text:
The Ones That Got Away … Or Did They?
A frequent refrain on Angels chat boards is that GM Bill Stoneman let a cornucopia of pitching prospects "get away for nothing."
Or did he?
Like most rants on these boards, a look at the facts shows that the accusations are baseless.
At the top of the list is Bobby Jenks, the enfant terrible who currently toils in the Chicago White Sox bullpen.
A common falsehood is that Stoneman "released" Jenks. Wrong.
|Bobby Jenks' career with the Angels was marked by physical injury and disciplinary problems.
What really happened was that the Angels were moving Jenks off the 40-man roster in December 2004 so they could make room for pending free agent signings. Jenks was destined for the Triple-A roster, but to do so he had to pass through waivers. The White Sox claimed Jenks, paying the Angels $25,000.
Jenks had possessed a high-90s fastball, but was never able to harness his potential. His personal demons were well-chronicled by the media, as this October 2005 article in the San Diego Union-Tribune reported:
There were reports from the farm of Jenks getting into it with a Double-A coach who refused to let him bring beers onto the team bus, and not just once. A national magazine in 2003 portrayed Jenks, in stark detail, as a binge drinker without much of an "off" switch.
The self-destructive right-hander was further noted in an ESPN the Magazine story to have gotten so drunk that he intentionally "torched his left hand" and both forearms with a lighter before passing out.
Scouts saw this coming years before. Word traveled fast about this teenager near the Idaho-Washington border with the incredible arm, but also the lack of discipline that kept him academically ineligible for three of his four high school years, not to mention the time he simply stopped going to school altogether.
He impressed the heck out of radar gun-toting scouts. He also scared the **** out of them.
Indeed, he scattered a few with a wild pitch in one of the tryouts staged by Jenks' baseball-academy coach.
"He had the stuff, no doubt about it," one scout said, "but there was all that other stuff."
One of the agents Jenks fired, Matt Soshnick, alleged that Jenks used a derogatory reference to his Jewishness. Making the majors, Soshnick was quoted as saying, would be something Jenks could never handle.
Then again, even with a fastball clocked at an astounding 102 mph, Jenks wasn't exactly on the fast track to The Show. In addition to the bad behavior and unavailability due to elbow injuries, he was frequently overweight.
For half a decade, Jenks was the Angels' problem, the kind most any organization would put up with as long as he controls his pitches better than everything else in his life. Having dug his own hole, he was buried in one of the majors' best minor league systems.
FutureAngels.com was in Fresno on April 19, 2004 when Jenks took the mound for Salt Lake against Fresno. Jenks struggled in the first inning, his velocity down to the high 80s. In the second inning, as he continued to struggle, he was removed from the game.
Click the Play button below to watch (Windows Media Player required):
|April 19, 2004: Bobby Jenks is injured while pitching for Salt Lake at Fresno. Jenks suffered a stress fracture in his elbow and to this day still has pins in his elbow holding it together.
Jenks had suffered a stress fracture in his right elbow, and underwent surgery to have pins placed in the elbow to hold it together. Assigned on rehab to the Angels' minor league camp in Mesa, he got into a fight with a teammate (according to media reports).
With no indication that his high-90s fastball would return, with pins in his elbow, and with no sign that he was outgrowing his personal problems, the Angels tried to move him to the Triple-A roster. The White Sox claimed him on waivers, choosing to take a risk on a damaged pitcher with a career minor league record of 18-29, a 4.97 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.57.
The rest is, if not history, at least a current event of note.
The Sox sent him to Birmingham to begin 2005, his fourth season of Double-A ball. Jenks was now a reliever, where the demands on his physical and mental limits would be less, and he responded. Bobby posted a 2.85 ERA in 35 relief appearances, and was promoted to the parent club where he had a 2.75 ERA in 32 relief games. He was the pitcher on the mound when the White Sox won the 2005 World Series.
At that point, Bobby had all of 39 major league innings on his log, but some fans were demanding Stoneman be fired for not keeping Jenks forever in the hope he might grow up one day.
Of course, 39 innings is hardly a satisfactory statistical sample, and as 2006 came to a close it was a different story.
Bobby finished this season with a 4.00 ERA, but if you dig deeper you find more revealing numbers.
Pre-All Star Game, Jenks had a 2.83 ERA in 41 1/3 IP, a 1.11 WHIP, and opponents' AVG/OBP/SLG of .221/.282/.309.
Post-All Star Game, Jenks had a 5.72 ERA in 28 1/3 IP, a 1.80 WHIP, and opponents' AVG/OBP/SLG of .295/.398/.438.
Look at Bobby's home/away splits for 2006, and you find that his performance was largely a figment of playing in pitcher-friendly U.S. Cellular Field. At home, Jenks had a 3.00 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and opponents' AVG/OBP/SLG of .247/.305/.320. On the road, he had a 5.53 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP, and opponents' AVG/OBP/SLG of .262/.355/.449. All five of the homers he surrendered were away from Chicago.
We still don't have a large enough statistical sample to project his major league career, but when you look at his home/away splits for this season it suggests that Jenks still hasn't fulfilled his potential, at least to the point where it can be declared that Stoneman let him "get away."
Another supposed top prospect that Stoneman let go was Derrick Turnbow.
As with Jenks, Turnbow wasn't released. The Angels were moving off the 40-man roster in October 2004 when he was claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers.
|Injuries and wildness kept Derrick Turnbow from realizing his potential with the Angels.
Turnbow was originally signed by the Phillies, drafted in the fifth round of the June 1997 draft. In December 1999, after spending the entire year in Low-A, the Angels picked him in the Rule 5 Draft. The Angels had to keep him on the major league roster for all of 2000, or offer him back to Philadelphia. Limited to largely mopup situations, Turnbow appeared in 24 games (38 IP) and posted a 4.74 ERA before he returned to the minors.
The 2001 and 2002 seasons were largely washouts for Turnbow, as he suffered a stress fracture in his forearm. Like Jenks, Turnbow had metal placed in the arm to hold it together.
His first meaningful action was in 2003 with Triple-A Salt Lake. In 35 relief appearances, Turnbow posted a 5.73 ERA. In 2004, he returned to Salt Lake and posted a 5.06 ERA.
As with Jenks, the Angels didn't release Turnbow. They tried instead to sneak him through waivers, off the 40-man roster to the Triple-A roster, but the Brewers took a risk.
Derrick posted a remarkable 2005 season, finally fulfilling the promise Stoneman saw in him after the 1999 season but had never been fulfilled. Turnbow posted a 1.74 ERA in 69 relief appearances, saving 39 games for the Brewers.
Once again, some fans demanded Stoneman's head.
But 2006 was a different story.
In 64 relief appearances, Turnbow had a 6.87 ERA with a 1.69 WHIP and opponents' AVG/OBP/SLG of .255/.375/.445. The control problems that always haunted his career had returned. In 2005, he gave up only 3.2 walks per 9 IP. In 2006, it was 6.23.
Suddenly, those who claimed to know better than Stoneman seemed to have forgotten all about Turnbow.
Other names have moved on in recent years.
Joel Peralta was a one-time shortstop in the Oakland A's system that the Angels signed at age 23 in 1999 hoping to convert him into a reliever. Peralta developed a mid-90s fastball and decent slider, but at higher levels often found himself pitching behind in counts. Joel posted a 4.98 ERA with Triple-A Salt Lake in 2004, then spent 2005 shuttling between Utah and Anaheim. He had a 2.70 ERA in 19 relief appearances for the Stingers, and a 3.89 ERA in 28 games for the Angels. But he was claimed on waivers by the Kansas City Royals in October 2005 when the Angels tried to move him off the 40-man roster.
"Fire Stoneman!!!" was the knee-jerk refrain by some, but in 2006 Joel had a 4.40 ERA wwith Kansas City in 64 relief appearances. He had a WHIP of 1.24, and AVG/OBP/SLG of .263/.307/.463. Fairly decent numbers, but if you look at his splits you find he's vulnerable to left-handed batters. His ERA against lefties was 6.52 with an AVG/OBP/SLG of .338/.400/.613. Ouch. And at age 30+, it's unlikely there's much more upside left in him.
Stephen Andrade was claimed on waivers by the Blue Jays in December 2004. He began a journeyman odyssey, as many teams were intrigued by his repertoire but no one seemed interested in giving him an extended audition. In December 2005, Tampa Bay selected him from Toronto in the Rule 5 draft — and promptly traded him to the Padres. San Diego placed him on waivers at the end of spring training. He was claimed by Kansas City, who kept him in Triple-A for most of 2006 although he did get into four games in May, allowing five runs in 4 2/3 innings.
Dusty Bergman, a southpaw reliever selected in the 6th round of the June 1999 draft, was sent to San Francisco on August 30, 2005 in a trade for veteran Jason Christiansen. The latter did little to help the Angels in the pennant chase, so some fans immediately declared that Stoneman had made another mistake.
If he did, the Giants didn't share that sentiment, because they released him at season's end.
In December 2005, the Yankees signed Bergman to a minor league contract. Dusty was with Triple-A Columbus through early July, posting a 3.79 ERA, but was released. The Giants re-signed Bergman and sent him to Triple-A Fresno, where he had a 13.09 ERA in 11 relief appearances.
Bottom line?
None of these players has demonstrated any extended success at the major league level. The jury is still out on Jenks. Turnbow's 2005 may have been an aberration. Peralta's numbers are somewhat decent and might improve on a better ballclub, but he's on the wrong side of 30. Andrade still awaits an extended major-league audition. Bergman seems unlikely to ever see the big leagues.
Some have claimed the Angels got "nothing" for these players. That claim is demonstrably false. None were released. In each case, it was a transaction that brought the Angels cash — except for Bergman, who was traded.
For those who were claimed off waivers, it's important to remember that a 40-man roster means just that. A team can only protect forty players. When a season ends, the disabled list goes away. During the season, disabled players don't count towards the total. After the season, they do, which means something has to give.
Teams also have to protect certain minor league players from the pending Rule 5 Draft in December, which means that inevitably general managers must weigh protecting top prospects now eligible for Rule 5 versus protecting an older prospect who might have a higher ceiling but also carries more risk due to injury or other factors. That's how the Angels got Derrick Turnbow in 1999.
Major League Baseball has rules like waivers and Rule 5 specifically to keep an organization from stockpiling talent forever. It's not fair for the player to keep him buried in the minors, especially when there are other organizations out there in need of their talent. Another example is that players with six years of service in the minor leagues can take their free agency at season's end if they're not on the 40-man roster.
Sooner or later, every GM has players who "get away." It's not a sign of a GM's alleged incompetence. It's simply the checks and balances within professional baseball at work to maintain some competitive balance and give players an opportunity to blossom elsewhere.
6 Comments
I think you are really missing the point. The points are (i) Jenks and Trunbow in particular had trade value; the Angels simply took to long to use it. Quite simply, they made a mistake in not trading them when they had value; (ii) the team knew all about Jenks' issues when they drafted him; (iii) the bullpen would look pretty good now with Turnbow and Jenks as support players. At the very least, they would be good bargaining chips.
And the issue isn't whether they were "released"; the issue is whether they were given away. And anyone in their right mind knew that these guys could not be taken off the 40 man roster without losing them.
Go back a couple years. Everyone wanted bobby jenks. and we wasted a full mlb season on turnow to keep him. you need to get something back.
U.S. Cellular is actually a pretty strong hitter's park.
And the question about Turnbow/Jenks isn't whether they were good in the second half of 2006, but whether keeping people like Josh Paul on the 40-man roster instead of them was wise. I would submit that it was not. And I'm a huge Bill Stoneman fan.
Agreed with the other commenters. The difference between going unprotected on the 40-man and being released isn't especially interesting; sure, the club still had some lingering desire to keep these players, but not enough to protect them. That, and failing to get value for them, is the real concern. The farm system may be fecund, but if it produces no value for the team, that's a concern.
Thanks for the responses. I'm still tinkering with MLB's blog software to stretch its limits. The more that people participate by posting, the more we learn about what we can do.
In response to various comments:
* email@example.com wrote, "The points are (i) Jenks and Trunbow in particular had trade value; the Angels simply took to long to use it. Quite simply, they made a mistake in not trading them when they had value; (ii) the team knew all about Jenks' issues when they drafted him; (iii) the bullpen would look pretty good now with Turnbow and Jenks as support players. At the very least, they would be good bargaining chips."
Unfortunately, you're assuming that Stoneman has a crystal ball. No GM does. If they did, Billy Beane would have moved Bobby Crosby and Eric Chavez before the season began.
Should the Angels now trade Frankie Rodriguez while he has value? Should they trade Vlad Guerrero while he has value? My question for you is, in exchange for what?! And how do you plug the holes you've just created?!
Fans always say, "Trade so-and-so," but they never say what **in the real world** the Angels get in return. None of us are privileged to know what discussions occur between Stoneman and the other 29 GMs. For all we know, he tried to unload Jenks but never got a decent offer.
In December 2004, it's clear he had no value. Jenks was on the junkpile. He was 50 pounds overweight, had a fractured elbow with a pin in it, and was on the suspended list yet again, this time for reportedly beating up a teammate while on rehab in Mesa. The last time he'd thrown in a game, his velocity was in the high 80s. And let's not forget he told ESPN: The Magazine in the summer of 2003 that for kicks he likes to burn himself with a cigarette lighter.
Give the Sox credit for taking a risk with him, but the risk was minimal. And plenty of teams passed on him when he was on waivers before the Sox could claim him. So he wasn't exactly in demand.
* email@example.com wrote, "And the question about Turnbow/Jenks isn't whether they were good in the second half of 2006, but whether keeping people like Josh Paul on the 40-man roster instead of them was wise."
Nothing personal, but I've never understood why people think the Angels should have released a catcher to protect a pitcher. They're two entirely different positions.
Think back to December 2004, when the decision was made to move Jenks off the 40-man roster. The Angels' catching corps consisted of the Molina brothers and Josh Paul. After that, it was Jeff Mathis, who'd just completed a crummy year at Double-A, and Mike Napoli, who'd just finished High-A at Rancho.
Bengie Molina was fragile. He had hamstring problems, as is commonly known. If Bengie got hurt, then the catching corps consists of Jose and … nobody even close to the big leagues. That meant the Angels would have to overpay in an emergency trade to get a backup catcher.
Keeping Josh Paul protected the catching depth, and it also allowed Mathis/Napoli the time to develop. If they let go Paul, they have to turn around and immediately find someone else — who then has to go on the 40-man roster, meaning someone else gets cut. So what was gained?
* email@example.com wrote, "That, and failing to get value for them, is the real concern." Again, we're back to the Crystal Ball factor. And so far, I've yet to see anyone show me a quote from another GM telling me what they were willing to offer the Angels for Jenks, either directly or as part of a deal.
Let's not forget that Jenks was also damaged goods after the 2003 season, when he suffered a "stress reaction" in the same elbow that fractured in 2004.
The Angels sent him to AFL in the fall of 2003 to make up for lost time, and he did okay. Then they sent him to winter ball, a move I disagreed with at the time because I felt he wouldn't have enough time to rest the elbow before the 2004 spring training began. Did that contribute to the April 2004 injury? I'm not a doctor, but it seems plausible.
If there was a mistake made, it wasn't this "value" thing that no one can prove without a Magic-8 Ball. The mistake may have been pushing too hard on his elbow during the winter of 2003-2004.
I will say that when I saw Bobby in April 2004 at Fresno, he seemed pretty happy and confident in himself. Probably the most — well, "at peace" would be the best way to describe it — I'd ever seen him. He was in Triple-A, he was on the prospect horizon, everything seemed to be going well.
In retrospect, one thing stands out from that weekend that maybe was a clue. He was in the outfield shagging flies during BP, as pitchers usually do on their off-day. He was throwing in the balls left-handed. We were all laughing as we thought he was just showing off how far he could throw it. But it makes me wonder whether his right elbow was sore and he was just trying to conceal it.
Great factual article. While I do not agree with everything Stoneman does (and does not do), the Angels just posted the first three straight winning seasons stretch in their history. He is doing something right and its not all Arte's money. Many people forgot Mr. Autry spent a lot of money also. I did not like to see either Jenks or Turnbow leave the Angels but its a nice problem to have, too many quality players in the organization. If the Angels do not make a trade or two during the next two months, they will be faced with similiar choices, who to keep on the 40 man and who to risk losing. Stephen who do see the Angels protecting.
I'm only going to comment on Bobby Jenks because that's the only move I have really criticized of the one's you have mentioned.
First and foremost it should be said that the angels decided to designate Bobby Jenks and risk him being picked up (which was a very realistic risk don't kid yourself) over a player such as Wil Nieves who was a journeyman catcher who was apparently so useful to the angels he never even took the field for them. He was so useful to them that they traded him to the yankees for (get this) a pitcher bret prinz who proved to be worthless (as expected). Wil Nieves would have had a lot better chance of clearing waivers than Jenks did.
Regardless of how much of a "risk" you think Jenks was with his elbow injury (which isn't a career death sentence like you make it out to be) and character issues, he was still young and still had tremendous stuff that makes his potential still worthwhile and also makes him a lot more valuable than a journeyman catcher like Wil Nieves who is a dime a dozen and was the 4th catcher on the angels 40 man roster at the time.
I have never heard US Cellular ever been referred to as a "pitcher's park".
Even with Bobby's not so great sophomore season, that and his very good although short first season as a reliever he's been 100 times more valuable to the white sox than Nieves/Prinz has been to us. So I really don't see the point in bringing that up.
This whole thing is really in the past and is not a big deal. Yes, Stoneman made a pointless move, but it was minor and hasn't really hurt the team that much if at all. You shouldn't be taking the criticism so seriously, there are fans like that for every team. Their "fire Bill Stoneman" overreactions should be taken with a grain of salt.
I'd like to say that I think it's really sad how you talk about Bobby now just to enhance your argument. When he was with the team you always talked about him like you were sympathetic to his troubles and actually rooted for him and cared about his career. Now you take any chance you get to bring up any negative criticism about him only to enhance your argument on a rather minor issue like Bill Stoneman waiving him. It seems as though you do this with a lot of players, when they're here you're their biggest fan but once Stoneman lets them go or whatever the case may be you're ready to pounce in with all the negative criticism showing how worthless they really were. I think it's obvious where your loyalties lie.
Personally I sympathize with Bobby's troubles, he has obviously had a rough upbringing and a lot of personal struggles with alcohol abuse and self mutilation. Even though I'm sure he isn't the most professional player in the bigs now, it appears he's making strides to improving his behavior and I'm sure he's come a long way from his past troubles. I don't think it's cool to bring up his past in a vicious manner trying to hurt his image just to protect your meaningless argument.
I really find it humorous whenever you refer to the angels message boards. You have this high and mighty attitude as if you're so much better than all of them as if they're the "common folk" and you're the big expert with the web site that is doing them a favor by gracing them with your genius. You spend just as much time and energy doing the same thing they do on the internet, they just don't pay for their e-forum to do it on. On top of that you only seem to want to respond to the ignorant "knee jerkers" and not to the intelligent posters who make good counter arguments that you conveniently ignore the majority of the time and even when you do respond you indirectly respond to them while twisting their words around and then you run away. What most intelligent people do when it comes to the "knee jerkers" is ignore them and take their opinions for what they're really worth they don't use them as representatives for an entire internet board fan base's intelligence.


text:
Art Snyder 1932-2012
Altadena's Steve Lamb will never forget former LA Councilman Art Snyder
By André Coleman , Kevin Uhrich 11/15/2012
Many may not remember the colorful Art Snyder, a former Los Angeles City Councilman representing Eagle Rock, Highland Park and other communities in northeastern LA who on Nov. 7 died in his sleep at his home in Huntington Beach at the age of 79.
But Altadena's Steve Lamb will certainly never forget Snyder, primarily due to the $2-million slander lawsuit Snyder filed after Lamb stated in an email that Snyder was "an incestual (sic) child molester, Satan worshiping (sic), Hillside Strangler befriending and confidant to politicos," according to the incendiary missive Lamb sent to a number of people, including an aide to LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, a friend of Snyder's.
The memo was included as evidence in the suit filed by Snyder, whom Lamb believed had died of prostate cancer "several years ago," as he wrote in the May 2001 email.
Although Snyder had been accused in bitter divorce proceedings of inappropriately touching his daughter, the district attorney's office investigated the claim without filing charges, and the girl eventually recanted.
Snyder denied all the other claims made by Lamb.
Snyder's libel case dragged on, but was eventually settled out of court, according to Lamb. "I gave him $100,000 to go away, because it was going to cost me $300,000 to fight," Lamb told the Weekly. "It was a small price to pay to get him out of my life."
A native of Boyle Heights and an ex-Marine who received his juris doctorate from USC in 1958 and worked as a real estate broker and as an aide to former District 14 Councilman John Holland, the Spanish-speaking Snyder was elected to the council in 1967. The Republican served in the increasingly Democratic and Latino-dominant district until 1985, when he resigned due to pressures caused by his divorce proceedings and was replaced by then-former state Assemblyman Richard Alatorre, a Democrat.
During his time on the council, Snyder found himself featured in a number of negative news stories, including one written in 1979, which claimed he'd been accused of not disclosing he had received $12,000 from interest accrued on his campaign finances.
Snyder's driving record also became a public concern after it was reported that he had seven minor traffic accidents between 1972 and 1980 while driving city vehicles. He was once charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, but the case ended in October 1980 after a jury was unable to reach a verdict.
After leaving the council, Snyder worked as a City Hall lobbyist and as an immigration attorney.
"I ran into him a year ago, when I was at a hot dog place on Raymond Avenue," recalled Lamb. "He was hovering around my car, and I said, 'Mr. Snyder,' and shook his hand. But he didn't know who I was. We sat down and had a hot dog and he ranted and raved about Occupy (demonstrators) and demanded to know what I had to do with them. He seemed kind of confused and not with it."
Snyder, according to the Los Angeles Times, is survived by Delia, his wife of 31 years, and his children from two previous marriages.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
When a group of people protested the British Government, they opposed British rule. These people became united for a change of their beliefs. So can you imagine they wanted to leave Great Britain. As they set sail across the ocean to find a better place, towards the North American Continent!
When they landed on an Eastern Bay of America, I can almost hear all of them say, 'We are free.' "Free at last," to create a better government, than British rule! Our forefathers pondered their minds, as they had a very strong desire to go back to biblical standards, They went to the related beginning, the story of Moses, begging Pharaoh to "Let my people go," and be free at last, from Pharaoh's bondage!
So the first settlers landed in America, were now free, from British prosecution, their hearts were full of happiness and joy! Even if they had to shed their own blood, for democracy and stand up for their independent belief of human rights. They remembered the days, where they came from, when they all signed, "The Declaration of Independence" on July 4th 1776. This land is our land, "We are free at last!"
Today our hearts should turn to our country, and I pray that our leaders will turn to "God the Father," for the joy of liberty, in our city, state, and our national government...Shall we read psalms 133:1, "Behold how good and pleasant it is, for our brethren to dwell in unity!
Our dear and most heavenly Father, we thank you for your love, grace and mercy! We want to pray for our country and leaders, that you will lead, guide and direct them. Also for our military men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, in harms way, so we can enjoy freedom in our country that we now have! Let us read John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man and women, that they lay down their life, for their friends!"
"This Fourth of July," Let's all sing "This land is our land," from the west coast to the east coast, this land was made, for you and me! Because the truth shall set you free, in the name of "God the Father"!


text:
April 5, 2012 —
DINGMANS FERRY, PA — The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) will host its third annual Community Fish Fry on Saturday, April 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. After dinner, there will be a short canoe paddle on Front Pond. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under.
The Pocono Environmental Education Center, a non-profit facility, is located on Emery Road in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, between Milford and Bushkill. It advances environmental education, sustainable living, and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park. Email firstname.lastname@example.com [1] or call 570/828-2319.


text:
No more Zippy's chili and chicken at Ala Moana Center.
The restaurant is closing its Sears location at the end of the month.
For many, the site is much more than a restaurant.
"It is home because people have been here for ages," said Diana Hayes. "You know, I've lived here almost 20 years now. I live in Kailua now, but I still come down here because I like the people in Zippy's here."
For others, this Zippy's is comfortable and convenient.
"Some shopping, then I come here and have some of my favorite meal," said Nanakuli resident Herman Kelii. "I'm going to miss it. Too bad we (are) going to lose out over here."
Also losing out, the location's 30 or so employees.
Zippy's Ala Moana manager Sarah Keener said, "They're sad because they're not going to be working with the same people. You know, you're used to the same people that you work with every morning, every night that you close with. So, it's a bit of a challenge for some of the long timers."
Zippy's says all of its employees at Ala Moana have been reassigned to other locations.
"Actually, our original closing date was June 2," Keener said. "So we had some time to plan for them."
June 2 is the day Sears will be shutting its doors and the department store has been preparing for this closure for months.
Zippy's president Paul Yokota said, "As they start winding down their business, as they start winding down their appliance business or their automotive business, our customer traffic is going to be reduced substantially. So it's the appropriate time. Ala Moana has been a very positive experience for us and we have been in discussions, but nothing has been finalized with Ala Moana Center."


text:
not even the best sf in the draft we screwed up!!!!
hopefully a move is coming to make this a more productive night
gallinari is ok but hes not a central rebuilding point like we needed and there goes minutes from both chandler and lee
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not even the best sf in the draft we screwed up!!!!
hopefully a move is coming to make this a more productive night
gallinari is ok but hes not a central rebuilding point like we needed and there goes minutes from both chandler and lee
Absolutely pissed....... if we don't do something else tonight i will be even more pissed
Joe Alexander should've been drafted there...He's D Lee wit better Skillz and BLOCKS SHOTS! Isn't that what knicks fans been bitchin about 4 da last few years now!? Yall gotta admit, if Zeek would've made this pick, yall would've asked 4 his head!
P.S. Zeek would've made the right pick @ 6
My only question is why is Donnie Walsh getting paid by the Knicks but working for Indiana? The coaching mistake now the draft debaucle. This is too much for me. I think this might be the straw that broke this camel's back. Is too late to bring back Isiah? Galinari by most accounts will be the next Frederic Weiss.
Nikoloz skitishvili whos also italian was picked 6th in the draft...im not sure where hes at now
Everyone is way too negative here. None of the PG available were much of an upgrade over what we already have. Gallinari brings the franchise into the 21st century. Finally a foreign player. We are NY for godsakes. He can shoot from distance and he is long. Give him time and this will prove the right move.
[QUOTE=Papajoe;57374]Finally a foreign player. We are NY for godsakes.QUOTE]
Let me ask u a Q. Would u rather have a 'foreign player', or an All Star caliber player?
Anyone who believes Isaiah would have done a better job here must be a Celtic fan. He jutted the franchise. Some of his draft picks were OK, Lee, Ariza. He was a great player but basically knew nothing about running an organization or a team. At least we have a future. Donny and Mike-get the job done.
I honestly like this pick, cant wait to see how he does under D'antoni's system
-Marbury/Chandler/Gallinari Supporter...
^^^ since last year, and still with it!
[1.10.09] Get Sergio Rodriguez at 2010!
I don't think they passed on an all star caliber player. Certainly not an obvious one. Don't see Gordon or Bayless that much of an upgrade over Marbury and Robinson. Galli can spot up and shoot. Also sees the floor and moves the ball. Should be a good fit in D'Antoni's system.
I dont know if isiah woulda done better or not...but it dont matter. He did far more damage then anyone should be allowed to do. He solidified his spot as a top 3 worst gm ever in any sport. I dont know if he woulda picked lopez or augustin...but thats irrelevant. Im happy his b!tch ass is gone...hopefully these new b!tchasses get some players who can d the **** up


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Barre woman honored by CanadaProvided Photo
Leslie Broun Mastrianni meets actor Dan Aykroyd at a gala in Toronto last week where he presented her the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
BARRE A local resident who was born north of the border was recently recognized for significant achievement and remarkable service to Canada.
Though Leslie Broun Mastrianni now lives in Barre, she spent more than three decades in Ontario becoming a leader in autism spectrum education.
Mastrianni, an educator and author, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at a formal gala Feb. 6 in Toronto. Canadian actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd presented the award.
This is a thrilling and humbling honor that renews my commitment to studying, researching and writing about developmental disabilities and sharing this information with others, Mastrianni said in a statement.
The medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs accession to the throne as queen of Canada. It also serves to recognize Canadians from all walks of life who have made significant contributions to Canada or whose achievements abroad have brought credit to Canada.
The award was the latest for Mastrianni, who is recognized as an innovator in teaching reading to children with Down syndrome and applying the same sight reading method to teaching students with autism spectrum disorders. In 2006 she was awarded the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children Presidents Award, and in 2008 she was the recipient of The Gerry Bloomfield Professional Award for outstanding contributions to the field of autism spectrum disorders.
Mastrianni is working as a consultant for several school districts in Washington and Chittenden counties. She works with parents and teachers of students with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.MORE IN Central VermontBRATTLEBORO Brooke Shields gift list is sweetening a Vermont family farms sale of maple syrup. Full StoryMONTPELIER City councils from Barre and Montpelier have placed the Central Vermont Public... Full StoryWoodstock After more than four hours of sometimes-tense courtroom arguments that raised serious... Full Story
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Click here for more information and to register for the Horse Show!
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The public lands of the Western United States are diverse, ruggedly beautiful and majestic - as are the horses and burros that live there. These animals are born with the colors of the land upon them. The browns, blacks, reds, blues, dapple grays, and snowy whites all reflect nature's paint-brush.
As early as the 1600's, horses and burros were released by or escaped from Spanish explorers. As America's west was settled, additional horses and burros from American Indians, settlers, miners, ranchers and soldiers established the foundations of today's wild horse and burro herds. Wild herds like these symbolize our western heritage and pioneer spirit.
Today, America's wild horses and burros are found in 10 western states. It is the BLM's responsibility to preserve and protect healthy herds of wild, free-roaming horses and burros as components of the public lands. The Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959 and the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gave wild horses and burros a legal right to live on public lands without harassment. The Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program was initiated in 1973 to meet the challenges of balancing the health of public lands with the health of the wild horses and burros.
BLM invites you to adopt a living legend!
Oklahoma Field Office Says Thanks to a Special Group of VolunteersThe students in Ms. Conallis's special needs class at Moore High School in Moore, Okla., are always eager to lend a hand in support of BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. The students volunteer their time to prepare adoption application packets and other materials for use by the Oklahoma Field Office.
BLM Offers Trained Wild Horses For $125 Through Prison PartnershipThrough a joint partnership with the Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Correctional Industries, and the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), the BLM offers gentled wild horses for adoption at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Hutchinson, Kansas, for just $125 (the minimum fee set by law).Student Video About Mustangs Debuts on YouTube"Free to Roam? The Mustang Debate" is a new YouTube video that describes the debate over wild horses and burros. While the debate has spawned many articles and videos, what's unusual about this video is that the producer is a 12-year-old student, Brigit Brown, of Moriarty, New Mexico.
U.S. Border Patrol Recently Added to Their Growing Stock of BLM MustangsThe U.S. Border Patrol recently added to their growing stock of BLM mustangs pulling tough duty along our nation's borders. The agency recently adopted six mustangs from BLM at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) in Hutchinson, Kan. The mustangs were gathered from BLM-administered public lands out west and transported to HCF to be trained by inmates in a special rehabilitation program there.
BLM Offers $500 Wild Horse Adoption IncentiveAdopters of selected adult horses can receive a $500 allowance to help offset the cost of keeping the animal. The program aims to increase placement of older horses into private ownership, greatly reducing BLM's holding costs, enabling more effective management of horses on the range.
Adoption Schedule
Adopting a Horse or Burro:Requirements, Regulations, Forms, Instructions
BLM National WH&B Web Site
BLM Internet Adoption Web Site
$500 Wild Horse Adoption Incentive
BLM Socorro Water Trap Method Wild Horse Gather VideoFacilitiesPauls ValleyHutchinson Correctional Facility


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This picture of the old bridge pillars was taken / Fine NY. This picture was taken on 10/009 by T.Kelley.
Fall in the Adirondacks (Fine NY)
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He probably didn't have a good looking scar like Shump. Lol idk if any of you caught the Knicks Extra on MSG with Shump.
I guess he didnt wait long enough. What i seen last night is very similar to what i see in real life with young athletes who come back to soon and there knee starts popping. Not an expert on Acl tears but i have witnessed a lot in my lifetime.


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November 24, 2011 —
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY—Fall officially ends on December 21, but for the area sports teams, it's already winter. To commemorate that rite of passage, both Sullivan West and Tri-Valley held their fall sports awards this past week as coaches lauded their teams' efforts and presented awards to several outstanding athletes.
The Sullivan West girls soccer team and the football team earned the honor of being designated as NYSPHSAA Scholar Athletes for their team GPAs of 90 percent or better. It was the first time that a football team from Sullivan West or its former component districts of Delaware Valley or Jeffersonville-Youngsville had ever achieved that academic distinction. Other Sullivan West fall highlights included the girls cross-country Division IV championship. Dani Myers won her third consecutive individual divisional championship title as part of those harrier heroics. The volleyball team made sectionals for the fifth straight year. Reed Scott was the last fall participant as he competed at the NYSPHSAA Cross-Country Championship. Fall sport awards winners include: Kristina Sumfleth, Defensive Soccer Player; Kassie Thelman, Miss Soccer 2011; Richard Lander, Boys Soccer Offensive Most Valuable Player; Tyler Groh, Most Valuable Defensive Soccer Player; David Schultz, Most Improved Cross-Country Runner; Reed Scott, Most Valuable Runner; Courtney Meyerer, Most Improved Runner; Dani Myers, Most Valuable Runner; Andrew Parsons, Football's Outstanding Lineman; Tom Mootz, Football's Outstanding Back; Rebecca Corcillo, Most Outstanding Volleyball Player; and Karalii Rabii, Best Attacking Volleyball Player.
Sullivan West highlights: First time three cross-country girl runners finished in top 10 at sectionals (Myers, Meyerer and Kelsey Dutton), though not one runner qualified for states; smallest gap from first to fifth place (1:31). Section Nine runner up, team placed in four of five invitationals and won the seventh annual Ben Boice Invitational in Millbrook. Reed Scott's meteoric rise continued with vast improvement in times and his first state qualification. Richard Lander led the boys soccer team with 17 goals and four assists, setting a new Sullivan West soccer scoring record. The football team made it back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Tom Mootz was the leading rusher with 126/827 yards. He averaged 6.56 yards per carry, scored 11 TDs and was the team's leading tackler with 125 averaging 13.9 tackles per game. He had 3.5 sacks. E.J. Franskevicz was the second leading rusher on the team with 99 carries for 504 yards and two rushing TD's. He completed 31/89 passes and threw for six TD's.
Tri-Valley award winners: Football: Greg Swarthout, MVP; Joe Mickelson, Outstanding Offensive Player; Troy Rossi, Outstanding Defensive Player; Conor Walsh, Most Improved Player. Girls Tennis: Heidi Furman, MVP; Jennifer Sheeley, MIP. Boys Soccer: Jose Ramos, Offensive MVP; Anthony Beale, Offensive MVP; Thomas Monforte, Defensive MVP. Girls Soccer: Rachel Adriaans, MVP Offense; Sarah Schneyer, MVP Defense; Megan Tyndell, MIP; and Erin Smith, Coach's Award. Cheerleading: Dorothy Monforte, MIP; Ali Reynolds, MVP; Schuyler Kraus, Coach's Award. Girls Cross-Country: Autumn Bender and Olivea Rehm, Co-MVPs; Danielle Graham, MIP. Boys Cross-Country: Jim Bernstein, MVP; Brendan Hasbrouck, MIP; and Omar Lopez, Coach's Award.
Tri-Valley highlights: Girls soccer team made it to sectionals; football team qualified for playoffs; girls cross-country team won 12th straight division title, won sectionals and competed at states. Jim Bernstein was Section Nine Class C individual cross-country champion. Musical slide shows that chronicled the fall season were presented by Sports Insights at the conclusion of each of the awards ceremonies.


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Home > News, Stories & Videos > News
Six months after seeing the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy on television, 8-year-old Ella was compelled to respond to the needs of children and families struggling to recover.
When 8-year-old Ella LaVoie watched television footage of families suffering in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, all she wanted to do was help them.
"I felt really bad," says Ella of Kent, Washington. "I was just thinking, what would it be like?"
Now, five months after Sandy's deadly wrath, the child's wish has come true by donating 200 new, handmade blankets to families across the nation whom she has never met.
"She wanted to help so badly," says Ella's mom, Nicole LaVoie.
After learning of the destruction wrought by the storm last October, Ella sprang to action, rallying friends and strangers alike to donate new and handmade blankets to Sandy survivors.
With the help of posters, Facebook promotion, and word of mouth, Ella's plan radiated from her parents to friends and community members, and then to strangers.
Some gave cash, others purchased fabric during Black Friday sales, and many helped make the fleece blankets. Ella made 50 of the blankets on her own.
"People were just very overwhelmed and couldn't believe a youngster wanted to help out so much," her mom says. "[During Christmastime] they're focused on 'me, me, me.' But all she was worried about was the families and people on the East Coast."
In the hardest-hit places, like Staten Island, New York, many are struggling to meet everyday needs. They cling to the hope that life will someday return to normal.
"Staten Island is a forgotten borough," says Pastor Thomas Cletus of United Church of Praise International Ministries. "My own community is a forgotten community."
But not for Ella.
She donated the blankets at World Vision's warehouse near Seattle around Christmastime. The organization then distributed them to Staten Island residents last month, along with other supplies like gloves, sweaters, hygiene products, and children's toys.
"It just shows that you're never too small to make a big difference," says Reed Slattery, manager at World Vision's Seattle-area warehouse. "It's good to see family and community rally around her and support her."
The act of compassion speaks to the pure motives of a child, "because us as adults, we just sometimes get desensitized," Reed says.
Hearing others acknowledge their daughter's giving heart gave Nicole and her husband, John, great joy.
Nicole says, "We both pray that she never grows out of wanting to help others."
Thank God for Ella's compassionate response. Pray that others would continue to remember and respond to those suffering from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, six months later.
Make a one-time donation to World Vision's U.S. Disaster Response Fund. Your contribution will help us respond quickly and effectively to emergencies that take place right here in the United States. Our warehouses are strategically located across the country to deploy relief items and assistance to areas where disasters occur.
Give monthly to support World Vision's U.S. programs. Your monthly donation will help us reach even more children and communities in need right here in the United States over the long term.


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The produce section is likely the first area that shoppers are exposed to when entering a grocery store. Hubert's wide selection of produce packaging guarantees that your venue will impress and drive profit.
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The visual appeal of a food item relies heavily upon the vessel it is kept in. Fruits and vegetables boast many colors, all of which can be highlighted with proper produce packaging. For example, colors and textures can be enhanced with the right items. Furthermore, there are many options that can be explored, from colorful foam trays, to clear plastic containers, to net bags or eco-friendly fiber packaging. All of these will influence the overall look of the produce section as well as the fruits and vegetables themselves.
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Fruits and vegetables provide a wide color palette, and Hubert's produce packaging allows you to work with these hues to create the effect that you would like to feature.
Food trays and saran wrap can hold a number of fruits, ensuring visibility and convenient handling for consumers and employees. Hubert carries these vessels in white and black. These neutral tones allow the brightness of fruits and vegetables to stand out. White can provide a sense of cleanliness, while black evokes a touch of elegance.
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Hubert also offers net bags, available in a variety of colors and sizes. When selecting these, find the color that matches that of the produce being featured. This will increase the visual appeal of the fruits or vegetables. A contrasting color in the netting pattern of the net bags can lead to visual confusion.
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Scholarship Chairman Betty Thornton introduced Korrie Rader of Beeville to the chapter members. Accompanying Korrie was her mother, Sherri Rader. Korrie, along with Aileen Lundquist, who attends Karnes City High School, will each receive $400 book grants from Gamma Omicron.
The meeting began with a delicious brunch prepared by the Karnes City and Runge members. At 9:30 a.m., President Lana Massengale called the meeting to order and welcomed the members and guests. Sabrina Lewallen gave the invocation and Susie Kotara led the pledge to the flag.
Gretchen Dupnik read a letter from Dr. Beverly Helms, DKG International president, thanking Gamma Omicron for its contribution to the World Fellowship Fund. Jan Anderson provided further information about the World Fellowship Fund Committee. The committee just awarded 23 women from countries where no DKG organization exists $4,000 each to attend various universities in the USA and Canada in 2013-2014. World Fellowship is one example of how DKG impacts education worldwide.
The chapter discussed the upcoming state convention, which will be held in Austin June 20-22. Eleven members of Gamma Omicron will be attending. Five members have entries in the Visual Arts Display, and Irene Perez will be singing in the state chorus and providing flute accompaniment at the necrology service.
Pam Burge, chapter first vice president, led the program honoring the founders of the DKG Society. Organized in May of 1929 by 12 women educators, Delta Kappa Gamma now has about 90,000 members in 18 countries. Each year, it donates about $3 million to education and educators. During the program, information about each of the 12 founders was shared. As each founder was honored, a paper brick was placed on a poster board to form a lighthouse, emphasizing that these women had a vision for education and women educators.
During announcements, Anderson encouraged members to apply for grants from the DKG Educational Foundation. Grants are awarded for school, classroom or community educational projects. Members ended the meeting by singing the Delta Kappa Gamma song.


text: We have been nursing a year. My dd nurses at least 4 x a day but her diapers hardly seem wet. Not great weight gain and I offer her to nurse more frequently. Only 1 pound 2 oz. From 9-12 months. I have never given any other fluids and just wondering if I should give some water. After one, is it wet diapers to tell if they are getting enough milk or # nursing sessions. If I do give water how much? I don't want her to fill up on water instead of my milk. Just curious if anyone noticed a decrease in output? Worried as always!


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I have to laugh a little at this. We have gotten food vouchers through WIC since babe was born as I quite work so I could stay home with him. They have always given us ridiculous amounts of milk and cheese, but we have managed to get through it.
LO had his 6 month old appt today, and they added to the vouchers... 96 jars of baby food a month! We weren't even planning on feeding jar food. I feel somewhat obligated to get it though since we have the vouchers. I don't know, maybe we'll just keep it around in case of emergency, or feed him a little bit of it.


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Obama and Romney: candidate comparisons
Published On: Aug 16 2012 12:47:10 PM CDT Updated On: Feb 21 2013 08:25:40 AM CST
The 57th quadrennial United States Presidential Election will be held on November 6, 2012, and it will feature President Barack Obama for the Democrats, against Mitt Romney for the Republicans. Compare these two candidates on everything, from their personal life to their political views, so you can familiarize yourself with the candidates before you hit the polls.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to our Terms of Use.


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Two years later, the state is divided. The lawsuits endless. We've gone from 11th to 44th in job creation, wages are dropping. Walker is borrowing $2.1 billion dollars. And, we dropped from 1.9% under the national unemployment rate to only .5% under today.
If that's not failure I don't know what is. Walker should man up to his failure and change policy course. Suggest he give Tommy Thompson a phone call and ask how to put the state he broke back together again.


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La Casa Senior Center
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Monday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Daily activities, quilting, and sewing; 1:30 p.m., Ice cream day.
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Friday: 8 a.m., Indoor miscellaneous sale and $5 table rentals, frito pies for sale $2 donation; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Daily activities.
Daily: Daily coffee and socializing, exercise equipment, 8-ball, 9-ball, computer and Internet, craft, ceramics, quilting, embroidery, puzzles, card games, board games and massage therapy chairs.


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Most anything you can do on MySpace you can do on this app in convenient iPhone form. Now you never have to worry about updating your account again. You can do it on the go from wherever you are.
You can accept or deny friend requests, search for new friends, view accounts, photos and messages, upload photos taken from your phone, send and receive emails, update your profile, look at your friends' status and moods, view new bulletins and read and leave comments.
Unlike the PC version of MySpace, the also has some adaptations to make the site easier on the eyes. You can view photos in full screen, so you're not stuck looking at tiny thumbnails and navigate up and down the pages of the site by scrolling. Another thing that's really different is that you can't see all of the song and dance that some people add to their pages, such as wallpaper and background music. You are limited to their comments, photos and friends unless you sort through a complicated hierarchy of menus on the right side of the screen. But true MySpace devotees will have it figured out in minutes I'm sure.
If you live on MySpace, you're going to love MySpace Mobile. In fact, you'll hardly notice it's any different, besides the fact that it fits in your pocket. Those who aren't such ardent users, such as myself, may notice a slight learning curve. Either way, this is definitely an app that is worth trying out.


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An Ohio tea party leader is expected to challenge Gov. John Kasich in the Republican gubernatorial primary on May 6, making good on the threat from some conservatives in the state to oppose Kasich because of his push for Medicaid expansion and some other policies they reject.
Ted Stevenot, 48, of Cincinnati, has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday in Columbus in which he will declare his candidacy and name his running mate for lieutenant governor — Brenda Mack of Canfield. A news release publicizing Stevenot's launch was circulated late last night by Tom Zawistowski, another tea party leader in the state.
Stevenot, according to the release, is a past president of the Ohio Liberty Coalition (like Zawistowski) and a Cincinnati-area business owner. Mack, 56, is a past president of the Ohio Black Republicans Association.
Stevenot could not be reached, and Zawistowski did not return a phone call seeking comment. Chris Schrimpf, spokesman for the Ohio Republican Party who has spoken on behalf of Kasich's re-election campaign, also did not return a message seeking comment.
If the Stevenot-Mack ticket were to collect 1,000 valid signatures from registered voters and submit them to the secretary of state by Feb. 5, Kasich would become the first sitting Ohio governor to face a primary challenge since Gov. James A. Rhodes was challenged by Charles Kurfess in 1978.
Kasich would have a vast advantage in name recognition and campaign cash over Stevenot, who couldn't start raising money until last month. But at minimum, Stevenot's candidacy would show that a group of tea party conservatives — unknown in size but vocal in their opposition to Kasich's accepting of $2.56 billion in federal money under the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid — has taken its frustration with the Republican governor to a new level.
Earlier this week, another Cincinnatian, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, formed a committee to seek the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. If Portune qualified for the ballot, he likely would face Ed FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive and heavy favorite to be the Democrats' nominee, but Portune has said he might not file to run if he doesn't attract enough support in an upcoming statewide tour.


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"G'day to all the good folk at Catholic Answers. Words cannot express the invaluable service you provide to the world. Your faith tracts are fantastic and should be a must-read. Catholics need to be equipped with the history and the truth."
"O blessed chain, the sweetest chain and richest that ever came about any man's neck."


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An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
This committee is now inactive. Information provided is for archival value only.
The Developmental Education Task Force was charged by the Council's Quality and Accountability Policy Group to construct a comprehensive plan for improving the outcomes of postsecondary developmental education. The group will meet with state educational program leaders, university leaders and national experts to review national developmental education research and policy. The requested plan is to be reviewed by the Council for implementation in 2007.
Final report of the Developmental Education Task Force (200K PDF)
Photos of Final Report Signing Ceremony
Developmental Education Task Force Update.pdf


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An international panel comprised of members of AQSIQ (China), INMETRO (Brazil), Health Canada and CPSC (U.S.) used this presentation to discuss the regulatory structure and suggestions for businesses.
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Dear Members,
Keep in mind that Character Bashing is now prohibited. Making fun of certain characters/character pairings leads to a pointless thread filled with insults and general rule breaking.
Also, remember that Versus threads are allowed only in the Versus section.
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
So what do yu guys thinnk. If anything I'd have to say is a slice from PS.
Direct hit from a TBB I think
But it is possible he could survive and be heavily damaged, where talking about the third raikage here
Kunai to the chest will decapitate him for sure.
Originally Posted by SasoriOfTheRedSaand
Kunai to the chest will decapitate him for sure.
Originally Posted by Cursed Prince
Of course, he'll never survive that. Have you see how sharp it is?
in the beginning it said three kunai could kill a ninja, and now.. we see all these characters with hundreds of kunai in them being all fine aND CRAP lololol
TBB to the aorta?
amaterasu to the femur?
dust release
Super chidori.
maybe a raikiri kunai chidori managed to cut the 4th raikage (i know his shield is weaker but the raikiri>chidori i think)
Well, Kamui would do the trick if someone could manage to hit him. Also, I don't quite remember, did Naruto manage to hit him with a Rasenshruriken during their fight, or did he miss ? Either way, my guess is that that would destroy his shield, but the again, I'm not sure if that has already been disproved or not
kakashis highest level of raikiri or a TBB
didn't he take a rasenshuriken to the back? i don't remember but i feel like he got hit and then he was completely unharmed
no attacks beside his own
i believe TBB might stand a little chance, but he should still survive it
Perhaps Deidara self-destruct, given that they were hugging while he explodes and raikage don't try to run...
Or perhaps the particle dust technique it seems pretty rough turning everything into dust.
Itachis Sword of Totsuka could probably also do him in, but that just seals him
Originally Posted by Draw
didn't he take a rasenshuriken to the back? i don't remember but i feel like he got hit and then he was completely unharmed
Yes he took it without a scratch
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My husband and I should be bringing our daughter home from Ethiopia around October '09. I am planning on nursing her, but don't know when to start the process and whether or not I need to take any sort of medication. She will likely be about 6 or 7 months when she comes home.
My original plan was simply to pump as much as possible from the time we receive our referral to the time we travel and bring her home (2-3 months). I just weaned our son about 6 months ago. Will it be easier to produce enough milk if I start pumping now/soon rather than waiting another 9 months? I want to do everything in my power to help my daughter breastfeed. Please send me any advice. Thank you!


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Dr. Darrell Thompson Participates on National "Principles of Learning & Teaching" Praxis Panel (w/photo)
CreatedFriday, February 25 2011
Created byJim Nelson/Media Relations - (304) 327-4103 email@example.com
(Bluefield)—Dr. Darrell Thompson represented Bluefield State College as one of 19 educators from across the nation to participate in a "Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT)" Praxis kindergarten-6th grade panel. All Education program must pass the PLT to obtain their teacher certification in West Virginia. The panel upon which Dr. Thompson served was created to establish a required score for the new teacher licensure test that will be released later this year.
The panel evaluated 70 multiple choice and four written response questions that would indicate each student's functional knowledge of relevant information. Each question was assigned a numerical value to indicate its level of difficulty.
Dr. Thompson was nominated for this assignment by the West Virginia Department of Education.


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This week thousands of athletes around Northern Michigan will begin their fall high school sports seasons. But there is rising concern about the direction and future of youth and high school athletics in our country.
I have been coaching youth sports for 34 years, getting my start coaching my brother's elementary school soccer team while I was in middle school. Since then, I have coached kids from kindergarten to high school and have served locally on several youth sports boards. Over the past 30 years I have observed a shift in youth sports that in many cases has not been for the betterment of the kids.
There are now books, blogs, magazine articles and even a few national organizations such as the Center For Kids First In Sports that are calling for reform and overhauling of youth sports in our country. In 1978 Michigan State University launched The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports (ISYS) because of national concern of negative and unhealthy practices occurring in children's sports. The ISYS offers resources to parents, players, coaches, athletic directors and sports organizations to "maximize the beneficial physical, psychological, and social effects of participation for children and youth while minimizing detrimental effects."
In Northern Michigan we are fortunate to have several well run and organized youth sports programs. But we are not without our problems. If you look at the challenges that do exist today in youth sports, the cause and the solution are in both communication and the parents.
Just last year in Northern Michigan, a parent made a death threat against two board members of a youth sports league. A few years back two parents got into a fist fight during a sporting event, resulting in their sons being kicked out of the program.
Last year, a coach sent an e-mail to another coach warning that he was going to have his players try to cause bodily harm to the players on the other team if the coach ran up the score on his team again. These are just a few examples of many that are causing alarm over youth sports in our region.
Nationally, there have been stories of parents killing other parents over disagreements about youth sports. ESPN did an undercover story on kids getting paid to play on teams at the age of 10 and parents betting on games.
There are countless stories of fights breaking out in stands during games, profanities being hurled at players, coaches, officials and other fans. It is almost unexplainable that otherwise normal and logical thinking adults become crazed out-of-control idiots once the whistle blows at their child's sporting event.
The ISYS found that by the age of 15 close to 70% of kids quit the sports they have been participating in since their youth. The primary factors for quitting according to the study include "They were not having fun, too much pressure, too much emphasis on winning, overbearing coaches and parents, the coach played favorites."
A few years back The Citizenship Through Sports Alliance convened a panel of youth sports experts from across the country to evaluate youth sports in the United States. CTSA is a coalition of national, amateur and professional sports organizations, including the NCAA, Major League Baseball, the NBA, WNBA, and NHL. The panel evaluated community based sports programs serving children ages 6-14 assessing hundreds of programs on their child-centered philosophy, coaching, health and safety, officiating and parental behavior. The overall grade and health of youth sports in the country was a "D."
So what is the answer? In my observations, youth sports programs along with middle school and high school sports teams that struggle or have challenges are usually a result of a lack of communication combined with poorly laid out goals and objectives. When parents and players don't understand the mission and the expectations of the program or the team, that's when the problems begin.
Youth sports programs must detail their mission and objectives. Is your program developmental and ensures that everyone gets to play? Or is competitive and not everyone gets to play equally? Not every program is suited for every kid or family so the more detailed the information you have the better decisions parents and players will make on whether your program fits their needs.
The same holds true for middle school and high school sports teams. Athletic departments and coaches need to detail in season and off season expectations of the athletes and the time commitments involved.
Parents and adults must change their approach as well. If we are acting like wild lunatics in the stands why should we be surprised if our kids behave the same way during their games? A big part of youth sports is teaching kids life lessons, helping them to transition into adulthood and to help with their physical and mental well being. Parents need to ask if their behavior is contributing to that and if the program or sports team their kids are on contributing to those objectives.
Here are some tips for parents, players, coaches and sports organizations boards:
• Do You Want To Do This?: Most of you get started in a sport because your parents want you to play or your friends are playing.
But at the end of the day if you are playing for everyone but yourself you're playing for the wrong reason. Be honest with your parents and coaches if you would rather play a different sport than the one your playing. Speak up.
• Communicate With Your Coach: Your coach probably is not getting paid or if they are they are making a dollar an hour if they are lucky. They are coaching because they enjoy it and good coaches which are 99 percent have the best interest of all their players at heart. So if you have a problem, concern or don't understand something, go to your coach. No matter whether it is a lack of playing time or you want to know what you need to do to become a starter meet with your coach and take their words to heart. Share your objectives with your coach, let them know if you want to play college sports.
• Be Respectful and a Good Sport: When your coach asks you to do something, say yes sir or yes ma'am. Remember you not only represent yourself and your team when competing, you are also representing your school and community, so be a good sport at all times. Shake your competitors' hands after a game and thank your coaches after every practice and game.
• Be Committed: Once you get to the age (typically high school) where sports become competitive, you have an obligation to get better, not just for yourself, but for your teammates as well. At the high school level most programs have off-season training recommendations. You should also consider going to sports camps to get better. If your family can't afford these camps check to see if they have scholarship programs.
• Sportsmanship: Be a good sport at all costs. No foul language or booing. Be supportive and positive in the stands and at home. Clap for the opposing team. If you are one of those lunatics in the stands or a parent that has to yell out coaching instructions to your player, here is tip that will fix that problem, sit in the visitors section and you will keep quiet throughout the game.
• Let The Coaches Coach: If you are not on the coaching staff don't coach your kids before or during the games. Leave it to the coaches as you will only cause confusion, and while you might have been a star athlete 20 years ago, techniques have changed and evolved since your day in the limelight. Leave the coaching to your kids' coaches.
• No Gossiping or Rumors: This might be the biggest "killer" in youth sports today. The gossip and rumor mill is hurting programs and even teams at the high school level.
I know a high school football coach that had a nearly career ending experience after a couple of parents spread false rumors about him because they were upset over the lack of playing time their kids were getting. If a program is not for you, look for a different program that fits your expectations. Get facts before speaking by seeking out coaches, board members or athletic directors. It is amazing some of the crazy rumors and gossip that circulate through youth sports programs.
• Don't Undermine the Coach or Program: If you are second-guessing the coach, then your kid is going to do the same thing. If you don't have anything good to say about a coach or a program, don't say anything at all, because more than likely it is not the coach or the program that is a problem, it is you.
If your son or daughter comes to you because they are not getting enough playing time or they are not getting to play the position they want, you need to encourage them to take it up with the coach.
Basically, once players get into 6th grade, they need to advocate for themselves with the coaches. As parents we should not say one word to the coach when our kids reach middle school unless it is thank you or, hey coach is there anything I can do to help with fundraising, team meals you just let me know. The only exception to this is if you learn that a coach is being physically or verbally abusive
• Get Involved, Not Over Involved: Youth sports programs succeed from parental involvement, so consider serving on a board and be a positive contributor. Be a coach or assistant coach and make sure you clearly understand the program's objectives and convey that to the parents and players. Once your kids get to middle or high school, turn the coaching baton over to their coaches, and if you have the experience consider coaching at that level.
• College/Pro: Very few, if any, of the youth sports programs in our region exist for the purpose of training your son or daughter for college or professional athletics. If that is your goal or your kid's goal that will need to be pursued outside of the youth program. At the high school level coaches have a responsibility to the team and the school and not serving as farm systems for college programs. However high school coaches will point players in the right direction when it comes to those who want to play a particular sport after high school.
A major economic impact study is currently being conducted on youth and adult sports and their impact on our Northern Michigan economy. Rick Coates will detail the results of that study this fall.


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Get Your Crew-Codes for Racing Life for iPhone and iPod TouchApril 14th, 2010
With Racing Live the Publisher Storm8 made a nice Racing-Game, which is played by thousands of iPhone and iPod Touch Users. Like in the other games, Racing Live is a strategic game, where you have to manage your own Racing-Team in Street Racing. It is important that you build up your crew to be successful in Races.


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It was great to see all of the excitement on the students' faces and to see some parents come and join the party. The month of February is flying by and the students' minds are continuing to grow tremendously.
In English/language arts, the students are becoming stronger readers everyday. As they focus on blending/decoding words everyday, the students are progressing incredibly. They have also put their focus on making predictions and inferences in expository text. The students are listening to books, generating questions, gathering facts and details, making predictions, and retelling the story.
In math, the students are working on problem solving with addition and subtraction, number representation on a Base Five Mat, and continually engaging students in our calendar routine.
During science and social studies time, the students will be learning similarities/differences of night and day, President's Day, timelines, George Washington, and Stephen F. Austin.
Third-grade news
Third-grade reading students have been studying procedural and persuasive writing. They know how to follow sequential steps in a process as well as to produce written directions for producing a product. They are learning to recognize as well as to write a persuasive paper.
Social studies classes are working on changes over time. They are studying how travel, communication, and medicine have improved over a period of time. They are also learning about some of the important figures in history that helped to make those changes.
In math, the third grade is learning about congruence and symmetry with two- and three-dimensional figures. Science classes are investigating the characteristics of the sun and the solar system.
Fourth-grade news
In social studies, students will examine the effects of the building of forts and railroads and the loss of the buffalo on the lives of Native Americans after the Civil War. Students will determine the Native American's point of view about these changes in their lives.
Students will then examine the growth, development, and impact of the cattle industry on the history of Texas. They will study primary sources of information and cowboy music and poetry.
In math, fourth-graders are learning fractions - working on equivalent fractions, will be moving on to measurement.
In reading and writing, fourth-grade students are working to prepare for the upcoming writing and reading benchmarks. Students are daily reviewing writing skills and practicing looking back into stories for text evidence. Students need to be reading daily at home for at least 20 minutes straight. To be successful in all subject areas, students need to be good readers that comprehend what is read.
In science, students have just finished learning about natural resources and how to conserve them. They are now looking at patterns on the Earth, including the water cycle, weather, and the moon and tides.
Music news
Parents and guardians can help their children visit Quavermusic.com and set up their username and password. The website offers a variety of experiences to reinforce and elaborate on the lesson objectives. Children can play games, create, investigate and even take a ride at the metro to other parts of the world to see and hear different styles of music at Quaver's Marvelous World of Music.
Elementary students have been dancing and playing instruments. Intermediate students have been using tennis balls and even solo cups to show form and sequence to some classics. Recorders are here, so fourth- and fifth-graders must get their forms turned in as soon as possible.


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Police cracking down on drunken driving
New statewide initiative starts Friday
Published On: Dec 05 2012 07:01:45 AM CST
Police across Wisconsin will be putting extra emphasis on tracking down drunken drivers this holiday season under the "Booze and Belts" campaign.
The initiative runs from Friday through Dec. 16. It focuses both on impaired drivers and those not wearing seat belts.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said last December, 51 people died and there were 11,000 traffic crashes across the state. More than 3,500 people were injured.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Pipeline: VGS adds renewable gas to its mix
Customers of Vermont Gas Systems are now burning renewable natural gas as a small mix of their overall natural gas consumption, the company announced Thursday.
Vermont Gas spokesman Steve Wark said the three-month pilot program began last week with a small amount of renewable natural gas flowing into the VGS system that serves 50,000 customers in Chittenden and Franklin counties. He said the pilot project is enough to heat 350 average homes.
Also known as biomethane, the renewable natural gas comes from a landfill operator in Quebec and piped into the transmission system, Wark said.
The renewable natural gas can also be sourced from manure.
What we hear a lot from folks, and I think we heard it a lot in other energy sectors, is the desire to move toward a more renewable future, Wark said.
He called the pilot program a milestone for the company.
Not to mention it fits in perfectly with the work weve been doing with a developer whos creating a biomethane plant in (southern) Vermont, Wark said.
Wark added how much of the renewable gas flows to Vermont at any time during the three-month pilot period will vary.
Some of it may be here and some of it may not actually make it here, he said.
Wark said that by investing in renewable natural gas, or biomethane, were starting to decrease the focus on traditional natural gas.
He added that renewable natural gas is slightly more expensive than traditional natural gas.
VGS is in the process of extending its pipeline south to Middlebury, then connecting to the International Paper mill across Lake Champlain in New York, and finally extending the pipeline to serve parts of Rutland County.
Construction on the first phase of the Addison Rutland Natural Gas Project is already underway.
In the process, VGS has encountered vehement opposition from some quarters to the importation of fracked natural gas from Canada.
Opponents cite the environmental damage caused by hydraulic fracking as an extraction method. They also argue that increasing the reliance on natural gas runs counter to the states goal of moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources.
Paul Burns of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group called the VGS announcement a greenwash.
That doesnt make the bulk of their gas one bit cleaner, said Burns, VPIRGs executive director.
While capturing methane gas is laudable, Burns said, he objected to the company calling methane gas from the Quebec landfill renewable. He said Vermonts stated goal is zero waste so landfills no longer exist.
Landfills are not a source of renewable energy, he said. Thats what I find objectionable.
Sandra Levine, senior attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, said VGS needs to go much further if its efforts are going to make a difference.
The VGS announcement represents a very modest and overdue first step, Levine said in an email. It needs to be more than a small pilot program to make a difference and help Vermonters tackle climate change. Going forward, the scale of the VGS biomethane efforts needs to increase significantly.
As part of the Public Service Board approval of Phase I, Vermont Gas is required to develop renewable natural gas as part of its energy mix.
While it is admittedly a modest initiative, Wark said, it is enormously impactful in the direction that the company is going to be moving in.
Asked whether biomethane could eventually replace traditional gas, Wark said that cant be answered yet.
This is still an emerging technology, he said.
Wark said it really depends on how waste is managed going forward.
Like Green Mountain Powers Cow Power program, he said, VGS could allow customers to choose how much biomethane they want as part of their natural gas mix.
He also said the announcement was not a concession to pipeline opponents.
It has been one of our stated goals for many years, Wark said.
He said renewable natural is even better for the environment than traditional natural gas, with lower emissions.
Like the Cow Power program, renewable gas production helps farmers get rid of manure, reducing phosphorous runoff from farm fields into waterways like Lake Champlain.
Wark also said adding biomethane to natural gas is more efficient than turning methane into electricity.
In its press release, VGS cited the Natural Resources Defense Council, which concluded that biomethane could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.8 million metric tons nationally, or the equivalent of taking 6.5 million cars off the road.
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