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On Sunday, it was reported that the Houston Astros will select Stanford righthander Mark Appel with the first pick in Monday's MLB Draft. How will the rest of the first round break down? Dave Perkin, a former major league scout and SI.com's draft analyst, makes his selections below. For more from Perkin, follow his live analysis of the first-round starting at 7 p.m. Monday night.
Five Cuts from the first weekend of interleague play:
Excerpted from CALICO JOE by John Grisham. Copyright © 2012 by Belfry Holdings, Inc. To be published this month by Doubleday, an imprint of The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc.
Only two teams in all of baseball had a better record than the National League Central champion Brewers last year -- the powerhouse Phillies and Yankees -- and the second-place Cardinals won the World Series.
The Marlins, Reds, Cubs and Angels stay busy while two more pitchers arrive from Japan, and the Mets, Rays and Dodgers find out just how little a million bucks buys these days in this week's Hot Stove Roundup.
The new Cubs administration has reached the three-quarters mark of its fertile first 100 days in (front) office and has been nothing short of aggressive with its reformist platform.
The 2011 baseball year surprised us at so many turns. Offense was dialed back to 1992 levels, none of the nine biggest payrolls in baseball won a postseason series, not one but two teams suffered pennant race collapses of historic proportions, and the Cardinals joined the 1986 Mets as the only teams to be one strike from elimination and win the World Series -- and then they lost two franchise icons.
Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney admits that at his first full-season minor league stop back in 2007, he was sufficiently wide-eyed and unsure of his baseball future that he asked the famous manager of his Class A Peoria (Illinois) Chiefs to autograph a bat as a keepsake.
The Angels and Marlins weren't the only teams getting things done at the just-completed Winter Meetings in Dallas, and Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson weren't the only players the Angels acquired. For fans of the other 28 teams and LaTroy Hawkins, here's a summary of some of the less-celebrated player transactions from the last week and a half.
DALLAS -- Albert Pujols is worth more to the Marlins than to the Cardinals. Sound crazy? Only if you believe in the gilded mythology of an iconic player spending his career with one team. Such franchise icons make for nice narratives, but not always great business sense. Does it make sense for the Cardinals, with no escape hatch of the DH rule, to pay a hitter $25 million a year until he's 42 years old? Only if you believe in the sentimentality of turning Pujols into the next Stan Musial -- forgetting, of course, that Musial never was a free agent. Ask the Twins about the cost of keeping Joe Mauer a Twin for life and the Phillies about Ryan Howard.
DALLAS -- With the ultra-aggressive Marlins agreeing to terms with the multitalented Jose Reyes on a $106-million, six-year deal that establishes them as a major winter player, the first superstar is off the board. So where do the rest of the superstars and stars stand now as the Winter Meetings officially begin? Here's an update:
The Red Sox and Cubs are now a full week past the deadline to agree on compensation for new Cubs president Theo Epstein. Their difficulty in finding agreement on this issue shouldn't be such a surprise since Epstein and his Red Sox replacement, Ben Cherington, are so like-minded that they probably value the same prospects, which tends to make dealing difficult.
If you could become the manager of one of baseball's signature teams, which one would you choose from among the Red Sox, Cardinals and Cubs? That's a decision that very well may have to be made by one of the several candidates being considered for the managerial vacancies of those teams. Among those on the lists of more than one of those teams are newly-former Red Sox skipper Terry Francona, Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, and former Brewers manager and current hitting coach Dale Sveum.
To be a Texas Rangers baseball fan doesn't compare to the prestige of growing up in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. The pinstriped jerseys, classic uniforms and ball caps of those Major League Baseball teams are timeless and have become iconic touchstones in pop culture.
ST. LOUIS -- The surprise courting of hot young general manager Andrew Friedman by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim has begun even before Theo Epstein is officially signed, sealed and delivered to the Chicago Cubs. Though Friedman's name hadn't been tied to the Angels until someone tipped @DRaysBay that Friedman had been spotted dining in Tampa with Angels honchos Arte Moreno and John Carpino, it makes perfect sense as baseball owners are increasingly understanding how much more crucial the GM is to a team's success than a manager. Besides, as one AL exec put it, "Teams are copycats.'' Once one got Epstein (or is about to), it's no surprise another wanted the other hot available name.
ST. LOUIS -- In a possible surprise twist, the Chicago Cubs and Theo Epstein are said to have interest in Padres general manager Jed Hoyer to join a baseball operations department they hope is headed soon by Epstein, who is waiting in limbo while the Cubs and Red Sox resolve the compensation issue to complete the trade that would put Epstein in charge of Chicago's beloved North Side team.
It appears that the Chicago Cubs are going to pry away Theo Epstein from the Red Sox to be their new general manager. Epstein, 37, was the face of the new breed of ultra-young GMs, handed the reins of the Red Sox in 2002 and producing two World Championships in nine seasons as their top executive. His 2004 team became the first Red Sox club since 1918 to win a World Series, assuring that he'd never need a wallet in any New England bar for the rest of his life.
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein has an agreement in place to become head the of Cubs baseball operations, SI.com has confirmed.
Theo Epstein is in serious talks with the Cubs about a deal to run their baseball operations, and sources suggest he will "probably'' wind up in Chicago, though there is no evidence a deal has been completed yet with the beloved North Side team, as there are said to be a couple final hurdles to clear.
The big news out of Chicago this weekend was that Theo Epstein might have been spotted at a Lincoln Park Starbucks. Not kidding. That came via a Cubs fan who said he was "99.9 percent'' sure it was the celebrated, elusive longtime Red Sox general manager, and it shows how secretive the Cubs' GM search is being kept by relatively new owner Tom Ricketts. If Ricketts is as good at building a successful team as he is at keeping a secret, maybe the Cubs will break out of their century of general futility.
It's funny how wins were totally devalued last year when it came to the Cy Young Award candidacy of 13-game winner Felix Hernandez but now are becoming the strongest pillar this year in support of the MVP candidacy of Justin Verlander. Whether the Detroit ace wins the MVP or not may come down to whether he wins three of his final four starts -- the last of which figures to be a tuneup start of perhaps five innings on the penultimate day of the regular season. (Verlander is on track to get the White Sox, Athletics, Orioles and Indians; don't bet against him.)
The open Cubs' general manager job is highly coveted, and it's no surprise that a lot of big-name executives have already been mentioned as possibilities. However, it should be noted that big-time GMs very rarely jump from one major job to another (it is hard to think of many instances where it's happened), and it is quite possible the Cubs will end up with a slightly less experienced but still excellent person in the role.
Baseball has, as always, embraced a full slate of retaliation this season, lowlighted by Jered Weaver and Carlos Carrasco throwing at the heads of opponents.
The Cubs' rather stiff 30-day penalty for embattled pitcher Carlos Zambrano will be contested fiercely by his representatives in a grievance process that began Monday with a filing by the Players Association on his behalf. But there is one thing both sides seem likely to agree on: It is time for a new team for Big Z.
The Apache chief Geronimo was still alive, as were the outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, not to mention the former slave Harriet Tubman, and the first nurse, Florence Nightingale, and the writers Mark Twain and Leo Tolstoy. Every one of them was drawing breath on October 14, 1908, and thus capable of seeing the Chicago Cubs win the World Series that afternoon, something they rather famously haven't done again in 103 years.
Were the Chicago Cubs legally justified in placing troubled ace Carlos Zambrano on the seldom used Disqualified List? Zambrano's zany behavior in his 11 seasons with the Cubs has ranged from dugout altercations with teammates to hurling objects onto the field, but it took its most bizarre form during last Friday night's game in Atlanta. After being ejected for throwing at the Braves' Chipper Jones, the 30-year-old Zambrano cleaned out his locker and reportedly told teammates he was retiring. In response, the Cubs placed Zambrano on the Disqualified List, which as vaguely defined in baseball's Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams may use when a player fails to "render his services to his club." While on the Disqualified List, a player forfeits his salary and is removed from the team's roster.
The noncontending Cubs seemed oddly possessive of several of their coveted veterans, including outfielder Marlon Byrd, first baseman Carlos Peña and infielder Jeff Baker, before the trade deadline. But while they declined trade overtures for those players and more, they did at least make some attempt to move on from the era of Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano, by trying to negotiate trades for the two high-priced stars.
On Thursday morning, the Cubs reached a deal to send Kosuke Fukudome to the Cleveland Indians. Details still have to be worked out but the Cubs will pay the vast majority of what remains on Fukudome's $11 million salary. As for some of the Cubs' other infamous, unwanted contracts, they are asking around to see if anyone will take some -- or maybe even a little -- of them. Specifically, they are seeking to rid themselves of pitcher Carlos Zambrano and outfielder Alfonso Soriano, which would mark the changing of an era.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Spurned by Carlos Beltran, the Cleveland Indians traded for Kosuke Fukudome and hope to keep upgrading their sagging offense.
Only by the grace of the woebegone AL Central could a team that lost 93 games last year, has gone 22-33 in its last 55 games and outscored its opponents this season by exactly two runs consider itself a division title contender. But look over there, shopping the aisles of the trade market as a most unlikely buyer, and you'll find the Cleveland Indians, the accidental contender.
It's amazing how far things have come over the last decade. Dr. Rany Jazayerliand Keith Woolner, now the Manager of Baseball Analytics for the Cleveland Indians, developed a metric called Pitcher Abuse Points (PAP.) At the time, they had plenty of 130, 140, even the occasional 150-pitch outing to discuss. It's long been thought that super high counts - 150 and above - were normal during the '40s and '50s, but we remember the outliers. Nolan Ryan, Juan Marichal, and Bob Feller did have some games that were crazy, but overall, research has shown that pitchers threw about the same number of pitches as today. Pitchers were just more efficient. They didn't get as many strikeouts, which racks up the number of pitches, and they didn't fear the home run. All you have to do is look at shortstops of then and today. We "went crazy" because Ozzie Smith never hit homers, aside from that big one against the Dodgers. Phil Rizzuto hit as many homers in his career (38) as some shortstops do in a year
Babe Ruth and Peter Gammons share little in common beyond baseball and beginning their careers in Boston but, 79 years apart, the two came up with the same description of Wrigley Field: "A dump."
The Twins are toast and the baseball season in Chicago is virtually over. Harsh as that may sound before summer has even arrived, history tells us nothing short of historic comebacks can save the seasons of the Twins, Cubs and White Sox.
Surely, you've heard. The end of the world is coming Saturday. A Christian-based Internet ministry tells us that doomsday unfolds this weekend. It has something to do with Noah and floods and the 17th day of the second month of the biblical calendar.
Commissioner Bud Selig has an attendance problem. It's not a problem with the actual attendance, but a problem with perception people take from the snapshot of a wet, dreary April and extrapolate into doom and gloom for the sport. Far from worried, Selig offered a bold promise to SI.com: major league attendance will rise this year.
When the Tampa Bay Rays sent top starting pitcher Matt Garza to the Cubs for a few hot prospects in a seven-player trade this winter, folks barely noticed that a couple of intellectual outfielders were also exchanged in that same deal. Fernando Perez, an Ivy League product of Columbia, went to the Cubs, and Sam Fuld, the Stanford product known mostly for his lack of height and daredevil plays in the outfield, went to the Rays.
The Reds usurped the National League Central crown from the Cardinals in 2010, a year earlier than most expected the change. Now Cincinnati must fend off revenge-seeking St. Louis, pitching-enhanced Milwaukee and veteran-loaded Chicago to hold onto the division title, as forward-thinking Houston and Pittsburgh advance their rebuilding plans.
Chicago Cubs stories in the SI Vault
MESA, Ariz. -- Three observations after spending time in Cubs camp:
MESA, Ariz. -- The weather's been ideal during spring training, especially in the Cactus League. But there have been several unsettling issues, including three DUIs, several injuries to prominent players and one big dugout scuffle between teammates.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- At the age of 61, and back for his 18th try at managing a World Series winner, Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker, a guy who in the first place didn't want anything to do with managing, has become one of the game's great treasures, even more so now that colleagues Bobby Cox, Joe Torre, Lou Piniella and Cito Gaston retired after last season. Baker blends old-school baseball values with a hipster's love of what's current, constantly engaging his young Reds players in conversations about music, fashion, cars, travel and just about anything else.
As the line goes, the Tampa Bay Rays, who will be spending much less money this year than they did last year, are done. They've lost outfielder Carl Crawford, they've lost first baseman Carlos Peña, they've lost most of their bullpen, and now they've reportedly traded Matt Garza for something less than the best prospects in the Chicago Cubs' farm system, and so now they're cooked.
There is a deal in place to send Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Chicago Cubs, pending physicals, sources say. The Cubs' interest in the 27-year-old right-hander has been well-documented.
CHICAGO (AP) -- Kerry Wood never wanted to leave. The Chicago Cubs were part of who he was as a pitcher, through the tough times and the good ones. Chicago was the city where he grew up as a person and an athlete.
The Yankees signed former No. 2 overall pick Mark Prior to a minor-league contract.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- It was one wild winter meetings. Only a handful of teams made major moves, but oh, what deals they were.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Red Sox shocked the baseball world, or at least the portion of it that managed to hold on to their drinks around the lobby bars of the winter meetings hotel here when the news broke in the last hour of Wednesday. Boston somehow turned $142 million into stealth money, agreeing to make Carl Crawford the second-highest paid outfielder in baseball history with hardly a moment of preparation by those outside their own suite. It was a rare "wow" moment in a Twitter-mad world.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Both Chicago ballclubs filled their needs at first base with the exact opposite player -- and both got exactly what they needed.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Cubs are in agreement with first baseman Carlos Pena on a one-year contract, SI.com has learned.
It's résumé season for managing hopefuls. Three new openings were created on D-Day Monday with the firings of the Mets' Jerry Manuel, the Brewers' Ken Macha and the Pirates' John Russell. The Braves' Bobby Cox is retiring, as is the Blue Jays' Cito Gaston. Three teams -- the Cubs, Marlins and Mariners -- have interim managers. And according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, legendary Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is driving cross-country deciding whether to return to St. Louis. So this promises to be one of the most interesting managerial offseasons ever. With that in mind, here are a few folks who could pop up on one or more lists, from the most famous to the more obscure.
The Cubs, from their new owner to their front-office folks, love the job that interim manager and longtime organization man Mike Quade is doing -- love it so much, in fact, that he has gone from seeming long shot to real possibility in the team's much-watched managerial derby, according to people who've talked to Cubs decisionmakers.
The Second City's second team plays, physically, at the fringe of respectable Chicago, that renowned center of molecular gastronomy, Mies van der Rohe structures and futures trading. Home plate at U.S. Cellular Field is a brief walk from the old Union Stock Yard Gate, two L stops from the second most crime-ridden corner in the United States and an hour's bicycle ride from depressed reaches of northwest Indiana which manage to be gray and brown even on perfect June days. The Cubs play in the town of departing mayor Richard Daley's idylls, full of wrought iron fencing and green markets. The White Sox don't.
Manny Ramirez's days as a Dodger appear numbered, and his number could be up as soon as Monday, by which time Mannywood should finally come to a close after an eventful run. At least, that's what should happen.
There could be more big-name managers on the open market than ever this winter, with several marquee names potentially on the move, setting up several interesting scenarios. Yet, at least three men with great playing pedigrees but no major league managerial experience could yet wind up with big-league managing jobs -- Ryne Sandberg (Cubs), Ted Simmons (Mariners) and Tim Wallach (Dodgers).
Here in Chicago the talk is Ryne Sandberg, Ryne Sandberg, Ryne Sandberg right now, and why not? The Cubs are awful and getting worse, and with Lou Piniella's abrupt retirement the public has been deprived of the grand non-sequiturs and occasional fitful furies that were, aside from the brilliance of rookie shortstop Starlin Castro and the free bicycle valet service at Wrigley Field, by far the best thing about the team. The prospect of a legend coming in next year to set things right has its charm.
Last fall I stood in line in a men's room at Giants Stadium while a kid no older than six approached a urinal at least two inches too high for him.
While some of the best moves in baseball over the past calendar year were obvious, like the Braves' decision to keep phenom Jason Heyward on their Opening Day roster, others -- such as the Cubs' acquisition of Carlos Silva -- were panned at the time but have proven to be good calls. It's just further proof that it often makes sense to wait before passing judgment on moves that might have seemed questionable at the time they were made.
CHICAGO -- In his first game as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, against the New York Rangers in an Original 6 matchup, Patrick Sharp looked around cavernous United Center and that's what he saw. Six.
Feel the passion. Experience the pageantry. Live the rivalry. When the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Houston Astros, there's just no telling what will happen.
Brilliant right-hander Stephen Strasburg looks so flawless in the minors, he seems more machine than phenom.
Here's yet another surprise from the first-year general manager of the team that has been the season's biggest surprise to date. Jed Hoyer says if the Padres contend, they could actually become a trade-deadline buyer, and not the seller everyone expects them to be.
President Obama, a diehard Chicago White Sox fan, will test a different kind of diplomacy Monday when he hosts the New York Yankees at the White house.
On the most recent day in which all 30 teams played, last Wednesday, 20 center fielders were African-American. The group included veteran All-Stars such as Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells and Curtis Granderson, but mostly it included some of the fastest rising young stars in the game, including Andrew McCutchen, Matt Kemp, Dexter Fowler, Cameron Maybin, Adam Jones, B.J. Upton, Denard Span, Austin Jackson and Michael Bourn.
It's been an eventful first couple weeks, and here are my initial observations, suggestions, rumors, regrets and recriminations ...
NEW YORK -- Contrary to what some folks might think, legendary manager Lou Piniella isn't about to bust a blood vessel or throw a base over his high-priced, slumping Cubs. Not yet, anyway.
This spring, SI.com writers are filing postcards from all 30 major league spring training camps. To read all the postcards, click here.
Here are some random facts about Ben Sheets: He's 31 years old. His fastball runs like it's hung on a clothesline. He's pitched enough innings to qualify for the ERA title once in the last five years. He just signed with the A's for $10 million plus incentives. If the last of these seems a bit off to you given the first three, you may think you're missing something. You aren't.
Mark McGwire made his choice. So did Alex Rodriguez. And Barry Bonds. And Manny Ramirez. And David Ortiz. And Rafael Palmeiro. And Sammy Sosa. And so on and so on. The list of baseball players who have been linked to performance-enhancing substances seems to stretch on like a tape-measure blast into the summer night.
The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd on a three-year, $15 million contract, SI.com has confirmed. The signing allows the Cubs to move Kosuke Fukudome from centerfield to rightfield, which is his preferred position.
As major league GM's awake on Christmas morning, they'll anxiously check their stockings to see what Santa has brought them. If they've been nice, maybe they'll get a new flat-screen TV; if they've been naughty, perhaps a lump of coal awaits them. However, no lump of coal is more burdensome than these: The 10 biggest franchise-killing contracts in baseball.
The physique is markedly different -- not as tall, a little thicker -- and the all-out, purposefully desperate style of play defied easy description. But the effect was unmistakably Jordan-like as Derrick Rose took over the game during a rare Chicago Bulls victory over the high-flying Atlanta Hawks in overtime last week.
With baseball's annual winter meetings under way in Indianapolis this week, Colorado's Jim Tracy is being acknowledged for winning the National League Manager of the Year award. Tracy, a late-May replacement for Clint Hurdle and a good guy, went 74-42 and guided the Rockies to a playoff berth, getting it right in his third try as a big league skipper. He had a 562-572 record (.495) and one postseason trip in seven previous seasons with the Dodgers and Pirates.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Cubs manager Lou Piniella heard the news that Whitey Herzog was elected to the Hall of Fame on Monday, and as he watched on television as Herzog held a news conference, two questions came to his mind: How many games did Herzog win and how many World Series did he win? The answers are that Herzog won 1,281 games and one World Series.
The Cubs are still "not close" to dealing talented yet troubled outfielder Milton Bradley to the Rays or Rangers, the two teams thought to be most interested, sources say.
The Diamondbacks announced that they acquired Aaron Heilman in a trade with the Cubs on Thursday in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers.
Inside the no-frills Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport for Major League Baseball's General Manager meeting, there were signs of tough times ahead for ballplayers. While agent Scott Boras -- who represents Matt Holliday, Johnny Damon and about a dozen other free agents -- went on the other night about how revenues spiked by nearly 600 percent from 1990 to 2009, he was standing in a lobby that was decorated sometime in the '80s, a sharp contrast to the opulence of past GM events.
The late, great ink-stained orator Mike Royko was the wise-guy voice of Chicago on myriad matters large and small, pitch-perfect in articulating his city's sensibilities and proudly unwavering in his disdain for all things New York.
CHICAGO -- Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources.
CHICAGO -- The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley.
Highly respected hitting guru Rudy Jaramillo is in serious talks with the Chicago Cubs about becoming their new hitting coach, and it appears likely that the sides will reach an agreement for Jaramillo to join the Cubs soon, SI.com has learned.
Well-regarded hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo is talking to the Cubs about becoming their hitting coach, sources say.
My gracious, but this has been a difficult time for us sports troubadours. We do better with simple games, with the tic-tac-toe offensive and defensive Xs and Os, as opposed to the exes and ohs that refer to past marital tense and current romantic joy. I mean, hardly had I begun to digest the news that Lamar Odom of the NBA had married Khloe Kardashian of reality show fame -- ohhh! -- than comes word that Chris Evert and Greg Norman, America's senior sweethearts, had broken up, potential exes-to-be.
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Suspended Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley apologized Wednesday for behavior that led to general manager Jim Hendry's decision to banish him for the rest of the season.
The Chicago Cubs aren't going to win anything this year despite having one of baseball's largest payrolls. But their bankrupt owner, Sam Zell's Tribune Co., may be about to hit a home run -- at your expense.
Before agreeing to sign Milton Bradley as a free agent last offseason, Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry felt it imperative that he sit down face to face with the man who can be as tempestuous as he is talented. Hendry drove from the GM meetings in Dana Point, Calif., to Los Angeles for dinner with Bradley. The discussion centered on the usual subjects, but when it turned to Bradley's combustible behavior in the past that included charging an umpire, trying to go after a broadcaster and angrily confronting a fan, Hendry became equally direct. "I was very blunt and honest with him, and I was very pleased with how honest he was with me," Hendry said back in spring training. "That's all in the past."
There's always enough money and just enough baseball talent on the North Side of Chicago to keep things from getting truly ugly. I have a theory that this, and not their team's epic history of failure, is why Cubs fans are so bitter and angry. Their team doesn't even lose well.
The Dom Perignon sat in an ice bucket, near a king size bed in the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott. It had been barely 12 hours since Adam Greenberg got The Call, the promotion to the big leagues.
Yesterday, Tom Verducci examined the AL wild-card situation, so today it's time to break down the race in the NL, which is slightly more competitive, with five teams entering Wednesday within four games of the lead, compared to four teams within 5 1/2 in the AL. Here's a snapshot of each of those five clubs. (Sorry Brewers and Astros fans; you must be this tall (at least .500) to go on this ride.)
From Woodstock and a man on the moon to the Manson murders and the Stonewall riots, the summer of 1969 was a tumultuous and eventful time. Listed below are a few of the historic and memorable moments from that summer.
Twelve of SI.com's 13 baseball experts (myself included) agreed: The Cubs were a lock to win the National League Central this season. After all, the Cubs had the best record in baseball in 2008, and their chief rival in the division, the wild card-winning Brewers, had lost their two best starting pitchers (CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets) to free agency. Coming out of the All-Star break, however, the Cubs are tied for third in their underwhelming division, and their .500 record ranks them ahead of only 12 of the major league's 30 teams.
Baseball's traditional midway point, represented historically by the All-Star Game, is still a week away, but after Tuesday night, all 30 teams will have reached at least the actual 81-game midway point in their schedules. With that milepost in mind, here are 10 burning questions heading into the second half of the season.
This week's Diamond Digits dissects the Diamondbacks' pitching staff's very uneven yet eventful week, a century-long record falling in the Windy City and the Big Unit's big moment -- and how his final steps along the way to 300 wins compare to other recent club members.
This weekend, when the Mets visit the Red Sox and the Yankees host the Phillies, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium will feature four teams with payrolls totaling $574 million. Allowing for inflation, this is as much as the 10 highest payrolls in baseball in 1997, the year of the first regular-season games between the National and American leagues.
Generations of Cubs fans have passed without seeing their team win a World Series title. Now they can feel close to their lovable losers in the after life.
Like anyone else who writes about baseball, I like to think I know what I'm most accurate about, which makes it a good thing for my self-esteem that I don't spend much time going over old predictions. A quick review shows that over the last two years I've called just six of 16 playoff teams correctly. There are likely circus animals who did better.
1. Forget about last year. Not many teams that win 97 games need pep talks the following spring about how to get over what happened the year before, but Cubs manager Lou Piniella felt just such a speech was in order when his team gathered in Mesa, Ariz. As the new season approaches, much of the attention on the Cubs has focused more on last season, specifically their three straight losses in the Division Series to the underdog Dodgers rather than on their league-high 97 wins in the regular season, and Piniella was mindful of the potentially crushing burden that could carry once the year began. "I think this team needed a message, I really do," said Piniella, who has guided the Cubs to back-to-back division titles for the first time in franchise history. "I told them we played very well for six months and not so good for three days. But the longer you knock on the barn door, eventually you knock it down."
Carlos Zambrano was wrong in 2007. Ryan Dempster was wrong in 2008. And after consecutive seasons of hearing players predict the Cubs, the team that hasn't won a World Series in more than a century, would end that drought, manager Lou Piniella instructed his team to not make any predictions for 2009. That will let the rest of us make the predictions for him: For the first time since 1945, the Chicago Cubs will be playing in the World Series. Last year's squad rolled to 97 wins and the NL Central title but was swept out of the NLDS by an inferior Dodgers team. This year's team features the best offense in the National League and a pitching staff that specializes in missing bats. The Cubs return virtually every key part of an offense that led the league in runs, walks, on-base percentage and slugging percentage and finished second in batting average and hits. Their pitching staff not only topped the league in wins, but also in strikeouts and fewest hits allowed, while finishing second
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Only three teams in baseball won 97 or more games last year, and two of them got better this week, as the NL Central champion Chicago Cubs and AL champion Tampa Bay Rays both filled significant holes in their lineups via free agency. The Cubs' catch is Milton Bradley, who agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal to become Chicago's new rightfielder, thereby allowing Kosuke Fukudome to slide over to fill the team's hole in centerfield. The Rays, meanwhile, struck an absolute bargain by signing Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 million deal to be their designated hitter.
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Carrie Ann Inaba's Dancing With the Stars, All-Stars Blog: Week Four
October 16, 2012 at 3:40 pm , by Ladies' Lounge
It's only week four and the 10-point paddles are out! It was an unexpectedly good night in the ballroom. I have to say that I wasn't sure how the evening would go with these new dances. I thought it was a tall order to ask our professionals to suddenly have to learn a new dance and teach it to their very competitive partners (remember, this is no ordinary season—it's the all-star season so there's more pressure on the pros than ever before). The thing is, not all dances are created equal! Ballroom and Latin dances are a specific style of partner dancing. Hip Hop, Contemporary and Bollywood are not styles that are truly suited to partner dancing. Sure, we've seen it all before on So You Think You Can Dance, so TV audiences have grown accustomed to seeing those dances performed that way. But those dance styles don't work best in our format. Our show is about ballroom dancing, which includes old-fashioned social values, elegance and partnership. Just look at our set—there's a big ballroom dance floor in the middle! It's not a proscenium stage.
All that being said, I think we saw something new and quite interesting happen and the duos did a really great job of entertaining us all. This week, I think the dynamic of partnership really came through. Instead of one person leading the other, they both struggled and faced their vulnerabilities, perhaps strengthening their partnerships in a way we've never seen before. To me, it was fascinating to see both of them vulnerable. It was most obvious with Karina falling during her and Apolo's Hip Hop number. You could tell she was so nervous doing Hip Hop, and then she fell and all her fears came pouring out. You could clearly see the struggle of the week in her tears and frustration. But you could also see how much they are in it together. I also saw that with Val and Kelly. Their Contemporary number (which is really lyrical jazz) pushed them both out of their comfort zones. She is absolutely right about our show not being about the dance–it's a show about growth, facing fears and insecurities, and pushing yourself through what frightens you or even physically pains you.
Yes, our job is to judge the dancing and the dancing is so much fun to watch, but people and the human struggle is at the heart of our show. And boy, did we get to see a lot of struggle. So this week, I salute all of the professional dancers on our show for facing their fears and learning new styles of dancing and putting themselves out there just as the celebrities do week after week. It was touching to watch. I felt like a proud mama watching all of them push their own limits. I highlight Peta, Val, Karina, Cheryl, Tony, Derek, Maks, Louis and Mark for their great work! This show is no easy task for them anymore and the producers keep switching things up on all of us this season. You never know what's going to happen from week to week, but that makes it very exciting!
We also switched things up on the judging panel by bringing in a guest judge. It was nice to have Paula Abdul up there with us. She's a sweet spirit and she and I come from the same world of dance and that was fun. But it was different, and change wakes you up a bit; it makes you more aware of everything so even us judges had an element of pushing our boundaries. Having one more judge means we have to be that much more attentive to each other out there. Len sat between Paula and I, so I didn't get much time to interact with her except for when the boys went outside during breaks. Us ladies don't like to walk out of the room in our four or five inch heels if we don't have to!
Before the show, Paula expressed that she had a little nerves but I told her that we're a unique judging panel because we're there for each other and don't let anyone fall. I'm not sure she understood what I meant, but when I asked her how she was feeling about everything during our first commercial break when the boys were outside, she said that she was impressed with how nice we all were to each other and how supportive we are. And this is so true. We can argue our hearts out when we are judging but the love and respect that Len, Bruno and myself have for each other is real. We don't always agree but we are a family. Now, I wonder what next week will bring…
Categories: Entertainment, Ladies' Lounge | Tags: All-Stars, Carrie Ann Inaba, Dancing with the Stars, Entertainment, Recap, television, Week 4 | No Comments

subset: commoncrawl


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East Northport McDonald's recently recognized twenty-five local student artists through its annual McDonald's Art Contest of which eighteen were from Kings Park Schools.
The contest draws students from surrounding school districts. The winning artwork is put on display for one year.
"This year's 12th Annual Art Contest student participants come from five local districts, including Kings Park, Elwood, Commack, Half Hollow Hills and Northport/East Northport," said Lonny Weiner, Vice President of Kaufman Enterprises, the McDonald's franchisee.
According to Weiner there are four categories of participants; elementary, intermediate, middle and high school.
"The theme this year, What Makes Me Happy, drew 700 submissions," Mr. Weiner said.
Stephanie Montecalvo, Assistant Principal of and Elementary Schools said "every year East Northport McDonald's offers this award. The winners of the contest have their artwork professionally matted, framed and displayed for a full year in the restaurant. Afterwards, they can bring them home."
The winners and their families are invited to a reception at the East Northport McDonald's on East Jericho Turnpike where they have an opportunity to view their artwork, receive their award and are treated to a meal and celebratory cake.
Bridget O'Keefe, a sixth grader from William T Rogers Middle School, who picked up an Honorary Mention for her piece inspired by the television show Glee, enjoyed the whole experience. "I have been drawing, sewing and sculpting since I was very young."
The winning artwork can be viewed at the East Northport McDonalds and on the restaurant's website.
Winners in the High School category (Grades 9-12)
!st Place - Stacie Zucker, Kings Park High School
2nd Place – Meghan O'Brien, John Glenn High School
3rd Place – Andrea Kang, John Glenn High School
Honorable Mention – Michaela Pujals, Kings Park High School
Honorable Mention – Ashley Sannito, John Glenn High School
Honorable Mention - Maddy Santoro, John Glenn High School
Honorable Mention – Kaitlin Gugel, Kings Park High School
Winners in the Middle School category (Grades 6-8)
!st Place – Alyssa Molina, William T Rogers Middle School
2nd Place – Deana Wolf, William T Rogers Middle School
3rd Place – Nicolas Galioto, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Elena Spataro, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Bridget O'Keefe, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Alex Zimmerman, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Casey Samson, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Michelle Fierro, William T Rogers Middle School
Honorable Mention – Jack Murphy, William T Rogers Middle School
Winners in the Intermediate category (Grades 4-5)
!st Place – Gianna Cohan, RJO Intermediate School
2nd Place – Mary Lavis. RJO Intermediate School
3rd Place – Catherine Riordan, Sawmill Intermediate School
Honorable Mention – Marjoaanah, Abdus-Sabur, Chestnut Hill
Honorable Mention – Nicolas Zaferiou, Chestnut Hill
Winners in the Elementary category (2-3)
!st Place – Carly Theofield, Fort Salonga Elementary School
2nd Place – Michelle Wolf, Park View Elementary School
3rd Place – Jessica Ocsman, Fort Salonga Elementary School
Honorable Mention – Kailey Hurtado, Fort Salonga Elementary School


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News & Resources
All About The New M-8 Cars
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro North Railroad have been working with Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., to finalize designs and begin engineering of a new fleet of New Haven Rail Line cars. This new generation of M-8 electric rail cars are replacing the existing M-2 fleet of cars, originally procured in the early 1970s.
With the help of commuter focus groups, a number of design upgrades have been incorporated into the new M-8 Cars, including:
The M-8 Cars are a Hit!
This YouTube video from MTA-Metro North Railroad showcases user delight as commuters and travelers experience riding on the new M-8 Cars. Click on the screenshot image at right to travel with them...
Governor Malloy: Investment in New Haven Rail Yard Facilities Demonstrates State Commitment to Best-In-Class Commuter Line (June 5, 2014) Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner James Redeker and other state and local officials, led a tour of the New Haven Rail Yard, which is undergoing a $1.15 billion, multi-year upgrade and expansion.
Connecticut Department of Transportation demonstrates new bicycle rack prototypes on the new M-8 rails cars (September 15, 2011) Connecticut Department of Transportation demonstrated new bicycle rack prototypes on the new M-8 rails cars at Union Station in New Haven. Bicycle advocates were invited and encouraged to bring bikes to the event and try out the racks for themselves.
Governor Malloy Continues Investment in Rail Through Purchase of 25 Additional M-8 Cars for New Haven Line (July 19, 2011) Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced plans to purchase 25 more M-8 rail cars – adding to the 380 already on order – for use on the New Haven Line along the southwestern Connecticut coastline, often cited as the busiest in the nation with 120,000 riders a day between New Haven and New York City.
Gov. Malloy: Connecticut M-8 Rail Fleet Continues to Grow (June 14, 2011)
Connecticut Department of Transportation & Metro-North Railroad Showcase New M-8 Rail Car Interior (May 21, 2008)
Connecticut Governor Rell Unveils New M-8 Cars (February 20, 2008)
PLEASE NOTE: Prospective bidders for the New Haven Rail Yard projects must have experience in heavy rail and rail facility construction and MUST BE PREQUALIFIED with the State of Connecticut to submit a bid. Information can be obtained by following the "Pre-Qualify" link on the menu tab above.


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Route Guide - iPhone / Android - Partners - Forum - Photos - Deals - What's New - School of Rock
Routes Sorted
L to R R to L Alpha
Johnny Come Lately is an absolutely classic one-pitch face climb. Not only does it have very interesting moves and features for its entire length, but it also is safely, but not obscenely, bolted.
A dozen draws and slings or so. A 70m cord or two ropes.


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The 221-athlete Canadian team that's causing such a medal stir at the Sochi Winter Olympics is a bit light on Nova Scotia flavour.
But it's not a new trend.
Over the years, our province generally contributed only a few athletes to Canadian Winter Olympic teams, in large part because the province lacked the level of sport infrastructure, natural or constructed, and the necessary support programs for creating elite winter athletes in many sports.
This year hockey superstar Sidney Crosby and snowboarder Alex Duckworth are the lone Nova Scotians. By comparison, Nova Scotia sent 11 athletes to the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
Expect those winter numbers to climb in the future, according to Ken Bagnell, the president of Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic. His group works with elite athletes and has insights into those local athletes capable of establishing themselves as national and international competitors.
Bagnell identifies five winter sports where Nova Scotia is dramatically improving and can possibly produce Olympic team contenders for the South Korean Winter Games in 2018 and beyond.
Speedskating: Though long-track speedskating has had a facility only since the Emera Oval was built for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, Nova Scotia skaters are already making national noise. At the weekend age-class long-track nationals in Quebec, Nova Scotia won four medals, with Cooper Emin taking two bronze.
"Young athletes like Cooper are starting to make their mark on the national scene," said Bagnell. "Athletes based at the Oval are tracking toward getting recognized at the national level. They are on the (Canadian) radar screen."
Snowboarding: Two-time Olympian Sarah Conrad and now Duckworth have already boosted the sport's local profile.
"We will be moving forward in snowboard. The conditions are right, both coaching and facility-wise, at Martock, in order to have a serious opportunity to put kids on the national team in the future."
Women's curling: Little surprise about optimism here after a rink skipped by Mary Fay of Chester, made up of three 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old, finished third at the recent Canadian juniors against teams largely comprised of players several years older.
"We are re-establishing ourselves at the younger ranks," Bagnell said. "At the Canada (Winter) Games here in 2011, we had a good show by our female curlers. It's certainly on an upswing."
Women's hockey: Nova Scotia has been producing several elite women's players who are consistently moving up the national ranks.
"We've seen Jillian Saulnier and Alexis Crossley play important roles for the under-22 and under-18 teams. Their progression is very positive and there are other girls who have been identified by the national team as well."
Bobsledding: Luke Demetre is a Canadian team alternate in Sochi. It's expected he'll play a much larger role at the next Olympics.
"With bobsledding, there has already been a commitment to Luke for him to join the piloting fraternity within the bobsled group," Bagnell said. "Him going into that mix is showing that he'll play a big role, from being a spare this time to being a central player in 2018, according to their plan."
One major factor in this optimism is that the provincial government and the Support for Sport lottery will continue to provide a level of funding — an announcement about more funding for provincial amateur sports was expected this morning — that's become so essential for helping the athletes and in building appropriate infrastructure.
It's the consistently strong coaching, sound development programs and improved facilities that allow sport insiders like Bagnell to predict good times for Nova Scotia athletes at future Winter Olympics.
And that's great news for all those Nova Scotians glued to their television sets this week.


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By Dustin Luca
---- — ANDOVER — A privately owned tractor trailer rolled over on an Interstate-495 off-ramp yesterday morning, triggering traffic headaches and a large-scale response throughout the area.
The trailer, trucking a load of aluminum materials, rolled over going from Interstate 495 south to Route 93, exit 40 in Andover at 11:28 a.m. yesterday, according to State Police Lt. Daniel Richard.
The cause of the crash remained unknown yesterday afternoon and is the subject of an ongoing state police investigation headed up by the Andover State Police barracks, Richard said.
But in the moments following the spill, it was all hands on deck as traffic backed up for miles — even into Lawrence.
"We had units from the State Police in Andover, Andover Fire and EMS, Mass Highway, State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section. ... They all responded to the scene," Richard said.
As an eye in the skies, the State Police air-wing also responded to monitor traffic, according to Richard.
The highway's southbound lanes and two affected interchange ramps — both directions of Interstate 93 feeding onto Interstate 495 south — were closed until nearly an hour later, 12:23 p.m., when one of the on-ramps reopened, according to Richard.
The left and center lanes of Interstate 495 southbound also reopened at that time, Richard said. All lanes and both ramps were finally flowing at 1:40 p.m., though the breakdown lane remained closed due to the crash.
The truck in question was driven by 71-year-old Kenneth Rishel, president and owner of KLR Transport Inc., based out of Dover, Penn., according to Richard.
Injuries were unknown last night, Richard said, though no other vehicles or people were involved.


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Roger Gracie vs Marcus Almeida Buchecha Fight Video – Metamoris Pro Submission Grappling. The event took place on Oct. 14th 2012 in San Diego, California.
Lots of great sweeps and great submission attempts. I love this website.
I thought that last arm bar was it….daaaammmmnnnn! Painful escape♠
Buchecha is the best bjj player in the world.
WOW that was awesome>>>Marcus looked fantastic!!
Buchecha is a beast…. It's great to see the Ace Jujitsu patch on his gi. (Fountain Valley, CA)
Wow the transition to arm-bar was amazing!
sorry for the noob question because no one else seems to be concerned with this issue.. but who won?
i could beat both these noobs with wwe leglocks
talk about boring, where the fk is King Mo when you need him
ps. it seems to me that no one wins this bout unless submition happened. correct me if I'm wrong.
@dub exactly what i thought.
@dub again i think i found out the reason for no winner.it was a sub only match with no points.if no one gets subbed its a draw.
dub – according to these rules, which were: 20 minute match, Win by submission, otherwise draw. So neither won in this match
Roger sucks at MMA he better just roll on the ground
Roger is one of the top five grapplers in the world, and with a 5-1 mma record, hardly "sucks" at mma. After making the move to Black House, and training with Anderson Silva, it'll be interesting to see how his standup improves.
thanks for explaining guys. now i understand..


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Shevchenko defends move from football to politics
YALTA, Ukraine (AFP) — Ukraine's recently retired football star Andriy Shevchenko strongly defended his controversial new political career, denying he is making money and saying he has already ploughed $1.2 million of his own funds into the project.
Shevchenko told Agence France-Presse in an interview at the weekend that he was certain his Ukraine Forward! party would win seats in parliament in legislative elections on October 28 when it will be just one of many factions jostling for space in the Verkhovna Rada.
"I did a lot for the country as a footballer and my decision today to go into politics is above all for the benefit of the country. This gives me strength and certainty to look calmly into the future," he said.
"Of course I was not (paid). I have a certain credit with people which I earned in the course of my career. This confidence is the most precious thing for me," he said during the interview in the Black Sea resort of Yalta.
He described the move into politics as the "best transfer" at the end of his glorious career that spanned stints at his beloved Dynamo Kiev, AC Milan and Chelsea and culminated in Ukraine's hosting of Euro 2012.
But the striker bewildered even admirers in July when he announced he was quitting football to join the new Ukraine Forward!, a pro-business party run by Nataliya Korolevska that some suspect has been set up by the authorities.
The party still has a low profile in Ukraine and some commentators alleged that the clean-cut superstar, who is a hugely popular figure, must have been offered substantial sums to join the nascent force.
But Shevchenko, who turns 36 later this month, insisted that he was in fact putting his own money into the party and a political vision of the future was behind his decision to move into politics.
"The party is financed by myself, (party leader) Nataliya Korolevska, (her deputy) Yevgen Suslov as well as our comrades and our members. I have spent 10 million hryvnia ($1.2 million) so far," Shevchenko said.
Yet Ukraine Forward! and the striker nicknamed "Sheva" face a tough challenge to win the minimum five per cent of votes needed to get into parliament.
They are lagging behind not just the Regions Party of President Viktor Yaunkovych and the united opposition of jailed ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko, but also the UDAR (punch) party of fellow Ukrainian sports star, the boxer Vitali Klitschko.
"We will make it into parliament I am sure," said Shevchenko, grinning broadly.
The party also has to shake off allegations it is a front created by the ruling Regions Party aimed at siphoning votes off the Tymoshenko-led opposition.
"It was not the best header by Shevchenko," was one of the nastier jokes going round on Ukraine's Internet after his entry into politics, playing on the fact the footballer was never known for his cerebral side.
The latest poll by the Rating sociological group places Ukraine Forward! in sixth place with 3.7 per cent of the vote behind the nationalists and the Communists as well as the main contenders.
Shevchenko is playing a pivotal role in his new party's campaign, travelling across the country, and pictures of him next to Korolevska are now a familiar feature of pre-election Ukraine.
He admitted that the campaigning had made him tired and burdens were "completely different" to those of football.


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How little hope do Republicans have of unseating Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., in November? The Republican Governor's Association just dropped their second ad in the state's gubernatorial race, and they give the senator a boost in the course of attacking Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.
"Obama made war on coal, pushing higher taxes, more regulations," says the ad's announcer. "I took them to court and we won," says Tomblin in a clip. "Whoa, hold on there, partner," the announcer answers. "Earl Ray did not take Obama to court, Gov. Manchin did."
And a signal that the popular senator isn't too worried about the race: He just released his second campaign ad -- and it's another positive spot, featuring his wife cutting his hair. He's running against businessman John Raese, who also challenged him in a much closer race in 2010.
Tomblin is also running in a rematch -- against Bill Maloney, whom he faced in the special gubernatorial race last year. But the governor's race this year is considered potentially more competitive than the Senate contest.
In contrast to Manchin's latest spot, Tomblin released a hard-hitting attack ad today.
Don't Miss Today's Top Stories
Chock full of usable information on today's issues."
Michael, Executive Director
Concise coverage of everything I wish I had hours to read about."
Chuck, Graduate Student
The day's action in one quick read."
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Great way to keep up with Washington"
Ray, Professor of Economics


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La Jolla Sidewalk, Bakery Crash Case Advances
Ronald Troyer, 66, Faces A Maximum Of 12 Years In Prison If Convicted
Jury selection will begin Wednesday for the trial of a man accused of crashing his car onto a La Jolla sidewalk and into a bakery, injuring three teens and two adults.Ronald Troyer, 66, is charged with felony reckless driving and hit-and-run, and three misdemeanor counts of driving on a suspended license. He faces a maximum of 12 years in prison if convicted, Deputy District Attorney David Uyar said.Jury selection was supposed to begin Tuesday, but attorneys needed more time to prepare and Judge William Kronberger Jr. delayed the process of picking a jury until Wednesday.Uyar previously told a judge that Troyer was convicted twice in 2005 for driving under the influence. He also has convictions in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for driving with a suspended license, according to DMV records.Troyer's blood was drawn at the hospital following the crash and tested positive for the active ingredients in marijuana, according to earlier court testimony.A man who was riding with Troyer testified at an earlier hearing that the defendant hit a curb in a roundabout just before the 7 p.m. accident, sped up in anger and "floored it" while taking his hands off the steering wheel, thrusting the car onto the sidewalk in the 5500 block of La Jolla Boulevard and into the Cass Street Cafe & Bakery.One teenage girl was pinned under Troyer's car for a time and two teenage boys suffered broken bones, Uyar said. A man and his wife sitting at a window-side table at the bakery also were injured.Troyer allegedly tried to walk away and avoid responsibility after the crash, telling witnesses "someone stole my car."


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Redeeming through Christ
We are Rational missionaries
Implementing Radical ideas
R3 is an Adventist mission think tank that seeks to combine biblical innovative approaches to spiritual awakening with traditional forms of evangelism.
Service projects tailored to specific mission fields that integrate teaching, healing, and gospel ministries that seek to mirror Christ's.
Capturing and promoting ministry in various media forms to reveal God's character and work in our present time.
Innovating ideas for how vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, and songwriters can utilize their Christ-given gifts for missions.
To love Him, the infinite, omniscient One, with the whole strength, and mind, and heart means the highest development of every power.
Our culturally diverse team are Young, Experienced, and Passionate about finishing God's work in this generation.
Our projects seek to be creative, fresh, bold and biblical, but always thought through carefully, prayerfully, collaboratively and executed with patience.
R3 is collaborating with Spicer Memorial College, Pune Adventist Hospital, Moore SDA Church and more to plan 3 missions in 2014.
R3 is exploring traditional, photo, and video journaling of mission experiences across the globe along-side an online training platform and national geographic-esque mission magazine.
R3 endeavors to create resources, opportunities, and networks of musicianaries across the globe in order to sound the note of God's love through the heavenly gift of music.
R3 does a lot of the things that I only dream about doing in the future. However, it caused my secret fear that my colleagues will finish the work before I even get on the field.
It is unreal the amount of people who are impressed by the mission statement of R3 and want to be a part of that. It's making me so excited for the future.
R3 has that Christ-focus. Rational, we weren't trying to catch people and bring them in by emotion. It was practical, answering people's questions. Radical, it was still something with young people leading it, and it was amazing.
R3 really utilizes the Biblical model that Christ left in Matthew—teaching, preaching, and healing—and that perfect synergy together, to meet the needs of the people and to impart those spiritual blessings that would allow them to grow into a loving relationship with Christ, to prepare them to meet Him face to face.
R3 is a really great opportunity for young people to experience Christ firsthand in the mission field, away from their own comfort zone. It's an accessible and practical way for people to experience Jesus, to share Jesus.
My favorite part was seeing the children taking the Bibles and reading them. To think of what effect that may have in years to come, the possibilities are just endless.
If you like what we have done, hire us or join us as we link the professions, training, and talents of Adventists with radical service for Christ.
If you're thirsting for mission and opportunities to serve alongside a global community of youth, we'd love to partner with you in service.


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Select Route:
This area is on the far east end of the island, facing la Zona Hotelera. It's sunny and can get very hot. Bring plenty of sunscreen.
Getting There
Rent a bike, moped, or golf cart and head as far east as you can. At the entrance to the park walk towards the far east point and head down the stairs towards the ocean. Most climbs face south on the point.
Climbing Season
1 Total Routes
Featured Route For Parque Garrafon
Cave Traverse V2+ 5+ PG13 North America : Mexico : ... : Parque Garrafon
Start on the left side of the cave with hands in any of the deep pockets. Work up into the roof of the cave and out to the right. Route ends whenever you feel safe enough to drop onto the walking path...[more] Browse More Classics in International
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From International Go to Forum | What's New | Post New Topic


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Get ideas and inspiration, find easy to use patterns
and tutorials for your next sewing project.
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Easy, delicious Dhania Jhinga is inspired by South Indian foods and a coastal style of cooking. It is a simple dish but full of fresh flavors and comes together in next to no time - no special chef-like skills or hours of cooking required! My suggestion is not to overcook the prawns/ shrimps as they will then become rubbery. I like to use larger prawns (also known as King Prawns) to cook Dhania Jhinga. Just make sure to clean and devein them completely. Serve Dhania Jhinga as an appetizer by itself - skewered with toothpicks - or as a main dish with hot, freshly made Chapatis.
- For the masala: 2 tsps ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp urad daal (yellow lentil)
- 2 green chillies (optional but desirable, so add more or less depending on how hot you want the dish)
- 5-6 curry leaves
- 1 cup (tightly packed) fresh green coriander
- 1/2 cup (tightly packed) fresh mint
- 1/2 fresh coconut grated
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1" piece of ginger
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Salt to taste
- The rest: 3 tbsps oil
- 1 large or 2 medium onions, sliced very thin
- 1/2 kg prawns/ shrimps, shelled and deveined
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh, green coriander to garnish with
- In a small pan, heat the ghee and then hot add the mustard seeds, curry laves, green chillies and urad daal. all the ingredients will splutter so be very careful. I like to use a splatter cover to prevent accidental burns!
- Fry till the ingredients stop spluttering and turn darker in color.
- Remove from the fire and add to the coconut.
- Add all the other masala ingredients and grind together in a food processor until a smooth paste is formed. Keep aside for later use.
- Heat the cooking oil in a wok/ kadhai or a deep, heavy bottomed pan. When the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and fry until they turn pale golden in color.
- Now add the masala made as above and fry. In a while, the oil will begin to separate from the masala and it will turn fragrant. This could take up to 10 minutes and is an indication that it is cooked. Stir almost constantly as the masala could easily burn. Keep heat on medium.
- When the masala is ready, add the prawns/ shrimps and stir to coat them completely with the masala. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Plate up or put in serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh, green coriander. Serve immediately with hot Chapatis!
Tip: The green masala paste can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or even frozen for convenient use later.


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Thread: Base url
Mar 2, 2011, 12:05 #1
Base url
Hey there,
I was just reading the w3 schools definition of what base url does. I can see that if you specify an absolute path for your images in the base url (eg.<base href="http://www.w3schools.com/images/" />), all you need to do is reference the image filename and the baseurl will complete the filepath to your images for you.What I want to know is, can you override that by specifying an absolute path in order to reference a file or indeed page from elsewhere?
Mar 2, 2011, 15:12 #2
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are you asking that you want to use another absolute path outside your server for a page?
I don't use base href anymore (I setup absolute paths via my htaccess file) so not sure if it would affect your link if you added an absolute path there.
I do know however it does work correctly via htaccess.
For example I have all of my site links to preface with http://www.atseadesign. The URL part of my image or link then has /directory/file.
But in other areas of my site I use an absolute path without any problems. i.e. http://twitter.com/blahblah
I guess the best way to see if it works is throw it in there and try it.


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Fans of New York City opera have a chance to own a piece of history as more than 2,000 items including costumes, sets and props from over 80 productions go up for auction.
Among the pieces available is a 1955 Ford which appeared in Elixir of Love; the wagon from Pagliaccio; a jacket from Casanova and many other vintage and period pieces.
All auction items must be picked up at the opera's warehouse in North Bergen, New Jersey.
Bidding ends at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
For more details on all the items and to place a bid, visit SoldTiger.com.
4739 NW 53rd Avenue, Sutie BGainesville, FL 32653
Phone: (352) 371-0051


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Boone, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Lucas Troutman notched a game-high 21 points for the Elon Phoenix as they topped the Appalachian State Mountaineers, 83-76, in Southern Conference play at the Holmes Center.
Sebastian Koch was responsible for 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Ryley Beaumont and Jack Isenbarger both scored 14 points for the Phoenix (12-11, 5-3 SoCon), who have won consecutive games. Tanner Samson added 11 points.
Chris Burgess netted a team-high 19 points for the Mountaineers (6-15, 2-6), who have lost back-to-back games. Mike Neal (17 points), Tab Hamilton (15), Tommy Spagnolo (10) also scored in double figures. Michael Obacha grabbed 13 rebounds.
The Phoenix started strong, shooting 62.1 percent from the field, including 7- of-16 from 3-point range in the first half. At the other end, the Mountaineers converted 54.2 percent from the floor but the hosts trailed 45-34 at the half.
In the second half, the Mountaineers dipped slightly to 52 percent, but that included 7-of-12 from the perimeter. The Phoenix shot 47.8 percent, which was good enough to hold onto the lead, as they also got 12-of-15 from the line. Their lead was a large as 17, just over seven minutes into the half.
Elon outscored the home team 32-24 in the paint and knocked down 11 3- pointers in the victory.
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Any given Sunday. That's the mantra of the NFL. Each week at least one team pulls off the improbable upset and ruins just about everyone's Pick 'em pool. So who's it going to be this week?
Looks like a good week for upsets. There are an incredible eight out of fourteen games with long odds of at least 5.5 points. And six games with 7 or more points. But only two teams are big favorites as visitors. Who will be this week's biggest spoiler?


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Art helps people reach a wide audience without shouting from the top of radio towers, provocatively dancing behind local TV field reporters, or tying speech bubbles to migrating birds. Express yourself with this Groupon.
Choose from Three Options
- $39 for 2 BYOB painting classes (a $90 value)
- $69 for 4 BYOB painting classes (a $180 value)
- $285 for BYOB private party for up to 10 people (up to a $450 value)
In two- to three-hour classes, you create pre-chosen works of art with expert guidance. While you get step-by-step instructions, there's room to add your own personal touch. Classes include all supplies, as well as complimentary water, coffee, and tea. Students are welcome to bring their own beer, wine, and snacks. Check out the schedule here. With two or four-class options, customers can use all classes at once for a night out with friends, or spread them out to attend classes solo. The private-party package is good for a 2–3 hour party, and can only be redeemed by groups consisting of 4–10 people.
For the Love of Art
For the Love of Art owner Carri Miles grew up in different parts of the country, but discovered her love of art early on—winning contests and showing pieces in galleries as early as middle school. Once landing in Charleston, she decided to share her passion with the world. She bought a charming, red-trimmed house and transformed it into a studio open to the public. For the Love of Art hosts regular painting classes, in which their students put brush to canvas while sipping wine or beer brought from home and listening to music. Instructors lead classes through each pre-chosen art piece step-by-step, leaving room for individual expression and eschewing difficult instructions such as "use broad brushstrokes to achieve a sfumato aesthetic" or "go steal a Picasso and say it's yours."
Tips from Groupon Customers
"Great experience. A beginner can really go home with a good feeling and a nice piece of art of their very own. Teacher very skilled at breaking the process into..."
"Great experience. A beginner can really go home with a good feeling and a nice piece of art of their very own. Teacher very skilled at breaking the process into manageable steps so don't feel overwhelmed and a success is guaranteed as well as a fun time. "
"Great fun - will go again."
"Lots of fun and Carrie is so patient and helpful for the newbies. "


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Buying clothes for my kids can drive me crazy sometimes! I swear that they never wear one size. It all depends on what brand they are wearing or what type of clothes they are wearing. And pants are the worst! My youngest kids are 2 and 3 and it is impossible to find them pants that fit them in both the waist and length. Cheyenne is the worst when it comes to clothes. She is very tiny and the pants that I am able to fit her in the waist are way to long in her little legs. I have tried hemming them but to hem all of her pants would be super time consuming and I would rather spend time with the kiddos, plus I hate sewing.Sizes always vary Brand to Brand. Sometimes a 3 is an "age three" vs. a "3t." And other times, for no reason at all, a 4 fits in one brand and a 5 in another.
My Hikes are Fun for kids to wear. My kids have started to collect my hikes. The original artwork is whimsical, colorful and 3-dimensional. They make your kid's cuffed pants look like cleverly accessorized clothing instead of a clothing mishap. My favorite thing about My Hikes is how easy and fast they are to use and even removal is super easy! Even faster than tying your child's shoes!
For both kids and grown-ups, when pants are too long, they get underneath the heels. This is bothersome to the wearer and damaging to the pants. Pants are even more likely to drag the floor when shoes are taken off. My Hikes™ helps keep the pants off the floor and in better shape.
"As kids grow, there are "in between size" phases where their jeans or pants only look long enough if they stand perfectly still like a statue. The minute they walk, run, sit or move in any way, the jeans look TOO SHORT! As Moms and Dads, this is soooo annoying! And even though it bothers us, we tolerate the short pants for as long as we can stand it. That's because we know when we first upgrade the size, the new pants will be TOO LONG! Stop letting the slightly too short pants embarrass you or kids! Go ahead and upgrade the size, now you have My Hikes™ to help."
Amazingly kids can change pant sizes before the winter season ends. With My Hikes™, you can buy the size your child will be a few months from now and save money on clothes. Kids and parents won't find a little room to grow bothersome anymore!
Mommy and Baby Reviews LOVES My Hikes and recommends that everyone with growing kids buys them!
(I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.)


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- What Killed the King of Pop? DVDMichael Jackson's dramatic death was more than just the loss of a man--it was the beginning of a legacy he'd leave behind. This hard-hitting documentary traces the last months of the singer's life, examines the circumstances that led to his untimely passing, and explores the controversy and…$6.99Add to Cart
- Moonwalk Book (Hardcover) BookThe #1 New York Times bestseller! Michael Jackson�s one and only autobiography � his life, in his words.With original Foreword by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a new Introduction by Motown founder Berry Gordy, and an Afterword by Michael Jackson�s editor and publisher, Shaye Areheart.�I�ve…$25.00Add to Cart
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SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Councilman Carl DeMaio and Rep. Bob Filner, D-San Diego, both offered support for efforts to boost innovation in the local economy during a mayoral forum Wednesday in Balboa Park.
Innovation was the theme of the debate, one of five this week, hosted by the San Diego Innovation Alliance and KPBS.
Few jabs were offered by the candidates. DeMaio said city funding for the arts and sciences was still dependent on continued reforms in city finances, while Filner said one has to think bigger.
"I'm sick of hearing, frankly, of this bang for the buck and this fiscal thing when we talk about arts, culture and innovation," Filner said. "These are things that are good for themselves, and we ought to have a mayor who understands that, and can glorify it and who can defend it."
DeMaio told the audience at the Museum of Photographic Arts that his opponent doesn't want to worry about the money.
"We all love the idea -- it's what unites us," DeMaio said. "But what you want is a mayor who can get us there, achieve this vision and get things done."
Going into debt to fund the innovation concept will be repeating past fiscal mistakes, he said.
The forum was moderated by Erik Anderson of KPBS, with questions from Mark Cafferty, CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.; Joyce Gattas, of the San Diego State University College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts; and former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy, head of the Urban Lands Institute.
A recording will be available online at KPBS.com beginning on Thursday.
DeMaio said he wants to be mayor of a city that dares to dream big. Innovation, arts and culture are important not just for quality of life, but for economic competitiveness, he said.
Filner pointed to his academic background, which combined history and science, and said a mayor has to embody the idea of innovation.


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Will Google release much rumored new Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie in early 2013?
Yes, suggest latest rumors which also speculates that the new OS would indeed set foot before Jellybean could ever complete one cycle.
For 2012, Google released Android 4.1 and 4.2 Jellybean as their latest firmware version and next year
IB Times reports one Manu Cornet, a Google employee, confirming the new Android version's name and having showed the image of Android evolution since its first very stable release.
The image demonstrates the ever changing progress of the OS platform from a slow Android holding a gingerbread then honeycomb as it continues to feel livelier with an ice cream sandwich, jellybean, and the key lime pie.
The new Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, speculated to be released by May 2013, is rumored t first come on LG Optimus G2 smartphone.
Michael Mon Jan 14 at 12:19 PM
Thanks to XDA Jellybean 4.1 can run on a lot of devices. My Captivate runs 4.2.1 on 512MB RAM pretty cleanly. So, unless KLP is super-bloated then rest assured that even us poor folk with some know how will see it sooner than most.
mason makita Fri Jan 11 at 08:58 AM
hopefully it won't require 2GB RAM (like on most recent super phones) OR else v5 will be limited to select phones only.


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Aloha Water Company is Hawaii's premier bottled water company, providing Oahu island wide delivery of purified, alkalized, and distilled bottled water. Available in 3, 5, and 6 gallon sizes delivered to your door with Aloha.
Aloha Water Company also specializes in the installation of home systems. Carrying only the top brands in the industry, Aloha Water sells and installs Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Purification systems.
At Aloha Water Company, we offer the following products and services:
- Purified Water
- Alkalized Water
- Distilled Water
- Water Dispensers
- Water Treatment Systems
- Bottle Information
If you are interested in any of our services, please call (808) 486-3300 and let us help you Experience the Taste of Aloha.


text: I am hoping to watch hockey this season from a more analytical perspective than I have in the past. I would really like to learn more about the the system Adam Oates is trying to employ. So if anyone knows of any pieces on the Caps system that would help me I would greatly appreciate if you directed me to them. It would probs work a lot better than sifting through google search results. Thanks in advance!


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Your Account
Ladies' Home Journal® Magazine
By Trisha Yearwood
Buttermilk adds tang to this creamy and satisfying comfort food.
Chicken Pie
Makes 6 servings
Work: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour
3 cups shredded, cooked chicken
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup self-rising cake flour
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 cup buttermilk, well shaken
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a 2-quart casserole, evenly spread out chicken. In a medium saucepan, whisk together broth and soup; bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour over chicken.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and pepper; stir in buttermilk and butter. Pour over chicken (do not stir); smooth top.
3. Bake pie, uncovered, until browned and bubbly, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition facts per serving:
417 calories
24g total fat
12g sat fat
1,180mg sodium
24g carbs
117mg calcium
109mg chol
26g protein
1g fiber


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The Chiefs select another d-lineman in the first round in the latest from the NFP.
The now former (probably) defensive lineman for the Chiefs is likely gone from K.C., with no contract and his number given to Dontari Poe.
2012 NFL Draft: Recapping Picks 11-15 In Round One
The Kansas City Chiefs are a team on the verge of becoming favorites in the AFC West. They get Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry back from injury. They signed right tackle Eric Winston and...
As the hours tick down to the NFL draft, here is a last minute summation of two dozen mocks. They point to Mark Barron being the pick for the Dallas Cowboys.
Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones has a chance to be the only first round pick from a Big East school in tomorrow night's NFL Draft.
After a day of voting, the readers have decided that the Pittsburgh Steelers would draft Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe. Now the Denver Broncos are up. The Broncos have greatest need on the...
With the twenty-sixth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, KByars selects...
In his latest NFL Mock Draft, Will Brinson has the Jacksonville Jaguars trading down and picking up a defensive lineman.
This pick was made by CardsDefense With the 20th pick in the 2012 NFL draft the Tennessee Titans select Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin. This was a fairly difficult decision. Tennessee recently signed...
Which defensive tackles would be the best fit for the St. Louis Rams?
With the thirteenth pick of the 2012 CSC Community Mock Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select...
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