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Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society
Print version ISSN 0103-5053
J. Braz. Chem. Soc. vol.23 no.8 São Paulo Aug. 2012 Epub Aug 09, 2012
A LED based photometer for solid phase photometry: zinc determination in pharmaceutical preparation employing a multicommuted flow analysis approach
Tuanne R. Dias; Boaventura F. Reis*
Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Centenário, 303, São Dimas, 13400 970 Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
Neste trabalho é proposto um fotômetro baseado em LED (diodo emissor de luz) para fotometria em fase sólida. O fotômetro foi desenvolvido para permitir o acoplamento da fonte de radiação (LED) e do fotodetector direto na cela de fluxo, tendo um caminho óptico de 4 mm. A cela de fluxo foi preenchida com material sólido (C18), o qual foi utilizado para imobilizar o reagente cromogênico 1-(2-tiazolilazo)-2-naftol (TAN). A exatidão foi avaliada empregando dados obtidos através da técnica ICP OES (espectrometria de emissão por plasma indutivamente acoplado). Aplicando-se o teste-t pareado não foi observada diferença significativa em nível de confiança de 95%. Outros parâmetros importantes encontrados foram faixa de resposta linear de 0,05 a 0,85 mg L-1 Zn, limite de detecção de 9 µg L-1 Zn (n = 3), desvio padrão de 1,4 % (n = 10), frequência de amostragem de 36 determinações por h, e uma geração de efluente e consumo de reagente de 1,7 mL e 0,03 µg por determinação, respectivamente.
In this work, a LED (light emitting diode) based photometer for solid phase photometry is described. The photometer was designed to permit direct coupling of a light source (LED) and a photodiode to a flow cell with an optical pathlength of 4 mm. The flow cell was filled with adsorbing solid phase material (C18), which was used to immobilize the chromogenic reagent 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol (TAN). Aiming to allow accuracy assessment, samples were also analyzed employing ICP OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) methodology. Applying the paired t-test at the 95% confidence level, no significant difference was observed. Other useful features were also achieved: linear response ranging from 0.05 to 0.85 mg L-1 Zn, limit of detection of 9 µg L-1 Zn (3σ criterion), standard deviation of 1.4% (n = 10), sampling throughput of 36 determinations per h, and a waste generation and reagent consumption of 1.7 mL and of 0.03 µg per determination, respectively.
Keywords: flow injection analysis, multicommuted flow analysis, solid phase spectrophotometry, LED based photometer, pharmaceutical formulation, green chemistry
Nowadays, there is a demand for environmentally friendly analytical procedures in accordance with the Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) guidelines.1,2 The development of such procedures has been a challenge. Low reagent consumption and generating also low volume of waste are among the main requirements for achieving the environmental sustainability of the analytical new procedures. Solid phase spectrophotometry is among the methodologies that can afford facilities to attain the requirements.3-5 Since the analyte is retained by the solid phase material, the pre-concentration step can be implemented without any setup modification.
Light emitting diode (LED) has become a reliable source for photometric purposes because of such useful features as durability and high light beam stability.6-9 Its narrow emission band (λ = 25 nm) has enabled it to be used without a monochromator system, thus simplifying the photometer design.10-12
Multicommuted flow analysis process affords facilities to design active flow setup constituted by solenoid valves, which have been assembled to work as an independent commutator unit, thus allowing facilities to handle sample and reagent solutions controlled by microcomputer.8-11,13,14
Zinc is present in all living cells as a constituent of several molecules involved in proteins, lipids and carbohydrates metabolism, as well as several enzymes.15,16 In this sense, zinc is considered as an essential element for all animals, including humans. The zinc deficiency leads to retarded growth and lower feeding efficiency, and inhibits the general well-being.16 Because of its beneficial effects for humans, zinc has been included as a constituent of the pharmaceutical formulations available in the market.17-19 Therefore, the determination of its presence in pharmaceutical products is a requirement for assuring quality. This has been done by employing spectrophotometry.20,21 In this work, it is intended to design a LED based photometer integrated to a multicommuted flow analysis setup, which will be used to develop a solid phase photometric procedure. The facilities previously pointed out will be roused to obtain an efficient and not expensive equipment setup, to be used in the development of a solid phase photometric procedure for the zinc determination in pharmaceutical preparation.
The equipment setup included an IPC4 Ismatec (619 Oak Street, OakHarbor, WA, USA) peristaltic pump equipped with Tygon pumping tubes, flow lines of polyethylene tubes (0.8 mm internal diameter), a PC microcomputer equipped with a PCL711 Advantech (38 Tesla Street, 100 Irvine, CA, USA) electronic interface card, two normally closed and one normally open solenoid pinch valves (P/N P091-11 and P/N 225 NResearch Inc, 267 Fairfield Ave, West Caldwell, NJ, USA), a homemade digital interface to control the solenoid valves,11 a regulated power supply (12 V, 1 A) to power the solenoid valves, a flow cell machined in acrylic for solid phase packing, a photodetector DAL 10530 Thales (Dorchester, Dorset, DT13SY, UK), a high-brightness LED (λmax = 490 nm ) of narrow emission beam (< 20 ºC?), a regulated power supply (-12 V, +12 V) to feed the photometer, two printed circuit boards made of fiber glass to assemble the interfaces and resistors, as described in Figure 1.
Reagents and solution
All chemicals used were of analytical grade. Purified water presenting electric conductivity less than 0.1 µS cm-1 was used throughout. A 1000 mg L-1 Zn(II) stock solution was prepared by dissolving 1.000 g of metallic zinc in 10 mL of concentrated nitric acid. After dissolution, the volume was made up to 1000 mL with water. Intermediate stock solution (100 mg L-1) was used to prepare zinc reference solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.20 mg L-1 (prepared by diluting with water). A Triton X-100 solution of 5% (m/v) concentration was prepared by dissolving 5 g of solid in water. A 10 µg mL-1 TAN solution was prepared by dissolving 1 mg of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol (TAN, Merck) in 1 mL of ethanol. After dissolution, the volume was increased to 100 mL with Triton X-100 solution. TAN was immobilized on C18-bonded silica (60-100 µm) obtained from a Sep-Pak cartridge (Waters), which was packed into the flow cell channel. The hexamethylenetetramine (hexamine) (0.8 mol L-1 buffer solution) (pH = 6.4) was prepared by dissolving 84.1 g of solid in 900 mL of water. After dissolution, pH was adjusted with hydrochloric acid. In order to bring the volume level to 1000 mL, water was added. A 5% (m/v) sodium thiosulfate solution was prepared by dissolving 5.0 g of solid in 100 mL of water. A 5% (m/v) ascorbic acid solution was prepared by dissolving 5.0 g of solid in 100 mL of water.
Sample preparation
Samples of pharmaceutical formulations were acquired at the local market. Sample amounts of 0.500 g were weighed and carefully transferred to porcelain crucibles, which were placed into an electric stove and heated at 430 °C for 12 h. After cooling at the laboratory temperature, the crucibles were washed with 5 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid to dissolve the solid residue. After dissolution, the volume was made up to 500 mL with water. Prior to analysis, a sample aliquot of 13.0 mL plus 1 mL of ascorbic acid and 1 mL thiosulfate solutions were transferred to a 25 mL volumetric flask. The volume was completed with hexamine buffer solution.
Chromogenic reagent immobilization
Approximately 100 mg of solid phase (C18) were placed on a filter (cellulose acetate membrane 0.45 µm) supported on a glass funnel in order to allow the washing with methanol. The washing was carried out by slowly pouring a volume of 2 mL of methanol over the solid phase. Afterwards, the solid phase was transferred to a 2 mL vial and a 1.5 mL volume of TAN solution was added. The vial was maintained in a freezer (4 oC) while the immobilization proceeded. After immobilization, the solid phase was filtered and transferred to the cell flow. The remaining material was stored in the freezer to be used to refill the flow cell. The immobilization assays were carried out using time intervals of 1, 2, 4 and 6 h.
Experimental setup
The experimental setup comprised a LED based photometer and a flow system module, as described below. As shown in Figure 1, the photometer is constituted by a radiation source (LED) and a photodetector (Det), which were attached to the flow cell to form a compact unit of downsized dimension.
The glass cylinder (Gc1) acted as a waveguide, by conducting the radiation beam (I) along the analytical path of the flow cell, which was filled with the solid phase material (C18). After transmission through the solid phase, the radiation beam (II) was conducted by the other glass cylinder (Gc2) towards the photodetector (Det), generating a potential difference signal (S) that presents a linear relationship with the intensity of the radiation beam (II). The solid phase material causes a strong attenuation of the radiation beam due to scattering effects. Thus, the intensity of radiation beam (II) was lower than that of radiation beam (I). Rubber O-rings were installed in order to prevent leakage of fluid and also to allow a correct alignment between the radiation source (LED) and the photodetector (Det). Polyester disks (Pd) placed in the threaded hole of the barb fitting prevented the solid phase material from being displaced from the flow cell by sample and eluent streams.
The packing of the flow cell with solid phase material was carried out by maintaining the central body of the flow cell tightly attached to the left part, while an amount of bonded silica (C18), containing the immobilized chromogenic reagent (TAN), was inserted into the flow channel by using a small spatula. Afterwards, the second glass cylinder (Gc2) was inserted into the flow cell channel and then it was slowly moved down in order to compact the solid phase material. The distance between the glass cylinders (Gc1 and Gc2) defined the optical path length of the flow cell. This distance can be varied by changing the amount of solid material inserted into the flow cell channel. The control line (d0) was coupled to the digital interface output port11 in order to allow the LED shining to be controlled by a software.
The flow system module was designed based on the multicommutation process.9-11 A diagram of this module is shown in Figure 2. In this configuration, all valves are switched OFF and the reconditioning solution (Bf) is flowing through the flow cell (Figure 1) towards the waste (W), while streams of sample (S) and eluting solution (El) are conducted towards their storing recipients.
When the control software was run, the microcomputer read the dark signal (Sd) generated by the photodetector (Det), which was done by maintaining the LED switched OFF. Afterwards, the microcomputer enabled the LED to shine by sending a control signal through line d0 (Figure 1). The signal read under this condition (Sf) and the dark measurement (Sd) were both saved, so that they can be later used to calculate the absorbance. Afterwards, the analytical run comprising sample loading, signal reading, the eluting and reconditioning steps were carried out following the pattern depicted in the valves timing course (Figure 2). Under this condition, while the sample solution (step t0) was pumped through the flow cell towards the waste vessel (W), eluting and reconditioning solutions were pumped back to their storing vessels. The signal reading step (t1) was carried out while maintaining all valves switched OFF. In this way, the reconditioning solution flowed again through the flow cell to allow signal measurement to be carried out, thereby maintaining a similar condition to that used to read the reference measurement (Sf), as described above. While signal reading was proceeding, the sample and eluting solutions were directed back to their storing vessels. Afterwards, steps t2 and t3 were performed following a similar pattern in order to complete the analytical run. Other runs were then performed by cycling through the same four steps. The variables studied included flow rate, time interval for sample loading and reagent concentration in order to establish the best operational conditions. These assays were done by following the working pattern depicted in Figure 2.
Results and Discussion
General comments
While the sample solution flowed through the flow cell, the Zn(II) ions reacted with the immobilized chromogenic reagent (TAN) on the solid phase (C18) that was packed into the flow cell channel, forming a colored compound that absorbed light with a maximum of around 580 nm, thus allowing that a LED with an emission beam (whose maximum was around 590 nm) was used as a radiation source (Figure 2).
The parameters that can affect the overall performance of the proposed setup including sensitivity, linear response range, reagent concentration and flow rate were investigated and the results are presented in the following sections.
Effect of the reconditioning solution
Since the solid phase reconditioning condition can affect the reaction between Zn(II) ions and the immobilized chromogenic reagent (TAN) on the C18, as well as the lifetime of the immobilized reagent, this parameter was the first one studied. The assays were performed using Zn(II) standard solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.20 mg L-1. Flow rate and time interval for insertion of the sample solution were maintained at 1.0 mL min-1 and 40 s, respectively. Water and hexamine solution were used to perform the solid phase reconditioning. For both cases, the results presented similar behavior when zinc concentrations were higher than 0.15 mg L-1. On the other hand, when zinc concentrations were lower than this value, the solid phase material presented a different behavior using hexamine and water as reconditioning fluids, with use of water resulting in signals identical to the blank measurement. For this reason, hexamine buffer solution was selected for the solid phase reconditioning.
Effect of the sample flow rate
The signal generated by the photometer presented a direct relationship with the amount of the analyte (Zn) that reacted with the immobilized chromogenic reagent (TAN) on the solid phase. This shows that the flow rate of sample solution can affect the signal generated. Aiming to find the best operational condition, a set of assays was implemented by varying the flow rate of sample solution from 0.8 up to 1.6 mL min-1. In the last case, a leakage of sample solution in the flow line connections was observed. Therefore, the essay with that concentration was aborted. The results obtained using flow rates with values up to 1.4 mL min-1 yielded the results shown in Table 1.
These assays were carried out using Zn(II) standard solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 1.20 mg L-1, with the time interval for sample solution insertion (t0, Figure 2) maintained at 40 s. The decrease of slope shows that for flow rates higher than 1.0 mL min-1, the analyte retention by the solid phase becomes less efficient. It is proposed the following explanation for this phenomenon: the speed of Zn ions through the flow cell channel increased with the flow rate, so that the time for contact with the solid phase decreased, thus impairing the compound formation. Taking into consideration the facts that the slope is the parameter related to the sensitivity and that linearity coefficients (r) were similar in the first two cases, it was selected the flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1 for the further assays. When the results related to Zn(II) concentrations higher than 0.85 mg L-1 were included, the linearity of the analytical curve was lessened. Thus, these standard solutions were not used for the subsequent assays.
Effect of the sample volume
Since in solid phase spectrophotometry the generated signal depends on the amount of analyte that forms a complex with the immobilized chromogenic reagent, a set of experiments was carried out in order to evaluate the effect of varying the sample volume. The assays were done using standard solutions with concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.30, 0.55 and 0.85 mg L-1 Zn(II), yielding the results shown in Table 2.
Taking the volume of 500 µL as a reference, the increase in volume was 33, 100 and 166%, while slopes increased by 28, 48 and 57%, respectively. These volumes are directly related with the time intervals elapsed while the sample inserting step proceeded (see step t0, Figure 2). These results indicated that the efficiency with which the compound was formed decreased as the sample volume pumped through the phase solid increased. Nevertheless, since the signal increased throughout the range of volumes assayed, this effect could be exploited as a resource for improving the sensitivity. Additionally, it was observed that as sample volume increased, the lifetime of the immobilized chromogenic reagent on the solid phase underwent diminution. In order to assure a complete elution of the analyte, the time interval for the eluting step was increased, which might have also caused a partial elution of the chromogenic reagent. Taking into consideration this effect, as well as sample consumption, the sample loading time of 40 s was selected.
Acidity effect
Several mineral acids can be used for Zn(II) elution from the solid line, but the analyte elution can be performed without removing the immobilized chromogenic reagent on the solid phase material, when hydrochloric acid was used.4 For this reason, hydrochloric acid solution was selected to implement the current work. A set of assays was performed in order to find the appropriate concentration and aliquot volume of hydrochloric acid to be used for performing the elution. The experiments were carried out maintaining a flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1 and using a 0.5 mg L-1 Zn(II) standard solution. The assays showed that with acid concentrations lower than 0.5 mol L-1, the analyte elution was not completed, while for concentrations higher than this value, the solid phase lifetime underwent a decrease. Furthermore, it was observed that there was a close relationship between the volume of sample or standard solution pumped through the solid phase (flow cell) and the volume of acid solution (eluent) necessary for complete elution. This relationship was found to be 84 and 17 µL for the sample and eluent solutions, respectively. This pattern was supplied to the microcomputer software as a parameter used to carry out the further assays.
Effect of the surfactant concentration
The surfactant Triton X-100 has been used to improve TAN solubility.4 In order to verify its effect on the sensitivity, a set of experiments was carried out with TAN solutions prepared using several Triton X-100 concentrations, yielding the results shown in Table 3. Analyzing these results, it was possible to observe that as Triton X-100 concentration was increased, the intersect and slope presented decreasing values.
The results show that the slope obtained using a 5% Triton X-100 solution was 35% lower than that obtained using a 1% solution. Nevertheless, the precision of the results was better when using the 5% concentration, which was, therefore, selected. It was observed that for surfactant concentrations lower than 5% (m/v) TAN dissolution was not complete, and that the useful life of the immobilized reagent underwent a reduction.
Effect of the TAN concentration
The results discussed in the previous sections were achieved using a TAN solution with concentration of 10 µg mL-1 to perform immobilization on the solid phase (C18). In order to verify whether the reagent concentration could affect signal response and useful life of the immobilized reagent, a set of experiments was done by varying the solution concentrations from 10 up to 20 µg mL-1, yielding the results shown in Table 4.
As can be seen, the highest slopes were achieved for TAN concentrations of 16 and 20 µg mL-1. Nevertheless, both curves presented a linearity worsening compared with those achieved using lower concentrations. While running the experiments, a baseline drift was observed, indicating that the chromogenic reagent was being removed from the flow cell channel. It was concluded that the linearity lessening occurred because the amount of immobilized chromogenic reagent decreased while the assays were performed. Since the results achieved using TAN concentrations of 10 and 13 µg mL-1 were similar, the latter concentration was selected.
Effect of time for TAN immobilization
As indicated in the Experimental section, the chromogenic reagent (TAN) was immobilized on the solid phase (C18) off line, prior to putting the solid phase into the flow cell channel. In order to verify whether the time for immobilization exerted significant effects, a set of experiments was done by setting time intervals of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 h, yielding slope values of 0.5895, 0.6429, 0.6569 and 0.6890, respectively. Considering that the linear regression curves were similar, and that the increase in slopes was not significant, the time interval of 2 h was selected.
Effect of the optical pathlength
According to the Lambert-Beer law, absorbance varies directly with the length of the space crossed by the light beam through the sample. This effect has been exploited to improve sensitivity in spectrophotometry, using sample solution as an absorbing medium. To the best of our knowledge, this effect had not been yet exploited for analytical purposes in solid phase photometry. Solid phase photometry has usually been performed using a flow cell with an optical pathlength of around 1 mm.4,18,19 In this work, the flow cell (Figure 1) was designed to allow the channel (optical path) filled with solid phase material to be varied from 2 up to 6 mm, while also varying the amount of C18 packed into the flow cell. The assays were carried out employing a flow rate of 1.0 mL min-1, a loading time interval of 40 s and using the following standard solutions: 0.0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.30, 0.55 and 0.85 mg L-1 Zn(II), yielding the results shown in Figure 3.
Analyzing these curves, it was observed an increasing of the signal up to the optical pathlength of 4 mm, while results achieved when the flow cell length was 5 mm was practically equal to those generated when its length was of 4 mm. Considering signal magnitude, it was observed that the worst result was that related to the optical pathlength of 6 mm. In this case, the light scattering became predominant, thus worsening the conditions for taking accurate measurements. The curves a, b and c were achieved using flow cell with inner volume of 6.4, 9.6 and 12.8 µL, respectively, while the amount of C18 packed into the flow cell channel were 7.2, 10.7 and 14.0 mg, respectively, thereby both flow cell length and C18 amount increased twice. The linear regression coefficients and as well as slopes related to curves a, b and c are 0.9873, 0.9903, 0.9865 and 0.3823, 0.5937, 0.6795, respectively. Comparing the slope of curve a with those of curves b and c, it was found an increase of 55 and 78%, respectively. These results would be considered as an indication that the relationship between optical pathlength and sensitivity does not follow the Lambert-Beer law. Taking into account that the volume of standard solution was maintained while performing these assays, this resource can be used to improve the sensitivity. Considering these results, the optical path length 4 mm was selected.
Effect of a potential interference
Because the chemical elements Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), Ca(II), Fe(III), Mo(VI), Al(II) and Mg(II) can form a compound with TAN,4 a set of experiments was carried out in order to evaluate the extent to which each of these elements interferes with the results. The assays were done by mixing a volume of a 0.5 mg L-1 Zn(II) standard solution with an equal concentration of one of these potentially interfering elements. Interference was not considered significant when the absorbance variation was within the range of ± 5%. The Cu(II) presented a significant interference effect, which was suppressed by masking with thiosulfate, as suggested elsewhere.24-26
Results comparison and figures of merit
Once the values of the main variables that can affect the proposed system were selected, the effectiveness of the proposed setup needs to be proved. For this reason, a set of pharmaceutical formulations was processed. Aiming to assess accuracy, samples were processed for Zn determination using the induced coupled plasma and optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES), yielding the results shown in Table 5.
Applying the paired t-test between the results at the 95% confidence level produced the value tcalc = 1.753, while the theoretical value was ttab = 2.262. Therefore, there is no significant difference between the results at this confidence level.
The optical pathlength of the flow cell was fixed at 4 mm, thus a C18 amount ca. 14 mg could be packed into them. The reagent immobilization was done using 1.5 mL of a 13 µg mL-1 TAN solution and 100 mg of solid phase material, then the amount of reagent used when packing them into the flow cell was 3.2 µg. It was observed that 100 determinations can be performed without significant variation of the signal magnitude, whereby it is possible to deduce that the reagent consumption per determination was 0.032 µg.
The parameters selected in order to evaluate the overall performance of the proposed setup are shown in Table 6, where it can be seen that they compare very well with those of the referred work.9
While the referred work presents a wider analytical range and a higher throughput, the setup used in the present work afforded lower reagent consumption and waste generation. For these reasons, we consider very well the overall performance of the equipment setup and the proposed analytical procedure.
A new flow cell design for solid phase photometry was created for use in the experiments reported here. Such a flow cell can easily be loaded with solid phase material, allowing inner variation of the optical pathlength, avoiding leakage of solution, and maintaining entrapped into the optical pathway all solid material inserted into it. Such flow cell geometry can, therefore, become a reliable tool for solid phase photometry.
The LED-based photometer presented a good performance, thus indicating that this setup can become an effective option for solid phase photometry for analytical purposes. When a solid phase device is coupled to a multicommuted flow analysis module, the inner pressure becomes higher than that of the usual systems, and as a consequence the usual solenoid valves can fail. This drawback was avoided by using pinch solenoid valves.
The low volume of waste generation per determination shows that the reduced dimension of the proposed equipment setup is an effective option when developing analytical procedures in accordance with the Analytical Green Chemistry guidelines.1,2
1. Rocha, F. R. P.; Nóbrega, J. A.; Fatibello-Filho, O.; Green Chem. 2001, 3, 216. [ Links ]
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Submitted: February 11, 2012
Published online: July 19, 2012
* e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
FAPESP has sponsored the publication of this article.


text:
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – I didn't know that a cougar is an older woman seeking a sexual relationship with a younger man, but now I do, thanks to the new Concise Oxford Dictionary, which keeps us up to date on the language we're using. Clearly, I lead a dull life, as I haven't needed to use "sextings", either (nothing to do with people over 60, like sexagenarians).
CNN sent me scurrying to the OUP (Oxford University Press) blog post on the 12th edition of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary to see what other gems we've recently invented. The Concise Oxford is celebrating its 100th birthday with the new edition.
Even better than finding new words was my discovery of the pleasure of the Oxford Words Blog itself, where I've just learned that the word "riot" meant an extravagent lifestyle during its first 100 years, which makes me wonder what "retweet" will mean in 2711.
And then there's Italy's contributions to our food vocabulary. And I'm sure the list of phobias will come in handy one of these days, maybe when I have to write about my fear of them. Palms are getting sweaty as a I write, the shakes are coming over me. Oh no! It's phobophobia, I think!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Designers Repped in Rap Lyrics: The A-Z
Fashion and rap have shared an enmeshed co-existence for some time. Check out our A-Z of fashion brands repped in rap lyrics.
There has always been a kinship between fashion and rap, but recently the relationship has evolved into much more than mere shout outs of certain brands. Rappers are no longer passive advocates of fashion, but are becoming legitimate sartorial contenders in the high fashion stakes. As creators and influencers, they are now sought out for their knowledge and star power as much as their interest. Run DMC's connection with Adidas paved the way for future rapper/brand co-signs. But, the A.P.C. x Kanye West collaboration, as well as A$AP Rocky's close relationship with Shayne Oliver, of Hood by Air, and Jay Z's MCHG song, "Tom Ford," exemplify how these collaborations have evolved into artist/couture house relations.
While fashion has developed into a symbiotic partnership for some, many artists are still happy simply repping their favorite clothing brands. As a symbol of status, aspiration and success, brands will always be coiled through rap lyrics with the same enthusiasm as love, money and drugs. Whether a vehicle of cultural evolution or a representation of the tastes of the time, fashion's place on the totem pole of hip hop heritage is definitive. With this in mind, we take you through the A-Z of designer brands, with a lyrical example of their standing in the rap community.*
*This list is by no means exhaustive or conclusive, feel free to add your own fashion lyrics in the comments.
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27


text: Hi guys, Thinking of getting a Vintage V4 Pbass as a back up to my Stingray; seems to get really good feedback and is a very good price. The one concern I have is the neck dimensions; I have quite small hands and couldn't manage anything chunkier than my SR neck. Is the Vintage much different? Cheers Kev


text:
NHL ? History Of Washington Capitals Franchise, From Incept
2017-11-07 21:54
The Washington Capitals are one of the premier hockey teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). They are a professional men's hockey team that plays in the Southeast Division and they are a part of the Eastern Conference in the NHL. The team is based out of Washington D.C. and they play all of their home games in the Verizon Center that is located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington. They are owned by Ted Leonsis and he has brought the team some of their most notable players in Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green, Nicklas Backstrom, and Alex Semin. They are currently coached by Bruce Boudreau. Previous to 1997 they used to play all of their home games in the Capital Center out in the suburbs.
Some of the notable achievements that the Washington Capitals have earned since their inception include winning one conference championship that sent them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, and also they have won six different division titles. Most recently in 2010, the Capitals also won their very first President's Trophy.
The Washington Capitals entered the National Hockey League in 1974 and they came in and fell flat on their faces. Their record for their first year of play was 8-67-5 and was a grueling season to watch for this first year team. It would be an entire decade before the team could pull itself together and make it to the playoffs.
In 1982, General Manager David Poile would pull off a huge trade where the team would acquire players such as Craig Laughlin, Doug Jarvis, Rod Langway, and Brian Engblom. This seemed to turn the entire franchise around because in 1983 they made a 29 point jump and made their very first playoff appearance in the league. While they would eventually be beaten by the New York Islanders, this would be the start of a new era for the team.
For the next 14 years the Washington Capitals would make it to the playoffs every single year. They were known to start off slow but gain momentum around January. The only problem with this style of play was that it didn't seem to carry too far into the playoffs. They would usually get beaten in the first or second round of the post season. In 1998, the team was led by Peter Bondra's 52 goals and they ended up making it as far as the Stanley Cup Finals. This was the team's first and only appearance there and they ended up being beaten by the more talented Detroit Red Wings who swept them in four games.
The next few years would be a time of rebuilding and close calls. In 2001 the Capitals would acquire Jaromir Jagr but it wouldn't do much to turn the franchise around. In 2004 the Capitals would accept the fact that Jagr was an expensive veteran who hadn't done much to help the team get any better so they would trade him to New York. In 2004 the Capitals got a break in the draft by selecting Alexander Ovechkin and he would remain with the team until the present day.


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A quick glance at the P224 dispels any doubts you may have about its heritage. Its looks, feel, and heft scream "P226," although when you pick it up the differences are immediately evident. The P224 is lighter, smaller, and sports a shorter barrel than either the P226 or P229.
SIG Sauer's answer to complaints about its manual safety and DA/SA trigger is the new P320, which blends the best of the classic SIG design with the attributes of a striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol.
We sent Police Magazine contributing editor Mark W. Clark to the SHOT Show in January and he came back with these shots of guns and gear from Media Day at the Range and from the show floor.
If SIG was to capture a larger share of this market it needed to offer a high-capacity .45 pistol. And that's just what it did earlier this year when it released the P227.
The P224 is basically a P229 that has been cut down to fit the traditional dimensions of a subcompact. It's available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG. The SAS (anti-snag) model also features a recessed hammer and a dehorned slide and frame.
SIG Sauer's P224 SAS DAK pistol offers a compact package, reliable operation, and "revolver like" trigger system. Read Nick Jacobellis' full "Arsenal" review of the pistol. Photos courtesy of Alex Landeen.
The big trend at this year's SHOT Show was flashlights so bright that they can probably take X-rays. Police staff members accidentally got blasted a few times with these 700-lumen light sabers, and they are more less-lethal weapons than illumination tools.
SHOT Show 2013 plenty of new duty gear with a backdrop of the gun-violence debate in Washington, D.C. The show drew more than 62,000 attendees to Las Vegas, and POLICE editors focused on gear rather than politics. View our gallery and read additional coverage in "Best of Show" and Video: SHOT Show 2013 Highlights. Photos by Mark W. Clark and Paul Clinton.


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Carnival ordeal raises question
Editor: This is a rhetorical question. Why was the Carnival Triumph towed for four days to Mobile, Ala., putting the entire 4,000 passengers through all kinds of misery when it could have been towed 150 miles to the Yucatán coast of Mexico? Answer: the passengers did not have passports to Mexico. How many of the 11 million illegal immigrants here in the USA have passports?
Robert R. Wood
If Constitution doesn't support a law, ignore it
America, wake up! You're rapidly losing your Constitutional rights; yet you continue to elect politicians who have few moral values, have little knowledge of our Constitution and think nothing of lying to the American people.
We trust too many unreliable sources in determining what is or isn't true or Constitutional. The mainstream news media seldom reports facts, the ACLU works against the Constitution and our courts have pretty much decided themselves out of relevance. I blame U.S. citizens for allowing so many unconstitutional laws to be passed, read the Constitution. If you know a law is unconstitutional, ignore it.
The current battle over gun control is a prime example; what a waste of time and money, citizens are already banned from owning military weapons (assault weapons). No government agency has the power or authority to monitor my gun collection or magazine capacity. Licensing and gun confiscation are unconstitutional, so I won't participate in any unenforceable laws they may pass.
Richard D. Hudson
Gun rights only applied in early days of America
When Ben Franklin died in 1790, the government of France declared three days of mourning. The Second Amendment was passed Dec. 15, 1791. On Feb. 10, 1792, Robespierre delivered a speech on national defense at the Jacobin Club in which one of his major points was the arming of the people. It seems clear that the U.S. Supreme Court got it right in Heller: the Second Amendment really does (or did) apply to the right of individual citizens to bear arms.
But these were revolutionary governments defending against counterrevolution by royalists. There is absolutely no implied right to bear arms against a democratically-elected government. But the politics of our gun-rights friends are the same as the politics contributing to the overthrow of the democratically-elected-but-left-wing governments of Chile, Guatemala and others that they don't like. Did it help us to win the Cold War? To fight a global war, a robust middle class subject to conscription is needed to do the fighting, the preservation of which seems less important in a time of massive peace.
Burke Ritchie
There are two paths lab can go by in long run
There are two distinct, possible futures for Livermore Lab; one fraught with radioactive risks, the other safe, secure and beneficial.
Without the large quantities of plutonium and security it once had, Livermore Lab's nuclear weapons research-and-development capabilities are necessarily limited. Indeed, the lab stands at a crossroad. Will Livermore Lab seek "variances" to receive plutonium bomb cores it is no longer authorized to handle? This future involves testing plutonium by vibrating, heating and dropping bomb cores from a crane. The "shake and bake" would occur despite the permanent removal of Livermore Lab's high-security infrastructure, potentially leading to a catastrophe.
Or, will Livermore Lab forge a bold new future focused on civilian science, such as nonpolluting renewable energy, global climate modeling and cleanup of radioactive wastes? The lab has small programs in each of these areas, although their collective share of the annual budget totals less than five percent. This important decision belongs not only to lab management but also to the public. We all breathe the air and drink the water. Which future would you choose?
Marylia Kelley
Keep pets safe from coyotes
The coyotes are back!
I live on the Iron Horse Trail between Pine Valley and the golf course. I am up at 4 a.m. every morning. Recently I have been hearing the coyotes howling. Sometimes they are close to my back yard. Also early in the morning I have cats that come and visit. Evidently, they either are let out early in the morning or are out all night. One cat visitor has not been around for a month.
If you have pets and truly love them, do not let them out at nights or early in the morning. Coyotes are out looking for food, and their next meal may be your pet. If you live around the trail or golf course, I would take extra precautions. The coyotes come down from the hills, hunt along the golf course and come down to the Iron Horse Trail. I walk early and sometimes see them in the neighborhoods. One morning at 9 a.m. I saw a coyote with a cat behind Lucky's on Alcosta. Please warn your friends who have pets.
Laura Latt
San Ramon
Billion Rising event could be even better
Recently the Tri-Valley Times had an article about students at Diablo Valley College dancing during a one-day event called One Billion Rising. This event was to bring awareness to the reality that an estimated one in three women will be beaten or sexually assaulted in her lifetime.
I applaud the motive behind the event, and hopefully the message will provoke thought, discussion and change. Dancing in public does tend to cause people to stop momentarily, but education is the key to changing these grim statistics. The objectification of women by the media, men and even by women themselves in how they choose to reveal so much of their bodies adds to the devaluation of the individual. This devaluation of women as objects for use by others, along with low self-esteem, conformity to peer pressure and manipulation are all very much part of the need for women and men to become educated about the deep psychological roots behind domestic violence and sexual assault and harassment. Dancing can bring awareness, but only education can bring change.
Kathy Redmond, R.N.
Opening party for Bay Bridge to be too pricey
Do the math: to spend $5.6 million to let 125,000 people walk across the Bay Bridge (on Labor Day) will cost $44.80 per walker. Obviously, charging $5 or $10 will not be enough to cover the cost of this fantastic opportunity. Why not cancel the "party" for all but the planners of the bridge party and make them pay $45 and walk the 6 miles all by themselves while we watch them on the news?
Jane Beyss
San Ramon


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Snowboard Mag shuts down SIA 2013 with Maseo, Posso, Craze and Crookers
SIA 2013 wrapped up Saturday night as Snowboard Mag threw snowboarding's blow out party of the year. Akomplice Clothing, Contour Cameras, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Snowboard Mag teamed up to put together a who's who of today's top party talent.
The night started out with Denver's DJ Low Key spinning as the guests arrived and checked out Akomplice's art installation while things ot crazy in the Contour photo booth. Just as things were heating up, Maseo, form the legendary De La Soul, took the front stage and treated the crowd to a free lesson in hip hop history. As the night got, rolling the 1300 person crowd moved to the main stage to see the lovely ladies from Posso really get the party started. With the sound system bumping, everyone packed the floor to see the girls that had come out from LA to get things #turnt like only they know how. However, the night had just begun.
Photos: Binky DiPasquale & Andy Immerman
DJ Craze threw down some trap bangers and insane beats as the packed house including the likes of Marc Frank Montoya, DVS Shoes' Ricky Melnik, Mark Carter, Tim Humphreys, Sam Taxwood, Dylan Thompson, Grahm Banks, Dylan Alito, Cole Taylor and many more raged all night long.
Lastly, Italian DJ, Crookers, took the stage throwing down in proper form as usual. With the perfect mix of electronic and club/house mixes, Crookers finished off the night in style. Babes, beers, and backstage, SIA finished off with Snowboard Mag once again shutting down the show and making sure everyone missed their flights.
A big thanks to the folks at Contour, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Mad Decent, and Akomplice Clothing. That was a line up that most likely will never happen again, and if you can remember anything form the night, you aren't going to forget it.
See you next year SIA!
Check out Posso on Beatport
Craze's Best of 2013 Mix


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Whether you are looking for a summer getaway or a winter ski and snowboard trip, Mark Warner singles holidays offer a wealth of activities, socialising and relaxation for adults travelling solo.
For relaxing and some quiet time, you'll find adult-only areas in some of our sun resorts, such as swimming pools and beaches, plus indulgent spas. When you're feeling active, there's an extensive programme that varies by resort but generally includes tennis, watersports, mountain biking and road cycling (independently or as part of a guided tour), fitness sessions and group excursions.
Those who seek like-minded company will be warmly welcomed to their resort with an invitation to a social dinner with other people travelling alone. There are also lively barbecues, and our bars are a great place to spend time with new friends. Our holidays for singles give you the chance to meet new people, share quality time and new experiences, and make new friends to last a lifetime. We have single rooms available in June and September at San Lucianu Beach Resort in Corsica.
On our adult skiing holidays many of our chalet hotels have single rooms. There's an option to 'room share' with a fellow guest of the same sex for those guests travelling alone, we endeavour to pair solo travellers up with a similar aged guest, providing you with the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
Chalet hotel with single rooms include Chalet Hotel Le Val d'Isere, Val d'Isere, Chalet Hotel Moris, Val d'Isere, Chalet Hotel Bérangère, Les Deux Alpes and Chalet Hotel Cristallo, Courmayeur.
After a great day out on the slopes, dinner rounds off the day nicely and many of our single guests tell us that they appreciate the choice between the social atmosphere at a large shared table and a more intimate table for two. And remember breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course dinner with wine is all included in the price of your holiday.
Created for adults these fun weeks bring like-minded individuals either travelling solo, in a couple or with friends together to enjoy sporting activities during the day and social dinners in the evening. Your exclusive Mark Warner host is on hand to bring everyone together to experience an exciting programme of entertainments.
Please input the childrens ages on the return day of your journey.
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Prices are subject to availability. Room supplements apply. Facilities and what is included varies between resorts.
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Voices of the Northwest
I finally did it. The deed I thought I could never commit as an adult. I had resisted all these years, turned my back on the temptation despite all the entreaties from friends and family, despite all the articles in newspaper and magazine, it was never attemptedlet alone completed. But now it's done, finis, committed with deliberate care if not abandon, and I confess, I feel better for having done it. If you've any doubt, let me once again state with all clarity and sense of purpose, with voice firm and proud, Reader, I have done it, and it is done, and congratulations are the order of the day
For I have cleaned out my closest.
That's right, the jammed together, incestuous pit of a closet is cleared, organized even, and my chest swells with pride. This is a closet to behold, my closet. Color co-ordinated. By season. By clothing type. I found clothes I had not seen in years. We had a reunion of sorts, these clothes and me.
Why had I resisted this act so long?
I suspect it's not unusual for each of us to have our personal Achilles heel, and mine, always mine, and I thought forever mine, had been my closet. Oh, over the years I had donated a few token items, here and there. My biggest buying mistakes. The lurid and the ghastly. But never before this massive clean-up.
Now in my mid-fifties, would it be a farewell to my youth to abandon the kicky black leather mini-skirt, the slinky silver sheath? Even though theyand Iwere far apart on the numerical scalethey being a size eight, and me being, well never mind, what's a few digits between friends?
And while thus engaged in this moment of truth, I also gathered together all the shoesthe pinchers, the sexy but out-of-style, the mules and clogs that fell off every time I climbed the stairs. Yes, all those shoes, too have been banished. My closet looks a bit threadbare and forlorn. The clothes hang on matching hangers, the skirts clipped neatly, the jackets on wooden hangers, the shoes in a neat row. Just so, precise, they invite me to hike or jog or boot up and be a cowgirland none of them hurt. Good shoes, waiting for adventures.
While I sorted, I remembered. Remembered the origin of each piece of clothing. Some bought new, some from consignment shops, a few gifts from dear friends. Those were the hardest to part with. The gifts. A scrapbook of memories and kind thoughts about friends, those still here, and one departed, but never forgotten. How could I part with the dress she had so sweetly given? Then I remembered how generous she was. Maybe this dress would serve another for a job interview, a lunch in a chic restaurant. I'll pass on her gift, I thought. And so this dress, too, was folded, and smoothed, and placed into the donation bag.
So it is done.
Farewell to my youth, but not to my dreams. For truth be told, lurking in the dark depths of the closet, is one tiny-sized frocka frothy confection in tulle and satin, which will likely never fit me again. But itand Ihad such a romance, once upon a time, one New Years Eve, dancing to the Blue Danube at the Symphony Hall, it would take a much harder heart than mine to banish this cutie to a consignment shop. Clean closet or no, we girls must have our memories.
Copyright 2002 Patricia Frank . All rights reserved.
Patricia writes public relations for nice companies and essays like this for fun. She visited Eugene last Spring and had a swell time. email@example.com
See Patricia Frank's other essays at West by Northwest.org


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Phil Knight Discusses State Of College Basketball Coppolella Banned As Part Of Braves' Penalties Jones Won't Sue NFL Owners Over Goodell Dish/CBS Dispute Likely To Affect Thanksgiving NFL MillerCoors, NASCAR Yet To Reach Extension Ruppe Is UA's Latest Exec Departure Sellout Crowd Turns Out For Crew Playoffs FC Cincinnati Owners Sign Option To Buy Stadium Site Duracell, SoFi Buying Six-Second Ads On Fox NBC's Preschlack Says Chicago Cuts Part Of Evolution
SBD/June 25, 2013/FranchisesPrint All
NBA Kings Season-Ticket Renewals Already At 90%; Thousands More Expected Today
NBA Kings PR Dir Chris Clark said that more than 90% of last year's season-ticket holders "have renewed ... and several thousand new season ticket buyers are expected to select seats" today and tomorrow, according to Tony Bizjak of the SACRAMENTO BEE. The Kings this week are opening the doors of Sleep Train Arena for season-ticket holders to "write checks and pick out their seats for next season." Clark said that by Friday, the team may "see season ticket sales approaching the numbers the team had in its playoff years." Clark: "We expect to have more new season tickets sold than any previous season over the last seven years" Kings officials "declined to divulge actual sales numbers." But Clark said that the team has seen a "surge in ticket requests since a new ownership group won NBA approval last month to buy the team." Clark said that the new ownership group "hired 50 workers to sell tickets." Sleep Train Arena also will be open Thursday afternoon for "people who want to buy season tickets and pick out seats, but who have not yet placed a deposit." Seat prices will "remain the same for renewing season ticket holders." But team officials said that some prices will be "increased for new buyers in high-demand sections" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/25).
STICKING AROUND: In Sacramento, Jason Jones reported Kings Assistant GM Shareef Abdur-Rahim will be the "only holdover" from the staff of former President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. New GM Pete D'Alessandro said that he considers Abdur-Rahim a "rising star among front-office personnel." D'Alessandro "didn't say what title Abdur-Rahim would have but that it's 'safe' to say he would be on his staff" (SACBEE.com, 6/23).
76ers Take Time In Denying Firing Of CEO Adam Aron, Fueling Speculation
The 76ers last night issued a statement that CEO Adam Aron was still a member of the team's front office, but they "waited hours before denying" multiple media reports that claimed Aron had been let go, according to Keith Pompey of PHILLY.com (6/25). CSNPHILLY.com's John Gonzalez writes there "might be a few reasons" for the Sixers waiting to deny Aron's firing, but the fact that the team "didn't move swiftly to refute the rumors ultimately helped fuel the belief that Aron had been ousted." Sources not long after the initial reports went out would not "confirm that Aron was out -- but they didn't initially deny it, either." A Sixers spokesperson around 8:45pm ET -- about seven hours after the initial report -- said that the team "had not fired Aron." Gonzalez: "That's a pretty significant delay for a matter of this magnitude." Meanwhile, the Sixers "suddenly seem like an organization that wants everything to remain secret." Since hiring President of Basketball Operations & GM Sam Hinkie, the Sixers have "gone radio silent." Hinkie has been "a ghost" and Majority Owner Josh Harris "hasn't talked." Even Aron -- normally a "prolific tweeter with a big public profile -- has faded into the background." The Sixers' "cagey approach becomes something else entirely when applied to a situation where people believe one of the minority owners has been fired as the team's CEO." That is a scenario that "demands a quick reply and immediate transparency." Before Hinkie was hired, the "hot rumor" had Sixers co-Owner David Heller "assuming some of Aron's duties." That was followed by a N.Y. Daily News report last week that former MSG President Scott O'Neil "visited with the Sixers and was close to landing a front office position." Sixers execs "should have known" questions would surface regarding Aron's future with the team and they "should have braced for it." They also "should have acted fast to deny the reports once they materialized" (CSNPHILLY.com, 6/25).
AFL Utah Blaze Counting On Financial Help From New Investor After Eviction From Arena
The AFL Utah Blaze are "expecting a cash infusion from a new investor" that will allow the team to continue playing home games at EnergySolutions Arena and "put a messy situation behind it," according to Christopher Kamrani of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. The Blaze were evicted from the arena last Thursday after failing to "pay a reported $120,000 in rent obligations." The team also is "receiving financial assistance from the AFL to help meet its payroll obligations." Blaze Owner Kim Brown on Friday said that she has been "courting the investor, an unnamed Chicago-based real estate developer, since March." Brown added that the new partner is in the "final phase of analyzing the league, the franchise and its finances before officially signing." Brown said that AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz is expected to come to Utah this week to meet with venue owner the Larry H. Miller Group to "continue talks of how the organization can help the Blaze going forward." Brown added that the Blaze are "not the only franchise in the league receiving financial assistance from the AFL." Kamrani noted that if and when the new investor signs on, the Miller Group "has promised the Blaze re-entry" to the venue. Brown said of resources a new investor would bring to the team, "It's millions. ... It's a (significant) amount. It will get us through this season and allow us to set up a structure where we can start making money for next season." Asked if she was worried about a place to play Saturday's home game, Brown said that there is "no contingency plan" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 6/22). Kurz said that the situation was "unfortunate." Kurz: "This is not the normal course for the Arena Football League, but all businesses nowadays are faced with challenges here and there. ... If you run around like your hair is on fire, I don't know how anyone survives business or life" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 6/23).
PICK & CHOOSE: In Utah, Brad Rock wrote keeping a "foothold in the marketplace is difficult, even for a team such as the Blaze, who have been around awhile." There are a "lot of challenges, beyond the debts Brown reportedly inherited when she became principal owner last winter." Arena football is a "good deal for the price, but as cash gets tight, people start deciding one or the other." It is "going to be a lot of work for the Blaze, with or without an infusion of investor money." Even with an "entertaining product, and even in the 'down' season, it's hard to find a place for one more sport" (DESERETNEWS.com, 6/24).
Franchise Notes
FOXSPORTSARIZONA.com's Craig Morgan wrote the Coyotes extending coach Dave Tippett's contract "has myriad ramifications." It is a "boost for the current players who have bought into and executed his systems so well." It also is "important to the bottom line because the fan base believes in Tippett, so should the ownership saga be resolved within the next week, the club could see a boost in season-ticket sales." In addition, Tippett's presence will "aid the team greatly when it looks to re-sign its own free agents" like G Mike Smith and C Boyd Gordon, or "sign other teams' free agents." Coyotes GM Don Maloney, who also agreed to a long-term contract extension, said, "It's certainly a big selling point. You need your head coach in place. You need your staff in place before you try and convince players to sign with you" (FOXSPORTSARIZONA.com, 6/24).
HALL PASS: FOXSPORTS.com's Jon Paul Morosi writes D'Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall "understands a lot about the present realities and future possibilities" of MLB. Hall is a "major reason" the D'Backs are "competitive on the field despite ranking 11th among the 15 NL franchises in average attendance, while playing in a market that Hall said has the lowest per capita income of any in the major leagues." Morosi: "If you didn't know Hall's name before, you would be wise to learn it now. Hall is set up to be a central leadership figure in the game for decades to come." Hall has become MLB's "happy diplomat, not merely talking about the nationalities represented within his organization but actually traveling to those countries." His visit to the Dominican Republic this month "was front-page news in the country" (FOXSPORTS.com, 6/25).
SNEAK PEEK: In San Jose, Lauren Hepler notes the MLS Earthquakes debuted a "mobile sales trailer equipped with 3-D technology to help fans visualize" the team's under-construction stadium. Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said that the team "has sold 'hundreds' of season tickets in the first few weeks of the new sales approach, and is taking requests from companies or fans who want to see the Quakes at their office." He said that the team is "focusing on companies with a large pool of younger 'Gen Y' workers" (SILICON VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/21 issue).


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Offensive tackle Ricky Barnum out of Lakeland (Fla.) Lake Gibson is up to three offers according to his head coach Keith Demyer. The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder has scholarships from the ACC and Big East.
"He's got offers from Miami, Virginia Tech and South Florida," he said. "Miami offered in the beginning of the week, while Virginia Tech offered two weeks ago and South Florida was soon after that.
"Ricky was excited about all of them and is just taking it in stride. He's a laid back type of kid that doesn't know where he wants to grow and has no favorites."
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Demyer went on to discuss what makes his star recruit standout.
"I'll say the improvement he made from the beginning of the year to the end was outstanding," he stated. "He's got good feet, moves well, long arms and that stuff helps him a lot in pass blockings. He's a mobile lineman that gets to the second level with the linebackers and can change directions really well.
"He's still got to get a little bit stronger, but if he continues to improve he'll be really good. I think he's got the room to get up to 300-pounds and not lose a step. He's a player that isn't fat at all and has a frame you can really grow on."
Barnum isn't just a star on the field, but also off of it.
"He's a good kid and a leadership type that works well with our younger kids," he said. "He's a good one to get for whoever gets him and has around a 3.0 GPA."
Barnum isn't the only player to watch at Lake Gibson in 2008. Teammate and friend, defensive end James Jones is getting his share of looks.
"Nobody has offered, but Virginia Tech is very interested in him," he said. "I know Miami was going to offer over the phone, but they want to eyeball his height first. I think USF will offer too.
"James is a full motor all the way type of player. He's a good physical kid that works hard and is real strong in the weight room. He's got such quickness off the ball and can run down a play from the backside. He's a smart kid in the classroom and as a football player and has great character."
Although they aren't quite in position to receive offers, Demyer believes two other players will start receiving looks by May.
The first is 6-foot-4, 270-pound offensive tackle Josh Garbin.
"He's just started to come into his own at the end of last season," he said. "He's starting to get looks from South Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss and a bunch of other letters because of his size. I think in May recruiters will really start taking notice of him.
"He's a good athlete that plays on the basketball team and solid academically."
The other prospect is 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver James Bull.
"He's going to hit in May," he said. "Last year was his first playing varsity football and didn't come around until the end of the season in the playoffs. He started really showing what he can do once he knew everything. Since January, he's been busting it big-time and will come out in the combines."
In limited play last year, Bull recorded 17 receptions and four touchdowns.


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Lollipop Chainsaw is censored, but thankfully only in Japan
I will never understand why Japan censors certain video games. I mean, that's the country that's credited with popularizing deathmatch wrestling. And yes, we all know wrestling is scripted, but blood is very real, and when an imposing Japanese wrestler uses a sickle to open up some nasty wounds on the head and stomach of his opponent, you know it's brutal.
Still, video games in Japan are often censored. The original No More Heroes was censored, and now it looks like another one of Suda51's creations is having its more explicit content covered up. According to Siliconera, Lollipop Chainsaw will be censored in the land of the rising sun.
The game will be rated CERO D, which is equivalent to the ESRB's M-rating. There's some good news for gamers in Japan, though. Individuals who purchase the premium edition of Lollipop Chainsaw will be able to toggle between CERO D and CERO Z modes. For those of you wondering, CERO Z is like our Adults Only rating.
At least there's a way for gamers in Japan to play the proper version of Lollipop Chainsaw. Even then, I still think it's super weird that the game is being censored over there. I mean, Japan is known for its controversial films and literature, but a video game is too much? I seriously don't get it.