text:
DipNote Editors' Note: Due to ongoing events in the Middle East, this entry will remain the "Question of the Week" for two weeks.
Although conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, polls conducted prior to the recent violence indicated that majorities of both Palestinians and Israelis favored a peaceful, negotiated solution to their differences.
What possible means are readily available to resume a path toward peace between Israel and Palestine?
Roger in North Carolina writes:
A resolute demand from the U.S. that Israel take the lead by actively promoting peace regardless, not throwing gas on the fire unproportionately. As long as the U.S. permits Israel to act like WE did in Iraq... It will never end.
Albert in Pennsylvania writes:
Hamas charter is to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state. No peace is possible with Hamas. Israel has to eliminate all the leaders of the terror group called Hamas.
Albert in Pennsylvania writes:
None as long as Arabs want the destruction of Israel. They continue holding Arab refugees in camps supported by the UN and we pay for it as a weapon against Israel. Israel absorbed more Jewish refugees from all Arab lands now empty of Jews.
Hamas reason for existence: The destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic state instead.
No peace possible today. QED
Yael in West Virginia writes:
Can you be more specific about the polls you reference, because a poll headlined in the New York Times in March showed that "Most Palestinians Favor Violence Over Talks." http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/world/middleeast/19mideast.html?_r=1
Here's a quote:
RAMALLAH, West Bank A new poll shows that an overwhelming majority of Palestinians [84%] support the attack this month on a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem that killed eight young men, most of them teenagers, an indication of the alarming level of Israeli-Palestinian tension in recent weeks.
The survey also shows unprecedented support for the shooting of rockets on Israeli towns from the Gaza Strip and for the end of the peace negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli leaders.
The pollster, Khalil Shikaki, said he was shocked because the survey, taken last week, showed greater support for violence than any other he had conducted over the past 15 years in the Palestinian areas. Never before, he said, had a majority favored an end to negotiations or the shooting of rockets at Israel.
"There is real reason to be concerned," Mr. Shikaki said in an interview at his West Bank office. His Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, which conducts a survey every three months, is widely viewed as among the few independent and reliable gauges of Palestinian public opinion.
Herb in Pennsylvania writes:
Relocate all Arabs to Arab lands - it will be less expensive in human and financial terms for the betterment of all.
Matt in Michigan writes:
The U.S. needs to avoid condemning/endorsing either side in this conflict and urge Israel to behave like a modern nation state should, exhausting diplomacy and cooperating with international bodies to broker a continual process.
The U.S. State Department also needs to publicly acknowledge that it has actually made use of terrorists and terrorist groups in its own efforts to secure its national interests and stop talking like it has a place to condemn the actions of Hamas.
The U.S. needs to stop sitting back and throwing armaments at this conflict and play a tireless role in contributing to an international process of peace brokering.
DipNote Bloggers write:
@ Yael in West Virginia -- You're absolutely right Yael. In fact, you're actually reinforcing the point of this question. Polls conducted after the current wave of violence began indicate growing skepticism. However, polls conducted by the same source prior to the current wave of violence (i.e. December, 2007 and March 2008) indicated a greater willingness to favor a peaceful, negotiated solution to their differences. Regardless of past poll results, the focus of this question is to explore the best means to move back toward the path to peace. Thanks for your question.
Bennett in New Jersey writes:
You would be a lot more believable if you would provide a link to that poll. I have heard many claims that such a poll exists, but no one who has made such a claim--including Condoleezza Rice--have ever produced that poll.
DipNote Bloggers write:
@ Bennett in New Jersey -- The source of the poll referenced by Yael in West Virginia appears to be: http://www.pcpsr.org/index.html.
Yael in West Virginia writes:
If there is a path to peace, it does not run through the U.S. State Department, where the "foreign desks" of Arab countries outnumber Jewish ones fifty-something to one. Sadly, the U.S. has not been an honest broker in recent "peace talks," and in fact has betrayed Israel's trust by not keeping the commitment -made to Ariel Sharon in the famous April 14, 2004 letter- that the Roadmap and only the Roadmap would oblige the signatories. The Bush administration -and specifically Secretary Rice- have surreptitiously replaced the Roadmap with the "Annapolis process," consisting of $1.7 billion dollars to the Palestinian Authority, multiple Israeli concessions and negotiations over borders and the status of Jerusalem held in secret. It is obvious to astute and dedicated observers that "Annapolis" is code for the Saudi Plan (for Israel's destruction).
It goes something like this: Israel surrenders Judea, Samaria, the Golan Heights and Jerusalem and accepts millions of foreign-born, hostile Arabs within its (1949) "Auschwitz" borders. The Arab world will graciously and generously "recognize" the existence of Jewish state that is defunct and defenseless.
Israel rendered the Gaza strip Jew-free and then gave it to the Palestinians in exchange for nothing, and proceeded to absorb thousands of rocket attacks from the gifted territory, in addition to releasing hundreds of convicted terrorists from Israeli prisons, dismantling checkpoints and opening crossings to hostile enemies. The Palestinians have made not a single contribution nor concession in the so-called peace process and the United States has asked of them only that they accept our hundreds of millions of dollars in aid as tribute, and keep making the same old worn and broken promises to try and stop killing Jews.
To my mind there is only one "means" to peace and it depends entirely upon the attitude of the Arabs to Jews and to Zionism. Until that changes, nothing will change.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
This depends on what means one wishes to use to remove roadblocks to peace.
In the case of Hamas, obvously a decision has been made to use whatever means neccesary.
I think that average Palestinians need to take stock of who they elected in Gaza. Now they are reaping the results of letting terrorists run their affairs.
If anyone now thinks their best interests were served by allowing their elected to launch rockets into Israel during the middle of an ongoing peace process, they did not want peace in the first place, and cannot call themselves "oppressed" or "victims" being these are qualities of life born through their own stupidity.
This is going to go on for awhile so I suggest the international community think about evacuating women and children from Gaza to temporary safe haven, and send the bill to Hamas.
Jay in California writes:
Abandoning apartheid might be a good start.
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
The State Department has tried for over 40 years to solve this UN problem and obviously has failed, repeatedly, with road maps, processes, accords, agreements, cease fires, ad naseum, while the U.N. does nothing for the situation it created.
The one way that might have settled the matter was if the people in Palestine had received in 1948 full compensation for taking of the lands they claimed were theirs. Money damages might still be offered but the cost will be much more today than it would have been in 1948.
Regardless, the conflict between Israel and arabs now is a blood feud that neither side is willing to forget. Enough people have been killed on both sides so that neither side will shed tears over genocide of the other.
This conflict is a natural result of a fiat global government arbitrarily taking land from one group to give to another. If the UN cannot resolve this conflict to the satisfaction of both sides, perhaps it should cease creating new nations out of other people's land.
Edite in Canada writes:
From the age of reasoning and on..... 12 years and up.... gather together 2 guys and 2 gals from each representative age groups such as 12 year olds, then 15.....,18.....21.....25 and on up through the ages. Equal numbers of Palestinian and Israeli children and students are gathered together in a common room , neutral in its decor,conducive to conversation and reaching solutions voiced by the generations that will be most affected in the future.... their children's children. Ask them how they would like to see these issues resolved so that everyone can live in peace, harmony and friendship. After all, we have the same hunger, the same thirst, the same need for love, the same need for laughter and sunshine......and we shed the same blood...it runs together as one colour.....
Robert in California writes:
@ Zharkov in U.S.A. -- You are more right than you know about "creating new nations out of other people's land." The land of Israel has been historically Jewish for over 3,000 years. There have been several Jewish states existing for centuries. There has never been an independent Arab state in that land, under the name of Palestine or any other.
Penelope in U.S.A. writes:
Having recently return from the West Bank and Israel in the last few weeks I was deeply saddened by the situation. Where "separate but equal" is considered acceptable, daily discrimination, mistreatment and humilation are a reality it is hard not to imagine the people and particularly the Palestinian youth are not impacted. However, I found in the West Bank and through several countries I traveled in the Middle East that Palestinians seek the same needs nearly all Americans desire. In this majority there is great opportunity to work for peace. This vast resource for peaceful opportunity can only truly be tapped when the discrimnation and unnecessary hardships applied upon the West Bank (and Gaza) are eliminated or at least minimized to level acceptable to our concepts of humanity.
This Palestinian majority can help as a tool for peace, but the crucial component is the means to gain their support by eliminiating the inhumanity of the situation. In my endless talks with everyday Israelis, Palestinan, Arabs and Christian of the region and those inbetween I have realized the best means for immediate and lasting peace is the use of America as a true mediator and if this is not possible, the removal of the US from the process. Over the years the US has not met the minimum requirements to consider itself a mediator; i.e. objective, without predetermined viewpoints and decisions, and equally fair and separate from both sides in the dispute. No genuine mediator can claim to support one side unwaivering and expect the other side to feel the mediator is non-bias and fair. I would prefer the US over all other countries to be this genuine mediator as it has the economic, military and political persuasion to enforce the agreements upon both sides. The means are simply up to the Bush Administration in their last three weeks to truly be the mediator the world needs. If not, it seems we must step aside as we (America) have lost our way.
Millie in U.S.A. writes:
@ Yael in West Virginia -- To Yael (and others that may make such assumptions),
I was quite interested to read in the paper today that over 80% of Israel's favored the bombing into Gaza to attack Hamas, while only some 30% actually thought it would hurt or remove Hamas. It seems 50% of the polled Israel's are OK with punishment upon Hamas and Gaza civilians for peace or justice. That seems disturbing and although I heard some fantastically absurd hate mongering comments and rants from Israel's I am aware enough to know that such ignorant comments I hear (such that all Arab are born evil, whether in the middle east, USA or anywhere)is not the viewpoint of all Israelis. In my personal and direct experience I know such absolutes and cruel majority group-think does not exist within the Palestinian majority as well.
Yael, unless you have interacted (non-confrontationally) with Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza and even spent time in their cities and villages I am confident that your viewpoint on a whole group of people is uninformed and peppered with your personal political, historical and religious viewpoint. Thus, the means to peace if for people like Yael, average Americans, Palestinans and Israelis to personally educate themselves on a personal level on the humanity on both sides of this conflict. Then, get involved, joined organizations and entities to seek peace.
Robert in Florida writes:
Israel must submit to a truce and end the blockade. Only then will the climate of hopelessness and desparation subside in Gaza. The genocide must stop, and the Israelies must submit to the mandates of the United Nations which they have for all too long ignored.
For well over a year, there have been repeated calls from the United Nations and respected leaders throughout the world urging Israel to end its unlawful blockade of Gaza. The present Israeli government refused, and now our government blames the Palestinians/Hamas for "breaking the truce." Exactly what kind of truce is it that bars the international media, imposes a military blockade, and permits a humanitarian crisis against helpless civilians?
The United States must recover its senses and reclaim its heritage of justice and truth so that we may once again become the honest and respected broker of a fair and just peace. Until these things happen, I see little hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
I would say a reality check by Palestine Leadership and some guts to go againist a false population base ideology for the greater good of it's people.
I had the good fortune to meet Golda Meir many, many years ago to do some work for the Great Country of Israel. Oddly, my team mate was a Palestinian, #$%^a, and we worked together to solve a problem which falsely misrepresented the Palestinian people and created deep problems within the Hebrew/Jewish community. The problem was solved with the aid of a Palestine: because, the offensive actions taken were considered offensive to both cultures and any future development.
The criminal hold that Hamas now has over the new government is indicative of the non developmental aspect of all criminal elements in the limitations and control of its population by keeping it in chaos and poor. Certainly there is a more educated and business element of Palestine which should peruse the elimination of such negative persona and work WITH Israel in their elimination.
It is a shame that a false political structure re-seeded by Russian Communist methodology decades ago when the U.S. maintained the backing of the Israel State ruins any fiscal development of the Gaza strip which would help it citizens...and:
To think that any proposed caretaker of their community would rather maintain war and have its people starve, rather than develop its natural resources (oil in this case) of land given in a desire of Peace by Israel, should more than prove the true nature of Hamas; which is one not representative of any Good and Graceful God, including that of Islamic or Muslim nature.
They are an Evil which needs to be eliminated completely and should be done with the co-operation of the International community as well as viable and competent Palestine Officials. People of this nature hold no place in society today and are detrimental to the citizens they supposedly represent as well as creating International conflict. Who are they to be respected in any official capacity that they are even given creedence at all?
"Idleness is the devils workshop.." and perhaps a realistic leadership in Palestine would realize that development within the Gaza strip is more beneficial than any idealistic war which serves no beneficial purpose and one which is not of any Good God in any Scope of any Faith on this earth. Free Trade developement is a good tool here you would think.
This past summer, Iran and Syria tried to make a deal with Hamas to use the shoreline for a base...again, neither of which are Palestine or care about the people, only the strategic location of the Gaza strip and the oil. The innocent people mean nothing to them, it is one evil feeding upon another for no good end purpose.
If a cancer was creeping upon its citizens, I know of no competent leader who would not eliminate it.
May God, YHWH be with all Israel in this time and may Palestine Leaders realize what is in the best interest of its people and help eliminate the cancer which is growing in it's land...
Bimheirah b'Yameinu, may this problem be solved...
Hamas is an evil which needs to be eliminated from this spheare we call earth...HATE can be spelled HAMAS theologicaly and we need no more of it...
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Robert in Florida -- If Abbas and the PA inherit Gaza as a result of Israel actions to completely remove Hamas physically from the political spectrum, then Israel will have no need to blockade Gaza to prevent arms and munitions sent from Iran being used upon them by terrorists. Abbas won't buy what Iran is selling on an ideological level either.
I don't like it any more than you do, but I understand why Israel is forced to take these steps.
And legally, they do have the right to self defense.
I do however think that Israel and her government should draw some lessons learned from the U.S. in the sense that we've not only addressed terror through military might, but also engaged in nation building as a means to help populations achieve a better future for themselves and their children.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Joe in Tennessee -- Joe wrote:
"Hamas is an evil which needs to be eliminated from this sphere we call earth..."
With all due respect Joe, and in agreement with all aspects of your post with this one caveat;
Don't you think you might be giving Hamas a little too much credit for having the required intellectual capacity to be defined as evil?
Evil by its nature, can only exist through the total lack of empathy. It requires a fair degree of stupidity to consciously circumvent this natural human emotion on the part of an individual, let alone a government or other political entity.
Donald in Virginia writes:
I don't think anyone really truly wants to be at war, or to continue fighting for a cause that cannot be won. My view is "bad programming robot" we have now seen history repeat itself because people have a root to being programmed with the wrong message.
I believe the Hamas people have shame written all over their faces from this war. They continue to launch attacks and then scream timeout when it doesn't go their way like kids act in a school yard.
The solution to this problem I believe comes down to simple programming of the mind. It appears to me that for whatever reasons these Arabs can no more find peace than we can find the Top Terrorist in the world.
It's quite possible they just do not want to live in peace. You give someone a foot and they take a yard. You can also take a horse to water and it may not drink. We can try to force the hand for peace but if it's not in their hearts to find peace, they will never get it.
In a way, I think one other solution might be for God to solve this problem. He has been keeping an eye on the events so maybe he has a plan, a vision or maybe a great idea that will solve it once and for all. Maybe we all can put our trust in God's plan and see what he comes up with to find Peace.
I just think it alot like a computer "Gargage in, Gargage out" you can brainwash a computer in its language. Generations, we all have been programmed or brainwashed in some things in life. We have all had some kind of training, education, have skills, have knowlege, but how did we get all this intelligence?
- Peers
- Teachers
- Ministers
- News Media
- Books and videos
- Mentors
- Friends & Family
- Schools, Colleges
- Social activities
The people of Hamas shouldn't be making rockets but only to destroy human life. They should be displaying the white flag for surrender and find peace. They should be baking cookies or cakes not making devices that would only cause more deaths. Both sides need to find common ground and accept the good and the bad of what they like or have an opinion to what they don't like, but to destroy mankind because of land or because of religion is just plain wrong.
"My prayers will always be that Peace will be found. People can respect other peoples view, points, respect the religion, the way of lives, but also to put an end to the attacks, end to destroying and focus on the living. The true light in darkness only shines when your fears are gone! Focus on the good things, not embelish on the negative which continues to destroy human life like cancer!
God bless!
Happy New Years!
Mack in The Netherlands writes:
UN resolutions on the matter and a consideration to the Arab peace initiative. There are many possible ways to bring peace. There are well hearted people believe deeply in peace. So far the USA and its policies has been one of main obstacles to bring peace. The U.S.A. will be an asset for peace if it simply stop the role of mediation between the parties and let a fair and responsible country to play this role. Don't take my opinion as a criticism, I'm just being honest. The U.S.A. has failed to live up to its duties and promises toward its moderate friends in the region. It has no credibility but I think you know it already.
Donald in Virginia writes:
2 January 09
"When people of all races all religions and from all countries can finally sit down and end the violence, communicate their views without the use of swords, then we will have peace on earth!"
Kirk in Kentucky writes:
There will never be peace until one side or the other gains the decisive advantage in war and crushes the other. The path for peace will open when one side is completely disarmed and occupied, probably the Palestinians. Or at least rendered so incapacitated that they lose the will to fight. Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about it. Israel is smaller than New Jersey and yet accorded a disproportionate amount of our national attention and finances.
Since neither side has the collective will to refrain from ignorant savagery, let them reap the consequences. A quick military conclusion is sometimes more humane than slow stranglation, anyways.
Richard in Texas writes:
It is unconscionable that the United States places all blame for the tragic events in Gaza on Hamas, calling on them to stop firing rockets into Israel, while offering blind, total support to Israel. What's happening is heartbreaking -- and to hear the U.S. and Israelis placing all blame on Hamas with no acknowledgment of the circumstances in which Gazans have been forced to live is tough to stomach.
This sort of one sided approach is the cause of many, if not most of our problems in the Middle East, including many people's hatred of us as a nation. In the future we must respond much more harshly to Israel's policies of continuing to support illegal settlements, continuing to ignore UN resolutions and the International Court of Justice, and in military strikes like those of this weekend. Palestinian rocket fire at Israeli civilians constitutes a war crime and those responsible for it must be prosecuted. Israel is obligated to defend its civilians, but it must do so in compliance with international humanitarian law.
JM in Georgia writes:
With the U.S. invasion of Iraq all the way to the Isrealies declaring war on the Palestinian people, it appears that this new millenium has brought the death of the rule of law. Judge, jury, and executioner are now duties of leaders of countries and their militaries. The only humane way to bring about a sustainable peace is to end these governments based on religious beliefs, and instead base them on representation by the people it governs. Since Isreal is effectively governing the Palestine lands, it only makes sense that they allow these people to represent themselves in the government that is controlling their borders and assainating their elected officials. Instead of 2 countries living side by side warring with each other, you should make 1 country with laws applicable to all.
John in Greece writes:
According to my opinion: we should abandon mathematics and start geometry.
It's the first time -- it happens in the region for decades though -- that "political-religion science" must become stronger than "practical sciences."
What I mean is that you cannot easily have a logical approach, being sure that all the ships will follow the right GPS.
Middle East, AND THE NEIGHBORS, is not that easy to analyze.
It's maybe the only one area in the planet, where many CIRCLES can become a SQUARE! And probably the SQUARE: a CIRCLE!
I really do not know the area and it's too complicated for me, far more than simplifying it as just an Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The best way to describe my thoughts is this:
I invented a new "game" ...as Eric in NM would say- called "Scramble-Diplomacy:"
Here are the letters (circles&squares):
Hamas/Fatah and many other smaller "neighboring" religion sub-squares
plenty of sheikhs in smaller countries in the region that nobody can be sure how they play the game or, how they will react in various future circumstances, depending on how the story will go.
Do you think that this scramble is playable and simple?
Do you think that it's simple enough to find the word "peace"?
SD is right: continue "working toward a cease-fire that will not allow a return to the status quo ante and that will be durable.!" (as Dr. Rice said)
John in Greece writes:
@ Eric in New Mexico -- With all the respect Eric, trying to define evil is a dangerous path.
When you give "bad" a hypostasis, automatically you accept God too.
All of which is not bad, at least for me, because "in God I trust." But then, there is no evil, as long as God is the strongest and BETTER of all.
So, there is no Evil. There are only people, simple human beings like us, who can not exercise GOOD, as good enough we could have done it, if we had tried better.
That's the problem with Palestinians, among many other people on earth: They think that our Good is their BAD, while they are sure that their GOOD must become our GOOD...
P.S.: tough issues though, my dear Eric. Best Regards!
Albert in U.S.A. writes:
Return the Gaza street to it's original creator, Egypt. Let Egypt deal with Islamic Brotherhood relative Hamas. After all the Islamic Brotherhood is also an Egyptian creation. Then there is the issue of "Arab wombs" as a weapon, the invention of none other than Arafat himself, an Egyptian calling himself something else. But all knew what he was because of his "funny accent."


text:
About Organics
Thistle Hill's vineyard has been formally certified organic since 1993.
Wine Quality
Connoisseurs often choose organic wines because they want authentic, full flavours and complexity.
Thistle Hill does not use pesticides or herbicides. These chemicals leach nutrients from the soil.
Our grapes grow naturally from the rich nutrients and minerals in our soil. The vines work harder and have deeper roots than non-organic vines. The end result is complex wines that are a great representation of our vineyard and the Central Ranges Wine Region.
Think about when you buy a tomato or any other produce at a farmers market. An organic tomato tastes much better than one purchased in a supermarket. Organic grapes are no different. They are full of flavor and create excellent wines just as nature intended and as humans have been doing since Roman times, before chemicals were invented.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Despite Easter 'Truce,' Standoff In Ukraine Appears Steadfast
By Eleanor Beardsley • Apr 19, 2014
Originally published on April 19, 2014 6:28 pm
In the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, the opposing camps seem increasingly entrenched, despite a diplomatic effort to ease tensions. Pro-Russian forces refuse to leave occupied buildings and public squares in the east. It's an uneasy Easter weekend and neither side is willing to budge.


text:
Hamels, The Marked Man & More Injuries For The Phillies
In yesterday's spring training game against the Astros, pitcher Cole Hamels had words with second baseman Bill Hall. Hamels threw a pitch up and in which did not even come that close to Hall, but he apparently took offense.
Hamels blew off the incident saying Hall was a "good guy." Hall reacted a bit differently. According to the veteran infielder, "He's (Hamels) definitely a marked man for me now. So when I do some damage off him I'm going to let him know I did some damage off him. I guarantee that. I'm not going to let him disrespect me. If you disrespect me I'm going to do my best to disrespect you back."
In nine years in the majors, Hall is a lifetime .250 hitter. I am not sure what "damage" Hall is referring to and I am guessing we will not find out anytime in this decade. For a 31-year old, below-average player, these are certainly very immature remarks. Hall is not worthy to lick Cole's muddy cleats.
More Injuries
The grocery list of Phillies player injuries has just grown a bit longer. It began with Chase Utley's bum knee, moved on to a broken hand bone for Domonic Brown, a sore neck for Ben Francisco and now, Brad Lidge has joined the party.
According to Phillies sources, Lidge has bicep tendinitis. Pitching coach Rich Dubee said, "He generally has it in the spring," indicating that this is business as usual for Lidge. The Phillies insist it is not serious. Then again, we have heard that one before.
There are also reports that Lidge's fastball is not up to speed. Combined with his injury history and the fact that he has yet to get through an entire spring training with the Phillies healthy, there may be reason for concern.
Speaking of Lidge's history, did you know that Lidge missed parts of his first four professional seasons, from 2002 to 2005, with a variety of injuries? These included a torn rotator cuff, right shoulder tendinitis and a broken forearm that almost ended his career.
Here is a closer look at some of Lidge's injury history:
– 2002, a strained intercostal muscle near the rib cage.
– December 2003, arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
– June – July 2005, shut down with elbow issues.
– May 2007, bone bruise on his right femur near his knee.
– June – July 2007, left oblique strain.
– October 2007, surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee.
– February 2008, tore the meniscus in the same knee he just had surgery on during his first pitch off a mound in spring training.
– June 2009, sprained right knee and a sore elbow, specifically the flexor pronator tendon.
– January 2010, surgery on both the elbow and the right knee again.
– March 2010, the elbow is still an issue and Lidge gets a cortisone injection.
– March 2011, bicep tendinitis.
While history does not always predict the future, the long list of injuries is a bit scary. The amount of time Lidge has missed is an issue as well.
Of the top ten closers in baseball who remained basically healthy in 2010, the average number of innings pitched for each closer was about 68.2 innings per year. Lidge pitched only 45.2 last year and 58.2 in 2009.
The current injury for Lidge may indeed be nothing to worry about. Phillies fans certainly hope that is the case. But at the rate Phillies players are dropping, any injury is scary.
Adding to the Phillies woes, Placido Polanco left a spring game early today after hyperextending the same elbow he had surgery on this offseason. Just like Lidge, the Phillies say he is not expected to miss much time.
For both Lidge and Polanco, many are hoping that history will not repeat itself.
Photo by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin' Phils Phorum in the MTR Media network*
5 Comments
Definitely not good news on Polanco- I know he is saying it is not a big deal, it has happened many times before, but come on, why didn't they fix that problem when they did the elbow surgery this winter. Doesn't sound to me like he will make it through the whole season without a significant elbow issue again- so I guess we really need to hope Utley's small progress quickly becomes major progress- no way we want to have both of them out of the lineup again for an extended period.
Bill Hall is an idiot. Given the current Phils rotation plan with Hamels the number four pitcher, Hamels and Hall will not face each other the first series of the year-which is a shame since by the next time the Phillies face the Astros, you can be sure Hall will be suffering another of his injuries that has made him nothing more than a backup with a big mouth.
Bruce (Phillies Insight)
First off,
Happy Birthday Miss Jenn.
Secondly, Hall is a dweeb who couldn't make an impact on the Red Sox…Hamels could of done it on purpose, but it is the Spring. It is not the time for that playground BS staements or puffing out of the chest.
If this had happened in the middle of a series, or made Hall dirty, then the chatter could be tolerated.
Hall should of just shut his trap and acted like a veteran…instead of mouthing off like a Double-A player….Maybe he is the "marked man" now by more than just Hamels……Way to go Bill…make yourself a target in March.
Rays Renegade
Bill Hall sounds like an idiot with delusions of grandeur. Sorry to hear there have been more injuries. Not a great spring trainings for the Phillies so far, at least not from a health stand point. Maybe they're just getting it all out of their systems now?
Yes, please let's hope they're getting it out of the way now. All these injuries, major and minor, are making me feel a bit queasy. And what is Bill Hall's problem? Since when is pitching up and in "disrespecting" someone? Isn't it part of the game to get the batter off the plate? Sheesh!
Rants, Raves, and Random Thoughts
Hey read my blog I am a die heart Phillies fan I know read what I wrote on the Bill Hill thing. thebaseballdaily.mlblogs.com


text:
No stocking stores found in this market.
About Coaster: Coaster Company of America has been an importer and distributor of fine furniture in the United States and Mexico since 1972. Coaster offers a diverse selection of quality, stylish, and valuable casual and formal dining furniture, entertainment centers, home theater chairs, sofas, futons, bedroom sets, bunk beds, daybeds, occasional/accent tables, curios, rugs and much more for your home.
|Bar Stool


text:
Category: Desktop-Enhancements/ThemesSoftpedia Christmas Wallpaper Pack 2004bAuthor: Softpedia Labs
Operation System: Windows AllLicense: FreewareSize: 2.69 MBDate: 2006-03-01To enhance your experience with Softpedia, we provide you this Christmas wallpaper pack.
This is pack number 2 and contains various standard formats such as: 800x600px, 1024x768px, 1152x864px, 1280x800px, 1280x1024px and 1600x1200px.
All wallpapers are free and can be used by anyone with no restrictions,
at home or at work, as long as the images are not modified or sold.
Don't forget that Softpedia is your software encyclopedia and is here
for all software enthusiasts.
Download software
Unlock software
Download serilas


text:
October 3, 2013 —
Press release from Congressman Chris Gibson:
Washington, DC - Congressman Gibson joined with a bipartisan group of Members today to express support for a solution that would reopen the federal government. The legislation would fund the government and repeal the medical device tax, a proposal that has significant support in the House and Senate. A medical device tax repeal passed the House 270-146 last year and a symbolic vote in the Senate passed 79-20 earlier this year.
His statement on the proposal is as follows:
"Today I joined with a group of Republicans and Democrats on a solution to end the government shutdown. This proposal is a temporary spending measure (CR) that would fund the government through March 31. This CR also repeals the medical device tax included in the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare, a provision that has attracted wide, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. To ensure that we do not increase the deficit as a result, this proposal includes an offset in pension reform.
"Repealing the 2.3% medical device tax would be a significant win for Upstate NY. We have over 18,000 jobs in this industry, including over 5,000 in and around our District. Although this would be the 9th partial repeal of the ACA, it would be without question the most significant action to date for our area.
"This proposal evolved in part from discussions in the 'No Labels' group I'm part of – Republican and Democrats who have built friendship and trust across the aisle, allowing us to work together. We need leadership, and I'm proud to be a part of a group that is moving us forward together. We're calling on House and Senate leadership to bring this proposal up immediately to reopen the government.
"Meanwhile, in the long-term, I will be continuing to advocate for the two provisions I voted for several nights ago – repeal of the special treatment for Congress and protection of the American people from a tax that big business has already been exempted from for 2014. I will also continue to advocate for health care reform that drives down costs, expands access while retaining quality care.
"Without question, we have more to do – but today's proposal is bipartisan, helps Upstate New York, and reopens our federal government so we can continue to negotiate long-term solutions for economic growth, a balanced budget, and health care reform."
Repeals/Changes to date to the Affordable Care Act
Eight ACA/Obamacare provisions have been repealed / have had funding rescinded and signed into law:
Repealed onerous 1099 tax reporting requirement imposed on small businesses
Reduced improper Exchange subsidy overpayments
Repealed Free-Choice Vouchers
Reduced funding for the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP)
Reduced funding for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) rationing board,
Reduced funding for the Prevention and Public Health "slush" Fund
Reduced a Medicaid formula drafting error included in the "Louisiana Purchase"
Repealed the CLASS Act Program


text:
The Dish
Tag: Rotz-Carlton
PB Summer Happy Hours: 2-4-1 Cocktails, Complimentary Goodies
- 7:20 pm Monday, June 4th, 2012 by M.M. Cloutier
Two-for-one cocktails, half-priced food.
Those are among the perks of summer happy hours at the island's restaurants.
Here's a looks at some of the sweet happy-hour deals:
Buccan: Drinks, including Buccan tea, well beer and wines by the glass, are two-for-one
4-7 p.m. daily.
The Chesterfield's Leopard Lounge: Monday through Friday, 5-7 p.m., look for two-for-one well-brand cocktails, house wines and domestic beers, plus complimentary snacks, a $5 "Bar Bites" menu and live musical entertainment.
264 The Grill: Daily happy hour includes $5 drinks and a bar menu with $6-$12 items, including cheddar-burger sliders, fish tacos, calamari and a lobster po'boy.
Cha Cha's: On Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., [More]


text:
Colorblock Tux Jacket
Style: 570092730
Out of Stock
In a refined gabardine twill, this tuxedo jacket has independent style. Contrast stand collar and tacked-back lapels create a new look, along with a hook-and-eye front closure and jacket's front hem that dips slightly to a lower point in front.
- Chiffon piping on double princess seams. Double hook/eye closures.
- Welt chest pocket and slit pockets at the waist.
- Satin-bound lining pleated in back. Light shoulder pads. Signature coat chain.
- 78% Polyester, 20% Rayon, 2% Spandex. Dry clean. Imported.
- Hits at lower hip (26" from shoulder in front; 23" in back).
Read more… Read less…


text:
The Hunger Games: Catching FirePG-13, 2 hours 26 minutes
Katniss Everdeen has returned home safely after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on …More »Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Lenny Kravitz
Showtimes near
We couldn't find theaters for the location you entered. Please try again with an appropriate zip code or a valid city, state. Example 90210 or Hollywood, CA
- Wheel Chair Accessible
- Listening Devices Available
- Discounted / Bargain shows
- THX Certified Theater
- Preferred Parking Available
- Sony Digital Dynamic Sound
- Cafe on Premises
- Party Room Available
- Digital Theater Systems
- Print At Home Ticketing
- Stadium Seating
- Digital Light Processing
- Kiosk for Ticket Pick-Up
- Game Room on Premises
I do not know why I still go to see these movies. The acting was bad and at times silly. Even the acting of the …more»


text:
You purchased this item onView this order
Good Clean Love, Almost Naked Personal Lubricant, 4 fl oz (120 ml) (Discontinued Item)
- You earn loyalty credit for every order you place at iHerb!
- Loyalty credit is equal to 10% of the value of your order, excluding shipping charges.
- Your loyalty credit will be applied towards your next order as soon as your current order has shipped.
- Your loyalty credits are valid for up to 60 days from the date of your last purchase.
Shipping Weight:?0.35 lbs (0.16 kg)Shipping WeightThe Shipping Weight includes the product, protective packaging material and the actual shipping box. In addition, the Shipping Weight may be adjusted for the Dimensional Weight (e.g. length, width & height) of a package. It is important to note that certain types of products (e.g. glass containers, liquids, fragile, refrigerated or ice packed) will often require protective packaging material. As such, these products will reflect a higher Shipping Weight compared to the unprotected product.
- Product Code: GCL-00060
- UPC Code: 893268000604
- Package Quantity: 4 fl oz (120 ml)
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.2 x 5.5 in, 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)
- 95% Organic Ingredients
- No Petrochemicals, No Parabens, No Glycerin
- Recommended by Medical Professionals
- Naturally Moist, Sensuously Smooth, Long Lasting
- Cruelty Free - 100% Vegan
- Safe with Latex and Toys
- Member Organic Trade Association
- NSF Certified Organic Ingredients
Infused with a touch of lemon and vanilla, this fresh and slightly sweet personal lubricant has an almost undetectable scent.
Good Clean Love organic personal lubricants enhance your love life naturally. Vaginal lubrication is at the core of good feelings in sexuality. Vaginal dryness takes the flow out of making love. A great natural lubricant improves vaginal wetness and allows for glide, ease and effectiveness. When female lubrication is working well, it is invisible, a thought we don't have. When it isn't working, we feel it immediately. Enhancing vaginal wetness will enhance your love making.
All of our lubricants are edible and delicious. All of our personal lubricants are made with aloe vera, xanthan gum and agar (seaweed) to create a smooth and long lasting glide.
Safe for latex, toys and for use throughout pregnancy, they are also 100% vegan and not tested on animals.
Good Clean Love organic personal lubricants respond to your own internal moisture and will dry without any sticky cleanups. So go on - cuddle a little longer!
Suggested Use
Apple generously to both partners. Repeat application as necessary.
Other Ingredients
Organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, xanthan gum, agar, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium lactate, lactic acid, natural flavor.
If irritation should occur, discontinue use immediately. Not for use as contraceptive. If seal is broken, do not use.
Is definitely less tacky than big commercial brands of lube, but also less slippery, and leaves an unpleasant crusty residue. Mostly, it just seemed too thick, and also dried out very quickly.
we need a lot of.. lube. and this is great, not tested on animals and such.
Been using this exclusively for a couple of years now
Posted by 5047457829053537877 on Sep 09, 2013
Never had a big issue with this product. The "touch of vanilla" is light and pleasant smelling. It might take 5-10 minutes to get tacky/dry, but rehydrates with additional application. Better than some non-natural alternatives we've tried. Knowing and being OK with the ingredients used is a major plus.
does the job
Posted by Reviewer2910193 on Aug 14, 2013
we need a lot of.. lube. and this is great, not tested on animals and such.
Posted by Reviewer1953414 on Jun 17, 2013
left me irritated and in pain..
Ok product
Posted by Reviewer1988938 on Dec 12, 2011
Works ok but still a little irritating.
Posted by Reviewer2961927 on Mar 01, 2011
Is definitely less tacky than big commercial brands of lube, but also less slippery, and leaves an unpleasant crusty residue. Mostly, it just seemed too thick, and also dried out very quickly.


text: Hello ladies. My name is Bobbie. I have a 21 month old, Maggie. I am currently 25 weeks pregnant with my 2nd little girl. I did not breastfeed with my 1st, but I plan on trying to bf with this one. I know this may sound so silly, but I am scared about bfing. I don't know why I have this mental hangup about it. I don't see the boobs as sexual or anything like that. Why do I feel that it is not a natural thing for me? I really want to try to do it this time though. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! I look forward to chatting with you ladies!!


text:
Boy hurt when car hits snowmobile in eastern Iowa
A 12-year-old Cedar Rapids boy has been hospitalized after his snowmobile was hit by a car west of Bertram in eastern Iowa.
Linn County Sheriff's Office says the car went out of control Sunday evening on Iowa Highway 13 and went into a ditch that contained a snowmobile trail. Deputies say the car struck Will Mefferd and his snowmobile.
Cedar Rapids television station KGAN says the boy was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids and then moved to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for treatment of nonlife-threatening injuries.
No injuries to anyone in the car have been reported.
The accident is being investigated.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Great Bay Operations, LLC, 1 New Hampshire Ave. Suite 207, Portsmouth, NH 03801 is applying to the Railroad Commission of Texas for a permit to dispose of produced salt water or other oil and gas waste by well injection into a porous formation not productive of oil and gas.
The applicant proposes to dispose of oil and gas waste into the Frio formation, Huff GU 1 Lease, Well number 16. The proposed disposal well is located 10 miles west of Tivoli in the McFaddin Field, in Refugio County. The waste water will be injected into strata in the subsurface depth interval from 2950 to 4050 feet.
Requests for a public hearing from persons who can show they are adversely affected or request for further information concerning any aspect of the application should be submitted in writing, within fifteen days of publication, to the Environmental Services Section, Oil and Gas Division, Railroad Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 12967, Austin, Texas 78711 (Telephone 512/463-6792).


text:
It's hard to imagine many hardcore shows as momentous as a visit from Detroit legends Negative Approach. Frontman John Brannon's newish band Easy Action played Ace of Cups last December, but this is on another level — the band behind 1983's genre-defining "Tied Down" LP and dozens of the most aggressive blasts of disenchanted bile in recorded history.
Dayton's acclaimed Dogfight and reunited locals Absolute Magnitude will do their best to wear you out before NA takes the stage.


text:
My DS is 3 1/2 mos now. At his checkup Saturday he weighed in at 17 pounds. I have been EBFing. My doctor said I can start cereal (rice oatmeal or barley). My 2 older boys were not this big at this age so I didn't start cereal this young. I was wondering if anyone else has. If so how did you give it (bottle?) I am just looking for some feedback.
I should also mention that he is spitting up a lot all of the time. He is on med for this and I have altered my diet by eliminating dairy and soy, but haven't seen much of an improvement yet with spitup and green poo. I am also block feeding him small amounts often but he still has major reflux. Doc said he's not concerned since he's gaining fine. But really I have to change my shirts throughout the day as well as him.
Any comments or advice is welcome. Thanks!


text:
Sadly, there is nothing I like more than a freshly-mowed lawn, a clean floor, dusted furniture and just things put in their places. It tends to soothe my soul, much like a green lawn or pasture.
Now, hear me on this, I said I "like" them. I didn't say I "had" them. I get tired when there are three against one in taking care of the house.
Yes, I am the boss, and, yes, I am in charge, but they tend to gang up on me sometimes. One was sick the other day, so I was caring for her while her brothers ran amuck in their end of the house. By the "forts" and Christmas lights strung in their rooms, they must have had a really good time!
Earlier in the week, we headed up to Dallas and on the way up we took the quick route that involved toll roads with 80 mph-plus speed limits. The 5 1/2-hour trip according to the map feature on my iPad took me over seven hours and I didn't stop for gas or breaks of any kind.
I got caught up in bumper-to-bumper traffic just south of Waco, where an accident had occurred. I took the time out to pray for the rescue people, the victims and anyone else that might be affected by the situation and road on past.
Add construction and my trip was a longer drive. Returning home, I took backroads which involved the countryside with trees, pastures and small towns. We did stop once for gas midway, but I have to say the return trip was much more relaxing and enjoyable.
I say all of this to mention that when life goes as we expect it, or the way we are familiar with, we are fine and happy and all seems right in our world. When we hit the bumps in the roads, or the "forts" come out destroying the pleasant view, we get a bit out of sorts. My children did their usual eye-rolling, moaning, groaning and attempts to slip in to watch television, but I kept re-directing their paths back to the tasks at hand. One said, "It's going to take "for long!' " I reminded them that it would take as long to clean it up as it did to mess it up, however, that is not always the case in life.
We keep hitting the same snags and cry out to God about the circumstances we face. "Why, God?" I am not going to say I know why, but I do know that stuff happens. Sometimes it is for our benefit to get straightened out. Sometimes it is for someone further on down our road. Whatever we face, we have a loving God who walks with us every step of the way.
I have been going through my grandfather's poetry lately and I want to share this - "When teardrops fall from your eyes, they're very pained and sore. There's no relief, thus it seems; closed is every single door. But then He comes, the Prince of Peace, to meet life's every common need. To give us faith, increase our hopes, and all His love in fertile seeds."
The Psalmist says it like this: "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (Psalm 62:5)
Take a few minutes to renew, refresh, and revive your spirit each day. I know it helps me.


text:
The average cost for a Glow Plug Replacement is between $240 and $327. Labor costs are estimated between $96 and $123 while parts are priced between $144 and $204. Get a personalized estimate based on your location and specific car. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.
Glow Plug Replacement Cost for Volkswagen Jetta
Glow Plug Replacement Estimate (National Average)
Validated estimate range for national average.
View Estimate Details
Parts & Labor Breakdown
Labor: $96 - $123
Parts: $144 - $204
Estimate does not include taxes and fees.
Best Practices
For best results and to avoid future problems, replace the glow plugs as a complete set. Be sure to verify that the glow plug relay is operating properly.
Common Symptoms
When the engine is cold, it will be hard, if not impossible, to start. However, the engine will start normally when it is warmed up.
Common Misdiagnoses
If the glow plug relay, injector pump timing, and engine compression are not properly checked, then replacing the glow plugs may not address the original problem.
Last step before receiving your estimate:
* Estimate for all Volkswagen Jetta model years. Get a more accurate price by entering in your year.


text:
Boneless Crispy Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Ready Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- 1 cup Pillsbury BEST™ All Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds uncooked chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup plain crispy panko bread crumbs
- Crisco® Pure Vegetable Oil, or your favorite variety of Crisco Oil for frying
Preparation Directions
- COMBINE flour, seasoned salt, pepper and cayenne pepper in large resealable plastic bag or shallow bowl.
- WHISK eggs in separate shallow bowl until blended. Add chicken tenders to flour mixture, 2 to 3 at a time, shaking bag to coat completely. After all chicken is coated, add bread crumbs to remaining flour mixture; mix well. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then into bread crumb mixture to coat. Let stand on wire rack 10 minutes to set coating.
- HEAT 1/4-inch deep oil to 350°F in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, uncovered, 2 minutes. Turn chicken and cook an additional 2 minutes or until deep golden brown and internal temperature reads 170°F. Drain on wire rack.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Serving Size (1/4 of recipe), Calories 630 (Calories from Fat 310), Total Fat 35g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 165mg, Sodium 1290mg, Total Carbohydrate 51g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 1g), Protein 28g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 4%, Vitamin C 2%, Calcium 6%, Iron 20%.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
* Ensure all recipe ingredients are gluten free by referencing the ingredient labels, as products may vary. If uncertain, contact the ingredient manufacturer.


text:
Sometimes curiosity delivers good results. When scanning the candidates' profiles, it came to our attention one fact – these are times ruled by Glasses!
Take these two contestants for instance. With such an irreverent style, they cross the perimeters of conventionality. Irreverence being the operative word, they set new standards about how one wears seeing glasses. Forget about doctors' prescriptions concerning sight problems, glasses are now wearable as a fashion statement and a personality mark!
Poetry often side by side to glasses, take for example the legendary Fernando Pessoa, Portuguese poet. Wearing glasses became a sign of geniality, great emotional insight chained with intelligence and a characteristic look. An influence without any doubt to Joao Drumond (Portuguese too, as Fernando Pessoa).
And what about the Pop, colorful and ingenious style of Ukrainian Max?
Pessoa's influence on a Pop version, or contemporary Glasses poetry? You choose, but Glasses rule!
So now glasses are worn loosely as a sign of everything one can achieve, great minds, great perspectives. In a more stylish sense – Glasses are the new Style Statement.


text:
I wanted to know which music category is more popular, and how much...so I made this thread, with a poll. As the title of the thread says, vote for your favorite category, even if you like other kind of music.
View Poll Results: Your favorite Music category
Results 1 to 20 of 27


text:
GV Now
Area business confidence index highest since 2000
Posted on January 31, 2014
For the first time since 2000, the projected business confidence index in West Michigan is above 70 percent, according to a Grand Valley State University economics expert.
Paul Isely, professor and interim associate dean of economics in Grand Valley's Seidman College of Business, revealed the findings of his benchmark survey of the regional economy at the Colliers Annual Economic and Real Estate Forecast January 31 at DeVos Place. The survey of the greater Grand Rapids economy (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties) was conducted in November and December 2013.
See the full report here.
"For 2014, organizations expect a 71 percent confidence level, which is the highest reading since December 2000, but still below those reported in the late 1990s," said Isely. "There has been a steady increase in overall business confidence since the low seen in 2008, and the area business leaders surveyed see this improvement continuing in 2014."
Isely said increased business confidence means businesses are more likely to hire new workers; employment is expected to grow by 2.7-3.1 percent in 2014.
Isely added that the regional economy is expected to grow faster than the rate seen in 2013. "More than two-thirds of respondents (69 percent) expect to hire this year, which is up from 58 percent last year," said Isely. "Of those hired, about 76 percent are expected to be permanent workers. This suggests hiring in West Michigan is at a rate faster than the country as a whole."
Isely also noted Michigan's economy has been led out of the recession of 2007-2009 by automotive manufacturing.
• Employment expected to grow by 2.7-3.1%
• Sales expected to increase by 2.4-2.8%
• Exports expected growth between 8-9.2%
For more information, contact Paul Isely at (616) 331-7418.
* Isely said business services and service sector jobs will see growth (audio).
* Isely said increased confidence means business owners are more likely to hire new workers (audio).
* Isely said a 71 percent business confidence index is noteworthy (audio).
* Isely said the success of the local economy is still very dependent on the auto industry (audio).


text:
Skip to Navigation
Skip to job search form
Skip to page content
Skip to Results
Get new jobs by email for this search
Get your resume in the hands of hiring recruiters - fast!
What are you worth? Find out with our free Salary Wizard!
Enter your email address below to receive jobs like these sent to your email.
Employers:Employer Hiring | Search Resumes | Post Jobs | Recruitment Resources | Partner with Us About Our Site: Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Security Center | Help | Contact Us| Mobile
Anderson Independent-Mail News | Sports | Orange and White | Opinion | Life | Current | Homes | Cars | Classifieds | Privacy Policy


text:
When scholars of religion are feeling provocative, they like to point out that there is no such thing as "religion"—only "religions." Like language, religion cannot be merely an abstraction; it must always be expressed in a particular way.
The Century's work relies primarily on subscriptions and donations. Thank you for supporting nonprofit journalism.
Support us by buying books:


text:
Day 4 is here!!
Mom4Real, Yesterday on Tuesday, Craftberry Bush, The Polka Dot Closet, Rook No.17, 504 Main, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Live Laugh Rowe.
I have a VERY simple craft for you today. I know we all love simple, right?
Well, all you have to do is cut out 2 hearts, I used felt. I scalloped my edges with scalloped scissors. You can get those here.
Stitch up the sides of your heart, leaving an opening at the top.
On each corner of your heart, snip a small hole on the front and back heart. Slip some ribbon through and tie a knot at the end.
You can leave your hearts plain or decorate them. Get Creative and have Fun!!!
You can fill them with treats and sweets, give them away and make some Hearts Happy!!
Be sure to enter to win this Lovely Apron I am giving away, if you already haven't. Here!
Check out what Malia from Yesterday on Tuesday is sharing
Sharing Here
Skip to my lou
crafty soiree
Fabulously Creative Friday


text:
I have been collecting some incredible emails over the past couple of years asking me to investigate why the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is out there killing whitetail deer.
I've been told things like, "They killed every single deer in Moraine Hills State Park."
I've read, "Why has the DNR killed half of the deer in McHenry County?"
One letter gave an answer, "You know that the State is killing all the deer because the insurance companies are pressuring them to do it because they're losing so much money over cars crashing into deer."
My favorite is, "Why can the IDNR kill deer right before the season starts by baiting them, and hunting at night using rifles? I can't do any of that."
Yes, the IDNR is harvesting deer but not for insurance purposes. The reason is called "Selective Deer Management." I have called it "thinning the herd" in the past, and I am entirely wrong.
As hunters, we are the ones who "thin the herd." The IDNR is trying to curtail the spread of the dreaded chronic wasting disease until a cure can be found. If they don't selectively kill some animals, CWD will "thin the herd" to possible extinction.
I met with IDNR wildlife biologist Ray Eisbrener, who graciously answered all of my questions and gave me a thorough explanation of the program. Ray is a down-to-earth, common-sense guy who has hunted whitetails for 25 years and has three Pope & Young bucks to his credit.
People think that the IDNR is harvesting trophy males. That is not necessarily correct. Older animals are more likely to carry the disease and much more likely to roam from county to county or from state to state. Yes, they want to harvest older animals, but at the time they kill the deer, it cannot be shown whether an animal is male or female, so they aren't just after big bucks.
I get asked why the IDNR just doesn't shoot the deer that are carrying the disease. I was told that CWD is not something that can be seen in live animals. It shows up physically about two weeks before the animal drops dead. They cannot identify animals that need to be taken out. What they do is to try to eliminate deer that are the most likely to have and spread the disease.
The rumors of how many deer are killed and how much CWD is out there are greatly exaggerated. CWD has been found in only 10 northern Illinois counties, and the total number of deer found to have CWD is a mere 326 since 2002. Please realize that the IDNR tests close to 8,000 animals a year.
So, how many deer does the IDNR selectively manage? In 2010-11, the IDNR removed 990 deer in contrast to the 14,808 harvested by hunters in the 10-county area. That is less than 7 percent of the total number of deer harvested by hunters in the 10 counties. That is a tiny fraction of the total deer in residence.
In 2010-11, 42 deer tested positive in 10 counties, and the disease made its debut in Grundy, Kane and JoDaviess counties. It is important to limit the spread because whitetail hunting is a $3 billion a year industry in Illinois, and a widespread CWD outbreak could devastate the sport.
Is the IDNR's Selective Deer Management Program working? I'd say it is, as best as can be expected. The rate for CWD-infected whitetails in Illinois is less than 2 percent, as opposed to 4 percent in Wisconsin. Believe it or not, Colorado and Wyoming have close to 50 percent CWD exposure in their populations of mule deer. And yes, CWD will cross species lines and can affect mulies, moose and elk.
For those who complain about the state's methods of killing these deer, they don't do it just before the season. They operate for a 10-week period in late winter and early spring.
Yes, they get to bait and use rifles, and we don't. Think about it, folks. They are doing what they do for science, not for sport. The IDNR is allowed to net fish and to use electro-shock to capture fish. Do you think that anglers should be allowed to do that, as well? Of course not. So don't try to compare what we do as hunters to how the IDNR manages its selective deer kill.
Is the IDNR program a success? I believe it is.
According to an IDNR statement, "Our approach has resulted in relatively low and stable disease rates, rather than the increasing trend that is the norm elsewhere."
Hunters always pipe up that they should be the ones to be the selective managers of the deer population. That would be great, but the truth is that hunters don't shoot enough animals, and they just don't turn enough animals in for testing for CWD.
Hunters during all seasons, archery, shotgun, muzzle loader, and late-season are encouraged to allow samples of adult deer to be taken for CWD testing. There are a number of locations throughout the state where this can be accomplished. Check the IDNR website at www.dnr.illinois.gov.
You no longer are mandated to check in deer during archery season, only during shotgun season. Since this was established a few years ago, there is a smaller percentage of animals turned in for sampling. Please make the extra effort to have your harvested deer sampled.
If you elect to have your deer sampled, it is a quick process and only a tiny portion of the animal is used. They take the sample and you can get it processed right away. If the deer is found to have CWD, you are notified in a short time, and the IDNR even offers a cash incentive to help recover the cost of your processing if you decide to throw the meat away.
It's going to be up to science whether CWD will be eliminated, but the IDNR is stepping up big time to keep it under control. They need our cooperation, not the spreading of vicious rumors.
• Northwest Herald outdoors columnist Steve Sarley's radio show, "The Outdoors Experience," airs live at 5 a.m. Sundays on AM-560. He can be contacted at email@example.com.


text:
Human trafficJune 15,2013
An extraordinary exposé by reporter Ken Picard in Seven Days has led to the arrest of a business owner in Williston charged with allowing prostitution at a massage parlor he owns.
The Williston arrest follows prostitution-related charges filed earlier this week in Bennington against a woman at a spa there. Last month police raided two massage parlors in Bennington as part of an investigation into human trafficking and prostitution.
The Chittenden County arrest comes in the wake of the Seven Days exposé in which Picard went to three spas in Burlington, Essex Junction and Williston posing as a customer in search of a massage. He found that in each instance he did not have to request sex. Nor was it offered verbally. Rather, sex was assumed, as he discovered when his masseuse touched him sexually. He declined the offer but gained valuable insights into how the massage parlors operated and who worked there.
He found the employees in Chittenden County were from Korea, and they said they lived at the massage parlors. They said they worked from morning long into the night seven days a week. Their English was sketchy, and they appeared to have had little contact with the community outside the massage parlor. One woman said she went to Macys to buy makeup, but she didnt know the name of the big lake next to Burlington. All of the women seemed embarrassed and afraid when Picard declined the proffered sexual services.
Prostitution is not a victimless crime. Often it is a form of sexual slavery in which women incur huge debts to the agents who bring them to the United States, who then force them into involuntary sexual servitude. It is a worldwide problem that has been described in detail by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. Often women are kept in line through violence, are forced to work long hours and experience minimal contact with the world around them. They suffer not only the degradation of the work but the threat of violence and disease.
The women Picard encountered seemed friendly enough. It was their job to please. There were no overt signs of coercion or violence. Yet there were no signs that the women were ordinary members of the community, free to come and go. Rather, the rudimentary conversations he had with them suggested that they had been in an immigrant pipeline from brothel to brothel.
Prostitution is a difficult crime to prosecute because it does little good to prosecute the women. Investigators need to go higher up on the chain of exploitation to put a crimp in the criminal trafficking operations. Lower down, they can target the people who own the buildings and knowingly profit from the activities they allow. They can also target the customers as a form of deterrence, though over the millennia customers have never been deterred for long.
Ultimately, brothels like the ones alleged to be in operation in Bennington and Burlington are the manifestations of organized crime, and following the money is never easy.
It is tempting for police and the public to turn a blind eye to these crimes, persuading ourselves that little harm is done when consenting adults agree to have sex. And yet a trafficked woman cannot be said to have consented. She may put a smiley face on it because she is trying to survive. But fearful of retribution or deportation, she is reluctant to complain.
The trap of coercion has created a new 21st century version of slavery, enacted on the shady streets of quiet Vermont towns. Thanks to the work of investigators in Bennington and a reporter in Burlington, the Vermont Human Trafficking Task Force now has good reason to take up its task in earnest.MORE IN EditorialsProtesters converged on a bank in Montpelier early this week to show their solidarity with the... Full StoryPhil Scott will take office next month after winning with a margin of 51.11 percent to 43. Full StoryIdeologues and partisans work from the outcome backward. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Red chair making rounds in GraftonNovember 15,2012GRAFTON — A famous red chair is travelling through southern Vermont and will be on display at the Grafton Inn today.
The Red Chair is being welcomed at inns and bed and breakfasts throughout New England. It is part of a consciousness raising experiment among New England innkeepers similar to Flat Stanley, a paper caricature that travels across the United States.
The chair got its start at the Woods Hole Inn in Woods Hole, Mass. It has travelled through Rhode Island and Maine and is now in Vermont before heading to New Hampshire, Connecticut, western Massachusetts, and back home to Woods Hole.
The Grafton Inn is at 92 Grafton St. in Grafton and Red Chair pictures are on the Grafton Inn Facebook page. The next stop for the Red Chair is the Three Mountain Inn on Route 30 in Jamaica.
To learn more visit www.RedChairTravels.com.
— Staff and wire reportsMORE IN This Just InNEWBURY Police said somebody stole booze and change from a Welch Road residence. Full StoryBRATTLEBORO Six people were displaced by an apartment fire on South Main Street Saturday morning. Full StoryPolice: Chase
men also stole
CHELSEA Police say two men involved in a... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Meryle Mahrer Kaplan, PhD, leads activities that focus externally—particularly on Catalyst members—and internally—on Catalyst as an organization. She leads Global Member Services (GMS), which draws from Catalyst's full knowledge base to foster member impact through activities including Consulting Services, Vital Signs, and Speakers Bureau. She also leads the CEO Summit franchise, shaping dialogues that engage senior executives within and across companies. Building on this range of experience, Dr. Kaplan also has executive leadership responsibility for Catalyst's talent and culture. She works closely with HR leadership, contributing insights and practices to ensure that Catalyst is a premier workplace.
Dr. Kaplan has more than 20 years of experience working with large organizations and she serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to highly sophisticated members and to those seeking to jumpstart diversity and inclusion efforts. She is an author of The Catalyst Guide to Employee Resource Groups and the Making Change: Beyond Flexibility series. She has been involved in Catalyst's global activities and diverse women initiatives. She is a frequent speaker and serves on a number of Catalyst member stakeholder advisory groups focused on diversity and sustainability and on nonprofit boards.
Dr. Kaplan received her BA in Psychology from Douglass College, her MA in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut, and her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University, where she taught graduate courses in the psychology of women. She is the recipient of a Woodrow Wilson Research Grant in Women's Studies, author of Mothers' Images of Motherhood (Routledge) and co-editor of Representations of Motherhood, an anthology published by Yale University Press. Dr. Kaplan is married and the mother of a son who is a scientist working in Baltimore.


text:
Scientific Image- Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Ridges
This scanning electron microscope image shows ridges on a Blue Morpho Butterfly wing scale. These ridges contain nanoscale structures that reflect light to create the Morpho's iridescent colors.
This scanning electron microscope image shows ridges on a Blue Morpho Butterfly wing scale. These ridges contain nanoscale structures that reflect light to create the Morpho's iridescent colors.
The overlapping scales on the wing of the Blue Morpho Butterfly contain nanoscale structures that reflect light to create iridescent colors. This scanning electron microscope image shows Morpho wing scales from above.
The iridescent colors of the Blue Morpho Butterfly's wings are produced by nanostructures that reflect different wavelengths of light.
The Blue Morpho is common in Central and South America and known for its bright blue wings. However, these iridescent colors are created not by pigments in the wing tissues but instead by the way light interacts with nanometer-sized structures on the Morpho's wing scales. This effect is being studied as a model in the development of new fabrics, dye-free paints, and anti-counterfeit technologies for currency.
This is a scanning electron microscope image of a photonic crystal. The periodic arrangement of the holes in the material controls the movement of light within the crystal.
In this optical microscope image, light can be seen passing though a silica nanowire on a silica aerogel surface.
New technologies have made it possible to draw glass in long, ultra-smooth wires with uniform diameters in the nanometer range. Because of their extraordinary uniformity, these nanowires have unique properties important in optics and photonics, both of which require precise control of light.
• SIZE: This nanowire is 530 nm long and the radius of the bent wire is 8 µm.
• IMAGING TOOL: Optical Microscope
The tree-like structures in this scanning electron microscope image of a cross section of a butterfly wing are on the undersides of the Morpho's wing scale ridges. These microribs reflect light to create iridescent colors.
The gecko's amazing ability to cling to vertical or inverted surfaces is due to the interaction between nanoscale structures on its feet and tiny crevices on the wall or ceiling. The soles of gecko feet are made up of overlapping adhesive lamellae covered with millions of superfine hairs, or setae, each of which branches out at the end into hundreds of spatula-shaped structures. These flexible pads—each measuring only a few nanometers across—curve to fit inside unseen cracks and divots on the surface. The combined adhesion of these millions of pads holds the gecko in place.
This scanning electron microscope image shows pollen particles from a variety of common plants: sunflower, morning glory, hollyhock, lily, primrose, and castor bean.
• SIZE: The smallest pollen grains are about 6-8 µm in diameter.
• IMAGING TOOL: Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
Air bubbles trapped beneath a silicon crystal film are shown in this optical microscope image. Light passing through the bubbles creates the circular patterns and colors.
Extremely thin films like these have important electrical properties and therefore find numerous applications in ultra-fast computer chips and high-yield solar cells. This image shows an intermediate stage of their production; trapped air bubbles are removed in later processing.
• SIZE: The sample imaged is 27 nm thick and a few cm wide.
• IMAGING TOOL: Optical Microscope
This is an optical microscope image of a liquid crystal (Cromlyn in water). The colors are created by molecular variations or changes in the crystal's thickness.
Liquid crystals have properties of both liquids and solids: Although they can flow like a fluid, their molecules are highly ordered, like those found in solid crystals. The ubiquitous liquid crystal displays (LCDs) found in everything from watches to cell phones are made possible by devices that rapidly alter the structure of these substances—and therefore the way they interact with light.


text:
be the first to know
Sign up today to receive our latest news & promotions!
Yes, I recommend this product.
By abbi williams| September 18th, 2016
i am in love with this body scrub. if you love lemony/minty scents, then this is for you. i've tried other scrubs, but this is the only scrub that really exfoliates and leaves me feeling super fresh and invigorated. the mint makes the skin feel cool and the oils hydrates so well. highly recommend, lovely gift.
By Josiane| May 06th, 2016
By John| February 22nd, 2016
Bought this around the holidays loving the lemon mint face polisher, thinking it would be just as good, but after my first use I broke out in a rash on my chest from using the lemon mint body scrub! I used the green valley before this one and didn't have any issues! Also the lemon mint body scrub smells like medicine! Sticking to green valley body scrub!
Yes, I recommend this product.
By John| February 20th, 2016
I bought this around the holidays for use in the shower,after putting it on it burned and irritated my skin,I'm sticking to Green Valley much milder and I like the smell better than a minty menthol lemon mint! Yuck!
Yes, I recommend this product.
By LUXI LI| April 15th, 2015
Before I used this, I thought its smell should be very fresh. Although it is indeed not the smell I imagined, I really love it! Actually the fragrance is elegant and kind-of mature, and it is not only nice for girls to use, but also is the type that even males will love. My husband loves it, too! After applying it on my skin, I felt my skin was moisturized and soft. It is quite hard to describe this feeling clearly, because it is too amazing. All in all, this product is the best body scrub ever!
Yes, I recommend this product.
By Cecile Allard| March 12th, 2015
I was visiting NYC in 2009 with my sister and our daughters. As my daughter and I walked by the SOHO Sabon store a clerk at the door invited us in to try out their Lemon Mint body scrub on our hands. Started using it then and haven't stopped. The scrub is not only a great exfoliant for the whole body, it actually eliminated small tags in my neck and shoulder area. I've been ordering the product since then; my sister spends the winter in Phoenix brings it back to Canada for me. I have also used the Lemon Mist body butter.... a most beautiful skin softener for after sunning,refreshing, soft-scented, I don't need perfume! A must to any woman's skin care products.
Yes, I recommend this product.
By Kara Cole| January 09th, 2015
My cousin lives in NYC and gifts me a different Sabon product each year for Christmas. I LOVE this body scrub! The mint leaves my skin tingling and feeling so clean while the oils give the perfect balance of moisture and gentle scent. I've been using it especially on my hips and belly to help stave off stretch marks while I'm pregnant. This has been my "go to" remedy for dry winter skin on top of dry prego skin. 100% recommend!
By Sumin| March 24th, 2014
This is the best scrub in my life. I live in Las Vegas, there is no Sabon store, so I couldn't try this product before. I just chose this scrub. Smell is just okay. Natural. not so strong.
I use this product twice per week since 4 months. My body is so soft and moisture after I use this scrub. I strongly recommend this product!
By Elizabeth | October 03rd, 2013
Loved the feeling after I was out of the shower. Left my skin feeling more clean than it had with any regular body wash. My skin is soft and I can still smell the lemon mint. MMM!!! A must try!
By Alexa| December 27th, 2012
This is one of my five "stranded on a desert island" wishes. I discovered it with winter-weathered knuckles and haven't had that problem since. Also, it smells absolutely fresh and amazing. This is my favorite scent, followed up with the Lavender Apple Body Butter. Can't beat the combination.
By Marisa| November 27th, 2012
Sabon's Lemon Mint Scrub leaves my skin softly scented and silky. It's perfect for year round use, but I particularly love it when my skin is feeling dry. When I use the Lemon Mint Scrub, people invariably ask what scent I'm wearing!
By Olivia| August 07th, 2012
This was the first product that I ever bought from Sabon and I am in love with it. It has nice scent which is bright and uplifting. The scrub leaves my skin incredibly soft! It is unbelievable how great it is! I am always stocked on this product! A must buy!
By Kaya| May 03rd, 2012
This Lemon Mint Scrub...Oh My Oh My!!! One of my favorite sents in the entire store. It is so refreshing. I love using it especially when I wake up in the morning it wakes me up a whole lot and it makes my body so soft. The esential oils in it are amazing.
By Shawnette| January 02nd, 2012
This Lemon Mint Scrub has been add to my "Must Always Have" list of products, after receiving jar of it. There is nothing you wouldn't love about this scrub. It has a captivating shade of sea green, the married scent of lemon and mint gives you a feeling of euphoria and your skin is smooth, soft and radiant after you indulge your skin with this scrub. This Lemon Mint scrub makes an excellent and memorable gift. I am fortunate to be introduced to such a luxurious product.
By Alyssia| December 28th, 2011
Out of all the Body Scrubs I've sampled the only one I truly love is Lemon Mint. It's a unique pair that really wakes me up and leaves me refreshed - I even leave it in my clothes drawer so my shirt can have that smell. Take a shower with it on a summer day and the mint's cooling sensation leaves me just that - a cooling sensation! Take a shower with it on a winter day the lemon-y smell kicks my behind into gear! Love it!
By Kelly| December 15th, 2011
I don't know how this works, and I don't care how it works. But, it's like MAGIC. I had a chance to try this product when I visited NYC about a month ago, and I just could not stop touching my hand. So, I came back to D.C. and ordered some. It smells wonderful, and it leaves my skin so soft and smooth. This is definitely a home-spa must item. I hope you all get to give it a try!
Please wait...
Please wait...


text:
Headlines (News Releases)
Faculty of Arts
Laurier local food researcher named national award finalist
Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing
Sep 4/13| For Immediate Release
Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer, Associate Professor
Kevin Crowley, Director, Communications & Public Affairs
WATERLOO Laurier associate professor Alison Blay-Palmer has been named finalist for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canadas (SSHRC) 2013 Impact Partnership Award, demonstrating Waterloo Regions commitment to highlighting the importance of local foods and local farming. The winner will be announced October 15 at the World Social Science Forum in Montreal.
For more than a decade, Blay-Palmer has been involved in research related to sustainable food systems. Blay-Palmers SSHRC-funded research partnership, Building and Reinforcing Resilient Food Networks in Canada and Beyond involves Carleton University, University of Guelph, Lakehead University, Ryerson University, local food networks in Ontario, across Canada, and extends into the international community. The partnership has produced a widely respected report, Ontario Communities of Food: Models and Best Practices and a community food toolkit. The tool kit is being used by communities around the world and has been a catalyst for extending Blay-Palmers partnerships globally.
"The continued growth of Dr. Blay-Palmer's partnerships, both locally and internationally, is a testament to how deeply this work addresses the critical food security issues facing Canadians," said Abby Goodrum, Lauriers vice-president: research. "Building and Reinforcing Resilient Regional Food Networks in Canada and Beyond is a superb example of what can be accomplished through academic and community partnerships. The partnership has broadened the conversation around food security, engaged Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and reached out to include provincial and international partnerships.
Blay-Palmers research is based on community-linked research meetings, participatory research projects, workshops, reports, peer-reviewed journal papers and conference presentations. Her sustainable food partnership has been credited with having a significant impact on Canadas food security. Blay-Palmer's dedication to local food was recognized in the Ontario Legislature during the second reading debate of the proposed Local Food Act, introduced by Premier Wynne, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture.
Blay-Palmer is director of the recently established Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems.
We are very excited about the work of the research centre, said Blay-Palmer. Local and sustainable community food initiatives reflect a growing public awareness that food can act as a vehicle for positive change. The SSHRC award nomination recognizes our continuing work to be at the forefront of research on these initiatives.
The Partnership Award acknowledges a SSHRC‑funded formal partnership for its outstanding achievement in advancing research, research training or outreach. It is awarded to a partnership that, through mutual co‑operation and shared intellectual leadership and resources, has demonstrated impact and influence within and beyond the research community.
Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems: wlu.ca/research/food
Nourishing Communities: Sustainable Local Food Systems Research Group: nourishingontario.ca
Community Food Toolkit: nourishingontario.ca/community-food-toolkit/
Models and Best Practices for Building Sustainable Food Systems in Ontario and Beyond: nourishingontario.ca/models-and-best-practices/
Impact Awards: SSHRC reveals shortlist: www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca


text:
Allergy Free Alaska
Gluten Free & Allergy Friendly Recipes
Recipe Index
Eating Gluten-Free in Alaska
Privacy Policy
About Megan & Contact
Sorry, no content matched your criteria.
Help support this website by starting your shopping here!
Medical Disclaimer
I am not a doctor or dietician, and nothing you read on this site should be construed as medical advice. All blog posts are solely my personal experiences and opinions, and should not be interpreted as an attempt to offer a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
Affiliates Disclaimer
Allergy Free Alaska, LLC receives a small commission from the sales made through our affiliate links. However, we only promote affiliate products we use or support wholeheartedly. The commissions received through your purchases help maintain this site. Thank you for your support!


text:
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Lazarus Man- Mohican 100
*Update: Apparently, my issues were from a bad bout with e coli. Read on.*
Opening Scene. Fire tower aid station. Mile 86
"We can call our medic, and he can give you a ride back"
"Yeah, I'm done. I can't even move my knee"
"Ok then. Just relax, keep that ice on it, and we will drive you back soon. 86 miles is still an incredible effort. Fire tower to finish. We have another drop"
"Who's that that all wrapped up laying there?"
"Oh, that's Mike, he's been here for three hours"
"Is he ok?"
"No, he's had some serious stomach issues for the past 4-5 hours and it's only gotten worse"
"Good news, our medic just arrived to pick up the two drops. You should wake Mike up so he can get a ride back with them"
"Mike, mike! If you want, you can get a ride back now"
Me: "No way! I am finishing this thing"
Eight hours earlier at the Hickory Ridge aid station. Mile 71.
A volunteer yells, "Mike, you have really been moving up all day!". Indeed, after fifteen hours of running my strategy was starting to pay off. I ran the first 26.8 mile loop in a fairly relaxed 5 hours flat. The second 26.8 mile loop was an even more relaxed 5:45 in order to save myself for a strong push later. I was going to keep the effort level comfortable in the heat and humidity, and wait until the cool of the late afternoon to start an aggressive push towards the front. I was going to crush the remaining two 23.2 mile loops.
For the past 5 hours, I had been picking my way past runners. Top 30 through 26.8 miles. Top 25 through 41 miles. Top 20 through 50 miles. Top 15 through 58 miles.
As I passed yet another runner around mile 67. My position climbed one more time.....9th overall. I was running with all cylinders firing away. I knew even if I faded a little on the last loop, I would finish in about 22:30. Out of nearly 300 starters, I was in the hunt, and closing in on my goal to run a 22 hour race. I was focused, and executing to perfection the race I had planned out.
......But, I had noticed my stomach starting to fall apart. No, not now! Not after all this hard work to finally crack the top 10. Everything was going too well to let my stomach eff it all up. Just like Massanutten, it looked like my race was going to unravel after mile 70. I tried fighting back as hard as I knew how. I knew my body well, and over the next few hours I used every trick in the bag to attempt to settle my stomach. Ginger, ginger ale, salt, soup, Tums, ice, ice water, Ensure, daydreaming about Maria Sharapova handing me a cocktail on a tropical beach.....on and on. I tried everything. Things that had worked in the past were failing to provide any semblence of relief. Nothing freaking worked! Other than serious injury, stomach issues are the worst. When you can't eat, you lose energy. It made walking forward a chore, and moving up any kind of hill nearly impossible. Strangely enough, I had yet to be passed by anyone except the ninth place runner back at mile 71, and it wasn't until mile 81 that I was passed again, and officially relinquished my top 10 position.
Mile 84. All I had to do was walk two more miles to the Fire Tower aid station, and I could lay down for a while. Nope, I couldn't wait that long. My body wasn't having it. I needed to lay down now. I was walking 45 minute mile pace. Over the next two miles I layed down on the side of the trail four times for a total of about an hour. My stomach was not feeling any better, and it took nearly 1.5 hours to walk two miles. About a quarter mile from the aid station a volunteer came bounding down the trail to look for me. A few of the other runners had reported to the aid station they had seen a guy laying on the side of the trail "just sorta chilling there like he was relaxing".
When I finally got to the aid station, I knew my only resort was to lay down for a while. How long, I did not know. Within a few minutes I was already getting incredibly cold and wrapped myself in several blankets like a little Asian burrito. After an hour I got up to pee and nearly vomited to which I commented "Just like being back in college!". Pee pee break done, back to being an Asian burrito.
Two hours passed.....Small bobbing lights would come into view. Runners trickling in the dark night and vanishing off into the even darker early morning......My stomach was still churning and bubbling......Three hours passed.....I could hear bits and pieces of faint conversation between my lapses in sleep. A cool rain was falling....3 hours and 30 minutes.....the medic came and went....4 hours passed.....it was now, or never.
It was now 4:45am. I arrived at the aid station at 12:45am. Four hours of laying down, and I inexplicably felt worse than when I arrived. Over the past 10 hours I had not eaten more than a cup of broth and a few sips of ginger ale. Since laying down obviously didn't help, I knew I had to just get up and get moving. It was the only way I was going to make it to the next aid station, no less finish the race. At this point my G.A.S (give a shit) meter was also broken, and I switched into just finish mode. I got up, threw on a Snuggie (yes you read that right), because I was freezing from not moving for so long. After over fours hours at the Fire Tower aid station I made my first steps of forward progress, in my Snuggie, and was sent off with loud cheers. My body had long since been running on fumes. The meter was on empty, and had been on empty for quite some time now. Now I was moving on the pure strength of my will. It was all I had left. The resurrection of Mike Bailey.
Six hours later, through mud and chilly morning downpours, I crossed the finish line in 28:55. The last 23.2 mile loop of the course took me 12:25. I had needed to casually walk/run it in 7:22 in order to break 24 hours. Basically, I could have walked the final loop and broken 24 hours. However, some days are just not meant to be, and all you can do is just try and finish. It was like going on a date with Beyonce, and having her look like Oprah by the end of the night. Still a wealthy bang for the buck, just not nearly as attractive.
I think the races that give us the most challenge, can often come with the most reward. I think my crappy Massanutten 100 made me more mentally tough to handle a horrific day at this race. In a way, Mohican was much more mentally agonizing because of how well I had been running when shit hit the fan. At Massanutten I was never near the front, and was still pretty set on dropping, and yet at Mohican the notion of dropping never entered my thoughts. Even without a pacer, or crew, and even offers to get a ride back, I was 100% set on finishing. I suppose it really is the rough days that make us tougher, and not so much the "easier" successes.
Honestly though, despite finishing, I don't enjoy slogging through 29-32 hour 100 milers. It's not fun, and the risk versus reward isn't well balanced.
Other than that, there were some fun quirky moments of this race.
1. Unknown to me, I ran the entire first loop with my shirt on backwards. That's what I get for putting my clothes on in a dark tent
2. I did run 3 miles of the race wearing a Snuggie
3. I lost both a handheld bottle and a flashlight
4. Shattered my "motionless at an aid station" PR by three hours (previously set at Massanutten)
5. Had roughly a 30 minute conversation about poop with a female runner (note: it was mostly her talking)
6. Drank water from a stream (possibly the reason I got sick. It almost makes sense with the timing of events)
6. Ran through a waterfall as tribute to The Last of the Mohicans yelling "I will find you. Just stay alive!"
7. Forgot to pack a watch. Ran watchless all day. The second 100 I have finished without a watch.
7 comments:
- Gregg Cobert, Jr. said...
congrats dude. well done on finishing the race. the course beautiful.
- June 18, 2013 at 10:54 AM
- Tab said...
Mike Bailey -
I am very glad you didn't let your ego get in the way. You could have been all, "Oh, shit. I won't be Top 10. Fuck this shit. I'm straight outta this joint," but instead persevered to the end. In a Snuggie.
And I swear, I know that quote you start out with from somewhere else.
Love the reference to a give-a-shit breaking too.
- June 18, 2013 at 8:12 PM
- ultrarunnergirl said...
Way to gut it out Mike. We always learn more when we struggle than when we coast in easily, don't we?
Yeah, no more stream drinking. The effects of bad water can last much, much longer than the duration of a race. All bad!
- June 19, 2013 at 7:45 AM
- Matt said...
I'm waiting to see picture of you heading out in the Snuggie.
- June 20, 2013 at 8:34 AM
- James Brennan said...
great job Mike- you are an excellent storyteller, and this time a very fascinating protagonist. Usually the main character (including myself) peaces out even after a 20 minute break at an aid station. Way to battle thru the tough moments and get it done. You will know what ugly looks like and worst case scenario when you toe the line. Others will only fear it.
- June 21, 2013 at 8:50 AM
- James Brennan said...
Great job Mike. You have looked worst case scenario in the face and took it head on. Usually frontrunners only just fear unraveling they don't wrestle with it and battle it. You will have a huge advantage starting your next 100 mentally.
- June 21, 2013 at 8:52 AM
- Mike Bailey said...
Thanks for all the love guys! It really means a lot to me to know you are following my adventures and misadventures alike. I, as well, enjoy reading your stories and be part of what you do!
And Kir, and Tab. No more stream drinking. Ever. Again. Unless I am going to die, and then maybe.
James, I will use whatever bull headedness I have picked up this year to try and finish Leadville. Look forward seeing you crush it out there.
- June 22, 2013 at 7:52 PM


text:
I don't know how it works out with salaries, but with Jameer Nelson getting hurt is there a chance the Magic become players in attempting to deal for Stephon Marbury? It is clear they will be looking for PG help, likely to come in the form of a guy like Raymond Felton or Earl Watson, but I still think that it could be possible they'd take a look at Steph. Thoughts?
i think they will now...funny how thats the place im predicting he will go....he's a good fit and would be perfect with Nelson(when he comes back)
DaTPRiNCE...That EGYPTiAN Fella, #MeloMafia
I think it can be done. The question is do the orlando magic want to give up some of their youung players for steph? Reddick and ariza would be good additions to our team. We get an athletic defender and a three point specialist.
So I looked at the salaries and noticed that there really is no way for the Magic to trade for Steph. All their contracts are very manageable which shows me a) how bad Steph's contract is, b) how poorly our contracts have been handled in comparison to the league and c) all of the above.
This doesn't mean Orlando isn't a player in the Steph game though, if Steph draws considerable serious interest in Orlando, he may accept less of a buyout.
realistically im really not interested in what orlando got to offer
Marbury > Nelson.
JJ reddick played against my high school basketball team years ago... lol that ****er had 30 by half time and did not play a minute in the second half i would hate to see that ****er in a knicks jersey
stephon is a way better talent than jameer nelson way better ...jameer could not tie stephs starburys
Magic just acquired Lue from the Bucks.
Magic don't have any contracts to match for Steph... so the only way he ends up in Orlando is after he gets bought out (which seems wont happen until the second week of March to prevent him from being on a playoff roster).
desde la cuna del chango