| Index | ||
NEW BEDFORD -- The FBI has been looking into a report that a New Bedford fishing crew fished up -- then discarded -- debris from the ill-fated TWA flight 800 earlier this summer.
"We have had reports to that effect," said James Margolin, a special agent in the FBI's New York office. "Clearly we're very concerned about the allegations."
Mr. Margolin said the agency received reports that the crew took about $180 from a wallet mixed in with the crash debris before tossing everything back into the sea.
TWA flight 800, with 229 people aboard, exploded in a fireball on July 17 shortly after take-off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The 747 went down in the Atlantic about 20 miles off Moriches Inlet off the south shore of Long Island.
The FBI official wouldn't release the name of the vessel, where or when the alleged incident occurred, or who brought it to the attention of authorities.
GLOUCESTER -- Despite the loss of key fishing stocks, Northeast fishing ports managed to increase overall landings by 15 percent and their dockside value by nearly 8 percent last year.
New Bedford continued unchallenged as the region's richest fishing port and Maine retained its title as the top fishing state in the Northeast in 1995, said Jon Gibson, spokesman for the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The region's fishing ports landed 1,694 million pounds of seafood, worth $983.1 million, an increase of 223.3 million pounds and $72.3 million from 1994 and 43.7 million pounds and $76.1 million from 1993, the onset of the fishing crisis.
"Where's the crisis?" asked Howard W. Nickerson, executive director of the Offshore Mariners Association. He said the trends add fuel to the industry argument that troubled fish stocks are beginning to recover and tough management plans such as the new Amendment 7 groundfish plan are administrative overkill.
"People who go out fishing -- and I have a lot of respect for them -- have been telling me for the last year now that things are getting better," he added. "All I know is there is more fish around."
Patricia A. Lawton appeared on course toward a lopsided victory over Charles B. Lincoln for Plymouth County sheriff, while incumbent Treasurer John F. McLellan overwhelmed challenger Marc Lucas.
By comparison, the race for county commissioner was a squeaker, with Joseph F. McDonough topping the Democratic field and the three other candidates, Peter G. Asiaf Jr., Albert R. Cavanagh and Francis C. Gauss within three percentage points for the second open spot.
Ms. Lawton, a county commissioner, has been active in the effort to build a new county jail through a private-public corporate partnership. Lt. Lincoln, of the Brockton Police Department, campaigned on a "nuts and bolts" platform with goals to improve inmate services with programs. She will face Sheriff Peter Forman in November.
By Robert Haddocks, Standard-Times staff writer
NEW BEDFORD -- A tanker truck leaking swirling clouds of liquid nitrogen forced police to close Route 140 south for more than an hour last night, backing up traffic for a mile.
Police and fire officials said the truck, which was stopped between the King's Highway and Hathaway Road exits about 5:30 p.m., was leaking the chemical from a relief valve in back of the vehicle. While the release created a heavy white cloud blocking visibility, police said it was not harmful.
"You couldn't see one foot in front of your face," said a firefighter who refused to give his name. The firefighter added that the shifting winds blew the nitrogen across the highway, making driving impossible.
Voters gave the nod to two incumbent legislators and a first-time candidate for Bristol County commissioner in yesterday's rain-soaked primary.
State Rep. Robert M. Koczera, D-New Bedford, whose 11th Bristol District includes Acushnet and parts of Freetown and Lakeville, claimed victory at 9:30 p.m. in his race with Ward 1 City Councilor David Gerwatowski.
Rep. Koczera said his figures showed a 56 percent tally over Mr. Gerwatowski's 44 percent. He has no Republican opposition in the final.
In the 8th district, which includes all of Westport and part of Fall River, incumbent Michael J. Rodrigues claimed victory by more than 1,000 votes over challenger John C. O'Neil of Fall River.
Mr. O'Neil, however, disputed the figures and said last night he would seek some clarification at Fall River City Hall.
Bristol County Commission candidate James Coyne of Westport said he also questioned the numbers.
NEW BEDFORD -- International Dryer Corp., a Kilburn Street manufacturer, might close within six months, leaving more than 60 people out of work.
According to a receptionist, members of management would have no comment on the company's impending departure. However, workers who phoned The Standard-Times said they were told the company would close and work done in New Bedford would be transferred to Kentucky. Employees, who did not want their names used, also said management told them they would not be offered jobs down South.
Michael Travers, assistant director of the New Bedford Corp., the city's economic development corporation, said he had heard similar stories, but following a late-afternoon conversation with company president David Fenton, Mr. Travers was unsure of the business' fate.
"He said he has informed the employees there is a potential for a move," Mr. Travers said. "He's concerned about the employees, as is the mayor. ... Is a move going to take place? Yeah. Is it Kentucky? I can't tell you it's Kentucky."
By Rachel G. Thomas, Standard-Times staff writer
NEW BEDFORD -- The schoolchildren spilled from the Parker School doors yesterday afternoon, tilting their heads into a wind-swept mist. At the same time, Maria Nunez and Carmen Rivera crossed the parking lot and headed into the school.
Mrs. Nunez was about to do something she had never done before, something thousands of people had the chance to do yesterday, but passed up: vote.
And since Mrs. Rivera was the reason Mrs. Nunez was there, she had to watch.
As assistant director of the Office of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Affairs, Mrs. Rivera was among 30 volunteers who had spent much of the past year talking to people in the city's Hispanic community about their role as Americans.
Mrs. Nunez, a 36-year-old mother of three and stepmother of three, was among hundreds who listened. And registered.
A native of Puerto Rico, she has lived in this country for nine years but never thought to add her voice to those at the ballot box.
"I never would have, if it was not for her," she said in Spanish, nodding toward Mrs. Rivera, who translated. "I never had somebody take the time to explain to me before, what my vote meant."
NEW BEDFORD -- Seconds after the attacker sprang from the closet, Raymond Sylvia was on the floor of his one-bedroom apartment wondering if he would live or die.
The 63-year-old man was hog tied with a venetian blind cord, bound so tightly his wrists and legs began to bleed.
He was threatened with a knife, gagged with a towel and choked with a pair of pants.
"I was hysterical," he recalled. "I didn't know what was going to happen."
As he lay on the floor, Mr. Sylvia watched as the attacker scavenged through his South Sixth Street apartment, finally fleeing with $20, a videocassette recorder and a cable television box wrapped in a blanket.
And he stayed on the floor for four more hours, struggling to break the tight bonds, praying the attacker wouldn't return.
By Rachel G. Thomas, Standard-Times staff writer
NEW BEDFORD -- Buoyed by positive block counts in Ward 1 and actual-count victories in Acushnet, Freetown and Lakeville, state Rep. Robert M. Koczera walked into a tumultuous welcome by supporters at 9:30 last night, having won a fifth term over his challenger, Ward 1 City Councilor David Gerwatowski.
Rep. Koczera, D-New Bedford, said the numbers he had seen gave him an edge of about 56 percent to Mr. Gerwatowski's 44 percent vote total in last night's Democratic primary balloting.
"We had a tough campaign, against a person who was fairly well-known," Rep. Koczera said after making the rounds of kisses and handshakes with his wife, Ann, and daughters Elizabeth and Wendy at the New Bedford Sports Club on Acushnet Avenue.
"The weather was certainly a factor," Rep. Koczera said. "It certainly tested our mettle.
"In eight years I have gained a lot of experience. I am at a point where I'll be able to gain a lot more for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts.
"I'm excited about going back."
Strong showings across Plymouth County propelled Patricia Lawton to a victory over Plice Oficer Charles Lincoln in the Democratic contest for sheriff, a race marred by accusations of political blackmail and charges of domestic violence.
Mrs. Lawton emerged as the Democrat who will face Republican Peter Forman for the $83,000-per-year post. She is the first woman to seek the sheriff's post.
The sheriff's race first heated up early this month when Lt. Lincoln admitted in a press conference that his former wife had taken out a 209A restraining order against him. He claimed Mrs. Lawton planned to use the information as voting day approached.
Last night, with the results clear, the 27-year veteran of law enforcement continued to cry foul and accuse his opponent of dirty politics.
"We ran a good clean campaign while our opponent ran a sleazy machine-power-driven campagin -- an aweful display of money talking," Lt. Lincoln said.
By Carol Lee Costa-Crowell, Standard-Times staff writer
State Rep. Michael J. Rodrigues was claiming victory with a 935-vote lead even as challenger John C. O'Neil headed to Fall River City Hall claiming a discrepancy in the vote tallies for the 8th Bristol District representative's seat.
Shortly after 10 p.m., Mr. Rodrigues, D-Westport, was shouting over the din to give his victory speech at the Westport VFW hall.
The figures he received confirmed his win. He tallied 2,007 to Mr. O'Neil's 1,072.
The Fall River attorney, who is a Democrat, was unavailable for comment while he was filing his protest.
A campaign worker said only that a discrepancy in numbers would be challenged and Mr. O'Neil could not be reached by press time.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rodrigues made a telephone call immediately after hearing the vote. It was to his friend, House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran.
By William Corey, Standard-Times staff writer
With nearly all precincts reporting, political newcomer Christopher T. Saunders has won himself a seat on the Bristol County Commission, garnering more than 20 percent of the vote in the county's 20 cities and towns.
"I think the voters saw there was a clear need to shrink the size of county government," said the 25-year-old graduate of law school.
Mr. Saunders has said he wants to review the role of county government and cut out wasteful spending. He was about to address supporters last night at the Whaling City Country Club at press time.
He won handily in New Bedford and made strong showings in Taunton, Acushnet, Fairhaven and Fall River. In total, he garnered a total of more than 7,000 votes at last count -- 24 percent of the total votes cast in the county.
"I went out and campaigned in Taunton and advertised there. My message was to shrink the size of county government. ... I'm taking it one step at a time."
By Preston P. Forman, Standard-Times staff writer
After a see-sawing race throughout the night, attorney J. Mark Treadup skated past two challengers to win the Democratic primary for Bristol County treasurer.
He took an early lead as the small towns of Bristol County reported, but as Taunton, Attleboro and most importantly Fall River reported, the race shifted to Patrick J. Foley and Leo O. Pelletier, both of Fall River.
But Mr. Treadup's hometown awarded him more than 5,000 votes, far outpacing his challengers. He will now face a confrontation with current Bristol County Treasurer Patrick H. Harrington and George Foster of Westport, and independent.
Mr. Treadup, who lost to Mr. Harrington six years ago for the $57,000-a-year position, took early leads in most of Bristol County. Mr. Treadup chose not to seek re-election as a Bristol County commissioners to run for the post.
By Mark Arax, Los Angeles Times
FRESNO, Calif. – Five-year-old twin sisters ravaged by starvation continued to fight for their lives Tuesday as Stanislaus County authorities filed charges of torture and attempted murder against their mother.
Tanya Kaye Walker, the 26-year-old mother of five, was being held on six felony counts, including torture, attempted murder and child endangerment, after police found her twin daughters badly emaciated and near death Sunday night at their home in Ceres.
Brittany and Breanne Kinn, suffering from extreme malnutrition and dehydration, were flown to Children's Hospital in Oakland where they remained in critical condition with slight improvement.
Police in the small, tight-knit farming community of Ceres, about 100 miles north of Fresno, said they were called to the house in a lower middle class section of town by Ms. Walker's parents. The 5-year-olds, who cannot walk because of cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy and must be fed with a bottle, weighed 14 and 19 pounds respectively.
WASHINGTON -- Trauma patients rushed to Chicago's Cook County Hospital soon may awaken to discover they're pioneers in the search for artificial blood, as a red liquid that looks like real blood -- but isn't -- drips into their veins.
Doctors at Cook County and 20 other emergency rooms nationwide later this fall will begin the first mass testing of a potential substitute for human blood. That will involve 850 patients. A competing firm is seeking government approval to test hundreds of additional patients.
No one expects these first attempts to supplant nature. But the hope is that artificial blood will save lives when doctors run short on the real stuff.
"If blood is unavailable, and that does happen, this provides a bridge until you can get it," said Richard DeWoskin of Northfield Laboratories Inc., which is trying to get approval for tests. He expects artificial blood one day to help in the military, developing countries and in the "urban battlefield" of inner cities.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- A judge made the civil trial a tougher battle for O.J. Simpson yesterday, allowing testimony about domestic violence and limiting his ability to claim a racist frame-up led by Detective Mark Fuhrman.
The frame-up claim carried the day at Mr. Simpson's murder trial, but Superior Court Judge Hiroshi Fujisaki decided to bar discussion of Mr. Fuhrman's alleged racism unless other testimony makes the detective's motivation an issue.
In a day of rulings favoring the plaintiffs in the wrongful death lawsuit, the judge also refused to bar testimony on domestic violence in Mr. Simpson's marriage with Nicole Brown Simpson.
Mr. Simpson won one big victory, permission to show jurors videotaped testimony from Dr. Henry Lee, the scientific expert who helped win his acquittal on criminal charges of murdering Ms. Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
But Judge Fujisaki said he would not allow Mr. Lee to expound on how Los Angeles police could have collected more evidence.
Compiled from wire reports
WASHINGTON -- In moves designed to "keep Saddam Hussein in a box," President Clinton has dispatched 3,500 Army soldiers to Kuwait and warned the Iraqi leader of new attacks should he threaten his neighbors or U.S. forces.
The warning to Mr. Hussein will remain in effect indefinitely, the State Department said.
"It's obvious that he's always pushing the envelope," President Clinton said yesterday. "We didn't want to create a precedent that would lead him to believe he could take further action. We didn't want there to be any ambiguity at all."
After congressional leaders met with President Clinton at the White House, Democratic senators said President Clinton had not hesitated in sending the troops to Kuwait. Although plans to send 5,000 soldiers were announced on Friday, reports emerged Monday the decision was being reviewed.
"We're doing it because the Kuwaiti government feels threatened," Defense Secretary William Perry said. The soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, would join 1,200 others in Kuwait by the end of the week, he said.
BOSTON -- Some people think Sen. John Kerry won with his vigor and one-liners.
Others give his Senate debate with Gov. William F. Weld to the governor, since much of the discussion focused on his core arguments about crime and welfare policy.
But yesterday, the day after their fiery, fifth debate at Worcester's Mechanics Hall, Gov. Weld and Sen. Kerry made it clear what they thought were their winning arguments.
Gov. Weld renewed his attack on Sen. Kerry's support of welfare benefits for drug and alcohol abusers, unleashing a new television ad that concluded: "John Kerry. No wonder taxes are high, welfare a mess."
Sen. Kerry, meanwhile, proudly received the endorsement of an 11,000-member carpenters' union.
BOSTON -- Essex County Sheriff Charles Reardon resigned yesterday after pleading guilty to federal charges he took kickbacks from process servers dependent on him for millions of dollars in business.
Mr. Reardon, 54, of Salem, accepted a plea agreement that is expected to land him in federal prison for a year. In return, federal prosecutors dropped other corruption charges against him.
Mr. Reardon, who had been suspended without pay since shortly after his indictment in January, left court without speaking to reporters. His attorney later issued a statement saying Mr. Reardon had given his resignation to Gov. William F. Weld.
"In light of my guilty plea, I feel I could no longer continue as an effective sheriff," Mr. Reardon said in the statement.
By Gretchen Fehrenbacher, Standard-Times staff writer
Never did Joyce Davidopoulos dream she's be straying into the forbidden zone of family secrets when she accepted the challenge of shepherding an updated edition of a cookbook first published by St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in 1959.
"I thought it would be, 'We will take some pictures. We will get some recipes, and we will type it, and that will be it,'" she said.
She had counted on that, as a wife and a mother who also works in a County Street office overseeing four businesses.
But it didn't turn out so simply. Two-and-a-half years and 380 recipes later, she and her committee finally can see the fruits of their labor.
"Klironomia (Inheritance)/ Generations of Cooking" is a book incorporating not only the recipes originally printed, but additionally, many closely guarded family recipes never before written downfrom the Greater New Bedford Greek community. Included are photographs of a number of the cooks who gave recipes.
Collaborating on the book was Marion artist Carolyn Strules Dlouhy, a member of the church. She designed the cover, as well as section dividers within the book that delineate different categories of food. She uses as a theme an image of an urn, which she designs in different ways throughout the book.
"It is intended to resemble the ancient Greek vases, but I gave myself license to do some original work and yet, have it reflect the heritage," Ms. Dlouhy said.
Where the
locals eat
How do you decide where to eat out? Perhaps you rely on a recommendation from a friend, or check out the ads in the newspaper. Maybe you let your fingers do the walking through the Yellow Pages, or read my Dine Out column on Sundays.
But when you're in another city or town, outside familiar surroundings, things may become a little iffy. Oh, you could ask the hotel desk clerk for ideas, or check out the AAA guide. But what you really want to know is where the locals sit down for a good meal.
If you're a frequent traveler, a book being published this month could solve your dining-out dilemma. "Where the Locals Eat: A Guide to the Best Restaurants in America" is a national directory compiled by Magellan Press.
Editor in chief Lee Wilson points out that "There are other restaurant guides, but most of them don't take into account that people travel to cities smaller than New York and Los Angeles. Others are geared more toward the gourmet in search of the ultimate escargot experience than the average traveler caught in Detroit overnight."
Researchers gathered information on 75 categories of restaurants in communities of more than 20,000 population. They contacted local business and professional people and asked for recommendations and sent written surveys to field reviewers. They culled tips from newspaper and magazine readers' polls.
The result is a 1,200 page book with notes on nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 1,000 American cities -- including Greater New Bedford.
By Bill Bergstrom, Associated Press writer
IN THE EYE OF HURRICANE FRAN -- The winds howled at 120 miles an hour, tearing sheets of spray from seas as high as three-story buildings.
As the P-3 Orion research plane labored higher, ice particles clattered against its metal skin and cut visibility to less than wingtip distance.
While scientists monitored rattling racks of radar screens and other instruments, pilots manipulated control yokes, throttles and rudder pedals to keep the aircraft aloft.
When hurricanes threaten, coastal dwellers board up, fuel up and head inland. Weather watchers cut to the chase -- powering straight into the whirling clouds.
As Hurricane Fran clobbered the Carolinas recently, 18 government flyers and scientists clambered aboard "Miss Piggy" -- as the lurching laboratory is known to its crew -- rocking and rolling right into the eye of the storm.
For frequent flyers, the ride was just another day at the office.
"I told my mother I'm going out here to relax," said Capt. George Player, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Aircraft Operations Center, after a turn in the pilot's seat.
By John Estrella, Standard-Times staff writer
The dream is still alive, growing a little more life-like everyday for 15-year-old Peter Motta of Freetown.
He's sliding into position to make it big in a sport that usually gets attention only every four years.
For just over a year, Peter has been a luger, an athlete whose goal is to fly down an ice-covered track at 65 miles an hour as gravity forces push down on the front of his skull.
Peter is one of 15 teen-agers competing on the U.S. Junior Development Luge Team. It's a few steps below the Olympic team, the only luge team in the country that gets much attention.
It's still a dream barely within reach, but Peter sees a chance of participating in the 2002 Olympics.
This summer brought him several steps closer. In April, he was competing for a slot on the team against 40 people his age. He survived two summer camps at Lake Placid, N.Y., home of the only luge track in the country.
Training thus far is soccer and a "street sled" -- there aren't any luge tracks around to practice on and his coach told him to hold off on weight training until the winter.
"Right now there are about 40 people on the national team," Peter said. "It's still a long way away -- I don't have enough experience for the 1998 Olympics, so I'm shooting for 2002."
Peter's coach, Fred Zimney, said it's "too early to tell" if Peter has Olympic talent.
By Eric Gongola, Standard-Times staff writer
FOXBORO -- Seeing is believing. And there were plenty of believers in the home locker room following the Patriots' unceremonious thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals three days ago.
You could see it the players' faces and hear it in their words. They believed in themselves. They believed in their coaches.
Above all, they suddenly had reason to believe in a young quarterback whose ability to seize the day, the game, and the moment has been suspect ever since a phenomenal sophomore season placed the burdens of expectation and limitless potential on his considerably broad shoulders.
There was little more at stake than his own reputation when Drew Bledsoe rolled out to his right on fourth-and-1, couldn't find an open receiver, and went airborne over two defenders for the longest and most punishing two yards of his NFL career.
New England already had a 14-0 lead and was in little danger of losing to an Arizona club that could write the book on incompetence. Yet, with 28 seconds left in the first half, Bledsoe took one for the team, landing on his head, springing to his feet, and spiking the ball in the face of everyone who had dared to question his will to win.
It was about leadership, said the linemen, the receivers and the running backs alike.
It was about time.
DETROIT -- There's nothing like the sight of the Detroit Tigers to keep a team's slim playoff hopes alive.
The Tigers were welcome opponents indeed for the Red Sox, battling for their post-season lives. It wasn't the walkover that some games with Detroit have been this year, but the Sox' 4-2 win was good enough.
The Red Sox are undefeated in Tiger Stadium this year, winning all five games here with two more to go. Boston is 11-1 against the last-place Tigers, who lost for the 100th time this season.
The victory brought the Sox to within 5½ games of the wild-card leading Baltimore Orioles, who were rained out in New York.
The win was Boston's fourth in the last five games.
After snapping a 2-2 tie in the seventh, the Sox added an insurance run in the ninth. Bill Haselman led off the inning against Jose Lima with his second single of the night, and took second when Darren Bragg laid down a sacrifice bunt.
Jeff Frye then pulled a line drive into the left field corner, scoring Haselman from second.
It's amazing how fate can sometimes dictate history.
Take, for instance, the 1981 NFL draft. The prize that year was a powerful running back out of South Carolina. He had speed and he had size ... and he also had the Heisman Trophy. Put George Rogers in your backfield and you had a 1,000-yard runner for the next decade.
However, there also was this linebacker from North Carolina who had wowed the scouts. He was powerful and mean, and could stone opposing ball carriers and quarterbacks like few linebackers in his era could. Yes, NFL scouts knew about Lawrence Taylor.
Now New Orleans chose first that year and the prospect of drafting a top player in a skill position from the south was just too strong a lure. Rogers went to the Saints that year and had a good, if not spectacular, NFL career.
The Giants were next and quick to jump on Taylor. This was before the linebacker was recognized by his initials, and teamed with head coach Bill Parcells, LT went on to revolutionize defensive football.
But what if it didn't happen that way? What if the Saints chose Taylor and Rogers went to the Giants? With Taylor, would the Saints have won Super Bowls and without Taylor, would Parcells have been just another three-years-and-out coach that dots the NFL landscape? Who knows?
WASHINGTON -- D.C. United clinched a second place finish in the Eastern Division with a 3-2 win over the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer played Tuesday night.
DARTMOUTH -- Bill Kavanaugh was calm, cool and collected yesterday while talking about the addition of New Bedford's Jo Jo Goodine to the UMass Dartmouth football team.
Inside, you know Kavanaugh has to be turning cartwheels at the prospect of having the speedy Goodine line up in the Corsairs' backfield this season.
"We want to get the ball into his hands as soon as we can -- running and receiving," said Kavanaugh. "Jo Jo is still getting back into shape, but he's really going to help us. Still, we want to take things slow, because we don't want to rush him and get him hurt.
"It's a tough juggling act right now, but we can't wait to see what he can do when he gets back up to speed."
A four-year starter who helped power New Bedford High School to back-to-back Division 1 Super Bowl titles in 1993 and '94, Goodine holds school records for touchdowns in a season (28) and career (64). He also ran for 3,675 yards on 397 carries (a 9.25 average) while often having his playing time limited to two quarters in Whaler blowouts.
The 1994 Otto Graham Award winner, Goodine was recruited by some powerhouse schools -- Boston College, Syracuse, Stanford, Penn State and Wake Forest -- but opted to attend the University of New Hampshire.
By Doug Tucker, Associated Press writer
KANSAS CITY -- At 40, Paul Molitor is feeling great, playing splendidly and already looking forward to next year.
During his historic 3-for-4 charge Monday night, Minnesota's designated hitter stayed tied with Roberto Clemente with exactly 3,000 hits only until his next at-bat, when he singled to go to 3,001.
Next in line on the hit parade is Al Kaline, No. 19 at 3,007. As good as Molitor feels, and with his tendency for getting hurt having mysteriously vanished, there's no telling how high he'll climb up the ladder before calling it a career.
"I still enjoy myself enough to want to play again next year, if I have that opportunity," said Molitor, the 21st player to reach 3,000 hits. "I lean towards playing next year."
The milestone hit came in the fifth inning at 8:22 p.m. CDT, with Molitor lashing Jose Rosado's fastball into the gap in right-center. The ball dropped between Rod Myers and Jon Nunnally, and might have been caught. Instead, it goes into the books as the only time anybody tripled for No. 3,000.
"I'm not quite sure how much of a footnote it will be that I was the first guy to get a triple for my 3,000th hit," said Molitor, in his 19th season. "I think you get to a certain point where you're not very choosy how or when. It's just the way the thing unfolded."
For the third year in a row, the Bishop Stang-Durfee swimming rivalry was decided in the final event. By winning the 100 meter backstroke, the Spartans took the match, 96-90.
Jane Dembro proved to be the hero as she set a new Stang record with a dash of 1:08.48. She also recorded first in the 200 individual medley (2:32.75).
Shannon Rodriques also was a major factor in the Spartans win as she captured first place in the 50 freestyle (26.65) and the 100 freestyle (59:02). Rodriques' time in the 50 free secured her a spot in the state meet later this season.
Katie Sousa dove her way into the state tournament, recording 184.57 points.
"I am just thrilled to death," Spartan head coach Dave Ponte said. "The girls really stepped it up, especially our younger players. It is a great way to start the year.
The Spartans face a major hurdle on Thursday when they travel Bishop Feehan.
Bishop Feehan 125, Apponequet 65: When small schools take on very powerful programs, the results can be devastating and heart-breaking..
But don't tell that to Laker head coach Kristen Moreau.
By Buddy Thomas, Standard-Times Senior Sports Editor
One streak was extended and another came to an end last Friday when Wareham opened its 1996 football schedule with an 18-12 victory over Carver.
The 18 points marked the first time in 22 consecutive games the Vikings had failed to score at least 20 points, but proved to be enough to lift coach Dave Harrison's crew to their 14th consecutive win.
"I don't think the players were aware of either streak and to them I'm sure it isn't all that important," said Harrison. "The only important thing to them is that we won the game."
The Vikings have done nothing but win since Nov. 4, 1994, when they dropped a 34-20 decision to Fairhaven. The Blue Devils went on to win the Division 4B Super Bowl that season while the Vikings launched their, and the area's, current longest winning streak.
"We honestly don't focus on those things," said Harrison. "We've had a lot of success the last couple of seasons, but we've tried to take things one game at a time and that's the way we want to continue taking them."
The new sitcom "Townies" (8:30 p.m., ABC) opens with two women in a men's rest room, bantering about differences between male and female urination. Then the taste level goes down.
Molly Ringwald -- displaying all the sprightly verve and comedic charisma of an I-beam -- plays Carrie, one of three working-class friends in Gloucester, all of whom speak with an accent more common to Malibu than Massachusetts. The others are Shannon (Jenna Elfman), whose highly aerobic sex life is the subject of frequent witticisms, and Denise (Lauren Graham), who is just getting around to marrying the father of her baby. In the opener, they prepare for Denise's wedding, and Denise worries that Shannon will seduce her recently engaged brother. Before it's all thankfully over, we are regaled with breast jokes, a male reproductive-organ joke, a joke referring to a rat's hindquarters, Catholic jokes and a joke about fish urination.
This isn't a sitcom; it's a sewage-plant meltdown.
aBy comparison with "Townies," "Men Behaving Badly" (9:30 p.m., NBC) is practically an Oscar Wilde comedy of manners -- assuming Oscar Wilde had had the urbane wit to include a gag about using dirty underwear as a coffee filter.
Rob Schneider and Ron Eldard play Neanderthal roomies Jamie and Kevin. Kevin is involved with saintly nurse Sarah (Justine Bateman), who is anxious to discuss having a baby with him. This clears the way for a lot of sex jokes, none of which I can repeat here. Not because they're risque -- they're just so bad that I've forgotten them.
| Daily Data |
|---|
| -Top- | -Home- | -Digest- | -Index- | -Staff- |  |