text:
8/17 @ U.S. Cellular Field
I was pretty exited for this game. It was our first game in a while, and I was in a slump. I was very eager to break out of it.
We ran into the stadium shortly after when we thought the gates opened. We thought the gates opened at 11:40 but we later discovered they opened at 11:10. That was frustrating.
Anyway, today we had some friends with us at the game, Colby and Christian, from baseball.
Once got in the stadium Christian and I went here:
Blue Jays BP was one of the best BP's I had ever witnessed. Mainly because of Brett Lawrie, who crushed a homer our way almost every pitch. But I just couldn't catch a break. I never got my hands on one. It was extremely frustrating. I had tons of room to run.
One home run was hit to my left, I ran though a row, but my glove somehow got caught of the bench, so I had to pull it off the seat, and by the time I got it off, it was already to late. After that, I went back to my spot. A few swings later he hit it to my left again, but this time, some obese lady was standing in the middle of the row, and wouldn't get out of my way, so I couldn't get to that one. The very next pitch, he crushed it over by my spot. So I turned right back around and sprinted through the row, but this time I kind of tripped, and scraped up my knee. I recovered quickly but I was just enough to slow me down. After the ball landed, the same lady said "It's very dangerous to run for baseballs like that". That made me mad.
You know what's dangerous? Standing in the middle of a section when a Major League baseball player is crushing baseballs toward you, when you don't have a glove, and have no clue what you're doing!!!! BP is a war zone. You can't just stand (or sit, for that matter) in the middle of the section with people who actually know what they're doing running around, and actually trying to catch these things. Go find a seat up in the nose bleeds, or please don't come for BP.
Sincerely, Ballhawks
Anyway, after that whole fiasco, I headed back to my spot. After a break in the action, Lawrie stepped back into the cage for a few last pitches. The very last pitch of BP he crushed one directly at me. I sprung into action. I climbed down a few rows, and got into what I thought was perfect position, but the ball didn't carry, and fell 2 rows short, and I didn't get the ball. This one stung. I really thought I had that one.
After that, we met up with Nick and Colby, and then we headed our separate ways again. Christian and I ended up here
Waiting for the Blue Jays players to come out and warm up. After about a half hour a few players came out.
While we were waiting, I met this kid from Toronto named Michael. We talked baseball for a while until the Blue Jays players came out. After a failed attempt to get a baseball from (my twitter follower) Jòse Bautista, Michael helped me get some autographs. I got Munenori Kawasaki to sign my ticket, and then Michael dove deep into the crowd of Jays fans to get J.A. Happ, and Jòse Reyes to sign it also
Big shoutout to Michael. I should have given him my blog address. Oh, and by the way, this was the crowd of Jays fans:
They travel pretty well. I heard a few of them talking about going to Milwaukee to see them play there right after this (they played there the next series). They have a pretty awesome fan base.
We headed up to our seats shortly before first pitch. This was the view:
After the first few innings, I decided to go for third out balls with Colby. First we headed over toward the home plate end of the Sox dugout, but the third out wasn't a strike out, so that didn't work. Then, we headed over to the Jays dugout (I didn't get a picture). As soon as the third out was made, Colby and I got into great position to get the ball from Jòse Bautista. I believe we made eye contact, and then, he tossed the ball. Right over my head. He totally Big-Leagued me. I was the only Jays fan in the whole section.
After that we headed back to our seats. After sitting in our seats for an inning or two, we headed over to the other side of the stadium, where it was much warmer.
In about the bottom of the eighth inning Colby and I headed behind home plate to get into position for an umpire ball.
I noticed some scouts:
That was something I had never seen before.
Once the third out came, we moved to get into position, and the home plate umpire came through!
But Colby didn't get one, and I felt really bad. I thought the Ump was going to throw one to both of us.
Anyway, the Sox won! This was the first time we had ever seen the White Sox win in person.
1 ball this game
15 this season
8 games this season
0 games without BP
Box Score
Nick: 2
Me: 1
Christian: 0
Colby: 0
7/25 @ Wrigley Field
I knew this was going to be an interesting game when I found out I was going. I knew it was going to be difficult. Cubs vs Cards, a weekend game in the middle of July, and a giveaway day. I knew it was going to be a near sell out, and I had a feeling I would be walking out of the stadium with just a Jack Brickhouse bobblehead.
That wasn't the only thing I was worried about. My lifetime Cubs undefeated record was at risk. They have never lost a game with me in attendance. My first game was in 2006. Coming into this game my record was 7-0. Including a Rich Hill complete game (2006), A win at at Miller Park vs the Astros (The day after Zambrano threw his no-no, in 2008), and a win against Albert Pujols' Cardinals in 2009. It's safe to say the streak is battle tested.
Anyway, this game was part of a family reunion that lasted all weekend.
Anyway, the ballhawking group for today was Nick, and Jack, my cousin Erik, and my second cousin Ben.
After we parked the car, we walked to the street corner of Waveland and Kenmore, where some consider the birthplace of ballhawking. From there, we split up. Nick, Jack, and Erik got in line for the gates, and Ben, my second uncle Dave (Ben's dad), and I stayed out on the street.
Out there, I met Ballhawk legend Moe Mullins, and Dave Davison. We stood an talked for a few minutes and then I found a spot.
Here's where I stood:
We didn't get many chances at any balls. Only one ball left the stadium, and it took a bounce off the last row of bleachers inside the stadium, and bounced straight down. A few of us sprinted towards it, but it fell right to an usher (Yeah, an usher outside of the stadium. Fun stuff), who handed it to a Cardinals fan (Yeah, a Cards fan. These ushers are crazy). Shortly afterwards all the ballhawks ran over to Sheffield, because Anthony Rizzo's group was up. Before we headed over there I got my picture with Dave (who stayed over on Waveland):
We stood here on Sheffield:
Nothing made it out of the stadium over there, so we headed inside.
For those who aren't familiar with Wrigley field ballhawking, if you don't have a bleacher ticket you can't get into the bleachers. This was a big hit to my chances.
After we entered the stadium and got our bobble head we headed down the right field line:
Cubs BP was still going on, but there weren't any Cubs players standing in the corner. Right as I was going to run over to the Cubs dugout to try to get the elusive Wrigley Field commemorative baseball, the Cubs BP ended. It was very disappointing. I knew this was probably the last chance for me to get the Wrigley Field ball today. It was frustrating to say the least.
Anyway, I moved on, and tried to get something out of these Cardinals players:
The three guys closest to me on the right were doing some pitching drills. I was waiting on an overthrow, but it never came. They looked Hispanic, and they were talking to each other in Spanish, so I tried that with them, and that didn't work. No players in my general area even looked into the stands. Very stingy.
But the players by the bleachers? Not so much. Matt Holiday and his kid were throwing almost EVERY ball they got into the stands. I was very jealous. Just as I saw that going on, Matt Adams stepped into the box. My. Goodness. Gracious. Half of his BP homers found the street. He even hit one oppo onto Waveland. I was wasn't very happy about not being in the bleachers. I even thought about sneaking in at one point. I quickly scrapped that idea and I started to move towards the Cardinals dugout. I cut through a section, and as soon as an usher turned his back I moved into perfect position to get a ball after BP.
So, I stood and watched the end of BP. When BP ended nobody tossed out anything. Zip, Zilch, Zero.
So much for the "Best team in baseball" being nice to the "Best fans in baseball". Smh.
After that I headed to the other side of the seating bowl, When an usher wasn't looking, I moved here:
That same usher swiftly kicked me from the section. After checking my ticket he said "Yeah, BP is over". Really? You think I'm that stupid? Whatever.
After that I went over where Wellington Castillo was warming up.
After he finished playing catch, he put on his gear, and he started practicing blocking balls in the dirt, right up against the wall, right in front of me. When one rolled behind him, I saw the logo, and it was commemorative! He also had another one in his back pocket. After he finished he scanned the crowd for people to throw the balls to, and he threw one to someone to be right (who dropped it 2 times), and someone just to my right. I guess it was just one of those days.
During BP, my uncle took a picture of Jack, and Erik, which basically describes the day ballhawking wise:
After that I headed up to my seat. Here was the view:
When I got up there I decided to not try for baseballs during the game. It was tempting, but I really just wanted to sit back, relax, and watch the game with some of my family that I don't see often.
As for the game, it was a nail biter. The Cardinals took a first inning lead, and the lead seesawed back and forth for the rest of the game. Luis Valbuena hit the game winning dinger in the bottom of the 8th to put the Cubs up by a run. They would hang on in the 9th to win 7-6, to keep the streak intact!
Overall, It was a great day, even though it wasn't so great ballhawking wise.
Here are some picture my uncle took during the game:
8 lifetime Cubs games
Lifetime record 8-0
Ryan Sweeny has 8 RBIs and 2 homers when I am in attendance
0 balls this game
14 this season
26 lifetime
Box score
Nick: 2
Dave: ?
Everyone else: 0
7/11 @ Citizens Bank Park
This was the most frustrating game of my ballhawking career. By far. It was rough.
It all started leaving Baltimore. We got out of the hotel late, and once we got on the road we hit bad traffic right around Wilmington, Delaware. We crawled all the way to Philly. By the time we got to the hotel the gates were just about open. We had the choice between that night's game, and Saturday night's game. I'm not entirely sure what the heck I was thinking, but we ended up going to that nights game…. Ugh.
By the time we got out of the hotel (it was the Marriott Courtyard right by the sports complex) it was just about 5pm (the time the gates opened), and we didn't have tickets yet. So, we had a taxi drop us off by the left field ticket office, where we bought tickets, and then we headed over to the left field gate:
Which was just opening. We had such a hard time getting to the gates on time this trip. It's very frustrating.
After I got my bag checked and my ticket scanned I ran to left:
Where I didn't get any toss ups. The only interesting thing that really happened was the Nats throwing around a football thing that made a noise like a bird whenever it was in the air. They did that at every game we saw them before BP. Pretty funny.
After about a half hour of not much action, I headed over to right, which was closed for the first half hour because of 'Social night'.
See the guy in red, with the blue cap in the first row? That's Harrison Tishler, a ballhawk my age. Go follow him on twitter (click his name), and he also has a blog.
Another ballhawk my age, Maddie Landis, was also at this game. You can follow her on twitter (Click her name), and go check out her blog.
I mainly came to this game just to meet them. My main goal isn't just snag baseballs when I go to games, I also like to meet people. It's especially nice to meet some people your age!
By the time I got to right field, Phillies BP was over, and the first group of Nats BP was underway. That group included the best BP hitter I have ever seen; Bryce Harper. After seeing him in BP the last 2 games, I knew exactly where to play him. When he stepped in the box I headed up to about the 15th ish row, and stood on the aisle. Well, my position was spot on……Sort of……
Harper started CRUSHING homers to the other side of the section. I ran to that side, only to see it bounce off someone/something, and deflect back onto the field. That happened about 4 or 5 times. It was EXTREMELY frustrating.
After that I headed back over to left. It was very very crowded, so I mainly went for toss ups. A group of three Nats were standing on the outfield. Lots of fans were yelling at them to throw up a ball whenever one of them got one. Eventually one of them obliged and threw it to some adults right in front of me. Somehow it got passed them, and rolled right to me. A scrum ensued. Some other kid and I dropped to the ground and started grabbing for it, but neither of us could get a handle on it, and it rolled down the aisle, right to a kid who just got one.
After that, nothing much happened. I thought I would go down by the foul line, because the player that was over there was tossing out a bunch of baseballs. As soon as I started heading over there, someone hit a homer right where I was standing. It was just that type of day, I guess.
Shortly after that, BP ended. So, I headed over the the ballhawking world famous pizza wedge, where we awaited the ballhawking world famous Jesus Tiamo, as he always throws out two baseballs before the game. Here they are sitting on the bench in the 'pen:
(one is right behind the yellow thing). After a loooooooonnnnngggg wait, Jesus arrived:
He entered the bullpen, grabbed one of the balls, and tossed it to………………….. You guessed it!!!
Not me.
That one baseball just sat. So Maddie and I waited and waited and waited for him to toss it out. And he never did. Right before the game started we got kicked from the wedge, so I headed up to my seat:
Where I sat for a while, and then went down to field level to get this heavenly Philly cheesesteak:
It was the highlight of my day. By far.
After watching the game for a few innings at our seats, Nick and I headed over to the SRO area right behind the Nationals 'pen, to try to snag a ball and salvage the ballhawking disaster that was this game:
Every inning we tried to get a warm up ball out of the Nats coach. Nick got one in about the 8th inning, but I had no such luck.
At that point I just tried to stay positive. I was actually pretty confident I would get one at the end of the game. So, the top of the 9th rolled around, and the Phillies were just about to close it out. I was just about ready to spring into action and keep the trip's streak alive. But guess who decided to show up. The rotten, no good, malicious, Mr. "I already snagged two balls, but I'm hungry for more", kid brother; Jacob "Jack" Larson.
Sure enough, he comes and stands right next to me. At this point I was anything but calm. I was livid. I knew my chance of getting a ball was over.
So, as soon as the game ended, the people from the pen started cleaning up their stuff, and started to get going back to the clubhouse. But, a warm up ball was still sitting out. Right as a Nats player was about to head out with the bag, a security guard handed him the ball, and he started scanning the crowd. He obviously found Jack, and threw it underhand right between us. A million thoughts went through my head in the 2 or 3 seconds the ball was in the air. Ultimately, my ballhawking instincts kicked in, and I reached over the railing and caught the ball. As soon as I did, Jack was not to happy. As I was getting chewed by Jack, the Nats player pointed at Jack, so I handed him the ball. I'm not that big of a jerk. But guess what? The knucklehead was ungrateful. He pouted the whole way out of the stadium and back to the hotel.
And, hey, I wasn't to happy either. I'm not a big fan of giving away baseballs. I just don't like doing it. I like to keep the balls that I snag. I like to watch my actual collection of baseballs grow. Sure, I'll give away a ball to a little kid every once in a while, but my brother? Heck no.
It was just the cherry on top of a frustrating day.
And, yes, I'm counting the ball. I count the balls I give away. It would have been mine if the thief didn't show up anyways…..
One more thing. Save your "You get plenty of baseballs" and "Your a crybaby, shut up" comments. This is my brother, okay? I wouldn't be mad if this was some random little kid. This is different.
Just a frustrating day at the park. But hey, at least I saw a new ballpark! I'm now at 8 lifetime.
1 ball
14 season
26 lifetime
7/10 @ Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Baseball road trip stop #2
Just like the last game, I was looking forward to this game for a long time. A lot more than the Nats game. But, I knew it was going to be more difficult.
At first, I was scared that there would be no BP. This was the scene as we pulled in to Baltimore:
(Yes, I know, that's a football stadium). It was POURING. Like crazy. For about an hour.
My worries went away, when Rick Gold reported that the cage was up.
We ran a little bit late, and got to the gates with about 3 minutes to spare. Again, we had a spot in line saved for us, by Grant Edrington. Just like the game at Nats park, we couldn't get couldn't get to the spot before the gates opened.
When we got in the stadium we ran to left field for Season Ticket holder BP (courtesy of Avi Miller).
Yeah, it was bright and sunny. Crazy, right?
Anyway, when I ran in I said hi to Grant, and then found a spot. There were a few homers I was close to, but nothing super close during O's BP.
Shortly after Nationals' BP started, the floodgates opened, and the public was let into left field. It was a huge crowd. I knew then it was going to be difficult to get shutout.
A few minutes after the public was let in I had a super close call. A National hit a homer that hit a seat and then rolled onto the ground. I scrambled up to the row in front of it, and tried to grab it. It somehow ended up on a seat in my row. It was me and some other guy who grabbed it at the same time. I almost had it in my grasp, when the other guy moved his glove up (the ball was kind of resting on his glove, which was on his hand) in the air and the ball flew up in the air and landed a few rows behind us. It was frustrating.
Right after that I introduced myself to Alex Kopp. He helped me out big time. Here's how:
There was a kind of short and chubby coach wandering around the outfield, and he was tossing out a few baseballs here and there. I asked Alex if he knew who he was (Grant also chimed in) and he said he knew his first name was Ali.
That's Ali in the middle (he might have seen me take the picture. He's looking straight at me).
The next time he got a ball I climbed down a few rows, and yelled "ALI!". He started looking around with a strange expression on his face, so I yelled his name again and waved. He looked at me with a strange, almost suspicious look on his face and said: "How do you know my name?". I really didn't know what to say at that point, so I said "I read the roster!". He said "I'll give you one later…". So, I went back to my spot. After a few minutes, he ended up getting a few. So, I waved my hands, and he threw it right to me, but then some guy, who meets the description of a four letter word that I'm not going to say on this blog, ran through the row in front of me (I was standing in about the 4th row) and swatted it down towards the front row. Ali looked at me/the guy with a not to happy look on his face, and he waved me down to the front row. After a few pitches he came over and said "Why didn't you push him over?" and I said "I don't want to start a fight!". He laughed and handed me a ball:
It was kind of fun.
After that I went back to my spot.
There weren't any close calls until the very last pitch of BP, when a National crushed a homer in my direction. I ran through a row, and got in perfect position, but another guy who was in the row in front of me was also in perfect position, and he caught it. My glove was literally right behind his. Well, according to Alex, the last pitch of BP is good luck, so better than nothing I guess.
Anyway, after that I followed Alex, and met up with all the ballhawks (Grant, Rick, Tim Anderson, and a former usher whose name I forgot). From there Grant, Alex, Rick, and I went to do trivia (I couldn't do trivia, you have to be 18). What happens is, you have to take a survey, then you get a free t-shirt, then in order to do trivia you have to have your t-shirt.
So, I watched Grant do trivia:
(I'm not sure who he is playing with..)
After that Grant gave me the t-shirt (which is on the table in the last photo)!
After we finished over at trivia Grant and I headed down to the third base line to try and get a warm up ball out of Adam Jones. I grabbed a seat about 10 or 15 rows up from the field (Jones usually launches his warm up ball deep), and waited for Jones to finished. As soon as he did he started scanning the crowd, and didn't throw it anywhere near me. But, two players were still warming up, one of them was Manny Machado. When he finished playing catch he scanned the crowd, found me, and tossed me this:
Commemorative! I'm glad to have another one. I like the logo.
After that, I headed over to the flag court to meet up with Grant and Alex again.
After a half inning there I headed over to my seat:
I sat there for a few innings. They were nice seats, but I was stuck in the middle of the row. Just as I was thinking about moving around, it started raining, so we moved here:
The rain wasn't very bad, so I decided to move around a little bit.
First, Nick and I headed over to the flag court for a few innings. We went to the flag court for lefties (there weren't many), and sat and talked for righties. After we said bye to Grant and Alex we headed over to where Rick was sitting.
There was lots of room to run. If there was a home run or foul ball anywhere in that area, Rick would have got it. No doubt.
We sat and talked for about a half inning or so. Before we left I had Rick take this picture for the MGB scavenger hunt:
And then we headed to get in position for an umpire ball.
We walked through the cross aisle all the way from Rick to the home plate area, where we walked right past an usher and a cop (who were in a conversation…) to get here:
Yeah, it was that easy.
Anyway, after the 3rd out was recorded, the home plate umpire came through the tunnel, and handed out a ball to Nick, Jack, and some random kid.
After that, we went by the dugout, and got nothing. We were going to wait for the people in the bullpen to come in, but they were having some sort of throwing session, so we headed out.
Overall, Camden Yards was awesome. Awesome park, good ballhawking, nice people.
Before I get to stats I am going to do something I usually don't:
Thank you's
Avi- Thanks for all the help with the tickets! STH BP was a big advantage! The seats were great. We'll have to meet in person sometime!
Grant- Thanks for all the tips, and the t-shirt! The tips helped out big time! And the t-shirt is an awesome souvenir. You saved me a few bucks!
Alex- Thanks for the assist on the Ali toss up. Needless to say, it was huge!
Rick- It was nice to meet you at these two games. It was very fun. Hope to see you in Chicago later this season!
Everybody- Thanks for letting us raid your territory for a few days. It was a lot of fun. Keep in touch.
2 baseballs
13 on the season
25 lifetime
5 games this season
Alex- 5
Tim- 5
Nick- 4
Rick- 3
Me- 2
Jack- 2
Post about CBP coming soon
7/8 @ Nationals Park – Baseball road trip 2014 stop #1
I had been looking forward to this game for a
long loooooooooooonnnngggggg time. But, first, before we start, I have something interesting to share. When we were touring the capitol building that morning I saw something that was kinda baseball/ballpark related (where ever I am I'm always thinking about baseball….). We walked through an interesting room that had a bunch of statues in it, and the room used to be the old house of representatives. On the floor it had small plaques marking where famous politician's desks used to be:
It kind of reminded me of the home run landing spot plaques at Camden Yards (my next stop on our baseball road trip).
Anyway…… We got to the gates around 4:27, 3 minutes before the gates opened. Rick Gold had spots saved for us at one of the gates, but we couldn't find him, so we just hopped in the back of a line right as the gates were opening:
After I got my bag checked and scanned my ticket I ran right to the red seats in left-center.
Where I was greeted by Rick. Right after that a ground rule double bounced right to where another guy and I were standing in the front row. It bounced off one of our gloves, over our shoulder to right where Rick was standing. He wasn't expecting it to get to him, so it bounced off him and rolled into the middle of a row. There was a scrum, and Rick came up with it.
A while after that I got a toss up from an unidentified National:
After that I headed over to right:
I stood on an aisle behind Rick. After a few close calls with some BP homers, I got a toss up from Gio Gonzalez.
I wasn't sure whether to catch this one or not. He tossed it right passed a guy in an Orioles' jersey, right to me. I didn't have to even move. I offered it to him, but he declined.
After a little while without much action a National hit a homer to the section to my right. I started moving toward it, but I couldn't get to the spot in time. It bounced off of someone's glove or a seat or something, and rolled down the row right to me, almost like it wanted me to have it.
It was then I realized I was in reach of breaking my single game record (4), which was my goal for the day, and it was only Nats BP!
During the last group of Nats hitters a few balls landed in the stands along the right field line. I saw a few ushers scanning those seats, but I didn't see them come up with any baseballs. So, as soon as Nats BP ended I made my way over there right as the seating bowl was opening. As soon as I got down there I looked in all the rows for the baseballs, but they weren't there. Apparently the ushers did pick them up.
After that I headed over to left, which was packed. Nothing really happened, except Rick cup tricked two balls from the pen. After I realized that Left field was impossible I headed back over to right. At this point the O's were putting on quite the show. Chris Davis, and Nelson Cruz hit a bunch of homers. I wasn't near many Davis homers, and the closest Cruz came to hitting one oppo was putting one on the batters eye in center (next to the red seats, keep that in mind later).
After their group was done Nick Markakis' group stepped up. He started hitting bombs right away. He hit a few to the second deck, and a few right around me. One of those was hit about a section away, and Rick and I chased after it. I gave up on it pretty quick and headed back to my spot on the aisle. Right when I got back to my spot Markakis hit one right to me. I reached up, but I squeezed my glove a bit too early, and the ball bounced off my glove, and I caught it with my bare hand. It was pretty cool. Then, I looked in my glove, and it got even more cool:
There wasn't much action until the last group of BP. Then, I decided to head back over the the red seats and try to get the baseballs that were still sitting on the batter's eye:
After BP ended a guy walked down the batters eye to get the balls. A few people asked for them, and he couldn't decide who to give it to (most of the people were wearing O's stuff) so he tossed them both straight in the air. I jumped, and came up with one:
After that I headed over to our seats, which were right by the bullpen. Over the course of BP I saw lots of balls land in there.
When I got there I discovered they were still there:
9, to be exact (not all are pictured here).
While we were waiting for the O's to come and toss the balls up from the pen' I got this picture for the mygameballs.com scavenger hunt:
Then, all of a sudden, a voice came over the PA system and said "Attention fans: The start of the game has been delayed due to approaching weather". I pulled out my phone and looked at the radar, and there was a line of storms approaching DC. It looked like a quick little squall line that would move right through, but it wasn't. At all.
The grounds crew pulled out the tarp when it was still sunny, and it didn't rain until about a half hour after that, but then, the flood gates opened.
The rain came in slow at first, but then it started pouring, then it slowed up, then it started pouring, over and over and over. For 2 hours!!!!!!!!
We found a spot in the concourse under the second deck, and waited and waited and waited. While we were waiting Rick Gold came and joined us. We talked for about an hour and a half or so.
He demonstrated his cup trick, and we got this picture:
Also, for the scavenger hunt.
After a loooooooooooooooooong wait, the grounds crew came on the field and started prepping to take the tarp off. Then, it started pouring again, so we decided to leave.
When we were on the Metro on the way back to the hotel, we learned that the game had been postponed.
Overall it was a great game, without a game.
I liked Nats park. It was a lot different than I pictured it to be, but it was nice. I will have to return sometime…….
5 baseballs
11 this season
23 lifetime
5 on road trip
6 lifetime stadiums
Me: 5
Rick: 4
Nick: 3
Jack: 1
6/18 @ Aviators Stadium
Remember I was here ( 9/16 @ Aviator stadium)? Well, I had a pretty good ballhawking day. Today? Not so much.
It was a pretty rainy day, and we didn't decide to go until about the 2nd inning .
We got there in the 3rd inning:
We bought our tickets at the box office, and we went in.
My plan for this game was to go for foul balls. The crowd was low, and there weren't many people going to foul balls, so I thought it would be pretty easy.
That wasn't the case…..
I stood here for righties:
And the other side for lefties ( I forgot to take a picture ).
After a few innings I got this picture:
I thought that was pretty cool.
Innings past, and I still didn't have a foul ball. I didn't know what to do. Go for toss ups, when most of the players weren't tossing anything out, or keep going for foul balls.
I decided to stick with going for foul balls.
In the bottom of the 8th I had an extremely frustrating close call. I was walking through a few sections to get back to my spot for righties when a righty on the Aviators smashed a slicing line drive a few seats behind me ( right where I was about 10 seconds ago). I ran back toward it, but I was to late. It hit a seat and bounced all the way back onto the field. Ugh.
In the top of the 9th it finally came. I was in my spot for lefties when a lefty on the Greys ( who the Aviators were playing ) hit a hard line drive that bounced of a wall:
Hit a plastic fence:
And rolled right to me:
I didn't get anymore baseballs, which was fine. I was happy to not get shutout, and I didn't ask for a toss up the whole night!
1 baseball, 1 minor league ball this season
5 minor league balls lifetime
6/12 @ U.S. Cellular Field
When it became official that we were going to this game, I knew it was going to be good:
And it was. The pitching mach-up was Sale v.s. Scherzer, and the attendance was going to be low. Perfect from a Ballhawk, and a normal fan standpoint.
We got to the cell about 10 minutes before the gates opened:
We walked to the box office, bought our tickets for the Chris Sale K Zone (a promo they have whenever Sale pitches. More on that later). By the time we got in line for the gates, the gates were open. Once we got through the security bag check thing we ran inside (Today, the group was: My Dad, Nick, John and Justin from our baseball team, and I).
Right when we got into the seating bowl Justin said "Heads up!" and a ball bounced off the warning track and landed on a seat. Justin, John, and I all went for the ball, and I narrowly beat Justin to it, for #1 on the day:
It had a sharpie mark across the sweetspot. Why do teams like the Tigers even do that? When you have Miguel Cabrera on your team you are going to lose a whole lot of BP baseballs.
After that, we went over to left field:
It was pretty packed out there. Miggy and V-Mart put on quite the show. Cabrera probably hit about 12 homers, all over my head, or a few 'sections over (towards center field), and he hit a few to right. Martinez hit a few, but none of them were very close to me. After a few lefties hit, BP ended.
So, we went and got our t-shirts and signs:
After that, John and Justin wanted to go up to the Xfinity fundamentals deck:
We did the speedpitch type thing, and I got 4 points for the mygameballs.com scavenger hunt for this picture:
After we were done up there we headed to our seats. This was the view:
Our section was a lot of fun. Whenever Sale struck someone out, everyone stood and shook their sign. It was a good atmosphere.
In the middle of the game I got two more scavenger hunt pictures.
You posing for a picture while t-shirts are being thrown into the crowd 4 points:
(top right corner is where the people are throwing the shirts)
and Bonus 1: You posing with a ball you snagged that day with the stadium name in the background (one point per stadium):
After talking, and having some fun watching the game, between the 8th and 9th innings we headed to get some umpire balls at the end of the game.
First we headed to the closest aisle towards the home plate end of the Tigers dugout that wasn't guarded by an usher. So, we ended up here:
There was one close call, where the bat boy ended up with a foul ball, but he handed to someone before we got down the stairs.
We sat there until Robin Ventura challenged an Adam Dunn hit to center that hit Austin Jackson's glove. While the umps were looking it over, it bought us time to move over a section to get in PERFECT position for an umpire ball:
As soon as Dayan Viciedo struck out to end the game, we stood right above where the umpires exit the field. As home plate umpire Mark Carlson gave a ball to John, Justin, and I!
After that, we went and found Nick, who was behind the Tigers dugout. He got a bunch of gum from the bat boy, and a high five from Max Scherzer, who just pitched a complete game.
I didn't know it, until some Tiger fans that we saw in the middle of the 9th, were talking about it, that Scherzer had never thrown a complete game before. Therefore, we witnessed history. Pretty cool.
Before we left, I got a picture of my baseballs:
After we exited the park, we got an awesome pic by the Comiskey Park home plate:
And drove home.
It was good to get out, see some history, snag some balls, and support a team that doesn't get much support from it's own fans.
2 baseballs, 6 this season, 18 lifetime
Box score
Me: 2
Justin: 2
Nick: 1
John: 1
6/3 @ Miller Park
First game since March! It felt like opening day. I was ready to go when I got a first glance at the Park:
We got there about 40 minutes early. We parked, bought our tickets, and went into Friday's for a pre-BP snack:
I didn't get any balls there. The closest I got to one was a BP homer by Rickie Weeks (I think) that bounced off a guy's glove, and onto a short canopy thing. Nick got it after I left to go into the park.
I went to Left Field first:
And didn't get anything. No action at all. Soooooo I went over to right:
Where there was TONS of action, but also LOTS of competition. Ballhawk Shawn (@BallhawkShawn on twitter), Ballhawk Kenny (@Ballhawkkenny), Jake Starck (@starckie24), and Mike (@GrollMike). There were lots and lots of close calls, but I still didn't get anything. But, I wasn't all that disappointed. I was around some great hawks, and I was learning from them. It's all a learning experience. I am lucky to have met so many great ballhawks over the last few years. And I'll only meet more, and learn more, and get better.
After standing in Right, and watching tons of homers land in Toyota Territory, I decided to head down there:
And, as soon as I got there all the home runs stopped. Ugh. My bad luck continues. After helplessly watching the last group of BP, and getting ignored when I asked for toss ups, I headed down the third base line to wait for Trevor Plouffe:
Why Plouffe? Well, I had this awesome sign with me:
And I wanted him to see it, if not sign it.
Until Trevor came out I sat and talked with Mike and Jake. While we were talking Mike gave me this:
(That's Mike in the background). Yes, I'm going to count it. Why not. When I'm this age I should count balls that other people give me. When I'm 16 I'll re-visit that rule.
Thanks Mike!
Anyway, Trevor eventually came out and he saw my sign. He pointed at me and gave me the 'OK' sign. After he was done getting stretched out he came over and he signed my sign, and got a picture!!!
He's an awesome dude. He signed for everyone, including Jake and Mike. VOTE PLOUFFE EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!
After that I walked back up to our seats in left field. This was the view:
I watched the game until about the 3rd inning, and then went over a few sections to talk to Jake and Mike some more. They said that Kris Davis throws his warm-up ball into the crowd every other inning, and he throws it about 5 rows in. While we were talking about this Davis was finishing warming up. When he started scanning the crowd we stood and I threw my hands up (so he could see me). I think he spotted me, and he chucked the ball to the aisle we were standing in. It was me and one other adult that had a shot at the ball. I reached just above/in front of the adult's glove and caught the ball:
In Brewers' fashion it had a mark on the sweet spot:
I like snagging balls like that. It's unique, and kinda looks cool.
After that Nick and I walked around the concourse to buy some bobble heads. It was a good deal. 2 for $5. I got Corey Hart and Casey McGehee. Jake told me that every 1 in 1,000 McGehee ones have a throwback uniform on. Mine has a throwback!
After that we went to say hi/bye to Shawn, and then headed back to our seats.
It was nice to sit back and watch a MLB game in person for the first time in a few months.
In about the 8th inning Nick and I tried to get down to the Twins dugout so we could get some baseballs after the game from the Twins or the Umpires. The ushers didn't let us go behind the dugout until the very end of the game, and by the time we got down there we missed the umpires. Nick ended up getting a ball from the Twins, but I didn't get anything. Lets hope I can have some better ballhawking luck next game.
Overall, it was great to meet some new people, see Plouffe, and just be back at the park.
2 balls, 4 this season , 16 lifetime
1 autograph, 1 this season
1 player picture
1 new favorite player.
Box score
Shawn: 5
Kenny: 4
Jake: 4
Mike: 4
Nick: 4
Me: 2
Max (my brother Jack's friend): 2
Jack: 1
Quick schedule update, VOTE PLOUFFE, and Ballhawking podcast
Hello everyone. In case you haven't noticed I haven't been to a game in a while, and it's kinda frustrating, and I'm not happy about it (Just ask my parents…). But, I am planning on going to a few games shortly. So here is an update on my schedule:
I have at least two games set in stone. The first is June 3rd Brewers v.s. Twins at Miller Park. The second is June 28 or 29 at Miller Park. Our schedule just hasn't lined up with any Cubs or Sox games, but they will come later in the season. But, I am perfectly fine with going to games in Milwaukee. Out of the three stadiums I go to regularly I am the most comfortable with Miller Park. I am not sure why. It's kind of grown on me. Maybe it's because it's easy for foul balls. Maybe because other ballhawks have been friendly to me. Probably because I just like the park.
What have I been doing these 2 months without going to a game? Well, a few things:
If you follow me on twitter you definitely know I am part of my friend Tony's campaign to vote to get Trevor Plouffe to the all star game . I would encourage you to do the same. All you have to do is vote for the all star game every day and pick Trevor Plouffe for third base on the AL ballot. Easy. We NEED to get him to the top 2 for 3rd base. Also, follow @voteplouffe on twitter for updates
Ballhawking Podcast
A ballhawking podcast is in the works. It is still in the planning stages, but the first episode should be coming up shortly. Mateo Fischer, 'ExiledMetFan' and I. For updates follow @mygameballs and @observebaseball on twitter for updates.
That's all I got for now. Look out for a post about a game at Miller Park, and another ballpark review shortly.
Go Cubs and VOTE PLOUFFE!
Ballpark review: U.S. Cellular field
The next installment of my ballpark review is U.S. Cellular Field. Again, I will review the park on 3 things: Ballhawking, Fan experience, and surrounding area.
When it comes to ballhawking, the Cell is kind of a wild card. It can be bad some days, and okay other days. Overall its not great. The gates open 90 minutes early, so you will only get to see the visitors BP. The best days for ballhawking are mid-week night games. Not a lot of people show up, and it is insanely easy to get balls in BP and during the game.
For third out balls, stay away from the ushers (unless you have a ticket for the section that you are in) because they can be picky sometimes. But as long as you avoid them they don't go out of their way to check your ticket.
As for ball retrievers, you have to be super quick and stealthy to use it. Don't use it on the field, but use it in the bullpen. But you have to be SUPER QUICK. I learned that the hard way.
Also, people who buy tix for the 500 level have to stay up there, so don't buy tickets there.
So the bottom line for the Cell is be quick, and move fast, and you'll survive ballhawking wise.
Fan experience
U.S. Cellular isn't a bad fan experience, but it's nothing special. It is a pretty nice ballpark. You can easily see the game from the concourse so thats nice. The food is pretty good, but overpriced (just like everywhere else in the bigs). It's a nice park. If you get a chance to go to a game there, take the opportunity. It's worth it, and the Sox will appreciate your attendance.
Surrounding area
Lots of homeless people and parking lots. Be careful.
Hope this was helpful. If you have any questions drop a comment.


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Kim Kardashian Compares Reality TV to Rap, Pushes for Hollywood Walk of Fameby Hilton Hater at . Comments
Kim Kardashian is featured in the latest issue of V, which is apparently a magazine.
And aside from striking a number of supposedly seductive poses, the reality star offers up a number of hilarious, choice quotes in the piece. We've listed a few excerpts below, along with a few notes, figure we'll simply allow our readers to react.
In 3... 2... 1...
On why she's famous: "It's always funny to me when people say that I'm famous for being famous. I think it's fascinating, because it's still entertainment, you know? It's fun to see the progression of that idea... I'm not a singer or an actress or anything like that. I've never claimed to be anything that I'm not.* I think [reality] is still a new form of entertainment that was kind of an unexpected thing."
[*EDITOR'S NOTE: That's not true. She once claimed to be an in-love bride.]
On reality TV being akin to rap: "When rap music first came out, people were like, 'We don't understand this, what is this, it's just a fad.' But rap music is definitely here to stay, and I think reality shows have proven they are as well. But when something is newer, people don't really understand it."
[EDITOR'S NOTE: First-ever comparison of Honey Boo Boo to Jay-Z.]
On her grand career goal: "I think there was a quote where somebody said that reality stars will never get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. So, of course I'm so competitive that I think that it would be a huge achievement and a goal that anyone would want. I would love to break that mold."
That's quite the ambition. Do you think Kim Kardashian deserves a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
hey there Toronto33, that explains the negativity....canadians, no wonder. No nerves hit, just stating the facts on no matter how few people want to badmouth the Kardasians, they are still very popular and many negative writers wish they had their lives. Entertainment only, for me like a soap opera for others. I don't base my life according to how they live. LMFAO
In Kim Kar-Trash-Ian's case, I don't believe that Hollywood allows T-R-A-S-H on their Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Case closed.
@Marianna - you're too funny LMAO ha ha ha and still laughing....this shit is fun and funny!OMGosh....LMAO
Kim STFU and go away. That is all.
First off, leave that woman alone. She's not really hurting anyone by having an outrageous dream. And last time I checked, she wasn't taking anything out of your pockets. And for the record, she's is so not fat at all. This is what real normal healthy female bodies look like. And most of you who say different, have obviously been brainwashed into believing that THIN IS WHATS HOT, WHEN ITS REALLY NOT. Perhaps its this messed up society that needs a wake-up
call. Its your own fault for watching Her and buying her and her families wares. They are just people who happened to carve a weird niche in the market of reality entertainment. Because that's what it is. "Reality Entertainment " and maybe they, (the powers that be) will make an honorary star in tribute of her entire beautiful yet slightly narcissistic family....so here's to wishful thinking Kim!
Lmao @ houston diva.. Ha ha ha you're her fan! I'm not unhappy-like I said if you put yourself out there...oh well positive or negative comments are allowed...freedom of speech- lmao. This must of hit a bad nerve...you should get that checked out!lmao...I guess in canada we see things differently - ha ha ha ha
If you can screw your way to getting a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame then I am sure Kim will do it. Heck women screw every day for a special favor such as a good grade from a professor, promotion at work, pay raise at work, company trip, new car, jewelry, a mink coat & money. So why not for a star on the walk of fame? My advice to Kim is if this is her goal in life then she may want to start sleeping with men who are higher up on the food chain.
she gets more worthless every time she opens her mouth, she is never getting a star on the walk of fame. she possesses no talent what so ever to even think about it. stfu you big weird butted narcissist!
The ONLY reason the *Kardashian* name is well known, comes from the fact that Robert Kardashian Sr. was O.J. Simpsons trial lawyer. That is IT... he got his good friend FREE on MURDER charges, but was found GUILTY in Civil court. BUMMER. He should of gotten the DEATH PENALTY. OR, answer this for me. How could his BLOOD be at the MURDER scene, when he said he wasn't there, and his BLOOD and his ARREST for the MURDER wasn't taken until 4 days AFTER the fact. Just goes to show us all that when you have MONEY murder just has a HUGH price tag when you are well known. Even Robert Blake bought himself out of a GUILTY case. That is why the *Lady Justice* as we see her, is wearing a WRAP/SCARF over her eyes and LOOKING the other way.
She so stupid


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Americans Under 30 the Most Cynical Bunch Ever
By Jim Schutze
13 of the Best Female-Fronted Bands in DFW
By Rachel Watts
Your Baseball Season Guide to Pre- and Post-Game Eats...
By Lauren Drewes Daniels
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In last year's Broadway revue I'm Still Here, Damn It!, since memorialized on CD, one of Sandra Bernhard's best rants involves the Lilith Fair and how performers such as Jewel and Sarah McLachlan would wither like wallflowers in the Texas sun beside the female FM-radio rock icons of her late teens and early 20s.
"I don't know how many more of these waifish alternative singers I can take," Bernhard fumes to a howling audience. "'I'm fed up, I'm rich, I'm fucked over, I'm bitter, I'm confused.' Honey, just get up out of that dirty bathtub for starters and work your way forward [referring to Fiona Apple's "Criminal" video]." Continuing, Bernhard blasts, "Give me an old-fashioned, sweaty, big-titty bitch of rock and roll, please. Give me Joan Jett with a shag haircut and a black eye..."
The list continues until it comes to one of Bernhard's longtime obsessions -- Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Bernhard is often accused of irony when she's dead serious; one such instance is her avowal of a desire to sing like Ann Wilson. She adores the music of Heart, and it turns out her comparisons between that 25-year-old classic rock stalwart and the oft-hyped Lilith Fair are apt. (Bernhard, talking about Wilson and her other fave ballsy female rockers: "They sang it, they snorted it, they fucked it. These women did things on the road that would break those little [Lilith] bitches in half.") As 49-year-old Ann Wilson travels 34 North American cities in her first acoustic duet tour with guitarist, co-writer, vocalist, and sister Nancy -- sans the name Heart -- Wilson admits they were snubbed by Lilith organizers.
"We called them," she relates from an East Coast hotel room. "I was phoning all the time, saying, 'Look over here.' They never got around to hiring us. Isn't that interesting? But I know it's all very political. For one thing, we didn't have anything new out this year."
Surveying the landscape of corporate-monopolized commercial radio, Wilson puts the slight in perspective -- without naming names. "There are billions of female voices being played out there," she says. "But there's so much mediocrity. And it's not the fault of the 'sexist rock and roll brotherhood.' It's the fault of women artists saying, 'I'm going to simper, I'm going to strum my guitar lightly, I'm going to sing in this little baby voice.'"
Wilson is talking softly to save herself for a concert that night, but when she starts to get riled up, her voice raises slightly. Anyone who's ever appreciated her Zeppelin-soaked wall of wail thrown across '70s Heart hits such as "Crazy on You," "Barracuda," and "Magic Man" knows that voice. And come to think of it, maybe it's just as well the Lilith gals, for their own sake, didn't extend a hand to Ann and Nancy. Ann, who's always counted Robert Plant and Roger Daltrey as bigger influences than Joni Mitchell or Linda Ronstadt, just isn't girly enough for that festival's neo-folk synchronized ovulation. Imagine Jewel at the mike under the giant awning of an outdoor stage, strumming her guitar between sobs and caterwauling bad poetry. The mike feed fizzles out, the amps die, and suddenly Jewel has Wilson beside her, one of those unexpected rock-star cameos. Waves from the unplugged sonic boom of Ann Wilson's megaphone vocals consume Jewel like a barracuda gulping a goldfish. Not even worthy of a belch.
"Sometimes I'm still surprised that they have Best Female Vocalist and Best Male Vocalist at the Grammys," she mentions, a bit facetiously. "Why isn't it just Best Vocalist?"
The question might sound like a bit of tough-cookie rhetoric. Yet Heart's five albums between 1975 and 1979 -- Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, Magazine, Dog and Butterfly, and Bebe Le Strange -- have guaranteed that the Wilson sisters are the only consistent female presence besides Stevie Nicks on classic-rock radio. Listeners barely blink hearing Ann's wide-octave strut played in a set that includes Plant, Bon Scott, Steve Perry, and Freddie Mercury.
Somewhat surprisingly, the producers of Rolling Stone's recent three-disc Women in Rock compilation did blink -- there's nary a Heart song included from the group's most fertile period. Maybe overproduced mid-'80s power ballads such as "Alone" and "These Dreams" (which have secured Ann and Nancy their place at the adult-contemporary trough) were the cumulative hangover after Heart's delirious heyday, and the Rolling Stone compilers slept the whole catalog off. Or maybe they just forgot that Ann and Nancy Wilson are chicks who are supposed to be filed under that special, segregated female category.
It's not how Heart's musical past is archived that most worries Ann at the moment. Considering they've sold more than 30 million albums and still get daily radio exposure all over the world with their old material, she doesn't expect her past to evaporate anytime soon. She and Nancy have the clout to do whatever arcane side projects they desire right up until the pair of them are forced to mount the stage on walkers. The Seattle Times recently reported a bidding war among labels for the sisters' upcoming album of new material, to be recorded after they finish the current tour showcasing some of it. Ann confirms that they've probably settled with a label, although talks are still under way. What seems to cloud the horizon right now is one small word, and its appearance (or not) is definitely influencing their choice of record companies.


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Victorinox 6.7836.L114 4 1/2" Utility Knife with Green Handle
- Quantity Discounts!
|Buy 1 - 5
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle
- High-carbon stainless steel blade
- Serrated edge
Slice vegetables, fruit, and other items with this handy, all-purpose Victorinox utility knife! This knife features a green-colored handle, perfect for color-coding kitchen tasks and maintaining a sanitary work environment. It also features an ergonomic grip for a comfortable hold. The serrated blade, perfect for cutting through tough skins, is constructed of high-carbon stainless steel. Easily prep your ingredients so you're ready for meal service with this Victorinox 4 1/2" utility knife!
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Customer Reviews
Overall User Rating: Victorinox 6.7836.L114 4 1/2" Utility Knife with Green Handle ( 5.0 stars from 6 reviews )
Great little knife for the price. Easy to handle, nice width to the blade and the serrated edge is great when you need a mini saw :)
Deborah B. from Miss Debs Posted on 09/15/2014
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Dario C. Posted on 10/16/2013
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'Lake Effect' sharply acted despite a faulty script
By Hedy Weiss Theater firstname.lastname@example.com May 7, 2013 8:03PM
Minita Gandhi, Adam Poss and Mark Smith star in "The Lake Effect" at Silk Road Rising.
When: Through May 26
Where: Silk Road Rising at Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington
Tickets: $35
Info: (312) 857-1234, ext. 201; www.silkroadrising.org
Run time: 90 minutes, with no intermission
Updated: June 9, 2013 6:24AM
In his play, "The Lake Effect," now in a sharply acted world premiere by Silk Road Rising, playwright Rajiv Joseph — whose "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" was recently produced by Lookingglass Theatre — has turned what in many ways is a standard-issue, heavily contrived, dysfunctional family story into something just a bit more interesting.
He has done this simply by replacing white Midwesterners with the thoroughly Americanized children of Indian immigrant parents. He then sits back and watches their interaction with a black man.
Does ethnicity really matter here? Do you get something all that different by adding a bit of curry powder to the lamb and rice? Not really, although it is fun to watch the fine trio of actors in this 90-minute drama: Adam Poss as Vijay, Minita Gandhi as his younger sister, Priya, and Mark Smith as Bernard, their dad Vinny's unknown black friend and gambling companion. As for the sibling rivalry and the exploration of guilt that Joseph explores, it is easily universal.
Estranged from his father for 15 years, 36-year-old Vijay, a stockbroker in New York, has been called home to snowbound Cleveland by his dad. The man, in ill health (and then, in an awkward revelation, actually dead), informed him that he was planning to sell the little luncheonette with an upstairs apartment where Vijay and his sister grew up.
Enter Bernard, the man who, a year earlier, was brutally attacked on the street and "rescued" by Vinny. Vijay is hardly welcoming to this stranger who says he is still suffering memory lapses from the attack. And the more they talk, the more he is surprised to learn how much Bernard knows about his family's history. This includes the terrible car accident that killed Vijay's mother when he was just 12, as well as Vinny's constant anxiety about the unstable, big-spending Priya, who lives in Florida with a volatile husband. Oddly enough, he never mentioned Vijay.
With news of Vinny's death, Priya also returns to Cleveland. There is much arguing about money (the siblings have found various degrees of success in life), about Vijay's abiding resentment of his dad's dispersal of their mother's ashes, and more. Priya, we learn, has been bankrolled for years by both her dad, and, until relatively recently, her brother. But the big question is this: Why did Vinny will all his property and savings to Bernard?
Joseph can write edgy, angry dialogue. And Director Timothy Douglas keeps things moving. But neither he nor his well-cast actors can compensate for a script that seems more like a construct than a fully organic story.


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Last season, Girls blew our minds with Booth Jonathan's video tower of terror. But this year, Gaby Hoffman has stolen the spotlight with her portrayal of Adam's sister Caroline. (And she didn't even need Duncan Shiek to do it.)
Caroline's the type of woman who breaks glass in her bare hands and tries to euthanize her own grandmother. But in her rare moments of calm, it's clear she possesses the same depth of wit and understanding as Adam (Adam Driver). She just doesn't quite know how to express it. Though frankly, neither does he.
Our best moments of the week: 14. Most Disturbing Ball-Busting: When Tessa plays tennis with her new beau Ryan and his overbearing mother Sheila on Suburgatory, she gets a very creepy first-hand look into their — should we say, close? — mother-son relationship. "Are you ready to watch me give it to my mom?" Ryan asks Tessa in all seriousness before serving a fault. "Focus on delivering your balls right to Mama," Sheila yells in encouragement. Uh, last time we checked it's...read more
When a friendly cabbie tells two young sisters the story of a boy named Leo, a magical adventure begins. While adjusting to the big city, Leo accidentally loses his dog Ramona in Central Park. Leo is devastated by his loss until a magical creature named Little Spirit appears and takes Leo on the journey of a lifetime. watch
Uptown Girls movie trailer - starring Dakota Fanning, Brittany Murphy, Marley Shelton, Heather Locklear, Donald Adeosun Faison, Jesse Spencer. Directed by Boaz Yakin. Genre: Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Death Of A Dynasty movie trailer - starring Rashida Jones, Devon Aoki, Damon Dash, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Robert Stapleton, Capone. Directed by Damon Dash. Theatrical Release Date: 4/29/2005
Genre: Comedy
Rating: R
The frank portrayal of puberty and a rocking score by singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik has musical-theater fans lining up to see "Spring Awakening." (2.1.07)
As an American singer-songwriter and composer, he initially joined the Lisa Lobe Band after college Duncan then released his self-titled debut album, Duncan Sheik, on June 4, 1996 to glowing reviews. He earned a four out of five star rating from the prestigious Rolling Stone. The single from it, 'Barely Breathing,' became the fourth longest running top 100 single in Billboard history.
More Clips & Interviews
Death of a Dynasty is Damon Dash's slapstick parody of the industry that made him rich. Dash is the CEO of Roc-a-Fella records, home to hip-hop's biggest seller: Jay Z. The film is a fictionalized account of a beef between Dash and Z over the party chick Picasso, played by the sometimes model, sometimes actress, always disconcertingly teenage looking Devon Aoki.
When rich girl Molly Gunn loses her father and her inheritance, she takes a job as a nanny for an 8-year-old who's woefully neglected by her parents.
Molly Gunn is the freewheeling daughter of a late rock legend, and the toast of the Manhattan social scene. But when her inheritance is stolen, Molly is forced to do something she's never done before - get a job. Molly becomes a nanny to precocious Ray Schleine, an "eight-year-old going on forty." Emotionally distant from her fast-paced A&R executive mother, Roma, Ray has grown up with a revolving door of nannies and little stability. Molly and Ray both feel painfully alone in the world, but as they try to make their new arrangement work, each discovers in the other a true friend.
More Duncan Sheik Movies Videos
When a friendly cabbie tells two young sisters the story of a boy named Leo, a magical adventure begins. While adjusting to the big city, Leo accidentally loses his dog Ramona in Central Park. Leo is devastated by his loss until a magical creature named Little Spirit appears and takes Leo on the journey of a lifetime.
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BUFFALO, NY - (WKBW) The Sabres roster is set as they prepare for Wednesday's season-opener in Detroit.
Sabres Head Coach Ron Rolston says forward Marcus Foligno's shoulder injury will keep him out of the game against the Red Wings.
That allows Buffalo to keep forwards Zemgus Girgensons, Brian Flynn and Johan Larsson.
Also, forward Luke Adam and defenseman Alex Sulzer passed through waivers unclaimed. They have been assigned to AHL Rochester


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Automotive Forums .com Car Chat
Trooper | SLX | Bighorn | Wizard
> 97 Trooper Brake Issue
97 Trooper Brake Issue
The ABS light has been on for a while, but the truck seems to brake fine. However, I have gone through 3 brake master cylinders in 2 months and from looking at the rear brakes they don't appear to be making more than 50% contact (viewing unused portion of rotor, used portion is very far from the edge). I know the rear brakes only account for 25% of braking power but I'm at a loss for why I keep plowing through brake master cylinders. Another oddity to me is the when the parking brake is on, the car will no roll forward, but if on a slight decline will roll backwards as if the rears aren't biting at all. This leaves me to presume that the rears aren't really doing anything?
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Electronic Entertainment Culture
Drop us a line.
Drop us a line.
Mirror's Edge 2 already in development at DICE
According to a former EA producer, the much anticipated sequel to Mirror's Edge is currently in production at Swedish developer DICE.
can't wait :D
//JIzz in meh pants.
Cool. Just hope they don't charge us a kidney and liver for it with DLC the size of rice. Oh wait, it's EA we're talking...


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Rumaki was likely created by Donn Beach as a "polynesian" dish, and consists of water chestnuts and pieces of duck or chicken liver wrapped in bacon and marinated in soy or teriyaki sauce and either ginger or brown sugar. Although many believe that it was invented by Victor Bergeron, the earliest known reference to it is on the 1941 menu of the Don the Beachcomber restaurant, and it doesn't appear on a 1946 menu from Trader Vic's.
In a medium bowl, mix together teriyaki sauce, garlic and ginger root. Place chicken livers and water chestnuts in the mixture. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wrap each half slice of bacon around one chicken liver half and a slice of water chestnut. Secure by skewering with small skewers or toothpicks. Carefully lower skewered wraps into the hot oil in small batches. Deep fry 3 to 4 minutes, or until bacon is evenly brown and of desired crispness. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.


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Dr. Susma S. Vaidya, MD
Pediatrics, Childrens National Medical Center Clinic
- 4900 Massachusetts Ave NW Ste 320
Washington, DC 20016
- 1 Office Location
- Email a Friend
- (202) 895-3860
Dr. Susma S. Vaidya has been practicing medicine for 21 years. Dr. Vaidya graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1993. She practices medicine in Washington, DC and specializes in Pediatrics. Dr. Vaidya is affiliated with Childrens National Medical Center.
Gender: Female
Years in Practice: 21 Years
Languages Spoken: English
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Graduation Date: 1993
Hospital Affiliations: Childrens National Medical Center
Specialties: Pediatrics
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WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.


text: I apologize for not cross-posting this sooner; Fighter Practice is happening today at the park next to the Menil Museum (1515 Sul Ross Street, Houston, Texas 77006). There is plenty of parking on the street, and facilities inside the free museum, but there are no water fountains, so make sure to bring plenty of drink with you. So far it looks as though there are at least four of us showing up, and I would love to see others there as well. See you soon. - Orin


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With all the rat poop out of the way, technicians cut out the floorboard in multiple sections. This is never a fun job, but not having a roof to contend with made it much easier to wrestle the replacement floor in position.
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why do people have to be nice and include me in shit? why can't everyone just hate me?
so fucking frustrated with this drawing right now and i have absolutely no patience for anything tonight. i just want to go home, see my dad and sleep for 3 days.
now that i have no one to call me to wake me up from naps, it's fucking impossible.


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The Maltese Falconby Dashiell Hammett
Synopses & Reviews
Publisher Comments:
A treasure worth killing for. Sam Spade, a slightly shopworn private eye with his own solitary code of ethics. A perfumed grafter named Joel Cairo, a fat man name Gutman, and Brigid O'Shaughnessy, a beautiful and treacherous woman whose loyalties shift at the drop of a dime. These are the ingredients of Dashiell Hammett's coolly glittering gem of detective fiction, a novel that has haunted three generations of readers.
A murder investigation requires private detective Sam Spade--a man of few words who displays little emotion--to become involved in a dangerous search for a valuable statue, in a seventy-fifth anniversary edition of the classic hard-boiled mystery. Reader's Guide available. Reissue. 35,000 first printing.
A murder involves Sam Spade in a dangerous search for a valuable statue.
About the Author
Dashiell Samuel Hammett was born in St. Mary's County. He grew up in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Hammett left school at the age of fourteen and held several kinds of jobs thereafter—messenger boy, newsboy, clerk, operator, and stevedore, finally becoming an operative for Pinkerton's Detective Agency. Sleuthing suited young Hammett, but World War I intervened, interrupting his work and injuring his health. When Sergeant Hammett was discharged from the last of several hospitals, he resumed detective work. He soon turned to writing, and in the late 1920s Hammett became the unquestioned master of detective-story fiction in America. In The Maltese Falcon (1930) he first introduced his famous private eye, Sam Spade. The Thin Man (1932) offered another immortal sleuth, Nick Charles. Red Harvest (1929), The Dain Curse (1929), and The Glass Key (1931) are among his most successful novels. During World War II, Hammett again served as sergeant in the Army, this time for more than two years, most of which he spent in the Aleutians. Hammett's later life was marked in part by ill health, alcoholism, a period of imprisonment related to his alleged membership in the Communist Party, and by his long-time companion, the author Lillian Hellman, with whom he had a very volatile relationship. His attempt at autobiographical fiction survives in the story "Tulip," which is contained in the posthumous collection The Big Knockover (1966, edited by Lillian Hellman). Another volume of his stories, The Continental Op (1974, edited by Stephen Marcus), introduced the final Hammett character: the "Op," a nameless detective (or "operative") who displays little of his personality, making him a classic tough guy in the hard-boiled mold—a bit like Hammett himself.
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Kipriotis Maris Hotel
PO Box 337, Kos 85300, Greece
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Address: PO Box 337, Kos 85300, Greece


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Every two days, Rishi Pochiraju will reveal a quarterback on his grand list of quarterback rankings. Each quarterback will receive a grade out of 50 – 10 points for each category. See his page for earlier ranked quarterbacks. Up next: number 20.
#20. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Former first overall draft pick Alex Smith gets a fresh start in Kansas City after spending the first eight seasons of his career in San Francisco. We know all about Smith's story – he was considered a "bust" until Jim Harbaugh made the switch from Palo Alto to San Francisco and resurrected Smith's career.
2012 started off great for Smith, leading the league in completion percentage before what turned out to be a season-ending concussion (at least in terms of playing). Colin Kaepernick took over and the rest is history.
Smith and new Chiefs coach Andy Reid look to get Kansas City back on track a year after having the worst record in the league, and subsequently, the number one overall pick. Smith has tons of offensive talent around him in Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki, Dwayne Bowe, and a solid offensive line. Smith will have to be the same player he was during his last two years in San Francisco for the Chiefs to succeed offensively.
Physical traits and athleticism
At 6-4, 217 pounds, Smith has good height and size for a quarterback. His athletic ability is often underrated. He's able to scramble for extra yards, pick up first downs, and extend drives with his legs – not at the efficiency as Colin Kaepernick (as he showed last year), but what Smith can do physically should be enough for whatever Andy Reid wants to do on offense. Grade: 7.5/10
Arm talent
One of the reasons Jim Harbaugh made the switch from Smith to Colin Kaepernick was because of the latter's rocket arm. Smith doesn't possess the cannon arm that many quarterbacks in the league do, but what he has, again, is satisfactory enough to work with. He is capable of making any short to intermediate throw on the football field, and that showed mightily in 2011 and 2012. Grade: 7/10
Smith's mechanics have improved greatly since he first came into the league. His footwork is now more precise and his throwing motion does not involve so much of a wind-up to compensate for the relative lack of arm strength. He can still improve several aspects of his game in terms of this category, such as setting his feet in the face of pressure, but in general, his mechanics are on point. That's part of the reason as to why Smith makes very few mistakes. Grade: 8/10
Mental make-up
Some say that Smith's mental make-up somewhat limits him, and that he is conservative with his throws because of that. I disagree. He is very strong mentally, but does not make the throws that are even questionable – another reason why he doesn't throw many interceptions. He can make those 50-50 throws occasionally, but does not at this point. However, his mental knowledge of the game is an asset of his. Grade: 7.5/10
Smith struggled in his first five seasons with different offensive coordinators in every season in San Francisco. The continuity provided by Jim Harbaugh and company gave Smith something consistent to work with, perhaps the best thing. Smith was not able to perform well when circumstances changed, so we will observe how he transitions to a new group in Kansas City. Despite the rocky transitions, Smith is a good leader and not afraid of competition. Grade: 7/10
Overall impression
Alex Smith can prove to be more than just what experts call a game manager in Kansas City under Andy Reid. While he won't have the resources he had in San Francisco, his physical tools are present, and he will continue to grow as a quarterback and should fit well into Andy Reid's system with the Chiefs. Overall Grade: 37/50
Tags: 49ers Alex Smith Andy Reid Chiefs Colin Kaepernick FanSided Jim Harbaugh Kansas City Chiefs NFL Quarterback Rankings San Francisco 49ers


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Newsreel 270309
NCA boycott Tsvangirai's stakeholders' forum
Violet Gonda
27 March 2009
Lovemore Madhuku, chairperson of the National Constitutional Assembly, said his pressure group did not attend the Stakeholders Forum opened by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Friday, because it was 'not a genuine meeting but a mere talk shop.'
The Prime Minister opened a consultative forum with stakeholders from civil society, the business community and the employment sector, as well as gender and development partners, to hear the concerns of Zimbabweans regarding the crisis in the country.
But the civic leader accused the Prime Minister and his team of trying to undermine the NCA constitutional-making process. Madhuku said the inclusive government wants a 'parliament driven' constitution, whereas his group is calling for a 'people driven' constitution.
"We now know that the Prime Minister and his team have an idea of undermining the NCA so that they can get their defective process of making a constitution through. They are trying to sideline and undermine the NCA and create some groups in civil society who will just sing their tune.â€
A statement from the Prime Minister's office had said: "The one-day workshop will afford the inclusive government the opportunity to hear the views and concerns of ordinary Zimbabweans regarding economic stability, food security, restoration of basic services, guaranteeing of rights and freedoms, and improving international relations.â€
But Madhuku says the forum was convened by a government which believes the role of civil society is just to support it – and not to hear the other side.
According to the civic leader, his group was not invited as NCA but was invited by the National Association of Non Governmental Organisations (NANGO) and not through the Prime Minister's office. He said the NCA is not a member of NANGO and therefore cannot be represented by this group. Madhuku said there was a misrepresentation that the whole process was to go as a cluster, and then NANGO would in turn present their position to the plenary. The NCA objected to this.
He maintains the Prime Minister and Eric Matinenga, the Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs, are already aware of the NCA's position and therefore meeting them again this time will provide nothing new. He said this was a talking workshop and no grievances would have been solved.
Critics of this approach have expressed disappointment at Madhuku's attitude, saying that this was an opportunity to ask tough questions of the new government – an opportunity that Zimbabweans rarely have.
Minister confirms Mugabe refusing to swear in Bennett
By Violet Gonda
27 March 2009
Sam Sipepa Nkomo, the MDC Minister of Water Resources and Development, has confirmed a report SW Radio Africa broadcast on Wednesday, that Robert Mugabe is refusing to swear in MDC National Treasurer Roy Bennett, as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
Nkomo was speaking on Friday's Hot Seat programme, where he discussed a number of wide ranging issues, including the water crisis
The Minister said Mugabe's argument is that Bennett is facing serious allegations in the courts, but Nkomo said this is totally wrong. He said Bennett is still innocent until proven guilty. The former commercial farmer is facing trumped up terrorism charges, of plotting to acquire weapons.
Nkomo said Mugabe made the statement about Bennett during a meeting that was attended by the Deputy Minister Arthur Mutambara and that it was the Deputy Prime Minister who told them about it.
Nkomo said Prime Minister Tsvangirai has a right to appoint his own Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers, and Mugabe's job is only to formalise the appointments. "We will not accept it. Bennett is our man and he will have to be sworn in whether Mugabe likes it or not,†said the water Minister, who is also the MDC's Secretary for Home Affairs.
He said the biggest challenge he is currently facing in his ministry is the issue of funding, to buy much needed water purification chemicals, for sewage management and borehole rehabilitation.
But Nkomo admits the problem of funding will remain a problem if ZANU PF does not accept reform. The international community has refused to come to Zimbabwe's aid until there are clear signs of change. Minister Nkomo said he does not blame the west's stance on Zimbabwe, saying there are some 'hygiene' issues that still need to be resolved in the coalition government.
Major outstanding issues revolve around the distribution of governors, permanent secretaries, ambassadors and the ongoing farm invasions, plus the continued detention of political prisoners.
Nkomo believes his party should get South Africa and SADC involved, since they are the guarantors of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).
"I think the MDC itself must put its foot down and say this is an agreement and we must follow that agreement to the spirit and latter of the agreement. And I think until that happens we could be playing games.â€
He went on to say: "I think until we do that they will just believe that because we are already in government, therefore everything is alright. Everything will be alright – once we comply with the GPA.â€
Tsvangirai vows to end impunity and to arrest farm invaders
By Alex Bell
27 March 2009
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has vowed to take tough action against the perpetrators of the ongoing farm invasions sweeping the country, stating on Friday that the culture of entitlement and impunity in Zimbabwe has 'stained' the country for too long.
Tsvangirai was speaking to stakeholders from civil society, the business community, employment sector, plus gender and development partners, at the opening of a one-day consultative forum in Harare on Friday morning. The workshop was organised to give the unity government the opportunity to hear the views and concerns of ordinary Zimbabweans, including representatives from the farming sector, who were also present. The Prime Minister stated during his opening speech that the ongoing farm invasions, "which are being done in the name of the land reform process, are actually acts of theft, using fraudulent offer letters.â€
"Those continuing to undertake these activities will be arrested and face justice in the courts,†Tsvangirai said.
The comments have highlighted the deep divisions that are present in Zimbabwe's so called 'unity' government, as they are completely opposite to the sentiments of Robert Mugabe. The ageing dictator, who initiated the original land grab campaign in 2000, once again condoned the often violent action during his lavish birthday celebrations last month, declaring that the remaining commercial farmers are not welcome in Zimbabwe. His comments saw the current land attacks intensify, leaving many hundreds of farm workers destitute and stopping critically needed production of food. SW Radio Africa's Harare correspondent, Simon Muchemwa, explained on Friday that Tsvangirai's comments "have come too late for many, especially since Mugabe has already encouraged the attacks.â€
The farming community has been left reeling by the fresh wave of farm attacks that started mere days before Tsvangirai was sworn into the unity government as Prime Minister last month. More than 100 farmers are now facing prosecution on trumped up charges of 'occupying state land illegally', as part of a two pronged campaign to remove the remaining commercial farmers. The second, and more sinister part of the campaign, has forced many farmers off their land and into hiding, as violent farm evictions have intensified.
How Tsvangirai plans to keep his word is yet to be seen, as it is not the first time, since becoming Prime Minister that he has condemned the farm attacks – condemnation that has not sparked any meaningful action. The offensive against the farmers has been ignored and in many cases supported by police officials, and even local magistrates have been instructed by the Attorney General to ignore court orders protecting the farms and fast-track the prosecution of the farmers. There is therefore doubt that Tsvangirai will be able to sway the proven allegiance of either the police force or members of the judiciary to secure the arrest and prosecution of land invaders, as in many cases, they are themselves beneficiaries of Robert Mugabe's land grab campaign.
The President of the Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), Trevor Gifford, explained on Friday that the Prime Minister's comments are welcome, despite him making similar promises in the past. But Gifford also acknowledged that Tsvangirai's comments "are going to be difficult to keep,†because of the involvement in the farm attacks of police, members of the judiciary, and ZANU PF loyalists in the government. Gifford expressed hope that the land issue, which was finally raised in Cabinet this week, will start to gather positive momentum in the wake of Tsvangirai's promises, saying that the farmers "just want to get on with the business of reconstructing agriculture and growing food for the nation.â€
University of Zimbabwe not opening Monday due to high fees
By Tichaona Sibanda
27 March 2009
Almost 10 000 students from the University of Zimbabwe have failed to pay their fees for the first term of the 2009 academic year, and this has forced the institution to postpone opening its doors on Monday next week.
The UZ initially resumed lectures in January this year but was forced to close, following demonstrations by students after authorities asked them to pay their fees in foreign currency.
Clever Bere, the President of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) told us each student was being asked to pay at least US$800 for this academic term. He told us government's attitude towards students was creating ground for conflict.
'Our parents are being paid US$100 a month so where do authorities think we get that sort of money from,' asked Bere.
The student leader said 95 percent of students at the UZ had failed to pay for their fees. He said this represents about 10 000 out of 13 000 students registered with the institution.
'When we demonstrated against the high fees in January, they had asked us to pay US$200 but that amount has since gone up to US$800. It's unfortunate that most of us can't afford that amount,' Bere said.
He added; 'We are actively involved in talks with the stakeholders but so far these negotiations have not yielded anything positive. In fact, the higher education minister Stan Mudenge has been avoiding us, so how do you hope to solve this problem when the major player is not sincere.'
The student leader said the hold up to the academic year was a major blow to many students who were hoping to graduate this year. Already many students have lost a year of studies following a series of clashes with university authorities.


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text:
The White handle telephone handshower and cross handle of this slide bar kit add a touch of classic design to any shower. Easily adjust the height of the shower head with the movable handle.
Ships in 1 - 2 Business Days
Product Details
- Product Finish: English Nickel
- Material: Brass
- English Nickel finish.
- Includes hand-held shower with a White polymer handle and 5' hose.
- Slide bar dimensions: 3/4" outside diameter x 26" long overall.
- Made of solid brass.
- Hand shower water connection is sold separately.
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text: Cirque Du Hilarious We are delighted to welcome back Cirque Du Hilarious to our resorts this year, and you can see this live show full of excitement and comedy on every school holiday and weekend break. View Dates and Prices Previous Next Tweet Email This new show brings you daredevil acts from across the world, and hilarious comedy routines that are guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat. It's perfect for your family to enjoy together and comes complete with magic, madness, mayhem and the now Legendary Rock Band "Clownforce" - all with a touch of danger! All part of the price This fun-filled show is included in the price of every family school holiday and weekend break When can you see it? This show is on every school holiday and weekend break from February half term (excluding school summer holidays) Butlins recommends As this is an evening show we recommend it's great for all the family but especially those with for school aged children View Dates and Prices Tweet Email Accommodation Where To Stay Dining Options Where To Dine 2014 Special offers See our exclusive online offers Live Shows Scooby-Doo Freddie Blues on the Move Mister Maker Live! Animal Adventures Barney's Farmyard Sing-Along Billy & Bonnie's Wake Up Session Bob the Builder Billy & Bonnie's Storytime Storybook Panto Discover Magic Superslam Wrestling Puppet Castle Thomas and Friends Fireman Sam Show Dick and Dom All of this included Splash Waterworld Our Traditional Fairground Family activity sessions Characters Sports Coaching