text:
We've all been there, the state where sentimentality overrides rationality. Over time, we grow attached to things, and as a result, overvalue them. This sentimentality leads to irrational behavior and the inability to let go of something that's outlived its useful lifespan. We've all been there with different items: the 30-year-old pickup truck that's only running on five cylinders and doesn't have room for your kid's car seat but moved you cross-country in college. The ratty pair of jeans you won't throw away because you've worn them three days a week for four years and are afraid of other pants. The girlfriend who calls you at all hours of the night because her life is meaningless without you and turns into a life-energy-consuming harpy when you only hang out with her six nights a week instead of seven and…no, I don't know why the hot chick from my psych class posted on my Facebook wall–it's probably something innocent like she actually wanted to study for the test…well maybe if you were capable of making friends on your own you'd have something to do while I go to my buddy's bachelor party…no, you can't come…just because I'm not sleeping over doesn't mean I'm cheating on you–I've got class in six hours and you won't let me sleep!
But I digress. Like I said, we've all been there, unable to do away with something that really ought to be replaced because of some emotional attachment. We may describe such a state of affairs as being pot committed, or throwing good money after bad, or as path dependence. Right now, Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro are all of those things.
Raul Ibanez has been a pretty good player over parts of 16 major league seasons. Not great, but pretty good. Per 162 games, he's averaged 22 home runs, 94 RBI, and 83 runs scored for his career, with a .282/.345/.473 slash line. Not all-time great numbers from a first baseman and corner outfielder, but decent ones. In a full season, he's never hit less than 16 home runs or more than 34. He's never hit over .304 or under .272. He's been the model of consistency, a veteran leader, and by all accounts a great person throughout his career, despite only playing for three playoff teams in 16 years.
But what we all feared when Ruben Amaro inexplicably gave Ibanez a three-year deal with an eight-figure average annual value going into his age-37 season has come to pass. Ibanez is no longer even a passable major league regular. He's hitless in his last 27 at-bats. He's toted an OPS+ of 31 through 92 plate appearances, mostly in the middle of the order, has been more likely to strike out than to reach base, and through only one month, is nearly a full win below replacement level. Taking his career totals into account, at this rate, he'll have done more damage by the All-Star break than he's ever done good for an entire season.
Sure, 92 plate appearances is still a small sample size, but this is the continuation of a trend that dates back to June 2009, when Ibanez finally came back to Earth after the best two months of his career. The man is at an age where most major leaguers have either been coaching or running a sports bar for years, and with every fastball he misses with men on base, it becomes more clear that the game has passed him by. With John Mayberry in waiting and Domonic Brown's rehab underway, there is absolutely no reason for Ibanez to finish the season as the Phillies' left fielder other than emotional attachment and the argument that Ibanez's salary merits playing time.
In Weaver on Strategy legendary Orioles manager Earl Weaver discusses managers' tendency to fall in love with players who have performed well for them in the past in the face of overwhelming evidence that they will not continue to do so in the future. Weaver cites examples from his own career, and the experience of his predecessor, Hank Bauer. He also says that it's a habit that can cost a manager his job.
Need further evidence? Look at the bullpen, where David Herndon, Danys Baez and Kyle Kendrick continue to reside, along with Mike Zagurski, whose persistent ineptitude seems to bear no weight in whether or not he keeps getting called up. Listen, we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that Baez, Kendrick, and Zagurski suck. We're pretty sure J.C. Romero's best days are behind him too. Yet they all get first crack at the major league roster despite showing no signs of suddenly turning into effective major league pitchers, while the likes of Scott Mathieson and Justin De Fratus languish in deserted Northeast Pennsylvania mining towns, while it took a greater per capita casualty toll than Josh Hartnett's Army Rangers suffered in Black Hawk Down for Vance Worley and Michael Stutes to get their auditions.
Here's my take on the situation in brief: Ibanez, Baez, Zagurski, and Kendrick, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, are pretty awful. Ibanez and Baez are on the downswings of their career, and Zagurski and Kendrick are at old enough that they can't be expected to make a great leap forward. Dom Brown, Stutes, Mathieson, Worley, and De Fratus are all either young enough or inexperienced enough that they can be classified as unknown quantities. In the face of overwhelming evidence that the veterans aren't getting it done, why not give a young kid a chance?
In essence, Charlie Manuel and Ruben Amaro are insisting on players they know to be bad rather than players who might be bad, and even if they are, could be less bad in the future. My message to them is this: man up. Throw away the old jeans. Junk the pickup truck. Dump the clingy girlfriend. I know it can be emotionally difficult, but we'll all be better off for it.
0 Comments
Call me crazy but I thought that Baez could have a good season heading into 2011… he hasn't been as good as his 1.93 ERA would indicate but it is what it is. I think that middle relievers are creatures of chance, luck and ebb/flow. Sometimes, a guy like Chad Durbin (or David Herndon) can go an entire season pitching better than his numbers indicate… there is virtually no explanation but it happens. On the flip side, a guy can be unlucky. What inevitably happens is the player builds off of that success and things either get better or worse quickly.
Kendrick is what he is (a guy you can throw in there, if you must, to pitch a couple innings in relief) but I think that Baez has it in him to be a dependable set up guy.
Ibanez is going to start losing time and eventually I think he gets released… 95 PA is a small sample size but that's probably 1/5 of the season for Ibanez. He's going to have to hit the cover off of the ball to get to his career averages and I just don't see it at age 39.
Whew, Lord knows I had one of those girls in college. Dumping her was the best decision I have ever made, as it led to meeting my future wife, drumming for a few touring rock bands, and now going to law school. Sometimes to this day I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face knowing I never have to see her again, ha ha.
Similarly, the Phils need to dump these broads, and put some stock in the great unknown.
I was actually just thinking to myself today that I hope Worley wows Cholly and Co. enough to usurp KK's long relief spot once Blanton comes back. Hopefully, in a few months, the whole bullpen will look a little different. Zagurski, Herndon, KK, and Baez out, Stutes, De Fratus, Mathieson, and Worley in.
The fact that Mayberry has been getting more and more starts leads me to believe even the strongest of advocates for Raul within the organization are aware of his general crumminess, so I have hope for that situation. The only bummer with regards to Raul is our inability to do anything with him. This slump makes him a piss poor trade candidate, so we're probably going to be stuck with one of the highest paid bench players in baseball.
The only "old guy needs to make way" situation you didn't discuss is Brad Lidge. Presently, we're not talking about him because he's on the DL, but once he comes back, what then? If my prayers are answered, he gets enough time in to be a trade candidate at the deadline. But, we shall see.
OK, I think I've sufficiently rambled about this.
Damn, I really like the way this Michael Baumann thinks and writes. AND I AGREE 100%
Give Worley a chance to start. Let's find some room in our bullpen for some of these promising kids. To let them lolligag in the minors is not fair to them, the fans or the team.
Ibanez is toast. Mayberry should get his opportunity. Ibanez should be the substitute and play twice a week or so. This Michael Baumann must be a genius !!!
I think Raul can become a 2008-Jenkins type of player this season. Not bad, not great. Somewhere in between, with some key hits. If he doesn't step it up, he'll end up benched most of the time. I'm sure that he'll improve considerably as far as offensive production goes. He's streaky, streaky, streaky. And when he gets hot, you'll want him in the middle of that lineup.
2008 Geoff Jenkins had a .694 OPS. That is quite bad.
Besides Jenkins one hit in the world series I do not remember any other key hits. That he never got a shot with another team after that tells me somethng.
I remember a couple more, including one in a great comeback against the Padres in the ninth. Losing 3-0, won 4-3 –even though he was playing full-time when this happened early that season.
But my point is that, like Raul, he's an everyday player who suddenly found/will find himself on the bench– and he did a great job with that part-time role.
I agree with you that Jenkins was like Ibanez a charachter guy. The Phillies are smart that they bring in those kind of players. So if it goes bad you can live with them on the bench. They arent cancers like most of the players on the Mets roster.
I liked Jenkins alot myself but that was his last stint in the majors. His career was over at 33. I was suprised he never got another shot from another team though.
Even though Raul had a terrible April and May last year and still came close to his averages for his career, I will give you that one. And Herndon and Zargouski are not that good and need to be in AAA, but both KK and Baez have been good, KK as long as he starts an inning has been real good, and I know you all hate Baez but he has thrown pretty good this year so some of you own bias seems to have come out in the end of this article. Doesn't Baez have and era around 2? Is he a closer no do I want him in there in a pressure situation in the 7th maybe. Sometimes you have to look in the mirror and see some of your own love and hate relationships. What has Brown proven he can do in the majors other then not listen to the coaches trying to help him. You seem to be coming from the opposite lovefest for kids who seem to excel in the minors and want to be the first to say told you this kid was great
Unfortunately I don't know with certainty everything that Michael says. I don't know "without a shadow of a doubt" that Ibanez, Kendrick, Baez and Zagurski are pretty awful. Ibanez has been on hot and cold streaks his entire career. Sure he is declining but he had a bad spring last year but ended very hot. Baez had a bad year last year but is doing very well this year. Kendrick has given us serviceable innings this year.
Look, none of these guys are going to the all-star game but just because they are not does not mean you throw them out and put in the latest rookie. As GM and Manager you take a more thoughtful and gradual adjustment. Charlie is clear about one thing, you don't hit and you don't play. So unless and until Ibanez turns it around he will see less playing time. I don't think Zagurski is a house of fire but I am not aware of another lefty we have ready to come up.
Michael reflects that classic "fire the bum" mentality without any consideration of whether then next guy up will do better. For me I am sticking with Charlier and Ruben. They waited out Ibanez and the closer last year and it paid off. I think they know a little more about what is going on.
Agree with your post, BiB.
THANK YOU, MIKE! Where's Chuck? I don't want Phillies players to stink. I want them all to be great. While this article is not a news flash regarding Ibanez' ability its nice to see Mike, anybody, recognize this as a very bad sign to begin with. Ruben has done enough good things to be able to be forgiven for this one. And once and for all, "well, well, who else was available?" is no excuse for overpaying an aging DH type to such a contract. Do something else with the money. Raul is a nice guy. Not a good ballplayer anymore. As for Kendrick and Zagurski – hey, every team has a couple a guys that kick around as the 25th guy on the roster for a few years. Those two are them.
The Dipsy
As always there is reality some place in between the guys who think the team sucks and would trade Halladay and the guys who think its the bestest team ever ever ever. And all the players are untouchable.
I have been advocating moving a big name offensive player for awhile now. Every month that goes by the value of Utley and Rollins goes down.
Raul hit 275 with 16 homers last year. Thats marginally passable for a no glove left fielder I guess. But really for a team like the phils (championship aspirations) its unacceptable. So this isnt something of the last month. Actually the whole line up this isnt so much about april for me. Its about 2010 and the first month of this year.
The line up needs a kick in the butt. Moving or dropping/adding players is the best way of doing this.
Got to give PN credit for divergent viewpoints. I've been away for 24 hours and we go from one post saying "it's too early and we're over reacting", to- "clean out the garage, now"
What we need is a "little" of both. It's not too early to start spotting trends, especially when they are clearly evident, but it is ridiculous to start putting a first place team into rebuilding mode.
Zagurski(28) and Baez (33) old and terrible? The only thing wrong with these two guys at this point is they have the dreaded "Z" in their names.
Herndon (25) and Kendrick (26) might be terrible at the moment, but certainly not old. These are just the kind of players that get let go all the time only to find a remarkable rebirth somewhere else.
We only signed Romero because Sherrill turned us down, and Dennys Reyes couldn't fit through the doorway.
And then there's Raul. I truly lament that one of the really good guys on the team is struggling so badly that it looks like father time has done to him what it did to me, end my (slow pitch softball) career.
Ruben and Charlie need to "tinker" to borrow the word the The Dipsy used the other day. We just need a median of both sides of the argument. I wish our politicians understood this when considering grounding the government, and people's livelihoods to a halt over free birth control pills, but I digress. A little tinkering is what I am calling for at this stage, that'll do the trick.
Rauls contract is not really part of the discussion.
This is the last year of it. So its off the books anyway after this year and this year its paid regardless. You cant use the money for someone else and you cant trade him because no one will take him. And eat the last year of that contract.
This is not a "panic" consideration or a "fire the bums" post, not in the least. These are players that have been problems for a while now, and for whom there are replacements available that are reasonably likely to provide better production.
A lot of us bloggers worry too much about what other bloggers say. Don't worry. Say what you think. As long as you are not name-calling and being ridiculously rude. I think The Dipsy and Michael Baumann make valid points. Ask yourself: how many games has Raul Ibanez cost us so far with his miserable plate performance? The guy will will make $12 million this year. Just platoon him with Mayberry and let him play three or four times a week. He might bounce back. Let's find out the future of Mayberry as a major leaguer. Now is the perfect time. His fielding combined with his power may make him a fine platoon player in the future. We all know what Ibanez' future is with the Phils — not there beyond this year.
From what I have read, we have some stellar relief pitchers in the minors. We should one-by-one put them to the test. We may have a great bullpen in the making. Lidge, Romero, Contraras are all at the end of their careers. And Madson may be departing at the end of this year. How will we know if we don't give these young pitchers a chance?
Nobody is being negative here. Baseball is a business. Ibanez and his $12 million salary this year know that better than we do. He may make a great color commentator for us next year..
Ill be very suprised if Madson leaves unless someone over pays like with Werth last year. I suspect the phils to match or top any reasonable offer.
Andrew, I hope you are correct. However, I personally expect to see Madson in a Yankee uniform next season. They can afford him, they will need him and they will pay for him, even more than market value. Remember that Madson's wife hates Phillies fans, or so the rumor mill churns.
The Yankees are playing closer-money to their setup guy… I doubt that they'll pay Madson a crazy amount to get him there… and even if they do, I doubt Madson wants to be a 7th inning pitcher. Plus, they have Joba. Madson-Yankees doesn't make too much sense at this point.
Madson has said multiple times that he wants to stay in Philly and, despite Boras being his agent, he took a discount to stay here because of his kids/family… I don't see why he'd change his mind now, especially when the closer spot will be up for the taking.. at the very least, he can continue to be the set-up guy with the Phils and part of a great team.
This is one of the reasons I wanted the Phils to trade Joe Blanton at the beginning of the season– even if it was close to a salary dump. The 16 million owed to Heavy B could've been used to sign Mad Dog for 3 more years, roughly speaking.
If the Yankees are going to over pay you have to allow them too.
Just means the Phillies have to get someone else. I am never upset when another team overpays for one of our guys. Rowand and Werth come to mind.
Teams over pay to get a Phillie. To get some of the winning vibe.
You have to let them go.
You would think the Phils could use these teams willingness to over pay for our aging players as a way to move some of the aging players and get more than market value back.
But I am like Charlie O.Finley I'd trade my mom and my little dog to help the team.
But I guess Charlie would sell them.
"Teams over pay to get a Phillie. To get some of the winning vibe."
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha. WHAT. What shred of evidence do you have for this, that it was a player's Phillies-instilled winning vibe, and not their talent, that caused a team to "overpay" for a Phillie.
Rowand was a desperate signing by a GM with a senior fetish and a need for offense, and Werth was arguably the best-available OFer in a winter where some teams had a lot of cash to spend. Werth is also a power-hitter in an era where power is beginning to decline. These overpays are a result of a players' skill and simple supply/demand forces, not some sort of absurd "swagger" that Phillies players have simply as a result of being a Phillie.
Pubs, obviously you can understand the point he's trying to make . . . "Playoff Experience" … "Winning Vibe" … Whatever you want to call it, its one of the reasons we got Rowand from Chicago, and one of the reasons that San Fran wanted him . . . one of the reasons that the Nats wanted Werth.
I don't think the phrase "winning vibe" says it best, but I agree with that point that teams covet free agents that are battle-tested, which any Phillies player over the last few years can claim to be
No I get the concept, I just don't see how it has any basis in reality. If you're looking for "go-get-em"-ness and toughness etc. then you're looking for the wrong things in evaluating a player and thus leads you to stupid conclusions like "we need to sign David Eckstein! The dude is a gamer and just knows how to win"
I can tell you that living in DC following their team and media. They definately paid a premium to get that ring and that locker room presence. Or that winning vibe.
If he was coming from the Royals or Indians does he get that contract?
Some of you guys make me laugh.
Yes coming from a winning team as opposed to a losing one has an affect.
As it should. Like getting a charachter player and not a Beltran type is big part or a players werth ( pun intended)
I also live in DC and follow their team and media, and I just don't see how you drew this conclusion. The Nationals paid a premium for Werth because they were significantly further from contention than any of the other teams pursuing him, and wouldn't have been able to ink him for something more in line with Werth's other offers. A player as good as Werth will get a big contract no matter what team he comes from.
Furthermore, Werth, through his tenure with the Phillies, was known as a very private person, to the point where some beat writers were put off by it. What "locker room presence" were the Nationals allegedly seeking then? Certainly now, Werth barks back at media sarcasm, and comments on other players' efforts, but that is something a lot of star players would do when joining a new, lower-tier team.
Honestly, if you think Werth's contract was a result of anything besides his output and the effects of the free agent market, you're off the mark.
Put Jaysons Werths stats on the Royals the last 3 years and put him on the market.
Yea he gets paid the same?
Not close.
I wonder sometimes if some people follow sports. But I do try to be as nice as I can.
Yes, absolutely he does. Because, again the Nationals were not going to be able to sign him for what other teams were offering. This is not rocket science.
Oh Andrew, you are too kind to put up with such non-sports-followers such as myself! Truly a prince among men.
After all, Mark Teixiera earned that massive salary after his extensive postseason experience, same too with AJ Burnett. Those years he pitched with the Marlins really toughened his resolve and earned him a bigger paycheck, that essential Blue Jay Vibe really earned the extra mils there.
Yeesh. Try to be cute and dismissive all you want, but all that results is hot air.
So you are telling me.
That Jayson Werth with those same statistics coming from the Pirates or Indians gets that same deal?
If so we will have to agree to disagree.
Assuming the same free agent market, yes. Take a step back and realize that you are asserting some vague "winner" coating that rubbed off onto Werth during his time in Philadelphia, which a major league front office, full of seasoned baseball analysts and businesspeople, paid him extra millions of dollars for.
Dude every sports talk show and article I read here or nationaly talked about bringing a winning presence into the locker room etc etc. It was basicly what they talked about. While saying the numbers probably didnt rate the contract. He had 85 RBI last year?
Bringing up every single free agent signing and pointing out where they come from isnt really part of this discussion.
Think what you want. But if you cant see that the Nationals were buying an air of legitimacy and a winning vibe with Werth. I am at a loss and will carry on. I cant explain everything that to me is common sense.
No hard feelings.
If this whole winning thing matters, why did the Phillies overpay for Raul Ibanez, who played for the Royals and Mariners for most of his career and who's last team lost 100 games? Neither of these teams had "winning" vibes, yet the Phillies obviously overpaid for Ibanez. Explain that.
Also, it comes as no suprise that you listen to sports radio, judging by your opinions on here. Also also, using RBIs to back up a claim about a players worth is about as weak of a defense as one can mount. The stat tells you almost nothing.
What the media talked about is entirely irrelevant. The Nationals front office is the entity that decided to sign him to that contract. Similarly, most modern front offices aren't going to worry about stuff like RBI. It's very simple: Jayson Werth hit .296/.388/.532 (.921 OPS) in 2010, and since 2008 has hit .279/.376/.513. That made him one of the best available corner outfielders on the market. Therefore, he gets one of the best contracts. The Nationals had to pay a premium, because if they had offered the same thing that the Yankees, Phillies, or another team that was a playoff contender had offered him, he obviously would not have elected to sign with the Nats.
Other free agents are very relevant to this discussion, because you're making a positive assertion: that free agents from winning teams get the mega-deals. It's an argument that someone like, say, Adrian Gonzalez, who was received by Boston from the San Diego Padres (who have not made it past the first round of the playoffs since 1998) and was promptly extended to the tune of 7 years, $154 million.
i dont listen to sports radio at all except when in my car.
And Dc sports radio is the worst possible probably in the country.
I see I have touched a nerve with you.
I am not really arguing with someone who says the Nats didnt over pay to try to buy something the Philles have.
You are out there on a limb here and I will leave it at that.
Have a nice day
I think you're the one out on a limb here, honestly. You keep acting as if this is has been blindingly obvious to you for a long time, but it's evident that you haven't really taken the time to critically examine the theory.
Sorry but to me it is a theory only in that 3 strikes is an out or 4 balls is a walk is a theory.
Its a given and no I didnt think alot about it.
I thought then and I thnk now it was a given.
I like this article a lot . . . but it still leaves a problem. If we dump Ibanez, who plays LF (eventually its Francisco with Brown in RF)… Mayberry doesn't seem to be the answer to any question we have. Unless of course the question is: What is the name our tallest, right-handed, outfielder?
Ibanez is on the downturn, but is he really THIS bad? Once he gets past of 0-for-April, should we worry about April, or only worry about from his next at-bat and on ?
Its a tough question with no obvious answer, if Mayberry could hit anything besides dead-straigh Fastballs, I think we'd have a new Leftfielder, but because he looks like me at the plate vs tough breaking balls … I think we're looking at the platoon until D.Brown proves his ready for The Show
Brown is playing in Clearwater through the weekend and past that the team hasn't decided what to do with him. I think injury wise he's about fully recovered, by all indications.
Yeah its time to dump the parts that are weighing this team down. Ibanez has proven over the past year that he is just consistently bad at this stage in his career and even mayberry– a replacement level player– would be a substantial upgrade over him… with mayberry and gload on the bench i'm surprised they at least haven't created more of a platoon. And the bullpen is just bad, Baez and Kendrick have 3 strikeouts between them in almost 20 innings, neither of them can get a guy out by themselves. Its time to dump both of them and Herndon who at this point in his career has already just assumed the role of innings eater and replace them with more of the power arms down in the farm system. It was nice to see Stutes get called up I really think he has a chance to succeed I just hope he gets the opportunity to prove himself better than the wasted space filling up the bullpen and hopefully others can soon follow… Bastardo and Stutes could be a pretty good indication to the organization that the young arms really need a shot and that its time for the already tried out ones to step down… maybe Kendrick should really be sold to a Japanese team
I think that we can look at this as not so much "April" which it is, but more like a later stage of the time continuum (yeah!) for this current assembly of players. They are all the same guys and nothing has changed. Look at it like this: If you had a girlfriend when you were away at school for your first two years and upon your return for your junior year you decide that girl, while unchanged, just doesn't cut it for you anymore. Do you dump her because "the semester just started so I'll give her some time to get me to like her again?" No. Why should you? You've have been there, done that. Apply that here.
We have trade chips. Lots of them. Lets take our time and use them wisely so our offense can flourish in September.
The Dipsy
If you signed a three year lease on apartment with her, because she was the Best Available roomate – and that 3-year-deal was the only way you wouldn't have to keep living with your ex, Patricia Burrell …and you currently don't have anyone else that's ready to step in for her and takeover the lease, then yea, you stick with her for a little while longer and if it finally gets to the breaking point – where you absolutely have to move on, then that's what you do
Should have kept Bobbette Abreu
Dipsy and Don M —- Unfortunately I understand your point a view. Remind me to keep my daughters away……LOL !!!
The reason they didn't keep Bobby Abreu . . . even though is WAR probably said he's the greatest player ever … is that he didn't have the drive, the winning attitude that we're talking about . .
With runners in scoring position, he would've rather walked then get a hit to drive the guy in . . . he was anti-clutch .. and new leaders stepped up when he was traded. One of the best moves they ever made as it changed the culture of the clubhouse
And Pubs, if that doesn't make you think about the "winning vibe," I don't know what would
The winning vibe concept results in Ruben overspending on a player whose teams included the Mariners and Royals, whose last team lost 100 games? If that doesn't highlight the folly of this ridiculous argument than I don't know what could.
Thank you.
No hard feelings.
I enjoy the debate and am appreciative of everyone who posts thier points here.
Wish there were more people here of varying opinions.
Welcome to the Breaking Point.
The Dipsy
The Nationals paid for the player and the legitimacy he is "supposed" to bring to a franchise that was and is still seen as illegitimate.
I think they over paid and set themselves back. It was a mistake. But they were buying something they felt they were lacking. And that's more than just a right fielder.
You're changing your argument now, though. Originally you said teams overpay for Phillies to get a "winning vibe," something that one acquires by being a Phillie.
If you're now saying that it was good PR for the Nationals to make a big free agent acquisition, I wouldn't disagree with that.
I remember the National were very careful to point out that they paid Jayson to be the "face of the franchise". The guy that was going to allow himself to be built around. To help the younger players. To get out in the community and be a leader in the locker room. They asked him if he could do it and I expect that he said "yes" because he signed. Will he do it? Well, he never did it here and maybe it was because he never had to. He doesn't seem to me to be the extroverted rah-rah let me carry the wagon type. If THAT'S who the Nats think they're getting AND big production I can only say that I think they made a poor choice. If they signed Werth to pair with Zimmerman to be the foundation for a winning franchise, they may as well have held onto the money and traded for Pujols.
The Dipsy
Bobby Abreu with runners in scoring position:
Career: .313/.435/.515.
2006, The year he was traded: .327/.451/.582
2005: .303/.444/.500
So my question is, where on earth, where in this universe, does the "sit back and take a walk" or "anti-clutch" stuff come from? Seriously?
Seriously, this is blowing my mind:
With runners in scoring position, he would've rather walked then get a hit to drive the guy in . . . he was anti-clutch ..
w/ RISP
2001: .270/.414/.482
2002: .313/.441/.556
2003: .359/.470/.571
2004: .322/.432/.624
2005: .303/.444/.500
2006: .327/.451/.582
Ted Williams was so obsessed with hitting. That he wouldnt swing at a ball to help the team. Alot of people held that against him.
He just couldnt bring himself to swing at a ball. He felt it was wrong or unnatural. Later in his career when he was really wanting that championship he changed some.
Still the greatest hitter who ever lived. Period.
But never won a title. Lost the MVP the year he hit .400 and only appeared in one WS losing it in 7 games.
When Abreau left it brought in Shane who is part of that winning vibe. So it really cut both ways. Addition through subtraction and addition through addition.
If you are gonna hit third, I think that you a hitter has the responsibility to drive runs in. Thats no new notion. I think that a hitter has to expand his zone just a little bit because, after all, he IS the best hitter on the team and there ARE guys on base. Bobby Abreu would take the walk instead of swing. He just did. Its OK, thats just the type of hitter he was. But he had Thome in back of him and then nothing and thats why people held it against him. If he or Thome didn't drive the run in, it wasn't coming in. I thought the guy was a helluva offensive player. Ted Williams had a lot of RBIs.
The Dipsy
So you didn't read the part where he hit .300 or way better almost every year he was with the Phillies with runners in scoring position? He was getting a ton of hits in addition to the walks.
I understand you guys don't like stats, but in this case, they demonstrate very plainly that the thing you are saying is not true.


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subset: commoncrawl


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According to the Goliad County Sheriff's Office, the man was treated at Goliad EMS headquarters for a laceration on his right side. The wound was not life-threatening.
An 18-year-old Victoria man also went to the GCSO at approximately the same time to report he had been punched in the left eye at the party. Medics were called to the GCSO to treat his injury.
According to witnesses, the assailant with the knife was an Hispanic male in his early 20's with a buzz-cut hairstyle and tattoos on his chest and arms. Witnesses told investigators the man who stabbed the victim was described as an African-American who accompanied the Hispanic suspected of the assault on the Victoria man.
According to the GCSO, most of those attending the party were under the age of 21. The investigation revealed a large accumulation of beer cans outside the mobile home. No witnesses knew who was giving the party. Many said they showed up after seeing messages on Twitter.
There were an estimated 30 to 40 people at the party with the youngest of the participants being 15 years old.
GCSO said the investigation is ongoing.


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Griffin's book, "Touched By Fire, one man's road from Alabama to Dallas, 1954-1963," begins with the story of his father and the death of Attorney General-elect Albert Patterson of Alabama, then the events less than an hour after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, in which the author himself gives a front row view.
Between these two events Griffin grew up in one of the strangest decades in American history. His story touches that of one of the era's best known governors, John Patterson of Alabama. It intersects with mob bosses and CIA operations. There's even room for country music and barroom brawls. This story shows how Griffin's life was truly "touched by fire."


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According to the Associated Press, Apple Co-Founder and technological giant Steve Jobs has died. He was 56. According to a statement issued by his relatives, "Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family."
Jobs, who founded Apple Computing with Steve Wozniak, Mike Markkula, and others in the late 1970s, is responsible directly and indirectly for the iPhone, the iPad, The Apple Macintosh line of computers and a number of other innovations that have revolutionized the way we work, play, and interact. Jobs had been battling a rare and painful form of pancreatic cancer since 2004, and resigned from his position as head of Apple on August 24 of this year, writing that he could "no longer meet his duties and expectations as Apple's CEO." Since then, Jobs had served as the chairman of Apple's board of directors.
"In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family," the Jobs' family statement reads, "We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories."
"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple," Apple said in a statement.
Sometimes referred to as the Thomas Edison of his time, Jobs was either the primary inventor or co-inventor of 338 US patents or patent applications ranging from computer and portable devices to user interfaces, speakers, keyboards, power adapters, staircases, clasps, sleeves, lanyards and packages. His impressive array of patents speaks towards his creativity, ingenuity, and love of innovation, along with his hands-on approach to management, one that he applied very successfully during his time at Apple.
Jobs was also instrumental in the success of computer animation company Pixar, purchasing the company in the late 1990s and acting as its CEO through one of the most successful times in the company's history, producing classic movies like A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, WALL-E, and Toy Story 3.
With his trademark black turtleneck, Apple fans always looked forward to Jobs getting up on stage and announcing "just one more thing," but it was never just one more thing; it was always so much more than that. Apple, under Jobs's impressive leadership, introduced products that were not only useful, but incredibly simple to use and stylish. Jobs transformed Apple from a producer of products to a worldwide brand that oozes class and sophistication.
In recent years with the release of the iPhone and iPad which ushered in the era of smart phones and mobile gaming for the masses, it seems as though the entire tech industry has been trying to keep pace with Apple, without ever been able to catch up. What Steve Jobs built was a company that made computing sexy. The allure of owning an iPhone is not only that it's an impressive piece of machinery, but that all the cool kids have one. . .and Steve Jobs was definitely one of the cool kids.
We'll miss you, Steve.
If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with the good people at Apple, please email email@example.com
Watch Attack of the Show's reaction to the news of Jobs' death below:
...And our tribute to Jobs:


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Wood County to seek bids for 911 center equipment
PARKERSBURG – Wood County commissioners approved seeking bids for new equipment at the 911 center and for additional lighting at the new parking lot near the justice center, neither of which was on its published agenda.
"I have reviewed the proposed bid specifications and found them to be well-written and concise," said Commissioner Blair Couch. The commissioners then voted to accept the specifications and asked 911 Center Director Randy Lowe to advertise for bids, including placement of the specs on the 911 website.
County officials said they hope to open bids around mid-February.
Lowe met with the commissioners earlier about the need for a new system.
"We've had the system we have now since 2007 and the hardware is beginning to fail. There are a lot of times we have to reboot and hope it comes back up. The system is just outdated. The software is upgradeable. Our original CAD was given to us; we didn't purchase it. We are having repeated hardware failures. We are using 2003 Window servers. As of this year, support of that will no longer be available," Lowe said. Lowe said the new system will cut costs by nearly $2,000 and save 1,667 man hours a year because of additional work the current system now requires.
Cost quotes provided earlier by Lowe ranged from $381,000 to $416,000. The director told commissioners the 911 capital equipment reserve fund has $832,672 in it.
Lowe said the 911 advisory board earlier recommended the system be upgraded. The director said he's hopeful bids can be opened by Feb. 11.
"The bottom line is if the hardware stops, we are back to pen and paper, so there is a need to expedite this," Lowe said.
In other business, Bill Brown, county engineer presented price quotes from two vendors for additional lighting in the new parking, which serves the justice center. The parking lot, which is now paved and marked, is located where the former magistrate court building stood. The magistrates, as well as holding center and law enforcement offices of the sheriff's department were moved to the new justice center.
A quote of $14,207 was obtained from State Electric and $6,702 from Grainger Industrial Supply. The quotes include the lighting, and necessary equipment and an added post. County maintenance personnel will install the new lighting.
"There is a need for an additional pole to provide more light near the justice center. There are four poles there now. The lights will be dusk to dawn," Brown said.
Brown recommended the quote from Grainger Industrial Supply of Parkersburg and the commissioners approved it.
Brown said the new lighting could be ordered now and installed in the spring.
The cost quotes are below the threshold price range to require seeking bids.


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The plant, a legume, grows well in semiarid regions and produces clusters of beans, from which a gummy substance can be extracted. Guar has been cultivated in India for centuries; the word in Hindi means "cow food."
But its gummy substance is being used as a non-toxic lubricant to get sand into deep underground fractures in the fracking process to extract oil and gas.
Phil J. Laughlin, president of Southwest Agriculture in Houston, informed about 30 farmers at the crop tour about experimental plots of guar being grown in Refugio County.
The plots are being managed by Walt and Alfred Franke.
He said two 10-acre plots of guar have been planted.
"We contracted with Texas A&M to do the science on three varieties of guar," Laughlin said.
He said if a guar variety is successful, he would be looking at commercial production in 2015.
"It's something we believe that would add value to the county. We believe the South Texas region is good for guar," Laughlin said.
He said if guar is good in Refugio County, it would be good two counties over, but many are not familiar with the crop in this region.
"We have 40 million pounds buying range over a year," he said.
He added that several elevators currently are holding the crop from other producers in Southern California, Arizona and Texas. And he said he believed it would all be sold soon, mainly to oil and gas producers.
He said about 20,000 acres are available in Refugio County, but he thinks the crop only would be used as a secondary crop to start with.
If the plots are successful, he said he would be taking contract orders from those who want to grow the crop.
Laughlin said guar also is used in cosmetics and ice cream.
Also, Ronnie Schnell, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent who has a doctorate in agriculture, gave updates on agronomy with a focus on meteorology.
However, Schnell also mentioned guar as a potentially good crop for South Texas.
He said it tolerates drought conditions but does need rain to grow. No rain, and guar stops growing, but it won't die.
Schnell said rainfall is about 70 percent of normal for the period from Oct. 1 to the end of September.
He said El Nino is in effect, causing above normal temperatures, better chances for rain although below normal rainfall.
"Crops are in pretty good shape right now," Schnell said. But he added that some are in need of rain.
Also, several experts talked about other farming updates and issues.
Stephen Biles, Integrated Pest Management agent, talked about soil testing for nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and zinc.
He advised that with the cost of fertilizer, soil testing can save a farmer money by finding out how much nitrogen is in the soil – ground testing vs. paying too much for more than you need.
He said a test should be done from 18 inches to two feet because often times, nitrogen is left in the soil and farmers can adjust fertilizing to how much is really needed.
Biles also warned farmers about a new insect moving into the area: the sugar cane aphid.
He said inspection of grain should be about mid stalk where the aphids stay. If the top of the grain gets sugar cane aphids, then it's time to apply insecticide.
Also, Will Blackwell, Natural Resources Conservation Service agent, talked about the Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP.
One of the benefits of EQIP pertains to farmers with barns.
These farmers can get help setting up a rain collection system. The additional water can be used for a variety of purposes including supplementing drinking water for cattle.
Also, Darrek Dusek, zone manager for Texas Boll Weevil Eradication, said for the second year in a row, no weevils were found in Refugio County.
"Fourteen years ago, boll weevil pickups were everywhere," Dusek said.
"We hardly see them now. And we haven't caught a weevil this year," he added.
He said the absence of weevils means a reduction in staff and a savings in money. However, weevils are still being found in the Rio Grande Valley area, and eradication continues there.
Also Jeff Nunley, South Texas Cotton and Grain legislative observer, gave legislative updates.
Nunley said the Farm Bill passed in February continues to be implemented.
"The USDA will publish final rules Sept. 1," Nunley said.
And John MacSchmidt, an agent with the Texas Department of Agriculture, gave updates on laws and regulations, pertaining to insecticides.
In addition, Robert Garcia, Farm Service Agency county executive director, provided updates from the agency.
The annual Refugio County Crop Tour began in the Austwell-Tivoli area during the morning hours of June 11, and continued through the afternoon in the Bonnie View area.
A barbecue was provided at 7 p.m. and scholarship winners were announced.
Five scholarship winners were named and each will receive $500 from the Refugio County Crops Committee, according to Michael Donalson.
The recipients were Madalynn Nixon, Kasye McCool, Dalton Klare, Courtney Myers and Morgan Klaevemann.


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PRINCESS ANNE, MD-(March 16, 2012)-Philadelphia jazz trumpeter Duane Eubanks returns to his alma mater to perform in concert with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Jazz Ensemble, March 28 at 7 p.m.
"Since graduating from UMES, Duane has become a top-rated jazz musician in New York City," Dr. John R. Lamkin, UMES' director of bands, said. "He was excited to be invited back to the university to be featured as our guest soloist this season."
Eubanks grew up in Philadelphia surrounded by the musical talents of his mother, gospel pianist Vera; brothers, Kevin and Robin; and uncle, piano great Ray Bryant. He picked up the trumpet at age six, but it wasn't until his college days at UMES that he became serious about a career in music.
"During the years he was here, I could tell he had a special talent," Lamkin said. "He was very inquisitive about the music and practiced all the time."
Playing with the university's jazz band exposed Eubanks to jazz luminaries Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, Charles Fambrough and Clark Terry, Lamkin said. Eubanks also studied at Temple University, where he performed with Dr. Billy Taylor and Wynton Marsalis. Johnny Coles, a legendary jazz trumpeter, mentored Eubanks and taught him the "art of the trumpet."
Eubanks resume is impressive, especially so early in his career, Lamkin said. He has performed with several legendary musicians including: Phyllis Hyman, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Donald Byrd, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Lionel Hampton, Antonio Hart, The Temptations and his brother, Robin Eubanks.
The trumpeter plays regularly at Small's jazz club in New York. Eubanks also lends his talent to the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Next Legacy Orchestra, Jason Linder's Big Band, and the Oliver Lake Big Band. On occasion, he returns to his native Philly to play with Bootsie Barnes or Shirley Scott.
UMES' Jazz Ensemble Concert takes place in the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the Princess Anne campus. Tickets are $7 general admission, $5 for seniors and $3 for students with ID. Call 410-651-6571 for more information.
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, email@example.com.


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Everyone is invited to attend. There is no admission fee, no donations will be solicited. Also, a dessert fellowship will follow the program in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone attending is encouraged to bring their favorite dessert to share. All churches in the area are encouraged to participate.
Scott Jones, director of the program, requests that all who would like to participate should call him at 361-876-7126, as soon as possible, so he can schedule them on the program. Participants should be at the church at 4:30 p.m. for a sound check.
Previous programs have been well-attended, and the performances have been varied, well presented and very enjoyable, according to attendees.


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*Please Note!! Many of our pictures are stock photos provided to us by the manufacturer and do not necessarily represent the actual item being purchased. Please verify this picture accurately reflects the product described by the title and description on this page before you place your order.
The legendary 1911 design has been brought into the 21st century with the refinement today's shooters demand. The Sig Sauer 1911 proves that close tolerances equal complete reliability and need not be incompatible in an off-the-shelf pistol. Sig Sauer has introduced clean, distinct lines that American shooters have embraced, while retaining the crisp trigger pull, classic ergonomics, and exceptional accuracy they expect. The 1911 Tactical Operations model features a SAO trigger, Novak night sights, integral accessory rail, ambidextrous safety, Magwell, and Ergo XT grips.
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"G'day to all the good folk at Catholic Answers. Words cannot express the invaluable service you provide to the world. Your faith tracts are fantastic and should be a must-read. Catholics need to be equipped with the history and the truth."
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"No work of charity should be regarded as foreign to the Society, although its special object is to visit poor families."
~ In outlining the activities of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, an international association of Catholic laymen engaging systematically in personal service to the poor, the founders had an eye to the future needs of human kind.


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Having Fun With Fossils and Dinosaurs
Category: Kids
Location: Adrian Lamb Room
As part of our "Dig Into Reading" theme Paulette Morin, M. Ed., presents a wonderful science program all about dinosaurs and fossils. Go back in time and imagine the environment of the dinosaurs. Examine the many genuine fossilized dinosaur bones provided. Kids love this interesting program.
Sponsored by the Friends' Children's Committee
Please register @ 203-594-5002


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Why launch Chandra at night?
Space Science News home
Why Launch Chandra Late at Night?
Blame Newton and Kepler
Blame Newton and Kepler
Chandra liftoff time determined
by tides and radiation belts
by tides and radiation belts
July 23, 1999: Why launch in the middle of the night? Blame Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton and the engineers who designed the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Right: Animation of Chandra Solar array deployment, Inertial Upper Stage separates and Chandra heads to final orbit. Need Realvideo player (version G2 or higher) to view.
It starts in orbital mechanics, a sometimes obscure but always essential part of space travel. The field is rooted in the earliest days of modern astronomy, when Kepler discovered that planets moved in well-regulated elliptical paths and Newton discovered that gravity is universal. Newton also invented the calculus that became the foundation of the complex math used in planning satellite orbits.
But we can't always use it to avoid working late at night.
Chandra's night launch time was set by several factors, starting with the need to protect the telescope's science instruments from damage in the Van Allen Radiation Belts.
To avoid most of the belts, Chandra would have to be placed in a highly elliptical orbit. That makes tidal forces a bigger concern than they would be for a satellite in low Earth orbit, explained Dr. Jonathan McDowell, a scientist with the Chandra Science Center in Cambridge, Mass.
"It was not picked for any astronomical reason. It was picked for orbital lifetime as determined by lunar and solar perturbations," he said. Highly eccentric orbits will have their perigee (point closest to the Earth) shifted up and down by tidal forces from the Sun and Moon. "The trick is to choose an orbital plane where you ensure a long orbit."
Left: Chandra's climb from low Earth orbit to its final operational orbit. The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) will deploy at 7 hours, 17 minutes after launch, and its two stages will fire about an hour later. Chandra's Integral Propulsion System (IPS) will make two burns at perigee and three at apogee to raise and finalize the orbit. For clarity, the intermediate orbits after the IPS-3 and -4 burns are not shown. Links to 1076x415-pixel, 85KB JPG or 45KB Acrobat PDF. Credit: NASA & TRW.
December 3: Mars Polar Lander nears touchdown
December 2: What next, Leonids?
November 30: Polar Lander Mission Overview
November 30: Learning how to make a clean sweep in space
Chandra's orbit has a period of 64.2 hours, with about 15 hours of that inside the Van Allen Radiation Belts, forcing operators to shut down the science instruments while the observatory is below 60,000 km (24,000 mi) altitude. Essential chores like repointing the observatory and moving gratings into and out of the light path that would disrupt science observations will be scheduled for the passes through the radiation belts.
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Large orbits are nearly fixed in inertial space. Just as the Earth and the rest of the planets have orbits that keep virtually the same orientation relative to the galaxy, with only gradual changes over long periods, Chandra's orbit will hold the same orientation.
That also means that when Chandra is near apogee, the Earth will always be in the same section of Chandra's sky. Because Chandra can't look within 20 deg. of the Earth (an angle about 40 times larger than the size of the Moon as we see it from Earth), the same small chunk of sky will be largely off limits for a long time.
"It's part of the price you pay for being in a deep orbit," McDowell said.
The obscured zone covers an area from 4 to 11 hours right ascension and -10 to -50 deg. declination, roughly opposite the galactic center. It's not a total blackout, just a sharp enough reduction in observing time in that area that little science of value would be achieved.
Fortunately, McDowell noted, that part of the sky has a few choice targets. McDowell noted that planners for Europe's Infrared Space Observatory actually did have a choice, a tough one, when they opted for an eccentric orbit. They had to give up the galactic center or the Orion nebula, both areas of remarkable activity in infrared light. They chose the galactic center, but ISO lasted long enough for its orbit to shift and let them view Orion.
Left: The night watch: Engineers from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center monitor Chandra's health during Wednesday night's launch attempt which was scrubbed due to weather. NASA photo.
How does all this lead to a launch at around midnight?
Simple. Imagine Chandra's final orbit as an ellipse moving with the Earth around the Sun. Even as the Earth spins, the ellipse stays pointed in the same direction. Launch and all the intermediate steps to get to the final orbit all lie within this ellipse.
An additional factor, McDowell explained, is that Chandra has strict power requirements, so it must be oriented to expose its solar arrays properly during maneuvers to its final orbit. Furthermore, the upper stages have a horizon sensor that must look in a certain direction. These two bits of spacecraft geometry are what finally set Chandra's launch time relative to the stars, not human work schedules.
For a launch on July 20, 1999, Kennedy Space Center rotated into position on the ellipse's plane at 12:36 a.m. EDT. For every day of delay, McDowell noted, Chandra's launch moves up by 4 minutes. If Chandra was launched around Jan. 20, launch would be in the afternoon 12:36 p.m.
|Web Links
news from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory
STS-93, the Chandra mission, launch status at Kennedy Space Center.
Chandra X-ray Observatory Center home page, with links to education, news, and technical pages.
Chandra news from Marshall Space Flight Center
Chandra Project Science is managed at NASA/Marshall, has links to individual instruments and the prime contractor.
X-ray astrophysics branch at NASA/Marshall conducts a broad range of research and technology work, as well as supporting the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
NASA/Marshall scientists will use Chandra to study:
Pulsars in the Fast Lane - Scientists are looking for bizarre, short-lived, powerhouse stars that burst with some of the brightest energy in the universe.
Why did the supernova change colors? - SN 1993J was seen to be one kind of massive explosion, but then seemed to morph into a distinctly different kind.
How hot is the Crab? - NASA's next Great Observatory takes aim at the Crab Nebula pulsar.
Chandra will target the age of the Universe - Astronomers plan to combine radio images of galaxy clusters with new data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and open a new window on the history of the Universe.
These aren't the only pointing considerations for Chandra. It can't look within 45 degrees of the sun or 6 degrees of the Moon, lest their brightness confuse the visible light aspect cameras that point Chandra at the observing target. But these are temporary blockages that change during the orbit and the year. If the target a scientist wants to observe is blocked by the Sun now, his turn will come in a couple of months when Earth's orbit carries it and Chandra into a more favorable position. At any given time, up to 85 percent of the sky will be available for observations.
Right: Engineers from NASA/Marshall wait for launch. NASA photo.
Even so, the blocked area eventually will become available. The same forces that make tides rise and fall will slowly shift Chandra's orbit, so that the blocked area is clear after a few years - but at the expense of blocking something else.
Those forces will also bring Chandra home. McDowell said that after the perigee is shifted higher by solar perturbations, it will be shifted lower so that by 2029, give or take a few years - and long after it has ceased operations - Chandra will become a shooting star blazing through Earth's atmosphere.
More Space Science Headlines - NASA research on the web
NASA's Office of Space Sciencepress releases and other news related to NASA and astrophysics
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How to build up courage to break out of your comfort zone!
First …what is courage?
Courage is….. feeling the fear but doing it anyway,
"the ability to do something that frightens one"……
"strength in the face of pain or grief"….
Wikipedia states ……
Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation.
Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death or threat of death.
Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal or discouragement.
Courage can be learned with practice!
Developing courage will help you to
achieve the great success that is possible for you.
Dream Big Dreams
Develop the courage to dream big dreams and
to set big goals.
Silence the critic in your mind and
ignore the naysayers even if they are your family.
They may mean well and love you very much
BUT this is your Dream, your Life!
Ask yourself…If you knew you could not fail
what great thing would you do??
Ok, let your mind ponder that thought
for a few minutes and notice
what dreams come to you.
Now sit down, write out your goals
as if anything were possible for you as
you develop the courage to Dream Big Dreams.
Make a Commitment and follow through.
Start by making a commitment to something
you absolutely love and can be
accomplished in a short amount of time.
Develop your courage to make bigger
commitments with each success gained.
By accomplishing smaller goals you are
building up your courage.
Successful people live life fully engaged!
Life offers no guarantees for anyone,
but those who reach their goals do so
by putting their heart and soul into
the activities that are constantly bring
them closer to their goals.
My Father would often say to me while growing up....
If you fall down a 1000 times they get up 1001
Ok, so now you're ready to
Move out of Your Comfort Zone
Developing the courage to move out of your comfort zone
often causes you some discomfort, where you may
feel awkward, clumsy and sometimes so alone.
There is a saying that ….
"If you always do what you have always done,
you will always get what you have always got"
In order for things to change you must make a change!
You need the courage to continually move yourself in the
direction of your biggest goals and ambitions.
You need to be willing to face discomfort in order for you to grow.
Courage to Step Out in Faith
You need the Courage to step out of your Comfort Zone in
Faith with no guarantees of success.
Courageous people are those who have a Dream and
set a Goal, make a plan and take the first step,
with no assurances and no guarantees that
their efforts will result in success.
However, if you look upon every step forward as
a learning experience and every setback as a
valuable lesson that has been sent to you to
make you stronger and better, you will
not be afraid to step out in faith into the unknown.
Courage is needed to Risk Failure.
You need the courage to get through the
constant setbacks,the disappointments, and
the temporary defeats you will encounter on your journey.
You need to learn to deal with failure by realizing that for most people experience this before they reach success.
You want to develop the courage to treat failure as an opportunity to start all over again with
a greater understanding.
You will overcome the fear of failure by doing the things you fear over and over again,
and then by resolving to bend rather than break
when things don't work out for you.
Face Your Fears with Courage
Start by listing all the fear situations in your life
that cause you stress or anxiety today.
Decide what the worst possible outcome of each of
these situations might be.
Resolve to accept the worst, should it occur, then take action to resolve each of those situations.
Be Willing To Make Mistakes
You need the courage to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
All peak performers continually make decisions,
make mistakes, learn from them, self-correct, and carry on.
Successful people are not those who necessarily
make the right decisions all the time,
but they make their decisions right.
If they make a mistake, they accept it and learn
as much as possible from it.
The more you fail and the more mistakes you make,
the smarter you become and the more likely it is that you will eventually achieve your goals.
Develop the Courage to Accept Complete
Responsibility for Your Life
"If it is to be it is up to me"… which means to take ownership for results.
You need the courage to refuse to make excuses or
to defend yourself.
You need the courage to say, over and over again,
"I am responsible!"
When something goes wrong, you focus on the
solution rather than the problem.
You ask, "What do we do from here?
What's the next step? What is the solution?"
Then "You pick yourself up, dust yourself off and
start all over again."
Persistence is the quality that will ultimately
guarantee your success.
Your willingness to persist in the face of every adversity
can be your greatest asset.
It can be the one factor that guarantees your success.
If you refuse to quit, you must ultimately succeed.
Just as in baseball, you won't ultimately hit a
home run unless you keep on swinging.
Babe Ruth, had the most strike outs of any baseball player
Babe Ruth also had the most home runs of any baseball player.
No one was ever defeated until they accepted defeat as a reality.
No one can ever defeat you but yourself.
You are Courageous!!
To Our Mutual Success,
BetteJean Clarke
(705) 238-2460
The income claims represented in this blog post are extraordinary and do not make a guarantee for your success or income level. Please see Empower Network's average affiliate earnings at: http://www.empowernetwork.com/income


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Eight Ex-White Sox on LCS Rosters
While the current players on the White Sox roster are at home relaxing with their families and spending time on the golf course, there are eight former members of the Pale Hose who are on the AL and NL League Championship Series rosters. Four of these players were part of the 2005 World Champions.
1 Comment
Did you catch Tuesday's NL game, Contreras comes in and first two batters he faces, Uribe & Rowand. Did that bring back memories!


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View Rule
|View EO 12866 Meetings
|Printer-Friendly Version Download RIN Data in XML
|Publication ID: Spring 2007
|Title: Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs
|Abstract: In July 1999, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) committed to developing an action plan to address the presence of salmonella enteritidis (SE) in shell eggs and egg products using a farm-to-table approach. FDA and FSIS held a public meeting on August 26, 1999, to obtain stakeholder input on the draft goals, as well as to further develop the objectives and action items for the action plan. The Egg Safety Action Plan was announced on December 11, 1999. The goal of the Action Plan is to reduce egg-related SE illnesses by 50 percent by 2005 and eliminate egg-related SE illnesses by 2010. The Egg Safety Action Plan consists of eight objectives covering all stages of the farm-to-table continuum as well as support functions. On March 30, 2000 (Columbus, OH), April 6, 2000 (Sacramento, CA), and July 31, 2000 (Washington, DC), joint public meetings were held by FDA and FSIS to solicit and discuss information related to the implementation of the objectives in the Egg Safety Action Plan. On September 22, 2004, FDA published a proposed rule that would require egg safety measures to prevent the contamination of shell eggs with SE during egg production. This proposal would reduce SE prevalence in the egg production environment and consequently in the eggs themselves. Most SE contamination of eggs is a result of SE infection in the laying hen's reproductive tract, called transovarian contamination. The proposed measures are designed to reduce the likelihood of this transovarian contamination and include: (1) Provisions for procurement of chicks and pullets; (2) a biosecurity program; (3) a rodent and pest control program; (4) cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses that have had an environmental or egg test positive for SE; (5) egg testing when an environmental test is positive; and (6) refrigerated storage of eggs held at the farm. Additionally, to verify that the measures have been effective, the rule proposes that producers test the poultry house environment for SE. If the environmental test is positive, eggs from that environment must be tested for SE, and if the egg test is positive, the eggs must be diverted to egg products processing or a treatment process that achieves at least a five-log destruction of SE. The proposed rule is one step in a broader farm-to-table egg safety effort that includes FDA's requirements for safe handling statements on egg cartons, and refrigerated storage of shell eggs at retail, and egg safety education for consumers and retail establishments. The rule had a 90-day comment period, which ended December 21, 2004. To discuss the proposed rule and solicit comments from interested stakeholders, FDA held three public meetings: October 28, 2004, in College Park, MD; November 9, 2004, in Chicago, IL; and November 16, 2004, in Los Angeles, CA. The comment period was reopened until July 25, 2005, to solicit further comment and information on industry practices and programs that prevent SE-monitored chicks from becoming infected by SE during the period of pullet rearing until placement into laying hen houses.
|Agency: Department of Health and Human Services(HHS)
|Priority: Economically Significant
|RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda
|Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
|Major: Yes
|Unfunded Mandates: Private Sector
|CFR Citation: 21 CFR 16 21 CFR 116 21 CFR 118
|Legal Authority: 21 USC 321 21 USC 342 21 USC 371 21 USC 381 21 USC 393 42 USC 243 42 USC 264 42 USC 271 ...
Legal Deadline:
|Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
|Government Levels Affected: State
|Small Entities Affected: Businesses
|Federalism: Yes
|Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact:
John F. Sheehan
Director, Office of Food Safety, Division of Plant and Dairy Food Safety
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-315), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway ,
College Park, MD 20740
Phone:240 402-1488
Fax:301 436-2632
Email: email@example.com


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By Gabriella Oster
Special to The Progress
LIVE OAK COUNTY – A shy, 10-year-old George West entrepreneur and her mother are working diligently to help area residents beat the heat with innovative, refreshing snow cones.
This can, after all, almost be considered a public service on these roasting Live Oak County summer days.
Mirage Buriel, 10, who attends George West Elementary, is both the namesake and proprietor of the Mirage snow cone stand along Highway 281 — three miles outside of Three Rivers between TR and George West.
Snow cones, served throughout North America in paper cones or foam cups, consist of ice shavings topped with flavored syrup. There are a lot of these kinds of flavors at this stand for everyone — whether customers want to simply hydrate or enjoy a treat while also losing weight.
The Mirage stand originally opened last year, but was closed for winter. It opened again this year with some new recipes.
Mirage's mother, Brenda Buriel (of "Brenda's Nursery"), said she started the snow cone stand to teach her 10-year-old responsibility — and also to come out of her little shell.
"I started the stand to get her out of being so shy," Brenda Buriel said.
Snow cones are an ideal way to teach Mirage this kind of responsibility. After all, it's hot outside, and everyone knows it.
Mirage's treats are relatively inexpensive, ranging between $1.50 to $4, depending if you want regular snow cones or natural fruit smoothies.
Mirage, incidentally, was far too shy to give an extensive interview about her business, which is open daytime hours Wednesday through Saturday. So, her mother related most of her business information.
Mirage Buriel is a shy one. She keeps helping her mom in the kitchen, or she goes outside to play with her dog.
But her mother believes the experience will be good for her daughter, who helps brainstorm many of the stand's unique recipes.
"We have a lot of family in the Valley who bring the fruit and vegetables," Brenda Buriel explained.
These ingredients help provide an alternative to regularly-flavored snow cones — for unique treats such as Cucumber delight, which comes with lots of cucumbers, ice, salt and lemon.
There's also "Pick 'A' Dilly" — made with pickles, pickle juice, ice, and Kool-Aid.
Additionally, there is the chamoyada and the mangoyada, both of which are made with different fruits and chili powder.
And the varieties go on and on.
"Also, if customers want additional ingredients we will be happy to add them," Brenda Buriel said.


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2013 cmo summit
Digital CMO Series: GroupM Next
This past May, Compete hosted the tenth annual Digital CMO Summit in Miami, FL. The event brought together 200 industry leaders for three days of hard-hitting sessions and networking opportunities. The agenda was jam-packed with top-notch speakers who shared their perspectives on this year's theme, The Path to Purchase.


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Theme Cruises Cruise Deals
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Holland America
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Viking River Cruises
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Carnival Cruise Line
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Cunard Line
Holland America Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
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Princess Cruises
Regent Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Viking River Cruises
See All Cruise Deals
Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruise Tours
Bahamas Cruises
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Panama Canal Cruises
River Cruises
World Cruises
See All Destinations
Specialty Cruises
Culinary Cruises
Group Cruises
Honeymoon Cruises
Kids Cruises
Luxury Cruises
Theme Cruises
Wine Cruises
Weekend Cruises
Cruise Ports
Cruise from Baltimore
Cruise from Bayonne
Cruise from Boston
Cruise from Charleston
Cruise from Ft Lauderdale
Cruise from Galveston
Cruise from Miami
Cruise from New Orleans
Cruise from New York
Cruise from Port Canaveral
Cruise from Seattle
Cruise from Tampa
See All Departure Ports
Cruise Info
Passport Requirements
Cruise Tips
Cruise Videos
Cruise Dining
Gift of Travel
Mobile App
Port Parking
Shore Excursions
Pre & Post Packages
Pre-Cruise Registration
Expectant Mothers
Special Needs
Quote Request
Cruise Deals
Theme Cruise
Theme Cruises
In love with wine? Can't wait for your next culinary adventure? Looking forward to sharing your interests in art and archaeology? Would you love to meet someone who can teach you about capturing the world's best photo? Cruise lines offer a world of theme cruises designed for the connoisseur, the adventurer, or the artist in you. Theme cruises for families may include the opportunity to explore the ocean and learn about its hidden universe. Take a look and see the possibilities that await you and your family on these extraordinary theme cruises.
Culinary Arts Voyages
The perfect risotto (served in Venice, of course) Magnificent bouillabaisse (it MUST be Marseille) Glorious paella (we hear Barcelona calling!) For that perfect combination of memorable scenery and fabulous food, one of these culinary arts voyages are for you!
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Social Impact Cruises
You can make a difference in other people's lives. Impact Travel offers the opportunity to help transform communities through cultural immersion and a focus on improving environmental, educational and economic conditions. Currently social impact cruises are available to Cuba and to the Dominican Republic.
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Wine Cruises
Does the notion of a perfect glass of Trebbiano make you tingle? Does a nouvelle Beaujolais conjure up images of the French countryside? Does your dream trip include the wine estates of Bordeaux? If so, then 'follow your nose' and book one of these great wine adventure cruises!
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Fun Holiday Cruises
We've made your search for 2014 Holiday Cruises quick and easy. Simply click on the link below for incredible savings.
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Lessons in Cooking Part 4: Cookbooks
FC Foodie names some of her favorite cookbooks
I am going to be very honest here…I am not that person who buys tons and tons of cookbooks. Often times I find that a handful of recipes in each book are worth trying while I had to pay for the whole book. Too expensive, I say! Besides, with internet being such a comprehensive resources for anything and everything, I find it super easy to find whatever I need over there. It is so easy to bookmark a favorite recipe in my browser or to pull it up on my iPad while cooking in the kitchen!
Having said that, there are a few books that I happened to come across and they have been my long time go-to's. They are as follows:
The Silver Palate Cookbook. Many of you may not even know of its existence. I came across this book about 20 some years ago (first printed in 1982). It was the first cookbook I ever bought. It has some delicious and classic recipes that I find to be a great reference point of an era-past.
I love any cookbooks by Barefoot Contessa aka. Ina Garten. I love watching her show for her simple and elegant recipes and her books delivers the same.
Sustainably Delicious by our very own chef Michel Nischan is a wonderful book. His phenomenal respect for nature's bounty is evident in his recipes. I have attended a cooking class with him at Clarke Kitchens and love following those same recipes in his book.
The Barcelona Cookbook is one of my favorites. Who doesn't love Barcelona restaurants? I have attended many cooking classes with their chefs. It is wonderfully fun to recreate some of those great flavors right in my own kitchen.
Perhaps the most exciting book I have ever come across was one I discovered recently. The Family Meal — Home Cooking with Ferran Adria. Ferran Adria is considered the best chef in the world and his restaurant, El Bulli (now closed), a legend. This book is a collection of everyday meals that the El Bulli staff used to eat together before evening service. It is such a methodical, meticulous resource of simple and delicious recipes. It explores all the basics one must have in a pantry. With an illustration for each step in a recipe. The book even goes into the details and instructions for time management when putting together a meal. Totally idiot-proof!
I am currently working my way through In the Kitchen with Alain Passard — a fascinating book that uses comic-book like illustrations to show a glimpse into the mind and world of this intense and innovative chef. His reverence for each ingredient, no matter how big or small, is mesmerizing and inspiring. For one thing, I am amazed at how many ingredients can be consumed raw — if shaved super thin. Never thought about it until this book came along.


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- Video
- Overview
- Information
- Reviews
- Help
Go Cart Kayak Bike Trailer Cart
Shopping Info
|Seattle Sports Go!Cart Kayak Bike Trailer Cart - The Go!Cart by Seattle Sport serves as the base for an innovative cart that allows you to carry canoes, kayaks, surfboards, SUP boards and sailboards with your bike! It has a patented hitch that securely holds it to your bicycle's rear hub with ready to use quick-release levers. The frame is made from lightweight anodized aluminum and stainless steel hardware. The Go!Cart can handle items up to 15 feet long and weighing up to 75 pounds. Straps are included. When it's too far to walk, and too close (or too nice!) to drive, your Go!Cart will get you to the put-in with style. When you need to use the Cart without your bike, you can quickly detach the conversion kit and store for later.
Click here for: Go!Cart Kayak Bike Cart Owner's Manual
Warnings and Cautions:
This is a great idea and even more useful product! Its so easy to transport my boat from the dock to my house. Riding a bike and pulling anything does take some practice but its not hard. You just go slow and be mindful of other traffic and suddenly you are having fun. If you need to cart your kayak over distances you will find this product very handy. I do highly recommend it for boaters that have the opportunity or need to transport their boats by bike.
Jason Baker
Venice Beach, Ca
Neat product. Stable, sturdy and easy to assemble/dis-assemble. A bike pulled kayak cart. It really makes life a lot less complicated than tying your kayak down on the roof of your rig. I recommend it for those that have a use for it.
Brad Green
PA, Tx
Go!Cart Kayak Bike Cart by Paddleboy for Kayaking
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For months now, Sullivan County Legislators Cora Edwards, Cindy Gieger, Kitty Vetter, Gene Benson, and Alan Sorensen have been criticized and vilified by some for trying to do what they were elected to do, namely fix county government and its related financial problems.
Changing any entrenched system is a slow and difficult process, but these legislators have worked long and hard to accomplish just such changes. They have championed open government to eliminate back-room deals that foster ineffective and destructive cycles of raising taxes, eliminating jobs and slashing services to deal with deficits. They have scheduled public forums and town meetings to inform residents of critical issues confronting the county. They set up advisory review panels that have already saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars, with promise of more savings to come. And most importantly, they are exercising their duty to oversee county contracts and financial dealings to ensure that county taxpayers and residents get the best deals and services for their money.
In working to balance the budget by eliminating waste and lowering governmental costs, while retaining essential service programs, these legislators are ensuring the future wellbeing of Sullivan County and its residents. They have earned and deserve our profound gratitude. Keep up the good work.
Star D. Hesse
Narrowsburg, NY


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Home List of Titles Laser-induced microexplosion confined in a bulk of silica: Formation of nanovoids
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/155889
|Download PDF (Published version) (Adobe Acrobat PDF, 189 KB)
- Title
- Laser-induced microexplosion confined in a bulk of silica: Formation of nanovoids
- Author(s)
- Juodkazis, Saulius; Misawa, Hiroaki; Hashimoto, Tomohiro; Gamaly, Eugene G.; Luther-Davies, Barry
- Abstract
- We report on the nanovoid formation inside synthetic silica, viosil, by single femtosecond pulses of 30-100 nJ energy, 800 nm wavelength, and 180 fs duration. It is demonstrated that the void is formed as a result of shock and rarefaction waves at pulse power much lower than the threshold of self-focusing. The shock-compressed region around the nanovoid is demonstrated to have higher chemical reactivity. This was used to reveal the extent of the shock-compressed region by wet etching. Application potential of nanostructuring of dielectrics is discussed.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Source
- Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 88, no. 20 (May 2006), article no. 201909
- Publication year
- 2006
- FOR Code(s)
- 01 Mathematical Sciences; 02 Physical Sciences; 09 Engineering
- Keyword(s)
- Chemical reactions; Dielectric materials; Etching; Laser-induced microexplosion; Nanostructured materials; Nanovoids; Shock waves; Silica; Synthetic silica
- Publisher
- American Institute of Physics
- 0003-6951
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2006 American Institute of Physics. The published version is reproduced with the kind permission of the publisher.
- Full text
- Peer reviewed


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Announcing the Ultimate in Fitness Fusion
Indoor cycling giant Mad Dogg Athletics acquires industry innovator Peak Pilates®
VENICE, CA, March 12, 2009 – Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., creators of the Spinning® program and patented line of Spinner® bikes, announced today the acquisition of Peak Pilates®. This newly formed relationship allows Mad Dogg Athletics to enhance their outstanding reputation of providing the fitness industry's most innovative equipment and instructor education.
Mad Dogg Athletics saw an opportunity to add a product line to their global distribution channel of over 35,000 facilities. Combined with its other brands, distribution relationship with Star Trac and global presence in the fitness industry, the company sees a bright future for Peak Pilates and the entire Pilates category.
"We approached Peak Pilates because of their innovative programs, extensive team of professionals and their exceptional, high-quality products. We share a passion for providing best-in-class equipment and education. We view their revolutionary MVe® program as an unmatched group exercise solution that is fun, challenging and gets results. It enhances member retention while meeting demand for equipment-based Pilates programming. With Peak's expertise in classical Pilates programs and products, we see unlimited opportunity to expand in the fitness and studio markets. We're excited to offer Peak's outstanding equipment and programs to our network of facilities, instructors and enthusiasts, and look forward to working with their seasoned management team," said John Baudhuin, CEO of Mad Dogg Athletics.
Over the past twelve years, Peak Pilates has created an industry leading line of classical Pilates equipment and unparalleled education programs. Looking to the future, Julie Lobdell, President of Peak Pilates, led the company through rigorous product design and testing in order to create the MVe® (Maximum Versatility Exercise) program. The MVe program is a heart-pumping, music-driven group exercise workout that everyone can enjoy. It includes patented, stackable Pilates chairs and reformers, on-site instructor training, pre-designed group class formats, DVDs, marketing and implementation support.
The MVe program sets the stage for a facility to expand into other revenue-generating opportunities with a variety of fee-based Pilates training options. Similar to the Spinning program, health clubs and commercial facilities enjoy a minimal up-front investment and quick turnaround to launch the programs.
"We have proudly worked with Mad Dogg Athletics to distribute the Spinning line of products for the past seven years in the commercial market and believe the addition of the Peak Pilates product line and education will strengthen their leadership position in the equipment-based group exercise category," said Randy Bergstedt, Star Trac® Vice President of Marketing.
"I am pleased to join forces with a true pioneer in the fitness industry. We look forward to leveraging the talents and strengths of both organizations to provide the ultimate in fitness solutions," said Lobdell.
Lobdell will serve as President of the Peak Pilates division at their office in Boulder, Colorado. Questions regarding all Pilates equipment, training and products should be directed to Peak Pilates customer service at 1-800-925-3674.
Spinning (IHRSA booth 1624), Mad Dogg Athletics (626) and Peak Pilates (2128) will be showcasing the latest in equipment and fitness solutions at the 28th Annual IHRSA Conference in San Francisco, CA, March 16-19, 2009.
Download this release as a PDF


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Viewpoint: IU President Myles Brand, chancellors from the
IU campuses and other guest writers appear in this column in each
bi-weekly edition. Viewpoint editorial policy: Viewpoint is open
for opinions on topics and issues that affect IU campuses and their
surrounding communities. To submit your idea for Viewpoint, contact
IU Home Pages editor Jayne Spencer by E-mail (email@example.com),
Fax (812-855-7984) or campus or U.S. Mail ('IU Home Pages,' 400
E. 7th St., Poplars 721, Bloomington, IN 47405).
Please summarize your column idea and the points you intend to
make and develop into a 300-400 word column. Viewpoint is open to
faculty, staff, students, parents or community members and is intended
to express the opinions of individuals, not special interest groups.
The IU Home Pages Executive Board reserves the right to edit
or reject any submitted copy.
Browse this column for a sampling of upcoming events emanating from the
campuses of Indiana University.
Fact facts:
Did you know that the Well House at IUB is shaped like a Beta Theta Pi
fraternity pin; that the ivy covering the Kirkwood Observatory grew from
a sprig brought back from Westminster Abbey; that the Bloomington campus
maintains the "Fort Knox of fruit flys," that IU School of Medicine
physiologist Wiltz Wagner has literally taken "pigs in space" aboard a
NASA KC-135 (aka the Vomit Comet) to study theories of pulmonary blood
flow; that Swingshift College, designed to meet the needs of shift
workers, is located at IU Northwest? Check out this column each week
and learn something about IU you didn't know before.
Knowledge transfer: In this new Home Pages on-line column, employees
and supervisors are invited to send in comments about problems they
have encountered in their own work environments and the solutions
they have innovated. Will these solutions transfer to other campuses
around the state? We hope so. And we'd also like to use this column
to salute employee excellence. Send your E-mail kudos to an IU employee
you know who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to: firstname.lastname@example.com
Photographer's corner:
A new on-line scrapbook of snapshots highlighting events or people on
the campuses of Indiana University.
Last updated: September 29, 2000
Comments: email@example.com
Copyright 2000, The
Trustees of Indiana University


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The Honolulu Emergency Services Department's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association announces registration for the Junior Lifeguard Program will open Saturday, April 27.
The city's Junior Lifeguard program familiarizes teenagers with ocean safety awareness and skills.
Instructed by the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Division Lifeguards, the program included instruction in surf rescue techniques, physical conditioning, swimming, CPR and First Aid training and lifeguard rescue related skills.
The Junior Lifeguard program develops self-confidence and teaches the experience needed to stay safe in the ocean. Many of today's dedicated Ocean Safety officers got their start in the Jr. Lifeguard Program.
Participants must be 13-18 years of age at the time of registration, no exceptions. All participants must be able to swim. This is not a learn-to-swim program. Swimwear, water and home lunch are required daily.
On April 27, on-site registration will be held from 9 a.m. until noon at Makaha Beach Park and at Ala Moana Beach Park (behind Tower 1B, Ewa side of the park). On-site registration will be held at Kalama Beach Park and Ehukai Beach Park on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. until noon. Applicants are enrolled on a first-come-first-served basis.
Twenty-one children are allowed in each one-week program to maintain a safe instructor-to-student ratio. Each child receives a shirt and goodie bag at the end of each session.
2013 Program Schedule
JG Week #1: May 27 - May 31 - ALA MOANA BEACH PARK
JG Week #2: June 3 - June 7 - KALAMA BEACH PARK
JG Week #3: June 10 - June 14 - MAKAHA BEACH PARK
JG Week #4: June 17 - June 21 - EHUKAI BEACH PARK
JG Week #5: June 24 - June 28 - ALA MOANA BEACH PARK
JG Week #6: July 1 - July 5 - KALAMA BEACH PARK (No class July 4)
JG Week #7: July 8 - July 12 - MAKAHA BEACH PARK
JG Week #8: July 15 - July 19 - EHUKAI BEACH PARK
For further information, contact the Ocean Safety Division Junior Lifeguard Coordinator Jimmy Barros at 723-7869 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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"Trust, but verify" was used by President Reagan in describing his dealings with the Soviet Union. Interestingly, it was a Russian proverb, "doveryai, no proveryai" (Russian: Доверяй, но проверяй) and had been frequently used by Lenin. It could also serve as a succinct statement of the law of reasonable reliance in fraud cases when a […]
Grounded is a special topic area fousing on land use rights, and other issues. Written by Andy Gowder, you'll find insights into land use and other matters.
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June 25, 2014 at 10:24 am
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What's On the Agenda?
June 23, 2014 at 2:44 pm
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Trust, but Verify?
March 1, 2012 at 6:20 pm
March 1, 2012 at 6:20 pm
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October 25, 2011 at 9:12 am
October 25, 2011 at 9:12 am


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Media representatives from more than 380 Texas newspapers, radio and television stations and online publications were honored by their local school districts. Criteria for the district selection included the media representative's efforts to get to know the superintendent, board president and the district's mission and goals; report school news in a fair, accurate and balanced manner; give a high profile to positive news about schools; visit the schools and maintain a policy of no surprises by sharing information with school officials.
"Districts across Texas appreciate these reporters for their balanced and accurate approach to sharing both the challenges facing our schools and the successes achieved by local teachers, students and school boards. Their work aids local communities in focusing on the goal of providing the best public schools we can for every child," said Faye Beaulieu, TASB president.
In most cases, local school boards passed a formal resolution and presented a personalized certificate to their nominated news media. TASB is a nonprofit organization established in 1949 to serve local Texas school districts.