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Some folks are hard to praise
October 31, 2011 - Harry Eagar
Some people are hard to please. The other day, RtO – no friend of food policemen – ran what I thought was a relatively positive note about Dr. Barry Sultanoff, who had something good to say about drinking coffee, not a drink that gets much favorable notice from the food police ("Sumptuary panics," Oct. 21).
Sultanoff, who as Dr. B. presides over an eclectic music program on Manao Radio, was evenhanded, also noting some bad stuff about coffee.
I took the occasion also to note that food police overwhelming concentrate on stuff people like. When's the last time you read a warning about the bad effects of eating parsnips?
Dr. B was not pleased, penning a long letter which ran in Saturday's paper ("Lifestyle plays a big role in longevity and vitality," Oct. 29 – which would have been even longer if the editor hadn't snipped off a bit of snark at the end. Well, I can dish it out and I can take it, too, so that doesn't bother me.
Dr. B says his father and grandfather died young, while he – by sticking to veggies, exercise (and, he did not say but you gather from his Tropic of Love program) and extreme mellowness – has outlived them.
Good for him. I think I'll stick to my point, though. Dr. Sultanoff has not reached the advanced age of 66 because he drank, or failed to drink coffee.
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Eleanor M. RossFebruary 04,2013Eleanor M. Ross
Eleanor M. Ross, 91, of Rutland, died Feb. 2, 2013, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
She was born in Chittenden, April 24, 1921, the daughter of Louis and Bertha (Brown) Mayo.
She graduated from Rutland High School and Rutland Business College.
Mrs. Ross was employed by Montgomery Ward Co. as a mail order clerk.
She was a member of United Methodist Church.
Survivors include four children, Nicholas of Castleton, Barry of Stratford, Conn., Thomas, Sally Goodrich, both of Rutland; a sister, Patricia Kellogg of Rutland; and two grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Francis R. Ross, in 1963 and by six siblings.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at United Methodist Church Chapel.
There are no public calling hours.
Burial will be at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Foley Cancer Center, in care of Rutland Regional Medical Center, Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home.MORE IN ObituariesSusan W. Potter
CLARENDON Susan Williamson Potter, 68, of Clarendon, died Thursday, Sept. Full StoryMargaret Grover
RUTLAND TOWN Margaret A. Full StoryDouglas E. Larmie
RANDOLPH Douglas E. Larmie, 76, of Randolph, died Wednesday, Sept. Full Story
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text: Strathaven Ales was started in late 2005 by business friends Craig and Douglas Buchanan and Allan Young. They have devoted considerable effort into updating the brewery to attract visitors. The brewery itself is the historic Craigmill Brewery on the River Avon used previously by Williams Brothers/Heather Ales and restored with the help of Historic Scotland.


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Camillus, NY -- A development project at the Camillus Cutlery factory is moving forward.
Tom Blair, CEO and founder of Sweet Spot Companies, said his firm plans to continue converting the Camillus Cutlery administrative building into medical offices and upscale apartments.
That building was not affected by a fire Monday that destroyed the adjacent Camillus Cutlery factory.
"We just thank God that nobody was seriously hurt and that things happened the way they did," said Blair who was at the fire scene Tuesday morning.
The fire started at 1:20 p.m. when a portion of factory's wall caught fire during demolition work inside.
The bulk of the fire was contained by 9:30 p.m., but Camillus Fire Chief Doug Groesbeck ordered the remainder of the building demolished to search for hot spots hidden by the partially collapsed structure.
Firefighters from 36 departments across Onondaga and Cayuga counties responded to the fire Monday, Onondaga County 911 Dispatch said. It lasted through the night and into the early morning hours Tuesday, firefighters said.


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Kansas City police release statistics for curfew violations for the first half of 2013, and found those cited are most likely to be young black males.
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Planning a trip to NYC? From taking in Broadway shows to shopping at fashionable boutiques, visiting Lady Liberty and strolling in Central Park, you'll get the insider scoop and friendly service in a New York minute while staying at one of 11 hotels near New York City.
New York City is known the world over as a center for fashion, entertainment and culture. There is never a dull moment in "The City That Never Sleeps" as evidenced by the sheer multitude of New York City attractions. World famous landmarks are located throughout the city and it takes several days to see them all. New York City is also known for its vast collection of museums, galleries, and performance venues. Enjoy all New York City has to offer while staying at one of our New York Hotels.
Central Park
Rockefeller Center
Statue of Liberty
Times Square
The New York City area is full of monuments and famous landmarks. For starters, one of the most beautiful and recognizable monuments in the world is the Statue of Liberty. Millions of visitors visit Lady Liberty and marvel at the incredible architecture and sheer beauty of the statue. Though there is no admission fee to view the landmark, there is a charge for the ferry ride over. The statue is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the world and is highly recommended viewing during your visit.
One building that makes New York famous is the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is one of the more popular New York City attractions and it towers 102 stories above the city. Below visitors can take pictures from the ground or gaze at the beautiful marble interior that was imported from all over the world. For the most amazing view in town, take one of 73 elevators to the observatory deck at a racing speed of 1,400 feet per minute, here you can view the city from every angle and see the beauty of New York. Site of many movies, famous pictures, and some of the most breathtaking views in the world, the Empire State Building is guaranteed to give you a thrill like no other.
Seeing a Broadway show is a common tourist activity while on a trip in New York City. With over 40 venues in which to take in a show there are many choices. While some of the shows can be a little expensive, there are many ticket outlets that sell same-day tickets at half price. Many Broadway theatres also offer special rates, same-day "rush" tickets, or standing-room tickets to help ensure that more people have the opportunity to see Broadway shows.
After a long day of seeing the sites in and traveling around the New York City, take an afternoon stroll through Central Park. The park is full of tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds and even an ice skating rink! The park also has its own zoo (the Central Park Zoo), and is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Central park is considered a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the New York City area.
No matter what you wind up choosing to do, whether it be a Broadway show, a tour of the Empire State Building, or a walk in the park, you are sure to have a great time in New York City.
Begin your search here for more information on New York hotels. For more New York City travel information or to look for New York City area hotel room deals, please visit the Best Western Hotels of New York. The New York Convention and Visitors Bureau website also has more information on New York City vacation attractions and visitor guides.


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Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured (10th Edition)by Benjamin Gulli Andrew N. Pollak Leaugeay Barnes Joseph A. Ciotola
This textbook serves as the primary resource for the emergency medical technician (EMT) course. It also discusses what will be expected of you during the course and what other requirements you will have to meet to be licensed or certified as an EMT in most states. You will also learn about the differences between first aid training, a Department of Transportation (DOT) emergency medical responder (EMR) training course, and the training courses for an EMT, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), and paramedic.
First Aid, CPR, and AED (5th edition)by Alton L. Thygerson Benjamin Gulli Jon R. Krohmer
First Aid, CPR, and AED, Fifth Edition is the center of an integrated teaching and learning system that offers instructor, student, and technology resources to better support instructors and prepare students. The text includes: Coverage of the 2005 CPR and ECC Guidelines Current information on injured and illnesses: Core information for first aiders presented in a clear and straightforward format. Skills Drills: Offer step-by-step explanations and visual summaries of important skills. Flowcharts: Reinforce the decision-making process and appropriate procedures. Decision Tables: Provide a concise summary of what signs first aiders should look for and what treatment steps they should take. Visit the Additional Resources section to preview sample chapters of the Fifth Edition. About the AAOS Emergency Care and Safety Institute. The AAOS name and training programs are recognized and revered worldwide. In 1971, the AAOS pioneered EMS education by publishing the first EMS training program. Today, the AAOS Emergency Care and Safety Institute continue that dedication to future emergency responders and the instructors who are paving their way. Founded in 1933, the not-for-profit AAOS provides education and practice management services for orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals worldwide. Who better to teach about injuries than injury specialists? For more information about other AAOS Emergency Care and Safety Institute training programs or to become an AAOS Emergency Care and Safety Institute instructor, visit www.ECSInstitute.org.
Select your format based upon: 1) how you want to read your book, and 2) compatibility with your reading tool. To learn more about using Bookshare with your device, visit the Help Center.
Here is an overview of the specialized formats that Bookshare offers its members with links that go to the Help Center for more information.
- Bookshare Web Reader - a customized reading tool for Bookshare members offering all the features of DAISY with a single click of the "Read Now" link.
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) - a digital book file format. DAISY books from Bookshare are DAISY 3.0 text files that work with just about every type of access technology that reads text. Books that contain images will have the download option of 'DAISY Text with Images'.
- BRF (Braille Refreshable Format) - digital Braille for use with refreshable Braille devices and Braille embossers.
- MP3 (Mpeg audio layer 3) - Provides audio only with no text. These books are created with a text-to-speech engine and spoken by Kendra, a high quality synthetic voice from Ivona. Any device that supports MP3 playback is compatible.
- DAISY Audio - Similar to the Daisy 3.0 option above; however, this option uses MP3 files created with our text-to-speech engine that utilizes Ivonas Kendra voice. This format will work with Daisy Audio compatible players such as Victor Reader Stream and Read2Go.


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The 43-year-old was one of the Chilean Miners trapped underground for 69 days, but he tells PEOPLE he has been training daily. "I'm running more than an hour a day, on the beach, I don't know how many kilometers that is," he says in Spanish. "I intend to run the entire 26-mile marathon."
Surprisingly, he's had no serious health problems since the dramatic rescue of the miners on Oct. 13. "I feel fine," he says. "I have a little bit of pain in my left knee but that's all."
Rafael Peña, his younger brother, says that while underground, Edison would run in his underpants, boots and a helmet, nothing else. "It was so desperately hot and unbearable," he says. "But he would run in order to forget, to forget what was happening." The brother confirms the elder Peña spent the night in the hospital Oct. 21 to get treatment for anxiety, which, he says, helped.
And now that they can, Peña says the miners have "all gone our different ways."
"But that is only because we are trying to catch up with our families … Down the road we will all be getting together again," he says, adding, "You can't live life stressing or being upset by what happened. I want to look forward."
Peña was first invited by New York City Marathon officials to be a guest spectator at the race until he surprised them by saying he wanted to run. "The idea of running the NY Marathon was not something I ever expected to do," he says. "It seemed impossible …" But now he says, "I'm going to give it my best shot."
Peña's other plans post homecoming and race? "I want to get back to a tranquil life ... a normal life," he says. However, the die-hard Elvis fan, who asked rescuers to send some of The King's music while he was trapped underground, plans to return to the United States to visit Graceland. "I'm going in January," he says.
Reporting by NINA BIDDLE
See what other readers have to say about this story – or leave a comment of your own


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Hi! My name is Thor
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My favorite tricks and treats are: he runs out the door if he can when someone opens it. and TUNA
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My favorite grubs: Eukanuba and Iams
My pet peeves: not being able to go outside, or not being allowed in her room!
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My cat hobbies: Chase my brother, Louie, follow mom, wrestle with my other brother Church
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Other symptoms that could point to a venting system problem include:
The dangers of an improperly installed or damaged system can lead to risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires. Chimney fires happen when creosote builds up in the flue and ignites. These fires can rage at temperatures up to 2000 degrees and roar just inches away from your home. The intense heat or sparks from the fire through a cracked flue tile can ignite the surrounding materials, quickly turning a chimney fire into a house fire.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. Sometimes an early warning is flu-like symptoms, but carbon monoxide can cause brain damage and death with no warning. A damaged chimney flue poses a real threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, because this gas can escape through the smallest crack. Also, a partial or complete collapse of the clay flue liner can block the flue, and quickly fill the house with deadly gas. Sadly this tragedy occurs in homes across the country every year.


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INFOGRAPHIC: How Obamacare Impacts People of Color
Contact: Laura Pereyra
Phone: 202.741.6258
Email: email@example.com
Washington, D.C.—Ahead of tomorrow's Supreme Court ruling on the consitutionality of Obamacare, Progress 2050 released the following infographic showing how many people of color, including Latinos, African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans—and especially young people—have benefitted from the Affordable Care Act to address their most urgent health needs.
See the full infographic here.
The following experts are available to speak on this topic:
- Vanessa Cardenas, Director of Progress 2050
- Daniella Leger, Vice President for American Values and New Communities
See also:
- Awaiting a Ruling on Obamacare by Emilie Openchowski
- 7 Ways the Affordable Care Act Helps Latinos: What They Have at Stake as the Supreme Court Debates the Law
To contact experts please email Laura Pereyra at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 202.741.6258.
To speak with our experts on this topic, please contact:
Print: Liz Bartolomeo (poverty, health care)
202.481.8151 or firstname.lastname@example.com
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202.478.6331 or email@example.com
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202.741.6258 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Print: Chelsea Kiene (women's issues, TalkPoverty.org, faith)
202.478.5328 or email@example.com
Print: Beatriz Lopez (Center for American Progress Action Fund)
202.741.6255 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Spanish-language and ethnic media: Rafael Medina
202.478.5313 or email@example.com
TV: Rachel Rosen
202.483.2675 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Radio: Sally Tucker
202.481.8103 or email@example.com


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Have you eaten Mummy Dogs before? How about Witches' Fingers? We're rounding out our week of Halloween ideas with some party food ideas that will surely make your parties the scariest on the block!
My daughter was born 3 days before Halloween, so when we had her first birthday party, we had a Halloween themed party complete with Mummy Dogs and Witches Fingers. Surprisingly, while the kids loved the fun food, the adults liked it just as much. There is something about Halloween that brings out the kid in all of us.
Even better, many of these ghouly foods don't cost any more than other party foods, and in some cases, they may be cheaper, which is always a bonus.
If you are planning a Halloween party, here are some fun foods you might want to consider making:
Mummy Dogs
Supplies: Hot dogs, Crescent rolls, cheese (optional), mustard
Directions: Carefully take out the crescent rolls, and press the triangle perforation together so you have four rectangular pieces. Cut each rectangular piece into 10 strips. Use 4 strips per hot dog to wrap up like a mummy. At the top of the hot dog, separate out a space for the mummy "face." Bake on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven for 13 to 17 minutes until brown all over and cooked through. Put two dots of mustard on the "face" for the eyes.
Witches' Fingers
Supplies: 1 cup almond slices, 1 pound of baby carrots, ranch dressing
Directions: Simply put a dab of ranch dressing on the end of a carrot stick and add the almond slice. (If you have trouble getting the almond to stick to the carrot with the ranch dressing, try using a dab of cream cheese.) Arrange on a plate and offer a side of ranch to dip them in. Alternatively, you could put the ranch in a big bowl and place the fingers in the ranch to look like floating fingers, but that can be a bit messy for the guests.
Spider Cookies/Crackers
Supplies: Oreo cakesters, black licorice, red decorating gel for cookies OR Cracker sandwiches such as peanut butter filled crackers, pretzel sticks, peanut butter, raisins
Directions: For the cookies: Cut the licorice into 1 inch pieces and insert 4 pieces on each side of the cakester. Use the icing gel to make two eyes.
For the crackers: Insert 4 pretzels on each side of the cracker. Top the cracker with peanut butter and add raisins for eyes.
Ice Cream Eyeballs
Supplies: Carton of vanilla ice cream, strawberry syrup, blue M & M's, black decorating gel
Directions: On a baking tray, scoop up 2 round scoops of ice cream per serving. Keep in the freezer until 15 minutes before you are ready to serve. When you are ready to serve, put two scoops of ice cream on a plate about one inch apart, drizzle strawberry syrup over the ice cream for a blood shot effect, add a blue M & M on top and top that with a black dot of decorating gel.
Swamp Dip
Supplies: 3 avocados, peeled and cubed; 2 TBSP lime juice; ½ tsp. salt; 1/8 tsp. pepper; 1/3 cup sour cream; ¼ tsp. Tobasco sauce; 1 tomato, seeded and chopped; 4 – 6 cups green guacamole nacho chips
Directions: Place avocado in a bowl along with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency. Stir in sour cream and Tabasco sauce and then add the tomato. Put in a bowl. Place a plate underneath and surround the bowl with the chips. Put a few chips in the dip too and garnish with a few tomatoes.
Whether you are planning a party or just want to eat some fun, tasty food for Halloween, these are clever ideas that won't set you back a lot of money. What are your favorite Halloween foods?
Sources: Pillsbury [3], Food Network [4], Kraft Recipes [5], Parenting [6], About.com [7]


text: A legend, a land once seen and then lost forever, Thule was a place beyond the edge of the maps, a mystery for thousands of years. And to the Nazis, Thule was an icy Eden, birthplace of Nordic "purity." In this exquisitely written narrative, Joanna Kavenna wanders in search of Thule, to Shetland, Iceland, Norway, Estonia, Greenland, and Svalbard, unearthing the philosophers, poets, and explorers who claimed Thule for themselves, from Richard Francis Burton to Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen. Marked by breathtaking snowscapes, haunting literature, and the cold specter of past tragedies, this is a wondrous blend of travel writing and detective work that is impossible to set down. RVIEW: Thule, real or not, is ripe and beguiling material for a literary and geographic adventurer, and Kavenna is formidable on both fronts. . . . Highly cerebral, erudite, refreshing. (The New York Times Book Review)


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American Airlines Welcomes Customers Aboard With New Employee Greetings
FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "We are glad you're here." That's the message American Airlines employees want customers around the globe to know. The airline is ringing in the new year with a new inflight video campaign featuring one of the company's most valuable assets the friendly faces of its top-notch employees.
"We want our customers to know we appreciate their loyalty and are thankful for their business," said Rob Friedman, American's Vice President Marketing. "Our new welcome videos put a face to this sentiment by featuring some of American's many dedicated employees who work tirelessly to ensure our customers have a safe and enjoyable travel experience."
Four videos were created using a diverse group of employees from many of American's customer-facing workgroups, and are shown on all American flights with inflight entertainment capabilities. The videos differ by aircraft type and are played prior to the airline safety video to welcome customers onboard and thank them for their patronage.
To view one of the new Welcome Aboard videos, please visit www.youtube.com/americanairlines.
About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 750 destinations in nearly 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)
AmericanAirlines® We know why you fly®
Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.
The address is http://www.aa.com
SOURCE American Airlines


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Mike Shanahan is not an easy man to predict. No one had Jordan Reed mocked to the Washington Redskins in the third round, just as no one had Josh LeRibeus there in the third last year.
There are a lot of people expressing displeasure with the team for not selecting a safety with either of its first two picks, and it remains a position of need. However, having someone on the roster with the tools to be another Aaron Hernandez is something Shanahan felt he couldn't miss out on. It's not like the Redskins are set at tight end for the future, either.
So what about the safety position?
Fair enough—if the Redskins don't address the situation on Day 3, you have my permission to start panicking. Read on for five players the team should be watching as the draft enters its final day.


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Sigma SD1 Merrill
Latest Camera Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 Review
Sigma has renamed its flagship digital SLR camera to Sigma SD1 Merrill, in honour of Foveon's founding father, Richard B. Merrill. The rebranding was initiated by Sigma's new CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, who wrote "a personal letter to the company's loyal customers" announcing the name change and a reduction of the camera's MSRP to $3,300. Given the typically huge difference between Sigma's suggested retail prices and the actual retail pricing of their products, this means you can realistically expect to be able to purchase the Sigma SD1 Merrill for about $2,300 - which is a massive price drop considering that the camera used to sell for about $6,900.
Sigma UK Press Release
SD1 Merrill digital SLR camera
Flagship digital SLR with 46 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Merrill, the latest high resolution and high image quality digital SLR camera featuring a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) FOVEON X3® direct image sensor.
The SIGMA SD1 Merrill is the flagship model which incorporates a full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. It adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body along with buttons and connected parts sealed with O-rings, enhancing the durability as well as preventing dust and water from getting inside the camera. The Dual TRUE II processing engine and DDR III buffer ensure high speed processing of images without lowering the quality. The 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.
About the generation-name "Merrill"
The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill's personality. As an expression of Sigma's passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill's genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.
46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-colour X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA SD1 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3® direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour.
Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA SD1 Merrill incorporates a dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engine dedicated to the FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. This improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma's unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimensional feel.
Advanced DDR III buffer
To handle large volumes of colour data at high speed, the SD1 Merrill uses DDR III buffer memory technology which delivers class-leading performance. The SD1 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second and can capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode.
Intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides intuitive operation. Aperture and shutter speed can be changed by their own dials. The functions such as exposure compensation button and exposure mode button are on top of the body for quick access. A Quick Set (QS) menu lets you easily change commonly used functions
CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card and is compatible with UDMA enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 Merrill adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions. Buttons and connected parts are sealed with O-rings to prevent dust and water from getting inside the camera body.
Two-motor system
Using a two-motor system with dedicated motors for mirror-drive and shutter charge reduces the vibration of mirror movement, thereby preventing camera shake. A mirror lock-up mechanism prevents further vibration when the shutter is released. Preventing camera shake is especially important for macro photography and when using ultra-telephoto lenses.
Pentarism viewfinder
The SD1 Merrill features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.95x magnification and an 18mm eye point. Dioptre adjustment is provided over a range of -3 to +1.5.
11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy. The AF point can be selected automatically or manually.
Four metering modes
The SD1 features 77-segment Evaluative Metering, Centre Weighted Average Metering, Centre Area Metering and Spot Metering. When difficult lighting conditions make appropriate exposure unclear, auto bracketing lets you take a sequence of shots of the same subject at three or five different exposure levels. Bracketing can be set in 1/3EV increments up to ±3EV(3levels) or ±1.7EV(5 levels). The 77-segment AE sensor is coordinated with the 11 AF points to achieves accurate exposure even in difficult lightning conditions.
Dust Protector
Most digital SLR cameras are vulnerable to dust entering the body. If dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor, it may appear in the photos. The lens mount of the SD1 Merrill is equipped with a dust protector and the area around is sealed to prevent dust from entering the body. Even in the unlikely event of dust adhering to the image sensor, the dust protector can be removed easily for sensor cleaning.
Focal Plane shutter
The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has a life cycle of over 100,000 exposures and dramatically reduces generation of dust. The photographer can enjoy taking pictures with confidence that the image sensor is clean and protected from dust or dirt originating inside or outside the camera.
Large, highly visible 3.0" TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 Merrill camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor which ensures a great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.
Built-in flash with 17mm angle of coverage
The Sigma SD1 Merrill camera's built-in flash has a guide number of 11 to cover a 17mm lens angle (equivalent to 25.5mm on a 35mm camera). The built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed of up to 1/180 sec. The S-TTL automatic exposure system enables control of advanced flash photography.
SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, "SIGMA Photo Pro", converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.
The SD1 Merrill will be available in the UK in mid March.
Sigma Corporation of America Press Release
Sigma Corporation of America announces new name, pricing for flagship SD1 camera
DSLR takes Foveon technology creator's name, undergoes manufacturing improvements to reduce price
Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 8, 2012 – In a personal letter to the company's loyal customers, Sigma Corporation CEO Kazuto Yamaki today announced that, starting next month, Sigma's 46-megapixel SD1 DSLR will be renamed the SD1 Merrill in honor Richard "Dick" Merrill, the late co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology. The otherwise unchanged DSLR will also be sold at a lower price that reflects new efficiencies in the camera's production.
The SD1 Merrill will be sold for approximately $3,300 MSRP in the United States.
Today Yamaki wrote:
To our valued customers,
We would like to express our appreciation for your loyal patronage of Sigma products.
Today, we announced our new digital single lens reflex camera, the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This product has the same features, performance, and specifications as the Sigma SD1, however, the price is substantially revised. We are gearing up for its release in March 2012, and the market price is expected to be approximately $3,300 MSRP.
At the time of its introduction, the Sigma SD1 was a revolutionary product incorporating a 46MP* direct image sensor which provided the highest resolution in a digital SLR camera. As the world's only full-color sensor capturing all three primary color components (R, G, and B) within each pixel location, the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor made it possible for the image quality of SD1 to not only demonstrate improved resolution, but also to obtain richer expressions of gradation, as well as to enhance the three-dimensional impression which is specific to Foveon sensors. *Resolution equivalent to 30MP on a color filter array sensor
However, even with this revolutionary image sensor, we could not solve issues related to some of the manufacturing methods before the start of mass production, and the production cost ended up substantially exceeding our originally expected price. As a result, we had no choice but to set the price of the SigmaSD1 high. This caused great discouragement to all of you who looked forward to its release, and wished to experience the very unique image quality of the Sigma SD1 in person; this has become our biggest disappointment and pain.
Since then, overcoming this situation has become the first priority for us and Foveon, and we have together made improvements to reduce production cost substantially. Even though this effort took nearly a year, at last, we achieved a reduction target close to the price we originally planned. Therefore, we decided to release Sigma SD1 as a new product, and were able to make our recent announcement.
The Sigma SD1 Merrill keeps the best image quality of the Sigma SD1, which has a unique identity, but comes with a substantially revised price. Although some of the manufacturing methods have been enhanced, the performance and characteristics of the sensor itself have not changed. There is nothing more pleasurable for us than enabling our valued customers to experience the Sigma SD1 Merrill in person, as a digital SLR camera of a new era which inspires photographers' inner artistic sensitivity, providing "high image quality" and changing current perceptions of what is possible.
On the other hand, we fully understand that it is not acceptable to current Sigma SD1 users that a new product with exactly the same specifications as their camera is being released with a substantially revised price a year later. After all, those customers committed to purchasing the Sigma SD1 with great expectations.
During this period, we have seriously considered how we can express our appreciation for our Sigma SD1 customers. Currently, we have a plan to offer a support program for current Sigma SD1 owners. This support program will provide points that can be exchanged for our products. This program is expected to be valid after the release of Sigma SD1 Merrill and it will last until the end of this year, 2012. It will be applicable for all Sigma products including both current and new products to be released this year. More details will be available soon; we appreciate your kind understanding as we finalize this program.
We would like to once again express our appreciation to current Sigma SD1 owners, and other customers who are looking forward to our next DSLR camera, for your loyal patronage to Sigma. We will continue doing our best with the aim to design and manufacture ideal photographic equipment that inspires the artistic hearts of photographers everywhere. We sincerely value your continued support.
Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Executive Officer
Sigma Corporation of America will soon contact current Sigma SD1 owners in the United States to discuss the support program and the redemption of points with the company as a result of this pricing change. In the meantime, SD1 owners in the United States may contact Director of Marketing Christine Moossmann by emailing email@example.com with questions or concerns about this announcement.
To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com.
About Sigma Corporation
For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation's expertise and innovation has driven the company's core philosophy of "knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,"with anemphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com.
Your Comments
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I have never met anyone using a Sigma DSLR, I get the feeling that they are the skoda of the camera world, nothing wrong with them just the badge and name.
I'd be interested to see Sigma making more consumer accessible DSLRs.
If sigma wants to build SLR bodies, they should build bodies that can use canon or nikon lenses, that would work, buying a body is one thing, but investing $5,000 on sigam mount lenses that you'll never be able to sell makes no sense. I'm a wedding photographer, and I've got at least $5,000 invested in Canon glass.
Well, the Titanic has sank already, taking the wonderful Foveon technology to the bottom with it. Renaming the camera after the guy who invented Foveon will have "zero" effect.
As to Nika's suggestion: Sigma will probably never make a camera body that can take competitors' lenses, because that would mean the end to their lens-making business.
Well I use a Sigma SD14; I will buy the Merrill. Skoda now produce fantastic cars (owned and run by VW)so it must follow that the SD1 at the new price must be a fantatstic camera!
Canon/Nikon don't make cameras that take Sigma SAF lenses so why would Sigma make for their competitors?
I don't know if any of the previous 4 comments were made by people who have actually used a Sigma DSLR? By the way I also use Canon and Sony DSLRs as well.
I was able to do a month long test shoot using the SD1. See the link above for images I shot with it. I find it ironic that people who've never used this camera system or technology know what is best for everyone else. Here are some Sigma SD1M facts:
1. The SD1M is the highest resolution APC sized sensor on the market.
2. The micro contrast image detail and soft image detail bests anything I've shot with including my own Canon 5D MK II
3. I don't need to have a herd mentality and buy only big name brand cameras in order to get the best results. If you haven't experienced the excitement of producing a world class foveon image----you are missing out on a very rewarding experience.
Sigma also produces top notch lenses to go with the SD1M that rival many Nikon, Sony and Canon offerings.
If Sigma offered a Canon or Nikon mount SD1M---it would not ruin its lens sales business--for example. I still would buy Sigma lenses to use on my Canon cameras etc. Sigma simply makes very competitive super high quality lenses at more reasonable prices than the big three. I say shoot with what you want and buy whatever lens you want but don't be critical of people who choose to purchase alternative camera systems and lenses. If you want to join the Nikon/Canon herds----go for it. :)
Obviously, you couldn't have been on the photographic scene long enough to experience many different camera/lens/accessory systems to make an educated choice, if you insist that Sigma lenses can compete with Nikon or Canon, you are dead wrong. Sigma has some very good lens designs, but their abysmal manufacturing quality and virtual lack of *Quality Control* makes them useless for any but the least demanding professionals (and even serious amateurs). If you measure the value of a product on the merit of its price, than you don't care about the quality of that product. That says a lot about your approach to photography (same goes for just about any other aspect of life, where you are using some kind of technical equipment or another). And besides, just how do you justify the ridiculously high price of the Sigma SD1 body? The big sensor alone? Like I said before, Foveon sensors are great, but they do not make a whole camera. There is much more to it than the sensor alone...
Just because you used Sigma camera and you liked it, does not mean that it's a good choice for other photographers. If you want to be a contrarian, be my guest, but do not try to convince me that I should follow your personal preference, however educated or uneducated it may be. If I did, then you could call it a "herd mentality".
I've been involved with photography for over 40 years - as an amateur and as a pro. I've used cameras and lenses from companies like Hasselblad, Linhof, Sinar, Mamiya, Olympus, Nikon, Canon and SIGMA. Believe me, the only one brand that I never want to deal with again is SIGMA.
So anonymous Rob--who says he is a professional photographer for 40 years. I'm also a professional photographer and have been featured in Outdoor photographer magazine, Popular Photography magazine and my 5 by 7 foot photograph is hanging in the permanent collection of the Frost Museum---a Smithsonian affiltiate museum. I also one of Sigma's featured photographer in their 2007-2008 advertising campaign. My fine art photography is sold in local Miami galleries. I'm been involved in photography for 25 years---you are obviously much older than me, so I need to also keep in mind that you probably have a different experience with Sigma lenses from their early years. You also might have missed the fact that I own one of those herd cameras, a Canon 5D mK II which I like very much. I also own number of Canon EOS-1V pro film cameras not to mention my complete Mamiya RB567 studio camera system which I use in the studio. The purpose of my post is to address the comments made regarding the SD1M which were very negative. I have no proof how competent a photographer you are--but your opinion that Sigma produces only inferior products that wouldn't benefit any photography is incredulous. I base my opinion on Sigma based on my first DSLR purchase I made from them, the Sigma SD9 when it was introduced til the introduction of the SD1M of late. My experience is completely different and continues to be a good one. I love Sigma lenses and am very fond of the foveon technology and their cameras regardless how The price of the SD1M has dropped recently and while this niche camera isn't for everyone---Sigma sent me one to shoot with for a month and I will own one very shortly. I'm sorry you hate Sigma and you believe that Sigma lenses and products are not good choices for photographers--that is your opinion and I respectfully disagree. Regarding herd mentality--this phenomena does happen in the photography world--people so set on one particular brand with rigidity. Sigma lenses and cameras are extensively tested by third party magazines and photography related websites like dpreview.com etc and the glowing reviews are too numerous to count for Sigma lenses. My personal experience which is my own opinion is positive. There are hundreds of reviews on Sigma ex pro lenses that if you add them up---you might realize that Sigma has grown up from its early years and is the largest privately owned third party lens manufacturer in the world. Things do change, companies can and do create better and better products---but unfortunately for Sigma--the herd mentality is something its marketing department has to overcome. Thousands of photographers including myself have had very positive experiences with Sigma lenses and products. I do actually care about quality and only insist on purchasing very high quality equipment and lenses for my photography business but also like value for my money. I know of dozens of worldclass pro photographers including my friend Jim Maxwell who is in my opinion one of the best glamour photographers in the U.S---and he uses Sigma professional lenses on his Nikons as well. The proof is out there that Sigma produces awesome products if someone will actually have an open mind and do some homework. Two of Sigma's lenses are absolutely amazing. Here is a list of some of Sigma's best lenses:
70mm f2.8 Ex macro
105mm F2.8 Ex macro OS
50mm f1.4
the new 70-200mm f2.8 EX OS
8-10mm f2.8 ex super wide.
The SD1M is shooting resolution in the 24-27MP range. Not bad for an APC sensored camera. I however is a very niche product and is not for everyone---but its lack of a low pass filter ( anti aliasing filter) makes for extreme soft image detail and lovely micro contrast. Enough Said. Take care and good shooting!
I'm one of Sigma's featured pro photographers from advertising campaign 2007-2008 and have extensive experience with Sigma Professional lenses and DSLRS. My work is sold in galleries in Miami and also is in the permanent collection of the Frost Museum. I will address your very negative comments and opinions regarding Sigma.
Fact: Sigma is the largest privately owned third party lens manufacturer in the world
Sigma's newest pro ex lens offering reviews are extremely positive.
Just read the reviews--that tells the real truth about Sigma pro EX lenses compared to the big three in addition to the fact that these lenses are a great value and have five year warranties in the U.S.
I would like to encourage other photographers and hobbiests to think outside the box, outside the herd mentality that send the message that only Nikon and Canon reign supreme. There is a place in this world for other camera manufacturers---it creates competition and this is good for consumers. The SD1M is a quirky camera but those like myself who have had the opportunity to shoot with it for an extended period of time love it. Regarding your comments that the SD1M isn't a good choice for any photographer to purchase---my images and work is proof to the contrary along with many other photographers using Sigma professional DSLRs and Pro EX lenses. I own other systems as well for my photography business. I use the right camera for the job. I have a complete Mamiya medium format system for use in the studio and of course, Canon pro cameras and DSLRs as well and a fair amount of very nice Canon L glass so I certainly don't have the herd mentality of only purchasing one brand of camera and lenses. By the way--the SD1M is much more reasonably priced, has one of the quietest shutters of any DSLR I've shot with and its other pro features make it an outstanding camera providing images in the range of 24-27MP in detail---I'm impressed by the images I shot with it and have posted some in my test gallery for people to peruse. HAPPY SHOOTING! http://www.pbase.com/garydmercer/sigma_sd1_test_samples&page=all
Well, Gary, the article was not about you - it was about a piece of photographic equipment. And yet, you take it so personally, as if I attacked you personally.
My point was and is that Sigma is a second-grade (perhaps even third-grade) manufacturer who has some very good designs but they blow them at the production stage. Careless manufacturing (lack of lens optical alignment is their common problem) and lack of quality control made me miserable while I've attempted to use their lenses. True, it's been a while ago, but I read reviews and users opinions on numerous fora, so it's safe for me to say at any time, that I would never again buy any product from Sigma.
BTW, I never said I was a professional for 40 years. I said, I was involved with photography - as an amateur and as a pro - for that amount of time. You must have missed that...
So, don't take this issue so seriously. Sigma sends you their equipment for testing, so - obviously - you like them. I don't. That is about all we can say in this matter. I am not going to return to this topic.


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Lakhmari pic is dark tale of two small-time crooks
BRUSSELS — "Casanegra," helmed by Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, has been chosen to rep Morocco in the foreign-language Oscar contest.
A dark tale of two small-time crooks trying to escape their dead-end lives in Casablanca, helmer's sophomore pic has already won kudos at the Dubai and Taormina festivals. It also played in Montreal last month.
Selection was made from a shortlist of 10 films by a jury of industry professionals headed by producer Sarim Fassi Fihri, the Moroccan Cinema Center announced Wednesday.


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For Women Who Want The Ballerific Life!
Who said men were the only ones to catch a woodie in the am? Women think about sex just as much if not more than the average man. Hell, we're human, right?
Next up: Mychal Kendricks; Linebacker for The University of California
Mychal has been a powerful football player throughout his highschool and college career who has impressed an array of NFL teams and even earned an invite to the prestigious NFL scouting combine. Definitely look out for him in the future!
Views: 7722
heyyyy Mychal!!!
I think I love him.
He is my kind of fine man. Fellas, if you want to compete you need to look like him. california boy
He is cute..
Yes sir!!!
"Look at this pretty muhfu**a right chea!!" *in my boondocks voice* Yea he cute, but too pretty for my liking.


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MADRID — Euphoria, then reality.
This story first appeared in the June 12, 2012 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
That was the reaction of global stock markets to the putative deal this weekend to bail out Spanish banks via a 100 billion euro, or $125 billion, infusion from other euro zone nations.
The initially positive reaction to the bailout, which pushed Tokyo's Nikkei 225 up 2 percent to 8,624.90, cooled by the time markets closed in Europe. Milan's FTSE MIB tumbled 2.8 percent to 13,070.75, as Paris' CAC 40 fell 0.3 percent to 3,042.76 and London's FTSE 100 slipped 0.1 percent to 5,432.37. And an early rally on Wall Street fizzled quickly, leaving the S&P Retail Index down 1.5 percent to 603.96 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average off 1.1 percent to 12,411.23. Shares of Zara-parent Inditex, the most-prominent Spanish retailer, fell 0.03 to 67.38 euros, or $84.46 at current exchange.
Spanish banks have been creaking under the weight of bad real estate loans since the region's property boom went bust and the country fell into recession. Spain is in the midst of its second recession in three years and the economy is expected to shrink by 1.7 percent this year.
In Greece, which previously received a bailout on the condition that the government do some serious belt tightening, voters are preparing to return to the polls Sunday. The election is expected to determine whether or not the country remains in the euro zone.
The fear is that trouble in Greece will prompt a run on banks in Spain.
"The Spanish bailout sounds great but so did the last seven or so bailout packages engineered by Europe," said Andrew Fitzpatrick, director of investments at Hinsdale Associates. "This is another one that, upon further review, seems a little sketchy on the details. At least it buys us more time and takes Spain off the table though."
In the meantime, Fitzpatrick said investors are looking ahead to the Greek elections as well as next week's Federal Reserve meeting, which might offer some hint of additional stimulus for the economy.
Fariborz Ghadar, director of the Center for Global Business Studies at Pennsylvania State University, said Spain is likely to need at least another 100 billion euros to shore up its banks, but that the economy is "not in bad shape."
"Their long-term debt is not a problem," Ghadar said. "It's not like Greece where you have a huge amount of debt."
At least bigger companies based in the country can use their global operations to take advantage of the weak euro, which is trading at $1.25.
"If you look at someone like Zara that manufactures there and exports [from] there, the exports are going to be OK because the euro has fallen," Ghadar said. "But to the extent that they're selling in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, they're going to be hurt."
Even with the potential bailout, surviving the worst financial crisis in the country's 37-year democratic history won't get easier anytime soon for Spain's retailers and fashion firms. While many have shuttered, others are living by their wits, licensing agreements and sales to tourists and adamantly maintain all is not lost.
"We're about to come out of this mess; I see the light," said veteran Madrid retailer Elena Benarroch. "It's been four very dark and uncertain years. Business dropped significantly. I had to throw employees in the street and I suffered a lot but we resisted, we came through it. Spain has been living with over-the-top consumption and now there is a more logical economic balance, people are spending what they have.
"The crisis will end when we stop talking about it," she concluded.
"It's true Spanish customers are spending less, but tourism in Barcelona — especially from Russia, China and Brazil — is still growing at a good pace, which compensates for the dip in local shoppers," said Luis Sans, chief executive and owner of Santa Eulalia, an upscale multibrand store in Barcelona that sells a large range of international luxury brands and no domestic labels.
"The problem with high-end customers is not just the economic slowdown but the so-called 'poverty effect,' which is related to the drop in the stock market here and the psychological reaction the crisis is having on luxury customers' moods," he continued. "We are more prudent with the risks we are willing to take — but we do take risks because fashion is about looking forward and the presentation of new lines is a part of that [philosophy]."
Sans said he hasn't made big adjustments to counter the current ills, "because our situation is good. Last year's sales grew by 18 percent and for the first quarter of 2012 by 4 percent," he said.
The government's budget cuts and austerity measures are aimed at stimulating plummeting consumer demand and slashing unemployment which, at 24.4 percent, is the highest in Europe. According to reports, unemployment for those under age 24 hovers around 50 percent and 5.5 million are out of work. In April, Spain — the euro zone's fourth largest economy — officially slipped into its second recession in three years and growth reportedly will decline by 1.7 percent this year.
The crisis forced a slew of Spanish ready-to-wear designers — who traditionally relied on the domestic market and namesake stores for bread-and-butter sales and a guaranteed image — to close. Shutterings include such Madrid Fashion Week stalwarts as Amaya Arzuaga, David Delfin, Roberto Torretta and, at the end of 2010, Elio Berhanyer, who closed down after purported losses of 500,000 euros, or $622,000 at current exchange.
Berhanyer, a fashion mainstay here for 66 years, had some harsh words. "There is no couture in Spain, which is what gives a country prestige. We have prêt-à-porter that doesn't go anywhere because nobody comes from abroad to buy it," he said. "There are too many designers in Spain because without export markets [to pick up the slack], we don't have the capacity to absorb production."
Linda Heras, international development director for Roberto Verino, a high-end women's and men's wear label based in the north of Spain, said, "Many Spanish designers have a small infrastructure that makes it easier to stay in business even if they have to close a store. Some focus on licensing agreements, while others have a retail presence outside of Spain or in [department store chain] El Corte Inglés and a few multibrand stores here that have managed to stay open."
The latest casualty is Madrid-based Alma Aguilar, who closed her store on a prime corner location in the stylish Salamanca area early last month "because the Spanish public is not investing in domestic luxury prêt-à-porter opting instead for volume merchandise and international status labels. So for the moment, we'll fall back on what we do best, which is made-to-measure and bridal." Aguilar has opened a showroom far from the center of town.
Despite the drumbeat of dire news, Benarroch remains positive about Spanish fashion "because when there is talent, it adapts to the circumstances. Spanish designers have to reinvent themselves, their brand and their image," she suggested.
Benarroch certainly has seen her share of ups and downs in the economy. Spain's premier furrier established Madrid's first multibrand store in the Seventies and over the years has introduced such brands as Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, Martin Margiela, Sherin Guild, Kiehl's and Walter Steiger, an exclusivity she maintains to this day.
Her next project is a slick collection of contemporary shearlings and sheepskin pieces for women and men, including coats, capes, jackets, dresses, separates and skirts designed by daughter Yaël Barnatán to be distributed through El Corte Inglés and a New York showroom. The pieces will retail for 500 to 1,500 euros, or $625 to $1,870.
Even as Spanish designers struggle, there is a flurry of launch activity by international brands opening stores in Spain for the first time, including Michael Kors in Madrid; Stella McCartney in Barcelona, and Brunello Cucinelli in both Madrid and Barcelona.
"There is always room for big names, especially when they can afford top retail space where street traffic includes a regular wave of tourists," Heras explained.
"And emotional buying will consistently attract a customer that doesn't care about price," added her boss, Roberto Verino, who operates company-owned and franchised stores in Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Latvia.
Then there are local behemoths Inditex and Mango, both of which have seen their sales continue to grow despite Spain's crisis — driven mainly by international markets. "While both brands show the strength of the Spanish apparel industry, they do not compete for the same customer," said Santa Eulalia's Sans.


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COMSTOCK PARK -- A slow economy and a cooler-than-usual summer didn't stop some fans in West Michigan from supporting their minor league baseball team.
The West Michigan Whitecaps closed out the regular season Monday afternoon, as a holiday crowd of 6,005 witnessed a 3-1 loss to the Fort Wayne Wizards.
The Whitecaps (81-59 overall) attracted a total of 356,637 fans to Fifth Third Ballpark this season -- an average of 5,245 for 68 home dates, good for fifth overall in the Midwest League.
And while their attendance numbers were down slightly from last season, Whitecaps vice president Jim Jarecki viewed it as a success in a turbulent economy.
"We're very enthusiastic about the attendance this season, and we can't thank the fans enough, especially with the economic times that we're having," Jarecki said. "I said before that the things that have prospered in economic times have been ballparks and movie theaters.
"And I think the fans came out again and supported us, and hopefully we supported them by giving them a great product on and off the field."
The final tally was the second-lowest in the franchise's 16-year history, narrowly eclipsing the 2006 season total of 356,155.
In 1996, a franchise-record 547,401 attended games at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Jarecki said the front office was hoping to bring in between 370,000 and 390,000, but he said the organization remained upbeat about the final numbers.
"Since Day 1, we've wanted to provide affordable family entertainment," Jarecki said. "People come out here and they know they're going to get good value for their money.
"We want to continue to build on that, as we always have, and we're getting that second generation of fans now. As far as people staying home, if we can be that destination for people then that's what we want to continue to do."
While the average temperatures in July in West Michigan were the coldest on record, Jarecki didn't necessarily view that as a negative.
"We had a good percentage of the days when it wasn't raining, and temperature-wise, I'll take that over mid-90s and sweltering heat," Jarecki said. "We had a couple days like that, but the other ones were fine. The evenings got a little chilly, but for the most part it was good weather."


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32 Weeks Pregnant
You're at the onset of the 8th month of pregnancy, and have only 2 more to go. Difficult times lie ahead for the mother, but nothing can decrease the excitement that the mother would undoubtedly be feeling now, especially if the coming child is the first one she'll give birth to. If you're one such mother, the young one is going to force you to drastically change your life, dictating your routine and setting your sleeping pattern according to their own. Despite all your planning for the future, there will be big differences between your lives now and post giving birth. Continue reading to find out more when you are 32 weeks pregnant.
It will fall on you to be there for your baby around the clock, and to cater for each of their needs. This requires time as well as practice. Even if you have other babies, you will be wondering whether another will fit into the household and the routine in general. But take our word for it and don't let stuff like this worry you. Keep talking to people who're supportive so their advice and love can see you through these last two months. Listen to everything they have to say and their own experiences with their babies. Even though planning may seem too early, it'll come in handy if your baby decides to come early. So it's better if you prepare yourself in good time.
Image Credit: Huggies
What's going on inside you?
- Watch for heat rashes under your breasts, which will be aggravated by sweat due to the increase in their mass. Cooling showers, a light dusting of absorbent talcum powder and good general hygiene will help you to avoid a thrush infection developing in there.
- At 32 weeks pregnant, your stomach and breasts are getting bigger. Your belly button may be "popping out" by now too. The space between your breasts and the belly becomes very limited at this point of time. It's recommended that you wear a bra most of the time, because the sheer weight of the breasts may tire you. Some pregnant women need breast support in the form of a maternity bra even while sleeping. The extent of discomfort varies from person to person, but generally it is best if you arrange for some support. Also, keep personal hygiene a priority.
- You'll probably be getting tired easily; even after a walk around the room or a cleaning routine. Avoid effort-requiring work and learn to set a pace that takes into account the limitations that being pregnant brings. It is going to become more difficult to sustain activity which requires a moderate amount of physical output as you near your labor. Plan your day to include a rest as that is definitely going to come in handy.
- You're gaining weight due to your own extra nourishment as well as the growth of the baby inside you. Some gain half a kilogram a week during the last two months. Some of the weight may be attributed to fluid retention, though this can be avoided easily in the last trimester. However, if the weight shoots up rather than progressing slowly, or if you're having a tad too many headaches, refer to your doctor immediately as these can be signs of complications developing.
- You will need to visit your doctor once every two weeks now, and from the 36th week onwards, these visits will double to one visit per week. Get used to the regular monitoring of your blood pressure, urine, weight gain and other usual stuff even if it seems a bit monotonous or boring to you. All this is to be prepared for complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature labor that have increased incidence during the third trimester of your pregnancy.
Read more about you and your baby at 32 weeks pregnant.
Image Credit: BabyCenter
Your emotional changes this week
- At 32 weeks pregnant, you may or may not be wishing for all this to come to an end, and for you to be blessed with a child already. If you're not, you will be soon; particularly if you're looking after other children in addition to being pregnant. Managing everything suddenly seems a lot more difficult, doesn't it? Simple motions like bending, lifting a small child, picking up the toys scattered all over the place will now require a lot more effort than usual, making it frustrating for you to do alone.
- You could feel as if you are doing a lot. Let's face it, you are. Your partner needs to understand what you've been going through, and that can only be achieved by having your feelings known to him. Develop an understanding by confiding everything in him, as that is bound to help.
Further Readings: Medication or No Medication During Week 32 of Pregnancy?
Image Credit: 3D Pregnancy
Goings-on with the baby
- Your baby will be weighing around 1.8 kilograms and will be 50 centimeter long at 32 weeks pregnant. The little tyke has been gaining quite a lot of weight during the past few weeks; in fact roughly 250 grams a day. This brings with it a disadvantage for the mother: the increased mass means that the still frequent kicks and twists are going to be more noticeable than ever. The baby will be swallowing, sucking, grimacing, breathing amniotic fluid in and out, and frowning a lot this week and beyond. The eyelids have begun functioning and the head can now be moved around. The baby will soon fill up your uterus, touching the sides and using the room to move kick about. This may decrease the turns because the room available would be severely restricted. Things are going to be pretty crammed in there before you know it!
- The routine that the baby will have started following during this week will become permanent soon. There will be similar timings each day when you won't be able to feel a thing inside, except of course the mass. This means that the kid is enjoying a nap. However, as soon as the first kick comes after the resting time, watch out for more!
- Your baby's skin is becoming more and more transparent and much less wrinkly thanks to the fat deposition under it that will now continue till the baby is born.
- The bones are now maturing and hardening. Therefore, your diet is extremely important at this stage of your pregnancy, because you will need to take the required calcium as part of your diet. Make sure you have 3-4 servings of calcium rich foods incorporated into your daily diet, as they're now of vital importance. Readily available calcium rich foods include milk, cheese, yoghurt, almonds, fish and green leafy vegetables. If you're allergic to cow milk, go for calcium-fortified soya milk or its products.
Tips to help you at 32 weeks pregnant
- The time is ripe to buy some pregnancy underpants. You'll most probably be unlikely to find one that you like, but you'll adjust with it soon enough. They are designed to make room for your expanding belly and spare you the hassle of tugging at your underpants frequently over the next two months. All you need to do is sit the right way, so you don't have to be conscious all the time.
- Take your time in climbing out of bed. Sudden jerks can be catastrophic for the back that already has a lot to do these days. Roll onto your side and use your hands as supports to sit up straight, with your bottom as near the bed's edge as possible (to reduce the effort required). Give yourself a break of a few moments in this position before getting out of bed. This is to help adjust your blood pressure, which varies in the two positions.
- A camera is a must-have gadget now. You need to capture all the moments for your viewing later on, perhaps your kid's viewing as well. Moments that you spend with your partner, panicking, happy, craving for something crazy to eat, all your expressions, make sure everything is recorded in your camera's eye for you to cherish later on. It's best to keep the camera in running order for the next few years, because the child's childhood is the most memorable time of the whole of their lives, and you don't want to be going through it without capturing it thoroughly.
- Take small, frequent meals rather than large infrequent ones. This will help your already crammed stomach in adjusting to its tighter surroundings and spare you yourself the feeling that you are carrying a brick around in your stomach. Go for light, spice-free foods that won't require much digestion, like salads, vegetables, toasted sandwiches, crackers and so on – all this to help your stomach out. Drinking loads of water is very important, as this will help keep you mentally alert by regulating the water levels inside you.
- Talk to your doctor or midwife about the benefits of perineal stretching. This is practice for your delivery if you are having a normal vaginal one, because your perineum will need to stretch a lot to allow the baby's head to come out in this case. An episiotomy (surgical cut) is sometimes necessary to enlarge the vaginal opening, which can be avoided if appropriate perineal stretching has been done prior to approaching labor.
Prepare yourself for the labor, read Preparations at 32 Weeks Pregnant
Video Credit: Pregnancy Best


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In consecutive wins, the Kansas Jayhawks have shown what can happen when they just relax and play the game. It's a mentality of feeling free and playing to their abilities and not letting too much get to them mentally.
In Saturday night's 73-47 blowout of Texas at Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas (21-4, 9-3) kept pace in the Big 12 title chase by using suffocating defense to trigger momentum, which led to loose play in the second half that took a slim 28-15 advantage and push it to as much as 30.
The win was the second straight for the team since dropping three straight and turning the once assumed conference championship into a dogfight. The Jayhawks regrouped and have turned it around, thanks to getting back to the basics that the team showed in early part of the season.
"At one point in time, we were playing for everybody but ourselves," senior guard Elijah Johnson said. "As time was passing, it was passing fast and we realize we were having fun, but we weren't having the kind of fun we wanted to have."
On the night in which Jayhawk hero Mario Chalmers saw his number raised into the Allen Fieldhouse rafters, the current group of Jayhawks perform admirably behind Chalmers and many other former players.
Kansas started things with their defense, which held Texas (11-14, 3-9) to a dreadful 22% from the field on just 12 of 55 shooting. The Longhorns didn't even break the 40-point barrier until there was 1:41 remaining.
They completed the demolition with balance, as four players topped in double figures, led by Travis Releford and Jeff Withey, who each finished with 15 points. Withey also added 11 rebounds and two blocks, which set the Big 12 record for career blocks.
Ben McLemore added 13 points and six rebounds and added to his building lore with a showstopping 360 dunk late in the game. Johnson also scored 12 points on a night where team defense was the name of the game.
"We defended them great in the first half. Of course, they missed shots, but we still defended them," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "In the second half, the lid came off a little bit, but it was a balanced performance, not anything exceptional offensively, but defensively, we were terrific."
With Kansas in a tie for the league lead, the attention now shifts to a big rematch in Stillwater, Wednesday night with Oklahoma State, the team that handed the Jayhawks a rare home loss two weeks ago that started their losing streak.
"I'm sure it will be a packed house. That place (Gallagher-Iba Arena) deserves to have packed crowds," Self said. "Hopefully, we will get a lot of Jayhawks down there watching, but they are good and we certainly screwed it up when we lost to them and then went down to TCU and didn't play well and lost and put ourselves behind the eight ball. We still control it and we still have to go down and play probably as good as we have."


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The cut Bootland got was from the take down and not from a punch, he hit his head on the ice.
Bootland vs Brown
Kopecky and Roy were chatting at the end of the first period, so they decided to have a go in the second, not a bad fight for Kopecky, considering he doesn't fight much.
Kopecky vs Roy
Amadio has improved so much this last year, he used to throw his punches so hard that it threw himself off balance. Now he is more in control and he has been doing well because of it. DeMone had some damage to his nose after the fight, i think it came from the uppercut.
Amadio vs DeMone
Quincey got a few good ones in aswell considering his jersey was up over his head for half the fight.
Quincey vs Jaffrey
Edited by Hatcher#2, 03 April 2006 - 07:30 AM.