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Long Wharf Theater after 57 years at the New Haven Food Terminal, will be leaving

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on February 23, 2022 at 11:15

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We are writing to share some exciting and groundbreaking news. Long Wharf Theatre, after 57 years at the New Haven Food Terminal, will be leaving its current home to usher in a new chapter in its storied history. We will continue to produce theatre, and we are committed to creating an institution that belongs to you, the community.

The pandemic, through its many exhaustions, has given Long Wharf Theatre the rare opportunity to reflect, regroup, and reassess. Since the shutdown, we have tried our very best to stay connected by telling stories and sharing experiences that have something to say about the world around us. We have done this virtually and, more recently, in person on the Claire Tow Stage. As you can imagine, we have learned so much during this unthinkable time. One such powerful lesson: people and relationships, rather than bricks and mortar, make for a beloved regional theatre. Together, we have built a company with an extraordinary legacy—first-rate productions, stunning designs, and mesmerizing performances.

We will take the best parts of our treasured past as the bridge to our boundary-breaking future. Long Wharf Theatre has always been a place for visionary thinking, both big and small. When the company was founded in 1965 by Jon Jory, Harlan Kleiman, Ruth Lord, Betty Kubler, and Newt Schenck with support from the community, there was a spirit of imagination and possibility that propelled the work forward. That will always stay with us; they will always be with us. Even as we say goodbye to our home at 222 Sargent Drive, we will build on all that has come before. So, what comes next?

Our 2021/22 season will continue at 222 Sargent Drive.

Beginning in fall of 2023–following an in-depth, community-driven strategic planning phase–the new model will enable Long Wharf Theatre productions to be presented throughout Greater New Haven, embedding the company within the City, and no longer anchoring performances to our current space. Long Wharf Theatre will be able to serve its artists in ways that are tailor-made for each project while making our work more accessible to the entire New Haven community. We will also use this time to listen, to learn, and to build co-created partnerships with our artists, supporters, and local partners to better understand the unique role Long Wharf Theatre could play in the dynamic civic life of our city, which may include a new permanent home in the future. We will continue to share updates with you on our bold new programming and partnerships as these conversations unfold in the coming months.

You can read more about our news on The New York Times. In March, we will also host several in-person and virtual Town Hall events to gather in community with you about the exciting future of Long Wharf Theatre. Those dates are:

Thursday, March 9 at 7-8pm (Virtual)
Thursday, March 24 at 7-8pm (Virtual)
Saturday, April 2 at 2-3pm (NHFPL Mitchell Branch, 37 Harrison Street, New Haven)
Thursday, April 7 at 7-8pm (Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven)

Information on how to sign up for Town Halls will be shared in the coming weeks.

Long Wharf Theatre—guided by the core pillars of artistic innovation, radical inclusion, and kaleidoscopic partnerships—will continue to produce dynamic and fully staged productions, incubate new plays and musicals, support the best voices working in the American theatre, deliver meaningful virtual and in-person opportunities to engage with our artists, and provide community programming for learners of all ages. Our Theatre will remain an unparalleled hub for creative excellence and an artistic home for a new generation of great storytellers. In the meantime, we hope to see you at our upcoming shows and events—and stay tuned for more information to come.

As a stalwart supporter of our institution, we imagine you have questions about this evolution, and we welcome your thoughts and questions. While we hope you will join us at a Town Hall, you can also reach us at lwt@longwharf.org or leave a message at (203) 772-8265 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

May that spirit of possibility our company was seeded with guide us into the future, and beyond. As we continue writing the story of Long Wharf Theatre, we hope you will join us for this joyful and historic journey.

Nancy Alexander

Board Chair

Jacob G. Padrón

Artistic Director

Kit Ingui

Managing Director

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LONG WHARF THEATRE 222 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511

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Families will need to take extra precautions to stay safe this holiday season

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on December 25, 2021 at 23:01

Families will need to take extra precautions to stay safe this holiday season with variants such as Omicron spreading more easily. Vaccination, testing and masking are all key. Learn more: http://ynh.care/6180JLvqG.

Storm up date Sunday morning 1/30/22

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on January 30, 2022 at 10:30

City Hall with an update on the parking ban. Por favor espere para escuchar este mensaje en español.

The citywide parking ban will be lifted at 12:00 PM (noon) today. If you’ve parking in a school lot please remove your car by 2 PM. If you’ve parked in a Yale lot please remove your car by 5 PM. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.

Please remember to clear your sidewalk – it’s the law.

Thanks, and have a good day.

The Hamden Warming Shelter will now be stationed at the Keefe Community Center gym located at 11 Pine St., Hamden

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on January 12, 2022 at 10:02

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Please spread the word for anyone who may need it! The Hamden Warming Shelter will now be stationed at the Keefe Community Center gym located at 11 Pine St., Hamden 06514 (Enter through George Street parking lot side). It will be open from January 11th - Feb 28th, 7 p.m.-7 a.m., 7 nights a week. For more information, please call 203-562-5129.

The Warming Center will be staffed by experienced volunteers who will share community outreach information with our guests. Beds will not be available. Donations such as non-perishable, pre-wrapped snack food, fruits and beverages can be dropped off at the Keefe Community Center (11 Pine Street, Hamden) between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm. Donations of new socks, new underwear, gloves, and hats are also welcome.

Mayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the Weekend

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on February 7, 2021 at 19:39

Mayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the Weekend

Press Conference Tomorrow at 11AM on the Steps of NHPDMayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the WPress Conference Tomorrow at 11AM on the Steps of NHPD NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Following the sixth homicide of 2021 and multiple violent acts of the weekend, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes released statements ahead of a press conference to be held Monday morning. Mayor Elicker released the following statement: Over the weekend we experienced multiple violent #

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Following the sixth homicide of 2021 and multiple violent acts of the weekend, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes released statements ahead of a press conference to be held Monday morning.

Mayor Elicker released the following statement:

Over the weekend we experienced multiple violent acts in our community, including those involving a New Haven Public Schools teacher, a New Haven Public Schools administrator, and a graduate student at Yale. I am deeply saddened that we lost Yale School of Environment student Kevin Jiang last night to gun violence. Kevin would have celebrated his 27^th birthday next week.

To those who continue to perpetrate these crimes: you undermine the safety of our residents and yourselves. You continue to promote fear for our safety in our everyday lives. We, as a community, will not stand for this and we will be relentless in efforts to provide justice for all of the victims, their families and loved ones. Addressing and eradicating gun violence takes serious action both in the short-term and the long-term—and the City of New Haven is committed to that. If you have any information pertaining to any ongoing investigations call the NHPD at (203) 946-6304.

Chief Reyes is asking for the public’s help in providing information in these cases. Chief Reyes added, “Our department is working around the clock to solve these most recent acts of violence. We will bring all of our resources to bear to ensure the safety of our city.”

The Mayor, New Haven Police Department and members of the Yale Police Department will be hosting a press conference on violent crime tomorrow on the steps of the New Haven Police Department, 1 Union Avenue at 11:00 AM.

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Mayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the Weekend

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on February 7, 2021 at 19:39

Mayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the Weekend

Press Conference Tomorrow at 11AM on the Steps of NHPDMayor Elicker, Chief Reyes Release Statements on Violence Over the WPress Conference Tomorrow at 11AM on the Steps of NHPD NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Following the sixth homicide of 2021 and multiple violent acts of the weekend, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes released statements ahead of a press conference to be held Monday morning. Mayor Elicker released the following statement: Over the weekend we experienced multiple violent #

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Following the sixth homicide of 2021 and multiple violent acts of the weekend, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes released statements ahead of a press conference to be held Monday morning.

Mayor Elicker released the following statement:

Over the weekend we experienced multiple violent acts in our community, including those involving a New Haven Public Schools teacher, a New Haven Public Schools administrator, and a graduate student at Yale. I am deeply saddened that we lost Yale School of Environment student Kevin Jiang last night to gun violence. Kevin would have celebrated his 27^th birthday next week.

To those who continue to perpetrate these crimes: you undermine the safety of our residents and yourselves. You continue to promote fear for our safety in our everyday lives. We, as a community, will not stand for this and we will be relentless in efforts to provide justice for all of the victims, their families and loved ones. Addressing and eradicating gun violence takes serious action both in the short-term and the long-term—and the City of New Haven is committed to that. If you have any information pertaining to any ongoing investigations call the NHPD at (203) 946-6304.

Chief Reyes is asking for the public’s help in providing information in these cases. Chief Reyes added, “Our department is working around the clock to solve these most recent acts of violence. We will bring all of our resources to bear to ensure the safety of our city.”

The Mayor, New Haven Police Department and members of the Yale Police Department will be hosting a press conference on violent crime tomorrow on the steps of the New Haven Police Department, 1 Union Avenue at 11:00 AM.

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Abrams campaign says it will fight on !!!!

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on November 8, 2018 at 14:04

Abrams campaign says it will fight on

Mrs. Claus,’ First Lady of the North Pole, will be in Connecticut Sunday. 12-20-15

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on December 18, 2015 at 17:30

MRS. CLAUS’ TO SHARE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT CITY’S WINTER WONDERLAND CELEBRATION SUNDAY New Haven – ‘Mrs. Claus,’ First Lady of the North Pole, will be in Connecticut Sunday to share the holiday spirit with hundreds of New Haven children at the city’s Winter Wonderland celebration, to be held in the Floyd Little Athletic Center at Hillhouse High School. Sunday’s event is scheduled from noon through 6:00 p.m. ‘Mrs. Claus’ is scheduled to arrive at 1:30, ahead of a 2:00 dance party and 3:00 toy distribution. Buses will shuttle children and their families all afternoon from schools citywide; members of the press are invited to cover this event. Employees of the New Haven Department of Public Works (DPW) coordinated toy donations in order to provide gifts for children at Sunday’s Winter Wonderland; staff members from the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees help organize the Winter Wonderland event as well. ‘Mrs. Claus’ also reminded residents of the Board of Alders-sponsored Holiday Food Drive to benefit food pantries citywide. The world’s merriest matriarch expressed gratitude in advance for the kindness and generosity that prevails in New Haven residents, particularly at this time of year. Donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged and welcome, and can be dropped off at any of the following locations: the Aldermanic Chambers on Floor 2 of City Hall – 165 Church Street, the Shubert Theater – 247 College Street, or at the Whitney Center – 200 Leeder Hill Drive – in Hamden. Who: ‘Mrs. Claus,’ city officials, and hundreds of New Haven families. What: Winter Wonderland celebration. When: Sunday, December 20, 2015 from noon until 6:00 p.m. Where: Floyd Little Athletic Center at Hillhouse High School - 480 Sherman Pkwy, New Haven. Why: To share the holiday spirit with hundreds of New Haven families with entertainment, a dance party, and (donated) toy giveaway. ###

CT NAACP Harmony Classic Weekend!!! On September 16th-17th, the CT NAACP will host their Harmony Classic Weekend at Central Connecticut State University

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on September 6, 2016 at 17:00

CT NAACP Harmony Classic Weekend!!!

On September 16th-17th, the CT NAACP will host their Harmony Classic Weekend at Central Connecticut State University. On Friday, September 16th, 3 workshops will be held for both adults and youth between 7:00 pm-10 pm in the Torp Theatre ( Davidson Hall) on the CCSU campus. The workshop topics are: Improving Community Relations with Law Enforcement, The Lack of Black and Hispanic Teachers in the Public School System and Get Out to Vote - ...GOTV.

On Saturday, September 17th, the Harmony Classic Football Game, CCSU vs. Bowie State University will begin @ 3:00 pm and the Tailgate Party will begin @ 10:00 am. Please see flyers attached for additional information or call (860) 523-9962.

VERY IMPORTANT*** volunteers will work 2 hour shifts pertaining to tailgate set up, voter registration and NAACP membership drives. For Tix, Vendor, or reserving Tailgate Space please call once again 860-523-9962 - our office hours are Mon - Frii 10am to 4pm!!!!

This seven-day, 120-mile march will lead us from Ferguson to the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City—in memory of Michael

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on November 26, 2014 at 19:30

On Saturday, I'll join NAACP members in Ferguson, Missouri, to set out on the Journey for Justice. This seven-day, 120-mile march will lead us from Ferguson to the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City—in memory of Michael. We will stand in urgent solidarity for an end to police brutality and racial profiling.

george, you can join this next step in our fight for justice from your own community because our movement extends far beyond the city limits of Ferguson. If you walk with us in your own neighborhood next week, the world will know this as well.

We're walking #MilesForMichael, and you can join us: Tell us how many miles you will walk in your community during the NAACP's weeklong Journey for Justice.

http://action.naacp.org/MilesForMichael

With every passing day, the grand jury's decision appears more egregious. Our Journey for Justice—and the miles you will walk for Michael—will keep a bright light shining on this great injustice.

To participate, first tell us how many miles you'll march. They could be miles walked while participating in a rally or march, or simply the steps you take on your way to and from work.

Then beginning on Saturday, walk a portion of your pledged miles each day for one week. Walk in memory of Michael, in solidarity with those on the Journey for Justice, and in unity with the NAACP's movement for civil rights.

Every step we take—in Ferguson and Sanford, in New York York City and Los Angeles, and everywhere in between—will raise awareness of the urgent need to end police brutality and racial profiling. Our collective miles marched will let those in a position to effect change know our movement is nationwide—and never-ending.

How many #MilesForMichael will you walk to end police brutality and racial profiling? Tell us today:

http://action.naacp.org/MilesForMichael

In solidarity,

Cornell William Brooks
President and CEO
NAACP

New-look Felix hopes rededication to MMA will carry him past Fickett on Friday March 14th, 2014.

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on March 10, 2014 at 18:00

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Providence, R.I., lightweight Luis Felix will face seven-time UFC vet Drew Fickett in the main event Friday, March 14th, 2014 at "CES MMA XII" at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. Felix is searching for his third win over a former UFC vet in as many tries. (CES photo by Ian Travis Barnard)

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CES MEDIA ALERT

New-look Felix hopes rededication to MMA will carry him past Fickett on Friday

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Seven-time UFC vet Drew Fickett owns wins over Kenny Florian and Josh Koscheck and has won 31 bouts by submission.

Forget everything you think you know about Luis Felix.

After years of treating mixed martial arts like a hobby, the Providence-based lightweight is ready to go "all in" as he prepares for the toughest test of his career Friday night at Twin River Casino.

"No more excuses," said Felix (10-7, 3 KOs), who'll face seven-time Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) veteran Drew Fickett in the main event of "CES MMA XXII" on Friday, March 14th, 2014.

"I've pretty much put everything aside to focus on fighting and make a run at being elite and making it to the next level. This is all I do now. No more secondary job. I'm pretty much all in at this point."

Despite a tremendous wrestling background, which helped him become a state champion at nearby Cranston East High School, and his willingness to fight anyone at any given time, the knock on Felix through the years was his conditioning -- or lack thereof -- and whether or not he took the sport seriously.

"In the past, I wasn't always all in," he said. "It was always fun, but I used it as a hobby."

It showed. Felix spent the first three years of his professional career teetering on the brink, never winning more than two consecutive fights. A loss to Joe DeChaves in 2010, which, to this day, Felix says was "the biggest fluke," pushed Felix to jump right back into the cage less than a month later against then-unbeaten prospect Joe Proctor. Felix pulled off the upset, knocking out Proctor in the second round.

"I had been fighting every month, so I was in great shape," Felix said. "By the time I stepped in with Proctor, I had gotten much better as a fighter."

Proctor eventually made his way to the big stage two years later, starring in Season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter, but the fight paid more immediate dividends for Felix, whose career path changed dramatically after handing Proctor his first career loss. He suddenly realized what he could accomplish when motivated.

"I really started taking it more seriously after that," he said. "All the hype was behind [Proctor] at the time and where he was going. After that fight, I started talking with [UFC veteran] Jorge Rivera and a few other coaches and really began buckling down. Ever since then, the way I go about this has been completely different."

The win over Proctor was merely a precursor to what unfolded over the next three years. Since then, Felix has won four of his last five fights, including a win over another UFC vet, Marc Stevens, earning Felix the reputation as a fighter who saves his best for his biggest fights. Felix also upended Boston-based prospect Lucas Cruz in December. Cruz was 6-1 at the time and owned wins over Pete Jeffrey and John Ortolani before losing by split decision to Felix.

"For me, it's a challenge, like when they're saying, 'Oh, this guy is that good,' or, 'This guy is better than you,' or, 'This guy has done this,'" Felix said. "Having that kind of challenge in front of me is motivation enough for me to get after it."

Facing Fickett (42-20, 3 KOs) is a similar challenge. At his best, Fickett is one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport, having beaten both Kenny Florian and Josh Koscheck, but his own self-destructive past -- alcohol abuse, etc. -- has put him in a similar "do or die" mode where every fight could be the end of the road or the beginning of a new journey.

"Knowing someone like him, who has been at that level and fought some of the best in the world, I know where I want to go and where I want to be in this sport," Felix said. "To fight someone of his caliber is just another challenge.

"I don't know what it does immediately for me, but I know what's at stake for me personally and where I want to be. This fight for me is everything. I'm not looking past it. I'm not looking at where it will put me. I'm just focusing on this challenge in front of me."

Just how serious is Felix these days? Not only is he working with Rhode Island-based boxing coach Vic Fagnant, who he considers "the biggest blessing" in his career the past two years, he's also been working on his strength and conditioning with former CES MMA lightweight champion Mike Campbell, who pressed Felix to train with him for five years until he finally decided to take his advice in preparation for this upcoming fight.

"That's been a whole new spectrum for me," Felix said. "I never really lifted weights or did strength training. Working with Campbell and seeing the things he's done as an athlete really opened my eyes. I already feel such a big difference in my explosive strength in a short amount of time.

"From the first day I went in there, it was like learning something new. Now I look forward to going in there and training and getting my ass kicked."

Felix also has a manager, Patsy Sperduto, who has helped keep him on track. Having a trustworthy inner-circle with people looking out for his best interests is a far cry from the days when Felix simply agreed to take fights just to stay active. It's a new look for a fighter hoping to make that final push toward being elite. No more excuses. He's finally "all in."

"I'm taking this as a career and trying to move forward with it," Felix said. "Being dedicated and putting in the training I need has really helped me."

Tickets for "CES MMA XXII" are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Several undercard bouts at "CES MMA XXII" could steal the show, including the highly-anticipated middleweight bout between UFC vet Thomas Egan (7-4, 6 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass., and Plymouth, Mass., veteran Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-6, 4 KOs) a former Reality Fighting and Bellator contender. Egan, born and raised in Kildare, Ireland, starred on UFC 93 in Ireland.

Looking to keep the momentum going from his win over Chris Woodall in November, former TUF vet Chuck O'Neill (12-6, 4 KOs) of East Bridgwater, Mass., will battle Dade City, Fla., welterweight Roger Carroll (13-10) in a three-round bout. Caroll has won 11 bouts by submission. Lightweight contender Andres Jeudi (5-2, 1 KO) of Somerville, Mass., will face Brendan Rooney (5-1) of Shelton, Conn.

Also on the undercard, rising featherweight star and Johnson & Wales alum Charles Rosa (6-0, 3 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Fla., will return to Twin River for the fourth time in a three-round bout against Philadelphia veteran Brylan Van Artsdalen (9-9, 1 KO), an eight-time Bellator veteran.

Marshfield, Mass., featherweight Brendan Fleming (3-2) will take on Baltimore's Robert Sullivan (3-1); fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (8-4, 3 KOs) of Fall River, Mass., will battle Philadelphia's Steve McCabe (6-14, 5 KOs); Tommy Venticinque (0-1) of Warwick, R.I., will face Rick Rivera of Springfield, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Winthrop, Mass, featherweight Kyle Bochniak (1-0) will aim for his second win of the year when he faces Marius Enache (1-2) of Philadelphia.

-- CES --

Reading, Mass., heavyweight John Johnston will put his undefeated record on the line Friday, March 14th, 2014 at "CES MMA XII" at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on March 12, 2014 at 13:00

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Reading, Mass., heavyweight John Johnston will put his undefeated record on the line Friday, March 14th, 2014 at "CES MMA XII" at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., against UFC vet Josh Hendricks for the vacant CES MMA title. Johnston has won all five of his bouts by knockout. (CES photo by Ian Travis Barnard)

CES MEDIA ALERT

Johnston hopes to seize golden opportunity in heavyweight title bout Friday

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UFC vet Josh Hendricks will look for his second win at Twin River Casino in as many tries. Two years ago, he beat Connecticut native Josh Diekmann by submission at the same venue.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 12th, 2014) -- When heavyweight John Johnston made his professional mixed martial arts debut three years ago at the age of 40 with only a few Muay Thai fights under his belt, competing for a title was the last thing on this mind.

"It was one of those things I always thought about," he said, "but never imagined it could happen."

As if often the case in a sport as unpredictable as MMA, dreams sometimes come true, and Johnston's dream of fighting for a title will, in fact, become a reality Friday, March 14th, 2014 when the unbeaten Reading, Mass., heavyweight faces Josh Hendricks for the vacant CES MMA championship at "CES MMA XXII" at Twin River Casino.

Hendricks (19-9, 5 KOs), a 37-year-old Mansfield, Ohio veteran, will have experience on his side, which includes a brief stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), but Johnston (5-0, 5 KOs) has launched his young career with five knockout wins in five fights, making this a must-see five-rounder on a stacked undercard that also includes seven-time UFC vet Drew Fickett.

"I respect Josh," Johnston said. "He's had his run. He's had some great fights, but every fight is different. I'm expecting the fight of my life."

In addition to his appearance on UFC 91 in 2008, which ended in a knockout loss to Boston-based heavyweight Gabriel Gonzaga, Hendricks has other ties to New England. He beat Connecticut's Josh Diekmann at Twin River in 2012 and recently fought West Yarmouth, Mass., prospect Juliano Coutinho, who happens to be Johnston's jiu-jitsu coach. Johnston actually worked Coutinho's corner in that fight and has also sparred with Gonzaga, but won't rely too heavily on the input of others when it's his turn to face Hendricks.

"Everyone is different," Johnston said. "When Juliano fought Josh it was a totally different fight because Juliano is real comfortable on the ground and there wasn't much standup.

"We watch a lot of tapes on the people we're fighting and figure out what we have to do and what the game plan will be. Going into a fight, we're always well-prepared and ready to take the fight wherever it goes."

If Hendricks takes it to the ground, so be it, Johnston says, but the 6-foot-4, 257-pound heavyweight would prefer to trade hands with Hendricks given the fact he's won all five of his fights by knockout -- four in the first round. That doesn't mean he's one-dimensional, even if some opponents believe that's the case.

"My ground game gets overlooked because people never see it," Johnston said.

Johnston has worked with Division I wrestlers, most notably former Iowa State Hawkeye Quinn Boyce, and fellow MMA vet Pat Walsh to improve his ground game, which has come a long way since his pro debut three years ago.

One of the rare instances where Johnston had to use his wrestling and jiu-jitsu occurred in his second pro fight in 2011 against Shaun Durfee when he slipped on the canvas on the way into the cage and broke his ankle. In the opening round, Johnston thought he saw an opening for a head kick and tried to execute, but his support foot -- the one with the broken ankle -- gave way and he fell against the cage. Durfee immediately took him to the ground and tried his best to earn a submission, but Johnston held his ground and survived the round.

The fight didn't last much longer with Johnston earning the stoppage 38 seconds into the second round.

"I was fighting on a broken ankle and he couldn't submit me or finish me," Johnston said. "I'm mostly a standup fighter, which is fine with me. I'd rather people see that."

As far as conditioning goes, particularly for a 43-year-old fighter who has never fought past the second round, Johnston isn't concerned, not with all the training he's done since the end of 2013.

"I haven't had any breaks for a while," he said. "My last fight was in January and I trained nine weeks for that, and when that was over I got right back into the gym. I'm not worried at all about my conditioning. Our coaches put us through the wringer here. I'll be ready to go all five rounds."

Johnston's improbable run began more than a decade ago when he began training under Mark DellaGrotte at Siyodtong in Boston. Johnston was one of the school's head Muay Thai trainers, but soon began working -- and sparring -- with established veterans Jorge Rivera, Stephan Bonnar and Marcus Davis.

"I got the itch to fight," Johnston said.

After a long talk with DellaGrotte, who has hesitant at first to let Johnston turn pro at the risk of losing one of his best trainers, Johnston made his debut in 2011. Three years later at 43, he's fighting for a title against a former UFC vet. It's an improbable story, but not an impossible one, further prove that dreams do come true.

"This is what I do full-time now," Johnston said. "I'm looking at this one fight at a time. CES is a real good organization and has taken care of me. I'd love to continue with them, but if Bellator or someone like that gets in touch with me, hopefully I can get to a big show before I get to the point where I have to retire. I'm 43 now. I'm not getting any younger, but I'll keep going until my body tells me I can't."

Tickets for "CES MMA XXII" are on sale now at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The main event of "CES MMA XXII" features Fickett (42-20, 3 KOs) battling Providence's Luis Felix (10-7, 3 KOs) in a lightweight bout. Several undercard bouts could steal the show, including the highly-anticipated middleweight bout between UFC vet Thomas Egan (7-4, 6 KOs) of Dorchester, Mass., and Plymouth, Mass., veteran Chip Moraza-Pollard (7-6, 4 KOs) a former Reality Fighting and Bellator contender. Egan, born and raised in Kildare, Ireland, starred on UFC 93 in Ireland.

Looking to keep the momentum going from his win over Chris Woodall in November, former TUF vet Chuck O'Neill (12-6, 4 KOs) of East Bridgwater, Mass., will battle Dade City, Fla., welterweight Roger Carroll (13-10) in a three-round bout. Caroll has won 11 bouts by submission. Lightweight contender Andres Jeudi (5-2, 1 KO) of Somerville, Mass., will face Brendan Rooney (5-1) of Shelton, Conn.

Also on the undercard, rising featherweight star and Johnson & Wales alum Charles Rosa (6-0, 3 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Fla., will return to Twin River for the fourth time in a three-round bout against Philadelphia veteran Brylan Van Artsdalen (9-9, 1 KO), an eight-time Bellator veteran.

Marshfield, Mass., featherweight Brendan Fleming (3-2) will take on Baltimore's Robert Sullivan (3-1); fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (8-4, 3 KOs) of Fall River, Mass., will battle Philadelphia's Steve McCabe (6-14, 5 KOs); Tommy Venticinque (0-1) of Warwick, R.I., will face Rick Rivera of Springfield, Mass., in a welterweight bout; and Winthrop, Mass, featherweight Kyle Bochniak (1-0) will aim for his second win of the year when he faces Marius Enache (1-2) of Philadelphia.

-- CES --

The hard-hitting fan-favorite from Jersey City will return to his second home Friday, March 28th, 2014 when he faces The Contender alum Grady Brewer

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on March 19, 2014 at 18:30

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Jersey City, N.J., light middleweight Chris Chatman, right, will face The Contender Season 2 champion Grady Brewer in the main event Friday, March 28th, 2014 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. Chatman is 2-1 in his career at Twin River, including a win over fan-favorite Thomas Falowo in July. (CES photo by Kelly MacDonald)

Fan-favorite Chatman returns to Rhode Island to take on Contender alum Brewer

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The Contender Season 2 champion Grady Brewer has faced several top prospects in his career, including Demetrius Andrade and Erislandy Lara, and also owns two recent wins against undefeated fighters.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 18th, 2014) -- As far as out-of-town fighters are concerned, Chris Chatman has had so much success at Twin River the casino might want to consider adding his name to the deed.

The hard-hitting fan-favorite from Jersey City will return to his second home Friday, March 28th, 2014 when he faces The Contender alum Grady Brewer in the eight-round middleweight main event of Classic Entertainment & Sports' upcoming professional boxing card at the Event Center.

The event also features the return of Cape Cod, Mass., heavyweight Jesse Barboza (7-1-1, 5 KOs); unbeaten Providence middleweight KJ Harrison-Lombardi (5-0-1); welterweight Nick DeLomba (2-0) of Cranston, R.I., and undefeated Springfield, Mass., welterweight Zack Rasmey (6-0, 3 KOs).

Tickets for the event are priced at $41, $76 and $126 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling 401-724-2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Players Club at Twin River. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Originally from San Diego, Chatman (11-3-1, 5 KOs) first won over the Rhode Island crowd in 2009 when he fought tooth and nail against former Olympian and Providence native Demetrius Andrade, at the time the toughest fight of Andrade's young career. He returned two years later with a knockout win over Rahman Yusubov and made his third appearance at Twin River in July of 2013 by beating hometown favorite Thomas Falowo by unanimous decision.

The muscular, 5-foot-8 southpaw has become an unlikely fan-favorite in Rhode Island with both his colorful interviews at press conferences and no-nonsense approach in the ring. Now, with the crowd firmly in his corner, he'll face the veteran Brewer (30-18, 16 KOs), who fought alongside Rhode Island's Gary "Tiger" Balletto on Season 2 of The Contender and won the $500,000 cash prize by beating former world-title challenger Steve Forbes by split decision in the finals.

Like Chatman, Brewer is no stranger to New England; the Lawton, Okla., native fought in 2008 on the undercard of the CES and the Tournament of Contenders' co-promotion at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, beating Season 2 teammate and former light middleweight world champion Cornelius Brundage by split decision. In 2009, he stopped unbeaten Nigerian prospect Albert Onolunose in the second round of their scheduled 12-round bout and two years later handed world-title challenger Fernando Guerrero -- 21-0 at the time -- the first loss his career via fourth-round knockout. Brewer has also faced World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, current World Boxing Organization (WBO) champ Andrade and unbeaten Russian prospect Matt Korobov in his 15-year career.

With Chatman-Brewer at the top, the undercard is stacked with the region's top talent, including rising stars DeLomba and Harrison-Lombardi, who've quickly become household names in Rhode Island. A protégé of Balletto, DeLomba will fight a four-round bout in his first appearance since September while Harrison-Lombardi will aim to keep his perfect record intact in a four-round bout against Jason Bakanowski (0-1) of Worcester, Mass., following his win over Antonio Fernandes in February.

Coming off a knockout win over veteran Arthur Saribekian in November, Barboza will look to stay on track against East Stroudsburg, Pa., heavyweight Glenn Thomas in a four-round bout while Ramsey takes on veteran Shakha Moore (11-19-3, 2 KOs) of Norwalk, Conn., in a six-rounder.

Louisiana cruiserweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), who made his Twin River debut in February with a knockout win over Andre Ward, will return to face Devon Mosley (0-0-1) of Capitol Heights, Md., in a four-round bout and Chattanooga, Tenn., lightweight prospect Ryan Martin (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Justin Robbins (2-5, 1 KO) of Springfield, Ill., in a four-round bout.

-- CES --

The new film about TLC will be airing on VH1 for now enjoy the tease

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on July 26, 2013 at 16:00

Alex Rodriguez suspended through 2014 but will be able to play during appeal

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on August 5, 2013 at 17:17

Rich Schultz/Associated Press - Alex Rodriguez reportedly will be suspended through 2014 on Monday but will be allowed to play during any appeal.

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, the marquee name in baseball’s latest performance-enhancing drug scandal that originated at a South Florida anti-aging clinic, will be suspended through the 2014 season, though Rodriguez will be allowed to play as he pursues an appeal of the decision, according to a report Sunday night by the Associated Press.

The AP cited an anonymous source in saying the Yankees had been informed of the impending suspension. Officials from Major League Baseball and Rodriguez’s attorney, David Cornwell, did not respond to inquiries late Sunday night.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/report-alex-rodriguez-suspended-through-2014-but-will-be-able-to-play-during-appeal/2013/08/04/7afd9b12-fd7a-11e2-96a8-d3b921c0924a_story.html

Video

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez, now playing for the Double-A Trenton Thunder, vowed to keep fighting to play in the majors. Rodriguez is facing a lifetime ban in a performance-enhancing drug scandal.

Gallery

Biogenesis investigation: Several major league players have been tied to baseball’s latest performance-enhancing drug scandal.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight young Mexican star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on May 30, 2013 at 15:00

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hand Picks To Fight 'Canelo' Alvarez

Boxing fans asked for it and now they have it!

Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight young Mexican star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

"I chose my opponent for September 14th and it's Canelo Alvarez," Mayweather said Wednesday night on Twitter. "I'm giving the fans what they want. It will be at the MGM Grand."

Are you excited about this upcoming bout?

Read more: http://bit.ly/14bmcWS

Tim Cook tells NBC Apple will be building Macs in the U.S.

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on December 6, 2012 at 11:00

Doesn't specify which line, but the iMac is a pretty good guess

FORTUNE -- Tim Cook drops a bombshell in his interview with Brian Williams scheduled to air Thursday evening: Apple (AAPL) next year will begin manufacturing one of its existing Mac lines exclusively in the U.S.

The news came in a NBC releaseposted early Thursday morning. "We've been working for years on doing more and more in the United States," Cook tells Williams in a Rock Center broadcast scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern. The NBC video.

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Apple shipped the vast majority of its manufacturing to China shortly after Cook joined Apple from Compaq. He didn't specify which line of Macs would be made in the U.S., but reports last weekthat some of the new 21-inch iMacs come with "Assembled in the USA" labels on them is strongly suggestive. (Note, however, that soldering in a few parts in an iMac is not the same as building an entirely new manufacturing plant.)

Taylor Swift to co-host 2013 Grammy Awards nominations special Television special, co-hosted by LL Cool J, will air Dec. 5

Posted by Bud Mench Media Group -BMMG on October 30, 2012 at 16:53

Taylor Swift is honoring a school for the deaf that won an online contest to have her perform on contest after an Internet prank hijacked the competition.

MATT SAYLES/AP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Taylor Swift will co-host the Grammy nominations television special.

Grammy officials say the pop star will join LL Cool J as hosts of the Dec. 5 special, airing live on CBS from Arena in Nashville, Tenn. This is the first year the nominations special has been broadcast from Music City.

Grammy officials also announced Monday that rising country star Luke Bryan has been added to the telecast as a performer, joining Maroon 5 as the only acts announced so far. More performers will be revealed at a future date.

Swift has won six Grammys. She released her latest album, "Red," last week.

The 55th annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 10 in Los Angeles.

MATT SAYLES/AP

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/taylor-swift-story-article-1.1194599#ixzz2AolIQ8du

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