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06/01/2006 7:10 PM ET
Worrell shows promise
Right-hander has the right mentality for closer's role
By Conor Nicholl / MLB.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- One of Mark Worrell's favorite closers is the Padres' longtime stopper Trevor Hoffman. For years, Hoffman, the owner of more than 400 career saves, has benefited from a varied arsenal that includes a nasty changeup.
"I like his offspeed pitches and I like the way that he gets guys out," Worrell said.
Worrell, the Springfield Cardinals' closer, mixes a deceiving high-70s changeup with a slider/slurve and a two-seam fastball that rides in the low 90s. He has yet to throw a Major League pitch, but he has enjoyed Hoffman-like success at the Double-A level, leading the Texas League with 13 saves.
Worrell has become nearly automatic, prompting the loudspeaker at Hammons Field to play "Closing Time" when Worrell comes in to close a game.
Unlike Hoffman, who loves hearing AC/DC's "Hell's Bells" when he runs in from the bullpen, Worrell wishes the loudspeaker wouldn't play Semisonic's 1997 hit.
"I don't even like that song," he said Saturday afternoon outside the Cardinals' indoor exercise facility. "I didn't even pick it. I am really superstitious and I really don't want to pick one yet."
And that isn't the only difference between him and San Diego's stopper. Worrell has one of the game's most unorthodox motions. After a series of knee bobs and movements, Worrell seemingly launches himself towards the plate.
"I have always thrown pretty much like that," he said. "I've never had any arm problems with it so I don't plan on changing it."
The 6-foot-1 right-hander stands straight up on the mound and comes set in the stretch position on the rubber's extreme third-base side. While most pitchers will keep their feet spread apart when they come set, Worrell brings his left foot directly next to his right.
"When I bring them back more, I can get all of my weight behind [the ball]," he said. "I want to be throwing with everything I have. I don't want to be throwing with 80 percent of my weight."
Worrell starts his hands behind his head, looking out towards center field. Then, while bobbing his knees, he slowly lowers his hands to his right shoulder. He stops for a split-second before bobbing his knees one more time and lowering his hands slightly to about chest level, a deceptive motion for any hitter.
"It's definitely tough to face as a right-handed hitter," Frisco RoughRiders second baseman Adam Morrisey said. "It looks as if the ball is coming right out of his ear and it's really tough to pick up his release point."
To complicate matters even further, Worrell's step toward the plate isn't commonplace. Most hurlers step straight towards home.
Worrell, though, steps way out toward the first-base line before uncorking the pitch, a step he said feels natural. Many of his pitches -- especially the slider/slurve thrown anywhere from 80-85-mph -- are also delivered from the sidearm slot.
"It's not the typical delivery that you teach, but the guy can pitch," said Mark Riggins, the Cardinals Minor League pitching coordinator.
Similar to Hoffman, Worrell baffles hitters, holding the Texas League to a miniscule .180 average. He's struck out 31 hitters against just 12 walks in 24 2/3 innings and 23 appearances.
"There is a lot of difference between the speed of his fastball and the speed of his slider," Morrissey said. "The slider is like floater because he has a good fastball and it is very hard to stay back on and pick up his release point."
Overall, the right-hander is 1-3 with a 4.38 ERA, but take out a recent outing where he allowed five runs in 1/3 inning against Arkansas, and his ERA drops well below 3.00.
Worrell molded his stuff through years as a starter in high school and in college at Florida International University.
After picking him in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, the Cardinals instantly transformed him into a closer -- and didn't mess with his motion.
"Scouts had told us about his delivery, but we just said hands-off and let him go," Riggins said.
From Day One, Worrell (no relation to former Cardinals closer Todd Worrell) has enjoyed success in the red and white. He saved 12 games at rookie-level Johnson City and Class A Peoria in 2004, before constructing a remarkable 2005 campaign at Class A Palm Beach.
Worrell compiled a 2.25 ERA and saved a franchise-record 35 games, helping Palm Beach win the league title.
He entered 2006 with high expectations. Baseball America called him the Cards' 21st best prospect and third best reliever behind Nick Webber and Juan Mateo -- who has since been returned to the Cubs.
And Worrell hasn't disappointed. He's converted all but three of his save chances. And, like all great closers, he's shown the ability to have short-term memory and bounce back from a poor outing.
"I start taking it day by day and looking at the whole big picture," he said. "That's something I need to do in any job, especially sports."
On May 15, he lost a game against Wichita, allowing three runs and walking four. Worrell bounced back and saved a game two days later. Then, on May 19, against Arkansas, he had another small implosion, as the Travelers touched him for those five runs.
Since then, he's been outstanding, saving three straight games and throwing two shutout innings in Springfield's 9-6 extra innings Sunday afternoon. That stretch includes a five-out, four-K performance versus Frisco on Friday night, one of his best outings of the season.
"He's got very good mental toughness," Cardinals manager Chris Maloney said.
Outings like Friday's -- and maintaining consistency -- form the backbone for a bright future. Baseball America calls Worrell "a lock to end up as a reliever in a Major League bullpen."
And that suits Worrell just fine.
"I like being the go-to guy in the bullpen," he said. "I've had success in that role."
Just like Hoffman.
Voltaire's letters to Catherine the Great sold for 750,000 dollars Wed May 31, 1:11 PM ET
PARIS (AFP) - Twenty-six letters by the French writer and philosopher Voltaire to the Russian empress Catherine the Great were sold at an auction Tuesday for three quarters of a million dollars.
Sotheby's auction house in Paris, said the letters were sold to a private European collector for 583,000 euros (750,000 dollars), more than double they price they were expected to command.
The letters, sold as a single lot, represent more than a quarter of the letters Voltaire wrote to the Russian monarch. The rest are in held in Russian state libraries and the French national library.
Man who 'sold' gasoline for $10 charged Thu Jun 1, 11:48 AM ET
BALTIMORE - A man who police say pretended to be a station attendant and "sold" gasoline to drivers for $10 a tank was stealing the expensive commodity and pocketing the purchase money.
Joseph K. Boulware, 41, of address unknown, was arrested May 19 at a gas station in West Baltimore where, police said, he dispensed 450 gallons of gas worth about $1,300. He was charged theft, assault and possession of crack cocaine. His bail status could not be determined late Tuesday.
Authorities said Boulware used a magnetic key and a code that effectively places a pump on standby mode, allowing him to dispense gasoline unnoticed.
Boulware had worked for gas testing companies, which is how police believe he obtained the key and code.
A spokeswoman for Austin, Texas-based Tanknology said Boulware worked there from February to May 2004, but would not discuss his employment further, The (Baltimore) Sun reported.
"He asks you, 'You want gas? I will fill you up for $10,'" said Mohammad Mehtabdin, manager of the Citgo station where Boulware was arrested. "Nobody will complain about that."
About 5:30 p.m. on May 19, a $71 charge for pump No. 8 showed up on the register inside the Citgo, catching sales associate Francis Okondu by surprise.
Okondu, Mehtabdin and three other employees confronted the man.
"I was working that night," said Mehtabdin. "He was going pump to pump. He was selling gas to the people. So our employees noticed. We asked him, 'What are you doing here?' He said, 'Nothing, nothing.'"
While trying to flee, the man punched a station worker in the face, the manager said.
"He tried to run away, but we surrounded him," Mehtabdin said. "He was yelling, 'I did nothing.'"
The man fled inside the station. When police arrived, they reported finding the black magnetic key hidden inside a Ritz cracker box on a shelf stocked.
Police recovered the key, and seized $335 in cash and two purple vials containing rocklike substances that Boulware "had in his possession," police said.
Police say they are investigating other gas-pilfering schemes at as many as eight other stations.
"He had a lot of customers," Okondu said.
Idaho woman breaks into dog pound Wed May 31, 9:43 PM ET
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - A northern Idaho woman spent Memorial Day in jail, booked for investigation of burglary and malicious injury to property after police say she forced her way into the local dog pound to free her incarcerated canine.
Coreen Rae Culbreth, 42, was arrested Monday after she was reportedly caught on a security video taking her black Labrador from the Coeur d'Alene Animal Shelter a day earlier, when the facility had been closed.
Culbreth claimed she found an open door, entered and left with her dog — rather than waiting to pay the $40 fine, police said. Police say employees of the shelter told them the door was pried open.
"She said it was a foolish thing to do," Police Officer Mark Knapp said, following Culbreth's arrest. "She knew she would have to pay a fine."
The dog had been taken to the shelter hours before Culbreth retrieved it Sunday, police said. The dog remained at Culbreth's home after she was arrested and taken to the Kootenai County Jail.
A 1st District Court judge in Coeur d'Alene released Culbreth Tuesday on her own recognizance. A hearing is set for mid-June.
Town rejects Pamplona-style buffalo run Thu Jun 1, 9:09 AM ET
Pamplona, Spain
CHICAGO (Reuters) - There will be no Pamplona-like running of the buffaloes in Deadwood, officials in the South Dakota town have decided.
The city where gunslingers once faced off and Wild Bill Hickok was gunned down rejected the idea after liability insurance issues came up, Mary Jo Nelson, Deadwood's finance officer, told Reuters on Wednesday.
She said local businessmen had supported the idea of turning American bison loose on the one street running through the gulch into which the Black Hills town is squeezed.
People would have been allowed to take their chances with the big, lumbering animals in the same way that men and bulls race through the streets of Pamplona, Spain.
Since 1910, 15 people have died in the event made famous by Ernest Hemingway's 1920s novel "The Sun also Rises." The majority were gored.
"They were mostly worried about liability insurance," Nelson said of the city commissioners who voted 4-1 against the proposal on Tuesday. She said Deadwood's own insurer had declined to provide coverage.
The run would have taken place in July and promoters wanted to continue it for at least the next 10 years if it was a hit. Deadwood was founded in 1876 during the Black Hills gold rush and still resembles a set for a cowboy movie.
Would-be robber asks bank how to do it Thu Jun 1, 9:03 AM ET
TOKYO (Reuters) - A would-be Japanese bank robber asked staff how he should carry out the crime before meekly obeying a request to leave and then accidentally stabbing himself in the leg with a knife he was carrying.
The 58-year-old unemployed man went into a branch of the Saitama Resona Bank in the town of Kumagaya, north of Tokyo, on Wednesday, intending to rob it, a police spokesman said.
According to local media reports the man first asked a bank teller, "Any idea how you rob a bank?" The teller alerted another member of staff, who asked the man to leave.
"He left quietly when asked to," the police spokesman said.
However, the staff member escorting the man out of the bank noticed the knife sticking out of his pocket and a bloodstain on his trousers.
Police arrested the man for illegal possession of a weapon.
"He didn't brandish the knife at anyone ... but he injured himself in the leg," the police spokesman said.
Busch fined $50,000 for throwing device at Mears
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Kyle Busch felt the sting of his angry toss in his wallet Wednesday, when NASCAR fined him $50,000 for throwing a safety device at Casey Mears' passing car.
Busch was also docked 25 driver points and placed on probation until the end of the year, and car owner Rick Hendrick was docked 25 championship points.
The monetary fine ties several others for second-highest in NASCAR history, behind only the $60,000 that Ray Evernham was fined in 1995.
It signifies that NASCAR is running out of a patience with the 21-year-old Busch, who overreacted when Mears accidentally wrecked him late in Sunday's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The two were running with the leaders when Mears bobbled, hit the wall, and bounced into Busch's car.
As a pair of NASCAR officials tried to help Busch take the mandatory ride to the care center, Busch tried to break free from them to get at Mears' car. He then feebly threw a safety device, which missed its target, before being pulled off the track surface.
In penalizing him, NASCAR said Busch ``disobeyed a directive from a NASCAR official, entered the racing surface without authorization and threw an object at another competitor's car during the event.''
Busch was contrite Wednesday.
``I lost my composure and disrespected NASCAR, especially its officials, and put my own team in a difficult position,'' he said. ``The bottom line is I made a mistake that's a poor reflection on everyone I care about and there isn't anything that justifies it.''
Busch is having a rocky second season in NASCAR, with a pair of run-ins with two-time champion Tony Stewart and a previous incident with Mears.
This latest one has convinced Mears that Busch needs to grow up.
``Kyle got caught up in a mess that really wasn't his fault,'' Mears said. ``I can understand that he would be upset, but he definitely way overreacted.''
Mears, who like Busch was contending for the victory, damaged his car and wound up 23rd. The two had an earlier altercation at Phoenix in April when Busch retaliated for previous contact by hitting Mears' car under a red flag.
``It's kind of the same thing over and over again with him overreacting -- at some point he has to learn how to carry himself a little better, grow up a little bit and not act react like that,'' Mears said.
Meanwhile, NASCAR also penalized Jeremy Mayfield's team for failing inspection after the race.
Mayfield's car was too low, resulting in a $35,000 fine for crew chief Ted Andrews and the loss of 25 driver points for Mayfield and 25 championship points for car owner Evernham.
Also, Don Richardson, a crew member on Busch's team, was fined $5,000 and placed on probation for the rest of the year for improper use of a NASCAR credential.
La Russa expects Edmonds to go on disabled list
By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Jim Edmonds missed his fifth straight start Wednesday with an abdominal injury and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa expects to be without the outfielder for a while.
A specialist diagnosed Edmonds' injury as a mild to moderate abdominal wall strain, and the team said he would be re-evaluated on Friday. Spokesman Brian Bartow said Edmonds was day to day and that the team would wait until Friday, after a day off on Thursday, to consider placing him on the 15-day disabled list.
Team doctors had struggled to pin down a diagnosis.
"I just don't know what to expect with Jimmy, but I know that he's sore, and if he's sore we're better off backing him away and getting him right," La Russa said. "It's not going to do him any good.
"So I'd be surprised if he's on the active list come Friday."
If Edmonds goes on the disabled list, La Russa said a combination of So Taguchi, Larry Bigbie and Juan Encarnacion, who made his first start of the season in center field on Wednesday, could fill in defensively.
Team physician Dr. George Paletta said without a specific diagnosis it was difficult to try to treat Edmonds, who was hitting .241 with five homers and 29 RBIs in 43 games. The team had suspected a sports hernia, and a few days ago swollen lymph nodes had been considered as a possible source of Edmonds' discomfort.
With a sports hernia, Paletta said treatment varies depending on the severity. He said it was possible to nurse a player through the season with a milder injury, although a more severe case would require surgery.
"One of the mysteries of this whole sports hernia issue is the anatomy of that area is extremely complex, and there are a variety of things that can be involved," Paletta said. "The repairs are not the same as a simple knee scope.
"So often times you can't lay out what the definitive recovery is until after surgery."
Paletta said if surgery was required, recovery could take anywhere from six weeks to six months.
The Cardinals were two players short in their 4-3, 11-inning victory over Houston on Wednesday because utilityman Scott Spiezio remained home for the second straight day due to illness that has swept through the team in the last week or so.
Edmonds was not in uniform.
"If he's unavailable, we can't keep playing short," La Russa said. "We're dodging some bullets, but that's not smart."
La Russa said he was "100 percent comfortable" with the outfield candidates presently on his roster. Last year the Cardinals made do after Reggie Sanders broke his leg, electing not to make a major move.
"I'm confident we can be competitive with the outfielders we have," La Russa said. "It's an opportunity for somebody to step forward.
"That's how we always take it and I think that's one reason we cope with it."
That is sad.
[18:01 US FED: FOMC Minutes Show Divided Committee] Boston, May 31. One of the options discussed at the May 10 FOMC meeting was a 50 bps rate hike. Another was no change. Alas, the decision to lift the funds rate by 25 bps to 5.00% was unanimous.
Core inflation pressures were deemed greater than expected in May and inflation expectations had risen somewhat in the intervening period. It was agreed that higher inflation expectations would drive policy.
Committee members were unsure what the next policy change, if any, would be after May. The minutes suggest, however, there are more on the committee concerned about the deleterious effects of inflation than overshooting on policy in the near term. More. Jeoff.Hall@thomson.com
[18:04 EUR/USD: Testing Lower as 50 bp Hike was in the Mix] Boston, May 31. EUR/USD tested session lows in the mid-1.2820s in the wake of the FOMC minutes which revealed the policy debate included talk of no change as well as talk of a
50 bp hike. Dealers have assumed for months that the Fed was near the end of its cycle but few expected them to even discus ending it with a bang. The lower USD could add to inflation pressures, the minutes say, suggesting higher rates may be need than otherwise would be he case. Both upside risks from inflation and downside risks to the economy were represented in the minutes. Sovereign bids are rumored on dips ahead of 1.2800 few see a move outside the 1.2750/1.2950 area before options struck at those prices expire tomorrow.
Jamie.Coleman@Thomson.com
[16:59 EUR/USD: Settling Down in Lower Range for Month-End] Boston, May 31. Much of the month-end position adjustment has been undertaken, leaving the USD marginally stronger on the day but still well within the 1.2750/1.2950 parameters of the double-no-touch options which expire tomorrow.
Lost in some of the month-end jockeying and the news that the US had opened the door to Iran to join talks (with conditions) was word that Italy announced a 1.6% of GDP cut in spending by the end of 2007. The debt to GDP ratio is expected to soar to 5% of GDP in the interim, well above EU targets. Outgoing ECB economist Issing was particularly harsh toward Italy and other "Club Med" countries in an exit interview in today"s Handelsblatt.
These days the markets focus is on the USD"s warts. One day, price action will turn against the EUR and Italy"s woes will again become a focal point. EUR/USD trades quietly at 1.2830. Sovereign bids are rumored on dips.
Jamie.Coleman@Thomson.com
05/29/2006 5:54 PM ET
Notes: Reyes in for hurting Carpenter
Rookie ready for Major League opportunity Tuesday
By Conor Nicholl / MLB.com
ST. LOUIS -- The Cardinals announced that rookie Anthony Reyes will replace Chris Carpenter as Tuesday's scheduled starter against the Astros.
Carpenter was sidelined before his May 24 start against the Giants with an inflamed bursa sac in an area below his right shoulder.
"Hopefully, he'll miss just this one start," manager Tony La Russa said.
The Cardinals could place their ace on the DL retroactive to his last start on May 19. Then, with an upcoming day off Thursday, he could still be available for his next outing.
Reyes, a rookie right-hander, threw eight shutout innings for Triple-A Memphis on May 25, so he would make Saturday's start on normal rest.
Overall, Reyes has constructed a 3.10 ERA and a 48-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in nine starts for Memphis.
This will be Reyes' second Major League start of the season. On May 20, Reyes replaced right-hander Sidney Ponson, tossing 5 2/3 shutout innings against the Royals and impressing his manager.
"It wasn't all about stuff," La Russa said. "He pitched. He moved it around and hit different zones and changed speeds."
Nice job by both starters today Cardinals Jason Marquis (7-4) went 7 innings for the win allowing 1 run on three hits. Astros Roy Oswalt allowed no runs on 7 hits and got a no decision. Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols hit a go ahead three run homer in the seventh to help the Cardinals to a 3-1 win. It was Pujols major league leading 25th home run and 64th RBI. He's on pace for 79 homers and 203 RBIs.
"I don't concentrate on those numbers, I concentrate on making my plays and concentrate on coming through and winning some games," Pujols said. "If you concentrate on RBIs, home runs, batting average, anything like that, you're going to lose the focus you have."
note: Craig Biggio became the 23rd player to reach 10,000 at bats when he grounded out to end the seventh. Biggio was also hit by a pitch extending his modern day record in that category to 277.
Yes it is. Here's a link that shows past rookie of the year winners and the runner ups. 2005 was a weak year for the rookies but there were some nice battles for rookie of the year between 2000 and 2004.
2000 Matt Kenseth and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2001 Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch
2002 Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson
2003 Jamie Mcmurray, Greg Biffle and Casey Mears
2004 Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Brian Vickers and Carl Edwards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Rookie_of_the_Year#History_of_Grand_National.2FWinston_Cup.2FNex...
University suspends exams for World Cup Mon May 29, 9:15 AM ET
DHAKA (Reuters) - A Bangladesh university has postponed exams until after the World Cup finals after hundreds of students lay siege to the vice-chancellor's office.
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology had earlier rejected students' calls to postpone exams scheduled for June 3-29.
"The classes will remain suspended until July 14," an official at the university in the capital said Monday.
Bangladesh failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, which will be hosted by Germany from June 9 to July 9.
J.J. Yeley also doing good taking over for Bobby Labonte. I agree I expected Hamlin to do well, nice surprise with Bowyer and Sorenson.
I think Martin Truex Jr. has to be disappointed in his year so far. Many picked him to be rookie of the year this year and he's 4th in rookie standings 23rd overall. Hamlin, Bowyer and Sorenson are all having good seasons.
Nextel Cup rookie points
12 Denny Hamlin 1362
15 Clint Bowyer 1287
20 Reed Sorenson 1187
23 Martin Truex Jr. 1157
24 J.J. Yeley 1156
37 David Stremme 834
42 Brent Sherman 372
13 runs were scored in the 5th inning of the Cardinals-Padres game today, 5 by St. Louis and 8 by San Diego. San Diego won the game 10-8. San Diego catcher Josh Bard went 3 for 5 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs and first baseman Mark Bellhorn went 2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI's.
Mark Bellhorns home run in the 4th was the longest hit in the three year history at San Diego's Petco Stadium. It went an estimated 438 feet into the bleachers in right center. The 32 hits (16 by each team) is also a record for total hits in a game at Petco.
Woman shoots fireworks at police helicopter Sat May 27, 6:55 AM ET
ORLANDO, Fla. - Annoyed with a sheriff's helicopter flying over her house late Thursday night, Marjorie Thompson ran outside with a bottle rocket launcher and started shooting rockets at the aircraft, authorities said.
Authorities said they caught Thompson, 44, in the act of launching the second bottle rocket.
Thompson is facing a felony charge of shooting or throwing a deadly missile into an aircraft.
The helicopter was in the area searching for a suspect in a car theft, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The helicopter's pilot said the craft's flight pattern was never in jeopardy.
Cardinals win this afternoons game against the Padres 4-3. Sidney Ponson (4-0) just off the DL went 5 innings alowing 4 runs on 6 hits for the win. 3B Scott Rolen went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and RF Juan Encarnacion went 1 for 3 with an RBI. The game ended when Padres runner Brian Giles was picked off first by Cardinal catcher Yadier Molina.
San Diego beat St. Louis 7-1 Friday night.
I agree. I like the sign below too.
Good for Rick Monday....great play! I had never seen that before. Thanks for the clip.
Ponson activated, Duncan sent down
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sidney Ponson came off the 15-day disabled list Saturday and started against the San Diego Padres.
To make room on the roster, outfielder Chris Duncan was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Duncan, the son of Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, was hitting .200 in four games, with one homer and three RBIs.
Ponson was placed on the DL on May 9 with a strained right elbow. He entered Saturday's game with a 3-0 record and 2.81 ERA.
May 27, 2006
President's Radio Address
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This Memorial Day weekend, Americans pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service to our Nation. America is free because generations of young Americans have been willing to sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could live in liberty.
This weekend, I am visiting some of the brave men and women who will soon take their own place in the defense of our freedom -- the 2006 graduating class at West Point. This was the first class to arrive at West Point after the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. Each of them came to West Point in a time of war, knowing all the risks and dangers that come with wearing our Nation's uniform. And the reality of that war has surrounded them since their first moments at the Academy. Thirty-four times since they arrived at West Point, they have observed a moment of silence to honor a former cadet fallen in the war on terror.
One of those former cadets was First Lieutenant Rob Seidel, a 2004 West Point graduate who gave his life in Iraq earlier this month. Rob grew up in Maryland, and as a child he and his family made frequent visits to the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg, and from his earliest days he dreamed of serving in the U.S. Army. He deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain division and was killed by a bomb in Baghdad. His father says this about Rob: "He loved his family, and believed in God, and he loved his country, and he was willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country."
We live in freedom because of young Americans like Lieutenant Rob Seidel. And in recent days in Iraq, we've seen what their sacrifices have made possible. A week ago, the new Prime Minister of Iraq announced the formation of a national unity government. British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently visited Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Maliki and Iraq's new leaders, and this week he came to the United States to give me his impressions. Prime Minister Blair told me that Iraq's new leaders are determined to rid their country of terrorism, unite Iraqis as one people, and deliver peace and prosperity for all their citizens.
The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East. It is a victory for millions of Iraqis who defied the terrorists and cast their ballots in three elections last year. It is a victory for the Iraqi Security Forces, who fought and bled for this moment, and now have a democracy worthy of their sacrifice. And it is a victory for the American, British, and other coalition forces who removed a murderous dictator who threatened the world. Because of their courage and sacrifices, Iraq has a free government that will be a strong and capable ally in the global war on terror.
The new government in Iraq is also a defeat for the terrorists, who fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power they could muster. Now, a day that they feared has arrived. The terrorists can kill the innocent, but they cannot stop the advance of freedom. We can expect the terrorists to continue bombing and killing, but something fundamental has changed: The terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government. They are at war with the people of Iraq. The Iraqi people and their new leaders are determined to defeat this enemy, and so is the United States of America.
This Memorial Day weekend, we remember First Lieutenant Seidel and the brave Americans of every generation who have given their lives for freedom, liberated the oppressed, and left the world a safer and better place. And the best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight, defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their lives.
Thank you for listening.
END
Coca-Cola 600
Kenseth (17)
Biffle (16)
Hamlin (11)
Man fails to pay for gas; Owner shoots 1 hour, 45 minutes ago
LIVINGSTON, La. - Deputies arrested a store owner accused of shooting out two tires on a customer's vehicle after the customer said he had no money to pay for gasoline, spokesman Jason Ard of the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office said Thursday.
The motorist had pumped $36.50 worth of gasoline, then discovered he didn't have the money to pay for it, Ard said. An argument with the store owner followed.
When the motorist tried to leave, the grocery store owner fired a shot that hit one of the customer's tires, then fired a second shot into another tire after the driver pulled back into the parking lot, deputies said.
Deputies booked Nardeep S. Bhullar, 25, the owner of Singhs Grocery, with aggravated assault, criminal damage to property and illegal discharge of a firearm.
Deputies also booked Chaz R. Watkins, 18, of Holden with theft of gasoline, Ard said.
Police say equipment caused gunfire sound
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer
21 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - Police now say the report of gunfire at a House office building, which caused the building to be locked down for most of the day, apparently was prompted by some construction equipment. They say workers in an elevator area of the parking garage were using equipment that may have sounded like shots being fired.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060526/ap_on_go_co/capitol_gunfire_26
Carlos must be the one sitting down. lol
They have two weeks so they could change their mind. This has to be bad news for NBC, both the Kentucky Derby winner (Barbaro) and Preakness winner (Bernardini) probably won't be running and there's no chance of a triple crown winner. I'm sure the TV ratings for the Belmont Stakes will be down this year.
Sweetnorthernsaint would probably be the favorite but he couldn't keep up with Bernardini. Brother Derek didn't look good in the Preakness. The Belmont might be an interesting race to watch this year.
Gates Of Fire (epic novel 1999) by Steven Pressfield is a very well written book about the battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. It tells the story of how 300 Spartans and their Thespian allies held off the Persian invaders for seven days.
Fans of history books should enjoy this one. Here's a review from Publishers Weekly.
Pressfield's first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, was about golf, but here he puts aside his putter and picks up sword and shield as he cleverly and convincingly portrays the clash between Greek hoplites and Persian heavy infantry in the most heroic confrontation of the Hellenic Age: the battle of Thermopylae ("the Hot Gates") in 480 B.C. The terrifying spectacle of classical infantry battle becomes vividly clear in his epic treatment of the Greeks' magnificent last stand against the invading Persians. Driven to understand the courage and sacrifice of his Greek foes, the Persian king, Xerxes, compels Xeones, a captured Greek slave, to explain why the Greeks would give their lives to fight against overwhelming odds. Xeones' tale covers his years of training and adventure as the loyal and devoted servant of Dienekes, a noble Spartan soldier, and he describes the six-day ordeal during which a few hundred Greeks held off thousands of Persian spears and arrows, until a Greek traitor led the Persians to an alternate route. Rich with historical detail, hot action and crafty storytelling, Pressfield's riveting story reveals the social and political framework of Spartan life--ending with the hysteria and brutality of the spear-thrusting, shield-bashing clamor that defined a Spartan's relationship with his family, community, country and fellow warriors.
Hot lava runs down from Merapi volcano as seen from Kalikuning village in Sleman. Thousands of villagers have fled one of Indonesia's most dangerous volcanoes as its crater spewed blazing lava and spat out toxic heat clouds -- but many also ignored orders to evacuate.(AFP/File/Tarko Sudiarno)
Murder defendant tries to strangle lawyer in court Thu May 25, 8:16 AM ET
BOSTON (Reuters) - A man charged with murder in Massachusetts was so angry with his lawyer's performance he attacked the attorney in court, trying to strangle him as a shocked judge looked on, Boston radio reported on Wednesday.
"I think he just didn't like the way some of the rulings the judge was making was going yesterday morning," attorney Bruce Carroll told WBZ Radio of the Tuesday morning attack by defendant John Gomes in Boston's Suffolk Superior Court.
"He eventually stood up, started saying something and reached over and grabbed me by the throat," said Carroll.
Several officers intervened before the 6-foot (1.8-meter), 250-pound (113-kg) Gomes was separated from Carroll, the radio reported. Carroll had tried to withdraw from the case last week but the judge denied his request.
Armless man stopped for speeding 11 minutes ago
WELLINGTON, New Zealand - An armless man stopped for speeding was driving with one foot on the steering wheel and another on the pedals, a policeman testified in court.
Colin Smith, who was born without arms and has never held a driver's license, appeared in court Thursday charged with driving in a manner likely to be dangerous to the public.
The police officer who stopped Smith said the driver's seat was reclined and the armless man appeared to be using one foot to steer the car and the other to work the accelerator and brake. Smith, 31, entered no plea but said he would defend himself against the charges.
He told the court he had been driving for years, using his feet to steer, and had never had an accident.
Man allegedly robs bank, reads magazine 9 minutes ago
ROUND ROCK, Texas - Police in an Austin suburb arrested a man on Thursday who allegedly walked into a bank, demanded money from a teller and then sat down and read a magazine.
Paul Wendell Gunn, 61, surrendered to police about an hour after he went to the bank and demanded an undisclosed amount of money, said Round Rock police spokesman Eric Poteet.
After the teller gave Gunn the money, he sat down on a couch inside the bank and started reading while everyone else evacuated, Poteet said in Thursday's online edition of the Austin American-Statesman.
Authorities closed off the area around the bank, which is only a half-block from the police station, until Gunn surrendered, Austin television station KVUE reported.
Gunn never used a weapon, and no one was injured, police said.
Poteet did not immediately return a telephone call from The Associated Press.
Tomorrow's Economic Releases: Output Figures Take Center Stage
Written by Richard Lee, Currency Analyst
1. US Gross Domestic Product
2. Tokyo Consumer Price Index
3. UK Gross Domestic Product
US Gross Domestic Product (1QP)(12:30GMT, 8:30EST)
Consensus: 5.8%
Previous: 4.8%
Outlook: Consensus for tomorrow’s GDP release is indicating that the economy of theUnited States during the first quarter actually grew at a faster pace than originally estimated in last month’s release. With economists placing annualized first quarter growth at 5.8 percent, the US economy looked to have begun the second quarter with more momentum than had been thought which may now place added pressure on the Fed to continue to tighten monetary policy. The higher estimate is led by strong spending in construction as well as higher than predicted inventory accumulation especially during the month of March. Although the recovery of the US economy is looking strongly positive for the first half of 2006, economists are warning that it may not be a smooth ride as factors are in place for a second half slowdown. Consumer budgets are beginning to be stretched again and there is the possibility of a slowing in residential construction as the rising of Fed rates cools the housing market. Business spending and investment do look to remain strong though the rest of this year however.
Previous: In April’s release for the first quarter of 2006, the GDP of the United States showed a surge in annualized growth of 4.8 percent - the fastest rate of growth in 2 years. This favorable release, falling only 0.01 short of expectations, signaled a return to the strong growth of the US economy as compared to the previous fourth quarter release of only 1.7 percent growth fueled by weak consumer and capital spending. Reversing this period of slow growth in the first quarter of the year, consumer spending especially on durable goods recovered, led by strong comeback in automobile sales, along with the highest level of business investment in 6 years.
Tokyo Consumer Price Index (MoM)(May)(23:30GMT, 19:30EST)
Consensus: 0.3%
Previous: 0.3%
Outlook: Tokyo CPI, the leading indicator for gauging inflation in the Japanese economy, looks to have grown at 0.3 percent from May 2005, the same rate as the previous month. As oil prices continued to rise, inflation has been given an extra boost in the country but it seems that the core prices have continued to grow as well. The Bank of Japan, confident of the continued healthy price growth, is expected to begin raising rates away from zero percent as soon as September. Subsequently, it is predicted that there could be two to three hikes before the end of 2006, however the current weakening of the equities market in Japan is putting some question on how far the Bank will decide to go.
Previous: The Tokyo CPI release in April showed a climb from the 0.2 percent release in February and March to a 0.3 percent rise from April of 2005 continuing the slow climb away from the deflationary pressure seen in the country for so long. The continued ascent calmed some worries that the country could return to deflation and further emboldened the Bank of Japan in its plans to tighten monetary policy and possibly raise interest rates away from the long standing zero percent. The April release was the fourth consecutive year-to-year rise and was higher than expectations that anticipated the index to keep the same growth of 0.2 percent as the previous months. As rising petroleum prices do continue to boost inflationary pressure in Tokyo, the Bank of Japan does not want to act to soon with a rise in rates in order to avoid destabilizing the economy however the growth in inflationary pressures do appear to be strong and continuing.
UK Gross Domestic Product (QoQ)(1QP) (8:30GMT, 4:30EST)
Consensus: 2.2%
Previous: 1.8%
Outlook: As the British economy seems to be gaining momentum, first quarter growth rate predictions have been revised up to 0.6 percent giving and annual rate of 2.2 percent from 2005 over the 1.8 percent growth rate seen last year. The economy enjoyed a strong start to 2006 with surprisingly high growth in the manufacturing sector, which benefited greatly from higher oil and gas output. The sector has grown 0.5 percent over the last three months after a drop of 1.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005. This puts manufacturing near the same growth as the service sector, which has traditionally been the driving force behind the growth of the British economy and has actually seen slower growth during this first quarter than during the end of 2005. The current trend of growth falls into the expected and comfortable range of the Bank of England indicating that, although lower interest rates may be coming later in the year, the Bank has no reason to move in either direction in the very near future. The rise above the 2 percent level of growth has calmed many jitters and seems to indicate that the worst is over, but there are still significant worries that the economy will not sustain this recovery, as, despite the rise in certain sectors, spending has seemed to wane slightly.
Previous: In 2005 the British economy grew below 2 percent for four quarters in a row, hitting 1.8 percent annual growth in GDP in the final quarter. Growth in manufacturing was disastrously low throughout 2005 pulling down the strength of the economy as consumers remained reluctant to spend in the economy. Although the driving force of the economy, the service sector, did continue to grow, it was only at a surprisingly slow pace being pulled down significantly by the distribution, hotels and catering sub-sector which failed to grow at all during the final months of the year.
Hoffa cupcakes
Cashier Laura Hosbach, 19, prepares an order for a customer at The Milford Baking Co., Wednesday, May 24, 2006, in Milford, Mich. The store is selling cupcakes featuring plastic hands posed in a rising-from-the-grave manner as a macabre reflection of the ongoing local investigation seeking the remains of Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa. (AP Photo/Gary Malerba)
Gas station's shocking sign of times Wed May 24, 9:24 AM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gas really does cost an arm and a leg in places these days.
This weekend, a Manhattan Beach, California, gas station said the price of regular gasoline was -- an arm.
The price of mid-grade -- a leg.
The price of premium -- your first born.
Steve Grossi's lease on his Shell station was expiring on Monday so when he ran out of gasoline to sell on Sunday, he put up the tongue-in-cheek sign.
"It started as a joke," said Grossi, 51, who operated the station for 11 years before Shell decided to sell the property. "It's a neighborhood station and it was a joke for the neighborhood."
Before he ran out of gas, Grossi was selling regular at $3.499 per gallon, then up to $3.699 for premium.
When he was out of gas, Grossi, who had been an independent Shell station owner for 28 years, was out of a job.