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Home › Forums › Off Piste › Photography › Sony NEX Lens Impressions
Oct 25, 2011 at 12:45 pm #1281106
This thread was created to migrate the photography talk about the BPL Trinity Alps trip to a separate thread.
I've found that the 16mm pancake is very easy to carry. I use a padded sunglasses case attached to my shoulder strap D-rings to carry it as well as a lens pen. When carrying the 18-55mm or my 50mm/f2 it stay's put but I can't close the zipper which is a concern. (I'll upload a photo of the setup later.
The Trinity Alps trip was my first overnight with the 50mm lens (~70mm equivalent on NEX). I've always brought the 16mm along but I thought that with a larger group I would want to take more portrait style photos. I found that it was more useful for closeup pseudo macro shots of leaves than for portraits.
Using the Pentax adapter for the camera, I think I might look at getting a used Pentax 40mm/2.8 pancake as a replacement for my 50mm. A little wider for portraits and it should fit into my carry system. I haven't brought my kit zoom (18-55mm) with me on any outdoor trips as I like to shoot wide open quite often and at f3.5 I don't always get the bokeh I'm looking for. I've found with prime lenses that I can usually move around for composing my shot or crop the image when I get home.Oct 25, 2011 at 1:50 pm #1794903
Really appreciate your feedback and helping me with this transition for me away from pocket cameras.
I love the shots and thanks for sharing them.
I do see that there is a "ring" in the center of the images and the outer corners are much darker.
Is this because of the pancake lens?
Honestly, I don't know squat about cameras and f stop….thought I think it is refering to the apperature size or speed, which allows light into the camera's sensor.
My other concern is that with any larger camera, I will be taking less shots because of the hassle factor.
For example, on my recent JMT trip in Aug, I think that in 16 days I took 3000 to 3900 shots with a simple pocket camera.
I am that sort of shooting fool….though, I do find that I need to take multiple shots of the same scene/subject to allow for motion blur with the limitations of the pocket camera.
-TonyOct 25, 2011 at 2:03 pm #1794910
The darker corners is called vignetting which can happen naturally on some lenses. I actually prefer the look and edit my photos in Lightroom to create the effect. It is not a result of using the pancake lens.
F-stop is the aperture size, lower number means larger opening for more light to hit the sensor/film. Many photographers refer to low f-stop lenses as fast glass (usually f/2.8 and lower).
With the pancake lens and the camera attached in front of me I'm more inclined to stop a second and snap the photo. With a larger lens attached I sometimes reluctantly keep trekking on.
I used the stock battery and took over 300 photos during the trip and had about 8% battery left when I got home. Most reports show that 300-400 is the number of photos per battery that you can expect from the NEX. So I wouldn't plan on 3000 shots without a constant supply of fully charged batteries along the way.
If you're not into learning about f-stops and don't think you'll want to swap out lenses you could look into the Canon S90/S95/S100 lineup or one of the large sensor/fixed lens cameras like the Sigma DP1 Cameron had on the trail.Oct 25, 2011 at 2:34 pm #1794924
> the outer corners are much darker.
Yeah, vignetting. It means the lens is not matched to the sensor. OK, some like this as an artistic effect, but personally I see it as a defect.
> in 16 days I took 3000 to 3900 shots with a simple pocket camera.
And this is much better than taking only 30 because the camera was too complex or inconvenient or packed away 'for safety'. Photos are not just 'show-off art', they are memories.
In all this preoccupation with DSLRs and multiple lenses, it is sometimes worth remembering that some of the world's great photos have been taken with the equivalent of a Box Brownie. OK, most phone cameras are just crap, but a good simple 'pocket camera' can take superb photos if used correctly *and frequently*.
CheersOct 25, 2011 at 2:43 pm #1794931
Again, I really appreciate the education.
The only photography class that I has was in junior high when I was 13 or 14 yrs old….35 mm black and white camera.
F stop totally makes sense to me now.
I am willing to learn….as my interest is just capturing better photos.
The essay that Jacob has on his website, Hike It Like It, was very helpful for me to understand sensor size.
Given how much time I put into my photos and photo essays, it seems logical for me step to something better.
I am not even terribly concerned about weight….maybe I am concerned about bulk in that it may cause me to take less photos.
I have noticed that friends of mine who have a DSLR, they take a fraction of the shots that I do…what they take is great, but fewer of them.
I prefer to document my trips simply so I don't forget them. (My mind is shot!).
Good to know about the 16mm lens and that darkness at the edges is not from the lens.
Still, they are impressive shots you have.
Soonest that I would get this is next year…need to pay off some other bills before I can consider new toys, but just like backpacking gear….fun to research the hell out of what is out there in the market.
Any reason you did not get the NEX-7?
-TonyOct 25, 2011 at 2:57 pm #1794938
It sounded like Jacob was in the same boat when considering cameras. The NEX was fairly new to the market when I jumped in. They now have an upgraded NEX-5N which has a added a touch screen to it's feature list as well as a new Sony A-Mount adapter. The NEX-7 wasn't on the market when I bough my camera and is too Pro-DSLR for me anyway. I like the simplicity of the NEX interface and chose it because it didn't have all the buttons and dials.Oct 25, 2011 at 3:12 pm #1794945
I have lots of thoughts on the subject, but tied up at the moment. In the meantime everything you need to know about NEX compatible lenses (just about any rangefinder or SLR lens you can imagine) you will find here:
Start at page 90 and work your way up, once you reach the end start at the beginning :) You will see more there than anyone can "tell" you about a particular lens.Oct 25, 2011 at 9:51 pm #1795092
Holy Cow Man!
You were not kidding….lenses, lenses, and more!
Maybe I don't want to know how expensive they are, but the results are pretty amazing.
I can see how this can be just like tweaking your backpacking gear…
-TonyOct 26, 2011 at 8:27 am #1795173
That was the sound of you going down the rabbit hole, Tony. Welcome to the matrix :)
As far as lenses go, you've got two general options:
a) Sony E mount lenses with autofocus and electronic aperture
b) "Alt" (third party) manual focus, manual aperture lenses adapted to fit the NEX
c) Ok, technically there is a third option for Sony A mount (SLR) lenses… but big and heavy
The Sony E lenses are ok in my book, from what I've seen most of them are very decent. I've only used the 18-55. My main gripe is the limited line up, which doesn't make the most sense for a 1.5x crop body. This is the way I view the E-Mount lineup…
– 16/2.8 (24mm equivalent) – The somewhat fast aperture suggests that it might make for a 'normal' lens, but it's really too wide for that. Getting too close to people will distort their proportions. For landscape use the 18-55 @18mm is equally a good option at a similar focal length.
– 18-55 (27-83mm eq) – A very nicely built 'kit' lens. The image quality doesn't reach out and grab me but it's surprisingly good.
– 24/1.8 (36mm eq) – Not released yet. If this lens flops I think a lot of people will be disappointed, including me. If it's a good lens (which it should be at $1000) then it will really strengthen the overall lineup.
– 30/3.5 (45mm eq) – Short macro lenses are ok for flowers, you'll never get close enough to bugs to get the macro magnification. Slow-ish aperture for use as a normal lens.
– 50/1.8 (75mm eq) – Not released yet. The focal length is neither here nor there. Not wide enough for use as a 'normal' lens, a little short for a dedicated portrait lens. They should have made this either a 35/1.4 or 75/1.8, or 90/1.8
– 18-200 and 55-210 zooms – Well, these big zooms may be more useful for general travel. I don't think many UL backpackers will want/need them.
What Sony has done is created a really fine and interesting little camera in the NEX, but fallen short in their lens offerings. Even despite that the camera has been a HUGE hit in Japan (and around the world). The combination of a compact body, large sensor, and excellent sensor performance is a winner! Putting alt glass on digital cameras is nothing new, but the sensor on the NEX really shines with good lenses, and the small size makes for a very compact package when using the classic rangefinder lenses.
The classic manual focus lenses require a few things…
– First, an adapter to convert (whatever) mount to an E mount
– User must know how to manually focus
– User must know how to set the aperture on the lens
These are not difficult skills to acquire. Since the advent of cameras, photographers have been able to master these things. Prices range from dirt cheap to drain your bank account. Once you know what you're looking for eBay is a good place to shop. KEH is another.
edited to add a couple of "by the ways"…
1. A little self promotion, Tony you may want to read this on lenses if you have not already.
2. Congrats on having your photos selected for the Nat Geo book!Oct 26, 2011 at 8:40 am #1795181
Chris TownsendBPL Member
@christownsendLocale: Cairngorms National Park
Good advice from Jacob. I'd just add that the new focus peaking feature means that it's easy to focus manually with the NEX.
I think the 55-210 lens could be useful for telephoto landscapes and wildlife shots. I often carry the 55-250 with my Canon 450D and use it enough to justify the weight. I intend getting the 55-210.Oct 26, 2011 at 9:13 am #1795201
I agree, this is a pretty neat feature. Between peaking and the MF assist magnifier it's hard to go wrong. Really bright sunlight made things a little more difficult for me on my first trip out, but overall it wasn't a problem. I really wish the NEX-5 had an integrated view finder, but I don't think I will buy the add on.
I didn't mention it above, but my backpacking kit consists of the 18-55 and Voigtlander Nokton 40/1.4… until I get a fast 24mm lens anyway, then the 40 will be out. I carried this on an across the chest strap with the spare lens in my backpack side pocket wrapped in a cloth.Oct 26, 2011 at 3:19 pm #1795327
Jacob & Chris,
Wow….I am getting an awesome education here on photography!
Appreciate the listing of the lenses that are and will be available for the camera.
Photography almost seems like UL backpacking…right lens for the specific situation.
$1000 for a lens….I might be afraid to drop it. :)
Looking at the shots that have been displayed on the other thread and the forum link you provided, I can tell you that I am sold with green envy of the spectacular shots that have been captured.
Good news for me is that I won't be purchasing this til sometime next year, which means there is time for new lenses to come and to chose from.
This has definitely been an eye opener.
Also, it is great to get your opinions on what lenses you would carry, which carries a lot of weight in terms of helping me decide what I might want.
-TonyOct 26, 2011 at 4:52 pm #1795348
In all of this it is easy to lose sight of the bottom line, and I am not talking about dollars here. It is 'what do you want to do with your photos?'
If you want to make wall-sized prints, then a DSLR and primes may be the (only) way to go. But how many really do that? Really?
If you want to look at your photos on a screen or a TV and put them on a web site, remember this: no matter what resolution your camera has, your screen is unlikely to be better than 1,600 pixels wide. That is a far cry from what some of the expensive cameras and lenses can offer. In fitting your precious photos to a screen you are going to lose most of that wonderful resolution. in fact, HOW you edit and reduce the photos will be more significant than what camera you used to take the photos. Many display technologies do a lousy job of that reduction, usually to get fast processing.
It is instructive to remember the story of the modern video zoom camera. Such animals were originally large, expensive and heavy (think broadcast camera), until the legendary head of (I think it was) Sony had a meeting with his optical designers. He wanted a zoom lens for a small hand-held video camera.
The 'experts' told him it could not be done.
Why not?
Because the resolution would be too poor.
Well, what sort of resolution could they get?
It would be under 1000 lines, and that's terrible.
But the sensor has only 760 pixels across (or about that then).
Well, yes, but …
Build it and show me.
So they did, and it wowed the world. (It was also hugely profitable!) We now have small hand-held video cameras with excellent zoom. To be sure, the resolution is only just enough for the sensor, but any more would be wasted.
Mind you, I still say most phone cameras are crap. But look at the glass bead they use for a lens!
CheersOct 26, 2011 at 8:38 pm #1795422
The difference between the Canon SD880is and Sony NEX is night and day, regardless of what one does with their photos. The thread topic is "Sony NEX Lens Impressions" after all.Oct 27, 2011 at 2:13 am #1795479
Hi Jacob
Yes, I understand what the thread topic is.
Let's ignore the fact that the 880 is several years older than the NEX, and focus on the price: the NEX is sort of double the historical cost of the 880 before you add lenses. Adding lenses boosts the cost even higher.
My question then is whether the **use you are going to make of the photos you take** can justify the rather significant extra cost. The cost of the gear is after all one of the 'impressions' I get.
Comes a day when the technology is good enough that the old mantra cease to be significant. For on-screen display, perhaps we have reached that day?
CheersOct 27, 2011 at 3:06 am #1795487
Chris TownsendBPL Member
@christownsendLocale: Cairngorms National Park
Good points Roger …. but I think choosing a camera involves more than just the resolution. Cameras with APS-C sensors, like the NEX series, have much better dynamic range than compacts with much, much smaller sensors. For landscape pictures this makes a difference. Also, larger sensor cameras mean less noisy images at high ISOs so low light pictures look better, as do ones where a high ISO is needed because you can't hold the camera steady due to the wind (or being out of breath).Having interchangeable lenses makes a difference too, as you can decide which lenses to take on which trip. Of course now you can have a tiny sensor compact with interchangeable lenses – the Pentax Q.
The end use of images is significant of course. But even for web use better dynamic range makes a difference. High ISO images taken with a tiny sensor compact can look awful on the web too.
If you'll always be taking pictures in bright light then a tiny sensor compact and a low ISO will be fine. In fact many camera phones will be fine. I took images with my Android phone on the Pacific Northwest Trail last year that appeared in a magazine and looked okay. But in anything other than good light the phone pictures were terrible.Oct 27, 2011 at 7:39 am #1795535
Hey Eric, I just realized that the NEX has bulb exposure. Did you happen to use yours on the Trinity trip (or any other) for doing star trails or slow exposure on water?Oct 27, 2011 at 8:06 am #1795545
I haven't used that feature yet as I'm trying to figure out a IR remote instead. I'm too afraid of camera shake even with a tripod. Still, I'll have to give it a go and see how it turns out sometime.
Edit: I have found that using the 16mm lens it has to hunt for autofocus when doing 20-30s nightsky shots. Any tips to eliminate the hunt for autofocus?Oct 27, 2011 at 9:24 am #1795577
Rick DreherBPL Member
@halfturboLocale: Northernish California
The easiest way would be MF mode preset on infinity. I don't know how the AF lock functions on these cameras, but unless there's a "toggle" on/off option I'd avoid AF entirely.
RickOct 27, 2011 at 9:45 am #1795587
Appreciate your input and hear what you are saying.
In fact, one of my concerns is that a newer, more complex camera might mean taking fewer photos.
My motivation is not that I want to print massive mural sized photos.
This is all about preserving memories, docummenting my travels, and sharing it with others with my photo essays.
My desire to "step up" has to do with having a larger/better sensor so that I can have images that better capture what I have seen.
I really don't know a lot about photography, but when I see the photos that others have taken with this camera or larger DSLRs, I am struck by how clear, sharp, and vivid the images are vs. my humble Canon 880.
And it would be nicer to have a camera that performs better in low light situations, which the larger sensors found in larger or more expensive cameras.
In some ways, it would be nice to not have to fuzz with interchangeable lenses, but it seems that stepping up to a larger sensor camera means detachable lenses.
I can live with that if the trade off are pictures that are "better" than what I have now.
Ultimately, I think it comes down to the simple fact that I am willing to spend the money and take on the extra weight for the pure self enjoyment of being able to look at the photos later on that look "nicer" than what I am getting now from my trusty SD880.
-TonyOct 27, 2011 at 9:58 am #1795590
Chris WBPL Member
@simplespiritLocale: .
Just because you can change lenses doesn't mean you have to. A lot of people, including Ryan J., shoot with one lens most of the time. Ryan generally uses a 35 f1.8 lens on his D7000 and that's my combo for most situations as well.Oct 27, 2011 at 10:02 am #1795592
You can of course leave one lens on the camera at all times, like the kit zoom. I don't change lenses very often when I hike. Something like kit lens for the hike, change to fast prime in camp (or don't change at all). You still get the benefit of the bigger sensor.
You can use the NEX like a P&S (same is true of just about any camera). It has full auto mode, it also has some other modes such as a really neat panorama sweep mode, automatic HDR, and an evening capture mode that takes several fast shots and merges them in camera to greatly reduce the effects of camera shake. These are more 'auto' modes and I have not fully delved into them, besides the panorama – which is pretty cool.
These are all conveniences that your camera, and many newer cameras don't yet offer. I think if anything you will take MORE photos with the NEX (shudder) ;)
Additionally you can customize the few buttons that are on the NEX. I know you've discovered the technique of locking exposure, you can customize one button on the NEX to do this, which is a better way than using a half press on the shutter and recomposing because there is no focus involved with the single button lock (the SD880 can do this too, but it's a multi button press). Just an example of another way that you can leverage the camera as an even more powerful P&S
(edit: Chris beat me to it)Oct 27, 2011 at 10:13 am #1795596
That may be a valid concern. The NEX is so small and light it might be tricky. Weighting the tripod like we were talking about might solve the issue. Then again it looks like a basic off brand IR remote can be had for ~$10, small and light to boot.Oct 27, 2011 at 10:23 am #1795604
Matt MioduszewskiMember
@water-2Locale: pacific nw
almost bought a DSLR, so glad I didn't.
Lens range is limiting factor unless you get a converter and go for manual, which, at the moment is something I'm not doing for backpacking and climbing use at least.
Oct 27, 2011 at 10:56 am #1795620
Rick DreherBPL Member
@halfturboLocale: Northernish California
Hi Tony, may I offer a suggestion? Go through your existing photos and parse your shooting habits. By which I mean look at the zoom settings you used most often, what light conditions you shot in (and the various ISO settings), what subjects you shot most commonly and–very importantly–which photos you really like. i.e., What shots transcend the chasm between snapshot and treasured image? (Some photo software can give you camera setting statistics, which is a big help. If 62% of your shots are at the widest zoom setting, that's a clue.)
After doing this with a few hundred or better, a couple thousand shots (one Saturday kid soccer game for me) you should have an idea of what sort of photographer you are. Do you like sweeping wide-angle scenery? Do you like compressed scenery through a long telephoto view? Do you like macro wildflowers and bugs? Do you like portraits? Do you like evening time exposures? Do you like marauding deer and other large critters?
Once you've self-examined, look around at others' work and see what they're doing that you'd like to yourself, but aren't because of either technique or equipment. I wouldn't spend a nickle until determining what I'd like to accomplish with my images that I can't now. Sometimes it's a learning hurdle; sometimes it's a gear hurdle.
Nearly every camera has an "Auto" setting that delivers trustworthy results 90% of the time, so if you buy something completely unfamiliar you can still successfully use it immediately upon charging the battery. Cameras are easy. Then, as your skills expand you can take it off Auto and control it yourself to enhance and extend your vision. Don't be intimidated by gear.
What I find gets in the way of shooting a lot while on the go is lack of easy access. DSLRs are crappy backpacking companions because they're not easy to comfortably keep at the ready. The new mirrorless system cameras are much smaller, presuming they're fitted with compact lenses. A chunk of the size advantage bleeds away as lens size increases, though. And there exist fixed-lens compacts that take images that compete with the most expen$ive dslr, they're just not as flexible.
In sum, before opening the wallet try to decide what you'd like to accomplish. The gear is actually pretty unimportant compared to clarity of vision. The big mistake is buying a "metric" camera when your needs are actually "Imperial." Then, the camera stays in the toolbox, unused.
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OK, so I'm rigging a parallel setup for charging three 12V batteries. Two full-size deep cycle and one smaller (motorcycle-sized but deep cycle) that's for my fish finder. I have a 1.25-amp charger. YES, I understand that it will take a great deal longer to charge with such a low-amp charger, but I will very rarely need to charge even two of them at the same time, much less three. This is mainly for ease of the maintain-charge.
If one depleted (say to 80% battery) is hooked up while the other two are at maintenance, what will the drawback be? Minor decreased battery life? I could unhook the at-charge ones to charge the depleted one and then parallel them all up for maintenance; is it worth it?

subset: commoncrawl


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I'm sorry for the delay in updates…I haven't had much to say up until recently!
Now, through my Ancestry.com account, I've made a huge breakthrough in several questions.
I decided to do a search on one of the passengers in Thomas Kaylor's car. In the newspapers and court documents, he's listed as James Hamilton. I put in his approximate birth date and death and instantly, a Jimmie B. Hamilton appeared. Imagine my surprise when one lone member tree included Hamilton's name. I contacted the tree owner, Barbara, and she graciously agreed to answer my questions about Hamilton and Kaylor.
Jimmie Hamilton was her aunt's young husband. His brother-in-law, Larry, was also in Kaylor's car and managed to survive. The two worked in the oil business just like my grandfather. Kaylor and Jimmie were friends from high school, Barbara said, and they had been bar hopping the night of the accident. Driving along the hilly Avenal roads was difficult, especially since the three were intoxicated.
As we know, the accident took the lives of Jimmie, my grandparents and their infant daughter. Larry suffered severe head injuries and was near death. He managed to pull through after having two metal plates screwed into his head.
And Thomas Kaylor? After his divorce he decided to visit his children, who were living with their mother and her new boyfriend. Once there, a fight occurred between the three adults and Thomas was shot by his ex-wife's boyfriend. This explains the short three-month gap between Kaylor's divorce and death. He is buried in Lemoore Cemetery, California under a cemetery marker.
I haven't found any information or news articles about this event but I'm searching. Barbara was in contact with Kaylor's niece, who provided the information about his death. I'm hoping to contact her and find out more about her family. I want to thank Barbara and her aunt for providing me with answers. It's so appreciated!
- Did Gerald work with Jimmie and Larry?
- Who killed Thomas Kaylor?
- Where are Thomas Kaylor's children?


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Re: The Last of Us - Neil Druckman Interview
Re: The Last of Us - Neil Druckman Interview[ Edited ]
NazzyQ wrote:
"I recently played the game for the first time beginning to end, and I got to an area actually in gameplay where I teared up, because for that moment - not in a cutscene - it all came together. It's my hope that we can reach fans that way."
Next time, read the whole article EDSTA buddy, ok?
If Neil states the game isn't finished then damnit by all means the game ain't finished. Maybe he means campaign wise and not MP included.
Re: The Last of Us - Neil Druckman Interview
Re: The Last of Us - Neil Druckman Interview
EDSTA713 wrote:
NazzyQ wrote:
I didn't say it was finished- I merely said it was playable from start to finish. That's not the same thing.
Well that's where the MP part plays a role. If we assume they finished with the campaign then the next 4 months should be work in MP and polishing the game I guess.
But remember, Arne said during the pre-order release info that there were two different teams, one for campaign and one for multiplayer. If what Arne says is true, the single player is undergoing major polishing while the MP is still being worked on. Right now, according to the interview, is crunch time, working 14 hours a day, seven days a week.
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When you masturbate for a week without showering, it builds up on your foreskin. Then, you scrap it off and eat it.
"I have noticed Josh did not shower for about a week now. I really hope he is not about to spagly again. Last time he did it, he ate it on a bagel."
by Lonjkwefbkjreviervb November 11, 2012


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The 49-24 blowout loss was so one-sided that Cruz didn't even bother celebrating either touchdown with his customary salsa dance.
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It wasn't all a disaster for the Giants, at least offensively. From the outset, Eli Manning relied on Cruz, who was starting for the injured Mario Manningham, as his top target. He connected with Cruz on the Giants' second and third plays from scrimmage for a combined 31 yards." Read more...
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Quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense haven't been quite so potent with head coach and play-caller Sean Payton suspended for the season as a result of the bounty scandal. But the Saints still rank sixth in the league in total offense, and Fewell isn't buying that there's been any drop-off." Read more...
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Excerpt: "The Giants' recent memories of facing the Saints aren't pretty. In each of the last two meetings, the Saints blew the Giants out in New Orleans.
Last year's rout ended with a Saints 49-24 win.
Chris Snee said he didn't even break a sweat before the Saints jumped out to big lead.
Osi Umenyiora left the game to undergo X-rays on his ankle and when he returned to the sideline the Saints had scored "like four or five touchdowns in that span," he recalled.
From what Victor Cruz remembers, it was humiliating.
"It was definitely embarrassing," the wide receiver said. "Whenever you get beat like that it's never a good feeling. You never get a good taste in your mouth. But we knew we just had to keep pressing forward. We couldn't dwell on it too much and we had to keep going. Look at the tape, correct our mistakes and keep pushing forward. So it definitely wasn't a good feeling. Hopefully we can do something to change that this year." Read more...
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And from afar, the recently retired Antonio Pierce couldn't help but smile
Not long after that, Pierce called Rolle and told him "You're the type of guy they need in that locker room." Pierce knew, because a few months earlier, before a neck injury ended his nine-year NFL career, he was that guy.
It was clear that when he left the Giants, he left a void. A loud leadership void.
"I know they have other guys in the locker room they call leaders," Pierce told the Daily News on Thursday. "But you can't force it on someone. It has to come naturally. With Rolle, it does."
It should be no surprise, then, that Pierce — now an analyst for ESPN — was thrilled to hear Rolle speak out so strongly on Tuesday about the Giants' need to get "nasty," to "get a little bit more dog in us" and to stop heaping so much pregame praise on their opponents. Pierce, who for five years in New York prodded his teammates with everything from words to actions to air horns, agreed that the defense of the defending Super Bowl champs has been pushed around far too much.
So he definitely approved of that message. And he absolutely loves Rolle's outspoken style.
"I love it when he comes out and says stuff," Pierce said. "Sometimes you have to step on people's toes to get to where you need to be. Sometimes you need to start a fire.
"I think in New York you have to have a guy like that. You go back to Jessie Armstead, Harry Carson — every great Giants team had a guy like that. And it always comes from the defensive side of the ball." Read more...
Osi Goes On A Rolle, Praising Drew Brees
Excerpt: "Drew Brees is "one of the best quarterbacks in the league" and Osi Umenyiora isn't afraid to say it – whether Antrel Rolle likes it or not.
In the days after Rolle publicly scolded his teammates for giving opponents too many pre-game "hugs and kisses", the Giants haven't been shy at all about complimenting the Saints. Umenyiora was one of many – including Rolle – who heaped praise on Brees this week.
He just doesn't see any connection between praising a player in the days before a game and what ends up happening on the field.
"There's definitely no carryover for that," Umenyiora said. "I think a lot of times you like to build somebody up only to tear them down. You don't want to give anybody bulletin board material. You don't want to say 'Oh these guys suck' and then he comes out there and throws for 13 touchdowns on you. So if anything you want to err on the side of caution and say how good he is and then go out there and knock his head off."
What about what Rolle said on Tuesday, when he said the Giants "need to start giving more credit after the game as opposed to before the game"?
"That's Antrel's opinion," Umenyiora said. "He's one of our leaders. He's one of the very good players we have on this team, so he's entitled to that. But at the end of the day, if a guy's a good player I'm going to call him a good player, period. That's just the way it is. We're playing against Drew Brees. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. I'm going to say he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league. If anybody has a problem with that, I guess they'll take that up with me in private." Read more...
Domenik Hixon Could Handle Some Return Duties, Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn Says
Excerpt: "It sounds like that may apply to kick returns more than punt returns, especially if RB David Wilson's role on offense grows. "Just seeing how the game flows, if David is playing more on offense, it might be something that (Hixon) will do," Quinn added." Read more...
Nicks Rides Back Into The Injury Area
Excerpt: "So much for Hakeem Nicks feeling like his old self.
The Giants' wide receiver wasn't even listed on the injury report on Wednesday, but on Thursday he was back on the sidelines, riding the exercise bike as the rest of his team participated in practice. The exact reason isn't known, but Nicks has battled foot and knee injuries all season long." Read more...
Spags' Saints NFL's Worst - But Improving
Excerpt: "The Saints' defense is dead-last in the NFL this season, allowing 440.5 yards per game, but there are signs things are improving as the Giants prepare to face New Orleans on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The last two weeks, for the first time all season, New Orleans held teams under 400 yards: the Falcons, last week, netted 283; the 49ers, the week before, had 375. The Saints lost both games, but the defense allowed 23 points to the Falcons and 17 to the Niners (who had two touchdowns on interception returns).
Those numbers aren't what might be expected from the 32nd-ranked defense in the league.
"I see a very fast, a physical defense," Giants guard Chris Snee said of the Saints. "I don't put too much into statistics or things like that."
Snee also should be well aware of how misleading statistics can be.
Two weeks ago, the Giants racked up 390 yards of offense against the Packers and scored 38 points. But on Monday, the Giants again had 390 yards of offense against the Redskins — and scored 16 points.
So now Snee and the Giants' offense are set to play a Saints defense that appears to be better at the moment than its ranking for the season.
"They're playing very well right now," guard Kevin Boothe said, "and that's what I'm really going off of."
The Saints' defense is orchestrated by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who was the Giants' defensive coordinator during the 2007-08 Super Bowl season. Spagnuolo departed New York to be head coach of the Rams for two years, but now works opposite Drew Brees in New Orleans.
The Giants are aware of what a Spagnuolo-led defense can do. They're also familiar with its intricacies." Read more...
Giants Need Fans To Overwhelm Saints With Noise
Excerpt: "When the Giants talk about All In, they mean a stadium shaking with a howling blue army — their 12th Man, its deafening roar thundering Sunday through a place that will unmistakably become Giants Stadium, no matter what they call it now, when the Saints come marching in.
The Giants won't soon forget how the Superdome crowd has punctured their eardrums over the years, and now they are asking their fans to be anything but Saints, to help fan the flames of another Super Bowl run in their most desperate hour.
So when The Post asked Eli Manning what his message would be for Giants fans Sunday, he said:
"Be loud."
"When the Saints have the ball, that's the time to start yelling at our defense and help them out."I asked defensive coordinator Perry Fewell if he has noticed how his pass rushers can feed off the crowd.
They want to feed off the crowd, the crowd gets them rolling, and really, that's what you call home-field advantage, right?" Fewell said. "And so sometimes we need them to inspire us."
Sometimes, of course, the fans need the Giants to inspire them, the way they did against the Packers.
"We played with a lot of energy, and our crowd was fired up because we were playing well." Chris Snee said.The Giants yearn for gusts of noise blowing at Drew Brees." Read more...
Hakeem Nicks Knee Is Sore Again
Excerpt: "Hakeem Nicks' left knee woes emerged again yesterday, an alarming development heading into the Giants' game Sunday against the Saints.
Nicks, who has had an injury-plagued season, had to miss practice due to what coach Tom Coughlin termed "a sore knee." The star wide receiver did not participate at all, making his status for today's final practice of the week, and the game, a major issue.
"It's always a concern," Coughlin said, "but hopefully it will subside and he'll be ready to go."
Nicks is normally accessible and available, but yesterday he did not talk to the media. Although he missed three games earlier this season (Weeks 3-5, due to knee and foot issues), he has played in seven straight games and has been practicing regularly. He was not mentioned on Wednesday's injury report.
Victor Cruz said he was "a little bit" worried Nicks missed practice." Read more...
Giants Not Buying Into Poor Numbers On Saints' Defense
Excerpt: "The overall statistics for the Saints' defense, ranked last in the NFL, are downright ugly.
The Giants (7-5), though, have delved deeper into the numbers as they prepare to host the Saints (5-7) on Sunday, hoping to have Hakeem Nicks available after their No. 1 wide receiver missed Thursday's practice due to a recurrence of his sore left knee.
What they see is an improving unit, one getting more familiar with its new defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, who held the same job with the Giants when they beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII before starting his three-season tenure as Rams head coach.
"I look at their most recent games, they're playing very well," Giants left guard Kevin Boothe said. "That's all I'm really going off of."
The Saints have allowed opponents a league-worst average of 440.5 yards per game – a league-worst 286.7 yards through the air and an average of 153.8 yards rushing, 30th in the 32-team NFL.
The Saints, who lost their first four games as coach Sean Payton serves a season-long suspension for Bountygate and interim coach Joe Vitt missed the first six games, have now lost two straight, including 23-13 loss at Atlanta on Thursday.
But the Saints held the Falcons (11-1) to 283 total yards, including 124 on the ground, marking the second straight game the Saints have held opponents to less than 375 total yards. Four weeks earlier, the Saints beat the visiting Falcons, 31-27, despite allowing 454 total yards.
"I haven't gotten stuck on the bad stats so I'm not going to get stuck on the good ones," Spagnuolo said.
"It's more aggressive, the Atlanta game is a good example of that," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said of the Saints' defense. "No doubt, you remember when he [Spagnuolo] was here and how they played. That's what you start to see."
Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride estimated he's probably prepared for this defense 32 times in his career, since it's essentially the same blitz-reliant, 4-3 base scheme the late Jim Johnson designed as the Eagles' defensive coordinator. Spagnuolo served as an Eagles assistant from 1999-2006 before joining the Giants.
Wide receiver Victor Cruz agreed there are definitely similarities to the Saints' defense and to what Spagnuolo constructed both with the Giants and Rams, particularly with their blitz packages." Read more...
Giants' Notes: Osi Umenyiora Gives Out Praise Where It Is Due
Excerpt: "If DE Osi Umenyiora believes an opponent is a good player, he'll continue to say so, no matter what S Antrel Rolle thinks.
During a radio interview on Tuesday, Rolle opined the Giants were throwing too much pregame praise their opponents' way, adding they needed to revive their "nasty attitude."
"That's Antrel's opinion … he's entitled to that," Umenyiora said. "If we're playing against Drew Brees, he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league and I'm going to say he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
"If anybody has a problem with that, then I guess they'll take that up with me in private.
"Nobody is in awe of anybody out there," Umenyiora added." Read more...
Giants vs. Saints: Scouting Report
"The Giants will attempt to stay atop the NFC East and break a three-game losing streak vs. New Orleans when they host the Saints this Sunday in MetLife Stadium. A loss in Washington on Monday night dropped the Giants to 7-5, one game ahead of the Redskins and Dallas Cowboys in the division race. The Saints started the season 0-4 and have lost their last two games, to San Francisco and Atlanta. But in-between they won five of six games and are 5-7 overall. The Giants lead the series, 14-12, but New Orleans has recently had the upper hand, winning the last three meetings, including a 49-24 triumph last season in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The Saints are ranked sixth in the NFL in total yards (386.4), but this is a team that prefers to move the ball through the air. They are third in the league in passing (294.2) and 27th in rushing yardage (92.3). But that last figure is a bit misleading. In the first seven games, New Orleans averaged 72.6 yards on the ground. Aaron Kroner then turned over the interim head coaching duties to Joe Vitt and focused his attention on the rushing attack, his specialty. In the last five weeks, New Orleans has averaged 119.8 rushing yards a game and 4.8 yards per carry.
New Orleans is tied for fifth in scoring (26.6 points a game). The Saints have scored touchdowns on an NFL-best 70.3 percent of their trips inside their opponents' 20-yard line (26 of 37). They have attempted only 14 field goals. New Orleans has a minus-two turnover differential (the Giants are plus-14, tied with Chicago for best in the NFC). In their seven losses, the Saints had 14 turnovers. In five victories, they gave the ball way just five times. They threw an average of 46 passes in their losses, but only 34 in their wins. When Drew Brees throws at least 40 passes, the Saints are 1-6 (beating only San Diego on October 7).
Brees is a six-time Pro Bowler who is still one of the NFL's very best quarterbacks. He is in the top 10 in all major passing categories this season. Brees leads the league with 31 touchdown passes, but is also tied, with Andrew Luck, for the league-high with 16 interceptions. Last week, he threw five picks in a loss at Atlanta, where his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass ended at a record 54. Brees has excellent throwing mechanics and he has a terrific feel for when he has to step up in the pocket. And few quarterbacks are better at utilizing pump fakes. Brees does have 72 career fumbles, including five this season. His backup is Chase Daniel.
New Orleans has one of the NFL's most productive receiving corps. Marques Colston tops the team with 61 catches and is tied with tight end Jimmy Graham for the lead with eight touchdown receptions. Colston is a premier possession receiver who is big and strong and has a huge catching radius. Devery Henderson is a nine-year veteran with outstanding takeoff quickness and the speed to stretch the field. He has a 17.9-yard average on 243 career catches. Lance Moore is one of the NFL's most precise route-runners and a consistent vertical threat. Joseph Morgan runs deep and clears out the underneath routes. He has just five catches, but they've accounted for 204 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown.
Graham, a 2011 Pro Bowler, lines up all over the field and is right behind Colston with 59 catches. Six of his eight scores have been from the red zone. He is a big, athletic receiving tight end who excels at working the voids in a defense. David Thomas is a reliable outlet target, though he missed the Falcons game with a knee injury. Michael Higgins was signed from the practice squad and instantly became the team's best-blocking tight end. He started in Atlanta.
For a team that doesn't generate a lot of yardage on the ground, New Orleans has as deep a group of backs as any team in the league; five of them are in uniform on game day. Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram both run strong between the tackles. Thomas is the only Saints back with a 100-yard game this season. He leads the team with 425 yards and his good receiving skills have resulted in 22 catches. Ingram has a Saints-high 98 carries and is a powerful runner with good vision, quickness and explosion. He is often employed in short-yardage situations. Darren Sproles missed three games with a broken hand, but has at least four receptions each time he's been in uniform. Sproles is primarily a perimeter player (he has 51 catches) who has uncommon body control and is dangerous in open spaces. Chris Ivory did not play in the season's first seven games, but has since averaged 5.4 yards on 36 carries and scored two touchdowns. Travaris Cadet, a rookie from Appalachian State, is a jack-of-all-trades back.
The Saints have a talented offensive line, but they've had to use four different players at right tackle in the last four games. Zach Strief is the listed starter, but he missed three games with a groin injury before returning to the lineup against the Falcons. He re-injured himself in the fourth quarter. Charles Brown was the first fill-in, but he suffered an MCL injury at Oakland in his third start. New Orleans then turned to Bryce Harris, who started against San Francisco two weeks ago and promptly broke his leg. That forced William Robinson to play right tackle. When Strief was hurt again in Atlanta, Robinson stepped back in.
Elsewhere on the line, left guard Carl Nicks – perhaps the premier player in the league at his position - signed in the offseason with Tampa Bay. So the Saints replaced him with another Pro Bowler, former Baltimore Raven Ben Grubbs, who mauls opponents with his powerful upper body. Right guard Jahri Evans is a three-time Pro Bowler who has started 116 consecutive games. He is an instinctive player who adjusts quickly in space. Left tackle Jermon Bushrod has been a steady performer while starting all 12 games at left tackle. The center is Brian de la Puente, who is tough, competitive and smart. Eric Olsen is used as an extra tight end in their heavy run formation.
The Saints have struggled at times to adapt to the system installed by new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who held the same position for the Giants in 2007-2008. New Orleans is 32nd and last in total yards (440.5) and rushing yards (153.8) yards allowed and 30th vs. the pass (286.7). The Saints have also given up a league-high 290 first downs and they are 28th in scoring defense (27.3 points per game). New Orleans allowed at least 400 yards in each of its first 10 games and league-high totals of 53 runs of 10 or more yards and 20 red zone touchdown passes. But the defense is improving and last week surrendered only 283 yards in Atlanta.
In addition to Spagnuolo, the Saints have several defensive players who weren't on the team when they faced the Giants last year. Linebackers David Hawthorne (formerly with Seattle) and Curtis Lofton (Atlanta) were signed when New Orleans was uncertain if Jonathan Vilma would be suspended. Former Eagle and Ram Brodrick Bunkley is a starting defensive tackle.
Cameron Jordan, a former first-round draft choice, is an attacking style left end who uses a variety of pass rush moves. He leads the team with 7.0 sacks. On the right side, former Pro Bowler Will Smith is a smart, versatile and violent player who has 5.0 sacks. Bunkley is a heavy-bodied run-stopper and the other tackle, Sedrick Ellis, is an active, natural-leverage player. Backup Turk McBride has 25 career starts and plays with a hot motor. Martez Wilson is a former linebacker who has become a disruptive pass rusher as a substitute end. Junior Galette has been relentless while playing about 30 snaps a game.
Lofton is seldom off the field and leads the Saints with 122 tackles (76 solo). He has impressive lateral speed and downhill quickness and a nose for the football. Hawthorne missed five games with a hamstring injury but when healthy, he has been a productive first and second-down run defender as the strongside backer. Vilma, formerly the middle linebacker, now plays on the weak side. No longer an every-snap player, Vilma plays in the base and goal line packages. Vilma is instinctive and athletic and speed remains one of his most valuable assets. Jonathan Casillas enters the game when the Saints use their nickel package, where his impressive coverage ability is best utilized. Scott Shanle, the weakside linebacker last season, has been a healthy scratch the last four games.
Cornerback Patrick Robinson usually covers the opposition's No. 1 receiver. He leads the team with three interceptions, including one he returned 99 yards for a touchdown against Philadelphia, and 15 passes defensed. He has top-end speed, which enables him to run stride-for-stride with the NFL's fastest receivers. Jabari Greer is a smart, savvy veteran with good movement skills at left corner. Strong safety Roman Harper (96) and free safety Malcolm Jenkins (95) are the team's second and third-leading tacklers. Harper often lines up at the linebacker level and is at his best in the box. Jenkins has the versatility to line up at corner. Elbert Mack is a feisty nickel corner and Rafael Bush is the dime back. Cory White has capably filled in at times.
Special Teams
The Saints often get a field possession advantage thanks to punter Thomas Morstead, who benefits from playing in a dome and leads the league with a 44.8-yard net average – almost one yard better than the NFL record 44.0-yard average posted last season by San Francisco's Andy Lee. Morstead's gross average is third at 50.0. Kicker Garrett Hartley has made 11 of 14 field goal attempts and has 34 touchbacks. Cadet is fifth in the NFL with a 28.8-yard average on 17 kickoff returns, including a 75-yarder, and Sproles is averaging 8.7 yards on 15 punt returns."
David Wilson Still Seeing Limited Time
"Wilson had as many rushing attempts – four – as kickoff returns Monday night, when the Giants lost to the Redskins in Washington, 17-16. Those carries totaled just nine yards. The numbers did not match the pregame speculation that Wilson's workload and production would increase when he moved up the depth chart to No. 2 after Andre Brown broke his leg the previous week vs. Green Bay.
"I was kind of expecting more, but really I didn't know what to expect," Wilson said. "So I'm just glad to get involved."
Although he played only briefly on offense, the reviews were positive.
"He runs hard," coach Tom Coughlin said. "He ran hard and he showed that he can go in there and play, there's no question about that. He has learned, he has developed. We need that. We need to be able to count on a number of backs this time of year and really at any time."
Whether Wilson gets a bigger workload Sunday at home against New Orleans won't be determined until game day. In Washington, Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for 103 yards on 24 carries, and those numbers were a major factor in Wilson getting so few attempts.
"He was doing great," Gilbride said of Bradshaw. "We were running the ball.
"It's just a matter of how the game was played out. (Wilson) wasn't in that much, so he didn't get a lot of chances to run it or pass-protect. Again, the other guy was doing very well."
The most memorable Wilson moment from the game occurred on his first carry, when linebacker London Fletcher knocked him down with a crushing hit after a five-yard gain.
"He caught me in the air," Wilson said. "It was a nice hit, so I can't take that from him."
He'll gladly absorb a few more of those if it means getting the ball in his hands more often.
Lawrence Tynes 10 points Monday night increased his season total to 127 – that both leads the NFL and is a career high. Tynes, who has been the league's scoring and field goal leader for much of the season, is five points ahead of New England's Stephen Gostkowksi.
Tynes' previous career best was 126 points in 2009, when he kicked 27 field goals. This season, with four games remaining, he has booted 32 three-pointers. Tynes' point total is tied for the third-highest single-season total in Giants history; Ali Haji-Sheikh scored 127 points in 1983. The record of 148 was set by Jay Feely in 2005. John Carney scored 143 points in 2008.
*The Giants are 26-29 in games following a Monday night game, including 8-8 since 2000.
*Hakeem Nicks joined the list of players not practicing with a sore knee, which has bothered him most of the season. "It's always a concern, but hopefully it will subside and he'll be ready to go," coach Tom Coughlin said.
Also sitting out were running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), safety Kenny Phillips (knee), tight end Travis Beckum (knee) and safety Tyler Sash (hamstring).
Phillips played the last two weeks after missing six consecutive games with a knee injury. Did he have a setback in Washington?
"I don't think it was a setback," Coughlin said. "Just something that he's dealing with."
Linebackers Michael Boley (shoulder) and Jacquian Williams (knee) were limited. Williams has missed the last six games, but Coughlin said the second-year pro "moved well. He did. He practiced well." Asked if he was more encouraged about Williams returning this week, Coughlin said, "I think that would be a good assessment."
Another linebacker, Chase Blackburn (ankle), practiced fully, as did center David Baas (shoulder), wide receiver Domenik Hixon (ankle) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (back).
Hixon missed the last two games. Although he has just one punt return this season, special teams coordinator Tom Quinn hinted Hixon could assume that role and perhaps return kickoffs as well this week.
"He's done both well," Quinn said. "Just seeing how the game flows, if David is playing more on offense, it might be something that he will do. We're ready to go either way, just trying to get him more involved.
"If he's active, we'll start getting him back into his role, getting him on some special teams. Hopefully, we'll see an increase if he's active."
*The Giants will hold their annual Toys For Tots drive on Sunday. Giants fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to any of the collection vehicles and volunteers located at each gate prior to entering MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Uniformed Marine Corps Reserves will be on hand to assist in collecting these gifts. All gifts collected during the drive will be donated to Toys for Tots, the premier community action program of the United States Marines.
*The game against New Orleans Sunday will highlight the Giants' "Loyal Blue Thank You Week." The Giants are showing their appreciation to their season ticket holders with a variety of exclusive benefits and events. They will include:
This afternoon, a conference call with defensive standouts Justin Tuck and Antrel Rolle was held for season tickets holders. On Sunday, the Giants, for the first time, will use the stadium's numerous video boards and televisions to enable season ticket holders and their friends to see their own pictures on game day. Fans are urged to share their favorite Giants-themed photos, which will be displayed throughout the day, starting pre-game in the plazas, and all through the game, including halftime. Fans are urged to send their photos to #LoyalBlue using the Instagram Mobile App.
Also Sunday, the Giants will host a pregame alumni Q&A from 2:30–3:10 p.m. at the MetLife stage on the Plaza with Bob Tucker, Mark Collins and Bob Kratch, hosted by My9's Russ Salzberg. Immediately following the question-and-answer session, former Giants center and captain Shaun O'Hara will sign autographs for an hour.
The first 10,000 Thumann's stadium hot dogs will be $1 until 30 minutes before kickoff, at 3:55 p.m. (limit 2 per person); offer available throughout the stadium and the Plaza. In addition, 2,500 free Dunkin Donuts hot chocolates will also be available exclusively in the MetLife Plaza area when the Gates open at 2:30. Eighty thousand free "Loyal Blue" themed gifts will be handed out as fans leave the game.
On Tuesday, December, 11, there will be an exclusive Holiday Shopping Event for season ticket holders and their friends and family at the MetLife Stadium Flagship Store from Noon to 8 p.m."
If Healthy, Giants' Domenik Hixon May Return To KR/PR Duty
Excerpt: "Before the 2010 season, Domenik Hixon was quite the weapon as a kick returner and punt returner for the New Yorkfootball Giants. However, in 2010 he would suffer an ACL tear before the season even started, only to be followed up by another ACL tear in Week 2 of the 2011 season. But now special teams coach Tom Quinn has announced that if Hixon's ankle is healthy enough, he will return to his role as returner on Sunday.
Before the injuries, Hixon averaged 15.1 yards per punt return in 2009. Overall in his career, he's returned 51 punts for 561 yards and a touchdown. As a kick returner he's returned 80 kicks for 1,966 yards and a touchdown." Read more...
Giants' Defense Thankful To Be Playing Saints' Drew Brees On Sunday
Excerpt: "The New York Giants have always had trouble defending mobile quarterbacks. Whether it be Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Vince Young,Robert Griffin III or even Aaron Rodgers, the Giants have had some embarrassing losses to teams with athletic quarterbacks. Last Monday, RGIII and the Washington Redskins torched Big Blue for 207 rushing yards. The Giants were unable to find the football against the triple option and it resulted in a 17-16 loss. However, several members of the Giants defense are excited to play against a quarterback this weekend that won't be the fastest player on the field.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is obviously an incredible talent. His ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly in the pocket can neutralize a pass rush and put pressure on the secondary to stop his bevy of weapons at tight end and wide receiver. However, defensive end Jason-Pierre Paul said he would much rather face the Super Bowl XLIV MVP then the 'Skins' rookie phenom.
"We already know what he's capable of, and his targets and stuff, so we'll go out there and play some great football," Pierre-Paul said of Brees. "And we ain't gotta worry about the option."
Brees may be capable of more than the Giants are bargaining for this weekend. Despite the Saints' 5-7 record, Brees has thrown for 3,674 yards and 31 touchdowns through 11 games. By comparison, Eli Manning has thrown for 3,170 yards this season and 16 touchdowns. The difference in these statistics are likely due to the fact that the Saints have one of the league's worst rushing attacks, while the Giants are willing to hand the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw over 20 times per game. Bress has attempted 65 more passes than Manning this season." Read more...
Giants' Roster Power Rankings: Rating The Giants Freom 1 - 53
Excerpt: "Here are this week's New York Giants' roster power rankings. Really only minimal shuffling this week.
1. Eli Manning -- Can you think of a reason he shouldn't be here? LW: 1
2. Ahmad Bradshaw -- The guy just keeps doing things his fragile feet tell you he shouldn't be doing. LW: 3
3. Victor Cruz -- Made one big catch Monday, but dropped a ball over the middle. I hate to say it, but I'm starting to wonder if No. 80 is hearing footsteps going over the middle. LW: 3
4. Hakeem Nicks -- a soirt of 'blah' game on Monday for Nicks. LW: 4
5. Jason Pierre-Paul -- Will the All-Pro JPP from a year ago ever show up in 2012? He was a total non-factor against Washington and it's hard to keep saying it's because he gets extra attention from the opposing offense. He simply has to produce more. LW: 2
6. Antrel Rolle -- Maybe the best thing he did this week was to call out his teammates on Tuesday. LW: 67. Will Beatty -- A costly penalty Monday, but has to stay in this spot because of his overall contribution this season. LW: 7
8. Chase Blackburn -- It's not saying a whole lot -- or maybe it is saying a whole lot -- but he might have been the Giants' best defender on Monday. LW: 9
9. Linval Joseph -- The whole pulling a Redskins' player off a pile like he was a turkey leg was not Joseph's finest moment. He didn't play very well, either.LW: 8
10. Lawrence Tynes -- Yes, he missed a critical 43-yard field goal. I refuse, however, to blame Tynes when the snap by Zak DeOssie might have been the worst we've seen since, dare I say it, the days of Trey Junkin. LW: 10" Read more...
Kevin Gilbride: Wilson "Did OK"
Excerpt: "After running back André Brown was lost for the season with a broken leg, the thinking was that rookie David Wilson would have a larger role than the seven snaps he got in Monday night's game, four of which were carries.
Instead, the coaching staff decided to stick with veteran Ahmad Bradshaw, who was showing the hot hand during Monday night's 17-16 loss to the Redskins.
"He was doing great," offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said of Bradshaw. "We were running the ball, and again, it was about as good of a performance as you're ever going to get. You just wish you had more points to show for it. I was very pleased with the way we were able to run the ball."
And what about Wilson, whom the coaches and players keep saying is making progress and getting closer to making more of a contribution on offense?
"I thought he did okay. He didn't do anything special, but I thought he tried to run hard," Gilbride said. "He got about three yards a carry, which is, you know, he didn't do anything wrong. He didn't do anything special."
Gilbride was asked about the lack of pass blocking opportunities given to the team's first round draft pick and deferred on his answer.
"It's just a matter of where it was played — the way the game played out. He just wasn't in that much. So he didn't get a lot of chances to run or pass it. Again, the other guy was doing very well," he said." Read more...
Giants Gone Soft? Don't Tell Ahmad
Excerpt: "There are NFL fullbacks who go entire seasons without a single carry, backup quarterbacks who never take a live first-team practice rep, and fringe players who insist they enjoy being the guy who busts up a wedge on kickoffs.
And yet of all the things that don't make sense in football, the New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw is a different oddity: a sore-footed running back who runs only on game days.
Bradshaw is definitely not who defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul was talking about Wednesday when he said the Giants, who are in a 1-3 slump, are sometimes too "soft." A day earlier, coach Tom Coughlin seemed intent on rattling the Giants' cages, too. Noting how his team is now clinging to a one-game lead in the NFC East, Coughlin looked ahead to the New Orleans Saints' visit Sunday to MetLife Stadium and said the Giants need to win their remaining four games to avoid any risk of missing the playoffs.
That won't be easy.
Atlanta, Baltimore and Philadelphia all lie ahead after the Saints. Though New Orleans isn't the same team since the bounty scandal cost it head coach Sean Payton for the season, the Saints have still won five of their last eight games after an 0-4 start. And they still have Drew Brees, who gashed the Giants for five touchdowns last season in the Saints' 49-24 win in the Superdome.
When Giants defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora was asked Thursday what he remembers about that game, Umenyiora said: "I remember going to get X-rays on my ankle. When I came back out they had already scored four or five TDs." Read more...
Osi Sees Nothing Easy About Stopping Drew Brees
Excerpt: "Osi Umenyiora doesn't think there is anything easy about preparing to defend against Drew Brees and the Saints' offense.
"I would never say that," Umenyiora said. "I'd never say there's anything easy about playing against him. He's one of the best quarterbacks in this league. We definitely have our work cut out for us."
Umenyiora disagreed with the notion that the Giants' defense will have an easier time -- as Jason Pierre-Paulput it -- with more traditional Saints offense than it did trying to figure out what the Redskins and Robert Griffin III were doing in their option read offense.
Pierre-Paul was saying the Giants should have an easier time from an assignment standpoint facing a more traditional offense than playing against Washington, which had the Giants on their heels.
"We don't have to play the option, but that's about it," Umenyiora said. "We still have a lot of work. They do a lot of different protections. The secondary has their work cut out for sure with all the stress that (Brees) puts out there. It's probably a tougher game physically than playing against Washington." Read more...
Wilson Garners Praise From Coaches
Excerpt: "He only had seven snaps on offense, but David Wilson earned high marks from the coaching staff for his performance Monday against Washington.
"The coaches said I did good and I read my blocks well," the rookie said.
Wilson, the team's No. 2 running back now that Andre Brown is lost for the season with a broken leg, is going to get more opportunities to showcase why the team selected him in the first round of this year's draft. He carried the ball four times for nines yard against the Redskins.
"I was kind of expecting more (plays) but really I didn't know what to expect," Wilson said. "I'm just glad to be involved."
Despite being one of three running backs taken in the first round of the draft, Wilson has barely made a difference on offense this year. With his fumble in the opening game and the emergence of Brown as a goal-line back, Wilson became the odd man out in the running back rotation. Coaches talked about him not being able to handle all aspects of the job, specifically pass protection." Read more...
Cruz, Eli See Big Things Ahead
Excerpt: "In the first seven games of the season, Giants wideout Victor Cruz had 50 receptions (7.1 per game) for 627 yards (89.6 per game) and seven touchdowns.
Over the past five games, Cruz has 18 receptions (3.6 per game) for 256 yards (51.2 per game) and one touchdown.
But Cruz thinks the offense is on the verge of a breakthrough, getting back to making big plays on a more regular basis.
"There were a couple of plays (against the Redskins) that if we hit those plays on Monday it probably changes the complexion of the game," Cruz said Wednesday. "We are almost there."
"Yeah, we are close," said quarterback Eli Manning. "Just missed Hakeem (Nicks) on one, just missed Victor on one. Hit a couple down the middle to Vic and Martellus (Bennett) and hit Vic on another one. We were able to get the ball downfield a little bit more which was nice, hit some big plays. Hopefully we can continue to do that and hit a few more." Read more...
Giant Collapse Would Stain Coughlin, Eli
Excerpt: "It wasn't supposed to be like this for the New York Giants, not this season. Those old problems about starting fast and struggling in the second half? Those were behind them, drowned under a wave of Super Bowl confetti on the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium one giddy night in early February. This season's team, we were told, had learned from the old mistakes and would find a way to overcome the pattern. They began November with three more wins than anyone else in the division, and it appeared as though they were right.
Yet, here the Giants sit, one game up with four to play and a December schedule that looks as friendly as a polar bear that's down to its last fish. Losers of three of their past four games, the defending Super Bowl champs find themselves in another late-season slugfest, needing to muscle up and play like the NFC East's clear No. 1 team if they're to claim its playoff spot. If they do, they'll enter the postseason as one of the NFC's scariest teams, bolstered by championship experience and recent memories of success against the rest of the teams in the field.
But if they don't -- if the slide continues and the Giants somehow fail to win this division in a season in which the Redskins and Cowboys have struggled so badly and the Eagles failed to post -- then it will be no one's fault but their own. And their leaders should shoulder as much blame as they got credit for last season's success.
Giants coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning didn't court or revel in the accolades they received as the Giants rolled into and through the Super Bowl last season. Neither is that sort of man. But receive them they did, and the public debate that flowed into the early part of the offseason was about their chances to reach the Hall of Fame. Accolades don't come a lot more juicy than that, and Coughlin's and Manning's were well-earned. But a failure to build on them, rather than revert to the same kind of late-season behavior that used to raise questions about this coach and this quarterback, would be a missed opportunity.
Manning was being talked about this season as maybe the best quarterback in the league. He has clearly proved, during the course of two Super Bowl runs, that he's the guy you'd pick if you needed a quarterback in a big spot in the biggest of games. But the very best quarterbacks don't have wild swings of inconsistency. The very best ones steer their teams through full seasons without the kinds of tough stretches that take their playoff chances from solid to shaky over the course of a month. Manning's self-professed mission this season was to pilot a Giants team that didn't have to stop everybody's hearts before coming through in the end. While his team has looked like one of the best in the league in games against the 49ers, Packers and a few others, it is wobbling in a way that requires its on-field leader to play better than he has.
Coughlin is obviously a great coach, but nobody's perfect. And one of Coughlin's imperfections appears to be that his teams arrive at every December still needing the right kind of kick in the pants. Last season, he delivered it, hitting exactly the right note in the week following a home loss to the Redskins that dropped the Giants to 7-7. He went positive on a team that was expecting a tongue-lashing. He talked up opportunity and appreciation of circumstances. He made his players feel good about themselves at a time when they weren't so inclined. It worked, and as I have written here many times, the Giants' Super Bowl run was the residue of masterful Coughlin coaching." Read more...
Eliminating Kickoffs In NFL Games Raises Passions For And Against
Broncos Top Raiders For 8th In A Row


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Discussion in 'The Trash Can' started by Vagabond, Aug 24, 2012.
I watched both an hour ago. I prefer Baga's JGP LP to her skate at UGL.
I had the same reaction. I like her skating and I think she has potential...IF she avoids believing her own hype and continues to improve and all.
Back to the US ladies, I am a little nervous about Caroline. Does anyone know what exactly her injury is?
Neither Caroline Zhang nor Peter Oppegard has alluded to an injury in the Skate Canada articles I've read.
Hilton HHonors has been a Team USA jacket sponsor since last season (their logo is featured on the right side)
The strap broke on Caroline's dress (reportedly) and she left some elements out of her program in fear her dress might fall off, especially with spins. Coach and referee decided to let her continue skating, as she had not stopped on her own. Recalls to mind Ross Miner's strap coming loose on his lower pants leg and dangling a bit as he continued to skate and got through it, even winning the bronze (I think this was at 4CC).
There was a comment made tonight by debbie and liz about how it has taken 25 years to finally see a version of carmen that was like-able. This was of course made during the dance but it was in reference to all of the carmen that was heard today. I believe it was some of the Canadian skaters joking around that the whole team was going to be mandated to skate to carmen by the time nationals rolls around
Ooh...I wasn't looking for anything like that before, but now that I've seen it (IMO, it's visible if you know what to look for ), she handled that situation pretty well.
A good, honest response from Gracie. It sounds like she knows what to work on for next time.
The situations really aren't the same. This is Gracie's debut on the senior GP. While there was a lot of hype, there were also many who never expected her to be perfect and are going to be more understanding towards someone in her situation rather than an experienced skater who shows up untrained.
Since when did reasonable criticism become trashing? I really don't see where anyone in this thread was over the line with their comments about Rachael.
And jab at Gracie?
I'm trying to be realistic about Gracie. She definetly has a few years until she reaches her prime. A little surprised about the jump inconsistencies, but I'm sure it was related to her nerves. Let's just hope this was a great learning experience for Gracie.
My main concern is who will end up being our number 2 at Worlds. I am feeling very confident that Ashley can maintain her consistency, but we really need a consistent number 2. I'll be heartbroken if we don't earn 3 spots for Sochi. Speaking of consistentency or lack there of...what are your thoughts on Mirai at COC?
After seeing Gracie's results yesterday, my thoughts shifted to Mirai. As this season unfolds, there is a door opening for Mirai to pass through. If she holds it together, she could deliver at CoC and make a case for herself (again) to the USFSA. However, how many times have we waited for that to happen?
But, I'm encouraged by her consistent 2x-3t and the fact that her overall demeanor is different from last season: She looks more concentrated this season. New coach and much less time on the road might make a difference. Her overall international marks thus far this season make her a dark horse on the nationals front.
I agree, I am very encouraged by the 2x-3t! She does seem to be a bit different this season, and maybe the fact she's off the radar will benefit her. Although she has broken our hearts many of times With Mirai, it's really a matter of how much she wants it. There is no doubt she has the goods.
^Looking at the line-up of Mao Asada, Julia Lipnitskaya and Kiira Korpi, Mirai has an uphill battle but maybe like you said, being off the radar will help her out
Not to mention Zijun Li, who I think could surprise as well.
Mirai has an uphill climb to the podium next week, but if she's determined and focused enough I have no doubt she can medal.
Mirai has never medalled at her first gp in the season, has she? I thought the last two seasons she medalled in her second gp.
That's correct. Silver at 2010 TEB and silver at last year's CoC.
Mirai's problems are the same as they've always been. Is she in shape and can she handle pressure well? She's fine when she's flying under the radar but the moment she becomes a favorite and not the underdog she's a headcase.
we keep forgetting this was Grcaie's first GP event,
I'm sure by her next GP she will podium or even win , she is a determined girl
Of course I was very disappointed that Gracie couldn't show in competition what she has showed consistently in practice. Competing is tough. Some are naturals and some have to learn how to do it. I also was hoping for more of an artistic transformation in the use and softening of her arms and getting down in the knees more, as well as watching posture and not to ever round the shoulders. I kind of wish Nicks or Caroll could get a hold of her. I think her coach is a good technical coach but not sure he is up to providing the rest of the package including the ability to compete. She is such a talent and I'd like to see it nurtured and developed,
Anyone think Gao can make the GPF? Now that Osmond won SC but doesn't have a second event, Gracie and Caroline have no shot to qualify, and the odds are not in Liza's favor to qualify, Mirai still has only one event and it's with the deepest field thus far, Sotnikova will likely need a gold or silver at her next event to qualify and seems to still be making lots of mistakes, Agnes bombed at the Japan Open, Kanako is still having major UR issues and has only a bronze so far, and Mao seems to have ditched the 3a for now, idk, seems like there's a chance Christina could make it. I know the field at TEB is tough, but if she can skate like she did at SA, who knows, she could wind up on the podium and that could do it.
That's one hell of an IF, is it not?
Christina Gao will rule the universe. I'm pretty sure we already had this discusion shortly after her senior debut.
I was wondering (not certain but wondering) after last season if Gao had already peaked, she had been unable to advance her position at U.S Natiionals for several years, and with her starting college full time, it seemed she might even slide into retirement gracefully. I am happy to see she still has some fight in her. I would love to see her spring a few surprises this year.
When I saw Gao at Nationals last year, she had the coltish, noodly look of someone who's just grown, which threw me because I feel like she's been in a coltish stage for the past three years. She just didn't look like she knew where her arms and legs ended, and she didn't seem to have the strength to control them.
This year, she looks like she's finally stopped growing and has some more muscle, so her knees are bending more and she has more control of her body overall. All her lovely grace is finally reaching her hands and feet.
I wonder if that was a blessing in disguise? That she didn't bubble to the top before she's mature enough to occupy a space there and fight for it. Seeing Kimmie, Mirai, and Rachael falter has been pretty heartbreaking, and I can't help but wonder if they hit the top of the National (or International) podium long before they were ready for the pressure.
Glad we're on board . I mean, if people think Gracie Gold, with her earth-shattering score of 151 and 7th place at SC, is a contender for Olympic Gold in Sochi, I see no reason why Christina can't rule the universe after what she did at SA .
But in all honesty, Gracie Gold is Agnes Zawadzki 2.0. Both won the junior title in dominant fashion after not making it to Nationals the season before, both were really consistent leading up to winning the Jr. title, they both have huge jumps, especially the 3lz, and are capable of monster 3-3s, they both won JW silver after Nationals, both opted to skip the JGP the following season and were lucky enough to end up with 2 senior GP assignments, and just like Agnes Gracie is showing that she has a tendency to choke in senior competitions. They both even are blonde, tall, from the midwest, and have similar body types with the thin gangly arms and very muscular thighs. Agnes might have a slight edge over Gracie though because she has a good coach and choreographer whereas I know nothing about Ousharev and Brown but considering they never produced anyone else good before Gracie you can probably assume Krall and Nichol are better.
Wow! Clearly there is no point in Gracie even skating again. She is doomed from the get go. Might as well get a job flipping burgers and accept her place as a has been who never was.
Did not mean that I just mean her and Agnes's careers thus far, strengths and weaknesses, etc are STRIKINGLY similar at this point, and unlike some who are totally sold on Gracie Gold, I'm taking the outlook that her prospects regarding Worlds and the Olympics are no better, or worse, than Agnes or any of the other girls who's names get thrown around like Mirai, Christina, etc. That second Worlds spot is wide open ATM, as well as the Olympic team next season, whether it has 2 spots or 3. The only one with an edge at this point is Wagner, and realistically I think she is the only one with a good shot to medal at either the 2013 Worlds and/or the 2014 Olympics. For all her raw jumping ability, Gracie has very little international experience and is just out of juniors, and puberty could still play a factor in her development as a senior skater at this point. She well COULD be the next big thing in skating, but idk if it's realistic to expect this will happen between now and Sochi. 2018 could be her time to shine.
Good Lord. First Gold was the Messiah of US Ladies Figure Skating, now she's a headcase who can't hack it. FWIW I think she's just a talented teen-aged girl who still has a few lessons to learn about competing on the senior international level and there's nothing wrong with that. It's not her friggin' job to "save" US Ladies Figure Skating and she doesn't owe any of us anything. Let her grow and develop at her own pace, and be happy when she does well and not trash her when she doesn't.
What is Scott Brown's claim to fame? Was he an international competitor, medalist? Who else has he choreographed for?
In that case, this thinking should be applied to all skaters, not just one.....
True, but most skaters haven't been over-hyped the way Gold has.
Is it me or is Gold a lot thinner than last year? She didn't need to loose any weight, I wonder if it's affected her power.


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David Adjaye and his design: Museum of Contemporary
Art in Denver
Architecture lecture series begins with David Adjaye
By James M. Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist
(Sept. 8, 2008)--The UTSA College of Architecture and ArtPace Art Talks will welcome architect David Adjaye, principal of London-based Adjaye Associates, to open the fall 2008 College of Architecture lecture series at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Downtown Campus Buena Vista Theater.
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
Article tools
Sometimes referred to as a "starchitect," Adjaye is considered one of the leading architects of the current generation. His body of work encompasses private homes for stars such as Ewan McGregor, the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver and a string of London-based "Idea Stores," described as "public library meets community center."
Adjaye is working with the Linda Pace Foundation to design a home for Pace's collection of contemporary art in San Antonio.
Born in Ghana, Adjaye, 40, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to architecture through his public works.
Adjaye has taught at the University of Pennsylvania (2006), Harvard University Graduate School of Design (2007) and London Royal College of Art, where he received his master of architecture degree in 1993.
The UTSA College of Architecture lecture series is free and open to the public. Download the lecture series schedule (PDF format).


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2010 Fight of the Year: Part 1
- Written by Dave Walsh
With It's Showtime's final show completed, the 2010 kickboxing season is pretty much complete. Outside of a few fights at Dynamite!! and SRC, we've now seen what the year has to offer for action. So what better time to look back at the best fights of the year? Here's our first nominee - check back all week for more.
#1 - Tyrone Spong v. Jerome Le Banner (K-1 Yokohama, April 3)
At the time, this looked like it might have been the start of a career resurgence for JLB. Coming in off his career low at the 2009 GP, Le Banner changed up his training, recommitted himself, and ended up going toe to toe with one of the new generation's rising stars, showing that there still is some fight left in the Hyper Battle Cyborg. Le Banner's year will sadly be more defined by his temper tantrum walk-out against Kyotaro, but this fight was a real highlight, and easily his best showing in recent years.


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Pulaski Technical College's chapter of Phi Beta Lambda will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, in Business Technology Center Room 337.
The guest speakers will be La Keesha Murrill and Jay Whipple of the March of Dimes - Arkansas Chapter. The March of Dimes has been for many years the national charity of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. All students interested in business are welcome to attend.
Phi Beta Lambda is the college-level professional business organization of Future Business Leaders of America. The chapter conducts various service projects, activities, conferences, workshops, guest speaker events, networking opportunities, and annual competitive events that can help students build a portfolio of accomplishments and awards.
For more information, contact business instructor John Price, the chapter's co-adviser, at 501-812-2842 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Pulaski Technical College


text:
14,880pages onAdd New Page
this wiki
this wiki
Butterscotch is a type of confectionery that may also be used in some potions. It was kept with other potion ingredients in the Potions Classroom at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Butterbeer was mentioned to taste similar to, but less "sickly than", Butterscotch.


text:
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Developer: Naughty Dog, Inc.
Genre: Combat Racing
Players: 1-2 Players (console), 2-6 Players (Online via Broadband Connection)
Platform: PlayStation â 2 computer entertainment system
Peripherals: DUALSHOCK®2 analog controller, memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2), Network Adaptor (Ethernet/Modem) (for PlayStation 2), USB Headset (for PlayStation 2, sold separately) or SOCOM headset
Launch Date: Fall 2005
Rating: "RP" for Rating Pending
Target Age: 13+
Jak X: Combat Racing™ brings back many of the franchise's most popular characters, in an intensely competitive combat race atmosphere. Created and developed by Naughty Dog, Inc., the Jak and Daxter franchise has sold more than 7.5 million units worldwide.
Jak X: Combat Racing promises nothing less than a heart-stopping plot, high-speed action and head-to-head vehicle combat, in the wildest ride in the series yet.
After Jak stopped the Dark Maker menace in his last adventure, cities were rebuilt, people flourished and sports reemerged to fill the void. Combat racing became the biggest sport of all, as the excitement of high-speed competition brought crowds to the track. Kras City led the way, with people flocking to the dangerous city of death and intrigue. When Jak and Daxter receive a mysterious invite to Kras City for the reading of Krew's Last Will and Testament, they find that they have been joined by familiar faces such as Ashelin, Keira, Samos and Torn. When Krew reveals in his recording will that everyone present, including his daughter, Rayn, has been poisoned, everyone is shocked.
Krew gives everyone an ultimatum – the only way to get the poison antidote in time is to race for him in the next Kras City Grand Championship, or they will all die. Now, Jak and his friends are forced into a high-speed contest for their lives, as they are swept up into a deadly plot to win the biggest racing event on the planet – against the best drivers in the world. With a deadly objective ahead of them, Jak and his friends take to the treacherous terrain as they are thrown into the driver's seat and find themselves racing against time in order to save their lives.


text:
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5/30/2017 1:39:11 AM. For Customer Service, please call 800.933.9904
Think of it as "vintage reimagined." Our Ellipse Bed is a new take on the iconic, mid-century style. The walnut's mid-tone finish enhances the grain's stunning and unique beauty, giving it a timeless look. The bed features a sculpted ellipse-shaped headboard that will add a dramatic accent to any bedroom.
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Assembly may be required for this item based on shipping location and delivery method. Items shipped via In-Home Delivery will be placed in the room of your choice and assembled. All packaging will be removed and recycled at our warehouse for Local In-Home Delivery, or placed at your curbside or nearest trash pickup area for Long Distance In-Home Delivery. Items shipped via Basic Freight Delivery or picked up in store will require assembly. Easy-to-follow instructions will be included in your order and are also available by clicking the Assembly Instructions link below. You can view your assigned delivery method in your Cart. If you have any questions, please email or call us at 800.933.9904800.933.9904.
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text: Hey fellas, I entered a Outdoors photo contest to win a 90 qt Brute Box Cooler. If you could take a second to go to the site and vote for my pic I would really appreciate it. There isnt any kind of spam or enter your email anywhere just a click and a vote. The picture is of my 5 month old yellow lab in the Blue Bonnets. Thanks for the help! Here's the link:http://texasoutdoorsmedia.com/photo-of-the-month/ Pic #22Than Thanks again! ~Heath


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Tom Ta-Tom Tom's
27 comments
This is great! I'm totally signing up to be notified!ReplyDelete
whaaaaaaaaaat! I'm signing up now, so excited - I agree, don't own a pair but kept considering it because I love the cause behind it!ReplyDelete
I saw that Tom's was coming out with a line of ballet flats somewhere among the abyss of pins on pinterest a few weeks ago and immediately tweeted all my girlfriends! I. Cannot. Wait. I was never a fan of the regular Tom's either. These ladies will be more my speed. :)ReplyDelete
Great! I can never have too many ballet flats - at least I can walk in them ;-) Shame that Spring seems sooo far away... xoReplyDelete
I cannot wait for these! I have a pair of regular Toms and the wedges, and they are so insanely comfortable! I want one of every color in the flats. Haha. A girl can dream. :)ReplyDelete
How cute! I like the ones with the slanted different colour toe capReplyDelete
WHAT! I need every color asap. kthnx.ReplyDelete
FUN! I'm way behind and although I like the originals, I still have yet to get a pair. These flats are really cute though.ReplyDelete
Oh no! Please don't tell E! She'll bankrupt herself on these for sure.ReplyDelete
Soo excited for these! Counting the days :)ReplyDelete
Ahhhh, I can't wait! Love love love that these are almost here! xoxoReplyDelete
Oh so cute! Love those leopard prints!ReplyDelete
♥Janette, the Jongleur
Oh pretty! I didn't like the original Toms either but I loved the cause so this is great. Of course, they'll be totally useless to me when your Spring comes around as it will be well and truly heading into winter by then over here. Boo.ReplyDelete
They are very cute...I love the variety of color & pattern!!! XO brynnReplyDelete
I am a girl of extremes - I'm either wearing high heels or ballet flats, so I'm already signed up for this!!!!ReplyDelete
signing up now!! i cant wait :) xoReplyDelete
yeah toms are not my jam either. these hold a much greater potential.ReplyDelete
The ballet flats are so pretty, I love my Toms and will definitely be getting a pair!ReplyDelete
They do have a lot of cool patterns. I like the original Tom's too.ReplyDelete
now these are toms i'd actually buy. awesome!ReplyDelete
The flats are so ridiculously cute! I might need a pair even though I have 2 pair's of slip ons!ReplyDelete
Awesome!! It looks like they're going to have some really cute options!ReplyDelete
Lovely blog girl! :0)ReplyDelete
You;re really pretty... Now following you <3 follow me back?
xoxo, love&hugs
Oh my word. Love this! Signed up to be notified.ReplyDelete
I was THRILLED when I saw this news. And the colors and prints look like they'll be adorable.ReplyDelete
Glad I stumbled upon your cute blog!
Ooh thank you for sharing! I've wanted to like Toms but like you, they just aren't my style! I'm much more of a ballet flat girl. :)ReplyDelete
woohoo! ballet flates are way more up my alley. so excited to get a pair!ReplyDelete


text:
A supercalifragilistic season of Mary Poppins made it the most successful musical staged in this country for almost a decade.
The popular production at the Civic Theatre pulled in about $16.8 million in ticket sales from 160,000 audience members. It also generated a further $13.5 million for the Auckland economy from 56,000 visiting fans.
"It was very pleasing so many people from around the country, including more than 3000 from the lower South Island, travelled to see a truly world-class show," said Robbie Macrae, director of The Edge.
"The sheer numbers attending has opened the door for us to bring more internationally acclaimed productions to the city later this year and next."
He added: "Mary Poppins followed a very successful season of Jersey Boys, and shows there is clearly a real appetite for major musicals in New Zealand."
Jennah Wootten, of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, confirmed the 56,000 out-of-town theatre-goers spent an average of $240 a night while in Auckland for Mary Poppins, which closed a 91-show run on December 30.