More than 100 people, including police officers from a dozen agencies serving Bryan County, gathered at Market Square on Thursday for an event marking National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

Durant police officers placed a memorial wreath in front of the stage, and officers from various agencies placed a rose for each of the 11 law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty in Bryan County since 1894.

Fifteen municipal, state, tribal and federal agencies enforce the law in Bryan County. Eleven individuals representing seven agencies have given their lives, most recently a Bryan County deputy in 1998.

Three Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers died in a gunfight with escaped convicts in Caddo and Kenefic in 1978; two Bryan County lawmen have died in the line of duty; two Bokchito city marshals also gave all; and Bennington, Caddo, the Oklahoma ABLE agency and the US Marshals each have lost an officer on Bryan County soil.

A representative of State Sen. Josh Brecheen and Legislator Dustin Roberts read a citation issued at the state capitol to honor fallen police officers. Durant City Manager James Dunegan, a former Dallas policeman, delivered passionate comments urging the public to support and respect lawmen.

“Folks need to support their law enforcement and build that respect,” he said. “When you lose that respect, you contribute to the downfall of your community and the nation. with these law enforcement officers here today, we have a safe community.”

Durant’s ministerial alliance provided a barbecue supper for police officers and their families on Thursday at the Durant Police Department to honor the occasion and express their appreciation for the services provided by police men and women.

Durant Daily Democrat – Ceremony honors Peace Office Memorial Day

Durant Daily Democrat – Ceremony honors Peace Office Memorial Day is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

Its European club football’s night of nights as Bayern Munich host Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4.45am AEST.

Not many expected to see Bayern and Chelsea contesting this year’s Champions League decider, especially with Real Madrid and FC Barcelona still alive at the semi-final stage.

But the two semi-finals were turned on their heads, as Bayern upset Madrid in a penalty shoot-out and Chelsea drew 2-all against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Chelsea’s draw against Barcelona was more remarkable given that they managed to score two goals despite being a man down for over 45 minutes.

Captain John Terry was sent off for kneeing Alexis Sanchez in the back, but it mattered little in the end as Chelsea still managed to secure a remarkable victory against the reigning Champions League winners.

Chelsea’s win against Barcelona however did come at a price, with four of their best players to sit out the final due to suspension.

Key players Raul Meireles, Ramires, Terry and Branislav Ivanovic were all booked against Barcelona and will not play against Bayern.

Bayern however are also missing key players to suspension, with Luis Gustavo, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba all unavailable for the final.

Prediction

Although both teams will be missing several key players for the final, Bayern still have the advantage given that they are at home.

Bayern have won all their home games in the Champions League this season, including a terrific 2-1 win against title fancies Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Against Madrid, Bayern dominated their La Liga counterparts due in part to the speed and creativity of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Toni Kroos.

Throw in prolific goal scorer Mario Gomez, who has scored 13 goals in the Champions League this season, and Bayern should rightfully fancy their chances of penetrating Chelsea’s defence.

The key problem for Chelsea tonight surrounds the fact that three of their best defensive players will not be taking their part in the final.

Terry, Ramires and Ivanovic were all outstanding against Barcelona as they effectively nullified the threat of superstar trio Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi.

Ramires in particular had quickly established himself as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders over the course of the tie, setting up Didier Drogba’s goal in the first leg before scoring himself at Camp Nou.

Ramires’ ability to win and distribute possession, particularly on the counter attack, will be sorely missed by Chelsea tonight.

However, Chelsea still possess firepower of their own, with Drogba and Torres very capable of punishing Bayern if the home side push up too much in attack.

Against Barcelona, Drogba and Torres both scored goals playing on the counter attack so expect Chelsea to defend deep yet again in the hope of frustrating Bayern into error.

As is the case in every Champions League final, expect this contest to remain close well into the second half.

But Bayern are at home and with Chelsea missing such acclaimed defenders, the hosts should have enough firepower to secure their fifth Champions League title.

Bayern to win 2 nil.

It all comes down this. Can Chelsea lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history or will it be another title for the European superpower from Bavaria? Find out as we cover the action with live scores and commentary from 4.45am AEST and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: UEFA Champions League final live scores, blog

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: UEFA Champions League final live scores, blog is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

(AP) WASHINGTON – An elephant named Shanthi at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo plays a harmonica with her trunk and appears to love doing it.

Video released Wednesday by the zoo in Washington shows the 36-year-old Asian elephant has a harmonica attached to her stall and plays tunes even when no humans are within view.

See video of Shanthi playing harmonica below

Elephant keeper Debbie Flinkman said Shanthi is “musically inclined,” playing her own songs that always have a big crescendo at the end. Shanthi also likes to tap things, flap her ears against objects to make noise and rub her leg up and down shrubs to repeat noises.

“It is very good enrichment, especially for this specific elephant” because she is so interested, Flinkman said. other elephants may notice the harmonica but are less interested.

Shanthi will play for several minutes at a time, exhaling to play a pattern, then inhaling for a different sound and moving to another end of the harmonica for a different note. Each time, she ends with a big exhale for a loud sound. After new Year’s Day, she also played a plastic party horn that Flinkman brought to her for hours, blowing it as loud as she could. “It sounded like she was strangling a goose,” Flinkman said.

Handheld harmonicas have been used with the elephants for years, but the zoo only recently added an activity wall where they could permanently mount two harmonicas for Shanthi to use on her own. Flinkman said she doesn’t reward Shanthi when she plays on her own. It’s something she enjoys.

Sometimes Shanthi will lower her ear to be closer to the sound.

“I try really hard to stay out of her line of sight because I don’t want her to cue off of me,” Flinkman said of Shanthi’s music. “It just really amuses us. and I absolutely love it that it amuses her.”

Shanthi was a gift from Sri Lanka in 1976 and is the mother of the zoo’s 10-year-old calf Kandula.

Elephant plays harmonica at National Zoo

Elephant plays harmonica at National Zoo is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

The motion picture of Rock of Ages is due for release this year starring A-List Hollywood names like Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta Jones and Russell Brand. there is already a buzz surrounding the film, but it began life as a Broadway musical, which transferred to the West end in 2011. despite a less than positive response from theatre critics it has proven very popular with audiences, something which in large part is due to its stellar cast.

The principal cast are a phenomenal bunch, that goes without saying, but In Profile is all about recognising those talented individuals in the ensemble so this week the focus is on ROA ensemble member Twinnie Lee Moore.

Twenty-five year old York-born Moore began performing from an early age, taking part in pantomimes at the Grand Opera House in York and joining the theatre’s Summer Youth Project, where she was involved in productions such as Oliver! (Bet), Annie (Lily) and the Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). she went on to train professionally for three years at Phil Winston’s Theatre Works where, after graduating, she secured ensemble roles in West end musicals We will Rock you (Dominion Theatre) and Desperately Seeking Susan (Novello Theatre). her other theatre credits include Catherine in Four Knights in Knaresborough (Southwark Playhouse), Jasmine/Alternate Alex Owens in Flashdance (Shaftesbury Theatre), Cassie in Chorus Line (Manchester Lowry), Jack and the Beanstalk (His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen) and Forbidden Planet (The Paradise Rooms), as well as workshops for In Touch (Megan) and Everything’s F***ed (Belle). she has also toured extensively in both the UK and Europe in several productions, such as Footloose (Ariel), Chicago (Velma Kelly) and Thriller.

Moore also has experience in television, having appeared as a dancer for a variety of artists on shows like So you think you Can Dance, the Al Murray show and Britain’s got Talent. more recently, she auditioned in front of show judges Tom Jones, Jessie J, will.i.am and Danny O’Donoghue for the new singing TV contest the Voice with partner Max Milner, although only he got through to the next round.

I last saw Moore perform at the February charity concert Giggin4Good alongside Milner, where the duo performed a short acoustic set. the singer/songwriter has a natural affinity for music and possesses a strong, distinctive voice, as well as being a pretty sensational dancer. this is one talented lady who was clearly born to be a performer. If you haven’t yet, then get down to the Shaftesbury Theatre to see Twinnie Lee Moore in Rock of Ages – she will certainly rock your world.

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

Saturday 19th May 2012

You can follow Twinnie Lee Moore on Twitter: (@twinnieleemoore).

In Profile: Twinnie Lee Moore « London Theatre

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RAMSEY LEWIS andAL JARREAU TEAMING UP

They’ve always been in the with the “In Crowd.”

And tonight, Ramsey Lewis and Al Jarreau are in Las Vegas to explore their “Jazz Roots” in concert at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis, host of PBS’ “Legends of Jazz” series, qualifies as one himself – and has an NEA Jazz Master accolade (not to mention three Grammy Awards) to prove it. Lewis has been a jazz fixture since the mid-1950s; his swingin’ version of “The In Crowd” (his first gold record, and his first Grammy-winner) even turned up recently on “Mad Men’s” season premiere. Last fall, he released his 80th recording, “Ramsey, taking another look.”

Vocalist Al Jarreau, who closes tonight’s show, has seven Grammy Awards to his credit, that are spread across the jazz, pop and R&B categories, testifying to his versatility. Jarreau began singing at 4 in his hometown of Milwaukee. but it wasn’t until he moved to San Francisco in the ’60s – to work as a rehabilitation counselor – that he began singing in a jazz club, and decided to make music his life’s work instead. (Clearly, Jarreau’s soulful rendition of the theme from TV’s “Moonlighting” is more personal than we knew.)

The two jazz masters will perform at 7:30 tonight in Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets are $29-$108 and are available by phone at 749-2000 or online at TheSmithCenter.com.

SOUL FESTIVAL SATURDAY

Whether you call it R&B or funk or soul, it’s the music that moves you – to shake your groove thing.

So there’s bound to be plenty of shaking when a lucky-seven lineup of acts, spanning five decades of music, headlines the Las Vegas Soul Festival on Saturday night at the Orleans Arena.

From the ’60s: the Bar-Kays , who began as a studio session group before hitting the charts with 1967′s “Soul Finger.” Representing the ’70s and ’80s: con Funk Shun (“Ffun ,” “Shake and Dance with Me”) and Zapp (“More Bounce to the Ounce,” “Dance Floor”).

The Grammy-winning Dazz Band continues the ’80s funk with “Let it Whip,” while NEXT (“Too Close,” “Wifey”) moves the R&B mood into the ’90s. and Jagged Edge represents the early 21st century with 2000′s “Let’s Get Married” and 2001′s “Where the Party at.”

Two soul soloists round out the festival lineup: Lenny Williams (“Choosing you,” “ ’Cause I Love You”), former lead singer with Tower of Power; and Phil Perry, formerly of the Montclairs, whose solo hits include “Love Don’t Love Nobody” and “One Heart, One Love.”

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Orleans Arena, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Tickets are $42-$75 and may be purchased by phone at 284-7777 or online at orleansarena.com.

‘BELIEVE’ TO SMITH CENTER

The members of Celtic Woman believe in “Believe.”

After a new studio album and a live concert DVD of the same name (later telecast on PBS), the musical ensemble is now touring “Believe.”

They visit Las Vegas Sunday for two performances – one matinee, one evening show – at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Vocalists Chloe Agnew, Lisa Lambe and Susan McFadden and fiddler Mairead Nesbitt join a six-piece band and an Irish dancer for renditions of classic Irish tunes (“The Water is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes”), favorite pop anthems (“Bridge over Troubled Water”) and inspirational songs from “Ave Maria” to “You’ll Never Walk alone.”

Described as “ ’Riverdance’ for the voice,” Celtic Woman formed in 2004 and debuted on PBS the following year, striking a definite chord with the public, racking up more than 6 million CDs and DVDs – and more than 2 million concert tickets – worldwide.

They will perform at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tickets, priced from $59-$89, are available by phone at 749-2000 or online at TheSmithCenter.com.

Arts briefs: Jazz, soul, Celtic

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MILWAUKEE (AP) – Scott Diamond lost his scoreless streak. he still won his third straight start for the Minnesota Twins, who pounded the Milwaukee Brewers 11-3 on Friday night.

Diamond (3-0) gave up a run in the first, ending the 14-inning scoreless stretch he put together in two starts since he was called up from the minors. he went on to give up three runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings.

Josh Willingham hit a two-run homer, his eighth of the season, Joe Mauer had three hits and three RBIs while Denard Span had four hits and three RBIs for the Twins.

Ryan Braun hit his 11th home run for the struggling Brewers, who went 1-3 on a short road trip earlier this week. Milwaukee had four errors.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke made a significant lineup change coming into the game, shifting struggling second baseman Rickie Weeks to the No. 6 spot in the order. Coming into the game, Weeks was batting only .156 with 49 strikeouts.

Roenicke moved Corey Hart to the leadoff spot, while Norichika Aoki started in centerfield and batted second.

Hart had a single and a double while Aoki added a single and an RBI double – plus an over-the-shoulder catch in the first. Weeks went 1-for-3 with a walk.

Brewers starter Marco Estrada (0-3) gave up four runs and six hits in five innings, with a walk and five strikeouts.

The Twins took a 2-0 lead in the first when Span led off with a double, then Estrada gave up a pair of deep fly balls – both going for outs on impressive catches by Aoki and Braun – before Willingham crushed a pitch deep into the left field stands.

It wasn't the first big moment in Milwaukee for Willingham, who hit two grand slams in back-to-back innings at Miller Park while playing for the Washington Nationals in 2009.

The Brewers got a run back in the bottom half of the inning when Hart scored as Braun grounded into a fielder's choice, ending Diamond's scoreless streak. But with runners on second and third with two outs after a double-steal, Weeks grounded out to end the inning.

Milwaukee tied it up in the third on an RBI double by Aoki, but the Twins threw out Braun on a double-steal attempt that sent Aoki to third – then third baseman Jamey Carroll threw out Aoki at home on a grounder by Aramis Ramirez, and Jonathan Lucroy flew out to end the inning.

Mauer then delivered a two-run double in the fifth to give the Twins a 4-2 lead.

Brewers reliever Manny Parra loaded the bases with one out in the sixth, and the Twins let Diamond bat. he struck out – but Span hit a two-run single to put the Twins up 6-2 and chase Parra from the game.

Braun hit a solo homer in the sixth, cutting the lead to 6-3. But the Twins added a run in the seventh and another four in the eighth, including one on a bloop single by Span that landed between Weeks and Hart.

Notes: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Ryan Doumit was available for pinch-hitting duty Friday despite a sore calf. … Roenicke said the team was monitoring starter Shaun Marcum, who has soreness near his ribcage. … Twins RHP Carl Pavano (2-3, 5.14) faces Milwaukee RHP Yovani Gallardo (2-4, 5.04) Saturday.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffDiamond goes 3-0, Twins top Brewers 11-3

KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffDiamond goes 3-0, Twins top Brewers 11-3 is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

Interscope

Lady Gaga is back on the market! the “Poker Face” singer has split from Taylor Kinney, according to Us Weekly.

The 26-year-old pop singer, who met Kinney on the set of her “You And I” video (pictured above), dated the Vampire Diaries star for 10 months.

A source tells the mag:

“She will be touring nonstop until next year and has found she can’t have relationship at the same time. There’s just no room for anything else. Her work is all-consuming.”

The source adds, “Taylor was all about himself, a typical actor, and didn’t completely get Gaga. she loved that she got this guy who everyone thought was hot! But it was never going to last.”

Ouch! Gaga will soon hit the road for a 110-show tour.

See photos of Gaga and Kinney hangin’ at his beach house earlier this year in our gallery below.

Report: Lady Gaga And Taylor Kinney Split – Lady Gaga – Photos & Pics

Report: Lady Gaga And Taylor Kinney Split – Lady Gaga – Photos & Pics is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

Like I said in the first preview, the IIHF World Championships are the biggest international hockey tournament there is in terms of number of teams, and while the competition level is high, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a ton of parity. Sure, a lower ranked team can take down a top nation, but in the long run the damage is pretty limited. the first group, the longshots, are the teams that have virtually no shot at earning a medal. This second group, in a good year, might do so. but winning gold is generally the territory of a select few nations, and it would be an absolute stunner if any of the following five nations pulled that off… in the last decade, this group has won it one time: Sloavkia, in 2002. so, with that decade now out of the way, maybe it is time for one of the 6-10 ranked teams to do it again. but if they do, I will be very shocked.

(10) Slovakia - Helsinki Group

Last year was a disaster for the hosts. they finished 10th with a very deep, but aging roster and the future doesn’t look too bright for this small, hockey mad nation. then the year got even worse: Pavol Demitra was one of the victims of the Lokomotiv plane crash in September, and the national team has retired his #38 as a result. Replacing what he meant to the team, and the offence he provided will be very tough indeed, but perhaps his memory will provide an inspiration to this squad, which is badly in need of a good result. they haven’t made the playoffs in the past four years, and their 2010 Olympic performance is the lone shining result… a 4th place finish. the strength of this year’s team will undoubtedly be the presence of Zdeno Chara, who is arguably the top player at the tournament. Andrej Sekera will also play a big role on the blueline, while up front the group is decidedly less glamorous. Tomas Kopecky is the lone NHL forward, but there are former NHLers that will be counted on like the aging Miroslav Satan, Branko Radivojevic, Marcel Hossa and Milan Bartovic. Also present is a rare promising youngster: 21 year old winger Tomas Tatar, a Detroit Red Wings prospect who played for Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. Tatar had 16 points in 13 games at the U20s in 2009 and 2010, and made his World Championships debut in 2010 as well. in goal, a trio of goalies from three different European leagues will battle for time, likely led by Czech league standout Peter Hamerlik (.928 SV% for HC Trinec). Slovakia had a KHL team this past year, Lev Poprad, and their starter Jan Laco is on the roster as well as 23 year old Julius Hudacek, who posted a .926 SV% for Södertälje in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

Slovakia is ranked 10th heading into the tournament, and will need to do better than that in order to earn automatic qualification to the 2014 Olympics. in order to do this, they will have to finish ahead of the team ranked just ahead of them, Norway. the only way to really ensure that result is to make the playoffs by finishing in the top 4, but they are in a group that features Finland, Canada, Switzerland and the USA, so it won’t be easy.

Key Players: Zdeno Chara, D; Andrej Sekera, D; Tomas Kopecky, LW; Peter Hamerlik, G.

(9) Norway - Stockholm Group

Norway is set up quite nicely this year in their quest to earn Olympic qualification for 2014. Their group isn’t necessarily easy, but there is a more obvious spot available to them in the playoffs then in the Helsinki Group. It’s an interesting team, with zero NHLers and few prospects coming up that could challenge that. but they do have a decent amount of good European league players, led by Patrick Thoresen, Mathis Olimb and Per-Åge Skrøder up front. former NHLers Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Jonas Holøs anchor the blueline, and expect to play a lot of minutes. 13 of Norway’s players play in Sweden’s Elitserien, with a couple more playing in the Allsvenskan. Only Thoresen plays in the KHL, by far the most accomplished of the players. Young, physical centre Andreas Martinsen could have an impact as well, coming off a strong campaign in Norway’s top league. Lars Haugen seems to have inherited the starting role from the lovable but aging Pål Grotnes, while Boston Bruins prospect Lars Volden occupies the #3 spot, offering the best hope for Norway’s future in the crease. Haugen had a strong year in Belarus, and got a one game callup to the KHL’s Dynamo Minsk as a reward, while Volden is in the Espoo Blues system in Finland preparing for what is hoped to be a strong professional career.

The battle for 9th in the World Ranking will be spirited between Norway and Slovakia, but it’s really unfortunate that with the new format those two nations won’t be able to play each other to decide this once and for all… it’s best for both teams to take matters into their own hands by making the playoffs. With Sweden, Russia, and the Czech Republic likely occupying three of the four spots, it’ll be between Norway, Germany, Denmark and Latvia to claim that coveted final spot.

Key Players: Patrick Thoresen, LW; Per-Åge Skrøder, LW; Jonas Holøs, D; Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, D.

(8) Germany - Stockholm Group

Germany under Uwe Krupp had consecutive strong performances at the World Championships in 2010 and 2011, but Krupp is no longer the national team coach. trying to build off of that foundation is Jakob Kölliker, a Swiss national who was their World Junior Head Coach in 2009 and 2010, when they made their famous run to 4th place. the team he inherits looks very much like Krupp’s teams did, and fans of the last two tournaments are pretty familiar with them. Marcel Goc of the Florida Panthers is the big piece up front, but he’s joined by the likes of Thomas Greillinger, Patrick Reimer, Philip Gogulla and Patrick Wolf. Also of note, Jewish-American Evan Kauffman is on the team, one of the few Jewish athletes to represent Germany since World War II. His story was chronicled earlier this year in the New York Times, and was one of the most interesting stories to emerge this year in international hockey. Christoph Schubert leads the German defence, along with Nikolai Goc, and Justin Krueger. Obscure hockey reference alert: Kevin Lavallée, one of Germany’s defenders, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the Canadian reality television program Making the cut in 2004.

Most importantly, though, is Dennis Endras returns in goal. His North American career was cut short earlier this year as the very goaltending rich Minnesota Wild decided to let him return to Europe rather than stay in the AHL as a backup, and Endras had a strong year for HIFK Helsinki of the SM-Liiga. Germany should be able to earn qualification for the 2014 Olympics even without making the playoffs, but finishing short of the quarterfinals would be a failure for this team.

Key Players: Marcel Goc, C; Christoph Schubert, D; Thomas Greillinger, LW; Dennis Endras, G.

(7) Switzerland - Helsinki Group

The Swiss are a consistently competitive team, but have not made it out of the quarterfinals since making it back to the main event in the late 1990s. Their recent finishes are littered with a bunch of 8th and 9th place finishes, and most pundits will likely place them in that range again heading into this year. It’s tough to get too excited for the Swiss, who rely on a disciplined team game committed to defence with very few scoring options up front. There’s some hope for the nation in that front, but it’s not there yet. Nino Niederreiter will be here, but he was a NHL player in name only this past season, scoring a single goal in 55 games for the New York Islanders as a rookie. It’s still expected that the team will be relying on veteran NLA players like Ivo Rüthemann, Damien Brunner, and Julien Sprunger for their goals. Also making his triumphant return, and sure to play as much of a role in the team’s offence as the defence, is captain Mark Streit. the defensive corps remains Switzerland’s strong point, even without Roman Josi, Raphael Diaz, and Yannick Weber from the NHL (Diaz and Weber are injured, Josi’s Nashville Predators are still playing). Luca Sbisa of the Anaheim Ducks, along with former cup of coffee NHLers Julien Vauclair and Goran Bezina will help their goaltenders out big time. Tobias Stephan, another former NHLer, figures to be Switzerland’s starter this time. Sorry, no Benjamin Conz on the men’s team, yet.

Switzerland has all but locked up a spot in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, so that’s not a big concern for the nation. Making the playoffs again after missing out a year ago is the primary concern… and from there, finally getting over the hump and playing for a medal would be an enormous success. in the meantime, the offence waits on Niederreiter and WHL standout Sven Bärtschi.

Key Players: Mark Streit, D; Damien Brunner, RW; Ivo Rüthemann, LW; Luca Sbisa, D; Tobias Stephan, G.

(6) United States of America - Helsinki Group

Yes, in this tournament, the Americans have to be considered pretenders. in the past 10 years, the Americans have played for medal only twice, winning bronze in 2004 and finishing 4th in 2009. Their best players routinely turn down the opportunity to play, and USA Hockey treats the World Championships almost as an U25 program more than a full men’s program. That being said, the Americans are clearly more talented than the four teams described above. It’s just that they’re as much a training team as they are a real national men’s team. It’s quite possible that these players aren’t experienced enough to handle the discipline of a Germany or Switzerland, let alone the talent of Russia or Canada. up front, the team has a couple of bonafide stars in Bobby Ryan and Max Pacioretty, with Paul Statsny looking to re-establish himself in that category as well. beyond those three there is Kyle Okposo, and then a collection of NHL grinders like Justin Abdelkader, Jim Slater and Nate Thompson as well as some inexperienced players like Kyle Palmieri, Cam Atkinson and J.T. Brown. Small winger Ryan Lasch led the SM-Liiga in scoring this past year, and he could be a very nice story up front for the Americans this tournament.

On the blueline, hey look, it’s Jack Johnson again! Wearing the ‘C’ again, he’ll be counted on for big minutes, and he generally plays some of his best hockey wearing the USA jersey. behind him, there is some real talent: Alex Goligoski, Cam Fowler, Justin Faulk and Jeff Petry are all auditioning for spots on the 2014 Olympic roster, all having a legitimate chance to make that prestigious team in two years. and in goal, the Red Wings loss was the Americans’ gain as Jimmy Howard gives them one of the tournament’s best goaltenders…. he’s the best we’ve featured so far, that’s for sure. Is a medal possible for USA? Absolutely. Is it likely? well, until they actually do it more than once in a decade, it’s hard to believe it’ll happen in any given year…

As always, check out the excellent United States of Hockey for more coverage.

Key Players: Jimmy Howard, G; Bobby Ryan, RW; Max Pacioretty, LW; Alex Goligoski, D; Paul Statsny, C.

2012 IIHF World Championships: The Pretenders

2012 IIHF World Championships: The Pretenders is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

For an A’s team battling a virulent injury bug, facing Detroit ace Justin Verlander certainly was no cure for the ailing.

With hot-hitting Brandon Inge added to the list of the walking wounded before the game, a patchwork A’s lineup proved to be no match for the reigning American League MVP, collecting just two hits in a 3-1 loss at O.co Coliseum.

A crowd of 17,147 saw all the A’s had to offer, considering the list of injuries with which they were dealing.

First baseman Kila Ka’aihue missed his second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury, and second baseman Jemile Weeks was unavailable a day after turning his ankle while getting out of the batter’s box.

Catcher Kurt Suzuki also was held out to rest his sore hand. And Inge found himself on the bench, resting his sore groin.

“You go through the course of the season, you have some games like this,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “The guys you run out there to start, you have to have confidence that they can finish the game.”

The injury concerns aren’t new. Outfielders Coco Crisp and Yoenis Cespedes recently were placed on the disabled list, taking away two impact bats.

Through it all, the A’s have made up for those absences with a mixture of standout performances. Friday, the offense carried the load in an 11-4 romp. Saturday, a 10-strikeout effort from Brandon McCarthy helped send the A’s to a 3-1 victory.

But there was no solution against Verlander, who looked every bit the ace that baseball has grown used to seeing. only four A’s reached base, and although a callus on his thumb forced Verlander from the game after seven innings, relievers Joaquin Benoit and Jose Valverde had no problem shutting the door.

“I think we have confidence in all 25 guys on our team. That’s why they’re here, for when guys are banged up,” A’s first baseman Daric Barton said. “They come in there and produce. (Verlander) pitched a great game today. We’ve got to tip our hats to him.”

The injuries have forced Melvin’s hand in terms of in-game managing, leaving him short of available bodies.

“I had to kind of refocus my attitude from early on yesterday,” Melvin said before Sunday’s game. “We had to put Yoenis on the D.L., which is tough to do. Then Kila was originally in the lineup and couldn’t go, and sometimes you get a bit frustrated. It’s certainly not for a lack of effort. these guys are playing hard, and the reason some of these guys are dinged up is because they’re playing so hard.”

Melvin said he will have to wait until batting practice Monday in Anaheim to determine who can play, saying Inge is probably the most likely of the injured A’s to return.

Mother’s Day at the ballpark meant plenty of pink, as several players on both teams sported pink wristbands and swung pink bats to promote breast cancer awareness.

It meant a little more for Barton, whose mother usually attends the game on Mother’s Day but was unable to make it this year. Barton said his grandmother was recently hit by a car and suffered a broken femur that needed surgery, and the next day, Barton’s mother’s car was rear-ended. He said both are recovering.

Monday’s game

A’s (Tyson Ross 1-3) at L.A. Angels (Dan Haren 1-3), 7:05 p.m., CSNCA

Oakland Athletics fall to Detroit Tigers 3-1

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]]> http://noonnews.net/oakland-athletics-fall-to-detroit-tigers-3-1/feed 0 http://noonnews.net/jennifer-holliday-praises-jessica-sanchez http://noonnews.net/jennifer-holliday-praises-jessica-sanchez#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 14:30:28 +0000 admin http://noonnews.net/jennifer-holliday-praises-jessica-sanchez MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez has received a ringing endorsement from the original "Dreamgirl" herself, Broadway actress Jennifer Holliday. In her Twitter account, Holliday described Sanchez as a "soul angel" and said her rendition of the song "and I Am Telling You I’m not Going" from the musical "Dreamgirls" truly touched her heart. [...]

Jennifer Holliday praises Jessica Sanchez is a post from: Noon News: Entertainment, Politics, Business

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MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Mexican-American singer Jessica Sanchez has received a ringing endorsement from the original "Dreamgirl" herself, Broadway actress Jennifer Holliday.

In her Twitter account, Holliday described Sanchez as a "soul angel" and said her rendition of the song "and I Am Telling You I’m not Going" from the musical "Dreamgirls" truly touched her heart.

"Yes, Jessica’s performance of ‘And ‘m Telling You I’m not Going’ was absolutely flawless! An amazing voice," she tweeted.

She later tweeted that she cried "tears of joy and great pride" when Sanchez mentioned her name twice in her interview.

"wish Jessica was my daughter! When I was 16, I also sang like Jessica does. They used to tell me that I had an ‘old soul!" she added.

She also told her followers to vote for Sanchez.

Holliday first sang the song "and I am Telling You I’m not Going" when she played the role of Effie White in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway in 1981. She won a Tony Award for her role, while the cast recording won two Grammy awards, including best Musical Album and best Vocal Performance for Holliday.

Jennifer Hudson, an "Idol" alumnus, later won the 2006 Academy Award for best Supporting Actress for playing Effie White in the film version of the musical.

Sanchez tops Dial Idol

Sanchez received a standing ovation for her rendition of the song during the "American Idol" top 4 performance show Wednesday night.

Judge Steven Tyler said Sanchez’s rendition was “over the top" while Jennifer Lopez felt the 16-year-old San Diego native had a real moment on stage.

Judge Randy Jackson said Sanchez picked “one of the hardest songs in the world to sing but you slayed it.”

Meanwhile, Dial Idol has picked Sanchez as having the highest number of phone-in votes after Wednesday’s performance.

The website, which tracks phone voting trends for Idol contestants, said Sanchez had a Dial Idol score of 18.271.

She is followed by Holli Cavanagh (10.819), Philip Philips (10.155) and Joshua Ledet (7.738).

While Dial Idol has correctly predicted "Idol" winners before — particularly during the close finals between David Cook and David Archuleta in Season 7 — it has become less reliable as voters turn to other devices — mobile phones and the Internet — to vote for their favorites. 

Jennifer Holliday praises Jessica Sanchez

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