text:
As I write this, I have the heat pumping near my desk, a hot cup of tea to my left, and long johns on. It's friggin' cold. We need something to warm us up during the doldrums of winter and the idea of having Ben Francisco get a full season of at-bats is something everyone could get used to.
Let's face it – the average fan is searching to find something wrong with this team. One of the remaining issues is the hole in right field. Depth chart followers realize that Ben Francisco, Dom Brown, and Ross Gload are the current right fielders on the roster. It's unlikely the Phillies will make a move to add anymore payroll to a bloated budget. If anything, Joe Blanton and his $17 million over the next two seasons will be unloaded to free up some space.
The three men who must now make up for the loss of Jayson Werth all have their own issues, their own faults and strengths.
Ross Gload would appear to be the least likely to take over as the starter – he's just too valuable off the bench, although an increase in at-bats is not out of the question. Domonic Brown was to be handed the reigns – or so everyone thought. He's been assured nothing heading into Spring Training. Brown will have to earn his keep.
That leaves Ben Francisco. Ben Fran has started in the league for an extended period (one and a half years in Cleveland) and still presents some upside at just 29 years old. Remember, Werth was a late bloomer himself, reaching stardom at the same age. To be fair, Francisco doesn't have the same pedigree as Werth and comes with less fanfare and hype. Still, with the right coaching and an opportunity, he can be a valuable asset in right field.
His glovework pales in comparison to the departed Bearded One and his arm isn't nearly as strong. Offensively, however, their are some signs he can be a constant contributor as a starter.
His 162-game average comes out to .263/18/63, with an OPS of .775; hardly All-Star numbers. But an All-Star isn't exactly what the Phillies need. On the bases, Francisco stole eight bases in 2010 in just under 200 plate appearances. At 500 at bats, he has 20 steal potential. If he can provide a stat line similar to that while playing adequate defense, Ben Francisco can be a commodity.
There are some numbers that also present Ben Fran as just another guy. His career 3.6 WAR says he's a bit above a replacement level player. The advanced fielding metric UZR is also a negative number for Francisco: -6.6 over his four years in the major leagues.
So where does Ben Francisco sit? Is he a talent that can blossom with the proper opportunity in a lineup filled with potency? Or is he simply a nice player best suited for bench duty? You have three months to warm to the idea of Ben Francisco as the starting right fielder. It just might happen.
65 Comments
I think we've discussed this before – at least I have – Benny got a starting job in Cleveland and his numbers were .250-.260 average with 15-18 hrs – nah.
Nothing to get excited about. Try platooning him with Raul? Sure why not! Pencil him in? no .
That means both right field and lf are still a question. If Raul can hit, we are Ok – if Brown can show his mettle in the NL – we are better than OK but, if we have to toy with Brown/Gload/Ibanez/Francisco – I think we're in for some trouble. Nothing that the starting 4 cannot get us out of but, enough to make us competitive instaid of dominant.
Not a big Ben fan here – sorry!
Gotta go with it. Who else is there? Give the man some ABs and see what happens. I think we all can agree that more playing time will be to his benefit.
I hate to say it and hope I am wrong, but I believe Ben Francisco is a second-string outfielder. He is a nice player, but not an everyday player. The Phils need to bolster their outfield with a strong right handed bat and decent fielder. To expect Ibanez , Victorino and even Brown to go injury-free is naive. The Phils can go after someone who can field and hit lefties like Andruw Jones. He can still field, hit the starch out of lefties and prove to be a huge right-handed power bat off the bench or in the field. His last two seasons were not that bad. Reed Johnson is another name that can play all outfield positions and fill in competently. Neither of these guys would cost more than $1 million. And who knows, Jones may find new life in Philly and if he returns to near what he had been with Atlanta, then we all will forget about Jason Werth's departure. The Phils are smart to start the season with platoons in left and right field. That is what we had in 1993 and it worked out well. Maybe Pete Incoviglia is in shape to play somewhere?
Werth who? (chuckles) I don't dwell about him and his moneybags. He's gone and we move on.
Andruw Jones?? Seriously? He will be 34 years old next April and has continued to struggle with his ABs since going to the AL 2 years ago (.214 in 2009 and .230 in 2010). As a matter of fact, his last year in the NL (2008 with the Dodgers) he had a pathetic .158 BA. No wonder he decided to take the first offer to play in the AL. 😉 If you thought Howard strikes out too much, Jones is even worse. I don't see where he would be effective against lefthanded pitching. A 256 BA vs LH pitching last season is not going to do much for the Phillies.
I'm all for giving Ben Francisco more ABs and confident he can produce in a big way for the team.
Pat, you said that Francisco was a -0.2 WAR player. I think you were looking only at his defensive WAR (dWAR) on Baseball Reference. Over 1221 plate appearances, he's been worth 3.3 WAR, or about 1.6 WAR per 600 plate appearances (approximately a full season).
As I'm sure you're aware of, defensive stats aren't completely reliable yet, so using them down to the decimal point isn't a great idea. BBref has him at -0.2 dWAR, but given our uncertainly around these metrics, the most we can really say is that he's about average.
Francisco is a decent option for a platoon, be it with Dom Brown or Raul Ibanez. He hits lefties decently (career .352 wOBA), plays about average defense, and is about an average base runner. Ideally, you'd like to have a RH hitter that crushes lefties like Magglio Ordonez or Josh Willingham, but those ships have sailed.
The best part about utilizing Francisco is that he's cost-controlled for the next three years. If he turns out to be productive, the Phillies can either be happy with their finding, flip Francisco while his value is high, or let him go as a free agent and recoup at least one draft pick. That's thinking further down the line, but nonetheless relevant.
They'll be plenty of time to get a RH bat at the deadline f the experiment fails. With the starting rotation the Phils can afford to check this out for a few months.
275/21/85 ….. ??
…..He does that and this discussion is moot.
Love the new Phillies Nation. Really class looking website.
RAJ has given a great opportunity for the young blood of this team to start coming through and winning jobs, a lot of the role guys have their deals up at the end of this year and for guys like Brown and Ben Fran we've all seen what top pitching means and this team can go out and win 95 even with a sketchy offense.
I'm not too concerned about Ben Fran offensively, the other guys will pick him up if he fails, but I'm actually optimistic about his bat. I don't think he's ready to step into the 5 spot yet, at least not until he proves himself worthy. I'd rather see Jimmy, Vic, Raul or Chooch there pending righty lefty.
It's what we lose on the defensive side that bothers me. Corner OF's don't have to be stellar, but if Pat is right about his arm strength, that could be a soft spot. Having a RF with a gun, or just as important, a reputation for arm strength, keeps runners from taking chances.
i don't think we can rule john mayberry jr in right field out either. anything can happen in spring training. i'm not really concerned about it. you gotta figure that at least one of three (j-roll, utely, howard) will have better numbers than their injury plagued season last year.
Well, none of us really know what to expect from Francisco or Brown at this point. We're sailing into uncharted territory this season, and until either one of them show they can produce in a significant manner I'll consider them both unknown quantities. I won't project Francisco to be a 20 HR guy just yet – we still don't even have a clear idea of what his playing time will be.
Speaking of 20 HR players, other than Howard, who on this team is a LOCK to hit at least 20 HRs this season? Maybe Utley?
"Maybe" Utley? His HR since becoming a regular:
2005: 28
2006: 32
2007: 22 (injured, broken hand)
2008: 33
2009: 31
2010: 16 (injured, torn thumb ligament)
Unless he suffers another freak injury, I'd say he's about as close to a lock for 20+ HR as you can get this side of Ryan Howard.
He also had hip surgery in the fall of 2008, which is sort of the point here. His OPS has now declined in four conscutive seasons.
I'm Ted Bell.
I still think Manny for right field. Manny Ramirez. Let's offer him 3.5 mil base salary with incentives. If he reaches 20 hr, add 1 million. If he reaches 25 hr, we add 2 million. If he reaches 30 hr we add 3 million. Add 500 k for All-star appearance, Silver Slugger, whatever else you want to add. Maybe an incentive for reaching a certain number of hits. The Rangers took a chance on Ben Sheets, lets take a chance on Manny!
I also would like to see the Phils offer Manny a contract. I've said this before. Let me address it with bullet points.
PROS: He's righthanded. He's an awesome hitter. A virtuoso, really. One of the greatest hitters of the modern era. I truly believe he can still hit. He can be very funny.
CONS: He's asocial (at best). Can be a distraction, has been a distraction. Can cause problems in the dugout. can't play D and shows no inclination to.
BOTTOM LINE: He will sign for a low base, incentive laden contract. If we get good Manny, what a bargain! Charlie was his manager with the Indians, so…. We have a strong clubhouse that will not allow Manny to act up. If he does, the players will give him a blanket party and Ruben will place him on waivers. The risk is worth the reward.
The Dipsy
jonnyboy must be related to Dipsy. A son maybe? A brother?
You guys are nuts…..
Manny's potential to totally screw up the clubhouse FAR outweighs any PROS to your argument. And I agree with your pros, Dipsy. He IS (or maybe the word is HAS BEEN) "one of the greatest hitters of the modern era" But I don't think he's that good anymore to risk it.
I still haven't seen a comment from a scout or front office person that categorizes Ramirez as anything but a DH. Whether he can still hit or not (and there's mixed opinions on that), I don't see him as a fit for anyone in the NL.
And where is the bullet point from Dipsy explaining where Raul Ibanez and his $11.5 million contract ends up?
Wow… it's great to finally be on here. I have had all sorts of problems logging on. But I'm here now.
I looked at Ben Fran's totals since he got here in July 2009..
.272 avg.
And that's in a more limited role. Regular playing time can only help him.
Let's assume he's a regular this season and his ABs are doubled, thus doubling his numbers…. .272 / 22 / 82
Jay suggested above .275 / 21 / 85
Need to somehow expand the width of the "Reply to this Post Flag this Comment…" box.
I think that sending Dom Brown home and making the comment about him not having the job locked up was the Phillies way of saying, "You've gotta come out ready to play in Spring Training." I still think that there is no way he's not playing the majority of games in RF… a platoon is likely but he's a lefty which means that he'll get majority of the playing time (there aren't as many left handed starters in MLB). As for Gload- you can't play him every day in RF because he's untested in that role… he's never played RF every day. What you might get from him offensively would be wiped out by the huge disadvantage that you'd get from having to play him every day in RF. Frankly, I think that everyone needs to cool down when it comes to Dom Brown – he'll be fine.
BA Top Prospects Year by Year:
2001 – Josh Hamilton, 2002 – Josh Beckett, 2003 – Mark Teixeira, 2004/05 – Joe Mauer, 2006 – Delmon Young, 2007 – Daisuke, 2008 – Jay Bruce, 2009 – Matt Wieters, 2010 – Jayson Heyward
Brown might not be the top prospect when the 2011 list comes out but he's surely going to be in the top 10 and BA rarely misses.
Would Manny Ramirez accept a platoon role in the National League with no chance to be a DH ?
I don't think he would. If he is not occupied with a position, he may be a real bundle of grief and trouble for the whole team. He wants more time at the plate that a National League team could offer him in a platoon role,
If he would agree to a platoon role and limited at-bats, then I would say go ahead. However, I think there has to be some serious conversations with him and his agent on this matter.
Gload sucks in the outfield. He's a better defensive first baseman than he is an outfielder.
I agree that we all just need to take a breath and relax when it comes to D Brown. Starting the year with the idea that he has a good chance to make the team as a starter…or at least a key cog in a platoon…should motivate him greatly I would think.
As for Manny…can we all just please stop it with that nonsensical talk?? !! The only "serious conversations" should be "No, no and no"
Where would Raul Ibanez and his 11.5m end up? Well, Ibanez (the player) would end up on another team. Ibanez (the money) will be 1/4 to 1/2 be eaten by the team we trade him to. If Raul is a C- defensively, then Manny is a D+. But I'll take the 25/100/.310 that a motivated Manny would bring to the lineup. You're exchanging stink for stink defensively in the outfield….Raul just looks like he's trying more.
The Dipsy
…….. exhanging "stink for stink" defensively in the outfield. NOW THAT IS FUNNY !!!! And Dipsy makes a good point . It would be a brave move by Ruben .
I'm way more worried about not having a legitimate leadoff hitter. I could deal with Ben Francisco in right. Probably a platoon situation would be best unitl we get another free agent after Ibanez's contract expires.
At Cliff Lee's press conference RAJ said the following;
" frankly I believe in pitching and defense winning championships. We've seen it over the last several years, that's what wins World Series."
What part of that statement would lead anyone to believe he would go after a guy like ManRam who can't / won't play defense?
Than I guess he should just trade every offensive player we have for more pitching and trot out a lineup of:
Andrew from Waldorf
Pat Gallen
Paul Boye
But we'd have soooo much pitching! Leftmeister: You also need hitting to win a WS. Look back over the last 25 WS winners and, save the Giants, find me a team that didn't have a good offense. And since when do you believe everything RAJ says? He's introducing Cliff for God Sakes..what would you expect him to say? As for defense….Manny won't play it, Raul can't play it. In the end…same result.
The Dipsy
LOL, Dipsy you crack me up.
And you're right about the fact that RAJ is sneaky and his words can't be trusted.
So I must retract.
However, there is a huge difference in the clubhouse, when the teammates know a guy like Raul may be limited but is giving it his best, as opposed to the other way around. Not at all the same result. Manny, with all his talent should have won 5-6 WC's by now, but he didn't for three reasons, he divides clubhouses, destroys team chemistry, and eats managers for breakfast. If Torre couldn't handle him, no one can. Poor Charlie's not as young as the last time they were together.
Wtf Dipsy. I've played Right Field and Center Field all throughout High School and College (also pitched a bit). Why am I not in the lineup?
Seriously though, whomever brought up our leadoff man, I can only hope it will be Victorino, 2009 style. I'd love to see Vic return to a .290 hitter who slaps singles around, much like Polly but not as adept at doing it. If he can do that, a healthy Rollins is surely capable of manning the 5-hole. Rollins is a strong guy, and can smack twenty plus homers easily. He can also get on base after Howard K's to end the inning, and resort to a "leading-off" position.
Seems like a fairly good lineup vs. LHP.
Brown would assume Ben's spot vs RHP. And back when Brown played every day for us, he did kick ass. He had a 4-RBI game, then got 2 more the next day. It was when he was sitting on the bench that he suffered.
You're gonna put Andrew from Waldorf in that lineup and not me???
And there's a HUUUUUGE difference between Raul and Manny in the outfield. Raul has made some great plays. Granted…he's not Willie Mays….but just his hustle and grit alone makes up for what Manny lacks
I was going to say something similar about Ibanez. I followed the team closely during the past season and was impressed by Raul's hustle and making plays that Burrell couldn't when he played for the team. So I wonder about Dipsy's remarks and how many games he actually watched last season. I think he just looking for reaction and feedback. He succeeded. 😉
Not really Chuck. They both stink.
The Dipsy
Dipsy, what is this obsession with Raul's lack of defensive prowess?? Like I said, he's no Willie Mays out there. BUT….like Bruce just said…Raul's hustle got him to some balls that Pat Burrell couldn't touch.
And since Pat Burrell is better defensively than Manny…..and I don't want Burrell here…why would I want Manny in my outfield?
Chuck, I would ask the inverse of you. Why do you maintain that he doesn't stink defensively? I believe that Pat and Raul are just about even. Raul does hustle….but when you're as slow as cold molasses flowing upstream…that hustle, as nice as it is, just doesn't get it. Try as he may, and he does, he still stinks. Raul is a good guy. He's way overpaid, which pisses me off, AND he has been absolutely horrible for half the time he's been here (that's your queue). I didn't like him on this team from the day he signed and I wish he would do something to change my mind. I just want him gone. Unless he is willing to take an 8m paycut.
The Dipsy
p.s. Chuck, I'm sorry I didn't put you in the lineup. Would you be available to DH in interleague play? Thanks.
My PN starters –
Dipsy- I hear he's fast with the womenfolk
Chuck- great contact hitter
Greg- Can play right,left and pitch if my arm blows out
Brooks- Can down a ton on dollar dog night, gotta respect that
Pat-Power hitter with a guitar
NJ- Intelligent patient hitter
Kate- Positive attitude
Me- Can't throw anymore, but will lob some meat up there sure to keep the rest of you on your toes!
Ted Bell- the most interesting man in the dugout
Beta sig-Cool dude
jeff-Sharp as a bowling ball
OCP Cause he's back
bfo- another cool dude
krukdriver- best moniker
BostonKate, Andrew and MikeD63 if they ever come back.
Bruce – cool avatar
And everyone I forgot, stop your moaning your on the team too!
"Womenfolk" LOL, Lefty. that's funny.
As for jeff and Andrew from Waldorf…..since the site changed they haven't come on. They're probably
b!tching about that, too.
And don't forget Don M…cause he's a sharp dresser (in his tux). And Bart Shart because he's ALWAYS there.
Dipsy, firstly, no problem with the lineup thing. My feelings aren't hurt. But, yes, I can DH if you want…or I could be a defensive replacement, I'm very versatile and I'm probably faster than Burrell, Manny and, yes, even my man Raul (even if I am a tad older than any of those three)
As for the main topic at hand: I never said he was God's gift to defense. I recognize his weaknesses. But I do think he's faster than Pat the Bat (because he just is) and Manny (cause Manny doesn't give a sh*t anyway). He certainly hustles more than those two, which by default, allows him to make a few more plays than them.
And I'm not even gonna get into the contract thing again. We've been through that countless times on here. Also, he's been "absolutely horrible for half the time he's been here"…..BECAUSE HE WAS EFFING INJURED AND RECOVERING FROM THAT INJURY.
Ok. I'm done.
Chuck, Has Bart been on since the changeover? He's the oldest, so he'll be the manager. Don M can take my place in the second inning when I get winded !
I haven't seen Mr. Shart since the new site unfolded. If he's the oldest, maybe he's technologically challenged and having trouble getting on…
Dipsy, Come on- clearly you must see the difference between a loligager and a guy that's trying but just can't make the plays. Not the same result at all. The Manny result almost always leads to clubhouse chaos and poor morale.
Rollins is our leadoff hitter… can't take his legs out of that leadoff spot. Shane is fast but Rollins has base running skills and there's a big difference. And this is where we can all reflect on the loss of Davey Lopes and what that means to our team in 2011.
I played football and ran track in college… that was 5 years ago but I still have some athleticism. Put me in coach…
By the way… I started a general baseball blog with a couple of friends called "For Baseball Junkies." We have regular trivia, Top 10 lists, All-Time teams, opinion and current events pieces from whatever is being talked about
Would love to be linked in some way… feel free to check it out and give me some feedback.
OCP…it looks cool. I'll definitely spend some time checking it out further. Thanks! (and to be linked to PN would be great!)
Chuck P, try sending a message to Pat or one of the other admins. They can probably help 🙂
Thanks guys… I got bored waiting for PN to come back up so I had to do something to waste my spare time. Feedback is much appreciated…
The one guy (Hersh) is one of the most well versed baseball guys I've ever met. When it comes to trivia, there is no one better. He could literally give you the Cy winner from either league in any given year and most likely he could tell you who finished second, too. We've done All-Time teams for every major league team and all-decade teams going back to the 50's. I've learned a lot from Hersh… trying to share that knowledge.
You know, that's a very good point about being instructed by Charlie Manuel. Charlie says all along that he delegates to his coaches….and I believe he does….
BUT.. the man is a hitting expert. It's in his blood. Ever see him in an interview when someone asks him about hitting?? His eyes just sort of light up. He's MORE than involved.
Ben Fran can only benefit from that.
Don M- Well thought out post. I agree with you. Ben Fran might be OK as the less used side of the platoon, but I would like to see platoon with Brown and Ibanez, sometimes irrespective of who's on the mound. I'd like to see BenFran end up with about 375 AB's. And yes, we can let it play out and make that deal in July if its not working.
The Dipsy
I would be willing to bet that he gets more than 400 ABs. Platooning in right and left (assuming D Brown makes the roster out of S.T.) will give him a lot of playing time.
Here's a question, though….Who spells Shane in center?
You guys crack me up! I have to tell you a few months ago (yes, during the season) I dream that I was
playing right field (as my seats are there and at the time, Jayson was knocking in nobody). I was nervous
as heck and a ball came between me and Vic, thank God it looked like he had it but he dove and missed it so it was up to me to get the ball and heave it to second base, there was still time – I picked the ball and up
did a sally! I got booed by all you guys…
Anyway, you forgot Jay, you gotta put Jay in the lineup.
And, I am ready to concede that OK, we give Ben a chance, platoon him with Raul and make the fuse short
on both ends.
Jay's in- I've had trouble getting used to calling him that instead of his former "phillyboy" so now I just use JPB- and HELL YEAHHH he's in!
Funny dream BTW. I onced dreamed I was on the mound and Dallas Green came out and yanked me after my first pitch.
Has anyone thought of Vladimir Guerrera as a possiblity for left field? He is younger than Manny Ramiriz and despite having some knee issues, he might be able to play left field. The dude is a future hall of fame player who stills hits for both average and power. Seattle may welcome Ibanez back if we eat some of the salary and we should find a fit for Blanton. Just a thought to fill that needed potent right handed bat out of the outfield. Guerrera had his share of extra base hits last year, as well.
Rangers could still be contenders if they resign Vlad – without him, they are a better than average AL team –
Tavian, I too have suggested him coming to Phily – I have salivated over that idea since the Expos were breaking up. Getting Vlad you're almost a lock to get 30–40 hrs, 100-120 rbi – problem of course being defense. Remember, since 08 he has spent most of his playing time at DH.
If we're complaining about poor defense from Raul and Manny….why on earth would we want Vlad? He's a butcher out there.
IMO- No more old OF's. We need youth, energy and defensive minded OF's. Chucks right, we basically have no speedy backup for Shane in center.
I have been saying for a month that you let Ben Fran get some consistant playing time, and if Dom Brown plays well in ST, he can get some playing time, maybe not a complete platoon, but Dom can play twice a week or so. But if Dom Starts out in AAA, Give Ben Fran at bats in this line up can give you 270avg/20hr/75rbi. IMO. And if he does not handle the every day RF job that well you find something at the dead line even if it is only for the rest of the year.
And I have to say Dipsy did you get coal for christmas or what. Raul may not be the fastest but he usually takes good lines on balls and does not over play balls hit to him. He is a better defensive LF then Pat B who is far better then Manny. I really do not know where the hate comes from, is Raul making more then he should maybe, did he get too many years maybe. But if he can comes into to ST healthy he may surprise you this year, I do not see the power numbers from 2009 but the avg will be up, I also think he could benifit from some nights off against lefties.
I also want to coment on the JC signing, I think it was a decent signing, I really think Bastardo will be the lefty to start an inning with 2 out of three lefties coming up or the second batter being a tough lefty. JC will be the guy to come in to face just one lefty or two if they are back to back. I also think Escolana sp is a future plan for a lefty for the phillies.
And to bring it up again, a rh bat y ou can sign for cheap and if this locker room can not straighten him out y ou let him go his name is Lasting Milldredge
Betasigma — Just so you know, Raul was worse than Pat last year in Left Field. I'm not going to get all into it, but Sabermetric's will show you that Raul was good for a total of -9 runs, and Pat was good for +11. Neither good, but one's much better than the other.
If Benny fresh can give us .270 and +20 HR I would be ok with that but i think thats all we can expect and if Dom can put up similar numbers and gain experience with more upside then why not play him?


text:
Battle of Minisink Commemorated in Ceremonies on July 21 and 22
MINISINK FORD, NY — The 233rd anniversary of the American Revolution's Battle of Minisink will be commemorated with a July 21 observance at Sullivan County's Minisink Battleground Park in Minisink Ford, NY, and a July 22 ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in Lackawaxen, PA.
Starting Friday evening, July 20, members of the Navasing Long Rifles and Third Ulster Militia will set up an 18th century encampment at the Battlefield Park located on County Rt. 168. The public is welcome to visit through Sunday morning, July 22.
The formal itinerary begins Saturday, July 21 with a 2 p.m. living history program in the park pavilion. Tony Domingo, President of the Navasing Long Rifles describes significant sites in the militia's bloody skirmish with the British Tories and Mohawks led by Captain Joseph Brant, as well as weaponry and other equipment of the period.
The observance moves up to the memorial field at 4 p.m. for the traditional ceremony at which the Sullivan County Division of Public Works sets up chairs and an audio system to accommodate the public. This year they will also provide transportation up the steep hill for those unable to make the climb. Battle of Minisink observance coordinator and Sullivan County Historian John Conway of Barryville, N.Y. will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Historian Peter Osborne of Easton, PA will deliver the keynote address on the topic "Col. John Hathorn, Member of Our Nation's First Greatest Generation."
Osborne served as executive director of the Minisink Valley Historical Society from 1981-2009 and is a co-author with Mark Hendrickson and Jon Inners of "So Many Brave Men: A History of the Battle at Minisink Ford", published in April 2010 by The Pienpack Company.
Following the welcome by John Conway, who is also a director emeritus and life member of the Sullivan County Historical Society which has for decades spearheaded the annual Minisink commemoration, there will be: an invocation by Rev. William H. Chellis, M.Div., J.D., pastor Jeffersonville and Kenoza Lake United Methodist Churches; Presentation of Colors by Sylvan Liebla Post #1363, American Legion, Town of Highland, Tusten-Highland-Lumberland Post #6427, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Navasing Long Rifles; the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Honorable Andrew Boyar, Supervisor Town of Highland; recitation of The American's Creed by Barbara Gropper, Regent Wayne County, PA Chapter of the National Society Daughters of American Revolution (DAR); the keynote address; memorial floral tributes by the Beaverkill and Old Mine Chapters DAR in NY, the Wayne Chapter DAR in PA, and Navasing Long Rifles; a Time for Recollection during which the names of the battle dead will be read by costumed interpreters from Fort Delaware Museum of Colonial History: Debra Conway, Director, Lucas Musetti, Iris Gillingham and David Albanese; a Military Memorial; and closing Benediction by Laurie Stuart, Consulting Minister, Upper Delaware Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
"I am pleased to help continue the long tradition kept alive through the years by the Sullivan County Historical Society," John Conway said. "We thank everyone involved for their participation in this most noble effort, commemorating the ultimate sacrifice of these patriots in the cause of liberty."
At the program's anticipated 5:15 p.m. conclusion, participants are welcome to enjoy the park's picnic facilities, which include grills and tables, and self-guided hiking trails.
For further information on the ceremony, call Debra Conway at (845) 252-6660.
Across the Upper Delaware River, on the actual Battle anniversary date of July 22, Pike County Historian George J. Fluhr will host his 39th consecutive commemoration ceremony at 1:30 p.m. at The Grave of the Unknown Soldier on River Road in Lackawaxen, PA. The graveside ceremony, on the bank of the Delaware between the Roebling Bridge and the Zane Grey House, is sponsored jointly by the Ecker-Haupt Post and the Mountain Laurel Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The gravesite holds the remains of a militiaman killed in the 1779 Battle of Minisink but not discovered until 1847.
The ceremony, traditional since 1975 in Pike County, will be a brief one, generally taking less than a half hour. Traffic along River Road will be temporarily suspended. Bleacher seating is available for guests.
For more information on the Pike County ceremony, please call (570) 559-7444.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Embarrassed By My Species
They might not be everywhere all the time, but the stench of just one weak minded individual has the ability to stamp out all that is good in any given arena, be it physical or mental.
Sometimes the weak throw beer on ballplayers from the bleachers, sometimes they issue fatwas because someone exercised creative license in regard to an archaic lifestyle, and sometimes they walk into Safeway and murder people in droves.
While such instances might not seem like everyday occurrences, let me assure you, they are. We might not hear about every instance, every day, from every corner of the planet; but it seems that the inability to exact rational thought is something that has hindered mankind since… well… since even before we were called 'mankind'.
Okay, then, what the hell can we do about it? What is the solution? The problem is easily identified, but how do we even begin the process of fixing it?
I don't have the answer.
Apparently, no one does.
Tragedy continues to strike at the sloppy hands of the weak.
We may not have the answers yet, but if we make a stronger effort to think, to listen, to have compassion for our fellow man — on an individual level — maybe progress can be made.
At the very least, making a personal vow to do the above is a proactive step. And as a species, we need to be as proactive as we possibly can, before it's too late.
13 Comments
I'm just sick over the shooting. The whole thing is tragic and senseless on so many levels that I'm foaming at the mouth as I type this. (Breathe, Jane, breathe.)
I just hope that this will somehow move people closer together instead of as I fear, further apart.
I am saddened by this tragic loss of life. All I can do is pray for everyone involved in this tragedy. I also pray that it never happens again.
This makes absolutely no sense. The world lost a collection of very valuable people. All those who perished, especially the 9-year-old, could have made such a difference in our world in future years. As a Yankees fan, I may not like Red Sox GM Theo Epstein but at the end of the day, I respect him and I respect him as a human being. In other words, I have differences with people, but I still care about them individually and collectively among those who share life with us at the present moment in time. This was a very sad weekend…
It is embarrassing as a species that after several 100,000 years of so called evolution so many humans still have not managed to grasp the concept that their "I believe. I want. I hold dear." does not give them the right to harm those who's "I believe. I want. I hold dear." is different. While there are many good people out there who do the right thing and can agree to disagree, the people who cannot are more numerous and their actions are louder and more apt to receive world-wide media attention. It's depressing.
– Kristen
Such a sad tragedy. Among the killed, was third-grader Christina-Taylor Green, daughter of Dodgers scout John Greene, and granddaughter of former Phillies pitcher and manager Dallas Greene.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all that passed away and to their families and friends.
Jane — I think that's the consensus feeling right now.
Russel — Hope you're right.
Ron — History has proven that it will unfortunately. It is a terrible reality to face.
Scott — Agreed.
Kristen — More proof that we live in a "me me me" world. Sad.
Emma — Thanks for the information. I had no idea. It's such a sad situation.
I really wanted to throw up when I heard about the shooting. I talked to Dallas this past summer shortly after Robin Roberts passed and he was clearly torn up about that. Then to lose a grandchild…and in such a way…it is just unbearable.
You are right…something needs to be done. Wish I knew what that was :O(
Jenn, my heart definitely goes out to Mr. Green and his family and all who have been affected.
I was reading a story the other day that Dallas Green's granddaughter went to that market with a neighborhood friend eager to see and hopefully meet the congresswoman since she just won election to her school's Student Council.
Here was a young person eager and willing to learn the political process at such a young age, and a cast-off of the system we all try to ignore came into that rally and takes her budding future as well as her life away.
I wish they had not outlawed hangings in Arizona, this guy deserves to hang by the neck until dead…..I will not be politically correct about that notion.
Rays Renegade
RR — I don't blame ya. Not sure I can be myself.
nice post, Jeff. we need to manage mental illness better, and I think recognize that environmental catalysts, often tied to 'cultural' freedoms, complicate that imperative.
That's right, Matt. There are ALWAYS complications. Always.


text:
Orthopaedic Surgery/Anticoagulation Service partnership helps meet National Patient Safety Goals for high-risk medication
A partnership between the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Anticoagulation Service improves patient safety for orthopaedic patients who are on high-risk/high-alert Warfarin therapy.
Post-operative Orthopaedic Surgery joint reconstruction patients typically receive anti-clotting medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—blood clots in the calf or thigh. This is a life-saving but high-risk/high-alert medication because staff must closely monitor the therapeutic levels in the blood.
In fact, the Joint Commission has made reducing the likelihood of patient harm associated with anti-clotting medications a National Patient Safety Goal.
Back in 2012, U-M faculty, staff — and most importantly patients — were dissatisfied with the level of management this high-risk population received. So, in January 2013, a multidisciplinary team formed to tackle the issue – as one of the inaugural "Lean – Train the Trainer" Projects under the Michigan Quality Initiative.
Using several lean tools, the team identified tasks within their control that they could change to improve the process to identify and monitor patients—and to get them started in the service.
"After several meetings, we aligned clerical work with clerical staff and significantly reduced the involvement of the clinic/phone triage nurses and Joint Service mid-level providers associated with managing these patients," says Dorothy Nalepa, administrative manager of the Taubman Center Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic. Read the rest of this entry »


text:
DD's (9 months) Pediatrician prescribed Vitamin drops with Iron. I haven't been feeding her rice cereal or any of the "enriched" stuff in a box. The drops are absolutely FOUL though and she hates them. I tasted them and it was like licking the bottom of an old rusty iron kettle. The poor child starts crying the moment she sees me with the dropper. I would love to not give them to her, but am worried about anemia. I could use some suggestions for other sources of Iron for DD and how much of it I should give her. I give her kale and spinach in her vegetable soup. What else and how much could I give her?
Thanks for your suggestions !


text: You Know What's Awesome? A Custom Rug Made Just For You That's right. Just for you. You decide the color, style, border, shape and size. With Shaw's Cut-A-Rug™ program, it's never been easier to transform your room with your unique style. Style" /> Play Style What will you choose? A large pattern? A small geometric? A plush shag that's softer than you can even imagine? Browse Rug Styles Color The possibilities are endless. Be bold. Or not. You decide. Browse Rug Colors Border You can select from fabric, binding, serging, leather or a carpet border, plus multiple color options. Create the rug that's uniquely you. View Border Options Shape Trying to fit a square peg...or rug...in a round room? Don't worry. Your rug can be rectangle, round, oval or square. You can also create runners for stairs and hallways. View Shape Options Size Your rug can be tiny, huge, or anything in between. And when we say huge we mean it. Your custom rug could be as large as 24 feet wide by 36 feet long! Get the right size READY TO CUT-A-RUG Head to a participating retailer or get even more inspiration and details below. Find a Retailer Place your order in a store. You're going to love your one-of-a-kind rug! Find a store near you Inspiration Get inspired by custom rugs created by others. See Gallery Keep it comfy. Make it Last. A high-quality rug pad does so much more than just add an extra layer of padding (though it definitely does that, too!). Learn More Care & Maintenance Make sure your rug stays beautiful with these simple tips. Learn more Find a RetailerInspirationRug PadsCare & Maintenance


text:
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags - 100 ct.
by Lansinoh | Item #: 717837 | Model #: 20470 |
Top Rated
- $ 13 88 13.88
Non-members pay 10% surchargeJoin now!
- Shipping
Save Time With Subscriptions
The minimum quantity is 1.
Order every:
Estimated arrival
Delivery estimates, taxes, and fees are based on ZIP Code. Club Pickup orders are based on your club's current price and item availability on the day of payment.
About this item
The #1 selling breastmilk storage bags help you store, freeze and protect your precious breastmilk. Leak-proof and BPA free, the bags come pre-sterilized and have a patented double Click 'n' Secure™ seal to prevent leakage. This self-standing breast milk freezer bag has a built-in pour spout and double zipper closure to ensure a safe seal. These bags are space-savers and can be easily stored flat in the freezer.
- Leak-proof
- Ideal for storing & freezing breastmilk
- Convenient pour spout
- Patented double Click 'n' Secure™ seal
- Bags lay flat for efficient storage and thawing
- Strongest and largest bag available
- Pre-sterilized medical grade milk storage bags
- 100% Bisphenol-A (BPA) free
Assembled Country
Component Country


text:
Matt Chandler, left, district attorney for the 9th Judicial District Court, accepted a flag from U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jeff Scofield Monday at the District Attorney's office. (Staff photo: Sharna Johnson)
By Tonya Garner: CNJ staff writer
Local law enforcement members were recognized Monday by the family of Laura McNaughton, the 30-year-old Clovis woman found slain in a ditch last December.
The somber-faced group gathered in a conference room on the third floor of the Curry County Courthouse as U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jeff Scofield presented the members of the Major Crime Unit with an American flag. Scofield said the flag held special significance because it had been flown over Iraq.
Scofield, commanding officer of the Marine recruiting station in Albuquerque, made the presentation on behalf of McNaughton's parents, Marine Capt. David and Maria Beardmore.
The MCU is comprised of 10 officers who were appointed by Clovis Police Chief Bill Carey, Curry County Sheriff Roger Hatcher and 9th Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler. The law enforcement group was implented in June of 2005 to tackle major crimes like the McNaughton case.
McNaughton's body was found by hunters Dec. 10 in a ditch near Pleasant Hill. Strangulation was eventually determined to be the cause of death.
Clovis dentist James Smith, 37, has been indicted for murder, rape and kidnapping in connection with McNaughton's death. He is being held without bond in the Curry County Detention Center.
Scofield said McNaughton's family wanted to honor the MCU for its "outstanding service." Scofield said although it has been a traumatic time for the slain woman's family, they believe the officers who participated in the investigation of their daughter's death "went above and beyond the call of duty."
In a previous statement to the Clovis News Journal, Maria Beardmore said her daughter was a beautiful person and a loving mother of two.
"I hope that the Beardmore family and the McNaughton family find justice in this case," Beardmore said. "I felt like it was my time to say something … for Laura's character."
Beardmore tearfully thanked the officers via teleconference from California.
Chandler, MCU chairman of the board, addressed Beardmore at the conclusion of the brief ceremony. "What an honor," Chandler said, "It (the flag) means so much to our officers."
Clovis Police Department Lt. Roger Grah, MCU commander, said more than 1,000 hours were spent investigating McNaughton's slaying.
"I thought the investigation went well," Grah said. "Everybody worked well together because we left our egos at home."
Hatcher was also on hand to witness the flag presentation. Although not directly involved in the murder investigation, he said his department was honored the Beardmore family took the time to show their appreciation.
"These officers have a calling to their profession," he said. "We have the best investigators in the state."
Chandler said the triangular-folded, mahogany-framed flag will hold a place of honor on the wall of the prosecutor's office.


text:
Preview Your Response
In The News Today
- The 36 victims in the Oakland warehouse fire were trapped with "no way out" in America's deadliest blaze in over a decade.
- President-elect Donald Trump has picked former WWE CEO Linda McMahon to lead the Small Business Administration.
- Tennessee authorities have charged two minors with starting the massive wildfires that killed 14 people last month.
- This dad had the most adorable freak out to his family when he met his first alpaca 😂


text:
- Aug 15, 1990
- Hungary
- blue
- black
- 5'2" | 157cm
- 26 | 66
- 37 | 94
- 7½ | 38
Encuéntrame en estos sitios
Últimos Comentarios
Can we expect more of her ?!?
I would absolute love it if Chrissy paired up with Viola aka Annabelle and did a scene together. C'mon guys at DDF. Make it happen! And by the way... don't call me Anonymous. Call me "Tim the Nipp...
reat to see her again and again Anonymous, 5 months ago please bring her back, but this time for stripping only. her breasts are gorgeous.
I too deeply love Chrissy. She has a beautiful face and of course magnificent breasteses. You cannot have too many scenes of her on your site. More hardcore from her would be soooo great.


text:
Hello, We're LCHT
Welcome to the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT). We're anti-trafficking and we think you should be, too. In 2005, we began as a small group of dedicated volunteers who launched Polaris Project Colorado, committed to doing our part.
Our actions mattered and yours will too. They absolutely must.
Just as the environmental movement has taught us we can make a difference by recycling or eating locally, every small action contributes to the fight against human trafficking. We're asking you to join us in becoming part of the solution.
Why The "Laboratory"?
Human trafficking is not a new phenomenon. Activists have worked throughout history to eradicate slavery and exploitation, and no one organization or individual stands alone in this movement. The problem is complex and constantly changing, and everyone must play a role in creating a solution as organic and adaptive as the issue itself. For that reason, we view this process as an iterative one—it will take multiple strategies, a wealth of creativity, innovation, and the determination to push forward in the face of adversity.
Ours is not a laboratory of beakers and burners, but rather a laboratory for the exchange of thoughts, ideas and research. While our approach to combating trafficking is strategic, our experiments are occasionally messy and...hopelessly human. But as inevitable as missteps and setbacks are in this work, we believe real social change is just around the corner.


text:
"Internet Purchases Only"
"Not a Retail Store Stock Item"
This item is viewable at our retail store in LEXINGTON, KY. It may be on display and is
available for immediate purchase and pick-up.
*Please Note!! Many of our pictures are stock photos provided to us by the manufacturer and do not necessarily represent the actual item being purchased. Please verify this picture accurately reflects the product described by the title and description on this page before you place your order.
•Readily separated into two halves, this gun
offers a convenient transport & storage option for the popular Ruger
10/22 •Barrel & forend are easily separated from the action &
buttstock by pushing a recessed lever, twisting the halves and pulling
them apart •Reassembly is the reverse of takedown, and is quick &
easy •Friction fit lockup of the assembly joint is simple to adjust, but
will rarely need re-adjustment after the first assembly •Lockup is
secure & repeatable, ensuring an accurate return to zero – even when
receiver mounted optics are used •Shipped in a ballistic nylon
backpack-style case that features internal sleeves that hold the
separated rifle halves, & external pockets with MOLLE webbing that
provide storage for magazines, ammunition, and other accessories
•Multiple attachment points for the padded, single-shoulder strap offer
different carrying options •Black synthetic stock •Rear sight
adjustable, gold bead front •Wt.: 4.67 lbs. •OAL is 37" long when
assembled; each half is less than 20-1/4" when disassembled
Cal. Cap. Brl.
Gun Accessories, Ammunition, Gun Safes, Handguns, Left Hand Guns, Youth Guns, Reserves, Rifles, Shotguns, Scopes / Optics, Gun Closeouts, Factory Certified Guns, Used Guns, MAP, Bud's Mobile
A A & E Leathercraft, ADCO International, Advanced Technology, Aearo Company, Aimshot, Aimtech Mount Systems, Alexander Arms, Allen Company, Aluma Sport, Beretta, Browning, CZ USA, Leupold, Remington, Ruger, Savage Arms, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Taurus Handguns, The American Outdoorsman, ULTRADOT DISTRIBUTION,
Uncle Mike's Michaels of Orego, US FIREARMS, USA MAGAZINES, VANGUARD USA
Copyright © 2003-2016 Budsgunshop.com. All Rights Reserved. (CW2)
Register now


text:
Nvidia Corp. has officially delisted XFX, a well-known supplier of factory-overclocked graphics cards, from the list of its authorized partners around the world. The move marks the end of relationship between the two companies.
XFX is a division of Pine Technology Holdings, a manufacturer and marketer of solutions for the worldwide gaming technologies market. Founded in 1989, Pine designs, develops, manufactures and distributes high-performance video graphics technology and computer peripherals. XFX itself was founded in the mid-2000s and had been exclusively selling Nvidia-based graphics cards until late 2008. After that the relationship between the two companies has been getting worse.
Recently Nvidia sent out notes to journalists in different regions with the list of authorized boards partners. XFX was not listed anywhere, which is hardly a surprise, considering the fact that the company has not released a single graphics card based on Nvidia's latest Fermi product line.
At present Nvidia's authorized board partners are Asustek Computer, EVGA, Elsa Japan, Gainward, Galaxy, Gigabyte, Innovision, Leadtek, MSI, Palit, PNY, Sparkle, Point-of-View, Zotac.


text:
So my LO has been sick for 2 full weeks now and this is my 6 day battling the cold. My husband returns from work tomorrow around noon. (I'm not worried about her cold because we have seen the Dr multiple times already)
I'm wondering if its ok to skip solids for a day or two while she gets over her cough, or if this will completely mess up her digestive track? What has more experienced moms done in the past? I just really don't have the energy to make the meals, and I have no appietite my self.


text:
A Morning Quickie – Favorite Photo #1
Yesterday was not a good day in our house – my son was home from school for the day with a stomach virus. Blechh! As with most males, he was a terrible patient – moaning and groaning, telling me every few minutes how horrible he felt. Thankfully, today he felt much better, and is off to school.
Suffice it to say, I didn't get much done yesterday.
So until I get my photos and information collected for my next stadium installment, I wanted to share one of my favorite photos from the past. As I go through my albums looking for photos to include in blog posts, sometimes I come across ones that I really like, but that don't fit into any of my entries.
Such is the case with this one:
One of the reasons I like it is that you can see his tongue sticking out. Although that just seems like a way to end up with one of those freak injuries – "Pitcher Bites Tongue While Slipping On Wet Mound" or something similar.
Anyway, this is a shot from Spring Training 2007, of Adam Loewen, pitching for the Baltimore Orioles. Loewen was the Orioles' top draft pick in 2002, and was a top pitching prospect in their system.
He pitched well in this particular game against the Minnesota Twins, giving up one run on two hits in four innings, while striking out four. Problems developed later that season, and he ended up having surgery to insert a pin in his pitching elbow to stabilize a stress fracture. He attempted to come back in 2008, but again suffered the same injury.
Loewen was released by the Orioles after the 2008 season, and was signed to a minor league contract by the Toronto Blue Jays. He has given up pitching, and is trying to make the transition to a position player. He is a non-roster invitee for the Jays this spring, as an outfielder.
I will be interested to follow his progress this season, to see if he is successful. Best of luck to you!
(Loewen photo mine)
4 Comments
What is it with these guys and their tongues hanging out? I have hundreds of shots like that; usually runners, not picthers :O) But man…it's crazy. One time, when I played basketball in HS, I got thrown out of a game for tossing a girl to the ground after she LICKED me several times – she could not keep her damn tongue in her mouth while guarding me! Thought she was Michael Jordan I guess…so, I told her to put it away; she didn't. And so she took a ride across the floor…not my best moment but, geez, how much are we to endure! :O)
He reminds me of David Wright with his tongue sticking out! You do take great shots, Sue. You should go pro. Hope your son feels better.
Jenn – Eww, licked? How long was her tongue anyway?
Jane – Thanks! And yes, he is feeling much better today.
Julia – Thanks, even though you called me Kathy!🙂


text:
Eastern New Mexico University will not renew the contract of tennis coach Christine Blaeser, who has been with ENMU for 17 seasons.
By Kevin Wilson: CNJ staff writer
After 17 years with Christine Blaeser at the helm, Eastern New Mexico University is seeking a change.
The school will not renew Blaeser's contract, according to Athletic Director Mike Maguire and President Steven Gamble.
Blaeser was 134-171 in 17 years as Zia coach.
"I think that the 17 years of service with Eastern speaks for itself," Blaeser said. "I try to do things in a positive manner, and I feel like I've given it my all."
The Zias finished their season Friday a win over McMurry to break a nine-match losing streak. The team finished 4-13, with a 0-9 mark in the Lone Star Conference's South Division.
Maguire thought Blaeser did a great job throughout her career, but felt the program just needed to win more matches.
"We're just looking for someone that can get the program to step up," Maguire said. "We had a lot of success with Coach Blaeser and she did a fine job. We'd fallen on hard times in recent years. You just see it all the time in sports."
Under Blaeser, the Zias reached seven consecutive regionals from 1996-97 to 2002-03, compiling a record of 87-53 over that stretch.
The team made the NCAA national finals in 2000, losing 5-4 to the University of California-Davis. The Zias were ranked as high as No. 8 in Division II under Blaeser.
Since earning its most recent NCAA regional berth in 2003, the team has gone 15-47 in four seasons.
"I had a great experience at Eastern and I could not ask for a better learning experience, a better environment in which to do my college coaching career," Blaeser said. "I've had the opportunity to work with awesome professors in all different parts of the university."
Gamble said the university "appreciates the services Christine Blaeser has given to it," but declined comment on reasons for not renewing her contract, citing personnel matters.
Blaeser found out about her non-renewal Monday, and met with Gamble Tuesday.
"Let's just say we agreed to disagree on several points," Blaeser said.
The future of the tennis program is somewhat up in the air. Gamble said the university feels "it's time to re-examine the tennis program."
Gamble confirmed actions could include discontinuing the sport, but he would first seek recommendations from the school's athletic committee and discuss the matter with the Board of Regents.
If the school doesn't keep tennis, Gamble said it wouldn't be because of finances, and any money in the tennis budget would be used to strengthen existing athletic programs.
As far as Blaeser's future, she said she would be willing to listen if another university calls about its tennis program, although she and her husband have "carved a life" in Portales.
"As far as the future goes, we have made a life here for ourselves," Blaeser said. "I've had four kids during my 17 years at Eastern. We love raising our kids here. We would love to be able to stay in the area."


text:
My baby is one week old and nursed great in the hospital. Since my milk has come in, however, she will only nurse for five to ten minutes on usually one side only. I was told that she needs to do at least ten minutes on one side. She seems satisfied with what she is doing, and she continues to have as many wet/dirty diapers. Since I am engorged, could it be that she is getting a lot at once? I've tried different holds, wiping her with a cool cloth, etc., but she is just sleepy!
Just looking for reassurance as to how often to nurse (more or less frequently than every 2.5 hours) and how long nurse her on each breast (OK to do one side only or must we do both?) in order to move ahead correctly.


text:
Portland Becomes First Salmon-Safe City
Mayor Hales issues Salmon-Safe challenge to other West Coast citiesRead More…
Phone: 503-823-4120
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 340, Portland, OR 97204
FRIDAY, FEB. 22, 2013 – "ParaNorman," the 2012 film by Portland-based Laika productions, is up for an Oscar nomination on Sunday at the Academy Awards presentation.
"ParaNorman" was nominated in the category of Best Animated Feature. The ceremony will be held a tHollywood's Dolby Theatre and will be broadcast starting at 4 p.m. Sunday on ABC affiliate stations, such as KATU in Portland.
The film focuses on the adventures of a misunderstood boy who takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse. It was directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell, and written by Butler.
Laika creates its animation at a studio in Northwest Portland.
THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 2013 –Portland plays host this weekend to a wide array of non-humans, extraterrestrials, androids, mutants and, worse, publicists.
Wizard World Portland Comic Con runs 3 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, at the Oregon Convention Center,777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Guests include Stan Lee, famed comic book creator and one of the geniuses behind Marvel Comics; Brent Spiner of "Star Trek" fame; Morena Baccarin of "Firefly;" and James Marsters of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Ticket and program information are available at the Wizard World website.
(editorial note: The above article was written by Dana Haynes, spokesman for the mayor, and does not reflect the mayor's actual knowledge of or interest in geek lore. Arguments about who would win in a fight between Data and Spike should be directed to … well, no actual grown-up.)


text:
Dordt College News
Dordt students' film accepted to film festival
July 21, 2014
Brooklyn Shae, the short film created by five Dordt College students, has been accepted into the eighth annual Landlocked Film Festival. Screened in competition with other independent films from the United States and worldwide, the festival will be held in August 21 to 24, in Iowa City, Iowa.
The film's creators include Kelley De Jong (Orange City, Iowa), Justin Gloudemans (Big Lake, Minnesota), Abby Louwerse (Orange City, Iowa), Andrew Miller (Joice, Iowa), and Tanner Brasser (Buena Vista, Colorado). Gloudemans is also the script writer.
The psychological thriller, Brooklyn Shae, tells the story of a college student stuck on campus alone during a break. A kidnapping frames the story about loneliness and how easily people seem to slip through the cracks.
"It shows the hurt and trauma that loneliness can create," said the script writer and Dordt College senior, Justin Gloudemans, who says his own experiences contributed to creating the film's theme.
Landlocked Film Festival presents independent movies from around the world that range in genre from artsy experimentation, drama, comedy, documentary, music video, animation, and more. Landlocked also hosts workshops, panels, and filmmakers from around the world to work with one another and converse with audiences at their film screenings.
Dordt College digital media production students consistently create memorable and quality films that have won awards, including the Award of Excellence by Videography Awards and Indie Fest, a Gold MarCom, a Silver Telly, and more. Learn more about Dordt College's digital media program.
Media Access: Download Word Version | High Resolution Image: 1


text:
I have an 11 month old son, and am currently almost 15 weeks pregnant. I am not sure where to post this, but I felt that here on this forum, there were many women who were extremely dedicated to breastfeeding and would be supportive. I admire the fact that you bf for the length of time that you do. I'm a bit envious. I wish I were bf'ing my son now. It's kind of sad that I'm not. :(
I try to live my life without regrets, but this one got away. I attempted to breastfeed my newborn son shortly after birth. I was unsuccessful. He couldn't latch on properly, and he would just scream and cry. Which in turn broke my heart and I gave up, or gave in. I just pumped my breastmilk for him and fed him from a bottle. I seriously regret that I didn't try harder to make it work. I was told that I have slightly flat nipples and this might make it harder for him to latch on. I had a terrific supply and was able to get plenty of milk for him. I think the fact that I lived so far from everyone, the LC at the hospital that asked me to come back and see her, and everyone else for that matter played a role in my decision too. I feel badly for letting that influence me.
I seriously want to be successful this time around. I know my milk supply was never a problem. I know all women can have some kind of problem at one time or another and mine is not unique.
I'm not sure what I'm looking for here. I just wanted to say that I'm hoping to find out more about my "issues" and learn from you guys. I really admire the dedication that you all have. I wish I could be like you gals.
anyway, thanks for reading if you got this far. :o


text:
Monday's Wall Street Journal included "A New Industrial Policy for Europe," an interesting opinion piece by a large group of officials from throughout Europe. It lays out challenges and opportunities presented by the rough economic situation. The authors urge companies, entrepreneurs, and workers to "formulate business strategy from a global perspective to adapt to changing market trends."
Written by authorities from Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and Germany, the piece encourages students, researchers, workers, and entrepreneurs to innovate and take a leading role in creating competitive companies that operate internationally in a wider range of sectors. Further, the authors implore public authorities to adopt measures that strengthen businesses and their environments.
The authors reference a report by the EU Competitiveness Council, "A Stronger European Industry for Growth and Economic Recovery." They write: "This document clearly orients the main pillars of EU industrial policy toward competitiveness by promoting the right framework for investment in innovation, establishing better conditions in both internal and overseas markets, mobilizing financial resources at the private and public level, and stimulating human capital and skills."
While these messages are aimed at Europeans, it's clear that businesspeople and decision makers around the world could benefit from contemplating some of these themes. These ideas also underscore many of those laid out in "Manufacturing the Future: The next era of global growth and innovation," the report by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) that I've been highlighting during the past couple of weeks in this Operations Management Nowseries.
For example, consider MGI's prediction: "Not only will companies compete in different ways and build new production and supply networks as they respond to new kinds of demand and forces of change in the global environment, but nations also will learn to compete on a wider range of factors than labor cost or tax rates." Finding your space in the global marketplace
After reading the Wall Street Journal article, the MGI report, and more throughout this year it increasingly is clear to me that it is impossible to survive a major economic trauma, like what's being called "The Great Recession," without the landscape shifting. However, the global economy is a dynamic thing. New ecosystems and networks have formed and are forming still.
In its report, MGI lays out some opportunities that are surfacing in this complex and uncertain business world. First, demand is shifting and fragmenting. MGI projects that 1.8 billion people will join the global consuming class by 2025, expanding demand for products manufactured around the world. Next, innovations create new possibilities, including those sparked by additional demand and high productivity.
As the structure of global value chains shift and emerge, supply chain and operations management professionals can play a key role connecting manufacturing, productivity, and strategy within companies and throughout economies. You can prepare yourself for this imperative responsibility by earning your APICS Certified Supply Chain Professionaldesignation. Or, if you already have achieved this, consider how you can support your employees as they pursue APICS certification.
I encourage you to continue this discussion in the Operations Management Now communityon the APICS Supply Chain Channel.
In other news
Related APICS education
New Landscapes and Emerging Opportunities
By Praveen Kishorepuria, Mark Quinn, and Adam Mussomeli
July/August 2012, APICS magazine
Building Stronger Bonds
The APICS Interview
July/August 2012, APICS magazine
Anatomy of a Bust
by Tim Becker
January/February 2011, APICS magazine
Not an APICS member? Join today.
Type the code from the image


text:
How much does the Finma action really matter to UBS?
The Swiss financial regulator has come down hard on UBS' investment-banking arm, putting the brakes on any expansion plans it may have entertained. The problem is, the investment bank was already in reverse.
According to a statement yesterday from Finma, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority: "Any new business initiatives which UBS intends to take in its investment bank and which are likely to lead to increased operational complexity require prior approval from Finma."
UBS's investment bank will also be unable to make acquisitions. Both constraints are in place "until further notice".
The move comes after last week's conclusion of the trial of former trader Kweku Adoboli, who caused a $2.3bn loss through unauthorised trading last year.
However, Andrew Lim, banks analyst at Espirito Santo Investment bank, said of the Finma constraints: "This is inconsequential. They were not going to make an acquisition in the first place, so it is not going to matter that they have got a ban."
The last time UBS's investment bank made a meaningful acquisition was in 2006, when it bought Banco Pactual in Brazil for $2.6bn. It sold the business in 2009 for $2.5bn.
UBS is also unlikely to be announcing new expansionary business initiatives in the near future. In October, it said it plans to cut 10,000 staff and all-but-exit fixed-income trading, a capital-intensive business. UBS's share price has risen by over a fifth since the announcement.
An analyst at a rival bank said: "If UBS was a business-as-usual type of bank, this would be an issue. But UBS is a business-as-unusual bank, and is dramatically reducing operational complexity. Most of its efforts are already going in the direction its regulator wants it to go."
Lim said: "The announcement was just a case of the regulator making it clear there isn't a possibility of UBS ramping up its investment bank."
However, for others, the announcement that Finma will be constantly keeping tabs on UBS deals a blow to the bank.
Christopher Wheeler, banks analyst at Mediobanca, said: "You don't want your regulator putting you in this kind of position. The reality is, you want to be able to run your own business day to day for the benefit of shareholders, rather than having your regulator effectively dictating strategy to you."
UBS and Finma declined to comment.
- write to firstname.lastname@example.com
- This article originally appeared on The Wall Street Journal's The Source blog at http://on.wsj.com/TgNRkJ


text:
States with the most smokers
Published On: Jun 05 2012 10:37:11 AM CDT Updated On: Nov 17 2016 01:00:00 AM CST
Thursday marks the Great American Smokeout, with the American Cancer Society challenging people to stop using tobacco. Check out where people still smoke the most in the United States.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


text:
Sign of the Times: Twitter the Cause of Sox-Guillen Flap
1 Comment
I chose to believe that this twitter imbroglio is the product of an otherwise quiet camp, and that it will blow over as soon as the season starts.
The only thing that concerns me coming out of Arizona right now is the condition of Bobby Jenks. He was scratched from action yesterday. As Farmio said during the radio broadcast, Jenks needs to be getting himself ready for the regular season right now, not nursing an injured calf.


text:
USS Defiant (2375)
this wiki
Ad blocker interference detected!
Wikia is a free-to-use site that makes money from advertising. We have a modified experience for viewers using ad blockers
Wikia is not accessible if you've made further modifications. Remove the custom ad blocker rule(s) and the page will load as expected.
|USS Defiant
|United Federation of Planets
|Active (2375)
"She's got some big shoes to fill."
The USS Defiant (NX-74205), originally the USS Sao Paulo (NCC-75633), was a Federation Defiant-class escort that was in service with Starfleet in the late 24th century. The Defiant was assigned to Deep Space 9 in the final weeks of the Dominion War. This starship was one of at least three Federation starships to carry the name Defiant, and the second Defiant-class ship to bear the name.
The USS Sao Paulo was launched from the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards in late-2375 on stardate 52889.3.
As one of the first new starships launched from Federation shipyards after the disastrous Second Battle of Chin'toka, the Sao Paulo was immediately assigned to the front lines at Deep Space 9 as a replacement for the USS Defiant. The Sao Paulo was equipped with redesigned deflector shield generators to counteract the Breen energy dampening weapon, which had decimated the allied fleet at Chin'toka.
Upon taking command of the Sao Paulo on stardate 52891.3, Captain Benjamin Sisko received a special dispensation from the Chief of Starfleet Operations to change the vessel's name to USS Defiant, after the original, which had been destroyed by Breen forces in the Second Battle of Chin'toka.
The new Defiant was slightly modified from the prototype. On the bridge, the consoles alongside the captain's chair had been redesigned, and the aft operations table was replaced with a free-standing console. In addition, the ship's shield generators had been completely reconfigured, as had its internal furnishing – a fact bemoaned by Doctor Julian Bashir upon boarding the vessel. (DS9: "The Dogs of War")
The Defiant participated in the Battle of Cardassia, the last battle of the war. She suffered at least three casualties, with eight wounded in Phase One; it is unknown if any were suffered in Phase Two. Familiar with the individual characteristics of the old Defiant, the crew found it difficult to equate the one with the other, prompting Ensign Nog to report that the new Defiant was "a little sluggish." The vessel lacked the worn-in combat capability and effectiveness of the prototype, but acquitted herself well during the battle. (DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
Command crew Edit
As with the previous Defiant, this vessel's assignment to Deep Space 9 as a support vessel meant that it was manned by station personnel and had no dedicated crew compliment of its own. Crew assignments varied by mission.
As of 2375:
- Captain Benjamin Sisko - Commanding Officer (CO)
- Lieutenant Commander Worf - Executive Officer (XO)/Security Chief/Tactical Officer
- Lieutenant Julian Bashir - Chief Medical Officer (CMO)
- Lieutenant junior grade Ezri Dax - Counselor/Communications Officer
- Ensign Nog - Helmsman
- Senior Chief Petty Officer Miles O'Brien - Chief Engineer
Background informationEdit
The Sao Paulo's motto was "Give me Liberty or give me Death...", a quote by Patrick Henry. The ship was "named for the people of Brazil." This motto is in the same spirit as the famous words "Independência ou Morte" ("Independence or Death") said by Dom Pedro I, when he declared Brazil's independence from Portugal. Sao Paulo ("Saint Paul") was a city in Brazil.
The dedication plaque includes the names of 46 Star Trek executives including Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Ira Steven Behr, David Livingston, Ronald D. Moore, Peter Lauritson, Rene Echevarria, Steve Oster, and "Chief of Staff" Gene Roddenberry.
In the comic miniseries Star Trek: Divided We Fall and the relaunch novels set after "What You Leave Behind," the Defiant was depicted with the NX-74205 registry.
In Books One and Two of the duology Avatar, the first books in a series set after "What You Leave Behind", the Defiant was described as having been fitted with a new Romulan cloaking device, the Romulan Senate having recognized the strategic importance of the Defiant as the first line of defense against any future Dominion attack through the wormhole.
Avatar also depicts the Defiant in battle, defending DS9 from a group of rogue Jem'Hadar who attack the station, which at the time was undergoing a refit and was barely able to defend itself. The Defiant's commander, and DS9's recently-acquired second in command, Tiris Jast, was killed in the attack, spurring Ezri Dax to take command. In a desperate attempt to stop the Jem'Hadar, Dax and Nog used the Defiant's warhead module - a last ditch weapon which fired the Defiant's nose section, containing the deflector and a complement of photon torpedoes.
In the next books, Abyss and Demons of Air and Darkness, the Defiant was commanded by DS9's new first officer Elias Vaughn. Following on from those, in the four book miniseries Mission Gamma, Vaughn commands the Defiant on a three-month voyage of exploration through the Gamma Quadrant.
The Sao Paulo was also a playable starship in the 2006 video game Star Trek: Legacy for a level set in the year 2380, possibly indicating that after the war had ended, the ship reverted back to its original name. It is equally possible that, due to the original Sao Paulo being immediately re-named Defiant, another Defiant-class vessel was named the Sao Paulo.
The Defiant is depicted in Star Trek Online as still being in service by 2409, while also still attached to DS9. She appears in the missions "The Tribble with Klingons", "Second Wave", and "Boldly they Rode".
External linksEdit
- USS Defiant (NX-74205) (II) at Memory Beta, the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
|This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).
bg:USS Дефаянт (2375) de:USS Sao Paulo ja:USSディファイアント(NCC-75633) nl:USS São Paulo pl:U.S.S. "Sao Paulo" NCC-75633 ru:USS Сан-Пауло


text:
Product Description
A stunning concert performance, digitally remastered, that has become legendary among record collectors and underground music fans everywhere – now available on gorgeous 3D 12" vinyl!
"On December 13, Nico performed at another of her always strikingly original concert venues, this time in Reims Cathedral, where France has traditionally crowned her kings for centuries. Following the event, outraged Catholics throughout the country claimed the church was desecrated and cried out for a special purification ceremony for the monument" – Stephen Demorest (Circus Magazine, April 1975)
*Actual 3D Glasses May Differ.


text:
A La Crosse man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute.
The case goes back to 2011, when law enforcement officers in La Crosse and Vernon Counties used an informant to buy crack cocaine from Allen Smith, 31.
Law enforcement set up a hidden camera in an apartment to secretly record Smith as he conducted his drug trafficking operation. Smith was arrested in September 2011 and pleaded guilty on January 9, 2013.
At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge William Conley noted that Smith had been arrested 43 times and amassed 19 convictions, including three felony drug convictions. The judge also noted that Smith fathered seven children with six women and owed $19,000 in unpaid child support. Smith "had allowed immaturity and impulsiveness to control his life and used different women to support his lifestyle and drug habit," according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Smith's arrest and charges came after an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Vernon County Sheriff's Department.


text:
I love the
They are always funny & make a good combo for their commercials.
All things Tony
Schmoopy1000 wrote:even though I seen them a ton of times, I still laugh when i watch them. they play off each other very well LOL
after this latest one, I think their expressions after one upping each other is what makes that one even funnier
beaverpond wrote:I love that last scene...there are some isles this Beaver will not go, so to get those guys down there...that woman should feel very lucky.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests


text: Home > LifeStyle > Work & Life High Life With: Shilpa Shetty By LuxpressoMay 8, 2013 facebook twitter reddit SKIP AD Image 2 of 13 Related Galleries Next Gallery Starts in 12 Secs X SKIP WAITING AUTOPLAY ON OFF Prev Next Celeb Moms in Their Pre and Post Pregnancy Avatars Bollywood Says Ganpati Bappa Morya! Actors Pay Homage To Lord Ganesha Sushmita Sen, Shilpa Shetty Dazzle On The LFW Ramp HOT Or NOT? Bollywood Babes This Week A-Listers Flock To Priyanka Chopra's Belated Birthday Bash Slim & Sexy Shilpa Shetty Suits Up! 83931 Prev Next Ever since her debut in Baazigar, Shilpa Shetty has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. But it was her Big Brother victory that changed her fortune. She went on to become one of the most well-known Indian celebrities internationally. She also met Raj Kundra shortly after, and married the British millionaire. The two of them are now proud parents of baby Viaan, the boy you'd know from the cover of Hello! this month. Here's a look at the diva's star-studded life. Shilpa Shetty's engagement to millionaire Raj Kundra, whose London-based jewellery business spans all the way to Dubai, was market by a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond worth Rs 3 crore. The almost-royal Shetty-Kundra wedding saw a Tarun Tahiliani Lehenga (worth Rs 50 lakh) and Anmol jewels (worth Rs 3 crore) as adornments. For the reception, Shilpa switched to a Shantanu and Nikhil saree gown. After a religious visit to Tirupathi, the couple headed to the Bahamas to celebrate their first holiday as man and wife. To mark their wedding, the fabulous couple moved into the £3.2 million 'Raj Mahal' – Kundra's home located in St George's Hill estate in Surrey. To further their business investments, the couple bought 12 percent stake in the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 73.92 crore. Having won the inaugural IPL season, the team has been raking the couple a lot of money. The couple spent their first anniversary hosting a B-Town party in Dubai. Kundra added to their extensive property portfolio by gifting her a 19th floor apartment at Burj Khalifa. In fact, Raj also bought his lady love a Lamborghini before the supercar marquee made its way to India. Furthering her television career in 2012, she has been playing the host of Nach Baliye. Her embellished costumes – often designed by the likes of Rahul Gandhi + Rohit Khanna and Nandita Mahtani – have been the talk of tabloids all over town. Her own closet boasts of names such as Balenciaga, Judith Leiber and Goyard. As a bag aficionado, she famously paid £5,500 for a Birkin. In fact, she claims a jeweled Chopard watch worth £6,000 is one of the very first indulgences she allowed herself. In May last year, the masi-to-be Shamita Shetty threw Shilpa a baby shower to remember. Guests at the event included Suzanne Khan Roshan and the Arora sisters. Baby Viaan, now 9-months-old, is already a celebrity. This month Shilpa stands proudly on the cover of Hello! baby in tow.Source: Luxpresso < 1 2 3 4 5 > Follow @indiatimes facebook twitter reddit Comment Here Shilpa Shetty's engagement to millionaire Raj Kundra, whose London-based jewellery business spans all the way to Dubai, was market by a 20-carat heart-shaped diamond worth Rs 3 crore. ADVERTISEMENT


text:
Iowa judge orders change in death certification policy
A Polk County judge has ordered the state to change the way it handles child death certificates for same-sex parents.
The Des Moines Register reports that District Judge Robert Hutchison issued the ruling on Friday. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought a same-sex couple suing state health officials for omitting the name of one parent on the death certificate for their child.
The judge found that "a mother's wife is identical to a mother's husband in every common and ordinary sense except for biology." He also said the Iowa Department of Public Health's policy of refusing to register a mother's wife on a death certificate violates the state's equal-protection laws.
The gay rights group Lambda Legal filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jenny and Jessica Buntemeyer of Davenport.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Trying to address a surge of money to outside political groups, Minnesota campaign regulators are contemplating a counterintuitive solution: More money.
The state campaign finance board considers a plan Wednesday to raise donation limits for state candidates for the first time in many years. The aim is to give candidates more opportunities to raise money and better control the message for their campaigns. Outside groups not subject to limits are becoming ever-powerful players in races without the same accountability as candidates.
The plan would allow candidates for the Legislature to collect up to $1,000 per donor and those running for governor to pull in $3,000 per person.
Current limits cap allowable election-year donations at $500 for legislative candidates and $2,000 for those running for governor. Off-year limits are even lower.


text:
Program Selection
Year 1 students normally register in May after having received the offer of admission. Details regarding registration procedures are mailed to each student.
In March, returning Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 students have an opportunity to confirm their academic program for the following year by pre-registering online using LORIS. If the deadline to confirm your program has passed or access to the site is not possible, the online Program Selection Form may be used. In July and throughout the summer and fall/winter, students may then select their courses online. Refer to the LORIS information page on the website www.wlu.ca/records for start and end dates. Final grades and progression decisions are available through LORIS on the university website telaris.wlu.ca.
Remember to close the browser when finished.
Class schedule information is available by clicking on "Registration Menu" at step 6 instead of "Student Records Information Menu".
The User ID is the 9-digit student identification number assigned upon admission to the university.
The PIN number used is the same as that used for Access. If the current PIN is less than 6 digits in length or if the student does not currently have a PIN, it has initially been set to the date of birth in the format [MMDDYY]. NOTE: When choosing a new PIN, this number cannot begin with the digit 0 and must consist of numbers and not letters. If a 6-digit PIN has not been successfully entered after 3 attempts, telephone the Office of the Registrar at (519) 884-1970, ext. 6372 to have the PIN reset. If coming in person to have the PIN reset, picture id will be requested. If telephoning into the office to have the PIN reset, specific questions will be asked in order to be authenticated.
Registration Forms will no longer be printed or mailed; students are encouraged to print off a copy of their LORIS registration when making changes.
Academic & Related Dates 2007/2008
Other Calendars


text:
I guess it was bound to happen, but given the fact that my crystal ball is once again in the shop, I didn't see it coming. For something completely different, Mother Nature gave me some trouble last week, so there were fallen trees, insurance agents and piles of aggravation to occupy me and keep me close to home.
I've recently taken on some volunteer work at the Monticello Literacy Center (www.literacysullivan.org [2]), an organization that is desperately in need of help. These folks are, as a group, (IMHO) simply amazing in their dedication to our community. That being said, it is not a commitment to be taken lightly, and adding another few hours a week to my already overbooked schedule has taken a toll.
I had highlighted over a dozen things on my schedule of events last week, culled from the many resources available (artsalliancesite.org/calendar) and while trying to decide which to attend, fell asleep. For 12 hours. I awoke shocked, disoriented, angry, confused and a little bit concerned. Every so often, I run into someone who feels it necessary to tell me that I have the easiest job on earth. Apparently, they think that I spend an hour or two at my desk, writing about fun things in the Catskills, and then spend the rest of the week playing with the dog and watching TV.
As most of you know, I love what I do—but it is a job. I can't write about life in the Catskills without going out and living it, which I spend at least 40 hours a week doing. This month alone, I have put over 800 miles on the truck, dragging my sorry butt from one end of the Hudson Valley to the other. Again, having no psychic abilities, it did not occur to me that my first Passover without my beloved mother would put me into a depression and cause an hours-long crying jag that left me sad and feeling a little sorry for myself. I'm not proud of it, but make no apologies.
I made up my mind, then and there, to stop running. I canceled all of my plans. I went on Facebook and announced that I was unavailable for comment. Of course (what else is new?) I had friends coming up for the weekend—but they are adults and I left them to their own devices; and as far as I know, they managed just fine. I did not answer the phone. I did not start my spring cleaning or make plans with friends to go out strictly for personal pleasure.
In fact, for the first time in more than a year, I did not leave the house. I slept during the day. I slept at night. While awake, I fantasized about sleeping for months at a time and wondering if anyone would even notice that I was gone. I thought about the last year and all that has transpired. I silently gave thanks for my wonderful friends and family and the support they provide and then I cried some more.
Upon reflection, I realized that it is possible that I have kept myself so incredibly busy in order to avoid the grieving process that is really necessary for all of us, when faced with a loss of any kind. I love my life here. I love my friends, my work, and my community. Maybe I just needed to stop for a minute, so my body did it for me. Maybe I need a vacation. Maybe I don't need permission to relax or feel guilty about not getting out to every gallery, every performance, every parade. What I would like to do is thank every single person who reads this column and goes out of their way to approach me and give me their own humble opinion about it.
The amount of feedback is incredible and truly (dare I say it?) humbling. Without you, the reader, I am nothing, and my gratitude is most sincere. Naturally, not everyone is a fan (this is what makes the world go 'round), but even critical comments are valued and respected. If I can manage to get through the week without calamity, I should be back out on the road shortly. Meanwhile, I am going back to bed.


text:
Thanks Kay
I will update on Monday once i am back home...
I think i am starting to narrow down and see the right people after 5 years of traveling all over the place!!!
Thanks Kay
I will update on Monday once i am back home...
I think i am starting to narrow down and see the right people after 5 years of traveling all over the place!!!
Hello All...
OK so i had my appointment with a local consultant - he was very nice and answered all my questions without hesitation. He does not see any way he can help, he is in agreement that my spine has a straightened section. So i am stuck right now...
My next step is to begin some treatment with a Chiropractor, they will try to address the straightness...
I hope you can get some help from the chiropractor, or maybe you could try the Alexander Technique, that's supposed to be excellent for general posture and alignment.
Me, a Mod? Nah ... I'll always be a rocker
Hi Gilly
Really hoping the Chiropractor can help me...
One issue i need work on is the neck as you can see its not the right shape...
When I learnt to relax my hips back to where they should be, I got my lumbar curve back. And then stopped pulling my ribcage up and pushing my head forward...you cannot correct one bit in isolation, it all has to work together. So you can change your posture but it isn't a quick or easy process...your body always wants to go back to old habits so it does take a lot of perseverance to stick at it. Definitely worth it though
This is how a lot of people stand and walk now (and physios encourage it by telling you to 'tuck' your pelvis under): http://corewalking.com/
His blog has some interesting posts about how you can try and correct this. He isn't an Alexander Technique teacher but it is still interesting reading
I have had my reports back from recent consultations and reviewing the general trend from all my appointments is that the lordosis is adequate, the thoracic kyphosis is flattened and as can be seen there are issues in the neck. There are no surgical interventions appropriate, however i am still living day to day with mobility issues and increasing stiffness and issues in my neck/thorax and consequently arms etc.
I am going to push ahead with chiropractic treatment i think as this is the only avenue that i have not explored and based on the X-rays it makes sense to attempt better alignment. I have seen a CBP practitioner, and the only thing i will be wanting to avoid is HVT techniques to the neck. CBP does seem to offer good protocols for restoring the lordosis in the neck, and also for addressing hypokyphosis, however i know the thoracic adjustments and methods can take time.
If anyone has and comments it would be appreciated - simply put there is not surgical intervention warranted as there is no pain - yet the neck/thoracic issues i feel cannot wait to be addressed
Starting to feel like i am between a rock and a hard place....
If you decide to go ahead with this please make sure you find a chiropractor who has some experience with cases such as your own. I don't speak from personal experience but one of my friends was made infinitely worse by having chiropractic treatment
Please consider finding an Alexander Technique practitioner, if you can afford to. They work on postural alignment in a much more gentle and natural way
Good luck, please feed back to us with what happens next!
Me, a Mod? Nah ... I'll always be a rocker
I actually have an appointment with an APT practitioner on the 31st. So i am looking forward to that. I am concerned about the pros and cons of CBP. I am going to discuss this with my Chiropractor and be honest about my concerns regards certain techniques and potential to make me worse. As things stand however i am getting worse, rotational and balance issues, like a spinning top. I am not sure why no one i am seeing is able to assist me
I can quite happily describe my theories and what i have done to bring about these issues, however plausible they are they do not seem to hold much credence with anyone.
I would rather avoid CBP but its the only thing left on the table right now alongside AT and i am anxious to try get myself better...i don't want to go backwards, i ended up unable to stand earlier this year and it took me a month or so to get myself moving again and balancing a little better
Does anybody have an experience with Chiropractic treatment - first hand?
Did it help or hinder you?
I would definitely be very wary about making sure who you see has actual experience of a structural scoliosis. My experience of chiropractors, physios and other people who offer back treatments is that they always say they have experience but in actual fact they often haven't or it has only been with a functional scoliosis (which is just not the same) but they want your business first and foremost.
I had a long discussion with a practice near me and the practice manager insisted that the physios all were capable of treating me but would not let me talk individually to any before an appointment to ascertain the level of experience Even though I explained very clearly about my scoliosis and my history. My physio although very good always admits that he does not have specialist knowledge and sometimes I have to make the decision that something is not working for me because of the curve and we stop.
As an aside I keep tweeting the CSP asking why they don't have/promote any scoliosis training, because O find it frustrating that people with scoliosis are left in this position.
I have always avoided chiropractors as I don't have a lot of faith in the training which in this country at least is outside of the NHS
Burdle -
My experience with a chiropractor is that he initially made my pain slightly worse...and in the end made no difference at all It cost me a fortune too because he told me I had to go 3 times a week for so many weeks, and then once a week...and at the end of the concentrated treatment period, I had to go once a month for 'maintenance'.
I honestly think you would get better results from the Alexander Technique. And there are some good physios out there...it is just hard to find them! Good luck with whatever you decide to do
Hi All
Not posted here for a while. Just adding this post. Seen a Chiropractor who thinks i have too much curve, i am not sure on that, there are some lines drawn on the referenced image. The ones in purple do not even stay true to the back of the vertebral bodies so not sure what to make of that, the black one i think is supposed to be ideal....
IF i draw lines on the back of the vertebral bodies i can clearly see virtually no curve and also some wicked stepping higher up!
I am also aware there are some changes in the shape of the bodies high up - it has been mentioned by one other person from my MRI but not seen as significant.
Any comments appreciated - still have awful issues with balance and feeling like i cannot move at all in the thoracic area, arms still numb etc...
I am looking at going back to see a specialist locally - Mr Fender is one who i can see soon so am going to see what he can advise.
Between the misalignment in the Lumbar and this in the thoracic its a living nightmare.
Breathing is also still bad, have results of my Respiratory testing this month as well with the consultant.
Just got your pm
Mr Fender is a great surgeon (when you see him ask him after me, he'll remember me). He is a really good bloke too, he tells you how it is and he tells you what he can and can't do and he doesn't pull any punches. I was so glad he did my surgery because he told me what to expect and what not to expect and he was right with what he said
I am still in lot of pain 4 years post op, pain is different form post op, I had a hell of time post surgery but Mr F came to see me every day (including weekends) one day he was looking after his kids and he brought them in to see me that is the dedication of the man
(I had an operation on my stomach at a different hospital with a different surgeon not about 3 weeks after the spinal surgery and I only seen that surgeon a couple a times in the fortnight I was in)
Like I say my surgery was difficult I presented Mr Fender with a curve that was extremely large, extremely rigid and a difficult proposition for any surgeon.
I had a lot of post op problems but I was back at work in 5 months. Pain is still a big issue but he managed to cut my curve in half so I am now between 55 and 60 degrees, I have some metal work that is protruding and he said he will do some salvage surgery but he can't predict whether that will cure the pain
I will drop you a PM
Take care
Latitude: 54° 57' 34" N Longitude: 1° 25' 16" W
Mark's a groovin an a movin


text:
Share < br />this article:
Miley Cyrus Flaunts Toned Midriff After Pilates Class
Gabrielle Chung
| June 23, 2012 - 5:29 pm
Share < br />this article:
View Full Size
Return to Story
Miley Cyrus
Recommended for you
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's Seaside Dinner Date Leads Today's Star Sightings
Here's What Happening with Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus' Wedding Plans
WATCH: Miley Cyrus Performs 'Jolene' with Dolly Parton
Liam Hemworth Gives His 'Favorite Little Angel' Miley Cyrus Another Enormous Ring for Her Birthday
A Timeline of Miley Cyrus's Style Evolution for Her 24th Birthday
The 10 Best American Music Awards Performances, Ranked
Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Send Clear Message to Blac Chyna: You'll…
The Weeknd Opens Up About His 'Heavy' Drug Use
Here's a New Pic of Saint West as the Kardashian/Jenner Family Wish Him…
Coco Austin and Ice T Celebrate Their Daughter's First Birthday
Mariah Carey's New Man, Bryan Tanaka, Breaks His Silence on Their…
Sign Up For The Latest Celebuzz News
Thank you for signing up for our newsletter. You will receive a confirmation shortly.
Sign Up
Top Photos
All »
Mariah Carey and New Beau Bryan Tanaka Lead Today's Star Sightings
See Gigi Hadid's Spot-on Victoria's Secret Doll
Here's How Meghan Markle Subtly Declared Her Love for Prince Harry
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Were the Absolute Cutest at the 'La La Land' Premiere
Snooki's 'Creepy' Christmas Tradition Leads Today's Star Sightings
Gigi Hadid Sports Red, White and Blue in New York City
You'll Love
Kylie Jenner Is Selling Her House
Katy Perry Has Big Plans for the Holidays
Did Rihanna Just Throw Shade at Beyoncé?