text:
Learn more about the healthcare finance industry's leading professional association. Find out why our members rely on HFMA as their go-to source for insight and information.
Members have many options for helping them advance their careers. Conferences, seminars, eLearning, certification, and more -- our education and events will keep you motivated.
Train your staff right, right from the start—help new hires in patient-facing positions understand how their roles impact revenue cycle performance and the organization's reputation.
Register now to join us February 21-23 in Denver to explore payment and care models to support high-need, high-cost patients.
Learn about timely healthcare industry topics and earn CPEs with HFMA live and on-demand webinars. View the latest schedule.
Healthcare Cost Containment, Revenue Cycle Strategist, and Strategic Financial Planning provide truly actionable steps for healthcare finance leaders needing to stay informed about today's finance challenges.
Hear in-depth conversations with industry experts who face constant challenges and opportunities shaping
care. Start listening today.
Information about leading vendors helps your buying decisions.
Forum members can network during live webinars or access a library of past webinars on topics such as ICD-10 implementation, CMS audits, bundled payment, charity care, KPIs, and more.
An ever-expanding collection of spreadsheets, policies, job descriptions, checklists, and more that you can adopt and adapt.
Forum members can submit vexing questions to a panel of experts using our Ask the Expert service.
Your source for employment solutions.
Find new employment opportunities or
reach out to qualified candidates.
Distinguish yourself as a leader among your peers and advance your career by earning certification in our healthcare finance programs.
Products, services, and ROI calculators evaluated by users like you that have earned the designation "Peer Reviewed by HFMA."
Hospitals, health systems, and physician practices use MAP App to benchmark and compare revenue cycle performance to data from more than 600 facilities.
Everything you need to make purchasing decisions for your organization - the go-to directory for HFMA members.
Guidance for understanding and communicating about the price of health care.
Find out how to achieve recognition as an Adopter of best practices and earn your patients' trust when it comes to financial matters.
Improve your revenue cycle performance through standard metrics, peer comparison, and successful practices.
Question: I am the accounting manager for a private physician group of approximately 500 employees and subcontracted clinicians. We have been growing steadily over the past few years, and are looking to upgrade our overall business office systems. Can you provide any advice?Answer 1: Although this is not an area of specific expertise, I welcome the opportunity to share some initial thoughts that may assist you. Choosing an integrated information system is an extremely important task and something that can impact the practice, either positively or negatively for years to come. Preparing a request for proposal (RFP) is an important part of the process, and it should be extremely comprehensive. (See answer 2 for links to some RFP resources and templates.)
Learn more about the CFO Forum—and subscribe
In terms of specific IT systems that may be of interest to your organization, you may consider using a firm that counsels healthcare organizations with IT system procurement decisions to help guide your practice through the process of identifying key system requirements and, subsequently, potential vendors for consideration. The firm, based on your input and parameters, may narrow prospective software systems to three or four and help coordinate the process of in-person demos, etc. Additionally, it is important to gather all of the key stakeholders of the organization and include them in the process. Forming a variety of related committees may be helpful to identify, evaluate, and prioritize what's important in a new system. Furthermore, these committees may be helpful during the evaluation process (e.g., during the demonstrations and reference reviews). In conclusion, this is a very important decision to the future of your organization, and a careful and thorough process should be considered with input from all stakeholders. This question was answered by Craig Nesta, partner, TRG Healthcare, LLC, Philadelphia, and a member of HFMA's Massachusetts-Rhode Island Chapter (firstname.lastname@example.com).
Answer 2: In relation to putting together an RFP, the federal government provides some tips on this process and provides a sample RFP for a physician electronic health record and integrated practice management system. AHIMA also provides some guidance on the RFP process, as well as an RFP template. This question was answered by Maggie Van Dyke, managing editor, HFMA Forums (firstname.lastname@example.com).
Do you have any additional advice related to this question? Share your views on this question—or pose another question to our Forum experts.
Publication Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Gene Cronin, vice president for Priority Advantage, discusses the value and benefits of working with a top-notch Medicare Advantage service vendor.
Greg Firestone, vice president, strategic customer relations for ROi, discusses a revolutionary approach to supply-chain management.
Henry Hummel, CEO, Chris Dunkerley, CFO, and Shane Landrum, senior vice president for TriMedx discuss how a strong clinical engineering function can help organizations fully leverage their clinical assets.
Scott Davis and Stephen Thome of Grant Thornton LLP Health Care Advisory Services discuss the importance of comprehensive due diligence and offer strategies for ensuring a process that supports smooth mergers and acquisitions.
In this business profile, Mike Morris, president of Xtend Healthcare, discusses the value of partnering with a revenue cycle management vendor that has deep experience in delivering strong ROI.
In this business profile, Mike Morris, president of Xtend Healthcare, discusses the value of partnering with a revenue cycle management vendor that has deep experience in delivering strong ROI.
In this Business Profile, Brad W. Playford, founder and CEO of AvaSure, discusses the value and benefits of virtual patient monitoring.
Patient financial engagement is more challenging than ever – and more critical. With patient responsibility as a percentage of revenue on the rise, providers have seen their billing-related costs and accounts receivable levels increase. If increasing collection yield and reducing costs are a priority for your organization, the metrics outlined in this presentation will provide the framework you need to understand what's working and what's not, in order to guide your overall patient financial engagement initiatives and optimize results.
No two patients are the same. Each has a very personal healthcare experience, and each has distinct financial needs and preferences that have an impact on how, when and if they chose to pay their healthcare bill. It's no longer effective to apply static billing techniques to solve the complex challenge of collecting balances from patients. The need to tailor financial conversations and payment options to individual needs and preferences is critical. This presentation provides 10 recommendations that will not only help you improve payment performance through a more tailored approach, but take control of rising collection costs.
This white paper, written by Apex Vice President of Solutions and Services, Carrie Romandine, discusses the importance of patient segmentation and messaging specifically related to the patient revenue cycle. Applying strategic messaging that is tailored to each patient type will not only better educate consumers on payment options specific to their billing needs, but it will maximize the amount collected before sending to collections. Further, targeted messaging should be applied across all points of patient interaction (i.e. point of service, customer service, patient statements) and analyzed regularly for maximized results.
This white paper, written by Apex President Patrick Maurer, discusses methods to increase patient adoption of online payments. Providers are now seeking ways to incrementally collect more payments due from patients as well as speeding up the rate of collections. This white paper shows why patient-centric approaches to online payment portals are important complements to traditional provider-centric approaches.
Increased electronic engagement between healthcare providers and patients provides significant opportunities for improving revenue cycle metrics and encouraging patients to access EHRs. This article, written by Apex Founder and CEO Brian Kueppers, explores a number of strategies to create synergy between patient billing, online payment portals and electronic health record (EHR) software to realize a high ROI in speed to payment, patient satisfaction and portal adoption for meaningful use.
Faced with a rising tide of bad debt, a large Southeastern healthcare system was seeing a sharp decline in net patient revenues. The need to improve collections was dire. By integrating critical tools and processes, the health system was able to increase online payments and improve its financial position. Taking a holistic approach increased overall collection yield by 10% while costs came down because the number of statements sent to patients fell by 10%, which equated to a $1.3M annualized improvement in patient cash over a six-month period. This case study explains how.
With the ICD10 deadline quickly approaching and daily responsibilities not slowing down, final preparations for October 1 require strategic prioritization and laser focus.
Read how Gwinnett Medical Center provides clear connections to financial information, offers multiple payment options for patients, and gives onsite staff the ability to collect payments at multiple points throughout the care process.
Read how Orlando Health was able to perform deeper dives into claims data to help the health system see claim rejections more quickly–even on the front end–and reduce A/R days.
To maintain fiscal fitness and boost patient satisfaction and loyalty, healthcare providers need visibility into when and how much they will be paid–by whom–and the ability to better navigate obstacles to payment. They need payment clarity. This whitepaper illuminates this concept that is winning fans at forward-thinking hospitals.
Financial services staff are always looking for ways to improve the verification, billing and collections processes, and Munson Healthcare is no different. Read about how they streamlined the billing process to produce cleaner bills on the front end and helped financial services staff collect more than $1 million in additional upfront annual revenue in one year.
Effective revenue cycle management can be a challenge for any hospital, but for smaller providers it is even tougher. Read how Wallace Thomson identified unreimbursed procedures, streamlined claims management, and improved its ability to determine charity eligibility.
Before launching an energy-efficiency initiative, it's important to build a solid business case and understand the funding options and potential incentives that are available. Healthcare leaders should consider taking the steps outlined in the whitepaper to ease the process of gaining approval, piloting, implementing, and supporting sustainability projects. You will find that investing in sustainability and energy efficiency helps hospitals add cash to their bottom line. Discover how hospitals and health systems have various options for funding energy-efficient and renewable-energy initiatives, depending on their current financial structure and strategy.
Health care is a dynamic mergers and acquisitions market with numerous hospitals and health systems contemplating or pursuing formal arrangements with other entities. These relationships often pose a strategic benefit, such as enhancing competencies across the continuum, facilitating economies of scale, or giving the participants a competitive advantage in a crowded market. Underpinning any profitable acquisition is a robust capital planning strategy that ensures an organization reserves sufficient funds and efficiently onboards partners that advance the enterprise mission and values.
The success of healthcare mergers, acquisitions, and other affiliations is predicated in part on available capital, and the need for and sources of funding are considerations present throughout the partnering process, from choosing a partner to evaluating an arrangement's capital needs to selecting an integration model to finding the right money source to finance the deal. This whitepaper offers several strategies that health system leaders have used to assess and manage capital needs for their growing networks.
Announcements from several commercial payers and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) early in 2015 around increased efforts to form value-based contracts with providers seemed to point to an impending rise in risk-based contracting. Rather than wait for disruption from the outside in, health care providers are now making inroads on collaborating with payers on various risk-based contracting models to increase the value of health care from within.
Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is a not-for-profit hospital serving a population of roughly 200,000 in Yuma and the surrounding communities.
Before becoming a ZirMed client, Yuma was attempting to manually monitor hundreds of thousands of charges which led to significant charge capture leakage. Learn how Yuma & ZirMed worked together to address underlying collections issues at the front end, thus increasing Yuma's overall bottom line.
Kindred Hospital Rehabilitation Services works with partners to audit the market and the facility's role in that market to identify opportunities for improvement. This approach leads to successes; Kindred's clinical rehab and management expertise complements our partners' strengths. Every facility and challenge is unique, and requires a full objective analysis.
As the critical link between patient care and reimbursement, health information enables more complete and accurate revenue capture. This 5-Minute White Paper Briefing shares how to achieve cost-effective revenue integrity by your optimizing HIM systems.
Speedier cash flow starts with better CDI and coding. This 5-Minute White Paper Briefing explains how providers can improve vital measures of technical and business performance to accelerate cash flow.
Qualified coders are getting harder to come by, and even the most seasoned professional can struggle with the complexity of ICD-10. This 5-Minute White Paper Briefing explains how partnerships can help improve coding and other key RCM operations potentially at a cost savings.
The point of managing your revenue cycle isn't just to improve revenue and cash flow. It's to do those things effectively by consistently following best practices— while spending as little time, money, and energy on them as possible.
How Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford increased payments received within 45 days by 20% and reduced paper submission claims by 70% by using ZirMed solutions.
The reasons claims are denied are so varied that managing denials can feel like chasing a thousand different tails. This situation is not surprising given that a hypothetical denial rate of just 5 percent translates to tens of thousands of denied claims per year for large hospitals—where real‐world denial rates often range from 12 to 22 percent. Read about how predictive modeling can detect meaningful correlations across claims denials data.
Emergency Mobile Health Care (EMHC) was founded to be and remains an exclusively locally owned and operated emergency medical service organization; today EMHC serves a population of more than a million people in and around Memphis, answering 75,000 calls each year.
Since the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) introduction, CMS has paid more than $100 million in bonus payments to participants. However, these bonuses ended in 2015; providers who successfully meet the reporting requirements in 2016 will avoid the 2% negative payment adjustment in 2018, so now is the time to act! Included in this whitepaper are implications of increasing patient responsibility, collections best practices, and collections and internal control solutions.
Getting paid what your physician deserves—that's the goal of every biller. Yet even for the best billers, achieving that success can be elusive when denials stand in the way of success, presenting challenges at every turn. Denials aren't going away, but you can learn techniques to manage and even prevent them.Join practice management expert Elizabeth W. Woodcock, MBA, FACMPE, CPC, to: Discover methods to translate denial data into business intelligence to improve your bottom line, determine staff productivity benchmarks for billers, and recognize common mistakes in denial management.
Physician practices must improve organizational efficiency to compete in this era of reduced reimbursement and escalating administrative costs.
Many healthcare organizations are pursuing next-generation health information systems solutions. Learn more about Navigant's work with University of Michigan Health System.
The proper implementation of healthcare information technology systems is crucial to an organization's financial health.
As value-based payment models evolve, providers are challenged to maintain superior clinical outcomes while controlling costs.
Read more about factors contributing to the changes in the post-acute marketplace and what it means for manufacturers, physicians, clinicians, patients, and post-acute facilities as they anticipate the transition to the second curve.
HSG helped the physicians and executives of St. Claire Regional in Morehead, Kentucky, define their shared vision for how the group would evolve over the next decade. As well as, develop the strategic and operational priorities which refocused and accelerated the group's evolution.
The client was a nine-hospital health system with 14 clinics serving communities in a multi-state market with very limited access to care, poor economic conditions, high unemployment, and a heavy Medicare/Medicaid/uninsured payer mix. In most of these communities, the system was the sole source of care.
Though the clinics were of substantial size (they employed 98 physicians) and comprised of multiple specialists, the physicians functioned as individuals and the practices lacked any real group culture.
Clinical integration can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be, as this four-step road map for developing a CIN proves. Does it have to cost millions to initiate a clinical integration strategy?
Contrary to popular belief, we have clients who have generated substantial shared savings and a significant ROI over time, without massive investments. Yes, some financial capital is required for resources the CIN providers can't bring to the table themselves. But the size of that investment can be miniscule relative to the value it produces: improved outcomes and documentation for payers.
Today's concerns about physician compensation are the result of the changing healthcare environment. The transition to value is slow, but finally becoming a reality. Proactive hospitals want to ensure that provider incentives are properly aligned with ever-increasing value-based demands.
This report focuses on the three big questions HSG receives about adding value to physician compensation; Why are organizations redesigning their provider compensation plans? What elements and parameters must be part of successful compensation plans? How are organizations implementing compensation changes?
Revenue Cycle Management has become an even more complex issue with declining reimbursements, implementation of Electronic Health Records, evolving local carrier determinations (LCD), and payer credentialing [The emphasis on healthcare fraud, abuse and compliance has increased the importance of accuracy of data reporting and claims filing).
The efficiency of a medical practice's billing operations has critical impact on the financial performance. In many cases, patient billings are the primary revenue source that pays staff salaries, provider compensation and overhead operating cost. Inefficiencies or inaccurate billing will contribute to operating losses.
This publication identifies and outlines the necessary characteristics of a fully-functioning clinically integrated network (CIN). What it doesn't do is detail how hospitals and providers can participate in the value-based care environment during the development process.
One common misconception is that the CIN can't do anything significant until it has obtained the FTC's "clinically integrated" stamp of approval. While the network must satisfy the FTC's definition of clinical integration before single signature contracting for FFS rates and contracts can legally start, hospitals and providers can enjoy three key benefits during the development process.
Nearly half of all Medicare beneficiaries treated in the hospital will need post-acute care services after discharge. For these patients, a stay in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility or other post-acute care setting comes between hospital and home.
With the proper process, tools, and feedback mechanisms in place, budgeting can be a valuable exercise for organizations while helping hold organizational leaders accountable. Having a proper monthly variance review process is one of the most critical factors in creating a more efficient and accurate budget. Monthly variance reporting puts parameters around what is to be expected during the upcoming budget entry process.
Managing the cost of patient care is the top strategic priority of most hospital CFOs today. As healthcare shifts to more data-driven decision making, having clear visibility into key volume, cost and profitability measures across clinical service lines is becoming increasingly important for both long-range and tactical planning activities. In turn, the cost accounting function in healthcare provider organizations is becoming an increasingly important and strategic function. This whitepaper includes five strategies for efficient and accurate cost accounting and service line analytics and keys to overcoming the associated challenges.
Premier Inc. helped Adventist Health System navigate bundled payment initiatives by offering a collaborative led by seasoned experts and user-friendly analytics that enable evidence-based decisions.
HFMA's print, email, online, and mobile opportunities provide you maximum reach and impact. We will work with you to build a plan that meets your needs. Contact a sales rep.


text:
The San Diego City Council confirmed the appointment of the city's first-ever female police chief Tuesday, voting 8-0 to have Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman become the new chief of the San Diego Police Department.
Zimmerman, a 31-year veteran of the department, was the choice of incoming Mayor Kevin Faulconer when he was tasked to replace retiring Chief William Lansdowne. On Tuesday, she was officially appointed to the position by the San Diego City Council.
"It is a privilege to wear this uniform and badge and I'm very grateful for the opportunity and challenge we are undertaking," said Zimmerman after being appointed. "In 1981, I moved out here from Cleveland, Ohio. I did not know anyone. I did not have a job. I didn't even have a place to stay. And, today, I am the chief of police of the San Diego Police Department."
Though Zimmerman has the full support of Mayor Faulconer and other city leaders, some community leaders are raising concerns about Zimmerman's appointment process, criticizing the speed and process by which she was selected.
While some believe it was rushed, the city council believes there's no time like the present to recognize her qualifications and get the SDPD under new leadership amid recent scandals.
For her part, Zimmerman said she's ready to lead the department and has big plans for the future of the SDPD.
"We will instill a culture of excellence in our police department. We will demand it of ourselves because our community deserves it," said Zimmerman, before the city council. "It starts with the chief of police all the way to our newest recruit and our entire civilian staff."
"All of us will strive to be the very best at what we do in the very best police department and in the most beautiful city in the world," she continued. "We are committing every single second of every single day to the words that are written on the doors of our police cars: "America's Finest." These are not just words, these are our core values."
Last week, Mayor Faulconer announced his plans to appoint Zimmerman once he took office on Mar. 3. His announcement came just hours after Lansdowne publicly announced he had decided to step down.
Faulconer said Zimmerman was an extremely qualified choice for the leadership position, having three decades of service under her belt, including having worked in narcotics and internal affairs, as well as on the Mayor's Executive Protection Detail and as a field lieutenant.
As she takes on the role of chief, Zimmerman will be working through recent scandals involving SDPD officers accused of sexual misconduct on the job.
This includes the case of former Officer Christopher Hays, 30, accused of inappropriate interaction with women while on duty. Last month, Hays pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment and sexual battery.
There's also the case of SDPD Officer Donald Moncrief, 39, who is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct with female detainees that may have included exposing himself to a woman while on duty. No charges have been filed against Moncrief.
Zimmerman has said she supports the proposed plan to have an outside audit of the SDPD conducted in order to review department practices and training policies in the wake of the misconduct scandals plaguing the SDPD.
"Our officers and civilian personnel serve with honor, distinction and dedication every single day – united, as a team, for the betterment of our city. And for those very few who do not fulfill our standards, your failures will not be tolerated," said the chief. "Each of us is raising the bar, right here, right now and when we reach the bar, we're going to raise it again. We're going to strive for perfection every single second of every single day."
"This badge that we all proudly wear is not just a piece of polished metal. It represents the people of San Diego," she added.
On Tuesday, Council President Todd Gloria and Councilmember David Alvarez both asked Zimmerman about this proposed audit. They also asked the new chief whether she'd be committed with working with communities of color and diversity within the ranks of the police force.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We're really sorry but we've sold out of this product and are unable to obtain more stock. In most cases this is usually because the manufacturer has discontinued the product. We don't want you to miss out though so here's some of our best selling products which are similar to what you are looking for. Take a look and you could just find the perfect item. Just a small point to note - they might not have the exact features as the product you initially wanted so please be sure to check the features before you buy.
The Acer S5 Series projects big and clear images even if the projector is positioned very close to the screen. DLP 3D ready and packed with modern technologies, the S5 Series makes meetings more productive and classes more exciting. What's more, networked management tools offer remote monitoring, control and reporting systems.
View visuals with unprecedented clarity and brilliance thanks to native XGA resolution plus high brightness contrast ratio. Put on the DLP Link 3D glasses and be completely engrossed by stunning 3D movies, games or videos from a qualified PC or 3D player. Acer's advanced color technologies guarantee consistent image quality despite prolonged use. The S5 Series complies with the Crestron Network System so you can control the projector over LAN or Wi-Fi. In addition, you can connect to HD digital sources using the HDMI port.
Press the Empowering Key for easy access to the useful suite of Acer Empowering technology tools. Acer SmartFormat technology offers instant projection of wide-format content. With Acer Instant Pack technology, you can safely unplug the power cord right after the S5 Series is turned off, so you can pack up and go immediately. Acer EcoProjection technology cuts standby power consumption for environment-friendly energy management. The long lamp life cuts lamp replacement costs and ensures long-term, dependable projector use. With the Auto ECO feature, the projector automatically enters ECO mode if there is no signal input for 5 minutes, resulting in a further reduction of power consumption.


text:
Our Agency is located in Pottstown. We proudly serve the surrounding areas including Boyertown, Douglassville, Gilbertsville, Royersford and Spring City. Our Agents take pride in helping protect what matters most to you and strive to provide superior customer service by identifying and solving your insurance needs. We provide a full range of insurance products, which includes home, auto, renters, life, commercial, motorcycle, boat, snowmobile and much more. Please contact us or stop by today with any questions or for a quote!
Weigner Insurance & Financial Services Inc
Fri: 9:00 - 4:30
- Mon: 9:00 - 4:30 Evening By Appt.
- Tues: 9:00 - 4:30 Evening By Appt.
- Wed: 9:00 - 4:30 Evening By Appt.
- Thur: 9:00 - 4:30 Evening By Appt.
- Fri: 9:00 - 4:30 Evening By Appt.
- Sat: By Appt.
- Sun: By Appt.
- Primary: (610) 323-2142(610) 323-2142
- Secondary: (610) 367-8600(610) 367-8600
- Fax: (610) 326-6984
Welcome to Weigner Insurance & Financial Services, Inc!
Homeowners Insurance
Protect your house and personal property by choosing the right insurance coverage from …
Life Insurance
Let us help you select life insurance coverage that meets your needs, your life and your …
Key Info
- Licensed in: DE, MD, PA, VA
- Professional designations: LUTCF, CLCS
- Bio: Carina is a third generation agent. She follows her father and grandfather with a long history in the Nationwide Company.
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Organizational Dynamics, Immaculata University. LUTCF and CLCS designations
- Agent Qualifications: MDRT qualifier 2014, Conference of Champion 2015, NAIFA Pennsylvania Secretary, NAIFA Tri-County Member
- Awards: Million Dollar Round Table
- Community activities: Member of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, Sly Fox Track Club member, Volunteer for Girl Scouts of Eastern PA.
Claim Center
- 24/7 Claims Service 1-800-421-3535
- Check status of your claim
- File your claim online
- Find an On Your Side® Repair Shop
- See your repairs at Nationwide® AutoWatch®


text:
SPARTA, Ky. — Even as he traveled the world racing cars, Michael Waltrip always had a soft spot for his old Kentucky home.
On Thursday, the two-time Daytona 500 winner unveiled a car honoring his favorite college team.
Waltrip was at Kentucky Speedway, site of this week's NASCAR races, to reveal a new paint motif on the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 55 Toyota that pays homage to the University of Kentucky national champion basketball team.
"When I was a kid growing up, I used to sit in my home in Owensboro, Ky., and watch the replays of the Kentucky games after the 10 o'clock news," Waltrip said. "Mom and Dad would let me stay up late on those nights so I could watch my team play. They've been my team my whole life; I've never cheered for another team. To be able to race this car and honor the program is a real blessing."
UK's mascot and athletic director Mitch Barnhart were on hand as a black cover was pulled off the blue-and-white car to reveal several national championship logos. Like at a movie premiere, dozens of photographers snapped photos.
"To the victors go the spoils, and this is one of the spoils," Barnhart said with a laugh.
No Big Blue players were around, largely because six were expected to be taken Thursday night in the NBA draft.
Waltrip is driving the car this week. He shares the ride with Mark Martin and Brian Vickers.
At Talladega, MWR driver Clint Bowyer's car featured a University of Alabama national football championship paint scheme.
But because of Waltrip's lifelong allegiance to the Wildcats, it was clear that he was thrilled to be behind the wheel of the Kentucky-themed car.
He was asked how big a deal it would be if he could somehow win.
"Dale Junior's pretty big-time and when he won that race in Michigan it was a crazy event," Waltrip said, referring to the popular Earnhardt's win two weeks ago that ended a 143-race winless streak. "You drive this Kentucky car into Victory Lane in Kentucky — it could possibly top that."
Barnhart said it was enough to just have the Wildcats logo and colors on display.
"We know what this (championship) means to the people of our state. We felt that from the minute we came home and there was 35,000 people lining the streets," he said. "Then you walk into Rupp Arena and there's 20,000 people there. On top of that, we were just walking in here and I saw that championship logo on about a half a dozen shirts."
He said he knew what fans would say as they saw the No. 55 car race around the 1.5-mile oval this weekend.
"There's going to be people saying, 'You know what? That's ours,'" he said.
Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rustymillerap .


text:
Go to site | Reader's comments
|Bonus sites:
|Live Shows:
|MOV, Windows
$31.80/30 days
$69.45/90 days
$98.45/180 days
$150.00/360 days
Review of Sybian Lounge:
site with a flair for the beautiful. If that makes sense. Its setup and design are pretty unique, I haven't seen it around really too much. And the idea behind the site is also pretty unique. On top of it all, it's not very often you see a website dedicated just to Sybian play. You get that here on Sybian Lounge, and you get it good.
The site design of Sybian Lounge is pretty unique as well. When you sign onto the members page, you are given a page full of decent size thumbnails that portray poses of the girls. The pictures on this page are very "posey", and the action on the thumbnail on the front page doesn't even appear in the video. It still displays what the girl looks like really, really well. So you will get a great idea if you think she is worth downloading or not, but you will not get an actual shot from the set on the front page. When you hit the second page, the thumbnails are of the actual action but they are much much smaller. So, the front page is good but then the second page is a little disappointing. The second page contains the videos, which I will go into next.
The videos here on Sybian Lounge are done in the Quicktime format. I really don't like the Quicktime format, but it's the only format available on the website. I wish they would put some WMVs or something on here, that is one of my biggest best peeves with the site. Anyway, the videos are heavily segmented. Most of these quicktime clips are five to ten segments long per girl. Most of these segments are about two minutes long. The quality of the videos is pretty good. I can never full screen Quicktime format videos. At regular size these videos looked really, really good. When I doubled the size, the videos had a little loss of quality but they still looked pretty decent. The videos downloaded pretty quickly, partly due to the fact that they were pretty small files (around 10 MB avg.) and partly due to the fact that the servers the site is on are pretty fast. All around pretty nice.
The action on the videos is videotaped awesomely. As with all the George Picasso sites, the camerawork is truly artistic. They take their time with the camera, and really emphasize the beauty of what is going on. The camera moves slowly, focuses on the same shot a lot. I usually talk down on that, but the way the site does it is actually really good. It's slow, very specific, and somewhat artsy. Female masturbation at its most beautiful. You might be into that, you might not.
Sybian Lounge doesn't have a pictures section to speak of. It does have a few sets with some really bad pictures, but other than that, no pictures whatsoever. Kind of disappointing actually because I think these guys could pull out a great pictures section. But I guess I'd rather have nothing over a haphazardly thrown together portion of the site, so kudos in part for that.
The girls on Sybian Lounge are a pretty big mixture. Some of them are really attractive. Some of them are mildly attractive, and theres a few woof woof's on the site too. They don't seem to be afraid to have a few hairy girls on the site. But for the most part, theres a bunch of different types of girls. They are basically the type of girls you expect to see in some older porn mags, not completely done up porn star, but not so innocent either. The action here is mainly female masturbatory. It's done with the sybian, of course. Theres not too much action here outside of sybian action, which is good for sybian fans but not so good for those who dislike or are unaffected by the sybian.
Sybian Lounge has not been updated in a long time according to the site. It was around Christmas of 2003 that it was last updated. However, that shouldn't stop you from your enjoyment of the site. The bonus sites have tons of content that is updated still, and the site itself has a lot of material. At the time of review (and probably now and forever) the site had 45 different sets. As I said, theres lots of content on the bonus sites as well.
As part of this porn package, you get membership to Sybian Lounge, Sybian World, Just a BJ, Her Sweet Hand, Butt Lounge, and N My Face. These are all like-minded sites, but with different themes. The execution is pretty much all the same though. Very nice package in my opinion, with lots of fun porn for everyone to check out and a nice twist from the norm!
Sybian Lounge is a good site for female masturbation fanatics, especially those who like the use of the Sybian. As part of a good package and having lots of content, it's recommended to those who don't mind the segmentation and the Quicktime format! Also a bit more attention to the layout and design would really make you feel you got a better product.
|Main Entry Page
|Model page
|Watching a movie
Reader comments:
There are no comments for this site. Be the first to comment...
Please login to leave a comment


text:
Three passionate novellas from The Secret Library range that offer essential, sensual reading.
The Game, by Jeff Cott: The Game is the story of Ellie's bid to change from sexy, biddable housewife to sexy dominant goddess. Ellie and Jake are a happily married couple who play a bedroom game. Having lost the last game, Ellie must start the new one where she left off bound and gagged on the bed. As she figures out how to tie herself up before Jake's return from work, Ellie remembers the last game and has ideas for the new one. Jake is immensely strong and loving and has seemingly endless sexual stamina so the chances of Ellie truly gaining control look slim. Although she has won the game on occasions, she suspects he lets her win just so he can overwhelm her in the next. She has to find a way to break this pattern. But does she succeed?
One of Us, by Antonia Adams: Successful artist Natalie Crane is midway through a summer exhibition with friend and agent Anton when Will Falcon strolls tantalisingly into her life. After a messy divorce, a relationship is not Natalie s priority. Anton takes an immediate dislike to the shaven-headed composer, but Natalie is captivated. He is everything she is not: free, impulsive, and seemingly with no thought for the future. He introduces her to Dorset's beautiful coves and stunning countryside and their time together is magical. Things get complicated when her most famous painting, a nude self-portrait, is stolen and there are no signs of a break-in. When it's time for her return to London, Will doesn't turn up to say goodbye, and she cannot trace him. Anton tells her to forget him, but she cannot. Then she discovers the stakes are much higher than they first appeared.
Taste It, by Sommer Marsden: Jill and Cole are competing for the title of Best Chef. The spicy, sizzling and heated televised contest fuels a lust in Jill she'd rather keep buried. She can't be staring at the man's muscles...he's her competition! During a quick cooking throwdown things start to simmer and it becomes harder and harder for Jill to ignore that she's smitten in the kitchen. Cole's suggestive glances and sly smiles aren't helping her any. When fate puts her in his shower and then his chivalrous nature puts her in his borrowed clothes, there's no way to deny the natural heat between them.
©2012 Jeff Scott, Antonia Adams, Sommer Marsden (P)2013 Audible Ltd
There are no reviews for this title yet.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
Most commonly this Puberty ceremony is called Ruthu Sadangu or Pen Vaisu Vanthachu.
The Ceremony is usually witness by very close family member in the Indian tradition and culture circle.
The coming of age rites have to be performed on the very day the girl attained puberty. But for Uvaraani, as the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony was not conducted then, it has to be perform before she got married. So in celebrating this, it became a personal milestone. These events provide a dramatic shift in identity that touches us on every level of our existence.
Imagine growing up in a world free of culture and tradition? Passing a year without celebrating birthdays? Qualifying from school with no certificates or graduation? Or a marriage without any type of rites, rituals or ceremony? That is why most people in the world understood the importance of their own native cultures. A country without culture has no history, do you agree?
Uvaraani, living in the modern world tries her best to accommodate the whims and fancies of her parents and relatives. Being born of a mixed parentage does have its advantages as she enjoys the best of both worlds. Both our forefathers being immigrants of Malaysia bought with them the traditional cultures and practices during the early 19th century. But with all the "acceptable inter marriages" after 1950's, intertwining of cultures becomes part and puzzle of the present society.
The sisters of her father will be the first people to be told of this good news. In this modern times, not every girl wants the whole world to know she has menstruated. At the threshold of womanhood, she patiently listen as it was explained to her the customs that she has to go through the next two weeks. And I am glad it increased the intimacy between mother and daughter at a time when many girls shut down and refuse to communicate.
For approximately 2 weeks, she is advised to stay home, ritual baths were performed by the father's sisters. For some Hindus, before she is clean, she is considered to be in a state of ritual pollution (thittu). Eggs and selected food with gingerly oil are prepared for her consumption to gain strength in time for the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony.
Once she is "clean", a special Malaysian Puberty Ceremony will be held. In the olden days, once the girl becomes a woman, she will be announced and the mother's brother, uncle or relative are the first choices of getting her as a bride. This is usually the message pass on to the girl.No wonder they would simply say NO to the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony.
The house where the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony and rituals are performed must be decorated or changed with fresh mango leaves. Either nine of eleven leaves will be washed, dotted with sandalwood and kumkuman (red dots) and tied in front of the house entrance.
Turmeric and Flower Bath
Five aunts or sister from the father side will bath her with specially prepared water. Dried turmeric powder, seven types of flowers and 3 limes, will be added to this special bath.
Generally, she sits in the bathroom on a stool for this bathing ritual. The five aunts will take turns to pour this turmeric and flower bath over her head till she is wet through. The most privileged person is Aunty Kamachi, her Patti being the father's aunt, followed by Chandra's sister then blood cousins. After the Turmeric Bath, Uvaraani will be escorted to the room to dress for the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony. The honoree has to be dressed up with silk saree and shining jewellery.
Items needed to perform the ceremony
A Nirai Kudam (special place) in the house is prepared for the Malaysian Puberty ceremony. Usually a low stool, covered with a piece of white cloth is placed. A typical position to sit facing the entrance of the house. Beside the low stool stands two kuttu villakku (brass oil lamp) dotted with kumkuman and decorated with flowers.
In front of her, a total of nine Ruthu Sadangu items is arranged in sequence and kept in different trays in preparation for the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony.
Ritual seat for the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony
Ruthu Sandangu items for the Indian Girl Malaysian Puberty Ceremony as seen at the Nirai Kudam (special place)
Pen Vaisu Vanthachu Ceremony or Malaysian Puberty Ceremony Items
A small silver bowl with Turmeric water to make a Manjal pillaiyar. A few stalks of arugam grass is place in the turmeric water.
A tray filled with kumkuman (red powder), Santhanam (sandalwood paste) and rose scented water.
A silver pot filled with clean water.
A silver tray filled with a can of paddy and a lighted kamachi lamp. The kamachi lamp must be placed on top of the can of paddy during the rituals.
3 pieces Paal Roti Biscuit made of milk, flour and sugar.
An amie kale (rolling mortar pestle) with Santhanam (sandalwood paste) and kumkuman pottu is dotted in three positions
3 plates or bowls, sweetened rice, rice cooked in green peas, curry or vegetable is prepared.
Relatives bearing gifts at the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony
Rows of relatives with gifts like flowers, Saree, fruits and goodies
Other items required for the Malaysian Puberty Ceremony or coming of age rituals
A tray of assorted fruits (odd number in total)
A turmeric dressed coconut
Betel leaves (sireh leaves), dried areca nuts (Pinang) and topped with lemon
Indian Sweet meats in odd number (Palakaram)
Assortment of Loose flowers
Some relatives comes with trays of gifts, consisting of fruit, garlands of flowers, home made local sweets cakes, Sarees and Jewellery.
Pen Vaisu Vanthachu Ceremony (coming of age rites)
Now the ceremony begins with the aunt accompanying her to the specially prepared Nirai Kudam. The brass oil lamp is then lighted and the Malaysian Puberty ceremony commences. 5 lady relatives will performed these puberty rites. But first, she will be cross garlanded across her arms and neck.
Cross garlands at Coming of Age Rituals
Then the five ladies will take turns to bless her with the prepared items. This is a intricate sequence of events using the prepared Ruthu Sadangu items. What happens is this, the first lady will begin the ceremony by blessing the body of the honoree starting from her right hand.
She will used the manjal pillaiyar to wipe both her hands as a sign to purify her. She ends the purifying on her left hand. The sequence the first lady begin is slightly touching her right knee, right shoulder, her head, her left shoulder then her left knee. One by one the ruthu sadangu items will be used to blessed the honoree and placed on the right side of the performing ladies.
The second lady will then begin from the left side of the her knee and ending on the right knee. This goes on until the five ladies performed this simple ceremony. She will in turn present a small gift to the ladies who performed the ceremony. Watch the ceremony here.
Once all the ladies completes the rituals, they will gather around her to perform a folk dance. With hands clapping and singing a folksong, they will circle her and dance. Approximately 5 to 7 turnings around her till the singing stops.
She will now proceed to the family altar room to offer her prayers. This ceremony now turns into a celebration with dances, singing and clapping. Folk dances and songs will be happily performed as she changes and parades all the sarees gifts given. All the sarees must be worn as not to offend the presenter.
First red dot at Malaysian Puberty Ceremony
First privilege as a woman, a red dot happily placed by Aunty Sarojini (Ayteh Sarojini)
Final Ceremony to ward off Evil influences (ARTHI)
A shallow round tray of turmeric powder, squeezed lime and water is prepared for this final ceremony. A camphor is lighted and placed on top of the betel leave. Three ladies will hold this tray in trinity above the honoree head and circle 3 to 5 times. Then the eldest aunt will swipe her face with the fire flame. After which, the fire is put off and the remaining water is poured on the any plant outside the house. The final ceremony is performed to ward off evil influences.
Interestingly, Malaysian Indians, locals though do refer to the book. The Book of Omen or prediction, so it is referred to. This is beyond any comprehension and a part I would not have any opinion.
The Book of Omens
On that momentous day when the girl's body signaled that she was no longer a child, but a young woman. That for the Indians in Malaysia is very significant as some would consult the book of omens. (We did not consult the book, spare her that). But I was told the day and time are use to predict the future of the young marriageable lady.
What happen is this, when a child is born, the parents would note the date, birth time and hour and seeks the astrologer and numerologist advise. Usually they will prepare a Book of Prediction or Books of Omens based on all the timings and dates given. This is considered to be the first JATAKAM for the child. In this books, the good and bad timing of the said child is being foretold. With this books of prediction, some names are given and selected for the child too.
By the same token, the second JATAKAM is prepared after the first show of blood. The timing, date and day it happened is calculated and becomes her second book.
ARTHI Ceremony, warding off evils influences after the Ruthu Sadangu ( Puberty Ceremony)
Monday - She will be eminently chaste.
Tuesday - It is not favorable, as she is likely to be a widow early in her days of wedlock.
Wednesday - She will be wealthy.
Thursday - Is good, for she bids fairness and virtuous.
Friday - is not considered auspicious.
Saturday and Sunday - are also bad days as she runs the risk of being poor.
They would then ask the time it happen, for it has some meaning. These customs seem to be a reflection of the South Indian customs.
These rituals of first menstruation are also found in most Sri Lanka and India's many ethnic groups. There may be a few variants but overall the rituals are similar.
What a wondrous future lies in front of us as these young women mature and take their places of leadership in the world!
She might not realized how symbolic this Puberty Ceremony is. It will stay in my mind and heart. To me, this is a gratifying ceremony, one done from the heart of hearts. I felt overwhelmed by the love showered on my daughter. It has been years she has turned into a woman but today, her aunts makes it so special as if it was her first time. Indeed she is blessed surrounded by love and sincerity of these young aunties.
This fascinating South Indian Ruthu Sadangu puberty ceremony can be classified as the one of the most important rites ever performed for a female "coming of age". Step by step as I watched the ceremony being performed for my daughter, I feel so pleased for her. The Puberty Ceremony photos has most of the essence of the ceremony from the turmeric bath to warding off evil influences but nothing beats being there at the time, i can tell you.
As I witnessed these puberty ceremony, I am humbled by the magnitude of the significance. I am sure these few aunts felt so much pride and privileged being able to do this for her. They have watched her grow and turn to a beautiful and cheerful woman. They pride themselves to guard young girls becoming princesses at their first bloods honoring.
Saree and gifts for Puberty Ceremony
Sarees, bangles, ear rings, necklaces, kumkuman and dried turmeric for the Indian Girl Puberty Rituals
Trays of gifts for Indian Puberty Ceremony
Trays of fruits from close relatives for the Puberty Rituals
The Puberty Ceremony Photos is a great window to view this wonderful ceremony to encourage the girl to be a woman. Actions of encouragement through the rituals was translated to me as I watched my daughter enjoying all the fun and teasing by the aunts. The ceremony may be full of wishy washy of rituals but it has profound significance.
Aunty Anandi blessings during Indian Puberty Ceremony
Aunty Anandi! The food for me to eat or my knees to eat?
Gifts given after blessing on Coming of Age rites
Look! she gave me a gift, says Aunty Sarojini.
This act of Ruthu Sandangu blessing symbolizes:
Purifying her soul and spirit.
Cleansing her with clean water to beautify her body.
Showering good wishes with kamachi light.
And wishing her home will always be filled with abundance of rice and food.
Armi Kale blessing on Indian Puberty ceremony
Shall I take my revenge now after raising you? says Aunty Gowry.
Kamachi Light blessing on Indian Coming of Age
Now don't you pour oil on me. Uvaraani says to Aunty Gowry
Breaking of Paal Roti in four pieces signifies opportunities and good wishes from four corners of the world.
Touching the amie kale blesses her with great cooking skills.
May these food strengthen your spirit, so they whispered.
And by placing a red dot (kumkuman) on her forehead for the first time on becoming a woman.
Folk dance performance in Indian Puberty Ceremony
Performing a folk dance for the princess of the day
Prays to home altar at coming of age rituals
Uvaraani with her Patti who looked after her since birth
Having witnessed and performed these ceremony for my daughter, it is truly a chance of a life time. I even say this was to me a life experience I would not have wanted to miss. For all of you who have never experienced such an event, have a look at the selection of South Indian Puberty Ceremony Photos which I made during the event of Ruthu Sadangu (coming of age).
I would warmly invite girls turning to womanhood is understand what joy they brought to this world. Truly, the future of mankind do depends on the WOMAN! For more information about this ceremony done, get in touch with me.
Final folkdance and singing during Ruthu Sandangu
The folkdance joined in by all attended during Uvaraani's Ruthu Sadangu
Relatives participating at Puberty Ceremony
The aunts from both side of the parents during the Ruthu Sandangu day
In Malaysia, there are no rituals for boys reaching puberty. So there is no puberty ceremony photos for boys. But the Chinese observed these rites in a very different way. For the young girls and boys upon reaching puberty, medicinal soups will be prepared to give them strength. The breaking of Vocal chord is the sign of puberty for boys.
If I remembered rightly, Indian boys will start growing beard. So the fathers played an important role by advising them not to keep touching or shaving their growing beard.
It is believed that if you do not pay attention to it, it will discourage the growth. Men will confirmed this advise, as shaving in the later years is such a troublesome act. How they would love not to have to shave daily.
But marrying an Indian, I know without mustache, beard or side burn, he is not an Indian man. The joke is, I have seen Chandra without mustache and till today, he keeps it on. Do you know why? Without it, his mouth looks weird and funny. When I joked and teased him, his reply is that he no longer feels important because there is no underline under his nose!. There goes my two cents worth!
Please share this puberty ceremony photos with anyone preparing for marriage. I hope they understand the roles they played as a girl and now turning to a woman. The impart hit me straight to my heart, I can feel how William Tell's son felt when the arrow hits the apple on his head. Even if you will not have this opportunity performed for you, sink into the pictures and feel blessed as Uvaraani has.
Ruthu Sadangu
Posted on
Wednesday, May 9, 2001by Sarawanan @ Thiagu in
Posted by Sarawanan @ Thiagu on Wednesday, May 9, 2001 at 3:14 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Gray Frame Seder Plate by Adi SidlerProduct ID: SDP-AS-48445
Similar Products
Gray Frame Seder Plate by Adi Sidler
This is a modern Seder plate featuring six glass cups to hold each of the six symbolic foods framed by brushed anodized aluminum in silver and gray designed by Adi Sidler.
Gray Frame Seder Plate by Adi Sidler
This gorgeous contemporary Seder plate is an eye catcher! Made of a specially treated anodized aluminum which has been laser cut and formed into a frame that has cradled six little glass cups used to hold the traditional symbolic foods of Passover.
Israeli native, Adi Sidler graduated with honors from the famed Bezalel Academy of Art in Jerusalem. There he received several prestigious scholarships and awards in the field of metalwork and object design. Adi has emerged as one of Israel's favorite Judaica artists. His works are characterized by their clean minimal lines and a polished look. This item comes in other bright colors, too!
This Seder Plate would make a great wedding gift!


text:
The Guardian on Africa's economic growth and the emergence of new middle classes:
At the end of another of Kinshasa's potholed roads, lined with shacks and crumbling matchbox houses, comes a sudden clearing. It is a sandy patch of land surrounded by water in which bare-chested boys in dugout canoes paddle among the hyacinths. A giant pump is working day and night, reclaiming land from the sandbanks and river beds, expanding the city in defiance of nature.
Welcome to La Cité du Fleuve – River City, or "the new Manhattan" as this multibillion-pound development has been hopefully described by newspapers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Just 15 hectares (38 acres) now, but aiming for 380, it is perhaps the most ambitious statement yet about Africa's improving fortunes – and the promise of a growing African consumer class.
River City is backed by a British hedge fund that specialises in counter-trend betting and, says the developer Robert Choudury, "a bigger counter-trend is hard to find". Ravaged by war and disease, DRC ranks bottom of the UN's human development index. More than half the population is living on less than $1.25 a day and only 2% of roads are paved.
Please follow link to continue:Â http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/25/africas-middle-class-hope-continent?CMP=twt_gu
And this interesting Guardian graphic:Â http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/interactive/2011/dec/25/wealth-poverty-africa-interactive?CMP=twt_gu


text:
Forgot your password? Enter the email address you signed up with and we will send you a link to create a new password.
Your password reset has been submitted to the address provided.
Typed drawing
vitamin, mineral and food supplements
Business in IRVINE, CA
Business in IRVINE, CA
Business in Aliso Viejo, CA


text:
August 17, 2011 BY Jarrell H.
Geared towards the Asian market due to the lack of indoor gym availability, the Nike Air Max Ambassador IV is a shoe that is able to handle any outdoor-court adversity without losing a step in performance. Sneaker News recently gave you a look at detailed images of the White/Red-Black colorway of the Nike Air Max Ambassador IV as well as some other interesting upcoming varieties, but here we have the 'Blackout' colorway – a staple in the Nike LeBron line. LeBron James is undoubtedly an ambassador for the game of basketball, and he certainly acted as one during his trip to China where the Ambassador IV was first spotted. Despite the tonal black motif, the Ambassador IV 'Blackout' possesses a unique contrasting visual on the textured toe as well as the fierce lion logo on the heel. Check out the additional angles of the 'Blackout' Ambassador IV and let us know what you think. via Kenlu.
Filed under: Asia Exclusive Basketball LeBron


text: I don't have my Wii yet, and I have never used the controller and don't know much about the rumble feature on it. I saw the Wii trailer for COD3, and when that dude would fire his gun, his Wiimote would actually pop up, realistically simulating the recoil of his gun. Is this possible on the Wiimote? Ofcourse I know it really could not pop up so realistically as that, but does the Wiimote in any way rumble or pop up a bit to simulate the recoil of a gun? That would be just plain amazing, and would really pull you into the game, giving you gameplay superior to any system on earth. Oh yeah, as a side question, when you fire, do you hear the gunshot from the controller? I do realize the game isn't out yet, but if anyone knows the answers I am extremely interested.


text:
Year after year, the Minnesota Wild are hit with the same criticisms.
Can't score enough goals. Don't have the depth to be a top team.
Yet, year in and year out, the Wild end up in the hunt or a Northwest Division title.
Hey, last year's banner was won by the team from the State of Hockey.
Some things never do change, though, and once again, the Wild detractors are out, with many prognosticators expecting the club to miss the playoffs.
Seems nobody wants to give the Wild any credit or see the team as a threat.
"I think it's always been that way," shrugged left winger Andrew Brunette, who's returned to the Wild for his second stint. "I don't know if last year anybody had them pegged to be a division champion, probably more thinking they'd be a bubble team."
Brunette, who skated in Minnesota for three seasons (2001-02 through 2003-04), spent a trio of years with the Colorado Avalanche and returned via free agency this summer, can understand the doomsayers.
Gone are a couple of key proven forwards in Pavol Demitra and Brian Rolston, along with goal-scorer Mark Parrish.
The only name replacements are Brunette and Owen Nolan, neither of whom are known for their speed and have many, many clicks on their odometers. Other new faces include defencemen Marc-Andre Bergeron and Marek Zidlicky and forwards Antti Miettinen and Craig Weller.
All told, the Wild are sporting several fresh faces compared to the team that won the Northwest crown but was bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
"It's surprising how many new players there are," Brunette said. "We all know Rolie and Demitra are gone, but you kinda forget all the other changes made. Some are late additions -- I don't know if you can really count Chris Simon, and (Aaron) Voros was up and down, but there are nine changes on the roster.
"When somebody told me that, I was surprised. I'd never even thought that."
Throw in the competitiveness of the Western Conference, with teams like the Phoenix Coyotes, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers all appearing to be on the rise, and the Wild may very well be staring at a rough patch.
"The west is so tough, the division is so tough, and anything can happen, as we've seen the last three years," Brunette said. "It's nice we won't have to play each other eight times like we had to the last few years."
But change can be good. Zidlicky, acquired from the Nashville Predators for a second-round pick and a prospect, is an excellent puck-moving defenceman who will help the club's transition game.
Plus, the Wild have been developing young players for a few years and believe it's now their turn to take on larger roles.
"They're going to give more opportunity for guys like (James) Sheppard and (Benoit) Pouliot to handle that responsibility and step it up," Brunette said. "(Pierre-Marc) Bouchard is a guy who's been asked to asked to carry more of a role in years past, and I think he's up for it. (Brent) Burns is somebody I think is going to be a heck of a player for a long, long time, and Mikko Koivu is one of the more underrated players in the league. He's as good as you can get at both ends of the ice."
Oh, yeah, plus the Wild still have Marian Gaborik, one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the game. At least for now.
Gaborik is due to become an unrestricted free agent and should he go on the trading block, the lightning-fast sniper would be as highly sought after as any NHLer.
Brunette sees the potential for a distraction but doesn't believe it will be a problem among the team.
"I think that's a little far away. Contract stuff, it'll work itself out," Brunette said. "He's been through it before, and it's in the distant future."
D Marc-Andre Bergeron
D Marek Zidlicky
LW Andrew Brunette
RW Owen Nolan
C Pavol Demitra
RW Brian Rolston
RW Branko Radevojevic
RW Mark Parrish


text:
Last Week: 5-0. Overall: 10-1, 0-0 in Pac-10. (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
The Wildcats have won 10 straight since dropping their season opener against Georgia, and they have homered in every game this season. They went deep eight times in five games last week, led by Sr. 1B C.J. Ziegler, who socked three homers to raise his team-leading total to eight. So. OF Diallo Fon (10-for-21, 6 R, 3 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 6 RBI) had another big week, as did Sr. 2B Colt Sedbrook (7-for-14, 6 R, HR, 7 RBI). But Arizona's arms also took care of business, shutting out three straight opponents at the Whataburger Classic. Jr. RHP Preston Guilmet (8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K) dominated South Alabama on Friday, Sr. LHP David Coulon (8 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 11 K) was perfect into the fifth Saturday against host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and Jr. RHP Ryan Perry (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K) submitted his first strong start of the year Sunday against Notre Dame.
March 4-5: Nevada-Las Vegas: W 6-5, W 16-6
March 7-9: @ Whataburger Classic, Corpus Christi, Texas: South Alabama: W 18-0, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: W 3-0, Notre Dame: W 16-0
March 14-16: (20) Cal State Fullerton
Last Week: 5-0. Overall: 12-0, 0-0 in Pac-10. (4-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0.
The unbeaten Sun Devils have scored in double digits in their last five games, and eight of their 12 games overall. UMass actually kept Friday's game close, trailing just 6-4 until ASU scored seven runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted by a three-run double by So. RHP/DH Jason Jarvis, batting cleanup. On Saturday, Jr. RHP Stephen Sauer (7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K) sparkled in relief of Fr. RHP Seth Blair (0.2, 3 ER), and ASU's offense was led by the usual suspects: Jr. 1B/LHP Ike Davis (4-for-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI) and Jr. 3B Brett Wallace (4-for-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI). So. OF Jason Kipnis (3-for-5, 2 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI) paced ASU's 18-hit attack Sunday, though the Minutemen piled on against Blair (1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 0 ER) in the meaningless ninth inning.
March 4-5: New Mexico: W 18-1, W 10-1
March 7-9: Massachusetts: W 13-4, W 13-4, W 17-9
March 11-12: Arkansas
March 14-16: Troy
Last Week: 3-1. Overall: 10-2, 2-1 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
North Carolina might have beaten Duke on the hardcourt Saturday, but the Blue Devils pulled off an upset by beating the rival Tar Heels in the first game of Saturday's baseball doubleheader after Friday's game was rained out. Duke jumped on So. RHP Alex White (3.2 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 6 K) en route to 13 runs, its most in a game against UNC since 1994. So. OF Tim Fedroff contributed five hits out of the leadoff spot in Saturday's games, including two in the nightcap in support of Jr. RHP Adam Warren (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K). Fedroff had three more hits including a homer Sunday, and So. LHP Rob Catapano (4 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K) and three relievers shut out the Devils.
March 4: William & Mary: W 10-2
March 7-9: @ Duke: L 13-4, W 9-3, W 9-0
March 11: Coastal Carolina
March 12: Virginia Commonwealth
March 14-16: Virginia Tech
Last Week: 3-0. Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in Big 12. (1-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
Cold weather kept the Tigers from playing their home opener until Saturday, when Jr. RHP Aaron Crow (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K) improved to 3-0 with help from Jr. OF Ryan Lollis (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI). Jr. RHP Ian Berger (6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) pitched well in a no-decision in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader before the Sycamores posted seven runs against the Mizzou bullpen, but the Tigers answered with five in the bottom of the seventh and scored the game-winning run on So. DH Greg Folgia's walk-off double in the ninth. So. OF Aaron Senne homered twice and drove in five for Missouri in that one. So. RHP Kyle Gibson (7.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K) picked up his third win of the year in the nightcap.
March 4: Western Illinois: CCD, weather
March 7-9: Indiana State: W 5-1, W 9-8, W 6-2
March 14-16: Toledo
Last Week: 2-3. Overall: 10-3, 0-0 in SEC. (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-1.
Ole Miss left Swayze Field for the first time this year and found Texas Christian to be an inhospitable host. Jr. RHP Lance Lynn (5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) improved to 3-0 Friday with help from Mississippi's three-run fourth inning and four scoreless, one-hit innings of relief from Jr. RHP Scott Bittle. Jr. RHP Cody Satterwhite (3 IP, 5 H, 4 ER) struggled Saturday, but the Rebels scored two in the eighth to tie the score before Jr. CF Michael Hubbard dropped a fly ball with two outs in the ninth, allowing TCU to score the winning run. So. LHP Nathan Baker (5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER) pitched well Sunday, but not as well as Horned Frogs Fr. RHP Greg Holle (6.2 IP, 1 ER).
March 4: Southern Mississippi: W 8-5
March 5: Arkansas State: L 7-5
March 7-9: @ Texas Christian: W 3-1, L 5-4, L 2-1
March 11-12: Western Kentucky
March 14-16: @ Mississippi State
Last Week: 3-1. Overall: 8-3, 0-0 in SEC. (1-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0.
So. LHP Mike Minor (9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K) carried a shutout into the ninth inning Thursday before Jake Carr hit a two-out, two-run double to give Illinois-Chicago a 2-1 win. Fr. RHP Taylor Hill (5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K) pitched well Friday, but Vandy needed four runs in the ninth to steal a comeback victory of its own, capped by Jr. SS Ryan Flaherty's walk-off two-run single. Snow caused the cancellation of Saturday's game, but the Commodores rolled Sunday behind three-hit games by Flaherty, Sr. OF David Macias and So. 1B Andrew Giobbi. Jr. RHP Steven Schwartz picked up his first win as a Commodore with 3.2 perfect innings in relief of Jr. RHP Nick Christiani (4.1 IP, 3 R, 2 ER).
March 4: Louisville: W 17-6
March 6-9: Illinois-Chicago: L 2-1, W 5-4, W 9-3
March 11-12: Western Carolina
March 14-16: (8) South Carolina
Last Week: 4-0. Overall: 9-1, 3-0 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 3-0.
There was no miracle in Miami this weekend, as the Hurricanes swept their conference-opening series against Boston College. In Miami's seven-run seventh on Friday, Jr. 1B Yonder Alonso hit his first homer of the year and Jr. 2B Jemile Weeks swatted his third, helping So. LHP Eric Erickson (7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) improve to 3-0. Alonso added two more homers and four RBIs Saturday, when three Miami pitchers threw 4.2 shutout innings in relief of Sr. RHP Enrique Garcia (4.1 IP, 3 R, 2 ER). Weeks added three hits Sunday, making him 7-for-12 on the weekend, and Fr. LHP Chris Hernandez (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) turned in another solid effort to improve to 2-0.
March 4: Lehigh: W 9-2
March 7-9: Boston College: W 10-7, W 8-3, W 7-1
March 11: Penn State
March 12: Maine
March 14-16: @ North Carolina State
Last Week: 3-1. Overall: 8-2, 0-0 in SEC. (4-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 3-0.
South Carolina had no trouble sweeping hapless, winless Duquesne. Jr. SS Reese Havens continued to swing a hot bat Friday and Saturday, going 4-for-9 with a double, triple and six RBIs, and he got help lower in the lineup from So. OF DeAngelo Mack (6-for-9, 2B, HR over the first two games). Jr. RHP Mike Cisco (7 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 6 K) turned in his third straight solid outing in Friday's win, and So. RHP Blake Cooper (6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K) outdid him Sunday, when So. C Kyle Enders paced the offense with three hits and three RBIs.
March 4: Gardner-Webb: CCD (rain)
March 5: Charlotte: L 11-2
March 7-9: Duquesne: W 15-4, W 10-2, W 9-2
March 10: Presbyterian
March 11-12: Yale
March 14-16: @ (6) Vanderbilt
Last Week: 4-0. Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in Big West. (5-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 3-0.
The Dirtbags have scored more than five runs in a game just twice this year, but their exceptional pitching and defense has them off to a 9-2 start; they swept Hawaii to run their winning streak to seven games. For the third straight Friday, Sr. RHP Andrew Liebel (8 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 9 K) struck out at least nine in a no-decision, and for the third straight Friday the Dirtbags won in extra-innings. Fr. C John Hill, in his first collegiate at-bat, delivered a game-tying, two-run, two-out, pinch-hit single in the eighth, and Jr. 1B Shane Peterson (3-for-5, 2 RBI) hit a walk-off RBI double in the 12th. Jr. RHP Vance Worley struck out a career-high 11 over eight strong innings Saturday, making LBSU's three-run first stand up. Hill hit an RBI single to tie Sunday's game in a five-run eighth inning, and four LBSU relievers allowed just one hit over 4.2 scoreless innings of work. The Dirtbag bullpen has allowed only one earned run so far this season.
March 4: Loyola Marymount: W 5-2
March 7-9: @ Hawaii: W 4-3 (12 innings), W 4-2, W 8-4
March 11: Western Illinois
March 14-16: vs./@/vs. Southern California
Last Week: 3-1. Overall: 10-1, 0-0 in Big 12 (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
Inclement weather forced the Bears to play a doubleheader Sunday and pushed the series finale until Monday, but Baylor coach Steve Smith picked up his 500th career victory with Sunday's doubleheader sweep in Starkville, where he spent five years as an assistant to Ron Polk from 1990-94. So. 1B Dustin Dickerson hit a go-ahead two-run single with two outs in the seventh inning of the first game to help So. RHP Kendal Volz (7 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K) improve to 3-0. R-Fr. RHP Shawn Tolleson (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER) picked up his first career victory in the back-and-forth second game, when the Bears out-walked the Bulldogs 17-10 (the game took 3:32). Jr. OF Ben Booker (3-for-5, 2 R, 5 RBI) led the offense out of the leadoff spot.
March 4-5: Louisiana Tech: L 9-6, W 7-6
March 7-9: @ Mississippi State: W 5-4, W 16-11, PPD (weather)
March 10: @ Mississippi State
March 11-12: @ Oral Roberts
March 14-16: (23) Oklahoma State
Last Week: 2-3. Overall: 7-4, 0-0 in Pac-10. (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0-1.
The Bruins rebounded from a pair of midweek blowout losses to Cal State Fullerton by winning a weekend series against St. Mary's, though they dropped Sunday's finale. Jr. LHP Tim Murphy (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 11 K) moved to the Friday starter spot and dominated, and the Bruins supported him with 14 hits, led by Sr. 2B Alden Carrithers (4-for-5, 3 R, 2B) and So. OF Gabe Cohen (2-for-4, 1 R, 2B, 3B, 6 RBI). So. LHP Gavin Brooks (4 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K) was erratic Saturday in his return from blisters on his throwing hand, but Jr. C Ryan Babineau's two-run pinch-hit double in the seventh gave UCLA the lead for good. Jr. LHP Brendan Lafferty (3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) pitched well in relief Sunday, but the Bruins were held to six hits and are hitting just .236/.352/.346 as a team.
March 4-5: @/vs. Cal State Fullerton: L 7-1, L 13-2
March 7-9: St. Mary's: W 14-0, W 7-6, L 4-2
March 11: Pepperdine
March 13-15: @ Cal Poly
Last Week: 4-0. Overall: 9-1-1, 0-0 in Pac-10 (3-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 0-0.
The Golden Bears have outscored opponents 45-12 during their current six-game winning streak. So. LHP Chris Petrini (7 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K) was once again a strong fill-in for injured ace Tyson Ross on Friday, and Jr. 1B David Cooper doubled twice in support. Jr. LHP Craig Bennigson (6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 K) improved to 3-0 Saturday, when Cal took advantage of five Minnesota errors. Cooper (3-for-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, HR) and Sr. 2B Josh Satin (2-for-5, R, 3 RBI, HR) led Cal's 20-hit barrage Sunday in support of Sr. RHP Alex Rollin (5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER).
March 4: Stanford: W 8-3
March 7-9: @ Metrodome Tournament: Northern Iowa: W 11-3, Minnesota: W 4-1, New Mexico: W 12-2
March 11: San Francisco
March 14-16: Loyola Marymount
Last Week: 3-1. Overall: 10-1, 0-0 in Big West (4-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 3-0.
UC Irvine's pitching staff saw its streak of consecutive scoreless innings snapped at 38 on Friday, when Tulane ace Shooter Hunt turned the tables on Jr. RHP Scott Gorgen (7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 K), but the Anteaters won a road series against a ranked foe. Irvine jumped out to a 6-0 lead through three and a half innings Saturday, with Jr. CF Ollie Linton (2-for-3, HR, 4 RBI) doing much of the damage. Linton (2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 SB) led the offense again Sunday in support of So. RHP Christian Bergman (6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K), who ran his scoreless innings streak to 13. Irvine's team ERA is 1.38, and Eaters pitchers are limiting opponents to a .197 average.
March 4: San Diego: W 4-0
March 7-9: @ Tulane: L 2-0, W 7-3, W 5-1
March 11: @ Southern California
March 12: Western Illinois
March 14-16: Hawaii
Last Week: 5-0. Overall: 12-0, 3-0 in ACC (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
After starting 23-0 in 2007, the Seminoles are more than halfway to that same start in 2007. FSU's ACC-opening sweep of Maryland included a pair of one-run victories sandwiched around a blowout. Jr. RHP Elih Villanueva (9 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) withstood Maryland's two-run ninth inning to pick up a complete-game win in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader. The Seminoles rapped out 14 hits in the second game in support of So. LHP Matt Fairel (7 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K). Jr. C Buster Posey (3-for-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI) led the Florida State offense Sunday, but Fr. 3B Stuart Tapley (2-for-5, 2 RBI) drove in the winning run with a bases-loaded single in the ninth.
March 4-5: UNC Asheville: W 11-4, W 10-5
March 7-9: Maryland: W 5-4, W 16-0, W 9-8
March 11-12: Georgia
March 14-16: Georgia Tech
Last Week: 2-3. Overall: 8-5, 0-0 in CUSA (2-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 0-1.
The Owls played four one-run games on the week, dropping the first two but winning the final two to halt a three-game losing streak. So. RHP Ryan Berry (4.2 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 K) was roughed up in Friday's loss to Michigan State, and Sr. RHP Chris Kelley (2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 3 ER) didn't fare any better Saturday. But the Owls erased an early 7-1 deficit against Western Carolina and scored the winning run when Sr. OF Derek Myers doubled home Fr. SS Rick Hague in the ninth. The Owls made five errors Sunday behind Jr. RHP Matt Langwell (6 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 2 ER), but they scored two in the eighth to pull out another comeback win, this time against Creighton.
March 4: @ Sam Houston State: L 13-12
March 5: Dallas Baptist: L 7-6 (12 innings)
March 7-9: Rice Classic, Houston: Michigan State: L 9-3, Western Carolina: W 12-11, Creighton: W 7-6
March 11: (19) Texas
March 12: @ Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
March 14-17: Winthrop
Last Week: 1-2. Overall: 11-2, 1-2 in ACC (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-1.
After Friday's opener was postponed by rain, the Cavaliers won the first game of Saturday's doubleheader but dropped their first conference series. Jr. RHP Jacob Thompson (6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K) was dominant after a rocky first inning in the first game, and Fr. DH Phil Gosselin's two-run homer in the 10th gave Virginia the win. The Cavaliers were held to three hits in the second game by N.C. State starter Clayton Shunick, making Sr. LHP Pat McAnaney (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER) a tough-luck loser. The Cavs mustered just four hits Sunday in support of Jr. RHP Andrew Carraway (6 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K).
March 4: @ Virginia Military Institute: PPD (rain)
March 7-9: @ North Carolina State: W 5-3 (10 innings), L 2-0, L 4-2
March 11: Radford
March 12: Navy
March 14-16: @ Duke
Last Week: 2-0. Overall: 11-0, 0-0 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-0.
The Wildcats were limited to just one game this weekend thanks to lousy weather, and they were held to just three runs by Purdue ace Matt Bischoff and two relievers after scoring in double digits in each of their previous 10 contests. But Kentucky still got the win behind another strong outing from Jr. RHP Scott Green (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K). So. OF Keenan Wiley's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth broke a 2-2 tie. The series concludes Monday.
March 5: Evansville: W 15-1
March 7-10: Purdue: W 3-2, PPD, PPD
March 10: Purdue
March 11: Eastern Michigan (DH)
March 14-16: Alabama
Last Week: 2-2. Overall: 8-4, 0-0 in Pac-10 (5-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 3-0.
After starting the season with home series wins against Nebraska and Cal State Fullerton, the Cardinal went on the road for its annual series against Texas and emerged with another series victory, even after losing the opener. Jr. LHP Jeremy Bleich (6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 4 K) took the loss Friday, when Fr. 3B Zach Jones' costly error opened the door to Texas' three-run third inning. Fr. RHP Drew Storen picked up the win Saturday with 3.2 shutout innings of relief, as Jr. C Jason Castro's two-run homer in the seventh inning proved to be the game-winner. In Sunday's curfew-shortened game, Jr. OF/LHP Sean Ratliff (4-for-5, 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI) had a monstrous day to lead the Stanford offense, and Fr. RHP Alex Pracher got the save by inducing a game-ending double play with the bases loaded in the eighth. Ratliff also was credited with his second victory in as many relief outings this season.
March 4: @ (18) California: L 8-3
March 5: @ St. Mary's: suspended by darkness (7-7, bottom 9)
March 7-9: @ (16) Texas: L 5-2, W 6-5, W 12-9 (8 innings)
Off for exams until March 21
Last Week: 3-2. Overall: 9-4, 0-0 in Big 12 (0-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-1.
The Longhorns dropped their annual series against visiting Stanford despite winning Friday's opener behind a strong start from Jr. LHP Austin Wood (7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K). The Texas bullpen, which had been nearly untouchable until this weekend, gave up the lead Saturday, when the Cardinal scored twice in the seventh against So. RHP Marcus Tackett. On Sunday, the Cardinal jumped out to a 5-0 lead against Fr. RHP Cole Green (0.1 IP, 6 H, 5 ER), and the Longhorns' late comeback bid was cut short by Stanford's travel curfew. Jr. OF Jordan Danks (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI) and So. 1B Brandon Belt (4-for-4, 2 RBI) led the Texas offense Sunday.
March 4-5: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: W 16-7, W 22-3
March 7-9: Stanford: W 5-2, L 6-5, L 12-9 (8 innings)
March 10: Dallas Baptist
March 11: @ (15) Rice
March 14-16: Kansas
Last Week: 5-0. Overall: 8-4, 0-0 in Big West (2-0 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-1.
After being swept at Stanford, the Titans rebounded with a pair of midweek wins against UCLA and a sweep of visiting Southern Mississippi. Fr. LHP Jason Dovel (5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K) was brilliant in relief of Sr. RHP Adam Jorgenson (2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) on Friday, and Jr. 1B Jared Clark (2-for-2, 2B, RBI, 2 BB) led the offense. The Titans jumped out to a 3-0 lead Saturday in support of Jr. RHP Cory Arbiso (5.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 1 Bb, 7 K) in a game that featured the first collegiate home run by Fr. SS Christian Colon. Sr. RHP Jeff Kaplan (5.2 IP, 10 H, 5 ER) proved hittable in a no-decision Sunday, but Fullerton busted open a 5-5 game with five runs in the sixth and seven in the seventh. Offensive heroes for CSF included Clark (3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI), Colon (3-for-5, 3 R, 2B, RBI), Jr. OF Eric Komatsu (3-for-4, HR, 5 RBI) and So. OF Josh Fellhauer (4-for-5, 4 R, 2 2B, 3 RBI).
March 4-5: vs./@ (3) UCLA: W 7-1, W 13-2
March 7-9: Southern Mississippi: W 4-1, W 8-3, W 19-6
March 11: @ (21) San Diego
March 14-16: @ (1) Arizona
Last Week: 2-3. Overall: 7-7, 0-0 in WCC (5-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 0-0.
San Diego dropped its first game of the weekend against Santa Clara to extend its losing streak to three games, then rebounded with a pair of wins against ranked teams before getting blown out by Loyola Marymount on Sunday. Jr. OF/LHP Josh Romanski gave up six runs in relief Thursday, and the Broncos scored the winning run in the eighth in a game shortened by darkness. Jr. LHP Brian Matusz (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K) shut down Oklahoma State's potent offense Friday. Fr. 3B Victor Sanchez (2-for-3, 2 2B, 3 RBI) led the offense Saturday, as the Toreros broke a 5-5 tie against Oregon State with four runs in the seventh. Fr. RHP Kyle Blair (5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 10 K) took the loss Sunday, and LMU piled on against the USD bullpen.
March 4: @ (19) UC Irvine: L 4-0
March 6-9: San Diego State Tournament, San Diego: Santa Clara: L 7-6 (8 innings), (21) Oklahoma State: W 7-2, (12) Oregon State: W 10-5, Loyola Marymount: L 13-3
March 11: (20) Cal State Fullerton
March 13: Western Illinois
March 15-17: @ Hawaii-Hilo
Last Week: 2-2. Overall: 5-5, 0-0 in Pac-10. (0-3 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0.
Oregon State needed a comeback win Sunday against Santa Clara to avoid an 0-3 start at the SDSU Tournament, which wraps up Monday when the Beavers face the host Aztecs. Sr. RHP Mike Stutes (5 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K) took the loss against Loyola Marymount, which broke open a one-run game with a six-run seventh against five ineffective OSU relievers, with help from three Beavers errors in the frame. They made three more errors Saturday against San Diego, leading to three unearned runs against So. RHP Jorge Reyes (5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 ER), but the Toreros broke a 5-5 tie with four runs in the seventh against that beleaguered OSU bullpen. On Sunday, Santa Clara jumped out to a 10-2 lead through three innings against Fr. RHP Greg Peavey (2.1 IP, 2 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K), but the Beavers stormed back into the game with six in the fourth and completed the comeback with a three-run eighth. So. C Ryan Ortiz (3-for-6, HR, 5 RBI) led the Beaver bats.
March 4: Portland: W 16-0
March 7-9: @ San Diego State Tournament, San Diego: Loyola Marymount: L 13-3, (17) San Diego: L 10-5, Santa Clara: W 12-10
March 10: @ San Diego State Tournament, San Diego: San Diego State
March 14-16: @ Nevada
Last Week: 2-2. Overall: 9-3, 0-0 in Big 12 (0-1 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0.
So. LHP Andrew Oliver (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K) posted his third straight strong outing in a no-decision Thursday against Loyola Marymount, but the game was knotted at 1-1 until Sr. OF Donnie Webb's one-out triple sparked Oklahoma State's two-run ninth. San Diego ace Brian Matusz held the Cowboys scoreless until the eighth inning Friday, and So. LHP Tyler Lyons (6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER) took his first loss. Jr. SS Jordy Mercer's two-run homer in the first gave OSU a lead it would not relinquish Saturday, and So. OF Dylan Brown (2-for-4, 2 RBI) later added his first homer of the year. Brown went 3-for-4 in a losing effort Sunday, as San Diego State jumped out to an 11-0 lead through three innings, with the first five coming against starter Matt Gardner.
March 6-9: @ San Diego State Tournament, San Diego: Loyola Marymount: W 3-2, (17) San Diego: L 7-2, Santa Clara: W 9-5, San Diego State: L 12-4
March 11: Missouri State
March 14-16: @ (10) Baylor
Last Week: 4-0. Overall: 7-3, 0-0 in MVC (0-3 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 2-1.
The Shockers swept a three-game series after Friday's game was postponed by cold weather. Sr. LHP Rob Musgrave (7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 13 K) picked up his first win of the year in the first game Saturday, and the Shockers pounded out 16 hits in support. Jr. RHP Aaron Shafer (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K) was brilliant in a no-decision in the second game, but the WSU bullpen gave up 10 runs over the eighth and ninth innings, forcing the Shockers to score five runs in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings. They got the winning run in the 10th on a wild pitch. So. SS Dusty Coleman (4-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI) and Sr. OF Andy Dirks (2-for-4, 3 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI) led the Wichita offense in that one. Coleman drove in three runs Sunday without registering a hit, and Jr. LHP Anthony Capra (4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K) was sharp in his first start since having an appendectomy on Feb. 23.
March 4: Le Moyne: W 9-8
March 7-9: Harvard: W 16-3, W 11-10 (10 innings), W 13-2
March 12: Washington State
March 14-16: Texas Christian
Last Week: 1-2. Overall: 5-5, 0-0 in Big Ten. (0-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-0.
For the second straight weekend, the Wolverines salvaged a win Sunday to avoid going winless in a weekend tournament. Rain Friday forced Michigan to play two games on a blustery, cold Saturday, beginning with a loss to Georgia Southern when Jr. LHP Mike Wilson (3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER) struggled for the third straight start. Jr. RHP/DH Zach Putnam (6.1 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K; 2-for-4, RBI) pitched fairly well in his first extended start of 2008 against host East Carolina, and Jr. 3B Adam Abraham went 4-for-4, but Putnam gave up the lead in the seventh and the Pirates scored the winning run against reliever Mike Powers in the eighth. Sr. RHP Chris Fetter (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 K) picked up the Wolverines with a masterful start Sunday against Pittsburgh, and Jr. SS Jason Christian and Sr. C Nate Recknagel each homered.
March 7-9: @ Keith LeClair Classic, Greenville, N.C.: Georgia Southern: L 12-3, East Carolina: L 6-5, Pittsburgh: W 7-0
March 14-16: @ Centex Homes Invitational, Conway, S.C.: Presbyterian, Coastal Carolina, Ball State, Coastal Carolina
Last Week: 2-3. Overall: 8-5, 0-0 in CUSA (1-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-1.
Jr. RHP Shooter Hunt (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 11 K) out-dueled UC Irvine ace Scott Gorgen in Friday's series opener, but the Anteaters stormed back to take the next two games, and the series. So. SS Josh Prince's two-run single in the third gave Hunt all the support he needed Friday. So. LHP Aaron Loup (1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K) was chased in Irvine's four-run second inning Saturday. Fr. RHP Robby Broach (6.2 IP, 5 ER) suffered his first collegiate loss Sunday, as Jr. C Jared Dyer (3-for-4) was one of Tulane's lone offensive bright spots.
March 4: New Orleans: L 4-2
March 5: Southern: W 14-6
March 7-9: (19) UC Irvine: W 2-0, L 7-3, L 5-1
March 11-12: Northwestern State
March 14-16: Oakland
Last Week: 2-2. Overall: 7-4, 1-2 in ACC (0-2 vs. Top 25). Weekend Series: 1-2.
Clemson's strength was supposed to be its pitching, but the Tigers gave up 29 runs in three games in an ACC-opening series loss to Wake Forest. Jr. LHP Ryan Hinson (4 IP, 9 H, 8 ER) was hammered in the weather-delayed opener Saturday, and Clemson's comeback bid fell short. So. LHP Matt Zoltak (3.2 IP, 9 H, 10 R, 8 ER) got the start and was hit even harder in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader, but Fr. DH Kyle Parker (5-for-5, 5 R, 3 HR, 2B, 7 RBI) brought the Tigers back nearly singlehandedly. His three-run homer in the ninth tied the score at 11, and Jr. SS Stan Widmann followed with a game-winning RBI single later in the inning. The Demon Deacons did most of their damage against Jr. RHP D.J. Mitchell (5.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K) in a four-run sixth inning Sunday.
March 5: Wofford: W 9-7
March 7-9: @ Wake Forest: L 13-11, W 12-11, L 5-3
March 11-12: UNC Greensboro
March 14-16: Boston College


text:
Report on Fellowship to Attend 18th Annual Advanced Endoscopy Update, Florida USA - Dr Mayur Kumar
21st - 23rd May 2013
I was extremely privileged to be selected for the 2013 BSG travelling fellowship to the 18 annual advanced endoscopy update in Orlando. Traditionally this fellowship had been hosted by Dr. Peter Cotton and his team at MUSC- South Carolina, but this year the meeting was hosted by the brand new interventional endoscopy unit at Florida Hospital, Orlando- lead by Dr. Rob Hawes. The timing of the fellowship was excellent as it was scheduled immediately after DDW offering us the opportunity to attend two world class meetings consecutively.
Our fellowship started with a visit to the ultra modern interventional endoscopy unit housed at Florida hospital where Dr. Rob Hawes and his team gave us a tour of state-of-the-art endoscopy suite. The unit was equipped with all modern advanced endoscopy equipment in large rooms with huge monitor screens, modern fluoroscopy equipment and intraprocedure facilities for histopathology. This was an extremely useful tour as it highlighted the need for modern technology to perform advanced endoscopy. The faculty and staff were extremely friendly.
A grand reception and dinner was hosted for all delegates at the Disney yatch club the evening before the meeting. This was an excellent opportunity to meet and socialize with world experts such as Peter Cotton, Rob Hawes and Nagi Reddy. We shared our experiences of endoscopy training in UK and Dr. Cotton shared some of his nostalgic memories of the then Middlesex hospital where he started as a consultant. We met up with rest of travelling fellows from UK and other international delegates and shared some of our experiences in endoscopy.
The endoscopy update had excellent faculty with a good mix of live cases and lectures. It was indeed a great learning experience to watch world experts perform complex endoscopic procedures such as hilar stenting, pancreatic endotherapy, cystgastrostomy, EMR and ESD live and share their expertise with the delegates. There were some state of the art lectures which were a true learning experience.
Our accomodation was in an excellent 5 star Disney yatch club which was thoroughly enjoyable, amidst all the Disney magic and spectacular fireworks. I would like to thank BSG and Olympus for providing this excellent learning opportunity to young UK gastroenterologists and would recommend this travelling fellowship to all trainees and young gastroenterologists who have an interest in advanced endoscopy.


text:
Cadence opens PCB EDA to Apple business model
1 Comment
MUNICH, Germany – Cadence Design Systems Inc. has launched Orcad Capture Marketplace, an Internet-enabled environment that introduces the idea of the online "apps store" as a means of purchasing EDA software.
Cadence has stripped its Orcad PCB design software down to a baseline model that Cadence will license in a traditional manner and has worked with 24 companies to provide enhancements as plug in feature sets that users can opt to purchase in an open market place.
Cadence did not indicate whether this approach to buying Orcad would be lower cost than previously.
The interface to the Orcad baseline schematic capture software is standardized and open so that many companies can enter into the company creating feature sets if they think they can create value and make money. As with the Apple apps store business model, Cadence will act to approve the extensions, maintaining quality and making sure they don't crash the tool and will take a cut of the download price.
John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Cadence, said the development would foster a "faster and more market-driven product evolution."
In addition the Orcad Capture Marketplace will change the way PCB designers access design data, stay informed on engineering issues and discover resources. Design information will include application notes, whitepapers, product tips and videos.
"We will continue building and evolving the marketplace, with more apps and more content, to help ensure engineers can quickly find what they need, when they need it," said Josh Moore, senior product marketing manager at Cadence.
The OrCAD Capture Marketplace is closely aligned with the EDA360 vision and will become available by the end of June 2011. A video of the OrCAD Capture Marketplace can be seen on YouTube.
Related links and articles:
Premier Farnell to offer EDA to get closer to engineers
Cadence beats Q1 estimates, promotes exec
Altium to transfer HQ from Sydney to Shanghai


text:
Posted On Monday, 8th July 2013
Former Kotoko defender Joseph Hendricks scored for his Vietnamese side Kien Giang in the 4-2 defeat at Thanh Hoa on Saturday.
The centre-back reduced the deficit three minutes after the half-time interval to make it 2-1.
But Kien Giang went on to concede two goals from Nguyen Vu Hoang Duong and Senegalese Abass Cheikh Dieng.
But Nguyen Tuan Hiep scored a consolation in the 94th minute.
Hendericks, 34, has made six appearances this season and scored two goals.


text:
bleeding_vanilla wrote:u are gorgeous girl!!!!!!!!!don't u ever forget that!beauty is not a question of rase/color/sex/ideas etc.you are a human been so u are not out of place!!!!!!!!!I love asian girls they look younger for a longer time:P lucky them!I have a crush on asian culture...once I had an id geisha_tear
btw love ur skin/hair/eyes
I love the LP forum:P so cute and so personal I will try to use it more (not only for the forum competitions )cause u can find some interesting topics like thissss
this is me me me-I am from Romania and my real name is not important cause every body calls me Vanilla -and I am having a lot of fun with me and myself:)ohhh and I am crazy/talk and laugh tooo muchhhhh
Aww thank you for the compliment, you're so sweet dear!
Yes it's true that Asians look younger than their age. Whenever I go to western countries for school exchanges I always feel soooo young because girls around the same age are much taller and look older! I'm only a little taller than 5ft, soooooo petite hahaha.


text: So, who has, or perhaps a better question is who doesn't have a cell phone here? I for one have never owned a cell phone. I have an iPod, laptop (PowerBook G4), Xbox, and PS2, so I'm not a techno-phobic. I personally don't get all the different plans and I hate all the charges. Anyway, now I realize I really want a cell phone. All my friends and family (yes, my grandma has a cell phone and I don't) have one and I'm tired of being out of the loop. Does anyone have suggestions on phones and/or plans that I should look into and what phones/plans does everyone have? Right now, I'm looking to score a really geeky and somewhat weak phone: the Samsung n270, a.k.a. The Matrix Reloaded phone! There are some pics of it below. It has web browsing, text messaging, and voice recognition and that's all! No camera, no mp3 playback, etc.....but damn it's sexy!!:lol: (click to enlarge) So, what do you guys have to say?


text:
Trust Atlanta 16". Maximum screen size compatibility: 40.6 cm (16"), Case type: Briefcase, Colour of product: Black. Notebook compartment dimensions (WxDxH): 385 x 315 x 45 mm
- Storage and carry bag for 16" notebook and peripherals- Large main compartment (45 x 385 x 315 mm) to fit most notebooks with screens up to 16"- Padded interior to protect your notebook- Extra compartments to store your iPod, MP3 player, PDA, power supply, etc.- High strength fabric for heavy duty use- Dual metal zippers and velcro fasteners- Durable and adjustable shoulder strap