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September 13, 2010
Thinking Beyond Silver Bullets: Remarks of Secretary Arne Duncan at the Building Blocks for Education: Whole System Reform Conference in Toronto
I am delighted to be here today and to participate in this conference. There is so much that the United States has to learn from nations with high-performing education systems. And there is much that America can share from its experience to the mutual benefit of nations confronting similar educational challenges.
September 2, 2010
Beyond the Bubble Tests: The Next Generation of Assessments -- Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks to State Leaders at Achieve's American Diploma Project Leadership Team Meeting
Today is a great day! I have looked forward to this day for a long time--and so have America's teachers, parents, students, and school leaders. Today is the day that marks the beginning of the development of a new and much-improved generation of assessments for America's schoolchildren. Today marks the start of Assessments 2.0.
August 25, 2010
Good evening.
It's an honor to be here tonight under the auspices of the Clinton library.
This institution not only embodies the spirit of public service at the heart of the 42nd President's legacy but also reminds us of the importance of education in society today.
August 11, 2010
Thank you, Kevin, for that generous introduction.
This is an important day in so many respects. It is the very first federal summit on bullying. We have an extraordinary range of NGOs, corporate leaders, state and local officials on hand, as well as the members of the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Working Group.
August 11, 2010
The Role and Responsibilities of States in Increasing Access, Quality, and Completion: Under Secretary Martha J. Kanter's Remarks at the SHEEO Higher Education Policy Conference
I am pleased to be here today because we need your ideas and feedback to help us move our ambitious Access, Quality and Completion agenda forward.
August 3, 2010
Working Together for Early Learning: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at "Early Childhood 2010 -- Innovation for the Next Generation" Meeting
Good morning it's a pleasure to join my good friend Secretary Sebelius in welcoming you to Washington for this important meeting.
Thank you all for the challenging and meaningful work you do on behalf of this nation's children and families.
This meeting's purpose is to drive innovations that will unlock the great potential of new generations of Americans.
August 3, 2010
The Power of the Parent Voice: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Leadership Mega Conference
Good morning. When President Obama spoke to the Urban League last week, the one line that got by far the most applause was: "Parents are going to get more involved in their children's education."
It is well-documentedand plain common sensethat parental involvement in a child's education boosts student learning.
July 28, 2010
Unleashing the Power of Data for School Reform: Secretary Arne Duncan's Remarks at the STATS DC 2010 Data Conference
Thank you for being here today and for the work you do every day on behalf of our nation's children. I believe education is everyone's responsibility. As data experts, you have a unique role in education. You are the people who gather the evidence that guides school reform. You can create the compass that points reform in the right direction.
July 27, 2010
The American story is all about extraordinary people who meet the challenges of their times with determination, courage and vision. From the heroes of the American Revolution to the heroes of our transformative social movements -- our nation was shaped by bold men and women who overcome resistance, fear and dissent to build alliances that advance our collective welfare.
July 27, 2010
Good afternoon.
As you know, the President is going to be here tomorrow to talk about education, so I just want to take this opportunity to set the table.
I want to talk openly and honestly about how our reform agenda will close the achievement gap and serve students of color and those growing up in poverty.


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Registration will also be conducted June 10-13.
Children ages 3 or 4 years old before Sept. 1 can apply between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Applications are also available online at the GISD home webpage.
The following will be needed to apply:
• Proof of income for past 12 months (W-2 and last pay stub).
• Child birth certificate.
• Child immunization records.
• Child's social security number.
• Child's proof of residency.
For information, contact the Head Start office at 645-3206, ext.106.
Applications will be reviewed the third week in June and class rosters will be done at that time.

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PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (May 2, 2011) – Spring graduation exercises at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore will be Friday, May 20, in the William P. Hytche Athletic Center. Tickets are required for admission.
The 124th annual ceremony begins at 10 a.m. University officials advise guests to arrive by 9:30 a.m. and to take their seats because the doors will close at 9:45 a.m.
The UMES registrar's office projects 421 students are degree candidates, including 61 who anticipate receiving master's degrees and 11 who have finished work on their doctorates.
The university will award honorary degrees to Annapolis businessman Maurice B. Tosé and cosmetics executive Gloria Mayfield Banks, a motivational speaker who also will deliver the traditional commencement address.
Banks, who lives in Baltimore, is one of Mary Kay, Inc.'s top saleswomen. She also travels widely conducting workshops, where she shares insights on "People Building" strategies for success in business and in life.
Banks is a graduate of Howard University and received a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University.
Tosé, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, is president and chief executive officer of TeleCommunications Systems Inc., an engineering and technology company he founded in 1987 that has more than 100 patents, including the industry-revolutionizing Short Message System text messaging application available on most cell phones.
President Thelma B. Thompson also will award UMES Presidential medals to two other guests who are part of this year's graduation program.
John T. Steele of Springfield, Va., an agriculture economist by training, will receive the other Presidential Medal. He has worked the past eight years as a consultant to the U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington solving hunger problems in Africa, particularly in southern Sudan, where UMES also has a field representative tackling the same challenges.
T. Jan Wiseman, executive director of the Greater Salisbury Committee, a group of lower Delmarva Peninsula civic and community leaders, will receive the honor in recognition of his support for UMES during Dr. Thompson's tenure.
In keeping with tradition, international students who attend UMES wearing attire from their native lands will participate in the university's "Parade of International Flags." The UMES Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble also will perform.
# # #
Bill Robinson, director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-621-2355, email@example.com.
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, email@example.com.


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According to the Census, 48 million people in the U.S. are food insecure. That's one in seven Americans who don't know where their next meal is coming from. Meanwhile, the EPA estimates that America wastes 68 billion pounds of food each year; enough to fill the up Rose Bowl every day.
The University of Maryland, College Park used to send all of its leftovers from student dining halls and from stadiums after games to landfills and composting facilities. Everyone, from the director to the dishwashers, hated to see good food go to waste, but there was no way to get it to those in need without taking on new labor and transportation costs.
So, a group of students took up the initiative. Since 2011, Food Recovery Network, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has started chapters at over 90 colleges and universities and donated more than 420,000 pounds of food. These students have volunteered time and transportation costs to deliver more than 335,000 meals to community hunger-fighting agencies since the program started. The only operating cost left? Trays.
Your compassionate donation can help! Each tray for safe, clean, and effective food transportation costs $1.50, and holds 15 meals. That means just $10 provides a nutritious meal for 100 Americans in need.
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Wild horses are one of the mountain west's most fascinating animals. Warm Springs Resource Area is home to nearly 170 of these horses, which roam freely on the 330,000 acres that comprise three herd management areas: Conger Mountain, King Top and Sulphur. A small portion of the Frisco HMA is near the southern border of WSRA, but the herd is managed by the Cedar City BLM. The horses have an average weight of 700-1000 pounds and vary in color, ranging from grays, roans and pintos to bays and sorrels. The horses from the Sulphur Herd Management Area (HMA) are descendents of the Spanish Barb horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 1600s. Dun, buckskin and grulla are generally the dominant colors found in this herd and feature traits such as the dorsal stripe, leg barring and bi-colored mane. The HMA has strived to preserve these colors and traits. Because of excess population within the wild horse herds, a number of horses are removed each year and Utah BLM provides an annual opportunity for horse enthusiasts to adopt these animals through the Adopt-A-Horse or Burro program. The program encourages qualified applicants to adopt and provide good homes for selected animals.
Herd Management Areas
Confusion Herd Management Area
Conger Herd Management Area
King Top Herd Management Area


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Ian McKellen
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Ian Murray McKellen was born on May 25, 1939 in Burnley, Lancashire, England, to Margery Lois (Sutcliffe) and Denis Murray McKellen, a civil engineer. He is of Scottish, Northern Irish, and English descent. During his early childhood, his parents moved with Ian and his sister Jean to the mill town of Wigan. It was in this small town that young Ian... See full bio »
Born:in Burnley, Lancashire, England, UK
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Format Maps
Results: 1-1 of 1 | Refined by: Original Format: Maps Remove Location: North America Remove Contributor: Bernard, Jean-Frederic Remove
MapLe cours du fleuve Missisipi selon les relations les plus modernes. Scale ca. 1:11,500,000. Relief shown pictorially. Prime meridian: Ferro. Shows territory from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, and from headwaters of the Rio Grande to the mouth of the St. Lawrence. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. Vault AACR2: 100; 440; 651/1; 651/2
- Contributor: Bernard, Jean-Frédéric
- Date: 1737


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Ingram Micro Recognizes Top Performing Technology Vendors for Impressive Growth, Execution and Partner Enablement Programs at 2010 Marketing Symposium
St. Paul, MN, October 13, 2009
Ergotron was awarded the 2009 U.S. Vendor Awards of Excellence in the peripherals and accessories category, on October 8, at Ingram Micro's 2010 Marketing Symposium in Anaheim, CA. During the awards ceremony, Ingram Micro recognized select IT technology manufacturers and software developers for their outstanding IT Channel performance and partnership, as well as achievements against measurable objectives, such as growth, revenue, profitability, marketing programs, solution provider support and services.
"We are honored to have received this award of Excellence," said Melody McKay, vice-president, Ergotron's Americas business unit. "It demonstrates that the passion we put into everything we do, from products to logistics to sales and marketing, is making a notable difference at Ingram Micro and further enabling our partners' success."
Ergotron is one of 15 brands recognized by Ingram Micro; a list which includes distinguished companies like includes Belkin, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Apple. For a full list of winners see http://www.ingrammicro.com.
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This is The Dip, a column penned by our regular commenter, The Dipsy.
As the Phillies resign their players at rapid pace the inexorable march towards the inevitable begins. Everybody worth resigning is signed except for two: Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth. I'm sure the Phillies front office wants to keep them both – we all do. But it looks like this season both players – friends – will be pitted against each other in the public view. In the eyes of many fans they will be playing against each other for the opportunity to stay with the Phillies for the next 4 or 5 years; while the other is jettisoned because he is unaffordable. Welcome to the Salarydome – two men enter, one man leaves. Here is the case for both.
Jayson Werth, at 31, is seemingly entering the prime of his career and last year he emerged as a bona fide power hitter. He is fast. He is a good defender with a nice arm. He can seemingly do everything well. He fits into this lineup like a hand in a glove and by all accounts he's a great teammate and he is definitely a gamer. Some consider him injury prone, but a player can't avoid getting hit in the wrist with a pitched ball, even if it did take him the better part of a couple seasons to recover. Financially speaking, Jayson is a bit of an anomaly. He is just starting to become a premier player at a relatively late stage in his career. When his current contract is over he will be 32 and without a big payday in his pocket. I would imagine that someone in his position would consider this his one and only shot to get the big years and big money. A five year contract would take him to 37 and I imagine, if he has a year like he did last year, that he'll be asking for about $15m a year. God bless him, he deserves it.
Ryan Howard, on the other hand, is one of the greatest sluggers of all-time. When he is hot he can carry a team for weeks. His stats are eye-popping. We have run out of superlatives to describe his power. Yet, he is still a below average fielder (despite an improvement last season), his plate discipline stinks and he can't hit lefties. Since he stopped taking walks and picking pitches, sometime in 2007 or so, he has become a one dimensional player. Unlike Werth, Ryan has already made a lot of money. One would think that he doesn't feel the need to extract every ounce of his perceived worth out of the Phillies come contract time – that is, if he wants to stay here. If he wants maximum value, "no problem", I say. Get it while you can. The problem with signing Ryan to a 5-year deal is that it would take him into his mid-thirties and at huge money. If that bat slows down in Year 3 or so, that's a lot of money for the Phillies to live with given the production they'd be getting.
Taking everything into consideration who should Ruben sign? Ryan Howard.
Werth is a fabulous all around player who has played great for a season and a half. His right handed bat is the lightning to Ryan's thunder. And he's cheaper. Ryan Howard IS one dimensional, but what a dimension it is. The mere fact that he can hit a 500-foot home run at any time makes pitchers pitch differently and fielder's play out of position. His mere presence in the four hole adds 20 points to Utley's batting average and 10 to Werth's. He is a game changer and the franchise along with it. He once uttered the words "just get me to the plate, fellas" in a huge spot and then knocked in the game-winning hit. To me, it's hard to put a price tag on that kinda player. While we would spend more money, we will be a much better team than without him because, truth be told, there are more than a few Jason Werths in major league baseball. There is only one Ryan Howard.
80 Comments
Really tough call. The only reason Howard might get the contract is because Dom Brown is a rising star
stick werth in the number 4 slot and his rbis would approach howards,howard is a liability in the field,cant throw,cant run,has digressed in his plate discipline and hurts this team more than he carries it
I think dipsy said it exactly right – as good as jayson werth is and may have been for the past couple years, there are more than a few jayson werths in major league baseball, but there is only one [or two to three] ryan howards. So, despite his downsides, noone being perfect except maybe albert pujoils, the phillies must do everything they can to retain him. And its a good thing for the phillies to have a $20 plus million slot in their $140 million payroll for one ryan howard type player – those players just get that kind of money even if you cant quite justify it!!
I say give 'em both 10 years and 10 million dollars and be done with it!
We'll see what happens in 2010… it'll really depend on that.
Dipsy: small edit, he didn't homer when he said "get me to the plate"… he got a game-tying double to right field. Oh man, that was sweet.
I'd have to say Howard also. He's too good to let go.
Great write up, one correction, following the "just get me to the plate fellas" Howard doubled in two runs. It wasn't a homer.
I assume by "homered" you mean doubled?
Is there any evidence that Howard would demand less money than he's worth?
And when did "getting on base" cease to be a dimension? Sure .360 is a far cry from Howard's .425 OBP in his MVP season, but he's still getting on base at a fairly impressive rate.
While I would love to see the Phillies keep both players, I think there are teams out there that would be willing to overpay for both. Howard has the type of body and skills that are susceptible to precipitous decline (see Vaughn, Mo) and Werth is already at the end of what one would expect to be his peak years. I can't pick one player over the other without seeing what kind of a deal each is offered or accepts.
As for your assertion that Howard adds .20 to Utley's BA and .10 to Werth's? Prove it. Or even give some evidence that might show you aren't completely off your rocker. Most people who have objectively looked at lineup protection have come to the conclusion that it's a myth, but even if there is something to the theory, there is absolutely no evidence that I've seen that one player can effect another player's BA .10 per season, let alone .20.
Good blog. I hope we can keep both players and remain optimistic that ownership sees the value of keeping a dynamic offense. If we cannot keep both, we should aggressively market one and really try to get something in return — not like the Curt Schilling deal. I agree that Howard is the more special of the two and the one to keep if we cannot keep both.
Keep both. use Ibanez' money to retain Werth and then use Lidge's money to retain Howard. The players that will be tough to retain if you retain these two are Hamels and Rollins.
mattjg..the idea of line up protection is absolutely not a myth. Look at how crappy David Ortiz is now that Manny is gone. That's just one example.
You know how I feel Dipsy….keep Jayson.
Like I just said in the other thread…Howard isn't as godd without Werth protecting him.
And Werth is more of a versatile player.
Howard at 23-25 million per….Werth at 15 per…
….I just don't see the $8-10 million more for Ryan Howard as a better value for this team.
psujoe…Ibanez and Lidge's contracts combined are maybe enough to resign Howard alone, certainly not both.
A lot of people in philly-world take for granted how great Howard's production truly is. It's become expected that he hits 45+ homers and 140+ rbi. That's quite a higher benchmark than the standard 30hr/100rbi guy.
Werth easily has 4 of the 5 tools (average might come around), but corner OF spots are a dime a dozen. It would suck letting him go, but he is replaceable.
I think the players are going to dictate who gets what. If they're asking for the moon, then all the phils can do is submit their best offer and hope for the best. The team will still be very good even without those two. We don't have to lead the entire National League in runs every year to be good. With 2 legitimate aces, we can be mediocre at run scoring and still be championship caliber.
Here's just a piece of food for thought….. What if we trade Howard after 2010? We could keep Werth and still have something left in the tank for a 1B and we'll probably get some nice prospects in return. OR, maybe Ruben is looking at HOward running out his contract and then shifting Chase over to first to prolong his career a little bit, cuz the kid certainly abuse his body out there.
good write up, dipsy. very well said. i agree 100% on keeping howard over werth. home-grown pure sluggers like ryan howard do not come around very often, and the phils team deserves a guy like this. ryan howard is the type of player that always played on the 'great' teams when i was growing up…and in regards to his talent and ability i would lament, 'why cant the phils ever have a player like THAT on our team?'… chase utley fits that sort of player profile as well, and i am grateful that we wont be having contract discussions about him for many years to come…
jayson werth has probably the best plate coverage i have seen in a while. his ability to take an outside pitch and poke it the opposite way is definitely a great offensive skill that perfectly complements his league-leading plate discipline. although howard's plate discipline is absolutely dreadful, this is something i think he can still fine-tune (like his defense this past offseason) to make himself closer to an albert-pujols-type hitter. the guy still strikes fear into opposing pitchers and one of the top pure sluggers around…thats what i want…
now if werth gives the phils a decent hometown discount, a stunning 'offer-you-cant-refuse,' then im sure it spells the end for the big man. but i think this is the only way the phils consider werth over howard…
Andrew R..
Werth isn't just a corner outfielder….he can play center really well…and remember…he's also a catcher as well (not that you would just put him there…but he CAN do it)..
He would probably play 1st base…if you asked him….and wouldn't embarrass himself.
My point is that Jayson is an extremely versatile player.
but man the money difference between the two is hard to ignore, dipsy— you are gonna have approximately 10million per season difference in salary between the two players. especially if you think of it in terms of money going to other positions—if the phils let werth go, how much are they saving? eh right now maybe about 10million ish…if they let howard go they are saving at least 20plus million. thats alot of money to put towards other positions…..damn its alot tougher when you look at it like that…..but i still take howard. a 4year 100mil deal will keep him in red pinstripes until hes 36. im all for that
One thing to note about Ryan's walk rate is that it actually hasn't changed that much over the past few years. The big difference is that his intentional walks have dropped dramatically over the past few years.
Ed R, you have to take into account that the Phils are already paying Howard and Werth 27 million. Howard(20)+Werth(7)+Lidge(11.5)+Ibanez(11.5)=50 million. Trade Ibanez for prospects and give 6 or 7 million of his 11.5 to Werth. Pay Brown .5 K. So you could even eat come of Raules money and come out ahead. Next year Lidges 11.5 salaray is up. Buy out his option for 1.5 and take 5 of the 10 million towards Howard. You'd have about 8 or 9 left over for a closer.
some of Raul's money.
psujoe – is Lidge's contract up after 2010 season or after the 2011 season?
One question I'd like to pose is if Jamie Moyer is not healthy enough to play this year could he possibly retire saving the Phillies his salary this year?
i dunno im gettin tired of all this talk, u act like their competing for jobs and i just miss the good ol harry days. were becoming victims of our own success, it's no wonder the yanks have so much money. the players win, want more and more money, and a team has no option but to pay up and increase salary (boston, new york) or let players go, which sucks because this team, these guys, are something special. howard and werth have to stay, owners need to spend some money if they want this machine to grow. at least were not the marlins, but how did they win 2 world series? and no one cares? they couldnt possibly hold their players, its funny half of the highest paid players in the league are ex marlins.
phillies owners- gotta spend money to make money. and instead of increasing ticket prices, y not add seats to the bank? i dont wanna ruin the feel because every seat in the house is action but, we could sell more seats i think. wheres the big ol vet now? haha
Dipsy, any change RAJ attempts to resign Jayson soon – hoping to get him at a lower price now than they could next year? I think someone suggested giving him 5 seasons now with the first season replacing his contract for this season (which would be extending him only 4 seasons, but giving him a boost for this season)?
The thing about Ryan that I really have a problem is that he absolutely can play with better plate discipline because he has shown it. Without looking at the stats, I would imagine that his OBP and BA and BB have declined since his first two years. This would be understandable if Ryan felt he was the only viable HR/RBI option in the lineup, feeling the burden to knock runs in, but clearly he is not. There is nothing wrong with Ryan taking the walk or waiting for his pitch when he has the power of Werth and Ibanez behind him. That's not taking away his aggressiveness its just asking him to play smart. While Howard is clearly great, would the Phillies be better with Werth and an extra 6-8m to spend on a real nice corner infielder that can field, hit for average, and get on base? I think in the end, Utley might move to first to save the wear on his body and Polanco to second. That would leave third open. Lots of options if you're thinking Werth. AND I DID MEAN "DOUBLED".
The Dipsy
I though we have Ryno for 2 more years on his contract he signed last off season?
Actually, I think I floated the idea of ripping Jason's contract up and offering 4/45. I think its fair and it would give him a 3m raise for this year, assuming all the years are divided evenly. I don't want Jason, or any other player, for six years. If he wants 5 year contract after this year I think Ruben would be hard pressed to give it to him.
The Dipsy
I'm with The Dipsy on this one. I love Werth, but Ryan Howard is the type of offensive production that can't just be replaced.
absolutely ryan howard, like you said he makes a difference even when he's not at the plate. Werth is older and the phillies don't have any first base prospects remotely close the the majors leagues.
p.s. howard hit a game-tying double when he said get me to the plate
I said it before and I'll say it again. The Phils without Ryan Howard are a good team.
A good team winds up in second, perhaps in a WC slot but making it to the WS? There would have to be quite a bit of luck involved.
The Phils with Ryan Howard are a terrific team and we are pretty darn sure they will be in the fall classic unless there is bad luck.
Keep Howard at all costs.
Honestly, all we can do is hope that the rest of the NL starts improving… so that we are *forced* to do whatever it takes to keep players like Howard and Werth… With teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and the Cardinals, either downgrading or staying the same, there's less of a need to field the best team possible at a given time. Which sucks.
Lidge's contract is has a buyout after 2011.
Dipsy, if Jayson would accept a 5 year deal starting this year would you do that?
Anyone know what happens if Jamie can't play this year?
If Jaime can't play he gets paid his full salary. To me, if Jayson were to ask for a 5 year deal I guess I would have to know what the numbers are.
The Dipsy
great write up. I agree 100%. I was not a big Howard fan early last year but he has won me over. If Howard continues to improve this year (as his d did last year), I cannot see any way we can afford to let him go. A one has said, the Phillies are just a good team w/out him.
Again….the difference in yearly salaries between Werth and Howard is gonna be $8-10 million dollars…
If you could only keep one of these guys…you have to ask….Is Ryan Howard $8-10 million more valuable than Jayson Werth?? ….
In my opinion…no.
nice write-up, Dip. it's this type of conundrum that happens to two teams. either a team that wins with burgeoning, young talent cementing themselves into productive primes….OR teams that throw big money around in the free agent market hoping to buy more wins.
I'm just glad we're in the first situation…
If Werth's contract potential free agency came up in 2012, like Howard's does, this would be a legitimate debate topic. But he's a free agent in 2010. The Phils would have to trade someone else keep Werth now.
I think Howard is the one who stays, just because of the circumstances. His pay only goes up a little in the next few years; Werth's could go up astronomically. It's not so much the difference in pay, but the difference in the increase. Jayson makes less $7 million now: he'll be asking for probably $7 million more than that. Howard gets $20 for 2010, but that won't go up by the same $7 million until he's a free agent, too, and maybe not then, either.
In terms of salary difference between Werth and Howard, here's something to keep in mind. Who sells more merchandise Howard or Werth? Who would you say overall generates more revenue Howard or Werth?
If it had to come down to one or the other, I'd choose Howard. Yes, as currently constructed Werth is the only RH bat. But guys like Howard don't grow on trees, he a special type of player.
Two corrections: First paragraph the last sentence should read "…TO keep Werth now. Second paragraph, "less" does not belong. Sentence should read:
"Jayson makes $7 million now…"
Aren't Brown, Gose and Gilles the future outfield….I've seen enough prospect rosterbation in these posts this off season that I don't understand how Howard wouldn't be the obvious choice for majority as I rarely read anything here that mention 1st prospects. Besides that Howards been proven over a few years and we don't really know if this just an anomally for Werth despite his athleticism. We'll see what happens this year.
that's "…read anything here that mentions 1st basemen prospects." Man what I wouldn't do to be able to edit my posts once that I posted!
AAARRRGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! That should be
"Man what I wouldn't do to be able to edit my posts once I posted!"
I'm pretty sure Utley would rake no matter who was batting in front of him. "Protection" is such an overrated thing.
According to MLBTraderumors the Phils and Ruiz agreed to a 3 yr $9Million deal. CHOOOCH!!
All I know is that when you have a holy terror on deck that can hit a home run at anytime, pitchers don't like to put men on base in front of him. So they throw more fastballs. And the guy batting knows it. Hence the advantage.
The Dipsy
I have been saying for AGES that the Phillies need to extend Jayson Werth, but I feel the same way about Ryan Howard. While Jayson Werth is a far more well rounded player, Ryan Howard merely coming to the plate makes many pitchers crap their pants. Neither of these guys should leave if at all possible, and I can't honestly pick one over the other. While Werth is probably more valuable to the team overall, Howard's immense power is absolutely game changing, and you can see it every time an opposing team quick tries to scramble to do something about him. Werth on the other hand is more like the glue that holds the team together, but Howard would be the wood.
Ruiz signed to a 3 year 9 Mil deal. Thats awesome
Ruiz for 3 years at 9 Million is a STEAL if you ask me, especially when you consider that being a catcher is one of the most demanding and injury prone positions. Carlos Ruiz is one of the best defensive catchers currently playing, and his clutch hits absolutely cannot be understated at all.
Now this is a great deal!
I guess we are bored , who you keep, Howard is a stud , a rare player who can carry a team, versus a very good outfielder, Howard types
come along only so often, the last player we had like him was schmidt. And mike couldnt carry a team like howard can.
Way to go Chooch!!
Ok…these 3 arb guys have new 3-yr deals..Great!!….now lets; focus on Jayson.
And I hear all of you when you say that Howard is unique and can carry a team.. there is something to be said for that…
I just think Werth is a more versatile player…this more valuable…but what do I know??
Corey – Those could just as easily be explained by change in leagues, Petco (It's Huge!), steroids/Mo Vaughn body-type, and a player entering the prime of his career. If protection is important, why does every objective (i.e. non-anecdotal) study fail to find evidence of its importance?
On the one hand it makes sense that pitchers will be more hesitant to walk guys in front of power hitters, but it's just as likely that pitchers will focus harder on making sure that guy doesn't reach base via walk OR hit.
mattjg: You keep saying that "every objective study" says protection is a myth without providing any evidence. Could you please point us to these studies? Because I've never seen them.
I agree with Chuck in that Howard is not worth 9-10 million dollars more than Werth. If that was the case, I would definitely choose Werth.
In terms of prospects, for 1st base, they have Jon Singleton but he is very far away. He still has lots to prove. For RF, they have Santana, but like Singleton, he is still far away. So that means they have no prospects to replace either.
I don't think that Werth and Howard will take a hometown discount for more than 5-6 million dollars. I would love to be wrong, but it's these players only one chance at a HUGE contract.
First of all noe fan thinks of one or the other. A fan wants both and tells management to pay the money to win. So you are WRONG. Next it would be foolish to allow the greatest offensive player (run producer) to every wear this uniform leave. He is a better offensive player than the great HOFer, legendary Michael Jack Schmidt. Hits for higher average, hits more home runs and drives in more runs. There is no way Utely or Werth has the ability to do the same in the same position. Or they'd be there; Utley was here first. He is an ALL TIME GREAT PHILLIE TODAY. Two Pennants and a World Championship. NO EXCUSES, I AM A FAN!!!! I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY BUDGET. I WANT TO WIN AND HE MAKES THE PHILLIES WIN SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE SO PAY HIM. I PAY THEM EVERY YEAR THEY OWE ME A WINNING TEAM WITH THE BEST POSSIBLE ROSTER. RYAN AND JASON ARE PART OF THAT UNLESS THEY CAN DO BETTER.
trade Werth and Lidge to the A's for….
Michael Taylor and closer Andrew Bailey? Totally kidding, but that would be great
Lidge and Hamels will bounce back this year
Corey, I posted a few links, but for some reason that comment is awaiting moderation (I guess because it has links?).
The studies have been done in a variety of ways, including comparing the stats of a player when he hits in front of a slugger with the stats of the same player when he hits somewhere else the lineup, in front of a lesser player. The studies all have some flaws, but the takeaway is that protection, if it exists, is a lot less important than a lot of people believe. My original point was only that there is no way that Howard boosts Utley's and Werth's BA's by .20 and .10 respectively. Howard may protect them to some extent (but then again, Werth would likely protect hitters in front of him–albeit to a lesser extent–since he's no slouch) but both Utley and Werth are outstanding hitters on their own and their drop-off in production (if any) would not be significant without Howard in the lineup.
matt – by objective are you speaking in terms of "frequentist" or "bayesian" analysis?
My dream scenario if Werth gets resigned and not Howard: Move Utley or Polanco to first, the other gus plays 2B and do what you can to get Adam Zimmerman with a package involving Howard. Thats my plan.
The Dipsy
I have to agree with Dipsy (wow..mark this date…we agree on something!!)…
…Polanco is one of those kind of players that's extremely versatile…
He can obviously play second…and I'm sure could play first ..2012…that dreaded 3rd year that everyone has been bitching about…
IF you had to choose…and I believe that Ruben does….then Werth would be my first choice as well.
As I said … Ryan Howard is not $8-10 million more valuable than Jayson Werth…cause that's probably the yearly difference in what their new salaries will look like.
Does that mean the Nats will have found a way to combine Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman? Because sign that player immediately, Rube.
Phila. Raider, as much as no fan wants their team to have a budget, you have to accept the fact that there WILL be a budget, and most likely, the franchise will have to choose between Ryan Howard.
Dipsy, that's not a bad idea, but will the Nats take on Howard's salary?
hahahahahahah. I have a friend named Adam Zimmerman. Ryan…excuse me. Thats funny.
The Dipsy
First of all I want to see some more from Werth. See if he can hold up against the RHP. But in general I would favor keeping Werth and using the saved money to get a good 3B – Polanco moves to second – Utley to first. Brown to replace Raul.
Howard is one-dimensional as stated (he changed in 07 when they started to shift on him – go back and check it out – they did not shift on him in 06. I would rather have the ball in play than the choice of HR/BB/K (lots of K!).
Howard is a great player but if it comes down to one or the other I say go with Werth – his skill set will last longer. Howard will end up DH in the AL in any case – that fits his profile.
You're preachin' to the choir with me Bob in Bucks…
And I love Ryan Howard…i just think that long-term Werth is better for this team.
Dipsy you actually shocked me. I have not read the other comments, because I am running late, but from the slant on your intro to each player, it seem bias towards Jayson. If that was on purpose, congrats, great writing.
I tend to agree with you if you can only have one, you take Howard, IMO it is a no brainer. He will have to take a home town discount, of about 2 or 3 million a year I think. Say 4 years 87-90 million instead of 4 years 100 million.
But being the eternal optimist I think you can afford to pay Ryan 23 million a year, and Jayson 12-14 million a year.
I have said before, and I do not know it can happens, but, sit them down and say what will you two take to stay in Philadelphia, and do you both want to stay here.
I also hate it when 4 years 13 or 14 million a year is not considered big money contract. If you figure all bonuses and playoff bonuses, that is almost 60 million a over 4 years. I think anybodies family would be pretty set for life after that. I also think if Ryan wants to stay, he would be willing to give a bigger home town discount because he would already have made over 50 million in his career.
Crediting Ryan Howard for adding points to other people's batting average is extremely disingenuous. The only person he can add or subtract batting average from is himself. They also play different positions. Howard plays average-at-best defense at the easiest defensive position. Werth doesn't play a premium position, but the fact that he is above average offensively AND defensively boosts his value significantly. It's a hard decision, but it's even harder if people believe slanted arguments like that.
Re: your trade- It's laughable to think that the nationals would trade for overpaid 30+yo Howard for brilliant defensively, young, cost-controlled Zimmerman.
Paul and Badfinger. Its very simple how this freakin works. Stats are impossible and you can't track it but bear with me. The guy who hits in front of the sicko 50hr/150rbi hitter benefits from the following dynamic:
1) Hitting off a pitcher who would rather give up a solo homer than a 2 run homer, which leads to…………….
2) The pitcher not wanting to walk the hitter in front of the slugger, which leads to…………
3) The pitcher throwing more fastballs. The breaking balls they do throw are more often thrown for strikes as opposed to those that break out of the zone, which are also known as…….
4) Better pitches to hit.
Get it?
Put another way, Chase Utley will consistently hit better with Howard batting in back of him than having someone else in the four hole. Thats baseball. Why do you think managers have been setting lineups that way forever? Cause they're stupid?
The Dipsy
The Dipsy
That's right, Dipsy…it's not rocket science….just common sense..some guys benefit more than others…but the model is the same…and the law of averages says it's gonna work out more than it doesn't.
Some of you guys want to move Utley to first
I couldn't ever see that, and it would destroy his Hall of Fame chances.
Why move the best 2B in baseball (defensively and offensively) to a position where he will become mediocre value?
Look at this line
Howard(20)+Werth(7)+Lidge(11.5)+Ibanez(11.5)=50 million
If you resign Werth even if it is for 15 million a year(which I think you could extend him for 12-14 million if you do it before he hit the FA Market) then by the time Howard needs to be signed and you pay him 25 million a year(Which I think you can get for 2-3 million dollars cheaper if you extend him before he hit FA) That leaves you 10 Million to sign a closer and if it is Brown in RF. That can be done, especially if you can bring up a closer from the minors. Which we are suppose to have a few that may be ready in 2 to 3 years.
If you can get from the minors a RF and Closer paying them 1-2 million a year, that leaves 8 million increase for Hamels and JRoll.
So how can you not sign both. In this equation is the high end of what you would pay Jayson and Ryan.
I think both would give a home town discount of 1-2 million a year to keep this team together for 3 or 4 more years.
Also why would you not assume that payroll will increase the next couple of years since they have increased it in the last 3 years?
I say sign them both.
Because if Utley (who is not the best defensive 2b in baseball)… moved to 1st base, he could concentrate more on his hitting, and not worry so much about improving his fielding.. .
Utley is a career .295 hitter, with above average defense.. and he hits for power at a position that doesn't normally get a lot of HRs
If he moved to 1st base I would imagine his power numbers go up, and his average would approach .333
I would also think that if Utley moved to 1st his career would or could be extended a few years..
because of a less demanding position physically.
Currently Werth is making 7 million a year, and you don't think he is not making the big money yet. He is probably doing pretty good compared to the rest of the right fielder in the MLB. I say offer him 7.5 or 8 and see what happens.


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Iowa received $71 million this week from tobacco companies -- its annual share of a 1998 landmark legal settlement in which tobacco companies pay states for smoking-related health care costs.
The Iowa Attorney General's Office says that since 1999, the state has received more than $960 million in tobacco payments.
This week's payment included a regular annual sum of more than $54 million as part of the master agreement and an additional "Strategic Contribution Fund" payment of more than $17.5 million.
The payment also includes a $6 million tobacco arbitration judgment from a case in which cigarette manufacturers claimed Iowa did not diligently enforce its tobacco statutes in 2003. A unanimous three-judge panel sided with Iowa in the case last year.


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It's the most wonder time of the year!
That's right, BOOT SEASON.
Almost nothing makes me happier than getting to pull out my boot and sweaters for the fall.
Since I live in Los Angeles, that means mid to late November, sadly.
Here's my first two boot looks for the fall.
I wore this Marni for H&M dress with my BLUE Chloe boots when I went to record
my portion of It's Just A F***ing Date!
Yes, they're my blue suede boots.
I'm still dying over them.
Here's what I work to pre-tape all the segments for our upcoming Lifeclass with Oprah on our new book It's Just A F***ing Date!
Top and skirt by Zara.
These Prada boots are more than a decade old and are still running strong.
One of my best investments!


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Nice work! Enjoy the show!
Link Copied!
Chipotle hires top food safety experts
Opening sequence
Judge declares mistrial in ex-cop's murder trial
Trump may push privatizing tribal lands like Standing Rock
VERBATIM: 'Mission accomplished' in Standing Rock pipeline fight
Oakland fire death toll 36, and expected to rise
North Carolina governor concedes election
South Korean tycoons testify in presidential scandal
Indians grieve in the streets after death of 'mother'
Amazon opens first line-free grocery store
A deadly record in the Philippine drug war
INSIGHT: Castro's interment closes final chapter of historic life
Closing Sequence


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O'Reilly Tags
We're experimenting with a folksonomy based on tag data provided by del.icio.us. Follow development in this blog post.
When Pythons Attack (2 tags)
Mark Lutz, coauthor of the recently released Learning Python, 2nd Edition, offers tips, gleaned from his first-hand experience as a Python trainer, on the most common programming and coding mistakes that new Python programmers make. For seasoned Python programmers, Mark offers tips on working with Python's larger features, such as datatypes, functions, modules, and classes.


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By Janet Bresenham
A festive mood filled the American Legion Post #25 Saturday night, as people of all ages and backgrounds celebrated a Cinco de Mayo festival with music, dancing and food.
The evening was organized as a fund-raiser for the Clovis Community College Cultural Arts Series.
"It's supporting the cultural arts," said CCC Cultural Arts Director Christy Mendoza. "The restaurant owners who helped us donated all the food, so all the money could go to the college to bring in more cultural events in Clovis for free or low cost."
A $10 admission ticket enabled festival participants to eat a variety of food from area restaurants.
Mimi Garza, who owns Juanito's Restaurant with her husband Juan, said they wanted to help, in part because this was the first year for the college's Cinco de Mayo festival.
In addition to dinner, festival goers were treated to mariachi music and a dazzling demonstration of salsa dancing by Suzanne Carrell, 20, a CCC cosmetology student from Portales, and Richard Keane, 19, a freshman physical therapy student at Eastern New Mexico University, who moved to the United States five years ago from Spain.
Midway through the evening, children also gathered to take their turns swinging at a large pinata made by two CCC students.
Organizers said the diversity of the celebration was important as a way of bringing various cultures together.
"We wanted this to be more of a community-minded event," said Tom Drake, the assistant to the president at Clovis Community College. "Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate, really, and that's what this event is for. I think it's great that we have so many people from all walks of life here."
The celebration of Cinco de Mayo dates back to May 5, 1862, and marks the resistance and victory by people in the town of Puebla, Mexico, against the French military who were trying to reach Mexico City.
Drake, whose mother's side of the family hail from a Mexican ancestry, said Cinco de Mayo was always a significant event for his family.
For Mendoza, the Cinco de Mayo event provided a way to honor her family's roots in Mexico and educate others.
"It's great to see so many cultures here together," Mendoza said. "Cinco de Mayo is a way of sharing and showing our heritage with everyone and our pride in Mexico. I'm the first generation in my family who was born in the United States, because even my mother is from Mexico."


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(Translation of "roof sth in/over" from the Cambridge English-Chinese (Simplified) Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
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Word of the Day
a person with a medical degree trained to take care of the health of animals


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Liz Bart's home on the basketball court is about 20 feet away from the basket.
She is so comfortable beyond the 3-point line that after missing three layups in a recent game, Bart was questioned by her coach at Olivet Nazarene University, Lauren Stamatis, about the misses.
"I came to the bench and she said, 'What's going on?'" said Bart, a Cary-Grove graduate who is a senior guard for the Tigers. "I said, 'I'm sorry for missing the layups.'"
Stamatis reminded Bart that the most dangerous part of her game is shooting 3-pointers.
"I said, "You mean I can just stop at the 3-point line and shoot instead of taking a layup?'" Bart asked.
Bart is such a threat that she entered this week as the national leader in NAIA Division II in total 3-pointers (64) and 3s a game (4.57).
"If she's indoors, she's open," Stamatis joked. "We let her shoot from anywhere."
Bart, a 41 percent shooter from long range, has helped ONU to a 10-6 record and seven wins in its past eight games. She averages a career-high 16.4 points a game, which ranks second on a fast-paced squad that scores 109.6 points and shoots almost 50 3-pointers per game.
To sharpen her shooting eye, Bart said she added an extra duty to her offseason workouts, which included five days a week of running and three weightlifting days.
"I'm not much for dribbling, so I focused on making 100 3s a day after each workout," Bart said. "My brother, T.J., rebounded for me, so it didn't take long."
Bart scored her 1,000th career point Dec. 20 against Madonna University and had a season-high 33 points – including 10 3-pointers – in a 133-92 victory Nov. 22 against Mid-Continent University. She is on pace to demolish her career-high total of 98 made 3-pointers from last season.
"She's been a real consistent leader for us," Stamatis said. "And, she's such a positive person. She's always happy."
Stamatis said the Tigers have benefited this season from having a group of male athletes to practice against each day.
"They really work on running at Liz and our shooters from all different angles – from the side, from behind," Stamatis said.
With the men's practice team simulating defenders during game conditions, Stamatis has noticed more confidence in Bart.
"I see the confidence in how much space she needs to get a shot off and the focus she has when the guys are running at her," Stamatis said.
Bart's confidence, in turn, has grown, thanks to playing with almost the same "shift" of players through her career.
The Tigers regularly substitute five players at a time to keep fresh athletes on the floor and wear down opponents.
"From year to year, you learn more about the people you play with," Bart said. "That gives you a lot more confidence. There are four seniors and one freshman on my shift, and we've done really well. That gives you confidence in everybody on the team."
Lake Forest leader Madson: McHenry's Brian Madson is the leading rebounder this season for D-III Lake Forest College's men's basketball team.
Madson, a junior forward, is averaging 5.8 rebounds to go along with his 10.2 points a game for the Foresters (3-7). In a 71-68 win Nov. 30 against Ripon, Madson pulled down a season-best 11 rebounds. His season-best total of 20 points came Nov. 23 in a 92-89 loss to Macalester.
Signs of spring: The nation's first D-III baseball preseason poll was released last week, and two Illinois schools were recognized.
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's poll included Concordia University Chicago at No. 13 and Augustana College at No. 22.
Concordia is coming off a season in which it posted the highest winning percentage (.848) in D-III and won three NCAA regional games, a first in school history. The Cougars (39-7) are the defending Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference regular-season and tournament champions.
Among Concordia's top returnees is junior third baseman Steve Zubrzycki of Marian Central, who batted .338 last season with 24 RBIs and posted a .419 on-base percentage.
Augustana (34-11) won the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin tournament and was two wins shy of qualifying for the NCAA's D-III World Series.
Among the returnees for the Vikings is sophomore pitcher Jamie Rammel (McHenry), who was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA last season.
• Barry Bottino writes a weekly column and a blog about local college athletes for the Northwest Herald. Write to him at email@example.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryOnCampus.


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- For Researchers
- For Companies
- For Students
- Labs & Centers
- Entrepreneurship
- VPR Office
Many articles, books, and periodicals are available which cover various aspects of business planning, formation, and development - far too many to list here. The following is a small a sample of references, which may be useful as you evolve your business.
"Five Deadly Mistakes When Starting A Business," CNN Money.com, Jessica Seid
"17 Questions About Business Incubation," National Business Incubator Association, Linda Knopp
The Art of the Start, Guy Kawasaki
Lies Startups Tell Themselves To Avoid Marketing, Sandra Holtzman and Jean Kondek
EntreWorld Resources for Entrepreneurs
If you would like to recommend an article, book, or periodical for inclusion in our list, please let us know.


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So, where did it all begin…Garrett Vanacore '11 | June 24, 2009
You may have read (somewhere on this blog) that my summer research concerns this thing called the "CMB" – the Cosmic Microwave Background (sometimes called the Cosmic Background Radiation, or CBR). Being able to study the CMB is, in some ways, a fulfillment of dreams I had when I was 10. I'm sure you've heard of the Big Bang; the supposed beginning of the universe, or as some would claim, "the beginning of time" (whatever that might mean). Well, back when Garrett was a little 10 year old, the Big Bang was still called the "Big Bang Theory." And back then, I had to wonder why humans thought that everything started with a really, really, really big explosion. How could we make any educated guess that the ENTIRETY of the universe just blew up out of nothingness? Nearly 10 years later, I now know why scientists supported the big bang theory: because it predicts the existence of the CMB.
So, what is the CMB?
That's it!
(…Was that not helpful? Sorry, I'll explain.)
In 1964, the physicists Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson were testing a sensitive communications antenna at Bell Labs. In an attempt to test the antenna in a radiation-free environment, they calibrated the device to a relatively quiet wavelength in the microwave range. They found that their antenna detected a constant low level background noise in any direction they could point it. After accounting for all foreseeable errors, they concluded that the universe was filled with a constant radiation background.
Penzias and Wilson couldn't explain their finding, but in fact, it had already been predicted. In 1948 Georg Gamow, Ralph Alpher, and Robert Herman did some theoretical work regarding the Big Bang Theory, a theory then considered to be incredibly speculative. Their work (essentially) calculated the temperature of the universe, and they found that the universe should be permeated by a residual radiation corresponding to a temperature of 2.45 Kelvin. Funny enough, the radiation measured by Penzias and Wilson corresponded to a temperature of 3.5 K.
And that's all the CMB is – a bunch of photons (packets of energy). Granted, they're incredibly special photons. It's the oldest bunch of radiation we can detect! And the great age of the CMB is what makes it so useful; it's a snapshot of our Universe at an early age. I can't stress enough how important the CMB is. When Penzias and Wilson detected it, they created a fundamental benchmark for the fields of Cosmology, Particle Physics, Astronomy, etc.. If any theoretical model of the universe has the potential to be correct, it must explain the CMB. Thus, the CMB has become a type of "laboratory" for physicists. By analyzing its properties, we are able to test and eliminate theoretical models. This is exactly why the "wildly speculative" Big Bang theory gained a wealth of support after the CMB's discovery. The Big Bang Theory predicted our observations and their origin, and rightly received public approval.
The picture above is a modern map of the CMB (taken by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe; a.k.a. the WMAP satellite). The many colored spots on the image correspond to regions of varying temperature, with the traditional (blue/green/yellow/red) hot-to-cold scale (note, our galaxy's radiation has been subtracted from the image). I'll explain the details of this image in a future post.
(PBS Voice:) If you'd like to learn more about the Cosmic Microwave Background, a brief (but comprehensive) review can be found on Wayne Hu's webpage ( background.uchicago.edu/~whu/). Or, you can check out one of the many accessible undergraduate texts on Astronomy or Cosmology.
References: Historical facts credited to Matts Roos, from his text "Introduction to Cosmology."


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Phantasy Camp Reunion and Batting Practice
I have to say, the one consistent issue I have with this Phantasy Camp experience is how early I have to get up. OK, so I don't have to stay up every night to try and close the bar down with Larry Andersen. Sue me.
This time, it was 5 AM… and being as excited as I was, I awoke even earlier. Of course, I had a legitimate excuse this time as I had to drive from Manhattan to Citizens Bank Park to make the 9:30 call time.
Me being me, I got to the ballpark way too early. Might as well stretch it out in the parking lot with all the CBP employees looking at me as they roll in.
This was staring to feel like old hat. Meet at the ballpark office entrance, go down to Phillies media room, change in the women's locker room, blah blah blah. Just another Saturday morning. It was wonderful seeing all the familiar faces from ESF. Before we started to get the rundown for our day, I was stealthily attacked from behind with a bear hug from my team rep for the last two years, Joe. If I had a bat in my hand, my instincts would have kicked in, but the way I swing the lumber, I would have missed. Joe is one of the aspects of Camp that truly make it special. A highly intelligent baseball instructor, a BP-throwing machine, and just one helluva human being.
After we said our "hello's", "how have you been's", and most importantly, had our bagels and coffee, we got the rundown for the day. We would split in to three groups: one in the batting tunnels, one out shagging flies and the other hitting on the field. Just to torture me, my group would bat last.
After many times passing by the indoor batting practice tunnels, it was great to finally get in to them and feel that wonderful "real turf" from the last days of old Veterans Stadium. I could just smell the "boo's"… and booze. See what I did there? *groan*
We casually took turns, shaking the rust off. In addition to being grouped with my buddy Sam, I also had my Drillers teammate Paul, and two of Phantasy Camp's biggest celebrities, the only female player for the last two years, Martha Eyerly, and "The Happiest Man on Earth", Craig Gerhart. Craig was still flashing his classic Sears Roebuck glove from his childhood and could not have been more thrilled to be taking part in this day. What a shock.
We spent a good hour in the tunnel and really felt like I was making decent contact. Fingers crossed that I could translate that to the next round.
Before we actually were ushered out, I did go and grab a sneak peak of the Phillies dugout. The last time I had a reaction to seeing the sight of a baseball field was my very first game at the Vet when I was six years old. Thirty years later, it was no different.
One of my favorite scenes in "The Natural" is when Robert Redford walks down the tunnel towards the dugout to meet Pop for the first time. The only sounds you hear are the cracking bats and faint conversations echoing through the completely empty ballpark. This was exactly the same. I decided to not completely ruin it for myself when I take the field, so I scurried back to my group.
Finally, it was our turn.
I got myself settled and watched the child-like reactions of my fellow Campers. I took a breath and walked out toward rightfield. And that's when I started laughing… laughing at the absurdity of me wearing a Phillies uniform, standing in the outfield of Citizens Bank Park, and laughing out of pure, unadulterated joy. I thought I felt like a little kid down in Clearwater. That wasn't even close. I thought I was going to run around and jump while uncontrollably shouting. The best part… so did everyone else. I took my time walking the entire outfield, from the warning track down to the lip of the infield. I have no idea how long I was out there. It felt like an eternity, but it also felt like a couple minutes. It was pure baseball heaven.
Sam nailed it on the head when he said THIS makes the entire Camp. Standing on the field of our baseball idols. I stood in centerfield and imagined Shane Victorino in late October of 2008. Chills.
We were called in for our turn in the cage. This would be the cherry, the whip cream, the immediate guilt, and upset stomach. We cycled in and out. Everyone got three turns to stand at home plate, look out on to the field, and instantly remember why WE don't play professional baseball. Unfortunately, I left more of my better swings in the tunnel. The overhang in the cage cruelly told me every time my ball would be heading out as a pop fly. I did get the barrel on a handful of pitches, all to the left side… line drives and hard hit grounders to third and shortstop. I even had a beautiful line-hugger that went just over the bag, into foul territory. I imagined a diving third basemen diving just out of the reach of my "scorching" liner, and the left fielder scurrying over to try and figure the carom off the fence. Of course, I also imagined ANY Major Leaguer shuffling over and catching it… as it would have really happened.
My last bit of humility came in the last round when I felt I got a pretty good hold of one, square on the barrel. It felt perfect as it "soared" out from the cage. I stared and watched in excitement as it pitifully landed in shallow left field. I think I caught a smirk from my BP pitcher. Give a man a break!
And that was that. Off to the showers. My closest experience to being a big leaguer was over.
Damn, it was worth it.
Lunch consisted of hot dogs with all the fixings and cheese steaks wit'… white cheese? To be honest, I do prefer good old American cheese, so the absence of the standard Whiz was totally fine. We ate in a blocked-off area of the media room with a TV playing highlights of the 1980 World Series, marveling at the players' lack-of-size. They aren't athletes, they're ball players.
Next we got a guided tour of the ballpark, the same one that thousands of people go on during the year. This was my first time so it was definitely a very interesting look at the inner-workings of the Cit. Of course, I just played on the field, so you'll have to excuse me if I trail off while looking at the visiting executives private box.
We then got our own private viewing of the REAL guys taking batting practice. We sat on the third base side right next to visiting dugout. This is where we would come out later for our on-field introductions. The pitchers were in the cage first. Once again, proof was given why they were Major Leaguers and were not. Kyle Kendrick, Cole Hamels, Vance Worley, and Cliff Lee were mashing taters like no one's business. Worley and Kendrick were sending a few pretty close to Harry The K's. Amazing.
OOOH, now everyone is stretching! Work those quads.
We had to get back to the locker room before the big guns got in the cage, but before we left, the bullpen of the Washington Nationals made their way past us and towards the outfield. At the back of the pack was their closer, Tyler Clippard. I don't like to talk disparagingly about others, but there is a reason closers are stereotyped. He was, as the kids like to say, a "hot mess". Muttering to himself, walking awkwardly, staring off in to space… but, what can I say, the guy has a good chance of being in the World Series this year, unlike my club. So I'll just shut up now.
From this point on, it was just like last year's reunion. But also like last year's Camp, it was a pleasure to see all the rookies now attending their first reunion… their wide eyes, the frantic cellphone calls to all their friends and family so will be able to see them and catch them on the jumbotron… fantastic. I started hearing shouts of "Hey Sarge" and quickly turned around. No, they were calling the other Sarge, Gary Matthews, who was making his way to the booth. Him and I really need to discuss this shared nickname arrangement. Bob Boone, Dickie Noles, and Scott Palmer made an appearance and chatted with us Campers. The next hour was spent catching up with all teammates and other acquaintances from Camp. It was such a honor to have people approach me and tell me how much they loved the blog and my photos. It makes me so happy when people take the time to sift through all the internet noise and spend some time on this little site. It definitely makes it worth all the effort.
Because last year's reunion was rescheduled due to hurricane Irene, the on-field intros seemed a bit rushed. It made sense as this is a big undertaking and I'm sure many concessions had to be made. This year was a totally different story. This seemed much more organized. As we waited in the underbelly of CBP next to the Nationals' clubhouse, piles of calcified clay, endless kegs of beer, and the Phanatic's two quad bikes, Larry Andersen came by and said hello to everyone. I'm pretty sure he wore the same exact shirt last time too… and down at Camp. I'm now curious about LA's wardrobe closet.
The light rain that fell during the player's BP had left and gave us a beautiful, clear night so everyone could see our beautiful faces. As the cameraman made his way down the rows, the Phantatic followed suit, hamming it up with Campers. There were more people in the stands, the weather was much better, and a lot more Campers were in attendance. The smiles seemed broader, the eyes wider, and the laughs heartier.
It was the perfect ending to an even more perfect day.
*On a side note, if anyone happened to record the pre-game/game from that night, please let me know. I was told by family that I was spotted!*
To see all my pictures from that day, please view my Flickr collection. Thanks to Sam Daley for the video and shots of me batting.


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Since starting solids my baby must poo at the very least, 3 times a day but has had as many as 7.
He is a happy healthy BF baby but I just can't seem to find any info on babies that GO too much?
I'm not overly concerned but it just doesn't seem normal.
I make my own food could that be it?


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July 19, 2012 —
LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — The Catskill Art Society (CAS) Arts Center will present "Luminous Ragas," with Steve Gorn and Bill Buchen, on Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. It will be an evening of North Indian Classical Music on the bansuri bamboo flute with Gorn and tablas with Buchen.
Gorn has performed Indian classical music and new American music on the bansuri bamboo flute in concerts and festivals throughout the world. His unique blend of Indian music and contemporary world music can be heard on recordings with Paul Simon, Glen Velez, Jack DeJohnette, Paul Winter and Krishna Das, among many others. Buchen will accompany Gorn on the tablas. He has studied with Kadar Khan, Pandit Samir Chattergee, Anand Kumar Mallick, South Indian percussion with T.S. Nandakumar, and most recently with Ustad Zakir Hussein. He has also performed with Indofunk, Gigi and Drala.
Admission costs $10 for CAS members and $12 for non-members.


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Village group uses Social Cycling Groups to boost numbers
In 2011, after thinking about the many unloved bikes sitting in garages gathering dust, Stuart Watson decided it was high time his village had a local cycling group – and so the Tour de Queniborough cycling group was born.
With the changing demands of everyday life, finding time for a weekly workout can be a tough challenge. Stuart thought the group would be a great way to get busy people out of the house, to enjoy a bike ride with friends. The group soon got going, but didn't take off as quickly as he first hoped, with only 6 or 7 riders attending each week.
However, since Stuart started using Social Cycling Groups to plan and organise rides, the Tour de Queniborough has gone from strength to strength. They now hold three rides a week and have 25 members – both men and women, with a mix of road and mountain bikes. 'Lots of different people come to the rides' says Stuart. 'From students to retired riders; from the local landlady to the parish councillor. Social Cycling Groups are the future for those people who don't want to join a club but want to enjoy riding a bike in a group.'
The Tour de Queniborough cycling group has led the way for Social Cycling Groups in Leicestershire, and Stuart is now working with other social cycling groups in the local area, with the aim of organising more social bike rides.


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Software to replace thinkingNovember 23,2012
It's not enough that technology is disrupting the financial model that has long sustained journalism. Now researchers are developing software that offers a new way to read.
Great. That leaves just one more step — computer code that second-guesses everything it bumps up against — and my line of work is done for.
But first, that reading breakthrough: The announcement came from Cornell University the week before Election Day, an unfortunate bit of timing, since better reading skills on the part of voters might have made this year's campaigns a bit less contentious. Manipulative campaign advertising wouldn't work, you know, if it weren't for an electorate that hasn't read up on the issues.
Researchers in Cornell's Communication and Information Science departments have applied a concept known as "selectional preference" to content from major media outlets and political blogs. In linguistics, "selectional preference" is a way of identifying relations among words in order to help analyze how we think about a concept.
Cornell's announcement of the new online tool, which it calls "Reflext," cites the word "water," and its typical association with such verbs as "pour," "flow," "freeze" and "splash." Fine. You wouldn't expect a noun like "water" to be associated with verbs like "snowshoed" or "indemnified."
But take the word "Medicare." In the text studied by Cornell's researchers, it often appeared with such words as "slash" and "end," but also with "reform" and "save."
Those are very different ways of explaining what may be the same policy choices. One person's plan to "reform" something may be another's view of "ending" it. You can label either a tax cut or a tax hike as "reform."
It's by analyzing the frequency of such word associations that the Cornell researchers say they can better grasp what Americans are thinking.
"Examining how we talk about issues can provide insights into how we think about them," said Eric P.S. Baumer, a researcher working on the project.
Long before Cornell began this sort of research, journalists were struggling daily to figure out just the right word to describe what they learn. A word that's neutral may be dull; a more powerful word may be inaccurate.
This isn't just about avoiding what is trite. We're well-practiced in that from the get-go. One of my early editors shoved back a piece of copy I had written reporting that ambulances had "rushed" fire victims to the hospital. "Ambulances always rush," he said. "Don't write stuff that isn't news." In my brief career as a sportswriter, I covered only one golf tournament, which is fortunate, because I quickly ran out of verbs: Golfers, I learned, either "shoot" or "fire." Boring.
This issue was well-known to Samuel Clemens, whose career as the writer Mark Twain began in newspapering. "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter," Twain wrote to a friend. "It's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."
What Cornell researchers hope to do, however, is go beyond precision of word choice. They aim to detect nothing less than what is said between the lines — the patterns in language use that suggest how people are discerning issues.
It's the next step beyond a word cloud, a rather simple bit of software that gives visual weight to words that appear most often in a text. In a word cloud of the U.S. Constitution, for example, the word that emerges as most prominent is "States," followed by "President."
What might a "selectional preference" analysis of last week's news show? Perhaps the connection of "general" to "scandal," or "fiscal cliff" to "taxes," and "entitlements?" During a campaign season, it might reveal word manipulation on the stump.
But blaming candidates and their backers for language that distorts reality diminishes our own responsibility. Persuasion has been an energetic human practice since the first cave-dwellers' mating rituals. It's the task of person receiving the message to sort the truth.
We who labor in journalism can help, and the Cornell research might be useful. But there's no substitute for careful reading: watching out for value-laden words, for phrases that seem to twist your mind and for rhetorical flourishes that shroud complex issues in simplicity.
That doesn't take software — just the human brain we're all already packing.
Rex Smith is editor of the Albany Times Union.MORE IN CommentarySure, you can buy your uncle a necktie that he wont wear, or your niece an Amazon certificate... Full StoryFor the past month, I have been watching close friends and family descending into a pit of... Full StoryAdjusting to snow, sleet and cold after spending over a month in an exponentially warmer climate ... Full Story
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Acupuncture Emporium & Natural Therapy Centre is a friendly, family-oriented, complementary health practice with a focus on Chinese Medicine. Our patients benefit from greater than 35 years of experience that our Chinese medicine doctors, massage therapists, dietician and personal trainer have to offer.
Our passion is improving your health and well-being. We strive to listen to our clients with empathy and compassion. We allow you ample time to share their health concerns. We believe this is the key to assisting you to achieve your health goals. Our team are regularly undertaking continued professional education to keep abreast of the latest innovations to benefit you, our patients.
Our Chinese Medicine team(all registered with the CMBA) includes Dr Nicola MacDonald (Clinical and Managing Director, acupuncturist & Chinese herbalist), and Dr Chris Fehres (acupuncturist).
For further information regarding our practitioners and their experience please see the 'Practitioners' page.
Acupuncture and Natural Therapy Centre was originally established in 1982 by Phil Vanderzeil.
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Chinese Medicine has long been valued as a preventative medicine. Historically in China, each village […]
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Collection Mapping the National Parks
Results: 1-1 of 1 | Refined by: Part of: Mapping the National Parks Remove Contributor: United States. General Land Office Remove Location: Maine Remove
MapSieur de Monts National Monument, Mount Desert Island, Maine. Available also through the Library of Congress web site as a raster image. Accompanied by: A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America. 2 copies
- Contributor: United States. General Land Office
- Date: 1916


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I need advice from moms who have BTDT. I have a DS, 16mo, who is slowly weaning himself as he starts to eat more solids. He nurses 20 mins in the am, then at 3pm nap, then 20 mins before bed.
I have always had an oversupply problem, have tried cabbage, sage tea, nothing has really made a difference. I have not tried block feeding, but wonder if its too late in the game to try this? How do you ever reduce your milk supply enough to wean a little one completely? Is it just a matter of willing yourself to stay REALLY full for several days to get the breasts to stop making milk?
I am a bit afraid of weaning at this point b/c I know that I will be so full, and I am prone to mastitis. Is there anyway to wean more easily when you have consistent OS problems? HELP!


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Whipped, creamy soap made with skin-softening butters and essentials oils for a decadent shower experience!
They look like a body lotion, with a soft, creamy whipped texture, and yet, they're soap. They're luxurious shower soaps meant to be massaged and smoothed all over your body from neck to toe. Fragrant and full of gorgeous ingredients like sweet almond and coconut oils, aloe vera, and generous helpings of rose. You won't be able to stop rubbing these all over your body, sudsing up in utter bliss. But alas, like we said, they are soaps and must be washed off. Don't worry though; the lasting effects are supremely soft, conditioned skin and gorgeous, subtle scent.


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A determined group made up primarily of church ladies from Chinese Lutheran church and New Hope Leeward started in a prayer circle at the state Capitol, but would soon branch out.
Lobbying was the mission today, but ever so gently.
They went door-to-door armed with boxes of Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs.
Click here to watch Catherine Cruz's report.
A drastic turnabout from the scene yesterday as opposing sides of the same-sex marriage issue clashed in the rotunda.
Some fear a repeat or worse -- that the crowds could get physical as the showdown of the final house vote ticks down.
"We will be beefing up security for the protection of everyone here at the capitol. The plan is for us to have extra sheriffs here and possibly police officers here during the floor session," said majority leader Scott Saiki.
Meanwhile, for most of the morning the coco-puff brigade rewarded legislators who voted their way.
They applauded Rep. Jo Jordon, who some believe is the first lesbian lawmaker who voted no on the bill in protest of the process.
"She is trying her best to hear her people. She is the one I have to give more credit. I was touched, and I was inspired, because I almost wanted to give up," said Min Zhu of the Chinese Lutheran Church.
The church members also bent the ear of lawmakers who didn't side with them with kindness and persistence.
"Once again, we voice our opposing voice to SB1," they told Judiciary Chair Rep. Karl Rhoads as they spotted him outside his office.
House leaders remain confident that yesterday's 30 to 18 second reading vote advancing the bill will hold.
"I'd be surprised if it changed by more than one or two," said Rhoads.
House sergeant-at-arms Kevin Kuroda reached out to some leaders from both sides of the issue.
There is an agreement to try and keep the two sides separated to try and minimize any clashes.
"We are going to spilt the rotunda in half and we will have proponents on the mauka side and opponents will be on the makai side, so there will be less interaction between them and it's expanded further that we will go into the chamber so each side will be treated fairly," said Kuroda.
The plan also calls for keeping sign-wavers for the two groups on opposite sides of the Beretania Street.


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Name: Al Ntiri
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Undergrad Institution/Major: Yale University/Economics & Mathematics
Pre-MBA Job: Retail Banking & Test Preparation
MBA Concentration: Supply Chain & Operations Management
Hey everyone. My name is Al Ntiri and I'm a second year student at McCombs. I grew up in Long Island, studied economics and math at Yale, and then worked in the New York area. I started in a management training, rotational program at Citibank, moved onto project management at Citi, and then switched industries and worked at a test preparation company.
I came to McCombs for 4 main reasons:
- Strength of Operations Program: After trying out a few different things at work, I am most interested in operations so I looked for a school that was strong in that area. The IROM department is one of McCombs' biggest strengths.
- Flexibility & MBA+: Although I have some experience doing process improvement, I wanted to try out other areas of operations. I really liked the MBA+ Program because you can do a project in your area of interest. Also, they have communication coaches that help you sharpen your skills in that area.
- Culture/Fit: I simply cliqued with the student body at McCombs more than anywhere else. People here are very smart but down to earth, driven but we help each other out. Also, a lot of students are into the outdoors. Being a person who likes nature, this was perfect for me.
- Region: I'm big on exposure and going to Texas, a place I knew nothing about, allows me to explore a new region while attending school. There are also great opportunities to go abroad.
Outside of class, I spend time planning events for the Black Graduate Business Association, working part time as a graduate research assistant for international programs, making mixes on my iPod, and enjoying the various live music performances in Austin. Feel free to reach out to me at firstname.lastname@example.com if you have any questions about operations, diversity at McCombs, or other topics on your mind.


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Godzilla is back and that means some of Hawaii's hot-spots are getting a monster makeover. Production heads are calling it an epic rebirth of the classic movie. Hawaii will be the backdrop of about 20 percent of the motion picture, "Godzilla." The huge sets and commotion were a pleasant surprise for many tourists.
"I thought something was destroyed over there recently or something. I didn't know it was a movie set until I came close up to it ... it was awesome because I remember as a kid I used to watch "Godzilla" a lot," said William Ding visiting from Louisiana.
"I've seen the old one, I heard they were coming out with a new one (but) didn't realize it was going to be filmed here out in Hawaii," said Heather Rattray, visiting from San Francisco.
The plot of the new movie is being kept a secret. But, we learned in this scene a federal emergency management triage center is set up because something the night before destroyed a part of Waikiki Beach. The scene shows a hero saving a boy and then tries to reunite him with his family.
It took two full days of setup.
"When you step onto the set, say this set is half-acre in size, it's pretty big. If you've never seen a movie come to life before, this is as big as it gets," said Ernie Malik, the movie's publicity coordinator.
There are 200 crew members and 250 extras in the shoot. Sixteen real Honolulu firemen and 28 National Guardsmen were used as extras. Producers said it's the biggest shoot that's taken place on Waikiki Beach.
"Everyone who sees this movie will see Hawaii. They will see beautiful backdrops, the ocean, Diamond Head. I think ... it invites people to come to this place," said Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
The crew also set up a tiki bar on the beach for two night shoots. The film is expected to have tremendous special effects. The movie is slated to open on May 16th, 2014.