Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for Directv and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
Wichita, Kansas — “It will never happen. There’s no way they will do that. I mean, come on. I suppose that would get Kansas a lot of attention, but…”
That’s the response of Tom Sawyer, a long-time Kansas Democrat lawmaker.
Sawyer responded to the possibility President Barack Obama could be left off the ballot in Kansas for the November election.
On Thursday the Kansas State Objections Board heard arguments to kick President Obama off the ballot. The State Objections Board does have the power to drop President Obama from the ballot in Kansas.
“I just talked to the State Objections Board myself today,” explains Sawyer. “It was over the issue of me living in the district where I’m running for office… that is exactly what the State Objections Board is for. Not for kicking off the ballot the sitting President of the United States.”
Sawyer was challenged by a political opponent on his residency in his district. Sawyer won, and will stay on the ballot. But will the President of the United States stay on the ballot?
“Well, they certainly had the power today to make that decision,” said Sawyer.
The State of Kansas objections board did not take action. Instead, the board members said they will wait for more information from the states of Hawaii and Arizona on the President and the birth status of both his mother and father.
That State Objections Board is made up of three of the top guns in Kansas politics. Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer. All three are Republican.
“Make no mistake, Kansas is a largely Republican state,” says Wichita State University Poly-Sci professor Jeff Jarman. “The Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, will get the electoral votes from Kansas. But there is still a very active Democratic base in the state.”
Jarman says he wonders what the motivation would be for the State Objections Board to even consider the issue.
“First of all, they kicked out another case just like this back in April,” says Jarman. “The board said no. Also, the United States Supreme Court has refused to wade into these waters. So this would be a highly unusual move if a major party candidate were not allowed on the ballot in November. It’s just not happened before.”
The State Objections Board in Kansas says it will make a decision on Monday.
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for High Speed Internet and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
NBC was keeping up with the Kardashians on Tuesday. How about you?
At 8:46 a.m. Tuesday, the time when the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center 11 years ago, Savannah Guthrie, cohost of NBC’s “Today,” was chatting with Kim Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, about her breast implants. Jenner also discussed working out with a personal trainer and welcoming hip-hop star Kanye West into the family.
At the same time the Jenner interview was airing, President Barack Obama and the first lady Michele Obama led the nation in a moment of silence at the White House, and “Today” rivals “Good Morning America” and “CBS This Morning” joined them, along with CNN, the Fox News Channel and MSNBC.
WNBC, New York’s NBC affiliate, opted away from the Jenner interview to mark the moment of silence, according to www.foxnews.com.
Stars lining up for Emmys
Seven-time nominee Louis C.K. (“Louie”) and Ricky Gervais (creator of “The Office”) are among the stars who will be handing out this year’s Emmys, producers said Tuesday.
Other stars schedule to appear during the telecast include Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”), Mindy Kaling (star and creator of the new Fox comedy “The Mindy Project”), Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”).
The Emmy Awards will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 23. Jimmy Kimmel will host the show, which will air on ABC. ABC also announced Tuesday that Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer of “Good Morning America,” Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor” host) and Clinton Kelly (“The Chew”) will host “Emmys Red Carpet Live,” which begins at 7 p.m.
‘Golden Shoes’ casting call
Producers from the movie “Golden Shoes” have announced a casting call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Pontiac’s Ultimate Soccer Arena, 867 South Blvd.
Boys and girls ages 8 to 12 are being sought. Actors should bring an 8-by-10 photo of themselves.
The family-oriented film, starring John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight”), Vivica A. Fox (“Kill Bill Vol. 1″), Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Montel Williams, is expected to shoot throughout Oakland County.
Briefly
• As a result of the death of officer Patrick O’Rourke of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Friday’s Oakland County Community Run has been canceled, organizers said Tuesday. However, representatives from the Special Olympics Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run clarified that the cancellation won’t affect that event. The 750-mile, five-day relay run began Monday in Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula and ends Friday evening in Sterling Heights. For more, go to www.somi.org.
• WRIF-FM (101.1) announced Tuesday that its third annual Rocktoberfest event on Sept. 22 will feature Slash as master of ceremonies. The daylong event, running 1-11 p.m. at Taylor’s Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road, will include a question-and-answer session with Slash, giveaways, food and beer, a tug-of-war competition with Downriver bartenders and more. Reps from WRIF say a
NBC was keeping up with the Kardashians on Tuesday. How about you?
At 8:46 a.m. Tuesday, the time when the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center 11 years ago, Savannah Guthrie, cohost of NBC’s “Today,” was chatting with Kim Kardashian‘s mother, Kris Jenner, about her breast implants. Jenner also discussed working out with a personal trainer and welcoming hip-hop star Kanye West into the family.
At the same time the Jenner interview was airing, President Barack Obama and the first lady Michele Obama led the nation in a moment of silence at the White House, and “Today” rivals “Good Morning America” and “CBS This Morning” joined them, along with CNN, the Fox News Channel and MSNBC.
WNBC, New York’s NBC affiliate, opted away from the Jenner interview to mark the moment of silence, according to www.foxnews.com.
Stars lining up for Emmys
Seven-time nominee Louis C.K. (“Louie”) and Ricky Gervais (creator of “The Office”) are among the stars who will be handing out this year’s Emmys, producers said Tuesday.
Other stars schedule to appear during the telecast include Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”), Mindy Kaling (star and creator of the new Fox comedy “The Mindy Project”), Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”).
The Emmy Awards will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 23. Jimmy Kimmel will host the show, which will air on ABC. ABC also announced Tuesday that Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer of “Good Morning America,” Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor” host) and Clinton Kelly (“The Chew”) will host “Emmys Red Carpet Live,” which begins at 7 p.m.
‘Golden Shoes’ casting call
Producers from the movie “Golden Shoes” have announced a casting call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Pontiac’s Ultimate Soccer Arena, 867 South Blvd.
Boys and girls ages 8 to 12 are being sought. Actors should bring an 8-by-10 photo of themselves.
The family-oriented film, starring John Rhys-Davies (“Lord of the Rings”), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight”), Vivica A. Fox (“Kill Bill Vol. 1″), Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Montel Williams, is expected to shoot throughout Oakland County.
• As a result of the death of officer Patrick O’Rourke of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Friday’s Oakland County Community Run has been canceled, organizers said Tuesday. However, representatives from the Special Olympics Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run clarified that the cancellation won’t affect that event. The 750-mile, five-day relay run began Monday in Copper Harbor in the Upper Peninsula and ends Friday evening in Sterling Heights. For more, go to www.somi.org.
• WRIF-FM (101.1) announced Tuesday that its third annual Rocktoberfest event on Sept. 22 will feature Slash as master of ceremonies. The daylong event, running 1-11 p.m. at Taylor’s Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road, will include a question-and-answer session with Slash, giveaways, food and beer, a tug-of-war competition with Downriver bartenders and more. Reps from WRIF say a $2 donation will be collected at the gate to benefit the nonprofit Penrickton Center for Blind Children. For more, go to www.wrif.com.
• William Shatner‘s one-man show, “Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It,” is scheduled to touch down at the Wharton Center in East Lansing on Jan. 24, representatives for Capt. Kirk said Tuesday. For more, go to www.shatnersworld.com.
• Tickets ($32.50-$35) for the Four Tops’ Hits and the Holidays show scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Sound Board are now on sale, the MotorCity Casino Hotel announced Tuesday. For more, go to www.soundboarddetroit.com.
COMPILED BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER. CONTACT HIM AT 313-223-4528 OR BJHAMMERSETIN@FREEPRESS.COM.
More Details: Fast takes
1. Jackson still with ‘Idol’
Although Fox hasn’t made an announcement yet, multiple outlets are reporting that Randy Jackson, the last original “American Idol” judge, will be with the show when its 12th season debuts in January. Former “Idol” judge Simon Cowell even tweeted Monday that he heard Jackson is coming back.
2. Carrie Ann single again
On March 31, 2011, accountant Jesse Sloan surprised “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba with an engagement ring while appearing on “Live! with Regis and Kelly.” Now Michael Strahan is Kelly Ripa‘s “Live!” cohost and Inaba, 44, is single again, according to www.people.com.
3. ‘True Blood’ stars deliver
Anna Paquin, 30, left, and husband Stephen Moyer, 42, who star together on HBO’s “True Blood,” have welcomed twins, www.people.com reports. The couple’s two new babies were reportedly “born a few weeks early.” Moyer has two children from previous relationships.
donation will be collected at the gate to benefit the nonprofit Penrickton Center for Blind Children. For more, go to www.wrif.com.
• William Shatner’s one-man show, “Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It,” is scheduled to touch down at the Wharton Center in East Lansing on Jan. 24, representatives for Capt. Kirk said Tuesday. For more, go to www.shatnersworld.com.
• Tickets (.50-) for the Four Tops’ Hits and the Holidays show scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Sound Board are now on sale, the MotorCity Casino Hotel announced Tuesday. For more, go to www.soundboarddetroit.com.
COMPILED BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER. CONTACT HIM AT 313-223-4528 OR BJHAMMERSETIN@FREEPRESS.COM.
More Details: Fast takes
1. Jackson still with ‘Idol’
Although Fox hasn’t made an announcement yet, multiple outlets are reporting that Randy Jackson, the last original “American Idol” judge, will be with the show when its 12th season debuts in January. Former “Idol” judge Simon Cowell even tweeted Monday that he heard Jackson is coming back.
2. Carrie Ann single again
On March 31, 2011, accountant Jesse Sloan surprised “Dancing with the Stars” judge Carrie Ann Inaba with an engagement ring while appearing on “Live! with Regis and Kelly.” Now Michael Strahan is Kelly Ripa’s “Live!” cohost and Inaba, 44, is single again, according to www.people.com.
3. ‘True Blood’ stars deliver
Anna Paquin, 30, left, and husband Stephen Moyer, 42, who star together on HBO’s “True Blood,” have welcomed twins, www.people.com reports. The couple’s two new babies were reportedly “born a few weeks early.” Moyer has two children from previous relationships.
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for Satellite TV and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spurred on by a roaring crowd decked out in red, white and blue, the United States used all of that emotion as fuel to pull off a significant World Cup qualifying victory.
The U.S. rebounded from a loss at Jamaica four nights earlier and moved back into a tie for its group lead by beating the Reggae Boyz 1-0 Tuesday night as Herculez Gomez curled in a free kick in the 55th minute.
It was a night when the only respite from the din from a capacity crowd of 23,881 was the moment of silence before the game in remembrance of the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“That was an awesome homecoming,” Gomez said afterward, almost drowned out as fans left Crew Stadium chanting and cheering. “You couldn’t ask for more. The crowd was great, and the guys fed off of it.”
The U.S., which made five changes to its starting lineup from Friday’s 2-1 loss in Kingston, is tied with Guatemala (2-1-1) at seven points in Group A of the North and Central American and Caribbean semifinals. Jamaica (2-1-1) also has seven points but trails on goal difference.
The top two nations advance to next year’s six-team regional finals, which will produce three qualifiers for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Seeking its seventh straight World Cup appearance, the U.S. plays at virtually eliminated Antigua and Barbuda on Oct. 12, then completes the semis four days later against Guatemala at Kansas City, Kan.
“
I feel comfortable on the ball, on a free kick, striking the
ball. Thankfully coach had confidence in me. So did
my teammates. I struck it and it went in.
”
American forward Herculez Gomez
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann celebrated the win — then moved onto the next hurdle.
“We know it’s not done yet,” he said. “We know it’s down to the wire. That’s what World Cup qualifiers are about.”
After hitting the frame three times in a dominant first half as goalkeeper Dwayne Miller made several sparkling saves, the U.S. went ahead following a foul by Rodolph Austin on Clint Dempsey. Gomez’s drive from 28 yards went over the defensive wall and to the left of a diving Miller, who was only able to lightly brush the ball with his fingertips.
“That was my distance,” Gomez said with a grin.
The instant the ball found the net, Gomez knew the gravity what it meant to his team’s qualifying chances.
“It was important for us to regroup after what happened in Jamaica,” Gomez said. “We knew it wasn’t our best performance, and we had to step forward and apply today. With the help of the crowd, we pushed deep and persevered. It wasn’t always pretty, but I think we did it very well.”
The rowdy, partisan crowd — exactly what U.S. team officials were expecting — chanted “U-S-A! U-S-A!” all night, but particularly while the American players came to the stands to thank them after the victory.
The American players said they were thinking about the anniversary. Fans received small American flags to commemorate the anniversary and there was a moment of silence before kickoff.
Klinsmann spoke after the game of having New York City firefighters talk to the team on Monday night. He said one related calmly of what it was like that day at the World Trade Center.
CONCACAF Group A standings
Team
G
W
L
D
GD
Pts
Guatemala
4
2
1
1
+2
7
United States
4
2
1
1
+2
7
Jamaica
4
2
1
1
+1
7
Antigua/Barbuda
4
0
1
3
-5
1
June 8
United States 3, Antigua/Barbuda 1
June 12
Guatemala 1, United States 1
Friday
Jamaica 2, United States 1
Tuesday
United States 1, Jamaica 0
Oct. 12
United States at Antigua/Barbuda
Oct. 16
Guatemala at U.S. (Kansas City)
“Everyone was aware,” Klinsmann said of his players. “We all knew this was a very special day. The players were outstanding in how they handled it.”
The 30-year-old Gomez, born to Mexican-American parents, grew up in Las Vegas and was a member of the U.S. team at the 2010 World Cup. It was his fifth international goal and second in qualifying this year.
It was a key moment for a U.S. team missing injured midfielders Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley. Failing to win would have put enormous pressure on the Americans to win their final two qualifiers this year.
“I feel comfortable on the ball, on a free kick, striking the ball,” Gomez said. “Thankfully coach had confidence in me. So did my teammates. I struck it and it went in. I’m fortunate and happy.”
While the U.S. dominated the first half with 79 percent possession, the Americans became disorganized in the final minutes when goalkeeper Tim Howard needed to push away Austin’s shot.
Howard knew that the game would eventually tilt in his team’s favor. The U.S. improved to 5-0-2 in World Cup qualifying and 6-0-3 overall at Crew Stadium.
“This is probably one of the best homefield advantages we have,” he said. “We should play here more often.”
Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore wasn’t surprised that the Americans reacted to the patriotic, cheering crowd.
“It was a different U.S. team,” he said. “They came out early and they were pressing us. We didn’t get any time to play until the second half.”
Friday’s loss at “The Office” had been the first for the Americans in 19 meetings between the nations. Klinsmann responded with large-scale changes.
Captain Carlos Bocanegra returned and took over in central defense from Clarence Goodson, suspended because of yellow-card accumulation. Steve Cherundolo, recovered from a strained right calf, replaced Michael Parkhurst at right back.
Klinsmann changed most of his midfield, keeping only Jermaine Jones and starting Danny Williams, Graham Zusi and Jose Torres in place of Kyle Beckerman and Maurice Edu. Dempsey moved from midfield to forward and started alongside Gomez, with Jozy Altidore going to the bench.
Zusi, playing his first competitive match for the national team, was the lone U.S. starter from Major League Soccer. He glanced a shot off the top of the crossbar from 18 yards in the sixth minute. Then in the 19th, Cherundolo’s shot bounced off the near post after Miller got a hand on the ball.
Williams, playing his best half for the national team, curled a 25-yard shot off a post in the 26th minute — resulting in loud, prolonged groans from fans who stood and cheered for most of the game.
The U.S. outshot Jamaica 10-3, including 8-0 in the first half — quite a turnaround from Friday when the Americans were outshot 9-7 in a match played on a field criticized by the U.S. players.
“We moved the ball around, played with great emotion, and we’re happy to get the points,” Dempsey said.
NOTES: Guatemala won 1-0 at Antigua on a 26th-minute goal by Carlos Ruiz. … Mexico (4-0) became the first nation to advance to next year’s six-team CONCACAF finals, winning 1-0 at home against Costa Rica in Group B on a 61st-minute goal by Javier Hernandez.
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for Directv and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
Wichita, Kansas — The Kansas Policy Institute (KPI) is asking the Sedgwick County district attorney’s office to investigate USD 259. The KPI filed an open records complaint against the school district.
“This is becoming an epidemic of local governments,” says Dave Trabert with KPI. “I should point out state government is great and has been regardless the administration. But local governments are a different issue.”
Trabert says his group has asked twice to see student achievement numbers.
“And twice they said no,” says Trabert.
The numbers were brought up in open court. There is a lawsuit, Gannon V. State of Kansas, that just wrapped in court last month. The lawsuit is going after more school funding from the State of Kansas.
But some school board members with USD 259 in Wichita say, the numbers brought up in court are preliminary numbers. That’s the reason they are not handing them over to KPI.
“We have worked very hard over the years to be very forthright and we’ve tried to disclose the information when we have it,” says Lynn Rogers.
Rogers is a board member for USD 259.
“And that’s what we’re planning to do with this,” says Rogers. “But this latest data set IS preliminary.”
Trabert says that’s not good enough.
“Kansas Open Records Act… Kansans are entitled by law to have access to information that is public and falls under KORA,” says Trabert. “People are entitled to know how their money is being spent or what the government entity is doing. What are the outcomes? They’re entitled to see that information. And it you don’t take it to the next step and try to have the law enforced, then it only becomes worse for the next person who comes in.”
A spokeswoman for the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office says an investigation is not out of the question with this response:
“If it appears there is a possible violation, after initial review, the matter will be investigated further.”
Trabert says school districts in Dodge City, Hutchinson and Kansas City have already given the preliminary data to the KPI.
But Trabert says his group wants transparency across the board. The KPI plans on being at the Sedgwick County Commission meeting Wednesday. KPI wants the county commission to force the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition to turn over data it deems is public, under KORA.
“We are going to continue to pursue open records violations until we get the laws established or changes,” explains Trabert, “whatever has to be, so that there is real transparency and that the taxpayers have no issue getting the information they are entitled to.”
Rogers says the school numbers will be released, publicly, in about two weeks.
“We have not even seen the exact numbers yet,” explains Rogers. “We only have preliminary numbers at this point.”
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for Satellite TV and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
(For U.S. Open news, see TENN .)
Sept. 11 (Bloomberg) — After ending a 76-year British men’s tennis drought with a victory that took almost five hours, Andy Murray struggled to turn a grimace into a smile as he accepted the U.S. Open winner’s trophy.
Murray, who ended his personal streak of futility as well, beat defending champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3- 6, 6-2 in a four-hour, 54-minute match that tied the record for the longest final at the National Tennis Center in New York.
It was the first win for a British man at a major tennis tournament since Fred Perry won the U.S. National Championship – the predecessor to the U.S. Open — in 1936 for the last of his 10 major titles.
“When I was serving for the match, there’s a sense of how big a moment that is in British tennis history,” Murray told reporters. “I hope it inspires some kids to play tennis and also takes away the notion that British tennis players choke.”
Murray’s breakthrough in his 28th Grand Slam event came after four runner-up finishes. He lost the final of the 2011 Australian Open to Djokovic and was beaten by Roger Federer of Switzerland in three others: at the 2008 U.S. Open, in Australia in 2010 and this year at Wimbledon.
Since professionals began playing majors in 1968, the only other man who lost his first four Grand Slam finals is Ivan Lendl, who is now Murray’s coach. Lendl went on to win eight.
Murray, 25, the No. 3 seed, was watched from the stands by fellow Scots — including actor Sean Connery and Manchester United soccer manager Alex Ferguson — and his victory was lauded by the London-based Press Association as among “Great British Sporting Moments.”
Murray’s Paycheck
Murray earned 4500.9 million for the win in Arthur Ashe Stadium, bringing his career prize money to more than million. Djokovic earned 0,000 and a 0,000 bonus for having won the U.S. Open Series of tournaments leading up to the Grand Slam event.
Djokovic, 25, was the 2-5 favorite at the Las Vegas Hotel’s Super Book, translating to a 71 percent probability of a sixth major title for the Serbian. A successful 0 bet on underdog Murray yielded a 0 profit.
The match was delayed a day because of rain, making it the fifth straight U.S. Open men’s final pushed to a Monday by bad weather after 21 years of on-time finishes. Though it was dry last night, a swirling wind bothered both players.
“It was incredibly tricky conditions and, after the third and fourth sets, it was mentally tough for me,” Murray said while accepting the winner’s trophy. “I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.”
Final Point
After a Djokovic forehand sailed just long to give Murray the title, the Scot slowly lifted his hands to his face and then squatted on the court. Exhausted and exhilarated, he fought back grimaces while accepting the champion’s trophy.
Murray, who said he cried on the court after the win, was asked during a post-match news conference why he still wasn’t smiling.
“I don’t know if it’s disbelief or whatever,” he said. “I’m very, very happy on the inside. I’m sorry if I’m not showing it as you would like.”
The only other U.S. Open final to last as long was in 1988, when Mats Wilander of Sweden defeated Lendl, also in four hours and 54 minutes.
Five-Set Win
If the second-seeded Djokovic had won the fifth set, he would have become the first person to come back from a two-set deficit to capture the U.S. Open title in 63 years. Pancho Gonzales defeated Ted Schroeder 16-18, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in an all-American final in 1949.
“It wasn’t to be,” Djokovic said during the trophy presentation. “I gave it all, and it was another tremendous match to be a part of. Up until the last moment, it was definitely enjoyable.”
The win broke a stranglehold on major titles by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, who combined to win 29 of the previous 30. Juan Martin Del Potro’s 2009 U.S. Open victory was the lone exception.
It also made 2012 the first year since 2003 in which all four men’s Grand Slam titles have been won by different players — Djokovic won the Australian Open in January, Nadal took the French Open title in June and Federer captured the Wimbledon crown in July.
Swirling Wind
There were four service breaks in the first eight games of the opening set as the players tried to adjust to the swirling 16 mile-per-hour (26 kilometer-per-hour) wind. Playing tentatively instead of going for winners, the two men exchanged 54 strokes on one point in the sixth game of the 87-minute set. The tiebreaker lasted 24 minutes.
After Murray won the first-set tiebreaker on his sixth set point, he took a 4-0 lead in the second set by breaking Djokovic’s serve twice. Djokovic stormed back to win five of the next six games, only to have Murray break his serve again in the 12th game to win the set.
Djokovic won the third and fourth sets. Murray then opened the fifth set with a service break and led the rest of the way.
With the win, Murray, who took the gold medal at the London Games in August, became the first man to win both a gold medal and the U.S. Open title since tennis returned to the Olympics in 1988.
“He deserved to win this Grand Slam more than anybody,” Djokovic told reporters. “He has proven today that he’s a champ and he deserves to be where he is, no question about it.”
With assistance from Danielle Rossingh in London and Eben Novy-Williams and Mason Levinson in New York. Editors: Michael Sillup, Dex McLuskey.
To contact the reporter on this story: Rob Gloster in New York at rgloster@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for Satellite TV and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for NFL Sunday Ticket and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
Last week, Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte publicly professed his crush on “Gossip Girl” star Blake Lively. He was hoping that something would come of his public proclamation of affection for the actress, but alas, he was too late. Blake married her boyfriend of a year, Ryan Reynolds, in a quiet ceremony on Sunday.
Upon hearing that Blake had tied the knot in a super secret ceremony in South Carolina, Ryan had nothing but good words for his crush. He said in a new interview, “I just heard about [the wedding]. I didn’t even know she had a boyfriend until someone told me after I said I had a crush on her.”
Aww…poor Ryan. Now that he has done his guest appearance on “90210″, it was said that Ryan was considering a stint as the next “Bachelor” in order to find love. Now that Blake is married, he will definitely have to look elsewhere as she has found her own Ryan to go through life with. He said, “That’s great for them. I just want to congratulate them and wish them the best.”
As far as his next crush? He revealed, “I met Paris Hilton last week. I got to hang out with her. She’s a really sweet girl. Very attractive, I must say.”
Do you think Ryan and Paris would make a cute couple? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments section below.
by Megan Lindsey on September 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for NFL Sunday Ticket and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
Forget about all those other secret celeb weddings, this one takes the (probably five-tiered, very elegant and tasty) cake!
Ryan Reynolds, 35, and Blake Lively, 25, got married at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., just outside of Charleston tonight, E! News has confirmed.
A source tells E! News that the guests included close friends only, but also some Hollywood types, including Blake’s manager.
How I Met Your Mother’s Cobie Smulders just got married, too!
The newlywed’s reception took place underneath a large white tent with music from Lively’s friend Florence Welch (yes, she of Florence + the Machine) along with a deejay. According to People, the actress’s mother and sister were spotted grabbing lunch in town earlier this weekend with Bette Midler-who also sang at the ceremony.
News of the top secret ceremony was first tipped by local radio station 95.1 FM, which tweeted, “Hold up, there’s another story that it’s Ryan Reynolds and he married Blake Lively at the Cotton Docks today!”
The station’s Kelly Gukanovich tells E! News, “A few days ago, I heard Ryan was back in town. Then today, lots of signs went up at Boone Hall Plantation stating that it was holding a private event, so no one could get into the area. I also started hearing rumors that a celebrity wedding was taking place.
“I am being told there were around 60 people at the event and that a local restaurant may have catered it. Ryan has always loved it here and when he got together with Blake, he started to bring her here, too.”
The stars’ reps were not immediately available for comment.
However, a source close to LIvely says her inner circle was shocked that she and Reynolds tied the knot so fast, having only “gotten over” her split with Leonardo DiCaprio just a year ago.
Wedding rumors about the duo went wild back in July, but that turned out to be a bit premature.
Bridesmaids star Chris O’Dowd also tied the knot recently
The Green Lantern costars’ relationship first went public less than a year ago when they were spotted together at multiple locations. Once word was out that they were an item, the two became inseparable, and they even started nesting together.
This is the second trip down the aisle for Reynolds, who married Scarlett Johansson in 2008 and the couple divorced two years later, citing irreconcilable differences. Lively’s previously dated DiCaprio and her Gossip Girl costar Penn Badgley.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
-Reporting by Ken Baker and Melanie Bromley
(Originally published Sept. 9, 2012, at 8:27 p.m. PT)
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for High Speed Internet and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
DENVER
(AP)
–
After 611 days away, Peyton Manning couldn’t wait to get back on the field. Ben Roethlisberger seemed determined to keep him on the sideline Sunday night.
Manning overcame Pittsburgh’s 10-minute advantage in time of possession and led a hurry-up offense that helped the Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19 in his Denver debut.
“It’s just one game. I try to keep it in perspective,” Manning said. “I know how hard I’ve worked to get to this point. I know how much help that I’ve gotten along the way, from a lot of people. I’m very grateful for that. It’s special. I will definitely say it’s special.”
The four-time MVP coming off four neck surgeries completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked twice and bounced up both times without trouble.
Manning got a big assist from another big-time free agent, cornerback Tracy Porter, whose 43-yard interception return of Roethlisberger’s pass with 2 minutes left sealed the victory.
Manning, jettisoned by the Indianapolis Colts in March after missing all of last season with a nerve injury that weakened his throwing arm, took just two snaps in the third quarter. But one was a 71-yard touchdown throw to Demaryius Thomas, Manning’s first as a Bronco and the 400th of his career.
He reached the milestone in his 208th career game. Dan Marino did it in his 227th game and Brett Favre in his 228th.
“I love those guys,” Manning said. “Brett and Dan are two of my favorite quarterbacks of all time. I don’t feel like I belong in their category. But to be sort of mentioned among them is a true honor.”
Manning, who hadn’t played in a game that counted since Jan. 8, 2011, spent much of his night on the sideline as Roethlisberger led a clock-chewing offense that had Denver’s defenders gassed and Manning antsy.
At one point, Roethlisberger had taken 30 snaps to Manning’s one a kneel-down during two monstrous drives that spanned halftime.
“Roethlisberger was awesome on third down,” Manning said of Pittsburgh’s 11-of-19 conversion rate. “Wasn’t much fun sitting on the bench there all night. Great job by our defense in the end, getting that turnover.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said playing keep-away from Manning was the game plan.
“That was our intention,” he said. “We need to possess the ball, we needed to get stops and time of possession is just that, though you look at the scoreboard, they got it done, we didn’t. The plan didn’t come to fruition.”
That’s because whenever he was between the lines, Manning was masterful.
After going to the no-huddle midway through the first half, he led Denver on three straight 80-yard touchdown drives, picking apart Pittsburgh’s defense with precision.
“It helped a lot,” Manning said of the hurry-up. “We’re going to use the no-huddle as a change-up. Once we did it, it went so well, the coaches kind of said stay with it. I was kind of afraid that might happen.”
So were the Steelers.
The Broncos’ last drive stalled at the Steelers 8 and they settled for Matt Prater’s short field goal and a 25-19 lead with 3 minutes left.
More than enough time for Roethlisberger to beat them.
Porter stepped in front of Emmanuel Sanders, though, and returned an interception 43 yards for the score a minute later, and Roethlisberger was sacked three times on his last possession after going down just twice all night.
“That was a great feeling,” Manning said. “I hated having to settle for a field goal down there. … I wanted to get a touchdown, make it a two-score game. You don’t like giving the ball to Ben on a two-minute drive. Our defense had been bending all game but never quite breaking. That was a huge play by Porter. Von was bringing the pass rush at the end there, that was fun to see.”
Manning’s 71-yard TD to Thomas gave Denver a 14-13 lead, but the drive took all of 36 seconds, and the Steelers had possession for the rest of the third quarter, running 27 plays against a gassed Denver defense.
Roethlisberger found Mike Wallace for a 3-yard TD strike early in the fourth quarter but his 2-point conversion attempt was knocked down by Justin Bannan, leaving the Steelers with a 19-14 lead.
Manning drove the Broncos 80 yards, hitting tight end Jacob Tamme for the score from a yard out, then hit running back Willis McGahee for the 2-point conversion and a 22-19 lead.
Thomas’ long TD was reminiscent of his 80-yard touchdown on a crossing pattern on the first play of overtime that beat the Steelers 29-23 in the AFC wild-card game eight months ago when Denver was Tim Tebow’s turf.
That changed when Manning was released by the Colts on March 7 after 14 seasons and chose Denver as his destination for his comeback two weeks later after a frenzied free agency tour. The Broncos sent Tebow to Broadway 24 hours later.
Manning looked as good as ever Sunday night.
“What can you say?” Steelers safety Troy Polamalu said. “I mean, he’s Peyton Manning. He’s the same Manning. Everything anybody has ever said about him is probably the same thing I would say tonight.”
Notes: Denver DT Ty Warren, playing in his first game since 2009, sprained an elbow in the first half and didn’t return. … Also hurt in the first half were Steelers O-linemen Marcus Gilbert (knee) and Ramon Foster (eye). … Steelers star LB James Harrison (knee) sat out, as did S Ryan Clark, who has sickle cell trait that makes playing at altitude dangerous.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Networks Satellite LLC. in Wichita, Ks. Phone: (316) 269-6900. Your local source for High Speed Internet and other great programming. Visit Networks Satellite LLC -
MANHATTAN When Kansas State’s 52-13 victory over Miami was complete Saturday afternoon, Bill Snyder walked past a student section chanting his name. The coach stopped, blew a kiss in their direction and walked away without displaying any major emotion.
The No. 21 Wildcats followed the same way.
This wasn’t the euphoric reaction the Wildcats had when won at Miami a year ago – for good reason. K-State players expected to beat Miami though maybe not by an enormous margin.
“Last year was definitely intense,” said senior linebacker Arthur Brown, a Miami transfer who led K-State on Saturday with 10 tackles. “It was great to be a part of and great to watch, but this year tops it. Just being able to be out there and see our offense and defense really play together, we know that is going to carry on throughout the season.”
If it does, K-State might win a few more games comfortably. But nothing will put opponents on notice the way this victory did.
It was arguably K-State’s most convincing performance against a well-known opponent since defeating Texas A&M 62-14 in 2009.
“This was nice,” said receiver Curry Sexton, who caught a 27-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. “Coming off last week, where we struggled for the first few quarters and really struggled in the red zone, it was nice to punch a few in there. Anytime you go out and put 52 points up on a team like Miami, that’s huge.”
K-State got the blowout going right away with an impressive 65-yard touchdown drive that lasted nearly seven minutes and ended with senior quarterback Collin Klein diving into the end zone.
Klein hit Tramaine Thompson for a lengthy pass up the left side, John Hubert had nice runs and Klein rumbled downfield on a scramble that featured three broken tackles.
The physical play seemed to put Klein at ease, and was a sign of things to come. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 71 yards and three touchdowns.
“We were just trying like heck to score,” Klein said. “If the ball is in my hands, I’m going to do everything I can to get in the end zone just like anyone else. We’re just scratching and clawing and trying to get better. We made some improvements.”
The early score was the nicest. K-State scored 35 points in the fourth quarter to blow past Missouri State last week, and finished strong to win several close games a year ago. But building early leads has never been its forte.
Snyder grew so frustrated with the problem that he sarcastically told his players to try and start slow.
“We finally did it,” Klein said. “We converted touchdowns on the first couple drives and then came out in the third quarter and on the first drive cashed one in. It’s very important for momentum and gives support to our defense.”
As it turned out, K-State didn’t need much of that. It held Miami to 262 yards and shut down its running game. Five Miami ballcarriers combined for 40 rushing yards, and when quarterback Stephen Morris dropped back to pass he was often hurried by K-State’s pass rush. Though the Hurricanes managed 222 passing yards, Morris was sacked five times and Miami had three turnovers.
Brown had two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery while making it difficult for Miami to accomplish anything in the middle of the field. Defensive end Adam Davis forced two fumbles and made two sacks.
That was a welcome change from last week, when K-State’s defensive line rarely hurried Missouri State’s quarterback.
“We played great,” safety Jarard Milo said. “Week, 1 a lot of people didn’t give us much credit. They said they got a lot of passing yards against us. Second week, we wanted to come out and make a statement. That’s pretty much what we did.”
Added Snyder: “I was very pleased with the progress we made.”
The Wildcats led 14-0 before the end of the first quarter, 24-6 at halftime and 38-6 when Klein left the game in the fourth quarter.
Miami fought back from a 14-0 deficit to beat Boston College on the road last week, but couldn’t mount the same comeback against the Wildcats.
“K-State is a good team up front and all the way around,” Miami offensive lineman Jonathan Feliciano said. “They did not do anything that really surprised us, they just executed what they wanted to do.”
Like Klein, running back John Hubert also watched the end of the game after rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown, his second straight 100-yard game.
But the absence of K-State’s top two playmakers didn’t prevent it from adding to its lead. Backup quarterback Daniel Sams scored a touchdown with a 15-yard run on his first play and added another rushing touchdown on his next drive.
Before you knew it, third-string quarterback Sam Johnson was in the game.
“We had (498) yards of total offense,” receiver Chris Harper said. “I do not remember us ever doing that while I have been here.”
The only negative moment of the day came late in the first half, when the Wildcats faced a third-and-goal from the 1. Snyder called a timeout to call a trick play, and it went horribly wrong. Klein faked a jump pass and flipped the ball behind him toward Harper, who was running from left to right. The ball went 19 yards in the wrong direction before K-State recovered. Kicker Anthony Cantele missed a 38-yard attempt.
The mishap helped Miami close to within 24-6 on a field goal on the final play of the half.
“We got too fancy,” Snyder said. “That was our fault, not the players.… It wasn’t supposed to look that way.”
It didn’t matter.
K-State didn’t allow a touchdown until the final moments, and will now try to duplicate that success when it faces North Texas and then No. 5 Oklahoma. That game has always looked like a biggie, but it might take on added importance after this decisive victory.
“We made a statement,” linebacker Tre Walker said. “But I think it’s up to us to not get confused by our statement and to not get sidetracked. Miami is a good football team. We have to take that and take the momentum from today and push it toward Monday.”