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Results tagged ' Jordan Walden '
Freeway Series Finale, What a Game It Very Nearly Was + My Thoughts on Umpire Calls
It was a glorious game, Sunday's Freeway Series meeting between the Angels and the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Jered Weaver vs. Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers' pregame show announcers joked that, with those two greats on the mound, it was a bad day to be a batter. And they knew what they were talking about. Both Weaver and Kershaw had a shutout going until the 7th inning.
Every now and then one would allow a runner on base, occasionally two. But it never got any farther than that. For six innings. Say all you want about lack of run support, and if you've been reading this blog, you know I've said plenty, but this was not a case of the batters not getting it done at the plate. This was a case of two aces baffling each other's lineups with a good, old fashioned pitchers' duel and it was fantastic. Beautiful. Frustrating. Nail biting. Cheering. Stomping. Yelling. Faan-tastic. The kind of game where I had to tip my hat to Kershaw as much as I was tipping it to Weaver. And I wished that Seth and I had bought last minutes tickets and gone running off to Chavez Ravine instead of responsibly watching the game at home for free, just so I could be there in person to soak in every nuance.
Even after both lineups finally briefly broke through the gems to knock in a run a piece in the 7th and the Angels ended the duel by pinch hitting for Weaver in the 8th, it was a great game. It was a great game, that is, right up until the call when Dee Gordon stole second. That's right I said second. Long before the play at the plate that everyone is talking about, Gordon touched second base, overslid the bag, Erick Aybar clearly blocked him from returning and applied a tag. But Gordon was called safe. He shouldn't even have been in a position to head home on the later sacrifice fly. But he was. And he did. Because that's how you play the game. And then, he was out again at the plate.
I have watched the replay more than 20 times on my DVR. Peter Bourjos' throw could not have been more perfect. Jeff Mathis blocked the plate, wrestled Gordon practically into a bear hug, sweeping arms and legs away from the plate before Gordon could get so much as a finger in, and brushed Gordon's back with the glove holding the ball. Mathis then triumphantly held up the ball for the umpire to see, allowing Gordon to break free finally and slap the plate. Three outs. Ball game. Angels win, right? Except not…now I'm not saying the umpire outright lost the game for us. At that point the Angels needed to buck up, get the third out (for the third time) and force the Dodgers into extra innings. And they didn't do that. But the double bad calls really killed the greatness of this particular game. Who knows how it would have really ended if Gordon had been called out at second? Would Jordan Walden have continued his recovery or would the Dodgers have continued their rally? I don't know. But whatever the outcome, I would have preferred that game to the one we all got. And considering the amazing pitchers' duel and the quality of the first eight and a half innings, that is a very sad thing to have to say.
It's baseball. Bad calls happen. They happen all the time. In huge egregious ways, like Armando Galarraga's perfect game that wasn't and any number of post season heartbreakers I could site. And in hundreds of smaller ways every week that may only matter to a particular batter or position player. By the end of the season, the bad calls usually even out. Heck, the Angels owe one of their wins against the Blue Jays in this season's first home series to a truly terrible runner's interference call that made the Blue Jays' go ahead run null and void.
So where exactly am I going with this? In all honesty, I don't know. I don't want the game to change. I don't want every umpire's call second guessed and argued…on the field that is. We fans should continue to exercise our traditional right to beat every dead horse of a call into dust if it pleases us to do so. I don't want to lose the pacing of the game or the spontaneity. I don't want a cookie cutter feel to a trip to the ballpark. I don't want umpires turning to computers to make every call, or even many calls. I don't want baseball teams developing strategies around how to use a set number of umpire challenges in ways that go well beyond the goal of simply redressing a wrong. I don't like the idea of increased instant replay eroding decision making.
So what do I actually want? I wanted this particular great game and so many others to remain great games. Angels win or lose, I wanted this game to proceed to its natural conclusion. And, yet, I realize that just saying I want umpires to make better calls is childish. They are only human, they have always been human, and rather than showing any increase in umpire errors, I believe that advancements in camera and television technology allow us even more opportunities to "appreciate" just how human and fallible they have always been. So, do I want MLB to increase the use of instant replay in regular season games? I don't want to want it. And I don't want it…yet. But year by year each game changing bad call chips away at the steadfastness of my resolve a little more…
And now I am off the ballgame again. Angels vs. the Nationals. I'm sure I'll post pictures later this week. The way things worked out between the games Seth and I always try to get tickets for (the freeway Series at both stadiums, 4th of July…), games we just sort of wound up with tickets for (this evening), and our upcoming Bay Area Baseball Extravaganza, our end of June and first half of July is practically an embarrassment of baseball game riches…and yet I wonder how many of them, indeed if any of them, will be as good as this game almost was.
The Angels Return to Sunny SoCal for Two More Wins + I Return to Dodger Stadium
The Angels returned home, in order to play three more away games up the 5 freeway against former stadium mates the Los Angeles Dodgers. So far the Angels have taken two of two and will try for the sweep with Jered Weaver on the mound on Sunday. We got tickets to Saturday's game and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at Dodger Stadium.
First, a brief re-cap of Friday. Friday's game was an extremely odd affair with the Angels managing to win 8 to 3 despite six base running errors and a number of odd plays, including a questionable pick-off attempt by Jeff Mathis. Here Bullpen Coach Steve Soliz works with Mathis before Saturday's game. Perhaps they are working on remedial throws in case Mathis is called in and needs to throw a runner out at second. Second, Jeff, second, not first. He may live that down by next season…or he may not. Though in all fairness the man had two stellar take downs at the plate on Friday too, which more than evens things out in Mathis' favor for the game in my opinion:
Dan Haren shown in the Angels Dugout during the Saturday game. There were plenty of heroes to balance out the odd plays on Friday. Dan Haren (or the scruffy looking nerf herder as my husband calls Haren because my reaction the first time he said it was, apparently, priceless), for example, pitched a good game and went one for two at the plate with one RBI and a pretty sacrifice bunt that moved Mathis in position to score off Maicer's hit:
Saturday's tickets were my hairdresser's season seats. Her family has had these seats almost as long as the stadium has been in existence and she is gracious enough to share them with friends and clients from time to time…even Angels fan clients. Truly, they were excellent seats and we took advantage of the view to take some photos. Given my Dodger fan-family origins, I can't help but feel waves and waves of nostalgia just walking into Dodger stadium. Memories of games we attended, places we sat and goofy things my sister and I said or did cling to the darndest nooks and crannies of the stadium. And can I just tell you how wierd it feels to walk through the stadium in opposing team colors. Still?!:
Tyler Chatwood pitched a great game. He got into a few problems but was able to work his wait out of them, holding the Dodgers to one run over seven innings. Sadly Chatwood walked that one run in after loading up the bases, but that was in the 5th inning and he recovered sufficiently to pitch two additional scoreless innings:
One of the biggest things Chatwood was able to do with his pitches today was to keep the Dodgers dynamic one, two punch of Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp off the bases. Chatwood helped keep Ethier 0 for 4 and Kemp 0 for 2. (Kemp was ejected from the game in the 5th inning):
Chatwood takes a leadoff at first. But was "Big Bat" Chatwood content to confine his daring deeds to the mound? Of course not, this is interleague where, as our announcers are fond of saying, pitchers prove they are athletes too. With two outs, Chatwood hit a solid single into centerfield, temporarily maintaining his 1.000 batting average from the series against the Mets. Yes, this is somewhat tongue in cheek, but I am very American League and it tickles me to see our pitchers at the plate:
Erick Aybar at bat in the 3rd. Chatwood's single allowed him to score off of Aybar's two-out third-inning triple:
Mark Trumbo takes a pitch before knocking the next one into the Dodgers' bullpen. Trumbo had a busy, fruitful day defensively at first and hit a two-out homerun in the 4th inning, his 13th of this, his rookie season:
Pitching Coach Mike Butcher calls a meeting on the mound. Chatwood got himself into a spot of in the 5th, allowing two singles, then walking the bases loaded:
Casey Blake takes a pitch. Immediately following the meeting on the mound, Chatwood walked in a run before facing pinch hitter Casey Blake. With brilliant catch from Howie Kendrick at second, Blake lined to double pay:
Bobby Abreu at bat. Bobby and Howie walked in the 8th to set the table for Vernon Wells. Bobby was in right field today, which I prefer to left for him. He did a decent job, with one good catch and one missed catch that Torii would have made. I can't wait for Torii to be back in the lineup!
Vernon Wells crosses the plate after hitting a two-out, three-run homerun. Wells bat continues to heat up and I could not be more pleased to see it. This was his 8th homerun of the season:
Don Mattingly calls a Dodgers meeting on the mound. Following Wells' homerun, Guerrier is pulled and the Dodgers move deeper into their bullpen.
Overall the Angels Bullpen was fantastic! Scott Downs locked them down in the 8th and Trevor Bell held them in the 9th:
Jordan Walden warms up in the Dodgers visitor's bullpen. After getting Ethier to ground out, Trevor Bell allowed a single and walked a batter. Even though it all turned out just fine – he got the next two out for and Angels victory – it was comforting to look across the diamond into the Dodger's wonderfully old school visitor's bullpen and see Jordan Walden warming up…you know, just in case. Right?
New York, New York, a Helluva Town, the Angels Were Up, Then the Angels Were Down
Friday, the Angels reached stop number two on the Four Corners Road Trip and returned to Interleague play with a bang. Joel Pinero notched his 100th career win as the Angels bested the Mets in a tight four to three victory. Both teams played well and the outcome was a question mark right up to the last pitch. The Angels bats were out in full force and clutch with men in scoring position. Torii Hunter, Maicer Izturis and Howie Kendrick all had a multiple hit game. Mark Trumbo, Peter Bourjos and Vernon Wells also contributed to the hit parade. Most importantly, every time the Mets scored, the Angels were able to score in response. That hasn't exactly been a given this season, a big part of the reason we're still below .500.
The defense was pretty good as well. Another highlight reel Bourjos catch up against the wall in center. A couple of great plays at first. We have got to work on keeping the other guys from stealing though, even though players like Jose Reyes are smart, fast and dangerous on the base paths. Fortunately, Pinero had a good start and kept the sinker ball down and the Bullpen did their thing with only minimal hiccoughs. Jordan Walden had us all on pins and needles when he walked the first two batters, but then he let the ice water back into his veins and struck out the next three in a row to earn the 16th save of his rookie season.
So what happened Saturday? Well, let's just say there are a lot of very satisfied goats walking around the Bronx right now. (Note to self, "if my husband laughs" is probably not the best barometer there is for appropriate.😉 ) Without the benefit of the DH option, in order to get Bobby Abreu back into the lineup (good idea), we put our weakest outfield configuration on the field (bad idea). Abreu, Wells and Hunter all alone in that giant Citi Field outfield without Bourjos' speed? Very bad idea.
Then, Russell Branyan replaced Mark Trumbo at first in the starting lineup for reasons unbeknownst to me – can't we declare Branyan a cheap, failed experiment already? – and Erick Aybar proceeded to have one of those, fortunately rare, games when you wonder where his head is at and what joker oiled his glove with Vaseline. The official record shows only one error, but I watched every play and the Mets scorekeepers were extremely generous in this regard. Dan Haren had a bad night and the umpire's strike zone was doing him no favors. And with few exceptions, the team could not hit – Mark Trumbo, a late innings replacement going two for two with one deep homerun to right center, was our only highlight.
"Which is more important, a strong offense or a strong defense?" is one of those questions whose answer varies with every team and every season. For the Angels this season, the offense doesn't seem to be in a position to weigh in on that argument no matter what tweaks Scioscia might make to the lineup. In this situation, every single run is a big deal. Ours and theirs. If we aren't going to give the pitchers run support then we absolutely have to put the best possible defense out on the field every day. No more Branyan at first and leaving speed out of the outfield…oh, and when Aybar is having one of those games? Pull him. So, on to the rubber match, where I hope to see a lineup that reflects our best defense, and then on to Miami:
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Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful dads out there, and especially to mine!
Daddy, softball coach, friend, confidant, giver of hugs, encourager of dreams and occasional shoulder to cry on, like most fathers, mine has worn many, many hats, and all of them much better than he will ever know. My father gave me my head for trivia, my irreverent sense of humor, my stubborn streak, my love of music, John Steinbeck and Mark Twain, my blue eyes and freckles and so much more. He taught me the value of working hard, the power of a good laugh and if the ball falls into your glove, never look surprised. And my love for the game? Well, as with so many things that are wonderful, I owe that to both my father and my mother. Thank you does not even begin to cover it, but it will have to do.
What Did Cinderella Do When She Got to the Ball? …Angels Swept by the Rays
Which is the most heartbreaking, the win you were never going to get from inning one, the win you almost had all game long, or the near comeback you give right back to the opposing team? Okay, so they're all pretty bad. And I don't know what a player might say. But, for my money, Wednesday's choked comeback felt pretty terrible. Leaving the game with a throat sore from cheering, yet choked up with loss and disappointment? Granted, any night at the ballpark is a good night but…well…it took me until this evening to post about it. Enough said.
B.J. Upton caught stealing. Howie Kendrick looks pleased in the aftermath and Upton prepares to dust himself off and head for the dugout. Fielding was hit and miss this evening, but there were a few serious highlights. For example, Jered Weaver picking off B.J. Upton at 2nd. Weaver is a 6′ 7″ cross body pitcher. His pickoff move is, understandably, okay but not phenomenal. But every now and then, You're out!
Vernon Wells dives back to first. Wells was 0-3 with this one walk to get on base. My until now infinite patience is wearing pretty thin at this point and continues only because he just got back from the DL. I won't boo the man, because I don't boo my own team. Can't do it. But come on Vernon. Have you ever hit this badly in your life? Figure it out and get it done.
Peter Bourjos bunts his way on. Bourjos, on the other hand, had a great game. Fleet Pete was 2 for 4 at the plate, including this sacrifice bunt turned hit and had two highlight reel catches in center.
The Angels bullpen. Hisanori Takahashi, Fernando Rodney and Jordan Walden hang out with the bullpen catcher and other staff early in the game.
The Rays Bullpen. Hey, equal time and all that. Besides, I was hoping to catch them at some of their famously funny shenanigans but, apparently, they are on their best, or at least, their least prank-ish behavior in visitor's dugouts.
Angels meeting on the mound. Jered Weaver asks, So, if I hold them for another inning or two do you think you guys can actually score me some runs? I'm totally kidding, of course. From everything I've heard, I can't imagine him copping an attitude like that, but it's certainly what I, as a fan, was wondering. This was not Weaver's best outing. Three of the four earned runs were his. But, given a present offense, he did pitch well enough to win.
Scott Downs warms up in the bullpen. Scott Downs had another solid outing, coming in to strike out Matt Joyce in the 8th and end the inning. In fact, I wish we'd brought him back in the 9th as I shall explain in a moment.
Howie Kendrick and Mark Trumbo chat during the pitching change. As usual, I can't help putting my own spin on what they might be saying. Hey, Trumbo. See that second base there behind me? We've got to figure out a way to get our guys past that.
Alberto Callaspo and Maicer Izturis also chat during the pitching change. "Now you see Alberto, when the ball is coming at you, you're supposed to try and keep it from going into the outfield." "Keep talking Izzy. What exactly was that you did at short in the 2nd?" As previously mentioned, our fielding left something to be desired this game. Though both are Izturis and Callaspo are usually more than dependable, neither had a very good game defensively.
Joe Maddon says good game and takes the ball from James Shields. Seriously, I can say it. Hats off to Shields. He pitched a hell of a game and was certainly a factor in our offensive woes.
Bobby Abreu hits a bases clearing double. Maicer started the 8th inning rally. Torii Hunter, batting in the 2 spot for the first time this season, continued it. Callaspo walked to load the bases. And then, Bobby Abreu, batting clean-up, became the Angels sole offensive highlight of game. With one ringing double, he cleared the bases and tied the game 3 to 3.
Closer Jordan Walden takes the mound. Hey, I finally managed to catch him mid-pitch without his arm blurred – no mean feat, really. Walden also pitched well. But, once Bobby tied up the game, I wish we'd brought Downs back out in the 9th and saved Walden for the 10th or brought Walden back out in the 10th because the minute I saw Fernando Rodney striding out to the mound in the 10th, I has a Star Wars worthy bad feeling about this…
…Why, why, why did we turn the game over to Rodney in the 10th? Because he's been really clutch for us in crucial situations this season? Because he rarely walks batters and if he does start walking them he never, ever gets rattled by it? Because he's still our #1 closer? Because he's so…no…can't type…any…more…must stop…laughing…hysterical laughter… Okay. I'm better now. You all saw the "highlight" reels, I'm sure. You know what happened in the 10th. Did Rodney lose the game all by himself? Of course not. Our offense bears at least half of the blame. We hit the ball but failed to score until the 8th inning. Even with runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs in the 2nd. Even with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs in the 5th.
Besides, I blame the guy who decided to put Rodney in more than Rodney. Rodney just did what he's been doing more often than not all year. The guy who decided to put him in on the other hand…anyway. Suffice to say, by the time it was over I sympathized with the over-tired toddlers who were sobbing on their way out of the stadium. I'm pretty far from giving up still but, seriously, tantrums are wasted on the young.
Jered Weaver Collects His 7th Win + I'm in a Paso Robles State of Mind
I am very careful in my work and take pride in not making many mistakes. But when I do make them, they tend to all occur at once. A mini slump, if you will. Today was one of those days. Mistake 1 begat Mistake 2 and it's more public sister, Mistake 3. I owned up to them and put out the resulting fires. But it's good that we're driving to Paso Robles for the weekend as I typed this because, honestly, somtimes to get out of the head space that causes a cycle of mistakes to perpetuate like that, you just have to get out of town…
…Or come home again! The Angels broke up their own cycle of mistakes this evening with a much needed win over the Yankees, a win made all the more important by the fact that it was finally win #7 for Jered Weaver. So, was it a brilliant, awe-inspiring performance? Did the Angels, resplendent in their earliest years throwback jerseys complete with the original interlocking LA ball cap, strike fear into the hearts of the Yankees with their dominance at the plate? Um, no. Not really.
It was a lot of the same actually. The team hit well, especially Mark Trumbo and Peter Bourjos, but continued to struggle with runners in scoring position. The fielding was tight but neither Weaver nor the Yankee's Ivan Nova had a great start, though Weaver settled into his groove by the third inning, giving the team five additional strong innings and eight strikeouts. So, not an amazing performance, but the Angels battled through, held the Yankees to two runs for five innings and stubborned out a victory!
Besides, a W is a W and I could not have been more thrilled by the victory – for the team, for Weaver and for Angels fans. In fact, we were just outside of Santa Barbara when the Angels won the game and when my husband read me the last pitch – using the pitch by pitch on Gameday, because our ability to pick up the broadcast cacked it in Ventura – I let out such a loud whoop that we both started cracking jokes about the perils of loud cheering in the friendly confines of a Pontiac G6. So what do you say we do it again tomorrow? Sadly, Dan Haren will miss the first scheduled start of his career but we have Ervin Santana on the mound and that's nothing to sneeze at. Hmmm…time to start a cycle of winning? Yes, please.
On another note, this amused the heck out of me, so I figured I'd share. I believe I have mentioned before that the majority of my friends are not baseball people? The following statement from our weekly Wednesday gathering at the pub, illustrates this fact better than I ever could. The "lights out" Giants/Cardinals game was on the TV over the bar, Brian Wilson strides out to the mound in all of his Brian Wilson-y glory and my friend asks with a tone of shocked disdain, "Who the hell is that and why is he wearing a fake beard?" A quick glance around the table shows that she was not alone in her question.
Really? Just in case we needed another definition: Baseball people may or may not fear the beard, but they are at least aware of it.
Angels Never Say Die; What the Royals Say Is Probably Not Printable
Mark Trumbo hit a homerun into the top tier of the K's waterfall. Following almost immediately on his heels, Peter Bourjos hit a homerun. Torii Hunter smacked two homeruns into the stands and went three for five! Bobby Abreu hit two doubles (he went four for five!) and Hank Conger hit one. Alberto Callaspo was a clutch singles machine and Russel Branyan contributed as well for a total of 15 Angels hits. Hel-lo offense! Of course, after Ervin Santana gave up two homeruns in the first inning and six runs in the first two innings, the Angels needed every single ounce of that offensive effort to pull off today's 10 to 8 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Even though Santana had a bad start, I can't say enough good things about today's come from behind victory. The team really pulled together with today's areas of strength working overtime to pick up the slack from today's areas of weakness. Santana was able to focus and pull himself together after the initial beating from the Royals offense and give the team four good, scoreless innings after that. Rich Thompson had an uncharacteristically shaky outing but Kevin Jepsen was able to come in strong and set the Royals down with more heat than we've seen from him in a while. Fernando Rodney gave us a few heart palpitations with his pitch counts but still went one, two, three to finish the game, Jordan Walden having thrown too many pitches Sunday to close. And behind it all was the fielding and offense picking everyone up where they needed it.
I'm sure some folks are going to focus on the things the Angels did wrong today, and there is a fair bit to focus on there. But I would rather focus on everything they did right and the fact that together, as a team, they did not give up for one second. Every time the Royals added more runs to the scoreboard – and they were hot, hot, hot, playing excellent baseball for most of the day – the Angels rallied and pressed even harder to catch up. Well done and light that baby up!
Tales from the DL
Is it just me or does nearly every team have way too many DL woes this season? I know we do. But from all reports Howie Kendrick should return from the DL for this weekend's homestand against the Yankees, which can only mean good things for the offense, not to mention our current Franken-arrangements in the infield and outfield. Vernon Wells is tentatively scheduled to return the following homestand. I am glad because the Franken-arrangements can only last for so long before we have tired ballplayers and no good options to spell them, that and I think he was starting to turn the page at the plate.
Scott Kazmir, on the other hand, continues getting beaten to a bloody pulp by the opposing teams' offense in his AAA rehab assignment. His AAA E.R.A. is 36.00 and that's with lasting roughly only three innings per outing. I was rooting for him to get better. But I thought that ship might have sailed after his first two starts back in April. Now, sadly, I am sure of it.
Angels take 2 out of 3 in Minnesota + Memorial Weekend Highlights
A spectacular, improbable come from behind win. A heartbreaking extra innings loss following a brilliant pitching performance by Jered Weaver. Dan Haren's luck finally changed as the offense rallied to his support early and often. What a weekend! And that's just the baseball part. So, what was the best part of my weekend?
Peter Bourjos' amazing catches? Whether we're talking about the catch on Friday or any of the others this weekend, Bourjos was a human highlight reel. And he wasn't too shabby at the plate either. (I'm ignoring the hot potato incident with Torii Hunter in right field as a one-time only thing, unless proven wrong.)
The fact that the offense came out to play in two out of three games? Erick Aybar, Torii Hunter, Alberto Callaspo, Bobby Abreu and Mark Trumbo, I applaud you! Now, how about the offense coming out to play for three out of three games in Kansas City? The Angels need to redeem themselves in KC this week.
The exciting come from behind win on Friday night? By the way, arent the Twins supposed to be a last place team? Because they sure weren't playing like it this weekend. They were a very good team this weekend. The Angels seem to bring that out in other teams. Um…thanks??
Jered Weaver's nine lights out, two-hit, shutout innings? All that and no W? Very sad and very frustrating for Weaver, I'm sure. But that doesn't make the feat any less fantastic.
The game night (of the board and card variety) we hosted on Saturday? That's right, we decided to be social at the expense of some of the ballgame. Me, a few of my favorite smart asses in the whole wide world, a moderately epic quantity of wine, good food and games, games and more games until the wee hours of the morning. It was just what the doctor ordered for some much need stress relief.
Kicking some strategy game ass on Saturday? Yes gentlemen, I may have consumed more wine than you but don't think that means I will wale on you any less. *evil laugh*
Turning the TV off on Saturday, because we had non-baseball friends over, when Jered Weaver was mid-gem, before the traumatically disappointing end? In hindsight at least, this is a good thing.
Dan Haren finally getting a much deserved 5th win? It's funny. Haren has joked in interviews that after losing a few games where he pitched lights out, his next win would probably be a less than stellar performance with full run support…and that is exactly what happened. I don't care, Haren's a little off is better than a lot of pitchers on and the man was due.
Mark Trumbo's homerun into the upper deck? And this was on an inside pitch where he couldn't extend his arms!
The Bullpen? Well, on Friday and Sunday at least. Yes, Walden let things get a little more exciting than necessary Sunday but he pulled it off. They all did. They came to the mound for their inning or part of an inning and got it done.
Hitting the bike trail with my husband after the ballgame on Sunday? It was only a 6 and a half mile ride in and around Santa Fe Dam. I might even have said pathetic once. But it's been two years since I was last able to ride my bike and bike riding was pretty high up on the list of things my knee might never quite be up to again, so I'm going to go with Bravo! …and thank you reformer Pilates.
The weekend's not over yet because we both have Monday off, the game starts at 1:30 and there is still the possibility of many of these things happening all over again?
Yeah, these are all great things, but I'm going to go with that last one!
Wrapping up the A's Series with a Photo Finish
I suppose I should add an addendum to my Support Your Starting Pitchers plea from the other day. Run support that doesn't materialize until the 9th inning a) typically does not qualify as supporting your starting pitcher, though I do applaud giving plenty of love to the bullpen too and, b) only really counts if you can actually pull off the win at that point. Scoring early and often is the better way to go – it supports the whole pitching staff equally. I know, I know. If only it were that easy!
So, Thursday. Ugh. What to say? Brett Anderson was on. The Angels' bats were off. Joel Pineiro didn't have his greatest start. And the A's bats were on. It wasn't a terrible game, but it was hardly a recipe for a win. And so we split the series with the A's, Texas and Seattle did similar things with the ends of their week and less than two games separated the last place team from the first place team in the division heading into Friday's games. And that's just the way it is in the Wild, Wild AL West this season – a little frustrating and very, very exciting! Praise the Angels and pass the defibrillator.
And because I didn't like Thursday's game and I'm not liking this evening's game much at all so far – which we are watching on delay so Seth can see every pitch too per the Friday Night Ritual – Let's take a step back to Wednesday's game. I was there. It rocked! Games like Thursday where things are okay but just not quite good enough are going to happen a fair number of times in a season. Here's hoping that the Angels can play more like they did on Wednesday for the rest of this road trip!
So, Wednesday Ervin Santana was his controlled, nasty best – six strike outs and only one earned run (with six hits and two walks so many thanks to the Angels stellar defense too!)…
…Which means that a lot of A's batters looked like Daric Barton here, looking back almost confused as the umpire prepares to call a strike:
…Here Josh Willingham finds himself in similar straights:
Of course, Willingham did walk that at-bat and then successfully stole second base, but it was a close play – short stop Erick Aybar waits for Hank Conger's throwdown:
Our seats were front row of the upper deck again but only a section behind 1st base this time, so I could see into the Angels dugout which was fun for a change. I didn't take too many pictures of that. I prefer to watch the game, but I did like this one – Jered Weaver and Dan Haren obviously sharing a joke about something, with Tyler Chatwood intent on the game beside them. Perhaps they are saying "Wow, run support. I thought that was only a myth.":
Of course, this means our seats were right above the A's dugout. I like this one too because it makes one wonder what they're talking about. "Hey, Coco. How far did Torii hit that ball?" "It went far Andy. All the way over there.":
Mark Trumbo dives back to first to avoid the tag from Daric Barton. I'm of two minds about the recent acquisition of Russel Branyan and Trumbo is the reason. On the plus side, Branyan fits in well with the team and could be a nice big bat in our lineup – though based on his batting average it does seem as if he hits homeruns or nothing at all. And he's cheap, so if he doesn't work out we can easily release him. But I don't want to see Trumbo get any less playing time. He's slumping a little bit at the plate at the moment, but he'll heat up again and I really, really like his reflexes, glove and intelligence at first:
This game also saw scrappy utility player Reggie Willits get his first hit for the season (two swings after this one) and a crucial early sacrifice bunt as well. Reggie spent most of Spring Training and part of April on the DL for hamstring issues and has taken awhile to get back into the swing of things…so to speak. Peter Bourjos, in the on deck circle behind Reggie, also snapped a hitless streak Wednesday:
Rookie Alexi Amarista takes a nice swing. Playing second for the evening, Amarista had a heck of a game too. He went two for three at the plate and his uniform is quite clay covered in this photo from diving all over the field playing a very acrobatic human ball trap all night – yet another Angels rookie I am thrilled to have on the team this season. I wish I had photos of his diving catches at second:
Jordan Walden and Rich Thompson warm up in the bullpen. Hats off to the bullpen this game! Scott Downs had another great outing. I love having him on the team this season and am instantly reassured when I hear 8 Second Ride start to play and know he' striding up to the mound. Rodney also had a nice outing. Apparently the key is to start warming up another reliever the second he walks someone:
Jordan Walden on the mound. Believe it or not, this was the first time I have seen Walden pitch live. For better or worse depending on the game, I have not been present for any save situations this season. Very, very impressive! Walden changed his walk-up music for this homestand. He used to emerge from the bullpen to the classic guitar riff from Smoke on the Water now it's Robb Zombie's Dragula. I love Deep Purple, but I have to say I approve. Robb Zombie is a little more bad ass, which is what this young closer is rapidly becoming:
I don't have any good Torii Hunter photos from the game itself, which is a shame because he had a great game between the homerun (immediately followed by a homerun from Alberto Callaspo!) and a couple of great plays in right that are just so many blurs on my camera. So we'll go with this photo of his much deserved post-game interview:
Angels: Not the Series I Had in Mind…Again
You all know the feeling. You have a really long day at work (or school), or even an outright bad day. You come home and all you want to do is relax in front of a good game, preferably cuddled up with your honey, and cheer. But, alas, this time it's not a good game. And somehow the day is just that much more deflating for it. This has been the story of my last week and change.
I am in the final stages of a huge project and I've been working 12 hour days during the week and eight to ten hour days on the weekend to get it done. It's a great project and I am thrilled to be involved but these have been long days, days in which I hoped to help the the last few hours of work (or, you know, the first few hours of the weekends work) feel less like work by completing them in front of a good game. Instead, I got last week's not-the-series-we-wanted-it-to-be against the White Sox, followed by the weekend's not-the-series-we-wanted-it-to-be against the Rangers and then this latest mini really-not-the-series-we-wanted-it-to-be against the A's. Sure there were a few high points, but they were buried in a mound of blah. And it just didn't pay to be an Angels starter this weekend. Come on Angels, haven't you considered my needs in all of this?😉
This evening, as you might have inferred from the score, was especially terrible. Shut out 14 – 0. Ouch. The Angels had no pitching. No bats. And I swear someone rubbed butter in a few of the gloves just to see what would happen. MST3K-ing our way through Transformers II this Saturday? An excellent strategy for turning a bad, bad movie into a really fun evening and a nostalgic nod to the bad movie Fridays of our college years. MST3K-ing our way through an Angels game, on the other hand? That's a last resort coping mechanism I would prefer not to employ again. But, desperate times, my friends. Desperate times.
…First, a brief digression for the sake of the uninitiated:
MST3K (n) – Mystery Science Theatre 3000. a cult American comedy series featuring a human and his robot sidekicks living on a space station, forced by an evil scientist to watch a series of bad Sci-Fi C and D movies for research. The audience watches the so-bad-it's-laughable movie with the series characters, who are depicted as silhouettes at the bottom of the screen and provide a hilarious running narrative to that episode's feature.
MST3K (v) – the act of improving any less than desirable spectacle by providing your own snarky, ideally hilarious, running commentary to the events in question. MST3K-ing is best when indulged in by a moderate sized group of quick wits, though it only outright requires two.
And now we return you to your originally scheduled MLBlogs programming…
So, my question for the team (Of course, they read this blog and take my comments very seriously. Why do you ask?😉 ) is this. Are you done now? With the botched plays, the WTF base running, the broken clutch at the plate, the wasted great starts, the self-destructing bullpen and all of the unnecessary "excitement" between outs two and three? Every team has off games and every team experiences minor slumps over the course of the season. So, are you done with that now? Are you ready to put it all behind you and play great baseball again? This season you have already shown that you can hit, you have great gloves and boy can you pitch and, this last week notwithstanding, all in the same game even. I love you guys like crazy and will keep watching no matter what you do, but I think we'd all have a lot more fun if you wrapped up this slumping thing and moved on from it like I know you can…oh, and someone give Jordan Walden a hug please, because boy did he look like he needed one after Monday night's game.
* * * * *
So, about Kendrys Morales. He got a second opinion on the broken ankle. He will have additional surgery soon and be out for the rest of the season. And my reaction? I'm thrilled. Yes, you read that right. Between the plateau, the setbacks and the pain he it sounds like he was continuing to experience, I had serious concerns about scar tissue and his ability to return to playing in any kind of good condition. I want Kendrys back and playing now as much as anyone, but I want him to have a career playing like he used to even more. I would rather do without him for the rest of the season, than bring him back too early and risk killing his career.
Tuesday's Angels Beat White Sox & Fans Rock Their Inner Strongbad
Yay, the lit Halo enveloped in a haze of fireworks returns to my blog, meaning the Angels won last night and I was there to see it! I was a little concerned after Monday. To re-cap: these May White Sox? They are not the April White Sox. They are actually the White Sox which means that if you make mistakes, they will make you pay. Unfortunately, Monday's Angels were not the 2011 Angels, I swear they were some AA team that swiped our uniforms – which is bound to happen now and then over the course of a season…or, like, again tonight in the 8th inning. Wily AA teams. So, anyway, Monday poor Ervin Santana was dealing for an inning and then he just fell apart. Was he "inspired" by Alberto Callaspo's poor running decision? By our complete inability to cash in on an amazing scoring opportunity in the second inning…or the fourth…or the…well, you get the general idea? The pitchers couldn't keep the ball in the park, the batters couldn't hit when it counted, there were a few questionable plays in the field, Jeff Mathis became a pinch hitter (?!?) and Vernon Wells left for the 15 Day DL with a pulled groin muscle. I think he may actually be on the DL longer than that. Watching the replay of the swing where he injured himself will make you cringe, especially if you yourself have ever known the "joy" of a pulled groin. In short, it was Not A Good Game.
But back to last night. It was still the May White Sox taking the field but, fortunately, I think the Angels went to bed angry last night because they showed up on a mission to redeem themselves. They started smacking the ball right away, took the lead in the first inning and never gave it up, though the White Sox threatened at times. It was A Great Game! And here are my photos to help take you all there with me.
For this game, Seth and I entered foul ball territory. This is my view of the field without any zoom, sitting immediately behind the blue sleeved lady in the front row. (Yes, the Angels' Dodger fan siblings often come to visit when the Dodgers are out of town and we gladly return the favor. It's a lot of fun living in a two team town – for large, dual county definitions of town.) And these seats were a better price than even our last seats. The moral of my story? Angels fans are a panicky lot, especially after last season. When the Red Sox sweep the Angels at home, go to a resale site and buy cheap tickets. It will ease your pain:
Howie Kendrick runs to second for an eventual double in the 3rd as Gordon Beckham waits for the throw from Juan Pierre. I have to say, of all the outfield permutations I thought of for the evening with Wells on the DL, Howie in Left was not one of them. But watching him move out there and knowing how much I like his glove and his arm, I think it could work – he looks good tonight! Left field was really quiet for most of the game however, so rather than a fascinating Howie just standing there shot, I give you this photo (taken by Seth) instead:
Joel Pineiro stares down a runner at 2nd base as Callaspo (3rd base) switches into position. Pineiro had another excellent start, going 7 2/3 innings with five strike outs and one walk. And what he was throwing for strikes? Nice. He did give up one homerun, so the White Sox smacked some of the pretty off of his E.R.A. But it all worked out in the end and I am just glad to see Pineiro back on the mound and in the same great form he showed us last season…though I wish I could find the Angels Luchador Mask video ad he filmed with Santana somewhere online to share with you all. Pretty funny stuff:
Angels fans say, 'Oh no, it's just that they're terribly comfortable. I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.' Because, of course, last night was also the much hyped Angels Luchador Mask night. This promotion had equal potential for being really stupid or a heck of a lot of fun and it was decidedly the latter. It didn't tread on watching the game much, if at all – which would have annoyed me – and fans had a blast. We donned the so-silly-they're-actually-pretty-darned-cool-looking-things at the top of the 5th for 10 minutes to set the record, though many wore them for most of the game. As the season progresses, I expect these masks to take on Rally Monkey-esque significance…or at least Angels Gnome-esque significance:
Some fans went all out for the occasion, donning actual Luchador regalia or, in the case of these two super Angels fans below, constructing entire Luchador costumes out of previous Angels giveaways. I thought they looked so creative and fantastic that we had to snap a photo. Well done guys!!:
Torii Hunter takes a strong swing. This at bat would turn into a single in the 5th. The Angels bats were nice and busy Tuesday night with 12 hits in all, including a homerun from Maicer Izturis…yes, Maicer. Whooo. Hooo:
Erick Aybar slides back into first to avoid a pickoff attempt as Paul Konerko catches the ball. Aybar is currently leading the team in stolen bases with 9. This thrills me to no end because it's one more sign that the Angels are back to playing Angels baseball and all is once more right with my world:
Aybar (short stop) and Mark Trumbo (first base) move with the pitch as A.J. Pierzynski, having doubled in the 7th, takes a lead off second base. Even if it was mostly so John Denks could get to Mathis, it was really funny to watch him pitch around Trumbo twice. It's enough to give a lesser rookie a big head, I'm sure:
While Fernando Rodney warms up for the last out of the 8th inning, Peter Bourjos, Torii and Reggie Willits (replacing Howie in left) chat and stretch in centerfield. Could Peter and Reggie be trying to talk Torii into long socks? Reggie in left is another outfield permutation we're likely to see a lot of while Wells is on the DL. I think this will work as a stop gap measure. I like his glove and his speed. I just hope we don't see too steep a learning curve as Willits and Bourjos adapt to one another. I should also note that, although I cringed when I saw Rodney striding out from the Bullpen (but cheered him on robustly as he passed our seats), he did really well:
Scott Downs winds up while Callaspo moves into position. Downs took over the closer role for the evening as this was technically a non-close situation. He sure pitched like a closer though, sitting them down one, two, three. Well. Okay. Maybe that was more like one, twwwwooooo, three. Pierzynski, who was less impressed than I, fouled off many pitches before grounding out. A note on Callaspo. Everything I wrote in the offseason about our hole at third base? I am pleased to say I no longer think we have one. Whether it's Maicer or Callaspo, I think third base is looking pretty darned good these days:
And that was the game. I had an absolute blast. I wanted to come home and immediately buy tickets for the rubber match, or at least post these photos, but I had to finish my meeting prep for today instead. Then today was such that…well…I got home at 8 and am posting about game 2 as game 3 heads into unecessary extra innings and the bullpen is making me ill. I tell you, this working for a living thing…well, it beats the alternative with a caber sized stick, I can tell you that much, LOL!
Game 3 Edit/Addendum – Wednesday's Angels, on the Other Hand:
Yuck! Did that just really happen? With the blown save and the self-destructing bullpen and the run. Scoring. On. An. Intentional. Walk. Wild. Pitch!? I realize it's part of the necessary learning process but Jordan Walden needs to stop working on the change-up when it's just not happening and the game is on the line. Ever since he started working on it, things have been…interesting, occasionally for Hoban Washburne definitions of interesting. He'll get it down. I'm sure of it. But in the mean time? And Kevin Jepsen? Well, are we already back to last season's two out of three rock but that third outing will kill you every time? Also, I do not like uber-specialized pitching to begin with, and I really do not like our very recent – as in, since Tampa Bay recent – moves to bring star relievers in for just one or two batters in an inning. Wouldn't it have been nice to have either Scott Downs or Rich Thompson available later in the game?
Tyler Chatwood pitched well enough to win. It's a pity the Bullpen decided to have an early April relapse. It's just one game. It's only the third series we've lost so far this season. And amateur hour is going to happen for the best of teams from time to time. I understand it. But I don't like it and I really hope my 2011 Angels show up in Texas, not this strange AA team that occasionally puts on their uniforms.
Hmmm…maybe I should go check out those ticket prices online tomorrow morning.


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Express your signature style by accessorizing your sheath dress with this teal statement necklace! Silver extras and glistening beads in a bold sea-green hue curl eye-catchingly around this charming accessory. Pair this clasped piece with transparent heels and an embroidered clutch to complete a look that's radiantly elegant and totally you!
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The feminine name Jovienne is used in French. . Jovienne is not very commonly used baby name for girl. It is not ranked with in the top 1000 names.
Jovienne Germain, Jovienne Girard, Jovienne Dufour, Jovienne Delorme, Jovienne Nogueira
We welcome your suggestions on What Does Name Jovienne Mean. Suggest Meaning of Name Jovienne.
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List of French baby names, French babies names, French baby names and meanings has been compiled from various resources. Please use this up to date list of French name as a reference to name your kid/child. This vast database of French names has been compiled from various references and suggestions provided by our web site users and resources partners. This information is developed to primarily serve as a reference. We are unable to respond on request for personalized assistance at the moment. Thank you for your support. Largest list of French baby names with meanings, numerology, popularity and comments.


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Today, my mom convinced me that she and my dad were getting divorced. I have anxiety problems, so I had a panic attack. She then laughed, and said, "Just kidding, I wanted to see your reaction. It's the best so far." FML
by somewhatlucky / 12/27/2011 at 4:42am / United States (California) / Health
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It's been an interesting offseason at the quarterback position in the National Football League, especially over the past few days.
Over that span, both Matt Flynn and Carson Palmer were traded, landing each player with a new team and making Flynn the starter under center for the Oakland Raiders.
This signal-caller shakeup will have an impact not only in the NFL, but in fantasy football as well—let's take a look at the quarterbacks in new homes and what it means for their fantasy value in 2013.


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Coordinated School Health program receives Predators Foundation grant
Rutherford County Schools
The Coordinated School Health program has received a $3,000 grant from the Predators Foundation.
Rutherford County School's Coordinated School Health (CSH) program connects health with education because student health directly influences academic achievement. The CSH model, developed by the Centers for Disease Control, addresses physical, mental, and social health of students and staff through family, community and school resources. CSH includes eight components that affect the health of a school population and its surrounding community.
The Nashville Predators awarded $350,000 in checks to Middle Tennessee non-profit agencies on Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Bridgestone Arena.The awards make up the largest one-time grant allocation in team history. In the Predators 14 year history they have award a total of over $3 million in grants.
Rutherford County School's Coordinated School Health supervisor Jenna Stitzell, center, accepts a check from Nashville Predators Foundation President Sean Henry and Nashville Predators team mascot GNASH Friday at the Bridgestone Arena.


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Prices include FREE UK Delivery & VAT
This rug can be made to size, and in very large sizes. minimum custom sizes - 150x150cm round, 160x160cm square, 140x200cm rectangular & 70x240cm for runners.
Delivery time 8-10 weeks unless stated (please see any additional information in Rug description located to the right of this box).
All custom rugs unless stated otherwise are hand made from 100% Pure New Zealand Wool.
As with any bespoke service all custom made rugs are non-returnable, please be aware of this before ordering.
With over 40 years experience, MA Salgueiros skins collection offers the finest cowhide rugs on the market. Each rug is sustainably sourced from expect craftsman in South America to ensure that only the finest cowhide floor coverings are for sale. From exquisite patchworks to fabulous natural cowhides, you are sure to find a cowhide to meet any taste.
The patchwork collection is handcrafted from only the best cowhide to create a range that is visually stunning. Each rug is finished in complimentary natural colours which are sure to find a home in any interior.
Due to the natural cowhide material used, each piece will be different depending on the colour of hide used.
The Patchwork PW13 is also available in custom sizes at the price of £580 per square meter. The delivery time on all custom rugs from the patchwork collection is approximately 18 weeks.
*Please be aware that the minimum area for all custom order rugs is 2 meters squared.
Cowhide PW13


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At last, a real game. The non-conference season is there for a reason—to let the new team come together and settle in. Work out the kinks, make adjustments, etc.
But the Ducks—even starting a new quarterback—didn't seem to really need the tuneup season. Oregon came out of the starting blocks precisely where they'd left off in January at the Rose Bowl.
The weak non-conference schedule seemed to drag on and on, and fans were hungry for a real game. Bring it on 'Cats!
Alas, while it was a really fun night in rockin' Autzen, the competition wasn't all it was cracked up to be. The question must be asked: Is there any competition out there for this great Ducks team?
There were distinct winners and losers in this important Pac-12 Conference matchup. Here they come.


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Home | About Cairo | Cairo By Area
Cairo 360 Rating
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Four Seasons Nile Plaza, 1089 Corniche El Nil
Garden City, Cairo, Egypt.
Garden City, Cairo, Egypt.
Club, Bar
Cairo360 Reviews
Published on 29/04/2013
Users Reviews
Mina Nessem
Published on: 15/03/2015
I want to know how much the ticket price
Khaled Salam
Published on: 25/05/2013
Went to the place twice, last weekend on Friday, as a whole the place was very interesting, lightings are really good, not too dark or bright where you can see faces of happy satisfied customers. The DJ was one of the few DJs that will force you to go over there and give him a thumb up, it was accompanied with a love sax guy and another daraboka guy, the music was really fun and you can never resist dancing with it. Quality of food and drinks are good, not to mention the prices which are relatively cheap. The whole staff is very friendly and well managed knowing how to serve their customers. The place is really big. second time was last Thursday, it was great as a place but not for the music, it was good but not fascinating like the weekend before. and as any usual Thrusday it was really crowded and full of somehow lower class standards, but service and staff was good as before. Over all I would recommend this place for anyone who would love to have a nice new place to have a lovely evening with friends and some good drinks and dance.
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Win! Watch the Euro 2016 Final in Style at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski's Vibes Lounge!


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Can anyone give a rundown of RC chemicals. Like effects and the high and the receptors that are affected. I've searched and I understand most of the processes and effects of the mind but would love to see it all in one place. A long list with a description of each would be great. (self.tryptonaut)
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Vinhedos - Property (apartment, house or villa) for buy or rent
Vineyard - North of Portugal
Vineyard, São João da Pesqueira, Ervedosa do Douro
With a privileged location, situated in the county which is the largest generous wine producer in the Douro Region, this winery is surrounded by a beautiful landscape in which the vineyards are the dominant brand.
Consisting of 9,2 ha of vineyards letter A, in addition to the main house (5 bedroom), the property has cellar (with three granite mills), warehouse, laboratory and engine room.
All the wine of this farm is done on the property, exclusively from grapes of the same.
Own brands of fine table wine, made as naturally as possible and distribution especially for the international market.
It is located about two hours from the International Airport Francisco Sá Carneiro.
- Area: 217.10m2
- 100 000.00m2
- Reference: CS01695
- 5
- 5
Vineyard - North of Portugal
Vineyard, Mesão Frio, Vila Marim
Vineyard magnificently located, in the North of Portugal, with superb views of the Douro river and over the vineyards, where the glimpse of the landscape fills us with an immediate feeling of fullness.
This property appears in documentary references, dated 1758, in a existing document in the Tower of Tombo, in Lisbon, in parish memories of the abbot of Vila Marim.
Of more than 10 ha of which 9.25 ha of vineyards, skirted by a border of olive trees, vineyard that produces high quality wine and provides one of the most important producers of Port wine.
The quality of the grapes is due not only to the sun exposure, on a hillside facing south, such as the planting of selected and autochthonous regional grape varieties: Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga French, Touriga National and Malvaviafina.
The Quinta composed of a schist house with 2 floors, where we can enjoy a better overview of the Quinta, the caretakers house (for recovery), the basement of which are available 10 cement vats with a capacity of 50 barrels of wine, a building with 4 mills and a chapel dedicated to S. Lourenço.
This Quinta is located 1hr distance from Oporto International Airport.
- 105 400.00m2
- Reference: CS00611
- 2
- 2


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...Pay the rent!
...Frontline the dog!
...And best of all, share with you all the weird-ass searches that got people to Butch Wonders! Here are some of my February favorites:
- "Is it gay to wear rash guards swimming?" (Yes! Totally gay!)
- "how common is it for a butch lesbian to have a relationship with another butch lesbian?" (More common than you might think!)
- "whats the cause of lesbians who are buthc?" (I thikn it has somethign to do wiht buthc lesbina gense.)
- "do butches like to get flowers?" (Yes. Particularly orange tulips. And particularly on Wednesdays. This is just a fact about butch lesbians. Just one of many ways in which we are all exactly alike.)
- "is kd lang a frickin dyke or what?" (Whoa there, bucko! What would make you say that? Jumping to those kind of crazy conclusions is how rumors get started. Plus, she's kissing a guy in the picture below, so she must be straight.)
- "I hugged a gay man" (Crap. Now you're going to be gay.)
- "What do butch lesbians want?" (Orange tulips.)
- "celebrating gay love on valentines day is a bad" (No! Gay love is a good!)
- "butch lesbian cream tube" (What??)
- "sea bass flavored cat food" (Will turn your cat into a lesbian.)
- "butch dog sweater" (A butch dog doesn't wear a sweater; she wears a fleece. See pic below.)
- "Tied up and put makeup on" (Eek. Talk about a nightmare...)
- "example of logos, ethos and pathos from those winter Sundays" (Somehow, this fails to arouse any nostalgia in me.)
- "using zebra duct tape on dresser" (Highly advisable.)
- "What goes wrong to make a man transgender?" (If he is hugged by a gay man while holding orange tulips wrapped in zebra duct tape, it will make him transgender.)


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Wanda Jean (Brown) Locke
Wanda Jean (Brown) Locke, (known as "Mom Locke"), born Aug. 23, 1929, passed from this world on March 17, 2014, to Live in Heaven Eternally, one of three daughters and two brothers, born to Fannie Mae and Grover Cleveland Brown, Dorothy, Brian, Mont and Edith and a stepbrother, Daryl, all passed previously.
Mom graduated from Marietta High School in 1947. Mom married William D. Locke on April 17, 1949. They waited three years before starting their family with William W. (Billy) Locke, two years later, another boy, Donald D. (Donny) Locke, then two years later on Billy's fourth birthday, a daughter, Tina Louise. Not stopping there, one year later, Dana D. joined the family, although Mom and Dad thought they were done, they were blessed to another addition to the family, Adam A.
Mom and Dad worked very hard raising four boys and one daughter, and at the age of 36, Mom started driving a school bus for Belpre City Schools. Mom Locke had a positive influence with all her passengers for over 40 years she drove a bus, making so many friends they cannot be counted. She could not go anywhere she didn't run into one of her "Kids." She retired from bus driving at the age of 76.
Mom's husband Bill passed Sept. 23, 1995. Mom was a Past Worthy Matron with Eastern Star and encouraged her daughter, Tina, and son, Donny, to participate with her. Mom was never too busy to sit with any of her friends and have a cup of coffee and gab. Her kitchen was open to all for some rest and conversation.
She is survived by her oldest son, Billy and his wife, Karen, Donny and his wife, Jane, Tina and her fiance, Steve Hinton, Dana and his wife, Debby, and Adam and his fiance, Jeanine Vanison. She is also survived by many grandchildren, Jennifer, Chris and his wife, Kara, Megan, Missy and Mindy, Vanessa and her husband, David Johnson, and Matt and Lyndsey; and great-grandchildren, Kyah, Calissa and Will and Garrett and Karly.
We would like to thank Dr. Banks, Dr. Kuppuswamy at Camden Clark, all the nurses on the third floor and fifth floor and to the special nurses in Acute care, Cassis and Carrie, all the kindness and care your gave our mother did not go unnoticed; and to the team at Western Hills (Health South), and to those at The Willows.
With the loving help of Marietta Home Health and Hospice, we were able to bring Mom home where she wanted to be, to spend her last hours with her family around her in her own home.
Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Leavitt Funeral Home, Belpre, with Pastor John Watkins and Robert Watkins. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rockland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Marietta Home Health and Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at leavittfuneralhome.com


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1 1 / 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small shallots, finely chopped
1 / 2 pound smoked salmon, cut into 1/2- to 1-inch pieces
2 cups half-and-half
8 ounces whole-grain pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 dash white pepper
In a medium to large saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat. Add shallots and saute until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add salmon and saute 2-3 minutes more. Empty the pan, reserving the salmon-shallot mixture. Add half-and-half to the pan and bring to a boil over moderate-to-high heat. Gently boil until it is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. When done, drain pasta and set aside.
Add reserved salmon mixture to half-and-half in pan and gently boil about 2 minutes more. Stir in dill and white pepper. Serve sauce over the hot pasta.
Makes 2 servings.
Per serving: 947 calories, 43 g fat, 139 mg cholesterol, 45 g protein, 97 g carbohydrates, 9 g fiber, 1,000 mg sodium, 40 percent calories from fat.


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Published: January 27, 2013
Davis Goes Wire to Wire on Day 3
2013 General Tire Summit Cup, Chautauqua Lake, Aug. 27 - Sept. 1, 2012
by Dan O'Sullivan
Elimination Day 3 of the Jack Link's Major League Fishing 2013 General Tire Summit Cup on Chautauqua Lake would prove to be one of the more dynamic of the first three days. While the first two days were contested on complete opposite ends of the lake, and featured opposite spectrums of weather, this round would feature the most diversity of fishing results.
Contested in Zone 5, an area that featured a vastness of shoreline docks, like most of Chautauqua Lake does, but also had its share of rock piles and inlets, mixed in with marinas. On its Eastern shore, the zone had a few coves that featured steeper banks with more flats and subtle depth changes on the Western shore.
As diverse as the fishery was for the day, the final elimination day would feature a wide variety of anglers, with much different technique specialties. It would prove to be a day that would show anglers fishing at opposite ends of the performance spectrum, all in the same day. But, that is fishing, one day you're the hero, and the next day, the zero.
Like the previous two elimination days, the final day would be a hard fought battle between some of the best competitors. Among the field would be Bassmaster and FLW Tour Champions. The field would consist of Mark Davis, from Mt. Ida, Ark., Boyd Duckett from Guntersville, Ala., Brent Ehrler from Redlands, Calif., Alton Jones from Lorena, Texas, Bobby Lane from Lakeland, Fla., Jason Quinn from York, S.C., Terry Scroggins from Palatka, Fla., and Byron Velvick from Del Rio, Tex.
Like the fields of Days 1 and 2, Elimination Day 3 held an impressive set of credentials. Among the field, they have registered 25 Bassmaster wins, three Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, 55 Bassmaster Classic appearances and three Bassmaster Classic victories. They also had 10 FLW victories, an FLW Angler of the Year, 16 trips to the Forrest Wood Cup and one Forrest Wood Cup Championship. Altogether, the group had earned $8,632,985 in B.A.S.S. competition and another $3,067,839 in FLW events.
One interesting wrinkle to this round was that two anglers, Velvick and Ehrler would both be fishing injured. While Velvick was still in recovery from cervical surgery that had forced him to take 2011 off, he had also sustained a lower back injury that was proving to be less than comfortable. Ehrler was still recovering from an automobile accident that had left him with rib and forearm injuries. Both anglers would be performing at less than 100-percent capacity, but still vying to get through to the next round of the Summit Cup.
Period One
When the eight anglers in the field selected their fishing holes after their scouting period, it took 12 minutes for the first shot across the bow to be fired. Quinn decided to start his day on the Western shore with a spinnerbait, and posted a keeper to the leader board soon after. Surprisingly, it was the infirmed Velvick who would follow him three minutes later in the mouth of a marina with a small swimbait.
For the next 50 minutes, the pair would be the only anglers to post anything to the leader board until Davis broke through with his first keeper of the day. Davis, like Quinn, decided to start on the deeper docks on the Western side of the lake. He took a while to get started, but when he did, it was with authority. His first keeper all but erased the leads that Quinn and Velvick had established when it hit the scales at 3 pounds, 4 ounces, and he was on his way to a strong day.
Quinn would add a keeper then Jones would make his first appearance on the leader board. By the end of the period, only two more anglers, Scroggins and Ehrler would post keepers to the scoreboard. In all, 23 bass were posted to the leader board, most of them by Davis, who posted eight, and Quinn with five. With that in mind, Davis all but lapped the field with his 16-pound, 15-ounce, performance that nearly doubled Quinn at 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Scroggins, Velvick and Jones stood in third, fourth and fifth place, respectively, all with weights eclipsing 4 pounds. Ehrler landed in sixth place with 1 pound, 10 ounces. Duckett and Lane failed to post a keeper bass to the leader board.
Period Two
The second period began with Scroggins, who was fishing the event as a substitute, making his move on the field. While he started the period in third place, he quickly made his presence felt when he posted the first of six keepers for the period, six minutes after fishing began.
In fact, all of the anglers posted catches to the leader board in the second period. It seemed that the activity level of the fish had picked up, and with the anglers having the chance to begin to dial in to what the fish were doing, they managed to produce 32 keepers in the period.
While Scroggins managed to make a big move by adding 11 pounds, 6 ounces, to his total, he was not able to overcome Davis to take the lead. Davis fished steadily in the period, adding another 6 pounds, 8 ounces, to his total to hold the lead with 23 pounds, 7 ounces. He was followed by Scroggins with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, and Quinn stood in third with 15 pounds, 15 ounces. Battling the soreness of his injuries, Ehrler brought his total to 10 pounds even and stood in the fourth position. Jones was fifth with 8 pounds, 6 ounces; Duckett caught 7 pounds, 1 ounce, to land in sixth, followed by Velvick's 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and Lane with 5 pounds, 14 ounces.
Period Three
The final period would prove to be the busiest of the day, and would provide the most fireworks as well. While Lane was the first angler to post a small keeper Scroggins was once again the angler to light the fuse on the round when he slammed the day's biggest bass to the leader board like a bomb hitting a building. His 4-pound, 7-ounce largemouth seemingly sent a message that he was on the prowl for afternoon dominance.
He would prove to have a solid round, but three other anglers would set the pace for the afternoon. Davis would once again produce steadily enough to stay on top with a total of 28 pounds, 11 ounces. Quinn, and his 11-pound, 15-ounce third period performance would land him in second place with a total of 27 pounds, 14 ounces. Scroggins' total of 24 pounds, 8 ounces, would land him in third. The real fireworks would come from two anglers battling for the fourth and final qualifying position.
Jones and Lane would spend the afternoon leapfrogging each other in the standings. With both of them being in sight of each other for most of the final period, the pair proceeded to lob grenades at each other with scores being posted one after the other up until the final minute.
Lane had the best afternoon period when he posted 16 pounds, 7 ounces from 10 keepers, but was unable to overtake Jones. Jones prevailed over Lane for fourth place by 1 pound, 7 ounces, with a total of 23 pounds, 12 ounces. Lane ended the day with 22 pounds, 5 ounces, followed by Duckett at 13 pounds, 11 ounces.
With the discomfort of their injuries taking their toll, Ehrler and Velvick both failed to produce a keeper in the final round and finished seventh and eighth, respectively.
Davis, Quinn, Scroggins and Jones join eight other advancing anglers in the Sudden Death semifinal rounds with hopes of moving on to the finals and having a chance of being named the 2013 General Tire Summit Cup Champion.
|Weight (lbs)
|Total Fish
|Avg Weight (lbs)
|Biggest Fish (lbs)
|Smallest Fish (lbs)
|Mark Davis
|28 lb 11 oz
|1 lb 08 oz
|3 lb 04 oz
|0 lb 13 oz
|Jason Quinn
|27 lb 14 oz
|1 lb 10 oz
|2 lb 14 oz
|0 lb 11 oz
|Terry Scroggins
|24 lb 08 oz
|2 lb 01 oz
|4 lb 07 oz
|0 lb 14 oz
|Alton Jones
|23 lb 12 oz
|1 lb 13 oz
|4 lb 05 oz
|1 lb 00 oz
|Bobby Lane
|22 lb 05 oz
|1 lb 10 oz
|2 lb 15 oz
|0 lb 12 oz
|Boyd Duckett
|13 lb 11 oz
|1 lb 15 oz
|3 lb 04 oz
|1 lb 02 oz
|Brent Ehrler
|10 lb 00 oz
|1 lb 11 oz
|3 lb 04 oz
|0 lb 14 oz
|Byron Velvick
|6 lb 15 oz
|1 lb 06 oz
|1 lb 15 oz
|0 lb 11 oz


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Whether you walk out in the woods and sit down all day in your stand, you need to be in good physical shape. In fact, it should be the best you can possibly be.
Several years ago, following a series a warnings that I didn't pay attention to, I would up having a stent placed in one of the arteries near my hear.
The artery was 90-percent blocked. I have no idea how many arteries a person has that have to do with the heart muscle, but apparently one not doing it's job puts a strain on the body.
I'm writing this from an English Pub near Huddersfield, England where our only daughter makes her home.
We are here at the request of our daughter and son-in-law to be available for help once their first baby arrives. That should be any day now, and judging from the way my daughter looks, it would seem to be really close. But what do I know?
Except their wireless Internet doesn't like my computer. Today, I hiked uphill about a mile and a half to a small library in hopes they had Internet access. Turns out they are closed on Monday's.
Back down the steep hill I went until i came to this pub. I asked the bartender if they had wireless and if so, could I use it.
She not only confirmed they had wireless, but was writing down the name of the provider and the pass word to get on with.
"How much is it," I asked. "Oh, it's nothing. Free. Maybe you could buy a cup of coffee," she said with a smile.
I'll gladly pay for coffee if it will save me a three-mile hike up a very steep hill, several times a week.
I'm in shape to hunt this year and probably won't get a chance to get out until the late season. Oh well, the body does feel stronger and I even think I'm losing a little weight.
I'll be writing about news from Lansing that impacts sportsmen (this means ladies as well), talking about things I find when I go overseas to visit my children, and adding your comments into the mix. Because fishing really interests me, I will tend to concentrate in that area, but will digress on such topics as gun control which is in the news a lot right now, some of the animal rights stuff trying to take some freedoms away from us, ecology, and of course your comments.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Physical shape for hunting seasons
Posted by Roger Beukema at 8:14 AM
1 comment:
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Political Science
The M.A. program provides general training in American Politics, Political Theory, International Relations/Comparative Politics, and the Politics of Criminal Justice. Special opportunities and internships exist for students interested in the study of political campaigns and elections. Students have the option of earning a Certificate in Applied Politics through the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for the baccalaureate degree
- Three letters of recommendation (two of which must be from faculty members)
- Statement of purpose
Application Deadline
- April 1 for Fall enrollment
- December 1 for Spring enrollment
Additional Information
The MA requires 30 credit hours of graduate work including six required seminars, two additional seminars, and six additional graduate credits in political science. Students are required to write an Essay of Distinction and to take comprehensive exams to fulfill degree requirements at the end of the program.
The Department of Political Science also offers a Master's of Applied Politics in coordination with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. You can find admission information for this program here.
Assistantship/Scholarship Information
All assistantships (and any fellowships) are awarded through the academic department. Students interested in obtaining an assistantship must apply. New students may indicate on their online application for admission that they would like to be considered for an assistantship. Current students must contact the academic department for application information. Each department may have different requirements for assistantship applicants, so all students should contact the academic department to determine these particular requirements. Only those students fully admitted to a master's or doctoral degree-seeking program are eligible for a graduate assistantship. Students admitted as non-degree seeking or to a certificate program may not hold an assistantship.
Financial Aid Information
Paying for college is a vital part of the education process. It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.
Tuition and Fees
Current tuition and fees schedules can be found through the Office of Student Accounts.
Page maintained by The Graduate School. Request a change to this page.


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Versatile veg soup
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
- Vegetarian
- kcal-
- fat-
- saturates-
- carbs-
- sugars-
- fibre-
- protein-
- salt-
- 200g chopped raw vegetables, such as onions, celery and carrots
Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Native to Asia…
- 300g potato
The world's favourite root vegetable, the potato comes in innumerable varieties. A member of…
- 1 tbsp oil
- 700ml stock
- crème fraîche and fresh herbs, to serve
Fry the chopped raw vegetables with the potatoes, peeled and cubed, in a little oil for a few mins until beginning to soften.
Cover with the stock and simmer for 10-15 mins until the veg is tender. Blend until smooth, then season. Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche and some fresh herbs. Will freeze for up to 1 month.
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Comments, questions and tips
Comments (74)
I used 500g casserole pack, 600g potatoes, 3 rashers smoked back bacon, 80g lentils, 2 teaspoons chilli flakes, ground pepper, 1500ml chicken stock - fried bacon and chilli flakes first then added veg for 5-10 mins before adding stock and pepper - delicious though next time will reduce amount of bacon as very smokey. Great way to use up veg destined for the bin!
Made soup today - it was lovely. I've used:
4 potatoes, 4 carrots, 1 small sweed, 2 small onions, 3 parsnips and a handful of frozen peppers and 2 cloves of garlic with salt and pepper to taste. I fried onion and garlic first then all the veg. Made a large pan full and once I'd blended it, it's a lovely thick tasty soup - mmmmm!!
I've never made a soup before, and this was easy and great for using up the leftovers of veg.. I used 3 Potatoes, A large parsnip, carrots, leek, onion, garlic and a few slices of fresh root ginger with some grated nutmeg and seasoning.. I like it! The rest of the house are yet to try it, fingers crossed!
I cooked potaoes, 2 small cloves of garlic, leeks, parsnips and swede. I mashed them all together as don't have a blender then added veg stock to the right consintency so can be adjusted accordingly to however thick you want the soup to be. Then added a teaspoon of medium curry powder and fresh parsley and it is delicious :)
If you're a waistline watcher, then fry the vegetables in spray-oil, the frying process isn't absolutely essential, but it does improve the flavour no end
I wouldn't worry about calories from potatoes, barley etc. I find that cutting out sugar and booze, and keeping fat consumption to a minimum gets weight off me really quickly, and I eat pretty much anything else I want, especially spuds, which are good and filling!
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Red Bull Music Interviews Lydia Loveless
Red Bull and Lydia Loveless...seems like a perfect match. Both are young and full of energy, eh? Well, it appears they get along well in this interview on Red Bull Music.
Our favorite part is Lydia's take on current pop music: "I live next to a radio station, and the signal invades...Read more


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|Utilities, independent power producers, and industrials are increasingly turning to biomass as an environmentally sustainable and regulatory compliant fuel. Whether used for direct power generation, co-generation, or co-firing at existing coal facilities, biomass demand continues to increase. Corresponding trading markets have developed to assist producers, end-users, and other market participants efficiently find buyers, source supply, and manage price risk.
Evolution Markets provides comprehensive advisory and transactional services to global biomass markets. We have helped develop these trading markets, and our team leverages a deep physical energy commodity experience to offer an efficient and clear route to market for biomass producers and cost-effective procurement and risk management options for end-users.
From offices in London, Beijing, New York, and San Francisco, Evolution Markets serves a client base spanning five continents in a biomass market that is truly global. Evolution Markets' biomass market professionals are highly adept at advising buyers and sellers on how to structure cross-border transactions and negotiate deal terms to achieve maximum value and meet financial goals. We've gained a hard-earned reputation for innovation, having facilitated transactions with a variety of risk management structures.


text: Eclipse : Damon Pierce's life has just reached a defining moment: a gifted California lawyer, he's being divorced by his wife and his work often seems soulless. Then he receives a frantic e-mail from Marissa Brand Okari - a woman he loved years ago - and decides to risk everything to respond to her plea for help. Marissa's husband, Bobby Okari, is the charismatic leader of a freedom movement in the volatile west African nation of Luandia, which is being torn apart by the world's craving for its vast supply of oil. Bobby's outspoken opposition to the exploitation of his homeland by PetroGlobal - a giant American oil company with close ties to Luandia's brutal government - has enraged General Savior Karama, the country's autocratic ruler. After Bobby leads a protest rally during a full eclipse of the sun, everyone in his home village is massacred by government troops. And now Bobby has been arrested and charged with the murder of three PetroGlobal workers. Still drawn to Marissa, Pierce agrees to defend Bobby, hoping to save both Bobby and Marissa from almost certain death. But the lethal politics of Luandia may cost Pierce his life instead.


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He's doing fine and just doing his thing - a lot of interesting things on his plate. I went to his home again back in January and picked up his MMF-7 TT. He's always a gracious host. May see him year-end. He does say "Hello" to everyone...
He's doing fine and just doing his thing - a lot of interesting things on his plate. I went to his home again back in January and picked up his MMF-7 TT. He's always a gracious host. May see him year-end. He does say "Hello" to everyone...
I do wonder if a lot of it does really come down to topology though-I've never owned a transformer-coupled tube amp before. I do agree though that I prefer the Zana easily with the HD800s-just a sense of pure effortlessness and ease of flowing music, that must be one of it's traits...? I'm sure you can notice some differences with the WA5 you own, compared to the CSP2 you had...
You are going in a big circle Daniel. You are going to end up with the ZDSE all over again....
Is that like the Merry-go-round I see mentioned in audio?
Good to hear he's doing well.
Hey I bought the Eximus twice-so who knows lol. If my Leviathan doesn't cure the tube amp itch-somebody smack me. That said I still wanna try some 'lightly' euphoric 6SN7s-but not at the expense of transparency and tight bass. Sugesstions...Peter?
Stratus on the cards?? :P
I think the Levi checks all the boxes I'm looking for-should be a step or two above the Stratus-but similar design. Oh-and it comes in black. :P
If I wasn't having that built, I'd be looking at the EC 2A3x4, or the DNA as a cheaper option. Really enjoying this Woo know though-gonna give the Sophia 274Bs another shot in a minute...
In the past few years, the strongest running currents to appear in this thread, always involved one or two things and sometimes both - WooAudio WA22 amp owners; tube rolling for said owners. So fast, if you glanced up at the clock, you were already 2 pages behind! Fellow members jc9394, Clayton SF, MacedonianHero, mikemalter and a few others could testify.
On the rare occasion this wasn't the case, the aforementioned owners would be on the sideline wanting, willing, waiting... to jump back on the tube rolling discussion roller coaster. There, are you excited now, DG?
It will be hard to sell my WA22, my asking price is at MSRP of a new WA22.
What's the wait time for a new one, though?
probably couple weeks, my WA22 is one of few fully modded with BGs WA22 that I know exists.
the BGs are really good with mids and better sound stage. it is the last 5% we are chasing...
Knowing its developmental history, I previously sought this very WA22 from owner jc9394. However, at the time he was not ready to part with it.
at that time, I still live in a condo, not enough space to park those tanks


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P(X=k)=1/13 for k=1,2,3... 13 same for Y.
They are indep.
So compute and ....
By indep, since you are sampling wr, we have V(X+Y)=V(X)+V(Y)
Assign a value of 1 point to an Ace, 11 points to Jack, 12 to a Queen, and 13 for a King. The numbered cards (2-10) are assigned the value shown on the card.
Draw 2 cards with replacement.
Let X be the value of the first card, and let Y be the value of the second card. What is E(X+Y)? StdDev(X+Y)?
Is it E(X+Y) = E(X) + E(Y) = 14?
Also, is the distribution of X, P(X=x ) = 4/52?
Thanks !


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Marriage Rules begins with wedding vows that I heard two young people say out loud to each other in front of their community of family and friends.
They said in turn:
"I promise to always treat you with kindness and respect.
I promise to be faithful, honest, and fair.
I promise to listen carefully to what you are saying.
I promise to apologize when I am wrong and to repair any harm I have done.
I promise to cook and clean for you.
I promise to be your partner and best friend in the best and worst of times.
I promise to bring my best self into our relationship.
I promise to live these promises as a daily practice."
How did this couple come up with their shared promises? Did they plow through blogs and self-help books? Did they study the latest research on marital success and failure. Of course not,
They needed only to consult their own hearts, their core values, life experience and the Golden Rule. If this couple lives their promises as a daily practice (even with a large margin of error) their marriage will do very well, indeed. Need the experts say more?
One of my favorite stores is about a farmer whose was invited by a neighbor to attend a meeting at the county seat.
"Why should I attend this meeting?" the farmer asked.
"It will help you to be a better farmer!" was the neighbor's enthusiastic reply.
The farmer paused and then asked, "Why would I go to a meeting to learn how to be a better farmer when I'm not being as good a farmer as I already know how to be?"
Okay, it's not that simple. Real life is messy and complicated. People don't always follow their promises or their best thinking, just like people don't eat healthfully even when they know what's good for them.
Paradoxically, it's in our most enduring and important relationships, be it with our partner, our mother, our sister or our child, that we're least likely to be our most mature and thoughtful selves. Of course, we get stuck. That's why I wrote Marriage Rules and other relationship books. I believe we're here to help each other out. I'm not advocating any kind of do-it-yourself approach where relationships are concerned.
I'm just suggesting that you check in with your own wisdom before you pay your hard-earned money for expert advice. You may find that you already know what to do to have a good relationship or at least a better one. A good book, blog, or therapist can do wonders, but keep in mind that ultimately you are the best expert on your own self.
That's this expert's advice!


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The Floof Report
St. Patty's Day Pawty! Be here or be somewhere else!March 13th 2011 6:07 pm
[ View A Comments (31) ]
Okay! Milo is chomping at the bit for me to make this announcement so I'm gonna have to do it before he loses his mind. MOL! Since Zach's pawty for Mardi Gras was so much fun, some of you were asking me to host the next one. I'm honored you think I'll be such a good host. I'll have to really think up some good poopy names now.
Sounds like fun!
hey who had a Mardi Gras pawty?! we love beads!
Yay!! We were wondering if you were going to do it! I mean, yeah, your name is Finnegan after all, and also your red hair works. Plus you're so much fun and we all do need to laugh. It will be a blast. I'll try to put a reminder in my diary.
If it's an irish wake, can we be still be goofy and wild?
Yay for Finnegan O'Floof!
P.S. We're not too into the cat faces on human bodies, either. You might need a hat though.
Yeah Gumpy! That's the message of this whole thing. I want everyone to go crazy and have a great time, joke, be free and let it all out! Well, you know what I mean, no pooping here on my page. MOL! oh my gosh that graphic is so cute! That's the way I want my pawty to be! We are gonna BURY our troubles and lift up our spirits! MOL, did you see I removed the part about the kitty heads on bodies? I didn't want to offend anyone. P&T you missed it. Zach had a Mardi Gras pawty and it was nuts! Everyone wanted me to give enough notice this time so lots of you could come. So I sent out some pawmails also to make sure and had my secretary send some emails. Thanks Gumpy! You and Nadi are a blast too.
Thank you fur the invitation, Finnie! This sounds like fun. I'm not sure if I can attend but I will try to be there. I still can't control my poopies, but I will make efurry effurt not to poop on your page.
MOL! Okay little Vern, how is your adjustments going?
WHOOO HOOO! Thanks FINN, dude, u did it! Great 'n it's gonna be's a blast too! U r a grand host 'n we gonna ROCK da Catster House OUT! Wif Gump, Nadia 'n Kaci n' Zach 'n all da rest! COMMON! It WILL be hoppin'! Hey Penn & Teller, da Mardi Grass pawty wuz in Zachary's Diary on Fat Tuesday nite! It rocked, so we're gonna ROCK again here wif Finn!! Hope u can come!! Hey lil Vern, shur hope u feel better 'n can control dem poopies! Dat's not efen fun! Hope to see efuryone Thursday nite!! YAY!!
Hug 'n purrs,
The funniest part of the MG pawty was that everybody was meowing all over each other, you couldn't follow what answers went to what questions! Mommy didn't even check her email until the next day, but the notifier ding-dong was constantly going off! It was a LOT of FUN! See you Thurs! Luv, Tink
MOL! that's true Tink, all we heard all night was bing bong, bing bong. It's like the doorbell was constantly ringing!
Sounds like fun!
Hey Dood! Did you say pawty? I think we'll stop by. Mom needs a few laughs! All these kitties going to the Bridge and the Japan thing has her in a sad mood lately ~ try to snap her out of it, okay?
purrs, Luke
Yes Luke! PLEASE come, and bring your family. My momma too is having a really hard time staying positive. Especially with Midnight so sick. It's really all becoming too much. After thinking about it, we decided we all really need this bad! So we're gonna bury our troubles or worries for the world for awhile and have fun. Tell her she has no choice because if my momma has to snap out of it, then everybody does!
March is usually a good month for us because Dad, Tully, and I have birthdays we celebrate and that makes Mom happy. But we've had so many Catster friends go to the Bridge this month, and then that awful tragedy in Japan has Mom so upset, she has a hard time even being on Catster right now. But you are right, Finney. We need to forget our troubles for one night and celebrate all our wonderful friends! We do have things to be thankful for after all!
I know Lukey, I know. My mom's been crying so much this week and she's just had it. We should take every chance in this life to dance, laugh, be with each other, everything we possibly can do. (My mommy needs to learn to listen to her own advice).
Mom is working on a few things right now that I PROMISE you will be so much fun. She wasn't much in the mood to do this but she's getting into it now! It will be great, it really will. My mommy's grampy used to say "Life doesn't stop for you...so why should you stop for life?"
Luke, hey dood!! Yessiree, FINN, dude, spoken like da true wise man cat u r! If we cannot stop 'n smell da roses, den life isn't mush fun, iz what me's mom sez! All werks ' no plays makes Milo a furry dull boy!! MOL! Dat's why I choose to pawty 'n laugh 'n dance! Iz Teddy Bearz comin' too? I invited Greyson also! Him way kewl dude! If'n u don't move it, u lose it, I SAY!! ROCK ON, doods 'n doodettes!
Many purrs, MILO
Oh wow, Milo embarressed here! Dat wuz frum me!! But Smokey Joe sez howdy!! Him be dare too wif bells on! Him a rockin' Angel fur baby boy!! SMILES!!!
MOL! I thought those were Milo's words coming out of Smokey Joe's mouth ~ you are too funny, Milo, little Dood! You guys are already bringing a smile to Mom's face ~ hey, we're there! Pawty on St. Paddy's Day at Finney's Place ~ woohoo!
Good! The pawty's already getting going and it's only Monday night. Whoo hoo! Milo, I'm counting on you to get all kinds of kitties ova here so we can have a great time. Don't anyone back out now, even if there is more bad news in between now and then. All the more reason to have fun okay? NO crying and being sad for one whole day and night! I am ORDERING you guys! MOL! In a nice way of course, only cause I care. Ordering someone to have fun isn't a bad thing.
Oh cool! We can't wait! Mom needs some cheering up too! I'll bring the whole family this time.
That sounds like a lot of fun! Unfortunately my typist will be at work all night so I won't be able to join in. :( Have a green nip ale for me!
Sounds like loads of fun we sure do not want to miss this one.
That's a shame Monida! I think there will be no problem with some of us having a green nippy ale for ya. MOL!
I shall have to remind mommy to check in here! We had a blast at the Mardis Gras party on Zach's page, this should be just as fun! Hoorays and Happy River Dances (Irish Style)!
I don't know if I'll be able to make it Finney. Someone else likes to use the internet in this house, and it doesn't work well when 2 devices are using it at the same time. I'll mention it to mom though.
Maybe you guys should get a chatroom going somewhere. Might be easier than hearing the "ding dong" all night. Just a suggestion. Hope you have fun!
Well we actually liked that believe it or not. MOL! It was fun trying to keep up.
YEPS FINN, dat iz really what made it so mush fun~! Wow it wuz rockin' dood! Ahhh ur pawty will be so mush fun! I jus' posted a new diary on my page wif ALL da informashon on da pawty fur Thursday! I knows it will be rollin' 'n rockin'!! Whoo hoo, u jus' wait! Ur diary will be a BLAST!! Oh 'n we catebratin' my furbro Cousin Ziggy's birfday today! Thank SO MUSH fur da kewl four leaf clover on his page!! U rock!! I do think dis will be so gooood fur us all 'n we jus' laugh, rock, 'n chill out! Happy days ahead, Finn my furiend!!!
Cool Milo thanks! Your welcome to Ziggy! We all can use some good luck!
YEPS FINN, dat iz really what made it so mush fun~! Wow it wuz rockin' dood! Ahhh ur pawty will be so mush fun! I jus' posted a new diary on my page wif ALL da informashon on da pawty fur Thursday! I knows it will be rollin' 'n rockin'!! Whoo hoo, u jus' wait! Ur diary will be a BLAST!! Oh 'n we catebratin' my furbro Cousin Ziggy's birfday today! Thank SO MUSH fur da kewl four leaf clover on his page!! U rock!! I do think dis will be so gooood fur us all 'n we jus' laugh, rock, 'n chill out! Happy days ahead, Finn my furiend!!!
Dia duit mo a chara! Conas a ta tu? Ta go maith a ta? Ta me go h-iontuch! (Greeting (lit. God to you) my friend! What way are you? Are you well? I am brilliant!)
OK, so what it a kitty in Mexico City doing speaking Gaelic? Mommy's family moved to the US from Ireland and mommy sings in Irish. My lullaby is "The Castle of Dromore" and (though not Irish), yep you guessed it ABBA's "Chiquitita"
Anyway, Happy St. Patrick's day to all and to all a good night!
MOL! Sweetie you're in the wrong diary! Go to my latest one. This one is not active. You're missing out and now that I see you can speak Gaelic, you gotta repeat this!
Is it party time woo?!
Finnegan (Finney)
Family Pets