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Monday debate: .500 by Christmas

chipalexander — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500

During the Canes' long winless streak, general manager Jim Rutherford said a goal for the team would be to get back to .500 by Christmas time. That would be the first step, and a big one, toward getting back in position to contend for the playoffs.

At 5-12-5 after the win over Tampa Bay, and with 15 games before Christmas, Carolina would have to go 11-4-0 -- or 10-3-2, 9-2-4, etc. -- to reach .500.

So what do you think? Can the Canes do it? Why or why not?

The floor is open.

The Amazing Race: Dude, where's my cab?

adriennj — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:22:36 -0500

In truth, it was a smart move, not nice, but what the gay brothers did to the Americas was in the realm of gamesmanship rather than villainy.

But those brothers are just so annoying, aren't they?

Perpetual leg winners Meghan & Cheyne leave first, getting the clue that sends the teams to Prague to the town square where they have to figure out that a praga is a vintage car. The guy in the praga will give them the next clue.

When the gay brothers hear they are going to Prague, one of them wonders if they speak Spanish there. The other calls Prague a country. So they're annoying and dim.

The gay brothers are still talking about the Globetrotters as enemies because of the foot race from last week, in which the GTs felt one of the brothers deliberately knocked down Flight Time. The GTs, however, say they are cool with the brothers now. So the brothers are annoying, dim and petty.

The Americas say they will watch the fighting and just be nice and sneak in. Of course, this is Mr. America talking because we know Miss America is not all that interested in being nice.

At the airport, all the teams will get on the same flight. Meghan & Cheyne head for a computer and find out what a praga is. Meghan decides that they should tell the other teams that a praga is a hat or something else ridiculous o throw them off. As she discusses this with Cheyne, Mr. America notes that Meghan just isn't trustworthy. The plan falls apart anyway when the GTs go to a computer and find out what a praga is as well.

The teams get off the flight and scramble for cabs, except for the Americas. Mr. America was told on the flight that the fastest way to get to the square was by shuttle and subway. Miss America says she hopes he's making the right decision, which seems reason enough to not take the risk because you know if it doesn't pay off Mr. America will get major attitude.

Meghan & Cheyne get to the square first with the gay brothers right behind them. The gay brothers see them running to the car; they won't have to wander around trying to figure out what a praga is.

The clue sends them to an outdoor adventure center.

Meanwhile, things are looking bad for Mr. America; the shuttle is stuck in a line of traffic. They jump out and catch a cab. Mr. America admits it was a risk that didn't pay off; he won't blame the person that gave him bad advice nor his wife. Miss America stops him to point out that it was his decision. She will blame someone. She will blame him. We tried to tell you, Mr. America.

The outdoor adventure center clue leads to a detour. Fast & Furious involves a rough ride down a rafting course. As the teams goes down the course, they must grab a clue from a line above them. If they flip before they get the clue, they have to start again.

Slow and steady involves scaling a line course that's about two stories above the water. The clue is on a ribbon at the end of the course.

Meghan & Cheyne and the GTs take slow and steady; the gay brothers choose fast and furious.

The Americas are still looking for the praga.

The gay brothers get in the raft. They fuss. They flip.

The Americas find the praga.

Big Easy is having a hard time on the line. He's so heavy he's practically in the water. Flight Time, on the other hand, zips by Meghan & Cheyne.

The gay brothers get in the raft a second time. They fuss. They flip.

Flight Time gets to the end of the line and gets the clue. Now he must wait for Big (and heavy) Easy.

The line worker asks Flight Time to descend from the platform. Flight Time is moving slow; he's tired from pulling himself across the line. But Cheyne accuses him of being slow on purpose to give Big Easy time to finish and slow Meghan & Cheyne's departure. Cheyne's accusation gives Flight Time a good idea; he'll go down slow on purpose so that Big Easy will have time to finish and he can slow Meghan & Cheyne's departure.

On the ground, Flight Time lets Meghan know that he does not appreciate Cheyne's accusation. But, uh, thanks for the idea.

The gay brothers begin their third attempt by fussing.

Meghan & Cheyne are first to leave with the clue which is in Czech; they must figure out that it's the name of a theater.

The gay brothers see Meghan & Cheyne and then the GTs leaving. They flip again.

The Americas arrive at the adventure zone and ask their taxi to wait.

The gay brothers switch to the slow and steady detour. The Americas do slow and steady as well.

Over Cheyne's objections, Meghan invites the GTs to go to the next clue with them. The GTs were going to follow them anyway because they were right behind them but we think Meghan feels guilty because of Flight Time's annoyance at Cheyne's accusation.

They are about to get on a train to the destination where Cheyne spots a cab. He calls Meghan and demands they bail and leave the GTs. Meghan thinks he's being rude. Cheyne thinks Meghan is being ridiculous.

The GTs get on the train and Flight Time calls Cheyne an ass. From the train they can see the gay brothers scaling the line.

Miss America is trying to scale the line and she does not appreciate her husband's advice on how best to do it. Don't make her come off that line and sock you, Mr. America.

In the cab, Cheyne is unapologetic about snagging the cab. Meghan points out that he could have done it more politely because the GTs are the type to get motivated when they are pissed off. This makes Cheyne think.

Still Cheyne & Meghan arrive at the theater first and get the road block. One member of the team has to search the opera house for a tiny mandolin and bring it to the opera singer portraying Don Giovanni to get the next clue.

Cheyne heads out into the opera house rows and rooms and finds what is not a tiny instrument; he brings it to Don Giovanni who laughs and says no.

On the subway, Big Easy hopes to catch up to Cheyne and stick it to him, just as Meghan predicted.

At the opera house, Cheyne picks up another not-tiny instrument.

The gay brothers finish on the line first. They ask the Americas waiting cab driver about the clue and find out it's a theater. Then they offer him extra money to go with them and leave the Americas.

Mr. America sees they are trying to steal the cab and tells his wife. Her reaction: Oh hell no!

But alas, the cabbie says hell yes and leaves with the gay brothers.

It's on, says Miss America.

By now, the GTs have arrived and Flight Time waits with Meghan. He decides to accompany the opera singer with a little ballet. He's quite graceful.

In another cab, Mr. America insists that deep down the gay brothers feel guilty for stealing their cab. Miss America is not as certain. It's clear that Mr. America is more Miss America-like than Miss America. Can't you see him asking for world peace too?

At the opera house, Flight Time sings an opera about the temporarily missing Big Easy.

Unfortunately, there will be no revenge for the GTs. Cheyne finds the tiny instrument first. Yet, Big Easy is actually glad because he was tired of hearing Meghan yell Cheyne 50,000 times.

Meghan & Cheyne get the clue; it sends them to the pit stop at the Prague castle. They arrive first and get a trip to Hawaii.

The gay brothers are next to find the tiny instrument. When they are leaving for the pit stop, they pass the Americas. They admit to avoiding eye contact with Mr. America. Let's see that makes them annoying, dim, petty and cowardly.

It's a race between the GTs and the gay brothers. The gay brothers make it to the pit stop first. At the pit stop, Big Easy embraces the brothers and tells Phil there's some tension with other teams because 'somebody" stole a cab. The brothers are not amused at being exposed.

Miss America finally finds a tiny mandolin and they head for the pit stop. They are last but it's the second non-elimination.

Mr. America says he believes that the race can be won by playing fair. Miss America says nothing.

N.C. State 60, Auburn 58

ldecock — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:10:31 -0500

A dismal shooting night for Tracy Smith? Maybe. He was 2-for-16 from the floor before he hit the two biggest shots of the night.

With Smith hitting the winning basket with 1.3 seconds to go, N.C. State remained undefeated at 4-0 with a 60-58 win over Auburn.

"I was just praying I made it," Smith said. "I saw the rebound come off, and I went and got it, and I shot the shot and it went in."

Smith also converted a three-point play with 50 seconds to go to put N.C. State in the lead for the first time since Auburn took a 51-49 lead with 4:01 to go. Javi Gonzalez made only one of two free throws shortly after, leaving the door open for Auburn's Brendon Knox to tie the score at 58 with 12.4 seconds left.

After Julius Mays missed a 3-pointer from the corner, Smith grabbed the rebound in the lane and scored off the glass for the win, finishing with 11 points on the night.

"I thought it was a great effort on our guys' part, really hanging in there mentally and fighting and battling down to that last basket by Tracy, just determined to get that loose ball," N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said.

Smith's 15 rebounds were a career high, seven of them offensive rebounds on his own misses.

"I can't remember a night like that," Smith said.

The Wolfpack led Auburn 26-25 at the half, led by nine points from Horner, who was on the floor for only 10 minutes because of foul trouble. A Scott Wood putback late in the half put State back in the lead after a 14-4 Auburn run got the Tigers back into the game.

In the second half, N.C. State was up 39-28 when Auburn ripped off a 21-4 run. State was 1-for-17 from the field during that stretch while Auburn hit four 3-pointers in a row.

Down six, Gonzalez and Mays hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the score at 49 with four minutes to go, the entire State bench standing and chanting ‘defense’ in a spontaneous show of team spirit.

With the score tied 51-51, Smith missed the front end of a bonus and Auburn's Frankie Sullivan responded with a 3-pointer at the other end, only to be answered by Dennis Horner, who led the Pack with 16 points.

With the win over Auburn, N.C. State captured the Glenn Wilkes Classic title as the only one of the 10 teams with a 4-0 record. A loss would have put N.C. State, Auburn, IUPUI and Central Florida in a four-way tie for the championship at 3-1. Rhode Island won in 2007 and Utah in 2008.

Smith was named the tournament’s outstanding player and Horner was named to the all-tournament team.

Augustus Cho: "Is there a quota here?"

mschultz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:49:10 -0500

For Augustus Cho, improving race relations will require realizing there are more than two races in town.

Cho, who recently ran for mayor, spoke at Tuesday's forum sponsored by the town's Justice in Action Committee. Panelists were asked how they defined racism and what it would take to eliminate it.

"It's human nature to stick together with people of your own kind," said Cho, who is Korean. While campaigning, however, he said, "I got the sense I could be a good representative of my community, but not Chapel Hill at large."

Race in Chapel Hill is still framed as a black and white issue, even though people of Asian heritage are nearly 11 percent of the town, Cho said. Even the discussion surrounding replacing ex-Town Council member Bill Strom has focused on whether to appoint the fifth-place finisher in the election or a black applicant.

"Is there a quota here?" Cho asked.

Unsung Founders Memorial: What do you think?

mschultz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:39:22 -0500

Here's the first response we got about the Unsung Founders Memorial in today's Chapel Hill News:

I really don't give a hoot about Silent Sam, but care deeply about the message sent by the table-like sculpture in tribute to the black people who helped build the university. If the sculpture had been built early in the university's history, I could better understand it, although I hope it would have been removed by thoughtful people. This is a modern-day piece with two-foot tall bla: ck men and women, their faces racial caricatures. I find the sculpture offensive as it still has blacks holding up a white society. I think most people today are working past that concept. I know that when my two young black grandsons visit, I do not take them to see the table sculpture. It would be too embarrassing for me and too humiliating for them. They see themselves as full members of a multicultural country.

Sally Walters

Today in The Chapel Hill News

mschultz — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:30:55 -0500

Here's a look at today's local headlines:

HONOR AND DEFEND? Local poet C.J. Suitt did not have all his facts straight, but some agree with his point: The statue on McCorkle Place honoring black workers who built the university seems insensitive compared to the much larger Confederate Monument a short distance away. Others defend the statue. Read out story and tell us what you think at editor@nando.com (please include your name).

NOW THE HARD PART: In today's My View, columnist Mark Zimmerman says Chapel Hill Mayor-election Mark Kleinschmidt can't afford to savor his victory too long. He didn't win by much, and he and the town have too much work ahead. What do you make of the mayor's race and results in the recent election?

RESTING PLACES REDISCOVERED: Under director Ernie Dollar, the Preservation Society has had a lot of great ideas. (Remember the "Three in the Attic" film festival? Too bad they still can't find a buyer for the Edward Kidder Graham House, where the movie was filmed.) Now they're using radar to find long lost gravesites in the African American section of the Old Chapel Hill cemetery. Read dave hart's story.

ROGERS ROAD UPDATE: We didn't plan it this way. But three of the stories on our front page have to do with race. In today's lead story, staff writer Jesse James DeConto reports what the county is going to do to help Rogers Road area residents with failing well and septic systems. As for the transfer station, well, the signs opposing the Millhouse Road location went up two weeks ago.

And in our countdown to the reopening of the Varsity Theatre, today we turn to the Wicked Witch of the West. Did you know the character played by Margaret Hamilton is fourth on the American Film Institute's list of 50 Best Movie Villains? The top 3? Hanibal Lector, Norman Bates (Tony Perkins' performance still holds up) and Darth Vadar.

Thanks for reading,

Mark

Looking back at Friday's games: second-round edition

jmikeblake — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:19:36 -0500

Two out of three ain't bad, as that's two Tri-Nine teams in the third round (or sweet 16) of the state high school playoffs. Middle Creek defeated Durham Hillside 24-19 and Fuquay-Varina crushed Southern Pines Pinecrest 41-7. Southern Durham clipped Athens Drive by the close shave of 24-21. Now here's looking back at the week that was.

How I did: 3-for-3 (58-of-74 on the year, 81.6%)

Margin of error within 7-points: 1-of-3 (I had Middle Creek by 11, they won by 5)

I'm proud of: Staying a perfect 9-of-9 in the playoffs. Who knew I had this much pull?

I'm embarrassed about: I typed "I think Southern will almost assuredly overlook Athens and make this one close" yet still picked Southern to win by 12. Those two don't make any sense side-by-side. I should've known it would at least have been single digits just like last year. It's a shame Athens couldn't have got them back.

Looking at the games:

Interesting to note: Fuquay is the only Tri-Nine team to notch a road win in these playoffs. The Bengals and Middle Creek will have to hit the road next week, but neither is the lowest seed remaining in their respective brackets — so there's a chance that they may host again, however a slim one. Both teams will be at undefeated foes this week, and we'll have all the coverage next week as I travel to Harnett Central and most likely Fred Dry goes to Wake Forest.

Player of the Week: Hillside entered Friday's game with Middle Creek having allowed no more than 12 points in its last eight games (4.3 average). Through primarily the passing game, the Mustangs hung 24 on the Hornets for a win, and quarterback Garrett Leatham outdueled Vad Lee with 28-of-37 passing for 287 yards and two touchdowns.

Runner-up: Cory Hunter didn't have to do much to steamroll Pinecrest 41-7. The defense and special teams made sure to give the Bengals a short field nearly every time. But in those few chances to do something, Hunter did. He eclipsed the 2,000-yard rushing mark with 53 yards on the ground for two scores (35 TD's on the year) and added a 33-yard touchdown pass to Travis Long.

Stat of the week: We all know Fuquay treats the pass like a trick play. Some criticize it, but I say "whatever gets you 11-2 with two losses coming by a combined 6 points is OK with me." Did I mention the Bengals just won a road playoff game in the second round by 34? Anyway, Cory Hunter's touchdown pass to Travis Long was his first of the year — which ties him for the team lead. In the third week of the season, Long threw a TD to Dylan Montgomery on a trick-play wide receiver reverse pass. A few weeks ago, Nate Budde (you know, the actual quarterback) got his first TD pass on a 82-yard hook-up with Eric Powell. Three guys, one touchdown apiece and they're 11-2. Don't mess with what works folks.

Were there any SNL highlights last night?

brookecain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:08:34 -0500

Last night's SNL fell into the "not bad" category for me. Not as strong as the Taylor Swift show two weeks ago, but light years better than the January Jones show last week.

Host Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a solid job. He was enthusiastic and showed versatility, he just wasn't all that funny. His opening bit recreating Donald O'Connor's famous "Make 'Em Laugh" song and dance number from "Singing in the Rain" was ambitious, but became pretty manic by the end.

Another highlight: musical guest Dave Matthews did a really funny and spookily dead on impression of Ozzy Osbourne.

But my favorite sketch is one I almost missed because it came at the very end. Gordon-Levitt played John Cusack's Lloyd Dobler from "Say Anything," standing in a trenchcoat with Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" blasting over his head. The funny part was Jason Sudeikis as the annoying neighbor who keeps needling Dobler, eventually bringing out his own boombox blasting Phil Collins (for a Genesis reunion).

Watch the sketch below:

Chapel Hill novelist interviewed on UNC-TV

brookecain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:15:00 -0500

Chapel Hill author Kate Betterton will discuss her novel "Where the Lake Becomes the River" today on "NC Bookwatch" on UNC-TV.

Betterton's book is about an artist in Mississippi who passes up college to care for her mother, and finds herself taking a chance that lands her in the middle of the Civil Rights movement and in the middle of an unexpected romance.

Betterton won the 2008 Novello Literary Award for "Where the Lake Becomes the River."

"NC Bookwatch" airs at 5pm on UNC-TV.

What to Watch on Sunday: JFK specials and one last Seinfeld reunion

brookecain — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:45:00 -0500

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - Jonah Hill lends voice to a legendary prankster from Springfield Elementary who at age 19, shows Bart that he hasn't outgrown his mischievous ways.

Did the Mob Kill JFK? (8pm, Discovery) - On the 46th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination, Discovery has two specials looking at his death. First, an examination of evidence suggesting a mob connection to the shooting, and then at 9pm, "JFK: The Ruby Connection" looks at motives of Jack Ruby in his murder of Lee Harvey Oswald.

American Music Awards (8pm, ABC) - Performers include Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, Jay-Z, and many more. Michael Jackson is posthumously nominated for five awards.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (9pm, HBO) - In the one-hour seventh season finale, Larry misses out on time with Cheryl to do a favor related to the "Seinfeld" reunion.

The Oprah Effect (10pm, CNBC) - A look at how Oprah Winfrey can turn entrepreneurs into millionaires.

Deadline today: Pre-orders due for Greek pastries

amweigl — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500

The same ladies who spend months baking all those pastries for the annual Greek Festival at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh are selling pastries for the holidays.

The ladies of Holy Trinity Church in Raleigh are selling baklava, assorted pastries and spanakopita (spinach and feta pies.)

Pre-orders must be in TODAY for pick up on Dec. 3-5.

Go HERE to find the order form.

Ten percent of proceeds go to the Pretty in Pink Foundation.

Watched Pot recipe: Lemon Tea Brined Pork Tenderloin

amweigl — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

Here is the recipe referenced in today's Watched Pot column by Stacy-Lynn Waddell.

This recipe comes from chef Amy Tornquist at Watts Grocery:

Lemon Tea Brined Pork Tenderloin

5 pork tenderloins
2 quarts water
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup Kosher salt
1/2 cup cider vinegar
Zest of one lemon
A few mint and thyme leaves
2 Tablespoons coriander seeds
7 iced tea bags, like Liptons
Salt and pepper, to taste.

Using a sharp boning knife, remove all fat and silver skin from pork tenderloins. Once trimmed, return to the refrigerator.
To make the tea brine, combine water, sugar, salt, vinegar, lemon zest, mint and thyme leaves, coriander and tea bags in a stock pot. Bring to a boil. Once the tea mixture is nice and dark, about 10 minutes, remove from the heat and let cool. When cool, strain the tea bags and such out of the mixture. Add your cleaned pork tenderloins and marinate for 12 hours to 24 hours.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pat dry the pork tenderloins, and season with salt and pepper. In a hot saute pan, brown quickly on all sides. Remove pork tenderloins from saute pan, brush with honey and a little mustard before placing in the oven to finish cooking. Remove when the internal temperature of the meat is 160 degrees. Slice and serve warm.

N.C. State 66, Austin Peay 59

ldecock — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:24:45 -0500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- If N.C State can ever put a second half together like its first halves down here in Florida…

“We’re going to be a force to be reckoned with,” N.C. State guard Julius Mays said.

Once again, N.C. State produced a suffocating first-half defensive performance. Once again, the Wolfpack found itself clinging to a lead late. Saturday, Austin Peay got within four points with a minute to go before the Wolfpack hung on for a 66-59 win.

N.C. State is the only undefeated team left in the Glenn Wilkes Classic, which means a win over Auburn on Sunday would secure the outright tournament championship for the Wolfpack. (A loss would still give N.C. State a share of the title.)

Tracy Smith led N.C. State with 16 points, Dennis Horner added 10 of his 15 in the second half and Javi Gonzalez had eight assists for the Wolfpack (3-0).

Friday against Akron, N.C. State held the Zips to 9-for-28 shooting in the first half to take a 22-point halftime lead. Saturday, the Wolfpack held the Governors to 7-for-20 shooting for a 16-point lead

“Our first half defense, if we can keep that up, we’ll be playing pretty well,” said N.C. State forward Scott Wood, who had 10 points.

But just as Akron outplayed N.C. State in the second half, Austin Peay had the edge in the second half Saturday.

Back-to-back baskets by the Governors’ Anthony Campbell cut N.C. State’s lead to 61-57 with 1:05 to play, but Tracy Smith was fouled converting a putback and finished off the three-point play to bump State’s lead back to seven points, and that was all the Wolfpack would need.

For a team that had only seven scholarship players return from last season, it’s the kind of learning experience that only experience can provide.

“It’s unfortunate but it’s something you run into with a young team,” N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said. “As I told the guys in the locker room after the game, there’s an art to knowing how to play with a lead. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to learn how to play with a lead and this team has to do that. We’re certainly getting our opportunities to do that."

Hurricanes 3, Lightning 1

chipalexander — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:38:22 -0500

For once, or rather twice, the Carolina Hurricanes have won in regulation.

With a 3-1 regulation win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at the RBC Center Saturday, the Hurricanes won only their second game in regulation of the season.

The Hurricanes, who had picked up points in the last four games, with three of those games going to a shootout and the other an overtime loss, might have gone there again if not for forward Chad LaRose. ...

LaRose scored his first goal of the season and gave his team a little breathing room and a 3-1 lead over the Lightning at 15:37 in the third period.

Hurricanes forward Sergei Samsonov stole the puck in the middle of the ice. He and LaRose bursted down the ice and Samsonov, at center, passed right to LaRose, who fired past Mike Smith.

It was a milestone for Samsonov, who now has 300 career assists. ...

Carolina Hurricanes forward Chad LaRose scored his first goal of the season and gave his team a little breathing room and a 3-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning at 15:37 in the third period.

Hurricanes forward Sergei Samsonov stole the puck in the middle of the ice. He and LaRose bursted down the ice and Samsonov, at center, passed right to LaRose, who fired past Mike Smith.

It was a milestone for Samsonov, who now has 300 career assists. ...

The Carolina Hurricanes lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 after two periods of play, with goals from Tuomo Ruutu and Jussi Jokinen.

After missing several scoring chances in the first period, the Hurricanes scored a power play goal early in the second period on a power play on Ruutu.

Hurricanes defenseman Andrew Alberts saved a goal, scooping out a slow-moving puck that Lightning center Jeff Halpern had gotten through goalie Manny Legace.

The Hurricanes out-shot the Lightning 10-5 in the period and lead 20-14 in that category after two periods. The Lightning, however, will start the third period with 25 seconds left in a power play from Erik Cole's interference penalty. ...

Forward Jussi Jokinen has given the Carolina Hurricanes their first lead of the night.

Jokinen deflected a shot from defender Joe Corvo on the right wing past Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith at 13:46 in the second period for a 2-1 score.

Chad LaRose also earned an assist, passing the puck to Corvo. ...

Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu has scored a power play goal to tie the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-1 at 2:35 in the second period.

Tampa Bay nearly cleared the puck out of the zone, but defenseman Joni Pitkanen grabbed the puck out of the air and passed to Ray Whitney on the left wing. His pass into the slot was one-timed by Ruutu, giving the Hurricanes success on their first power play opportunity of the night.

The Hurricanes entered the contest at 25th place in the league on power plays, with a 14.7 percent success rate. Ruutu's goal brings that percentage up to 15.6. ...

The Carolina Hurricanes had plenty of scoring chances in the first period, but Tampa Bay leads 1-0 after 20 minutes at the RBC Center Saturday.

To name just a few of those opportunities, Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney couldn't get to the puck in time, with it trickling forward and Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith laid out in front of the net just at about the mid-point of the period.

Then Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen got a shot to trickle slowly through Smith, but Lightning defender Andre Meszaros was there to save the goal.

With just under six minutes left, Whitney and Hurricanes Erik Cole threatened to score as they skated side-by-side up the slot. Whitney passed to Cole, who passed right back. But Whitney's shot found Smith's pads.

Less than a minute after Carolina winger Tom Kostopoulos drew a tripping penalty, Tampa Bay forward Martin St. Louis put the rebound of a shot by defenseman Kurtis Foster past Carolina goalie Manny Legace. The Lightning were 1-of-2 on power play chances in the period, while not committing a penalty. The Hurricanes out-shot their opponents 10-9. ...

In the pregame lines, Rod Brind'Amour is centering Pat Dwyer and Tom Kostopoulos. ... Joni Pitkanen paired with Niclas Wallin on defense. ...

Canes coach Paul Maurice said goaltender Michael Leighton is recovering quickly from a groin injury suffered Tuesday in Montreal and will travel to Dallas and Anaheim. ...

More squabble from USL/TOA spat and Reading between the lines

jmikeblake — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:19:39 -0500

The United Soccer League and the owners that form a proposed rival league have traded punch for counterpunch since that team of owners announced plans to start play in 2010.

For a timeline look at things:

Aug. 27 - Nike sells the USL to NuRock soccer holdings instead of the team of owners. The owners are believed to be considering a new soccer league.

Oct. 3 - The USL releases players from Carolina, Minnesota and Miami, stating that they own the contracts to each team and the team's decision to leave the league makes them null and void. Left out of this was Montreal and Vancouver, which were playing in the USL final and are successful enough to plan for jumps to the MLS. However, the players remained with their teams as the owners maintained the USL did not, in fact, own the contracts.

Nov. 3 - Minnesota, mired in debt, releases its players for real this time. It had previously lost its general manager and coach.

Nov. 10 - Carolina, Minnesota, Miami, Vancouver, Montreal, Atlanta and St. Louis submit an application for a new league to the United States Soccer Federation. This is one team shy of the 8-team minimum the USSF normally requires as Tampa was dropped from the initially rumored list.

Nov. 20 - Tampa and Baltimore are added to the list, which is significant because it gives the new league nine teams — one more than eight should Minnesota fold (more on that on Sunday). However, the USL struck back later that day with a release vowing to pursue all (legal?) actions to keep Tampa and Baltimore in the USL. The USL says it believes the TOA is meddling with current USL teams under contract for the 2010 season.

Like I said, we'll have more on this tomorrow, but let's look at something else to watch out for in the coming weeks. Will more teams jump to the new league from the USL? This didn't make it into our Q&A with RailHawks owner Selby Wellman this past week, but it probably should have. Here, he says that there are teams not only looking to jump from the USL, but ones who haven't paid the franchise fee.

Q: Just to be clear, you never paid the [USL franchise fee] for this upcoming year right?

A: No, I got out several months ago.

Q: Was there a team that did pay the fee but is leaving the USL?

A: Not in our group. There's a few others in the league now that still haven't paid the fee. They're kind of sitting on the fence waiting to see what will happen.

So what teams could he be talking about? Read into it what you will, but when I asked him about possibly moving to the FIFA calendar in the new league, the name Rochester came up. This question didn't make it in the story because, well, we'll cross that bridge when it gets there. The new league should have a name before it worries about what months to play in. Maybe Rochester was just a slip-up or an accidental reference, but like I said, I'm just throwing it out there for you to decide. One thing's for sure, the back-and-forth between the spinoff league (get a name already so I can stop calling it "rebel" and "spinoff" over and over!) and the USL is nowhere near done yet.

Q: Is there any talk about switching to the FIFA calendar?

A: There’s nothing serious in the time. Now, FIFA likes that, for everyone to be on the same calendar but you’ve got all these objections. We’ve got teams up in Rochester, Minnesota, Montreal and Vancouver. So there’s some objection to it. Now the answer to it is really not all that difficult. The way they do it over in Europe – they have cold weather over there too – so what they do is basically take two seasons. They usually start about August and end around April. But what they’ll do is split it. They’ll play from August till like December. Then they’ll take a big ol’ break during the cold months and maybe do some friendly matches and things like that in between. And then they’ll start the second half of the season late February/March. That’s how we’d do it in the United States to get around the weather problem. To me, that’s probably several years down the road.

Duke 104, Radford 67

jpg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:13:20 -0500

DURHAM -- It wasn't the zone part of the equation that eluded Radford, but the defense.

Duke shredded the Highlanders' ill-advised zone with 18 3-pointers in a 104-67 romp in Saturday's untelevised game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Freshman Andre Dawkins (20 points) hit his first five 3s, and six of seven, and Nolan Smith added 20 points for the hot-shooting Devils, who made 18-of-32 from beyond the arc.

Radford switched to a man in the second half but it was equally ineffective. A pair of alley-oops, the second to freshman Ryan Kelly at the 14:29 mark for a 68-43 lead Duke coasted comfortably to its fourth straight win to start the season.

The fifth 3 from Dawkins put Duke up 80-46 and is Duke's 16th made 3 of the game.

The Highlanders, the Big South champions a year ago, started strong enough, leading 13-10 at the 15-minute mark, with big man Art Parakhouski (game-high 23 points) having his way inside, but coach Brad Greenberg's team forgot to play any semblance of defense in the final 15 minutes of the half.

Duke went on a 16-2 run, spurred by a pair of 3-pointers by Smith and Jon Scheyer (11 points), to take control of the game.

This is the only game on Duke's schedule that will not be televised.

Hokies hammer mistake-prone Pack

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:28:34 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Four N.C. State turnovers - including two lost fumbles on the Wolfpack's first three plays on offense - helped Virginia Tech win 38-10 on Saturday at Lane Stadium.

Linebacker Cody Grimm forced three fumbles to tie an NCAA single-game record for the Hokies, and redshirt freshman Ryan Williams ran for four touchdowns to hand N.C. State (4-7, 1-6 ACC) its sixth loss in the last seven games.

No. 16 Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2) took a 10-0 lead after recovering early fumbles by Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis. N.C. State bounced back and trailed just 17-10 after Josh Czajkowski's 45-yard field goal with 1:52 remaining in the second quarter.

But the Hokies converted a third-and-18 and a third-and-11 on their final drive of the first half. Virginia Tech took advantage of two pass interference penalties on Brandan Bishop in the end zone to score on a 1-yard run by Williams with 37 seconds left in the half.

After leading 24-10 at halftime, the Hokies scored on the opening drive of the third quarter on a 19-yard run by Williams as he dragged safety Earl Wolff for the last 10 yards into the end zone.

With Virginia Tech ahead 31-10, the outcome essentially was decided even though there still was almost an entire half left to play.

Earlier. . .

It's getting ugly in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Jarrett Boykin twice exploited freshman cornerback Jarvis Byrd on a 97-yard touchdown drive. Taylor hit Boykin for a 35-yard gain on third-and-4, then passed 38 yards to Boykin for a touchdown.

The Hokies lead 38-10 with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter.

Earlier. . .

A holding penalty and a J.R. Sweezy sack took Virginia Tech out of field goal range as N.C. State's defense made a stand after Jarvis Williams' fumble.

The Hokies, leading 31-10, punted with 8:59 remaining in the third quarter.

In other news, N.C. State reserve cornerback DeAndre Morgan is out for the rest of the game with a concussion suffered on a tackle of Ryan Williams.

Earlier. . .

Jarvis Williams became the third N.C. State player to lose a fumble in Wolfpack territory.

On the Wolfpack's first possession of the third quarter, Stephan Virgil stripped Williams, and Virginia Tech recovered at the N.C. State 31.

Virginia Tech leads 31-10.

Earlier. . .

Ryan Williams' fourth and most spectacular touchdown run of the game has increased Virginia Tech's lead over N.C. State to 31-10.

Williams dragged safety Earl Wolff 10 yards into the end zone at the end of a 19-yard run with 12:25 remaining in the third quarter.

Earlier. . .

Thanks to a pair of big third-down conversions, Virginia Tech has increased its lead over N.C. State to 24-10 with 37 seconds remaining at halftime.

On a third-and-18, Jarrett Boykin got behind Jarvis Byrd for a 42-yard reception. On third-and-11, Brandan Bishop was called for pass interference in the end zone. After another Bishop pass interference penalty, Ryan Williams scored on a 1-yard run.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State is keeping it close.

After recovering a Ryan Williams fumble, the Wolfpack got into scoring position with a 48-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Owen Spencer. Despite an intentional grounding penalty against Wilson, the Wolfpack got a 45-yard field goal from Josh Czajkowski.

Virginia Tech still leads, 17-10, with 5:31 remaining in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State's defense has made a big play of its own.

C.J. Wilson hit Ryan Williams to cause a fumble, and Audi Augustin recovered at the N.C. State 34-yard line with 7:23 remaining in the second quarter. The Wolfpack still trails, 17-7.

Earlier. . .

An amazing play by Tyrod Taylor has helped Virginia Tech add to its lead.

On second-and-15 from the N.C. State 19, Taylor was just about sacked when he fired a pass to Jarrett Boykin just before hitting the ground. The 17-yard gain set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Ryan Williams.

The Hokies lead 17-7 with 14:42 remaining in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

Virginia Tech LB Cody Grimm has tied an NCAA record with three caused fumbles in the game.

Grimm did it in the first four plays, causing fumbles by Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis, which the Hokies recovered, and Toney Baker, which was recovered by N.C. State's Owen Spencer.

Tech leads 10-7, final minute, 1st quarter.

Earlier. . .

After opening the game with a pair of fumbles, the N.C. State offense finally has gotten on the board.

A 33-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Jay Smith put the Wolfpack in position to score. Then Wilson pump faked to freeze a Virginia Tech safety and passed to a wide-open Owen Spencer for 20 yards and a touchdown.

The Wolfpack trails 10-7 with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier. . .

Two early fumbles have put N.C. State in a double-digit hole in a difficult environment.

Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis both fumbled in the Wolfpack's first three plays from scrimmage on offense. The Wolfpack defense held Virginia Tech to a field goal after the first fumble, but Ryan Williams converted the second fumble with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Virginia Tech leads 10-0 with 7:55 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier. . .

Make that two fumbles in three offensive plays for N.C. State.

This time, Cody Grimm caused a fumble by wide receiver Darrell Davis that was recovered by Stephan Virgil at the N.C. State 25-yard line.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State's defense stiffened and benefited when a Virginia Tech receiver slipped in the end zone after the Russell Wilson fumble.

Matt Waldron's 26-yard field goal put Virginia Tech ahead 3-0 with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier...

It didn't take long for N.C. State to make its first big mistake at Virginia Tech.

On the first play from scrimmage, linebacker Cody Grimm beat Toney Baker on a blitz, causing and recovering a fumble by Russell Wilson after a sack.

Hahn misses broadcast after surgery

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:05:05 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - N.C. State play-by-play broadcaster Gary Hahn isn't working today's game at Virginia Tech because he is recovering from prostate cancer surgery.

Wolfpack Sports Marketing general manager Brian Asbill said the cancer was discovered in an early stage.

"His prospects for complete and total recovery are excellent," Asbill said.

Hahn, who is in his 20th season as the voice of the Wolfpack, was replaced on play-by-play by Tony Haynes, who usually serves as sideline reporter. Mark Thomas replaced Haynes on the sideline, and Johnny Evans remained in his usual position as color analyst.

Bible doesn't make trip with N.C. State

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:12:11 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - N.C. State offensive coordinator Dana Bible did not make the trip to Virginia Tech for today's 3:30 p.m. game, school sports information director Annabelle Myers said this afternoon.

Bible is undergoing medical tests of an undisclosed nature, Myers said. Running backs coach Jason Swepson will move from his usual position on the field up to the coaches' box and call plays for the Wolfpack.

Bible, 56, also coaches quarterbacks and wide receivers for the Wolfpack. He has been a member of Tom O'Brien's staff since 1999 at Boston College, and previously served as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at N.C. State from 1983-85 under head coach Tom Reed.

With Bible at the helm, the N.C. State offense ranks third in the ACC in scoring (32.6 points per game) and third in total offense (413.2 yards per game).

Swepson does have experience as an offensive coordinator, in one season at College of the Holy Cross. He will signal plays down to head coach Tom O'Brien, who will see that they get relayed to the players on the field.

Tudor: UNC will learn from loss

jpg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:00:07 -0500

While Friday’s 87-71 loss to Syracuse was both staggering and humiliating for North Carolina’s basketball team, the experience should provide the Tar Heels with a valuable measuring stick.

For an inexperienced, still-uncomfortable team, which Carolina is, Syracuse amounted to the perfect early-season storm.

The most important factor was the flex zone Orange coach Jim Boeheim plays and has perfected over the years. Why lots of other programs haven’t duplicated his defensive strategy is proof positive that coaches can be stubborn to the extent of stupidity.

Even veteran point guards usually struggle against quality zones, in part because they so rarely face one.

For UNC’s Larry Drew II, who rarely played last season, the Orange zone completely confused and confounded his rhythm, which spilled over to the team’s floor flow.
Drew and Carolina’s trouble went beyond the mere turnover total of 19.

It was that the Tar Heels, even with 19 offensive rebounds, simply could not get comfortable with the ball. That was the case throughout, even though Carolina led by a bucket at halftime.

Any time UNC is held to 38 percent shooting, the opposing defensive strategy was the primary game key.

Eventually, Roy Williams believes Drew, wingman Will Graves and subs Dexter Strickland, Leslie McDonald, John Henson and Justin Watts will gain more confidence against zones and more experienced teams.

Drew almost certainly will improve as the season progresses. He’ll never be a Raymond Felton or Ty Lawson, but Carolina shouldn’t need an all-world playmaker to be a top-5 team at season’s end.

Of more importance later in the season will be perimeter shooting. Graves, Drew and Strickland certainly can’t go 2-for-16.

But it’s too soon for Carolina fans to panic. There have been big early-season losses in the past that didn’t equate to long-range doom.

The 1996-97 team opened it season with an 11-point loss to Arizona, reached the Final Four — and lost to the Wildcats again.

Ten seasons later, Williams’ fourth team lost early to Gonzaga, in the same building as Friday's loss, but went on to win 31 games.

Miami 34, Duke 16

egrobinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:49:48 -0500

MIAMI - With a 34-16 victory over Duke at Land Shark Stadium on Saturday, the Miami Hurricanes ended any hope of the Blue Devils making a bowl game this season.

The Devils (5-6, 3-4 ACC) needed a win to have any hope to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

With a roster impacted by injuries, the Devils continued to struggle offensively, particularly in the red zone, though they showed spurts of recapturing the passing attack that was at one point this season leading the ACC.

The Devils entered the fourth quarter with a 16-13 lead but couldn't hold on to it as the Hurricanes reeled off 21 points in the fourth quarter.

In the end, the Hurricanes proved too much, and like in years past closed any early-game opportunities given to the Devils late in the game. The Hurricanes have now won six consecutive contest against the Devils.

The return home for Duke senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis came to a disappointing end, but not before he claimed another milestone in his career.

In the fourth quarter, Lewis completed a pass off his back foot to Austin Kelly to become Duke's all-time passing leader, surpassing Ben Bennett who held the record with 9,614 passing yards.

FOURTH QUARTER

The Hurricanes, struggling offensively for much this game, decided to put the ball on the ground late in the third quarter and it paid off early in the fourth quarter.

Junior running back Damien Berry lowered his shoulders and bowled over the Devils as he helped the Hurricanes march down field. He capped the 15-play, 90-yard drive with a two-yard run. The Hurricanes took a 19-16 lead.

Trying to pull back into this game, the Devils put together a long drive into the Hurricanes' red zone, with senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis mixing in passes to Austin Kelly and Donovan Varner.

On second-and-six from the 6, Lewis was called with intentional grounding as he threw a pass to Jay Hollingsworth, costing the Devils a down and moving the ball to the 13-yardline. It was a questionable call that prompted Duke coach David Cutcliffe to complain to officials.

Lewis would attempt another pass that fell short, which brought out junior walk-on kicker Will Snyderwine for his fourth field goal attempt of the game. He missed wide right from the left hash.

That possession proved a set-back for the Devils and allowed the Hurricanes sure footing to run away with this contest.

The Hurricanes would strike with a five-play, 80-yard drive. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris hit junior Leonard Hankerson on a 44-yard bomb that the receiver carried into the end zone. On the play, he had beat Duke's Chris Rwabukamba deep and adjusted to a short thrown pass.

The Hurricanes would go ahead 27-16 and take full control of the game.

THIRD QUARTER

The Hurricanes pulled to within three points with six minutes remaining in the third quarter.

A 12-play, 54-yard drive ended with a made field goal by kicker Matt Bosher. The Hurricanes moved the chains but were ineffective in the redzone.

Both teams relied on the place kickers in this one.

Duke junior kicker Will Snyderwine made his third field goal to cap a 10-play, 60-yard, 3:55 drive with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Devils moved the ball with the short screen passes and crossing routes that have become a staple of the offense this season. On one of those crossing routes, sophomore receiver Donovan Varner zoomed across the field and pulled in a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.

It was Varner's fourth pass for 20 or more yards.

SECOND QUARTER

Duke entered the game looking to kick-start a sluggish offense that found its stride midway through the season. It took a quarter to get going, but the Blue Devils rejuvenated a stagnant passing game with senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis finding his go-to target Donovan Varner.

The pair connected late in the second quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass to help the Devils take the lead in a first half that featured few offensive outburst. Varner ended the first half with six catches for 126 yards, his fourth game this season with 100 or more yards.

A converted extra point by junior kicker Will Snyderwine gave the Devils a 13-10 lead.

Earlier in the half, Miami pulled its defunct offense into gear.

Finally finding his passing touch, Miami sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris hit wide receiver Leonard Hankerson streaking down the left sideline on a 52-yard play late in the second quarter. That play set a up a touchdown pass to Lamar Miller three plays later and helped put the Hurricanes ahead 10-6

To open the second quarter, freshman Desmond Scott returned a kickoff 47 yards to give the Devils prime field position. They were unable to find the end zone, but put up some points on the drive.

Duke kicker Will Snyderwine, who has now made 14 of his last 15 attempts, made a 49-yard field goal early in the second quarter to give the Devils a 6-3 lead at 14:50.

Snyderwine, the junior walk-on, started the year missing his first attempt, but has been Mr. Reliable since.

FIRST QUARTER

An interception by senior linebacker Vincent Rey - his second of the season - set up a 68-yard scoring drive by the Blue Devils in the first quarter. Snyderwine made a 30-yard field goal to give his team a 3-0 lead.

With both teams struggle to come alive offensively, defense and special marked most of the first quarter action.

The Hurricanes would score late in the quarter with a scoring drive capped by a 33-yard field goal by Matt Bosher.

That drive was set by a Duke special teams error. Senior Leon Wright, signaling for a fair catch on a punt return, struggled to catch a high, wobbly kick. He failed to catch the ball, touched it and could not secure it on the ground. Miami recovered the fumble and were handed a short field.

UNC 31, Boston College 13

rpickeral — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:16:15 -0500

@ Chestnut Hill, Mass.

UNC's Melvin Williams records the Heels' fifth interception of the game, and a Casey Barth field with 1:35 left makes the final score 31-13 Carolina.

earlier...

UNC's Deunta Williams just picked off his third interception, returned it to the half-yard line, and Ryan Houston returned to the game to scored the touchdown. UNC lead 28-13 with 4:39 left.

earlier...

Tailback Ryan Houston has been sidelined since mid-way through the third quarter, and Carolina could use him right about now, to help run down the clock. Fullback Anthony Elzy and wide receiver Johnny White have been running the ball without him.

earlier...

Just when you thought the Tar Heels' offense might score, T.J. Yates threw his third interception, into the hands of BC’s Roderick Rollins in the end zone, with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter. UNC, which is still clinging to a 21-13 lead, now has four turnovers today.

earlier...

Helped by two pass interference calls on UNC's Charles Brown, Boston College has cut UNC's lead to 21-13 with 1:13 left in the first half. BC quarterback Dave Shinskie found Rich Gunnell -- who also caught passes of 27 and 16 yards on the drive -- for a 2-yard touchdown.

earlier...

With about 3:30 left in the second quarter, UNC opted to go for it on a 4th-and-12, rather than let Casey Barth try a 45-yard field goal. Bad idea. T.J. Yates threw his second interception, picked off by BC’s Marcellus Bowman – and wasted UNC safety Deunta Williams’ pick (BC’s third turnover of the game).

UNC still leads 21-6.

earlier...

Carolina’s offense has now turned the ball over twice, but its defense has held Boston College to two field goals. On the first play of the second quarter, UNC QB T.J. Yates rolled right, tried to throw on the run across his body, and Eagles defensive end Austin Giles tipped it into the air and grabbed the first interception of his career. BC converted a 20-yard field goal to cut UNC’s lead to 21-6.

earlier...

BC is on the board. It just turned an Eric Highsmith fumble into a 28-yard field goal to cut UNC’s first-quarter lead to 21-3.

earlier...

Cornerback Kendric Burney has done it again. After picking off three passes last week, he’s done it again. On a 2nd-and-7 at the 23, he stepped in front of BC receiver Colin Larmond Jr. and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. Carolina leads 21-0.

It’s Burney’s fifth pick of the year, the UNC’s seventh non-offensive touchdown of the season.

earlier...

Defensive lineman E.J. Wilson was in the game as a blocking tight end for UNC’s first touchdown, and he had a hand in the second, as well. Wilson forced BC QB Dave Shinskie to fumble, and teammate Cam Thomas rumbled in from 20 yards out to give the Tar Heels a 14-0 lead with about 6 minutes left in the first quarter.

It marked Thomas’ first career touchdown, and the UNC's sixth non-offensive score of the season.

earlier....

After qualifying for a bowl last weekend, North Carolina’s players said there was more work to do. And so far, they’re doing it. The Tar Heels marched 70 yards on their first offensive drive to score on a 1-yard Ryan Houston touchdown. They lead 7-0 with 7:33 left in the first quarter.

Staal back on ice with Canes

chipalexander — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:43:42 -0500

No. 12 is back. At least, back on the ice with the Canes.

Eric Staal took part in today's morning skate at the RBC Center but is not fully ready to rejoin the lineup. Canes coach Paul Maurice said today the center should return in the next 10 days but that Staal would make the trip to Dallas and Anaheim next week.

"It's been tough, no question," Staal said. "It's been a learning experience for me because I've never been through something like this before.

"I'm working and doing everything I can to make sure I'm back in the lineup as soon as I can at 100 percent."

Staal had missed one game, late in his rookie season, and had played 349 consecutive regular-season games -- and 43 in the playoffs -- before being sidelined.

"I've pushed it for a while," Staal said of playing with ailments, keeping the streak going. "There's probably a few games last year, the year before that."

Staal's physical problems this year began with a groin injury during Team Canada's Olympic camp before the Canes' preseason training camp. That injury lingered, but a more serious physical concern -- an injury in the abdominal area -- developed.

There would be no fighting through that kind of pain or ailment. Staal left the San Jose game on Nov. 1 and has been sidelined the last eight games.

"It nagged me a couple of games, then got worse and worse," he said. "Then, that San Jose game, it just tore. I was done after that.

"But I've recovered. I feel good now. I feel strong."

Staal has done some skating on his own in the last week. But it's different skating with his teammates as he did in Saturday's morning skate.

Brandon Sutter continued to center Staal's line, with Staal taking the wing a few times with Sutter.

"It felt good," a smiling Staal said. "We'll see how it responds tomorrow. I took a lot of shots (Friday) and again today. It's getting better and better every day and that's a good sign.

"I'm hopeful for next week some time, barring anything that will set me back."

Third Round Football Playoff Matchups Set

dclaybest — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:42:10 -0500

Here's the places you'll be headed the day after Thanksgiving if you're off to watch South Johnston or Princeton play in the third round of the NCHSAA prep football playoffs.

3-AA Eastern Regional Semifinal

Douglas Byrd (9-4) at South Johnston (12-1)

1-A Western Regional Semifinal

Princeton (10-3) at Mount Airy (13-0)

Both games will kick off at 7:30.

We'll have more info on the games, including directions to Mount Airy on the blog this coming week.

What to Watch on Saturday: Flashback to Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam

brookecain — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:30:00 -0500

48 Hours Mystery (9pm, CBS) - Saturday night is typically a night of network repeats, but 48 Hours has two new back-to-back episodes. The first show is about a con artist who assumes several identities in order to gain admission to Ivy League schools; the second episode is about the murder of a Phoenix art dealer whose Las Vegas showgirl ex-wife is the main suspect in his death.

Saturday Night Live (11:30, NBC) - Joseph Gordon-Levitt ("3rd Rock from the Sun" kid actor turned movie star) is the guest host. Dave Matthews Band is the musical guest.

Austin City Limits (12midnight, UNC-TV) - Keep your 90s groove going with Pearl Jam, who plays classic songs and songs from their 2009 album "Backspacer."

Investigating Clay Aiken's voter registration status

KeungHui — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500

While it may not be likely, Clay Aiken could actually be prosecuted over voting in last month's school board election.

As noted in today's aricle by Josh Shaffer, the Wake County Board of Elections will hold a hearing on Wake GOP Chairman Claude Pope's challenge of Aiken's voter registration status. Although Pope's press release says they're not seeking punitive action against Aiken, that might not matter.

The Wake Board of Elections will first decide whether Aiken should still be registered to vote in the county. They'll ask Aiken questions such as where his pets spend the night and where he goes to sleep at night.

At issue is whether Aiken, who has a home in Chatham County, can legally vote in Wake. State Board of Elections records show he voted last month using his mother's North Raleigh address.

The still-to-be-scheduled hearing will likely turn into a zoo with all the media present.

The county Board can also choose to refer the matter to the state Board of Elections for an investigation. The state Board can then decide whether to refer it to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Wake Board of Elections Director Cherie Poucher said she had been bracing for a challenge since last week's story about Aiken's comments on the school board election.

Poucher said she was contacted by both Pope and Dallas Woodhouse, director of the state chapter of the conservative Americans for Prosperity, about how to challenge a person's voter status.

It was Pope who came in Friday afternoon to file the official complaint.

South Johnston tops Rocky Mount in 3-AA playoffs

dclaybest — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:06:29 -0500

South Johnston added to its school-record total for wins in a season Friday night, downing Rocky Mount 35-18 in the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A state football playoffs. The Trojans are now 12-1 on the season and will host a third round game next Friday night at Ronald Avery Stadium.

We'll have more on the Trojans' win and next opponent in Wednesday's edition of The Herald of Johnston County.

Princeton tops Hobbton for second time, advances in 1-A football playoffs

dclaybest — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:01:22 -0500

Princeton earned a 21-13 victory Friday night to move into the third round of the 1-A state high school football playoffs. The Bulldogs (10-3) scored 14 third-quarter points to take control of the game.

David Gurganus threw for 269 yards on the night, while Patrick Jacobs had 155 yards receiving.

We'll have more on the Bulldogs' win and their next opponent in Wednesday's edition of The Herald of Johnston County.

Ginyard "big-boyed,'' makes all-tourney team

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:57:13 -0500

NEW YORK -- A couple of quick notes after UNC's 87-71 loss to Syracuse in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic:

* With about 16 minutes left, UNC senior Marcus Ginyard drove to the basket, collided with forward Arinze Onuaku, fell to the floor, and was slow to get up. He returned to the game, and had an ice pack on his side afterwards.

“Two-sixty met 210,’’ Ginyard explained. “I just got big-boyed.”

* Ginyard made the all-tournament team, along with Syracuse’s Andy Rautins, Ohio State’s Evan Turner and California’s Jerome Radle. Syracuse’s Wesley Johnson was named the tournament MVP.

Harnett Central tops Southeast Raleigh in overtime

dclaybest — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:53:25 -0500

Southeast Raleigh bowed out of the NCHSAA 4-A state football playoffs Friday night with a 27-21 overtime loss to Greater Neuse River 4-A Conference rival Harnett Central. We'll wrap up the Bulldogs' season in Wednesday's edition of the Garner-Clayton Record.

No Mrs. Goldman-Claus at the parade

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:17:26 -0500

As of this day can't get odder, new school board member Debra Goldman has been told she can't dress up as Mrs. Claus for tomorrow's Raleigh Christmas Parade.

John Odom, executive director of the the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, gave the bad news to Goldman today. He told her that it's against their policy for any person other than the official Santa to wear the red Santa suit at the parade.

Odom said it's confusing for children at the parade to see two people dressed in Santa suits. But Goldman questions how a child can't tell the difference between the bearded Santa and the wig-wearing Mrs. Claus.

Odom said the decision had nothing to do with Goldman being on the school board. He said they would have stopped her last year if they had known ahead of time she was coming as Mrs. Claus.

Odom was elected to the Raleigh City Council on Oct. 6, the same night that Goldman won her school board seat.

Goldman said she still plans to be at the parade, sans the red suit.

UPDATE

Click here for today's story. In case you don't already know, I added that Odom was recently elected to the Raleigh City Council.

Syracuse 87, UNC 71

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:28:19 -0500

NEW YORK -- After beating Ohio State on Thursday night, North Carolina coach Roy Williams said he believed his Tar Heels could be a very good basketball team -- he just wanted to come sooner than it was.

Judging by the sixth-ranked UNC's 87-71 loss to Syracuse in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic on Friday, it's going to take a while longer.

The sixth-ranked Tar Heels (4-1) tried to fight back 20-point second half deficit at Madison Square Garden, but lacked the firepower and poise to take it all the way.

It marked UNC's first loss of the season, and it will have to adjust fast: three of its next six opponents are ranked in the Associated Press top 25.

Carolina led 39-37 at halftime. But Syracuse opened the second half with a 22-1 run that gave it a 59-40 lead. UNC sophomore Tyler Zeller buried his team's first field goal of the half - on a short jumper - with 12:02 left before Syracuse' Kris Joseph gave his team it's biggest lead of the game, 62-42, on a 3-pointer.

UNC didn't fold. It countered with a 18-6 run - including six points by senior Marcus Ginyard, four from freshman Travis Wear, and a 3-pointer by David Wear -- to cut the Orange's advantage to a manageable 68-60 with about seven minutes left.

But Syracuse immediately came back with a 13-2 run of it's own. The chants of "Over-rated!" began with about three minutes left.

And it was hard to blame the crowd.

Ed Davis and Ginyard led the Tar Heels with 15 points apiece, but the Tar Heels shot 38.1 percent while allowing five Syracuse players to finish in double figures.

The match-up marked the first time UNC had played the Orange since Nov., 1987 - and the first time UNC coach Roy Williams had matched up with Syracuse coach (and friend) Jim Boeheim since the Orange beat Williams' Kansas team in the national title game in 2003.

Syracuse, unranked in the Associated Press poll but looking like it deserves to be, opened the game with an 11-2 run, but the Tar Heels used two 3-pointers from junior Will Graves and seven points from Davis to counter with a 13-1 run to take a 15-12 lead.

But Wes Johnson, a transfer from Iowa State and the Orange's leading scorer, scored 10 points in a row for his team to give it back a 22-20 lead.

The Tar Heels trailed, again, by as much as 31-22 when Scoop Jardine buried a jumper. But Carolina ended the half with a 17-6 run - culminating with an alley-oop layup from Larry Drew II to Davis.

Wake GOP challenging Clay Aiken's voter registration status

KeungHui — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:07:20 -0500

For those who wondered why we wrote about Clay Aiken's riff on the school board elections, you'll love this news.

The Wake County Republican Party sent a press release this evening saying that GOP Chairman Claude Pope plans is challenging Aiken's right to remain registered to vote in the county.

Aiken has a home in Chatham County but is registered to vote at his mother's home in North Raleigh. Voter registration records show he voted in last month's school board elections.

Here's the GOP press release:

Wake GOP Chairman Files Election Law Challenge against Clay Aiken

Claude E. Pope, Jr, Chairman of the Wake County Republican Party, today filed a Notice of Challenge with the Wake County Board of Elections, challenging the right of Clayton H. Aiken to remain registered to vote in Wake County.

“It has come to light that Mr. Aiken may have voted improperly in Wake County in 2009,” Pope said. “All citizens and all political parties have an interest in rooting out instances of voter fraud, and for that reason I have filed this challenge in order to prevent Mr. Aiken from any future attempts to vote in a place where he is not legally a resident.”

Aiken’s voting status came to public attention after he issued statements on his blog in which he called newly-elected members of the Wake School Board “selfish idiots,” but Pope said his action was not based on those comments. “This is America, and Clay Aiken and all other citizens have a First Amendment right to free speech. However unfair and repugnant it may be, he has a right to call any elected official names if he so wishes,” Pope said.

“Most North Carolinians, regardless of political affiliation, were proud of Aiken when he displayed his talent on ‘American Idol.’ I for one thought he represented our state very well, and I know I speak for many, many members of our party in saying so.

The action I am taking today is not a criticism of his artistic ability, political views or intemperate language. It is simply an effort to make sure that in the future he votes where he actually lives, as all citizens are required to do.” Pope also stated that his Notice of Challenge does not request any punitive action against Aiken for having voted in Wake County in 2009. “We are only interested in correcting the rolls for the future,” he said.

Aiken, the popular recording artist and “American Idol” runner-up, remains on the voting rolls at his mother’s address, 8608 Langtree Lane, which is located in Precinct 08-05 in Raleigh. Records show he voted in that precinct in person in the municipal election of October 6, 2009. But Aiken lives in a $2.3 million home in Chatham County, which he purchased through a trust in 2006, and not with his mother, Faye Parker, who was quoted in the News & Observer as saying “her son doesn't live with her although she still gets some of his mail.”

According to a document entitled “Residency for Election Purposes,” a summary of the law issued in September of this year by the State Board of Elections, “If a person removes to another state or county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district within this State, with the intention of remaining there an indefinite time and making that state, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district that person's place of residence, that person shall be considered to have lost that person's place of residence in this State, county, municipality, precinct, ward, or other election district from which that person has removed…” --GS § 163-57 (5).

Heels to play in Puerto Rico next season

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:27:40 -0500

North Carolina will be packing its bags the week before Thanksgiving next season, too. The Tar Heels will be one of eight teams participating in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off; they will play Nov. 18, 19 and 21. They will be joined by Davidson, Hofstra, Minnesota, Nebraska,, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, and Western Kentucky. Tickets will go on sale next summer.

Pumpkin Pie Dessert Overload

lwh351 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500

I'll share a couple of recipes with you, one requires a bit more work as you make your own graham cracker crust. Up first the easy recipe with the pre-made graham cracker crust.

Kraft Turtle Pumpkin Pie
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel ice cream topping, divided
1 Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. chopped Pecans, divided
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 cup cold milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed, divided

Pour 1/4 cup caramel topping into crust; sprinkle with 1/2 cup nuts.

Combine dry pudding mixes, milk, pumpkin, spices with whisk until well blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping combine and spoon into crust.

Refrigerate 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel topping and nuts just before serving.

N.C. State 66, Akron 45

ldecock — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:32:36 -0500

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. -- Say what you want about N.C. State's prospects for the long haul, but the Wolfpack hasn't missed a beat yet.

In what may have been one of the best halves by an N.C. State team in recent memory, the Wolfpack hit 10 of its first 14 shots on its way to a 22-point halftime lead and 66-45 win over Akron, the defending MAC champions and an NCAA Tournament team last year.

Tracy Smith and Dennis Horner each had 16 points for the Wolfpack and Javi Gonzalez added 11 despite spending a good chunk of the second half on the bench in foul trouble.

Where does that first half rank?

“It’s up there, definitely” said Horner, a senior. “Our defensive presence shut them down. Before the game, coach Lowe wanted us to hold them to 37 percent shooting from the field and we actually held them to 32 (percent). That was the key for us.”

Meanwhile, State was hitting everything in sight -- 17-for-25 for the half while holding Akron to 9-for-28.

The second half? Not so much. State was 5-for-9 from the field, turned the ball over 18 times and gave Akron a couple chances to get back into the game. But a few key plays -- a 3-pointer from freshman Scott Wood, four straight made free throws after a technical foul on Akron -- ensured N.C. State ran its record to 2-0.

“I was pleased with our composure when they made the run, and we made some key shots -- Scott Wood’s 3-pointer,” N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said. “I wasn’t happy with the 25 (total) turnovers, but I think 12 of those were on blocking fouls setting screens. We’ve got to get our feet set.”

Smith had 11 rebounds, giving him his second double-double of the season -- as many as he had in his first two years at N.C. State.

The Wolfpack faces Austin Peay tomorrow night in the second of three games in three days at the Glenn Wilkes Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla.

NC woman walks away from million dollar question

brookecain — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:04:36 -0500

The Concord woman who had a shot at one million dollars on today's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" by correctly answering one question, walked away from the question even though she knew the answer.

Jehan Shamsid-Deen was asked the following: "A rare example of the word that rhymes with 'orange,' the Blorenge is a what? A: River in Ireland, B: Forest in Scotland, C: Mountain in Wales, D: Desert in Australia."

Do you know the answer?

Jehan, who describes herself "proud to be a nerd," immediately eliminated Australia and was leaning toward C: Mountain in Wales. But she wasn't sure. So in the end she walked away with $250,000, making Sam Murray the $1 million winner.

And the whole time she was right. The answer was C: Mountain in Wales.

Two Triangle radio stations embrace all-holiday format

AlanMWolf — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:34:25 -0500

Love it or loathe it, Triangle radio listeners are getting twice as much Christmas music this year.

Two local stations this week switched to all-Christmas format, WRAL-FM 101.5 and WRDU-FM 106.1. Last year, WRAL was the only one.

As always, the quest for higher ratings drives the decision, especially with advertisers slashing spending. This is WRAL's third annual switch and last year ratings rose 38 percent among its target demographic, women aged 25 to 54, said program director Barry Fox.

"We lose a few listeners, but we gain many more," Fox said. "We were receiving a lot of calls and e-mails [this year], asking when we were going to start. Then when we made the switch, we got some complaints."

But this year in particular, with the tough economy, fans of Bing Crosby, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and others want music that brings back fond memories, Fox said. "It puts them in a happy mindset," he added.

Fox admits that with another station in town playing all-holiday music, there are only so many fans to go around. But WRAL's adult-contemporary format the rest of the year makes the transition easy on its listeners. The station is owned by Raleigh-based Capitol Broadcasting.

WRDU had been a country station until its recent switch, but plans to convert to a conservative talk station on Jan. 1 featuring Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and others. Officials with WRDU and its parent corporation Clear Channel didn't return calls seeking comment.

Oprah's teary goodbye

adriennj — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:43 -0500

Here's an excerpt from today's Oprah show, where she explains why she made her decision to walk away from her network show in 18 months:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

Credit Suisse sells RTP land

davidranii — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:11 -0500

Investment banking giant Credit Suisse has sold back about half its land in Research Triangle Park after concluding that it has ample room for future expansion in its current facility.

"We can probably add another 450 people in the building," said Jim Captain, site executive for the Switzerland-based company. Credit Suisse currently has 950 full-time workers -- a combination of employees and contractors -- in its 211,000 square foot building in RTP.

The company has sold back about 35 acres of undeveloped land plus designated "natural space" to the Research Triangle Foundation, which runs RTP. The selling price of roughly $3.2 million is the same price, on a per-acre basis, that Credit Suisse originally paid.

Credit Suisse, which was lured to the state in 2004 with $14.4 million in state and local incentives, acquired the property in 2006 after announcing a major expansion. Captain said at that point the company didn't really know how much space it would ultimately need.

Credit Suisse's original purchase agreement included an option to sell back land to the foundation, but that option was nearing its expiration date, said Captain.

"With the expiration coming, the decision had to be made to build another building or sell it back," he said. "We decided to sell it back because we can accommodate any foreseeable growth."

Liz Rooks, executive vice president at the foundation, said that although it would have been great if Credit Suisse needed the entire property, "we don't want land sitting idle."

"It gives us a prime site to market," she added. The foundation has nearly 600 acres left to sell in the 7,000-acre development.

Pitkanen to return; Rodney to Albany

chipalexander — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:06:22 -0500

Defenseman Joni Pitkanen will return for Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, coach Paul Maurice said today.

Pitkanen has been out with a lower-body injury. Defenseman Bryan Rodney has been reassigned to the Albany River Rats (AHL), Maurice said.

The Canes had a limited practice today, with just five skaters and goaltenders Manny Legace and Justin Peters.

Viztek sees more jobs

davidranii — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:23:55 -0500

Medical technology company Viztek, which moved its headquarters from Florida to Garner in August, expects to hire about 20 employees next year.

The continued expansion locally is the result of rising sales and the decision to phase out the company's operations In Jacksonville, Fla., said Joe Cermin, the 10-year-old company's founder and president. Today the company has 52 employees in Garner, including 35 who were transferred from Jacksonville.

In addition to serving as its headquarters, the company's 80,000-square-foot facility on U.S. 70 also houses an assembly operation. Viztek produces software for displaying and storing images for a variety of medical devices, including X-ray, CAT scans and MRI machines. The company, a subsidiary of Massachusetts-based 20/20 Healthcare Partners, also produces X-ray machines.

Cermin said the Triangle has proven to be a much better fit for the company than Jacksonville because the region is more technology-oriented. Consequently, the company has found an abundant supply of software developers, technical support staffers and other skilled personnel.

In addition, Cermin said, "we are reaping the benefits of other companies letting people go."

Viztek sales totaled $30 million last year, up from $18 million in 2006, said Cermin. Revenue this year is expect to reach at least $32 million.

"We're hoping for $36 million," he said.

Viztek is benefitting from a growing market, according to Cermin. But, he added, the company's growth is outpacing the market thanks to its "tenacity" in the marketplace and its customer service.

Speed traps: A good thing? Discuss.

BruceSiceloff — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:59:22 -0500

Triangle drivers noticed on Wednesday that I-40 in Wake and Durham counties was teeming with cops. State troopers, county deputies and local police pointed their speed guns at a lot of drivers, and they wrote a ream of tickets.

This uncharacteristic spurt of enforcement marked the start of a two-week statewide anti-speeding campaign. It involves two agencies and two slogans: Operation Slow Down (Highway Patrol) and No Need 2 Speed (Governor's Highway Safety Program).

They handed out 169 speeding tickets in just two hours. One guy clocked at 90mph was cited for reckless driving and child endangerment, for having an unrestrained child in the front seat.

It's about time, some people say. We need to crack down on speeders.

What do you say? Have you been ticketed for speeding? Is law enforcement too lax on speeders? Too harsh?

In the past, police rarely ticketed speeders unless they exceeded the posted limit by at least 10mph. Is that still true?

Let me hear from you: bruce.siceloff@newsobserver.com. Don't forget your daytime contact info.

Reminder: New Chocolate Seed flavor unveiled tonight

amweigl — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500

The Nahualli Trading Co. will be unveiling its new flavor tonight at Blue Lotus yoga.

The new flavor will first be available at a yoga class at Blue Lotus yoga studio at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Yoga instructor Yvonne Chapman is leading a yoga flow class.

The class will include Chocolate Seeds flights for the tasting.

At least you won't feel bad about eating chocolate after doing yoga.

Pre-register online for the yoga class.

Chocolate Seeds can be purhcased at Epona & Oak, NOFO @ the Pig, Chatham Hill Winery and A Southern Season.

LabCorp could receive incentives to bring jobs to Greensboro

AlanMWolf — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:41:25 -0500

Medical-testing testing company LabCorp wants to consolidate its billing operations and could receive nearly $900,000 in taxpayer incentives if it chooses a site in Greensboro.

The Burlington-based company is reportedly considering moving its billing operations from 24 sites to one location in Greensboro or in Danville, Va. The move would bring 373 jobs to Greensboro.

On Thursday, Guilford County commissioners approved giving the company $248,791. Greensboro also is offering $373,000. And the state would contribute a $275,000 grant, Dan Lynch, president of the Greensboro Economic Development Alliance told the Greensboro News-Record.

The jobs would pay about $27,000 a year. LabCorp employs about 28,000 workers worldwide, including more than 1,000 in the Triangle.

It is one of the country's largest medical-testing firms, conducting more than 1 million blood, DNA and other tests a day. The company reported last month that third-quarter revenue rose to $1.19 billion, up 4.4 percent from the same period last year.

LabCorp hopes to open the center by the middle of 2010, vice president Brad Morton told Guilford commissioners.

The company's stock, which is up about 25 percent in the past year, rose 29 cents to $73.66 on Friday.

The Office recap: Limos are for closers

LJPerez — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:20:37 -0500

There's a great line by Michael Scott at the end of Thursday night's episode, as he, Oscar, Andy and Dwight are sprinting out of the Dunder-Mifflin shareholders' meeting to steal a limo from a company executive.

Anyone who has suffered through this recession working for — or getting laid off by — a company top-heavy with senior management and short on survival strategies had to cheer Michael's explanation for claiming a fat cat's ride back to Scranton.

"Limos are for people who make the company money, not lose millions and have no plan," Michael says.

I can think of at least a few real-world parallels to cite here from the newspaper industry, but I think I'll pull an Oscar and keep my mouth shut. I don't want to tempt the boss to move my cubicle into a coat closet with no Internet service.

As inconsistent as this show has become, when The Office still works, Michael Scott can careen from buffoon to truth-teller and back in one episode. He's still a boob who rehearses his wave and twirl after the company invites him, as the sole branch manager turning a profit, to New York City for the shareholders' meeting.

It never occurs to Michael, who brings along his Scranton posse of Andy, Dwight and Oscar to New York in the limo the cash-strapped company sent for him, that he shouldn't whisper questions into his live microphone about Dunder-Mifflin going bankrupt. And sure, his desperate need to win over the angry shareholders leads him to promise them a 45-day plan to fix the company and go carbon-neutral.

"Day 45, company saved. Day 44, go! What do we got?" Michael asks the company executives during break in the meeting.

But when Dunder-Mifflin's CEO belittles Michael and demands "Where's the off button on this moron?" Michael morphs into Michael Moore. (Or at least into a better-dressed version armed with the pride that comes with winning 17 'Dundee' awards.)

"You're the moron," Michael fires back.

The room is full of overpaid, overfed company executives who have never known the glory of the Scranton branch's annual employee awards, doled out in the back room of a Chili's, and they don't want to hear Michael's pep talk. Dunder-Mufflin's CEO, unaccustomed to being called a moron, tells CFO David Wallace that Michael's backtalk has earned him a bus ride back to Scranton, forget the limo.

But he wasn't counting on Michael snaking a limo from outside the hotel, and as the Scranton crew pulls away, a stock ticker flashing outside shows that Dunder Mifflin's stock — DMI, or "Dummies, Morons and Idiots, because that's what you'd have to be to own it," according to Oscar — is down almost another 7 points.

Back in Scranton, Jim is flexing his co-manager muscles in an attempt to prove to his colleagues that he is too the boss. Apparently he strikes so little fear in them that Phyllis doesn't think twice about taking a two-hour lunch with her husband Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration and then admitting to Jim that she's a little tipsy.

When he discovers that Ryan has been undermining his authority by telling everyone that Jim doesn't have as much power as Michael, Jim moves Ryan into the coat closet for some solitary confinement. With that subtle move, everyone else in the office snaps back to work.

Now that's management.

Project Runway: She's in... but did she cheat?

sadialatifi — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:12:28 -0500

Collections from Irina, Carol Hannah and Althea

Last night's finale saw major sniffles, a minor meltdown from Tim, a made-up runway show and maybe some cheating? (It was also brought to you by the letter 'M', apparently.)
Carol Hannah relapses, and the first part of the episode is spent watching her retch and cry. I feel bad but let's move along, you know? Tim's meltdown is built-up but he's really just mad because everybody's behind the day of the runway show.
I won't recap the entire episode, but here's what you need to know about Bryant Park:
In actuality, Lifetime and Bravo were still battling over the rights to Project Runway when the show in Bryant Park took place. That means the designers never actually got to introduce their collections or walk down with their models (they couldn't spoil the top three because the show was nowhere close to being aired by then.) All of those segments were taped before the real runway show, which explains the shoddy editing work. I would've preferred to see the "real thing" and hear about some of the production drama. From what I have read, Heidi was also very upset for the designers themselves because they couldn't stand by their work and get recognized.
Irina's all-black collection is an homage to New York, remember? She had to re-do her t-shirts because of the Coney Island images on her shirts weren't hers last week. So what does Irina do? She creates a t-shirt that plagiarizes New York magazine's "Reasons to Love New York" issue. It is dumbfounding to me, as a former New York magazine intern and New Yorker. It is NOT that hard to come up with your reasons to love New York. Not hard at all.
But her work is polished, even though the idea of the "warrior woman" battling New York isn't novel, Michael says. Heidi would like to own several of the pieces in the collection, and Nina wishes there was some more color.
Carol Hannah's collection (inspired by Duke) has great color, draping and tailoring but the pieces don't really tell a narrative. The judges say that the collection isn't cohesive, even though the individual looks are beautiful. I have to agree - I love Carol Hannah's dresses but I don't really see how they all fit together - except in their use of draping, which wasn't enough to tie them all together.
Althea's combination has a lot of pieces, which is impressive, but I didn't really buy her "futuristic" concept. Neither did the judges. If she was going for the future, she should've pushed the envelope a bit more and done some different styling on her models. Leather does not equal future. The clothes were attractive, though, and Michael was impressed that she designed sportswear. Her last three looks were a bit off and belonged to a different show. Althea's downfall is that she tries to "hit too many notes," as Heidi said, at once.
In the end, Althea has the best "connection to the streets" and Carol Hannah has impeccable tailoring - but neither of their collections told a tale on the runway.
Irina, unsurprisingly, takes the top title. Her helmets were a good way to unify an all-black collection and her t-shirts lightened the ominous pieces. The show actually taped such a long time ago that it's doubtful anything will come out of her using someone else's words.
And that closes out a mediocre finale. While I appreciate runways of wearable looks, it was sort of sad to not see a more ambitious designer this season who could dabble in high fashion like Christian Siriano.
Season 7 - back in New York - starts in January; woo-hoo!

N.C. unemployment rises to 11 percent

suestock — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:08:37 -0500

North Carolina's unemployment rate rose in October to 11 percent, erasing any progress made in recent months and returning the state to the same unemployment rate it had in June.

The figures, released this morning by the N.C. Employment Security Commission, showed that the number of unemployed workers in the state rose by 4,537 in October.

The state's unemployment rate has been above 10 percent since February.

"We've had ups and downs concerning the number of people employed and unemployed, but we haven't experienced any significant changes," said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr.

Since this time last year, the number of unemployed workers in the state has increased by more than 174,000.

Deadline today for healthy holiday dessert recipe contest

amweigl — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

Earth Fare is seeking the best healthy recipe for a holiday pie or cake.

The deadline is today. Here are the contest details.

The two best recipes will earn the authors a $150 or a $100 Earth Fare gift card.

Screening tonight for TV show filmed in Apex

brookecain — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 -0500

The feature film version of a children's television show filmed in Apex will be screened tonight as part of the town's Peak City Film Festival.

The "Rusty Bucket Kids Club" is an educational program about a group of kids who form an adventure club to explore their town, then find a magical portal which transports them back in time to meet famous figures from American history.

The beloved former WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy makes an appearance on the program, as does WRAL's Mark Roberts. The show stars local young actors Roxanna and John Coleman Demers.

Production on the show wrapped earlier this month and producers hope the series will begin airing locally in February. So far there's no indication as to which local station might broadcast it, but considering the involvement of Gaddy and Roberts, you have to think Capital Broadcasting Company wants a shot.

For tickets to tonight's premiere, visit the Rusty Buckets Kids Club ticket site.