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Good customer service
Posted by
rm's mom
EDGEWATER, NJ -- I ordered an item which was a gift for my sister. The item arrived in the store and I went to pick it up. The item was placed into the bag and I paid for it. That evening when I opened my bag I found the item to be damaged. "How could they give me this item like this." I was very upset. When I called the store a very helpful person said I could bring my order back and they would reorder the item for me.
When I returned to the store, this item was no longer available for ordering. This person did everything in her power to get me my item. She even went to another store to pick it up for me. When she had the item in her possession, I picked it up and it was perfect.
Her name is Nancy and I want to thank her for all service.
In the economy we have today, customer service needs to be 100% and Nancy did just that.
Thank you again, Nancy for all your help.
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Alain on 01/09/2011:
Like you, I've always had good & friendly service at Barnes and Noble. We like to go down some afternoons and spend some time reading and getting a cup of coffee at our local B & N. I usually come out with around six books every time I go.
Venice09 on 01/09/2011:
Hey, rm's mom.. remember me? How's Edgewater doing these days?
It's nice of you to acknowledge Nancy's exceptional service. I hope all the customers appreciate her as much as you do.
trmn8r on 01/09/2011:
Great compliment. I haven't been to a B&N in many years, but always had great service there.
FlShopper on 01/09/2011:
I love B&N. Nice review.
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Missing Order
Posted by
A once great company for books, cd's and DVD's and noted for its exemplary shipping is now at the bottom when it comes to customer fulfillment.
As a loyal customer, I've spent over $1,285.00 in the past 18 months. And now, once I get the long-awaited remaining order it will be the final one. I plan to never visit your website again.
Here is a reason (but not the only one) why:
12-06-10: placed an order with 10 items that ALL "Usually ship within 24 hours".
12-12-10: Left warehouse (120+ business hours since order was placed).
12-12-10: Arrived at 3rd party intermediary vendor (ARGIX Direct) location.
12-14-10: ARGIX Direct logs that they delivered the package to the USPS in Philadelphia, PA.
12-14-10: USPS in Philadelphia, PA log that they received an electronic notification to expect my package for mailing.
12-20-10: USPS has not logged that they have received my package.
12-20-10: It's now 11 business days since I placed my order and I still do not have my package.
I don't see this as a ARGIX Direct problem, nor do I see this as a USPS problem. I see this as a Barnes And Noble problem. I did contact a B&N customer service representative. She told me that I could expect my package today. When I told her that USPS has not logged receipt of my package she said that they sometimes don't update their system. It was either wishful thinking on her part or I was getting a blow-off. Which do you think it was? However, I did contact USPS and their automated response said that my package has not been received.
In Closing, would you buy from an online vendor that provided this level of service?
On a final note: do you have children? The package that I'm expecting from you contains the major part of my son's Christmas presents. Please imagine how you would feel.
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Whiteduck on 12/21/2010:
Well, all that may be true, but as for the USPS updating their system that wasn't necessarily a blow-off. I've had packages delivered by them when the web site still didn't say they'd received anything.
It's a busy time of year. I hope you got your stuff on time...
momsey on 12/21/2010:
I can tell you for sure that USPS doesn't always update their systems. I mailed something two day priority last week on the 14th. On the 17th, it was still showing as "estimated delivery date 12/16" and the last status was "received at processing facility" on 12/15. The recipient didn't receive it until 12/18 when he went to the PO to pick it up. I don't know how he knew to go there, but the online tracking was no help.
FedEx and UPS are much better at tracking their packages.
I do have a son, and I also understand that this is a really busy time of year for every retailer. Hopefully you'll get your package in time for Christmas. But you'll really turn your back on a store that you've done so much business (happily, I'm assuming) with over one somewhat delayed shipment? That just doesn't seem fair.
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Please Clarify Shipping Times
Posted by
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA -- First off, I would like to say that I have used your company in the past for my textbooks and I have always been very pleased with the quality of the merchandise and the perks that I received with my purchases. This time however, I feel like you have let me down a little.
I placed an order online on 01/07/2008 at approx.1900 hours for over $300 in books that I desperately need for my graduate classes that begin on Monday. I wanted to order earlier, but because my college, Northern Arizona University, held onto my student loan and scholarship money until that day, I was stuck. I elected for the expedited shipping so I would have my books by Monday at the latest, since the online store stated that they would ship within 24 hours I went with your company over several others.
When I got home from work today, I checked my email looking for my tracking information, and there was nothing. I called to find out why there wasn't any information, and I was told by one of your very polite and helpful clerks, that one of my books was backordered and since all my books were shipping at the same time, my entire order was held until this Friday.
I asked if I could cancel and just bite the bullet and buy my books at the campus bookstore, but your clerk told me that I couldn't cancel and get a refund until I got the books and then returned them. This really puts me in a bind because I am a very obsessive and dedicated student, and I wanted to have my books so that I could get a head start on my class work. Please, in the future, when dealing with textbooks, please idiot-proof your site and warn those of us tunnel-visioned students that our books might be delayed in shipping.
I appreciate your clerks efforts, and she seemed genuinely sympathetic, and that was appreciated.
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calamity on 01/09/2008:
I should have mentioned that it didn't say anywhere on the site that my book was backordered. It showed it was available and ready to ship, so I assumed,(wrong to do) that everything would be ready to go and on its way to me. I know it doesn't seem like much to be whining about, but I have worked very hard to get a 4.0, and I desperately want to keep it, and between my family, an ex-husband who doesn't work, a full-time job that pays squat, I am a little tense right now. Thanks for letting me whine, and I apologize for being in full freak-out mode.
Ponie on 01/10/2008:
I think this is a well thought out letter. I would have labeled it Informative rather than Complaint because you really aren't complaining about anything, just giving them a suggestion. And--I don't think you're whining, merely stating the facts of your case.
Congrats to you for making it on your own with no assistance from the el-freako ex! Wish I could offer a suggestion to ease your situation, but you sound as though you have it all together and will triumph. Good luck!
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Rude Employees
Posted by
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA -- On July 16 2010 Barnes and noble book seller played host to Kendra of the girls next door fame. She had a book written and was to be at the store at 7pm to sign for 2 hours and meet and great fans. Myself and 2 of my friend arrived at 6:50pm and got in line. One employee a woman was rude from the beginning, When Kendra finally arrived 20 minutes late, she went right to signing and greeting people most did not buy her book at 26.00 per person instead they opted to have other items signed such as pics or playboys even though she was not a playmate. After 1 hour and forty one minutes in line and 20 feet away from our goal we were told to leave if we were not buying a book.
I asked to see a manager and a guy with long hair and tattoos claimed to be the manage told used to get out along with everyone who was not buying a book. The employees where rude and acted as if they were speaking on her behalf, which was unclear. I will never shop at Barnes and Noble or any of there other brand.
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Skye on 07/19/2010:
I can't.
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
Well if it were me I'd cross this Barnes and Noble off my list. They don't sell anything you can't get elsewhere and if you order from Amazaon you don't get the bad attitude.
Good review!
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
She wrote a book? What connect the dots?
Stew were yiu aware of this?
The probably shut the whole state down for such an event, huh?
jktshff1 on 07/19/2010:
2nd skye
PepperElf on 07/19/2010:
never did one of these myself but yes, I thought it is in better taste to buy the book in question, even if you get something else signed
plus you say she got there at 720pm, and you were in line for and hour and 40 minutes starting at 650 so...
by the time you were spoken to it was 830 pm or so?
Out of curiosity, when did the store close and how much longer was the line? It is possible that it was decided later on that only book buyers could be in line... either by the store, the author, or the author's publisher/handler... perhaps because of how many people had shown up for a free autograph without buying the book.
especially since the author didn't have a lot of time left for the book signing
BEJ on 07/19/2010:
She was there to do a book signing. I can see asking other items to be signed if you were also buying a book but not if you were not buying a book--just my opinion.
Venice09 on 07/19/2010:
That's a good point, Pepper. It could have been the author's or handler's decision to limit the autographs if the crowd was bigger than expected.
jktshff1 on 07/19/2010:
Does Amazon do book signings? I enjoy going to my local B&N.
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
I totally agree BEJ.
Ex centerfold models turned wives of football players that nearly singlehandedly costed his team a win in a Super Bowl have bills too!
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
Kisha, I didn't notice this was in OKC. No, I didn't hear about nor would I have been interested. First of all I have no idea who this author is and secondly I only venture over to that part of town if I'm going to Guitar Center or Nomad II.
Now you'd probably like that B&N because it's relatively close to the Habana Inn.
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
Is it? I will keep that in mind.
Kendra used to be one of Hef's girls.
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
Who is Kendra and what is the girls next door fame... a TV show? Movie? Documentary?
Skye on 07/19/2010:
Is her book about how all her plastic sugery gave her a new life?
Hef looks like a cadaver.
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
It was about these three chicks that lived and worked with Hugh Hefner.
Pretty lame I thought. She is married to an Indianapolis Colt now.
Skye, a centerfold model that went under the knife? No way!!
Anonymous on 07/19/2010:
LOL Skye...he does look like a cadaver...I always wonder if the Bunnies shower in Lysol after snuggling up tight to him. Ewww..
Skye on 07/19/2010:
OMG jc, just the thought of snuggling with him makes me ill :(
Ytropious on 07/19/2010:
I happened upon her hawking her book in People magazine. It's called "Sliding Into Home"...WHY? her husband is in football not baseball. She certainly aint the smartest so I can see why people wouldn't be buying her book. I don't know, but do they get money from these companies to be at the book signing, or is it used as an event to sell more books. Meaning if no one buys her book she doesn't get anything. If this were the case I'd be pretty angry too. I don't see how this is B&N's fault. She wants you to buy her book, you didn't want to, she doesn't have to sign squat then I guess. When you're famous you can pretty much do whatever you want.
Skye on 07/19/2010:
I know kish, what was I thinking~
Skye on 07/19/2010:
Sliding into home, sounds more like a porn movie.....
Ytropious on 07/19/2010:
EW it does!
Venice09 on 07/19/2010:
All these responses and not one mention of the long hair and tattoos. I'm disappointed.
Skye on 07/19/2010:
Hef has long hair and tattoo's??
Venice09 on 07/19/2010:
Maybe that's what he needs.
Skye on 07/19/2010:
What? A slide into home?? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FlShopper on 07/19/2010:
I went to a book signing for Carl Hiaasen at B&N a few years ago. He was going to be reading from his latest book, talking about it, and taking some questions. Then the signing began; we were on line for well over an hour and we'd barely moved. I left after a while because I was starving and I saw that I might not even make it to the front of the line before the event was over.
Despite it being so crowded, the B&N staff handled it well and kept things organized and under control.
Venice09 on 07/19/2010:
That, too!
Ben There on 07/19/2010:
The point of a book signing is to sell books. See if you can catch her somewhere else that she is not attending for business and get a free autograph.
Mike in FL on 07/20/2010:
This is standard procedure for the majority of book signings. The whole purpose of this kind of event is to drive business into the store. Every signing I've ever been to, I had to pay either the bookstore for the product or pay a small signing fee to the author directly. I don't mind doing it if I have the extra cash.
PepperElf on 07/20/2010:
Personally I'd rather go to a Neil Gaiman book signing myself.
Of course I'd probably also be buying whatever book it was (or the audiobook version) cos I like his books.
heggymonster on 07/20/2010:
She is not a centerfold she just did the old guy, and I have been to several signing where you don't have to buy the book, examply Ted Nugent, Peter david etc. There were a lot of people who did not buy anything some just wanted a picture with her and like someone else said I did not even know whoi she was and really did not care I was just there to help out some friends. That still does not excuess the way the staff acted toward the people in line weather they were going to buy anything or not.
PepperElf on 07/22/2010:
however again... it was getting late, there was a limited time for the book signing
so by that time, they - as in the store, the author or the handlers - may have decided to cut the non-buying people from the line so that all of the people BUYING the book had a chance to get it signed.
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The first time was one time too many!
Posted by
Although I usually order from Amazon, I got a B&N gift card, and thought I'd order my brother's birthday present from them. For about $30, I got an email promise to deliver the book, gift wrapped, within three days - plenty of time, since the birthday was still 8 days off.
Seven days later, I tried to call. The automated number 1-800-THE BOOK is a joke; three times, an automated voice tells you that the operators are busy, and then the system hangs up on you. Call the local line - 201-559-3882 - and prepare to be lied to, starting with the agent's cheerful "I can help you" (they can't and won't) and ending with "a manager will call within two hours" (that won't happen, either). I did get an offer to refund the shipping portion of my order, which I thought was funny, since THEY HADN'T USED THE THREE DAY SHIPPING SERVICE I PAID FOR (in related news, they also aren't charging me for fixing my car, cooking my dinner, or any other services that they did not provide).
My last call - with my third "customer service" representative - ended with her saying how much B&N appreciates my business, echoing the line from their email, "We are glad we could be of service and look forward to your next visit". This, too, is a lie; I'm sure they would rather have not done business with me (since I get mad when you take my money, make promises, and then don't deliver), and I most certainly am sorry that I did business with them. Amazon works; why mess around with a firm that is repeatedly dishonest?
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Anonymous on 04/01/2010:
No company representative believe their canned language claiming to value you as a customer including Barnes and Noble. The only value they place is on the dollars you spend with them. Once the transaction has been completeld with the money in their pocket, we're nothing but a faceless account number. Wish that was not the case but these days it is the sad truth.
goduke on 04/01/2010:
Odd. I use B&N all the time (some would say a bit too much). I never have had a single issue with them. Not sure how the shipping method could have gone awry, since the label is printed automatically from the system based upon the option that you select in the shipping method box online. Maybe you'll get another gift card from someone and can give them another try.
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Beware of double-billing
Posted by
Wanted to warn any potential customers of Barnes & Noble (B&N - online). I purchased a gift for my son with my debit card, but actually had twice this amount withheld from my checking account. B&N told me it was the Bank that put a 'hold' on it, my Bank told me B&N actually reflected two separate transactions. When I tried getting it resolved through B&N customer service, I was basically told I was out of luck. They only showed one transaction.
My checking account reflects two transactions:
- 3/15/2010-VISA CHECK CARD PURCHASE BARNES&NOBLE*BOOKQUEST 866-257-7723 US $34.74; and
... with a hold on my account of a total of $69.48
My bank says B&N created the error and my account reflects 'two' debits, and they cannot credit it without notification from B&N who refused to help. I do not understand where two different dates reflecting B&N with two different phone numbers show up! If my bank doesn't have the money, who does?
Last time I'll be patronizing B&N and I'll make sure to pass this 'business practice' of theirs along. Seems like a scam somehow, B&N 'holding' my money and lying about it.
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Later shipment arrived but 2 others still haven't - ignored by customer service
Posted by
I place one order from B&N online. It was unfortunately, divided into three shipments. The orders were to be shipped internationally. We alway received our shipments from the US within 7-10 days (Amazon, mail from home, etc.) it is rare that anything would take two weeks. Well, it has been three weeks and we received the last items shipped and are still waiting for the first two shipments - shipped 4-5 days before the last shipment. Contacted B&N and no response within the promised timeframe. Finally, I received an automated email apologizing for the delay (Apparently the don't have enough staff to handle customer requests for assistance.) They directed to their FAQ online and basically said, we will be closed on 12.25 and will write after that - a week after I wrote. Waiting for a late shipment is one thing, but completely blowing off a written request from a customer because your department is short of staff is not acceptable. I am very careful about where I spend my hard earned dollars and expect better customer service. Still no orders...I may ask for a refund. Three weeks is too long to wait for these orders. And, I would only order from B&N online again if they were the only vendor with a book I needed. Was also considering a "Nook" but have decided not to order that from them either.
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goduke on 12/26/2009:
This is one of the busiest times for online retailers. Of course they are short staffed. There's no way they could hire, train, and deploy staff for only a few weeks of volume. Be patient and they'll respond to your email.
Anonymous on 12/26/2009:
As goduke said, this is one of the busiest time of the year. you "USSUALLY" receive packages 7-10 days, but can take longer.....ALso, ditto what Godduke said about the emails. IF you ever plan on buying something online and wanting it before Christmas, it needs to be done 2 weeks before Christmas AT THE LATEST, IMO. Just to be sure there are no problems, or delays
Anonymous on 12/26/2009:
In addition to what the others have said, if I am reading correctly, you had these items shipped internationally. This time of year, international shipping times can DOUBLE.
I mailed packages to friends and family stationed both in Afghanistan and Iraq SIX weeks ago and they all just arrived a few days ago.
bcd on 12/26/2009:
Did you request a tracking number? That is the easiest way to verify if (and when) something was shipped.
Anonymous on 12/26/2009:
bcd, many times (not always) tracking numbers are not available on international shipping. Once of the many reasons I don't ship overseas when I sell on eBay.
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Bad customer service policy
Posted by
I purchased 2 books as Xmas gift for my son (on-line). Shipping address was the address where I wanted gift to be send. When completing purchase I provided credit card info after I saw the summary of the purchase including shipping address. The second step was to provide the billing address and I provided my address. In few minutes I received purchase confirmation with the order number and the link to view order details. Link did not work. Error was displayed when I used my email address and order number.
Today I switched my computer and saw another email with shipping confirmation and THE BILLING ORDER used in place of shipping order.
I immediately called to B&N and they said that nothing can be done at this point.
Nevertheless, I went to UPS website and figured out that there was a way to change shipping address especially when the parcel was not even moved from the warehouse. But the option is only available to the sender, namely B&N.
I called again to B&N and ask to change shipping address via UPS website. Customer representative refused to do it explaining that B&N policy does not allow changing address.
Order detail in the system:
shipping address is replaced with billing address. And when completing purchase I saw the right shipping address on the screen. Right now the shipping address is wrong.
The main point is: B&N system does not deliver expected value and customer support refuses to fix system error or company does not care about customers if it has a policy that prevents customer service to take care of customers when they have trouble caused by B&N system.
Happy Holiday B&N!
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Ytropious on 12/20/2009:
I'm sure it's an issue of protecting you against fraud. Anyone could call up pretending to be joe somebody asking for a package reroute.
PepperElf on 12/20/2009:
though for this I do have to agree with the OP
if she/he has the correct credit card number and order number, and can file a complaint on line from his/her account...how much more proof do they need that it's the person who really ordered it?
only thing I can suggest is canceling the order and then calling up to make it again - to ensure the shipping is correct, if you want to stay with the company that is
Anonymous on 12/20/2009:
I wouldn't call to place the order again. If the customer has the order number, credit card number the chances of fraud are very slim.
I would cancel the order if that is an option. If not I would wait for the order to arrive and either send it back for a refund or take it to the local B&N and return it there.
Ytropious on 12/20/2009:
I was not disagreeing with the OP, I was just explaining why the company might have such a policy in place.
LafayetteStudent14 on 09/16/2013:
Something similar happened to me. I order a book and clearly put down my college address as my shipping address. I do not receive it but my mom asks me if I ordered a book. The credit card I used has a billing address of my dad's office. Apparently my book was shipped to my dad's office. This has happened three times. My college is 80 miles away from my dad's office.
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Poor/No Customer Service
Posted by
TENNESSEE -- On November 11, 2008, I ordered a book from Barnes and Noble online. This was "supposedly" sent out on November 13th.
I have yet to receive this book. I have contacted the "Customer Service" 8 times by phone and 4 times by e-mail regarding this issue.
The individuals I spoke to were not knowledgeable and lacked training to speak to customers. They let me know that they couldn't care less about my problem by their attitudes.
I went ahead and ordered the same book at auction on eBay and won. The transaction went smoothly and it arrived in time for Christmas.
I still do not have the first book, nor have they refunded my money. So in fact I am out $30.00. Since I paid for the same book twice.
I did sent B&N an e-mail telling them to contact eBay regarding Customer Service classes for B&N employees.
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Anonymous on 01/06/2009:
I like your last sentence...lol
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Thank You
Posted by
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA -- Last Saturday me, my husband, and our four year old son went to Barnes and Noble to buy some new books for the kids.
We were going up the escalator to the children's section when my little guy lost his footing on the escalator and fell, cutting open his leg.
We immediately went down to the registers and requested a manager. The staff was very friendly and very helpful, and paged the manager and within seconds she arrived.
Without any questions she handed me a first aid kit and took me into the back to provide me with antiseptic wipes and neosporin ointment. She even locked the women's bathroom so we could care for him in the bathroom in privacy.
When we were done she took our personal information, and took us to the Starbuck's cafe in the front of the store to give him free juice and a cookie.
We read a lot of complaints on here, but every once in a while it's nice to read about a company going above and beyond what they should do to help a customer.
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jenjenn on 07/28/2008:
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
That really was going above and beyond. Most places now would have the parent sign an incident report to prevent a lawsuit...it's about time they put a child first. Good for them...hope the little one is OK now, there are a lot of accidents involving kids and escalators...shoes, shoe laces hanging open, long pant legs etc...in your case, you said he lost his footing and I'm glad to see the manager was concerned about your four year old more than she was about business.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
She didn't make us sign anything. I honestly think she was more concerned about him than the paperwork. She just told us to leave our info with her and that was it. No questions, no attitude, just someone who actually cared.
He's doing fine now. He's got 7 stitches on his shin bone from where he fell, but he's fine. He's going to the pediatrician later this morning to have his stitches looked at and make sure there's not infection and they are clean.
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
I wonder what Eileen would have done.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
Well she was most likely on her cell phone with her brother, and she probably told him to call her lawyer, and then made them give her free staples for life.
yoke on 07/28/2008:
Hope your little one feels better. It is nice to know there is good customer service out there still.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
LOL he's fine. Yesterday I was out grilling burgers for lunch and he was trying to climb a tree! If my e-mail will come up I'd post a picture of his "war wound" on the community side. Little man didn't cry at all until they put the novacaine in his leg with a needle to start sewing him up.
yoke on 07/28/2008:
Now the joy of trying to keep an active 4 year old quiet and keep the wound clean!
Mrs. V on 07/28/2008:
I'm glad that your little one is doing OK ^_^
And good for B&N!!!
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
I think you should add triplet boys to your family!
old fart on 07/28/2008:
I bet your little guy shows off the stitches like a war wound..Both of our boys were constantly going to the emergency ward for similar things... they knew us on a first name basis at the local hospital..
You've got another fifteen years or so of the same thing coming yet..
Boys will be boys..
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
My mom said this was the first of many. This morning I caught him trying to jump off his dresser with a towel around his neck like a cape.
OF, we usually go twice a year to the ER for something. Never fails. I know something is really wrong when they don't scream and cry. When they are quiet and just say ow that hurts, it's serious.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
DB hubby got himself fixed a few months back. We are not having any more kids. The ones we have are plenty. My youngest is like having three kids in one little body and my oldest is just as bad. Cutest little things in the world, but man they are the most fearless kids I've ever met.
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
Well..."Fixed" can be reversed! And there is always adoption.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
Next thing we're adopting is a puppy! :) No more kids! I was born with two hands, one for each kid!
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
OH! Let ME pick the puppy out for you! PLEASE!PLEASE! PRETTY PLEASE...CAN I? HUH, HUH, CAN I PLEASE?????
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
You can pick the puppy out if you want. :) I only ask one thing, it has to be a girl puppy! I'm tired of being around all these boys. And nothing too big like a great dane or bull mastiff. Medium sized preferably.
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
THANKS! You KNOW you can trust the Basher! *Smiling, skipping down the street, ponytail swaying back and forth, to go puppy shopping*
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
We want a shelter puppy! No purebreds or puppy mill dogs, we want to save a puppy from the shelter. :)
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
Princi...did you see the photo of that dog I posted the other night for NoHandle?
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
No. Is it still on the community forums?
Anonymous on 07/28/2008:
Consider a retired greyhound, princi. Super gentle, sweet temperament, and you're saving a life. I do not recommend a grey if the kiddoes are REALLY rambunctious. Greys can be terrified by some kids. Good luck!
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
No Princi...I had to remove it before Admin did...THAT'S how good it was...but, I will post it again...just for you!
Anonymous on 07/28/2008:
Excellent review and info as always Princi. Sounds like the guy was lucky to have you there and some attentive employee's. Years ago we picked up a shelter dog. It was a Spaniel mix and turned out to be one of the smartest and best dogs we ever had join the family.
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
OK Princi...go check it out while it lasts.
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
I know some rescue organizations frown on adopting animals to families with small children, but I will look into the breed. I refuse to pay big bucks for a pure bred animal when I can adopt one from a shelter or rescue organization and give it a good life. Hubby won't even let me walk into the SPCA down here because he knows we'll have a house full of animals.
LOL, if you want DB e-mail it to me so you don't get into trouble. :)
Principissa on 07/28/2008:
Thank you super. If my e-mail would come up I'd post a pick of it in the comm. section. But my internet is being weird today.
Super my mom adopted a shelter dog, Gabby, she was a mix between a retriever and a chesapeake bay and she was the sweetest most loyal dog I've ever met. We had to put her to sleep about 3 years ago because of a tumor on her gums, but I would love to have another Gabby. My dad and step-mom adopted two Boston terriers from a boston terrier rescue and they are the sweetest little dogs! :)
DebtorBasher on 07/28/2008:
Trouble and me we're old buddies you see
I've stuck by him and he's a stickin' by me
Well, goodbye honey, be thankful you're free
And that you're not stuck with ol' trouble and me.
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Sky sources understand that West Ham have renewed their interest in Besiktas striker Hugo Almeida.
The Hammers were linked with a move for the Portugal international in the summer, but Almeida remained in Turkey and has netted 10 goals in 15 appearances for Besiktas.
Manager Sam Allardyce is thought to be still interested in the 29-year-old, although he is yet to table a formal offer for the frontman.
The east Londoners have struggled to score goals in the absence of Andy Carroll and the arrival of Almeida would add some additional firepower to their squad.
Almeida started his career at Porto and left his home country for a spell at Werder Bremen before moving to Besiktas in 2011.
West Ham are also believed to be lining up a loan deal with Monaco for striker Lacina Traore as they prepare for a survival push in the next few months.

subset: commoncrawl


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This week, Jimmy Fallon helped Britney Spears sign up for Tinder, and also participated in a Tonight Show edition of Family Feud that went completely off the rails. Former Saturday Night Live cast member Bill Hader shared a hilarious Casey Kasem sketch that tragically never made it to air, and Ellen DeGeneres released her own version of Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" video. Elsewhere, viewers also got their first taste of Utopia and its amazing theme song, as well as a very special Jeff Goldblum rendition of the Jurassic Park theme song. Check out those clips and more in our weekly roundup of the best online videos:
Do you have one of those "... and all I got was this lousy T-shirt" souvenirs? Family Feud can name something worse
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The Young and the Restless was the big winner at Sunday's Daytime Emmy Awards. The CBS soap took home six prizes including Best Drama Series, Best Drama Series Writing Team, Best Lead Actor (Billy Miller), and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Amelia Heinle).
The awards, hosted by Kathy Griffin, also honored The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which won its eighth trophy for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show, as well as Steve Harvey, who was a winner for Best Game Show Host (Family Feud) and Outstanding Informative Talk Show (The Steve Harvey Show).
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake rocked the final Saturday Night Live of the year with familiar sketches, a rap medley and plenty of famous faces. Watch the highlights below:
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This week, Billy Crystal revealed the little-known true origins of Duck Dynasty in an interview with Jimmy Fallon, while Jimmy Kimmel hosted "Modern Family Feud" with the young cast members of Modern Family. Yahoo! released a spoof of ESPN's 30 for 30 about the basketball game in Space Jam, Scott Porter took TVGuide.com on a tour of the Hart of Dixie set, and a Russian police choir sang Daft Punk's "Get Lucky." Check out those clips and more in our weekly roundup of the best online videos:
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Magnificent Masters in Financial Services
Magnificent Masters in Financial Services: New Book for Women who Want A Successful Career In Financial Services
|Dallas, TX (September 2007) Ginger Cockerham, Master Certified Coach for financial services professionals, has published a new book that shares how fourteen women in the financial services industryhave become top producers in their field. Along with her co-author, Diane Dixon, this ground-breaking book focuses on fourteen wildly successful women in the financial services industry who have created models for the financial businesses that have made them millions. These women have also raised families, overcome incredible obstacles, and reached amazing personal goals."The financial services career is extremely rewarding — and these women prove it. If you have an interest in coming into this business, you should read this book!"— William H. Beckley, Executive Vice President of Agencies, Northwestern Mutual Life


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Developer Description
Follow us on Twitter: Elite_Systems Alternate Reality: The City (a game for 8-bit personal / home computers released in the US in 1985) is one of THE defining games of the 1980s. The Alternate Reality: The City app will be offered as an in-app purchase from within the Elite Collection app. (The in-app will be priced at £0.69/€0.79/US$0.99 and it may include one or more other 8-bit...
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Read about GYCA members in the news!
Are you a GYCA member who has appeared in a local, national or international news article, radio or tv broadcast, blog, etc.? Please send us the name of the news outlet, the date it came out, the title of the article/broadcast and a link to the full story if available, at email@example.com. Thank you!


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Menu Bath Tissue HolderPrice: $69.95
Design by Norm Architects, 2013.
By Menu A/S.
The Menu Bath Tissue Holder is designed in a simple and recognizable style. It features a zinc alloy mount with rounded, powder-coated aluminum arm. Its softly curved form is fresh and clean - a fitting complement to modern bathroom walls.
Material(s): Powder coated aluminum, plated zinc alloy
Dimensions: 5.5" W X 3.5" D X 1.4" H
7700549 7700649
Designer: Norm Architects
Norm Architects, consisting of the design team Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn, are deeply rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition which they honor and refine. According to Jonas & Kasper, good design meets real needs and satisfies all senses: A classic, recognizable shape with a new, original twist that calls for attention. A surprising little detail, or a new material enticing you to touch the product, smell it, enjoy the sound when you put it on the table. Norm Architects brings function and beauty together, always adding that little extra in pursuit of timelessness and soul.View other products by Norm Architects
Manufacturer: Menu A/S
Scandinavian Design Originals. Three little words.
But they express everything for which Menu A/S live and breathe: a never-ending search for beautiful Scandinavian design with true originality. Aesthetic and practical daily surprises that you become happier and happier to look at, touch and use. Menu A/S develops and produces designs to an international standard, often making headlines and boasting a high degree of innovation.
Creativity is when our brain plays. When we allow our imagination to fly and explore the art of what is possible. Menu A/S aims to think freshly, to question the existing shape of things, to dare to combine known things in a new way and to create new combinations in form, function, material and aesthetics. Menu A/S refines it all through their deep roots in Scandinavian nature and design tradition - the high quality materials and the clean shapes. Menu A/S strips away all unnecessary decorations, leaving the design idea to present itself in its pure form and in great craftsmanship.View other products from Menu A/S


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Fiqh Of Love with Shaykh Waleed Basyouni Coming October
The most popular and searched for AlMaghrib seminar on Google is finally coming to Chicago: Fiqh of Love taught by Shaykh Waleed Basyouni! Check out details for this exciting double-weekend course.{More»}
Past Events & Pics
50 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Love and Marriage»
Here is a sample list of some gems collected from the Fiqh of Love seminar when taught in other cities, and a preview of what is in store for you.
Youssef Hedroug wins the Beautiful Patience iPad»
The winner of the Beautiful Patience quiz contest for an Apple iPad is Youssef Hedroug! Congratulations! See how he won and take the quiz for yourself.
AlMaghrib & Bayyinah Instructors' Schedules at ISNA 2010»
ISNA is back this year in Chicago. Check out the exciting line up of AlMaghrib, Bayyinah, and other speakers!
Waleed Basyouni on The Deen Show»
With Chicago's very own brother Eddie, an AlMaghrib Institute student himself, Shaykh Waleed has a half hour long show on The Deen Show just for you to sit back, watch, and enjoy.


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Ok this is my first entry I think. Im not quite sure if i undestand this yet... anyways. i guess i should let you in on a little bit of where im at in life right now, so here goes... um currently in walterboro SC on "vacation" really i was supposed to move down here, but i do this all the time. i move from place to place and always end up back in vegas. i think its absolutely beautiful in SC but other than that it sucks. im bored out of my skull, and jobs suck down here, anyway.. im staying with my friend jennifer, who you will prolly read alot about, shes my best friend. she moved here from vegas a long time ago, she likes it. ok so im going back home on the 15th of sept. YAY umm... I suppose Ill introduce you to the name you will more than likely be hearing the most in this journal.
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|© 2002-2008. Blurty Journal. All rights reserved.


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Welcome to the library resources guide for Finance.
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Construction of the U.S. Treasury Building in 1858. National Photo Company Collection (Library of Congress)
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Rated 3.7 out of 5 by 245 reviewers.
Rated 4 out of 5 by break key card access problems every day we had to get our key card reprogramed. As access was canceled at differnece time of the day on each day we were there. The front deck help as good about recoding the key but it was a hassel. November 5, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by Oros02 Room smelled funny - lobby great Lobby looked good - and fresh. Hotel room smelled funny. Very dated and carpet very old and stained. I wore socks the entire time in the room as well as putting towels on the floor. Bed was GREAT. October 8, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Ralph299999 Hotel close to shops and food I was very pleased with the room, location and facilities. First time in Houston was concerned about staying downtown. Shuttle service was very helpful. April 23, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by Jw6157 Great place to stay Right at 610 exit, easy frm 59 Great big open mall right behind hotel. Whole area eat shop walk Hotel rm, very comfy, Sleep area separate frm sitting area & U can close off bedroom frm everything October 31, 2012
Rated 2 out of 5 by Monica95 Not recommended I was very disappointed in this hotel. Specifically I was disappointed in the cleanliness, plumbing, front desk staff and valet staff. The only thing I was happy with was the comfort of the bed. March 25, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by Texas123 Bad Sheraton day Was not offered anything to replace lounge that was under construction. Towels old and hard. Staff tried to correct broken AC several times but it would not function. No AC all night. Miserable! May 22, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Expatmac a surprise The entire hotel staff were great. The hotel has been remodeled and very comfortable rooms with a good bit of space. The gym was great. The people in the restaurant were friendly every morning. October 21, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by rembam rem-bam Birthday Weedend Excellent stay @ Sheraton Suites - Houston. We will return....!!! June 2, 2014
Rated 3 out of 5 by Penders1 Below Par Not up to the standard I have come to expect of the Sheraton brand. The place badly needs a makeover. It looked and felt tired and given its prime location, I was expecting something more. March 4, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Kappa12 GREAT PLACE TO STAY I just recently stayed here for the Kappa Konclave and the Texas Greek Picnic. The hotel was very comfortable, and the staff was extremely helpful. I would highly recommend this property. August 12, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by DIB1971 This hotel needs improvement The internet connection that used to be a great service this time was very bad, low signal, slow and inconsistent. Weather was very cold in Houston and the air equipment didn´t heat well. January 21, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Mindi98 Some disappointments You have to pay for parking if you stay there! And didn't feel it was very dog friendly! I would rather stay more on the outskirts where you don't pay for parking, it's more relaxing. January 2, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by Cyndi711 Great stay at Sheraton Suites-Galleria, Houston Simply stated, a wonderful hotel. Newly renovated with all the creature comforts you could want. And very spacious. The accommodations were complimented by a gracious and caring staff. June 19, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by mkd2000 this hotel has very unfriendly and unprofessional attitude i have stayed in this hotel so many times in my last 10 years but some of your staff specially working in evening and morning were so unfriendly and arrogant. March 30, 2014
Rated 3 out of 5 by Wanda22 Slightly Dated and Musty The room was large and had everything I needed in it but the bathroom was dated and the room had a strange musty scent to it. Room service and front desk was very helpful and polite. May 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bob5719 Outstanding stay Room & facilities were excellent. Staff constantly greeted and asked if there was anything they could do for us. Great hotel. May 2, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5 by OmerG new rooms I am very much impressed with the newly decorated rooms. I stayed in this hotel since it was originally opened, service and quality have been always the highest since the first day. July 21, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by starinhouston Newman's stay It was an ok stay they forget to refil the water, and the price went from affordable to waaay overpriced overnight. May 6, 2014
Rated 3 out of 5 by sv1000 Need more choice on the room service menu Nice hotel. The only problem is that there is absolutely nothing for vegetarians on the room service menu. When I ask the staff to make me something, they were unable to help. November 23, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by RoadWarrior1 A beautiful place to stay This is a really nice place to stay. Very relaxing and only a block from the Galleria. The room was great and the Omaha Steakhouse has excellent food and an excellent staff. September 29, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Topis excelent staff and hotel The staff were very helpful ! Yonas in the front desk went extra mile to help us locate some nice Dinning areas. Thanks, for the info we injoyed our saty & the area. November 28, 2013
Rated 2 out of 5 by Bobaloo Room was weird TV was too small. Bathroom faucet dripped. Shape of room was tough. Never could find an ice bucket. Soap was very low quality. Check in was easy. Pillows were nice. October 2, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by heyyeh Hotel needs updating Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice suite accommodations, although the rooms need updating. The bed is comfortable. I was not informed of any club level access. December 19, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by Tommyboy756 Great Stay...I'll be back! This was my 2nd stay at this Hotel and like the 1st time I was very pleased with the accomidations and staff. Great location also. I highly reccomend this Hotel. November 25, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Hotzie Nice Visit to Houston This hotel was nice it needed to have a lounge to relax in. I understand that there were some renovations going on that prevented the lounge from being open. July 29, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Rick50 This hotel had great updates The new updates to hotel was a welcome site. Our room was like brand new. Very comfortable beds and pillows. Location next to Galleria was an added bonus! July 15, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by Manju Inconsistent staff Decent hotel (for the price). But staff's knowledge of their own parking policies, as well as understanding Starwood elite privileges needs some honing. January 3, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Rphillips71 Nice experience The experience staying at Sheraton Suites Houston Galleria was nice, it would improve the hotel after the remodelation and the service was really good. June 3, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Jones22 This hotel has a friendly staff I would recommend this hotel! The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I love that I could just walk across the street to the Galleria and shop! June 27, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Anna Nice Stay Well located, healthy meals, comfortable room, great gym. Locations are renewed but still not modern and my room was noisy because of the bridge. February 15, 2013


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Special someone.
You can watch the movie it here. http://www.lomography.co.th/homes/sobetion/movies/593-special-someoneThis photo was shot on film. Taken by sobetion with a LomoKino (available in our Online Shop) loaded with Kodak Gold 200 (35mm) film in Bangkok, Thailand. This photo can also be found in the album Special someone..
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Important Information About Seasons Harvest Products
Here are some frequently asked questions about Seasons Harvest's products. We hope that they address what you would like to know. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email us and we'll get back to you with an answer and update this page.
What kind of ingredients does Seasons Harvest use in its products?
How long will a product be good?
Are any Seasons Harvest products gluten free?
Does Seasons Harvest use HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)?
What allergens are in Seasons Harvest's products?
How can I tell when a product was made?
What's the proper way to store Seasons Harvest products?
How can I tell if a product is still good?
How can Seasons Harvest's products be used?
What is Seasons Harvest's Privacy Policy?
What is Seasons Harvest's Returns Policy?
What kind of ingredients does Seasons Harvest use in its products?
Our products contain no preservatives, additives, chemical or extra water to fill the container and thus dilute flavor. You pay for only the natural ingredients in each recipe.
How long will a product be good?
Every product (except Joe's Mustard and No Ordinary Mustard) should be used within three years of its production for the best full flavor. After three years the flavor intensity gradually starts to diminish, but the product does not spoil. Mustards should be used within two years for full flavor.
Are any Seasons Harvest products gluten free?
Ninety-nine percent of Seasons Harvest products are gluten free, naturally.
Does Seasons Harvest use HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)?
Our original collection of Legend Regional and Legend Specific Barbecue Sauces contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). We continue to produce these popular products. Our new Route 66 label barbecue sauces contain no HFCS.
What allergens are in Seasons Harvest's products?
Our labels clearly list any ingredients that are known to be allergens. We also list "assorted spices," but we always list as a separate ingredient any spice that could possibly be an allergen to some customers (such as black pepper)
How can I tell when a product was made?
Each Seasons Harvest product contains a descriptive code about its production. It is stamped in black ink and located either on a light colored lid, or on the container itself, slightly down from the lid. An example of the code:
11 means the product was made in 2012
18 means the 18th day of the month
8 means the 8th month (August)
and 1 means it was the first batch of that product made that day
What's the proper way to store Seasons Harvest products?
We recommend that unopened products be stored in a pantry or other dark space, away from freezing or extended periods of temperatures above 70 degrees. Once opened, products should be refrigerated and used with a year, except for our pasta sauces and salsas, which need to be used within a month of opening
How can I tell if a product is still good?
Many of our products use lids that have a button on the top that pops up when the lid is loosened. Customers should not purchase any product with a popped lid. If you purchase a product and the lid pops while in your possession please refrigerate until it is used.
How can Seasons Harvest's products be used?
In addition to the purpose that is described on the container, Seasons Harvest's products can be used in a wide variety of ways. Their quality, ingredients (fresh whenever possible) and flavor enhance all kinds of dishes. For example, Papaya Ginger Grilling Sauce is made to be used on seafood, but it also makes a delicious salad dressing. You'll find suggestions for serving on each product's page. Be creative! And please email us a copy of a recipe where you have used one or more of our products in a new or unexpected way. We may feature it on our website or Facebook page.
What is Seasons Harvest's Privacy Policy?
Seasons Harvest respects the privacy of our online customers. Individual customer information is securely handled. We will only disclose your information to third parties as necessary to process your orders (such as disclosure to credit card processors).
Seasons Harvest, Inc. will never sell information collected to third parties.
What is Seasons Harvest's Returns Policy?
Because of the nature of our products, Seasons Harvest Inc. cannot offer refunds or replacements of items purchased online in most cases. If an item is damaged during shipment, please contact us so that we can submit a claim to UPS or FedEx. Please feel free to contact our corporate offices with any questions you have about our shipping and return policies. We welcome your comments regarding our products.
Seasons Harvest Inc.
13686 Red Arrow Hwy
Harbert, MI 49115
Thank you for being a Seasons Harvest customer! And we invite you to like us on Facebook.


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Results tagged ' Goose Gossage '
2009 Hall of Fame Induction Blog
Steve Light, the Hall of Fame's manager of museum programs, ran a live blog from the 2009 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown. Readers of his live banter had the ability to comment or ask questions.
11:00 a.m. Good morning everyone, and welcome to the National Baseball Hall of Fame's official live blog for the 2009 Induction Ceremony as we get ready to induct the Hall of Fame's newest members, Joe Gordon, Rickey Henderson, and Jim Rice. My name is Steve Light, and I am the manager of museum programs here at the Hall of Fame. Right now I'm sitting on "Radio Row" here at the Induction Site – The Clark Sports Center. I'll be bringing you live updates on the ceremony all afternoon, so stay tuned and send me your questions and comments.
The Induction Ceremony is just about two and a half hours away. Right now Hall of Fame staff and volunteers are busy wrapping up all the final preparations. Wondering about the forecast? Right now it's mostly cloudy and 75 degrees. We do have a threat of isolated thunderstorms this afternoon, but hopefully we'll stay dry for the ceremony.
11:10 a.m. The crowd has already started to build here. In fact, some fans set up chairs to stake out their spots yesterday morning. If you are in or near Cooperstown, don't forget that the ceremony is free and open to the public! If you can't get here, you can catch live coverage on the MLB Network beginning at 12:30. We will also stream the ceremony live on our website, www.baseballhall.org
11:16 a.m. Red Sox Nation has turned out in full force this weekend to celebrate Jim Rice. Catering to the crowd, the big screen next to the stage is playing highlights from the 2004 Red Sox season.
11:35 a.m. 51 Hall of Famers have turned out to welcome their three newest members this weekend. Of course, today is not just about Jim, Joe, and Rickey. We will also honor J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Nick Peters, and Ford C. Frick Award winner Tony Kubek. Peters covered the San Francisco Giants for 47 years, 1961 – 2007. Kubek has worked as an analyst for NBC's Game of the Week, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the New York Yankees for 30 years. He is also the first exclusively television analyst to win the Frick Award.
11:36 a.m. [Comment From Kevin Brazee]
Do you know who will speak first Henderson or Rice?
11:36 a.m. Great question Kevin! The final order has not been decided yet, but Jim Rice will likely speak first.
11:53 a.m. We've had a great weekend here in Cooperstown already. On Friday our annual PLAY Ball! with Ozzie Smith event raised $10,000 for the Hall of Fame's Educational programs and gave some fans the opportunity of a lifetime to interact with Ozzie, Wade Boggs, Harmon Killebrew and Eddie Murray on Doubleday Field. Yesterday at the Clark Sports Center a crowd of over 750 people watched four families' compete against Dick Williams, Goose Gossage and Ryne Sandberg in our annual Connecting Generations, a Family Feud-like game show. Harold Reynolds served as the host.
11:56 p.m. The gates have opened in the seated sections and fans begin to stream to their seats as the excitement begins to build. Just about an hour and a half away.
12:04 p.m. Red Sox Nation isn't alone here in Cooperstown this weekend. The section 3 seats directly behind me are filled with Oakland Athletics' gear. Feel free to send any questions you might have about today's Induction Ceremony, and be sure to include where you are from!
12:17 p.m. Let's talk some stats now, starting with Rickey. Henderson is the 44th player elected on the first ballot. He received 94.8% of the vote from the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Henderson played in 10 All-Star games, won three silver sluggers, and was named the 1990 AL MVP. During his 25 year career he set career records for runs, stolen bases, and walks. The records for runs and stolen bases still stand. Rickey also holds the single season steals record, and led the league in steals a record 12 times.
12:22 p.m. Jim Rice was elected on his 15th year on the Baseball Writers ballot, receiving 76.4% of the vote. He joins two other famous Hall of Fame Red Sox leftfielders, Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski. In his 16-year major league career Rice was one of the most feared sluggers in the American League. He was an 8-time All-Star, led the league in home runs 3 times and won an AL MVP in 1978.
12:25 p.m. [Comment From C Itle]
I can't find the stream link. Could you please post it here?
12:26 p.m. The live stream will be posted on the Hall's website at 12:30 eastern time. Just visit www.baseballhall.org.
12:30 p.m. Nine-time All-Star Joe Gordon was elected on the pre-1943 Veterans Committee ballot. He received 10 of the 12 committee votes. Gordon was a member of five World Series winning teams, and won the 1942 Most Valuable Player Award. During his first six seasons, Gordon and the New York Yankees won five pennants and four World Series titles. He was traded to Cleveland in 1946, and helped lead the Indians to their World Series title in 1948, hitting 32 home runs and driving in 120 runs.
12:33 p.m. A lot of people are asking who is representing Joe Gordon here today. It will be Joe's daughter, Judy Gordon.
12:35 p.m. A note for all you fans out there who might be attending a major league game today: save your tickets! The Hall will grant free admission to all fans who present a ticket stub from a major league game bearing the date July 26, 2009. This opportunity is good right up until next year's Induction.
12:47 p.m. I'm getting some more questions about where to find the televised broadcast, so for those joining our live blog late, you can catch live coverage on the MLB Network (their broadcast has already started!) or you can stream them onto your computer via our website, www.baseballhall.org.
Casey is on stage warming up for his annual presentation of "Casey at the Bat". That surely means the start of the ceremony is getting closer.
12:55 p.m. With Joe Gordon, Rickey Henderson, and Tony Kubek all being honored today, it's no surprise that Yankees GM Brian Cashman has arrived and is in the audience for today's ceremony. Another notable name spotted in the audience: Keith Olberman.
Right now on the big screen, 2009 Steele Intern Daniel Sampson interviews MLB Network commentator and former major leaguer Harold Reynolds.
1:00 p.m. [Comment From Fitz – Boston]
Have you seen Freddie Lynn in the crowd? Any other Rice teammates?
1:00 p.m. Haven't seen Fred Lynn, Fitz. But Dwight Evans is in town.
1:05 p.m. Other former teammates expected today: Dave Henderson and Bob Montgomery for Rice and Dave Stewart for Henderson.
Casey is at the bat on the Induction Stage right now, 25 minutes to go!
1:11 p.m. Can't make it to Cooperstown today? How about tomorrow morning? We conclude our Hall of Fame Weekend festivities with our annual Legends Series event right here at the Clark Sports Center. Rickey and Jim will sit down for an interview to reflect on their experiences this weekend, which must have been a whirlwind for them. Tickets ($10) are still available by contacting the Hall of Fame's membership department.
1:17 p.m. Well if Brian Cashman is here for the Yankee Inductees, it shouldn't surprise you that the Red Sox's John Henry and Larry Lucchino are here to support Jim Rice (and of course Rickey Henderson, who played for the Red Sox as well).
1:24 p.m. Five minutes to go! Who do you think will get the biggest cheers as the Hall of Famers are announced?
1:30 p.m. The Hall of Famers are on the stage, we're just about ready to go.
1:30 p.m. And Rickey and Jim have just arrived on stage, to a great ovation from the crowd.
1:37 p.m. President Jeff Idelson and Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark offer welcoming remarks. As Ms. Clark points out, 51 of the 65 living Hall of Famers are on stage today. Where else can you get such a collection of greats in one place at one time?
Now the MC of today's ceremony is introduced, George Grande. George begins the player introductions.
1:40 p.m. George did a great job having fun with fans and introducing the Hall of Famers during the Red Carpet Arrivals event at the Museum last night as they arrived for a private reception. If you are ever in Cooperstown for Hall of Fame Weekend that is definitely an event to check out.
1:47 p.m. [Comment From Shawn Anderson, Illinois]
Which Hall of Famer elicits the biggest hush when he enters the room? Meaning…who makes everyone stop what they are doing?
1:47 p.m. Great question Shawn! I can't speak for everyone, but for me I am in awe any time I see Willie Mays.
1:48 p.m. Biggest ovation yet? Yaz get's a prolonged standing O.
1:52 p.m. Juan Marichal is introduced. Juan was at the Hall of Fame earlier this year as we opened a brand new exhibit on baseball in the Caribbean called �Viva Baseball! If you haven't seen it make sure you come on out to Cooperstown!
Speaking of new exhibits, the Hall also has a brand new exhibit this year entitled Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream. Hank is introduced, and the fans deliver another loud ovation.
1:58 p.m. And now this year's Inductees are introduced, along with Judy Gordon on behalf of her father.
The Red Sox fans make their presence known as Jim Rice is introduced, while shouts of "Rickey" echo through the crowd as George Grande introduces "the greatest leadoff hitter of all time."
2:12 p.m. A bit of rain has moved in but it hasn't dampened any spirits. The ceremony is going to be moved along a bit however due to storms expected later this afternoon. After the invocation and national anthems, it's Joe Gordon's turn! Bud Selig reads the inscription on the plaque as Hall President Jeff Idelson presents it to the crowd.
2:12 p.m. Judy Gordon takes the podium.
2:16 p.m. Judy talks about how her father reached out to Larry Doby in his first ever day in the major leagues as he desegregated the American League. "This was not an isolated incident. This was how my dad lived his entire life." She then notes that today marks the 11th anniversary of Doby's Induction into the Hall of Fame.
2:19 p.m. Here's an interesting story about the 1948 season with the Cleveland Indians, in which Gordon hit 32 home runs. According to Judy, he received a case of Wheaties and a case of gum for every home run he hit. Judy Gordon: "As I remember, even the dog got more athletic eating the Wheaties."
2:24 p.m. A very touching moment and a loud standing ovation here as Judy Gordon concludes by indicating that her family considers Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame as her father's final resting place where he will be remembered forever.
Next up: Jim Rice.
2:25 p.m. Anyone have any special memories about watching Rice play? Send them along!
2:28 p.m. Jane Forbes Clark welcomes Jim to the Hall of Fame family, and Bud Selig reads the inscription on his plaque as it is presented to the crowd. Later tonight, that plaque will join Gordon's and Henderson's as the Hall of Fame's curatorial staff will hang them with the other 286 in the Hall of Fame Gallery.
2:29 p.m. The crowd breaks out into a chant of "Let's Go Red Sox!"
2:36 p.m. Where was Jim when he received the call that he had been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame? Watching The Young and the Restless.
Jim thanks the Boston Red Sox, with whom he spent his entire major league career. Not only did he help lead them to the AL pennant in his rookie season, but from 1977-1979 he became the only player in big league history to record 35 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 200 hits for three consecutive seasons. One of those years, 1978, he hit 46 home runs and drove in 139 on his way to earning the AL MVP.
2:41 p.m. Another standing ovation for Rice as he concludes his speech, stating that he cannot think of a better place to be – with his fans and with the greatest living ballplayers.
Now, it's time for Rickey. The fans here have been waiting for this since the announcement in December.
2:46 p.m. The cap on Rickey's plaque? The A's of course. The inscription on his plaque begins "Faster than a speeding bullet…." As Selig reads off all nine of Rickey's team, a loud ovation from the crowd as the Red Sox are mentioned. Now: Rickey takes the podium.
2:47 p.m. Any special memories of watching Rickey play? Send them along!
2:51 p.m. Rickey says that he played so long (25 seasons!) because of his love for the game of baseball. Apparently his dream was to play football for the Oakland Raiders, but his mother was afraid he would get hurt and told him to play baseball. As Rickey points out, mothers always know best.
2:53 p.m. Wondering who Rickey looked up to as a kid? Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Reggie Jackson. Three of them are up on the stage behind him today.
2:54 p.m. Rickey's nine teams ties him for second place among Hall of Famers with Goose Gossage and Hoyt Wilhelm. Anyone know who's first?
2:59 p.m. The answer to that previous question: Dan Brouthers.
Rickey's take on his nine teams – it was a great chance to meet fans all across the country. Henderson: "It is the fan who make the game fun. To the fans: Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all your support over the years."
3:01 p.m. Rickey closes his speech by stating how humbling it is to now be considered in a class of the greatest players of all time. He receives a prolonged ovation from the fans.
3:03 p.m. Don't go anywhere folks – we have plenty of ceremony left, and we haven't yet heard from Tony Kubek or Nick Peters! Now on the big screen – a video of Stan Musial (who could not be in attendance tonight) playing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" on his harmonica.
3:09 p.m. On the stage now we have George Grande and Billy Williams remembering 1969, as it is the 40th anniversary of that season. An incredible season perhaps best remembered for the Miracle Mets.
Billy Williams is the spokesman for the Hall of Fame's Membership Program. Billy thanks all Hall of Fame members out there for supporting the Hall and helping to keep baseball's history and tradition alive here in Cooperstown.
Now Don Sutton takes the podium to introduce this year's Ford C. Frick Award winner, Tony Kubek. Sutton points out that his first day as a broadcaster was spent sitting alongside Kubek.
3:15 p.m. Tony's turn. He points out Moose Skowron, his first road roommate, who is sitting just to the right of stage today.
Of course, Kubek played baseball himself, for nine seasons with the New York Yankees, making four All-Star games.
3:24 p.m. Tony speaks about how the game of baseball has pioneered so many of the changes in American culture, drawing particular attention to the racism and bigotry that Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron overcame during their playing careers, breaking down barriers in the process. This draws a loud ovation from the crowd.
As a member of the Hall's Education department, I'm glad to see Tony mention this. At the Hall we try to teach our visitors about how baseball has been at the forefront of many changes in American culture.
3:29 p.m. Kubek closes and Jane Forbes Clark returns to the podium to present the J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner, Nick Peters. Peters covered the Giants for 47 years, more years than any sports journalist in history. David O'Brien, President of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, comes to the podium to introduce Peters.
3:32 p.m. Here's a good Rice memory:
3:32 p.m. [Comment From Scott Downer]
I was at a game in Cleveland in 1979. I saw Rice his a pitch out of old Municipal Stadium that cleared the center field wall, I'm going to say 410. The ball never got over 20 feet off the ground. I've never seen a shot lie this one. It must have gotten out in two seconds. Just a blast.
3:37 p.m. Nick Peters talks about listening to Red Sox games on the radio on Sunday drives with the family. His idol? Ted Williams naturally. Peters then recalls how he learned how to do math through computing batting averages and other statistics. Sounds kind of like the Batter Up math unit that the Hall of Fame uses to teach kids across the country using video-conferencing technology
3:42 p.m. Nick Peter's closes by pointing out that he was able to do something he loved without every having to go too far from home or looking for another job. While he laments that the Giants never won a World Series in his 47 years covering them, he also points out that the A's won 4 of the 6 they played in during that span.
With that, the ceremony concludes! The rain held off. One last round of applause for the class of 2009.
3:48 p.m. So don't forget to get the 2009 Hall of Fame Weekend on your calendar now, the last weekend in July as always!
It's never too early to start thinking ahead to next year. On this year's ballot, Andre Dawson received 67% of the vote, with Bert Blyleven receiving 62.7%, and Roberto Alomar will be on the ballot for the first time.
3:50 p.m. The weekend isn't over yet, as Jim Rice and Rickey Henderson will be back here tomorrow for a special Legends Series interview on the Induction Stage.
I think it's about time for me to sign off. But before I do I'd like to thank you all for joining me this afternoon, and hope you enjoyed the coverage! Don't forget to log onto www.baseballhall.org for more coverage of Hall of Fame Weekend 2009!
Stephen Light is manager of museum programs at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Cooperstown connection
By Bill Francis
It was appropriate that an event entitled Connecting Generations attracted such a wide range of audience members.
Father and sons, mothers and daughters, grandfather and grandsons – the whole gamut of family members – were in view as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum held its popular annual event again this year at the Clark Sports Center. The gymnasium floor was filled with approximately 750 baseball fans to witness the game "Hall of Fame Feud", based on the television show "Family Feud," on Saturday afternoon.
The game pitted a trio of Hall of Famers – manager Dick Williams, second baseman Ryne Sandberg and relief pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage – against four four-person family groups that followed one another.
With Harold Reynolds, the 12-year big league second baseman and current MLB Network studio analyst, serving as the host, the hour-long game began.
"They're not that mean," Reynolds said to the first family, referring to the Hall of Famers. "Try us," joked Williams.
The Hall of Fame had conducted a number of recent polls asking 100 fans a various questions. The top five responses were used in the game. The questions included such things as, "Who is your favorite Hall of Famer,?" "Who is your favorite Hall of Fame manager?" and "Which team do fans love to hate?"
It was one of the day's final questions that brought the greatest response from the audience.
"Which team's fans suffer the most?" asked Reynolds, and it was as if everybody in the audience was thinking the same thing, laughing and shouting out one answer. Reynolds let former Cub Sandberg, with a big grin on his face, give the top response. "I guess we should fittingly start with Ryne Sandberg for this one," Reynolds said. Sandberg's response, with percent comic timing: "Let me think…"
Reynolds committed the game's only error when he forgot to ask one family for their final answer to possibly steal the points from the Hall of Famers. To rectify the matter, he volunteered a Gossage autograph for the thrilled Yankee fans.
Besides the game, there was banter throughout among the former big leaguers. After a discussion with former manager Williams and current minor league manager Sandberg about the frustration of pitchers not throwing strikes, Gossage told the crowd, "I want to tell you kids out there that you have no chance to win if you don't throw strikes. Zero. And that's what's so frustrating about it. That's it. Bottom line."
The game came to end soon after, with the three Hall of Famers defeating the fans by a final score of 50-36. But this day audience members and Hall of Famers alike went home winners with smiles on their faces.
Bill Francis is a library associate for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Baseball legends enjoy small ball
By Samantha Carr
Wade Boggs turned to the crowd along Lake Avenue and asked them to cheer.
"What a shot!" said Boggs of his foursome teammate, who was playing in Saturday morning Hall of Fame Golf Invitational in Cooperstown. "C'mon, let me hear it!"
Boggs, Hall of Fame Class of 2005, was soaking up his fifth Hall of Fame Weekend while playing with 23 other Hall of Famers at the legendary Leatherstocking Golf Course on a sunny Induction Weekend morning in Cooperstown. After receiving a huge cheer from the fans along Lake Avenue – which parallels the No. 5 fairway – Boggs signed autographs before heading for the No. 6 tee to speak with about 40 assembled media members.
Class of 2009 member Jim Rice, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday along with Rickey Henderson and Joe Gordon, played in a group just after Boggs. Sporting a yellow shirt that was almost as bright as the smile he has worn since being elected in January, Rice used his prodigious strength to bash several long drives.
"The guy could break his bat on a check swing, he's that strong," said fellow Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers who believed Rice would have the longest drive of the day.
Fingers also remembered how much he enjoyed watching Rice slowly walk back to the dugout after Fingers struck him out.
"It didn't happen very often, but when it did, I enjoyed watching him the whole way."
Fingers struck Rice out seven times in 21 plate appearances, but Rice does have a home run and a .368 batting average against him.
Goose Gossage, who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008, also remembers Rice's strength.
"I always said nobody scared me, but Jim came the closest," he said.
Gossage is the one guy that can relate to the nerves Rice and Henderson are feeling – because he went through it all just last year.
"It still doesn't quite sink in being here," Gossage said. "I am more relaxed this year, but I don't know how many years it will take before it sinks in."
Not everyone can hit the ball as far as Rice, but it didn't stop them from some good old fashion fooling around among the Hall of Famers.
Lou Brock told onlookers to look away as he drove off the first tee. After hitting his shot, he announced that everyone was OK to look again because they can't see where the ball went.
Dave Winfield talked about him teammate – and Class of 2009 electee – Rickey Henderson and what a leader he was on the field. When asked about Rickey's speech, Winfield showed confidence.
"I think he'll do fine. He is nice and relaxed this weekend and he'll be fine."
Of course, all the Hall of Famers gave speech advice to Rice and Henderson and it was all the same advice – keep it short.
The advice of Hall of Famers is always welcome to the newcomers.
"It's great to be out here with these guys, some of them I played with and know well and some of them I really admire," said Rice.
Samantha Carr is the media relations coordinator at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Induction Week Memories
By Trevor Hayes
After this Sunday's Induction Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. EDT, nine men who have worn the San Diego Padres uniform will have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Of those nine, Lillian Edmondson and Ann Spraker will have seen eight.
The two women have seen Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Tony Gwynn, Gaylord Perry, Ozzie Smith, Dick Williams and Dave Winfield grace the stage at Clark Sports Center after making the cross-country pilgrimage from San Diego to Cooperstown. Spraker, who is originally from Upstate New York, always made an annual trip, but 20 years ago Edmondson started coming along as well.
"We come to Cooperstown every year because it's a beautiful place," Edmondson said on Tuesday. "And the Hall of Fame is great."
This year the two will see their eighth Padre inducted into the Hall of Fame – they missed the induction of Willie McCovey in 1986 – when Rickey Henderson joins Jim Rice and Joe Gordon as the Induction Class of 2009.
"We had Rickey for a little while and then we traded him, but then he came back and when he came back, he made the game fun, lively and interesting," Edmondson said. "When Rickey was on base, look out. You never knew what was going to happen."
Henderson holds a place in Edmondson and Spraker's hearts, but one man stands above the rest: Mr. Padre, Tony Gwynn. Now with Tony Gwynn Jr. playing in San Diego, it's a bit of a trip back in time.
"It's fun when you look up at the scoreboard and see a Tony Gwynn batting," Edmondson said. "We had to be here the year Tony went in as well as Cal Ripken – two very high-class individuals."
That summer they enrolled in the Hall of Fame Membership Program for the first time – something they've done every year since. Spraker said they wanted to make sure they weren't going to miss out on any of the events.
"We wanted to be sure we didn't miss out on anything," Spraker said. "It was the most fantastic week. Everyone was wearing clothes of both teams and just being courteous to each other."
As veterans of several Inductions prior to 2007, they knew Hall of Fame Weekend provides a lot to do, but a few events are exclusive for members. There are still tickets for a few of this year's the Member events, including:
Friday July 24 -
PLAY Ball! with Ozzie Smith, an opportunity to interact at Doubleday Field with the Wizard and fellow Hall of Famers Wade Boggs, Harmon Killebrew and Eddie Murray. (8:30 a.m.)
The Legends for Youth Skills Clinic gives children (5 to 12) a chance to enhance their baseball skills with former major leaguers on historic Doubleday Field. (1:30 p.m.)
Saturday July 25 -
At Connecting Generations, audience participants will compete with Goose Gossage, Ryne Sandberg and Dick Williams in a trivia contest moderated by former major leaguer and MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds. (3 p.m., Clark Sports Center)
Monday July 27 -
The Legends Series Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice relive the memories from their playing careers. (10:30 a.m., Clark Sports Center)
To become a member click here and to reserve tickets for Member exclusive Induction Weekend events call 607.547.0397.
Trevor Hayes is editorial production manager for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Stars Come in All Forms
By Brad Horn
ST. LOUIS — The All-Star Game has come to represent so much more than just the top 30 or so players from each league who are having the best seasons to date.
Through an All-Star Week — featuring the XM All-Star Futures Game, the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and the ever-popular State Farm Home Run Derby — baseball fans have more and more reasons with each passing year to become immersed in All-Star extravagance.
This year is no different. Before the "All-Stars" had even arrived in St. Louis late Sunday night, many other Stars took centerstage. Hall of Famers Bruce Sutter, Goose Gossage, Ernie Banks, Rollie Fingers and Ozzie Smith were on the diamond at Busch Stadium on Sunday evening. And fellow Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, Luis Aparicio, Dick Williams, Brooks Robinson, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Gaylord Perry were just a few members of the baseball royalty out and about downtown and at FanFest.
The biggest star on Sunday? None other than Rene Tosoni, of course.
An outfielder by trade for the Minnesota Twins' Double-A affiliate, the not-to-far-down-the-road-from-Cooperstown New Britain (Conn.) Rock Cats, Tosoni, who hails from Coquitlam, British Columbia, was pleased to be a part of the World Team in the Futures Game on Sunday. He just wanted to get in the game. But after a 4-hour rain delay, time seemed to be running out as the game reached the final inning — the top of the 7th — with his team down 5-3.
Then, in the blink of an eye, Tosoni finds himself this All-Star Monday morning on the way back to Connecticut — with his bat from his pinch-hit, two-run double on its way to Cooperstown.
"Wow," uttered Tosoni moments after being presented the MVP Award on Sunday night outside the visitor dugout — and learning his bat would join other Futures Game MVPs in Cooperstown, a tradition started with the very first Futures Game MVP, Alfonso Soriano, in 1999.
Tosoni has never been to Cooperstown, but his bat — brand new, with just one hit to its resume — will soon be on display. Tosoni may not be the best known star from Sunday, but he is the quintessential All-Star among us who represents what baseball can bring you: An unexpected spot in history, on any given day.
Brad Horn is the senior director of communications at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Thinking Spring
By Jeff Idelson
Thank goodness for Spring Training. It means baseball has finally returned and the regular season is just around the corner.
I recently spent a week in Arizona. Can't believe there are 14 teams there now, and when the Reds migrate west next spring, there will be an even split between Florida and Arizona. It seems like only yesterday when almost every team was in the Sunshine State.
I had a chance to reminisce about my Yankees Spring Training memories a couple of weeks ago when Gov. Charlie Crist invited me to speak at the recently rejuvenated annual Florida Baseball Dinner at Tropicana Field in St. Pete.
Sitting on the dais with Hall of Famers Tony Perez, Bill Mazeroski, Al Kaline, Mike Schmidt, Phil Niekro and Wade Boggs brought back great thoughts about my five springs in Ft. Lauderdale from 1989-93. There's nothing better than 10 weeks in Florida to beat the cold, dreary New York winters.
In Arizona, I was based in Scottsdale, which is conveniently located in close proximity to the Giants, Brewers, Angels, A's and Cubs Spring Training facilities. I spent my time visiting with team owners, Hall of Famers, current players, media members and fans.
For instance, White Sox owner Jerry Reinsorf is on the Hall of Fame Board of Directors. After lunch with Jerry, his general manager, Kenny Williams, and his special assistant, Dennis Gilbert, at the team's new facility in Glendale, the Sox played the Dodgers. Jerry, Dennis and I watched the game from Jerry's suite, and Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, a native New Englander like me, joined us in the eighth inning, just in time to see his Dodgers rally from a two-run deficit to win in their last at-bat.
My visit was a chance to catch Frank and Dennis up on the inner-workings of the Hall of Fame. The silver lining for me was watching White Sox first-round draft pick Gordon Beckham, picked eighth overall out of the University of Georgia, play shortstop and show why he'll likely soon join Alexei Ramirez (whose swing reminds me a lot of Alfonso Soriano) in the middle of the infield. Keep an eye on Beckham. He won't be wearing uniform No. 80 for long.
Reality hit home when I realized that Beckham was born Sept. 16, 1986, 12 days before the Red Sox clinched the pennant while I was working for them after recently graduating from Connecticut College. Nothing like a dose of reality …
Later in the week, I headed over to Scottsdale Stadium with friend Rick Swig, one of our Hall of Fame Champions from the Bay Area. I also had a chance to spend some time in the Giants clubhouse and speak with Randy Johnson, Barry Zito and Tim Lincecum.
Lincecum and I first met in January when I presented him with his 2008 National League Cy Young Award at the Baseball Writers dinner. I presented him with plaque postcards of our only two Hall of Famers from Washington state — Ryne Sandberg and Earl Averill. I told him that I doubted he would need inspiration, but if he ever did, to take a look at these two legends' plaques. He has the build of Juan Marichal, the delivery of Goose Gossage, the dominance of Sandy Koufax and the velocity of Bob Feller.
Zito loves the history of the game. We talked quite a bit about the Museum and our collections, as well as Bruce Hurst, one of his favorite players growing up in San Diego. I said to him, "I thought your 12-6 curveball looked familiar." Hurst was his model and used his devastating out pitch to perfection in Fenway Park when I worked in Boston.
With Johnson five wins away from 300, I wanted to be sure he has us in his thoughts when he reaches the magical milestone. He's always been generous, and I know he won't disappoint us when he reaches that plateau. I told him that I doubted anyone would ever get to 300 wins again, unless the economy got so bad that teams were forced to scale back to smaller rosters and the old three-man rotations returned.
Randy also loves the history of the game and a signed Christy Mathewson book has a spot in his library.
While in the Giants clubhouse, I also exchanged pleasantries with Mike Murphy, the wonderful clubhouse manager who's been there since the club went west, as well as the two Willies — Mays and McCovey. Both guys were in great spirits and were looking forward to coming back for Hall of Fame Weekend.
During the game, I sat with Cubs scout Gary Hughes and USA Today national writer Bob Nightengale, two longtime friends, in scout seats, right behind home plate. The Rockies and Giants were playing. I had no idea Sal Fasano was still playing, catching for the Rockies.
Dinners are meant for catching up with Hall of Famers and friends. Dinner with Robin Yount and his brother Larry, George Brett, White Sox vice chairman Eddie Einhorn and longtime Hall supporter Bob Crotty was a lot of fun. Robin dragged us to a restaurant he liked. "The general manager's from Milwaukee. How could it be bad?" Robin said. He was right. It was terrific. He also let us know about his new product endorsement — Robinade — a form of lemonade sold only in Wisconsin and promoted in commercials by Bob Uecker. "Flying off the shelves," he quipped.
I also caught up with three of our Cubs Hall of Famers — Fergie Jenkins, Billy Williams and Sandberg — for dinner one night. They all feel good about the Cubs in 2009.
Toward the end of my stay, we had a day-long event for our Champions — those who support the Museum with an annual contribution of $5,000 or more. The day, put together and co-hosted by A's team doctor and Hall of Fame Champion Elliott Schwartz and his wife, Patti, consisted of going to see the A's and Mariners play, where A's GM Billy Beane talked to our group for a while. "I lockered next to Rickey Henderson in 1980," remembered Beane. "I was sent down to Triple-A for three weeks and then was recalled. 'Where were you?' said Henderson upon my return," Beane laughed.
Dinner that night was wonderful, with Hughes, Nightengale, Marty Lurie, who handles A's pregame, and A's announcer Ken Korach joining us and sharing stories. Williams and his wife, Shirley, were our guests of honor. "Good, better, best," said Billy. "Never let it rest, 'til good is better and better is best."
Lots of laughs, lots of baseball, lots of fun.
Over and out.
Jeff Idelson is the president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.


text: WWMT - wwmt.com - Search Results The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available. Crews hard at worn in all corners of Barry Co.HASTINGS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Barry County in a crystallized, often breathtaking winter wonderland is now under a state of emergency.The ice encrusting power lines, burdening trees and stop lights is wreaking havoc for about 17,000 homes and businesses still in the dark.Gas stations are crowded with people filling cans to feed their generators.Others are flocking to hotels for a warm place to sleep, and this woman is not happy about it."I really want to be home with my family having a Christmas, instead of having Christmas in a hotel," said Sarah Jones, whose family is without power. "It's a foreign place, it's not comfortable."And then there are those in search of a hot meal. We caught up with one couple leaving a McDonald's, who said it was better than what they had at home at this point.In the meantime, utility crews are frantically hitting all corners of Barry County, working around the clock to hopefully have power restored by Friday.For people looking for a place to go, a warming center is open at the Thornapple Kellogg middle school in Middleville.


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» News
Michelle Obama hideous Oscar dress cost tax payers nearly $9,000
So not only did Michelle Obama hijack the Oscars, she stuck it (again) to the tax payers as-well. You'll be happy to know that the cost of Michelle Obama's hideous Oscar dress designed by Naeem Khan has an estimated price tag of $8,990. You would think that if we had to float the bill of Michelle Obama's dress, she would at least get a decent one. I guess that's just too much to ask.
Jack Nicholson presented the Best Picture trophy with help from First Lady Michelle Obama during last night's 85th Academy Awards. Nicholson joked that traditionally the Best Picture Award is presented solo to avert any distractions from the night's biggest honor.
Michelle helped present the award live from the White House wearing an "armor-like" beaded metallic gown. The silver sparkler was a custom design by Naeem Khan with an estimated price tag of $8,990.
» 36 Comments
Ghetto trash grifters.
Their futures are bleak no matter what it looks like at the present moment.Noteworthy Comment +19
But the "M" design gave the illusion of big hips and little waist.
Wasn't that worth it to the taxpayers (sarc).+5
These people are really fortunate this isn't France in the eighteenth century. Their heads would be rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue.Noteworthy Comment +25
Low-brow, low-class, wannabe admired, poser.
The hit to our national pride and global stature will take decades to recover from the devastation wrought by those two usurpers.Noteworthy Comment +22
I thought it was her super hero costume.
Mooch, Mooch, Mooch away!+3
Plain Jane, I get the "M", but shouldn't the "V" be a "P"?+3
And here to present the Vagisil award for most stinky scrunt is our most popular product user, Mooch-a-rella!+6
That looks like it was cut from the stage curtain at Radio City Music Hall.+7
Well, Babs, that sure as Hell ain't a Rockette inside.+6
Hideous, inside and out.
But to look on the bright side…in spite of the millions she's costing the taxpayers, it's obvious to me that she's not a happy person. Her 'default' expression is a scowl.
And, she's always out there seeking attention, like a neglected child.
"Look at me! Look at me! Aren't I pretty?" Pathetic.
I'm sure she IS deprived of attention, but when she married a gay man, what did she expect?Noteworthy Comment +20
I'll be well into my 50s before I can say it's the first time I've spent $9k on clothes for my entire life.+8
[...] Michelle Obama hideous Oscar dress cost tax payers nearly $9,000 (iowntheworld.com) [...]+1
@Norm – she looks like Sally Field accepting her Oscar, "You like me. You really like me."
No bitch, we don't. Nobody likes you. We can't get away from you, you're in our face everywhere.
Nailed it Norman. They are both children of no parents. Look at how Barry throws a baseball, or the way Mooch dresses, neither one had a father/mother figure that was there for them. You can just tell. I swear, U teach Barry how to hunt,fish,camp,go to church, give thanks at supper time,learn the USA way. Hell, I bet if u took Barry dirt bike riding he'd come back an American gushing like a ten yr old that rode his 1st minibike, In other words, happy. Same as Mooch.+4
I thought Frodo rid the world of the ring of power? Oh, and layoff the bench presses Mooch.+1
McFartus, she probably keeps the Norform factory running double shifts seven days a week.+1
I dunno. I ask myself what that dress would look like on Salma Hayek before critiquing its design.
Moose is all ass and no tits– she's inherited the mantel of the Hillary Bucket of KFC (two small breasts, two fat thighs and two left wings).
To change the subject but not much, look at those "G.I.'s" behind her. They be all smiles so they must be the new "gay" contingent.
One of these days I'm going to round up all the pics I can of Obumfuk presenting the CMOH and check out the various expre3ssions on the recipients' faces, as well as on the "CinC."
There'll be some BRAVERY on display there, I know.+4
It was reported that there was an audible groan from the audience when the "usurprise announcer" was announced.
Guess hollywood isn't quite completely full of smug, soulless hypocrits after all.+7
Well, at least Chewbacca will have a bargain dress that fits perfectly when it ends up at the thrift store.+3
@Cruisin Cat
I think it's more likely that the "audible groan" was the result of a collective orgasm.+1
I'm kinda interested in the size of her pelvic bone. She has no fat tissue, so at the widest point of her hips, allow 1 inch each side for muscle tissue, then image the span of that bone. The Smithsonian anthro dept must have dibs on that sucker.+5
It probably should since this dress doesn't showcase her boybulge.0
Why, she's cuter than a roach sqeezing out an egg capsule.+5
I just heard Billy on underground radio.. "where have u been hiding out lately honey, u cant dress as trashy till u spend a lot of taxpayer $$$$$$$$0
I been coming here since 07-08. I luv iOTW, BFH 2016+2
I read a piece at NRO (via BadBlue) that she was not an invited guest.
"According to Donny Deutsch, First Lady Michelle Obama as an "uninvited guest" at the Oscars. In an appearance on Piers Morgan Tonight Deutsch said that "politics was thrown" at viewers tuning into the Academy Awards who were hoping to be entertained. He added that there was a "monarch quality" to the appearance that was disrespectful of the viewers."
Somewhere else I read that the military personnel behind her were blinking out Morse code messages like "Help!" and "Send in Rescuers" and other funny messages.+3
On her head.
Like the Unknown Comic+2
She is NOT the First Lady, she is diffinetly TRASH0
Mooch made sure everyone in the background appeared shorter than her. Socialism breeds insecurity and Mooch is very insecure.0
You people are off the point. The real problem are the programs that she is supporting. These nasty personal attacks make you look as small and tacky as you say she is. Get your mouths and minds out of the gutter. Conservatism, the real brand of it, used to be better than this. Now we are stuck this tacky, thinly veiled racism, in place of principle and real thought.+1
What a bunch of morons you all are….if you spend 9000$ for clothes in your entire life or not is something no one will ever give a damn about….not in this life sorry…But Michelle Obama gets A LOT of media attention and if she wears a certain (usually American) designer this will push his/ her sales tremendously and all over the world…so she helps the American fashion industry that way….it's simple economy and that's why she dresses the way she does+1
Michelle obama is very materialistic. 9000 for a gown that we the taxpsyers,paid for. Ridiculous.0
Mrs. Jesse Jackson Jr. would be so proud….0