OSG High: Prime Prep Opens For School Year Despite Murky Future

((HT: WFAA-TV))

You recall all of the problems that the Deion Sanders-created Prime Prep Academy is having to face at present...

Possible decertification, charter revocation, and an unfit building for starters...

Well, we're at the beginning of the school year and PPA is still in business- for now...

Now word on how long the place may be open, may stay open, or might fold in general...

Former McCourt Security Guard Testifies In Stow Trial

((HT: KABC-TV))

Neill Murchison, part of then-owner Frank McCourt's personal security detail for one year, testified Tuesday in the Bryan Stow civil trial.

He said on the stand that he raised concerns over the lack of security presence at Dodger Stadium and that there had been an increase of gang activity there- particularly in the parking lots. One of those lots, Lot 2, was where Bryan Stow, a Giants fan, was beaten severely Opening Day Weekend of 2011 by Dodgers fans at the stadium and is suing McCourt for $50-million in a civil proceeding for pain, suffering, and medical costs since he is now permanently disabled.



Jeff Bradford, a friend of Stow's, also testified Tuesday. Bradford was also beaten, but defense attorneys asked about just how sober he was- intimating he wouldn't know how much security may or may not have been around to protect fans.

Bryan Stow Suing McCourt In Civil Proceeding

((HT: MyFoxLA))

You'll remember that Bryan Stow was a Giants fan who was beaten severely Opening Day of 2011 by Dodgers fans at Dodger Stadium. He spent months in hospital and even more in rehabilitation trying to regain even the simplest of motor functions.

He feels the Dodgers were responsible for not having enough security to protect himself, his friends, and family and has taken the matter to civil court in Los Angeles.

Gigi Graciette is outside the courthouse for the jury selection phase as Stow goes after the McCourts
Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

Vin Scully Can Do No Wrong... Frankly, Everything Is Right...

((HT: MLB.com))

And that is reinforced here with his open from the Sydney Cricket Ground...


How cool is that...???
Pretty cool...

Welcome back, baseball...
Well, only parts of you...

Time Lapse Shows Australian Cricket Field Converted for Baseball

((ht: mlb.com))

This video is pretty cool. And we are suckers for a good time lapse video.

MLB.com shows what it took to convert the Sydney Cricket Grounds in Austrailia to a Major League Baseball ready facility.

And it appears it took quite a bit.

For those of you who don't know. Technically, baseball's regular season will begin this weekend down under as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks square off for a pair of games.

 Several Dodgers will not make the trip and the players don't appear to be overjoyed about flying across the Pacific Ocean and back for two games--but that's another story for another day.

In the meantime, enjoy this video:

Canes look to take home opener against the Bolts

Ward defending against FLA's Jonathan Huberdeau (AP)

RALEIGH – The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to erase an “Opening Day” loss to Florida in their home opener.

The Canes take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at PNC Arena Tuesday night. Puck drops at 7:00pm. This will be the first of five meetings between the Southeast Division rivals in the 48-game, 2012-13 regular season. 

In the first game back from a tremendously long 113-day lockout, it’s hard to believe that any team would automatically be in Stanley Cup-contender form. Most of the Canes roster stayed active during the lockout, but playing against your teammates and playing against the defending Southern Division champions are two different things.

“First game, it’s tough to get real crisp right off the bat,” Eric Staal told the (Raleigh) News & Observer after the Panthers’ game.

Canes goalie Cam Ward gave up four goals on the first eleven shots, and backup goalie Dan Ellis made his Carolina debut (came from Anaheim) just after the first intermission. Many fans wondered if Ellis would start against the Bolts.

“Cam’s in, he’s in tomorrow. He’s the starter. After watching the games over the weekend, there’s gotta be a good six or seven goalies that have been pulled already – good goalies, All-Star goalies. It’s the toughest from what it appears so far on the goaltenders more than anybody,” said Canes’ head coach KirkMuller after Monday’s practice. “I think what’s important is he bounces back mentally, rolls up his sleeves, gets ready, and works through this like the other goalies. I said forget about it, it’s done, and just focus on the opener.”

Two questions - can Eric Staal finally get on track for the Canes, and can Carolina's defense stop Steven Stamkos?

One cool thing that the Storm Squad and Stormy are doing on Opening Night though, every fan in attendance will receive a Carolina Hurricanes 2’x3’ house flag, presented by PNC. 

There's a storm coming...hopefully...

GAME DETAILS:

WHAT: Carolina Hurricanes 0-1-0 (0 pts.) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning 1-1-0 (2 pts.)

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. ET

WHERE: PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC

TV: SportSouth HD – Time Warner Cable: 520(SD)/1520(HD); DirecTV – Eastern NC: 647/647-1; DirecTV – SC, Western/Central NC: 650/650-1; Dish Network: 452; AT&T U-Verse: 729/1729; Mediacom: 19; Atlantic Telephone: 260

RADIO: Hurricanes Radio Network: WCMC 99.9 FM The Fan (Raleigh – flagship); WWNB 1490AM/105.7FM (New Bern, NC); WAVQ 1400 (Jacksonville, NC); WMFD 630AM (Wilmington, NC)

INTERNET: www.CarolinaHurricanes.com