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National Alliance on Mental Illness
page printed from http://www2.nami.org/
(800) 950-NAMI; email@example.com
Parity: Now an "Essential" Health Benefit
By Katrina Gay, NAMI Director of Communications, and Angela Kimball, NAMI Director of State Policy
People living with mental health conditions and their families are preparing for major changes in health care benefits. The long-awaited U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed essential health benefits (EHB) rule guiding coverage in individual, small-group and health insurance exchange plans was published on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 in the Federal Register. Public comments will be accepted for the next 30 days.
This is of vital importance for many reasons, and NAMI is poised to help individuals both prepare for these changes and gear up as self-advocates. These rules will impact all exchange plans, which begin on Jan. 1, 2014, and other health insurance plans as they are renewed throughout the year.
When the new health care law was passed, it included something called EHBs. EHBs are a set of 10 categories of services that must be offered in individual and small-group health insurance plans, or private insurance plans. For the first time ever, it will required that mental health and substance abuse treatment include all individual and small group plans at parity, or equal to the cover given to other health conditions.
There are 10 categories of EHBs included in these new rules: (1) ambulatory patient services, or outpatient health care, (2) emergency services, (3) hospitalization, (4) maternity and newborn care, (5) mental health and substance abuse services, (6) prescription drugs, (7) rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, (8) laboratory services, (9) preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management and (10) pediatric services.
Although all of these are important, three of these categories offer a huge benefit to individuals with mental illness and their families.
The first of these is mental health and substance abuse services. Although the U.S. has had federal parity for some time, it has specifically excluded individual and small-group plans. Now, for the first time, these plans will have to include this "parity," that is to say, they will have to provide benefits for these services equal to the benefits they offer all other health conditions. Although many states had mental health parity laws of various sorts, many had exclusions that narrowed the law's reach. The expanded coverage of mental health and substance abuse services is a huge improvement for states with limited parity laws and definitely a boon for individuals living in states that did not have provisions for parity at all.
The second EHB of significance is the prescription drug category. Prescription drug coverage must be included in any individual or small group plan. People with mental health conditions reliant on medications can't be denied this benefit, which is of critical importance especially to those who do not currently have this benefit in their existing coverage or who will now be able to have this benefit through one of the emergent health insurance exchanges.
And finally, rehabilitative services will be supported by insurance plans to individuals in small group and individual plans. These services have traditionally not been present in private plans in the past and may include psychosocial rehabilitation, personal care services, job coaching, activities of daily living and others. This could represent a significant shift in how these types of mental health services and their availability are delivered and covered through private health insurance. For the first time in some states, an individual will not need to be enrolled in Medicaid in order to receive essential rehabilitative services that many people recovering from mental illness find essential.
Now that the rules have been passed, NAMI will be working in 2013 on shaping how this gets implemented by writing comments, educating the public and inspiring policy. In this way, NAMI can continue to better shape the future of mental health care so that people with mental illness and their families can have more opportunities for recovery.
For those interested in learning more about EHBs and roles for grassroots advocates, NAMI will be hosting a webinar on this topic on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 at 12 p.m. ET. Registration is required.


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The Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, (ECC) provides innovative entrepreneurs with assistance in developing their intellectual property based technologies. Our goal is to help researchers and inventors introduce their novel discoveries to the marketplace.
The ECC works closely with South Texas Technology Management and the University of Texas Office of Technology Transfer to provide comprehensive and integrated technology development services for UTB faculty by using the most effective protection and commercialization strategies to stimulate and capitalize on each University technology.
We offer confidential assistance to individuals and organizations seeking to:
If you have an idea for an invention, we can assist you in taking it from idea to product please see our Research, Industry and Collaborations page or contact John Sossi Staff
Contact Information:
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Running a simple integration scenario using the Oracle Big Data Connectors on Hadoop/HDFS cluster
By Axel Timo Purr-Oracle on Nov 01, 2013
Between the elephant ( the tradional image of the Hadoop framework) and the Oracle Iron Man (Big Data..) an english setter could be seen as the link to the right data
Data, Data, Data, we are living in a world where data technology based on popular applications , search engines, Webservers, rich sms messages, email clients, weather forecasts and so on, have a predominant role in our life.
More and more technologies are used to analyze/track our behavior, try to detect patterns, to propose us "the best/right user experience" from the Google Ad services, to Telco companies or large consumer sites (like Amazon:) ). The more we use all these technologies, the more we generate data, and thus there is a need of huge data marts and specific hardware/software servers (as the Exadata servers) in order to treat/analyze/understand the trends and offer new services to the users.
Some of these "data feeds" are raw, unstructured data, and cannot be processed effectively by normal SQL queries. Large scale distributed processing was an emerging infrastructure need and the solution seemed to be the "collocation of compute nodes with the data", which in turn leaded to MapReduce parallel patterns and the development of the Hadoop framework, which is based on MapReduce and a distributed file system (HDFS) that runs on larger clusters of rather inexpensive servers.
Several Oracle products are using the distributed / aggregation pattern for data calculation ( Coherence, NoSql, times ten ) so once that you are familiar with one of these technologies, lets says with coherence aggregators, you will find the whole Hadoop, MapReduce concept very similar.
Oracle Big Data Appliance is based on the Cloudera Distribution (CDH), and the Oracle Big Data Connectors can be plugged on a Hadoop cluster running the CDH distribution or equivalent Hadoop clusters.
In this paper, a "lab like" implementation of this concept is
done on a single Linux X64 server, running an Oracle Database
11g Enterprise Edition Release 220.127.116.11.0, and a single node
Apache hadoop-1.2.1 HDFS cluster, using the SQL connector for HDFS.
The whole setup is fairly simple:
- Install on a Linux x64 server ( or virtual box appliance) an Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition Release 184.108.40.206.0 server
- Get the Apache Hadoop distribution from: http://mir2.ovh.net/ftp.apache.org/dist/hadoop/common/hadoop-1.2.1.
- Get the Oracle Big Data Connectors from: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/bdc/big-data-connectors/downloads/index.html?ssSourceSiteId=ocomen.
- Check the java version of your Linux server with the command:
java -version java version "1.7.0_40" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_40-b43) Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 24.0-b56, mixed mode)
- Decompress the hadoop hadoop-1.2.1.tar.gz file to
- Modify your .bash_profile
(also see my sample .bash_profile)
export HADOOP_HOME=/u01/hadoop-1.2.1 export PATH=$PATH:$HADOOP_HOME/bin export HIVE_HOME=/u01/hive-0.11.0 export PATH=$PATH:$HADOOP_HOME/bin:$HIVE_HOME/bin
- Set up ssh trust for Hadoop
process, this is a mandatory step, in our case we have to
establish a "local trust" as will are using a single node
- copy the new public keys to the
list of authorized keys
- connect and test the ssh setup
to your localhost:
- We will run a "pseudo-Hadoop
cluster", in what is called "local standalone mode", all
the Hadoop java components are running in one Java
process, this is enough for our demo purposes. We need to
"fine tune" some Hadoop configuration files, we have to go
at our $HADOOP_HOME/conf, and modify the files:
- check that the hadoop binaries
are referenced correctly from the command line by
hadoop -version
- As Hadoop is managing our
"clustered HDFS" file system we have to create "the
mount point" and format it , the mount point will be
declared to core-site.xml as:
The layout under the /u01/hadoop-1.2.1/data will be created and used by other hadoop components (MapReduce => /mapred/...) HDFS is using the /dfs/... layout structure
- format the HDFS hadoop file system:
- Start the java components
for the HDFS system
- As an additional check,
you can use the GUI Hadoop browsers to check the
content of your HDFS configurations:
Once our HDFS Hadoop setup is done you can use the HDFS file system to store data ( big data : )), and plug them back and forth to Oracle Databases by the means of the Big Data Connectors ( which is the next configuration step).
You can create / use a Hive db, but in our case we will make a simple integration of "raw data" , through the creation of an External Table to a local Oracle instance ( on the same Linux box, we run the Hadoop HDFS one node cluster and one Oracle DB).
- Download some public "big
data", I use the site:
from where I can get *.csv files for my big data
simulations :).
Here is the data layout of my example file:
Download the Big Data Connector from the OTN (oraosch-2.2.0.zip), unzip it to your local file system (see picture below)
- Modify your environment in order
to access the connector libraries , and make the following
[oracle@dg1 bin]$./hdfs_stream Usage: hdfs_stream locationFile [oracle@dg1 bin]$
- Load the data to the Hadoop hdfs
file system:
hadoop fs -mkdir bgtest_data hadoop fs -put obsFrance.txt bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt hadoop fs -ls /user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt [oracle@dg1 bg-data-raw]$ hadoop fs -ls /user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt Found 1 items -rw-r--r-- 1 oracle supergroup 54103 2013-10-22 06:10 /user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt [oracle@dg1 bg-data-raw]$hadoop fs -ls hdfs:///user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt Found 1 items -rw-r--r-- 1 oracle supergroup 54103 2013-10-22 06:10 /user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt
- Check the content of the HDFS with
the browser UI:
- Start the Oracle database, and run
the following script in order to create the Oracle database
user, the Oracle directories for the Oracle Big Data
Connector (dg1 it's my own db id replace accordingly yours):
#!/bin/bash export ORAENV_ASK=NO export ORACLE_SID=dg1 . oraenv sqlplus /nolog <<EOF CONNECT / AS sysdba; CREATE OR REPLACE DIRECTORY osch_bin_path AS '/u01/orahdfs-2.2.0/bin'; CREATE USER BGUSER IDENTIFIED BY oracle; GRANT CREATE SESSION, CREATE TABLE TO BGUSER; GRANT EXECUTE ON sys.utl_file TO BGUSER; GRANT READ, EXECUTE ON DIRECTORY osch_bin_path TO BGUSER; CREATE OR REPLACE DIRECTORY BGT_LOG_DIR as '/u01/BG_TEST/logs'; GRANT READ, WRITE ON DIRECTORY BGT_LOG_DIR to BGUSER; CREATE OR REPLACE DIRECTORY BGT_DATA_DIR as '/u01/BG_TEST/data'; GRANT READ, WRITE ON DIRECTORY BGT_DATA_DIR to BGUSER; EOF
- Put the following in a file named t3.sh and make it executable,
hadoop jar $OSCH_HOME/jlib/orahdfs.jar \ oracle.hadoop.exttab.ExternalTable \ -D oracle.hadoop.exttab.tableName=BGTEST_DP_XTAB \ -D oracle.hadoop.exttab.defaultDirectory=BGT_DATA_DIR \ -D oracle.hadoop.exttab.dataPaths="hdfs:///user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt" \ -D oracle.hadoop.exttab.columnCount=7 \ -D oracle.hadoop.connection.url=jdbc:oracle:thin:@//localhost:1521/dg1 \ -D oracle.hadoop.connection.user=BGUSER \ -D oracle.hadoop.exttab.printStackTrace=true \ -createTable --noexecute
then test the creation fo the external table with it:
[oracle@dg1 samples]$ ./t3.sh ./t3.sh: line 2: /u01/orahdfs-2.2.0: Is a directory Oracle SQL Connector for HDFS Release 2.2.0 - Production Copyright (c) 2011, 2013, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Enter Database Password:] The create table command was not executed. The following table would be created. CREATE TABLE "BGUSER"."BGTEST_DP_XTAB" ( "C1" VARCHAR2(4000), "C2" VARCHAR2(4000), "C3" VARCHAR2(4000), "C4" VARCHAR2(4000), "C5" VARCHAR2(4000), "C6" VARCHAR2(4000), "C7" VARCHAR2(4000) ) ORGANIZATION EXTERNAL ( TYPE ORACLE_LOADER DEFAULT DIRECTORY "BGT_DATA_DIR" ACCESS PARAMETERS ( RECORDS DELIMITED BY 0X'0A' CHARACTERSET AL32UTF8 STRING SIZES ARE IN CHARACTERS PREPROCESSOR "OSCH_BIN_PATH":'hdfs_stream' FIELDS TERMINATED BY 0X'2C' MISSING FIELD VALUES ARE NULL ( "C1" CHAR(4000), "C2" CHAR(4000), "C3" CHAR(4000), "C4" CHAR(4000), "C5" CHAR(4000), "C6" CHAR(4000), "C7" CHAR(4000) ) ) LOCATION ( 'osch-20131022081035-74-1' ) ) PARALLEL REJECT LIMIT UNLIMITED; The following location files would be created. osch-20131022081035-74-1 contains 1 URI, 54103 bytes 54103 hdfs://localhost:19000/user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt
- Then remove
the --noexecute flag and create the
external Oracle table for the Hadoop data.
Check the results:
The create table command succeeded. CREATE TABLE "BGUSER"."BGTEST_DP_XTAB" ( "C1" VARCHAR2(4000), "C2" VARCHAR2(4000), "C3" VARCHAR2(4000), "C4" VARCHAR2(4000), "C5" VARCHAR2(4000), "C6" VARCHAR2(4000), "C7" VARCHAR2(4000) ) ORGANIZATION EXTERNAL ( TYPE ORACLE_LOADER DEFAULT DIRECTORY "BGT_DATA_DIR" ACCESS PARAMETERS ( RECORDS DELIMITED BY 0X'0A' CHARACTERSET AL32UTF8 STRING SIZES ARE IN CHARACTERS PREPROCESSOR "OSCH_BIN_PATH":'hdfs_stream' FIELDS TERMINATED BY 0X'2C' MISSING FIELD VALUES ARE NULL ( "C1" CHAR(4000), "C2" CHAR(4000), "C3" CHAR(4000), "C4" CHAR(4000), "C5" CHAR(4000), "C6" CHAR(4000), "C7" CHAR(4000) ) ) LOCATION ( 'osch-20131022081719-3239-1' ) ) PARALLEL REJECT LIMIT UNLIMITED; The following location files were created. osch-20131022081719-3239-1 contains 1 URI, 54103 bytes 54103 hdfs://localhost:19000/user/oracle/bgtest_data/obsFrance.txt
This is the view from the SQL Developer:
and finally the number of lines in the oracle table, imported from our Hadoop HDFS cluster
SQL> select count(*) from "BGUSER"."BGTEST_DP_XTAB"; COUNT(*) ---------- 1151
In a next post we will integrate data from a Hive database, and try some ODI integrations with the ODI Big Data connector. Our simplistic approach is just a step to show you how these unstructured data world can be integrated to Oracle infrastructure.
Hadoop, BigData, NoSql are great technologies, they are widely used and Oracle is offering a large integration infrastructure based on these services.
Oracle University presents a complete curriculum on all the Oracle related technologies:
Big Data:
Oracle Data Integrator:
- Oracle Data Integrator 12c: New Features
- Oracle Data Integrator 11g: Integration and Administration
- Oracle Data Integrator: Administration and Development
- Oracle Data Integrator 11g: Advanced Integration and Development
Oracle Coherence 12c:
Oracle Coherence 12c:
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g: Fundamentals for Oracle
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g: Fundamentals for SQL Server
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Fundamentals for Oracle
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Fundamentals for DB2
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Fundamentals for Teradata
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Fundamentals for HP NonStop
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Management Pack: Overview
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g Troubleshooting and Tuning
- Oracle GoldenGate 11g: Advanced Configuration for Oracle
Other Resources:
- Apache Hadoop : http://hadoop.apache.org/ is the homepage for these technologies.
- "Hadoop Definitive Guide 3rdEdition" by Tom White is a classical lecture for people who want to know more about Hadoop , and some active "googling " will also give you some more references.
About the author:
Eugene Simos is based in France and joined Oracle through the BEA-Weblogic Acquisition, where he worked for the Professional Service, Support, end Education for major accounts across the EMEA Region. He worked in the banking sector, ATT, Telco companies giving him extensive experience on production environments. Eugene currently specializes in Oracle Fusion Middleware teaching an array of courses on Weblogic/Webcenter, Content,BPM /SOA/Identity-Security/GoldenGate/Virtualisation/Unified Comm Suite) throughout the EMEA region.


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Dvoretsky, Mark
3 Item(s)
Grid List
Instructive Mistakes of the Masters
This book is designed to highlight the key concepts of the most common chess endgames and will prove quite instructive to chessplayers of all levels. Topics include: The King in the Endgame, Pawn play, Zugzwang, Saving Methods, Tactics in the Endgame, Piece Maneuvering, Piece Exchanges, ''Technique''... and much more!
Tragicomedy in the Endgame
The Second Edition of Another Dvoretsky Classic! It is very important for the practical player to train his or her ability, understand when to rely on intuition, rules of thumb and more general positional considerations, when to try to solve problems by calculating variations to the end and how to manage time to avoid time pressure. With these goals in mind, the second edition of Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual delivers excellent, high quality training materials and many exercises.
Dvoretsky's Analytical Manual - 2ND EDITION
4th EDITION
The Fourth Edition of a Modern Classic When you are serious about improving your endgame skills, it is time for Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual. Perhaps the best known and most respected instructor of world class chessplayers, Mark Dvoretsky has produced a comprehensive work on the endgame that will reward players of all strengths. For those ready to immerse themselves in endgame theory, there may be no better manual available today. But, even if you do not play at master level, the book has been designed to help your endgame too. Basic theories and ''must-know'' concepts are highlighted in blue. You may skip the more complex analysis, focus on the text in blue, and still improve your endgame technique.
Dvoretsky Endgame Manual
3 Item(s)
Grid List


text:
Save Phace Mask - Diss Series
The Diss Series is the Save Phace entry-level mask. These killer graphics are sure to make you envy of all your friends! This Series comes with military grade Thermal lens and graphics that are to kill for!!!
Save Phace Mask - Diss Series Features:
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text:
Closed Captioned
Learn how to take professional product photos, guided by industry expert Chris Grey. Discover invaluable tips for successfully finding clients and collaborating with art directors, and create a dynamic portfolio with Chris' step-by-step guidance through product shot setups. Master a range of strategic lighting designs, and showcase and accentuate the texture, form and detail of flagship products. Use subtle adjustments in modifiers and product position to take a shot from basic to blockbuster, and learn how to shoot reflective products for images that stand out from the pack. Plus, find out how to use post-processing techniques to improve your shots and create the polished, professional look clients want.
Gain insider tips on how to get clients and create a head-turning portfolio that can pave the road to commercial photography assignments.
Dive into an exploration of light, shadow and ways to use modifiers to achieve the look you want. Learn how to use a light meter and set up your studio efficiently and easily.
Discover dynamic options for setting up and framing your subject and learn how distance, lighting and camera settings can create dramatically different looks.
Learn to light reflective objects beautifully, "float" your product, create specific highlights and glows, and approach clients with a chic finished photo that will get you noticed.
Learn to shoot a multifaceted product with various lights, textures and reflections while creating a sense of depth, connectedness and drama.
Learn to bring typical household items to life. Work with different angles, movement, and lighting as you capture texture, depth and motion in your shoot.
Now that you've captured the photos you want, it's time to add the final touches in your digital darkroom. Use Adobe Photoshop to accentuate contours, brand names, highlights and much more.
"I've always enjoyed Chris's really great books on photography and was happy to see him here on Craftsy.com. His course is well done and even professionals with years of experience in other parts of photography can learn valuable lessons from Chris. He is a lighting expert!"
- Kirk Tuck
Austin, Texas


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Event Details
Date: May 5, 2014
Add to your calendar
Location: Show map
Mandel JCC, Palm Beach Gardens
5221 Hood Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
Phone: 5616897700
Mah Jongg & Canasta Play Sessions
There's no time like the present to jump in and try; number of tables will grow as the word begins to spread! Tables grouped by game preference and level of skill. Coffee and a variety of goodies provided.
> Mondays and Wednesdays; Ongoing; 12:30-3:30 pm
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text:
on November 4, 2012 - 8:58 AM
, updated November 4, 2012 at 8:59 AM
First Niagara Financial Group named Jeffrey J. Maddigan treasurer. Maddigan, a 19-year veteran of the bank, previously served as senior director of balance sheet strategy. He earned his MBA and bachelor's degree from Canisius College.
The WNY Women's Foundation appointed Jacqueline N. Hall director of program. Hall was director of the CAO Masten Resource Center for the Community Action Organization of Erie County. She holds a master's degree from UB and a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College.
Independent Health promoted Anthony Montagna to vice president, network contract management. Montagna, who joined the company in 2000, received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and earned his master's degree through the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.
Independent Health appointed Peggy Davis director, clinical services, The Primary Connection. Davis was previously the director of health promotion at the company. She received her bachelor's degree from Niagara University.
The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and the United Way of Greater Niagara appointed Andrew Bennett account executive. Bennett is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The Roycroft Campus Corporation appointed Tricia Furnari director of development. Furnari was development director at the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute. A Cornell University graduate, she has a master's degree from Portland State University.
Savarino Companies promoted Kevin P. Hays to director of development for the firm. Hays, previously a project coordinator at the firm, is a UB School of Architecture and Planning graduate.
LVD Strippit named Lieven Decloedt manufacturing manager. Decloedt holds an MBA from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School in Belgium. Also, the company appointed Michael Stanchak assembly supervisor. Stanchak, formerly with Erie Logistics, is a Buffalo State College graduate.
Chiampou Travis Besaw and Kershner named Sean Pheils a tax manager. Pheils is a graduate of the University of Florida, Syracuse University College of Law and Georgetown University Law Center.
Five Star Bank named Charles J. Guarino senior vice president and director of marketing. Guarino, with the bank for 17 years, holds a bachelor's degree from Geneseo State College, and is a graduate of the Bank Administration Institute Graduate School of Retail Banking.
ESL Federal Credit Union appointed Bill Freeman vice president/director of marketing. Freeman also serves as a member of ESL's planning committee and is a member of the ESL Charitable Foundation. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, he holds a master's degree from Canisius College.
The New York State Court of Appeals has unanimously appointed Anthony J. Baynes to the board of trustees of the New York Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection. The Lawyers' Fund is a state agency created in 1981 to protect legal clients from the misuse of their money by dishonest attorneys and to promote public confidence in the administration of justice in New York State. Baynes was selected for his years of community and civic service. He is a graduate of Buffalo State College and is the founder and current chairman of the AJ Baynes Group, a Buffalo based development and logistics company.


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In June 2011 I visited the mosque again, hoping restorations were finished. Well, they were not yet, but almost, they were aiming for it to be opened by the time of Ramadan 2011 (roughly August), I was told. The outside looks fine now, but inside there was still a lot of scaffolding.
Turkey Pictures: Copyright Dick Osseman. For any use: see my Profile.


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Easter services held in new sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Dallas
Photo: Cooper Neill/Staff Photographer
Visitors take photos in front of the fountains and large cross outside the new $130 million campus for First Baptist Dallas on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013.
To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.


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I may be an old fashioned god, but how would you recognize a "satanist"? There are such Satan worship groups but I have never heard of one involved with spells, curses, etc. They are mostly nature religion related, but are favorites for being maligned by religious groups particularly of the fundamentalist persuasion.
"Also, why is it that those who worship Satan never argue over which Satan they worship?"
Anyone that has read and for some reason believes the bible should be able to answer that.
I might point out that in christian mythology it was the wisest of angels that rejected god's sadistic plan for the world. You see it is all upside down and the devil is wrongly portrayed. It was the christian god that created suffering, ****, ****ation, guilt, etc. Satan, Lucifer, the "demons", etc. are the spiritual beings that rejected this sick plan of a god that would **** people to eternal suffering for merely not believing in his existence.


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Valerie Harper's inspiring battle against terminal brain cancer is looking up.
"My last scans have been positive, and my doctors are very happy," the Rhoda star, 74, told Closer Weekly. "[The oncologist] looked at the scans and said, 'Oh my God, Valerie, this is very encouraging.' "
Harper, who defied initial predictions that she only had months to live and inspired millions of viewers by appearing on Dancing with the Stars, says her doctor still doesn't use the term "in remission."
"He likes to say, 'I give you a treatment, and it's either responsive or nonresponsive, and you are having a phenomenal response."
But that doesn't mean she's by any means cured from her illness.
"In response to a recent erroneous quote concerning my health, I am not 'absolutely cancer-free,' " she said in a statement on Wednesday. "I wish I were. Right now what I am is cautiously optimistic about my present condition and I have hope for the future."
Harper's ongoing medical treatment includes a "pulse dose" – which involves taking a lot of pills at one time, something Harper admits can be "difficult" – and now seeing her doctor once every eight weeks.
"My cancer is incurable and terminal, but guess what? Not today!" Harper told PEOPLE on Wednesday. "There is all manner of suffering in the world, not all of it by any stretch related just to cancer or to illness, but all kinds of suffering."
The "best advice" she can offer? "Don't go to the funeral before it is time. So my time is looking good today and that's how we are all supposed to live our lives – one day at a time."
The actress is currently in New York doing press for her episodes of Martha Williamson's new series for Hallmark Channel, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, which premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. PST.
Valerie Harper Is 'Cautiously Optimistic' About Her Cancer
Rodrigo Vaz/FilmMagic
updated 04/16/2014 AT 04:00 PM EDT
•originally published 04/16/2014 AT 12:25 PM EDT


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LISBON -Two men allegedly involved in the disappearance of copper and vehicles from Solomen Scrap and Mine last month were taken into custody following an investigation by police on Friday.
On Friday, Sgt. Jeff Haugh and Salem Township Constable Dan Valentine were investigating a large quantity copper and two pickups reported stolen from Solomen Scrap and Mine along state Route 14, Salem recently.
One truck was taken the night of Dec. 11 along with a large amount of copper. Another truck was taken on Thursday, along with tools and copper. Deputies received a call the black pickup was stuck in the mud along a gas well right of way off King Road, west of Butler Grange Road. The red truck was found in the woodline of the cemetery off Salem Grange Road.
Deputies were also alerted two men cashed in a large amount of nice copper at HMF Scrap and then later at Downtown Metal in Salem. The men had just left Downtown Metal in Salem, when deputies passed them westbound on Butcher Road. While deputies attempted to catch up with them, one of the men, the passenger, Chris Hyler, jumped out and ran through the woods, southbound through Jersey Ridge Road.
Deputies continued to follow the truck and stopped it. The driver, Cody Clark, was taken into custody after reportedly lying to deputies. The other man, Hyler, was found in the middle of a bean field, was surrounded and surrendered. He was taken into custody on a warrant and also charged with receiving stolen property for possession of more than $1,000 worth of stolen copper from Solomen's.
The men face numerous charges, which will be presented to the Columbiana County grand jury.


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Factor polynomial equations and apply the Zero-Product Property to solve them.
This video demonstrates a sample use of factoring to solve polynomials.
This video provides an explanation of the concept of factoring to solve polynomials.
A list of student-submitted discussion questions for Zero Product Principle.
Students will apply their understanding of factoring and the zero product principle to analyze the vertical jump height of a basketball player.
This study guide reviews methods to factor polynomials, including identifying special products, factoring monomials, and tips for factoring polynomials completely. It also looks at how factoring can be used to solve polynomial equations.


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on October 3, 2012 - 12:28 AM
, updated October 3, 2012 at 9:15 AM
Gilbert Perreault is hopeful the NHL lockout will come to a swift end. Other than saying that, the Buffalo Sabres' legend has no desire to immerse himself into the fight between the league and its players' association. It's not his place because hockey is so much different now than when he played.
"It's a different time," Perreault said Tuesday. "Money was not there like it is today, but we had a lot of fun playing that game."
Indeed, it's a very different time. Today, there's a lot of money, but no one is having fun or playing. Based on Tuesday's negotiations, they won't be playing for a while.
Representatives from the NHL and NHLPA left their meeting in New York with potshots and pointy barbs, but once again they departed without a collective bargaining agreement. The frustration was evident.
"Today wasn't overly encouraging, that's for sure," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told reporters in New York. "Unless and until we hear from them and they make some movement or show some willingness to compromise, I'm not sure how we get this done."
Donald Fehr, executive director of the NHLPA, wasted little time answering.
"The definition of no progress that comes out of the NHL office seems to be, 'They didn't give us what we want yet,'" said Fehr, who talked informally with Commissioner Gary Bettman later in the day. "I choose to believe that they would like to make a deal."
What's all but certain to come first is a delay to the start of the season. The first puck is supposed to drop Oct. 11, but that date is expected to be scratched.
"By definition you have to get closer to making that decision," Daly said.
The lockout, which started Sept. 16 when the owners closed the doors on the players, has already cost the NHL its preseason. Daly put a price tag on that Tuesday.
"By losing our preseason, we've probably done close to $100 million damage to the business that's not going to be recouped, and that's going to cost both sides," he said. "That's unfortunate, but it's a reality of where we are."
"This is a lockout they decided to have," Fehr countered. "And so, if there's a problem here, maybe someone ought to look in the mirror over there."
Instead of a mirror, Perreault and French Connection linemate Rene Robert got to look at the beginning of Alumni Plaza outside of First Niagara Center. The Sabres are erecting a statue of the players Oct. 12, and the duo came to Buffalo for a preview luncheon and news conference.
"It's a great honor to have our statue in front," Perreault said. "Just make sure that you're going to keep our beautiful faces clean over the years."
The statue depicting Perreault, Robert and late linemate Richard Martin will be the centerpiece of the plaza. The immortalized players from the 1970s and early '80s will stand 7-feet tall and draw fans back to a time of wavy hair and Stanley Cup dreams.
"I'm sure that better things are to come yet," Robert said. "I'm sure with this new ownership it won't be long until you forget about this statue that's going to be unveiled next week to take a look at the Stanley Cup because it's on its way."
The plaza will be more about the past than the future. Plaques with the name of every player who has dressed for the Sabres will be affixed to the brick columns outside the arena.
"It's truly an honor that the new ownership of the Sabres are remembering us, the old players, the alumni and the beginning of the franchise," Robert said. "This has been a long time coming, but it's nice to see that finally there's going to be a plaza remembering each and every one of us that played here, whether he played one game or 1,000 games.
"It would have been a lot nicer if it would have been on game night, but that's the way hockey is now. They have their differences that they have to sort out, and hopefully they'll come to terms soon. I'm pretty neutral. There's both sides at fault."
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
So, what makes a convertible sports car hot?
Yep, definitely the look or styling. For any new ride that's typically the first thing you notice and even more so with a convertible sports car. That's a given, right? Talk of a convertible without any street appeal is like living on the beach, but never getting in the water. Doable, but why bother paying the extra cash for just the view?
An OK looking convertible doesn't do much for stirring the senses, especially when the top's up. Not that you can actually say that about the new convertible Z. Nissan went to great lengths to make sure its roadster didn't lose any of its appeal when it's time to put the top up. That's good news if you're stuck in a region like the Midwest or East Coast where sunny days are limited. After all, Californians shouldn't get to have all the fun when it comes driving cool cars right?
Still, the true defining element of a sports car convertible is how well it performs and handles because typically you have to give up something for "going topless."
Nissan engineers went to great lengths to make sure that the give and take ratio on the new Z Roadster vs. the coupe model was minimum at best and that the new roadster lived up to all of the "Zness" that's come to define the sports car.
In fact, whether or not you're giving up anything at all if considering the roadster really boils down to a matter of personal taste.
You still get most of those performance attributes when behind the wheel of the roadster that you get with the coupe. The roadster's body stiffness or the feeling you get in telling how solid a car is on the road has been improved 40 percent for front body torsion, 10 percent for front body lateral bending, 45 percent for rear body torsion, and 60 percent for rear body lateral bending.
The roadster also has a lighter and more rigid aluminum front suspension and is available with 14" front/13.8" rear sport brakes and improved steering response. The standard wheel and tire package are 18-inch alloys with Bridgestone Potenza tires.
My model tested featured the 19-inch RAYS lightweight forged alloys with Bridgestone Potenza tires.


text:
Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
The New Year is fast approaching which means it's time for everyone's year in review articles. This year we get the added bonus of the end of decade. Due to the baseball schedule and offseason, I'll be looking at each individual season from the end of the previous season to the end of that season. Let's travel through the looking glass together and remember simpler times.
The Cubs finished off 1999 at 67-95 and dead last in the NL Central. Failure at that level demanded change and the Cubs fired Jim Riggelman and hired Don Baylor in November of '99 to start off the offseason and lead the Cubs into 2000. Jeff Blauser, Mickey Morandini, Benito Santiago, Steve Trachsel, Lance Johnson and Gary Gaetti were all on their way out and in mid -December, GM E. Lynch pulled a trade for Ismael "Blister" Valdez and Eric Young from the Dodgers for Terry Adams, Brian Stephenson and Chad Ricketts.
Free agent signings included Ricky Guiterrez, Todd Van Poppel, and Joe Girardi. The immortal Augie Ojeda was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles. Manny Alexander was sent to the Red Sox for center fielder Damon Buford. Y2K hit and all the computers kept working. The first move of the decade was signing reliever Brian Williams...he had a 9.62 ERA in 2000 and was released by the end of May. Willie Greene was signed..he played 109 games in 2000. The Cubs traded for Sarge Jr. from the Padres for Rodney Myers.
The Cubs season began in Tokyo versus the Mets and Jon Lieber defeated Mike Hampton with Rick Aguilera getting the save. Opening Day Lineup:
E. Young - 2B, D. Buford - CF, M. Grace - 1B, S. Sosa - RF, H. Rodriguez - LF, S. Andrews - 3B, J. Nieves - SS, J. Girardi - C, J. Lieber - P
Kyle Farnsworth started the 2nd game in Tokyo...the Cubs lost 5-1.
Kevin Tapani, Andrew Lorraine and Scott Downs rounded out the 5-man rotation for April. 7 years later Scott Downs would become a good reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays. Ruben Quevedo made his debut in relief in April, he would get his first start at the end of May. Julio Zuleta made his debut in April. The team finished March and April at 10-17. On May 2nd, Kerry Wood made his 2000 debut after missing all of 1999 after Tommy John surgery. The game was against the Houston Astros and he pitched 6 innings and struck out four and the Cubs won 11-1. They finished May 10-16 and Wood finished the season on 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA and 137 IP. His 8.7 K/9 rate was the lowest of his career (not including the 19.2 IP he threw in 2006).
On May 11, Glenallen Hill hit a home run off Steve Woodard that hit the rooftop of a building across the street. A legend was born...
After a disappointing 1999 and terrible start to 2000, GM E. Lynch offered to resign in mid-May, president Andy MacPhail convinced him to stay. In the June draft, the Cubs selected Luis Montanez with the third pick...Chase Utley went at #15 to the Phillies. The Cubs also drafted Bobby Hill, Todd Wellemeyer, Ryan Jorgenson, Dontrelle Willis, Jon Leicester, Jason Dubois, Buck Coats, Carmen Pignatiello and Jason Szuminski in that draft. The Cubs reacquired Brant Brown for Dave Martinez on June 9th in a deal with the Texas Rangers. The Cubs went 12-13 in June.
On July 19, Lynch quit anyway and MacPhail took over as GM. He traded Glenallen Hill to the New York Yankees two days later for Ben Ford and Oswaldo Mairena. On July 25th, he traded Ismael Valdez back to the Dodgers for Jamie Arnold, Jorge Piedra and cash. Valdez made 12 starts for the Cubs and had a 5.37 ERA. At the trade deadline, Henry Rodriguez was traded to the Florida Marlins for David Noyce and eventual pinch-hitter extraordinaire Ross Gload. Scott Downs was sent to Montreal for Rondell White. The Cubs had their best month of the year, going 17-9 in July.
They finished the last two months at 17-42 and finished the second straight season in last place in the NL Central - 65-97. They were 11-29 in games decided by 5 runs or more. Will Ohman made his Cubs debut in September. Sammy Sosa only hit 50 home runs. It was Mark Grace's last season as a Cub.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I remember a game where Valdez hit a double and when he got to second he started to grab his calf and looked to the bench to try to get out of the game and the bench just ignored him.
"Monster" Hill-another marvel of modern science.
Ed Lynch- still with the Cubs in some capacity?
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
My fondest Don Baylor memory is during a rainy WGN broadcast when the camera man convienently turned to Don Baylor right at the point in which his finger was up his nose so far, all you could see was a knuckle. The WGN camera crew is well known for their timing.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Wood homered in that first game back, too.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Holy Sh!t.
I forgot I was at that game.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
He's going to want at least Fontenot money.
Not sure we will have the room after Capps,Grabow and Byrd are signed up.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
at least...hell, he's a 7+m pitcher, easy.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I fondly remember the ole Baylor offensive strategy.
1. Lead off with a hit
2. Sacrifice the runner to 2nd
3. Sacrifice the runner to 3rd
4. Pray for a hit or wild pitch
Not a lot of heavy scoring during the Baker era. The fact he was hired AFTER he employed this same strategy in Colorado, tells us all we ever need to know about how well the Cubs front office has been run over the years.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Yeah, that's nice. The Bulls have/had done this with Hinrich and Nocioni. I would want to do this if I was a player because that money is worth more now than it is later. By year 4 or 5 you are totally fucking loaded anyhow, so who gives a fuck how much you make?
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Can't wait for the AZ Phil take on that one. He must be a knuckleball catcher or a prospective bat boy or something.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
for all the hand wringing over hendry not doing anything, it's not like there was much to do.
trade milton, find replacement, sign a reliever, maybe sign a starter, explore 2nd base situation (which seems to be already settled anyway with baker/fontenot unless one becomes trade bait).
it's not a big shopping list...the team's biggest missed chance so far is not being able to sign cameron in time to pay him 8m a year for a couple years...meh...no biggie, imo.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
i still say you march that exact same team out and you can find 90+ wins.
not batting one of the team's best power hitters with low ob% first might help...so would him playing a full season.
dlee/aram/soriano isn't a walk in the park.
team has 3 playoff quality starters, too.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
given that i say you can march the same team out there and "somehow" win more games doesn't mean i'm approaching this from a historical statistical perspective.
soriano was wasted in the 1 slot and moving him out of that slot i can see nothing but good happening for his skill set.
it was people who looked at historical data that say he's a leadoff hitter and somehow turns to total crap when he moves elsewhere...as if anything changes at all with his plate approach or how he's pitched to.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Hendry made the team significantly weaker last off season. Without making some big changes this offseason expect the same kind of season in '10.
Kicking Miles out the door was a good first step in reversing the '08-09 offseason shitfest, but, and I'm sorry to say this, but the bullpen needs a serious overhaul before the team will do much.
Relievers lost at least 8 winnable games in the first half of the season, maybe more. I would even go as far as to say a good bullpen would have put the Cubs in the playoffs this year. With even a small lead at the all-star break and Ramirez back off the DL, I'm not certain the Cards would have been such aggresive buyers at the trade deadline.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
that's the thing..i don't see a reason to believe big changes have to be made to a team that's already got it's big pieces figured out.
ultimately we're bitching about the support role taken up by milton...who's contribution is on the same level as fuku (and hopefully soto).
the team has 3 legit power hitters up the middle...that's a luxury a lot of teams don't have. cubs paid heavy for it, but they got it.
they're looking an above average support player (milton or replacement) and making the pen stronger. big whoop.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I know not all players are the same, but can someone (paging the doctors and stat guys) show me how a pitcher did the season after the same surgery Lilly had?
Thanks and I apologize for my laziness.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Well the end of the decade actually comes Dec. 31, 2010, but who wants to be picky? When it does come, there will be some big changes in store for this club. The window is closing fast, sorta like they talked about for the Bears after their 2006 Super Bowl appearance. I would not want the job of GM - I'd rather be the President so I can tell GM (General Motors) what to do...
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
If you start counting with 1, the first millennium is 1-1000, the second is 1001-2000, and the first decade of the third millennium is 2001-2010. If you start counting with zero, the decade is 2000-2009, but there wasn't a year 0. I like your review. Maybe someone else can do one at the end of next year.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I was kind of like when the entire western world was celebratiing the new millenium one year early. Good times.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
It's like when the odometer flips to 100,000.0 even though you bought the car at 000,002.8.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
There are two issues of note here:
First, sometimes people have a hard time counting because they do basic subtraction and forget to count the first or last item in the sequence. The end of the first year will start as year zero and finish at the beginning of year 1. So we are 1 year into the decade on January, 1, xx01, We are 10 years into the decade on January 1, xx10. you can't substract 1 from 1000 because that equals 999. Mind blowing stuff. When the new decade/millennium starts depends on when you start counting.
Second, the who millennium debate traces back to the initial western calendar. The king/president of England/Europe (it was actually a roman) instructed a monk named Doinysius Exiguus to make a calendar and assign a number year to it based on when the Anno Domini started. He did so and numbered year 1 to be the first complete year following the birth of Jesus. In doing so, year zero would be considered to be the complete year in which Jesus was born, but is often referred to as 1BC. So 1 BC and 1AD start and finish exactly one year apart, meaning there is no actual year zero. Or to be more precise, we started counting at the beginning of year number 1, not year number zero.
Because of this second point, the end of the first year AD, should have been January 1, 0002. This is convenient because it allows us to count simply (see point 1), but we're losing a year when we do so. If you count up to year 10, you'll have ten fingers up, but in actuality you're counting to the beginning of the tenth year. The end of the tenth year is January 1, 0011.
So while convention logic is to say that the new millenium began on January 1, 2000, anyone who cares to view it precisely realizes that January 1, 2000 is the beginning of the 1000th year AD. All the people who celebrated on this night were in fact a year early. The true millennium started on January 1, 2001.
I got drunk both years celebrating, but I find it an interesting story to share.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Calendars are social, not mathematical, constructs. A "decade" is whatever we want it to be, and society generally chooses to delineate decades by the starting digit, e.g. "the 80s" or "the oughts."
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I agree that a decade is a ten year period
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Everyone knows the 80's began in about '82 and ended about '92. Give or take.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I'm not being facetious when I say this: You're a smart motherfucker.
I'd never intentionally choose to associate with you or someone like you in my real life, but if you're looking for a pat on the back for being smart, consider this your pat.
Yay TRN.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Oh, I didn't score that high, I scored exactly average just like the rest of you.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
So to my knowledge, there is no right or wrong in this. But I'll try to make my case for the decade ending and starting at zero.
Of course when we count things, we start with 1. But not when considering aspects of time. When you are born, you are zero. Once you've been around for a year, you are 1. Start a stopwatch? 1 will show up after a second, minute, or hour has passed.
Maybe think of a car around a race track. If counting laps, you would not say 1 until the lap is complete.
So my best logic goes against what sir Neal states. Perhaps I'm the rebel of the given domain, though.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
The point is that years are not an abstract. Years were started with 1 AD, consequently the first decade was not finished until 10 AD.
A decade as vorare pointed out is just 10 years. From June 17th 1994 to June 16th 2004 is a decade. If you start counting decades from year 1, then 2010 not the start of a new deacade. Taking that example forward, Rob's type of lists could start from whenever you think the Cubs started.
And as we discussed at work yesterday, the Myans didn't think the world was going to end in 2012, they just need to make a new calender.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
You keep saying years started with 1 AD like it's a fact. Traditional calendars are mixed on this, the popular Gregorian supports your claim, but Buddhist and Hindu calendars implement a year zero.
It just depends on your view of a year. If you consider it a discrete variable, then you start with 1. If it's viewed as a continuous variable, where counts refer to intervals, than you would start with 0.
The Gregorian calendar is definitely the most widely used, and according to it the decade does not end until 2011 begins. But it's just established by a choice made a long time ago. It's not factual.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
So is the changing of the decade "imminent"?
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
According to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago, it could happen by the end of the week.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
lol awesome.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Hey Rob, were you using the Budhist or Hindu calender? Those both start reckoning time with the death of Jesus, right?
That calendar is what the names/numbers of our years mean. So in the regard that the world recognizes 2009 as 2009, it is a fact.
It is also a fact that the first year was called year 1 at it's beginning and throughout that year. They could have called it year zero and it would agree with the baby example above. Had they been living in the moment and concluded that they were living through their first year AD that would be more understandable than to label the first year to start as 1 and finish as 2. It really is nothing more than an academic point. Doesn't really matter
In the regard that year zero doesn't mean anything in the grand cosmos then 2009 doesn't mean shit.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
My Myan buddy told me we won't have to worry about any of this in a couple of years.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Craig clears it up below. We really missed an opportunity to celebrate the millenium when it REALLY happened!
Re: 2/12M with incentives that could take it to $16M
Not bad for a 30th round draft pick.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Wonder if AZ Phil knows if he was really considered a 30th round talent.
The only guy I know of who was drafted low because he deserved to be and made good was Mike Piazza, but surely some of the draftniks can come up with some other examples.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Mark Grace was a 24th round pick in 1985. Sandberg was a 20th round pick in 1978. Don't know if that's low enough to fit your criteria of a "low" draft pick, but there it is, fwiw....
Sandberg was a drafted that low because everyone was sure he was going to play college football, following his setting the state record for passing yards. No one bothered actually asking him.
Grace is a good one. It seems like there was another guy recently I'm forgetting.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Roy Oswalt, John Smoltz, Jeff Kent, Mark Buehrle, Travis Hafner, Mike Lowell, Jason Bay ... all 20th round or later.
But again, you don't know "the story" on all of those.
Pujols is the guy I was thinking of. Oswalt was too short, but I think he had some signing concerns that dropped him from the 3rd round if my Houston scouting scuttlebut memory is accurate.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
They add Garrett Atkins too. Exciting off-season for O's fans... sort of.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Boy, whatever happened to, "build it and they will come"?
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
The body language eminating from the Ricketts mob is not good for Mesa at the moment. It says a lot that they happily flew an entire posse down to Naples recently while a nervous Mesa group is flying themselves up to Chicago because they can't get the Cubs to tell them which sites, if any, they're interested in.
Re: Didn't the Ricketts tour Arizona sites ...?
Yep, after Tom Ricketts made his first trip to Naples. As far as I know, that's the only time the Ricketts family has ever been to Arizona.
They've made two trips to Naples to discuss moving there.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
"only time the Ricketts family has ever been to Arizona. "
A billionaire Cub fan never made it to Spring Training?
Re:A billionaire Cub fan
It's old man Joe's money.
According to Levine, November was the first time Tom Ricketts ever set foot in Arizona.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
The Tucson park is very nice though... not much not life there if you go when the university is on spring break.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Man, Ricketts is not endearing himself to the fans at all so far. It might seem relatively minor to some, but I think moving from AZ to Naples will really upset A LOT of fans. What does Naples have to offer besides humidity and thousands of 90 year olds on the brink of death?
The Cubs have planted roots in Mesa, and developed a loyal following down there. I know we've heard AZ Phil's take on the likelihood of moving and why, but I'd love to hear his take on how he would personally feel about it if they did move. I know we'd lose an amazing amount of valuable information.
Anyway, between not signing anything resembling a valuable player for 2010 and potentially pissing a lot of people off with moving Spring Training, Ricketts kind of seems like a huge douche.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I don't know, isn't Florida a favorite vacation spot for the Midwest? also, considerably closer...
Not as much as Phoenix, I think. I've heard Phoenix referred to as Chicago's far, far southwest suburb.
I'd understand the move more if they weren't talking about Naples. Two hours from the other Grapefruit league teams, and four hours from Disney World? Seems to undercut any potential baseball or monetary reasons for the move.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I've gone to spring training for the last 3 years in AZ and what I love about it is the proximity of all the teams. I don't have to go to Ho Ho to see a game, and in fact the best seats I've gotten for Cubs games have been at other parks.
So as far as spring training "trips" are concerned I probably won't bother if they move to Naples
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
I may because I have a retired elder to visit down there, but other than that, I vastly prefer Phoenix. You can see two games in a day quite easily down there.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
When I was at ASU in early 90's it was known as Illizona.
East coast people go to FL, Mid West to AZ.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
long story short...
moving to naples would piss off a lot of other teams. it's probably not going to happen. players/teams already hate the ft. myers drive.
Re: Hawkins
"I'm a firm believer that talking to a guy in person, you get to know him a little bit better," Hawkins said.
Unless you're Jim Hendry.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
When he took the mound as a Cubbie, you could literally feel the game slip away. You just knew as soon as he started warming up the other team would have a shot at coming back. Sure he didn't deserve all the crap, but he was not good as a Cub.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
"but he was not good as a Cub."
And not so good after also.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
He was actually pretty darn good up to the fateful Mets game in 2004 -- then, it all came crashing down for the team and for LaTroy.
As I recall, Dusty was trying to give hi the day off, becaude he had been pitching (and saving) a lot -- but, Dempster walked the first 2 guys to start the 9th, in came a tired LaTroy, and two outs later......
I looked in up when we were having our Cubs fans cannot be racist debate, and his ERA with the Cubs was pretty darned good, like 3.48 or something. The problem was that he just refused to hold a 1-run lead in the 9th. 2 run lead, fine. 1 run lead in the 8th? Fine. 1 run lead in the 9th? We lose.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
If you have the info handy TRN, how many saves did he blow as a Cub?
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Just went back and looked up the box score for that awful day --- Mets starting pitcher was one Aaron Heilman -- Sosa had 4 K's and 8 LOB.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
He had 13 blown saves, 29 saves and 4 holds as a Cub.
In 2005 he's blown saves were:
1 run
1 run
1 run - at which point he was 4/7 and lost his closer role.
1 run 6th inning - actually a blown hold.
His big problem was probably that the 2005 Cubs weren't any good.
In 2004 he blew 9 saves. These are how many runs he had to play with by game.
1 run
1 run
1 run
1 run
1 run
1 run
1 run
3 (but came in with the tying run at the plate after Dempster started inning)
1 run
That's really pretty amazing. For a year and a month he blew 13 saves - but he had no margin of error in EVERY save he blew. That has to be some sort of record. Dusty also probably overworked him late in '04.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Thanks for the info.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
NP, I am glad I looked it up.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
Best Cubs player of the decade is my favorite player of all time Mark Grudzielanek. The man could do it all.
Re: Cubs Decade in Review: 2000 Season
yeah, he's on everyone's top-3.
Recent comments
first game for lester giving up more than 2 runs since july 24th. hell of a run.
doh, yes...dunno what happened there. jake arrieta is all "bro wut?"
lester going for #20...cubs haven't had a LH (thanks jpep for the correction) 20 game winner since d.ellsworth in 1963.
fwiw, all the games are free on mlb.tv
Short rest for MadBum would be 2 days. WC game is Wed., Games 1 & 2 are Friday/Saturday.
A left-handed one...
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.


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Top Definition
To take off a female's clothing using only ones teeth, nipples, and feet.
"I totally did a colligual on that girl". You will sound smart and educated to your friends in the field of sex, but really you're using it to hide how freaky you are. weirdo.
EllaRaeによって 2010年10月20日(水)
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text: In Welles' three-act play, this is I.iii. Duncan and his court arrive at Macbeth's castle. Welles set the play on a Carribean island such as 19th c. Haiti with the witches as voodoo priestesses, and with an authentic African drum band, led by a supposed witch doctor, who refused to play authentic voodoo music as part of Welles' incidental music (mostly composed by Virgil Thomson), because the real thing would be too dangerous (New York Times, 7/20/2-010, C4). Courtesy of the Library of Congress.This and the next five images are available from the Archival Research Catalog of the National Archives and Records Administration (this one under the ARC Identifier 195696). This image is a work of an unnamed Works Progress Administration employee. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain (17 U.S.C. §§ 101). W.P.A. Federal Theatre Photos.


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Top Definition
what is known as prom drama
OMG this is way too much prama!
od uživatele idontfeellikegivingyouone 01. květen 2005
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Can you define these popular missing words?
(n) Term used to define the drama of a highschool prom. Usually frustrating and doesnt seem to end. The guys usually dont haev much to do with this, or you do not hear as much. The term Prama is widely unknown but it is believed to be originated in teh early 20th century somewhere in southern United States.
"OMG this prama is killing me i dont have a date yet..."
od uživatele Hawk 06. březen 2005
unnecessary drama occurring during prom season. Usually caused by disagreements within groups of friends.
Mary doesn't want to be at the same table as Jackie but Jackie has nowhere else to go, I really can't deal with this prama.
od uživatele Beauregard McFish 08. duben 2007
prom drama; any drama related to or somehow linked to prom
A: Omg, why can't the seniors just choose a place for dinner?
S: Ugh, I know, it's such prama.
S: Ugh, I know, it's such prama.
od uživatele Rednorgirl 16. květen 2009
The drama that is associated with prom.
God there is so much prama going on tonight, everyone is so worried about prom.
od uživatele Snurfer 30. květen 2007
Drama that ensues before, during, or after a high school prom
Abby- "Prom is only a month away and I STILL don't have a prom date... I would go with Barry but he's still mad at me."
Hannah- "Abby, will you stop complaining for once? No one wants to hear about your prama.."
Hannah- "Abby, will you stop complaining for once? No one wants to hear about your prama.."
od uživatele ckropp 21. duben 2010
any drama about or surrounding prom (i.e. dresses, pre prom, limos, dates etc.)
"I cant deal with all this prama!"
"He just promposed. Gonna cause so much prama"
"He just promposed. Gonna cause so much prama"
od uživatele hope27 18. duben 2012


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Nolan Behrns joined the Stetson staff as Director of Football Operations in August 2011.
Behrns plans, coordinates and supervise all aspects of the administrative and operational activities of the football program, as well as any other duties assigned by Coach Hughes. He oversees the programs video operations and exchange program and also coordinates the recruiting calendar.
Behrns got his start in football while an undergraduate at Nebraska-Omaha from 2007-10, serving as an offensive student assistant coach. He worked with the wide receivers and the defensive scout team as well as taking responsibility for all video operations and communications with UNO sports information. In the spring of 2010, Behrns also served as the tight ends coach for nearby Midland Lutheran College.
Upon graduation from UNO in August 2010, he officially joined his alma mater as Director of Football Operations, coordinating recruiting, team travel, camps/clinics and life skills development among other duties for the Mavericks.
When Nebraska-Omaha announced the decision to discontinue its football program in the spring of 2011, Behrns moved into the professional ranks as Assistant Director of Football Operations for the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL. He assisted with team travel, housing, personnel transactions and other duties for Head Coach Jeff Jagodzinski's squad.
Recruiting Areas
States: Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Northern California


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DELAND, Fla. – The Stetson University tennis team won seven of nine total matches against Kennesaw State, Sunday, finishing off the Owls 6-1 at the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center.
The Hatters (12-5, 3-3) saw singles victories on court No.'s 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 as well as two and three in doubles play for the convincing victory.
Stetson began its day of domination with doubles triumphs from the pairing of Eveline Lepinay and Lindsey Cable (8-1) on court No. 3 and then Andrea Crespo and Isabella Fernandez (8-1) on court No. 2, to clinch the doubles point for their team.
Up 1-0 heading into singles play, the Hatters reeled off four straight wins, starting with Eveline Lepinay (6-0, 6-0) on Court No. 5, followed by Lindsey Cable (6-2, 6-2) on six, and then Isabella Fernandez, with a 6-4, 6-0 victory on court No. 3, to make it 4-0, and clinch the team victory for Stetson.
MayaBlue Stauffer-MacDowell gave her team a commanding 5-0 lead with a 6-3, 6-3 decision on court No. 3 before Stetson dropped its lone singles match to the Owls on court No. 2.
Diana Bukajeva netted Stetson's final team point on court No. 1 with a hard fought 7-5, 2-6, 1-0 (10-5) victory over KSU's Virginie Stein to close out the morning and the Owls for the 6-1 win.
It was the Hatters' second straight victory and second in three days after they defeated Mercer 5-0 in a rain shortened match, Friday. It was also senior day as Director of Stetson Tennis, Pierre Pilote honored his senior class consisting of Bukajeva, Cable and Stauffer-MacDowell.
"The ladies played an inspired match today and our seniors performed admirably in their last home match," Pilote said. "Families, friends and loyal supporters were treated to fantastic tennis."
Stetson continues with A-Sun play as it travels to Lipscomb and Northern Kentucky this weekend. The Hatters square off with the Bison, Friday, April 4th at 1 p.m. and then Saturday, April 5th against the Norse at 11 a.m.


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You're comparing two different things. If/when Bonds breaks the HR record, it would be like someone breaking Gretzky's scoring record. And unless he breaks the record in San Fran, the fans sure aren't going to cheer him.
Modano's record would be like a Canadian player setting the record for most homeruns by a Canadian.
The league should make some sort of announcement, but to get bent out of shape over this is a little much. But, there's no such thing as an underreaction around here.
For a league wanting to grow the American Market, this would be a good time to showcase that. Whether you hate or love Modano, it should've been acknowledged.


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SALEM -The Rules & Ordinances Committee of city council discussed what the city government and the community can do about graffiti, but took no action Tuesday.
Committee Chair Councilman Rick Drummond said they'll have more meetings to come up with ways to address some of the issues raised. He and his committee members, Councilwoman Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey and Councilman Clyde Brown, all stressed that the community needs to be involved in the solution because it's a community problem.
"It's not going away," Drummond said.
In his research, he said he learned what's been successful in fighting graffiti in other places is tackling it upon seeing it, such as addressing the removal of graffiti from buildings within 24 to 48 hours of it happening.
He explained that the people doing the graffiti like to see it up there and like their friends to see it. If it's gone within 24 to 48 hours and they have to keep doing it, at some point they're going to stop or move on. He said he would like to perhaps see an ordinance to require property owners to address the issue of removal within that time frame. Other communities have a paint bank where property owners can go to get the paint to cover over graffiti.
Another point he made was ensuring if someone is caught, to vigorously prosecute them and pursue any penalties, including going after the parents to cover the costs if the offender is a juvenile.
"I think it's a matter of community pride," Brown said, adding it's a matter of people working together.
Dickey said she would like to see the city approach the courts about maybe using community service as a punishment. If they're able to get out there and put up the graffiti, they can go back out there and take it down.
Drummond said ordinances in other parts of the country make it illegal to possess items for graffiti.
Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Audrey Null noted that close to 100 pieces of graffiti have been found in the city, with Drummond saying the city should maintain a data base of the graffiti for future reference, if someone is caught doing something, to see if it's similar to what's been done before. Salem-Perry Township Crime Watch Director Roe Haskins said his group is doing what they can with what they have during their patrols, but with graffiti, offenders do it quick and they're gone. He said those who are caught need to answer for it.
City Law Director Brooke Zellers suggested that maybe the money from fines for criminal damaging and criminal mischief related to graffiti could be put in a fund for paint or cleanup of graffiti so the burden doesn't fall on the property owners. He also said defendants of any crimes ordered to complete community service could be used to do clean up graffiti, as long as the city gets the permission of property owners.
In other business, the committee tweaked its recommendation to send council an ordinance vacating a section of Butcher Road from the cul de sac near Pershing to East State Street. The ordinance will also cover returning an easement to the same property owner which had been for access to a city lift station from property off of Oak Street.
The vacation of the land had been a condition of the property owner who donated land to the city to extend Pershing Street to Butcher Road. The parcel of land was to be returned to the owner if the city chose not to extend Butcher Road back up to State Street.
Drummond said the ordinance will be written to meet the city's obligations under the agreement with the property owner as part of a property swap.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com