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Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Micah Hoffpauir was activated a week ago and the Iowa Cubs haven't lost since. In the last two games alone he's driven in more runs than the pesky redhead has in 23. Yesterday he manned a post in right-field, possibly as a Plan B in the event of a failed Jim Edmonds experiment.
Meanwhile Kevin Hart was 'stretched out' from 67 pitches in his previous start all the way to 68 yesterday; from 3.2 innings all the way to four.
Hart's stuff is overpowering at this level. Yesterday he allowed only two hits [one a windblown, first inning homer] and a walk while whiffing six. Command and efficiency remain the objectives. It took him 51 pitches to get the first six outs, five of which were strikeouts; only 16 to get the next six, only one of which was a 'K'.
I cannot account for the fact that he wasn't allowed to at least start the fifth and build on his previous workload, especially given that he seemed to be finding a groove in the third and fourth.
All told he threw a first pitch stike to nine of the 15 hitters he faced and retired all nine of them.
Pitching coach Mike Mason paid Hart a very brief visit on the mound in the second inning after his 41st pitch. He must have said something like, 'fucq k's' because Hart's work was more to the point afterwards.
Sean Marshall's start on this stand was ordinary and little more than a workout. He threw 63 pitches while going four innings on May 12 and allowed a couple ER's while walking two and striking out three as he converts back from reliever to starter mode.
As for Rich Hill, he's walked five and fanned 13 over the course of 11 innings spanning his two starts for the I-Cubs. Nothing new here; great stuff, poor command, questionable intensity level...
After getting off to a chilly start compared to last year's club which both entertained fans here in Des Moines AND contributed mightily to the success in Chicago, the I-Cubs now seem poised to again play a key organizational role come summer.
Whether that role is as a supplier of trade bait or reinforcements in Chicago remains to be seen.
The word here is that Chicago ordered Hoffpauir's move from 1B to right. Yesterday he made a nice leaping grab to end the second inning when the opposing pitcher was the first to put a ball in play versus Hart.
CRUMBS: The pesky redhead's chronic bout of extra-baselessness finally came to an end on Sunday when he doubled to right after nearly a hundred plate appearances. He followed that with a two-double game on Monday before reverting to singularity in yesterday's 5-2 win [Hoffpauir drove in all five with a three-run homer and a double]...Mike Burns is a 30-year-old journeyman who was 4-9 a year ago for the Pawsox in the Boston system, but he has fanned 34 and walked only six while swinging between the rotation and the bullpen here this year...will be interesting to see if Felix pouts when he comes back in the wake of Edmonds' acquisition; last year when he was sent down he arrived in time to play a night game on the same day he got the bad news...since Hoffpauir joined the team they have outscored opponents 42-15 during their seven-game win streak...MW
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Interesting that Mike questions Rich Hill's intensity, since I've always thought that of him too. Given his decent stuff, I wonder if he has any trade value left. Between Hart, Marshall and Gallagher, it seems like we have enough SP depth.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Given his decent stuff, I wonder if he has any trade value left.
I am pretty sure that there would be 29 teams interested in trading for Rich Hill.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
I'm kinda speechless myself.
Although, you'd better just hope that Muskat doesn't read TCR.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
I thought that WAS Carrie Muskat.
Re: Muskat
That would explain why she still has a job writing for the Cubs.
Keppinger broke his knee last night
and then played two innings of defense on it (insert negative comment about Dusty Baker here)...
Arguably the Reds' best hitter this year.
Re: The word here is that Chicago ordered Hoffpauir's move from
which correlates with the news yesterday that if Edmonds comes in, Pie goes down, and Hoffpauir moves to the on-deck circle for promotion to the bigs.
Any word on Edmonds?
Past the noon hour on Wed. and still no confirmation on Edmonds.
Maybe this deal is as "imminent" as the Roberts deal....
Re: Any word on Edmonds?
He hasn't officially cleared waivers yet.
Re: Any word on Edmonds?
Oh, OK. I only knew his clear date was today. What time will he clear?
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
I've been to both of Hill's starts now in Des Moines, and the "stuff" that is getting AAA hitters out looks exactly like the "stuff" that got him demoted. Flat and slow.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Except that wasn't really Hill's problem.
His velocity was fine, it was his command and control that was the issue.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
I don't recall seeing him throw 92 one time yet this year. Maybe I'm wrong, though.
I don't think his velocity was the same as it was in 2007. It's probably due to him keeping his shoulders flatter through his delivery. That's the way he generated power. He had that long, slow wind with his torso leaning way back towards second base. Now that he's eliminated that, he has to try to generate the same power with a shorter motion, which is difficult.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
After research, here's what I found:
Rich Hill did in fact throw 92 this season. He hit 92 3 times, all of those coming in the first inning of his April 18th start against Pittsburgh. He also routinely hit 89 and 90 in the first three innings of that start, which was a rarity for all of his other starts. He sat between 86-88 in all of his other starts, and would occasionally get to 89 a couple of times.
In what I think is definitely a related story, that 4/18 outing was clearly his best - 5IP 1ER 3H 3BB 4K.
I do think those 3-4 mph are a big deal for him. He throws a straight-as-a-string 4 seam fastball. I didn't even look at his piece of shit cutter, because he really hasn't thrown it all that much. If you can't throw that 4 seamer at 90-92 AND locate on the inner part of the plate, you're going to get hammered. Richie didn't do either very much this season. Location being the biggest problem, which I think is directly related to his mechanical change.
Now, for somebody like Z, Marquis, or Dempster, the velocity isn't nearly as important as the movement. Z's succeeding more now at 89-93 than he ever did at 94-96 due to all the movement... just as a point of reference.
Re:Hill's velocity
A few weeks ago, in a start that lasted five innings, Rich Hill threw
an 84 MPH fastball (it topped out around 88)
an 83 MPH slider
an 82 MPH change
With stuff like that he's got to get his curve over.
Re:Hill's velocity
I suppose I worded things wrong... everything was flat and he wasn't really changing speeds. You could tell what pitch he was trying to throw, but it all looked the same.
See ya in 2108
I know none of us will be around but be sure to tell our grand kids to meet up-
Re: Edmonds update
probably won't announce it until after the game
Unless something goes terribly wrong, the Cubs are poised to make their first key in-season addition of 2008 tonight when they sign Edmonds a few hours after he clears waivers. They're expected to announce the move after their game tonight, when young center fielder Felix Pie will be returned to Class AAA Iowa.
Re: Edmonds update
how does that work with the 40 man?
Re: Edmonds update
We have two spots open by my count. 39 listed on the roster with Guzzy on the 60 day.
Re: Edmonds update
yeah, what Wes said...
22 pitchers currently and 17 position players...then subtract one for Guzman who' s on the 60-day DL. We can sign Neifi anytime we want.
Re: Edmonds update
"We can sign Neifi anytime we want. "
Re: Edmonds update
Edmonds is our Ne!f! for this season.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Rob: did you swap out that previous picture of Edmonds for this one with him wearing a wig and a red inflatable life-vest?
...is this edmonds and daryle ward in the you tube life vest demo (I can't feel my legs)
Edmonds is currently taking a physical
according to Levine and has already agreed to a 1 year deal at the vet min.
Re: Edmonds is currently taking a physical
I'm normally not a big fan of booing but I hope Cubs fans' throats burn cardinal red with boos
Physical update
Apparently Edmonds isnt getting town until 6 and will take it then per Hendry.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
I wish we could just watch Felix Pie flail away at balls in the dirt all year. Why do the cubs feel the need to upgrade Cf?
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Please show me some sort of evidence this is an upgrade
Pie is faster
Pie plays better defense
Pie somehow has been better on offense this year
Oh wait, he is a gamer and scrappy. He is white after all
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
pie's a "real" prospect.
lou is not going to play him...and given how lost he is you can't really blame him too much.
pie can either sit around hoping for 200-250ab's...or someone else can come in and let the real prospect get some real work in AAA.
hell, i dunno how pie's lasted so long in the bigs barely working...seems like fuld (though he's not doing flashy at all in AAA) would be brought up if they wanted a guy to get 10ab's a week off the bench and crap weather spot starts.
Re: Guest Pitchers Aboard for Hoffpauired Win Streak
Sure you ocan blame him.
(Play recording) Pie is getting waaay too sporadic of playing time to develop at all. It's a wonder he can even hold the bat at the right end at this point. Look at the game logs.
Recent comments
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.
Game is officially called...also officially a tie.
Stats count, no make-up date of course.
Yeah -- seeing the weather -- I hope KB and Rizz are inside, wrapped in blankets and drinking hot chocolate.


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To dress up like Paul Stanley and have a bedazzled, zebra print 3 way with two other people also dressed like paul stanley. If one can involve the actual paul stanley that is preferable.
"I had a wicked triple stanley this weekend"
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TV Watch
Melissa McCarthy to Jay Leno: Controversial Elle Cover Was Meant to Evoke 'Walk of Shame'
The Mike and Molly star laughed with Jay Leno on Friday as she discussed the fallout over her choice to sport a large Marina Rinaldi coat on the cover of ELLE's Women in Hollywood issue.
Some people complained that the plus-size star was hidden under the large jacket, while other slimmer stars were featured showing lots of skin.
"There was a big to-do about it, which kind of made me laugh. How dare someone put me in a $3,000 coat?" the Oscar nominee, 43, said with mock outrage. "That's terrible!"
Courtesy ELLE
The Plainfield, Ill., native said that the warm weather in L.A. was to blame.
"I had a great little black dress on, and on the way out [of the dressing room] I was like, 'I can't wait for fall, I'm so sick of the hot weather,' " she said. Spying the coat, "I was like, 'Oooh, is that cashmere?' and I pulled it off and ran upstairs, and then Jacket Gate started."
She revealed that Andy Samberg gave the controversy that name when they caught up at a recent Elle magazine event. "[Andy] screamed, 'Let's get to the bottom of Jacket Gate!' And then he said a lot of things I can't repeat."
While she laughs about it, there is one thing she doesn't find funny. "I want to know why I don't own the coat," she deadpanned. "I want the coat. I really want the coat."


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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
DDFT Injury, MRI, and Medical Treatments
An accurate diagnosis with MRI can play a significant role in a horse's long-term return to activity after DDFT injury.
Photo by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Are TMJ Variations Normal in Horses?
Researchers found that "an unexpectedly large number of normal horses" had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) variations.
Photo by iStock
Common Hock Abnormalities Found on MRI
Frequent findings included osteoarthritic changes, sclerosis, and mild bone spurs, among others.
Photo by Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief
Wulster Joins New Bolton Center as Radiologist
September 16, 2016
Dr. Kathryn Wulster will use advanced imaging systems, including MRI, CT, and robotics-controlled imaging. ... Read More
DDFT Injury, MRI, and Medical Treatments
May 06, 2016
An accurate diagnosis with MRI can play a significant role in a horse's long-term return to activity after DDFT injury.... Read More
Are TMJ Variations Normal in Horses?
April 28, 2016
Researchers found that "an unexpectedly large number of normal horses" had temporomandibular joint (TMJ) variations.... Read More
Common Hock Abnormalities Found on MRI
April 24, 2016
Frequent findings included osteoarthritic changes, sclerosis, and mild bone spurs, among others. ... Read More
The New Navicular Paradigm
April 20, 2016
Here's what we know and are learning about defining, diagnosing, and treating this painful foot disease.... Read More
Advances in Managing Chronic Foot Pain
December 02, 2015
Improved diagnostics and more promising treatments are putting many foot-sore horses back to work.... Read More
Foot Pain in Horses: More Than Meets the Hoof
October 14, 2015
The horse's lower limb is subject to a multitude of injuries that can baffle even the most veteran veterinarians.... Read More
Evaluating the Equine Poor Performer
October 05, 2015
Poor performers can be a diagnostic challenge. Here's what veterinarians will look for when examining these horses.... Read More
Diagnosing Equine Lameness Early
September 21, 2015
What do you do when your horse isn't moving quite right? Here's a look at how to diagnose lamenesses early.... Read More
Penn Vet's New Bolton Center Offers New MRI Service
July 30, 2015
The new MRI replaces a previous system at New Bolton Center, installed in 2005 and used until recently.... Read More
Ruffian Equine Clinic Celebrates Successful First Year
July 19, 2015
Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, located next to Belmont Park, celebrated its first year in business on June 25.... Read More
Equine Diagnostic Imaging 101
July 15, 2015
Are CT, MRI, and X ray clear as mud? Learn about the appropriate uses for these imaging modalities and more.... Read More
University of Bristol Installs Equine Standing MRI Unit
July 07, 2015
The MRI unit adds to the school's imaging modalities, including a CT, radiography, nuclear scintigraphy, and more. ... Read More
Poll Recap: Getting a Closer Look
June 30, 2015
Of the 375 respondents, 201 (54%) said the most recent imaging modality used on their horses was radiography.... Read More
Circle Oak Equine Adds Surgery and Imaging Center
June 28, 2015
The practice, located in Petaluma, California, also offers equine sports medicine and rehab services.... Read More
Equine Standing MRI Now Operating Opposite Belmont Park
June 19, 2015
Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists hopes to use the state-of-the-art imaging system to help assess lameness.... Read More
MRI to Predict Catastrophic Fetlock Fractures in Racehorses
May 05, 2015
Researchers say MRI might be useful as a screening test to identify racehorses at increased risk of fetlock fracture.... Read More
AAEP Announces Continuing Education Opportunities for Vets
April 17, 2015
Topics will include lower-limb lameness, ophthalmology, ambulatory practice, and poor performance.... Read More
Radiography, Scintigraphy, and MRI: Benefits and Pitfalls
April 08, 2015
Review the options vets have for looking inside horses' bodies to see what's causing a limp, swelling, or pain.... Read More
Digital Neurectomy Outcome in Horses with Chronic Foot Pain
March 10, 2015
Horses with concurrent deep digital flexor tendon lesions were four times more likely to become lame again post-surgery.... Read More
Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Acquires Standing MRI
February 26, 2015
Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists signed an agreement to install the unit at its facility near Belmont Park.... Read More
A Review of Imaging Options for Subtle Lamenesses
February 11, 2015
A veterinarian weighs in on radiographs, nuclear scintigraphy, and standing MRI for diagnosing subtle lamenesses.... Read More
Palm Meadows Training Center Adds Standing MRI Unit
January 14, 2015
The standing MRI is the first installed at a Thoroughbred racetrack or training center in North America, officials say.... Read More
Is Early Detection of Arthritis in Horses Finally a Reality?
December 28, 2014
Radiographs (X rays) and low-field MRI appear to be useful tools for diagnosing early-stage arthritis.... Read More
State-of-the-Art Imaging Techniques Reviewed
October 11, 2014
Learn how computed tomography (CT), MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy can help vets diagnose issues within horses' bodies.... Read More


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Soccer shootout
POSTED: 02:02 PM MDT Jul 13, 2011 UPDATED: 07:53 PM MDT Jul 13, 2011
Find out if you're a bench warmer or a soccer god when you play soccer shootout!
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So do I Night Fighter 777 so do I. Yurine of the City
It was a cool movie, I wish I could find a copy of the manga.
Watched it Friday night. Loved it. I wish there was more. Is there a series?
im like the only otaku at my school, so i havent heard much anime, what is it? is it good?
~Nan Kuru Nai-Sah~


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The news that she won't return to the show comes as a shock to the former contestant, who was by Tom Bergeron's side as co-host since season 10 of the ballroom dancing competition.
"Weird day ... Shocking pre-season elimination #DWTS …ME. Tom Bergeron didn't even read my name," Burke-Charvet, 42, Tweeted at midnight Saturday. "I won't be returning to the show this season."
ABC released a statement to PEOPLE on Saturday: "We can confirm that Brooke Burke-Charvet will not be joining us next season. She's been a wonderful part of the Dancing with the Stars family since her triumphant win in season seven and will unquestionably be missed by our entire team," the statement reads. "We'd like to thank Brooke for her years of great service."
Burke-Charvet wasn't the only one who was surprised by the news. "It was a shock they let Brooke go," a source tells PEOPLE. "The cast and crew loved her. It's very sad."
On Friday evening, the model and TV host released a statement to E! Online, who was first to report the news.
"I have enjoyed seven seasons co-hosting DWTS but understand the need for change considering the position of the show at this juncture," Burke-Charvet said.
"I've always been one to embrace change and looking forward to pursuing opportunities I previously wasn't able to entertain because of contractual obligations to the show. I've seen my fair share of shocking eliminations in the ballroom but this one takes the cake."
There is no word on who – if anyone – will replace Burke-Charvet, who won the seventh season of the show with her partner Derek Hough.
This is the second major change to the upcoming 18th season of Dancing with the Stars, which debuts March 17. The show also recently fired bandleader and orchestrator Harold Wheeler, as well as his 28-member band.
weird day….Shocking pre-season elimination #DWTS…ME. @Tom_Bergeron didn't even read my name. I won't be returning to the show this season.— Brooke Burke-Charvet (@brookeburke) February 22, 2014
@peoplemag @CeeLoGreen me either...— Brooke Burke-Charvet (@brookeburke) February 22, 2014


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Baseball Set for Games in Virginia; Schedule Changes
LIVE VIDEO - Ball State's Games Against Liberty
Friday Live Stats
Rider vs. Ball State - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=51955
Saturday Live Stats
Ball State at Liberty - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=30533
Ball State vs. Rider - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=51958
Sunday Live Stats
Ball State at Liberty - http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=30535
This Week in Ball State Baseball
Fri. - vs. Rider (2-2) at Lynchburg, Va. (2:00)
Sat. - at Liberty (4-5) (Noon)
Sat. - vs. Rider at Lynchburg, Va. (6:00)
Sun. - at Liberty (Noon)
Ball State Probable Pitchers:
vs. Rider -- #7 T.J. Weir, RHP, Sr.
at Liberty -- #41 Scott Baker, RHP, Jr.
vs. Rider -- #20 Jacob Brewer, RHP, Jr.
at Liberty -- #33 Clay Manering, LHP, Sr.
Head Coach Rich Maloney (#2)
Career Record: 635-414-1 (19 Seasons)
Record at Ball State: 294-170-1 (9 Seasons)
Internet Radio -- www.ballstatesports.com -- Luke Martin (play-by-play)
• Ball State's 6-2 start in 2014 is the best for the Cardinals since beginning the 1998 campaign with a 6-2 mark . . . Ball State started this season with a 3-0 mark, which was the best start to a season for the Cardinals since the 1985 campaign when they started the season with four straight wins.
• Ball State was picked to finish first in the Mid-American Conference West Division in the league's preseason poll, which is selected by the MAC's 12 head coaches.
• Ball State finished second in the MAC West Division last season and advanced to the championship game of the conference tournament before being eliminated by Bowling Green.
• Ball State head coach Rich Maloney is in his second season in his second stint as the Cardinals head coach. Maloney was Ball State's head coach from 1996-2002 and then returned to coach the Cardinals in 2013. He enters the 2014 season tied for the 50th best winning percentage among active NCAA Division I coaches with a .604 mark.
• The Cardinals' improvement from a 14-36 record in 2012 to a 31-24 mark in 2013 marked the eighth best turnaround in the NCAA.
• Scott Baker leads the Cardinals pitching staff after earning MAC Pitcher of the Year honors in 2013 and receiving the inaugural Gregg Olson Award as the nation's comeback player of the year.


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My pal Brandi has added a great post with her tips and techniques to taking super pictures of her fabulous jewelry. You can check it out at Photo Formula at Brandi Girl
Gorgeous pictures of gorgeous jewelry, huh? Here are some of the images from Brandi's post.
Check out Brandi's blog…and tell her I sent you and that you think her stuff is fab too.
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5 Beloved Restaurants That Are Seriously Overrated
People love food. How's that for a strong opening sentence? That's why I'm on the payroll, ladies and gentlemen. Anyway, as it pertains to America, at least, our favorite brand of food is the kind that's delivered into our mouths as quickly and hassle-free as possible. We call it fast food, and a lot of it sucks.
That said, like any other market, certain brands are revered above all others in the crowded field of Type 2 diabetes distribution. In some cases, the praise is well-deserved, but more often than not ... it's not. This is a topic we touch on in this week's Unpopular Opinion podcast (which was recorded live at the Hollywood Improv with a full band, but, hey, no big deal) ...
... where we kick off a discussion about overrated things everyone in Los Angeles loves by bashing one of the state of California's most prized franchises ...
#5. In-N-Out Burger
Mel Bouzad/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Listen, I'm not saying In-N-Out makes a bad burger by any stretch of the imagination. They make fucking terrible fries. Like, almost the worst in existence. The burger is fine for the most part, though.
The thing is, people don't treat In-N-Out Burger like it makes a fine burger; people treat In-N-Out Burger like it cures cancer and performs other assorted miracles. I'd heard all of the over-the-top "It will change your life" kind of praise before I moved to Los Angeles, so, naturally, I was very much looking forward to investigating the hype once I arrived. I did. It was fine. Except for the fries, which, again, are total ass.
When I delivered this review to my new California friends, I was met with an almost universal response: "Well, you must not have ordered it the right way. You should have gotten it animal style."
Which means this, for some damn reason.
First of all, grilled onions do not come from an animal. Also, I'd appreciate a little less pressure to put Thousand Island dressing on that shit. That is the worst dressing ever made. I would put raspberry vinaigrette on a burger before I'd consider that nonsense. Besides, that there is a "right" way to order is your first indication that you're dealing with an overrated sandwich.
There are burger places in this world that are so confident in their wares that they expressly prohibit customers from making any special requests. Extra onions? Nope. Hold the garlic pesto mayo? Hold your tongue, you heathen. Don't get me wrong, I hate that shit, too, but at least places like that earn their reputation based on the quality of the food, as opposed to the amount of prep time and detective work it takes to place a palatable order.
Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com
"Your special sauce is what?"
Speaking of that, what's with all the secrecy around the menu? If an item is available for the ordering, goddamn tell us. I shouldn't have to consult Snopes to make sure that what I'm ordering actually exists. That shit should just be on the menu where I can order it.
Then again, why do they have a fucking menu at all? From every report I've seen or heard, you can kind of walk into In-N-Out and ask for just about anything and they'll make it for you. Someone ordered a burger with 100 patties once and they made it without question. If you ask me, a business that adheres to "the customer is always right" with that much vigor probably has some kind of ulterior motive.
I'm sure I'm just overthinking it.
Also, they don't have bacon. Not on their real menu, and not on that secret menu that people love so much. Does the Internet know this? I personally feel like a lot of false In-N-Out fandom would be destroyed if this glaring lack of available salty pork was a fact more people knew about. There should be laws on the books that force burger joints to serve bacon. It is a vital part of the experience. Even if you don't initially order bacon on your burger, it's at least nice knowing there's some around if the taste goes south halfway through and you have to call in reinforcements. This is not an option at In-N-Out Burger, and that alone should be enough to remove it from contention for the title of America's best burger restaurant.
Also, Fatburger is every bit as awesome as that Ice Cube song made it seem. If you're visiting California and must eat at a burger chain, go there.
That said, California isn't the only part of the country that's a little too reverent about their relatively shitty burger chain ...
#4. White Castle
Win McNamee/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Shut. Up. That is what I say to you if you are even thinking of giving me any objection on this. There is nothing you can tell me that will change my mind about White Castle basically being the emergency rations of restaurant food. I sometimes feel like I should put "food" in quotes when I'm talking about White Castle. This is how terrible their burgers are: You can buy them in the frozen food section of most grocery stores, and they taste exactly the same as they do at the restaurant.
Walmart.com (Of course)
This will kill you.
I'm pretty sure this, speaking in strictly technical terms, should still be scientifically impossible. If microwaveable food had reached restaurant levels of quality, we probably wouldn't even have restaurants anymore.
Do not mistake this similarity between the restaurant and microwave versions as some sort of testament to the quality of their frozen products. Basically, White Castle is a restaurant that sells microwaveable gas station food. Nevertheless, people love it. How much? Well, enough that there's an entire fucking movie about two friends trying to make their way to White Castle.
And it's a fucking classic.
Spoiler alert: They make it, but the depiction of White Castle in that movie is far from accurate. Do not let it be the inspiration for a cross-state road trip of your own without doing a little bit of investigating first. For one thing, they make it seem like the food is edible. I'm not sure if they used CGI or what, but it's very lifelike and believable when you watch it happen in the movie. Trust me, it's a meal in hell when the cameras stop rolling.
Also, 9 out of 10 White Castle restaurants are in terrifying neighborhoods.
At least it's open!
Sorry, franchise owners, but you know it's the truth.
#3. Pinkberry
Michael Buckner/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty
It's hard to say that any frozen yogurt is truly bad. It's like ice cream's healthier cousin; not a lot can go wrong. That said, there are some chains that take the phrase "frozen yogurt" a bit too literally. I'm speaking, of course, about Pinkberry. If you don't have one in your area, you've almost certainly heard people singing its praises. It is the frozen yogurt place in California. It also tastes like frozen sour cream.
Well, I'm not being completely fair. They do have a few different flavors like chocolate and strawberry and such. Those are all well and fine. It's the "original" flavor that I take issue with.
When you see a white frozen yogurt option on a menu next to chocolate and strawberry, I don't think it's unreasonable to say that you're probably expecting that white stuff to taste like vanilla. Read the last sentence of the previous paragraph again. The vanilla-looking concoction that Pinkberry sells alongside the more traditional ice cream-like flavors will be a complete and total shock to your system if you try it for the first time without knowing what you're getting into.
Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Reminder: This, but frozen.
The menu describes it as "tart," as if that's a sufficient tip-off that they're basically selling you a chilled condiment. You know what else people describe as tart? Lemonade. This is not enough detail to make an informed decision. Pinkberry should change the name of their original flavor to "lunch." That's a way more appropriate time to eat that shit, considering the fact that chips and salsa are the only toppings that make sense with that kind of flavor.
Beyond that, though, it must be especially delicious frozen yogurt, right? They have all sorts of neato toppings that most places don't and all that fun stuff? Nope. Just long lines and a house blend that's better suited for pairing with a quesadilla. It is a completely unremarkable frozen yogurt place in every other way. Just something to keep in mind before you commit to that 45-minute-long line, travelers.


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An incredibly beautiful, intellegent girl. One who only comes around once in your life, one worth loving forever. Aimee is a person completely unmatched by any other human being on planet Earthh and has the heart of a Bradley> Now, Bradley's don't understand why Aimee's don't just drop Bradleys while they can, but Bradleys are happy because they always wanted an Aimee. Because, an Aimee, or one in particular, is the kind of girl... THe only girl worth spending a lot of time on. Aimee is onr of those girls who has good taste in clothes, music, food, and movies..> Wait, she is that one girl.
Wow, I've never seen an Aimee like that before. Her beauty is astounding!
από TexasTeaMeOhMe 30 Νοέμβριος 2011
A girl that is creative and beautiful. She can be shy at times but once you get to know her you'll see that she can be as open as possible. Others envy her style, her talent. She can be bitchy, she can over react, but she will be there for her friends.
Girl No.1: Oh, that girl is so pretty and talented! Who is she?
Girl No.2: She's Aimee, can't you tell by her style?
Girl No.2: She's Aimee, can't you tell by her style?
από NameLordo 24 Νοέμβριος 2014
Every mans dream, all the girls want to be her as she is popular and loved.
She is a party animal and loves attention.
Life would not be the same with out her.
She is a party animal and loves attention.
Life would not be the same with out her.
Me and all the girls wish we was her.
Aimee is sexy.
Aimee is sexy.
από anonanon1234 1 Οκτώβριος 2013
A girl who normally has a hard time of finding herself. Sometimes outgoing, crazy obnoxious, loud. And other times very quiet, depressed, sad, angry, emotional, easy to cry.
από jesusfreak77771 18 Αύγουστος 2008
A sonofabitch that destroys your life. Rejects everyone and is a cold hearted monster. Poisons oranges and other fruits. Ruins the mood of the school. Hated by all, has a very limited amount of friends. She thinks she is so pretty. She is a waste of time and makes you spend your whole wallet for her. She leaves her boyfriends and she thinks it's all her fault. She is snobby and thinks she is powerful and the most popular. She thinks that philosophy and reasoning will solve everything. She writes on herself, is mentally insane, a psychopath, and talks to herself. She does not dance with anyone because she is too embarrassed to be ridiculed by the school(which would not happen) and makes her boyfriends cry after every dance, until they finally realize she is a money sucking bitch motherfucker and move onto a much hotter and normal girl who smiles and is the joy of peoples lives. Not mentioning her disgusting brand of cloth and shoes. In fact, the 'What are those' vines were inspired by her. DO NOT BEFRIEND! NEVER TALK TO HER! SHE WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE!
She also lies. When you ask a Aimee out, she will lie by saying yes, but saying no soon after. Cruel Hearted much?
Listen to your friends when they say she is a bitch and that you should leave her.
#disgusting #trash #embarssed #disgusting
She also lies. When you ask a Aimee out, she will lie by saying yes, but saying no soon after. Cruel Hearted much?
Listen to your friends when they say she is a bitch and that you should leave her.
#disgusting #trash #embarssed #disgusting
Bob: Damn leave her, she's a Aimee
Stupid Person: No, I'll ask her one more time
Stupid Person: No, I'll ask her one more time
από Sentimentialyity 16 Ιούνιος 2016
A beautiful, gorgeous, stunning. pretty, cute PERFECT girl. she gets the most attention of boys than any other girl. she has the best personality and everyone loves her. she usually goes for boys called liam, will, jake and anthony. she has an amazing smile, the best blue eyes and her figure is goals. any man who has her is the luckiest man alive. she likes gaming and music. she is a party babe and loves raving. her family is minted and she is so spoilt. she aslo likes rugby and football and likes to stay healthy. SHE IS 100% PERFECT
Aimee is perfect
από Qaz135__ 19 Οκτώβριος 2015
The word 'Aimee' simply replaces the word 'okay' in any given sentence or phrase. Aimee - being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
'Tamara, you fallen and the severity of your fall is unknown to me. Are you Aimee?!'
από ILoveAimee 14 Οκτώβριος 2012


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Meg Ryan Gossip
Meg Ryan gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Meg Works Fast
On October 3, I wrote about the PEOPLE cover story on Meg Ryan: Inside Her New Life. I looked for it a few times at the grocery store but didn't find the full print edition, but it doesn't matter anyway because, as I suspected at the time, it was just a precursor to Meg easing back into the spotlight. Full Story
The 50-something Sweetheart
Meg Ryan. It's a name that doesn't come up often, but is instantly recognizable. Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan – America's Sweethearts, through and through. But sometimes the Sweetheart stumbles: Julia's had her share of romantic entanglements (which have probably just made her more endearing), Reese told an officer he didn't have jurisdiction over the ground he speaks on (yes, speaks) and Sandra Bullock had a pretty awful divorce (but none of that was her doing and she handled it like a pro). Full Story
Meg & John in Italy
FameFlynet, Jose Perez/ Splash, Valerio Pennicino/ Getty
Meg Ryan was honoured in Italy at the Taormina Film Festival. Man, I really don't know about those shoes. I don't understand those shoes, though I suspect you're not looking at the shoes because you're looking at something else. Fair enough. I don't understand the thing you're looking at either. Full Story
Taupe & Meg: one dress
It is not uncommon for us all to shudder when Jennifer Garner puts on a dress – not on a red carpet, but when she's running errands, being mom to Violet and Seraphina. If you have no memory of this, please click here. Now you know. The other day, Taupe stepped out in this printed blue and white summery dress and I mentioned to Duana how much I liked it, on standalone, but wondered why on her it looked so bad. Full Story
Does Meg look more normal?
Maybe I have a sun buzz. Meg Ryan was here in Cannes over the weekend at a photocall for the documentary Countdown to Zero. The trailer is below. Scared the sh-t out of me. Made me want to cry. Meg's face however doesn't scare me or make me want to cry like it used to. Have I grown accustomed to it (very possible) or has she geared down on the f-ckery? You decide. Full Story
You could have been Sandra but now you're Mischa
Meg Ryan is only 3 years older than Sandra Bullock. Only. And yet... This is Meg today at the opening ceremony for Istanbul Fashion Week. It's like she's 70 and wearing a wig. This face, those lips, that chin... remember how cute she used to be? I've attached a photo for comparison. Full Story
I can't decide. You decide. It's Meg Ryan in New York promoting her new film Serious Moonlight first on Regis & Kelly and then at the premiere with director Cheryl Hines and Justin Long. From some angles the work isn't so scary. From other angles, the work is very, very scary. I loved Meg Ryan. Full Story
Meg Ryan or Nicole Kidman?
Laura just sent me an email: Did you see the new Meg Ryan trailer? The one where she duct tapes her man to a toilet? Unfortunately you don't really notice the plot because you're too busy staring at her mangled face. So of course I had to look for it. And no, Laura wasn't wrong. It's the preview for Serious Moonlight. Full Story
This is Meg Ryan
I thought I should tell you because you might not recognise her. It's understandable. After all, it's not like there's anything natural, or original, about her face anymore. This is Meg Ryan. At the premiere of Serious Moonlight at the Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, her lips expanding to attack her cheeks, her cheeks swollen and taking over her eyes, she looks like Rupert Everett. Full Story
From this distance…
She almost looks like she did 10 years ago. Right? It's Meg Ryan out and about yesterday, photographed far enough away that you can't see if she's updated her cheeks or her lips lately. Oh Meg… why? We were talking about Julia Roberts in the movie star article Full Story
Much better Meg!
MUUUUUCH better! Remember when Meg Ryan f-cked up her face? And her lips? She's chilled out on the mangling recently, perhaps seeing the horror that's become Nicole Kidman. Meg was in Berlin yesterday to promote The Women which tanked big sh-t at the US box office after dismal reviews. So now she's trying to salvage the film on the European market although chances of that happening are rather remote, considering what's coming in the following weeks. Full Story


text: For the past eight years, the Global Justice Forum has brought together more than 200 participants from 30 countries on six continents. This year the Forum, held on October 11, 2013, was presented by Robert L. Lieff and the Richard Paul Richman Center for Business, Law, and Public Policy at Columbia University. Watch Now


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on February 5, 2013 - 11:13 PM
WARSAW – Jose H. Alicea, 28, of Syracuse, was arrested over the weekend as he tried to smuggle marijuana into the Attica Correctional Facility, State Police reported late Tuesday.
Troopers said Alicea had a plastic baggie of marijuana when he came to the prison Saturday to visit an inmate. He was charged with promoting prison contraband and possession of marijuana, troopers said.


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February 7, 2013
Long Island Association Announces 2013 Priorities and Initiatives
Press Release
Melville, NY
February 7, 2013
Contact: Matthew Cohen 631-493-3002
Long Island Association Announces 2013 Priorities and Initiatives
In 2013, the Long Island Association will continue to advocate for legislation and policies that improve the business climate and promote economic development for our region. The LIA will particularly focus on supporting pro-growth and job creation initiatives, legislation that can help reduce the property tax burden, and tax policies that can make the region more competitive for business.
"The Long Island Association is committed to creating jobs, spurring private investment, rebuilding from super storm Sandy and reducing the property tax burden on businesses," said Kevin S. Law, President & CEO of the Long Island Association. "The LIA will collaborate with government officials, private employers and other business organizations on Long Island and throughout New York State to build support for our core initiatives."
The LIA''s 2013 Priorities and Initiatives include a focus on controlling the costs of public pensions, salaries and benefits. Specifically, the LIA endorses legislation that would: require all public employees participating in the New York State Retirement System to contribute 25% towards their health insurance costs, which is comparable to what state employees currently pay; end binding arbitration for public sector labor disputes; and repeal the portion of the Triborough Amendment that requires automatic salary step increases to be paid to all public employees after labor contracts expire.
Mandate relief and fairer tax policies are also critical to making the region more business-friendly. "The LIA supports reducing the cost of construction by repealing the Wicks Law; reforming the state''s Scaffold Law by making liability standards against owners of construction projects less onerous and more fair in terms of fault allocation and liability standards; and curbing soaring Medicaid costs for county governments by having the state take over each County''s 25% share as is done in most states. Furthermore, the 18-A utility assessment that was set to expire this year should be repealed in order to make New York''s energy costs more competitive and lower energy bills," said Law.
The LIA will continue to support major infrastructure projects to rebuild from super storm Sandy and which will create construction jobs by investing in the maintenance, reconstruction, and modernization of roads, bridges, rail, water, sewers, solid waste facilities, housing and utilities with public-private partnerships.
In addition, the LIA has been at the forefront of building an innovation economy on Long Island, having created and incubated Accelerate Long Island to commercialize research into commerce and thus will be supporting Governor Cuomo''s proposed Innovation Hot Spots, Innovation NY Network and Innovation Venture Capital Fund which will complement the LIA''s efforts to spur growth of high tech startup companies on Long Island. "These initiatives, in addition to federal immigration reform, will create immense opportunities for the region," said Law.
To see the LIA''s complete list of 2013 Priorities and Initiatives please click here.
The Long Island Association (LIA) is one of the largest business organizations in New York State and the leading business organization on Long Island. Founded in 1926, the LIA's membership is now comprised of small and large businesses, colleges, universities, research laboratories and nonprofit organizations, which together employ two-thirds of Long Island''s workforce. The LIA''s mission is to lead and unify the region in order to strengthen Long Island as a place to live, work, and do business.


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|Food & Cooking
Closed Captioned
Bring the savory, subtly spiced flavors of your favorite Vietnamese dishes to life with guidance from Vietnamese culinary expert Andrea Nguyen. Take a tour of an Asian market and learn how to stock your own Asian pantry. Make a rice paper roll that looks as good as it tastes as you learn how to work with authentic Vietnamese ingredients, and uncover Andrea's 30 minute shortcut to delicious pho! Then dive into the traditional preparation of beef and chicken pho. You'll find out how to create pho's signature clear broth and develop delicious umami flavor using charred ginger, onion, shallots and a combination of spices. Assemble your bowl like a pro with Andrea's tips, and then create a rich, fragrant pork rice noodle bowl with a homemade marinade. Plus, discover timesaving strategies for preparing ingredients in advance, properly storing leftovers––and even throwing a pho party!
Meet your instructor, Andrea Nguyen, and dive right into making beautiful and delicious rice paper rolls with pork and shrimp. Andrea shares essential techniques for prepping ingredients and sauces and for handling rice paper. If you're a vegetarian, try a tofu roll!
Dip your toe into pho-making with Andrea's shortcut recipe that can be assembled quickly with ingredients found in most supermarkets. Satisfy that weeknight craving for this Vietnamese classic.
Visit an Asian market with Andrea to learn what you can stock in your kitchen to create authentic dishes, from lemon grass and napa cabbage to rice noodles, dried shrimp and jarred sauces.
With your pantry stocked, you're ready to tackle traditional pho from scratch. Cook and laugh along with Andrea as you prepare a chicken broth with toasted spices and charred aromatics.
Andrea shows how to strain your broth, then add noodles, herbs and more to assemble a soup that is as tasty as it is beautiful.
It's time to make the quintessential beef broth for your pho. Andrea discusses regional differences, then shows you how to prepare the classic Hanoi version by simmering marrow bones, then adding aromatics, spices and a touch of savory umami with dried seafood. As the broth cooks, you'll prepare the boneless beef as well.
When the broth is ready, you'll prepare your noodles and toppings, then assemble the bowl to serve. Delicious!
Whether you go out for pho or make it yourself, you'll want to eat it like a pro who has respect for the chef and the hours spent preparing it! Andrea discusses some pho faux pas and shows you how to prepare pho for a crowd and how to deal with leftovers.
Andrea wraps up the class with another classic favorite. The pork rice noodle bowl is easy to prepare partly in advance so you can enjoy it for a weeknight dinner. The rich, smoky flavor of marinated, grilled pork skewers is balanced by fresh lettuce, herbs and noodles. Drizzle some dipping sauce and enjoy!
"I have always wanted to learn how to make spring rolls and pho, and not only is this class perfect for that but the instructor's laid-back approach to doing things makes me feel confident that I can make these dishes on my own! I also appreciate the information in terms of shopping for ingredients and explaining why certain processes are done the way she does them. Awesome class!!"
- Akaimiko


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Softball Opens MAC Tournament With Western Michigan
►THE SECOND SEASON STARTS NOW: The No. 1 seed Ball State softball team opens play in the 2012 Mid-American Conference Tournament Thursday with a 5 p.m. contest versus No. 5 Western Michigan at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio . . . The Cardinals earned the tournament's top seed and a double bye in the double elimination event by capturing the league's regular season title.
2012 MAC Softball Tournament Schedule:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Game 1 No. 5 Western Michigan 8 def. No. 8 Toledo 0 (6)
Game 2 No. 6 Central Michigan 2 def. No. 7 Kent State 1
Game 3 No. 5 Western Michigan 7 def. No. 4 Ohio 2
Game 4 No. 6 Central Michigan vs. No. 3 Bowling Green (15-7 MAC) - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Game 5 No. 7 Kent State vs. No. 4 Ohio - 11 a.m.
Game 6 No. 8 Toledo vs. Game 4 Loser - 1:30 p.m.
Game 7 No. 5 Western Michigan vs. No. 1 Ball State (17-3 MAC) - 5 p.m.
Game 8 Game 4 Winner vs. No. 2 Miami (16-6 MAC) - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Game 9 Game 6 Winner vs. Game 7 Loser - 11 a.m.
Game 10 Game 5 Winner vs. Game 8 Loser - 1:30 p.m.
Game 11 Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner - 5 p.m.
Game 12 Game 9 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Game 13 Game 12 Winner vs. Game 11 Loser (Semifinal) - 11 a.m.
Game 14 Game 11 Winner vs. Game 13 Winner (Championship) - 1:30 p.m.
Game 15 Replay Game 14 - If Necessary - 4 p.m.
►FOLLOW LIVE: Ball State fans can follow the Cardinals throughout the 2012 Mid-American Conference Tournament with live stats at the link above . . . Fans can also get half-inning updates by following the team on Twitter @BallStSoftball.
►IN THE MAC TOURNAMENT: The Ball State softball team owns a 16-16 all-time record in MAC Tournament action, including an 8-6 record under Craig Nicholson . . . BSU's last tournament title came in 2010 when the Cardinals went 4-0 in the event.
►TAKING THE TITLE: The Ball State softball team secured its third MAC regular season title in four years with a 17-3 overall league record . . . The title came down to the team's last series in which it battled head-to-head versus Bowling Green for the crown . . . Needing one win over the Falcons, the Cardinals wasted little time with a 6-0 shutout victory Saturday . . . BSU would then end the regular season with an 8-5 senior day win Sunday over BGSU, giving them a 2.5 game advantage in the final league standings . . . Miami (16-6) finished second in the MAC overall standings, followed by Bowling Green (15-7).
►CARDINALS ALL-TIME: After posting a perfect 4-0 record in the final weekend of the regular season, the Ball State softball program upped its all-time record to 816-896-4 (.477) in 37-plus seasons of play . . . Established as a varsity program in 1975, Ball State has won three Mid-American Conference regular season titles (2009, 2010 and 2012), two MAC Tournament championships (1998 and 2010) and advanced to the NCAA Tournament twice (1998 and 2010).
►HEAD COACH CRAIG NICHOLSON: The fastest coach in program history to eclipse the 100-win mark, Craig Nicholson picked up his 900th collegiate coaching victory versus Northern Colorado (March 11) . . . In his sixth season as Ball State's head coach, Nicholson has amassed a 203-143 (.587) record at BSU, including a 39-13 record so far in 2012 . . . Under his guidance, the program won its first-ever Mid-American Conference regular season championship in 2009 with the best league record in program history (18-3) and repeated the feat in 2010 . . . The 2010 squad, which set program records for wins in a season (43) and winning percentage in a season (.729), also captured just the second MAC Tournament title in program history to advance to the NCAA Tournament . . . The Cardinals added a third regular season crown this season by virtue of its 17-3 league mark . . . Nicholson owns a 926-233 (.799) career coaching record including his 723-90 mark in 11 years at Central Arizona.
►THE FIRST TO 20: The first team from the Mid-American Conference to reach both 20 and 30 wins this season, the Cardinals enter the week with a league-best 39-13 (.750) overall record and finished first in the MAC with a 17-3 (.850) conference mark . . . BSU entered the week ranked 21st in the nation among the 289 NCAA Division I programs with a .750 winning percentage.
►SCOUTING THE CARDINALS: The Cardinals enter the MAC Tournament with a 39-13 (17-3 MAC) overall record after finishing the regular season with seven consecutive wins . . . Senior catcher/designated player Amanda Montalto leads the league and ranks 51st nationally with a .403 batting average, while senior shortstop Alison Mercado is second on the squad with a .402 average . . . As a team, the Cardinals are first in the league and eighth nationally with a .326 batting average, including a MAC single-season record 69 home runs . . . In the circle, senior right-hander Audrey Workman has a 2.93 ERA, a 16-10 record and 131 strikeouts over 176.2 innings of work, while classmate Kim Mazzapica is 23-3 with a 3.56 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 169.1 innings . . . As a staff, the Cardinals enter the week with a 3.23 ERA, while limiting opposing hitters to a .259 batting average and just 160 earned runs in 347.0 innings of work . . . Combined, BSU has out-scored its opponents 362-203 this season.
►GOING, GOING, GONE: In addition to leading the Mid-American Conference, the Cardinals entered the week ranked ninth in the nation with a 1.33 home runs-per-game average . . . The Cardinals 69 long balls this season are already 25 better than the previous BSU single-season record of 44 set last year and 10 better than the previous MAC record of 59 set by the 2010 Kent State team . . . Sophomore left fielder Jennifer Gilbert paces the MAC with 18 home runs this year, which ranked her 15th nationally based on her 0.35 per-game average . . . Montalto is second in the MAC with 15 home runs and 35th nationally at 0.29 long balls per game.
►DOUBLING UP: As impressive as the home run total is, the Cardinals are even better when it comes to two-base hits, entering the week ranked second in the nation with a 1.87 doubles per game average . . . Jennifer Gilbert and Amanda Montalto enter the MAC Tournament ranked first in the MAC and ninth nationally with identical 0.35 doubles-per-game averages . . . BSU's 97 doubles this season are a school record, four better than the previous standard of 93 set in 2010.
►DON'T FORGET THE TRIPLES: The Cardinals also broke into the top 15 nationally in triples per game, ranking 12th at 0.31 . . . Jennifer Gilbert is tied for the MAC lead and ranks 25th in the country with four triples, while Amanda Montalto is second on the squad and fourth in the MAC with three triples.
►THE TRIFECTA: The Ball State offense entered the week as the only team in the nation to rank in the top 15 in doubles (second), triples (12th) and home runs (ninth) per game . . . BSU is also fifth in scoring offense (6.96), sixth in slugging percentage (.558) and eighth in batting average (.326).
►MONTALTO IN THE RANKINGS: Amanda Montalto enters the weekend as one of the greatest sluggers in MAC history . . . Last weekend, Montalto became the league's all-time leader in both doubles (56) and walks (106) . . . Her 38 career home runs are third in MAC annals, while her 151 RBI trail only Akron's Kelli Metzger (1996-99) who tallied 167 during her career.
►"O CANADA": For the past three years, sophomore outfielder Jennifer Gilbert has played in numerous international competitions as part of the Canadian National Team Program . . . This past December, Gilbert (who was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) helped guide the Canadian Junior Women's National Team to a fifth-place showing at the ISF IX Junior Women's World Championship in Cape Town, South Africa (Dec. 6-17) . . . In the event, Gilbert hit .411 with 14 hits in 34 at bats, including a grand slam . . . Gilbert also played for the 2010 Canadian Junior Women's National Team and the 2009 Canadian Women's U16 National Team.
►SCORING MACHINE: Jennifer Gilbert enters the week ranked first in the MAC with 62 runs scored, 11 more than the next closest player in teammate Amanda Montalto . . . Only 27 players in the nation average over a run per game, with Gilbert ranking fifth among them at 1.19 . . . Gilbert is also the league's RBI leader at 52 and entered the week ranked 31st nationally at 1.00 RBI per game . . . Factoring out 18 RBI for her 18 home runs (so the runs are not counted twice), Gilbert has been directly responsible for 96 of BSU's 362 runs this season, which equates to 26.5 percent of Ball State's scoring offense.
►THE STREAK IS BACK ON: Freshman designated player/outfielder Hanne Stuedemann saw her streak of reaching base safely snapped at 40 games after failing to reach base in last Friday's second game versus Toledo . . . However, Stuedemann rebounded to reach base in both games versus Bowling Green to start a new streak . . . Stuedemann's school-record streak of 40 games included reaching base on a hit in 30 games, by a walk eight times and being hit by a pitch twice.
►WALK THIS WAY: In addition to being the league's top hitting team, the Cardinals have also shown tremendous patience at the plate with a league-leading 200 walks . . . Entering the week, Miami was second in the league with 170 walks . . . Amanda Montalto ranks fourth in the MAC with 33 free passes, while sophomore first baseman Taylor Rager is sixth (29), Hanne Stuedemann is eighth (25) and sophomore third baseman Audrey Bickel is ninth (24).
►MAZZAPICA TOPS THE MAC: Ball State senior right-hander Kim Mazzapica enters the weekend ranked second in the MAC with 23 wins this season . . . Her 23-3 overall record and .884 winning percentage both lead the league, and she is the only regular starter with an unblemished conference record at 11-0 . . . In addition to leading the league, Mazzapica's .884 winning percentage is currently a MAC single-season record.
►CARDINALS SHOWING THE GLOVE: With BSU ranking in the top 10 nationally in nearly every offensive category, it's easy to forget about the Cardinals' top-notch defense . . . BSU entered the week ranked 31st among the 289 NCAA Division I teams with a 0.970 fielding percentage . . . The Cardinals have also turned a MAC-best 31 double plays and rank first in the nation with a 0.60 double plays-per-game average.
►NO PRESSURE: With the 2012 Mid-American Conference title on the line last weekend, the Cardinals continued their offensive dominance by posting a .393 team batting average over the final four game . . . Junior center fielder Amanda Carpenter led the charge with a .615 average, collecting eight hits in 13 at bats . . . Audrey Bickel followed with a .533 average, tallying eight hits, including a double and a home run . . . Hanne Stuedemann drove in a team-high nine RBI, while hitting .357 with two doubles and a home run.
►IN A PINCH: Sophomore infielder Lauren Schroeder made the most of her two pinch hit appearances at Buffalo, collecting her first two career home runs . . . Schroeder's first blast was a three-run, game-winning shot with two outs in the sixth inning Saturday, which also happened to be her 20th birthday . . . On Sunday, she belted a two-run blast in the fourth to give BSU a 6-0 edge.


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Featured Flavor
iperEspresso Medium Roast
Quintessential balance of strength and gentleness, with distinct aromas of chocolate, toast, caramel and a light flower.Learn More
Behind The Barista
I like to use a different flavor based on the mood of the day. If I'm feeling confident I'll do bold, If I'm feeling calm I'll do a light blend. There's really an espresso for any moment. Besides using a different strength for my mood? I like to add caramel syrup. Makes it a little sweeter.Click here to tell us the personal touch you put into your espresso.
Caffè In Italia
Known for politicians being frequents, this caffé is nicknamed the "second parliament."
Apprendere Un Poco Di Italiano
English translation:


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As Immunotherapy Revolutionizes the Cancer Treatment...
LC-MS Gains Favor Due To the...
Wall Street Decline Takes Its Toll...
Quadruple Helices Appear To Have Role...
Two studies published in recent weeks along with a pair of studies released over the past two years showcase pharma's drift toward biologic development and provide evidence of the promise of large molecule drugs. In the most recent report, the U.K. law firm Withers & Rogers found that by 2009, biologics accounted for 60% of the patents filed by the top 10 pharma companies. Abbott had as much as 80% of the patent filings between 2007 and 2009 focused on biologics.
Withers & Rogers noted that the gap between patent filings for biologics and small molecules among the top 10 pharma companies had grown in this timeframe. The number of biologic patent applications in '09 increased by 14.5% from two years earlier, even though '09 saw 31.5% fewer overall patent filings than '07.
This positive trend extends beyond innovation to clinical development and final approval. Studies have come to the conclusion that biologics hold better prospects than traditional small molecules of advancing all the way from the lab to the clinic to the market.
Withers & Rogers issued its report almost a month after KMR Group, a biopharma industry consultancy, released findings of its latest Pharmaceutical Benchmarking Forum (PBF). Companies that submitted data for this analysis were Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck Research Labs, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Sanofi.
KMR found that more than 25% of large molecules in Phase II between 2006 and 2010 reached the market compared to about 10% of small molecules. "One of the reasons that small molecules have fared worse is because most of these companies were already very heavily invested in small molecule work. All the low-hanging fruit was found in the last 10 to 15 years," explains Scott Martin, a consultant with KMR. "Now, they're turning toward new technologies, the biotech technologies, and therefore, you're kind of going in a new area, finding what works."
KMR reports that 12% of biologics were calculated to advance from preclinical to clinical studies, compared with just 2% of small molecule drugs. The biologics percentage clearing each successive clinical review hurdle grows to 17% at Phase I, 27% at Phase II, leaping to 58% at Phase III, and 82% at the registration phase. For small molecule drugs, according to KMR, success was calculated to be 4% at Phase I, 9% at Phase II, 44% at Phase III, and 78% at registration.
The KMR study did, however, find that industry's large molecule success rates in development phases have declined in recent years. Martin thus adds a cautionary note: "We're finding it harder as an industry—I'm talking about the broad R&D industry—to get large molecules to approval, even though they do have a higher success rate all the way up the development pipeline. If you look in three years and you ask, 'Has the small and large molecule success rate started to even out or not?' if my view is correct, you're going to see that these large molecule rates are going to come down."
In looking beyond success in clinical studies to eventual approval, the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development found that large molecules outpaced small molecules 32% to 13% between 1993 and 2004. The study covered the top 50 pharma companies and was published during 2010 in Nature Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. The discrepancy may, however, reflect the small share (15%) of large molecule drugs in the sample of 1,738 new drugs (lead indications). For all molecules, large and small, the approval success rate for the entire study period was 19%.
A few months after the Tufts study was released, a study by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and BioMedTracker looked at the success of 4,275 drugs with a total 7,300 indications from 2003 to 2010. Overall success was just 9%–14.5% for lead indications and 3.2% for secondary indications. Most of the drugs studied, though, were small molecule drugs, notes David Thomas, BIO's director, industry research and analysis.
Overall success rate for lead indications varied from 14% for NMEs to 26% for biologics and 41% for non-NMEs. For secondary indications, success ranged from 3% for NMEs to 7% for biologics to 10% for non-NMEs.
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University Park City Council keeps ordinance banning chickens
At a recent meeting, the University Park City Council voted to keep a 2008 ordinance that prohibits backyard chickens despite lobbying from neighbors who supported a lift of the ban.
Council members Robert Clark and Jerry Grable voted in favor of keeping the ban. Robert Grebert and Tommy Stewart voted against it.
University Park resident Dominique Miller led the campaign against the ordinance after she discovered last year that she was in violation for harboring hens.
For more council news, visit uptexas.org.


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A middle school in Menifee where all of these stuck up children attend and apparently have clicks that are to cool to hangout with you.
person 1:"Oh my gosh gurl, look she's from Bell Mountain Middle School!"
person 2:"wow how cool"
person 2:"wow how cool"
viết bởi a girl named NINJA 09 Tháng sáu, 2009
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Sources: The New York Times, Twitter
quote: In my experience, Android fanboys generally have this enormous chip on their shoulders; they are always so quick to attack like mindless zombie pitbulls, declaring (usually apropos of nothing) that people who buy Apple products are somehow "fashion whores" and nothing more, as if to say Apple products have no functionality or merit whatsoever. They vociferously label Apple product owners as "snooty" whilst being completely oblivious to their own arrogance and limited perspectives. It's as if Apple users are somehow (but in no particular way) offensive to them, as if they have somehow slighted them - whereas in my experience, it is usually exactly the opposite.My theory is that most Android fanboys have an acute inferiority complex, and jealously attribute Apple users as "elite" or "super-rich", something they secretly desire but refuse to admit, cloaking their envy in vicious mindless attacks to make up for having to use a supposedly inferior product. Get over it. Both Android and iOS are awesome tools, and both have achieved deserved success. Both are here to stay. The end.
quote: Nah, he's too busy jacking off. Probably wont be back for several days after he is released from the ICU.
quote: I'm not talking about the case.


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"We have hot feet, but we're not going to let you guys know," Theroux told Extra Monday night at the premiere of his new HBO series The Leftovers. "We're still happily engaged."
The happy couple, dressed in matching black at the red carpet event, was also spotted at Barneys in New York City.
Theroux, 42, called his fiancée of almost two years "gorgeous" at the premiere of the show, which debuts Sunday (10 p.m. ET).
The actor also said at the premiere of The Leftovers – which is about a global Rapture-like event, in which some people disappear and others are left behind – that he would want to take his longtime love with him to the afterlife if he were ever taken or left behind.
"That's who I'd want to bring back," he said of Aniston, 45. "That's who I'd want to bring with me."


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It wasn't as easy as the last three wins, but the Stetson women's tennis team prevailed again on Saturday, defeating UNCG 4-3 for the Hatters' eighth straight win of the season.
"What a great college tennis match for both teams today," Stetson Director of Tennis Pierre Pilote said. "UNC Greensboro is a top program, and with four returners on this year's team, they are a strong squad again. Coach Trivette runs a first class program. There are no easy singles or doubles wins when you play one of his teams."
Stetson opened things up by winning two out of three doubles matches to earn the first point of the day. Senior Diana Bukajeva and freshman Isabella Fernandez won 8-4 at number one doubles, while senior Lindsey Cable and sophomore Eveline Lepinay won 8-2 at number three to secure the point for the Hatters.
"The doubles were excellent again today," Pilote said. "It is rewarding to see the constant improvement of our doubles teams with each match this season."
Bukajeva gave Stetson a 2-0 lead, making quick work of Soumeya Anane at number one singles. She won in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. UNCG made it 2-1 with a win at the number three position.
Stetson extended its lead to 3-1 when sophomore Cari Berry won 6-1, 6-4 at number five. When the Spartans won at the number four position, the Hatters needed a win at number two or six to take the match.
Both came down to three-set results. UNCG won at number two, but Stetson freshman Carolina Meregalli won 6-0, 3-6, 6-1 at number six to give the Hatters the 4-3 victory.
The Spartans, who were ranked as high as 65th in the nation last season, fall to 3-5 on the year with the loss. Stetson improves to 8-1, having won eight straight matches since opening the season with a loss at Florida State.
Stetson will continue home competition on Tuesday, March 11. The Hatters host Illinois State at 2:30 p.m. at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.


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Cutting sports programs a lose-lose for Barbour
February 16, 2013
An extremely controversial decision was put on hold this week when the Barbour County Board of Education tabled a vote on the possible elimination of middle school sports coaching positions....
If Barbour county has a Park & Recreation Dept., then maybe they could take over these programs.If they don't, then one should be created. They could develop a coaching class so qualified parents can do this. Based on the same principal that the BOE uses with background checks and fingerprinting and parents raise money to help out with travel and such. I'm sure the school system would let the Parks & Rec. use their facilities at no cost. This would get more parents involved and possibly more businesses also. And if the BOE gets back into having money to spend, possibly some things could be shared. Sports are good for the kids, but other avenues need to be explored and could be possibly the right avenue.
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Is most of the people in this county, democrats? Because I've found that the only ones that apparently don't understand that states, counties and our nation is BROKE are these radicals. What part of 'in the RED' don't you people get? You want sports? FUND IT yourselves. There's MORE important things to do with the little money available. MORE focus on 'learning' and less on play and stupid subjects in our govt run schools would start producing more 'competent' adults. The dumbing down of our children is quite apparent as you look around today. No intelligent leadership anywhere. This has gone on for quite some time as we can all see by the results today. They can get together after school hours with their families and have your own ball games. Don't need it at school! Learn to read, write and speak so others can understand what the heck your trying to say. Learn math, science and learn your history. THOSE are the things SCHOOLS are supposed to be about---not playing.
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on January 18, 2013 - 12:01 AM
Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Diamond and Diana Ross certainly know who he is.
They're just a few of the very successful musicians whose careers have been touched by Peter Asher, who will perform in the Sportsmen's Tavern Saturday night.
Back in the 1960s, Asher was Peter of Peter & Gordon, a popular British pop duo that sold millions of records in England and the United States.
What was it like being in the thick of the British Invasion, when British bands essentially took over the American music industry?
"It was amazing," said Asher, 68, who recently spoke to Gusto from his home in Malibu, Calif., while getting ready for a recording session with comic/bluegrass musician Steve Martin.
"First of all, we looked to America as the source of all our musical inspiration. I was a big jazz fan. Being in the British Invasion allowed us to go to America," Asher said.
He and his musical partner, the late Gordon Waller, traveled by bus on a tour sponsored by impresario Dick Clark, playing shows with Tom Jones, the Shirelles, the Drifters and other '60s artists. They also appeared on the Ed Sullivan TV show.
During concerts, "we'd be running around the stage, doing our thing ... Girls were screaming and they would rush the stage," he said. "You could hardly hear anything at all."
Peter & Gordon had some very big hits, including three songs written by Asher's good friend, McCartney. For about two years, when the Beatles weren't on the road, McCartney lived in the Asher family home in London. McCartney for a time was engaged to Asher's sister, Jane Asher, a well-known British actress.
"Paul and I both lived on the upper floor of my parents' home," Asher said. "He was a friend, and the Beatles' fame was rocketing. I could see he was a musical genius. He picked up things amazingly well."
In those days, Asher was also friendly with a lot of other big rock stars, including Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones.
McCartney wrote three big hit songs for Peter & Gordon. The third song he wrote for them, "Woman," was listed on the record label as being written by "Bernard Webb."
"Paul wanted to see if people were just buying our records because they knew we had songs written by a Beatle, or if they would also buy our record if they thought the songwriter was an unknown," Asher said.
"Woman" was another big hit.
Later, the Beatles hired Asher to work as a record producer and talent scout for their new company, Apple Records. Asher found a shy but talented young American named James Taylor, whom the Beatles liked very much. With Asher producing, Taylor recorded one album in England for Apple. Then, he and Asher traveled back to America to seek their fortunes.
It was a leap of faith for Asher to leave his London home and move to America as Taylor's manager and producer.
"I believed very strongly that [Taylor] was one of the best people I'd ever heard," Asher said. "The first minute I heard him sing in my flat, I almost fainted."
With Peter & Gordon no longer recording or performing together, Asher became one of the hottest record producers in America. He had major hits with Taylor, Ronstadt and others, winning three Grammy awards. He's also worked with Diamond, Ross, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Kenny Loggins, Cher and 10,000 Maniacs, to name a few.
What are his favorites among the records he produced? Asher said he's especially proud of his albums with Taylor, particularly "Mud Slide Slim," and Ronstadt, including perhaps her biggest hit, "You're No Good" from 1974.
Asher has done extensive work on movie scores, and has served as a top music industry executive, as former president of Sanctuary Records and former senior vice president of Sony Music Entertainment.
All the success was wonderful and no doubt put plenty of cash in his wallet, but Asher missed something – performing live in front of audiences.
About eight years ago, he reunited with Waller for a charity concert, and over the next few years, Peter & Gordon would occasionally hit the road again, having fun and drawing good reviews. But Waller died of a heart attack in 2009.
"I really enjoyed performing with Gordon, and after he died, I realized I still wanted to do it," Asher said.
So for the past several years, Asher has occasionally hit the road with the same band that once backed him and Waller.
Asher does more than just sing at his concerts. He also shows video clips and tells stories about the people he's known and worked with in the past.
Will he ever write a book about it all?
"No, I won't," Asher said. "I do this instead."
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Important delivery notice
The products on this site are only delivered to UK addresses. If you require delivery to another country please visit one of our other sites below.
Spectacular summer flowers, cosmos are easy-to-grow annuals that are perfect for borders, cottage gardens or the back/centre of a summer bedding display. Our range of single, semi-double, double and fluted cosmos seeds in a broad spectrum of colours will brighten up any garden display. Find out more about these delightful flowers in our cosmos guide.
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Pied Piper Red'More info
Cosmos sulphureus 'Ladybird Mixed'More info
Cosmos sulphureus 'Brightness Mixed'
Possibly the most free-flowering cosmos of this type. Dwarf and bushy plants are covered with flowers in a delightful mixture of gold, lemon, orange and red from early summer through to the autumn frosts. Spectacular when planted towards the front of annual borders or in containers.More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Mixed'
A tall, upright variety for the back of sunny borders. Cosmos 'Sensation Mixed' produces masses of daisy-like flowers above delicate ferny foliage throughout summer and autumn. The strong stems and long lasting flowers of this easy to grow annual make it perfect for cutting. This fabulous mix contains a superb range of colours including white, pink and carmine. Height: 120cm (47"). Spread: 60cm (24").More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity'
Ferny foliage and graceful pure white flowers up to 4in or more in diameter make this an effective and popular, easy annual. Flowers summer to autumn. Height 3 to 4 feet. More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza'
Wonderfully easy-to-grow plants which flower all summer until the first frosts. The dark, ruby-red blooms of Cosmos bippinatus Rubenza change to a lovely traditional rose red as they mature - their outstanding colour has earned them a Fleuroselect Novelty award. Cosmos bippinatus Rubenza shows excellent garden performance, especially planted in borders in drifts. More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click Snow Puff'More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Gazebo Mixed'
A mid-height, easy to grow annual with well branched plants which come into flower earlier than most varieties. The attractive fern-like foliage is crowned with many large blooms of velvet red, rose-pink and pure white. An ideal border filler, or simply use in a large container or as a bedding plant. Flowers summer. Height: 60cm (24in). More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sweet Sixteen'
Eye-catching soft blushed pink blooms, each have distinct darker pink picotee edges and an attractive double frill in the centre of each flower. Cosmos Sweet Sixteen is ideal for adding height and interest to borders as well as making an intriguing cut flower.More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Antiquity'More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Psyche White'More info
Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sonata Series Mixed'More info


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Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Review: Civilians Shouldn't Salute It
The squared-off brute is just the ticket for expeditions or war zones, but it leaves a lot to be desired on normal highways
WOULD YOU believe it? This is the first time I've ever driven Mercedes-Benz's brawny sport-utility, the G-class, otherwise known as the Geländewagen.
What a slab. How very like riding a drunken moose. The Geländewagen—which has been in production in Graz, Austria, since 1979—was designed for military service and, despite all of Mercedes's luxury lather and the AMG division's high-tech hot-rodding, the G63 AMG I drove (544 horsepower, $145,210) retained a distinct motorized-infantry feel.
At present, more than 60 countries' armed forces use the G-wagen, including the U.S. Marine Corps, which deploys a version as a fast-attack vehicle. NATO has preordered enough G-wagens to keep Graz in chips until 2025. Battle-wagon-wise, the G-wagen certainly has it where it counts: über-rugged body-on-frame construction, heavy-duty axles, two-speed transfer case, three electronically locking differentials, tall ground clearance, narrow beam and lots of schteel. The thing is as solid as Egyptian statuary.
I want to underscore my admiration here. I would take a (diesel-powered) Geländewagen off-track anywhere in the world—Labrador, New Guinea, Nepal, you name it, I'm already packed. In expedition conditions, I would literally bet my life on this machine. That's how much respect I have for the Three-Pointed Star.
But as demilitarized luxury transportation bopping around West Los Angeles, the G-wagen is deeply compromised, even stupid. Let's start with what you might call its legacy ergonomics: the skirt-splitting upstep into the cabin, the pewlike seating position, the scant legroom and the lack of a telescopic steering column. Then there's the steady, maddening aero moan as the G-wagon beats a square hole in the air going down a highway. Man, I've got to get out of the Wehrmacht.
'At freeway speeds, the twin-turbo V8 starts to labor under the G-wagen's 5,600-pound curb weight and aero-inefficient tall-box shape.'
To be clear, there were very good reasons the G-wagen cabin was shaped like it is—something about hard points and serviceability in the field, I'm sure. But that was 34 years ago, and ergonomic standards have moved on a bit. Your Russian girlfriend won't be the only pain in your backside.
Actually, the G-wagen is an interesting case study in industrial design. What was once a highly specialized, narrowly focused vehicle has been steadily morphing into a very different kind of vehicle, aimed at a wildly different audience, with diametrically different driving demands. The model-year revisions for 2013 represent more of that drumbeat: a new twin-bezel instrument cluster with embedded graphics; a redesigned center console; and the now-obligatory LED front and rear lighting. The center-console gear selector is the stubby aluminum affair from the SLS. The über-knob for the multifunction center screen is the same as in an S-class. There are polished-alloy threshold plates and indirect cabin lighting.
The G-wagen also gets into step with the latest generation of Mercedes's infotainment and Internet systems, as well as safety tech such as (optional) adaptive cruise control, parking assist and blind-spot assist.
2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG
Base price: $134,300
Price as tested: $145,210
Powertrain: Twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter, 32-valve V8 with variable valve timing and two-stage induction; seven-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode; two-speed transfer case; front, center and rear electronically locking differentials; four-wheel drive
Horsepower/torque: 544 hp at 5,500 rpm/560 pound-feet at 2,600-5,000 rpm
Length/weight: 184.5 inches/5,622 pounds
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
EPA fuel economy: 12/14 mpg, city/highway
Cargo capacity: 45.2/79.5 cubic feet (rear seat backs up/down)
As for the last, the G—with its supertall roofline, high hip point, thin roof pillars and expanses of glass—probably offers the best visibility of all Mercedes vehicles. It's like going around with an overturned aquarium on your head.
The G-wagen's interior designers did cheat the matter a little. Rather than go the expense of integrating the central navi/info screen into the dash fascia, they perched a flat-screen panel above the center air vents in a way that seems less than fully baked.
Our test car was decked out in exquisite diamond-pleat leather seats and door gussets, set off with miles-deep carbon-fiber trim. The switchgear glows like plated sterling. We're in Bentley territory here. The G63 AMG's Death Star package also includes the company's 544-hp, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 and dish-rattling chrome-tipped side pipes; available matte-finish black paint and matching alloy wheels; and an outrageous mirror-polished brush bar, the glare from which could knock out satellites. The poisoned-with-testosterone supertractor can pace to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds, says Mercedes, and notch an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
Adding massive AMG horsepower does not flatter the G's handling, however. The electric steering response is weirdly, deliberately lazy, and even AMG's high-performance dynamics package is no match for the G's truck-y, oscillating body roll and high center of gravity. Hustling the G63 down a winding road feels distinctly like dangling in a ship's rigging.
Meanwhile, here and there, the G sports some curious anachronisms, such the primitive door hinges or the central locking actuators, which clank like bullets off the roof. One would not necessarily brag about the brakes, either.
And, truth be told, the G63 is curiously not fast at times. At freeway speeds, around 80 to 85 mph, the twin-turbo V8 makes some heroic sounds but starts to labor under the 5,600-pound curb weight, the driveline losses and the G's aero-inefficient tall-box shape. For the worst automotive perverts out there, Mercedes offers the G65 AMG, powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter, 612-hp V12, but you'll need a passport. The G65 isn't sold in the U.S.
So, the question is, why? Why would the G—dated, cramped, space-inefficient, filled with mechanical and functional compromises, heavy as sin, with lousy gas mileage (12/14 miles per gallon, city/highway), and all for a low six figures—continue to hold an audience? Strike that: grow an audience? Mercedes-Benz has twice considered ending G-wagen production, only to go the other way because the orders keep coming in. At the moment, Mercedes is committed to G production until at least 2019.
Because it looks bad-ass, that's why—beyond that, reason fails us. The G has a reputation of being popular with criminal types—Russian mobsters, Chinese gangsters, Hollywood celebrities—and that makes some sense, since the G is big, blunt, intimidating and seemingly impervious. In matte black, the G63 looks like a four-wheeled assault rifle.
But I must say, in my perfect world, all bad guys would drive one. They'd be so easy to catch.
Email Dan at firstname.lastname@example.com and follow him on Twitter @Danneilwsj
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