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Global agriculture will face many challenges over the coming decades. Degrading soils and water
resources will place enormous strains on achieving food security for growing populations. These conditions
may be worsened by climate change. While a global warming of less than 2.5°C could have no significant
effect on overall food production, a warming of more than 2.5°C could reduce global food supplies and
contribute to higher food prices.
Some agricultural regions will be threatened by climate change, while others may benefit. The impact
on crop yields and productivity will vary considerably. Added heat stress, shifting monsoons, and drier soils
may reduce yields by as much as a third in the tropics and subtropics, where crops are already near their
maximum heat tolerance. Mid-continental areas such as the US grain belt, vast sections of mid-latitude Asia,
sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Australia are all expected to experience drier and hotter conditions.
Meanwhile, longer growing seasons and increased rains may boost yields in many temperate regions; records
show that the season has already lengthened in the UK, Scandinavia, Europe and North America.
Higher temperatures will influence production patterns. Plant growth and health may benefit from fewer
freezes and chills, but some crops may be damaged by higher temperatures, particularly if combined with water
shortages. Certain weeds may expand their range into higher-latitude habitats. There is also some evidence
that the poleward expansion of insects and plant diseases will add to the risk of crop losses.
Soil moisture will be affected by changing precipitation patterns. Based on a global warming of 1.4
– 5.8oC over the next 100 years, climate models project that both evaporation and
precipitation will increase, as will the frequency of intense rainfalls. While some regions may become
wetter, in others the net effect of an intensified hydrological cycle will be a loss of soil moisture and
increased erosion. Some regions that are already drought-prone may suffer longer and more severe dry spells.
The models also project seasonal shifts in precipitation patterns: soil moisture will decline in some
mid-latitude continental regions during the summer, while rain and snow will probably increase at high
latitudes during the winter.
More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could boost productivity. In principle, higher levels of
CO2 should stimulate photosynthesis in certain plants. This is particularly true for so-called C3
plants because increased carbon dioxide tends to suppress their photo-respiration. C3 plants make up the
majority of species globally, especially in cooler and wetter habitats, and include most crop species, such
as wheat, rice, barley, cassava and potato. Experiments based on a 50% increase of current CO2
concentrations have confirmed that "CO2 fertilization" can increase mean yields of C3
crops by 15% under optimal conditions. C4 plants would also use water more efficiently, but the effects on
yields would be smaller in the absence of water shortages. C4 plants include such tropical crops as maize,
sugar cane, sorghum and millet, which are important for the food security of many developing countries, as
well as pasture and forage grasses. These positive effects could be reduced, however, by accompanying changes
in temperature, precipitation, pests, and the availability of nutrients.
The productivity of rangelands and pastures would also be affected. For example, livestock would
become costlier if agricultural disruption leads to higher grain prices. In general, it seems that
intensively managed livestock systems will more easily adapt to climate change than will crop systems. This
may not be the case for pastoral systems, however, where communities tend to adopt new methods and
technologies more slowly and where livestock depend more fully on the productivity and quality of the
rangelands, which may become degraded.
The global yield from marine fisheries should remain unchanged by global warming. The principal
effects will be felt at the national and local levels as the mix of species changes and people respond by
relocating fisheries. These possible local effects could threaten the food security of countries that are
highly dependent on fish. In general, some of the positive effects of climate change could include longer
growing seasons, lower natural winter mortality, and faster growth rates at higher latitudes. The negative
ones could include upsets in established reproductive patterns, migration routes, and ecosystem
Food security risks are primarily local and national. Studies suggest that global agricultural
production could be maintained relative to the expected baseline levels over the next 100 years with moderate
climate change (below a 2°C warming). However, regional effects would vary widely, and some countries
may experience reduced output even if they take measures to adapt. This conclusion takes into account the
beneficial effects of CO2 fertilization but not other possible effects of climate change,
including changes in agricultural pests and soils.
The most vulnerable people are the landless, poor, and isolated. Poor terms of trade, weak
infrastructure, lack of access to technology and information, and armed conflict will make it more difficult
for these people to cope with the agricultural consequences of climate change. Many of the world's
poorest areas, dependent on isolated agricultural systems in semi-arid and arid regions, face the greatest
risk. Many of these at-risk populations live in sub-Saharan Africa; South, East and Southeast Asia; tropical
areas of Latin America; and some Pacific island nations.
Effective policies can help to improve food security. The negative effects of climate change can be
limited by changes in crops and crop varieties, improved water-management and irrigation systems, adapted
planting schedules and tillage practices, and better watershed management and land-use planning. In addition
to addressing the physiological response of plants and animals, policies can seek to improve how production
and distribution systems cope with fluctuations in yields.


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Kings: The Complete Series DVD
Witness the riveting rule of a modern-day monarchy in Kings: The Complete Series, the compelling, thought-provoking drama starring Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (Deadwood). King Silas Benjamin (McShane) rules the country of Gilboa with steely determination unmatched by any rival. During a tense battle with the neighboring nation of Gath, David Shepherd (Chris Egan, Eragon), an idealistic young soldier from the countryside, heroically crosses over dangerous enemy lines and rescues a critical prisoner-of-war the Kings son. Now, the lives of David and the King will become powerfully intertwined as greed, war, romance, forbidden love and secret alliances threaten to tear apart the kingdom. Co-starring Allison Miller (17 Again), Susanna Thompson (NCIS), Sebastian Stan (Rachel Getting Married), Eamonn Walker (Oz) and Dylan Baker (Revolutionary Road), this epic David-and-Goliath tale has critics proclaiming, Kings is a big, ambitious, imaginative fantasy (Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly).
Read MoreLess
More Details
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 3
- Run Time: 556 Minutes
- Region: 1
- Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
- Studio: Universal Studios
- DVD Release Date: September 29, 2009
- Subtitles: English
- Audio: ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
- Genre: TV Series
- Color: Color
- Deleted Scenes
- Audio Commentary with Creator, Director and Star
- Release Date: 2009
Availability: In Stock
Ready to ship in 5-7 Business Days

subset: commoncrawl


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I generally drive by Flournoy Park on a daily basis. Recent rains are causing the park to green up nicely, but prior to the arrival of this much-needed moisture, the newly planted and cultivated grass was faring poorly, looking more like parched straw. The handling of Flournoy Park by the City of Beeville provides a snapshot of many of the deficits surrounding the city's response to this community's continuing water crisis.
This urgent concern was placed squarely before the city council in September 2009, when they received a comprehensive overview about water and wastewater issues. For reasons known only to the council, they waited more than two years before they finally hired HDR Engineering (December 2011). However, after HDR was on the job for more than a year, the council without explanation hired NorrisLeal, LLC, another water engineering firm, in spite of the fact that (a) the council had not received a final report from HDR, and (b) the city reportedly paid HDR fees approximating $90,000.
In January of this year, the NorrisLeal report was verbally submitted (in spite of the fact they had been on the job less than 30 days) and became the basis for the current $15.3 million bond election. Interestingly, Carl Crull, from HDR, was also in the audience that night. His presence was not even acknowledged by the council or staff, so I can only imagine that he walked into what was professionally an extremely awkward situation.
This brings me back to Flournoy Park. The work in that park and other parks was paid for with funding from the Beeville Economic Improvement Corporation, amounting to more than $4 million. Every penny spent on parks could have been used to fund water projects with a vote of the citizens. The City Council was urged to put water first and to deal with parks only when the water situation had been addressed. They point-blank refused to put water first. Even if you agree to the total package of $15.3 million which is on the ballot, that number could be around $11 million if the city had handled the available dollars responsibly.
Finally, and perhaps most concerning of all, is the lack of a cohesive plan with detailed specifications. The water bond election is centered around a generic proposition to authorize up to $15.3 million for unspecified projects – the ballot does not even mention desalination or reverse osmosis. Approval of the bond proposition, as worded, will deliver $15.3 million with very few strings attached. The fact that the city administration by-passed the cornerstone of virtually every bond election – the appointment of an independent citizens task force – should raise a bright red flag. Know what you are voting for or against – you could be authorizing a $15.3 million dollar blank check.
Very truly yours,
Tom Beasley, Beeville City Council 1983-1989


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TICA recently announced the result of elections for President, Vice President and Breed Committees. This was the first year that qualified members of TICA used an online voting system. More than 60 percent of the votes were submitted online for the first time in the history of TICA.
Vickie Fisher was reelected as President, and Bobbie Tullo was reelected as Vice President of the organization. There were no seats being filled for Board of Directors this year.
Breed committee chairs and members were elected for the next few years. To see a full list of breed committee results, visit the TICA site.
The Breed chair and other committee members work with the breed based on the breed standard, and focus on improving the breed that their committee oversees.
Congratulations to everyone who was voted in for the next two years!


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A ceremony held in Baghdad marked the official end of the nearly 9-year military campaign in Iraq, and now the 4,000 remaining troops in the country are heading home for the holidays. NBC's Richard Engel reports.
Updated at 6:10 p.m. ET
President Barack Obama stopped short of calling the U.S. effort in Iraq a victory in an interview taped Thursday with ABC News' Barbara Walters.
"I would describe our troops as having succeeded in the mission of giving to the Iraqis their country in a way that gives them a chance for a successful future," Obama said.
Iraqi citizens offered a more pessimistic assessment. "The Americans are leaving behind them a destroyed country," said Mariam Khazim of Sadr City. "The Americans did not leave modern schools or big factories behind them. Instead, they left thousands of widows and orphans."
The Iraq Body Count website says more than 100,000 Iraqis have been killed since the U.S. invasion. The vast majority were civilians.
Updated at 10:58 a.m. ET
BAGHDAD -- U.S. forces formally ended their nine-year war in Iraq with a low-key flag ceremony in Baghdad on Thursday.
"After a lot of blood spilled by Iraqis and Americans, the mission of an Iraq that could govern and secure itself has become real," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said at the ceremony at Baghdad's still heavily fortified airport.
Almost 4,500 U.S. soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis lost their lives in the war that began with a "Shock and Awe" campaign of missiles pounding Baghdad and descended into sectarian strife and a surge in U.S. troop numbers.
U.S. soldiers lowered the flag of American forces in Iraq and slipped it into a camouflage-colored sleeve in a brief outdoor ceremony, symbolically ending the most unpopular U.S. military venture since the Vietnam War of the 1960s and 70s.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani were invited to the ceremony but did not attend.
In addition to the dead, the war left 32,000 Americans wounded and cost the U.S. more than $800 billion.
The remaining 4,000 American troops will leave by the end of the year.
Bombings are still common. Experts are also concerned about the Iraqi security force's ability to defend the nation against foreign threats.
However, Panetta said veterans of the conflict can be "secure in knowing that your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people to cast tyranny aside."
Some Iraqi citizens offered a more pessimistic assessment. "The Americans are leaving behind them a destroyed country," said Mariam Khazim of Sadr City. "The Americans did not leave modern schools or big factories behind them. Instead, they left thousands of widows and orphans."
Gen. Lloyd Austin, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also spoke during the ceremony.
Updated at 5:46 a.m. ET: Austin says Iraqis now have "unprecedented opportunities."
Sen. John McCain, the ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, discusses the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq with TODAY's Matt Lauer. McCain says we risk losing everything we gained in the war-torn country by not leaving a residual force behind, apart from about 200 military advisers.
Updated at 5:42 a.m ET: "Since 2003, we have helped the Iraqi security forces grow from zero to 650,000-strong," Austin says.
Updated at 5:40 a.m. ET: Austin recalls how he was present when American forces secured the airfield where the ceremony is being held. "After 21 days of tough fighting, we ended Saddam Hussein's reign of terror," he adds.
Updated at 5:37 a.m. ET: Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, points out that the next time he visits Baghdad it will have to be at the invitation of the Iraqi government. "I kinda like that," he adds.
Updated at 5:32 a.m. ET: "This is not the end, this is the beginning," Panetta says. "May God bless Iraq, its people and its future."
NBC News
U.S. troops take part in the end of mission ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, on Thursday.
Updated at 5:29 a.m. ET: "Let me be clear, Iraq will be tested in the days ahead -- by terrorism, by those who would seek to divide," Panetta says. "Challenges remain but the United States will be there to stand with the Iraqi people. We are not about to turn our backs on all that has been sacrificed and accomplished."
Updated at 5:26 a.m. ET: "Your sacrifice has helped the Iraqi people begin a new chapter in history, free from tyranny," Panetta says. "This outcome was never certain, particularly during the war's darkest days."
Updated at 5:23 a.m. ET: Panetta highlights the "heartbreak" of military families who watched their loved ones go off to war.
Updated at 5:18 a.m. ET: "It is a profound honor to be here in Baghdad," Panetta says at ceremony."No words, no ceremony can provide full tribute to the sacrifices that have brought this day to pass."
Saddam's Iraq is gone, but in its place is a state with close ties to one of America's biggest and most unpredictable enemies: Iran. NBC's Richard Engel has been covering the war from the start, and went back for this historic week to take a closer look at the Iran connection.
Updated at 5:16 a.m. ET: "We look forward to an Iraq that is sovereign, secure and self-reliant," US Ambassador to Iraq James Jeffrey says.
Published at 4:45 a.m. ET: After nearly nine years, 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and more than $800 billion, U.S. officials prepared Thursday to formally shut down the war in Iraq — a conflict that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said was worth the price in blood and money, as it set Iraq on a path to democracy.
Panetta stepped off his military plane in Baghdad Thursday as the leader of America's war in Iraq, but will leave as one of many top U.S. and global officials who hope to work with the struggling nation as it tries to find its new place in the Middle East and the broader world.
He and several other U.S. diplomatic, military and defense leaders will participate in a highly symbolic ceremony during which the flag of U.S. Forces-Iraq will officially be retired, or "cased," according to Army tradition.
During several stops in Afghanistan this week, Panetta made it clear that the U.S. can be proud of its accomplishments in Iraq, and that the cost of the bitterly divisive war was worth it.
After nearly nine years and 4,500 American lives lost, President Obama and the first lady officially marked the end of the Iraq war Wednesday. NBC's Kristen Welker has more.
"We spilled a lot of blood there," Panetta said. "But all of that has not been in vain. It's been to achieve a mission making that country sovereign and independent and able to govern and secure itself."
That, he said, is "a tribute to everybody — everybody who fought in that war, everybody who spilled blood in that war, everybody who was dedicated to making sure we could achieve that mission."
Panetta has echoed President Barack Obama's promise that the U.S. plans to keep a robust diplomatic presence in Iraq, foster a deep and lasting relationship with the nation and maintain a strong military force in the region.
As of Thursday, there were two U.S. bases and about 4,000 U.S. troops in Iraq — a dramatic drop from the roughly 500 military installations and as many as 170,000 troops during the surge ordered by President George W. Bush in 2007, when violence and raging sectarianism gripped the country. All U.S. troops are slated to be out of Iraq by the end of the year, but officials are likely to meet that goal a bit before then.
Read more about the Iraq withdrawal
- Post-US Iraq: Welcome to Shia-stan
- Iraqis unable to defend borders as US exits
- Iraqi voices: Patchwork electrical grid a symbol of country's disconnects
- Iraqi voices: Colonel helped with surge, then his past came calling
- A special homecoming from Iraq
The total U.S. departure is a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worry that it is premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult neighborhood.
U.S. officials were unable to reach an agreement with the Iraqis on legal issues and troop immunity that would have allowed a small training and counterterrorism force to remain. U.S. defense officials said they expect there will be no movement on that issue until sometime next year.
Jon Soltz of VoteVets.org and Matthew Hoh of the Center for International Policy debate the winners and losers of the Iraq War and the non-military presence that will remain.
Still, despite Obama's earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.
Bombings and attacks have eased since American and Iraqi security forces weakened insurgents. But roadside bombs, car bombs and assassinations still kill and maim almost every day.
A frail economy, constant power shortages, scarce jobs and discontent with political leaders all fuel uncertainty among Iraqis.
"Thanks to the Americans. They took us away from Saddam Hussein, I have to say that. But I think now we are going to be in trouble," said Malik Abed, 44, a vendor at a Baghdad fish market. "Maybe the terrorists will start attacking us again."
Read more content from msnbc.com and NBC News:
- Post-US Iraq: Welcome to Shia-stan
- Nazi hunters boost drive to find aging war criminals before they die
- Pakistan opposition leader: War on terror creating extremists
- Wild monkeys to detect radiation at Fukushima
- North Korea's heir apparent's hair apparent as fashion hit
- UN chief defends NATO, calls for action on Syria
- Rebellious Chinese village under siege by police
- Iraqis unable to defend their borders as US exits
The Associated Press, Reuters, NBC News and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.


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As the Phillies move closer and closer to Spring Training there is still some uncertainty about which direction the outfield will go. Some are thinking Dom Brown can step right in and take over while others are thinking a platoon of Brown and Ben Francisco could work, too.
Then again, there is the possibility that Brown struggles to start the year. He did leave the Dominican League due to fatigue from a long season. The Phillies might need an extra outfielder on the bench that can play corner to corner.
I am not fully endorsing Lastings Milledge as this guy, but he could be a cheap addition that would add speed to the already fast lineup. Like I said, I am not completely sold on the idea of going out and getting a guy like Milledge. The Phillies have a great clubhouse chemistry right now and Milledge has been known to stir the pot a bit.
Milledge made his MLB debut in 2006 with the Mets, the original team that drafted him. Debuting at the same age as Darryl Strawberry. Ironic, but not important. A thinking around the league is that he is a bit immature for the majors and that (my opinion) he doesn't respect the game.
As a player, he is a career .269 hitter with a little pop. His first real full season was in 2008 when he played for the Washington Nationals and played in 138 games. He hit .268 with 14 home runs and 61 RBIs. For a 162 game average, Milledge has a .269/12/63 stat line.
Milledge can also add speed late in games. He has 40 stolen bases for his career, 24 in 2008 while only being caught nine times. The best part about him was his salary last season was just under $500,000. The Phillies could get him super cheap and even send him down to Lehigh Valley.
As of right now, the Phillies have their outfield set more or less with Ibanez and Victorino covering left and center, respectively. Right field is still up for grabs with BenFran and Brown. It seems right field might be Francisco's job to lose going into Spring Training. Ross Gload filled in last season adequately and I don't see John Mayberry cracking the majors until a possible September call up.
It is hard to see where Milledge would fit in with this Phillies roster. I value BenFran higher and Brown even higher than that. Like I said before, Milledge could sign and head right to Triple A has an emergency outfielder.
For the price, it could work out.
0 Comments
I don't see this happening. I think the Gillick-Amaro regime value character very highly. Therefore, Milledge has one strike. These guys are together for a long time each year, travelling together and going through tough losing streaks together. Camadrie is therefore very important to having a good season. Milldege does have promise, given that one season with the Nats. But I think the Phils are going into the season with what they have. Remember, they had Victorino and Werth in the same spot as Brown is now. Victorino was a lowly rule 5 pick who I think had to compete for playing time with Aaron Rowand. At this time he did not look too appealing, but look at him now. Again, Werth was a lowly injury-plagued guy who feared he might have to give up baseball. He competed for the playing time with Geoff Jenkins and look at him now. Brown does not have a much of major league track record, and so there are no guarantees that he flourishes and this may cause people to shy away. However, are there guarantees really for any player, even established stars? Even so, Brown is more highly touted than Victorino or Werth ever were. He has an excellent minor league track record. The Phils have seen what he can do down there. We haven't seen much of him at all, but what I saw was an extremely talented player with pop to all fields, a hose for an arm, great speed and spectacular plays in right with however occasional bouts of rawness that he should outgrow. I want to see this guy play more. I also love the dynamic he brings to the clubhouse. As a younger player, the veterans on the team are going to want to take him under their wing. His upside is going to bring excitement to the club. His youth will refresh an aging team. His development will help us transition to the future.
I do not think it is a question of signing Lasting and no playing Brown, it is a question of the up side of LM for cheap to see if you can get him to reach his potential. I would compare LM to Vic and Wreth more than to Brown. And for $500000 if he is really a drain on the club house you let him go
I have stated on other threads that I like the idea of signing Lasting, he is defitly cheap and does have some upside potential. The attitude problems he is suppose to have may be an issue, but what you could sign him for would not be a burden to just let him go if he can not shape up. Two things about that also, look at the teams he was on where he had issues, Mets, Nats, and Pirates? Non of which have a strong club house or wins many games. With guys like Jroll, Utley and Howard in his face he may like winning more than being a pain in the ass. He is still young and may need some guidance, which this team could give him. I am not sold that Dom Brown is ready to step up and play every day, and think unless he has an amazing spring will start the season in LV. Bring Lasting in and let him play in LF against some lefty pitchers, and spell Ben Fran and Vic once in a while.
And this is contingent on sitting him down and saying "Here is the deal, this is your roll until proven otherwise, you are a 4th outfielder and if can out play Ben and prove you derserve to be everyday guy you will get your shot, that cool with you then sign here" I think it would be a great move and big upside and cheap. But I have been saying that for months now.
I don't like the idea of Lastings Milledge at all. I do like the Brown/Francisco platoon idea…First of all, I think if Francisco gets more playing time – he is going to show us something. Let Brown come up and learn from a veteran. Milledge – no way. I don't like his attitude. He's not a Phillie. Some guys you can see fitting in immediately – him – no way.
I think Lastings would be on par with Jeff Francouer. Charlie loves himself a challenge when it comes to fixing a swing. With all the upside Milledge had coming up, the potential is still there. The attitude problems would be almost completely neutralized by the makeup of this locker room. I don't think Chase/Ryan/Jimmy/Raul would stand for a young guy popping off and I have to think Milledge knows he's running out of options before he washes out of the league completely!
Wow..I was actually thinking about this the other day.. I'm not a Lasting Milledge fan so don't get me confused with that but the guy has a lot of upside potential, but unproven and a bad club house guy. But we all remember Delmon Young, now with Twins, his minor league blow ups and look how he turned out and matured on a veteran team with a low salary. Proving himself, had a nice year!
People have referenced Victorino and Werth…I see Milledge in the same mold…young and something to prove with a LOT of talent. Phillies have taken chances on them and look how they turned out. No one wanted them and bam they are stars, because they took a chance.
I'm not saying Lasting will be a great player…but its worth bring in the youth and talent…never can have enough of that.
I don't know if Milledge is the answer but I definitely agree that we need a semi-decent Major League ready right handed bat to play the OF. I still have to wonder how are we protecting Howard in the lineup? Could Jimmy bat 5th and Victorino lead off? Anyone have any thoughts on how this line up might look come April? Also does Manny have anything left in the tank to play the field still, I'm sure he would behave for Charlie. Just a thought…
I like the idea of signing Lastings Milledge very much. He is 25 years old and has a world of potential. He's a righty with speed and I would not mind seeing him play his way onto the roster. The Phils would be paying next to nothing for a guy who could really blossom which makes it a low risk/high reward proposition. As for his attitude…maybe he's changed. I would be willing to spend 1m to find out. He's a guy you could put out in LF against lefties to make us even more righthanded. In conclusion, where were Shane and Jayson were in the scrapheap Gillick signed them.
The Dipsy
I am completely against signing Milledge. We seem to be dismissing his lousy attitude and lack of hustle as something that can be fixed by our veterans and if not…just release him. I agree he has tons of potential that made him such a high draft pick years ago, but is it worth it. Why not just go for Manny Ramirez then? I don't want either as I find those negative attributes contagious. The young players on the team (I realize we are running out of them), including Dom Brown, might catch on to the negativism. Keep Brown and all the other young players away from such a negative impact.
I rather the Fightins go after a Scott Podsednik, Willie Harris, or get one in a trade for Joe B….but keep low character guys off the team.
I was watching MLB Network last night and they were talking about ML players and limit on how much they would want to make…like Jermaine Dye last year…phillies and cubs supposely offered him like 2 and 3 million and he wouldn't take it.
So I'm thinking Manny coming to the Phillies is out of the questions because they won't pay him but to that affect I dont' think he has enough in the OF to play RF unless you move Raul to LF. Just my opinion.
As for the Line up: Rollins, PP, Utley, Howard, Ben, Victorio, Ibanez, Ruiz, Pitcher but i like your JRoll in the 5 hole idea…they always said he could turn into a 3 hitter back in the day.
What is this fascination with guys like Milledge, Manny, someone suggested Milton Bradley a few years ago on here?? Mental cases. Problems. A potential cancer.
You said that "it's hard to see where Milledge would fit into this roster"…..so why even suggest it??
The clubhouse….along with it's manager, coaches and professional players….doesn't need reclamation projects to deal with. I don't care how much talent or promise this guy has.
GoPhils, I was going to use the Victorino/Werth argument in favor of going after Milledge. The guy is the definition of no risk/high reward. Ben Fran is a solid player, not against him being the primary right fielder this year, but Milledge has the raw skills to be an excellent player. I think comparing Manny and Milledge is a mistake. At this point in his career, Manny is a bat – period. Everything else, from defense to attitude, is poor, and it isn't going to get better. Milledge has the capability to do everything well.
In regards to his attitude, as mentioned above, he was never on a well managed, disciplined team, and except for his first year with the Mets (whose clubhouse was more like a nightclub), weren't competitive out the gate. Even with that, it's not like he's attacked fans or other players, he doesn't appear to have anger management issues,…., just a little immature. He may impact the clubhouse of a young up and coming team, but thinking that he'll effect the chemistry of this Phils team, who from the ace of the staff to the bat boys are intense and professional, is underselling their character. I am in favor of going after Milledge – taking a low risk on potential is how we got to where we are. We need a few low priced contributors. He might be waived mid summer, but he could also be the right fielder of the future. It's not going to cost much to find out.
Meant left fielder of the future. I admit I'm fascinated by his athletic ability and potential. I also believe that character issue guys blow up undisciplined teams. Joe Morgan was considered a troublemaker in Houston, and the colt 45s gave him to the Reds for next to nothing. Getting on a team with a strong manager and competitive players changed his attitude quickly, not the other way around (although his attitude problems were overstated, more an issue of a manager with an ego). Milton Bradley went to a cliquey Cubs teams with no leadership, and a hothead manager who lacked control, and tore up a borderline competitive team. Again, everyone talks about Milledge's "attitude", but what did he do that was so bad that he's not worth a chance?
I'm not a Milledge fan… that would be a rare breed… but I think that he's definitely worth $500k. I don't buy into the "disrespect" of the game. I do think that he's been a product of the teams he's played for – bfo nailed it. NYM, WAS, PIT… I don't know how anyone could thrive on those teams. He actually contributed in PIT last year. I think that he's a low risk, high reward guy… let him know that he's not going to start but with Ibanez and Brown in L and R, he's going to get opportunities to play (for a winning team).
Good point. I don't think I heard of any problems with him in PIT last year. I'm going to use Football terms because they are fresh in my mind. Sorry if I can't think of baseball comparisons right now, I'm sure there is a few.
In NY, Milledge was considered the next best thing to slice bread…and alot of times kids his age take that on and think they can do no wrong and can't be told anything, see Terrell Pryor for example. But now that he has been grounded and with right team, another example Mike Vick. And look at what could happen…
We aren't giving him the keys to the city or a starting job…just a chance to be on a veteran, club with a lot of good players…something he has never been around.
Exactly… He's never been on a team with a winning mentality or a locker room full of leaders. For $500K, you grab him and hope that the rest of the team can keep him in check. If they can't, you release him and eat the money. It's a reasonable gamble.
I don't know….I'm just not for it. We've got D brown to develop (and that's not gonna happen without a reasonable amount of ABs) and Ben Fran, who DESPERATELY needs more playing time. Bringing another guy in and one with a bunch of question marks to boot isn't necessarily the answer.
BUT….for 500K….it's MAYBE worth a shot.
I just hate the reclamation projects. Rarely do they really work out. Vick is the exception and not the norm.
I agree with you they dont' all work out…AND You won't get an argument from me about D Brown, I love the guy ever since I saw him in his second game in AA, put a bomb on to Route 61 in Reading.
But It sound like more and more that a Fran/Gload platoon is what we are starting out with and a D. Brown in AAA to start the year. So as a 4 or 5th OF and a late inning Defensive Replacement for Ibanez I like a cheap Milledge.
bjfolk12, I really do not think Gload can play RF, did you see him play last year I think it was 2 or 3 games and I would say he was Vlad like, slow bad jumps and no arm. So I do not think Gload will play much in a platoon.
Chuck – Shane was a reclamation project. Werth was a reclamation project. IMO, talent wins games. And Milledge has it. He's not a cancer. He's a kid who was supposed to be the greatest thing in the world and he's finding out that being a MLB player is not exactly a walk in the park. Colt 45's??? Look at it like this: The Sixers signed Iverson last year to a low salary, "lets take a look" contract. You could do the same thing with this kid. I will go on record as saying that from this day forward he will be a better player than BenFran, and thats not a knock against BenFran its just that I like Milledge. I'd love to see a Milledge/Ibanez platoon.
The Dipsy
My long term memory is a lot better than my short term memory. I also catch myself saying the Baltimore Colts, the LA Rams, and the California Angels.
Mark this day dipsy we agree, Except I do not see a straight platoon in LF. But I do think that Raul could use some extra days off against lefties. That is why I think LM would work out if D Brown starts off in AAA, then you would have a guy that can give Raul a break against lefties,Vic a day off here and there, and also play RF to give Ben Fran a day off. Who knows maybe he will become the next Jayson Wreth
Most of you are saying he is an attitude problem, from what that he has been traded a lot never reached his potenitial like I said in the second post on this thread, Charlie, and RAJ sit him down and tell him like it is, if he resonds well, you pay him 500k-1 million bring him in and see if he can athe player that he thinks he is, if not send him to LV or release him. Speaking of football, this is not a
T.O situation where he would disrupt the club house, one these are the Phillies, not the Eagles, and two he is not being brought in to be a star. I would not be surprise if the brass has not thought of this already, and you can not compare him to Manny cause LM can play in the field and may listen to true leaders in a strong clubhouse, Manny would not
LM has a relatively low OBP – if he has 600 atbats, he'll strike out 100 times if not more.
Don't we have a few too many of these guys on our team now?
Dipsy, yes…Shane and Werth were both reclamation projects. But they didn't come to Philly with all this headcase baggage crap that Milledge supposedly has. That's what I'm referring to. I realize the guy has tons of talent. I'm just leary of his demeanor…and maybe it wouldn't be a problem. Maybe the environment here would help him.
No, absolutely not! I live in DC and attend a lot of Nationals games throughout the 3 years I've lived down here. He had a poor attitude every time I saw him. The man has speed and pure, raw talent. But he was regularly cursing out the fans, and let's be honest, all 12 of us in the stands could here him. It got to the point where I refused to sit in the outfield, because he ruined the game and enjoyment for me. Yes, I read the comments about putting him on a team with strong leadership, which is something that players like Zimmerman are just developing. Not worth it, no matter how cheap.
Milledge is a 5th grade drop out. He doesn't have the mental capacity to play MLB, let alone being smart enough to avoid the blue bug light that you put out on the patio during the summer months. The reason NY,WAS, & PIT gave up on him is that he wasn't mature enough to handle the game. I would rather spend the time and effort to pump up Dominic Brown & Ben Francisco than sign this mental pigmee.
I can't remember for certain, but wasn't Milledge the guy the Nationals actually had to assign a babysitter to? I'm not kidding or trying to be a smart azz, I really think it's true. I can't find a link, but I thought I read that they hired someone to watch over and work with him, and that failed.
Anyone know?
I don't like Gload, I'm not a fan of his but all the talk is about platooning him with BenFran, I'd rather platoon D. Brown and BenFran than Gload and BenFran.
Absolutely not. I live in Washington and saw him a lot at Nats games. Not only is his attitude a problem, but even routine fly balls to center field were an adventure. His paths to the ball were crazier than the most complicated of wide receiver routes. He is definitely one of the worst Major League fielders I have ever seen.
Lefty – That was Elijah Dukes, definitely NOT Lastings Milledge.
So far, people here have compared (or possibly confused) Milledge with Milton Bradley, Nyger Morgan, and Elijah Dukes. In reality, he has never done anything even remotely as serious as those players.
I'd definitely take a flier on Milledge…the kid had better numbers against lefties than anyone currently on the roster (.320 AVE / .926 OPS). The key to that sentence is that he's still a "kid" – perhaps one that would mature playing alongside established role models such as Rollins & Howard. If not, it's a ridiculously inexpensive gamble (especially considering that Gillick once gambled on giving up Gio Gonzalez, Gavin Floyd, and $10 million for an injured Freddy Garcia).
The premise that he could somehow disrupt a clubhouse full of established veterans in laughable.
I'm Ted Bell.
The idea that he could somehow disrupt a clubhouse full of veterans is actually laughable.
I'm Ted Bell.
I'm not necessarily saying that he would totally "disrupt a clubhouse full of veterans". Of course not. The Phillies are WAY too professional for that. I think it's more like that pesky mosquito buzzing around your head on a hot summer night. Annoying and unpleasant.
That's why I couldn't find the link, I was looking for the wrong player!
Thank you Ted
When it comes to former Met top prospects, the cautionary word is caveat emptor.
Milledge may have tools, but he has been overrated. In his only full season, Milledge's performance was barely that of a replacement player. He may have speed, but he is not a good defensive OF; nor is he an effective base stealer. Milledge has cost his teams more by his base stealing attempts than he has helped them. At the plate, Milledge is only OK; I don't view him as an upgrade over Francisco. I would pass on Milledge. His only virtue is cheap.
I think the Phillies' play in 2011 should be to give Domonic Brown every opportunity to be the full-time starter in RF. If he needs to be platooned, play Francisco against lefties. If Brown must start in AAA, let Francisco and Gload share RF duties for the first half of the season. With the signing of Lee, the Phils have extra cushion and can afford to give playing time to Brown even before he is quite ready and can afford to platoon Francisco and Gload until they start playing Brown.
No matter what the Phils do in RF, they will win the division and finish with the best record in the NL.
The Phils need to begin a youth movement. There's no better time to begin than now; and no better player to begin with than Brown.
If the Phils do go outside the organization for a cheap right-handed OF, I would prefer Andruw Jones.


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All Four One
On October 8, 1969, New York moviegoers were urged to "consider the possibilities" by buying a ticket to the debut feature of a young screenwriter-turned-director, Paul Mazursky. And, attracted by its promise of wife swapping and group sex amidst a suburban swirl of love beads, Nehru collars and group therapy sessions, audiences did. The film, Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice, was one of the year's biggest hits, grossing $30 million off a production budget of only $2 million. Helped by the laid-back chemistry, good looks and improvisational ability of stars Natalie Wood, Robert Culp, Elliot Gould and Dyan Cannon, Mazursky's comedy drama managed to both indulge audience's fascination with '60s-era free love while satirizing it enough for mainstream viewers to keep it at a comfortable moral distance. Seen in today's radically different cultural climate, the movie feels a bit like it's tumbled out of a time capsule, but, writing at the time, critic Pauline Kael pinpointed what may be the film's lasting legacy: a tonally tricky, humorously bitter comedic style that finds its echoes today in everything from Ben Stiller comedies to Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm. She wrote, "You can feel something new in the comic spirit of this film –– in the way Mazursky gets laughs by the rhythm of clichés, defenses, and little verbal aggressions."


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Hormel Foods and the Culinary Institute have selected 16 chefs for the inaugural class of their Culinary Enrichment & Innovation Program (CEIP) partnership. The chosen chefs include several from onsite segments, including Jonna Anne of SUNY Genesco, Eric Cartwright of the University of Missouri, Michael Edwards of the U.S. Navy, Daniel Hernandez of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, James Lynch of ACTS Retirement Life Community/Granite Farms Estates and Christian Watson of ...
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Feliz dia de los Reyes. R.I.P Rory Markas
My Christmas tree and the Christmas stockings are still hung. See, my grandmother's tradition was to not remove the Christmas tree until after January 6th. That is the day that the Three Wise Men arrived to see Jesus. Well, I started the tradition of opening the Christmas stockins on January 6th.a few years back. In part it was because I still had my Christmas tree up. One of my Christmas stockings is a Dodger Christmas stocking.
In some parts of Mexico and some other Latin American countries, they open their presents on Dia de los Reyes. the presents are put inside the kid's shoes left under the bed. Prior to the day the kids write their letter to the Three Wise Men. In Mexico City, they attach the letter to a helium baloon. Some kids even leave water and hay for the camels that carry the three Wise Men.
On this day also you can also eat the "Rosca de Reyes" which is a wreath made of sweet bread with yeast,, dry fruit, anise and cinammon. . Inside the rosca, you will find a little baby doll. It represents baby Jesus but whoever gets the little baby has to host a party on February 2nd _Candle day.
tiny plastic baby Jesus figure are concealed in the dough, symbolizing the hiding of the infant Jesus from King Herod's troops.
Here is a picture of a rosca de reyes. .
Rest in peace Rory Markas. Rory was a local boy, born here in Chatsworth where I work. He went to Chatsworth High, LA Valley College and Cal State Northridge. When I saw that he lived in Palmdale, I was Palmdale? that is about 90 miles to Anaheim.
Rory Markas spent 8 seasons with the Angels. Markas also did broadcasts for the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Clippers, USC men's basketball and Pacific Coast League baseball.
In late 2008, Markas underwent surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain on Nov 1, 2008. I found this quote he made last year prior to calling the Angels first playoff game:
"Yesterday I happened to turn on the radio and Vin [Scully] was doing the early innings of the Dodger game, When I heard his voice I said, 'God, what a treasure this guy has been my whole life.' I just appreciated what he's doing, the standard he sets and hope I can do that just a little. I think I get a little more sentimental these days."
Rest in peace Rory.
7 Comments
Thanks for explaining Dia de los Reyes. I learn so much on the blogosphere!
I had a slice of the 'Rosca de Reyes" at aunt Nena's house but I was like "Don't let me get the baby figure." I did not want to have a party at my house so soon. My family is big so that would have been a lot of people at my house.
Me encanta el Dia de los Reyes! Estamos hablando sobre El Rey Felix, no? Whoops. My bad. Nice tribute to Rory. Didn't know who he was before just now, but now I do. I can thank you for that! Keep spreading the baseball love!
Our X-mas stuff is still up too…wish I could blame it on tradition, but we are just lazy…LOL
Hope you had a great New Year!
LOL. You are so funny! I am glad we have you around the blogsphere! You are a riot!
Hope you are having a great year. I like the tradition 'cause it allows me to be lazy too! LOL.
Happy three kings day to ya!
We do the same thing in my house. The tree doesn't come down til the weekend after the 6th in celebration of what is still the Christmas season. I went to Mass to celebrate the three kings arrival and classic christmas songs are still played such as We Three Kings, The First Noel and O little town of Bethlehem. I enjoy celebrating Christmas as long as I can!
Happy belated Kings Day! I did not know that you also celebrated the day! I love that they still play Christmas songs at church. There is something so special about listening to Christmas carols at church. Is great to have the Christmas season extended but now the tree is down and the stockings put away. the Kings were good to me!
This morning a friend that had never heard of the Rosca de Reyes, mentioned it to the bakery this morning and he gave her some for her try and she also brought us some on the train. Yum!


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New Archives Up Soon... just edited for the web
Really good luck, Rich the fearless engineer actually did record the Stephen Buhner interview about his new book Herbal Antibiotics! Today got Stephen's, Julia Graves on Doctrine of Signatures, Matilde Parentes on Resveratol, Howie Brownstein on Oregon Grape, etc edited and John will put them on the site - wahoo!!!


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Ellsworth W. AmidonApril 26,2013
Ellsworth W. Amidon
Ellsworth W. Amidon
SLINGERLANDS, N.Y. Ellsworth Al Walker Amidon, 82, died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at St. Peters Hospital. Born in Hanover, N.H., son of the late Perley and Katherine (Robie) Amidon, he was a graduate of Montpelier High School and Vermont College.
Al was a retired financial adviser for Amidon & Petersen Financials LLC. During the last 32 years of his career, he was a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an organization composed of top insurance/investment advisers in the United States as well as internationally.
He was a member of Loudonville Community Church, the Gideons International, the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Vermont, and a member of Masters Lodge 5, of Albany (N.Y.), since 1951.
Al encouraged his family to be involved in serving others. He was president of the Albany County Chapter of the American Cancer Society in the 1960s, as well as chairman of its fund drive. He was always involved in gathering neighborhood children for special occasions, such as Fourth of July parades and neighborhood clean-up campaigns. He was also very involved in the PTA of Southgate School of Loudonville, serving as its president.
Al was a gifted musician and composer and was able to play music from past decades, recalling the history of each selection. He also enjoyed organic gardening.
He was active in insect-eating migratory bird conservation since 1966 and published many articles on environmental concerns. This was his passion to save the bluebird and swallow population with the hope that with more insect-eating birds, there would be a reduction in the use of pesticides. Al was a charter member of the North American Bluebird Society and on the board of directors of the Capital District Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Since 1988, Als bird house nests have fledged well over 600 bluebirds and tree swallows in areas such as The Crossings of Colonie, Camp Pinnacle, Route 85 trail in Slingerlands, and a bluebird trail at Wolferts Roost Country Club. He also helped start a bluebird/swallow trail at Beverwyck, where he resided.
The family extends their sincere thanks to the nurses and caregivers of St. Peters Hospital.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Sylvia (Thompson) Amidon, and four dearly loved daughters, Laurie (Eric) Teale, of Bedford, N.H., Lynn (John Michael) Del Signore, of Niskayuna, N.Y., Kate (Nathan) Monty, of Charlton, Mass., and Nancy (Robert) Piche, of Albany, N.Y.; a sister, Marion Garrand, of Portland, Maine; a stepson, Scott Rhea, of Knoxville, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings Paul, Richard and Marguerite.
In accordance with his wishes, Als body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Albany Medical Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday, April 29, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013, at 6 p.m. in the Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Pinnacle, 612 Pinnacle Place, Voorheesville, NY 12186; or Loudonville Christian School, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211; or to the charity of ones choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.MORE IN ObituariesBARTON Paul Stuart Denton, 70, former longtime Barre resident, died unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. Full StoryJulia M. Callahan
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Even though he won't be in the room, Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks will very likely be the 900-pound gorilla at Friday's special meeting of the McHenry County Board.
Sure to be on the minds of more than one board member will be whether Franks will again make their lives interesting and fun-filled should they reject an April referendum to make the board chairmanship elected by the voters rather than the 24-member board.
As I wrote in today's paper, a faction of the McHenry County Board has forced a special meeting to get a vote on whether to put a referendum to voters in April. The meeting comes after the Management Services committee on Monday did not move the idea forward, and four days before the ballot deadline.
So what are some of the forces that could be in play during the debate?
• FRANKS FOR THE MEMORIES: As regular readers know, this ongoing kerfuffle about how the board chairman is picked started with Franks, who after unsuccessful attempts to force it through legislation put a referendum of his own on last November's ballot to change to a county executive form of government.
The County Board, for lack of a better word, freaked. Besides individual members actively opposing it during their campaigns, they pondered, but rejected, a competing referendum to give the voters the choice of popularly electing the chairman.
It turns out that it wasn't needed, because voters squashed the executive idea by a 2-to-1 margin. But the referendum resolution the county board rejected will be back on the table tomorrow.
It has to be on the minds of more than one board member that, if they don't move forward on a referendum, Franks would likely keep plugging away at doing the honors for them.
Under state law, it takes only 500 signatures to get the executive referendum on the ballot in a county of McHenry County's size. So County Board members who felt that they really showed Franks a thing or two last November can show him again and again by defeating an executive referendum in 2014, 2016, 2018 ...
Franks insisted during the referendum campaign that his sole goal was empowering voters, and not, as opponents alleged, using the ballot box to fight a personal crusade against former board chairman Ken Koehler.
An altruistic motive would mean that Franks could very likely try again to intercede should the County Board balk.
• FRANKS' OPINION: Franks told me Thursday that he could not believe that the County Board needs a special meeting to do "what the vast majority had promised the voters they were going to do."
"The fact remains that any delay will deny democracy. If they don't do this immediately, the citizens of our county will continue to be disenfranchised. This is really a fundamental issue of whether you believe in democracy and letting voters decide how they are governed or whether you believe in a closed system dominated by and for insiders," Franks said.
• GOOFY LAWS: As we all know, the way that the laws are written in Illinois, Land of Corruption, allow lots of room for wackiness, and the laws covering a popularly-elected chairman are no different.
The law allows for a popularly-elected board chairman to serve a 2-year or 4-year term. Under a 4-year term, which is likely the one that the County Board would pursue, the chairman may or may not be a member of the board.
If the chairman is not a board member, he or she only votes to break ties. State law also allows a board chairman candidate to run as a board member, which if both offices are won, would allow the chairman to vote on all issues just as the seat does now.
"This structure would result in the possibility that the ability for the chair to vote might change from election to election. Thus, the necessity of creating an additional position to account for a chairman who has not been elected as a board member will need to be considered," according to an August memo to the County Board from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.
In short, the board might have to ponder a 25th seat.
The 2-year term rules are even sillier. Under that setup, which no other Illinois county has, the popularly-elected chairman must also be a board member. So what happens if a candidate wins the chairman race but loses his board race? The law doesn't say.
• ELECTION CENTRAL: A reader pointed out to me a few days ago that our election questionnaires from the November election are still on our website.
At least 10 candidates who have since been elected have signaled that they support a popularly-elected chairman, or at least are amenable to the idea of a referendum asking voters what they want. That does not mean the remaining 14 oppose the idea. Some do, while others did not directly state where they stand.
• A HOTBED OF REST: An issue referendum opponents may try to throw into the debate is the pathetically low voter turnout in April elections.
Turnout in the last April election reached an all-time low of 12.5 percent. And as I pointed out at the end of this story, turnout over the past four April elections has averaged 16.3 percent, dropping steadily with every election.
On the flip side, turnout wasn't an issue when board members in November, with little debate, put a referendum on the April ballot at the behest of cash-strapped social service agencies who want to create a new taxing body to help people with developmental disabilities.
• LACK OF FOCUS: More than one Management Services Committee member on Monday suggested that community outreach, focus groups and the like were needed to gauge the community's mood on whether to make the chairmanship popularly elected.
The idea might rear its head again Friday.
But speaking of that "377 Board" referendum we'll be facing in April, I don't remember any County Board member suggesting that they first go out into the community to gauge support for a new taxing body and a new property tax to finance it.
The nobility of the agencies' cause aside, would any focus group or meeting of regular voters have come back in this state's economic climate asking the County Board for a tax increase referendum?
Which, of course, leads us to an argument that we could hear tomorrow from supporters of a chairman referendum: If we can be trusted to decide how we're taxed, why not how we're led?
Senior Writer Kevin Craver can be reached at email@example.com.


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Philadelphia Phillies (53-69) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (72-50)
Cole Hamels (5-13, 3.65 ERA) vs Ricky Nolasco (9-9, 3.62 ERA)
Time: 1:35, Citizens Bank Park
Weather: 84, rain possible
The Phillies have yet to score a run under new manager Ryne Sandberg as the Dodgers have shut them out in consecutive games and won another series to continue their torrid play. The Dodgers have now won 42 of their last 50 games, which has been done just twice since 1900.
Cole Hamels will be pitch for the Phillies looking to continue his recent stretch of quality starts. In his last four starts (31 innings) Hamels has allowed just five earned runs (1.45 ERA) and has gone eight or more innings twice. In that stretch he has lowered his season ERA from 4.16 to 3.65.
Lifetime, Hamels is 3-1 with a miniscule 1.64 ERA against the Dodgers. His last time facing them was in 2012, when he tossed six innings and allowed three earned runs.
Hanley Ramirez, who is having an MVP caliber season, has had the most success against Hamels. In 65 career at bats he is hitting .296 with two homers, six RBI and 10 doubles. Adrian Gonzalez also has two solo homers in 27 at bats against the Phillies' lefty.
After seeing Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw in games one and two, the Phillies will get little relief in the third game of the series when Ricky Nolasco takes the hill for the Dodgers. Since coming over to L.A. from Miami, Nolasco has earned a win in four of his seven starts, and in his last three starts he is 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA.
As a member of the Marlins, Nolasco has seen the Phillies many times with varied success. In 21 starts he is 8-6 with a 3.78 ERA. In three starts this year against the Phillies he is 0-1 and the Marlins lost all three games, but he allowed just seven earned runs in 18 2/3 innings (3.38 ERA).
Chase Utley has seen Nolasco well in 35 career at bats, posting a .293 average, two home runs and a team leading seven RBI, and Domonic Brown has a homer, double, triple and three singles in 15 at bats against him.
Lineup: Martinez SS, Frandsen 1B, Utley 2B, Brown LF, Ruf RF, Asche 3B, Wells CF, Ruiz C, Hamels P
Gameday Beer: Smithwicks Irish Red Ale
Smithwicks has been around forever yet it never gets old. This red ale is one of the most common Irish brews and is perfect if you are in that Irish mood and want something lighter than a Guinness and a bit more than a Harp lager. It might not jump out at you, but you know that you are going to get a consistently solid beer, and a lot of times, that is enough.
27 Comments
It's bad enough that Michael Martinez is on the roster, but it's significantly worse that our new manager, under whom the team has yet to score in two games, has Mini-Mart in the lead-off spot. Unless Sandberg's mandate is to get the best draft pick possible (i.e. lose as much as possible), I don't like what I see of his lineup construction three games into his tenure.
Unfortunately, while it's not exactly relavant, I remember Riccky throwing like a 1 hit complete game, or a perfect through 7, something real good 2-3 years ago in this park. So it's not like he's never had success against the Phils, and in this park, no less.
Let's see if they can make some nopise 4-8 this inning. The 18 scoreless (now 19) is only as big as you make it with who they faced the last 2, but the longer they get shutout today, they probably press more.
Here's a good example of a danger of hitting Minnie 1, but damned if they didn't bunt anyway.
Let's see if it somehow pays off.
Hamels should have batted 8th today and Martinez should have batted 9th. Hamels has hit well lately.
I just can't believe he batted him leadoff. That I really find incredible.
Paging Schmenk.What's the MLB record for scoreless innings for a manager who takes over in mid year?
The announcers (Johnson & Shmoltz) on TBS mentioned "no new manager has ever been shutout in their 1st three games". We about to see MLB history today. Its 2 – 0 and its over.
Every time Mini Mart gets a start, Phillies fans should get 1/9th of their ticket price back.
As soon as I posted my last post Ruf took care of the record. The RUFFER…..
I see the addition of MiniMart as a no holds barred move by Sandberg. He is going with his all power team trying to get a run across.
In other news, Ruf continues to just hit hoe runs, I wonder when they will cut him loose so we can see a real prospect play.
What's your take on Asche?
Ken I'll respond to your question of Asche. And I'll add some thoughts on Ruf. All I can say is to be patient with these guys. Run them out there every day, it's the only way to get any kind of sample as to what kind of players they are. The longer the sample the better to know. It took Brown what 500-600 AB's over a couple of years till something clicked in him? People have to remember there aren't that many players in baseball history who came up and right away started player all star caliber ball. look at Rollins he's the same as he was when he came up! Had to get a Rollins dig in couldn't help myself.
Anyway Ken you get my drift, I don't have to spain it to ya man. Our problem now as fans we got spoiled by winning. I'm willing to be patient and see how they develop. I'll end with this ( FIRE RUBE ASAP) . We can start a wall of shame with him as the first inductee and mini #2 and we have a long history of players who could fill that wall up! As you well know also. lol
I was hoping and praying when he fouled that ball off his ankle that he broke it! Forgive me Lord.
We'll call this a set up inning. If they can get thru Mini's spot, they go 2-3-45 next inning and we'll see if they can at least tie it. Defense permitting, of course.
I am impressed with Ruf and Asche. especially with Asche defense and he looks like a solid hitter. If both impress enough the IF & OF is set for starters next year. However Rollins I see as not a top of order hitter.
I was curious, prompted by your view on Ruf.
I really like Asche/ Didn't expect him up this early, but it's great that he's getting this experience.
Revere will lead off..definitely need a bullpen redo and a bench redo for next year..Michael Young should of been traded by now.
And a first base redo and a catcher redo and starting rotation redo and a shortstop redo and a GM redo…and did I mention a GM redo?
Bob in my eyes Jim Me's days should be numbered period. Galvis can't hit but Rollins is working his way down to Galvis territory. So Bob in my eyes if we're gonna have a SS who can't lead off or doe's mostly nothing this year offensively then it might be in the best interests of the team to play Galvis at short. He showed us what he can do playing 2cd, 3rd, and the OF and he was good at all of them so put him at short as a stopgap till either Quinn, or J.P. Crawford is ready. I think what we're getting from Rollins is what we're gonna get from here on out offensively. And defensively and speed wise even less. Time to move on.
"So Bob in my eyes if we're gonna have a SS who can't lead off or doe's mostly nothing this year offensively…"
Ryne, as I'm sure you know it's unusual for a shortstop to leafoff, and the fact that Rollins has been able to lead off for much of his career, when the Phillies haven't really had anyone who fit better in the leadoff spot than wherever they actually hit, has been gravy.
I agree that if he continues hitting like this year he shouldn't be at the top of the order, although where he hits actually makes little difference in how many runs they score.
We can disagree on many things, but I have to say as a Phillies fan the "Jim Me" comments are uncalled for and kind of embarassing.
They're talking shirts while Utley makes a 400 iq play.
Now, to do do something with it.
Utley just stabds there, gets away with murder letting the ball hit him, MAKES it happen, and Brown follows through, with excellent baserunning.
I ask you, where is the quit?
Regretfully, Cody swung at a simply ideal double play pitch, playing right into Nolasco's hands.
But excellent hustle serves a tying purpose.
Got a shot.
Fortunately, we've seen the last of Minnie. Jimmy should be pinch hitting for Cole, which means at least we'll see a bona fide major league order this inning. Maybe Mayberry bats for Minnie, and then we'll see Ryno's first double switch. And Minnie can't be part of it.
I don't know about Rosenberg coming in. I guess if it's tied, maybe. But should they take the lead, go Madson straight to Lidge. God, this pen is awful
Hanley is an MVP candidate?
Did I read here that Rollins is going to Cooperstown?
Paplebomb is in.
Do the math Ken.
Yeah baby. Mike' the hammer ' Young hits a scintillating 2 hopper to the ss . Inning ending choke job double play right? No way-not the way MY blasts that ball. Hanley can't handle the Young rocket-Philies win!!!!
Asche has shown skill at 3rd base, but do we need a less than .250 hitter who has below average power. CBPark is a hitter's field. We got 5 homeruns last year from Planco and Frandsen at 3rd. Besides other needs, the Phils need a 20-25 homerun 3rd baseman.


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Get unlimited data on Verizon Wireless ymmv
Score +90
Deal DetailsLast Edited by dpham00 December 7, 2011 at 08:36 PM
When i talked to the rep, at first, he was trying to get me to switch to a data plan that had data and mhs. This is not what you want, you want to have the mhs as a feature addon.
ymmv of course on these types of promos.
edit: mhs = mobile hot spot $30/mo addon feature. as said before, you can remove it any time and your unlimited data should remain.
The $30 is for the month, if, say you use it for 15 days, then it will be prorated to $15 and so on.
Edit looks like some are able to do it with 3G phones as well, unlimited data but 2gb mhs.
Community Wiki
- Dial *611 from your Verizon phone, or 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
- Wait for computer CSR to go through the main menu. You will need your Verizon phone # and account PIN or last 4 of SSN.
- Hit option 4.
- When it asks you what you would like to do today say "Add a feature." You will be transferred to a live Verizon Customer Service representative.
- If you have a 3G device (which includes all iPhones): Say you would like to add the $20 2GB 3G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone. When you add this MHS feature, you will be charged $20/month in addition to the $29.99 unlimited data plan.
If you have a 4G device: Say you would like to add the $30 Unlimited 4G Mobile Hotspot FEATURE to your phone. According to http://stopthecap.com/2011/07/12/...r-account/ , they may be able to locate this feature via referencing feature code #76153. When you add this MHS feature, you will be charged $30/month in addition to the $29.99 unlimited data plan.
- After one of the MHS features above are added to your account, you will now have the $29.99 unlimited data plan, which can be verified via the My Verizon app on your device or at http://www.verizonwire
- {OPTIONAL - if you don't want the Mobile Hotspot feature} Log into My Verizon and remove the Mobile Hotspot FEATURE from your account. It is recommended to wait at least a day to remove the feature. The $29.99 unlimited data plan should remain on your account.
- If they say they can't add that feature to your plan, or that you must bundle your data + mobile hotspot service together as a single data plan, tell them thank you, hang up, and repeat the steps above.
EDIT: there are reports that the loophole may be closing and Verizon may revert your plan back to tiered:
However, people are still reporting success. There have not been any official statements from Verizon about closing this loophole, and only one person in the articles above reported being reverted back to a tiered data plan.
1,716 Comments
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You have to buy the new phone through Verizon - call and ask about it to confirm you can still do it
Considered replacing my ISP but 4G in my house is pretty spotty


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Grand Trios for Piano offers a great musical experience for students. The aspects of rhythm, phrasing, articulation and dynamics all become wonderful teaching tools. Students learn to listen to the blending sounds of the three piano parts. Titles include: Clapping Tune; Owls at Midnight; Sailing Open Waters; Bluesy Tuesday; Fiesta for Three Amigos; Victory Day Parade; Blueberry Blues; Carousel; Harvest Time Rag; Irish Circle Dance and more!
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Vegetarian celebs: Stars who pass on meat
Published On: Mar 11 2013 11:21:33 AM CDT Updated On: Feb 20 2013 05:55:02 PM CST
Take a look at some famous vegetarian celebrities.
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Pre-owned equipment, practices for sale, open positions, helpful practice management resources and more!
Click here to view the latest classifieds from Contact Lens Spectrum.
Article Date: 2/1/2010
By Philip B. Morgan, PhD, MCOptom, FAAO, FBCLA; Craig A. Woods, PhD, MCOptom, DipCLP, FAAO; Ioannis G. Tranoudis, DO, MSc, PhD; Magne Helland, BSc, MScOptom, FIACLE; Nathan Efron, PhD, DSc, FBCLA, FCCLSA, FIACLE, FAAO (DipCCLRT); Razmig Knajian, DO, FAAO; Christina N. Grupcheva, MD, PhD, FEBO; Deborah Jones, BSc, FCOptom, DipCLP, FAAO; Kah-Ooi Tan, BOptom (Hons), PhD, MBA; Alice Pesinova, BSc; Ole Ravn; Jacinto Santodomingo, OD(EC), MSc, PhD, MCOptom, FBCLA, FAAO; Edit Vodnyanszky; Nir Erdinest, BOptom, MSc; Hreinn Ingi Hreinsson; Giancarlo Montani, FIACLE; Motozumi Itoi, MD, PhD; Jolanta Bendoriene, MD, PhD; Eef van der Worp, BOptom, PhD, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA; John Hsiao, BA, OD, FIACLE; Geraint Phillips, BSc, OD, MCOptom, DipCLP; José Manuel González-Méijome, OD, PhD, FIACLE; Simona Radu, MD; Vadim Belousov; & Jason J. Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, FAAO
This is the eighth consecutive year that we have presented data from a survey of international contact lens prescribing in Contact Lens Spectrum. In this article we report on an assessment of 25,801 fits across 28 contact lens markets located in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. As in previous years, we opted for a prospective approach to this work. Up to 1,000 survey forms were randomly disseminated in each market to contact lens practitioners (ophthalmologists, optometrists, and/or opticians depending on the market), and information about the first 10 patients prescribed with lenses after receipt of paper or electronic survey forms was anonymously recorded.
Some of our findings have remained very stable over the course of this project. For example, the proportion of contact lenses fitted to female patients remains at two-thirds (Table 1) with a range from 55 percent in Italy and Qatar to 81 percent in Romania. The oldest patient at fitting was a 95-year-old male who was prescribed soft contact lenses to be replaced on a two-week basis. The youngest was a 6-month-old boy who was prescribed extended wear soft lenses. The mean age at fitting was close to 31 years, with a spread from 24.9 years in Jordan to 38.0 years in the United Kingdom (Figure 1). As in previous years, the markets that have been established for a longer period of time (the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) tend to have older patients at fitting compared to the developing markets (Bulgaria, China, Jordan, Russia).
Table 1. Demographic information for the 28 countries surveyed in 2009.
Figure 1. The proportion of contact lens fits to females versus mean wearer age.
Overall, 9 percent of lenses are prescribed to patients for part-time wear (three days per week or less). There is significant variation across markets for this parameter, however. Lenses for part-time use are prescribed to more than 20 percent of patients in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Italy whereas this figure is 2 percent or less in the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Jordan, the Netherlands, and Qatar.
Overall, rigid contact lenses accounted for 8 percent of fits (Table 2). Table 3 shows a detailed analysis for the 10 countries that provided information for 35 or more rigid lens patients. Fourteen percent or more patients received rigid contact lenses in New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and Israel compared to 2 percent or fewer patients who were fitted with rigid lenses in 13 of the markets evaluated. Few rigid lenses (12 percent) had Dk values less than 40 units, with similar levels of mid-Dk (40 to 90 units) and high-Dk (greater than 90 units) lenses.
Table 2. Breakdown of lens fits into six key categories of lenses. See Table 1 for country abbreviations.
Table 3. Detailed information for prescribed rigid lenses only. See Table 1 for country abbreviations. Data presented for countries reporting >35 rigid lens fits. EW=extended wear.
Toric, multifocal/monovision, and orthokeratology lenses accounted for 10 percent, 14 percent, and 7 percent of prescribed rigid lenses, respectively. Orthokeratology lenses accounted for 26 percent of rigid lenses prescribed in Spain. A high majority of rigid lenses prescribed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy were on a planned replacement basis, typically annually.
Soft lenses dominated most markets and accounted for more than 90 percent of new fits in 22 of the 28 markets assessed (Table 4). For the first time, silicone hydrogels were the most widely fitted soft lens materials of the four available categories in this work, accounting for 39 percent of new soft lens fits. In the United States and Kuwait, silicone hydrogel materials were prescribed for more than 70 percent of fits (Figure 2). In contrast, only 6 percent of fits in China were with silicone hydrogels.
Table 4. Detailed information for prescribed soft lenses. See Table 1 for country abbreviations. EW = extended wear.
Figure 2. Silicone hydrogel materials prescribed to daily wear soft contact lens patients.
Low-water content (<40 percent water) hydrogel lens materials account for less than 10 percent of fits with traditional hydrogels worldwide, with mid-water hydrogel lenses making up most of the traditional (non-silicone hydrogel) lenses prescribed.
The nature of lenses fitted to presbyopes can be misleading when looking at the overall market. If considering all patient ages, 6 percent of lenses are multifocal and 2 percent are monovision. However, when considering only patients 45 years old and greater, these values rise to 35 percent and 10 percent, respectively (the cumulative figure reached more than 90 percent in Portugal). While this infers that more than half of those in the presbyopic age range are prescribed 'non-presbyopic' contact lens options, a substantial proportion do receive a multifocal or monovision correction.
Toric lens prescribing once again varies significantly among markets. More than 30 percent of soft lenses prescribed are of toric design in 11 of the markets assessed, including the United States, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic. This lens type is prescribed for less than 10 percent of soft lenses in Bulgaria, Lithuania, Russia, and Taiwan.
The frequency of lens replacement continues to vary greatly among markets. Daily disposable lenses, for example, are prescribed for 4 percent of fits in Bulgaria and for 85 percent of fits in Qatar. North America remains below the global average for the proportion of daily disposables fitted, with these lens types accounting for 10 percent of fits in Canada and 17 percent in the United States. The Nordic markets surveyed (Norway, Denmark, and Iceland) all show a high use of daily disposable lenses. Worldwide, fewer than 10 percent of lenses are prescribed for replacement less frequently than monthly.
Extended wear contact lenses are fitted to less than 10 percent of patients worldwide, although there are notable exceptions with Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, and Norway prescribing this modality in more than 20 percent of contact lens fits. CLS
Data for materials and designs pertain to daily wear new fits only.
Figure 3. The proportion of monovision and multifocal lenses prescribed to patients in the presbyopic age range.
This survey was funded by the sponsors of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Alcon Laboratories (UK) Limited, Abbott Medical Optics (UK) Limited, Ciba Vision (UK) Limited, CooperVision Limited, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Menicon Co. Ltd., and Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Limited. Additional funding and/or assistance was provided for the following: United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Hungary, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Romania, South Africa - Johnson & Johnson Vision Care; Australia - Optometrists Association Australia; Norway – the Norwegian Association of Optometry; Netherlands – Bausch & Lomb Benelux; Spain – Spanish College of Optic-Optometrists. We thank Valentina Capuano for help with the Italian data.
Contact Lens Spectrum, Issue: February 2010
Contact Lens Spectrum is the most respected source of clinical contact lens information for optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists. Each month, it offers timely editorial on fitting, overcoming complications, utilizing new technologies, gaining patient compliance and more — written by contact lens practitioners for contact lens practitioners. In addition, Spectrum shares valuable information via a weekly e-newsletter, Contact Lenses Today.
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This booklet addresses the special challenges for very large people who are physically active and provides tips and ideas to become more active and healthier—no matter what your size.
Weight-Control Information Network (WIN)
This guide will help you fit physical activity into your life—your way. Decide the number of days you'll exercise, the types of activities you'll do, and the times that fit your schedule.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
This tip sheet helps African Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less to lower their risk for diabetes.
National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)
This resource provides tools for behavior change and information on how to create new healthy habits as well as a network to connect and share with other concerned families.
Diabetes Families
This booklet provides tips and ideas to improve your eating plan and become more physically active before, during, and after your pregnancy.
Weight-Control Information Network (WIN)
This DVD, designed for older adults, features strength, balance, and flexibility exercises that can be done at home, at work, or at the gym.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
This guide shows you how to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily life, with encouraging tips and suggested goals for getting started.
Diabetes Australia
This tip sheet helps Hispanics/Latinos at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less to reduce their risk. En español
National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)
This comprehensive kit includes reproducible patient education handouts on 29 topics related to cardiometabolic risk reduction, prediabetes, diabetes, and CVD. En español
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
This televised chair exercise program was developed by a team of medical and fitness professionals to improve the health and wellness of older adults, physically limited individuals, and those managing chronic conditions and chronic pain.
Sit and Be Fit
This online resource provides individuals with personalized nutrition and physical activity plans, a method for tracking foods and physical activities, and support to make healthier choices and stay on track.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
This video uses a case study to show healthy activities and habits that can be useful in the workplace. It addresses common pitfalls at work, like unhealthy snacking or eating fast food, and how combat them.
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Only four more and I run the store
I try to live my life on an even keel. I shy away from extreme highs or lows. I prefer a middle of the road type of existance.
I breeze through life not trying to upset any more people than I make happy.
My point is this: Things are good with me right now, really good. This blog "The Rockpile Rant", came in at number five. For months now I have managed to stay in the top ten. Thank you regular readers, Rockies fans and other bloggers.
I can't explain it. I love the fact that a simple, mildly opinionated, good looking guy like me can rival some of the best bloggers out there.
I put a lot of work into my blog, (because I'm NOT a writer). If I was a writer this stuff would come a lot easier to me.
This is what I am,…I'm a reality blogger with a passion for baseball. With your help I've carved a niche here at MLBlogs that I plan to keep strong hold of.
I'll keep reading yours, you keep reading mine. Together we'll all get smarter.
I'm friendly competitive sort of guy, but competitive nonetheless. I'm sure you've gathered that by now.
There are numerous ways to plug your blog and get page hits. Mark Newman has his J-Blog School up and running which is a wonderful thing..
HOWEVER, you can be the best writer in the world, but how will anyone know it if they don't get to witness your amazing writing skills?
Once the Rant hits number one and decends, I'll give a class on "How to drive traffic to your blog."
My ideas will be fresh and not a repeat of the same thing…because I'm cool like that.
Have I mentioned that I will have constantly updated material each day when the MBU is in Tucson?
That means that everytime you check-in with the Rant there will be something new there to see and read..all of it,… free to you.
I'll be keeping you juiced up with a big fat syringe of steady pictures and storyline. I hope you'll visit
the Rant often during my ten days down there.
I'm glad the Rockies avoided an arbitration hearing and locked in Garrett Atkins for another year. Congrats Garrett on snagging 7.05 million.
Just don't forget to keep those RBI's flowing.
It looks like the Rockies have added another outfielder to the mile high mix.
Say goodbye to Cory Wimberly (a Minor League infielder) and say hello to Matt Murton.
The Rockies acquired Matt from the Oakland A's, before the A's he was a Cub
Now we've got a whole bunch of outfielders and only three positions. Spring training is going to be everything I expect and then some.
Battle it out dudes,… that's what it's all about.
The Rockies Major League roster is now full. Let the games begin y'all…D
18 Comments
I once heard a caller on a talk radio station boast about Matt Murton. This was when he was in the Cape Cod league. Based on that guy alone, I've always expected great things from Murton. I finally thought to check his stats from the Cape League. Turns out he was on the Wareham team, in 2001 and 2002. Check out the 2001 stats. Not bad. Good luck to him in Colorado.
Dude!! Holy freakin' #5 on the list!! That's pretty sweet…keep up the good work.
Shower, coffee and the Rockpile Ranter-what "Happy" mornings are made of!!
Congrats D– I look forward to following you and the adventures of the MBU!
Wow, #5? Congrats, D! You'll be numero uno in no time!
look, I made a blog! if you get a chance, check it out!
Hey D,
I'm starting to get excited about Spring Training now that it's getting closer. Soooooo looking forward to your blogs covering it. While you're there have a cold one for me.
Numba 5!!!!! I didn't even look to see where any other blogs were ranked when I saw the new rankings were up, I only looked for this blog.
9 days!
JERE80-Thanks on the background on Murton. I don't know much about this guy.
HAPPY-Brotha..I know your as ready as I am to write some snaggin blogs. I appreciate what you said my friend.
JULIA-You rock girl, I'm proud of you…Way to stick it to the leaders. I'm still laughing.
ROCKIEGIRL-What,… another Rockies blog? You bet I'll check it out. Welcome to the Rant…
R-LUV-What do you mean just one? Thanks buddy.
ELLIE-Awww, thanks. I love countdowns too…D
D! Rocking the #5 spot! Glad to see you're moving up! It's very well deserved. I too am glad that the Rocks settled with Atkins. I'm a little worried about next season, but hey, I have the whole season to worry about that.
We will have to rename it R-blog school when you hold a class.
The best times of your life is when the flow is so easy and straight like it is for you right now. Just stay with it, relax and sway to it's meandering ways and you will be fine for a long, long time.
Best thing about rough patches in life, they end. Best thing about February, the mobile blog unit is getting tune-up and the man will be heading down the road blaring the tunes and blogging like a madman……..writers do not get to have that kind of fun.
Rays Renegade
Congrats on #5. You don't have to be a great writer to be a great blogger.
EMILY-Thank you, the best thing about Atkins is you don't have to worry when he's playing the infield, he rarely makes mistakes.
RAYSREN-Your right, headlines not deadlines with the MBU. I'll save you a spot next year…D
HB/BEN-True dat brotha, but I don't want to be known as someone who writes bad either?
What up Crew? Just to let you all know I won't have a blog entry up until Friday afternoon. I'm heading up to the cabin this afternoon because my wife has already started the transition and once she's in that mode you can't stop her.
Anyways..as much as I'd love to have you check back ten times in the next 24 hrs so I could rack up your page hits…I'll save you the wasted time because I'm cool like that. If your really missing baseball you could go back and read my entries from July or August or September, that's when I started to get my groove and nobody was commenting. I was still ranking pretty good in the Latest leaders back then, but readers were afraid to comment. My favorite blogs are my snaggin blogs..Anyways, lots to read if your bored, if not I'll be back in your face tomorrow…Stay real, only you can be you…D
I didn't mean it like that. You are a good writer. You may not write like you have a thesaurus for a brain, or use perfect sentence structure, but who cares. You write with passion, that is what counts. I would rather read something that was written with passion than something watered down with fancy adjectives and perfect sentence structure. I think the rest of the MLBlog community agrees with me, which is why you are #5. Just to add to it the comment thing on my new blog is fixed. Thanks for reading.
Congrats on #5! Your blog is always an interesting read…I'll be sure to stop by more often!
Hey, D …
"Congratulations" on your #5 ranking on the new "Leader's List", as you continue your move to the "top" of the list !!! … I like your description [in your above post] of your style of blogging, "A reality blogger with a passion for baseball" !!! … An "excellent" description of all the great work you do here on your blog !!! … It's a pleasure to read your many great posts, comments, and thoughts here on your blog; and, best wishes and good luck on your move to your new home … It looks like you are moving to a very peaceful area !!! … Jimmy [27NYY] … http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
JEFF-You freggin city hippie🙂
KAYBEE-Thanks..I'll do the same.
JIMMY-Thanks brotha, you also have the passion. You always have kind words to say here and I enjoy reading your thoughtful comments…D
nice the rockies got murton i think hes a great player
JUNIOR13-I hope so, we need a sleeper or two on this team..Welcome to the Rant…D