US – Sunday, March 21
Music
SXSW ’10: Get your dance on, great songs optional
The trends that emerged from the SXSW Music Conference in Austin last week are still bubbling to the top as I make sense of the hundreds of songs that filled the city for four days, but one thing I definitely noticed is that popular music may soon have a lot more emphasis on flexibility.
 
Between the Lines
Allen: NFL 365
I was a little surprised this week when I saw that media sessions were being set up with Patriots players who are participating in the voluntary offseason workouts down in Gillette Stadium. I guess I shouldn't be, but its just another sign that the National Football League is a 365-days-a-year proposition these days.
 
International
Record-breaking world flight time
NEW YORK. Swiss aviator Riccardo Mortara and his crew set the record for the fastest flight around the world in a 19,826-pound aircraft.
 
My Pets
At AKC, it’s score one for the mutts
Founded in 1884 as a registry for pure-bred dogs, the American Kennel Club didn’t traditionally offer many perks for your beloved lab-poodle-schnauzer mix. But as of April 1, the AKC Canine Partners Program will offer mutts not only membership benefits, but opportunities to compete at dog sporting events.
 
Sports
Upsets, OTs on first day of Big Dance
So much for that bracket you filled out.

 
Boston
BPS program in jeopardy as funds dry up
The John Winthrop School in Dorchester was on the brink before Sheena Collier arrived in 2006. 
 
Philly Sports
Brown displaying glimpses of future
It’s easy to see why the Phillies refused to part with minor-league phenom Domonic Brown.
 
Published 00:39, July the 1st, 2009
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Big-name signings not on Bruins’ free-agent agenda

Re-signing Phil Kessel, center, should be high on the Bruins’ to-do list this offseason.Re-signing Phil Kessel, center, should be high on the Bruins’ to-do list this offseason.
Photo: METRO/KITTY ETHRIDGE
 

The Bruins’ free agency period won’t be as exciting as last year, when they pursued star-crossed Marian Hossa before settling on Michael Ryder.

Due to cap constraints, they’re thinking small. What they should do:

1. Bring back Kessel — GM Peter Chiarelli is adamant the B’s will likely match any offer sheet made to the restricted free agent winger. But if they can, they should sign him long-term. It’s hard to replace his speed and skill — and while some have called him “soft,” Kessel has missed fewer than 10 games due to injury in his career and played through the postseason with a shoulder injury.

2. Bolster the ‘D’ — If he had more money to spend, Chiarelli said his top priority would be to sign an “impact defenseman” to play a lot of minutes and contribute offensively. Boston could pursue a solid, smart player like Carolina’s Dennis Seidenberg.

3. Shed salary — With the salary cap expected to drop next year, it may be time to part ways with at least one of P.J. Axelsson or Stephane Yelle and make way for talented young players like Byron Bitz, Vladimir Sobotka and Martin St. Pierre.

JOSEPH GRAVELLESE
 
 
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