From the University of Massachusetts – Amherst: To mark the beginning of Polish Culture Month, Polish poet Tadeusz Dąbrowski is presenting a bilingual reading at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in 301 Herter Hall. The reading is being hosted by the Amesbury Professorship in Polish Language, Literature and Culture at UMass Amherst.
Born in 1979, Dąbrowski has been called “an inheritor of the great metaphysical tradition in [Polish] poetry” and “an essential factor in the picture of contemporary [Polish] verse.” Critics have described his poetry, which has been published in numerous Polish and foreign journals, as “restlessly inventive, sharp-witted, and intent on raising mischief” and as “full of love, swagger, and linguistic excitement.”
Dąbrowski is the author of seven volumes of poetry, including the bilingual collection “Black Square,” with translations by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, published in 2011 by Zephyr Press in Boston.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in campus lots and at metered spaces after 5 p.m.
U.S. State Department Names Lysacek as Sports Diplomat
By Raymond Rolak
The 2010 Olympic gold medalist in men’s figure skating, Evan Lysacek, has left for Europe to be a sports ambassador in association with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. He will visit Stockholm, Sweden, and Minsk, Belarus.
File photoLysacek won the gold medal in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and was named the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Sportsman of the Year in 2010. That year he was also named the Amateur Athletic Union’s Sullivan Award winner, given to the most outstanding U.S. amateur athlete of the year. The prestigious honor is given for accomplishments, leadership skills, character and sportsmanship. Lysacek did not compete in the U.S. Nationals this year.
While in Sweden, Lysacek will hold ice skating clinics, organized in cooperation with the non-governmental organization, Sports Without Borders. He will conduct clinics with the Skating Union of Belarus in Minsk and speak with students at the University of Physical Culture about the importance of sports in society.
The trip to Sweden will give him a chance to visit old friend Natalia Lopatniuk-Brzezinski. They used to skate together in Chicago. Lopatniuk-Brezinski is the wife of new U.S. ambassador to Sweden, Mark Brzezinski. Mark Brzezinski wrote the 2000 book “The Struggle for Constitutionalism in Poland.”
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Earlier this month, while in Boston, Lysacek spoke about his upcoming trip before the Skating Club of Boston’s Ice Chips show. Lysacek was the headliner at Harvard’s Bright Arena during the 100th Anniversary of the famed skating club’s showcase and extravaganza. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s production was ‘100 Years of Excellence’. “I’ve been checking the weather in Sweden and Belarus every day,” he said. One of the choreographers for the giant ice extravaganza was Tom Lescinski. Lysacek used New York based fashion designer Vera Wang for his costumes.
“As a figure skater, I have always been proud to represent the United States at competitions around the world,” Lysacek said. “I am honored to be named a Sports Envoy and look forward to supporting the goals set by Secretary (Hillary) Clinton through sports diplomacy.”
Spokesperson Shep Goldberg of Northville, Michigan said Lysacek had recently given clinics in Saudi Arabia to overwhelming crowds.
Lysacek has said in skating circles that the 2014 Olympics were his next big goal. The U.S. Figure Skating Association and Lysacek were recently at odds over endorsement contracts regarding product category sponsorships. He is scheduled to perform at Kim Yu-Na’s ice show in South Korea this May. Yu-Na was the women’s 2010 Olympic gold medalist and is a pivotal spokesperson for South Korea’s efforts in hosting the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang.
Michele Kwan was the most recent figure skater who served as a public diplomacy ambassador for the State Department. Since 2005, the U.S. has sent more than 200 U.S. athletes to over 50 countries to participate as Sports Envoy’s in their Sports United programs.
The Last ‘Battle of Britain’ Aviator Laid to Rest
By Raymond Rolak
TORONTO– Tadeusz Sawicz, a former Polish World War II Air Force Officer, was honored with full military ceremonies when his remains were flown to Warsaw, Poland from Toronto, Canada for a state burial recently.
Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Air Force troops, and soldiers from Britain’s Royal Air Force attended the arrival. Siemoniak said with reverence, “General, welcome in Poland, we shall always remember what you have done for the Republic of Poland.”
The honor ceremonies were historical because Sawicz was the last surviving Polish aviator that flew combat in the “Battle of Britain.” Brig. Gen. Tadeusz Sawicz died October 19, at the age of 97. He had been confined to a suburban Ontario nursing home. His ashes arrived at the military airport near Warsaw and his remains were interred at the military Powazki cemetery. His widow Jadwiga and daughter Anna attended the solemn event. The memorial started with a Catholic Mass.
With the RAF Queen’s Color Squadron present, Polish military spokesperson Czeslaw Mroczek said that Sawicz gave us an example of “true patriotism.”
He got his wings at the Aviation Cadet School in Dęblin, Poland in 1935. At the start of World War II in 1939, Sawicz flew in Poland’s air protection against the invading German Nazis. He was a member of the famed “Pursuit Brigade” which defended Warsaw in September of 1939. After the formidable power of the German Luftwaffe collapsed Warsaw’s air defenses, he joined Polish pilots fighting in France. Shortly after, when Paris surrendered, he joined thousands of Polish airmen, soldiers and sailors who traveled to Britain to take up the fight once again.
In the summer of 1940, General Władysław Sikorski – the head of Poland’s Government in Exile in London – signed an agreement with the British Government to form a Polish Air Force in Britain.
Sawicz served with distinction in the Polish Air Force in Britain from the 1940 “Battle of Britain” until 1947, and was credited with shooting down three German aircraft. He had been awarded Poland’s highest military honor, the Order Wojenny Virtuti Militari in 1943 and numerous other British, U.S., and Netherland aviation medals.
During the “Battle of Britain” German bombers devastated England’s airfields, cities and ports in a bid to destroy its defenses in preparation for a planned invasion. The Nazi’s had hoped they could bomb Great Britain into submission for surrender or a favorable negotiated peace.
In preparation for the invasion, Adolph Hitler had written in his famous Directive #16, “The English air force must have been beaten down to such an extent morally and in fact that it can no longer muster any power of attack worth mentioning against the German crossing.”
During the “Battle of Britain” the highly trained and battle hardened Polish airmen had the highest kill rates of all the RAF pilots that took part in this specific window of WWII. They were credited with 203 confirmed airborne kills.
Sawicz had time with the famous 303 Polish Fighter Squadron and also the 315. The 316th Warsaw Squadron, which flew Hawker Hurricanes, was under his direction in 1941. He also served under the Polish-American ace Francis Gabreski in the 56th Air Group. Sawicz suffered injuries in a 1944 on ground airfield collision when another Spitfire ran into him. He then was Polish Wing Commander at Coltishall, England and later in France coordinating advanced bombing raids into Germany.
Gabreski had been assigned to the Polish Squadron right after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 in Hawaii. His mission was to learn the 303 Kosciusko Squadron tactics because of their high German kill rate. Aggression and Nazi hatred was the key to the Polish airmen’s success. They also had the faster Spitfire. The Spitfire was built for speed which allowed it to accomplish its mission so successfully against enemy aircraft. With its sleek elliptical wings which had a thin cross-section, it allowed for a higher top speed than other fighters of its time, including that of the Hawker Hurricane.
Gabreski, known famously as Gabby, stayed in the U.S. service and later commanded a wing of F-86 Sabres at Selfridge Air Force Base in Macomb County during the Korean conflict in 1950. The two would periodically rendezvous and last got together for a reunion and aviation art exhibit in Toronto in 2000. Gabreski passed in 2002.
Sawicz also commanded the 131 and 133 Polish Wings and was demobilized as a Major in 1947. He stayed on in England after the war because of Russian occupation of his home area. He emmigrated to Canada in 1957. He was both a gentleman farmer and had worked for a Regional Canadian Airline. In 2006 he was named an honorary Brigadier-General by Polish president Lech Kaczynski.
There is a dedicated Polish War Memorial monument in the London Borough of Hillingdon that honors the Polish Airmen that defended Britain. In 2010 the monument was refurbished for the 70th anniversary celebration honoring those that participated in the “Battle of Britain.”
The 145 Polish aviators honored in London in the official RAF Role of Honor that had flown in the ‘Battle of Britain’ are now known affectionately as the “The Few.” This is from a phrase made famous by a Winston Churchill speech. There is a special stained glass window in Westminster Abbey honoring them.
'Battle of Britain' memorial stained glass windows at Westminster Abbey in the Polish RAF Aviators alcove, London, England.
HAMTRAMCK– After a standing room only concert here at the PNA Concert Hall on Conant Avenue, the rock-pop band FEEL from Katowice, Poland had to rush off to play a gig in Chicago. The entourage took the train from Detroit to Chicago the next day to play The Club in Burbank, Illinois.
Post concert, FEEL was gracious after their Detroit performance and signed CD’s and posters and mingled with their supporters. With a few piwa’s to re-hydrate, after concert talk was primarily in Polish and the band members all knew that Techno-Music had its roots and history founded in Detroit.
The PNA Concert Hall in Hamtramck rocked as lead vocalist Piotr Kupicha wowed with an over two hour set and energized his audience while interfacing with the crowd. It was obvious that his on-stage presence connected with an all-age audience as “Feel” went through their repertoire of Polish hit songs.
The evening was a Polish musical showcase as local Polish-American rapper Dzejo started with a warm-up set and then Magda Kaminski got things really moving along. Kaminski did a few numbers from her CD, “This is Me.” The venue lent a good platform as Marcin Kindla showed off his warm but powerful vocals with some softer stylings. He also really connected with the primarily Polish crowd that rushed in to be front and center of the stage.
The presentations started late so the audience was ready. Emcee Rafal Nowakowski kept everyone informed so the attendance was anxious and anticipating the main attraction. “Feel” worked without a break and Kupicha had the audience wanting more as he did a couple of interaction numbers. The group sang all their popular Polish radio hits with two encores.
Before the concert Kupicha told me music was in his in his heritage as his grandfather, also Piotr, was a professional musician in Silesia. “Dzia-Dzia was a violinist,” he said in broken English. “So strings are in my bloodline,” he added smiling. He laughed even more with my broken Polish and the band members giggled with halting sign language augmentations. There was no barrier with communication though and we talked a bit about the international language of music. “Music is the global ambassador, I agree,” added the talented songwriter. Polish native Anya Nowakowski helped with the tougher translations and in depth questions. She was laughing with enthusiasm also. Idioms don’t get translated well sometimes.
While relaxing in the ready room Kupicha had questions about the Detroit Red Wings as most of the group knew about the local long time NHL ice-hockey success of this area. Group spokesman, Wojtek Grzesiok, told of the time a few years ago that former Polish hockey star Mariusz Czerkawski got Kupicha to play in a celebrity ice-hockey game in Poland. “No one expected Piotr to be so fast,” added Grzesiok. “Just like on the guitar, Piotr skated fast.”
In one of Kupicha’s songs he reached the audience with a soft staccato feel, “Listen-Listen,” he sang in Polish. It was colorful and touching to the audience. Offerings from their new CD “Feel-3” were front and center throughout the sets. An old favorite, “And When the Dusk Comes” got the crowd really moving (A gdy jest już ciemno).
Grzesiok said they had been looking forward to the Detroit date as it was the first time for “Feel” to play in this area. After this performance it won’t be the last. The only wrinkle in the evening was that the very popular Sebastian Riedel popped a disk in his back and was trying to recuperate at the band’s hotel. He wasn’t able to perform in Chicago either.
Local music promoters from Telewizja-Detroit and Kozi Vodka had the small concert ballroom set just right. Co-producer Tomasz Czuprynski said, “This is a great location and with this response we will do it again here.”
Hamtramck sausage provider Srodek’s was popular with the band and their post concert smoked sausage and pierogi offerings were well received. On this tour, “Feel” had previously played in New Britain, Connecticut, Brooklyn, New York and Passaic, New Jersey.
FEEL- Piotr Kupicha– Lead Vocals and Guitar, Łukasz Kożuch– Keyboard, Michał Nowak– Bass, Michał Opaliński– Percussion, Paweł Pawłowski- Guitar
"Feel" the pop-rockers from Katowice, Poland did a two hour plus performance at the PNA Concert Hall in Hamtramck and lead singer Piotr Kupicha wowed at the standing-room-only event. The concert was promoted by Telewizja-Detroit. Photo courtesy of the ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK
The Polish American Historical Association (PAHA) has issued a call for nominations for various awards and a young scholar grant. All nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Awards Committee, Dr. Stephen Leahy (Shantou University, China).
Young scholar award nominations must be received by May 1, 2012.
Graduate Student Research Paper Award recognizes a substantial original research paper on Polish-American history and culture produced by a young scholar in the humanities or social sciences. This award includes a $500 travel grant to present the paper at PAHA’s 2013 Annual Meeting. The candidate for the award must be a graduate student at the time of the application or nomination.
The following award nominations must be received by July 15, 2012.
Mieczyslaw Haiman Award is offered annually to an American scholar for sustained contribution to the study of Polish Americans.
Oskar Halecki Prize recognizes an important book or monograph on the Polish experience in the United States. Eligibility is limited to works of historical and/or cultural interest, including those in the social sciences or humanities, published in the two years prior to the year of the award.
Skainy Civic Achievement Award honors individuals or groups who advance PAHA’s goals of promoting research and awareness of the Polish-American experience and/or have made significant contributions to Polish or Polish-American community and culture.
Amicus Poloniae Award recognizes significant contributions enhancing knowledge of Polish and Polish-American heritage by individuals not belonging to the Polish-American community.
Distinguished Service Award is given occasionally to a member of PAHA who has rendered valuable and sustained service to the organization.
Kulczycki Prize recognizes outstanding scholarship in a dissertation about the Polish experience in America. The Award includes a subvention to help the winner publish their work.
Creative Arts Award recognizes the contributions in the field of creative arts by individuals or groups who have promoted an awareness of the Polish experience in the Americas.
Kulczycki Prize recognizes an important dissertation on the Polish experience in the United States offered to a graduate student or younger scholar within the first five years after awarding of the doctorate degree to assist in the publication of a book or monograph.
International Exhibits to be Part of New Events at Convocation Center
Magda Kaminski to Sing at Basketball Doubleheader
Courtesy of Polish Times
YPSILANTI– Something new has been added to the Eastern Michigan University basketball doubleheader on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Convocation Center. Polish-American Heritage Day will be celebrated along with some new attractions.
Polish singing sensation Magda Kaminski, in the middle of her Midwest tour dates will be featured. She will do some selections from her current CD and will also appear locally Friday, February 24, at a Polish pop showcase at the PNA Hall – Dom Związkowy on Conant Avenue in Hamtramck.
The women’s varsity will take on Kent State at 2:00 p.m. and the men host perennial Mid-American Conference power Ohio University at 4:30 p.m.
The afternoon will also be highlighted with an Art Show in the Convocation Center atrium. There will be art for sale along with educational and historical exhibits and the Wawel Folk Dancing Ensemble showcase. The ever popular EMU mascot, ‘SWOOP’ will entertain and Telewizja-Detroit will video messages for European broadcast. The ‘EMU SPIRIT’ dance team along with the Pep Band will be performing throughout the day.
The two largest Polish fraternal organizations, Polish National Alliance and PRCUA are sponsoring the dance activities. The E-Club, an organization of athletic letter winners will be presenting this year’s Hall of Fame inductees during halftime of the women’s game.
Also, included with a game ticket will be a free chance at a $1,000 MacBook among other prizes. For out-of-town visitors there is a special basketball package available.
BLOOMFIELD— The presenting artists were front and center at the preview reception at the Festival of the Arts at Nativity Episcopal Church. It was the artwork that was the real stars though. Shining brightest was ‘Best of Show,’ a mixed media fiber piece by veteran gallery artist Cynthia Trevino-Bodene. The Farmington Hills artist was all smiles as she graciously accepted the many congratulations.
Regarding ‘Best of Show’ art historian and commentator, Jan Waller added, “This award piece is a winner. It is very complicated with the layers. It has a great use of nature and is very accessible to the eye. She finished it brilliantly.”
The "Best of Show" was presented to veteran artist Cynthia Trevino-Bodene for her mixed media fiber piece titled "Rare-Remote-Irreplaceable" at the Nativity Episcopal Church, Festival of the Arts held recently in Bloomfield, Michigan. She attended Kendal School of Design in Grand Rapids, MI. -- Photo by T. WittlingerThe ‘Peoples Choice Award’ voted on by the event patrons went to longtime Lakeland Society of Artists member Lauren Calhoun. Her painting “What Remains” was an oil with subtle yet colorful tones. She had recently completed a charcoal tutorial in Rzeszów, Poland.
My co-chairs of the event Tim and Diane Wittlinger checked and rechecked all the details and the opening reception was Bardzo Dobrze to the second power. They welcomed guests and gave everyone a comprehensive program booklet with all the details. The viewer’s responses and enjoyment were enhanced by the musical offerings of harpist Susan Behrens. “These are the best attendance numbers we have ever experience,” added Tim Wittlinger.
The three day event concluded with a concert by ‘Joyful Noise’ a musical group from Grace Episcopal Church in Southgate. In total, 43 artists presented in the long running showcase. Besides Nativity Episcopal Church, the event was supported by the Lakeland Society of Artists, Polish Mission and Yager and Associates, a financial group in Northville.
Evelyn Bachorski-Bowman of the Polish Mission Art Gallery in Orchard Lake won the first place in sculpture. Bob Nixon a clay artist got the ceramic blue ribbon and was very popular with his bowls. The former design chief at General Motors had items with great pastel combinations. Other top prizes went to Lidia Simeonova, Gerry Pas and Joe Pas.
The influence of the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Wayne State University was represented. The educational aspect of the festival fostered by Rayneld Johnson, Ph.D., and the honored juror, Professor Urban Jupena both of WSU was informative and ambassadorial for the future.
Jupena was popular describing his experiences presenting at the International Triennial Tapestry Exposition in Łódz, Poland. Dr. Johnson was explaining new genres such as ‘Art to Wear’ as highlighted by hand painted “The Coffee Filter Dress” by student Erica Woodliff. It demonstrated eco-friendly and sustainable art principals.
The comprehensive communication efforts of Raymond Rolak and the hospitality styling’s of Estelle Zelasko added a professional assurance to the event. Rolak also networked the support of the Detroit Institute of Arts and Zelasko coordinated the gala reception with Uptown Weddings of Chelsea. Her committee of Eva Barczynski, Michele Schindler, Ryszard Kosowicz and Krystyna Rizk made the evening elegant and tasteful. The wine tasting and mini-meatballs with dill sauce (kuleczki mięsne w sosie koperkowym) got enthusiastic responses.
Long time art supporter Joe Greenbaum said, “Everything is so stylish and attractive.” His wife Eva added how wonderful and delicate the dessert offerings were. Many asked where the fine pastries came from? It was easy; they came from Polonka Market in Livonia, Michigan.
The DIA highlighted their upcoming opening of a special exhibit, “REMBRANDT and the Face of Jesus.” It will run from November 20, thru February 12.
Many pieces in the gallery sold on the opening night. Bachorski-Bowman said as she mingled throughout the gallery, “Look at the red stickers, people are buying and of course this is what supports and validates the artists.”
The reception and prize announcements for the ‘Polish Mission Art Competition’ organized annually by the Friends of Polish Art are Sunday, October 2, at 3:00 p.m. at Orchard Lake Schools. This year’s edition (26th) is dedicated to the memory of Richard Kubinski, the veteran art and Polonia culture ambassador. The first prize will be given in his name.
In other art news, there will be a remembrance of longtime and celebrated Lakeland Society of Artists member and contributor, Donna Andruccioli-Vogelheim. Her special presentation is supported by the Providence Hospital Foundation. It is titled, “Donna Vogelheim – Healing Power of Art” and will run from October 6, through November 30, at the Providence Park Campus in Novi at the Assarian Cancer Center. The Nancy A. Fox Art Gallery will have selected Vogelheim pieces available as part of their fine arts show. There will be an artist’s reception on October 6, at 7:00 p.m. Vogelheim passed recently after a long and brave fight with cancer.
The Detroit Design Festival concluded on September 28. It is a not-to-miss event for next year. There were 85 separate happenings throughout Metro Detroit over eight days. Art shows, gallery presentations, competitions, installations and exhibitions were just some of the events. There were also fashion shows, studio tours, performances and networking events. Coordinated by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, they showed that new art ideas are rooting throughout the Detroit area.
“Festival of the Arts” – Award Winners
BEST OF SHOW: Cynthia Trevino-Bodene, “Rare-Remote-Irreplaceable”
PEOPLES CHOICE: Lauren Calhoun, “What Remains”
FIBER: Cynthia Trevino-Bodene, “Dragonflies of the Desert”
PAINTING: Lidia Simeonova, “The Door 2”
SCULPTURE: Evelyn Bachorski-Bowman, “Portrait of a Soul #5”
CERAMIC: Bob Nixon, “Peacock Fruit Bowl”
OTHER MEDIA: Joe Pas, “Ciderhouse”
PHOTOGRAPHY and DIGITAL: Gerry Pas, “Running Free”
An exhibit of works by Franciszek Kulon at the Grand Prospect Hall opens Saturday, May 14th at 7pm. The exhibition will continue through May 19th, daily from 10am to 5pm. Grand Prospect Hall is located at 263 Prospect Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY.
Franciszek C. Kulon is a passionate, forceful painter, Kulon is influencing art through his striking ability to capture emotionalism on canvas. His artwork uniquely captures the spirit and soul of the subject painted. While often controversial, his work ranges in style from “modern realism with surreal elements,” to impressionism, to abstract.
Kulon was born in Sanok, Poland, and developed his skills in the traditional manner, studying with masters such as Bronislaw Naczas, Edward Kiferling, Marian Kruczek, and Michal Bylina. Today, Kulon lives in the Catskills, not far from New York City, and paints subject matter that moves his sensitive nature. This can result in sublimely executed portraits and landscapes. However, his art often deals with the poverty, cruelty and pathos of human existence which, according to Kulon, has been degraded through social forces beyond individual human control. His paintings have become part of museum, gallery, and private collections in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
MIAMI– The new glamour-gal of world-wide tennis is 20 year old Caroline Wozniacki. The blonde native of Denmark is also the world’s ranked number one woman and is now set for center stage at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida. All the fashion, glitter, nightlife and celebrity party activities that South Beach is noted for will be center stage.
Currently, Wozniacki is the top talk of Danish and Euro sports media. She also has a great following in Poland because of her heritage. Her mother and father were born in Poland but decided to stay in Denmark after her father retired from playing Danish professional soccer in Odense. Her mother Anna had previously played volleyball for the Polish National Team. Her older brother Patrik got her started in tennis.
The Women’s Tennis Tour and the South Florida community combine for the next two weeks in what is known as the peoples, ‘Party Tour’. The players along with the Sony Ericsson Open folks made appearances at the famed CocoWalk in Coconut Grove. This area, known for its boutiques, restaurants, and night clubs transformed into a tennis and musical extravaganza. It offered a chance to get up close with the players and be part of the activities. The Ritz Carlton Hotel is ground zero for most of the glitter activities and also offers great chances to see the players up close and casually.
Photo courtesy of Sony Ericsson Open
Other than the U.S. Open in New York this event has the most off-court celebrity appeal. Belgian Kim Clijsters last years champ returns as the second-ranked player in the world and the No.2 seed. She has been nursing a recent shoulder injury.
At the Sony Ericsson Open preview, Wozniacki said, “I’m a different player for sure… more experienced.” “I feel like I’m on a roll right now,” said the top seed. She added about her special training regimen. “I do a lot of boxing training. It’s a great way to stay fit and relieve stress.” There will be 46 of the world’s top 50 ranked women participating here.
Jelena Jankovic, the No. 6 seed, has had a solid string of results after losing in the second round of the Australian Open and believes she’s on the right track to success. “I’m feeling pretty confident. I’ve played a lot of matches the last month. My game is coming back and I’m working hard.”
Jankovic, a finalist here in 2008, knows that court conditions vary on a day-to-day basis. When I made the finals, it was sunny all week. The players and fans all enjoyed the weather,” Jankovic said. “Last year, it was quite windy and rainy, so it can be different each time.”
During the ‘Players Party’ at the Paris Theater in Miami Beach, Sony Ericsson executive Stefan Croix said, “Tournaments are about the stars and fans, so you need things to go well. There’s good energy this year so far but you always want to improve upon the previous event.”
The world class tennis performers were front and center on the ‘Red Carpet’. Another Sony Ericsson representative, Steve Walker added, “We have a lot of new products coming out, so this tournament is a great platform to introduce them.” Consumer electronics and phones were showcased and new video games were highlighted practically everywhere at the gala.
The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open will be played thru April 3, at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Miami. The two-week combined event is owned and operated by IMG of Cleveland and is considered the most glamorous event on both the ATP and WTA tours. Over 300,000 in attendance are expected and the finals will be broadcast on CBS.
The first tournament was in February, 1985 with Tim Mayotte and Martina Navratilova crowned singles champions.
36th Year of Tennis in Palm Springs
Wozniacki had the young strong legs and her side to side ease defeated Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6 and 6-3 to win the BNP Paribas Open. The victory kept Wozniacki at the number one world ranking. After the match she was jubilant, as Wozniacki was runner-up here to Jankovic a year ago.
It was her 14th Women’s Tennis Association title and her second this year. She had also won at Dubai. She has appeared in the finals for her third consecutive tournament.
“This is such an amazing event and everyone loves playing here. I’m already looking forward to playing here next year,” Wozniacki said post match.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden had its best attendance ever during the 36th year of the event. “I can keep playing out there for hours and hours,” Wozniacki said smiling. She won the tournament by running down her opponents.
The victory allowed Wozniacki to improve her results for the fifth straight year in the popular Palm Springs area tournament. She earned $700,000 for the title.
Near the end, Wozniacki asked for her coach, who is her father. Piotr Wozniacki came courtside and gave advice. She responded by holding serve in the next game before Bartoli double-faulted to fall behind 4-1. “He said, ‘You’re playing great. Just keep it up. It’s just one break in the second set. Just hang in there,’” she said afterwards. “My dad calmed me down.”
She rolled through the first set, breaking Bartoli three times with and having the runner-up going from side to side.
Wozniacki got to the final after besting Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-2, in a quick hour and twenty minutes. “It’s pretty much a two-week event, and you have days in between like in the Grand Slams. It’s a big tournament, and I’m very, very happy,” said Wozniacki.
She was a sponsors dream, as Wozniacki concluded the ABC Television broadcast with gracious statements for her opponents, spectators and supporters. She finished by saying, “I played very, very well, I thought, actually in the whole match, it was in the first set, I felt like I had the most control. I just love playing matches. I like winning. I like holding the trophy.”
Wozniacki now has two WTA titles this season, having won at Dubai earlier in the year. She now has 14 career titles. She also got a lot of post match attention about her conventional style but very denim-blue colored tennis dress with a ruffled neck strap. She wears adidas apparel by Stella McCartney.
Younger Brother Helps Brian Keselowski Make Daytona 500
By Raymond Rolak
DAYTONA BEACH— When Brian Keselowski qualified for the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 it probably became the feel good motorsports story of the year. So many elements contributed. His father Bob was going to be his crew chief. Even though the operation was underfinanced, the #92 Dodge team was on top of the world. Their K-Racing Team got some late sponsorship from Detroit based Discount Tire. That surely helped but they didn’t even have hotel rooms. Then, the younger brother contributed in a big way.
Brian, 29, is the older brother of NASCAR sensation Brad Keselowski, 26. “I’m here on a credit card and a prayer,” said Brian. On the last day of qualifying he got into the Daytona 500 with some help and a push from his younger brother. Brad had qualified already in the Penske Dodge #2 car. During a qualifying race, he found himself behind his brother Brian and pushed the #92 car up to the front of the pack and across the finish.
Photo courtesy of Penske Racing
Brian had an emotional moment when he stopped on pit road and realized he had made the big dance. He then got a hug from his younger brother. Kay, their mom, came up a few minutes later to join the celebration. Kay Keselowski said, “I have been doing this for thirty years. I went to Brian first because I figured he needed the support. Then I went back to Brad’s motor home. He walked in and I said, ‘Brad, you are my hero.’ And he just goes, ‘I try, Mom.’”
Later Brad added, “He made good moves (Brian). He found the right holes and used ’em right. Brian has got some experience at this — more than people think. I’m really proud of him. He did a great job.”
The Keselowski’s, both Rochester Hills, Michigan natives, have a racing pedigree. Their father raced in the ARCA series in the 70’s and Uncle Ron raced in four -Daytona 500’s. 2007 Daytona 500 champion Kevin Harvick said. “Usually, one thing leads to another. The Keselowski family, you couldn’t ask for better people.”
Brad has had great success in the #22 Penske Dodge last year. In fact, he won the Nationwide Series point championship last season. He was also named the Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Penske Racing upgraded Brad to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge for the Daytona 500.
Veteran driver Joe Nemechek of the #87 Toyota car said, “The Keselowski brothers provided the entire sport with a feel-good moment. All the guys in the garage know what Brian has to work with. To make this race is awesome.” The older Keselowski got some additional sponsorship for his #92 car from the Golden Corral restaurant chain.
Proud father, Bob Keselowski said, “Coming in we thought, No matter what, this is going to be a great opportunity for Brian to run at Daytona with the big boys.” Brad got his experience on Michigan short tracks and now he is in the major leagues of motorsports.
The Daytona 500 is the first big NASCAR race of the year and it is the biggest race of the season. This is the only sport in which the biggest event is at the beginning and it carries by far the largest purse. The race is the direct successor of shorter beach races held on Daytona Beach in the late 40’s and early 50’s.
With over 180,000 in attendance at the Daytona International Raceway, the euphoria did not last long. On the 29th lap, a 15-car monster wreck took out Brian Keselowski. He was up high on the track and another rookie, Andy Lally #71 came up spinning out of control and ended the day for #92. The original mess was caused by Michael Waltrip #15 and Dave Reutimann #00. It was a two car drafting procedure that went astray.
Rookie Trevor Bayne ended up winning with the #21 Ford. It was a white knuckle finish with four cars having a chance to slingshot into the lead. In fact, Ford cars finished 1-2-3 and Edsel Ford, along with Ford execs visited in ‘Garage Alley’ during Speed Week.
Brian and K-Racing Team got a purse of $273,663.00 for starting in the big race.
Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing had the Miller Lite Dodge in contention. He led for nine laps. On lap 167 he got contact from Robby Gordon’s Dodge #31 and was sent into the outside wall. The younger Keselowski had to settle for a 29th-place finish.
The Daytona International Speedway had been recently resurfaced and was fast. Drivers figured out that by hooking up in two-car packs and drafting it was a faster way around the course.
On the third lap, the spectators at Daytona International Raceway stood in silence, with three fingers raised toward the sky. This was a tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt. The acknowledgement marked the 10-year anniversary of Earnhardt’s fatal accident at the famous track.
Jack Hege was honored again as he was previously presented to the driver’s at the pre-race meeting. He has been to all 52 Daytona 500 races as a spectator. Afterwards the drivers and guests had an opportunity to attend the traditional chapel service.
NASCAR announced that next year’s Daytona 500 race will be pushed back by a week to Sunday, February 26, 2012.
Michigan International Speedway will host NASCAR twice, June 18-19 and August 20-21. Chicago Speedway will race September 18-19.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series now heads out to Phoenix International Raceway for next weekend’s Subway Fresh Fit 500. The Phoenix Cup action gets under way on Friday with practice sessions. Saturday’s 1:40 P.M. single round of qualifying will determine the entire 43-car starting field. Sunday’s 312-lap, 312-mile (500 kilometer) race is scheduled to start at 1:00 P.M. local time with live coverage on FOX-TV and MRN Radio.
TORONTO– Tadeusz Sawicz, a former Polish World War II Air Force Officer, was honored with full military ceremonies when his remains were flown to Warsaw, Poland from Toronto, Canada for a state burial recently.
Polish singing sensation Magda Kaminski, in the middle of her Midwest tour dates will be featured. She will do some selections from her current CD and will also appear locally Friday, February 24, at a Polish pop showcase at the PNA Hall – Dom Związkowy on Conant Avenue in Hamtramck. 
