Monday Afternoon Meissnervations

It's Monday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is March 26th, the 86th day of 2012. There are 280 days left in the year.

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Toews continues to work through frustrating recovery.

Belfour honored in Chicago.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Actor Leonard Nimoy is 81; Rock Hall of Famer Diana Ross is 68; Actress Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing) is 52; Actress Keira Knightley is 27.

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Philadelphia, PA. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning are at the Philadelphia Flyers tonight on NBCSN.

Read the preview right here.

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National Cleaning Week starts today.

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U.S. National Sled Hockey Team Defeats Estonia, 2-1, in a Shootout
in 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship Opener

Team USA Outshoots Estonia, 21-6

HAMAR, Norway - Taylor Lipsett (Richardson, Texas) scored the only goal of the shootout to lift the U.S. National Sled Hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Estonia in its opening game of the International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championship this afternoon at the Olympic Amphitheatre.

"We're happy to earn the shootout win, but I was disappointed we didn't set the pace today," said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. "Hopefully we learned our lesson and can take a step forward in our next game."

Despite outshooting Estonia, 13-4, Team USA trailed 1-0 at the end of two periods.

Nikko Landeros (Berthoud, Colo.) sprang free on a breakaway at 7:41 of the third period and found the back of the net to tie the game. Neither team was able to light the lamp again in regulation and the game went to overtime.

After a scoreless extra stanza, Lipsett scored the only goal of a three-round shootout to lift the U.S. to the win.

Jen Yung Lee (San Antonio, Texas) and Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) combined to make five saves for Team USA in the win, while Valeri Falkenberg recorded 20 saves in the loss.

The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team will face the Czech Republic tomorrow (March 26) at 5:15 a.m. EDT. A full schedule and results are below.

NOTE: Nikko Landeros was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... For a complete 2011-12 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team roster, including bios, click here ... Live scoring of all games in the 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship can be found here ... Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.) is serving as a captain for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, while Taylor Lipsett is the team's alternate captain... Team USA is the defending champion of the event ... The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has participated in two previous competitions this season. Team USA captured second place in the World Sled Hockey Challenge in Calgary, Alta., (Nov. 27-Dec. 3) and posted a 1-0-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record against Canada in an exhibition series in Williamsville, N.Y. (Feb. 23-25).

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA 0 - 0 - 1- 0- 1-- 2
EST 0 - 1 - 0- 0- 0-- 1

First Period - Scoring: None. Penalties: EST, Tiitsu (teeing), 2:42; USA, Landeros (interference), 4:59.

Second Period - Scoring: 1, EST, Kalm (unassisted), 5:41. Penalties: EST, Tiitsu (holding), 3:11; EST, Koppelmann (interference), 8:27.

Third Period - Scoring: 2, USA, Landeros (unassisted), 7:41. Penalties: EST, Piirioja (teeing), 2:06.

Overtime - Scoring: None. Penalties: None.

Shootout - EST, Eerma (no goal); USA, Salamone (no goal); EST, Liiv (no goal); USA, Landeros (no goal); EST, Kalm (no goal); USA, Lipsett (goal).

Shots by Period
1 2 3 OT SO Total
USA 6 7 4 3 1 21
EST 1 3 1 1 0 6

Goaltenders (SH/SV) 1 2 3 OT SO Total
USA, Lee, 45:00 1/1 3-2 1/1 -- -- 5/4
USA, Cash, 5:00 -- -- -- 1/1 0/0 1/1
EST, Falkenberg, 50:00 6/6 7/7 4/3 3/3 1/0 21/20

Power Play: USA 0-4; EST 0-1
Penalties: USA 1-2; EST 4-8

Team USA 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship Schedule
Hamar, Norway

Date Opponent Time (Local/EDT)
Sun., March 25 Estonia W, 2-1 (SO)
Mon., March 26 Czech Republic 11:15 a.m./5:15 a.m.
Wed., March 28 Japan 11:15 a.m./5:15 a.m.
Thur., March 29 Semifinals TBA
Sun., April 1 Bronze-Medal Game 12 p.m./6 a.m.
Gold-Medal Game 4 p.m./10 a.m.

U.S. National Sled Hockey Falls to Czech Republic, 2-1, in a Shootout
in 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship

Team USA Outshoots Czech Republic, 16-9

HAMAR, Norway - Despite outshooting the Czech Republic, 16-9, the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team fell, 2-1, in a shootout in its second preliminary-round game of the International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championship this afternoon at the Olympic Amphitheatre. Team USA is now 0-1-1-0- (W-OTW-OTL-L) in the tournament.

"It was a great effort and our guys worked hard," said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. "We just came up short in finding the back of the net."

Daniel McCoy (Cheswick, Pa.) gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead at 2:48 of the first period when he fired a shot from the slot that beat the Czech Republic goaltender Michal Vapenka high. Josh Pauls (South Plainfield, N.J.) was credited with an assist on the play. With 46 seconds remaining in the opening stanza, the Czech Republic's Michal Geier tied the game.

Neither team was able to light the lamp in the second or third periods, which forced an overtime session. After a scoreless extra stanza, the Czech Republic scored on its first two shootout attempts and the U.S. was unable to convert on both of its attempts.

Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) made seven saves for Team USA in the loss, while Vapenka recorded 15 saves for the Czech Republic.

The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team will play its final preliminary-round game against Japan on Wednesday (March 28) at 5:15 a.m. EDT. A full schedule and results are below.

NOTE: Alexi Salamone (Grand Island, N.Y.) was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... For a complete 2011-12 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team roster, including bios, click here ... Live scoring of all games in the 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship can be found here ... Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.) is serving as a captain for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, while Taylor Lipsett is the alternate captain ... Team USA is the defending champion of the event ... The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has participated in two previous competitions this season. Team USA captured second place in the World Sled Hockey Challenge in Calgary, Alta., (Nov. 27-Dec. 3) and posted a 1-0-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record against Canada in an exhibition series in Williamsville, N.Y., (Feb. 23-25).

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA 1- 0- 0- 0- 0- 1
CZE 1- 0- 0- 0- 1- 2

First Period - Scoring: 1, USA, McCoy (Pauls), 2:48; 2, CZE, Geier (Hrbek), 14:14. Penalties: USA, Page (interference), 12:39; CZE, Berger (holding), 13:38.

Second Period - Scoring: None. Penalties: CZE, Habl (interference), 1:23; USA, Shaw (roughing), 10:31.

Third Period - Scoring: None. Penalties: None.

Overtime - Scoring: None. Penalties: None.

Shootout - CZE, Palat (goal); USA, Salamone (no goal); CZE, Berger (goal); USA, Landeros (no goal).

Shots by Period
1 2 3 OT SO Total
USA 6 4 4 2 0 16
CZE 2 4 2 0 1 9

Goaltenders (SH/SV) 1 2 3 OT SO Total
USA, Cash, 45:00 2/1 4/4 2/2 0/0 1/0 9/7
CZE, Vapenka, 45:00 6/6 7/7 4/4 2/2 0/0 16/15

Power Play: USA 0-2; CZE 0-2
Penalties: USA 2-4; CZE 2-4

Team USA 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship Schedule
Hamar, Norway

Date Opponent Time (Local/EDT)
Sun., March 25 Estonia W, 2-1 (SO)
Mon., March 26 Czech Republic L, 1-2 (SO)
Wed., March 28 Japan 11:15 a.m./5:15 a.m.
Thur., March 29 Semifinals TBA
Sun., April 1 Bronze-Medal Game 12 p.m./6 a.m.
Gold-Medal Game 4 p.m./10 a.m.

2012 USA Hockey National Championships Continue This Week

FASTHockey.com to Continue Live Streaming Coverage of Youth, Girls', Junior and Women's Championships Beginning Wednesday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 2012 USA Hockey National Championships continue this week, with tournaments being hosted in 11 cities across the country. In total, 28 champions will be crowned in the Youth, Girls', Junior and Women's categories.

Live video streaming of all 2012 USA Hockey National Championships will be provided by FASTHockey at USAHockey.FASTHockey.com.

Last week, USA Hockey national champions were crowned at the High School level, while the Tier III Junior American Division champions were crowned on March 12. For a full recap of those tournaments, click here.

For additional information on the 2012 USA Hockey National Championships, including schedules, standings and player statistics, click here.

Fans can also follow the action from each tournament on Twitter. In addition, fans are encouraged to post photos and stories about their USA Hockey National Championships experience to USA Hockey's Facebook page.

NOTES: The Adult National Championships, Junior Tier I and Tier II National Championships, Sled Tier I and Tier II National Championships and Women's National Championships will all take place beginning in April ... Games streamed on FASTHockey will be offered on a pay-per-view basis. FASTHockey uses a game-credit system, 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 can then buy game credits - a single game ranges from $7.99 (when one game credit is purchased) to $5.99 (when 50 game credits are purchased). Game credits can be used to watch live games or on-demand archives and never expire. In addition, games will be available for purchase on DVD at USAHockey.FASTHockey.com

2012 USA Hockey
National Championships Upcoming Schedule
Date Classification Site
March 28 - April 1 Youth Tier I (All Divisions) Williamsville, N.Y.
March 28 - April 1 Youth Tier II 12 & Under Ashburn, Va.
March 28 - April 1 Youth Tier II 14 & Under Wayne, N.J.
March 28 - April 1 Youth Tier II 16 & Under Green Bay, Wis.
March 28 - April 1 Youth Tier II 18 & Under Lansing, Mich.
March 28 - April 1 Girls Tier I (All Divisions) Marlborough, Mass.
March 28 - April 1 Girls Tier II (All Divisions) Farmers Branch, Frisco, & McKinney, Texas
March 30 - April 1 Women's (Senior A, B, C) Marlborough, Mass.
March 30 - April 3 Junior Tier III (National Division) Rochester, Minn.
April 9 - May 14 Junior Tier I TBD
April 12-15 Adult 30 & Over, 40 & Over, 65 & Over Tampa, Fla.
April 13-15 Sled Hockey (All Divisions) Farmers Branch, Texas
April 19-22 Adult 50 & Over, 60 & Over Tampa, Fla.
April 26-29 Women's 30 & Over, 40 & Over, 50 & Over Ellenton/Tampa, Fla.
May 3-8 Junior Tier II Frisco, Texas

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A 150-foot fishing boat swept away from the Japanese tsunami has been spotted 150 miles off the coast of British Colombia.

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Barker ready to let Milanovich strut his stuff.

Stamps sign 2011 draft pick Matt Walter.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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The Final Four is set. Next weekend in New Orleans Kentucky will play Louisville and Ohio State will take on Kansas.

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Jimmy enjoys the shade.

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Now that the buzz over the third iPad has settled down, Kindle Fire owners can get excited over the next generation of their favorite device. A couple of sources say the next Kindle Fire will be out this year, with one saying Amazon might release two Kindle Fires in mid-2012: a refreshed 7-inch version and a larger, somewhat pricier 9-inch version. The latter model is expected to take on Apple's iPad directly whereas the former will address issues consumers had with the original model such as a lack of volume controls, a lack of an SD card slot and more.

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Today in Elvis History

1953 - Elvis Presley visited the Tennessee State Employment Security Office. The interviewer noted that Elvis was "rather flashily dressed 'playboy' type."

1956 - Elvis Presley was at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles to screen-test for producer Hal Wallis.

1960 - The TV special "Welcome Home Elvis" was recorded in Miami Beach, FL. The show was hosted by Frank Sinatra.

1962 - Elvis Presley reported to the studio to begin work on the "Girls! Girls! Girls!" soundtrack

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Today is Legal Assistants Day and Make Up Your Own Holiday Day .

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - Pete Best (Beatles) appeared live on the TV show "I've Got a Secret."

1966 - The Beatles posed for the cover of "Yesterday...and Today."

1966 - The Beatles single "Nowhere Man" hit #3 in the U.S.

1966 - Peter & Gordon's single "Woman" hit #22 in the U.K. The song was written by Paul McCartney under the pseudonym Bernard Webb.

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Making history, The Hunger Games opened to an astounding $155 million at the domestic box office, the third-best debut of all time and the best for any film opening outside of summer. Hunger Games also had the biggest opening for a nonsequel.

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Today in Sports History:

1931 - Boston Bruins coach Art Ross became the first NHL coach to pull his goalie for an extra attacker. The Bruins lost to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals.

1972 - The Los Angeles Lakers broke a National Basketball Association record by winning 69 of their 82 games.

1986 - Neal Broten (Minnesota North Stars) became the first U.S.-born player to score 100 points in a season.

1992 - In Indianapolis, heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was found guilty of rape. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison. He only served three.

1995 - An opera based on the life of tennis player Martina Navratilova premiered at New York's Carnegie Hall.

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Director James Cameron took a solo journey Monday seven miles down to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The Trench is 120 times larger than the Grand Canyon and more than a mile deeper than Mount Everest is tall.

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FONTANA, Calif. -- Tony Stewart made all the right moves Sunday at Auto Club Speedway, and the last one proved decisive in taking the three-time champion to Victory Lane in the rain-shortened Auto Club 400.

After raindrops slowed the race on Lap 124, Stewart, the race leader, faked a move toward pit road but stayed on the track and matched the pace car's speed of 65 mph, a far cry from the lightning-fast laps he ran under the green flag.

But that move -- staying out and running slow caution laps before NASCAR stopped the race on Lap 129 -- proved decisive for the defending Sprint Cup champion, who claimed his second victory of the season, his second at Fontana and the 46th of his career, tying him with Buck Baker for 14th on the career victory list.

Read the rest here.

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Well, the NCAA Final Four is all set. [And so is my final four: pizza, hot wings, chips, and Dr Pepper.]

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OPENING FRIDAY: Mirror Mirror (PG) and Wrath of the Titans (PG-13).

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- A day of reflection and new beginnings was capped by Helio Castroneves' celebration on Dan Wheldon Way.

After performing his famous fence climb in front of the Turn 10 grandstand to thank the spectators following his victory in the IZOD IndyCar Series' season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Fort Lauderdale resident jumped on top of the concrete barrier and patted the street sign that was unveiled March 7 to honor the memory of the 2005 race winner and series champion.

Read the rest here.

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The Seattle Kingdome was imploded to make room for a new football stadium on this date in 2000.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Philadelphia Flyers 7:30pm EDT

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

Monday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals 7:00pm EDT

Tuesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Wednesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens 7:30pm EDT

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 3:10pm EDT (Regular season opener)

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 7:10pm EDT

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT (Final game of regular season)

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 1:40pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:10pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!

It's Sunday

It's Sunday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is March 25th, the 85th day of 2012. There are 281 days left in the year.

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Playoff Pulse: Busy Sunday will have big impact.

Union makes Frozen Four for first time.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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The city of Venice was founded on this date in 0421.

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Tampa, FL -- Steven Stamkos inched closer to re-writing the franchise record books on Saturday night, and helped his team earn two points in the process.

Stamkos scored twice and added an assist, Dwayne Roloson made 34 saves as the Lightning overcame a one-goal deficit in the third period to edge out a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders in front of a sellout crowd of 19,204 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Read the rest here.

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Consider Christianity Week, Passiontide, National Conference on Family Literacy, Pediatric Nurse Practioner Week, Root Canal Awareness Week and National Protocol Officer's Week all start today.

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Dunk: Tiger-Cats reloading for 2012 season.

VANSTONE: Willis deal is a steal.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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Q: Why does a man twist his wedding ring on his finger?

A: He’s trying to figure out the combination.

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Jimmy looks for another play ball.

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Does kitty dream of slinking down the catwalk? If so, give her a name that screams "I’m a star!" Like these actual pet names …

Cats

Cleocatra
Bing Clawsby
Chairman Meow
Alexander the Grey

Dogs

Mary-Louise Barker
Bettie Poops
Virginia Woof
Iggy Pup
Being Courteous

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Today in Elvis History

1958 - Elvis Presley got his Army haircut.

1961 - Elvis Presley quit doing live performances and made movies for the next eight years. His next live performance was on July 31, 1969.

1961 - Elvis Presley performed his last live show for the next eight years in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The show raised $62,000 for the U.S.S. Arizona memorial fund.

2003 - Lisa Marie Presley's single "Lights Out / Savior" was released. It was from the album "To Whom It May Concern."

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Today is The International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic, National Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, Old New Year's Day, Pecan Day, Tolkien Reading Day and Vaffledagen Day (Waffle Day).

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - The Beatles made their first appearance on Britain's "Top of the Pops." They performed "Can't Buy Me Love."

1969 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their "bed-in" for peace in Amsterdam.

2003 - Yoko Ono's "Walking On This Ice [Maxi Single]" was released.

2003 - Ringo Starr's album "Ringo Rama" was released.

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On this date in 1954, RCA manufactured its first color TV set and began mass production.

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Today in Sports History:

1936 - The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Montreal Maroons in the longest hockey game to date. The game lasted for 2 hours and 56 minutes.

1958 - Sugar Ray Robinson regained his middleweight title for the fifth time when he defeated Carmen Basilio in a 12-round decision.

1972 - Bobby Hull joined Gordie Howe to become only the second National Hockey League player to score 600 career goals.

1982 - Wayne Gretzky became the first player in the NHL to score 200 points in a season.

1995 - Boxer Mike Tyson was released from jail after serving 3 years.

1997 - Hartford Whalers announced that they would move from Connecticut following the 1996-97 season. In 1997-98 they became the Carolina Hurricanes.

2002 - The NHL suspended Keith Tkachuk (St. Louis Blues) for slashing Lyle Odelein (Chicago Blackhawks) during a game on March 23, 2002.

2002 - Bobby Holik (New Jersey Devils) was suspended by the NHL for slashing Rod Brind'Amour (Carolina Hurricanes) in the face. Brind'Amour needed seven stitches to close the cut around his left eye.

2004 - The NHL suspended Marty Turco (Dallas Stars) for four games for a high-sticking incident the night before against Ryan Smith (Edmonton Oilers). Turco forfeited more than $195,000 in salary.

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I overheard two EMT volunteers talking about the time they went to the aid of an elderly man. As one took down his information, the other opened his shirt to attach EKG cables. "Any history of heart trouble?" asked the first volunteer. "None," said the patient. Looking at the telltale scars of bypass surgery, the second volunteer wasn’t so sure. "In that case," he said, "do you remember when the lion attacked you?"

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FONTANA, Calif. -- Joey Logano kept the Joe Gibbs Racing streak intact.

Fighting off challenges from a succession of rivals, Logano gave JGR its eighth consecutive Nationwide Series victory at Auto Club Speedway in winning the Royal Purple 300 by 1.066 seconds over Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The victory was Logano's first of the season, second at Fontana and the 10th of his career. Logano is the first Sprint Cup Series regular to win a Nationwide race this season.

Read the rest here.

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Seeing her friend Sally wearing a new locket, Meg asks if there is a memento of some sort inside.

“Yes,” says Sally, “a lock of my husband’s hair.”

“But Larry’s still alive.”

“I know, but his hair is gone.”

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Coming up:

Tonight --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

Monday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Washington Capitals 7:00pm EDT

Tuesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Wednesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens 7:30pm EDT

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 3:10pm EDT (Regular season opener)

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 7:10pm EDT

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT (Final game of regular season)

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 1:40pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:10pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!

It's Saturday

It's Saturday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is March 24th, the 84th day of 2012. There are 282 days left in the year.

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NHL suspends Hawks' Keith for 5 games.

Rangers lose Zuccarello with fractured wrist.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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World Tuberculosis Day is today.

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Tampa, FL -- The Tampa Bay Lightning host the New York Islanders tonight in the finale of the Lightning's seven-game home stand.

Read the preview right here.

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NanoDays start today. (Linky Link)

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Willis just what doctor ordered for Riders.

Saskatchewan Roughriders set to hold camps in Florida.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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A 71-year-old Chicago liquor salesman fended off a group of young robbers. Willie Whitehead said he was walking to his car when four of the youths attempted to mug him while another stood watch at the corner. Whitehead said the muggers pulled on his briefcase and ripped his suit trying to reach his cellphone until he held a bottle of tequila over his head. Whitehead said, "I told them to come on with it. I was going to hit them with it." The attackers fled and Whitehead called police, who said the suspects were arrested in the area.

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Slide Jimmy, slide!

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IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND - The Hunger Games (PG-13)

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - Elvis Presley appeared on "Stage Show" for the sixth time.

1956 - Elvis Presley performed "Money Honey" and "Heartbreak Hotel" on TV's "Stage Show."

1958 - Elvis Presley was sworn in as a private in the U.S. Army.

2004 - In Fort Knox, Kentucky, the Patton Museum of Calvary and Armor opened a new exhibit that focused on the years Elvis spent in the U.S. Army. The exhibit was planned to stay at the museum until March of 2005.

2005 - The Broadway musical "All Shook Up" opened.

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The first album from the new British boy band One Direction has debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. [The band is being promoted by Simon Cowell. We open our arms to him and let him move to our country and yet this is how he repays us.]

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Today in Beatles History:

1980 - The album "Rarities" was released in the U.S.

1992 - Yoko Ono's "Walking On Thin Ice (Greatest Hits)" was released.

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The Philadelphia & Columbia Railway was authorized as the first state owned railway on this date in 1828.

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Today in Sports History:

1936 - The Detroit Red Wings beat the Montreal Maroons 1-0. The first goal was not scored until 16 minutes and 30 seconds into the sixth overtime period of the season's first Stanley Cup semi-final game.

1962 - Benny "Kid" Paret was knocked into unconsciousness in a boxing match with Emile Griffith at Madison Square Garden. He died 10 days later. It was the first televised "death in the ring."

1973 - Nate "Tiny" Archibald became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring (34.0 ppg) and assists (11.4 apg) in the same season.

1975 - Muhammad Ali knocked out Chuck Wepner in the 15th round to retain the world heavyweight title.

1992 - Mario Lemieux (Pittsburgh Penguins) scored his 1000th career point in his 513th game. He was the second fastest player in the NHL to record 1000 points.

2002 - Michael Finley (Dallas Mavericks) became the 238th NBA player to surpass 10,000 career points.

2005 - The NHL canceled its draft due to a six-month player lockout.

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The first automobile was sold on this date in 1898.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Club Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway 5:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!

It's Friday

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

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Today is March 23rd, the 83rd day of 2012. There are 283 days left in the year.

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Whitney proving a magician again in 19th season.

Updated playoff projections: March 23rd.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Actress Catherine Keener (Where the Wild Things Are, Capote, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) is 53; Actress Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye, Mission: Impossible III, Gone Baby Gone) is 36; Princess Eugenie of York (the younger daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York) is 22.

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Tampa, FL -- Teddy Purcell spoiled the homecoming of a former hometown hero Thursday night.

Of course, he got a little help from Dwayne Roloson, and even a goal post too.

Purcell notched the game-winning goal in the sixth round of the shootout and Roloson made 34 saves to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tom Pyatt also recorded the first two-goal game of his career for the Lightning, which snapped a three-game losing streak.

Read the rest here.

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Today is the start of the two-day celebration known as National Day of Unplugging. It's also National Puppy Day (Linky Link), Near Miss Day, OK Day and World Meteorological Day.

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Landry: Rivals come together during off-season.

The new Mayor in town: Riders acquire DE Willis.

Congi finds new home, kicker signs with Ticats.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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American revolutionary Patrick Henry declared, "give me liberty, or give me death" on this date in 1775.

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Hi everyone. I'm way up here!

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A new survey reveals 35% of people watching TV yell at it. Most of these people are sports fans.

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Today in Elvis History

1961 - Elvis Presley recorded "Rock-a-Hula Baby" and "Can't Help Falling in Love."

2004 - The Elvis Presley compilation album "Elvis Ultimate Gospel" was released by BMG.

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A refrigerator that can make hot water for your tea has just rolled off the assembly line at GE's new Appliance Park plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The fridge can also pour you a cold glass of water using the refrigerator's hands-free water dispenser and ice from one of its two icemakers. And it monitors its own energy use and sends alerts when it needs servicing. The fridge goes on sale until June.

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - John Lennon's first book, "In His Own Write" was published.

1967 - The Beatles won two awards at the 12th annual Ivor Novello Awards.

1973 - Yoko Ono was granted permission to live in the U.S. permanently.

1985 - In San Antonio, TX, Julian Lennon held his first concert.

1999 - In Gibraltar, a set of postage stamps was released commemorating what would have been the 30th wedding anniversary of Yoko Ono and John Lennon.

2004 - The album "Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band Tour 2003" was released.

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DAMN YOU, CRAIGSLIST! - Sometimes Craisglist can be a pain.

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Today in Sports History:

1952 - Bill Mosienko (Chicago Black Hawks) scored the fastest hat trick in NHL history. He scored 3 goals in 21 seconds.

1971 - The Boston Patriots officially announced their name would change to the New England Patriots.

1972 - Evil Knievel broke 93 bones after successfully jumping 35 cars.

1991 - The London Monarchs beat the Frankfurt Galaxy 24-11 in the World League of American Football's (WLAF) first game.

1994 - Wayne Gretzky (Los Angeles Kings) score his 802nd career goal to pass Gordie Howe as the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer.

1995 - Jaromir Jagr (Pittsburgh Penguins) became the first European player to lead the NHL in scoring.

2002 - Keith Tkachuk (St. Louis Blues) slashed Lyle Odelein (Chicago Blackhawks) during a game. On March 25, 2002, Tkachuk was suspended for one game without pay for the incident.

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The first successful photo of the Moon was taken on this date in 1840.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Club Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway 5:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

************************************************

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!

It's Thursday

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

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Today is March 22nd, the 82nd day of 2012. There are 284 days left in the year.

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E.J. Express: Malkin enjoying season for the ages.

Radulov rejoins Preds.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Actor William Shatner is 81; Newsman Wolf Blitzer is 64; Sportscaster Bob Costas is 60; Actress Reese Witherspoon (This Means War, Walk the Line, Legally Blonde Movies) is 36.

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Tampa, FL -- The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Edmonton Oilers tonight.

Read the preview right here.

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Today is As Young As You Feel Day, International Day of The Seal, International Goof-off Day and World Day for Water.

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National Team Development Program Weekly Update

U18's Take Two of Three on Road, Close Out USHL Schedule This Weekend;
U17's Fall to Muskegon, Look to Rebound at Chicago Saturday

U17 TEAM LOOKS TO REBOUND AT CHICAGO: The U.S. National Under-17 Team looks to rebound from a loss last weekend when it travels to The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Ill. to face the Chicago Steel on Saturday (March 24). Puck drop is at 8 p.m. EDT. Team USA is looking to snap a seven game losing streak dating back to Feb. 24. The U.S. is also searching for its first win against the Steel this season, having dropped its previous three contests. The last meeting between the two squads saw Chicago score an empty net goal to seal a 3-1 victory over Team USA on March 10 at the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Ice Cube.

U18 TEAM CLOSES OUT USHL SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND: The U.S. National Under-18 Team faces its final two United States Hockey League tilts this weekend starting on Friday (March 23) at Muskegon. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EDT at L.C. Walker Arena. The U18's are 2-0-0 (W-L-OTL) against the Lumberjacks this season, having won both matchups in Ann Arbor. The final game on the USHL schedule for the Under-18 Team is on Sunday (March 25). The U.S. will take on the Indiana Ice at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. Puck drop is slated for 3:30 p.m. EDT. Team USA is 1-1-0 (W-L-OTL) against the Ice this season, having bested Indiana most recently on March 17 in overtime, 5-4.

U17's FALL TO MUSKEGON: Anthony Louis (Winfield, Ill.) scored two goals, but the U.S. National Under-17 Team was defeated by the Muskegon Lumberjacks, 6-2, at L.C. Walker Arena on March 17. Two goals by the Lumberjacks put Muskegon up, 2-0, after one period of play. Muskegon then scored three straight goals in the second stanza before Louis netted his first goal off passes by Miles Koules (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wis.). Muskegon scored early in the third to ice the game despite Louis' second score, from Michael McCarron (Macomb, Mich.).

UNDER-18 TEAM TAKES TWO OF THREE ON ROAD: Matthew Lane (Rochester, N.Y.) netted one goal, but the U.S. National Under-18 Team was toppled by the Dubuque Fighting Saints, 4-1, at the Mystique Ice Center on March 15. The following night (March 16), Quentin Shore (Denver, Colo.) notched the game-winning goal, as the Under-18 Team scored a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Steel at The Edge Ice Arena. In the final game of the weekend on March 17, Jared Rutledge (Chicago, Ill.) made 37 saves and Brady Skjei (Lakeville, Minn.) tallied the game-deciding goal, as the Under-18 Team edged the Indiana Ice, 5-4, in overtime at the Pepsi Coliseum.

UNDER-17 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: With two goals on March 17 against Muskegon, forward Anthony Louis tied teammate Tyler Motte (St. Clair, Mich.) for the team lead in goals scored versus United States Hockey League foes ... Forward Michael McCarron is on a two game point streak (1-1) dating back to March 10 ... J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill.), McCarron and Motte are all tied for first on the Under-17 Team in assists (13) ... Netminder Hunter Miska (North Branch, Minn.) has 18 wins on the season, just four behind number eight on the all-time single-season win list.

UNDER-18 TEAM NEWS/NOTES: Forward Quentin Shore has scored one goal in back-to-back games, including the game-winning score on March 16. Shore now has six game-winning tallies in 22 games played, which is tied for second most in the USHL. He also has five points (4-1) in his last six contests dating back to March 7 ... Forward J.T. Compher is on a two game goal scoring streak and now has four points (3-1) in his last five games ... With a two assist performance against the Indiana Ice on March 17, forward Kyle Osterberg (Lakeville, Minn.) now has four multi-point games this season in the USHL ... Frankie Vatrano (East Longmeadow, Mass.) has four points (1-3) in his last four games ... Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (Charlestown, Mass.) has one assist in two consecutive games dating back to March 16 ... Since joining the U18's on March 10, forward Daniel O'Regan (Needham, Mass.) has collected four points (2-2) in five games, including the game-winning goal on March 11 against Chicago ... Defenseman Seth Jones (Plano, Texas) has five points (2-3) in his last six games dating back to March 7 ... Forward Ryan Hartman (West Dundee, Ill.) has one point (1-1) in back-to-back games dating back to March 16.

NTDP ALUMNI UPDATE: Edmonton defenseman Ryan Whitney (Boston, Mass./2000-01) had an assist for the Oilers in a 6-3 win over Nashville on March 20. Fellow blueliner Corey Potter (Mason, Mich./2000-02) registered a plus-2 in the contest ... Anaheim forward Kyle Palmieri (Montvale, N.J./2007-09) scored one goal and added an assist in a 5-3 win over San Jose on March 19. He also recorded a plus-3 rating on the night ... Chicago forward Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y./2004-06) netted the game-winning goal in a 5-2 victory over Washington on March 18 ... Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter (Madison, Wis./2001-03) earned an assist on the game-winning goal versus Anaheim on March 18 ... Colorado defenseman Matt Hunwick (Roseville, Mich./2001-03) notched one goal in a 3-1 win over New York on March 17. Teammate Peter Mueller (Bloomington, Minn./2003-05) earned an assist on the tally ... Toronto forward Phil Kessel (Madison, Wis./2003-05) had two points (1-1), including the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Ottawa on March 17 ... Vancouver forward David Booth (Washington, Mich./2001-02) tallied one goal in a 4-3 win over Columbus on March 17. Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (Faribault, Minn./2003-05) had two points (1-1) in the game on the opposite side of the puck.

For the complete weekly update, click here.

ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a revolutionary new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 15th season of play in 2011-12, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.

THE USHL AND FASTHOCKEY: Catch all of Team USA's USHL action on FASTHockey.com, the premier online destination for ice hockey fanatics from around the world. Visitors can choose from an incredible array of games from national governing bodies, conferences, leagues, teams, tournaments, and other events.

U.S. National Sled Hockey Team to Compete in 2012 International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championship

Team USA Enters Tournament as Defending World Champion

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team will look to defend its world championship this weekend at the 2012 International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championship in Hamar, Norway.

The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has participated in two previous competitions this season. Team USA captured second place in the World Sled Hockey Challenge in Calgary, Alta., (Nov. 27-Dec. 3) and posted a 1-0-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record against Canada in an exhibition series in Williamsville, N.Y., (Feb. 23-25).

Team USA, which won the event when it was last held in 2009, is in Group A and will face Estonia, Czech Republic and Japan in preliminary-round play. Group B consists of Canada, Italy, Korea and Norway. A full schedule is below.

"We are very excited to travel to Hamar to defend our title," said Jeff Sauer, head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. "The competition will be tough and we're looking forward to the challenge of playing teams we've never seen before."

Nikko Landeros (Berthoud, Colo.) leads the U.S. with eight points (4-4) in eight games this season, while Taylor Lipsett (Richardson, Texas) has a team-high five goals in eight games. Goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) owns a 4-0-0-4 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record with a 2.81 goals-against average.

NOTE: For a complete 2011-12 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team roster, including bios, click here ... Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.) is serving as a captain for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team, while Taylor Lipsett is an alternate ... The IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship was not held in 2011 due to the earthquakes that struck Japan.

Team USA 2012 IPC Sledge Hockey World Championship Schedule
Hamar, Norway

Date Opponent Time (Local/EDT)
Sun., March 25 Estonia 9 a.m./4 a.m.
Mon., March 26 Czech Republic 11:15 a.m./6:15 a.m.
Wed., March 28 Japan 11:15 a.m./6:15 a.m.
Thur., March 29 Semifinals TBA
Sun., April 1 Bronze-Medal Game 12 p.m./7 a.m.
Gold-Medal Game 4 p.m./11 a.m.

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Tina Fey & Co. are staging yet another live episode of 30 Rock, this one set to air on Thursday, April 26. 30 Rock's first star-studded live experiment was broadcast in October 2010 during the show's fifth season.

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Superman Returns: Simon extends with Lions.

A legend hangs up his cleats, Doug Brown retires.

100 reasons to get excited for kickoff weekend.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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Gutenberg Bible became the first printed book on this date in 1457.

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Jimmy and his playground.

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Despite all of the changes that Facebook users have seen, complained about and resisted, the one thing that that has stayed constant is the poke. Now, thanks to Jasper van Loenen, the Facebook poke has been translated into a real-life poke, so if they want to, your friends can annoy you endlessly all day long. So how does it work? Strap Jasper's device to your arm and every time a friend pokes you, the wifi-enabled contraption will jab away.

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Today in Elvis History

1957 - Elvis Presley's single "All Shook Up" was shipped to retailers.

1965 - Elvis Presley returned to Memphis after finishing filming for "Fun in Acupulco."

1967 - The movie "Easy Come, Easy Go," starring Elvis Presley and Elsa Lanchester, opened in the U.S.

1967 - Elvis Presley began working on "Clambake."

1969 - Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream" hit #11 in the U.K.

1969 - Filming began on the Elvis Presley movie "Change Of Habit."

2004 - It was announced that DIGGIT Enterntainment Group would develop Elvis-branded applications for mobile devices worldwide.

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A bride-to-be in the UK postponed her wedding after spending $4,700 on chemotherapy for her pet. Lizzie Griffiths says her lizard, a bearded dragon named George, "will always come first" and has forked out so much on the cancer treatment she can't afford to marry fiancé Chris Fisher. Lizzie (age 25) said: "If you love someone enough you support them through whatever they need and Chris knows how much I love George."

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Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles' first album, "Please Please Me," was released in the U.K.

1997 - Paul McCartney's birth certificate sold at auction for $84,146.

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Actress Susan Sarandon has confirmed reports suggesting she's dating her young business partner Jonathon Bricklin. Sarandon is 65, Bricklin is 33.

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Today in Sports History:

1888 - The English Football League was established.

1893 - In Northampton, MA, The first women's collegiate basketball game was played at Smith College.

1894 - The first playoff competition for the Stanley Cup began. Montreal defeated Ottawa 3-1.

1904 - A patent was issued for a "baseball catcher."

1923 - Foster Hewitt used a telephone to broadcast the first hockey game. He called the game between Kitchner and Toronto Parkdale.

1934 - The first Masters golf championship began in Augusta, GA.

1964 - Ed Johnston (Boston Bruins) became the last goalie in NHL history to play every minute of every game for an entire season.

1967 - Muhammad Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title for refusing to be inducted into the United States Army.

1969 - UCLA beat Purdue to become the first college basketball team to win three straight NCAA titles.

1974 - Peter Revson died in a crash during a practice run for the South Africa Grand Prix.

1979 - The National Hockey League (NHL) voted to accept 4 WHA teams, the Oilers, Jets, Nordiques & Whalers.

1993 - Cleveland Indians pitchers Steve Olin and Tim Crews were killed in a motor boat accident. Bobby Ojeda was also seriously injured.

1994 - The NFL announced the addition of the two-point conversion. It was the league's first scoring change in 75 seasons.

1997 - Tara Lipinski, at 14 years and 10 months, became the youngest women's world figure skating champion.

2002 - Sergei Zubov (Dallas Stars) got his 400th career assist.

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Joseph Priestly invented carbonated water (seltzer) on this date in 1733.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers 7:30pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Club Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway 5:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!

It's Wednesday

It's Wednesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is March 21st, the 81st day of 2012. There are 285 days left in the year.

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If the playoffs started today.

Blackhawks happy to see Toews back on skates.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Actor Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Harry Potter movies, Batman Begins) is 54; Actor Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Producers) is 50; Former TV host Rosie O'Donnell is 50.

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Tampa, FL -- Following a 7-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night, the Bolts returned to the ice on Tuesday to hold practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Despite Monday’s defeat serving as the sixth loss in the team’s last seven games, Lightning head coach Guy Boucher said the recent results have not affected the team’s attitude in coming to the rink every day.

“Guys are upbeat and they continue to come in every day ready to work hard,” Boucher said. “They’re focusing on the details and they’re very much focusing on getting better.”

Read the rest here.

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Today is the start of Week of Solidarity with People's Struggling Against Racism & Discrimination, plus YoYo and Skill Toys Week. It's also Brain Injury Awareness Day, Kick Butts Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Memory Day, National Common Courtesy Day, Spring Fairy Fun Day and World Down Syndrome Day. Plus it's National Crunchy Taco Day.

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University of Minnesota Finishes Season No. 1 in USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women's College Hockey Poll USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine 2011-12 Women's College Hockey Poll - #24(first-place votes in parentheses) Rank School Last Week's Ranking 2011-12 Record Weeks in Top 10 1 University of Minnesota, 190 (19) 2 34-5-2 24 2 University of Wisconsin, 171 1 33-5-2 24 3 Cornell University, 152 3 30-5-0 24 4 Boston College, 133 4 24-10-3 24 5 Boston University, 110 5 23-14-1 18 6 University of North Dakota, 93 7 22-12-3 24 7 St. Lawrence University, 76 8 24-10-4 4 8 Mercyhurst College, 57 6 23-8-3 24 9 Northeastern University, 33 10 22-7-4 22 10 University of Minnesota Duluth, 16 9 21-14-1 23 Others receiving votes: Harvard University, 13; Providence College, 1. NOTES: The University of Minnesota finishes the year atop the poll after capturing the NCAA Division I national championship on Sunday (March 18). The win marked the Gophers third national championship and first since 2005 ... Six teams remained on the poll throughout the entire season ... The University of Wisconsin's Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) was named the recipient of the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, presented by Easton Foundations. In its 15th year, the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is given out annually by the USA Hockey Foundation to the top player in NCAA Division I women's ice hockey. Decker, a junior forward, received the award during a sold-out award ceremony and brunch held at the Greysolon Ballroom in Duluth, Minn., on March 17. VisitPattyKaz.com for more information ... The Western Collegiate Hockey Association has four ranked teams in the final poll of the season, while the Hockey East Association has three ranked teams and ECAC Hockey has two ranked teams. Mercyhurst is the only College Hockey America team ranked ... A total of 12 teams received votes. ABOUT THE POLL: The 15th annual USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Women’s College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the four NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey Magazine, the most widely distributed hockey magazine in the world.

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Five members of the Southern Mississippi pep band have been kicked out of the band and had their scholarships revoked after they embarrassed the university during the NCAA Tournament by yelling, "Where's your green card?," at an opposing player who was born in Puerto Rico. [Since Puerto Rico is part of the United States he doesn't need a green card. But I can think of five people who apparently don't have a GED.]

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LaPolice staying put, extends with Bombers.

Riders add two more QBs, release Bergquist.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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The good news for the 30 people who lost their jobs at Oprah's TV network: she is paying some serious severance. Everyone got at least several weeks of pay and some people are getting paid for the duration of their contracts. And Oprah even brought a recruiter to the building to help people find new jobs.

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Let's go kick that ball.

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Thomas Jefferson reported to U.S. President George Washington as the new secretary of state on this date in 1790.

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Today in Elvis History

1964 - Elvis Presley's single "Kissin' Cousins" hit #12 in the U.S.

1970 - Elvis Presley's single "Kentucky Rain" hit #16 in the U.S. The song was written by Eddie Rabbit.

1970 - Elvis Presley's "Don't Cry Daddy" hit #8 in the U.K.

1981 - An updated version of Elvis Presley's album "Guitar Man" hit #43 in the U.K.

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You've heard of setting your phone on vibrate, but how about your arm? A new patent filed by Nokia describes a piece of fabric that can be attached to your skin, that will also alert you in case you have a call. The patent also suggests producing the same effect with ferromagnetic ink in the form of a tattoo. Ink would be demagnetized before it was placed on your body, and then magnetized again once your "Mom" tattoo was complete.

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - The Beatles single "She Loves You" hit #1 in the U.S.

1964 - The Beatles single "I Saw Her Standing There" hit #14 in the U.S.

1970 - The Beatles single "Let It Be" hit #2 in the U.K.

1984 - Part of Central Park in New York was renamed Strawberry Fields in honor of John Lennon.

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Authorities in Michigan said a man being sought for 10 indecent exposure incidents was seen wearing nothing but sheer pantyhose on his lower body. The man has been seen wearing nothing over his genitals but the sheer pantyhose 10 times in the Detroit area, most recently last week at a salon/day spa. Workers at the salon said the man asked about getting a Brazilian wax.

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Today in Sports History:

1946 - The Los Angeles Rams signed Kenny Washington. Washington was the first black player to join a National Football League team since 1933.

1946 - The first Mexican League baseball game was played.

1953 - The Boston Celtics beat Syracuse Nationals (111-105) in four overtimes to eliminate them from the Eastern Division Semifinals. A total of seven players (both teams combined) fouled out of the game.

1968 - The new American League franchise in Kansas City, MO, took the nickname Royals.

1973 - Frank Mohovlich (Montreal Canadiens) became the 5th NHL player to score 500 career goals.

1994 - Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe's NHL record of 801 goals.

1994 - Michael Jordan was cut from the White Sox roster and was sent to their minor league club.

2004 - In Philadelphia, Veterans Stadium was demolished.

2004 - The NHL suspended Calgary Flames coach-general manager Darryl Sutter and forward Krzysztof Oliwa. Sutter was suspended for two games for player selection and team conduct in the final 2.5 seconds of the game. Oliwa was suspended for his conduct after being given a penalty for physical abuse of officials. The Flames lost to the Nashville Predators 3-1.

2004 - Mark Messier (New York Rangers) was ejected after he spearing Martin Strbak (Pittsburgh Penguins). Messier was later suspended for two games by the NHL.

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NBC-TV presented the first "Colgate Comedy Hour" on this date in 1955.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Edmonton Oilers 7:30pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Club Royal Purple 300 at Auto Club Speedway 5:00pm EDT

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Islanders 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at Streets of St. Petersburg - 12:30pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway -- 2:30pm EDT

Monday --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins 7:30pm EDT

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning at New Jersey Devils 7:00pm EDT

Friday --

Nothin' Doin'

Saturday --

NHL Hockey -- Tampa Bay Lightning vs Winnipeg Jets 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Goody's Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway 12:30pm EDT

IZOD Indy Car Series -- Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park 2:00pm EDT

************************************************

That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!