIES)
- 12 July Can Am Speedway , Lafargeville, NY
If Mother Nature had cooperated , I would have four events to tell you about this week, but alas, it was not to be.
After my hectic whistle stop tour of the UK , I was glad of a couple of 'easy' days when I returned to work last Thursday. On Friday I got lucky and finished early, which also signaled the end of the hot, dry spell that the North East had been experiencing. Around lunchtime torrential rain began to fall and decimated the chances of any racing taking place. I was in Montreal during the afternoon where flash flooding caused a number of roads to be closed. I still managed to get back in to Cornwall, Ontario to finish work around 6-30 pm, but the damage had already been done. My local tracks of Mohawk International Raceway and Autodrome Edelweiss had already been canceled.
There'd been so much rain on Friday, I was relieved to find out that my regular Saturday night home at the Brockville Ontario Speedway was unaffected.
I arrived early and met up with my buddy Jim Clarke, media guy and Kawartha Speedway PR man. Health issues have prevented him from making regular appearances around the tracks this year, so it was good to catch up with his news. I made my usual tour of the pits prior to the racing and chatted to many.
Steve Barber and his Sportsman crew were busy playing pranks on fellow driver Chris Herbison. Apparently one of the announcers has a habit of calling Chis 'Herbie' so his normal # 63 was duct taped into # 53 and 'The Love Bug' was attached to the roof. Another Sportsman driver I chatted to was Bruce Makinson who had Julio Pasinetti helping him out. Julio is one of my friends from the Capital City Speedway in Ottawa where his daughter Jessica races in the Thunder Car division.
For those who are unaware, the Brockville area has quite a large community of folks with Dutch roots. With it being the football World Cup Final weekend a lot of talk revolved around this. Sunday's Final was to feature the Netherlands versus Spain and Modified driver John Mulder was just one of them who'd be watching the game.
When the racing started, I joined yet another Dutchman, track photographer Henry Hannewyk on the middle to snap some action.
I didn't have to wait too long, as young Luke Stewart ( the nephew of Modified driver Todd Stewart) performed a rollover in his Sportsman heat.
We had a first time winner in the Sportsman Feature when Mike Mainse took the checkers. Earlier in the night I'd been taking his photo for a 'Hero Card' and it was quite difficult to get him to smile. I should of waited ! . Incidentally, I have now discovered a way to get 'grumpy' faced guys to smile for photos ! If saying 'cheese' doesn't work , I just shout out the 'cheeky' word for a certain part of 'womans anatomy' and It gets an instant smile ... try it !
Modified Feature winner was Stephane Lafrance , Alex Gagnon took the eight cylinder and Jean Marc Larose won in the Rookies.
Sunday, it was the Big Block Modified SUPER DIRT SERIES at the Cornwall Motor Speedway and I was there extra early to get set up ( and hopefully find a quiet spot where I could keep up to date with afternoons World Cup taking place in South Africa) . I was without an internet connection when the game started so was out of luck. When it did return the game was at half time and with no score. ( Spain later won in extra time)
The heat wave had returned and things looked good for an excellent night of racing. One of the first of the touring teams to arrive was last years winner Jimmy Phelps who was followed in to the pits by a steady stream of the sports hot shoes.
I had a good chat with two times Cornwall SDS winner Gary Tomkins. He'd seen photos on the internet of my trip to Goodwood last week and was anxious to talk about it. Gary is not only a talented driver but he's also very knowledgeable about world auto racing. Steve Paine was also there, fresh from his win at the Canandaigua Speedway the night before.
Dale Planck drew pole position for the big 100 lap series race and had Billy Decker to his side. Decker led for the first 66 laps until the fast moving Brett Hearn powered by on lap 67. New Jersey based Hearn was a surprise 'invader' a few weeks back for the season opener where he took the checkers.
Once passed Decker there was no one to catch Hearn. Decker kept on his tail to take second with Steve Paine coming home third. Ghislain Valade got his first time ever Pro Stock victory , Gaetan Amesse was the Semi Pro winner and Corey Barnes took the Mini Stock
I was back to work on Monday morning and without the need to request an early finish, I got lucky. I was done by 5-00pm and was able to make a quick dash to Lafargeville, NY.
The Can Am Speedway were holding their 'Summer Sizzler' which was a feast of the best in Dirt track racing. After stopping in at my place for a few minutes I got away from Cornwall at 5-30, and pulled into Can Am soon after the advertised 7-15 start time.
Topping the bill were the All Star 410 Sprint Cars with 358 Modifieds, Late Models and Dirt Sportsman as the back up divisions. The place was packed as word had got around that a very special person would be in the Sprint Car line up. NASCAR SPRINT CUP driver Tony Stewart was accompanying his friend and Team Mate Jessica Zemken. I've known 'Jess' for many years and I'm really glad that the opportunities are coming her way . I have always thought she was a talented driver and all that was needed was the right funding. I chatted to her and her Mum prior to the racing.
As you'd expect, there were plenty of eager fans wanting to get a look at hers and Tony's pit area so until the racing was over it had to be cordoned off . It was also good to see PA Posee member 'Fast Freddy' Rahmer up in my area.
The Big race for the Sprint cars was won by Tim Shaffer who I remember 'snapping' in Victory Lane last October when the World Of Outlaws appeared at Rolling Wheels during SUPER DIRT WEEK . Following him across the line was Greg Wilson with Tony Stewart third. Fast 'Freddy' was fourth and Jess came home fifth.
Winners in the other divisions were Billy Dunn (358 Mods) Tim Sears (Sportsman) and Dale Caswell ( Late Models) .
Occasional rain showers and a 'wreck fest' in the Late Model feature caused the show top go on a bit late ( after 1-00 am ) but on this occasion I didn't care ! Tuesdays are now one of my days off, so had no work to rush back for. Instead, I slept at the track in my car then returned to Cornwall the next morning.
PHOTOS:
PIC 1 Chris Herbison's car has its numbers changed at the BOS
PIC 2 Steve Barber up to no good at the BOS
PIC 3 to 5 Luke Stewart Rollover at the BOS
PIC 6 Danny O'Brien # 7 and John Mulder # 12 at the BOS
PIC 7 Mod winner at the BOS Stephane Lafrance
PIC 8 SPORTSMAN winner at the BOS Mike Mainse
PIC 9 Gary Tomkins at the CMS
PIC 10 DIRTCAR anouncer Shane Andrews with Dale Planck at the CMS draw
PIC 11 The line up for the SUPER DIRT RACE at the CMS
PIC 12 to 15 Action from the CMS SUPER DIRT RACE
PIC 16 & 17 Brett Hearn in the CMS Victory Lane
PIC 18 Ghislain Valade in the CMS Victory Lane
PIC 19 Rick Wilson at Can Am
PIC 20 April Wilson at Can Am
PIC 21 Jessica Zemken # 14 and Tony Stewart # 20 at Can Am
PIC 22 Fast Freddy Rahmer # 51 makes a pass on the outside
PIC 23 Tim Shaffer was the Sprint Car winner at Can Am
PIC 24 Third placed Tony Stewart is interviewed at Can Am
PIC 25 First three at Can Am LtoR Tony Stewart, Greg Wilson and Tim Shaffer
PIC 26 Jeremy Wilder # 22 and Roy Tarbell # 007 in the Can Am Mod feature
PIC 27 Tim Sears wins the SPORTSMAN Feature at Can Am
PIC 28 Late Model carnage at Can-Am
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