Times Leader 01-02-2012 by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

CMYK Turning up the heat at yoga

Santorum target of GOP rivals

Smile, you’re on the Click page

Local studio offers classes in warm temperatures.

Perry, Bachmann look to stop ex-senator’s momentum.

First Night Hazleton, Casey Classic hockey, New Year’s hike

LOCAL, 3A

NATION & WORLD, 5A

CLICK, 1C

The Times Leader timesleader.com

WILKES-BARRE, PA

SPORTS SHOWCASE

By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@timesleader.com

As people make their New Year’s resolutions, an area cardiologist hopes area smokers will consider quitting as a top priority this year. “I think everyone tries to make that opportunity (for quitting) re-

GIANTS 31 COWBOYS 14

al. And sadly, for many of our people that smoke, that ability to quit smoking is a real challenge,” said Dr. Thomas Isaacson, chief of cardiology at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township’s Richard and Marion Pearsall Heart Hospital. “People are successful sometimes for short periods of time, but … that’s not a large group of patients who are able to stay smoke free,” Isaacson said. Still, Issacson says it’s important to try, noting that 20 percent

Thomas Isaacson, M.D. discusses the nosmoking policy at Geisinger.

of all heart disease can be attributed to smoking, and that smoking has a connection to about 10 different types of cancer. In comparison to non-smokers, someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day is twice as likely to have a heart attack.

Region of smokers Given that data, Isaacson says the results of a study released last January that tags Scranton/ AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

See SMOKING, Page 10A

Hollywood strikes chord with area man

A R E A’ S F I R S T B A B Y O F N E W Y E A R

STEELERS 13 BROWNS 9 EAGLES 34 REDSKINS 10 DOLPHINS 19 JETS 17

Movie “War Horse” reminds Plymouth man of uncle’s heroics in First World War.

PACKERS 45 LIONS 41 THIS COULD BE IT FOR BRADLEY AT PENN STATE DALLAS -- Many of his players did not want to come here. Head Coach Tom Bradley understood fully that his inherited charges at Penn State were upset at being snubbed by several bowl games, landing the Nittany Lions in something called the TicketCity Bowl. As the players eventually warmed up to it, Bradley pitched to them all of the history behind the venue -Dallas’ historic Cotton Bowl. Today will mark one more bit of history at the old Texas fairgrounds -- the conclusion of one of the longest chapters in college football history. In all likelihood, Penn State football will become something entirely different in the days following today’s TicketCity Bowl matchup with Houston. SPORTS 1B

INSIDE A NEWS: Local 3A Nation & World 5A Obituaries 8A Editorials 9A B SPORTS: Scoreboard 2B C CLICK: 1C TV/Movies 5C Birthdays 4C Puzzles 7C D CLASSIFIED: 1D

WEATHER Dominic Argenta Rain and snow, windy. High 35. Low 30. Details, Page 8B

By BILL O’BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com

PETE G. WILCOX PHOTOS/THE TIMES LEADER

The New Year welcomed Dyllon Otto of Carbondale as the first born in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. He weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and arrived at 3:46 a.m. Sunday at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township.

Early but welcome surprise By JERRY LYNOTT jlynott@timesleader.com

PLAINS TWP. – With another week to go before she was scheduled to deliver her third child, Veronica Gifford decided to shop for baby clothes and a diaper bag. The contractions started Saturday around 11 a.m. and almost 17 hours later she gave birth to her son, Dyllon Otto, at 3:46 a.m. Sunday. The 8-pound, 4-ounce boy was the first baby of the New Year in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. “My due date was not until the eighth,” said Gifford, 21, of Carbondale, while holding the newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center late Sunday afternoon. A nurse later handed the newborn to his father Thomas Otto, 17, who was still overwhelmed. Patricia Gifford beamed about the birth. “It’s my third grandchild. It’s my first

boy,” she said. Her daughter has two girls, 3-year-old Dayanna and 1-year-old Dominique Myers. “It was such a quick birth, the baby got some fluid in his lungs,” said the grandmother, explaining why her grandson was in the NICU. “He’s doing great right now,” she said. The grandmother said the new parents were originally from Wilkes-Barre and had recently moved to Carbondale. “She went out shopping for a diaper bag,” said the grandmother of what her daughter was doing when the contractions started. The expectant mother was getting sick because the contractions were so close together, added the grandmother. They drove down the Casey Highway and Interstate 81 to Plains Township and arrived around noon Saturday. Veronica Gifford described the labor as “real, real long,” but “four pushes and Thomas Otto and Veronica Gifford are he’s out.” The deliveries of her girls were the parents of the area’s first baby born in the new year. similar, she said.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK

>> THE LAND OF COTTON: The last time Penn State

09815 10011

50¢

Cardiologist: Quitting smoking key Geisinger Wyoming Valley specialist ties one change to many health benefits.

NFL

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

played in Dallas, Texas, Tom Shuman was under center for the Lions, Greg Buttle was in the defensive backfield, and Pittston’s own Jimmy Cefalo was at WR. That was New Year’s Day 1975, when Penn State smacked around the Baylor Bears in the Cotton Bowl, 41-20. These days, the actual Cotton Bowl game has moved to Cowboys’ Stadium in Arlington, and the TicketCity Bowl is played in the Cotton Bowl stadium. Confusing? Maybe a little. Either way, the Lions are back in Dallas for 2012, taking on the Houston Cougars at noon today in the TicketCity Bowl. The game is on ESPNU.

>> JUST THE TRVIAL FACTS, MA’AM: Did you know

that the iconic video game character Mario was originally called Jumpman? Or that in Scotland, New Year’s Eve is called hogmanay? Or that aliens helped build the pyramids, the Great Wall of China, The Eiffel Tower and several Las Vegas casinos? OK, that last one’s not true. But what is true is that this Wednesday is Trivia Day – a day for us to share with others those little knowledge nuggets known as trivia. So, wow your friends with some useless facts. You’ll be glad you did.

>> SWAP MEET: Somewhere, in the deepest, darkest regions of Hollywood, people who get paid a lot of money got together and came up with an idea. “Hey,” they said. “You know what we should do? Let’s have a show where we have former movie star and current crazy person Gary Busey swap wives with someone else.” And, Lo! A reality TV show was born. “Celebrity Wife Swap,” answers the age-old question, “How can we kill time AND

PLYMOUTH – When he heard about the new movie “War Horse,” the storyline really hit home with Ben Walker. Walker, who will turn 91 this month, is a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater with the U.S. Navy. Walker’s uncle – Pvt. Benjamin Thomas Boyce of Plymouth – served in World War I. Boyce was assigned a horse that was used to pull a caisson with ammunition to the front line. Unlike the movie, in which the main human character and the horse return home after the war, Boyce and his horse didn’t make it. They were killed just 10 days before the end of the conflict. See HORSE, Page 4A

Iran touts new nuke success By RAMIN MOSTAGHIM and ALEXANDRA ZAVIS Los Angeles Times

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said Sunday that its scientists had produced the country’s first nuclear fuel rod, and its navy had test-fired a new medium-range surface-to-air missile, announcements that were likely to heighten concerns about the country’s disputed uraniumenrichment program. The Islamic Republic News Agency reported the fuel rod had “passed all physical and dimensional tests” and had been inserted into the core of Tehran’s research reactor. Iran had said it would be forced to manufacture the rods because it is barred from buying them on foreign markets. The tubes contain pellets of enriched uranium that provide fuel for nuclear reactors. See IRAN, Page 10A

brain cells on a Tuesday?” By watching that show at 9 p.m. on ABC. That’s how.

>> S ROŽDESTVOM KHRISTOVYM: While much of the

world celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25, our Russian Orthodox friends will have their turn to celebrate the holiday this Saturday. Because many of the Eastern Orthodox churches follow the Julian Calendar, Christmas for them falls on Jan. 7. Industrial types can probably benefit by taking advantage of both holidays. Collecting a nice gift haul on Dec. 25 and getting a few extra trinkets on Jan.7. After all, you know what they say, “All’s fair in love, war and receiving presents.”

>> HEY, FERNANDO!: Fans of 1970s Swedish pop jug-

gernaut ABBA are in luck. No, sequined bell-bottoms aren’t coming back in style. The tribute band ABBA: The Arrival will be playing Anni-Frid, Björn, Benny and Agnetha’s greatest hits this Sunday night at the F.M. Kirby Center. You can thrill to the sounds of “Dancing Queen.” Tap your toes to “Take A Chance (On Me)” And do … well … whatever you’d like to do when they play “Waterloo.” The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $24 and $34. That’s in U.S. dollars. Not Swedish kronas.

K PAGE 2A

➛ timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

Box office takes positive Cruise “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” leads solid New Year’s weekend. By DAVID GERMAIN AP Movie Writer

LOS ANGELES — Tom Cruise’s new mission remains impossible to beat at the box office. Studio estimates Sunday placed “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” in the No. 1 spot for the second-straight weekend with $31.3 million. With a $134.1 million domestic total, it’s the first $100 million hit with Cruise in the lead role since 2006’s “Mission: Impossible III.” The Paramount release led a solid New Year’s weekend as Hollywood managed fair business to end a sluggish year on a more promising note for 2012. Domestic revenues closed out at $10.22 billion for 2011, down 3.4 percent from 2010’s, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com. That was a slight improvement over Hollywood.com’s projections a week earlier, when Hollywood was limping through the normally busy holiday season with a lineup of underachieving movies. “This week was a pleasant surprise,” said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “It’s a good way to head into 2012, with at least a little bit of momentum at the box office.” Still, movie admissions were down sharply for the second year in a row. Factoring in higher ticket prices, domestic attendance slipped to 1.28 billion in 2011, off 4.2 percent from 2010 admissions and the smallest audiences Hollywood has had since 1995, according to Hollywood.com. Hollywood started the year in a deep rut, with domestic revenues trailing 2010’s by 20 percent or more as a weak first quarter fell far short of the previous year’s spectacular results for the sci-fi sensation “Avatar.” Studios nearly dug themselves out from that deficit over the summer, but business

lagged through the fall and holidays as audiences had a ho-hum response to most movies. Cruise Some studio executives had predicted record revenues for 2011. The movies themselves may simply have held less appeal to fans than expected, though audiences also could be skipping trips to theaters to watch movies on big-screen home setups or to play with the countless entertainment gadgets now on the market. Viewers can watch films at home or on portable devices for a fraction of the cost of going to theaters. The industry is looking ahead to an impressive lineup to turn things around this year. Big titles include the superhero tales “The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Amazing SpiderMan” and “The Avengers”; the latest in the animated franchises “Ice Age” and “Madagascar,” along with “Brave,” the new adventure from animation master Pixar; Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ “Men in Black 3”; Daniel Craig’s new James Bond thriller “Skyfall”; Johnny Depp’s vampire story “Dark Shadows”; Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus,” a cousin to his sci-fi classic “Alien”; and Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the first in a two-part prequel to his “Lord of the Rings” films. The rest of this weekend’s top-three remained unchanged. Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” from Warner Bros., finished second again with $22.1 million, raising its domestic total to $132.1 million. The 20th Century Fox family sequel “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” was still at No. 3 with $18.3 million to lift its haul to $94.6 million. In its first full weekend, Steven Spielberg’s World War I epic “War Horse” came in fourth with $16.9 million, pushing its domestic total to $43 million.

Hugh Jackman breaking records on Broadway

Aussie actor’s one-man show closed after earning $2,057,354 in its final week. By MARK KENNEDY AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK — Hugh Jackman has left Broadway with a lot of broken hearts — and records. The hunky Australian actor’s one-man Broadway concert show closed on Sunday afternoon at the Broadhurst Theatre after having earned $2,057,354 in its final week, the highest weekly gross recorded by the Shubert Organization, which owns the Broadhurst and 16 other Broadway theaters. Over its 10-week run, Jackman earned a whopping $14,638,428, producers said. He now owns 10 of the 11 top grossing weeks at the Broadhurst. Jackman, best known for being the hairy Wolverine in “The X-Men” franchise, routinely sold out the 1,176-seat theater and usually posted weekly grosses of $1.5 million, often higher than rival musicals such as “Jersey Boys,” “Mama Mia!” “How to Succeed in Business,” “Anything Goes” and “Follies.” Only “Wicked” and “The Lion King,” produced by other organizations, consistently outdid Jackman. But those shows also had much higher overhead costs. The previous record at the Broadhurst was held by the Al Pacino-led “The Merchant of Venice,” which took in $1,175,750 earlier this year. Until now, the Shubert Organiza-

tion’s one-week biggest haul was “Billy Elliot,” which earned $1,663,895 during an eightshow stretch last year. During the run, Jackman raised a record $1,789,580 for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The run “not Jackman only confirms him as one of the most bankable stars in Broadway’s history but also as a fundraiser,” producer Robert Fox said. Backed by an 18-piece orchestra and six leggy dancers, a charming Jackman belted out about two dozen musical theater songs in “Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway.” It was his third time on the Great White Way, following “The Boy From Oz” in 2003 and the play “A Steady Rain” with Daniel Craig in 2009. The show featured his interpretations of songs ranging from the sexy R&B tune “Fever” to “Rock Island,” from “The Music Man” to a medley of classic movie songs such as “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Luck Be a Lady.” The average ticket went for $160, with top premiums going for $350. Some of the highlights included the eight-minute “Soliloquy” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel,” and a collection of songs from his Tony Award-winning turn in “The Boy From Oz” while wearing Peter Allen-inspired matching gold lame pants and jacket, and gold shoes.

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

RIGHT IN STEP FOR THE NEW YEAR

DETAILS LOTTERY MIDDAY DRAWING DAILY NUMBER – 3-4-2 BIG 4 – 8-8-6-4 QUINTO – 0-4-0-2-9 TREASURE HUNT 02-05-07-08-19 NIGHTLY DRAWING DAILY NUMBER – 2-7-7 BIG 4 – 4-8-9-2 QUINTO – 5-5-9-3-2 CASH 5 12-15-36-40-41

BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

usquehanna Trailers Hiking Club Secretary Donna Fontanella, right, and President Rich McNulty, second from right, lead a group of about 20 for a six-mile roundtrip New Year’s Day hike along the Susquehanna Warrior Trail from Union Township to Shickshinny on Sunday afternoon. See Page 1C for CLICK pictures.

Stove fire causes damage in Plymouth

HARRISBURG – No player matched all five winning numbers drawn in Sunday’s “Pennsylvania Cash 5” game so the jackpot will be worth $330,000. Lottery officials said 42 players matched four numbers and won $377 each; 1,593 players matched three numbers and won $16.50 each; and 21,544 players matched two numbers and won $1 each. • None of the tickets sold for the Powerball game Saturday evening matched all six numbers drawn, which were: 05-23-25-28-40 Powerball: 34 Power Play: 4 Players matching all five numbers and the Powerball would have won or shared the $25 million jackpot. The prize goes to an estimated $30 million for Wednesday. Tickets that match the first five numbers, but miss the Powerball, win $200,000 each, and there were five of those. They were sold in: Arizona(1), Florida(1), Nebraska(1), Pennsylvania(1) and South Carolina(1). There was one Power Play Match 5 winner in Georgia(1).

OBITUARIES

BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Plymouth firefighters responded to a stove fire at 413 E. Main St. around 1 p.m. Sunday. According to Plymouth Fire Chief Bill Evans, the occupant of the home will be staying with relatives. The adjacent side of the double-block at 411 E. Main St. sustained no damage. No injuries were reported.

No injuries in Hanover Twp. kitchen fire

Butera, Nellie Elko, Joseph Golya, Ronald Gretz, Genevieve Jones, Hubert Jr. Kimball, Larry Krohle, Fred McGuire, Janet Phillips, Dorothy Van Bodegom-Smith, Todd Zaluski, Matthew Page 8A

WHO TO CONTACT Missed Paper ........................829-5000 Obituaries...............................970-7224 Advertising ...............................970-7101 Advertising Billing ...............970-7328 Classified Ads.........................970-7130 Newsroom...............................970-7242 Vice President/Executive Editor Joe Butkiewicz ...............................970-7249 Asst. Managing Editor Anne Woelfel...................................970-7232 Sports Editor John Medeiros.................................970-7143 Editorial Page Editor Mark Jones .....................................970-7305

BUILDING TRUST

BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Hanover Township firefighters carry an exhaust fan from the Sullivan Place Senior Apartment Community at 100 Claymont Ave. after extinguishing a small kitchen fire Sunday around 1:45 p.m. No injuries were reported.

POLICE BLOTTER HANOVER TWP. – Police reported the following: • Michael Demchak said his 2008 Volkswagen GTI was entered while it was parked on Church Street between Friday and Saturday. Tools, a GPS unit and other items were stolen. • Two cars were reported damaged in hit-and-run crashes Saturday night. Kristen Martin of Hanover Village said her Chrysler 200 was struck by a red Dodge Intrepid around 10 p.m. on East Division Street. The Dodge also struck a Toyota Camry parked in the Hanover

Village lot. Police located the Dodge in the 1000 block of the Hanover Village, but there was no one in it.

The Times Leader strives to correct errors, clarify stories and update them promptly. Corrections will appear in this spot. If you have information to help us correct an inaccuracy or cover an issue more thoroughly, call the newsroom at 829-7242.

property.

SCRANTON – An arrest warrant for escape was issued Sunday for Jason A. Roberts after he walked away from the HAZLE TWP. – George Mehalshick, 50, told state police his CCF-MISEC Correction Detention Unit on Linden Street, state mailbox at 1109 Pilot Point, police said. Pardeesville, was damaged Robert, 22, is white, has blue between noon Saturday and eyes, a teardrop tattoo near his 12:30 a.m. Sunday. right eye and “Mob” tattooed on his right wrist. PLAINS TWP. – State police He left the unit without perreported Roger Resides, 31, of mission and was last seen at Wilkes-Barre was arrested on a 8:40 p.m. on Saturday. charge of criminal trespass at Anyone with information 2:30 a.m. Friday after he entered about his whereabouts can conthe Mohegan Sun at Pocono tact state police at the Dunmore Downs Casino where he was station at 570 963-3156. excluded from being on the

+(ISSN No. 0896-4084) USPS 499-710

Issue No. 2012-002 Newsroom

829-7242 jbutkiewicz@timesleader.com

Circulation

Jim McCabe – 829-5000 jmccabe@timesleader.com

Published daily by: Impressions Media 15 N. Main St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 Periodicals postage paid at Wilkes-Barre, PA and additional mailing ofﬁces Postmaster: Send address changes to Times Leader, 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 Delivery Monday–Sunday $3.50 per week Mailed Subscriptions Monday–Sunday $4.35 per week in PA $4.75 per week outside PA

CMYK THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

I N

B R I E F

PLAINS TOWNSHIP

Urgent care centers open

Geisinger Health System will open new urgent care centers in Mountain Top and at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township next week. The center at the Plains Township hospital opens Monday and will be open weekdays from 6 to 11 p.m. and weekends from 3 to 11 p.m. It is accessible through entrance to the Pearsall Heart Hospital on the Geisinger campus. Careworks After-Hours Care in Mountain Top opens Friday and will be open Monday and Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. From February, the center will be open seven days a week. It is located at the Geisinger Medical Laboratory in the Weis Shopping Plaza in Fairview Township. The centers are designed for patients with illnesses or injuries that require immediate care but are not serious enough to warrant an emergency room visit, said Dr. Steven B. Pierdon, chief medical officer for Geisinger Northeast. They are also an option for treatment of minor illnesses like colds, the flu and ear aches when a family doctor isn’t available, Pierdon said.

➛ timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 3A

LOCAL Historical Society eyes expansion Aim of the multiphase project is to collect more records and find storage capacity to house them all.

By MATT HUGHES mhughes@timesleader.com

Luzerne County Historical Society Director of Development Anthony T.P. Brooks poses by the society’s headquarters and library on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre. The society hopes to expand the building or find space off-site to enlarge its collection.

Development Director Anthony T.P. Brooks said. “So there’s a lot of things we’re going to explore over the next four to five years. If the historical society is going to effectively accomplish its mission it needs to continue to collect materials that are relevant to our history, and we need to ask the public to donate their items from the’50s, ’60s, ’70s (and beyond.)” The society’s records “are pretty good pre-World War II” but much sparser thereafter, Brooks said. Of the red canopy that covered downtown WilkesBarre sidewalks from the 1970s to 2006, for example, the society has construction and demolition photos, but little

The Luzerne County Historical Society wants to collect more records, and hopes to expand its storage capacity to house them all. The society this fall launched dual campaigns to develop its endowment and expand its archival storage capacity, announcing the efforts in a December letter to members. “It’s a multiphase archive expansion project and sustainability campaign,” See HISTORICAL, Page 10A

DON CAREY/ THE TIMES LEADER

A matter of degree

WILKES-BARRE

Sentence reduction denied

A Luzerne County judge on Friday denied the request of a man sentenced this week to 12 ½ to 40 years in prison to have his sentence reduced to make it easier for him to apply for parole. Robert George Zola, 46, was sentenced by Cosgrove in the December 2009 stabbing death of 35-year-old Rosemarie Cave on a third-degree murder Zola charge. Zola asked in court papers filed Wednesday through his attorneys, Ferris Webby and Joseph Yeager, that the judge alter his sentence to 12 1/5 to 25 years in prison, followed by 15 years of probation. If the sentence is not altered, the attorneys say, it could have an “unintended adverse effect at the time (Zola) is eligible for parole after serving his minimum sentence.” Cosgrove said Friday at hearing that his intention in his sentencing was for Zola to be paroled at the minimum sentence, unless there are misconducts that occur during his prison stay, not “based on some mathematical calculation of the max(imum sentence).” SULLIVAN COUNTY

Police make assault arrest

State police at Laporte on Sunday said Leonard Gutkowski, 30, of Luzerne, assaulted a 30-year-old woman in Colley Township. The woman told state police Gutkowski got on top of her, pulled her hair, punched her in the head and threatened to kill her. State police charged Gutkowski with simple assault, harassment, terroristic threats and public drunkenness. He was arraigned and committed to the Wyoming County Correctional Facility after being unable to post bail, state police said.

Marino launches vets’ story project

The effort will include recording of veterans’ oral histories, which will be posted online. By RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

“I didn’t have to sell this at all,” Cornell said. “This was just the right time in my life to start a business and it was the right for the clients as well.” Cornell and her three instructors teach the 90-minute classes in a stateof-the-art facility designed for cleanliness and health. “People worry with all that sweat, it’s not clean, but we brought in every-

Tales of war can captivate audiences of all ages. Local veterans who wish to share them can do so through the Veteran’s History Project, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Marino and the U.S. Library of Congress. Marino, R-Lycoming Township, said he is launching the project in the 10th Congressional District as a way to honor the men and women who served in the armed forces. Marino The project will include recording of veterans’ oral histories, which will be posted online and maintained in files at the Library of Congress, where they can be reviewed at any time. Marino said the project is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Library of Congress and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. “The Library of Congress reaches out to members of Congress annually to participate, and as soon as I heard about it, I said, ‘We’re in. We have to do this,’ ”Marino said. The congressman said he hopes local veterans will respond to his call for participation. He expressed par-

See YOGA, Page 10A

See VETERANS, Page 10A

BILL TARUTIS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Molly Cornell, owner of Melt Hot Yoga Studio in Edwardsville, demonstrates proper breathing techniques to her class in the 105-degree studio on Friday morning.

Yoga studio has classes in warm temps By JANINE UNGVARSKY Times Leader Correspondent

EDWARDSVILLE -- It’s nice to have the hot new business in town. Just ask Molly Cornell. Her recently opened yoga studio is hot in more ways than one. Melt Hot Yoga opened Dec. 12 in the Gateway Shopping Center, and already close to two dozen people come for class most mornings. But it’s not just the great attendance that makes the classes the hot new place to be: The practice room is kept at a toasty 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. “Hot yoga is a very popular form of yoga that has been around for years,” Cornell said. “It’s very healing for people with pain and joint problems because the heat loosens you up.”

“Many people have a block against that heat at first, but they find they can stretch so much better and they are surprised by how much they like it.” Molly Cornell Melt Hot Yoga owner and instructor

Cornell said she began teaching hot yoga three years ago in Scranton and found she really enjoyed it. When the commute to that school from her Luzerne County home got tiring, she looked into opening her own studio. It turns out that a number of the students from her Scranton classes were also from the Wilkes-Barre area and welcomed the opportunity to have classes closer to home, giving Cornell a ready-made client base.

CARLISLE

Drug charges are made

State police in Carlisle arrested a Bloomsburg woman Friday after, officers say, she possessed crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Police say Nancy Marie Engel, 46, was a passenger in a vehicle troopers stopped for a traffic violation at 2:15 p.m. along Route 641 near Greystone Road in North Middleton Township. Engel was taken into custody and taken to Cumberland County prison for processing, police say. All the charges will be filed via summons before Magisterial District Judge Paula Correal. ALLENTOWN

Escape attempt thwarted

An Easton man wanted on robbery and theft charges tried to elude capture by slipping through an attic crawl space that connected to a neighboring home, police said. Easton police said Anthony Peebles, 18, of 41 N. 8th St., was arrested Saturday morning in the home next door, which he entered through the crawl space when officers tried to serve an arrest warrant.

The shows will go on at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock with the retirement of Hildy Morgan, left, as executive director and Erica Rogler taking over the position at the Wyoming County landmark cinema and cultural center at the start of the New Year.

AIMEE DILGER/ THE TIMES LEADER

Dietrich’s new director ready for second act after flooding

Erica Rogler, a former chemical engineer, replaces Hildy Morgan, who retired at the end of the year. By JERRY LYNOTT jlynott@timesleader.com

The 33-year-old Rogler replaced Hildy Morgan who retired at the end of the year and taught the chemical engineer how to run the theater. Rogler easily made Rogler easily the switch from one discipline to another, made the but credited Morgan switch from with providing invaluone discipline able mentoring experience. to another. “I’ve learned from the best,” said Rogler who lives in Tunkhannock with her husband, Omar, and two rescue dogs. A graduate of Penn State University and Tunkhannock High School, she accepted Morgan’s offer to work as assistant director eight years ago. “I got a call from Hildy one day to see if I would work on the project,” said Ro-

TUNKHANNOCK – Each time Erica Rogler walks up the stairs to her secondfloor office at the Dietrich Theater she steps on a couple of uncarpeted wooden treads. They’ve been bare since she marshaled volunteers and staff to tear out water-soaked drywall and carpeting and clean up the muck and mud left behind when the Susquehanna River receded after reaching historic levels during the September flooding. They’re a sign of the effort behind the theater’s recovery and a reminder of another task for her in her new position as executive director. See DIETRICH, Page 10A

CMYK PAGE 4A

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

HORSE Continued from Page 1A

Boyce is buried in Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in Romagne, France. “I saw the advertisements for the movie on TV,” Walker said. “It brought back memories of my uncle, who I am named after. I think I’ll go see the movie.” Walker and his wife, Catherine, have been married for 64 years. They are parents of four children, and they have 22 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Another one is on the way soon, Walker said. “My uncle cared for the horse that was assigned to him,” Walker said. “The horse pulled a caisson that brought needed ammunition to the guys on the front line.” The movie tells the story of a young man and his horse who are separated during the war and who are reunited and return to England together. The movie is directed by Steven Spielberg and is playing at regional theaters now. But Boyce was a real-life version of the movie character. He is memorialized on the plaque on the Soldiers and Sailors monu-

FRED ADAMS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Ben Walker, 90, of Plymouth, tells the story of his uncle Benjamin Thomas Boyce and the war horse Boyce served with during World War I.

ment on West Main Street in Plymouth. The statue honors World War I veterans from Plymouth. It’s a heritage and history that Walker is very proud of, and he purchased a brick in the “Walk of Fame” leading up to the monument. The brick lists Walker and his family members who served in the military. History is important to Walker. His memory is crisp and he talked about his grandparents – Charles and Jane Jones Boyce – who oper-

ated the Wyoming Valley’s first laundry service on Downing Street in Plymouth. “They had a horse, too,” he said. “They would ride in a horsedrawn wagon and go through Plymouth to pick up laundry. They would bring it back to Downing Street, wash it and return it to their customers.” Walker’s grandparents also served as early caretakers of the Shawnee Cemetery. He said they lived on the site and would take photographs of people visiting

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

By ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press

CORONADO, Calif. — An early morning New Year’s shooting left four people dead at a condominium near San Diego, authorities said Sunday. Police responded to a 911 cellphone call of shots fired in Coronado, a wealthy seaside suburb of about 24,000 people on San Diego Bay. Officers found a man in the doorway of the condo. The bodies of two men and a woman were discovered inside the condo. San Diego County sheriff’s Lt. Larry Nesbit said homicide investigators have not determined how any of the four died, though Coronado police officers who were first to arrive believe the man in the doorway was shot.

“They checked and he had no obvious signs of life. They tried to make contact with anyone else that might be inside the building and they got no response,” Nesbit said. A SWAT team sent in a robot to the first floor and later searched the second and third floors, Nesbit said. The three dead bodies were found in “different parts” of the three-story building. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service was on scene, “in

case any of the victims were members of the military,” Nesbit said. NCIS spokesman Ed Buice said its investigators were participating in the probe, which was being led by the Sheriff’s Department. The victims’ identities hadn’t been confirmed. Asked if the deaths are believed to be a murder-suicide, Nesbit said, “I’ll let it infer what it does. We’re not going to say that.”

220 South River Street Plains, PA 18705 January 5, 2012 C h i O t ti t R h bi Providing Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation

Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy We would like to express sincere gratitude to Our patients, physicians, and the entire community for their patience and support through the devastation caused by the September flooding

W i n ter S h oes, C l oth i n g & A ccessori es

H O U R S : M o n. - S a t. 10:00 a m - 5:00 pm 63 4 M a rke t S tre e t • Kings to n, PA 18 704 • (570) 28 7-2777

V&G 570-574-1275

707972

Free Removal. Call Anytime. Highest Price Paid In Cash!

A Taste of Tuscany 731342

For Special Oﬀers, Visit Our Website

Country Folk’s

550 Zenith Rd. Nescopeck, PA. 18635 (570) 379-3176 www.countryfolk-gifts.com

AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE! Starting Monday, January 2nd

50% OFF Christmas Items

Welcome the “New Year” in with 50% Off all remaining Christmas items. Includes Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, holiday textiles, Santas, snowmen, prints, ornaments, and much more! Don’t miss out on these fantastic bargains!

“A Very Happy New Year” From All Of Us From Country Folk! * sale applies to “in stock” items only * does not apply to prior purchases * some restrictions & exclusions apply

Directions To Nescopeck

From Berwick take Rt. 93 S. 5 ml. from Nescopeck. Turn right at Nescopeck Twp. Firehouse watch for our signs.

From Hazleton take Route 93 N. 9 ml. from Laurel Mall. Turn left at Nescopeck Twp. Firehouse, watch for our signs.

GET YOUR KITCHEN OR BATH REMODELED FOR WINTER

Now Accepting

(570) 824-3444

30% O F F ALL JUNK CARS & TRUCKS WANTED

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat: 10AM-5PM Sunday: Noon-5PM All Major Credit Cards Accepted

PETE G. WILCOX/THE TIMES LEADER

Riverside Rehabilitation Is Pleased To Announce The Re-Opening Of

New Year’s shooting at Calif. condo leaves 4 dead Homicide investigators have not determined how any of the four died.

Benjamin T. Boyce, center, with two unidentified American soldiers during World War I in France. Boyce was assigned a horse to pull a caisson filled with ammunition to the frontline.

loved ones’ graves. “They would sell the photos to the families if they wanted to buy them,” he said. “The Shawnee Cemetery offered spectacular views of the valley that photographed well.” Walker has a photo of his grandmother at Boyce’s grave in France. He said the cemetery there is peaceful and his grandmother felt it was the best location for his final resting place. “She didn’t want to disturb the grave and bring him back here,” Walker said. The movie “War Horse” has brought world attention to the value of horses during battle. Ben Walker wanted to bring attention to his uncle for his service during World War I and his horse. “I was told he was with that horse all the time,” he said. “And it was an important job to get ammunition to the front.” Heroes are born of every war. Most don’t have movies made about them.

Experience Fine It Italian Cuisine li C ii • Extensive Wine List • Full Dessert Menu Lunch Mon.-Fri. Open For Lun Mon.-Sat. • Dinner Mon

Cafe Toscana one public square, wilkes-barre

570.208.1252

www.cafetoscanarestaurant.com

Bad Credit - No Credit We Make It Simple 2 WAYS TO PURCHASE YOUR NEXT CAR

TOLL FREE

1-855-313-LOAN (5626) or

ONLINE @ www.ApproveMyCredit.com

EYNON BUICK GMC TRUCKS

K ➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

I N

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 5A

Powerball ticket price to double

B R I E F

Tickets for the multistate game are going to $2 beginning Jan 15. Odds of winning also are improving. By MICHAEL J. CRUMB Associated Press

AP PHOTO

Concentrating on the message

A man shields himself from the sun with his coat Sunday as he listens to the inauguration speech of Gustavo Petro, Bogota’s new mayor, in Bogota, Colombia. Once a member of the leftist rebel group M-19, Petro focused his inauguration speech on children’s rights.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Powerball lottery organizers are betting that bigger jackpots will entice more people to play, but gamblers are going to have to dig deeper into their wallets to try their luck. Tickets for the multistate game are doubling in price to $2 beginning Jan 15. While the odds of winning one of the game’s giant jackpots also are improving, those in charge of the lottery are gambling that people are willing to pay more for the hope of becoming a millionaire in a down economy.

“With the price of Powerball everything else going up, there’s not is the big much you can get for fish of the a dollar anymore,” said 28-year-old various Ryan Raker, of Des lottery Moines, Iowa, who games buys a ticket once a month. He says he’ll states ofprobably play less fer. frequently now. Powerball’s move follows the model of scratch ticket games, which once were all $1 but now are offered at higher prices with the chance for bigger prizes. The evolution of scratch tickets and the creation of families of games that offer tickets at different prices has proven successful across the country, said Rebecca Hargrove, president of the

Tennessee Lottery. “The more choices you gave players the higher the sales were,” Hargrove said. For example, in Iowa, scratch ticket sales increased from $125 million in 2007 to $165.3 million in 2011, state lottery officials said. Lottery officials believe increasing the price of the game will make it more attractive to players, said Terry Rich, spokesman for the West Des Moinesbased Multistate Lottery Association, which runs Powerball. “People like variety,” Rich said. Powerball is the big fish of the various lottery games states offer, and typically has some of the biggest payouts. There are nine ways to win the game, from a $3 prize for matching the Power Ball number to various payouts for different combinations of winning num-

bers. Odds of winning are improving because of changes the game is making in the numbers players can choose. The number of Power Ball numbers to choose from will decrease from 39 to 35. That will raise the odds of winning from 1 in 192 million to 1 in 175 million. Picking the right numbers will have a bigger payoff: The starting jackpot is rising from $20 million to $40 million. The amount won for matching all five numbers but not the Power Ball will increase from $200,000 to $1 million. The move is a strategy to differentiate the game from Mega Millions, the other big money, multi-state lottery game that is sold for $1 a ticket. Both games are sold in 42 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. Each game has drawings twice a week.

NASA’s 2nd lunar spacecraft arrives

CAIRO

Egypt defends attacks

top Egyptian official responsible for overseeing civil society groups A on Sunday defended sweeps through

the offices of 10 human rights and pro-democracy organizations, rejecting denunciations from the U.S., U.N. and Germany. It was the first comment from the Egyptian government since the sweeps Thursday that targeted, among others, U.S.-based groups invited to observe Egypt’s months-long election process. Reports of heavily armed police and soldiers storming into offices, sealing the doors, rifling through files and confiscating computers set off a wave of international protest against Egypt’s rulers. International Cooperation Minister Faiza Aboul Naga defended the operation as a legitimate investigation into organizations suspected of operating without permits and receiving “political funding” against the law.

MT. RAINIER PARK, WASH.

Ranger shot, killed in park

Mount Rainier National Park officials said a park service ranger has died after being shot during a routine traffic stop on Sunday. Park spokeswoman Lee Taylor said the park was closed as authorities searched for the gunman, who was armed with a rifle and fled on foot after the shooting. The ranger is 34-year-old Margaret Anderson. The shooting happened just before 11 a.m. near the Longmire Ranger Station in the southwestern part of the 368square-mile park in Washington state. SEATTLE

Facebook aids kidney hunt

Here’s another reason for holdouts to join the social media site Facebook: It’s a great place to find a kidney. Facebook and other social media sites are quickly becoming a go-to place to find a generous person with a kidney to spare, according to the people asking for help and some national organizations that facilitate matches. Damon Brown found a kidney on Facebook after telling his story on a special page the Seattle dad created under the name, “Damon Kidney.” His friends and family forwarded the link to everyone they knew and on Jan. 3 a woman his wife has known for years, but not someone they consider a close family friend, will be giving him a kidney. Brown’s story is not unique, said April Paschke, a spokeswoman for the United Network for Organ Sharing, a private nonprofit organization that manages the nation’s organ transplant system for the federal government. VATICAN CITY

Pope makes unity move

Pope Benedict XVI named a married former Episcopal bishop Sunday to head the first U.S. organizational structure for disaffected Anglicans and Episcopalians who want to join the Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Jeffrey Neil Steenson, a father of three and Catholic convert, will lead the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, the equivalent of a diocese, that will be based in Houston, Texas, but will operate nationally. Benedict in 2009 issued an unprecedented invitation for Anglicans to become Catholic in groups or as parishes, at a time when traditional Anglicans in several countries were increasingly upset by the ordination of women and gay bishops. Formerly, Anglican converts to Catholicism were accepted on a case-by-case basis.

The roundabout journey spans 3 1/2 months and covers 2 1/2 million miles.

By ALICIA CHANG AP Science Writer

AP PHOTOS

Republican presidential candidate former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum speaks Saturday during a campaign appearance at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa.

Santorum in GOP rivals’ crosshairs

Polls showed Mitt Romney poised for a possible victory Tuesday in Iowa and Ron Paul not far behind.

By BETH FOUHY and THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Surging into toptier contention, Republican Rick Santorum came under sharp criticism from rivals hoping to slow his momentum two days before Iowa’s kickoff caucuses. The former Pennsylvania senator defended his record in Washington and cast himself as the most electable conservative alternative to front-runner Mitt Romney. Polls showed Romney poised for a possible victory Tuesday in Iowa and Texas Rep. Ron Paul not far behind. Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann tried to make their case Sunday to peel conservative votes away from Santorum, whose meticulous campaigning across Iowa and wooing of social conservatives appeared to be paying dividends at the finish line. “He’s got a spending problem, he’s got an earmark problem, he voted eight times to raise the debt ceiling in the United States Senate,” Perry said on “Fox News Sunday.” Bachmann noted on the same broadcast that Santorum was soundly defeated when he ran for re-election in 2006, losing by a 59-41 margin to Democrat Bob Casey.

Mitt Romney is embraced by a supporter Sunday during a campaign appearance at the Family Table restaurant in Atlantic, Iowa.

Santorum’s campaign debuted a TV ad in Iowa that portrayed him as “a trusted conservative who gives us the best chance to take back America.” Joining rivals on the Sunday talk shows, Santorum was pressed to say whether he believed Romney had conservative values. Santorum said any of the Republican candidates would be more conservative than President Barack Obama. “The question is, are those values ones that you can trust when they become president of the United States?” he told

NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Santorum defended his support for home-state spending projects, or earmarks, saying he was elected in part to bring federal money to Pennsylvania. “I don’t regret going out at the time and making sure the people of Pennsylvania — who I was elected to represent — got resources,” Santorum said. But, he added, “I voted for some things that I look back and say, ‘Why the heck did I do that?’ ” Santorum planned several campaign stops in western Iowa later Sunday.

Iraq’s prime minister calls for unity and stability Al-Maliki warns Iraqis against “excessive joy” over the departure of American troops. By BUSHRA JUHI Associated Press

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister called Sunday for unity and greater political stability to ensure the country’s security after the end of the American military presence. Speaking at a televised celebration in Baghdad, Nouri al-Maliki warned Iraqis against “excessive joy” over the departure of American troops, saying the coun-

try’s security situation remains perilous. The last U.S. combat soldiers exited on Dec. 18. Al-Maliki called on all Iraqis to unite in the interest of the nation and stressed that Iraq al-Maliki needs stability if it hopes to remain secure and rebuild. “We need political stability so we can address the world in one voice and not in ... conflicting voices,” al-Maliki said. Al-Maliki’s comments came during a political crisis that started after his government issued an arrest warrant for Iraq’s top Sunni politician, re-igniting

fears that sectarian tensions could divide the country and even re-ignite a civil war between Sunnis and Shiites. Al-Maliki is also trying to get rid of his deputy prime minister, another Sunni, leaving many Sunnis worried that they are being sidelined from power. On Sunday evening, a Katyusha rocket exploded in Abu Dshir, a Shiite enclave in the mainly Sunni neighborhood of Dora in the southwest of Baghdad, killing one civilian and wounding four others, according to police and a hospital officials. In the capital’s southeast, a police car vehicle struck a roadside bomb, wounding seven, including three policemen, police and hospital officials said.

LOS ANGELES — A NASA spacecraft fired its engine Sunday to enter lunar orbit, hoping to join its twin already circling the moon. If all goes as planned, the backto-back arrivals over the New Year’s weekend would cap a roundabout journey span- On New Year’s ning 3 1/2 Eve, mission months and covering 2 1/2 controllers at million miles. the NASA Jet The Grail Propulsion spacecraft — Laboratory short for Gravity Recovery cheered after and Interior Grail-A flew Laboratory — over the are on a hunt south pole. to learn what’s inside the moon by meticulously mapping its lumpy gravity field from orbit. On New Year’s Day, the Grail-B spacecraft swooped over the moon’s south pole and executed a 40-minute maneuver to brake into orbit as deep space antennas tracked its progress. The move came a day after mission control at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory cheered at the success of its twin Grail-A. An engineer even blew a noisemaker to ring in the New Year’s Eve arrival. An expedition to the moon, Earth’s closest neighbor at about 250,000 miles away, usually takes a few days. Grail took the road less traveled by launching on a small rocket that lengthened the trip, but was more economical. Since the Space Age, the moon has been the focus of more than 100 missions. Despite all the exploration — including Apollo landings on the surface and hauling rock and soil back to Earth — aspects of the moon remain a mystery. One of the enduring puzzles is its lopsided shape with the far side more hilly than the side that Earth sees. Research published earlier this year suggested that our planet once had two moons that collided early in the solar system’s history. Scientists expect to learn more about how the celestial body formed using Grail’s gravity measurements that will indicate what’s below the surface. Data collection won’t begin until March after the spacecraft tweak their positions and are circling just 34 miles above the surface. Middle school students will get the chance to take their own moon pictures using cameras aboard the probes as part of a project spearheaded by Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.

CMYK PAGE 6A

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

THE TIMES LEADER

www.timesleader.com

K PAGE 8A

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

HUBERT J. “HUCK” JONES JR., of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2011, at his home. Born October 23, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of the late Hubert J. and Helen Jones. Huck was a 1970 graduate of GAR High School, Wilkes-Barre, and was employed in the maintenance department at Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David. Huck was a loving father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his daughters, Erin Earley of Hanover Township and Tracy Jones of Wilkes-Barre; sons, James and his wife, Heather of Nanticoke, and Kevin, of Plains; grandchildren, Michael Jones, Alicia Harris, Kyle Earley, Zachary Earley, Tylor Harris, Ashley Harris and Grace Jones. Family and friends may express condolences on Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Jendrzejewski Funeral Home, 21 N. Meade St., WilkesBarre. LARRY MARTIN KIMBALL, 66, of Nanticoke, passed away Friday, December 30, 2011, in Hospice Community Care at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. Born in Chippewa, Wis., he was the son of the late Errol and Rose Prosecky Kimball. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam Era. He was a member of Nanticoke American Legion Post 350 and Ashley American Legion. Surviving are his children; companion Patricia Hamilton; as well as other family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. at Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 173 E. Green St., Nanticoke.

DOROTHY MIKELSKI PHILLIPS, 69, formerly of Laflin, died Friday, December 30, 2011 in Kingston. Born in Plains Township, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Viola Yukasavage Mikelski. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, in 2003; daughter Jo-Anne, earlier this year; sister Joan Kivler; brothers, Joseph, Anthony. Surviving are daughters Nancy Lee Reese, Laflin; Rebecca Phillips, Forty Fort; grandchildren, Rachael Lee and Michael Noah Reese; sisters Ann Pyryt, Forty Fort; Jean Verbitski, Plains; Patricia Radle, West Wyoming, Elaine Young, Plains. Funeral will be held at the convenience of the family from the Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main St., Plains Township. RONALD GOLYA, of Wyoming, died Saturday, December 31, 2011 at home. Funeral arrangements are pending from the Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main St., Plains Township. TODD NEIL VAN BODEGOM– SMITH, age 49, of Trucksville, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 31, 2011 at his home. A Celebration of Hope will be held Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 p.m. until time of the Celebration of Hope. Interment will be made Thursday, Jan. 5, in Idetown Cemetery, Lehman. A full obituary will appear in Tuesday’s edition.

Joseph P. Elko December 31, 2011 Joseph P. Elko, 82, of Dupont, passed away Saturday December 31, 2011, at Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. He was born in Dupont, on August18,1929 and was the son of the late Charles and Victoria (Lentowski) Elko. Joseph was a member of Sacred Heart Of Jesus Church, Dupont. He was a 1947 graduate of Dupont High School. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War as a Medic and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He worked as a dock foreman for Friedman Trucking, and also for Geisinger Hospital. Joseph was a member of the VFW Post 4909 of Dupont. Joe’s passion for the outdoors fueled his interest in gardening and hunting. His dexterity combined with his creativity made him a gifted woodworker. The absolute

center of his life -- his main priority and love -- was his family, by whom he will be missed beyond measure. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Theresa Waskiewicz Elko; his daughters, Karen Haberek, of Moosic, and Patricia and her husband, Joseph Haberek, of Moosic; grandchildren, Phillip, Ross and Jennifer Haberek; Sarah LaMotta and her husband, Jeffrey, and great-grandson, Koby LaMotta. Joseph is also survived by his brothers, Edward, of Arlington, Texas; William Elko, of Suscon; his sister, Mary Wasmanski, of Plains, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3,at 9:30 a.m. from Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Verespy officiating. The VFW Post 4909 of Dupont will provide military honors. Friends may call today from 5 to 8 p.m. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.kiesingerfuneralservices.com.

Nellie (Carmella) DeRosa Butera

December 31, 2011

January 1, 2012

atthew V. Zaluski, 20, Dickson City, died Saturday night at the M Moses Taylor Hospital, after a

brave, two-year battle with cancer of the liver. Born April 20, 1991, in Scranton, son of Kimberly Bubblo Trubia and stepdad Carmen Trubia, Dunmore, with whom he resided for the past few months, and Matthew J. Zaluski, Bradley Beach, N.J. He spent most of his life in Dickson City and the Mid Valley area, attending St. Mary’s School, Dickson City, then Valley View, where he was on the Cougars wresting team. He was a member of St. Mary’s Visitation, Dickson City. He had worked at the Dickson City Civic Center as an assistant youth counselor for a short period. For a time, early on in his illness, he attended Lackawanna College in the nursing program. Matt loved outdoor sports, including football, and was an Eagles fan. He enjoyed spending time with his brother, Zac, playing video games. He also enjoyed writing poetry. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandfathers, John Bubblo and Vince Zaluski, and recently his great-grand-

N100, a resident of Wesley Vilellie (Carmella) DeRosa Butera,

mother, Helen Hudanick. He is survived by a brother, Zachary Zaluski, at home; his maternal and paternal grandmothers, Delores Bubblo, West Wyoming, and Frances Zaluski, Mt. Cobb, as well as several aunts, uncle and cousins. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the Yurkanin Funeral Home, 1115 Main St., Dickson City, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Visitation, Dickson City. Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Dickson City. Friends may call Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Janet McGuire December 28, 2011 Janet McGuire, 69, of PO Box 235, Tresckow, passed away on Wednesday evening at Wilkes-Barre General Hospi-

tal. Born in Hazleton, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Helen (Lech) Shema, a 1959 graduate of Hazleton High School and a lifelong Hazleton area resident. Janet regularly attended Mass and was a longtime member of the former St. Michael’s Church in Tresckow and currently a member of Holy Rosary Church in Hazleton. She was a member of the Hazleton Polonaise Society and the Anthracite Polka Association and very much enjoyed Polka music. Janet was a talented seamstress, who did sewing in her home and produced elegant custom-made draperies. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, especially the annual vacations to Ocean City, N.J., camping at the Rosemount Camping Resort, playing cards with friends and casino gambling. Her priority, however, has always been her family and especially maintaining holiday traditions. Undeniably, her greatest pleasure was her relationship with her 12

grandchildren, earning her the right to proudly display her vehicle’s license plate which read “NANNY-12” She is survived by her husband, Jerry McGuire, with whom she would have celebrated her 51st wedding anniversary on January 21; a son, Jerry T. McGuire, and his wife, Mary Grace, of Drums; daughter, Debbie Ritz, and her husband, Dr. George Ritz, of Mountain Top; son Gary McGuire and his wife, Susan, of Drums; grandchildren, Justine, Michael, Thomas and Kelly McGuire, George, Matthew, Rachael and Daniel Ritz, and Tara, Macey, Gary and Devyn McGuire; her brother, Mike “Sonny” Shema of Hazleton; sister, Joan Shive, and her husband, Bill, of Tresckow; as well as a niece, a nephew and their families. Friends are invited to call at the Butler Chapel of Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home, 530 W. Butler Drive, Drums, today from 6 to 9 p.m. and again at the Butler Chapel on Tuesday from 9:15 until 10:15 a.m. when a funeral procession will travel to the Holy Rosary Church, 240 S. Poplar St., Hazleton, where a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Following the committal prayers at the church, funeral home staff members will oversee the private interment of her remains in Calvary Cemetery in Drums. Condolence messages may be entered in the family’s memorial guestbook on the funeral home website at www.khfuneralhomes.com.

December 31, 2011 a.m. Tuesday in Holy Rosary Church, Hazleton. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today in Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home, Drums. NAHILL – Thomas, funeral 10 a.m. Tuesday in the E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today. NALEWAJKO – Helen, funeral 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Metcalfe and Shaver Funeral Home Inc. 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church of St. Monica’s Parish, Wyoming. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. ROSE – Clarence, funeral 10 a.m. Tuesday in the John V. Morris Funeral Home, 625 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Visitation and remembrances 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morris’ North Wilkes-Barre location and Tuesday 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. TRIPLETT – Joseph Sr., funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Clarke Piatt Funeral Home Inc., 6 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Creek. Friends may call 9 to 11 a.m. before the funeral service.

Genevieve Gretz, age 92, a 63-year resident of Spring Brook Township, passed into eternity on Saturday morning. Born in Old Forge, on April 8, 1919, daughter of the late Isaac and Elizabeth Harris Dawes, she was educated in the Old Forge School District. She was a lifelong member of the Moosic Assembly of God Church. She was a very loving mother who will be greatly missed by her children. She was preceded in death in 1988 by her late husband, Peter Gretz. At that time, the couple had been married for 41 years. Also preceding in death were two brothers, Albert and Augustus Dawes; and nine sisters, Beatrice Dawes, Helen Francis, Violet Asher, Elizabeth Dawes, Dorothy Fran-

cis, Emily Woodmancy, Daisey Wright, Ethel Chatwin and Edith Riddle. She is survived by her daughter, Judy; her son Paul and wife Pat and their daughter, Amy Gretz, her son Duane and wife Donna and their children, Peter and Thomas Derenick, and her son David and wife Lisa and their children, Matthew and David Derenick; and longtime family friend Fred Hirsch; all of whom reside in Northeastern Pennsylvania The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Moosic Assembly of God Church, 477 Third Street in Moosic, to be conducted by the Rev. David O’Brien, pastor. Interment will follow in Spring Brook Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge. Please visit www.KearneyFuneralHome.com for directions or to leave an online condolence.

Frederick J. Krohle January 1, 2012

OBITUARY POLICY The Times Leader publishes free obituaries, which have a 27-line limit, and paid obituaries, which can run with a photograph. A funeral home representative can call the obituary desk at (570) 829-7224, send a fax to (570) 829-5537 or e-mail to tlobits@timesleader.com. If you fax or e-mail, please call to confirm. Obituaries must be submitted by 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Obituaries must be sent by a funeral home or crematory, or must name who is handling arrangements, with address and phone number. We discourage handwritten notices; they incur a $15 typing fee.

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

Matthew V. Zaluski

Genevieve Gretz

FUNERALS BURNSIDE – Angelina, funeral 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William St., Pittston. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Marello Parish at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Pittston. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. CHERESKO – Stella, Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Tuesday in Mercy Center Chapel. Friends may call 9 a.m. until time of Mass at Mercy Center. COOPER – Elizabeth, funeral 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today. DZOCH – Jeff, memorial services 1 p.m. Saturday in the Bethel Hill United Methodist Church, Sweet Valley. GIACOMO – Raymond, funeral 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Wroblewski Funeral Home Inc., 1442 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Parish, 574 Bennett St., Luzerne. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. GOBER – Michael, funeral 9 a.m. today in the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Ave., Kingston. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Church. FARRELL – John, funeral 9:30 a.m. today in the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., Glen Lyon. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Spirit Parish/St. Adalbert’s Church, Glen Lyon. HAHN – Shirley, funeral 9 a.m. today in the Harold C. Snowdon Home for Funerals, Inc., 420 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Kingston. KUDEY – Stanley, funeral 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in the George A. Strish Inc. Funeral Home, 105 North Main St., Ashley. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church, Swoyersville. Friends may call 3 to 7 p.m. today. MATT – Mary, funeral 9 a.m. today in Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea. Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Duryea. MCGUIRE – Janet, funeral Mass 11

M of Lake Township, died Sun-

r. Frederick J. Krohle, age 76,

1990. He is survived by his wife, Jean; day morning at the Hospice VNA, stepsons, Leonard Kryeski, GilNorthampton Street, Wilkes- bertsville, Pa.; Kevin Kryeski and Barre.. his wife, Debra, Mount Holly He was born in Ashland, Pa., a Springs, Pa.; grandchildren, Abigail son of the late Jacob and Martha and Nicholas. Nochton Krohle, and graduated Funeral service will be held from Weatherly High School, Tuesday at 4 p.m. from the Wilkes College and Drexel Univer- William A. Reese Funeral Chapel, sity with a Master’s Degree in Li- rear 56 Gaylord Ave., Plymouth. brary Science. Friends may call Tuesday from 2 He served in the Army from p.m. until time of service. 1957 to 1959. Memorial donations may be sent Mr. Krohle had been employed the Slightly Read Book Store at the for 33 years by Wilkes University Back Mountain Memorial Library, as a reference and collections de- 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas, PA velopment librarian, and had been 18612. the manager of the “Slightly Read Book Store” of the Back Mountain Memorial Library since 2001. starting at $ He was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre. He was preceded in death by his Memorial Highway, Dallas first wife, Margaret Krohle, in www.omarscastleinn.com • 675-0804

Funeral Lunches 7.95

lage, died January 1, 2012. Born on October 6, 1911 in Serradifalco, Sicily, she came to America at the age of 5 months. She was the spouse of Angelo Butera, who died on January 30, 1992. She was the eldest of five daughters of the late Anna (Rollo) and John DeRosa. She was preceded in death by sons, Gasper, Blue Bell, Pa., and John, Pittston; sisters Rose Pelonero, Carrie DeGennaro, Bessie DeRosa and Mary Barrette. Nellie was a longtime resident of Frothingham Street, Pittston. She later resided with her son John and his wife, Joyce, prior to becoming a resident of Wesley Village in 2008. She is survived by daughter-inlaws, Antoinette, Blue Bell, and Joyce, Pittston; grandchildren, Angelo and wife Nancy, Michael, George and wife Laura, Carmella and husband Albert Fereck; Christine and husband Sam Parry; John and wife Rose. She had 10 great-grandchildren. Nellie was a loving and caring woman who loved to take walks in the Oregon Section of Pittston. She

was also an avid reader of newspapers and novels. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday with family and the staff of Wesley Village. The family would like to thank Dr. Gerald Gibbons, the nurses and staff of Wesley Village for their care. Funeral services are entrusted to Graziano Funeral Home Inc., Pittston Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Morello Parish (St Rocco’s R.C. Church), Pittston, Tuesday, January 3, at 11:30 a.m. There will be no calling hours. Interment will follow at St. Rocco’s R.C. Cemetery, Pittston Township.

Passers-by rescue kids from river after crash Several people dive into icy waters in Utah after car flips over into a river.

By LYNN DeBRUIN Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY — As many as 10 people jumped into an icy Utah river to help save three trapped children after a car plunged down a 10-foot embankment and flipped over, the state’s Highway Patrol said Sunday. The rescuers helped turn the Honda Accord upright in the Logan River, and one man shot out the car’s window with a handgun and cut a seat belt to help free the children after Saturday afternoon accident, patrol Lt. Steve Winward said. The driver, Roger Andersen, 46, of Logan, lost control as he tried to brake while heading northbound on U.S. 89 during slick conditions. His 9-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son were trapped along with a second 9year-old girl. “He was panicked, doing everything he could to get in through the doors, but they wouldn’t budge,” said rescuer Chris Willden, who had jumped into the water with his own father after coming upon the crash scene. Willden, a Department of Defense contractor with a background in law enforcement, shot out one window with his Glock handgun after trying unsuccessfully to open windows and doors. As he reached upward searching for arms and legs, he felt nothing. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘You’re going to see some dead kids, get ready,’ ” Willden said. “I’ve got three of my own and it was going to be (an awful) start to the New Year.” That’s when he turned to see six or so other men scrambling down the bank into the water. Together they pushed up on the vehicle enough so they could see in through the windows. One of the girls had found an air pocket and was breathing fine but was trapped in her seat belt. Willden cut it with a folding pocket knife and pulled her from the rear passenger window. He said the other two children were lifeless, the boy upside down in his car seat and the second girl floating in the front passenger compartment. The boy was cut out of his car seat and pulled out with the other girl. “I didn’t think they were going to be around for the New Year,” Willden said. Other rescuers made sure they were. Buzzy Mullahkel of North Logan told the Deseret News of Salt Lake City that the boy wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a pulse

but was revived when another passerby quickly performed CPR. “He took him from there and I just tried to get out of the way,” said Mullahkel, a father of a 4year-old himself. “Emotions started taking over when he started to breathe. Everybody started to cheer. Lots of tears and clapping.” Willden, 35, of Ogden, was warming up and wrapping up his bleeding forearms cut by the broken window when he heard cheers up the road. “That was awesome,” he said. “I knew that’s where the little boy was.” The boy and his sister were flown by air ambulance to Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Bonnie Midget, a hospital spokeswoman, said Sunday both are doing well after spending the night in intensive care. They were taken out of intensive care Sunday but still in the hospital, listed in fair condition as they recover from hypothermia. The father and the second girl escaped injury, authorities said. Mullahkel said the scene reminded him of another heroic rescue in Logan earlier this year. In that case, bystanders lifted a burning car off an injured motorcyclist and pulled him to safety. The motorcyclist survived and is recovering from his injuries. “It was eerily similar,” Mullahkel told the Deseret News. “Those men in the river just even now blow my mind. Look at these gentlemen, these men in this river in the middle of winter.” Willden said simply there was a mission to be accomplished. After all, he had slid into that icy river two years earlier — the only difference is his car didn’t flip. He noted that both he and his father are both former military/ civilian police officers, while his sister and mother are emergency medical technicians. “It’s in our family to go out and help others,” he said.

In Loving Memory

Carmella Kempinski who passed away two years ago January 2, 2010

Always in our hearts Loved and missed by family & friends

G en etti’s

A fterFu nera lLu ncheons Sta rting a t$7.95 p erp erson

H otelBerea vem entR a tes

825.6477

K ➛ S E R V I N G T H E P U B L I C T R U S T S I N C E 18 81

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 9A

Editorial

WORLD OPINION

AP PHOTO

Protesters gather in Moscow during late December to protest alleged vote rigging in Russia’s parliamentary elections.

Election outcome spurs a winter of discontent

T MIGHT BE winter in Moscow, but the Arab Spring seems to have thawed the patience of the public if the response to the spontaneous demonstration at the capital is any indicator. Seldom in Russia has one seen such a sight as millions poured out to question the authenticity of the recent election amid loud proclamations of rigging. Usually the protests are mooted and slip off the news circuit as the tame media settles for the official version. But this time around even the Russian authorities who do keep a close eye on what they see as dissidence seem to have been caught napping. Until now, the rants of a few bloggers and the call to arms (as in peaceful protest) were limited to a few individuals. But now, led by the more high profile of these professionals

and members of the Russian intelligentsia these movements are beginning to coalesce into one mass surge of public opinion. The target is remarkably like the one in India, with bureaucratic and political corruption at its core. The opposition leader in Russia is the high-profile lawyer, Alexei Navalny, whose popularity has soared, making him untouchable by the government. At this stage, if they tried to gag him, the 120,000 strong mass could double. Perhaps, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin would do well to call for an investigation into the charges of the rigging and the deeply rooted corrupt practices that seem to have ripped the façade of public patience. Khaleej Times Dubai, United Arab Emirates

QUOTE OF THE DAY “I don’t think the project is worth it, whatever the cost is.”

on River Street.

Rich Adams The co-owner of Around Town Bicycles in Wilkes-Barre is disappointed that bike lanes won’t be part of the $2 million project designed to calm traffic

What now from N. Korea?

S THE nuclear-armed, hermit kingdom of North Korea now even more dangerous as Kim Jong Un, the young and inexperienced son, takes over from his dead father Kim Jong Il? Everyone fears those things about which they know least. By that measure, North Korea has long been a legitimate source of major international anxiety. This is a secretive, apparently deeply paranoid regime which, time and again, has demonstrated its willingness to lash out aggressively. Even its single major supporter, China, has at times lost patience. By constantly warning its people that they are under siege and in imminent danger of attack, the regime has turned the country into an armed camp. There are more than 1 million men in the army, fully 20 percent of the male population between the ages of 17 and 54. In addition, there is a mil-

Editorial Board

itary reserve of more than 7.6 million soldiers. By the same token, the North Korean governing elite must realize that any major conflict would jeopardize the privileged life they lead, in stark contrast to the majority of their dirt-poor citizens. They know they must remain sufficiently threatening to keep the outside world at bay, but could lose everything if they go too far. Supported by an indulgent China, which values the difficulties Pyongyang causes Washington and its Asian allies, life still looks good for the North Korean leadership, whoever they are. And for those extra little luxuries, the regime’s elite can draw on the foreign currency they banked from the illegal sale of nuclear weapons knowhow to the likes of Myanmar, Libya, Syria and Iran. Arab News Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

PRASHANT SHITUT President and Interim CEO/Impressions Media MARK E. JONES JOSEPH BUTKIEWICZ Editorial Page Editor Vice President/Executive Editor

MALLARD FILLMORE

Postal Service needs flexibility to survive as business AS CONGRESS considers legislation to reform the business model of the U.S. Postal Service, it must confront a basic choice: to permit the Postal Service to function more as a business does, or constrain it from doing so. With greater business model flexibility, the Postal Service can return to profitability and financial stability. A flexible business model would speed product and pricing decisions, enable a five-day-per-week delivery schedule and permit the realignment of mail processing, delivery and retail networks to meet lower mail volumes. It also would allow the Postal Service to more effectively manage its health care and retirement systems, and better leverage its workforce. For an organization that generates all of its revenue from the sale of its postage, products and services – and is contending with declining use of first-class mail for bill payment – having the flexibility to quickly adapt and react to the marketplace is vital. Our immediate goal is to reduce our annual costs by $20 billion by 2015, which would put the Postal Service in the black and ahead of the longterm cost curve. The alternative is a business model that prohibits or delays cost reduction, perpetuates an inflexible structure and constrains the Postal Service from being more responsive to the marketplace. Under this scenario, and in the absence of meaningful and immediate business model reform, the Postal Service could soon incur long-term deficits in the

MAIL BAG

KEVIN L. MCADAMS range of $10 billion to $15 billion annually. Within the limits of our legal framework, we have responded aggressively to a changing marketplace – reducing the size of our workforce by 128,000 career employees and reducing annual operating costs by $12.5 billion in only the past four years. However, to return to profitability we must move at an even faster pace. And to do so requires changes in the law. If provided with the flexibility and speed to act, the Postal Service can avoid being a financial burden to the taxpayer. More important, a financially stable Postal Service that can operate more like a business can more readily adapt to America’s changing mailing and shipping needs. For example, we are expanding our network of 70,000 retail partner locations and online offerings so that our customers will be able to purchase stamps and conduct other mailing and shipping transactions outside of the traditional post office. Customers increasingly will be able to visit gas stations, grocery stores and pharmacies – which are part of regular shopping patterns, open longer hours and weekends, and more conveniently located – to conduct their postal business. The traditional post office always will exist, but a changing world demands rethinking the status quo and adapting to the needs of our

Kevin L. McAdams is district manager of the U.S. Postal Service’s Central Pennsylvania Postal District, based in Harrisburg.

LETTERS FROM READERS

Reader insists we are what we eat or drink

COMMENTARY

customers. In a digital world, businesses and individuals have choices in the way they communicate. Although the Postal Service facilitates trillions in commerce annually, and supports a $900 billion mailing industry that employs almost 8 million people, it must have the tools and the motivations to effectively compete for customers. In the debate about its future, some people have argued the Postal Service should not operate like a business and be allowed to regress into an unchanging, taxpayer-subsidized agency, and some have urged that it be privatized and completely separated from the government. The former is undesirable and the latter is unrealistic. The answer resides in the middle – an organization that performs a vital national function and operates with the discipline and motivations of a business that competes for customers. If the Postal Service is to endure as a great American institution, provide the nation with a secure, reliable and affordable delivery platform, and serve as an engine of commerce, Congress should provide it with the speed and flexibility it needs to compete in an evolving marketplace. The Postal Service is far too integral to the economic health of the nation to be handcuffed to the past and to an inflexible business model. To best serve taxpayers and postal customers, it’s time to remove the constraints.

ere are a few ideas that should enrich our everyday lives. The things we eat or drink have a great bearing – usually within a day or two – on the way we feel, behave, sleep, dream (including nightmares), etc. They can make us feel good or bad. It is important to keep a record on a calendar of the bad things so we can eliminate them. There are also many other things that can affect our mood such as the weather, time of year (season) and other people (especially those who are looking for an argument; we should avoid them). There also are many physical problems that can be controlled by eating or drinking certain things (herbal remedies) or eliminating things from our diet. Those problems include headaches, GI problems, stress, heart attacks, stroke and epilepsy. When the humidity drops below 40 percent it can cause a person to have a sore

SEND US YOUR OPINION Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number for verification. Letters should be no more than 250 words. We reserve the right to edit and limit writers to one published letter every 30 days. • E-mail: mailbag@timesleader.com • Fax: 570-829-5537 • Mail: Mail Bag, The Times Leader, 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 1871 1

Government seeks to dim the light on our rights

throat, and the organisms that cause a cold or flu could gain entrance to our bodies. The humidity in a room should be between 40 and 50 percent. Playgrounds should lay two-by-fours on the ground so that young children could walk on them to gain confidence and balance. And this balance apparatus could be increased in height for older kids. This also would reduce the fear of height and the use of holding on to something for fear of falling.

oy, am I relieved. Congress is finally standing up for our rights. Yep, we will no longer live in fear of the dreaded fluorescent light bulb. They have lifted the yoke of tyranny from our shoulders. We will be able to continue to buy and use incandescent bulbs. Americans are free at last. Well, unless you are arrested in the middle of the night because someone mistakenly accuses you of terrorist sympathy or outright terrorism. Now, if you’re guilty, that’s one thing; but guilty or not, you can be held incommunicado, without legal representation, without trial, for life. Congress doesn’t feel those rights are needed by American citizens. So enjoy your lights and forget your rights. It looks like it’s the new American way.

Jacob Corney Edwardsville

Ed Cole Clarks Summit

DOONESBURY: FLASHBACK

CMYK PAGE 10A

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

States failing to help smokers Lung Association says people O N T H E N E T are having trouble getting aid Read the report at www.timesleader.com. they need. By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@timesleader.com

Most states, including Pennsylvania, are falling short of providing the help that millions need to quit smoking, according to the American Lung Association’s Helping Smokers Quit: Tobacco Cessation Coverage 2011 report. Pennsylvania ranked 20th in the nation in quit-friendliness for smokers. The report calls on federal and state policymakers to make quitsmoking services an urgent priority to help citizens live longer and more productive lives. For the first time since launching the annual report in 2008, the Lung Association identifies the most quit-friendly and the least quit-friendly states based on the coverage of smoking cessation programs and treatments available in each state. The five most quit-friendly states are Maine, North Dakota, Delaware, Oklahoma and Wyoming. The five least quitfriendly are Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Maryland and New Jersey. “Progress in helping smokers quit brings real results: It saves lives and saves money,” said association President and CEO Charles Connor.

SMOKING Continued from Page 1A

Wilkes-Barre as the second worst smoking metropolitan area in the United States is still alarming. According to a January 2011 survey by news website The Daily Beast, 23.5 percent of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre residents are smokers, consuming an average of 17 cigarettes per day. Isaacson pointed to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which states that 36 percent of the nation’s smokers try to quit each year, but only 3 percent succeed for six months or more. That’s because nicotine is so addictive, Isaacson said. “When people inhale cigarette smoke, nicotine and about 4,000 other substances are easily, through the lung air sacs, transmitted directly into the blood stream and lickety-split, that nicotine is going to the nicotine receptors in the brain and it provides a certain ‘this feels good, this is a good thing,’ ” he said. Because quitting is so difficult, Isaacson said, support and encouragement from friends and family is important. “I think it’s really hard for peo-

VETERANS Continued from Page 3A

ticular concern that many World War II veterans may not participate and are dying off each day. He said he has heard many interesting local stories from area vets and wishes to keep them alive. For example, one local World War II veteran got married right before he left for war and did not see his child for a few years, since this was before the digital age of communications. He also heard interesting accounts from local vets who fought at Normandy on D-Day or in the Pacific during those final days of the war with Japan. Local veterans of all ages, and of all time periods, are encouraged to participate. The project will be ongoing. Marino’s veterans coordinator Michael Knouse and communications director Renita Fennick are handling the project. The local response has been good and will grow, said Fennick. “We have received several requests for participation and are in the process of coordinating appointments to record and

Patchwork of treatment The report finds an uneven patchwork of smoking cessation treatments and services across the country. “The level and type of assistance available to smokers is inconsistent state to state, insurance plan to insurance plan and smoker to smoker,” said Connor. “By not helping all smokers, too many people are missing out on longer, happier, more productive lives.” The Lung Association calls for a comprehensive approach, including unrestricted access to seven medications and three types of counseling, all of which are recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service as proven effective in helping smokers quit. The Lung Association in 2010 gave Pennsylvania a letter grade of C for smoke-free laws and for its excise tax on cigarettes. But the state got a failing grade for its investment in smoking-cessation programs and insurance benefits and for its tobacco control and prevention spending. Pennsylvania law prohibits smoking in government and private work places, schools, childcare facilities, retail stores, and cultural and recreational facili-

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S F O R P O L I C Y M A K E R S While there are many ways in which policymakers and benefit designers can customize a smoking cessation benefit to fit their own plan and constituencies, the American Lung Association provides some hallmarks of a model benefit that will give smokers the best chance to quit for good: • Cover all treatments recommended in the Public Health Service Guideline, include all seven medications on plan formularies and preferred drug lists, and cover all three forms of counseling. • Cover each medication for its FDA-approved duration of use. Cover at least four counseling sessions per quit attempt, and at least two quit attempts per year. • Eliminate or reduce co-pays and other cost-sharing on medications and counseling • Do not require prior authorization of treatments, which slows down treatment and can decrease a smoker’s motivation and momentum to quit. • Do not limit the amount of times a person can try to quit in their lifetime. Quitting is a process that usually takes many attempts. • Do not require stepped-care therapy, which can force a patient to use a treatment they have already tried or that is not right. • Do not require patients to attend counseling to obtain medications. Counseling should be encouraged, but requiring it may discourage some people from seeking any help with quitting.

ties, and the activity is restricted On a positive note, Pennsylvania covers all seven tobacco-cesin restaurants and casinos. sation medications and individuFunding issues al and group counseling with onPennsylvania charges an ex- ly minimal co-pays in its Medicise tax of $1.60 on each pack of caid program. cigarettes sold here, ranking it But for state employees, only 20th highest in the nation. New nicotine gum and patches and York ranks first at $4.35 per pack phone and online counseling are while Missouri is the lowest at17 covered by insurance, and councents per pack. seling is required to receive the Pennsylvania cut state fund- medications. ing for its tobacco control proWhile nine other states mangram by close to 55 percent over date smoking cessation provitwo recent years. This year, the sions for private insurers, Pennstate provided only $22 million sylvania does not. Nor does the in funding for its tobacco control state invest the $10.83 for every program – 14 percent of the $155 smoker into the state quitline as million that the Centers for Dis- recommended by the CDC; ease Control and Prevention rec- Pennsylvania invests only 54 ommended. cents for each smoker.

R ES O U RC ES TO H E L P YO U Q U I T S M O K I N G

TIPS FOR QUITTING

• Phone counseling is available in every state by calling 1-800-QUITNOW, as well as from organizations including the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA. • There are several free online programs to help you quit smoking. Find The American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking” program at www.ffsonline.org. Find links to several other free online programs to help you quit at www.timesleader.com.

• Discuss options with your doctor to determine what plan might work best for you. • Get counseling while you’re quitting; it increases your chances for success. • If you don’t already exercise, consider starting when you quit to help avoid gaining weight. • Develop alternative plans for dealing with stress.

ple, and we as health care providers need to recognize that. It shouldn’t be about shaming people, it shouldn’t be about blaming them for what is truly an addiction. But if I don’t talk to them about it, I’m also not doing my job,” he said. That responsibility to encourage people to quit smoking for their own well-being and the well-being of those around them is the major reason Geisinger decided to no longer hire job applicants who use nicotine products as of Feb. 1, Isaacson said. Isaacson said smokers need to feel ready to quit and won’t be successful until they do. When they do make the decision to quit, he said it’s important that the smoker discuss the decision with his or her doctor, because every smoker has different health conditions and life circumstances. For example, while the prescription drug varenicline (Chantix) has been effective in

T O PA R T I C I PAT E Veterans who want to participate may call any of U.S. Rep. Tom Marino’s four offices: • Washington: (202) 225-3731; • Tunkhannock: (570) 8368020; • Williamsport: (570) 322-3961; • Sunbury: (570) 988-7801

videotape these fascinating stories,” she said. “We are doing this at the convenience of the veterans,” Marino said. “Veterans may make arrangements to come to one of our offices or we will come to your home or a veterans home to speak with you.” Marino said Fennick and Knouse will record the veterans’ accounts and post them on a Veterans History Project channel they will set up on www.youtube.com. They will also file them with the Library of Congress. The entire project will be one at no cost to taxpayers, he said. Marino will announce when the www.youtube.com channel is ready. Anyone interested in viewing recorded veterans accounts can then visit www.youtube.com or the Library of Congress’ website, www.loc.gov/vets. There they can search veterans by conflict and branch of service.

helping millions of people quit smoking, studies have shown that suicidal behavior and/or depression can be a side effect. So for people who have depression or have been treated for depression, it may not be a good choice. There are other effective prescription drugs designed to help smokers quit, as well as nicotine patches, nicotine gum and smokeless cigarettes to aid smokers in quitting. Isaacson said many of his patients who were long-term smokers told him quitting cold turkey was the only way because aids wouldn’t help. But sometimes patches or gum can be used to help someone going through nicotine withdrawal get over the hump when the craving appears, Isaacson said. Getting through the first 72 hours of quitting is overcoming a major hurdle because it takes about that long for the nicotine receptors in a smoker’s brain to begin to “down-regulate” or re-

IRAN Continued from Page 1A

Tension has been growing between Iran and the West since a report by the United Nations nuclear inspection agency in November expressed serious concerns about a possible military dimension to the country’s nuclear program. The United States and its allies accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear payloads for missiles. Tehran denies the charge, saying it needs the technology to generate electricity and produce radioisotopes to treat cancer patients. On Saturday, President Obama signed a defense bill that includes new penalties against financial institutions that do business with Iran’s central bank, an attempt to hamper Tehran’s ability to fund the program. The head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Mohammad Nahavandian, dismissed Obama’s action on Sunday. “The Iranian nation and those involved in trade and economic activities will find other alternatives,” Nahavandian was quoted as saying by the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency. The European Union is also

set, he said. Isaacson said there’s no “one way” to quit. “It really depends upon the patients and where they’re at,” he said. But there are some strategies that have been shown to work well in helping smokers quit successfully. They include getting counseling during the quitting process, whether by phone through a tollfree “quitline” available in every state, or with a doctor, therapist or other clinician. Beginning an exercise plan at the same time as quitting also helps, especially for smokers worried about gaining weight, as nicotine has appetite suppression qualities. There also are several free online programs that help people set up a quit plan and offer tips, advice and encouragement throughout the process. considering additional measures that could include an embargo on Iranian oil imports, a vital source of hard currency for Tehran. Iranian officials have threatened to retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic, although they later appeared to back down by saying the country would not do so for now. On Saturday, Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, said the country had proposed a new round of talks with the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, according to IRNA. The last negotiations between Iran and the group—the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany—were held in January in Istanbul, Turkey. Nader Karim Noni, an analyst who writes in reformist newspapers, said Iran wants to "show teeth" ahead of any further talks about its nuclear program. State television reported that the new missile was tested during military exercises in international waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian lawmaker Ismail Kowsari told a news agency the10-day drill was part of preparations to block the strait if sanctions were imposed. But Mousavi reiterated that there were no plans to do so.

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

HISTORICAL Continued from Page 3A

else. Post-war materials wanted It hopes to acquire more postwar materials from area residents and organizations, but has little space for them at its South Franklin Street home. A recently completed engineer’s survey found the society might create some extra space by moving shelves and walls around, but that the 1870s Victorian mansion cannot support much additional weight. That leaves the society three options: Build an addition at the rear of its existing building, transfer some records to an offsite storage facility or partner with Luzerne County to store documents jointly. “(We’re asking the county,) is there a possibility of us having a portion of the space, since the early records of the historical society are the county records,” Brooks said. “Is there a possibility of working together, because they’re looking for a solution and we’re looking for a solution?” Brooks said other Pennsylvania counties share records space with historical societies, including Adams County, which stores its records at the Gettysburg Historical Society. Luzerne County Commissioner and County Councilman-elect Stephen A. Urban called proposed partnership a “good fit” for both parties. The commissioners on Dec. 16 renewed for two years their lease to store records at Thomas C. Thomas Company Co. in WilkesBarre, a facility state archive experts have deemed inappropriate for records storage. Urban said the county records storage improvement committee considered including the historical society in a proposed transfer of county records to the former Two Jacks Cycle & Powersports building on North Washington Street before the commissioners ultimately renewed the lease with Thomas C. Thomas. Keeping the records together in a building open to the public would make it easier for residents to sort through historical documents, Urban said. “The records that the county keeps – the marriage records and the prothonotary records and the

DIETRICH Continued from Page 3A

gler. “I didn’t have to think twice.” Neither did Morgan about her successor. “We’re like family upstairs here,” said Morgan of the people who work in the second-floor offices and socialize with one another outside of work. For that reason an outsider wouldn’t fit in. “It had to be somebody who was part of the family,” said Morgan. At 68, Morgan still has the desire to do the work, but lacks the energy she had when she and others brought the Dietrich back to life in 2001 as a nonprofit organization after more than a decade of darkness. She’s twice survived cancer and tires more easily. Plus she wants to be able to spend time away from work, walking her dog, gardening and rewriting a novel she nearly had published. She’ll still be around, booking films, planning the film festivals and serving on the board of directors. Watching Rogler work over the years and especially after the

YOGA Continued from Page 3A

thing to make sure it’s very clean and healthy,” including a ventilating system and easy-clean surfaces, Cornell said. She said the heat does intimidate some new students, but only the first time. “Many people have a block against that heat at first,” she said, “but they find they can stretch so much better and they are surprised by how much they like it. It’s very challenging and demanding but everyone leaves with a smile on their faces.” Degree of ability and flexibility are not important for beginners, Cornell said. “There’s a misconception that everyone is flexible, like Cirque

HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROPERTIES The Luzerne County Historical Society operates four public buildings. They are: • The Bishop Memorial Library: The historical society’s headquarters and home to its paper records collection. It is housed in a Victorian mansion on South Franklin Street dating to 1875, and is running short of space. • The Luzerne County Historical Society Museum: Located on South Franklin Street between the Osterhout Library and the Westmoreland Club, the museum has displayed artifacts from the society’s collection since its construction in 1893. It currently has room to display about 1 percent of its 60,000 items at any given time, according to curator Mary Ruth Burke. • The Swetland Homestead: A historic home built in 1803 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located off Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming. The Nathan Denison House: A historic home built by Connecticut settler Nathan Denison in 1790, it is one of the oldest structures in the Wyoming Valley.

records that go back in time – are records of historical significance, so it’s a good fit to have them all together,” he said. To finance its planned expansion and maintain solvency in light of its loss of all state funding last year, the historical society is also embarking on a sustainability campaign. Current funding The society is funded by a $1.4 million endowment that generates approximately $45,000 in annual dividends and about $50,000 yearly in membership and annual appeal donations. The society spends about $180,000 annually, and despite other fundraisers often operates with an annual deficit, according to the society’s December letter to members. “Right now we’re a very lean operating nonprofit organization,” Brooks said. “There is no waste here.” Society President Gary J. Stack added the organization has lost close to $20,000 in annual government funding, and “the campaign couldn’t come at a better time.” The Historical Society hopes to double its membership to 2,000 dues-payers, which would net the society an estimated $50,000 annually. flooding assured Morgan she hired the right person. It also convinced her the theater would thrive under Rogler’s direction and in turn continue to commit its excess revenue to support cultural programs for the community. The devastation caused by the flooding stunned Morgan. “I was incapable of working,” she said. Rogler took charge and led the recovery. “The theater is actually better than it was before,” said Morgan. With the clean-up complete, Rogler has been attending to daily duties and overseeing the staff nearly two dozen employees, most of them part time. “She fully understands we take chances here,” said Morgan. “Some of them work and some don’t.” It’s not only acceptable, but also encouraged to take calculated risks, added Rogler, and already the theater is taking one this year when it comes to its film festivals that feature independent and foreign films. “We’ll be adding a third one this year,” she said. de Soliel,” Cornell said, “but we have some students that are stiff as a board when they start. People are focused on their own practice and aren’t judging others. It’s a good change from a competitive gym environment.” Cornell said, a number of her students are athletes trying to recover from injuries from other exercises and sports. “People who have been hard on their bodies with gyms and spinning classes are looking for a way to keep exercising that isn’t as hard on their bodies. They find that these classes are great for anyone with pain and joint problems,” she said. Classes are open to anyone 15 and older, with the exception of pregnant women. Students of all experience levels and all walks of life practice together, Cornell said.

CMYK

SPORTS

SECTION

timesleader.com

THE TIMES LEADER

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

P E N N S TAT E F O O T B A L L

Could be end of the line for Bradley Head coach yet to be announced

UP NEXT Penn State vs. Houston TV: Noon, today, ESPNU LINE: Houston by 5 1⁄2 LAST MEETING: PSU defeated Houston 31-14, Sept. 17, 1977

By DEREK LEVARSE dlevarse@timesleader.com

INSIDE: Position by position breakdowns, 4B Houston’s Case Keenum impresses Lions, 5B

DALLAS -- Many of his players did not want to come here. Tom Bradley understood fully that his inherited charges at Penn State were upset at being snubbed by several bowl games, landing the Nittany Lions in something called the TicketCity Bowl. As the players eventually warmed up to it, Bradley pitched to them all of the history behind the venue -- Dallas’ histor-

ic Cotton Bowl. “I tried to explain to them the significance and all the great players that have been here,” Bradley said. Today will mark one more bit of history at the old Texas fairgrounds -- the conclusion of one of the longest chapters in college football history.

See BRADLEY, Page 5B

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: WEEK 17

NHL WINTER CLASSIC

Flyers, Rangers taking it outdoors

In all likelihood, Penn State football will become something entirely different in the days following today’s TicketCity Bowl matchup with Houston. Bradley, the long-time lieutenant of deposed coach Joe Paterno, remains something of a long shot to take over the full-time job. Most, if not all, of the current staff -- men who worked for Paterno for decades -- could be dissolved. The reports and rumors surrounding Penn State’s coaching search have been building in intensity in recent days.

Giants reach playoffs

Eliminate Cowboys, take East

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Eli Manning threw three touchdown passes and the New York Giants won an all-or-nothing game to claim the final spot in the NFL playoffs, beating the Dallas Cowboys 31-14 on Sunday night. GIANTS The regular season went down to COWBOYS the last game, and it was coach Tom Coughlin’s Giants (9-7) who won the NFC East and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2008. The loss left Jerry Jones’ Cowboys (8-8) out of the playoffs for the second straight year. New York won three of its final four games and earned a wild-card home game next Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons (10-6).

"We finished the year stronger than we started out," Jackson said. Too little, too late for the Eagles, though. They wound up missing the NFC playoffs while finishing 8-8, a far cry from where they expected to be when they signed and traded for five former Pro Bowl players during AP PHOTO training camp and dubbed themselves a "Dream Team." Philadelphia Eagles’ Michael Vick looks to pass during the secSee EAGLES, Page 6B

See PLAYOFFS, Page 6B

AP PHOTO

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Not quite a dream, season is no longer a nightmare Eagles win final four games to reach .500 in season that started with Super Bowl talk. By PAUL SOKOLOSKI psokoloski@timesleader.com

PHILADELPHIA - DeSean Jackson endured a demoralizing season and so did the rest of the Philadelphia Eagles. But at the start of a new year, they showed what could have been in the last one. Jackson broke loose for an electric 62-yard touchdown catch, Michael Vick threw for three scores and the Eagles ended their season on a four-game winning streak by whipping the Washington Redskins, 34-10 at Lincoln Financial Field.

By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

Even without any Tim Tebow heroics, the Denver Broncos have won the AFC West. They did it despite falling 7-3 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday because San Diego knocked off Oakland 38-26. The Broncos and Raiders tied for the division P L AYO F F lead at 8-8, M A T C H U P S but Denver won Saturday Cincinnati at on the tie- Houston, 4:30 p.m. breaker, Detroit at New better re- Orleans, 8 p.m. sults in Sunday common Atlanta at New games. York Giants, 1 p.m. BaltiPittsburgh at Denver, 4:30 p.m. more (12-4) took the AFC North and a first-round bye as a No. 2 seed when it outlasted Cincinnati 24-16. Even though the Bengals lost, their 9-7 record earned them a wild card in a head-to-head tiebreaker over Tennessee, the only other team with that record in the AFC. The Bengals beat the Titans 24-17 in November. Pittsburgh (12-4) is the other wild card, but lost both games to the Ravens this year to finish second in the division. The Steelers, who beat Cleveland 13-9, will be at Denver next weekend. Cincinnati visits Houston (10-6). “It’s kind of weird,” Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton said. “Obviously, we didn’t get it done today, but we still have a chance.” Tebow’s late-game magic helped Denver turn around its season, from 2-5 to the top of a weak division. He struggled mightily as the Broncos lost their last three games, but they are playoff-bound for the first time since 2005. “It’s obviously a little bittersweet right now,” Tebow said. “We obviously would have loved to have won that game to have a little momentum going into the playoffs. But I think it’s still a special thing what we ac-

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

See OUTDOORS, Page 6B

AFC North features three playoff teams while Patriots claim conference’s top seed.

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

League’s showcase regular season game faces off at Citizens Bank Park today.

PHILADELPHIA — Claude Giroux and Jaromir Jagr hit the ice looking more ready to shag flies than practice the power play. The Philadelphia Flyers stars smeared eye black to fight the glare on a sunny morning as they skated on a rink constructed on the site of two Fall Classics that underwent a makeover as it shifted into the home of the Winter Classic. Jagr later strode shirtless UP NEXT around the Philadelphia PhilN.Y. Rangers at lies’ clubhouse Philadelphia with a baseball TV: 3 p.m., bat slung over today, NBC Where: Citizens his shoulder. Bank Park Skater up! Cold, wind, ice. Conditions that usually spoil the enjoyment of a World Series game are on deck for the fifth edition of the NHL’s inside-the-park extravaganza, this one set for 3 p.m. Monday between the Flyers and the New York Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Amid the HBO cameras and Stanley Cup-atmosphere that has infused the game with enough energy to power the rink, a little perspective came Sunday from the Rangers and Flyers in their final practices. “When we wake up, all the fun is going to be over,” Giroux said, “and it’s about two points on the ice.” The game was pushed back two hours because of a revised weather forecast that should offer optimal game conditions for players and fans. The game was scheduled for 1 p.m. The gates will now open at 1 p.m. Last year’s game at Pittsburgh was moved into prime time because of rain. “Let’s play,” Rangers coach John Tortorella said. “It’s time to

Broncos, Bengals advance

EAGLES

REDSKINS

ond half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday in Philadelphia.

(570) 825-8508

• Tuesday, January 3rd - Boys Basketball WVW @ Crestwood 7:15pm • Thursday, January 5th - Girls Basketball MMI @ Wyoming Seminary 7:15pm • Friday, January 6th - Boys Basketball Meyers @ Hanover 7:15pm For a complete schedule go to www.sectv.com

Your Full Service Provider Offering the Latest in State-of-the-art Digital Cable, HDTV, Video on Demand, High Speed Internet and Telephone.

7 73 730315 30 3 03 0 315 15

LIVE High School Basketball Tune into Service Electric’s Ch. 2

K PAGE 2B

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

INJURY REPORT: On the NBA board Golden State guard Monta Ellis is probable; New York forward Amare Stoudemire is questionable. College Football O/U

Underdog

Ticket City Bowl Dallas, TX Houston

57.5

Penn St

Outback Bowl Tampa, FL Georgia

2.5

3.5

50.5

Michigan St

Capital One Bowl Orlando, Fl S Carolina

2.5

46.5

Nebraska

Gator Bowl Jacksonville, FL Florida

44.5

Ohio St

Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Oregon

4.5

72.0

Wisconsin

Fiesta Bowl Glendale, AZ Oklahoma St

3.5

74.5

Stanford

Tuesday Sugar Bowl New Orleans, LA Michigan

51.5

Va Tech

Wednesday Orange Bowl Miami, FL Clemson

2.5

60.5

W Virginia

Friday January 6 Cotton Bowl Arlington, TX Arkansas

62.5

Kansas St

Saturday Compass Bowl Birmingham, AL Pittsburgh

5.5

3.5

47.5

Smu

Sunday Go Daddy.Com Bowl Mobile, AL Arkansas St

1.5

Alabama

1.5

No Illinois

40.0

Lsu.

NBA Favorite

3.5

182.5

PISTONS

Spurs

200.0

T’WOLVES

199.5

Thunder

NUGGETS

5.5

200.5

Bucks

JAZZ

5.5

182.5

Hornets

MAVERICKS

College Basketball Favorite

Points

Underdog

GEORGE MASON

18.5

William & Mary

BOSTON COLLEGE

2.5

Rhode Island

JAMES MADISON

Old Dominion

Northeastern

Virginia

1.5

NC-WILMINGTON

3.5

Virginia Comm

TOWSON LSU Delaware

HOFSTRA

GEORGIA ST

4.5

Drexel

BAYLOR

12.5

Texas A&M

VANDERBILT

Miami-Ohio

CAL-RIVERSIDE

CS-Northridge

CAL-POLY SLO

2.5

Cal-Santa Barb

CS-FULLERTON

10.5

Pacific

Long Beach St

FRESNO ST

MARIST

CAL-IRVINE Boise St

St. Peter’s

MANHATTAN

10.5

TENNESSEE

Rider

WAKE FOREST

6.5

Wofford

LOYOLA-MD

Niagara SE MISSOURI ST

Tenn-Chatt

Jack’ville St

NO COLORADO

Idaho St

MIAMI-FLORIDA

NC-Greensboro

NHL Odds

Underdog

FLYERS

-135/ +115

Rangers

SENATORS

-130/ +110

Devils

CANUCKS

-155/ +135

Sharks

BLACKHAWKS

-245/ +205

Oilers

KINGS

-160/ +140

Avalanche

Winter Classic

62.0

Magic

Favorite

January 9 BCS Championship Game New Orleans, LA

Points

O/U

Underdog

SUNS

Warriors

KNICKS

Raptors

HEAT

8.5

195.0

Hawks

Pacers

180.5

NETS

CELTICS

185.5

Wizards

L O C A L C A L E N D A R Today's Events MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Cross County Challenge Wilkes at Scranton, 6 p.m. King’s at Marywood, 8 p.m. Misericordia vs. Sponaugle New Year’s Tournament, at Franklin & Marshall

TUESDAY, JAN. 3 HS BOYS BASKETBALL Berwick at Pittston Area, 7:15 p.m. Hazleton Area at Coughlin, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Valley West at Crestwood, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Area at Holy Redeemer, 7:15 p.m. Tunkhannock at Dallas, 7:15 p.m. Nanticoke at Lake-Lehman, 7:15 p.m. Hanover Area at GAR, 7:15 p.m. Northwest at Wyoming Seminary, 7:15 p.m. MMI Prep at Meyers, 7:15 p.m. HS GIRLS BASKETBALL Wyoming Area at Holy Redeemer, 7 p.m. Coughlin at Hazleton Area, 7:15 p.m. Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West, 7:15 p.m. Dallas at Tunkhanock, 7:15 p.m. GAR at Hanover Area, 7:15 p.m. Holy Redeemer at Wyoming Area, 7:15 p.m. Lake-Lehman at Nanticoke, 7:15 p.m. Meyers at MMI Prep, 7:15 p.m. Pittston Area at Berwick, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Seminary at Northwest, 7:15 p.m. HS BOWLING Berwick at Central Columbia, 3 p.m. Hazleton Area at Governor Mifflin, 3 p.m. HS SWIMMING Hanover Area at Wyoming Valley West, 4 p.m. Lake Lehman at Holy Redeemer, 4 p.m. Hazleton Area at Dallas, 4:30 p.m. Scranton at Abington Heights, 4:30 p.m. Elk Lake at Delaware Valley, 4:30 p.m. Valley View at Scranton Prep, 7 p.m. MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Cross County Challenge Wilkes at Marywood, 6 p.m. King’s vs. Scranton (at Marywood), 8 p.m. Misericordia vs. Sponaugle New Year’s Tournament, at Franklin & Marshall PSU Wilkes-Barre at Shippensburg, 7 p.m. WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Wilkes at Cenetary, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 HS SWIMMING Meyers at Pittston Area, 4 p.m. Wyoming Area at Nanticoke, 4 p.m. Dunmore at Coughlin, 4:30 p.m. West Scranton at Tunkhannock, 4:30 p.m. HS WRESTLING (all matches 7 p.m.) Wyoming Valley West at Coughlin Hanover Area at Wyoming Area GAR at Lake-Lehman Tunkhannock at Hazleton Area Pittston Area at Crestwood Meyers at Dallas

THURSDAY, JAN. 5 GIRLS BASKETBALL Berwick Area at Holy Redeemer, 7:15 p.m. Dallas at Hazleton Area, 7:15 p.m. Hanover Area at Meyers, 7:15 p.m. Lake-Lehman at GAR, 7:15 p.m. MMI Prep at Wyoming Seminary, 7:15 p.m. Nanticoke at Northwest, 7:15 p.m. Pittston Area at Crestwood, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Area at Tunkhannock, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Valley West at Coughlin, 7:15 p.m. HS SWIMMING Meyers at Dunmore, 4 p.m. Pittston Area at Dallas, 4:15 p.m. Berwick Area at Hazleton Area, 4:30 p.m. Wyoming Valley West at Crestwood, 4:30 p.m. Holy Redeemer at Hanover Area, 4:30 p.m. MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Wilkes at Penn College, 7 p.m. Thaddeus Stevens at PSU Wilkes-Barre, 7 p.m. WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Wilkes at Albright, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 6 BOYS BASKETBALL Tunkhannock at Wyoming Area, 7 p.m. Holy Redeemer at Berwick, 7:15 p.m. Coughlin at Wyoming Valley West, 7:15 p.m. Crestwood at Pittston Area, 7:15 p.m. Hazleton Area at Dallas, 7:15 p.m. Northwest at Nanticoke, 7:15 p.m. Wyoming Seminary at MMI Prep, 7:15 p.m. Meyers at Hanover Area, 7:15 p.m. Lake-Lehman at GAR, 7:15 p.m. HS SWIMMING Lake-Lehman at Wyoming Seminary, 4 p.m. Meyers at Dunmore, 4 p.m. Nanticoke at Coughlin, 4:30 p.m. Hanover Area at West Scranton, 4:30 p.m. HS WRESTLING WVC Wrestling Tournament at Lake-Lehman

SATURDAY, JAN. 7 GIRLS BASKETBALL Hazleton Area at Tamaqua, 1:30 p.m. Col-Mont Vo-Tech at MMI Prep, 2:15 p.m. Susquehanna at Crestwood, 2:15 p.m. Hanover Area at Pottsville, 7:15 p.m. HS WRESTLING WVC Wrestling Tournament at Lake-Lehman Storm King School at Wyoming Seminary, 10 a.m. MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL PSU Wilkes-Barre at Wilkes, 3 p.m. Lycoming at King’s, 3 p.m.

◆ BUILDING TRUST The Times Leader strives to correct errors, clarify stories and update them promptly. Sports corrections will appear in this spot. If you have information to help us correct an inaccuracy or cover an issue more thoroughly, call the sports department at 829-7143.

Home teams in capital letters.

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Neumann at King’s, 1 p.m. Lycoming at Wilkes, 1 p.m. COLLEGE WRESTLING King’s at Pennsylvania/New York Duals Wilkes at North/South Duals

T R A N S A C T I O N S BASEBALL American League CHICAGO WHITE SOX—Acquired RHP Myles Jaye and RHP Daniel Webb from Toronto for RHP Jason Frasor.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association WASHINGTON WIZARDS—Assigned C Hamady Ndiaye to Iowa (NBADL).

HOCKEY

American Hockey League CONNECTICUT WHALE—Reassigned G Jason Missiaen from Greenville (ECHL).

W H A T ’ S

O N

T V

COLLEGE FOOTBALL 1 p.m. ABC — Outback Bowl, Michigan St. vs. Georgia, at Tampa, Fla. ESPN — Capital One Bowl, Nebraska vs. South Carolina, at Orlando, Fla. ESPN2 — Gator Bowl, Ohio St. vs. Florida, at Jacksonville, Fla. 5:07 p.m. ESPN — Rose Bowl, Wisconsin vs. Oregon, at Pasadena, Calif. 8:37 p.m. ESPN — Fiesta Bowl, Stanford vs. Oklahoma St., at Glendale, Ariz.

MOTORSPORTS

1:30 a.m. NBCSP — Dakar Rally, Santa Rosa de la Pampa to San Rafael, Argentina (delayed tape)

NHL

3 p.m. NBC — Winter Classic, N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia (Citizens Bank Park) 8 p.m. NBCSP — San Jose at Vancouver

B O X I N G Fight Schedule Jan. 6 At Key West, Fla. (ESPN2), Dyah Davis vs. Alfonso Lopez, 10, super middleweights. At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, Calif. (SHO), Luis Ramos Jr. vs. Raymundo Beltran, 10, lightweights;Michael Perez vs. Omar Figueroa Jr., 10, lightweights. Jan. 7 At Heredia, Costa Rica, Bryan Vazquez vs. Eugenio Lopez, 12, for Vazquez’s interim WBA World super featherweight title. Jan. 13 At Las Vegas (ESPN2), Teon Kennedy vs. Chris Martin, 10, junior featherweights. Jan. 14 At Offenburg, Germany, Arthur Abraham vs. Pablo Oscar Natalio Farias, 10, super middleweights;Robert Stieglitz vs. Henry Weber, 12, for Stieglitz’s WBO super middleweight title. Jan. 20 At Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas (SHO), Rico Ramos vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux, 12, for Ramos’ WBA World super bantamweight title. Jan. 21 At Philadelphia (NBCSN), Eddie Chambers vs. Sergei Liakhovich, 10, heavyweights;Gabriel Rosado vs. Jesus Soto-Karass, 10, junior middleweights. Jan. 27 At Temecula, Calif. (ESPN2), Ruslan Provodnikov vs. Julio Diaz, 10, junior welterweights;Ji-Hoon Kim vs. Alisher Rahimov, 10, lightweights. Jan. 28 At Turning Stone, Verona, N.Y., Brian Minto vs. Tony Grano, 10, NABF heavyweight title eliminator. At Springfield, Mo., Cory Spinks vs. Sechew Powell, 12, IBF junior middleweight title eliminator. At TBA, Mexico, Miguel Vazquez vs. Ameth Diaz, 12, for Vazquez’s IBF lightweight title. Feb. 3 At Quebec City, Quebec (SHO), Pier Olivier Cote vs. Maurico Herrera, 12, for Cote’s IBF Inter-Continental light welterweight title. At Las Vegas (ESPN2), Yordanis Despaigne vs. Edison Miranda, 10, light heavyweights. Feb. 4 At Frankfurt, Germany, Yoan Pablo Hernandez vs. Steve Cunningham, 12, for Hernandez’s IBF cruiserweight title;Enad Licina vs. Alexander Alexeev, 12, for the vacant European cruiserweight title;Eduard Gutknecht vs. Vyacheslav Uzelkov, 12, for Gutknecht’s European light heavyweight title. At San Antonio (HBO), Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Rubio, 12, for Chavez’s WBC middleweight title;Nonito Donaire vs. Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., 12, for the vacant WBO junior featherweight title. Feb. 10 At Uncasville, Conn. (ESPN2), Demetrius Andrade vs. Derek Ennis, 12, IBF junior middleweight eliminator. Feb. 11 At Houston (HBO), James Kirkland vs. Carlos Molina, 12, junior middleweights;Jose Miguel Cotto vs. Jose Luis Castillo, 10, welterweights. At Las Vegas (SHO), Victor Ortiz vs. Andre Berto, 12, welterweights;Erislandy Lara vs. Ronald Hearns, 10, middleweights. Feb. 17 At Arlington, Texas (ESPN2), John Molina vs. Alejandro Sanabria, 10, lightweights. Feb. 18 At Olympic Hall, Munich, Vitali Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora, 12, for Klitschko’s WBC heavyweight title. At Durango, Mexico, Jorge Arce vs. Lorenzo Parra, 12, for Arce’s WBO bantamweight

At A Glance All Times EST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct New York .......................... 2 2 .500 Philadelphia...................... 2 2 .500 Boston ............................... 2 3 .400 Toronto.............................. 1 3 .250 New Jersey....................... 1 4 .200 Southeast Division W L Pct Miami............................... 5 0 1.000 Orlando ........................... 4 1 .800 Atlanta ............................. 3 1 .750 Charlotte ......................... 1 3 .250 Washington .................... 0 4 .000 Central Division W L Pct Chicago............................. 4 1 .800 Indiana............................... 3 1 .750 Milwaukee......................... 2 1 .667 Cleveland.......................... 2 2 .500 Detroit................................ 1 3 .250 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct San Antonio ...................... 3 1 .750 New Orleans..................... 2 1 .667 Houston............................. 2 2 .500 Memphis ........................... 1 3 .250 Dallas ................................ 1 4 .200 Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City ............... 5 0 1.000 Portland........................... 3 0 1.000 Denver ............................ 3 2 .600 Minnesota....................... 1 3 .250 Utah................................. 1 3 .250 Pacific Division W L Pct L.A. Lakers ....................... 3 3 .500 Golden State..................... 2 2 .500 L.A. Clippers..................... 1 2 .333 Sacramento ...................... 1 3 .250 Phoenix ............................. 1 3 .250 Sunday's Games Cleveland 98, New Jersey 82 Miami 129, Charlotte 90 Orlando 102, Toronto 96 Boston 94, Washington 86 Minnesota 99, Dallas 82 Denver 99, L.A. Lakers 90 Chicago 104, Memphis 64 New Orleans at Sacramento, late Portland at L.A. Clippers, late Today's Games Golden State at Phoenix, 3:30 p.m. Washington at Boston, 7:30 p.m. Indiana at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m. Orlando at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m. Toronto at New York, 7:30 p.m. San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 p.m. Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Milwaukee at Denver, 9 p.m. New Orleans at Utah, 9 p.m.

THE TIMES LEADER

H O C K E Y

C O L L E G E F O O T B A L L

NHL

NBA

By ROXY ROXBOROUGH

Open Curr.

B A S K E T B A L L

AMERICA’S LINE

Favorite

GB — — 1 ⁄2 1 11⁄2 GB — 1 11⁄2 31⁄2 41⁄2 GB — 1 ⁄2 1 11⁄2 21⁄2 GB — 1 ⁄2 1 2 21⁄2 GB — 1 2 31⁄2 31⁄2 GB — — 1 ⁄2 1 1

NBA LEADERS INCLUDES GAMES OF SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011 SCORING AVERAGE G FG FT PTS AVG James, MIA................................. 4 49 34 132 33.0 Griffin, LAC ................................. 3 34 16 84 28.0 Durant, OKC ............................... 5 47 32 137 27.4 Love, MIN.................................... 3 22 32 78 26.0 Bryant, LAL ................................. 5 45 34 128 25.6 Anthony, NYK............................. 4 27 40 100 25.0 Jennings, MIL ............................. 3 23 17 68 22.7 Nowitzki, DAL ............................. 4 29 29 88 22.0 Bargnani, TOR............................ 3 25 10 64 21.3 Rose, CHI ................................... 4 28 19 83 20.8 Aldridge, POR ............................ 3 27 8 62 20.7 Williams, PHL ............................. 4 24 24 81 20.3 Allen, BOS .................................. 4 25 16 80 20.0 Wade, MIA .................................. 4 32 15 79 19.8 Ginobili, SAN .............................. 4 26 14 79 19.8 Wallace, POR............................. 3 21 15 59 19.7 Anderson, ORL .......................... 4 27 8 78 19.5 REBOUNDS PER GAME G OFF DEF TOT AVG Howard, ORL........................ 4 18 52 70 17.5 Love, MIN.............................. 3 18 26 44 14.7 Hawes, PHL .......................... 4 10 40 50 12.5 Camby, POR......................... 3 9 25 34 11.3 Cousins, SAC ....................... 4 23 22 45 11.3 Humphries, NJN................... 4 15 30 45 11.3 Diaw, CHA ............................. 3 8 25 33 11.0 Bogut, MIL............................. 3 7 26 33 11.0 Hayes, SAC........................... 4 14 29 43 10.8 Hibbert, IND .......................... 4 13 29 42 10.5 Okafor, NOR ......................... 3 10 21 31 10.3 Haslem, MIA ......................... 4 13 28 41 10.3 Varejao, CLE......................... 3 14 16 30 10.0 Gay, MEM ............................. 3 5 25 30 10.0 Griffin, LAC ........................... 3 14 15 29 9.7 Hansbrough, IND ................. 4 14 24 38 9.5 ASSISTS PER GAME G AST AVG Lowry, HOU ............................................ 4 46 11.5 Paul, LAC ................................................ 3 32 10.7 Rose, CHI................................................ 4 37 9.3 Rondo, BOS............................................ 4 36 9.0 Calderon, TOR ....................................... 3 24 8.0 Nash, PHX .............................................. 4 31 7.8 Diaw, CHA............................................... 3 23 7.7 Ellis, GOL ................................................ 3 23 7.7 Rubio, MIN .............................................. 3 22 7.3 Miller, DEN.............................................. 4 29 7.3 Collison, IND........................................... 4 29 7.3 James, MIA ............................................. 4 28 7.0 Felton, POR ............................................ 3 20 6.7 Parker, SAN ............................................ 4 26 6.5

NCAA Men Top 25 Fared Sunday 1. Syracuse (15-0) beat DePaul 87-69. Next: at Providence, Wednesday. 2. Ohio State (13-2) did not play. Next: vs. Nebraska, Tuesday. 3. Kentucky (13-1) did not play. Next: vs. UALR, Tuesday. 4. Louisville (12-2) did not play. Next: at St. John’s, Tuesday. 5. North Carolina (13-2) beat Monmouth (NJ) 102-65. Next: vs. Boston College, Saturday. 6. Baylor (13-0) did not play. Next: vs. Texas A&M, Monday. 7. Duke (12-1) beat Pennsylvania 85-55. Next: at Temple, Wednesday. 8. Missouri (13-0) did not play. Next: vs. Oklahoma, Tuesday. 9. UConn (12-1) did not play. Next: at Seton Hall, Tuesday. 10. Florida (11-3) did not play. Next: vs. UAB, Tuesday. 11. Wisconsin (12-3) did not play. Next: vs. No. 16 Michigan State, Tuesday. 12. Georgetown (12-1) did not play. Next: vs. No. 14 Marquette, Wednesday. 13. Indiana (13-1) did not play. Next: vs. No. 18 Michigan, Thursday. 14. Marquette (12-2) beat Villanova 81-77. Next: at No. 12 Georgetown, Wednesday. 15. Mississippi State (13-2) did not play. Next: at Arkansas, Saturday. 16. Michigan State (13-2) did not play. Next: at No. 11 Wisconsin, Tuesday. 17. Kansas (10-3) did not play. Next: vs. Kansas State, Wednesday. 18. Michigan (12-2) beat Minnesota 61-56. Next: at No. 13 Indiana, Thursday. 19. UNLV (15-2) did not play. Next: at Cal State Bakersfield, Thursday. 20. Murray State (14-0) did not play. Next: vs. Eastern Kentucky, Wednesday. 21. Creighton (11-2) did not play. Next: vs. Drake, Tuesday. 22. Pittsburgh (11-4) lost to Cincinnati 66-63. Next: at DePaul, Thursday. 23. Virginia (12-1) did not play. Next: at LSU, Monday. 24. Harvard (12-1) did not play. Next: vs. Dartmouth, Saturday. 25. San Diego State (12-2) did not play. Next: vs. San Diego Christian, Thursday.

NCAA Women Top 25 Fared Sunday 1. Baylor (13-0) did not play. Next: vs. Missouri, Wednesday. 2. UConn (11-1) did not play. Next: vs. West Virginia, Wednesday. 3. Notre Dame (13-1) did not play. Next: at Seton Hall, Wednesday. 4. Stanford (11-1) did not play. Next: vs. Oregon, Thursday. 5. Maryland (13-0) did not play. Next: at Florida State, Monday. 6. Kentucky (12-2) beat Florida, 59-56. Next: vs. Arkansas, Thursday. 7. Tennessee (9-3) beat Auburn 73-52. Next: vs. Chattanooga, Tuesday. 8. Duke (9-2) did not play. Next: vs. Virginia, Monday. 9. Ohio State (14-0) did not play. Next: vs. Iowa, Monday. 10. Texas A&M (9-2) did not play. Next: at Kansas State, Wednesday. 11. Rutgers (11-2) did not play. Next: vs. Syracuse, Tuesday. 12. Miami (11-2) did not play. Next: at No. 24 North Carolina, Monday. 13. Texas Tech (12-0) did not play. Next: vs. Oklahoma State, Wednesday. 14. Louisville (12-2) did not play. Next: vs. Marquette, Tuesday. 15. Georgetown (12-2) did not play. Next: vs. No. 21 DePaul, Tuesday. 16. Penn State (10-3) did not play. Next: at Wisconsin, Monday. 17. Georgia (12-2) beat Arkansas 67-57. Next: at No. 7 Tennessee, Thursday. 18. Green Bay (12-0) did not play. Next: at Milwaukee, Saturday. 19. Delaware (10-1) did not play. Next: vs. Towson, Thursday. 20. Purdue (11-3) did not play. Next: at Illinois, Monday. 21. DePaul (12-2) did not play. Next: at No. 15 Georgetown, Tuesday. 22. Texas (10-2) did not play. Next: vs. Kansas, Wednesday. 23. Nebraska (12-1) did not play. Next: vs. Indiana, Thursday. 24. North Carolina (10-2) did not play. Next: vs. No. 12 Miami, Monday. 25. Vanderbilt (12-1) did not play. Next: at South Carolina, Thursday.

At A Glance All Times EST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA N.Y. Rangers............... 36 23 9 4 50 107 77 Philadelphia ................ 36 22 10 4 48 123 106 Pittsburgh .................... 38 21 13 4 46 121 100 New Jersey ................. 37 21 15 1 43 103 105 N.Y. Islanders.............. 36 13 17 6 32 84 113 Northeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston.......................... 35 24 10 1 49 123 68 Ottawa .......................... 39 19 15 5 43 120 133 Toronto ........................ 38 18 15 5 41 118 125 Buffalo.......................... 38 17 17 4 38 100 112 Montreal....................... 39 14 18 7 35 99 110 Southeast Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Florida .......................... 39 20 12 7 47 103 107 Winnipeg...................... 38 19 14 5 43 104 107 Washington ................. 37 20 15 2 42 111 109 Tampa Bay................... 37 17 17 3 37 104 122 Carolina ....................... 40 13 21 6 32 103 135 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Chicago........................ 38 24 10 4 52 125 107 Detroit .......................... 38 24 13 1 49 123 84 St. Louis....................... 38 21 12 5 47 95 85 Nashville ...................... 39 21 14 4 46 105 108 Columbus .................... 38 10 23 5 25 93 128 Northwest Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Vancouver ................... 39 24 13 2 50 129 96 Minnesota.................... 40 21 13 6 48 95 95 Colorado ...................... 40 21 18 1 43 108 115 Calgary ........................ 40 18 17 5 41 99 111 Edmonton .................... 37 15 19 3 33 100 104 Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles ................ 39 19 14 6 44 86 90 Dallas ........................... 37 21 15 1 43 100 107 San Jose ...................... 34 19 11 4 42 99 83 Phoenix........................ 39 19 16 4 42 102 103 Anaheim ...................... 37 10 21 6 26 87 124 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Sunday's Games Nashville 5, Calgary 3 Today's Games N.Y. Rangers at Philadelphia, 3 p.m. New Jersey at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Vancouver, 8 p.m. Edmonton at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. Colorado at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m. Tuesday's Games Edmonton at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7 p.m. Calgary at Washington, 7 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Carolina, 7 p.m. Phoenix at St. Louis, 8 p.m. Detroit at Dallas, 8 p.m. LEADERS THROUGH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st GOALS Name Team GP G Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay........................... 37 26 Marian Gaborik NY Rangers........................... 36 22 Phil Kessel Toronto.......................................... 38 21 James Neal Pittsburgh .................................... 38 21 Jonathan Toews Chicago ................................ 38 21 Milan Michalek Ottawa..................................... 34 19 Patrick Sharp Chicago ..................................... 38 19 Evander Kane Winnipeg.................................. 37 18 Thomas Vanek Buffalo .................................... 38 18 Radim Vrbata Phoenix ..................................... 39 18 Claude Giroux Philadelphia ............................ 32 17 Scott Hartnell Philadelphia ............................. 36 17 Marian Hossa Chicago .................................... 37 17 Joffrey Lupul Toronto....................................... 38 17 Matt Moulson NY Islanders ............................. 36 17 Daniel Sedin Vancouver .................................. 38 17 Kris Versteeg Florida ....................................... 38 17 Erik Cole Montreal ........................................... 39 16 Logan Couture San Jose................................. 34 16 Jordan Eberle Edmonton ................................ 37 16 Alex Ovechkin Washington............................. 37 16 Tomas Fleischmann Florida ........................... 39 15 Johan Franzen Detroit ..................................... 38 15 Curtis Glencross Calgary ................................ 37 15 Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh ................................ 31 15 Brad Marchand Boston.................................... 35 15 Joe Pavelski San Jose..................................... 34 15 Michael Ryder Dallas....................................... 37 15 Tyler Seguin Boston ........................................ 34 15 Jordan Staal Pittsburgh ................................... 33 15 ASSISTS

Name Team GP A Henrik Sedin Vancouver.................................. 39 36 Erik Karlsson Ottawa ....................................... 39 30 Brian Campbell Florida .................................... 39 28 Claude Giroux Philadelphia ............................ 32 28 Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh ................................ 31 28 Pavel Datsyuk Detroit ...................................... 38 27 Jason Pominville Buffalo................................. 38 27 Daniel Sedin Vancouver .................................. 38 27 Nicklas Backstrom Washington...................... 37 26 Patrick Kane Chicago....................................... 38 26 Jamie Benn Dallas ........................................... 37 25 P.A. Parenteau NY Islanders .......................... 36 25 Teemu Selanne Anaheim................................ 37 25 Jason Spezza Ottawa...................................... 39 25 Marian Hossa Chicago .................................... 37 24 Anze Kopitar Los Angeles .............................. 39 24 Jordan Eberle Edmonton ................................ 37 23 Phil Kessel Toronto.......................................... 38 23 Mikko Koivu Minnesota ................................... 36 23 Joffrey Lupul Toronto....................................... 38 23 Joe Thornton San Jose ................................... 34 23 Kimmo Timonen Philadelphia ........................ 36 23 Alexander Edler Vancouver ............................ 39 22 Ryan Nugent-Hopkin Edmonton .................... 37 22 Stephen Weiss Florida .................................... 37 22 Blake Wheeler Winnipeg................................. 38 22 POWER PLAY GOALS Name Team GP PP James Neal Pittsburgh ................................... 38 10 Johan Franzen Detroit .................................... 38 9 Corey Perry Anaheim ..................................... 37 8 Thomas Vanek Buffalo ................................... 38 8 Jordan Eberle Edmonton ............................... 37 7 Jason Garrison Florida ................................... 39 7 Scott Hartnell Philadelphia............................. 36 7 Marian Hossa Chicago ................................... 37 7 Ryan Callahan NY Rangers ........................... 36 6 Erik Cole Montreal........................................... 39 6 Taylor Hall Edmonton ..................................... 29 6 Tomas Holmstrom Detroit .............................. 33 6 Daniel Sedin Vancouver ................................. 38 6 Henrik Sedin Vancouver................................. 39 6 Jeff Carter Columbus...................................... 27 5 Zdeno Chara Boston....................................... 33 5 Matt Duchene Colorado.................................. 39 5 Patrik Elias New Jersey .................................. 36 5 Tomas Fleischmann Florida .......................... 39 5 Marian Gaborik NY Rangers.......................... 36 5 Claude Giroux Philadelphia ........................... 32 5 Curtis Glencross Calgary ............................... 37 5 Milan Hejduk Colorado ................................... 40 5 Jaromir Jagr Philadelphia .............................. 32 5 Olli Jokinen Calgary ........................................ 39 5 Ryan Kesler Vancouver .................................. 34 5 Milan Lucic Boston .......................................... 34 5 Joffrey Lupul Toronto...................................... 38 5 Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh ............................... 31 5 Milan Michalek Ottawa.................................... 34 5 Matt Moulson NY Islanders ............................ 36 5 Alex Ovechkin Washington............................ 37 5 Jason Pominville Buffalo ................................ 38 5 Teemu Selanne Anaheim............................... 37 5 Wayne Simmonds Philadelphia..........................365 Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay ...............................375 John Tavares NY Islanders .................................365 Kris Versteeg Florida............................................385 Shea Weber Nashville .........................................355

AHL At A Glance All Times EST EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OL SL Pts Manchester ........... 35 21 12 0 2 44 St. John’s .............. 32 19 8 4 1 43 Worcester.............. 31 16 9 3 3 38 Portland ................. 32 15 12 2 3 35 Providence............ 35 14 18 1 2 31 East Division GP W L OL SL Pts Hershey ................. 33 19 8 3 3 44 Norfolk ................... 33 20 11 0 2 42 Penguins.............. 33 18 10 1 4 41 Syracuse ............... 31 14 13 3 1 32 Binghamton........... 36 14 20 1 1 30 Northeast Division GP W L OL SL Pts Connecticut........... 33 19 10 1 3 42 Adirondack............ 32 17 13 1 1 36 Albany .................... 34 14 13 5 2 35 Springfield ............. 32 14 16 1 1 30 Bridgeport ............. 33 12 17 3 1 28

GF 95 114 88 88 73

GA 88 96 80 98 105

GF 125 119 100 104 91

GA 96 93 93 103 110

GF 106 91 80 90 88

GA 94 86 105 93 111

WESTERN CONFERENCE Midwest Division GP W L OL SL Pts GF GA Charlotte................ 33 19 11 2 1 41 93 85 Milwaukee ............. 30 19 10 0 1 39 93 76 Peoria .................... 35 17 15 2 1 37 106 102 Chicago ................. 32 16 12 1 3 36 89 89 Rockford................ 33 11 18 1 3 26 101 125 North Division GP W L OL SL Pts GF GA Toronto ................... 34 17 12 3 2 39 97 91 Rochester............... 33 15 13 4 1 35 96 98 Lake Erie ................ 33 16 15 1 1 34 81 85 Grand Rapids......... 32 13 13 4 2 32 98 103 Hamilton ................. 32 13 14 1 4 31 74 98 West Division GP W L OL SL Pts GF GA Oklahoma City ...... 34 22 8 1 3 48 106 80 Abbotsford ............. 33 22 9 2 0 46 88 79 Houston.................. 34 18 7 2 7 45 97 87 San Antonio ........... 32 15 15 2 0 32 75 93 Texas...................... 31 14 16 0 1 29 90 94 NOTE: Two points are awarded for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss. Sunday's Games Toronto 3, St. John’s 1 Peoria 1, Milwaukee 0 Oklahoma City 6, Houston 0 Today's Games Connecticut at Portland, 1 p.m. Worcester at Bridgeport, 1 p.m. Tuesday's Games Syracuse at Toronto, 7 p.m. San Antonio at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

FBS Bowl Glance Saturday, Dec. 17 New Mexico Bowl At Albuquerque Temple 37, Wyoming 15 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl At Boise, Idaho Ohio 24, Utah State 23 New Orleans Bowl Louisiana-Lafayette 32, San Diego State 30 Tuesday, Dec. 20 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl At St. Petersburg, Fla. Marshall 20, FIU 10 Wednesday, Dec. 21 Poinsettia Bowl At San Diego TCU 31, Louisiana Tech 24 Thursday, Dec. 22 MAACO Bowl At Las Vegas Boise State 56, Arizona State 24 Saturday, Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu Southern Mississippi 24, Nevada 17 Monday, Dec. 26 Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Missouri 41, North Carolina 24 Tuesday, Dec. 27 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl At Detroit Purdue 37, Western Michigan 32 Belk Bowl At Charlotte, N.C. North Carolina State 31, Louisville 24 Wednesday, Dec. 28 Military Bowl At Washington Toledo 42, Air Force 41 Holiday Bowl At San Diego Texas 21, California 10 Thursday, Dec. 29 Champs Sports Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Florida State 18, Notre Dame 14 Alamo Bowl At San Antonio Baylor 67, Washington 56 Friday, Dec. 30 Armed Forces Bowl At Dallas BYU 24, Tulsa 21 Pinstripe Bowl At New York Rutgers 27, Iowa State 13 Music City Bowl At Nashville, Tenn. Mississippi State 23, Wake Forest 17 Insight Bowl At Tempe, Ariz. Oklahoma 31, Iowa 14 Saturday, Dec. 31 Meineke Car Care Bowl At Houston Texas A&M 33, Northwestern 22 Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Utah 30, Georgia Tech 27, OT Liberty Bowl At Memphis, Tenn. Vanderbilt (6-6) vs. Cincinnati (9-3), 3:30 p.m. (ESPN) Fight Hunger Bowl At San Francisco Illinois 20, UCLA 14 Chick-fil-A Bowl At Atlanta Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5), 7:30 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 2 TicketCity Bowl At Dallas Penn State (9-3) vs. Houston (12-1), Noon (ESPNU) Capital One Bowl At Orlando, Fla. Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Outback Bowl At Tampa, Fla. Georgia (10-3) vs. Michigan State (10-3), 1 p.m. (ABC) Gator Bowl At Jacksonville, Fla. Florida (6-6) vs. Ohio State (6-6), 1 p.m. (ESPN2) Rose Bowl At Pasadena, Calif. Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (11-2), 5 p.m. (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl At Glendale, Ariz. Stanford (11-1) vs. Oklahoma State (11-1), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Tuesday, Jan. 3 Sugar Bowl At New Orleans Michigan (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Wednesday, Jan. 4 Orange Bowl At Miami West Virginia (9-3) vs. Clemson (10-3), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Jan. 6 Cotton Bowl At Arlington, Texas Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2), 8 p.m. (FOX) Saturday, Jan. 7 BBVA Compass Bowl At Birmingham, Ala. Pittsburgh (6-6) vs. SMU (7-5), Noon (ESPN) Sunday, Jan. 8 GoDaddy.com Bowl At Mobile, Ala. Arkansas State (10-2) vs. Northern Illinois (10-3), 9 p.m. (ESPN) Monday, Jan. 9 BCS National Championship At New Orleans LSU (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-1), 8:30 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Jan. 21 East-West Shrine Classic At St. Petersburg, Fla. East vs. West, 4 p.m., (NFLN) Saturday, Jan. 28 Senior Bowl At Mobile, Ala. North vs. South, 4 p.m. (NFLN) Saturday, Feb. 5 Texas vs. Nation At San Antonio Texas vs. Nation, 2 p.m. (CBSSN)

T E N N I S Brisbane International Sunday's Results At Queensland Tennis Centre Brisbane, Australia Purse: Men, $486,000 (WT250);Women, $655,000 (Premier) Surface: Hard-Outdoor Singles Men First Round James Duckworth, Australia, def. Nicolas Mahut, France, 6-4, 6-4. Alexandr Dolgopolov (3), Ukraine, def. Alejandro Falla, Colombia, 7-6 (3), 6-2. Women First Round Kim Clijsters (5), Belgium, def. Simona Halep, Romania, 6-1, 6-4. Iveta Benesova, Czech Republic, def. Lucie Safarova, Czech Republic, 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. Bojana Jovanovski, Serbia, def. Casey Dellacqua, Australia, 6-4, 6-2. Francesca Schiavone (3), Italy, def. Ksenia Pervak, Russia, 4-4, retired. Daniel Hantuchova, Slovakia, def. Dominika Cibulkova (8), Slovakia, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Doubles Men First Round Andy Murray, Britain, and Marcos Baghdatis, Cyprus, def. Santiago Giraldo, Colombia, and Kei Nishikori, Japan, 6-2, 6-2. Women First Round Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears, United States, def. Jelena Jankovic, Serbia, and Andrea Petkovic, Germany, 6-4, 6-7 (1), 10-7 tiebreak. Andreja Klepac, Slovenia, and Alicja Rosolska, Poland, def. Anna Tatishvili, Georgia, and Klara Zakapalova, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 10-3 tiebreak.

ITF Hopman Cup Sunday's Results At Burswood Dome Perth, Australia Purse: $1 million (ITF) Surface: Hard-Indoor Round Robin Group B Spain 2, Australia 1 Jarmila Gajdosova, Australia, def. Anabel Medina Garrigues, Spain, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Fernando Verdasco, Spain, def. Lleyton Hewitt, Australia, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Medina Garrigues and Fernando Verdasco, Spain, def. Jarmil Gajdosova and Lleyton Hewitt, Australia, 3-6, 6-3, 11-9 tiebreak.

S K I

www.timesleader.com R E P O R T

NORTHEAST LEBANON, N.H. (AP) — Latest skiing conditions, as supplied by SnoCountry Mountain Reports. Conditions are subject to change due to weather, skier/ rider traffic and other factors. Be aware of changing conditions. For more information go to www.snocountry.com Pennsylvania Alpine Mountain — Sun Reopen 01⁄04 packed powder machine groomed 12 - 30 base 2 of 21 trails, 10 acres, 2 of 5 lifts, sm Wed/Thu: 12p-6p;Fri: 9a-9:30p Sat: 8a-9:30p;Sun: 8a-6p;Open Wed-Sun Bear Creek — Thu Reopen TBA variable 4 - 12 base Mon-Fri: 9a-10p Sat/Sun: 8:30a-10p Big Boulder — Sun 3:55 pm packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 10 of 15 trails 67% open, 6 of 8 lifts, Mon-Thu: 3p-9p;Fri: 3p-10p;Sat: 8a-10p Sun: 8a-8p Blue Knob — Sat 2:42 pm loose granular machine groomed 10 - 26 base 4 of 34 trails 9% open, 2 of 5 lifts, Mon-Thu: 1p-9p;Fri: 10a-10p;Sat: 9a-10p Sun: 9a-9p Blue Mountain — Sun 7:24 am frozen granular machine groomed 12 - 24 base 19 of 39 trails 49% open, 7 miles, 76 acres, 10 of 13 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 8:30a-10p Sat/Sun: 8a-10p Boyce Park — Opening Soon for Snow Sports Camelback — Sun 7:25 am packed powder 12 - 32 base 20 of 34 trails 50% open, 100 acres, 11 of 15 lifts, Mon-Thu: 9a-9p;Fri: 8:30a-10p Sat: 8:30a-10p;Sun: 8:30a-9p Eagle Rock — Sun Reopen 01⁄06 variable machine groomed 12 - 24 base 6 of 14 trails 43% open, 2 of 4 lifts, Fri: 12p-9p;Sat: 9a-9p;Sun: 9a-5p Jan 01: 12p-9p;Jan: 02 9a-5p;Open Fri-Sun Elk Mountain — Sun 8:04 am packed powder machine groomed 18 - 24 base 11 of 27 trails 41% open, 5 of 7 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 8:30a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8:30a-10p Hidden Valley — Sun 6:37 am loose granular machine groomed 13 - 27 base 12 of 30 trails 40% open, 6 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-9:30p;Sat/Sun: 9a-9:30p Jack Frost — Sun 3:55 pm packed powder machine groomed 24 - 36 base 12 of 21 trails 58% open, 7 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-4p;Sat/Sun: 8a-4p Liberty Mountain — Sun 4:24 pm frozen granular machine groomed 6 - 8 base 4 of 16 trails 25% open, 25 acres, 3 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8a-10p Mount Pleasant — Plan to Open 01⁄07 Mystic Mountain at Nemacolin Woodlands — Sun 12:35 pm loose granular machine groomed 12 24 base 5 of 7 trails, 72% open, 1 of 3 lifts, Fri: 2p-10p;Sat: 9a-8p Sun: 9a-4p;Dec 28-30: 9a-8p;Open Fri-Sun Roundtop — Sun 6:21 am loose granular machine groomed 8 - 15 base 4 of 16 trails, 25% open 27 acres, 3 of 9 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8a-10p Seven Springs — Sun 5:23 am wet packed snow machine groomed 10 - 22 base 15 of 42 trails 45% open, 7 of 14 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9a-10p;Sat/Sun: 9a-10p Shawnee Mountain — Sun 5:06 pm loose granular machine groomed 12 - 30 base 14 of 23 trails 60% open, 7 of 11 lifts, Mon-Thu: 9a-9p;Fri: 9a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8a-10p Ski Big Bear — Sat 6:55 pm packed powder machine groomed 12 - 36 base 11 of 18 trails 62% open, 6 of 6 lifts, Mon: 9a-4:30p, Wed/Thu: 12p-9p, Fri: 9a-9p Sat: 9a-9p/Sun: 9a-4:30p Ski Denton — Operating, no details Ski Sawmill — Sun 11:03 am packed powder machine groomed 6 - 36 base 5 of 13 trails 16% open, 3 of 5 lifts, sm Mon, Fri: 10a-9p;Tue, Thu: 1p-9p;Sat: 9a-9p Sun: 9a-5p;Open Thu-Tue Sno Mountain — Sun 11:33 am packed powder machine groomed 18 - 36 base 11 of 26 trails 47% open, 103 acres, 3 of 7 lifts, sm Mon-Fri: 9a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8:30a-10p Spring Mountain — Sun 4:40 pm wet packed snow machine groomed 12 - 22 base 2 of 9 trails 30% open, 2 of 6 lifts, Mon-Fri: 9:30a-9p;Sat: 8:30a-9p;Sun: 8:30a-9p 8:30a-9p Tussey Mountain — Operating, no details Whitetail — Sun 5:42 am loose granular machine groomed 10 - 12 base 4 of 23 trails 20% open, 4 of 8 lifts, Mon-Fri: 8:30a-10p;Sat/Sun: 8:30a-10p

BULLETIN BOARD MEETINGS Crestwood Boys Basketball Booster Club will hold their next meeting Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at Cavanaugh’s. We will be discussing the WHITEOUT t-shirt sale, team picture updates, the Winter Social in February and the end of the season banquet. Parents of boys basketball players are invited to attend. The Crestwood Football Booster Club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at King’s Restaurant. Parents of players and supporters of the program are invited to attend. For more information, call Tony at 430-7351. West Side United Soccer Club’s monthly parent/coaches meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 2 at the Plymouth Borough Building, second floor, Shawnee Ave., Plymouth. All parents and coaches are asked to attend. REGISTRATION/TRYOUTS Mountain Top Area Little League and Softball will be offering registration for managers/coaches for the 2012 season. The early registration will be at Crestwood High School on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 7-9 p.m. Bring a copy of your photo ID and the registration fee. For more information, call Terry at 823-7949, or visit www.mountaintoparealittleleague.com. The Rock Rec Center will be holding tryouts for Rock Solid AAU basketball on Jan. 8 and 15. The cost is $10 per player, and players may attend both tryouts for that price. The times for Jan. 8 are: 2 p.m., girls grades 5-6; 3 p.m., girls grades 7-8; 4 p.m. girls grades 9-10; 5 p.m., boys grades 5-6; 6 p.m., boys grades 7-8; 7 p.m. boys grades 9-10. Times for Jan 15 are: 2 p.m., boys grades 5-6; 3 p.m., boys grades 7-8; 4 p.m., boys grades 9-10; 5 p.m., girls grades 5-6; 6 p.m., girls grades 9-10; 7 p.m. girls grades 7-8. Contact the Rock Rec Center for more information at 696-2769 or TheRockRecCenter@bmha.org. UPCOMING EVENTS The Knights of Columbus Council 302 will conduct a Basketball Free Throw Competition at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Wyoming Valley CYC on South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre. All children ages 10-14 are eligible. Entry forms will be available at the CYC, Grandpa’s Workshop on Scott Street in Wilkes-Barre and Lasting impression on River Street in Plains. For more information, call 262-3873. Wilkes University will host its 12th annual Mid-Winter Softball Camp Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Pitching will begin at 9 a.m., hitting at 10 a.m., and fielding at 11 a.m. The camp will be held in the UCOM building on Main Street and the Marts Center (Wilkes Gym) on Franklin Street. For more information, call Frank at 571-408-4031.

Bulletin Board items will not be accepted over the telephone. Items may be faxed to 831-7319, emailed to tlsports@timesleader.com or dropped off at the Times Leader or mailed to Times Leader, c/o Sports, 15 N, Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711-0250.

CMYK ➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 3B

STANDINGS, STATS

NFL ROUNDUP

S TA N D I N G S

AP PHOTO

Steelers running back Isaac Redman (33) breaks free for a 7-yard touchdown run on in Cleveland.

Steelers earn date with Tebow, Broncos The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Isaac Redman replaced an injured Rashard Mendenhall and ran for a touchdown as Pittsburgh limped into the AFC playoffs with a 13-9 win Sunday over Cleveland, the Steelers’ 16th victory in 17 games against the Browns. Redman scored on a 7-yard run in the third quarter for the Steelers (12-4), who finished tied with Baltimore for first in the AFC North but lost the tiebreaker because the Ravens beat them twice. The Steelers had to survive two fumbles by Redman in the second half and a pass into the end zone by the Browns (4-12) on the final play that was batted down. The Steelers will face Denver in the wild card next weekend. Ravens 24, Bengals 16 CINCINNATI — Ray Rice had a pair of long touchdown runs, steadying Baltimore to a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals that gave the Ravens their third AFC North title and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Baltimore (12-4) will get a first-round bye followed by a playoff game at home, where the Ravens are 8-0 this season. Patriots 49, Bills 21 FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Tom Brady led the New England Patriots back from a three-touchdown deficit as they scored 49 straight points and clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win over the Buffalo Bills. Brady finished the regular season with the second most yards passing in NFL history, 5,235, after throwing for 338. Drew Brees, who last week broke Dan Marino’s record of 5,084 with the Miami Dolphins in 1984, added 389 Sunday for the New Orleans Saints and ended with 5,486. Jaguars 19, Colts 13 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Indianapolis locked up the top pick in April’s NFL draft, setting the stage to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Maurice Jones-Drew ran for a season-high 169 yards, clinching the NFL rushing title and breaking Fred Taylor’s singleseason franchise record in the Jaguars’ victory.

DENVER — Tim Tebow fell short in his latest comeback bid, yet his Denver Broncos are still going to the playoffs. Former Bronco Kyle Orton got his revenge in leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a win over Denver, but it’s the Broncos who clinched the AFC West and is headed to the postseason. Saints 45, Panthers 17 NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees threw for 389 yards and five touchdowns, and New Orleans set a slew of NFL and club records. The NFL single-season records set by the Saints (13-3), who head into the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak, included offensive yards with 7,474, team yards passing with 5,347 and first downs with 416.

Packers 45, Lions 41 GREEN BAY, Wis. — Backup quarterback Matt Flynn threw a touchdown pass to Jermichael Finley with 1:10 left to finish off his record-setting day of 480 yards and six TD passes. With Aaron Rodgers resting for the playoffs, Flynn set club single-game records for yards passing and touchdowns. It was an ideal afternoon for the Packers (15-1) who got to rest their starting quarterback and several other big-name players without losing momentum. Bears 17, Vikings 13 MINNEAPOLIS — Charles Tillman’s interception return in the second quarter gave Chicago (8-8) the lead for good, and the Bears stopped their fivegame losing streak despite 31⁄2 sacks by Jared Allen. 49ers 34, Rams 27 ST. LOUIS — Michael Crabtree caught two touchdown passes, one from kicker David Akers on a perfectly executed trick play, and San Francisco wrapped up the No. 2 playoff seed in the NFC and a firstround bye. Chargers 38, Raiders 26 OAKLAND, Calif. — Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes and Richard Goodman returned a kickoff 105 yards for another score as the San Diego Chargers ended Oakland’s playoff hopes by beating the Raiders.

Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20, OT Titans 23, Texans 22 GLENDALE, Ariz. — Larry HOUSTON — Matt HasselFitzgerald’s spectacular onebeck threw two touchdown handed grab set help up a passes and the Titans kept 28-yard field goal by Jay Feely alive their playoff hopes. to give Arizona a win over the The Titans (9-7) have their Seattle Seahawks, the Cardifirst winning record since 2008 nals’ fourth overtime victory at in Mike Munchak’s first season. home in the last nine weeks of the season. Dolphins 19, Jets 17 Falcons 45, Buccaneers 24 MIAMI — Mark Sanchez ATLANTA — Julio Jones threw three interceptions and caught two touchdown passes the Jets were eliminated from the AFC wild-card playoff race. in a span of 26 seconds, Michael Turner ran for two scores Each turnover led to a field and the Atlanta Falcons used a goal, and the Jets gave up six third-down conversions during team-record 42 first-half points to cruise to a win over the the Dolphins’ 21-play, 94-yard drive for their only touchdown. Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch the No. 5 seed in the Chiefs 7, Broncos 3 NFC playoffs.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC y-New England.................................. 13 3 0 .813 513 342 7-1-0 6-2-0 10-2-0 N.Y. Jets ............................................ 8 8 0 .500 377 363 6-2-0 2-6-0 6-6-0 Miami .................................................. 6 10 0 .375 329 313 4-4-0 2-6-0 5-7-0 Buffalo ................................................ 6 10 0 .375 372 434 5-3-0 1-7-0 4-8-0 South W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC y-Houston .......................................... 10 6 0 .625 381 278 5-3-0 5-3-0 8-4-0 Tennessee......................................... 9 7 0 .563 325 317 5-3-0 4-4-0 7-5-0 Jacksonville ....................................... 5 11 0 .313 243 329 4-4-0 1-7-0 4-8-0 Indianapolis ....................................... 2 14 0 .125 243 430 2-6-0 0-8-0 2-10-0 North W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC y-Baltimore ........................................... 12 4 0 .750 378 266 8-0-0 4-4-0 9-3-0 x-Pittsburgh ......................................... 12 4 0 .750 325 227 7-1-0 5-3-0 9-3-0 x-Cincinnati .......................................... 9 7 0 .563 344 323 4-4-0 5-3-0 6-6-0 Cleveland ............................................. 4 12 0 .250 218 307 3-5-0 1-7-0 3-9-0 West W L T Pct PF PA Home Away AFC y-Denver ................................................. 8 8 0 .500 309 390 3-5-0 5-3-0 6-6-0 San Diego ............................................... 8 8 0 .500 406 377 5-3-0 3-5-0 7-5-0 Oakland................................................... 8 8 0 .500 359 433 3-5-0 5-3-0 6-6-0 Kansas City ............................................ 7 9 0 .438 212 338 3-5-0 4-4-0 4-8-0 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC y-N.Y. Giants ........................................ 9 7 0 .563 394 400 4-4-0 5-3-0 5-7-0 Philadelphia.......................................... 8 8 0 .500 396 328 3-5-0 5-3-0 6-6-0 Dallas .................................................... 8 8 0 .500 369 347 5-3-0 3-5-0 6-6-0 Washington .......................................... 5 11 0 .313 288 367 2-6-0 3-5-0 5-7-0 South W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC y-New Orleans..................................... 13 3 0 .813 547 339 8-0-0 5-3-0 9-3-0 x-Atlanta ............................................... 10 6 0 .625 402 350 6-2-0 4-4-0 7-5-0 Carolina................................................ 6 10 0 .375 406 429 3-5-0 3-5-0 3-9-0 Tampa Bay ........................................... 4 12 0 .250 287 494 3-5-0 1-7-0 3-9-0 North W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC y-Green Bay....................................... 15 1 0 .938 560 359 8-0-0 7-1-0 12-0-0 x-Detroit ............................................. 10 6 0 .625 474 387 5-3-0 5-3-0 6-6-0 Chicago.............................................. 8 8 0 .500 353 341 5-3-0 3-5-0 7-5-0 Minnesota .......................................... 3 13 0 .188 340 449 1-7-0 2-6-0 3-9-0 West W L T Pct PF PA Home Away NFC y-San Francisco ................................ 13 3 0 .813 380 229 7-1-0 6-2-0 10-2-0 Arizona ............................................... 8 8 0 .500 312 348 6-2-0 2-6-0 7-5-0 Seattle................................................. 7 9 0 .438 321 315 4-4-0 3-5-0 6-6-0 St. Louis ............................................. 2 14 0 .125 193 407 1-7-0 1-7-0 1-11-0 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Sunday's Games Chicago 17, Minnesota 13 New Orleans 45, Carolina 17 Green Bay 45, Detroit 41 San Francisco 34, St. Louis 27 Tennessee 23, Houston 22 New England 49, Buffalo 21 Miami 19, N.Y. Jets 17 Jacksonville 19, Indianapolis 13

Steelers 13, Browns 9 Pittsburgh.............................. 0 3 10 0 — 13 Cleveland .............................. 0 6 3 0 — 9 Second Quarter Cle—FG Dawson 26, 6:03. Cle—FG Dawson 45, 1:06. Pit—FG Suisham 19, :00. Third Quarter Pit—FG Suisham 29, 9:43. Pit—Redman 7 run (Suisham kick), 5:27. Cle—FG Dawson 49, 1:59. A—68,266. Pit Cle First downs ........................... 22 14 Total Net Yards .................... 360 240 Rushes-yards ....................... 36-161 15-72 Passing.................................. 199 168 Punt Returns......................... 0-0 3-22 Kickoff Returns..................... 4-92 2-23 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-0 0-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 23-40-0 16-41-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-22 2-9 Punts...................................... 4-45.3 6-38.3 Fumbles-Lost........................ 2-2 2-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 4-37 5-40 Time of Possession ............. 39:11 20:49 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Pittsburgh, Redman 19-92, Mendenhall 8-38, Clay 9-31. Cleveland, Wallace 3-44, Hillis 10-30, Hardesty 2-(minus 2). PASSING—Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger 23-40-0-221. Cleveland, Wallace 16-41-1-177. RECEIVING—Pittsburgh, A.Brown 6-90, Ward 5-24, Cotchery 3-28, Redman 3-18, Miller 2-23, Sanders 1-14, Wallace 1-11, Mendenhall 1-7, Johnson 1-6. Cleveland, Cribbs 7-91, Moore 4-39, Massaquoi 2-16, C.Mitchell 1-19, Cameron 1-15, Hillis 1-(minus 3). MISSED FIELD GOALS—Pittsburgh, Suisham 45 (WL).

Eagles 34, Redskins 10 Washington........................... 0 0 7 3 — 10 Philadelphia .......................... 3 7 3 21 — 34 First Quarter Phi—FG Henery 35, 10:29. Second Quarter Phi—Hall 7 pass from Vick (Henery kick), 1:44. Third Quarter Was—Helu 47 pass from Grossman (Gano kick), 10:29. Phi—FG Henery 20, 4:05. Fourth Quarter Was—FG Gano 27, 13:24. Phi—D.Jackson 62 pass from Vick (Henery kick), 12:01. Phi—Celek 4 pass from Vick (Henery kick), 5:56. Phi—Lewis 9 run (Henery kick), 1:56. A—69,144. Was Phi First downs ........................... 21 24 Total Net Yards .................... 377 390 Rushes-yards ....................... 25-130 19-75 Passing.................................. 247 315 Punt Returns......................... 2-(-1) 2-32 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-53 2-43 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-28 1-31 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 22-45-1 24-39-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 1-9 2-20 Punts...................................... 5-36.6 4-50.3 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-0 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 6-71 8-75 Time of Possession ............. 30:41 29:19 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Washington, Royster 20-113, Young 1-12, Helu 4-5. Philadelphia, Lewis 12-58, Brown 6-14, Vick 1-3. PASSING—Washington, Grossman 22-45-1-256. Philadelphia, Vick 24-39-1-335. RECEIVING—Washington, Royster 5-52, Gaffney 4-28, Moss 3-45, Young 3-32, Helu 2-48, Paulsen 2-29, Banks 1-10, Stallworth 1-8, Austin 1-4. Philadelphia, Maclin 8-105, Celek 6-86, D.Jackson 4-86, Avant 4-42, Harbor 1-9, Hall 1-7. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Washington, Gano 36 (BK).

Patriots 49, Bills 21 Buffalo............................. 21 0 0 0 — 21 New England.................. 0 14 14 21 — 49 First Quarter Buf—Choice 4 run (Coutu kick), 11:18. Buf—St.Johnson 18 pass from Fitzpatrick (Coutu kick), 5:19. Buf—Spiller 15 pass from Fitzpatrick (Coutu kick), :48. Second Quarter NE—Green-Ellis 1 run (Gostkowski kick), 11:58. NE—Hernandez 39 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 5:42. Third Quarter NE—FG Gostkowski 47, 12:19. NE—FG Gostkowski 20, 5:13. NE—Gronkowski 17 pass from Brady (Woodhead run), 1:32. Fourth Quarter NE—Green-Ellis 3 run (Gostkowski kick), 11:16. NE—Gronkowski 7 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 3:02. NE—Moore 21 interception return (Gostkowski kick), 2:55. A—68,756. Buf NE First downs ........................... 26 28 Total Net Yards .................... 402 480 Rushes-yards ....................... 20-106 29-138 Passing.................................. 296 342 Punt Returns......................... 1-5 0-0 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-42 4-77 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-33 4-77 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 29-46-4 24-36-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-11 4-18 Punts...................................... 3-41.3 2-48.5 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-0 2-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 5-45 4-77 Time of Possession ............. 30:22 29:38 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Buffalo, Spiller 13-60, Fitzpatrick 5-36, Wilson 1-6, Choice 1-4. New England, Ridley 15-81, Hernandez 2-26, Green-Ellis 7-22, Edelman 1-6, Woodhead 1-5, Hoyer 3-(minus 2). PASSING—Buffalo, Fitzpatrick 29-46-4-307. New England, Brady 23-35-1-338, Hoyer 1-1-0-22. RECEIVING—Buffalo, Hagan 7-89, Martin 4-42, St.Johnson 4-40, Spiller 4-40, Chandler 3-29, Roosevelt 3-29, Nelson 2-23, Choice 1-9, Brock 1-6. New England, Gronkowski 8-108, Hernandez 7-138, Welker 6-51, Woodhead 2-10, Green-Ellis 1-53. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Buffalo, Coutu 45 (WL).

Dolphins 19, Jets 17 N.Y. Jets................................ 7 3 0 7 — 17 Miami ..................................... 3 3 0 13 — 19 First Quarter Mia—FG Carpenter 44, 9:31. NYJ—Keller 1 pass from Sanchez (Folk kick), 5:51. Second Quarter NYJ—FG Folk 31, 3:39. Mia—FG Carpenter 58, :00.

NFC 3-1-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 2-2-0

Div 5-1-0 3-3-0 3-3-0 1-5-0

NFC 2-2-0 2-2-0 1-3-0 0-4-0

Div 4-2-0 3-3-0 3-3-0 2-4-0

NFC 3-1-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 1-3-0

Div 6-0-0 4-2-0 2-4-0 0-6-0

NFC 2-2-0 1-3-0 2-2-0 3-1-0

Div 3-3-0 3-3-0 3-3-0 3-3-0

AFC 4-0-0 2-2-0 2-2-0 0-4-0

Div 3-3-0 5-1-0 2-4-0 2-4-0

AFC 4-0-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 1-3-0

Div 5-1-0 3-3-0 2-4-0 2-4-0

AFC 3-1-0 4-0-0 1-3-0 0-4-0

Div 6-0-0 3-3-0 3-3-0 0-6-0

AFC 3-1-0 1-3-0 1-3-0 1-3-0

Div 5-1-0 4-2-0 3-3-0 0-6-0

Philadelphia 34, Washington 10 San Diego 38, Oakland 26 Kansas City 7, Denver 3 Arizona 23, Seattle 20, OT Atlanta 45, Tampa Bay 24 Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 16 Pittsburgh 13, Cleveland 9 N.Y. Giants 31, Dallas 14

Fourth Quarter Mia—Clay 1 pass from Mat.Moore (Carpenter kick), 10:27. Mia—FG Carpenter 40, 7:11. Mia—FG Carpenter 44, 2:32. NYJ—P.Turner 10 pass from Sanchez (Folk kick), 1:15. A—65,811. NYJ Mia First downs ........................... 20 14 Total Net Yards .................... 374 210 Rushes-yards ....................... 27-129 26-82 Passing.................................. 245 128 Punt Returns......................... 2-26 0-0 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-51 2-42 Interceptions Ret.................. 2-0 3-76 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 22-33-3 22-32-2 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-3 1-7 Punts...................................... 5-38.2 4-48.0 Fumbles-Lost........................ 0-0 0-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 6-40 5-35 Time of Possession ............. 28:53 31:07 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—N.Y. Jets, Tomlinson 11-56, Greene 14-55, Kerley 1-16, Sanchez 1-2. Miami, Slaton 11-55, Thomas 12-28, Mat.Moore 3-(minus 1). PASSING—N.Y. Jets, Sanchez 21-32-3-207, Kerley 1-1-0-41. Miami, Mat.Moore 22-32-2-135. RECEIVING—N.Y. Jets, Keller 7-45, Kerley 4-71, Burress 4-57, Tomlinson 4-23, Mulligan 1-41, P.Turner 1-10, Slauson 1-1. Miami, Bess 6-45, Marshall 5-50, Fasano 4-11, Hartline 2-16, Thomas 2-12, Clay 1-1, Hilliard 1-1, Slaton 1-(minus 1). MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

Packers 45, Lions 41 Detroit ............................. 9 10 15 7 — 41 Green Bay....................... 10 14 7 14 — 45 First Quarter Det—T.Young 8 pass from Stafford (Hanson kick), 13:00. Det—Team safety, 12:59. GB—FG Crosby 22, 5:55. GB—Nelson 7 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), :16. Second Quarter Det—Johnson 13 pass from Stafford (Hanson kick), 8:18. GB—Grant 80 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), 8:00. Det—FG Hanson 30, 5:53. GB—Nelson 36 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), 3:37. Third Quarter Det—T.Young 2 pass from Stafford (Hanson kick), 6:39. GB—Nelson 58 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), 4:32. Det—K.Smith 5 pass from Stafford (Scheffler pass from Stafford), 2:07. Fourth Quarter GB—Driver 35 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), 8:10. Det—Scheffler 12 pass from Stafford (Hanson kick), 2:39. GB—Finley 4 pass from Flynn (Crosby kick), 1:10. A—70,294. Det GB First downs ........................... 32 27 Total Net Yards .................... 575 550 Rushes-yards ....................... 15-73 24-81 Passing.................................. 502 469 Punt Returns......................... 2-8 1-0 Kickoff Returns..................... 4-103 3-39 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-30 2-6 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 36-59-2 31-44-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-18 3-11 Punts...................................... 3-47.0 4-44.0 Fumbles-Lost........................ 2-2 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 11-101 6-78 Time of Possession ............. 28:20 31:40 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Detroit, K.Smith 9-35, Logan 1-16, Morris 4-13, Burleson 1-9. Green Bay, Grant 12-48, Saine 8-28, Kuhn 2-5, Flynn 2-0. PASSING—Detroit, Stafford 36-59-2-520. Green Bay, Flynn 31-44-1-480. RECEIVING—Detroit, Johnson 11-244, Pettigrew 7-116, Burleson 6-45, Scheffler 4-65, K.Smith 4-26, T.Young 4-24. Green Bay, Nelson 9-162, Finley 7-64, J.Jones 6-89, Saine 3-17, Driver 2-52, Kuhn 2-10, Grant 1-80, D.Williams 1-6. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Detroit, Hanson 39 (WR). Green Bay, Crosby 47 (WL).

Jaguars 19, Colts 13 Indianapolis ............................. 0 3 3 7 — 13 Jacksonville ............................ 7 3 6 3 — 19 First Quarter Jac—West 23 pass from Gabbert (Scobee kick), 3:10. Second Quarter Ind—FG Vinatieri 48, 12:03. Jac—FG Scobee 25, 1:01. Third Quarter Ind—FG Vinatieri 20, 9:07. Jac—FG Scobee 32, 7:33. Jac—FG Scobee 47, 5:47. Fourth Quarter Jac—FG Scobee 39, 6:30. Ind—Collie 12 pass from Orlovsky (Vinatieri kick), 3:22. A—62,481. Ind Jac First downs ........................... 19 15 Total Net Yards .................... 298 261 Rushes-yards ....................... 22-56 35-190 Passing.................................. 242 71 Punt Returns......................... 1-(-1) 2-13 Kickoff Returns..................... 3-30 3-79 Interceptions Ret.................. 0-0 2-19 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 27-40-2 11-19-0 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 3-22 3-21 Punts...................................... 3-45.3 2-43.5 Fumbles-Lost........................ 2-1 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 4-40 1-10 Time of Possession ............. 29:12 30:48 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Indianapolis, D.Brown 8-24, Addai 8-19, Orlovsky 1-7, Carter 5-6. Jacksonville, JonesDrew 25-169, D.Harris 3-12, Karim 2-6, Owens 1-3, Thomas 1-3, Gabbert 3-(minus 3). PASSING—Indianapolis, Orlovsky 27-40-2-264. Jacksonville, Gabbert 11-19-0-92. RECEIVING—Indianapolis, Collie 9-96, Wayne 8-73, Clark 5-53, Garcon 2-22, D.Brown 2-15, Carter 1-5. Jacksonville, Lewis 3-33, Osgood 2-19, West 1-23, Dillard 1-8, D.Harris 1-4, Jones-Drew 1-4, Cloherty 1-3, Thomas 1-(minus 2). MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

Saints 45, Panthers 17 Carolina ............................ 7 10 0 0 — 17 New Orleans..................... 14 10 14 7 — 45 First Quarter NO—Ivory 35 run (Kasay kick), 13:21. Car—Smith 12 pass from Newton (Mare kick), 6:42. NO—Colston 15 pass from Brees (Kasay kick), 2:50. Second Quarter Car—FG Mare 41, 5:50. NO—FG Kasay 43, 2:42. Car—Stewart 29 run (Mare kick), 1:18. NO—Colston 42 pass from Brees (Kasay kick), :07.

Third Quarter NO—Graham 19 pass from Brees (Kasay kick), 8:54. NO—Collins 1 pass from Brees (Kasay kick), 3:47. Fourth Quarter NO—Sproles 9 pass from Brees (Kasay kick), 12:15. A—73,065. Car NO First downs ........................... 21 33 Total Net Yards .................... 301 617 Rushes-yards ....................... 24-164 35-208 Passing.................................. 137 409 Punt Returns......................... 0-0 3-45 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-37 2-54 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-53 1-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 15-25-1 31-38-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-21 0-0 Punts...................................... 4-45.8 1-44.0 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-1 0-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 1-5 6-60 Time of Possession ............. 25:26 34:34 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Carolina, Stewart 9-79, D.Williams 7-53, Newton 6-32, Smith 1-1, D.Anderson 1-(minus 1). New Orleans, Ivory 19-127, Sproles 6-40, P.Thomas 5-30, Henderson 1-9, Brees 1-5, Daniel 3-(minus 3). PASSING—Carolina, Newton 15-25-1-158. New Orleans, Brees 28-35-1-389, Daniel 3-3-0-20. RECEIVING—Carolina, Smith 6-86, Shockey 3-18, LaFell 2-27, D.Williams 2-20, Stewart 2-7. New Orleans, Graham 8-97, Colston 7-145, Sproles 5-29, P.Thomas 3-36, Henderson 2-48, Meachem 2-30, Collins 2-3, Arrington 1-17, Higgins 1-4. MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

Bears 17, Vikings 13 Chicago ............................... 0 14 0 3 — 17 Minnesota ........................... 10 3 0 0 — 13 First Quarter Min—FG Longwell 26, 8:53. Min—Harvin 5 run (Longwell kick), 3:42. Second Quarter Chi—R.Williams 22 pass from McCown (Gould kick), 14:19. Chi—Tillman 22 interception return (Gould kick), 13:37. Min—FG Longwell 26, :55. Fourth Quarter Chi—FG Gould 27, 10:19. A—62,867. Chi Min First downs ........................... 10 16 Total Net Yards .................... 209 301 Rushes-yards ....................... 25-92 27-79 Passing.................................. 117 222 Punt Returns......................... 2-4 0-0 Kickoff Returns..................... 3-39 2-58 Interceptions Ret.................. 3-24 1-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 15-25-1 21-42-3 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 7-43 2-6 Punts...................................... 7-47.9 6-46.0 Fumbles-Lost........................ 4-2 1-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 4-20 5-38 Time of Possession ............. 28:46 31:14 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Chicago, Bell 17-54, McCown 4-30, Allen 4-8. Minnesota, Gerhart 15-67, Harvin 5-13, Webb 4-2, Kluwe 1-0, Booker 2-(minus 3). PASSING—Chicago, McCown 15-25-1-160. Minnesota, Webb 17-32-2-200, Ponder 4-10-1-28. RECEIVING—Chicago, Bell 5-28, R.Williams 4-60, Bennett 3-31, Sanzenbacher 2-27, Hester 1-14. Minnesota, Harvin 10-115, Aromashodu 3-53, Booker 3-33, Rudolph 3-15, Camarillo 1-9, Gerhart 1-3. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Minnesota, Longwell 48 (BK).

Titans 23, Texans 22 Tennessee ............................ 0 13 3 7 — 23 Houston ................................. 7 3 3 9 — 22 First Quarter Hou—Tate 4 run (Rackers kick), 5:15. Second Quarter Ten—FG Bironas 21, 13:06. Ten—Avery 1 pass from Hasselbeck (Bironas kick), 3:48. Hou—FG Rackers 52, 1:09. Ten—FG Bironas 43, :00. Third Quarter Hou—FG Rackers 37, 11:46. Ten—FG Bironas 33, 7:22. Fourth Quarter Hou—FG Rackers 22, 14:57. Ten—Washington 23 pass from Hasselbeck (Bironas kick), 4:31. Hou—B.Johnson 5 pass from Delhomme (run failed), :14. A—71,512. Ten Hou First downs ........................... 17 22 Total Net Yards .................... 361 387 Rushes-yards ....................... 22-86 30-152 Passing.................................. 275 235 Punt Returns......................... 4-43 1-11 Kickoff Returns..................... 1-23 1-32 Interceptions Ret.................. 0-0 0-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 22-35-0 22-32-0 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 3-22 3-23 Punts...................................... 6-47.7 6-44.7 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-1 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 6-47 7-55 Time of Possession ............. 25:22 34:38 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Tennessee, C.Johnson 15-61, Harper 4-19, Hall 2-7, Hasselbeck 1-(minus 1). Houston, Tate 16-97, Ward 12-50, Jones 1-4, B.Johnson 1-1. PASSING—Tennessee, Hasselbeck 22-35-0-297. Houston, Delhomme 18-28-0-211, Yates 4-4-0-47. RECEIVING—Tennessee, Washington 4-92, Cook 4-63, C.Johnson 4-49, Avery 3-45, L.Hawkins 3-19, Williams 2-21, Hall 1-4, Harper 1-4. Houston, Casey 7-91, Tate 4-24, Jones 3-35, Dreessen 3-18, B.Johnson 2-45, A.Johnson 2-21, Graham 1-24. MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

49ers 34, Rams 27 San Francisco..................... 7 13 7 7 — 34 St. Louis .............................. 7 0 3 17 — 27 First Quarter StL—Clemens 18 run (Jo.Brown kick), 6:20. SF—Ale.Smith 8 run (Akers kick), :37. Second Quarter SF—Crabtree 28 pass from Ale.Smith (Akers kick), 13:05. SF—FG Akers 36, 7:14. SF—FG Akers 42, 1:00. Third Quarter StL—FG Jo.Brown 49, 5:04. SF—Crabtree 14 pass from Akers (Akers kick), :55. Fourth Quarter StL—FG Jo.Brown 48, 12:19. SF—Dixon 1 run (Akers kick), 6:30. StL—Lloyd 36 pass from Clemens (Jo.Brown kick), 4:49. StL—Williams 1 run (Jo.Brown kick), 4:36. A—55,990. SF StL First downs ........................... 21 18 Total Net Yards .................... 321 311 Rushes-yards ....................... 36-110 25-111 Passing.................................. 211 200 Punt Returns......................... 4-37 2-7 Kickoff Returns..................... 3-75 5-130 Interceptions Ret.................. 2-16 0-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 22-32-0 14-34-2 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 3-22 3-26 Punts...................................... 5-56.8 6-50.7 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-0 1-0 Penalties-Yards.................... 5-80 6-50 Time of Possession ............. 35:08 24:52 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—San Francisco, Hunter 16-76, Dixon 8-21, Gore 7-9, Ale.Smith 5-4. St. Louis, S.Jackson 16-76, Clemens 2-18, Williams 7-17. PASSING—San Francisco, Ale.Smith 21-31-0-219, Akers 1-1-0-14. St. Louis, Clemens 14-31-1-226, Brandstater 0-2-0-0, Norwood 0-1-1-0. RECEIVING—San Francisco, Crabtree 9-92, V.Davis 8-118, Hunter 2-11, Dixon 1-6, Swain 1-6, Miller 1-0. St. Louis, Lloyd 6-100, Kendricks 3-54, Alexander 3-36, B.Gibson 1-21, S.Jackson 1-15. MISSED FIELD GOALS—San Francisco, Akers 48 (WR).

Falcons 45, Buccaneers 24 Tampa Bay........................ 0 7 11 6 — 24 Atlanta ............................... 21 21 0 3 — 45 First Quarter Atl—Rodgers 1 run (Bryant kick), 8:12. Atl—Jones 17 pass from Ryan (Bryant kick), 3:30. Atl—Jones 48 pass from Ryan (Bryant kick), 3:04. Second Quarter Atl—Turner 1 run (Bryant kick), 11:40. Atl—Lofton 26 interception return (Bryant kick), 10:43. Atl—Turner 81 run (Bryant kick), 6:49. TB—Briscoe 2 pass from Freeman (Barth kick), 2:04. Third Quarter TB—FG Barth 41, 4:19. TB—Mack 40 interception return (Winslow pass from Freeman), 3:32. Fourth Quarter TB—Briscoe 5 pass from Freeman (run failed), 11:13. Atl—FG Bryant 20, 3:59. A—68,167. TB Atl First downs ........................... 18 22 Total Net Yards .................... 294 428 Rushes-yards ....................... 14-35 38-251 Passing.................................. 259 177 Punt Returns......................... 2-15 1-9 Kickoff Returns..................... 3-53 0-0 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-40 3-49 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 31-45-3 13-21-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 2-15 0-0 Punts...................................... 3-49.7 2-50.5 Fumbles-Lost........................ 3-1 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 2-20 3-20 Time of Possession ............. 29:52 30:08 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Tampa Bay, Freeman 3-14, Blount 6-12, J.Johnson 1-5, Madu 2-4, Lumpkin 2-0. Atlanta, Turner 17-172, Snelling 9-50, Rodgers 8-24, Jones 1-9, Redman 3-(minus 4). PASSING—Tampa Bay, Freeman 31-45-3-274. Atlanta, Ryan 6-9-0-106, Redman 7-12-1-71. RECEIVING—Tampa Bay, Briscoe 8-53, Winslow 7-56, Lumpkin 5-27, Parker 4-74, Madu 3-19, Blount 3-14, Williams 1-31. Atlanta, Jones 4-76, White 4-69, Gonzalez 1-8, Weems 1-8, Palmer 1-7, Rodgers 1-5, Snelling 1-4.

MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20 Seattle .............................. 0 3 7 10 0 — 20 Arizona............................. 7 3 7 3 3 — 23 First Quarter Ari—Taylor 1 run (Feely kick), 3:02. Second Quarter Sea—FG Hauschka 43, 12:10. Ari—FG Feely 41, 3:28. Third Quarter Sea—Washington 48 run (Hauschka kick), 10:56. Ari—Heap 13 pass from Skelton (Feely kick), 6:18. Fourth Quarter Ari—FG Feely 43, 12:18. Sea—FG Hauschka 26, 9:05. Sea—Lockette 61 pass from Jackson (Hauschka kick), 7:47. Overtime Ari—FG Feely 28, 5:49. A—61,798. Sea Ari First downs ........................... 19 20 Total Net Yards .................... 369 388 Rushes-yards ....................... 34-178 31-131 Passing.................................. 191 257 Punt Returns......................... 5-42 4-63 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-84 3-84 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-33 1-49 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 21-35-1 22-40-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 4-31 2-14 Punts...................................... 8-44.6 7-46.3 Fumbles-Lost........................ 1-0 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 7-55 9-76 Time of Possession ............. 33:42 35:19 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Seattle, Lynch 19-86, Washington 7-78, Forsett 6-16, Jackson 1-3, Tate 1-(minus 5). Arizona, Stephens-Howling 21-93, Skelton 5-19, Taylor 3-8, Roberts 1-8, Sherman 1-3. PASSING—Seattle, Jackson 21-35-1-222. Arizona, Skelton 22-40-1-271. RECEIVING—Seattle, Tate 5-46, Baldwin 3-40, Obomanu 3-37, Forsett 3-(minus 4), Washington 2-12, Lynch 2-5, Lockette 1-61, Morrah 1-14, Butler 1-11. Arizona, Fitzgerald 9-149, Roberts 4-24, Heap 2-35, Housler 2-27, King 2-12, Sherman 1-11, Doucet 1-7, Taylor 1-6. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Seattle, Hauschka 24 (BK).

Chiefs 7, Broncos 3 Kansas City ............................... 7 0 0 0 — 7 Denver ....................................... 0 0 3 0 — 3 First Quarter KC—McCluster 21 run (Succop kick), :11. Third Quarter Den—FG Prater 38, 8:11. A—76,005. KC Den First downs............................. 14 16 Total Net Yards...................... 281 266 Rushes-yards ........................ 30-106 47-216 Passing ................................... 175 50 Punt Returns .......................... 4-40 2-23 Kickoff Returns ...................... 0-0 1-25 Interceptions Ret. .................. 1-1 0-0 Comp-Att-Int .......................... 15-29-0 6-22-1 Sacked-Yards Lost ............... 1-5 2-10 Punts ....................................... 8-47.1 9-44.7 Fumbles-Lost ......................... 1-1 1-1 Penalties-Yards ..................... 6-36 6-49 Time of Possession .............. 27:02 32:58 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Kansas City, McCluster 12-61, Jones 15-42, McClain 2-4, Orton 1-(minus 1). Denver, McGahee 28-145, Ball 9-24, Royal 2-18, Tebow 6-16, Johnson 2-13. PASSING—Kansas City, Orton 15-29-0-180. Denver, Tebow 6-22-1-60. RECEIVING—Kansas City, Bowe 6-93, Baldwin 3-27, McCluster 3-25, Copper 1-14, Pope 1-12, Breaston 1-9. Denver, D.Thomas 3-34, Fells 1-14, Larsen 1-7, Decker 1-5. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Kansas City, Succop 44 (WL). Chargers 38, Raiders 26 San Diego ............................. 7 17 7 7 — 38 Oakland ................................. 7 6 6 7 — 26 First Quarter Oak—Heyward-Bey 3 pass from Palmer (Janikowski kick), 7:20. SD—Gates 38 pass from Rivers (Novak kick), 1:03. Second Quarter SD—Tolbert 1 run (Novak kick), 10:26. Oak—FG Janikowski 52, 6:19. SD—Goodman 105 kickoff return (Novak kick), 6:06. Oak—FG Janikowski 43, 2:19. SD—FG Novak 51, :46. Third Quarter Oak—FG Janikowski 27, 13:18. SD—Jackson 13 pass from Rivers (Novak kick), 7:33. Oak—FG Janikowski 32, 1:18. Fourth Quarter Oak—Boss 22 pass from Palmer (Janikowski kick), 9:37. SD—Floyd 43 pass from Rivers (Novak kick), 6:49. A—58,721. SD Oak First downs ........................... 25 28 Total Net Yards .................... 463 520 Rushes-yards ....................... 31-153 24-103 Passing.................................. 310 417 Punt Returns......................... 0-0 0-0 Kickoff Returns..................... 6-215 3-64 Interceptions Ret.................. 1-5 1-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 19-26-1 28-43-1 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 0-0 0-0 Punts...................................... 0-0.0 1-58.0 0-0 0-0 Fumbles-Lost........................ Penalties-Yards.................... 8-68 8-64 Time of Possession ............. 30:27 29:33 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—San Diego, Tolbert 9-58, Brinkley 16-52, Jackson 1-41, Hester 2-5, Rivers 3-(minus 3). Oakland, Bush 19-66, Murphy 1-27, Palmer 2-6, Moore 1-3, Cartwright 1-1. PASSING—San Diego, Rivers 19-26-1-310. Oakland, Palmer 28-43-1-417. RECEIVING—San Diego, Floyd 7-127, Gates 5-106, Brinkley 3-12, Jackson 2-29, Crayton 1-23, Tolbert 1-13. Oakland, Heyward-Bey 9-130, Murphy 5-72, Moore 3-101, Boss 3-33, Reece 2-28, Ford 2-19, Bush 2-13, Myers 1-11, Ausberry 1-10. MISSED FIELD GOALS—San Diego, Novak 44 (WR).

Ravens 24, Bengals 16 Baltimore ............................... 10 7 0 7 — 24 Cincinnati............................... 3 0 7 6 — 16 First Quarter Bal—Rice 70 run (Cundiff kick), 12:58. Bal—FG Cundiff 42, 6:45. Cin—FG Nugent 46, 3:02. Second Quarter Bal—Pitta 9 pass from Flacco (Cundiff kick), :11. Third Quarter Cin—Scott 25 run (Nugent kick), 3:26. Fourth Quarter Cin—FG Nugent 46, 12:35. Bal—Rice 51 run (Cundiff kick), 5:41. Cin—FG Nugent 23, 2:39. A—63,439. Bal Cin First downs ........................... 15 19 Total Net Yards .................... 347 336 Rushes-yards ....................... 32-221 24-105 Passing.................................. 126 231 Punt Returns......................... 1-11 4-45 Kickoff Returns..................... 2-22 3-72 Interceptions Ret.................. 0-0 0-0 Comp-Att-Int ......................... 15-19-0 22-44-0 Sacked-Yards Lost .............. 1-4 1-1 Punts...................................... 7-46.7 4-53.5 Fumbles-Lost........................ 0-0 1-1 Penalties-Yards.................... 7-59 4-35 Time of Possession ............. 29:26 30:34 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING—Baltimore, Rice 24-191, R.Williams 6-28, Flacco 1-1, Leach 1-1. Cincinnati, Benson 13-51, Scott 6-34, Dalton 4-17, Hawkins 1-3. PASSING—Baltimore, Flacco 15-19-0-130. Cincinnati, Dalton 22-44-0-232. RECEIVING—Baltimore, Pitta 6-62, T.Smith 5-33, Rice 2-8, Dickson 1-20, Leach 1-7. Cincinnati, Gresham 5-72, Simpson 5-54, Hawkins 3-34, Green 2-26, Leonard 2-19, Benson 2-10, Lee 2-9, Scott 1-8. MISSED FIELD GOALS—Cincinnati, Nugent 36 (WR).

C A R E E R R E C E P T I O N S L E A D E R S Through Jan. 1, 2012 (x-active) 1. Jerry Rice.................................................... 2. x-Tony Gonzalez........................................ 3. Marvin Harrison.......................................... 4. Cris Carter .................................................. 5. Tim Brown................................................... 6. Terrell Owens ............................................. 7. Isaac Bruce................................................. 8. x-Hines Ward.............................................. 9. Randy Moss................................................ 10. Andre Reed ..............................................

1,549 1,149 1,102 1,101 1,094 1,078 1,024 1,000 954 951

C A R E E R R U S H I N G L E A D E R S Through Jan. 1, 2012 (x-active) 1. Emmitt Smith 2. Walter Payton z........................................ 3. Barry Sanders........................................... 4. Curtis Martin ............................................. 5. x-LaDainian Tomlinson ........................... 6. Jerome Bettis ........................................... 7. Eric Dickerson.......................................... 8. Tony Dorsett............................................. 9. Jim Brown ................................................. 10. Marshall Faulk........................................

18,355 16,726 15,269 14,101 13,684 13,662 13,259 12,739 12,312 12,279

CMYK PAGE 4B

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

Position-by-position matchups By DEREK LEVARSE | dlevarse@timesleader.com

QUARTERBACK

Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden (1) will get the start against Houston today in Dallas.

Houston quarterback Case Keenum threw for 5,100 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2011. He owns multiple NCAA career passing records.

Tom Bradley coached Penn State’s outside linebackers in 1989 when the Nittany Lions faced Ty Detmer in the Holiday Bowl. The BYU quarterback was just a sophomore that season, but he still threw for 4,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. This feels like a similar situation for Bradley, now the Lions’ interim coach. But Houston senior Case Keenum is unparalleled statistically, owning the FBS career records for total offense, passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions. Oh, and he threw for 5,100 yards and 45 touchdowns to lead the country this season, too. It took a loaded Heisman field this season to keep him out of the finalist ceremony in New York. Penn State’s Matt McGloin will not see the field as he yet to pass his concussion tests. That leaves the game in the hands of Rob Bolden, who struggled for much of the regular season. It will be Bolden’s first start since Oct. 15 against Purdue, but in this one he won’t have to wonder when he’ll be replaced. EDGE: UH

SIlas Redd led the nation in rusing during the month of October, but was slowed by injuries late in the season. With a month off, he should be fresh and healthy against the Cougars.

RUNNING BACK

Houston’s Charles Sims is one Penn State placed a heavy, heavy burden on sophomore Silas Redd, who carried the Lions’ struggling offense for much of the season. Redd led the entire of three backs that are likely to nation in rushing yards for the month of October and very rarely was dropped for a loss. But that workload took its toll on the 5-foot-10 tailback, who dealt with see action multiple stingers and a sprained SC (sternum/clavicle) joint as the season wound against the down. The month off should do him well, and any Penn State victory is likely to Nittany Lions’ come thanks to a huge performance by Redd. Brandon Beachum is out with a defense.

broken ankle, leaving Stephfon Green and Curtis Dukes as the top backups. Though the Cougars are obviously a heavily pass-oriented team, they still topped 2,000 yards rushing on the season. A trio of backs – Charles Sims, Michael Hayes and Bryce Beall – split the carries for Houston through most of the season. Sims led the team in yards (782) while Hayes was first in touchdowns (11). All three have started at least four games this season. EDGE: PSU

RECEIVER

Derek Moye leads the Penn State receiving corps this season despite missing time with a broken foot.

Houston wide receiver Patrick Edwards was one of three players in the Cougars’ highpowered offense to top 900 receiving yards this season.

Case Keenum understandably gets all of the attention for Houston, but he still needs some quality receivers to put up all of those jaw-dropping numbers. The Cougars nearly had three wideouts top 1,000 yards as Patrick Edwards (1,524), Justin Johnson (1,081) and Tyron Carrier (914) are the top targets. Edwards is the star of the show, leading all FBS receivers with 18 touchdowns. He also comes into the game third in the country in receiving yards. He had by far the best day by a wideout in the nation this year, grabbing seven passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns against Rice in October. Penn State’s numbers pale in comparison, but Derek Moye is just as talented. The senior’s season was interrupted by a broken foot and a November schedule that saw the Lions passing game be thrown out of sync with receivers coach Mike McQueary on leave. Justin Brown and Devon Smith are the next two leaders. With Curtis Drake not with the team in Dallas, the wildcat package could be reduced or non-existent. EDGE: UH

Chima Okoli, pictured at left, will be playing in his final game for the Nittany Lions, along with fellow offensive linemen Quinn Barham, Johnnie Troutman and DeOn’Tae Pannell.

OFFENSIVE LINE

None of them are up for any awards, but Penn State’s linemen have gotten the job done as a group. The rushing game has been solid overall and the Lions gave up just 12 sacks in 12 games, ranking first in the Big Ten and 16th in the country. This will be the final game for tackles Quinn Barham and Chima Okoli, as well as guards Johnnie Troutman and DeOn’tae Pannell. Junior center Matt Stankiewitch rounds out the starting unit. Houston has given up 17 sacks in 13 games, which is arguably a more impressive number given that the Cougars have dropped back to pass an astonishing 613 times – that’s roughly one sack for every 36 pass attempts. Not too shabby. Chris Thompson is the top talent on the line for the Cougars, having adjusted well after moving from guard to center. He is flanked by tackles Jacolby Ashworth and Rowdy Harper along with guards Ty Cloud and Kevin Forsch. The Cougars will have their hands full with a Penn State D-line that boasts more talent than they’ve seen all season. EDGE: PSU

Houston center Chris Thompson anchors a line that allowed only one sack for every 36 pass attempts this season.

DEFENSIVE LINE

While fellow lineman Devon Still has garnered most of the attention this season, Jordan Hill (at right) has quietly put together a solid year.

Houston defensive lineman David Hunter adds experience to Houston’s front with redshirt freshman Eric Braswell starting opposite him.

It would take too long to list all of Devon Still’s accomplishments, but his four first-team All-America selections go nicely along with his Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year awards. The big man’s surge began at last year’s bowl game, where he was dominant against Florida. It carried over to this season as he was one of the top defensive players in the country and is looking at a high pick in the NFL draft this spring. Fellow tackle Jordan Hill has helped Still greatly, making it difficult for teams to double-team him on every play. Ends Jack Crawford and Sean Stanley have also both elevated their games as well. The Cougars run their defense out of a 3-4 base scheme with 301-pound Dominic Miller the linchpin in the middle at nose tackle. Senior end David Hunter adds experience to Houston’s front with redshirt freshman Eric Braswell starting opposite him. The Cougars’ run defense enters the game ranked just 77th in the country, allowing 171 yards per game on the ground. EDGE: PSU

Linebacker Gerald Hodges, who started his career as a safety, has recorded 97 tackles this season.

LINEBACKER

The linebackers are the stars in the 3-4 defense, and Houston’s weak-side starter Sammy Brown has certainly been that in his senior season. He led the nation in tackles for loss with 28, seven more than anyone else in the FBS ranks. He added 12.5 sacks for good measure and helped funnel ball-carriers inside toward Marcus McGraw, who led the Cougars with 131 tackles (27 for loss). Phillip Steward and Derrick Mathews round out the group. Penn State has done very well despite losing junior Michael Mauti in the first month of the season to another ACL tear. But credit senior Nate Stupar for playing very well in his place, showing good pursuit against the run while also being strong in pass coverage. The biggest lift, however, came from junior Gerald Hodges, who found a new level to his game midway through the season. The one-time safety led the Lions with 97 tackles this season. The biggest leap for him was mental as he gained the confidence to recognize plays and make stops in all areas of the field. EDGE: PSU

Houston’s Sammy Brown leads a group of talented linebackers in the Cougars’ 3-4 defensive set. He has 12.5 sacks this season.

SECONDARY

Safety Drew Astorino and the rest of the Nittany Lion defensive backfield will be tested by the Cougars’ highscoring, passhappy offense.

Safety Kent Brooks has receovered two fumbles for the Cougars this season.

Penn State is hoping the script for this bowl game isn’t the same as in 2008. That year, a senior-laden secondary was torched by Mark Sanchez and USC in the Rose Bowl. This Houston offense doesn’t have that elite level of talent at every position, but Penn State’s latest group of senior defensive backs is going to have its hands full. Safeties Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay, in particular, will be tested and their charge is to not allow the deep balls that killed the Lions in that Rose Bowl loss to the Trojans. Corners D’Anton Lynn, Chaz Powell, Stephon Morris and Adrian Amos all figure to see the field in this one against the Cougars’ spread attack. Houston’s secondary got a boost from the addition of junior college transfer D.J. Hayden, who has had a hand in big plays throughout the season, forcing a team-high four fumbles, recovering two, while intercepting two passes. Hayden finished with nine pass breakups and 11 passes defended. He is joined by Zach McMillian and safeties Nick Saenz and Kent Brooks. EDGE: PSU

Chaz Powell has seen time on offense and defense during his years at Penn State. But his biggest contributions may have come on the Lions’ return teams.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Things have been hit or miss this season for the Lions, but Anthony Fera has done a good job of settling things down as the team’s full-time man on field goals, punts and kickoffs. All three areas have been solid and Fera finished the season with three Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week awards. Though his numbers are helped by that season-opening touchdown against Indiana State, Chaz Powell made it through the regular season ranked 11th in the nation on kickoff returns, averaging a bit over 28 yards per return. Justin Brown is 33rd on punt returns. More impressively, the coverage units have been solid, allowing few big runbacks. That will be key against the Cougars, who have three return TDs on the season. Star wideout Patrick Edwards is the one to watch for on punts, averaging 14.6 yards per return. Tyron Carrier has a 100-yard kick return score. Kicker Matt Hogan has only had to attempt 12 field goals this year, hitting 10. He hit an NCAA record 78 straight extra points earlier this year. EDGE: PSU

Kicker Matt Hogan has only had to attempt 12 field goals this year, making 10. But he has hit 78 straight PATs.

AP PHOTOS

CMYK ➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 5B

Keenum provides a unique foe

McGloin ruled out for today’s clash

By DEREK LEVARSE dlevarse@timesleader.com

DALLAS -- Devon Still has already met Case Keenum. He’s even had a picture taken with him. Penn State’s best player and Houston’s best player met on the red carpet last month at a college football awards show in Orlando. The record-setting Cougars quarterback couldn’t resist asking the Nittany Lions’ hulking defensive tackle for a quick photo. Still obliged. But he had a different thought going through his head while the camera was “We’ve flashing. gotta get a “I can’t wait hit on him. to see him Still We’ve got- again,” joked. “Hopefully it’s a differta get a pose and I’m chance to ent actually hitting get to him him instead of standing next and knock to him smiling.” him down.” If Penn State Larry Johnson is going to beat Penn State Houston in todefensive line day’s TicketCicoach ty Bowl, there will have to be plenty of photo ops of Still and Lions defenders slamming into Keenum. The sixth-year senior is the most statistically prolific passer in the history of major college football. Keenum holds the FBS career records for pass completions (1,501), passing yards (18,685), passing touchdowns (152) and total offense (19,572). This season alone, Keenum led the country with 5,099 yards and 45 touchdowns through the air, throwing just five interceptions. “He gets it out fast -- three-step drop,” Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said. “We’ve got to get our hands up, bat some balls down. We’ve got some 6-5, 6-6 ends. I think we can do that. “And it’s not just pressure, it’s getting a hit. We’ve gotta get a hit on him. We’ve gotta get a chance to get to him and knock him down.” Penn State has a little bit of experience in dealing with this type of pass-heavy, spread offense. Among Big Ten foes, Northwestern’s attack most closely resembles Houston and the Lions have had success in making halftime adjustments against the Wildcats to close out wins. Houston’s liberal use of the nohuddle also resembles the lightning pace the Lions saw from In-

DALLAS -- There was little doubt of it coming into the weekend, but Penn State made it official on Sunday. Matt McGloin won’t be available for today’s game. Interim coach Tom Bradley confirmed that McGloin will sit out the TicketCity Bowl matchup with Houston because the quarterback has not passed concussion tests. McGloin was injured after falling and hitting his head during a post-practice altercation with receiver Curtis Drake on Dec. 17. There was hope from McGloin that he would be able to at least suit up if something happened to new starter Rob Bolden, but Bradley said Sunday that would not be a possibility. Bradley said Bolden will go the distance under center for the Nittany Lions, with junior walk-on Shane McGregor as his backup. “One of the things (with Bolden is) he has been a starter, he has started games,” Bradley said. “It’s not an awkward situation for him. Now he knows he’s going to go the whole way if he can. “I think he’s done very well. He’s done a great job with command of the huddle, getting prepared for this game.” Bolden took turns leading the offense with McGloin for the first seven games of the season, and the results weren’t particularly pretty. From Bradley’s perspective, he hopes that Bolden will gain some confidence from not having to worry about being replaced after every few drives. “I think he’ll be OK,” Bradley said. “He’s had a different amount of time to prepare. He’s known he’s going to be the starter. Earlier in the year we were bringing him in, bringing him out.That won’t be the case (Monday).” Certainly the situation isn’t new for Penn State players, who have had to deal with the quarterback carousel all season. Derek Moye, a senior captain and the team’s leading receiver, is optimistic that Bolden can come through against the Cougars, even if his style and demeanor is very different from McGloin. “I think his confidence has definitely grown and I think he has definitely gotten better this bowl season,” Moye said of Bolden. “He’s kind of taken control of the huddle and he realizes that it’s his time right now. He realizes that he’s the guy going into the game and in order for us to try to win this bowl game, he’s going to have to play pretty well. “Rob is more of a quiet person so sometimes you have to tell him to speak up, but I think he’s gotten a lot better with that through his career here. Matt, he’s more outspoken than Rob, and he’s not afraid to get

TicketCity Bowl

BRADLEY Continued from Page 1B

Bradley himself shot down one of them Sunday, refuting a pair of reports out of Pittsburgh that he was in line to receive a second interview for the job later this week. “I don’t know where you guys get that stuff," Bradley said. "They haven’t told me anything … They haven’t said anything to us regarding the coaching search. As I said the other day, I had an opportunity to speak with the committee, spent some time with them. They were very gracious. I was able to talk to them about the way I would do things. That’s all that I can ask. “As far as rumors, I don’t pay much attention to them. You (reporters) haven’t hit the jackpot yet.” Deal or no deal? At the same time Sunday, an ESPN report cited anonymous NFL sources that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Paterno. Penn State acting athletic director Dave Joyner has said that a hiring is not imminent. He reiterated Sunday that no deal was in place with any candidates. O’Brien, 42, is in his fifth season on the Patriots staff and his first as offensive coordinator. Though he has no head coaching experience, O’Brien has worked extensively in the college ranks with Georgia Tech (1995-02), Maryland (200304) and Duke (2005-06). Coincidentally, O’Brien shares Paterno’s alma mater. The Massa-

AP PHOTO

Houston quarterback Case Keenum (7) passes to running back Michael Hayes (29) during the fourth quarter against UCLA in Houston earlier this season.

diana this season. But, of course, neither Northwestern nor Indiana had Keenum running the show. “Houston’s a very up-tempo, fast-paced team,” linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden said. “So getting the call in, getting set, you pretty much got to be in the same personnel group most of the game. “Their intent is to get a play off every 12 seconds. So adjusting to that high tempo, playing with a high degree of certainty and awareness and being in the right place in the right time is going to be critical.” “You can’t simulate it,” Johnson said. “But we can make it faster (in practice), and that’s what we’re trying to do.” Interim coach Tom Bradley has seen it all in his 33 years on Penn chusetts native played linebacker and defensive end at Brown. If the full-time job does go to someone outside of the program, it leaves plenty of question marks for the current staff. Bradley and his assistants have been lauded by Penn State players for their professionalism during a difficult time in which they have no assurances of the future. “You wouldn’t even know anything was going on with them,” linebacker Gerald Hodges said. Aside from Bradley, defensive line coach Larry Johnson, linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden and quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno have all interviewed for the job. Johnson and Vanderlinden would be top candidates to remain on staff under a new head coach to help the transition because of their experience and success. “I think the most important thing right now (is) not to talk about what’s happening futurewise for me,” Johnson said. “My focus right now is just getting ready to prepare for Houston and play those guys. I’ve got to do a great job for my players. My job is to stay focused on where I’m at right now.” Vanderlinden has declined to comment on his future. Jay Paterno is likely to depart the program along with long-time offensive assistants Dick Anderson and Bill Kenney. Offensive coordinator Galen Hall has long held that he would retire when Joe Paterno was gone, but the 71-year old assistant said this week that he would consider returning if asked. Newer members of the staff in-

State’s staff, almost all of it on the defensive side of the ball. He has been involved in helping draw up game plans for bowl games against ridiculously successful college quarterbacks like BYU’s Ty Detmer (1989 Holiday Bowl) and Kentucky’s Tim Couch (1998 Outback Bowl). Penn State won both games. “It’s painful to stand there on the sidelines (in those games),” Bradley said. “We haven’t seen anybody like (Keenum) in a while, though.” While the Lions’ defense will certainly be under scrutiny, Penn State’s offense will play just as large a role in slowing down Keenum. The Lions expect to heavily feature tailback Silas Redd in an attempt to reduce the number of possessions for the Cougars. clude safeties coach Kermit Buggs, along with Bill Kavanaugh and Elijah Robinson, both of whom were promoted last month following the staff shake-up. As for Bradley, he declined to answer if he would stay on the staff if offered a job as an assistant under a new head coach. “I’m not sure about that," Bradley said. "I can’t answer that right now. I’m sure there will be some other opportunities." If this is to be his final game with the Lions, Bradley said he

That strategy was in play even before Matt McGloin was sidelined and Rob Bolden was picked to start. “Ball control” has been the phrase of the week for Penn State. “Absolutely,” Redd said. “Our defense is obviously great, but we just want to help them out by keeping Houston’s offense off the field, running the ball and chewing the clock.” Penn State isn’t headed into this one expecting to shut down Keenum. Far from it. But it will be critical for the Lions to not fall behind by a few scores and be forced out of their game plan. “One of the things that we’re trying to sell our players on is that, yeah, they might hit a couple big plays, but you can’t flinch,” Vanderlinden said. “You got to keep playing.” will leave with pride for his alma mater. "I think after 33 years of coaching and being there and playing at Penn State, I can think of so many great memories I have," Bradley said. "The players, the things that happened, the bowl games -- just been a lot of great people. Not only on the football team but people at Penn State and people I’ve met through football. "It’s been a tremendous, tremendous experience."

PSU NOTEBOOK into the huddle and tell everybody to shut up and let everybody know that the huddle is his.” Wildcat tamed? McGloin will at least be on the sideline for today’s game, but his counterpart Curtis Drake will not be. The sophomore wideout did not travel with the team to Houston, a decision that Bradley said he sat down and discussed with Drake last month. That likely means a drastic reduction to the wildcat package that Penn State installed in the final month of the season. When asked if the team would rely on the wildcat as much, Bradley simply responded, “Not really.” Another former high school quarterback -- true freshman Bill Belton -- is on the trip and could still take snaps out of the package if needed. Still healthy The only other injury of note during bowl practice for Penn State is on the left foot of defensive tackle Devon Still, who sat out much of this week with turf toe. “Devon will be ready to go tomorrow,” Bradley said. “(Team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli) has been treating him. We expect him to be able to go full-go.” The injury could affect Still’s pass rushing effectiveness, as it makes it difficult to get a strong initial surge off of the snap. Cougars stay focused All of the attention around the TicketCity Bowl has been centered on Penn State, so it’s easy to forget that 12-1 Houston, ranked No. 19 in the country, was one win away from playing in a BCS game, likely against Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Since an upset loss in the Conference USA title game, the Cougars lost their head coach, Kevin Sumlin, to Texas A&M. Associate head coach Tony Levine was initially tabbed as the interim coach before recently being named to the job full-time. Despite the upheaval, Levine said his team remains excited to play in this obscure bowl game. “I think it’s really been easy because not a whole lot of teams in the country get to play that game in January. It gives our team, our coaching staff, our players an opportunity against a great opponent on a national stage to really show people that the fluke was the one game, not the 12 games. “Really with all those factors, it’s been really easy to turn their attention, turn their focus to this game. They’re excited to play.”

CMYK PAGE 6B

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

OUTDOORS Continued from Page 1B

play the game.” Workers stuck Christmas trees and winter firewood on the fake snow around the rink as the finishing touches were sprinkled on a project that started just before Thanksgiving. While fans hoped for winter wonderland conditions, the two-hour shift will at least mean chilly temperatures and less sun. “It’s going to feel different to be out there,” Rangers center Brad Richards said. “It’ll be, look around for a little bit, but you don’t want to get clocked, so you can’t look too much.” The game is too important to gawk at the skyline. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette made it clear winning the game between two teams jostling for the top spot in the Eastern Con-

ference is more important than putting on a show when he benched slumping goalie — and “24/7” breakout star — Ilya Bryzgalov for Sergei Bobrovsky. Bryzgalov, the self-deprecating Russian, has failed to live up to the nine-year, $51 million contract he signed in June and now finds a spot on the bench for the Winter Classic. With temperatures expected in the low 40s, Bryzgalov joked he’d sip Earl Grey tea to keep warm. He could be in hot water after revealing before Laviolette’s announcement that Bobrovsky would be in charge of trying to stop Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan instead of him. Laviolette has strict guidelines on how he presents the day’s starting goalie — never a day ahead, rarely at morning skate — and Bryzgalov’s defiance may keep him on the bench. Laviolette refused to announce a goalie even after he was told Bryzgalov spoiled the news.

➛

“I have great news and even better news,” Bryzgalov said. “Great news, I’m not playing tomorrow night. Good news, we have a chance to win the game tomorrow night.” The Flyers counted on Bryzgalov to become the goaltender that would lead them to their first Stanley Cup championship since 1975. He’s 14-8 with a pedestrian 3.01 goals against average, and has allowed five, four and five goals in three of his last four starts. “Six, five, next game if I give up three, it’s going to be progress,” Bryzgalov said. His dry wit made him a hit on the first three episodes of HBO’s behind-the-scenes look at both teams before the Classic. His two little children, meanwhile, bickered at a Christmas celebration over who was more Russian. Laviolette planned to discuss his decision with Bryzgalov later Sunday. Oh, to be a fly — or a “24/7” camera — on the wall for

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

Kostitsyn scored three goals to lead the Nashville Predators to their third straight victory. Kevin Klein and Matt Halischuk also scored for Nashville. Jarome Iginla, Rene Bourque and Brendan Morrison scored for the Calgary Flames, who have lost three straight. Kostitsyn’s first goal gave Nashville a 2-1 lead. His second made it 4-1 and he capped the scoring with an empty-net goal. Iginla, stationed in front of the crease, beat goaltender Pekka Rinne with a wrist shot 3:47 into the game. Klein tied the game with 7:21 left in the first period when he AP PHOTO blasted a slap shot from the blue Philadelphia Flyers’ Jody Shelley stares at the camera during line that beat goaltender Mikka practice for the Winter Classic on Sunday in Philadelphia. Kiprusoff to his glove side. The Predators took the lead at something’s gone wrong with that talk. 2-1 when Kostitsyn skated in Bryzgalov admitted Sunday (my) game. Too much thinking. I from the right side and beat Kileaving Phoenix for big money wish I got (a) $450,000 salary.” prusoff to his glove side with a and a hockey-mad market has Predators 5, Flames 3 wrist shot from close range with made him feel added pressure. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sergei 4:54 remaining in the first. “I like it here,” he said, “but

Fondly remembered, Rose touched so many

NBA

Nuggets avenge loss to Lakers in rematch The Associated Press

DENVER — Danilo Gallinari scored 20 points, Ty Lawson had 17 points and 10 assists and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 99-90 on Sunday night. Nene had 13 points for the Nuggets, who avenged a threepoint loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles less than 24 hours earlier. Pau Gasol had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers. Kobe Bryant scored 16 points on 6-of-28 shooting. After a seesaw battle for most of the final period, the Nuggets scored the final 11 points to pull out the win. Cavaliers 98, Nets 82 CLEVELAND — Antawn Jamison scored 23 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers made 16 3-pointers in a win over the New Jersey Nets. Kyrie Irving, the No. 1 pick in the draft, had 13 points, four assists and four rebounds for Cleveland (2-2). Deron Williams led New Jersey (1-4) with 16 points. The Nets dropped their fourth straight game despite having all five starters score in double figures. Celtics 94, Wizards 86 WASHINGTON — Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds while Kevin Garnett had 24 points and nine rebounds to lead the Boston

PLAYOFFS Continued from Page 1B

complished — to come back and win the AFC West is very special.” By winning every game in the second half of the season, the Patriots own home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs. By losing their last three games, the New York Jets won’t be going to a third straight conference title game. The Patriots (13-3) earned the

EAGLES Continued from Page 1B

"Very disappointing," Jackson said of the season. Vick threw for 335 yards, tight end Brent Celek and backup wide receiver Chad Hall each snagged a touchdown catch, and Dion Lewis put an exclamation point on victory with a 9-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes remaining. "Right now, it feels like it’s over," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "But it’s a good way to start off the new year." The Eagles started strong enough Sunday, as Vick hit Celek with a 30-yard bullet to set up Alex Henery’s 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. That lead grew to 10-0 by halftime, when Hall

The Times Leader writer who covered us, and of course with the ‘just had a passion for it’ will racing. He just had a passion for it. "It seemed like it wasn’t a job be laid to rest later this week. for him."

Celtics over the winless Washington Wizards. The victory was the Celtics’ second straight after losing their first three. Washington is 0-4. After losing their opener by six to New Jersey, the Wizards have lost the last three by 47 points. John Wall, who was 10 for 37 from the field in Washington’s first three games, was 6-for-13. He had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Heat 129, Bobcats 90 MIAMI — Chris Bosh scored 20 of his 24 points in the first half, and the Miami Heat improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history by rolling past the Charlotte Bobcats. The 129 points is the most scored by any NBA team so far this season and the 39-point victory margin matched the third-largest in Heat history. Dwyane Wade scored 22 points and LeBron James and Mario Chalmers each scored 16 for the Heat.

By PAUL SOKOLOSKI psokoloski@timesleader.com

AP PHOTO

Denver Nuggets forward Nene, front, drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, in the first quarter Sunday.

Mavericks 99, T’wolves 82 MINNEAPOLIS — Kevin Love had 25 points and 17 rebounds and hit two huge 3s in the fourth quarter to help the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Dallas Mavericks, ending an 18-game losing streak dating to last season. The young Wolves closed the game with a 15-0 run and this win has been a long time coming. They lost the last 15 games of last season and the first three

Magic 102, Raptors 96 ORLANDO, Fla. — Ryan Anderson scored 24 points and led a fourth-quarter rally that sent the Orlando Magic past the Toronto Raptors. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Magic.

Bulls 104, Grizzlies 64 CHICAGO — Carlos Boozer scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls easily won their home opener, pounding the Memphis Grizzlies. Derrick Rose finished with 16 points after a slow start. Ronnie Brewer scored 17 with Richard Hamilton a late scratch because of a groin injury.

right to stay at home throughout the AFC playoffs after a 49-21victory over Buffalo, which led 21-0. It should be comforting to them, except the Patriots have lost their last two home playoff games, and their last three postseason games overall. “It depends on how we play,” three-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady said. “It’s great playing at home. It’s great to have a bye. But I think we have to concentrate here this week on what we need to do to play our best football in a couple weeks.” The Jets (8-8) finished a late-

season collapse with a 19-17 loss at Miami to fall out of contention. They dropped their final three games after taking control of the AFC’s final wild-card spot. “We played well in spurts this season but we weren’t consistent enough,” said quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was among the most inconsistent Jets. “You have to ask yourself the tough questions and clean things up for next season. “It doesn’t feel good now but we’ll come back and be just fine.” San Francisco (13-3) is just fine thanks to a turnaround sea-

son. Under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers will be the No. 2 seed in the NFC behind Green Bay (15-1) after a 34-27 win at St. Louis. New Orleans (13-3) is seeded third after a 45-17 win over Carolina. The Saints will host Detroit (10-6), which lost at Green Bay 45-41. Atlanta (10-6) defeated Tampa Bay 45-24 and is seeded fifth in the NFC. It will travel to face the NFC East champion New York Giants, who defeated the Dallas Cowboys in an elimination game Sunday night.

banged off two Redskins defenders at the 3-yard line and darted into the end zone with a 7-yard touchdown catch with 1:44 remaining in the second quarter. "I appreciate their toughness," Reid said of his players. "We didn’t win enough of them to keep going on. But I appreciate the guys battling through the season right through today." The 5-11 Redskins fought back, behind a 113-yard rushing day from former Penn State star running back Evan Royster. "I was able to make some cuts and get around people," Royster said. "I was just glad that I got onto the roster and was able to make a difference." His hard running Sunday paid off for the Redskins. With the Eagles keying on Royster, Washington pulled within10-7 on the opening drive of the

second half when running back Roy Helu took a dump-off pass 47 yards for a touchdown. And after Henery converted a 20-yard field goal, Graham Gano answered for Washington with a 27-yard kick to keep the Redskins close, 13-10 early in the fourth quarter. That’s when Jackson delivered his game-breaking play. He sprinted down the field, cut between two defenders, and grabbed a 62-yard bomb from Vick before waltzing into the end zone with a 20-10 Eagles lead. "That was a heck of a play," Reid said. "He was doubleteamed, the ball was thrown a little bit short. DeSean weaved his way through and made a great play." It was the kind of game-changing play the Eagles have come to expect in the past from Jackson. But it was only the fourth touch-

down and 55th catch overall this season for Jackson, who was hampered by injuries and an ongoing contract dispute through 2011. "I stuck with it, fought through, regardless of how I started," Jackson said. The Eagles pulled away for good when Vick found Celek with a 4-yard touchdown toss and Lewis sprinted 9 yards for a score within the final six minutes. If only they played this way during a 4-8 start. "You just think about the game we could have won," Vick said. "You can’t cry over spilled milk. What’s done is done. You can’t change the past. "That’s the unfortunate thing about this. It feels so right right now, (with) everybody jelling together. It just feels right. That’s going to carry over into next season."

of this year, meaning it’s been 295 days since the franchise’s last victory.

As a former major league baseball manager, Dave Miley dealt with dozens of reporters on a daily basis. None of them impressed him more than the late Clarence Van Rose. "I’ve known a lot of beat writers. He was definitely at the top of my list," said Miley, who now manages the Triple-A Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Yankees. "Not just as a media person and a sports person. We were able to become friends. "Sometimes that doesn’t happen with the media and sports figures." It only figures that subjects Van Rose covered held him in high esteem, whether they played their games in the professional sports world or on the local stage. Not all of them will make his viewing from 5-8 p.m. today at the John V. Morris Funeral Home at 625 North Main Street in WilkesBarre. But most of them cited an easy-going personality and caring nature that instantly won Rose fast friends. "Even if he wasn’t stringing for Indianapolis or Louisville or Columbus -- places where I managed before I came here -- he always made it a point to come in and say hello," Miley said. "That meant a lot." Rose, it seemed, worked his charm in just about every arena he entered -- whether it be baseball, basketball or on the harness racing beat at Pocono Downs, where he was a fixture for The Times Leader in the 1980s and ‘90s. "I dealt with Van in two areas," said Dale Rapson, the vice president of racing at Pocono Downs. "I coached girls basketball at Meyers for a few years when Van

That’s because until the day he suddenly passed away last Thursday, Rose conducted conversations -- not interviews. And they always seemed to run the gammut of life. "I know he did a lot more than covering baseball," said Miley, who once managed the Cincinnati Reds before taking over a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre baseball team Rose covered since 1998 -- when they were the Red Barons of the Phillies organization and then the top affiliate of the New York Yankees in 2007. "He’d come into the clubhouse wearing all these country music shirts," Miley fondly remembered. "He always treated me well and it was always good to see him. I would get on him -- ’I know I’m your second-favorite manager.’ I still think Bombie (former Red Barons boss Marc Bombard) was his favorite manager. It’s going to be a little different when we come back into that (PNC Field) stadium and not having Van around. "He was just a special guy." Blessed with a special gift for discovering stories that elevated Rose’s reporting skills above the rest. Rapson points to Rose’s Columbo-like style -- playing a lot less informed than he actually was -- to draw interesting answers from his subjects which he then turned into eye-catching stories. "Van knew his stuff," Rapson said. "But what I like about him was, he wasn’t a know-it-all. He’d always say, ’What do YOU think?’ "He was always there doing stories on drivers," Rapson continued, talking about the Pocono Downs track. "That was a big help. I have to compete against high school football, college sports, the pros, trying to get stories out. I never really had to ask Van, really. "Van always kind of asked me."

PREMIER BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Steamers fall in season opener By TOM ROBINSON For The Times Leader

The Rochester RazorSharks raised their championship banner from 2011, then got their 2012 season started a bit early with a 107-98 New Year’s Eve victory over the visiting Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Steamers in the Premier Basketball League opener. Jerice Crouch led Rochester with 21 points, four assists and two steals. Crouch was a starter on the championship team. The game, which was the debut of the Steamers, was played in front of a crowd of 6,017 at the Blue Cross Arena. It did not take long for the Steamers to establish their offensive leaders. Chris Commons scored 21 of his game-high 34 points and Rob Robinson had 16 of his 26 in the first half. The Steamers jumped to a 15-9 lead, but the RazorSharks had two eight-point streaks for an overall run of 18-5 and a 36-28

lead late in the first quarter. Robinson scored the last two points of the first quarter before Rochester opened the second quarter with a basket. The Steamers then went on a 16-0 run, which included 11 points by Commons, the first player the franchise selected in the draft. Commons, a 6-foot-8 forward from South Carolina-Aiken, has had success professionally in Europe and Asia. Rochester fought back from the 46-38 deficit and took a 56-54 lead at the halftime buzzer when Todd McCoy scored on the rebound after a Crouch steal and a missed 3-pointer by Keith Friel. The RazorSharks wore the Steamers down with their depth. While four players were accounting for 89 of the 98 Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre points, all 12 Rochester players got at least 12 minutes of playing time and 11 of them scored. McCoy provided 15 points and Aaron Williams had 13 points and nine rebounds while coming off the bench.

CMYK THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 7B

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Badgers, Ducks meet in a clash of styles

Marks are in reach at Orlando

Wisconsin follows a traditional playbook, while Oregon is willing to try almost anything.

Gamecocks, Cornhuskers chasing milestones in their 2011 season finale today.

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

By KYLE HIGHTOWER Associated Press Writer

ORLANDO, Fla. —South Carolina and Nebraska both entered the 2011 college football season primed to make a run at conference championships. Those aspirations didn’t pan out. But entering Monday’s Capital One Bowl, the No. 10 Gamecocks and No. 21 Cornhuskers are more than willing to settle for one final victory to end a year of transition for both. The Cornhuskers (9-3) are wrapping up their first year in the Big 10 with a chance to win 10 games for the third consecutive year. For the Gamecocks (10-2), the goal is also all about the numbers as UP NEXT they look to be Nebraska vs. the first team in South Carolina program histoTV: 1 p.m., ry to post 11 vicESPN WHERE: Orlan- tories. “It’s impordo, Fla. tant to all of us to try to do things that have never been done before,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said. Is it the best he’s ever had at South Carolina? “Usually as coaches, we like to say, one of the best,” he said. “Obviously if we’re successful it will go down in the history books as the best. No question about that. “I really believe this team has achieved just about as much as it possibly could. And hopefully we’ll find out (Monday),” he said. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said going into the offseason on a positive note was the only focus this week. “I can just put it this way, winning’s a lot better than losing whether it’s a bowl game or anything else,” he said. “Someone’s going to win this game and someone’s going to lose it. That’s the way it’s going to be. I know both teams are going to play hard and want to win in the worst way. And that’s what’s going to make the game great.” Earlier this season being able to achieve any kind of milestone didn’t seem like it would be possible for South Carolina. The Gamecocks started the season 4-0 before coming up a field goal short against Auburn. Then, problems increased. Embattled quarterback Stephen Garcia, suspended twice in the spring for the fifth time during his career, was dismissed in early October after a failed alcohol test.

AP PHOTO

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is considered a potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

AP PHOTO

Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden has been one of the top players in the game at his position this season.

Top QBs meet in desert

Oklahoma State, Stanford meet to prove who is best of the rest at Fiesta Bowl. By JOHN MARSHALL AP College Football Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Fiesta Bowl has just about everything you could ask for from a bowl game: two of the nation’s best teams, most explosive offenses and underrated defenses, ready-for-the-NFL quarterbacks and this year’s best case for changing the BCS. OK, so maybe there’s no national title on the line. LSU and Alabama get that honor under the current BCS format. Still, when No. 3 Oklahoma State and No. 4 Stanford play Monday night at University of Phoenix Stadium, it figures to be one of those can’t-miss shows, the kind that leaves fans asking “Did you see that?” the next day. “This is about as good as it gets right here,” Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden. “I’m pretty sure everybody around the country will be watching.” Might as well start with the quarterbacks. They are, after all, two of the most intelligent,

mature and prolific ones out there. Stanford’s Andrew Luck has been projected as the UP NEXT No. 1 overall Stanford vs. pick in the Oklahoma St. NFL draft alTV: 8:37 p.m., most since his ESPN days at StratWHERE: at ford High in Glendale, Ariz. Houston. Last year’s Heisman Trophy runner-up, he made it two straight just misses after returning for a stellar senior season. Prototypically sized, deceptively agile and mature beyond his years, Luck tore through Stanford’s record book almost as often as he did opposing defenses and improved his NFLready resume by calling some of his own plays this season. “There is a reason why he is going to be the first player picked in the draft, because he is very good at what he does and he’s had a lot of success the last couple years,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. Gundy’s quarterback is no slouch. Weeden won’t challenge Luck for the No. 1 pick, but he

certainly could give the big Cardinal a run in the Fiesta Bowl. Agile and accurate with a big right arm, Weeden came seemingly out of nowhere to pile up yards and touchdowns as a junior and continued it this season, putting together one of the most impressive two-year runs in Oklahoma State history. He forced people across the country to learn how to spell his last name — it ends with “en,” not “on” — with his prodigious numbers and throws. Weeden isn’t mature beyond his years like Luck, though. He’s just mature; a 28-year-old former professional baseball player who’s married and doesn’t get caught up by trivialities that might slip up younger players. “He is great. He has put up numbers. He has done it winning,” Stanford co-defensive coordinator Derek Mason said. “Any time you can do that, you put yourself in an elite category of quarterbacks. That’s what he is.” Led by their two quarterbacks, Oklahoma State and Stanford have the kind of offenses that turn defensive coordinators inside-out at night trying to figure ways of slowing them down.

PASADENA, Calif. — The Rose Bowl is a living archive of football tradition. Every year, teams participate in the same oceanside pep rallies, Disneyland visits and Hollywood beef-eating extravaganzas before those flowered parade floats glide down Colorado Boulevard right before the game. All that history suits No. 9 Wisconsin perfectly. Coach Bret Bielema has built a Midwest powerhouse by largely adhering to traditional styles and schemes, determined to win Rose Bowls with unapologetically old-fashioned football. And though No. 6 Oregon usually seems to be visiting our planet from the near future, coach Chip Kelly’s Ducks also love every bit of the history they see out of their mirrored helmets. The last two losers of the Rose Bowl will return Monday for a chance at redemption in the 98th edition of the Granddaddy of Them All, matching two offenses with thoroughly disparate strategies for racking up similarly huge numbers on the scoreboard. “You can’t get two teams much more different than these, but that’s why I think it’s going to be a great game,” said Bielema, who has led the Badgers to their first back-to-back Rose Bowls in a dozen years. “We do things a certain way at Wisconsin like we’ve done

them in the past, and Oregon always has something new for you. People are going to see something speUP NEXT cial in this matchup.” Wisconsin vs. Bielema was Oregon TV: 5:07 p.m., a defensive lineESPN man at Iowa in WHERE: Pasathe 1991 Rose dena, Calif. Bowl, which featured the most total points (80) in the game’s history. That record could fall before sunset in Arroyo Seco if quarterback Russell Wilson gets the Badgers (11-2) rolling and Oregon’s Darron Thomas can orchestrate his offense’s usual success. “We’ll be comfortable from the jump, because we’ve already played in these types of games before,” said Thomas, a redshirt at the Rose Bowl two years ago. “Everybody wants to knock us off, so they come with their best punch. It’s not really pressure, but we want to win one.” Both teams head into the Rose Bowl with impressive pedigrees of recent success — except in bowl games. Two-time Big Ten champion Wisconsin lost the Rose Bowl to TCU last year, while three-time Pac-12 champion Oregon was beaten by Ohio State two years ago before falling in the BCS title game last January. The Ducks are the only school playing in their third straight BCS bowl this season, while the Badgers are looking for just their second bowl win in five years.

Michigan State, Georgia both aim for strong finish By FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer

TAMPA, Fla. — Losing the final game is tough for any team, especially one that’s had the type of success that led 12th-ranked Michigan State and No. 18 Georgia to the Outback Bowl. BCS hopefuls until they lost the championship games of their conferences, the Spartans and Bulldogs are eager to rebound and finish on a winning note Monday Michigan State has dropped five consecutive bowl games, four of them under coach Mark Dantonio. Georgia is 7-3 in holiday appearances under Mark Richt, but hasn’t forgotten how it felt heading home following a disappointing loss to Central Florida in last season’s Liberty Bowl. Neither team is dwelling on the importance of setting the tone for a successful 2012, though they concede the offseason won’t seem nearly as long coming off a win. “I don’t think anybody enjoyed

the last bowl game for us,” Richt said. Richt said while the BullUP NEXT dogs’ disappointing perMichigan St. formance vs. Georgia TV: 1 p.m., ABC against UCF WHERE: Tamhasn’t been pa, Fla. much of a motivation in preparing for the Outback Bowl, it did spur his players in the months leading up to this season. “You talk about energy, there wasn’t a whole lot of it. They played harder than us, they played better than us, the played more physical than us, they deserved to win the game that day, there’s no question about that. I think our players understood why they won and why we didn’t.” Michigan State hasn’t won a bowl game since beating Fresno State in the 2001 Silicon Valley Bowl.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Syracuse rips DePaul for 15th consecutive win The Associated Press

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Kris Joseph scored 22 points and No. 1 Syracuse used its defense and depth to rout DePaul 87-68 on Sunday, the unbeaten Orange’s 15th straight victory. C.J. Fair added 16 points, Dion Waiters had 13 and Fab Melo scored 12 points to go with six blocks for the Orange (15-0, 2-0 Big East). Syracuse opened 18-0 last season and the Orange’s best start under coach Jim Boeheim was 19 straight wins to kick off 1999-2000. DePaul (9-4, 0-1) had its fivegame winning streak snapped and dropped to 3-18 all-time facing No. 1-ranked teams. Cleveland Melvin led the Blue Demons with 23 points. No. 5 North Carolina 102, Monmouth 65

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — John Henson scored 21 points and North Carolina won its seventh straight overall and 26th straight at the Smith Center. Harrison Barnes added 20 points for the Tar Heels (13-2). They shot 54 percent, built a 55-26 rebounding advantage, used a 33-10 run late in the first half to take a 31-point halftime lead. They cruised from there to break the arena record established from 1992-94. No. 7 Duke 85, Penn 55 DURHAM, N.C. — Ryan Kelly had 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead Duke. Seth Curry added 15 points for the Blue Devils (12-1), who scored 20 of the game’s first 24 points. Duke led by 18 points at halftime and by as many as 34 after the break, sending the Blue Devils to their fifth straight

victory overall and 43rd straight at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Zack Rosen had 11 points for the Quakers (6-8).

gan won its seventh straight. Julian Welch and Rodney Williams had 11 points each for Minnesota.

No. 14 Marquette 81, Villanova 77 MILWAUKEE — Darius Johnson-Odom matched a seasonhigh with 24 points to lead Marquette. Reserve forward Davante Gardner had 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds for the Golden Eagles (12-2, 1-0 Big East). Mouphtaou Yarou had 14 points for the Wildcats (7-7, 0-2) and JayVaughn Pinkston had a career-high 13.

Cincinnati 66, No. 22 Pittsburgh 63 PITTSBURGH — JaQuon Parker scored a career-high 21 points and Sean Kilpatrick added 19 for streaking Cincinnati. The Bearcats (11-3, 1-0 Big East) have won six straight games since a brawl against crosstown rival Xavier last month led to the suspension of several players, including star forward Yancy Gates. Nasir Robinson had 19 points and Ashton Gibbs added 18 for the Panthers, who lost their third straight game.

No. 18 Michigan 61, Minnesota 56 ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Freshman Trey Burke scored a season-high 27 points and Michi-

Northwestern 68, Penn State 56

AP PHOTO

Syracuse’s Scoop Jardine, right, drives past DePaul’s Charles McKinney during the first half Sunday in Rosemont, Ill.

EVANSTON, Ill. — Drew Crawford scored 21 points Sunday night, reaching the 1,000point milestone for his Northwestern career, and the Wildcats snapped a two-game losing

streak. Tim Frazier led Penn State (8-7, 0-2) with 16 points. Jermaine Marshall had 14 and Cammeron Woodyard added 11 for the Nittany Lions.

CMYK PAGE 8B

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

NATIONAL FORECAST Rain and snow, windy

THURSDAY Mostly cloudy, flurries

25° 9°

25° 20°

FRIDAY

SATURDAY Partly sunny

Partly sunny

35° 20°

WEDNESDAY Partly sunny, cold

TUESDAY Light snow, cloudy

35° 25°

45° 25°

REGIONAL FORECAST Syracuse 33/11

Today’s high/ Tonight’s low

New York City 44/25 Reading 39/22

Harrisburg 38/22

Atlantic City 42/24

Heating Degree Days*

21 21 1957 2389 2392

*Index of fuel consumption, how far the day’s mean temperature was below 65 degrees.

Yesterday Month to date Normal month to date Year to date Normal year to date Sunrise 7:29a 7:29a Moonrise Today 12:02p Tomorrow 12:33p Today Tomorrow

Delmarva/Ocean City

Highs: 42-45. Lows: 23-32. Partly to mostly sunny.

0.03” 0.03” 0.08” 0.03” 0.08” Sunset 4:46p 4:47p Moonset 1:18a 2:16a

River Levels, from 12 p.m. yesterday. Susquehanna Stage Wilkes-Barre 6.79 Towanda 4.14 Lehigh Bethlehem 3.07 Delaware Port Jervis 4.70 Full

Jan. 9

Last

Chg. Fld. Stg -0.51 22.0 -0.28 21.0 0.75

16.0

-0.14

18.0

New

First

Weather Central, LP For more weather information go to:

www.timesleader.com National Weather Service

607-729-1597

38/19

74/52 46/23

55/32

58/32

60/35 76/46

79/65 37/27

City

Yesterday

Anchorage Atlanta Baltimore Boston Buffalo Charlotte Chicago Cleveland Dallas Denver Detroit Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami Milwaukee Minneapolis

0/-7/.00 65/42/.00 56/31/.01 51/39/.00 49/36/.09 66/36/.00 44/32/.04 50/38/.01 59/41/.00 36/18/.00 47/35/.01 81/66/.00 72/56/.00 51/37/.01 62/39/.00 79/46/.00 79/62/.00 38/30/.11 34/25/.00

City

Yesterday

Amsterdam Baghdad Beijing Berlin Buenos Aires Dublin Frankfurt Hong Kong Jerusalem London

55/50/.00 64/42/.00 36/14/.00 52/34/.00 90/70/.00 50/37/.00 55/48/.00 68/61/.00 51/46/.00 55/48/.00

Today Tomorrow 7/-8/pc 46/23/s 45/28/pc 46/22/s 31/11/sn 47/23/s 24/17/pc 29/18/sn 55/32/s 52/32/s 28/14/sn 79/65/s 60/35/s 26/13/sf 65/42/s 74/52/s 76/46/pc 22/13/pc 18/8/s

ALMANAC Recorded at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Int’l Airport

Precipitation

Sun and Moon

Brandywine Valley

Highs: 35-42. Lows: 18-25. Partly cloudy, breezy at times.

Philadelphia 42/26

Yesterday Month to date Year to date Last year to date Normal year to date

The Finger Lakes

Highs: 31-33. Lows: -2-14. Cloudy with scattered snow showers.

Wilkes-Barre 32/17

44/25 43/26

52/32

7/-8

Poughkeepsie 43/19

28/14

56/46

Highs: 29-38. Lows: 13-19. Partly to mostly cloudy, isolated snow showers possible.

Highs: 42-43. Lows: 23-29. Partly cloudy skies, windy at times.

Pottsville 37/19

49/39 35/20 61 in 1973 -3 in 1918

24/17

40° 30°

The Jersey Shore

Scranton 29/13

Yesterday Average Record High Record Low

18/8 51/33

The Poconos

Albany 39/13

Towanda 34/16

Temperatures

51/45

TODAY’S SUMMARY

Binghamton 32/14

State College 34/18

SUNDAY Cloudy, rain and snow

Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 30

Find the car you want from home.

9/-3/pc 39/21/s 35/21/pc 26/9/pc 15/12/pc 36/21/s 26/26/pc 22/17/pc 60/38/s 57/30/s 20/17/pc 79/66/s 60/46/s 27/20/pc 66/43/s 74/51/s 62/44/s 23/22/pc 26/22/pc

City

Yesterday

Myrtle Beach Nashville New Orleans Norfolk Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland, Ore. St. Louis Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Seattle Tampa Tucson Washington, DC

66/37/.00 61/52/.00 74/60/.02 67/38/.00 49/34/.00 41/31/.00 76/53/.00 80/46/.00 55/35/.05 51/34/.00 56/41/.00 43/21/.00 63/50/.00 64/47/.00 56/43/.00 54/42/.00 75/55/.00 80/43/.00 60/38/.00

WORLD CITIES

Today Tomorrow 47/40/sh 63/38/pc 35/15/pc 50/40/sh 90/68/s 44/39/sh 49/38/sh 66/57/pc 55/42/sh 45/41/sh

49/42/r 62/37/s 27/9/s 42/39/c 88/66/pc 42/37/sh 44/39/c 66/56/pc 55/38/s 51/42/r

City

Yesterday

Mexico City Montreal Moscow Paris Rio de Janeiro Riyadh Rome San Juan Tokyo Warsaw

72/43/.00 37/28/.00 32/30/.00 57/54/.00 82/77/.00 81/52/.00 52/34/.00 84/73/.13 48/39/.00 37/28/.00

Today Tomorrow 52/28/s 39/20/w 57/37/s 46/26/s 45/29/s 34/19/s 64/38/s 78/47/s 30/17/sn 48/41/sh 33/18/w 45/32/s 60/31/s 73/56/s 56/46/pc 51/45/sh 64/34/s 78/44/s 43/26/pc

43/21/s 34/22/s 51/39/s 37/20/pc 59/32/s 43/26/s 54/37/s 76/48/s 22/14/sn 49/44/c 34/29/pc 45/32/s 64/43/s 75/56/s 60/45/pc 52/46/sh 54/34/s 75/45/s 33/21/pc

Today Tomorrow 65/42/sh 31/3/sn 28/23/pc 48/38/sh 84/72/t 75/49/s 57/42/c 82/72/sh 47/37/pc 46/39/sh

65/39/pc 8/-8/c 30/27/sn 51/41/r 86/73/t 70/45/s 57/44/sh 83/72/pc 46/34/pc 43/34/c

The start of January could be a snowy one! This morning will be cloudy as a cold front continues to push its way through. We could see a mix of rain and snow, but then it will turn to just snow as we drop to 20 degrees. Wind will also be a factor as we could see gusts up to 40 m.p.h. Tuesday will be cold and there will be light snow. Frigid temperatures are heading our way for Wednesday morning. Thursday will be mostly cloudy with a few flurries from lake effect snow showers passing through. Mild temperatures come back for the weekend! Saturday will be partly sunny and clouds move in Sunday. - Michelle Rotella

Key: s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sn-snow, sf-snow ﬂurries, i-ice.

timesleaderautos.com m

We Want Your Gold! GUARANTEED Highest Cash Paid In The Valley!!! RECEIVE YOUR BEST OFFER AND COME AND SEE US!!!

Scrap Your Unwanted Jewelry or Coins For Cash!! Instead of letting your items take up space in your jewelry box, recycle your old, broken and unwanted gold and silver jewelry. Also, your sterling silver ﬂatware, hollowware, diamonds, antique coins, costume jewelry, watches or anything else of value. Campas will pay generously for your gold and silver. You can clean out your jewelry box and receive some extra cash!

WATCH BATTERIES ONLY $4 INSTALLED

CAMPAS JEWELERS

476 Bennett St. • Luzerne • 570-288-1966 Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-3

196600

35° 30°

TODAY

NATIONAL FORECAST: A frontal boundary stretched across the Great Lakes will bring a chance of scattered snow showers from portions of the Midwest to the Northeast. Some snow showers will extend as far south as the Ohio River Valley. Meanwhile, a chance of rain and higher elevation snow showers will develop for the Paciﬁc Northwest.

CMYK

CLICK

SECTION

timesleader.com

THE TIMES LEADER

FIRST NIGHT HAZLETON ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

NEW YEAR’S HIKE ON WARRIOR RUN TRAIL

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

CASEY CLASSIC HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

AIMEE DILGER PHOTOS/THE TIMES LEADER

Nicole and her brother Jason Spevak

FRED ADAMS PHOTOS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Sydney Butwin and Brittany Merrifield

BILL TARUTIS PHOTOS/FOR THE TIMES LEADER

Elaine Kollar, Nanticoke, left, and Donna Fontanella, Sweet Valley

April Reilly, 7, left, Rachel Bufogle, 9, and Jamielyn Reilly

Brian, left, and Bill Manley

Dee Walski of Nanticoke, left, and Tom Barnard of Harding

Jim Hoegg and Julie Ferry

Erin Maloney, left, and Danielle Stillanty

Aaron and Margaret Boyt of Pittston

Veronica Pavlichko, left, Jackie Pavlichko, Josh Clark and Caleb Pavlichko, 2 Terri Richie, left, Elaine Richie and Sophie Bolitsky, 3

Sisters Peggy Burke of Wilkes-Barre, left, and Mary Ellen Burns of Swoyersville

Lorraine Healey of Laflin, left, Wendell Jones of Keelersburg, and Kathy Flatness of Ransom Township

PURCHASE REPRINTS OF THESE PHOTOS AT WWW.TIMESLEADER.COM

Ryan Wisniewski, left, and Trey Cowman

Ed Hann, left, and Keith Mattern

CMYK PAGE 2C

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

LCCC Literary Arts Society honors veterans

Daddow-Isaacs post members visit veterans Members from the Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 recently visited the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and delivered Christmas greetings and gifts to the hospitalized veterans. Some of the participants, from left, first row, are Mike Brian, John Emil Sr. (Santa Claus), Mary Miller and Clarence J. Michael. Second row: Joe Kelley.

The Luzerne County Community College Literary Arts Society (LAS) recently held its fourth annual Veterans Day program at the college’s Campus Center. The program included remarks by Mark S. Grochocki, constituent services representative of Senator John Yudichak’s office; Gerald Mullery, Pennsylvania State Representative, 119th Legislative District; Thomas P. Leary, president, LCCC; Joseph Chilson, president, LAS; and Jim Shovlin, LCCC counselor and Coast Guard veteran. The program also included the Presentation of the Colors by the 109th Field Artillery Color Guard; the National Anthem sung by student Susan Porter Allen; and a video featuring interviews about Veterans Day created in cooperation with the college’s Broadcast Communications Department. At the program, from left, first row: Gerald Mullery, Newport Township, guest speaker; Tasha Olszyk, Tunkhannock; Susan Porter Allen, Mountain Top, vice president, LAS; Joseph Chilson, Hanover Township, president, LAS; Paula Rittenhouse, Plymouth, treasurer, LAS; Allison Williams, Kingston, secretary, LAS; and Grochocki. Second row: Ryan Thiel, Nanticoke, SPC, B BTRY, 1/109th FA; John Eisenhauer, Dallas, PFC, HHB, 1/109th FA; David Langdon, Wyoming, PFC, A BTRY, 1/109th FA; Lisa Owens, Muhlenberg, secretary, counseling and student support services, LCCC; Leary; Mary Stchur, Kingston, adviser, LAS and associate professor, English; Shovlin; Tristen Vanderlick, Exeter, PFC, A BTRY, 1/109th FA; Sean Haines, Nanticoke, PFC, B BTRY, 1/109th FA; and Thomas M. Duffy, SFC, Kingston, senior career counselor, A BTRY, 1/109th FA.

Harveys Lake post makes donation to VA department

Harveys Lake American Legion Post 967 recently made a donation of $500 to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. At the check presentation, from left, are Albert Barcheski and Vincent L. Riccardo Jr., public affairs officer and staff assistant to the director.

A bike built just for him

The Joseph L. Wroblewski (JLW) Mt. Laurel Lions Club recently entertained the residents of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Resident Center. Accordion music was provided by Dick Yurish and Christmas carols were sung. Donuts and coffee were distributed along with Christmas cards and bags of cookies. To join the club, contact Joan Milligan at 823-6035. Some of the participants, from left, first row, are Elsie Belmont, Ann Rose and Yurish. Second row: Karen Daniels, Rosemary Dressler, Darlene Walkowiak, Eileen Yurish, Charlotte McAdarro, Jean Bohac and Milligan.

Plymouth Auxiliary holds Christmas party The V.F.W. Auxiliary 1425, Plymouth, recently held its December monthly meeting and Christmas party at Konefal’s, Edwardsville. President Irene Augustine announced the auxiliary had reached 100% membership. The group meets the second Monday of each month at the Plymouth V.F.W. Post home, Main Street, Plymouth. Members gave donations to the cancer fund, sang Christmas carols and exchanged gifts. At the party, from left, first row: Judy Kostenbauder; Ann Marie Stewart; Augustine, president and party co-chairman; Lila Stone, secretary; and Joan Bohinski. Second row: Terri Palchanis, vice president and party chairman; Betty Kraszewski, treasurer; Florence Killian; Frances Thorne; and Rosemary Gawat.

DEVASTATED BY THE FLOOD? We’re Here To Help! 100% Made in the U.S.A.

Lowest price cabinets! Not imported from China

Oak Raised Panel 84.83 101.21 108.81 115.25 119.93 126.95 155.61 171.41 180.18 191.30 136.31 145.08 235.76 135.14 143.33 163.80

109.40 126.30 129.87 140.99 143.91 155.61 186.62 199.49 215.87 229.32 136.31 145.08 282.56 170.82 181.94 203.58

212.94 253.31

270.27 324.09

111.15 119.34

145.08 149.18

Bring in your cabinet measurements

Maple 60.26 69.62 71.37 76.05 80.15 86.58 103.55 108.23 109.98 120.51 119.34 74.30 78.98 81.90 90.09 91.85

Oak 76.05 87.75 90.09 98.28 103.55 111.74 129.29 137.48 142.16 152.69 151.52 91.26 101.21 105.89 115.83 126.36

123.44 141.57 156.78

138.06 178.43 196.56

163.80 184.86

197.15 228.15

Dove Tail Drawers, Excellent Finish, Amish Workmanship Oak raised panel is solid not veneer Best value in kitchen cabinets anywhere Free delivery, Fully Assembled, Installation Available

124600

Louis Industrial Drive, Old Forge 344-0443 or 457-6774

1570 00

Showroom Hours Daily: 8 Til 4:30 Wed & Thurs: 8 Til 8 Sat: 8 Til Noon Warehouse Closed 4:30 Daily • Noon on Sat. 238326

JLW Mt. Laurel Lions bring holiday cheer to VA Residents Center

Six-year-old Miles Crawford of Susquehanna and his mother, Nicole Crawford, recently visited Allied Rehab Hospital to pick up a John Deere bike adapted for his use through Allied’s free Toy Adaptation Program. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 1, Miles has had surgery and many struggles, but just celebrated his fifth year of remission. He has many challenges still, due to residual effects of chemo and radiation. He uses a communication device to speak and has developmental delays. With the bike, from left, kneeling: Nicole Crawford with Miles; Ann Romanosky, occupational therapy supervisor; and Amy Frantz, director of occupational therapy. Standing: Jeff Warner, Allied volunteer, and Bob Longworth, adaptive equipment technician.

CMYK THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 3C●

Over 172,000 mobile readers per month.

Advertise your business on The Times Leader’s mobile website.

Call 970-7101 timesleader.com

CMYK PAGE 4C

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Erik J. Massaker Erik James Massaker, son of James and Carrie Massaker, Kingston, is celebrating his ninth birthday today, Jan. 2. Erik is a grandson of Dan and Carol Sekel, Forty Fort, and the late James and Dorothy Massaker, Plymouth Township. He is a great-grandson of George Kerestes Sr., Wilkes-Barre Township. Erik has a sister, Sarah, 14, and a brother, Neil, 6.

Michael J. Maslowski II Michael John Maslowski II, son of Tanya Sims and Michael Maslowski, Nanticoke, celebrated his first birthday Dec. 29. Michael is a grandson of the late George and Loretta Maslowski and Sandra Trzeciak, all of Nanticoke, and Martin Paveletz, Kingston. He is a great-grandson of Anna Guravich, Nanticoke. Michael has a sister, Cassandra, 10.

Teagan T. Bienkowski Teagan Thomas Bienkowski, son of Renee Bienkowski, Swoyersville, and Craig Bienkowski, Glen Lyon, is celebrating his third birthday today, Jan. 2. Teagan is a grandson of George and Charlotte Demko, Swoyersville, and Ed and Lois Bienkowski, Nanticoke. He has a brother, Anthony, 12, and a sister, Saraya, 4.

Maron receives Scouting Award

Waste Management gives grant to JA Waste Management recently presented a $5,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit grant to Junior Achievement of Northeast Pennsylvania Inc. The grant will support Junior Achievement’s business and entrepreneurial programs for kindergarten through high school students. Junior Achievement will provide programs for more than 10,000 students from Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties this year. Waste Management has provided Junior Achievement with $30,000 in EITC grant funds since 2004. At the check presentation, from left, is Melissa Turlip, president, Junior Achievement of Northeast Pennsylvania Inc., and John Hambrose, Waste Management.

Fraternal Societies collect items for Domestic Violence Service Center The Fraternal Societies of Northeast Pennsylvania recently presented a donation to the Domestic Violence Service Center as part of ‘Make a Difference Day.’ The donation included household items, bed linens and health and hygiene products. Representatives of the various fraternal societies, from left, first row: Terri Rumensky; Felicia Perlick; Martha Iskra, president, Fraternal Societies; and Alice Czyzyk. Second row: Bernard Kolodziej; Bernie Regis; John C. Andrzejewski III; Mary Jo Savage; Theresa Kluchinski; Nina C. Dei Tos, development director, Domestic Violence Service Center; Charlotte L. Androckitis; and Magdalen Iskra.

Richard Maron, Wapwallopen, a member of Teamsters Local 401, became the 23rd recipient of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council’s George Meany Scouting Award. The award is recognized nationally and approved by the AFL-CIO Executive Council in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America. It recognizes adult union members who have made significant contributions towards today’s youth through Boy Scouts of America programs. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a union scout member and each central labor council across America is permitted to present one award annually. The award was presented to Maron by James Murphy, president, Teamsters Local 401. Maron is employed by YRC Freight and has been a member of Teamsters Local 401 for the past 25 years. He has been actively involved with the Columbia Montour Boy Scout Council, serving in various volunteer and leadership capacities. Maron and his family were recognized at the November meeting of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council. Members of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council’s Executive Board with Maron at the award presentation, from left: Ed Harry, president; Maron; Murphy; Patrick Connors, treasurer; Bill Herbert, secretary; and Donald Engleman, vice president.

Wells Fargo gives donation to Domestic Violence Service Center The Wells Fargo Plains Township Store recently presented a $1,000 grant to the Domestic Violence Service Center (DVSC) as part of its Community Partners Program. The program was developed to provide local stores with the opportunity to select non-profits of their choice to receive Wells Fargo Foundation grants. The Domestic Violence Service Center has been providing quality services to battered and homeless women and their children since 1976. At the check presentation, from left: Gregory Collins, president, Community Bank; Karen Fritz, manager, Wells Fargo Plains Township Store; Nina C. Dei Tos, development director, DVSC; and Gregory Redden, regional president, Wells Fargo.

Heinz Rehab recognizes volunteers, auxiliary

Plains Rotary welcomes new members

Allied Services Heinz Rehab Hospital recently held a holiday luncheon for its volunteers and auxiliary. They gathered in the Rose Brader Dining Room, named in memory of an original member and recently completely redecorated by funds raised by the group. Tom Pugh, retired administrator of the hospital, thanked the volunteers for their hard work, and Marianne Sailus, chaplain of the hospital, played Christmas songs on the piano. Some of the participants, from left: Dolores Antonik; Carl Puscavage; Mary Yuknavich, director of Heinz Rehab volunteers and auxiliary; Geraldine Revitt; Dorothy Kashula; Marguerite Jones; Linda Mitchell; and Robert Mitchell.

New members of the Rotary Club of Plains were inducted at a recent meeting at the Woodlands Inn and Resort. The new members, inducted by District 7410’s Governor Paul O’Malia, are Shelly Centini, Peter Kizis and Robert Morgan. The Rotary Club of Plains meets 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, Route 315, Plains Township. To become a member, contact Past District Governor Paul Muczynski at 570-825-4724, or visit the Rotary District 7410 web site at www.rotarydistrict7410.org. At the induction ceremony, from left, are Kizis, President Tom Malloy, Morgan, Centini and O’Malia.

Cadettes volunteer at Camp Orchard Hill Members of Cadette Troop 33850, Kingston, recently helped serve dinner to the homeless men staying at Camp Orchard Hill, Trucksville. Participants, from left, are Shannon Phillips, Morgan Klosko, Mandi Zawadski, Casssidy Taylor, Mercedes Jasterzenski and Addy Najib.

M&T makes donation to Family Services Assoc. The M&T Charitable Foundation recently presented a holiday donation in the amount of $3,000 to the Family Service Association of Wyoming Valley (FSAWV). At the check presentation, from left: Ruth Kemmerer and Tony Orlando, FSAWV; Mary Ann Lambert, M&T Bank; Mike Zimmerman, FSAWV; and Malcolm Williams, M&T Bank.

Photo Affair Photography helps Toys for Tots

Toys collected in lieu of sitting fees at A Photo Affair Photography Studio in Kingston through November and December 2011 were recently donated to the Toys For Tots Program. Ian Cavalari, a Webelo from Pack 193 in Swoyersville, helped pack the collected toys and deliver them to the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Wyoming. His help will go towards his Citizenship Badge. With some of the toys, from left: Ian Cavalari; Santa; and Kim Cavalari, owner and photographer at A Photo Affair.

CMYK

8:00

8:30

9:00

9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30

Kourtney & Kim Take Kourtney & Kim Take Kourtney & Kim Take Celebrity Slimdowns Scouted “Lindsay & Chelsea After New York New York New York Amber R.” (TV14) Lately Lately (5:07) 2012 Rose Bowl Oregon vs. Wisconsin. From (:37) 2012 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Oklahoma State vs. Stanford. From GlenESPN Pasadena, Calif. (N) (Live) dale, Ariz. (N) (Live) NFL PrimeTime (N) NFL32 (N) (Live) (CC) SportsCenter (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) (CC) SportsCenter (N) ESPN2 (Live) (CC) (Live) (CC) (Live) (CC) Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars Pretty Little Liars (N) The Lying Game (N) Pretty Little Liars The 700 Club (CC) FAM (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TVPG) Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, Diners, FOOD Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Special Report With FOX Report With The O’Reilly Factor Hannity (N) On Record, Greta The O’Reilly Factor FNC Bret Baier (N) Shepard Smith (N) (CC) Van Susteren (CC) Little House on the Prairie (‘74) ›› Little House on the Frasier Frasier Frasier Frasier Frasier Frasier HALL Michael Landon, Karen Grassle. (CC) Prairie (CC) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) (TVPG) American Pickers American Pickers Pawn Pawn American Pickers (N) Pawn Pawn American Pickers HIST (CC) (TVPG) (CC) (TVPG) Stars Stars (CC) (TVPG) Stars (N) Stars (N) (CC) (TVPG) Hollywood at Home House Hunters Love It or List It Love It or List It House Hunters HGTV Dream Home H&G (CC) (TVG) Hunters Int’l “McPherson” (TVG) “Milne” (N) (TVG) Hunters Int’l 2012 (CC) (TVG) The Perfect Roommate (‘11) Boti Bliss, The Perfect Teacher (‘10) David Char- A Perfect Murder (R, ‘98) ›› Michael LIF Ashley Leggat. (CC) vet, Megan Park, Boti Bliss. (CC) Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow. (CC) That ’70s That ’70s RidicuRidicuRidicuRidicuRidicuRidicuJackass 3.5 (R, ‘11) ›› Johnny KnoxMTV Show Show lousness lousness lousness lousness lousness lousness ville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn. Sponge- Victorious Victorious Sponge- My Wife My Wife That ’70s That ’70s George George Friends Friends NICK Bob Bob and Kids and Kids Show Show Lopez Lopez (TVPG) (TV14) Top Secret! (PG, ‘84) ›› Val Kilmer, Dune (PG-13, ‘84) ›› Kyle MacLachlan, Sting, Francesca Dune (PG-13, ‘84) OVAT Lucy Gutteridge. (CC) Annis. A young man leads the fight for spice. (CC) ››, Sting (CC) Pimp My Pimp My Pass Time Pass Time Monster Jam (N) Pass Time Pass Time Pimp My Pimp My Monster Jam SPD Ride Ride Ride Ride Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to Ways to SPIKE Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Die Mutant Serenity (PG-13, ‘05) ››› Nathan Fillion. A space- Outlander (R, ‘08) ›› James Caviezel. An alien Mutant SYFY Chron ship crew gets caught in a deadly conflict. joins forces with Vikings to hunt his enemy. (CC) Chron King of King of Seinfeld Seinfeld Family Family Family Family Family Family Conan One Hour TBS Queens Queens (TVPG) (TVPG) Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Best Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (‘45) Portrait of Jennie (‘48) ››› The Farmer’s Daughter (‘47) The Steel Trap TCM ›› Edward G. Robinson. (CC) Jennifer Jones. (CC) ››› Loretta Young. (11:15) ›› Cake Boss: Next Cake Boss: Next Cake Boss: Next Cake Boss: Next Coupon- Coupon- Cake Boss: Next TLC Great Baker (CC) Great Baker (CC) Great Baker (CC) Great Baker (N) ing Star ing Star Great Baker (CC) Law & Order “Cost Law & Order “By The Mentalist (CC) The Mentalist “The The Closer “Silent The Closer “Fresh TNT of Capital” (TV14) Perjury” (TV14) (TV14) Red Mile” (TV14) Partner” (TV14) Pursuit” (TV14) MAD World of Advent. Advent. Regular MAD King of King of American American Family Family TOON (TVPG) Gumball Time Time Show (TVPG) the Hill the Hill Dad Dad Guy (CC) Guy (CC) Anthony Bourdain: Anthony Bourdain: The Layover “Mon- The Layover “Amster- Anthony Bourdain: Hidden City (CC) TRVL No Reservations No Reservations treal” (CC) dam” (N) (CC) No Reservations (TVPG) (:13) M*A*S*H “End (6:52) (:24) Home Home Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- Love-Ray- King of TVLD Run” (CC) (TVPG) M*A*S*H M*A*S*H Improve. Improve. mond mond mond mond mond Queens NCIS “Grace Period” NCIS “Cover Story” NCIS A blind phoWWE Monday Night RAW (N) (Live) (CC) Underworld: Rise USA (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TVPG) tographer. (TVPG) of the Lycans ›› Mob Wives (CC) Love & Hip Hop Love & Hip Hop (N) T.I. and Love & Hip Hop T.I. and Love & Hip Hop VH-1 (TV14) (TV14) (TV14) Tiny (TV14) Tiny (TV14) Charmed (CC) Charmed (CC) Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden Golden WE (TV14) (TVPG) Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls Girls 30 Rock 30 Rock America’s Funniest America’s Funniest America’s Funniest WGN News at Nine 30 Rock Scrubs WGN-A (TV14) (TV14) Home Videos (CC) Home Videos (CC) Home Videos (CC) (N) (CC) (TV14) (TVPG) Expand- Rehabili- WYLN Topic A Beaten Storm WYLN Tarone Late Edition Classified Beaten WYLN ing the tation Report Path Politics Kitchen Show Path (5:45) The X-Files Kipkay TV LOL Pets! The X-Files “Eve” (:15) The X-Files Like murders AdrenaYOUTO “Eve” (CC) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) on opposite coasts. (TV14) lina

PREMIUM CHANNELS

Unstop- Bought a 24/7 Flyers/Rangers: Unknown (PG-13, ‘11) ›› Liam Neeson, It’s Complicated (R, ‘09) ›› Meryl Zoo Road to the NHL Diane Kruger. An accident victim finds a Streep. A divorcee is caught between her HBO pable (5:00) man using his identity. (CC) ex and an architect. (CC) Forces

Head of State (6:45) (PG-13, ‘03) ››

(5:00)

becomes a presidential candidate. (CC)

HBO2 of Nature Chris Rock, Bernie Mac. An alderman

The Life & Angry Times of Boys (TVMA) Tim

Angry Boys (TVMA)

Cop Out (R, ‘10) › Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan. Two NYPD detectives must retrieve a valuable baseball card. (CC)

RoboCop 2 (6:15) (R, ‘90) ›› Peter

Lottery Ticket (8:15) (PG-13, ‘10) ››

Cape Fear (R, ‘91) ››› Robert De Niro.

sets out to destroy a drug kingpin. (CC)

wins a multimillion-dollar prize. (CC)

who betrayed him. (CC)

MAX Weller, Nancy Allen. The futuristic cyborg Bow Wow, Naturi Naughton. A young man An ex-convict takes revenge on the lawyer (:45) The Best Sex Ever Radio Machete (R, ‘10) ›› Danny S.W.A.T. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (6:45) (PG-13, MMAX (4:45) ›› ‘97) ›› Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore. An expedition Trejo. The victim of a double- host asks for callers’ secrets. (CC) (TVMA) cross seeks revenge. (CC) (CC) returns to monitor dinosaurs’ progress. (CC) ComFaster (6:15) (R, ‘10) ›› Dwayne John- Freakonomics (PG-13, ‘10) Casino Jack (9:35) (R, ‘10) ›› Kevin Spacey. Jack Abramoff amasses wealth pany SHO son. An ex-con begins a race against time ›› iTV Premiere. to avenge his brother’s murder. and power before his fall. (CC) Jumping the

Takers (7:10) (PG-13, ‘10) ›› Matt Dillon, The Roommate (PG-13, ‘11) Country Strong (10:35) (PG› Leighton Meester. (CC) 13, ‘10) ›› (CC) Motherhood (PG-13, ‘09) Hurt The Back-up Plan (PG-13, ‘10) › Jenni- White Coats (R, ‘04) › Peter Devil fer Lopez. A single woman becomes preg- Oldring, Pat Kelly, Viv Leacock. Dared TMC (4:50) (R, › Uma Thurman, Anthony ‘09) nant, then meets her ideal man. (CC) (CC) Edwards, Minnie Driver. (CC)

STARZ Broom (5:10) ›› (CC) Paul Walker, Idris Elba. (CC)

TV TALK 6 a.m. 22 ‘The Daily Buzz’ (TVG) 6 a.m. CNN ‘American Morning’ (N) 6 a.m. FNC ‘FOX and Friends’ (N) 7 a.m. 3, 22 ‘The Early Show’ (N) 7 a.m. 56 ‘Morning News with Webster and Nancy’ 7 a.m. 16 ‘Good Morning America’ (N) 7 a.m. 28 ‘Today’ Treadmills; resolutions; health questions; Brad Goreski; age-appropriate diets; gym trends. (N) 8 a.m. 56 ‘Better’ Michelle Obama; Soleil Moon Frye; the gym. (TVPG) 9 a.m. 3, 22 ‘Anderson’ The five most common resolutions people make and break. (N) (TVG) 9 a.m. 16 ‘Live! With Kelly’ Tyra Banks; Ben Flajnik; Chalene Johnson; Mark Consuelos. (N) (TVPG) 9 a.m. 53 ‘Dr. Phil’ Guns N’ Roses member Duff McKagan; a woman admits to robbing her family to feed her addiction. (TVPG) 9 a.m. FNC ‘America’s Newsroom’ (N) 10 a.m. 53 ‘The Steve Wilkos Show’ A teen says she dropped out of high school to avoid bullies; why young people bully. (TV14) 11 a.m. 56 ‘Maury’ Guests learn the results of paternity tests. (TV14) 11 a.m. 53 ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ Whoopi Goldberg; the cast of Broadway’s ‘Sister Act’; a

breast cancer survivor gets a makeover. (N) (TVPG) 11 a.m. FNC ‘Happening Now’ (N) noon 56 ‘Jerry Springer’ (N) (TV14) 2 p.m. 3, 22 ‘The Talk’ TV-show host Tyra Banks; chef Lucinda Scala Quinn. (TV14) 2 p.m. 56 ‘Dr. Phil’ A young drugaddict makes dramatic confessions and tells who she blames for her downward spiral. (TV14) 3 p.m. 3 ‘The Doctors’ Jennie Garth talks about a lifelong health problem. (TVPG) 3 p.m. 22 ‘Swift Justice With Jackie Glass’ A woman wants to be repaid for posting her cousin’s bail. (TVG) 3 p.m. 56 ‘Rachael Ray’ Counting down the show’s top 10 recipes of 2011. (N) (TVG) 3 p.m. FNC ‘Studio B With Shepard Smith’ (N) 3:30 p.m. 22 ‘Swift Justice With Jackie Glass’ A woman want the money she paid for a sick puppy back; a woman who wasn’t paid for the car she sold. (TVG) 4 p.m. 3 ‘Dr. Phil’ A young drugaddict makes dramatic confessions and tells who she blames for her downward spiral. (TV14) 4 p.m. CNN ‘The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer’ (N) 5 p.m. 44.2 ‘Charlie Rose’ (N) 5 p.m. FNC ‘The Five’ A rotating ensemble of five FOX personalities will discuss the current

news stories of the day. (N) Tonight 6 p.m. FNC ‘Special Report With Brit Hume With Bret Baier’ (N) 7 p.m. 3 ‘Entertainment Tonight’ (N) (TVPG) 7 p.m. 22 ‘The Insider’ (N) (TVPG) 7 p.m. 44 ‘Degrees that Work’ 7 p.m. FNC ‘The FOX Report With Shepard Smith’ (N) 7:30 p.m. 3 ‘The Insider’ (N) (TVPG) 7:30 p.m. 22 ‘Entertainment Tonight’ (N) (TVPG) 8 p.m. CNN ‘Anderson Cooper 360’ (N) 8 p.m. FNC ‘The O’Reilly Factor’ (N) 9 p.m. CNN ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ (N) 9 p.m. FNC ‘Hannity’ (N) 10 p.m. 28 ‘Rock Center With Brian Williams’ The rise in the cost of farmland; lobster divers in Honduras; Times Square New Year’s Eve cleanup. (N) 10 p.m. 44.2 ‘Degrees that Work’ 10 p.m. CNN ‘Anderson Cooper 360’ 10 p.m. FNC ‘On the Record With Greta Van Susteren’ (N) 11 p.m. 22 ‘Access Hollywood’ Celebrities’ plastic surgery; upcoming movies; ‘The Firm.’ (N) (TVPG) 11 p.m. 38 ‘Extra’ (N) (TVPG) 11:35 p.m. 3, 22 ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ Actor Robert Downey Jr.; actress Rooney Mara. (TVPG) 11:35 p.m. 28 ‘The Tonight Show With Jay Leno’ Charles Barkley; Bérénice Bejo; Amber Riley performs. (TV14)

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 5C

ALL JUNK CARS & TRUCKS WANTED

Highest Prices Paid In Cash. Free Pickup. Call Anytime.

VITO & GINO

Don’t just watch a movie, experience it! All Stadium Seating and Dolby Surround Sound

288-8995 • Forty Fort SUSPENDED CEILINGS

ALL FEATURES NOW PRESENTED IN DIGITAL FORMAT

• FIRST MATINEE SHOW ALL SEATS $5.25

12x14’ Ceiling For As Little As $439

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL

Price Includes Material & Labor

2x4 Armstrong Prelude Grid and Fine Fissured #1729 Tiles Also Installing Commercial Projects

MALISHCHAK BROTHERS, INC Nanticoke, PA

(570) 735-4432 1-800-852-0319

www.malishchakbrothers.com

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bu ying Gold Jew elry D ia m onds,Pla tinu m , Pu re S ilver,S terling, Indu stria l & Coin S ilver

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Inside The Bachelor First cocktail party; a septua- (:01) Celebrity Wife News (:35) Edition genarian. (N) (CC) (TV14) Swap (N) (TVPG) Nightline Good Three’s a Three’s a All in the All in the NewsSeinfeld Sanford & Sanford & Times Crowd Crowd Family Family watch 16 (TVPG) Son Son Entertain- How I Met 2 Broke Two and Mike & Hawaii Five-0 (N) Access Letterman ment Girls (N) Half Men Molly (N) (CC) (TV14) Hollyw’d Jeopardy! Who’s Still StandFear Factor “Snake Rock Center With News at Jay Leno (N) ing? (N) (TVPG) Bite” (N) (TVPG) Brian Williams (N) 11 Family The Secret Circle The Secret Circle Excused TMZ (N) Extra (N) Always Guy (CC) “Heather” (TVPG) “Slither” (TV14) (TV14) (TVPG) (TVPG) Sunny degrees degrees Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Martin Luther (CC) Nightly Charlie that wk that wk (N) (TVG) (CC) (TVG) (TVG) Business Rose (N) The Doctors (CC) Law & Order: Special Law & Order: Special True Hollywood Friends Old Chris(TVPG) Victims Unit Victims Unit Story “Versace” (TVPG) tine Big Bang Big Bang House House tries to treat a fellow inmate. News News Love-Ray- How I Met Theory Theory (PA) (CC) (TV14) First Ten 10:30 mond Ray (PG-13, ‘04) ››› Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington. Ray Criminal Minds (CC) Criminal Minds (CC) Charles overcomes hardships to become a legend. (TV14) (TV14) Entertain- The How I Met 2 Broke Two and Mike & Hawaii Five-0 (N) News Letterman ment Insider (N) Girls (N) Half Men Molly (N) (CC) (TV14) How I Met How I Met Law & Order: Special Law & Order: Special The 10 The Office Excused The Office Victims Unit Victims Unit News (CC) (TV14) (CC) Two and Two and The Secret Circle The Secret Circle PIX News at Ten Seinfeld Seinfeld Half Men Half Men “Heather” (TVPG) “Slither” (TV14) Jodi Applegate. (N) (TVPG) (TVG) Two and Big Bang Law & Order: Special Law & Order: Special Phl17 Friends Big Bang 30 Rock Half Men Theory Victims Unit Victims Unit News (TVPG) Theory (TV14) CSI: Miami (CC) CSI: Miami “Murder CSI: Miami “Legal” CSI: Miami “Hell The Killing “Pilot” (TV14) in a Flash” (TV14) (CC) (TV14) Night” (CC) (TV14) (CC) Finding Bigfoot: Fur- Finding Bigfoot: Fur- Finding Bigfoot Gator Boys (TVPG) Finding Bigfoot: Further Evidence ther Evidence (TVPG) ther Evidence Hoarders “Andrew; Hoarders “Mike; Hoarders “Norman; Intervention “Chris- Intervention “Jeff” Lydia” (CC) (TVPG) Bonnie” (TVPG) Linda” (N) (TVPG) tina” (N) (TV14) (CC) (TV14) American Greed American Greed American Greed “Art American Greed American Greed CNBC Williams Jr.” “Marc Dreier” John King, USA (N) Erin Burnett OutAnderson Cooper Piers Morgan Anderson Cooper Erin Burnett OutFront CNN Front (N) 360 (N) (CC) Tonight (N) 360 (CC) South (:28) (6:58) 30 (:29) 30 Workahol- South Always Always Always Always Always Always COM Park Tosh.0 Rock Rock ics Park Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny SportsNite Flyers NHL Hockey Flyers To Be Announced CS Pregame Postgm Saints MeetDaily The Holy The Journey Home Signs of Solemn World Over Live Vaticano Women of CTV Alive Escriva Mass Rosary (N) (Live) (TVG) Life Novena Grace MythBusters (CC) Moonshiners (CC) Moonshiners (CC) Moonshiners (CC) Moonshiners (CC) Moonshiners (CC) DSC (TVPG) (TV14) (TV14) (TV14) (TV14) (TV14) Good Good Wizards- Wizards- Wizards- Wizards- Wizards- Spy Kids (PG, ‘01) ››› Anto- (:05) Aus- Jessie Luck Luck tin & Ally (CC) Place Place Place Place nio Banderas, Carla Gugino, DSY Place Charlie Charlie (TVG) (CC) Alexa Vega. (CC)

A ntiqu e Jewelry (Brok en OK) Dental Gold,Gold Filled Eyeglasses,Etc.

K IN G T U T ’S

G O L D R E PA IR H U T

824-4150

322 N. PENN A VE. W -B

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Pete’s Place

Lebanese

Cuisine

START YOUR NEW YEAR OFF WITH HEALTHY DELICIOUS FOOD

35 E. South St. • Wilkes-Barre (570) 820-7172 • Open Mon.-Fri. 10 am - 6 pm

Y our P ow er Equipm ent H eadquarters Cu b Ca d et•Stihl •Ariens M eyer& Fis herTru c k plo w s Truckplow Repairs& S ervice S now Equipm entSales& S ervice

EQ UIPM EN T

570-675-3003

EXPERIENCE D/BOX MOTION ENHANCED SEATING ON SELECT FEATURES

***The Darkest Hour - PG13- 100 min. (1:30), (3:40), 7:45, 10:00 War Horse - PG13 - 155 min. (12:50), (3:55), 7:10, 10:15 We Bought a Zoo - PG - 135 min (12:50), (3:40), 7:10, 9:55 ***The Adventures of Tintin in 3-D - PG115 min. (1:10), (3:30), 7:20, 9:45 **The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - R 170 min. (1:00), (3:40), (4:20), 7:00, 8:00, 10:20 Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol PG13 - 130 min (12:40), (1:20), (3:40), (4:15), 7:00, 7:30, 10:00, 10:30 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - G - 95 min (12:30), (1:00), (2:40), (3:10), (4:50), (5:20), 7:15, 9:20 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - PG13 - 140 min (12:40), (1:00), (3:30), (3:50), 7:00, 7:20, 9:50, 10:10 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in D-Box - PG13 - 140 min (1:00), (3:50), 7:20, 10:10 Young Adult - R - 105 min (1:15), (3:30), 7:10, 9:30 New Year’s Eve - PG13 - 130 min. (12:30), (3:10), 7:15, 9:55, The Sitter - R - 130 min. 7:40, 9:45 **Arthur Christmas - PG - 110 min. (12:30)

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL (XD) (PG-13) 1:25PM, 4:25PM, 7:25PM, 10:25PM ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (3D) (PG) 11:00AM, 1:40PM, 4:20PM, 7:00PM, 9:35PM ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:55AM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED (DIGITAL) (G) 12:15PM, 1:05PM, 2:30PM, 3:20PM, 4:50PM, 5:35PM, 7:05PM, 7:50PM, 9:20PM DARKEST HOUR, THE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:00PM, 2:20PM, 4:35PM, 7:45PM, 10:00PM DESCENDANTS, THE (DIGITAL) (R) 11:20AM, 2:00PM, 4:40PM, 7:20PM, 10:30PM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE (2011) (DIGITAL) (R) 11:50AM, 1:35PM, 3:20PM, 5:05PM, 6:50PM, 8:35PM, 10:20PM MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:10AM, 12:40PM, 2:10PM, 2:50PM, (3:40PM EXCEPT WED. 1/4), 5:10PM, (5:50PM EXCEPT WED. 1/4), 6:40PM, (8:10PM EXCEPT WED. 1/4), 8:55PM, 9:40PM MUPPETS, THE (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:05AM MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (DIGITAL) (R) 11:25AM, 1:50PM, 4:30PM, 7:30PM, 10:05PM NEW YEAR’S EVE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:20PM, 3:15PM SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 11:15AM, 1:15PM, 2:15PM, 4:15PM, 5:15PM, 6:15PM, 7:15PM, 8:15PM, 9:10PM, 10:15PM SITTER, THE (DIGITAL) (R) 8:40PM TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 10:40PM WAR HORSE (DIGITAL) (PG-13) 12:55PM, 2:35PM, 4:15PM, 5:55PM, 7:35PM, 9:15PM, 10:45PM WE BOUGHT A ZOO (DIGITAL) (PG) 11:40AM, 1:10PM, 2:40PM, 4:10PM, 5:40PM, 7:10PM, 10:10PM YOUNG ADULT (DIGITAL) (R) 12:30PM, 3:00PM, 5:20PM, 7:40PM, 9:55PM

All Showtimes Include Pre-Feature Content

(Parenthesis Denotes Bargain Matinees)

Avoid the lines: Advance tickets available from Fandango.com Rating Policy Parents and/or Guardians (Age 21 and older) must accompany all children under 17 to an R Rated feature *No passes accepted to these features. **No restricted discount tickets or passes accepted to these features. ***3D features are the regular admission price plus a surcharge of $2.50 D-Box Motion Seats are the admission price plus an $8.00 surcharge First Matinee $5.25 for all features (plus surcharge for 3D features).

825.4444 • rctheatres.com

NO PASSES

• 3 Hrs. Free Parking At Participating Park & Locks with Theatre Validation •Free Parking at Midtown Lot Leaving After 8pm and All Day Saturday & Sunday.

You must be 17 with ID or accompanied by a parent to attend R rated features. Children under 6 may not attend R rated features after 6pm

6 8 7 M em o ria l Hw y., D a lla s

WE WANT YOUR GOLD & ANYTHING OF VALUE ANYTHING O FV ALUE

HIGHEST CASH PAID Receive your best offer and come visit us!

Always Buying: Gold, Diamonds, Watches, Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Costume Jewelry, Antiques, Coins Co C ost osttum me Je J ewe welry,, A ntiq iq ques, C oins ns WE CARRY BIAGI WATCH BATTERIES ITALIAN BEAD ONLY $4 BRACELETS! INSTALLED!

G & SELLING LARGE DIAMONDS SPECIALIZED IN BUYIN

476 Bennett Street, Luzerne • 570-288-1966 Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 11-6

Over 30 Years Family Owned & Operated

Visit Us On Facebook

ARMANDO CONSTRUCTION

Rooﬁng √ Siding √ Decks √ Additions

EARLY

√

(570) 751-6085

PSYCHIATRIC & COUNSELING Dr. S. Rahman, M.D. Psychiatrist

Now accepting new patients for medicaton management. Patients of all ages welcome.

MOUNTAIN TOP 474-0100

Get The Times Leader App. ITS FREE!

Plus, report your own news tips, photos and video directly to our newsroom!

All directly from your mobile device.

Expertise in Family/ Marital/Couple/Grief/ Phase of Life Counseling • • • •

Anger Management Childhood Abuse Drug/Alcohol/Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy

Accepting Medical Assistance, Medicare, BC/BS, Geisinger & most insurances SHAVERTOWN (Back Mountain) 674-3939

• Local news • National news • Sports • Weather and much more.

SVC., PC

Nick Telincho Therapist

Expertise in Panic Attack Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD

PITTSTON 304 Kennedy Blvd. 654-6883

7:30

WATERFRONT

7:00

Newswatch 16 Good Times The Insider (N) Wheel of Fortune Simpsons

729731

6:30

World 0 News LeaveLeave to Beaver Beaver Judge Evening 6 Judy News News Nightly < News 30 Rock Family F (TV14) Guy (CC) PBS NewsHour (N) L (CC) The People’s Court U (N) (CC) (TVPG) Two and Two and X Half Men Half Men Ray (4:00) (PG-13, ∞ ‘04) ››› News Evening # News King of King of ) Queens Queens Family Family + Guy (CC) Guy (CC) 30 Rock Two and 1 (TV14) Half Men CSI: Miami “Pro Per” AMC (CC) (TV14) Call of Call of AP Wildman Wildman Hoarders “Arline; ARTS Carolyn” (TVPG) American Greed

725986

6:00

News

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

HAZLETON 454-2545

BLOOMSBURG 784-5663

DANVILLE 275-0390

Is there a sturgeon in the house? There are ninety-eight selections on our menu. Many luscious seafood dishes, steaks, pasta, salads & sandwiches, two hundred imported beers and desserts too sinful to mention in print. But unfortunately, no sturgeon. If one nibbles on our line, we’ll let you know.

Come for the fun. Dine Cooper’s style...

THE RIVER VIEW IS SPECTACULAR

CMYK PAGE 6C

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

➛

THE TIMES LEADER

It’s there when you wake up.

Get convenient home delivery. Call 829-5000.

www.timesleader.com

CMYK ➛

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012 PAGE 7C

Office birthday celebration is never a party for the guest of honor Dear Abby: I have a problem that happens once a year — my birthday at work. There’s a huge potluck with cake, banners, gifts and a card that has been circulating around the office for a week. I cringe at the attention. Everyone means well, but these celebrations are pure torture for me. It goes back to my childhood. Growing up, we were very poor, and my parents made it clear that sacrifices had been made for my “big day,” which always ended up with me guiltridden and in tears. As an adult, I celebrate my birthday with my husband and son. We keep it low-key and I’m surrounded by the

DEAR ABBY ADVICE unconditional love I craved as a child. I have tried bowing out, but I am told, “Oh, come on! We ALL have to go through this.” I went so far as to confide to the party planners why I’m so uncomfortable. To my horror, a few of them began complaining about how hard they worked pulling everything together. It was like hearing my parents all over again. Am I being too sensitive? I’d appreciate your opinion. — Spare Me in Michigan Dear Spare Me: Because you have tried talking to your co-workers about

UNIVERSAL SUDOKU

the circumstances surrounding your reason for not wanting a celebration, it’s time to talk to your supervisor or someone in human resources. I see no reason why you should have to suffer emotional stress so that everyone can have a party on your birthday. Dear Abby: My mother never liked my paternal grandmother. Grandma “Jane” was tolerated, but often treated as an object of ridicule or contempt. My sister unquestioningly absorbed my mother’s prejudice against her and is blatantly rude to her. Over the years I have grown close to Grandma Jane. My husband and I visit her regularly. Dad knows, but says it’s better if Mom doesn’t know. Grandma has asked me several times if I know why Mom dislikes

CRYPTOQUOTE

her. She’s in her 90s, isolated from her family and desperately searching for answers. I can only imagine it stems from some disagreement dating back to before I was born. I can’t believe Grandma Jane has done anything to deserve being forced to die alone, and it hurts knowing my mother would be so vindictive out of spite. Grandma’s good health can’t last forever. I worry what will happen when she can no longer live independently. I believe in reconciliation, , but I know I am in the minority. What can I possibly do? — Loyal Daughter, Caring Granddaughter Dear Loyal And Caring: Not knowing the details of what caused the rift,

I’m advising you to do as your father has suggested. If he were stronger, he would have insisted decades ago that his mother be treated with respect. That he would allow her to be ridiculed or treated rudely in his presence is shameful. While you can’t heal the breach, you can remain supportive of your grandmother. When she can no longer live independently, she will need someone to help her or to move her to assisted living. The ideal person to watch over her then would be you. To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $3.95 ($4.50 in Canada) to: Dear Abby’s “Keepers,” P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included.)

HOROSCOPE BY HOLIDAY MATHIS

GOREN BRIDGE WITH OMAR SHARIF & TANNAH HIRSCH PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTION

ARIES (March 21-April 19). The opinions of others won’t matter as you become more deeply immersed in your interest. The thrill you get from learning overrides any self-consciousness you once experienced. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You will benefit from reviewing the chain of causation. Your honesty and willingness to look in detail at what your part may have been will enable you to see a solution. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re game for fun and amusement, and the world seems to know this about you. You will get the chance to practice the spectrum of mirth — smiling and laughing. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You have to step back in order to get closer. Being too involved in the minutiae will blind you to the true reality. Removing yourself from a scene will help you see it for what it is. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Even those who usually are quite mellow may seem irritable. Tempers may flare, but they will ratchet down when you remove yourself from a problem. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Take a break. Ideas won’t come to a stressed-out mind. So do what you can to make yourself more comfortable. What would it take for you to be more at ease with your surroundings? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You can’t say “I love you” too much today. There’s someone you know who really needs to hear those words and probably hasn’t heard them in a long while. You’ll lead with your compassion.

CROSSWORD

ON THE WEB For more Sudoku go to www.timesleader.com

MINUTE MAZE JUMBLE BY MICHEAL ARGIRION & JEFF KNUREK

HOW TO CONTACT: Dear Abby: PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Don’t let some idea about yourself get in the way of finding happiness. Can you prove this idea is the truth beyond a shadow of a doubt? If you can’t, it’s time to let it go. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You might be surprised how hard it is for some people to be happy for others. Your high emotional IQ is apparent in the way you support another person in good fortune without feeling like you wish it were you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It is natural to pick up mannerisms, sayings and attitudes from people you admire. Sometimes you do this unconsciously, but right now you benefit from consciously picking and choosing what you want to adopt. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). One person’s perceived perfection can inspire another person to feel rather flawed. It’s a trap that can be avoided through honesty and a down-to-earth attitude. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You don’t want every encounter to be meaningful, and yet in some ways that’s exactly what’s going on today. Your interactions, however casual, matter immensely. TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 2). You’ll enjoy visual and emotional harmony in your immediate environment. You’ll benefit from erring on the side of caution concerning finance and trusting new partners. What builds slowly will be strong. March brings a windfall. Love pursues you in May. Leo and Cancer people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 3, 19, 14, 30 and 6.

CMYK PAGE 8C

➛

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2012

THE TIMES LEADER www.timesleader.com

Kreskin’s predictions: amazing or not

Mentalist sees problems ahead in 2012, keeps election forecast under wraps. By KATHY LAUER-WILLIAMS The (Allentown) Morning Call

Most of us will just have to wait and see what 2012 brings. But the Amazing Kreskin, the renowned mentalist who honed his skills more than 60 years ago in south Bethlehem, says he has an eye into the future. Kreskin, a Montclair, N.J., native, routinely predicts presidential and Super Bowl winners. He predicted Barack Obama would win in 2008 and the Giants would win the Super Bowl with a 3point spread. Kreskin already has made his prediction for the 2012 presidential election, but he isn’t sharing that information yet. He says he spent 28 hours working on it. He says he is “very certain that I am correct and stand by this prediction.” Locked copies of his predictions are being held by talk show host Jimmy Fallon, Las Vegas reporter Robin Leach and New Jersey radio host Jessie Frees. They will be revealed after the election in November. In an interview, Kreskin revealed some of his general opinions/predictions about the country for 2012, most of which are not very pretty. • Crime will increase nationwide. Kreskin says as the economy continues to struggle and unemployment remains high, the amount of crime will increase caused by “the breakdown of American society.” “We have become socially dysfunctional and there will not be enough police to protect us,” Kreskin says. He says the new style of criminal will work in teams, breaking into homes and getting out quickly before police

AP FILE PHOTO

Actor Tom Hanks and mentalist ’The Amazing Kreskin’ meet up in March 2009 at a special screening of ’The Great Buck Howard’ hosted by The Cinema Society and Brooks Brothers in New York.

can arrive. Since neighborhoods have become so isolated and people don’t get to know other in the community, criminals will be able to get away with this tactic. “The only answer is to make neighbors aware that they have watch out for other neighbors,” Kreskin says. “What we need is stronger family structure and the return of neighborhoods. People have to look out for each other.” • More people will own guns. A by-product of the increasing crime rate is that more people

will buy guns, Kreskin says. “The gun industry will soar,” he says. “Owning weaponry is always powerful when there is a breakdown in society.” However he says gun owners are “under a delusion that carrying a weapon will protect them,” because it will not. • Fewer high school students will go right to college. Kreskin says fewer students will go right from high school to college and thinks this is a good idea. He believes young people

“Write in and tell us about your most treasured Disney moment for a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets” Please submit on separate paper along with entry form.

JAN. 11, 2012 - JAN. 16, 2012 1-800-745-3000

ENTRY FORM Child’s Name: ____________________________________________________Age:_______ Address: __________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:_____________________________________________________________ Parent Guardian Name:_______________________________________________________

Mail Entries to: Times Leader Disney Contest, 15 North Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711

Entries must be received by 1/5/12. Winners will be announced 1/6/12 in the Times Leader.

watch us on

disneyonice.com

HERE’S HOW TO ENTER: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years old or older to enter on behalf of a child. Five winners will each receive a Family Four Pack of tickets. Prizes have no cash value and are nontransferable. Winner agrees to have their name and photo used for publicity. Copies may be examined at our 15 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre office. The winner will be determined through a random drawing from all entries received by Thu., Jan. 5, 2012. This newspaper cannot answer or respond to telephone calls or letters regarding the contest. Sponsors employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. Winners will be announced in the Fri., Jan., 6, 2012 edition of the Times Leader.

should instead get a job for a while or do some traveling. He says he has predicted this in the past and institutions are now starting to recommend that student take time off before starting college. “There is benefit in learning what the real world is all about and taking a break from college,” Kreskin says. • Everything about people’s lives will be accessible with tech-

nology. It finally is happening, Big Brother is watching you, Kreskin says. People in the future will have little personal privacy. “Satellites will pinpoint a person in a crowd,” Kreskin says. “When you go for a job, every detail about you will be researched on the Internet.” He says efforts to stem the flow of information will fail. “Every recorded piece of information

about people will be available,” he says. “Once you have opened Pandora’s Box, you can’t close it.” • Violence will increase in sports and schools. Sports already are becoming more violent on the field and among audiences, from professional sports all the way down to youth sports, Kreskin says. He blames the 24-hour media diet of televised violence that has “desensitized the public.” He says violent movies as well as the increase in reality shows which show people fighting all the time have also contributed. “We’ve seen so much, it no longer has any impact on us,” he says. “You have to wonder what we are teaching our young people.” • Many sports figures will go bankrupt. Athletes who are being paid millions of dollars to play a sport have become “spoiled brats,” Kreskin says. Kreskin specifically predicts that in the next seven years, six of the current New York Jets will lose everything and go bankrupt. “No wonder it is hard for parents to guide children,” Kreskin says. “These sports figures are not good role models.” • Schools will give teachers more authority. The increase in crime and desensitization to violence also will lead to more violent behavior in schools, Kreskin says. He predicts the climate in which teachers are afraid to discipline students out of fear of backlash from parents will change. “Parents will come to their senses and start being more supportive of teachers,” Kreskin says. “Our educational system has eroded. Parents will realize kids learn more from their failures than from their successes.”