Arkansas State University's Melvin Johnson III converted a three-point play with 6.8 seconds left in the fourth overtime for the game winner as the Red Wolves claimed a 116-114 victory over UALRFridaynight in Sun Belt Conference (SBC) Championship Tournament Quarterfinal-Round action at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, La.

Johnson III, who was one of five A-State players to score double figures, finished with 19 points in a game which was the longest both in Sun Belt Conference and A-State history. The contest featured 23 ties and 31 lead changes as A-State never held more than a three-point advantage throughout the entire contest.

The win advances A-State to this Saturday's (March 15) semifinals where the Red Wolves will take on SBC Regular-Season Champion and tourney number one seed Georgia State at 2 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on the Sun Belt Network and ESPN3.

For Johnson III, none was bigger than the senior guard's three-point play in the final seconds of the fourth overtime as Johnson III sank a free throw after having twisting through the Trojans' defenders in the paint for a layup and the go ahead basket.

"It was a classic and I'm proud of our team because they found a way to win it," said A-State head coach John Brady. "We made enough plays to win the game and had it won two or three different times but we missed some free throws. Both teams fought hard and got into foul trouble as the game went along.

"This was a great game and fun to watch for the fans," added Brady.

A-State had trailed by a point at 114-113 with 14 seconds left in the fourth overtime after UALR's Stetson Billings made the second of a two free throws. But, Johnson III's basket and subsequent free throw made on a Trojans' foul put the Red Wolves up 116-114 with 6.8 seconds remaining. UALR would have one final opportunity but senior guard Ed Townsel blocked Josh Hagins' three-point field goal attempt with about two seconds left and the Trojans were unable to get off a shot as the final buzzer sounded.

The Red Wolves managed to send the contest into a fourth overtime as senior guard Brandon Reed sank a pair of free throws with 19 seconds to go after being down 105-103 with under a minutes remaining. Josh Hagins missed a three-pointer with four seconds left and Ed Townsel collected the rebound to end the third session tied all up at 105 apiece.

A-State appeared to have the game won in the second overtime, leading 97-94 with 6.7 seconds left on an Ed Townsel free throw. But, UALR utilized the remaining time as Leroy Isler took the ball down the court and drained a three-pointer midst three A-State defenders with two seconds on the clock as the teams went into the third overtime knotted at 97-all. In the first overtime, the Red Wolves trailed 89-87 with 1:28 to be played following a Josh Hagins' jumper. However, A-State accounted for the final points as senior forward Kirk Van Slyke made both of his free throws with 29 ticks left on the clock to extend the game.

UALR claimed a 41-37 lead at halftime and would hold the upper hand with 1:20 left to be played in the second half at 76-70. A-State proceeded to net the next seven points to go up 77-76 on Melvin Johnson III's driving layup with 7.7 seconds in regulation. UALR's James White would notch the game-tying point on a free throw with 2.3 seconds remaining after being fouled on a shot off a defensive rebound.

The rest is here:

ASU Heads To Semis after Wild 4 Overtime Win Over UALR

Day in the Life of Gouldian Finches in a Planted Aviary
These Gouldian finches are kept in a heated shed with a covered outdoor flight. They are allowed to spend as much time outside as they like, all through the ...

By: Martin Treasure

Continued here:

Day in the Life of Gouldian Finches in a Planted Aviary - Video

Antony Lawes's Hot Auctions: 9am. 155 Eastern Valley Way, Castlecrag $1,100,000+. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 car spaces. Three bidders are expected on Saturday, attracted by the property's lower price bracket for the North Shore. Inspect 8.30am. Agent Forsyth, 0425 337 011.

Will Sydney's autumn auction market continue its red-hot run this weekend by notching up the seventh straight clearance rate at or above 80 per cent?

Last weekend was the sixth consecutive weekend result of 80 per cent or more, and these record levels show no signs of slowing down.

What makes these numbers all the more remarkable is that it's not just buyers who are out in force. Auction numbers are also significantly higher so far this autumn as seller confidence soars. There were 1287 properties listed for auction in Sydney over the past two weekends, which is an increase of 392, or 43 per cent, on the 895 homes listed over the same two weekends last year.

Antony Lawes's Hot Auctions: 10am. 58 Forbes Street, Newtown $1,050,000+. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car space. Up to eight bidders are expected and most have plans to renovate this severely dated terrace house. Inspect 8.45am Agent Raine & Horne Newtown, 0406 751 631.

This weekend the trend continues with another strong weekend of offerings. There are 632 homes scheduled to go under the hammer, which is 38.6 per cent higher than the 456 that were listed over the same weekend last year.

Advertisement

The inner west is the most popular region for auctions this weekend, with 110 properties listed. Next highest is the south with 87, followed by the upper north shore with 73, the city and east with 70, the lower north with 65 and the northern beaches with 55 auctions.

Mosman is the most popular suburb for auctions this weekend, with 12 listed. This is followed by Strathfield with 10, Blacktown and Greenacre with nine each, and Erskineville with eight.

Antony Lawes's Hot Auctions: 12.45pm. 9 Pentonville Parade, Castle Hill $1,200,000+. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces. Up to 10 parties are expected to battle it out for this luxurious five-year-old house. Inspect 12pm Agent McGrath Castle Hill, 0411 196 328.

Read more:

Sydney's red-hot auction run heads into seventh week

Helena Bonham Carter is making plans to return to Wonderland. Variety reports that she's now set to reprise her Alice in Wonderland role as the Red Queen for director James Bobin's upcoming sequel, Through the Looking Glass.

The original film, itself a sequel of sorts to Carroll's 19th century texts, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass," was directed by Tim Burton and starred Johnny Depp alongside Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, Matt Lucas, Mia Wasikowska, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Christopher Lee, Paul Whitehouse and Barbara Windsor and grossed more than a billion dollars at the worldwide box office.

Linda Woolverton, who scripted the Burton film, is again providing the screenplay this time around with Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska previously announced to reprise their roles.

Link:

Helena Bonham Carter's Red Queen Heads Through the Looking Glass

Latest One Piece: Unlimited entry on PS3/Vita/Wii U/3DS in 2014

Namco Bandai Games announced on Wednesday that it is bringing the multi-platform game One Piece: Unlimited World Red to Europe and Australasia. The game will be available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS this year.

The game allows for up to four players to play together, and players can explore the world of One Piece with their friends. Players can embark on different quests and battle enemies with many of the manga and anime's familiar characters. The game also allows players to fish, catch bugs, hunt for treasure, and more to develop and train their characters. The game features the original character Red (voiced by Masachika Ichimura), the game's nemesis who aims to be the Pirate King. Standing in his way are the Straw Hat Pirates and a new raccoon character named Pat (TARAKO).

Ganbarion developed the "multi action-adventure" title. The game features original characters designed by series' creator Eiichiro Oda, such as Red, Pat, and Yadoya (Rumi Hiiragi).

The game inspired two Nintendo 3DS XL color variants: Luffy Red and Chopper Pink. The game and the two 3DS XL consoles shipped in Japan last November. The first copies of the game include the download codes for a limited adventure costume of Luffy from One Piece Film Strong World, as well as an additional Marineford quest with Ace as a playable character.

Namco Bandai Games' One Piece: Unlimited game series has shipped more than one million copies in Japan alone.

View post:

One Piece: Unlimited World Red Game Heads to Europe

Yesterday at 6:59 PM The so-called Red Barn bill earned unanimous support from the Legislatures Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee and now heads to the full Legislature.

By Keith Edwards kedwards@centralmaine.com Staff Writer

AUGUSTA A bill proposed after the a state official ordered the Red Barn restaurant to stop holding its community fundraisers won the unanimous approval of a legislative committee Tuesday.

click image to enlarge

GREEN LIGHT: Red Barn restaurant owner Laura Benedict, shown in NOvember 2014, is ecstatic that lawmakers support a bill to make it easier for businesses to raise money for charities, according to her spokeswoman.

Staff file photo by Joe Phelan

The proposed law change would allow businesses to raise funds for nonprofit organizations and people in need without registering as nonprofits themselves. Over the last five years, Red Barn in Augusta has raised $635,000 for various charities.

But in November, a letter from an assistant attorney general directed the restaurant to cease engaging in solicitation as a charitable organization until you become licensed as a charitable organization or show why you do not need to be licensed as such.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Lori Fowle, D-Vassalboro, received a unanimous ought to pass endorsement from the Legislatures Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development Committee after a work session Tuesday.

Alicia Barnes, business manager of the Red Barn and volunteer executive director of the Red Barn Cares Foundation, which is being established as a nonprofit organization to further the Red Barns charitable activities, said she and owner Laura Benedict hope the law change will encourage more businesses to hold fundraising events for people and organizations in need in their communities.

Here is the original post:

Committee OKs fundraising bill spurred by Augusta restaurant

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

FORT MYERS, Fla. The Red Sox are off today. Seems like a good time for some random thoughts and observations from camp:

The Grade Sizemore renaissance is quite stunning. To watch him play is to have no idea that he missed the last two years entirely with an assortment of injuries. He works at-bats, makes contact and is running well.

But here's the problem: It's wildly unreasonable to expect him to be an everyday player. No matter how healthy he is, going from zero games over two years to, say, 125 games is hard to imagine.

If Sizemore is on the team, Jackie Bradley Jr. almost has to be. The alternative is playing Shane Victorino in center field and having somebody in right field who doesn't really belong in right field.

The Red Sox can't keep six outfielders. If you start with Sizemore, Bradley and Victorino, somebody has to go from the Mike Carp, Jonny Gomes, Daniel Nava left field group.

The Craig Breslow thing is suspicious. He says he's healthy and John Farrell says the same. But several weeks into camp, he's just now throwing a bullpen? That doesn't make much sense.

Rich Hill showed up last week and has already thrown several bullpens and will face hitters today.

Breslow is being treated like a pitcher who has a sore shoulder, which was his problem at this time last season. Maybe the Red Sox are just being ultra-cautious, but something is not quite right.

The Red Sox will keep as many players as they can under their control when it comes time to make their roster. They know that who is on the Opening Day roster doesn't mean anything over the course of a long season.

Read the original post:

Random spring training Red Sox thoughts

PIERRE | State and local governments in South Dakota would be prohibited from contracting with any private company for red light traffic camera services under a measure that received final legislative approval Monday.

The House of Representatives voted 64-6 in favor. HB 1100 now heads to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for his decision on whether to sign it into law.

The prime sponsor is Rep. Peggy Gibson, D-Huron. She said a government could still spend millions of dollars for its own device if there was support.

The House passed a previous version of her bill 69-1 that sought to ban governments from using photo devices for speeding and red light violations. But a Senate committee blocked it.

Sen. Ryan Maher, R-Isabel, revived the bill through several parliamentary maneuvers to restrict the legislations scope to only red lights and to ban only the contracts.

The Senate voted 26-9 for Mahers limited version last week.

Rep. Tona Rozum, R-Mitchell, was the only vote against Gibsons original bill in the House. She questioned again Monday whether the ban is needed because no one is using a traffic camera to issue tickets in South Dakota.

Gibson said there is a lawsuit pending over the red light camera that was previously used in Sioux Falls.

That didnt deter Rozum. I think we have a solution that is sort of searching around the corners for a problem to pop up, he said.

Originally posted here:

Red light camera ban awaits governor's signature

Realism will probably win out over optimism as trainer David Hayes finalises autumn carnival plans for Clifton Red after the filly scored a debut victory in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington.

As impressed as he was with Clifton Red's Group Three success, Hayes said the Golden Slipper might be aiming too high, suggesting the Sires' Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes would be more suitable.

"She'll definitely go to Sydney, probably to run in either the Reisling or another race (the Magic Night Stakes) the week before the Slipper," Hayes said.

"But realistically, I think the Sires' or the Champagne Stakes would be better races for her.

"She would have to run really well next start to invite herself into the Golden Slipper."

Clifton Red ($26) needed every bit of the 1200m to win by a long neck from the favourite Ygritte ($2.45) with Thalia ($5) a further 2-1/4 lengths away in third place.

Despite Clifton Red being the outsider of the field, Hayes admitted to having backed the filly.

"She'd trialled well down the straight so I had something each-way on her," he said.

Continued here:

Clifton Red wins on debut, heads to Sydney

End 5th, Orioles 3-1: The new rule to avoid home plate collisions came into effect during this half-inning.

J.J. Hardy draws a leadoff walk from Tommy Layne, but Chris Davis lifts a pop-up to Will Middlebrooks in foul ground for the first out. Middlebrooks has been busy at third base so far today. Hardy then takes second base on an Adam Jones grounder that Layne handles from the mound.

Former Red Sox Quentin Berry is put in to pinch run for Hardy at second base. Layne then walks Neslon Cruz, who is also pinch run for.

Delmon Young rips a short liner into left field, which Henry Ramos handles well. Ramos throw to the plate is in time to catch Berry for the final out after Ryan Lavarnway applies the tag.

Mid 5th, Orioles 3-1: The Red Sox are battling at the plate, but cant seem to find success against any of the Orioles pitchers so far.

Darren ODay takes the mound for the Orioles after an inning of work from Tommy Hunter and gets Ryan Lavarnway to ground out. Bryce Bentz battles with ODay but strikes out swinging. Thats the sixth strikeout for Orioles pitching today.

Brock Holt steps in next and hits a grounder down the first base line. Chris Davis easily handles it and touches the first base bag to retire Holt for the final out in the top of the fifth.

End 4th, Orioles 3-1: The Orioles are unable to produce a base hit and go down in order in the fourth.

Alex Gonzalez starts the inning with a bloop to shallow right that Bryce Brentz is able to get under for a quick first out.

View original post here:

Red Sox-Orioles Live: Will Middlebrooks Home Run Puts Red Sox On Board

Jonathan Walters scored a penalty but was then shown a straight red card as Stoke held Norwich to a 1-1 draw.

Stoke started the brighter and Peter Crouch should have given them an early lead when he was sent clean through, but could only scuff his shot straight at John Ruddy.

Norwich finally struck through Bradley Johnson, whose header from Robert Snodgrasss corner beat Asmir Begovic.

Norwich couldnt hold on to their lead as Sebastian Bassong conceded a penalty for a foul on substitute John Guidetti, with Walters finding the roof of the net with the penalty.

But the Irishmans afternoon took a turn for a worse when he was dismissed for a high challenge on Alexander Tettey, who was forced off injured as a result.

KEY MOMENTS

8 STOKE CHANCE Big chance as Crouch goes clean through but scuffs his shot straight at Ruddy. A golden chance spurned by the former England striker.

49 PENALTY CLAIM Odemwingie goes down under pressure from Bassong but the referee isnt interested.

56 GOAL! Norwich 1-0 Stoke! The Canaries have the lead as Bradley Johnson heads in Snodgrasss corner.

61 NORWICH CHANCE Brilliant strike by Redmond, who cuts in from the left and sends a swerving shot at goal that Begovic unconvincingly bats away.

Read the original:

Premier League - Walters scores and sees red as Stoke hold Norwich

Thursdays final game during the opening rounds of the TSSAA Class 2A high school girls basketball state tournament pitted two of the Volunteer States top teams against each other.

The Creek Wood Lady Red Hawks had the most wins of any team in the tournament, and they were rewarded with the late game of day one - a matchup against the highly touted Lady Trojans of Dyersburg.

On the line was a Friday night matchup against Fulton, who advanced in the tourney due to a convincing 67-49 win against Cannon County.

It will be the Lady Red Hawks (34-3) that will be advancing to that match-up tomorrow night, thanks to a 63-50 win that featured one of Rachel Bells strongest performances yet.

Dyersburg (31-4) took the early lead, with a three pointer from Christina Moore at the 7:22 mark, but Bailee Anthony would answer with a three on the next possession, knotting the game up at 3-3. It would not stay tied for long, as Rachel Bell scored from downtown on Creek Woods next series, giving them a 6-3 lead.

The Vandy signee and Brianna Spicer both were successful on their next shots, helping CW head coach Tom Mullinicks squad take an 11-7 advantage. Dyersburg was not about to be put in the rear view mirror early, however.

Kim Tates jumper pulled the Lady Trojans to within 11-9 with 3:49 left to play in the first. A 13-6 run by the team from Jones Creek enabled the Lady Red Hawks to widen the lead to 24-15 at the end of the first eight minutes.

Shakaila Smith opened up the second with a three for Dyersburg, but Bell was seemingly on a roll. The senior continued to add to her point total in the second, as Creek Wood pushed the lead out to 39-25 with 1:29 left before halftime thanks to Bell and some nice shooting from long range from Leah Grubb. Randy Coffmans squad would end the quarter on a 7-0 run, courtesy of Myah Taylor, Chari Swift, and Smith to go in the locker room down by seven at the half, 39-32.

Points would be at a premium for both teams in the early part of the third quarter with both teams only adding one basket in the first four minutes of the third, but things would change as the quarter went along. Swift and Bell would trade baskets for their respective teams, before a technical called on the Lady Trojans would send Bell to the free throw line, where she was one of two and the lead was once again a nine-point edge, 45-36 with 2:29 remaining in the third.

Still, the Lady Red Hawks could not put any further distance between themselves and their opponent, as Christina Moore nailed a three with 1:13 on the clock to narrow the gap to 45-39.Grubb would end the quarter with a three that would send her squad into the final quarter with momentum and a 48-39 lead.

Original post:

Creek Wood girls basketball beats Dyersburg, heads to state semifinals

300: Rise of an Empire is a bloodbath and not much else.

Heads are bisected and decapitated. Swords and spears plunge through bodies, setting off slow-motion gushes of deep red, time and time and time again. Ships collide, hundreds of bodies sink to the bottom of the sea.

Youve heard the expression Heads will roll. In this movie heads roll all over the place.

Why exactly theyre rolling is never quite clear. Most likely to make audience members glad their own heads are intact. Beyond that, its hard to find a point to Rise. Its pretty much blood for bloods sake.

Rise is, of course, a sequel to the hugely successful 300; and it, too, is filled with rippling muscles, brave-if-misguided warrior-speak and massive battle scenes. But while 300 had at least a modicum of political intrigue, this film is just full-on mayhem.

Part of it actually takes place at the same time as 300. A massive Persian army under the command of the self-anointed man-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) is attacking Greece at two points. At one, the 300 brave-if-not-particularly-bright Spartans make a stand and are wiped out. End of that movie.

At the other point, the fleet of Athens, led by the legendary Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton), sails against the much bigger fleet of the Persians, which is led by the thoroughly evil and smoking hot Artemisia (Eva Green).

For a while, Themistokles and the Athenians hold their own, leading to a meeting between the Athenian leader and Artemisia, which devolves into a ludicrous sex scene. But then its back to battle, where it soon becomes clear enough the Athenians are plain outnumbered no matter how hard they fight.

So Themistokles puts out a call to all the other cities of Greece, including his traditional enemies the Spartans, to join in the battle.

The result? Blood, blood, blood and more blood. Director Noam Murro likes nothing better than a slow-mo impaling that near-freezes for a second, then speeds back up to normal just in time to slow down again as a sword crosses through someones neck, spraying the screen. Then more, more, more.

Read the original here:

Review: '300: Rise of an Empire' celebrates excessive, pointless violence

I guess for some actors on the red carpet, worry is a common emotion to flow through their heads. Tripping, sweating too much and wardrobe malfunctions happen more often than not causing even the a-listers to fret.

Luckily, Jimmy Kimmel saved the day, helping resolve some of those pre-show jitters.

Jimmy Kimmel Lives goofy red carpet correspondent Guillermo hit the Academy Awards carpet on Sunday where he shared in some great interactions between him and Hollywoods finest.

Guillermo spotted the gorgeous Amy Adams on the carpet and decided to help her out. Not only did he prepare an acceptance speech for the American Hustle actress just in case she won, he also poured her a drink.

Id like to thank Guillermo. If he were here, Id hug him and kiss his mustache, she read.

Guillermo then offered Adams some speech juice to help ease her anxious nerves.

You better not do to much speech juice with too many people, she warned the hilarious red carpet interviewer.

He even made jokes with actors about the hit animated movie Frozen. He said, its about Joan Rivers face.

Guillermo tossed tequila back with Michael Strahan, Maria Menounos, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Channing Tatum and Kristin Chenoweth.

Later, he tried to stir the pot by starting rumors with Meryl Streep and Glen Close about who was the better actress.

See the original post:

Actors Do Tequila Shots on Red Carpet

Interpol is reviewing a request by Ukrainian authorities to arrest ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, the international police agency said Thursday.

The so-called "Red Notice," or international wanted persons alert, was received on Wednesday and called for Yanukovych to be held on charges that include abuse of power and murder.

Interpol, based in Lyon, France, said in a statement that it was assessing the request to determine whether it conformed with the law-enforcement agency's constitution and rules.

All 190 Interpol member countries have been informed of the review, it added.

A Red Notice is a way to inform member countries that an arrest warrant has been issued, but is not an international arrest warrant. Interpol cannot force any member country to arrest a person in a Red Notice; national police officials must make the arrest.

Interpol has seven other international notices, including an Orange Notice which warns of imminent threats to safety and a Yellow Notice, used to help locate missing persons.

The announcement from Interpol came hours after Secretary of State John Kerry met with his Russian counterpart for the second time in as many days to discuss the simmering situation in Ukraine. President Barack Obama also held a news conference on Thursday to address the crisis, saying a "path to de-escalation" exists but that the United States and the international community believe borders cannot "be redrawn over the heads of democratic leaders."

First published March 6 2014, 11:08 AM

The rest is here:

Interpol Reviewing 'Red Notice' Request for Yanukovych's Arrest

Nutter Gives Emotional Response During Budget Announcement Nutter Gives Emotional Response During Budget Announcement

Updated: Thursday, March 6 2014 7:50 PM EST2014-03-07 00:50:45 GMT

Mayor Nutter's New Philadelphia budget plan may make some folks happy.The proposal calls for increased investments in city parks and recreation centers, libraries and L&I Inspectors.

Mayor Nutter's New Philadelphia budget plan may make some folks happy.The proposal calls for increased investments in city parks and recreation centers, libraries and L&I Inspectors.

Updated: Thursday, March 6 2014 4:18 PM EST2014-03-06 21:18:04 GMT

A retired police officer is under arrest and facing child sex assault charges for an alleged relationship with a girl when she was a teenager, FOX 29 News has learned.

A retired police officer is under arrest and facing child sex assault charges for an alleged relationship with a girl when she was a teenager, FOX 29 News has learned.

Updated: Thursday, March 6 2014 4:00 PM EST2014-03-06 21:00:23 GMT

According to police, two 8-year-olds and one 9-year-old were caught smoking pot in their school's bathroom. Now, they're wondering how the kids got their hands on the substance."Shocked," said Linda Rodriguez

According to police, two 8-year-olds and one 9-year-old were caught smoking pot in their school's bathroom. Now, they're wondering how the kids got their hands on the substance.

Visit link:

Red-Light Camera Fines In Effect At New Philly Intersection

Sebastian Vettel on a rare excursion from the pits during testing

Reigning champion Sebastian Vettel has not even completed a full race distance in his new Red Bull machine.

Yet, counter-intuitive as it may seem, his likely struggles in the opening races could end up being the worst possible news for his rivals.

Vettel is not used to this type of situation. Not since his debut season in 2008 has he started the year in a car that has virtually no chance of winning the opening race. Never has he begun the year in a car that is potentially even at risk of not even starting it.

The Red Bull garage is always a busy place in winter, but whereas normally that is because of the relentless introduction of development parts, this year its because the mechanics have been busy on the achingly slow repair work that has been all too regularly required just to get the car out on track.

When it has made it out of the garage it has shown signs of promise, with good high-speed downforce and a nice balance, but so far the team hasnt been able to push the engine hard enough to deliver performance anywhere near comparable to the front-runners.

Four-time champion Vettel has been an observer for much of his scheduled six days of testing (he managed a total of 162 laps), and Red Bull heads to Melbourne with fewer laps than any of the teams bar Lotus and Caterham, who both missed all or part of the opening test.

But rather than mouthing off and criticising the team and car, Vettel has taken a pragmatic approach to the whole situation.

And that calm and composed reaction speaks volumes.

If Red Bull had done what McLaren did last year and got into trouble because they steered away from a tried and tested concept and took a gamble on a direction that didnt work, you could expect fireworks. But Red Bull hasnt done that, and this situation is very different.

Continued here:

Gray Matter: Testing troubles will end up making Red Bull stronger

Webster, a soft-spoken 24-year-old right-hander from Greensboro, N.C., was dealt to the Red Sox in August 2012 as part of the franchise-altering trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move helped the Red Sox reset, paving the way for a World Series title in 2013, and also gave Webster an opportunity hes looking to build on in 2014.

It was definitely by surprise, Webster said Wednesday before the Red Soxs spring training workout at JetBlue Park. Looking back, Im glad it happened. I made it to the big leagues last year.

While Webster was surprised he landed in Boston, the whole idea of being traded didnt really catch the pitcher off-guard despite how highly regarded he was while in the Dodgers minor league system.

I thought I was going to be in a trade before that, with the (Chicago) Cubs I think. I was in one of the rumors, Webster said. I kind of mentally prepared myself then because I thought I was going to get traded, but then I didnt, and I guess it made it a little easier when (a trade) actually came.

Webster, ranked the games No. 95 prospect by Baseball America before the 2012 season, was sent to the Red Sox along with fellow hard-throwing righty Rubby De La Rosa. The talented, young hurlers were viewed as an incredible bonus on top of Bostons newfound financial relief.

Websters electric stuff continued to turn heads at the tail end of 2012, causing Baseball America to rank him the games No. 49 prospect before the 2013 season. It was a distinction that spoke to Websters immense potential, even if such rankings hardly guarantee future success.

I see all of it. Everybody sees it, Webster said of the annual prospect rankings. (But) you dont really think about it because if I dont go out and get outs, what they say in the prospect papers doesnt mean anything.

Webster struggled in his first major league action last season, posting an 8.60 ERA over eight appearances (seven starts) with Boston. But while Webster admitted Wednesday that he was nervous before each of his big league outings in 2013, this year represents an opportunity for him to continue the growth that really kickstarted upon his arrival in the Red Sox organization.

I talk to all of the older guys a lot, said Webster, who figures to start the year at Triple-A Pawtucket. Theyre helping me out right now with my mechanics, just giving me pointers and stuff.

See the rest here:

Allen Webster Reflects On 2012 Red Sox-Dodgers Trade: Im Glad It Happened

On March 19-23rd, the worlds best snowboarders will descend on Aspen, Colorado to try their hand on a halfpipe (or two) that is unlike anything ever seen before. For the first time ever, two competition-spec halfpipes will be constructed side-by-side, complete with rails, wallrides, channels and other unique features sprinkled throughout the custom built snow feature. Located at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, the double pipe will allow riders to transfer back and forth between the two halfpipes in a single run, opening up an endless number of potential lines and combination of tricks that are not possible in traditional halfpipe contests. Riders will be judged not only on their technical abilities, but even more importantly, on their style, creativity and use of the course. The Red Bull Double Pipe contest will air on NBC, Saturday April 12that 2pm EST, as part of the Red Bull Signature Series, and spectators are encouraged to attend the live contest at Buttermilk as the event will be free and open to the public.

A Double Pipe? Are you kidding me? Two side-by-side halfpipes with transfers and options all over?? This is the kind of thing that our team at SPT has been dreaming about, and only a company like Red Bull can bring something like this to life, says Chris Gunnarson, President & Founder of Snow Park Technologies, the leading designers and builders of snow parks, pipes and event courses around the world. Its one thing to design this concept on a computer, but the build plan for something this immense already has our heads spinning. Its so rad to see a project like Red Bull Double Pipe break the mold with such a super progressive event on this scale.

Each halfpipe will be over 550 long, approximately 68 wide, and 22 tall with an approximate 4 wide spine located in between each pipe. Including the outside walls, the Red Bull Double Pipe will be 180 wide and over 550 long, making it the largest halfpipe feature built to date.

Progression is a beautiful thing, says John Rigney, V.P. of Sales and Events, Aspen Skiing Company. Its always incredibly exciting having the best athletes in the world competing here in Aspen/Snowmass, but to see this select group tackle an entirely new challenge at Buttermilk right here in our backyard is going to be amazing. We are proud to partner with Red Bull on another groundbreaking event.

The current superpipe located on Buttermilk Mountain will be closed to the public during the event construction efforts, but following the contest, the Red Bull Double Pipe will be open for the public to ride the same amazing course as the pros.

The Red Bull Double Pipe event format, schedule, and a complete list of riders will be announced shortly. In the meantime, please go to http://www.redbull.com/doublepipeand http://www.redbull.com/snowfor updates on other snowboarding athletes, events and projects in the world of Red Bull.

Continued here:

Red Bull Double Pipe Snowboarding Competition Brings First-Ever Side-By-Side Halfpipes To Life March 19-23rd in Aspen

By Margot Peppers

PUBLISHED: 21:50 EST, 2 March 2014 | UPDATED: 02:47 EST, 3 March 2014

128 shares

192

View comments

At the 86th annual Academy Awards, all eyes were on the red carpet looks. Unfortunately for Anna Kendrick, Penelope Cruz and Ireland Baldwin, heads were turned for all the wrong reasons.

Penelope Cruz rarely makes a fashion misstep, and in fact typically features on best-dressed lists. But the 39-year-old actress's powder pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture silk gown, accented with a stark black ribbon at the waist, was not a winning look

With its toga-esque fit and excess of fabric - especially at the back, where it draped around her in pleated layers - the ensemble resembled something of a bed sheet and failed to accentuate her womanly curves.

Scroll down for video

Award for worst dressed: Penelope Cruz rarely makes a fashion misstep. But on the Oscars red carpet, the 39-year-old actress looked ready for a toga party in her powder pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture silk gown, accented with a stark black ribbon at the waist

See the original post:

Oscars 2014 worst-dressed led by Penelope Cruz, Anna Kendrick and Ireland Baldwin