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It's up to you to tell us who should be part of the Phillies All-Time team. During the winter, we'll unveil one position at a time for you to vote on. After all the votes are tallied, and all the position filled, we'll release the results. Make your vote count!
- Willie "Puddin' Head" Jones (13 seasons, 2x All-Star): .258 avg., .756 OPS, 190 HR, 812 RBI, 21.1 WAR
- Dick Allen (9 seasons, 1964 ROY, 3x All-Star): .290 avg, .902 OPS, 204 HR, 655 RBI, 34 WAR
- Mike Schmidt (17+ seasons, 2x MVP, 1x WS Champ, 12x All-Star, 10x Gold Glove): .267 avg, .908 OPS, 548 HR, 1,595 RBI, 103 WAR
- Scott Rolen (7 seasons, 1x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove): .282 avg., .877 OPS, 150 HR, 559 RBI, 28.1 WAR
Who we're voting for:
-Pat Gallen: Dick Allen and Puddin' Head were way ahead of my time, and I'm sure they were nice players. Scott Rolen actually had the chance at being the next Mike Schmidt in Philly – if he hadn't been a baby and run himself out of town, which is what he wanted anyway. It's of course Mike Schmidt, who could also be the best third baseman in MLB history.
-Ian Riccaboni: When I was a kid, Scott Rolen was the player I wanted to be. He had power, killer instincts at third base, and got big hits. Looking at his stats, I was surprised to realize that Rolen actually played more games in Philadelphia than anywhere else, finishing with Phillie numbers 150 HR, 71 SB, .282/.373/.504. All of this is to say he's my runner up to my vote of Mike Schmidt in this vote.
-Ryan Dinger: I can only vaguely remember Mike Schmidt as a member of the Phillies (he retired when I was just three years old), but, like every Phillies fan, I know his reputation. With 548 career home runs, a .908 career OPS, three MVP awards, a World Series ring and multiple Gold Gloves to his name, Schmidt is not only the greatest Phillies third basemen ever, he's the greatest third basemen, period. End of story.
-Jon Nisula: Thinking about the best third basemen in Phillies history is like thinking of the best wide receiver in 49ers history. It's easy. Mike Schmidt.Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
67 Comments
It's silly to even have to vote on this one. Add all the rest together and you still don't get Mike Schmidt. And I saw all except "Puddin' Head" in action.
same here george. saw em all cept jones. my dad who's 83 saw jones and he says jones couldn't hold schmitty's jock.lol although he said he holds a place in his heart for jones cause of the whiz kids. i thing allen if he had played his whole career with the phils might have given him a run. but schmidts overall game was way better and consistant. if you remember george when allen came up , just like schmidt every time he came to the place he created a buzz. there are few players that do that. only three phils batter wise come to mind with that. allen, schmidt, and howard. rolen was flashy and very good at thired. schmidt was smooth and almost effortless and i don't remember him diving for many balls. his range was outstanding. rolens range was very good but he dove alot. allen was horrible at third. so in my mind schmidt was the superior third basemen. hands down!
sorry george, but i left luzinski off the buzz list!
I started following the Phillies in 1974 just as Schmidt exploded with 36hr and 116rbi. He quickly became my favorite player and I was able to enjoy his entire career. Scott Rolen came along and he quickly became my favorite player. How disappointed it was when he forced the Phillies to trade him. I feel really blessed to have watched the best third baseman of all time, thank you Michael Jack Schmidt.
Growing up in Philliy during the 70's every kid wanted to be either Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, Larry Bowa, or Steve Carlton. They were the players that captured our imagination. Without a doubt Mike Schmidt is not only the best third baseman in Phillies history but in MLB history. Not only did he own the position with his instincts and skill but as he was the type of person who modeled what a professional athlete could and should be. Hands down it's Mike Schmidt.
Offensively and defensively, Schmidt is simply the greatest third baseman in Major League Baseball history. I don't think there are many historians that would question it.
It's also interesting that when looking at many of the "greatest Major League third baseman lists" that Scott Rolen is usually in the top 15 or so as well. A hundred + years and a lot of great third baseman- and 2 Phils are in the top 15. I agree that it's too bad his whole career couldn't have played out here.
Maybe we can find another great one some day, but I doubt we'll ever see the likes of Michael Jack.
"Schmidt is simply the greatest third baseman in Major League Baseball history. I don't think there are many historians that would question it."
I'm not looking to make this topic controversial, but I did some skipping around to see just how unanimous it is about Schmidt being the best ever. I ran across 1 website, baseballstatistics.com that the poster voiced the opinion that Brooks Robinson, Clete Boyer and Pie Traynor were the best 3 defensive 3rd basemen of all time. It's a LONG time ago that I saw Brooks and the younger Boyer play, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that's nuts. Boyer was indeed real good, and Brooks's rep is well supported, and well deserved..
Then I ran across this other site where the author does admit that this is based on slash line in the headline, but if you wanted to use that as a focal point, you could present a case for Chipper being the best, and this might surprise, pretty dominantly so.
I guess it speaks to you can say a lot of different things with statse ven though it's thought of by many (at least generally) as the foundation of opinion.
Anyway, I feel like Schmidt is the best ever, but the field contains some real good players, and I think use of measures like by far and away, and easily are at least a little stretchy, to coin a phrase. I look at guys like Chipper and George Brett, and think how do you be easily better than them and that seems proper.
Ken, I don't see how the first paragraph in any way contradicts what Lefty said. In other words, I don't think he meant the best offensively AND the best defensively, but rather, overall, or all-around the best, considering both offense and defense.
I left off the words before, …which would look like this.
Offensively and defensively, Schmidt is simply the greatest third baseman in Major League Baseball history.
It's not a shot at Lefty. Maybe he meant overall, I chose to break it down to offensively, he was the best, defensively same.
Schmenkman is correct, that is exactly what I meant – and could/should have worded better. As if anything I say actually matters to anyone anyway 🙂
In my opinion Brooks Robinson IS the best defensive 3rd baseman ever, and keep in mind that I'm not speaking as someone that saw just the famous World Series against the Reds, I live close to Baltimore. I saw the guy often on TV, with the sound turned down while simultaneously tuning into my transistor radio for the hope of hearing the faint voices of By Saam, Whitey, or Bill Campbell through the interference. Of course once Harry arrived, his booming voice cut through like some sort of soothing serene magic. (speaking of THE best)
And yes, Chipper's offensive numbers are indeed better, although they probably wouldn't be if he never played the Phillies!!! Not kidding, check the splits, he did not hit any NL team better. Larry Wayne Jones didn't retire soon enough for me, and that's a tribute to the respect I have for his hitting ability.
But back to the point, as a complete all around ballplayer, M.J.S. is the undisputed number 1 on this list.
Schmidt was a better hitter than Larry Jones. He has the better offensive numbers when we consider, as we must, that Schmidt played in a lower-offense era.
OPS+ 147 Schmidt, 141 Jones
wRC+ 147 Schmidt, 141 Jones
And obviously there is absolutely no comparison in their defensive numbers.
Schmidt was absolutely the better hitter. The basic difference between the them is their first and last two years. Earlier I noted that Chipper had better numbers, a more appropriate way to say it would be- they were damn close.
You guys said what I was gonna say before I read your dialogue. Defensively, I give it to Brooks, but OVERALL it's definitely Schmidt. Lefty, that 1970 Series was unbelievable.
Chuck thanks for posting that. I was listening to Billy Ripken the other day on MLB network, and he said that what he, Cal and Cal Sr. most admired was his arm- believe it or not. That play where he ranges over the foul line is a great example of that strength.
i agree with schmenkman. he was the greatest all around third basemen. defensively yes, you could argue about who was the best. there might be some bias as to who as phils fans we think is best defensively. but i think it's clear who is the best all around third basemen. offensively #1 defensively if not #1 then top three or four. i'll lean #1 lol
Following up a couple when I was a kid refernces, for myself, I was introduced to a book by John Rosenberg at age 8/9 called The History of Baseball that included an all-time 9. The 3rd baseman was Pie Traynor, maybe a good choice, maybe already passed by Eddie Mathews, I never checked it, or have long since forgot. And it has been a LONG time now, 30ish years since Schmidt's prime, so maybe the depth at the position is limited these days, but it's a position that has since seen continued excellence. Despite that, Schmidt continues to be the pretty if not quite clear choice as the all-time best 3rd baseman. I thought Alex might be worth thinking of as the best, maybe as recently as 3-4 years ago, but even that's pretty shot.
Thinking of it in terms of Phillies best is so ridiculous, might as well look at it in terms of the sport and it's history. There really isn't much of a list to talk about, and it's even less populated at short. Rolen and Allen are fine to mention, and that shows underappreciation for Allen, the same way Pat mentioning Willie Jones in the same sentence as Crash, but this is pretty comparable to trying to engage in conversation about the the best RF in Yankee history. With due respect to those that played there, and well. Maris, Reggie as examples.
Like a beer vendor at the Vet used to say when Schmidt stepped to the plate."Last call before Schmidt homers!!!!"
Obviously, Mike Schmidt is the greatest 3bman in the history of the game.
But when we stack up against those American League clubs, I sure would want Richie Allen as my designated hitter.
I saw Richie play for the Williamsport Grays in 1962 and got his autograph. Instead of dots over the Is in his name, he did little circles. Prior to Reading, Williamsport was the AA franchise for the Phils. Every year, my Dad would take me to see them when the Phils came to town to play an exhibition game during the season.
I saw Puddin Head and Dick play.
I have never seen anyone hit the ball harder and farther than "Richie" (back then) Allen.
In the National League, McCovey and Stargell (and maybe Kingman) were the only players I ever saw he Allen-like homers.
No matter the score, I never leave a game until the last out is made…except for one instance.
It was a night game at Connie Mack and I was with three friends, one of whom whose car we drove in. The Phils were down by three runs going into the bottom of the ninth when our driver insisted we leave to get a head start on the crowd. Over my "but anything can happen" objections, I was out-voted. Our car was parked on Somerset Street right behind the bi-level left field bleachers. We turned on the car radio just in time to discover the Phils had loaded the bases with Richie Allen coming to bat.
As we pulled out of our parking space we could hear the crowd roar as Allen hit the ball clear over the left field roof. The ball landed at or within inches of where our car windshield had been located about 3 seconds earlier and neighborhood kids scrambled to retrieve it.
How I wished the ball would have broken the windshield – oh how I wished…
Richie was no Mike with the glove but every at-bat was worth the price of admission.
I like your comment about your memorable experience with Allen in a game like no other. 🙂
yea man you got that right. chris mathews on msnbc siad that he gets a tingles up his spine over obama! well he's from philly, he must not have seen allen come to the plate. or possibly forgot the tingles allen gave everyone. he was special to watch!
i remember when he rejoined the phils in the mid seventies i was at a game with my wife. the dodgers were in town and doug rau was pitching for the bums, allen hit two screaming meamie line drives right over the left field wall. they were hit low and on a straight line and when they hit the tarp, i swear you could not only see the tarp give in bigtime but you could hear the loud thwop above the screaming crowd. and that was mostly because it left the field so fast the sound was heard before the crowd could even react. the left fielder didn't even have time to turn around to see if it would hit the wall! he heard it hit the tarp and never moved. lol he only hit 12 that year i think and i was fortunate enough to see two of em. good memories huh?
I sincerely hope you get to open this link and listen to the audio. It's play by play of Crash's first trip back to Philly to play the Phils. Enjoy!
Pudding head gets my vote for his incredible nickname
Willie earned that nickname "Puddin' Head" for a very good reason.
But a good all-around player.
So-so batting average but decent RBI man and good glove.
10th, I believe, in all-time put-outs at 3rd.
A few years ago MLB put together an ALL MLB All Star team and Schmidt was the all-time best 3rd baseman. Should be good enough for the Phillies.
Richie Allen could have been the best third baseman with his incredible skill set but he came up at a time when Blacks were not allowed to be moody and controversial. But I remember seeing him blast some moon shots at Connie Mack stadium that would have cleared Yellowstone National Park! His defense was not in the same league with Schmidty. Schmidt is arguably the best third-baseman ever, although he too could have been even better if he handled those crazy Phillie fans without letting the pressure get him, especially those who booed him just to get his goat.
Take away the challenges Allen faced, and whatever extent he made them more challenging and say he played to his potential. It's scary to think that Schmidt still might have been a little better, possibly even more than a little. Add that same formula to Allen never having left Philly because things were going well, and Schmidt consecutievely replacing Allen. Can you imagine what it would have been like with Schmidt's .196 year, Allen moved to first, and Montanez traded to make room for that scenario ight around the exact time that the entertaining Montanez had hit 30 shots? Short term madness, for sure, until Schmidt met up with his 1974 year.
Surprisingly, there seems to be some doubt as to whether Schmidt is widely regarded as the best third baseman of all time. I dug up some recent rankings, even some amid the lovefest of Chipper's farewell tour.
Out of the first 10 rankings I found, 9 had Schmidt first. One, at thebaseballpage, had Mathews first and Schmidt 2nd.
What I thought was most telling in this search wasn't among the ten rankings. It was an article in the Atlanta Journal Consitution in July about a Braves interleague series in Kansas City, with this title: "Chipper in George Brett's town; who is 2nd-best 3B ever?"
It included this: "Actually, the question is which of them ranks second and which ranks third on the list behind Mike Schmidt, the great Philadelphia Phillies slugger widely regarded as the gold standard for third basemen."
The ten rankings…
1) Schmidt, 2) Jones, 3) Mathews – ESPN SweetSpot, 8/28/11
1) Schmidt, 2) Robinson, 3) Brett – Yahoo Voices, 4/22/10
1) Schmidt, 2) Brett, 3) Mathews – Ranker, current
1) Schmidt, 2) Brett, 3) Mathews – (Detroit) examiner dot com, 11/6/12
1) Schmidt, 2) Robinson, 3) Mathews – Fox Sports, 10/20/11
1) Schmidt, 2) Brett, 3) Mathews – About dot com
1) Schmidt, 2) Jones, 3) Brett – bleacher report, 10/9/12
1) Mathews, 2) Schmidt, 3) Brett – thebaseballpage dot com
1) Schmidt, 2) Brett, 3) Mathews – baseballstatistics dot com
1) Schmidt (16th among all players), 2) Brett (30th), 3) Mathews (39th) – ESPN's Hall of 100, Nov 2012
Is there no love for Charlie Hayes?
ah haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. good one Del. a sure clunker among pedigrees.
Well, it's obvious that overall, Mike Schmidt, by his sheer offensive power numbers and multi-gold glove defensive ablility, has my vote. Although, it can be argued that Richie Allen who had just as much power as Schmidt and a consistently higher BA is the better hitter.
It's funny to note that at one time, Philly fans unmercifully booed Schmidt until he appeared in a fright wig and dark sunglasses on the field prior to a game that turned the fickle fans' hatred to affection of him. (chuckles)
I'm a little surprised that Dave Hollins who played 5 seasons (two of the seasons with 93 RBIs each) and an All-Star on a 1993 N.L. Championship team full of Rocky Balboas hero types with shaggy hairs and unkempt uniforms (smile) is not on the fan vote list.
I do remember seeing "Puddin' Head Jones played for the Phillies when the "Whiz Kids" were an aging ball club. Oh how I took great pleasure as a kid in seeing Willie, the Brooklyn Dodgers killer, time and time again come up with a big hit including one that drove in the winning run to helped Robin Roberts win a pitching duel over Dodgers' Don Newcombe. Remember, the Brooklyn "Bums" had a virtual Hall of Fame lineup in those days.
One more comment. There is no argument in my mind that in my lifetime, Hall of Famer, Brooks Robinson is the greatest defensive third-baseman I have seen played and may be in MLB history. I can never forget those mind boggling defensive plays he made at 3rd base during one World Series (voted W.S. MVP). He has won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards during his career. He was such a valuable player at his position for the Orioles (A.L.MVP and All-Star MVP).
Allen was in fact the slightly better hitter overall, even though Schmidt actually got on base more than Allen.
Phillies careers:
Schmidt: 2400 games, .267/.380/.527 (.395 wOBA, 147 wRC+), 548 HR, 1595 RBI
Allen: 1070 games, .290/.371/.530 (.395 wOBA, 152 wRC+), 204 HR, 655 RBI
In didn't realize you went back quite as far as you do. Before my time, but maybe not yours was Billy Cox, said to be an outstanding defensive 3rd baseman up in Brooklyn. I dont suppose you saw him?
Yesterday, I mentioned a couple links offering posts on ranking all time 3rd basemen, or at least in certain categories. Being as this is all water cooler banter anyway, credibility is not significant, and I haven't come across many people who swear by the Bleacher Report, although this is just the view of 1 of their contributors. I guess the omission of Brooks Robinson from his all time defenders at 3rd is the yellow highlight, but in thinking of other terrific 3rd sackers, I was surprised Graig Nettles didn't make the list. To me, you could include him in a discussion of best 3rd base defenders and have credibility.
I was too young to see Cox play with the Dodgers. He was traded before the 1955 season and Jackie Robinson took over 3rd base with Junior Gilliam at 2nd base. Of course, that was the year the Brooklyn "Bums" won their first World Series Championship against their hated rival, Yankees. I do remember reading a few lively stories about Cox in Roger Kahn's classic book "The Boys of Summer". 🙂
Greg Nettles! Another great fielding 3rd baseman and what a clutch hitter for the Yankees. Yeah..I think he should be ranked among the top ten all time fielding 3rd basemen.
Allen was a talented guy for sure. But he also played a lot of games at first base. I can't recall when he was switched to that position, but I believe it was still as a Phil (correct me if I'm wrong) and that should figure in a bit as to who was the greatest third baseman.
I always had mixed feelings about Allen. He was definitely misunderstood, but he also seemed at times to relish being so, and seemed to use that misunderstanding to whine a little more than he should have. I've always felt that he could have been even better than he was, but managed to shoot himself in the foot a lot.
I can't place any blame, however, because I'll never know what he faced as a black man growing up during segregation. I'm glad to see so many fans giving praise to him now, because he got just about none when he played in Philly despite his huge talent.
His first five seasons Allen's primary position was 3rd base. Then in 68 they moved him to left field. In 1969 he was primarily a first baseman, then traded, and when he came back in 75,76 first base was his position.
I'm sure racism played some role in the Allen-hating, but not unlike Schmidt, fans saw in Allen a casualness in playing style and outward spark that many mistook for dogging it. Power hitters like Allen and Schmidt (and Howard) also strike out a lot so they're often heroes or goats with little room in between. Additionally, neither Allen nor Schmidt was particularly great at identifying with the fans. Both tended to be reclusive. When Schmidt did speak, I used to cringe when he would refer to himself in the 3rd person.
Well said wbramh. In some ways Allen seemed to connect when he returned in the seventies but Schmidt struggled his whole career. His personality was his own worst enemy. But he is the best third baseman of all time.
"I'm glad to see so many fans giving praise to him now, because he got just about none when he played in Philly despite his huge talent."
I wouldn't debate that too awfully strenuously, but I don't remember a steady stream of Allen hatred like I'm taking from this comment. To be sure, whenever there was controversy, the masses were quick to jump on him, but it wasn't like get him out of here 24/7.
Small example. I went to a doubleheader when Allen was at another of his never ending peaks of controversy at Coonie Mack. Maybe he had just come off suspension, or some negative action, because for his 1st at bat appearance, he was booed mercilessly. By the time the night was over, he'd been up 8 or 9 times, hadn't been retired, and had some outrageous night with like 2 homers and some other impressive stuff. As memory serves, each appearance at the plate was more cheering, less booing, swinging completely by the end of his last at bat when he was given a standing ovation. It was quite a night.
We probably moved in different circles, but I remember almost nothing but disgust for Allen. I knew people who thought he should be thrown off any team, not just the Phils. I'd also guess that that particular doubleheader was the exception. People tend to cheer even those they don't care for when that particular player does remarkably well. I don't think they'd have booed early on had he been truly popular, and if he'd had a bad night, he might have been lynched. One thing that turned people off to Allen was his abilty to have a gigantic game when he needed support, and people seemed to think he should have gigantic games more often, which is, of course, asking too much.
By the way, I do have some memory of that day you speak of, even though I wasn't there.
You mentioned Connie Mack Stadium. I have always thought that stadium was more friendly to pitchers than hitters. Allen played there while Schmidt had the benefit of the Vet Stadium, a hitter's park I thought.
On second thought, with Allen's prodigious power (and Schmidt), the dimensions of both stadiums really didn't matter.
Here is something to ponder… If you had a choice between both players in their prime, Allen and Schmidt, with RISP and two outs. who would you choose to hit?
The answer for me is Allen. In looking at their career stats, Allen hit .290 with RISP and 2 outs while Schmidt hit .251 in the same situation.
Choosing a player only by RISP in two out situations would be silly, unless you're talking about a pinch-hitter. For an entire game, I'd still go with Schmidt.
good grief, that's a tough question. Super tough. Depends on who's pitching? lol, that'd be a copout. I guess Allen. Probably be higher drama. If Bruce Kison was pitching, I figure Schmidt would have wanted to kill him. That is a tough questiobn! I guess the 40 point differencve in batting average in that situation says something, then again, maybe Schmidt'd be more inclined to draw a walk.
Bottom line, either. Lord have mercy.
George, I'm only highlighting Allen's value (based on career performance) as a hitter by giving one example in a game situation that is no less valuable or important than Schmidt offensive power numbers accumulated over 17 years. Of course, Schmidt's glove is what differentiate him from all the rest of the Phillies' third baseman.
One situation? Big deal. Anyone can be more valuable in a given situation than another person who in most other ways is better equiped everyday. It's the entire reason for lefty specialists and defensive replacements.
Schmidt was better than Brooks defensively.
Brooks had a great world series. the best 6 game streak of his career in the world series.
I am too young to have seen them both play regularily but people many people whose opinions I trust feel this way.
Then when you add in hitting it is not close.
He could also run the bases. Especially before the turf ate his knees up.
Still the best Phillie of all time and starting at 3b on the all time AFW roster.
1B Gehrig
2B Morgan
SS Ripken
3B Schmidt
OF Ruth
OF Cobb
OF Williams
C Bench
Now you insult me.. I'm hurt.
Not only did Brooks rise to the occasion for that WS, his defense for the first time playing on that dreaded Astro-turf was peerless.
Prior to the game a reporter asked Brooks Robinson if he thought he would be able to play defense on the artificial grass. Robinson replied, "I'm a Major League third baseman. If you want to go play in a parking lot, I'm supposed to stop the ball."
Schmidt is the best all around third baseman of all time, but Brooks Robinson was the best defensive third baseman, period.
That World Series put him on a national stage, it's true, but he played like that all the time.
The people whose opinions you trust are just wrong. Trust me on this one, I saw his "Hoover" act so many times.
Other than that, I like your list.
A case could be made that Musial or should be on there, but I don't know who you'd replace. Put him at DH.
I feel like I'm typing the way Captain Kirk talks.
So did I see that Hoover act all the time. He was dubbed the "Human Vacuum Cleaner." Unbelievable defensive third baseman.
You used your I live in Baltimore act the other day to enhance credibility and went on to proclaim Harry Kalas something like the best announcer ever. This, in no way is any criticism of Harry, but your showing signs of deciding first on a 1 way path. I wouldn't be writing this, but with a Baltimore connection, you should clearly recognize the greatness of Chuck Thompson behind the mike for both the Orioles and Colts, and realize that Harry was immensely popular both locally and nationally, but so was Chuck, as are the likes of an actual fair number of broadcasters. In a good many towns, you really can't quibble with someone NOT agreeing with Kalas as best ever, even in towns where the announcers are just pretty good. Obviously, even though it's still subjective, if a New Yorker liked Sterling over Kalas, that's dimented. But if a Baltimorean said Thompson was better than Kalas, you can't really quibble.
What I'm saying is I don't care where you're from. Anybody gets carried away with the degree they claim Schmidt to be the best ever offensively, or defensively moved past subjectively on the line. And while I agree with you, that he is, and I'd rate him below Brooks defensively, it's not so blatant in either case that the other players are not even discussable, just like Schmidt defensively is at least discussable with Brooks.
Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. "Ain't the beer cold!"
Also, it should be noted that Thompson actually called Phillies games on WIBG from 1946-48 along with By Saam and Claude Haring. Actually, these guys did BOTH the Phillies and the A's. Thompson also called Temple football during this period.
(Didn't know that til I looked it up!)
Chuck A,
That's shocking news that Thompson called the Phils games at that point. Saam makes sense for absolute sure. Herring could well be true. And I'm not questioining where you found that tidbit, but I find that really strange that the name Gene Kelly (father of the everpopular John Sims) didn't show up. Seems like that was right around his time. Oh, well.
What? My, I live in Baltimore act? I don't live in Baltimore. I said I live close to Baltimore, close enough that I don't get local Philadelphia stations, unfortunately I get Baltimore.
And it's not an act, I just looked out the window to be certain, it's real. 🙂
Chuck Thompson was very good, not in Harry's league IMHO. The major difference, tone. Thompson's was more cool, almost monotone. You knew when a game was intense by Harry's tone. He eased you into a hammock with the fluidity of an evening summer breeze for a few innings, and when the appropriate time came, as the intensity grew you'd hear it- "the 3-2 pitch, swing and a long drive!" TMac thinks the whole game is played in these moments, and it's not. Chuck Thompson thought the whole game was played in the summer breeze, and I can see why some prefer that style, not me. Harry gave us the whole range of emotions.
I listened to Chuck Thompsons "Going Going Gone…" from 1964 until I moved to this area in 1970. I loved Chuck but he was a car salesman – he definitely could host or MC any event but Harry, pure baseball. Regardless of any venue we heard Harry (I did hear him do college football once in a while), he could never take the ballpark out of his voice.
I would take Harry Kalas over Chuck Thompson in a heart beat.
Andrew, your starting pitchers are second to none.. but, I would consider the Rocket. And, the relievers ahhm not to thrilled about. I would have to give it some thought.
See if I can remember this – my parents always kept a case of this snake pee in the cellar bar –
"National Beer, National Beer, you'll love the taste of National Beer. And while we're singing we're proud to say, it's brewed on the shores of the Chesapeke Bay.."
Hey, its been over 40 years and that jingle still rolls out.. schmokes!
Left, I used to sit mostly in left field where my buds and I could cause trouble. Stomping on mustard packs – were not too many people around back then.. Using those popcorn holders for things otherwise intended…
ALso loved to sit by first base – whenever Diamond Jim Gentile used to whiff at a low and outside curveball – the crowd would feign a strong breeze –
I don't know how this thread went from greatest Phils third baseman to beer commercials, but what the heck. The real Baltimore beer, National Bohemian is the piss water they drink in my neck of the woods. "Natty Boh" as referred to on the old TV show "Homicide -Life on the Streets"is the name and the slogan was "Oh boy, What a beer"
That's a pretty representative all time squad. Guess you left Bonds off for the roids, and it's tough to imagine an all time team without Willie and Hank, but then again, who do you take off.
If I were taking such a project seriously, or should I say responsibly, I might be inclined to give Charlie Gehringer a strong look at 2nd. Not that Joe's a bad choice, mind you. I think if I'm going with starters, I might go Unit from the left, Walter Johnson from the right. Course Johnson's a real guess since I never saw him pitch.
that's why Casey said you could look it up. Kelly was 50-59. Nice timing. First part, anyway.
Saam and Thompson. Nice booth, to say the least.
@ Lefty
Phil Wood is the person who says that Schmidt was better than Robinson. He syas its close but he does factor the turf in to the equation.
You better rethink lol
Its only an opinion but I value Phils #1 all time on things baseball.
Great guy
I respect Phil Wood, but no need to rethink. We're all wrong sometimes- this time, I believe he is.
He is.
All time 11 man pitching staff ( 8 starters- 3 relievers)
SP Walter Johnson
SP Sandy Koufax
SP Steve Carlton
SP Cy Young
SP Nolan Ryan
SP Christy Mathewson
SP Randy Johnson
SP Pedro Martinez
RP Mariano Rivera
RP Dennis eckersley
RP Lee Smith
Show ya how hard this all time team is, you take your roster, I'll give you one, and we're talking 7 games, bottom of the 15th, and still tied. I think. Lemme throw some names at ya
1B – Gehrig I'll take Jimme Focc
2B – Your Morgan to my Gehringer
SS – Cal, and I'll take Bingo Banks
3B – Schmidt versus Brett (even Chipper'd be okay)
OF – You had Cobb, Babe and Ted, I'll take Bonds, Willie and Hank
C – Bench – talk about an all-time inarguable – it'd be easy to say Yogi,. I'm actually kinda inclined to take Piazza
staff – (not listing yours, right above)
starters – (not in order) Spahn, Maddux, Jim Palmer, Lefty Grove, Bob Gibson, Bob Feller,
Seaver, Catfish
pen – Sutter, Chad Qualls, Elroy Face
Well I had first picks
So obviously I am superior.
I considered Sutter heavily.
Gibson and Seaver could crack my rotation.
Banks played more games at first base than shortstop.
Berra is the only one in the catcher discussion with Bench. Piazza is insulting.
Bonds is a robot or a machine I am only using human beings whose hat size didnt grow in their playing days.
On a side note. Did I miss the all time phillies first baseman thread? ( I do not see every thread in off season)
Or are they saving it? LOL
And they started on second base?
Talk about drama queens.
I am going with Pete Rose.
Who is my all time UTIL player. I forgot to add that in my original roster.
500 games at 5 different positions!!!!
Will never be matched.
Talk about
And we do bow to your greatness AFW..
Yes, you missed first base and you'll never guess who got top honors? That's right, your all time favorite Guillermo Montanez!


text:
Choose the period
Today, after making love to my boyfriend for the first time, he shook my hand and said, "Good job." FML
by Anonymous / 01/27/2013 at 5:44pm / Canada (Saskatchewan) / Intimacy
Today, after a long, horrible day at work and some fighting with my family and my girlfriend, I decided to cheer myself up by going to McDonald's for a change. I burst into tears when the cashier told me they couldn't make me a Mars McFlurry because they'd run out of ingredients. FML
by Anonymous / 01/15/2013 at 3:56pm / Finland (Southern Finland) / Miscellaneous
Today, while video chatting with my girlfriend, who lives on the other side of the country, I thought I'd play a song for her on my guitar. The string broke and hit me in the face. I burst into tears and had to hang up. FML
by Anonymous / 01/21/2013 at 12:04pm / United States / Love
Today, my mum excitedly discussed with me the prospect of starting a mother-son YouTube duo. Thinking she was joking, I went along with it. She is now installing a 24-hour webcam in the house to record our conversations, which she perceives as hilarious, and is going to upload them. FML
by Anonymous / 01/14/2013 at 5:06am / Australia (New South Wales) / Miscellaneous
Today, my hamster died. It climbed out of its cage and jumped off my dresser. Looking for condolences, I told my mom who replied, "If I lived in your room, I would have done it earlier." FML
by deadhammy / 01/11/2013 at 2:09am / United States (California) / Animals
Today, while having sex with my boyfriend, he reached out onto my dressing table to grab the lube. He missed, and found the hand sanitizer instead. I'm not sure who is in more pain. FML
by tingles / 01/19/2013 at 8:20am / United Kingdom (Solihull) / Intimacy
Today, my dad was making drinks for my mom and himself, so I asked him to make me some coffee too. When he brought me my drink, I took a sip, and realized he'd poured salt in it. As I gagged, he muttered, "Next time, make it yourself." FML
by megean c.l. / 01/20/2013 at 4:36pm / United States / Miscellaneous
Today, I told my boyfriend about my upcoming mouth surgery. He freaked out. Not because he's worried about me, but because I told him I will not be able to give him head for two weeks. FML
by Lauren324 / 01/26/2013 at 2:18am / Canada (Ontario) / Intimacy
Today, my 14-year-old son showed me a "bird's egg" he was looking after in his room. It was a dried up dog turd. FML
by Facepalmum / 01/10/2013 at 1:28am / Australia (Victoria) / Kids
Today, my son volunteered to help me cut out coupons. When I got to the register at the store, I noticed he'd cut off all the barcodes. FML
by Anonymous / 01/07/2013 at 4:27pm / United States (Massachusetts) / Kids
Today, my boyfriend called me anti-social. To prove him wrong I texted one of my friends. She texted back, "Who's this??" FML
by Anonymous / 01/04/2013 at 1:18am / United States (Texas) / Miscellaneous
Today, my boyfriend yet again decided to act like Edward Cullen from Twilight, and got his friend to act like Jacob. Every time they're around, my boyfriend always looks stoned and constipated, and his friend is shirtless. I feel like I'm in a shitty romance movie. FML
by Bella / 01/15/2013 at 1:57pm / United States (Florida) / Love
Today, I was asked out by a friend of mine. He's a doctor and works at a prestigious hospital, so thinking we would eat somewhere special, I got all dressed up. We ended up eating at his hospital's cafeteria, because he gets a small employee discount. FML
by wowthanks / 01/11/2013 at 2:37pm / United States (California) / Love

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hurricane season officially starts June 1 and it looks like a busy one in the Atlantic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [2] (NOAA) expects a well above-average hurricane season with 13 to 20 named storms. Seven to 11 of them could develop into hurricanes and three to six of those could be major (defined as category 3 or higher). The average over about the past 30 years is 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes per season.
NOAA also forecasts the "Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE)," which is an estimate of the total amount of energy Mother Nature will unleash through Atlantic tropical cyclones this year. ACE is expected to be 120 to 205 percent of the seasonal average, indicating a risk that hurricanes will not only be more frequent this year, but stronger as well.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific, where NOAA predicts a below-normal number of storms, the season's first hurricane, Hurricane Barbara [3], made landfall in Mexico this week, the second earliest landfall since reliable records started being kept in 1966.
Figure 1: Forecasts of the seasonal hurricane total, actual total, and yearly hurricane damage numbers. Shaded area indicates NOAA's forecast range. Historical hurricane counts from NOAA (http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane-archive.shtml [4]). Cost data from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Atlantic_hurricane_season [5]).
Over the past decade, NOAA forecasts have provided useful information about the upcoming season more often than not. NOAA had notably good forecasts in 2008, 2010 and 2011 (Figure 1). Yet 2005, the busiest Atlantic hurricane season on record, was not predicted.
It is important to note that these forecasts don't tell us much about the regions that are at the highest risk or the potential costs (see Figure). This is a fact NOAA emphasizes: "It only takes one storm hitting an area to cause a disaster, regardless of the overall activity predicted in the seasonal outlook. Therefore, residents, businesses, and government agencies of coastal and near-coastal regions are urged to prepare [for] every hurricane season regardless of this, or any other, seasonal outlook."
Historical landfall location maps [6] are a helpful guide to assess risk, as landfall clusters in the Gulf Coast, South Florida and along the Carolina coast attest, but risk exists outside those areas. No hurricane had made landfall in New Jersey since 1950 until Sandy caused billions in damages last year.
Some very active years, like 2010, had few landfalls, and therefore low damage numbers, while some moderately active years, like 2008, had costs that climbed into the billions.
Climate change [7] can amplify the impacts of hurricanes. Sea-level rise exacerbates coastal flooding when hurricanes approach land, and warmer ocean temperatures can fuel a hurricane's strength.
To prepare for hurricane season, coastal communities can reinforce buildings, protect dunes and wetlands, and develop an effective emergency response plan. These actions are important not only to protect homes, businesses, and lives during this hurricane season, but also to build resilience to the impacts of hurricanes in the future.
[1] http://www.c2es.org/blog/huberd
[2] http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml
[3] http://www.weather.com/news/weather-hurricanes/pac-depression-storm-two-20130527
[4] http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane-archive.shtml
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Atlantic_hurricane_season
[6] http://www1.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/images/2011-Landfalling-Hurricanes-11x17.pdf
[7] http://www.c2es.org/science-impacts/basics/faqs/hurricanes
[8] http://www.c2es.org/category/topic/science
[9] http://www.c2es.org/category/keywords/climate-change-hurricanes
[10] http://www.c2es.org/category/keywords/hurricane
[11] http://www.c2es.org/category/keywords/hurricane-season


text:
A look back at the violence that has overtaken the country
News analysis
BEIRUT -- The Obama administration's suggestion this week that it was prepared to sideline the opposition-in-exile Syrian National Council and attempt to handpick more representative leaders at a crucial meeting next week came after months of frustration over the group's dysfunction and ineffectiveness.
Made up of Syrian intellectuals and political exiles, the Istanbul-based SNC has barely been able to coordinate the simplest of tasks, let alone run the opposition against a well-entrenched regime such as Bashar Assad's.
It has clearly exhausted the patience of the United States.
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the administration was suggesting names and organizations that should feature prominently in any new rebel leadership that is to emerge from a four-day conference starting Sunday in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
"This cannot be an opposition represented by people who have many good attributes but who, in many instances, have not been inside Syria for 20, 30, 40 years," Clinton said during a visit to Croatia.
"There has to be a representation of those who are in the front lines fighting and dying today to obtain their freedom," she said.
Anti-regime activists say at least 36,000 people have been killed since the struggle to oust Assad began 19 months ago.
U.S. officials have watched with concern the SNC's inability to rally around a common cause.
Syrian opposition wary of US push to coalesce leadership
The members appear incapable of electing a leader that the whole council could agree on. More often than not, they opt for bland technocrats to fill the void.
Lacking a strong leader, the SNC has been ineffectual at inspiring the opposition.
A leaderless revolution
Most importantly, the members of the council have no relevance to the people who are fighting and dying on the Syrian battlefields.
Some of the rebel fighters are former Syrian Army conscripts who defected to the rebels rather than be forced to kill their own. But most are novices to combat.
Former farmers or businessmen, many of these rebels have only the most rudimentary training and are poorly equipped. When asked questions about the SNC, their responses tend to be lukewarm, at best.
These are not rebels caught in the zeal of fighting behind a charismatic leader.
As fighting rages in Syria with heavy air raids, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. would push for a major revamp in Syria's opposition leadership. NBC's Keith Miller reports.
Instead, their unity stems from a hatred of the regime in Damascus -- but little else. The SNC enjoys little influence among them.
There is no genuine leader to rally around. This is a leaderless revolution.
Faiz Amru, a Syrian army general who defected earlier this year, told The Associated Press that any transitional government or body created abroad cannot possibly represent those dying in Syria.
"Everyone is trying to push their own agendas," he said by phone from the Turkish-Syrian border. "The big powers have hijacked the Syrian revolution."
Watch World News videos on NBCNews.com
The West fears that an opposition leadership vacuum would allow the anti-Assad rebellion to tilt toward Islamic radicalism, rather than toward the inclusive, secular and democratic values the SNC claims to uphold.
Anybody traveling through rebel-held areas in northern Syria can easily spot the foreign fighters, driving around under the Islamist black flag.
These men are not Syrian. Some are Libyans, others Chechen. They are all radical in their religious and political beliefs.
So it is unsurprising that the United States has decided to seek an amicable divorce from the SNC. The events of the past year have proved just how fickle a partner they were.
Lessons from Iraq war
The United States also may be applying lessons learned from the Iraq War.
The Bush administration was burned when it put its weight behind Iraqi exiles, such as Ahmed Chalabi, who had little relevance in the eyes of the local population.
NBC News
People resisting the army of President Bashar al-Assad in northern Syria cope with loss and prepare for fighting.
So far, nothing suggests that Syria will be any different.
Attempts have been made in the past to rectify the disunity and make the SNC more relevant.
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But when members of the opposition met in Cairo last June, the results were nothing short of catastrophic. Screaming matches ensued. Nothing of value was decided.
It would have been comic, had the reality in Syria itself not been so tragic.
Machine guns operated by motorcycle brakes? Get a glimpse at the rebels fighting against Assad's forces in Syria's mountainous Jabal al-Zawiya area.
US: 'We're not giving them a list'
The State Department has spent the past few months determining which members are worth backing in Doha, but insists it would not issue dictates.
"We're not giving them a list," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner. "Ultimately it's up to the Syrians themselves to make those choices. This is in no way telling them what to do."
Syria warplanes pound rebel strongholds
Muhydin Lazikani, a London-based writer and SNC member, told the AP that Clinton had no right to criticize the SNC at a time when the Obama administration has no clear path for Syria.
"All they try to do is blame the SNC," said Lazikani.
Complete World coverage on NBCNews.com
Mohammad Sarmini, a Turkey-based SNC spokesman, told the AP that the United States, through this new push, is "trying to make up for its shortcomings and impotence to stop the killings and massacres in Syria."
The Obama administration has said it is not providing arms to internal opponents of Assad and is limiting its aid to non-lethal humanitarian assistance.
Progress or paralysis?
Western officials hope that the meetings in Doha, held over five days, would be everything that the Cairo ones were not.
Participants and observers hope the gathering will prove effective in choosing a unified council that is made up of all of Syria's ethnic and religious groups.
It remains to be seen whether the opposition is able to elect a representative who can serve as the face of the rebellion against the Assad regime. The SNC will be allocated seats on the new council, although they are expected to remain in the minority.
But if the Doha meetings fail, the only certainty will be that Syria's nightmarish civil war will drag on and the tragic events played out every day throughout the country will continue unabated.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
More world stories from NBC News:
- Analysis: Suspicion of US rife as Romney, Obama batter China
- Meet Afghan female rapper, colonel who defy the odds
- Analysis: Israel, Iran name checks illustrate America's twin obsessions
- Chinese say one child is enough as Beijing weighs end of policy
- Analysis: Should next president treat Russia as friend or foe?
- China opposition party lasts a day, founder gets 8 years in prison
- Expert: Tourists threaten Sistine Chapel's famous paintings
- Oasis of tolerance or 'Republic of Shame'? Two faces of gay life in Beirut
- After decades of oppression, Kurds get taste of freedom in Syria


text:
Blanc Embroidered Slim Jean
Style: 570098041
Out of Stock
Embroidery is icing on the cake for the slim fit of these latte jeans with flap pockets in back. Metallic embroidery in a plumed scroll, heat-set studs, and faint touches of metallic thread in topstitched seams give them golden glamour.
- Blanc. Our universal fit. Eased through the hip and thigh, sits just below the waist.
- Full-length, slim leg.
- Logo shank closure. Crystal and metal rivets in front; crystal rivets in back. Soft goldtone hardware.
- Five-pocket. Paneled construction slims legs. Top-stitching on inset panel on the outside of leg and on the seam centered at back of leg.
- 76% Cotton, 23% Polyester, 1% Spandex. Hand wash. Do not dry clean. Imported.
- Inseams: regular 32", short 29.5", long 34".
Read more… Read less…


text:
PORTALES — A graduate with a guilty conscience has sent Eastern New Mexico University in Portales a box of toilet paper to repay the university for toilet paper he took from a dormitory as a prank he says he played as "a young, immature college student."
The box, postmarked Tuesday, from zip code 88203 in Roswell, arrived at ENMU's purchasing department Wednesday.
The box, which cost $13.28 to ship, contained five packages of 16 "Big Rolls" each of Angel Soft 2-ply, septic-safe tissue for a total of 80 rolls.
Taped to the front with ENMU's address was an envelope with a Christmas card inside.
The pre-printed front of the Christmas card read "Holy Bible." The pre-printed portion inside read, "To wish you the special gifts of Christmas…Peace, Good Will and abiding Happiness."
The handwritten message read, "Years ago, when I was a young immature college student, I took toilet paper from your dormitory as a prank. I apologize for that and offer this case. Jesus Christ has made such a difference in my life and has prompted me to repay for any sins I've done even from so long ago … God Bless and Merry Christmas"
ENMU is donating the tissue, which does not fit ENMU dispensers, to the Christian Children's Home near Portales.
"We express our admiration to the anonymous donor for their integrity and character," said Wendel Sloan, director of ENMU Media Relations. "We never even knew that the toilet tissue was missing, but thank our graduate for doing what they thought was right. If they ever want to reveal their identity, we assure them that we have nothing but respect and appreciation for them and would like the opportunity to tell them. If they have a guilty conscience, we want them to know that all is forgiven."


text:
Dom Capers has coached the 3-4 defense for, well, ever. And as much as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator loves the scheme, he acknowledges that the way the NFL game has evolved in recent years, you'll be seeing less and less of the base defense he's run for so long.
"What you have to realize is, the percentage of 3-4 that we played 15 years ago compared to what you play now has changed. Just because the offenses have changed so much," Capers explained in advance of the Packers opening up their fifth training camp running the 3-4 – and his 28th season in the league. "You don't see a lot of teams – unless they're the Minnesota Vikings with Adrian Peterson and two backs back there – pounding you. You're spread out and (they're) trying to utilize speed, more wide receivers."
Thus, the amount of "Okie" defense, as Capers calls it, remains on the decline. Last year, according to Capers, the Packers continued their trend of playing sub packages much more frequently than they played their base defense, even though Capers began using his six defensive-back dime unit more often than in the past.
"If you look at the percentages we played, we were more balanced last year in our fourth year than we were in any of the first three years," Capers explained. "We were thirds: A third 'pkie,' a third nickel and a third dime, 'rover' and 'bat' and all that (six defensive back) stuff."
The reduction in base defense would seem to lessen the importance of the team's defensive line, since two linemen are on the field in those sub packages (or, in some instances, one). But that's simply not the case, and the Packers' recent draft history backs it up: Not only did the team use its first-round pick this year on UCLA defensive end Datone Jones, but general manager Ted Thompson also took Mississippi State defensive end Josh Boyd in the fourth round this year and took Michigan State defensive end Jerel Worthy (second round) and Iowa defensive tackle Mike Daniels (fourth round) last year.
That's a fairly significant investment into the position, and with good reason: It's a contract year for most of the line, from 2009 first-round pick B.J. Raji and savvy veteran run-stuffer Ryan Pickett, to suddenly productive Mike Neal and solid-if-unspectacular C.J. Wilson. If some or all of those players play like their livelihoods depend on it – which they do – then the Packers will benefit.
But the player the Packers need to make an immediate impact is Jones, who at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds gives them their first prototypical 3-4 defensive end. Although Jones, like the other defensive linemen, won't have the green light to simply jet upfield on every quarterback dropback, he should boost the pass rush while also holding the point against the run.
"We're not bringing him along slowly at all," said defensive line coach Mike Trgovac, who had Jones working with the No. 1 defense a lot during organized team activity practices and minicamp. "He's a very conscientious kid and very serious about it. But when you put those pads on, that's when you see if a guy really has all the fundamentals down. The true test will be when the pads come on and you get to see guys actually do it full speed. He looks good (in shorts and helmets) doing it."
Jones worked as one of the two defensive linemen in the Packers' No. 1 nickel unit a lot during the offseason, working alongside either Raji or Neal in most sets. That threesome, combined with outside linebackers Clay Matthews, Nick Perry and Dezman Moses, would provide an interesting mix of athletic pass rushers.
"(Jones is) very quick, he's got some very good explosion, but he's also got some strength, too. This position, we're not always going to be the guys jetting off the ball, so he's going to add a good element to us, and I think he'll grow in the position," Trgovac said. "He'll have some good guys that he'll be able to learn from. But I think he adds some athleticism to us. You look at some of the groups that we have, it's going to be interesting to see what happens with them. You've got Mike Neal, Clay, Nick Perry, Datone, B.J., Mike Daniels … there's so many athletic guys up there that are going to be fighting for that position of best pass rusher. Right now, who knows what's going to happen?"
Another intriguing player is Neal, who split his offseason between defensive end and outside linebacker, where he's enormous for the position (294 pounds) but could create matchup problems if he proves adept in a limited role there.
"The advantage for him is we can keep him on the field more," Trgovac said of Neal, who finished with 4.5 sacks last season after his first two NFL seasons were short-circuited by injury. "Any time you can see more from the two-point stance, that will help him. You can see a little more. Defensive linemen are always down and have to face the guys coming at them a little faster and harder as opposed to being on that edge where you can see things."
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Johnny Jolly is trying to earn a roster spot after missing three seasons following multiple arrests for codeine possession and an NFL suspension that came down before the Packers' Super Bowl XLV-winning season of 2010. He will be heavily scrutinized once the pads come on because he did little during the offseason practices – most of which he missed as post-prison red tape kept him away. He was arguably the team's best defensive lineman in 2009 – the first year of the 3-4 in Green Bay – but that seems like eons ago.
"Everything's going to be a process. Me being out three years, I remember a lot of stuff so my routine is pretty much the same. It's just me learning the new plays that we have," Jolly said. "My main thing right now is just coming out here every day and getting what I need to do down so I can be focused and more consistent in what I'm doing. Just being a part of the team and whatever I need to do, that's my main focus. Once everything falls, we can go from there."
Depth chart
B.J. Raji
Boston College
Ryan Pickett
Ohio State
Datone Jones
C.J. Wilson
East Carolina
Mike Daniels
Mike Neal
Jerel Worthy
Michigan State
Josh Boyd
Mississippi St.
Johnny Jolly
Texas A&M
Jordan Miller
Gilbert Peña
Burning Question
Will the real B.J. Raji please stand up?
The position perhaps is inherently one where players show up only from time to time, which has been the case for Raji the past three seasons. Statistically, he is coming off a poor year in which he failed to record a sack (although he was credited with 25 quarterback hurries by ProFootballFocus.com). That's a stark number compared to the 6.5 he had in 2010, when he also helped pave the way to North Texas and Super Bowl XLV with his interception return for a touchdown against Chicago in the NFC Championship Game. Now, Raji faces the harsh reality that his team isn't quite sure what kind of player he is. If the Packers knew, they'd have extended his contract like they did with Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and Morgan Burnett. Instead, it appears Raji will have to prove his worth. Although his position isn't always glamorous or good for numbers, the ball's in his court now.
On the rise
It's hard to imagine a career getting off to a worse start than Neal's. A 2010 second-round draft pick from Purdue, Neal missed 26 of the first 28 possible games of his NFL career (including playoffs) because of injuries. He missed the first half of the 2011 season after suffering a knee injury in a training-camp practice and was a non-factor upon his return to the field. Then, on March 13, 2012, the NFL announced his four-game suspension to start last season. Nevertheless, he suddenly is a vital part of the defense after recording 4.5 sacks in only 323 snaps. From his hybrid DE-OLB gig to the fact that he's in a contract year, this will be an interesting season to see if he's the real deal.


text:
Visitors Association annual tailgate party; Phish arrival anticipated
May 17, 2011 —
Dozens of tourist related businesses turned out to Sonoma Falls Cider Mill and Country Store in Livingston Manor on May 11, to exchange promotional literature in an annual event sponsored by the Sullivan County Visitors Association.
This year some businesses are starting the season off with a full house because of booking by fans of the jam band Phish, who will be attending three concerts at Bethel Woods over the Memorial Day Weekend.
While some in the community have expressed concerns about having so many Phish fans in the county, the businesses here are looking forward to the weekend.
Joe Tinari, owner of the Fosterdale Motor Lodge in Fosterdale, which sold out early for the weekend, said the fans he dealt with are "wonderful people." He said, "After we were full and had no more room for anyone, we would forward their requests to either the Visitor's Association, or to neighboring properties, and a lot of them called back an gave a than you. So these are great people we're going to have coming into the county on Memorial Day weekend."
Jean Tulp, owner of the Lazy Pond Bed & Breakfast in Liberty, agreed. She said a lot of her guests who are going to the concerts have asked for other things to do while they're here, so it should be good for the county overall. She said, "They're very excited, they can't wait to come; they've never been to bethel Woods.
Great Concert..
Well that seems to good concert. I totally support the cause as this is very important for the Visitors Association Group though i am not the member of the Group but will eagerly waiting for the decision. Well one request please update the blog with the decision post.
East India Tourist places : http://www.traveladda.com/zone/East_india.html


text:
41 CFR Ch. 51
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
SUMMARY: This document sets forth the regulatory agenda of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. This agenda is issued in accordance with Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agenda lists regulations that are currently under development or review or that the Committee expects to have under development or review during the next 12 months. The purpose for publishing this agenda is to advise the public of the Committee's current and future regulatory actions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on the agenda in general, contact Dennis Lockard, General Counsel, Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 1401 S. Clark Street, Suite 10800, Arlington, VA, 22202; (703) 603-2121. For information about a specific regulation project listed on the agenda, contact the person designated in the agenda for that regulation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), each agency is required to prepare an agenda of all regulations under development or review. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 to 612) has a similar agenda requirement (5 U.S.C. 602). Under the law, the agenda must list any regulation that is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The Office of Management and Budget has issued guidelines prescribing the form and content of the regulatory agenda. Under those guidelines, the agenda must list all regulatory activities being conducted or reviewed in the next 12 months and provide certain specified information on each regulation. All of the items on this agenda are current or projected rulemakings.
Dated: April 24, 2013.
NAME: E. Ballard,
Executive Director.


text:
Standardized exams will help assess improvements
Among the most important steps being taken toward public school accountability in West Virginia is one that won't have to wait until legislators approve an education reform package this year. Throughout the state, educators already are preparing for the change.
For many years, standardized tests used to measure the performance of both students and their schools were unique to the Mountain State. The WesTest and later, the WesTest 2 have been administered only to students within the state.
That presented a limited picture of student achievement in West Virginia, because test results could not be compared to other states. Meanwhile, the National Assessment of Educational Progress tests, administered throughout the nation, showed our students lagging badly behind many others.
Beginning during the 2014-15 school year, a new tool, the Smarter Balanced Assessment test, will be administered in West Virginia. It also has been adopted in 45 other states.
Widespread use of the test means West Virginians will be able to compare performance of our public schools to those elsewhere. For example, Ohio County residents no longer will be limited to learning how well schools there compare to those in other counties and to state standardized test averages.
Once the new examinations are implemented, we will know how our schools stack up against those in California, Pennsylvania, New York and 42 other states.
The new test will represent an enormous leap forward in school reform. In effect, it will let us know whether changes made during the next few years are improvements – or merely window dressing.


text:
I'm thinking of getting the AVID pro MBox + ProTools 10. Any advice or reviews on these products?
Advise on protools 10 + AVID MBox
Started by GRIMZ BEATS , Mar 18 2012 05:35 AM
3 replies to this topic
Posted 18 March 2012 - 05:35 AM
Posted 18 March 2012 - 02:41 PM
Well I would steer clear from PT 10 at the moment since its not the most stable, I would go with PT 9 instead... and Mbox honestly sucks ass. The converters in that thing are horrible, stick with Apogee or Prism for interfaces or even the new Apollo interface looks promising with UAD plug ins
Posted 18 March 2012 - 11:45 PM
M audio. The fast track series has some NICE pre amps at least for that price. Honestly dude stick with ableton or reason too (both even)
Posted 19 March 2012 - 05:04 AM
oh im still going to be using reason, was thinking of re-wire with pt, but mostly i want pt for recording and mix/mastering audio, my lexicon omega audio interface is a bag of shit and i cant get it to link with my software to record. Im using adobe audition 3.0 at the moment for mix/mastering, but i cant even record. from the reviews on the net abpout the MBox pro tools, it seems really good but for £500 i need more thyan just good reviews before i decide on it. the pro tools im getting with it, is pt 9 and it comes with the upgrade to 10
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Something old, something new; A country house lovingly restored
There's a reason that people are obsessed with home makeover shows. There's nothing like a good transformation story and the big reveal. We constantly tune in to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and "Trading Spaces" to watch cringe-worthy spaces become homes you want to live in, all led by the skilled and snarky renovators who have become household names (Ty Pennignton, Genevieve Gorder). Not to be outdone by celebrity makeover artists, Ramona Jan of Country Home Restoration (Abrahamsville, PA) has recently completed a project to restore an 1800s farmhouse in Hortonville, NY, owned by Westchester resident Cheryl Greenberg.
Jan orchestrated the makeover and restoration of Greenberg's house. (She doesn't like to use the word "renovate"). The restoration was a dramatic change. Jan said, "Everything from the landscaping down to finishing off the basement [was restored], so that it looks and feels like it did when it was first built." Jan and Greenberg wanted to keep the historic qualities of the house, so the resulting finished product is a mix of the old and new.
The restoration included starting from scratch in the kitchen. "We completely tore out the kitchen, because the kitchen looked like it had been redone many times, and the last time it was done was probably the '70s," said Jan.
There were about four layers of wallpaper on every wall and ceiling of the house, so Jan and her team took all the wallpaper down and exposed and repaired the plaster, rather than get rid of it, which is what a lot of people do. They gutted out two bathrooms, made archways where there used to be doors, and built a shower where there used to be a closet. These were the large transformations. The house is filled with many special touches of restoration: for instance, repurposing barn wood to create a closet for the washer and dryer. During the restoration, when they knocked down walls, they discovered hidden treasures—like the sliding wooden doors that separate the dining room and living room and the kitchen cabinet glass front doors. I said to Greenberg that it must have been like opening a present, and she smiled in agreement.


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Dordt College News
Mouw To Attend Dordt College
March 10, 2014
(Monday, March 10; Sioux Center, Iowa) Raquelle Mouw, a senior at Bishop Kelly High School (Idaho), has announced her intention to attend Dordt College and join the Defender basketball and track programs.
Mouw earned basketball all-state honors in 2013 and claimed second team all-league honors in 2014. She's been selected to play in the Idaho Senior High School All-Star Basketball game and helped Bishop Kelly to a 2013 state basketball title. Mouw is a 5-7 wing player.
Mouw was a part of state champion relay teams in the 4 x 100, 4 x 200 and medley in 2011 and ran on a state runner-up 4 x 400 relay team in 2013. She has personal bests of 17-2 in the long jump and 36-4 in the triple jump and placed third in both events at the state meet in 2013.
A multi-sport athlete, Mouw was a part of a 2012 soccer state title, a 2011 track state team title and a 2013 state title in basketball.
Raquelle is the daughter of Rocky and Ruth-Ann Mouw of Meridian, Idaho. She plans to study education and art at Dordt College.
Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. Dordt's athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
U.S. News & World Report, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,400 students.
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©1999 Colson Whitehead; (P)2000 Recorded Books
"A Macguffin worth chewing on"
I follow Colson Whitehead on Twitter, where his steady and lively bon mots pepper you from all different angles of the universe. My thought was a novel from a writer that bright and fresh should be equally worthwhile, and indeed it was. The book is a treatise on the meaning and perceptions of life and flutters between a straight forward plot and what could almost be fanciful Asimov musings on humanity without quite leaving known reality. The plot itself is not particularly relevant and serves mostly as a giant Macguffin allowing Whitehead to focus laser-like on race relations and color perceptions at certain times through complex metaphors and at other times with simple straight talk. I find Colson's writing fresh, fun and light-hearted even when addressing dense and dramatic issues and this is where the pleasure of the novel came through. The plot itself was neither here nor there, and the bitter taste race was just out of reach; but the reason to get this book is to simply enjoy Whitehead's writing and fresh turns of phrase. I came away not quite sure exactly what it was I had gotten through, but missed it all the same. The narration and audio are excellent and first rate. Good stuff, recommended.
"Fires on all cylinders; GREAT ! ! !"
The Intuitonist is one of those rare books that works as a page turning whodunit as well as a real interesting book about ideas. Colson Whitehead has a real original voice that borders on satire (Vonnegut, Ellson's 'Invisible Man') but has characters that are fully realized and not grotesques or representative of an idea or concept (a issue that hinders satire sometimes). There is a real sly comedy in this book that reminded me of that movie 'Brazil' or 'Modern Times' man can not contain its own beuracracy and technology as well as some social commentary.
The book involves an elevator accident and the world of elevator inspectors (any one in a trade or specialized field will appreciate how Whitehead creates a macro culture for elevator inspector) and how different inspectors use different methods (intution vs emperical). Just this plot point alone gives readers a real interesting theme to chew on (the eternal struggle of intuition vs empericism) but suddenly an additional theme is added via plot twist (one of the only times I remember a change in theme had the same gut wallop of a cool plot twist) and the reader is left with he last hour being are a brilliant exercise in satire/social commentary.
The narration is good.
An excellent book by an exciting new writter
I read nothing that is popular.
"Different Floors"
"The Intuitionist" is a top notch read. It's pretty much about elevator inspectors, which one of them is black and also a woman when race was an issue back then. The different floors in the department is not a straight forward read, but more like different dreams in each floor for Lila Mae. It's really hard to explain it. The entire story feels like a metaphor for racism at the time. It's not like The Help or The Color Purple, but its more subtle. Great writing from Colson Whitehead.
"It's important you finish the book"
I downloaded the book from Audible.com and could not put it down. Not surprisingly like any good novel, I found myself emotionally moved by the story and perspective.
It had a few technical errors, but still a good read. Well done.
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From: Pastry chef Gale Gand, TRU Restaurant, Chicago. Yield: 1 gallon. 8 quarts red California seedless grapes 3 vanilla beans 2 cinnamon sticks 1/4 cup star anise 2 oranges, peel and juice only 1 lemon, peel and juice only 1 lime, peel and juice only 2 cups spring water 4 cups cranberry juice 2 cups champagne to taste, simple syrup In a large pot, place the grapes, vanilla bean and bouquet garni made from cinnamon, star anise and rinds. Add citrus juices, spring water and cranberry juice ...
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Visa is reportedly gearing up to support a "mainstream launch" of NFC mobile payments, along with a cloud-based digital wallet, according to Marc O'Brien, managing director of Visa UK and Ireland.
NFC Times Exclusive – American Express has quietly launched its HCE-enabled mobile payments service in the UK, along with its launch in Canada, which it announced Wednesday, NFC Times has learned.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – Apple has continued to expand its NFC payments service, today launching Apple Pay in Spain, with participation from one of the country's biggest banks, Banco Santander, and two payments networks, Mastercard and American Express.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – In a draft decision, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has denied a request from four major banks for permission to negotiate collectively with Apple and boycott participation in Apple Pay during the discussions, with regulators expressing concern that such a position "could reduce or distort competition in a number of markets."
NFC Times Exclusive - AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands: ABN AMRO is the third and last of the Netherlands' big three banks to launch its own mobile wallet, launching service today for its Maestro debit cardholders, the bank confirmed to NFC Times.
NFC Times Exclusive – Two more Polish banks plan to launch mobile payments using host card emulation technology, NFC Times has learned, adding to a growing list of mobile payments services in Poland, which saw the launch of its first "Pays" service last week with the introduction of Android Pay.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – Google has expanded its mobile payments service into a sixth market, Poland, targeting the country's high penetration of contactless point-of-sale terminals. In-app payments will follow, according to the search giant.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – After years of effort, Israel-based contactless reader and NFC vendor On Track Innovations achieved a rare quarterly operating profit from continuing operations, thanks to cost cutting and a high gross margin, helped by a onetime licensing fee. But it still showed a net loss and the cost reductions may have bottomed out.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – As NFC Times reported a month ago, U.S.-based Citigroup is the latest bank with plans to launch an HCE-enabled mobile wallet for Android phones, "Citi Pay," which will launch in Asia-Pacific first then in the U.S., using Masterpass technology.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy's largest retail bank, launched its HCE-enabled mobile wallet service in a fifth market, Serbia, in October through its local subsidiary Banca Intesa Beograd and claimed a country first by deploying an HCE-based payments service branded as Wave2Pay.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – One of Canada's big five banks, CIBC, launched Samsung Pay this week, making its Visa-branded credit cards available as part of an "early-access" launch that Samsung itself hasn't yet announced.
NFC Times Exclusive Insight – Samsung today disclosed plans in a local forum to launch Samsung Pay in Taiwan next year with several banks and a closed-loop payments service, iPASS, which could be used for transit fare collection. The launch is expected around the first quarter.
NFC Times Exclusive – Samsung has been considering introducing NFC transit ticketing in every market where it has launched Samsung Pay, including the U.S., an


text: Stop Teacher Bashing! Follow @neatoday and @massteacher on Twitter and tweet using the hashtag #stopteacherbashing. Become a "fan" of Speak up for Education and Kids on Facebook – a community of educators and concerned citizens – now more than 37,000 strong! And join the conversation on MTA's Facebook page. Visit NEA's Waiting for Superman resources page.


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UFO warcraft-like machinery hovering above California Air Force Base
UFO warcraft-like machinery hovering above California Air Force Base McClellan AFB
UFO warcraft-like machinery hovering above California Air Force Base – a video upload by Cool13Video on youtube October 18, 2010. The actual sighting was on october 13th 2010. The questions is, if it´s US hardware, maybe new Russian or Chinese technology? Or is this a sign of a secret war between US government and evil extraterrestrials, as whistleblowers like William Cooper and Phil Schneider claimed in the past? Or could it be the nice ones, the friendly aliens from outer space, that is sending a message to the US government and it´s military?
Cool13Video describes the UFO sighting as follows;
Spaceship / UFO with some kind of laser / bullet gunner on the bottom of the object hovering over California Air Force Base (McClellan AFB). Emitting green glow and it has a shiny metal bullet like shape. It looks like it was about over a mile away, 45 degree position from where I was standing, end of quote ~ Cool13Video
Updated description November 12th 2010:
I caught that UFO on October 13, 2010, around 10:45pm. It was hovering in the west side of the Air Force Base. I was camcording from 10:30pm to about 10:45pm, i was looking around, saw several planes, and helicopters pass by. I just saw something that didnt flashed at all and took a look at it with my camcorder, you saw the rest of the history. . I ran in to get my tripod and by the time I got outside the object disappeared. I looked around for a while, nothing in the sky. I see the object 45- 50 degree and about over a mile away from me, end of quote ~ Cool13Video
Screenshots of the UFO
The picture to the right has extra lightness and you can see the gun-turret (or something) beneath the craft…
UFO "gun-turret" closeup…
CGI, US/Chinese/Russian hardware or a real alien craft?
I can´t say much about, if this is real or made up. The video quality is quite bad in youtube´s flash format *.flv, with only 12 frames per second instead of the full 30 frames per second NTSC standard, and it does not provide the best condition for a proper video analysis. Anyway, for me, the way it looks, looks NEW. I mean, I haven´t seen a UFO sighting like this one ever before, this is new. Flying saucers and cigar-shaped UFOs are much more frequent, but not this type. It's actually rather a bizarre sighting, like something out of star wars, and it may well wonder what such a thing is doing there, with something that looks like a gun or something, pointing down at the base?
My notes
It looks like a big robot with two "arms" (like the torso of a Lego man, but not with the original Lego shapes) and something that looks like a gun-turret attached to the bottom. It is metallic and there is a red and green glow around it. There is an increase and concentration of the glow on some spots on the fuselage. It seem this UFO lights up in the nightsky by it self. There are no sign of light sources from spotlights / searchlights on the ground. There is no reference points, no buildings or stars visible in the video. Before camera zooms in, you have a chance to sense the distance to the UFO. Cool13Video description of the distance between him and the object, 1 mile and 45 degrees up, seems reasonable. If you are into UFOs, you would probably agree with me, that this is a very rare type of UFO.


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I have a 7.5month old who has 3 teeth and an ok pincer grasp and was wondering what would be some good finger foods to start her on.
I have a 7.5month old who has 3 teeth and an ok pincer grasp and was wondering what would be some good finger foods to start her on.
Any kind of soft, fresh fruits(bananas, peaches, pears, etc.). Steamed veggies. Cheerios. Crackers. Rice. Pasta. Pieces of tender meats or low-mercury fish...... I'm sure there's more, it's just not springing to mind.
Proud Mother to Ziyad, born naturally, November 3 2006
Breastfed for 26 months and still co-sleeping .
"Do more than belong, participate. Do more than care, help.
Do more than believe, practice. Do more than be fair, be kind.
Do more than dream, work!."
Super Baby Food has some good finger-food recipes. They involve mixing some ingredients together and then baking them. I can't think of any complete recipes offhand (I'm at work right now) but if you visit the website I'm sure there are some listed there.
Andrea - mama to Laith 02.20.07 and Sommer 01.21.11
'Either you repeat the same conventional doctrines everybody is saying, or else you say something true, and it will sound like it's from Neptune.' - Noam Chomsky
Sweet Potato Fries, Baked.
Organic Cheerios.
Snap Peas.
Apple Slices,
Banana split on it's natural seams.
Way too lazy for formula


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Thanks Trinnstarr!!! I got caught up in some daily business and wasnt able to report it in time. i apologize BUT Pau Gasol WILL be sent to the lakers.
The trade as for now goes Pau Gasol to the lakers and Kwame Brown and his expiring contract, javaris crittenton & a 2008 + 2010 first round draft pick will go to Memphis. with the stromile trade to follow it looks like memphis is beginning their overhaul mode. more details as they come.
deal is not official. i will return when details are finalized.


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Happy Veterans Day
November 11, 2011 by Ellen
Filed under Core Blog, Design Teams
Today we want to honor all of those men and women that serve our country and their families.
Thank you. Thank you! For keeping us safe, for your dedication, for your sacrifice.
Design Team Member Andrea Amu created this gorgeous Liberty block for us today. We should all have one of these to remind us every day of the sacrifices those brave men and women make for us!
Don't forget about Monday!
We will see you then!!!


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Through the labyrinthFebruary 05,2013
As more details come to light about the financing of Vermonts new health care exchange, the difficulty of constructing a hybrid system based on health insurance becomes increasingly evident.
Vermont is on a pathway toward a single-payer system that would be independent of insurance. Instead, it would provide something like Medicare for all, administered by the state or by an entity hired by the state.
But at present, state officials are constructing an important way station on that pathway. They are establishing a health insurance exchange where people can choose among insurance coverage options, with subsidies based on income for those who cannot afford insurance. The Shumlin administration wants to enroll as many people as it can on the exchange so as to draw down a maximum amount of federal money.
But there are some problems. One element of the states present programs is a penalty paid by small businesses who do not insure their employees. This penalty produces a revenue stream of about $11 million that is used to subsidize coverage for low- and middle-income Vermonters.
In order to add as many people as possible to the new exchange, the administration is urging small businesses to drop insurance coverage for their employees. At the same time, those businesses would be hit with a penalty of $476 per employee who is uninsured.
Officials say even taking into account the penalty, employers will be saving money by dropping their insurance coverage. And yet it is a peculiar mixed message to tell employers they should drop coverage and if they do they will be penalized.
The point is to preserve the revenue stream. Should the $11 million come from a particular class of small businesses? If the point is to drive people away from private insurance and onto the exchange, why not tax employer-sponsored insurance policies? Or is the problem that small business is not really the best source of the money?
In building a new system, state officials should probably not be bound by vestigial fees left over from the old system, but instead create a new, appropriate fee and call it a fee, rather than a penalty.
There are other problems in making the transition to the exchange. One of the states principal health care programs, Catamount Health, will disappear when the exchange starts up, but some low- and middle-income people moving from Catamount to the exchange may face a significantly higher exposure to out-of-pocket expenses.
The Shumlin budget provides about $22 million to offset those higher costs, though administration officials say it would actually cost $26 million to hold harmless those moving from one program to the other. That $4 million gap would fall on the shoulders of Vermonters who may not be in a position to pay.
Higher out-of-pocket costs only affect about 30 percent of insured residents those who max out their deductibles and co-payments. The subsidies received by residents will be income-sensitive, but even so, an individual making $17,000 would see potential out-of-pocket costs rise from less than $600 to more than $1,000.
All of this calibration of subsidies and expenses, plans and payments, is made necessary by the fact that under the exchange the state is still adhering to the insurance model. The exchange is expected to be significantly more efficient than the current grab bag of private and public policies and programs, but even greater efficiency could be expected when the state finally moves toward a single-payer system.
Republicans have been hammering the Shumlin administration for failing to provide details on the financing of the new system, including where new taxes will come from. It is apparent, though, that the administration is weaving its way through a complicated labyrinth of financial considerations and is revealing information as it is developed. The Legislature, too, is taking an interesting in ensuring that the new system achieves the goals of providing comprehensive, universal care without putting new cost barriers in the way. That goal should not be lost amid the labyrinth.MORE IN EditorialsProtesters converged on a bank in Montpelier early this week to show their solidarity with the... Full StoryPhil Scott will take office next month after winning with a margin of 51.11 percent to 43. Full StoryIdeologues and partisans work from the outcome backward. Full Story
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