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MOVIE REVIEW: 'Queen of Versailles' confirms money cannot buy class
'Queen of Versailles' confirms money cannot buy class
"Queen of Versailles" is a documentary that plays like a pilot for a reality TV series. You think the Kardashians are trashy, that "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" was a high-carbon-footprint divorce waiting to happen?
Wait'll you see see the Siegels of Orlando, Fla.
That's the way Jackie Siegel, the cartoonishly buxom trophy wife of time-share king David Siegel, "plays" this real woman seemingly ripped from a John Waters movie.
No outfit is too revealing or garish, no part of their crumbling lives of extravagant consumption off-limits, no ill-considered opinion, unnecessary purchase or housekeeping failure too gauche to put on display. Where the '80s gave us "The Queen of Mean," filmmaker Laura Greenfield holds up, for our entertainment, the Tsarina of Trashy.
With every shopping spree, every limo ride to McDonald's, Mrs. Siegel underlines the cliche that money cannot buy you taste. Or class.
But "Versailles" reminds us that, in America at least, being ridiculous and ostentatiously tacky is no crime. Having more money than you know how to spend isn't a cardinal sin ---- even when you try your darnedest to spend it on "the largest private residence in America," which the Siegels envisioned as a Vegas variation of the French palace, Versailles.
And blaming the banks for your woes and calling your "Walmart Nation" customers "moochers" is an American right the tacky-rich can claim just as easily as the poor over-extended suckers who made them rich in the first place.
Greenfield's film started as a mocking portrait of two rich Orlandoans with more money than taste. But as the economy imploded and the Siegels had to put their unfinished $100 million monument to imitation French architecture up for auction, "Queen of Versailles" morphed into something broader. Here it is, the coddled and overextended blaming the system they championed for their ruin.
Following the Siegels for two years, documentarian Greenfield gives us the caricatures of these nouveau riche rubes, and then humanizes them as they are brought low by the forces they relied on to create their obscene wealth.
We meet Siegel, a self-made man who built an empire out of vast time-share condo-hotels all across America, paid for by working-class people who succumb to hard-sell pitches from Siegel's sales force, "buying" a share of a resort hotel suite in Orlando, Las Vegas, the Smoky Mountains or other vacation spots.
Siegel likes being photographed with famous people, lions and pretty girls. Early on, he boasts that "I personally got" George W. Bush elected, hinting that he may have done something illegal to ensure that. By the end of the film, he's wistful about the collapse of American credit and what it did to his business, maybe even regretting the bad banking karma his deeds brought on.
Jackie, his shopaholic spouse, granted Greenfield broad access to her being-a-broad lifestyle ---- displaying herself and her body in all manner of tacky, cleavage-and-cut-off-shorts outfits and even tackier works of Jackie-inspired "art" throughout their home.
And they hired low-wage English-as-a-second-language immigrant nannies to raise their eight children to be just as vulgar and intellectually limited as they are.
Jackie makes cracks about her much-older hubby not needing Viagra. By film's end, as the clutter of their lives and the collapse of their business overwhelms their marriage, she's admitting that like her shopping habits, having children became "an addiction," and that she wouldn't have had so many if she'd thought she couldn't afford Filipino nannies.
But for all the contempt the film invites for the Siegels, the bile never rises to a Trump-level. They're self-made, so if they self-destruct, there's poignancy to that. Unlike the rest of the 1 percent, the Siegels spend spend spend, their own private stimulus package to the Walmarts and kitsch dealers of America.


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Results tagged ' Draft '
2015 MLB Draft: Dansby Swanson Taken Number One
Brendan Rodgers, Dansby Swanson and Carson Fulmer were ranked as the number one, two and three draft prospects going into Monday's 2015 first-year player draft, but they went in a completely different order than predicted. While Swanson and Rodgers were in fact taken in the top three picks, Fulmer didn't go until the eighth pick, with Alex Bregman moving up a few spots to the top three.
Dansby Swanson went first overall, getting drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Although he wasn't the top choice heading into the draft, there's no real surprise why the Diamondbacks took Dansby Swanson number one overall. This past season at Vanderbilt, Swanson hit .348 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI's, helping to lead his team back to the College World Series for the second straight season. With the D-backs not very deep at the shortstop position at the big league level, Swanson should progress quickly if he can stay healthy and post decent numbers.
Alex Bregman went second overall, getting drafted by the Houston Astros.
Despite the fact that the Astros' number one overall pick from 2012, Carlos Correa, made his big league debut at shortstop on Monday night, the Astros decided to pick up fellow shortstop Alex Bregman as the number two overall pick. Bregman hit .312 and recorded 37 stolen bases this past season at LSU, and has drawn comparisons to Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox. While Bregman has stated a desire to remain at shortstop, he may find himself shifting to second in the future with Correa blocking his way.
Brendan Rodgers went third overall, getting drafted by the Colorado Rockies.
Brendan Rodgers was ranked the number one overall prospect heading into the draft, but he stuck around until the third pick. The selection of Rodgers made history, as it was the first time in the history of the draft that three shortstops were taken as the top three picks. Coined as the best power hitting shortstop since Carlos Correa, Rodgers hit .360 with 8 homers this year at Lake Mary high school. With his ability to hit for power, and with a plus arm at short, Rodgers should have a long career in the majors.
The remainder of the draft saw many surprises. A lot of players went higher than anyone expected, while others stuck around longer than many thought they would. But that usually happens every year with the draft.
The rest of the 1st round of the 2015 draft, following the first three picks, went as follows:
4. Rangers: Dillon Tate
5. Astros: Kyle Tucker
6. Twins: Tyler Jay
7. Red Sox: Andrew Benintendi
8. White Sox: Carson Fulmer
9. Cubs: Ian Happ
10. Phillies: Cornelius Randolph
11. Reds: Tyler Stephenson
12. Marlins: Josh Naylor
13. Rays: Garrett Whitley
14. Braves: Kolby Allard
15. Brewers: Trent Clark
16. Yankees: James Kaprielian
17. Indians: Brady Aiken
18. Giants: Phil Bickford
19. Pirates: Kevin Newman
20. Athletics: Richie Martin
21. Royals: Ashe Russell
22. Tigers: Beau Burrows
23. Cardinals: Nick Plummer
24. Dodgers: Walker Buehler
25. Orioles: D.J. Stewart
26. Angels: Taylor Ward
27. Rockies: Mike Nikorak
28. Braves: Michael Soroka
29. Blue Jays: Jon Harris
30. Yankees: Kyle Holder
31. Giants: Chris Shaw
32. Pirates: Ke'Bryan Hayes
33. Royals: Nolan Watson
34. Tigers: Christin Stewart
35. Dodgers: Kyle Funkhouser
36. Orioles: Ryan Mountcastle
Lottery Round A
37. Astros: Daz Cameron
38. Rockies: Tyler Nevin
39. Cardinals: Jake Woodford
40. Brewers: Nathan Kirby
41. Braves: Austin Riley
42. Indians: Triston McKenzie
Make sure to follow the list of players above as the majority of them begin their professional careers. Odds are at least a few of those names will become MLB All-Stars, with the possibility that some may become a future Hall of Famer. You never know what can happen when you have so much young talent entering their given MLB organizations, and that's reason enough to pay close attention to them all.
Previewing the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft
Set to air live on MLB Network Monday night, and continuing through June 10th on MLB.com, the draft has become a bigger focus each and every year as time has gone by. With teams now counting on their first few picks to make it to the big leagues within a couple of years and have an immediate impact, choosing the right player for your organization has become a huge deal.
Already, two of the top picks in last year's draft — Carlos Rodon and Brandon Finnegan — have made it to the majors, with numerous former first round picks making solid runs toward a big league call up this season.
This year's draft is the 50th anniversary of the first draft back in 1965, and it has a fairly even mix of both pitchers and position players, making it a difficult decision as to whether to select a future ace or a future star slugger as a team's first pick. But no matter which one teams choose, they're likely to have that person making a big impact shortly down the road.
As I did last year, I'm planning to blog about the results of the draft, along with a few of my thoughts, the day after the first round takes place. With the first five picks going to the Diamondbacks, Astros (compensation for not signing their first pick from the 2014 draft), Rockies, Rangers and Astros, it should be interesting to see how teams play things, depending on their overall biggest needs that they need to fill for the future.
Though I'm not going to give any predictions for the order in which the players are chosen (I'm by no means a draft expert), I do want to talk a bit about the "experts'" picks for who will likely be some of the first off the board.
For the number one overall pick, there is no player that everyone whole heartedly agrees upon as being the number one pick, but for the most part people are banking on it being high school shortstop Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers has been at the top of many draft orders for the better part of the season, with him looking to become the first high school shortstop since Carlos Correa in 2012 to be the number one overall pick. With his strong arm and power bat at the shortstop position, it's no wonder that he's so highly thought of.
But there's another draft prospect who is thought highly of as well. Dansby Swanson, a fellow shortstop currently with Vanderbilt, is projected to go second overall in the draft, but if the D-backs decide to do so, he could quite possibly be taken in front of Rodgers. While Swanson doesn't have the same arm strength as Rodgers or the same pop in the bat, he may be able to hit for a higher average over the course of his career.
On the pitching side of things, Carson Fulmer is the highest ranked pitcher in the draft. Currently ranked as the third overall projected pick, you never know if the Diamondbacks will decide to pick up a star pitcher in the making instead of a position player as the number one pick. Like Swanson, Fulmer is finishing out his season with Vanderbilt, and with his above average fastball, great curveball and developing changeup, he could turn out to be a front of the rotation pitcher for years to come.
No matter which player is taken number one overall on Monday night, the entire draft is sure to be fun to watch. With so much fantastic talent, from position players to pitchers, the 2015 draft should turn out to be an extremely good one.
2014 MLB Draft: Aiken, Kolek & Rodon As Top Three
Brady Aiken, Tyler Kolek and Carlos Rodon (all pitchers) were ranked as the number one, two and three draft prospects going into Thursday's 2014 first-year player draft, and that turned out to be dead-on. Each of the three went exactly where they were predicted to go, and going so high in the draft, all of them are expected to be future stars at the major league level.
Brady Aiken went first overall, getting drafted by the Houston Astros.
Just the third high school lefty to ever be drafted first overall — the first since 1991 — Brady Aiken didn't start off the season as the clear cut favorite to be taken as the first pick, but after the year he put together at Cathedral Catholic high school, it became more and more probable. Going 7-0 with a 1.06 ERA, striking out 111 batters in 59.2 innings this season, Aiken could take a little longer to develop than a college player, but he has a ton of upside, and is truly one of the most polished high school pitchers to come along in years. Drawing comparisons to Clayton Kershaw, Aiken becomes the third straight Astros first overall pick, and joins a loaded farm system of talented young players.
Tyler Kolek went second overall, getting drafted by the Miami Marlins.
One of the hardest throwing pitchers to ever be drafted out of high school, Tyler Kolek averages 96-98 on his fastball, but reportedly has been clocked as high as 102. Using his fastball to completely blow away the competition this past season at Shepherd high school, Kolek posted a 0.35 ERA over 60.1 innings, striking out a staggering 126 batters. While a pitcher who throws as hard as Kolek is always a concern, especially to an organization that just lost their electric flame thrower Jose Fernandez to Tommy John surgery, the Marlins are adding yet another dominant pitcher to their organization. Having already shown signs of improvement in 2014, the Marlins seem to be heading in the right direction.
Carlos Rodon went third overall, getting drafted by the Chicago White Sox.
At one point in time Carlos Rodon was viewed as the overwhelming favorite to be the number one overall pick in this year's draft, but a slight downfall in his stats from the previous two seasons left him on the board until pick number three. Though Rodon's velocity dropped a few miles per hour this year, it's his terrific slider that has many people excited to see what he can do at the next level. Using all of his pitches effectively this season, posting a mere 2.01 ERA and striking out an average of just over ten batters per nine innings, Rodon is still what you look for in a front of the rotation starter. Though Chris Sale will remain the White Sox' ace, Rodon will eventually become a close second.
The remainder of the draft saw many surprises. A lot of players went higher than anyone expected, while others stuck around longer than many thought they would. But that usually happens every year with the draft.
The rest of the 1st round of the 2014 draft, following the first three picks, went as follows:
4. Cubs: Kyle Schwarber
5. Twins: Nick Gordon
6. Mariners: Alex Jackson
7. Phillies: Aaron Nola
8. Rockies: Kyle Freeland
9. Blue Jays: Jeff Hoffman
10. Mets: Michael Conforto
11. Blue Jays: Max Pentecost
12. Brewers: Kodi Medeiros
13. Padres: Trea Turner
14. Giants: Tyler Beede
15. Angels: Sean Newcomb
16. Diamondbacks: Touki Toussaint
17. Royals: Brandon Finnegan
18. Nationals: Erick Fedde
19. Reds: Nick Howard
20. Rays: Casey Gillaspie
21. Indians: Bradley Zimmer
22. Dodgers: Grant Holmes
23. Tigers: Derek Hill
24. Pirates: Cole Tucker
25. Athletics: Matt Chapman
26. Red Sox: Michael Chavis
27. Cardinals: Luke Weaver
28. Royals: Foster Griffin
29. Reds: Alex Blandino
30. Rangers: Luis Ortiz
31. Indians: Justus Sheffield
32. Braves: Braxton Davidson
33. Red Sox: Michael Kopech
34. Cardinals: Jack Flaherty
Competitive Balance Round A
35. Rockies: Forrest Wall
36. Marlins: Blake Anderson
37. Astros: Derek Fisher
38. Indians: Mike Papi
39. Pirates: Connor Joe
40. Royals: Chase Vallot
41. Brewers: Jacob Gatewood
Make sure to follow the list of players above as the majority of them begin their professional careers. Odds are at least a few of those names will become MLB All-Stars, with the possibility that some may become a future Hall of Famer. You never know what can happen when you have so much young talent entering their given MLB organizations, and that's reason enough to pay close attention to them all.
Singleton, Springer A Sign of the Astros' Bright Future
For the past several years, the Houston Astros have been somewhat of a laughingstock among Major League Baseball, with some people going as far as calling them a Triple-A caliber team at best. Losing over 100 games each of the past two seasons, things weren't looking any more promising for this season, as many people predicted that the Astros could lose another 100 games in 2014.
However, while the Astros are likely to still finish last in their division, and still might reach 100 losses, they appear to be slowly turning the corner.
The biggest reason for that turn has been two of their many top prospects getting the call up to the big leagues.
First it was George Springer, who blasted 10 homers in his first month, and now it's Jonathan Singleton, who was signed to a controversial five year, ten million dollar deal, worth a potential thirty-five million, before he ever had an at-bat on the major league level.
Hitting .267 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI's at Triple-A before his call up, Singleton didn't disappoint in his debut on Tuesday night against the Angels. Going 1-3 for the game, Singleton drew a bases loaded walk and blasted his first career home run — just the fourth Astros player to ever hit a home run in their first game — providing a couple of runs in the Astros' 7-2 win over the Angels.
Overall, Singleton looked really comfortable at the plate, and along with Springer and the rest of the players currently on the Astros, they're already becoming a good team. But even with these talented prospects now beginning to produce for the big league team — the only true power hitters for the Astros besides Chris Carter and Matt Dominguez — it's still going to be awhile before the Astros are making any sort of playoff run. But, thankfully, the Astros have a ton of help on the way that should transform them into a competitive team.
Making their way to Houston include prospects Carlos Correa, the first overall draft pick in 2012, Mark Appel, the first overall pick in 2013, along with Delino De Shields, Lance McCullers and Mike Foltynewicz. Each of them are part of the top 100 prospects list, and with the majority of them being future game changers, it should be interesting to see how good the Astros can become within the next few years.
With the Astros set to add yet another potential star player to their organization on Thursday night, when they receive their third straight first overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, their prospect list continues to grow and grow. And thus, it should all spell success at some point down the road, once their key prospects reach the major leagues and begin to contribute to the recently struggling club.
Previewing the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft is now less than two weeks away.
Set to air live on MLB Network on June 5th, and continuing through June 7th on MLB.com, the draft has become a bigger focus each and every year as time has gone by. With teams now counting on their first few picks to make it to the big leagues within a couple of years and have an immediate impact, choosing the right player for your organization has become a huge deal.
While none of last year's first round draft picks have made the major leagues as of yet, currently, four of the 2012 first round picks have made the majors for at least a brief period of time, being Kevin Gausman and Marcus Stroman, in addition to Mike Zunino and Michael Wacha who have made the biggest impacts.
With this year's draft being pitcher heavy, a lot of teams are going to be picking up a possible future ace of their rotation as their first pick. Though there are some good position players in the mix as well, overall, pitchers are the dominant presence, making up seven of the top ten ranked draft prospects who will go quickly come draft day.
As I did last year, I'm planning to blog about the results of the draft, along with a few of my thoughts, the day after the first round takes place. With the first five picks going to the Astros, Marlins, White Sox, Cubs and Twins, it should be interesting to see how teams play things, depending on their overall biggest needs that they need to fill for the future.
Though I'm not going to give any predictions for the order in which the players are chosen (I'm by no means a draft expert) I do want to talk a bit about the "experts'" picks for who will likely be some of the first off the board.
For the number one overall pick, no one can seem to agree who it will be, however, nearly everyone is predicting that it will be one of two left-handed pitchers: Brady Aiken or Carlos Rodon.
Aiken is one of four high school players ranked in the top ten draft prospects, and is expected to go in the top two, if not number one overall. Possessing some of the best stuff seen out of a high school pitcher in quite a while — set to be the first high school lefty to go in the top five since 2002 — Aiken is one of the younger players in the draft, currently age 17, but he could possibly be one of the most talented.
With a good fastball, as well as a great curveball and changeup, it will be up to the Astros if they want to take a chance on the young pitcher.
Or they could go with Rodon, who began the year as the clear cut first overall pick, but due to a somewhat down year by his standards — he still managed to post a 2.01 ERA despite poor run support leading to a 6-7 record — his stock has fallen a bit.
But with that said, he still has everything you want and expect to see in the number one pick. With a good, hard fastball, a really good slider, and a work in progress change up, Rodon may not be the highest ranked draft prospect, but he may have the most upside.
On the position player side of things, high school catcher Alex Jackson appears to be the favorite to be the first non-pitcher off the board. While not too many of the game's top catchers produce big time stats at the big league level, many people feel that Jackson has the ability to do just that.
With a cannon for an arm behind the plate, as well as a real power swing that should yield a good deal of power in addition to hitting for average, Jackson will likely become one of the brightest catching prospects in baseball after June 5th.
And therefore, with so much fantastic talent, from pitchers to position players, the 2014 draft could turn out to be one of the best in years.
My Busy Upcoming Baseball Game Schedule
Every now and again, I like to post an entry covering my baseball game plans and such for an upcoming week or two, especially when it's going to involve a rather busy schedule. Although I try to avoid too difficult of a schedule, when several good teams come to town in a short period of time, sometimes it can't be helped. For the next couple of weeks that's going to be the case.
Starting on Friday, I'm going to be attending the first of what will be five minor league baseball games in two weeks, to see some of baseball's future stars in person as well as get an autograph or two from as many of them as I can. While five games in two weeks could sound hectic — and to a certain degree it is — I have it all planned out so that everything will, hopefully, go smoothly.
Friday's game will be my sixth MiLB game of the season so far, and my first Mudcats game of 2014. (Four of the games I've been to have taken place in Durham, with the other game occurring down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.) It will be the Mudcats taking on the Pelicans, who are the High-A affiliate of the Rangers.
Though I've seen the Pelicans once this year, and therefore have already gotten many of the players' autographs, I couldn't pass up seeing them once again with the level of talent on the team. From Jorge Alfaro (their number one prospect) to Joey Gallo (who led all of the minors in home runs last season, with 40) and numerous players in between, it's sure to be a fun game.
My next game will take place sometime during the following week (I haven't decided the exact date yet). It will be another Mudcats game, but this time they'll be squaring off against the Blue Rocks (Royals' affiliate).
The Blue Rocks has its fair share of top prospects, despite them having underachieved for the most part in 2014. Including names such as Raul Mondesi, Hunter Dozier and Bubba Starling (who has unfortunately seemed lost throughout his past three minor league seasons), it's well worth the trip out to the ballpark for another game.
Then begins the somewhat crazy week of games.
On Monday, June 2nd, I'm planning on heading over to Durham (for what will be the first time in nearly a month) to see a game against the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, the IronPigs.
While it isn't an overall fantastic team, with Maikel Franco (their number one prospect) being the main standout, with it being a day game, it's sure to be an enjoyable time, as is any game. But there's just something different about a day game (not necessarily better, just different) that's makes the game special.
Following that game, either on Tuesday or Wednesday (just not Thursday due to the 2014 MLB draft which I plan to watch on MLB Network), I'm heading back out to the Mudcats to see the opposing White Sox affiliate, the Dash.
The Dash's roster includes names such as Tim Anderson (their first pick in the 2013 draft), Courtney Hawkins (their first pick in the 2012 draft), and future pitching star, Tyler Danish, among a few other standouts. As a team with so much high talent, it should be an entertaining game, in addition to being a good time for autographs.
The last game in the busy two week span will take place on the following Friday, when I'm heading over to Durham once again to see the visiting Pawtucket Red Sox, who have quite the team.
Currently with a roster of five of the Sox top ten prospects, including Allen Webster, Garin Cecchini, Matt Barnes, Anthony Ranaudo and Christian Vazquez, as well as some former big leaguers, the Pawtucket team is a very good one — and one that I'm really looking forward to seeing.
That game will end the planned five games in two weeks schedule, in which it should be interesting to see how much I can add to my autograph totals for the year. Over the five games I've attended thus far, I've amassed 20 autographs, with four of those being from top 100 prospects. While I haven't blogged about any of those games (I'll probably be blogging about at least one of the games over the next two weeks) I'm still going to do a recap at the very end of the season, like I did last year, covering how my time went out at the ballpark in 2014.
With there still being two and a half months remaining, even after the games I've planned out, including the 2014 Triple-A Home Run Derby and All-Star game in July (I'll definitely be blogging about both of those), there's going to be a ton of opportunities to add to my overall autograph totals.
Better Team In 5 Years: Cubs or Astros?
After starting from a level playing field on Opening Day, there are always certain teams who find themselves falling lower and lower in the standings as a given season goes on. Though it can vary from year to year, with teams having an off season compared to their normal standards, for the last several seasons it has been two main teams: the Cubs and the Astros.
Currently sitting dead last in their respective divisions through a fourth of the season played, and with no signs that things will be changing in the near future, even with a good amount of the season left to go, it's once again not looking too good for either the Cubs or the Astros. However, despite neither having finished with a winning record since 2009, their fortunes could be changing over the coming years. One thing they both have in common is their strong farm systems, which are loaded with top prospects that will be coming up to help out down the road.
For the Cubs, having not reached the postseason since 2008, they currently have prospects such as Javier Baez, who's off to a rough start to 2014 after dominating last year; Kris Bryant, who's expected to have 40 home run power in the majors; and Albert Almora, who is a few years away but is likely to have a big impact once he reaches Chicago. Those players, combined with those they have now, should make for a good team beginning around 2016 and continuing for the many years beyond.
To go along with their already decent major league team, the Astros, who haven't made the postseason since 2005, have a ton of talent coming their way, including Carlos Correa, who is expected to be an all around fantastic player; Mark Appel, who's likely to get a late season call up if he's performing well; and Jonathan Singleton, who possesses some above average power. After losing over 100 games and being the worst team in baseball as of late, the Astros could see things turning around very soon.
The only good thing about performing so poorly each season is that you receive a high pick in the following year's draft, with it looking likely that the Astros will take Carlos Rodon as the number one overall pick in the upcoming 2014 draft (the Cubs have the fourth overall pick.) But even so, your top picks in the draft, which subsequently become your top prospects, don't always pan out and reach the big league level. And even when they do, for some players, it takes them a bit of time to adjust once they get the call up.
The most recent example of that being George Springer, who has hit a mere .222 with 3 home runs so far this season with the Astros after blasting 37 homers to go along with a .303 batting average as part of their farm system in 2013. Though he's predicted to still have a great career, sometimes it just takes awhile for players to make the adjustment to big league pitching, no matter how good they are.
And therefore, while I'm not saying either the Astros or the Cubs will be winning the World Series in the coming years, I do feel that with their high level of talent from the minors on its way they will become much more competitive than they currently are, having to settle with last place finishes year after year.
With it being nearly equal in terms of current talent, and taking prospect depth into consideration, it's somewhat difficult to predict which of the teams will be the best half a decade from now. But if I had to choose, I'd likely go with the Cubs, even though the Astros should be a lot better as well. It's truly too close to call, and that's something to look forward to if you're a fan of either team — or just a baseball fan in general.
Who do you think will be the better team in five years?
Q and A With Nick Travieso
Nick Travieso was drafted by the Reds in the 1st round of the 2012 draft. Since the draft, Travieso has had his share of ups and downs, but overall, he's been able to show flashes of his potential to become a top notch pitcher at the major league level, doing fairly well in a couple of minor league seasons.
In his first full season of pro ball in 2013, Travieso spent the year with Class-A Dayton, going 7-6 with a 4.63 ERA. While that's not overly impressive, Travieso was still in the process of learning how develop into the pitcher the many feel he can become. This season, look for Travieso to breakout.
Heading into his second full season in the minor leagues, there are a lot of eyes on Travieso, being so highly ranked. But if he can show what he's capable of, this season and beyond, it shouldn't be too long before Travieso finds himself pitching on the mound up in Cincinnati.
Nick Travieso — top pitching prospect in the Reds' organization — took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence growing up?
I actually played hockey before I started playing baseball. I started playing baseball when I was four. My parents got me into it because I would like to throw things around the house. My biggest influence growing up would have to be my dad, mainly because we worked every single day on fundamentals and just getting better all around. He played a huge role in my success throughout my childhood career up to now.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
Growing up I idolized Roger Clemens. I have always been a Yankee fan, and I loved watching the way he pitched. He attacked hitters regardless of who was at the plate, and I wanted to be like him one day.
3.) You were drafted by the Reds in the 1st round of the 2012 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you first found out? Initial thoughts?
The process was tough just due to the fact that I had always planned on attending college. When I first found out, I was with my family and a few friends at my house just watching the draft. The first thing I said was how fortunate I was to be a part of such a great and successful organization.
4.) Although you've played a season and a half of professional baseball to this point, having been a relief pitcher the majority of your time in high school, are you still making the adjustment to being a starting pitcher? What's the most difficult part of the transition? Do you prefer starting or relieving?
It was a very long road for me. I was use to throwing 1-2 innings tops and taking a few days off before pitching again. I always liked closing just because I could throw every pitch as hard as I could and empty the tank knowing that I wouldn't have to throw for a few days again. There were a lot of adjustments, but the biggest one was getting my arm in shape for more than a couple of innings and building my body to gain stamina to maintain velocity. I personally love starting now. I love being in control of the game from the very beginning.
5.) Playing for Dayton in 2013, where attendance is usually high, did pitching in front of the large crowds have any impact on your pitching?
Pitching in Dayton for the first time was something I had never experienced before. I never threw in front of more than about 1,500 people. Coming from extended spring training, where we would have maybe 5 people at a game, to Dayton, where there are 8,000+, yeah, it had an impact. My adrenaline was running, and I couldn't really control it. But as I got more comfortable, I started to be able to control myself and start pitching the way I know how to.
6.) Talk a little bit about life on the road: What's the most difficult aspect of it? What do you do to pass the time?
The hardest thing about being on the road is probably the bus trips. They are brutal. The trips range anywhere from 4-12 hours, and it's hard to do much but sleep. Our road trips usually leave either early mornings or late at night so we catch up on our sleep on the bus. Sometimes we'll have some cards to play or some movies to watch, but other than that, a lot of us use it as rest time.
7.) Is there any one stat that you pay attention to throughout the season? Or do you try to steer clear of them altogether?
It's hard to completely ignore stats. Although stats don't show everything, they are still very important. I try to stay away from them as much as possible but if there is one stat I tend to look at it would be my ERA. That's one stat that's always out there every start on the big screen, so it's one that, no matter how good or bad it may be, everyone can see.
8.) What do you feel went well in 2013? What are your goals for 2014?
I learned a lot in 2013; a lot about how to pitch. Everyone in pro ball can throw, but when you can pitch you have an upper hand. That's one thing I feel went well for me. The fact that I steered away from just throwing and actually learned how to pitch. 2014 is a big year for me. It'll be my second full season and I'm looking forward to it. I felt that the 2013 season was to get use to the whole process, but this year it's time to get out there and battle. I just want to stay healthy throughout the season and pitch the way I know how to.
9.) Favorite TV show? Favorite food?
I'm not so much a TV guy. I watch a lot of fishing/hunting shows, but lately I have been watching 'The Big Break NFL', just because it helps me with my golf game. I'm Cuban, so my favorite food is definitely Cuban food. It's hard to come by during the season, so when I'm home, I take full advantage of it.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
The two things I would say is to never give up on your dreams and to work hard. I had a lot of ups and downs throughout my baseball career, but I never gave up. You have to be able to keep pushing to make it where you want to be, and you can't be satisfied until you get there. You have to work hard every day to beat out your opponents. One quote I live by is "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard". Never stop working.
Big thanks to Nick Travieso for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on Twitter: @NTravieso21
3/8/14: NC State Vs. Notre Dame
Normally, I don't blog about college baseball games that I attend. They simply don't have the same talent level that comes with a Major League Baseball game — or even a minor league game, for that matter — and it's not usually worth writing about. But the NC State versus Notre Dame game that my dad and I went to on Saturday was a bit different.
First of all, the projected number one overall 2014 draft pick, Carlos Rodon, was scheduled to make the start for State, and with his previous track record — going 10-3 with a 2.99 ERA last season — Rodon certainly goes a long way in making this year's NC State team something special. But Rodon isn't the only standout on the team.
In addition, Trea Turner, who's predicted to be a top ten pick in the upcoming draft, adds excitement to each and every game, none more so than with his above average speed. With both Rodon and Turner, this year's State team is a must see.
Which is why I found myself out at the ballpark on Saturday afternoon. I wanted to witness it all for myself before they both leave following this season.
While Carlos Rodon is usually NC State's Friday starter, as most college aces are, a rainout on Friday forced the game to be made up as part of a double header with visiting Notre Dame on Saturday, with Rodon pitching game one:
Although he hadn't started off the year too well, going 1-2, I was optimistic that Rodon would turn things around in his first warm start of the season.
And for the most part, I was right.
Rodon appeared to be locked in out of the gate, as he gave up just one hit, and struck out two (one of which was Craig Biggio's son, Cavan Biggio) through the first two innings. In the third, however, Rodon lost a bit of his composure, allowing three hits, but impressed me with his ability to keep things from getting too out of hand, allowing only one run.
But while Rodon had a great start to the game, he didn't receive any run support, as State failed to get a man across the plate through the first four innings, due to the equally strong start from Notre Dame's Sean Fitzgerald. But Fitzgerald finally struggled enough in the fifth to allow a single run, bringing the score to 1-1.
At that point in time, I made my way around from the third base side to the first base side, which is where I spent the rest of the game, just so I could get a glimpse from a different angle of Carlos Rodon . . . . :
. . . . and Trea Turner:
When I first found my way over to that side of the ballpark, I heard of a rumor that Craig Biggio was actually in attendance to watch his son play. But since I never actually saw him, I can't say for sure that it was true. But I digress. Back to the game.
Both pitchers continued to do well until the sixth, when each allowed two runs to the opposing squad, raising the score to 3 runs apiece. Fitzgerald was replaced after the sixth, but Rodon was left in, which would turn out to be huge for State.
Recording what would be the game winning hit in the eighth, State's Jake Armstrong proved to be the difference maker, as he singled in Bubby Riley and Trea Turner, whose speed likely aided in his ability to score, making it 5-3, State.
Rodon finished out the game a bit shaky, allowing two hits in the ninth, but promptly got a game ending double play to lock up the fifth complete game of his career:
Rodon received the win, bringing his win-loss record up to 2-2, to go along with a 2.40 ERA on the season, striking out seven and allowing 10 scattered hits on 121 pitches. My overall impression was that Rodon was good, but not overly fantastic in this particular game, but that's not meant to take anything away from Rodon. He's a great pitcher, and will undoubtedly be a star in the majors at some point down the road (as will Trea Turner, who went 1-4 on the day).
As you may have inferred, I didn't try for any autographs at this game as I usually do every time I go to a baseball game, but that's simply because I'm going to be seeing NC State again next month, when they take on UNC at the newly renovated Durham Bulls Athletic Park on April 15th. Rodon isn't scheduled to pitch, so I'm hopeful I'll be able to get him to sign for me, along with Trea Turner. But either way, it's sure to be a fun time, as always.
Q and A With Cody Asche
Cody Asche was drafted by the Phillies in the 4th round of the 2011 draft. Since the draft, Asche has had a good deal of success, flying through the minor leagues — never spending a full season at any one level — and making his Major League Baseball debut in July of 2013.
After somewhat of a disappointing professional baseball debut in 2011, where he batted .192 with 2 home runs and 19 RBI's in 78 games, Asche began climbing through the ranks at the start of the 2012 season.
In 2012, Asche posted a batting average of .324 with 12 homers and 72 RBI's, between High-A and Double-A, before finishing out the year in Arizona as a member of the annual Arizona Fall League.
Following the great season, Asche recorded 15 home runs and 68 RBI's the next year, to go along with a .295 batting average, earning him a callup to the majors after the All-Star break. In 50 games with the Phillies, before the end of the 2013 season, Asche blasted 5 homers and drove in 22 runs, proving why he was able to make it there so quickly.
Heading into what's going to be Asche's first full season in the major leagues, Asche should continue to get better and better as he gains experience, and will likely be playing the hot corner in Philadelphia for years to come.
Cody Asche — third baseman for the Phillies — took the time recently to answer some of my questions:
1.) At what age did you first become interested in baseball? Who was your biggest baseball influence growing up?
I would say really young, around five to six. I loved playing it in the backyard with my brother and my dad. So they have to be the two who influenced me the most.
2.) Who was your favorite baseball player growing up? Why?
Ken Griffey Jr. He was a superstar. He did it all and played the game the right way.
3.) You were drafted by the Phillies in the 4th round of the 2011 draft. What was that process like for you? Where were you when you first found out? Initial thoughts?
It was very stressful. Not knowing what lies ahead can be stressful, especially when you are trying to play a college season. I found out in my kitchen. We had the draft audio on and my mom and dad were with me when my name was called. Initially, thoughts were excitement, and happiness that the process was over.
4.) After getting drafted, you were assigned to Single-A and placed at second base. Having played third base up until that point, you didn't have a very successful (half) season. However, in 2012, you were moved back to third, and did very well. Having excelled ever since, what is it about third base that makes you more comfortable?
I'm not sure it's only third that made me feel comfortable. I think it was more just learning the ropes and getting comfortable in pro ball. Hitting wise, success is all about comfort. When you struggle it's because something doesn't feel right and you aren't comfortable. So after the first year I worked on some things to help improve that, and I have been able to do well since.
5.) Your great 2012 season was capped off with an invitation to the Arizona Fall League, where you once again posted good numbers, earning you a spot on the Western Division roster of the Rising Stars game. What was that experience like? What did you take away from it?
The Arizona Fall League was awesome. I was fortunate enough to be a guy that got to play four days a week down there, so I could really work on my game. I definitely credit that time period for setting me up for a good 2013 campaign.
6.) Starting the 2013 season at Triple-A, you made your major league debut in July. What kind of emotions did you experience during your debut?
Emotions were crazy. Trying to hold back tears seeing your parents in the stands for the first time was tough, then playing on top of that made it a little crazy to start. But that is all part of it. I think the phone call I got to make to my parents the day I was called up was the most memorable part of making it up last year.
7.) What's it like playing under Ryne Sandberg (a baseball Hall of Famer)?
He's a great person. I think that stands out to me the most. It seems like he sincerely cares about the players, and especially myself. I think all managers have a way of showing that to their players.
8.) What do you feel went well in 2013? What are your goals for 2014?
I think in 2013 I was able to improve a ton. That's what I really care about, just improving on a daily basis. As far as 2014 is concerned, I would like to be healthy and keep learning and finding my niche on the team so I can contribute to a winner in Philly.
9.) Favorite TV show? Favorite food?
TV show: Parks and Recreation. Food: Chicken parm.
10.) Lastly, what advice would you give to kids who are just starting out that dream of playing professional baseball one day?
Don't sell yourself short. No matter what position or level you are at, keep faith and confidence in yourself and keep improving. Never lose your own self confidence. ——————————————————————————————————————————————
Big thanks to Cody Asche for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can follow him on Twitter: @cody_smasche

subset: commoncrawl


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Tallahassee's overloaded criminal justice system could get a little relief from a new city proposal.
Wednesday night City Commissioners introduced a new ordinance that would change certain violations from criminal offenses to civil citations.
These violations include offenses like possession of open containers of alcohol, burning without a permit and placing handbills on cars.
These offenses would be changed to civil citations and wouldn't require legal representation from the public defenders' office.
"Without the criminal penalty you don't have to involve really either the state attorney or the public defenders so it'll be a cost savings thing," explains James English, Tallahassee's City Attorney.
Changing these offenses from criminal misdemeanors to civil citations could save the city 30-thousand dollars in fees it would have to pay the public defender's office.
A public hearing on the proposal will be held on January 28th.


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Once again I'm stuck in Barstow. Logistics don't allow flying home to the East Coast for the weekend. So I have the weekend free having to be back in Barstow monday AM.
So where to spend the weekend to ride?
Vegas, Red Rock Canyon area would be an option. Palm Springs/ Joshua Tree is another, but I did that last week.
San Diego is another thought, and Solvang but it appears to be a bit of a drive.
Criteria are: 1) available bike rental, 2) warm weather, and 3) no more than 3 or so hours from Barstow. Any suggestions?


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text:
Yes, Electronic Arts may have laid off 10% of its workforce and posted a billion dollar loss in recent months, but rank has its privileges, after all.
And ranking execs at EA are clearly among the privileged, based on a preliminary proxy statement filed by EA this week which lists compensation for its top officials. CEO John Riccitiello's fiscal 2009 package, which included salary, stock awards, option awards, benefits and a performance-based cash bonus, is valued at $6,365,823.
EA Sports President Peter Moore won't be brown bagging his lunch, either. EA lists Moore compensation package at $4,284,366. Here's the breakdown for Riccitiello (right) and Moore (left), EA's two most high-profile execs:
Here are Riccitiello's numbers:
- Salary – $793,749
- Bonus –
- Stock Awards – $1,055,461
- Option Awards – $4,115,305
- Non Equity Incentive Plan Compensation – $400,000
- All Other Compensation – $1,308
And here are Moore's (cost of game launch tattoos not included):
- Salary – $564,624
- Bonus –
- Stock Awards – $1,443,741
- Option Awards – $1,589,290
- Non Equity Incentive Plan Compensation – $200,000
- All Other Compensation – $486,711
The Associated Press notes that Riccitiello's incentive bonus dropped from $625,000 in fiscal 2008 to the $400,000 figure listed above. In contrast to EA's filing, the AP estimates Riccitiello's total compensation at $11.1 million, using a $9.9 million valuation on stock options.
Not bad for a crappy year.
UPDATE: gamesindustry.biz reports that an unnamed EA spokesman has taken umbrage at the Associated Press claim that Riccitiello's options are worth $11.1 million:
Their calculation is inaccurate. It includes value of performance-based shares that will vest over several years – and only if high performance hurdles are met.
As reported, it appears as though those shares are compensation for this year, which they are not. Accurately, they are an opportunity to earn shares over the coming years if company objectives are met.
The spirit of those shares is to link executive compensation to the achievement of long term financial objectives. That programme, which is in place for all of EA's top executives, is designed to align interests of shareholders and management.


text:
playing some more with the IR filter I have
Started Jan 31, 2013 | Discussions thread
Shop cameras & lenses ▾
dave gaines • Veteran Member • Posts: 9,183
Re: Use a dark IR filter
Deviantfotografer wrote:
Thanks for the C&C. So.... I should try some more plant life rather than man made objects?!?!?!
Hi Jarrod,
Yes, shoot plant life. Trees, flowers, lawns and landscapes make good subjects. Search for a tutorial on what the IR color spectrum is and what objects give it off. Unless your camera is modified for IR light, use the darker of the two common IR filters. It's like a 10 stop ND filter but it does allow IR and some red light to pass. Long exposures too.
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FM to meet chiefs of PSU banks, insurance companies on May 12-13
May 11 2014 , New Delhi
The meeting of Finance Minister with chief executive officers of life and non-life insurance companies has been scheduled on May 12, official sources said.
The Minister will review performance of the public sector insurers, they said.
A day after, the Minister will meet chiefs of public sector banks to impress upon them to focus on the recovery of bad loans, sources added.
PSU banks have recovered Rs 18,933 crore of bad loans during the nine months through December 2013.
Bad loans of PSU banks rose 28.5 per cent to Rs 1.83 lakh crore in March 2013 over the preceding September.
The non-performing assets (NPA), or bad loans, of the public sector banks have seen an uptrend since financial meltdown in 2008. During the current financial year, most of the public sector banks have reported rise in their NPA quarter after quarter.
The gross NPA of public sector banks rose to Rs 2.03 lakh crore at the end of September from Rs 1.55 lakh crore on March 31, 2013.
The gross NPA of banks, including those in the private sector, rose by 28.5 per cent from Rs 1.83 lakh crore in March 2013 to Rs 2.36 lakh crore in September last year.
Recently, OECD in its report said rising bad loans of banks threaten to choke the economic recovery in India.
"However, fiscal consolidation and supply bottlenecks, coupled with still high non-performing loans and corporate leverage, will weigh on the recovery," it said.


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Drama Rating: Show on April 26th (The Equator Man, Rooftop Prince, The King 2Hearts)
According to AGB Nielsen Media Research on April 27th, KBS's "The Equator Man" received 15.2% in average viewership rating for episode 12, the rating was slightly increased by 0.2% from previous episode. SBS's "Rooftop Prince" also showed an improvement in its rating when received 11.3% for episode 12, the rating was increased by 0.7% from previous episode. However, MBC's "The King 2Hearts" unable to score better rating when only received 10.7% for episode 12, the rating was dropped by 0.6% from previous episode.


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- 195Promote
Tote Bag
Thick as the Day's Endby Ben Geiger
Our quality crafted Tote Bags are hand sewn in America using durable, yet lightweight, poly poplin fabric. All seams and stress points are double stitched for durability. Available in 13" x 13", 16" x 16" and 18" x 18" variations, the tote bags are washable, feature original artwork on both sides and a sturdy 1" wide cotton webbing strap for comfortably carrying over your shoulder.
wonderful dramatic sky ben
Thanks so much Alexandra, Catspaws, and Angela!
love it!
Gorgeous! very nicely framed shot, with the silhouettes : )
Thanks Gréta and Rich! you both are awesome
Great work!
Thanks The ShutterbugEye!
fantastic shot!
Thanks so much Klara and Sharon!!!
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Beatiful Ben!!
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really beautiful
fantastic shot!
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Oh Yeah! ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ 👍
Thank you all SO MUCH!
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AW thank you Lisa :> so sweet
awesome sky Ben
Thanks so much Alice!
very cool! amazing colours.
Thank you so much Eric!
Wow, stunning work Ben.
Thank you so much Ally!
Thank you Alba! That is all I want :D
Thanks MJ!
what an atmosphere Ben!
thank you Agnes! :D
Great colours in this capture :)
Thanks! I tried :D
Spectacular capture!
Thank you so much Angelo!
love this!
Thanks so much!
love it ..... nice title
Thanks so much! I am so glad you like the title too. In my opinion the title can make or break a piece so I really do invest a bit of time into every title.
Beautiful work!
Thanks so much
Love this!
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Trippy and foreboding.
thank you both so much!
Truly excellent :-)
so glad! I am glad about this one!
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Clothing Sales
Loan Overview
Repayment Schedule
Teresa lives with her daughter Maria and her grandson Oswaldo in her own home. She works selling clothing and perfumes. She has worked at this business for several years, is very profitable, and is well known in the commercial zones surrounding the community where she lives. She has clothing for women, men and children. The people prefer her because she always has what they need: skirts, dresses, pants, t-shirts, etc., all of the best quality and at accessible prices.
In addition to offering good service, Teresa is a woman warrior dedicated to her work, always expecting new challenges that allow her to reach success. In the last few months, the demand for her product has grown thanks to her experience in sales. Now to increase her earnings, she wants to invest anew, but she doesn't have sufficient capital. For this reason, she asks INTEGRAL for a loan that will allow her to buy clothing for the elderly and perfumes. Teresa has a good record of repayment and is very responsible. She is sure that she can repay the debt and at the same time offer her family a full life.
Translated from Spanish
Kiva volunteer
Melia Meggs
View original language description ↓
Teresa vive junto a su hija María y su nieto Oswaldo en casa propia, ella se dedica a la venta de ropa y perfumes, tiene varios años con el negocio y es muy rentable, es muy conocida en las zonas donde comercia, a los alrededores de la comunidad donde vive, posee ropa para damas, caballeros y niños, las personas la prefieren porque siempre tiene lo que necesitan faldas, vestidos, pantalones, camisas etc., todo de primera calidad y a precios accesibles además de un buen servicio, Teresa es una mujer luchadora entregada a su labor, siempre esta a la expectativa de nuevos retos que le permitan alcanzar el éxito, en estos últimos meses la demanda de su producto aumento gracias a su experiencia en las ventas, ahora para aumentar las ganancias quiere invertir de nuevo pero no posee de suficiente capital por eso le solicita a INTEGRAL un crédito que le permita comprar ropa por mayor y perfumes. Teresa tiene buenas referencias de pago y es muy responsable, asegura que podrá cancelar la deuda y a la vez ofrecerle a su familia una vida plena.
Additional Information
About Apoyo Integral
Apoyo Integral (Apoyo) is a nonprofit organization offering financial products that enable clients to increase their working capital, purchase fixed assets, buy and remodel homes, expand agricultural business and more. The organization's target group is businessmen and women who have already established their businesses but need financial support to strengthen or expand them.
Like Kiva, Apoyo is committed to empowering women involved in business activities in rural areas. Kiva lenders' funds will be used to expand these services to an even greater number of poor clients in rural areas.
About El Salvador
Average annual income
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Funds lent in using Kiva
US Dollars
Loan transacted in USD
Success!! The loan was 100% repaid
A loan of $300 helped Teresa to buy clothing for the elderly and perfumes.
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Repayment Term
17 months
(Additional Information)
Repayment Schedule
Aug 8, 2012
Sep 8, 2012
Currency Exchange Loss:
Aug 18, 2013