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Food for thought
March 22, 2007 - Amy Jo Hanna-Eckenrode
More and more reports are surfacing about the potential health benefits of feeding your dog a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some people have even lost their minds, I mean turned to preparing a strict diet of organic meats, fruits and veggies for their canine companions. (I hope my girls never hear about this). I try to stay abreast re: the latest findings on this topic, but much of the research is still inconclusive.
One argument is that before companies started to manufacture dog food, dogs only ate human food and seemed to do just fine. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing Laura Ingalls serve Jack a scoop of Purina Pro Plan.
The opposing view is that dog food is formulated specifically to meet the proper nutritional needs of our pets.
In the meantime, I will continue to rely on my own personal, in-house medical expert and Golden matriarch, Jesse. If you are a firm believer in feeding your pets only pet food, I respect your decision whole-heartedly and ask that do not take offense to the following which might contain graphic material for some readers:
If the vacuum doesn't catch it, Jess does. If it's fit for canine consumption, it's good enough for Jess. There are not too many "people" foods that Jess doesn't like.
I adopted Jess 2 years ago through the Central PA Golden Retriever Rescue. She is such a good girl. Jess is the epitome of a loyal Golden. I feel so blessed. Jess is now 12-years-old. She is sporting a full beard, mustache, overgrown "eyebrows", a cataract, two back legs that can't seem to keep up with her front, an array of ghastly, indistinguishable odors that she emits from all orficis of her body. Jess is now to the age that my vet doesn't even have the heart to give her any more shots. "Keep her happy," he instructed. I figure at 12+ years, she has earned the right to have a bite of my apple, banana, toast, etc, now and again.
If you are one of the brave to venture into the land of sharing people food, it is important to limit the amount you give and watch for signs that a food does not agree with your pet. (loose bowels, throwing up, lethargic behavior, no desire to eat or drink, etc). I am not doctor, nor do I profess to be an expert. Jesse told me.
And, aside from list of foods known to be potentially poisonous to pets, I would like to offer you on one additional item that I would strongly recommend never feeding your dog:
Let's just let that one go….
No pun intended.
To People Food or Not To People Food, That Is The Question: Share your knowledge, stories, antidotes, and tips, we'll learn together!


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Welcome to our weekly edition of what's hot in social media news. To help you stay up to date with social media, here are some of the news items that caught our attention.
What's New This Week?
Topsy Offers Entire History of Public Tweets: "If you're curious about your own first tweet—or any other piece of Twitter history" be sure to check it out.

subset: commoncrawl


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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Summerville High School junior Johnston McCurry will participate in the Under Armour/Baseball Factory Team One South Showcase this summer.
The Green Wave infielder has been invited to play shortstop during the showcase to be held in Peachtree, Ga. July 12 and 13. McCurry received the invitation after competing with thousands of players during Under Armour's nationwide tryouts.
In July, McCurry will participate in pro style workouts and play two showcase games in front of a large contingent of scouting directors, national cross-checkers, college baseball representatives and other baseball decision-makers. The experience is designed to help players develop their skills and receive recognition from college baseball programs. Some participants will be interviewed by Team One staff for a possible selection to the Under Armour All America Baseball Game to be played on Wrigley Field and televised by ESPN Aug. 24.
"My primary intent for attending the Under Armour national tryout was to be evaluated and receive pre-season feedback from professionals who would tell me like it is and where I potentially stack up among other athletes who have similar aspirations, but most importantly to use the feedback to set goals for improvement to better myself as a baseball player for my high school team," McCurry said. "Players performed in front of host evaluators with clip boards, stop watches, speed guns and cameras. To say the least, I was excited to be chosen to play shortstop for this once and a lifetime event."
McCurry recently completed his second season as a starter for the Green Wave varsity baseball team and is a wide receiver for his school's football team. He has also played extensively with the Diamond Devils travel organization and Summerville American Legion Baseball program.
He says he is excited about the showcase and thankful to the different people who helped him develop into a player that organizations such as the Baseball Factory would be interested in.
"I credit my high school coaches and people like Terry Jackman, Steven Jackson, Wade Hedges, Diamond Devil Baseball and Charleston Baseball Academy for working with me over the years," McCurry said. "Not to forget my parents who somehow juggle me and my three brothers, who also play baseball and football. I am very proud to be a part of Baseball Factory and this opportunity. I will do my best to represent my family, my town, my state, and myself with the utmost humility and honor."
Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or firstname.lastname@example.com
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MVA Office Hours: Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8
- Posted: Jan 18, 2013 at 7:32AM
Right click "Save as…"
Senior Technical Evangelists Joey Snow and Rick Claus led this fast-paced live Q&A session on 1/15/2013. Enjoy engaging dialog, debate and demos focused on Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 shaped by questions from a global audience of IT Professionals.
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The 10 Creepiest Cat Pictures in Art History
#5. This Postcard: United States, 1910
The magic of this illustration comes not from its novelty spring tail, but from the outside prospect of the spring breaking off in the mail. Should this occur, you're sending your loved one a jovial cat anus, a gesture so baffling that it has even managed to nonplus the kitten on the postcard itself.
#4. Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema's The Inundation of the Biesbosch in 1421: Netherlands, 1856
Does my definition of "art history" solely encompass mailbox ephemera, Japanese woodblock prints of genitals, and Swart Cat? Yes. But what kind of Philistine would I be if I didn't pretend to know anything about a painting of a cat giving the gas face during the Romantic period? How many aristocratic children had to be sent to sanitariums after staring at this painting too long?
#3. Catwoman: Ghana, 2004
Look, I didn't plan on including so many Ghanaian movie posters in this article, but it's not my fault if an undiscovered Ghanaian Hieronymus Bosch thought that Halle Berry's finest film since The Flintstones had a scene in which a divine tomcat vomited up a hectare of esophagus.
#2. The Art of Louis Wain: England, Early 1900s
No discussion of cat artwork is complete without an acknowledgement of Victorian-era illustrator Louis Wain. Wain began his career drawing family-friendly caricatures of happy cats for postcards and newspapers, but -- due to some combination of psychosis and an increased interest in experimental patterns -- Wain's later output resembled what my D.A.R.E. officer said would happen to my brain if I ever listened to music with a 4/4 time signature.
Wikimedia Commons
Now you can erase "Do angel dust and read Beatrix Potter" from your bucket list.
#1. Feuerwerkbuch: Germany, 1584
I'm going to level with you -- this article was mostly an excuse to showcase some artwork I plan on tattooing all over my body when this whole "being a functional member of civilization" thing finally run its course. But there's one cat drawing out there that cuts so deep, it makes me forget that feline dander turns my skull into an exploding cistern of boogers. And that illustration comes from this Renaissance manuscript. Meet Sir Rocket Cat and his comrade-in-arms, the Bluebird of Zoom.
At first glance, it appears as if these two noble critters have been outfitted with some anachronistic jet packs by, oh, their neighborhood warlock. But the reality is much more sinister -- Feuerwerkbuch was a manual detailing the many creative ways 16th century warmakers could rain pyrotechnic death upon their foes. These two frolicking friends aren't going on a fanciful Merlin-approved escapade. No, they're beelining toward that castle in the background, where they will ignite into fiery clouds of gristle and sadness.
University of Heidelberg
"Forsooth, Bluebird of Zoom! That grease-drenched enchanter said the kidnapped serfs are held in yonder keep!"
Obviously, strapping incendiaries to confused birds and tabbies doesn't exactly make for foolproof siege weapons, but you know that didn't stop some evil bastard from trying it out (and burning down his lean-to 15 minutes later). Anyway, look how gleeful and proud Sir Rocket Cat is with his rucksack-o'-death tied to his torso.
This picture is so heartbreaking, it makes me want to build a time machine, zip back to the 1500s, deposit some piss-stained peasants in the Cretaceous period, chrono-jump back to the Renaissance, and whisk Rocket Cat away to the safety of modernity, all the while flipping the space-time continuum the bird.
And if Back to the Future physics have taught me anything, there's a good chance my actions will erase 50 percent of you from the time stream and mutate the other 50 percent into I'll-be-dipped.
Ghana Movie Posters
Is this your new evolutionary form or an excuse to sneak in one last Ghanaian film poster? You decide!
That's how I know Feuerwerkbuch contains the greatest cat picture of all time. I love that two-dimensional jet pack cat so much that I'd be willing to destroy reality itself on his behalf, allergies be damned. That picture makes me feel like a cat owner (which I guess feels like being a Doctor Who villain). In any case, nobody invent time travel if I'm within earshot.
You can find Cyriaque Lamar on Twitter.


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An ideal music for a celebration that makes a tribute to the music of the decade of the years 60.
If you purchase this track please rate it, and if you use it in your project I would be grateful if you let me know. I'll post a link back to your project on my profile.
Both WAV and MP3 versions of the track are included in the download package.
Thanks for your purchase!


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Pedestrian killed, another injured on Volusia road
Accident claims life, hurts another
One person was killed and another was injured when they were hit by a car while walking down Osteen Maytown Road.
Two vehicles were involved in the crash near Lakeview Drive. A Chevy pickup truck, driven by Rory Evans, sideswiped pedestrian Jessica Alfonso, 26, and then hit Brandon Alfonso, 27.
Jessica Alfonso fell into the roadway. An Isuzu SUV, driven by James Jenkins, drove over her. The driver did attempt to stop, according to Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
Brandon Alfonso was taken to a hospital for treatment with serious injuries.
Troopers said the Alfonsos were wearing dark clothing when the accident happened, about 7 p.m.
Copyright 2013 by WESH.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Under the direction of Keith L. Black, MD, Cedars-Sinai neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists treat the full range of tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord. We offer both children and adults medical, surgical and neuro-oncologic care for:
Brain Tumors
Benign and Cranial (Skull) Base Tumors
- Arachnoid Cyst
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Chordomas
- Colloid Cysts
- Dermoid and Epeidermoid Tumors
- Glomus Jugulare Tumors
- Hemangioblastomas
- Meningiomas
- Pinealomas
- Vestibular Schwannomas
Malignant Tumors
- Astrocytomas
- Ependymoma
- Esthesioneuroblastoma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Germinoma
- Gliosarcoma
- Glioblastoma Multiforme
- Mixed-malignant Gliomas
- Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (Medulloblastoma, Neuroblastoma)
- Primary central nervous system lymphoma
- Metastatic Brain Tumors
- Pineal Region Tumors
Pituitary Tumors and Other Neuroendocrine Tumors
- Craniopharyngioma
- Pituitary adenomas
- Pituitary cancer
- Rathke's Cleft Cyst
Spinal Tumors
- Astrocytoma
- Chordoma
- Hemangioblastoma
- Meningioma
- Nerve sheath tumor
- Acoustic neuromas
- Neurilemmomas
- Schwannomas
- Spinal cord lipomas and lipomyelomeningoceles
- Spinal metastatic tumor
Pediatric Tumors
- Astrocytoma
- Craniopharyngioma
- Ependymoma
- Medulloblastoma
- Spinal cord lipomas and lipomyelomeningoceles
Many of the procedures done on both children and adults at the Department of Neurosurgery can be done using minimally invasive neurosurgery techniques.
The department takes a patient-centered approach to care. Because no two individuals respond in the same way to treatment, our multidisciplinary team of specialists provides highly individualized diagnostic and treatment services. Care is delivered in a compassionate, family-involved environment where education and psychosocial support are top priorities. Our support staff has a single goal: excellent service.
A unique strength of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, its research arm, is the ability to translate research findings from the laboratory into clinical practice, giving patients direct and rapid access to the latest treatment alternatives. This is especially crucial for individuals with complex, neurosurgical conditions who may have limited treatment options.
For an appointment, a second opinion or more information, please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Get an overview of this hotel4.5-star beach condominium resort with a full-service spa
Offering direct access to the beach, this Choeng Thale condominium resort is in the historical district, 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Laguna Phuket Golf Club, and 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from Layan Beach. Laem Singh Beach and Pansea Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Property Features
Catch some rays at the nearby beach, pamper yourself at Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket's full-service spa, or enjoy yoga.
Room Amenities
All 40 condos feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi and LCD TVs with satellite channels. Guests will also find 24-hour room service, DVD players, and separate bathtubs and showers.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket35 Moo 4 Choeng Thale Phuket 83110
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
In addition to a full-service spa, Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket features an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The condominium resort offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, and a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the condominium resort's bars, which include a beach bar, a swim-up bar, and a bar/lounge. A computer station is located on site and high-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Business-related amenities at this 4.5-star property consist of a business center and limo/town car service. Event facilities measure 0 square feet (0 square meters). This luxury condominium resort also offers a health club, a sauna, and spa services. For a surcharge, a roundtrip airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is offered to guests. Onsite self parking and valet parking are complimentary.
Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket is a smoke-free property.
- Beach bar
- Snack bar/deli
- Billiards or pool table
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free WiFi
- Spa services on site
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Free valet parking
- Computer station
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Children's club (free)
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Year Built 2007
- Poolside bar
- Wedding services
- Full-service spa
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Steam room
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Limo or Town Car service available
- Multilingual staff
- Garden
- Swim-up bar
- Health club
- Total number of rooms - 40
- Number of buildings/towers - 7
- Concierge services
- Gift shops or newsstand
- 24-hour front desk
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Arcade/game room
- Babysitting or childcare
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Elevator/lift
- Hair salon
- Children's club
- Restaurant
- Conference space size (feet) - 0
- Conference space size (meters) - 0
- Free self parking
- Sauna
- Smoke-free property
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Indoor pool
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Children's club (free)
- Snack bar/deli
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Arcade/game room
- DVD player
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, Free valet parking
Room Amenities
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Bathrobes
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Free bottled water
- Desk
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Bidet
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Slippers
- Satellite TV service
- Free WiFi
- Premium TV channels
- DVD player
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- In-room safe
- Room service (24 hours)
Where to Eat
The Palm Cuisine - Overlooking the garden, this restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. A children's menu is available.
Late night fare is available from 24-hour room service.
Nearby Activities
A health club and complimentary bicycles are featured at the condominium resort. An indoor pool and an outdoor pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a sauna.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Snorkeling nearby
- Surfing/boogie boarding nearby
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Parasailing nearby
- Mountain biking nearby
- Skydiving nearby
- Windsurfing nearby
- Rafting nearby
- Beach volleyball on site
- Beach yoga on site
- Boat tours nearby
- Free bicycles on site
- Tennis lessons on site
- Yoga classes/instruction on site
- Game viewing nearby
- Safari nearby
- Rock climbing nearby
- Cave exploring/spelunking nearby
- Ziplining nearby
- Ecotours nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
Spa Services
The Blossom Spa has 4 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. The spa is equipped with a sauna. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.
- Number of treatment rooms 4
- Couples treatment rooms
- Massages on beach
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
- Sauna in spa
Hotel Policies
Special check-in instructions:
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
- No pets or service animals allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
24-hour check-in
No pets or service animals allowed
- New Year's Eve gala dinner fee
Optional extras
- Airport shuttle fee: THB 1800 per vehicle (one way)
- Rollaway bed fee: THB 3561 per night
Hotel Name
- Movenpick Bangtao Beach Phuket
- Moevenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket
- Moevenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket Choeng Thale
- Moevenpick Bangtao Beach Phuket Choeng Thale
- Moevenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket Hotel Bang Tao Beach
- Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket Bang Tao
We should mention
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the condominium resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. A fee for a mandatory New Year's Eve gala dinner is included in the total price displayed for stays on 31 December. No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.


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China to send volunteer teachers to Laos, Ethiopia
06 September 2006
Shanghai, China: Around 150 to 200 young volunteers in China will be sent to countries in Africa, Latin America and the rest of Asia from this month as part of China's foreign assistance project, the China News Service said today.
The enrollment of volunteers has already begun. Relevant requirements and information are available on the official website, said the news report.
Volunteers will go to these countries to help teach Chinese and sports, as well as promote traditional Chinese medicines, and agricultural and computer technologies, said the foreign assistance department under the country's commerce ministry.
China's Communist Youth League has sent 109 volunteers to Laos, Burma, Thailand and Ethiopia upon their requests since May 2002, said the report.
This year's foreign assistance project will be implemented in two phases, with the first set of around 100 volunteers being sent to Laos and Ethiopia to help teach Chinese, medical treatments, information technology, business management and social development.
Among them, 13 will set off to Laos by the end of this month, while 60 of the remaining will head to Ethiopia by the end of October. Information regarding the second phase is yet to be released.
A database of the applicants has been established, which offers an encouraging view on how many warm-hearted young people there really are in China, said the report.


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Insight & Intelligence : Mar 14, 2014
JobWatch: Bay Area's Unlikely Challenger
CT-NJ-NY-PA edges longtime leader in 2013 job postings.!--h2>
A pair of recently released reports offered some familiar and surprising insights on where biotech jobs are most likely to pop up nationwide.
The San Francisco Bay Area had a sizeable share of biopharma jobs posted last year on BioSpace.com, reflecting the region's perennial status as a top-tier cluster, BioSpace.com reported in its 2013 Biotech Bay Annual Report: Hiring & Salary Trends in the Life Sciences, released March 4. The Bay Area accounted for 19.4% of the 11,790 jobs posted on the biotech job website in 2013, or 2,287 jobs.
But the region that traditionally finishes first in regional rankings, most recently last Monday by GEN, was edged out in job postings last year by the 19.5% share (2,299 jobs) of a four-state combination that BioSpace calls "Pharm Country," consisting of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
To be fair, most rankings are based on jobs and other factors; GEN combined employment with NIH and venture capital funding, availability of lab space, and patents awarded since 1976. But number of jobs is a significant factor for regional clusters, and the Pharm Country states racked up the biggest year-to-year increase in postings—29.5%, compared with an unspecified decrease for the Bay Area, according to BioSpace's nationally focused 2013 Annual Report: Hiring & Salary Trends in the Life Sciences," released in January.
The Bay Area is still number-one, however, in responses to job postings, with an average of 40 per job, up 5% from 2012. Most-posted positions by employers were lab assistant (156), research associate (132), associate scientist (116), research assistant/ coordinator (113), chemical engineer (104), and biologist (101).
The job categories are in synch with the jobs being sought by prospective employees. Research Associates of all levels topped the list of in-demand positions, accounting for 13.9% of postings (1,639) in 2013. Next highest were Scientist I–III positions at 11.2%, followed by engineering (7%) and QA/QC Associate/Scientist (6.9%).
The same four job categories were also in greatest demand by biopharma employers nationwide, albeit in a different order: Scientist I–III roles were most in demand, followed by Research Associate, QA/QC Associate/ Scientist, and engineering.
"We've seen an increase in both the number of professionals utilizing the site as well as an increase in the number of job opportunities posted," Emily Chereck, product manager, BioSpace, told GEN. "This is positive news for professionals and life sciences employers alike as it points to growing opportunities as well as more qualified life sciences employees searching for careers within the industry."
Pursuit of Quality
Both the Bay Area and national reports saw more job seekers typing "quality" among their job search keywords last year compared with 2012. San Francisco area seekers brought quality from sixth to third on the list of most frequently typed words; nationally, the word zoomed from seventh to fourth.
"Pharmaceutical companies are facing increasing scrutiny with their compliance measures, thus increasing the demand for quality assurance professionals," Chereck said. "As the FDA continues to approve more drugs, the demand for quality assurance professionals will continue to grow."
Employees working for Bay Area biotech and pharma companies made more than most of their industry counterparts across the country, earning average annual salaries of $66,137 last year—5.4% above the $62,737 national average reported by BioSpace users.
If that average sounds rather low, there's a good reason: The salary data included the pay of part-time employees and interns as well as full-time professionals. The low end of the pay scale is all but weeded out, however, when salaries are compared by education.
Interestingly, Ph.D.s and other doctorates earn less on average ($78,155.74) than MBAs, who were the only education subcategory to crack six figures, but barely, at $100,886.08. That likely reflects the sky-high pay of CEOs and top executives, not all of whom have biopharma or medical degrees. Fourteen of the 15 CEOs with the highest total compensation in 2012 made $10 million or more, according to GEN's most recent CEO pay list.
JOBCETERA: Bayer, Clinipace, Jazz Pharma, Novartis
Share your news of biopharma employment ups, downs, and trends with JobWatch. Please email Alex Philippidis at [email protected] or via Twitter at @AlexWestchester.
© 2016 Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, All Rights Reserved


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Trans-Siberian Orchestra's cross-genre Christmas show electrified American Airlines Center on Sunday with two sold-out performances. The bright lights, fiery fiddles and rock-opera Christmas songs proved again why the band is a hit year after year.
Founded in 1993 by producer, composer and lyricist Paul O'Neill, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has sold nearly 10 million concert tickets worldwide. In 2009, Billboard magazine rated the band as one of the top 10 ticket-sellers of the new millennium. Each of the band's six albums includes a spoken narrative that threads the songs together.
The current tour is a full-length rendition of The Lost Christmas Eve, the story of an angel who visits Earth to redeem a lost soul. Narrator Phillip Brandon's rich bass voice adds a touch of music to the clunky lines about the angel's visit to a hotel, a blues bar and finally to a hopeless man who lost his wife at Christmastime years ago.
Opening the story is a triumphant version of "The First Noel," with screeching electric guitars and a backdrop of flames. The songs unfold the story, with some original music tucked into variations of classic holiday hymns and carols. "Carol of the Bells," "O Come All Ye Faithful" and many other Christmas favorites become the show's leitmotifs.
In "Wish Liszt (Toy Shop Madness)," children are said to be imagining a toy shop come to life, but a music buff will hear that the dueling keyboards are playing a reworking of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Franz Liszt. But the flashy songs are outshone by Chloe Lowery's "For the Sake of Our Brother," which includes a snippet of "O Come All Ye Faithful" — earning a standing ovation during the Sunday afternoon performance.
This moment of reflection stands alone in an otherwise flashy extravaganza. Beyond the energetic light show, the new tour lifts the band members to new heights. Robotic arms, tucked into the stage until the rousing encore, lift the electric guitarist and fiddle player 50 feet above the audience. The 30-minute encore features a hodgepodge of songs from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, with even more lights and louder guitar solos.
The over-the-top production value and the heartfelt story are what bring the audience back each year. This current tour demonstrates once again the incredible showmanship of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Lauren Smart is a freelance writer in Dallas.


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Méribel lies in the very centre of the Three Valleys, the most popular French ski area and ski holiday destination in the world and with good reason. It is arguably one of France's most attractive ski resorts with the tree lined ski runs and pretty village. A Méribel skiing holiday will give you the opportunity to explore the 600km of totally linked piste the Three Valleys has to offer; linking Meribel to the ski resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. The lift system is ultra modern (queues are almost unknown here), there is ample skiing in Méribel for all abilities including endless off piste possibilities.
There is excellent skiing to be had in the Courchevel area or over the hill in the Belleville valley. The best r... read full
In Meribel Rond Point bar has some great afternoon apres ski. Cactus bar is also very easy to get to as you walk... read full
Méribel consists of several different areas, all of which have access to the Méribel skiing area, but will offer a different experience during a Méribel ski holiday.
Méribel Les Allues is the main town, normally just referred to as Méribel and a popular choice for a Méribel skiing holiday. Approximately 2 miles out of town is Meribel Village. Developed only a few years ago, this village is very small and up market with luxury apartments and Méribel ski chalets, served by its own chairlift to Meribel Altiport. Méribel le Raffort is another village also just out of town, with one restaurant and a gondola connection to the main ski resort. Raffort is mainly privately run chalets that usually have their own minibus service. Meribel -Mottaret, usually just called Mottaret is a satellite resort higher up the mountain. It appeals more to the serious skier and with a good choice of ski in, ski out accomodation. A good choice for very early or late season Méribel skiing holiday. It has a very good choice of restaurants and several bars and is a resort that offers something for everyone!
Méribel Altiport area is perfect for learning with new protected areas. Mottaret also has a small protected tow lift for beginner skiers and snowboarders in Meribel.
Meribel is a beautiful resort and is the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland-family ski holidays. There is so much for families to do off the slopes in Meribel, from ice skating to swimming to shopping to indoor climbing. Meribel is very convenient for families as the skiing is great, the village is large and the ski schools cater brilliantly for children and beginners.
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NSCLC is "Major Battlefield" as Merck,...
Expanding Use of NGS Has Largely...
Developers of DTC Genetic Testing Are...
Wall Street Decline Takes Its Toll...
The U.S. PTO recently granted a patent for a new RNA interference nanotechnology, called packaging RNA or pRNA, to Kylin Therapeutics. The company, founded in 2007, is developing the pRNA platform to deliver RNA-based nanoparticles to silence genes that cause disease. "Our intellectual property is unique in the field of small RNA interference," says Eric Davis, president, CEO, and co-founder of the company.
Peixuan Guo, Ph.D., invented the pRNA nanotechnology while he was a professor of molecular virology and biomedical engineering at Purdue University. Dr. Guo, a co-founder of Kylin, now directs the Nanomedicine Bionanotechnology Center at the University of Cincinnati.
The pRNA technology was modeled on the design of a molecular motor found in the phi29 bacteriophage. Individual subunits of pure RNA that self-assemble into dimers, trimers, and hexamers make up pRNA. A single pRNA dimer is about 25 nanometers. Promising RNA therapeutics such as aptamers, ribozymes, and therapeutic RNAs can be incorporated into individual subunits of pRNA.
RNA interference is a natural gene-silencing process within all cells. The pRNA method exploits this process by selectively turning off genes responsible for cancer, infectious diseases, and other illnesses. To deliver RNA-based therapeutics specifically to diseased cells, targeting molecules are incorporated into individual pRNA subunits. These targeting agents include small molecules such as folate, peptides, aptamers, or monoclonal antibodies that insure that pRNA is taken up by diseased cells. Once the nanoparticles enter diseased cells, Dicer enzymes cleave and release the therapeutic RNAs, thereby turning off genes that cause the disease.
Both the targeting molecules and gene-silencing agents are tailored to match specific disease tissue. In pRNA hexamers, for example, six positions are available to carry molecules for cell recognition, therapy, and detection.
In addition to RNA therapeutics, other materials, including fluorescent beads, radioisotopes, or quantum dots, can be attached to detect cancer at different stages or treat it, according to Davis. The platform has broad potential to combine multiple RNA functions into one nanoparticle, such as receptor antagonism/activation, cell targeting/delivery, and gene knockdown through RNA interference mechanisms.
Dr. Guo discovered that the structural and molecular features of phi29 allow it to be easily manipulated to form gene-targeting delivery vehicles. In a study reported in the September 2005 issue of Human Gene Therapy, Dr. Guo and co-workers constructed pRNA dimers containing either a receptor-binding RNA aptamer or folate for cell recognition. The other subunit carried small interfering RNAs, ribozymes, or other chemical groups. The dimers were successfully delivered to specific cells and silenced the genes for green fluorescent protein, luciferase, survivin, and BCL-2 in a variety of cancer cells.
The pRNA complexes also could target and treat chronic viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis. In a proof-of-concept study, the pRNA method strongly inhibited replication of coxsackievirus, a common pathogen involved in myocarditis.
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Gregory Ferguson, sr., Tyrone: Three-time?Mirror first-team all-star and honorable mention as a freshman ... Shot a career-low 5-under par 67 in a four-team match against Huntingdon, Altoona and Central at Iron Masters ... Won the Mountain League individual championship with a 74 ... Won season-opening Wildcat Invitational on fourth playoff hole at Tom's Run in Blairsville that featured 13 high school teams ... Finished seventh after losing on a playoff hole for sixth place (and the final spot in the PIAA Western Regionals) in District 6 championship. Shot rounds of 82 and 77.
Jake Frederick, sr., Northern Bedford: Topped the field in the District 5 championship with a 77 at Great Cove Golf Course in McConnellsburg ... Finished sixth during individual competition at the Inter-County Conference tournament with an 87 ... Qualified for but chose not to compete in the PIAA Western Regional ... Named an ICC All-Star.
Article Photos
Mirror photo by J.D. Cavrich
2012 Altoona Mirror golf all-stars include (from left): Tyrone's Gregory Ferguson, Northern Bedford's J.J. McCabe and Jake Frederick, Hollidaysburg's Jordan Kirsch, Central Cambria's Max Kirsch.
Jordan Kirsch, sr., Hollidaysburg: Teamed with Hunter Shields to win the 10-team Yurochko Memorial High School Golf Tournament with a 70 ... Finished second at the DuBois Invitational with a 79 and helped Golden Tigers win the team title. ... Tied for second with Max Kirsch at the Wheeling Invitational, one shot off the lead ... Shot a 3-under par 69 to finish first in District 6 Class AAA Qualifier at Sinking Valley Country Club ... Tied for lead after first day of District 6 championships with a 77 but finished third after shooting a second-day 81 to fall short of PIAA Western Regional.
Max Kirsch, sr., Central Cambria: Two-time Mirror first-team all-star ... Shot rounds of 71 and 75 to repeat as District 6 Class AA champion by one stroke over Richland's Brady Moran ... Advanced to PIAA Championships in individual competition by shooting a 77 to tie for fifth at the PIAA Western Regional ... Helped Red Devils win second consecutive District 6 team title and had the low round for CC in a PIAA Regional victory against Conemaugh Township ... Shot rounds of 77 and 75 during individual state finals to finish eighth and earn a medal ... Shot a team-low 78 in the team state finals when the Red Devils took fourth. ... Finished tied for second at the Wheeling Invitational, one stroke behind Moran.
J.J. McCabe, sr., Northern Bedford: Mirror second-team all-star as a junior ... Won the Inter-County Conference individual championship by shooting a 79 and beating Bellwood-Antis' Jake Pearson in a playoff ... Shot an 83 in the District 5 Class AA championship to finish third and qualify for the PIAA Western Regional ... Qualified for the PIAA Championships by shooting an 80 at Western Regional and tying for 14th place ... Shot rounds of 82 and 84 at states to finish 24th ... Named an ICC All-Star.
Logan Brallier, jr., Everett
Tyler Brown, jr., Claysburg-Kimmel
Kourtney Mortimer, soph., Bedford
Sam Stevens, sr., Central Cambria
Tyler Tiesi, sr., Northern Cambria


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No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
Cubs 2008 20th round draft pick and current AZL batting leader LF Jericho Jones (who is now hitting .437) rapped out four hits (three singles and a double), 1B Bryan Jost reached base five times (two singles, a triple, and two walks), and RHP Ryan Searle returned from Australia to throw three innings of no run/no hit relief (0/5 BB/K), as the AZL Cubs rallied from an early 8-0 deficit to edge the AZL Brewers 9-8 at Fitch Park Field #3 Saturday morning.
The 19-year old Searle spent the past two months at the MLB Australian Academy, where he led all MLBAAP startng pitchers in wins, ERA, WHIP, and K. He attended Cubs Minor League Camp and Extended Spring Training in both 2007 and 2008, but yesterday was his first "official" minor league appearance. It was the most dominating outing by any AZL Cubs pitcher at Fitch Park so far this year, with the possible exception of 1st round pick Andrew Cashner's one-inning pro debut on Thursday.
The MLBAAP concluded it's season last week amidst heavy rains that forced cancellation of the last couple of games. In addition to Searle's superior performance, 18-year old left-handed hitting OF Sean Williams hit 330/412/455, good for 3rd in the league in BA, 5th in OBP, and 7th in SLG. He also finished 3rd in doubles and 4th in hits, as well as tying for 2nd in the league in RBI and 4th in runs scored.
At least four Australians (Searle and Williams, plus two 17 year old pitchers--LHP Cody Hams and RHP Adam Spencer) will be attending Cubs Minor League Camp next March.
A former Australian cricket star (bowler), Hams attended Minor League Camp and EXST at Fitch Park this season before returning to Australia with Searle on May 21st for the MLBAAP season.
Korean SS Hak-Ju Lee also attended the MLBAAP this year, but he participated only in the "Two Week Phase" before returning to South Korea.
Like the four Australians, Lee will be at Cubs Minor League Camp next season, and he might possibly also attend the AZ Instructional League at Fitch Park in September-October 2008 (still TBD), as RHP Dae-Eun Rhee (currently rehabbing from recent Tommy John Surgery) did last year.
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
Wow, Phil. AZL Cubs games sure sound like a hell of a lot of fun these days. I imagine you'll be bummed out when all these dominant players are promoted. Given the sheer number of good players, there seems like there is gonna have to be a pretty big shakeup of the whole system to make room for all of them... Or maybe they'll just keep them there and wait until next year...
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
I think they ought to send a few of these players up now while they're swinging the hot bats.They can give the Boise team a shot in the arm offensively that they're lacking right now.The players that have continued to struggle in Boise should be moved down to Mesa.
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
AZ Phil,
Do you know why Vitters hasn't played for Boise in over a week? Is he hurt?
Re: murton was sent down to make room for epat.
The Murton curse again.
When will the horror end?
Re: Do you know why Vitters hasn't played for Boise
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
Arizona Phil,
What is the scoop on 2008 Cubs 9th round pick Jay Jackson, 20 year old right-handed pitcher from Furman U. His combined Boise-Peoria stats are pretty impressive -- shows apparent command of the plate coupled with an ability to miss bats consistently:
28.1IP, 3.18ERA, 26H, 5BB, 44K, 3HR allowed in 8 (mostly long relief) appearances.
Did you see him pitch while he was in Arizona? Does his stuff translate for success at higher levels? His last 3 appearances with Peoria have been exceptional, averaging almost 2K per IP: 12.1IP, 10H, 2ER, 22K, 1BB
Re: What is the scoop on 2008 Cubs 9th round pick Jay Jackson
While you wait for Arizona Phil, you might enjoy this
Re: What is the scoop on 2008 Cubs 9th round pick Jay Jackson
Teflon Tim at it again! Damn!
Thanks for the link, Nav. Looks like the kid could get a shot down the road...
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
Thanks for the link navigator. Per the article, the guy can evidently spot a low 90's fastball pretty well ... have to think he came up with a new wrinkle since last year to go along with his command of the fb.
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
He has a pretty good slider which Cubs scouts believe will be a plus pitch. I think I heard that once his mechanics are cleaned up, he could throw a little harder. He's only relieving because he's teamed up with rehabber Jose Pina (who can't pass 3 innings), otherwise he'd be starting.
Re: No Lead Safe When Playing AZL Cubs
Anybody know what happenned to AZ Phil? He hasn't posted anything about the AZL Cubs since July 27th. Maybe he works nights and can't get to the 7:00 pm games.I sure miss the updates
Recent comments
Check out John Arguello at Cubs Den for great analysis & photos from Cubs AZ Instructs
soler + hammel for mike trout is pretty much a sure thing. *nods*
Not an inspired outing by Rondon. Seemingly got ahead of every hitter but had no swing and miss pitch today, slider had no bite.
Somebody give Soler some smelling salts - yeesh
And...now that runner scores on a single...
So where do you think Soler will be traded to this off season?
And right on cue he throws to third with no chance to get runner on 2nd so the batter takes 2nd easily. How long has he been playing baseball??
Man you cannot put Soler out there late in games for Playoffs. Yuch...
Such is the life of a fatted calf...
fowler with a triple in the 4th...he's a HR away from a "natural" cycle
...and contreras takes one off the hand and he's in obvious pain. sigh.
he's staying in the game, though he's wringing his hand out during breaks in the action. aside from that he seems to have no issue giving signs or tossing back to the pitcher.
...and he's batting in the cubs half of the following inning. sweet.
his collapse started on august 21st this season...so it's a slight improvement.
but wow, what a collapse since then...only 2 out of 7 can be considered good/decent.
I'm really going to enjoy watching Hammel watch the playoffs.
The always combustible Jason Hammel
Hammel :(
That was fun.
"home field advantage through the playoffs?"
Except for the away games.


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By Nicole Walby
Staff Writer
Article Photos
Sentinel Career and Technology Center students look at blueprints and organize a plan of action on a job site.
The house students are building for a building trades project at the school.
Zach Reidel, Hollie Alexander and Michaela Barth search for evidence at a mock crime scene for their Sentinel project.
Students are gearing, teaming, designing and building for the 2013 Northwest Regional SkillsUSA Championships.
The contest is 9 a.m.- noon Feb. 15 at Sentinel Career and Technology Center, with the awards ceremony taking place at 1 p.m. at Columbian High School.
"Since we do not have sports at Sentinel, CTSO's (Career Tech Student Organizations) are the way our students get to showcase their skills against others from our region, state and country," Director Elissa Heal said.
Medical Instructor Sandy Reinhart said her students have put in many hours of practicing and studying.
"This competition is not for those that are not willing to put in the hard work. They have to want it and it has to come from the heart," Reinhart said.
Junior Ciara Long is competing in the prepared speech portion on the subject, "Skills employers are looking for in employees."
"I felt that with this topic, I would be able to do the most research," Long said.
The speech has to be five to seven minutes long. To prepare, Long memorizes and recites her speech every night. Long said she is not usually nervous before or during speaking; her nervousness comes the moment after. Long also has been involved in the FFA public-speaking competition.
She plans to go to Findlay University for physical therapy.
"I want to help people. I am outgoing and like to meet all different types of people," Long said. "For this competition, you have to want it and put the work in."
The competition tests all types of skills.
"You have to not just survive, but to win the competition," senior Hannah Corner said.
She and fellow senior Danielle Sammet will be showcasing skills in nurse assisting, such as moving transfers, bed-making, hygiene and care.
"It is a self-challenge for us." Corner said. "It would be a huge success if we win."
Medical students Magan Somodi, Ashley Perry and Kaitlyn Hoffman are preparing a health tech prep showcase dealing with obesity.
"Obesity is such a big topic, we wanted to inform people and make them aware," Hoffman said.
The showcase will be part of Sentinel's weekend winter camps beginning in February.
"We want to show that we worked hard and are proud of our goal," Somodi said. "We want to make an impact. The greatest competition will be the other teams that have just as strong topics such as cancer or other diseases."
Many teams will be represented throughout the competition. For example, in the health knowledge bowl, two teams are to compete in a "Jeopardy"-like competition along with a written test.
Team one consist of seniors Candy Haugh, Alyssa Assenheimer and Kelly Bishop and junior Chelsea Fitsschen.
"It is definitely a big competition. It is exciting to compete and be the best," Haugh said.
Haugh plans to attend Bowling Green University after graduation and then to transfer to the University of Cincinnati to become a pediatric nurse.
"It's exciting knowing that we could win." Assenheimer said.
The team has put a lot of work into studying and practicing before and after school, Bishop said.
"We have put a lot of time and energy. It would mean a lot for something good to come out of it," she said.
Team two is comprised of seniors Talyor Nye, Alexis Schwilk and juniors Becca Heidler and Krista Ward.
Other medical students participating in the regional competition are juniors Allison Werling and Kaylee Sherer in medical terminology; and junior Sidney Baker and senior Arion Tiell in medical math.
Public Safety students also are getting prepared for the competition. Instructor George Byington's crime scene team practices every Tuesday after school on how to collect evidence, photograph and sketch a scene and conduct interviews. The team consists of seniors Hollie Alexander and Micaela Barth and junior Zach Reidel.
"It takes understanding and knowledge," Byington said.
In addition to the crime scene team, Byington also has students participating in other areas. Those students are seniors Douglas McDonald, Chyanne Lykins and Daniell Sanagan and junior Brad Huston.
Students also are tested in artistic ability.
Cosmetology students seniors Bridgett Stallard and Sarah Faber are competing in the hair portion while seniors Alanna Widman and Emily Madden are competing in the nail portion.
"These girls are dedicated. Someone in this competition has to be dedicated and be able to work with what is given to them," said cosmetology instructor Nichole England.
The students were chosen after a local competition at Sentinel. The guidelines were the same as the upcoming regional competition. The students have to create an up-do hair style using three styling techniques; they have an hour to do so. Then, they have a hair cut to do in about 40 minutes and a 15-minute styling.
"I want to do something that is unique and that will stand out," Stallard said. "I want to show that my dedication and hard work has paid off, and I'd hope to one day open my own salon."
According to building construction trades instructor Aaron Thompson, "We want to give students as much of a real-world experience as we can."
"The teamworks team that I have this year knows how to problem-solve, to get the job done and to think on the fly like with getting changes to blueprints (and) to be able to perform the proper changes on site."
The team is involved in a two-day contest. The team has about eight hours of build time consisting of four parts: carpentry, plumbing, electrical and masonry. The students receive a set of blueprints they have use to build items with aspects such as framing, building a staircase, roughen windows and doors and wiring and plumbing of a bathroom.
The team consists of seniors Jacob Welly, Salvador Cantero, Jacob Serviss and Austin Kelbley.
"I want to be able to make a difference," Cantero said. "For the competition, you have to learn about everything and know as much as you can."
Some of the competitors have long-term goals.
Senior Tyler Burns wanted to be in this competition to try and obtain scholarships and is planning on attending the University of Northwestern Ohio for a degree in auto diesel.
"Winning would mean a lot to me. It would prove that I am good at what I do and I have a good teacher in Mr. Keegan," Burns said.
Burns will be demonstrating skills an entry-level auto service technician does. Tasks will be to diagnose electrical problems measuring engine components, charging and starting systems, service manual information, diagnosing wheel alignment problems, checking brakes and diagnosing problems with analog brakes.
Other students competing in the regional competition are senior Kevin Moore in welding and junior Tyler Lewis in carpentry.
For the students who advance, state championships will be April 23-24 in Columbus. National championships will be June 22-28 in Kansas City.


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If you are working with Lesotho's orphans and vulnerable children, we would love to hear from you – apply to join our Letsema community and keep us updated with your news.


text:
Top Definition
when a man sits on the top of a toilet with his feet on the seat and a woman licks his ass while he strokes his cock-and-balls.
Baby, last night when u gave me that upper dumpling, did u taste corn?
από Mols the truth 12 Ιούνιος 2007
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Top Definition
Convincing a drunk slampig to hop on your best buddy's dick while sucking yours, and then watching your buddy bust on said slampig's tits. Post high-five optional.
Yo I was running tross on this girl, and I was choking her and choking her and choking her. Then I slipped her some Tylenol PM and got her number before she passed out.
di BalloonPenis 24 febbraio 2010
Trending Now
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text:
2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
ROUND 1 (31): Brett Jackson, OF (Cal)
L/R, 6'2, 210, 20 years old
COMMENT: College junior was named 1st team All-PAC-10 in 2009... Also was a pre-season All-American... Above-average defender with enough arm to play CF or LF, but not RF.... Above-average speed... Aggressive baserunner... Outstanding bat speed, but he strikes out a lot... Hit 321/407/564, with 8 HR & 41 RBI, 17 2B, 6 3B, 29/61 BB/K in 253 PA, and 11 SB (5 CS) for the Golden Bears in 2009... A similar type player as Cubs OF prospects Cliff Andersen and Drew Rundle...
ROUND 2 (79): D. J. LeMahieu, INF (LSU)
R/R, 6'4, 190, 20 years old
COMMENT: Draft-eligible sophomore... Played SS as Freshman at LSU, then was shifted to 2B as Soph... Has power potential, but so far has been intent on hitting ball to opposite field... Will probably have to learn to pull the ball if he wants to progress... Has average speed... Below-average arm for SS, and struggles with footwork at 2B... Might have to be moved to a corner IF-OF spot at some point... Hit 340/408/462 for Tigers in 2009, with 4 HR & 39 RBI, 12 2B, 3 3B, 27/38 BB/K in 286 PA, with 10 SB (3 CS), and nine errors... Played HS ball in Michigan... Follows in the footsteps of LSU Cubbies Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot...
ROUND 3 (109): Austin Kirk, LHP (Owasso HS - Owasso, OK)
L/L, 6'1, 205, 19 years old
COMMENT: Went 9-1 with a 0.45 ERA and 21/111 BB/K in 62 IP for the Rams in 2009... Showed an overpowering fastball that was clocked at 95 MPH in state semi-finals, as well as a sharp breaking ball and solid change-up... Has signed NLI with University of Oklahoma... Played OF & 1B when he wasn't pitching, and hit .400+ with 5 HR in 2009...
The draft will resume tomorrow, starting with Round #4.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker
Will Jackson be the Cubs CF in 2012-13?
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker
Only if you're referring to the Daytona Cubs.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker
I didn't love Jackson, but I preferred him to say, AJ Pollock, and overall, I'm okay with this pick. I think I liked Wheeler's upside better than Jackson's, but it's a slim difference. There were a lot of arms that I really liked, though. Understandably, we weren't going to spend too much, so a guy like Scheppers was unrealistic, but some of those lefty arms intrigued me. Here's hoping someone lasts to the late 2nd.
Welcome to the Cubs Brett Jackson!
BA's summary of pick:
Brett Jackson goes to the Cubs, who has five-tool ability and might be the best hitting prospect in the system after Josh Vitters as soon as he signs. Of course, he also could be another Tyler Colvin. But at No. 31, the Cubs get solid value, considering the fact that Jackson was projected to go top-half of the first round earlier this season.
BA's review
Jackson is most frequently compared with J.D. Drew, at least physically. But while critics often question Drew's passion, the same accusation could never be directed at Jackson. Strong and muscular, Jackson is a wonderful athlete who is a perpetual motion machine on the field and plays with flair. He is an enthusiastic, upbeat and supportive teammate, and he's an aggressive baserunner who challenges outfielders and takes the extra base, often diving in headfirst while doing so. He uses his above-average speed to chase down drives in the gaps in center field, and he has the range to flag down balls hit in front of him or over his head. His arm can be inconsistent, but he has enough arm strength for both left and center. Most criticism surrounding Jackson centers on his hitting, where he's not nearly as polished as Drew. He utilizes an inward-turning, hand-pumping, leg-kicking, load-up-and-let-it-fly swing. He has excellent bat speed and shows the ability to rifle the ball around the diamond, with acceptable home run power, particularly for a leadoff man. His high strikeout totals hurt his draft chances, though, and he had 58 whiffs in 206 at-bats this season.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker
scouting profile with video that I posted earlier of Jackson...
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Any chance someone will draft Milton Bradley?
Re: Any chance someone will draft Milton Bradley?
So MARK DEROSA hit his 10th home run tonight -- a grand slam.
Re: Any chance someone will draft Milton Bradley?
1) Maybe we need another check-in on Stevens, Archer, and Gaub. Last we saw, they were all three tearing it up. I mean, it's not like we need good pitching or anything. Yeah, it sucks we don't have Dero anymore. Those three pitchers may be of significantly greater value.
2) We'd be Ok with a weak hitting 2nd baseman if Milton and Soto were hitting and Rammy were healthy. I still think Bradley will turn it around this season. In his worst season since 2003 he hit 267/362/424 and that was all the way back in 2004. I'm not convinced yet that all of a sudden he's going to hit 100-150 points lower OPS than in the previous 6 years.
Re: Any chance someone will draft Milton Bradley?
Archer is 2-1 over 11 starts with a 1.76 ERA 53K's, 26 BB's no HR's allowed in 41 innings at Peoria. He needs to be stretched out so he's averaging 6 innings a start, then promoted.
Gaub pitched a perfect inning with 2 K's for his 3rd save with the Smokies. He's got a 3.18 ERA and 34K's, 14 BB's and 3 HR's allowed in 22.2 innings. He needs to quit walking guys.
Stevens is 0-2 with a 1.55 ERA and 26K's, 16BB's, no HR's in 29 innings for the I-Cubs. Also needs to quit walking guys.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
In a totally unrelated question-directed to Az Phil: How close is Darwin Barney?
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
round 2 pick #79: is another LSU infielder, but he's 6'4 so it's double fonty...
David LeMahiew SS, sophmore 6'4" 193 lbs R/R
Summary: As a shortstop from a major college program, LeMahieu is going to get plenty of looks. Like most LSU products, he plays the game the right way and makes the most of his average tools. He's got a solid approach at the plate, but doesn't have a ton of raw power. That wouldn't matter, except for the fact he might have to move to third as he matures. Still, as a real "baseball player" who's excelled in a major program, he's bound to be drafted well.
That's a better report than I have seen
Here is BA:
eMahieu looked like a first-round pick last summer when he starred in the Cape Cod League. Scouts saw enough athleticism in his lanky 6-foot-4, 193-pound frame to think he could play shortstop, and they liked his power potential. But he hasn't played up to that level this spring. Though LeMahieu led Louisiana State, which has been in the top 10 most of the season, with a .356 average heading into the final week of the regular season, scouts expected him to deliver more than four home runs. He employs an inside-out, opposite-field approach, so he should have more power if he turns on more pitches. Scouts also have noted that his swing seems slower and longer this spring. They also think LeMahieu now has no chance at playing shortstop, as he has looked more methodical and less explosive. The Tigers concurred, moving him to second base at midseason after they had trouble turning double plays. His arm has regressed, too, and at shortstop he would need a full windup to make longer throws. A fringe-average runner, LeMahieu may not have the quick feet for second base, either, and he'd have to produce a lot more power if he shifted to third base or the outfield. Further complicating matters is the extra leverage he possesses as a draft-eligible sophomore. Enough scouting directors saw LeMahieu play well on the Cape that he still should get picked in the second or third round, and he may be signable if he goes that high.
Re: That's a better report than I have seen
Thank God there's no copyright laws that apply to the internet.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Milton Bradley is a $10MM schlepp, my gawd. O fer 6 with 10 men LOB! We're one week away from being able to trade this turd. Any conceivable takers?
Angels would like to be rid of GMJ. Jose Guillen is unliked and unwanted in KC. Those are the two bad contracts that immediately come to mind. Any others?
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Round 3 pick:
Austin Kirk, L/L, 19 yr old 6' 1" Oklahoma highschool pitcher
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
BA's report on Kirk not as high on fastball (high 80s-low 90s), but reports are that he stepped up the fastball in the playoffs to touch 95.
He is also seemingly a great kid and student. 3.8 GPA (from baseball recruiting website), but just an all around friendly and mature kid if this story is any indicator:
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
stuff like that happens...people went on and on about andrew brackmam throwing 99mph...he did it once, in winter league, on 1 pitch. for the most part he worked 94-96mph (not like that's junk).
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Don't most guys add a couple MPH to their fastballs after HS anyway, or is what they have at 18 all they're going to have? I honestly don't know.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
There was a discussion on this in that Baseball Prospectus chat. Sometimes pitchers do, but it's pretty rare. Nevertheless scouting directors think that anyone who is 6'4" and throws 90 will be able to throw 94 by the time they're 22, and continue to use that as a reason to draft them. If the kid we took in the third round was 4 inches taller he would have been drafted in the first round. But since he isn't 6'4" he can't add any imaginary MPH's to his fastball so he was a 4th or 5th round pick.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
When the comments given by AZ Phil on the 3rd round pick are better than the comments on the 1st and 2nd round picks it seems on paper that we had a bad 1st day of the draft. Of course drafts take atleast 3 years to evaluate though.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
It's a weak draft this year and the Cubs picks aren't high, so this is a good year to have a so-so draft. That said, Wilken continues to disappoint.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Why is the concept of 'baseball player first, athlete second' so hard for this guy to grasp? Congrats, you hit on Vernon Wells... one player shouldn't pervert your entire professional experience.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Overall I certainly agree -- would have loved to grab three pitchers. Not sure that I wanted the Sac St. kid at 31, but if we were drafting a athlete project, I would have gone with Everett Williams.
It seems like the Cubs fell in love with Pollock and Jackson (or CF in general) and would take them no matter what. I thought when Williams fell they might grab him. But if they weren't going to overspend for Scheppers, Jackson seems like someone who was slotted for about that spot. He appears to have a weird swing and perhaps he can be taught more control so that he makes more contact. Not sure, however, where I am getting any faith that the Cubs have hitting expertise such that the swing correction will make a difference.
Am very hopeful for Kirk -- from the report, it sounds like there is potential he develops into a very good starter.
Not at all sure about LeMahieu. He was considered a mid first round pick after the Cape Cod League last summer, but was not impressive this year. Again perhaps the Cubs found something they thought they could fix, but your Flaherty comparison seems apt; I am not sure Flaherty will develop much further as it seemed like he was quite developed already (coach's son, worked hard at the game). Likewise, LeMahieu seemed to have hit a high point and then did not develop further. He is young though, so we can hope.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
How so? I am fairly pleased with last year's pitching heavy draft. On paper, it looks pretty solid right now. I don't fault him for his first draft - we didn't have many picks. The 2nd draft was a bit debatable after the early goings - the only reasoning I could attach was that they wanted some guys that could perhaps move fast and fill in the thin upper levels. Even then, Vitters looks good, Donaldson looks good, and some useful guys were picked later on.
We knew what we would get with Wilken - a tools oriented guy. According to some, Hendry has influenced him more towards collegians, although that seems debatable based on Wilken's history. As I said last week, and as many are apt to disagree, I'm not against taking gambles this year with the way the organization is right now. The organization is lacking in high level talent. We've got plenty of cup of tea guys.
In saying that, I don't really love the first 3 picks, but I don't hate it. Kirk is the one that intrigues me the most. I was okay with Jackson, didn't like him, preferred several guys that were still on the board, but it was okay. I somewhat expect LeMahieu, though I don't really care for it, as he seems like a raw Ryan Flaherty, and Flaherty's going through his own adjustment period (along with the fact that LeMahieu is likely going to cost). Also, LeMahieu, as of now, is either a below average defensive 2nd baseman with a decent bat, or a 3rd baseman with below average power. Eh ... obviously he's young, so there's growth potential, but eh.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
A little tough on Flaherty. I like a skinny shortstop who has 7 HRs on June 10th. Obviously he swings for the fences, so his BA suffers. He's 22.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Totally off topic but an Indian friend (yes, really) sent me this and since it has 12 fucking million hits, all probably in India, I thought I would share it with you idjyiots.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
He looks like an Indian George Michael.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
I don't understand. Everyone in the world said this year's draft is rich in pitching and bare in hitting. So what do we do? Select hitters in the first two rounds, one of whom struck out in more than a quarter of his PA's last year. The other is a 6'4" infielder who can't hit, at least not for power. Sure, both of these guys could become major leaguers if everything works out, but you don't draft project guys in the first two rounds.
Wilken's strategy, if he has one, just doesn't make sense to me. Colvin was a waste, and while I liked Cashner, there were better prospects on the board. Last year was when you draft a hitter in the first round. It's like he's trying to be contrarian for contrarian's sake.
P.S. Does AZ Phil or anyone else know if the Cubs have started having their scouts videotape the prospects they watch themselves, rather than relying on just stock video and the scouts' eye analysis. Keith Law was on ESPN radio yesterday talking about how three of the better drafting organizations of late, TB, SF, and Boston, have all made their scouts videotape their players themselves so that there is more video evidence to use (e.g. break down a swing again back in the hotel, etc.). Law said more teams are starting to use this and I was wondering if the Cubs do.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Unfortunately it does not appear that Jackson or LeMahieu will be able to develop into good relief pitchers either :)
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
meh...it was a weak draft class for the cubs...esp. when their 1st pick was 31st.
that said, the cubs did go out and draft the 1 guy i hoped they wouldn't in the 1st round...dunno crap about the other 2 guys aside from what i learned here tonight.
The Half-Glass
Empty take is that Brett Jackson strikes out too much, LeMahieu is a limited offensive player, and Kirk is a raw arm that probably was overdrafted. All of that has valid backing to it.
Taking a look at the other side, though ... if they pan out
Brett Jackson is a CF with elite ability. He might have the ability to hit for average and power if they can shake out the swing a bit. Gotta get him to be a bit more patient, but the potential is there. CF was certainly a hole in the system.
DJ LeMahieu certainly has the potential to hit for power. Say he develops - then you have a plus power 2nd baseman or an average power 3rd baseman. The depth charts in the system could use either - 2nd base this year has seen Nate Spears struggle, Tony Thomas collapse, leaving Junior Lake and Ryan Flaherty as the most intriguing options.
Austin Kirk is a power lefty, and those are rare.
Not trying to sugercoat the first three picks (I'd give it a C+ right now), but there is some potential to the picks. One befuddling thing is that the LeMahieu pick suggests that they have some money to spend - I would've rather gambled on one of the arms in the first and paid more.
Re: The Half-Glass
Tony Thomas @ AA 2009:
Looks pretty decent so far this season doesn't it?
Re: The Half-Glass
Look at the overall season - he was ridiculously red hot to start this year and has really cooled off tremendously. That said, the reason I used collapse was in regards to his strike zone judgment. After a solid K/BB to start the year (15/8), and he was battling, his K/BB is now at 53/24, striking out 25.4% of the time, on par with his K rate last year. It's hard, for me, to imagine Thomas succeeding as a starting caliber 2nd baseman in the big leagues while striking out that much. Not writing him off, but if I had to pick who I thought had the best chance to be our starting 2nd baseman in, say, 3 years, I'd go with Flaherty or Lake (not that those two are exactly standing out right now). I was really intrigued with Thomas when we drafted him, so I'm disappointed.
Re: The Half-Glass
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Trying to find some hitting comps for Jackson:
In 2000 Joe Borchard hit .333 .433 .624 with 44 BB's,57 K's in 255 at bats for Stanford. Being a White Sock he made it to the majors and 'hit' .205 .284 .352 with 222 K's in 716 at bats.
Jason Grove hit .314 .436 .505 with 25/29 Bb/K ratio against 105 at bats the same year for Washington State. Never made it out of AA.
In 2004 a guy named Don Lucy hit .313 .381 .534 for Stanford and had a 17/47 BB/K ratio over 208 at bats. He went 3/16 with 6 K's in his cup of coffee in 2007 and has hit .256 .328 .347 in the minors.
Those guys are the closest I could find looking in the top three rounds of the 2000 to 2005 draft. None of them K'd as much and walked as seldom as Jackson and none of them is worth paying the ML minimum.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Wow -- great work in finding those comparisons. Let's hope these players turn out not to be good comparisons.
Interestingly though Borchard was considered a top prospect until he failed at the majors. If Jackson reaches that level, hopefully we can trade him before any such disappointment :)
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Lou sprinkled some holy water on home base.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
How can anyone "grade" a baseball draft when many players do not even make it to the Show for 4 or more years?!
It is absurd.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
The same way you grade drafts in any sport, by speculating on how good the players will be, and how good they will be in relation to the other players that were available when they were selected.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
That is kind of true, but you have to admit that there is a big difference between how ready players are in the NFL/NBA drafts than in the MLB (and often NHL) drafts. It is also much more difficult to get good and accurate scouting reports on many of the amateur baseball players
It is much more difficult to grade a draft immediately in MLB, as the players are so far away from being ready to play in the majors.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Isn't that like saying you cannot judge an investment in the stock market or any other instrument until you know the actual returns? That certainly is not true -- there are investments that are considered wiser than others based on future projections of value. Afterward, parties can reassess and determine whether the judgments were correct and the projections accurate, but that doesn't mean you do not make decisions based on value at the time of the investment.
While there will be a different (and more precise) judgment on these draft picks when we know their performance, we can still judge them based on relative and projected value right now.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
no, what yoj are referring to may be an ipo back in the .bomb era. which, with no earnings. has been proven to be a poor investment strategy.
Lowitzki's point is what i was getting at.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Sorry -- I meant my response above to go to E-Man. I agree that it is relatively easier to judge NFL/NBA drafts compared to MLB.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Okay ... here's a question for folks - where do you think these guys rank in our system? Granted, rankings are more for discussion value than anything ... I think, as much as I've said I'm okay with the Jackson pick, I'm very borderline on if he's top 10. After all, in some ways, he profiles like Tyler Colvin, and I'm not sure Colvin is top 10. LeMahieu, I'd roughly have him in that 15-20 area I think, and Kirk a bit below. Anyone have any thoughts?
I also expect that we'll take several overslots in the next few rounds that will probably make the draft look a bit better. Here's to hoping that I find out good news when I check in later this evening.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Until Jackson's performance shows otherwise (which I hope it does not), though, his ranking will be based on possible value and upside. I think Jackson is going to be ranked in the top 6-8.
LeMahieu is a 2B with lots of uncertainty. He likely is rated lower than Tony Thomas was coming into this season, so high teens to 20 sounds about right.
If Kirk throws consistently in the 90s with a good curve, I think he will be in the low teens. I might be overly optimistic (which is my Cub fan survival mechanism) but he could be a steal if reports are correct.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
I can see 8.
Right now, I think our top 4 is Vitters, Jay Jackson, Samardzija, Cashner.
After that, there's a whole mix (say, Dan McDaniel, although he's struggled of late, Ryan Flaherty, Starlin Castro, Hak-ju Lee, Larry Suarez, and a few others), and I can see Brett in there.
Long way to go with the season. Be curious what others think, considering how many didn't want Brett Jackson.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
I just don't see how Jackson projects as a MLB hitter. I think we've got 30 guys who project as major league players and Jackson isn't one of them. He may be the best athlete in the system once he signs, but that's not a position.
Scoured the BP chat and found these comments on him:
Kevin Goldstein (5:40:14 PM PT): Cubs take Brett Jackson from Cal, who seemed to be in the mix for every team in the 20s. He's either a star or the next Tyler Colvin. That's really the range here as a risk/upside college guy.
Bryan Smith (5:40:59 PM PT): Brett Jackson is sort of like how KG described Wheeler -- he gets a lot of power-speed credit, but in two years, he hasn't hit more than eight home runs or stolen more than 12 bases in a season. Plus, I've heard a lot of question marks about his ability to stay in center. I think there's a pretty decent chance the Cubs just drafted a fourth outfielder.
KG: Perfectly fine pick there that fits in well with his talent. I love the commentators telling us he's a hitter when that's actually his big issue. "It can be corrected" I'm told, which is always funny.
Joe Hamrahi (5:43:27 PM PT): I agree Bryan. I watched his numbers quite closely this year, and his lack of power, combined with a low contact rate and limited ability against LHP, makes me think the Cubs could have done better at this spot.
I think that last comment is the most telling. The Cubs must expect to totally re-work what sounds like a ridiculous swing, but when have the Cubs ever been able to do that successfully?
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Just from looking briefly at the little bit of video on Cubs.com, it didn't look a ridiculous swing. Just long. He seems to have good balance though and seems as if he'd make solid contact when he makes contact. I don't think it's Pie/Patterson bad, but it definitely could be a lot quicker.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Yeah, I don't see it either from the 5 swings, but I was going on BA's "He utilizes an inward-turning, hand-pumping, leg-kicking, load-up-and-let-it-fly swing" comment.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
That's not a terrible swing from what I can tell, but I'm not an expert. It's easy to see why he swings and misses, but it's not near the circus act that Pie's swing is. It's almost like he has a built-in hitch that he uses for timing or something. DeRosa did that too and I always wondered about it.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
The swing itself seems alright to me, from those angles, but I am much more use to watching hitters from behind the pitcher's mound. The results, really, speak for themselves. This guy won't be able to hit in Peoria with what he's doing now, so something has to be corrected.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Do you mean from behind the catcher?
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
The Cubs philosophy being a big market team should be to go for upside, not "safe" picks that will be average ML's. I think Jackson fits the upside category, so it's a decent pick and at the appropriate slot at 31.
The LSU guy must be something they saw that others didn't.
I love the Kirk pick given left handed power pitchers are a rare commodity. He's worth picking even if it was a bit of a reach.
Wilken seems to have done better at finding value in late rounds than necessarily getting the first 2 rounds right in the past (Vitters excluded), so let's see how he does today.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
I don't think having more resources should make you naturally select boom or bust type players. Your should treat your players like you do a stock portfolio, some boom or bust guys, but more sure contributors. When a Porcello or J.D. Drew falls into your lap because of signability concerns, then you use your resources to grab them, but in the first round you should take a guy who you don't have to 'fix' to get to the big leagues.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Listening to the draft is a little voyeuristic. Neat though. Cards got a woman calling their players. So do the Brewers.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Listening to the draft is a little voyeuristic. Neat though.
Very true.
Cubs select Christopher Rusin, LHP, from University of Kentucky. A re-draft.
Here's a write-up on him from February: http://macksmets.blogspot.com/2009/06/possible-met...
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
6-4 with a 3.86 ERA, 25BB's,104K's 4 HR's in 86.1 innings. Not too bad. Drafted in the 23rd round by the A's last year.
He's got a funny little wrist wrap he does before he throws a slidery thing or a fastball at home plate. Carries his shoulder sort of high.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
I'm just glad we nabbed vitters over weiters when we had the chance. Just so that we have a wilkens pick to hang our hats on.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
5th Round, #170
Cubs select Wesley Darvill, SS, Brookswood Secondary School in British Columbia.
Here's the Blue Jays' video on him: http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?co...
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
6th round is Brooks Raley 6'3 185 LB LHP who started for Texas A&M.
7-3 3.76 ERA with 95Ks, 26BBs and 8 HR's in 93.1 innings.
Probably this guy wanted to go in the top 3 rounds, and being a sophomore he may be a difficult signing. He was the Friday starter for A&M and as recently as May 7th BA said "(7-1, 1.96) is simply one of the nation's best Friday starters, not to mention a catalyst in the No. 2 hole in the lineup" about him. He hit .304 .420 .424 as an outfielder. Didn't K enough to become a positional prospect for the Cubs, though.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
His OBP and SLG are better than LeMahieu, if I am not mistaken.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Goldstein (pro) and Bryan Smith (con) are at odds on this pick. Smith doesn't like the Cubs draft much.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Sounds like they both like the pick, just that Smith doesn't have much faith the Cubs will do anything with it.
Missed this one from my BA, they had him as a Sandwich round talent.
"He's spooking scouts by not giving them an inkling on his asking price or an agent".
"He works mainly with a 87-90 MPH sinker, a slider and a changeup. He also has a four-seam fastball that peaks at 93 MPH and a curveball."
Goes on to say he would also be a center field prospect, and that he's made a case as the best two-way player in college baseball.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
7th Round, I think they called him a shortstop. Blair Sprinfield 5'11 R/R from MacArthur HS in Decatur Illinois.
Here he's referred to, preseason, as the #1 hitting prospect in Illinois.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
8th Round: "ID3271, Whitenack, Robert Whitenack right handed pitcher from SUNY Old Westbury in New York". Have to see if AZ Phil knows who's speaking.
6'5" junior throws an 88 to 92 MPH fastball.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
Also throws knuckle curve, thought by some scouts to be a "plus plus pitch". Dad is a retired NYC police officer.
Re: 2009 Cubs Draft Ticker Tracker - Day One
He was the ECAC Pitcher of the year.
5-2 with a 2.81 ERA and 79 Ks 25 BB's in 67.1 innings, only 1 HR allowed amongst 11 xbh's.
Maybe another Muldowney.
Recent comments
J-Hey not finishing with an offensive onslaught.
If Geoff Blum could be a Playoff hero, there is hope still...
Giants scare me. I think you're wrong about Bumgarner, he would pitch on short rest for Game 2 and then full rest for Game 5. Cueto would go Game 1, then short rest in game 4. Add in some really tough outs in that lineup and I want nothing to do with them. With that rotation they can easily steal a series.
Cards are a tough matchup. The rivalry evens out their comparable lack of talent. And like someone said, they love HRs, which is how to beat the Cubs. The upside is that I would feel really good about Lester twice against STL.
j.buchanan with a nice start...5ip 2h 1bb 3k, 0r/er
zobrist with 2HR and a double through 8
heyward 0-4 :(
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales
Soler likely to return Sunday, Maddon says
Right now, I'd like to see the Mets first, Giants 2nd.
I believe that since most of the team from last years' NLCS is on the squad this year, they will really amp their game up even more to kick their ass in payback for 2015.
The Giants just do not have the depth in years past, and I think all things equal - and at Wrigley - they could handle them.
I do not want to see the Cards, period. Or their fans, media, or Joe Buck.
I don't want to play Braves in the first round. Any friggin team in the league can win 3 of 5..I hate the first round. Furthermore, I wanted to play the Marlins in 2003 and the Mets over Dodgers last year.
With that said in reverse order:
3. Cardinals: It will be devastating to lose in the first round, but even worse to their main rival. It is increased incentive for the Cardinals, especially after last year. Cards would have nothing to lose, Cubs have everything to lose.
2. Giants: Rotation in the playoffs scare me a bit, but what a lousy team.
1. Mets--because of the losses in the rotation
2. Giants--because they're not the team they were BUT they maybe have bullshit even-year magic?
3. Cardinals--because rivalry and not making the playoffs hurts them more than losing in the NLDS plus getting eliminated by them in the playoffs would make for horrible sports commentary next throughout next season.
Who's asking?
CLE/DET rained out last night already, possible rain-outs in New York (vs. Baltimore), Boston(vs. Toronto) and Philly(vs. Mets) this weekend too.
Not only games involving playoff spots that would need to be played, but any that involve home field advantage.
I got the first one! Second one I'm not even sure what even/odd betting is.
any opponent preference for NLDS?
Mets are down to 1 great pitcher instead of 4. Syndegaard may pitch Sunday which means if Mets win the WC game, he'd be set up for Game 1. There's a chance they clinch a spot by Sunday so he'd pitch the WC and then we'd probably get Colon for Game 1. They've certainly had the hottest bats over the last week and month out of the WC options.
A couple of Cub related puzzles.
Can't teach height and thinness
Hopefully Pirates don't call up A. Lincoln.
j.buchanan going friday...should be...baseball...or something like it.
Wow. I didn't know they could do that.
Nice for Willson, not so much for Addy.


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Halloween is coming up and my daughters have been spending a lot of time planning their costumes.
We usually put them on a tight budget since I have little tolerance for spending money on things are only going to be used once. As a result, the girls are masters at developing dress-up attire around what we have at the house and what they want us to buy them anyway.
For instance, my oldest decided to be a nerd this year, mainly because she has been coveting a pair of neon green suspenders and some funky knee-high socks. My youngest put together a circus acrobat costume using an old leotard from the dress-up box. She scored some glittery tights and a hula-hoop from the deal.
Thus far, only minor injuries have been suffered from the hula-hoop. I have started a betting pool as to whether it will actually make it to Halloween. (Contact me if you want in on that action.) She has grandiose plans of pirouetting through the neighborhood with the hoop.
I have repeatedly reminded her that it will be cold and dark, but she is insistent that she will be barefoot and unencumbered by a parka.
Thankfully, we spend most of the holiday indoors at a church party.
But I digress.
While my husband and I were discussing the costume allowance this year, he spoke the mind of most parents when it comes to their girls, "I'll pay $40 for a costume if it's appropriate."
Unfortunately, that's easier said than done.
I understand that parents of boys also have a host of issues surrounding costume appropriateness; but I can only address the crazy that has taken over Halloween for females.
Dressing up toddler and preschool age girls is fairly simple. There are an abundance of cute animal outfits and long flowing princess dresses galore. But once they exit out of the princess stage (which does happen, even when you think you are beholden to Disney for the rest of your life), the skirts get shorter and costumes are just plain strange.
For example, military-girl attire consists of camouflage flare-legged pants and a top that ties well above the belly button.
My brother has been active duty Air Force for more than 20 years and it's safe to say he's never served alongside any woman dressed like that.
Some of my other favorites are butterfly costumes that come with wings attached to a dress with a lace-up bustier, a "Playful Cat" costume that appears to be ears and a tail stuck onto a French maid outfit, and a Zebra Hoody outfit that closely resembles the Flirty Jaguar one for older girls.
Once upon a time, there were understood rules about dressing up. Like that you had to be an actual thing, real or fictional, or at least a caricature of something from a book, movie or television. At the very least, people could recognize what you were.
There is no such standard anymore.
This year, my girls could be a Skull Sweetie, some things called Catarina and Batarina, a Fierce Fairy, a Starbright Witch, a Candy-Corn Witch or a Rockin' Out Witch. (Sidenote: Why are witch hats no longer full size? They are now creepy and tiny and perch on the side of the head.)
But wait, parents of girls, because if you want to be sufficiently terrified this Halloween; wander further down the aisle to the lingerie-department-masquerading-as-a-costume-section for teens and women.
You won't sleep for weeks.
Jaymi Anderson is married with two daughters. Read her regularly on Greeley Moms.


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