Showing posts with label Tarik El-Bashir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tarik El-Bashir. Show all posts

September 4, 2010

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
August 15 - 21, 2010


Last Update - September 4, 2010 at 9:17 PM EDT

The 'Reading And Viewing List' for August 15 through August 21, 2010 contains links to some interesting web items posted from that week. If you missed them, or want to revist them, I hope you can still enjoy them.

The topics covered below include movies, music, hockey (Washington Capitals) and racing (Formula One and WRC).

A couple 2010 WRC Rally Germany Preview posts and a 2010 F1 Belgian Grand Prix Preview post made it into this list.


August 21, 2010
Bruce Boudreau on potential NHL rule changes
By Katie Carrera at Capitals Insider

After spending two days in Toronto this week for the NHL's research and development camp, Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau said he has been mulling over the way several potential rule changes demonstrated could "really change some of the strategies for a coach."

Many of the changes on display at the camp were aimed at increasing offense, as the league has been wont to do since the lockout...

*Dan, Jr. / Junior's Eyes Note: Enough already! More goals
doesn't automatically mean more excitement.


Special Randy Rhoads Tribute On The Market
Posted by mdome at Classic Rock

...It’s actually a wine, the Rhoads special edition 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. A limited edition, it’s been produced and bottled by the D’Argenzio Winery, which is co-owned by Rhoads’ sister, Kathryn Rhoads D’Argenzio...


August 20, 2010

Capitals Farm Report: The Season Approaches
By EmilyB at Japers' Rink

...Forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitri Orlov, and the Team Russia U-20s have just completed a three-game sweep of a badly overmatched Team France. The French squad was visiting Russia as part of the celebration of the "Year of France in Russia," and their hosts welcomed them with a tour of the Kremlin and consecutive shellackings of 8-0, 7-4, and 7-1. They played the three games over four days in three different cities, with the final match contested on a "Canadian" dimensioned rink in a Moscow shopping mall...

'Thor' Actor Tom Hiddleston Says Loki's Helmet Fried His Brain
Posted by Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

Although we've seen a few images of "Thor" actor Tom Hiddleston in costume as Loki, Thor's villainous adopted brother, we've yet to see a good, high-res image of him in the character's iconic horned helmet — not officially, at least. (Anyone able to attend the Marvel Studios panel at Comic-Con got a good look at Loki as comics fans know him best, and others got a look at him in the "Thor" trailer that leaked online a little while ago.)

When MTV News had a chance to sit down with Hiddleston, we asked him about the familiar horned helmet Loki is known to sport...




Ovechkin and Kovalchuk training in Moscow
Posted by tj at Alex Ovetjkin

From KHL on Facebook, Aug. 19, 2010 "Kovy and Ovy training in Moscow"

*Dan, Jr. / Junior's Eyes Note: Contains high quality photos.

Belgium preview quotes - Virgin, Cosworth, Ferrari, Renault
& more

Originally posted at Formula1.com on August 20, 2010

After three weekends off, the Formula One teams return to competition next Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix. With its long straights, variable weather and demanding mix of corners, the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit is one of the calendar’s toughest prospects and a firm favourite with the drivers. Here they and their colleagues discuss their chances...

Sebastian Bach Rules Out Skid Row Reunion
Posted by mdome at Classic Rock

Sebastian Bach has dismissed any notion of a reunion with Skid Row.

Blabbermouth report that the frontman said: “Let me answer it as honestly as I can. You’re talking about… When Skid Row was last good… We broke up in ‘96, but I don’t even count that. I would say ‘91 was when we were last really a good band. I just don’t live in 1991 in 2010, and I’m talking about four other guys that I haven’t seen in 15 years...


August 19, 2010

Now Ovechkin knows who gave him a 'favor'
Posted by tj at Alex Ovetjkin

Excerpts from "The Ovechkin Project: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at Hockey’s Most Dangerous Player"...

Blondie To Release New Album
By mdome at Classic Rock

Blondie are about to release a new album – and Australia will get it first.

Called Panic Of Girls, it’ll be out down under, because the band are touring there at the end of the year. The rest of the world will get in 2011...

ADAC Rally Deutschland on wrc.com
Posted at WRC.com

The rally is based in Germany's oldest city, Trier, close to the border with Luxembourg and on three vastly different types of road.

Initially, the action is cantered on the bumpy, narrow roads in the Mosel vineyards, but the competition soon switches the faster and more flowing public roads of the Saarland region. The final part of the mix are the roads on the fearsome Baumholder military ranges, including the epic 48km Arena Panzerplatte test - used for tank training by US soldiers - which is the longest of the season...

Duval looking for full-time WRC return
Posted at WRC.com

One-time world rally winner Francois Duval has admitted he’s hoping his Stobart Ford World Rally Team drive on this week’s Rallye Deutschland could be the start of a full-time return to the sport.

Duval hasn’t competed since the 2008 season - and looked to have retired from rallying earlier this season - but the 29-year-old has been reinvigorated by the chance to drive at the highest level again...

Eric Clapton Announces New Solo Album
By mdome at Classic Rock

Eric Clapton releases his 19th solo album next month, and it’s simply called Clapton. His first album in five years, it comes out on September 28 through Reprise, and features guests Steve Winwood, Sheryl Crow and Derek Trucks among others. The full track listing is:...


August 18, 2010

Capitals Report - August 18, 2010
Originally streamed live at WashingtonCaps.com

Mike Vogel and Brett Leonhardt are joined by former Capitals beat writer Tarik El-Bashir.

Five Years of Matt Bradley
By Becca H at Japers' Rink


Today marks the five-year anniversary of the day a scrappy 27-year-old free agent named Matt Bradley signed on with a young, unproven team, eager to shed his Penguin feathers and start his new life in Washington.

Over the course of that half-decade, Bradley has become more than just a fourth-line winger. He's carved out a niche for himself as a pugnacious, hilarious, quotable, paper-faced, Enrique-loving, captain-saving machine whose legend as a cult hero among Caps fans grows on an almost daily basis...


Burt Impressive at Capitals Development Camp
By Chasta Piatakovas at Love the Game, Don't Like Puck Bunnies

It has been over a month since the 2010 Capitals Development Camp, but one unforgettable skater is invitee Cameron Burt.

The number of black players in the NHL is on the rise and making their presence known, including Burt. Burt definitely made his presence known...

Hirvonen keeps his fingers crossed for a dry Deutschland
Posted at WRC.com

Three weeks after his favourite round of the season bit back, Hirvonen faces an enormous challenge in Germany; an event which has been won by Citroen for the last eight times and by his arch rival Sebastien Loeb for the last seven.

This will be the Ford team-leader’s sixth start in Germany, third in 2007 being the 30-year-old Finn's best result. "I have a love, hate relationship with this rally!” admitted Hirvonen. “When it's dry the stages are really nice to drive but when the conditions are wet it makes the roads very tricky...

Learning is the priority in Germany, says Raikkonen
Posted at WRC.com

The Citroen Junior team driver impressed on the opening day of Rally Bulgaria and was fourth overall until stage four when he went too fast into a right-hand corner and rolled his Citroen C4 WRC. He re-started on Saturday and went on to finish 11th.

Having showed some of his sealed surface potential in a rally car, Kimi is determined to capitalise on the experience in Germany this weekend...


August 17, 2010

Dee Snider Gets Town Named After Him
By mdome at Classic Rock

...The Twisted Sister frontman is to be honoured by Cridersville, Ohio, which will become Snidersville on August 21. The reason? He’s bringing the March Of Dimes Bikers For Babies charity into the town. Snider is the national spokesman for the organisation, which aims to find the cause for premature birth...

Legendary Rolling Stones Concert Film From 1972 Tour
To Be Screened in Theaters In September

Posted by Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

Spinner.com is reporting that a legendary 1970s Rolling Stones concert film has been remastered and will be screened worldwide in September.

'Ladies and Gentlemen ... The Rolling Stones,' was filmed on the band's 1972 'Exile on Main Street' tour, and will appear at more than 800 cinemas this autumn...

Pirelli begin Formula One tyre testing
Posted at Formula1.com

Pirelli have started their first Formula One tyre development test, with former Mercedes GP reserve driver Nick Heidfeld at the wheel of a 2009 Toyota TF109. Heidfeld is to be Pirelli's official test driver as the Italian firm prepares to return to Formula One racing in 2011 as the sport’s sole supplier following an absence of 20 years...

Heidfeld becomes official Pirelli test driver
Posted at Formula1.com

Nick Heidfeld has been released from his contract as Mercedes GP reserve driver in order to become the official tester for Pirelli, who return to Formula One racing next year as the sport’s sole tyre supplier.

Heidfeld, who boasts over a decade of F1 experience, will join the Italian company for a series of tests to assist with their development work on the compounds to be used by teams in 2011...

The Secret Life of Robert Kubica
Posted at Formula1.com

He’s Polish; he’s driven for BMW Sauber and Renault; in five seasons on the Formula One grid he’s scored one win, 11 podiums, one pole position and 226 points; and many tip him to be a future world champion. These are just some of the things you probably do know about Robert Kubica. Now find out a few you don’t, with the help of the latest installment in our Secret Life series...


August 16, 2010

'Red' Opening Scene Is Straight From The Comic, Say Creators
By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

We have a few months to go before the premiere of "Red," director Robert Schwentke's live-action film based on Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner's comic book, but that doesn't mean the project is far from our minds these days.

When I had a chance to sit down with Ellis and Hamner during Comic-Con, I asked them about the adaptation process for their 2003 Wildstorm comic, which featured a small cast of characters in a fast-moving, violent narrative. With the live-action film expanding the core story, adding some humor, and casting an impressive ensemble of Hollywood's biggest names, I asked Ellis and Hamner how much of their original book is actually in the film...




'X-Men: First Class' Casting: Nightcrawler's Dad Confirmed,
Moira MacTaggart In Talks

Posted by Josh Wigler at MTV's Splash Page

When Matthew Vaughn's "X-Men: First Class" rolls into theaters next June, the filmmaker will have at least one familiar face by his side in the form of Jason Flemyng (pictured), the English actor who has appeared in every single one of Vaughn's productions.

At this past weekend's Movie-Con in England, Flemyng informed audiences that he'll have a role in "First Class" as Azazel, the demonic mutant father of Kurt "Nightcrawler" Wagner...

Interview with Eric Fehr and Nicklas Backstrom
Posted by tj at Alex Ovetjkin

By Jim Bender, Winnipeg Sun, Aug. 14, 2010:

Every week, a Sun staffer gets to know a local sports personality a little better and Jim Bender caught up to Winkler’s Eric Fehr, who recently re-signed with the NHL’s Washington Capitals and was in town to participate in the Believe in the Goal Foundation events...


Aftonbladet, "We must learn how to play playoff hockey":

KARLSKRONA. Nicklas Backstrom went through two real knocks this season. But the summer has been a hit. When Nicklas Backstrom came home to Gävle the newly-built 520 sq. m dream house was waiting for him in a ten-minute drive outside the town...


Rosberg follows Button’s triathlon example
Posted at Formula1.com

Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg is the latest Formula One driver to catch the triathlon bug. Following Jenson Button’s recent outing in the London event, Rosberg was in action in Kitzbuehel, Austria, over the weekend...


August 15, 2010

All Eyes on Semyon Varlamov
Interview by Slava Malamud at Sport Express
Posted by tuvanhillbilly at Japers' Rink

"Turning Point" is a stock phrase, and in this instance is not quite correct. What does 22 year old Washington goaltender Semyon Varlamov need to "turn" at this stage of his career? On the contrary, considering his medical history for the past two years, the best thing would be to immediately knock on wood and hope that the guy doesn't turn (or stretch or tear) anything else. So let's not be quite so harsh and simply state that Varlamov has reached a key moment in his career...

August 7, 2010

Junior's Reading And Viewing List:
July 25 - 31, 2010


Last Update - August 7, 2010 at 8:02 PM EDT

The 'Reading And Viewing List' for July 25 through July 31, 2010 contains links to some interesting web items posted from last week.

The topics covered below include super hero comics movies, music, hockey (Washington Capitals) and racing (Formula One and WRC).

For the automotive sports enthusiasts, I've put some 2010 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Preview post links and a few 2010 WRC Rally Finland Preview posts in the mix this time.


July 31, 2010

Q & A with readers of Sovetsky Sport
Posted by tj at Alex Ovetjkin

...At the end of Kharlamov Trophy ceremony Sovietsky Sport held a competition for fans. Of the 157 questions that readers asked Ovechkin on Sovsport.ru site, we selected the five most interesting in our opinion. And Alexander himself has determined the winner. [The winner received a prize - tj]...

Final practice - Webber leads the Red Bull charge
Posted at Formula1.com

Mark Webber dominated the final session of practice prior to Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying, finishing the hour 0.484s ahead of Red Bull team mate Sebastian Vettel whose final three efforts to unseat him came up short...


July 30, 2010

Friday analysis - how much do Red Bull have in hand?
Posted at Formula1.com

Red Bull’s Friday pace around the Hungaroring looked ominous, even without an F-duct on the RB6 and regardless of tyre compound. Ferrari could have an answer, while McLaren admit they are a long way off an adequate response (and could come under threat from Renault on Saturday). We take a team-by-team look at early progress in Budapest

FIA Friday press conference - Hungary
Posted at Formula1.com

Team principals: Eric Boullier (Renault), Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari), Christian Horner (Red Bull) and Colin Kolles (HRT).

Q: First of all, can we have a run-down of how things have gone today. Colin, would you like to start?
Colin Kolles: Well, we had some technical issues but we managed to go through the programmes. I think that Sakon (Yamamoto) did a good job. He drove almost the same lap time as Bruno (Senna)...

Ovechkin talks about vacation and the team
Sportbox.ru interview, etc. posted by tj at Alex Ovetjkin

The team Russia and Washington Capitals forward, who received an award of the best Russian player in the NHL, a Kharlamov Trophy, for the the fifth time, talked about his vacation and explained the advantages of long-term contracts...

Stan Lee On His Marvel Movie Cameos: 'I Wish They'd
Make Me A Villain!'

By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

Legendary comic creator Stan Lee is one of my favorite people to talk to in the industry, so it's probably no surprise that I asked him to come down to Splash Page HQ for a chat during Comic-Con.

Despite a schedule so busy it would make your head spin, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Hulk, the X-Men, and countless characters took some time to discuss his upcoming projects with me — as well as his cameos in nearly every movie based on one of his characters these days...




McPhee on trading for D.J. King and
re-signing Tomas Fleischmann

By Tarik El-Bashir at Capitals Insider

George McPhee said he didn't trade for rugged winger D.J. King on Wednesday because of a specific incident last season or a concern that his players needed a bodyguard. Rather, the Caps GM said he made the move because he believes the oft-injured King can develop into more than a designated fighter and that his toughness will add balance to one of hockey's most skilled lineups...

Changes coming on Caps beat
By Tarik El-Bashir at Capitals Insider

As you have probably heard by now, my run as Caps beat writer is coming to an end after five years.

I'm terrible with goodbyes, so I'll keep this brief. It's been an honor and privilege to cover the hockey team I grew up watching for the newspaper I grew up reading. But the time has come for me to seek out new challenges and, equally as important, spend more time at home after living out of a suitcase every fall, winter and spring since Oct. 2005...

Friday practice - selected team and driver quotes
Posted at Formula1.com

The morning session may have been dominated by the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, but by the afternoon the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa had joined the fray at the front. The leading teams and their rivals reflect on their early progress in Budapest...

Practice Two - Red Bulls split by Alonso
Posted at Formula1.com

To begin with it was Red Bull team mates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber who slogged it out for fastest time as the second free practice session got underway at the Hungaroring on Friday afternoon, but as the 90 minutes progressed Ferrari got into the act too, with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa posting fast times.

In the end Vettel aced everyone with 1m 20.087s, which was 0.497s faster than Alonso’s best of 1m 20.584s which just beat Webber’s 1m 20.597s...

Bruce Dickinson: High Ticket Prices Keep Fans Away
By mdome at Classic Rock

Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson has claimed high ticket prices are the reason many major gigs have been cancelled this year, especially in America...

I've done it 5 times
By tj at Alex Ovetjkin

Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has won the Kharlamov Trophy, the award presented to the best NHL Russian hockey player, for the fifth time. On this occasion he was handed a T-shirt with a sign "I've done it 5 times!" (Я сделал это 5 раз!)...

In sickness and health - a year on from Felipe Massa’s accident
Posted at Formula1.com

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton may have won last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, but the 2009 event was dominated by the accident which befell Ferrari’s Felipe Massa during qualifying. A year on, we look back at the events of the Budapest weekend, which would see Massa ruled out of the rest of the season, and evaluate the Brazilian’s extraordinary return to top-flight racing...

Practice One - Red Bull out in front in Hungary
Posted at Formula1.com

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber looked to be in a world of their own round the Hungaroring on Friday morning in the opening practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. They traded fastest times a second clear of their closest rivals, and ended the 90-minute session with Vettel fractionally ahead with 1m 20.976s to 1m 21.106s...

Pre-Hungary analysis - Massa ‘here to win’
By David Tremayne at Formula1.com

No sooner had he had visited with the marshals who helped to rescue him here last year, than Felipe Massa found himself embroiled in further argument over the events of Hockenheim last week, and defending himself against accusations that he is now the number-two driver at Ferrari...


July 29, 2010

A Blueprint
By The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator

When the Caps tore out the 2003-2004 team all the way to the studs and began the Great Rebuild in earnest, the ensuing plan had as its core the idea of building through the draft. That’s nice, as far as it goes, but it does not fully describe what unfolded over the next several years as the Caps dragged themselves up from being the functional equivalent of an expansion team to a championship contender...


Rubens Barrichello (Interviewed below) photo from GPUpdate.net .

Exclusive Rubens Barrichello Q&A: I thought Ferrari had changed
Posted at Formula1.com

Williams’ Rubens Barrichello confesses he found himself rubbing his eyes in disbelief at what he saw at Hockenheim. The man who spent so long partnering Michael Schumacher at Ferrari never thought the Italian team would dare to do it again after Austria 2002. The Brazilian admits it made him happy to be where he is now - not at the front of the grid perhaps, but approaching his 300th Grand Prix confident of plenty more to come. We spoke to him about Williams’ form, team orders, and his hopes for the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend...


FIA Thursday press conference - Hungary
Posted at Formula1.com

Drivers: Rubens Barrichello (Williams), Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus), Robert Kubica (Renault), Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Sakon Yamamoto (HRT)

Q: Robert, you regard this as your home race, don’t you?
Robert Kubica: Yeah, it is the closest race to Poland. Many fans are coming here. As there will not be a Polish Grand Prix I think Hungary we can call it my home race...

Hungary Preview - Alonso out to silence Ferrari critics
Posted at Formula1.com

Completely unmoved by the barrage of criticism that came his way after the manner in which he won the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim last weekend, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso is determined to repeat the feat this time out at the Hungaroring.

The Spaniard is convinced that the circuit will suit the Ferrari F10, and believes that he can kick start his world championship challenge with a third victory of the season...

Gronholm: bravery is everything in Finland
Posted at WRC.com

Marcus Gronholm has started his home round of the World Rally Championship 18 times and won it seven - making him the most successful driver on the event in the history of the series, but he admits it takes a specific mindset to win in Jyvaskyla.

With average speeds regularly topping 120kph down the gravel-strewn, tree-lined roads, it’s no wonder a win on Rally Finland means more than virtually any other rally. And it’s no wonder the event has been dominated by Scandinavians on all but four occasions...

Hungary preview quotes - Cosworth, Virgin, Ferrari,
Force India & more

Posted at Formula1.com

Hot on the heels of Hockenheim, the teams head straight to Budapest for this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the Formula One community takes a well-earned summer break. Drivers and senior team personnel discuss their prospects for the Hungaroring...


July 28, 2010

Edgar Wright Says His 'Ant-Man' Wouldn't Work
With 'The Avengers'

By Blair Marnell at MTV's Splash Page

..."I talked to [Marvel Studios President] Kevin Feige about that a while back where we just discussed about whether [Ant-Man] would be in 'The Avengers.'" Wright told Cinema Blend. "The thing is, the script that I’ve written, you know, whether it’s next or not I don’t know, the chronology of it or the way it works wouldn’t really fit in with what they do. And my film is very much an introduction to that character, and so it wasn’t something where it felt right to introduce him in that film."...

In Central Pa., the Calder Cup Is Three Miles High
By pucksandbooks at On Frozen Blog

Engineers and construction workers in hard hats, utility communicators and administrative staff, even cafeteria workers expressed a common line of inquiry near 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Operating Station in Harrisburg. Pa.: Is it here yet?...

Unrepentant Ferrari target Hungarian success
Posted at Formula1.com

They may be racing under the cloud of possible further sanctions from the FIA after their controversial one-two result in Germany, but Ferrari are determined to stay upbeat ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian race...


July 27, 2010

Neste Oil Rally Finland on wrc.com
Posted at WRC.com

The waiting is almost over. Three weeks after Rally Bulgaria, the eighth round of the 2010 world championship is almost upon us, with cars and drivers gearing up to take on one of the giants of the WRC - Neste Oil Rally Finland.

The rally kicks off on Thursday evening, with a single stage ahead of two 14-hour-plus days on Friday and Saturday. It’s a new format which will test endurance to the limit. And to test nerves and skill, Finland delivers some of the best and fastest gravel stages in the world. So fast, in fact, that Finland boasts five of the six fastest rallies in WRC history - with the 2005 event topping the lot at 122.86kph...

Further details about US F1 race announced
Posted at Formula1.com

Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions LP, revealed Red McCombs as the primary investor for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ racing project. McCombs, a business and sports legend, is committing financial resources, experience and the business relationships of McCombs Partners to complement Hellmund and his extensive motorsports’ background.

Hellmund and McCombs Partners have been working on potential site development as well as event and facility infrastructure. The end result will present one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and the first ever purpose-built Formula One facility in the United States...

Captain America Won't Don 'Final' Suit Until Third Act Of Movie, Reveals Chris Evans
Posted by Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

One of the biggest reveals to occur during this year's Comic-Con was the first look at Chris Evans in his "Captain America" costume shown during Marvel's movie panel Saturday evening.

Marvel's teaser only gave us a brief look at Evans in the familiar red, white, and blue suit, so when we got some time to chat with the "Captain America" lead, we had to ask: how much more will we see him in costume during the film? [WARNING: Potential SPOILERS!]




MINI comeback a strong vote of confidence in the WRC, says Long
Posted at WRC.com

The news that MINI will be returning to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2011 has been hailed by the championship promoter as evidence of the increasing appeal of the WRC to car manufacturers and teams.

Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport, said MINI’s decision to make a WRC comeback was an endorsement of recent technical and sporting regulations designed to increase value to manufacturers and the sport’s relevance to their production cars...

Schumacher seeking a fresh start in Hungary
Posted at Formula1.com

For a driver who has scored four German Grand Prix wins during his career, you could imagine a ninth-place finish would be a result to forget. However, Mercedes GP’s Michael Schumacher is determined to glean as much as he can from his poor Hockenheim outing ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian event...

MINI confirms WRC comeback
Posted at WRC.com

The iconic MINI name will return to the World Rally Championship stages next year after its parent BMW group announced a multi-year comeback for one of the most charismatic names in the sport’s history.

From 2011, MINI will compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship and will go on to contest the entire season from 2012 onwards. BMW says this involvement is planned ‘for several years’...

Q&A - Sebastien Ogier
Posted at WRC.com

This week’s Neste Oil Rally Finland marks the debut of Citroen’s latest weapon in the World Rally Championship battle: two Sebastiens.

After a mid season re-shuffle, French rising star Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia have been promoted to the main factory team, to work alongside the team’s number one driver - Sebastien Loeb...


July 26, 2010

Ted Leonsis Tackles Phone Booth Food Fears
By Mike Rucki (a.k.a. OrderedChaos) at On Frozen Blog

ESPN.com has released a report regarding health inspections conducted in 2009 at all 107 NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA stadiums. Food safety issues are common in restaurants, of course, and minor violations are often impossible to avoid completely.

But unfortunately (and, to me, surprisingly), the Verizon Center had the highest percentage of food vendors in violation among all 107 stadiums, tied with Tropicana Field...

Can Hirvonen do the Finland double?
Posted at WRC.com

Ford team leader Mikko Hirvonen will defend his Rally Finland title next week on a weekend which is guaranteed to give him at least one reason to celebrate.

Hirvonen, who comes from host town Jyvaskyla, fulfilled a lifetime ambition by winning last year in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car. This year the Finn celebrates his 30th birthday on the final day next Saturday and is hoping for a double celebration...

Sordo upbeat after Junior switch
Posted at WRC.com

Dani Sordo has given an upbeat assessment of Citroen’s decision to drop him to the Junior team for the forthcoming Rally Finland, saying the lack of pressure could help him achieve a better result.

Citroen has relegated Sordo from the factory squad in favour of Junior Team driver Sebastien Ogier for the three gravel rallies which remain this year, although Sordo will be back in the main team for the asphalt rounds...


July 25, 2010

A Mid-Summer State of the Bears
By Jess Mikula at On Frozen Blog

Barely a month ago, the town of Hershey was ensconced in celebration. Again. A fitting conclusion to the best season in AHL history — and arguably one of the greatest in all of hockey — the Bears hoisted the club’s 11th Calder Cup...

Heaven & Hell Pay Tribute To Ronnie James Dio
At High Voltage Festival

By Nightwatcher at Nightwatcher's House Of Rock

Heaven & Hell members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice performed a special tribute to their late bandmate, Ronnie James Dio last night(Saturday, July 24th) at the High Voltage festival at Victoria Park in London, UK...

'Captain America' And 'Thor' Footage, Avengers Assemble
At The Marvel Comic-Con Panel!

By Rick Marshall at MTV's Splash Page

There was no small amount of news and blazing-hot footage coming out of this year's Marvel movie panel at Comic-Con. So without any further introduction, here's what happened:...

*Dan, Jr. / Junior's Eyes Note: See the cast of 'The Avengers' introduced below:

Comic-Con 2010: The Avengers
Posted to YouTube by HallHCoverage



July 21, 2009

Bye Bye Johnny!

Brent Johnson makes a save on December 4, 2008.
Photo by Nick Wass / AP Photo.

As much as it hurts to say it, Brent Johnson is no longer a goaltender for the Washington Capitals. The free agent signed a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins today, for the 2009-2010 season. His new hockey home is Mellon Arena - the "Tit in Pitt".

Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh, PA - The "Tit in Pitt".

He played well enough to be the number one goalie in DC before getting injured this past season. Then he became the odd man out ... again. "Bye Bye Johnny", we're gonna miss you.


Status Quo - "Bye Bye Johnny" Live at the NEC

July 1, 2009

NHL Free Agency Coverage For Washington Capitals Fans

Brent Johnson makes poke check save on Chris Drury penalty shot.
November 8, 2008 photo from AP Photo.

Now that the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is behind us, the next big thing on the schedule for hockey fans is Free Agency. Just like with the Entry Draft, fans of the Washington Capitals will want to check out the reliable local sources of good coverage for the free agency madness.

What will Washington do, if anything? Will they sign a free agent or two? Will they make a good trade instead? Will GM George McPhee bring goaltender Brent Johnson back? To see if the Capitals sign an available player you want on the team, use the links below.


March 24, 2009

Annual Washington Capitals Winter Classic

2009 NHL Winter Classic.
Photo from
Army.mil .

There's an idea that's been rolling around in my relatively empty head for a while now. How about having an annual 'Washington Capitals Winter Classic'? I don't mean an NHL controlled event, but one overseen by the Capitals team organization itself.

I'm talking about doing something that includes a visual experience quite different from the fine outdoor spectacle the league has given us over the last couple hockey seasons. What I'm suggesting will be very different for the players as well. As a matter of fact, what I'm suggesting doesn't even involve any NHL players at all. Well, at least they wouldn't be playing in the game. Not current players anyway. So this would also not be similar to the annual outdoor practice at the Chevy Chase Country Club.

No, what I'd like to see involves some serious role reversal. The plan is to have Chairman and majority owner Ted Leonsis, joined by hockey operations and communications personnel, trading in the suits for hockey uniforms. That's right Mike Vogel (senior writer) and Brett Leonhardt (web site producer), this includes you too. Don't worry guys, skating ability won't matter that much. This is for fun, right? Your team roster would look something like the following.


"Washington Capitals Suits":

Ted Leonsis (C) - Center
Mike Vogel (A) - Left Wing
Sean "Spike" Parker - Right Wing
George "The Undertaker" McPhee (A) - Defense
Nate Ewell - Defense
Brett "Stretch" Leonhardt - Goaltender


Of course, there would have to be an opposing team to play against, which could be different from year to year. A similar group from the Hershey Bears organization would be the obvious choice, but there are others. Why not enlist the local sports news media?


"Washington Media Mob" or maybe "Washington PapaRusty":

Corey Masisak - Center
Lisa Hillary (A) - Left Wing
Craig "Locker" Laughlin (C) - Right Wing
"Smokin" Al Koken - Defense
Tarik El-Bashir (A) - Defense or Goaltender
Joe Beninati - Goaltender


Oh yeah, remember when I said "... skating ability won't matter that much." Turns out, it won't matter at all, because you won't be skating on ice. Instead, you'll be driving small cars on a surface of mostly snow like the guys at "Top Gear" (BBC TV car show) have done in honor of the Winter Olympics. They didn't use goaltenders, so I suppose that position would be optional.



049 Top Gear - Suzuki Swift Car Ice Hockey

Top Gear - Suzuki Swift Car Ice Hockey


For referees and announcers, you might call on youth league refs, the Caps' radio guys Steve Kolbe and Ken Sabourin or some of the more knowledgeable hockey bloggers. Hopefully, the whole thing could raise money for a deserving charitable cause such as AIDS, Alzheimer's, Autism or Cancer. Cars that are still road worthy could be donated after the event if they aren't kept for the next year. It would be great if this could really happen starting next winter. What do you think?

January 3, 2009

Crosby, The Asstounding All-Star


I can't believe I'm writing a post about the jerkwad known as Sidney Crosby, but here it is. Don't worry. It's not just about Crosby, and I'll keep it short. Basically, just pointing out the thoughts of a few fellow bloggers, in light of the results of this season's stupid NHL All-Star voting.

Sidney Crosby won first place, breaking the previous record number of votes. Well, good for him. However, Alex Ovechkin didn't even make the starting lineup. That's right. The league's best player will be watching from the bench when the game starts. What the fv[%? The whole process is a joke, with unlimited voting. Lets face it. The basically no real contact allowed policy of the modern day All-Star game makes it a pretty boring event these days anyway.

Over at Caps Blue Line, DMG posted a couple videos that made me think two nicknames for Crosby could easily be "Nut Job" and "Puss On Skates". Meanwhile, Dan Steinberg, of D.C. Sports Bog fumes over the All-Star voting mockery. Finally, check out Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Broudreau's comments on the matter, via Tarik El-Bashir's Capitals Insider.

December 20, 2008

Capitals Vs Flyers 12/20/2008 Review

Simon Gagne scores third period goal on Jose Theodore.
December 20, 2008 Photo by Tom Mihalek / Associated Press.

Capitals 1 - Flyers 7

Instead of reading my ramblings (which I can't bring myself to write at the moment anyway), head over to WashingtonCaps.com for the recap. As usual, the score above is the link. Also, check out Tarik El-Bashir's Capitals Insider blog post on the game at WashingtonPost.com.

In the meantime, all I can say is that ... Payback Is A Bitch! I know what song I'll be singing on January 6th, when these teams meet again in Washington. Take it away James!



James Brown - "Payback-Part 1" on The Midnight Special in 1974.

May 9, 2008

Say Goodbye To Olie Kolzig

It looks like goaltender Olie Kolzig will not be playing for the Washington Capitals anymore. After 19 years of mostly excellent service to the organization that drafted him, it appears he will be playing elsewhere if at all next season. The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir was first to break the news. Comcast SportsNet's Jill Sorenson has since interviewed Kolzig as well. You can watch the video on Washington Post Live tonight. Also, Mike Vogel's article on the end of the fantastic Kolzig era is a must read.

The news is a little hard to take for many of us, although we all probably knew it was coming. You can't carry three goalies forever, even if all three are good. Kolzig wasn't at his best for much of the season, but don't forget that his teammates weren't much help early on. Around the time of the trade deadline, when the Cap's picked up netminder Cristobal Huet, Olie's play really picked up. Huet played as well as he has ever played in his entire career, though some of his wins came with a good bit of help from his teammates, especially in the playoffs. I'm being serious when I say that Kolzig was just as good as Huet down the stretch. However, I agree that Kolzig's effectiveness is never going to be as consistent as it used to be. At 38 years of age, you've got to expect that.

It's heartbreaking to think about how Olie stuck around through the hard times, and when the Capitals finally raise the Stanley Cup sometime within the next couple seasons, he won't be around to share in what he has rightfully earned. There have been many other great hockey players who never won the cup, and there will be plenty more. When Huet faltered in the playoffs and Kolzig wasn't even given the chance to play in one game, it became very clear that his time in Washington was over. Sad that it had to end this way, but it's "Time To Say Goodbye".



Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman - "Time To Say Goodbye"




Skid Row - "I Remember You"


Thank You Olie!

January 10, 2008

Ovechkin Gets 13 Years

As posted on the Washington Capitals web site, Alexander Ovechkin has agreed to a 13 year contract extension. According to Tarik El-Bashir at washingtonpost.com, Alex will get $124 million over the 13 years of the new contract. Tarik says it will be $9 million for each of the first six years, then the remaining seven years at $10 million each.
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Tarik's article includes the following quote from Ovechkin, as he spoke to the fans at the Meet The Team event held at Verizon Centre tonight.
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"I want to say thanks to all my teammates, the whole organization, to Ted, George, the coaching staff, [Glen Hanlon].......I'm proud to be with the Washington Capitals for 13 years more...... Our goal is to bring a Stanley Cup here."
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Let out that big ol' sigh of relief Caps fans. Your prayers have been answered. The day is finally here!

Ovechkin Signed Extension With Capitals?

The Rumor Mills are really rolling today. Some have reported that Alex Ovechkin may have agreed to a long term deal with the Washington Capitals for big money. At least one site has almost hidden their earlier headline story. I'm referring to a TSN.ca post that now says according to a close source a deal is close, but not completed. They say that RDS.ca reported Ovechkin agreed to a 6 year deal totaling $54 million. I myself will believe it when I see it on WashingtonCaps.com.
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Update: Tarik El-Bashir at washingtonpost.com has reported that an agreement has been finalized, but the rumored terms were of course not accurate. Tarik, who spoke to Washington Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis, says he will have the details up soon.
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Update: An article stating that the deal is complete has now been posted to the Caps' web site. According to this article, the details will be announced around 8:30 PM tonight. The official announcement will be made at a press conference to be held near the press room on the Event Level at Verizon Center. This will be right after the Meet The Team Party, an event held tonight for season ticket holders.

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