“Sharpening his aim - and his image - Boston Globe” plus 4 more

Sharpening his aim - and his image - Boston Globe
Permian Basin Fair and Exposition - My West Texas
Silk Way Rally: Volkswagen final summary - Motorsport.com
Pokernews Playlist: Volume #7 - Poker News
Text size - Chicago Tribune

Sharpening his aim - and his image - Boston Globe

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 09:08 PM PDT

"I said, 'Well, yeah, sure, but I don't have half a million dollars in the bank,' '' McCrea said. "And he said, 'Well, I have half a million dollars in the bank, but I need someone who knows how to build something.' ''

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Permian Basin Fair and Exposition - My West Texas

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 08:03 PM PDT

Attendance information, including times, dates, location, attractions and pricing.

When: Today-Saturday

Where: Odessa's Ector County Coliseum.

Hours: Today through Thursday, 5-10 p.m., Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight.

Admission today: Monday is half-price night to get in the gate.

Carnival rides today: No arm bands on Monday. Carnival rides are $1 each on Monday.

Admission Tuesday-Saturday: $10 for adults, $5 for those 60 years old and older and children 12 and younger. Check the Web site http://www.pbfair.com for special admission prices. Tuesday-Thursday all children 12 and younger are admitted in the Fair free.

Carnival armbands: $20 Friday-Saturday, $15 Tuesday-Thursday.

Carnival: Includes among other rides, the Hurricane, Kamikaze, Tilt-A-Whirl, Spin Out, Tornado, Himalayan and the Mega Ferris Wheel.

Daily acts: Mike Smiley's Texan Petting Zoo; the Royal White Tiger Discovery Exhibit; the Wade Henry Ability Act that features comedy juggling, tall unicycling, fire eating, balancing, music and audience participation; BMX Creative Sports, comprised of some of the top BMX stunt riders in the country; Rhinestone Roper featuring Dan Mink of Jerome, Idaho, performing trick roping, bullwhip cracking, knife throwing, gun spinning and quick draw shooting and includes tricks by Lucky Joe the Trick Horse; Wild West Show featuring Sheriff Mark Donaldson and friends; Hambone Express Piglet Racing; Garcias Brothers Circus that features dare devil acts on motorcycles in the cage of death and high wire stunts; and Yuck, the Game Show; designed for the younger crowd.

Entertainment: Breakshop Dance Team; Travis Panky, local member of a native Indian tribe performing songs he has written on the Indian flute; L'Angelus of Lafayette, La., an acoustic Cajun band; Jerry Dugan and Westwind; The Shades; Black Eye Shiner; Smoke and Mirrors; Los Matadors; High Lonesome Band; Sabor y Ritmo; Palace Jester; Push Rod; Glory Road; and Lenora Anderson.

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Silk Way Rally: Volkswagen final summary - Motorsport.com

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 02:20 PM PDT

One-two-three victory for Volkswagen: Carlos Sainz wins Silk Way Rally

Wolfsburg (13 September 2009). Volkswagen driver Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz won the inaugural round of the Silk Way Rally through Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. After nine legs and a total of 4,896 kilometres the Spanish pairing in their Volkswagen Race Touareg reached the finish in Ashgabat ahead of their team-mates Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) and the "Dakar" winners Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZA/D) in places two and three. For the two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz, this marks the fourth victory with Volkswagen, for his navigator Lucas Cruz, it is the second after their joint exploit at the Rallye dos Sertoes in Brazil as well as the twelfth victory in total of the 300-hp Race Touareg with a TDI engine. With the one-two-three win on the tracks of the legendary Silk Road Volkswagen successfully completed its preparations for the 2010 Dakar Rally. The Silk Way Rally primarily served as a test in competitive conditions.

The fourth Volkswagen pairing, Nasser Al-Attiyah/Timo Gottschalk (Q/D), had been fighting a close duel with Sainz/Cruz and was leading the rally up to the eighth leg. After a roll-over, which both survived unharmed, they did not start to the ninth leg any more. The final leg, which was not held as a special stage, was opened by the presidents of the three hosting countries, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the President of Turkmenistan, Dmitri Medwedew, the President of Russia, and Nursultan Nasarbajew, the President of Kazakhstan.

Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)
"The 'Dakar' dress rehearsal was successful: The Race Touareg vehicles were running with absolute reliability, our drivers and co-drivers delivered a close competition and the service crew did a perfect job. Long stages, dust and heat put the entire team to a tough test. There's no better way to prepare. My thanks also go to the organisers and the hosts who created a competition that was well-organised and marked by a high sporting level. Volkswagen is perfectly prepared to tackle the 'title defence project' at the Dakar Rally in January 2010."

#100 - Giniel de Villiers (ZA), 3rd place overall
"We had a good rally week. For Dirk and me, it was particularly important to get used to working in the cockpit after such a long break - the 'Dakar' in January was our last competition. At the beginning we had a bit of a problem getting back into the swing of things, but during the second half of the rally we found the right pace. I'm very optimistic as far as the 'Dakar' is concerned, we're well prepared. I enjoyed the Silk Way Rally, it was well organised and a real change."

#100 - Dirk von Zitzewitz (D), co-driver, 3rd place overall
"The rally was a great experience and a very good test for the whole team. I'm very confident for the 'Dakar'. I really respect the organisers; they did a good job with this rally that was a nice as well as a difficult event. We received a very warm welcome in Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and I would be happy if this rally were staged again next year."

#101 - Carlos Sainz (E), 1st place overall
"My assessment of this rally is completely positive. Our car was running perfectly, the whole squad did an outstanding job, and it was also a long and tough event. The pace was very high throughout and the duel with Nasser and Timo was really good fun. It's a shame that they were unlucky in the end and had to retire; they would have deserved victory as well. Our prospects of again competing for victory at the Dakar Rally in January are good."

#101 - Lucas Cruz (E), co-driver, 1st place overall
"The navigators had a difficult job at the Silk Way Rally: Unlike at the 'Dakar' where the motorcycles start in front of us, we often had no orientation at all as the first vehicle out on the course. What's more, the pace was very high and there was very little time to make decisions on the special stages with the many small branch-offs. Of course I'm happy about our victory, but the fact that the whole squad was able to get attuned to the 'Dakar' in an optimal manner is a lot more important."

#103 - Mark Miller (USA), 2nd place overall
"The rally really helped us to prepare for the 'Dakar'. Ralph and I learned a lot about good teamwork in difficult situations. On three or four days, a lot more would probably have been possible for us, we'll reflect on that again afterwards. In addition, for me as an American, it was a very special experience being able to explore these countries that were a taboo just a few years ago."

#103 - Ralph Pitchford (ZA), co-driver, 3rd place overall
"Driving the Silk Way Rally was absolutely the right thing to do. There's no better way to prepare for the 'Dakar' than in a competition in unknown territory. We can definitely be pleased with our result. Mark did a very good job of driving; the navigation problems were a bit frustrating at times. Nevertheless, 'well done' to the organisers; it was a very good rally."

#104 - Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), retired
"Of course we're disappointed about retiring so close to the finish, but these things can happen in rally racing. I was impressed with how positively the squad received us afterwards. I really feel at home with Volkswagen, Timo and I grew together as a team. That was our major goal and we achieved it. We're ready for the 'Dakar.'"

#104 - Timo Gottschalk (D), retired
"We fought a great duel with Carlos and Lucas and led the rally for a long time. I feel particularly sorry for the team, which did a great job day by day, that we didn't quite make it in the end. But we proved that we're serious contenders. Our time will come."

The Silk Way Rally 2009 on TV, on Eurosport
Sunday, 13 Sep 09
20.30 - 20.45 Leg 9

Monday, 14 Sep 09
09.15 - 09.30 Leg 9 (rerun)

The Silk Way Rally 2009 on TV, on n-tv
The news channel n-tv carries daily reports on the Silk Way Rally in its newscasts at 8.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 18.00 hrs.

TV schedules subject to change.

-credit: vw

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Pokernews Playlist: Volume #7 - Poker News

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 05:52 AM PDT

For both serious and casual online poker players, Sundays are (hopefully) a long grind. For those who don't want to play in a meditative state, music can be the perfect middle ground between silence and the distraction of television. Don't know what to listen to? Let us take care of that. This week features some driving beats that will help you conquer the field.

Firing Up

During the early stages of a tournament, it is important to set the tone and arguably the best way to do this is to play songs that will put you in the right frame of mind for the day's action.

"Cannonball" -- The Breeders: Watch out 'cause it's your time to roll over the field.

"Don't Tread On Me" -- 311: This reggae-infused jam is perfect for those looking to express their inner warrior.

"Shuffle Your Feet" -- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Time to switch things up to stay ahead of the game and this little ditty will help.

"The Idiot Kings" -- Soul Coughing: This tune will help you keep your head when things get tough.

"The Denial Twist" -- The White Stripes: Make sure to keep your opponents guessing while you rock out to this song.

The Bubble

It's time to take advantage of the of the money bubble. These wicked tracks will help you pick up chips while you capitalize on your opponent's tight play as you pick them apart one by one.

"Change" -- Blind Melon: The finish line is within site, turn up this tune as you push toward the promised land.

"Find Your Mind" -- Luscious Jackson: These former Beastie Boys protégés will keep you on your toes during the bubble period.

"Be Yourself" -- Audioslave: It's time to play your game so don't hesitate or flinch from your game plan. Let these rockers remind you that you are a winner.

"No One's Leaving" -- Jane's Addiction: To quote the song, "The game is on." 'Nuff said.

"Know Your Enemy" -- Rage Against the Machine: This is the perfect song while profiling your opponents.

Taking it Down

You've made the final table and you need to switch things up a bit so you can properly bleed your opponents on your way to the first-place cash. These tracks will get you there.

"Are You Gonna Go My Way" -- Lenny Kravitz: This classic rock anthem will get your heart racing as you work to take down first place.

"In the End" -- Linkin Park: Your victory is inevitable.

"End It On This" -- No Doubt: Time to put the rest of the final table on notice that you are destined to take it down.

"All My Life" -- Foo Fighters: Wake Up! This tune will jump-start your nerves as you play Godzilla destroying everything (and everyone) in your path.

"Alive" -- POD: This song will inspire you to the winner's circle.

With any luck, this Sunday finds you a few dollars richer. Check back each Sunday as we bring you fresh playlists to get you through poker's toughest day of the week.

Don't forget to follow us on twitter, and be sure to sign up for your very own account at My.Pokernews.com.

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Text size - Chicago Tribune

Posted: 13 Sep 2009 04:54 AM PDT

ELKHART LAKE VINTAGE FESTIVAL Road America will host the 24th annual Vintage Sports Car Drivers Association's Elkhart Lake Vintage Festival Sept. 11-13. Some 300 vintage and historic racecars from around the country will be on hand. The main gate opens at 7 a.m. daily. Admission is $75 for a three-day ticket or $15 for Sept. 11 and $30 each for Sept. 12 and 13. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult. Visit www.roadamerica.com or call 800-365-7223.

DEERFIELD CAR SHOW The Deerfield Area Historical Society holds its annual Fallfest and Car Show Sept. 13. All show-quality cars from the 1970s and earlier are welcome from noon to 4 p.m. at the Historical Village. No registration is required, and admission is free. Contact scramer724@yahoo.com or 847-948-0680.

BRITISH CAR FEST The British Car Union hosts its 23nd annual Chicagoland British Car Festival Sept. 13 at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines. The festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to all British marques, from Austin to Zephyr. Registration is $20 through Aug. 21 and $25 at the gate. Spectator admission is free. British motorcycles also will be on display. Visit www.britishcarunion.com or e-mail qualitas.jack@gmail.com.

BOULEVARD LAKEFRONT TOUR Registration is open for the annual Boulevard Lakefront Tour Sept. 13. Bicyclists can experience Daniel Burnham's dream on four routes: the 62-mile Ultimate Neighborhood, 35-mile Boulevard Tour Ride, 27-mile Beverly Cruise and 15-mile South Side Ramble. All routes s begin and end at the Midway Plaisance. Registration is $30, $25 for Active Transportation Alliance members and $12 for kids 17 and younger. Visit www.boulevardtour.org or call 312-427-3325, ext. 251.

BOAT PILOTING CLASS The Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron is offering the U.S. Power Squadron Piloting class beginning Sept. 14 at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Gurnee. The class meets from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. every Monday for 10 weeks. Fee is $60 for members and $140 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Contact the instructor Keith Baldwin at Baldwinkeith@sbcglobal.net.

MARINE ELECTRICAL CLASS The Waukegan Sail & Power Squadron is offering the U.S. Power Squadron Marine Electrical Systems class beginning Sept. 16 at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Gurnee. The class meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday for six weeks. Fee is $55 members and $135 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Contact instructor Rex Miller at rexwmiller@gmail.com.

CRUISE THE BACKLOT Downtown Skokie's Cruise the Backlot events are set for Sept. 16. The free cruise runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Village Green (parking lot between Village Hall and library. Visit www.cruisethebacklot.com.

CAPTAIN'S LICENSE CLASSES Columbia Yacht Club is offering USCG captain's licensing classes beginning with a free orientation session at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at the club, at 111 N. Lake Shore Drive. The classes will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 22 and running through Nov. 19. Tuition of $1,205 includes materials. Visit www.chicago captainsclasses.com or www.usmaritime.us or contact Capt. Fred Swastek at 773-296-6852 or capt.fred@usmaritime.us or Capt. Al Grigalunas at 312-259-5125 or capt.al@usmaritime.us.

AVANTI MEET The ChicagolandChapter of the Avanti Owners Association International is hosting the 2009 Meet Sept. 17-19 at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville. The three-day event will include a swap meet, seminars and a concours for Avantis, Studebakers, Packards and Pierce-Arrows. Contact Tom Corr at 630-267-5896 or tom@3penguinsltd.com.

CHICAGOLAND NATIONALS The third annual PEAK Chicagoland Nationals Car Show, a car show featuring hot rods, custom cars, classics, muscle cars and trucks through 1972 vintage, hits the Chicagoland Speedway Sept. 18 through 20. More than 2,000 cars are expected along with a Street Challenge Autocross, swap meet and drag racing. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20. Admission is $17 for adults and $ for kids age 7-12. Call Goodguys 925-838-9876 or visit www.chicagolandnats.com.

FAMOUS PUZZLER RALLYE The 11th annual Famous Puzzler Rallye kicks off with registration at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Woodfield Mall parking lot in Schaumburg near light pole B-2. A beginner's school starts at 6:45 and drivers meeting at 7 with the first car out at 7:15. Cost is $25 in advance and $30 at the gate with proceeds to benefit UPS for DownS, a non-profit that assists families dealing with Down Syndrome. Visit www.upsfordowns.org.

RAILROAD DAYS The Monticello Railway Museum hosts Railroad Days Sept. 19 and 20 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. Abraham Lincoln and the Leviathan, an operating 1869 steam locomotive replica, will be on hand for the festivities. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All day tickets, with unlimited train rides, are $12 for adults and $8 for children age 2-12. Visit www.mrym.org.

KJP CAR SHOWS In conjunction with the HeritageFest West Dundee, KJP Car, Truck and Motorcycle Shows will hold a show Sept. 19-20 at Main and 2nd Streets in the suburb. Registration opens at 10:30 with a fee of $15 per vehicle. Spectators are free, with awards by 4 p.m. Call John Pullaro at 847-608-0565 or Mike Konwinski 847-895-0032 or visit www.wdundee.org.

VW-FEST 2009 The Northeast Illinois Volkswagen Association presents VW-Fest 2009 Sept. 20. Northern Illinois' largest all VW Car Show & Swap Meet runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Anderson Volkswagen in Crystal Lake. Fee is $10 per show car and $20 per swap space. Spectator admission is free. Visit www.nivaclub.org.

URBAN ASSAULT RIDE The Urban Assault Ride returns to Chicago Sept. 20. At 9 a.m. at Murphy's Bleachers, two-member bicycle teams will begin the scavanger hunt that includes obstacle courses at five checkpoints. Registration, which ranges up to $65, closes at 3 p.m. Sept. 19. Visit www.urbanassaultride.com or call 303-408-0747.

CRUISE PLANNING CLASS The Waukegan Sail and Power Squadron is offering the U.S. Power Squadron Cruise Planning class beginning Sept. 24 at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World in Gurnee. The class meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday for eight weeks. Fee is $47.50 for members and $127.50 for non-members (includes one-year membership). Contact instructor Ken Miller at kenanne@sbcglobal.net.

CORVETTE FUNFEST Mid America Motorworks holds its 16th annual Corvette Funfest Sept. 25-27 at its headquarters on U.S. 45, 2 miles north of Interstates 57 and 70, in Effingham, Ill. Some 15,000 of the sports cars are expected for show. Admission starts at $40. Call 800-500-1500 or visit www.corvettefunfest.com.

AMAZING RACE RALLYE Brand-X Rallye Team presents The Amazing Race gimmick ralley based on the TV show Sept. 26. The rallye begins at 6 p.m. with registration at Woodfield Mall, parking area B2, near the Firestone Tire Center. A free beginners' school starts at 6:30 p.m. with the first car off at 7:30. Call Kathy Thomas at 815-338-6319 or visit www.brandxrallyeteam.com.

PUMKIN DAYS The Illinois Railway Museum hosts it annual Pumpkin Days Oct. 3 and 4. Ride the trains and pick a free pumpkin. Hours at the museum in Union are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fares are $12 for adults, $8 for kids or $45 for families. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245).

CYCLE SWAP A Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Sandwich Fairgrounds Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids younger than 15. Vendor booths are $30. Call 630-985-2097.