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Roundup: Jokinen's hat trick leads Flames past Sharks

Today, 12:19 PM

SAN JOSE (AP) – Olli Jokinen capitalized on a turnover by Colin White to break a third-period tie with his third goal of the game, and the Calgary Flames beat the San Jose Sharks 4-3 Wednesday night.

By Jason O. Watson, US Presswire
Olli Jokinen celebrates his third goal of the game that gave the Flames a win over the Sharks and Jokinen his seventh career hat trick.

By Jason O. Watson, US Presswire
Olli Jokinen celebrates his third goal of the game that gave the Flames a win over the Sharks and Jokinen his seventh career hat trick.
Jokinen also assisted on Jarome Iginla's second-period goal to help Miikka Kiprusoff earn his 300th NHL win and end San Jose's five-game winning streak in the series.
Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski and Michal Handzus scored for the Sharks, who have lost consecutive games following a three-game winning streak.

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San Jose overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 before Jokinen gave the Flames the lead for good early in the third period. The winner was set up by a poor clearing attempt by White. He played the puck out from behind the net and it deflected off the boards right to Alex Tanguay, who set up Jokinen for his seventh career hat trick and first since March 14, 2009, at Toronto.

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Sabres 6, Bruins 0
BUFFALO (AP) — With Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff nursing three broken ribs and watching from the press box, goalie Ryan Miller made 36 saves to earn his second shutout in three games in a win over Boston.
Jason Pominville scored twice, set up both times up by Ville Leino, and helped Buffalo improve to 4-0-1 in its past five. Tyler Ennis had a goal and assist, and Drew Stafford, Christian Ehrhoff and Patrick Kaleta also scored for Buffalo, 5-0-4 in its past nine home games.
The Northeast Division-leading Bruins fell to 5-6-1 in their past 12 games. Boston, which won at Washington on Sunday, hasn't won two straight since beating Winnipeg and Montreal on Jan. 10-12.
Bruins starter Tuukka Rask didn't last 22 minutes before being pulled after allowing three goals on 10 shots. Tim Thomas gave up three goals on 19 shots.
Ducks 3, Hurricanes 2 (OT)
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — All-Star Corey Perry scored at 2:14 of overtime to help Anaheim beat last-place Carolina for its second straight victory.
Jonas Hiller made 31 saves for the Ducks, who have won eight of 11 and closed out a four-game homestand having outscored opponents 34-21.
Perry tripped Jussi Jokinen as the Hurricanes left wing was taking the puck from behind the net. Carolina coach Kirk Muller began yelling from the bench, believing Perry should have been called for a penalty. But there was no whistle, and Perry scored on an assist by Sheldon Brookbank.
The Hurricanes, the East's worst team, blew two one-goal leads in having their two-game winning streak ended. Cam Ward lost for the first time in four career games against Anaheim. He stopped 31 shots.
Anaheim tied the game for the second time just 1:24 after the Hurricanes took a 2-1 lead in the third. Luca Sbisa's slap shot near the blue line got tipped by Matt Beleskey before Saku Koivu scored off the rebound at 5:11.

Tiger Woods is Second Most Disliked Athlete in America

Today, 12:09 PM

In a survey conducted by E-Poll Market Research and Nielsen Company, golfer Tiger Woods is ranked as the second most disliked athlete in America. The poll is based upon fan's who said they dislike, dislike a lot, or dislike somewhat professional athletes like Tiger Woods.
I've been a golfer and golf fan since the 1970s. I do root for Tiger Woods as a golfer, because I like to see great players perform, and Tiger Woods is a great golfer. Do I dislike Tiger Woods? No more or less than I like or dislike almost any other professional athlete.

I've never met Tiger Woods and have no real basis to make a judgment. Tiger is not particularly good with media, and with the marital troubles he's had, and his lack of winning tournaments lately, it's no surprise he's high on this list.
Of the five athletes who have a dislike percentage of 50% or higher, I root for, or have rooted for, three of them, including Tiger Woods. In order to make this list, athletes have to have their names recognized by at least 10% of the people polled.
Most Disliked Athletes in America
1. Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles) - 60% dislike, dislike a lot or dislike somewhat
Michael Vick is disliked on the basis of his dog fighting troubles. Vick is not disliked so much by NFL football fans, but by people polled who are not hardcore football fans.
2. Tiger Woods - 60%
Though Tiger has the same 60% negative view by fans as Michael Vick does, Nielsen and E-Poll Market Research rank Tiger at #2 because he had fewer fans who said they disliked him a lot than Michael Vick did.
3. Plaxico Burress (New York Jets) - 56%
Plaxico Burress is on the list as a result of his serving time in jail for carrying an unlicensed handgun in New York City. I'm a New York Giants football fan, and even though Plaxico signed and played with with the New York Jets in 2011, I don't dislike him it all. He played great for the Giants from 2005 to 2008.
4. Ndamukong Suh (Detroit Lions) - 51%
Stomp on a down player in an NFL game and fans are not going to like you much.
5. Kris Humphries - 50%
Marrying reality TV star Kim Kardashian and then having her file for divorce 72 days later made NBA player Kris Humphries both famous and disliked in America. I'm a New Jersey Nets fan and enjoyed seeing Kim Kardashian at Nets games in 2011. It would nice if Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian had stayed married and she was still going to Nets games to watch him play, but do I dislike Kris Humphries because of it, no.
As far as Tiger Woods making this list, I think it shows just how big a celebrity he is in America. Almost everyone knows who Tiger Woods is, I'd say he is easily the most well known of all the athletes on the list of most disliked athletes.
I also think the fact that Tiger Woods ranked so high on this list shows just how much professional golf needs Tiger Woods. He is the only golfer on the list. People tend to have strong feelings about Tiger Woods and that's what gets people to tune in and watch the golf tournaments he plays in.

The best and worst foods for digestion

Today, 12:00 PM

In theory, you should be able to digest just about any type of food you put in your mouth.
But changes in food processing and preparation (think fried), not to mention lifestyle (think sedentary), mean our stomachs don't always react well to everything we eat.
It's best to avoid some food—like fatty meats—to avoid upset tummies. But, fortunately, nature also provides foods that can ease our digestion. Here's a guide to what's good and what's bad when it comes to keeping your system running smoothly.
High-fat and fried food
Worst
Both high-fat and fried food can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn. "The body can only handle so much at one time," says Jessica Anderson, RD, a diabetes educator with the Texas A&M Health Science Center Coastal Bend Health Education Center, in Corpus Christi.
High-fat food also can result in pale-colored stool, a phenomenon called steatorrhea, which is essentially excess fat in the feces. A lot of people with irritable bowel syndrome need to stay away from foods high in fat, she says, including butter and cream because they can cause digestive problems.
Chili peppers
Worst
This staple of spicy cuisine can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn pain.
This can be a particular problem for people with irritable bowel syndrome or those who already suffer from chronic heartburn, says Dr, Tim McCashland, a gastroenterologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha.
Dairy
Worst
You need calcium in your diet, and an easy way to get it is from dairy products such as milk and cheese. But, for the lactose intolerant, these can cause diarrhea, gas, and abdominal bloating and cramps.
Lactose intolerance, a common problem, occurs when people don't make enough lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose (the sugar found in milk). Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and chemotherapy can damage the intestines, which also can lead to lactose intolerance.
If you're lactose intolerant, staying away from dairy is probably your best bet.
Alcohol
Worst
Alcohol relaxes the body, but, unfortunately, it also relaxes the esophageal sphincter. This can lead to acid reflux or heartburn.
Drinking also can inflame the stomach lining, impairing certain enzymes and preventing nutrients from being absorbed, Anderson says. Too much alcohol can cause diarrhea and cramping, but unless you have a gastrointestinal disorder, moderate amounts of alcohol shouldn't irritate the digestive tract.
Guidelines suggest no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
_________________________________________________________________________
More From Health.com:
Surprising Causes of Constipation
Are You at Risk for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Foods That Fight Acid Reflux
_________________________________________________________________________
Berries
Worst
Berries are good for your health, but ones with tiny seeds can be a problem for people who have diverticulitis, or pockets that develop in the intestine (usually the large intestine) that become inflamed or infected.
"The theory is that the seeds will obstruct the [pockets] and pose a risk of infection," McCashland says. "It's never been proven in a study but it's always been theorized." If you find that seeds, including sunflower or pumpkin seeds, irritate your intestines, stay away from them.
Chocolate
Worst
A 2005 study suggested that chocolate may be a problem in those with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation.
But chocolate itself may not be the villain, Anderson says. For people with milk allergies, the real culprit could be the milk contained in many chocolate treats. And chocolate has caffeine in it, which can stimulate cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Worst
Coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages not only over-relax the esophageal sphincter, which keeps stomach acid confined to the stomach, but they also can act as diuretics, which can lead to diarrhea and cramping, Anderson says.
Caffeinated beverages can be a particular problem, especially for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
If you have GERD or heartburn, you should avoid mint tea; it can, however, also calm the st
Corn
Worst
Fiber-rich corn is good for you, but it also contains cellulose, a type of fiber that humans can't break down easily because we lack a necessary enzyme.
Our evolutionary ancestors were probably able to break it down with bigger, stronger teeth, Anderson says. If you chew corn longer, you can probably digest it just fine, she says. But wolf it down and it may pass through you undigested, and cause gas and abdominal pain.
Yogurt
Best
You have trillions of bacteria in your gut that help you digest food, and yogurt contains some types of these healthy bacteria. (Although not all yogurts have them—check for "live and active cultures" on the label.)
"Yogurt has bacteria, which replenishes the normal flora within the gastrointestinal tract so it's healthy," McCashland says.
Kimchi
Best
Kimchi is a Korean favorite usually made with cabbage, radish, or onion, along with lots of spices. The main ingredient is usually cabbage, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
And cabbage is a type of fiber that's not digested, so it helps eliminate waste, keeping bowel movements regular, Anderson says. Sauerkraut is good for the same reasons.
This dish can be spicy, however, so it might not be a good option if you’ve found that spicy foods trigger digestive problems for you.
Lean meat and fish
Best
If you're going to eat meat, go for chicken, fish, and other lean meats—they'll go down a lot easier than a juicy steak.
"Red meats tend to be fattier," Anderson says. "Your body can handle lean meats and fish and chicken a whole lot better than prime rib."
And lean meats and fish have not been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer like high-fat red meats have.
Whole grains
Best
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oats, and brown rice, are a good source of fiber, which helps digestion.
"If there's one thing America lacks, it's fiber," Anderson says. "We need 20 to 30 grams a day and we maybe get 12."
Fiber also can help you feel full and lower cholesterol, but it can cause bloating, gas, and other problems in people who quickly ramp up their intake—it's better to take it slow when consuming more. And wheat grains are a no-no for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Bananas
Best
Bananas help restore normal bowel function, especially if you have diarrhea (say, from too much alcohol).
And they restore electrolytes and potassium that may be lost due to runny stool. This fruit also has lots of fiber to aid digestion. "A banana a day is what I always say," Anderson says.
Ginger
Best
This spice has been used for thousands of years as a safe way to relieve nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness, gas, loss of appetite, and colic.
But it's best to consume it in moderation. High doses of ginger can backfire; more than 2 to 4 grams per day can cause heartburn.

New congressional report slams Bush and Obama administrations over Gitmo detainee releases

Today, 11:45 AM

WASHINGTON – A new report by Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee slams both the Bush and Obama administrations for taking too many risks when releasing prisoners from Guantanamo Bay prison, Fox News has learned.
The 93-page report, which is expected to be approved Thursday, criticizes the evolution of detainee policies over the past decade and claims both the Bush and Obama adminstrations have adhered to "domestic political pressures" to allow the transfer of some detainees. In turn, those transfers have amped up the national security risk to the United States.
The report comes as the Obama administration officials have acknowledged that they are considering whether to release several Afghan Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo and send them to a third country as an incentive to bring the Taliban to peace talks. The step is certain to create an uproar in Congress, especially among Republicans. The 93-page study is likely to be part of the Republican effort to influence the ongoing debate.
Nearly 14 percent of the former detainees re-engaged in terrorist or insurgent activities upon release, and another 12 percent are suspected of doing so, according to the document.
"The Bush and Obama administrations, reacting to domestic political pressures and a desire to earn goodwill abroad, sought to reduce the Guantanamo population by sending detainees elsewhere," the report said. "Both administrations faced the persistent challenge of ensuring that the potential threat posed by each detainee had been aptly assessed before transfer or release, and that the countries that received the detainees had the capacity and willingness to handle them in a way that sufficiently recognized the dangers involved."
"Despite earnest and well-meaning efforts by officials in both administrations, the re-engagement rate suggests failures in one or both aspects of the process," the report concluded.
The report recommended that the Defense Department, CIA and other intelligence agencies report to Congress on the factors that contribute to a former detainee re-engaging in terrorist activities. The committee also is seeking reports on the effectiveness of agreements with other countries.
As of Jan. 1, 779 individuals have been held at Guantanamo, 600 have left the installation, eight died there and 171 remain, the report said, citing the Defense Department.
The report noted that former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld held the view that the military should not be a jailer and there was a plan to get detainees out. President Barack Obama also had vowed to close Guantanamo, though he has met strong resistance in Congress.
Lawmakers repeatedly have added provisions to various bills blocking the government from transferring detainees from Guantanamo to the United States, or barring the construction of facilities domestically to house terror suspects.
In a rare break on a committee that typically is bipartisan on defense issues, Democrats dissented from the report despite efforts to reconcile their differences.
Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said the report failed to take into account "the national security gains of shutting down the facility at Guantanamo. That is a goal that the Bush administration sought to achieve, and it is rightly a goal of the Obama administration. I continue to believe that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is a black eye for our nation abroad, serving as a powerful recruiting tool for terrorists. We have the ability to close the facility, and we should be working towards that end."

2/09/12

Today, 11:34 AM

February 9, 2012, Thursday

"He knows all about art, but he doesn't know what he likes."
-- James Thurber

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