A little while ago, New York Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira broke his back at the plate. That wouldn't be too unusual if it wasn't for the fact that he hit a solo home run three rows into the left field stands. With the homer, the Bronx Bombers went up 3-2 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
You don't see that every day.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
12 injured in Cowboys' facility collapse
Twelve people were hurt when an air-supported roof over the Dallas Cowboys football team's practice field collapsed during a thunderstorm Saturday afternoon, according to CNN.com.
Team officials said about 70 people, including more than 24 of the team's rookies, were in the facility when it blew down just after 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET).
Dr. Paul Pepe, the Dallas County emergency medical medical services chief, said Saturday night that two or three people sustained serious injuries but that he did not believe any were life-threatening.
According to CNN, one of its affiliates, WFAA, reported that Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis - the son-in-law of former NFL head coach Dan Reeves - suffered a broken.
Team officials said about 70 people, including more than 24 of the team's rookies, were in the facility when it blew down just after 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET).
Dr. Paul Pepe, the Dallas County emergency medical medical services chief, said Saturday night that two or three people sustained serious injuries but that he did not believe any were life-threatening.
According to CNN, one of its affiliates, WFAA, reported that Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis - the son-in-law of former NFL head coach Dan Reeves - suffered a broken.
Jack Kemp dies
Former professional football player, congressman and Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp has died after a tough battle with cancer. He was 73.
He served nine terms as a representative from New York and was the running mate of former Sen. Bob Dole in 1996, according to CNN.com.
According to a family statement, Kemp, who had disclosed information about his illness in January, "passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord" on Sunday evening.
He served nine terms as a representative from New York and was the running mate of former Sen. Bob Dole in 1996, according to CNN.com.
According to a family statement, Kemp, who had disclosed information about his illness in January, "passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord" on Sunday evening.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
50-1 favorite takes Kentucky Derby
Mine that Bird, a 50-1 longshot, to win the 135th Kentucky Derby won the race at Churchill Downs on Sunday.
After the race, jockey Calvin Borel shouted "50-to-1 ... It's all in the head."
Borel and his horse finished with a 6 3/4-lead over the second-place horse, Pioneer of the Nile - who was a 4-1 pick. The show horse was Musket Man, who was at 20-1 odds.
Borel and Mine That Bird got up the middle of the pack in the final stretch for the win.
After the race, jockey Calvin Borel shouted "50-to-1 ... It's all in the head."
Borel and his horse finished with a 6 3/4-lead over the second-place horse, Pioneer of the Nile - who was a 4-1 pick. The show horse was Musket Man, who was at 20-1 odds.
Borel and Mine That Bird got up the middle of the pack in the final stretch for the win.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Major plane crash in The Netherlands
According to The Associated Press, at least nine are dead and 50 injured - 25 seriously - after a Turkish plane crashed while trying to land at Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands.
The Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800, carrying 127 passengers and seven crew members according to the airline, broke into three pieces on impact in a field near Schiphol Airport at 10:40 a.m.
The injured include crew and passengers, according to acting Mayor Michel Bezuijen, who added that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.
The Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800, carrying 127 passengers and seven crew members according to the airline, broke into three pieces on impact in a field near Schiphol Airport at 10:40 a.m.
The injured include crew and passengers, according to acting Mayor Michel Bezuijen, who added that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.
Ginsburg back on bench
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has returned to work 18 days after undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer, according to The Associated Press. She returned for a public session of the Supreme Court.
According to the AP, Ginsburg, the only female on the highest court in the land, took her between Justices David Souter and Samuel Alito.
According to the AP, Ginsburg, the only female on the highest court in the land, took her between Justices David Souter and Samuel Alito.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ginsburg treated for cancer
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the only current female Supreme Court Justice, underwent surgery Thursday to remove a malignant tumor form her pancreas, according to NPR.org.
Ginsburg, 75, has served on the highest court in the land since 1993.
She was also treated for colon cancer 10 years ago, NPR.org reported.
Stay tuned to Read This Blog! for updates on the Supreme Court Justice's heatlh.
Ginsburg, 75, has served on the highest court in the land since 1993.
She was also treated for colon cancer 10 years ago, NPR.org reported.
Stay tuned to Read This Blog! for updates on the Supreme Court Justice's heatlh.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Steelers win Super Bowl
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their record-setting sixth Super Bowl last night, beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.
The Cards, once down by 13 points, kept clawing and the two squads began to exchange blows.
In the fourth quarter, Kurt Warner threw a pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who darted 64 yards up a hole in the middle to make it 23-20 with 2:37 left.
The Steelers started their final drive at the 23-yard line. Ben Roethlisberger then orchestrated a brilliant 77-yard drive, hitting wide receiver Santonio Holmes four times, including once for the game-winner. Holmes, named the game's Most Valuable Player, finished the day with nine receptions for 131 yards.
The Steelers joined the Patriots as the second team to win multiple titles this millenium.
The Cards, once down by 13 points, kept clawing and the two squads began to exchange blows.
In the fourth quarter, Kurt Warner threw a pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who darted 64 yards up a hole in the middle to make it 23-20 with 2:37 left.
The Steelers started their final drive at the 23-yard line. Ben Roethlisberger then orchestrated a brilliant 77-yard drive, hitting wide receiver Santonio Holmes four times, including once for the game-winner. Holmes, named the game's Most Valuable Player, finished the day with nine receptions for 131 yards.
The Steelers joined the Patriots as the second team to win multiple titles this millenium.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Nadal takes Australian Open
Rafael Nadal defeated Roder Federer to win the Australian Open, 5-3, on Sunday.
The 22-year-old keeps the Grand Slam singles record, beating Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 in match that lasted four hours and 23 minutes.
Federer, a 27-year-old Swiss native, was attempting to equal Pete Sampras' 14 major titles. He has now lost to Nadal the last three times the two have met, according to The Associated Press.
Federer was visibly upset during the presentation, fighting back tears.
"Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me," Federer tearfully said. The tennis star did regain his composure to say, "You deserved it. You played a fantastic final."
After accepting the trophy, Nadal said to his opponent, "Roger, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now. Remember, you’re a great champion, you’re one of the best in history."
Nadal became the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old keeps the Grand Slam singles record, beating Federer 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-2 in match that lasted four hours and 23 minutes.
Federer, a 27-year-old Swiss native, was attempting to equal Pete Sampras' 14 major titles. He has now lost to Nadal the last three times the two have met, according to The Associated Press.
Federer was visibly upset during the presentation, fighting back tears.
"Maybe I’ll try later. God, it’s killing me," Federer tearfully said. The tennis star did regain his composure to say, "You deserved it. You played a fantastic final."
After accepting the trophy, Nadal said to his opponent, "Roger, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now. Remember, you’re a great champion, you’re one of the best in history."
Nadal became the first Spaniard to win the Australian Open.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Phelps does it
Move over Mark Spitz.
With Team USA winning the Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay with a world record time of 3:29.34, swimmer Michael Phelps has won eight gold medals at one Olympics, eclipsing Spitz's record of seven.
Spitz won seven gold medals with all record-setting performances at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Phelps has now won 16 Olympic medals - 14 gold.
With Team USA winning the Men's 4 x 100m Medley Relay with a world record time of 3:29.34, swimmer Michael Phelps has won eight gold medals at one Olympics, eclipsing Spitz's record of seven.
Spitz won seven gold medals with all record-setting performances at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany.
Phelps has now won 16 Olympic medals - 14 gold.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Favre lands in NY
After drama similar to that of a Spanish soap opera and even becoming his own subject on the ESPN news crawl, Brett Favre has been traded to the New York Jets.
Favre's debacle has gained much media coverage since applying for reinstatement into the NFL after his team, the Green Bay Packers, seemed to force him to retire. The Packers had made it perfectly clear that they were not interested in keeping Favre if his reinstatement was accepted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Favre's debacle has gained much media coverage since applying for reinstatement into the NFL after his team, the Green Bay Packers, seemed to force him to retire. The Packers had made it perfectly clear that they were not interested in keeping Favre if his reinstatement was accepted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thompson, McCarthy won't grant Favre's release
Well, legendary quarterback Brett Favre wants back in the NFL and now it's just a matter of when - and if - he will play next season.
After a teary press conference retirement in March, the winningest QB in history was reportedly wanting to make a comeback and he recently confirmed the rumor, asking his team, the Green Bay Packers, for unconditional release once it seemed like they would not take him back, according to ESPN.com.
The Pack has sunk a lot of time and money - and a draft pick - into young back-up quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Green Bay Packers' general manager, Ted Thompson, and coach, Mike McCarthy, don't plan to grant Favre's request. If he does rejoin the team, they told The Associated Press, it won't be as the starting signal-caller.
But this tough Mississippi-bred QB, who once had his wisdom teeth removed without the use of Novocain due an addiction to pain-killers, will not accepting any backup roles and could very well be suiting up for another team next September - possibly the arch-rival Minnesota Vikings.
According to ESPN.com, Favre, who was placed on the reserve-retired list in late April, has three years and $39 million left on his contract with Green Bay. To be reinstated, Favre must apply through NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. That would force the Packers to activate the 16-year veteran.
After a teary press conference retirement in March, the winningest QB in history was reportedly wanting to make a comeback and he recently confirmed the rumor, asking his team, the Green Bay Packers, for unconditional release once it seemed like they would not take him back, according to ESPN.com.
The Pack has sunk a lot of time and money - and a draft pick - into young back-up quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Green Bay Packers' general manager, Ted Thompson, and coach, Mike McCarthy, don't plan to grant Favre's request. If he does rejoin the team, they told The Associated Press, it won't be as the starting signal-caller.
But this tough Mississippi-bred QB, who once had his wisdom teeth removed without the use of Novocain due an addiction to pain-killers, will not accepting any backup roles and could very well be suiting up for another team next September - possibly the arch-rival Minnesota Vikings.
According to ESPN.com, Favre, who was placed on the reserve-retired list in late April, has three years and $39 million left on his contract with Green Bay. To be reinstated, Favre must apply through NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. That would force the Packers to activate the 16-year veteran.
Green Party selects McKinney as '08 nominee
One of America's strongest third parties, the Green Party, has nominated former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney as its 2008 presidential candidate Saturday, according to CNN.com. McKinney represented an Atlanta, Georgia, district for six terms - five consecutively as a Democrat.
McKinney, 53, beat out three rivals to win the liberal environmentalist party's nomination during its convention in Chicago, Illinois. She picked journalist and activist Rosa Clemente as her running mate.
Scott McLarty, the Green Party spokeswoman, admitted that McKinney was a "long shot" for the White House, but said, "Every vote that she gets helps the Green Party."
"The United States needs an alternative party," McLarty went on to say. "The narrow two-party system we have right now has not served us very well.
The most successful Green Party presidential candidate was consumer advocate Ralph Nader, garnering nearly 3 percent of the vote in 2000. Nader is again running for president, this time as an independent candidate.
Earlier this year, the Libertarian Party nominated McKinney's onetime House colleague, ex-Republican congressman Bob Barr, as its presidential nominee. Barr also represented a district in the Atlanta suburbs during his four terms in Congress.
First elected in 1992, McKinney lost a primary challenge in 2002 after she suggested in a radio interview that members of the Bush administration stood to profit from the war that followed the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
In 2004 she ran again and won, largely avoiding the controversy. But voters booted her out of office in 2006 after she was accused of a physical altercation with a U.S. Capitol Police officer who questioned her after failing to recognize her at a security checkpoint.
McKinney, 53, beat out three rivals to win the liberal environmentalist party's nomination during its convention in Chicago, Illinois. She picked journalist and activist Rosa Clemente as her running mate.
Scott McLarty, the Green Party spokeswoman, admitted that McKinney was a "long shot" for the White House, but said, "Every vote that she gets helps the Green Party."
"The United States needs an alternative party," McLarty went on to say. "The narrow two-party system we have right now has not served us very well.
The most successful Green Party presidential candidate was consumer advocate Ralph Nader, garnering nearly 3 percent of the vote in 2000. Nader is again running for president, this time as an independent candidate.
Earlier this year, the Libertarian Party nominated McKinney's onetime House colleague, ex-Republican congressman Bob Barr, as its presidential nominee. Barr also represented a district in the Atlanta suburbs during his four terms in Congress.
First elected in 1992, McKinney lost a primary challenge in 2002 after she suggested in a radio interview that members of the Bush administration stood to profit from the war that followed the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
In 2004 she ran again and won, largely avoiding the controversy. But voters booted her out of office in 2006 after she was accused of a physical altercation with a U.S. Capitol Police officer who questioned her after failing to recognize her at a security checkpoint.
Former White House spokesman Tony Snow dies
Colon cancer has taken the life of former White House flak Tony Snow. The former federal employee was 58.
Despite once defeating the cancer, Snow had been receiving chemotherapy treatments since the disease returned. He left his job as White House press secretary in Sept. 14, 2007, and in April had joined CNN as a conservative commentator, according to the worldwide news source.
Snow's replacement, Dana Perino, said, "The White House is so deeply saddened by this loss. He was a great friend and colleague and a fantastic press secretary. And his dear family is in our thoughts and prayers."
President Bush said Saturday he and first lady Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by Snow's death.
"The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day," the president said in a statement.
Snow also worked for Bush's father President George H.W. Bush, who commented Saturday:
"In this case it isn't a press secretary. It isn't a speech writer. It was a dear, valued friend that went on to heaven. ... He won the respect of even those who violently disagree with the president's proposals and policies. For that I think he'll be remembered. He brought a certain civility to this very contentious job."
Despite once defeating the cancer, Snow had been receiving chemotherapy treatments since the disease returned. He left his job as White House press secretary in Sept. 14, 2007, and in April had joined CNN as a conservative commentator, according to the worldwide news source.
Snow's replacement, Dana Perino, said, "The White House is so deeply saddened by this loss. He was a great friend and colleague and a fantastic press secretary. And his dear family is in our thoughts and prayers."
President Bush said Saturday he and first lady Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by Snow's death.
"The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character. It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day," the president said in a statement.
Snow also worked for Bush's father President George H.W. Bush, who commented Saturday:
"In this case it isn't a press secretary. It isn't a speech writer. It was a dear, valued friend that went on to heaven. ... He won the respect of even those who violently disagree with the president's proposals and policies. For that I think he'll be remembered. He brought a certain civility to this very contentious job."
Friday, July 4, 2008
Senator wants national speed limit
Sen. John Warner suggested Thursday that Congress reinstitute a national speed limit to save gas and possibly lower fuel prices.
Warner (R-Va.) has asked Energy Department Secretary Samuel Bodman to determine at which speeds vehicles would be most efficient.
In 1974, Congress set a national speed limit of 55 mph due to the shortages resulting from the Arab oil embargo. According to CNN.com, The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon.
Gasoline now averages $4.10 a gallon nationwide, and oil is around $145 per barrel, CNN.com said.
Warner said two studies have shown that the 55 mph speed limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil per day - or 2 percent of the country's highway fuel consumption -and lowered the amount of traffic deaths.
Warner (R-Va.) has asked Energy Department Secretary Samuel Bodman to determine at which speeds vehicles would be most efficient.
In 1974, Congress set a national speed limit of 55 mph due to the shortages resulting from the Arab oil embargo. According to CNN.com, The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon.
Gasoline now averages $4.10 a gallon nationwide, and oil is around $145 per barrel, CNN.com said.
Warner said two studies have shown that the 55 mph speed limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil per day - or 2 percent of the country's highway fuel consumption -and lowered the amount of traffic deaths.
Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies
Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a North Carolina Republican who once said his job was to derail the freight train of liberalism, died today at the age of 86.
The Jesse Helms Center, a private, non-partisan foundation, announced on its Web site that Helms died at 1:15 a.m. Friday in Raleigh.
According to CNN.com, the Charlotte News & Observer, Helms' hometown newspaper, unofficially dubbed him as one of the creators of the modern Republican Party.
"Helms helped broaden the party to include religious conservatives and people who drank not just Chablis but sweet tea, and who drove not just BMWs but pickup trucks," the paper wrote when he announced his retirement. "In doing so, Helms played a pivotal role in moving the Republican Party to the right -- changing the GOP from the party of Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller to the party of Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich."
President Bush commented on the former senator's death, saying, "Sen. Helms has been a tireless defender of our nation's freedom and a champion of democracy abroad."
The Jesse Helms Center, a private, non-partisan foundation, announced on its Web site that Helms died at 1:15 a.m. Friday in Raleigh.
According to CNN.com, the Charlotte News & Observer, Helms' hometown newspaper, unofficially dubbed him as one of the creators of the modern Republican Party.
"Helms helped broaden the party to include religious conservatives and people who drank not just Chablis but sweet tea, and who drove not just BMWs but pickup trucks," the paper wrote when he announced his retirement. "In doing so, Helms played a pivotal role in moving the Republican Party to the right -- changing the GOP from the party of Gerald Ford and Nelson Rockefeller to the party of Ronald Reagan and Newt Gingrich."
President Bush commented on the former senator's death, saying, "Sen. Helms has been a tireless defender of our nation's freedom and a champion of democracy abroad."
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Spain wins title
Let the celebration begin.
For the first time in 44 years, the Spaniards have won soccer's Euro Cup in Vienna, Austria.
Fernando Torres provided the heroics, scoring the game's lone goal in the 33rd minute, as España took home the coveted title for the first time since 1964.
For the first time in 44 years, the Spaniards have won soccer's Euro Cup in Vienna, Austria.
Fernando Torres provided the heroics, scoring the game's lone goal in the 33rd minute, as España took home the coveted title for the first time since 1964.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fresno State makes history
Fresno State became the lowest-seeded team to win a National College Athletic Association in any sport after beating the Georgia 6-1, capturing its first College World Series.
Fresno's Justin Wilson, a junior, let up run in eight innings and sophomore Steve Detwiler had a 4-for-4 day with two home runs and all six RBIs last night. Fresno State won its second straight game to take the best-of-three championship series 2-1.
Both schools' mascot is the Bulldogs.
Fresno's Justin Wilson, a junior, let up run in eight innings and sophomore Steve Detwiler had a 4-for-4 day with two home runs and all six RBIs last night. Fresno State won its second straight game to take the best-of-three championship series 2-1.
Both schools' mascot is the Bulldogs.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tim Russert dead at 58
Less than a week after the death of legendary sportscaster Jim McKay, the journalism world has been dealt another blow with the sudden death of NBC's "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert. He was 58.
The network said Russert collapsed at work Friday and that he was taken to Washington's Sibley Memorial Hospital, where he passed away.
According to CNN.com, Russert's colleague and former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw announced his co-worker's death on the network just after 3:30 p.m., adding that Russert had just gotten back from a family vacation in Italy to celebrate his son Luke's graduation from Boston College.
President Bush and Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama all expressed their sadness over Russert's passing.
"He was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it. Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, and the entire Russert family," Bush said in a statement Friday.
"He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy," McCain said.
Obama said of Russert, "There wasn't a better interviewer in television."
Russert was a graduate of John Carroll University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University and had been working at NBC in 1984. He had been hosting "Meet the Press" since 1991.
The network said Russert collapsed at work Friday and that he was taken to Washington's Sibley Memorial Hospital, where he passed away.
According to CNN.com, Russert's colleague and former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw announced his co-worker's death on the network just after 3:30 p.m., adding that Russert had just gotten back from a family vacation in Italy to celebrate his son Luke's graduation from Boston College.
President Bush and Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama all expressed their sadness over Russert's passing.
"He was an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades. Tim was a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it. Most important, Tim was a proud son and father, and Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Maureen, his son, Luke, and the entire Russert family," Bush said in a statement Friday.
"He was truly a great American who loved his family, his friends, his Buffalo Bills and everything about politics and America. He was just a terrific guy," McCain said.
Obama said of Russert, "There wasn't a better interviewer in television."
Russert was a graduate of John Carroll University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University and had been working at NBC in 1984. He had been hosting "Meet the Press" since 1991.
One for the Constitution
The detainees at Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the right to challenge their detention in American civilian courts according to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Boston Globe reported.
The prisoners are being kept there as part of President Bush's policy of holding terrorist suspects indefinitely without charge.
Many believe the 5-to-4 ruling will bring on a barrage of hearings of the roughly 260 men who have been detained for years without trial or formal charges, according to the Globe.
The U.S. government must now provide evidence against the detained men that proves they are a threat to national security or release them.
The prisoners are being kept there as part of President Bush's policy of holding terrorist suspects indefinitely without charge.
Many believe the 5-to-4 ruling will bring on a barrage of hearings of the roughly 260 men who have been detained for years without trial or formal charges, according to the Globe.
The U.S. government must now provide evidence against the detained men that proves they are a threat to national security or release them.
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