March 25, 2013

2013 F1 Malaysian Grand Prix Review

Unhappy Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel after Malaysian Grand Prix on Mar. 24, 2013.
Photo © Andy Wong / AP Photo via The Guardian

The 2013 Formula One racing season continued on Sunday - March 24, 2013, with the running of the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix. The somewhat weird and erratic race, held at Sepang International Circuit, was the second stop on this year's schedule.

The race in Sepang started off wet, after a Spring shower, then followed by periods of very bright sunshine. The behavior and performances of some of the top drivers and their team bosses were as spotty as the driving surface.

Former Formula One champion Fernando Alonso (Spain), of Scuderia Ferrari, began at third position. His race start wasn't as normal for him as that starting position, though. His car's front wing got clipped hard straight away, and he stupidly tried to get in a lap before heading to the pit to get it replaced. This unusually daft move would cost him dearly, as the wing suddenly folded under the front wheels, taking him off the course and out of the race.

Later on, after heading into the pit area, Lewis Hamilton (England) pulled into the wrong crew space. Hamilton began driving for team Mercedes (as in car factory manufacturer Mercedes-Benz) this year, but mistakenly parked his car in the slot of his old (2007 - 2012) team, McLaren-Mercedes.

Elsewhere, team orders were (at least temporarily) ignored. Team orders are instructions to drivers from team bosses, which manipulate which driver of the particular team gets the lead. One of the drivers is told to either let his teammate pass, or to just stay behind him. Team orders are against the rules, but still happen quite often. Both Red Bull-Renault and team Mercedes, which includes the first four drivers across the finish line, were obviously (radio transmissions heard) guilty of this "strategy" during this race.

Finishing in podium positions, were: Sebastian Vettel (Germany), taking first place for Red Bull-Renault; Mark Webber (Australia), also driving for Red Bull-Renault, came in in second; Third place went to Lewis Hamilton (England), now of team Mercedes.

Links to Formula1.com recap, press conference and analysis posts, are below. Also included, are NBC Sports highlights and analysis videos.


Race - Vettel secures controversial victory in Malaysia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 24, 2013

Sebastian Vettel led team mate Mark Webber home to what should have been a celebratory Red Bull 1-2 in Sepang on Sunday, but the success was sullied by a post-race argument between the two drivers. All through the race the radio messages between Vettel and Red Bull’s team management told as much of the story as the on-track action...


FIA post-race press conference - Malaysia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 24, 2013

...Sebastian Vettel: ...Mark was always a little bit ahead - I was stuck in traffic. In the middle of the race I wasn’t quite sure about the strategy but towards the end it seems to work very well because we were able to save that extra set and it came off with a little bit more speed...


Malaysia analysis - what price Vettel's victory?
Posted at Formula1.com on March 25, 2013

Sebastian Vettel led home a commanding Red Bull 1-2 in Sunday’s 2013 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, but rarely have television viewers witnessed such tension between a driver, his team mate and team management en route to the podium. Vettel’s controversial pass on Mark Webber, despite having been told to hold station, netted him 25 points and the championship lead. As to its impact on relationships within the team - and on the German’s reputation - only time will tell...


March 19, 2013

Today's Tune: "Free Man" By Angel Witch

Angel Witch group photo from first album, 'Angel Witch' (1980).

Patrick McGoohan (March 19, 1928 - January 13, 2009) was born on this day, in 1928. In remembrance of the American (US)-born Irish actor, it's to him that this 'Today's Tune' is dedicated.

McGoohan's family moved back to Ireland shortly after his birth and later moved to England, where he would eventually get into the acting business. Early on, McGoohan worked in the theatre end of the industry. Later, he made his way to television and film.

Patrick McGoohan became famous and most well known for two similar television roles. In the early and mid 1960's, he played a spy named John Drake in the popular show called 'Danger Man'. Later on however, it is his 17 episode show titled The Prisoner that became a cult classic.

By the time McGoohan decided he wanted to quit 'Danger Man', he was offered the lead role in 'The Prisoner'. He played a secret agent, who was kidnapped and taken to a very mysterious and strange village while unconscious. He wakes up not knowing where he is, or who is really running the place. His character only knows they won't let him leave, and what they want from "Number 6" (as he is called) is "Information".


The show was filmed in the North Wales Italianate style seaside village of Portmeirion. Having been there back in 1992 myself, I assure you that it is real, and not just a temporary set. My visit occurred while I was on a trip with an American (US) based Doctor Who fan club. I believe "The Friends Of Doctor Who" were the largest club in the States, at the time.

McGoohan's charater was forever trying to outsmart his captors and make his escape from the village. He aimed to once again be a "Free Man". With that in mind, the song "Free Man" (1980), from Gothic-Metal British head-bangers Angel Witch, is my choice for this 'Today's Tune' post. It was originally released on the band's self-titled debut album, in March of 1980.


2013 F1 Australian Grand Prix Review

Kimi Räikkönen rounding turn in 2013 Australian Grand Prix win.
Photo © Paul Crock / Getty Images via Metro.co.UK

Formula One racing is back, as the 2013 Formula One season got started this past Sunday - March 17, 2013, with the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. The Albert Park area's Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, in Melbourne, Australia, was the venue for the season opener, which brought a few surprises to F1 racing experts.

Surprising to probably everyone, was the lack of safety-car involvement in an incident free grand prix. It just doesn't happen very much. If there aren't even any minor crashes, there's usually at least one mechanical failure somewhere on the track, often in a fairly precarious location.

The biggest surprise, at least for the supposed experts, was who came out on top in the end. They couldn't seem to believe who won the race, even though he had been a GP champion, not really all that long ago. Then again, maybe it was the former champ's team organization that was the real surprise. Their name hasn't been anywhere near the top of the class for several years, though they did start to get some attention last season, with this driver's return to Formula One.

The top three finishers on the day, were: 2007 season World Champion Kimi Räikkönen (Finland), driving a Lotus-Renault, won the race; Fernando Alonso (Spain), another former champion, brought his Scuderia Ferrari in second; Third best, was the top guy of the past couple years, Red Bull-Renault driver Sebastian Vettel (Germany).

Who would have thought that a guy who had 69 previous career podium finishes, and who had already won 19 races over the course of his career, could've managed it? Who would possibly imagine former champion Kimi Räikkönen could manage to win one lousy season opening race? Well, me for one. I mean, why not? It's just one freaking race, anyway. Taking time off from Formula One to try a little WRC rally driving, didn't ruin you. Go Lotus! Go Kimi Räikkönen!

Links to Formula1.com Australian Grand Prix recap, press conference and analysis posts, as well as NBC Sports highlights videos, follow below.


Race - Raikkonen and Lotus triumph in Australia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 17, 2013

Kimi Raikkonen put himself on top Down Under with an emphatic and unexpected victory for Lotus in the 2013 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on Sunday...


FIA post-race press conference - Australia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 17, 2013

...Raikkonen: It’s the first race, so you don’t really know how it’s going to go, how the tyres are going to be. I didn’t really do any long runs in the winter. I knew that I had a good car, so I had a feeling that it was going to be a good race but you have to get through the first laps and then go from there...


Australia analysis - expect the unexpected
Posted at Formula1.com on March 18, 2013

F1 fans look set for a thrilling 2013 season, if Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix was anything to go by. After dominating qualifying, reigning champions Red Bull found themselves playing catch-up to Lotus and Ferrari in a race which saw Kimi Raikkonen ease his way to victory. The podium featured three champions, but there were scintillating battles throughout the field, including among 2013’s five rookie drivers, all of who finished their first Grand Prix...


March 17, 2013

Today's Tune: "Are You Ready" By Thin Lizzy

Scott Gorham playing guitar solo on stage with Thin Lizzy.
Photo © Scott Uchida / Thin Lizzy

Happy Birthday to Scott Gorham! Born on March 17, 1951, Gorham is an American (US) guitarist and songwriter, and is best known for his time with the classic rock band Thin Lizzy. Therefore, our Today's Tune for today comes from that group's lengthy and great catalog.

Scott Gorham was not a founding member of Thin Lizzy, but he has spent as much time with them as most. He is also more connected with them, and was one of their biggest creative parts, during some of their most creative periods.

Other artists and bands with which Gorham participated with over the years include Pat Travers, Supertramp, Asia and Rollins Band. Coming up in a couple months, he will be associating with yet another band, sort of.

A new rock band named Black Star Riders, which is really the current Thin Lizzy members under a different name, are scheduled to release their debut album in May 2013. 'All Hell Breaks Loose' will contain material that had originally been considered for inclusion as new Thin Lizzy product.



For the Today's Tune, I've chosen a Thin Lizzy track titled "Are You Ready". Yes, it is a question. I don't know why bands and record companies have some sort of aversion to using a question mark (?), or other proper punctuation, but there it is. By the way, I'm not claiming to be perfect, myself. This is a good, rocking track, so please enjoy.


March 16, 2013

2013 WRC Rally México Review

Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia tearing up the hot road at 2013 Rally México March 2013.
Photo © Sophie Graillon via Sebastien-Ogier.com

Rally México was the third stop of the current 2013 World Rally Championship season schedule. The event, which took place from March 7 through March 10, 2013, was based near the industrial city of León, México. This was the first of what will be six straight rallies made-up of mostly gravel driving surfaces.

First up however, was the traditional 1.5-kilometre (almost 1 mile) Street Stage in the city of Guanajuato. Belgian driver Thierry Neuville and co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, of the Qatar World Rally Team, were temporarily the leaders after managing the quickest time on the short Thursday - March 7th evening jaunt.

The Leon Street Stage was included on Friday and Saturday, and there was the Super Special Stage at Leon’s racing course on the itinerary for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Still, gravel spewing action made up most of the 397 kilometre (approximately 246.5 mile) circuit, with a total of 23 stages.

Finishing in the top three spots, were: Sébastien Ogier (France) of team Volkswagen Motorsport won the rally; coming in second, was Mikko Hirvonen (Finland) for Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team; Thierry Neuville (Belgium) from the Qatar World Rally Team took the third spot.

Links to a WRC.com 2013 Rally México recap and post-rally podcast, as well as highlights videos, follow below.


The Big Top 3 Of WRC Mexico! [Podcast]
Posted at WRC.com on March 10, 2013

Check out what Sebastien Ogier, Mikko Hirvonen and Thierry Neuville had to say at the end of the event.


WRC wrap: Ogier reigns supreme
Posted at WRC.com on March 10, 2013

Sebastien Ogier claimed his second consecutive WRC victory today after dominating Rally Mexico in a Volkswagen Polo R...


March 14, 2013

March 2013 Concerts And Events In Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania And Washington, DC


The following is a current list of some of the real music concerts, funny stand-up comedy performances and other celebrity appearances scheduled to take place during March 2013, at venues in the Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC areas.


March 14, 2013

Ron White at Strand Theatre of Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
in York, PA - 7:00 PM EDT Tickets

Ron White at Strand Theatre of Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center
in York, PA - 10:00 PM EDT Tickets

The Average White Band at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD - Tickets

NSO with The Chieftains: Lucky You at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts in Washington, DC - Tickets


March 15, 2013

The Average White Band at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA - Tickets

NSO with The Chieftains: Lucky You at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts in Washington, DC - Tickets


March 16, 2013

Lewis Black at Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric in Baltimore, MD - Tickets

The Average White Band at The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, VA - Tickets

NSO with The Chieftains: Lucky You at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts in Washington, DC - Tickets


March 17, 2013

The Marshall Tucker Band at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD - Tickets


March 20, 2013

George Thorogood and The Destroyers at Strand Theatre of Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, PA - Tickets


March 21, 2013

Jefferson Starship perform entire Surrealistic Pillow album at The Howard Theatre
in Washington, DC - Tickets

Lewis Black at the Hershey Theatre in Hershey, PA - Tickets


March 22, 2013

Bobby Vinton at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA - Tickets


March 28, 2013

Faster Pussycat at the House Of Rock in Whitemarsh, MD - Tickets

NSO with Arabella Steinbacher: at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
in Washington, DC - Tickets


March 29, 2013

Kix, Convictus, Baby Jane and The Allstars at the Empire in Springfield, VA - Tickets

NSO with Arabella Steinbacher: at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
in Washington, DC - Tickets


March 30, 2013

NSO with Arabella Steinbacher: at John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
in Washington, DC - Tickets


*All details are subject to change!



March 8, 2013

Bruins Vs Capitals March 5, 2013
Game Review

Capitals' Eric Fehr celebrates OT goal with Nick Backstrom, in Washington, DC on Mar. 5, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo

Boston Bruins 3 Vs Washington Capitals 4 = Home Game OT Win

The Washington Capitals returned home from a short two game road trip, which they split, to face the Boston Bruins at home on Tuesday night - March 5, 2013. With a hard fought win at home, the Capitals earned their second straight victory.

The game really didn't start off so well for Washington, as the Bruins scored three straight unanswered goals in the first 18:30 of play. Brad Marchand (LW) - penalty shot, followed by team captain Zdeno Chara (D) and finally Dougie Hamilton (D) were the three that managed what would turn out to be wasted, and short lived success.

In the second period of this game, there were a few firsts, that were very much welcomed by Caps fans. Included in those firsts was a first NHL assist (also first point) for the new guy, Steve Olesky (D). Then, Tomas Kundratek scored his very first NHL goal for Washington.

Olesky's assist came in the first period, when he and winger Alex Ovechkin set up a goal by center Mike Ribeiro. It was also his very first NHL game. Meanwhile, winger Eric Fehr and center Nicklas Backstrom provided the helpers on Kundratek's goal.

Wojtek Wolski (LW), assisted by Fehr and Backstrom, tied up the game at almost three quarters of the way through the third period, sending it into overtime. Fortunately, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby didn't have to block a single shot on goal during OT, which ended in dramatic fashion.

Defenseman Tomas Kundratek gained control of the puck while in the Capitals' end, and passed it to Nicklas Backstrom (C), who carried it up through the neutral zone. Just before entering the Bruins' end, Backstrom passed the puck to winger Eric Fehr, who held off two defenders while driving to the net. Fehr's wrist shot sent the puck by Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask, for the game-winning goal, at only 37 seconds into overtime.

The hometown fans went crazy, and their appreciation was rather noisily expressed, as they haven't seen such a comeback for quite some time. The Capitals have got another winning streak going, and if they want to squeak into the playoff race, they'd better keep it going for a little while.


Caps Postgame Locker Room 03/05/13: Caps players Steve Oleksy, Tomas Kundratek, Matt Hendricks and Braden Holtby address the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Bruins.


Adam Oates Postgame 03/05/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Boston Bruins.

March 4, 2013

Capitals Vs Jets March 2, 2013 Game Review

The game got a little physical as the Capitals beat the Jets in Winnipeg, CA on March 2, 2013.
Photo © John Woods / AP Photo / Canadian Press.

Washington Capitals 3 Vs Winnipeg Jets 0 = Road Game Shutout Win

On Saturday - March 2, 2013, the Washington Capitals played the Winnipeg Jets in a mostly high paced and very physical game. Hoping to win, and gain two standings points, Washington ended up doing well against a team that had won five of their last six games.

The Capitals were without their often injured defenseman Mike Green for the fourth time this season. Green has only played all 82 games of a regular season one time, and has missed 100 of the last 183 games.

Gritty 6'0" 215 Lb left-wing forward Aaron Volpatti played in his first game for Washington. The Capitals had just picked him up off of waivers. He came in with four fights so far this season, and quickly added another one. Volpatti found himself in a tussle with Winnipeg tough-guy Anthony Peluso (RW) near the end of period one.

Matt Hendricks has been playing well for the Caps, though it had been several games since he got a goal. Hendricks usually takes on a grinding role on the third or fourth line, but was rewarded with a start at first-line left-wing position for this contest. He showed his thanks for that assignment by scoring the first goal of the game, with the assistance of center Mike Ribeiro and defenseman John Erskine, about eleven minutes through the second period.

During the zone time in which that goal came, Winnipeg right-wing Blake Wheeler went down after blocking a hard shot from Erskine. Many Jets fans loudly voiced their anger that play was allowed to continue. Officials did not stop the action, because Washington was in possession of the puck, and were able to safely play around Wheeler. Had he been more seriously hurt it would've been different, and Wheeler did return to the game shortly after the incident.

Early in the third period, Troy Brouwer put the puck in the net right off the face-off, for his ninth of the season. He did so with the help of second-line center, and draw winner, Nicklas Backstrom. Less than a minute later, flanked by wingers Alex Ovechkin and Eric Fehr, Mike Ribeiro batted in a rebound from an Ovechkin shot for the third Capitals goal.

Although he had made some rather sparkling saves for Winnipeg during the game, the losing goaltender was Ondrej Pavelec, with 17 saves out of 20 shots on goal. Maybe, he didn't get enough action overall to be completely into the game for 60 minutes? I don't think that was the case, myself.

Fortunately for Caps fans, netminder Braden Holtby was solid again, in his ninth straight start, with 35 saves. The 3 - o win is Holtby's third shutout of the -2012-2013- NHL season.

It was also great to see all the energy that Washington brought to the game. The forechecking and production of scoring chances got their offense going. We got strong defensive play, even from some of the players who sometimes don't put in the effort. Overall, the Capitals played as a team, and they need to continue to do so.


Caps Postgame Locker Room 03/02/13: Caps players John Erskine, Eric Fehr, Matt Hendricks, Mike Ribeiro address the media after a 3-0 win against the Winnipeg Jets.


Adam Oates Postgame 03/02/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-0 win against the Winnipeg Jets.

March 1, 2013

Capitals Vs Flyers February 27, 2013
Game Review

Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals were overstretched in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 27, 2013.
Photo © Tom Mihalek / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs Philadelphia Flyers 4 = Road Game Loss

Things did not go well for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night - February 27, 2013. While trying to build on their two game win streak, Washington's fortunes took a downward turn, and they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Twenty-three seconds into the game, Philadelphia right-winger Claude Giroux got first strike, when his wrist shot sent the puck by Capitals starting goaltender Braden Holtby. Holtby was looking sharp at this point in the game, but he wasn't getting the best efforts from some of his teammates, in front of him.

Washington's special teams didn't show up for this game. They failed to kill off two of their five penalties, with right wing Wayne Simmonds scoring on the man-advantage in the first period, and left wing Simon Gagné about four minutes into the second. The Capitals were also unable to find success on any of their five power-plays.

Braden Holtby had lost his effectiveness by the midpoint of the game, if not by the time Gagné scored the third Flyers goal. He would later be replaced by 21 year old AHL call-up goaltender Philipp Grubauer, right after Holtby let in a fourth goal. That one came from center Maxime Talbot, about five minutes before the end of period two.

Thankfully, Philadelphia got nothing through Grubauer in his just over twenty-five minutes between the pipes. He stopped fourteen shots, while playing solidly in his first NHL hockey game. However, Washington didn't mount much of a comeback.

The Capitals wrecked any chance of a shutout for Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, when they finally got one in on late in the third period. Centerman Joel Ward was the lone Caps goal scorer, on the night. Ward, whose line had more energy than any other Washington trio, was aided by defenseman Tom Poti and the always hard working forward Jay Beagle.

It sure would help the Capitals, if they could be a little more consistent. Perhaps, they were tired. They didn't seem to have very much edge or grit during this game. What happened to their checking? What happened to their power-play and penalty-killing? Washington has to bring these elements every game, to be consistent, and to win.


Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/27/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Philipp Grubauer, Joel Ward and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.


Adam Oates Postgame 02/27/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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