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[size=24:f252a4c60d]From the May 24th Detroit News...[/size]
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Carlisle finds his niche in Indy[/size]
Pacers thrive on ex-Pistons coach's calm
By Terry Foster / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS Ryan Stephenson and Seth Lindsey relaxed after a hard days work and sipped on a few beers at a window table at Coaches, a popular sports bar near Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Thats when someone caught their attention.
Hey, look, Franklin said. Its Larry Bird. Who is that with him?
About 100 yards away, Larry Bird, president of basketball operations for the Pacers, was waiting with another man outside Moes restaurant for the valet service.
Yeah, who is the other guy? a waitress said, joining in the fun.
Oh, yeah, Smith said. Thats Rick Carlisle, the coach.
Carlisle, the unassuming coach of the Pacers, remains low- key despite the position his team is in a 1-0 series lead over the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals and a shot at the NBA title.
Still, while the talk the past three days has centered on Carlisle facing the Pistons the same team that fired him a year ago after consecutive 50-win seasons the rest of the community is focused elsewhere.
Like the Indianapolis 500. And the U.S. Olympic wrestling trials. And, whether Pacers all-star Jermaine ONeals eye would be healthy enough for him to see.
I guess my belief is things happen for a reason, said Carlisle, 44. And I am disappointed that the Detroit job came to an end, but I was optimistic about the future. I wasnt really down about it.
I felt something good was going to happen to us eventually.
Ups and downs
It seemed like that something good was meant to happen in Detroit.
Carlisles first head coaching job in the NBA was a step-by-step process.
* In 2001-02, Carlisle led the Pistons to a 50-32 record, a Central Division title and a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
* That same season, Carlisle was named the NBAs coach of the year.
* In 2002-03, Carlisles team went an identical 50-32, winning the Central title again. This time, however, the Pistons advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
Then the roof caved in.
Carlisle was caught in the middle of a political battle at The Palace.
He clashed with the front office. Players said they were not enamored with his stoic personality and plodding offensive philosophy.
And, of course, there was an opportunity: Larry Brown, a Hall of Fame coach, decided to leave the Philadelphia 76ers, and was available.
There are a lot of good people doing a lot of good things there for a long time, Carlisle said. To me, they had an opportunity to get Larry Brown, and I cant blame them for doing that. He is at the very top of our profession, and if you have the opportunity to get him, you do that.
Thus, Carlisle was job hunting. And Indiana was available after Bird fired former Pistons Bad Boy Isiah Thomas.
They should have hired (Carlisle) after Bird left as coach, Lindsey said of Bird, who coached the Pacers from 1997 to 2000 before Thomas took over from 2000 to 2002. We all thought they would.
Still, as Carlisle goes about his business in the reserved ways he was often criticized for, a storm still brews hundreds of miles away.
Some Pistons fans still bring up Carlisles name as the coach who should be leading the team. Others say Brown is the right man to make this team among the leagues elite.
Carlisle just shrugs and displays that stoic stare that has become a common scene at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Let me ask you something, Carlisle said. Why do people care? Why is it still a big deal in Detroit? Still?
For the record, everybody involved in the tumultuous affair says its all behind them. Carlisle even said that he and Tom Wilson, president of Palace Sports and Entertainment Inc., have spoken twice during the Pacers visits to The Palace. He also has visited Dumars office and keeps in contact with John Hammond, vice president of basketball operations.
Dumars, in return, says he and Wilson wish Carlisle all the best except, of course, when the Pacers play the Pistons.
Change of heart
Carlisle remains one of the bright young coaching minds in the NBA.
In his three seasons as a head coach, Carlisle joined Pat Riley as the only coaches to start their careers with three 50-win seasons and three division titles.
But even as Carlisle talks about his goals, hes quick to point out his success or failure will depend on his players and staff.
Whatever legacy I have as a coach will depend on the players I have the good fortune to work with, Carlisle said. That is the bottom line. If there is something I want to be remembered for, it is as a guy who put players first and made players the focus of the team. I just dont believe this job can be approached any other way. The players are our game.
But that was the knock on Carlisle he lacked people skills.
So, one of his first acts as Pacers coach was to reach out to ONeal, the disgruntled forward. The Pacers had fired ONeals mentor Thomas shortly after ONeal agreed to a long-term contract deal.
I thought it was going to be a 30-second conversation, Carlisle said of his telephone call to ONeal, who was in Puerto Rico playing for the U.S. national team.
Think again. It turned into 30 minutes.
ONeal took Carlisles call, ending another conversation he was engaged in, and listened to Carlisle.
I am just calling you out of respect to you and the situation, Carlisle said of the conversation. I just want you to know I feel very fortunate to be in a position to get a job like this. I know what Isiah meant to you not only as a coach but a mentor and friend. It is important to know I am not coming here to replace that. I expect that relationship to continue and for it to be important to you. I want you to know I am sensitive to that.
And I also want you to know I have a very strong belief in your ability to become a MVP-caliber type guy and makes his teammates better.
So much for the lack of people skills, at least in the eyes of ONeal.
My anger was not out of disrespect to him, ONeal said. My issue was with management and my distrust of management about the issue. The only thing I thought about was his communication with players.
I know my teammates. It is a very fine line how you can deal with the players, and I was worried about that getting blown out of proportion and did not want to see our season go down the drain.
Word of the conversation filtered down to ONeals teammates in Indiana. And they followed suit in accepting the change.
Hey, man, we wanted to win, guard Fred Jones said. We are not worried about that anymore.
Higher goals
Carlisles philosophy is simple: If you can defend your position and be a threat on offense, you play. If you cant defend your position, you watch.
The season started slowly for the Pacers offense, which bogged down under starting guard Kenny Anderson.
Players began to grumble. The ghosts of Detroit were in their back yard now. A couple approached Carlisle and told him they didnt like his offense.
And guess what? I didnt like it either, Carlisle said.
Changes were made, including sitting Anderson and starting Jamaal Tinsley.
The result? The Pacers won a league-high and franchise-best 61 games and boast a 9-2 postseason record.
Carlisle avoided the storm by remaining calm.
Everybody is thinking about it, but I dont think he is thinking about it to the point where it will affect him, said Donnie Walsh, president of the Pacers. He has moved past it.
Carlisle got over the Pistons on opening night, when the Pacers visited The Palace. The crowd gave its former coach a warm standing ovation, and tears welled up in his eyes.
That was seven months ago.
The volatility of the profession has been a constant over the years, Carlisle said. We know going in that this can end at a moments notice. That is one of the appeals. It is the competitive nature, the joy and excitement.
But with the highs come the lows of losing, or losing a job.
That, however, isnt an issue. At least not to some Pacers faithful.
I dont know why Detroit let him go, but we are glad they did, Stephenson said. He is the right guy at the right time.
For Carlisle, he simply doesnt want to be noticed as the Pacers walk into one of sports biggest stages.
You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Pistons pinpoint problems[/size]
Execution, improved guard play top the list
By Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS Both teams rolled up their sleeves Sunday, both aware that, after their not-quite-masterful performances Saturday night, there was a great deal of work to do before Game 2 tonight.
For the Pistons, though, the to-do list was longer, and focus a bit more urgent.
There aint no desperation in here, Ben Wallace said. We just have to play. The last couple of minutes of that game, we didnt get good shots, we didnt execute our sets, we didnt take care of the boards. We just didnt make enough plays to win the game.
Ball-protection, ball-sharing and overall offensive precision were at the top of the Pistons list.
Shot-making and rebounding made up most of the Pacers agenda.
Start with the Pistons. They had 19 turnovers. They made one field goal in the games final 7:40. Their last seven shots were from three-point range.
Rasheed Wallace, who made just 1 of 7 shots, did not touch the ball for nearly 13 minutes in the first half. Elden Campbell had only three fewer shots than Wallace, even though he played 29 fewer minutes.
Our little guys (guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton) never passed the ball, Pistons Coach Larry Brown said. Tayshaun Prince gave it up and our big guys gave it up. But our little guys never gave it up. Most of our assists came after we couldnt get a shot. That impacts everybody.
We have to work so hard defensively, because theyve got so many guys that can score. If you dont take great shots and move the ball, you are going to be limited, Pistons Coach Larry Brown said.
The primary target of this criticism, as always, was Billups. He played a brilliant first half, torching Jamaal Tinsley for 17 points. The Pistons ran a lot of postup and isolation plays, and Billups took full advantage.
In the second half, they went away from that play. Billups missed all five of his shots, four of which were from three-point range.
I dont know what happened, Billups said. We didnt call that play (isolation post-up against Tinsley) until there were like three minutes left in the game. We didnt call it and I dont know why.
Billups was benched early in the third quarter after he made two turnovers and allowed Tinsley to beat him off the dribble a couple of times.
He was out of sorts for the rest of the game.
That said, we still had a chance to win, Billups said. We just have to play with the same defensive effort and get better shots.
Brown wants Billups to give the ball up and initiate plays earlier in the possession.
When we did, we got great shots, he said. When we didnt we turned it over or took bad shots.
Another concern for Brown was that the Pistons only got to the free-throw line four times in the fourth quarter.
We have to get to the free-throw line, he said. Jermaine ONeal played the whole game with one foul. Ron Artest played the whole game with one foul. Our whole team was in foul trouble in the first half, and both Ben and Rasheed (Wallace) were in foul trouble. That impacts how you play.
If their big guys never get fouled and ours do, we cant be as aggressive offensively or defensively.
Part of the problem, Brown knows, is that the Pistons didnt attack the basket enough to draw fouls.
We have to pick up our aggression level, he said.
The Pacers are expecting just that. In fact, ONeal on Sunday expressed surprise that he got so many easy shots (even though he missed 13 of 20) and that Rasheed Wallace was such an easy cover.
Its kind of the way they play, ONeal said. I think Ben Wallace gets more touches in the post than Rasheed. They didnt post him much at all and they didnt really look inside. If hes going to stay on the perimeter, itll make it easier for me to cover him.
As for the Pistons defense, ONeal said: I got them (great shots). I broke down my shot (on tape) and Im going home to look at it because I was short-arming a lot of them and they were really wide-open shots. I was surprised I had so many wide-open shots in the 8-to-10-foot range.
Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle expects the Pistons to tighten the defense considerably, which could be daunting considering the Pacers shot 33.7 percent against an alleged lax Pistons defense.
I thought we had to work for shots, Carlisle said. We had shots we can make, but I wouldnt say it was easy. But we know as a team it is going to get tougher and their level of aggression is going to go up, particularly on the defensive end.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Pistons only need to guarantee better play[/size]
By Bob Wojnowski / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS--I guarantee neither the Pistons nor the Pacers will score more than 80 points in a game the entire series.
I guarantee the next paragraph will contain a noun and a verb.
I guarantee the Pistons have no chance none of winning this series if Rasheed Wallace makes more news off the floor than on the floor.
There. Its not so difficult making guarantees, is it? Wallace so thoroughly believes the Pistons will beat the Pacers in Game 2 tonight, he guaranteed it twice. He did it immediately after the Game 1 loss. Then he did it again Sunday, louder and stronger, with every certainty except the money-back offer.
The thing about guarantees is, although fun and controversial and slightly silly, they guarantee nothing. This one distracts from the real issue, that the Pistons maddeningly inconsistent offense caused the 78-74 loss. Letting that opener slip away, with the Pacers shooting 34 percent, could haunt the Pistons.
In Detroit sports lore, we need only recall the famous guarantee of offensive tackle Lomas Brown, who was so sure the Lions would beat Philadelphia in a 1995 playoff game, he said the outcome wasnt an issue, only the final score. By the third quarter, the Eagles had a 51-7 lead and won, 58-37.
At least Lomas had the nerve to guarantee victory in a do-or-die situation. Who guarantees a Game 2? No offense to Wallace, whose heart is in the right place, but if the Pistons lose tonight, whats the repercussion? They have at least two more chances to regroup.
Thats why Wallaces guarantee Put it on the front page, the back page, column one, column two was less Joe Namath and more Muhammad Ali. It was less about brash confidence and more about stirring emotions and motivating himself after a rough Game 1.
If you saw Wallace enter the Pacers practice gym Sunday and get swarmed by cameras that dutifully recorded his shouted guarantee, you got the point. This was about a player feeling left out, partly because hes hampered by a foot injury and partly because he doesnt get the ball very often. He was invisible in Game 1, scoring four points.
He has been quite visible ever since. The man in charge of returning Wallace to invisibility is Indiana star Jermaine ONeal, who happens to be one of Wallaces best friends.
They went out to dinner after Saturdays game, joined by former Portland teammate Bonzi Wells, and ONeal swears the guarantee never came up. When asked what his friend was up to, he smiled.
Thats Rasheed trying to get himself and his teammates fired up, ONeal said. Its that time of the year. Sometimes youve got to go out on a limb and say certain things to get your team going, because theyre in a hole right now.
ONeal said he wasnt perturbed by what his buddy said. Most of the Pacers were surprised, but mildly amused by it.
Its too early in the series for monumental statements, and everyone seemed to realize it. Pistons players had little problem with the guarantee, and some loved it. Most didnt think it mattered much.
It gives yall something to write about, doesnt it? Ben Wallace said, chuckling. The way yall react, I guess it is a big deal.
Its only a big deal because in todays antiseptic sports world, few athletes or coaches take chances anymore, with their words or deeds. For that, I give Rasheed Wallace credit. Id give him more credit if hed get his butt on the low block, even with his ailing left foot, and hammer the ball right at ONeal.
Maybe thats part of it, that Wallace needs something extra to play against his friend. ONeal scored 21 points in Game 1 but missed 13 of 20 shots, so Wallaces defense was fine. But by midway through the third quarter, Wallace had taken only two shots.
Oh, hes hurting, ONeal said. After dinner, we were walking out and he was limping. I feel bad for him. But hopefully, hes hurting a little bit more (tonight) so I can go at him and make things better for my team.
The Pistons need more from Rasheed Wallace, and everyone knows it. If the foot doesnt allow him to deliver, so be it. But if theres more in that deep well of emotions, maybe this brings it out.
Or maybe the guarantee is another of those NBA conspiracies, to hide that this Eastern Conference final, while intense and brutish and competitive, is hardly attractive basketball.
The guarantee might matter to you and me and the TV announcers. But if you truly believe in its motivational powers, you must admit it has as good a chance to inspire the Pacers as the Pistons.
Aw, what the heck. One more guarantee. At tip-off tonight, it wont matter a bit.
You can reach Bob Wojnowski at email@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Bravado puts Rasheed in role of leader, but will he deliver?[/size]
By Rob Parker / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS--Rasheed Wallace has set up a defining moment. Not just for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals tonight, but perhaps in his career as a Piston.
Anybody can guarantee a victory in a big game. It has been done countless times. But when the star player you acquired to reach the championship level, and one you hope signs with you for the long term, makes such a declaration, you take notice.
Since coming to Detroit in a blockbuster, three-team deal in February, Wallace has tried to fit in, but not lead.
Here, hes taking a leadership role, telling everybody the Pacers, the NBA, and most of all, the Pistons, that hes willing to stand out front for his team.
If successful, Wallaces stature will grow here.
The Pistons are thrilled that Wallace, angry at his play and frustrated that the Pistons let a big game get away, spoke out. After Saturdays 78-74 loss in Game 1, Wallace said: They will not win Game 2. I guarantee it. You can write it.
On Sunday before practice, Wallace didnt back down.
You heard me, he said. Put it on the front page, the back page. They will not win Game 2.
This is part of what the Pistons were looking for from him. After all, Wallace came into the postseason with more playoff experience than anyone on the team. Clearly, he believes in this team.
Obviously, you have to have a lot of confidence in your guys to be able to say that against a team thats won the most games in the league and youre on their home court, Chauncey Billups said.
Everybody knows Wallace isnt healthy. Hes playing on a bad left foot. For the most part, Wallaces presence, not big numbers, has been enough to get them through.
But after a lackluster performance in Game 1 four points and seven rebounds Wallace knows he has to deliver more if he wants the Pistons to reach the Finals.
Wallace also knows he must do a better job on power forward Jermaine ONeal, who had 21 points and 14 rebounds in 41 minutes.
I love it, Corliss Williamson said. Thats what makes the playoffs fun.
My teammate stepped up, spoke what was on his mind and what Im sure is on everybodys mind on this team. We have to go out there and back him up.
Wallaces proclamation was more about himself, not the Pacers. You get the sense Wallace knew that had he played better, the Pistons would have won the opener in this best-of-seven series.
This wasnt some cheap gimmick, a stunt for Wallace to call attention to himself. Nope. Thats not his speed. Wallace is as real as they come. Thats probably why he has had so many problems with referees.
Rasheeds so emotional and so driven in that aspect that Im not surprised he said something like that, Lindsey Hunter said.
If youre Pistons President Joe Dumars, you have to be excited, too. In the worst way, Dumars wants to sign Wallace to a new contract. Wallace, who makes $16 million this season, becomes an unrestricted after the season.
This stance by Wallace might tell Dumars that Wallace has grabbed hold of this team and claimed it as his own. There was no guarantee of that when he was traded here.
Rob Parkers column appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You can reach him at email@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Wallace's boast amuses Pacers[/size]
By Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS You should know that Rasheed Wallace did not back off of the guarantee he made Saturday night of a Pistons victory in Game 2 tonight.
Why would I take it back? he said incredulously before the Pistons practiced Sunday. I aint taking nothing back. We aint losing Game 2.
You should also know that, while his teammates back him up, the Pacers were greatly amused by it.
Thats how he plays the game, said Jermaine ONeal, who was Wallaces teammate in Portland for four seasons. We just play the game. I mean, why make statements? Both teams have to show up and play. Hes got to play a heckuva game now because hes issued a statement.
Ron Artest just shook his head.
Theres a lot of guys talking in the world, he said. Hes just another guy talking in the world.
In other words, its just noise. The reality is, the Pistons defended well enough to win Game 1. They held the Pacers to 78 points and 33.7 percent shooting. The Pacers leading scorers ONeal and Artest combined to miss 24 of 35 shots.
Wallace? He was uncharacteristically not a factor (four points, 1-for-7 shooting).
So, naturally, when they look at that, the Pistons feel like they can and should be able to even the series tonight.
The fact that Wallace guaranteed it doesnt change that, or amp up the pressure to do it.
This is the Eastern Conference finals, theres always pressure, Chauncey Billups said. How much extra pressure could there be?
As far as making it harder on the rest of the team, Ben Wallace said: Weve already made it tough on ourselves (by losing Game 1). It cant get no tougher.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Miller, Hamilton have similar styles[/size]
By Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS Reggie Miller admitted Saturday night that at times he felt like he was playing himself, albeit a younger self.
Yeah, hes like my Mini-me, he said of Pistons guard Richard Hamilton. Hes obviously watched a lot of video tape. I see hes got a lot of the same mind-eye, Jedi tricks that I do.
Hamilton has long been compared to Miller. Both are superb at using screens to get open. Both are thin but extremely quick. But Jedi tricks?
Its scary, Miller said. Hes got it down to the holding, pushing and grabbing off screens that I do, and the stopping and starting. I thought I had trademarks on those. I am going to have to collect some back rent, some royalties, from Rip.
Hamilton would gladly repay the favor, if Miller would take back the one and only shot he made Saturday. It was a three-pointer with 31.7 seconds left and it won the game for the Pacers.
You watch so much vintage tape and you see Reggie hitting all those big shots, so you just knew it was just a matter of time, Hamilton said. He got me going one way while he went the other, and the rest is history.
Hes Reggie Miller. Hes been doing that his whole career.
The way Miller summed up the comparison was this: I think his mid-range game is better than mine, but my long-range game is better.
Probably true. But Coach Larry Brown, who has coached both, said the comparison might be a bit premature.
There are a lot of similarities, he said. Reggies fearless. He gets better every year. Hes always working on something to improve his game. Hes not afraid to take a big shot. Hes an underrated defender. Rip has those same qualities, but Reggie has done it for a long, long time.
Olympic duty?
Brown on Saturday also said he has pushed to get Miller on the U.S. Olympic team this summer.
Millers reaction?
Im too old (38) for that, he said. Its quite an honor and I am not saying no. Right now, my focus is being in the Eastern Conference finals and I will evaluate everything after this. But it is great to be asked.
I know others are dropping out, which is unfortunate. I cant think of a bigger honor, except maybe winning an NBA championship, than playing for your country.
Artest guarding Ben?
It looked strange there in the second quarter when Ron Artest was guarding Ben Wallace, but the move was effective.
Artest found himself on Wallace after the Pistons went to a frontcourt of Ben and Rasheed Wallace, along with Mehmet Okur.
Wallace missed two shots and had a turnover in two minutes.
There were a couple of times in the regular season when we had Ron guard Ben, Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle said. We did to try and keep a strong body on Ben to help keep him off the boards. Its not something well do on a full-time basis, but they throw so many different lineups at you, you have to be ready to mix-and-match on the fly.
Hes hurt
Rasheed Wallace took treatment on his sore left foot before practice Sunday.
The Pistons medical staff believes that, contrary to popular belief, playing every other day might actually be good for the injury. Wallace hasnt limped as much the last two games, but the Pacers Jermaine ONeal said Wallace isnt the same player.
Hes definitely hurt, ONeal said. I know hes hurt. I know the type of player he is and his agility isnt quite there and his speed is not there. That foot is bothering him.
Hes one of my best friends, but I am sure if I was hurt, he would go right at me in the same manner to try and get a win.
You can reach Chris McCosky at (313) 222-1489 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Reserves a benchmark for Game 1[/size]
By Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News
INDIANAPOLIS The Pistons prepared for offensive forces Jermaine ONeal, Reggie Miller and Ron Artest to harm them in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday night.
The real harm came from another source, Pacers reserves Al Harrington and Jonathan Bender.
Harrington impacted the first half in a big way with 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes.
Bender had five points in 14 minutes and played strong defense.
We saw the team was out there, struggling a little bit (in the first quarter), Coach (Rick Carlisle) called both of our names and we just looked at each other, gave each other a pat and said, Lets get things going, turn this game around, Harrington said after Sundays practice at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Pistons bench generated just nine points in Game 1, while the Pacers reserves had 19 the sum total of Bender and Harringtons points.
Carlisle said his bench has been a source of strength all season. He also hopes they will positively impact tonights Game 2 at Conseco Fieldhouse.
They gave us a shot of energy, Carlisle said. Harrington in particular around the basket. Getting rebounds. Bender made some good plays where he was either able to make a shot or create for somebody else. Our bench has been one of the strengths of our team this year, as it has been for Detroit.
We really depend on them to be effective for us to be a successful team.
Harrington suffered some damage from Game 1, thanks to Elden Campbells elbow and Mehmet Okurs foot.
Harrington took a shot from Campbell to the sternum just before halftime, leaving him in a significant amount of pain and unable to catch his breath. Then Harrington twisted his left ankle in the third quarter when he stepped on Okurs foot while going for a rebound.
Both injuries left Harrington bruised and tender during Sundays practice. He sat out most of it, taking treatments for the injuries.
Harrington, however, said neither problem will prevent him from playing tonight. He will wear a protective pad to protect his sternum.
Carlisle was more concerned with Harringtons ankle injury.
Als left ankle is really bothering him, Carlisle said. When you throw your body around the way he does, those types of things (ankle and sternum) happen.
Hes been great about bouncing back. Hes played hurt a lot for us this year.
Artest, on shooting 6-for-23 in Game 1: I just probably didnt work hard enough.
... Harrington, on the physical nature of the series: Its going to be tough. I think there are going to be a lot of X-rays taken, hospital visits, all that. Its going to be a great series.
Quick shots
Tickets for tonights game are still available. Go to www.consecofieldhouse.com for more information.
You can reach Joanne C. Gerstner at email@example.com or (313) 223-4644.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Fast breaks[/size]
By Joanne C. Gerstner / The Detroit News
Real novelties
Shopping for souvenirs is always a fun part of any road trip.
Frankly, sometimes, the kitschier the finds, the better.
So what wacky souvenirs lurk in the Pacers merchandise store at Conseco Fieldhouse, appropriately called Home Court?
The large store has the usual array of T-shirts, jerseys (Austin Croshere anyone?), and hats.
But here was the stuff that was worth a second look of curiosity, and in one case, a little bit of fright:
* Pink-hued, form-fitting ladies baby tees that read, I love Reggie or I love Ron or I love Jermaine for $25.47. The love part is actually the heart symbol, all outlined in glitter. The men in question are Pacers stars Reggie Miller, Ron Artest and Jermaine ONeal.
So which one of the cutesy-poo shirts sell the best? According to the shop staff, the Miller shirts are doing well, ONeals are a close second and, well, Artest isnt selling at all.
* There is this bizarre combination of an angelic teddy bear mixed with blue-and-yellow troll doll hair for $14.15. The oddity, referred to as a No. 1 fan bear, has a headband and a Were No. 1 foam finger.
* The most terrifying item was a sort of temporary sticker for the face, transforming a fan into a blue-and-yellow-hued Pacers freak. The face tattoo, which acts like a transfer onto the skin that sticks through moisture, costs $2.
The gift shop workers report that, thankfully, even rabid Pacers fans question how well the sticker comes off and if it leaves a residue.
Deja vu
Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle has talked about how both teams play a very similar style of basketball.
But Carlisle neglected to also mention that both teams use the Going to Work theme as their pregame introduction openings.
The Pacers starters are introduced one by one, each shown wearing a hard hat on the video board to signify their readiness to work.
There is even a loud work whistle before the game starts, just like the Pistons use.
The only thing missing is a semblance of the Big Ben gong chime, which in Detroit means the presence of Ben Wallace.
Colts Survivor
The big news in Indy over the last few days, besides the Pacers and the upcoming Indianapolis 500, was the unveiling of tweaked uniforms for the Colts.
There was a big news conference, complete with the Colts trotting out a star model for the uniforms.
But it wasnt quarterback Peyton Manning.
Or a real supermodel such as Tyson Beckford.
The best the Colts could do was shaggy Survivor star and Indianapolis resident Rupert Boneham, who was convinced to take off his trademark tye-dyed floppy tank top for a Colts jersey.
Boneham, fresh from winning $1 million in the recent Survivor All-Stars competition, looked a little cleaned up. But he still had his longish black hair and scraggy beard.
The uniform change probably wont be noticed much. The blue is a touch darker and the Colts will now wear black shoes.
Represent the D
The Pacers, like the Nets, have a live, in-house DJ during games to mix music.
The range of music can get eclectic during extended TV time-outs, with the DJ, Paul B, mixing Run-DMC into the Eurythmics into OutKast for a pulsing dance-hall jam feel.
Question is, with Detroit being one of the hotbeds for MCs and techno / house DJs in the nation, why does The Palace still play oldies such as, If the house is rockin, dont bother knockin?
Dont tell big Pistons fan Kid Rock, but it could it be that the Pacers are more into hip-hop than the Pistons.
[size=24:f252a4c60d]From the May 24th Detroit Free Press...[/size]
[size=18:f252a4c60d]GUARANSHEED! It's put up or shut up tonight for Pistons after Wallace's bold prediction[/size]
INDIANAPOLIS -- As soon as Rasheed Wallace walked into the Pacers' practice facility Sunday afternoon he was converged on by every member of the media in one moving mass of cameras, tape recorders and notepads.
Everyone wanted to know whether Wallace would back off Saturday night's bold comments.
Moments after the Pistons' 78-74 Game 1 loss to the Pacers, Wallace declared: "I'm guaranteeing Game 2. That's the bottom line. That's all I'm saying. They will not win Game 2. You heard that from me. Ya'll can print whatever you want. Put it on the front page, back page, middle of the page. They will not win Game 2."
Surely, a day later Wallace would backtrack -- at least a little -- especially after hanging out with Indiana star Jermaine O'Neal, his friend since their days with Portland.
"I said it last night and I'm saying it again: We will win Game 2," Wallace said Sunday. "I'm not trying to sound ignorant or anything, but we will win."
For some time after Saturday's loss, Wallace sat and sat by his locker, nearly motionless with his uniform still on and a bucket of ice water waiting for the sore left arch that has plagued him throughout the playoffs. Wallace seemed to be deep in thought.
Was he thinking about his own play? It had been pretty poor: four points on 1-for-7 shooting, five fouls and seven rebounds in 36 frustrating minutes.
Was he thinking that the Pistons let one get away? They had made one basket in the final 7:45, a three-pointer by Tayshaun Prince that gave them a 74-72 lead.
Wallace had just one thing to say: The Pistons will win Game 2. He said it again, and again, and again.
"Knowing him, he feels responsible for the game last night," coach Larry Brown said. "But again, the guy's in foul trouble right off the bat in almost every game. And it's kind of hard to play that way when the guy you're playing against never gets a foul."
On Sunday, Wallace repeated his guarantee -- several times -- but said little else. He complimented O'Neal's play. He gave no reply to a question about his sore foot.
Then Wallace walked until he found the bleachers, where he sat and waited for Arnie Kander, the strength and conditioning coach, and Mike Abdenour, the trainer, to treat his left arch.
His teammates, meanwhile, said they felt no added pressure in tonight's Game 2 because of Wallace's prediction.
"I got his back, baby," guard Chauncey Billups said. "I'm not mad at him at all. I think that's just the confidence he has in us as a team and that we squandered one away. You have to have confidence in your teammates to say that -- against a team that has won more games than anybody this year and you're playing them on their court.
"That's just confidence, and also we feel like we lost the game. We beat ourselves and they didn't beat us. We feel like if we play the same way and are given the same opportunity we can win it."
The Pacers are unbeaten in the playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse and 9-2 overall.
"Ain't no pressure on me," said center Ben Wallace, who in Game 1 had 22 rebounds, 11 points, five blocked shots and five assists in 39 minutes. "We put pressure on ourselves. We're ready. We have to prepare ourselves. If that's what it takes, then that's what it takes. We put ourselves in a tough situation. We just have to come out and play basketball."
Whether a confidence builder for the Pistons or locker-room fodder for the Pacers, Rasheed Wallace's guarantee has placed the spotlight on him and away from his teammates. If he comes up with a big game tonight and the Pistons win, he looks like a prophet -- and a leader.
"I think it was in the heat of the moment," Brown said. "He was upset with the way the game went, and he just said that. But we have to play. It ain't about Rasheed only; it's about all of us. We got to get it done."
If the Pistons lose tonight they will have a difficult hole to escape. Only eight NBA teams have rebounded from 0-2 deficits to win best-of-seven playoff series -- and the Pistons aren't one of them.
"It was our offense that lost us the game," Billups said. "We played good. We expect that kind of effort every night. We didn't execute on offense, but we'll take that kind of effort on defense.
"I thought Tayshaun did a great job of defending (Ron) Artest and Rasheed did a great job of using his length to bother Jermaine O'Neal."
Maybe that's why Wallace made his prediction. After all, the Pistons held the Pacers to 34 percent shooting. Artest and O'Neal combined to go 13-for-43.
"We turned the ball over and took bad shots," Brown said. "We've got to get to the free throw line. Jermaine played the whole game with one foul. Artest played the whole game with just one foul. Our whole team was in foul trouble the first half, then Rasheed and Ben were in foul trouble, so it impacts how you played.
"If their big guys aren't going to get fouls and ours do we can't nearly be as aggressive offensively."
Contact PERRY A. FARRELL at 313-222-2555 or email@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]O'Neal: Boast is aimed at them, not us[/size]
INDIANAPOLIS -- When Jermaine O'Neal looks at Rasheed Wallace, he sees a thoughtful man, a man who adores his children. He sees one of his very closest friends.
That he also sees a man who has guaranteed a victory in tonight's Game 2 between his Pacers and Wallace's Pistons matters little. O'Neal realizes why Wallace promised to even the series after Saturday's loss; he understands it's more about the Pistons than the Pacers.
"I know what he's trying to do -- he's trying to get himself fired up, get his teammates fired up," O'Neal said Sunday. "It's that time of the year -- sometimes you've got to go out on a limb and say certain things. They're in a hole right now and losing two straight games is going to put them in a tough way."
The two power forwards are rivals on the court, but once the game ends, the fierceness fades away into a friendship that dates to their days with Portland in the mid-to-late '90s. Even after O'Neal's Pacers pocketed a 78-74 victory Saturday, even after O'Neal's 21 points and 14 rebounds dwarfed Wallace's four points and seven rebounds, the two hung out together, with barely a mention of basketball. Instead they talked about paint ball, Wallace's sons and O'Neal's daughter, food and music. Everyday life.
O'Neal said he didn't even find out about Wallace's Game 2 guarantee until Sunday morning.
That Wallace is known more as problem child -- that's what an NBA-record 41 technical fouls during the 2000-01 season and an arrest for marijuana possession will do -- than a family man is baffling to O'Neal, because he sees a side to Wallace that few others are privy to.
"People have a picture of Rasheed as a tough guy who's out of control and is always getting in trouble," O'Neal said. "He's not like that at all. People make mistakes in life but you can't hang that on them for the rest of their lives. I think he's done a hell of a job in Detroit just keeping his composure. Everybody goes through stints where they lose it; I lose it sometimes on the court. It happens.
"But he's a smart guy, and I think people should really take some time to get to know him."
Wallace, 29, doesn't make that easy, at least not to reporters. Asked to elaborate on his guarantee after Saturday night's game, he wouldn't. But within an hour, his demeanor had changed from dour to delightful.
"He's a funny guy and he talks about a lot of different things," said O'Neal, 25. "But basketball wasn't an issue -- we had enough people around us commenting about the series."
Few among O'Neal's teammates paid much heed to Wallace's guarantee for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, either.
Ron Artest said: "Everybody has their opinions and everybody wants to win. Whatever." And Al Harrington said: "We expect them to feel confident like that. We're just going to take care of what we can control."
While O'Neal doesn't care about Wallace's thoughts on the immediate future -- other than to admit the guarantee was going to make the Pacers play even harder -- he did ask Wallace about his future beyond this summer.
Wallace, whom the Pistons acquired in a trade Feb. 19, becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Pistons would dearly love to keep him -- although even accounting for the plantar fasciitis that's plagued his left foot, Wallace has hardly lived up to the $17 million he's made this season -- but if he has made up his mind, he's not telling even those who are close friends.
"He brushed me off," O'Neal said. "I'm like, 'Sheed, what're you going to do next year?' He wanted to talk about his sons. I think he's going to talk to his wife and see how she feels and they're going to make the best decision for them."
Contact HELENE ST. JAMES at 313-222-2295 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]PISTONS CORNER: Miller sees himself in Hamilton[/size]
INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's Reggie Miller called Richard Hamilton "Mini-Me" after Saturday night's Game 1.
Miller meant it as a compliment after watching Hamilton weave his way around a maze of screens and score 23 points on 10-for-20 shooting in the Pistons' 78-74 loss.
"It's like he's Mini-Me," Miller said. "I feel like I am looking at myself. Rip obviously has studied some film."
Hamilton, at 26 he's 12 years younger than Miller, admitted that while growing up he watched tape of Miller to figure out how he always got open against the likes of Michael Jordan.
"I watched a lot of him because he mastered the game as far as coming off screens and moving without the ball," Hamilton said. "I saw that they were putting MJ and some of the best defenders on him and he still managed to find a way to get his shots and find a way to get his team great looks. I always watched."
Hamilton may have totaled 23 points, but it was Miller's three-pointer with 31.7 seconds left that beat the Pistons, at least on the scoreboard.
"He was able to come off the screen," Hamilton said. "He got me going one way while he went the other and the rest is history."
Hamilton helped the Pistons rally from a 48-41 halftime deficit with eight points in the third quarter.
"Rip has unbelievable energy and he never gets tired," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, Hamilton's former coach in Detroit. "In the year I was with him I learned that he has breathtaking speed when he's running around screens trying to get the ball. He's a tough cover."
IS IT DENNIS OR LAIMBEER? Jermaine O'Neal said one of the Pacers' priorities should be to re-sign Jeff Foster when his contract is up. When Isiah Thomas coached the team, he compared Foster, a 6-foot-11 forward/center from Southwest Texas State, to Bill Laimbeer because of his rebounding and shooting ability.
O'Neal said Foster wore No. 10 because Dennis Rodman was his role model on the court.
"He's the kind of guy you have to have on your team if you want to win a championship," O'Neal said. "I don't get to go up against him as much this year because he's starting, but when he was on the second unit he'd give me problems with his quickness. He really frustrated me. Jeff has great footwork. . . . He's a guy that's extremely mobile and extremely quick. "
Foster played a big role in the late stages of Saturday's victory. He had a driving lay-up with 1:23 left to tie the score at 74. He then ran down an offensive rebound and set the screen on Hamilton that freed Miller to take a pass from Jamaal Tinsley and hit the game-winning triple.
"Jeff Foster was huge for us," Miller said. "He came in and got the big offensive rebound. The ball went into Jamaal's hands and then I looked over to Jeff and said, 'Get him, get him good.' And he laid a good body on Rip and got me a good shot."
Foster had eight rebounds and two points in 26 minutes.
Before the game Pistons coach Larry Brown had called Foster an X-factor in the series.
"Foster does all the little things that you don't get credit for," Brown said. "He rebounds, defends, gets loose balls and every once in a while, when he's asked, he scores. I've coached those kind of kids all my life. They get you to where Indiana is right now."
BRING THEM ON: Just because Brown has no say-so as far as Olympic players, he still has an opinion. Brown said recently that he wouldn't mind seeing Miller, Ron Artest and Ben Wallace on the team.
"Reggie's done it for a long, long time," said Brown, who coached Miller for four seasons when he was the Pacers' coach. "With all the things he has been able to do at his age and still manage to do it on both ends of the court, that's pretty incredible."
NOT A LOST SEASON: Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president of basketball operations, said if the Nets had beaten the Pistons in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it wouldn't have been a lost season.
"We're trying to build a team long-term," said Dumars, who noted that Rasheed Wallace was 29, Chauncey Billups 27, Hamilton 26 and Tayshaun Prince 24. "It would have hurt to take a step back, but it's not like it would have been the end of the world for us."
[size=18:f252a4c60d]PACERS CORNER: Harrington, Indy bench show their strength[/size]
INDIANAPOLIS -- The word "stronger" is etched onto the left inner forearm of Pacers reserve Al Harrington, part of a tattoo he got just days before the start of the Eastern Conference finals.
The entire message reads, "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger," but it's the last word that catches one's eye, with the way it stretches almost from shoulder to elbow. It's a word that describes Harrington on multiple levels, and a word that he'll need to emulate if his Indiana Pacers are to triumph in this best-of-seven series, which continues tonight with Game 2.
It was Harrington and fellow bench mates Jonathan Bender and Anthony Johnson who showed up with such force Saturday that the Pacers pulled out a 78-74 victory. Led by Harrington's 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals, Indiana's reserves contributed 19 points in 65 minutes to Detroit's nine points in 58 minutes. Bender had a three-pointer among five points and a nice assist on a Harrington three-point play, and Johnson, the backup point guard, helped keep Chauncey Billups to one second-half point.
Their performances were a big lift after the Pacers' second-round series with Miami, when the bench seemed out of sync. Harrington especially could have played much stronger during those six games; he averaged 7.7 points and shot just 39 percent, numbers far below what the Pacers expect from him.
"When we get those guys coming in and playing like that, and hopefully get our starting five playing at a high level," forward Jermaine O'Neal said, "every single night we're going to be extremely tough to beat because we not only play defense, one through 12, we play extremely good offense. We feel like we definitely have the edge with our bench."
The Pistons almost ran the Pacers off the floor in the first quarter of Game 1, grabbing a six-point lead before Indiana coach Rick Carlisle went to his reserves.
Bender hit a three-pointer and Harrington converted that three-point play on consecutive possessions, and Harrington punctuated the first quarter with a rebound and a dunk that narrowed the gap to four points. By halftime, Indiana had a 48-41 lead.
"Late first quarter, we were struggling, down eight or nine and it was tough," Carlisle said. "They gave us a shot of energy. We really depend on them to be effective for us to be a successful team."
Harrington played so fiercely he suffered two injuries; in the first half Elden Campbell's elbow landed on his sternum, and in the second half Mehmet Okur rolled on Harrington's left leg, tweaking his ankle. Harrington received treatment Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse, did not practice and is listed as probable for tonight.
"When you throw your body around the way he does, those type of things happen," Carlisle said. "He's been great about bouncing back, and he's played hurt for us a lot this year. I don't think he'll be 100 percent, but I don't think he'll miss the game."
It's a rare player who isn't hurt to some extent this time of year, and it's an even rarer player who will let it stop him from thriving. Although naturally the reserves prefer to see the starters blossom, the best subs have an inner strength that comes from being called upon in dicey situations.
"We saw the team was out there struggling a little bit and when Coach called our names, we looked at each other and said, 'Let's get it going; let's turn this game around,' " Harrington said of him and Bender. "We just went out there and played our game."
GUARANTEED LOSS? Last week, Dwyane Wade, Rafer Alston and Malik Allen guaranteed that the Heat would force a Game 7 against the Pacers. Indiana won Game 6 at Miami, 73-70.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]UNDERCOVER FAN: Pistons-Pacers series matches 2 NBA villains[/size]
Jury's out on which player is baddest
by The Undercover Fan
On one bench is the man known in some circles as "Sheed." In other circles, he's known as a malcontent who once set an NBA record for technical fouls in a season.
On the other bench is the man known, at least in Indiana, as "Ron-Ron." In Michigan -- or, for that matter, Ohio and Texas and New York and Florida and basically everywhere else outside Hoosierland -- he is known as scary, volatile and the former league leader in flagrant fouls.
For the second year in a row, the Detroit Pistons have the city's attention unto themselves, having outlasted the Red Wings. This time, the Pistons buzz is palpable.
This makes it more so: The Indiana Pacers and the Pistons possess arguably the NBA's biggest villains. In Detroit, there is Rasheed Wallace. In Indianapolis, there is Ron Artest.
Wallace is 6-feet-11 and 230 pounds. He moves with graceful buoyancy. It is often hidden in his expression of disbelief, usually directed at an official.
Artest is 6-feet-7 and 246 pounds, cut like a middle linebacker, and plays with a preternatural sense of when to charge and when to dance, except when he feels slighted.
Yet they have things in common: love of their teammates, breathtaking talent, an ability to dominate a game, an ability to destroy one and a recent record of mild-mannered conduct.
So the question arises, who has the biggest villain, the baddest dude, the player that opposing fans taunt with the most relish?
"Sadly, I'd have to say Rasheed is the bigger villain," said Shaill Sarman, 17, a Pistons fan from Novi who screamed into the night at Thursday's Game 7 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
He stood with four buddies at the top of the lower bowl in the Palace of Auburn Hills, lingering a half-hour after the game was over, hoping a few players might saunter back to the court so he could race down for an autograph.
He and his cadre were split on the Wallace/Artest question, and began to argue. Sarman defended his point: "Dude," he objected to friends in the Artest camp, "Wallace had the most ejections."
Well, that depends on the year. Wallace once set a record for technical fouls, amassing 41 in the 2000-01 season, about one every other game he played. But technicals don't automatically lead to ejection.
Artest, on the other hand, was suspended six times last year, once by his own team. He led the league in flagrant fouls. "The court is 94 feet of therapy for whatever is bothering him," a teammate once said.
Wallace has accused NBA owners of exploiting black players. Artest once destroyed a $100,000 TV camera at Madison Square Garden. Wallace has been fined for not talking to the media. Artest has been suspended for trying to pick a fistfight with former Miami coach Pat Riley. Wallace's troubles often emanate from his mouth. Artest's uncoil from his fists.
Said Artest: "Basketball is just like a soap opera. I'm like the enemy of every arena. To me, I take it as a comic book. I'm the villain, but the good villain."
Said Wallace: "I know I'm public enemy No. 1. That's the fire in me. Some of the technicals I deserved. Cussing at officials or throwing something. Some I didn't. I'm not going to sit up here like most of these cats and bite my tongue."
This season, at least since he's been in Detroit, he has. And Artest has checked his temper. All of which tempers the debate a bit, which is good for the players' respective teams, but not so good for basketball, because villains are good for business.
Saturday night, during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, a pulsing, noisy throng of Pacers and Pistons fans spilled outside the arena's upper balcony at halftime.
"I'll be realistic," said Gary Childress, 23, a Pacers fan from Beach Grove. "Artest has a way to go."
His compadre disagreed.
"Rasheed Wallace, want some cheese with that whine?" cracked Justin Cooper, 24, of Indianapolis, who works in a psychiatric unit at a hospital in nearby Bloomington. He wore an Artest jersey.
Ayrica Briley, 25, of Indianapolis said Artest is a villain on the good side. But Rasheed? "He's just pure villain. It comes out of his pores."
On the court, Artest played hard and physical. Wallace played with grace, although he lacked his normal pop due to a foot injury.
Artest delivered no cheap shots. And Wallace controlled his sometimes petulant urges, stopping himself as he began to slam the ball on the court after a questionable foul call late in the game. The crowd began to boo, then held back, mocking and laughing instead.
Round 2 begins tonight.
Contact THE UNDERCOVER FAN at email@example.com.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]'Sheed reactions[/size]
How the Indiana Pacers reacted to Rasheed Wallace's guarantee of a Detroit victory in Game 2 tonight:
Reggie Miller: "I really don't know what's in Rasheed's head."
Ron Artest: "A lot of guys talk in the world. This is just another guy talking in the world."
Scot Pollard: "I guarantee that there's going to be a Game 2, and that someone's going to win it. And I guarantee that Rasheed will probably be in the game and I won't."
Corliss Williamson: "It's our job as teammates to rally around him and make sure he's right."
Chauncey Billups: "I got his back, baby. I'm not mad at him at all."
Larry Brown: "It ain't about Rasheed only; it's about all of us. We got to get it done."
Some of our favorite guarantees:
Lomas Brown: Former Lion guaranteed a playoff victory at Philadelphia in 1995. The Lions fell behind, 51-7, and lost, 58-37.
David Boston (1997) and Terry Glenn (1995): Ohio State receivers guaranteed victories over U-M. The Wolverines won both games.
Jim Harbaugh: U-M QB guaranteed victory over OSU in 1986. Michigan won, 26-24, at Columbus and went to the Rose Bowl.
Domino's: Former owner Tom Monaghan, also a former Tigers owner, guaranteed a pizza delivered in 30 minutes or less. New Tigers owner Mike Ilitch used to guarantee 30 games under .500 by July.
George Zimmer: Founder and president of The Men's Wearhouse. He sells ties, but says customers always win, "I guarantee it."
Detroit Medical Center: Promises emergency room patients will be seen by a doctor in 29 minutes or less. Anyone not seen by then gets Tigers tickets.
[size=18:f252a4c60d]Pistons wrap-up[/size]
* Rasheed Wallace must back up his fighting words with more than one basket.
* His teammates must show their love by coming to his rescue. That means better than 41 percent shooting and fewer than 19 turnovers.
* The bench must contribute more than nine points, especially if asked to play 58 minutes again.
* Don't let Rasheed get started. Keep him away from the basket on offense, keep him off the boards on defense and get him in foul trouble. Maybe he'll implode.
* The fans will be fired up and all over Rasheed. Get off to a fast start to keep 'em that way.
* Another 38 combined points from Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal would be good; another 13-for-43 shooting night wouldn't be.
1-for-7: Game 1 shooting performances by Rasheed Wallace and Reggie Miller.
0-2: A deficit of doom for the Pistons. They have fallen behind two games to none six times in a best-of-seven series -- and lost all six series.
9: Consecutive losses for the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals: one in 2004, four in 2003 and four in 1991.
We'd like to have faith in Wallace's Game 2 guarantee, we really would . . . if only his Game 1 stats gave him a little more cred. But four points and seven rebounds against a 21-and-14 night by the league's second-best O'Neal?


text:
When to Call 9-1-1
Eight Tips for Calling 9-1-1
- Use 9-1-1 for emergencies only. An emergency is any serious situation that requires the help of a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical provider right away. When in doubt, go ahead and call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 call taker can determine if you need emergency assistance and get the appropriate help.
- If you call 9-1-1-even by mistake-do not hang up the phone. If you call by accident, stay on the line until you can tell the call taker that there is no emergency-so the call taker doesn't have to waste time calling you back or sending police with lights and sirens to check your address for an emergency.
- Stay calm and help the call taker help you. Call takers can't help you if they can't understand you. Take a deep breath and think before you talk. Speak slowly and clearly. Call takers are trained to get the most important information first so they can get help on the way. Answer all of the call taker's questions-no matter how irrelevant they may seem-before you hang up or leave the phone.
- Determine the location of the emergency, if possible, before you call. Knowing your location and providing the right address are vital for getting police, fire and EMS units to respond. For wireless 9-1-1 calls, sometimes the 9-1-1 call center that answers may not be the one that services the area you are calling from. Look for landmarks, signs at cross streets and distinctive buildings. Know the name of the city or county where you are.
- Teach your children how to call 9-1-1. Be sure they know what 9-1-1 is, can dial from your home and cell phone, and trust the 9-1-1 call taker. Make sure they are physically able to reach at least one phone in your home. When calling 9-1-1, your children need to know their name, parent's name, telephone number and especially their address. Tell them to answer all the call taker's questions and stay on the phone until they're told to hang up.
- Prevent prank calls to 9-1-1. Prank calls not only waste time; they are illegal in most states and endanger public safety. If 9-1-1 lines or call takers are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency may not be able to get the help they need. Be sure all members of your household are aware that prank or harassing calls to 9-1-1 will be dealt with by local law enforcement agencies.
- Post your home address clearly and prominently. Posting your 9-1-1 address at your driveway entrance and on your home will prevent confusion among emergency responders about your location. Try using something reflective or illuminated so that the address is visible at night. Do not assume that your mailbox clearly posts your address. Mailboxes are not always at the entrance of a driveway and usually are not marked clearly on both sides. Check with your local city or county for ordinances on posting 9-1-1 addresses, and always report missing street signs.
- Know your phones. Educate everyone in your home about the phone system in your home as well as how to use your cell phone.

subset: commoncrawl


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In an effort to help CU-Boulder students make smart financial decisions about their budgets, credit, school loans and other money matters, a new campus financial educator will be available to students beginning Aug. 26, the first day of fall semester classes.
The CU Money Sense program was created by the Bursar's Office in 2009 to provide student financial workshops and other educational opportunities including "Money Smart Week," according to Susie Jacobs, the program's director.
"This year our program added a new financial educator position to provide our students with one-on-one education sessions," Jacobs said.
Niomi Williams, the new financial educator, will offer the free one-on-one sessions in order to give CU-Boulder students -- and alumni -- a financial leg up in what can be a challenging chapter in many young adults' lives.
"When I was a recent college graduate, I found myself with student loan and credit card debt and not enough income," Williams said. "I didn't know how to manage my finances, I was a mess. My goal in this new position is to help students steer clear of money mistakes and lay the foundation for a stable financial future."
While all individuals' needs will be different, Williams said students can request a one-on-one session with her to cover basic financial questions such as how to organize and budget money, a challenging task for many people. Or they can just come in to talk about other financial issues or questions they may have.
"For many students, college is the first time they have to really manage their money, everything from paying rent to understanding how much their student loan payments will be when they graduate," she said.
Williams said she won't be offering investment or tax advice, but she hopes she can help students excel in money management.
"Once I learned how to organize and control my finances, all the pressure and financial stress I had been feeling went away," she said.
Students who don't want to sit down with Williams can visit the CU Money Sense website, check out the Facebook and Twitter pages, or follow the CU Money Sense blog. CU Money Sense also puts on several workshops throughout the school year on financial topics of interest to students, free of charge.
Upcoming CU Money Sense workshops include:
- "Money Matters Information Sessions," Aug. 21-23, 3-4 p.m. in University Memorial Center room 247.
- "Best Money Apps and Websites for Students," Aug. 27-28, at 3 p.m. in University Memorial Center room 353.
- "Intro to Money, Banking and Budgeting in Boulder for International Students," Sept. 18, at noon in University Memorial Center room 425.


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VILLAGERS can keep fit at a Clent park after the installation of council-funded gym equipment.
Bromsgrove District Council has funded the £34,000 facility for visitors to the Pool Furlong park, which also saw investment from planning monies.
The outdoor gym includes a chest press, space walker and pedal cycle and is free to use for park users.
The gym was officially opened by Bromsgrove District Council's civic head, Councillor John Ruck, on July 15.
Councillor Michael Webb, whose portfolio includes leisure, said: "We are committed to encouraging our residents to lead a healthier lifestyle and we are aware that expensive gym memberships can put people off.
"It's free to use this equipment at anytime and you get to enjoy this beautiful park at the same time."
Cllr Ruck added: "What a marvellous facility – I am delighted to cut the ribbon on this and hope it will be enjoyed by everyone."
The gym already includes a skateboard park, trim trail and play area.


text:
If your dog tends to gulp the treats you give him, slow him down with a challenging Tricky Treat Ball Toy. This soft vinyl, treat-dispensing toy can be filled with small treats or dry kibble to keep doggie playtime fun and engaging - and long lasting! Active play jostles out treats to keep food-motivated dogs entertained for hours. Tricky Treat Ball Toy is made of soft, durable vinyl. Unlike hard plastic toys that rattle loudly and clunk about, this vinyl dog toy rolls about quietly. A great, interactive dog toy that rewards physical activity and problem-solving skills with kibble food or dog treats you insert. Dog Treats sold separately.
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Wash in warm soapy water, air dry.
Playtime Recommendations
We recommend that dogs and puppies be supervised when playing with all toys. Proper supervision can help prevent accidental swallowing of parts. All toys should be inspected periodically to ensure that parts have not been chewed loose. Do not permit your pet to continue playing with a toy if it is broken or damaged in any way.


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Pirates to honor Kiner with No. 4 patch on jerseys
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Fans of the 1946-53 Pirates refused to make an early departure from Forbes Field, rooted to their seats by the potential of getting one more look at No. 4.
During the 2014 season, fans will see that No. 4 -- worn by Ralph Kiner and retired by the Bucs in 1987 -- on the sleeves of all the Pirates as the club will honor the memory of the Hall of Famer, who passed away on Feb. 6.
The patch -- a black circle with gold trim and "4" outlined by gold in the center -- will be part of the Pirates' home white, road grey and black alternate jerseys.
"In February, Major League Baseball truly lost one of the cherished ambassadors of our game and a treasured member of the Pirates family," said club president Frank Coonelly. "We are humbled to honor one of the game's greatest power hitters by wearing Ralph's number on our sleeve during the 2014 campaign."
Kiner was unquestionably the greatest power hitter the Bucs have ever fielded, leading the National League in homers in each of his seven full seasons (1946-52) in Pittsburgh. He departed the Steel City in a mid-1946 deal to the Cubs, and from Chicago transitioned to a long second career in the broadcast booth of the New York Mets.
But, clearly, he never left Pittsburgh's heart. And in 2014, Pittsburgh will wear that heart on its sleeves.
Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Cubs feel Starlin will be ready by opener
MESA, Ariz. -- Starlin Castro is still on schedule to get into Cactus League games next week, and Cubs manager Rick Renteria says there is enough time for the shortstop to be ready by Opening Day.
Castro, sidelined since March 2 with a mild right hamstring strain, has been taking some light swings, but isn't able to run at full speed yet.
"He's progressing well," Renteria said Friday. "For any of us, our biggest concern is to make sure he's ready for the start of the season."
Castro, who missed two weeks last spring with a strained left hamstring, could get some extra at-bats in Minor League camp.
"He's moving and doing things he needs to do and recovering well, and I think he's moving forward," Renteria said.
With Castro sidelined, the Cubs have been able to give top prospect Javier Baez more time at shortstop. Baez belted his third spring home run Wednesday night. He is tied for the team lead with Mike Olt.
"He's shown the ability to adjust from at-bat to at-bat," Renteria said of Baez, who will open the season at Triple-A Iowa. "They might strike him out in the previous at-bat on three breaking balls, maybe a changeup, but he starts to adjust, and within the at-bat he starts to adjust. It seems like the deeper in the count he gets, he starts to zone in on the pitcher, which is a tremendous trait. As experience continues to feed him, he'll only get better."
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Growing up I thought Willie Nelson was an old fluffy duffy singer. The only song I knew he did was "On the Road Again". When I aged to the point of understanding life a bit more I discovered an album Willie recorded called "Teatro". Produced by Daniel Lanois with many of the songs backed up by Emmylou Harris this album is one of my all time favorites. The song that made me played it a hundred times in a row is called "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye". It's a heart breaking tune that tells a story of a man's last encounter with a woman he loved. If you never had your heart smashed into a million pieces well then you probably won't get this song at all. Nevertheless, you should enjoy the great studio work here.
"What force behind your evil mind can let your lips speak so unkind to one who loves as much as I I just can't let you say goodbye." – Willie Nelson, I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye
This is one of those albums that every single song adds to the album's worth. I bet if you listen to this a few times you will think of Willie in a different light. The lyrics, slide guitar and Emmylou's voice are so wonderfully haunting. Take a listen:


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Red Carpet Inspiration: Dressy Wet-Look Hair
You can show your clients an easy way for them to go from office to dressy evening no matter what hair they have—short, long, straight, wavy, fine, coarse. Just gel back the top and either tame the shaft-to-ends or tie them into a tail. This sexy-forehead look has become a mainstay on the red carpet and other high-style celeb events.
Actresses Emmy Rossum and Stana Katic wore the look recently with a side part.
Kerry Washington and Kendall Jenner took it high off the forehead but left the rest of hair less severe.
How to style it? Top editorial and runway designer Nicholas Shatarah shares with us his steps he used to style similar looks at Spring 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC.
For the David Tlale runway:
STEP 1: Apply a wet gel to the top section for sleekness.
STEP 2: Brush the hair straight back, keeping it tight and smooth to the scalp.
STEP 3: Give everything from the occipital bone down a softer, loose feel.
TIP: Placing the hair in a low pony makes it client-friendly. "This style is timeless and work for all affairs."
From the Zero + Maria Cornejo runway (lead hair stylist is Martin Cullen):
STEP 1: Take a 1"-wide section from the front to the back crest, and pin to create a mohawk.
STEP 2: Spray Phyto working hair spray along the side of the hair and create a french twist. Repeat on the other side and pin together.
STEP 3: Flat-iron the top section so that it lies over the french twist.
TIP: "For salon clients, I would not do the mini-mohawk but just the double french twist."


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Christmas Shipping Dates (if in doubt, give us a call +64 9 378 9823)
You must place your orders by the following dates for garanteed delivery by Christmas.
Auckland - December 19th
North Island - December 19th
South Island & RD - December 18th
International - December 10th
All ordes placed between December 25th - January 3rd will be processed on the 4th.
New Zealand
All orders are couriered for just $5! Includes framed prints, and there is no extra charge for RD delivery : - ) but unfortunately we can't ship to PO Box adressess.
Unframed Prints - North Island 2-4 days South Island 3-5 days.
Framed Prints - North Island 4-6 days South Island 5-7 days.
Orders are delivered Monday to Friday. We use a signature required service so a card will be left if you are not there, if you want it left, leave a note in the gift mesaage area during checkout or email us after your order.
Shop in-store @ 62 Ponsonby Rd Auckland, NZ. Open Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Click & Collect: Select the "collect in store" option dureing checkout. You will be contacted when your order is ready.
There is a useful shipping estimator in the shopping cart so you can quickly check the shipping cost to your country. International orders are not tracked.
Australia 4-6 days. Rest of the World 5-10 days.
Contact us if you have any other questions: firstname.lastname@example.com (09) 378 98236


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dear buddhists,
i would very much appreciate it if at the end of your meditation you could think positive thoughts for me. i dont know if this will help, but i feel the sangha is my true home. please it can be just thinking my name with some love behind it for like a split second, i feel the devas are real and maybe they will hear your prayers. i have a solid metta practice so i think they like me. i have a condition, that is quite debilitating. thank you very much. befriend


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Rugged equipment racks are solid steel and feature fully enclosed side panels.
Available in four sizes, these racks include heavy-duty, 3" casters with locking fronts, and one single space blank panel. The unique steel support bar construction allows the racks to be assembled to accept either the European or US thread sizes. Following dimensions are exterior, less casters. For overall height including casters, add 4".
by carle
on 2/24/2017
Unit is good, for residential use, it's certainly not commercial grade..went together easy, But teh box that it's in is was under capacity, box was a mess, one end was bent, straightend out fine. But it literally fella open as i picked it up, they even used lousy tape to secure the ends, it just dropped everything out, they really need to pack heavy sharp metal, in boxes that can support teh weight. Two strap bands across small dimension, but not across the long end to keep stuff from literally falling out, luckily everything was there
by bakandr
on 7/31/2014
This is one of the cheapest rolling 19'' racks I could find. The quality of the steel construction is good and the individual components are fairly sturdy. Assembly is fairly straight forward and simple, but there is an error in the instructions. The instructions mention the difference between the metric and standard screws is that one set is silver, the other is black. Both sets of mounting screws are black, making them hard to tell apart. There are a number of issues with the quality and design of the product. The rolling casters have flat spots on them making the rack shake when you move it. The some of the screw holes for mounting the top plate are not aligned properly and you cant get the supplied screws in. There are no inside holes to mount L-brackets to lay equipment on. This means that all equipment mounted to this rack is attached only be the front panel with no support underneath. Also, the rack mount shelves offered by MCM are nice but the holes on the front panel do not line up with the 1U holes on the front of the rack! This is a MAJOR issue. I now have to drill out the mounting holes on the front panels of all my accessories in order to get them to actually line up with the 1U mounting holes on this rack. Whether the shelve holes, or this racks holes are not 1.75'' standard I am not sure of, but one or the other is definitely not "standard" or "universal" 19'' rack mount equipment. I was very disappointed by this fact.
by bradweyers
on 3/6/2014
I was very pleased with this purchase. Anything comparable was at least twice the price. This unit was simple to put together. Watch as you assemble the corner rails because one side of the rail is SAE and the other is metric. That is certainly nice thinking. After assembly I found the rack very sturdy and square. All equipment fits nicely. The casters are good quality and glide very smooth. The caster locks work very well and are easy to engage. This is a very practical piece of equipment for a practical price. Hats off to Samson for breaking the snob barrier for equipment racks.
by Lolamiko
on 2/26/2013
To begin with, the dimensions of these racks are presented on the MCM site without indication of which is which. I called, and got the wrong information from tech support, but ended up finding the correct information on another site, so I was able to order the correct assembly. As far as assembly goes, the instructions are rather poor: The single drawing is not detailed enough, the list of parts is wrong or confusing (back plate mentioned but not supplied, they mention "knockout holes" on the pillars but do not show them in the pictures, and it is rather difficult to decipher where or what these are. Then they discuss "either the American silver screws, or the Euro M6 black chrome screws", where in reality all screws are black.
Once you figure what should have been a 5 seconds job, and begin the actual assembly, you realize that the top plate fits in place, but the screw holes for the side plates do not align well. We did overcome this issue, only to find that the shelves which should have fit nicely into the rack - DO NOT. If you align the top holes of the shelf to the rack assembly, then the bottom holes do not align. Not sure what I will do now.
Also: it's surprising that the fronts of the shelves do not have any support, they just "hang there" as tech support had told me. I am not sure this is secure enough, but I might know once I figure out how to secure the shelves into place.
This is a rather simple assembly, why so many problems?
The metal parts, I must say, are solid and stable, but at least one of the shelves arrived with a bent "lip", something that should have been caught by QC.
by jrbhill
on 3/25/2012
This is the second one of these that I've bought. They are sturdy steel, not tinny. The casters are smooth-rolling. The design is clever, and assembly is straightforward. The 16-unit is table-height.
by jonesaudio
on 3/11/2012
All metal construction. Was easy to put together. Lots of rack screws and washers provided. I found that it's best to hand-thread the rack screws before using a powered driver as the threads on the screws don't match up well with the rail threads. Casters are of good quality. There is no slant to this rack. It's straight on the front and rear. It would be nice if it had some knock-outs for wireless antennae and such, but it's still a pretty good deal considering it's all metal construction.
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
Great job, product arrived on time, communication was excellent, price was good. Overall very satisfied.


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French macarons are not to be confused with those delicious coconut mounds that your grandmother used to make (well, MY grandmother at any rate). Unflaggingly popular in the blog world and specialty patisseries, these delightful little cookies are dramatically different from coconut macaroons. Crisp, fluffy and chewy all at the same time, macarons come in an abundance of flavors and enough colors to rival Joseph's technicolor dream coat.
Most macarons are made using superfine sugar, almond meal (or ground almonds), powdered sugar, cream of tartar and egg whites, making them inherently gluten free. We all know how much flour flies around a bakery, which makes finding one that you trust to make a treat gluten free is no small feat.
Sure, you can make your own, but geez! There are enough recipes with tips and pointers online to make you think twice before embarking on what just might be the most difficult cookie EVER. Well, maybe not, but I've yet to try my hand at it. All those techniques are intimidating.
Cue Nicole from Cookies by Cartier: a delightful online bakery that specializes in whimsical treats. Nicole has recently released a new line of gluten free treats—including gluten free macarons! Besides being gluten free, these macarons are adorned with images of Zelda, the world's most famous English bulldog. Well, she might not be the most famous, but she's pretty darn cute and has a whole line of greeting cards. How does Zelda tie in with these cookies? When Nicole found out that Zelda's owner has celiac disease she was inspired to create gluten free macarons.
We were lucky enough to taste these at our office a couple months ago (these are made with our almond meal) and, let me tell you, they are divine!
In honor of National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Nicole has kindly offered a box of these tasty little treats to two lucky readers. Each box contains a dozen gluten free macarons adorned with Zelda's adorable image.
How to Enter:
Visit Cookies by Cartier and tell us here or on Facebook which Zelda cookie set you would like to win if you are selected. There are two different sets to choose from.
Two winners will be randomly selected from all those who enter by midnight on 05/10/11. Winners will be announced no later than May 12th. If the chosen winner does not respond within a week, we will select a new winner (so be sure to check in and see if you won).


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BS&B Pressure Safety Management's Type IVE's isolatiion valve
BS&B Safety Systems; 800/BSB-DISK; www.bsbsystems.com
Type IVE mechanical isolation valve guards against the passage of hot particles, glowing embers and flames through interconnecting piping that may ignite a deflagration or a fire from one vessel to next. The valve remains open until receiving a signal from either a pressure responder and/or optical sensor that detects hot particles, embers and flames. The valve responds quickly by closing in milliseconds. This quick reaction prevents the passage of hot particles, embers, flames or pressure from continuing to flow through the pipeline.
BS&B Safety Systems; 800/BSB-DISK; www.bsbsystems.com


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Get an overview of this hotelNew Orleans all-suite hotel, near French Quarter
Popular property highlights
Near NoLa landmarks
This central business district hotel is 3 blocks from the Louisiana Superdome, 3 blocks from the lively French Quarter, and 2 miles from the historic Garden District.
Buffet on the house
In addition to an indoor pool and spa tub, fitness center, and coin-operated laundry, guests at Homewood Suites New Orleans enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast daily.
Home away from home
Guest suites at Homewood Suites New Orleans have separate sleeping and living areas divided by double doors. Guest suites also include kitchens, TVs, sofa beds, and complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Homewood Suites New Orleans
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Guests at Homewood Suites enjoy a complimentary full American breakfast buffet daily. The aparthotel also provides complimentary soft drinks, beer, wine, and light meals at a manager's reception held every Monday through Thursday evening.
This New Orleans aparthotel's 40-foot indoor pool and spa tub are surrounded by plants and bounded by a glass wall. The fitness center and coin-operated laundry are on the mezzanine level. The 24-hour business center offers complimentary use of a computer, printer, and copier. Guests are also welcome to watch TV in front of the fireplace in the lobby. The property is smoke-free in public spaces.
- Indoor pool
- Spa tub
- Free breakfast
- Fitness facilities
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Total number of rooms - 166
- 24-hour front desk
- Express check-out
- Multilingual staff
- Number of floors - 12
- ATM/banking
- Laundry facilities
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Television in common areas
- Fireplace in lobby
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Elevator/lift
- Wedding services
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Concierge services
- Conference space
- Free WiFi
- Express check-in
- Luggage storage
- Shopping on site
- Meeting rooms 6
- Valet parking (surcharge)
- Conference space size (feet) - 6000
- Conference space size (meters) - 557
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Free reception
- 24-hour business center
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Valet parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Pay movies
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Phone
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- DVD player
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Television
- Sofa bed
- Separate living room
- Daily housekeeping
- Shower/tub combination
- Separate bedroom
- Dishwasher
- Stovetop
- Cable TV service
- Free WiFi
- Free wired Internet
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Partially open bathroom
Where to Eat
A complimentary buffet breakfast is provided each morning, and a complimentary light meal with beer, wine, and soft drinks is offered Monday - Thursday evenings.
Nearby Things to Do
Homewood Suites New Orleans has a 40-foot indoor pool as well as a spa tub located on a raised dais above the pool. The pool-deck area has numerous chaise lounges and live plants. The aparthotel also has a fitness center with two treadmills, one recumbent exercise bike, one stairclimber, a TV, water, towels, and scale.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the property; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time ends at 4 PM
Check-in time starts at 4 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Valet parking fee: USD 35.00 per day (in/out privileges)
Hotel Name
- Homewood Suites Hotel New Orleans
- Homewood Suites New Orleans
- New Orleans Homewood Suites
- Homewood New Orleans
- Homewood Suites New Orleans Hotel New Orleans
- Homewood Suites New Orleans Hotel


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Apply now
You've decided to apply for admission at LaGuardia Community College; congratulations on taking charge of your future! To help you prepare and complete your application as quickly as possible, review the following checklist before submitting your application online with CUNY: 1. Get to know us. Attend an information session, review our academic calendar, and choose a major. 2. Be on time. Check the dates and deadlines for admission and financial aid applications. If the deadline for CUNY admission has passed, LaGuardia offersDirect Admit for eligible applicants. 3. Cover your costs. Check the tuition and fees for attending LaGuardia, and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 4. Select your status. Know what type of applicant you are and which application to file.
1. Freshman Applicants 2. Transfer Students 3. International Students 4. Adult Learners 5. Veterans and Military Personnel Depending on the type of applicant you are, you will have to submit either a General Freshman Application or Transfer Application to CUNY; or register for classes through our Adult and Continuing Education program. You must also decide whether you'll be attending as a Day/Extended Day student. 5. Download an Admission Application Worksheet. If you're submitting your application to CUNY, this worksheet will give you a preview of the questions you'll need to answer so that you may gather the appropriate information. Be sure to download and complete the proper Application Worksheet. Application Worksheet6. Create a CUNY Portal Account. You must register in order to submit your application online. The CUNY Portal also allows you to check the status of your admission and financial aid applications. 7. Follow through. Complete your application by submitting all supporting document to CUNY. Once you've been admitted, submit your Commitment Deposit, immunization records and take all required placement tests. Review the After You Apply check list.
Students returning to LaGuardia after being away for one semester or more must file for Readmission/Reinstatement with the Registrar in the Enrollment Services Center, Room C107. There is a $10 processing fee payable at the Bursar Office, Room C110. The deadline for readmission is generally 3 to 4 weeks prior to the start of the semester. See the academic calendar for the deadline date.
If you'd like to receive admission information, please use the Admissions Inquiry Form. Email specific questions here.


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With the new era of mobile computing, smartphones and tablets, wireless communications and cloud services, the USDA sought to take advantage of a mobilized workforce and the blurring lines between personal and corporate computing resources.
Add your voice to the tech community where 5M+ people just like you are talking about what matters.
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please ask a related question
Join the community of 500,000 technology professionals and ask your questions.


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Naked AAPL Options
Posted on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 4:39 PM
With March finally here, traders are still assessing when or if ever this market will have a correction like it had in January. That being the case, there are several option strategies that traders can consider depending on their outlook. Below is an explanation of a option strategy that may be right for you depending on your goals and trading personality. Regardless, understanding this option strategy is something all traders should and need to know even if they may never use it.
Let's take a look at an option strategy that involves the selling of a put, often referred to as an uncovered put write or simply a naked put. A naked put is when a trader sells a put that is not part of a spread. This strategy is generally considered to be a bullish-to-neutral strategy. The maximum profit is the premium received for the put. The maximum profit is achieved when the underlying stock is greater than or equal to the strike price of the sold put. Though this allows for a lot of room for error (The stock can be anywhere above the strike at expiration), note that the maximum loss is unlimited and occurs when the price of the underlying stock is less than the strike price of the sold put less the premium received. So, executing this trade in the right situation is essential. To calculate the breakeven point, subtract the premium received from the sold put's strike price.
The Example
For our example we will use Apple Inc. (AAPL). Apple shares have moved lower since the middle of February and are attempting to rally again. Now the trader thinks after this brief pullback the stock will once again continue to move higher. For this example we will assume the stock is trading around $525 a share at the beginning of March. A trader sells the April 500 put, which carries a bid price of $6 (rounded to make the math a bit easier) because there is an area of support at that level that the trader thinks will hold. Should AAPL stock be trading above $500 a share at expiration, the April 500 contract will expire worthless and the trader will keep the premium collected. (Do not forget to take any commissions the trader may pay from the equation.) All is good, right? Well, what if the stock falls below that area of support?
If AAPL falls another $40 to $485 at expiration, the put would expire in-the-money and would have to be purchased back to avoid assignment. This could cost the trader a rather hefty sum. Assigning values, our investor collected $6 in premium. The 500 put expired with $15 in intrinsic value. The trader loses the $15, less the $6 premium collected results in a loss of $9, or $900 of actual cash.
Why Sell Naked Puts?
We have already discussed the profit potential of selling naked puts, but there is another reason to do so - owning the stock. Selling naked puts is a good way to purchase at a specific price by choosing a strike near said target price. Should the stock price drop below the put strike and the puts are assigned, the trader buys the stock at the strike price minus the option premium received. Again, should the put not reach the strike price, the premium is pocketed at expiration. Traders should be aware of the risk when selling naked puts and that potential losses can be extreme when compared to other option strategies.
John Kmiecik
Senior Options Instructor
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There's a new sheriff in the town of Dirt...
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.
For a great selection of film, comic and TV action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, ToyDorks.com, MonkeyDepot.com, and Sekaido.com.
For an amazing selection of original sculptures, statues, prints and DVDs be sure to check out ShiflettBrothers.com.
I'm sure most movie-goers didn't know what to expect when the animated film Rango was first teased in theatres with a trailer that featured an odd wind-up fish swimming across a desert highway. It in no way related the final film story that features a nervous, overacting chameleon who is thrust from him peaceful life in an aquarium into the wild Mojave Desert where he meets a cast of bizarre characters living in a dusty old town called Dirt. The film is Gore Verbinski's first since coming off of the wildly popular Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and is also his first animated foray. And speaking of firsts, the film marks the first feature-length animated film entirely done by Industrial Light & Magic. The film ended up being wildly successful with both critics and the general public, being the fourth highest grossing film of 2011 thus far. Despite this, there is almost no merchandise whatsoever for a film that could have easily generated a fun and interesting line of action figures, plush, etc. Luckily Hot Toys stepped in and created a fantastic companion piece to the movie with a set of non-poseable vinyl figures based on two of the film's main characters: Rango (the hero) voiced by Johnny Depp and Priscilla, an odd little Cactus Mouse voiced by Abigail Breslin. While Rango is available as a separate figure, the Collector Set is the only way to get Priscilla.
The two figures are packaged together in a full-color box with a front opening flap that lifts up to reveal the figures through a display window. Inside, a form-fitting plastic shell protects the characters. Once removed the insert behind the figures acts as a backdrop showcasing a view down the main street of Dirt.
Rango is definitely the stronger of the two figures in the set. The detail is extraordinary and he comes off more like a film production maquette than an 8-inch collectible figure. Every inch of the figure is sculpted to match his reptilian on-screen counterpart, from the scales and bumps of his skin to the wrinkles and folds of his clothes. He features a ton of small details such as his sculpted cartridge belt, pistol and holster, and spurred boots. His hat is removable as an added feature, but essentially just sits on his head and easily slides off with any movement. The fantastic sculpt is highlighted by some really nice paint apps which capture the gritty, rugged western feel and color scheme of the film. I especially like the use of a combination of airbrush and dry brushing to achieve a more realistic effect.
Priscilla, while diminutive in comparison with Rango, is still quite detailed. The majority of the sculpting centers around her head sculpt, which features a completely hand-sculpted fur covering the entire thing. Her hat is non-removable and has a great texturing effect to make it look like worn suede. Her pigtails and tail jut out behind her and have a corded feel despite being made from hard plastic. One of the most noticeable features of the character is her large piercing yellow eyes. Hot Toys created a special glassy, magnified effect by applying decals in concaved sockets under clear plastic eyeballs that protrude out from the head. Like Rango, Priscilla features a mostly muted, dry brushed paint job to add additional grit and texture to the sculpt.
The only really bad thing to say about the figures isn't even really a gripe with the figures themselves. My complaint is that I would love to see more characters released, at least another Rango in his Hawaiian shirt, Beans (the main female antagonist), and the Mariachi Owls, but Bad Bill, Rattlesnake Jake, Roadkill, or any of the other crazy looking desert creatures would be great too. Regardless, I'm happy to get any collectibles from this great animated film, especially ones as detailed as these two vinyl figures. The MMS Vinyl Rango & Priscilla Collectible Figures Set is available now from Hot Toys.
Review and Photos by Michael Klein
Review Samples Courtesy of Hot Toys


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Topic: fusing of large and small intestines
My husband underwent 3 weeks of radiation in order to remove a tumor on his spine - this was in April. Last week he began to complain of lower abdominal pain, no appetite, diarrhea and hiccups. Of course, his oncologist wanted to just prescribe pain medication and send him home. But I pushed for more because he has never had pain that was so severe. As it turns out the radiation had caused the small intestine to fuse with the large intestine. At some point they tore apart and left a hole in his small intestine. I was informed that this sometimes happens (the fusing) as a result of radiation. I was curious to know if anyone has any experience with this? My husband's oncologist was floored and very apologetic.