text:
|Sheik Voodoo
Faelar shakes off the odious blight and advances on the evil eye. Seeing his opportunity, Amir charges swinging the golden mace. It hits and a moment later Faelar's thrust pierces the creature as well. A radiant beagle appears from nowhere and gets a mouthful of old rags.
The enraged div bellows in your minds and prepares to vent its wrath on the fair elf with the heartening song. But as it draws back to strike, Kzrira's arrow blasts into the over-sized eye and a moment later the creature is hurled back to Abaddon. Immediately the winds begin to still and you are again alone among the moonlit ruins.
|Faelar Braegen
|Kzrira Maiwith
|Faelar Braegen
|Amir Awad Hajjir
Amir cannot contain his enthusiasm and grabs Kzrira in a hug. Fantastic shooting! Easing off his sudden exclamation Amir grins at the elf and nods enthusiastically. A tale of heroes charging some creature from beyond? Fantastical creatures summoned in our defense? A spectacular display of archery? Yes! I would hear that story told on the stage of the Net, sweet shrimp in my mouth and tea in my cup! Let us find our dragon and find some refuge for the night!
Auri flies back, apparently surprised and shocked to see the party still there...
"I thought it would keep chasing, I cut down the river to draw it away, I thought you all unprepared for such an encounter - yet I see myself gravely mistaken. I am thrilled you emerged victorious, however I sought to avoid an encounter we had not prepared for... you will have to recount for me what happened"
Auri joins them for the return trip.
|Kzrira Maiwith
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 <-- Searching the Div to see if it has anything.
I still think it was luck hitting it in the middle of that big ugly eye. Do any of you magic types detect any magic on this thing.
Oh, and before we head back, we were really lucky and emerged from that fight nearly unscathed. While I would prefer not doing any more fights until we have fully recovered from the ghost in the monastery, we have defeated a fairly powerful enemy. If it had any treasure, we should get it before the gnolls move in and take it. Auri, would you want to head back and see if there is anything in the building that this thing was living in? With it gone I am sure that the gnolls will search and take anything it was hiding. If you could get in there and see if it had any treasure, I think we should do it while we have the chance.
"I shall return cautiously to its lair, perhaps to carry away anything of note. Such a rare creature was no doubt inquititve and intelligent, and may have kept notes or material of value..."
Detect Magic on the body
Once done, and a description of the couting locations is givem, Auri will zip back and see if he can locate its lair
Stealth 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
|Sheik Voodoo
Unfortunately, the body of the creature vanished back to its plane of origin upon its death. Aurichalcum takes to the air once again and circles back over the river. He passes the roofless old mill and approaches the tannery noticing that the door is now open and firelight streaming from the old building forms a long rectangle of light across the ground which frames the curvy silhouette of a shapely woman peering into the night. Unfortunately, the door shuts again before he can get a closer look and no windows are seen to permit spying.
Back at the ruined slave market, the tiny dragon sifts through the ashes around the selling platform and finds a jeweled scimitar with an ivory handle and a mud caked ring that once cleaned is found to be cunningly engraved with tiny leaping calopi.
|Faelar Braegen
|Kzrira Maiwith
Faelar, the scimitar is yours. I am guessing that I would be better using it, but since we seemed to have worked out a system with you slowing down monsters while I turn them into pincushions, I think that it is best that you and Amir split the best weapons for the time being. I hope to learn to be able to fire this fine bow while in combat, but at this point I would only be drawing attacks if I were to do so.
In other words I want Point Blank Master feat as soon as I can get it, unfortunately it requires both Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization as prerequisites. Or level 6 as a ranger. And since I need Rapid Fire and Multishot as well, I got my work cut out on these feats for a few levels.
|Sheik Voodoo
|Faelar Braegen
I pick up the Scimitar, stepping away from everyone slightly and give it a few swings. "Thank-you Kzrira, I will not let this out of my sight. Are you okay with me having this beautiful piece Amir; my friend?" I continue to swing it a little, "This feels slightly awkward, less thrusts and more slashes. But I should be able to adjust."
If Amir allows me to keep the blade, I will attach it to my belt (I take it there is a scabbard for it?) After that I will begin to head back to the monastery.
|Kzrira Maiwith
As a note, I am actually the only one proficient in the scimitar right now. Might be worth taking a level of fighter at next level. You get a bonus feat which could be used for dancing dervish, and would also get all the weapon proficiencies as a bonus.
|Sheik Voodoo
|Kzrira Maiwith
After Faelar explains on the way back that as with the Pugs, the Div was resistant to normal attacks, but could be harmed by cold iron. I see whether Garavel has any cold iron arrows I can purchase.
Yes, victorious. But once again, we are facing strange creatures which are very difficult to harm. We were fortunate that Karethas was able to summon that angelic hound and Amir's mace appeared to cause the Div great pain. Now that we know the general layout of the area, we must determine how to begin our assault. We can start on the far side of the river at the tannery. Or by taking out gnoll guards a few at a time. We do not have the defenses to face large numbers of enemies. Once again, if we can begin an assault from a distance such that they must approach us, I can soften them up. But if we must meet the enemy face to face, then we may risk great danger.
|Sheik Voodoo
Garavel's expression does not change as he explains, "I am most sorry, memsahib, we are not stocked in such exotic goods. I can ask Almah if she will authorize a resupply train back to Solku, but I do not think she will give leave until after Kelmarane is retaken."
"I believe your plan is sound. We are too few to attack the Carrion King's battle market directly. Jab the snake from many directions until it is weakened and then cut off the head."
|Kzrira Maiwith
That is too bad. They would make fighting some of these creatures much easier. Please let me know when the next resupply caravan is expected to leave so that we can place orders should we require any supplies at that time.
When I am back with the rest of the group.
So, any thoughts on tomorrow. As most of us lack superior night vision, I believe that daytime attacks would be best. Does anyone have any thoughts on tactics? Tannery first? Guards first? Or try to sneak in over the walls? I think taking out the gnolls first is my preferred option as we know that we can hurt them.
|Faelar Braegen
What is the penalty for using a weapon you are un-proficient in? I think it is a -2 on all attack rolls, but I can't remember. I will have to think about using it then, taking the level of fighter would be nice but I will have to think long term at the moment.
Once we are back in the Monastery, if anyone wants to know what happened during our scouting, I will sit down and share what happened. "I will tell you all of our ferocious battle. The amazing Aurichalcum; with his diversion tactics, the invisible Amir; who managed to get behind the superior enemy, dead eye Kzrira; who hit an eye with an arrow, the gifted Karethas; who can call on aid from the other planes, and myself who was able to sing in the face of danger and assist in battle. Our foe, A Demon from another plane, a Demon so terrifying one look at him could make you quake in your boots, A Demon so terrifying that it could summon the winds to do its bidding. But that was not all, it could make its hand appear next to us to strike us down, even when it was not near us. If it had not been for the greatly skilled Kzrira, we would surely have not survived the encounter! For you see, she managed to shoot this Demon, she looked at him and was not scared, she readied her bow and loosed her arrow. Such skill she must have as her arrow stroke true, it embedded itself into the Demon's eye, a wound that none could survive. With a loud moan ... POOF! It disappeared, returned to its home, never to trouble us again."
Perform (Oratory) :1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Once I have finished telling our story I head over to Garavel, "Umm, excuse me Master Garavel, I was wondering would you happen to have any blank books, ink vials, ink and inkpens that I could purchase from you?"
After receiving Garavels reply and buying the goods; if I can, I head back to my new companions. "Tactics, I will follow you. I would like to speak with whomever is residing in the Tannery."
|Karethas ibn Faradin
"My opinion is we avoid the early patrols and search the lower buildings. When the 6 gnolls come bring the meat in the mid afternoon, then we ambush them. If the follow up patrol is reasonable, then we take them too. We'll want to leave early enough to get away from town before darkness falls."
Once he has a moment, Karethas will sit down and examine the ring and the scimitar using Detect Magic. If there is time (1 hour) he will also copy Magic Missle from the looted spell book to his own.
Ring SPELLCRAFT CHECK:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15(2 rank, +3 class skill, +4 Int)
Scimitar CHECK:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17(2 rank, +3 class skill, +4 Int)
I have also chosen Karethas' spells for the next day.
Copying spell SPELLCRAFT CHECK:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21(2 rank, +3 class skill, +4 Int)
|Kzrira Maiwith
Faelar, I have no problem with diplomacy. But remember, anyone who is living with, or even near, these monstrous gnolls is unlikely to be of a good heart. Even if the person does talk to you, and not just attack you on sight, undoubtedly their goal will be to deceive you until such time as they are able to summon aid.
I think it is a -4 if you are not proficient with the weapon. The scimitar should go to whichever of Faelar or Amir takes a level of fighter first with the other one taking the Mace since the mace is a simple weapon. It is also a light weapon so it can be used with Weapon Finesse.
|Sheik Voodoo
Karethas- the scimitar was already IDed as +1. I'll give you the 17 for the ring which is just enough to identify it as a ring of jumping
Garavel appears unmoved by Faelar's account, but Hadra and Hadar are a more appreciative audience. They gasp and gaze at you all in wonder as Faelar's description unfolds.
Garavel lets Faelar know that the caravan has plenty of books and ink for accounting and he'd be able to sell some. Hadar and Hadra retire to the kitchen and Garavel to his mistress leaving you to make ready for bed. Karethas finishes his scribing near the middle of the night and hears a prolonged howl from the direction of Kelmarane echoed very faintly from the mountains beyond.
The next morning you are woken by a clamor and shouting from the kitchen.
|Kzrira Maiwith
Hearing the commotion, I grab my bow, kick the guys awake, and head toward the kitchen.
Sounds like we have friends, lets see what trouble these fools got themselves into this time.
|Faelar Braegen
I look long and hard at my new blade, then with a sigh of realisation I hand it over to Amir, "Here you go Amir, I think you deserve this more than I and will make a better use of it. Plus it is jewelled just like your other blade."
I hand over the money for the book and writing utensils, before sitting down and writing what has happened so far from when we left Katapesh, to this evening. The tome is a heavy leather bound book, with many pages of blank paper and a golden patterning on the spine. On the inside cover in my usual flowing writing, I have written the Title, "The Tale of Kelmarane's Rescue by Faelar Braegen." The writing is in Kelishite but is obviously written by an Elf, the letters are curvy and exotic.
I finish writing up about the same time as Karethas. During my writing I look to Kzrira, "You are very wise; my dear lady, but I like to believe that there is help anywhere that you need and all you have to do is ask. I will of course take your warnings and concern into close consideration, if we are able to speak with the Tannery occupant. If they are willing to help we could make a new ally, given the right price is offered."
Once I have finished writing I head back to Gnasher and Grinder and get some sleep, but upon being woken up by the noise in the morning I briskly walk over to the kitchen to find out what the commotion is about and if there is any way I can stop it.
|Sheik Voodoo
You grab your gear and run over the broken tiles of the nave toward the source of the commotion. Just before you reach the door to the monastery, Hadra barges through the opening, screaming and stumbling over her peasant dress as a big gray monkey leaps upon her back sinking yellowed fangs into her shoulder.
Auri 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Amir 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Karethas 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Faelar 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Kzrira 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Monkeys 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Round 1-
Faelar Amir
|Faelar Braegen
Knowledge (Nature) : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
I look shocked to see the commotion, "Why are there Baboons here?" I will move up towards Hadra (-B, 8), "Hold very still; my poor lady, when it gets off run to the chapel and we shall inform you when it is safe again." I thrust my Rapier at the Baboon.
Rapier Attack : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Rapier Damage : 1d6 ⇒ 4
|Kzrira Maiwith
|Karethas ibn Faradin
|Amir Awad Hajjir
|Sheik Voodoo
The big baboon howls as Kzrira's arrow pierces its side. Emboldened by the little dragon's blessing, Faelar charges to Hadra's side. Unfortunately, a loose tile nearly trips him spoiling his thrust. The nimble old rogue, however manages to avoid any mishaps and land another blow to the monkey's throat killing it. From his vantage point, Karethas spots two more baboons in the hall outside the kitchen. One cries out as it lunges at Amir, teeth narrowly missing his calf.
yep. pugwampis are back- 2 attack rolls, take the lowest.
Round 2.
|Kzrira Maiwith
I move to -F/13 and fire again. Hope I am beyond the 30'range of the Pugs.
It seems our friends the pugs are back, lets set up a boundary around the door and take out the monkeys one at a time. I want to stand back hopefully outside of the pugs unluck range so that we can pick them off one by one.
Attack monkey harassing my rogue:
Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Second Attack if necessary: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
|Amir Awad Hajjir
Falear as before, we should focus our efforts a single target at a time. Let us move together! Karethas, if you have the resources for more of those hounds know would be the perfect time I'll wait to post my action until Faelar indicates where he is going to go. If we could basically stack at the door B7 and B10 and hit them as they come in we would get flanks and potentially AOOs...
|Sheik Voodoo
Kzrira's arrow injures the baboon guarding the doorway. Hadra stumbles to the side bleeding profusely and looks as if she will faint.
Kzrira- moved you slightly to the side for clear shot.
Auri- flying past monkey through the doorway to scout will take an AoO.
Round 2.
|Karethas ibn Faradin
|Faelar Braegen
|Kzrira Maiwith
I begin to sing again, this time it is a very uplifting tune that makes you want to dance.
The dance of death - at least if you are a monkey or a pug.
|Faelar Braegen
|Kzrira Maiwith
I could start singing Pokémon. That would make them run! :P
You start singing Pokémon, you be seeing the sharp end of an arrow up close. My son has fallen in love with the game and I have no clue what I am doing other than questioning his version of the rules, which always seem to have him with all the high power cards and me with a bunch of dead (unconscious) units.
|Amir Awad Hajjir
I will move to the opposite square and set a readied action to attack hostiles coming through the door
Attack 1;2 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 211d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 23
Damage? 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + (4) = 13
OOOoooooo maybe I do okay this round for once? ;-)
|Faelar Braegen
Auri- flying past monkey through the doorway to scout will take an AoO.
Was hoping there was a kitchen window or side door to duck out, am fine with it taking a couple of rounds. Trying acrobatics through his square untrained? Hmmmm
Auri waits. His comrades seemingly having a good handle on this.
|Sheik Voodoo
Karethas begins his summoning as Falear sings his encouragement. Amir retaliates against the baboon and kills the beast. No more monkeys rush toward you, but you hear the sounds of the mercenaries and guards within the monastery over the shrieks of baboons and crash of broken pottery in the kitchen.
Auri- no monkey in the way currently or you can fly around to the back entrance ~ 180 '
Round 3.
|Amir Awad Hajjir
Amir looks back to Kzrira. Looks like we need to take the fight to them. The rogue tilts his head at the others to lead on.


text:
I, Madona Hernandez, along with all my family, would like to give thanks to all my family and friends who came out to help us on that day. We would like to thank those who helped cook, serve or donated. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, with your help, it was a great success. So from our hearts thank you all and may God bless everyone for your help.
The Hernandez and Garcia Family

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Forget about former South Carolina governor Mark Sanford's surprise May election to the House of Representatives despite the sex scandal stemming from his lie about hiking on the "Appalachian trail" rather than being in Latin America visiting his girlfriend. This year voters made humiliating examples of the Three Stooges of sex scandals -- Bob Filner, Elliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner -- and politicians everywhere, beware.
Voters sent a strong message that said: "You can run again and we might give you a second look, but if you mess up again we won't want you and if we have someone who hasn't messed up before we'll probably pick them over you no matter what you say. Give it your best shot -- but don't quit your day job."
At one point it seemed each of the three would survive, but their political storms proved to have been hurricanes, leaving shattered political dreams.
Sanford had indeed survived. He was seriously mentioned as a likely contender for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, had headed the Republican Governor's Association and had been praised by Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele as someone to watch. Sanford's extra marital affair ended the buzz, impeachment efforts failed, and he finished his term in disgrace in January 2011.
Still, his Appalachian trail fiasco left a narrow enough path for a comeback trail. Perhaps it's because his biblical and political sin was more accessible to many Americans: he seemed to clearly mean it when he said that Argentinian Maria Belen Chapu was the love of his life, and later confirmed it when he married her. His scandal wasn't terribly quirky, or shocking, or messy -- like former North Carolina' Sen. John Edwards' affair while Edwards wife had terminal cancer.
Many voters wouldn't do what Sanford did, but they might understand how he felt, and why he did what he did.
Spitzer, Filner and Weiner weren't as lucky.
Until he lost the New York City comptroller nomination to Scott Stringer in early September in what The Huffington Post called "a stunning rebuke," Spitzer seemed destined to become the next Mark Sanford. Early polls showed the former governor who had resigned in the face of a prostitution scandal had a 19-point lead. By election day polls narrowed: Stringer had hit him on the poor judgment shown by Sptizer's private stimulus program for pricey call girls, and his refusal to turn over his tax returns.
San Diego Mayor Bob Filner probably could have survived one allegation of sexual harassment and perhaps even a lawsuit litigated by Gloria Allred. But he couldn't survive the virtual parade of respected San Diego women stepping forward to accuse him in often graphic detail of being a serial sexual harasser. He became a major national punch line for comedians, viral satires, and target for bloggers taking cheap shots. (I'll never do that even if he starts a rump roast company ...). Polls showed voters, Democrats and Republicans wanting him out ASAP and he resigned.
But the worse humiliation was reserved for former Rep. Anthony Weiner whose "sexting" made his name branding in more ways one. He was ahead in his race for the Democratic mayoral nomination until it was revealed he had sexted again. After over-the-top behavior, verbal abuse from voters, and a shameful badgering interview by MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell seemingly doing a Bill O'Reilly impression, Weiner ended the race with just 5 percent -- and gave the finger to a reporter as his exit gesture. Just as voters had given theirs to him.
Filner, Spitzer and Weiner later earned an honor: they were listed in Shalom Life's Top 10 Jewish Scandals list.
The good news? 2013's voters signaled there are limits in American politics. And future politicians can -- and will -- ignore them. At their political careers' serious risk.
Nationally syndicated columnist JOE GANDELMAN
is a veteran journalist who has written for
newspapers overseas and in the United States.


text:
fu*cking A Smokes. your boy Bloberino kicked my ass on day 1, thanks to Duh-ron going down for the week.
can't believe how Seraphin turned into sh*t player with Okafor and Nene back healthy. anybody want Kev?
monster game by Josh Smitty tempered by half-ass game by Jennings helped ease the bloodshed.
hopefully the Bruisers can rebound resoundingly and beat back NZ Blobtown.
Wednesday's going to be the real test, as most teams are active, and a lot of deep
managing could very well prove the difference between a W or L.
- NJC vsDwarfies - HUGE battle of 8-7's! one will be 9-6, the other 8-8 end of week. major!
- Hot Mice need W to remain in contention, will p0nder pontificate a potent pounding?
- can Soupastars displace Displacers to stay atop playoff picture?
- will New Vegas Pats romp over Faghardo's dick-licking frogs in a heated Bronx
conference? the Bruisers are rooting for the Pats, of course, sorry Flexhardo.
- Scorgasms out to an early smashing of That's Amare, which could very well put
TA out of commission... (c'mon That's Amare!)
-should be easy win for WaterMelo, as DemPissCity seems to have given up on the season,
not setting lineup on key monday. goodbye allstars, thanks for trying.
-Beef Helmets should rebound to win over KillorbeKilled, just too powerful to lose.
good luck to all, this is turning into a very intense league!


text:
Written by Angelic Storm on 17.11.2010 at 11:39
Only 9 songs? Meh... still its great that they've started playing "The Pestilence" and "Endless Pain" again. xD
Though just for once, Id like to see them follow "Choir Of The Damned" with "Ripping Corpse". It seems like the obvious thing to do, yet they never do it...
Written by Koen Smits on 17.11.2010 at 21:48Then listen to Scenarios Of Violence instead Choir...and Ripping Corpse played live in Holland in 1988 are on this compilation.


text:
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Campbell Hall is a community of inquiry committed to academic excellence and to the nurturing of decent, loving, and responsible human beings.
Athletics Mission Statement
Our mission is to create an encouraging athletic environment for our student athletes through accountability, collaboration, integrity and sportsmanship while staying committed to academic excellence.
Athletic Philosophy
The Campbell Hall Athletic Department nurtures and encourages an atmosphere that inspires a lifelong appreciation of competition, exercise, discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of victory with honor. Building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect will be the foundation for our successes on and off the field/court. These strong bonds and important characteristics will serve to unify us when facing challenges and provide opportunities to build character from life lessons.
Spirit Club
Our athletics program would not be as successful if it weren't for the time, love and support of the Viking Spirit Club. Our Spirit Club volunteers have been tremendous at supporting, coordinating, and bringing that Viking Spirit to everything they touch. If you are a parent of an athlete, or just interested in getting involved with Campbell Hall Athletics, please consider joining this wonderfully dynamic group of parents. To sign up, please visit the Spirit Club Sign Up Genius page and someone will be in touch so that you can learn more.
CH Parent Student Handbook 16-17
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Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and GPA
The Business School uses a measure called the Weighted Average Mark (WAM) to reflect a student's average mark across their award course and an Annual Average Mark (AAM) to reflect a student's average mark in a single calendar year. The School does not issue students with a Grade Point Average (GPA).
Students can calculate their WAM or AAM as follows:
- Multiply the mark (including Fails) by the credit point value for each unit of study = A
- Total all A values = B
- Total all credit points attempted = C
- Divide B by C
Any student who completes at least 1 EFTSL (48 credit points) with an AAM of 85 or above in a single calendar year is cited on the Dean's List of Excellence in Academic Performance. The Dean's List is published in the Sydney Morning Herald as part of the University's Honour Roll on the last working day in January each year.


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The Angels in 2008
Francisco Rodriguez will be a free agent after the 2008 season.
In the wake of the Angels' sweep by Boston, the papers and fan boards are expectedly filled with knee-jerk opinions. The fan boards, well, it's the usual "Fire EVERYONE!!" tirades you get from people with the emotional and/or physical maturity of a 12-year old. The papers pander to an extent to the mob mentality running rampant.
So allow me to be the one who goes against the grain and actually says something sober.
The "big bat" shibboleth has raised its ugly head again.
Funny how the pundits who insist the problem is the lack of a "big bat" behind Vlad Guerrero don't mention that the team with the most homers in the AL, the Yankees, just got eliminated. The #2 team, the White Sox, finished 72-90. The #3 team, the Devil Rays, finished 66-96. The #4 team? The Rangers, who finished 75-87. Lots of big bats. And lots of big losses. You have to go to the #5 team, the Indians, to find a team still in the playoffs.
The Red Sox were #8 in homers with 166. The Angels had 123 — do the math and you find that Boston had one more homer than the Angels every 3.8 games.
As I wrote on October 7, the Yankees were better than Boston in slugging percentage (.463 vs. 444), on-base percentage (.366 vs. .362) and runs scored (968 vs. 867). But it did them no good against Cleveland.
The real reason can be found in the pitching stats.
Boston led the AL with a 3.87 team ERA. Cleveland was #3 at 4.05. The Angels were #5 at 4.23 and the Yankees were #8 at 4.49.
So in both series, the teams with the better pitching won.
In the Angels' series, Boston won for two reasons: (1) superior starters, and (2) superior relievers.
In Game #1, Josh Beckett tossed a game for the ages, while John Lackey labored. Beckett might be bound for the Hall of Fame one day, but in any case it's doubtful any lineup could have beaten him that night — even his own.
In Game #2, Kelvim Escobar faced Daisuke Matsuzaka. The Angels had Matsuzaka on the ropes but failed to put him away. The real sin, though, was Francisco Rodriguez's failure to throw a pitch where Mike Napoli called it. The result? Manny Ramirez's homer, and the Sox won. More on Rodriguez later.
In Game #3, a certain Hall of Famer, Curt Schilling, took the mound against young Jered Weaver. If the Angels had any chance, it was lost when Casey Kotchman was taken to the hospital for an intestinal illness and Garret Anderson exited due to bad eyesight. Coupled with Gary Matthews Jr.'s absence from the series due to a knee injury, and Juan Rivera a shadow of himself due to last winter's broken leg, the Angels were missing four regular bats from their lineup.
Would it be nice if the Angels added a "big bat" this winter?
There are 29 other teams thinking the same thing right now.
A lot of people are fantasizing about Alex Rodriguez, should he take his free agency from the Yankees. But I'll tell you right now what I think will happen.
A-Rod won't come to Anaheim.
He'll sign with Boston.
Mike Lowell, the Red Sox' third baseman, is a free agent this winter. He had a career year, but at age 34 next February I don't think Boston is going to sign him — especially if A-Rod takes his free agency.
Imagine a lineup with Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Boston ownership, of course, would like nothing better than to tweak the Yankees' collective noses. Adding A-Rod would do it.
The Angels shouldn't take interest in Lowell either. Brandon Wood isn't quite ready for prime time, but he's close. My preference would be to give Brandon a full year in the majors at age 23.
Orlando Cabrera is a free agent after 2008. He'll be 34 that winter, but I think he'll be worth the investment if the Angels can sign him to a three or four year extension. He's one of the smartest players in the game. I think he'll be a big-league manager one day. I'd rather have him around.
In any case, Wood can always shift back to shortstop if Cabrera leaves. By then, we'll have a handle on whether Dallas McPherson will return from his last-chance surgery.
Let's be optimistic. How's this for a 2009 infield:
- 1B Casey Kotchman
- 2B Howie Kendrick
- SS Brandon Wood
- 3B Dallas McPherson
Plenty of offense there.
But that's not likely. The Angels can't count on Dallas, as much as I would love to see him finally conquer his back problems.
Brandon Wood, though, has the potential to be the next Mike Schmidt, so it would be foolish to bury him or trade him.
So where would this "big bat" go?
No room in the outfield. Garret Anderson is a 10-5 man so he has no-trade protection. Gary Matthews, Jr. has a no-trade clause through 2009. Vlad isn't going anywhere.
Designated hitter? The Angels need that slot to give Anderson and Guerrero days off while keeping their bats in the lineup.
Some have suggested the Angels pursue free agents Torii Hunter or Andruw Jones. But where do you play them? And they're likely to be expensive, as was Matthews, because the free agent market this year is mighty slim when it comes to top talent. Demand exceeds supply, which drives up the price.
With a full season under their belts, and hopefully a 2008 without injury, both Kotchman and Kendrick should increase their offense numbers. A healthy Juan Rivera, who would alternate with Anderson and Guerrero at DH and the corner outfield slots, would also add more offense.
Placing Wood at 3B puts Chone Figgins' future in question, but it always seems one injury or another to a teammate creates a place for him.
Not to be cold about it, but maybe Chone is one player to dangle in a potential trade. He'll be 30 in January, he's coming off a career year, and won't be a free agent until after 2009.
The other guy I'd dangle? Francisco Rodriguez.
As I wrote on October 6, Rodriguez has become increasingly unreliable. His numbers with runners in scoring position are abysmal. With the bases empty, his ERA this year was 0.57 and his WHIP was 1.15. With RISP, those numbers leap to 9.31 and 1.66.
Frankie has long had a reputation for stubbornness back to his earliest days in the minor leagues. He was moved to the bullpen at Double-A Arkansas to start 2002 because he refused to smooth out his mechanics and work on his secondary stuff. Fate just happened to work out because in the bullpen he didn't have to worry about a game plan, didn't have to worry about off-speed pitches. He could just come in for one or two innings and throw hard.
Reality is catching up with him. As his mechanics get worse and worse, so does his control. The pitch Ramirez hit was supposed to be a fastball down and away. Rodriguez grooved it in the strike zone, slightly up and in.
Frankie told the press afterward that he wanted to challenge Manny. He had "no game plan" — his words. He also said he viewed the results as a "50-50" proposition, meaning in his mind he was giving Ramirez a .500 batting average then and there.
In short, Rodriguez didn't care about the results. He just wanted to test his manhood.
Frankie will be eligible for free agency after 2008, turning 27 in January 2009. Even though he's entering his prime, he's just not reliable. He may grow up one day, but how much longer do we have to suffer through his antics?
So I'd move him too.
Here's one possible suitor — the Yankees.
Mariano Rivera will be a free agent this winter. He turns 38 in November, so he's obviously a risk as a long-term investment. But he had a 3.15 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and struck out 74 in 71 1/3 IP while walking only 12. So he's still got gas in the tank.
If he takes his free agency, the Yankees will be looking for a quick-fix. My instincts tell me Frankie's ego would lead him to sign next winter with the Yankees anyway, so make him part of a deal that might include Figgins.
With Frankie gone, who would be the closer?
Well, we'd want to pursue Rivera, but we should also consider open auditions. I could live with Justin Speier or even Scot Shields, as Scotty should work out his mechanical problems over the winter.
If they move up, the bullpen becomes a bit thin. Interestingly, Troy Percival, who unretired and joined the Cardinals mid-season, is also a free agent. He'll be 39 next August, but a one-year deal to work setup relief might be enough. He posted a 1.80 ERA in 34 IP, a 36:10 SO:BB ratio, and a 0.85 WHIP. I'm not so delusional as to think he'd repeat those numbers over a full 2008 season, but he might be enough to add some stability to a bullpen which will start to integrate youngsters like Chris Resop, Jason Bulger and Rich Thompson.
Let's not overlook Resop. He was starting to come around and had just been called up when he was shut down due to bone chips in his elbow. Chris should be ready to go for spring training, and might be the big surprise of 2008 if his mechanical problems are a thing of the past.
So if we're shopping Rodriguez and Figgins, who do we get?
I'd like to find a veteran pitcher. We need the equivalent of a Curt Schilling, a veteran who can stabilize a young rotation. That was Bartolo Colon's job, but he was injured most of the year and probably won't be signed to a new contract. Lackey, Weaver and Saunders will continue to mature. Kelvim Escobar, in my opinion, is the ace of the staff and in his prime. Right now, though, the #5 pitcher would be Ervin Santana or Dustin Moseley. Santana still has plenty of potential if he can be mechanically consistent. But if the Angels move Rodriguez, Santana could go to the bullpen where he was successful in two late-season relief appearances. He's better off in the rotation, but the bullpen is a worst-case scenario.
So if it were up to me, I wouldn't turn a blind eye to a "big bat" if the right offer came along, but I don't think it will. The answer won't come via free agency, either. Unless more unforeseeable injuries occur, the offense in 2008 should improve as the youngsters continue to mature and gain experience.
I'd prefer to restructure the pitching staff — add a veteran pitcher, maybe trade Francisco Rodriguez in return, and if the deal isn't insane sign Mariano Rivera and Troy Percival to shore up the bullpen.
Of course, the way things go with the Angels Curse (real or imaginary), we'll sign A-Rod and a scorpion will bite him in spring training resulting in the amputation of his right foot.
4 Comments
I think Stephen is onto something here. The teams with the best team pitching moved on in the playoffs. The other two went home. So, this is the area that needs to be addressed first (although I wouldn't mind that proverbial "right deal" coming along). Angels pitching was just plain nerve-wracking in the second half.
Following the template set out in this article interests me and is one I had not considered. Stephen, you know the Angels minors' better than any of us and I assume this plan indicates a lack of upcoming younger pitchers to stock the bullpen. I'll have to go along with your assessment here.
Where do they need to clear out some upcoming personnel logjams? Are there some younger players that could/should be sent off for other help? St Louis, for example, needs two new middle infielders. Do they have anything the Angels need? I don't want to upset the delicate balance of the Angels farm system, they often need to have players ready to step in and help the big club but can they get decent return somewhere and also help the next generation of upcoming players? Just a thought.
Regarding the Cardinals … The first problem is that with Walt Jocketty gone there's no one to engineer a transaction. That'll change.
Since I feel our primary need is a veteran starting pitcher, I'd consider Mark Mulder. Yes, he just went through two shoulder surgeries, but the last article I can find says he should be okay for spring training. He'll be a reclamation project, though, so the Angels would have to think of him as a second-half pitcher. According to one site, Mulder is due $6.5 million in 2008 and the club has an $11 million option for 2009, otherwise he's a free agent. On the other hand, he turned 30 last August so he's certainly young enough to have some gas left in the tank. It depends on whether the Cardinals are in a rebuilding mode or looking to "win now" which will dictate any trade demands.
As for the Angels' bullpen, I think there's some internal depth. Chris Resop had cleaned up his mechanics and was pitching quite well before he was shut down due to elbow chips and surgery. It's too soon for Rich Thompson, whose "plus" pitch is a curve ball, but it's time for Jason Bulger to step forward and translate his Triple-A success into major league success.
My bullpen concerns are short-term. As I wrote, I think Frankie Rodriguez will take his free agency after 2008. Given his current issues, I'd rather get something now, maybe add Rivera and Percival short-term, then let the farm take care of 2009 and beyond.
ASK ANY MANAGER IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES WHAT infield they would rather have!
1B Casey Kotchman
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Brandon Wood
3B Dallas McPherson
1B Casey Kotchman
2B Maicer Izturis or Howie Kendrick
SS Orlando Cabrera (After he stays)
Are u freakin kidding me bro thats the most ***** thing I've ever heard! Plenty of offense of that first list thats preposterous! They had there chance a few years ago and had one good month and that was it. Whom ever says that the angels have plenty of offence is *****! Alex rodrigues is the most talented baseball player to walk on this planet and that is EXACTLY what the angels need! If only they could drop Anderson who is a Lop of **** baseball player and get Arod in that 3 spot with vlad behind him! U r ***** for saying that dude! Absolutely *****!
[Blogger's Note: The above post was edited to remove profanity and personal attacks. Such behavior is not permitted by MLB Media or by me. — Stephen]
I like your assessment and hope Dallas can make it back. If he doesn't, I wouldn't mind seeing Brandon there (give him a full year in 2008) and Sean Rodriguez at short in 2009!


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The Blaques
From Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia
|It is requested that an image or images be included in this article to improve its quality.
The Blaques are a critical organization in the classrooms of New South Wales, spearheaded by formidable leader, Shadman Ali. Their sudden rise to fame is probably a result of their connections with the Sangye movement, The Tribe, and the Freaky Shit Crew.
Shadman Ali is also known commonly as Blaque, Shaddenz, Denzel or simply: The Blaque. He is known to be powerful allies with Dylan Streetharan , leader of The Tribe also known as The Sahoo, and Michael Ambrose and Alex Koerber, co-leaders of the Sangye movement.
edit The Blaques : Structure and Associates
Leader :Dr. Shadman Ali
Third Blaque : Abhinayan Kugendran( second son of Mr Varughese, off his Thai Buddhist Monk of a concubine)
Sahoo: Dylan Sreetharan (Also Tribe Leader)
Offical Blaque Mascot : Anosh Sivasunmugaraja
Security Comissioner : Mr. Mohit TUG-ON-MY-PYTHON
Co-Leaders : Alex Koerber , Michael Ambrose
Thinks He's A Part Of It : the Leo Gordon (also a filthy Munja )
Jimari : Jimari (Bench Veteran)
LOL!! seriously boiis u oughta go see a psychiatrist
Blaque Productions, the movie-making wing of The Blaques, have recently teamed up with the Freaky Shit Crew along with the Sangye Movement, to create the very successful Freaky Shit series of short films. With the likes of George Denny-Smith behind the camera, blonde-stunner Gareth Deacon in front of it, and Michael Ambrose directing behind the scenes, the series has set a new benchmark in the industry. The Docksin and Norman have both rated it number 1 on their respective charts.


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One more
3 Comments
Oh boy. Kaybee is going to FREAK OUT. Don't worry. I cried for like thirty minutes so I understand. I'm so mad but this trade was the best for him. I LOVE YOU JAKE. We will all miss you😦
Oh you are so understanding. I love the way you really care about your players. Congrats on all the wins for your Padres. I thought about you and Hyun young when I saw the scores.
Kaybee – we can get the support group back together if you need us!


text:
Disney pushes "Paperman," its Oscar-nominated animated short, to the web
Posted by Jackie Mantey
It's a real heartwarmer.
It's a real heartwarmer.
"The Americans," a new FX drama about KGB agents living in America during the 1980s, premiere tonight and it's very, very good. Stars Keri Russell ("Felicity") and Matthew Rhys ("Brothers & Sisters") give incredible performances, but where "The Americans" truly shines is in creating a tense spy thriller built on character more than plot. But the Cold War spy storyline is excellent too. This is a must watch premiere, and I predict "The Americans" will prove to be a better spy series than the award-winning, cultural phenomenon "Homeland."
Producer John B. Carls will speak at the Canzani Center Gallery this evening. The lecture is free and starts at 7 p.m.
Delve into the Columbus producer's evocative productions.
Do your funny GIFs make too little noise? Then you'll love GIFs with sound!
Five quick thoughts on Monday's show.
It's Tuesday. We could all use a little motivation.
Even more concert announcements in a week full of them.
Also appearing: Little Green Cars, Family of the Year, The Virginmarys, The Neighbourhood, Guards and San Cisco.
More announcements coming later today.


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New Study: Smoking and Second Hand Smoke Cause Brain Damage
Jason Mick
June 25, 2009 4:35 PM
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A new study shows that smoking tobacco cigarettes, like consuming alcohol, can lead to severe brain damage, though the mechanism is different. The study also suggests that second hand smoke exposure can also lead to brain damage.
(Source: The New York Times)
Perhaps that Guiness World Book Record for most cigarettes smoked wasn't such a good idea, now that the brain damage smoking tobacco causes is known...
(Source: Guiness World Book of Records)
Move over alcohol, brain damage has a new buddy
New research is set to
be published
in the July issue of the
Journal of Neurochemistry
that looks to offer yet another damning medical argument
against smoking
and allowing
second hand smoke
in public locations. The new report finds that Tobacco smoke contains a compound which can cause brain damage.
The new study examined NNK, a procarinogen. NNK is a toxic derivative of nicotine produced when the chemical is cured in preparation for use in cigarettes. NNK is not found in other smoked drugs,
such as cannabis
Before the study it was thought that the compound could be damaging to the body, but it was unclear how damaging it was. In the study, performed by Debapriya Ghosh and Dr Anirban Basu from the Indian National Brain Research Center (NBRC), it was found that the compound caused white blood cells in the central nervous system to attack healthy cells causing severe neurological damage.
Unlike alcohol or other forms of drug abuse, the drug does not impact brain tissue directly via oxidation or receptor damage. Rather, it triggers an inflammatory immunological response that is believed to lead to Multiple Sclerosis and other brain diseases.
Both with in vivo, in mice, and in vitro tests, the researchers discovered that the compound elevated proinflammatory signaling proteins, proinflammatory effector proteins and other stress related proteins, and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which act as molecular messengers between cells. These factors led to increased activity by microglia, the brain's white blood cells responsible for attacking intruders.
The microglia turned on healthy cells, due to the increased level of these compounds. States Professor Ghosh, "Considering the extreme economical and disease burden of neuroinflammation related disorders, it is extremely important from a medical, social and economic point of view to discover if NNK in tobacco causes neuroinflammation. Our findings prove that tobacco compound NNK can activate microglia significantly which subsequently harms the nerve cells.
While most studies have focused on health threats from smoked tobacco, NNK is also present in chewing tobacco, helping make a stronger case against its use. NNK is present in 20-310 nanograms in cigarettes, but is also can be present in concentrations as high as 26 nanograms in smoke filmed rooms. This report adds more evidence that second hand smoke may damage non-smokers' health.
Concludes Professor Ghosh, "This research sheds light on the processes that lead to nerve cell damage in those who smoke cigarettes or consume tobacco products on regular basis."
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May 23, 2011
Secretary Duncan to Deliver Keynote Remarks at National Center on Education and the Economy National Symposium
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will deliver the keynote address at the National Center on Education and the Economy National Symposium Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The symposium will focus on "What the U.S. Can Learn from the Nations with the Best Performing Education Systems." In his...
May 20, 2011
The U.S. Department of Education's Equity and Excellence Commission will convene its second meeting on May 23-24 at the U.S. Department of Education. The two-day meeting will provide a general update on progress since the last commission meeting, including a summary of outreach activities...
May 20, 2011
Civil Rights Assistant Secretary to Address National Pan-Hellenic Council Community Leaders Empowerment Summit in D.C.
Russlynn Ali, assistant secretary for the Office for Civil Rights, will address the National Pan-Hellenic Council Community Leaders Empowerment Summit Saturday in Washington, D.C. Ali will discuss her office's work in tackling the achievement gap among minority students and promoting...
May 20, 2011
U.S. Education Department Senior Official to Join other Faith Leaders for Roundtable Hosted by Sen. Ben Cardin, White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Brenda Girton-Mitchell, director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will join directors of other federal agencies' faith-based and neighborhood centers initiatives at a roundtable at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 23 at Coppin State University in Baltimore, Md.
May 20, 2011
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will give the luncheon plenary address at the 4th annual conference of Communities for Public Education Reform (CPER) at Noon on Monday, May 23, in Alexandria, Va. He will address the importance of widespread community support in order for education...
May 20, 2011
Assistant Secretary Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana to visit Schools, Keynote Central Regional School Improvement Grant Conference in Denver
U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana will visit Lake International School in Denver and Fulton Elementary School in Aurora, Colo., on Monday, May 23, to meet with students and school leaders.
May 20, 2011
U.S. Department of Education Senior Official to Participate in Conference that Looks at Role of Federal Government in Education
U.S. Department of Education's Joanne Weiss will participate in a panel discussion at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research conference on Monday, May 23, in Washington, D.C. She will discuss the role of the federal government in driving school improvement.
May 20, 2011
Department of Education Senior Official to Discuss Personalized Learning, Open Educational Resources as Keynote Panelist During Sessions at SIIA'S Eighth Annual ED Tech Industry Summit
Director of the Office of Educational Technology Karen Cator will contribute her insight, knowledge and experience during two informative panels during the Software Information Industry Association's (SIIA) annual Ed Tech Summit in San Francisco taking place May 23-24.
May 19, 2011
Assistant Education Secretary to Give Commencement Address at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology
U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana will give the commencement address for the Graduate School of Education & Psychology at Pepperdine University on Saturday, May 21 at 3 p.m. in Alumni Park in Malibu, Calif.
May 18, 2011
Under Secretary of Education to Discuss Value of Community Colleges at Southwestern Illinois College Commencement
U.S. Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter will share her views on the importance of higher education with the Southwestern Illinois College class of 2011 at the college's commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 19. Kanter will address about 250 graduates at 7 p.m. on the school's campus in...


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quote The Slayeri have a dell laptop for gaming cost £359 i got it dirt cheap because it was in scratch dent sale didnt have a mark on it. i did have to pay £50 to get it repaired in by a different company because dell says i cause the fault. graphics card over heated and melted things.quote hiigaran(except dell and HP. theyre evil )
Hey now, I love my HP laptop. I got a good deal for it and it works perfectly.
quotein this case, do you know if you can plug your laptop in somewhere in your lectures? if not, then youll need something else, as gaming laptops wont have much power available. if this is the case, then youll need a standard laptop with a good battery.i need to be able to take my laptop to the occasional lecture
quote Northern49If i weren't moving away i would definitely have bought a desktop instead, but unfortunately i need to be able to take my laptop to the occasional lecture, or occasionally take it on the train back home again.Do you really need a laptop for gaming? I mean, are you planning to play Crisis on the subway? Or... Flight Simulator on an aeroplane? Buy a rig for gaming. Save laptops for word processing and web browsing.
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Gates will open at 6 p.m. and event starts at 7 p.m. for the Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Touring Pro PBR presented by Farm Industrial.
Presale tickets are on sale with limited selection of box seats still available. Ticket prices pre-sale will be $20 and $8 for 12-and-under, which will include an after-the- event dance at the Goliad Memorial Auditorium featuring the Matthew Gritz Band. Tickets are available in Goliad at Ag Med Supply, and Goliad County Farm Bureau.
For information, call the Goliad County Extension Office at 361-645-8204, after hours at 361-649-2302.


text:
Stephen Palumbi surfs and plays in a rock band, but mainly he's a marine biologist. So when he takes a visitor on the trail that winds from Hopkins Marine Station along the rocky shoreline of Monterey Bay, he mostly talks about the bay. Here's where otters gather, and farther out, that's where humpback whales tend to feed. As gulls squawk, Palumbi, the marine station's director, points to a tawny crescent beach crowded with seals and newborn pups. "Seals, seabirds, otters, whales—the bay is better off than at any point in the last 150 years," he says.
A few generations ago this would have been counted a big surprise. Then, Monterey Bay was one of the most polluted places on the Pacific Coast—"an industrial hellhole," he says. Now it's a kind of paradise. And one with a remarkable lesson.
The dire state of the world's oceans can make even the most environmentally minded shut down.
- Garbage: We're filling the oceans with trash, most famously in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the vast (twice as big as Texas, per some estimates) coagulation of plastic floating between California and Hawaii.
- Overfishing: We've taken 90 percent of large fish like shark and swordfish; 85 percent of the world's fisheries are harvested at capacity or are in decline.
- Hot water: Because oceans are absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, marine temperatures are rising—bad news for species evolved to live in cooler waters.
- Acid seas: Pollution and climate change can reduce the oxygen in oceans to deadly levels for marine life. They can also raise acidity, which destroys coral reefs; already 20 percent of the world's reefs have died, with another 60 percent at grave risk.
If it's any consolation, even people who have built careers in conservation can feel overwhelmed. "I'm as subject to bad news as the next person," says Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the last 30 years. "I listen to the NPR reports on coral reefs and climate change—it's hard. But the only thing that is going to lead to positive change is that we all get involved. Because really, what's the alternative?"
The one place on the planet where the oceans' problems might be solved is the place Packard and Palumbi call home: the 120-mile indentation on the central California coast called Monterey Bay. It's a special spot, the bay. Famously beautiful, its 455 square miles nurture one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, including dozens of species of marine mammals, still more of seabirds, hundreds of species of fish, and one of the largest kelp forests in the world. The bay's most dramatic feature is not visible from shore: Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon, a chasm that in depth and complexity is the undersea equivalent of the Grand Canyon.
Put it another way: If you were a marine scientist who wanted to study stuff that nobody had ever seen—and which might help you better understand the world's oceans—Monterey Bay would be the place to do it.
Today, the area hosts the largest concentration of marine science research and policy institutions in the world, nearly three dozen. With them comes one of the planet's largest gatherings of world-class marine scientists, some 200 to 300, estimates Palumbi. This assemblage of marine knowledge is akin to Silicon Valley's cluster of high-tech expertise, says Meg Caldwell, executive director of the Monterey-based Center for Ocean Solutions. "You have all these experts just a 20-minute drive away." It all comes back, she adds, to the bay's wealth of marine environments from deep sea to beaches to kelp forest. "Really, the biodiversity is phenomenal. It's like having Africa's Serengeti in our backyard."


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Sarah's latest still-life: milk, flour, butter, cardamom, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, sugar, clementine and olive oil.
Amanda cheerfully adds ingredients to the mixer.
This pound cake calls for both white and brown sugar.
And both olive oil and butter!
We found that clementine zest is surprisingly -- and delightfully -- fragrant.
Crush your own cardamom pods for this recipe -- you won't regret it. We didn't go too fine, but if you don't want crunchy bits in your smooth pound cake (some of us liked the texture), you may want to use a spice grinder.
Look, four hands!
3 eggs add richness to the cake.
Alternating dry and wet ingredients towards the end makes for a nice, smooth batter.
Like a traditional pound cake, this recipe includes a little vanilla.
A truly gorgeous batter.
The ingredient tableau: prunes, cinnamon stick, cardamom, orange flower water, pink peppercorns, sugar, red wine vinegar, coriander, and orange.
We squeezed twice as much orange juice as we needed by mistake (see back right) -- it didn't go to waste.
This is one of those great recipes where you just measure and dump -- we love those!
A shower of sugar.
Aren't the spices (and zest) beautiful, floating like a raft on the liquid?
Pink peppercorns add welcome heat.
What's the saying about a watched pot? This one boiled anyway.
Be careful dropping the dates into the syrup -- no one likes scalded fingertips!
The dates simmer gently for 20 minutes, absorbing all the great flavors.
20 minutes later...
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"I've been listening to the Catholic Answers Live podcast for about a year now. Today I heard Patrick Coffin say you were reaching all nations, and I felt I had to confirm it! I love your show and I learn every day. Thank you very much!"
"Where the bishop is, there is the community, even as where Christ is, there is the Catholic Church."


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My 11 month old keeps putting his fingers in his mouth to the point of gagging. I am not sure why he is doing this or how to stop it. If he does this at the dinner table, then we go ahead and end his dinner. Sometimes he does it when he is just walking around the house. This usually happens during or after meals.
His weight and diapers seem normal.
Any advice or has anyone experienced this?


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Polka Dot Cotton Sateen Short
Style: 570076564
Out of Stock
Polka dots dance on these cotton shorts with cute two-button tabs on the waistband. 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex. Machine wash, cold; tumble dry low. Or dry clean. Imported.
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- Satin-bound waistband facing.
- Inseam: 5".
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5 Irish exports we're all lucky for
Celebrate all things Ireland on St. Patrick's Day
For many people, the thought of Ireland conjures up images of rolling emerald hills and quaint country folk with thick brogues popping down to the pub for a pint.
Or maybe just leprechauns and Shamrock Shakes.
Truth is, Ireland has given the world many great things. After all, the millions of Irish people who migrated to America in the midst of the Great Potato Famine in the mid-1800s help build this nation up into what it is today.
St. Patrick's Day is more than just a time to hoist a glass of beer tinted with green food coloring and think about how Ireland has no snakes thanks to, allegedly, St. Patty; it's also a day to celebrate everything Irish.
In that spirit, let's count down the five greatest things modern Ireland has exported to America.
No. 5: Irish actors
Where would Hollywood be without the likes of Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell or relative newcomers Michael Fassbender ("Inglorious Basterds" and "X-Men: First Class") and Saoirse Ronan ("Atonement" and "The Lovely Bones")?
A lot less entertaining, that's what.
Without Ireland's Pierce Brosnan, who would have bridged the Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig eras of James Bond? Without Northern Ireland's Neeson, who would have calmly but menacingly described of his "particular set of skills" in "Taken"? Heck, without Ireland we wouldn't have had "Lawrence of Arabia" (thanks, Peter O'Toole).
OK, so we would have had those movies, likely with somebody else filling the roles. But Hollywood and its audiences would have been worse off for it.
And don't even get us started on Roma Downey. We don't even want to imagine a world without "Touched by an Angel."
No. 4: Claddagh rings
The Claddagh: It's not just for the Irish any more.
That might as well be the motto for the symbol consisting of a crowned heart grasped between two hands. Walk into any Irish gift shop in any mall in America, and it'll be hard to miss.
More than 300 years after the ring's origins in a small Irish fishing village just outside of Galway, it's worn far and wide as a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty.
But the ring is more than just a history-rich beautiful piece of jewelry, it's also functional. Worn on the right hand with the heart facing out means you're looking for love. Wear it on the same hand but facing inward, and your heart has been "captured."
How romantic is that?
No wonder Hollywood has latched onto the ring as shorthand for romance, with the Claddagh popping up in movies such as "Leap Year" and TV shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
No. 3: Irish musicians
Everybody knows about U2, and rightfully so.
Although only two members (Bono and drummer Larry Mullen Jr.) of the quintessential Irish rock group actually hale from the Emerald Isle, the band will forever be associated with Ireland.
But the country has given the world many other great musical acts.
Whether you're a fan of Enya, Sinéad O'Connor, Damien Rice, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy or Van Morrison, you owe Ireland a debt of gratitude the next time you rock out ... or whatever it is people do while listening to Enya's music.
And that's not even considering the phenomenon that is Celtic Woman. Those angel-voiced Irish lasses could sign the phone book on PBS and we would give it a listen.
No. 2: Guinness and Jameson
It seems stereotypical, but when something tastes as good on your lips as Guinness or Jameson Irish Whiskey, it's hard to argue its rightful place on this list.
What trip to Ireland would be complete without visiting the Jameson distillery in Cork or the Guinness brewery in Dublin?
Thanks to the work done there, millions of people across the world can enjoy a "pint of the black" with a Jameson chaser.
Both of these tasty beverages can trace their roots back to Ireland in the 1700s. Centuries later, they are still being enjoyed not just at home, but worldwide.
With Jameson selling more than 31 million bottles of whiskey annually and 1.8 billion pints of Guinness enjoyed worldwide each year, you'll hardly be alone if you enjoy a bit of true Irish cheer during our No. 1 selection …
No. 1: St. Patrick's Day
What began as a religious celebration honoring Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland is now more a secular celebration of Irish culture in general.
And you don't have to be Irish or even Irish-American to enjoy it in true Erin go Bragh spirit. That's "Ireland forever" in Gaelic-Irish.
These days, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world. In Ireland, it became an official feast day in the 17th century, but it's nearly as big in America, Argentina, Japan and Australia.
All evidence in New York City and Chicago to the contrary, St. Patrick's Day is still not quite a legal holiday anywhere in the United States.
But whether you are Irish or Irish at heart, you're sure to find plenty of company should you choose to wear the green or toast sláinte, or good health, with a pint or two come St. Patrick's Day.
Distributed by LAKANA. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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How to Grow Peppers
Planting advice for how to grow peppers, recommended varieties and pepper recipes.
A-to-Z Vegetable Guide:
How to Grow Vegetables»
Capsicum annuum
From crisp, colorful bell peppers to molten-lava-in-your-mouth jalapenos, these low-calorie veggies add color and zest to recipes. Plus, bells are chock-full of vitamins A, C and K, and chilies contain capsaicin, which fights inflammations and arthritis pain.
Hardiness: Grown as an annual.
Planting advice: Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart. Water consistently and uniformly.
Harvest tips: Ready to pick in 65 to 75 days for bell peppers and 70 to 85 days for chili peppers. Harvest bell peppers of all varieties at any size; look for firm fruit that breaks away easily. They can be picked when green, or when they change color. Harvest hot peppers when they turn red.
Recommendations: Bell Boy, Cayenne, Jalapeno, Purple Belle, Sweet Banana.
Source: Birds & Blooms "Grow Veggies for Less"


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Style: 570102531
Out of Stock
Shiny silver buttons polish a timeless shirt dress reinvented with luxe rayon. Collar neckline with princess seams and hardware detail at mid-upper back for a utility accent.
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- 58% viscose, 42% polyester. Machine wash. Imported.
- Length: 37.5" from shoulder.
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Let Us Help You Get Properly Equipped for ATV Camping
Welcome to CampingATV.com, your number one site dedicated just to ATV Camping Accessories. If you enjoy riding all terrain vehicles and primitive camping, then you are going to love ATV Camping. This enables you to get to those uncrowded, remote back country campsites. We help people equip their ATVs with the proper aftermarket ATV accessories, camping gear and UTV gear for an exciting outdoor adventure.
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Quite frankly, some campgrounds make you feel like you are still in the city with the crowds and all the noise. Noise from generators, TV's, radios and other appliances. Then there is the dust and fumes from all the vehicles moving in and out.
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Day One
7 Comments
Wow. You go, Allen! Our very own correspondent on the scene. I loved every minute of the inauguration except Aretha. She needs to retire that hat.
You were there! Someone get Mark on the phone and get the front page changed to a picture of Allen who looks more like he's in Moscow than the US Capital!
President Obama's speech was wonderful, I just hope he is the man of change that he talks about being. Time will tell on that one.
How awesome to be there in one of the greatest moments in history!! I hope you stayed warm!
How wonderful that you got to be there and personally witness this great day! I was so inspired by President Obama's speech. And I agree with Jane – it's time for Aretha to update her wardrobe!
Jane just give Aretha some R-E-S-P-E-C-T haha had to say that. She can wear whatever she wants as she is still the queen of soul and always will be! Jeff, nice use of "feeling words" and I would have added non-nefarious just for the hell of it. You know how I roll.
If you had rearranged the order of those letters you could have spelt out the words "Ice Dig Mush".


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Golf FOREcast: Daylight Savings Time + Great Weather=Tee Time at Wild Dunes Resort!
Golfers, celebrate! Finally, the time has come to spring forward and push our clocks one hour ahead! Pair daylight savings with great weather on the horizon for the perfect chance to enjoy a round or more at Wild Dunes Resort this weekend.
We invite you to be part of our new golf email series, "Your Charleston Golf FOREcast," dedicated to sharing great upcoming weather or golf specials in perfect timing to tee off at our award-winning, Fazio-designed Links and Harbor Courses.
Whether you're a group of golf enthusiasts ready to conquer all 36 holes, or a golfing duo in the mood to Wine, Dine and Nine - now's the time to book a South Carolina golf getaway at Charleston's Island Resort.
View Charleston golf specials and packages.
Book a golf getaway today with Adrian Clark, Golf Sales Manager at 843-886-2255 or if you're already in town, call 843.886.2164 for a tee time.
Sign up for Wild Dunes Resort's Email Club to receive "Your Charleston Golf FOREcast" delivered straight to your inbox, along with other Resort special offers and news.
Prepare for play before your visit with tee-to-green aerial videos and interactive golf maps with playing tips for the Links Course and Harbor Course – the perfect way to get to know the courses!


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I love that I can soothe my son at my breast. I can nurse at the keyboard, read a book online, operate the Tivo and watch my fave show. I am not very consistent about particular times where DS nurses vs. sippy cup of cow juice. since I have ADD sometimes I forget what rules I have made for myself for the day, re: nurse vs. cow juice. my son is about 18mos, very healthy and happy.
My parenting style is go with the flow and do what feels right at the time. He has been picky at the dinner table. we do not feed any pre-made mfg. baby foods. He eats what I am making. but has refused items he previously liked.
:clap I like coming on these forums, because I see how normal my toddler is. He is my third son and I am here to say my other two boys are teenagers and are very healthy growing boys who are active in football and wrestling and get good grades. so I do not stress too much about baby eating green beans and right now I live by the motto "peanut butter is our friend"


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Click here to request information.
"Campbell Divinity School helped me determine my calling to serve in the local church and develop the necessary practical skills to be a pastor for the present while striving to prepare the body of Christ for future kingdom work."
Chris Dawson
MDiv Graduate, DMin Student
"The focus of the curriculum of the Divinity School is upon the Bible as the core of theological education. To reinforce this emphasis, the Divinity School has assembled an outstanding faculty whose personal commitments to Jesus Christ and the trustworthiness of the Bible are contagious."
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MDiv Graduate, DMin Graduate
"The students and staff have been exceptionally welcoming of those who come from varying backgrounds and I have no doubts that the quality of education I am receiving at Campbell University is among the best offered."
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MDiv Graduate
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Amy Gallaher
MDiv Graduate
The purpose of the Campbell University Divinity School is to provide Christ-centered, Bible-based, and ministry-focused theological education. Campbell University Divinity School is committed to a holistic approach to graduate theological education in which students are intellectually, spiritually, and vocationally prepared for ministry.


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The Future is here (Kind of)
Congratulations to the 2009 Carolina League Champions…
Single A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
It is without a doubt a small step towards big league success down the road. The preaching may soon be paying off. General Manager Neil Huntington and President Frank Coonelly have stressed building through the minors and with a championship club like this it seems that the strategy may be the truth.
The team is filled with blossoiming players and future Pirates.
- Tony Sanchez-catcher
- Starling Marte-outfielder
- Jamie Romak-outfielder
- Chase D'Arnaud
- Bryan Morris-pitcher
- Rudy Owens-pitcher
That group of five players are studs. They will make the Pirates roster within the next four years, right when we turn the corner and make the playoffs. It is defintately wishful thinking, but confident thinking. If the talent is there and a championship proves that it is, the wins will come with the years.
As for the current big league Pirates-it is same old same old.
It isn't fun is it Jason and Ross? It isn't fun for the fans either. In fact it is embarrasing. The three game series in Los Angeles (which we were swept in) was not even televised in Pittsburgh. Most of the games are on FSN Pittsburgh, with the exception of maybe 15 in the season, but to not even have a crew fly out there is laughable. It didn't make much difference though, nobody here really cares anyway. The Steelers are kicked off and Penguins pre-season is underway. I kind of fell bad, but not really. It is WVU football time and like I've said my passion switches from black and gold to gold and blue. I hope we close out the season somewhat respectably. It won't even be a moral victory after the pain I've endured not only this year, but the past 17.
I just want you Dodgers, Cradinals, Red Sox and Yankess fans, even Indians fans-take that in for a moment. 17 straight losing seasons. Hard to imagine huh, but its all I've been used to.
Thanks Hillcats for hope for the future and LETS GO MOUNATINEERS
7 Comments
Matt, I have seen my Dodgers win two World Series (81 & 88) but it has been 21 years and for a big market team that is a long time. I am sorry that the games were not televised.
Congrats to the 2009 Carolina League Champions. I hope to hear good things from those future Pirate players.
I am pretty sure your right that sometime over the next 5 years the Pirates are going to be a team to contend, with the upcoming talent and the fact that a lot of the top players now will be on the downside…and 17 seasons is a sporting record I think….and now its Steelers time to make a run
Outside the Phillies Looking In
Matt: Congrats to the baby Pirates! I saw my Renegades played another single-A Pirate team once. I hope your Pirates actually keep some of those youngsters and let them become Pirates for more than a few months. They are something to look forward to for sure. -Virginia
Ouch, when you put it into perspective, it's a lot rougher than thought. The Pirates won the other night though (silver lining?… probably not). The Rockies pretty much have all their talent from the farm system, so for the Pirates, well… that's gotta look good, right?
I thought you forever boycotted your blog, right after you declared fandom to the Mariners no less! Thanks a lot! :] hehe I'm kidding, I know you're super busy with school and all the WVU stuff. Hey that's cool, I went to WWU :] Anyway, congrats to the (well-said by southernbelle) baby pirates! That's awesome, it only means the Pirates will be getting great people sooner or later! xoxo http://diamondgirl55.mlblogs.com P.S, I'm VERY happy to know you wear your M's jersey around campus. High-five!
I am glad the future has finally hit Pittsburgh. McCutchen is really going to blossom into a .330 30 HR 30 SB guy. Man McCutchen will be loving his three's. 33333. The Pirates will have a surprising year in three years is my guess. You know the lucky number 3 right? I am telling you!! Good luck Pirates.
It is always fun to see the future team by watching minor league teams. The Pirates were not all that easy to beat.
By the way, your autograph is in the mail!!!


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US citizens have a fundamental Constitutional right to health information privacy—but can't easily sue. Only federal employees can sue under the Privacy Act of 1974, as vets did when a laptop with millions of health records was stolen. Even with strong state health privacy laws and state constitutional rights to privacy in place, it's very hard to sue because most courts demand proof of monetary harm. This new digital disaster: exposing and/or selling sensitive personal health data–can't be stopped without stronger, clearer federal laws. OR if US citizens boycott the corporations that violate their rights to health privacy.
This blog written in response to the following article:
Did Tim Armstrong's 'Distressed Babies' Comment Violate HIPAA Privacy Laws?
By Abby Ohlheiser
The Wire, February 10, 2014


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If only she could speak, she probably would tell about her adventures in the wild and how she survived it all.
Her hissing and grunting can hardly be translated into narrative, but they send a strong indication of her likes and dislikes.
She moves slowly and carefully with determination. She sleeps in the shade.
She eats voraciously and quickly. But she is a vegetarian.
Antonia is an African Sulcado Tortoise, a land turtle.
In fact, she belongs to a species that is the third largest in the world with the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra Giant Tortoise found on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles (northeast of Madagascar) being the largest, respectively.
Her species is the largest of the land turtles, excluding those two species found on islands.
Sulcada Tortoises make great pets because they are so mild mannered, but they do require special care. And that care involves their diet and habitat. Mainly, protein is bad for them.
South Texas is a great place for Antonia because it is along the same latitude as North Africa – between 25 and 30 degrees north latitude with generally the same weather.
The call came one day back in April. Debbie Carter listened to her friend who lives along Copano Bay tell her about the big turtle living underneath her house. She didn't know what to do and was convinced it belonged to somebody.
Debbie took the turtle on April 10 with the thought of finding its owner. She called City Hall and went to the post office to find out if anybody was missing a turtle.
Assistant City Secretary Lorraine Dyche heard about the turtle and thought it might be Freddie, a female Greek Tortoise she lost a couple of years ago.
"I had one that had gone missing about two years ago. We kept it outside in a kennel," Lorraine says.
"One morning, like every morning, my Mom went out to feed it and found the cage door open, and the tortoise was gone," Lorraine says.
She says she thinks a raccoon may have gotten in the kennel and taken the turtle.
"It is still unknown to us what happened to it," Lorraine adds.
She told her story to Debbie who then sent a photo of the turtle.
"I was sure it was our Freddie. When I drove up to her house, to my surprise, this thing was about 20 pounds or more," Lorraine says.
"I thought then 'It can't be.' Well, I planned on taking it, and told her I would. While trying to figure out how and where I would keep a tortoise this size, Debbie fell in love with it," Lorraine says.
Debbie's house already had a fenced-in yard with lots of plants, giving off shade and providing hiding places.
So the weekend after Mother's Day, Lorraine bought a Greek Tortoise because she missed Freddie so much.
"Because I love the name Ali and I got her in May, I named her Ali-Mae. She is not a dog, but she is this woman's best friend," Lorraine said.
Could Freddie have grown so much over two years?
Well, turns out that after the first years a Sulcado Turtle is born, it grows fast, especially if it eats well. So it is possible the turtle could be Freddie except for one detail. Freddie was a Greek Tortoise.
Debbie explained that after a time, she grew very attached to the African Sulcado.
"I wanted to keep her. I love her. I was already really attached to her. I didn't think I would be," she says.
When Debbie's husband David saw 20-pound Antonia and how gentle she was, he agreed that Debbie could keep her.
And Debbie's four Chihuahuas and poodle terrier got used to her, and now they look for her.
"They like Antonia. They turn their heads sideways when they see her," Debbie says.
She says when they sprayed for mosquitoes, Antonia was brought up to the porch.
"She loved it. She was like 'Dora the Explorer.' We opened the door, and she just walked into the house," she says.
But Antonia really likes warm weather. However, she needs shade from the sun because her shell heats up fast.
Debbie says in wintertime, she will set up a place inside with a lamp for Antonia.
And her friend Bill in Dallas has a 50-pound male Sulcada Tortoise. At some point, she is hoping the two tortoises will mate.
Males can reach 200 pounds, and African Sulcados can live up to 70 years or more.
More and more plants are being planted for Antonia to hide in case of predators.
"Raccoons are the animals to watch out for. They are the biggest predator. And then there are foxes, but they would have a heck of a time to drag her," Debbie says.
Antonia gets fed well. Her favorite is corn on the cob.
"When she eats corn on the cob, it looks like makeup on her face," Debbie says.
Antonia also eats tomatoes.
"She loves them, and she looks like Rudolph," when she finishes.
Antonia also eats bananas, slices of apples and grapes, turnip greens and purple cabbage. Some of these items are given to her on a limited basis because she is not to have too much protein.
"(African Sulcados) are much more human than I thought," Debbie says.
Every day, a plate of food is set out by the bushes, and Antonia comes out from hiding, feasts and heads back to the bushes.
Debbie pets Antonia on the head while she eats. At first, Antonia would hiss, but now, Antonia loves it.
"And I love her," Debbie says.


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Idea exchange
Now, you can take the APICS Operations Management Now discussion to your social networks on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and the APICS Supply Chain Channel. Be sure to use the hashtag #OMNow and include @Tweet_APICS in any tweets to have your words featured on the APICS homepage.
Boosting Your Service and Innovation
By Philip E. Quigley, CFPIM, PMP
May/June 2012, APICS magazine
A Tool that Works
By Antonio Galvao, CSCP
July/August 2011, APICS magazine
Make the Most of Your Cash
By Gregory L. Schlegel, CPIM, and Peter Merke, CFPIM, CIRM, CSCP
September/October 2011, APICS magazine
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CNJ staff
A 40-year-old man is being held at the Curry County Adult Detention Center after being arrested by sheriff's deputies Wednesday on federal warrants for felonies in Missouri.
Jerry D. Klinker is being held on a $300,000 bond, charged with raping a child and receiving stolen property, according to a press release from the Curry County Sheriff's Office.
According to the release
• After receiving notification from the U.S. Marshals Service, Klinker was located at 598 Curry Road L and taken into custody.
• Living with him at the residence were his two small children, ages 3 and 4 years old.
• The children were taken into custody by the Children Youth and Families Department.


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First Trip Report
Thanks to all who helped me with my questions leading up to this trip. Last Wednesday, my parents, my wife and I left West TN and arrived in Gatlinburg late that night. I was going to have two days to fish and the park was open. This was going to be my first trout fishing trip and first time fishing in the park. After listening to the advice of many of you, I had planned to fish with a guide on Thursday to help speed up the learning. Josh Pfieffer of Frontier Anglers was a great guide and I'd recommend him to anyone.
We met Thursday morning and he was as excited as I was to be in the park. He had spotted a big brown feeding before we met and was eager to get back and see if it was still there. After the short drive, the fish he had spotted was gone. We quickly moved on and started fishing the Little River off the main road. Not long after getting in the water, Josh was pointing out where to cast and I was putting a dry pretty close to target. Not long after, some small rainbows were rising to hit my dry. I missed several strikes before I finally brought my first trout to hand. It was a small rainbow but it was a start. Several more fish came to hand and I was getting the hang of it.
The morning kept getting better. Fish were becoming more active and I was having more and more takes.
Later on, we moved into Elkmont and this fishing was still getting better. A few small browns were beginning to mix in with the rainbows. I don't think the timing of my trip could have been any better. These fish were aggressive and Josh did a great job of getting me in the right spot without spooking the fish and pointing out where I needed to cast.
At the tail of one pool, a brown rose and took my dry. After setting the hook, the fish shook it's head once before being t-boned by a huge dark beast with an orange flash. A monster brown cannibalized my nice brown and was carrying it around like a dog bone with my fly still attached. Josh began moving towards the big brown with the net but it quickly started to look like Josh chasing after a little puppy. As soon as he started to get close, the fish would easily swim upstream, downstream, across stream always staying at least 5' in front of him. The big brown held on to the smaller one that way for a few minutes before finally giving up and spitting the meal out. We were able to release the little brown after a little reviving. He had some nice battle wounds though!
The fishing began to slow down as we got to the bridge. It was beginning to get dark as well. I was able to pull one more little rainbow from the slow water right under the bridge with an emerger before calling it a day. All of these pictures were taken by Josh and from his report on his site. Day two to follow.
Day two I was on my home. I had to make a quick trip to Little River Outfitters to get some supplies before I could hit the water. I should have ordered ahead of time, it's always great to stop by the shop but the the leaf peepers caused the trip there and back to be much longer! After loading up on new supplies, I decided I would head up to higher elevations to try and find some brook trout. I pulled off up past the Chimney Tops and started hopping rocks in the WPLPR. Armed with the knowledge Josh showed the day before and some fresh flies from LRO, I was getting strikes in the first run. In the second pool I caught a small rainbow and continued plucking small rainbows from each little pool or riffle. I had many spectators but seemed to miss the questions many of you talk about getting. I continued working up the river coming to this nice stretch of water.
My first cast to the right side of the riffle brought to hand my first brook trout.
After releasing that fish, I placed my next cast at the head of the left side.
Back to back casts yielded my two best fish of that little stretch. I made several more casts but couldn't get any more takers. I then decided to hop out and head back down to try and complete the slam. I drove back down and stopped at Elkmont again. I was having trouble with my drifts on Friday though. I was using a much shorter rod and the river seemed to flowing a little faster than the day before. I didn't think it rained that much the day before, so I think my shorter rod was the bigger problem. I caught one small rainbow in a long stretch before giving up. I left Elkmont and drove back and hopped in a nice looking stretch off the main road. I fished hard for another hour and half but just managed to spook several fish. I might have had one rise but wasn't able to bring any more fish to hand.
I couldn't manage the slam but I had a great day on my own. I gained a lot more confidence in my my casting and learned a lot from Josh on reading water. Unfortunately, I also fell in love with trout and fishing in the park. Looks like I'm going to have to plan for some long weekends next year to get my fix. Thanks for the help all who responded to my earlier threads, to Josh for the great day in the park, and for LRO for great service on Friday.
I know the feeling all too well! Welcome to the addiction and nice report!
Great post, Elkmont is a favorite for of a lot of us, Tremont area is another great section. Now just try to explain to your family why moving here makes perfect sense! :biggrin:
If that was your first time fishing in GSMNP you definitely busted the curve. Good job and thanks for the pics and story.
You're hooked.
Might as well sell your house now! :biggrin:
Oh I'm kicking my self for not going to school in Knoxville or any other reason why I haven't Lived there. Would love to live there, outside of all the tourists. This was my first time fishing in the park and for trout but I've been fly fishing for probably 5-6 years. Had a good teacher to help me around that curve.
Excellent report and looks like you did it right by getting a guide to get you started. Without question that is the way to get you hooked fast.
When I first started I bet I spent a year or more getting to the point where I caught as many fish as you did on your first try.
Recommendation is don't ever let your wife know how much you spend on fly fishing gear. Wait until you get hooked on fly fishing the backcountry and than your gear needs really goes up. :redface:
I personally find the longer fly rods much easier to fish.
I agree Mac. When fishing with Josh, I used his rods (8'-8'6"). When I fished the second day I was using a 7' 3wt. Worked fine way up on the WPLPR but it was difficult in Elkmont and the bigger water. I couldn't control the drift at all. Will definitely look into at least an 8' by next trip.
Great trip report! Josh is an excellent teacher who really knows those streams well. Glad you had a good time!
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