The big chandelier in the rotunda of the state capitol has fallen while it was undergoing repairs. The chandelier was in a cradle about five feet from the floor when something broke.

The director of the state office of facilities management, Dave Mosby, says damage is extensive…and the cause for the fall is unknown. A cable connection is drawing the most attention, though.

He says a large nut, about four or five inches in diameter, gave way. He says it’s not clear if the failure is a mechanical failure or if there was a problem with installation.

Mosby says there is damage to the bottom of the chandelier, which weighs more than two tons, and the top of the chandelier which ws hit when the heavy supporting chains fell on top of it.

It happened last night…when the Capitol was closed. Nobody was in the area at the time.

The chandelier had been lowered to the first floor a few weeks ago for repairs and the installation of a new lifting cable.

Another slow start combined with a failed power-play attack added up to the same old decision for the Blues: an “L” in the loss column. The Blues wasted six power play chances while Chicago capitalized on two early man-advantages of their own to skip by St. Louis 3-1.

The win stopped Chicago’s eight-game losing streak. Blackhawk winger Radim Vrbata knocked home two 1st period power-play goals to give Chicago the lead. The team had been in an 0-for-25 power-play slump.

The Blues’ have dropped four of their past five games. Curtis Sanford made 15 saves, but earned his third loss on the season. The Blues will try to turn things around when they host Edmonton Sunday.

Related web sites:
Blues’ Official Website

Jim Edmonds has been quoted as saying he has never wanted to leave St. Louis, and would prefer to finish his career as a Cardinal. The eight-time Gold Glover is going to have a good shot at getting his wish, thanks to a new two-year contract extension with the team.

The new deal keeps Edmonds in St. Louis uniform through 2008.

A collision with the outfield wall at US Cellular Field in Chicago this past June forced Edmonds to miss lengthy periods of time during the second half of the season. However, he returned in time to lead his team in RBI during their championship playoff run.

Edmonds had expressed frustration over the Cardinals’ reluctance to pick-up his option during the season. The new two-year extension will pay him $11 million next season and $8 million in 2008. A portion of his 2007 salary will be deferred over the course of ten years.

Related web sites:
Cardinals’ Official Website