Monthly Archives: March 2012

Liberty North gets the last word in back-and-forth OT duel with Imagine

Posted: March 11, 2012 at 11:34 pm

COLUMBIA, Mo. Both coaches used the same word to describe the feeling at the onset of the Class 4 boys third-place game Saturday at Mizzou Arena.

Hangover.

Liberty North and Imagine werecoming off tough semifinal losses on Friday, but botheventually were able to shake it off long enough to play a thrilling overtime game, won by the Eagles, 54-50.

In just the school's second year of existence, Liberty North (23-7) picked up its first state basketball trophy.

What a game. I'll bet as a fan it was a fun game to watch, Eagles coach Chris McCabe said. I think (the original feeling) was just a hangover. You could tell we were worried about the snowball effect a little bit.

Imagine (23-8, No. 10 in the STLhighschoolsports.com small-schools rankings) also picked up its first state basketball trophy with the fourth-place finish.

I feel like the game was a hangover for us from our tough loss yesterday, and our energy level wasn't there early, Bears coach Tony Irons said. But I'm definitely not taking anything away from (Liberty North). They made plays, and they hit some big shots.

No shot was bigger than Garrett Loew's 3-pointer from the top of the key with four seconds left in regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime.

I wanted to take the shot being a senior since this was my last game, said Loew, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds and is one of only two seniors on the team. It was initially supposed to be a flare screen, but that wasn't there and then I got open at the top and got a decent look at it.

Irons said he thought about calling for a foul in the few seconds leading up to Loew's 3-point attempt.

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Liberty North gets the last word in back-and-forth OT duel with Imagine

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Storms halt search for Liberty County man

Posted: at 11:34 pm

Dennis Rogers, 54 (Liberty County Sheriff's Office)

*** UPDATED***

The severe weather conditions Sunday prompted Liberty County officials to call off a search for a 54-year-old Plum Grove man who had been missing since Thursday as his family grew increasingly concerned.

But the storms that persisted over the weekend made the search for Dennis Rogers very difficult. ATVs and horses became stuck in the deep waters and mud. An air search, which had been sporadic due to the inclement weather, was impossible Sunday, officials said. A sonar device also could not be deployed.

It has yet to be determined when or if a search may be re-initiated, Liberty County sheriffs officials said in a news release.

The search spanned four days and involved 150 people, including area sheriffs officials and volunteer fire fighters, Texas EquuSearch, and residents from Huntsville, Lufkin and Alvin.

Rogers placed a 911 call around 8 p.m. on Thursday for help. The man reportedly told the dispatcher that he had gone for a walk, went too far and got lost. His cell phone died as the deputies tried to triangulate his position. They tried to return his call but have not heard from him since.

The family told authorities that it was not unusual for Roger to take long walks near the familys home. They said an accident he suffered years ago left him with the mental capacity of a 9-year-old.

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Liberty wins Big South again, 81-73 over HPU

Posted: at 11:34 pm

HIGH POINT, N.C. (AP)Liberty coach Carey Green probably shouldnt be as bad at celebrating as he says he is. Through the years, his Flames have given him plenty of chances to practice.

Devon Brown had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Liberty pulled away late to beat High Point 81-73 on Sunday and win the Big South tournament for the 14th time in 16 years.

Avery Warley added 14 points and 12 rebounds despite prolonged foul trouble, while Brown was 6 of 23 shooting. The Flames (24-8) built a 56-39 rebounding advantage and used a late 22-9 run to return to the NCAA tournament after a one-year absence.

Greens record in the league tournament improved to 35-2 in his 13th year.

Its March Madness, and its a dream come true for our team that were in the tournament, Green said. As a coach, Im the worlds worst at celebrating because Im always looking for whats the next challenge. I would hope that I could lead this team into celebration and take a sigh of relief and enjoy the moment and refocus.

Erin Reynolds scored 27 points, Shamia Brown added 23 and Cheyenne Parker had 12 rebounds for the Panthers (20-12). They had their leading rebounder and scorer foul out during a span of five secondsand the game got away from them shortly thereafter.

Theres a reason theyve won as many championships as they have, first-year High Point coach Jennifer Hoover said. Youve got to give them credit. Were getting there. Were still a work in progress.

Shamia Browns stickback with 11 1/2 minutes left put High Point up 53-48 before LaKendra Washingtons three-point play on the Flames next trip downcourt started the big run.

Reagan Miller gave Liberty the lead for good when her drive with 8 1/2 minutes to play made it 57-56. High Point managed only one tie after that, on Reynolds 3-pointer with 7:45 left that made it 59-all. Tolu Omotola then followed that with a layupoff Millers no-look passto put the Flames back on top.

They took firm control of the momentum during a series of whistles that began with Liberty up 65-62 with 4:39 left.

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Liberty wins Big South again, 81-73 over HPU

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Louis Farrakhan speaks at UC Berkeley

Posted: at 11:32 pm

Noah Berger / Special to The Chronicle

Louis Farrakhan holds up a copy of his book during his speech at UC Berkeley.

UC Berkeley on Saturday was once again the crucible of the free speech debate.

The birthplace of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s hosted another iconoclast from the era, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, whose speeches and writings have been denounced by critics for decades as bigoted, homophobic and anti-Semitic.

Farrakhan was invited as a speaker for the ninth annual Afrikan Black Coalition Conference organized by the Black Student Union, and his appearance was denounced by other student groups and the subject of an online petition "opposing his hateful words and character" that garnered about 350 signatories.

At least two opinion pieces authored by student leaders denouncing Farrakhan's appearance were published in the campus newspaper, the Daily Californian, including one by Shawn Lewis, president of the Berkeley College Republicans, who wondered where was Chancellor Robert Birgeneau's condemnation of Farrakhan after the chancellor and others were quick to denounce as racist the college Republicans "Increase Diversity Bake Sale" last September to protest affirmative action-type policies.

Even UC President Mark Yudof weighed in on the Farrakhan appearance, writing in an open letter that "we cannot as a society allow what we regard as vile speech to lead us to abandon the cherished value of free speech."

But that only required that people "condemn these merchants of hatred when they come into our community," Yudof wrote.

There were no protesters outside Wheeler Auditorium before Farrakhan's speech, and only one after.

That was Noah Ickowitz, a student senator who said Farrakhan had every right to appear on campus, and Ickowitz had every right to protest a speech he said advocated black empowerment at the expense of other groups.

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Freedom of Speech Debate: Marine Wrong About Constitution

Posted: March 10, 2012 at 6:43 am

COMMENTARY | According to the Associated Press, a U.S. Marine sergeant has come under scrutiny for posting on Facebook that he would not follow orders from president Barack Obama, the commander-in-chief.

While Sgt. Gary Stein later softened his language, his actions have sparked a debate about the freedom of speech rights of members of the military. Stein and his supporters argue that constitutional rights trump all, while others say that wearing a military uniform in any official capacity means you should not be allowed to use speech to besmirch the military or its chain of command.

I agree with those who claim that constitutional rights depend upon one's role. A member of the U.S. military should not be allowed to defame the military, for obvious reasons. In a career field where unit cohesion and trust is paramount, it is in bad form, and perhaps even damaging to safety and security, for members to be allowed to freely criticize others. Historically, poor unit cohesion and lack of trust between soldiers and officers has been a significant reason for military defeats. In World War I, for example, the Russian army was widely known for its poor morale and lack of trust and camaraderie between soldiers and officers.

Military examples aside, one's freedom of speech rights also depend on one's position of trust or leadership in society. Some people hold positions of power where they should not be allowed to say whatever they wish while in their official capacity. A government official, while on the clock, should not be given a free hand to criticize other officials and thereby sow fear and anger among the public. A teacher, such as myself, should not be able to turn the classroom into his or her political podium.

Like Stein, I myself have political opinions and would like to voice them. Unlike the scrutinized Marine, however, I only express such opinions outside my range of official duties. Making my opinions known in the classroom could cause students to tailor their writings to try and appease my grading pen, unfairly curtailing their own opinions and perhaps making me an oppressive indoctrinator. I do not wish this, nor should anyone who values the Constitution.

My freedom of speech, and that of other people who hold power and authority over others, should be curtailed on the job so that others can enjoy their own freedom of speech more freely.

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Freedom of Speech Debate: Marine Wrong About Constitution

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Regiment awarded freedom of city

Posted: at 6:43 am

9 March 2012 Last updated at 19:11 ET

The Royal Regiment of Scotland is to be given the freedom of the city of Stirling in a special ceremony.

The soldiers are being awarded the civic honour in recognition of their services and strong links to the area.

They will then be entitled to enter the city "with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed".

Provost Fergus Wood said: "It will be a great day for the people of Stirling to come out and cheer on the Royal Regiment of Scotland."

He said the city was "very proud" to be bestowing the honour on the regiment.

The event will begin at 11:00 with 51st Highland, 7th Battalion of the Royal Scottish Regiment marching from Stirling Castle, led by a combined military and pipe band.

The parade will then march down Broad Street before heading along Corn Exchange Road to the Albert Halls.

A band will play at the Albert Halls giving people an opportunity to enjoy the music with the soldiers.

The parade will then march along Dumbarton Road to Port Street, finishing up at Old Viewforth.

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Peyton Manning Future: Are The Illuminati Guiding Him? Twitter Users Say Yes

Posted: at 6:42 am

Are the Illuminati guiding Peyton Manning's future? No matter where the recently released quarterback lands, Twitter users believe the secret society is behind the NFL star's decision.

Manning was cut Wednesday by the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week, and even that move is being credited to the secret society, which could not be reached for comment because they are, well, secret.

"The REAL reason why the colts released Peyton manning is because he wouldnt give in to the illuminati...," surmised @bflan_16.

Peyton Manning, sidelined last year due to injury, was with the Colts for all of his 14 seasons in the NFL.

"Jim Irsay in the illuminati for letting Peyton Manning go," tweeted @Rico_Bugantez, referring to the owner of the Colts.

Peyton Manning reportedly had 12 NFL teams contact him after his release from the Colts.

The Miami Dolphins are among the teams that have their eye on the franchise quarterback.

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"If Peyton Manning goes to Miami it'll be clear that the #Illuminati is running things at South Beach," tweeted @GregVince.

"Yo. If Peyton Manning goes to the Dolphins, we know the illuminati is hiding in Miami. First the Heat, now this," said @_Berma, referring to the NBA's Miami Heat, who lost in last year's NBA Finals to the Dallas Mavericks.

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Right To Bear Arms week observed in Montana

Posted: at 6:41 am

Posted: Mar 9, 2012 7:06 PM by Evan Weborg (evan@kxlh.com) Updated: Mar 9, 2012 7:11 PM

The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the Bill of Rights, and this week has been set aside to observe the Treasure State's second amendment rights.

Helena Trap Club president Steve Noland says the second amendment is one of the foundations the state of Montana was built on.

Noland says it is very important for people to stay active and to join organizations like the National Rifle Association as well as support their activities so that second amendment rights are preserved.

Noland noted, "If you look at the history of the wars that we have been involved in, you have yet to see someone invade this country and the reason that is, is because they know we have the right to bear arms and that the citizens of the United States are armed."

The observance was officially passed by the Montana Legislature in 1991 and states:

1-1-224. Observance of right to keep and bear arms. The week beginning the first Monday in March is an official week of observance to commemorate Montana's valued heritage of the right of each person to keep and bear arms in the defense of the person's home, person, or property or in aid of civil power. During this week, all Montanans are urged to reflect on their right to keep and bear arms and to celebrate this right in lawful ways.

U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) introduced a resolution this week to mirror Montana's "Right to Keep and Bear Arms Week" at the federal level.

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Yet another shakeup at Freedom Group, parent of Madison's Remington Arms

Posted: March 9, 2012 at 8:48 pm

Freedom Group Inc., parent company of Remington Arms Co. in Madison, announced today another major management shakeup that includes the resignation of its chairman and chief executive.

Robert Nardelli stepped down, effective immediately, just more than two months after being appointed chief executive.

John Blystone was replaced as chairman by George Kollitides, a Freedom Group board member and a former managing director of Cerberus Capital Management LP, a private investment company.

The company said in a statement Kollitides will serve as interim chief executive "pending the completion of negotiations with a successor CEO expected to be named shortly."

Company officials could not be reached immediately for further comment. Both Blystone and Nardelli will serve as a senior adviser to Cerberus and an affiliate.

Freedom Group is a manufacturer and marketer of firearms, ammunition and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law-enforcement and military markets. Among its brands are Remington, Marlin, Harrington & Richardson and New England Firearms.

It is the third chief executive change for Freedom since September 2010, when Theodore Torbeck left to become president and general manager of Cincinnati Bell Communications.

Nardelli acted as chairman of what Freedom called "the office of the chief executive" until he was appointed formally as chief executive on Jan. 3. Nardelli said in the statement he was resigning to spend more time with his investment and consulting company, XLR-8 LLC.

Nardelli was hired to assist Cerberus and its affiliates with raising money to buy and restructure underperforming companies. Nardelli also has served as chief executive and chairman of The Home Depot and of Chrysler LLC.

Steve Feinberg, chief executive of Cerberus, said Nardelli "enhanced Freedom Group's operational capabilities, strengthened the management team and created a metrics-driven organization and how-to culture."

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Robert L. Nardelli Steps Down as CEO of Freedom Group, Inc.

Posted: at 8:48 pm

MADISON, N.C., March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Robert L. Nardelli and Freedom Group, Inc. ("FGI"), announced today that Nardelli has stepped down from his position as CEO of Freedom Group, effective immediately. George Kollitides, a member of FGI's Board of Directors and formerly a Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. ("Cerberus") Managing Director, has been named Chairman of the Board replacing current Chairman John Blystone, and will act as the interim CEO of FGI pending the completion of negotiations with a successor CEO expected to be named shortly.

Nardelli said, "I informed the Board of Directors of FGI that I would step down as CEO of FGI in order to devote attention to XLR-8 LLC, my investment and consulting company. This is a great time for me to focus on XLR-8 and leverage my 41 years in a variety of businesses and sectors and my recent private investing and advisory experience with Cerberus and its affiliates, to raise money to acquire underperforming companies, and to help them operate more profitably and improve their enterprise value. I have transitioned into a role as Senior Advisor to both Steve Feinberg, CEO of Cerberus, and its affiliate Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company, LLC ('COAC'), and I will continue to work with them in that capacity."

Nardelli continued, "Since joining the FGI board in September 2010, I have gained great respect for the dedicated and talented people of this iconic company. FGI has a proud past and a bright future in large part because of being guided by a very strong management team and board."

"Over the past 17 months, Bob's involvement with the business has enhanced FGI's operational capabilities, strengthened the management team, and created a metrics-driven organization and 'how-to' culture," said Steve Feinberg, Cerberus CEO. "We are grateful to him for his contributions. We are also pleased to add George's talent, industry expertise and knowledge to our management team, which will also be supplemented in the near-term by a world-class business leader as the permanent CEO."

Blystone will also transition to a role as Senior Advisor to Cerberus and its affiliates. Feinberg stated, "I am truly grateful for all of John's strong work on FGI and I am looking forward to him taking another senior leadership role in one of our portfolio companies."

Nardelli spent more than 30 years at General Electric Co. managing a wide range of businesses, including appliances, lighting, transportation and power systems. He also was CEO and chairman of The Home Depot and CEO and chairman of Chrysler LLC before becoming CEO of COAC in 2009.

Kollitides had been at Cerberus Capital Management since 2003, where he has served as a Managing Director, focusing on the defense, firearms and related industries. Kollitides was the principal architect of the investments in FGI for Cerberus. An avid outdoorsman, Kollitides is a long-time member of numerous hunting, shooting, Second Amendment and conservation organizations. He currently serves as a Trustee of the NRA Foundation and Director of the NRA's Hunting and Wildlife Committee, Presidents Committee on Advancement and Nominating Committee. He is also a Director of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.

About Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.Established in 1992, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., along with its affiliates, is one of the world's leading private investment firms with over $20 billion under management. Through its team of investment and operations professionals, Cerberus specializes in providing both financial resources and operational expertise to help transform undervalued companies into industry leaders for long-term success and value creation. Cerberus holds controlling or significant minority interests in companies around the world. Cerberus is headquartered in New York City with affiliate and/or advisory offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

About Freedom Group, Inc.Freedom Group is the world's leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of firearms, ammunition, and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and military markets. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of firearms and ammunition, the company has some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington, Marlin, Harrington & Richardson, New England Firearms, L.C. Smith, Parker, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, EOTAC, and INTC.

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