Posted on June 3, 2009. Filed under: Items of Interest |
- What is up with the new Yankee Stadium? The most expensive stadium ever built at approximately $1.5 billion, the new Yankee Stadium has been a dream for home-run hitters and a nightmare for pitchers in its first season. As of June 1, hitters were on pace to belt a record-setting 306 home runs this year; by comparison, there were 160 home runs hit at the dimensionally-identical old Yankee Stadium last season. In response to players’ claims that there is a jet stream carrying balls into the right-field seats, the team has commissioned firms to analyze the wind currents in the stadium and investigate potential solutions. USA Today provided this exhaustive account of the story earlier this week. (“Home Runs Abound at New Yankee Stadium,” USA Today, 6/2/09) NOTE: Three more home runs were hit in the Yankees’ 12-3 home win over the Rangers last night.
- President nominates Rep. McHugh as Secretary of the Army. President Obama yesterday nominated Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) as Secretary of the Army; McHugh would be the third Republican appointed to a senior position in the new administration, according to The Washington Post. McHugh, whose congressional district includes Fort Drum, N.Y., has served 16 years on the House Armed Services Committee. (“Obama Taps Republican Lawmaker McHugh to Be Army Secretary,” The Washington Post, 6/3/09)
- Hurricane barriers for New York City? The Associated Press reports that calls are increasing for a serious consideration of a hurricane protection system for parts of New York City. At a conference held in March at New York University, scientists described a barrier system that would protect Manhattan and parts of the Outer Burroughs from a storm surge that could reach as high as 25 feet in a Category 3 storm. (“Hurricane Barriers Floated to Keep Sea Out of NYC,” The Associated Press, 5/31/09)
- Highway Fund Low on Cash… Again. As a result of significant increases in the cost of gas, the shifting habits of drivers and, thus, a drop in tax-generated revenue allocated for road improvements, the Wall Street Journal reports that the nation’s highway trust fund is once again in dire need of a funds injection. WSJ also reports the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee plans to release its transportation spending plan later this month. (“U.S. Highway Fund Low on Cash Again,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/3/09)
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