Feb 24- Womens World Cup Super-G

FIS World Cup stopped in Whistler this weekend, giving the athletes their first look at the courses that will be raced in 2010 Olympic games. Reaction from the racers has been very positive, as they like the challenging runs. Many people felt that the Torin downhill and Super-G courses were too easy for such a prestigious event as the Olympics.

Feb 23- Winter Features

Just a few nice features from around Whistler village.

Feb 23- K-OS Concert

K-OS was the headliner in Village Square during the FIS World Cup ski race weekend at Whistler, B.C. The race courses previewed the tracks the athletes will be racing on in the 2010 Olympic games.

Feb 20- Belleville Bulls vs. Kingston Frontenacs

Belleville Bulls goaltender Mike Murphy makes sure the offense doesn’t get all the attention by robbing Kinston Frontenac’s defenseman Justin Wallinford in the third period on Feb. 20. The first place Bulls beat the last place Frontenac’s 4-1 at the Yardmen Arena. Jeff Boyce © 2008

Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project

Why shop foreign when you can buy domestic?

“I’m proud to be American, and American’s should be using American made equipment no matter what they do,” said Geoff Bodine, founder of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.

It was this ideology that brought the U.S. Bobsled team the current sleds that they are using very successfully in competitions today.

In 1992, former NASCAR great Geoff Bodine caught wind that the U.S. bobsled team, which were doing poorly at the the time, was using antiquated sleds purchased from European countries.

Bodine, partnered with Chassis Dynamics and Whelen Engineering began the development process for the American team and the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.

“After hundreds of thousands of dollars in research and development we now have the Bo-Dyn Bobsled, which is the best bobsled in the world,” said Phil Kurze, president of the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project.

A two-person sled costs roughly $50,000 to build, while four man sleds cost a bit more because of the size according to Bodine.

“I didn’t get into a cheap sport, that’s for sure, but I’m glad I did,” recalls Bodine.

The project, funded primarily by Bodine’s NASCAR winnings, Chassis Dynamics and Whelen Engineering also relies heavily on donations from business’ and wealthy individuals.

Fundraising events, such as the Bodine Bobsled Challenge held in Lake Placid, N.Y. also assist in the funding for the development of this project.

“We survive on donations from corporations and people in order to do the research and development to build the bobsleds for the U.S. team. This is one of our fundraisers and also designed to promote awareness for the sport of bobsledding here in the United States,” said Kurze on the Bodine Bobsled Challenge.

This event, which pits NASCAR drivers against National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drivers on the bobsled course, has been a large success over the past three years. This year, officials speculate that over 3,000 fans visited the sliding centre over the two day period.

All of these contributions have produced results for the American bobsled teams.

Since beginning to race Bo-Dyn sleds in 1998, US driver Steve Holcomb has enjoyed immense success at the World Cup Level.

In the 2006-2007 season on the World Cup circuit, Holcomb won five events in the two-man class, and five events in the four-man class. This was enough to give Holcomb the overall World Cup titles in both respective divisions.

Feb 17: Tax credit for bus passes

Save a few dollars on your taxes and help the environment at the same time; this is what you’ll be doing if you purchase a public transit pass.

As of July 1, 2006, the Canadian government is offering a non-refundable tax credit for those who purchase a public transit pass of a week’s duration or longer.

The government initiated this program, managed by the Canadian Revenue Agency, as an incentive for more Canadians to utilize public transit and help reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gases, a growing concern in today’s society.

“It’s cheaper and easier for me in the long run. I don’t have to take out money from the bank that I don’t need. I take the bus at least 10 times a week,” said Tina Bennett, Belleville resident and long-time transit rider.

This means the average Canadian will be able to claim all transit passes purchased during the calendar year on their 2007 Income Tax return and receive a 15 per cent credit for each pass.

In Belleville, a transit pass costs $66 per month for adults, which translates into a credit of $9.90 per month. A Loyalist student pass that costs $58 per month, converts to a credit of $8.70 per month.

Claiming this credit is simple and it is available to everyone. A few simple requirements are all it takes to benefit.

In many cases, retaining the pass itself is enough documentation to submit for the claim.
The pass must state the riders’ name, duration of the pass, name of the transit company and the amount paid for that particular pass.

“Many more people are aware now than when it first started. I would say there’s one in 10 that walk away without their receipt now. In the beginning we would have to explain to people, but now they’re much more aware,” said Nicole Feeney, ticket merchant at the Belleville Transit depot.

In Belleville a receipt is required for submission, as the monthly passes do not include the cost of the pass. If you have lost your pass/receipt, bank statements showing the purchase of the pass will suffice for tax purposes.

Despite this new break for Transit users, not all riders feel that buying a monthly pass is worth their while.

“Now I’m retired and I don’t use the bus that often, so I just buy a ticket when I need the bus. Why would I have bus pass when I don’t even use it half the time? I walk a lot, I don’t use the bus as much,” said Robert Bain, who has resided near downtown Belleville for the past 10 years.

Regardless, walking or riding the bus, it is still one less car on the road and that is the goal.

Increased awareness can only help to reduce traffic congestion and the production of harmful greenhouse gases in our environment.

Feb 14: Nicholson vs. Quinte Championship Basketball

The junior boys met at Nicholson College for the Quinte Championship. It was a hard fought game for the Quinte Saints, but they could not match the offensive power of the Crusaders. The Crusaders easily won the game, 49-32.

Feb. 13- Belleville Bulls vs. Niagara Ice Dogs

The Belleville Bulls made the Niagara Ice Dogs look like puppies Wednesday night at the Yardmen Arena. The Bulls opened up with an early goal in the first period and never looked back, winning the game 6-2.

Feb. 11: Quinte vs CHSS Junior Basketball Playoff

CHSS visited the Quinte Saints, but may of well just have stayed at home. CHSS was only able to put up six points in the first half, and lost the game handily. Unfortunately, my memory card with the score sheet on it somehow got corrupt and lost many of action shots and the scores. Quinte won and will advance to the Finals on Thursday.

Feb. 11: Internship Portfolio

Second year is coming to an end and it is time to get into the workforce. Loyalist requires us all to do a 3 week internship prior to graduation in order to get comfortable out on the job. The Star is my first application. I also plan on applying at The Pique in Whistler and The Hockey News in Toronto.

Feb 8: Centennial Wrestling Tournament

Centennial Secondary school in Belleville hosted a day long tournament with students from all over Ontario vie to be the best in their division. Mike Murray (red singlet in first 2 photos) is the reigning OFSAA champ and hopes to make it to the Canadian National Team in the near future.

Feb 5: Nicholson vs Moira Basketball

The Moira Trojans visited the Nicholson Catholic College Crusaders for one of the final games of the regular season for the senior boys. The Trojans were outmatched and out played from the beginning, giving the Crusaders the easy victory 71-33 at home.