Posted: 29 Nov 2009 10:26 PM PST

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AMA Pro American Superbike racer Chris Ulrich, working with significant support from track day provider Fastrack Riders, broke several records during the fifth annual Thanksgiving weekend fundraiser for the Roadracing World Action Fund November 28-29 at Auto Club Speedway, in Fontana, California.
For a minimum $50 donation to the Roadracing World Action Fund, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which advocates and promotes the use of soft barriers to help prevent rider injuries at racetracks, Ulrich took donors for fast, multi-lap rides on his 185-horsepower Team Roadracingworld.com Suzuki GSX-R1000K8 racebike around the 2.3-mile, 21-turn infield road course. And by the end of the two-day fundraiser, Ulrich had set records for number of two-up rides given, 57; two-up laps completed, 180; and money raised, $3270.
Over the last five years Ulrich has raised a total of $9000 giving two-up rides. That's in addition to raising the awareness of motorcycle road racing by giving general interest media representatives rides at AMA Nationals, the two-seat Superbike's primary mission.
"We had a really good turn out," said Ulrich. "We've been building this event over the years, and we promoted this one pretty well. In spite of some inclement weather and delays on Saturday we ended up taking 57 people for rides.
"We couldn't have done that many if it hadn't been for the durability of our AMA-spec Dunlop slicks. We used one front the whole weekend, and one Dunlop 6680 Medium compound rear lasted for well over 90 laps of two-up rides, which is really impressive.
"It's really good that even in these trying economic times people are willing to come out and donate their hard-earned money to help keep racers and track day riders safe. I just want the thank all of them for coming out and supporting the Roadracing World Action Fund and to thank all the people who made it possible -- everyone at Fastrack Riders, the staff at Roadracing World Publishing."
In addition to his other records, Ulrich also set a new personal two-seater lap record. After mounting a new Dunlop rear tire on Sunday, Ulrich took 14-year-old USGPRU racer Ryan Matter around the track in just 1:34.606, undercutting his previous best, a 1:36.2 he did last year with racer Melissa Paris riding as a passenger. To put that in perspective, Ulrich's best lap times during the AMA American Superbike National earlier this year at Auto Club Speedway were in the low-to-mid-1:26 range.
Fastrack Riders has partnered with Ulrich and the Roadracing World Action Fund to hold the Thanksgiving weekend fundraiser each year for the last five years, providing track, time, riding gear and staff support.

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In Tribute - CharlotteObserver.com

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 09:00 PM PST

U.S. troops who have died in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Iraq.

EDITOR'S NOTE: These tributes, published in alphabetical order, were supplied by The Associated Press.

---

Army Staff Sgt. Shawn McNabb

Shawn McNabb had rhythm and talent, and both served him well during his years as an athlete and musician in high school outside Dallas, where he played in the school band and made the All State Band.

But his parents say what they'll remember is his helping to save two men's lives during his service in Afghanistan.

"That is his legacy to us," his mother, Ann McNabb, said. "We are so proud."

McNabb, 24, of Terrell, Texas, was killed Oct. 26 when the helicopter he was on crashed in Darreh-ye Bum. He joined the Army after graduating in 2003 and was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield. He also served in Korea and Iraq.

McNabb had a passion for medicine and planned to become a physician's assistant.

Army Sgt. 1st Class David Metzger

A photo in David Metzger's grandmother's house shows the Green Beret smiling at his 1995 high school graduation in Southern California.

Dolores Wallen said Metz ger grew up in her home, and photos of her grandson are placed throughout her two-story house in Imperial Beach, south of San Diego. In one photo, Metzger, a father of two, is holding a toddler. In another, he's wearing his uniform decorated with ribbons.

Metzger, 32, died Oct. 26 of wounds suffered when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye Bum. He was assigned to Fort Bragg and enlisted in the Army after high school.

Army Pfc. Devin Michel

Devin Michel enlisted in the Army last year after graduating from high school in Stockton, Ill. He was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado.

Terry Michel said his son could be difficult but always loved to have fun.

"He was free-spirited, and if he wanted a goal he aimed for it," he said.

The 19-year-old died Oct. 24 in Zhari province when enemy forces attacked his unit with an explosive device.

Weeks earlier, he had managed a surprise for his wife, Anika, on their first wedding anniversary.

"I don't know how he did it because they were in the process of moving between bases, but I did get a half-dozen roses," she said.

Marine Capt. David Mitchell

The word "can't" just wasn't in David "Seth" Mitchell's vocabulary, said high school teacher Julie Powers - especially when it came to flying.

In fourth grade, he couldn't wait to turn 11 so he could take flying lessons. After four years in the Marines, his vision was still too poor to qualify as a pilot. So he had corrective eye surgery. Worried that his aviation application might get lost in the mail, he drove to the Pentagon and delivered it in person.

"His dream goal was to be a pilot, and I knew that from when he walked into the building as a ninth-grader, that was more than a dream for him; it was a complete focus," Powers said.

Mitchell, 30, of Loveland, Ohio, was killed Oct. 26 in Helmand province in a helicopter collision. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif., and had earned a degree in English from Virginia Tech in 2001.

Mitchell was two months into his third deployment, having twice served in Iraq. His father, Steve Mitchell, said the Marine volunteered to go to Afghanistan early "because he thought he was needed."

Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael Montgomery

Michael Montgomery served with the Night Stalkers, a special operations aviation unit known for flying speedy, dangerous missions at night.

"He was an amazing troop and an even better pilot," Andy Knudson, who said he's known Montgomery since he finished flight school in 1992, wrote in an online message board.

"The honor of flying in the Night Stalkers is reserved for the Army's best pilots. There can be no question that this nation has lost one of its finest."

Montgomery, 36, of Savannah, Ga., was killed Oct. 26 when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard crashed in Darreh-ye-Bum. He was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield.

The soldier was on his seventh deployment, having been to Iraq twice and Afghanistan four other times.

Army Sgt. Nickolas Mueller

Nickolas Mueller had long loved flying. It was clear from the moment he chose a fighter jet border for his childhood room.

He intended to make a career of it. More immediately, was looking forward to spending a Christmas at home in Little Chute, Wis., for the first time since enlisting at 21.

Mueller, a helicopter crew chief, was killed Oct. 26 in a helicopter crash in Darreh-ye Bum, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Hunter Army Airfield.

His mother said the 26-year-old was a character who used to get into debates with his teachers in high school, where he kept a full list of activities: football, wrestling, track, playing saxophone in the band, choir, participating in musicals and being chosen homecoming king one year.

Army Pfc. Alan Newton

Alan Newton never complained about taking cortisone shots and having fluid drained from his knee in the field after a serious injury, his fellow soldiers said.

In fact, Newton fought to remain on the roster for deployment after the injury, said 1st Sgt. Kent Chicosky.

Newton, 26, of Asheboro, died Oct. 2 in a suicide bombing attack in Murcheh. He was based in Greensboro.

When he wasn't spending time with his daughter, Riley, he liked to riding motorcycles and four-wheelers, according to an obituary posted online.

He also enjoyed "mud bogging" - a type of off-road racing. His family said he was a dog lover who also liked to play video games.

Mike Walsh said Newton was engaged to his daughter, Shannon, who had several photos of her and Newton posted on her MySpace page. Mike Walsh said Newton was planning to surprise family and friends with a trip home for Thanksgiving. They weren't expecting him until Christmas.

Marine Lance Cpl. Alfonso Ochoa

When he played soccer, Alfonso Ochoa could motivate his team "no matter what," said fellow player Steven Levario.

Soon after Ochoa graduated high school, Principal Bobby Peters began telling students about the Marine, who had goals, worked hard and made no excuses.

"His is one of those stories that I tell other kids when they may be facing some adversity in their life," Peters said.

Ochoa, 20, of Armona, Calif., enlisted shortly after his 18th birthday. So that he could graduate early, Ochoa transferred from Hanford West High to Hanford Adult School. He entered the Marine Corps in January 2008.

He was killed Oct. 10 in Farah province while supporting combat operations. He was based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

"I played soccer with Alfonso in high school great goalie, even better person always had our team pumped an going no matter what he was great," Levario wrote in a comment on the Los Angeles Times Web site.

Army Pfc. Brandon Owens

Brandon Owens was a precocious boy who could hold a conversation with adults when he was as young as 4. And he was always proper, his family said.

"One time, he got in an argument with a young man across the street because he was cursing in front of me," said Owens' grandmother, Marion Jackson. "He didn't want anyone cursing in front of me."

Owens, 21, of Memphis, Tenn., died Oct. 2 in Wardak province when insurgents attacked his unit. He was assigned to Fort Bragg.

Despite his confident, outgoing nature, Owens was frightened in Afghanistan. His mother, Lynda Owens, said he would call and sometimes cry because he couldn't sleep at night. But he joined the military with the hope it would lead to a better life.

"He wanted things in this world that you couldn't get working at McDonald's," said his brother, Eric.

Owens hoped to marry his fiancee, April Walton, when he got home in April. The pair met three years ago when Walton noticed him while he played basketball. But she was too timid to talk to him - she sent her little sister over to get his phone number. It worked.

"I can't lie. I thought he was the handsomest guy in the gym," Walton said. "That's what caught my eye."

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FIM reduces sound limits for competition - American Motorcyclist Association

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 03:38 PM PST

From a press release issued by the FIM...

Involved for many years in the field of environmental protection and proud of the agreement with the United Nations Environment Program, since two years, the FIM has been committed to an initiative aiming at the reduction of sound levels of motorcycles used in off-road competitions.

With the support from manufacturers worldwide and our promoters, the new sound test method "2 metre max" * will be applied as from 2010 in Motocross, Enduro and Track Racing World Championships. The new method will be much more evident for our fellow citizens and for the fight against excessive noise.

The noise levels permitted will be an important first step in the reduction of sound levels, with an average reduction between 3 and 6 dB/A, compared to the current situation, depending on the discipline.

For Motocross and Track Racing, the maximum noise level admitted at a distance of 100 metres will be of 81 dB/A, and in Enduro the maximum noise level admitted at a distance of 100 metres will be 78 dB/A.

This action will be relayed in a new FIM campaign called "RIDE QUIET", not only beneficial for the future of motorcycle racing, but also for the benefit of all motorcyclists on the street.

Vito Ippolito, FIM President said: "For the past 15 years, FIM has become a leading sporting federation, actively involved in the study and application of solutions to fight against environmental nuisance. The rules of the new sound test method for competition, represents a significant progress. I'm really pleased with the collaboration with our partners to achieve this agreement."

Jean-Pierre Mougin, FIM Deputy President and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the reduction of sound levels added: "A major step has been made with the implementation of this new method, thanks to an excellent cooperation between manufacturers and promoters, not to mention the strong impulse given by the Danish federation (DMU). This is important for the survival of all FIM off-road disciplines. The FIM had to react effectively. 2010 will constitute a first step in the fight against noise nuisances and the results will define the future actions."

*The new sound level test method "2 metre max" is carried out at with the sound meter positioned at the rear of the motorcycle, at a distance of two metres and an angle of 45°from the silencer. The engine is tested at maximum rpm.

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Death-Row Pen Pals - Daily Beast

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 08:02 PM PST

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Getty Images A Texas inmate, executed Wednesday, sought companionship via the Internet before his death. Inside the death-row pen-pal business—and how felons bid for friends.

On Wednesday, Danielle Simpson, 30, became the 22nd person executed by the state of Texas this year. A few days earlier, in an interview with the English newspaper The Guardian, Simpson complained of the loneliness of his nine-year incarceration on death row, spent mostly in isolation. "Anything would be better than being here," he said.

But before giving up, Simpson, who was convicted of brutally murdering 84-year-old church organist Geraldine Davidson, had sought solace on the Internet. "I'm seeking to befriend someone of any age, race, etc...about becoming penfriends," Simpson wrote on Deathrowusa.com. "Please do feel more than honorable to contact me at your desire."

"Ladies, there's a big recession on men because most of them are locked up, especially the good ones," reads one inmate's ad. "If there's any ladies that are out there that are willing to invest a li'l time in meeting a new friend, hit you boy up."

Deathrowusa, Writeaprisoner.com, and Prisonpenpals.com are a few of dozens of places on the Web on which convicts can connect with those on the outside. Yahoo alone has 68 groups built around contacting incarcerated people. The sites were originally launched by human-rights and religious groups who were modernizing their longtime efforts to help the imprisoned.

Today the practice has become a business. Inmates are charged (generally about $40 annually) to post a message and a photo, which they send by mail, since few have Internet access. The public, which receives an address at which to write to the inmates, can connect with prisoners for free. Most sites urge respondents to secure a P.O. box for their prisoner correspondence, and all require them to be at least 18 years old. The Web's largest is probably Writeaprisoner (slogan: We'll See You at Mail Call!), founded in 2000 by former Florida lifeguard Adam Lovell. Writeaprisoner, which also attracts advertisers such as phone-card and wire-transfer companies, draws 50,000 visitors a month, Lovell says.

Some of the sites offer some support services, including résumé writing and book-circulation programs. "I consider myself both an activist and a businessman," says Lovell. But many function suspiciously like matchmaking sites: Most inmate ads list data about height, weight, sexual orientation, even astrological sign. Prisoners often request a picture from their respondents. "Ladies, there's a big recession on men because most of them are locked up, especially the good ones," reads one ad from an inmate in federal prison. "If there's any ladies that are out there that are willing to invest a li'l time in meeting a new friend, hit you boy up."

The dating-site tone is one reason the sites have come under periodic attack by prison authorities, though legal experts contend they are protected by the First Amendment and by case law. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups are fighting efforts by departments of corrections in Florida, Indiana, Missouri, and elsewhere to bar inmates from receiving mail generated by the Internet. "We're doing it to protect the public," Gretl Plessinger, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Corrections, told the Associated Press. "Inmates can have pen pals—they just can't solicit for pen pals."

But Lovell says inmates who are involved in pen-pal relationships tend to do better in prison. "It keeps them out of trouble," he says. "They have a better outlook on life."

By far, the strangest postings on the sites are from some of the nearly 3,300 inmates on death row. While some of them suggest they're looking for romantic attachment, more are simply pleas for companionship. Writeaprisoner's Lovell says the ads are generally quite successful. Respondents he says, sometimes operate out of compassion, but many are curiosity seekers. "The death-row inmates do very well with mail," he says. "They get more mail, by far, than a lifer or your average inmate coming home."

Juxtaposing death-row postings with the crimes they committed can be an exercise in the surreal—and profoundly depressing. While most sites list the bare essentials for the inmate's incarceration, finding the details of their crimes requires time-consuming Web sleuthing. A sampling of the felons' bid for friends:

Danny Lee Jones #092576
Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman, Florence, Arizona

"I am seeking company and conversation with someone by way of old-fashioned letter writing. I enjoy meeting people and I place friendship in the highest regard. I'm also a good listener and will always have an open mind and heart. I am spiritually grounded and my beliefs are simple and true. My interests are somewhat varied, some of which are: art, poetry, music of most types depending on the mood, animals, (especially dogs and horses, wolves & birds of prey) nature in general, writing, and auto racing (mainly Nascar). I also enjoy the sharing of thoughts, ideas, dreams & emotions. I miss sunsets, the stars... Thank you so much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon. Until then have a great day and peace be with you always."

Source: Inmate letter, Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty

On March 26, 1992, Danny Lee Jones attacked a friend, Robert Weaver, from behind, striking him once in the head with a bat. Jones then entered Weaver's home and attacked and killed Katherine Gumina, Weaver's 74-year-old grandmother. He then chased Tisha Weaver, 7, through the house and into her parents' bedroom, where she hid under the bed. Jones dragged Tisha out from her hiding place, struck her twice on the head and then strangled her. On Dec. 9, 1993, Jones was sentenced to death after being found guilty of multiple homicides with no mitigating circumstances.

Source: Arizona Department of Corrections

Troy Clark #999351
Polunsky Unit, Livingston, Texas

"Looking for a friend to share a smile...Can you see the sunset form where you live? I can see it also so we must not be so far apart!!! Likes: Getting letters, making people smile, motorcycles, children's laughter, art. Dislikes: People being mean to animals, being blamed for something I've not done, getting my peck#@ caught in my zipper. (smile). I live on Texas Death Row in solitary confinement, but please don't judge me, for even the innocent can be found guilty...Loneliness is the worst punishment of all!!! Peace, love & respect."

Source: Inmate letter, Writeaprisoner.com

Clark was convicted in the May 1, 1998, drowning death of 20-year-old Christina Muse, whom Clark believed would tell authorities about his drug dealing. Clark tormented Muse with a stun gun, bound her with duct tape and kept her in a closet in his South Tyler, Texas, home for hours, beat her with a board, drowned her in his bathtub, then encased her body in cement and lime. About four months later, police found her body in a ravine in Smith County, Texas. Clark entered death row on March 31, 2000.

Source: Tyler [Texas] Morning Telegraph

Beunka Adams #999486
Polunsky Unit, Livingston, Texas

"He looks like me...
Walks like me...
Talks like me...
But for some reason...
He ain't like me ...
He has a prejudice
Against me !..
Says he hates me
Binds and enslaves me
Says I won't never be free
I told him
Brother this ain't right
He said to me
Just don't fight
I fall to my knees
Be the Most High,"Please!"
Now chains cut my skin
He still hates me
Mis-use and abuses me
So through prayer I flee
Listing for the Most High
To answer me ...."

Source: Inmate poem on DeathRowUSA. Com

Adams and an accomplice received capital murder convictions in August 2004 for the murder of Kenneth Wayne Vandever in September 2002. Adams and his accomplice robbed a convenience store in Rusk, Texas, and kidnapped Vandever (a customer) and two store clerks, Candice Driver and Nikki Ansley Dement. Taking the keys to Driver's vehicle, the pair then drove their three captives to a remote field near Alto, where Adams sexually assaulted one of the girls. The victims were made to kneel, and then all three were shot and left for dead. Both females survived their wounds, but Vandever, a mentally challenged 37 year old, did not.

Source: Jacksonville [ Texas] Daily Progress

Christopher Sattiewhite #H-60700
San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, California

"I'm seeking a sincere and understanding woman that can look beyond my incarceration without any preconceived judgments that would like to get to know me as a person! Hobbies and interests: Writing short stories, spiritual cultivation, poetry, working out, self-improvement, TV dramas, politics and learning about the female mystique. A little about myself: I'm a kind hearted, loyal individual, sincere, very understanding and a good listener."

Source: Inmate letter on Writeaprisoner.com

Christopher Sattiewhite, then 24, was convicted of kidnapping and murdering Genoveva Gonzales, whose body was found in an Oxnard drainage ditch Jan. 26, 1992. The Oxnard mother of four was kidnapped by Sattiewhite and a second man, Frederick L. Jackson. Sattiewhite shot her three times in the head after Jackson raped her. Jackson also was convicted of murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Source: Los Angeles Times

Timothy Hoffner #A315-988
Ohio State Penitentiary, Youngstown, Ohio

"I am a very open-minded person with a free spirit, and I'm seeking friendship and correspondence with a positive attitude. Correspondence and friendship is very important in one's life, but even more so for someone in prison. Many of the "so-called" friends disappeared in thin air, so I am seeking new good friends who understand what real friendship is. Getting letters from people who care about me is what I look forward to each week. Letters are a very wonderful, and much needed, lifeline to the outside world. I hope that I'll be receiving letters from those of you reading my ad. I enjoy reading, watching TV shows and movies. I have seen a lot of movies and like talking about them. I enjoy listening to a variety of music, because it allows me to escape the daily routine. I used to play pool a lot and I miss that. I am a good-hearted person and a very loyal friend, and I know you will see that if you write me. Thank you for reading this. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you will be a new friend.

Source: Inmate Classified

Hoffner was convicted of aggravated murder for the 1993 killing of Christopher Hammer. Hoffner was also convicted of aggravated robbery and kidnapping in the case. Hoffner and a co-defendant admitted jointly planning and carrying out the murder of Hammer, an acquaintance who had briefly shared a house with them, in the course of stealing his car and wallet. After beating Hammer and trying unsuccessfully to break his neck, Hoffner and his accomplice tied him up, transported him to a remote location where they had dug a shallow grave, and buried him while he was still alive and struggling to escape. Hoffner and his accomplice subsequently sold Hammer's car to a used-car dealership for $2,800. Hoffner was sentenced to death on July 6, 1995.

Source: Supreme Court of Ohio Case Summaries

Steven Smith #369-054
Ohio State Penitentiary, Youngstown, Ohio

Submitted by a friend of Steven's : "Steve is a 33-year-old white male. He likes to fish, the outdoors, and drawing. He is also into about any professional sport, especially football and baseball. Steve is a very loving and caring person. He would love to hear from people."

Source: Penpal request on Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty

On Sept. 28, 1998, Smith murdered his girlfriend's 6-month-old daughter, Autumn Frye, in his girlfriend's home. Smith raped and beat Autumn, inflicting extensive trauma to her head and body and causing her to suffocate. Smith's girlfriend woke up and saw Smith, standing naked beside her bed, trying to lay Autumn's nude body next to her. Smith was convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to death on March 26, 1999.

Source: The State of Ohio vs. Smith

Robert Simon Jr. #46380
Mississippi State Penitentiary, Parchman, Mississippi

"Should I pretend that I am not afraid to die like some pretend they are not afraid to live

Should I pretend that everything is OK in my life and do not need anyone's help

Should I stop struggling to overcome this nightmare so that my civilized country can legally murder me

Should I stop letting my mind play with the thoughts of freedom

As I meditate on this day my thoughts drift like a runaway spider web on a windy day

How do I convince robe wearers that I am not the monster they seek

How do I write my last letter to my family

How should I remember you when my body and mind go towards that forever sleep

I think I will remember you as love

Source: Poem on Writeaprisoner.com

Simon was sentenced in Quitman County in July, 1990 for the Feb. 2, 1990, murders of the four-member Carl Parker family. Simon was convicted for the killings of Carl Parker, his wife, Bobbie Jo, and their son Gregory, 12, on Feb. 2, 1990. The killings occurred a few hours after the family had returned to their rural Quitman County home from church services. He also was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of Charlotte Parker, 9, the slain couple's daughter. Authorities said the bodies of the Parker family were pulled from their burning house. All four had been shot, but an autopsy showed Charlotte died from smoke inhalation.

Source: Picayune [Mississippi] Item

Daniel Cook #69007
Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman, Florence, Arizona

My name is Daniel Cook, and I live on Death Row in Arizona. I am 40, have blue eyes, brown hair, weigh approx. 170 lbs., near six feet in height. I am hoping that I can meet people thru correspondence and build a few good friendships. I have been on Death Row for nearly 14 years. Despite the years, I have managed to keep a good sense of humor (mostly at the expense of the guards). I take pride in being honest, sincere, compassionate, funny, discreet and friendly. I have lots of time on my hands these days, so all letters will get an answer. I'm a pretty open person and enjoy sharing my thoughts and points of view with anyone brave enough to ask for either. I love the outdoors and dogs, horses, cats, writing short stories, poetry and letters. I am educated to a point, never made it to any university, unless you take into consideration years of reading in a prison law library. So, if you have qualities similar to mine, and you would like to correspond with me, I welcome your letters."

Source: Inmate letter on Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty

According to Arizona court records, Cook, John Matzke, and Carlos Froyan Cruz-Ramos worked at a restaurant in Lake Havasu City and shared an apartment. On July 19, 1987, Cook stole some money from Cruz-Ramos. When Cruz-Ramos began searching the apartment for the money, Cook and Matzke tied Cruz-Ramos to a chair and began beating him with their fists and a metal pipe. Cook also cut Cruz-Ramos with a knife, sodomized him, and burned his genitals with cigarettes. After several hours of this torture, Matzke and Cook crushed Cruz-Ramos' throat with the pipe. When Kevin Swaney, another co-worker, arrived at the apartment, Cook forced him upstairs and showed him Cruz-Ramos' body. Cook and Matzke then tied Swaney to a chair. Matzke went to sleep while Cook sodomized Swaney. When Cook was finished, he woke Matzke and the two men strangled Swaney to death with a bed sheet. Matzke pled guilty to second-degree murder and testified against Cook. On Aug. 8, 1998, Cook was sentenced to death for multiple homicides. The court cited especially heinous/cruel/depraved circumstances in handing down the sentence.

Source: Arizona Department of Corrections

Deidre Depke, a New York writer, is a former assistant managing editor of Newsweek.

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Enriquez, Barcial shine in IRGP3 - Philippine Star Online

Posted: 29 Nov 2009 11:34 AM PST

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines – Ace riders Johnlery Enriquez of Suzuki-Yoshimura, Jaime Barcial of Castrol-Yamaha-Dudshop-Revzone and multi- Superbike champ Maico Buncio of YRS-Elf Moto Oil Racing emerged the biggest winners recently in the third Annual Motolite-InsideRacing Grand Prix (IRGP3) at the Carmona Circuit Philipines.

Barcial fended off the strong challenge from Suzuki-Yoshimura's Rizaldy Canare to capture the Gulf Oil Pride 4T Master's Trophy for the second straight year in this event powered by Motolite and supported by Bridgestone Tires, Castrol Power1, Denso Spark Plugs and Gulf Oil Pride 4T and event partners MotorcyclePhilippines.com, IRTV, Stoplight TV, The Racingline TV, Motorsiklo Xclusibo AM radio, Wave 89.1FM, MCPF.com and PinoySpeed.

He also claimed the Manufacturer Award for Yamaha in the Gulf Oil Prode 4T Master's Trophy division and the InsideRacing Pole Position award for his team.

Buncio, on the other hand, emerged the winningest privateer of the event with his breakaway win in the Castrol Power1 130GP. He also bagged four other awards, winning the InsideRacing Pole Position Award and the InsideRacing- Motorcycle Dealers Association of the Philippines (MDAP) Fastest Privateer Awards in both the 115GP and 130GP classes.

Johnlery Enriquez provided the most heart-stopping show with his win in the Castrol Power 1 115GP and the Manufacturer's Award for Suzuki in his division.

He and Buncio were dicing for the lead almost every lap much like the rivalry between Rossi and Lorenzo in the MotoGP. But with a few laps to go in the race, Buncio encountered engine problems as Enriquez blazed his way to the finish line.

Buncio still managed to salvage the runner-up place while Dashi Watanabe came in strong with a third place finish.

The GP-style annual spectacle sanctioned by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association was a big hit with another record field of 93 entries and a jampacked crowd of 8,000 spectators despite the rain.

Also winning the Manaufacturer's Awards were MCX behind Marlon Santos' fourth place finish in the InsideRACING Juniors Trophy, Honda behind Bryan Ortile's strong runner-up finish in the Castrol Power 1 130GP and Kymco behind Benjo Mendoza in the Denso Spark Plugs Automatic GP.

Motorcycle Taipei Research Team (MTRT)-Takeshi also ran away with three behind Paul Pangilinan who copped the Denso Spark Plugs Automatic GP and the InsideRACING-MDAP Fastest Privateer Awards, and Cassey NG who took the InsideRACING Pole Position Award in the same class where comebacking rider Benjie Dolores checked in third with his new team JVT Scooter.

HGM also got the InsideRACING Pole Position Award behind Marvin Magulabnan in the Junior Trophy class while the other InsideRACING-MDAP Fastest Privateer Awardees were KSR Perf-Anchor Sprocket-YRS behind Michael Altamira who clinched the Juniors Trophy over Mangulabnan and Tracy Gaddi, and ART-Tres Scooters behind Paulo Labador in the Masters Trophy.

For more IRGP2 info log on to www.insideracing.com.ph.

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