| SAUNDERS: HBO's documentary on Louis a knockout
Die-hard boxing fans probably are aware of a televised heavyweight bout coming up Saturday night. Wladimir Klitschko battles Sultan Ibragimov. Household names both. While HBO is billing this as World Championship Boxing, it's not, as they say in the fight business, "the feature attraction." The bout is sandwiched between Joe Louis: America's Hero . . . Betrayed, a terrific documentary, premiering at 6 p.m. and repeated after the heavyweight battle. Younger sports fans might not be that familiar with the heroic - and tragic - career of Louis, a career that transcends both the boxing ring and the entire sports arena. The grandson of a slave, Louis became one the greatest heavyweights of all time and served as an iconic figure - for whites and blacks - during World War II.
Mariners Notebook: A title in his sights
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Before his first full-squad workout of the spring on Wednesday, Mariners manager John McLaren had a few choice words for his players. "I told them to have a plan to reach our goal of getting to the playoffs," McLaren said. McLaren, who has spent most of the past 15 years in Seattle as a coach, knows full well the Mariners have never made the World Series. The club hasn't even made it to the playoffs since 2001. The manager has visions of bigger things -- much bigger. He'd like to have a World Series victory parade in Seattle come season's end. "It could be Fourth Avenue, Third Avenue, First Avenue," he said. "I don't care. We'll take 'em all." McLaren is in his first full season at the helm. He took over from Mike Hargrove on June 2 last year after Hargrove's unexpected resignation.
'The Blues Brothers' lights up the Bardavon
Ever since the early days of "Saturday Night Live," the Blues Brothers have been cultural icons. A musical act consisting of John Belushi as Jake and Dan Aykroyd as Elwood, the dynamic duo made its debut on April 22, 1978, as a musical guest on the late-night show and soon became a sensation. Albums were made, performances were held and a film was released. Simply titled "The Blues Brothers." the 28-year-old film is a comedy, musical and action adventure all rolled into one. The story follows Jake and Elwood Blues on a "mission from God" to get $5,000 to help the Chicago orphanage where they grew up. .
Amtrak lowers estimate for Chicago-Q.C. line
An Amtrak report released this week gives casino operators hope that that a proposed passenger-train route between Chicago and the Quad Cities could carry 111,000 riders a year.
Many of those riders could be Chicago gamblers heading to casinos along the Mississippi River, said Renk, vice president for sales and marketing at the Jumer's Casino in Rock Island.
"We're very much delighted," Renk said Tuesday. "What this would do is put us in a good position to expose Chicagoland to what the Quad Cities have to offer."
There's also good news for longtime advocates of a Chicago-Quad Cities line who feared the project might be too pricey.
The upbeat study estimates costs of upgrading existing track for passenger-train use at between $14 million and $23 million lower than earlier estimates of around $30 million.
Trio's classical sound a life-changing experience
Despite all the impressive accolades, Strezeva knew she didn't want to hop onto the lonely touring circuit without the company of some friends. "I personally enjoy working and collaborating with people much more," Strezeva said. "Plus, it's a lot more fun traveling with friends than being with myself." Now, four years later, the Manhattan Piano Trio is one of the busiest new ensembles in all of America. Bahl has the group playing in smaller cities all over the country, to be followed by a two-week tour of South Africa this spring. Tonight's Ravinia program includes delightful oddities such as Shostakovich's Jazz Suite No. 1 (in its Ravinia debut) and Anton Arensky's Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 32, an admitted favorite of Bahl's. Bryant Manning is a locally based free-lance writer.
Police arrest suspect in armed robbery
Maryland State Police have arrested an Ijamsville man in connection with a robbery in a McDonald's parking lot in Mount Airy Thursday.
Andre Jullian Meade, 19, was arrested Friday and charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, theft of less than $500 and several handgun charges, according to a press release from state police.Troopers responded to the parking lot of the McDonald's in the 1700 block of Ridgeside Drive shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday for a report of a man who had been robbed, according to the release.A 19-year-old man had reportedly been confronted in the parking lot by two men who demanded his money before he drove away in his vehicle.The two suspects then demanded money from a second man, according to the release. The man, 21, refused and was threatened with a gun, at which time he gave the suspects an undisclosed amount of money.Neither victim was hurt, but their names weren't released by police, citing concerns for their safety.The two suspects drove off in a green vehicle police described as either a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry with unknown registration.Troopers from the Rockville barrack located Meade around 11:30 a.m.
Oshkosh falls in first round
Tyriver lead the team in points with 19 and rebounds as both her and freshman Tiffany Pugh had nine. Boeder ended the game with 17 points. She converted on her first seven shots finishing 7-9. “Coach told us to keep taking it to the hoop and when we drive to open up lanes and it opened up for me and I just kept taking it," said Boeder. Tyriver will be missed next season and it's never fun for the season to end, but Schumacher has a lot of young talent that she is excited to have back for next season. “Even though it was a 22-point loss, I think there are a lot of positive things you can take out of this game and build on for next year," said Schumacher.
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