text:
It might not exactly have been a clean sweep, but the Bonita Vista Barons left a definite imprint on the 2011 Mesa League sports season with three league championships. The Barons captured Mesa League championships in boys cross country, girls field hockey and girls volleyball. Bonita Vista's success continued into the post-season as the school's girls volleyball team recorded a runner-up finish in the Division II finals (earning a first-round regional playoff game) while the Barons were represented on an individual basis at the state cross country championship meet in Fresno.
Jenelle Hudson earned recognition as the Mesa League girls volleyball Player of the Year while Caesar Castillo represented BVHS at the state cross country finals after recording the fastest time of the day among Metro Conference participants at the San Diego Section championship meet.
The Barons made a definite impact with four first team all-league players on the six-member girls volleyball team. Joining Hudson, a senior, on the elite squad were seniors Heather Gearhart and Meagan Wright and sophomore Alexandra Loitz.
First team
Brenna Bailey (Eastlake) 12
Heather Gearhart (Bonita Vista) 12
Jenelle Hudson (Bonita Vista) 12
Alexandra Loitz (Bonita Vista) 10
Chelsea Speaks (Eastlake) 11
Meagan Wright (Bonita Vista) 12
Second team
Megan Angerstein (Otay Ranch) 10
Breanna Barksdale (Eastlake) 11
Rachel Cuizon (Eastlake) 11
Ilse Gutierrez (Mater Dei Catholic) 12
Eduarda Hinrichsen (Mater Dei Catholic) 10
Carlee Wood (Otay Ranch) 11
Player of the Year: Jenelle Hudson (Bonita Vista)
Championship team: Bonita Vista Barons
First team
Steven Martinez (Otay Ranch) 12
Caesar Castillo (Bonita Vista) 12
Zachary Velasquez (Otay Ranch) 12
Jose Suarez (Bonita Vista) 12
Alejandar Dominguez (Bonita Vista) 12
Rodrigo Baza (Otay Ranch) 11
Kevin Hen (Bonita Vista) 12
Zac Zasueta (Eastlake) 11
Anthony McGough (Otay Ranch) 12
Andres Fernandez (Otay Ranch) 12
Runner of the Year: Steven Martinez (Otay Ranch)
Championship team: Bonita Vista Barons
First team
Carina Gillespie (Otay Ranch) 11
Brenda Hernandez (Otay Ranch) 11
Juliana Corrao (Otay Ranch) 11
Catie LeDesma (Otay Ranch) 11
Raelene DeArmas (Bonita Vista) 11
Kioana Smith (Olympian) 11
Claudia Hernandez (Bonita Vista) 10
Kristen Lamprecht (Bonita Vista) 11
Elena Jurado (Bonita Vista) 11
Clarisa Hernandez (Bonita Vista) 11
Runner of the Year: Carina Gillespie (Otay Ranch)
Championship team: Otay Ranch Mustangs
First team
Hannah Kim (Otay Ranch) 10
Jessica Diaz (Olympian) 12
Natalia Olazabal (Mater Dei Catholic) 10
Hanami Mori (Eastlake) 10
Leanna Mena (Hilltop) 9
Ellen Hart (Bonita Vista) 11
Second team
Michiko Rodelas (Eastlake) 10
Isabelle Cabana (Otay Ranch) 11
Ana Velasco (Eastlake) 12
Claire Wynn (Bonita Vista) 12
Jessica Suanico (Bonita Vista) 12
Gillian Schaar (Hilltop) 11
Player of the Year: Hannah Kim (Otay Ranch)


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To be around in September, we need to knock down the Twins and the White Sox. A W on the front end could set the pace and with travel from the East coast let's hope we can keep the Mo.
PREGAME: If you're a believer in momentum you have to like this series for the Tigers. The Tigers make a 6 run come back for a walk-off win and the Twins were swept by the Red Sox with an 18-5 loss to finish the series. As for my views on momentum, I'm in agreement with Jim Leyland that mo is the next day's starter.
In Detroit's case that would be Kenny Rogers. In Rogers last start against the Twins he struck out 6 in 6 innings, but that game is remembered as the one where the Tigers scored 6 in the first and still lost.
On the Twins side it will be Kevin Slowey. Slowey has 60 K's against only 11 walks. Like most Twins pitchers he's a strike throwing machine. In fact, he's gone to a 3 ball count in only 39 of 311 plate appearances this year. Lefties hit him considerably better so I'd anticipate the all left handed outfield this afternoon.
Given Slowey's 1.04 WHIP the hope here is that Rogers keeps them in the game long enough to get into a bruised and battered Twins bullpen.
MIN @ DET, Thursday, July 10, 2008 Game Preview – Baseball-Reference.com
Game Time 1:05 (I have no idea why this is a day game)
POSTGAME: Some prognosticator I am. Keep it close against the starter and then beat up on the bullpen. Yeah. Not so much. This game blows for so many reasons. It's the polar opposite of last night. One game starts out awful and ends up glorious. This one starts great and ends as a huge punch to the gut.
The story of this game comes down to a wicked combination of Not Good and Not Good Enough.
The offense managed 6 runs off a Twins starter which is a feat for them this year. But it proved not to be good enough. They managed to load the bases against Joe Nathan, but it wasn't good enough.
Matt Joyce homered and doubled which was good. But he made a costly error and failed to lay down a bunt making his day not good enough.
Jeff Larish had 3 hits which is good. But he failed to drive in the winning run, or even put a bat on the ball meaning it wasn't good enough.
Todd Jones was not good. Not even in the vicinity of good.
Freddy Dolsi went 2.1 innings, but he gave up the winning run to an unstoppable Justin Morneau. Not good enough.
Fernando Rodney got 3 weak ground outs. But it was after a moonshot double to that freakin Justin Morneau. Not good enough.
Marcus Thames went 3 for 4 before being yanked. He was actually good.
Granderson and Polanco each drove in a run, but combined to go 2 for 12. Not good enough.
Miguel Cabrera launched a shot to right field with runners on first and third, but it was caught at the wall. Not good enough.
Losses happen. It's one of 162, but it certainly feels like more. The Tigers struggle to score runs against the Twins starters, and yet they managed 6. And they combined it with a volatile, yet in the end effective starting performance. This game was theirs. It was one for the win column. But they let it get away.
To be around in September, we need to knock down the Twins and the White Sox. A W on the front end could set the pace and with travel from the East coast let's hope we can keep the Mo.
Oh, so it is a day game. I had a feeling I was wrong.
Line-up according to espn:
1. Grandy CF
2. Polly 2B
3. Guillen 3B
4. Miggy DH
5. Joyce RF
6. Country Strong LF
7. Larish 1B
8. Pudge C
9. Santiago! SS
If true, yes yes yes to Thames, Santiago, and finally getting a look at Larish at 1B (even if he's supposed to be no good with the glove).
I'm more worried about getting Pudge an AB in the 5th. Starting to hit too early will throw everything off. But not hitting at all will, too. It's a quandary, a conundrum.
I'm going to assume that Slowey throws a good changeup. Otherwise his name would be Fastey, I'd imagine.
I was wondering why this is a day game too. It's the first game of a 4 game series…it's not like it's getaway day or something. It's not a holiday, so I'm at a loss at this start time.
I hate the Twins. Hopefully we can win this series and get these guys in our rearviewmirror. They really aren't that good of a team.
I expect to see the kitten sitting on the bench. Go Tigers.
As with all JL lineups, what you anticipate is usually not what you will get.
I'm thinking back to that Country Strong solo shot last July when the Tigers beat the Twins 1-0. I like him in the lineup here.
It will be a Gameday day game for me!
Nice start for kenny. Did he really throw 6 straight changeups to Gomez?
Three wins in this series suddenly makes this a different, much better, season.
just got back from lunch down here, great crowd for a Thursday afternoon. If anyone is in town, "Mystery" current Detroit Tigers will be at Lefty's Lounge in Midtown after the game.
Ole man Rogers is quite the fielder.
I was in a coma the last two weeks. What did I miss? Still 7 games back? Ugh. We've won too many games for that.
Great tag by Punto.
So Guillen is a gold glover now? I feel like Marty McFly when he travelled into the future and found out Biff was married to his mother. How did that develop??
Well, it's more fun when they have to come back, right?
Oof, maybe not such a great start after all.
How many games have we won in which we led the entire game? I would be interested to know. I doubt it's more than 15.
Carlos goes down twice. He's becoming a really good 3rd baseman.
No reason we can't come back two games in a row. Good teams are supposed to do that.
curtis is an extra base machine!
(haven't been able to say that in awhile)
Nice poke from Curtis gets us on the board.
Tiger announcers going on and on about Leyland the great motivator. Yech.
I know good teams can come back. But out of 46 wins, we have scored first and maintained a lead only 13 times. I suspect teams at the top of their division have one alot more or those type of wins.
tie game! Matt Joyce has the kitten in his jersey.
Joyce! I love Dan Dickerson's rumbling voice. Gooone!
Matt Joyce with 7 dingers in 79 AB. That's Country Strong territory!
Matt Joyce now needs some sort of cat related nickname. Suggestions?
Joyce swings like Ted Williams.
where does Joyce get that kind of pop from..he isn't a big guy/
I like this line-up for the Tigers. These boys from Toledo have been great. JL is a freaking genius.
If the kitty is not in the ballpark, he/she is certainly there in spirit.
who are these guys??????????????
I love the Mud Hens!
Leyland is no genius, the manager of the Mud Hens is.
Matt Joyce: The Black Cat.
Why waste the gas to Toledo when you can get the real deal right here?
"Matt Joyce now needs some sort of cat related nickname. Suggestions?"
Catt Joyce?
Hell yeah RAMON!
I like our chances with 5 runs.
Matt "The Cat" Joyce
Keep piling on boys…
Before you know it, we're going to be bringing up Muddy and Muddonna!
Minnesota is done.
he are we all pulling for Santiago or what …sure could take care of that SS problem…….GO Ramon….you go guy!!!!
The Twins are wasted in their pen right now. This could get even more interesting…
Catt Joyce. GENIUS.
good job getting to that bullpen early…has to help in this four game series…
Wow it's kinda early for them to be drinking already, even if they are getting their butts beat…and out in the bullpen too where kids can see them, FOR SHAME.
LJ is a baseball savant. He's done an amazing job to help turn this season around.
do these count in the standings for a win for Toledo also seeing that most of them are here…go Tigers/Mud Hens
How close was Miggy's ball?
That really should be Marlins/Mud Hens.
Probably about 2 ft from a homerun.
Man, getting outs at home is nice.
He wasn't robbed, Chief Monday? It's hard to tell on MLB.tv.
the Twinks and the Tigers have that "get your runner thrown out at he plate" down pat
Holy cow, defense is fun.
Pudge….no one does it better….and for 20 years
Sweet throw to 3rd by Pudge, but where was the tag?? I love it but looks like a bad call to me.
He wasn't robbed. That ball wasn't going over the fence.
I'd love to have someone take a look at whether "running on contact" from 3rd makes sense statistically. Sure seems like guys get thrown out more than they make it home.
But we'll take it.
It might not have been going over the fence, but he was robbed of an "into-the-glove-outfielder-runs-into-the-wall-glove, and ball-go-over-the-fencer"
So we all figured the glory days of the Santiago of Swat were over after his injury and rehab, during which he hit like…well, like a Santiago I guess.
Then he comes up and picks up where he left off. And then I see Catt "Ted Williams" Joyce hit and I'm thinking, those Mudhens must face some damn good pitching down there cause it sure looks a lot easier up here…+
Not sure where the idea Larish doesn't have a good glove at first came from, but I've seen him make some pretty slick plays over there for the Hens. Both in person and on TV.
Gotta stick up for the Hens.
hey Marcus stick to hitting those home runs…a base stealer you ain't…looked like a hit and run to me anyway…even though Larish didn't go
Miggy may not have been robbed of a home run or an into-the-glove-outfielder-runs-into-the-wall-glove and ball-go-over-the-fencer, but he was robbed of a Twix and a PayDay, which were reported missing from his locker this morning. The Voodoo doll of Brandon Inge with a pin stuck in its oblique remained untouched.
did anyone say there was a Renteria doll with several pins stuck in it?????
is Kenny pitching good or has he discovered some "clear" pine tar
I'd like to see us tack a couple more runs on here, just for good measure.
It's unfortunate Zumaya has already claimed "Voodoo Child" for his entrance music. That's tailor made for Gil of the Undead.
Denard Span is killing us from that 9 spot.
Strong outing from Kenny. I will ask again nice for a little Roller Coaster-proof insurance…
Jeff Larish does not want to go back to Toledo!
I think today is a day game b/c of a XMASS in July and Senior Day Promotion
God damn fernando rodney.. Don't put him into the 8th until he earns it
Denard Span makes a fine canned meat product, though.
Sweeping the Twins means nothing if the White Sox keep winning.
I don't know who this Fernando Rodney character is, but he's no Fernando Rodney.
can f-rod go one outing without giving up a run?
"Sweeping the Twins means nothing if the White Sox keep winning."
No it means everything. Tigers will have to keep winning no matter what.
Okay I'm fine with allowing that run. Now they have three outs going into the bottom of their order and we've still got (at least) a 2 run lead. I'm confident we're gonna win.
"Sweeping the Twins means nothing if the White Sox keep winning."
It means a lot to the Twins
your basic 22 pitch inning….and a lot of the pitches were inside the area code for Detroit
Re: Dave T.
Why should I care about the Twins?
Sean great point!
RE: Why should I care about the Twins?
B/C they are one of the 2 teams between the Tigers and a playoff spot
Let's not forget all about the wild card there kiddies. With Boston idle today, the Tigers will pull to 6.5 games back with a win.
Do you think that it is Dennys Reyes instead of Denny because he is so fat that he warrants a plural name?
maybe it is really Denny Reye and he gets two s's cause of his size
Good thought, Tony. It also could be attributed to the fact that he spends the entire offseason at Dennys.
Ok Jones can we roll with out the coaster today
…tying run at the plate. this feels more like tigers baseball.
4.1 innings of shut out ball from a tired Twins pen is pretty impressive. I was really hoping we could have banged them around better.
run-scoring triple
edit: fielding error by joyce in right.
I thought Jones would enjoy an actual save situation. He must think Guillen can bail him out from 3B again.
Alright, I can't put it on Jones… let's pull the Houdini trick again.
Sac Fly. Tie game.
Coulda been worse, Thomas had to motor to get to that one.
This is completely believable and predictable. TJ has been struggling and the Tigers went into offensive sleep mode.
Cabrera's up next inning… do you think they go to Nathan if the game's still tied?
Are we gonna have 6 to 6 bottom of the ninth heroics two days in a row?!
TJ is completely incompetent as a closer. Even with the previous record this year, he has repeatedly made wide leads close. This 9th inning was so predictable I told my wife exactly what was going to happen. Why can an amateur like me see this and Leyland can't realize that Jones has become a batting practice pitcher!
The Twins 8 and 9 hitters went 6 for 7 with a triple by Span
TJ's getting yanked. Blown saverino.
There are much better pitchers in the league who have more blown saves than Jonesy this year. You're right, but I'm just sayin'…
Note to anyone trying to see that Joyce's error was the problem……..there is only one out after 4 batters, and that out was only due to outstanding fielding off of a classic Mauer opposite field fly…….the runs would have scored regardless.
Like it or not, TJ is our closer. He has some good streaks and some bad streaks. He's on one of the latter right now. He was banged around last night as well and is probably gassed.
Can Seay find the answer to Morneau?
we live with the fact that Jones usually barely gets the job done…unfortunately that "usually barely" is a fine line
No. Don't let Craig Monroe be the hero here.
At least not for the Twins. It' fine if he's the hero for the Tigers.
I guess not.
Can C-Mo do us again?
Were those pitches as far outside as Gameday shows? I think Jones could have managed an intentional walk…
Glad to see Seay come in and throw 4 balls before getting yanked.
commme ooonn Freddie
Not letting Monroe beat his old team? Gardenhire's a wuss…
Freddy Solid!
Let's not let this one get away…
I always root for extra innings when I'm listening at work. But jeez, not like this.
Alright. Let's get Freddy Solid the 1-out win.
great save by polanco 🙂 GO
Maybe I have the wrong idea, but I expect a closer to throw hard enough and with enough control to mow the opposition down for one inning. Jones method is to close by pitching to contact. The result is that he closes with luck,,,i.e.,that the ball that is hit goes to a fielder who can put the batter out.
Tigers…please don't make the rest of the night painful for us bloggers and put Catt Joyce into suicide watch.
Big lumber coming up this inning. Just takes one good swing…
How about a Catt Joyce sacrifice?
Bunt! Please!
gotta get the bunt down
Ugh. Apparently the Catt doesn't have that trick in his bag.
guess that is why the Tigers never bunt
A wild pitch does the trick too!
Bail out, I'll take it 🙂
Never saw that coming. C'mon Clete, be a hitter.
jump something here Larish
Might as well let the Mud Hen finish it off. C'mon Larish!
Just lift one. They don't have the arms…
Crap again…
Cmon Pudge…
I can't see how close that pitch was, but take one for the team, Pudge!
Would love to see another BB, but I can't see it with Pudge up there.
Blech. What a letdown.
And there you have your Pudge liability.
I'm not sure if he threw Larish or Pudge any more stikes than he did on the batters he walked …they just swung
After watching the bottom of the 9th I think the Tigers really deserve to lose. I am hopping angry about that totally incompetent series of wasted swings, failed bunt attempts, the whole works. The Twins are trying to give it away and the Tigers don't want the damn thing!
Has Pudge always looked like the hyper-active kid from little league who always falls for the hey-batter-batter-swing chant, or is this just a development in his Tigers years?
Ken- when he was on roids the ball looked much much bigger then..
Just step in to see the score. Looks like our bullpen is the one that has been shaking, and the Twins bullpen has been strong. Can we give Jones the rest of the week off? How about this for a schedule, use only as needed.
Zoom – 9th
Solid – 8th
Lopez – 7th
Sort out the rest.
I'm just wondering is any pitcher has ever thought it necessary to throw Pudge a strike…
Joel funny I always wonder exactly that…why would you throw him a strike
NO! Not the almighty Denard!
Ken, the pitcher seems to know he can get those strike outs in critical moments by throwing high hard ones outside the zone because undisciplined that they are, the hitters go for them. I don't really blame the rookie who has little experience….but Pudge should know that is what the guy is going to do to him.
Here comes the winning hit.
We really needed to get Span there. I thought I nicknamed him Four-out Freddy, he should get one more.
they are 7-8
Freddy Solid, with an assist to Span for taking the bat out of Mauer's hands.
Solid, Freddy. Solid.
thank gawd
C'mon, Curtis. I can't take another inning of our pitching.
so the result is the same…but santiago is the anti-pudge…six pitches = one swing 🙂
We're gonna need a dinger to win this, as usual.
Ugh… when was Polly's last HR? I think he's due.
Wow – and my wife wonders why I'm prematurely balding at age 26.
I hate the Twins. They're really going to do this to us?
Our only 1-2-3 inning was the first. Maybe that's a good omen for the next few innings.
Tell her 26 isn't premature… I've been losing my hair since 20.
friggin wives
Is Zoom warming?
Hah – thanks Joel.
I blame it on 2 years in Russia, but stuff like this doesn't help.
That sucks.
Doink. Game over.
Justin Morneau. I hate him.
Morneau unstoppable today.
Not much hope for a comeback, sadly.
Sexy Dolsi grooves one to the most dangerous hitter on the team.
If the Twins relievers were dumb enough to throw a pitch like that to Cabrera or Guillen or Thames, or whoever, we'd get one too.
Boy am I so happy Clete will be coming up instead of that tiny-bat Thames clown.
That bullpen is a real liability.
Nice try. Exciting game.
You win some, you lose some.
The problem is that we need to win all of them at this point.
This one hurts.
Glad I didn't go to this one. What a letdown.
Same thing that happened last time Rogers pitched against the Twins. Spot him six runs and then stop scoring.
And then lose.
I'm in favor of letting Joel take over the closers role immediately. Jones gets saves like a blind squirrel finding a nut. Joel should be able to equal that or, one would assume, do far better.
Sean, maybe it was exciting to you. I was so angered by it I can't see straight. Extremely frustrating down to the last pitch of teh game……WHO THE HELL TAKES A CALLED THIRD STRIKE TO END A GAME?
I admit it.I am really pissed……and I am out of here…..
Un-freaking-real. I just can't stand the Twins.
Why do we suck against the Twins???? I hate the Twins so freakin' much!!!!! Freakin' Todd Jones is all to blame for this one. It's time for that old guy to retire….Unfortunately, I see us getting swept by the Twins….
Is Clete's defense really THAT much better than Thames? No. I've seen Thames make plenty of great plays. Hell, he's only had 1 error that I've witnessed, and I've seen a crapload of games. Is Thames offense THAT much better than Clete's? Yes. Same average and a dumptruck's worth more of power. Hmmm….who do we want up in the later innings? The Dr. of Strong Country Funk or Fievel. Hmmm..
Big Granddaddy Blast or little Timmy from down the street. Hmmm….. Hmmm…. I'm pissy pants pissed right now.
Another win thrown (or bobbled) away. Some good play, but also some horrible failings by the bullpen and the offense. I also have two questions about managerial decisions:
1. Why was Country Thunderfoot trying to steal third? —again.
2. Why was Cabrerra pinch run for when his run didn't mean anything at the time? He was the DH today and it's not like he was being replaced for defensive purposes.
Justin Morneau. I hope he chokes on his dinner tonite
I'm sure glad I DVR'd this game. I gotta go the gym and work out some frustration. I can't stand Jones coming in anymore. I would rather lose with 100 mph fastballs than junk that you hope gets hit to somebody. Hopefully tomorrow turns out better.
Hey, Sky (even though you're gone), I can afford to call the game exciting because I'm at work and didn't have to waste any of my free time on a game the Tigers COMPLETELY blew. You'd better believe I'd be incensed otherwise.
Please for the love of Yah-Weh, keep Fernando Rodney the hell away from late inning situations. I realize Jonesy was awful, too and the Joyce error didn't help, but Fernando Rodney is worthless!
I think it was Matt Joyce's error that lost the game.
Otherwise there's two guys on first and second with no outs instead of a run in and a guy on third with no outs.
Catt hit a home run, but lost us the game.
Who was it that posted last series how the Tigers really have Justin Morneau's number? That sounds rather foolish at press time.
Joyce's error did not lose us the game. It was the bull pen. Jones has been crappy lately, and if any errors were made in a lot of those games, we would have lost.
Rodney still isn't at top form. It may be time to give that closer role to Zumaya, or look at a trade.
For some reason getting beat by the twinkies is even more annoying since I moved to Minneapolis.
Let's just call it a team effort (from the top on down), and leave it at that. Tomorrow will be another adventure.
Do you guys think that it is time to start looking at someone else for the closer's role?
The numbers are terrible, and they have been the entire season. Problem is, I don't think that Zumaya is ready. I'd like to see a closer by committee, or else put Lopez in the role. Any other thoughts?
No one has mentioned Leyland's decision to pinch-run for Miggie in the 9th when his run was completely inconsequential, thereby forcing Rayburn to hit in the 11th when the lineup turned over. Stupid also. But on the list of reasons why we lost today, it probably comes in somewhere after the top 5.
It all comes down the same failure – the belief that Todd Jones should still be pitching in the majors. He was barely adequate in 06, inadequate last year, and the principal reason the Tigers won't make the playoffs this year. Why they didn't realize that they needed a new closer is really beyond me.
Geez. It seems like every fan melts down every time the Tigers lose. Get over it. The Tigers have won 22 of the last 32 games which is amazing.
Designate Jones for assignment. He's been getting pounded recently, and it doesn't look like he's improving.
F*** what a let down
This game blew. I still have a pit in my stomach. When the Tigers flat out lose, or get outplayed, you deal with it. But when they gift-wrap games and give them to the other team, it's much harder to swallow. I thought the team was beyond this kind of loss.
The MJ error was most unfortunate. Errors do happen, so in some sense you move on from them — even when they cost you the game. The MJ lack-of-execution in the bottom of the inning and ensuing Larrish/Pudge Ks even more unfortunate. The Tigers needed to slam the door shut right then and there, if there was any hope left of salvaging the game. They didn't. And there is no reason they shouldn't have. For the love of sweet Petunia, a suicide squeeze could have won the game.
If you must finger a fall guy, you can probably pin this loss on Matt Joyce. At the end of the day, though, these are really only AAA players. They're not always going to shine in pressure situations. So I ask, where is Sheffield? Why was he not playing today? Why pinch run for Cabrera when he's not even the winning run? What? I'm all for playing the Mud Hens. But if you're going to hold on and win some high-profile games, you also need to balance your rookies with veteran experience. The Tigers should not have lost this game.
All said, I'm more concerned about Todd Jones. The Tigers should not have been in the pressure cooker in the first place. I know there are some who continually come to his defense and point out he consistently gets the job done, even though every outing is train wreak waiting to happen. Not even his defenders can deny that. I tend to think his favorable save record is more based on fortune and luck and will regress to the mean of a mediocre, pitch-to-contact pitcher. That's a problem for the Tigers. Yes, he's only had a few blown saves, but he's continually in a situation where one pitch this way, or one ball that way, and the game is toast. Almost every time. Of all his saves, I recall two or three stress-free saves. That's not a lot.
This will not be the last time the game implodes in the ninth inning. The race will likely tighten in the coming weeks — provided the Tigers don't fold on account of demoralizing losses like today — and we are going to find ourselves relying more and more on our closer to keep us in the hunt. The Indians went through the same thing with Borowski. I honestly wish I could say you just need to chalk the Jones blowup today as an anomoly (which is what you do when Papelbon or Nathan or K-Rod or Jenks blow a save), but methinks it's more the norm and an omen of bad things to come.
Regardless of the possible force at second (assuming Joyce does his job and lays down the bunt), I still don't pull Miggy out of the game. Let him saunter into second for all we care. The runner at third is all that matters. Billfer's right on the second point. Man on third with one out = automatic walk of the next batter anyway (if first base is open). I don't think it was the right move to pinch run Miguel Cabrera.
So I wasn't planning to go to the game today but my manager came by this morning and handed me a Comerica Bank seat about 8 rows behind home plate in sec 126. So it was a work assignment. Fun for a while but WTF Rodney. Can't blame it on Jones, I'm with Billfer, if everyone had Jones's percentages this year we'd be doing much better. Back at it tomorrow!! Time to put a bit of aloe on this sunburn.
Geez. It seems like every fan melts down every time the Tigers lose. Get over it. The Tigers have won 22 of the last 32 games which is amazing.
Unfortunately, Chief, "amazing" might not be enough. If they continue at that "amazing" clip, they will close out at 92 wins, which may or may not be enough to win the Central — likely not enough to win a wild card spot. At any rate, I say all you can hope for is to lose the games you're supposed to lose and win the games you're supposed to win. Win a few that you're supposed to lose, but never and I mean never lose the games you're supposed to win. That's the Cardinal Sin the Tigers committed today.
If we were in the position of the Red Sox, or the Rays, or even the White Sox, you chalk up the loss. But we're not. Can't rage against the machine. It's simply the corner into which the Tigers have painted themselves with such a horrific start out of the gate.
I for one believe it's a bit challenging to ask the Tigers to win at a .6875 clip for the remainder of the season. It's a bit over-achieving, wouldn't you say? Especially when they give games away like they did today. But I firmly believe if you win the games you're supposed to win and take a few you're supposed to lose (like last night) you can come pretty close to making it a race. It's when you violate the mantra when you upset the sprint to the finish line.
Don't misunderstand me. I think the Tigers have a fair chance at playing in October. Except when I see them lose games like they did today. And that's why the fans are up in arms. And they have every reason.
Oh, does anyone see Dolsi as the potential future closer? Just asking to get us out of the doldrums and into a discussion.
Going out for coffee now; talk amongst yourselves!!
Yes. That was his roll in the minors.
He would blow a few — just like Jones — but I don't think he would have blown the 2 run lead today. Make of that what you will.
cib – from what I've seen of Dolsi, he has the ability and the mental makeup (which I think is more important) to be a solid closer. Maybe not great, but pretty darn good. He doesn't look afraid to throw pitches across the plate when he needs to. We'll see how he develops, but right now I like him much better than Rodney and Zumaya.
Smith- Baseball isn't like that though. The season is so freaking long to where you don't know where the WhiteSox, RedSox, Tampa, or Anaheim will be at the end of this season. Any or all of these teams can do a choke job like how the Tigers and Mets did last year.
Right now, if the Tigers had the best record in all of baseball should that matter? It shouldn't.
On July 21st last year, the Tigers did have the best record in all of baseball and that didn't matter one bit. The Win-Loss record of every team right now means nothing. It ain't over until it's clinched.
There are no dominant teams this year. There ain't any legit .600 teams either, unless you count on the Cubs or Rays to keep up there current pace.
The Tigers were in the position to win this game a few times, but they didn't. That's just the way the ball rolls. We'll surely get a cheap win back to even things out.
Royals !
Even if there are no dominant teams, wouldn't you agree it's gonna take at least 92 wins to take the Central? (or make the playoffs?). One, maybe two teams will choke — but the top two standing sure as hell won't be at 81-81 — or even 90-72…. I assure you.
I agree the White Sox are over achieving right now — everything is going their way — but 92 wins is kinda factoring in that they, or the Red Sox, or the Angels, or Yankees — or whoever — aren't the powerhouse, or "dominant" team you're talking about. However, the White Sox need only play just a tad over .500 ball here on out (I do think they are at least .500 club — no matter how bad theymight slump down the line) to get to 92 wins, (and that pace is a huge limb to go out on given the way they've played the past six weeks) whereas the Tigers have to play .678 just to catch up. It's all in the math… kinda hard to skirt this issue, regardless if we're running against a slew of medicore clubs that may be prone to tank. I think the Tigers are an inherent .600 team — which means, in my estimation, the Tigers have to over-achieve to cross the finish line ahead of the others, or to secure a wild card spot. When you tell a team they more or less must win 7 of every 10 games for the rest of the year, you get kinda miserly about the 30% you're allowed to dump. This wasn't one of them.
You're right, of course, cheap wins will come around to even things out. But those are the ones you're supposed to tack on to your .600 average.
All the teams ahead of the Tigers aren't gonna fold, like the Met and Tigers of 07. One or two, maybe. But all, no. There are only a couple playoff spots. You gotta win these kind of games if you want to be one of the final teams standing.
I had to leave when James missed the bunts. Literally made me sick and then they had the bases loaded and couldn't get a run in? My son and I went to Meijer's to buy an Old English D flag for his yard. I told him we might as well go cause the Twins were gonna win. This one hurt!
i saw curtis at somerset a few days ago in the Apple Store…on his own personal iphone…hehe!!!
I will be a huge Rangers fan the next 2 weeks. They play the black sox then after the all-star break the twinkies, and then the sox again. Go Rangers.
The WhiteSox only won 72 games last year. That should speak volumes of what they are made of. They could easily play less than .500 ball for the rest of this season.
There pitching is probably on it's way to hell.
Linebrink and Thornton will even out. Jenks is on the DL. This Chicago team is much more fragile than a carton of eggs.
Boone Logan had a 4.97 era last season. It was under 2 before he crapped the bed Tonight. Dotel stunk Today too. The way the White Sox lost Today wasn't any prettier than the way the Tigers lost.
Get over it, I don't think so. What kind of chill pills are you taking? Are you into Kaballah? This loss was devastating. The team should be making a statement to the Twinkies to get out of our way, we're coming thru. Instead, we hand them the vaseline and tell them we have been playing real good lately, but for you, we're going to do something special.
I've come to the conclusion that I can take losses better when I'm not visiting this website. I tend to fall into line with the masses that are posting here during games. Had I been here this afternoon, i'd be feeling that "punch to the gut," however, I wasn't. And I saw the game live and when it was over and went "boy, that sucked" and haven't given it a second thought. I don't feel that bad about this loss even though I probably should.
Devastating? If that's the way you think, then you're sunk for sure.
I live a competitive life style, and loses are just loses. The difference between the winners and losers over the long haul is that winners don't let the bad beats devastate them. The best thing to do when you lose is to get back on the horse, hold your head up, and have fun. Eventually you start winning again and you end up burying the losers into the ground because they don't know how to handle losing. When losers lose they get complacent, and then it's over for them.
The Tigers aren't losers. They've proven that by bouncing back time and time again this season.
Chief>The Tigers aren't losers. They've proven that by bouncing back time and time again this season.
Right now they are only one game over losers
81-81! on Oct 5 .will that be winners or losers or tiers
Jones has an ERA of nearly 5.00, a whip of 1.53.
I'd like to see some stats on what his lead is compared to other closers, but my suspicion is that he's only blown one game because he's generally come in with larger leads than other closers.
With numbers like this, I can't imagine that the Tigers won't have a closer at the top of their must haves for next season.
Looking at the #s, its of course possible for the Tigers to come back. Just look at the lead they lost in 2006. I just don't have a sense that they are going to do it this year, not that I don't want them to of course.
This was only the first or second game I've had to miss watching all year, and it doesn't look like I have anything to regret
Chief —
Your attitude is clearly unhealthy. You should be hoping that opposing players "choke on [their] dinner" 🙂
Woah. Woah. The big story of the day has to be that Curtis Granderson shops at Somerset. I'm there on a somewhat regular basis, and I've been known to wander over on my lunch break. Bumping into Curtis would make up for ten losses of yesterday's sort. I doubt most of the Somerset crowd even knows who he is, so getting a moment to say hello would probably be reasonable. I'd simply shake his hand and beg him to sign a fifteen year extension — then follow him around at a comfortable, non-stalker distance. 😛
I've come to the conclusion that I can take losses better when I'm not visiting this website.
I'm not surprised, Mike. I think that's because you tend to take the team in stride and just enjoy the game. 100 wins or 100 loses — these are just stats, afterall. But your breed is few and far inbetween. On this site there will always be over reacting (Cabrera will be out of baseball in three years) and under reacting — good analysis and questionable analysis — but it all evens out to a cold splash of truth when you wade through it.
And the truth hurts. I don't think the vast majority of posters are too cynical and over reactionary over losing just for the sake of losing. Some losses are just harder to deal with than others.
It's not like the MLB landscape is littered with bona fide closers, and the ones that are out there are locked into quality teams that don't want to let them go…
Next year, Zumaya will be the TIgers' closer. I think Dolsi and Lopez or Cruceta will set him up.
I think Zumaya will be perfect for it, if he continues to show he can shake off his mistakes. He has looked sharp and getting sharper since returning. He's clearly a far more serious major-leaguer than the "kid" who dazzled us in 2006. But he hasn't lost his stuff, which was my great fear. Remember Matt Anderson? When he could only throw 95, he weren't nothin' special. 90% of Zumaya wasn't going to be enough. We got 97% of the old Zoom back, and that should be plenty. And who knows — he may still find 103 again!
Jones has an ERA of nearly 5.00, a whip of 1.53.
And he seems to be getting worse as the season progresses. His WHIP by month:
March: 0.00 (only one appearance)
April: 1.30
May: 1.63
June: 1.69
July: 2.40
I agree with Bilfer that Jones won't be the reason the Tigers don't make the playoffs. But he could well be a reason they don't.
I'm with Brian P. This is big news.
Jones is really not a good closer from a pure ability standpoint. He is from a mental toughness standpoint. But for the most part, it is pure luck that he hasn't blown at least six saves this year. I really do hope the luck continues or that the Tigers are willing and able to stick Zumaya in there as soon as it appears that it isn't working any more with Jones.
Anyway, we've got to transition Zumaya for the closer next year. Why not commit to that sooner?
Why don't you transition Zumaya to closer now, you ask? Because he's allowing 2 baserunners per inning, that's why.
Why on earth does Leyland keep putting Rodney in there? His ERA is atrocious, and he has proven time and again that he can lose a game that's seemingly in the bag. Don't get me started on Todd Jones. Leyland didn't even mention their horrible perfprmances when he spoke to the media after the game. He always seems to love and defend the worst players. Remember Nevi ("Pop Out) Perez? I used to be a huge fan of Leyland's, but it wasn't Rodney or Jones who blew it yesterday. It was the skipper. Again.
Chief ,yes Devastating spelled with a capital D. I'm glad you live in that competitive world and can look at the big picture and put a positive spin on losses.. We need people like you to balance the negativity.
Even the media is having a hard time with this one:
Chief, the positive spin is important. I'm really okay with the positive spin and welcome a dose of it. But the article — also articulated in comments here — pretty much sums it up.
Mike R joins Chief at Happy Camp. You know Mike, you haven't been the same since you got that new computer. Be happy, get back on the horse, Chief would have told Superman. I prefer Kramden's " pins and needles, needles and pins; it's a happy man that grins.
zumuya closer next year…and i'd be fine with perry in 8th inning…if anyone watched him on ESPN, he pitched 4 innings throwing everything 95-98mph…this is of course if they don't want him to start which i think he could :)…thoughts??
I just feel like on the Internets in general, you need to be bipolar to keep up. When the Tigers won in late inning fashion two days ago all the media was overly positive, talking about the pennant race and how the division was for the taking.
Then the next day they lose a game that albeit, they should've won, and now it's a sinking feeling and they're losers and it's time to give up?
sheesh, I can't keep up.
T Smith,
Thanks for the link. Mr. Lawrence went three for three in that article.
Although the Tigers looked good on paper at the beginning of ST, the fact is that it is a really poorly constructed unit. With all the high quality players they just don't fit together well – many of holes on defense (literally), the bullpen has obvious glaring weaknesses and as far as the offense goes…well where do I begin: too slow to steal or aggressively run the bases, which means they don't put any pressure on the defense and are consequently condemned to a one-dimensional station to station strategy (compare to the Twins who have one power hitter but ran rings around the Tigers yesterday), a few too many DHs and so on. Then there is the manager. Leyland has an encyclopaedic knowledge of strategies that one should NOT employ. We know this to be true because he constantly repeats them. Managers, like the players, are not perfect and make mistakes, but one would expect over the course of a season an average manager's critical decisions would be pretty much of a wash, and indeed, the quality of play on the field (let's call that tactics) by the players decides 90% of games. In the 10% of games that are decided by strategic choices the manager bears the brunt of the responsibility. Leyland is horrendous. I think he loses 10 more games than wins a year. And if he isn't getting any worse (I think he is), he certainly isn't getting any better; making the same dumb mistakes over and over again. Even if the Tigers were to improve on their above mentioned 'tactical' qualities, I just don't have the faith that they can succeed with JL at the helm.
91 games into this season and it looks more and more like a train wreck. I still hope they can come around, but a 77-85 finish really wouldn't surprise me at this point.
I think managing is thoroughly overrated. A "good" manager can win maybe 3 or 4 games per season than an "average" manager. The Tigers will be fine. Their defense is middle of the pack (13th in defensive efficiency) and the offense, while inconsistent, is still 4th in the league in runs scored. The starting pitching has been much better after the first 6 weeks or so (ERA by month – 5.46, 4.67, 3.46, 4.42) and the relief corps has been at least serviceable for the most part (4.31 overall ERA). With Cabrera (.383/.408/.745 over the last 2 wks) and Grandy ( .364/.426/.527) heating up and Maggs on the way back, the offense should be able to score more runs than the pitching gives up on most nights. Generally when you do that, wins are a result. It's not a perfect team, but neither is anyone else.
The Tigers can lose 25 more games like they did yesterday and still make the play-offs.
71 more games left to play. 46 wins will put us 22 games over .500 and about 10 games above the choking White Sox.
On Monday, everyone said that the Tigers just need to win 4 of the next 6 home games. Well, we've won 2 out of 3 so far and it's seems everyone is devastated because of one lousy game. I'm ready to watch the game Today.
Today's game doesn't even mean much, but I'm sure everyone thinks it's the last game of the season if the Tigers lose.
It seems like when the Tigers win a bunch of games in a row I hear people say "Don't get too excited". Then if the Tigers lose 1 game after winning several in a row, then these same people get bent all out of shape like the season is over. Come on people, it's just one game.
I have lots of fun when we win, and have less fun when we lose. Everyday the Tigers play is a good day for me. I look forward to watching them play every game. To me, the anticipation for every Tiger game makes me feel like a kid on Christmas Morning.
When the Tigers win, it's like I just unwrapped a big toy truck, but if the Tigers lose it's like getting a pair of socks. I win either way because I just got to watch the Tigers play a game of baseball.
A summer without Tiger baseball or a year without Christmas, now that would be devastating.
Chief, that's beautiful.
All right Chief, you've convinced me. I just flushed my pills down the toilet and signed up for a Yoga class. As that guy from Illinois would say, serenity now, serenity now…..I'm getting verrry tired, veeerryyy ..tir…………ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

subset: commoncrawl


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Officials are hoping people will show some love on Valentine's Day as the Jersey shore works to recover from Sandy.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno launched a public-private initiative on Monday to support shore restaurants, hotels and other businesses on Thursday and beyond.
The state says New Jersey's tourism industry had been on the rebound with tourists spending $38 billion on their visits in 2011. New visitor expenditures were just shy of the record $39.5 billion reached in 2007.
Out-of-state visitors accounted for 64 percent of all tourism revenue in 2011.
Guadagno hopes the program gets the word out that the Jersey shore is open for business.
Published at 8:35 AM EST on Feb 12, 2013 | Updated at 9:06 AM EST on Feb 12, 2013


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By Hilda Oghuma
He holds a diploma in art and technique in film making from the London international Film School, London. After many years in the film industry as a cinematographer, he now manages Mainframe Films and Television productions; an outfit formed to document Nigeria's rich culture.
A true industry veteran, Tunde Kelani has worked on many feature film productions in the country, in his capacity as a cinematographer. A director, and also a photographer; TK, as he is popularly known, gives us an insight into his world of film making.
Tell us a little about your childhood
I grew up in Abeokuta with my grandparents. I started my primary Education in Abeokuta at Oke Ona United Primary School. I Went to Abeokuta Grammar school, spent quite some time in Abeokuta before I came back to Lagos.
Did your childhood influence your decision to make movies?
At that time, it wasn't about movie production. I was interested in Photography and Literature, and by the time I passed through secondary school, I had used four cameras. After secondary school, I decided to become an apprentice photographer.
Your movies often feature new artistes. Is this because you feel the more experienced actors aren't up to par?
No. I'm guided by the demand of the story at that time. It has to do with the best person that suits the character. The script decides who will be the best person to serve the interest and demand of that particular plot.
Was that why you featured Funke Akindele in your new movie Maami?
Funke Akindele is an established actress in her own right. But we have a relationship because she has appeared in minor roles in at least two of our productions. She was in 'Abeni' and 'Narrow Path'. But this time around, the new film 'Maami' confronts the dexterity and versatility of Funke Akindele's talent as an actress. She was the best person for that particular role.
What are your criteria for selecting actors and actresses?
I cast very close to the character because it is easier on the artiste. For instance, if the script calls for a 70-year-old, you cannot cast a 35-year-old man. We get a person that can interprete that particular role well.
Many Nigerians love your movies. How did you build that level of trust with the audience?
Consistency from day one. Mainframe (We) work very hard. We put the best of production value in our work to sustain the loyalty of the audience. It's about the audience, and over time for me, it has been a privilege to be acknowledged by the audience, not being a star myself, because I'm not in front of the camera. But they trust me as the producer and they trust the production company.
What prompted the fact that many of your movies focus on the Indigenous and cultural aspects of life?
It depends on the resource material. I am primarily inspired by Yoruba culture, because I was born and brought up in that culture, so that is the best way to express myself. I make the films primarily for my audience, the Yorubas'. I can't be better in a foreign language, and I have no other culture. That is why I work more with Yoruba than any other language. It is an advanced culture, in every area; literature, science, art.
What was your experience shooting your first movie 'Ti Oluwa Ni Le'?
Actually it wasn't [my first] because I had done co-production in a film years back 'The Dilemma of Father Mac'. It was adapted by Adebayo Falati; 'Idamu fa mui mu kai lu' but you probably won't know it. But in mainframe productions, the first production was 'Ti Oluwa ni le' which is 20 years old this year, and we are planning a celebration for it.
I worked with the industry for almost twenty years before producing 'Ti Oluwa Ni Le', so it wasn't a big deal, because I knew the elements of production so well. I also knew the artistes, they were my colleagues.
With the kind of work you do, how do you relax?
I relax by working. I'm still very active, I work a lot. I wish I could work every day. Part of my work is enjoyment. I actually enjoy the lifestyle when I work, because most of the time, you get a lot of variety, a lot of physical activity. It is a wonderful way of life.
You were seen at the Occupy Nigeria protest taking pictures. Do you intend on producing a documentary on it?
Not necessarily a documentary. A part of our mainframe productions is called conscience cinema. What happened in Occupy Nigeria is not different from what happened in 'Saworoide' and 'Aagogo Awo' the 'Campus Queen' and 'Arugba'. It is like reality manifesting itself through fiction.
From photography, which was your first career, how did you make the move to movie making?
I was training in the former Western Nigerian Television as a film camera man, then after working in television for about 5 years, I had to travel to attend a course in London Film School for professional training. After that, I came back and joined the industry.
Your productions are unlike the average Nigerian movie, which take about two weeks to be produced. Your movies take months, or in some cases, years. Why is this?
Usually I'm broke in between the production time because I couldn't get all the money I need at once. So if start, then I run out of money, I get some money, I go back. I wish I had ready-made funds, if I did I would be more productive. [That said] There is nothing bad in doing more than two movies in a year, but I really wish I had ready-made funds.
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I submit we need to change the Oregon state bird to the plastic bag.
Driving down the parkway and back up Third Street yesterday, I counted over 20 plastic bags. I saw them nesting on poles, gliding through the air, perched on trees and flocked against a fence.
Here is a simple solution: Have the stores charge for each bag, encouraging people to carry their own reusable bags. I lived in Norway for several years where they charged about 20 cents per plastic bag. It resulted in almost eliminating the bags. Plus it is way more convenient to carry out a big cloth bag rather than several plastic bags.
This is a four-for-one special. It will:
• Clean up our environment.
• Reduce (in a small way) oil dependence.
• Reduce prices (The stores will pass along their saving, right?).
• Make you feel good about contributing to a cleaner environment.
This act will allow us to take a tiny step away from the avarice of the consumer culture toward an ethic of altruism. (It's not socialism!)
Kermit the frog was wrong. It is easy being green.
Rick Burns


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The fjords of the of the northwest are seemingly made for tours of discovery. It's only natural therefore that you enjoy the scenery that people come from all over the world to experience. But innumerable, untouched treasures await beyond the most popular tourist routes.
Experience the Geirangerfjord and the county of Møre og Romsdal
From the magnificent world of fjord and mountain at the Geirangerfjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Norddalsfjord, Ørnevegen, Trollstigen, Hjørundfjord and Trollheimen, it is only a few hours' journey to be able to send postcards from Veidholmen, the Atlantic Ocean Road, Bud and Ona. The three largest cities in the county—Kristiansund, Molde and Ålesund—each have their own unique character and are also good starting places for day trips and longer excursions to fjords, mountains and the open sea.
Experience the Nærøyfjord and the county of Sogn og Fjordane
The Nærøyfjord is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is the narrowest fjord in the world at only 250 metres at its narrowest point. Precipitous mountains, thunderous waterfalls and small homesteads that cling to the mountain sides are the framework of the boat tour between Flåm and Gudvangen, while the nostalgia settles over the deep.
Experience the Lysefjord and the county of Rogaland
One of the most famous fjords in the Stavanger region is Lysefjorden. The fjord is 42 km long with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1000 m into the water. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Norwegian nature. With nature and tourist attractions like The Pulpit Rock and Kjærag among others, a journey on the Lysefjord will give you a long lasting experience of Norwegian nature and highlights.
Buy tickets on the tourist services.
Fjord1 and Flåm AS have merged the fjord-based tourist operations in a new joint venture named The Fjords.
To buy tickets on the Flåm – Gudvangen service (until 31. March), please use the link/button in the info box at the right side of this page.
Tickets for the summer season (from 1. April - all tourist services) can be bought here: Link


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The playoff hopes disappeared long ago, he has gone from budding phenom to question mark, his self-worth has taken a bruising and his team doesnt quite know what to do with him.
So, dont tell Andrew Cogliano there is nothing to play for down the stretch. The 22-year-old former star with the St. Michaels Buzzers is fighting for his NHL life at least the Edmonton Oilers chapter.
This year has been very trying, not only for myself, but the entire team, said Cogliano, as evidenced by the seven goals and 18 points.
The Oilers expected more. So, did Cogliano, actually. But, for the first time in his hockey career, the Woodbridge native has found himself playing on the third and fourth lines, averaging less than 14 minutes a game some nights.
Were in last place ... so nobody in this room is having the year they wanted. said Cogliano, who provided a couple of Oilers bright moments with a goal and an assist Saturday night in a loss to the Maple Leafs.
When he struggled offensively, Oilers management decided his speed he won the fastest-skater competition during the 2009 all-star skills competition might make him an ideal checking centre. So, for the first time in his hockey life, he wasnt the go-to guy offensively.
When youre put in a certain role, you have to adapt. If youre playing in the bottom six (forwards) or on the fourth line, you cant pretend youre on the top line. If theyre asking you to go hit, to go dump the puck in, then thats what you do.
The reviews have been mixed.
He certainly had a decent night in many phases, Oilers coach Pat Quinn said. Finally, he shot the puck. Thats one of the things weve been barking at him about.
They want him to be better defensively so, its been a learning curve, said Cogliano.
Ive taken steps in parts of the game Ive never done before, like playing gritty, my faceoffs are better, playing a more sound game. Im confident I always will have the offensive ability (and) score close to 20 goals a year.
But that doesnt happen on a fourth line.
Cogliano has a history of lighting up offences: 175 points in 85 junior games with the Buzzers and 78 points in 77 games in two seasons with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Dubbed the Kid Line, along with Sam Gagner and Robert Nilsson, he scored five game-winning goals his first season in Edmonton. He had 18 goals that first season; that many again last year. But the grumbling started last year about his overall play. Then came this season of disquiet and confusion.
The last 20 games, Ive been using to gain my confidence back, getting back to playing the way I did my first couple years. This game is so much about confidence. If you dont have that you cant play, said Cogliano, a restricted free agent after the season.
Wants to stay
He says hed like to remain in Edmonton.
I think its a situation where the organization is trying to find out who they want for the long haul, said Cogliano.
The Oilers want to love him but dont seem quite sure how to accomplish that. Its only the past two weeks that hes found himself back among the top six forwards.
Hes improved and were trying to give him more responsibility. Hes given good effort, said Quinn. We know (he) needs work in the defensive zone ... (and) he wants to carry the puck about two to three feet from the net and, in the NHL, I dont care how good you skate, that doesnt work.
Last night he played almost 16 minutes alongside Dustin Penner and Gilbert Brule.
Im getting a bigger offensive role again, he said. I dont think they look at me as a 30-40 goal guy. Youve got to be realistic about what you can do. This is a very tough league to play in.
But, the coaches have told me I can be a good two-way centre and its a role Id love.


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Bring me to...
10 Simple Winter Wedding DIY Projects
From place card holders to garlands and guestbooks...
Whether it's to save a little here or there or to add a personal spin on your big day, wedding DIY's are great. Even if you aren't quite the crafty queen (or king) there are some fab DIY projects out there that anyone can do. We've rounded up 10 of our favorite Winter Wedding DIY Projects to add an extra bit of festive fun to your big day. From place card holders to garlands and guestbooks, these projects are super simple and fun to make so you don't have to be Martha Stewart to create them!
1. Festive Napkins
Cinnamon sticks, holly or winter berries tied with bakers twine, ribbon or string make super alternative festive napkin holders. Image by En Route Photography via Belle and Chic.
2. Pinecone Garlands
Use like a festive bunting, as a runner for your tables or garland for fireplace mantles or to add a festive touch to your bride and groom chairs. Find out how to make your own over at The Sweetest Occasion.
3. Foliage Chair Garlands
Stunning yet simple foliage chair garlands featured on Once Wed. There's a super easy step by step tutorial to help you create your own.
4. Metallic Dipped Taper Candles
Add a little shimmer and shine with these super simple and oh-so-chic metallic dipped taper candles from Oleander and Palm. A beautiful idea for your ceremony candles or for your centrepieces.
5. DIY Wood Guestbook
Love this alternative rustic-style guest book for your winter wedding from Forever Fire Flying. Simple to do create and a lovely personal touch
6. Pinecone Place Card Holder
A pine cone is an easy and original idea for your winter wedding escort cards. You can easily dip them in glitter or spray paint them any color you want to match your wedding colour palette. Squirrelly Minds shows you hot to make your own
7. Gold-Dipped Log Candleholders
Create a rustic glam look with these gorgeous gold-dipped log candleholders from Life Over Easy. You can find the full DIY here
8. Brushed Gold Balloons
What's more fun for a festive celebration than balloons? Well, gold dipped balloons! Balloontime in conjunction with Studio DIY shows you how to make your own.
9. Metallic Wine Bottle Candle Holders
These gold wine bottles makes use of those leftover wine bottles and you have a unique table centrepiece which you can use for flowers or candles. Mix and match heights and colours to give some dimension. Soak in warm soapy water to clean and remove the labels, spray with gold or silver paint and voila! A fab, inexpensive decor idea! Image via BHLDN
10. Wool Scarf Wreath
The quickest, easiest DIY Christmas wreath you'll ever see - using a woollen scarf & a length of ribbon to create a gorgeous bespoke Christmas decoration in 2 mins flat. One of our favourite One Fab Day DIY's, you can use this at your ceremony or reception entrance or even as a chair decor. Find out how to make your own here.
For more festive and crafty winter wedding ideas check out our 10 Crafty Christmas Wreaths to DIY and Fabulously Festive Winter Wedding Favour Ideas
Chic Vintage-Inspired Winter Wedding in Dublin: Breda & MichaelReal Weddings
Bring on the festive vibesRead Now
The Insider's Travel Guide to AmsterdamThe Details
The perfect mini-moon destinationRead Now
Black Friday Discount Codes To Shop for Your Wedding (And For Christmas!)The Style
Debit cards at the ready peopleRead Now


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- Product Type: Showerhead
- Number of Spray Settings: 1 settings
- Flow Rate: 2.5 gpm
- Material: Chrome
- Connection Size: 1/2 in.
- Showerhead Face Diameter: 6 in.
- Finish: Chrome
*Items shipped from our warehouse to stores in Alaska and Hawaii will receive a 70% shipping discount.
30-Day Return Guarantee
We want you to be fully satisfied with every item that you purchase from www.acehardware.com. If you are not satisfied with an item that you have purchased (excluding Gift Cards and gas-powered outdoor equipment*), you may return the item up to thirty days after the original purchase date to receive a store credit (less shipping, handling and other charges). We recommend that you make returns of online purchases to an Ace retail store near you which will issue your store credit. If you do not have an Ace retail store near you, please contact a Customer Service Specialist by calling 1-866-290-5334 for complete return instructions. Please refer to our Return Instructions for more information about returning a purchase.
The item must be returned in good condition, in original boxes (whenever possible), and with all paperwork, parts and accessories to insure full credit. After 30 days, please contact the manufacturer directly.
*Gas-Powered Outdoor Equipment cannot be returned once gas or oil has been put in it, even if the Equipment has been drained of these materials.
What people are saying
Reviewed by 2 customers
- Adjustable
- Easy to Install/Use
- Excellent Water Flow Rate
- Good Pressure
- Multiple Settings
Best Uses
- Decorative
- Standard
Comments about WATER PIK Waterpik Aquafall 6in Drenching Rain Shower Head:
Replaced a water-pik shower head. Unsure when I bought it. After first use, though, absolutely convinced it was the right choice
- Adjustable
- Easy to Install/Use
- Good Pressure
Best Uses
- No splatter above
Comments about WATER PIK Waterpik Aquafall 6in Drenching Rain Shower Head:
We purchased this product after family member had same product. We had problems with water splattering on the wall above shower and causing water damage. This product does a fantastic job at keeping water off the wall!!!


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DUESSELDORF, Germany, Jan 22 (Reuters) - German retailer Douglas said Christmas sales fell short of its expectations as it posted a 31 percent drop in annual operating profit, hit by weakness at its books division.
It has been a fiercely competitive holiday season in austerity-hit Europe, with retailers fighting over shoppers' dwindling budgets with discounts and offers.
Douglas, which had already reported sales up 1.7 percent to 3.44 billion euros ($4.6 billion) for the 12 months to end-September, said on Tuesday revenue in its fiscal first quarter, which includes Christmas, rose 1.6 percent.
Chief Executive Henning Kreke said the figure "was slightly below our expectations."
The company, publishing its last set of annual results as a listed company following a takeover by its founding family and private equity, said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation came to 201.2 million euros for the year to September, in line with its forecast.
At the Thalia chain of bookstores, which Douglas has been restructuring after it was caught out by competition from online rivals like Amazon.com, the firm booked restructuring costs and writedowns of 155 million euros for the fiscal year, dragging the group down to a net loss of 109.9 million euros.
It would not be paying a dividend for the year, it added.
Jewellery was a bright spot, Douglas said, with sales in the fiscal year at its Christ chain of stores up 9.6 percent.
Demand for diamond rings and gold watches is being fuelled by an uncertain economic outlook, which is making shoppers in Europe's largest economy seek out gifts more likely to retain - and possibly increase - their value, experts have said.
$1 = 0.7510 euros Reporting by Victoria Bryan; Editing by Mark Potter


text: Don't judge it till you've watched it. Pizza is nomenclature for child sex among paedosadists. It's a simple and effective way to refer to degenerate tastes in way that wouldn't be recognised in normal use. I'll post the Miley Cyrus one next because the symbolism is just as troubling and her credentials as a celebrity puppet are well established.


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While the Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to try and determine who shot and killed a mature bald eagle earlier this month, they are getting some help in the form of a reward.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the game commission is offering a $250 reward and the Humane Society kicked in $5,000 more for information leading to an arrest.
"This was a senseless act," said Game Commission Southwest Region Director Pat Anderson. "Although still rare, only recently have sightings of eagles become more common in Pennsylvania. The fact that someone shot one is an absolute shame."
Wildlife Conservation Officer Shawn Harshaw tells WJAC-TV that some people riding all-terrain vehicles spotted the wounded bird on May 10 in northern Cambria County, about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh.
The bird died before it could be treated and an examination determined it was killed by a single shot from a small-caliber gun.
Wounding or killing the birds is a state and federal crime. The birds are no longer on the endangered species list, but are still considered a threatened species in Pennsylvania.
Investigators believe the bird was likely shot near where it was found, in Allegheny Township, not far from Loretto. That's because the wound was too serious for the bird to have traveled far.
In a press release, game officials say that a reward could be offered in this case.
Anyone with information on the killing is asked to call the agency's Southwest Regional office at 724-238-9523 or 1-888-PGC-8001.


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The Most Bizarre Video You'll See Today
In my travels surfing the Google on the interwebs, I remembered a classic in weirdness called 'Pickle Surprise.' This commercial (at least that's what it looks like) for something I can't quite figure out, maybe it's a recipe. Whatever it is, it's definitely one of the greatest things (and most bizarre) things you'll ever see. Is that RuPaul?
You Tube


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Air Indus, a new commercial airline in the private sector, is looking for experienced, dynamic and dedicated individuals for the following positions:
The selected candidates should possess at least bachelors'degree along with minimum 3 years experience working for an airline or IATA approved travel agents. He/She should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Interested individuals are requested to send their applications along with their updated resume to jobs@>airindus.com.pk or at P.O. Box No. 12476, Karachi latest by December 31,2012. Candidates who would like to apply for the cabin crew are also required to submit one full length and one passport-size photograph along with their application.
Google keywords
- air indus cabin crew vacancy karachi


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The Raptors released guard Quincy Douby yesterday, opening a roster spot for a possible future acquisition. The fourth-year NBA veteran had been on the inactive list since October 28 and did not appear in any regular-season games.
He averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 assists and 10.5 minutes in six pre-season outings.
Douby joined the Raptors on March 24, 2009 when he signed a 10-day contract. He appeared in seven games with the Raptors in the 2008-09 season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.0 assists and 10.4 minutes.
Nash for MVP
Raptors coach Jay Triano believes that Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash deserves some early consideration for NBA MVP, an award he has won twice before. Nash, 35, is averaging 12.6 assists and 17.6 points for the high-flying Suns.
"If they continue to play the way they are, and it's because of him, you'd have to think about it for sure," said Triano, who coached Nash on the Canadian national team in years past.
"I'd like to find that cocoon that he's been hiding in. I'll tell you, for his age and the way he's kept himself in great shape, and the way that he's playing, and the way that he's moving right now, he certainly doesn't look like a guy who's that old.
"I remember when he won the NBA award and people (suggested) it should have been Shaq, and he backed it up with two games of plus 40 points in the playoffs," added Triano. "That's him. Tell him he can't do something or hint at something that he might not be good at, and he finds a way to get it done."


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Considering a possibly uniquely human trait
Did evil exist before the advent of Homo sapiens?
Obviously not, hence the phrase "Thinking Man". You can't have the concept of evil without thought. Animals don't experience evil.
Dick Hedges, Nairobi, Kenya
• Yes, but it had been sequestered in the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Too bad about the apple.
Dennis Roddy, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
• God only knows.
Phil Morton, Berkeley, California, US
• Hell, no. No hell.
Sue Graczer, Opua, New Zealand
Query handled with care
Do we know the back of our hand?
No, it's a silly notion that's been palmed off on us. We can just thumb our noses at it, and give it the finger.
John Mildon, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Only back-handedly!
Bill Bunbury, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
• I know mine. It's easier to see than my navel.
Margaret Wyeth, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
• I know the back of my hand like the back of my hand, as any spot check will prove. Perhaps that sounds vein, but wrist assured I turned my hand to study at quite a tendon age, knuckled down and made a fair fist of it.
Jim Dewar, Gosford, NSW, Australia
Naming conventions
If the people of Nigeria are Nigerians, what do we call the people of Niger?
Nigeriens et Nigeriennes, peut-être?
Kurt Strauss, New Earswick, York, UK
Easy to articulate
How did the ejaculative "wow" gain currency?
Minimally explicit but maximally expressive, "wow" was the perfect 1960s currency for sharing the ineffable insights of psychedelic drug ingestion.
Adrian Pollock, Yardley, Pennsylvania, US
It springs eternal
Where does hope come from and how do we keep it?
We are hope hardwired for survival (Dum spiro spero) and its ultimate expression, immortality (In sure and certain hope of the resurrection into eternal life). Whenever the mould is imperfect, hope may not or cannot be maintained.
AT Nasr, Muncie, Indiana, US
• Hope flows from an eternal spring. Like most springs, much of it is lost through cracks in the ground never to be seen again. But some enterprising politicians and their henchpersons bottle and sell it. Purchasers usually find, however, that when the bottle is opened the contents have evaporated and one is left with yet another empty container to be added to the mountain of unrecyclable false promises.
Peter Hoare, Quorn, Leicestershire, UK
Allotment issues
How much space would each person have if the planet's land surface were shared equally?
A lot more than most of us have now.
George Galbraith, Taurize, France
Any answers?
Why do small flies dive to their deaths in my sundowner?
Donald Edwards, Almuñecar, Granada, Spain
Why do so many people on radio keep saying "absolootely!" instead of "yes"? Why do women throw the word "actually" (or rather akshly) into every sentence? Why do men preface all their statements with "basically"?
David Bye, Göd, Hungary


text: shipping later this month. If it sounds as good (or nearly, or BETTER) as the QSC K12, I'm in. http://www.mackie.com/products/dlmseries/lineup/ 12" and a coaxial tweeter, 30% smaller than the old Mackie PA speakers (which sounded pretty good for bass, btw), reverb and other effects built in, EQ, programmable, you can get a matching sub, 2000 watts (probably the 1000 watt Ice Power module), barely bigger than a 12" speaker, 31 lbs., $850 bucks. I have a feeling that bass amps, as we know them, are doomed. Cheers, Cameron


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I have a small amount of Tempoyak fermenting in a jar on my counter (fresh durian mashed with salt and sealed in a jar). I was planning to mix it with mashed chillis to make a sambal, but I was wondering if anyone had any other uses for it? I was looking at chillis at the store today and they were all moldy, which put the breaks on my sambal ambitions for the time being and started my thinking outside-the-box.
I was wondering, what about mixing it with mango for a sort of chutney or BBQ sauce with pulled pork?
Or if I did make a sambal (eventually, when I find some good chillis), would it be cool to mix a bit of roasted shrimp paste in with the durian and chillis, or is that overkill?
Does anyone have any other uses for this jar of Tempoyak? I used very good durian for it (I just bought too much and couldn't finish it fresh, but it was good!)


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Liberal Democrat County Councillors are claiming victory over the scrapping of the Banking on Essex scheme following the announcement made at yesterday's County Council budget setting meeting by the Leader Cllr Peter Martin to "close the initiative".
Long term critic of the scheme County Councillor David Kendall has raised questions about the scheme and challenged the whole process from when even before he was first elected back in June 2009. His concerns covered the following points:
* When the first phase was launched in December 2009 the stated ambition for Banking On Essex was to create a local municipal bank.
* The County Council put aside £50m from its cash balances to support the scheme.
* It cost £380,000 to establish the scheme but the money could never be recovered.
* He asked for the scheme to be reviewed by the Economic Scrutiny Committee and this took place in June 2010.
* By May 2010 only twelve loans had been approved with a value of £320,000
* No figures were ever made available on the number of applications turned down.
* Following the scrutiny in June members were told they were going to get regular updates on how the scheme was going but it never happened.
Cllr Kendall said:
"I believe the County Council has made the right decision to scrap Banking on Essex. I had serious concerns about £50m of Essex residents money being set aside to support Banking on Essex. I was also very concerned that It cost £380,000 to establish the scheme back in 2009. Since then the number of loans granted has been quite small and only half a million pounds has been lent to local businesses.
"I was also concerned that no figures were ever made available as to the number of applications turned down and members were not given updates on how the scheme was performing. There were also instances of businesses applying for loans experiencing problems with paperwork being lost.
"I have never been convinced that it was right for the County Council to get directly involved in Banking and it seems the Tories running Essex County Council have now finally come to the same conclusion."


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On Thursday 04 January 2007 16:12, Rahul Sundaram wrote: > ... and we need to decide on whether we need to use cdrkit or stay > with the current version of cdrecord in Fedora. Let me know if a RFE is > required. Or libburn, which is in Extras. -- Jesse Keating Release Engineer: Fedora
Description: PGP signature


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The lights are on
Veteran Member - Level 12
Click here to learn more about our points system.
Best AFV of all time:
In Western
Washington, born and raised.
On my own, how I
spent most of my days.
Wanderin' Reading',
relaxing all cool.
Countin' the minutes till
I get out of school.
At math and writing,
I was pretty good.
But I only had three
friends in the neighborhood.
Oh well, not as if I
Getting death threats, why should I be scared?
I was bored
and abhorred, day after day
So I packed a suit
case and went on my way.
Gave my
grandparents a call and they gave me a ticket
I put my feet up
and said, "Might as well kick it."
Third class, this is
Serving salt out of two ounce bags?
Is this what the
people of Nevada are living like?
Yeah, this ain't all
And I hear they're
stupid, backwoods and all that.
Is this the type of
place that they should send this sly cat?
Maybe, maybe not, it's probably a dump
I just hope they're
prepared for the Prince of [redacted]
Then, the plane
landed and I came out
This place must be in the middle of a drought
I searched, wandered,
found the car over here
We drove away, watched Vegas disappear
Hey, I haven't been here
Cars and the food have a
sandy veneer
But I ate, slept and
Then yawned, and
said "home to [redacted]."
Woke up about seven
or eighter,
Went to class, said 'gramps
see ya later'
Saw the principal, some old grump
He'd better prepare, for the prince of [redacted]
I'm not one for writing about myself doing anything spontaneously, least of all writing, which is why I never made a bio. In place of that, I'll just post what Fallen said about me being Batman (well, a Batman).
"BH though, we're definitely different Batmen if you're also Batman. You're somewhere between some pieces of BTAS, The Dark Knight Returns (NOT the TDK Rises, very different), and a little bit of All-Star Batman (thankfully not the really screwed up parts, more the "I am the dogdamn Batman!" attitude that you've presented at a few points)."
"You're more precise, logical, hard hitting, dark, and willing to push your boundaries in ways that please you while still rarely cracking a smile. You're the Batman who can justify using a sniper rifle so long as you don't actually shoot anyone using it. You'll break a guy's back and cripple him for life if it means justice is served. You don't really give a damn about authority other than your own, although you sometimes listen to the reasoning of others. You trust yourself above all else though, and are truly confident in your beliefs; which is part of what draws others to you and makes them listen to you as an authority figure."
Between that, my favorite quotes, and the Pyramid of Greatness, that's all you really need to know about me.
*This bio has not been edited to address the plagiarism mechanics
Here's a picture of me when I'm angry
When I'm happy
When I read a funny joke
Me when I realize that picture is two years old
And my dog, because why not.
Quote Section:
The Gameinformer quote section is an unformatted mess, so I decided to remove it and put some of the quotes from there, here. I recently bought "The Quoteable A**hole", so expect the size to increase dramatically.
"Man's unfailing capacity to believe what he prefers to be true rather than what the evidence shows to be likely and possible has always astounded me. We long for a caring Universe which will save us from our childish mistakes, and in the face of mountains of evidence to the contrary we will pin all our hopes on the slimmest of doubts. God has not been proven not to exist, therefore he must exist."-Provost Mikhail Zakharov
"If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed."-Marcus Aurelius
"The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury."- Marcus Aurelius
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." - Marcus Aurelius
"Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones." Marcus Aurelius
"Ninety-nine percent of the people in the world are fools, and the rest of us are in great danger of contagion." - Thornton Wilder
"Never waste your time trying to explain who you are to people who are committed to misunderstanding you."
"The only teacher who's worth anything to you is your enemy."
"[Humans] questions everything they believe, except what they really believe, which they never think to question at all."
"Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons." - Bertrand Russell
"Nationalism! Unilateralism! Materialism! Welcome maxims for those with no faith - no guiding principles of their own. Give yourself up to the whole. No need to better yourself - you're American! You're number one!" -Steven Armstrong
"So they've got us surrounded, good! Now we can fire in any direction, those b*****ds won't get away this time!" Lt. General Lewis B. Puller, USMC upon hearing his unit was surrounded and outnumbered 30-1
"When the enemy is driven back, we have failed. When he is cut off, encircled and dispersed, we have succeeded." -Alexander Suvorov
"The problem with quotes on the internet is you never know how accurate they really are."-Abraham Lincoln
Quotes About/By Me
"Only arrogant jerks quote themselves." -Me, quoting myself
"Public Education is an oxymoron." -Me
"I now picture you with a mustache." RezidentHazard
"[House of Cards is] a tv show about you in 40 years."-Shoob
I think everything disappoints Hawke. Well except Hawke." -Bloodninja
"I don't understand how people think homosexuaity is a choice. Who would choose to live a life that makes them ostracized, unliked and an outcast from society? ... Well, except, y'know, [Hawke]. - My favorite teacher
Coming eventually some random music
"Plays this song for friend
Friend: "Oh, this is the final boss theme, right?"
Me: "Nah, it plays when it's your turn"" - Youtube comment
And I'm legally obligated to have Iron Tarkus' official unofficial theme song here


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1. Death Star II by Adam S. in Ogden, UT
He says, "I've seen tons of Death Star pumpkins around, but I've never seen any Death Star II pumpkins before. So I decided to give it a whirl. It took 12 hours over 3 days and I only used a paring knife."
2. Master Yoda by Joseph Y. in Norwalk, CA
He says, "I copied some photos of Yoda from Star Wars. Three pumpkins were used. One for the head, one for the body and one for the ears and hands. Attached parts with barbecue skewers and floral pins. Added plastic eyes and some old burlap for the robe. I used clay-sculpting tools and an X-Acto blade."
3. Death Star by James D. in Warren, RI
He says, "I decided to make a "Death Star" pumpkin but did not realize until about half way through how long it was going to take. The detail was tedious and the pumpkin took about 12 hours total to do. You can not tell by the picture, but it was a huge pumpkin! I use wood carving tools to etch the skin and light brite lights to add some decoration."
4. Deathstar on a 186lb Pumpkin by Noel D. in Centreville, VA
He says, "I've been pumpkin carving since '98, and started making my own patterns in 2003. I use various wood working tools (";V"; wedges), little pumpkin carving saws, and clay loop tools for my carvings. I'm best known for my Deathstar pumpkins."
5. Jedi Master Yoda by Curtis B. in Verona, WI
He says, "I always try to find pictures of popular topics/movies from the past year or so and turn them into pumpkins. It makes it more fun on Halloween when kids recognize their favorite movie character on a pumpkin. The more challenging the photo, the better. I just use your basic pumpkin saws and knives available from the local grocery store. I often wear out the knives each year, but seeing the finished pumpkin is completely worth it." (via.)
This post was created by a user and has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. It is also not paid advertising. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can post awesome lists and creations. Learn more or post your buzz!


text:
Happy Birthday, Biggie: Top 5 Biggie Songs in Remembrance Here are five of his biggest hits to keep you going on this day of remembrance.
Listen to DJ Khaled's 'I Feel Like Pac, I Feel Like Biggie' feat. Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Swizz Beatz, T.I. & DiddyAnyone still stuck in the '90s narrative of East Coast vs. West Coast in hip hop needs to listen the post-regional rap of "I Feel Like Pac, I Feel Like Biggie."
[Video] Footage Of NOTORIOUS B.I.G. On "The Wake Up Show" Just Before His Death!
Lacrosse Announcer Breaks Into Notorious B.I.G After Goal


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UMAA2017: The Conference of Zahra
Friday, June 30-Monday, July 3 | Bethesda, MD
Get Involved
We want you to be part of UMAA's programs, experience its beauty and this is why we offer several ways to let you engage with us to help maintain and develop the nation. Whether you are a student aspiring a career in social work or a business person who loves to preserve and care about the local history or a couple looking to get married in an awesome traditional way. We have everything for all of you.
UMAAinterfaith is a community wide initiative to support centers and organizations on the ground to foster interfaith and intrafaith relationships amongst their respective localesUMAAinterfaith
UMAAraise stands for the UMAA retreat for advocacy, initiative, strategy and empowerment which is a day long workshop for regional change makers to come together...UMAAraise
UMAAnetworking aims to address the professional development aspect of community buildingUMAAnetworking


text:
You can spot portable music players practically anywhere these days, and they're plugged into ears of almost all ages. We use them to enjoy...
You can spot portable music players practically anywhere these days, and they're plugged into ears of almost all ages.
We use them to enjoy music while we wait, block out distractions at work, dictate notes, store files, and sometimes simply to tune out the world for a little peace and harmony.
Now that MP3 players are integrated into our lives, we've started accumulating accessories to make them more versatile. Today, we'll cover a few examples of the gadgets we're buying to embellish our music players. For more ideas, you can search the Internet with keywords such as MP3 player accessories.
Most Read Stories
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- Anthony Bourdain brought 'Parts Unknown' to Seattle — here's where he ate
Transfer photos:
The Apple iPod photo Camera Connector ($29) enables you to transfer and store on an iPod photo all the images you take while on vacation or away from a computer.
Just take pictures until your camera's memory card is full, then transfer those images to an iPod photo, erase the memory card and fill it up again with more pictures. The photos are stored safely on the iPod until you return to your computer and upload them for editing and more permanent storage.
The Camera Connector is about the size of a Fig Newton and uses a USB cable. When connected, go to the iPod's screen menu, click on Photo, then Photo Import to begin the transfer process. After that, you can view the images on the iPod screen.
The Connector provides a convenient alternative to carrying multiple memory cards (or a laptop) for storing the pictures you take while you're away. Just make sure the iPod and camera have enough battery power to complete the transfer before you begin.
The Camera Connector is designed to work with any iPod photo and supports cameras that use one of the three main transfer protocols: PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol), Mass Storage, and Canon Type 4. A list of supported cameras is posted at www.apple.com/ipod/compatibility/cameraconnector.html, but it reportedly doesn't include all compatible cameras.
Listen without earphones:
The Nyko Speaker Dock ($90, available later this spring) looks a bit like a half grapefruit upside down with an MP3 player on top.
It's simple to set up and operate with few adjustments the listener can make.
Simply plug the Speaker Dock into an outlet, add the player and turn it on. There's a dial for controlling volume and a button to activate the sound-enhancement mode.
The player battery recharges while plugged in, so you can listen while the player's on the Dock and then take a charged player with you when it's time to go.
Sound quality from the two small speakers is reasonable, and definitely better than I expected. It's a good choice for music lovers who want to listen while cooking dinner, visiting on the patio or curling up in bed.
The Sakar MP3 Sound Case ($30), unlike other speaker systems, is a hard-case carrier with shoulder (or belt) straps and a speaker on the front. Wear it and go anywhere while listening to music, without wearing earphones.
Here's how it works. Unzip the carrying case, insert a 9-volt battery, plug the short cord that's inside the case into the player, place the player in the pocket and turn it and the speaker on.
Select the music you want, adjust the volume, zip the case closed and off you go with the music playing.
Sound quality is decent for a single 2-inch speaker — slightly tinny, but good enough for casual listening while you're out with friends.
Other alternatives include the Harmon Multimedia JBL On Stage and On Tour portable speaker systems, which were briefly described in an earlier column (Getting Started, April 23).
Extend the battery life:
The Nyko iBoost Battery Pack ($70, the iBoost mini Battery Pack for the iPod mini is $60, both available later this spring) is a snug wrap-around rechargeable battery pack that reportedly can add up to 10 hours of extra playback time.
The iBoost is very light and barely extends the dimensions of an iPod. You can charge it up by itself (or with an iPod attached) by plugging it into an outlet, computer or car charger.
Then you can listen to the iPod by itself until the battery runs low and then attach it to the iBoost, or listen with them connected and enjoy the battery life of both before the music stops. It works well and is an asset for iPod owners who worry about running out of power.
Headphones for kids:
KidzMouse Ears headphones ($20 to $25) are designed for small heads. Because most headsets are made for big-people's noggins, parents may be glad to know there's an alternative for kids.
The headsets come in two designs (firefly and bee) and two sizes. Sound quality is about the same as other inexpensive headsets that lack noise-reduction capability to block outside noise. However, using a headset that fits is certainly better for kids than having to hold a headset on with one hand while operating the device with the other.
Write Linda Knapp at firstname.lastname@example.com; to read other Getting Started columns, go to: www.seattletimes.com/gettingstarted


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Los Angeles, Nov 11 (IANS) Rapper Azealia Banks is under police investigation for allegedly pummeling a Los Angeles nightclub bouncer.
A blurry black and white CCTV tape of the 24-year-old and her friends outside Break Room 86 last month has been acquired. She was reportedly asked to leave the club after "becoming unruly".
According to security, Banks fiddled with the fire control near the front door of the 1980s-themed Karaoke bar when she saw the security guard. The surveillance footage showed Banks and her friends jumping on the guard and attacking him. A second security guard later came to help his friend, reports aceshowbiz.com.
Police spokesman confirmed to NY Daily News that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating Banks for criminal battery. Detectives launched the probe on Tuesday.


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A 16.5-meter(650-inch)-high giant Rubber Duck created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman is towed along Hong Kong's Victoria Habour Thursday, May 2, 2013. Since 2007 the Rubber Duck has traveled to various cites including Osaka, Sydney, Sao Paulo and Amsterdam.
(Vincent Yu/AP)
A worker washes a horse named Stylish D'Oro after a morning workout at Churchill Downs Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Louisville, Ky.
(David Goldman/AP)
An Afghan border policeman prepares ammunition at a check post at the Goshta district of Nangarhar province, where Afghanistan shares borders with Pakistan, May 2, 2013. An Afghan border policeman was killed and two Pakistani soldiers were wounded in an exchange of fire along the border late on Wednesday, officials from both countries said, in a clash likely to unsettle already troubled ties between the neighbours.
Mike Gregg trudges through the snow to walk his dog, Jake, in Austin, Minn., Thursday morning, May 2, 2013. Heavy, wet snow slowed down driving and all-around travel, abruptly interrupting spring. Winter made a return appearance in southeastern Minnesota where residents are digging out of more than a foot of new snow.
(Eric Johnson/AP)
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Munenori Kawasaki, right, forces out Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Carp, bottom, at second base then turns the double play over to first base to out Red Sox catcher David Ross during fourth inning AL baseball action in Toronto on Thursday, May 2, 2013.
(Nathan Denette/THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Pedestrians are seen in front of the setting sun in Beijing May 2, 2013.
Ernie Legassey (L) and Casey Daigle return to their car after their camping trip was cut short due to a wildfire burning towards Point Mugu at the Pacific Ocean on Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County May 2, 2013. A wind-driven brush fire raging northwest of Los Angeles prompted the evacuation of hundreds of homes and a university campus on Thursday as flames engulfed several farm buildings and recreational vehicles at the fringe of threatened neighborhoods.
Members of Malaysia's opposition party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), perform a special prayer during a campaign for the upcoming general elections inside a stadium at Kota Bahru early May 3, 2013. Malaysia will hold general elections on May 5 in what could be the toughest test of the ruling coalitionís 56-year grip on power in Southeast Asiaís third-largest economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the Grand Gala Concert at Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, May 2, 2013.
New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) comes around for the puck after colliding with Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8), from Russia, in the first period of Game 1 of a Stanley Cup NHL playoff hockey series on Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Washington.
(Alex Brandon/AP)
Day in photos


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Across the country, credit unions helped make the holidays special.
'Tis the season every child should have a gift.
Some $10,000 in turkeys are donated to military personnel and their families at Nellis Air Force Base.
NuMark CU's random act of kindness benefits local nonprofit.
America First CU collected 15,542 pounds of food for local food pantries this holiday season.
Team Mid-Atlantic Corporate walked a mile a day for CMN.
Voyage FCU and Genisys CU teamed up with their local Habitat for Humanity to provide homes for deserving families in need.
It's never to early to honor veterans at AMOCO Federal CU.
Team UMassFive walks for a cure.
NW Priority Credit Union staffers' competition a win for Muscular Dystrophy Association.


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New Demographic Change Database Available
New Demographic Change Database Available
The future of the nation's forests, the communities embedded in them, and the ecosystem services they provide depends on the ability to anticipate change and respond appropriately to it. This is a particular concern for resource managers, planners, and policy makers because natural resources respond to change slowly and benefit from long-range planning and management. This new database provides a powerful tool for advancing integrated research and planning by giving ready access to a wealth of recent information on demographic change, national forests, and the social and economic characteristics for each U.S. county. The data are present both in maps and in a database.
The research project is a collaboration between researchers at the USDA Forest Service and the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire. It was supported by the Forest Service Northern Research Station, Rocky Mountain Research Station, and Washington Office as well as by the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.