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Posts filed under 'Profits'
Five Fast Ways to Save Your Business Money During The Recession
Co-authors: Randy White & Cedric Justice
November 27, 2007
Financial choirs around the world are finally singing that the US is in a recession. If you operate a business, you didn't need to wait to hear that, you already know it. It arrives every month in the form of rising bills and smaller profits. As your operational expenses keep rising, you find yourself wondering how many more payrolls you can tolerate in these financial conditions.
Here's the good news: You can quickly trim some fat right now without cutting or gutting your employees. Here are five fast ways to save your business thousands of dollars a month during the recession:
Sourcing local products and services improves implicit costs, such as delays in business, transportation costs, and depending on the industry, freshness. The sustainability benefit is three-fold: economically it potentially saves your organization money; socially, it improves dollar velocity, improving the local economy. This improves the potential work pool your organization can draw from as well as the local infrastructure and ability for local customers to afford your product or service. Environmentally, it shortens supply chains, which uses less fossil fuels in transportation of goods.
TIP: Small businesses can barter with one another. Big Box stores do not have as much luxury in that department.
Here are three common wasters you can cut immediately:
Water coolers refrigerate your water and also heat up the water. It is a redundant system that is an expensive luxury that is unnecessary. In areas like Portland, OR, the tap water is some of the best in the country. At worst, one can buy a Brita filter and have a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator. Hot water can be obtained through the microwave or the coffeemaker. Additionally, office water heaters are available for purchase or subscription, whereby the service of hot/cold filtered water is sold to you, and the cost of the water is usually absorbed by the building. One client was spending $130/mo on bottled water and now spends $35 for the service of the water heater/cooler (Buying one of these units is about $600 with $35 for filters that need to be changed every 9-24 months depending on the model). It has saved them time, money, resources, and real estate. Environmentally, producing plastic and shipping water in trucks makes little sense, especially when our society has plumbing as a fundamental infrastructure. Water purchased in bottles is in the dollars per gallon order of magnitude, water that runs through plumbing is in the cents (less than $0.10) per gallon cost. Additionally, it takes out the element of employee passive-agressivism prevalent in offices where employees get upset because someone didn't change the water bottle out.
Turn off the electricity when you leave and turn down the thermostat:
"Are you trying to heat the neighborhood?" "Didn't anyone tell you to turn the lights out when you leave the room?" These are utterances from a grandfather (that and "I walked to school uphill in the snow both ways"), but they came from a time of scarcity. Heating a room that isn't being used, leaving on computers when no one is using them, and lighting a building with no one in it simply doesn't make any sense. In fact, I've worked in a building where there was a small break room with the light on and it was locked from the outside. What's the point of that? If you use less energy, chances are, the lease terms you have next period aren't going to have an energy premium set on them. In fact, why not work with building management to give you a share of the savings you implement? Set policies that encourage and enable people, don't be an authoritarian or make people feel guilty, it doesn't work.
Get a double-side printer and use recycled paper:
Many companies have a double-sided printer, but it isn't set to default. Have your IT staff set the printer to default to double-side printing and you can save up to half of your paper costs. If you don't have a double-sided printer, you can also set up a second tray of leftover paper to print to the back side of drafts you've already used. The idea here is to default to what is least resource intensive, and have the super-white virgin paper be a premium, not a default. Recycled paper is currently more expensive than virgin paper, but that's due to the market and to externalities. If you demand recycled paper, it will become cheaper as more demand it… economies of scale. Plus, if you're using leftover paper scraps, you've cut your budget for paper by nearly 50%, so you can afford a 20-30% surcharge. Paper creation is an energy intensive process that pollutes the environment with nasty chemicals (plus, paper mills stink!). Using recycled paper cuts the emissions for these chemicals as well as energy.
Telecommuting may not work for everyone, but it may work for some. A lot of productivity is lost when people have to leave early to get their kids from school and it could be a cost center for them to have their kids in daycare. Besides the child angle, people who don't commute in grinding traffic for 1-2 hours today will be much more amiable and rested when coming to work. Paying for a parking spot is about the worst thing you can do for productivity, for the environment, for reducing taxes, and for your bottom line. Instead, give your employees options: some companies are starting to give employees a transit budget. To qualify, they have to take an alternative form of transportation. The incentive pays for public transit, and if the employee bikes to work, they keep the allowance. It is a taxable expense to the company (check with your accountant before going through with it, as laws are different everywhere) in optimal situations. This reduces your carbon footprint (which, if you could track, you could sell the carbon credits), increases employee health (less stress, more exercise), and increases productivity. Additionally, goodwill is extended to your labor, which pays off in innumerable ways: employee retention, corporate knowledge, productivity gains, decreased utility costs and real estate pressures (if you only have 200 employees in the office instead of 1000, you're probably going to need fewer desks, square footage, and heating/lighting). You may even be able to pay less because your employees won't be saddled with the costs of commuting in time, energy, and fuel costs, they can accept a bit less. Bicycles are much cheaper than cars to maintain, and usually the cost of one car payment to buy; daycare is the cost of most one-bedroom apartments. Making your employees aware of this can create some huge gains, both for you and for them.
Green buildings have been shown to increase employee productivity, reduce energy inputs, cost less to maintain, and benefit society as a whole. Mark Edlen, clearly the most progressive LEED builder in the world, says "It is up to the new generation of Portland's business leaders to take social and environmental responsibility to the next level, and in times of uncertainty, people must show bold leadership and not be afraid to take risks that seemed easier when times were flush and there was more room for failure."
Holistic systems tend to work when they're thought of together, and the added costs, if any, will definitely deliver a fantastic return on investment through your decrease in risk exposure to spikes in energy prices, fuel costs, political strife in faraway lands, etc. Your employees are the most expensive part of the building per square foot. Ask your employees what you can do together to spruce up the work place while making the space greener. And make sure you measure it. Metrics are everything. If you know how much energy your cell phone charger uses by being plugged in or how much your computer uses by not being on standby, then you can make the conscious decision to unplug or turn off. But you need the data first. Consulting firms and electronic gadgets can help you with this, measuring everything from waste outputs to energy consumption to carbon emissions. Most people care, but without having any numbers, they can't make informed decisions. Get your bean counters involved; but remember productivity is by far the most bang for your buck.
Companies who employ the golden rule and who create inspired teams or tribes have a real advantage over hierarchical, authoritarian, 'draining' workplaces. One of the simplest things you can do to save money is treat others well. Re-read Dale Carnegie's "The Leader in You". If your employees hate working for you, they'll do everything in their power to exploit the benefits you give them. If they love their job, it will show in the work that they do, and it will show in your organization's bottom line. People who love their job don't call in sick as often, which means that you can depend on your teammates and that meeting you call will be fully staffed with the expert you need to make the sale. Inverting your management structure is instrumental to doing this. Managers are support staff for production people. Once that mentality is implemented, there's a grassroots shift in how the company operates. Drama, strife, and other interpersonal relations are smoothed. Asking your employees what they want/need will help you to better meet your clients' needs, as anyone 'under' you is closer to the front lines than you are.
With the arrival of Peak Oil and a fast warming climate, we are entering a hard period of time. As the dollar continues to decline in value and consumers struggle to pay their debts, it is imperative your business be stunning. Now is your time to shine, and if you adopt these five practices, you will see improvements in your bottom line, employee attitudes, and general business health.
Randy White is the founder and CEO of Bright Neighbor.
Bright Neighbor was founded on the idea of the hyper-local. What are you doing that is affecting your neighborhood or street? We measure and report on the success of community adaptation to rapid planetary changes.
Bright Neighbor is:
* A free public tool that encourages sustainability, food system security, and thriving community practices for neighborhoods by encouraging green behavior through participation, evaluation and sharing.
* A Private Layer for collecting information on green behaviors by companies, as well as a tool to communicate special initiatives, private resources and information to a
group. Like how the Portland Trail Blazers want to use it for ride sharing.
* A advertising platform that supports large businesses to participate in the same way owners of Private Layers do, but who just want to have their name attached to "something green" without all of the work.
* A platform that can, in time, collect and report information relevant to emergency services and governments.
For our customers like the City of Portland, Portland General Electric, and Gerding Edlen Development, even people who join Bright Neighbor through private layers, are Bright Neighbor users first, participating in their neighborhood, and Private Layer members second. This is done to allow the continued participation of users in their own neighborhoods as the continue to improve their hyper-local community so we can track the results. This allows Private Layer customers to take credit for "sponsoring" the good works of their members while allowing them to track the results of their organization-centric efforts.
By focusing on a specific region per Bright Neighbor, we track activity or actions and their involvement in making their hyper-local community better. Though we do the work of a non-profit, we are a for-profit eco-fixing market development company. Local businesses are served through their participation in Bright Neighbor, and they shouldn't necessarily need to pay for it. Bright Neighbor understands the collapsing economy and how to navigate it, working within the existing financial and political system until they realize money is not going to solve their problems.
Our paying customer markets include:
* Major sports franchises and arena-owners. Interested in keeping eco-costs low and lessening their carbon footprint through ride sharing and a way of communicating large-scale green initiatives to their sporting audience, employees and guest of their facilities.
* Corporations with a green agenda (PGE). Same as above, but with the ability to get more relevant reporting to encourage shifts in corporate culture.
* Municipalities interested in uniting their city-wide neighborhood outreach.
If you are interested in sponsoring Bright Neighbor's October 2009 launch across North America, please contact us through http://www.brightneighbor.com
Peak Oil Exposes Home Builder / Housing Market Inefficiencies
Wow. No journalists in the media currently reporting on the Home Builder industry / Housing market seem to be explaining exactly what is going on. They keep blaming it all on the same culprits, from Credit woes to energy prices. While they are correct, there is much more to the story.
As an efficiency expert, I will try and give you some deeper insight into some root causes of the housing implosion. Let's first start out with the see-saw reporting in the media:
Here is a report from October 26th:
'Acknowledging that there is definitely downward momentum in the market at this time, with starts, sales, prices and permits off, and problems in the subprime and Alt-A mortgage markets, NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders said that housing should nevertheless begin a modest recovery next year.'
Source: NAHB
Reality, however, keeps on rearing it's ugly head more and more every day. This new Housing report just came off the presses:
NEW YORK – U.S. home prices fell nationwide in August for the eighth consecutive month, offering little hope of a turnaround anytime soon, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index released Tuesday. Things could get worse, said Yale economist Robert Shiller, who helped create the index.
"There is really no positive news in today's report," said Shiller, chief economist for MacroMarkets LLC, which collaborates with S&P on the indicator. "At both the national and metro area levels, the fall in home prices is showing no real signs of a slowdown or turnaround."
Source: MSNBC
Hrmmmmmmmmmmmm. Anyone know when the housing market will recover, if ever? Bueller? Bueller?
There are so many variables that are being left out of these stories, journalists obviously don't know the whole story. Sure, they know simple facts like how America's homes gobble up 25 percent of the world's energy and are to thank for 19 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Home Builders are following the same logic they have in the past to try and fix their present problems. Right now, one of their solutions is to fire the present line of market managers in the hopes that reorganizing the company will fix things. You know, give those eager up-and-coming managers a chance at the reigns. Perhaps the advertising campaigns will be switched up, and more special pricing packages will be created.
These fixes will only work for so long.
This slump is not just about home sales and management shuffles! It's about operational efficiencies, or rather inefficiencies of the home builder market that need to be examined. I'm not just talking about higher efficiency Energy Star certifications on fridges, microwaves, air conditioning units, heating systems and dishwashers here. You have to dig deeper.
So, all you Home Builder management types, listen up!
I know you are losing millions of dollars to theft of new appliances in freshly built homes. I know that in all likelihood, it's an inside swindle being pulled on you by contractors, not ordinary thieves kicking in doors or breaking windows.
I know you are paying increased security costs to try and stem the losses from having to buy the same new appliances twice.
I know you are losing sales to people foregoing their deposit to re-purchase the house at a lower price as the market value of homes drops.
I know you spend a lot of money on advertising that goes to waste.
There are, of course, many more points I can nitpick at. But if you want to stop the bleeding and start making sales again, you are going to have to start paying attention and listening to experts like me that can help you return to better profitability.
There are solutions ready to go. Here's just one idea for you, free of charge:
When one alarm goes off in the neighborhood, or a crime occurs and a neighbor wants to report it – have an opt-in neighborhood alert system set up. Every person in your branded DR Horton, Arbor , or (insert your company name here) community can become eyes and ears.
My company is called Bright Neighbor, and we have created the all-in-one tool to help secure your profits, communities, and sanity. Our solution is affordable, and will help you save millions of dollars right away.
You can get all the info you need here.
It's a Fact: Alcohol Fuel Can Help Offset Peak Oil
Ok folks… here it is, the ultimate truth. There are people coming out right now saying that biofuels can't offset the dangers of Peak Oil and I call BS. Lies Lies Lies to keep oil going as long as possible, and we don't have time to mess around anymore – there is a real danger to America without smart solutions getting implemented right now. Take a look at this video of David Blume educating local news man Wayne Garcia.
Quite the brave newscaster to allow the truth to come out in the mainstream media! Expect the nay-sayers to try and convince you that we can't overcome our challenges. See for yourself how we can do it and get Alcohol Can Be A Gas!
If you want to stop whining about rising gas prices, pick up your copy of "Alcohol Can Be A Gas" by clicking here.
The Ultimate "Save The World" Web Application
Newsflash: The new money is in weapons systems and saving the planet. So, how do we get everyone to become a Volvo-humper with such a dichotomy of profit making methods?
Aside from all the Greenwashing that takes place with companies jockeying to be a darker shade of green, there are true ways for organizations to become sustainable if they have the desire.
Through the help of organizations such as Natural Step, Green Mind, and Good Company, any business or organization can learn the skills needed to do sustainable business on a dying planet. And there are tons upon tons of "Eco" websites and magazines on the web with all sorts of cool tips on how to live a greener lifestyle.
Here's the biggest problem: People with purchasing power still don't WANT to change, or haven't felt the pain enough to be FORCED to change their living or business habits.
We can still breathe air, and cancer doesn't make itself known right away.
We can throw stuff in the trash, and it still gets taken to a magic trash land.
We can still fill our vehicles with fuel – whether it's gas, ethanol, or biodiesel.
But, while all the modern conveniences are still within reach, there are millions of eco-heads screaming that unless we change, the end is nigh. Yawn. That kind of messaging is too depressing for the majority of people. It's too complex for people to go from A to B as consumers, unless they have an easy-to-use tool to help facilitate behavior change.
I guess this is where, on October 2, 2007, I announce that I have designed the ultimate save-the-planet application. Now hear me out. It has an amazing set of features, employs a fun way to change behavior, and helps everyone make money while helping save themselves and future generations of humans. Beyond such a bold and vague statement of what it does, I can't get too detailed because the secret is in the sauce, know what I mean?
I shit you not. Facebook and Google will be kicking down the door to copy (Name of secret application) or buy it from me outright. It truly is the coolest web application in the world. Upon launch will make any investor a mega-millionaire – perhaps bazillionaire! There are already municipalities on standby ready to pilot it.
So, here's the catch: I need about two million dollars to take it beyond the prototype currently developed. The hard architecture work is completed, but I need a team of programming, legal, and other specific homies to really get it rolling the way it needs to be. There is a non-disclosure agreement ready at the helm for any serious investors or companies that want to explore the opportunity.
And if any of you send in a ringer to steal the idea, technology, or methods – I will have to introduce you to the cool cat-like moves I've been learning from Guru Kurtis.
So, there it is. Calling all rich investors looking for the next social platform that takes us from Web 2.0 to Web 5.0. If anyone has Bill Gates' number, you can reach me via invest (at) lawnstogardens.com
How Would You Spend $150 Billion Dollars?
Our intelligent money spenders in Congress are out to spend another $150 Billion dollars of our collective hard-earned money to keep paying contractors to shoot people in the Middle East.
My question is… instead of spending that money on continued warfare, how would you spend $150 Billion?
Things to consider:
- We have the technology to free ourselves from the needs of oil.
– We could create great paying jobs used to implement the technology used to free ourselves from oil
I'm open to suggestions.
Secrets To Making Money With Peak Oil
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, there are ways thou shalt be able to maketh ends meet while the economy takes a crappeth on itself!
Know a Baby Boomer with a bank account?
Seriously. You might be able to siphon off of them for a bit longer while they can still muster the cash to fill their RVs and motor coaches with affordable fuel. After all, it's the older crowd that has most of the money (resorts are full of them), while the younger crowd is starting to feel the burn of debt. No doubt hordes of twenty-somethings will be moving back in with mom and dad soon (if mom and dad still have a house). I don't want to brow beat people anymore though. It's too late for that… the crash is already happening, and the stage is set for some big event to fully usher in a completely totalitarian state. People didn't have the backbone, temerity, or organizational skills to stop that from happening. That's the power of TV entertainment for ya.
For those that tried, kudos to ya. It's hard to spark change when even peaceful protesters are being shot and killed these days. But if people REALLY wanted to change the system, it could be done.
The problem is there is no leader able to break through to the world able to convince enough people that the world is everyone's oyster to share. Everyone is clinging to what little pieces they think are theirs, which just goes to prove that there are lots and lots of people on the planet who think highly of themselves, controlled by a tiny percentage at the top. But now as the reality of Peak Oil really gets under way, we each have to think critically about ways to keep putting food on the table, making a living, and not getting desperate and turning to crime.
Here We Are
First comes economic pain – as we are seeing right now. Mortgage defaults, layoffs, and rising costs of living. Sales declines of all kinds are contributing to the recession, while some niche companies like survival goods are seeing spikes in sales. An ominous sign of things to come for sure.
It really is going to come down to coming to terms with reality, and making lemonade from the fact that your future may not be going according to plan. Life gets pretty scary when your monthly bills multiply like rabbits on E. Pressures will rise at work, and you might be coming home and taking it out on (Insert person or pet here). It might have been that new car you bought, or that massive mortgage. It could be the fact that you bought whatever advertisers made you and your friends think was cool, so everyone got the latest 'thingamajig' in different colors, with awesome add-on accessories to boot.
That's what we'll call "The Former Economy". It's all our collective fault, not any single person's – so why not start making yourself more valuable? Now is as good a time as any to turn those useful skills you have into the ability to be happy while learning to live with less.
Can you farm?
Can you build or create useful things that help people?
Can you sell those useful things?
Now is the perfect time to learn new skills
You'll need them. I sure see a lot of "For Sale" signs these days, and it's only going to multiply (HINT: maybe you should wait to buy whatever you are planning on buying and get a killer deal later on.)
No matter what, remember that scarcity is a frame of mind. You still have much more than many other people, even if you have to downsize or you lose possessions. If you lose your job or your house, you are still alive and kicking enough to go earn an honest living, even if it means a temporary setback in your living standards. I'm just as vulnerable as you.
The best part about suffering is when you realize how awesome it is to redeem yourself and become a do-gooder.
Fun Bonus!
I'm always curious how people find "Lawns to Gardens". Here are just a few search terms that have routed people to this Blog.
working jobs we hate so we can buy shit
safest place to be in nuclear war
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Peak Oil survival
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What The Housing Bubble, Stock Market Crash, And Gas Shortage Means For Advertising
Here we go, folks. What all of us freakozoids have been warning about all along. You are bearing witness as the first turds pierce the blades of the fan as the proverbial shit hits it. The news reports keep spinning it that all is fine, and that the problems can be contained. I have been e-mailing back and forth with John Schoen of MSNBC about this for a while now, and he dismissed our conversation as speculative, writing:
It's true that there are plenty of reasons for concern, and a number of things that could go very wrong. But, having done this for nearly 30 years, I've also seen a number of very plausible warnings of impending catastrophe come and go. That's not to say they're wrong. But when you talk about tearing the social fabric, you're getting into Hollywood disaster scenario territory.
Well John, I'm standing by the claim that drastic emergency measures need to be taken to change course from a massive crash, especially if/when the US and Iran head into their Title Bout. I have a feeling we will swing first, even if we try to tell the judges they did.
But that is beyond the control of any single news journalist or Peak Oil / Advertising blogger. What I can tell you are the things happening in the world of Advertising.
Buyers are aware of price declines in big ticket items, so they are waiting to purchase
People who bought a house are willing to lose their deposit in order to save big money as home builders drop their prices. In other words, if the house hasn't closed yet, people are dumping their contracts to "re-buy" the house at a new, lower adjusted price. After all, would you want to pay $400,000 for a house that is now worth $350,000? Or a car at $35,000 when you could wait and get it at $25,000? I didn't think so.
This means businesses are going to take massive hits on profits
Some businesses are even willing to go into the red to make sales, just so they can hit their sales numbers. Eventually, heads are gonna roll in all categories: Managers, suppliers, worker bees, etc.
This means that recently laid off people will tighten their spending
And when people tighten their spending, those sales just keep on drying up like the Amazon. And when sales dry up, advertisers try all sorts of neat things like piling on incentives, blow out sales, and other gimmicks. What really matters is if the product/service you are selling is essential.
Pretty soon, top management dogs and middle managers are going to have to deal with the stinky reality of Peak Oil. It is appearing in many forms… a multi-headed hydra of a beast. Of course, the capitalists running the US can't deal with reality like adults, so they want to go shoot people. I can understand the anger, but there are lots of understanding people out there to help deal with anger and self destruction, and maybe our politicians and business leaders should sign up for some classes.
I'm offering one, since I just quit my job working for Clear Channel. I'm flattered the company is proud of my work, and I have fully enjoyed my tenure there. Working in Corporate America certainly hardens your skin for the real world of cut throat business, and many people are genuinely nice and don't mean any direct harm to the planet. But we all suck-suck-suck away at the earth every time we buy something, and advertising is engineered to help convince you to buy something. (Hypocrite alert: Yes, I buy things).
What we are facing is entropy, the 4th Law of Thermodynamics, and the world's most historical case of "What goes up must come down". No amount of "Sex in Advertising" is going to fix this one, kids. (Unless what you are advertising IS sex, which I anticipate will happen as people grow desperate for food). The only thing I'm not sure about is how long it will be before a person can get a handjob for a carrot.
Now enjoy this video.
The State of Advertising as The Dollar and the Global Economy Crashes
If your job requires an opening line that goes something like this, you are in trouble:
"Hi, may I speak with whoever handles your marketing or advertising?"
I've written on this subject before, but since the economy is melting before our eyes, I wanted to take the time to repost what I wrote about advertising during times of Peak Oil. I can tell you as of August 14th, 2007 – the heads are about to start rolling in media (Hey all you AD AGE editors… I'm open for interviews!)
But here's the gist: It's all about ROI, measured results for clients, and what people are buying. Specialty dog sweater shops are going bye-bye, as are a lot of businesses that didn't have the foresight to adapt in time. It's not that your advertising isn't working… it's just that the whole system isn't working, and if you aren't bringing in big money for the corporation, you too will soon find out what the term 'unemployed' means.
All of you new hires at TV, radio, newspapers and even Internet companies had better be bringing along a network of business associates that you can count on, because cold calling won't work anymore.
I've tried to get my company to take evasive action, but they didn't listen, along with the many other marketing managers who looked at me crazy when I told them what to do. For the record:
– I told car dealers to stop ordering so many cars, and to open up small-scale alcohol fuel distilleries while they still had money. They looked at me like I was crazy.
– I told home builders to not build houses on all the land they purchased, rather leave some of the land to build a small-scale fuel facility for their residents, who could cooperatively own it and work with local farmers for the feedstocks. They should also leave some land for hydroponic food generation stations and small community garden parcels. They said "Good idea, we'll wait to see if other home builders start doing it".
- I told book sellers to stock up on gardening books
- I told restaurants to start composting systems
I told a lot of businesses to do a lot of things to prepare.
So I guess I'm telling you again, while you still have money in the bank – SPEND IT NOW, AND SPEND IT ON THE RIGHT STUFF!!!
And don't forget, the right stuff includes me… your friendly Peak Oil Advertising and Marketing Expert! I can help you make the right business decisions while you still have time.
And as always… start growing food at home :)
Republicans Block Efforts To Stop America From Driving Off A Cliff
Well America, there you have it.
Even with the Democrats' "Too Little, Too Late" efforts to pour money into renewable energy, Republicans have chosen to slice Lady Liberty's throat. Note: Republicans said this energy bill 'tilted too far in favor of renewables and conservation at the expense of the oil companies'.
"When you put a tax on a business it gets passed on to consumers," argued Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona. "Instead of reducing gasoline prices, this bill is going to add to the cost of gasoline."
You are on record with that one, buddy. I can only wonder what the collective gas mileage will be for Americans who eventually end up surrounding Washington with pitchforks and torches.


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By KATE COIL
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Monroe County voters will elect a county sheriff and assessor Tuesday.
Incumbent Republican Sheriff Mike Gravely of Lindside and challenger Democrat Alan P. Thomas of Greenville are both vying for sheriff.
Republican Angela Miller of Lindside will face off against Democrat Norbert A. Netzel of Union for the county assessor seat. Current County Assessor Donna Huffman is not seeking re-election.
Several candidates on the county ballot are also running unopposed. Incumbent Democrat and County Commission President Shane Ashley of Union is seeking re-election to the county commission while incumbent Democrat Justin R. St. Clair of Peterstown is seeking re-election as prosecuting attorney.
Incumbent Republican Kevin L. Miller of Union and incumbent Democrat Nancy P. Crews of Union are both running unopposed for re-election as magistrate. Democrat candidate David O. Holz of Greenville is running unopposed for county surveyor.
Four candidates are vying for the two open 26th Delegate District seats including incumbent John D. O'Neal IV of Beckley and challengers Roy G. Cooper of Wayside, Jeffry A. Pritt of Pickaway, and Al Martine of Daniels.
In the 42nd Delegate District race, four candidates are also seeking two open delegate seats including incumbent Republican Ray Canterbury of Ronceverte and challengers Republican George "Boogie" Ambler of Fort Spring, Democrat Steve Hunter of Lewisburg, and Democrat Glenn Singer of Lewisburg.
Incumbent Democrat William R. Laird IV of Oak Hill is running unopposed for the 10th Senatorial District seat.
— Contact Kate Coil at firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Kelly Urban
A new community service club is set to kick off at West Side Elementary School.
The Kiwanis Club of Johnstown announced the formation of a K-Kids Club and will present 25 pupil members with certificates at a K Family Night gathering at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the cafeteria of Greater Johnstown High School.
K-Kids is for pupils in elementary school and it teaches youth the value of helping others by taking part in community projects.
The charter night presentation will be made to the club by Pennsylvania District Governor Bruce Eberly.
In addition, three elementary and 10 high school Key Club teacher advisers from the Greater Johnstown School District will be inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Johnstown.
"The teachers were already involved in joint community projects, so we asked them if they'd like to be inducted into Kiwanis and they agreed," said Fred Smith, president of Kiwanis Club of Johnstown.
Also in attendance will be members of Pitt-Johnstown's Circle K organization and Johnstown Middle School pupils who are members of the Kiwanis Builders Club.
"We'll have kids of all ages here for this get-together and I'm expecting there to be around 200 people," Smith said.
The club also will be recognized for its 95 years of service to the Johnstown community.
Those in attendance will be served a free pancake and sausage dinner that will be served by members of the Johnstown High School Key Club.
"For an inner city school, it's wonderful.
"These students have done over 30 projects, and it's giving them an opportunity to be involved in the community," Smith said.
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When we wish to lose weight, we find ourselves obligated to reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta, pizza, flour, candies, sugar, etc). It is the only way of accomplishing healthy weight loss since this type of carbohydrates turn into glucose (sugar in the blood) and the excess glucose then becomes FAT with the help of the insulin hormone produced in our bodies. For various interesting reasons, which we will discuss further, for many people, the most difficult food to eliminate from their diet and the "biggest sacrifice" is considered to be bread or pasta.
After ten years of experience in helping people recuperate their metabolism and slim down, I have learned to recognize the metabolism problems that "body intolerances" can cause. Everybody knows what an "allergy" is because when someone is allergic to a certain food and they ingest it, the allergic reaction is very noticeable. Allergies produce headaches, itching, and loss of breath, phlegm, indigestion, and inflammation which is immediately noticeable in the body. If a person is allergic to seafood and he or she ingests any, the results can be deadly from the crisis or allergic reaction that it causes.
"Intolerances" are a type of negative reaction that the body has to certain foods which do not necessarily include immune system reactions (itching, phlegm, inflammation, etc.). An "intolerance" is a type of negative reaction of the body, which is less noticeable than an allergic reaction. However, when the body has intolerance towards a certain food and we consume this food, the metabolism will decrease to the point where we won't be able to lose weight. In other words, "intolerances" make us fat because they weaken the metabolism.
The most common foods that cause intolerance are wheat, soy, and corn. In my experience the food that most prevents people from losing weight is wheat, which is a staple of our daily meals. Pasta, cakes, and other foods all contain wheat as a main ingredient.
Wheat contains a protein called "gluten" which causes trouble for a lot of us when it comes to losing weight. Gluten can cause, for many of us, intolerance that creates constipation, headaches, fatigue, indigestion, gases and accumulation of water in the body (edema). When a person is intolerant to the gluten contained in the wheat, he or she will have trouble losing weight, in addition to the possible emotional imbalances like anxiety, memory loss, disorientation and even depression. In fact, it has been noted that many children and adults who are being diagnosed with the popular psychiatric disease ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) really suffer from gluten intolerance. Many of these adults and children, who are put on a wheat-free and gluten-free diet, begin to act "normal" again.
There is an illness called "celiac disease" which not many doctors can easily diagnose. It is an illness caused by a severe intolerance to the gluten protein contained in wheat. There are families that suffer a great deal with strange illnesses and emotional or behavioral-type problems only because they are unaware of gluten intolerance. Some of them end up drugged with antidepressants which only makes the situation worse.
A very interesting discovery revealed that the gluten in wheat functions as an opiate. An opiate is a substance with effects similar to opium (the source of drugs such as morphine and heroin) with a very addictive power. This is the reason that many people who are obese or overweight are addicted to bread! They see a basket full of bread and their mouth begins to water while something inside screams: GIVE IT TO ME!
I know all about this subject very well from personal experience. When I began my quest to lose weight I discovered that my body is one of those bodies that wants nothing to do with gluten or wheat. Whenever I ate bread or pasta, I felt that my body was heavier and I could tell that my clothes fit tighter. Also, I just could not lose weight no matter what diet I was on. With time I discovered that gluten causes a reaction in my body that forces it to retain water and thus my clothes fit tighter. I realized that if I completely avoided gluten and sauces that contain wheat, I was able to lose weight.
I my book The Power of Your Metabolism I dedicated an entire chapter to the subject of "intolerances". I have received hundreds of emails from people who were able to finally lose weight after eliminating wheat from their diet. Others have been able to handle their indigestion, headaches, and even thyroid problems since eliminating wheat from their diet. Some experts have concluded that for those who are intolerant to gluten, consuming it could damage the thyroid gland.
Everyone has a different heritage origin. Our ancestors, whose genes determined our own genetic characteristics, were hunters and gatherers as opposed to agriculturists. Hunters and gatherers did not farm the lands and they did not eat wheat, thus their bodies never adapted to it. The origin of wheat is wild and it was domesticated and cultivated by our more modern agriculture ancestors.
In any event, should you discover intolerance to wheat; you still have the majority of every other food you can enjoy. It's just that if you are intolerant and do not discover it, you expose yourself to failure in all your attempts to lose weight, if you don't avoid the delicious and tempting "daily bread".
Frank Suárez, Metabolism and Obesity Specialist


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Practice Area
B2C: Yahoo / Web Application
To create a better website builder than Microsoft, Yahoo chose Involution
When the top software companies want to become best-in-breed in user experience they increasingly call Involution. So it was when Yahoo was developing a new tool to help small businesses quickly design effective websites that looked unique and not templatized. Competing with Microsoft among many other companies in this crowded, commodity space, the Yahoo team felt they had a good handle on the basics of the application but needed some magic to make the finished product truly exceptional. That's where we came in.
We served as Yahoo's external design partner, providing input and guidance on the app while designing literally hundreds of templates to accommodate small businesses in every imaginable industry. Each design needed to be extremely flexible to fit into the innovative Site Solution framework for allowing users to customize the look-and-feel, yet be strong and distinctive enough to have a clear visual language and personality that would make the business owner feel proud. Judging by the great press and the new strategic opportunities this product has opened up for Yahoo Small Business we've certainly succeeded.
- Product Strategy
- User Interface Design
- Graphic Design
"Editor's Choice, 4.5 Stars" PC Magazine
"With Site Solution you can … build a fully code compliant, CSS design for a web site in about 30 minutes …. The initial designs are very up-to-date and stylish." John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing
"I was surprised at how functional and good looking my Site Solution site was, considering it took me just 15 minutes to build. It was more distinctive and professional-looking than those I built with (Microsoft's competitive product)." Michael Munchmore, PC Magazine


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The meeting and incentive miracles you can perform at Laguna Phuket are only limited by your imagination. Fantastic gala theme parties, fun teambuilding exercises, cultural displays, sumptuous dining and stunning venues. All the facilities and everything you need to create truly professional events are waiting at Laguna Phuket.
Invent a spectacular theme party utilising Laguna's superb natural settings, delicious seafood, fresh local produce and amazing cultural entertainers. Or simply select an elegant affair created in the finest style. You could choose a glittering evening of glamour and all that jazz. There's also the fun-filled Beach Party theme and Jungle theme night.
Each party possesses a distinctive ambience created by in-house specialists. Dramatically set amidst Phuket's natural beauty or in sumptuously appointed ballrooms, replete with splendid decor and classic costumes.
Immerse yourself in true Thai tradition and discover the Kingdom's colourful heritage with a night of authentic Thai delights.
The sky's the limit!
All work and no play is not an option at Laguna Phuket. Experience dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, monkeys, elephants, adventure safaris, trekking, private boat charters, sailing, scuba diving, cultural theme shows, game fishing, canoeing and so much more.
More details
Meetings at Laguna Phuket draw upon all of the facilities of the integrated resort.
Learn more about Laguna Phuket
|Laguna Phuket
MICE Factsheet
(4.3mb, PDF Format)


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Fairlawn Lutheran Church's "Windows" celebration — showcasing 37 stained-glass windows created and installed by African-American artist Doug Phillips of Cleveland — will be open throughout the month of February.
■ The church at 3415 W. Market St., next to Summit Mall, will be open to the public during regular business hours.
■ The project kicks off Sunday with a free gospel concert at 3 p.m. delivered by Akron's Arlington Church of God.


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Sacred 3
After decades of peace a new shadow is cast over the world of Ancaria. Only if the clans from across the lands combine their skills the glimmer of hope left within the resistance will ignite a fierce battle for peace.
Game List Statistics
Wish List
15 Users
Hot List
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The May meeting of the Russell County Board of Education opened with a presentation by Phil Carney, Director of Family Resource, Youth Service Centers for Russell Springs and Salem. The stated goal of the program is to "enhance student's ability to succeed in school by developing partnerships that promote: early learning and transition to school, academic achievement and well being, and graduation and transition into adult life."
They are able to accomplish this goal through a number of programs, resulting in a total of 81,517 contacts in the 2009-10 school year, with a higher number of contacts projected for the current year. The reach and impact are diverse, with the following contact breakdown recorded for the 2009-10 year: Educational Support 5,562; Health Services Referrals 15,390; Family Crisis 2,504; Basic Needs 3,074; Job Development 1,272; Character Education 11,425; Home Visits 165; Summer Program/Camp 1,900; Conflict Resolution 1,674; Reading Programs 2,560; Tobacco Prevention 1,025; Back to School Activities 1,410; and Grandparent Support 107.
Carney is aided in the programs endeavors by Jan Brumley of the Jamestown and Union Chapel Family Resource Center as well as John Loy, Director of Youth Services Center serving Russell County High and Middle Schools.
After the presentation the meeting was called to order. After roll call and acceptance of the April meeting minutes, Director of Finance and Business Marla Carnes presented the board with the treasurer's report for the month of April, 2011:
Balance on hand at the beginning of the month $3,485,183.77; Total of all receipts for the month $1,810,494.18; Disbursements $1,947,109.64; Balance at the close of the month (cash in bank) $3,348,568.31. Fund Balances: General Fund $3,202,921.15; Special Projects -$164,089.95; Capital Outlay -$37,686.11; FSPK/Building $43,716.16; Construction $0.00; Food Service $279,033.78; FRC Child Care $24,673.28; Total cash in bank of all funds $3,348,568.31.
Carnes explained that the negative fund balances reflects "slow reimbursements" of funds expected.
The board accepted the monthly school activity fund reports, the 2011-2012 Principal's combined budgets and also the Fiscal Year 2012 Tentative Budget in the amount of $17,300,000.
The board adopted the upcoming year's salary schedule for all classified and certified personnel (KRS 160.290(1) and KRS 160.390(2)). The adopted schedule reflects a 0 percent pay raise for all employees.
The 2011-2012 Extra Service Salary Schedule was also adopted. Annually the board is to establish a schedule of compensation for extra services, hazardous duty supplements and supervision. Payment for those services shall be included in the employee's regular salary. Extended employment positions shall be established in position job description, funded in the district budge, and specified in an addendum to the employee's contract.
School Board meeting schedule for the upcoming year was adopted. Per KRS, each district board of education must hold at least one regularly scheduled meeting per month. The coming year's board meeting schedule will also include meeting at each school in the district within the year. The schedule is as follows: July 18, Auditorium/Natatorium Complex; August 15, Aud./Nat. Complex; September 19, RC High School; October 17, RC Middle School; November 21, Union Chapel Elem.; December 19, Aud./Nat. Complex; January 23, 2012, Aud./Nat. Complex; February 27, 2012, Jamestown Elem.; March 19, 2012, Russell Springs Elem.; April 16, 2012, Salem Elem.; May 21, 2012, Aud./Nat. Complex, June 18, 2012, Aud./Nat. Complex; June 29, 2012, Aud./Nat. Complex.
The board adopted the Fiscal year 2012 Pay Dates. The schedule of pay dates for employees of the Russell County School System can be found at the www.russell.k12.ky.us. This site is kept up to date with the latest information of what is happening in the Russell County School System and should be viewed as a regular source of school information.
Director of Pupil Personnel Johnna Dalton presented the board with the Amended 2010-2011 School Calendar.
A total of 18 days were missed due to inclement weather. With the recent passage of House Bill 487, schools were given leeway on making up for lost time in order to make the 1062 instructional hours as required by law by not requiring a set number of instructional days. Russell County schools lengthened 48 days by 46 minutes which allowed the 1,062 instructional hours in 164 days.
The board voted to approve a shortened school day schedule for a student. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Kentucky Department of Education for approval.
The following contracts were agreed to by the board: 2011-2012 Green River Regional Educational Coop., Inc. Membership. This reflects a change in this service, as for the past number of years the district has belonged to the Southeast/Southcentral Educational Coop.
Superintendent Kenny Pickett said that after much discussion with staff at the district office, it was determined "We think it's in the best interest for our school district to go back to Green River," said Pickett, "It's more centrally located in Bowling Green and I think they offer more services for our students and our faculty."
Cooperatives provide comprehensive educational services and programs that support the member districts and their schools in their school improvement efforts. Member districts also work through the cooperatives to maximize their purchasing power, thereby improving their fiscal efficiency. Green River has a Title 1 component as well as an associate dedicated exclusively to grant writing.
Pickett said the membership fees are comparable.
Other contracts approved were: Lake Cumberland District Health Department - Nursing Services, with no option for substitute nurses; M&M Physical Therapy, Inc.; Karen White - Orientation & Mobility Services; Reed Braille Co. - Vision Itinerant Services. The contracts were previously approved by the board attorney and were unanimously accepted by the board members.
A leave of absence, without pay or benefits, was granted for Leslie Roy, effective May 2, 2011.
Three senior students approached the board to offer their thanks to the board for the approval of a trip to New York City for this year's senior trip.
"We want to extend a special thank you to the board for approving our trip, and allowing a great opportunity for everybody. We learned a lot more than we ever thought we would," said Lauren Haynes, who was accompanied at the school board meeting with fellow senior students Donavyn Coffey and Blair Hoover.
A basketball team training camp was approved for the RCHS Lady Lakers in South Carolina over the summer break as well as a team football training camp was approved for the RCHS football team in Cookeville, TN.
Along with the approval of out of state trips, the board approved a long list of in-state trips characterized by Pickett as mostly "award trips," adding "all of them have chaperones."
After an approximate 10 minute executive session where Superintendent Pickett did not participate, the board announced that the board had met to evaluate the performance of Pickett, an annual requirement. The sum of the evaluation was that Superintendent Pickett had met all expectations of the board.
The following personnel changes were noted: James Bean resigning as Russell County Marching Band Staff effective 2011-2012 school year; Tracy Feltner resigning effective May 6, 2011; Richard Burton hired substitute teacher; Miranda McGowan and Lindsey Brockman hired as emergency certified substitute teachers; Thelma Scott and Dana Oaks transfer requests due to closing of LLC.


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If you're familiar with to any degree, you've no doubt been told that the school has one of the best music programs in the country. Want proof? Look no further than the Samohi Jazz Band and Jazz Combo's big successes earlier this month.
On Mar. 5, the two music squads took home a heap of trophies after competing at the 43rd annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival in Boston. The groups performed in Division 1, the toughest bracket; it consists of schools with at least 1,500 enrolled students.
Under the direction of Tom Whaley, the visual and performing-arts coordinator for the , the Jazz Band came in first in the large ensemble category, while the Jazz Combo nabbed the gold in the small ensemble category.
In terms of individual performances, the Outstanding Musicianship Award went to lead trumpet player Eli Brown.
Meanwhile, guitarist Jake Noveck and pianist Steven Gordon were recognized as the top soloists at the festival, regardless of division. (By the by, is a past Santa Monica Patch Whiz Kid.) Noveck earned first place in the big-band soloist category, with Gordon coming in second; Gordon was the top jazz-combo soloist, and Noveck was the runner-up.
In light of their successes, Samohi received seven scholarships to Berklee's five-week summer jazz program—more than any other school.
Want to recommend a young person who has made extraordinary accomplishments in the Santa Monica community, for feature in "Whiz Kid"? Drop a line to email@example.com.
Past Whiz Kids:


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his line since coming back from injury:
5W 5L 2.88 ERA 13GS 72IP 52H 24R 23ER 6HR 25BB 78K .201 average
i rated this kid the top pitching prospect coming out that year ahead of Verlander(and look at what he's done)
now the lone black mark on this guy is his checkered health issue. what i want to know is everyones opinion on this kid cause he looks like a right handed Hamels but bigger (stands 6'9 260!)
i just dont see enough pub or good pub on this guy and am given credit where its due. if he holds up he could challenge for a top spot within the prospect pitching lists.


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On Saturday, received a little "tender loving care" from a group of local Comcast employees and their families, as part of the company's 11th annual "Comcast Cares Day."
The efforts included repainting walls, planting, restriping the playground and generally cleaning up the grounds of the school.
Statewide, Buri Buri was one of 17 schools employees volunteered their time at.
In addition to Comcast employees and their families, local schoolchildren as well as local elected officials, business executives and community leaders assisted in the beautification project at Buri Buri Saturday. They included Jerry Hill, California State Assemblymember for the 19th District; Pedro Gonzalez, the vice-mayor of South San Francisco; Phil Weise, vice-president of the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees; Dr. Jay Spaulding, principal of Buri Buri; and Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly.
"Our local students and campuses continue to feel the devastating effects of school budget cuts, and we hope that our 'Comcast Cares Day' efforts at 17 California schools can have a positive impact on that situation," said Curt Henninger, regional senior vice-president for Comcast California. "'Comcast Cares Day' is part of our ongoing commitment to education and to improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods where we live and work."
The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to local community partner organizations across the country on behalf of each volunteer who participated on "Comcast Cares Day." The grants will help Comcast's community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year.
"For more than a decade our employees, families and friends have made 'Comcast Cares Day' one of the nation's most successful corporate giving events," said Brian L. Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. "Since we began this effort in 2001, more than 360,000 Comcast volunteers have contributed more than 2.1 million hours of service to their communities. We care deeply about the cities and neighborhoods where we work and live, and 'Comcast Cares Day' provides an opportunity to celebrate those communities by coming together to give back to them."
The grants have totaled roughly $10.5 million since 2001.
For more information about the 2012 "Comcast Cares Day" as well as other efforts by the company to give back, visit the company's website.


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Wait, they can see it when?!
Understanding Twitter and visibility
I've heard the same question about a billion times… Often from the same people time and time again. "Who can see what I post on Twitter? Now what about replies? And what about direct messages?"
Well, maybe the reason I hear it so much is because people are afraid that they're going to say something stupid or offend somebody in a very public manner. Perhaps it is asked so much because it actually is more confusing than you may think.
The difference between "visible" and "accessible"
Let me start by saying there is a difference between something being visible and obvious, versus being accessible, if not still somewhat hidden, to someone.
Twitter essentially gives people their "Timeline." A timeline contains the tweets of those you follow, assuming it isn't a reply. However, it will also show up on your timeline if you also follow the person it is a reply to… Confusing already, right? How about a real life scenario…
Let's say we have four Twitter accounts. Eric, Devon, Alyssa and Kathy.
Eric follows Devon, Kathy and Alyssa all.
Devon only follows Eric.
Kathy follows Eric and Alyssa, but not Devon.
Alyssa follows Kathy and Eric, but not Devon. Apparently Devon needs to step up his Twitter game!
Eric tweets "Hello world" – Everyone sees it in their timeline since they follow him.
Alyssa tweets "Hello Eric" — Eric sees it in his timeline, Kathy sees it in her timeline, Devon does not, as he does not follow Alyssa.
Eric replies to this tweet saying "@Alyssa Hello!" — Again, Devon does not see this on his timeline as he only follows Eric, not Alyssa.
Now, this is where it gets a bit confusing. Eric has responded to Alyssa, Kathy is mentioned nowhere in this tweet, yet Kathy sees this on her timeline. The reason for this is that Kathy follows both Eric and Alyssa, the two people involved in this conversation.
So that is how timelines work, the timeline being generally what users look at.
Just because it isn't right in front of you, doesn't mean it is completely hidden
Now, data is visible to others. After all, this is a social network. So when Eric replied to Alyssa above, Devon could go see it by visiting Eric's Twitter page, or viewing his profile timeline directly, which many Twitter clients allow you to do.
Looking for a piece of advice? Don't say something offensive on Twitter, even if it is in a reply.
Direct Messages
There is one more way to communicate on Twitter and that is using direct messages, or DMs. A DM will only be seen by yourself, and the person you send it to. It is simply a 1-to-1 conversation that is hidden from others. Think of it somewhat like a text message. You send it to one person, they see it, they respond and you receive that.
Hopefully this helps clear some things up! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Welcome to the site. I'm not entirely sure what this will turn into. I just thought it'd be nice to have a place to put things. I'm asked some questions a LOT, so I may as well write some of it out.
I am also looking forward to writing more about designing, developing and testing apps.
Sometimes putting things in words just helps them make more sense, and in a world that makes little sense, couldn't we all use that?


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2009: Took a redshirt year.
West L.A. CC: Earned first team all-Pacific Conference honors in 2008 ... Threw for more than 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 64 percent (207 of 322) of his passes ... Served as a team captain and was voted the conference player of the week on one occassion ... Team averaged 35 points per game.
High School: Led Alta to their first 5A state championship and was named the 5A Player of the Year in 2007 ... He also earned first team all-state honors, was the Region II Player of the Year and first team all-region ... Alta went 13-1 his senior year and was ranked 35th nationally by Rivals.com ... He threw for 1,909 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2007 while being credited with 886 rushing yards and 12 scores ... Was a three-year letterwinner.
Full Name: Ryan Craig Rosenvall ... Parents: Craig and Susan Rosenvall ... Born: 1/12/90.


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IMP Awards > 2007 Movie Trailers > I Don't Want to Sleep Alone
I Don't Want to Sleep Alone (2007)
TRAILERS | IMDB | AMAZON | added: Feb 4th, 2008
WANT TO BUY THE POSTER? Try these links:
Internet Movie Poster Awards - Featuring one of the largest collections of movie poster images on the web.
Site Design by Face3media


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About the Aim
Opportunities for Improving Care Transitions
The United States has a 17.6% rate of hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge*. The process by which patients move from hospitals to other care settings is increasingly problematic as hospitals shorten lengths of stay and as care becomes more fragmented. Medicare patients report greater dissatisfaction related to discharges than to any other aspect of care that CMS measures.
In general, rehospitalization rates and health care utilization vary substantially across geographic locations, suggesting opportunities for improvement in areas with higher observed rates. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission estimates that up to 76% of readmissions within 30 days of discharge may be preventable.
How QIOs are Making an Impact
Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) in every state and territory, united in a network administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), have the flexibility to respond to local needs. At the same time, they offer providers the opportunity to contribute to broader health quality goals, such as those set by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' National Quality Strategy. Rather than limiting their role to technical assistance, they are convening statewide learning and action networks (LANs) that recognize everyone has knowledge that can contribute to better care. By participating in a LAN, health care providers can harness the power of a 24/7 community for addressing common challenges, connect with a peer facility for mentoring, and be the first to know about improvement breakthroughs–and how they can replicate them in their own facility or practice.
Communities that join the QIO Program's initiative to integrate care for populations and communities will contribute to a three-year, 20% national reduction in readmissions within 30 days of hospital discharge. Participants can expect to benefit from membership in a local care transitions coalition comprised of hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, dialysis centers, hospices and palliative care facilities, senior advocates like area agencies on aging, and other local stakeholders. QIOs in every state and territory will convene these coalitions and provide technical support as they implement a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to reducing avoidable readmissions.
For more information, please download the CMS Fact Sheet on the ICPC Aim.
How QIOs Measure Results
CMS will measure the rate of hospital readmissions and admissions in the identified communities and statewide. QIOs will also help communities identify measurement strategies to assess intervention progress and effectiveness. To meet these goals, QIOs are leading many projects at the local level to improve care coordination and quality.
For more information on the QIO program and other CMS strategic aims, please visit the CMS QIO page.
*Medical Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Report to the Congress Promoting Greater Efficiency in Medicare, June 2007


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Local News
- Local News
Doubt raised about Renert's intention
Two stories are emerging about the motivations of Barry Renert, who is scheduled to go on trial Aug. 18 for his alleged actions last winter at the Seventh Inning Stretch store in Cooperstown.Continued ...
Bike shop rolling in Milford
A new business has quietly rolled into Milford. Situated right next door to Revolution Solar, Woodland Cycles offers all the services and products any cyclist, amateur or avid, could desire.Continued ...
'Carousel' brings classic to area stage
Having opened on July 12, on what would have been the 109th birthday of Oscar Hammerstein II, The Glimmerglass Festival's production of "Carousel" uses festival veterans, as well as those working at Glimmerglass for the first time, to stage one of the most iconic of American musicals.Continued ...
Local Foods, Local Spirits celebration to highlight area flavor
The abundance and unique array of the region's food and drink will be celebrated fully at this year's second annual Local Foods, Local Spirits event at 5 -7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 7, at the Farmers Market in CooperstownContinued ...
- Hobart teen wins big at junior livestock show
- Thursday, July 10, 2014
Springfield parade features 100 for the 100th
The number of entries in the 100th Springfield Fourth of July Parade was entirely appropriate: 100.Continued ...
Ommegang opens new Main Street store
Brewery Ommegang has a new Main Street address in Cooperstown at least for the summer. On July 4, Brewery Ommegang's seasonal pop-up store at 134 Main St., the Brewery Ommegang Prohibition Store opened. The store sells books, glassware, food items, apparel, barware ... pretty much everything but the beer itself.Continued ...
Hartwick warns on lack of signs
The town of Hartwick's planning board passed a resolution on July 2 in order to send a strong message to the New York Department of Transportation: the intersection at State Route 205 and County Route 11 needs better signs.Continued ...
AlphaFOLKS shirts part of next step for Katz
Nate Katz has begun to stake out a place in the art world and now he is launching a business as well.Continued ...
Glimmerglass announces 2015 schedule
The Glimmerglass Festival has announced its 2015 Festival, which will celebrate the company's 40th anniversary.Continued ...
Pacherille vows to appeal lawsuit dismissal
Anthony Pacherille Sr., whose lawsuit against an Otsego County judge has been dismissed, said Friday that he will appeal the federal court ruling.Continued ...
Leatherstocking Credit Union honors 11 students
Leatherstocking Credit Union announced this year's recipients of its scholarship program. A total of $2600 was awarded to eleven high school seniors in four Otsego County school districts.Continued ...
Fenimore to continue Native American series
Every Saturday at 1 p.m. in July and August, the Fenimore Art Museum will present Native American Performing Arts Series.Continued ...
- Thursday, July 3, 2014
Cherry Valley girls keep the kids for Glimmerglass
Chopin, a young but promising performer, will scamper into the limelight next month with the July 19 opening of "Ariadne in Naxos." Just weeks old, the Oberhasli goat will share the stage with performers several years older than him, even though he still drinks from a bottle. His acting career would be impossible, however, without the guidance of his trainer, Avery Schneider.Continued ...
'100 Years': Springfield to celebrate tomorrow, Saturday
It's as good an invitation today as it was in 1913, when a Springfield Center correspondent to a local newspaper on July 2 wrote, "Celebrate the Fourth of July by coming to town and enjoying our celebration and inauguration day.� That particular celebration was one that sparked an idea for something much bigger the next year. That event, the Springfield Fourth of July Parade, is now set to celebrate its 100th anniversary on Friday.Continued ...
Cooperstown grads channel '80s
The lyrics of music are multi-faceted. They serve to express a songwriter's feelings, invoke the interest of listeners, and perhaps to help understand an issue. On a Sunday afternoon with great weather and a sparkling view of Otsego Lake, Cooperstown seniors Jonathan Zhang, Emily Greenberg, Maddy Sandler, and Lucas Lyons used song titles from the '80s to deliver their message to their fellow graduates and the audience at the Fenimore House.Continued ...
NY's top court allows fracking bans
Local governments in New York have the authority to zone out gas drilling, the state's highest court decided Monday in a 5-2 ruling that grew out of challenges brought against fracking bans enacted by the towns of Middlefield and Dryden.Continued ...
Milford 'family' graduates 32
If Milford Central School is a family, as nearly every speaker at Friday night's graduated attested, then the school said goodbye to 32 siblings.Continued ...
CV-S grads reflect many different shades
With a senior class that led a school-art project, it was appropriate that their teacher Teri Adams gave them their own giant paint brushes, 32 in all, different shades, but 'complementary of one another.'Continued ...
Clark Foundation announces 2014 scholarships
Jane Forbes Clark, president of The Clark Foundation, recently announced its Board of Directors has approved first-year college scholarship grants to 182 students, totaling $703,400.Continued ...
- Doubt raised about Renert's intention


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Vaishali Patel
The Union-Recorder
MILLEDGEVILLE — Growing up in Milledgeville and having attended Baldwin County public schools, Laura Crittenden recalls learning the importance of cursive handwriting and having good penmanship. Now as a third-grade English language arts teacher at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, she said the emphasis on teaching cursive writing to youth accustomed to the digital age has dropped as educators are devoting more time to mastering skills mandated by state standards.
"Cursive handwriting is much less common than it was in the past. Since cursive handwriting is now included in the new Common Core standards, teachers are teaching it, but it is not emphasized as much as it used to be," said Crittenden, who is currently in her fourth year teaching. "When I was a student, we did not begin taking keyboarding classes until middle school. In elementary school, handwriting and penmanship were emphasized. Cursive handwriting was introduced in the younger grades and often teachers required students to complete assignments in cursive."
The Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) are part of the Common Core State Standards, state-led academic standards encouraged by the U.S. Department of Education administration and initiated by the National Governor's Association, co-chaired by Gov. Sonny Perdue, and the council of Chief State School Officers. Georgia formally adopted the set of core standards for students in kindergarten through high school in English language arts, mathematics and grades six through 12 literacy in science, history/social studies, and technical subjects, states the Georgia Department of Education website. The CCGPS provide a consistent framework to prepare students for success in college and the 21st century workplace.
"Students begin learning to write in kindergarten. They initially start writing and forming letters and then move into writing words. The Common Core standards include cursive handwriting starting in the third grade," Crittenden said. "Since I am the ELA [English Language Arts] teacher, I do include cursive handwriting in my lessons. This year, my third-grade students have been introduced to cursive, and we have worked on forming upper and lower case cursive letters as well as forming words in cursive. I do not require students to complete assignments in cursive since they are still learning to write legibly in cursive. Students are continuing to develop their cursive handwriting skills."
The national standards don't require children to learn how to read and write in cursive. They do, however, require that by the end of fourth grade, students demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to complete a one-page writing assignment. There is no mention of the need for cursive writing ability. The requirement is found in the literacy standards for English Language Arts for fourth-graders in a section that spells out standards for writing: "With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting."
Last year, in adopting the common core standards, boards of education in Alabama, California and Georgia included a cursive writing requirement for their public schools.
A National Association of State Boards of Education report released last fall found the average third-grader was getting only 15 minutes of handwriting instruction a day, down from the standard 30 to 45 minutes a generation ago.
"It is very important for students to learn to read and write in cursive, and if they don't, they have a greater risk of not being successful as an adult," Crittenden said. "Writing is an important factor in reading skills and comprehension and this includes penmanship. If students are lacking these skills then they have a greater risk of being unsuccessful and unaccomplished."
For more information about the CCGPS, visit www.doe.k12.ga.us.
CNHI News Service contributed to this report.
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Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
Why Carl's Jr is happier in L.A.
Here's another reason to love L.A.
The city's downtown business district is home to the only Carl's Jr restaurants that serve beer.
"We market to the young, hungry male. He's also thirsty," said Julie McLean, a spokeswoman for the chain, which has used controversial celebrities like Paris Hilton to push its generously-portioned, indulgent hamburgers.
Jennifer McGrath, the marketing manager whose region includes the three beer-serving L.A. restaurants, said happy hour specials have boosted business at those restaurants.
The company said the restaurants inherited their liquor licenses from previous tenants and that the chain has no plans to add beer at its other outlets.
Carl's Jr CEO sees gold in Lone Star state
Andy Puzder, chief executive of Carl's Jr and Hardee's parent CKE Restaurants, is not a man to mince words and on Thursday he shared his views on "socialist type" state governments in California and Oregon.
Many of the company's Carl's Jr restaurants are located in the Golden State, and Puzder has plans to lessen that exposure over time.
"As such, we're targeting a large percentage of our growth in Texas. It is deemed to be more business friendly," Puzder told analysts on a conference call.
"Oregon has a higher minimum wage and a similar regulatory structure as California and also has a similar socialist type government at the state level so business there actually can be as bad or worse than California," he said.
"Texas is doing really well," he added.


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Been caught stealing onceBy
If I told you that the Yanks would start the season going 6-3 against the Red Sox, Rays and Angels – three teams considered to be among the AL's top contenders this year – would you have believed me? The Yanks currently lead the AL in runs scored and have allowed fewer runs than any of their AL East opponents. The franchise hasn't seen a start this good since 2003 when the Yanks went 8-1 over their first nine contests, and everyone is feeling pretty good about things.
At the risk of reading too much into the results from just nine games, there is one stat though that leaps out at me as problematic. Yankee backstops have caught just one of the 13 runners who have attempted to steal against them. Jorge Posada, the Yanks' offensive-minded catcher, has allowed 10 of 11 runners to take a base while Francisco Cervelli, the defensive back-up, allowed both runners to steal against him on Saturday. Although some of the fault lies with the team's pitchers, only the hapless Orioles, who have allowed 14 of 15 runners to steal, have a worse mark in the early going.
Generally speaking, these stolen bases haven't had a tremendous impact on the Yanks' win chances yet. For example, whereas Dave Roberts' infamous stolen base increased Boston's win expectancy from 37 percent to 47 percent, last night's Erick Aybar steal dropped New York's win expectancy from 53.1 percent to 52.1 percent. With two outs in the third, it was hardly a game-changer.
Take a look at each of the stolen bases so far the Yanks have allowed this season, and their corresponding win probability added values. Even with Jacoby Ellsbury's stolen bases and an error on the same play that allowed him to move to third, the Yanks have lost just 0.155 WPA points – or 15.5 percent of a win – by catching just one out of 13 base stealers. A few more runners gunned out will easily negate that positive advantage.
|SB + Error
My fears for the season though aren't in the potential for a single stolen base to be a game-changer. Rather, it is in the sheer number of stolen bases the Yanks may allow. So far, Jorge Posada hasn't shown much on his arm this year, and we can't be too surprised. He's 38 – two years removed from shoulder surgery – and has always been an offensive force first and a defensive catcher second. His current 1.147 OPS makes it easy to forget about his defense.
Yet, right now, any time a player with a modicum of speed reaches first base, Posada will be tested. Other than Andy Pettitte, Yankee pitchers aren't adept at holding runners on, and Posada's arm will only encourage opposing managers to run. While it's unsurprising to see Ellsbury, Barlett and Crawford attempt steals, Adrian Beltre ran only 15 times in 2009. He's a player who will test Posada this year.
The Yanks know their limitations. Joe Girardi will try to get Cervelli into as many games as he can over the course of the season both for defensive purposes and to keep Jorge fresh. Additionally, it's far too early in the season for us to make major pronouncements on the team's deficiencies, but as the season gets older, keep an eye on those stolen bases. One or two may end up coming back to haunt the Yanks yet.
65 Comments»
Interesting, if a short sample. Yet the continued overkill on the WPA is distracting. Find a new pet stat.
I'll never understand comments like this.
I find it most interesting that he understands the dubious nature of small sample sizes, and yet doesn't like WPA, which does an excellent job of crystallizing exactly how much or how little a particular event impacts a game by comparing it to other massively large, massively reliable sample sizes.
Cognitive dissonance FTL.
Yeah…I hate knowing how much a given play impacts the outcome of the game. I'd much rather go back to a narrative-driven evaluation of things in which the 8th is more important than other innings and all steals are awesome because LOOK SPEEEEED!!!!
Agreed that, in this case, it is useful – and speaks strongly to the overrating of stolen bases on final outcomes. Apologies for showing my fatigue with that stat's usage and letting it cloud what are the truly useful applications of it. That is my mistake 100%.
My point stands though, when it comes to the game recaps. I recognize the value in measuring impact of each play on the outcome – but am more interested in why something occured and if anything predictive can be gleaned from it. WPA seems more of a case-study stat and is less interesting on a day-to-day, pitch-to-pitch basis. It's (obviously) my issue though.
I came off harsh in my post, and again I apologize (pre-AM coffee perhaps?). I wouldn't have been reading the site as long as I have if I didn't find it valuable. Have a good weekend.
I don't have much use for WPA ordinarily, but I like the usage here, in that it's used to tell the story of the game, and how sometimes we don't realize when the big moments are.
If they start using WPA to evaluate player performance over the season, however . . .
On a related note, Posada has started 8 of the first 9 games of the season. I assume he's playing more often, early, than he will later, because the Yanks were playing premium opponents these first 9 games, but it's something to keep an eye on. At this point in his career, Posada probably shouldn't be starting behind the plate in 89% of the team's games, so I would expect that rate to drop (and the Yanks' catchers' CS rate to rise a bit accordingly).
It's also because the Yankees have had 3 off-days distributed between their first 9 games. Posada will get a day off on Saturday (day game after a night game), and again on Thursday and Saturday.
Ah, good point, thanks.
I'm not so much concerned about Posada's inability to throw out runners (the pitcher has a lot to do with this as well) as I am about his overall defensive liabilities. I love Jorge, but let's be honest, he's just not very good defensively. He can't block the plate (last night Matsui was safe) and how many passed balls has he allowed already in 8 games? Last night's second run was set up by a passed ball. I really hope this is his last season as a FT catcher.
Jorge is a great player, but he's really a one-dimensional player. He's a fantastic hitter, and that's it. He's not only slow, but he's a bad, stupid baserunner. He is, best I can tell, below average at every aspect of catching that can be reasonably evaluated. He is poor at blocking the plate, at throwing, and as we saw last night with the Matsui play, he doesn't seem to know how to set up and block the plate very well, either.
Shows how important offense is. I wouldn't trade Jorge for any catcher in the league not named Mauer.
I meant to write "He is poor at blocking balls in the dirt, at throwing, and as we saw last night….[blocking] the plate."
"hitting" is not one dimension. Hitting for power is one dimension. Having a great arm is one dimension. For a catcher, Jorge hits for a great average, great power, and has an amazing OBP. As an all-around hitter in general, he's still very good.
Meh…I think of hitting as one dimension. Hitting for power is just being more productive on that one dimension. I guess they do separate power and average hitting in the "5 tool" thing.
ok, but that's an incredibly facile evaluation. there are guys who hit for power but can't get on base to save their lives. There are guys who hit for an empty .280 and don't take walks (we call them "journeymen"). There are guys who get on base a lot, but don't have a lot of power. How can we talk about these players in contrast to one another if "hitting" is collapsed into a single axis of evaluation?
ok, uncle…….sheesh. You can talk about hitting in general. You can look at anything in broad terms or narrow terms, if you wish. I conceptualize hitting as one dimension. You want to break it down. No problema….. He is what he is, a very good hitter, a poor baserunner, an average to below average catcher.
Not sure if this is urban legend or fact, but I've heard one of the reasons Jorge fails to block the plate is that he had his leg snapped like a twig early in his catching career on a play at the plate.
In any event, the passed balls are more of a killer than anything else. I've never seen a catcher give up passed balls on fastballs that don't bounce and are 5 inches out of the zone.
… give up *so many* passed balls …
He broke his leg and hurt his ankle while in AAA. So the story is plausible, but I believe it was in a collision at homeplate. And we've seen Jorge take some hits blocking the plate.
Right, but if you notice, Jorgie is never out in front of the plate. You are taught to put your left leg into the baseline and set up out in front of the plate. He sets up behind the plate. The plate collisions generally come where the ball beats the runner by a mile and he has no chance to slide safely, or where the throw drags Jorgie directly into the runner. Jorgie never sets up to block the plate. Big difference.
Jorge has allowed 2 PB and 3 WP in the first 8 games. Sure it's tough to watch him behind the plate sometimes, but he has a 1.147 OPS this year which outweighs his defensive short comings.
I just like the Jane's Addiction reference in the title.
Jorge did technically throw out someone the other night/day, but Cano dropped the ball. I can't remember who it was but I think it was a so called "speedy" runner. Obviously the guy still got the base, but Jorge did get the ball there on time and in a perfect spot.
Good point. Which is why the caught stealing percentage for catchers is a very flawed stat.
But even just by watching Jorge, throwing runners out is clearly a weakness in Jorge's game. He has a very average arm and not a particularly quick release.
League average for catchers last year was 26% caught stealing. To be league average, Jorge would have to have thrown out roughly 3 baserunners this year. He has 1 CS so far, and should have had a second. Is there really that much difference between 2 CS and 3 CS through 8 games?
It's certainly something to keep an eye on, but with such a small sample size so far I expect him to end up close to league average.
All sorts of this.
CS% is also highly influenced by the pitching staff, which as was pointed out, isn't particularly good at holding runners on, meaning that to have a league average CS%, he would actually have to be better than average to overcome that
Fair enough. Definitely a small sample.
I do see it as a potential problem like Ben though. At least something to keep your eye on.
As Tank Foster has pointed out, and I agree, Jorge is relatively weak at every aspect of catching. Throwing out runners is just one aspect.
Actually, Jorge has been about average at throwing out runners through his career – 29% caught stealing in his career. He was (predictably) awful in 2008 with the bum shoulder, but was back to normal in 2009. It's certainly something to keep an eye on, but the results so far can easily be explained by good baserunners and small sample sizes.
You may very well be right.
Yup. I was wrong in my overall comment concerning what I wrote about his throwing.
Jorge did technically throw out someone the other night/day, but Cano dropped the ball. I can't remember who it was but I think it was a so called "speedy" runner. Obviously the guy still got the base, but Jorge did get the ball there on time and in a perfect spot.
I disagree. Cano dropped the ball, but the throw was late regardless. Had he fielded it cleanly, Aybar still would have been safe.
not a terribly well thought-out post. while you do give voice to the insignificant sample size, you never actually mention that the teams the yanks played, namely the Angels and Rays, stole 10 of the 12 bases mentioned above, will likely be 1, 2 in the AL in SB this year. they'll steal against everybody, not just the Yanks.
I tend to agree with John, not only are the teams played significant, but Jorge's throws have consistently been referred to as strong for the most part by all announcing crews. This isn't like when he came back from shoulder injury, and everything was floating on him, I thought Jeter's tag was horrible last night otherwise that guy was out, and another poster mentioned the Cano drop. I really think most of the fault lies with our pitchers in terms of really skewed results. Of course I think that too can be attributed to our successful start. Runs right now don't seem as premium because our offense is clicking, I think pitchers are simply being told worry about pitching and it shows.
Very well put, except for the part where you reference announcing crews as part of argument.
That's a .25 deduction, so I give you a 5.50. Well done.
"While it's unsurprising to see Ellsbury, Barlett and Crawford attempt steals, Adrian Beltre ran only 15 times in 2009. He's a player who will test Posada this year."
He also mentioned every guy by name. Stealing bases is an individual thing. The point was that not only are the speedy runners going to try Jorge, but even guys like Longoria and Beltre are going to test him.
Jorge's no great shakes back there, but like I've said each time this has been discussed, the Yankees don't hold runners on well at all. All of the starters are pretty slow to the plate, and that allows runners to get good jumps.
But that's Russian Roulette with Andy
Yea. the combination of Javy, AJ and Hughes with Posada are not a good mix for throwing out potential baserunners. Between the slow deliveries and Jorges mediocre arm, it could be a long season in that department.
CC and Andy aren't quick to the plate, either. Andy's got a good move, but if he's not throwing to first, he's very slow.
True, but the runners have to hold at least a split second longer for both CC and especially Pettitte. It still helps a ton
Conversely, Pettitte allows a ton of stolen bases, because many baserunners go on first movement with him. Thus, if a decides to go and Pettitte wasn't trying to pick him off, the runner is likely going to be safe regardless of the catcher.
Yea, definitely true.
I think this entire thread shows how many different factors go into stolen bases. It is not fair to blame the catcher for every successful attempt. But I still think Jorge does nothing to prevent steals. Molina would snap throw to first sometimes, throw from his knees sometimes and would get rid of the ball quicker, and had a better arm.
It is a weakness is Jorges game, but this isn't exactly new territory. Jorge is an offensive catcher.
Where Jorge's catching problems lead as well is that probably Yanks aren't going to be able to last the season without having a legit 3rd catcher on the major league roster so that Jorge can get some DH time and be pinch-run for.
Where is that Molina snap-throw behind the runner at 1B? We need some of that from Frankie…
It's funny that people keep mentioning the Longoria steal as a sign of things to come since that was a Cervelli start. The Yankees' starters are wild and slow to the plate.
I point that out in particular because it's the only one here that's close to being alarming. Elite baserunners are going to steal bases. Especially if they're on the Rays or Angels.
The pitchers are just as much to blame as Jorge. But Jorge does absolutely nothing to try to help that. He doesn't keep runners close to first with the snap throw, he does not have a strong arm, average at best, and he does not get the ball out particularly quick. And as Ben pointed out, is 38 and his throwing shoulder has a history of injury.
Not the best situation here, but not the end of the world either.
Snap throws to first can look cool. That's the only positive thing I have to say about them.
I think they have an effect that may not be obviously noticeable.
They may seem like they do nothing but look cool, but in reality, they have an effect.
I don't about that…didn't Molina have a big snap throw pick off in last year's World Series?
I prefer that the pitchers ignore the baserunners and go through their business, until if/when the stolen bases actually cost the Yanks in a game.
Measuring defense is hard, measuring a catcher's defense is harder. But I was wrong about Jorge being "poor" at throwing out runners. He's actually pretty average. In 2009, he threw out 28% of runners – and that was post-surgical, too – and the league average was 26%. His career high (1998) was 40%, and his career average is right around 27-28%.
How important is throwing out runners?
I looked at 2009 stats, and based on those, an average AL team had about 150 SB attempts made on their catchers. League average was for about 74% of these to be successful.
That's 112 bases, 38 caught stealings.
The best catcher in history in a season for throwing out runners I think was Roy Campanella who had a season or a few seasons at a whopping 57%. A typical average for a very good catcher is 45-50% caught stealing. IRod was usually in this range.
So going back to that 150 steal attempts per year, if you look at an average catcher as 25% rate, and the best possible at 50%, in modern baseball, you can gain about 38 outs/stealing "erasures" per year with a really good catcher.
I'll leave it to you guys to tell me how important 38 outs is over a 162 game season. Obviously, there is the context, and these outs can be extremely important in close playoff games in late innings, but overall, it can't mean much.
i can't believe you said that.
i'll tell you how important it is…at this rate, instead of winning 106 games, we may only win 102.
oh wait what?
my bad. never mind.
Are those numbers serious….would 38 outs equate to 4 wins? A great throwing catcher, versus a league average throwing catcher, is worth 4 wins? I mean, I know your post is a joking one, but I didn't know if the win number was serious.
looking back on it, i should have gone with 110 and 98.
i guess the differential needs to be about 10 mph
On a related note, anyone notice that Hughes seemed to have changed his stretch delivery? Much quicker to the plate than previously. His pick up of the left leg into the load position was noticeably quicker. He is still not "fast" to the plate by any definition, but not nearly as dreadfully slow as it was.
Every little bit helps.
Never see the snap throw to third anymore…
Thurman Munson
Opponents won't steal if they are down by four or five runs. Jorge help put them there.
I think the here is Jorge's ARM with men on base.
It's also his GLOVE when he's catching.
The Yankees didn't tell Matsui to take a hike so that Nick J
could be the starting DH for the entire year.


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NEW YORK — It could average 400 pounds from tackle to tackle, and still the offensive line Johnathan Franklin runs behind in the NFL won't be as daunting as the line he had at UCLA.
His line in college was a queue of seven running backs, and Franklin was at the bottom of the depth chart as a freshman. He typically got to touch the ball once per practice.


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