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Site of African American Town Founded by Former Slave in California ThreatenedBreaking News
Long ago shuttered, the original Allensworth now is a state historic park, cherished by families and church groups who see it as a hardscrabble monument to California's black history.
But they fear that despite the state's protection, the settlement named after the charismatic military man is in peril. A 12,000-cow dairy operation is proposed for property just across the tracks, angering park supporters who say foul odors and flies will plague the remote spot and dishonor a noble experiment in self-determination.
"If it weren't a black historic site, it wouldn't have to endure these kinds of attacks," said Victor Carter, a 55-year-old African American accountant from Bakersfield who noted that previous proposals had been fended off — for a turkey farm and a dump for restaurant grease.
The owner of the 2,000 acres in the vast rolling plain of the San Joaquin Valley, Sam Etchegaray, is a Basque farmer who immigrated to the United States from France in 1963. He and his sons have said in local hearings that, far from dishonoring the legacy of Allensworth, the dairy operation would create 60 jobs and give a $20-million boost to the local economy, ushering impoverished minorities into the middle class.
On Tuesday, before a crowd of more than 100 mostly African American advocates who trooped in from as far as Los Angeles and the Bay Area, Tulare County supervisors voted to put off a decision for at least two weeks to research several technical issues that had been raised by an attorney for a San Francisco-based public-interest law firm.
They made no statement on whether they supported a proposal by state parks officials — also aired Tuesday — to negotiate with Etchegaray for his development rights.
In the end, though, some Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park supporters in the crowd were encouraged by supervisors' reluctance to vote on the spot for yet another dairy operation in a job-hungry, rural area where cows slightly outnumber residents and where more milk is produced than in any other U.S. county.
"I'm more hopeful than when I came through that door this morning," said Beverly Blake, who drove about 200 miles from Los Angeles.
In the years just after its founding, Allensworth drew more than 300 families, fervent believers in self-reliance who built a hotel, a general store, a school, a church, and a society as formal as any of the day's urban, middle-class areas. Adults were referred to as Mr., Mrs. or Miss. Some of the colonel's colleagues kept their military titles, even down to the relatively humdrum "Sergeant."
Stories still are told about Mrs. Josephine Hackett, an Allensworth mother who would not permit her daughter to go out in public wearing unironed hair ribbons.
Allensworth, who as a slave was sold in retaliation for learning to read, sneaked into a Union encampment during the Civil War and ended up retiring from the Army with the highest rank ever earned by a black man at that point. Along the way, he became a Baptist minister, a lecturer and a visionary who promised to name a planned man-made lake in his new town after his friend, Booker T. Washington.
The lake never came to pass. Allensworth died in an accident in 1914. His town hit hard times when the railroad depot was moved to nearby Alpaugh — a decision some saw as a racist slap in the face but others attributed to Allensworth's increasingly dire water shortages. His plan for a California version of Alabama's Tuskegee Institute also failed to catch on, either in the Legislature or in the black community.
"This town wasn't completely embraced by the African American community at the time," said Ken Kramasz, the park ranger who oversees Allensworth. "A lot of people didn't want to open the door to more segregation."
In an area that had been alfalfa fields, only three of the town's original buildings remain. Nineteen have been reconstructed, with architects drawing from plans and photographs of the day.
With white patches of alkali soil showing through the scrub outside, the colonel's prefabricated frame house reflects his refined sensibilities. A portrait of the young Ludwig van Beethoven hangs near the piano in the parlor, and the mahogany-trimmed walls are painted forest green.
"There was a glee club and a debate society and the first free-circulation library in Tulare County," Kramasz said. "There was quite a cultured society here."
Today, visitors trickle in, totaling 1,000 or more during four or five celebrations that are held annually.
"Even with that size crowd, I've never seen so much as a beer can thrown on the ground," Kramasz said. "It's kind of a spiritual place." Charles Allen, a 74-year-old retired postal worker, feels that as strongly as anyone. A frequent visitor to the park, he moved from Los Angeles to the present-day Allensworth, an unincorporated, impoverished community next to the park.
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text: Home Gallery Video Dodge Search Engine - How to Play Dodge: Search Engine - How to Play A real search engine. Published on Sep 09, 2011 Editor's Pick Wieden + Kennedy Portland has positioned the Dodge Journey as the "Search Engine for the Real World" and is sending viewers out on a cross-country hunt. The launch spot announces that Dodge has hidden three of the vehicles around the country, and the first person to find each car will win his or her own. Over the course of the campaign, new videos will be released on theDodge Youtube Channel pointing players in the right directions, but even if players are able to locate the cars virtually, they'll still have to make their way to them in the real world to actually claim them. The campaign also features smat casting of Michael C. Hall, whose languid V.O.-- reminiscent of his Dexter character--helps to infuse the hunt with an added bit of urgency. Rate this Ad You must be registered to rate the ad. Please Login or Register Now About CreditsDateSep 09, 2011Agency:Wieden + Kennedy PortlandClient:DodgeCreative Director:Aaron AllenCreative Director:Joe StaplesCreative Director:Michael TabtabaiCopywriter:Greg RutterArt Director:Mike GiepertExecutive Producer:Corey BarthaProduction Company:Biscuit FilmworksDirector:Steve RogersExecutive Producer:Holly VegaEditorial Company:JointEditor:Tommy HardenPost Producer:Ryan ShanholtzerPost Executive Producer:Patty BrebnerVFX/Online:Method StudiosLead Artist/Online Editor:Aidan ThomasExecutive Producer:Robert OwensProducer:Colin ClarryComposer/Artist:John FaheySong:Dance of the inhabitants of the invisible city of BladensburgMix Company:Lime StudiosMixer:Loren Silber CategoryContestTVCWeb FilmWebsite Latest Creativity News on Ad Age Your Tuesday Wake-Up Call: About That Fall TV Lineup (Meh). Plus, How to Watch Today's iPhone Launch Deeplocal hires Kantor, Kugler and Eyre Join Zulu Alpha Kilo And, the Emmy for Outstanding Commercial Goes to... Related work Dodge: Warning Argonaut Dodge: Unleashed Dodge: Wolf Pack


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I FIND IT INTERESTING when several concerns of mine regarding mobility in Marin seem to come together.
On July 2, my Marin Voice column, "Mobility in Marin," was published, demonstrating, I hope, how bad auto traffic had become in Southern Marin, especially during rush hours, and our failure to take substantive action to correct it.
In that column, I stated that I stayed out of rush-hour traffic whenever I could.
Several days ago, I had to go from Mill Valley to San Rafael about 7:30 one morning and the traffic on Highway 101 was heavy northbound but a nightmare southbound.
I need not mention the northbound commute every evening. The Transportation Authority of Marin is looking for "answers and solutions" to that vexing commute.
Are we really, really, really finally getting serious about this problem of commute paralysis, and why did it take so long?
The planning approach that Caltrans and TAM seem to take, at least until recently, on traffic mitigation issues is not about how we can do a better job of moving people, but how to do a better job of moving vehicular traffic.
It appears, this issue has finally caught up with us and we need to change our scope of thinking on this issue.
I believe that people are finally fed up with the need to take property or spoiling the landscape (witness the recent Greenbrae Interchange debacle) to increase traffic capacity. People are saying enough is enough and we want better solutions to our mobility issues and that we need to broaden our scope of thinking beyond roadways.
Let me repeat: And that means moving people over vehicular traffic.
We will never totally solve Marin's traffic nightmare, but we can do a lot better and a solution must be multi-modal.
Let me repeat my suggestion:
Appoint a committee similar to but not as large as TAM's panel that had looked at the Greenbrae Interchange issue to look at other traffic issues.
It should be committee of interested and knowledgeable people who know about such issues who may be able to come up with solutions that have not been considered before — thinking out of the box — and consider spending what available money we have on these solutions, whether it be for transit or roads, and spending it where it will do the most good.
Take, for example, IJ columnist Dick Spotswood's suggestion of using the third, the unused eastbound lane on the Richmond Bridge to help cut down on the jam-up on the eastbound afternoon commute on Highway 101 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.
It seems like a no-brainer, but why hasn't it been done? I think we could also play with the fare structure on the Golden Gate buses in order to increase rush-hour ridership. I see too many empty seats on the commute buses.
And how about a toll increase for bridge traffic during the rush hour, and perhaps generating more money for the bus operations?
Or is that a no-no?
There are a lot of things we can do, and I am convinced we can do better.
Walter Strakosch of Mill Valley had a 40-year career in transportation, including 11 years as a senior planning analyst for the Federal Transit Administration.


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Teri Everett, News Corporation's Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, is leaving the company after 12 years. Everett started with News Corp. in 200o, directing its Los Angeles communications. She has been in her current position since 2009.
"News Corp. executives are a peerless group and I will miss them immensely," said Everett. "I will always be grateful to Rupert and Chase for their support over the years and am thrilled that Julie will be succeeding me. While it may be a tired cliche, I am ready for something new."
Julie Henderson is succeeding Everett, whose last day is February 10. Henderson's title will be Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer.


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STARmeterSEE RANK
Down 1,505 this week
Michael Crawford (I)
Actor | Soundtrack | Writer
Michael Crawford was born on January 19, 1942 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England as Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith. He is an actor, known for Hello, Dolly! (1969), Once Upon a Forest (1993) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966). He was previously married to Gabrielle Lewis. See full bio »
Born:in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK
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text: Show Hide image Politics 14 March 2013 You don't have to wear tweed and cry "tally-ho" to enjoy the outdoors Young women from BME backgrounds are discovering that there's more to hiking than the white middle class stereotype. Sign up for our weekly email * Walking in my mud-caked boots with a friend along the River Lea from Tottenham Hale to Waltham Abbey on a blustery, sunny winter's day, I am struck by how easy it is to be transported away from the buzz of inner city London. The trail is an urban oasis, and during the eight-mile walk I come across electricity pylons, derelict sites and a bus graveyard, contrasting with the wild flowers, reservoirs, mud mottled horses and serendipitous river boats showcasing Buddha heads. But I've noticed on my walks, I don't see many brown faces, especially considering how multicultural Tottenham is. On our tea break I ask Saira Niazi, who has worked on conservation projects and at the London Wetland Centre, about some of her walking experiences: "I mean it's a universal thing, and going for long walks in England is very easy because of the rights of ways and public access roads. You visit villages you wouldn't usually go to and learn more about other people. Once I met a chicken farmer in Cornwall who had never met a Muslim before, and so we had a very pleasant and long conversation." I'm curious as to how many people are interested in or are even aware that there are great walking trails on their doorstep, and what efforts are being made to encourage more people to get involved in outdoor pursuits, and especially from black and ethnic minority (BME) communities? The debate on outdoor pursuits was recently raised in the Commons by David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield. He tells me that he cares about this issue and on a recent trip to Snowdon in Wales, he met several Asian women climbing up for the first time for their Duke of Edinburgh Award, and this is something that needs more encouragement. Rutley explained that more people should enjoy the great outdoors as it "broadens people's horizons, and when people are taken out of their usual circumstances it is often life changing." He adds that "most people are close to walking spaces, and once you get there it is mostly free. It is important for the human spirit, giving young people an array of experiences, and is important for health and well-being." In a time of economic downturn, it has the added benefit of stimulating local economies, too. The perception that exploring the great outdoors is a white, middle-class pursuit can be off-putting. But the countryside isn't exclusively for those who spend their weekends in second homes and wear hunter-wellies. Nor is it only for pony-tailed blokes in hiking boots. In fact Ed Douglas, from the British Mountaineering Council, tells me that that this image is completely outmoded: the UK's top climber, 15 year old inner-city Londoner Molly Thompson-Smith, defies the stereotype. But train tickets can be expensive: the price of a downlander ticket to visit the South Downs has gone up to £14, perhaps presenting a financial barrier. But many walks are closer to home and less costly. Efforts to debunk the myth that the outdoors is inaccessible are being made. Mosaic, a National Parks campaign, was launched for this very purpose and has since trained 223 community champions from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities to encourage others and organise trips so that new people would visit the National Parks. Andrew Denton of the newly launched Britain on Foot campaign – an umbrella organisation including the National Trust, British Mountaineering Council and Berghaus, which has pooled £100,000 to get more new people walking – tells me a shocking statistic: although 10 per cent of the UK population is BME, there is only a 0.8 per cent BME attendance rate to national parks, "so that is a 10 to 1 negative correlation, so we have abysmally failed to engage in the past." Denton further explains that about 30 per cent of the UK population is inactive by the government's standard – which means that they are getting less than 30 mins of exercise five times a week – and this is absolutely frightening, which is why something as simple as walking needs can help change that. It's great that outdoor organisations are doing a lot more to raise awareness and creating incentives to walk, including subsidised equipment. But unless you're looking for it, it's not something you would necessarily know about. It's not a new thing, but I feel that when community leaders organise trips to the countryside without the aid of huge organisations, it's most inspiring. Having the confidence to read an ordnance survey map, going on a recce, coordinating a group and making sure everyone has sturdy boots when you're no expert yourself is no mean feat. The most positive sign for me is that, despite the barriers cited above, there is a growing appetite among young Muslim women who want to explore the countryside and do hiking more regularly, whether it is through charity organisations, university student societies or local community groups. The fact that being in the great outdoors helps you to connect with nature and your spirituality, and being free to make ablution in a stream and praying on the grass, helps too. The Tooting Sunday Circle in south London is one such community group that organises walks for young Muslim women – most recently a ten mile ramble in the Chiltern Hills. I spoke to organiser Jasmine Nahar who explained that, "many of the young women that we work with have a great enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors - we wanted to tap into that and give them the opportunity to develop their skills and hobbies in that area." She added: We wanted to share this great activity with those who might never have considered going hiking for various reasons: perhaps it just seemed out of reach from a logistical or financial perspective, or it just didn't seem interesting, or they might have been put off by the physical aspect of it. But we've been really impressed with the number of girls willing to give it a go. I find that you can develop meaningful connections on a long walk with the people you're with, and you're guaranteed to meet characters along the way. Important steps are being made to open up outdoor pursuits, and walking as a hobby is on the up, but of course more can be done. The perception that exploring the countryside is something you can't do unless you wear tweed and say "tally-ho" is simply untrue. Terms like "hiking" and "orienteering", a fuss over expensive footwear and a Northface raincoat can be daunting, creating unnecessary barriers. This façade can be broken if our local green spaces are celebrated more, young people are made to feel that they belong there and that rambling can be just as enjoyable as other leisure pursuits. And let's be honest, a train ticket to Epping Forest or Chipstead Downs falls within Zone 6, which costs much less than a trip to the cinema. Subscribe from just £1 per issue More


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The 12,000 men and women of the Continental Army who arrived in Valley Forge on December 19, 1777 with Commander In Chief, General George Washington, were half-starved and no longer believed they could win a war of independence from Britain. The Patriot Army had lost the Battle at Brandywine on September 11, 1777 and the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. They had been forced to retreat at both battles. This left them discouraged.
Valley Forge is on the Schuylkill River about 25 miles west of Philadelphia in Chester County, Pennsylvania. General Washington probably decided to move his troops to Valley Forge, because it was near Philadelphia where the Continental Congress met. It was also in a small valley where they would be more protected from the weather. Even as they arrived, a light snow fell.
The People
of Valley Forge
There were about 12,000 men who arrived with General Washington that December day. The men's ages ranged from eleven to sixteen years old, but some were in their 50s and 60s. Most of the soldiers were white, but there were some blacks and Indians to serve with the Continental Army.
There were also foreign officers who spent the winter in Valley Forge. They came as volunteers to train the young soldiers who were undisciplined.
On February 23, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, known as the Baron von Steuben, arrived at Valley Forge and volunteered his military skills to train the Continental Army to be more professional and disciplined. He had posed as a baron and former lieutenant general in the army of King Frederich of Prussia, but was only a captain and was not a noble. Historical records do show that he was an excellent soldier. General Washington made him Acting Inspector. He spent the rest of the winter and spring training, disciplining, and reorganizing the army.
Von Steuben taught Washington's troops how to maneuver in the field and how to use bayonets properly. He was very strict with the Americans and knew little English, and drilled the soldiers for hours cursing at them. But the Americans appreciated his devotion, and he taught them well.
The Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman, also volunteered his services to the Patriot cause. In December 1777 Lafayette was given command of a division from Virginia. Later he was made commander of even more troops. The French Army sent Louis Lebèque de Presle Duportail, an engineer who designed the Valley Forge encampment.
Baron de Kalb was commissioned as a major general after he left Valley Forge.
Nathanael Greene was Quarter Master General and worked hard to bring in more supplies. Brigadier General Henry Knox
There were also women at Valley Forge. Many of them came with their husbands and worked along with the troops. They cooked, washed clothing and cleaned the huts. Some even accepted work as nurses. The officers' wives probably stayed in their homes and kept to themselves.
and Supplies
The Continental Army was always very short on food, clothing, equipment and other supplies. The Continental Congress and the individual colonies were responsible for supplying the things the soldiers needed. There were lots of reasons that this didn't always happen. The newly formed Congress wasn't organized and many of the men were busy fighting battles themselves. The money minted by the Congress began to have little value. Sometimes the British would capture the supply wagons headed for the Patriot camps.
One source said the army needed 34,577 pounds of meat and 168 barrels of flour each day. The soldiers ate dried meat, salted meat, apples, pears, beans, peas, and corn.
When the shortages became bad in December and February, Quarter Master General Greene sent men out to round up cattle and other food items they could find in the neighboring area. General Greene encouraged the nearby farmers to sell their produce to his soldiers. He published this list of food wanted in the Pennsylvania Packet and on flyers that were distributed:
|Fresh Pork, Fat Turkey, Goose, Rough skinned Potatoes, Turnips, Indian Meal, Sour-Crout, Leaf Tobacco, New Milk, Cyder, and Small Beer
Each man carried his weapon, usually a musket, and a cartridge box for ammunition. If he didn't own a musket, he would carry a powder horn, hunting bag and bullet pouch. He carried his extra clothing if he had any, a blanket, plate, spoon and cup in his haversack (backpack). Sometimes they had to share their cooking and eating utensils and there were several soldiers sharing the same water canteen. Many soldiers had to go barefoot or wear only one layer of clothing.
Except for officers, the soldiers slept in six-foot square tents made of canvas. The canvasses were weak and cracked and didn't provide a lot of protection from the cold snowy weather. Some officers lived in nearby farmhouses or in huts built in the encampment. Those who lived in farmhouses moved back to Valley Forge to be closer to their men. The huts provided better shelter than the tents, but during the long winter they also started to fall apart and exposed the men to the cold.
Because the shelter did not protect the men from the cold and the wind, they became sick with fevers, pneumonia, diarrhea, and dysentery. The older soldiers were bothered by rheumatism.
and Disease
Each brigade had its own hospital, but with the poor conditions many men became sick. Because of the cold, the men could not bathe and poor hygiene caused even more problems. The hospitals were not big enough and there weren't enough medical supplies to care for all the sick men.
Small pox, typhoid and pneumonia were the causes of many deaths. Out of the 12,000 men who arrived in Valley Forge, 3,000 soldiers died and another 2,000 left because they were so sick.
Time and Recreation
There isn't much you can do in the middle of winter with without proper shelter and clothing, but the troops found things to do to pass the time. Even General Washington was known to join his officers in a game of cricket. They even were treated to professional plays, including Joseph Addison's "Cato." To keep their spirits up, the soldiers would sing.
Often the men were sent out of the encampment to look for more enlistments or to find food. Sometimes they were just given leaves where they could go and rest, sometimes even to their home states. In the diary of Jeremiah Greenman, he writes, "all ye spayr officers sent home to recrute a nother regiment & sum on furlow."
When General Washington learned on May 5, 1778 that the French had decided to join forces with the Colonists, he gave the men a day off "to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the divine Goodness."
Time and Recreation
Six months after they arrived in Valley Forge, on June 19, 1778, Commander In Chief General George Washington and his Continental Army left Valley Forge. Nine days later they were in Monmouth, New Jersey where they were victorious in battle against the British. The Army would then march to Yorktown where British Major General Cornwallis and his troops would surrender to General Washington's Valley Forge survivors. The Battle of Yorktown was the final battle of the war.
In Chief, George Washington, the man
When supplies and food were almost gone, General Washington wrote in a letter to Governor Clinton of Pennsylvania, "As naked and as starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the solider."
General Washington is remembered as a man of prayer. He prayed for his troops. One prayer for his troops has been recorded:
Tis Pride with these old
To tell what they have seen.
Twill be Pride, when we are old,
To say that in our youth
We heard the tales they told
And looked on them in their truth.
Valley Forge was yet the darkest hour
Before the dawn yet
the Continental Army never did give up.
General George Washington is remembered as the Father of our Country. His respect for his fellow man didn't start when he became President, but when he fought side by side with his troops. He was a man of prayer and knew answers to his prayers.
Today Valley Forge is an historical park established in 1976. Landmarks and the remains of the encampment have been preserved. with many markers and mementos of the historic winter, including the remains of fortifications. Valley Forge symbolizes the American heroism of revolutionaries. Even though they lived under horrible conditions, they continued to train to become better soldiers.


text:
Becton, Dickinson and Co. is partnering with the World Health Organization in an effort to address maternal and newborn mortality, BD said Friday.
A St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate last week picked up on a petition to recognize pharmacists as health care providers and filed the petition on the Obama Administration's "We the People" web site, according to a report published online by The Pharmacopedia.
Upsher-Smith has launched an online portal for advanced-practice clinicians interested in women's health, the company said.
GUILFORD, Conn. — Mitchell-Vance Labs this past fall launched a new scar product to add to its ScarAway lineup appealing to a whole other segment of women in search of scar therapy: ScarAway for C-sections.


text:
Knox Co. Community Copes One Year After Brutal Tragedy
One year after a man brutally killed two women and a child, a community shared their stories of recovery on Wednesday.
The community in Knox County stood vigil each night a year ago, praying for an end to the search for Stephanie Sprang, Tina Herrmann and Hermann's son Kody Maynard. When that search finally came to an end many said they were changed forever, 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.
"I never imagined it would be that bad," said Sara Hess.
Hess said she watched the tragedy unfold from down the street from the first night law enforcement swarmed the house of her neighbor Tina Herrmann to the last, when answers came but all hope was lost.
"It's just one of those things," said Pastor Russ Gumm. "'No way, in Mount Vernon, Ohio? How in the world could something like this happen?'"
Gumm said he struggled to lead his congregation through the darkest days their community had ever seen.
"There's no way I could get up here and say this makes sense. There's no way I'm gonna say God caused this, God allowed this," said Gumm.
For 11-year-old Sarah Ashcraft, the nightmare on the news was very personal, McEntyre reported.
Ashcraft said Maynard was a classmate and a close friend. She said Maynard gave her a ring shortly before his life ended.
"He gave me this the day that he went missing, the day before he went missing" said Ashcraft. "He told me that we'd be best friends forever."
Ashcraft's mother, like many others, tried to comfort children for whom an unimaginable nightmare had just become reality.
"For probably a good six to eight months Sarah was, not to embarrass her, but afraid to sleep alone at night," said Jennifer Ashcraft.
Many in the community said that they felt ready to heal.
"I think the community is definitely tighter because of that," said Ashcraft. "I think there's a sense that we want to make sure that this never happens again."
Something Sarah Ashcraft found in the song "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry, which she sang in honor of her fallen classmate.
The community also finds inspiration in Sarah Maynard.
"If she can get through it, our children can as well," said Jennifer Ashcraft.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.


text:
Shaun Draughn ran harder than he has all season, and big Ryan Houston gave just what is expected of him - in a 42-12 victory against Georgia Southern at Kenan Stadium on Saturday.
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text:
|2013-05-09, 13:44
|Link #81
Haters. Gonna. Hate
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: UK
Age: 26
That was a fun episode and I get the feeling there's a lot being built up now. It's still hard to fully make sense of everything but I like the internal politics and gameplay that's emerging between the students. I'm glad Izumiko is finally showing signs of being curious about the same things I am but I wish I could understand the answers that were given to her because I can't be sure if they're full answers or only part of the answer. I don't know for sure if the show is obfuscating things deliberately or not. Like Kanon, I'm also surprised Takayanagi is seen as such a threat considering how easily he was dealt with before.
And yes, drunk Izumiko is very fun.
Next episode is going to be lots of fun since it's going to show us more of Sagara's character. I guess I have something in common with Mayura in that I'm curious of what Sagara is capable of.
|2013-05-09, 15:54
|Link #82
Senior Member
There's a lot of little things to like about Red Data Girl, but honestly, the storytelling is a bit weak.
Case in point...
Perhaps there is some sleight of hand going on here, but barring that, I find this an odd and self-defeating approach for the narrative to take.
Red Data Girl can be intriguing, but sometimes it goes too far with it, making it a bit of an inscrutable mess. It's mysterious, yes, but not always for good reasons. Contrast this with the somewhat similar but much tighter Hyouka, and RDG's weaknesses become very apparent, imo.
It's a shame, because the characters are great, the settings are nice, the overall visuals are of course gorgeous. But I find it a hard show to really get emotionally engaged in due to the way the plot unfolds. I'll give Episode 6 some credit, though; that was a very nice cliffhanger.
|2013-05-09, 16:13
|Link #83
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
And I really don't think it's as incomprehensible as many people think. I mean, just because it doesn't give answers and resolutions right away doesn't mean the answers and resolutions don't exist.
That said, I also find it difficult to be emotionally engaged in this show, but for me it's simply because it feels kind of, I don't know, generic? empty? (I still don't know exactly what word I'm looking for here.) I don't know if it's the fault of the source material or the anime, but it's taken me 6-7 episodes to really get interested in what's going on and to care about some characters.
|2013-05-09, 17:16
|Link #84
Kana Hanazawa ♥
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: France
Age: 30
|2013-05-09, 18:29
|Link #85
Guess what time it is?
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Age: 32
I officially have no idea what's going on anymore, or what is at stake. Everyone's respective faction is given a proper noun, but I have absolutely no frame of reference for what any of these groups stand for, or what they are capable of, nor can I ascertain which (if any) of them are at odds with or aligned with one another. I also cannot identify what they're fighting(?) over, assuming that there is anything specific at all.
I readily admit that to some extent it is on me to pay closer attention.
To RDG's credit, this has yet to frustrate me to the point of not enjoying the show, and I still looking forward to it. Though that is in spite of these things, and certainly not because of them.
|2013-05-09, 19:09
|Link #86
Seishu's Ace
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kagurazaka, Tokyo
|2013-05-09, 19:44
|Link #88
Seishu's Ace
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kagurazaka, Tokyo
The other thing is, RDG seems to be an especially tough series for a non-Japanese audience. This show is highly integrated with Shinto and Shugendo, and I think it doesn't bother to explain some things a Japanese audience will pick up on, but a non-Japanese audience (unless they're serious Shinto buffs) won't.
|2013-05-09, 19:59
|Link #89
Senior Member
Although I am curious - Does P.A. Works intend to adapt all six volumes into an one cour anime?
I was glad that the question of "What the heck is this school even for, anyway?" was more thoroughly delved into in this episode. Unfortunately, one of the possible answers was just short of "so bad its good" to me. More on that in a bit.
I think that the Student Council is pissed with Mayura because they didn't think she'd tacitly support her fan club when the Student Council is supposed to be neutral (given that Mayura is now on the Student Council). In other words, the Student Council is concerned that Mayura may tarnish their neutral image, which would undermine their standing as judges.
Mind you, how the whole "Izumiko will destroy humanity if I possess her!" fits into all of this is beyond me.
But Takayanagi's defeat was so swift and humiliating that I feel like I'm being asked to view Team Rocket's Jesse and James as these impressively threatening villains.
To be fair, I could have rolled with it, like Kanon did, except when Mayura openly theorized (and without a touch of irony in her voice) that the entire reason this school exists is to test Takayanagi. That... was a bit much to me after how Takayanagi was earlier defeated.
But oh well. Maybe something nerfed his abilities back when he got totally owned by the Souda brothers. Maybe he'll seem more impressive next time out. I certainly hope so.
|2013-05-09, 20:40
|Link #91
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
I thought the "spoiler" I wrote in my post above was innocuous and non-spoiling, but apparently I was mistaken...
Anyway, I'll just repost (rewrite) the rest of the post if that's OK...
As for Shinto, I'm not a Shinto buff (of course I'm not entirely ignorant in the topic either) but I have no trouble following the spiritual side of the story.
Last edited by kuromitsu; 2013-05-10 at 04:32.
|2013-05-10, 08:34
|Link #92
Awakened One
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Italy
Maybe it's a lack of tension. Despite the ominous advice from the Himegami in episode 5, the characters don't look very worried. This petty school battle seems lackluster compared to the threat of humanity's extinction. Like others, I also find it difficult to take Takayanagi as a credible antagonist now.
|2013-05-10, 09:07
|Link #93
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
|2013-05-10, 14:12
|Link #94
Haters. Gonna. Hate
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: UK
Age: 26
But I do feel the lack of context can sometimes kill emotional engagement. For example, I didn't even know Mayura was making some power struggle moves until that student council girl supposedly "slapped her in the face" with it. But instead of just telling it, it would've been better if we had the context to feel that "slap in the face". It would make us more emotionally engaged with what the characters are having to deal with and thus the characters themselves.
|2013-05-10, 18:51
|Link #95
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
I'm a bit late with this show, so I hadn't much time trying to connects the dots, but I agree about this undefined feeling about it. I like the mood, it's smooth and relaxing, but definitely something is missing. Probably the characters are a bit bland, despite I like them, so connecting with them is not immediate. The storytelling is also disconnected at times. I still don't understand Sagara initial so strong harshness toward Izumiko, for one thing.
Anyways, talking about Takayanagi, I also felt confused about the recent revelation about his still high position in the school politic dynamics.
Probably, I'm guessing, the show failed emphasizing enough the fact that he got defeated by a non-human. That means basically that there wasn't a real match between them in the first place. In fact the "human students" didn't butt in, as they said, they were just viewers. Like when you call your big bro, ghost bro in this case, to take revenge from your bully schoolmate. From this perspective his humiliating defeat is less significant in the magic-school-contest context they are in. Because basically it was unfair.
But it's hard to get the real power of each faction in play, inside and outside the school, so it's confusing.
It's like they are prioritising the mood (pace) of the show over everything else. And I can't say yet if it's a better approach than filling-up the episodes with informations as much as they can.
|2013-05-11, 06:57
|Link #97
Join Date: Sep 2006
I'm still watching this show (only in the HD version) and I'm still enjoying it, but never really have much to say about it. it still intrigues me enough to carry on watching, and as it's one cour I'm in for the rest of the series now.
Really Izumiko should have been warned about the booze in the punch, because I've had fruit punch which you'd never guess had any alcohol in but had over half a bottle of Vodka in it.
When she started helping herself to more I did think "well this won't end wel!".
|2013-05-13, 14:19
|Link #99
Ad Astra Per Aspera
The first two drinks, I thought Izumiko was just being happy. Her third helping made me saw her fun side .
As for the series, They do cram a lot of information, but so far I've manage to keep up with it, so it's still enjoyable for me to watch.
|2013-05-15, 19:43
|Link #100
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Oy oy, Manatsu, there is something wrong with you. Your sister has a right to consider you important to her. She has a right to try to keep you from killing yourself. Moreover, I have yet to see a reason why you think you need to kill yourself.
|Thread Tools


text:
Howard Webb proud of World Cup return
Howard Webb has spoken of his pride after being chosen as a referee for this summer's World Cup in Brazil - the first time in the post-war era that a World Cup final referee has been selected for the following tournament.
The 42-year-old has been chosen by FIFA along with his assistants from the 2010 World Cup, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann.
Mark Clattenburg and Scotland's Craig Thomson, who had been on FIFA's provisional list of referees, missed out on selection.
The 2010 final was a difficult match for Webb - he showed a record 14 yellow and one red card in a bad-tempered affair between Spain and Holland and afterwards admitted he should have sent off Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong for a chest-high boot into Xabi Alonso instead of just booking him.
Nevertheless, the policeman from South Yorkshire is delighted to be returning to the tournament.
He said: "All referees want to officiate on the biggest stage, so it's a great honour for myself, Darren and Mike to return to the FIFA World Cup finals.
"The World Cup is special to be part of: we had an amazing experience in South Africa and our involvement in the Confederations Cup last year means we can't wait to return to Brazil for what promises to be a terrific tournament.
"Our appointment is also an endorsement of the standard of refereeing in this country. This is the best group of Select Group referees I've ever worked with and I'm sure we'll see several of them at major tournaments in the future."
In South Africa, Webb also took charge of the group matches between Spain and Switzerland and Italy and Slovakia as well as the last 16 clash between Brazil and Chile. He made history when he became the first man to officiate the final of both the Champions League and the World Cup in the same year.
Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), paid tribute to Webb.
He said: "All of the staff and officials at PGMOL are thrilled at Howard, Darren and Mike being appointed. It's great credit to Howard's professionalism, and his love of the game, that he has only got better since taking charge of the 2010 World Cup final and is fully deserving of his selection for Brazil.
"It's unprecedented in modern-day refereeing what Howard, Darren and Mike have done here: they should be very proud at getting selected again after already having taken charge of the World Cup final.
"He and his team are a fantastic example to young referees and assistant referees of what years of dedication delivers."
FIFA said the referees had been selected "based especially on their personality and their quality in football understanding by being able to read the game and the teams' tactical approaches towards each game".
The list includes nine referees from Europe, five from South America, four from Asia, three each from Africa and CONCACAF (north, central American and the Caribbean) and one from Oceania. Each referee was selected as part of a team including two assistants.


text:
Hi, My name is Joanne and I am an advanced practice nurse
We balance complex patient care, shorter hospital stays, longer work days, family responsibilities, professional education and more. Despite all these challenges, our profession still ranks highest for honesty and ethics, according to the recent Gallup survey. We have an opportunity to change health care as we take better care of ourselves and become role models for our patients, clients, colleagues, families and communities. When flying, we are instructed to put on our own oxygen masks first, before assisting others. Nurses need to follow the same advice in caring for ourselves. How can we care for others if we are not functioning at the highest level of health for ourselves.
Are you healthy?
- No chronic disease
- Cholesterol – around 150
- Healthy weight
- Sleep well
- Have enough energy
Why change eating habits?
- Your own health
- Your family
- Be a role model for others
- For the environment
- For animals
- Save money
Why plant-based nutrition?
- No cholesterol which is only in animal food
- High in fiber, low in fat
- Minimally processed
- Low in sugar, oil and salt
- High in micronutrients -vitamins and minerals


text:
Every time we get to do another story on Nimrod Antal's semi-reboot of the Predator franchise, Predators, which is being produced by Robert Rodriguez, we get a little more excited. If only because neither Paul Anderson nor the dark duo of the Brothers Strause have anything to do with it. Ready for a quick look at where our favorite hunters call home?
Texas' KNGB News reports today that Troublemaker Studios recently used Canyon Lake Gorge in Texas as a backdrop for Predators, adding that the location will be used as a portion of the Predators' home planet in 20th Century Fox's Predator reboot of sorts that will be arriving in theaters July 9th, 2010.
"Specifically, they went to a spot that 10 years ago didn't exist, but after the flood of 2001, when water went over the spillway at Canyon Lake, a huge gorge was cut out of the landscape, and apparently the filmmakers thought the gorge was the perfect look to create an alien landscape," reports KNGB.
Predators stars Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Danny Trejo, Walton Goggins, and Alice Braga, who are kidnapped and whisked away to the Predator home planet where they are hunted.
Dig on the image below for a look at this most impressive stretch of land, and click it for more!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Hunt prey in the Dread Central forums!


text:
The Malik Report
Red Wings mid-day news: on 'wining and dining' and free agent speculation
by George Malik on 07/02/13 at 12:25 PM ET
Comments (16)
Updated 3x with development camp news at 1:43 PM: As the Red Wings prepare to make their "final pitches," as the Free Press's Helene St. James put it, to the team's unrestricted free agents-to-be in Damien Brunner, Daniel Cleary and Valtteri Filppula, a strange window's opening up in the new CBA which allows UFA's-to-be to be wined and dined in both literal and figurative senses by possible suitors, with no player being allowed to sign deals with either the teams that hold their rights or any potential suitors until noon on July 1st (at least officially).
According to NHL.com and CBS Sports' Brian Stubits, on Wednesday and Thursday, players may negotiate contracts with UFA's-to-be, and even visit possible destinations, and, according to the Bergen Record's Tom Gulitti, that period begins on Wednesday at 12 PM EDT and ends on Friday at noon, when unrestricted free agency begins. In terms of the player Gulitti's talking about in one bound-for-the-market David Clarkson, Clarkson's agent doesn't plan on "circling back around" to the Devils, but it's pretty easy to assume that most agents will engage in that courtesy behavior:
Potential unrestricted free agent David Clarkson and his camp are preparing to begin fielding offers from other teams at noon Wednesday after not accepting a contract offer submitted by Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello to his agent during the draft weekend in Newark.
"Over the weekend, there was an exchange with Lou," Clarkson's agent Pat Morris confirmed. "He put in an offer and that was not signed. David's contract ended on the 30th (of June) and by tomorrow teams can call and say what they think of David. We've got an open mind with New Jersey and we've got an open mind with NHL clubs. We know where New Jersey is at today to a level to sign a contract. It was a respected offer that was not signed and we're just moving forward with whatever the timeline is."
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams and potential free agents have a 48 hour window to communicate before they are permitted to sign contracts beginning at noon in Friday. As his previously contracted team, the Devils are still permitted to sign Clarkson at any time and Morris said they are still willing to listen to anything the Devils have to say, but didn't know if there would be any further communication before noon Wednesday.
"We indicated we would keep in touch as the process went along, but Lou would have to answer that question," Morris said of whether they would talk again before Clarkson begins talking to other teams. "We have no need to call him. New Jersey is the one facing life without David, so that's up to Lou to answer that question."
Nobody's done this before, so we don't really know whether teams will publicize their meetings (some will, some won't: see also, "Hi, Ken Holland, is that Nathan Horton we saw at Metro Airport?" KH: "No comment out of 'respect to the process.'")...
And as this really is an NBA-style "visiting period," the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch (and both these stories come from Paul, for the record) reports that the league's "laid down the law" regarding the means by which teams can entertain UFA's-to-be:
Ready to allow free agents to make visits to possible destinations Wednesday and Thursday for the first time in history, the NHL has laid down the law before the fun begins. They have informed teams that they can't spend outrageous amounts of money by having owners send their private jets to give the players ultimate luxury before their visits. That means if Boston Bruins centre Nathan Horton, one of the top names on the market, wants to visit a place like Buffalo he's got to fly commercial just like everybody else.
We know that Vincent Lecavalier's already being pursued by the Wings and FOURTEEN other teams, and he will supposedly sit down with his agent, Kent Hughes, to narrow down the field to three to five teams to negotiate with and/or visit over the next 24 hours, but I have a bad feeling that he might pull a Suter or Parise and wait until free agency begins, yielding yet another gumming-up of the process as he's essentially the "marquee name" out there--barring any other cap-compliance buy-outs between today and Thursday at 5 PM, anyway.
This article qualifies as a, "Who the *#$%@& knows?" pondering, mostly because the Wings' beat writers have been pretty insistent that Vincent Lecavalier will go elsewhere (that, and Lecavalier literally and figuratively has his pick of the litter), but Yahoo Sports' Greg "Puck Daddy" Wyshynski (he has...let's say an "interesting" relationship with Wings fans) handicapped the Lecavalier sweepstakes, and here's his take on Lecavalier's most likely landing spot:
Vincent Lecavalier is the embodiment of that classic question: If you won the lottery today, would you quit your job tomorrow?
Vinny's getting $32.667 million over the next 14 years, on top of the money he's already earned on his bought-out contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning – including $8 million in signing bonuses. Some people believe that means he should take less for a chance to win in another market. Ultimately, it appears that Lecavalier is looking for a reasonable five years at $5 million annually from his various suitors.
So he's not quitting his job. But he's also not looking for $10 million per season. And oh, those suitors. Not since Madonna in the "Material Girl" video have we seen such abject courtship.
Here's the field of teams that have expressed interest, and engaged in talks, with Lecavalier ...
Detroit Red Wings (Odds: 3/1)
The Red Wings were Lecavalier's favorite team growing up, and it's a franchise for which he has a great respect. With Valtteri Filppula most likely gone via free agency, the Wings have over $8 million in cap space available and a need at center.
His contract might be too rich for what Detroit is looking to offer a second-line center, but his puck control skills and character would seem to fit a Mike Babcock team to perfection.
Wyshynski continues, and he discusses the chances of Lecavalier landing in Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, St. Louis, Toronto, Anaheim, Florida and Vancouver--with all of those teams believed to be his most serious pursuers--so his article's more than worth your time, but it's intriguing that he suggests that the Wings are the team most likely to land Lecavalier.
Of course, as I said last night, Lecavalier's motivating factors come down to 1) money (we've been told that he wants 5 years at $5-5.5 million at 33) versus 2) his desire to win versus 3) his desire to remain somewhat anonymous off the ice or to play in a "fishbowl" 4) his desire to step into a leading role to prove that he's "the man" versus finding a situation where he just has to be himself and 5) where he feels is the best "fit" for his family, so we're talking about a lot of variables...
And the Wings have the fact that they're going into the same division as the Bolts against them, which may or may not matter depending on the "revenge factor." St. James suggested that Lecavalier will almost certainly go to Dallas; I've heard others say that Toronto and Montreal are no-brainers, and others believe that he'll go to a Western Conference team to get as far away from Tampa as possible, suggesting that Lecavalier reuniting with John Tortorella in Vancouver makes perfect sense.
As for the Wings' cap issues--the team will probably have to pay $3 million to re-sign Brunner, they'll spend at least $4 million on retaining the services of RFA's Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson, the team is still attempting to retain Daniel Cleary's services, and it may or may not buy out Mikael Samuelsson, Carlo Colaiacovo, Todd Bertuzzi or Jordin Tootoo, assuming that they can't trade Colaiacovo, Tootoo or Cory Emmerton...
The Wings currently have a Capgeek-estimated $8.2 million in cap space, and the team can exceed the new "upper limit" (the cap goes down from $70.2 million to $64.3 million this summer) by as much as 10%--in other words, teams can carry $70.73 million in total payroll until the last day of the exhibition season--so the Wings technically could have as much as $13.627 million in POTENTIAL cap space to work with, should they choose to spend to the "summer cap" limit, so there really isn't that much urgency for the team to move bodies right now if it can't find any fits.
That being said, it's hard to believe that the Wings WON'T place at least one player on unconditional waivers before the cap-compliance buy-out period ends on Thursday at 5 PM EDT.
Regarding some other potential Wings targets, via Sports Illustrated's Allan Muir's Top Line, the Miami Herald's George Richards offers this on Stephen Weiss...
The free agency period doesn't start until Friday, although free agents — which now includes center Stephen Weiss — are allowed to begin speaking with other teams Tuesday.
Florida had hoped to sign Weiss, the franchise's all-time leader in games played, before it came to this, although him testing the market is of little surprise.
And if we're really going to go speculation crazy, we may as well let the Boston Globe's Adam Kaufman posit a seed of doubt as to why Nathan Horton has chosen to pursue a "new start," even though he's going to miss a couple of months of what will presumably be a 4-to-6 year deal at $5.5 million or more recovering from shoulder surgery...
Too much media scrutiny?: No matter the sport, athletes in Boston are under the microscope. When you play well, you're lauded. When you don't, you're crucified.
Since his trade to the Bruins with Gregory Campbell back on June 22, 2010, Horton's been a perfect example of this. He's beloved for the 15 goals, 36 points, and plus-31 rating he compiled in 43 playoff games in Boston, but his effort has also been questioned numerous times during the regular season, despite 56 goals, 107 points, and a plus-30 rating over 169 contests. Odds are he didn't deal with that treatment during six playoff-less seasons in Sunrise, Florida.
Plus, regardless of what we in the media advised, B's coach Claude Julien stayed loyal to him. Tyler Seguin, Jaromir Jagr, and Milan Lucic all took turns on the team's third line. Horton was consistently a top-6 forward.
When he eventually inks somewhere after free agency opens on July 5, we'll learn if this theory of insecurity has any merit. If he signs in a comparable hockey market, it's a non-issue. If he winds up in another Panthers-like situation with big money and perhaps no real opportunity to win, that will speak volumes.
Is there an ego problem? This notion is something of a reach, but not implausible. In Florida, Horton was consistently the guy. Though he never amassed more than 62 points in a season, he was regularly among his team's leaders in both goals and points.
In Boston, there was plenty of spotlight to go around and it rarely shined on the right wing outside of the playoffs.
Horton's a very good player, maybe great. He's no superstar. He may have looked like one at times while playing with David Krejci and Lucic because they formed one of the most deadly lines in hockey, but he didn't do it alone. You might say he's a proven complementary piece, not the guy you nab to carry your club.
And Sportsnet's Jeff Simmons has penned articles about the best free agent centers and wingers available. Simmons believes that two dark horse candidates could fit in Detroit, though I don't necessarily agree with him:
Jarome Iginla: 2012 salary cap hit: $7 million
If a team is looking for a player that could take them over the top, Jarome Iginla might be their man. The 36-year-old two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has slowed with age but can still produce as a top-six forward and is capable of notching 30-plus goals. In 44 games last season for the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins the future Hall of Famer notched 31 points. The bottom line with Iggy is that he has an innate knack for putting the puck in the net — as evident by his 530 career goals — and will be looking for a multi-year deal from a Stanley Cup contender. This winger will satisfy the appetite of an experienced bunch.
Possible fits: Chicago, Detroit, New York Rangers
Jaromir Jagr: 2012 salary cap hit: $4.5 millionJaromir Jagr is one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates. Will he play another season in the NHL? Not really sure about that one. But if he does, he will draw interest from a couple of contenders. Father time apparently has no effect on the now 41-year-old, who notched 35 points in 45 games for the Stars and Bruins. At this stage Jagr is most likely going to settle on a team that has a good chance at raising Lord Stanley's mug. This wing has been in every situation. Tried, tested, and true.
Possible fits: Pittsburgh , Detroit, Montreal
The Wings did pursue Jagr in the past, but were spurned by both Jagr and his agent, Petr Svoboda (see: bad blood left over from Svoboda helping Hudler bolt from the Wings to spend a year in the KHL), so I'm not sure that the mercenary forward has any desire to play here, but who the hell knows for sure?
The CBC's Elliotte Friedman posited a 30 Thoughts column today, and it's an as-usual must-read, but it was a Tweet noting the status of players like Mikael Samuelsson that we really need to pay attention to:
Friedman discussed the "wining and dining" period in his column...
At 12:01 am ET Wednesday, talks can begin (buyout candidates can already be contacted), but signings are forbidden until noon ET Friday.
It is not unheard of for NHL teams to knock on the door right away. In 2002, the Dallas Stars did something similar with Bill Guerin, luring him with a five-year, $45-million contract. It's not known if any team will try this tactic, but you can be sure some phones will be ringing as Toronto's frat boys stumble home from the bars Tuesday night/Wednesday morning.
I love the idea, but at the draft, there was uncertainty -- "uncharted territory" as one agent called it. Both teams and agents were curious to see how much negotiating would be done or if this would amount to a giant, feeling-out process.
The buyout period ends Thursday afternoon as well.
And he also posits the following:
2. I asked for some predictions in free agency, maybe a sleeper team on a certain player. Two interesting picks: Detroit Red Wings on Andrew Ference and Pittsburgh Penguins trying to bring back Rob Scuderi. I don't know if the Penguins could pull that off under the cap, but it's an intriguing guess.
8. Last week, some NHL GMs were excited about the possibility of getting relatively inexpensive help through bought-out players. Not so fast. Both Vincent Lecavalier and Daniel Briere have gone from terribly disappointed to pleasantly surprised and excited by the amount of interest in them. All of that interest means both players will command a bigger dollar than expected.
9. I'm not as certain about Briere because he wasn't as front and centre at the draft, but guesstimates on Lecavalier's next contract are around the five-year, $25-million mark. That said, there are a couple of executives who said they wouldn't be surprised if a team asks to bump that up to seven years with the last two at lower salaries to lessen the cap hit. It's also expected that Lecavalier will ask for no-move or no-trade protection.
10. Dallas is making a hard pitch here and one agent said there is a hidden benefit to the Stars chase. Like Florida, Texas is a no income-tax state. If Lecavalier chooses this destination, all of his earnings, including the Lightning buyout, will continue to be taxed at the same level. That's a huge benefit, especially if he keeps a primary residence in Tampa. If you've ever faced these kinds of issues, you know they're an enormous pain in the derriere.
11. That would benefit the Florida Panthers, too, if they decided to make a serious run at him. Michael Russo of The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, who used to cover the Panthers, reminded me that the pick Tampa Bay used to draft Lecavalier was originally Florida's. In November 1997, it was sent to the San Jose Sharks with Dave Lowry for Viktor Kozlov. Four months later, the Sharks sent it to the Lightning with Andrei Nazarov for Bryan Marchment, David Shaw and a first-rounder.
And finally, this Tweet popped up while I was writing this entry:
Poile = Nashville Predators GM David Poile. That changes things, doesn't it?
Update: The Medicine Hat News's Darren Steinke spoke to Wings draft pick Marc McNulty about finding out that the Wings had picked him:
On Sunday at the NHL Entry Draft in Newark, N.J., the Wings selected the 18-year-old Medicine Hat product in the sixth round and 169th overall. The 6-foot-6 defenceman, who plays with the WHL's Prince George Cougars, almost couldn't believe his luck, when he found out he was picked by one of the NHL's elite franchises.
"They are a great organization, and an Original Six team," said McNulty. "I couldn't be happier to be selected by them."
McNulty paid attention to the draft at home in the Hat.
"I watched most of the first round, where the guys are getting called up on the stage and stuff," he said. "After that, I just tried to keep myself busy and took my mind off things."
It took a congratulatory phone call from Cougars head coach Mark Holick for McNulty to hear the news about his draft selection.
After that call, a whole pile of congratulatory messages poured in.
Last season, McNulty posted eight goals, seven assists and a minus-18 rating for the Cougars. He was rated 104th among North American skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings, so a draft selection was far from a sure thing. Now, he can't wait to get to his first training camp as a Wings prospect player to see their general manager, Ken Holland, head coach Mike Babcock and star players like Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall.
"It is going to be pretty exciting," said McNulty. "I am looking forward to it."
Update #2: In an "Insider"-only entry, ESPN's Craig Custance listed his top 35 free agents. Among them:
1. Vincent Lecavalier
POS: C | 2013 Team: Lightning
Hes a legitimate No. 2 center and could also move to wing on a contending team. "With Vinny, youre getting a class guy. Unreal with his teammates. Unreal maturity guy off the ice," [Lightning coach John] Cooper said. "On the ice, when Vinny's rolling and he's not injured he's a man down below the dots. He's big time. He's a point-producer and he can win faceoffs." The one knock is that his skating isnt as strong as it once was and he may have trouble keeping up at times during even strength but teams are willing to gamble that his other attributes make up for it. Montreal is a natural fit but theres interest in him all over the league, including Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington and Toronto. If he wants to remain in a smaller market, the Dallas Stars are a strong darkhorse. "I think weve got a great opportunity. Were not rebuilding, were not far from being a contender and I think thats a big part of that," said Stars GM Jim Nill. I know he has lots of options, he's earned this right to look around.
6. Valtteri Filppula
POS: C | 2013 Team: Red Wings
He's one of the more complex potential free agents on the market. He's one of the few players on this list who still has upside but he's also been frustrating fans in Detroit for years by flashing talent but then failing to live up to it consistently. He's a strong two-way player who has the versatility to play at center or on the wing. His production was way down this season with just 17 points in 41 seasons but in 2011-12 he had 66 points in 81 games. The reality is he's likely a player who can be penciled in for about 40 points per season, possibly more if he's given more power play time than he received under Mike Babcock in Detroit.
12. Michael Ryder
POS: RW | 2013 Team: Canadiens
In a league in which its hard to score goals, there will always be a place for someone like Ryder who consistently finds a way to produce offensively. He had 16 goals in 46 games this season split between Montreal and Dallas. He has a Stanley Cup from his time with the Bruins, when he registered 17 points in 25 games in Bostons championship season. He doesn/t necessarily play that big, heavy game that coaches like in the postseason but he still finds a way to make an impact. In 75 playoff games, Ryder has 21 goals.
Update #3: FYI:
Filed in: | The Malik Report | Permalink
It appears you were right about things returning Tuesday, McCollum gone, number of players announced to put on waivers and buyouts. This might a week of interesting happenings in the NHL.
Ha Gill on waivers, no thanks!
Posted by WingedRider from Saskatoon, SK on 07/02/13 at 12:32 PM ET
Does that tweet by Friedman mean that Samuelsson cannot be bought out due to no movement clause?
Posted by bababooey on 07/02/13 at 12:36 PM ET
Does that tweet by Friedman mean that Samuelsson cannot be bought out due to no movement clause?
I think the only way Samuellsson can't be bought out is if he is injured. Wings say he is healthy, what Samuelsson thinks may make it messy.
George is far more knowlegeable on the new CBA, it is very confusing , IMO
Posted by WingedRider from Saskatoon, SK on 07/02/13 at 12:43 PM ET
Tweet means that Samuelsson can decline being put on waivers. He can still be bought out.
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/02/13 at 12:52 PM ET
Kahn says that Lecavalier has chosen a team already and that it's most likely Dallas.
Posted by henrymalredo from Lansing on 07/02/13 at 01:16 PM ET
And finally, this Tweet popped up while I was writing this entry:
Poile said he talked with Lecavalier, but Lecavalier would prefer to be on the east coast
— JoshuaCooper (@JoshuaCooper) July 2, 2013
Poile = Nashville Predators GM David Poile. That changes things, doesn't it?
Detroit is on Michigan's "East Coast".
Posted by Figaro from Los Alamos, NM on 07/02/13 at 01:21 PM ET
I think Dallas is on the east coast of the Trinity River.
Posted by lancer on 07/02/13 at 01:24 PM ET
Lecavilier may not seem like he's worth the money and term, but I would much rather have him over Weiss or Filpulla. Wings are really good at milking the talent out of former superstars. I think the way we treat veterans alone would be appealing to a very "mature" person like Vinny.
Posted by RicoSauve on 07/02/13 at 01:33 PM ET
In an "Insider"-only entry, ESPN's Craig Custance listed his top 35 free agents.
Custance ranks Filppula #6 on that list? Apparently he hasn't watched any Wings games this year.
Posted by OlderThanChelios from Grand Rapids, MI on 07/02/13 at 01:50 PM ET
I would rather see the Wings overspend on Vinny than a) spend anything at all on Filppula, and b) not spend anything at all on anyone else. Time to put the money where the mouth is. Spend it like an alimony check!
Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 07/02/13 at 01:53 PM ET
Is anyone paying attention to the concept that Lecavalier might be making his decision on his own as opposed to based upon hating Ken Holland for being an awful GM? What if Lecavalier wants to be "the guy" on a rebuilding team that isn't in the Eastern Conference?
If that's the case, no money the Wings can throw at Lecavalier will make up his mind for him.
Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 07/02/13 at 01:57 PM ET
Fil number 6 out of top 35 FAs?? Are all the ones below Fil retired?
Hope someone signs him for 7 years X 6M+ and they don't have any compliance buyouts to use.
I wonder what his agent is using for a highlight package? 1, 6 second clip on YouTube
Posted by WingedRider from Saskatoon, SK on 07/02/13 at 02:00 PM ET
Is anyone paying attention to the concept that Lecavalier might be making his decision on his own as opposed to based upon hating Ken Holland for being an awful GM?
Well, being that everyone in the media seems to think that Holland wouldn't offer either the salary or the term (or both) that Lecavalier is asking, then Holland isn't really giving Vinny much of a choice.
Posted by Garth on 07/02/13 at 02:08 PM ET
I would personally like to see a better than "NOT WILLING" explanation from KH. I like KH but not sold on his selling the team sills. He should have brought in Lids again or someone else to sell the Wings to Vinny.
But NO, he gives a Red Bird III ride to the Draft for Stevie Y. Not acceptable unless there is more coming on this.
The only FAs that came to the Wings last year where Useless Injured since conception Samuelsson, Broken Carlo , never used TooToo and Human Hole Gustavsson! All fails, IMO.
I don't see a Top 6 or a Number 2/3/4 Dman coming this year. I want to know WHY NOT???
Posted by WingedRider from Saskatoon, SK on 07/02/13 at 02:33 PM ET
Skills not sills, Keyboard food problem!
Posted by WingedRider from Saskatoon, SK on 07/02/13 at 02:41 PM ET
I think Stevie has earned the ability to hop a ride on RBIII anytime he wants, no matter what team's logo appears on his pay-stub.
Plus, I'm sure there was some mild Team Canada discussion on that flight.
Posted by Figaro from Los Alamos, NM on 07/02/13 at 03:20 PM ET
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If the theory holds true for humans, it most certainly has to hold true for a particular car that's been around for decades, the Honda Civic. Most of us can probably think of a Civic we've either owned ourselves or had in the family, but if not, chances are it doesn't take more than a quick search through friends and their families, co-workers, or that guy you chat with when getting your morning coffee to find a Civic owner. They're cars akin to a predicament – everyone seems to have been in one at some point.
Honda's little commuter car gained popularity during the gas crisis of the 1970's when Detroit, still drunk on 1960's muscle car success, found itself with a glut of guzzlers. The Civic entered the scene as a cute front-driver that motored happily on, requiring relatively few stops for fuel. Since then, the Civic has become a staple in the American family, providing basic yet reliable service, though recent models have been more than a touch bland, and until this year everyone's favorite Honda had started to blend into the burgeoning compact car segment. However, with a fresh new look, a redesigned and contemporary interior, and a more potent powertrain, the 2006 Honda Civic aims to rise above the pack.
Providing the needed momentum is a 1.8-liter, single overhead cam, 16-valve, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm, with power directed to the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. The Civic sedan weighs about 2,700 pounds, rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension with a double wishbone setup in back, and offers an EPA-rated 38 mpg on the highway with the stick, and up to 40 mpg with the automatic tranny. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are charged with stopping the Civic, and a variable-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system keeps all on the straight and narrow.
All of that hardware comes standard on the most basic 2006 Honda Civic, the DX. Starting at $15,110 (including a $550 destination charge), these models come equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, a 160-watt sound system with a CD player, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a folding rear seat, power windows, and front-side and side-curtain airbags. A move up to the LX model, starting at $17,060, provides 16-inch steel wheels, body-color door handles and mirrors, air conditioning, an MP3 player, power locks, and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted buttons. EX models lie at the top of the model lineup and start at $18,810. Standard fare here includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, XM satellite radio, an exterior temperature gauge, and more. A navigation system can be had on the EX for $1,500, while all models may be outfitted with the five-speed automatic transmission for $800.
For this evaluation, we spent a week covering several hundred miles of twisty canyons, city streets, and open highway in a 2006 Honda Civic EX sedan with the automatic transmission. Our tester stickered for $19,610 including destination, and was fully-loaded, with the exception of the navigation system.


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Excellence in Classified Service
Each year, the University at Albany honors special members of its community with Excellence Awards denoting exceptional contributions to the life of the campus. One staff member received this tribute in 2013 for Excellence in Classified Service.
Bernadette Socha, Music
Ms. Bernadette Socha provides the University at Albany with outstanding skills and a customer service attitude that stands out among her peers.
Ms. Socha is known for her willingness to go above and beyond expectations to help her department, other departments, and the College of Arts and Sciences meet the challenges of administration.
As the sole support staff for the Department of Music, Ms. Socha serves as the primary administrative staff person, bookkeeper, and main contact. She maintains the website, constructs eye-catching recruitment brochures which are displayed in high schools in the region; and prepares creatively designed posters for the Department's Colloquia. She oversees the work-study students, ensuring they are doing appropriate work—and they come back year after year because of the positive experience they have with her.
Her colleagues are in awe of her command of office procedures and her efficiency, thoroughness and professionalism. She has built a beautifully organized and efficient apparatus for helping our students and faculty.
Ms. Socha has designed and presented a workshop for the all-secretary meetings in the College of Arts and Sciences, receiving enthusiastic reviews and grateful thanks from the Dean's Office.
When the Art Department Secretary left her position, Ms. Socha cheerfully added the purchasing and scheduling duties of an entirely new department to her workload until a new secretary could be found! The Chair of Art wrote feelingly "...her aplomb rescued me from panic and kept things moving smoothly even when they had every excuse to fall apart."
Faculty, students and staff consider Ms. Socha an indispensable member of the College of Arts and Sciences team.


text:
Hadden Hill junior Victoria Hart has been selected for the England Birdie Year One Squad.
Hart, 12, a member of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Golf Partnership junior academy at Studley Wood, is one of 62 girls throughout the country chosen by England Golf for the training programme which identifies potential among the country's youngest players.
Hart, who won the girls' under 13 section in the 2011 Champion of Champions event, recently played in the 2012 finals at Studley Wood – the third successive year she has qualified for the final.