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My Observations on San Diego Firefighters
Guest Commentary
by Mary Moran
Yes, everyone loves and appreciates firefighters when they are saving lives and homes. These amazing men place their lives on the line almost everyday. They are hard working! On a fire, often their shifts are 24 hours (with a few hours break for food and sleep) for up to 14 days straight. That's extremely challenging physical work! Yet, did you know that a firefighter's salary is relatively low?
It's funny: in front of the TV, the leaders of our community are applauding the firefighters. They can't say enough about how they are heroes, saving homes, saving lives, while placing their own lives on the line. Yet behind the scenes, people like Carl DeMaio are stripping the firefighters of their pensions AND death benefits (in case they die while saving lives, their family/children will not be taken care of).
"Pension Reform" has caused qualified firefighters to look elsewhere for positions in other fire departments. Also, the young firefighters are using San Diego as a training ground, and then they'll move on to another fire department that offers benefits. Pension reform is actually wreaking havoc in our community, as there is now a shortage of qualified firefighters.
And why is it that the San Diego police were not stripped of their pensions via Proposition B? Was there a backroom deal between DeMaio and former Police Chief Jerry Sanders — in which SDPD pensions would not be touched in exchange for then Mayor Sanders' help in supporting/promoting the Prop B Pension Reform initiative? Hmmm, makes you wonder doesn't it?
How about some transparency in local government, the kind that DeMaio speaks of while he is out campaigning?!
Kindly say a prayer for our firefighters, and all first responders. Thank you.
# # #
Moran is the wife of a firefighter
68 Responses to "My Observations on San Diego Firefighters"
Like many other public servants we tend to forget about these brave men and women until we need them. Next time you are in a grocery store and see them purchasing their food goods for the week – take a moment to say WE APPRECIATE YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
Are we seriously going to restart the Prop B debate? 60% of SD voters supported it. And your "facts" about stripping benefits are completely off base. It's approved and implemented. Time to move on.
Thanks, Mary. I wasn't aware of the devastating effects DeMaio's so-called "pension reform" had on the families and careers of firefighters. I was aware of his deal with Sanders to exempt Police pensions from the chopping block, but this was one unintended (intended?) consequence I hadn't heard about before. As the wife of a firefighter, you have first-hand knowledge, and I'm grateful that you've shared it.
One can easily debate whether these consequences were foreseeable. Personally, I think they were. Yes, we know our pension system was bloated and needed real reform to rid it of waste and fraud, But this so-called "reform" did much more than that, and it was pushed through with a complete disregard for these consequences I realize hind-sight is 20-20, but other cities had been through this same kind of situation and chose not to take the drastic steps that became this much ballyhooed "reform."
It was unrealistic, for example, to expect the police to not carry their share of the burden. It was a bad, poorly thought through plan, but DeMaio had to see it blustered through, not because it was best for the city, but because it was HIS plan. That kind of hubris isn't something we need in an a representative who is supposed to have OUR best interests in mind and not his own personal career.
Dear "Seriously" (not sure why you wont use your real name), Hillary feels the same about Benghazi, she would love for us all to "move on". But the facts are the facts, and the facts don't lie. If you know so much about Prop B, then tell us all why the SDPD were exempted. (and don't say that it was addressed in the City Charter, we read it, and it wasn't in the Charter). Thanks.
Mary, this is SO true. I know first hand as my son is a Fire Fighter Paramedic. San Diego has "cut cut cut" fire departments, closed stations resulting in longer response times, hires their quota of unqualified recruits. This IS honestly what happens. FFers have been leaving SD in droves because of more reasons that can't be mentioned but……ALL UNFAIR!!! If we all got up each day and put our lives on the line for the service of others, wouldn't it be fair to protect those who protect us? As Fire fighters I know say, "The Firefighter doesn't choose the job. The passion is within a Firefighter and the job chooses them." And, those are the ones we want entering our homes, businesses, cars, schools. The ones saving our Loved Ones lives as the family watches them drive away in an ambulance. Not one hired to fill a quota or to move on after being trained. Pray and thanks be to God the BRAVE SOULS here are safe during this horrible tradegy.
Thanks for your comments Richard. No need to attack me though. Again, the facts are the facts! Did you see the comment above from a mother of a firefighter? Do you know whats happening behind the scenes? Well, I do. Think about it: Why on earth would a firefighter want to work in SD if the City is not taking care of them w benefits when plenty of other Cities are – in addition to CalFire? In San Diego, there is a severe shortage of firefighters, as well as police. People like you are placing the Citizens at risk. Sure do hope that when you need emergency help, the response time is shorter than it is right now (due to lack of firefighters). And no. I do not want /need more money. My husband and I are fiscally conservative, and have saved well for our retirement. Your comment is mean spirited.
And BTW Richard, elected officials should be the LAST government job that requires additional compensation. Not firefighters. Your comments are so unfounded and baseless, its laughable.
Thanks for your thoughts, Mary. I'm not a San Diego voter but would NOT have voted for Carl DeMaio for many reasons. I believe our firefighters earn their pensions, and would absolutely earn their death benefits if killed in the line of duty. It is unconscionable to strip our first responders of their benefits, especially when the politicians' benefits keep increasing!
My Dad was a volunteer fireman back in the day when Solana Beach had no paid firefighters except the chief (I think — they may have had a few paid ones, but the volunteers made up most of the fire fighting personnel). He did it for a number of years so I appreciate the intensity of the job they do, the very long hours they are called upon to serve on the front lines, and the danger in which they place themselves for the sake of their community — or now much larger areas where they may serve when needed).
I admire them greatly and am so very thankful for their unselfish service to all of us when we need it. I am praying for the safety of all of our first responders, especially our fire fighters all over the county and on Camp Pendleton where they now have three very active fires burning. I can't forget about them because when I look outside, I am seeing huge billows of black smoke from the biggest fire on Camp Pendleton, only a very few miles from us with the wind blowing this direction. But this isn't about me — it is about our brave firemen, and again, they are so very appreciated.
Richard, your attack comments are pretty funny, a little antiquated. 🙂
Yes, that's correct, a firefighters salary is relatively low, relative to the high risk they take almost every day. A firefighter makes less than $60k annually.
My husband does not work for San Diego Fire, thankfully, so he was not stripped of the pensions/death benefits like the new hires who will use SD as a training ground and then move on to other departments as soon as they can.
face it, Prop B / pension reform has failed the citizens of SD, placing citizens at risk and adding costs for high turnover firefighter training, and significant risks due to slower response times (not enough firefighters to answer calls strains the system).
But, I know you are a big fan of Carl Demaio so you wont agree with me at all. All im saying is do your homework.
And the bottom line is why weren't the SDPD exempted from pension reform – oh, I'll tell you – a backroom deal between Demaio and Sanders. Great transparency Carl, haha
Sometimes it takes awhile, but the truth always comes out. And the truth shall set you free. (do you read the bible?)
"72% of our nation's firefighters are VOLUNTEERS. No pay, no pensions, same risks, same lifesaving service. "
Richard, the "volunteer" firefighters you speak of in SD ARE paid. Please do your homework!! You can ask Diane Jacobs if you'd like. Geez. When you make statements, make sure you can back them up.
What's really funny is when some conservatives get so wrapped up in their contempt for DeMaio that they start spouting labor propaganda.
So Mary Moran, who works for Kirk Jorgensen's suicide campaign, writes an opinion piece that just conveniently bashes Carl DeMaio.
Nice way to use a natural disaster for political gain.
I had such a nice conversation with a man I have had both hammers thrown and have thrown…almost make one feel like there's hope for the local GOP…then I see comments from RR like this…
You are an angry, petty little man Richard that thinks your snarky "pseudo intellectual" pragmatism is supposed to the real "holier than thou." …Keep throwing your flaming hammers at Republicans who used to stand rank and file with you and your "New " generation…but if you think for one minute you and the likes of your kind are ingratiating yourselves with anyone..i.e. "17oh, those conservatives rubes will see the light after 3 Jun and come to our aid"…bullsh&t, you are dumber than you are petty and sanctimonious. …
I'll have that beer with Michael…even after some of the more ruffled discussions we have had…but you…I would piss on you if you were on fire!
Considering all the arson lately, I'm going to make sure we have two beers. For Richard's sake.
…"would not"…damn I hate auto correct…the vehemence remains the same…I would NOT piss on him if he were on fire…
On a more dire note, whether Jorgensen or Simon win or not, there is one thing that is painstakingly clear…The GOP has abandoned the same base that brought it's very revitalizing success in 2010. From Rove, the RNC, the NRCC, state and local pundits, media, and power-elite, the "social conservative" (as inaccurate as that term is) is NOT wanted…the true conservatives, across the platform, are clearly now considered an impediment, nor are they to be considered in the San Diego political calculus (CA for that matter).
What is equally as true; this will reverberate throughout Republican politics for years…if not decades (classic "divide and conquer"…is it concerted from within?). One may talk all they wish about "shifting" demographics and sliding morality, but the same like-minded people that brought us Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Tom Cotton, Scott Walker, Mia Love, and scores of others, and the same people with the ideology that recently ushered in Sasse and the win in N. Carolina, will be the same people that will have determined the "New GOP" is neither wanting nor courting them any longer. Some will accept this, and dive in the new waters of the New GOP; yet many will simply conclude the party no longer reflects their core values… As Reagan said, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party…it left me…" So true for the thousands, perhaps tens of thousands (including many of the 80K that have already left) that are becoming increasingly disenfranchised by the party they once loved and supported.
Some of you New Generation types are no doubt saying to yourself "good riddance" and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out…some of you may be wishing that the very people some of you have vilified and demonized will some how miraculously decide to "come back" ..I can share having met and interacted with hundreds of voters in San Diego County, the latter is a "wet dream"…there is no way, after seeing the concerted effort made by Rovites, New Generation Libertines, faux conservative media personalities and self-serving political elites and influencers, will these people support the GOP…That ship has sailed.
Neel Kashkari? ( a recently former Democrat, voted for Obama, and spearheaded the TARP policies that bulged 100s of billions and added to the increasingly dangerous debt?) In fact, many use the GOP as the butt of a joke or the center of ridicule and focused ire.
Kevin Faulconer? (who many consider only won because the Dems were SO inept and lost it out right, who is both against the sanctity of life and unique covenant of marriage?)
Carl DeMaio? (who if he were not the new hood ornament for the desperate need for the GOP be be liked by the Cultural Stalinists, he would have been run out on rails for having stolen intellectual copyright from another journalistic source)
Bonnie Dumanis (Bob Brewer is as qualified and experienced a candidate we will see in a decade, and his only draw back for the party is he is white, male, and heterosexual…remember, the New generation says we can't be that party anymore…how inclusive)
Really?…these recently GOP endorsed candidates, each who on at least one or more core Republican issues posses the same ideological positions as Gerry Brown, Bob Filner, Scott Peters, and other progressives are the BEST the party can produce?
Of course not…these endorsees are not the product of a cogent, unified, or selfless political strategy or convicted party …they are the product of cronyism, nepotism, self-serving back room dealings, corrupt leadership…none of which are either the will of the committee, voters, or in the best interest of the supposed members or the proclaimed party platform.
What is for certain; conservatives have seen behind the curtain…they now can clearly identify friend from foe…and the GOP and its power-enablers in San Diego County are most definitely the latter.
If you don't believe that, just ask RR or read his vile, detestable and purposely offensive comments toward a renowned Republican woman who was until recently a staunch and dedicated member of the GOP..what utter contempt!
Putting aside politics, contempt, and urination for a second, there are a couple of breakdowns in the case you make, Mary.
1. Aren't you praising the firefighters for their work last week? By all measures and accounts the multiple fires and the response was top-notch and amazingly well-performed by the firefighters. So…San Diegans saved money through pension reform and didn't sacrifice quality. Which are two things you are pointing out here, Mary. Right? If Carl was the driving force behind that, then he should be credited with the success.
2. I believe you are in the "Prop 8 was voted into law by 'we the people' so it should stay" camp. So isn't Prop B the will of "we the people" too? It passed with 65% voting for in favor (compared to 52% for Prop 8).
3. You've made it clear in other places that you support Kirk Jorgensen. He voted to get rid of pensions for new firefighters, cap pay and benefits for firefighters, etc. Meaning he voted for Prop B. So are you still supporting Kirk? If yes, the argument you made here makes no sense.
4. If Prop B negatively impacted the fire department as you say, why are you suggesting it should have included the police department too?
I see things have heated up since my last comments. Cowardly founding father (hiding behind his fake name) needs to be tested for rabies — he's frothing and peeing like crazy (or holding his water — it's not clear — and admittedly I'm not that clear on "love thy neighbor" Christian doctrine in this area of fire and pee).
The desperation of Mary to discredit DeMaio for — of all things — PENSION REFORM — leads to stunning lies and misrepresentations. I can forgive such if it comes from ignorance, but Mary is NOT ignorant about firefighter compensation. She gets it. She LITERALLY gets it.
For instance, she claims that "A firefighter makes less than $60k annually." BREATHTAKING dishonesty.
MAYBE one can get away with such misrepresentations without challenge elsewhere, but not here on SDRostra, and not with me. Founding Father, I apologize in advance for my "pseudo intellectual" penchant for using facts and URL references, but it's the way I roll.
Here's an excellent source of info on local public employee pay in California — from an objective source. You can search for your jurisdictions in any government job category on this website. It's quite easy to use.
For our purposes, I've sorted out the local firefighters in San Diego County. Here's that link:
The average 2012 pay for a SDFD Firefighter I and Firefighter II is $111,263 — NOT Mary's absurdly bogus "less than $60K." Moreover, SDFD is the 4th highest paying fire department in the county — few of our firefighters are Dempsty Dumster diving.
But that's not all. San Diego uses 4 man trucks. Only two of the four positions are filled by FF I and FF II firefighters. The third position is the truck engineer, who is paid a modest premium to also drive and oversee maintenance of the fire engine. The fourth position is "Fire Captain," who gets (in SDFD) $121,839 on average — and (if an "existing hire — most are) calculates his generous retirement pension based on a fire captain's salary (usually at the highest step).
Most local firefighters (if they stay on the job passed 20 years) function as a truck fire captain at some point — so most get that "captain" pension.
Most San Diego County jurisdictions pay their FF I and FF II a six figure income annually. Mary knows this, but she's SOOO anxious to attack DeMaio she has chosen to spread easily disproved falsehoods. Have you no shame, Mary?
It's funny. The most rabid opponents of DeMaio and "his kind" are complaining that they are being driven out of the party by the moderates. But it is THEY who so desperately want to drive out the more socially liberal contingent of the GOP.
Seldom do I hear such hatred and attacks on GOP social conservatives from the moderates. There's no one insisting that social conservatives should not be GOP candidates or hold office. Anyone recall DeMaio railing against social conservatives in this campaign?
Most GOP moderates will support social conservative candidates against Democrats in November runoffs. But based on what we read here, it appears that these vehement DeMaio haters won't vote for (let alone actively support) moderate GOP candidates.
Are you actually such a dupe? …Carl has used you personally in ghost emails without your permission, you continue to support an exposed plagiarist, and the conservatives are the delusional ones?……and you're either intentially obfuscating or certifiably pathological regarding the DeMaio sycophantic neo-progressives ("social liberals" and "moderates") not attacking conservatives on Rostra. "Your love of the halfing's leaf, has clealry slowed your mind…" Time to change the bong water!
You, Details, Union Buster (what, no "coward" barbs at other discreet Rostrites….?..ackward), and all the faux-avatars that are allowed to sneak on the site (Foundless Father was a particular favorite) have been viceral and caustic, ad hominem attacks of "bigoted, homophobe, intolerant", in themselves often intolerant and offensive of Christians and issues of faith…simply because they disagree with you, and they naively believed the GOP was in fact the party for sanctity of life and marriage…because people would not just bow to the wave of cultural Stalinism ushered in by the New Generation you and others seem so comfortable with. You are the one that has been abrasive, combative, and then selectively picks out "facts" to make some self-absorbed circuitous point..all with the sanctimony of a French nobleman.
As for the "hit piece" on Jorgensen supporters…the "all-in" DeMaio sycophants and New Majority dupes continue to support perhaps the worst single congressional candidate displaying dangerously irresponsible and buffoon-like antics the GOP has produced in a generation..think not? Lets count the ways..1) YouTube video shows DeMaio himself actually tampering and then attempting to remove an opponents campaign sign..on that candidate's own property…only to scamper away when confronted..2) The former mayor of San Diego has gone on the record demonstrating that Demaio has embellished on numerous occasions to tout "his" work, and "his" efforts, leading to the good mayor announcing in public as to his "reform" efforts; "DeMaio's claims are bullsh*t." ..and if not enough, 3) the coup de grace is the National Journal exposes Demaio to unmitigated plagiarism where it is revealed his one-trick pony "pension reform" spiel is found to in fact NOT BE HIS!…and you are STILL carrying the water for this guy…surreal.
And the conservatives are the delusional ones?
At this point, I wouldn't expect to change your mind, or any of the die-in-the-wool DeMaio GOP establishment supporters; one might think, given the lack of character displayed, and clear absence of basic integrity that the GOP claims to demand for its leaders, you might come to the conclusion that your support for DeMaio is a sunken cost that in the end, you can at least salvage your dignity.
Oh…and my "cowardly" nom de plume is only out done by your inability to figure out the worst kept secret on Rostra…well..the second worst secret…only to be out done by your "DeMaio really is a good candidate" support. I am as "cowardly" as you are apparently slow to the take.
Face it, Richard (and Details), the real suicide mission is the snow ball's chance in hell that DeMaio will actually be the the next congressman from San Diego. (Just as likely as Kashkari will be the next governor) Even if he clears the blocks in June (which respected sources observe that is NOT a fait accompli..and that Jorgensen is gaining surprising momentum..and no, NOT wishful thinking..) Peters will bury him with all the stuff aformentioned and a whole lot more that you dupes are whistling passed the grave yard with and row your boat down the Denial-Not just a river in Egypt!
On another note- TA…UT has expose' on Phillip Rivers endorsing Jorgensen..and the La Jolla Patch also has a featured article on Jorgensen…crickets on Rostra… or did I miss those too?
Just in case…
"Aren't you praising the firefighters for their work last week? By all measures and accounts the multiple fires and the response was top-notch and amazingly well-performed by the firefighters. So…San Diegans saved money through pension reform and didn't sacrifice quality. "
A couple of points:
1. This was a major incident(s) which occurred predominantly outside the City of San Diego with response from firefighters from throughout the State.
2. The sacrifice in quality will take time to manifest. As was pointed out, "pension reform" did not affect current employees. The concern is whether San Diego can continue to attract and retain the best of the best or will we eventually be left with only those who couldn't earn a job working for an employer who provides better compensation.
You know what ive noticed about liberals and moderates, is that they use personal attacks to deflect from the real issues, which is why were the SDPD exempted from Prop B?
Face it, Prop B is failing, badly.
And you can personally attack my beliefs all you want. Hey, if you're attacking me, that means you're not attacking someone else who may actually care about what you think.
Now, answer the question – why were the SDPD exempt from prop B (besides the fact there was a backroom deal with sanders/demaio)?
Politics aside, I sure do hope its not during your own emergency that you finally realize the actual facts and huge problems Prop B has created.
And BTW, I do not work for, nor am affiliated with any one particular campaign. I support all true conservatives. And yes I feel the SDGOP are hypocrites in endorsing/supporting candidates who are not in line with the Party Platform. And yes my husband and I have left the R Party and registered NPP, and we are are encouraging others to do the same. Thousands are leaving the SDGOP.
And yes I am a true conservative. I love God, and all that He stands for. Truly I will defend Him til the day I die.
That's my story and you can be sure i'm sticking to it. (unlike some leaders in the GOP who call themselves Christians, yet their actions speak otherwise – BUT one day they'll stand before our Lord, and we'll see what happens then – its a choice : choose well , your actions today have eternal consequences.)
You can save yourself a lot of time and words by simply pointing out that Richard Rider has one issue he is passionate about: He believes that because of unions, public employees are over-compensated and that this will be the ruin of society.
If you agree with Richard on this issue, he will support you regardless of your actions or positions on any other issue.
HQ, actually we had a roaring brush fire (doubtless set by an arsonist) spring to life 600 meters from my house in Scripps Ranch. The response by CITY FIREFIGHTERS was overwhelming — in a good way — both super fast and quite large.
In addition, within a half hour a "bucket brigade" of 3-4 helos were making runs from Lake Miramar to the fire — about a half mile away. Together they CRUSHED the fire — no outside help.
When we heard all the sirens and saw the black smoke soaring upwards close to our abode, I packed up to evacuate (well, to evacuate my wife and valuables), while I prepared to defend our defensible home — with the help of son Steve. But no further action was necessary on our part.
Given that doubtless San Diego had already released units to the North County fires that were in full bloom at the time, our Scripps Ranch firefighting response was indeed impressive. What an AMAZING improvement from the disastrous 2003 and 2007 fires — when we had those wonderful 90+% pensions for 30 year firefighters.
As to how to deal with transferring SDFD firefighters (a legitimate if overblown concern), the key is to shorten the hiring and training time to a couple weeks vs. a year or more. Hire "off the shelf" trained and ideally experienced firefighters — while saving a lot of training costs in the process. See my four reforms above.
BTW, note that SDFD firefighters are the fourth highest paid ff's in the county. While the SDFD pension is less, several other jurisdictions are paying $10K-$15K less in salary. That difference likely slows the scramble to switch fire departments.
Here's the PROPER link for that comparison. It was too long to work in my earlier post:
For Mr. Founding Father:
We should pay firefighters as much money as it takes to have a functional department. Not a penny more or less. I'm not attacking the author or even her opinion. I am attacking her argument which she seems to be on both sides of.
She may be right or she may be wrong overall, but in the article she wrote she contradicts herself and doesn't make much sense.
Do we have firefighters worthy of praise (like she points out) or did Prop B destroy that (like she points out)? If you are right, HQ, and Prop B will eventually erode our department, then Mary should have waited for that to happen before posting this article. If she is saying we currently have a dysfunctional and incapable fire department…there is an argument to be made that she is wrong about that.
Are votes (aka the will of the people) not to be trifled with (like she asserts in other posts regarding Prop 8) or who cares if 65% of voters approved Prop B (like she points out here)?
Here she indicates that people who supported Prop B should not be supported for public office, but she's campaigning for Jorgensen who voted for and supported Prop B as a private citizen.
If Prop B was horrible, why, Mary, do you wish it on the SDPD?
Now after her last comment, I want to add…does NOT supporting Prop B makes you a "real" conservative or are you going against the Party's platform?
Supposed to be "Prop B" rather than Prop smiley face.
Though I am now really interested in reading the text of Prop smiley face.
FYI–Ms. Grube wrote to us at San Diego Free Press hoping for a little bump in her homophobic anti-DeMaio campaign. It didn't work.
"If you are right, HQ, and Prop B will eventually erode our department, then Mary should have waited for that to happen before posting this article."
Really? Close the door after the horse has left the barn?
As to your other points, I think you are spot on, but then again, I never questioned those.
Mr. Porter…
That's your big scoop? That an opposing partisan would have the audacity to use the media to shape public opinion? That politically passionate and concerned people would actually stimulate discussion regardless of a source of journalism's political leaning?
Wow…that's heavy…so, when Mr. DeMaio goes on Fox and says it isn't about his sexuality until he needs it to be about his sexuality, or says he wants the people to decide, except when the people decided (Prop 8), and acts the victim because those on your side of the aisle are apparently brutalizing him with homophobic slurs and euphemisms…that's not worthy…but Ms. Grube's opposition to DeMaio for his stances on sanctity of life and marriage make her a homophobe. That's newsworthy?
Brilliant! Nowhere does the link between the New Generation and the Progressive left get a better illustration than what you presented.
Thanks for the clarity!
At this point, yes. Only because voters already voted on it.
The time for Mary's article is before the vote or after the damage is clear. Not just because DeMaio is running for Congress. And not in the same article where you talk about what a great job the firefighters just did.
Brian Brady, Los Angeles FD provides benefits to their firefighters, hence the wait to be employed by them. SD is being used as a training ground by recruits. Once they build their resume, they will leave SDFD. Its already happening. High turn over costs due to excess training, and added risk to the community due to inexperienced personnel will be the results of Prop B.
Michael, you're so sweet to compliment me so. But, no one has yet to answer my question, why the SDPD was exempted from Prop B. (besides the backroom deal between demaio/sanders)
And Michael, the firefighters who battled the recent fires came from across the state, not just SD. Yes, they collectively did a great job. Worthy of all praise. BUT they were not exclusively from SD.
SD would have been very shorthanded indeed!
Gentlemen, you will soon see the devastating affects from Prop B. And then Carls "one trick pony" Reform will implode.
Good day.
Richard, you have no idea what youre talking about "hiring off the shelve" to save training dollars. You seem to think that anyone can be a firefighter (volunteers etc…) , but they are highly trained in many aspects of not only fighting fires, but emergency medical, car extrication etc….
NO qualified young firefighter will want to work with SD (except to build their resume and then get hired elsewhere after a couple years) when they can go practically anywhere else (like CalFire) who offers them benefits.
You are not dealing with reality. Get out from behind your desk and go talk to SD firefighters. They'll give you a real dose of what's actually happening.
Prop B failed, period!
Well as long as this stream of comments appears as disjointed bird walking, let me further add to it with this comment.
I'm a bit surprised Carl hasn't separately posted his 4:54 minute interview here with Bill O'Reilly from last week. So here it is at:
The interview goes rather well up until 3 plus minutes into it and then it appears DeMaio is caught trying to play and have both sides of the gay marriage issue as is cogently pointed out by Bill O'Reilly. A pox on that Bill O'Reilly fellow. How dare he points out that the will of the people was heard loud and clear when voting in favor of Prop 8 and then slapped down by the courts.
Granted this is but a snippet in the campaign but I do find it interesting that Carl is playing the game of selective journalism. That is, post everything favorable to you and totally ignore all the rest.
You go Carl. Continue to think you are really bamboozling everyone within the Rostra echo chamber not to mention the voters. Well, at least not all the informed voters knowledgeable about all your goings on and shenanigans thru successive election cycles.
Rider you do score some points on the Fireman serving our city/county. I however am surprised you would violate the City issued Evacuation Orders. Shame on your criminal behavior.Shame.
I spent May,14th on the San Marcos Fire line shooting photos. When the cops drove by issueing EVACUATION ORDERS I complied as they are Law.
I watched several ignorant people ignore the EVAC ORDER. These people do place first responders in dangerous positions. I am sure you and your son are brave men, but simply think of the consequences next time your area comes under attack.
I watched a lot of fire fighting last week . Even took some snaps of the FEMA DC 10. She even attacks at night, simply awesome.
Your stats on fire pahy took my breath away. It really takes $410,000 a year to employ 4 fireman on a pumper? WOW. Rider you are so on target.
Having walked the walk, Ill now talk the talk. Any monkey could do the same job on the line as our fireman. Any Monkey can cut brush and hold a three inch hose.
Rider, notice the firemen wearing the Red Nomac? They are all state inmates. Dollars a day state prisoners. lol. They get released from prison on a trustee status and complete fire school in one week. 40 years ago I supervised these inmates with CDF (now Cal-Fire) and nothing has changed but the color of the NoMac worn.
In 1958, in the Injaha Fire we lost two officers and ten inmates. These inmates had no pensions. They loved action and freedom. They would have taken City jobs at half them pay. Im sure today we could fill all vacant slots with eterans for half the pay, As you know our vets served the country for far less than a city Fireman.
Mike, you are so very ignorant. Its truly laughable.
You have no idea of the extensive training a firefighter receives in order to keep the community safe.
Such disrespect you have for our first responders. Where does that come from? Do you secretly want to be a hero but were rejected?!
How bout you join them on the next fire line and see how YOU do?
Youd probably wet your pants in fear, and run away crying like a little girl, while the real men are walking into the flames.
And BTW, the inmates in orange are cutting fire lines, not fighting the actual fire.
Mike Erl, perhaps you are being factitious in your chastising me for not leaving when the evacuation order came. You were not clear.
Regardless, the city of San Diego has made an informal decision not to enforce mandatory evacuations. Other cities made the same determination — in suburban areas.
Do you know of even ONE such city arrest in the 2003 or 2007 fires? Just ONE? I don't.
In the boonies, staying and fighting for your home poses some risk for rescuers. Not so in suburbia. MANY people chose to stay and defend their homes. A significant number of Scripps Ranch homes were saved in the 2003 Cedar fire — but very few were saved by firefighters, who showed up HOURS late.
Moreover, in suburbia, not one person who stayed behind died, or was even seriously injured. Suburban firefighting is all about fighting EMBERS, not a wall of flame (except along brush lines not sufficiently cleared from people's homes).
Besides, it was never clear in EITHER call for evacuation that it was mandatory in the legal sense. No one seems to think it was — not even the police. Indeed, the retired SDFD CHIEF stayed and defended his home, even after receiving the evacuation call.
Sometimes one has to realize that the law is an ass. Well, sometimes is an ass. And let me assure you that — if it happens again — I'll stay if I'm still reasonably functional in the ember "whack-a-mole" battle.
Mike Erl — a picky correction. The salary outlay to "man" a four person SDFD truck is a bit over $450K, not $410K.
Moreover, that counts only the paycheck — not the benefits. Depending on whether it's an old or new SDFD hire (most are old), the benefits cost 40% to 55% of the base salary plus bonuses (but not overtime) — about triple the average private sector job. A guesstimate would be that's about $160K for a four man truck.
Mary, it is YOU who don't know what you are talking about — or are lying. With you, it's difficult to say which is the case.
There are schools that deliver fully qualified firefighters "off the shelf." Community colleges have fire academies, and that's where most of the NON-city of San Diego hires come from. If your hubby firefighter works for another agency, ask HIM where they get their new firefighters. As I understand it, ONLY the city of San Diego has its own free fire academy — and pays students $2500 a month to go to the school.
Moreover, with our sky high pay in California (60% higher than the average for the other 49 states), it would be easy to poach quality, experienced firefighters "off the shelf" from other states — but a recruiting effort would have to be made.
In my opinion Carl is the best thing that has happened to the SD GOP in years and Mr. Crimmins is the worst.
Mr. Crimmins did you ever think the voters were informed when you ran many failed congressional campaigns? 3,4, or was it 5 times?
Richard, do you really want an inexperienced rookie "off the shelve" calling on your medical emergency? I don't think so.
Just fyi., in most fire agencies they have a "reserve" program – THIS is where they recruit new hires from – these hired reservists have proven themselves to the firefighters, who will run calls along side them.
What you gentlemen should retain is that firefighters run many other calls other than just fire. In fact, the majority of their calls are medical. They are highly trained and sophisticated in dealing with many aspects of trauma, in order to save lives within that "golden hour".
SD will not be able to retain its firefighters. They are using the city to build their resumes, and are leaving as soon as another department (with benefits) hires them.
You can squawk all you want. Time will tell. You will soon see the blatant failure of Prop B Pension reform.
Good day to you. Stay safe out there.
Richard, you can call me a liar all you want, I know you like to deflect from the real issues by attacking me personally (this is what liberals do constantly, yawn).
But my responses are based on facts. Maybe not the facts you want to hear, but nonetheless, they are factual.
Mary, are you telling the truth when you make the absurd claim that "A firefighter makes less than $60k annually"? Yes or no.
You haven't retracted your statement, so I'm assuming it's a lie you feel committed to — facts notwithstanding. As the wife of a firefighter, you can't claim ignorance. Some Christian YOU are!
Mary, a "rookie" is likely only one of the four (maybe 2 of the 4) ff's who show up for a fire/medical emergency — in addition to (in San Diego) the two medically trained ambulance crew that are called to a medical emergency. And I'm fine with that. You don't want rookies to be hired?
All the nonsense about our supposedly underpaid civilian "public servants" — firefighters or otherwise — melts away when compared to our nation's military.
A retiring 30 year Commander/Lt. Colonel (a rank most officers don't achieve) gets as a pension in 2013 about $71,500.
Yet the average 30 year firefighter (the equivalent "rank" of AT MOST a petty officer 2nd class — E-5) who has a defined pension gets significantly more — too many have six-figure pensions.
BTW, I've always enjoyed the fact the guy in charge of a fire truck holds the "rank" of Captain. Talk about grade inflation!
A police captain commands scores of officers. An army or marine captain often commands 100 men or more. A navy captain commands hundreds if not thousands of sailors. The firefighter captain? Four people — including himself! Sometimes 3 — such as the Poway Fire Department, which uses 3 man trucks.
Dear disrespectful one (Richard), yes, I stand behind the $60k salary remark. You're so funny using the word "absurd", you have no idea what you're talking about.
Believe me, the six figure pensions you address are for Fire Chiefs, and are "far and few between" for the majority of fire personnel.
Although I'm sure Jerry Sanders will be earning much more than the average firefighter when he double-dips into his pensions.
Regarding your "rookie" comment, I already explained to you the "reservist" program within most fire agencies, who may be hired permanently once they have proven themselves.
Lastly Richard, lets just hope and pray that the Fire Captains and Firefighters you degrade (who may call on your medical emergency one day, or be in a position to save your home) don't read this thread consisting of your disrespectful comments.
Be safe.
So, Mary, you are genuinely concerned because I — a taxpayer who pays for firefighter services — might be left to die by offended firefighters who read my comments? Boy, what does THAT say about your confidence in your selfless firefighter heroes? A more thuggish, criminal behavior is hard to imagine.
Well, thanks for admitting that you are a committed liar. Ask ANY firefighter if your "under $60K" is valid. Ask your own husband.
Have you ANY evidence — ANYTHING to verify this made up figure? I guess this is just a faith issue — facts don't matter to you.
Mary, you DID touch on one good idea — the reserve firefighter program. But most cities don't offer this — unlike the reserve police programs that are widespread.
I've been pushing for such a reserve program for all fire departments, but the union firefighters (well, their unions) are adamantly opposed such a training and auxiliary capability.
There may be several programs in the county, but the only one I know of is the North County Protection District. I wish this program we the rule rather than the exception — it's a great concept.
Indeed I would like to see San Diego area fire departments not oly adopt but greatly expand this reserve function — for call-ups when local brush fires threaten. But, as I said, I don't think hardly any progress has been made in this innovation.
BTW, Mary, I don't "degrade" our firefighters — I just think they are paid far, FAR more than is necessary. If expressing such thoughts is justification for our heroes letting my house burn down and my family die — well, I really don't know what I can say about that.
Dear Richard, I'll say three things before I sign off and bid you all farewell.
1. My evidence of a firefighters salary is my husbands paycheck.
2. I never said that firefighters would leave your house to burn and family to die. You see, firefighters are true professionals, they are heroes, they would never do such a thing. Would they respect you? No.
3. Prop B is a failure. Period. You shall soon see.
Now, time for me to talk with voters.
Take care. God bless you. God bless America.
Mary, your sweeping statement that (presumably California, or perhaps in San Diego County) firefighters earn less than $60K annually is based on your HUSBAND'S PAYCHECK?? Wow, that's some research!
Moreover, I'm confident you are talking about his paycheck after deductions — those pesky taxes, union dues, automatic payments and pension contributions, for instance. And perhaps your hubby, unlike 97+% of firefighters, works no overtime. Give me his district, and I'll give you what your husband is REALLY earning (perhaps he doesn't tell you!).
Mary, you wrote:
"Lastly Richard, lets just hope and pray that the Fire Captains and Firefighters you degrade (who may call on your medical emergency one day, or be in a position to save your home) don't read this thread consisting of your disrespectful comments.
Be safe."
Any sensible reading this statement is that it's a warning to me — "degrading" firefighters might some day cost me my home or my family's lives.
If you are afraid that our tough guy firefighters can't take criticism, maybe you're right. I've seen amazing responses from firefighters who are so used to being praised that any criticism is viewed as blasphemy and an insult to their manhood.
A while back some obviously drunken firefighter or cop (could not tell which) called me at home at midnight to yell vile insults, coupled with veiled threats similar to but more explicit than the one you made above. Fortunately such a union thug response is rare — the overwhelming majority of public safety employees ARE good people.


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Posted by Patrick Traylor on 04/11/2013 11:00am MDT tags: Photo
The Korean War began 63 years ago on June 25, 1950. It was a ghastly conflict that killed millions and left the peninsula in ruins. It damaged many physically, scarred many mentally, and left men questioning their commanders' and their nation's wisdom. American soldiers supporting South Koreans fought many enemies – not just the North Koreans and Chinese, but also the heat, the killing cold and the cursed hills, the thirst, hunger and filth, the incompetence and hubris of their own army, and the indifference of an American homeland still fixed on the "good" war, World War II, that had ended five years earlier. Over the three year war, 36,516 American soldiers lost their lives. More photos: Korean War 60th Anniversary

subset: commoncrawl


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Pauline Fouts Shore
Published: Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 1:52 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 1:52 p.m.
THOMASVILLE | Pauline Fouts Shore, 88, of Pine Ridge Nursing Center, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.
The funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday at J.C. Green and Sons Chapel.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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New release of Sun Rack II capacity calculator available
By uwes on Sep 19, 2013
A new release of the Sun Rack II capacity calculator is available on eSTEP portal.
Just uploaded release 50 of the calculator.
The following changes have been integrated:
- "3PP item x" strings unprotected for ease of use (ability to give a custom name to 3PP items).
- LOD format change (change request to avoid confusion on dates formats).
- NX4270 moved to "EOL systems" due to LOD.
- Added X4-2L, X4-2, 7420 M2, ZS3-4, ZS3-2, ES1-24.
- Added LOD date of Sep 30 for 7420.
- Added LOD date of Nov 30 for 7320 and 7120.
The tool calculates all the data necessary
(power requirements, BTU, number of rack units, needed power outlets
etc.) while inserting the many different kind of HW equipment in a
Sun Rack II cabinet (version 1000 and 1200). It takes into consideration most of the available servers, storage devices, tapes, and Netra products. There are also a couple of third party products which are taken into account.
The spreadsheet can be downloaded from eSTEP portal.URL: http://launch.oracle.com/
PIN: eSTEP_2011
The material can be found under tab eSTEP Download.


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Gardening Articles: Landscaping :: Yard & Garden Planning
Herbs in a Swamp (page 2 of 3)
by Kit Anderson
Trial by Murder
None of her books helped her select herbs to grow in this soggy spot, so Suzanne had to experiment. "When I get a new variety," she explains, "I take real good care of it for a year. Then I divide it and put the plants in different places--one in a pot under the eaves of the house, one in full sun, another in part shade. It's what I call trial by murder." She has found that trying these small changes in microclimate often makes the difference between success and failure, and if the plants don't thrive in any of the spots, she throws them out. "Lord knows," she says, "there are plenty more to try."
She direct seeds many crops throughout the year starting in spring, thinning the resulting seedlings. For annuals, Suzanne had to study timing. Some herbs (see section below) are best sown during the cooler winter weather, for example. Frosts are occasional in this zone 8 climate, and sometimes there's even snow, but most of the time winter temperatures range from 40 to 70? F.
Harvesting is a year-round task. Suzanne pinches shoots back at the main stem, which forces buds below to grow, resulting in a bushier, stronger plant. Harvesting single leaves of herbs shocks the plants," she notes. If she's harvesting an herb heavily, as she does basil, she'll feed it every two weeks with a weak solution of 8-8-8.
The Survivors
Basil, an annual, is sown in spring for summer harvest. Her favorites are the regular large-leaved Italian basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon basil (O. b.'Citridorum') and O. b. 'Purple Ruffles', which she uses in clumps mixed with other herbs for color.
Cilantro or coriander (Coriandrum sativum), an annual that appreciates cooler temperatures, is succession-planted through the winter and harvested until the spring heat hits.
Dill (Anethum graveolens) also prefers cooler weather and Suzanne sows it along with her cilantro.
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) are an indestructible favorite, and an excellent choice for a Louisiana garden because "just about every recipe here calls for garlic and onions." Suzanne uses this perennial as a border, periodically cutting back the straplike leaves to three inches.
Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is her favorite herb. She loves to smell its lemon-lime fragrance when the wind blows and uses the leaves in teas and fruit salads. She starts this perennial from cuttings; it does best in a pot on the patio.
Parsley, both curly French (Petroselinum crispum) and Italian flat-leaf (P. c. neapolitanum), is a biennial usually grown as an annual. It has to be started in the fall, Suzanne says, because the seeds need several weeks of cool temperatures before they'll even germinate. Parsley grows well through the winter and, if shaded, can limp through summer, reviving in the fall.
Rosemary was fussy about drainage even in the soil Suzanne created, so she mounded up part of one bed 10 inches. Upright rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is a better choice for her humid garden than the prostrate type, and the hill planting also ensures good air circulation.
Tarragon proved a real challenge. Common French tarragon grown in a patio container "looked as if someone had strangled it." Then she got something called Mexican tarragon from a woman in Florida. It's most likely Tagetes lucida, which is also called sweet mace, winter tarragon, and mint marigold. It has a stronger flavor, she says, and grows readily in the raised bed, going dormant in the winter, then coming back in spring.


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welcome to Burke Handling systems
Since 1966, Burke Handling Systems, Inc. has been providing forklifts and material handling solutions to our customers in Mississippi.
Founded as Mississippi Clarklift, Inc. by Robert O. Burke and Barney Hasenyager, the corporation originally was a franchised dealer for both CLARK and CROWN equipment. The original dealership was located on Florence Street in Jackson. The corporation soon outgrew that facility and moved to our present location on Highway 49 South in 1970. To service our customer's needs, branch facilities were opened in Greenville in 1975, Columbus in 1976 and Hattiesburg in 1995.
In 1985 we changed our name to Burke Handling Systems, Inc. to more accurately describe the complete line of material handling equipment and services we now offer. In addition to CLARK Material Handling and CROWN Equipment, we also represent Linde North America, Doosan Industrial Vehicle, Landoll, Sellick Equipment, Hawker Industrial Battery and a complete line of warehouse products.


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African-American film and television actress, Louise Beavers was born on this date March 8, 1902. Appearing in dozens of films from the 1920s until 1960, she most often appeared in the role of a maid, servant, or slave. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Beavers was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, one of the four African-American sororities.
Louise Beavers started her career in the 1920s during the time of racism towards African Americans because African Americans on film were stuck repeatedly in the same types of roles. Beavers had an attractive personality, and often played roles in which she helps a white protagonist mature in the course of the movie. In 1934, Beavers played Delilah in Imitation of Life, a leading role that was not overshadowed by a Caucasian lead actor or actress. Her character again plays a black maid, but instead of the usual stereotype of subservience, Delilah's role in the story line is equivalent to the Caucasian lead.
As Beavers' career grew, some criticized her for the roles she accepted, alleging that such roles institutionalized the view that African Americans were subservient to whites. Beavers dismissed the criticism.
Beavers was one of four actresses (including Hattie McDaniel, Ethel Waters, and Amanda Randolph) to portray housekeeper Beulah on the Beulah television show. That show was the first television sitcom to star an African American. She also played a maid, Louise, for the first two seasons of The Danny Thomas Show (1953–1955).
Later in her career, Beavers became active in public life, seeking to help support African Americans. She endorsed Robert S. Abbott, the editor of the Chicago Defender, who fought for African Americans' civil rights. She supported Richard Nixon, whom she believed would help African Americans in the United States in the civil rights battle
In later life, the actress was plagued by health issues stemming from obesity, including diabetes. She died on October 26, 1962, at the age of 60, following a heart attack, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles; it was the 10th anniversary of the death of Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actress to win an Academy Award


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Lady Gaga Slams DJ Calvin Harris For Saying He Turned Down Collaboration
Lady Gaga used Twitter to slam DJ Calvin Harris after the Scottish performer and producer claimed he turned down the chance to collaborate with her.
Appearing on "BBC Breakfast," Harris said he'd rejected Gaga because he was too busy and "didn't really like the songs."
Gaga was not pleased.
"Seems to be trendy lately to talk sh*t about 'lady gaga' when your albums/singles drop," she wrote on Monday. "Y'al should live off your own hustle. #Ido."
She continued, "Never even emailed you @calvinharris I guess it's hard to believe I write + produce my music. cuz I'm a woman I don't know about EDM [electronic dance music] right?"
Harris responded, trying to clear things up.
"LadyGaga no your label emailed me," he explained. "I always make sure I say Im a fan when asked about it, I apologize if I offend u, wasn't the intention."
He added, "Jeez you turn down one remix in 2008 and next thing the whole world's on your back."
Gaga saw his message and replied, "Thanks for the apology & explaining. My apologies too. Congratulations on your album. Wish you well. Cheers."
It seems the great Gaga-Harris spat of 2012 is now over.
Check out PHOTOS of Gaga wearing a wacky outfit in France!
Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!
Like us on Facebook!


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Vexing the Viscount is a reunion romance where the heroine and the hero knew each once upon a time when they were children. The heroine annoyed the hero back then and when they meet again years later the hero is still perturbed by the fair miss. This is the third book I have read by Emily Bryan and her lighthearted historicals have been enjoyable reads. I found Vexing the Viscount to be another fun read but with some faults. Perhaps a bit silly and unbelievable at certain points, but overall this is for those who are in need of some light and fluffy reading.
Daisy Drake is a woman who enjoys reading ancient texts. She is what we would call a blue-stocking. Daisy made her first appearance as one of the young nieces of Gabriel Drake, the hero pirate in Pleasuring the Pirate. Daisy is very unique because she prefers to lose herself in libraries and search for lost treasure. Daisy would love to join the Society of Antiquaries, but because she is a woman and it is very much a group only for men, she is denied membership. That still doesn't stop Daisy from visiting the Antiquaries building where she looks at priceless works of phallic art. Yup, Daisy has no problems inquiring about clay objects shaped like penises. While she is staring at a particular phallic looking clay lamp, she meets an old acquaintance, Lucian Beaumont, Viscount Rutland, otherwise known as Iggy to Daisy.
Lucian has no clue who Daisy is at first, and she is a bit miffed even though the last time they saw each other was when she was twelve years old. Daisy knows who Lucian is because Lucian's father blames Daisy's Uncle Gabriel for all his financial woes. Lucian has come to the Society to find someone to partner with him and help search for a great Roman treasure that equaled a year's pay for the entire Roman Legion on the British Isle centuries ago. The Society gentlemen think Lucian is a joke and refuse to help him raise the money needed for the excavation. Lucian's father is penniless due to a debale years ago, and because of that no one is willing to back Lucian.
Daisy is very interested in helping Lucian with his excavation. When she was a little girl, she discovered a pirate's booty of Spanish gold beneath her home. That is where her love for treasure hunting started. She is more than willing to help Lucian find the treasure. Daisy has more than enough money because of her family fortune. But the moment Lucian finds out who Daisy is, he refuses.
It is fate that Daisy and Lucian will see each other again. Daisy's great-aunt Isabella, who was once a famous courtesan, is throwing a masked ball and Daisy will go as Blanche la Tour, a French courtesan whose unpublished memoirs Daisy has found in Isabella's library. With the help of Daisy's maid Nanette and some cosmetics, a seductive dress and high heeled shoes, Daisy will be unrecognizable. Lucian attends the same ball and meets "Blanche". He is enthralled. Lucian has no idea that Daisy is Blanche and Daisy doesn't tell him because she enjoys the game and doesn't want Lucian to run away from her. They talk and kiss. Both enjoy their kiss so much, because it is the first passionate kiss they have ever shared with anybody. Daisy and Lucian are both virgins. Lucian doesn't have the money to court a wife or keep a mistress. He also doesn't feel comfortable having sex just for the pleasure of it all. He wants the intimacy to mean something special. (Can I just say I adore Lucian at this point?)
Daisy finds Lucian "commendable" with his reasons for remaining a virgin. Lucian thinks Daisy as Blanche is quite skilled in lovemaking and because he is so attracted to her, he wants to become her pupil and teach him those lovemaking skills that have eluded him for so long. Daisy accepts Lucian's offer. If she becomes Lucian's teacher, he must allow her to join in on his treasure hunt. He agrees. Daisy is in a very hard place because she lacks these skills. But at least she has Blanche's memoirs to help her if she needs it.
Lucian is in for a surprise because Blanche sends Daisy to be his partner. Lucian can't refuse because then he wouldn't see Blanche and learn about the ways of love. Daisy gets the best of both worlds and hopes Lucian won't find out that she and Blanche are one in the same. Now this is where the whole situation gets a bit ridiculous. Blanche is staying as a guest of Isabella, and when she invites Lucian into her bedroom, she is dressed in her courtesan wear which includes a mask which she won't allow Julian to remove. Lucian wants to see the woman behind the mask, but since she won't, he decides having sex is better than seeing the woman's face who will allow him to reach heaven. Both may not know what they are doing, but with enough practice they learn very well and enjoy each other to the fullest.
Daisy has put herself in a corner. She is falling for Lucian, but Lucian barely knows she is alive because he is heads over heels in lust with Blanche. He treats Daisy as kid sister. And when Lucian is not going on and on about Blanche, he has to worry about the excavation. Someone wants what Lucian is searching for and won't rest till they get it, even if it means sabotaging Lucian and causing harm to those around him, which of course means Daisy.
I have to admit that the whole plot with Daisy pretending to be Blanche was a bit silly. Daisy acting as Blanche had great chemistry with Lucian, but I was surprised he allowed her to keep the mask on the whole time. If I were in Julian's shoes, I would have put a halt to everything even if I was about to "become a man" in her arms. And Daisy is one of those heroines who seems to learn all her moves in the literature she reads. The first time between these two, who have no experience what so ever make love, it was a bit too perfect. At least the mystery of Blanche didn't go on for too long. And when Daisy's mask came off, things progressed very nicely between the lovers.
Vexing The Viscount has some cute moments and I did like how independent Daisy was. She didn't run home in tears because something didn't go her way. Her character was a bit too naïve at times but because she has a very unique personality, she wasn't too annoying. I found her to be quiet endearing. Lucian also has a bit of an innocence to him and I couldn't help thinking that these two were perfect for one another because of this. Their love scenes are very playful and passionate and shouldn't disappoint readers.
The search for the treasure and the suspense dealing with Lucian's enemy isn't all that thrilling where you will be on the edge of your seat. I found it to be more filler if anything and the moments I enjoyed most of all were when Lucian and Daisy loved one another and willingly expressed it. Once they found how much fun sex was, they didn't want to stop.
If you are in the mood for a fast lighthearted read, Vexing the Viscount is the book for you. (Dorchester, March)
Final Grade: B-


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Oct. 12, 2011
TUCSON, Ariz. -
Arizona head coach David Rubio and the Wildcat volleyball team (11-6, 3-5) travel to Boulder, Colo. and Salt Lake City, Utah to take on the Buffaloes (5-12, 0-9) and the Utes (7-11, 2-7) this weekend. The Wildcats will take on Colorado on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. MST and Utah on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. MST. The matchups mark Arizona's first Pac-12 conference competition with both teams.
So far this season, freshman Madi Kingdon (Phoenix, Ariz.) leads Arizona in kills with 220, while senior Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles) leads in hitting percentage (.347) and blocks (54). Freshman Chloe Mathis (La Jolla, Calif.) has taken over setting duties and leads with 400 and sophomore Candace Nicholson (Long Beach, Calif.) leads in service aces and digs with 13 and 186, respectively.
The Wildcats are coming off a loss to No. 5 USC, 3-0, and a victory over No. 2 UCLA, 3-2 at home.
Date: Oct. 14
Match Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Boulder, Colo.
Arena: Coors Events/Conference Center
Series: Arizona leads, 1-0
Last Time Out: The first and last time the Wildcats and the Buffs met was Sept. 14, 1990 in Tucson. Arizona was coached by Rosie Wegrich. Arizona defeated Colorado, 3-0 (15-8, 15-10, 15-13).
Scouting the Buffaloes
Colorado has not beaten any Pac-12 opponents yet this season. Kerra Schroeder ranks seventh in the Pac-12 and 45th in the NCAA in kills, Megan Beckwith ranks sixth in the Pac-12 in kills and Alyssa Valentine ranks eighth in the Pac-12 in assists.
Date: Oct. 15
Match Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Arena: Crimson Court
Series: Arizona leads, 14-4
Last Time Out: Arizona defeated the Utes, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-18) in Santa Clara, Calif.
Series History vs. Utah
The Wildcats last fell to the Utes in 2002. No. 24 Utah hosted Arizona and won, 3-1 (30-20, 29-31, 18-30, 17-30).
Scouting Utah
Sophomore middle blocker Erin Redd posted a team-high .414 hitting percentage last weekend at Washington State and No. 3 Washington. Redd turned in 2.00 kills per set against the Cougars and Huskies, which ranked fourth on the squad. Redd was also second on the squad with six blocks during Friday's four-set victory at Washington State. The Spanish Fork, Utah native needed only 17 swings to secure her 10 kills. She committed only two errors and had a .471 efficiency on the attack during the match. Redd turned in her seventh double-figure-kill match of the season and the 20th of her career. She then recorded three blocks to go along with four kills Saturday at No. 3 Washington. Utah is eighth in the NCAA with a 2.98 block-per-set average as a team and has been led by Redd, who is 19th in the NCAA and fourth in the Pac-12's overall statistics, averaging 1.38 blocks per set this season. She also has 2.72 kills per set on a .313 hitting percentage through 18 matches. She is seventh in the conference-only stats with 1.14 blocks per set through nine league matches.
Social Media
Fans can follow the Wildcat Volleyball team on the official University of Arizona Volleyball facebook page and can follow on Twitter via ArizonaVBall. For complete results and continued coverage of Arizona Wildcat Volleyball, visit ArizonaWildcats.com.


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Special video report: Jeff Fisher headed to Miami Dolphins?
Omar Kelly discusses the likelihood of ex-Titans coach Jeff Fisher becoming the next Miami Dolphins' coach:
Omar Kelly discusses the likelihood of ex-Titans coach Jeff Fisher becoming the next Miami Dolphins' coach:
I would have a real problem with a Mangini hiring
that would be a hiring based on relationships
No team is going to be elite by hiring guys because they have relationships with them from prior franchises
Ocala Howie says:
January 4, 2012 at 9:26 am
I even had to light a fire out by the well to thaw out the pipes. Good thing the pipes diddnt burst…
What a nightmare morning
howie, in freezing temps you're suppose to let your water drizzle all night from the faucet that's farthest away from where your water pipe comes in the house to prevent pipes from expanding and busting.
and put some insulation in the damned walls too
Piggy, KC is a possibility for Fisher too. I forgot about them.
Fisher seems like he would be more comfortable in a smaller market like KC or St Louis
Agreed Pigs, Mangini is very unimpressive, the hiring would be unimaginative, boring and lacking any punch whatsoever. There are way better candidates out there in fact leave Bowles in place if Mangina is your target. Fresh blood and a new found passion over been there done that guy.
I would much rather have Bowles, Daboll, Nolan or another assistant coach from another team than Mangini
I don't think we offer the job to Billick at any time.
I think Fisher takes the St. Louis job.
As far as putting people in the stands the best option may be to leave Bowles at HC and bring Manning to Miami. He will fill the stands more than a HC.
why would jeff fisher choose the rams over miami? miami is a much better destination than st louis ms.
i remember when he was a coach for the rams in LA under john robinson, i think he was the DC
Now poeple are going to start talking about Joe Philbin. The GB OC. He is an ex oline coach that looks like Larry Coker. Mike McCarthy is always on the sideline with his notebook covering his mouth calling the plays. Andy Reid and Brad Childress come to mind when Childress got a HC job because he was the Coordinator on a good unit when everyone knew Reid was making the calls
Purportedly, Brad Childress is also available…LOL
I think ESPN reported he is a hot candidate
His voice freaks me out. I feel like he is luring me into a van every time he speaks
It seems if Cowher was ever to coach again it would be this year.
All coaches come to teams because of some connection somewhere. As far as I'm concerned, the thing that bothers me the most about Mangini, is that he was the Jests HC. I can't blame him so much for CLE, they just suck. Holmgren is a solid football guy, he can't seem to fix what's wrong there.
Mangini is a very intelligent coach, and he's young. He has experience, and is better game manger than Tony is. Daboll and Nolan would very likely stay, so we have that continuity. It's not all that bad, if you can get past the fact that he was a former Jests HC.
Give me the real knocks you have on Mangini.
33-47 career record
and unlikely
bad choice
Yeah, but that sort of connection shows they have no interest is looking for the best candidate, just that they want guys they know.
I'm sure eveyone is connected somehow, but some ties are closer than others
I think the only reason anyone gives guys like Josh McDaniels and Mangini a shot is because they worked with people that are respected.
Ha! Mangini brought Son out of hiding! lol
I don't care what anyone says, the fact we are in the toughest division, I think coaches pick else where to enhance their chances at success.
like jim harbaugh did last year when he selected the nfc west.
Harbaugh is a west coast guy, he wanted to stay there. It had nothing to do with the AFC east, and Belichick.
And he wanted to kick Pete Carrol's ass twice a year
Mangini is the only coach that Sparano actually out coached. We even went to NY and beat Mangina and Farve the last game of the season. Mangini doesn't connect with his players. It is always a mutiny in his locker rooms. Mangini needs to do what he does best which is making wrong predictions on first take
Mike E you can't bash Ireland such as you do and then rail for Mangini as coach somehow BS is involved and you have to sort it out. This is on you not us.
Yeah, OK – Thanks for setting up the parameters.
That is a ridiculous comment.
Reports have said that Fisher prefers to find a job with an established quarterback, or with a team that has a top draft pick. The Dolphins have neither. The Rams, on the other hand, have a good, young quarterback in Sam Bradford and the No. 2 overall pick. In that sense, the Rams may make more sense.
Piggy, I kind of agree about Fisher preferring STL or KC.
The Rams suck can we please be honest and getting Fisher isn't going to make them better, if Fisher wants to go there its because he didn't want a challenge of a tough division and wanted the cushy position of not having to produce to get paid. If so we don't want him anyway.
i wonder where peterson fits in all this? a nonemployee of miami yet he's on the helicopter with ross and fisher, do we hire peterson to oversee operations? is ireland being demoted?
Son Butch Davis 24-34
yeah, let's rush to get him
We should rush to get him, he's the right man for the job at this point.
news flash: Miami is not considered a good sports town. We are known for having the worst fan base in sports. Football poeple think we have no talent and we are a joke of a franchise. Everyone that wasn't a Dolphin fan thought we were worse than the Colts when we were both 0-7. When we started winning no one was saying that we have some talent on our roster they just laughed at the teams we beat.
I love Miami but around the league we are a joke of a franchise. When I am in Dallas or DC and I talk about how much talent we have on our team I get laughed at. We are not considered a better job than KC or even the Rams
They laugh at the Dolphins in DC? That is ironic
We have superstars like Marshall and Bush but we don't have the great QB. it gives people a false sense of the overall talent b/c the focus is ont he QB
in 2010 if you talked about how talented the Colts were, no one would have laughed. But the fact is remove Manning and they have very little talent
I think the Dolphins have MORE talent than the Rams. The Rams have very little to work with offensively except for Steven Jackson who is on the tail end of his career. But the Rams have a young QB, that is probably more attractive to a coach than overall talent.
The Chiefs are actaully loaded with young talent. They were a huge disappointment this year. Matt Cassell is not a guy I would want to build a franchise around, so in a way, the Cheifs have the same problem as the Dolphins.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in Gainesville fell to 20 degrees at 4:34 p.m. That was two degrees colder than the 22 degree record set on Jan. 4, 1900.
In Ocala, the record low for this date was set in 1928 at 18 degrees. Overnight, the temperature fell to 21 degrees, according to the weather service
I'm not railing for Mangini, just thinking that when all the dust settles, he may be what's left. He's also a guy that they seem to like. Do't confuse me bringing him up and discussing him as this is the guy I really want.
I would prefer Fisher, or even one of those guys from GB, Clements, or Philbin. We'll see what direction they go in, all I'm saying is don't be surprised.
Why would you want the GB OC who is an ex oline caoch like Sparano and he isn't the guy calling the plays McCarthy is or the DC from GB who has a HOF corner in Woodson and a star LB in Clay but annually has the 25th or worse ranked D (except last year)
Son Of A Son Of A Shula
January 4, 2012 at 10:13 am
Mike E you can't bash Ireland such as you do and then rail for Mangini as coach somehow BS is involved and you have to sort it out. This is on you not us.
NJ1Dolfan (Mike E.)
January 4, 2012 at 10:24 am
Yeah, OK – Thanks for setting up the parameters.
That is a ridiculous comment.
HEAT, every report says coaches want an established QB. Bradford is not established yet though he is a potential franchise QB and they do have the #2 pick.
Does Cassel get Fisher all excited? Did Matt Moore play well enough to impress Fisher or any coach? We do have a good draft pick 8 or 9. We pick before KC too.
Im dumb
You think I would know better after that happend to me in Alabama a long time ago. But that time it was -3 for a couple days and we where iced in at the in-laws for a week. we did leave the water dripping and came home to a flood anyway…
NJ1Dolfan (Mike E.) says:
January 4, 2012 at 10:24 am
Yeah, OK – Thanks for setting up the parameters.
That is a ridiculous comment.
Its not ridiculous whatsoever, constantly bashing Ireland and what he's done just to put it inthe hands of Mangini now thats ridiculous. just sayin'
I get to get some work done today.
See eveyone later
Which part don't you understand? I'm not saying that Mangini is my choice, but that he may be the choice of Peterson and Ireland when all is said and done. Being that I think that may be the case, I'm trying to look at all the angles, and see if I would really hate it that much. You read what I said last night. Have I been pining for Mangini on here? Jahn understood what I was saying last night, why not you?
Fine, if you want to believe a national search conducted on two fronts is ultimatley going to show that the best candidate is Mangini then go ahead and prepare yourself.
If Mangina is the hire, finsnation is going to have to hire that plane again, only with a bigger banner and room for more names …lol
I think that the attraction of the Rams #2 pick is that they can parlay it into a boatload of premium picks courtesy of a nitwit like Dan Snyder …lol
I am Irelands biggest supporter but if we hire Mangini I will rent the plane and put up a Billboard (seriously)
1st daboll now mangini! the cleveland dolphins?? didn't they flop in cleveland? what has mangini really done?
what has mangini really done?
Nothing, Next candidate…
If Mangina is the hire, it will tell me that he was the choice all along and the "search" was only a show.
I hear they are planning to hire Vince Lombardi…stay tuned.
Mangina ratted out the Cheatriots …that's the extent of his achievements as a HC …lol
Hire Daboll
He is the next Bellicheat
Bat, that's true and what a shame because there are much more qualified candidates out there.
Bat, Mangini could be a fall back guy. Not their 1st choice but a last resort. Is Mangini even interviewing with any teams?
Why did they bring him in here for consultation before the season? What is it that Mangini can offer the Miami Dolphins? Did you wonder about that when that was going on?
No, I just assumed it was to get his perspective on Daboll who himself is a very young guy and was given a very high position.
All I'm saying is that the best situation doesn't always happen. We hired Parcells thinking he would bring greatness here. He brought us Ireland and Sparano. Half of that is gone, and I still think the other half deserves a lot of blame.
So Ireland is still here, and some bizarre two headed search is going on, between Carl Peterson (Who holds no official position here) and Ireland, and you're confident we're going to get the right guy. I'm not as confident as you are. Blame for me that, if you like.
Russ Grimm > Eric Mangina
Chew on that
Bowles should be their "fall back" guy…not Mangina …IMO
I'm not a Billick supporter, but to say what so many on here have been saying isn't accurate (that he's been out of football for a reason, he sucks).
The real reason is because, he was fired with 3 yrs left on his guaranteed contract of $15 million, and if he would've taken another job he would've lost the $15 million.
Ozzie Newsome (a guy known for his loyalty) got rid of Billick because he was a know it all who knew nothing. He was an offensive guru that had the worst offense in the NFL for 5 years. He went from T Dilfer to Kyle Boller as the answer at qb. The D won the championship by not giving up any points.
Billick had 1 year as the OC in Minn when Cunnungham was throwing deep to a rookie named Moss and Chris Carter with Robert Smith running the ball. Since then this offensive guru hasn't been able to get a first down
Does Vince Lombardi have a son? Maybe they could put Lombardi's coffin next to his son on the sidelines so he can mentor him. LOL
Daboll will be the HC. The only competiton he has for the job is Chud IMO. Mangini, Billick, and Gruden will not even get 1 interview by anyone
Mangina = McDaniels
Definately NOT Jeff Fisher!!! He had 17-Yrs to get it done and has failed! Let's get someone who has a chance. I like Jimmy Johnsons' advice about a young and hungry coach!
Son Of A Son Of A Shula
January 4, 2012 at 10:45 am
No, I just assumed it was to get his perspective on Daboll who himself is a very young guy and was given a very high position.
You know what – Maybe you're right. Then maybe I'm reading too much into it then. I guess we'll see.
Tim Knight says:
January 4, 2012 at 10:25 am
HEAT, every report says coaches want an established QB. Bradford is not established yet though he is a potential franchise QB and they do have the #2 pick.
Does Cassel get Fisher all excited? Did Matt Moore play well enough to impress Fisher or any coach? We do have a good draft pick 8 or 9. We pick before KC too.
i agree bradford is not newton, i really want fisher i can't understand why he would go to a team that really is not a great franchise, other than 1999 and 2000 what have the rams done? how many coaches have they gone thru? will he be the next discarded coach.
fisher is a defensive minded coach, an ex DC, we certainly have a good core of defensive talent already in place, what do the rams have?
miami is a great place to live for the wealthy, why would he want to live in st louis??
i can't see fisher passing on miami for st louis or kc
Tim Knight
January 4, 2012 at 10:44 am
Does Vince Lombardi have a son? Maybe they could put Lombardi's coffin next to his son on the sidelines so he can mentor him. LOL
Bat, I agree Bowles should be the fall back guy. I'm just guessing. I have no idea where Mangini stands. Like I said, is he even interviewing to be a HC?
I'm seeing us giving Nawlins a fourth rounder for Reggie.
1. Jarvis Jones or stud corner
2. Kirk Cousins or Nick Foles
3. Fleener
2nd round qb's go against what I want but it looks like may happen this year. (again)
Fisher's record against the AFC East (including games against Miami) is about .375 going back to about 1999. Not sure if that means anything. Just thought I would throw it out there.
I still like the idea of him coaching Miami.
Ross went after harbaugh and cohwer last year and was snubbed by both, will he ever get his man??
roto-rooter has landed at the camp ???,
it is the st coach from.chi.
Steve; Good post on Billick and his guaranteed $15 mill contract.–I think we need to do better than Jeff Fisher to get this franchise righted. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt if he's hired.
Mangini, on the other hand, flat-out scares me.
Guys and Gals in Dolphinland I am OUT for the next several days doing a convention in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando.
Peace to all of you mobsters. Hopefully, by next week, Ross will have finally made a good choice for our next head coach.
And, as always, "KEEP BEATING THE FRIGGIN' JETS!!"
armando has it on the mh.
Jared Crick DT Nebraska 6′ 6″ 285
Can we put him next to Odrick and play who's who?
I was high on Cousins before this last season started, but not now. He did not really impress all year. Unless he improves his stock at the combine, he might be available in round 3-5. If they took a QB after the 1st rnd, I would want it to be Keenum in 2nd rnd or Tannehill in 3rd.
If they don't take a QB #1, I want RB Trent Richardson if he is there cause Thomas is not the guy to share snaps with Bush and he was a waste of picks.
What was Crick's injury? Do you know he's healing up?
I don't know much about him, he has a similar name to our Jared that's all. By his size he doesn't look like a 3-4 DT anyway.
LOL ! Whoosh! Right over my head!
Old Dolfan, which coach who is available has a better track record than Jeff Fisher?
Bill Cowher
Cowher isn't available, keep up.
If we have no intention to keep Big Paul, Devon Still could be a possibility.
Mike With No Avatar, M13
This is for you guys!
ProFootballTalk ProFootballTalk
Steelers elevate RB Chad Spann to active roster
Mike WNA,
I liked what I saw from Cousins as it relates to transitioning to the pros. I like his size and arm strength. He's a born leader and he's played in a pro style offense. MSU had about as good a season as they've had in a very long time, I attribute much of that to his leadership. He likes to use his TE which will benefit him in the pros. I think he'll rise as the evaluations and scrutiny begin.
Chad Spann, I remember talking about himn on here. Mendenhall is done for the year.
There's one guy in this draft that I would love to have, but we are full on ILB's. I love that kid from BC, ILB Luke Keuchly. He's probably too small to play 3-4 ILB anyway, but if we switched to the 4-3. We got Dansby and Burnett, we're set.
I have watched Cousins plenty of times and he has never immpressed me. Even Yesterday he had some horrible passes and a pick six. If he is a good pro I would be shocked but you have been supporting him for a while if he pans out you called it first
Dave Hyde's take on the coaching search :
Mike E.,
Thanks for the news! Spann is a class act. Hope he takes advantage of this opportunity.
I'm leaning towards the 4-3 defense being the better way to go. How often do we actually play a base 3-4? How many snaps does Soliai play a game, 20? We don't need a multi-million dollar NT. We can find some anchor type DTs much cheaper. You need more guys who can rush the passer, from inside and on the edges.
You need to have LBs who can run and cover these f'n TEs that are killing everyone. Dansby and Burnett can both run. I think even Reshad Jones could be a nickel LB.
Mangina = Armageddon
Trent Richardson? A #1 on a RB??? No way bro!!
We have Bush, and DT hopefully will be better after a full training camp and a years worth of conditioning. I cannot in any way condone a 1st RD pick on a RB.
No problem bro! I figured that would make you happy.
What you said is why I liked Cousins going into the season. I watched him in a few game and saw him make some bad decisions. MSU had a good defense this year that also kept them in games.
I like what he has but think his stock has dropped IMO.
where did you hear that mangini is even a candidate?


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WHAT IT MEANS: St. John's lost the first game of the Steve Lavin era, 76-71 to Saint Mary's, in a game that tipped off just after 2 a.m. ET in Moraga, Calif., and ended at 4:28 a.m. ET. This was no big surprise -- Saint Mary's was a Sweet 16 team a season ago and returned three starters, while St. John's returned four starters from a team that lost in the first round of the NIT. Nonetheless, Lavin has to be a tad disappointed, considering his team led 31-28 at halftime, and 40-39 with under 10 minutes to play. The Red Storm certainly could have won this game.
Lavin said in the preseason that he scheduled this challenging opening game for a number of reasons: It put St. John's on national TV during the early signing period; it gave his team experience playing a tough road game prior to Big East play; and it served as a test, to see where his team is after several weeks of practice under a brand-new coaching staff. So win or lose, St. John's did accomplish some things via this game.
But remember, the Red Storm led at halftime in seven of their 16 losses last season -- including four games against top-25 teams. And despite the coaching change, they blew another halftime lead to start the 2010-11 season. So there's reason to be disappointed.
"We wanted to open with this sort of tough matchup, where you get a report card and you can really get to work. I liked our competitiveness and cohesiveness," said Lavin after the game. "Execution is where we struggled. We labored to score for some key stretches and allowed them to make some big shots. We like our basketball team and there are things we can do as a coaching staff to work on some things offensively, and clean up some things defensively with our zone and press."Kyle Terada/US Presswire
Dwayne Polee was St. John's best player in his first college game, with 16 points, including a highlight-reel slam.
POINT BREAK: Don't let the final score fool you -- this was a low-scoring affair until St. John's started fouling in the final three minutes. The Red Storm didn't score in the first five minutes of the second half, and made just two field goals in the first 15 minutes, 38 seconds of the half. D.J. Kennedy and Dwight Hardy -- the team's top two scorers a season ago -- had just two field goals in the game combined. It's going to be very difficult for St. John's to win games this season if that continues. Kennedy was 1-for-5 from the field, and Hardy was 1-for-6. Both collected some points at the foul line, but Kennedy in particular needs to be more aggressive in creating shots for himself.
THE BRIGHT SIDE: The lone St. John's freshman, Dwayne Polee, didn't wait long to host his coming-out party, leading the Red Storm with 16 points on the night. He used his long arms to create havoc on defense, with four steals and a blocked shot. He also knocked down a couple of 3-pointers, and had a fast-break dunk on which he practically jumped over the backboard. And unlike Kennedy and Hardy, Polee was aggressive on offense, taking 16 shots -- despite the fact that he is the only freshman on a team with 10 seniors. Polee is the real deal.
BODY BLOWS: The St. John's defense looked very good at times, swarming in its matchup zone and applying some full-court pressure. But the Red Storm lost track of Saint Mary's forward Clint Steindl time and time again on the baseline, and he destroyed them, connecting on seven of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. That needs to be corrected going forward.
NOT SO FAST: Lavin had been touting senior forward Justin Brownlee as the team's most improved player from a season ago, inserting him into the starting lineup even though Brownlee started only three games last year. But Brownlee got into early foul trouble, and ended up being a non-factor in the game, scoring just a single point in 13 minutes of action.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Red Storm's flight home departs San Francisco International Airport at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, and is scheduled to arrive at JFK at 8:35 p.m. Tuesday evening. Less than 24 hours later, they'll play their home opener at Carnesecca Arena, versus Columbia.
It's a game that St. John's clearly should win -- but it's a very short turnaround. We'll see if there's any jet-lag effect, or any sort of letdown after the season-opening defeat.


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You could excuse Jimmy Butler for not being in the most talkative of moods following the Bulls 97-85 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night.
Not only did the Bulls finish their six-game home stand 3-3, but Kevin Durant dropped 35 points on 11-for-21 shooting with Butler being the prime defender -- even with two being put on Durant at times and the entire defense being keyed in to where he was on the floor.
The stint at the United Center saw Butler draw defensive assignments on LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, James Harden, and Rudy Gay. But none of them were able to go off like Durant did, becoming only the second player this season against the Bulls to score 35 points or more in regulation. The other player being Toronto's DeMar DeRozan, who scored 37.
It was the 40th time on the season that Durant had gone for 30 or more and the 32nd straight game he's gone for 25 or more.
"He's a terrific scorer. He can score in multiple ways," Butler said of Durant, careful not to give too much praise. "It's a tough cover.
"I think they're all the same; really aggressive on offense, can score in a variety of ways. (Durant) scores, that what he does."
Butler takes his defense with the seriousness as Durant takes his ability to score. He can have an poor shooting night, but you can count on him to look past that if he makes whoever he's guarding work for their points and the Bulls come out on top.
None of that happened on Monday night. Butler shot 4-for-12 in 45 minutes and Durant -- just as he has most of the season -- made it look easy during his 42 minutes of action.
Durant became only the second player this season to score 35 or more in regulation against the Bulls. Toronto's DeMar DeRozan scored 37 in a Nov. 15 Bulls win.
"He's a great player," Noah said. "We tried to put two on the ball and it opened up everything for everybody else. He demands a lot of attention and you have to give credit where credit is due. He's the best player in the world right now."
Butler said he did what he could in trying to limit Durant, and while drawing the opposing team's best player on most nights, this is what he wanted. It's also how things will be going forward with Luol Deng gone and Butler taking on the defensive assignments of his traded mentor.
How's he handling the extended defensive duties?
"Just a lot of ice, cold tubs, massages; all of that good stuff," said Butler.
On most nights, Butler will leave his stamp on the game with his play on the defensive end. But just like the other 29 opposing teams have come to realize this season; Kevin Durant is playing the game at another level.


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Friday, January 9, 2009
Eye Candy Galore
A few days ago Daisy Pink Cupcake took blogland on a very memorable London House Tour. It was too yummy not share with you guys! We're talking DREAM HOME people. Check out Daisy's blog here for even more colorful images of this amazing home (if your heart can take it!)
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 9 comments
View More: Bedroom, Fireplace, Kitchen, Living Room, Turquoise and Pink
Thursday, January 8, 2009
10 Best Picks to Click for 2008, especially considering the list includes such amazing and inspirational design blogs. I couldn't be more thrilled!
Absolutely Beautiful Things
Cote de Texas
Elements of Style
Making It Lovely
Style Court
Urban Grace Interiors
Velvet & Linen
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 11 comments
View More: Hallway, In the News, Turquoise and White
Fabulous Fireplace
Ok so I can't help it. Here is yet another image from the amazing designer Ami McKay (and there will be more, I'm sure of it). This is my dream fireplace all the way. Seriously, looking at this picture makes me so happy!
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 4 comments
View More: Fireplace, Living Room
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Vibrant Office
How fun is the New York office of designer Celerie Kemble?! That bookcase is just divine. Celerie used colors to make the workspace feel vibrant and alive. Success in every way I'd say!
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 9 comments
View More: Office
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Vintage with Modern Nursery
What an adorable little nursery! I love the pretty blue wall color (Disney by BEHR "Pooh's Favorite Things") framed in white, and all the pinks and reds floating about. Visit ohdeedoh for more pics and info on this cute little room.
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 5 comments
View More: Kids' Room, Nursery, Turquoise and White
Monday, January 5, 2009
Colored Glass
This breathtaking home located on an island off of Maine was designed by Peter Pennoyer Architects and decorated by Thomas Jayne Studio. Holy cow...love all the color! The owners have a passion for objects made of colored glass, so several of their glass pieces provided the color direction for the designers.
Posted by Erin {House of Turquoise} 5 comments
View More: Bedroom, Dining Room, Foyer, Living Room, Stairway
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Walker House
Walker House was named after Ma Walker who was the proprietor of the Inn in the Roaring 20's and the Inn's reputed "Ghost."
Consisting of 18 new rooms, all feature gas fireplaces. In keeping with our eclectic character, these Hanover, NH area hotel rooms have varied themes and appointments. Some will have 11 foot vaulted ceilings; some will have hardwood floors, others carpet. There are 10 rooms with King beds 6 with double Queens and 2 with single Queens. Many have pullout sofa beds for family occupancy.


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Hyundai has stepped up its game tenfold with the introduction of the 2011 Hyundai Equus sedan at The New York International Auto Show during media days. The Korean manufacturer's new flagship is going to turn heads with its features, looks and price.
The luxury sedan has a longer wheelbase than the Lexus LS 460, is reminiscent of a previous generation Mercedes S class in its design, comes packed with an amazing litany of features, and, when it's introduced in the fall, will cost between $50,000 to $60,000, according to Hyundai Motors America president and CEO John Krafcik. That's at least $5000 below the LS 460 and $35,000 below the S class.
The Equus is practically Maybach in its features, among them:
- Heated, cooled and (optional) massage seats for the driver
- Reclining rear heat and cooled seats with footrest
- High intensity discharge Xenon headlights with adaptive lighting
- Rear and optional front-view cameras that help in parking and also pulling out of blind spots like an alley, and
- A 608-watt, 17-speaker, 13-channel Lexicon sound system.
About the only non-luxury item on the Equus is its six-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes S class has seven speeds while the LS 460 comes with eight. Hyundai officials said the decision was made to maintain the basic powertrain from the Genesis platform that the Equus is based on.
The all-caps EQUUS on the rear decklid looks kind of trashy, too. It's the only unsubtle touch on the whole car. Oh well, one mistake is allowed and I'm sure it won't stop anybody from buying the car.


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Jun 21, 2013 9:00 AM
Have a Mountain Dew-loving man in your life? Or maybe you're the one who likes to spend your late night crushing cans of the neon yellow stuff while you play Halo. If that's the case, then Three Olives Dude Vodka ($59) is going to blow your freaking mind. It's like someone transformed your favorite slightly toxic beverage into pure booze. The only downside? Overindulging might make it tough to find the buttons on your Xbox controller.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Our time in Ice
Now to 31st May 2013
A new exhibition, based at the ONCA gallery, will be looking at the changing Arctic, through art, music, film and interesting, thought-provoking discussion. As the website says, the Arctic is made up of "layers of ice that can store and preserve, destroy and deconstruct. These layers are now melting. This summer, sea ice reached record lows and as the Arctic disappears into sea and air, so do the frozen memories that have been buried within." Profits from this event go to support the Uummannaq Children's home in Greenland.
For more information about the gallery and this exhibition, go to: http://onca.org.uk/