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6 Board Games That Ruined It for Everyone
#3. Battleship
Bingo without the exciting social scene.
Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images
Saying "cruiser" after B11 doesn't make it any more exciting.
All the fun of sitting around pulling random numbers out of your ass, and nothing else. Battleship is a cunning self-referential test of intelligence: If someone thinks it's involved in Battleship, they don't have any. This is a game of relentless random repetition. Even when you score a direct hit, your next four moves are iterating around that spot to find the target. Then you continue in the line those points define until the task is completed. That is exactly the sort of soul-killing algorithm we built computers to do for us.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Then Hasbro ruined those computers by building Electronic Battleship. It's another intelligence test. Even regular Battleship was a waste of money, as the game can be played with pen and paper, and now you can give a corporation between $10 and $80 for it. Subtract that cost from 100 and you have your IQ. Paper's advantages are that it's faster, you can't lose pieces, it doesn't make constant goddamn noise, and you don't feel obligated to play it again after you discover how soul-crushingly boring it is.
What You Should Play Instead: Ricochet Robots
Ricochet Robots is a game where numbers don't mock the entirety of human progress. This is a real mental battle, cunningly turning "counting" into a breakneck race of demented machines ramming full speed into solid walls and each other.
Rio Grande Games via Amazon
It's another excellent introductory game. The person asking "What?" at the start will be screaming "SEVEN!" with all the intensity and joy of a winning lotto number later that same game. It takes about two minutes to learn, but you'll actually feel your brain upgrading as it forces numbers through faster than ever before.
#2. Risk
Risk is worse for family game night than incest. It simulates all the boredom and relentless repetition of trench warfare, but at least people really dying on the Eastern Front wished they were home with their beloved family. You are home, and now you hate the bastards.
Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
The worst part of Risk is victory by excruciation. A well-designed game has tactics and skill building to a climax, a thrilling race to victory, and when someone has clearly won, it's because the game is over. In Risk, someone can win hours before it ends, and they will not let you just admit it and leave. They spent hours carefully planning this victory, and by God you are going to sit there and patiently lose for just as many hours so that they can enjoy it properly. They've turned having fun into a zero-sum game.
Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
This is the same psychopath who can be in control of two-thirds of the entire world and still whinge about how unfair it is that people are ganging up on them. The one who insists that there are more tactics than "Take Australia and try not to succumb to dice-rolling repetitive strain injury."
What You Should Play Instead: Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is the binary test for "Have you actually played board games, or just terrible family ones?"
Settlers of Catan is the shining diamond to Risk's filthy smog of coal. It has the same ideas of territory control, building resources, and cursing the newly invented and extremely obscene gods you've incarnated specifically to build hells for your fellow players and the number seven like an evil Sesame Street. Except every move matters, it's fun, and it's possible to finish a game inside a day. You even learn the same important life lessons, like how, when it comes down to it, your own mother will destroy you for one chunk of stone.
#1. Monopoly
The big bad, the final boss, the scabbed-over subconscious memory that motivates thousands of bored people to keep changing the channel in silence rather than risk opening the dusty Pandora's Box of family grief perched on top of the cupboard.
Parker Brothers
"Now with extra bullshit!"
The closest thing Monopoly has to actual gameplay is arguing over which piece you get to be. A fact Parker Brothers admitted by asking the Internet to do exactly that for a new piece, then printing a hundred thousand cat pieces before waiting for the answer, because obviously.
Parker Brothers
"No, Internet, you totally surprised us with that one."
It's the Constructicon of all terrible games, combining every terrible flaw into one unstoppable monster. You can buy a thousand pointlessly different boards to give them extra money for no reason -- it's entirely based on luck, layered on top of a single broken tactic with a tendency toward the orange properties, and it's the Romans vs. Jesus of victory by excruciation.
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
The whole point of the game is proving that capitalism is utterly broken and unfair, and people still play it to get their go at winning. Parents would be better off buying their kids a rack and a My Little Inquisition scalpel set. There's the same aspect of taking turns to torture each other, and at least that way the kids learn about anatomy.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
And since we got these new pieces, no one wants to use the car anymore.
What You Should Play Instead: Power Grid
Power Grid is everything Monopoly should have been. You're genuinely aiming to build a monopoly, earning ever-increasing fountains of money, but you still have to spend every cent to stay ahead of the competition.
It's a masterpiece of interlocking game systems. You balance expanding networks, resource levels, and nuclear auctions in a game that upgrades your brain like ENIAC: forcing yourself to run calculations faster than ever before, designed specifically to target cities and destroy your enemies. You can genuinely pull off financial intimidation to win by screwing your enemy out of their last lump of coal.
The game perfectly cascades to a finish, early tactical choices and carefully husbanded resources progressing to mid-range border combat, climaxing with games of Brewster's Millions chicken as players throw fistfuls of cash at each other to claim the last few points. And just when you think it couldn't get any cooler, you learn that the original German name is Funkenschlag.
Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty
Who we're assuming is a board-game playing German pop-punk singer.
The Internet connects everyone with all kinds of interests. Getting together to roll cubes is one of the least weird and most fun of those activities, even when it isn't slang. We've got TableTop, the nerdebrity Web series all about board games, and a horde of iPad and smartphone app versions of board games, which kick the shit out of chronocidal iteration bullshit like Angry Birds. So grab your inelastic gravity chaos-to-integer reduction engines, and play.
Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
These control more fantasy worlds than magic rings and Joss Whedon combined.
Luke plays a mean game of Ra, will build an entire week around Merchant of Venus, and actually won at Yggdrasil. Once. Let him know about other cool games on Tumblr and Twitter.
Luke explains Sony's suicidal PS4 strategy, and already has fanboys dissing him in the comments there. But he still understands that Internet feedback is good, because the Internet saved a bourbon.
For more reasons why classic games suck, check out 5 Classic Board Games With Disturbing Origin Stories and Why the Board Game Guess Who Is Getting More Racist.


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TED Videos: Ariely on Cheating, Gilbert on Value Miscalculation
From time to time you'll see me post links to videos from TED.com (Schwartz on incentives, Wallace on buying happiness, Lee on American Chinese food). I find a lot of their videos to be absolutely fascinating. Today I watched two videos I wanted to share with you all, one from a behavioral economist, Dan Ariely, and another from a psychologist, Dan Gilbert.
(Click to continue reading…)

subset: commoncrawl


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For Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, there's no place like home.
And from the looks of this sweet photo, home is in each other's arms, giving one another a sweet smooch.
"Having fun with my Lion last night!" Bündchen, 33, captioned the Halloween-themed photo she posted to her Instagram account Tuesday.
The couple dressed up as characters from The Wizard of Oz while stepping out for a Halloween bash in Boston Monday night, per E! Online. Bündchen predictably stunned as Dorothy – with what appears to be a faux Toto in her picnic basket – while Brady, 36, sported a sly smile (and gigantic mane) while dressed as the Cowardly Lion.
No word on whether their kids, Benjamin, 3½, and Vivian, 10½ months, will be joining them as the Scarecrow and Tin Man.
Regardless, they are not the only famous family who opted for Oz-themed costumes this Halloween season. Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi debuted a leg-baring Dorothy Gale costume earlier this week, while her fiancé, Jionni LaValle, dressed as the scarecrow. Their son Lorenzo, 14 months, was adorably dressed as a teeny tiny lion – making him perhaps the only Cowardly Lion cuter than Brady himself.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Courtesy Gisele Bü ndchen


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Now one of Hollywood's longest-standing bonds is bringing comfort and support to Harper as she faces terminal brain cancer.
"I'm absolutely devastated by this news," says Moore, 76, who herself underwent surgery in 2011 for a benign tumor in the protective membrane around the brain – the same spot where Harper's malignant cancer cells are located.
"Valerie has given so much joy, laughter and love to the world," says Moore. "I join her fans and send much love and positive thoughts to her and her family during this difficult time."
One day before going public with her diagnosis in PEOPLE, Harper called her costar from the show Mary Tyler Moore.
After small talk, "She said, 'What's up?'" recalls Harper, 73. "I said, 'It's incurable cancer.' She said, 'Val, I'm so sorry.'"
Both showbiz veterans have endured their share of personal challenges through the years, including Moore's public battle with diabetes and the untimely deaths of her sister and son.
"In one of her books she said, 'At every funeral of my family, Val was at my side," says Harper. "It's true. I love her."
And Moore continues to share support and advice with her dear friend.
Before ending their phone call, "Mary said, 'One day at a time,'" says Harper. "That's how we've got to live our lives. That's the best we can do."
Reporting by JULIE JORDAN


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Unlike most areas of study at UFV, philosophy is often an unknown subject for the entering student. It is often confused with psychology, religion, and mysticism. Many people also have the impression that philosophy is difficult, obscure, and irrelevant. In fact, philosophy is taught in many North American high schools; in some places, it is even taught in elementary schools. Philosophy can be studied and enjoyed at various levels by students with diverse interests.
Studying philosophy at UFV helps you to pose questions that go to the heart of the matter at hand, and to produce and evaluate various answers to questions that may range from the prosaic--What kind of car should I buy? Who should I vote for?--to the most profound--Why should I obey the law? Is there a God? In the process of acquiring these skills of investigation, you learn to express your ideas clearly and logically, while becoming aware of the power and limits of logic and reason. In addition, you will study some of the most historically influential ideas and great literature. You are not asked to memorize a bunch of dates or quotations, but rather to investigate, dialogue, and develop critical thinking skills.
The study of philosophy enables us to think well about the most important questions in our lives: What do I want to accomplish with my life? Does my life have any purpose? Do I live in a just society? Does God really exist? How should I treat others? The only way we can be satisfied with our answers is by finding them for ourselves, not by memorizing the ideas of others or being intimidated by the "wisdom of the ages." We must learn to think clearly and creatively for ourselves.
In order to think clearly, philosophy students learn methods for thinking that avoid basic mistakes in reasoning. In order to think creatively, philosophy students examine some of the outstanding original ideas of past and present to discover where our ideas originated and to use them as a starting point for our thinking.
Since Socrates, the founder of Western philosophy, was asked to drink hemlock by the citizens of Athens in 399 B.C., philosophy has had a subversive reputation because it makes us think for ourselves. The reputation is well deserved.


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Account Administrator
What do you do at the Credit Union? I work with IRAs, deceased accounts, ATMs, and ACH. I also do loan corrections on member's accounts. When there is an over payment or something goes wrong, Account Administration is the department that fixes it. I also open up new accounts as a backup and load new loans as necessary.
What do you like about working at the Credit Union? The work environment is great! Everyone here is friendly and always willing to help each other out. The benefits are awesome! SCE FCU has great benefits for their employees and their families. There is also a lot of room for growth here. We are always learning new things and taking new courses to further better ourselves for us and for the sake of the Credit Union. I also have to say that my boss is awesome and it makes work that much better working with such a wonderful person. In addition, I really enjoy working with our IRA members. They are all friendly and very nice people and most have been with SCE FCU for many, many years. Some I have gotten to know on a personal basis and it really is nice to have that with the members.
What's your most memorable moment as a volunteer for the Foundation? My most memorable moment so far was this past year when I helped out at the Children's Christmas Party. Just to see the look on the child's face when we would hand them a wrapped gift made my heart melt. They were so thankful and you could tell by the look on their little faces how appreciative they were. It just touched my heart seeing all the volunteers wanting to make a difference in the lives of these under privileged children. Also just being a part of such a great event was awesome. This will be something that I will look forward to helping out each year.
How did you come to be an employee with the Credit Union? My dad who has been a member since 1979 and is in the Credit Union at least once a week taking care of his financial needs was always telling me how great SCE FCU was and how nice all the employees were and the great interest rates they had. One day while doing his business he inquired about any openings and they told him how there was an opening for a part-time teller position. He then raced home and told me to go and apply saying even though it was part-time I should go and work my best to move up to full-time. Now I have been here for more than 8 years.
Would you recommend SCE FCU as an employer? I would recommend SCE FCU as an employer and have already done so. SCE FCU again has wonderful benefits and everyone here is like family. We all work together and help each other out. It is a great atmosphere to work in.


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Youth group to perform musical
WINCHESTER, Va. - Apple Creative Theater's Youth Musical "Godspell Jr." will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15; and at 2 p.m. March 2, 9 and 10 at St. Paul's on the Hill Episcopal Church, Senseny Road. Cost is $6 per ticket.
For more information or tickets, call 540-664-1089.
Maryland Theatre announces plans
HAGERSTOWN, Md. - The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., has announced the following events:
Friday: Who's Band: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band;
Saturday: Chris MacDonald's Memories of Elvis in Concert;
Saturday, Feb. 16 and Sunday, Feb. 17: Maryland Symphony Orchestra MaterWorks III "For the Love of Mozart."
For more information or tickets, call 301-790-3500 or visit www.mdtheatre.org
Apollo announces upcoming events
MARTINSBURG - The Apollo Civic Theatre will present the following productions:
Friday through Sunday: "All Night Strut;"
Saturday: Classics at the Apollo, re-live a 1940s-'50s matinee starring Gene Autry;
Feb. 23: Annual Talent Show;
March 8 to 10, 15 to 17: "High School Reunion, the Musical"
May 10 to 12, 17 to 19: "Hello Dolly."
Reserve tickets by emailing at firstname.lastname@example.com or by calling the Box Office at 304-263-6766.
Shows loom for
Weinberg Center
FREDERICK, Md. - The Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., has announced the following lineup:
Saturday: Kathy Mattea, "Calling Me Home;"
Feb. 7: The Honeycutters;
Feb. 16: The Flying Karamazov Brothers;
For more information or tickets, call 301-600-2828 or visit www.weinbergcenter.org.
The MET announces shows
FREDERICK, Md. - The Maryland Ensemble Theater will present the following productions:
Thursday, Feb. 7 to Sunday, March 3: "The Glass Menagerie;"
April 4-28: "Finally Heard, Feminine of an Uncivil War."
For more information or tickets, call the MET Box Office at 301-694-4744.
Old Opera House sets 2012 season
CHARLES TOWN - The Old Opera House will present the following productions:
Feb. 8-10, 15-17: "Suite Surrender"
March 15-17, 22-24: "Duck Hunter Shoots Angel"
April 26-28 and May 3-5: "Honus and Me"
Sept. 5-8, 12-15: "Legally Blonde"
Oct. 18-20, 25-27: "Murder Among Friends" and
Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 19-22: "Shrek."
For more information or tickets, call 304-725-4420 or visit www.oldoperahouse.org.
Luhrs Center schedule offered
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - The Luhrs Center, located on the campus of Shippensburg University, has announced the following lineup:
Saturday, Feb. 9: An Evening with Michael W. Smith;
Saturday, Feb. 16: Popovich Comedy Pet Theater;
Thursday, Feb. 21: An Evening with John Quinones - lecture;
Saturday, Feb. 23: An Evening with Olivia Newton John;
April 4: Boyz II Men;
April 17: ABBA, The Concert;
May 18: Sara Evans;
For more information, visit www.luhrscenter.com
Conservatory announces lineup
WINCHESTER, Va. - The Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University has announced its 2012-13 season. All performances will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The following will be performed in the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theater:
Thursday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 3, 2013: "In the Woods."
The following will be performed in the Glaize Studio Theater:
Feb. 14-17: "Henry IV Part 1;"
April 4-7: "Summer & Smoke."
For more information or tickets, call 540-665-4569 or visit www.ConservatoryPerforms.org.
New Embassy Theatre sets events
CUMBERLAND, Md. - The Embassy Theatre, 49 Baltimore St., announces the following events:
Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Showing of "Velvet Goldmine," followed by a special Valentine's Dance;
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.: "Idiocracy;"
March 14, 7:30 p.m.: "But I'm a Cheerleader;"
March 17, 2:30 p.m.: "Oldboy;"
April 25, 7:30 p.m.: "Glen or Glenda;"
April 28, 2:30 p.m.: "Chasing Amy"
For more information, call 301-722-4692 or visit www.newembassy.org
Capitol Theatre sets lineup
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - The Capitol Theatre Centre, 159 S. Main St., announces the following lineup:
Saturday, Feb. 16: "Romance of the Dance;"
Sunday, March 3: The Glenn Miller Orchestra;
Wednesday, April 6: The Diamonds.
For more information or tickets, call 717-263-0202 or visit www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
YATL announces 2013 season
SHEPHERDSTOWN - The Young Actors Theater Lab has announced its 2013 season:
March 1-10: "Fiddler on the Roof Jr.;"
May 24 to June 2: "The Birds;"
July 11-14: "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory;"
Oct. 4-13: "The Secret Garden."
Season tickets are available. All four shows can bee seen for $24.
YATL is part of the Full Circle Theater Company.
For more information, call 304-876-1350 or visit www.MyATL.com
Winchester theatre to perform 'Opus'
WINCHESTER, Va. - The Winchester Little Theatre will present the following performances:
March 8-23: "The Gazebo;"
May 10-25: "You Know I Can't Hear You When The Water's Running."
For more information or tickets, call 540-662-3331 or visit www.wltonline.org.


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Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Xavier Batista smashed a solo HR and threw a runner out at the plate, leading the Cubs to a 5-3 victory over the Angels in AZ Instructional League action at Diablo Park Field #3 in Tempe this afternoon.
Josh Vitters got into his first game action since suffering a broken hand after being hit by a pitch in a Southern League game on July 25th, going 1-3 and playing 3B for the first five innings. He stroked a fly ball near-HR that bounced off the warning track and up & over the fence in left-center for a book-rule double in his first AB, before striking out (swinging) in his other two Plate Appearances. He also made the defensive play of the game, a sprawling catch of a foul pop up down the LF line followed by a perfect throw to 2nd base to double-up a base-runner trying to advance after the catch. (Vitters will be continuing his rehab with the Cubs AZ Instructional League team until the start of the AFL season on October 12th).
Cubs 2010 7th round pick RHP Ben Wells (Bryant HS - Bryant, AR) made his pro debut in today's game, throwing one shutout inning (10 pitches – six strikes). He gave up a lead-off 400-ft+ double off the CF batter's eye, but then got the next hitter to line into a DP, before striking out the third and final hitter of the inning with a couple of nasty sliders. Wells is a big kid (6'3 240+) and will have to watch his weight. He looks like an offensive lineman, and he just turned 18 three weeks ago!
18-year old Korean Bonus Baby Jin-Yeong Kim had a far rockier outing today than he did in his pro debut last week, allowing two runs on five hits (four singles and a triple) in three innings of work. He did throw strikes, however (he has yet to walk a batter in five professional innings), and he did not crumble or melt when the Angels threatened to score.
A bus-load of students from the MLB Scouting Academy attended the game, and they were all over the park, with their clipboards, stopwatches, and radar guns. It was kind of oddly coincidental that they should be at Diablo Park today, since Angels Scouting Director Eddie Bane and several Angels scouts were reportedly fired this week.
Here is today's abridged box score (Cubs players only):
1. Marco Hernandez, SS: 0-4 (L-6, K, E4, 4-3, R)
2. Logan Watkins, 2B: 0-1 (E1, BB, BB, BB, R)
3a. Josh Vitters, 3B: 1-3 (2B, K, K, R)
3b. Chad Noble, PH: 0-1 (6-4 FC)
4. Justin Bour, 1B: 1-4 (1B, K, 3-6 FC, F-8, 2 RBI)
5. Micah Gibbs, DH-C: 0-2 (L-8, HBP, BB, 4-3)
6. Dustin Geiger, DH-3B: 0-3 (L-6, F-7, K, BB)
7. Xavier Batista, RF: 2-4 (HR, F-8, F-8, 1B, RBI, R)
8. Sergio Burruel, C-DH: 1-4 (3-1, 1B, 5-3, L-8 DP)
9. Chris Huseby, LF: 1-3 (K, F-9, 1B, HBP)
10. Oliver Zapata, CF: 1-4 (1-U, 1B, K, 4-3, R)
1. Matt Loosen: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HR, 35 pitches (23 strikes), 3/5 GO/FO
2. Ben Wells: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 10 pitches (6 strikes), 0/2 GO/FO
3. Jin-Yeong Kim: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R (2 ER), 0 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, 49 pitches (33 strikes), 1/4 GO/FO
4. Austin Reed: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 22 Pitches (15 strikes), 1/4 GO/FO
RF Xavier Batista: threw out baserunner 9-2 trying to score from 3rd base on fly out to RF
ATTENDANCE: 65 (including 40+ from MLB Scouting Academy)
WEATHER: Sunny & very hot, with 100+ degree temps
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
well...we learned castro can't bunt today. nice to know...
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Crunch you normally are one of my favorite posters so that makes your man hate for Castro a bit disappointing. I'm curious to know what it's about. I've seen quite a few posts from you bashing the kid. He looks pretty good to me. I wish we had five position players in the minors playing like this, much less at the MLB level. I do understand, of course, the general cynicism anytime the words Cubs and rookie are used in the same sentence. And rather than argue about it I'm just sort of curious what it's all about.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
i don't hate castro. i just don't expect much from him right now because he's barely old enough to be expected play well on this level and he's a bit rough around the edges defensively.
he was asked to bunt last night and i've seen AL pitchers with better approach and skills. we're talking bat head pointing up, non-level, 2 bad attempts...small sample size, but you can tell he's not been asked to bunt much.
in my ideal world (there's lot of chocolate and unicorns, it's fun) he wouldn't have been up this year solely based on his D.
he's a swinger...his power isn't developed...his D is shakey...but all that is going to be true whether he's in A, AAA, or the majors. he's simply a kid learning his craft and a demotion or promotion isn't going to make it click.
i got no problem with him, but even with the hits he's getting and flashes of good D, he's not refined.
he doesn't walk a lot, but seeing him in the 8 slot (where he obtained most of his walks) he obviously has an idea of what he can make contact with and what he shouldn't make an offer at. this is great stuff for a kid his age even if his contact isn't driving the ball 450ft.
just because i'm railing on his D, arm, lack of walks, etc. it doesn't mean i don't recognize his youth, effort, or how advanced he is at the plate vs. his age. i look forward to seeing how the 22-24 year old castro looks. he's being given a hell of a shot early in his development.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
So what you are saying is that the south will rise again?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
the NL Central at the very least
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
That's all good. I just have seen quite a few comments from you and thought you were really down on the kid. And I know you've seen more than I have cuz I havent' been able to see a lot of games lately, so I was even a little worried. Yup, 20 is young for this role. One drawback to his being brought up is I'm not sure it's a real good idea to send him to winter ball, which he could probably use. Seems like he could use a nice, long rest even more.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Thanks PHIL!
So, you were fighting for a seat with the large crowd today?
Since the year is in its waning couple of days, and you have had a year to digest the youngsters over the last 10 months, whom do you believe are the top prospects to really make an impact at the major league level - or as trade bait?
It seems as if we do not have ONE "Ace-type" prospect in the system (unless Archer?), and I do not know if there is a "solid" prospect that throws in the high 90's. Is there not one pitcher who can replace the terminally mediocre Randy Wells in 2011??
And, on the position side, it appears that there are no real power threats who play 1B or 3B, from what I have been reading from you this past year? Is it too early to call Josh Vitters a "blown call" again by Jim Hendry, ala Jeff Samardjia? is Darwin Barney a keeper? You have also stated that Castro takes instruction very well. Can he learn how to improve his defense dramatically moving into 2011?
Finally, several have been scratching their heads about this, but why would Quade keep starting KHill at catcher? How does this develop our young catcher? And, if hired, what could Quade bring to the team?
Thanks for all!
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Quade is starting Hill at catcher because were were playing teams in the pennant race. It's an unspoken agreement to play vets against teams in the race and not to give in and play all the kids. Len Kasper said last week that Castillo probably wouldn't get another start until we played Houston, because Quade would play Hill against the playoff contenders.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
It's an unspoken agreement to play your best players, as much as you can. What isn't clear to anyone, is why Hill is starting in that case. Even as flawed an offensive player as Castillo is, he's probably more dangerous with the bat than Hill, and he can throw out opposing baserunners.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
This is really comforting to read about Vitters. I knew he had had some illness that prevented him from playing, but that coupled with some of the injuries really does explain some of his poor numbers.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Feels good to ruin it for someone else. Also, fuck Steve Garvey.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm still bitter after '84 and will forever hate the milk salesman whore. Plus, I live in San Diego now and the last four days have been much fun ... although the fans here have the attention span of a gnat and have already forgotten they have a baseball team by now.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Phil, how do you like of what you've seen from Vitters on D? Will his power and glove be enough to cover up his deficiencies and make him at least serviceable?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Do you think he could try harder at his strike zone judgment?
Seems like a red flag parallel of personal entitlement between KPatt and Vitters. High HS picks, heavily hyped by everyone. Who were green lighted through the farm system before actually mastering any levels above A ball.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Looks like as long as we don't sweep the Assholes over the weekend, we're going to get the 8th pick in the draft.
Crawford box tickets on Saturday, wonder if I'll get a chance to throw one back on the field...
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I believe it's the 9th. D-backs get the 7th pick next year for not signing Barrett Loux, the 6th pick from 2010. If we would somehow pass the Brewers or the Astros in the standings, the pick would fall back to 11th as the Padres have the 10th pick for failing to sign Karsten Whitson.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Oh, yeah I forgot about that.
The Astros are the only team we can catch, according to Foxsports.com.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Az phil ,what is schedule and where will games be played october 12-16?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
So instead of spending a fortune on a free agent first baseman has anyone associated with the Cubs mentioned Soto moving to first and Castillo catching in the near future?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
It's been discussed, but it dismissed as making little sense. You can get a guy for roughly the minumum (Snyder/Hoffpauir/LaHair for example) to play first, and give the team a better bat than Castillo's.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
It might make sense to try Soto at first if he had problems throwing after his surgery.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Agree. Soto had a bum shoulder this season, and with a CS% of 22 was 16th in the NL among catchers who started 70 games. But even at Soto's typical 27 or 28% CS rate, he would have been just 14th in the league.
With Soto coming off (supposedly minor) shoulder surgery, and Castillo in waiting, aren't the Cubs likely to keep first base somewhat open for Soto?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Have you figured in how many CS's got lost due to the shorstop not knowing how to catch and apply the tag, as well as the number where Jesus Christ with a potato cannon couldn't have thrown the guys out because our rotation doesn't hold runners on?
Based on what he's done in the minors, playing Castillo as an everyday player is not going to be pretty, at this point. Think Hill with a lower OBP and higher slugging.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Hill with a lower OBP? I'd say 8 of the 12 guys on the pre-September pitching staff could out OBP Koyie Hill.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
As a catcher Soto is a pretty good run producer considering OBP etc. As a first baseman he's just like a ton of other guys.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
That's basically what I'm saying. Soto's value comes from the offensive production he brings to the catcher's position without the defensive butcherings of a guy like Victor Martinez or late-era Mike Piazza.
If the plan - for whatever reason - is to take Castillo's SLG and CS% at C, I can live with that - but then Soto should be traded to a team that does value his offense at C for another part that makes the Cubs better.
There are so many guys who "can" play 1B that moving a guy like Soto there, where he's not likely to shine either defensively or offensively, is asinine.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
At the risk of repeating myself, there are thirteen catchers in the National League alone who have started 70 games this season and produced CS percentages higher than Soto did in his rookie and second seasons, before he hurt his shoulder. Their names are Molina, Olivo, Martin, Torrealba, Posey, Quintero, Hernandez, Rodriguez, Lucroy, Paulino, Montero, McCann and Hundley. Ruiz is about even with Soto (I mean the 2008-9 Soto) while Snyder, Barajas and Doumit are below him.
So I'm thinking that other teams put a premium on catchers with high CS percentages, maybe the Cubs will, too, especially with Soto rehabbing an injured throwing shoulder.
Just at a glance, I would say that catchers' CS ratings don't fall like their BAs when they hit the majors. If Castillo's 38-40% held up, he would be in top rung of NL catchers.
What's the problem with Soto at first, anyway? Haven't I been reading here for months that Soto should have batted higher up, and Lee lower down?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
and as history has never proved, there is a strong correlation between stealing bases, catcher CS% and winning.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
"[No] strong correlation between stealing bases . . . and winning."
I'm trying to figure out why Brett Gardner, with his .763 OPS, has started 131 games for the Yankees. The only thing he does well offensively is steal bases!
Every prospective playoff team this season except Atlanta has a player who has stolen 25+ bases.
Here's the list: TB Crawford (46), NYY Gardner (42), Phila Victorino (34), Texas Andrus (32), Cin Stubbs (29), SD Venable (29), SF Torres (26).
The Cubs go into 2011 with Castro their leading base stealer, with 10. Are the Cubs on the right side of the correlation between SBs and winning?
I guess a player like Gardner is good enough for the Yankees but not for the Cubs--sort of like his manager.
edit: forgot the Twins, Span (26).
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
when you have power at 1st, 2nd, SS, 3rd, C, RF, CF and DH on your $600,000,000,000 team you can carry a low-power ob% guy who can field and run without worrying too much about his contribution beyond getting on base.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
an incredibly myopic study of the history of baseball
Gardner's a good defender with a good arm and does enough with the bat. And yes, speed is one of his assets.
Nothing wrong with speed, but it's not why the Yankees are going to the playoffs and Soto not throwing guys out isn't why the Cubs aren't.
There's a lot of different ways and different combinations to win a game and be a good team, but speed and stolen bases has been proven throughout history to be the one of the least important of those ways on the offensive side. It's not a theory, it's not a bias, it's as close to a baseball truth as you can get.
It's not to say speed should be completely ignored cause it tends to also translate to defense which of course is very important. But that's certainly not what you're talking about here.
But if we're throwing out the random example of having a 25 SB guy being the magic cutoff of team awesomeness, try the 2006 or 2000 Cubs or Ryne Sandberg's career. Or just 2010 where Theriot was on pace for 25 if he wasn't traded.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
The '85 Cards lead the league in runs scored.
The Yankees have Kerry Wood, therefore paying setup men $8 million is the key to success.. it's a fun game, isn't it?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I know you're kidding around but before VA Phil picks up on that, the '85 Cards also led the league in OBP and tied for lead league in OPS.
and stole a kajillion bases of course (rough estimate).
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
and as a related, yet totally unrelated side-note...
kerry wood picked up m.rivera's cutter faster than any pitcher i've ever seen pick up someone's pitch. =p
i know wood had been working on one (along with 100 other pitches through his rehabs/career), but it clicked and refined really f'n quickly.
...and before it gets picked apart, yes wood used to throw a cutter, but he's generally shelved that pitch over the years vs. how much he's using it since he came to the yanks.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I was thinking the same thing last week. When I looked at his stats with the Yankees, he had an era of like .034! And, a nifty WHIP to boot.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I hope we bring him back... if we're gonna suck, at least we should have players I like.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
You're putting a lot of words in my mouth. I wasn't doing a study of the history of baseball. Nor did I say that Gardner was the reason for the Yankees' success. I did say, and did try to show, that there is a place for base stealers on very good teams. (I say that as the envious fan of a team that uses Jeff Baker and Fukudome to lead off.) The Yankees could have had Fukudome and his bases on balls, or dozens of other players who would satisfy your idea of baseball truth better than Gardner does. But they preferred Gardner and his SBs.
One way to arrive at baseball truth is to delve into the stats bibles; another is to look at the actual practice of most GMs, who value a player like Gardner for reasons that the bibles shed no light on.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
well don't backtrack now, you were clearly implying that teams need 25 SB's guys to make the playoffs.
and Gardner didn't bat leadoff most of the season..
but if you're saying teams tend to put average players with specialized skills in there to support their good players, I'm with you.
One way to arrive at baseball truth is to delve into the stats bibles; another is to look at the actual practice of most GMs, who value a player like Gardner for reasons that the bibles shed no light on.
what baseball truth are you getting to? speed, on the bases in particularly, has been overated through much of the history of the game and is one of the least important factors into scoring runs.
Doesn't mean it's not nice to have and it doesn't mean a team should completely ignore it, but you better get on-base and hit some home runs first.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Why do I get the feeling that VaPhil was totally on board with Juan Pierre and Tony Womack joining the 2006 Cubs?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I had a problem with Pierre's arm in center.
Offensively, though . . . If he keeps playing--and he usually does, somewhere--then at the end of his career, he'll have impressive totals for hits and SBs.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
"speed, on the bases in particular, has been overated through much of the history of the game and is one of the least important factors into scoring runs."
My point in this thread has been that GMs and managers seem to like base stealers at the top of the order as much as they ever did. Nobody ever wanted base stealers hitting in the middle of the order.
So what does it mean to say that SBs used to be overrated? If that's a proven fact, why haven't current GMs gotten the message?
I'd like to draw you out on this, to get you to admit that the stats community you are part of is still fighting an uphill battle, at least as regards SBs.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
If that's a proven fact, why haven't current GMs gotten the message?
Because there are a lot of stupid GM's in MLB?
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
some GM's still value wins over ERA or FIP and BA over OBP.
But nonetheless, I'm not against stolen bases or speed or having a good defensive catcher, they're just at the bottom of things necessary to be a good team.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
The problem with Soto at first is the platoon of the two shittiest hitters in the NL at catcher.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
Actually I was thinking the Cubs might have Chirinos's bat available next year.
Hill had a bad year throwing--he was worse than Soto--and I didn't really see him making the cut next year. I hadn't considered the effect on Hill of Soto not being ready to catch at the start of the season. But I don't think Hill will start if Castillo is throwing out runners.
Castillo could be a decent hitter. A lot of catchers learn how to hit in the majors. Castillo did hit 13 homers at Iowa this year in 69 games.
He's a dangerous hitter, at any rate. Ask Tyler Colvin.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
I'd like Chirinos around next year as well, but him not making the September roster, doesn't bode well for it.
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
via cm...
CF Fuld, SS Barney, 2B DeWitt, LF Soriano, 1B Hoffpauir, RF Snyder, 3B Scales, C Castillo, P Coleman
iowa cubs + soriano
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
October Fever ... Catch It!
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
via cm...
#cubs tyler colvin says he's feeling great and will begin workouts soon. And yes, he uses maple bats, too
also, via paul s...fuku filled out the lineup card last night...
Re: Vitters Back in Game Action at Instructs
all of that is true
and all of that is a small fraction though of what actually goes into winning a game or being a good team.
As I said, it shouldn't be completely ignored by a team, but get your other ducks in a row first (getting on-base, hitting home runs, good pitching, good defensive range).
Recent comments
A left-handed one...
lester going for #20...cubs haven't had a 20 game winner since d.ellsworth in 1963.
J-Hey not finishing with an offensive onslaught.
If Geoff Blum could be a Playoff hero, there is hope still...
Giants scare me. I think you're wrong about Bumgarner, he would pitch on short rest for Game 2 and then full rest for Game 5. Cueto would go Game 1, then short rest in game 4. Add in some really tough outs in that lineup and I want nothing to do with them. With that rotation they can easily steal a series.
Cards are a tough matchup. The rivalry evens out their comparable lack of talent. And like someone said, they love HRs, which is how to beat the Cubs. The upside is that I would feel really good about Lester twice against STL.
j.buchanan with a nice start...5ip 2h 1bb 3k, 0r/er
zobrist with 2HR and a double through 8
heyward 0-4 :(
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales
Soler likely to return Sunday, Maddon says
Right now, I'd like to see the Mets first, Giants 2nd.
I believe that since most of the team from last years' NLCS is on the squad this year, they will really amp their game up even more to kick their ass in payback for 2015.
The Giants just do not have the depth in years past, and I think all things equal - and at Wrigley - they could handle them.
I do not want to see the Cards, period. Or their fans, media, or Joe Buck.
I don't want to play Braves in the first round. Any friggin team in the league can win 3 of 5..I hate the first round. Furthermore, I wanted to play the Marlins in 2003 and the Mets over Dodgers last year.
With that said in reverse order:
3. Cardinals: It will be devastating to lose in the first round, but even worse to their main rival. It is increased incentive for the Cardinals, especially after last year. Cards would have nothing to lose, Cubs have everything to lose.
2. Giants: Rotation in the playoffs scare me a bit, but what a lousy team.
1. Mets--because of the losses in the rotation
2. Giants--because they're not the team they were BUT they maybe have bullshit even-year magic?
3. Cardinals--because rivalry and not making the playoffs hurts them more than losing in the NLDS plus getting eliminated by them in the playoffs would make for horrible sports commentary next throughout next season.
Who's asking?
CLE/DET rained out last night already, possible rain-outs in New York (vs. Baltimore), Boston(vs. Toronto) and Philly(vs. Mets) this weekend too.
Not only games involving playoff spots that would need to be played, but any that involve home field advantage.
I got the first one! Second one I'm not even sure what even/odd betting is.
any opponent preference for NLDS?
Mets are down to 1 great pitcher instead of 4. Syndegaard may pitch Sunday which means if Mets win the WC game, he'd be set up for Game 1. There's a chance they clinch a spot by Sunday so he'd pitch the WC and then we'd probably get Colon for Game 1. They've certainly had the hottest bats over the last week and month out of the WC options.
A couple of Cub related puzzles.
Can't teach height and thinness
Hopefully Pirates don't call up A. Lincoln.


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2014 (Senior): Was 11-11 in singles play, primarily seeing time at the No. 4 position ... Had four match win streak vs. A-Sun opponents (Mar. 28 - Apr. 5) ... Was 9-9 in doubles play with numerous partners, splitting time at the No. 1 and No. 2 courts ... Won four A-Sun matches in-a-row with partner Diana Bukajeva (Mar. 28 - Apr. 5).
2013 (Junior): Competed in six doubles contests and three singles matches as a junior. Went 1-2 in singles play, all from the number six position. Earned Atlantic Sun Conference Academic honors and was named a Conference Scholar.
2012 (Sophomore): Went 0-3 (0-2 A-Sun) in singles play. Also finished 5-6 (3-2 A-Sun) in doubles competition, primarily paired with Sara Lazarevic.
2011 (Freshman): Named to the Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman Team. Also earned A-Sun Academic honors. Went 13-8 (6-4 A-Sun) in singles play, recording a mark of 9-5 at the number four position. Also went 12-10 (4-5 A-Sun) in doubles action.
Prior to Stetson: Standout tennis player for Head Coach Carol Clark at T.C. Roberson High School for the last four years...named All-State four times and the 2008 Class 3A North Carolina Player of the Year...three-time Asheville Citizen-Times Player of the Year and three-time Mountain Athletic Conference Player of the Year...led Roberson to the 2008 Class 3A state title...four-time honor roll student.
Personal: The daughter of Brian MacDowell and Debra Stauffer...chose the Hatters over Elon, where her brother Cody is on the men's tennis team, as well as Appalachian State, East Carolina, UNC Greensboro and UNC Wilmington.


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Facebook Feuds begin because one party (correctly or incorrectly) perceives itself to have been attacked, insulted or wronged by another. Intense feelings of resentment trigger the initial retaliation, which causes the other party to feel equally aggrieved and vengeful. And everyone on Facebook gets to enjoy it.
I can tell from my wife's scowl and intense typing she is having a Facebook Feud with her sister!
بواسطة Levi Jacobs ديسمبر/كانون الأَوّل 21, 2009
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Today was a really good play day. I am not a fan of cars and Star Wars guys, but do enjoy playing with the castle stuff and animals. I am really glad that's what Gray is most into lately. And when I say 'into', I really mean into.
November 19, 2007
King Of The Castle
Today was a really good play day. I am not a fan of cars and Star Wars guys, but do enjoy playing with the castle stuff and animals. I am really glad that's what Gray is most into lately. And when I say 'into', I really mean into.
13 comments:
How fun, what a great thing to be thankful for!!ReplyDelete
Aw, look at Mr. Elephant. Looks like he's being well cared for.ReplyDelete
I love that castle!
I like animal toys better than cars 2.. but my boys... are OBSESSED with cars ;-) but lately Caleb loves Dragons or Alligators. Anything that ROARSReplyDelete
Aww the less aggressive the better!ReplyDelete
So far, my son is all about sports. I don't mind playing ball with him (cause he's just so darn cute with it anyway!) but I'm curious to see what else he eventually gets into. I hope it's something I'll enjoy playing with him. :)ReplyDelete
Oh the hours of Star Wars, Legos, Pirates of the Caribbean and Scooby Doo that this house has seen . . .ReplyDelete
That looks like a really cool set-up. One that he might get lost in for hours?ReplyDelete
Over here it's construction trucks. From garbage trucks to backhoes.ReplyDelete
My boys are huge into playing knights. Where did you get that castle set? It seems like something Santa may want to bring to our house.ReplyDelete
I LOVE Melissa & Doug toys. In answer to Sarah's question, It came from a clearance table at L.S.Ayres, before they turned into Macy's. I can remember picking up the last one and could not believe the reduction in price...It is made so well considering it is going thru 3 little boys...they sell the wooden people but it came with some characters.ReplyDelete
The castle is by Melissa & Doug and is available at many places that Melissa & Doug is sold!ReplyDelete
We have been through a number of Melissa & Doug toys. They are great! The castle looks amazing!ReplyDelete
We are all about pirates right now...
We are all about pirates right now too - Peter Pan and Knights. Funny.ReplyDelete


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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I have a blog. There, I said it. No, this doesn't mean I'll be at Starbucks, typing on a MacBook and sharing earbuds with trendy-looking folks who have the latest Indie rock tunes.
I'm not into coffee, I have a PC and Indie rock ain't my scene. So, what does me having a blog mean?
Frankly, I'm still figuring that out. There are several benefits, though, that I am sure of. One, I'll be more accessible. Commenting on news articles can be tricky since most companies have adopted a comment system that links to Facebook. You might want to voice your opinion but don't want your profile visible. That's understandable.
In order to comment on my blog posts, you won't have to log in through your Facebook. Share your views – keep 'em classy – and they'll be visible underneath my post.
Some of my posts will inject my own opinion in them. Others will be more generic and provide additional insight – like extra notes and quotes – that had to be cut from the final printed product. And, others will be strictly fun topics. On an especially difficult Monday – because what Monday doesn't suck? – you may check my blog and see a picture of a puppy playing around. If that doesn't turn things around for your work week, I don't know what will.
So, there will be a slight degree of random, but mostly it'll be an extension of my reporting. A little randomness injected into consistency is my formula.
The overall point of having a blog, though, is to better serve you, the reader. I want this to be a constant line of communication. If you're not comfortable sending story suggestions via email or phone, shoot me your ideas in a comment on my blog. The URL, by the way, is blog.moultrienews.com/eye-of-the-tyler.
I have some stories up there already, like a fun introduction, extra notes and quotes from two different articles and a letter from concerned residents directly related to an article I later wrote addressing those concerns.
As always, thanks for letting me into your home with (hopefully) minimal time spent baking on your driveway after a violent toss from our home delivery agents. Now I hope you'll allow me to rest comfortably among your internet bookmarks.
"Follow" reporter and columnist Tyler Heffernan on Twitter @TylerHeff. The Moultrie News' official account is @MoultrieNews
© 2016 Moultrie News an Evening Post Industries company. All Rights Reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Form.


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A tied-off condom with the reservoir tip filled with semen stored in the fridge to later be served to a submissive.
I milked my slave into this condom to have fresh cum packet for him if he serves me well tomorrow.
de ktom49 06 Iunie 2012
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Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
We are excited to share that a new Four Seasons hotel in Philadelphia is expected to open in 2018.
The new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, at 1800 Arch Street, will be part of the Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, a major development and new landmark for the Philadelphia skyline.
In the meantime, we would be delighted to help you with travel plans to another Four Seasons destination.
Four Seasons Hotel Boston
Overlooking Boston's historic Public Garden and within easy reach of the city's premier attractions, luxury Four Seasons Hotel Boston blends elegant simplicity with distinctive New England flair.
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Located steps from the Magnificent Mile and North Michigan Avenue's best shopping (and just minutes from Chicago's business and financial centres) – our Chicago Hotel's unrivalled guest-room views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline will leave you breathless.
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Journey to the seat of American power and find an intense concentration of cultural institutions, historic landmarks and iconic memorials. Washington, DC also surprises, offering a thriving nightlife in Georgetown, a seductive food scene, and more parkland per capita than any other city in the country.


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Men's Volleyball Inks Three For 2014 Season
MUNCIE, Ind. - The Ball State men's volleyball team and head coached Joel Walton announced the signing of three National Letters of Intent Wednesday. The Cardinals will welcome Brendan Surane, Alex Pia and Connor Gross for the 2014 campaign.
Surane is a 6-7 outside hitter/middle blocker from Lockport, Ill. He was a three year letterwinner at Providence Catholic High School for head coach Brett Krapil, earning the team MVP in 2012. Surane played his club volleyball for Keith Kujawa and the Ultimate Volleyball Club. He helped guide the team to a fifth place finish at Junior Nationals in 2011 and a fourth place finish in 2012. Surane also played forward for his high school's basketball team, earning two letters.
During the 2012 season, Surane had 24 aces, 149 kills and 132 blocks. He was a member of the All-Catholic League team and the Southtown Star All-Area team in 2012. Surane was also a member of the USA Volleyball Boys' Youth National team that won a bronze medal in the NORCECA U-19 tournament in Tijuana, Mexico. He also played on the 2012 USA Volleyball A2 High Performance team that finished fourth at the High Performance Championships in Iowa.
Pia is a 6-6 middle hitter from Johns Creek, Georgia. Georgia is not a state that has high school boys' volleyball, so Pia spent time with the Southern Storm club team under the direction of Brian Teague. Pia has been named captain for the Southern Storm for the 2013 season. He helped lead his team to a third place finish at the 2011 AAU Nationals; the team has qualified for Nationals the last three seasons. Pia helped lead his team to fifth place at the Daytona Beach National qualifier as well as ninth place at the Richmond East Coast Qualifier.
Pia was a teammate of Surane's on the 2012 USA Volleyball Boys' Youth National team as well as the USA Volleyball A2 High Performance team. Pia played football and baseball for Johns Creek High School. He pitched for the varsity baseball team that finished third in the Georgia State Tournament in 2012.
The final signee, Connor Gross, is a 6-5 setter from Appleton, Wis. Gross was a three-year letterwinner at Appleton North High School and led the team the a spotless 34-0 record and the conference and state championship as a senior. For his efforts, Gross was named Wisconsin Player of the Year for volleyball as well as earning All-Area and All-Conference Player of the Year nods. As a junior he was an All-State Honorable Mention and earned spots on the All-Area and All-Conference first teams. Gross had 742 for his career and led the team in solo blocks as a senior with a .374 hitting percentage.
Gross was a setter for the Wisconsin Nightmares under head coach Matt Seidl. He also played varsity basketball for two years as a forward.
Ball State Athletics would like to welcome the three new Cardinals. The 2013 Ball State men's volleyball team will open up its season by celebrating 50 years as a program Jan. 4-5. The first match of the season will be on Saturday, Jan. 12 against St. Francis at 7:30 p.m.


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A completely worthless gas pig piece of crap. A status symbol built for armchair soldiers and idiots who are trying to look cool.
A Hummer sucks gas, sucks crap, and sucks dirt. They suck.
by GM_Is_Going_Broke May 13, 2005
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More than a blowjob; it's when a girl actually hums (thus vibrating her lips) when her mouth has encased your engorged penis or balls.
Your mom gives great hummers.
by John E. November 12, 2002
1. A civilan version of the military vechicle Humvee. Hummer's are produce by the General Motors Company. Currently there are two version's H2 and H1.
2. A Blowjob when the girl hums during the BJ
2. A Blowjob when the girl hums during the BJ
I got a hummer in my Hummer the other day.
by RobT September 20, 2003
n. what you and all the other soccer moms will have to start doing to pay the gas bill for your ginormous SUV. Pucker up, beeyotch.
by miss_mae September 12, 2003
A blow job which incorporates a gentle humming while performing the duty to increase stimulation.
My husband asked me to give his boss a hummer to thank him for giving him a promotion.
by Belinda November 05, 2004
A dick magnifying four ton metal phallic symbol.
"Rick just bought that big hummer. Rumor has it he has a micro-penis."
by king of graphics January 12, 2007
No, not the SUV, an extremely pleasureable type of oral sex which involves the female humming to create a vibrating sensation in the penis during oral sex.
by Hubs June 20, 2003
A hazard to the road that puts the drivers of smaller vehicles at serious risk in case of an accident with one of these monsters. Seriously folks, I drive a 96' 2 door Pontiac GrandAm. What the hell do you think would happen if I got in a wreck with a Hummer!? Gets about 9-12 miles per gallon, and big rich men with sunglasses talking on a cell phone can be frequently seen driving them. Occasionally you will see the top of a woman's head over peering over the dashboard and two skinny arms reaching up to the wheel.
Hummer, the car that says: "I have a small penis."
by AFHorses August 14, 2005


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I was recently at a cocktail party having the regular run of the mill small talk that inevitably leads to the disclosure of investment portfolios. While everyone was discussing his or her latest investment success story I figured I would utilize this time to answer a question I had been pondering for the previous month. As the waiter circled around with our fourth round of champagne I asked, what I thought was a simple question, "So what are the best binary options brokers your firms use?" My question was quickly followed by the sound of crickets. I knew that all of their firms offered binary options, but what had never occurred to me was that they were only allowed to use one broker and therefore had never considered which broker was the best.
Let me back up and first introduce the readers who are not familiar with binary options. While the finance world is known for its cutthroat all-or-nothing approach, binary options take this philosophy to a new level. Literally known as "the all-or-nothing option", binary options refer to a stock that offers only two possible outcomes. Usually dealing in a specified amount of an asset, binary stock options only offer all of the payout or nothing at all, depending on the stock's value at an expiration date. Confused yet? I'll break it down, as all financial transactions can be simplified (regardless of what your local investment banker tells you), with an example. Binary options are essentially bets, or guesses, to a stock's value at a future date. Say you decide to buy a binary call-option on ABC Corporation's stock struck at $200, with a $5,000 binary payoff. If, on the date of maturity, ABC Corporation's stock is worth at least $200, you receive $5,000. On the other hand, if on the date of maturity the stock is worth less than $200, you receive nothing. Get it?
Okay, now that you understand how you can quickly make guaranteed money using binary options, it's important to know who are the best brokers for betting successfully. There are three major firms that are best known for their ability to research trends and potential risk to provide the highest probability for success with binary options. TickTackTrade (My favorite) is known to give out a maximum 50% bonus, as opposed to its competition, which has a monetary maximum. In addition to its bonus Boss Capitol only requires a $200 deposit and pays you 85% of your payout. Cherry Trade is another firm dedicated to binary options; however, they only pay you 81% of your payout and max your bonus at $20,000. Redwood Options is the third most popular binary stockbroker that, like the other two options, only requires a $200 deposit, however they max out your bonus at $15,000 and pay you 81% of your payout. These are the categories you need to focus on when researching which binary stock option brokers are best for you. How much of your payout will you actually receive? These are the types of questions you want to ask firms before investing your money with them. Of course every case is different so you should do more research specific to your desired investment and outcome, but when people ask me what are the best binary options brokers, these are the three I recommend.


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A name given to an idiot, asshole, bitch, slut, or just a random person. An insult to someone.
โดย Q oNe A 13 ธันวาคม 2007
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The name given to the disposition of someone that is behaving like an arsehole, or cunt. Behaviour includes excessive swearing, name calling, selfishness, making others, including friends, feel like shit about themselves. Generally the person wearing the cunt hat is intoxicated or hungover.
โดย Just Jac 27 มกราคม 2007


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Top Definition
Tacoing, the act of removing someones stuff from their backpack, turning their backpack inside out, and afterwards putting their things back in. A more advanced version is the taco salad, which is the same, except you tear up peaces of paper to fill the backpack with. See Nuggeting.
Brent was being a douche so we tacoed his backpack.
Tacoing is a great prank.
Tacoing is a great prank.
بواسطة Dunc10 مايو/أيار 2, 2008
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Can you define these popular missing words?
Teabagging for females.
He was passed out drunk, and she was tacoing him!
بواسطة Big Del إبريل/نَيْسان 20, 2006
The act of purchasing a 12 taco party pack from taco bell and using the tacos to egg houses and cars.
Instead of buying a dozen eggs to egg a house, you get a dozen tacos.
Instead of buying a dozen eggs to egg a house, you get a dozen tacos.
Jim and I went tacoing last night, we got so many houses.
بواسطة taco guy ديسمبر/كانون الأَوّل 16, 2011


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The immunoglobulin free light chain assay (FREELITE, Binding Site, Birmingham, UK) is a very important assay that has been in use for nearly a decade. Its importance has been growing over time, and new uses for it have also been emerging.
What is an immunoglobulin?
Before defining what the immunoglobulin free light chain is, we first must understand what immunoglobulins are. Immunoglobulins are the proteins made by myeloma cells and their normal counterparts called plasma cells.
Their role in health is to help us fight infections. Another name for immunoglobulin is antibody, and as doctors follow patients with myeloma and related disorders, they may refer to these proteins as M-proteins, M-spikes, or monoclonal proteins. These immunoglobulin proteins can be handy markers to follow the status of disease since for a given patient, the amount of these immunoglobulin proteins found in the blood and/or urine typically reflects how much myeloma (or abnormal plasma cell population) there is, providing doctors and patients with a convenient means of knowing on a month-to-month basis what is going on in the bone marrow. Monthly blood and/or urine tests are far easier than monthly bone marrow biopsies!
What is the immunoglobulin free light chain?
As shown in the figure, an intact (whole) immunoglobulin is made up of two "heavy chains" and two "light chains." Most of the time, there are nearly equal amounts of the heavy and light chains produced and secreted into the blood stream, so there is little "free" or unattached immunoglobulin light chain. In some patients, however, almost all of the secreted immunoglobulin is light chain without accompanying heavy chain. Either little to no heavy chain is made. Since these light chains are very small, they do not stay in blood stream. To measure them, one has to look in the urine by doing the test called "24-hour urine protein electrophoresis," or one can measure them in blood using the specialized test called the "immunoglobulin free light chain assay," also known as FREELITE. This test can detect and quantify the amount of unbound or free immunoglobulin light chains in the blood stream, allowing the myeloma of certain patients to be followed with a simple blood test.
Any one plasma cell (or myeloma cell) makes one of two types of immunoglobulin light chain, either kappa or lambda light chain. The immunoglobulin free light chain assay, therefore, is capable of measuring both kappa and lambda free light chains. When the test is done, three results are provided: 1) the amount of kappa free light chain in the blood; 2) the amount of lambda free light chain in the blood; and 3) the ratio of the kappa and lambda free light chain in the blood. Everyone—even those people without myeloma and related disorders—have low levels of measureable serum immunoglobulin free light chains. There is a normal balance of kappa and lambda free light chains circulating in the bloodstream in health; the normal ratio of kappa and lambda in the blood is 0.26-1.65. The reason we bother with considering the ratio is that problems other than bone marrow conditions like myeloma can cause elevations in immunoglobulin free light chains, but both kappa and lambda are equally affected, such that the ratio of one to the other remains within the normal range. The two most common conditions that raise the absolute values of serum immunoglobulin free light chains—but not their ratio—are kidney disease and inflammatory conditions.
Which patients should have their serum immunoglobulin free light chains measured?
The test is important for baseline risk estimation among patients with a new diagnosis of a pre-cancerous condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma of bone, and diffuse large cell lymphoma.
Serial measurements of the serum immunoglobulin free light chain are most helpful for the following patients
Since there are 3 numbers that are reported, which one should I pay attention to?
This is one of the most confusing aspects of the assay for patients and doctors alike. For most baseline risk assessment schemes, the ratio of the kappa to lambda is used. The ratio is also used to document clonality (a cancerous or pre-cancerous status of plasma cells). Because every patient's myeloma makes either kappa or lambda light chains, the excess of either (but typically not both)kappa or lambda free light chain (FLC) will yield an abnormal ratio, and suggests clonality.
In contrast, if serial measurements are being done, the ratio loses its importance in most situations, with the major exception of establishing a very deep response to therapy called a "stringent complete response." When serial measurements are made to document disease improvement, stability, or worsening, the "involved" serum immunoglobulin FLC is most important. In an individual with "kappa" myeloma, the kappa FLC is the most important result; in a patient with "lambda" myeloma, the lambda FLC is the most important result. The FLC that reflects the amount of your myeloma is your "involved" FLC. Substantial (i.e. more than 25 to 50%) increases and decreases of the involved FLC suggest a change in disease status. Because kidney issues can increase both the "involved" and the "uninvolved" FLC, a handy trick for serial measurements is to subtract the "uninvolved" from the "involved" FLC. The result is called the "FLC difference," and it is the measurement used in calculating response for patients on clinical trials.
Important things to remember about the immunoglobulin free light chain assay
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LEWISTOWN - Sierra Morrison is a young girl of few words but lots of heart. At only 10 years old, she launched a grassroots effort to provide back-to-school clothes for children in need.
It all started with a backpack.
"Last year, she had a Jansport bookbag on yard sale sites," her mother, Tiffany, explained.
Article Photos
Submitted photo
Sierra Morrison, of Lewistown, spent her summer raising money to purchase school clothes for children in need. With community support, she funded back-to-school outfits for nine kids from three families this year.
A woman messaged Sierra about purchasing the backpack for her granddaughter. When the family came to pick up the bag, the girl was excited because she had never owned a name brand item before, Tiffany said.
Her positive response led Sierra back into her bedroom where she pulled a few more pieces of clothing out of her dresser and offered them to the family at no cost.
Sierra said the exchange made her feel good and encouraged her to do more.
This summer, she started holding yard sales to raise money to buy clothes for kids in need. Tiffany said the first yard sale netted $197.50, and by the end of the summer, Sierra had raised enough to purchase several brand new, name brand, first-day-of-school outfits for less fortunate children.
Sierra said she posted a note on her Facebook page explaining her wish to help and asking families in need to contact her. Three families with nine children total responded.
"They all gave reasons why they needed," Tiffany said. "We didn't know any of them. Now we're all friends."
The families came to meet Sierra face-to-face and pick up the gifts she purchased for them. Each child received one pair of pants, a shirt, a tablet and pencils. Tiffany said some of the girls also received a dress and shoes.
"They liked it," Sierra said about the childrens' response to their gifts. "They hugged me."
Through her efforts, Sierra, who is homeschooled and entering the fifth grade, hopes that the new items will prevent kids from being bullied at school.
"I'm so very proud of her ... me and her dad (Bill Morrison) both," Tiffany said.
According to her Facebook page, Sierra is done with yard sales for the year, but plans to use sandwich sales and candle fundraisers to provide Christmas gifts this winter.
For more information, visit Sierras Helping Hands on Facebook or call Tiffany Morrison at 953-7522.


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Top Definition
Mild exclamation generally used to express disappointment, surprise or excitement. Used in place of the oft-used term "snap" in order to establish one's difference from the norm (i.e, their individuality).
Person A: My car just died.
Person B: Oh, snap-crackle-pop, that sucks.
Person B: Oh, snap-crackle-pop, that sucks.
от Somnambulizt 25 май 2007
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Can you define these popular missing words?
You got served ohhhhhh
Jimmy said your gay! You say, snap crackle pop!
от Adam RG 07 декември 2005


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The Randolph County Commission on Tuesday approved an $8.3 million budget - up by about $686,000 from the current fiscal year-that allows for the addition of positions designed to enhance public safety, commissioners said.
The commission balanced county revenue and expenditures at $8,299,260 for fiscal year 2013-2014, compared to the $7.6 million budget it passed for fiscal year 2012-2013. Despite the $686,638 increase, the levy rate, or tax rate, will remain the same at 14.24 percent.
The sheriff's office and prosecuting attorney's office are the chief areas in which increases were made.
Article Photos
Two new posts were added to the sheriff's office - a deputy and a court security officer - and a new assistant prosecuting attorney will join the prosecuting attorney's office in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
"With the addition of the new sheriff's deputy, this will bring us up to 12 deputies, the most in the history of Randolph County," County Commissioner Mike Taylor said.
The commission budgeted $868,984 for the law enforcement division of the sheriff's office, up $163,802 from fiscal year 2012-2013, a copy of the county's budget shows.
The commission also granted Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Parker's request for an additional assistant prosecuting attorney, who will focus specifically on tackling cases involving drugs and violent crime, said Commission President Chris See.
"The prosecutor's office needs more help with all these drug arrests and meth labs going on," See said.
The budget for the prosecuting attorney's office will go up from $535,809 for the 2012-2013 fiscal year to $667,546 for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
Parker said his office's participation in adult and juvenile adult drug courts - as well as its decision to pursue drug-related civil asset forfeiture proceedings - has resulted in an increased workload.
But a spike in drug-related crimes and more manpower in the sheriff's office are the two main reasons a new assistant prosecuting attorney is necessary, Parker said.
"This isn't something I come to the commission lightly with," Parker said. "As everyone has seen, even from reviewing The Inter-Mountain, there's been a significant increase in some of the offenses in our county." Parker said that while 245 felony cases were filed in magistrate court in 2011, 378 were filed in 2012 - a 54.3 percent increase.
"Because of the drug problem, our case load in general has just gone up," he said. "Given the drug problem combined with additional officers (in the sheriff's office), I felt that to continue to provide the public and state with adequate representation, it was important to have an additional prosecuting attorney.
"I really appreciate the county commission's commitment to public safety," Parker added.
In the realm of public safety, Taylor said an additional $1,000 will be disbursed to each of the 10 county volunteer fire departments - and also noted that the county did what it could with the money it had, specifically funding designated to attack drug use and abuse.
"We understand there's a problem and we're committed to dealing with the problem, but we also have to do it with the funds we have available," Taylor said.
The county was forced to increase its spending on the regional jail bill from $700,000 in 2012-2013 to $900,000 in 2013-2014, Taylor said.
"We budgeted $700,000 for this year, and it wasn't enough," he explained.
Included in the budget are 4 percent salary raises for county employees.
The commission's budget shows the county has nearly $4.6 million in new taxes coming in based on assessed property values; that's up $214,373 from the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
Contact Katie Kuba by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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CARS accepts car donations for WSGE 91.7 FM - Gaston College and over 500 other non-profit organizations throughout the United States.
To donate your car, truck, RV, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle to WSGE 91.7 FM - Gaston College, please fill out the secure donation form below. A representative will contact you shortly to guide you through the next step in the car donation process.
If you prefer to contact us by phone, please call 888-WSGE-CAR or 888-974-3227 and one of our representatives will help you with your donation.
We have partnered with WSGE 91.7 FM - Gaston College to accept vehicle donations on their behalf.
Steps required to donate a car
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Answers to common car donation questions
Car Donation FAQ
...your knowledge and expertise has been key to the success we have achieved.
—KPBS, San Diego
Bruce Bauer, Development Director
Brian Caldwell, Operations Manager
Howard Pearl, C.E.O.


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The long, brutal road trip is over. Time to head back to familiar ground.
The Fort Lewis College volleyball team fell to No. 17 Regis 25-18, 25-20, 25-19 on Saturday to end a three-game road swing in three days through the best the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference East Division has to offer.
�It�s ridiculous,� FLC head coach Shelly Aaland said somewhat jokingly. �I mean, I�m exhausted. I don�t know how the girls are doing.�
Kristin Stephan paced FLC (9-12, 5-8 RMAC) with seven kills, and Jenna Kinzer had 10 digs. Hannah Starbuck added nine digs and two blocks, and Aaland praised the change of pace Audrey Guiberson provided in the front row.
The biggest killer Saturday, and the entire weekend, was the speed of the opposing attack. Aaland said it was a struggle to keep up in terms of setting up the D.
�When you look at it from our side, we�re doing a lot of good things, but we just can�t stop the speed,� Aaland said.
Still, the head coach said she was pleased with some of the progress made this weekend and is hopeful that progress will carry over when her squad returns to RMAC West play, starting Friday at home against Adams State.
�So we�re glad to be done with the East and to go back to the West with teams we know a little bit better so we can put the focus back on that,� Aaland said.


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Shouted down
At the College of Charleston on April 19, Alison Weir gave a presentation titled "Israel-Palestine: What the Media leave out," based on her years of research into pro-Israel media bias. During the Q&A section, she was shouted down by students and community members.
None of this commentary directly addressed her research. At one point, security was called because of the shouting and commotion.
As a graduating political science student here at the college, I want to publicly apologize to Ms. Weir. In my four years here, I have never encountered such a lack of integrity by an audience in an academic situation. Such disrespect of opposing viewpoints is not indicative of the academic climate here at C of C, and I am embarrassed that a researcher was treated so appallingly.
Victoria Davis
Meeting Street
Powder Magazine
On behalf of the trustees and staff of Historic Charleston Foundation, I offer congratulations to the National Society of the Colonial Dames in the state of South Carolina upon the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the iconic colonial Powder Magazine.
In the 1990s when the Powder Magazine (noted as South Carolina's oldest public building) had threatening structural issues and was in dire need of stabilization, the Colonial Dames sought the support of Historic Charleston Foundation.
True to form and within its advocacy and preservation mission of preserving and protecting the architectural, historical and cultural integrity of Charleston, Historic Charleston Foundation leased the Powder Magazine in 1993 in order to stabilize and restore the property. Allocating $400,000 to this vital restoration project, Historic Charleston Foundation enlisted the help of preservation specialists in the Charleston Museum and Richard Marks Restorations, Inc., for this important project and was able to save the building and officially returned stewardship of the national treasure to its owners, the Colonial Dames, in 2003. This effort is representative of the Foundation's preservation mission, and we take pride in having been able to assist in this worthiest of efforts.
We are honored to have played a significant role in the Old Powder Magazine's more recent history, and it is with the greatest respect and admiration that we congratulate the Colonial Dames in the state of South Carolina for their continued excellent stewardship.
Katharine S. Robinson
President and CEO
Historic Charleston
E. Bay Street
Share the blame
Citadel officials cannot have it both ways. They cannot restore The Citadel's good name and at the same time fail to call to account anyone who, by his decisions, acts, or failure to act, contributed to the Arpaio/ReVille/Citadel mess.
"Anyone" means exactly that — Gen. John Rosa, members of the Board of Visitors, Mark Brandenburg, former camp staff — anyone.
Such an accounting might make convincing cases for penalties, perhaps as severe as resignations or dismissals.
So be it. Those occupying Bond Hall must be held to the same standard of accountability that they require of the cadets under their command.
Ayers Drive
Thall Drive
Hamilton, Ohio
No recycling
I recently went to a meeting at Charleston Southern University and was quite surprised (actually shocked) that they do not recycle glass, aluminum or plastics — even in the Sciences building. Every other college that I've visited in Charleston is very definitely trying to keep these items out of the landfill.
Yes, there is a state mandate to recycle in state-supported schools, but that's not the only reason they recycle.
Why can't CSU help the environment and get an active recycling program? They could set a good example by doing so.
T.L. Herbert
Brantley Drive
Who is she?
Does Elizabeth Colbert Busch have anything to tell us about herself so we can make an informed decision?
Having a famous brother is not really a qualification for elected office. Is she depending only on demonizing Mark Sanford via the Democratic National Congressional Committee and the Pelosi Pac?
This does not seem like a very positive or informative way to campaign for office.
John e. McTavish
Bishop Gadsden Way
Save us all
I have to applaud Mark Sanford. He wants to save us from tax burdens and at the same time save the plywood industry with his use of so much lumber. After the election he can build a house in Charleston for his new bride.
Robert Lane
Knottingham Drive
Goose Creek
Mock debate
I read the story of Gov. Mark Sanford debating a poster of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
It spoke volumes about his campaign and his qualifications. How can we expect him to represent us in Congress when he doesn't even know who he is running against?
A.V. Rawl
Preakness Stakes


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Family of LCpl McVicker extends appreciation
To the editor:
The family of LCpl Daniel McVicker would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the support we've once again received from the Sebring American Legion Post 76 and our dear friends within the community by attending our annual breakfast. We are humbled each year at the continued assurance that Danny's memory will stay alive because of your overwhelming support and encouragement.
Since its inception in 2006 the funds generated from this event has allowed us to provide financial assistance to over 26 West Branch students, with another two being provided in May. Students interested in applying can obtain information through the WBHS guidance office.
The simple words "thank you" seems inadequate for the way the entire community reaches out each year to our family, but "thank you."
There is no greater gift anyone can give us than helping us keep Danny's memory, sacrifice and service alive in our youth of tomorrow. We were honored and humbled once again this year.
God bless,
The Family of LCpl Daniel McVicker,
Treacherous acts are truly an 'Obamanation'
To the editor:
While reading my "Weekly Reader" in elementary school, my chest swelled with pride at being American. Now I watch with fear as my elected officials create, distort, and omit truths in order to manipulate the opinions of Americans for the sole purpose of advancing their personal agendas but they impinge on the very cornerstone of our freedoms, our Constitutional Bill of Rights.
They prove that they have no regard for the law of the land and their actions undermine the legal foundation of our country's individual freedoms! Not only are these actions traitorous and deserving of the most serious sanctions, they are an Obamanation to all that we live and have died for.
'Team Clayton' poised for attack on autism
To the editor:
As "Team Clayton" approaches our fourth year of fundraising for the Walk for Autism to be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa., on June 1, we look for another successful year. Through various contribution of different baskets for Chinese auctions and monetary donations toward last year's spaghetti dinner/golf outing, were were able to donate $5,000 to the Autism Foundation's "Walk Now for Autism Speaks" walk in Pittsburgh.
Autism is a disorder that affects one out of 88 children and carries into adulthood. With money raised through fundraisers, we have been able to provide the Autism Speaks Foundation with money to be used in the research and awareness toward a cure.
So again we are asking for your help as a community to help us in our fight for a cure. We are now accepting donations of baskets, food, money, sponsors and most of all volunteer help in making everything come together to exceed this year's goal of $6,000.
We will be accepting donations from now though May 8 for our spaghetti dinner and golf outing. The spaghetti dinner will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. March 23 at Salem Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 892, 496 Arch St. Carryouts will be available for $8 for adults, $4 for children and free for 3 and under.
Our "Take a Swing for Autism" third annual golf outing will be played May 18 at Pleasant View Golf Course in Louisville, Ohio. Price is $65 per person, $260 per team.
For more information please contact Mario Carreon at 330-831-2071, Kristi Wright at 330-257-1067 or Len Carreon at 330-503-8393.
Again, we can't thank the tri-county area enough for all your support and donations over the past three years for "Team Clayton."
UCT conducts second Winter Hockey Festival
To the editor:
Take 100 special hockey players, an outdoor rink, a little bit of snow, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and what have you got? The second annual UCT Winter Hockey Festival!
Last year's inaugural UCT Winter Hockey Festival for special hockey athletes was held at Ottawa Park Ice Rink in Toledo, Ohio. The outdoor event was such a hit that it returned to Ottawa Park Feb. 16-17.
The two-day festival featured friendly competition between eight American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) teams from across the Midwest. While skill sets vary according to age and experience, these incredible players all share the unique challenge of living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Playing on special hockey teams gives them the chance to develop social skills and practice teamwork and, most importantly, to have fun.
And what fun they had. Clinton Bookmiller, a member of the Detroit MORC Stars team summed up perfectly the sentiments of the festival's players: "I'm loving the ice; I'm loving the snow; I'm loving the smiles on everyone's faces."
ASHA is a volunteer-driven association created especially to benefit players with disabilities. ASHA President Mike Hickey cites some of the most common of these as autism, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, cerebral palsy and ADD/ADHD. There are currently over 50 ASHA programs in more than 30 cities throughout the U.S.
A longtime supporter of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, UCT formed a partnership with ASHA in 2010. This year's festival marked the beginning of UCT's third year of helping to promote special hockey locally and nationally.
Former hockey player and current Ohio Representative Barbara Sears was on hand to receive the UCT Service Award for her advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and to drop the festival's honorary puck
Many UCT volunteers from councils of Ohio and Michigan were present at the event. Local Salem Council #590 were represented by Ronald Shively and Homer Huprich.
Writes in praise of the Community Center
To the editor:
The Salem Community Center.
I write today to give my praise to this great place. I was injured in a car accident on Feb. 12, 2012, I am still having major issues with my one leg and need physical therapy. With the cost of physical therapy over $100 per visit I asked my doctor if I could maybe utilize the community center instead.
With his best wishes I embarked on finding out what this place has to offer. I had never been here before and did not know what to expect.
The Salem Community Center is a real diverse physical therapy center.
They have weights of all kinds. Treadmills, bicycling and any machine you can use to get loose and get in shape.
And the two things I personally use are the indoor walking/running track and the olympic size swimming pool.
You can swim laps or as I do walk in the water with resistance weights.
This place has people from 1 to 90 years old and everyone is there to do their own thing.
I paid $47 for one month and there are better deals if you sign up for the whole year. I was paying nearly $1,300 a month for the physical therapy before.
So if you can, and your doctor gives you the ok, check this place out. You will be glad you did.
And a special thanks to Beth, Bill and Kevin who are the lifeguards down by the pool.
American Red Cross recognizes 'Heroes'
To the editor:
March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross recognizes Everyday Heroes who help their community by giving of themselves - the volunteers, blood donors, class participants and financial supporters who help us assist those in need. I have been a Red Cross volunteer for nine years, serving as a board member and volunteering in the areas of disaster preparedness, fund raising, budgeting and finance and donating blood. Currently, I am the board chair for the Stark and Columbiana County American Red Cross and serve on the Northeast Ohio Regional finance committee. In 2012, I became a Red Cross Tiffany Circle member in honor of my grandmother, Lucille Edwards.
March is also a great time to become part of the Red Cross by doing such things as developing a preparedness plan for the household, becoming a volunteer, giving blood, or taking a Red Cross class.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.
During the 2012 fiscal year, the American Red Cross Stark-Columbiana County Red Cross assisted 43 families with emergency services.
I thank those whose generosity enables us to continue our work, and encourage everyone to become an Everyday Hero during Red Cross Month by helping their neighbors.
Board chair,
American Red Cross


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Two Pelicans unable to migrate were rescued in Iowa and stick together through rehab.
2 pelicans stranded in Iowa inseparable
Published On: Dec 31 2013 11:28:44 AM CST Updated On: Apr 30 2014 01:53:44 PM CDT
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Zach Johnson torched the Plantation Course for a bogey-free, 7-under-par 32-34=66 in the second round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and takes over the lead from Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar at 13-under 133.
Recent runner-up Ryan Moore will make his Ryder Cup debut next week at Hazeltine National Golf Club, receiving the last of four captain's picks to complete the 12-man roster for the American side.
15-seed and overnight co-leader Kevin Chappell carded 4-under-par 33-33=66 in the final round of the TOUR Championship to match Ryan Moore and Rory McIlory on 12-under 268, and then was eliminated on the first hole of sudden death, the par-5 18th, with par to McIlroy and Moore's birdies. UPDATE: Chappell was the ONLY player with four sub-par rounds.
Hall-of-Famer and legend Arnold Palmer has died at the age of 87.
14-seed Ryan Moore painted a bogey-free, week-and-season-low 6-under-par 31-33=64 in the final round of the TOUR Championship to match overnight co-leader Kevin Chappell and Rory McIlroy on 12-under 268, and then lost to McIlroy on the fourth hole of sudden death.
Overnight co-leader and 1-seed Dustin Johnson coughed up a 3-over-par 36-37=73 in today's final round of the TOUR Championship to drop five places on the leaderboard into a two-way T6 on 5-under 275, relinquishing the tournament and FedExCup title to champion Rory McIlroy, who won in sudden death over Ryan Moore and Kevin Chappell.
With a dramatic birdie on the fourth hole of sudden death, 6-seed Rory McIlroy eliminated 14-seed Ryan Moore and won the TOUR Championship as well as the FedExCup, snaring his 13th TOUR title in his 117th career start and pocketing the $10M dollar FedExCup bonus.
5-seed Paul Casey painted a week-tying-low 6-under-par 32-32=64 in today's final round of the TOUR Championship to round off his third appearance on 9-under 271, up three places to solo fourth, three shots out of a three-man playoff involving Rory McIlroy, Ryan Moore and Kevin Chappell.
Grayson Murray spun a 3-under-par 36-32=68 in the final round of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship to claim the title at 12-under 272.
PGA TOUR rookie and 9-seed Emiliano Grillo rallied for a 1-under-par 38-31=69 in today's final round of the TOUR Championship to post 2-under 278, projecting to drop two places to 11th in the final FedExCup standings.
24-seed Bubba Watson rounded off his seventh TOUR Championship with a 3-under-par 34-33=67 and reached 2-under 278, up four spots to T10 with play still in progress and is projecting at 21st in the FedExCup standings.
3-seed Adam Scott styled a bogey-free 5-under-par 33-32=65 in today's final round of the TOUR Championship to finish up his seventh appearance in the Playoffs finale on 4-under 276, up seven places on the live leaderboard to T7 and matching Sean O'Hair and Si Woo Kim for the low round of the week thus far. UPDATE: With play completed, three players posted better rounds of 64 and Scott finished in a two-way T8.