text:
Cubs Schedule 11 More Players for NRI
sweaty les walrond! here's
sweaty les walrond!
here's to hoping EPat gets some reps (sorry for the football term, it's that time of year) in the outfield.
@ RobG: No, the Transaction
@ RobG:
No, the Transaction Guy is not dead. He's just a little annoyed at all the 500 Internal Server errors he's getting while trying to post since late December and at the fact that his blog's link is now buried in the MVN.com MLB section...
Is he on MVN.com or still at
Is he on MVN.com or still at AB.com?
Even though it wasn't
Even though it wasn't "officially" announced today, Jeff Samardzija will also be an NRI at Spring Training.
Ugh I hate attitudes like
Ugh I hate attitudes like Ken Rosenthal in his latest article about McGwire.
A confession would end the talk that McGwire is hiding something, forcing voters to view him for what he is — a product of his era, the Steroid Era, and hardly the only star player suspected of using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
It is like we are back in the 1950's in the deep south or hell the Duke Rape case. Why didn't those stupid kids just admit guilt like the Group of 88 and all the protestors wanted.
The only answer anyone wants to hear from McGwire is "Yeah I used steroids." Anything else and he is liar. It is exactly what happened with the Duke kids, they come out right away and denied it. No one cared, all anyone wanted to hear was guilty.
So there is no benefit for McGwire speaking either way. If he is truly innocent and just flat out denies it, he will be called a liar and excluded anyways. If he says nothing, then at least gets some measure of dignity.
If guilty our nation has laws against self-incrimination. So why the hell would he open him self up to law suits? It is up to baseball to prove he did anything wrong. And if they can't prove it, he is innocent.
Unlike the Duke case it is impossible for him to prove his innocence.
I would love for these sports writers to get accused of some crime so we can sit on our high horse of judgment and demand they just plead guilty and accept whatever punishment comes their way. I don't care whether they are guilty or not, treat them the same way they are now treating McGwire. See how they like it when the only thing people want to hear out of your mouth is guilty. I want to see if they will just suck it up and take it, I doubt any of them would. Yet they demand it out of McGwire.
It is pretty disturbing trend we are seeing in society these days.
MikeC -- If McGwire would
MikeC -- If McGwire would say anything, it would be better than just hiding. I don't know if he used PEDs or not. I do know that the change in McGwire's body coupled with his refusal to answer questions during the Congressional hearing and his refusal to talk to the press now makes him LOOK guilty.
If he came out and admitted using PEDs or he denied it, either way, I think it would help his cause. But his refusal to discuss it makes it look like he's trying to hide something.
Finally, I'm not making a legal argument. After all, the vote for the HOF is not a legal proceeding. I'm making a PR argument. Right or wrong, his silence is worse than either a confession or a denial.
RobG -- still on Movable
RobG -- still on Movable Type, but the server's been glitchy today... but go visit the Transaction Guy! He posted his takes on the Unit trade, the Javy López signing and the Russ Ortiz mistake!
Something is pissing me
Something is pissing me off.
Shouldn't have Ryan O'Mally been allowed to come out in the ninth and try to get the complete game shutout? I mean, Christ! It's not like we had a chance to win anything at that point. And I'll accept anti Dusty answers here but please try not to let your overall feelings on Dusty taint your answer.
Am I crazy or are we only playing 2 of the four AL West teams. I see Texas and Seattle. No LAAOA or Oakland? Whatup with dat?
The NY Daily News reports
The NY Daily News reports that McGwire was implicated in an FBI sting operation into illegal steroids called "Operation Equine" which resulted in the 70 steroid trafficking convictions in the 1990s. The horse reference comes from the fact that they were trafficking in drugs used to lessen the healing time for injured race horses.
"...according to FBI sources, McGwire's name came up several times during Operation Equine.
'In hindsight, we could have gotten the big names - (Michigan State lineman) Tony Mandarich, Canseco - the problem is, where do you draw the line?' says Bill Randall, who was the FBI undercover agent during Operation Equine. 'You have to remember, there was no benchmark, nothing for us to model the investigation on. We wanted to get to the root of the problem, that's all we were after. And if we had started going after Major League Baseball players, we'd never get up to these big-time dealers.'"
Also reports of informants seeing McGwire work out with one of the convicted dealers. He doesn't have to come clean if he doesn't want but people know this stuff and it just makes McGwire look pathetic.
That is another thing that
That is another thing that bothers me Sweet Lou, people saying he is in hiding. Do people know he is a very private man?
Read this article, it is pretty good, and yet sad in a way...
"He was a very private person," Kirk says. "He had a core group of friends that he hung out with that he felt comfortable with, that he spent time with."
Eventually, McGwire distanced himself from his old buddies. It started, friends say, when a member of that core group tried to capitalize off Mark's name. An already private man was realizing that trust and fame didn't often go hand in hand.
"When that trust was betrayed," Kirk says, "he looked at that inner circle and said, 'How can I trust those guys?'"
Everyone has a theory. Some believe he doesn't trust people. Some believe he's embarrassed. Justin Dedeaux, son of the legendary coach, has his own idea.
"I don't think he's embarrassed as much as I think he's crestfallen by the whole thing," he says. "Hurt. He's a highly sensitive person. He really is that way. Some guys it just rolls off their back. But Mark takes things to heart. This has hurt him terribly, and I don't think he knows how to approach this."
"I don't think the Hall of Fame is something he needs," Robertson says. "Me, personally, I'd love him to be in the Hall of Fame, and I think he's deserving. I don't think he feels that way. I don't think he needs it. It would be another award that doesn't validate his life."
I forgot what award he got or something but he had his ex-wife present along with her new husband. I have never met him, but he sounds like a man who goes by the beat of a different drummer, and is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet.
But if you cross him, he will cut you out of his life. If he is innocent then his actions explain a lot. If he feels he has been unjustly targeted by fans, media, baseball, then he will distance himself from those things. He seems perfectly happy playing golf, and raising his family.
"If guilty our nation has
"If guilty our nation has laws against self-incrimination. So why the hell would he open him self up to law suits? It is up to baseball to prove he did anything wrong. And if they can't prove it, he is innocent."
First, whether McGuire used steroids or gets into the Hall of Fame is not a big deal to me, for several reasons which aren't relevant here.
That being said, statements like the ones above don't advance your argument. There is no "law against self-incrimination". You have a right under the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions to not be compelled to give evidence against yourself. McGuire chose to clumsily and publicly exercise that right before a Congressional panel. That's his right. But, in life, there are often consequences to our actions, i.e., repurcussions of a non-legal nature. Public opinion is not subject to constitutional scrutiny. McGuire has learned this the hard way.
Just exactly what lawsuits would he be opening himself up to? Who would have standing to sue him for using steroids 10 years ago? The fans? Organized baseball? His employer, the Cardinals?
"Baseball" - I suppose meaning Organized Baseball - doesn't have McGuire on trial or subject to disciplinary proceedings, so they have to prove nothing. The Hall of Fame, as I understand it, is an entity not connected to Organized Baseball, but the HOF hasn't sued McGuire either to my knowledge.
Mac's problem is with the Baseball Writers of America, who vote for the HOF, and in the court of public opinion. He doesn't seem to care about this, or is too "hurt" or "private" to publicly reveal that he cares. OK. If he's fine with it, why should we then care?
az phil- which, if any, of
az phil-
which, if any, of these n-r-i's have a prayer of making the 2007 club, either immediately or by the trade deadline?
thanks as always.
Bruce Miles on arbitration
Bruce Miles on arbitration for Z, Priorpus and Ohman plus a few more non tidbits...
Please, let's all shed some
Please, let's all shed some tears for poor, poor millionaire Mark McGuire...I feel soooooo sorry for him.
He directly refused to admit or deny using steroids, in front of a Congressional panel, right? Like Sammy forgot how to speak English, right?
Neither one should be in the HOF....neither should Raffy Palmeiro, although Palmeiro actually did fail a test.
I agree with you, Dusty. I
I agree with you, Dusty. I don't care whether Mark M. is as nice a guy as a person could ever meet. Whether a player is a nice guy or not does not matter to me. A lot of guys in the hall of fame apparently were not nice guys. So what? In my opinion, and that is all it is, McGuire did not act the way he did at Congress because he is a private guy. I mean, there are private guys and there are private guys. The things he said at Congress were some of the most ridiculous reponses I have ever heard in my life. Private guys, if that is all they are, do a lot better than that. And private guys, if that is all they are, don't have looks on their faces that scream "I need to protect myself because I have done things that will bring shame onto me." I agree Dusty, McGuire is the last guy that any of us should feel bad for.
I don't care about Mark
I don't care about Mark McGwire, nor Sammy Sosa, nor Barry Bonds, nor Pete Rose, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be in the HOF. They should and if they don't, it shows the Baseball Hall of Fame to be a joke, IMO.
McGwire's inclusion in the
McGwire's inclusion in the FBI report is damning. Since MLB doesn't have a police force to oversee the sanctity of its statistics, and as far as actual law enforcement goes, McGwire, Conseco etc. are just small time users, its doubtful that we'll ever know too much more unless a reporter digs into it.
As far as McGwire being a nice guy - who knows and who cares? Until Sosa got involved in the homerun race in '98 McGwire was making an ass of himself by being a pouty bitch. My only contact with him was seeing him eat three whole chickens at a restaurant on Westwood in L.A. before the '98 season. Seemed nice enough to me although the chicken community could not have been too happy with him.
dc60124 — January 10, 2007
dc60124 — January 10, 2007 @ 5:59 am
az phil-
which, if any, of these n-r-i's have a prayer of making the 2007 club, either immediately or by the trade deadline?
thanks as always.
DC60124: Depending on what happens with the Jacque Jones/Cliff Floyd thing, and depending whether an injury occurs to a position player or two prior to Opening Day, I would say the two most-likely candidates to make the Cubs 25-man man Opening Day roster (as of right now) are either Mike Kinkade or Casey McGehee. Either could well grab the 5th spot on the bench.
Kinkade can play 3B-1B-LF-RF, and be the #1 RHPH and the #3 (emergency) catcher, and McGehee has played 3B-2B-1B in the minors and in winter ball, and he is a very patient hitter with a smooth line-drive stroke, and (like Kinkade) he can also be the #3 catcher.
BTW, although they are listed as "infielders," both Kinkade and McGehee will almost certainly report to Fitch Park with the pitchers & catchers in mid-February, because both have their best shot at making the team if they can prove to Uncle Lou that they can catch in a pinch.
As for the pitchers, there are probably no open spots for NRI pitchers right now, but if three or four guys who otherwise were expected to open the season on the Cubs pitching staff aren't healthy coming out of Spring Training, a lights-out performance by a Ben Howard, a Jason Anderson, a Les Walrond, or a Carmen Pignatiello in ST could land them a spot on the 25-man roster, at least for a while.
Guys like Gallagher, Patterson, and Colvin will be in camp just to get their feet wet, although depending on what happens with Jacque Jones, I wouldn't be surprised to see Eric Patterson to get at least a look in CF, and IF he can prove that he can handle a move to the outfield without spending some time in the minors making the transition, he could be the Opening Day CF (although that would be a long-shot). As you probably know, I believe E-Pat's future is in the outfield, not at 2B.
there's no law that anyone
there's no law that anyone has to be elected to the HOF and there's no standard for electing anyone.
if mcgwire wants in he has to prove to the people that vote that he is more clean than he's shown.
so far he's had a very bad and disappointing showing at the congressional hearings which left almost anyone who saw him talk and answer questions with a "say it isnt so mark" not a "oh yeah, that guy is innocent".
since then he's...well...he's not exactly been a steward of the game.
when's the last time anyone saw mcG at the park or even doing MLB charity events?
no one's gonna arrest him for giving flakey answers and refusing to come clean one way or another with performance enhancing drugs, but these people that actually get to vote him in want more and they're not getting it.
this isnt the court system and the HOF is already full of people that dont belong. the issues of the day and the current state of the baseball culture determine these things.
its kinda sad that sosa has more credibility than mcG on this issue and even he's not a sure thing because of the current social climate.
Just a little pet peeve of
Just a little pet peeve of mine...
It's MCGWIRE
Not McGuire, MacGwyer, McGueier, or however else you want to spell it.
Carry on.
mark mcguire used to be a
mark mcguire used to be a cubs PR guy...woo useless info.
Mark McGuire Executive
Mark McGuire Executive Vice President, Business Operations
To look into the future,
To look into the future, here are the top first time eligible players for HOF in the upcoming years:
2008: Shawon Dunston, Travis Fryman, David Justice, Mike Morgan, Tim Raines, Randy Velarde.
2009: Mark Grace, Rickey Henderson, Dean Palmer, Dan Plesac, Matt Williams.
2010: Andres Galarraga, Edgar Martinez, Robin Ventura
On that list there is only 1 guarantee HOFer (Henderson) and only 3 players who will even get at least a little consideration, but likely fall short (Raines, Grace and Martinez).
on further inspection of
on further inspection of Mike Kinkade's numbers I hate him even more.
the guy barely slugged over .400 last year in one of the the most hitting friendly environments in the minors (Albuqurque) and hasn't been in the majors since 2003. His only redeeming quality is he can take a walk and carry a bunch of gloves.
And I still don't see where's there's room for him or Mcgehee unless Pagan gets shown the door or Theriot has a crappy spring.
C Barrett
1b Lee
2B Derosa
SS Izturis
3B Ramirez
LF Murton or Floyd
CF Jones or someone else
RF Soriano
Floyd or Murton
Prior or Miller
Prior or Miller
What am I missing? Unless someone really thinks Pagan is going to be given much of a shot at the starting CF gig which I highly doubt. Once they figure out this Jones thing they'll acquire someone with some experience to at least compete with him.
look at Bruce Miles showing
look at Bruce Miles showing off...
The garrulous, loquacious and sometimes obstreperous lefty was pretty effective out of the bullpen between games of "word of the day�? with TV announcer Len Kasper.
Tim Raines deserves it,
Tim Raines deserves it, should have spoken in the third person more often.
Let me add though, that's on my own HOF standard of was he one of the best at his job during his period. And Tim Raines was best leadoff man in the NL and I hated when the Cubs had to face him or when he was on base.
I suspect a Jones trade may
I suspect a Jones trade may come in spring training. I think some future decisions depend on whether Prior/Miller is healthy to pitch full time. If they show up and do well then the Cubs can trade some of their excess pitching to a team like Tampa for Baldelli or Crawford.
So I think the the Cubs are kind of in a holding pattern now.
kincade is probally a AAA
kincade is probally a AAA teacher.
a tim laker/pat borders type.
the kids in AAA need a mentor...dunno if kincade is that type of guy, but it seems its his to do.
not sure if they can wait on
not sure if they can wait on Jones moving until spring training if signing Floyd is contingent on it....
But the rest I agree, Cubs will hold onto their staff until they see what's going on in spring training. Rapada steps up or whatever, they can start moving some guys. Miller/Prior situation, etc...
Can someone tell me why we
Can someone tell me why we are only playing 2 AL West teams this year? Don't you usually play at least 3 (not including your rival team?)
I thought we've been playing
I thought we've been playing 2 teams out of our division the last few years or maybe it rotates or something. I think the NL Central since they have more teams than any other division plays less interleague games than other divisions.
AZ Phil: If Pagan can make
AZ Phil:
If Pagan can make the team, why not Chris Walker? Walker stole 50 bases last year.
What's so hot about Pagan? He hit .238 in the second half, .150 in September. He swings late and would prefer not to swing at all.
I don't know much about Walker but I've seen enough of Pagan.
well he got invited, he'll
well he got invited, he'll get his chance to prove himself in the spring.
Chad...looks like you may
It seems the Randy Johnson
It seems the Randy Johnson trade got set in motion due to his older brother dieing.
He does look much happier in his press conference coming back to the D'backs than he ever looked being a Yankee.
Don't tempt me Dave. I've
Don't tempt me Dave. I've been looking to go to Japan for a long time. Now I just might.
Cubs Interleague the last
Cubs Interleague the last few years:
2006: CWS -6, Twins - 3, Det - 3, CLE -3
2005: CWS -6, Boston - 3, Tor - 3
2004: CWS -6, A's - 3, Angels - 3,
2003: CWS -6, Tor -3, TB - 3, NYY - 3, Bal - 3
2002: CWS - 6, Sea - 3, Tex - 3
Virginia Phil — January
Virginia Phil — January 10, 2007 @ 1:06 pm
AZ Phil:
If Pagan can make the team, why not Chris Walker? Walker stole 50 bases last year.
What's so hot about Pagan? He hit .238 in the second half, .150 in September. He swings late and would prefer not to swing at all.
I don't know much about Walker but I've seen enough of Pagan.
VA PHIL: It isn't that Chris Walker can't beat-out Angel Pagan for the 4th OF job (or depending on what happens with Jacque Jones, possibly even the starting CF job until Pie is ready). It's just that I think Angel Pagan will make the Opening Day roster as the 4th OF because he has a couple or three areas where he has an edge over Walker,
Walker is a CF because he has speed, but he has a LF arm. He is essentially a right-handed version of Juan Pierre, except he strikes out more than Pierre. He has improved his hitting over the past couple of years, though, so it's not like he's necessarily another Dwaine Bacon. He's not THAT bad. But Walker has never played above AA, while Pagan has a full year of AAA (2005) plus last season with the Cubs (minus time spent on the DL with a pulled hamstring).
I'm not saying Pagan is the perfect 4th OF, just that he has several areas where he has an edge over Walker (more experience, more power, switch-hitter, and the ability to play RF). But the Cubs invited Walker to camp to give him a chance to compete with Pagan (and others) for a job, and so it's up to him to make the most of the opportunity.
But in my opinion, Walker will never make it out of AAA. I believe he will play semi-regularly at Iowa in 2007, and then he will eventually move on to another organization.
btw, why the hell are they
btw, why the hell are they even bothering with Fontenot anymore since he's obviously nowhere in the teams plans?
Not that he's in any other teams plans either as he got passed over in the Rule V...
Rob, I'm pretty sure we got
Rob, I'm pretty sure we got torched by the Yankees in 2005. I'll check, but I'm pretty sure we lost 2 of 3 IN NY. Whereas in 03 they played in Wrigley. (BTW, 6/03 Wood V. Clemens - one of the greatest Cub games of all time. except for Hee Seop Choi cause it ruined his career).
Actually we got swept:
Actually we got swept:
damnit, you're right, got
damnit, you're right, got swept by the Yankees thanks in part to the stellar D of NEIFI! (can't resist the urge to bash Neifi...must stop)
but 2004 and 2002 are correct, must be something when we play the AL West
And we played Oakland in 04
And we played Oakland in 04 as I was at 2 of three of those games.
I had that one in there
I had that one in there
Yes you did! I don't know
Yes you did! I don't know why I read it as the A's as the angels. Perhaps the A on their hats? I dunno?
I went to 2 of the 3 Angels
I went to 2 of the 3 Angels games out here (the Angelfan wife still owes me from the bet we made I might add)
anyway, the first game on Friday night, you know tons of Cubs fans (although decent Anaheim crowd far better than the Padres games which is like 85% Cubs fans). So this 5-6 yr old kid is behind us, really into the game and Corey butchers a fly to center that he should have had, let's Angels score a run or two.
Kid behind me in the most dejected voice:
"I hate you Corey......the Cubs suck"
I'm like welcome to Cubville kid, welcome to Cubville!!!
Kid was a riot though, totally into the game, major mood swings as the plays happened, already disliked Corey Patterson. I only hope my kids can be so enlightened.
Mulder back to Cards? St.
Mulder back to Cards? St. Louis Post Disp. reports he is supposed to make a decision tonight with Cards, Rangers, Cleve awaiting. BUT he won't be ready until July. HA! We've seen THIS MOVIE!
CHAD: Didn't our Blue Men win 2 of the 3 in Oakland in '04?
ROB: Had a couple friends that spend big coin seeing the Cubs lose 3-straight in Yankee Stadium. And, $10 beers?!
Was Anaheim a nice park? It usually gets excellent "ratings" from those things...
BTW - realy funny story abt.
BTW - realy funny story abt. the little Cub fan!
Grace will be at Cubs Convention. Dance in Joy Everyone! Hopefully he does a Q&A.
Q: So, how many ballplayers rode the Cindy Sandberg express?
Q: Best (or I guess worst) town for picking up slumpbusters?
Rob G. — January 10, 2007
Rob G. — January 10, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
on further inspection of Mike Kinkade's numbers I hate him even more.
the guy barely slugged over .400 last year in one of the the most hitting friendly environments in the minors (Albuqurque) and hasn't been in the majors since 2003. His only redeeming quality is he can take a walk and carry a bunch of gloves.
And I still don't see where's there's room for him or Mcgehee unless Pagan gets shown the door or Theriot has a crappy spring.
C Barrett
1b Lee
2B Derosa
SS Izturis
3B Ramirez
LF Murton or Floyd
CF Jones or someone else
RF Soriano
Floyd or Murton
ROB: If Ryan Theriot has a crappy ST (which I don't think would matter, anyway), or if he gets hurt and can't play, then the Cubs will go with some other back-up middle-infielder (presumably Ronny Cedeno, or MAYBE Buck Coats).
If Angel Pagan doesn't make the team (and again, I don't see that happening unless he gets hurt), then the Cubs will keep a different 4th OF (could be Coats, or maybe Chris Walker), but it won't be Kinkade or McGehee, because they can't play CF.
You keep presuming that the Cubs will sign Cliff Floyd and either keep Jacque Jones or trade him (exchange him) for a different CF. And if that happens, then you will be correct, There will not be room for Kinkade/McGehee (barring injuries).
However... AS THINGS STAND RIGHT NOW
The Cubs '07 Opening Day bench would likely be (in my opinion):
Kinkade or McGehee
If the Cubs sign Floyd and keep Jones, then Kinkade/McGehee don't have a spot on the 25.
If the Cubs sign Floyd and exchange Joines for a different MLB CF, then Kinkade/McGehee don't have a spot on the 25.
But, if the Cubs sign Floyd and replace Jones in CF with Pagan/Theriot (until Pie is ready), there would be a spot available on the bench for Kinkade/McGehee.
Or if the Cubs don't sign Floyd at all (no matter what happens with Jacque Jones), then I believe Kinkade and McGehee are the front-runners for the 5th (last) spot on the bench.
And I'm not saying that Craig Wilson or Phil Nevin wouldn't be better options, either. Because they certainly would be, I would sign Wilson or Nevin before I would sign Cliff Floyd. It's just that the Cubs haven't signed Craig Wilson or Phil Nevin, and I don't think they intend to sign either of them. .
So given the players the Cubs actually have on the Spring Training roster right now, Kinkade and McGehee would seem to fit the profile of the type of player MLB clubs (like the Cubs) keep on their bench these days when there are only five slots available:
1. #2 catcher
3. Utility middle-infielder (2B-SS-PR)
4. 4th OF (LF-CF-RF-PH-PR)
5. Multi-positional player who can PH and at least play the corners (3B-1B-LF-RF)--if not everywhere--and be the #3 (emergency) catcher in a pinch
Craig Wilson and Phil Nevin can indeed play the IF-OF corners, and both can catch in a pinch, and both would give the Cubs right-handed pop off the bench. I would have absolutely no problem with the Cubs signing either of them. But until they do sign one of them, or until they actually do sign Cliff Floyd, I believe Kinkade and McGehee would be the front-runners for the last spot on the bench.
And in sad news... Yvonne
And in sad news...
Yvonne De Carlo (Mrs. Herman Munster) died today at 84. Well, maybe she was already dead?
She joins Fred Gwynn and Al Lewis (who became a scout for the Celtics) whom the Grim Reaper has taken over the last several years from the show.
You keep presuming that the
You keep presuming that the Cubs will sign Cliff Floyd and either keep Jacque Jones or trade him (exchange him) for a different CF.
Guilty as charged. :)
But, if the Cubs sign Floyd and replace Jones in CF with Pagan/Theriot (until Pie is ready), there would be a spot available on the bench for Kinkade/McGehee.
if the Cubs go with Pagan/Theriot in CF, I'm going to be watching NASCAR, golf and arena football and I hate all those sports.
5. Multi-positional player who can PH and at least play the corners (3B-1B-LF-RF)–if not everywhere–and be the #3 (emergency) catcher in a pinch
Well the catcher in a pinch would be nice I guess, but we already have Derosa, Izturis and Theriot on the roster. Is another 3b is really necessary? Just call up Scott Moore if Aramis gets hurt.
But yeah as things stand right now (No Floyd, Jacque on the roster), there seems to be an open bench spot. If it comes to that, let's hope they get someone better than Kinkade or Mcgehee.
"The garrulous, loquacious
"The garrulous, loquacious and sometimes obstreperous lefty was pretty effective out of the bullpen between games of "word of the day�? with TV announcer Len Kasper."
I think the fancy adjectives were used by Miles in relation to the "Word of the Day" games between Kasper and Ohman.
Oakland played at Wrigley in
Oakland played at Wrigley in 2004.
And I believe lit up Zito in one of the games.
Cubs play 9 games against Atlanta next year. Six in Atlanta.
Another date of notice-
July 4th Cubs in DC.
Yeah I got that after I
Yeah I got that after I posted it....just ignore me. Most of you do anyway.
Was Anaheim a nice park? It usually gets excellent "ratings�? from those things…
i don't mind it. There's nothing nostalgic or original about it, but it's not "forced" nostalgia like many of the new parks either which I appreciate. There's nothing spectacular about it but I've always enjoyed it. Great family atmosphere if you like that sort of thing, parking is easy (easier than Dodger Stadium at least), sightlines are good, tickets and concessions are reasonable. Great fireworks show on Friday nights as well.
Not the most baseball knowledgeable crowd, but there in the game when there told to be by the scoreboard. Hard to make fun of fans at the park though when Wrigley is basically a frat party/corporate get together these days.
It's worth checking out if your in the area.
Oakland series was in Wrigley btw in '04.
Ramirez believes in what the Cubs can do so much he passed on tempting offers from other teams and re-signed with the Cubs in November for five years, $75 million. The new deal will keep Ramirez with the Cubs through 2011, and includes a mutual option for the 2012 season. It does carry some responsibility.
"Once you get a contract like that, people expect big things from you," Ramirez said. "I'm going to try to do my best."
His agent, Paul Kinzer, described Ramirez as a low-maintenance guy. Ramirez told Kinzer he was uncomfortable making more money than Lee because he considers the first baseman to be such a quality player. Lee signed a five-year, $65 million deal last April.
*cough* Bullshit *cough*
"With a better ballclub, you'll see Aramis come to the forefront in this game and become one of the great players -- not one of the good players -- but one of the great players in this game," Hendry said.
Cubbie Kool-Aid for everyone!!!! (sadly I agree though with Hendry's statement)
Jacos: "Oakland played at
"Oakland played at Wrigley in 2004.
And I believe lit up Zito in one of the games."
June 20th, 2004. Zambrano vs Zito. Cubs won 5-3, but scored 3 in the bottom of the first.
I remember that game well, as it was the only time I've ever sat first row behind home plate. I ponied up the $250 face value for the new, premium seats they added that year. I really expected they would have personal food vendors, nicer/wider seats for that price. Not at all. They basically just added a couple rows of seats and charged an extra $200 apiece for them. Total ripoff, but it was still insanely cool to see Zambrano throwing 98 MPH heaters from right behind the plate.
(incidentally, I turned off my cell phone so I wouldn't be that guy talking on his cell phone behind the plate waving at the cameras)
"Yvonne De Carlo (Mrs.
"Yvonne De Carlo (Mrs. Herman Munster) died today at 84."
im sure the atl braves blogs are crying about that one...for those around for 80s/early90s TBS.
...coming up after the game...the munsters...followed by some andy griffith...
(incidentally, I turned off
(incidentally, I turned off my cell phone so I wouldn't be that guy talking on his cell phone behind the plate waving at the cameras)
God Bless you son, you're doing the Lord's work.
Also, not even a free
Also, not even a free program for the $250 seats. Pretty ridiculous, but everyone should first row behind home once in their lives.
Doug D- I sat behind home
Doug D-
I sat behind home for the Cubs-Blue Jays game two years ago. Very cool.
I might be mistaken but after this year, the only place the Cubs have not played will be Tampa.
I sat there as well. I was
I sat there as well. I was there on Friday in the front row then in the bleachers on Sunday.
Mulder resigns with the
Mulder resigns with the Deadbirds at 2/$13m + incentives.
I love "Andy Griffith."
I love "Andy Griffith."
floyd the barber must have
floyd the barber must have been a part of the army's LSD tests in the 50's
Sad news, Bobby Murcer's
Floyd had a stroke in the
Floyd had a stroke in the middle of the series run.
So he was always sitting down when he was on screen because he couldn't stand.
The guys would go hunting and then walk up to Floyd sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods.
The best setup was Floyd going to the courthouse. He sticks his head in the door and yell if anyone was there. Andy yells come on in. The camera pans from the door pass the cells to Andy coming out of the office follows Andy to his desk where Floyd is plopped down in a chair in front of the desk.
Welcome to "The Andy
Welcome to "The Andy Griffith" Reporter
so Mulder to Redbirds, yeah or nay?
crap always seems to turn out well for them but seems as boneheaded as signing Marquis
"Mulder to Redbirds, yeah or
"Mulder to Redbirds, yeah or nay?"
how about "hahahhahaha" ?
seriously...i'd rather have marquis...and that's not saying a whole lot.
awesome, John Thomson on
awesome, John Thomson on picking the Blue Jays over the Mets
"As far as just looking at Paul Lo Duca across the field, I'm not really into how he acts behind the plate," Thomson said on a conference call. "I know a bit about Gregg Zaun and I know he wants to win and he's not going to let anything get in his way to do that, and I like that."
I'm lovin' the John
I'm lovin' the John Thomson-Mets feud. I want foulmouthed-kiss-and-tell pitchers on the Cubs!
"Yeah I got that after I
"Yeah I got that after I posted it….just ignore me. Most of you do anyway."
I certainly don't.
That was supposed to
That was supposed to say:
[sucking up] I certainly don't [/sucking up]
Sigh Wordpress.
in other news, USC song
in other news,
USC song girl Bare-Ass gate has been debunked...
thank god Carlos, cause #72
thank god Carlos, cause #72 sounded really gay (not that there's anything wrong with that).
For the Bears fan, you'll love these
And "The Sex Canon" is born (although I'm kind of partial to "Rextacy")
stupid smileys
stupid smileys
#72 was AWESOME! I imagine
#72 was AWESOME! I imagine Carlos staring dreamily at a framed picture of Rob while he said typed it. Then, after hitting "Post your comment" he tenderly touched Rob's cheek while Enrique Iglesias's "Hero" played in the background. It was a sweet moment. Let's not taint it.
the fact you know the title
the fact you know the title of an Enrique Iglesias song is a bit worrisome....
I can be your hero, baby...
I can be your hero, baby...
Will you kiss away my tears?
Will you kiss away my tears?
Not only that, but I'll
Not only that, but I'll stand by you forever.
I like that song. I think
I like that song. I think it has the Guiness Book record for most meaningless cliches packed into a 3 minute song. It's hard to go to Karoke in Texas without hearing a heartfelt rendition at least once.
And Rob G, I only ignore the parts where you bash Dusty, the greatest manager of all time. He and Lee Iaococa are writing a book, I hear.
I'm sorry, but I'm confused.
I'm sorry, but I'm confused. I just logged on. Did someone just come out of the closet?
Tom Cruise?
Tom Cruise?
Kevin Spacey?
Kevin Spacey?
R. Kelly? I heard he was
R. Kelly? I heard he was trapped in one.
Anybody in the TCR league
Anybody in the TCR league wanna trade? I'm bored.
Sure, I'll give you Scott
Sure, I'll give you Scott Rolen and Jim Thome for Morneau and Miguel Cabrera?
Great, I'll just put that through....
Other than those 2 and Utley (whom pretty much anyone is available on my team for), Bonderman is of some interest.
Rolen, Thome, Wang, Schmidt or Beckett are on the table for discussions.
Bonderman's available. I
Bonderman's available. I like Thome. What do you think?
I'll think about it on my
I'll think about it on my drive home....
Looking at tonight's posts,
Looking at tonight's posts, I think baseball season needs to start soon. I don't know what's worse, the crap that was posted or the fact that I read every line of it and enjoyed it.
Manny -- if you are out there shoot me an e-mail, I have a season ticket selling/broker question for you.
Holy shit, TCR had an
Holy shit, TCR had an irreverent moment? And I missed it? SDFGJSIO!!!!
Isn't permalink supposed to
Isn't permalink supposed to bring up the comments too? Who's running this joint? It's been nothing but trouble ever since the move.
AZ Phil-- Thanks for the
AZ Phil--
Thanks for the clarification on Walker. I hadn't actually realized he batted righty. That's a tough one; there aren't many right-handed hitting outfielders with speed and no power. Those guys are supposed to be middle infielders, like Theriot.
Apart from the 50 SBs, though, Walker also had 11 triples, so he was smacking the ball around somewhere.
Both you and Rob presented versions of the Cub bench. Rob had Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Pagan, Floyd or Murton. You answered with Blanco, Pagan, Theriot, Ward, Kinkade or McGehee.
Pagan is the problem with both of these lists. In Rob's list, assuming Murton is starting, Pagan is the number two righty pinch hitter. Pagan was under .200 from the right side last year.
(As backup catcher, Blanco is not necessarily available to pinch hit.)
On your list, Pagan is the number two lefty pinch hitter. With a lineup that's very right-handed, we need more lefty pop than that.
I think Pagan is very much on the bubble.
Didn't see this mentioned
Didn't see this mentioned anywhere yet. Bonds apparently failed an amphetamine test in 2006, though he blamed it on Mark Sweeney.
Eff'ing Liar..... no wonder
Eff'ing Liar..... no wonder the Giants want all of the drug clauses into his contract. It isn't just circumstantial evidence anymore, although I realize testing positive for amphetamines is different than testing positive for steroids.
And if Bonds story is to be believed, wouldn't Sweeney have tested positive for amphetamine use also? I'm not sure about the scope of these tests... are entire rosters tested or just random players?
Poor Barry the greatest
Poor Barry the greatest victim of circumstance.
Flax Seed
Now McSweeney
Probably positive for
Probably positive for ephedra. Whoopty doo.
Ryno — January 11, 2007 @
Ryno — January 11, 2007 @ 8:52 am
Probably positive for ephedra. Whoopty doo.
From the NY Daily News, who broke the story:
"Sources did not identify the drug in question but characterized it as a serious stimulant."
Since Eyre has been
Since Eyre has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, is he allowed to take adderall to treat his symptoms?
Adderall is of course banned under MLB's amphetamines policy, so I wasn't sure how they handled that situation.
"characterized it as a
"characterized it as a serious stimulant"
Come, come now.
Bonds put something dangerous in his body?
I'm not sure what drug Eyre
I'm not sure what drug Eyre takes, but I do recall that he (and presumably other players with ADD) have special permission to use those drugs.
It does amaze me how all
It does amaze me how all this supposed confidential information has been constantly leaked to the media. Someone should be going to jail. Those tests were agreed upon purely with the fact that they results would never be released. I can't understand why MLB or the Player Union is not going crazy as to why this info, if true, was leaked.
Oh yeah, the new TCR is still having problems with timing out. GO Internet!!!
Little Nate Lewis
Little Nate Lewis says:
January 11th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Since Eyre has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, is he allowed to take adderall to treat his symptoms?
Adderall is of course banned under MLB's amphetamines policy, so I wasn't sure how they handled that situation.
NATE: Several players (Scott Eyre, Noah Lowry, and Dustan Mohr for sure, maybe others) were diagnosed with Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) a couple of years ago while they were playing for the Giants, and the players were prescribed Ritalin (which is an amphetamine) to help them control their AHDH. These players have a doctors note, and so when they test positive for amphetamines, it's not a violation.
It's possible that Mark Sweeney is another AHDH patient/player (I don't know), but if he is, and if he takes Ritalin, he could have left a bottle of it in his locker, and that's how Barry Bonds got a hold of it. Or maybe Sweeney got Ritalin (amphetamines) from Lowry (with or without Lowry's knowledge). Or maybe Bonds got the medication out of Noah Lowry's locker and only thought it was Sweeney's.
But if Sweeney is indeed an AHDH patient and if that's how come there were amphetamines in his locker, then when Barry says he "got (amphetamines) from Mark Sweeney," he would be correct, and if Mike Sweeney said he didn't give amphetamines to Bonds, he could also be telling the whole truth.
If Bonds took Ritalin out of Sweeney's locker without Sweeney's permission, that would be a crime (theft), and possessing the drug (even if he didn't use it) would also be a crime, and if Bonds then used the drug, that would be another violation of the law. On the other hand, if Sweeney knowingly gave Ritalin (if that's the amphetamine involved) to Bonds, then both Sweeney and Bonds committed a crime and both could be prosecuted. In either case, a crime was committed, and Barry Bonds could be subject to prosecution no matter how he gained possession of the drug.
The bottom line is, if an MLB player who is not an AHDH patient takes Ritalin, he's going to test positive for amphetamines, and without a doctor's note, it's going to be a violation of the "no amphetamines allowed" rule.
I can't understand why MLB
I can't understand why MLB or the Player Union is not going crazy as to why this info, if true, was leaked.
I think MLB is just happy that Congress's foot isn't any farther up their ass than it was a couple of years ago when the panel of juicers made asses out of themselves. Watching Selig and Fehr wet themselves was fun for the whole family, though.
"Bonds attributed it to a
"Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken from the locker of teammate Mark Sweeney."
so he's a thief, too! lock him up for 3-5 years! stealing is bad! call the cops!
about the leak..dont think the player's association has the resources to launch an internal investigation, and i dont think they'd want their fingerprints on something like this anyway.
the current political climate has politicians pressuring judges to do their witchhunts on reporters and its not working...don't think the player's association or MLB wants to publicly dragging out an investigation into who's leaking their stuff that would result in a public thrashing of the source.
The MLBPA and the MLB also
The MLBPA and the MLB also have an incentive to let these things slip from time to time because it gives the new drug testing program some legitimacy -- that is, it shows that they're really testing and catching people, and not just no-name minor leaguers.
Thanks for the clarification
Thanks for the clarification Phil.
That seems to be one hell of a loophole. From what I understand, it is not all that difficult to fake symptoms and get diagnosed for ADHD, thereby getting the ability to have access to adderall or ritalin while other players wouldn't, at least not legally under MLB regulations.
speed abuse in
speed abuse in baseball...that was something that should have been taken care of...oh...40 years ago.
hell, its practically part of the culture.
According to Ken Rosenthal,
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are interested in signing either Steve Finley or Darin Erstad to play CF until Felix Pie is ready. Another possibility, according to Rosenthal is Bernie Williams.
What...they couldn't get
What...they couldn't get Darren Lewis, Lance Johnson, or Damon Buford?
Acquiring one of those 3 would be like attaching an anvil to your parachute....
Well in Bernie Williams case
Well in Bernie Williams case at least he just threw that name out there and even said the Cubs haven't talked about him.
Just cough up Marmol for Church already and be done with it, he's far better than Erstad or Finley that's for sure and he'll make Angel Pagan go away if/when Pie is ready.
Speaking of the Nats, rotoworld says Manny Acta wants Guzman to be their #2 hitter. I believe Acta is the one who said he reads the hardball times or baseball prospectus (can't remember which one though), he should read it a little closer.
I agree with vorare, I don't
I agree with vorare, I don't think it would be to much of a stretch to think MLB is leaking. Especially when they can't acctually look like they are actively trying to stop Bonds passing Aaron.
I suggested Bernie Williams as a platton partner for JJ and/or to give Murton a rest every once in a while.
erstad as a CFr? how many
erstad as a CFr?
how many foot/leg surgeries has he had now? didnt he just finish having another one?
30-Oct-06 Filed for free
30-Oct-06 Filed for free agency.
01-Sep-06 Missed 64 games (ankle injury).
23-Jun-06 Ankle injury, 15-day DL.
20-Jun-06 Ankle injury, day-to-day.
12-Jun-06 Missed 37 games (right ankle injury).
08-May-06 Right ankle injury, 15-day DL (retroactive to May 1st).
03-May-06 Right ankle injury, day-to-day.
09-Aug-05 Missed 3 games (hip injury).
06-Aug-05 Hip injury, day-to-day.
...that's as far back as it goes...
no one even knows if his
no one even knows if his ankle is healed yet, Angels want him back on a minor league deal like they did with Salmon last year.
Scioscia loves the guy, crazy intensity, plays to win, blah, blah, blah. Can't hit....
Good glove though, but who knows what the leg injuries have done to him by now.
Bet you can't guess which
Bet you can't guess which MLB ballpark is ESPN's favorite-
speaking of drug
speaking of drug testing,
they had some "expert" doctor on XM this morning and they asked him about HGH testing. He says they have a very good blood test they used in Athens and Torino but MLB doesn't like it and it's not reliable (even though everyone else in the medical community and the world doesn't seem to have a problem with it). He also said though that MLB (or MLBPA) are completely against blood tests. This doctor also said a urine test for HGH will never happen.
nothing says classic park
nothing says classic park like rats in the OF walls and one of the most expensive tickets in baseball. the overpriced concessions are great, too.
i guess the important thing is ESPN didnt have to send a reporter too far.
ESPN...covering all things from boston to new york...and barry bonds.
2 teams, 1 man, 1 sport.
but those rats really know a
but those rats really know a lot about baseball
mark grace's first trip to
mark grace's first trip to boston (with arz) and his visit behind the green monster was funny.
a few papers/outlets wrote up pieces on it, but there was one that pretty in depth with the reporter writing the story getting a lot of material from grace, himself.
Jacos: "I agree with vorare,
"I agree with vorare, I don't think it would be to much of a stretch to think MLB is leaking. Especially when they can't acctually look like they are actively trying to stop Bonds passing Aaron."
If that is the case, the players should say they will not agree to any testing anymore. This leaking crap is not acceptable and I hope the players make a statement and say they are not going to put up for this crap. I don't care if it is Bonds that is getting leaked against.
"If that is the case, the
"If that is the case, the players should say they will not agree to any testing anymore."
Great Idea!
It goes into one of those issues where when you want to make your living as a public persona, you sacrifice certain rights of privacy. If Barry Bonds wants to pop pills and shoot up with hormones and horse drugs and not have anyone notice or care, he should have been a bugger flipper.
The Real Neal: "It goes into
The Real Neal:
"It goes into one of those issues where when you want to make your living as a public persona, you sacrifice certain rights of privacy."
So MLB can break a contract or deal? Just because the players are public figures? Bullshit... The players would have every right to back out of the deal they made with MLB because MLB could not keep their end of the deal. Another EMBARRASSING misstep by Selig.
Yeah, they should back out
Yeah, they should back out of the deal, and risk turning the league into the WWF, a characture of a sport. Again, a great idea.
The PA doesn't have any negotiating power when it comes to drug testing, Manny. No matter how much righteous indignation you can muster.
Real Neal: "The PA doesn't
Real Neal:
"The PA doesn't have any negotiating power when it comes to drug testing, Manny."
More BULLSHIT....
There wasn't testing for awhile because the players wouldn't allow it in the collective bargaining agreement. But yet, somehow they don't have negotiating power? Wake up man...
I don't know why you are being over dramatic here, but go ahead. The fact remains MLB and the players had a deal, MLB broke it. So why should the players stick with their end of the deal? If MLB can keep up with their end of the deal, then the players should stick with the testing procedures, but that did not happen.
I would totally support the players backing out of testing or sending some other kind of message to the owners for MLB breaking a contract. Fire Selig!!!
Recent comments
If only he was clutcher. More clutcher.
cubs win...bryant with 7HR in his last 8 games.
bryant 2nd HR of the night for a 2 run lead in the 10th? sure, why not. awesome.
gawd...jansen's thrown 5 pitches in the past 5 minutes.
wild pitch (and a K, boo) with heyward advancing! 1 out, heyward on 3rd.
HEYWARD SCORES ON A 2nd WILD PITCH! TIE!
leadoff double (heyward!) top of the 9th...RALLY!
carlos ruiz is still coming up to "in the air tonight" by phil 'are you kidding me' collins in LA.
many years ago before phil collins it was a soulja boy song.
dude has odd taste in music. at least it's not yanni...i guess.
Funniest skybox ever
that was some joke ass official scoring giving him a double. either way, seager's on 2nd and soler's play in the OF is still sketchy.
Schwarber is worse right?
Seager with the two out double *cough* to left field in the bottom of the fourth. If Soler just plays that bunny hop off his nuts, it's a single - certainly no double.
rizzo is tired of SD/LA night games...yet another towering one that died on the warning track.
Vin's been around
Monty dropped a two strike curve on AGon
Holy shit!
See I told you they were up to no good
My guy Addy
Vin and '84 legends


text:
Cape Wind has contracted with a trio of New Bedford companies to survey Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound as well as the proposed wind farm's offshore cable route.
Fathom Research is doing diver-assisted sub-bottom imaging services, while A.I.S., Inc., is providing observers of protected species including marine mammals and sea turtles. Hercules SLR is providing marine safety training to Cape Wind management team members.
Ocean Surveys, Inc., of Connecticut is the lead survey contractor for what John Sulivan, its manager of geophysical surveys. called in a press release "the final season of geophysical surveying prior to construction."
Location, ST | website.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
State Fair of Texas
Creating the new Big Tex
Photo: Tom Fox/Staff Photographer
Crews from Texas Scenic and SRO pack up and move Big Tex's boots into a semi trailer prior to moving the unassembled cowboy from Texas Scenic in San Antonio to the State Fair of Texas on Tuesday, September 10, 2013.
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text:
Manchester United are ready to offer Wayne Rooney as a part of a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, according to reports from Corriere dello Sport.
The Red Devils are set for a massive few months of transfer activity under new boss Louis van Gaal, who is rumoured to have around £200m at his disposal to rebuild the first-team squad on the back of a woeful 2013/14 campaign under his predecessor, David Moyes.
Although a central midfielder and a commanding defender are seen as priorities, the Dutchman also wants a top class striker to partner Robin van Persie, and sees Cavani as that man.
WANT MORE? >> Manchester United transfer news | Latest transfer news
The Uruguay international only joined PSG in a £50m deal last year, yet he has failed to settle at the Parc des Princes and has made noises suggesting that he could move on.
This has alerted United, who are considering a £56m move for Cavani, but reports also indicate that they could allow Rooney to head in the opposite direction.
The England star was linked with PSG not long ago, but has since penned a £300,000-per-week contract at Old Trafford.
Regardless of this, the Red Devils are said to be ready to involve him in an agreement in order to reduce a possible fee to be paid to the Parisians.
I think that if we signed Cavani we may sell Rooney, I think Van Gaal will change his team around to fit in his new signings. There will be a way Cavani, Rooney, Van Persie and Mata can fit into a team together. If we would sign Cavani this is my XI (if we stick with 4-3-3 which Van Gaal uses), GK DE GEA, RB RAFAEL, CB NEW SIGNING, CB NEW SIGNING, LB NEW SIGNING, CM NEW SIGNING, CM NEW SIGNING, CAM MATA, RWF CAVANI, ST VAN PERSIE, LWF ROONEY. We shouldn't sign Cavani unless we sell Welbeck/Chicharito and we should pursue 1 lb 2 cbs 2 cms and maybe a winger first. My United dream team with names if new signings + Cavani: GK DE GEA, RB RAFAEL, CB HUMMELS, CB MANGALA/INDI, LB SHAW, CM VIDAL/POGBA/SCHWEINSTEIGER/OTHERWORLDCLASSCM, CM STROOTMAN, LCAM ROONEY, RCAM MATA, ST VAN PERSIE, ST CAVANI. this is a formation where I would like 2 centre attacking midfielders to create and score with 2 box-to-box midfielders behind them to provide creativity and some tough tackling.


text:
James Walsh">
Unemployment rates in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties rose last month compared with December 2011, according to figures released Tuesday by the state Department of Labor.
Last month's Orange County unemployment rate was 7.9 percent, up from 7.5 percent in December 2011. Sullivan's was 10 percent, up from 9.5 percent a year before, while Ulster's increased to 8.4 percent from 7.9 percent in December 2011.
The state unemployment rate was 8.2 percent last month.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
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text:
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
- February 15, 2013
- From Beginning
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Comments (23) (Please sign in to comment)
Is it time to see Homeland Security running through…
Marigold's Darling Detector!
(Is that a better D-word?)
Sorry about all the fuss yesterday .. .should have gone with my first instinct and reference Garfield's Idiot alarm…
Oho! Do I detect a bit of unicorn romance?
So Marigold made a magic valentine of her own and it got mixed up with Phoebes. I wonder to whom it was intended, the Heaveanly Spike, perhaps?
Lord splendid humility seems to be contradictory. A humble unicorn? This I have to see.
Of course not. Unicorns can only love themselves.
Ding! Heeheehee… Marigold is hilarious. Can't wait to learn more about Lord Splendid Humility.
Marigold! You vixen! Of course we have to meet this Lord now. Though I have to wonder how he'll stack up against the kid with the nose whistle….
A humble unicorn speaks: "It is so kind of you to admire my magnificence."
What's going on unicorn?
Now I want to see the girl who never takes her hat off and some of those other kids. Im Glad Lord Splendid Humility is getting a valentine but what about the unicorn I made up accidentally while trying to say aloud the names of the main six? What about Shuterfly's Valentine? Why does the magical unicorn of photography get no love?
Also I love how Marigold is real bad at sneaking valentines out of things.
in an unrelated thought @Dana Simpson: after this strip goes on a few years you should make a book detailing and illustration all the facts about unicorn lore, traditions, culture, powers, abilities, talents, skills, sayings, habits, diet , all the titbits and facts that are in canon to the Heavenly Nostrils mythology your creating so any one wanting to know every thing about the magic world would have a reference guide to it. Until then Im just collecting comics that say some thing about the mythology so I can refer back to them in discussions and stuff and then filling in the gaps with my own information. Still I do have questions my own head is undecided on, like What do unicorns think of Narwhals?
Well, if unicorns never took a shine to anyone but their own reflection, there wouldn't be any new unicorns….
I'd like to see that too from Ms Dana Simpson when she produces a book of her wonderful drawings of her stories. Excellent idea.
You're right, that would be awesomely fun to write. :)
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text:
Dialogue sought on property code update
January 23, 2013
Some opposition has recently surfaced as Marietta City Council members continue to consider updating regulations governing private property issues like junk cars, trash, overgrown vegetation, blight......
The UN needs their arse booted out of this country yesterday
7 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Dismissing Agenda 21 simply because it's something the UN came up with is small minded and petty. If you haven't actually read the codes and are instead relying on someone's talking points or a website, you are not doing yourself or anyone else justice. The premise of the agenda is based on solid principals. The planet is getting dirtier and the population is getting older. There is no disputing either of those facts. Having said that, I'm not a fan of basing our local regulations blindly on something produced by the UN either. I wasn't aware that our current code is already based on the International Code, but it is what it is. Our local codes should be periodically updated, but making sweeping changes based on Agenda 21 updates smacks of a grant money grab. At least Roger is suggesting public dialog rather than just slamming down new regulations.
4 Agrees | 6 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I agree that something needs done to update current policies. I applaud the effort to have an open forum to discuss the topic. Along with complaints about the restrictive process of cutting doe trees in "your" land strip, there are some positives that we could help work on. There are many houses in Mtta that are severely lacking any upkeep. No, not due to financial obligations. I know of a house by St. Mary's church that could be beautiful, instead, it is a dilapidating structure because family is arguing over an estate for more than 10 years! "Rental" properties on 3rd and the West side are poorly maintained, and driving down the property values of surrounding houses. Asknot is right, it IS a slippery slope, but one that we as a community can speak about and help prevent from turning into full government intrusion.
5 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
It's time to make the slumlords clean up their properties.
9 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Higher taxes for properties that are not maintained, for a starter.
4 Agrees | 6 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
I think there could be some reasonable codes and regulations added that could and should be decided by the people and not an all encompassing plan like this.
First of all: Rental property regulation is absurdly lacking here. There needs to be a basic standard set for ALL renters. Enforcing some codes and basic regulations on renters would clean up not only the properties but it would keep some unsavory people from the community. The property owners need to be held accountable to a reasonable degree not only for the property but those within the property. Have a standard legally binding lease. No more renting for cash, looking the other way and allowing more people in the home than legally agreed upon in the lease. No more renting illegal property such as a back ally garage that has not been approved as a rental property.
As far as owned properties there could be some type of agreement so a front yard is not a parking lot or a dumpster. Just base it on common decency.
8 Agrees | 1 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
It's funny that Kalter is one of the one's speaking out on maintaining property. His properties show that he is one of the one's who need to maintain their property better. He will pile up junk not only on his property, but on property not his, he does this under the disguise of recycling.
9 Agrees | 2 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
This is part of Agenda 21 and a long hard look at it is warrented. Agenda 21 is a UN plan that is not a good thing for our country. Look the information up and inform yourself about this. Read the goals of Agenda 21 on the UN website. This may sound like some little piece of legislation that is no big deal, but it is a small part of a much larger picture.
8 Agrees | 0 Disagrees | Report Abuse »
Most Americans will remain unaware of the implications of smart growth and Agenda 21 until after it is promulgated in their own backyards. Ironically, these plans are more insidious than the Eminent Domain ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Kelo v City of New London. Under Eminent Domain rulings, property owners usually receive compensation for their losses. Conversely, smart growth municipal plans, required by statute, enable municipalities to change zoning laws and engage in other regulatory actions that devalue property, restrict off-conveyances, and otherwise erode property values without payment of any compensation to the property owner.
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I hate these fact boxes all the time. If you're going to put one in there, Mr. Shawver, put in facts that are necessary like the exact date, time and location of these meetings. Those are facts that the public needs to know!
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roger kalter voted for obama. that shows where his mind is. he doesn't care about personal, individual rights. he thinks the govt should run everything and pay him a big salary and a free ipad. did he vote "yes" for his own pay raise? can we go to his house and clean up his yard and make the tax payers pay for it?
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City councilmen who do a proper job spend between 15-25 hours a week doing council work, serving on appointed city boards, etc. They spend another 15 or so listening to constituents and trying to help them. That works out to about $3.50 an hour (and that's with the raise that starts next year). No one is getting rich in this deal! When some of you make your snide comments you only show your ignorance.
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We don't need the UN involved in property coding in this issue. The UN has already ruined alot of what this country stands for.
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This deal has ended.
Boca Java is still offering Four Bags of Coffee for free plus $7.95 shipping. You can choose from 14 different styles, blends, and roasts. The catch here is that you will be signed up for recurring shipments; to cancel recurring shipments after placing your original, simply call 1-888-BOCA-JAVA.No longer available


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20 cases of Legionnaire's disease investigated in Milwaukee County
The Milwaukee Health Department is looking for the environmental source — or sources — of a Legionnaires' disease outbreak infecting at least 14 adults who already had underlying health conditions.
Milwaukee County has confirmed 20 cases, including 14 cases in Milwaukee, since June 1. The most recent case in Milwaukee was reported Monday.
It appears there may be two periods of exposure and illness — the first in early June, and the second in July. About a half-dozen of the Milwaukee cases are in the same geographic area and occurred within a few days of each other in early July, said Paul Biedrzycki, director of disease control and environmental health for the Milwaukee Health Department.
No deaths have been reported, but four of the Milwaukee patients are still hospitalized, Biedrzycki said. Their conditions were not available.
The median age of those infected in the Milwaukee County cluster is 62, according to the state Department of Health Services.
Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium known as legionella. The disease does not spread person to person. People get sick by inhaling the bacteria, which can travel through the air on contaminated water droplets or mist for up to two miles from the source.
The illness usually begins two to 14 days after a person is exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms include chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea including vomiting and diarrhea.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics often cures Legionnaires', but the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Typically, Legionnaires' kills 10% to 30% of those it infects, Biedrzycki said.
Possible sources for legionella may include a cooling tower on top of a building, a swimming pool where water is sprayed into the air or a decorative waterfall or fountain that is not properly disinfected. Chlorine kills the bacteria. It does notcome from drinking water, Biedrzycki stressed.
Legionella naturally occurs in water that stagnates, and especially over periods of hot, humid weather, Biedrzycki said. "It's a heat-loving bacteria."
That's why businesses and schools with cooling towers on top of their buildings and those with large pools with spraying devices, should keep the water disinfected on a regular basis throughout the summer, Biedrzycki said.
"It also could be from a water source not routinely disinfected or treated... We're moving toward what is the common thread or source."
The area where the cluster of a half-dozen cases is concentrated is not being publicly disclosed because "this is an active investigation," Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker said Wednesday.
"The threat to the widespread public is minimal," Baker said, adding: "We are still looking for a source. This is a real-time investigation."
While Baker said it was not a widespread threat, he acknowledged it could be an ongoing threat in the areas where cases have been reported. It's still no cause for alarm, he said.
"This is a naturally occurring bacteria and we see a handful of these cases every year," Baker said. "This is not atypical."
Asked why the health department did not notify the public of the outbreak at the same time the state reported it to area health care providers on July 10, Baker said. "We have a risk profile on when we inform. My role, and the role of the Milwaukee Health Department, is to inform but not alarm."
Milwaukee County had a total of 27 Legionnaires' cases in 2012, and 22 cases in 2011. Cases normally are seen in the hottest months of summer, in August and September.
Early onset of disease
This year's cases are unusual in number and are early, Biedrzycki said.
Biedrzycki said this is the first cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Milwaukee that he recalls investigating in at least a decade.
The first case of Legionnaires' in the city this year was reported June 1, but Biedrzycki said a cluster of cases did not become apparent until after the Fourth of July weekend.
The state Department of Health Services sent a memo to southeastern Wisconsin clinicians and infection specialists on July 10, notifying them about an increase in cases, particularly in Milwaukee County.
At the time that the state sent the memo to health care providers, Milwaukee had two confirmed cases and eight suspected cases, said Sarah DeRoo, spokeswoman for the health department.
The last Legionnaires' outbreak in Milwaukee County was in March 2010, when a decorative water wall at a hospital in Cudahy was identified as the source of legionella that sickened eight people. There were no deaths.
Aurora St. Luke's South Shore in Cudahy turned off the water wall in the lobby of its facility after it was identified as the source because of high concentrations of bacteria found there.
The waterfall had been drained and cleaned every month. But water in these structures can become airborne and get into the lungs of people, including those who may have weakened immune systems.
Mark Johnson of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.


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Biventricular Pacemaker Index
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A biventricular pacemaker is a device that helps the lower chambers of the heart to pump together in a person who has heart failure. This type of pacemaker can be implanted either inside or outside of the heart. Patients typically stay overnight in the hospital after biventricular pacemaker implantation.
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text:
PLANET AND SKY — a myth in music
Planet and Sky, a Love Story
This all started on one of my morning hikes to Peak Mtn. last winter. I got to pondering mortality, creativity, and how dissatisfied I would be on my deathbed with never having produced anything that I could really feel proud of. Half joking with myself, I thought. You should write an opera. Then I thought... why not? That day the subconscious began composing and within a few weeks I was jotting down lyrics and trying out bass lines.
The concept came out fully formed in a song I called "Something is Dreaming." The original idea was for it to be set on the planet Mars in the near future- later I generalized it as a smallish planet somewhere in time in space. A team of scientists (originally from Earth) is investigating a newly discovered life form; something akin to a mold or fungus inhabiting the subsurface of the planet. To their surprise, they are able to detect brainwaves emanating from the entity. Upon further investigation they realize it is telling a story in epic form. It is a love story, a creation myth. The story is about the meeting of the planet and its atmosphere.
Round was the obvious followup; the commencement of the myth. Thus begins the romance. Sky seduces planet. Planet falls hard for his Sky. Early on I decided to switch the traditional gender assignments. Planet is male and Sky female. I took these two songs up to Sacramento where I jused to play in a band called Jupiter Sheep what feels like a half a lifetime ago. One very talented member of that ensemble, Melissa Olsen (aka Missy Io), with awesome voice and keyboard chops, was the perfect Sky. The lead singer Byron Callisto had a nice little studio I could play in, and his workmate Brian Levine was a talented and versatile musician who was willing to play drums. With my workmate in SF Reed Sandberg on guitar we recorded passable versions of these first two songs (except for my vocals which was clearly the weak link).
I was high as the sky (no pun intended) after those Sacto sessions, and the creative juices started flowing even stronger. Ideas for three more songs appeared. First was Travelers, based on the idea of Panspermia I'd heard about back in my Mars Society days. Then came Such is Love, a song for Planet to sing to Sky representing an encapsulation of much of what I personally have learned though the years regarding this murky subject (love). The big one to follow would be Sky's showpiece aria back at Planet, the one heavily laden with tragic pathos as she understands the two of them are ultimately doomed. The problem is Planet is just too small to hold onto an atmosphere over the long haul. Bad news for Sky and the biosphere she'd created with Planet. For some reason unknown, Planet My Love was the easiest song to write and thus far the strongest in the set.
Unfortunately, the project hit the doldrums soon after, and I have yet to realize the dream of recording the two love songs, even in rough form. The big issue was musician availability, particularly the Sacto contingent. After a period of significant frustration I finally turned my attention more locally, enlisting the assistance of my multi-talented bass teacher John Engle. The three locals, John, Reed and myself, have now been jamming weekly on the four songs in most mature form. The plan is to record demos of these as early as next week (7/14/09). Then I hope we can get moving on Eons of Fun, Travelers, Empty World and Wake Up! Ideas are gestating madly for these as I write.
For any newcomer to this project- or for old hands interested in coming up to speed, the links on the left and at top of page for each section will guide you to where you need to go. I'll provide a few notes on the ideas behind each song, the music and lyrics (if ready), and current status including any recordings available for download.
Click the links above for more on the overall project.
- Prologue
- Scientists from an advanced world are studying a small planet, presumed to be barren and lifeless. They discover a primitive life form beneath the surface which emanates brain waves, something akin to a dream. The Chief Scientist describes the situation and directs his staff in their investigation. Upon further analysis they observe that the dream appears to be a coherent narrative, some sort of creation myth. Hints of the nature of the myth are observed, the voice of a planet, isolated, and a newly born entity of surprising precocity floating above.
- Scene 1
- Planet awakes and ponders his solitary existence in the universe. He appears contented and proud of his position. Sky intrudes upon his reverie, introduces herself as a companion entity. Planet is confused and annoyed. He sees no need for this distracting presence and reacts dismissively toward Sky's entreaties. She is insistent that he is lacking something that she can provide. Sky demands time to think.
(a million years passes)
Planet decides to accept Sky as a lifelong compainion. He is in love. Sky celebrates the victory of her seduction. Planet and Sky unite in happiness.
- Scene 2
- In the far reaches of a star system distant from that of Planet and Sky an ice world is inhabited by bacterial organisms ejected by meteoric impact from their former home. The voices of three variants of these organisms discuss their situation. One assures the others that there is no need for concern. Just as they were ejected from their former home so shall they eventually return to a new one where they might thrive again and prosper. Another is certain that only doom and destruction await them. All options appear very grim. A third is indifferent. It takes a wait and see approach and can't be bothered with predictions of their fate.
A new star approaches and the ice world is drawn into this new gravity well. It descends rapidly toward the star, gaining velocity and as vapors tail outward it becomes a comet. The first variant is thrilled. The second is highly agitated. The third just enjoys the ride.
An impact with a potentially fertile world appears imminent.
- Scene 3
- Planet and Sky romp lustfully in the joy of their new-found blissful union. Planet builds volcanoes, moves crust to build mountains and valleys. Sky whirls and dances in delight. She produces storms with winds and rain to sculpt Planet into miraculous new forms. Her waters fill his valleys and basins and produce fertile oceans. She allows further intrusions of comets and meteors to bring new life-giving substance and to generally rock Planet's world.
- Scene 4
- Planet has matured from his youthful exuberance of adolescent joy of love and has a newer, more profound perspective. He serenades Sky with his philosophy of love; how it combines the thrill of combination with a creative impulse, fostering filial affection, while leading to a deep sense of responsibility for his mate and all within their fold.
Sky sounds a note of caution and entreats Planet to never fail his hold upon her.
Planet is carefree and happy. He ignores any doubts or concerns and resumes his joyful song.
- Scene 5
- Sky is now aware of a tragic reality. Planet is dying. The world is too small to stay vibrant and produce sufficient heat to make their biosphere viable. She informs Planet that she will happily die with him, but is angry that the universe is so unjust. She accepts their fate in the understanding that the love they shared is eternal and will live beyond them. Together they embrace and slowly fade away.
- Scene 6
- The world is now empty, desolate and cold. The life forms have retreated beneath the surface to enter a dormant state. Ghostly memories of Planet and Sky call out across the frozen landscape. A long good-bye to the life they shared.
- Epilogue
- The travelers are awakening beneath the surface. With astonishing rapidity the planet begins a transformation to a new and rich biosphere. The Chief Scientist reappears and directs a project of macro-engineering to bring the planet back to life. The travelers evolve to higher life forms and a new Planet and Sky appear. They are the distant descendants of that legendary couple that once lived and loved long ago. Their love remains and the new Planet and Sky welcome its embrace. All is well.
8/7/09: The project has reached a precariously poignant moment and the pace is picking up. A promising audition for female vocalist has left our candidate considering joining us. A couple of drummers are also in the mix, with an audition scheduled for next Thursday. A few options for keyboardist to consider. Best of all, I'm seeing a strong possibility of completing the libretto (in draft form) by this coming weekend and possibly the music as well very soon after. Then it's just a matter of filling out the personnel, finding time to practice, pushing ancillary art and design elements through, finding a venue, and performing. Sounds simple enough.
7/12/09: I've made a decision to "localize" the project a bit. One of the biggest stumbling blocks over the past few months has been the difficulty coordinating schedules with far-flung collaborators; i.e the Sacto gang. Missy and Brian did awesome work on the first two tunes and I hope to continue to work with them on final tracks, whenver it gets closer to that point. For now, it's essential to work frequently with collaborators on the development of the material. The recent weekly practice sessions with John Engel on drums, Reed on guitar, me n bass & vocals is bearing fruit. I intend to introduce new local musicians to the ensemble as soon as I can locate good available and interested talent. This website is a part of that push, as I need to be able to direct interested parties to a site where they can get some background, download recordings, etc.
Next step on the agenda is a first recording session with the three of us at John's place next Tuesday night. Focus will be on Such is Love and Planet My Love, as both of these are yet to be recorded in listenable format. Then we'll try to get new versions of Something and Round with the core ensemble and start auditioning new players as I can come up with them.
Something is Dreaming: Overview
There's a soft spot in my heart for this one, possibly because it's the first complete song I wrote in fifteen years or so, but I really do like the structure of it. Not everyone agrees with me on this. Some find the lyrics too geeky and don't like the way I've been initially singing it. I'm working on the latter (the words will remain geeky as hell...he's a scientist!)
This song is the exposition of the premise. The Chief Scientist sets the stage in the first verse and chorus, then issues instructions to his staff in the second verse. Following each of these verses is an instrumental bridge section. I intend to add lyrics to this section to be sung by Planet and Sky- foreshadowing their subsequent appearance in Round. I should note that the Chief Scientist should really be a different voice from Planet.
Something is Dreaming: Music
||: Bm D G Bm :||
||: Bm D G Bm :|| 4x
Em / Bm /
Em / Bm F#7
Em / Bm /
Em G / DABm
||: Bm A Bm F#7
Bm A Em Bm :||
Semi-chorus (no F#7)
Em / Bm /
Em / Bm /
Em / Bm /
Em G / D A Bm
||: D A Bm / / :|| 12x
bridge2-lead(over verse and chorus form)-verse3-semichorus-outro
Something is Dreaming: Lyrics
Cross the glistening sands
eon-etched ocean of time
'neath guardian rock and regolith
Something is dreaming
It knows the depths and darkness
And it knows what lies above
The winds that whirl the dust of ages
it ponders life and love
Of what does it dream
In its cold and empty world?
Where does it find its wonders
Its visions to behold?
Will it find the answers
Its plots and fantasies?
Of what does it dream?
It dreams of thou and thee.
Prepare the instruments
To probe this entity
Heed the directed protocols
Observe with dignity
Care not to impose bias
Our wishes and our fears
Something dreams a message
Let us strive to hear
Yet what does it dream
what fate does it portend?
What meaning and what motive
To embrace or to defend?
Could it be a danger
Red menace come at last?
Or is it just a dreamer
Evoking a golden past?
Detecting shapes and shadows
Scientists theorize
Outlines form beginnings
Thoughts upon the skies
Standing waves arising
Buffers overrun
A narrative is forming
The story has begun
Something is dreaming...
Something is Dreaming: Status
Adding lyrics for bridges and in outro. The trio is working on the groove and starting to get it down pretty well. Not quite recording-ready, but making progress.
Something is Dreaming: RecordingsLive rough mix, Callisto Studio, 3/31/09
(Reed, Missy, Brian, Joel)
Round: Overview
My first duet, and a smash success if I dare say. Funky and fun, Planet appears first and demonstrates his ignorance of the existence of any other entity, particularly Sky. The latter appears next and begins to tease him seductively. "Why're you always looking at me?" She gets under his skin and he has to think about it for a little while. This is the "million years" instrumental break. Upon conclusion of his meditation he is deeply in love. Sky and Planet sing the final chorus with a "we" intead of Planet's "I". They're now united in eternal bliss, or as long as they survive at any rate.
Round: Music
||: G#m F# :||
||: G# F# :|| 8x
(A6) (F#sus9)
||: G#m F# :|| 16x
Million years instrumental
bass riff:
F# ^F# G# Bb D# C# ^G# Bb D# C# F#
bass riff alone
w/ drums
||: G# B F# :|| 4x
repeat 4 bar pattern riff w/out staggered intros
turnaround, then full stop
intro - verse1-4 - (stop)
million years -(stop) -verse5-8 - chorus(2x)
Round: Lyrics
I'm round
Solid round I'm round
Solid round
I am all there is or needs to be.
My entire being surrounds me.
A world of sand and dust, built on solid rock.
I am a planet- look at me.
Do you hear, lost and lonely child?
Another spirit whispers in the sky
You're not alone, you're not the only thing
I am with you flying high
Trying to get my head around this now
there's something else- duality?
Why would I need this, some kind of parasite
Messin' with my geometry?
I complete you- add a touch of class
even if my charms you cannot see
But something tells me you want someone
Why're you always looking at me?
I'm round
so round
Solid round
flying so high
I'm round
so round
Solid round
high above the ground
Now let me think.
(instrumental break)
Here's what I think.
This is something good I know that it's to be
I can envision harmony
You bring me air and rain and manna from the stars
I'll provide the gravity
I knew you'd come around, my silly ball of stone
Though it took a million years to see
I'll bring you special gifts that you will adore and
shelter you from cosmic debris
I can be a little dense... for that you must forgive
and you're a flighty tart- agree?
But now we're bound forever mated in the void
One for all eternity
I'll love you dearly, hold you tenderly
The universe will know our bliss
Children will soon come forth across our sphere
Wonders follow on our kiss
We're round
so round
Solid round
we fly so high
We're round
so round
Solid round
lovers world and sky
Note: Planet in normal text, Sky in italics
Round: Status
I loved the version we did up in Sacto so much I almost didn't want to revisit it with the local trio. I'm glad we did, however, as the most recent session with John showed some real promise. He's introduced a nice idea of playing signature drum riffs behind P & S's verses which I really like.
We'll aim for getting this one recorded soon after the two love songs. It would help also to get that local Sky.
Round: RecordingsPartially tracked rough mix, Callisto Studio, 4/19/09
(Reed, Missy, Brian, Joel)
Travelers: Overview
This one is based on the theory of panspermia, or more precisely, exogenesis. In a nutshell, the idea is that life did not arise on Earth from scratch, but was "seeded" from elsewhere in the universe. The mechanism of this is quite interesting. Early solar system history is characterized by intense meteorite bombardment of the inner, rocky planets. It's quite feasible, if not inevitable, for enough material to be ejected from a planet's crust to send any existing microorganisms within the ejected rock on a potentially long space voyage.
Once it reaches a long distance from the sun, say a few times the distance of Pluto, it settles into a somewhat stable orbit along with many other icy rock worlds. When our sun gets close enough to another star on its travels through the galaxy, the gravitational perturbations cause the ice world bearing the lifeforms to descend toward the other star. When it gets close enough to the star it becomes a comet, and if it's lucky enough to collide with a young, fertile world... wa-la! you have exogenesis. The math is far beyond me, but my brilliant astronautical engineer friend Robert Zubrin says it's far more likely to happen that to not happen.
The "travelers" in this song are three variants of micoorganisms. The lyrics may change because I might want to develop personalities for each voice; a calm ringleader type, a nervous nellie who thinks they're all doomed, and a sleepy stoner dude. Workin' on that.
Travelers: Music
Travelers: Lyrics
Variant 1 (ringleader):
Far from the star of our home world we rest in this ice world we wait for new land
Variant 2 (nervous nellie): Blown into space by a terrible blast. A terrible fate awaits us out here in the void
Variant 3 (sleepy stoner):
Deep space is quiet and restful and cold... hardened 'gainst radiation we sleep
Something comes slowly and makes itself known... now we're on track to a new star
This monster is pulling us faster we move- away from our neighbors far far away
A new journey finds us speed fast on our way- the light getting brighter- the cold fades
Here comes a source of new light and warmth- a golden beacon- our deliverance!
We rush to this evil to our doom to be scorched- blackened- cold, and dead!
Maybe a new place to live, eat, and sleep... on a nurturing world?
Only a few must survive...
Bringing the secrets of life...
One world grows larger...
Travelers: Status
This song has gone pretty much nowhere as of yet. I've got the bass line down which I'm pretty happy with, but I have a very sketchy idea of what the other parts should consist of. This may require some collaborative brainstorming.
Eon of Joy: Overview
This is a late addition. I found the theme going through my head and just had to fit it in somewhere. Maybe I felt that there wasn't quite enough of the fun of Round. On the other hand, there is a certain chapter in any genuine love story that shouldn't be overlooked. This is the time when the lovers are living out their ecstatic phase, the head over heels part. In the case of a planet and a sky, this is when the real excitement takes place.
I have to give Missy some credit for this one, with her classic jest... "Is that a mountain range or are you just happy to see me?".
Musically, the song has to be rippin'. I've got the basic chord progression figured out and some partial lyrics, but there's still a lot of work to be done.
Eon of Joy: Music
Eon of Joy: Lyrics
(Planet normal text, Sky italics, Together bold italics)
I've got the heat building up down deep
gonna build a mountain or two
gonna flex my mantle... make the ground shake
gonna get tectonic on you.
I used to think it was oh so simple
perfection was my only aim
But now you got me all torn up inside girl
I don't even know my name
Yeah I hear you but it works both ways
I was so happy to be free
But here I am now swirling out of control
Can't tell who's you and who is me
My air was gentle and my breeze was light
I felt at peace and free from harm
now every time that you let off a little steam
I become a raging storm
Eons of anger
confusion and pain
the fire from below
and the driving rain
the power of creation
the will to destroy
sudden understanding
eons of joy
What does it mean to be one with you?
Do I lose all I thought I had?
It seems so natural as we melt into each other
this greater being is not so bad
But these convulsions make me wonder
these stones that smash me from above
Is there a downside to this union?
What kind of bargain is this love?
Yes I am thankful for foundation
and feel a bliss to bond with you
but I miss the simple joy of floating
without a care, without a clue
But I must have you know my dear
my love for you exceeds all bounds
the care we feel now for each other
fuels the power that we've found
Eons of anger
confusion and pain
the fire from below
and the driving rain
the power of creation
the will to destroy
sudden understanding
eons of joy
Eon of Joy: Status
8/7/09: Bass line, format and lyrics complete. Would like to introduce it to John on Tuesday for additional development.
I may change this song's title to something like, "the Artist and the Engineer." A theme emerging in my mind is that Planet, though confident of his strength and power, feels inadequate in his capability to create a world of sufficient beauty for his new love. Sky will assure him that she can take care of this part of the equation. He must provide the canvas, but she will sculpt it and paint their masterpiece upon it. She also feels inadequate, however, as she is incapable of protecting him from the bombardment of meteors and comets (the very cosmic depris she swore she'd shelter him from in Round). Planet implores her to have faith that the universe has a plan and some of these intrusions may bring the seeds of life which could turn out be be a source of great artistry of its own.
Planet's insecurity will eventually prove ironic, as it is his lack of strength and power that will eventually doom Sky and the biosphere. Similarly, Sky's unspoken insecurity is that she is utterly dependent upon Sky. This fear will prove to be ultimately justified.
Such is Love: Overview
After the young love ecstacy nonsense, Planet feels like he's got this love thing all figured out. He's contented, happy, and wants to let Sky know exactly how he feels and what she means to him. Originally I was going to have this one be somewhat soft and soulful, but it just didn't work musically. I finally realized it has to have a touch of Marley to it. It's reggae mon. With John's help, the trio is starting to get just the right feel. I need some vocal help from Sky because the chorus really lends itself to an exhuberant, multi-voiced arrangement.
One note of dark wisdom is sounded by Sky in the minor bridge. She cautions Planet, in his high and happy vibe, to "fail not your precious hold on me." Planet is not ready to hear this, and kind of blows her off with the carefree lead and chorus out to follow. Sky's dark premonition isn't manifested until the following song, when things take a sudden turn for the worst.
Here are some further notes on the genesis of the chorus lyrics (as previously elucidated at New Worlds):
A little over a year ago I discovered a wonderful book entitled "Love and Will" by the existential psychologist Rollo May written back in the sixties. It's a significant work, in length and in depth, and I read it twice back to back.
Near the beginning he describes four aspects of love; libido (sex), eros (the creative impulse), filia (brotherly love) and agape (God's love for his children in purest form). The first chorus above attempts to reflect these concepts. Libido- thrill of combination, eros- creating a brand new world, filia- eternal perfect friendship, and agape- a vow to care and shelter all within our fold.
This page might be a little closer to technically correct, but I'll stick with May's interpretations, if for no other reason than that it fits my needs better in the song.
Such is Love: Music
D Bm7 AsusA Bm
D EsusE Asus A
DsusD E A7 A
D E Asus A
C#m A D/Bbass E
C#m A C# D/Bbass E
C#m A D/Bbass E
AsusA BsusB ^B
Em Dm Am7 Em
Em Dm G A
bridge-lead(over verse form)-chorus 3x
Such is Love: Lyrics
She flows into my valleys
dances 'cross my plains
climbs my highest mountains
brings me gentle rains
I provide a base for her
enrich her wondrous soul
whatever she may need from me
I will find and bring it whole
such is love
the thrill of combination
such is love
creating a brand new world
such is love
perfect eternal friendship
a vow... to guide and shelter all...
all within our fold
the air above is warm now
on my surface rivers run
time to wake the travelers
to thrive beneath the sun
and yet my peace is broken
no... I dare not dwell upon
I know she'll never leave me
but what if I can't hold on?
such is love
the agony and ecstasy
such is love
to build with spirit bold
such is love
wonder what became of me
a vow... to guide and shelter her...
and all within our fold
Lover draw me close to thee
Against the black and clod of night
We hold the key to life within us
Fail not your precious hold on me
Such is Love: Status
This song has been a genuine struggle. Reed and I have failed repeatedly to find common ground. At first I wanted something soulful but delebratory, almost gospel. Reed kept hearing something toned down- acoustic even. Finally I got the reggae inspiration and tried a couple of times to sell Reed on it and failed. John camae to the rescue, knowing precisely how to do the nuts and bolts of reggaefying it. From that point on it just became a matter of getting comfortable with the form.
We'll see on Tuesday if it's on track as I hope.
Such is Love: RecordingsBass/Vocal Demo, Joel's garage, Montara, ~4/15/09
Planet My Love: Overview
Upon finishing Such is Love I knew that Sky had to answer Planet's love song, but it would have an entirely different tone. I also had "show-stopper aria" in mind. I started to feel a little intimidated by the challenge because I knew the music and lyrics had to stand out.
Sky has to deliver a fairly complex message; she is aware that the planet is cooling rapidly and that the biosphere is ultimately doomed. She truly loves Planet, and so bears no sense of blame toward him even though she will herself be a casualty. She is wise and resigned to their shared fate, but also a little angry that it has to be this way. Finally, she understands that the love they share is something beyond life and death, and needs to express this to Planet so he understands as well and can celebrate their love without self-pity or overwhelming grief and despair.
Somehow I found lyrics to bring all of these ideas together and then had to set them to music; to come up with parts that transition from sorrow to anger to acceptance to celebration of the glory of their eternal love as they pass from the scene.
I think it works. Now I just need to hear somebody sing it.
Planet My Love: Music
||: C#m Dm C#m F :||
||: Bb D Eb F :||
(rest two beats after bridge)
lead(over verse/chorus/bridge form)-verse3
Planet My Love: Lyrics
Planet my love
I know that we're dying
your rivers run empty
my air fades away
our children retreat
into your deepest havens
your surface lies barren
'neath the sun's deadly rays
the pain fills my heart
this sorrow I feel
the dread separation
this grief is too real
but I can't regret
the moment I found you
the joy of our union
in eternity bound
fairness, beauty, compassion
province of good mortal beings
the universe cares not for its children
who wait for its pityless sting
but we made a gift unto heaven
our love, precious and free
as we fade to oblivion
love is our victory
Planet my love
I join you in dying
there's no greater glory
than to share our last day
So let us embrace
as we walk through this door
though our time here is over
our love will yet live... forevermore
Planet My Love: Status
I hope to get rough drums. bass, guitar recordings of this with and without vocal this coming Tuesday (7/14/09).
Planet My Love: RecordingsDemo (w/ reference vocal), Mission Rock Studio, SF, 5/6/09
(Reed, Joel)
Instrumental demo, Mission Rock Studio, SF, 5/8/09
(Reed, Joel)
Empty World: Overview
This one is pretty murky at this point, but I feel sure that it will be without lyrics- there's nobody around to sing it, Planet and Sky as living entities have left the scene. There may be some ethereal voices of some kind over a somber, melancholy instrumental. I'd like to work free-form to some extent with Reed and John (and whoever) contributing musical ideas on the fly. In other words, once I've really got a band that feels like a band, this will be the band's song.
Empty World: Music
Empty World: Lyrics
Empty World: Status
Wake Up!: Overview
The entire cast returns for a rousing reprise. The song will begin with a chorus groove featuring the voices of the Travelers returning to life. The depths into which they'd burrowed long ago to lie dormant for the ages is gradually warming. Then the Chief Scientist comes back on the scene versifying in rap form to explain what is happening.
The scientists have decoded the myth- what the dream meant- and have undertaken a massive project of macroengineering in response. They have begun to employ a variety of means to restore a viable biosphere. Of course this means that Planet and Sky are effectively brought back from the dead. They are not exactly the same beings- more like distant descendents- but exhibit similar characteristics (same voices for instance- conveniently). Most of all they discover that their love has survived their absence and they slip it back on like a comfortable old pair of shoes.
That's all folks.


text:
A scare at an eastern Kentucky middle school.
Officials say several students were sent to the emergency room after drinking rubbing alcohol.
They say a student brought a bottle with the alcohol in it and gave it to other students.
Officials say all the students are fine and have no health problems.
They say the issue is being dealt with at the school.