Saturday, February 28, 2009

Radio pioneer Paul Harvey dies in Arizona











From The Associated Press:

CHICAGO - Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died Saturday in Arizona, according to ABC Radio Networks. He was 90.

Harvey died surrounded by family at a hospital in Phoenix, where he had a winter home, said Louis Adams, a spokesman for ABC Radio Networks, where Harvey worked for more than 50 years. No cause of death was immediately available.

Harvey had been forced off the air for several months in 2001 because of a virus that weakened a vocal cord. But he returned to work in Chicago and was still active as he passed his 90th birthday. His death comes less than a year after that of his wife and longtime producer, Lynne.

"My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news," Paul Harvey Jr. said in a statement. "So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend."

Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks.

‘Stand by for news!’
He became a heartland icon, delivering news and commentary with a distinctive Midwestern flavor. "Stand by for news!" he told his listeners. He was credited with inventing or popularizing terms such as "skyjacker" and "Reaganomics."

"Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation's history," ABC Radio Networks President Jim Robinson said in a statement. "We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him."

In 2005, Harvey was one of 14 notables chosen as recipients of the presidential Medal of Freedom. He also was an inductee in the Radio Hall of Fame, as was Lynne.

Harvey composed his twice-daily news commentaries for ABC from a downtown office near Lake Michigan.

Rising at 3:30 each morning, he ate a bowl of oatmeal, then combed the news wires and spoke with editors across the country in search of succinct tales of American life for his program.

At the peak of his career, Harvey reached more than 24 million listeners on more than 1,200 radio stations (Including WMEL Radio in Cocoa, Florida) and charged $30,000 to give a speech. His syndicated column was carried by 300 newspapers.

His fans identified with his plainspoken political commentary, but critics called him an out-of-touch conservative. He was an early supporter of the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy and a longtime backer of the Vietnam War.

Perhaps Harvey's most famous broadcast came in 1970, when he abandoned that stance, announcing his opposition to President Nixon's expansion of the war and urging him to get out completely.

"Mr. President, I love you ... but you're wrong," Harvey said, shocking his faithful listeners and drawing a barrage of letters and phone calls, including one from the White House.

‘The Rest of the Story’
In 1976, Harvey began broadcasting his anecdotal descriptions of the lives of famous people. "The Rest of the Story" started chronologically, with the person's identity revealed at the end. The stories were an attempt to capture "the heartbeats behind the headlines." Much of the research and writing was done by his son, Paul Jr.

Harvey also blended news with advertising, a line he said he crossed only for products he trusted.

In 2000, at age 82, Harvey signed a new 10-year contract with ABC Radio networks.

In addition to his unique voice and delivery, Harvey was credited with coining several words on his broadcasts, including "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate."

Harvey was born Paul Harvey Aurandt in Tulsa, Okla. His father, a police officer, was killed when he was a toddler. A high school teacher took note of his distinctive voice and launched him on a broadcast career.

While working at St. Louis radio station KXOK, he met Washington University graduate student Lynne Cooper. He proposed on their first date (she said "no") and always called her "Angel." They were married in 1940 and had a son, Paul Jr.

They worked closely together on his shows, and he often credited his success to her influence. She was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1997, seven years after her husband was. She died in May 2008.

http://www.abcrn.com/harvey/index.html

Monday, February 23, 2009

Hurricanes clinch MET League South's Florida Division with weekend sweep















The Space Coast Hurricanes clinched the MET League South's Florida Division with a weekend sweep of the Florida Eels at The Skatum in Fort Myers, Florida.

In Saturday's 4-1 win, the Canes were led by John Jennings, who scored twice and added an assist. Jeremy Finger had a goal and 2 assists, while Kyle Vanwormer scored as well. Nestor Logdal made 22 saves for the Hurricanes, who went 2 for 13 on the power play and 10 of 11 on the penalty kill.

The Hurricanes put an exclamation point on their regular season schedule with a 8-2 win over the Eels on Sunday. Brett Sutton scored twice, Kyle Vanwormer had a goal and 3 assists, while Chris Lerro, Jeremy Finger and Kyle Houser added a goal and assist each. Tyler Vokes and Jason Mattiace also scored goals for Space Coast, who got 26 saves from Michael Sprouls, while going 5-for-10 on the power play and 9-of-10 on the penalty kill. 4 of the Canes 5 power play goals came in the third period.

Space Coast finishes the regular season with a record of 27-6-0-1 for 55 points, 4 points ahead of the Jacksonville Ice Dogs. The Hurricanes travel back to Fort Myers this Friday and Saturday for a pair of 8:30pm games with the FGCU Eagles. The Canes will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the MET League's playoff tournament on March 7th, 8th and 9th.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Hurricanes go 1-1-0-1 at MET South Showcase















The Space Coast Hurricanes went 1-1-0-1 at this past weekends' MET League South Showcase, played at the Carolina Ice Palace in North Charleston, South Carolina.

In game one on Saturday, Kyle Vanwormer scored three goals to lead the Canes past a gritty, undermanned East Coast Eagles squad 7-2. On Sunday, Jordan Schiller had a goal and an assist, but Charleston built a 4-1 lead, then held on for a 4-3 victory. Then, on Monday, the Canes battled Atlanta tough all game long, taking the lead with 33 seconds left on a Kyle Houser goal. Atlanta pulled their goaltender and scored on a scramble with 5 seconds left, then outscored Space Coast 1-0 in a shoot out, winning the game 5-4. Vanwormer had a goal and an assist, Nestor Logdahl 36 saves for the Hurricanes.

Space Coast wraps up their regular season schedule this weekend, with a pair of games on the road, against the Florida Eels. Game times at the Fort Myers Skatum at 8:30pm EST Saturday and 9:45am EST on Sunday.


Travelin' in style with the Space Coast Hurricanes. (No, they didn't make me ride in the trailer!)








Mrs. Voice with Voice Jr.









The current Voice of the Hurricanes with the future Voice of the Hurricanes.








The Carolina Ice Palace in North Charleston, South Carolina.








Face off against East Coast.










Michael Sprouls defends against East Coast.









Playing defense against Charleston.









Saturday night, we watched ECHL hockey between South Carolina and Mississippi.








"We're all going out for sausage biscuits after the game.








The booth(?).









Logdal stops a breakaway against Atlanta.








"That's how we do it in Florida."

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Met League plans final showcases of season







All 18 MET North Teams will compete in this years’ final showcase of the season this weekend. The showcase will be held at Iorio Arena in Walpole, MA along with the AJHL showcase. The event will be hosted by the Walpole Express.

Each game will consist of 2 – 25 minute halves and all games will count towards the league standings. With many teams fighting for a playoff birth and teams battling for position in their division, this weekend will be packed with high intensity.

The 10 MET South teams will be having their own showcase in Charleston, SC. It will be hosted by the Charleston Wolverines. Each team will compete in cross division play with the same format as the North Division (2 – 25 minute halves)

The race is close in the MET South as well. Who will finish first in the Florida Division? Jacksonville or Space Coast? Will the Wolverines catch Team Carolina for the third and final playoff spot in the Central Division? All these questions will be answered this weekend.

Select games in the MET South Showcase at Charleston, SC can be seen (for a nominal charge) at http://www.livehockey.com/. Click the "Live Games" tab each day to see which games will be available. John Meissner of the Space Coast Hurricanes will provide the play-by-play of the webcast games.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Canes sweep Jacksonville















The Space Coast Hurricanes rode the goaltending of Nestor Logdal, some solid special teams play and a three-goal second period to a 5-3 victory Sunday and a sweep of the weekend series with the Jacksonville Ice Dogs at the Space Coast Iceplex in Rockledge, Florida.

Jordan Schiller and Lucas Mollison scored in the first period to give the Canes a 2-0 lead, before Tyler Potts countered for Jacksonville. A Jake Ninko power play goal early in the second increased the lead to 3-1, then an even-strength by Kyle Vanwormer and a power play goal by Jeremy Finger put Space Coast up 5-1 just past the half-way point of the game. Ice Dog goals by D.J. Thomas late in the second and mid-way through the third gave the visitors life, but solid goaltending by Logdal and a late 5-on-3 power play ended the Jacksonville comeback, as the Hurricanes held on for the 5-3 win.

Logdal was called on for 17 saves in the Space Coast net. Jared Lenner held his team in the game, despite allowing five goals, making several spectacular stops amongst his 37 saves. The Hurricanes went 2-for-9 on the power play and 5-of-5 on the penalty kill, finishing the weekend a perfect 11-of-11 in shorthanded situations.

Space Coast moves three points ahead of Jacksonville in the Met League South Florida Division, as both teams get ready for action next weekend at the Carolina Ice Palace in North Charleston, South Carolina. Follow all the action at http://www.atlantichockey.org/.



Mr. Announcer Boy, ready for action.









Space Coast on the attack.









Pass me the hockeyball!









2nd period faceoff in the Jacksonville zone.









Jacksonville on the attack.









Action in the corner.









Canes turned away again.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Hurricanes move into first with 4-2 win over Jacksonville















The Space Coast Hurricanes moved into first place in the MJHL South's Florida Division with a 4-2 victory over the Jacksonville Ice Dogs Saturday at the Space Coast Ice Plex in Rockledge, Florida.

The Canes built a 3-0 lead on two first-period goals by Brett Sutton and Tyler Vokes and a second period goal by Andreas Johansson. Jacksonville scored twice in less than a minute, with Eric Drapluk and Brian Ferlin finding the net, cutting the Space Coast lead to 3-2 after two. Cory Sellers scored in the third and the Canes skated homwe to the 4-2 win.

Goaltending was solid for both teams, with Nestor Logdal making 27 saves for Space Coast, while Sam Calahan had 34 saves for the Ice Dogs. The Canes were 1 for 6 on the power play and 6 of 6 on the penalty kill.

With the win, the Canes improve to 23-5-0-0 for 46 points, 1 ahead of Jacksonville, who slips to 22-5-0-1 for 45 points. The two teams meet again on Sunday, with face-off set for 9:30am EST. Watch the game on http://www.livehockey.com.


Jimmy and Mommy enjoy the game.










Faceoff!










The view from the booth.










Jacksonville on the attack.

I'm back in the saddle again!

Today, I get to 'nounce hockeyball once again, as the Space Coast Hurricanes meet the Jacksonville Ice Dogs in a BIG Met League South matchup. Jacksonville leads the Met South by one point over Space Coast, with two games between the teams this weekend. The games can be seen (for a nominal charge) via http://www.fasthockey.com (Search around--I'm not too familiar with the site, but clicking the Live Games tab should get you to where you need to go) beginning at about 4:30pm EST today (Saturday, February 7th) and at about 9:15am EST on Sunday(February 8th). I'll even let fly with an "OH BABY!" or twelve!!!!

It'll be nice to get back to my Junior hockey roots, after the unmentionable debacle I was a part of at the start of this season.

See you on the 'net!

Friday, February 6, 2009

The streak is over!










Radoslav Illo scored from Josh Berge at 4:18 of overtime and T.J. Massie stopped all 39 shots he faced, as the Tri-City Storm broke their 19-game losing streak Friday night, defeating the Cedar Rapids Roughriders 1-0 at the FirstTier Event Center in Kearney, Nebraska. It was the Storm's first win since a 5-4 home ice win over Omaha back on November 26th.

Congratulations to the Storm and their fans, for finally getting that frozen monkey off their backs!

(And now, by popular rquest and for old times sake:)

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BABY!!!!!!!!"

Lancers set for Nebraska return in '09-'10

From http://www.ushl.com










The Omaha Lancers will return to their Omaha roots next season. Lancers owner Ben Robert, Qwest Center Omaha president and CEO Roger Dixon and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey announced the Lancers will begin play at the Omaha Civic Auditorium starting with the 2009-2010 season. Joining in support of the return to Omaha was Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce president and CEO David G. Brown.

Robert said the Lancers started in Omaha in 1986 at the Hitchcock Arena and later played many years at the Aksarben Coliseum, before moving in 2002 to the Council Bluffs’ Mid-America Center. Robert said it is time to bring the team back to Omaha.

“Omaha is our home and we think there is no better ice arena in our league than the Omaha Civic Auditorium,” Robert said. “We know there are Omaha hockey fans who chose not to follow the team when we changed arenas in 2002, and we will work very hard to bring them back and start packing the Civic with enthusiastic fans. We appreciate the relationship we have had with the Mid-America Center, but this is the right time and right move for the Lancers.”

Robert said the Lancers plan to only sell tickets in the lower bowl of the Civic Auditorium, ensuring every hockey fan has a seat close to the ice.

“The Civic provides 4,200 excellent lower bowl seats that put you almost right in the middle of the action,” Robert said. “Our first priority is to make sure everyone gets a premium seat to Omaha Lancers hockey at the Civic Auditorium.”

Dixon said the Lancers bring an exciting style of hockey and believes the Civic Auditorium is the right venue to help rebuild Omaha fan support for the Lancers.

“Omaha area hockey fans have always enjoyed the hockey environment of the Civic Auditorium, and we think the style of hockey played by the USHL is ideal for this facility,” Dixon said. “The Omaha Lancers are known throughout the USHL for being the premier franchise. They bring a great ownership group, excellent coaching and an effective marketing team, and we anticipate solid attendance at the Civic.”

“This is great news for Omaha, not only for hockey fans but for our entire community,” Mayor Mike Fahey said. “Lancers hockey at the Civic Auditorium will offer another exciting entertainment option in downtown Omaha for citizens to enjoy.”

“The Lancers bring another exciting entertainment opportunity to downtown Omaha,” Greater Omaha Chamber president and CEO David Brown said. “The opportunity to see the Omaha Lancers at the Civic Auditorium and UNO Mavericks at the Qwest Center ensures thousands of fans will keep our downtown active virtually every weekend during the fall and winter months. And that’s good for business in downtown Omaha.”

Robert said 2009 season ticket sales at the Civic will start as soon as possible.

“Our first priority is to take care of our current season ticket holders, and we are working with the City of Omaha and MECA to ensure Lancers fans have several parking options close to the building,” Robert said. “We also hope to work closely with UNO to cross promote the two hockey programs, eliminating duplication of weekend games when possible and hopefully increasing attendance for both programs.”

Robert said people with season ticket questions for the 2009-2010 season at the Civic Auditorium should call 344-PUCK (344-7825) or visit the Omaha Lancers Web site, http://www.lancers.com/.

The Omaha Lancers started play in 1986 at the Hitchcock Ice Arena, and failed to win a game the first season. However, within four years the Lancers became the Cinderella story of the hockey world, going from last place to first in the USHL, winning the league and playoffs, and finishing runner-up in the national tournament. The Lancers are currently coached by Bliss Littler, a coaching veteran in the USHL. In addition to Robert, the Lancers’ ownership group includes 1980 U.S. Hockey Team captain Mike Eruzione, NHL greats Mario Lemieux and Luc Robitaille and business owner John Donovan.

The USHL is celebrating its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With over 140 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 16 NHL Draft picks playing in the league, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at http://www.ushl.com/

East beats West in USHL all-star game

From http://www.ushl.com












Kyle Flanagan (right) had four points on Wednesday and was named the Ron Woodey Most Valuable Player. Flanagan is pictured with (L-R) USHL Commissioner Skip Prince and John Bissert and Steve Rixe of CCM-Reebok.


The United States Hockey League held its 2009 Prospects/All-Star Game on Wednesday night, pitting Team CCM (East Division All-Stars) against Team Reebok (West Division All-Stars). However, it may as well have been Team Reebok vs. the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

The Cedar Rapids line of Mike Seidel, Jeff Costello and Kyle Flanagan accounted for all the scoring for Team CCM, as they downed Team Reebok 4-1 in front of a crowd of 3,142 at the Sioux Falls Arena in Sioux Falls, S.D.

"This is about as good as it could possibly get. The all-stars were all stars tonight and they all played great," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "You always like to see the home team win but the three RoughRiders were just extraordinary tonight."

The trio plays together on a line during the season for Cedar Rapids, and the chemistry that they brought to the ice on Wednesday was evident, as they dominated every shift they took from start to finish.

They opened the scoring for Team CCM just 1:12 into the game when Flanagan scored an unassisted goal to make it 1-0. Minutes later, at 5:09, Seidel scored his first of the game on assists from Costello and Flanagan. Team Reebok scored their only goal of the night at16:26 of the period when hometown favorite David Eddy scored to make it 2-1, where the first period would finish. Mike Cichy, who was representing Tri-City even though he'd recently been traded to Indiana and Lincoln's Jake Newton had the assists on the goal.

Team CCM made it 3-1 just 42 seconds into the second period when Costello scored from Flanagan and Seidel. They then closed out the scoring 9:37 of the second, with Seidel scoring his second of the game on an assist from Flanagan.

In total, Flanagan had a goal and three assists, Seidel had two goals and an assist and Costello had a goal and an assist.

"It was a good effort for them. I'm really proud of them. I think the big thing is they went out and had fun playing, made a lot of plays and worked hard at it," said Mark Carlson, Cedar Rapids' head coach.

"We were playing exactly how we usually play. We didn't change a thing," said Flanagan. "The three of us have been playing together the last three or four months and the on-ice and off-ice chemistry has been great."

Each team had 38 shots on goal in the game. Fargo goaltender Mike Lee gave up all four Team CCM goals, but made 21 saves. He was relieved later in the game by Lincoln's Kevin Murdock, who made 13 saves. At the other end, Cedar Rapids' Mike Johnson stopped 16 of 17 shots he faced, while Indiana's Brett Bennett stopped all 21 shots he saw.

Omaha's Pat Mullane took the only penalty of the game, a slashing penalty at 12:57 of the second period.



FLANAGAN, SEIDEL, EDDY RECEIVE GAME AWARDS

Flanagan, who had the four-point game, won the Ron Woodey Award as the most valuable player in the game.

"It was a lot of fun. It's been a great experience this week and it's everything that it's been made up to be," Flanagan said. "Sioux Falls put on a great show this week and everyone is breathing in the experience."

Seidel was named the Team CCM Player of the Game while Eddy was named the Team Reebok Player of the Game.



SECOND TIME AROUND A SUCCESS IN SIOUX FALLS

This marked the second time that the Stampede have hosted the USHL's mid-season classic, doing it this season in conjunction with their tenth anniversary. They previously hosted the event in 2002, the year that the bar for hosts of the game was officially raised.

"They did a tremendous job that year, from the banquet, to bringing in Gordie Howe as the speaker to having 4,000 people in the stands," said USHL Executive Vice President Gino Gasparini. "That was the year that it went from being just a game to a full-blown event. They raised the bar and really challenged people who were hosting to take things to a new level."

This year, the Stampede once again raised the bar. The banquet, the game presentation, and the treatment of players, scouts, fans and dignitaries was again first-class, reflecting perfectly on the Stampede organization.

"It's a lot of fun to do this event. We're proud of our city and we want to show it off. At the same time it helps us build our fan base and introduce them to hockey," said Stampede CEO Gary Weckwerth. "We've been here ten years and it's an every day thing for us to introduce people to hockey, but it's fun.

"When you're planning it you can't wait for it to be over and when it's done you look back and say that it is a fun deal to have. We have the Stanley Cup here and it's the first time it's ever been in South Dakota. All the fanfare that surrounds it is fun. We're proud to be the host and we're proud to do this for our fans. It's a very good thing, it's a great experience."



FUTURE PROSPECTS/ALL-STAR GAMES

The date and site of the 2010 USHL Prospects/All-Star Game will be announced in the coming weeks. But before that event, there's still plenty going on in the USHL. The second half of the season is set to get underway, as well as another spectacular playoff run and the coronation of the 2009 Tier I National Champions.

"We're looking forward to a great second half of the season and more good things to come for the USHL."

The 2008-09 USHL regular season starts up again on Friday, February 6.

Oh Baby Vision

How to watch the videos on Oh Baby Vision

In the upper left hand corner, there's three horizontal lines. Click that once or twice and it'll bring up thumbnails of all the movies. Click on the one you want to watch and it'll start. It may play the next one automatically, or you may have to click the little box to bring the thumbnails back up.



Now with the addition of more videos, just use the scroll bar on the right to choose the one you want to watch.



I hope you like 'em