Saturday, July 31, 2010

Riders overcome sluggish start to beat pesky Tiger-Cats 37-24







The Saskatchewan Roughriders overcame an inability to convert red zone opportunities Saturday night, coming from behind to grab a 37-24 CFL win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, in front of a sell-out crowd of 30,048 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.

The Riders got on the board first on an Eddie Johnson punt single 4:34 into the game. Hamilton then drove the field, going 75 yards in 10 plays, ending with a 25 yard Kevin Glenn to Arland Bruce touchdown pass. Sandro Deangelis converted with 4:56 left in the opening quarter, giving the Ti-Cats a 7-1 lead. Saskatchewan drew even with a pair of Luca Congi field goals, a 37 yarder with 1:23 left and a 40 yarder 59 seconds into the second, knotting the score at 7-7.

Hamilton regained the lead with 10:35 left in the half, when Dave Stala caught an 11 yard pass from Glenn for the major score. Deangelis converted, putting the Tiger-Cats up 14-7. The Riders drove to the 2 with just under 3 minutes on the clock, but had to settle for a 9 yard Congi field goal with 2:14 remaining. They would get the ball back one more time, setting Congi up for a 42 yard field goal with 40 seconds left, cutting the Hamilton lead to 14-13 at halftime.

Saskatchewan took charge in the third, posting 13 points. After a great catch by Andy Fantuz put the ball at the half yard line, Wes Cates scored from there over left tackle and with the Congi convert with 8:19 left in the third, the Riders led 20-14. Congi nailed two more field goals, from 35 yards with 5:07 left, and from 15 yards with 50 seconds remaining, extending the Saskatchewan lead to 26-14 through three quarter time.

Hamilton threatened early in the fourth, but had to settle for a 17 yard Deangelis field goal, cutting the deficit to 26-17 with 11:11 left in regulation time. After a screening penalty on Jerome Dennis covering Rob Bagg in the endzone put the ball at the 1, Cates dove over for his second major score of the game. After video review upheld the score, Congi kicked the convert, giving Saskatchewan a 33-17 lead, with 3:34 left. Johnson launched the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for his second single, making it 34-17 Riders. The Cats struck back on a brilliant 36 yard catch and run touchdown by Bruce, who eluded four tackles on his way to the endzone. Deangelis kicked the convert, cutting the deficit to 34-23 with 2:12 remaining. After Chris Szarka recovered a short kick, Saskatchewan drove the short field to get Congi's 7th field goal of the game, this one from 19 yards with 23 seconds left on the clock, giving the Riders the final winning margin of 37-24.

For Saskatchewan, Darian Durant was 21-for-35 passing for 270 yards, with 1 interception. Wes Cates ran 13 times for 66 yards and 2 touchdown, and also caught 5 balls for 75 yards. Andy Fantuz had 8 catches for 100 yards and Luca Congi had a career night, kicking 7 field goals, 1 off the CFL single game record, plus 2 converts and kicker Eddie Johnson belted 2 singles. For Hamilton, Kevin Glenn was 31-for-45 passing for 425 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Arland Bruce caught 16 passes, 1 off the CFL single game record, had 272 receiving yards, taking 2 of those catches in for touchdowns. Dave Stala also had a touchdown reception and Sandro Deangelis kicked 1 field goal and 3 converts. The Riders, now 4-1 on the season, had 366 total yards, 23 first downs, allowed 1 sack, had 1 turnover and were penalized just twice for 15 yards. The Tiger-Cats, who slipped to a surprising 1-4, had 473 yards total offense, 29 first downs, turned the ball over 3 times and committed 8 penalties for 87 yards.

It's on the road next Friday for Saskatchewan, for a big early season matchup with the defending Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes, a team they beat in that memorable Canada Day classic on August 1st, 54-51 in overtime. Kickoff from Percival Molson Stadium in Montreal is set for 7:00pm EDT on 620 CKRM Radio and the Rider Radio Network. Hamilton is home next Saturday against Winnipeg, beginning at 7:00pm EDT.




Wes Cates plows his way to the first of his two touchdowns.








Coach Ken Miller heads out after his teams' 4th win in 5 tries this season.

Friday, July 30, 2010

It's Saturday!











It's Saturday, welcome to the weekend. Here's what's happening....

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This is July 31st, the 212th day of 2010. There are 143 days left in the year. (And there's only 168 days left 'til my birthday. Shop wisely!)

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Arbitrator picked in Kovalchuk contract dispute.

Hawks like chances to repeat.

Camp allows officials to keep game in shape.

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Today is Mutt's Day. (Is that for mixed breed dogs, or some guy with a funny nickname?)

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USHL announces Fall Classic schedule.

Alfieri commits to Niagara University.

Muskegon first year USHL ticket/ad sales similar to last year's final season of pro.

USNTDP and Sioux recruit Grimaldi featured in Sports Illustrated.

Gopher Q & A with Nate Condon.

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The United States Patent Office opened on this date in 1790.

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Riders hoping to regain that winning feeling.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders put their 3-1 record on the line tonight, when they host the 1-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 6:30pm EDT on 620CKRM and the Rider Radio Network. Listen links are to the right on this blog.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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The radio drama The Shadow debuted on this date in 1930. ("Who knows what evil lurks, in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.")

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Today in Sports History:

1932 - Enzo Ferrari retired from racing. In 1950 he launched a series of cars under his name.

1961 - The first tie in All-Star Game major league baseball history was recorded when it was stopped in the 9th inning due to rain at Boston's Fenway Park.

1981 - The seven-week baseball players’ strike came to an end when the players and owners agreed on the issue of free agent compensation.

2001 - Korey Stringer (Minnesota Vikings) collapsed during practice. The 27-year-old died the next day of multiple organ failure due to heatstroke.

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Today is Parent's Day. (We celebrate that every day at our house!)

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The Tampa Bay Rays' win streak is now at 7, and they are within one game of first in the A.L. East, thanks to last night's 3-2 win over the New York Yankees, before a huge crowd of 36,973 at Tropicana Field.

New York got on the board in the first inning, when a Nick Swisher home run, which also scored Derek Jeter, gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead. Wade Davis kept New York in check from there, and got the runs he needed in the sixth. With two outs, John Jaso on third and Carlos Pena on first, Matt Joyce turned on a 2-2 pitch and belted it deep into the right field seats for his 4th home run of the season, giving the Rays a 3-2 lead. After pitching a perfect seventh, Manager Joe Maddon turned the game over to his bullpen, getting a perfect eighth from Joaquin Benoit and a perfect ninth from closer Rafael Soriano, to post the 3-2 win.

Davis went 7 innings for Tampa Bay, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, with 6 strike outs and 3 walks. His record's now square at 9-9. Benoit's eighth inning effort was his 14th hold of the years, with Soriano setting New York down in order in the ninth for his 29th save of the season. Phil Hughes went 6 innings for the Yankees, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits, with 6 strike outs and 2 walks. He's now 12-4.

The Rays' win is their 7th straight, tying a season high, improves their record to 64-38, and brings them to within one game of New York in the A.L. East. The Rays are first in the A.L. Wild Card chase. Game two versus the Yankees is tonight at Tropicana Field, with first pitch set for 7:10pm. The season-high 11 game home stand continues with a 1:40pm EDT Sunday game with New York, before Minnesota comes to town for four games starting Monday. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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During July 1861, Cherrapunji, Assam set an all-time record with 366 inches of rain.

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 1 game over Tampa Bay and 7 1/2 over Boston. Toronto is 11 1/2 back and Baltimore is 33 1/2 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, the White Sox lead Minnesota by 1 1/2 games, Detroit trails by 6, Kansas City is 15 1/2 games back and Cleveland is 16 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads the Angels by 8 games, Oakland is 8 1/2 behind, and Seattle is 21 1/2 games in arrears.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 3 1/2 games, Florida and the Mets are 7 1/2 back and Washington trails by 14 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, St. Louis leads Cincinnati by 1/2 game, Milwaukee is 9 1/2 behind, the Cubs trail by 11, Houston is 13 1/2 games behind, and Pittsburgh is 20 1/2 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 2 1/2 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 7 over the Dodgers, 8 over Colorado and 23 over Arizona.

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Jimmy says "I love my Daddy!"

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The San Francisco Giants held off a late Los Angeles rally last night to beat the Dodgers 6-5, before a sell-out crowd of 42,847 at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Los Angeles scored single runs in the second and third, while the Giants got 1 in the second and 2 in the third, getting a homer from Juan Uribe in the second and a two-run double from Aubrey Huff in the third.

San Francisco tallied twice in the sixth. Pat Burrell doubled home Aubrey Huff and Pablo Sandoval doubled home Nate Schierholtz. They scored once in the seventh, thanks to Huff's 20th homer of the season.

Trailing 6-2 in the ninth, the Dodgers made things interesting. Jamey Carroll scored on a Scott Posednik triple, Posednik scored on a wild pitch and Rafael Furcal scored on a liner up the middle by Matt Kemp. With Brian Wilson unavailable out of the bullpen with a stiff back, the Giants used 4 different relievers in the ninth inning, before Chris Ray got the final out, preserving San Francisco's 6-5 win.

Tim Lincecum went 7 innings for the Giants, allowing 2 runs on 9 hits, with 9 strike outs and 2 walks. The win raises his record to 11-4. Ray picked up his second save of the season. Carlos Monasterios took the loss for Los Angeles, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits, with 3 strike outs and 0 walks. He's now 3-3.

San Francisco is 59-45, have won 18 of their last 23 and now trail West Division leading San Diego by just 2 1/2 games. They continue their seven-game home stand this afternoon with the second of 3 games against the hated Dodgers, starting at 4:10pm EDT. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Today in Elvis History:

1956 - Elvis Presley received a speeding ticket in Hattiesburg, MS. He was on his way to Memphis.

1969 - Elvis Presley performed his first live concert since March 25, 1961. He opened a four-week engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

1971 - The album "Love Letters From Elvis" hit #7 in the U.K.

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The 11-4 Tampa Bay Storm wrap up the AFL regular season tonight, hosting the 7-8 Orlando Predators at the St. Pete Times Forum.

The Storm, who have clinched a playoff spot, beat the Predators in Orlando 62-50 back on May 28th. Kickoff tonight is set for 7:30pm EDT. The game can be heard on 1250AM WHNZ. Tickets are available at the door.

For more information regarding playoff tickets, visit ticketmaster.com, call 813.301.6600 or log on to http://www.tampabaystorm.com/.

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Doesn't Jimmy look cool in his Elmo slippers?

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

CFL Football: Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders 6:30pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

Monday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay 7:10pm EDT

Tuesday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies 8:40pm EDT

Wednesday --

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies 3:10pm EDT

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Thursday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 7:10pm EDT

Friday --

CFL Football: Saskatchewan Roughriders at Montreal Alouettes 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 7:07pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 7:35pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 1:07pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: Zippo 200 at the glen at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen International, New York 1:30pm EDT

Arena Football: AFL Divisional Round Playoff Game at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the glen at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen International, New York 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 1:07pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 1:35pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series: Honda Indy 200 presented by Westfield Insurance at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio 2:30pm EDT

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That's all for today. See you tomorrow!

It's Friday!











It's another Friday. Here's what's happening....

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It's National Cheesecake Day!

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Bowman expect Niemi decision on Saturday.

Interactive segments highlight World Hockey Summit.

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A Facebook page called "I'm lost. Help me find my family" has been set up in an attempt to reunite a tattered stuffed animal with his owner. UK cafe owner Liz Everett started the page after the lost bear was accidentally left in her Suffolk cafe. There's also a Twitter page.

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USHL releases 2010-2011 schedule.

Muskies promote Paulsen to assistant coach.

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Today is Father-In-Law Day.

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Durant bounces back.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders put their 3-1 record on the line this coming Saturday, when they host the 1-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 6:30pm EDT on 620CKRM and the Rider Radio Network. Listen links are to the right on this blog.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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Today is the 35th anniversary of the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa in 1975. He was declared dead July 30, 1982.

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Today in Sports History:

1930 - Uruguay won soccer's first World Cup. They beat Argentina 4-2.

1966 - England's soccer team won the World Cup.

1968 - Ron Hansen of the Washington Senators made the first unassisted triple play in the major leagues in 41 years.

1971 - U.S. President Nixon gave the keynote speech at a banquet honoring seven new inductees into the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

2001 - Former Dallas Cowboy receiver Michael Irvin entered an innocent plea for a felony charge of possession of less than a gram of cocaine. The charges stemmed from Irvin's arrest August 9, 2000.

2001 - Lance Armstrong became the first American to win three consecutive Tours de France.

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A new study shows that having more sex can make your brain bigger. (But, you know, only for a few seconds.)

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Carlos Pena belted a mammoth second-inning home run, and smoked a pair of singles to drive in three more runs, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win over the Detroit Tigers yesterday, in front of 26,716 fans at Tropicana Field.

Pena's homer, his 23rd of the season, bounced off the D ring catwalk in right field, giving the Rays a 1-0 lead. Detroit's Will Rhymes, who led off the top of the third with a triple, later scored on a fielder's choice, tying the game 1-1. But Tampa Bay would respond with two runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead for good. With two outs and the bases loaded, Pena smoked a shot off the glove of Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera, scoring both Kelly Shoppach and Carl Crawford, giving the Rays a 3-1 advantage.

Detroit got a run back in the seventh, on Austin Jackson's one-out single up the middle, scoring Danny Worth and bringing the Motowners to within one, at 3-2. With the Tampa Bay lead down to one, they cued Pena one more time. With one out and runners at the corners, he once again smoked one that Cabrera couldn't handle at first, scoring Sean Rodriguez with the final run of the day, sending the Rays on to the 4-2 win.

David Price went 6 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, with 9 strike outs and 2 walks, running his record to 14-5, tying the Tampa Bay record for most wins in a season. Dan Wheeler was masterful out of the bullpen, striking out 2 and not allowing a baserunner over the last two innings, to get his second save of the season. Rick Porcello took the loss for the Tigers, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits, with 8 strikeouts and 2 walks, falling to 4-9.

The win moved Tampa Bay to a season-high 25 games over .500, extended their winning streak to six games and also gave them their 19th win in the past 25 games. Their four-game sweep of Detroit was the first four-game home sweep at Tropicana Field since July 28th through 31st, 2005.

The Rays are now 63-38, and are 2 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. They also lead the A.L. Wild Card chase. Tampa Bay continues their 11 game home stand tonight, with the first of a huge three-game set with the Yankees, with first pitch set for 7:10pm. After the three games with the Yankees, Minnesota co0mes to town for four games, starting Monday, August 2nd. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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Today is Talk In An Elevator Day. (Third floor please.)

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 2 games over Tampa Bay and 7 1/2 over Boston. Toronto is 12 1/2 back and Baltimore is 33 1/2 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, Chicago leads Minnesota by 1 1/2 games and Detroit by 6, while Cleveland and Kansas City are both 15 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads Oakland by 8 1/2, and the Angels by 9, with Seattle trailing by 21 1/2.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 2 1/2 games, the Mets are 6 1/2 behind, Florida is 7 1/2 back and Washington(Pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg is on the 15-day disabled list) trails by 14 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, Cincinnati leads St.Louis by 1/2 game, Milwaukee is 9 behind and the Cubs trail by 10 1/2, Houston is 14 behind, and Pittsburgh is 20 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 3 1/2 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 7 over Colorado, 9 over the Dodgers and 24 over Arizona.

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Jimmy says "I love my Mommy!"

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Anibal Sanchez allowed just one-hit and three baserunners, and Mike Stanton had a pair of RBI doubles, leading the Florida Marlins past the San Francisco Giants yesterday 5-0. Pablo Sandoval's fifth-inning single was the Giants' only hit on a day where Sanchez, who pitched a no-hitter against Arizona in 2006, ended Buster Posey's 21-game hitting streak. Posey finished one-game shy of tying Willie McCovey's rookie San Francisco hitting streak of 22 games, set in 1959.

Stanton led the Marlins' attack, with RBI doubles in the second and fourth, and scoring on a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

41,152 at AT&T Park watched as Sanchez took just 2 hours and 7 minutes to tie a career high with 8 strike outs, while walking only 1 and earning his second career shutout, running his record with Florida this season to 8-6. Madison Bumgarner pitched well for the Giants, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings work, striking out 5 and walking 2. His record slips to 4-3.

San Francisco is 58-45, winners of 17 of their last 22 and trail West Division leading San Diego by 3 1/2 games. They continue their seven-game home stand with the first of 3 games against the hated Dodgers tonight, starting at 10:15pm EDT. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Today in Elvis History:

1954 - Elvis Presley made his professional debut in Memphis. It was his first concert to be advertised.

1957 - The Elvis Presley movie "Loving You" opened in the U.S.

2003 - Sam Phillips died at the age of 80. He was the founder of Sun Records and was the first mentor of Elvis Presley.

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From http://www.tampabaystorm.com

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Storm and the St. Pete Times Forum are pleased to announce that playoff tickets for the 2010 Arena Football League playoffs are now on sale. Fans that are, or become, 2011 season ticket holders are eligible for the Cheer Now Pay Later promotion.

With the Cheer Now Pay Later (“CNPL”) promotion playoff tickets are available at a discount from the Box Office price and are only charged following each Storm home Playoff game.

Box Office ticket prices for the Divisional Round begin at $12.75 and range to $127.75 for Row A/XO VIP Club seats; however for those fans that participate in the CNPL program prices start as low as $6.25 and range to $100.00.

Final seeding of the playoff teams has yet to be determined, however, there are three possible home games for the Storm at the St. Pete Times Forum.

•Divisional Round – Saturday, August 7 at 7:30 PM
•Conference Championship – Saturday, August 14 at 7:30 PM
•ArenaBowl XXIII – Friday, August 20 at 8:00 PM
**Times are subject to change**

For more information regarding tickets, visit ticketmaster.com, call 813.301.6600 or log on to http://www.tampabaystorm.com/.

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Today is System Administrator Appreciation Day.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

Monday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay 7:10pm EDT

Tuesday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies 8:40pm EDT

Wednesday --

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Colorado Rockies 3:10pm EDT

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Thursday --

Baseball: Minnesota Twins at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 7:10pm EDT

Friday --

CFL Football: Saskatchewan Roughriders at Montreal Alouettes 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 7:07pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 7:35pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 1:07pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: Zippo 200 at the glen at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen International, New York 1:30pm EDT

Arena Football: AFL Divisional Round Playoff Game at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the glen at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen International, New York 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 1:07pm EDT

Baseball: San Francisco Giants at Atlanta Braves 1:35pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series: Honda Indy 200 presented by Westfield Insurance at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio 2:30pm EDT

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That's all for today. See you tomorrow!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

It's Thursday!











It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is National Lasagna Day.

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Niemi and Hawks wait for arbitrator's decision.

Ladd, Thrashers avoid arbitration.

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Police in Vermont say a street sweeper backed over a construction worker, leaving only his boots sticking out from under the vehicle. He escaped with only minor injuries.

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Regg Simon returns to Des Moines as Head Coach and General Manager.

Three from USHL join Mercyhurst Class of 2014.

Former Musketeer Brian Bales, Newcastle North Stars compete for Goodall Cup.

Wojtala chooses Bowling Green.

Six more USHLer's commit to Vermont.

Council approves contract for Young Arena addition.

Orthopedic Specialist to Advise Black Hawks on injuries.

Former Force speedster Birkholz leaves UM for WHL's Everett Silvertips.

Brandon Carlson could be bright spot in Fargo.

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Today is National Chili Dog Day.

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2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp Set to Begin Friday

44 Players to Audition for a Spot on the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Forty-four of the top U.S. players under the age of 20, including 29 first- or second-round NHL draft selections, will descend on Lake Placid, N.Y., beginning this Friday (July 30) for the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

The camp, which will continue through Aug. 7, includes practices, intrasquad scrimmages and international competition between teams from the United States, Finland and Sweden. The 44 U.S. players will be auditioning for a spot on the U.S. National Junior Team that will take part in the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2010-Jan. 5, 2011, in Buffalo, N.Y.

FASTHockey will webcast five international games (see schedule later in this release) from the camp. Games will be available on a pay-per-view basis at USAHockey.FASTHockey.com. FASTHockey uses a unique game-credit system for viewing games, offering discounts to customers who watch multiple games. Users who want to watch one or more games must first sign up for a free account at USAHockey.FASTHockey.com. Users may then buy game credits - a single game ranges from $6.99 (when one game credit is purchased) to $4.99 (when 100 game credits are purchased). Game credits can be used to watch live games or on-demand archives and never expire.

In addition, USAHockey.com will provide exclusive coverage of the camp, including live stats of the international games, camp statistics, videos, photos and feature stories. The USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp homepage can be found here.

NOTES: For the full list of players invited to the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp, click here ... The U.S. roster will be trimmed Monday (Aug. 2) in preparation for the international games against Finland and Sweden ... The 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships will take place Dec. 26 - Jan. 5 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., and Niagara University's Dwyer Arena in Lewiston, N.Y. Additional information including a full preliminary-round tournament schedule and ticket details can be found at BuffaloWorldJuniors.com ...The 2011 U.S. National Junior Team will be selected in late December following a pre-tournament camp that will begin in mid-December ... Keith Allain, head men's ice hockey coach at Yale University, will serve as head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. Allain will be assisted by Mark Osiecki (Burnsville, Minn.), head men's ice hockey coach at The Ohio State University; Phil Housley (South St. Paul, Minn.), head boy's ice hockey coach at Stillwater (Minn.) high school; and Joe Exter (Saline, Mich.), USA Hockey's national goaltending coach ... Mark Carlson, head coach and general manager of the United States Hockey League's Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, and Greg Brown, assistant men's ice hockey coach at Boston College, will also participate in Lake Placid as camp coaches ... Jim Johannson is serving as the general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Tim Taylor (Guilford, Conn.), former U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team head coach and longtime Yale University men's ice hockey team head coach, is also serving his second straight year as Team USA's director of player personnel.

2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp Game Schedule
July 30 - Aug. 7 -- Lake Placid, N.Y.


Date Event* Time (EDT)
Fri., July 30 Blue vs. White Scrimmage 4 p.m.
Sat., July 31 Blue vs. White Scrimmage 4 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 1 Blue vs. White Scrimmage 4 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 2 Finland vs. Sweden 4 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 3 USA vs. Sweden** 4 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 4 USA vs. Finland** 4 p.m.
Thurs., Aug. 5 Finland vs. Sweden** 4 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 6 USA vs. Sweden** 4 p.m.
Sat. Aug. 7 USA vs. Finland** 4 p.m.

* all games at USA Rink
** games streamed live at USAHockey.FASTHockey.com


2010-11 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team Announced

Ten Players Return from Gold Medal-Winning 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Ten members of the gold medal-winning 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team highlight the 2010-11 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team roster, which was announced today by USA Hockey.

The roster was selected following tryouts in Rochester, N.Y., last weekend. The 16-member team will represent the United States at various international exhibitions and International Paralympic Committee-sanctioned events throughout the season.

"Every year the quality of players who participate in our national team tryouts improves," said Ray Maluta, head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team since 2008 and head coach of the 2010 Paralympic squad. "We've got a great mixture of youth and experience on this roster, and I'm looking forward to keeping our momentum going throughout the year."

Among the returnees from the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team are goalie Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.); defensemen Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.), Jimmy Connelly (Galloway, N.J.), Nikko Landeros (Berthoud, Colo.) and Josh Pauls (South Plainfield, N.J.); and forwards Tim Jones (Mt. Ephraim, N.J.), Taylor Lipsett (Mesquite, Texas), Adam Page (Lancaster, N.Y.), Alexi Salamone (Grand Island, N.Y.) and Greg Shaw (Park City, Utah).

Joining the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team roster for the first time are four members of the 2009-10 U.S. National Junior Sled Hockey Team, including defenseman Tyler Carron (Berthoud, Colo.) and forwards Daniel McCoy (Cheswick, Pa.), Danny McDevitt (Abington, Pa.) and Kevin McKee (Davenport, Iowa).

Rounding out the squad are newcomers goalie Jen Yung Lee (San Antonio, Texas) and forward Rico Roman (San Antonio, Texas).

NOTES: For a more detailed roster, click here ... Nine states are represented among the 16 members of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team ... A full 2010-11 schedule will be released later this summer ... Both head coach Ray Maluta and assistant coach Bill Corbo, Jr., are returning to the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team for the third straight season ... The U.S. has won the last four IPC-sanctioned tournaments dating back to the 2009 IPC World Sledge Hockey Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic ... Goalie Steve Cash was named USA Hockey's 2010 Disabled Athlete of the Year and received a 2010 ESPY Award as the Best Male Athlete with a Disability following his 2010 Paralympic Winter Games performance in which he did not allow a goal in five outings.

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Britain's Ivy Bean, the world's oldest Twitter user at 104, has passed away. Ivy joined Twitter back in May 2009, and Facebook in August of 2008.

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Fantuz Flakes hit store shelves in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders put their 3-1 record on the line this coming Saturday, when they host the 1-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 6:30pm EDT on 620CKRM and the Rider Radio Network. Listen links are to the right on this blog.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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NASA was established on this date in 1958.

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Today in Sports History:

1754 - The first international boxing match was held. The 25-minute match was won when Jack Slack of Britain knocked out Jean Petit from France.

1874 - Major Walter Copton Winfield of England received U.S. patent for the lawn-tennis court.

1940 - John Sigmund of St. Louis, MO completed a 292-mile swim down the Mississippi River. The swim from St. Louis to Caruthersville, MO took him 89 hours and 48 minutes.

1983 - Steve Garvey (Los Angeles Dodgers) set the National League consecutive game record at 1,207.

2003 - Bill Mueller (Boston Red Sox) became the first player in major league baseball history to hit grand slams from both sides of the plate in a game. He had a total of three home runs in the game and collected 9 RBIs. It was only the 12th time that a player hit two grand slams in a single game.

2003 - Marcus Giles (Atlanta Braves) tied a major league record when he went 5-5 to give him hits in nine straight at-bats. The record was shared by 10 players at the time.

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Today is the 65th anniversary of the sinking of the American cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis, which had just delivered the atomic bomb to Tinian Island. Only 318 of 1,196 crew members survived.

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It was Deuce Night at Tropicana Field Wednesday, as the Detroit Tigers scored twice in the first inning, but the Tampa Bay Rays scored twice in the third, fourth and eighth innings, on their way to a 7-4 win in front of 16,209.

The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first, as Will Rhymes scored on a Johnny Damon double, and Damon scored on a Jeff Larish single. Both runs came with no outs and put the visitors up 2-0. Tampa Bay got one back in their half of the first, when Ben Zobrist scored on Matt Joyce's soft liner to left.

Damon got that run back with a two-out homer in the third, putting Detroit back up by two, 3-1. The Rays tied the game in their half of the third. Carl Crawford scored on a Carlos Pena single, and Evan Longoria scored when Willy Aybar hit into a fielder's choice.

Tampa Bay grabbed the lead with two in the fourth. Jason Bartlett singled up the middle to score Reid Brignac, then Bartlett, who took second on the throw home from center trying to get Brignac, scored when Crawford grounded out to second. That gave the Rays a 5-3 lead.

Miguel Cabrera's two-out homer in the sixth brought the Tigers back to within one at 5-4. However, with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Longoria belted his 15th homer of the season, scoring Crawford ahead of him, giving Tampa Bay all the runs they would need in the 7-4 win.

Jeff Niemann went 6 innings for the Rays, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits, with 4 strike outs and 2 walks to get the win, improving his record to 9-3. Rafael Soriano pitched a perfect ninth for his 29th saves of the season. Eddie Bonine started for Detroit and took the loss, getting roughed up for 5 runs on 8 hits and 3 1/3 innings, with 1 strike out and 1 walk. He's now 4-1.

The Rays are now 62-38, have won 18 of their last 24, and are 2 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. They also lead the A.L. Wild Card chase. Tampa Bay continues their 11 game home stand this afternoon, with the finale of a four-game set against Detroit, with first pitch set for 12:10pm. After today's game, the Yankees come to town for three, followed by a four=game set against Minnesota. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Monday, July 26th game with Detroit will air on ESPN, the Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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Today is Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day.

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 2 games over Tampa Bay and 7 over Boston. Toronto is 12 back and Baltimore is 33 1/2 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, Chicago leads Minnesota by 1 game and Detroit by 5, while Cleveland and Kansas City are both 14 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads Oakland by 7 1/2, and the Angels by 8 1/2 back, with Seattle trailing by 20 1/2.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 3 1/2 games, the Mets are 7 1/2 behind, Florida is 8 1/2 back and Washington(First in war, first in peace and last in the N.L. East) trails by 15 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, St. Louis and Cincinnati are tied for first(St.Louis actually leads by .001), Milwaukee is 9 behind and the Cubs trail by 10 1/2, Houston is 14 behind, and Pittsburgh is 19 1/2 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 2 1/2 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 6 over Colorado, 9 over the Dodgers and 23 over Arizona.

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Jimmy starts the day with a good breakfast. (He almost cried when I told him we didn't have any Fantuz Flakes.)

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Andres Torres' bases-loaded in the bottom of the 10th sent the San Francisco Giants to a 10-9 victory over the Florida Marlins last night, in front of 35,945 at AT&T Park.

The Giants threatened to bust the game wide open early, stringing four hits into four runs, the big blow being a one out, two-run single by Juan Uribe.

After Florida got a run in the third, San Francisco scored 3 more in their half of the inning, with Uribe tripling home Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey the big hit. Uribe later scored on a wild pitch and the Giants had a 7-1 lead.

Ronny Paulino hit a two-out, solo homer in the top of the fourth for the Marlins, but San Francisco scored twice more in the sixth, as Torres blasted a two-run homer into McCovey Cove, putting the Giants on top 9-1.

Safe lead, right? Wrong. Florida hung a five-spot in the seventh, keyed by 3-run homer by Donnie Murphy and a two-run homer by Dan Uggla. The Marlins scored twice in the ninth to tie the game. Hanley Ramirez scored on a ground out by Gaby Sanchez to slice the deficit to 9-8, then Emilio Bonifacio scored on a ground-rule double by Uggla, tying the game 9-9.

San Francisco grabbed the win in the 10th, stringing four straight singles off reliever Clay Hensley. Aaron Rowand singled to left, Renteria singled off the glove of the third baseman, Nate Schierholtz ripped a line single to right, then Torres dropped a single into center scoring Rowand, giving the Giants the 10-9 win. Torres ended the night going 4-for-6 and Buster Posey stretched his hitting streak to 21 games. Huff went 2-for-3 and also got his 1,500th career hit.

Chris Ray came out of the bullpen to pitch a perfect tenth with one strike out to get the win for San Francisco, improving to 4-0. Florida's Clay Hensley was tagged with the loss, allowing 1 run on 5 hits with 1 strike out and 1 walk in 1 1.3 innings, slipping to 1-4.

San Francisco is 58-44, winners of 17 of their last 21 and trail West Division leading San Diego by 2 1/2 games. They continue their seven-game home stand tonight, with the finale of a 4 game series against Florida, with 3 against the Dodgers to follow. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Today in Elvis History:

1978 - The reissue of the Elvis Presley single "Don't Be Cruel" hit #24 in the U.K.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Thursday --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

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That's all for today. See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

It's Wednesday!











It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Here's what's happening....

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Today is National Milk Chocolate Day.

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Winter Classic a hot topic in steamy Pittsburgh.

Barbero, Penguins' PA announcer for 36 seasons, dies.

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The first singing telegram was sent on this day in 1933.

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders put their 3-1 record on the line this coming Saturday, when they host the 1-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 6:30pm EDT on 620CKRM and the Rider Radio Network. Listen links are to the right on this blog.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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Today is Log Cabin Day.

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Today in Sports History:

1991 - Dennis Martinez, of the Montreal Expos, pitched the 13th perfect game in major league baseball history.

1994 - Kenny Rogers, of the Texas Rangers, pitched the 14th perfect game in major league baseball history.

2002 - Lance Armstrong won his fourth straight Tour de France.

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According to a survey (by British dating site MatchAffinity.com) 70 percent of women over 35 say they wouldn't date a man younger than 32.

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Matt Joyce's 6th inning RBI double broke a 2-2 tie and sent the Tampa Bay Rays on their way to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers last night, in front of 19,843 at Tropicana Field.

The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the first, as Carlos Pena's two-run homer brought home Evan Longoria ahead of him and gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead.

The Tigers tied it in the 6th. Ryan Raburn tapped a roller to short and Johnny Damon scored from third. Jason Bartlett's throw eluded Pena at first, allowing Miguel Cabrera to score from second, tying the game 2-2.

The Rays would retake the lead in the bottom of the sixth, when Joyce's two-out double scored Carl Crawford, putting Tampa Bay up 3-2.

In the ninth, Rafael Soriano came out of the bull pen to close out the win for the Rays, but didn't do it the easy way. After retiring the first hitter, Austin Jackson bounced a double into the right field seats, then Will Rhymes singled up the middle, putting runners at the corners for Detroit with just one out. Damon walked to load the bases, bringing Cabrera to the plate. With the count 2-2, Cabrera hit a bouncer towards third. Third baseman Evan Longoria charged hard and threw across his body to second basemen Reid Brignac to retire Damon. Brignac's throw to first was just in time to retire Cabrera, ending the game and giving Tampa Bay the 3-2 win.

James Shields got the win for the Rays, allowing 2 runs on 9 hits, with 7 strike outs and 1 walk. He's 9-9. Soriano, despite his difficulties, earned his 27th save of the season. Justin Verlander went all eight innings for the Tigers, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits, with 6 strike outs and 3 walks. He's now 12-6.

The Rays are now 61-38, have won 17 of their last 23, and are 2 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. They also lead the A.L. Wild Card chase. Tampa Bay continues their 11 game home stand tonight, with the third of a four-game set against Detroit, to be followed by three against the Yankees and four against Minnesota. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Monday, July 26th game with Detroit will air on ESPN, the Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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A large asteroid is heading for Earth and we're doomed. Just kidding. There is an asteroid that might hit Earth in 2182, but it's a 1-in-1,000 chance.

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 2 games over Tampa Bay and 7 over Boston. Toronto is 12 back and Baltimore is 32 1/2 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, Chicago leads Minnesota by 1 game and Detroit by 4, while Cleveland and Kansas City are both 12 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads the Angels and Oakland by 8 1/2 back, with Seattle trailing by 20 1/2.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 3 1/2 games, the Mets are 6 1/2 behind, Florida is 7 1/2 back and Washington(First in war, first in peace and last in the N.L. East) trails by 14 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, St. Louis and Cincinnati are tied for first(St.Louis actually leads by .001), Milwaukee is 8 behind and the Cubs trail by 9 1/2, Houston is 14 behind, and Pittsburgh(heading towards their 18th consecutive losing season) is 19 1/2 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 2 1/2 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 5 over Colorado, 8 over the Dodgers and 22 over Arizona.

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Walt Disney's "Alice In Wonderland" was released on this day in 1951.

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Snoopy and Jimmy look for Mommy.

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Today in Elvis History:

1956 - Elvis Presley's single "I Want You, I Need You" hit #3 in the U.S.

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The long ball led the way for the San Francisco Giants last night, in a 6-4 win over the Florida Marlins.

In the second, Aubrey Huff doubled, bringing home Andres Torres. Huff then scored on Buster Posey's single, giving the Giants a 2-0 lead. Posey's base hit extended his hitting streak to 20 games.

A Cody Ross homer, that also brought home Wes Helms, brought Florida into a 2-2 tie in the fifth. In San Francisco's half of the fifth, Torres scored on a Freddy Sanchez single, putting the Giants back on top 3-2.

The Marlins' Dan Uggla homered in the top of the seventh tied the game 3-3. In the bottom of the eighth, Juan Uribe led off the inning for San Francisco with a solo homer, then two batters later, with Aaron Rowand on first, Edgar Renteria homered to left, putting the Giants on top 6-3.

Uggla's second homer of the game, with two outs in the ninth, brought the Fins a run closer but that would be it, as San Francisco held on for the 6-4 win.

Sergio Romo pitched a perfect eighth for the Giants to get the win, improving to 4-3. Brian Wilson, despite allowing Uggla's ninth inning homer, picked up his major league leading 30th save of the season.

San Francisco, 57-44 and 2 1/2 games behind division-leading San Diego, continues their seven-game home stand tonight, with the third of 4 games against Florida, with 3 against the Dodgers to follow. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Carpenter commits to Western Michigan.

Former Stampede player Carroll signs with Greenville.

Cedar Rapids Ice Arena readied for World Horse Shoe Championships.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 7:05pm EDT

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Thursday --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

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That's it for today. See you tomorrow!

Monday, July 26, 2010

It's Tuesday!











It's Tuesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is Take Your Plants for a Walk Day.

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NHLPA files grievance on Kovalchuk contract.

2011 All-Star Game logo revealed.

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Women who are continuously trying to lose weight will spend about $39,000 on diets and diet-related items over their lifetime. Why so much? Because, say researchers, each diet lasts on average just 19 days.

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders put their 3-1 record on the line this coming Saturday, when they host the 1-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is set for 6:30pm EDT on 620CKRM and the Rider Radio Network. Listen links are to the right on this blog.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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According to a new survey one-third of working Americans say they're going to look for a new job once this recession is over.(I think the other 2/3 are already out of work.)

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Today in Sports History:

1918 - Brooklyn rookie Henry Heitman made his major league debut and his last major league appearance in the same day. He allowed four straight hits to the St. Louis Cardinals, left the game and never played again in the majors.

1921 - Baseball fan Reuben Berman sued the New York Giants, claiming he suffered mental and bodily distress after refusing to return a foul ball May 16th at the Polo Grounds. Berman was eventually rewarded $100.

1937 - The United States captured the Davis Cup by beating Britain, four matches to one.

1946 - Rudy York (Boston Red Sox) hit two grand slams and drove in 10 runs to lead the Red Sox over the St. Louis Browns, 13-6.

1984 - Pete Rose passed Ty Cobb’s record for most singles in a career when he got his 3,503rd one-base hit.

1986 - Greg LeMond of the U.S. became the first non-European to capture the Tour de France cycling race.

1992 - Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis died after collapsing on a Brandeis University basketball court during practice. He was 27 years old.

1992 - China's Fu Mingxia, only two weeks away from her 14th birthday, became the second youngest gold medalist in Olympic history when she won the women's 10-meter platform diving event.

1996 - At the Atlanta Olympics a pipe bomb exploded at the public Centennial Olympic Park. One person was killed and more than 100 were injured.

1996 - Canadian Donovan Bailey ran the Men's 100 Meter Dash with a time of 9.84. The previous record was 9.85 held by Leroy Burrell of the United States.

2001 - Deion Sanders announced his retirement from the NFL.

2003 - Lance Armstrong won his 5th consecutive Tour de France.

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A crane fell on a New Jersey Olive Garden restaurant. (Oh, waiter -- there's heavy machinery in my lasagna.)

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Since being on the receiving end of four no-hitters in their history, three of them in the past two seasons, and two of those being perfect games, Matt Garza insured his team would fall on the right side of history this time, facing the minimum 27 batters in no-hitting the Detroit Tigers 5-0 last night, in front of 17,009 fans at Tropicana Field.

The fans that were in attendance were treated to a pitcher's duel of potentially epic proportions, as the Tigers' Max Scherzer didn't allow a Tampa Bay hit until the sixth inning. Scherzer lost his no-no in dramatic fashion. After fanning Kelly Shoppach, Scherzer walked Ben Zobrist, Carl Crawford reached on catcher's interference and Carlos Pena drew a walk. Then, after striking out Carlos Pena, Scherzer left a 3-2 pitch out over the plate for Matt Joyce, who crushed it deep into the right field seats for his second grand slam of the season and a 4-0 Tampa Bay lead. The Rays would add one more run on Crawford's lead off homer in the eighth. Perhaps the most excitement for Detroit

As with any no-hitter, Garza was the beneficiary of some sparkling defense by his teammates. Evan Longoria snagged a darter behind third to start a 5-4-3 double play in the second, Zobrist made a leaping grab out in right field in the third, and Crawford held on to a liner in the eighth that he nearly lost in the lights out in left field.

With the fans on their feet, Garza retired Don Kelly on a 4-3 ground out, fanned Gerald Laird looking, then got pinch hitter Ramon Santiago to lift a lazy fly to right that Zobrist caught easily, giving Joyce his no-hitter and Tampa Bay the 5-0 win.

Matt Garza threw 120 pitches in the game for the Rays, 101 being fastballs. He struck out 6 and walked 1, improving to 11-5. Max Scherzer took the hard-luck loss for the Tigers, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on just 2 hits, with 8 strike outs and 4 walks over 5 2/3 innings. His record is now 7-8. Garza's no-hitter leaves only the Mets and San Diego as the only two current franchises without a no-hitter to their credit.

The Rays are now 60-38 and are 3 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. They also lead the A.L. Wild Card chase. Tampa Bay continues their longest home stand of the season tonight, 11 games, with the second of a four-game set against Detroit, to be followed by three against the Yankees and four against Minnesota. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Monday, July 26th game with Detroit will air on ESPN, the Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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TV Guide published it's 2000th issue on this date in 1991.

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 3 games over Tampa Bay and 8 over Boston. Toronto is 13 back and Baltimore is 31 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, Chicago leads Minnesota by 1 game and Detroit by 2, while Kansas City is 11 1/2 behind and Cleveland is 12 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads the Angels by 7 games, Oakland is 7 1/2 back and Seattle trails by 19.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 5 games, the Mets are 7 1/2 behind, Florida is 8 back and Washington(First in war, first in peace and last in the N.L. East) trails by 15 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, St. Louis leads by 1/2 game over Cincinnati, Milwaukee is 8 1/2 behind and the Cubs trail by 10, Houston is 14 1/2 behind, and Pittsburgh(heading towards their 18th consecutive losing season) is 20 1/2 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 3 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 6 over Colorado, 7 1/2 over the Dodgers and 22 over Arizona.

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Zsa Zsa Gabor began a 3 day jail sentence for slapping a cop on this date in 1990.

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Here's Jimmy with two of his favorite letters, B and H.

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Today in Elvis History:

1962 - Filming began on the Elvis Presley film "It Happened At The World's Fair."

1989 - Rhonda Boler auctioned a Diamond Medallion Cross that had been given to her by Elvis Presley during his 1974 comeback concert in Monroe, LA. The event was carried on televisions "A Current Affair."

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The Florida Marlins scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth innings last night, to beat the San Francisco Giants 4-3.

The Giants scored twice in the seventh, when an Aaron Roward homer with Pat Burrell on base sttod up as a home run after a video review by the umpires. In the ninth, Rowand scored on a fielder's choice, but San Francisco left the tying run at third, losing 4-3.

Ricky Nolasco got the win for Florida, allowing 1 run on 4 hits with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk in 6 1/3 innings. His record is now 11-7. Despit allowing a run on 2 hits in the ninth with 1 strikeout, Leo Nunez got his 24th save of the season. Barry Ziot was the loser for the Giants, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits with 3 strike outs and 1 walk in 6 1/3 innings, dropping to 8-6 on the year.

San Francisco, 56-44 and 3 1/2 games behind division-leading San Diego, continues their seven-game home stand tonight, with the second of 4 games against Florida, with 3 against the Dodgers to follow. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 7:05pm EDT

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Thursday --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

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That's it for today. See you tomorrow!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Monday Morning Meissnervations











It's Monday. Let's see what's happening....

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Today is Aunt and Uncle Day.

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Changes at Hockey Night In Canada.

2010 Free Agent Blog.

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A woman suspected of robbing two California banks was arrested by police in Davis, California, when she discovered she'd locked herself out of her getaway car.

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The Calgary Stampede.

Check out Riderville.com for the latest on "Canada's (And Clearwater, Florida's) Team."

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Today is All or Nothing Day.

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Today in Sports History:

1939 - Yankee catcher Bill Dickey hits 3 consecutive HRs.

1948 - Leo Durocher returns to Ebbets Field as manager of New York Giants.

1952 - Mickey Mantle hits his 1st grand-slam home run.

1962 - Milwaukee Brave Warren Spahn sets record of 31 home runs by a pitcher.

1991 - CFL assumes ownership of Ottawa Rough Riders

1992 - Nolan Ryan records 23rd consecutive season with at least 100 strike outs.

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Today is the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Reid Brignac's 3-run home run in the second inning was the difference yesterday, as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Cleveland Indians 4-2, in front of 13,410 at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Michael Brantley scored on Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly, giving Cleveland a 1-0 lead after one. With two outs in the top of the second, with Willy Aybar and John Jaso on base, Brignac's 6th homer of the season put Tampa Bay on top 3-1. The Indians got one back in their half of the second, when Travis Hafner scored on a fielder's choice. In the fifth, Jason Bartlett scored on Carl Crawford's sacrifice fly, and the Rays went on fron there for the 4-2 win.

Wade Davis got the win for Tampa Bay, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, with 4 strike outs and 1 walk. He's now 8-9. Rafael Soriano notched his 26th save of the season. Justin Masterson took the loss for Cleveland, allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 5 hits, with 5 strike outs and 2 walks. He's now 3-9.

The Rays are now 59-38 and are 3 games behind the Yankees in the A.L. East. They also lead the A.L. Wild Card chase. Tampa Bay begins their longest home stand of the season tonight, 11 games, with the first of a four-game set against Detroit, to be followed by three against the Yankees and four against Minnesota. You can follow the Rays on 620AM WDAE and the Rays Radio Network. All games through Friday, September 3rd, can be seen on Sun Sports. The Monday, July 26th game with Detroit will air on ESPN, the Sunday, August 1st game will be on TBS, and the Saturday August 14th game against Detroit will be on FOX.

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On this day in 1956, the Italian liner Andrea Doria collides with the Swedish liner Stockholm shortly before midnight, sinking 12 hours later. 52 of the more 1,600 people aboard were killed. One of its lifeboats was found on a New York beach in 1981.

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The Yankees lead the A.L. East by 3 games over Tampa Bay and 8 over Boston. Toronto is 13 back and Baltimore is 31 games behind.

In the A.L. Central, Chicago leads Minnesota by 1 game and Minnesota by 2, while Kansas City is 11 1/2 behind and Cleveland is 12 1/2 games off the pace.

Out in the (not-so)wild A.L. West, Texas leads the Angels by 7 games, Oakland is 7 1/2 back and Seattle trails by 19.

In the N.L. East, Atlanta leads Philadelphia by 5 games, the Mets are 7 1/2 behind, Florida is 8 back and Washington(First in war, first in peace and last in the N.L. East) trails by 15 1/2.

In the N.L. Central, St. Louis leads by 1/2 game over Cincinnati, Milwaukee is 8 1/2 behind and the Cubs trail by 10, Houston is 14 1/2 behind, and Pittsburgh(heading towards their 18th consecutive losing season) is 20 1/2 games off the pace.

San Diego leads the N.L. West by 3 games over San Francisco(The Giants lead the N.L. Wild Card chase), by 6 over Colorado, 7 1/2 over the Dodgers and 22 over Arizona.

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You'll spend 37,000 hours inside a car. Aren't you glad you've got a radio in there?

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The San Francisco Giants kept pace with San Diego in the N.L. West yesterday, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 in 10 innings.

The Giants' Buster Posey doubled home Aubrey Huff in the first for a 1-0 lead. Arizona took the lead 2-1 in the second, when Barry Enright doubled home Gerardo Parra and Augie Ojeda. Huff singled home Edgar Renteria in the fifth to tie the game 2-2, then Eli Whiteside scored on Ishikawa's two-out single in the 10th, giving San Francisco the 3-2 win.

Sergio Romo picked up the win for the Giants, allowing 2 hits with 2 strike outs in one inning's work, to even his record at 3-3. Brian Wilson pitched a perfect 10th with one strike out, to record his 29th save of the season. Esmerling Vasquez took the loss for the Diamondbacks, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 1 walk in one inning of work. He's now 1-3.

San Francisco, 56-43 and 3 games behind division-leading San Diego, opens up a seven-game home stand tonight, with 4 games against Florida and 3 against the Dodgers. The Giants have a big 3-game series at home against San Diego coming up August 13th through 15th. Next Saturday's game with the Dodgers airs on FOX, with the Sunday game against the Dodgers showing on ESPN.

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Museum officials in New Zealand have begun slowly thawing a crate of Scotch whiskey, which had been frozen in Antarctic ice for more than 100 years. Discovered in 2006, the hooch was abandoned by British explorer Ernest Shackleton during his 1908 Antarctic expedition.

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From http://www.indycar.com

EDMONTON, Alberta – Scott Dixon was surprised, Helio Castroneves was steaming and Will Power continues to lead the IZOD IndyCar Series championship standings though he was thwarted again in seeking his third consecutive victory.

That capsulizes the Honda Indy Edmonton at City Centre Airport, where the podium finishers on stage were subdued while Castroneves was animated on pit lane. But it's far from the entire story.

Dixon prevailed in the 95-lap race on the 1.973-mile, 14-turn circuit courtesy of a black flag issued to race leader Castroneves for blocking on Lap 93.

Castroneves and Will Power entered Turn 1 side by side following a restart, with Castroneves hitting the apex a car length ahead. As Dixon slipped past Power into second, race chief steward Brian Barnhart immediately called Castroneves for blocking his Team Penske teammate.

“Helio had the inside line,” Power said. “I tried to go around the outside, sort of got pushed wide, and Scott got through. I would say a black flag is a pretty harsh penalty, but it is what it is. It was just one of those racing things. When you’re leading on the last restart you want to keep the lead.”

The call was radioed to the No. 3 car, but Castroneves didn't heed the drive-thru pit lane penalty. Following the race, he received a 20-second penalty, which placed him at the end of the lead lap (10th). A black flag cannot be appealed, according to Indy Racing League rules.

“I never moved my line,” Castroneves said a few minutes after the checkered flag. “I actually did move him outside. When you go side by side like that with your teammate and they just take it away from you, it’s just absurd.”

Castroneves, who was issued a blocking penalty late in the 2008 race on the streets of Belle Isle that allowed Justin Wilson to take the point and eventually the victory, three hours after the decision issued this statement:

“Obviously, I disagree with the decisions made by the race officials on the last restart in today’s race, but there is no excuse for my actions after the checkered flag," said Castroneves, who confronted three IZOD IndyCar Series officials, including grabbing one by the collar. "I apologize to my team, our sponsors, the fans and the entire IZOD IndyCar Series community for my behavior. My actions were totally wrong and I acted inappropriately to some people who are my friends and people I respect very much. Obviously, I am a very emotional person and today I let my emotions get the better of me and I’m very sorry for that.”

The following rules were applied:

Rule 9.3 (B) A driver must not alter his/her racing line based on the actions of pursuing Drivers or use an abnormal racing line to inhibit or prevent passing. Blocking will result in a minimum of a black flag “drive through” penalty.

Rule 7.1 (B) (4) (C) (4) The senior official shall determine the type and length of any black flag. The penalized car shall proceed to pit lane as directed by Officials and may return to the Race only upon the declaration of Officials. In the case of the Driver Violating the Rules, no work may be performed on a Car during the execution of a black flag penalty. Should any such work occur, the conditions of the penalty are unfilled and the penalty procedure must be executed again in its entirety on a subsequent lap. The penalty may not be protested and/or appealed.

Rule 9.2 (A) Race Procedure Penalties are a result of a on Track conduct and are generally imposed during on Track activity. If the imposition of a penalty is near or at the end of on Track activity and Driver/Car does not fulfill it, the Senior Official may reposition the Driver/Car in the posting of results or apply the penalty to subsequent on Track activity to reflect the fulfillment of the penalty. The penalty including without limitation any repositioning in a posting is non-protestable and/or appealable.

Barnhart discussed blocking during the morning drivers meeting.

“You have plenty of options on where to put your car and we should not have any defending or blocking,” he said in the closed-door meeting. “Again, we will be visually dividing the braking point through the entry into the corner in half. You can only be on the inside half if you are attempting to pass someone. If you are on the inside half because you are under attack from someone else, it is blocking. Don’t move your car in reaction to a following car and don’t impede the progress of a car with a run on you.”

Dixon, who started third, was running third after pitting for the final time on Lap 74 along with Castroneves and Power. He said he thought that because Castroneves and Power were far right of the racing line that they would be in the marbles and he could slip past both.

“Brian always says that if you’re blocking going into any corner and you are on the right side – especially into Turn 1, you’re going to get a penalty,” said Dixon, who won for the second time this season. “We get told every week, so you could see something was going to happen.Obviously, Will had a pretty good run. The only way from stopping him was blocking. So if that's what you call it, yeah, that's blocking.

“All in all, not what I expected to happen at the end. In some ways, I knew those two, Will and Helio, were fighting pretty hard. You could see that the first time Helio passed Will. But to go that far to the right I think in Turn 1, I just continued on with the regular line where it's nice and clean and figured or hoped that they picked up a lot of debris and were going to make it tough through 1 and 2. That's kind of what happened. Pretty strange to not lead a lap and actually win the race.”

Castroneves overtook Power, the pole sitter, in Turns 1-2 of Lap 78 and recorded his fastest race lap on 79 (1 minute, 2.3139 seconds) to put a 1.5-second gap between himself and Power. It appeared that Castroneves would go on to his second victory. His first of the season – at Barber Motorsports Park in mid-April -- derailed Power’s bid for a series record-tying third consecutive victory.

But a full-course caution was called on Lap 89 after the No. 78 car driven by Simona de Silvestro ran out of fuel and pulled off course in Turn 7. Castroneves led the field into Turn 1 of the restart, with Power making a bid to regain the lead he had for 76 laps.

Power recovered to finish second -- his sixth podium of the season.Dixon’s Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dario Franchitti finished third -- also his sixth podium of the season -- and Ryan Briscoe was fourth. Andretti Autosport’s Ryan Hunter-Reay finished fifth. KV Racing Technology cars finished 6-9 with Paul Tracy, Mario Moraes, E.J. Viso and Takuma Sato occupying those spots.

Power retains the series championship lead, taking a 50-point lead over Franchitti into the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by Westfield Insurance on Aug. 8.

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This is Jimmy, one year ago today. Even at that tender age, he thought movies were delicious.

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The first crossing of the English Channel by a Manned Hovercraft took place on this day in 1959. The seven-ton SR.N1 developed by John Cockerell crosses from Calais to Dover.

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From http://www.nascar.com

INDIANAPOLIS -- Car owner Chip Ganassi got the expected result from an unexpected source in Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as race winner Jamie McMurray joined one of Cup racing's most exclusive clubs.

Restarting second thanks to a two-tire call on a Lap 140 pit stop, McMurray powered his No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet past Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevy on a restart with 11 laps left and pulled away to beat Harvick to the finish line by 1.391 seconds.

McMurray gave Ganassi his first Daytona 500 win in February. In May, Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 in one of Ganassi's cars. On Sunday, Ganassi hit the unprecedented trifecta. No other car owner has won all three major races, much less in the same year.

At the same time, McMurray joined Dale Jarrett (1996) and Jimmie Johnson (2006) as the only drivers to win the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year.

"I'm the luckiest guy on the planet," Ganassi said. "You wouldn't dare to dream this. You wouldn't dare to dream this kind of year."

The Brickyard victory, however, had a bittersweet edge to it. McMurray's teammate, Juan Montoya, tabbed as the driver more likely to finish the triple for his owner, did nothing to dispel that notion early on. Montoya led a race-high 86 laps but lost the lead when six teams -- including those of McMurray and Harvick -- opted for two tires on the Lap 140 pit stop under caution for debris. Montoya took four tires.

Montoya floundered in dirty air, dropped four positions and ultimately lost control of his car and crashed on Lap 145. For the second consecutive year, the Brickyard 400 ended in heartbreak for Montoya, who led 116 of 160 laps last year only to be thwarted by a pit road speeding penalty.

Greg Biffle finished third in his No. 16 Ford, the only non-Chevrolet to qualify in the top 10. Clint Bowyer was fourth and Tony Stewart fifth. Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Kurt Busch completed the top 10.

McMurray was concerned when Harvick passed him two laps after a restart on Lap 143.

"When Kevin got by me a few laps from the end, I thought it was over," McMurray said. "It's unreal right now. How about Chip winning the [Indianapolis] 500 and both of these big races? We're just a great team right now.

"Honestly, when Juan was leading and I was in second [before the debris caution on Lap 137] -- I'm a big believer in fate -- I thought this was how it was meant to be. I won the Daytona 500, Dario won the 500, and I thought Juan was going to win this one. I'm just shocked I won the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year."

Harvick was philosophical. He could afford to be, having increased his Cup Series lead to 184 points on second-place Jeff Gordon, who finished 23rd.

"We took a gamble there at the end to take two tires," Harvick said. "On the first restart [Lap 143], it took off great. We were able to run Jamie down and pass him. Second restart [Lap 150], it didn't take off so great. Just got tight. He drove around the outside of me.

"I guess just the first cycle on those new right-side tires carried us through. We were just tight the whole second restart. But still -- a great day. Took a chance to try to win the race. All but capitalized on it and came up one short."

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Today in Elvis History:

1958 - The Elvis Presley single "Hard-Headed Woman" hit #2 in the U.S.

1965 - Elvis Presley's version of the Orioles' "Crying in the Chapel" peaked at #3 on the pop chart.

1969 - Elvis began a month long appearance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. It was his first live engagement in almost eight years.

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U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Announced

Five-Member Class Includes Berglund, Hatcher Brothers, Nagobads, Roenick

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Art Berglund, Derian Hatcher, Kevin Hatcher, Dr. V. George Nagobads and Jeremy Roenick make up the United States Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2010, as announced today by USA Hockey. The five-member class will be enshrined into the Hall on October 21 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y.

"These five individuals represent the very best of our sport in many different facets and their contributions have been truly extraordinary," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "We look forward to their formal induction in Buffalo this October."

Art Berglund's career in international ice hockey spans portions of five decades, during which time he managed or served on the administrative staff of more than 30 U.S. teams in a variety of tournaments worldwide. In addition to his work as USA Hockey's director of national teams and international activities for 11 years, as well as the organization's senior director of international administration for nine years, Berglund previously managed the Broadmoor World Arena and worked as a National Hockey League scout. Among his many international assignments, Berglund served as the general manager of nine U.S. Men's National Teams and eight U.S. National Junior Teams, and was involved with six U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Teams. He received the NHL's prestigious Lester Patrick Award in 1992 and was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 2008.

After being drafted eighth overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Derian Hatcher went on to play 16 seasons in the NHL, where the defenseman appeared in 1,045 games and amassed 331 points (80-251). While his career was mainly spent with the Stars organization, first in Minnesota, then in Dallas, he also suited up for both Detroit and Philadelphia. After successfully breaking into the NHL during the 1991-92 season, Derian Hatcher enjoyed some of his best seasons in the latter part of the decade. In 1996, he was part of the U.S. team that captured the World Cup of Hockey; in 1997, he was selected to the NHL All-Star Team; in 1998, he was chosen as a member of the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team; and in 1999, he became the first American-born captain of a Stanley Cup-winning team with Dallas.

The older brother of Derian, Kevin Hatcher spent 17 seasons as a defenseman in the NHL after being drafted 17th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He played 1,157 games, which included ten seasons in Washington, followed by stints in Dallas, Pittsburgh, New York (Rangers) and Carolina. A five-time NHL All-Star (1990-92, 1996-97), Kevin Hatcher totaled 677 points (227-450), tallying a career-high 79 points (34-45) during the 1992-93 season and becoming just the seventh defenseman in league history to score 30 goals in a single season. Kevin Hatcher also excelled internationally, representing the United States at the 1984 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and the 1998 Olympic Winter Games.

Few people have had such an impact on as many hockey players as Dr. V. George Nagobads. Beyond serving 34 years as the team physician for the University of Minnesota men's ice hockey program, he has worked with countless other collegiate, national and professional teams. From 1967-90, Nagobads was the physician for five U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Teams, 15 U.S. Men's National Teams, two Canada Cup teams, five U.S. National Junior Teams and the first-ever U.S. Women's National Team. He served as USA Hockey's chief medical officer from 1982-92 and was on the IIHF Medical Committee. In addition, Nagobads was the team physician for the NHL's Minnesota North Stars from 1984-92 and the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey League from 1973-76. He was the 2003 recipient of the IIHF's Paul Loicq Award for his outstanding contributions to international hockey and will be inducted into the University of Minnesota "M" Club Hall of Fame this September.

Jeremy Roenick's 20-year NHL career included 1,216 points (513-703) in 1,363 games played after being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks eighth overall out of high school in 1988. Roenick jumped directly into the Chicago's lineup after having just turned 19. Shortly thereafter, he registered over 100 points for three straight seasons (1991-94), helping the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992. Roenick went on to play for Phoenix, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Jose, while becoming a nine-time NHL All-Star and the second-highest American-born goal scorer in the history of the league. With Phoenix, Roenick became the only player in NHL history to lead his team in goals, assists, points and penalty minutes in two different seasons (1999-2000, 2000-01). An international star as well, Roenick played in two IIHF World Junior Championships (1988, 1989), both the 1991 Canada Cup and World Championship and both the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games. He was named to the World Cup of Hockey 2004 team, but had to withdraw due to health concerns.

For more detailed biographies of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2010, please visit the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame website here.

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductees are chosen on the basis of extraordinary contribution to the sport of hockey in the United States.

NOTES: Dr. V. George Nagobads was part of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team that was enshrined into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 ... Only once previously have brothers been inducted to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in the same year. It happened in 2002 when Scott and Mark Fusco were enshrined ... The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in 1973. To date, there are 143 enshrined members in the Hall. For information on the members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, visit the Hall's official web site at USHockeyHallofFame.com … The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, located in Eveleth, Minn., is open daily. For hours of operation and admission prices, visit USHockeyHallMuseum.com or call 800-443-7825.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Tuesday --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 7:05pm EDT

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Thursday --

Baseball: Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays 12:10pm EDT

Baseball: Florida Marlins at San Francisco Giants 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Nationwide Series: U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway, Newton, Iowa 7:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 7:10pm EDT

Arena Football: Orlando Predators at Tampa Bay Storm 7:30pm EDT (Final game of regular season.)

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Iowa 1:00pm EDT

Baseball: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays 1:40pm EDT

Baseball: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants 8:00pm EDT

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That's it for today. See you tomorrow!

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