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Ronnie Earl "Living in the Light"

Jim White — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Ronnie Earl is a very talented blues guitarist that we probably don't hear enough of -- especially if his latest, "Living in the Light" (Stony Plain) is any indication. With his band, The Boradcasters, behind him, it's full of great songs and fine blues licks, but mostly it's full of Earl's passionate guitar work.

It's also full of his work that tries to express his feelings about the nature of his music. In the press release with the CD, Earl says: "I see my music as a way to have a deeper relationship with God, and bring healing and love tothe people who listen to it."

And then: "My greatest love in music is the blues; this is my 'mother music.' And And I dig deep -- I have no choice; playing, for me, is a very emotional experience. I put every particle of my soul into it."

With thought like that churning in the background, it's not hard to hear the soul in his work -- whether it's through searing runs or languid blues phrases.

It all kicks off with the nearly nine-minute opener, "Love, Love, Love." Dave Keller handles the vocals in front of increasingly strong guitar, creating an almost-hypnotic tribute to to the power of love.

He follows this up with the powerful instrumental, "S.O.S," which starts off with soaring notes weaving a tapestry of blues that flow elegantly from one lyrical run to another, picking up speed and intensity as it goes. It's a beautiful extended nine-minute blues solo, or series of solos, with Dave Limina driving his Hammond B-3 hard behind Earl. They take you up, down, around, and then start all over again. A little gem of a blues. Here's an audio clip: (Please visit the site to view this media)

And so it goes. There are some unusual bt very interesting choices, like Bob Dylan's "What Can I Do For You?" plus three vocals by Kim Wilson, all on songs featuring his fine harp work. My favorite is Wilson's gritty reading of Robert Jr. Lockwood's very classy and classic "Take a Little Walk With Me." Here's a audio clip: (Please visit the site to view this media)

This album, like the other Stony Plain releases I've been writing about recently, has been around since mid-year, so a lot of you may have already soaked up its spirit. If not, this is one you might want to catch up with. This is music from the blues, with love. Even on the tough tunes, like "Blues for the South Side," the wicked string attack is so much more than just a string of blue notes -- it's intensely passionate music.

Earl writes and plays convincingly of the spritiual side of his blues -- but isn't that what the best blues are always filled with?

Here's a video of Earl, playing "Blues for Fathead," also found on this album:

I'm sorry to say that BlueNotes didn't make it to the Jimmy Thackery show Saturday night at Moondog's. I promise to try harder for this Saturday's show with Tommy Castro and the Burgh's own Norm Nardini.

Morning baseball talk, 11-23-09

Dejan Kovacevic — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:40:00 GMT

More big laughs from 'Big Bang Theory'

Rob Owen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:01:00 GMT

If we were to pinpoint the start of the prime-time comedy revival that's blossomed this season, it would probably be the premiere of "The Big Bang Theory" (9:30 tonight, CBS) three seasons back. Granted, that show was not an out-of-the-box hit. Its ratings grew slowly but has since developed into a genuine success.

The show's potential quality has always been obvious, starting with leading man Jim Parsons as socially impaired Sheldon, but the writers skillfully developed all the characters, particularly Penny (Kaley Cuoco), who could have been just "the hot girl next door." The supporting cast has also gotten more air time as writers explore their quirks.

Tonight, Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) finds himself torn between a nice girl who likes him and his idea of female perfection: Megan Fox ("Transformers") or Katee Sackhoff ("Battlestar Galactica").

"You'd have a better shot with the three-breasted martian hooker from 'Total Recall," says Leonard (Johnny Galecki).

Eventually Sackhoff shows up in an imagination sequence that's more randy that "Big Bang" usually gets but it's abolutely funny and in keeping with what the Wolowitz character might think up.

Gateway's Bey commits to Miami, Ohio

Mike White — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:52:00 GMT

By Mike White | Sunday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m.

The Gateway football team now has three seniors headed to Division I colleges.

Gateway running back-defensive back Orne Bey made a verbal commitment today to Miami, Ohio, of the Mid-American Conference. Bey (5 feet 9, 175 pounds) plays running back and defensive back for Gateway and was recruited by Miami to play slotback or running back. Bey is Gateway's leading rusher and averaging close to 10 yards a carry.

Bey, pictured to the left, was a reserve on Gateway's team last year, playing mostly special teams. But he has shined this season.

"I sent a film to Miami, and their head coach, Mike Haywood, I knew him when he was at Texas because they were recruiting Justin [King of Gateway]," said Gateway coach Terry Smith. "He called me personally and offered Orne and Dayonne."

Dayonne is Dayonne Nunley, a Gateway receiver-defensive back who committed to Miami a few weeks ago. Both players made official visits to Miami. Gateway's other senior headed to a Division I college is running back/receiver/defensive back Brendon Felder, who committed to the University of North Carolina earlier this season.

Smith believes linebacker-offensive guard Delbert Tyler (6-0, 230) also might end up being recruited by a Division I college or two. He also believes lineman Mitch Devall (6-1, 320) has an outside shot at being Division I.

"Delbert has a legitimate shot, especially when people watch the film from the North Hills game," Smith said of Friday's WPIAL semifinal. "He had 21 tackles in that game. It was the best I ever saw him play. Plus, he has played offensive guard for us full time."

Steelers-Chefs live

Chuck Finder — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Yes, I spelled Chiefs incorrectly on purpose. If it's good enough for the Bungles. . . .

A few pregame notes:

* Expect Willie Parker to play more today. Of course, Bruce Arians planned to play his -- dare we say this now -- No. 2 halfback more often, on every third series, the past two games. Situations worked out differently. But today the Chiefs bring the NFL's sixth-worst NFL defense against the run. Parker, recovered from his turf toe too, has a shredded them in the past.

* No Larry Johnson (now with the Bungles), no Troy Polamalu (absent today and maybe another game or two with that PCL injury). So much for calling this a hairpull.

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* These aren't the quality Chiefs you remember -- from McDonald's Marty Schottenheimer as coach or even Rich Gannon at quarterback, before he went to the Super Bowl with the Raiders. But Arrowhead can still be a tough place to play. Moreoever, Steelers fans should thank the Chiefs. If it wasn't for a draft-day trade up, the Steelers may not have been able to draft Polamalu in 2003.

FIRST QUARTER

1:02 p.m.: So much for an improved kickoff coverage. The team with already the most KO return touchdowns this season gave up their fourth in five games and their eighth return for a touchdown -- kick, fumble or interception. CBS, by the way, showed the wrong coach at first before focusing on Bob Ligashesky. Gee, and it has been four years since the Chefs returned one for a score. Remember Dante Hall? One more thing: Ryan Mundy appeared to have the best chance at him, and Patrick Bailey got taken out by a teammate, so it appeared. The Steelers gave up thinking he was down. More reckless play is required on this unit. Oh, and Jeff Reed was awfully deep -- around the Kansas City 40 -- on that coverage, which represents a major change from him being a safety valve at the 50 or deeper in Steelers territory. (So nobody can criticize him for not sticking his nose in there.) 1:09 p.m.: Is it just me, or are the Steelers trying to pump up Kansas City? Run, run holding, run (a reverse on second and way too long), throwing into triple coverage? Funny, Mundy and the punt-return unit flew down there on that one. Hmmmm. . . maybe they should have Daniel Sepulveda and those guys punt off, as with a safety, instead of using Reed and the kickoff unit. 1:18 p.m.: OK, I'll agree with you there: You just make a dandy run against a defense that knows it's bad against the run, and the next down you go empty set? Don't except the "screen is as good as a run" argument, either. Especially with the way Ben Roethlisberger passed last week and looks already today, they should run to set up the pass and alleviate the burden on the quarterback. 1:28 p.m.: Told ya about Willie Parker (pregame notes). And in the replay, just noticed that Lawrence Timmons was on the Ill-Fated Kickoff Unit, or IFKU. Isn't he a new addition there? 1:31 p.m.: Sign that Miracles Do Happen: The Browns have 10 points already. (OK, so it's just Detroit). . . Offensive line doing the Steelers no favors on this drive, which showed promise. The sooner the Steelers tie this game, the better chance they have of the Chefs realizing that they are indeed the Chefs. 1:36 p.m.: Five of seven on fourth-down conversions this season? That's impressive. And Mendenhall nearly took that one all the way. . . By the way, Hines Ward was down on that play, but when he loses the ball, it's not a good sign. The Chefs' defense is hitting with some vigor. . . . End of the first, 7-0 KC.

SECOND QUARTER

1:40 p.m.: Was Big Ben just showing his Little Owie to the ref? Potential headline, if the Steelers prevail today: Victory better than being poked in the eye. . . 1:41 p.m.: Seems to be a hollow way to end such a drive, But don't lose sight of a jarring trend that Reed's 36-yard field goal signifies: That makes five consecutive touchdown-less trips into the Red Zone for the Steelers. Ruh-roh, every score means a kickoff! There was Ike Taylor to the rescue. . . 1:51 p.m.: Mixed into that sea of red are 10,000-plus Steelers fans in a Midwest meeting of Steeler Nation. The P-G's Bob Dvorchak is on hand to report about it for tomorrow's print publication. Just listen to them cheer or chant "Heeeeath." . . .1:58 p.m.: With that catch, Miller has tied his career high with 47 receptions. He's on pace for roughly 75 catches -- that's Antonio Gates territory. Most important, it's Red Zone time again. Can the Steelers go 6-for-6? The must be able to run the ball. Just as I typed that, CBS threw up an interesting graphic: No team has gone longer without a rushing touchdown than the Steelers, with 95 consecutive carries. . . 2 p.m: Funny, but I was thinking Roethlisberger should've run just about the time he flicked the ball to a Ward who was wide open because Roethlisberger's feet caused Chefs defenders to creep toward the line of scrimmage to watch him. The 5-for-5 Red Zone skid without a touchdown finally comes to a halt. Now I'll answer you critics: Don't give up on this club just yet. The defense is better, even without Polamalu, than three-quarters of the rest of the NFL. The offense can overcome special-teams mistakes. And, overall, if you watch the rest of the league closely, the Steelers still possess one of the six best teams in the NFL, if not better. The question, though, is: Will they play that way? If they win today, there are easy victories against the Browns and Raiders upcoming -- that's nine victories. Beat Green Bay or Baltimore at home, or win in Bawlmer or Miami, which is surging, and 11 surely will earn them a playoff spot, if not home field for the wild-card game. The Bungles, playing an even lighter schedule the rest of the way, HAVE to win 11 minimum unless they fall completely off the Earth. Oh, and the Steelers lead, 10-7. . . 2:08 p.m.: Brownies update: They've scored 24! Of course, they've allowed 17. And it isn't even halftime yet in Detroit. (Hey, if you can't have fun at Cleveland's expense, you're clinically deceased.) Two-minute warning. . . 2:13 p.m.: Red Zone time again. A 96th consecutive carry without a touchdown. Followed by another vintage Roethlisberger play: somehow avoid the sack by ducking under, scooting to his left and finding an ad-libbing Miller for another Live At The Improv touchdown. Steelers cruising, 17-7. How much are they cruising? They have 279 yards to Kansas City's 43. They have a dozen first downs to Kansas City's two. They have possessed the ball for nearly 21 minutes to Kansas City's 8:05. They have put together 95- and 46-yard scoring drives in their past 17 total plays. They own this one. . . 2:18 p.m.: Lest anyone forget, too: Kansas City's offense on all four offensive possessions have passed their own 40-yard line, if not the 50. They've had prime real estate -- and done nothing with it aginast the Steelers. Can't wait to end up the total scores for Matt Cassel by the end of this one; remember, he lost with New England to these Steelers by 33-10 in Foxboro last November. What will today's final be in KC? It's still 17-7, Steelers.

For your halftime viewing pleasure. . .

EYE-an Eagle, the Eye network's play-by-play man today and a swell fella, once told me that he is the son of a television star. Yes, he said, that was his father starring in those Brother Dominic commercials -- this one from 1977 and the Super Bowl:

(Please visit the site to view this media)

THIRD QUARTER

2:32 p.m.: Give the 3-foot-7 guy (Reed's words, not ours) his due -- Stefan Logan has put together his best return day of the season, and the first one equal to his preseason hint of electricity. The last return, past the 40, was well blocked . . . so give the special teams and coaches their due there. But still the Steelers have allowed four touchdown returns and collected none of their own, a minus-4 ratio (and it indeed cost them the Cincinnati game), an inescapable fact. . . . 2:40 p.m.: Just looked it up: Roethlisberger has been intercepted just twice in his past 70 attempts, a stretch that included his admittedly off game against Cincinnati last Sunday. And both were on tipped passes. So, sharp or not, he hasn't hurt his team. The Chefs took this one and drove to a touchdown, which indeed hurts. The offense needs to come back and score to put the Chefs back in their 2-7 place and provide themselves with some breathing room, lest they return to their Bears, Lions and at Bungles second-half collapses of earlier this season. Chefs creep within 17-14, Steelers. . .

We pause for this commercial message:

Why is this a Thanksgiving movie? The carving?

2:47 p.m.: Left guard Chris Kemoeatu, so vital to the running game, particularly on pulling blocks, will be missed with injury the rest of the day. Kansas City stuffs the Steelers, and Sepulveda makes his first punt since the Steelers' opening possession. Now that defense, which just had its only bad series of the game, must stand firm -- if not come up with a game-turning takeaway. The longer you let the Chefs linger. . . . . . 2:58 p.m.: The middle is amazingly open for the Steelers. Give credit to Ramon Foster for filling in admirably thus far for Kemoeatu, too. Roethlisberger has time to throw, for the most part. . . 3:04 p.m.: Neat interactive set-up for the Chiefs' site live blog, but not nearly as entertaining or informative as this one, not to be too shamelessly promotional. . . 3:07 p.m.: Now there was a potentially fatal mistake by Roethlisberger -- he threw into four Kansas City defenders.Now the Steelers are fighting for their lives. A beautiful drive and a chance to drive a stake through Kansas City's heart, and instead they revive that heart. . . To think, if he put a little more air under that sideline pass to Mendenhall, the Steelers lead 24-14 instead of going down of getting tied here [CORRECTION AT 3:17]. . . 3:10 p.m.: James Harrison, whose name hadn't been called much, if at all, previously today comes up with a crucial sack. Still, the Chefs tie this game at 17-all behind a guy from the family that produced America's most infamous car and a kick whose name is pronounced Suck-up. . .

The Steelers have almost four times as much yardage and more than twice as much time of possession, but two turnovers, one drive and a special-teams blunder have allowed Kansas City to stay in a game undeservedly -- it is at Cincinnati, at Chicago and at Detroit all over again. Perhaps this is the road rule rather than the exception.

FOURTH QUARTER

3:15 p.m.: Roethlisberger is playing with fire. At least he threw that second-down pass away, but still they're placing way too much reliance on pass-blocking, the pass, Roethlisberger's feet. With Max Starks down and Kemoeatu already out, the Steelers are getting perilously thin and in dangerous territory. . . 3:17 p.m.: No, AFPilot, I'm NOT watching the game; I'm making all this up. But I sit corrected: A Willie Colon holding erased that Roethlisberger-to-Mendenhall play regardless. My bad. And the defense is going to have to win this one for the Steelers, if they can. . . 3:23 p.m.: Reasons why Chiefs are still in this game? They've kicked their bad habit and shut down the Steelers running game. And 0 giveaways by them. . . . Of course, as soon as I type that, Cassel coughs it up to -- Harrison again. . . Starks is back. . . 3:25 p.m.: How about this: If the Steelers don't score on this trip to the Red Zone -- the've failed on six of their past eight, remember -- we'll force them to decline an invitation to the playoffs. . . 3:28 p.m.: At least the Steelers tried to run the ball in the Red Zone. And this time -- I'll get it right, I'll get it right! -- Roethlisberger hits Mendenhall over the middle for the go-ahead score, 24-17 Steelers. And these Chefs linebackers, with Studebaker in and ex-Steeler Mike Vrabel absent, aren't very good at all. . . 3:31 p.m.: At 3:23, I forgot to point out one aspect: Kansas City, until that kick return, got called for only one penalty against the Steelers' 7 for 70 yards. See, the Steelers were giving this game to the Chefs. . . 3:36 p.m.: Former Steelers ballboy Todd Haley is attacking the Steelers safeties -- Deshea Townsend in nickel on the Lance Long catch to midfield, Ryan Clark on the double move by Chris Chambers to the Red Zone. Game on. . . 3:40 p.m.: Now the Steelers defense has been fairly shredded twice in the past four Kansas City offensive possessions. Brett Keisel really looked to be huffing and puffing there, a byproduct of both Aaron Smith and Travis Kirschke being absent due to injuries. It's 24-24. . . 3:43 p.m.: Huge offensive series for the Steelers. . . The next turnover will decide this game. . . 3:49 p.m. Cassel started this drive 8 for 15 passing for 140 yards this half alone. More importantly, he has steered Kansas City to two TDs and a field goal, with help from Roethlisberger. The Steelers come out of this 2-minute warning with a season-saving, third-and-3 staring them in the face. Well, that's overdramatic -- but this Kansas City possession determines this game, or at least saves overtime. . . 3:52 p.m.: Gutsy decision to blitz and leave those safeties in coverage. Just shows you the difference between good teams and bad: Lesser ones drop balls like that. . .

3:53 p.m.: One minute, 47 seconds to go and the ball in Roethlisberger's hands. Mewelde Moore couldn't handle Derrick Johnson on that first-down rush. . . But an illegal-downfield-contact penalty helped the Steelers' cause. Let's see what they can do with a break. . . 3:55 p.m.: One-29 to go, and wasn't that a lovely shot by CBS' cameras of Reed tugging on the seat of his pants? . . . 3:57 p.m.: Sixty-two seconds left, and a third-and-4 at midfield, and Roethlisberger can't make a play with his feet. Chefs try a safety blitz into that line, and now it's Cassel's turn to try to rescue the home side. . . 4 p.m.: We're going to overtime. It's up to a flip of the coin. . . or the next mistake.

True, this game never should've reached this point. But blame the defense, too, for allowing those second-half drives.

OVERTIME

4:02 p.m.: Tails, as in what the Steelers need kicked. The offense must run the ball and staunch that Kansas City rush. Even throw a shovel pass or quick screens. . . 4:04 p.m.: See, BA reads this Blog!. . . Seriously, Roethlisberger is 31 of 41 for 19 yards shy of 400, stats alone that show Kansas City never should've gotten this far. Once again, the middle is wide open for Ward. But, and I reiterate, run the ball with Mendenhall. The offensive line needs a break, too, and run-blocking is easier for them. And the Chefs are bad at it, when not blitzing. And Mendenhall, like that first-down run, is rushing hard and well. . . 4:07 p.m.: Roethlisberger indeed took a Derrick Johnson knee to the head, so it's on to Charlie Batch, who is woefully cold, and a tired offensive line. Go to two backs and run. Leave Batch with only short passes. You need two yards for a first down, then another 10 to 12 yards to get into Reed's range and get the heck out of Dodge. . . 4:10 p.m.: Excuse me, I forgot about the Hartwig hold. They need 22 to 25 yards for Reed. . . and then Batch threw that deep strike to Santonio Holmes, a gutsy call and a beautiful throw. But the Steelers should've sat on it and run from there. That Chefs defense should be a little weary deep down, too, from all that time on the field -- 41 minutes and counting -- and all that pass-rushing on 43 pass attempts. Great run by Mendenhall. Can Reed deliver again, like in overtime in the opener? . . . 4:13 p.m.: Not sure if Moore was the right man for that third-down job. Parker maybe, with his speed and having a decently warm, if not hot, hand in this game already. Sure, Moore is sure-handed, but. . . Now it's up to the Steelers defense. . . 4:15 p.m.: Can Taylor actually catch a huge ball and intercept it? . . . Nah. . . A harbinger, to be sure. . . This isn't the same Cassel as the first half, or last year's New England game. No, the Chefs deserve to win this -- and they will, after that long pass to Chambers.

4:18 p.m.: Suck-up's kick, of course, is good. Chefs, 27-24. They hadn't won back-to-back games in more than two years. Heck, they've mostly beaten the lowly Raiders the past two years. The Steelers need some soul-searching now.

They are 2-3 on the road, and they only played well once -- in Denver. They are two drastically different teams, especially on defense, home vs. road. And they now have their second two-game losing skid of the season.

Worse, they have imperiled their playoff chances. At Baltimore and at Miami look far more daunting now. And, geesh, could at Cleveland, too?

Great googly-moogly, indeed.

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Fat and fact: No pride attaches to being overweight or obese

Susan Mannella — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Heavy-set Americans are starting to throw their weight around in the health-care reform debate. If that sounds ridiculous, it's because it is. If the advocates for grossly overweight people have their way, this nation might as well collectively commit suicide one jelly doughnut at a time.

As The New York Times reported this month, a movement has sprung up to make sure the obese are not picked on by new health-care legislation. There's even a group called the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, which is lobbying members of Congress. This might be a joke if it were not so tragic.

To make their case seem more plausible, the fat-is-OK advocates echo more conventional complaints about discrimination -- such as those made by women, minorities and the elderly. But those claims are much more sympathetic because nobody has a say in how they were born or can be blamed for growing old. But people who are too fat for their own good often do have a choice. They alone decide how much they eat and how much they exercise (or how little).

For those in denial of this fact, the "fat pride" community has authors to reinforce its own worst instincts. The recent Times story quotes the felicitously named Linda Bacon, a nutrition professor from San Francisco, as saying: "What we're doing in public health-care policy is harmful. We give a direct and clear message that there's something wrong with being fat."

But there is something wrong with being fat. The scientific evidence is clear: It can kill you. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say, once people reach the levels defined as overweight or obese, the risk of falling prey to a host of serious conditions increases, including coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancers (endometrial, breast and colon), hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and even gynecological problems.

Worse yet, the numbers of the overweight or obese in this nation have reached epidemic proportions, so that these health problems have descended upon a greater number of Americans like a biblical plague. A third of U.S. adults and 16 percent of children are obese, according to the CDC.

As we have observed before, not one state in the nation in 1990 had an obesity rate that exceeded 15 percent. Now not one state has a rate under 15 percent. In 32 states, at least one-quarter of the people are obese.

The fear of a stigma against the obese can't be allowed to stand in the way of engaging the problem -- that does no favors to anyone. The problem is well known and so is the remedy. For most people, being overweight or obese is the predictable result of eating too many calories and not getting enough exercise.

If anything, the message from the government has been way too tolerant of America's expanding waist lines. On Feb. 24, 2008, Post-Gazette Publisher and Editor-in-Chief John Robinson Block presented presidential candidate Barack Obama with an inscribed copy of "Cleveland Clinic Healthy Heart Lifestyle Guide and Cookbook." Steven E. Nissen, M.D., chairman of the clinic's Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, wrote in the foreword that if Americans followed the book's advice, "Whole wings of our hospitals would have to be shut down. I, and most of my colleagues, could be thrown out onto the streets, unemployed. It would be the happiest day of my life." Now President Obama finds that the very problem addressed by the book threatens to overwhelm his health-care reform. He needs to pay attention.

The nation can't go on committing death by doughnut without the associated costs burying all hopes of reform. A report called "The Future Costs of Obesity" was released last week. Based on research by Kenneth E. Thorpe, Ph.D, of Emory University, it put the extent of the crisis in stark terms.

Among its findings is that obesity is growing faster than any previous public health issue the nation has faced and, if current trends continue, 103 million Americans will be considered obese by 2018. Given that, the United States will spend $344 billion on health care attributable to obesity nine years from now.

But an encouragement lurks in the statistics, too: If obesity rates were held at present rates, the report says, the United States could save almost $200 billion in health-care costs by 2018, an estimated $820 per adult.

The fate of health reform depends on ending this epidemic and Congress needs to reject any notion that there's nothing wrong with being fat. In fact, there's everything wrong with it.

Asides for Sunday, November 22, 2009

Susan Mannella — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

DAWN CREEPS over the mountains one sunbeam at a time. And sanity comes to the selling of beer more conveniently in the Pittsburgh area one Giant Eagle at a time. The first to start doing it was the Settlers Ridge store in Robinson this month. Last week, the Liquor Control Board approved restaurant liquor license transfers to five more Giant Eagle stores (each must have separate, restaurant areas to be able to sell beer and customers can buy up to two beers to drink there or carry out up to two six-packs). Giant Eagle is following the lead of the Wegmans chain, which won a case in Commonwealth Court for the right to sell beer. But progress on alcohol sales in Pennsylvania is not inevitable. The Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania has appealed to the state Supreme Court. If the court rejects beer in stores, at least people will know from experience how ridiculous the restrictions are -- and maybe lawmakers can take note.

THE PROBLEM with the General Assembly taking note is that its members still seem clueless on all manner of things. It is a trait that seems to start at the top. Republican Leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney says he didn't know that tax dollars were being used by Republicans for political purposes, as alleged by Attorney General Tom Corbett in an investigation that led to charges against former House Speaker John Perzel and nine others. But two years ago, Mr. Smith said he had difficulty believing that his Democratic counterpart at the time, Bill DeWeese, didn't know what was going on (a dozen Democrats were charged in the investigation). He was wrong to say that, he now admits, but Mr. Smith wants us to believe that his slumber on this is deeper than a certain groundhog's in his hometown.

THE FOUNTAIN at Point State Park doesn't gush beer but it's still a marvelous sight when it's working -- something it hasn't done much for more than a year. It needs $6 million in repairs and Riverlife's Friends of the Fountain campaign has raised $564,000 from corporations, which will be matched dollar for dollar by a Colcom Foundation grant. Riverlife is urgently asking for donations before the grant pledge expires Tuesday. Donations can be made at www.riverlifepgh.org. Help and be the toast of the town.

Empty Netter Assists - 11-22-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:42:00 GMT

Penguins

-Dave Molinari's recap from last night's game. Martin Skoula to the rescue.

-The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's recap. Seven of the Thrashers' nine losses this season have been by one goal.

-The Associated Press' recap. "For the first 40 minutes, that was probably our best game." - Dan Bylsma.

-NHL.com's recap. The Penguins shutout the NHL's second best power play.

-Mike Lange's calls.

-Highlights courtesy of EN contributor GhostWalker40:

-Evgeni does his best James Gandolfini impression:

-Marc-Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby and Brooks Orpik speak:

-Maxime Afinogenov's Greg Louganis impression deserves its own clip:

-Sad times for Atlanta goaltender and former Penguin Johan Hedberg:

-When might Tyler Kennedy return to the lineup?

-So... Randy Hillier or Kjell Samuelsson?

-Consol Energy Center is getting big:

-Dustin Jeffrey recorded three assists for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 3-1 defeat of the Adirondack Phantoms. John Curry made 29 saves in the win.

-The AHL Penguins have been a lot better with Nate Guenin and Chris Lee back in the lineup.

-Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Joey Haddad dropped the hammer on Adirondack's Kevin Marshall:

-Mitch Ganzak scored two goals for the Wheeling Nailers in a 5-3 loss to Elmira Jackals.

Atlantic Division

-Flyers forward Blair Betts suffered a shoulder injury last night.

-Former Rangers forward Brian Mullen, the brother of former Penguins star Joe Mullen, is coaching a junior team in New York.

Northeast Division

-Scoreboard Watch for the Penguins: Shootout goals by Phil Kessel (above) and Niklas Hagman gave the Maple Leafs a 2-1 win against the Capitals. Vesa Toskala made 31 saves in the win. Washington gained a point and remained in first place in the Eastern Conference with 31 points, one more than the second place Penguins.

-The shootout. The Maple Leafs went all 2006-07 Penguins with the rally caps:

-Toronto's Tomas Kaberle is a fan of the rally cap:

-Washington's Alex Ovechkin went to one knee to uncork this shot:

-Ovechkin regretted eating at Swiss Chalet prior to the game:

-Filip Kuba had a goal and three assists for the Senators in a 5-3 win against the rival Sabres. Ottawa also got two goals and an assist from captain Daniel Alfredsson and two assists from Jason Spezza. Brian Elliott made 14 saves and earned the win in relief of injured starter Pascal Leclaire. The Senators extended a winning streak to three games. Derek Roy and Henrik Tallinder each had two assists for Buffalo.

-Leclaire suffered a "lower-body" injury.

-Spezza got dumped pretty hard here by Buffalo's Paul Gaustad:

-Sabres goaltender and former Penguin Patrick Lalime kept his eyes on the puck. Spezza, not so much:

-Sabres forward Drew Stafford is dealing with a "lower-body" injury.

-Canadiens forward Scott Gomez is dealing with an "upper-body" injury.

Southeast Division

-Tomas Vokoun (above) made 32 saves and led the Panthers to a 3-2 win against the Rangers. Florida has won four out of its past five games. Vaclav Prospal had a goal and an assist for New York.

-Awkward Photo of the Night: Vokoun and New York's Sean Avery:

-Was Avery just born with a face like this?

-Chad LaRose had a goal and an assist for the Hurricanes who beat the Lightning, 3-1. Teammate Joe Corvo added two assists while Manny Legace made 20 saves in the win.

-Despite scoring his team's only goal, Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin took a lot of the blame for his team's loss last night.

-With defenseman Mattias Ohlund dealing with an ankle injury, the Lightning recalled defenseman Mike Lundin and Matt Smaby from Nofolk of the AHL.

-With forward Cory Stillman (knee) and defenseman Gregory Campbell (undisclosed) dinged up, the Panthers recalled forwards Shawn Matthias and Michal Repik from Rochester of the AHL.

Central Division

-Two goals from David Perron helped the Blues beat the Islanders, 4-1. Chris Mason (above, in the Blues' sharp third jersey) made 23 saves in the win.

-Check out one of Perron's goals:

-Shootout goals by Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterber gave the Red Wings a 3-2 win against the Red Wings. Jimmy Howard made a "whopping" 16 saves in the win. Mike Cammalleri scored both of Montreal's regulation goals.

-Canadiens goon and former Penguin Georges Laraque managed to take out two Red Wings on one shift. He high sticked forward Darren Helm and he hit defenseman Niklas Kronwall with a knee-on-knee hit.

-That deserves a big-time suspension.

-"It was an accident. That's why the referees called a two-minute minor for tripping and nothing more." - Laraque on the hit.

-Check out the throwbacks Montreal's Josh Gorges and the Habs were wearing (as well as the little bit of stick work by Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom):

-A kick save and a beaut by Howard:

-Shootout goals by Mike Santorelli and David Legwand gave the Predators a 4-3 win against the rival Blue Jackets. Legwand and Martin Erat each had a goal and an assist in regulation for Nashville which extended a winning streak to five games. Pekka Rinne made 26 saves in the win. R.J. Umberger, a native of a certain city three hours east of Columbus, led the Blue Jackets with two goals.

-Legwand had a heck of a day. He scored two points and had a baby. Well... we assume his wife had the baby technically. But still... that's pretty good!

-Cool Photo of the Night: Jan Hejda on Columbus' bench:

-Happy times for Umberger and Derick Brassard:

-Jonathan Toews had two goals and an assist for the Blackhawks in a 5-2 win at Edmonton. Patrick Kane added a goal and an assist for Chicago while teammate Brian Campbell recorded two assists. Cristobal Huet made 25 saves in the win which was Chicago's six in a row. Dustin Penner led the Oilers with a goal and an assist.

-Huet reached up through traffic to try and glove this puck:

-Goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers and the Oilers wore their stunning throwbacks:

Northwest Division

-Jarome Iginla's (above) tenth career hat trick helped the Flames win at Los Angeles, 5-2. Daymond Langkow added a goal and an assist for Calgary while teammate Jay Bouwmeester recorded two assists. Miikka Kiprusoff made 23 saves in the win. Drew Doughtly led Los Angeles with a goal and an assist.

-Iginla's hat trick. Check out the pass by Bouwmeester to set up Iginla's second goal:

-Happy times for the Flames. Not so much for Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick:

-The Wild claimed forward Andrew Ebbett off waivers from the Blackhawks and demoted forwards Danny Irmen and former Penguin Nathan Smitth to Houston of the AHL.

-The Canucks demoted forward Matt Pettinger to Manitoba of the AHL.

-With Nikolai Khabibulin dealing with a wonky back, the Oilers signed Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender Torrie Jung to an amateur tryout agreement.

Pacific Division

-Scoreboard Watch for the Penguins: Stephane Robidas (above, with Loui Eriksson) had two goals and two assists for the Stars in a 5-3 defeat of the Devils. Brad Richards added four assists while teammate Mike Ribeiro recorded a goal and an assist. Marty Turco made 31 saves in the win. Brian Rolston led New Jersey with two goals. The Devils are in second place in the Atlantic Division with 29 points, one less than the first place Penguins.

-Does Robidas deserve some consideration for the Canadian Olympic team?

-Shane Doan and Matthew Lombardi each had a goal and an assist for the Coyotes in a 3-1 defeat of the Flyers. Ilya Bryzgalov made 23 saves in the win.

-The decision of Phoenix's James Vandermeer to get into a staring contest with Philadelphia's Ray Emery did not end well:

-"He doesn't know he's not supposed to bite people!"

-Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton each had a goal and an assist for the Sharks in a 3-2 win against the rival Ducks. Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves in the win.

-Happy times for Thornton:

-Happy times for Ducks defenseman and former Penguin Ryan Whitney:

-Second Cool Photo of the Night: The Sharks' and Ducks' benches:

-With forwards Logan Couture dealing with the flu and forward Devin Setoguchi placed on injured reserve, the Sharks recalled forward Ryan Vesce from Worcester of the AHL.

Smythe Division

-Former Penguins goaltending prospect David Brown signed with the Gwinnett Gladiators, the ECHL affiliate of the Thrashers and Blue Jackets.

-Eric Levine made 30 saves for the Robert Morris men's team in a 4-1 loss at Colorado College.

-Kathleen McDonald and Kelsey Thomas each had a goal and an assist for the Robert Morris women's team in a 4-2 loss to Syracuse.

(Photos: Penguins and Hedberg-Erik S. Lesser/Associated Press; Haddad-Dave Scherbenco/Associated Press/Citizens Voice; Kessel, Kaberle and Ovechkin-Abelimages/Getty Images; Spezza and Lalime-Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press; Vokoun and Avery-Bill Kostroun/Associated Press; Mason-Tom Gannam/Associated Press; Howard and Gorges-Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images; Hejda and Umberger-Mark Humphrey/Associated Press; Huet and Drouin-Deslauriers-John Ulan/Canadian Press; Iginla-Jeff Gross/Getty Images; Quick-Reed Saxon/Associated Press; Robidas-Mike Fuentes/Associated Press; Emery and Timonen-Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press; Thornton, Whitney and Sharks' and Ducks' benches-Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

Picture this - 11-22-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:43:00 GMT

A lazy Sunday. A perfect opportunity to post photos from readers. First up is Andrew Rupprect from Section C-3 who spotted a bizarre jersey foul:

-Dick Tarnstrom was a bit of a sniper from the blue line but... this is a little out of line.

-Kelli Zappas spotted Greenman at last week's game against the Bruins:

-Katherine Peterlin had the good fortune of being at the stellar Bruins-Penguins game and sent a few shots. Pregame:

-A scrum in front of Boston goaltender Tim Thomas:

-Matt Cooke, Craig Adams and Ben Lovejoy guarding Brent Johnson:

-The reflection of Mellon Arena on Consol Energy Center:

-The scaffolding supporting the roof at Mellon Arena:

-A John Curry Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins jersey:

-Happy times after Pascal Dupuis' overtime goal:

-Rob Luther shared this Stephane Richer Starting Lineup figure:

-Traci Manning was at a recent Wilkes-Barre/Scranton-Hershey game. Here's Penguins forward Tim Wallace fighting Bears forward Bryan Helmer:

-And Penguins forward Aaron Boogaard fighting Bears forward "Ammo" Greg Amadio:

-Fawn Draucker was at a recent Predators-Senators game and spotted a jersey foul. Some random Mario Lemieux fan wandering around:

-Joe Babik was the Penguins-Sharks game in San Jose two weeks ago and sent in a few shots. A jersey foul:

-Marc-Andre Fleury doing the moonwalk:

-Warm ups:

-After a faceoff:

-After Jay McKee's fight with Jody Shelley:

-Ryan McCartney was in Toronto for the Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremonies earlier this month. He spotted a couples of Steve Yzerman fans:

-A Mike Bullard-era Mario Lemieux fan:

-Air Canda Centre on a beautiful day:

-A Sidney Crosby Team Canada fan:

-A big Maple Leafs logo:

-The Hockey Hall of Fame:

-The Conn Smythe Trophy and a photo of its most recent recipient:

-A display for the current defending Stanley Cup champions:

-The pucks from Game 7 of last season's Stanley Cup Final:

-The Prices of Wales Trophy:

-The Art Ross Trophy and a few of its recent winners:

-The displays for 2009 inductees Brian Leetch and Luc Robitaille:

-And Brett Hull, Lou Lamoriello and Steve Yzerman:

-Finally, Tim Colleran spotted this couple of Bill Guerin fans at a recent Blues game in St. Louis:

Morning baseball talk, 11-22-09

Dejan Kovacevic — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:40:00 GMT

Penguins 3, Thrashers 2 - 11-21-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:56:00 GMT

PREGAME

-Greetings from ugly but mild Pittsburgh. It was cloud all day but warm. A really weird day. If you looked out the window, it was just one of those days where you wanted to pull the covers over your head and wake up whenever summer rolled around ugh.

-This has nothing to do with hockey, but we've had this bookmarked for sometime and just have not found a time to use it. It's a Deathstar pumpkin:

-Things like that are why the Internet exists.

-The Penguins' only scratch is Alex Goligoski.

-The Thrashers' scratches are Boris Valabik, Jim Slater and Anssi Salmela.

-Marc-Andre Fleury and Johan Hedberg are your starters in net.

-Annnnddd.... guess who used to be a Penguin:

-Brooks Orpik drops the crazy eyes on Dan Potash:

-The Consol Energy promo breaks a couple times. Hopefully that's not an omen for the new arena.

-Annnnddd....

FIRST PERIOD

19:50ish: FSN PIttsburgh shows off the Penguins' lines and defensive combinations:

18:40: Pascal Dupuis used to be a Thrasher:

17:26: Evander Kane snaps off a wrister from just inside the Penguins' blue line at the left point. Fleury hangs on for the save and freezes play.

16:46: Randy Cunneyworth used to be a Penguin:

15:56: From a tough angle in the left faceoff circle, a wrister by by Slava Kozlov is fought off by Fleury.

15:34: Bryan Little takes a pass in the slot and snaps off a wrister. Fleury makes the save. Kozlov is there for the rebound. Fleury falls to his right and eats up the chance by Kozlov.

15:15: Dupuis steals a puck in the neutral zone and distributes to Evgeni Malkin on the left wing. Malkin pumps a slapper on net. Hedberg eats it up. "MOOOOOOOSSSSSSEEEEEE!!!!" chants rain down.

14:15: Zach Bogosian is nabbed for inteference against Malkin. Malkin, Sergei Gonchar, Mark Eaton, Sidney Crosby

13:52: Gonchar tees up a slapper from the top of the slot. It hits a stick and is cleared away.

13:46: Rich Peverly clears the puck for a change.

13:11: Malkin sends a cross ice pass to Crosby on the right wing. Crosby has a wide open shot but cranks a one-timer no where near the net.

13:01: Armstrong moves up the left wing on a two-on-one against Gonchar. He tries to drag it to the inside but Gonchar is able to slide down and poke it away.

12:22: And the legend of Martin Skoula grows. The "jay-vee" power play is on to finish the power play. Chris Bourque is on the right wing and dishes a pass to Skoula at the right point. Skoula just tosses it at the cage. It hits Ron Hainsey's right knee and is re-directed by Hedberg on the glove side. See what happens when you get it on net. Skoula gets credit for the goal. Bourque and Crosby get assists. Tons of Penguins fans down there are cheering. Either that or everyone in Atlanta hates Swedish goaltenders. Penguins 1-0.

12:02: From the right wing, Matt Cooke chips the puck into the opposite corner. Jordan Staal knocks it down with a high stick and immediately plays it into the crease. As officials blow play dead, Talbot tips the puck by Hedberg. It's not goal as the play was dead when Staal touched it with a high stick.

11:04: Bogosian gets a pass on the right wing and has an open shot but he whips a wrister near and wide.

10:53: Bob Errey compares Zach Bogosian to Cy Young. In addition to being one of the greatest pitches of all time, Young was apparently a solid No. 2 defenseman.

10:45: Bryan Little takes a pass on the left wing and snaps off a wrister to the far side. Fleury gloves it.

9:25: Guerin clunks a backhander from a tough angle on the left wing off the outside of the goal post.

9:17: Gonchar knees Kane in the neutral zone. That's two minutes. Staal, Cooke, Lovejoy and Eaton are on for the kill.

8:05: Cooke chips the puck from his own slot down ice and allows his team a change.

7:37: Talbot moves up ice on the left wing, chris cross with Dupuis and lifts a backhander on cage. Hedberg holds it in his equipment and falls back to prevent a rebound. Nice job by Dupuis to pull the defenders away from Talbot.

7:17: Gonchar's penalty is killed. The Thrashers had very little going on there.

7:07: Little moves behind the net, comes around the left side and whips a backhander into Fleury's legs. Fleury fights it off.

6:43: Off a faceoff win in the offensive zone by Crosby, Skoula snaps off a one-timer that's wide.

5:04: Armstrong appears to get away with a trip on Mike Rupp. No call.

5:32: Orpik lobs a wrister on net from the left point. Bourque is in front and knocks the puck down in the crease. Hedberg covers to freeze play. Coming back from commercial:

5:15: Adams steals a pass in the offensive zone and immediately snaps off a wrister at the cage. Hedberg hangs on for the save.

4:32: On a rush into the offensive zone, Malkin carries the puck in on the right wing. He allows Ruslan Fedotenko and Dupuis to drive towards the net. That opens things up for Eaton trailing at the left wing. Eaton takes a pass from Malkin and rips a wrister which Hedberg traps in his left arm.

3:54: Off a faceoff win in the Penguins' zone, Christoph Schubert cranks a big slapper from the left point. Fleury kicks it out.

3:23: Crosby rushes into the offensive zone, undresses Tobias Enstrom with a few slick moves and backhands a puck on net. Hedberg fights it off.

0:00: End of period. The last three minutes of the period were really bland. Penguins 1, Thrashers 0.

FIRST INTERMISSION

-Nice period for both teams. Each squad attacked the offensize zone and skated pretty well. The Penguins had the bulk of the quality scoring chances, but it was a pretty entertaining period.

-The Penguins have put Hedberg to work. He's seens a good variety of shots from the perimeter and in tight. And a lot of those shots have been tough. But he's responded well.

-Skoula continues to look like the team's best offseason acquisition. We know McKee has been lights out as a shotblocker, but that was expected. His play hasn't been surprising. Skoula's has been a surprise considering he was picked off the scrap heap.

-The new lines seem to have some chemistry.

-Shots are tied, 9-9.

-Gonchar leads the game with 9:14 of ice time.

-Pavel Kubina leads the Thrashers with 7:44.

-Atlanta is up 14-7 in faceoffs (67 percent).

-Todd White is 3 for 4 (75 percent).

-Crosby is 3 for 6 (50 percent).

-No one has more than one blocked shot.

-By way of a reader in the ATL, Armstrong's on the program tonight:

-Are we the only ones a little disturbed by the fact that FSN Pittsburgh has a commercial of Jay Caufield pretending to preform heart surgery with his telestrator all while Stan Savran is just returning from his own health problems related to his heart?

-Bob Errey raves about the size of Martin Skoula's toe.

SECOND PERIOD

19:33: Staal gets a pass on the right wing and cracks a one-timer on net. Hedberg miraculously kicks it out with his left skate. Bourque gets the rebound and has an open net to shoot at but he puts the puck wide.

18:40: Crosby creates a two-on-one with Guerin against Enstrom. From the left wing, Crosby lifts a wrister. Hedberg makes the save. Guerin tries to jam in two backhanded chances but Hedberg denies them each. Nik Antropov comes back and gets the puck out of danger.

18:13: Orpik smothers a puck just outside the crease and freezes play. The NHL should make a play like that a delay of game penalty because that is exactly what Orpik did there.

17:41: Armstron snaps a low wrister to the far side from the left wing. Fleury gloves it.

16:38: Crosby retrieves a dump in the corner by Rupp, turns and distributes to Rupp in the right faceoff circle. Rupp cracks a one-timer that hits Hedberg high and deflects away.

16:00: Rupp gets another chance in the right faceoff circle and sweeps a shot on net. Eric Godard in Hedberg's grill. The puck hits someone and deflects away.

15:28: Malkin comes up the left wing on a two-on-one with Fedotenko against Hainsey. Malkin takes the shot. Hedberg knocks dow the shot. Hainsey clears it out of danger.

15:14: Bogosian comes in deep and tries to make a cross-ice pass. Fleury's able to poke it away with the butt end of his stick.

14:48: Hedberg is earning his pay tonight. Dupuis gets a chance in the slot and immediately swats it on net. Hedberg comes out of his crea

14:20: Enstrom cracks slapper from the left point. Fleury makes the save despite some interference from his own teammate Skoula.

14:00: Hedberg denies Crosby on the left wing.

13:45: Off a turnover in the Penguins' zone by Orpik, Armstrong whips a feed through the crease to no one.

13:03: Todd White gains the offensive zone with speed and cranks a slapper from the left wing. Fleury fights it off.

12:26: Time to stock Dick's with Martin Skoula jerseys! He has his second goal. Cooke loses the puck for a moment on the right wing. He regains it and dishes it to Skoula coming in at the left point. Skoula tees up and cranks a slapper by Hedberg on the stick side. Bad goal for Hedberg to give up. Cooke and Staal get assists. This guy apparently chose not to start Skoula in his fantasy league:

Tons of celebrating again in Philips Arena. Penguins 2-0.

12:03: Adams is nabbed for interference on Kovalchuk. Staal, Cooke, Orpik and Gonchar are on for the kill.

11:33: Staal is able to chip the puck up ice to kill some time.

11:14: After a bit of an adventure with Fleury's stickhandling, Gonchar is able to bank the puck off the boards and out of danger into the Thrashers' zone.

10:25: The Penguins turn away another Thrashers rush into the offensive zone. Skoula clears the puck but it goes into the bench.

10:19: Kubina gets the puck on the left point and cracks a one-timer wide.

10:03: Adams penalty is killed. The Penguins pretty much shut the Thrashers down that two minutes.

9:21: Malkin makes a strong move out of the corner and attacks the crease. He looses control of the puck and it slides into the corner.

8:14: WHat a play by Rupp to set up this goal. Rupp picks up a loose puck from behind his own net and distributes to Malkin on the right wing in the neutral zone. Rupp drives to the net taking Kubina with him. Malkin has Enstrom on his stick, then off Kubina's butt and just kind of chips its on net. Enstrom gets a piece of the puck and it trickles under Hedberg who was totally lost on the shot. Rupp might've screened him there. Rupp gets the only assist. He deserves two. A "LET'S GO PENS!" chant start. Penguins 3-0.

8:07: Bob Errey, an expert on arithmetic involving derrieres, declares, one stick + one butt = one goal. Hard to argue with that math.

6:36: Kovalchuk gets his first good look. He moves up the left wing against Engelland who has lost his stick. Kovalchuk moves to the inside in the right faceoff circle and lifts a wrister on Fleury. Fleury is up to the task and gloves the laser.

5:50: Off a turnover in the Penguins' zone, the Thrashers have a chance to get on the board. Little steals the puck and tries to dish it off to Marty Reasoner coming in on the right wing. Reasoner snaps off a wrister but Lovejoy is able to deflects the shot out of play with his stick. Big play by Lovejoy. Coming back from commercial, we learn Colby Armstrong ended his life got married:

5:47: Off a faceoff win, Bogosian cranks a one-timer from the top of the slot that clunks off the cross bar.

5:22: Kane cranks a slapper from the left wing. Gonchar is right there and blocks the puck. He then plays the rebound up out of the zone.

4:52: Cooke pokes a backhander wide of the net.

4:40: Afinogenov challenges Orpik one-on-one. Opik kind of poke checks him. Afinogenov falls down as if he were hit by a bus. Bourque somehow ends up with the penalty. Staal, Cooke, Lovejoy and Eaton are on for the kill.

4:14: Peverly has a chance in tight but lifts a shot high off the boards.

2:40: Bouque's penalty is killed.

2:27: From the right wing, Bourque pushes a pass on his backhand to Talbot in the slot. Talbot moves in on net, gets tripped up by Kubina and is still able to push a shot on net. Hedberg makes the save as Talbot crashes in on net and dislodges the net. Talbot is awarded a penalty shot. After a bit of delay, he moves in, goes wide to the right wing, then cuts towards the slot. He move sin on net and snaps off a wrister wide. As Errey pointed out, Hedberg really came out far from the net to challenge Talbot.

2:07: Schubert cranks a loose puck on net from the left point. It hits someone in front and deflects out of play.

2:03: A slapper from the left point hits Reasoner on the hand and trickles in on net. Fleury collects it to freeze play.

1:46: Engelland and Kane surprising drop the gloves behind the Penguins' net. Kane tripped up Engelland and falls on top of him. Engelland shoves Kane. They get up and drop the gloves. Engelland lands a few rights before they wrestle and fall to the ice.

1:12: As Guerin crashes into the Atlanta net and disloges it, Afinogenov is off to the races and roars up the right wing. He gains a step on Orpik and lifts a backhander. Fleury is able to gloves as he falls in a fairly flamboyant fashion. Big-time save.

0:30: Staal collects a bouncing puck in the slot, turns and whips it on net. Hedberg falls on his but and makes the save.

0:12: Little cuts through two defenders in the Penguins' zone chasing a loose puck. Before he can shoot it, Fleury is able to poke check it away.

0:05: Malkin sneaks up the right wing and punches a backhander on net. Hedberg fights it off.

0:00: End of period. Penguins 3, Thrashers 0.

SECOND INTERMISSION

-That was a pretty dominant period for the Penguins. The Thrashers are trying to run and gun with the Penguins who are more than willing to play that way.

-What can you say about Skoula? He's showing a pretty solid all-around game.

-Hedberg is playing out of his mind right now. His teammates all owe him a beer after the game.

-Fleury's been strong as well.

-Rupp continues he's not just some big lug. He has a pretty fair amount of ability.

-The Penguins have a 25-17 lead in shots.

-Guerin leads the game with five.

-Kozlov leads the Thrashers with three.

-Gonchar leads the game with 17:56 of ice time.

-Enstrom leads the Thrashers with 16:09.

-The Thrashers actually are dominating the faceoff circle, 28-14 (67 percent).

-Antropov is 7 for 9 (78 percent).

-Guerin is 1 for 2 (50 percent).

-Cooke and Kubina each lead the game with three blocked shots.

-We know we're going to jinx Skoula, but the last Penguins' hat trick by a defenseman:

THIRD PERIOD

19:08: Staal and Kovalchuk exchange their thoughts on chemist Duane Gish. We think.

17:48: Orpik absolutely levels Peverly along the boards.

17:31: Fedotenko whips a wrister on net from a tough angle on the left wing.

17:22: As Fleury covers a puck that slides in on net, Chris Thorburn moves in and makes contact with Fleury. A few Penguins take issue and give Thorburn the business. And Errey reminds us:

15:33: Kubina gets a chance sneaking in from the left point. Fleury comes out and challenges and gets a piece of hte puck.

15:15: Kozlov gets off s aneaky shot from the right wing. Fleury fights that off.

15:02: Little chops a loose puck on net. FLeury makes another save.

14:30: Hedberg gloves a slapper by Eaton.

14:17: From the slot, Kovalchuk sails a wrister wide of the cage. Atlanta has been dominant this period.

14:02: Kubina airmails a slapper form the neutral zone. Fleury fights it off.

13:35: Coming back from commercial, FSN Pittsburgh gets access to the audio of Colby Amstrong who is wearing a microphone for the Thrashers' television broadcaster. Armstrong questions official Dan Marouelli on the penalty shot awarded to Talobt. Maourelli does a marvelous job of explaining the criteria for the shot stating Talbot didn't have a chance to get a quality shot off.

13:08: As Afinogenov forces a turnover by Orpik in the Penguins' zone that Fleury covers, Cooke and Kovalchuk drop the gloves. It's mostly a bunch of wrestling. Officials step in when Kovalchuk's jersey gets pulled up over his head. Kovalchuk goes to the box yelling. Cooke goes to the box with a grin. Replays show Cooke giving a bit of a cheap pot shot to an Atlanta player in front of the bench. Each player gets five minutes for fighting. Kovalchuk gets an additional penaly as well and is sent to the locker room. Errey wonders if Kovalchuk has ever been in a fight. Versus Drew Stafford:

-Versus Bryan McCabe:

-Versus Sean Avery:

-Kovalchuk gets a pair of instigator penalties. One involves him wearing a face shield. He needs to be more composed than that. He's the captain. It's nice to see him defending his team like that, but he needs to be aware of the situation. The Penguins have a four minute power play. Crosby, Guerin, Malkin, Gonchar and Eaton take the ice.

12:06: The Penguins are trying to get Skoula that hat trick. Gonchar slides a puck to him at the left point. Skoula cracks a one-timer. Hedberg eats it up.

11:47: Hedberg eats up a wrister by Bourque from the left faceoff circle.

11:39: Paul Steigerwald mentions Schubert has gone to the locker room.

11:26: And the Bourques are related:

11:09: Crosby tries to hit Eaton on the "Whitney Play" but Armstrong breaks it up.

11:02: Armstrong collects the puck and rushes up the right wing shorthanded. He cranks a slapper. Fleury fights it off.

10:29: Malkin has a chances in tight but his stick is chopped in half by Thorburn on a backcheck. No call.

10:20: The Penguins somehow give up their second two-on-one in the same power play and it bites them. Bogosian coasts up the left wing against Skoula. Bogosian zips the pass to Thorburn on the right wing and Thorburn is able to lift the shot up over Fleury on the glove side. Fleury had no chance there. Thorburn should've been in the box instead he scores the goal. Bogosian and Kubina get assists. Penguins 3-1.

9:36: Skoula rips a shot from the top of the point. Hedberg eats it up. "MOOOOOSSSSEEEEEE!!!!"

9:28: Off a faceoff, Hedberg eats up a blast by Malkin.

9:21: Gonchar cracks a one-timer from the left point. Hedberg kicks it out.

9:08: The Thrashers kill off the penalty. THat was a total waste of four minutes for the Penguins.

7:47: Enstrom rips a slapper from the top of hte slot. Fleury makes the save.

7:02: Little moves up the left wing and gets bodied off the puck by Engelland. Solid check.

6:06: SKoula tries plaster Kane into the boards with a hip check but only get a piece of him.

5:43: Off some tic-tac-toe passing in the offensive zone, Malkin puts a one-timer off the cross bar and into the protective netting.

5:09: Gonchar hammers a one-timer from the right point high and wide.

4:24: Bogosian cracks a slapper from outside the blue line. Fleury steers it away.

3:52: Mark Popovic just tosse the wrister into the slot. Skoula is there and kicks it right to Little in the right faceoff circle. Little "one-times" the puck. Fleury is in perfect position and eats up the shot.

3:37: Gonchar moves in from the slot and pushes a backhander on net. Hedberg fights it off.

3:14: Armstrong is run over by Orpik along the boards.

2:42: Orpik gets dumped in the neutral zone by Reasoner.

2:28: Reasoner just chucks the puck into the crease from the side of the cage. Fleury covers to freeze play. Hedberg is pulled for an extra attacker.

2:10: Afinogenov gets two chances from the left faceoff circle denied. Fleury kicked out one. A Penguins defender blocked the other.

1:37: Bogosian cranks a one-timer from the left point. Fleury eats it up.

1:29: During a stoppage, a Penguins fan rocking a Kevin Stevens jersey in the "Snoop Dogg" style can be seen:

0:29: Bogosian blocks an attempt at the empty cage by Cooke.

0:17: This isn't over yet. Antropov (Who else?) feeds the puck form the right wing into the slot. Afinogenov tips it under Fleury and into the net. Antropov and Peverly get the assists. Penguins 3-2.

0:10: Errey compares Eaton to Troy Polamalu. A Notre Dame guy being compared to a USC guy?

0:00: End of game. Play ends with Staal and Afinogenov wrestling on the ice. Officials break them up. Penguins 3, Thrashers 2.

POSTGAME

-The Penguins dominated that game for about 40 minutes. It was the last 20 minutes that got a little scary. The Thrashers did every thing they could to tie that game and came pretty close. Could you imagine if Kovalchuk hadn't been kicked out?

-If not for Hedberg, the Penguins put this game away earlier. He was sharp tonight.

-Skoula showed his all-around game. He doesn't really excel in any one area, but he's not weak in any particular area either.

-Fleury rebounded from a weak effort in Ottawa and was solid.

-The power play? It continues to be a mess. It only scored when Skoula put a simple shot on net and got a little lucky. The rest of the time, they seem to make it too complicated hoping to set up the perfect play. They have the skill to do things like that but sometimes, you just have to be greedy and put a lower percentage shot on net. Generate second chance scoring opportunites that way.

-Regarding the instigator penalty Kovalchuk got for his fight that involved his face shield, that is a really stupid rule. It's in place to prevent a player hurting his hand in a fight mostly. IT'S A FIGHT!!!! Injuries tend to happen when you swing a closed fist as someone regardless of what they're wearing. It's ridiculous that there is so much more attention paid to the safety of a player in a fight yet the idea of protecting a player from a head shot on the ice is seen as a joke by some.

-If you get a in a fight on the ice and you're injured, tough. You took your safety and the safety of another player in to your own hands. You should deal with the consequences.

-We liked Bogosian. He's really grown since we last saw him last season.

-Afinogenov seems like a different player now that he's in Atlanta.

-The Penguins ended up with a 34-33 edge in shots.

-The Thrashers had a 16-10 lead in shots in the third period.

-Guerin, Bogosian and Afinogenov led the game with five shots each.

-Gonchar led the game with 27:48 of ice time.

-Enstrom led the Thrashers with 26:37.

-The Thrashers controlled faceoffs, 28-26 (59 percent).

-Antropov was 9 for 14 (64 percent).

-Staal was 10 for 19 (53 percent).

-Schubert and Kubina each led the game with four blocked shots.

-Cooke led the Penguins with three.

-Skoula's last two-goal game came as a member of the Avalanche in a 5-4 defeat of the Predators, March 17, 2002.

-Malkin moved past Randy Carlyle for 19th place on the team's all-time scoring list. Each playe rhas 323 points, but Malkin (121) has more goals than Carlyle (66).

-With the win and a regulation loss by the Devils in Dallas, the Penguins move back into first place in the Atlantic Division.

-Game summary.

-Event summary.

-Highlights.

Donovan: 'I let my guard down' - 11-21-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:53:00 GMT

Senators forward and former Penguin Shean Donovan (right) spoke about being on the receving end of a hit by Penguins forward Matt Cooke in the Senators' 6-2 win Thursday.

Donovan will be out six to eight weeks to recover from damage to his MCL in his right knee.

Of the hit, Donovan said:

"Obviously, I let my guard down. I've played against him many times and he finishes his checks. It was a hit and he finished it with his knee -- but it's not the dirtiest check I've ever seen."

Of the recovery:

"It's just a matter of making sure the MCL heals and then you put a brace on it. I've had it hurt before, so it's not that big of a deal."

Dave Molinari has Matt Cooke's take on the hit at PG+.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Semifinal highlights and interviews; Video of ridiculous California play

Mike White — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:59:00 GMT

By Mike White | Saturday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m.

In case you're interested, we have semifinal highlights on our web site with some interviews with players and coaches. Highlights are from Thomas Jefferson-West Allegheny, Bethel Park-Woodland Hills, Clairton-Laurel and Aliquippa-Beaver Falls.

Click here for the link and then click on the small photo of the game you want to watch. Click on the arrows right or left to scroll ahead or back.

Cherpak says it best

Of all the people that have tried to describe the running talents of West Allegheny running back Mike Caputo, I thought Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak said it best. He basically said there is no way to describe the kid.

Cherpak said, "It's kind of weird because you look at him and he's not a power runner. But he's not a speedster, either. I don't know what he is, but he makes you miss. ... Pretty impressive."

Check out the highlights and you'll get to see Caputo's runs.

One of the best

I don't know if the public realizes how unusual Thomas Jefferson's run was over the past four years. I don't know if people realize that we might not see this again for a long time. 48 wins in a row against WPIAL teams? Three WPIAL titles in a row? Put it all together and there is no question Cherpak has to be considered one of the WPIAL's best coaches in the past 50 years.

Crazy play

If you want to see one of the craziest plays in a long time, check out this video from the game in California between Woodland and Pioneer from Maxpreps. It is the final play of the game. Watch only the play because the rest of it is just celebration.

Afternoon baseball talk, 11-21-09

Dejan Kovacevic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:40:00 GMT

What Oprah leaving daytime TV means for Pittsburgh stations

Rob Owen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:08:00 GMT

Not much. That's the short answer.

Wrote this for today's paper but it did not appear for some reason, so here it is:

Oprah Winfrey's show drives viewers to early evening newscasts in many TV markets, but in recent years the show has routinely placed third in overall ratings in its 4 p.m. weekday time slot on Pittsburgh's WTAE behind news on KDKA-TV and "Judge Judy" on WPXI.

Last month, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" perked up to second place in household ratings, and it routinely ranks No. 2 among the younger viewers prized by advertisers and No. 1 among women ages 25-54. WTAE's 5 p.m. newscast has generally ranked second to KDKA in household ratings in recent sweeps periods, so there's not as much of an "Oprah" boost in Pittsburgh as in some other markets.

The end of Channel 4's contract to carry "The Oprah Winfrey Show" would allow the station to add another hour of news at 4 p.m. A station spokeswoman said no decision has been made about how the time slot will be filled.

Empty Netter Assists - 11-21-009

Seth Rorabaugh — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:37:00 GMT

Penguins

-Dan Bylsma (above) and Senators defenseman Matt Carkner are BFFs (PG+).

-The Penguins presented public address announcer John Barbero, who is dealing with brain cancer, with a Stanley Cup ring. Barbero is away from the team while he deals with his illness (PG+).

-The Penguins are good people:

-Chris Davis' overtime goal gave the Wheeling Nailers a 3-2 win against the Elmira Jackals.

-Former Penguins defenseman Sheldon Kannegiesser has written a book of ballads on hockey.

Atlantic Division

-A fractured patella (knee cap) will keep Devils forward Dainius Zubrus out of the lineup four to six weeks. Additionally, forward Ilkka Pikkarainen was placed on injured reserve due to the flu.

-New Jersey forward Zach Parise has tied a franchise record with goals in six consecutive games.

Northeast Division

-Scoreboard Watch for the Penguins: Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec each had a goal and an assist for the Canadiens in a 3-2 win at Washington. Carey Price made 32 saves in the win. Mike Green led the Capitals with two assists. The Capitals remained in first place in the Eastern Conference with 30 points, two more than the fourth place Penguins.

-Capitals defenseman John Erskine got the jump and beat Canadiens forward and former Penguins tough guy Georges Laraque in a fight:

-Check out the tourque Green got on his stick here:

-Scoreboard Watch for the Penguins: Patrice Bergeron's overtime goal gave the Bruins a 2-1 win at Buffalo. Tuukka Rask made 26 saves in the win. Buffalo is in third place in the Eastern Conference with 26 points, two less than the fourth place Penguins.

-Awkward Photo of the Night: Boston's Zdeno Chara and Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta:

-Senators forward and former Penguin Shean Donovan is expected to be out of the lineup for an extended period of time after a knee-on-knee hit with Penguins forward Matt Cooke Thursday.

-Former Penguins forward Dan LaCouture signed a professional tryout agreement with the Providence Bruins, Boston's AHL affiliate.

Southeast Division

-Bryan McCabe's overtime goal gave the Panthers a 2-1 win at Detroit. Stephen Weiss led Florida with a goal and an assist whilte teammate Nathan Horton had two assists. Scott Clemmensen made 39 saves in the win which was Florida's fifth in five games.

-McCabe's goal:

-The Panthers got their first win in Detroit since Dec. 1, 1996.

-Florida lost forward Cory Stillman to a left knee injury last night.

-Detroit's Chris Osgood, not stopping Weiss:

-Here's a shocking sight. Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom in front of the net battling Florida's Keith Ballard and Scott Clemmensen:

-Capitals defenseman Tom Poti suffered an "upper-body" injury last night.

-With defenseman Joni Pitkanen about to return from a "lower-body" injury, the Hurricanes demoted defenseman Bryan Rodney to Albany of the AHL.

-The decline of Carolina captain Rod Brind'Amour continues. He hasn't scored a goal in his past 16 games and is a league-worst minus-18 this season.

Central Division

-Imagine this. Salary cap issues are delaying the supposedly inevitable contract extensions of Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and defenseman Duncan Keith.

-The Blackhawks put forward Andrew Ebbett on waivers.

-The strong efforts of goaltenders Chris Mason (.925 save percentage) and former Penguin Ty Conklin (.928) are the biggest reason the Blues still have their heads above water. Fire Ray Shero.

-Red Wings coach Mike Babcock called out his top line of Todd Bertuzzi, Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom.

Northwest Division

-Two goals by Owen Nolan helped the Wild edge the Islanders, 3-2. Teammate Eric Belanger added two assists while Niklas Backstrom (above, with New York's Trent Hunter) made 27 saves in the win. Former Penguin Jon Sim led New York with a goal and an assist. Fire Craig Patrick.

-Nolan was the first overall pick of the draft in 1990, the same year Islanders forward John Tavares, this summer's first overall pick, was born.

-Wild forward and former Penguin Nathan Smith had a solid fight with New York's Nate Thompson:

-Nolan, having issues with New York goaltender Martin Biron and defenseman Mark Streit:

-New York's Kyle Okposo gave Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck a rough ride into the bench here:

-Minnesota recalled Smith from Houston of the AHL.

-The Wild played without defenseman Brent Burns (illness) and forward Martin Havlat (hamstring).

-Christian Ehrhoff had two goals and an assist and led the Canucks to a 5-2 defeat of the rival Avalanche. Teammate and former Penguin Mikael Samuelsson added a goal and two assists while Roberto Luongo made 22 saves in the win. John-Michael Liles and Wojtek Wolski each had two assists for Colorado.

-Check out Samuelsson's fluky goal:

-Check out this nifty re-direct goal by Vancouver's Steve Bernier:

-Happy times for Ehrhoff and Vancouver's fans:

-Luongo got sprayed down with ice by Colorado's David Jones:

-Luongo lost track of this puck:

-Colorado's Craig Anderson had his own troubles:

-The Avalanche activated Liles (shoulder) and forward T.J. Galiardi (ankle) from injured reserve, placed forward Matt Hendricks (groin) on injured reserve and demoted forward Chris Durno to Lake Erie of the AHL.

-Flames forward Rene Bourque is dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Pacific Division

-Dany Heatley's ninth career hat trick helped the Sharks pound the Flyers, 6-3. Teammate Joe Thornton had four assists while Ryane Clowe and Manny Malhotra each added a goal and an assist for San Jose. Evgeni Nabokov made 26 saves in the win. Claude Giroux led Philadelphia with two goals and an assist.

-Heatley's hat trick. Check out the patience by Thornton to set up Heatley's first two goals:

-San Jose's Frazer McLaren had a wild bout with Philadelphia's Daniel Carcillo:

-The cute fight of the night goes to Philadelphia's Daniel Briere and San Jose's Marc-Edouard Vlasic:

-Seriously?!? Briere fought? Shockingly, he didn't suffer his 18th groin injury of the season.

-The Flyers have lost their last 11 games against the Sharks.

-The Sharks recalled forwards Logan Couture, a first-round pick in 2007, Benn Ferriero and Jamie McGinn from Worcester of the AHL.

-Stars forward James Neal was suspended two games for a hit from behind that injured Blue Jackets forward Derek Dorsett.

-"He can say he's sorry I was hurt. He can say he was going too fast to stop. But there was no attempt to slow down. If anything, he sped up and drove right through the hit, his elbow into the back of my head. He can say whatever he wants, but that's a really cheap hit." - Dorsett on Neal.

-Former Penguins prospect Paul Bissonnette, now of the Coyotes, and Daniel Carcillo, now of the Flyers, are BFFs.

-The Coyotes demoted forward Kevin Porter to San Antonio of the AHL.

-Remember this brawl over the stick of Ducks' defenseman Scott Niedermayer from Thursday night?

-One of the individuals involved was professional skate boarder Mike Vallely who had a promotional agreement with the team. Following the fight, the team severed ties with Vallely. Because a clean-cut sport like hockey would never want to be mixed up with violence.

-Ducks forward Corey Perry is on a pace for 104 points and 56 goals.

Norris Division

-Robert Morris' men's team got two goals from Scott Kobialko in a 4-3 loss at Colorado College.

-Daneca Butterfield made 15 saves for the Robert Morris womens team in a 4-0 loss to Syracuse.

-Today would've been the 93rd birthday of former Pittsburgh Hornets forward Butch McDonald.

(Photos: Bylsma-Keith Srakocic/Associated Press; Green-Luis M. Alvarez/Associated Press; Chara-Rick Stewart/Getty Images; Osgood and Holmstrom-Jerry S. Mendoza/Associated Press; Backstrom, Nolan and Okposo-Jim Mone/Associated Press; Ehrhoff, Jones, Luongo and Anderson-Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)

About the Thrashers - 11-21-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:38:00 GMT

A preview of the Thrashers.

When and where: 7 p.m., Philips Arena.

TV: FSN Pittsburgh, SouthSport.

Record: 10-6-2, 22 points, The Thrashers are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and third place in the Southeast Division.

Leading Scorer: Rich Peverly, 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists).

Last Game: 4-3 home shootout loss to the Bruins, Thursday. Ilya Kovalchuk (right) had a goal and two assists for the Thrashers

Last Game against the Penguins: 6-2 road loss, March 17. Evgeni Malkin had a career-high five points (two goals, three assists).

Thrashers Player We Would Bet Money On Scoring: Nik Antropov who mauled the Penguins last season with nine points (five goals, four assists).

Ex-Penguins on the Penguins: Randy Cunneyworth, assistant coach; Colby Armstrong, RW; Johan Hedberg, G; Peter Mahovlich, professional scout; Chris Thorburn, C; Noah Welch.

Ex-Thrashers on the Penguins: Jason Botterill, assistant general manager; Pascal Dupuis, RW; Chris Kunitz, LW.

Useless Thrashers Trivia Vaguely Related to the Penguins: Former Penguins forward Marian Hossa holds the Thrashers career record for short-handed goals with 12.

Best Thrashers YouTube Video We Could Find: This brilliant commercial featuring Kovalchuk and former Canucks captain Markus Naslund:

Notes:

-Marc-Andre Fleury (11-7-0, 2.67 GAA, .899 SV%) and Johan Hedberg (4-1-0, 2.63 GAA, .923 SV%) are your scheduled starters in net.

-For the Penguins, forward Sidney Crosby (illness) and defenseman Brooks Orpik (undisclosed) are probable. Defenseman Alex Goligoski ("lower-body) is out. Forward Tyler Kennedy (groin), forward Chris Kunitz ("lower body"), defenseman Kris Letang (shoulder) and defenseman Jay McKee (finger) are on injured reserve.

-For the Thrashers, goaltender Kari Lehtonen (back), defenseman Noah Welch (ankle) and defenseman Boris Valabik (ankle) are on injured reserve.

-These aren't the same old pushover Thrashers.

-Welcome back Brooks Orpik.

-"You got to know when he’s on the ice." - Johan Hedberg on Sidney Crosby.

-Disgruntled in Buffalo, forward Maxim Afinogenov has found a home in Atlanta.

-Our live blog begins at approximately 7 p.m. Please tune in.

(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

Low-key leaders: The EU chooses competency over flash

Susan Mannella — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Representatives of the 27 countries of the European Union chose respected but low-profile leaders Thursday as president of the European Council and chief foreign minister.

Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy will become president, while the foreign affairs and security head will be Catherine Ashton, a British baroness who is currently EU trade commissioner. They begin their new duties Jan. 1. It is fair to say that neither Mr. Van Rompuy nor Ms. Ashton has a worldwide reputation or can be considered to be a heavy-hitter in the home country's political hierarchy.

So, what does this mean? From the United States' point of view, it means Washington has two new important interlocutors to deal with on the many issues involving the EU. A key question is, given the relative inexperience and lack of prestige of the two, to what degree will Washington consider them authoritative spokespersons and decision-makers for the EU's members?

The answer is "more and more," as the two begin to master the issues, learn their way around the EU and come to know the key people in the U.S. and other important governments around the world. The EU was restructured by the Lisbon Treaty, raising the efficiency of the organization, particularly in decision-making, to make it possible for leaders such as Mr. Van Rompuy and Ms. Ashton to serve as the 27 countries' point of contact with the United States and other partners.

That doesn't mean that U.S. bilateral exchanges with individual EU nations will come to an end. But it is the case that more economic and global issues are coming into the realm of the EU.

Another question is why the EU chose two relative unknowns -- as opposed to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, for instance, who was bruited about as EU president. One reason might be that the big dogs in the group, notably France and Germany, did not want a powerhouse EU president or foreign affairs chief who might put their own leaders in the shadows. The idea that the others didn't want a British person as president, given the United Kingdom's sometimes tepid enthusiasm for the EU, was finessed by the choice of Ms. Ashton.

To give the EU credit, the most likely reason for the choice of two competent but less politically lustrous figures is that the members want the leaders to carry out the wishes of the organization and not pursue any kind of independent path that might be linked to political ambitions at home.

In any case, the administration of President Barack Obama now needs to move fast to solidify relations and communications with the two, given the importance of issues between Europe and the United States.

Jobs at risk: A phony wage floor could cost Pittsburgh

Susan Mannella — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

It was a bad idea in 1997, and it's a bad idea now.

Twelve years ago then-Councilman Gene Ricciardi proposed having the city set a wage floor for employees of city contractors and recipients of grants, loans or subsidies from city taxpayers. The plan, which was not adopted, would have forced those employers to pay their nonconstruction workers $7.71 an hour or more, compared to the federal minimum wage at the time of $5.15.

City and county officials made another unsuccessful run at the idea in 2001.

Everyone wants higher wages, but should the city be in the business of dictating how much is paid? Even by companies that received public subsidies?

While the employees would benefit in the short run, there's a good chance that by setting its own wage floor or "prevailing wage," as advocates call it, the city would end up shooing development projects -- and their jobs -- to the suburbs.

This is a case in which Pittsburgh's compact geography would work against it. For example, why would a developer build a hotel in the East End, when putting it a mile or so away in Wilkinsburg would let it pay market-based wages rather than the higher rates imposed by the city? Which developer would build an office on the North Side with wage-and-benefits strings attached, when the same project in Ross would let the owner pay a standard, instead of artificial, wage?

While it makes sense to raise periodically the federal and minimum wages, a place the size of Pittsburgh takes a chance in setting its own pay floor. For a city that needs development and city residents who need employment, this bill could be a wage booster but a job loser.

Morning baseball talk, 11-21-09

Dejan Kovacevic — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:40:00 GMT

West Allegheny knocks off Thomas Jefferson; Complete final scores and highlights

Mike White — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:23:00 GMT

By Mike White | Friday, Nov. 20, 11:35 p.m.

Here are the final scores and some thoughts and highlights from tonight's WPIAL semifinals and also for the City League teams in the PIAA playoffs.

WPIAL CLASS AAAA

Gateway 42, North Hills 20 - North Hills put up a valiant fight. The Indians had the ball at midfield, trailing by only 28-20 in the second half. But Gateway came on strong and Gators get a third consecutive trip to the final. Could this finally be Gateway's year? Heckuva run by North Hills in playoffs. Heckuva final game maybe between Gateway and Woodland Hills.

Woodland Hills 38, Bethel Park 35 - From what I understand, a terrific game. Bethel Park scored late to send the game into overtime. In overtime, Bethel Park had ball first and had field goal blocked. But Woodland Hills was offside. So Bethel Park tried again and missed. Woodland Hills then got the ball and kicked a field goal on fourth down to win it.

WPIAL CLASS AAA

West Allegheny 28, Thomas Jefferson 21 - A shocker? Not really. Thomas Jefferson had won 48 in a row against WPIAL teams, but this team wasn't as dominant as recent ones. And West Allegheny had Mike Caputo. What a performance by him. 259 yards on 26 carries. Also ran back a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. TJ's hopes of becoming only the second team in WPIAL history to win four titles in a row (without a tie) are over. But what a run by Coach Bill Cherpak. The Jaguars will be good again.

Hopewell 31, Hampton 9 - Rushel Shell gets "ONLY" 157 yards for Hopewell. Doesn't get 4,000. How about Shell vs. Caputo in Class AAA final?

WPIAL CLASS AA

Aliquippa 17, Beaver Falls 10 - I should learn never to go against the Quips in the playoffs. Quips led, 17-0, at halftime. Now they have a chance at yet another title.

Greensburg Central Catholic 24, Keystone Oaks 19 - GCC's David Miller rushes for 211 yards. QB Trent Hurley throws for 158. Great run by KO, making semifinals for first time in school history.

WPIAL CLASS A

Rochester 14, North Catholic 7 - North Catholic tied it, 7-7, in second half, but Rochester came on for the win.

Clairton 33, Laurel 0 - I guess Laurel's victory against Clairton in Week 1 was a fluke after all. Great final matchup - Rochester vs. Clairton.

PIAA PLAYOFFS

Schenley 54, Punxsutawney 0 - Let's hear it for the City League. The City League champs go on the road and crush Punxsutawney. Maybe it goes to show you what kind of football there is in District 9.

Bedford 29, Westinghouse 6

Live blog: WEST ALLEGHENY KNOCKS OFF THOMAS JEFFERSON; Aliquippa wins; Woodland Hills and Bethel in OT

Mike White — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

By Mike White | Friday, Nov. 20

Live blog from Thomas Jefferson-West Allegheny WPIAL semifinal, with reports from other games throughout the night.

10:35 p.m. - FINAL SCORE: ALIQUIPPA DEFEATS BEAVER FALLS, 17-10

WOODLAND HILLS AND BETHEL PARK HAVE GONE TO OVERTIME. TIED 35-35

9:53 p.m. - West Allegheny took the knee twice. FINAL SCORE WEST ALLEGHENY 28, THOMAS JEFFERSON 21

9:52 p.m. - West Allegheny went for it on fourth and 1 and Mike Caputo ran 46 yards to the 1-yard line. 1:07 left. Looks like the king is going to lose.

FINAL SCORE: ROCHESTER 14, NORTH CATHOLIC 7

9:49 p.m. - Woodland Hills scores and goes ahed of Bethel Park, 35-21.

9:47 p.m. - Gateway scores and goes ahead of North Hills, 35-20.

9:45 p.m. - INT for West A's Ben Simmen. West A. ball at its own 32 with 5:07 left.

9:44 p.m. - Woodland Hills leads Bethel Park, 28-21, after three.

9:41 p.m. - West Allegheny punts. Thomas Jefferson takes over at its 25-yard line with 6:27 left in the game.

9:39 p.m. - North Hills stops Gateway on fourth and 2 at 50. North Hills ball, down by only 28-20 with 8:24 to play.

9:37 p.m. - Three-and-out for TJ. West Allegheny with the ball at its 43 with 8:01 left in the game and leading, 28-21.

9:36 p.m. - Hampton scores and now trails Hopewell, 24-9. ... Woodland Hills got a fourth-down stop inside the 10-yard line against Bethel Park.

9:34 p.m. - North Hills won't go away. Scores a TD (Max Creighan and now trails Gateway only, 28-20).

9:32 p.m. - Mike Caputo is just too much for TJ. He scores on a 1-yard run and West Allegheny now leads Thomas Jefferson, 28-21. West A. scored on a seven-play 50-yard drive and Caputo carried the ball on every play out of the Wildcat formation. 10:01 left in the game and Caputo has 189 yards on 18 carries.

9:29 p.m. - West Allegheny on a drive. Second-and-seven at the TJ 32.

9:25 p.m. - End of the third quarter and West Allegheny-Thomas Jefferson are tied, 21-21.

9:24 p.m. - Clairton ahead of Laurel, 20-0.

9:21 p.m. - 14-play 80-yard drive for Thomas Jefferson. On fourth down, T.J. Matrascia scores on 1-yard run and PAT makes it 21-21 with 1:06 left in third quarter.

28-13 Gateway end of third. Ahead of North Hills.

9:15 p.m. - End of third quarter and Rushel Shell of Hopewell has 24 caries for 146 yards.

9:13 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson on a drive at West A. 23.

9:06 p.m. - Midway through the third quarter and West A. still leads, 21-14. TJ in West A. territory.

9:05 p.m. - Rushel Shell 4-yard run and Hopewell leads Hampton, 24-0.

9:03 p.m. - Rochester gets 65-yard touchdown pass from Jasson Adamson to Terry Gettings and Rams now lead North Catholic, 14-7

8:57 p.m. - This is an interesting one. North Catholic has tied Rochester, 7-7, on Julian Durden's 9-yard touchdown run.

8:52 p.m. - West Allegheny's Mike Caputo has been tremendous, but the Indians haven't used him that much in the first half. He has 123 yards rushing in the first half, but has carried the ball only seven times. He scored on a long kickoff return. Will be interesting to see if he carries more in the second half.

Jared Buck looked QB on drive at end of the half. If West Allegheny doesn't turn the ball over, they have a chance at pulling off the upset. The teams look fairly even. But Thomas Jefferson has had a history of wearing down teams in the second half. Could that happen in the second half?

8:46 p.m. - It's a wild one at West Mifflin. Woodland Hills leading Bethel Park, 28-21. And here I thought Woodland Hills had an outstanding defense. Then again, one of Bethel Park's TDs did come on an interception return.

8:45 p.m. - From colleague Ray Fittipaldo. Keystone Oaks is moving the ball on Greensburg Central Catholic, but has fumbled twice in GCC territory.

8:42 p.m. - Aliquippa is simply dominating Beaver Falls. Aliquippa is leading 17-0. Beaver Falls has only one first down in first half. And what is up with the number 17? Aliquippa has a field goal? What next? Pigs flying.

Also, Greensburg Central Catholic leads Keystone Oaks, 10-7.

8:36 p.m. - Gateway leads North Hills, 21-10, at halftime. Gateway QB Rob Kalkstein is 5 of 8 for 84 yards.

8:35 p.m. - Halftime and West Allegheny leads three-time defending WPIAL AAA champ Thomas Jefferson, 21-14. Mike Caputo has a 96-yard kickoff return and a 97-yard run for TDs for West Allegheny. West A. went 64 yards in nine plays at end of half to take a 21-14 lead. Jared Buck threw a 12-yard TD pass to Mitch Posel with 25 seconds left in the half.

8:31 p.m. - Hopewell leads Hampton, 17-0, at halftime and Rushel Shell has 76 yards on 18 attempts.

8:29 p.m. - Woodland Hills and Bethel Park in a good one. Woodland Hills leads Bethel Park, 21-14, midway through the second quarter.

8:24 p.m. - West Allegheny on a drive late in the half. Timeout with 36 seconds left in the half and West A. is on the Thomas Jefferson 32-yard line.

8:22 p.m. - Halftime and North Catholic is staying with Rochester. Rochester leads, 7-0.

8:17 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson is winning the battle in the trenches. Just went on 11-play, 67-yard drive in 4:42. T.J. Matrascia caps with a 2-yard TD run. PAT and it's all tied, 14-14, with 3:18 left in the half.

8:11 p.m. - From Cool Craig Nurmi. Bethel Park returns INT for TD. Matt Bliss on the play. PAT brings Bethel within 14-7 of Woodland Hills.

8:09 p.m. - Snap over punter's head. Hopewell recovers in end zone and now leads Hampton, 14-0. .... North Hills recovers onside kick against Gateway.

8:06 p.m. - Mike Caputo did it again. After a 94-yard kickoff return, Caputo ran 97 yards for a touchdown and West Allegheny now leads Thomas Jefferson, 14-7.

8:05 p.m. - North Hills gets 4 yd. TD pass from Taylor Schmidt to Max Creighan and it's now 21-10 Gateway ahead of North Hills.

8:02 p.m. - Rushel Shell scores on a 3-yard run and Hopewell leads Hampton, 3-0..... Woodland Hills is handling Bethel Park, 14-0.

8:01 p.m. - Clairton has gone ahead of Laurel, 14-0, in Class A semifinals.

8:00 p.m. - It's a blowout. Gateway leads North Hills, 21-3. From Chris Adamski of Post-Gazette.

7:58 p.m. - Mike Caputo is second-leading rusher in WPIAL, but he did it with a kickoff return. After Thomas Jefferson went ahead, 7-0, Caputo returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and it's now 7-7 between West A. and TJ.

7:57 p.m. - Hampton and Hopewell scoreless after one. Hampton doing a good job on Rushel Shell. From Brad Everett of Post-Gazette.

7:55 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson goes ahead, 3-0, on T.J. Matrascia 3-yard run. TD set up by Mike Terpin INT. So many times over the years, seen TJ just feast on turnovers.

7:53 p.m. - Devon Glass socres on a 1-yard run and Rochester leads North Catholic, 7-0, in the second quarter. Rochester doesn't give up many points. Will be tough for North to come back.

7:50 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson and West Allegheny scoreless after the first, although TJ is inside the 10-yard line. INT by Mike Terpin set up TJ. .... Woodland Hills has taken a 7-0 lead in the first quarter against Bethel Park..... North Hills went without a turnover in first two playoff games. But a fumble by Max Creighan, and Gateway recovers. Gateway leads, 14-3.

From Nick Tolomeo of Post-Gazette, Rochester and North Catholic is scoreless after first quarter, but North Catholic inside the 10.

7:47 p.m. - Gateway has taken a 14-3 lead. Dayonne Nunley two TDs. One on a catch and the other kickoff return. North Hills scored on 40-yard field goal to make it 7-3.

7:41 p.m. - No score from West A. and Thomas Jefferson. West Allegheny with the ball for the second time and having trouble getting its offense going.

TJ QB decides to play

Thomas Jefferson quarterback Sam Johnston is playing with a heavy heart tonight.

Johnston's father, Bob, died suddenly yesterday. But Johnston will still play for the Jaguars against West Allegheny in tonight's WPIAL Class AAA semifinal. Johnston found out about his father's death during practice yesterday, but he made the decision to play tonight.

"He said he wants to play and his family wants him to play," said Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak. "He believes his father would want him to play."

Johnston is having a big season. He has completed 81 of 145 passes for 1,896 yards.

Sam Johnston warms up before tonight's game.

Guenin demoted too - 11-20-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:49:00 GMT

The march of the Penguins to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton continues. Defenseman Nate Guenin (above) was demoted to the AHL today.

Guenin appeared in the Penguins' past two games recording no points and was a minus-2. In 15 AHL games this season, he has also failed to record a point.

EN Says: This all but guarantees Brooks Orpik's return to the lineup tomorrow unless he gets attacked by feral cats or something.

(Photo: Jay LaPrete/Associated Press)

Orpik expects to come back; Lee demoted - 11-20-09

Seth Rorabaugh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:00 GMT

Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (above) expects to return to the lineup tomorrow in Atlanta. He has missed four games after suffering an apparent knee injury in a 3-0 loss at Boston, Nov. 10. Orpik did suffer a facial cut in practiced today.

With Orpik apparently healthy, the team demoted defenseman Chris Lee to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Lee's time with the NHL Penguin was brief. He was called up yesterday prior to the game in Ottawa.

EN Says: We fully expect to hear news next of Mark Eaton getting food poisoning at a Shoney's.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Karstens, Diaz out; Aguero, others added to 40-man

Chuck Finder — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:04:00 GMT

By Chuck Finder | 5:05 p.m. Friday

Facing a midnight deadline tonight to set their 40-man roster, the Pirates late this afternoon announced that they cut loose starter-reliever Jeff Karstens and officially added hard-throwing reliever Ramon Aguero, outfielder Gorkys Hernandez plus starters Brad Lincoln and Bryan Morris to that roster, thus protecting those minor leaguers from being exposed for other teams to choose in the Rule 5 draft Dec. 10.

In announcing the shuffling, the Pirates designated for assignment Karstens, catcher Robinzon Diaz -- behind Ryan Doumit and Jason Jaromillo on the depth chart and out of options -- and recently acquired reliever Justin Thomas. Thomas was claimed off waivers from Seattle three weeks ago.

The move with Karstens, who went 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA last season after being picked up in the Xavier Nady-Damaso Marte trade in July 2008 with the New York Yankees, was a bit of a surprise -- though he likewise was out of options.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: By designating them, the Pirates have 10 days to waive, trade or release Diaz and Thomas. Karstens, who is arbitration eligible, already has been placed on waivers.

Waiving Karstens allowed the Pirates to claim right-handed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas off waivers from Seattle. Jakubauskas, 30, was 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA in 35 games last season, eight of them starts. He and the four minor leaguers brought the Pirates to a full, 40-man contingent, meaning they would have to create space to add a minor-leaguer in the Rule 5 draft or a free-agent signee.

Injured reliever Jose Ascanio and recovered reliever Evan Meek, a former Rule 5 selection, were reinstated to the roster from the 60-day disabled list, as expected.

The only addition that would be considered mildly shocking was Aguero, signed four years ago as a free agent from the Dominican Republic. Aguero pitched in three levels last season, with Class A West Virginia, advanced Class A Lynchburg and Class AA Altoona, and compiled four saves, a 2-4 record, a 3.86 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 84 innings.

Morris, acquired from Los Angeles as a key cog in the three-team trade sending Jason Bay to Boston and Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers, was suspended for two weeks this summer for berating an umpire and continues to battle injuries through his career. He went 4-9 with a 5.57 ERA in 15 starts with Lynchburg.

Hernandez, who came from Atlanta in the Nate McLouth trade last June, hit .262 with three homers and 31 RBIs with Altoona. He finished the season with an 11-game hitting streak.

Lincoln, the fourth overall selection in the 2006 draft, went 7-9 with a 3.37 ERA combined in Altoona and Class AAA Indianapolis last season. He then helped Team USA win the Baseball World Cup in September.

Among those Pirates prospects left exposed for the Rule 5 draft are second basemen Shelby Ford and Pitt's Jim Negrych.