text:
VALERO TEXAS OPEN JUNIOR SHOOTOUTThe Dominion Country ClubSan Antonio, TexasJuly 12-15, 2004
SECOND-ROUND 68 HELPS HEDGE STRETCH LEAD TO SIX IN SAN ANTONIOPressel maintains Girls Division lead with second-round 68
SAN ANTONIO â Josh Hedge of Billings, Mont., extended his lead to six strokes in the Boys Division after posting a second-round 68 Wednesday at the Valero Texas Open Junior Shootout. Morgan Pressel of Boca Raton, Fla., remained on top of the Girls Division after a second-round 68 brought her to 4-under par for the tournament.Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the Valero Texas Open Junior Shootout is a 54-hole, stroke play event featuring junior golfers from nine states and Mexico. 101 Texans are among the 120 juniors, who range in age from 12-18. 2004 marks the 13th year the AJGA has staged the event in the San Antonio area.Hedge, who has never finished better than 12th in an AJGA Open tournament, admitted he is in uncharted territory as he holds the lead entering the final round with a 36-hole total of 10-under-par 134.âI definitely havenât been in this position on this scale â at the state and local level, but never in a big tournament like this,â Hedge said. âIâm going to keep playing every hole to make a birdie. Iâm hitting the ball well enough so I donât see why I shouldnât keep the same approach."The 18-year-old used five birdies to offset just one bogey. He cited his hot putter as the main reason behind his solid play.âInside of 10 feet I just feel like I wonât miss â thatâs a good feeling to have,â he noted. âI like the greens and I feel like I can putt well.âTrailing Hedge by six strokes in second place is Nick Olivarri of San Antonio. Playing in his final junior golf event before heading to college, the 18-year-old Olivarri made only one bogey Wednesday to post a second-round score of 2-under-par 70. A relaxed attitude has enabled him to focus on enjoying his final junior event, he added.âI hit a lot of greens and I putted very well again today,â he said. âThe last two days Iâve played with two really good guys and they have kept me relaxed.âStanding behind Hedge and Olivarri in third place is Robby Ormand of Austin, Texas, at 3-under-par 141. Ormand fired a second-round 67. Tied for fourth place are Andrew Ok of Granada Hills, Calif., and K.T. Livingston of Midland, Texas, at 2-under-par 142.On the girls side, Pressel continued the torrid play she has displayed recently as she shot the low round of the tournament in the Girls Division thus far with a second-round 68. The 16-year-old made three birdies and an eagle on the front side before her putter cooled off on the back nine. Pressel is fresh off her first win in an AJGA Invitational as she took first place in last weekâs Rolex Tournament of Champions.âIt feels great,â she said about her recent streak of hot play. âTo win my first major was big. Iâm trying to continue playing where every shot counts.âHer round was highlighted by an eagle on the 465-yard, par-5 ninth hole. She hit her second shot with an 11-wood to within 15 feet and rolled in the putt.In second place sits San Antonio native Caney Hines. The 16-year-old shot 6-over-par 78 to bring her two-day total to 8-over-par 152. Emily Kvinta of Yoakum, Texas, is in third place at 12-over-par 156.The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA has a membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,000 junior golfers from 50 states and 30 foreign countries.Titleist, the AJGAâs National Sponsor, has been the catalyst and driving force behind the Associationâs success since 1989. Rolex Watch USA, a supporter of the AJGA since 1983, became an AJGA Premier Partner in 2004.Final-round tee times begin at 7 a.m. off the No. 1 tee at The Dominion Country Club. For more information on the Valero Texas Open Junior Shootout, contact tournament headquarters at (210) 698-2745.
The Foundation
The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program provides financial assistance to junior golfers who wish to play in AJGA events. Its goal is to give top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. This program helps to fulfill the AJGA's mission of developing young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.
What is Leadership Links?
Leadership Links is a new program whereby the AJGA is able to further its mission to help develop young men and women by teaching charitable giving skills and service-oriented practices at an early age. This program gives juniors all the tools necessary to donate their time, talent and resources to local charities and the AJGA youth development programs. Please click here to learn more about the program and the different opportunities available.


text:
|Marcus Whiteshae
Marcus casts a dissaproving look at the Dwarf at the absurd Dwarf lying on his ass, Either he's on pesh or dying addled his brain. What he hells just came from his mouth?!
He then looks down to the Tiefling, struggling with the Scimitar on his neck, Killed him with a head shot,aye? Don't answer that. If you move or speak, your head comes off
Keeping pressure on the blade, Ascaria, would you mind grabbing the Manacles off my butt-pack and cuff this demon. Maybe we'll have a substitute competitior for Saul after all, IF this one hasn't any way to redeem himself.
|Ascaria de Vintre
Ascaria raises an eyebrow at the dwarf's verbose introduction. "Well met Grumm Gaer. I am Ascaria de Vintre. If you were on your way to the Gold Goblin anyway, you might want to come with us as that is where we are headed."
Turning to Marcus she adds with a smile "Looks like there is someone who is at least as talkative as yourself." She chuckles and then retrieves the manacles and binds the Tiefling if he does not resist.
|Marcus Whiteshae
|Ethaniel Meveri
Ethaniel stares at Grumm. How does one respond to such strange language? "I...my...how interesting..." Looking back towards the tiefling prisoner, Ethaniel continues. Will we...will the gendarmes take issue with us bringing a this one back to the Goblin, bound?"
|Tippy Fullbottle
Tippy, who has been slowly and carefully sneaking about, whacks the tiefling over the head with his crowbar, knocking him unconscious. 1d4 + 1 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (5) = 9 non-lethal.
"What? Some folks helping their intoxicated and passed out friend back to our flop so he can sleep off his bender? The gendarmes will thank us for not leaving him behind for them to throw in the tank."
He puts the crowbar away. "I'd say we're almost ready to leave, as soon as everybody here gets what they deserve..." Tippy resumes his hard looks at Iscarel.
|Marcus Whiteshae
Tossing the purse aside and turning his back on the dwarf, Iscarel winces and gives the arrow one last tug, cursing under his breath in Elven, and prying it free, slumping against the wall in exhaustion. "Such dear friends I have to chide me on the finer points of morality with a thrice-damned arrow in my leg."
"Most of the pigmeat goes to Crooge, these days. Weapons and all. Bastard makes a killing off of the scrap." he says, without making eye contact. "Let me think... Grab the Dwarf and follow me."
Kn:Local to find the closest fence or armorer. (Taking 10 for 16)
|Ethaniel Meveri
Ethaniel cannot mask his scowl. "Has your wound not been sealed by the grace of the Savored Sting? As often as you invoke Calistria's name, why neglect to thank her for the arrow that did not fell you? Rail against us, but give respect to your Lady. She remembers slights better than any"
And have I been a good servant? Surely not. Ethaniel turns away, uncomfortably. Where does this bile come from? The half-elf grumbles quietly; gradually, his mutterings take on the lyrical nature of the Elven language.
|Grumm Gær
As your looting the bodies, healing up and knocking the tiefling back into a state of compliance, folks are sticking their noses out their doors or peering through their windows but no alarm is yelled out nor is help called for. You get back to the gate and the guards smirk as you approach and move to block your path.
"May I ask why you are carrying a body, albeit a demonsprog, that for all but the most discerning eye, looks to be dead."
|Marcus Whiteshae
Marcus not wanting a repeat of the incident at the Boneyard, remains silent and hopes Iscarel or Tippy can come up with a convincing lie. He stands tall, despite the weight, and readjusts his burden, keeping the manacles covered with his cloak.
Dead drunk actually, boss.
Just act like dumb muscle, let our snake oil salesman do the talking
|Marcus Whiteshae
|Tippy Fullbottle
"He might be a demonsprog, but he's still a stand-up fellow, just a little misunderstood is all. Some losers in the Lub thought they could jump him, just cause of the horns, but we're bringing him home to get patched up. See, he's not dead." Tippy carefully lifts the tiefling's head to show he's still breathing.
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Sigh. Thre must be a nasty tremor of nerves in his vice giving him away.
|Grumm Gær
|Ethaniel Meveri
The guards step aside and allow your party through so that you might get the injured tiefling some aid. (nicely done master halfling) As you gain enough distance Tippy no doubt receives some slaPs on the back for his deception. You look to Iscarel whom takes the lead to find a fence he once was aware of.
|Grumm Gær
|Ascaria de Vintre
As the party is barely out of earshot, Ascaria bursts into laughter slapping Tippy's back. "Master halfling, woohoo! See, he's not dead..." she says in a good-natured immitation of the halfling's trembling voice. "That guy would even have waved us through if the tiefling's head had come off." She smiles at her companions. "I have to say, I never expected to have such a good time with you lot."
|Marcus Whiteshae
Marcus, glad everyone was ok and honestly, enjoying Ascaria's company, readjusts the tiefling again. Nice to see everyone enjoying themselves, his voice dripping with sarcasm and the scowl was back. Just for the record, I don't really intend to just give this tiefling to Saul. I'm bringing him back to question if that WAS just a mugging. Our drinks were spiked remember. Though this fool can fight well so he might put on a good show but he's still a person, scumbag or otherwise. I'm starting to think we should question him before we get back, then let the Gendarmes have him. Anyone else got a thought?
|Ethaniel Meveri
"Yes. Well done, Tippy." Ethaniel nods in agreement at Ascaria's comment, but nervously checks over his shoulder to see if the guards are looking after the group. "On your words at the gate just now, and on your warning to us when the thugs were on our tail."
In response to Marcus's proposed plan, Ethaniel does little more than grunt. "Fine by me." As long as I don't have to do the handing off of the fool. Gendarmes...
|Ascaria de Vintre
"Well, back there, with all the excitement after the fight... I don't know, it sounded like a good idea to give him to Bojask. But you are right, Marcus. He still is a person and not an animal. The question is, however, if he will be treated better by the gendarmes. Demonkin are often met with outright hostility even by those who should know better. Maybe we could also try and win him over to our side? If he really was part of a scheme to get at us, chances are that he will be very susceptible to a little persuasion and a little more coin... Maybe Saul would be willing to hire him as a bouncer."
|Marcus Whiteshae
Marcus smiles at the idea. Now THAT has merit. You are far smarter than I, pretty lady. Fine, lets offer this fool an even chance at redemption and if he cannot find a new path. Then the pit for him. Fair choice if I ever saw one.
Having decided to go along with Ascaria's plan, Marcus straightens under the load an makes a beeline for the Goblin, stopping only if Iscarel comes up with a fence so they could offload their spoils.
|Ethaniel Meveri
And what if he's a hopeless addict? What if he harbors resentment covered with a gracious lie? Will we want him at our backs? Ethaniel looks askance at Marcus and Ascaria, but does not voice his objection. Gendarmes are best avoided though. No friends of ours. No friends of mine...
|Ethaniel Meveri
Ethaniel looks back at the dwarf, then at Iscarel. What do we want with the stout one? None of us seem to know him from a bilge rat, but here he is along with us all the same. Maybe Iscarel fancies him another bouncer...but it sounded like he had a greater plan...
Iscarel leads you to a place he believes to be a fence. Twin Strike Smithing fronted by a hulking half orc blacksmith roughly introducing himself as Woriuk upon meeting you. An imposing sight with an upper body forged by his hard labor he is short of word and quickly asks your business.
|Marcus Whiteshae
Just here to sell, friend. Maybe shop a bit as well. Here's what we need to offload:
Tiefling had MW Heavy Flail (315gp), Scale Mail (50gp), 360gp. Junky had a Light Mace (5gp), Sickle (6gp), Leather Armor (10gp), Potion of Feather Fall (50gp).
Think you can help us out?
|Ethaniel Meveri
|Marcus Whiteshae
"Amin? Amin valin varna a'kirma amada tuulo'ho malda a'kell. Lo kostale N'ndengina. Um ho'heta?" he says in a hushed tone... breaking into common. "Now that would be an act of charity." he says, shaking his head.
As they step outside, Iscarel looks at the dwarf, seemingly acknowledging him at last. Elen sila lumenn omentilmo." he says, his voice laced with mock-politeness. "What hole did you crawl out of?"
|Grumm Gær
|Ascaria de Vintre
While the others show the loot to the half-orc, Ascaria takes a look at the weapons and armor on display. After a while a certain item catches her eye, small and half hidden under a large wooden shield. It is a fine sickle, with a five inch grip of dark wood. A quick test with her thumb shows that the blade is razor sharp. Now this would be a nice replacement for her old sickle which badly needed a sharpening anyway.
Ascaria takes the weapon to the shopkeep and pays for it from her own purse.
I'll say that this is the Mwk sickle from my shopping list. I figured it was a nice opportunity to explain where I got it from.
|Marcus Whiteshae
As Marcus dumps the Tiefling on the floor and lays all the gear on the table, he notes the 360gp the tiefling was carrying. Tippy, could you check our buddy is not rousing and send him back to sleep if needed.
He counts out 72 gp for Ethaniel, Tippy, Iscarel, Ascaria and pockets 72 gp for himself.
Spoils. Now I say we flog the rest of the Muggers gear and split that. We can offer the demon his life and maybe a job but he tried to kill us so his gear is ours.
1/2 market value is 218, so 43each except Grumm
He then gives the dwarf a long look, You can keep your stuff and if the boss can stand your odd way of speaking and 'hygene' you may find some steady work with us. In any case you helped us out there so the first few rounds are on me.
The half orc is happy to trade. He appraises the items and gives you his price. A reduced market value you are aware of but you had no sway with this fence yet, maybe in time you would find his appraisals more favorable but one would guess that all depends on your future business dealings. Furthermore, he doesn't even raise an eyebrow at your unconcious 'companion'. Business in Riddleport is quite black and white most times. Questions just bring trouble which isn't all that bad if your looking for it. You leave with the now almost naked unconcious Tiefling and heavier coin purses and make your way back to the Goblin.
|Marcus Whiteshae
Happy to be rid of the extra weight, Marcus buys 2 javelins with Ammentum straps for extra range and 2 chakrams, handing over the 4 gold.
Thanks. We'll no doubt have future business.
He quickly wraps the straps around his new ranged weapons and secures his Chakrams, then picks up the Tiefling and heads out.
|Grumm Gær
"I..." the elf opens his mouth to speak, his brow furrowing. "No, nevermind. My curiosity is sated."
Iscarel takes several long strides back towards the city proper, his good humour returning. "Onward, then! I could go for a good drink, and perhaps a tale or two as well. Do you know any songs, master dwarf?"
|Grumm Gær
|Ethaniel Meveri
Ethaniel touches the edge of his new chakram. Sharp. Good. He glances down at his new whip. And when have I seen such a fine weave of leather? Pausing a moment, he reaches into his backpack and pulls out his old whip. Henri's whip. Frayed. Rotting. Forgotten. Ethaniel winces noticeably. No! Never forgotten. Never.
A chuckle escapes the half-elf, but he stifles it immediately. As he stuffs the tattered whip back into his bag, his eyes dart around at his companions. His ears catch Grumm's reply to Iscarel. "I know nearly nothing of dwarves...Grumm, was it? I'll hear some telling, if you'll tell it.
Back at the Goblin, Marcus finally off loads his passenger for the last time. Saul and Larur are about and you are able to give good news about prospective bouncers turning up tonight for their trial. The fact they were picked from the Lub was initially a surprise but soon enough the wisdom of the decision dawned upon Saul and commended your intellect and foresight. He looks forward to seeing who will show.
Larur is very interested in the new face accompanying the party and is quick to introduce himself, gripping the forearm of Grumm as he does so.
"Larur Feldin, born of the line of the Earthbeard Clan of the Mindspin Mountains. That's a mighty fine beard you have there .......?"
|Grumm Gær
Grumm is conflicted of seeing another dwarf. So far, encounters of his own kind have rarely been nice. He sizes Larur out of instinctive skepticism.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
"Hey man. Grumm of the Gær merchants. Southwestern Druma."
Larur responds, "Gaer Merchants you say? Druma, boardering the Five Kings old country. Let us grab some fine dwarven ale and talk a while. I would learn of your travels that brought you to Riddleport."
|Marcus Whiteshae
Saul asks, pointing at the heap of unconscious mess on the floor "And what are we doing with this?"
He was part of the group that attacked us. Junkie or not and I think not, he fought with enough skill to down the Dwarf who seems to know what he's doing and was ALMOST good enough to beat me until I found a hole in his guard. He's likely the equal of any who show tonight and a guard with horns and fangs would have ALOT of presence. If we can make him an offer and be satisfied with his word, he could be quite useful.Or maybe the pit could have a new Champion, if he'd rather, but be certain Saul I didn't bring him here to just kill him. We can let the Gendarmes have him if he's useless. Plus we should question if he was ordered to attack us. We were being watched in the Lub and I'm pretty sure our drinks were spiked.
He part said, Marcus waits to see if anyone has something to add and Saul's reply.
|Marcus Whiteshae

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In 1968, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was created to prevent the further proliferation of nuclear weapons, as well as promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and express the intention of NPT signatories to achieve disarmament. Nonetheless, questions exist as to why the international community approves of some nations possessing nuclear materials and not others.
"What should determine who should be allowed to possess nuclear technology and who should not?"
Tina in Michigan writes:
The factors seem very complex regarding countries having the ability to possess nuclear technology. Countries that are not hostile, that have a long history of being friendly to their neighbors, that clearly adhere to Freedom, Equality and Liberty that also respect Human Rights which belong to the United Nations should be trusted with this delicate technology. The rest of world needs to be watching those that have this technology with a keen eye.
The other issue related to this is to make sure those countries using this technology take the care to properly manage the bi-products of this technology. Mother Earth and people need this careful proctection.
Brianna in Wisconsin writes:
If one country is able to posses nuclear weapons I feel another country should be able to, too. Fair is fair. We don't govern the world and we should stop acting like we do.
Chris in Missouri writes:
No country in the world should have the power of nuclear weapons at their disposal, including the United States. That we have the power to destroy humanity should be as frightening to us as anyone else. We need to work to strengthen the United Nations and the IAEA to give them the means to enforce a policy where no country would be able to construct nuclear weapons and all countries that currently control would them destroy them in a timely manner.
John in California writes:
Countries that should not be allowed to possess nuclear technology include those governed by non-democratic governments, especially theocracies. Non-democratic governments permit extremist views to influence decisions that can have catastrophic and irreversible consequences. Theocracies are particularly dangerous in this regard due to the ease by which religious teachings can be twisted into advocating the exclusion of all who do not share the same beliefs. And if such a country possesses nuclear technology, this power to "exclude" becomes very real.
Marc in Germany writes:
@Brianna - I agree with you that we do not govern the world and we shouldn't attempt to do so. But, we do have a responsibility to our National Security to ensure that questionable countries/leaders don't gain the power of launching nuclear attacks at us or our allies. The vehicle in which to achieve this really depends on your personal view-point as to HOW directly involved we should be. One view is too take action (military wise) another way is to use the long drawn out political process via the UN and sanctions. The last, obviously, is a combination of the previous two options. Which course of action is best is difficult to answer; due to each individual persons opionens on how best to resolve such issues. Nonetheless as a nuclear power we have a certain amount of responsibilty to ensure that nuclear weapons are tightly controlled.
@Chris- Nuclear weapons are a gruesome piece of work. I have no arguments with you on this issue. But as nuclear power/weapons are already "out of the bag" it is a fairy tale to actually believe that a "Nobody Should Have" approach is even remotely possible. I do agree that to strengthen the UN and IAEA and give them a coalition enforcement capability in "controlling" nuclear proliferation is a step in the right direction. But I firmly believe that ,as in the past, the load of the "enforcement" would fall to the US Military. That is something I wish to see less of as the U.S. Military arent the World Police Force
Daniel in Illinois writes:
The question should really be "Who should NOT be allowed to have Nuclear Weapons" and I believe we all pretty much know the answer to that. They tend to stick out on the world playground. The problem lies in that the various members of the current Nuclear Club all seem to have too many vested political, strategic, or economic interests in one or another of these rogue nations/groups to band together and "do the right thing." In the final analysis there really is no way to forever keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of someone with the means to obtain them and the twisted will to use them. Oh, and one more thing. Mr Bush, there is no such thing in this world as a NUKYUHLER weapon. One would think that in 7 years someone would have corrected his pronunciation. Please !!
J. writes:
I will have to check the NPT language, but wasn't the intent of the treaty to "dissuade" countries from developing nuclear weapons, not to "prevent" such proliferation? Along that line, the question is phrased incorrectly. The question ought to be, "how can the NPT be used or better implemented to influence nations to not develop nuclear weapons?"
And along that line of thought, the key to this is through leadership demonstrated by the US govt in NOT developing the RRW until it has 1) improved its Cold War strategy for nuclear weapons employment and made it applicable to today's security environment, and 2) demonstrated in good faith a plan that shows the dismantlement and permenant disposal of older nuclear weapons is in place.
The "nuclear energy" deal with India didn't help the NPT's influence, either. If India isn't living up to the NPT, the US govt shouldn't be dealing with India. Very simple.
Michelle in Washington DC writes:
I don't believe anyone should be using/creating any nuclear weapons or running power plants with nuclear energy. It's about the environment - how long do we think we can keep polluting the planet and just burying the stuff we don't want anymore? If bombs are made they will eventually be used - so stop making them! I know there will be flare ups between countries but killing each other is senseless.
Robert in Ohio writes:
Whereas I will agree that is does seem hypocritical to possess nuclear capabilities and then to try to tell another country that they may not (especially bearing in mind that we are the only country to use them), I believe someone has to be the first for everything and even if it does seem a bit imperialistic we are simply trying to learn from our mistakes and help others do the same.
I can totally understand the others wanting the bomb, how would we feel if Russia had them and we did not? That said, I don't want anyone else to gain the capability if for no other reason than self preservation ;)
As for peaceful purposes, perhaps the countries that already possess the capability to broker the fuel. One would think that if a country genuinely has no interest in the bomb then having someone else handle all the risky enrichment would be beneficial all around. If you tell me that I can have all of the benefits of nuclear power without any of the responsibility of enrichment, and more importantly disposal of waste, then I say it is win-win. This would also allow for tracking and regulation of the materials involved.
It seems to me that a compromise is in order. If they will tolerate some mild interference for the sake of our ease of mind then we can help them provide affordable and adequate power for their people.
Jim in California writes:
All nations should be allowed to develop nuclear power, even assisted in the effort, if asked. No Nation that is openly planning to take over the world, i.e. is an obvious threat to us, should be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. We should not interfere with their operations otherwise, unless invited.
For those who have the weapon and who seemingly intend on using it on us, we should warn them openly that should they bomb us we will counter-bomb them and their world with ten times the destruction inflicted by their weapons, and that we will do so following each successive round of bombing. To make this most effective we should name the major Muslim nations on our list.
Then, again, we should sit back and wait for their response, being carefully prepared to do as promised. Hopefully, our threat would cause the other Muslim nations to dissuade al Qaeda, et al, not to bomb in the first place.
Robin in Romania writes:
@ Marc - I totally agree with your statements. It is my strong belief that, as you said, questionable leaders/countries should not be allowed to have nuclear facilities. I am speaking especially about Iran. They say they need to build nuclear facilities for energy purposes. I doubt that, since Iran is one of the most oil-rich countries in the world. And it's only about 1.000 miles away from EU.
Maybe nuclear power is not a right, but a privilege. Many will say that USA should not be a nuclear power. I disagree. USA invented the nuclear power. Many will say that Germany should not be a nuclear power. I also disagree. Many patents were, as you know, stolen from Germany at the end of WW2, so that, by giving back so much to the world, the world should give something back!
@ Robert - I'm afraid there can't be a compromise in this matter, since, one way or another, civilian nuclear fuel can be turned into military warheads.
Hajo in Germany writes:
The question is not very clear. What do you mean by the term "nuclear technology"? civil or military technology or even both?
With regard to the NPT, the Treaty is based on a simple compromise between the nuclear haves and the nuclear have nots: The nuclear have nots are willing to accept their non-nuclear military status under several conditions:
1. They have full access to civil nuclear technology if they need it. Article 4 of NPT even say, they should be supported by the nuclear haves in this regard.
2. The nuclear haves will not threaten the nuclear have nots and give up their nuclear weapons in order to overcome this double standard in global order.
3. If the nuclear haves think they can preserve their priviliged nuclear status and the nuclear have nots will accept their inferiour status forever, this will never work over time. Either the nuclear powers truely disarm or they must handle a growing number of nuclear haves with terrorists on its territory like Pakistan and perhaps soon Iran, they must handle nuclear weapon states which can fail or disolve like the former Soviet Union which had happened fortunately under very cooperative international circumstances but this can happen in times of conflict and confrontation also.
Where are the instruments of the U.S. to handle all this coming problems? As a nuclear status quo power the U.S. is not a part of the solution but a part of the growing global security problem.
The problem for the nuclear have nots is, they must pay the price also. So why not going nuclear as the nuclear haves in order to reduce the price as the nuclear status quo powers do? What is then wrong with approach?
Jorge in Chile writes:
Any country... except USA!!!
Robin in Romania writes:
@ John - We should not exclude other types of *cracies, such as kleptocracies (as described here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptocracy) or plutocracies (as described hare: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutocracy).
Of course, the list can continue.
Anibal in Czech Republic writes:
First of all i think that the ideal would be that no one can have Nuclear Weapons, since at least for now seems quite dificult, i would say that no one that has a current military conflict, or had a military conflict in X amount of years, for example 30,CANT have nuclear weapons.
Also i think that a good option could be to give real efficient power to the UN, so that what they say really metters, for example changing the chain of command in the millitary adding UN approval (and yes, i know its basicly imposible).
And as a last thought, think that U.S. should be the first in disarming and hopefully stop invading countries, and if you want other countries to listen to the UN, U.S. should do the same too.
Paulo in France writes:
The fact is the U.S. is the only one country to have used the nuclear weapons against another country. The U.S. is not the police of the world but act like that and believe are the owner of the reason, therefore, we have the unjustified conflicts and politics for destabilization in certain regions. In democracy there are not imposition of the values or concepts but respect for the divergences, as so, why can some countries have nuclear weapons and not others? Who have reason to impose prohibitive rules to other countries when are distant to have a perfectly integrity?
Roger in Ohio writes:
Right now, the U.S. is just another country. We've already lost the mantle of Moral Superiority that we wore proudly a long time ago. With that said, there are two things we can do, each one determining our NPT strategy. If the U.S. wants to be morally superior, then that imposes a duty on itself to act as an example for others. In that case, we should disarm our own nukes, despite the obvious disadvantages associated with deweaponizing. However, this will also send a signal. Furthermore, without nukes we still have a superior army. We have little intention of using them, either. No country is even close enough to us to merit the force multiplying effect of the mighty atom.
Now, if we see ourselves as just another nation, then we can act selfish like everyone else and hoard our nukes. Of course, this means we can't glare disapprovingly at other people like China for their selfishness either.
Give power to the UN? Oh man. I don't trust the UN because there's too much inertia. It's not so much the UN itself, but the very nature of harmonizing all the countries in the world. Diversity is mutually exclusive to cohesion, and having the combined voices of nearly all the people in the world is pretty diverse...which means they probably aren't cohesive, and things don't get done.
Francisco in Colombia writes:
everybody or nobody
Gene in Maryland writes:
Re: the question of "what should determine who should be allowed to possess nuclear technology and who should not?" ... many readers of this blog may not know that in 1946 the United States provocatively proposed that this issue be determined by an functioning international authority. This recommendation was found in a study titled "The Acheson-Lillienthal Report," that became President Truman's policy and that the US formally submitted to the UN for consideration. One of its main authors, Dean Acheson, was a principal architect of the Marshall Plan to rebuild ater World War II, and he later became US Secretary of State. Acheson described this report and its recommended policy as follows:
"In plain words, the Report sets up a plan under which no nation would make atomic bombs or the materials for them. All dangerous activities would be carried on -- not merely inspected -- by a live, functioning international Agency with a real purpose in the world and capable of attracting competent personnel. This monopoly of the dangerous activities by an international Authority would still leave a large and tremendously productive field of safe activities open to individual nations, their industries and universities ... the extremely favored position with regard to atomic devices, which the United States enjoys at present, is only temporary. It will not last. We must use that advantage now to promote international security and to carry out our policy of building a lasting peace through international agreement."
This excerpt is taken from Acheson's award-winning book "Present at the Creation."
Acheson also relates that this policy was submitted to the UN's Atomic Energy Commission, which in turn recommended to the UN in its entirety the adoption of a comprehensive international system. Unfortunately, as Acheson recalls:
"There the matter died. Mr. Molotov rather neatly escaped a propoganda defeat by introducing in the General Assemby, and strongly urging, a plan for general regulation and reduction of armaments."
Shinobi in Romania writes:
I think we should forget about nuclear technology and think about environmental issues.
What are we going to do with nuclear technologies (weapons) when Mother-Nature goes wild and everybody suffers? We cannot tame Nature with nuclear technology.
All the money used for nuclear stuff would have a better use in solving environmental issues. We should think about redesigning the industries for use of environmental-friendly technologies.
Ti from Illinois writes:
I have not read the UN charter or NPT from top to bottom, and I do not think either matters. I would not be beholden to either in every case. No set of documents or laws drawn up decades ago can resolve current and evolving problems. The United States of America and its allies must be wiling to wage war in order to solve problems which cannot otherwise be solved.
If NATO aligned countries do not want nuclear materials in the hands of Iran which is aggressively pursuing a (missile) delivery vehicle or has available other delivery mechanisms(truck, ship or plane) to reach deep into their territory then NATO should use the UN to seek redress with regard to the issue. That failing NATO aligned countries should divest from the offending country, which they are going to pursue. That failing they should declare war. NATO has NO other solution and they had better not waste a great deal of time in making the case for war. Iran will have enough nuclear material to make a dirty bomb in less than a year. Iran will have enough nuclear material to make a nuclear weapon in less than three years.
In the case of Iran and possibly North Korea there may be NO other solution but all other avenues have to be tried before the ensuing battle.
Nuclear technology, proliferation, and weapons related problems are not all going to be resolved with the UN or NPT.
Given the decision to go to war you have to be able to live with the results, which could be catastrophic and wide ranging. Within five to ten years of hitting 2000 targets in Iran, Iran would again have the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran would have to be dealt with again and they would have to be heavily infiltrated in order to find out what their nuclear ambitions were.
This brings up an interesting problem in that once you stop Iran other "non favored" countries, of which there may be dozens may seek to work together to proliferate the fuel cycle and other technologies in secret. In that case they do not have to develop enough to build one weapon but enough to build for example one fifth...then get together to assemble the material for use against a target.
I think what the United States needs to do is to develop a means of ascertaining whether a vehicle of any type has nuclear materials within it while in transit at least 200 miles from the border. The vehicle could be in the air, in the water, under water, or in transit over the road. This might be the job of a satellite or non destructive energy weapon. If this technology cannot be produced in the next five years then we are in trouble. Iran is the tip of the iceberg.
Soi in China writes:
@ Marc - I can't agree with Marc any more. Any country has the same fair right to possess nuclear weapons. However, under the current global complex political situation, it is necessary for each member of UN to keep the NPT in case any potential nuclear wars.
Guo in China writes:
The world is fair, if some are willing to pay, they have the right to harvest what they paid for.
Nuclear weapons proliferation is a fearful matter because lunatics always exist.
Ting in China writes:
The countries that have responsibility should posses Nuclear Technology. Weapons of mass destruction must be possessed by those who observe justice.
Ali in Singapore writes:
Please! the font be bigger than this! It is realy tiny and difficult to read. Is it done on purpose?
Murat in Turkey writes:
Nobody for building nuclear weapons (including the U.S.), everybody for peaceful purposes such as an alternative source of energy.
John in California writes:
Plane and simple answer, NOBODY!
Fire in China writes:
It ought to be up the country possessing nuclear technologies to decide whether they should forbid the export of that technology. But any
country should have the power to develop new science, including nuclear science.
Raul in Spain writes:
P in Romania writes:
We should discuss Fascism and racism in Romania and other countries.


text:
Colin Davis remembers vividly how his life changed when he came home one day.
"We left for the day and came home to find a 60-foot pole obscuring our view," Davis said.
He has a picture of his view of Kaneohe Bay before he left home that fateful day last year.
A different view of what he is living with now.
Davis didn't know if he had any options.
Could he take on the electric giant? Well, he's trying.
Hawaiian Electric says its begun an aggressive program investigating the safety of 70,000 poles across the island.
"The existing poles were installed in the 1950's. The construction and safety standards were different then and when we did the pole replacement today, the poles were taller and needed to be that way to meet the current standards," said HECO spokesman Darren Pai.
Pai says the pole heights vary from 35-to 70-feet.
But the standards do not say how high the poles must be.
"They have to look at whether there are other utilities which have their lines attached to the pole like telephone and cable TV, what is the weather in the area, what is the terrain, what is the vegetation like. So there is a lot that goes into it," said Pai.
Davis learned he could plead his case before the Public Utilities Commission. He is hoping for a waiver and a shorter pole.
But this isn't just one homeowners fight. Davis says Life of the Land and the Outdoor Circle have asked to intervene in the case.
And what the PUC decides could set precedent for other homeowner fighting for their view planes.
"The docket that was opened is not one pole, but influences wood poles in residential areas on Oahu so it is a very broad investigation," said Davis.
"The ruling in this case will determine how people in the future will be able to respond and if the waiver will be granted and under what terms and conditions."
And Davis questions whether a taller 60- or 70-foot pole is really safer in hurricane force winds.
Down the street one of his neighbors worries about the state of the current poles that carry high-voltage lines.
"There is something wrong with the poles. They are leaning and they are starting to dry rot" said John Jenkins.
The residents hope there is a resolution soon.


text:
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text: OK, my ped said that she doesn't recommend pureed meat esp because I BF. He doesnt need the protein she said. Well, DH wants him to try some. Is it going to hurt him to get some? I don't really care to do it, but if it isnt that big a deal then maybe I'll let DH feed him some. What do you think??


text:
We may have found an outfielder worthy of replacing Jayson Werth (that is, if Werth doesn't return, of course). That's not to say Josh Willingham is on the same level as Werth as a fielder or hitter – clearly, he's not as the numbers will prove. Willingham is, however, an inexpensive option should the Phillies be forced to move on.
Over the past five seasons, Willingham has become a familiar face in these parts, stopping through with the Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals. Over those five years, he's been remarkably consistent. Willingham's 162-game average over his career his 25 home runs, 82 RBI, and a .268 average. Not bad for a guy who gets very little publicity throughout the major leagues.
Turns out, Jayson Werth's 162-game average is extremely similar: 25 home runs, 85 RBI, and .272 average. "The Hammer" also has an OPS of .841 during his career, just seven points lower than Werth's.
Topping out at 26 home runs in 2006 and 89 RBI in 2007, Willingham has some pop from the corner outfield position. Sure, you say – hitting for power is nice, but can he hit lefties? That's been the offseason-old question thus far for anyone who would step into the Phillies lineup.
It turns out that Willingham has handled left-handed pitching nearly the same as he handles right-handed pitching. His .267 career average against southpaws is nothing to write home about unless you're comparing that number to a guy like Carlos Quentin (.212 vs. lefties). That sort of stability against lefties from the right side is all the Phillies could ask for as they attempt to find a suitable right fielder.
Over the past two seasons, Werth has separated himself from the rest, becoming an elite outfielder. His .921 OPS was 73 points higher than The Hammer's in 2010. The issue last season for Willingham was his knee. The 31-year old is expected to be ready for 2011 after having surgery to fix his left meniscus in August. He finished the '10 season with a .268/16/58 stat line in only 114 games and 450 plate appearances for the 69-93 Nats.
The good news is, Willingham is still relatively young. Werth didn't hit his stride until he was close to 30 and benefited from an insanely well-rounded offense to boost those overall numbers. Could Willingham use that same talented Phillies lineup to take the next step as a hitter and flourish? Never has he been part of an offense like the one seen in Philly over the past few seasons.
One thing Josh Willingham is not known for is his defensive prowess. He'll never be mistaken for Jayson Werth with the glove which is why his UZR has been a negative number in four of his five full seasons in the outfield. While not fleet of foot, Willingham doesn't screw up in the field often. Last year he committed just one error, and in nearly 5,000 innings in the outfield he's put up just 16 "E's."
"Five-tool player" and "defensive stalwart" are titles that will never be used as descriptors for Willingham, and that's OK. You know what you get with the guy: a fairly potent bat from the right side and average defense in right field. The question is, will he become available?
Two weeks ago, Adam Kilgore of the Washintgon Post wrote that Willingham was unlikely to receive an extension from the Nationals, meaning they could offer him another one-year deal or trade him.
CHANCES: With his salary expected to rise from $4.6 million to somewhere around $6 million for the upcoming season, that's still within Ruben Amaro's wheelhouse. The prevailing thought is that Willingham could be available and might be a decent addition to the Phillies. He's also a guy who can cost-effectively take over in left field after Raul Ibanez leaves town. I give this deal five out of 10 Ruben Head's.
72 Comments
Anybody not named Jeff Francoeur works for me.
I like Willingham myself. He has his pros and cons, but he can really rake.
nah, not worth it.
Jonny Boy, you say not worth it. What reasons?
I can live with a Josh Willingham/Dom Brown platoon.
He is basically the re-incarnation of Jeff Conine, who was a pretty solid player
Willingham is a good alternative and we should pursue him. He is a solid ballplayer.
Pay Howard another 10 million
35 million may be more in line with 0 RBI
Andrew….Stop it!!
In re: Willingham: Pursue if Jayson doesn't sign.
Adding Willingham would basically be saying that they don't trust BenFran to take on a bigger role in the OF. At the same time, adding Willingham to the current group of OFs would create a pretty deep 5 man outfield group
The problem then becomes the backup INFs. The Phills only have one guy (Valdez) who can play 3B, SS, and 2B and two backup 1Bmen. They really need to add another decent hitting INF such as Bill Hall. The guy plays everywhere. Any chance we can get a write up him?
He'd be better than Manny Ramirez or Jeff Francoeur…
I'm Ted Bell.
Agreed…this is the best cheap option available I think, Diaz too. But Willingham is more of a consistent player.
Josh Willingham as the "big" offseason offensive move would not suffice.
The Dipsy
Oh, so making a splash….and signing Manny to that "big" move WOULD suffice??….
…..just because it's Manny??
The big splash for me is cleaning out the overpaid garbage on this roster and turning some of it over to younger, hungrier players. Even Willingham would be fine to use in conjunction with Brown because he has not gotten a big payday and has some fire left in him whereas a lot of our players are running on pure talent alone, and the fight has long since left them. Werth is a perfect example of a player who will not be nearly as good once he gets paid as he was over the past few seasons.
After Werth is replaced, next up is signing a few bullpen arms, a left and a right hander. Then you try and get rid of Ibanez, possibly Blanton, quietly field phone calls for Chase Utley and Rollins JUST in case someone is willing to blow you away for their services.
Ibanez can't hit lefties at all and should never face them in the regular season. You platoon Ibanez and Franciso all year depending on who they face and let Brown face lefties. If we keep Werth great if not Willingham will be fine.
Late innings in a close game, RISP, with a tough lefty reliever on the mound, I'd consider putting in a righty for Brown. If you are going to platoon him, you might as well package him with Ibanez, trade him to the highest bidder, and resign Werth. Brown was nearly neutral in the minors, platooning him now will retard his development. Taking the lumps early will pay off in the long haul.
I like Willingham also, but would prefer to see him in left, and am not sure he is a significant upgrade to Ben Fran (a little better bat, slower, worse defense).
Ibanez against lefties in 2010: .268 (.277 against righties)
For his career against lefties: .269 (.289 against righties)
So, yeah….his avg vs RHP is better….but the numbers against LHP aren't horrible at all. Platoon him against certain LHP but it doesn't have to be set in stone.
:/ Why do people like Geoff think the front office would quietly give away the two best defensive players on the team?
As for Willingham, he's pretty much a slightly weaker Jayson Werth, not as good defensively, and not worth 6 million for one year, unless he has a breakout season, which cannot be expected.
I actually like Josh's idea about Bill Hall as an all-round utility player. He does play everywhere and with some power. Plus he bats right handed. He is coming off a huge contract , but he reminds me a little of Mariano Duncan. How many players can play all infield and outfield positions and have the ability to hit 20 homers ?
Willingham – Possible
Well, Chuck…..yes, actually. That would be a big move. You can have Willingham and I will take Manny.
The Dipsy
I liked the Manny idea, only as a platoon with Raul. Both are horrid defensively. I'd love to see Brown play every day in Right, even if he does struggle a bit.
Brown is 1 for 27 in the Winter League 🙁
Manny would be good for about…..one month. Then the sh*t would hit the fan.
I'll take Willingham for the longer haul.
Manny are you kidding me??? Why not add Bonds too and really have the circus come to town…
The Phils could do worse than Willingham as a stop-gap in right field with a bat that could contribute in the heart of the line up.
The Phils don't need to make a major move just because it looks good to the fans. The priority is keeping Werth, making an offer to Cliff Lee and past that it's a case of plugging holes because there aren't many guys out there worth paying.
Like 'people' (our 'friend' Keith Law) said the Cubs can't win with Marlon Byrd in CF, the Phillies can't expect to win with Ben Fran as our everyday RF. Willingham is a guy who can drive runs in and contribute as much or as little as the rest of the team plays.
The core contributors are (for the most part) in place. Brown is the future of the outfield and if Werth doesn't re-sign then it's a case of finding a guy who can contribute like it's a case of finding guys who can contribute in the pen.
There's such thing as too many chefs in the kitchen, we have enough chefs but I think we'll all agree their individual play has to be better on offense.
Well NJ – a lineup where Willingham replaces Werth is not a very potent one. My question is: Why would we resign Lee? I don't understands that? I guess if we could trade Hamels for serious O or Oswalt for offense, then it would make some sense. And then only "some".
The Dipsy
Sooooo while it's nice to discuss Willingham, who do the Phils offer to take him away from a divisional rival? What would they offer that other teams looking for corner OF bats (Mets, Braves, Mariners, etc.) could not top, short of Domonic Brown? I just don't see it happening.
Aside from the fact that this is completely unfeasible, an OF of Ibanez/Victornino/Willingham would be downright atrocious and heavily impact the success of the pitching staff. Brown's superior defense will make up for any offensive difference between he and Willingham. I'll bet that Brown and Willingham produce the same WAR, and Brown is ours and at really low cost. No thanks. The only worse solution would be trying to get Manny and have his corpse patrolling RF.
I'm not saying Willingham will offensively replace Jayson Werth. I'm saying if Werth walks then I'd rather take a one or two year deal for an inexpensive veteran everyday player who can drive in runs and Willingham fits the bill. To me it's a case of biding your time with a player who can contribute until Brown is ready to be an everyday player and then invest in a successor to Ibanez when his deals up.
It's not about who patrols RF if it's not Jayson Werth in 2011. It has to be about Howard, Utley, Rollins, Ibanez being more consistent hitters that don't arbitrarily make outs against mediocre pitching like they did much of last year. As far as I'm concerned if you role guys are taking the heat for not having a good season then its masking a bigger issue that the core guys aren't the ones getting it done.
The core needs to be better, we don't need to go shopping just because its shopping season.
(With Lee it's clear the Phils are at least going to make an offer in case the market goes all Matt Holliday and they do have a chance at bringing him back which would be a coup)
I suppose you could say that Manny is a better option than Jermaine Dye….because he at least hasn't missed an entire season…
I guess….
Seriously, Dipsy…this Manny idea won't work.
Wouldn't want to give up much for Willingham. Washington would probably ask too much, and Ruben might just oblige. So I hope they don't go down this road at all. I'll take my chances with Ben Fran.
A lot of this talk not only depends on the future of Jayson, but also does the FO think Dom Brown is ready to be everyday RF and sitting either Brown or Raul against lefties and playing Ben Fran. Unlilke most of you on here, unless you find a long term solution of RH bat in RF and seasoning Dom another year until Raul is gone then move Dom Brown to left. The "big" deal should be Upton, now that is a deal I could live with.
Ugh Jermaine Dye would be ugly, his influence more than anything which seems to be what kept him out of a job like Kenny Lofton.
If it isn't Werth and you can't bring in a RH bat who's controllable for a couple of years like Corey Hart or Nick Swisher who would you rather have all things considered-
Manny, Dye, Francour, Willingham, Magglio, Nady, Kearns, Guillen (or Ben Fran)
For me I'd rather keep Ben Fran as the 4th outfielder with a little more playing time (which I believe is his best role) and go for Willingham who won't eat up much payroll now or down the line.
Jeez if Upton isn't in Yankee pinstripes or in Beantown you know there's something wrong with the kid be it on or off the field…
Mike- I doubt Willingham would cost more than a couple of moderate prospects. He's a free agent next year and Washington have a log-jam in that outfield, or at least they did.
The D-Backs want a couple of affordable players that are Major League ready as well as a couple of top prospects back in return for Upton. I don't see what the Phillies have to offer in that regard.
There should be a few more OF options on Thursday once we reach the non tender deadline.
I'm Ted Bell.
Willingham is a good option. Not a great one, but a good one if we can't keep Werth.
Matt Rizzotti would be a player the Nats might covet since they don't seem to want Adam Dunn anymore. Rizzotti who could become rule 5 if we don't trade him soon could bring Willingham and a prospect or two.
@Churchmouse- I'm asking rhetorically, I don't want nor do I deserve an answer. How much did you lose? It must have been really bad for you to go on like this. Some of your points are valid, I have no argument except this.
Sometimes things just are what they are, you'll do yourself nor anyone else any good going on like this. If you can't let it go, it will drive you crazy, it's terrible for your health. But most importantly, no one here can help you, no one here can change what has happened. Write the FO, they made the decision. Not the player, and certainly not us.
Going into 2012 with Ibanez and Baez hitting free agency along with Gload and Schneider, the Phils will have to re-sign or cut ties with Rollins, Lidge, Oswalt and Madson…
But the following names will be out there who the Phils might be interested in to fill everyday holes-
Ryan Doumit (can play the outfield), Michael Cuddyer, Jose Bautista, Nate Mclouth, Grady Sizemore, Jason Kubel or even names like Kelly Johnson, Cody Ross and Nick Swisher.
(Forget the starters) Bell, Bronxton, Capps, Pap, Nathan and Valverde are due to be free agents as well as Fatty Jenks. And Betancourt, Wuertz, Linebrink, Coffee, Matt Thornton and Joel Zumaya are also due to be free agents.
If I was RAJ I'd be keeping as much cash and spots on the roster open to add a couple of those names.
Look – Let me get to the nub of my Manny thing. And it won't work bvecause the preconditions under which I would sign him would never be met. They would be: 1) He could convince me that he's ready to play well with others; 2) he still wanted to play baseball; 3) He could still hit; 4) He came with basically a "make good" contract. All four of those things will not happene and thats why Manny will never happen. But IF they did, you would have to seriously think about signing him. NJ- I still don't understand the purpose of signing Cliff Lee. I read your theory regarding "core" players and I agree with it. To me, Rollins, Utley and Ryan and Chooch are your four core players. Ibanez is not one. Rollins is a seriously flawed offensive player but he is capable of a renaissance. I hope they all have better years and I think that most of them will.
The Dipsy
Brown may be the "future of the outfield," but he's probably not the present.
Why are we even discussing all of these defensive downgrades, people who can't hit lefties, head cases, etc? If a platoon is the answer, the Phils don't really need to sign anyone, and so far, none of the regulars being discussed are worth a damn, or would cost too many prospects. If the front office is really thinking young, they shouldn't trade youth for a 31 year old defensive slug like Willingham.
Dipsy- If not saying the Phils should or will sign Cliff Lee, I'm saying they've very openly been reported to be one of the teams who are making him an offer. If and its very unlikely he likes the Phils offer then it's a certainty that Oswalt's 2012 option won't be exercised and Cole might be traded.
The Phils know and love Lee, it's a long-shot but their going to make an offer to see if he does take it and thats the logic. RAJ traded Lee because he expects him to end up the second highest paid pitcher in baseball history and we could re-sign Halladay instead. If the Phils can lock in Halladay and Lee for several years their going to adapt to that but they weren't going to put themselves in a position to lose him and get nothing with nothing in place going forward.
Chooch isn't a core offensive player, he's a gritty no.8 hitter who's important to the soul of the team. Rollins is a core guy as the lead-off man (when healthy) and then your 3-5 are the core. The rest really should be there to support which is why you add a guy like Polanco instead of trying to put another explosive bat there.
If Rollins, Utley, Howard are performing I expect guys like Chooch, Polanco and Ibanez to have decent if not good years. If Rollins, Utley and Howard aren't then I'm not going to focus on who we added in right or vent on Ibanez because I don't expect those guys to be our major players, I expect them to support them as much as they are capable. You can add an all-star at every position but all you end up with is 9 guys plus your closer and set-up man looking around wondering who's going to be the one to turn up.
George if you were RAJ would you feel comfortable having Ibanez, Ben Fran and add a 4th outfielder as your corner OF bats? I can certainly see the logic in that if you think Ben Fran can handle his bat for an extended period of time with pressure to drive in runs.
I'm sorry – The Phils have not picked up Oswalt's option? I assumed they had or will. Well, I know and love Lee. If you could clear out a good part of Blanton along with it then I wouldn't have a problem with it.
The Dipsy
So, Dipsy, if all of those "preconditions" that you mention won't happen….then why even bring the Manny thing up to begin with? It's like saying "If it's hot out today, I'll jump in the swimming pool". Well, that ain't gonna happen unless you're a freaking penguin or a polar bear.
Chuck – Chucky baby, Chucky Baby, Chucky Baby – Let me replace "never" with "probably not gonna happen". Crazier things have happened. I didn't mean to make it sound like the wildest hypothetical in the world but if I did, my bad. Who knows what could happen when Manny finds himself unsigned on April 15. He could feel the crunch and ask for absolution.
The Dipsy
Oswalt's option for 2012 was re-adjusted so the Phils could buy him at out I think it was $5m if they don't want to pick up whatever the full salary is.
Is that true? Dodgers give Juan Uribe 21mil?? This is nuts!@
Yep Uribe got $21m and a Dodgers executive got his child freed…
If Manny Ramirez is unsigned by April 15th…and the Phillies end up signing him….I will personally call on Cardinal Justin Rigali, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to be present for the absolution.
That's AFTER I organize a protest to be staged in front of CBP that could result in my also asking the Cardinal for forgiveness.
Hahahahahahaha. That funny. Good one, Chuck.
The Dipsy
Seriously, Uribe is a super utility player…who may be used as an everyday 2B. Either way hes getting overpayed.
Maybe take Rizzotti and send him to Washington for Willingham
Uribe totally capitalized on his postseason success. He was smart. The Dodgers weren't.
If I were Amaro, I wouldn't be completely comfortable with Ibanez, Victorino, Francisco, and a fourth guy. But Ibanez and Vic probably in locks, so right field might end up as a platoon situation. Were I Amaro, I'd be looking at the options and probably be deciding that there isn't much out there that's better than a Francisco/Brown platoon unless that player cost too much in young prospects or another major league player. The Phils can't afford to give up an infielder or catcher, and the only pitchers they would trade are back of rotation types who still won't bring back a premium right fielder.
In other words, Francisco/Brown would make a lot of sense rather than paying out for Francoeur, Ramirez, or even Willingham to replace Ben Fran. He's still really cheap, does a pretty decent job, and won't cost any prospects.
Here's what I think George – I think he finds a RH replacement for Werth but in the long run what I believe or hope will happen is something like this:
Vic in CF – nothing changes
I kinda like the idea of a Willignham signing but with the option of starting him in RF and platooning him in LF with Raul. Of course, if Raul stumbles like he did last year out of the gate, let Willingham play more in LF and see what Brown has to offer then as a #1 RF. That kid has lots of promise, upside and give him the position (RF) to lose, its his to manage. Of course, if Raul shows life in LF, Willingham and Brown would somehow work out in RF.
If Ben stays on, he is the backup CF or LF.
Either he lost a lot of money….or he's naturally just the most miserable human being that God ever created.
I dont think Willingham is a platoon player. 25 homers and 85 RBI with a .265 average for about $6 million isn't worth platooning. He's too good for that.
Pat, I agree. I could see him as a fallback…and a decent one….if Werth isn't back.
Jenkins was originally signed to be our probable RF back in 08. He platooned with Shane if you who just flat out proved he belonged there. Hell, Jenkins was a former AS, had some decent power and a career BA of about .280.
If you let Raul and Willingham fend for the LF spot and occasionally put Willingham in RF in place of Brown, the cream will float and there will be decent options.
Brooks – I agree with you my friend. That would totally be the way to do it. Let the best two of the three get the time. You hope one is Brown because he just has to play or there is no point having him up here. Willingham can also sub in for Utley (Polanco moving over) once every three weeks or so. I like his versatility but I don't like his pricetag. But he's a nice player.
The Dipsy
Scrap that third base idea. I was thinking of another guy.
The Dipsy
I'm with you too Brooks, competition for "minutes" as they say in Hockey and Basketball is the best scenario. It makes everyone play their best at all times.
I'd go Diaz 1, Willingham 2 unless Brown starts in AAA. Diaz will come cheaper interms of $$$ and no need to give up anything for him.
I still think the Phills need a guy with a little more versatility. Considering what they already have on the roster, a guy like Bill Hall would fill more holes that Willingham.
You kinda got me on that infield comment for a sec Dip – I was about to scatter and check it out… = )
Whoever winds up distinguishing themselves, the Phils wont lose. Odds and hopes are of course with D. Brown, lots of upside but if Willingham manages to ursurp our friend in LF, the Phils and us win out. If Raul's bat remembers the speed which he displayed early last year he is and has been a formidable offensive threat, we would probably be witnessing some damn good baseball from him. If Raul doesnt produce and the leash doesnt have to be that short, Willingham takes over. Like I said, no loss for the Phils.
So like I said before, with average years from Howard, Utley, Vic, Jrol – what a bonus for a stud like Brown to shine and someone like Willingham or Raul to back it all up. I know, I look for the stars to shine.. Lots of promise, I'm starting to get pumped JAY
Josh, lets at least try to smell the roses here! We really dont know what Willingham might be looking for yet do we? I believe I read it could be around the 6 mil mark, that is less than what we were paying Jayson this past year. What exactly would you do with Hall? And how do you firmly address the situation in RF? Let those two duke it out, we'll win.
Oh come on. Would philly fans really be content with a career.268 hitter? it's like a younger ibanez. except when ibanez was younger, he was better than a .268 hitter! I think that Brown will no doubt hit at LEAST .260, so i wouldn't spend the extra money on someone who will hit minimally better. We should either go big (Justin upton, carl crawford, jayson werth, or even manny) or leave things the way they are….
Brooks…..Last year Hall was the BoSox jack of all trades player. I say why not do the same with him on the Phills? He plays 3-4 games a week between RF, LF, 3B, SS, and 2B. I think it would serve all of those guys well to be more rested. Not only that, but he is a much better insurance policy than Valdez as an INF starter.
I'm, not saying I don't like Willingham, but I think with BenFran, Dom Brown, and Raul already taking a huge potion of the playing time in the corner OF spots, Willingham's talents are wasted.
My point is that as the roster looks currently, Willingham would have to be the stopgap/platoon for Dom Brown. If that is the case, then one of the other bench players (benfran, gload, or sweeny) must be replaced with someone who can play middle inf. A guy like Bill Hall can fill both of those needs.
The only way Willingham truly fits on this team is if Raul is out and he takes over as the full time LF bc Dom Brown is going to be at least the platooning RF next year (assuming Werth is gone).


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|Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö
Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893-1959) was the most outstanding Tibetan master of the last century, and the teacher of many lamas who were to teach in the West.
An authority on all traditions, and holder of all the lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, he was the heart of the Rimé movement in Tibet. This was a kind of spiritual renaissance, which rejected all forms of sectarian, partisan bias, encouraging each tradition to master completely the authentic teachings and practice of its own lineage, while at the same time maintaining a spirit of openness, harmony and co-operation with other Buddhist schools.
Jamyang Khyentse was the master who recognized Sogyal Rinpoche as the incarnation of Lerab Lingpa Tertön Sogyal. He supervised Rinpoche's training and raised him like his own son.
Jamyang Khyentse's spiritual wife, Khandro Tséring Chödrön (b.1929), is one of the most highly respected woman masters of our day. She served as Jamyang Khyentse's attendant and devoted companion, receiving countless teachings and transmissions, requesting practices and prayers and putting questions to him in the form of songs.


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Subscribe To our E-Newsletter
January 8, 2014 By:
Palestinian, Israeli Firms Sign Deal
JERUSALEM — A Palestinian electric company was the first to sign an agreement to buy gas from Israel's Leviathan natural gas field.
The Palestine Power Generation Company signed a 20-year deal to purchase $1.2 billion worth of gas from the Leviathan group, according to reports. Palestine Power is planning to build a $300 million power plant in Jenin and use the Leviathan gas to operate it, Reuters reported.
The Leviathan field, located about 80 miles west of Haifa in the Mediterranean Sea, has not yet begun gas production; it is scheduled to start in 2017.
In June, Israel's Cabinet approved the export of about 40 percent of the country's recently discovered reserves of natural gas while keeping a 25-year supply for national consumption. Several large natural gas fields have been discovered in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Israel in recent years, with approximately 950 billion cubic meters of gas projected to be in the fields.


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Suits the budget conscious traveller, or the business traveller seeking good facilities.
View all recommended Dublin Airport Hotels


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Replacement PartsSuper Pet replacement parts for many of our pet homes can be located with the following steps:
- Locate the home you have or one that is similar. You can use the search options below to narrow your selections.
- Click on the picture of the home and then scroll down to the bottom of the page wher ethere is a link "Click here to see available Replacement Parts." This will bring up a list of the components which are currently available.
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July 25, 2012
Rubashkin Revenge: Ethical Certificates at Center of Dispute
About eight months ago, when Katsuji Tanabe agreed to display the Tav HaYosher certificate in the window of his one-year-old restaurant on Pico Boulevard, the head chef and owner of Mexikosher knew that the "ethical seal," issued by the Modern Orthodox social justice organization Uri L'Tzedek, would inform customers that he treats his workers with respect and in accordance with California labor laws.
Tanabe didn't know that in displaying the certificate he was also, in effect, choosing a side in a mostly covert battle between two segments of the Orthodox Jewish community.
On one side is Uri L'Tzedek, a four-year old nonprofit promoting social justice causes that has been supported by a handful of prominent Jewish foundations, including the Joshua Venture Group, Bikkurim, and the Jewish Federations of North America. On the other are an unknown number of individuals who are acting independently and largely anonymously.
At Mexikosher, the certificate hung in the window for between four and six weeks; during that time, Tanabe said he received phone calls from individuals identifying themselves as being from "different Chabads," and threatening to boycott his restaurant if he didn't take the certificate down.
Tanabe, who said he hadn't changed any of his policies to earn the Tav, decided to remove it.
"I don't talk about politics or religion in the restaurant," said Tanabe, 31, who describes himself as "Mexican-Japanese-Catholic." "We only talk about food."
Although the pushback against the Tav appears to be coming primarily, if not exclusively, from individuals affiliated with the Chabad Lubavitch movement, there is no evidence that any official encouragement came from Chabad, according to the organization's leaders and those involved in the anti-Tav efforts.
The headquarters of Chabad of California is located on Pico Boulevard, within blocks of a dozen Kosher-certified restaurants, including at least one that displays the Tav. In a recent interview, the group's CEO, Rabbi Chaim Cunin, said he hadn't heard of the Tav or Uri L'Tzedek until very recently, and that he knew of no coordinated effort to oppose the program.
"If there's any such conspiracy it's deep underground," Cunin said.
The battle between Uri L'Tzedek and the mostly nameless Orthodox Jews threatening to boycott the 100 restaurants nationwide that participate in its signature program may be taking place in the shadows, but it illuminates a rift within American Orthodoxy stemming from the 2008 raid on the Agriprocessors kosher meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa.
Uri L'Tzedek established the Tav Hayosher in 2009 as a free certification. To qualify, employers must demonstrate that they calculate worker's hours accurately, pay wages—including overtime – promptly and in full and grant breaks to their employees, as required by law. Studies have shown that many food-service businesses – both kosher and non—fall short of these basic legal requirements.
Over the last few months, multiple owners of kosher-certified businesses who display the Tav have been urged to take it down.
"People are threatening the 100 Tav owners around the country, saying they are going to hurt their business and boycott them," Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz, the founder and president of Uri L'Tzedek, wrote in an email to The Journal on July 9.
The hardest-hit are in Los Angeles, Yanklowitz said, where Tav-certified businesses have received more complaints than in any other city. Yanklowitz said three local restaurants chose to drop the certification in the face of this controversy. As of July 20, nine Los Angeles-based businesses were listed among the certified restaurants on the Tav's website.
The issue appears not to be the Tav certification, per se, but rather that in 2008, Uri L'Tzedek was the instigator of a boycott of products from the Agriprocessors meat processing plant in Postville, Iowa, in the wake of the massive immigration raid that closed down the plant.
Aron Markowitz, 31, a self-described "Chabadnik" who has a book of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teachings on his desk in his Wilshire Boulevard office, is among those who've objected to the certificates. He said in an interview that he first heard about the Tav less than a month ago, and, initially, the principle behind the Tav certification sounded to him like a good idea.
But he felt that Yanklowitz's leadership of Uri L'Tzedek's boycott of Agriprocessors – which had been owned by the Rubashkin family, prominent members of the Lubavitch community –made Yanklowitz himself unfit to lead an organization dedicated to promoting ethical business practices.
"Based upon what he did, I don't think he is ethical," Markowitz said.
Before calling for that boycott, Markowitz said, Uri L'Tzedek's leaders should first have visited the company's plant in Postville and consulted with a beis din, a court of religious Jewish law.
"They're [the beis din] going to make a decision, and then they tell the world," Markowitz said. "It is unethical, immoral to pass judgment on somebody after only hearing one side."
On June 25, in a post on a blog Yanklowitz maintains on the New York Jewish Week's website, he defended Uri L'Tzedek's decision to call for a boycott of Agriprocessors' products. Around 2,000 rabbis and Jewish leaders joined Uri L'Tzedek's call, Yanklowitz wrote. He described the boycott as "a short-lived episode of responsible, halakhically-motivated consumer activism, supported by the broader Jewish community."
(Yanklowitz also maintains a blog at JewishJournal.com.)
The May 2008 immigration raid on the Agriprocessors plant resulted in the arrests of 389 illegal immigrants, including 31 children. According Sue Fishkoff's 2010 book "Kosher Nation," "Eighteen of those arrested were between the ages of 13 and 17."
That Yanklowitz's blog post also cited the presence of underage workers at Agriprocessors – four years after the raid, two years after a jury in an Iowa state court found Rubashkin not guilty of all 67 counts of child labor violations by – rankles Markowitz.
"He was acquitted," Markowitz said. "Why are you bringing it up?"
In early July, when Markowitz saw the Tav hanging at Cafe of Paris, a small kosher-certified eatery on Wilshire, he asked one of the owners, Tamy Amsellem, what she knew about Uri L'Tzedek, and then offered her some of his own impressions of the organization.
Markowitz said he made no threats against the Amsellems.
"Who sounds like a bully? I asked people a question; they took down a sign. He—" Markowitz said, referring to Yanklowitz's assembling a coalition of Jewish leaders to join his call to boycott Rubashkin "—shut down a company, petitioned to shut it down."
Amsellem and her husband, Yuri, opened their cafe less than two years ago, and they received the Tav about six months ago. Since then, the Amsellems said they had received three or four phone calls from people applauding their decision to accept the Tav and a similar number urging them to drop it.
As of July 20, Cafe of Paris was still listed among the nine Tav-certified businesses in Los Angeles on the program's Web site, but Yuri Amsellem told The Journal he had taken down the certificate more than two weeks earlier, in part because of the conversation with Markowitz, and in part because of an email he received on July 2, explicitly threatening a boycott of his business.
"Until you remove Tav HaYosher, you will find an increasing number of people boycotting your business," the email, sent by a person identified as Menachem Cohen, concluded.
Yuri Amsellem shared Cohen's email with The Journal. According to Yanklowitz, a similar email had been sent to all 100 businesses displaying the Tav. In it, Cohen cited Yanklowitz's "mercilessly join[ing] all of Rubashkin's enemies in levying false claims against him" as the primary reason for the threatened boycott of Tav-certified businesses.
The email held Yanklowitz partially responsible for Agriprocessors' subsequent bankruptcy and for Sholom Rubashkin being sentenced to 27 years in prison for financial fraud.
That sentence, which came after a jury in a U.S. District court convicted Rubashkin on 86 charges of financial fraud in November 2009, is a major source of angst, even anger, among Rubashkin supporters.
Rabbi Dovid Eliezrie, a Chabad rabbi in Orange County, knows Sholom Rubashkin personally. He said the younger Rubashkin was ill suited to act as CEO of the meatpacking powerhouse that Agriprocessors had become.
"He didn't have the experience or knowledge to run a multi-million dollar corporation," Eliezrie said. "But he was, in his very heart, a very good, kind, and charitable person."
And in court, Eliezrie added, Sholom Rubashkin did not deserve what he got.
"He was unjustly victimized," Eliezrie said. "He made mistakes, but he was, without question, the target and the victim of the unions."
Even as many Orthodox Jews—and Lubavitchers in particular – continue to be angry over the entire Agriprocessors affair, many more non-Orthodox Jews and countless non-Jews – see the former meat processing company as a symbol of corporate malfeasance, ranging from animal cruelty to unlawful treatment of vulnerable workers.
Conservative Rabbi Morris Allen also was inspired to create an ethical certification for kosher food, dubbed the Magen Tzedek. He too did so, in part, because of what he read about and saw in Postville, and Allen has also come in for intense criticism.
Avi Shafran, the director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America, a Charedi organization, wrote an article earlier this year in which he argued that the Magen Tzedek was "conceived in sin – the sin of not only accepting slander but, by dint of the enterprise's self-definition as a high-minded corrective to the Agriprocessors 'scandal,' promoting slander as well."
Shafran's article also called into question much of the accepted history of the Agriprocessors saga, in ways that are occasionally misleading. He left out, for instance, any mention of citations and fines issued against Agriprocessors before the raid. About the 72 immigration charges against Rubashkin, Shafran wrote they were "unceremoniously dropped" in 2009, omitting the reason given by Federal prosecutors at the time, who explained the decision as a way of avoiding "an extended and expensive trial."
Thrust into the middle of this debate over the legacy of Postville are the kosher-certified businesses that have chosen to accept the ethical certificates.
On a weekday morning in early July, a laminated eight-and-a-half-by-11-inch Tav HaYosher certificate could still be seen hanging in the window at Bibi's Bakery on Pico, just beside the door, opposite a much larger, full-color poster advertising free toppings on pizzas every Tuesday.
Owner Dan Messinger said he'd had one local Chabad group cancel a medium-sized order on account of the certification, but that he hadn't been threatened, per se.
"The Tav isn't a condemnation of Sholom Rubashkin," Messinger said. "If people don't want to shop here, they don't have to shop here. I'm still comfortable with the commitment I'm making to my employees."
For its part, Uri L'Tzedek is planning to push back nationally against the opposition. Rabbi Ari Weiss, the organization's executive director, sent an email blast on July 4 urging supporters to "stand up for restaurant owners" enrolled in the Tav program by visiting a Tav-certified business or donating to an upcoming media campaign.
Meanwhile, the Tav's opponents believe there's momentum in their direction. In an email sent to The Journal on July 13, Menachem Cohen – who described himself as an Orthodox 26-year-old law student, and would not say what city he lives in or confirm whether he was emailing under his real name—said his "grassroots" boycott campaign was getting "mixed" responses from Tav holders.
Some businesses replied they had never been certified, some said they had taken down the Tav and, "most have told [sic] that they are deliberating if they should remove it," Cohen wrote.
When Erica Tucker received an email that threatened a boycott of her bakery, Sweet E's Bakeshop, located on Robertson Boulevard just south of Pico, she contacted Uri L'Tzedek.
The organization, Tucker said, pledged to support her against any such threats – but she said she was still watching for any negative impact the Tav might have on her sales.
"If I see that it is, then I'll unfortunately have to take it down," Tucker said.
In Los Angeles, the voices from Uri L'Tzedek's opponents appear to be having an impact. Citing Uri L'Tzedek's confidentiality agreement with Tav-certified businesses, Yanklowitz declined to say which three restaurants had removed the Tav in the face of the controversy.
The Journal found four kosher-certified businesses in Los Angeles that recently dropped the certification, among them Mexikosher.
Another is Schnitzly, a two-year-old restaurant on Pico Boulevard, where a portrait of the Lubavitcher Rebbe hangs near the soda cooler. The Tav certificate hung in the window for "a few days," according to Menachem "Meni" Eliyahu, one of the restaurant's owners. When his partner Yakov Brenenson, who is affiliated with Chabad, saw the Tav, he immediately called Uri L'Tzedek and dropped out of the program, Eliyahu said.
Nut House, a 15-year-old specialty food retailer on Pico, had displayed the Tav in his window facing the street for about six months, owner Amir Mehrian said. Mehrian said he removed the sign in mid-July after one large family – a man, his wife, and "seven, eight kids" – came into the store, but left when they saw the Tav.
Mehrian attributes the decline in sales of soft-serve ice cream this summer to the presence of the Tav. "All my customers, they run away because of this sign," he said.
Tamy Amsellem said Cafe of Paris also no longer displays its Tav certificate.
"I just decided to not get involved with anybody, and keep it simple," she said.
JewishJournal.com is produced by TRIBE Media Corp., a non-profit media company whose mission is to inform, connect and enlighten community © Copyright 2016 Tribe Media Corp.
JewishJournal.com is produced by TRIBE Media Corp., a non-profit media company whose mission is to inform, connect and enlighten community
© Copyright 2016 Tribe Media Corp.


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Adopt Kutta!
Kittens are active and playful. They love to explore the world around them and are very curious about their surroundings. They need to be in a loving home and given lots of attention so they can grow up to be strong and happy members of the family.
Adoption Package includes:
- Spay/Neuter surgery
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- Feline Leukemia Test
- Deworming and/or fecal exam, Flea Treatment application
- AVID Microchip (form of permanent identification)
- Free Box Cat Carrier


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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Garden Treasures Foldable Steel Hammock Stand
Units: About 1,000
Importer: L G Sourcing Inc., of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Manufacturer: Shin Crest PTE, Ltd, of China
Hazard: The welds attaching the arms to the frame of the hammock stand can fail, allowing the hammock to fall. Users can be injured from falling to the ground, striking the hammock stand's base, or being struck by the arms of the hammock stand.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been three reports of the hammock stands breaking at the welds. Six people have reported injuries from falling, including a head laceration requiring stitches, bruises and neck and back pain.
Description: The recalled hammock stand is black steel, is foldable, and has two wheels. The item number, 226724, is printed on the box in which the hammock stand was sold, and on the instructions that were provided with the hammock stand.
Sold at: Lowe's stores nationwide from December 2005 through March 2006 for about $100.
Manufactured In: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled hammock stands immediately and return them to any Lowe's store to receive a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Lowe's stores toll-free at (866) 208-0827 anytime, or visit www.lowes.com, the Lowe's Home Centers, Inc. Web site.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of
thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the
nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or
mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household
chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at
301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing
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