Duathlon Nationals 2008 in Richmond, Va.

After hosting the ITU Duathlon Long Course World Championships in 2007, Richmond has been selected as the host city of the 2008 Duathlon National Championship.

For those who aren't familiar, duathlons consist of a run-bike-run format. The championship race is a 10k-40k-5k and the winners will go well below 2 hours!

The weekend will also include the off-road duathlon championship with an entire weekend of expos and races.

Mark your calendars for April 26th and 27th!

Top 5 YouTube videos: December 2007

#5: Grabblin' is also known as Noodlin': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a82Iuh4jXZg
#4: Helping people is good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRkrEgdGtO0
#3: Get ready for #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzghEL3Gr6Q
#2: Get ready to tri: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8l249bM0FE
#1: Since Pirates3 is on DVD, here's a spoiler for Pirates2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK8SsHV3yLs

I want Information Security and Privacy for Christmas

As the holidays approach more people will use the computer to do their shopping. Although "Cyber Monday" has past, people should still understand how to detect if a website is legitimate.

The FTC created a list of 10 Tips for Shopping Online

If you have trouble understanding what is malware or a denial of service attack, then take a look at the wiki page for Security Analogies

The fact that everything is tracked electronically means that you create a "digital" or "Internet" self that is tracked to varying degrees. It seems that we currently live in the beginnings of a police state, but it's very inefficient. Just ask this guy.

There are many anonymizing websites online and ones that offer extreme security, but using the things you've learned in the "10 tips," you'll take these claims with a grain of salt.

For example, take a look at "Hushmail" which is "unreadable."

The current state of security and related topics was recently discussed by one of the premier security experts in the US in this NY Times blog post.

Canes shutout Rangers

After dropping their first road game of five to the Buffalo Sabres, an embarrassing 8-1, the Canes were able to rebound and blank the Rangers 4-0 on Monday night.

Scott Walker had the game winner with Matt Cullen assisting on two and Cory Stillman scoring two more.

The Hurricanes head next to Tampa Bay and play Scott Walker's favorite road team, the Lightning. As long as Lecavalier has less than two points, the Canes will win.

42% of young Qatari women condone the use of domestic violence and abuse against them

Sample dialogue from findings of article:

Man: Sorry I punched you in the face for not having my dinner ready
Woman: No problem. I deserved it.

Hurricanes slipping down Eastern Conference

After starting out the season as well as they had the Stanley Cup season, they Canes have dropped 5 of their last 7 games (including three home losses).

Last night they ran into a hot goaltender, but their energy level was obviously up and down throughout the game (1st - UP, 2nd - DOWN, 3rd -UP). Coincidentally, two Flyers goals happened during a trough in energy output. This transposes the 2nd and 3rd place teams in the Eastern Conference with the Hurricanes moving down.

Carolina is still atop the Southeast Division, but with the Florida win last night, the Panthers are only 4 points behind. The third team in the SE Division, the Altanta Thrashers, are 7-3-0 in their last ten and 7 points behind the Hurricanes.

Now faced with an upcoming 5-game road trip, the team will need to start working harder to get points. It seems the start of the season was too easy and we're in a transition to a new work ethic. We're reasonably healthy now and should focus especially on the Southeast Division games, beginning this Friday against the Caps.

Overall Standings
Division Standings

Monitor the deals (TGIBF)

Everyone knows that "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving) is the busiest shopping day of the year.

What you didn't know is the website dedicated to tracking all the "early bird" and "doorbuster" deals.

New stem cells are a win for all

Scientists have developed a new process for the creation of stem cells without using human embryos.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN20599510

Perhaps one day an amputee can have an entire limb regrown from their skin.

NC State and UNC prepare for 97th meeting

Kickoff will be at 12PM tomorrow at Carter-Finley stadium (57,500) in Raleigh, NC.

UNC has won the last 3 games, although NC State has been favored in each of the matches.

NC State is favored again this weekend.

Short article on rivalry
NC State scouting report

First veto ever overridden in Bush presidency

That's a remarkable run of having no vetoes reversed... NY Times article

Top 5 YouTube videos: November 2007

#5: Dinosaurs weaker than chickens? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q3NwxwMDxc
#4: Canes for the Cup! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9QIyp8fAt8
#3: Mascots again? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkOfpnfMT28
#2: Walker is a beast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDtT9LLp1HA
#1: Don't pick on the guy with a robot friend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zo93CRhm0k

Let's Go!

It's not that far away...

Sci. American article on new planet

De-mythed #1: Absinthe

Absinthe is known to most as the bright green alcohol shown in the movie Eurotrip as a pyschoactive substance. It tastes like licorice ("anise-flavored" or gross) and is typically taken as a shot with a spoonful of burnt sugar. Although some claim it to be a liqueur, absinthe contains no added sugar and is therefore a liquor.

Absinthe was quite popular a century ago in France, particularly among artists in Paris. At the height of this popularity, absinthe was seen as a dangerously addictive, psychoactive drug. By 1915 it was banned in a number of European countries and the US.

Research shows it is no more dangerous or psychoactive than other liquors. An absinthe revival began in the 1990s, as countries in the EU began to reauthorize its manufacture and sale.

MYTH: Absinthe is legal and does not cause hallucinations

Hurricanes start 07-08 season well

Some might remember the success the Carolina Hurricanes had two years ago, culminating in a Stanley Cup win.

What you might not remember is that the season began with 15 points in the first 10 games.

Current standings

To sweeten the deal, the last 2 points came from a 6-2 throttling of the Buffalo Sabres. Tied going into the 3rd period, the Canes scored 4 in the final period to end the game with chants of "Miller. Miller. You Suck!"

In fairness to the Buffalo goalie he had to face 43 shots, which means he had little defensive help.

The Canes look to improve upon the current 2nd place position in the Eastern Conference when Erik Cole and Scott Walker return from Injured Reserve.

Update: Cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

There haven't been many reports posted recently about the escalating costs for the war in Iraq and the oft forgotten war in Afghanistan.

A recent Reuters article spoke to many of the expected budget points, but here are some highlights:

• The US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could cost taxpayers a total of $2.4 trillion by 2017
• CBO (nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office) estimated that interest costs alone from 2001-2017 could total more than $700 billion
• So far, Congress has given Bush $604 billion for the two wars
• In Iraq alone, the US is spending about $11 billion a month, with costs escalating
• CBO estimated that between 2008 and 2017, the wars could cost slightly more than $1 trillion, assuming overall troop strength is cut to 75,000 by 2013.
  (Currently, there are about 196,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.)

2007 Ultimate Club Championships begin tomorrow

The 2007 Ultimate Club Championships will begin on 25-Oct in Sarasota, FL. Teams from the US and Canada have qualified in regional tournaments to reach this most elite competition.

A preview of all divisions (Masters, Mixed, Open and Women) can be found on the official website. This page will be updated daily with results until the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday, 28-Oct.

Is Europe defenseless?

I don't quite understand why the US needs to build anti-missle defenses in Europe, but I didn't understand it when it was proposed earlier in April either...

Current Article

Last post

Blind faith

The title has a negative connotation and people generally agree that it's a bad idea.

However, many times this mantra is implicitly acted upon.

Here's a humourously written article about the recent granting of immunity to the telecommunications industry for helping the government with warrentless wiretaps.

Opinion piece at Salon by Glenn Greenwald

2007 Setup Championship Invitational Triathlon comes to Raleigh, NC

The 2007 Setup Championship Invitational Triathlon is a race available to only those triathletes that have qualified in the NCTS, SCTS, VTS or ETS. The qualification procedure reduces the 10,000+ participants over multiple states down to ~300.

It will be hosted at Falls Lake (Beaverdam entrance) on October 20th.

Not only is this race more convenient to triathletes, but instead of starting at 6:30am (like some others), the race doesn't begin until 9am. This should help convince spectators to wake and watch at this beautiful venue.

Another interesting element of this race is that it's an "equalizer" start. This means all women will start at 9am, then the men have a 14 minute deficit to make up.

The first 3 finishers (regardless of gender) earn the prize money ($1,000 for 1st).

What would you do with 13 years?

This guy circumnavigated the globe using only human-powered transport.

Top 5 YouTube videos: October 2007

#5: Let's go ice skating: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2yJSFHTrgM
#4: Follow-up to accosting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfiaxPsvnTU
#3: Impossible is Nothing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv1vjlSLvhg
#2: Learn to dance! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pwfO8G5uIo
#1: The new pre-game warmup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHW1K2LeQXE

Living in a police state

Furthering a system in which everyone has broken some law, so police can effectively arrest anyone they choose, a man in Morrisville, NC was arrested for coughing in the direction of a police officer during a routine traffic stop. (There is a bit of he said/she said about whether the coughing was directed at the officer's face or not, though it seems over the top even if it was towards the face)

Earth heating up?

Global warming, does it exist?

Here's an article citing photographs of the North Pole and differences between the previous minimum.

I hear Santa is moving...

Ahmadinejad accosted in verbal introduction at Columbia

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was roasted by the president of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger, as a "'petty and cruel dictator' whose denials of the Holocaust have made him a fool on the international stage."

Iran's nuclear programme, fear of war, denial of the Holocaust and homosexuality were all discussed in Ahmadinejad's speech.

Most blistering part of Bollinger's introduction? "You are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated."

Leader-Post article

Good summary of the evolution debate

Pretty good (if somewhat irreverent) analysis of the evolution vs. creationism "debate" and what strategies creationists employ to create a controversy.

The quick summary? Just because there are multiple beliefs does not necessarily make them equally worthy of discussion.

Eating less will help you live

A new study has suggested that reducing caloric intake can result in prolonged life.

From Scientific American:

"Researchers report in the journal Cell that the phenom is likely linked to two enzymes—SIRT3 and SIRT4—in mitochondria (the cell's powerhouse that, among other tasks, converts nutrients to energy). They found that a cascade of reactions triggered by lower caloric intake raises the levels of these enzymes, leading to an increase in the strength and efficiency of the cellular batteries. By invigorating the mitochondria, SIRT3 and SIRT4 extend the life of cells, by preventing flagging mitochondria from developing tiny holes (or pores) in their membranes that allow proteins that trigger apoptosis, or cell death, to seep out into the rest of the cell."

I wonder if this could be used as an implication for why women live longer than men in general? Perhaps because they eat less in general?

Triathlon explained

Many of our readers have asked about what exactly defines a triathlon and how they are raced.

The typical format is swim, bike, run, but there are many deviations and differences in distances. There are "off-road" triathlons that consist of mountain biking and trail running. There are "winter" triathlons that consist of cross country skiing instead of swimming. There are "adventure" triathlons that replace the swim with paddling.

The most known/raced version, however, is the standard "road" triathlon. This is the version you'll see in the summer Olympics. It consists of a swim (in a pool, lake or ocean), road bike and road run.

There are 4 defined categories (Sprint, Olympic/International, Half/Long/70.3 and Full/Ironman/Ultra).

Distances are typically halves of the category above. For example,
Ironman: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run
Half-Ironman: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run
Olympic: 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
Sprint: 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run

Sprint distances vary dependent upon race location and desired participant, but longer races follow the distance format more strictly.

Since many triathlons are in open water, many triathletes can start at the same time. This leads to much bumping and jockeying for position. Though it sounds innocuous, don't judge triathletes for complaining. Here is an example of the scale and proximity of a race start.

Amateur events do not allow drafting on the bike, while professional races typically allow it. This can result in quite a difference in speed when drafting (think pelaton).

The run is the same as a single road race would be.

A major difference between a single sport event and a triathlon is that the triathletes must transition from one event to the next. These transition times are included in ones overall time and, therefore, must be complete quickly. "T1" is the transition from the swim to the bike and "T2" is the transition from the bike to the run.

Many professional triathletes will go barefoot in the bike and the run to save time in transition since 10 seconds could determine if you win or lose a race.

Here is an example of one man's race at the 2007 Ironman Lake Placid.

Here is another example of the 2007 Collegiate National Championships.

NC State XC team to compete for '07 title

It's strange to say that unless you run a sub-34 10k that you won't make the team, but that's the case for this deep squad.

GoPack article

Top 5 YouTube videos: September 2007

#5: New Zealand plays the trumpet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z0-Q-C8Xb0
#4: Public speaking 101: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALIARHHLII
#3: Choreography wins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VeIL7juFE0
#2: Classic motivation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD0PvlytTNs
#1: Nerdiness abounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xEzGIuY7kw

And you thought the Patriot Act was bad

In an effort to stop terrorism the Mumbai police department has decided to grant itself the ability to monitor the keystrokes of anyone using a public terminal at 500 cybercafes. The legislation referenced is the Bombay Police Act which allows the police to fine any cybercafes that do not comply.

Luckily the National Vice President of the People Union of Civil Liberty had encouraging words for those cybercafes that thought this might be an intrusion of privacy, "As long as personal computers are not being monitored. If monitoring is restricted to public computers, it is in the interest of security."

That seems logical and in no way a slippery slope... especially for those people to poor to own a computer... or travelers...

Windpower in your backyard

Looking to save some money, save the environment, and be the geekiest homeowner on your block? How about a personal windmill? Costs about $4000 and generates up to 1 kilowatt, probably enough to run most of the lights in your house, especially if you've switched to CFLs already. And it only needs about 8mph of wind, so you don't have to live on a windswept plain to take advantage.

HOAs be damned.

Is your PC part of the world's biggest supercomputer?

If so, it's not a good thing. Researchers think a currently active botnet (collection of personal computers which are under the control of a malicious third party through malware that has been installed) is so large that its capacity rivals that of the largest known supercomputers.

So keep running adaware, firewalls, and being careful what you open.

Storm worm botnet

When people aren't worried enough about computer security

Since computer security is very trendy (sometimes everyone is worried, sometimes no one is) it pays to have alarmist pieces when security is on the cold side.

Here is an opinion at ZDnet about how the bad guys are too smart for the good guys.

I don't think that there will every be a point that the bad guys are far ahead. Even in the scariest pieces of code (like polymorphic malware), anomaly detection and preemptive measures against known vulnerabilities should prevent the bad code from exploiting users.

Now people just need to learn to stop opening email and web pages that are sketchy...

Smoking is bad

A new study released in Neurology states that people who smoke have a higher probability of developing dementia. This includes diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Reuters Canada Article

Marathon? Triathlon? Nothing on this guy

Try swimming around manhattan....3 times.

gothamist.com/2007/08/31/man_swims_aroun.php

North Carolina Triathlon Series nearing end of season

The North Carolina Triathlon Series (NCTS) is a series of triathlons that culminate in qualification for a championship race in October. There are 15 races in this series, typically hosting over 10,000 triathletes per year. This makes it the largest triathlon series in the entire United States.

The race organizer, Set Up Events, also hosts series in Virginia (the Virginia Triathlon Series, VTS), South Carolina (Sourth Carolina Triathlon Series, SCTS) and another development series in North Carolina (Endurance Triathlon Series, ETS).

Each of these series maintains a list of the top performers per 5 year age group and some special categories.

At the end of the year the top performers from all divisions, in all series, are invited to a championship race in Raleigh, NC.

See the current and past NCTS results

For those who don't like to hike....

I give you the world's smallest park:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill_Ends_Park

NC State Men's Soccer ties preseason #1 UCLA

In a much anticipated home match, the Wolfpack tied the Bruins at Method Park on Saturday.

Gopack.com Article

For those of you that don't remember, the Bruins defeated Duke at home last year to end their playoff run in the quarterfinals. They went on to the championship to place as national runner-up.

NC State Men's Basketball 07-08 Schedule Released

It's always "next year" when you talk about NC State athletics like basketball or football.

In that spirit, next year has arrived with the posting of the new men's basketball schedule.

Playing multiple out-of-conference foes and many that made the NCAA and NIT tournaments last year, the Pack will have to gain experience quickly to battle these already more experienced teams.

Full Schedule

Another interesting point will be the location of the ACC tournament. Finally in a town where there will be other things to do!

Sony to turn PS3 into digital video recorder

Sony has announced that their very expensive console gaming system will now offer new software called "PlayTV" that will allow Tivo-like capabilities.

As soon as the system has more games available (since people are still buying PS2's for lack of titles) and ports some popular titles from other consoles, it may make up ground on the already leading Wii and recently price reduced Xbox 360.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be on the terrorism list

It's a little early for Halloween, but this is still a scary piece of journalism.

The author only quotes one CIA opinion besides his own, but since he's the intelligence columnist for TIME, I'm sure it will increase worry for all literate people.

Who worries about violence in video games?

From a recent sourcewatch.org/The Nation article we learn that US Defense Departments "America Supports You" campaign might be interested in pushing brimstone and hellfire for all.

http://www.prwatch.org/node/6341

It's likely a bad idea to send that game to people with guns against people who hold opposing beliefs to the game.

Top 5 YouTube videos: August 2007

The Triangle Times will attempt to detail the top 5 videos per month. This does not imply the videos have been created in the month, only that they are awesome.

#5: Get ready for ultimate season: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7tLEgHjsdE
#4: Call me A. Burr
#3: Ninjas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lVSub2wsys
#2: Training: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3S0wu4Zbfk
#1: Health Care by Nick Astroth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oalS8wmBiQ

Mid-Atlantic Triathlon series

The USAT is the governing body for triathlon and is split into different regions throughout the country. The Mid-Atlantic (MA) region is composed of: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

By competing in a series of events (with a minimum of three) triathletes are able to accrue points and, at the end of the season, awards are given to the highest performing athletes.

Monitor the rankings here: http://www.lin-mark.com/new_rank/midtri.asp

Feeling safe and keeping records

It's nice to know that with all the bureaucracy that people complain about in the government that there are still places people can be lax.

Buffalo: Do or Die

It's only Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals, but with the Ottawa Senators holding a 2-0 lead over the Sabres and home ice for the next two games, things don't look good for the NYers.

Not only is Tallinder questionable for Game 3, but the Buffalo fans are sorely disappointed after a goal with 5 secs left (forcing OT), didn't lead to victory.

Key to the series: If Buffalo gets their special teams back.

The exact stats aren't clear, but Buffalo is something like 0-27 on the power play in the last 3 series and has allowed 5-40 on the penalty kill.

If they don't improve, they will lose. Then they'll have nothing to do.

Rangers and Sabres split 2-2

There's a fantastic article on ESPN recapping the game last night and the series as it stands.

Highlights from the article:

• During the 2006-07 regular season, the Sabres were never held to fewer than two goals in consecutive games. (like games 3 and 4)
• "I believe I've seen a replay where it's in," said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff (Lindy likes to whine)
• Struggling RW Maxim Afinogenov, Buffalo's sixth-leading scorer in the regular season, was scratched. He was replaced with rookie Daniel Paille, making his playoff debut. (Anyone who owns an Afinogenov sweater should be upset)

US spending billions on anti-missle defense... in Europe

Though coverage of the spending on the US military budget is not always great, one would hope that the US taxpayers are at least informed when we fund billions of dollars in other countries.

Spiegel Online is running a story about a "US proposal to plant antimissile missiles in Poland."

The EU concern is that we are working around NATO and the EU and trying to deal with only the country involved. Americans should be concerned that we're spending money on a "threat" that would be a more immediate threat to countries that are not concerned.

Carolina re-signs Whitney

After speculation abounded that Carolina Hurricanes point leader, Ray Whitney, would venture to another team for higher pay, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford announced an agreement to a 3-year deal.

Rutherford has also made an announcement to make re-signing Scott Walker a priority. I think this is an even better idea, since in addition to having 51 points this season, Walker was one of the toughest members of the team.

The current players have until July 1st to make an early decision. At that point the official free agency begins.

Fear from Iran

In case anyone is wondering why other countries still hate the US it's because there are continuous articles that cast the US in an unfavourable light. Take for example this most recent one.

I don't know if there is a military build-up or not and I don't know what are the strategic plans for the military. However, one could argue that there is a war ongoing in a country bordering Iran, so perhaps the military is for that?

Many of the references used in the article are also from 2005 and other, older speeches.

It all depends on how the data is presented to give the feeling the author wants to inspire... not exactly unbiased...

For example, you have thanks US! and sketchy US!

However you present the materials, people have a right to state their opinions and fear another "pre-emptive" war. I would argue though, that the press should attempt to be a little more objective...

Dieting doesn't work

Now I've said this to anyone who will listen, but I contend that you can essentially eat whatever you want assuming you exercise like a madman.

To illustrate my point, note the incredible amount of food that Tank Meloy is able to consume in the span of 15 mins.

Before:

After:

Consider also that Tank works out at least an hour a day and Kobayashi more than that...

Don't take my word for it, a recent study from UCLA, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=67422, confirms the ineffectiveness of dieting.

See the Set Up Events link at the top left to start your new exercise program.

NC State to have home golf course

The only team in the ACC without a golf course will finally have one.

Announced today (link), the Lonnie Poole Golf Course will break ground this summer and is scheduled to be completed by 2009.

From the article, "NC State [will] move forward with its long-awaited golf course, a par-71, 7,025-yard layout that will cover 200 undeveloped acres on the southern portion of Centennial Campus."

Hopefully they'll let alumni use the course for discounted prices...

Canes miss 2007 playoffs

It has been an up-and-down year for the Carolina Hurricanes. Beset by injuries and close losses, the team had put themselves in a position to make the playoffs, only to close the season with lackluster results.

Multiple games lost in the 3rd period, losses to divisional and conference opponents, and a 5-1 rout by the Eastern Conference losers (Philadelphia Flyers), ultimately sealed the Canes chances at the playoffs. As head coach, Peter Laviolette stated, "We shot ourselves in the foot."

The Canes are the first team since the 1996 Devils to win the Stanley Cup and then fail to make the playoffs the next year.

Although it's disappointing there will be no post-season, hopefully the Canes will have a chance to rest and work on their power play. For my part I'll be supporting them in the final home game of the season and I think they'll support me with a free hat... and hopefully a win.

Canes back in playoff picture

After receiving a point from an overtime loss to the Rangers and a win against Florida last night, the Canes have retaken the 8th spot for the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Scott Walker came up with his second game winning goal in March and the Hurricanes have now earned points in 4 of their last 5 games.

Although goalie Cam Ward is out with a laceration injury, he should return in a week or so and, in the meantime, we have a stellar backup in John Grahame.

With Erik Cole back the Canes look to solidify their position in this playoff race.

Next game will be at home against the Devils on March 15th.

State prevails to 2nd round of NIT

Although the 5th game in 6 days, State came away from the Drexel Athletic Center with a win.

After falling behind 10-1, State made a switch to zone and staved off the onslaught. The Z ended up bringing the Pack to within 2 by halftime.

Crucial shots by Atsur, Fells, McCauley and Costner and misses by Drexel's leading scorer, Frank Elegar, allowed State to take the lead for the first time almost half way into the second half and then a lead they would not relinquish with only 3 minutes left. The final had the Pack up by 7, 63-56.

In another upset, Marist beat Okl. State 67-64. Normally, the play of Marist is unnoticed by the world, however, since they were a seven seed in the NIT and State is a 6 seed, this should give home court advantage to the Pack for Friday's game at 9:30pm.

Venue is TBD.

Is State ready for Drexel?

Under normal circumstances the answer would be a hearty "yes." However, being the fifth game in six days is not going to give the Pack any chance at recovery.

With Atsur already struggling through the ACC tourney, one day of rest will not heal his hamstring and the rest of the team is not used to this many intense games in so dense a period... I think the NIT committee thought they were scheduling hockey games.

Drexel comes in after missing the NCAA tourney and is upset about their "snub." I'm not sure that the team finishing behind Hofstra in the CAA should really be upset about missing the NCAAs, but it's all opinion.

If State can control the pace, hit their shots and exploit their mismatches, we may see the 6th game in 8th days on Thursday.

ACC Tourney Final

With the teams set for Sunday's showdown, fans from the Triangle (and much of the eastern seaboard) are eagerly awaiting the hour change to bring them closer to the 1 o'clock game.

The N.C. State / UNC game is the biggest of the season for the boys in red and although UNC will claim Duke, State is never a game that is played without zeal.

The teams have split the regular season games, both going to the home team. Now at a neutral court, it would appear that the third time will be the charm and decide which team is better.

Carolina is playing for their first ACC tourney championship since 1998 and State is playing not only for the championship, but their bid to the NCAA tourney. The question is... how much magic do they have left?

ACC Tourney - Day 1

Well the teams in the ACC were certainly hyped up about being "equal" and having depth from the top of the league to the bottom. Was it deserved? Yes.


Game 1: Clemson (8) vs. Florida State (9)

A final second free throw seals the win for FSU 67-66.

One can argue that Clemson hasn't won more than 4 games since starting the season 17-0, and that's fair. It's also fair to say that Clemson won't be dancing.

Florida State on the other hand, has had a great season (only dropping a 5 game stretch without guard Toney Douglas) and with Douglas back, their NCAA hopes seem well-founded.


Game 2: Maryland (5) vs. Miami (12)

After Maryland was up by 5 early, Miami decided to take control building up a lead of as high as 14 points by the half. With about 12:30 left in the game, Maryland decided to start scoring and by 3:46 left in the game, Maryland was within 3. With 23 seconds remaining Ma. closes the gap to 1 point, but Miami is able to hit their free throws and clinch the win 65-62.

Maryland has been in the NCAA for a few games, so this will only hurt their seeding.

Miami would need to win the tourney in order to qualify for any post-season play.


Game 3: Duke (7) vs. N.C. State (10)

Apparently each previous game being within 1 point in the final minute wasn't close enough. The Blue Devils and the Wolfpack decided to tie to end regulation. Duke probably could have pulled it out if it wasn't for the two words they'll remember for next year, Brandon Costner. Compiling 30 points (10-11 FTs) and 7 rebounds in 43 minutes (the most of any player), Costner was the difference in a tightly contested match.





Like Maryland, this will only hurt Duke's seeding and likely this only affects State's seeding in the NIT.



Game 4: Georgia Tech (6) vs. Wake Forest (11)

Not to be outdone, the Yellow Jackets and the Demon Deacons thought a single OT would be anti-climatic. Overcoming a 1st half deficit the Demon Deacons used a heavy rotation, having 7 players with 10 points or more. The GT bench was not able to match this and fell in 2OT, 114-112.

GT did not help their seed with this loss, but a 20 win season in the ACC is still a solid performance.

WF has won 4 of it's last 6, including a win against Virginia, but it's too little too late.




This means that every lower seed won their game. I don't think this will hold true for Friday, but it shows the ACC strength all the same.



Games slated for day 2:

Since every lower seed won the first game, I think it's fair to say that every higher seed will win on Friday.

Game 1: North Carolina (1) vs. Florida State (9)

Don't expect Douglas' return to make that much of a difference...

Game 2: Boston College (4) vs. Miami (12)

B.C. is fresh, Miami is not.

Game 3: Virginia (2) vs. N.C. State (10)

I want to say the Pack will win, but the Cavs have other plans.

Game 4: Viriginia Tech (3) vs. Wake Forest (11)

After 3 of the WFU starters played over 40 minutes and the other 2 having 30+, don't expect another W unless VT decides not to run.

Free PDF creator

I recently learned of PrimoPDF v3.0 a utility that will create a .pdf by essentially "tricking" your computer into thinking the program is a printer. There are multiple options on the output type as well as the ability to set document options and security settings.

It is extremely useful for transporting data as PDF viewers are ubiquitous on most computers now. It aids in the elimination of any cross operating system issues and allows an easy way to record data that is formatted in strange ways.

Simply download the tool, install and then "print" to PrimoPDF.

Voilà!

Canes fall below 8th position for final playoff spot

The Carolina Hurricanes are still tied in points for the eigth spot in the Eastern Conference, but have played twice more than the NY Rangers and once more than the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This Sunday will be a crucial away game (12:30pm EST) against the Rangers. With losses in 3 of their last 4 outings a healthy LW Erik Cole would be most welcome, but it is unclear when he will be taken off the injured reserve. Hopefully head coach Patrice Laviolette will be able to sort out some chemistry between the lines with the addition of RW Anson Carter and recently recalled defenseman Anton Babchuk.

Full NHL Standings
Remaining Games for the Hurricanes

Open for Business

After IT changes necessitated our fearless editor to learn complicated cut-and-pasting techniques to form this page; The Triangle times is now open to the public.

In the coming days, weeks and months expect to see the most amazing and interesting articles that our feeble minds can produce.