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Message Board
Robert Shapiro and Walt Becker Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Becker has written!
Author Becker's Book Reviews
Morrow, May 2001, 25.00, 320 pp. ISBN: 0688176852 Highly regarded Louisiana Dr. Daniel Wyatt is expected to be a breeze for accepance by the Senate as the new Surgeon-General. However, the father of three has had a recent indiscretion that could derail his nomination. He slept with a patient Sarah Corbett, who is now pregnant. Daniel suggests an abortion, but Sarah rejects the notion. Attorney Claire Davis, a pro-choice advocate, gi...

subset: commoncrawl


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Cleanliness and Hygiene Standards for Group Child Care FacilitiesSkip to the navigation
Topic Overview
When touring a child care facility, ask about and evaluate the physical environment for signs that it is clean and generally well-kept. Notice whether the staff members practice good hygiene, and ask questions to clarify policies. Consider the following issues:
- Is the facility clean? Are toys and other clutter kept off the floor? Are wastebaskets placed throughout the facility?
- Are there written policies for cleanliness of staff members? For handling of environmental waste (such as vomit, blood, or feces)?
- Where are the restrooms and
- Can even the smallest toddlers reach them?
- How often are they disinfected?
- Do you see the staff washing their own hands and helping children wash their hands?
- Are separate sinks used for hand-washing after diapering a child or using the bathroom and before preparing food?
- What are the diapering practices? Diapers should be changed in a designated area away from food preparation areas. Surfaces should be nonporous and sanitized after each diaper change. (Disposable paper pads may also be used for a changing surface and thrown away after each change.) Diaper-changing procedures should be clearly written out and posted at the changing area.
- How frequently are toys disinfected?
- What type of bedding is used for naps? Children should have their own mat, cot, and bedding and have it washed at least on a weekly basis.
- How often are floors/carpets cleaned?
- Does there seem to be enough space for the number of children?
- Is there good ventilation? How often are rooms opened to allow fresh air to enter? Notice whether there are any stale or foul odors.
- Is the facility well-lit?
Related Information
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Current as ofMay 4, 2017
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Next Section:Related Information
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Current as of: May 4, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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As national retail chains pull back growth strategies amid same-store sales figures that are the worst in decades, mixed-use projects that had been in the works for years are suddenly being thrown into disarray. Retail, once the main ingredient in the mixed-use recipe, is becoming a garnish. The most creative builders are not bolting from the kitchen, however. In some cases, builders are concocting new mixed-use combinations. Developers and architects are tossing new uses—a pinch of health services here, a dash of education there—into the mixing bowl to create a new model that, if successful, could prove to strengthen the mixed-use movement for the better.
For developers, the challenge is to bring in the right tenants in a timely way to bolster occupancies. The titanic shifts in the economy are having clear effects on the retail development business. A pipeline that was bursting at the seams 18 months ago is now down to a trickle. But some mixed-use projects were so far along that it was too late to stop. Instead, architects and developers have had to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to salvage the projects. They have had to look to other types of tenants to help drive traffic and create the volume of all-day traffic vital to making mixed-use environments successful.
That's proving not to be such a bad thing. Many so-called mixed-use projects that retail developers have built in recent years were not truly mixed-use, in the strictest sense of the term. The Urban Land Institute defines mixed-use as "projects that have three or more significant revenue-producing uses; significant functional and physical integration of the different uses; and conform to a coherent plan." But some developers have pawned off residential towers with first-floor retail as mixed-use. In other cases, multi-phased projects where residential, retail and other uses are built next to each other in distinct zones have been termed mixed-use. It's become clear that these projects are merely retail centers with ancillary uses tacked on. They are not actually integrated projects.
The success of the retailers at those projects is becoming the make-or-break factor. All uses are not created equal in these settings and the success of one is not dependent on the success of the others. True mixed-use centers, experts argue, are projects that have a life of their own and where the success or failure is shared because of the integrated nature of the projects.
The most successful mixed-use projects provide retail that serves residents and workers on site throughout the day while at the same time serving as a draw to a wider trade area. There should be a constant flow to and from the site for much of the day and not just during morning and evening rushes. Achieving this flow requires a true mix of uses that draws traffic at different times and for different reasons.
Key connections to mass transit don't hurt either. And an integral piece to this all—developers are finding—is bringing in uses that are not conventionally considered one of the main commercial real estate food groups (office, industrial, retail, multifamily and hospitality).
In short, what developers and retailers are quickly learning in this climate is that the old strategies don't work in this new economy. The key to success is deeper diversification while also being as creative as possible in terms of lease terms and financing and bringing in nontraditional tenants. Moreover, making sure the project is original and truly tied to the existing community is crucial.
Cookie-cutter mixed-use projects that appear to have dropped from the sky with no connections to the existing urban fabric are not succeeding. Ones that are more integrated are performing better.
For example, at Blackhawk/Halsted, a 225,000-square-foot mixed-use facility in Chicago's Clybourn Corridor, Towne & Country Pediatrics recently moved into the site, joining Advocate Health Centers, Pine Dental, Associated Allergists and Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group.
For REI, the outdoor lifestyle retail anchor on the site, medical services at the facility create a steady stream of traffic, and business, says Michael Drew, cofounder of Chicago-based Structured Development LLC, adding his retail tenant is "doing exceptionally well" as a result. "Having Towne & Country in the mix is attractive to other tenants," Drew says.
The British School, another tenant, has 600 students, and offers REI an additional pool of potential business. Drew says parents drop off their kids at school or for an appointment at the doctor, and then end up shopping at REI. "Between all of these, we have created a more synergistic mixed-use center," Drew says.
There are other examples of the new mixed-use twist. Michelle Seifert, associate vice president of the Retail Services Group at Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida in Tampa says the firm is currently working on a mixed-use project where more than 50 percent of the project is targeted to medical and office uses.
Meanwhile, Ross Halle, vice president of architecture and town planning at Avalon Park Group, says his firm has looked to community and civic organizations to fill space at centers the firm is developing. "Because a mixed-use environment is more diverse, it is more accepting to a variety of users that are not purely retail," Halle explains. "This mix of retailers, civic organizations, and service establishments creates a healthier economic situation that can adapt to the changing needs of the market. The different uses also create more vitality throughout the day rather than just at some peak evening or weekend hours."
To be sure, simply trying to further diversify uses in a center isn't a cure-all for every development. Furthermore, there remain opportunities, even in today's tough climate, to proceed with more traditional mixed-use projects. For example, Houston is proving to be more resilient than other markets.
"Office leases, restaurants and residential continue to be strong in the Houston market," says Jonathan Brinsden, executive vice president and COO of Houston-based Midway Cos. Traditional retail is under more pressure, Brinsden says, but the relative strengths in other uses means the company hasn't had to completely rework the massive CityCentre project that the company has under development.
CityCentre is a 1.8-million-square-foot, mixed-use project set for completion in September. About 400,000 square feet is carved out for upscale retail, restaurants and entertainment. There will be a fitness facility, office space, 370 multifamily residential units and 250 urban lofts as well as brownstones, penthouse-style condos and hotel rooms.
The COO acknowledges that Midway has altered its strategy as a result of the macroeconomic climate. And this is opening doors for new types of tenants, such as a culinary school. But it hasn't gone so far as to consider medical or educational uses. That's "not an option for us at CityCentre," Brinsden says. The target market demographics for the center, he says, simply don't make it a good candidate for those kinds of unconventional mixed-use tenants.
Trouble finding tenants
This newfound creativity on the part of mixed-use builders seems like a progressive step. In part, however, it's born out of necessity stemming from the shrinking pool of potential conventional commercial real estate tenants. And arguably no segment has slowed down as much as retail in the current economic quagmire.
"It's more challenging to find tenants right now," Seifert says. Retail sales have fallen off. ICSC expects same-store sales to be cumulatively negative through the first six months of 2009 on the heels of the first-ever drop in same-store sales during a holiday shopping season. As a result, retailers are scrapping expansion plans, closing stores and, in the most dire cases, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection or deciding to liquidate entirely. An informal count by Retail Traffic indicates that announcements to date from retailers shutting stores, liquidating or filing for bankruptcy could affect up to 2,910 stores. For comparison, in all of 2008, about 6,100 chain stores were closed, according to data from ICSC.
"There certainly are less individuals or businesses looking to relocate, expand or start a new company in the current economy," Halle says. "So yes, it makes filling the space a bit more challenging."
There is a bright spot to this. Brad Freel, chairman and CEO of Midway Cos., says this presents a special opportunity for regional retailers who can differentiate themselves from larger, more homogeneous chains. "Personally, I like the regional guys because they do bring in something unique," Freel adds.
When retailers are willing to sign on the dotted line, however, they are asking for large incentives. Halle said the amount of incentives and concessions being given today "are much greater than any time in recent history." Halle did not reveal the specifics, but says retailers are looking for generous terms, including free rent and shorter lease periods. Existing tenants too are asking for help, looking to restructure leases.
That's just one problem for retailers, however. Retailers that rely on franchisees for expansion face an additional hurdle in that it's become difficult to line up financing to allow the opening of new units. Seifert says financing for these types of users is "practically nonexistent and if they are not well capitalized, it's hard to make the deal work." As a result, Seifert says the firm is "listening to the tenants and are empathetic to their situations. If you can't be creative and see the potential for the future, then now is not the time for you to build. And in this environment being 'creative' has taken on a brand new meaning."
Bigger is better
Barry Rosenberg, president of Columbus, Ohio–based Steiner + Associates, has a different take on the mixed-use market. In the current shakeout, retailers are gravitating to larger projects, regardless of whether they are mixed-use or not, rather than smaller centers. He says retailers are looking to be part of large clusters of retailers—projects that contain 800,000 square feet or more.
"The 100,000- to 200,000-square-foot open-air center—unless it is an extremely strong in-fill site—is not working," Rosenberg says. "Retailers want to be a part of well-anchored 800,000- to 1,000,000-square-foot retail centers. As for the office and residential within our mixed-used projects, we are having strong success with both of these components. Clearly people want to live and work as part of these mixed-use developments and this part of our centers continues to be very strong."
Consumers are being drawn to dense developments in this climate. They are reducing shopping trips. They also want convenience and to "shop local," as Drew puts it. As a result, mixed-use centers that offer this mix are performing better today. Further, retail environments that are sustainable and create a sense of community—places that consumers have formed some kind of connection with—are faring better. And city planners, for their part, see mixed-use as a good fit for higher-density, pedestrian- and public transportation–friendly development, Drew says.
"Consequently, mixed-use projects are very attractive to both seniors and young families with children," Halle says. Children can walk to school, music and sports practice, and seniors can go to the bank, hair salon and get groceries without having to get into a car. "Due to the senior and young demographic in these areas there is a need and market for a broad spectrum of medical services. These services continue to expand as the area continues to mature. These factors are resulting in a benefit for these projects."
That's why developers remain committed to these projects despite the recent hiccups. John Crossman, president of Orlando-based Crossman & Co., agrees that filling in the retailing component of a mixed-use site has been a challenge of late, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. "It is back to basics—cold calling, research, working a ton of hours," Crossman says.
And ultimately, it just makes more sense given broader demographic trends. Incorporating medical uses, in fact, is more than just a good temporary solution. It also will serve a long-term need as more than 70 million baby boomers continue to age and require greater medical care.
"It goes to the trend of providing easy access to services for the customer," Crossman says. "What defines the average American consumer is that they are busy. Part of the change of our society from malls to mixed-use is that consumers are busy and want more simple lives."
Permanent shift?
Some analysts see a fundamental and permanent shift in consumer spending habits as a direct result of the recession. So, for certain retailers, settling into a mixed-use site can be beneficial. The failure of national brands like Circuit City and Linens n' Things reveal the oversupply of mass-produced items in the marketplace, Halle argues. "As these anchors fail, so will the retail centers they are in and so will the smaller stores who depended on them for traffic," he says. But because mixed-use isn't reliant on single large tenants as anchors, such properties could be more sustainable over the long run and not succeed or fail based on the fortunes of a single retailer. This ability to diversify and adjust to changing market demands will be important for success and something a mixed-use development has to offer.
From a design perspective, architects are looking back at pre–World War II era communities for inspiration. Neil Kuhns, director of design at MCG Architecture's Irvine, Calif., office, says the popularity of mixed-use centers represents a return to a "more livable model for community planning and lifestyle."
"What we call 'mixed-use' was the way that everybody lived until master-planned, use-segregated communities became popular," Kuhns says. As a result, the way developers and architects should approach projects should reflect the ambiance, sense of community and sense of place offered by more established communities. "The difference is that the newer projects must be designed to accommodate a larger, more diverse population," he says.
Ease of use, convenience and safety offered by enclosed malls isn't what shoppers are after any longer. Instead, design should be appropriate to the region and needs of the project.
The uncertainty surrounding the economy makes it hard to know for sure how mixed-use centers will evolve. Analysts and economists see a slow recovery, perhaps beginning later on this year—at the earliest.
Nevertheless, sociologists see people yearning for community and working toward building stronger ones via gardens and creating civic groups. "The interest in mixed-use will naturally grow with the changing economic and psychological needs of our society, including a renewed need for a sense of community," Kuhns says.


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Fall 2012
Please visit the Bursar's Office website for fee information and payment deadlines.
Last update: 08/19/2011
Monday, May 7
Fall 2011 enrollment appointments posted on mySJSU
( How do I view my enrollment appointment?)
Tuesday June 5 - Sunday, August 12
Advanced Registration period
Enrollment Limit is 14
Wednesday, July 4
Independence Day - Campus Closed
Monday, August 13 - Tuesday, August 21
No Registration Activity
Wednesday, August 22 - Tuesday, September 11
Late Registration period
Enrollment Unit Limit is 18
Wednesday, August 22
First day of instruction
Monday, September 3
Labor Day - Campus Closed
Tuesday, September 4
Last day to drop a class without a "W" grade
Tuesday, September 11
Last day to add
Last day to submit Audit option(PDF)
Last day to submit Credit/No Credit grading option(PDF)
Last day to submit Instructor Drops(PDF)
Wednesday, September 19
Enrollment census date
Monday, November 12
Veterans Day - Campus Closed
Thursday, November 15
Last Day to withdraw - please go to AARS's petitions page and look for Withdrawal from the Semester Request(PDF)
Thursday, November 22 - Friday, November 23
Thanksgiving holiday - Campus Closed
Monday, December 10
Last day of instruction
Tuesday, December 11
Faculty web access for Fall's grade posting opens at 8am
Wednesday, December 12 - Tuesday, December 18
Final Exams (Exam Schedule)
Friday, December 21
Fall 2012 grades due from Faculty (Preliminary Deadline)
Saturday, December 22
Fall 2012 grades viewable on mySJSU
Tuesday, December 25
Holidays observed - Campus Closed
Tuesday, January 1
New Year's Day - Campus Closed
Fall 2012 grades due from Faculty (Final Deadline). Grade Roster will be closed at 11:59pm.
Wednesday, January 2
Deadline to clear Fall 2011 Incomplete grades
Monday January 7
Academic Standing viewable on MySJSU


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After attacking her costar Meeka Claxton in Rome on the last episode of Basketball Wives, it seems Tami Roman is now trying to get Meeka kicked off the show.
Days after Meeka sued Tami for assault and battery, rightfully so if you've seen the footage, TMZ is now reporting Tami has given the show's producers an ultimatum. Tami told the producers that if Meeka is allowed to return next season, she will quit the show. The reason? It all has to do with Meeka's lawsuit of course.
Tami tells TMZ the lawsuit was the straw that broke the camel's back. Tami states she knows "things got out of hand" with Meeka and that she's "embarrassed" that things got violent.
But get this, Tami says she was willing to forgive and forget until Meeka decided to sue. Um shouldn't Meeka be the one doing the forgiving and forgetting? Now Tami is saying, "I will NOT work with someone who is suing me, when they know what this situation is all about. I want to be clear, if she returns in any way, form or fashion I do not plan on participating."
A rep for Meeka had no comment.
My take is that Tami is absolutely nuts and delusional. Right after TMZ broke the news of the fight, she kept stating she was simply defending herself against Meeka. But as the footage revealed, she absolutely was the aggressor and physically attacked a defenseless Meeka. Now Meeka is not a saint and brought a lot of the drama on herself, however she did not deserve to be physically attacked by Tami.
Plus wasn't Tami the same woman threatening to sue Evelyn during this season? Also, reality stars usually sign multi-year contracts with the networks for their reality shows so it might not be Tami's choice on whether or not she will be returning to the show. A new episode of Basketball Wives airs tonight on VH1 at 8/7c.


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Not all noncompete agreements are created equal
Since last month's article on noncompetition covenants, I've consulted with several other veterinarians who've taken jobs only to be faced with exactly the sort of cruel irony I discussed last month. The emails and telephone calls come from all sorts of doctors—from new graduates to double-boarded specialists—yet the story is so often the same. I'll frequently hear, "I signed a contract containing a non-compete and a salary (or percentage compensation arrangement) and now the practice's economic situation won't support my promised pay rate."
On the other hand, the principle of unintended consequences is alive and well in this area of the law. You don't need to field desperate phone calls from newly employed veterinarians to recognize why the concept of the non-compete is increasingly vilified.But it's not the legal language or the players involved that has changed the employment relationship. What has changed—and dramatically so— is the economy. The Great Recession of 2008 has altered the employment dynamic in ways that are far from obvious for employers and associates alike. Let's look at how this chronically slow economy has made non-competition clauses more onerous than in the past.
Location, location, location
Consider that whether one is a new graduate or a board-certified specialist, the decision of where to work is a major life choice—and sometimes such a choice for more than one person in a household. It ordinarily means a lease or a mortgage, difficult decisions for spouses and partners as to whether to move or stay put, and potentially, an impact on partners' respective careers and educations. And usually attached to veterinarians' ankle is an almost-real ball and chain: the non-competition obligation preventing them from working nearby if their current job doesn't work out.
For many years, when the economy was stable and clients were plentiful, associates almost always stayed on at any job they took under contract, at least for the agreed contract period. If they left, it was due to a lack of "chemistry" with the employer or because both parties couldn't agree to a subsequent year's compensation level.
Now, though, a new factor is causing employed veterinarians to leave jobs—unexpected economic hardships their employers experience. As our economy continues to behave anemically and unemployment remains high, average transactions and client visits drop, and associates who have been recently hired find themselves at risk for losing their jobs due to a layoff. Further compounding this issue is that associates remain shackled by non-compete language.
Today more than ever, veterinary associates and their families are just getting past the economic hardship of moving to a new town when sudden unemployment hits. Savings are depleted and one or more children may be enrolled in a new school district when—BAM!—Mom or Dad gets laid off by their clinic employer and can't go to work anyplace else nearby because of their employment contract's non-compete.
Remember that in most cases, non-competition covenants continue to remain in effect long after the employment relationship has ended.


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Hometown of Conway savoring Jeff Locke's Pittsburgh Pirate successBy MICHAEL SANSERINO
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
June 25. 2013 6:47PM
CONWAY — Shadows start to creep up the southwest slope of Rattlesnake Mountain as Alan and Pam Locke settle into cushioned wooden chairs on their front porch. In a few minutes, their son, Jeff, will step on the mound at PNC Park, about 600 miles away, to pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But they have no plans to watch.
"We don't even have the baseball channel," said Pam, a slender, middle-aged woman with long blonde hair.
It's not that they aren't interested. In fact, they already had talked to Jeff on the phone earlier in the day, and their son gave them a scouting report on the only team to beat him this season.
"Remember," Alan told his son, as he often does when the two are separated, "I'm always in your back pocket."
Instead of watching Jeff pitch, Alan usually will sit in front of his modest wooden home and watch as cars pass. Or he'll chop wood, piles of which are twice his height and dot his yard.
"I get too nervous," said Alan through a thick New England accent. Tattoos crawl up and down his arms, including a black and gold "P" on the inside of his wrist.
For Jeff, this is home. And that word might mean more to him than it does any of his teammates.
Cradled between peaks of the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire, the Mount Washington Valley is like a painting lifted from the walls of an art museum.
Those born here rarely leave. And those who visit never want to.
"Are you kidding me?" Jeff said. "There's no reason to leave. It's like vacation all the time up there."
He never took a plane ride until he visited Florida as a high school senior. He never left the Eastern time zone until he was 23 and making his second major league start in California.
The valley is a destination for many, but a home to few. Including the villages of North Conway, Center Conway, Kearsage and Redstone, there are about 10,000 year-round residents in the town of Conway.
"It's small," Jeff said. "But it's everything you could want."
The area attracts skiers in the winter, climbers and paddlers in the summer and explorers in between. Mount Washington dominates the landscape. At 6,288 feet, it's the highest point in the Northeast, and its fierce winds curl over the summit and whip the valley.
But they never detract from its majesty.
"Sometimes I have to pull over when I'm driving, just to look," said Bill Jones, president of the Mount Washington Valley Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League. "I'll slap myself just to make sure I still live here."
With tourism by far the area's primary industry, hospitality is as much a means for living as it is a way of life.
Those who know Jeff — and now, even those who don't — are bubbling with excitement over the success of this star left-hander who led Kennett High School to a state championship appearance during his senior season, 2006. Some swear Kennett would have won had Jeff been able to pitch, instead of being kept off the mound by New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association pitch limits. Named the New Hampshire Union Leader All-State Baseball Player of the Year at the end of that season, he remains the only two-time winner of the award.
Locke, who started for the Pirates Tuesday night against the Mariners in Seattle, leads National League starters with a 2.01 ERA and is tied for the team lead in wins at six. Only Boston's Clay Buchholz (1.71) has a lower ERA in the majors.
Residents are shelling out hundreds of dollars for special TV deals that will let them watch Pirates games in Red Sox country. Students at Kennett are wearing more black and gold than usual.
"You walk down the hall, and it's black and yellow all over the place," said Noah Weeder, a substitute teacher at Kennett who was one of Jeff's teammates. "Well, it's Bruins, too. So it's a mix of black and yellow and black and gold."
Shared vision
Pam Locke tries to stay more connected than her husband when Jeff starts. She follows all of his outings online, and she is curled up in the living room, the computer in front of her on a low table, watching each pitch on an animated game tracker. On this Friday night, however, her plans have been compromised.
"I can't get it to work," she said, as she clicked around her browser window. "It keeps freezing."
In the meantime, Alan strolls around his property. In one garage he has two motorcycles, the titles to which Jeff gave him as a retirement present after Alan had spent most of his life detailing cars at the GM dealership down the street. Another garage bears the battle wounds of countless days when Pam would sit on the porch and Jeff would pelt the facade with pitch after pitch.
That is, until Alan came home from work. Then, come rain, sleet or snow — and there was a lot of snow just 100 miles south of the Canadian border — the two would play catch to hone Jeff's baseball skills.
"That's all he did," said sister Corie, 11 years Jeff's senior.
Here, the Lockes have made their home for 36 years, first living on the land in a mobile home. Now there is a two-story wooden house adorned with balls, bats, jerseys, lineup cards and photos of Jeff's career.
"Everything's basic around here," Alan said.
"No, everything's baseball around here," Pam corrected.
While playing catch is a pastime for many fathers and sons, it was a profession for the Lockes. Jeff was just 2 years old, swinging his left arm to grab pieces of wood when his father first thought he might have some talent.
So Alan pushed his son. And Jeff never pushed back.
"They had a special bond between the two of them," Jones said. "It's not too often a 6- or 7-year-old kid and his dad share the same vision. And they did."
"Jeff wanted it," said high school teammate and childhood friend Todd Frechette. "He loved baseball, so it was easy for him to have his father push him."
"He never resented it," agreed fellow teammate Robbie Knox.
Between phone calls from friends and family, Pam finally gets her laptop computer up and running.
"You're not going to believe this," Pam said. "But Jeff's only thrown 27 pitches over three innings."
High school star
Almost every week, Jeff gets a call from Lloyd Jones, sports editor at the Conway Daily Sun. For many in the area, his articles are their best way to keep up with Jeff, whom he has covered since he pitched for the North Conway Royals in the Cal Ripken League.
"He hasn't changed a bit since I met him," Jones said.
Jeff is still the quiet and friendly guy who always threw hard, though most in the valley claim he threw harder in high school. Many remember those games Jeff's senior year when dozens of scouts lined the backstop at the high school baseball field, with picturesque views of mountains in the distance and an active train track running parallel to the third-base line, just 50 feet away.
"They were all petrified of the moose," Lloyd Jones said of the scouts, "because there were moose crossings everywhere."
But the scouts weren't scared off by this New Hampshire arm.
John Eastman, Conway's parks and recreation director and the former pitching wins leader at Kennett, said he never believed a pitcher from the Mount Washington Valley would ever get a serious look from major-league scouts. Baseball season is so short there because the snow doesn't thaw until April, so high school teams play just 12 games before beginning the postseason.
In baseball hotbeds such as California, Texas and Florida, pitchers can build arm strength by pitching almost year round.
"I used to think that living in New Hampshire, in northern New Hampshire, you couldn't get a look because people didn't think you could handle the innings," Eastman said.
Though skiing, hockey and now lacrosse are all more popular in New Hampshire than baseball these days, the state does have some strong ties to the sport. Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk is from Charlestown in the southwest corner of the state, and Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter grew up in Raymond and pitched for Trinity High of Manchester in the middle of southern New Hampshire. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington also grew up in southern New Hampshire, in Milford.
And Babe Ruth's last surviving daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, born in 1917, lives in Conway, on the other side of a creek from an old minor league ballpark.
The Atlanta Braves drafted Locke out of high school in the second round of the 2006 draft with the 51st overall pick.
Alan gives Lloyd Jones a lot of credit for helping generate interest in Jeff's talent. Before the draft, Jones dubbed Jeff the "Redstone Rocket," a nickname that has stuck in the valley to this day.
Local hangout
About three miles from the Lockes' home, Dave Stone — Stoney to anybody who knows him — is far from settled on his living room sofa. He's animated with each of Jeff's pitches.
"Good pitch, Jeffrey," Stoney said after a nasty curveball got the Dodgers' A.J. Ellis to strike out swinging to end the fifth inning.
Between innings, he invites Alan and Pam over to eat pizza and watch the game, knowing full well what to expect in response.
"He knows I won't go over there," Alan said.
As operations manager at Horsefeathers in North Conway, a place for "Sustenance, Merriment and Cheer," Stoney first met Jeff almost 15 years ago. Then, Jeff often ate at the restaurant after a youth baseball game across the street at Schouler Park.
Some things have changed since then. They rarely play baseball at Schouler Park anymore because too many home run balls cracked too many windshields as cars drove through downtown, said Kevin Drew, vice president of the Cal Ripken League.
Then again, some things haven't.
"He still eats the same thing today he did 15 years ago," Stoney said of Jeff, who seldom steers away from the panko crusted chicken tenders.
Stoney has been "like a wall" for Jeff, Alan said. And whenever Jeff is back in North Conway in the offseason, there's a good chance he will be hanging out with Stoney at Horsefeathers.
The two are close, though Stoney is almost twice Jeff's age. Close enough, at least, that a man with an homage to the Red Sox on his New Hampshire license plate admits to now knowing more about the Pirates than he does the Red Sox.
After a moment of surprise to see Brandon Inge pinch-hitting for Jeff after he had thrown just 75 pitches in seven shutout innings, Stoney stops to applaud his friend.
"Good job, Jeffrey," he said.
Elsewhere in the valley, Bill Jones turns on his radio feed in his basement but he's missed all of Jeff's outing. He listens in as Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli finish the game, keeping the shutout intact.
Living the dream
Last week, Corie was watching one of those rare games at Schouler Park, a field as quaint and as awe-inspiring as the one depicted in "Field of Dreams." From home plate, a batter can see Cranmore Mountain in right field and the town center beyond second base. From the mound, a pitcher can see a masterfully restored train station off the third-base line.
Her 9-year-old son, Ethan, who bears a strong resemblance to his uncle, was playing in the Cal Ripken League championship.
"He's a pitcher," she said of Ethan. "He's just like his Uncle Jeff.
"I was just thinking, 'Gosh, it was not that long ago we were up here watching Jeff play in an all-star game.'"
It has been more than six years since the Redstone Rocket left home to try to make it in the major leagues. And now the region is rallying around his success. The concern in New Hampshire isn't whether Jeff can keep it up; it's whether he'll make the All-Star Game.
Months ago, most wondered whether Jeff would even make the Pirates' opening-day roster.
After watching Jeff earn a win against the Dodgers, Corie pulled out her phone and texted her brother.
"Another awesome game," she wrote. "So proud of you."
The valley hasn't changed much since he left. Neither has he. It helps that home is never too far away.
All he has to do is look in his back pocket.


text: A Global Melting Pot January 13, 2010 09:45 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Charlene Finck Farm Journal Editor Email Having just left careers in Seattle and moved back to the farm in east-central Washington, Cameron Carstensen and Nicole Kay Uken are no strangers to culture shift. Settling into Carstensen's great-grandmother's house and getting into a groove on the family farm is incredibly different than being a sales manager and an actuary in a big city. "It was a good time for us—and the farm—to make the change," says Carstensen, who farms with his father and uncle. "Going to Agritechnica was a perfect way to get more immersed in global agriculture." The lucky Almira, Wash., couple were the Top Producer winners of a trip to Agritechnica 2009 sponsored by the DLG, host of the world's largest machinery show. As a part of the experience, the pair attended a European Young Farmers conference that brought together 500 young entrepreneurs to listen to a panel discussion and attend an enormous Young Farmer's Party with some 2,700 attendees. All Corners of the World. "The panel was one of my favorite parts of the trip," Carstensen explains. "There were farmers from Germany, Russia, Spain, Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand. They talked about the challenges they face and how they plan to make their farm profitable long-term." Beyond the gatherings designed to network farmers, Carstensen also made connections on the show floor. Even though there were more than 350,000 visitors from 81 countries at the show in Hanover, Germany, during the second week of November, it was easy to connect one-on-one with other attendees. The couple actually started networking on the shuttle ride to the show. "We sat next to an Italian businessman who worked for a construction machinery company," Carstensen says. "He was heading to the show for business meetings." That was the first connection, but certainly not the last. "I talked to a Russian farmer at one of the booths for almost an hour about his tillage practices," he adds. The couple tackled the 18 halls sprawling across the Hanover fairground to see as many of the 2,300 exhibits as possible. Most of the halls are organized by type of exhibit on display, but the breadth of the show stretches far beyond farm shows in the U.S. In addition to crop-related machinery, there were expansive displays relating to forestry, biofuels, livestock, toys and the latest university research. "One of the coolest things we saw was a prototype of a machine that looked like a hand," Carstensen wrote in his trip journal. "In theory, it could connect to equipment in place of a steering wheel and would mimic your movements." In Their Own Words The couple's winning 150-word essay says it all: "This past year, my wife and I quit our careers in Seattle and moved to my family's farm in rural Washington. We will be the fourth generation on this farm and part of an even longer line of farmers preceding my great-grandfather's arrival from northern Germany. We realize that making our farm successful into this next century will require a respect for the tradition that has sustained farming as a way of life for our family for so long. But it will also require increasing innovation, tapping into technology's ability to improve efficiency and optimize returns. We're hoping to attend Agritechnica to learn about cutting-edge innovations, talk with farmers from around the world to learn different approaches and step outside of the mentality of 'this is the way it's always been done.' It would be a unique opportunity for us to combine both our past and our future." Top Producer, January 2010 Back to news


text:
Filthy Scab touch-up
Because that face, that face has been busted for a while. Rough and hard and nailed too many times. Can you blame the Filthy Scab for getting a touch up? A nip there, a tuck here, several shots all over…
She's DEFINITELY had some work done. And it's not just the fringe. The eyes look especially fresh, non? Too bad you can't face-lift a vagina. Or can you? Brazil is making such long strides in plastic surgery these days, I cannot keep up. Having said that, even the brilliance of the Brazilians probably couldn't save Filthy's. Especially not…
The Nose?
It's the downside of getting freshly pulled. Like curtains opened to reveal something sunken. Sunken like Kate Moss. You know what they say about Kate Moss's nose and why. Filthy Scab's nose is not too far behind. And for the same reason.
Filthy is collaborating with Richie Rich on something fashion-related. Here they are in Miami to promote it on Friday night. People were all excited and clapping and sh-t. This is why people suck. Because they cheer when they see her at hockey games on the big screen tolo. Or when they find out she's at a restaurant they insist on going inside upstairs to say hello and a photo.
Even for Tori f-cking Spelling. Recently heard about a woman who had to meet her in Calgary. A wealthy, well connected woman made a point of introducing herself to Tori Spelling. Just because Tori Spelling is famous. You couldn't get me to meet Tori Spelling if you offered to pay my mortgage.
I hate people.
Photos from Wenn.com


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
In a worrying indication of what could become of Egypt following its upcoming election, the Muslim Brotherhood sent a senior delegation to the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Saturday to help the terrorists celebrate the success of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap.
The delegation was led by Muslim Brotherhood leader Goma Amin, who said of the hundreds of blood-soaked terrorists traded for Shalit: "We came to participate in the joy at the release of brothers. We are proud of them."
The 1,027 Palestinian terrorists freed in exchange for Shalit were responsible for the murder of well over 500 Israelis, most of them civilians, and many of them children.
Amin said Hamas had proved that violent "resistance" against Israel was a winning tactic.
Hamas was born out of the Muslim Brotherhood as a local Palestinian branch of the movement. As such, many are concerned that should the Muslim Brotherhood win the upcoming election in Egypt, its governing style is likely to resemble the way Hamas has controlled Gaza.
The Muslim Brotherhood will be contesting over 50 percent of the seats in the Egyptian parliament. It is currently the only large organized political movement in the country, giving it more than a good chance to win a majority in the legislature.
In Hamas-ruled Gaza, individual liberties have been made subservient to Sharia Law, and Christian minorities have suffered increased persecution. Even if the Muslim Brotherhood tempers itself on those issues, it has already vowed to return Egypt to a state of open hostility toward Israel.
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text:
Oakley SI PRIZM Tombstone Matte Black w/ TR22 Lens
Oakley SI teamed up with top competitive marksman to develop a revolutionary pair of shooting glasses.
Using a unique frame and lens shape, the Tombstones provide 120 degrees of vision, so you have a full, unobstructed field of view.
PRIZM technology lenses provide enhanced contrast viewing to help you zero in on your target and ignore backgrounds such as dirt, trees, and sky. PRIZM also reduces eye fatigue and strain.
Lastly, lenses can be quickly switched out with the integrated single release trigger.
- PRIZM TR22 lens is ideal for target shooting in bright conditions
- Blocks 100% of all UVA and UVB rays, as well as harmful blue light up to 400nm
- High Definition Optics provide unmatched visual clarity
- Rimless frame provides enhanced field of vision
- Thin stems enhance comfort when worn beneath hearing protection
- Single release trigger for lens exchanges keeps your lenses free of fingerprints
- Super lightweight O-Matter frame is stress-resistant
Please fill out the Return Form when sending back packages. RMA Form
Tactical Distributors is committed to providing 100% customer satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with your purchase and wish to return an item within 30 days of receipt, the shipping costs for incorrectly shipped items will be met by Tactical Distributors. Goods which are supplied correctly may be returned within a 30 day period for exchange or refund. Shipping costs for correctly shipped items will be met by the customer. For your convenience, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund balance.
To receive a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number please contact the Customer Service Department. All returns must have an authorization number written on the outside of the box in order to be processed. Returns without an authorization number will be returned to sender.
For the fastest service, call Customer Service at (866)-916-6905 to request a QuickExchange. We'll place an order for your new item right away, and usually ship it the next day. We'll need to charge you the purchase price, but we'll waive the shipping and handling charge for the new item. Once we receive your return, we'll credit you for the cost of the original item.
Please send any products under warranty directly to the manufacturer to expedite the return process. If sent to Tactical Distributors, we will forward it to the manufacturer for their inspection and they alone will make final decision on repair or replacement. Please note that due to health regulations, we cannot accept returned socks or underwear.
Items with serial numbers that are altered or changed will not be accepted for return.
Merchandise must be unworn, and in the original packaging. We'll also accept the return of incorrect or defective merchandise that meets the guidelines below.
Unworn Merchandise: Includes any item that is in new condition, still contains the original tags and is in the original packaging (if any). Returns will not be accepted if item exhibits any obvious signs of wear or is not in the condition in which it was received. All original packaging and materials including boxes, manuals, warranty cards, and any other materials in the original shipment must be returned with your merchandise.
Defective Merchandise: Includes any item that is in new condition, still contains the original tags and is in the original packaging (if any). Returns will not be accepted if item exhibits any obvious signs of wear or is not in the condition in which it was received. All original packaging and materials including boxes, manuals, warranty cards, and any other materials in the original shipment must be returned with your merchandise.
Once your return is received and inspected(usually within 72 hours of receipt), your refund will be processed and a credit will be automatically applied to your credit card within 7 days. Please note that depending on your credit card company, it may take an additional 2-10 business days after your credit is applied for it to post to your account.
Returns After 30 Days
In the event you wish to return an item after the 30-day return period, please contact Robbie Carpenter before making the return. A RMA may be provided by Customer Service for valid reasons; however, the item(s) must be in new condition as shipped with all original product packaging. You should be certain that the item you are purchasing will fit your needs. Ensure that the dimensions, aesthetics and utility of the product is what you need before placing your order. By confirming your order, you indicate your agreement to this policy.
Have any questions, contact Tactical Distributors, we are here to ensure your 100% satisfaction.


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Nov 20, 2012
TNNS is Action Button Entertainment's second game and first Android title, co-created with Rabbx. Those who recall my Ziggurat review (due to the original publisher folding, the game's been re-released as a self-published title now with widescreen support) will know that I loved the game except for one thing: the controls. Well, history repeats itself.
This is a take on the classic Pong and Breakout formula, where the goal is to break blocks by bouncing balls off of the block at the bottom. The twist is literal: the balls can be bent in any direction or sped up by moving the finger in the desired direction during the slowdown period after the ball is hit.
This mechanic gives the game a unique feel, and it makes it feel like the player has more of a say over what is happening; a perfectly-bent shot is like nothing else. The goal is to hit the star box in each level to complete it, and with hundreds of level segments appearing in random order, each time feels different. Oh, and there's same-device multiplayer for that true Pong action, in both TNNS enhanced mode, and a classic no-frills mode as well.
But oh, much like Ziggurat, my frustration with the controls is the one thing holding me back from truly, truly loving this game. The paddle controls are all 1:1, which allows for bending of the ball as it hits off the paddle to work extremely well. But it seems like there's just not enough room for the player's thumb to maneuver the paddle without obscuring things. This is because due to the 'waggle' mechanic, there's just too much two-dimensional movement of the thumb to not often be blocking something. It's especially noticeable on the iPad. Even on a widescreen device, it still feels like there's just too much obscurity, in a literal sense. I played this game on 6 different devices across iOS and Android, and I only really felt somewhat comfortable on the Motorola Xoom, a 16:10 10.1″ tablet. Seriously. Perhaps if the game gave players three lives to play with instead of just one, so that mistakes didn't feel like end of the world, then the game would be a lot more fun.
Someday, I'm sure that the creative ideas of Action Button Entertainment will come in a package that I will truly appreciate the controls for, and I will love it unequivocally. Maybe next time.
TNNS Review Rundown
App available on the Google Play Store »


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First thing's first. If the Habs go deep in these here '08 Stanley Cup playoffs, we're all going to get our collective ass kicked by each and every Habs fan in each and every playoff pool. Straight up. 'Cause we went down the roster of the Canadiens hockey squadron and it was like reading the instructions to build a space shuttle in 12th century Mandarin.
It was confusing.
Ladies and Gentlemen may we present the 2007-2008 Montreal Whos.
- C Thomas Plekanec – 69 PTS 29 goals, 40 assists. WHO?
- D Mark Streit – 62 PTS 13 goals, 49 assists. More points than Pronger, Phaneuf, Campbell or Chara. WHO?
- L Andrei Kostitsyn – 53 PTS 26 goals, 27 assists. More goals than Huselius or Nasland
- C Christopher Higgins – 52 PTS 27 goals, 25 assists. WHO?
- Nine guys with 10 goals or more (less than the Oil mind you). WHAT? Er, WHO?
So while the rest of us were sitting around going "Boing boing boing" the Habs went about their business and put together a pretty awesome year. With only six fewer wins, the Bruins are no slouches but can't win.
Why the Bruins won't win
Because Bostoners have already sold their collective souls to Sports Satan this year. The Patriots went to the Superbowl and the Bo Sox won the World Series. Do you know how many people in New England owe their first born sons to the Dark Prince of Sports already? And by Dark Prince we mean Don King, who controls the big four sports leagues through a series of backroom deals.
And lest we forget that the Boston Cannons enjoyed a tremendous season in the NLL finishing a respectable 5-7 with a sterling 169 goals for. Do you think they have ANY wishes left? The Gods of Sports are so tired of hearing Bostonians' prayers they can't possibly see fit to allow another franchise to go on a run.
"Dea-yah Lawd,
Please let my wicked Br-uu-ins go to the Stanley Cup. That would be wicked awesome buddy. Oh yeah, and please keep my boy Tom Brady's wicked teeth white in the off-season."
No deal, say the Gods of Hockey.
Montreal on the other hand is a one-trick pony. Other than praying for a grandchild of Maurice—or Henri—Richard to develop excellent hands and come to training camp in the fall, Montrealers ask for very little. They ran the Expos out of town, cheered against the Alouettes and are ready to see Les Canadiens go to Le Coupe.
You cant argue with the bar graph below.
Montreal in 6.


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Imagine the richest, darkest, most decadent chocolate desserts you've ever eaten. Then try a taste of our Brownie Tiramisù or a molten spoonful of Chocolate Bread Pudding. You won't be disappointed.
We Southerners are known for a few things: syrupy drawls, impeccable hospitality, and, of course, our skill for cooking comfort food—arguably our most charming attribute. And there is no food quite as comfort-packed as chocolate. So naturally, we've found a plethora of ways to serve up cake stands, pie dishes, and cookie sheets full affection and decadent chocolate desserts. Whether you—or your loved ones—prefer chocolate in form of fudge-drizzled ice cream, gooey bars and brownies, fluffy frosted cupcakes, or creamy custard, you're sure to find something in this mix that will satisfy even the most seasoned sweet tooth. Next time your social calendar requires that you to whip out to-die-for chocolate dessert recipe, remember that we've got the formula to every rich chocolatey concoction you need right here.


text: To optimize fit, pedaling efficiency, comfort and control, Specialized tailors the geometry and components on their women's bikes to feminine physiques. The frames are engineered with smaller-diameter tubes to decrease weight and increase compliance. Shorter top tubes provide a perfect fit and greater stand-over height on small frames allows for easy on/off. And, for a truly custom feel, Specialized includes small-diameter grips, narrow handlebars and women's saddles that make every ride more fun and comfortable than you could ever imagine.


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UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The United Nations remains concerned about the security and humanitarian situation despite a withdrawal of rebel forces from eastern DRC, a spokesman said.
March 23 movement rebels agreed to pull out of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in DRC, last weekend. The rebel group mutinied in early 2012, saying the government in Kinshasa had reneged on peace agreements.
Following the move, Moustapha Soumare, the United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for DRC, said at least 130,000 people were displaced by conflict in the region.
U.N. officials this week said there were reports of rape and widespread looting in areas where rebel fighting occurred. Martin Nesirky, a spokesman for the United Nations, said Congolese forces have returned to Goma. U.N. peacekeepers in South Kivu province are supporting DRC soldiers in their fight against rebel forces.
The Rwandan government is accused of supporting Congolese rebels. The government in Kigali denies the allegations, though the British government announced it was withholding financial aid in response to the concerns.
Nesirky said a U.N.-backed radio station was back on the air after its services were suspended by the DRC government. The airport in Goma reopened as well, he told reporters at the U.N. headquarters.


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A Day In The Life Of A Media Power Couple
We weren't flattered when the Observer listed us as one of New York's Media Power Couples. In fact, we consider it link bait, because we happen to be masters at link bait. A forty-something-page slide show of pasty writers may excite Gawker, but we find it all totally gauche.
Click "Start Slideshow" to find out why![ITPGallery]


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Dumping Syndrome
I am writing concerning my father who is 73 years old. He had a gastrectomy about 20 weeks ago. He had all of his stomach removed along with seven inches of his large intestine and his spleen was also removed. He had many complications after surgery. Since the surgery and his return home he has pain and abdominal cramps everyday. Attacks of diarrhea and very bad buildup of gas. He can't seem to understand that the diet may cause it all. I am looking for suggestions on what he should eat, how often he should eat, what types of exercise he needs and anything you can tell me that could ease his suffering would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Katrina Claghorn, R.D., Oncology Dietitian for The University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds:
Reviewing the symptoms you listed, it would appear that your father has "dumping syndrome" which often follows gastrectomy surgery. The "gas" and diarrhea may be due to a lactose intolerance, so he should try low lactose dairy products. Also, he should eat more small frequent meals and limit the intake of foods that are high in sugar. You definitely should discuss the symptoms with you father's doctors and they can refer you to a registered dietitian who can provide you with a diet plan and symptom management suggestions.


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text:
Many people enjoyed the Royal wedding and watching the Royals cheer on the athletes during the 2012 London Olympics, but most—especially in the US where I now live—don't know just how influential the British Crown is in global matters.
So, here's a quick primer on the power of the Queen, and, one day, the Duke of Cambridge.
The head of the British Monarchy, who is today Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of the Commonwealth Realms. A Commonwealth Realm is a sovereign state that has the Queen as its monarch and head of state. There are 16 current realms with a combined population of 134 million people. The six largest are the UK, Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Jamaica.
In Commonwealth Realms, the Queen is charged with issuing executive orders, commanding the military forces, and creating and administering laws. She can also dismiss Prime Ministers in those countries.
The Queen also rules over British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
There are 14 Territories and three Dependencies.
The territories have a population of about 260,000 people. In each territory, a governor or commissioner is appointed by the Queen. This representative of the crown is the link between the Crown and the territory and appoints the head of the government (as n the case of the governor) or is the head of the government (as in the case of the commissioner.)
The Dependencies are British possessions of the Crown and included Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. They are independently administered jurisdictions, answering to the Crown, and the relationship can best be described as "one of mutual respect and support, i.e., a partnership."
And finally we come to the Commonwealth of Nations. This is an intergovernmental organization of 54 independent member states. Sixteen of the members are Commonwealth Realms; the others are just members of the Commonwealth.
The Queen is the symbolic head of the Commonwealth of Nations, however there is no guarantee that her successor would be the next Head of the Commonwealth.
Hopefully this has helped explain some of the real power and influence the Queen has around the world. With over 2.1 billion people living in these countries, you could say the Queen would easily top any World's Most Influential Person list.
And these powers and responsibilities will one day be the Duke of Cambridge's.


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Naomi Watts Playing Princess Diana in 'Caught in Flight'
Naomi Watts has been cast as Princess Diana in the upcoming biopic Caught in Flight.
"It is such an honor to be able to play this iconic role – Princess Diana was loved across the world and I look forward to rising to the challenge of playing her on screen," the 43-year-old actress said in a statement (via EW).
The film will reportedly focus on "the last two years of the princess' life and charts how finding true personal happiness for the first time allowed her to evolve into a major international campaigner and humanitarian."
Jessica Chastain was previously rumored to play the late Royal.
WILL YOU WATCH Naomi Watts as Princess Diana in Caught in Flight?


text:
Your search for Qbeez
QBeez OnlineCategory: Action Games
Tags: QBeez, QBeez 2, QBeez Online, Whirled, Puzzle, Puzzles, Puzzle Games, Adventure Games, Casual Game, Casual Games, Flash 9, Skunk Studios, Blocks, Block, Cube, Cubes, Humor
The puzzle game with personality! QBeez Online is new for 2009 and offers the best online QBeez game ever! Check out 3 new dail...


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About This Prop Replica
Sideshow is proud to bring you the Chalice of Kali Prop Replica from 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'. Each piece of this full scale replica is individually painted and finished, each with its own unique quality and detail that is the trademark of a handcrafted Sideshow Collectibles product. The Chalice of Kali Prop Replica is the definitive Indiana Jones collectible, the perfect addition to any display.
- License
- Indiana Jones
- Type
- Prop Replica
- Manufacturer
- Sideshow Collectibles
- Michael Norman
- The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team
Additional Details & Dimensions
- Product Size
- 12" H (304.8mm) x 7" W (177.8mm) x 9" L (228.6mm)*
- Box Size
- 10.00" H (254mm) x 12.00" W (304.8mm) x 17.00" L (431.8mm)*
- Product Weight
- 12.00 lbs (5.44 kg)*
- Est. Shipping Weight
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10:56 Mon Oct 2
Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
With an FA Cup Winners' medal, an English League Cup runners-up medal and an incredible unbeaten record at Wembley Stadium, you'd be hard pressed to find a more talented Perthshire-born footballer than Ray Stewart. Tonka – as he was nicknamed by fans – had a decorated career south of the border where he is quite rightly regarded as one of West Ham United's greatest ever players.
He's played at Old Trafford, Anfield, Villa Park and of course, Wembley – while he also represented his country and finished his fantastic career off at his hometown club, St. Johnstone. Not bad for the boy from Stanley!
"It all started with a dream," Ray told me as we sat down for a bacon roll, "we used to play all of the time out in the streets. We were just daft wee laddies having a kick about on the pavements – you don't see it nowadays.
"We used to pretend to be our heroes and the one player I remember idolising as a youngster was Bobby Moncur of Newcastle and Scotland. I used to see the professionals playing and I would go to bed at night and just dream that one day I was going to be like them."
Even at that young age, Ray was determined that his dreams were going to come true and with the help of his dad, Old Archie, not even an injury setback was going to stop him from practising.
"I broke my ankle when I was young but my dad would still have me practising with the other foot. I owe a lot to my old man for my career he played a big part in the early days."
The local lad from Stanley started with the village's mini team before taking the opportunity to sign for boys' club side Errol Rovers. That team had some other notable footballers such as Ian and Gavin Redford, and they enjoyed success while allowing Ray to develop his own natural ability.
The thing about having a successful boys' club side though is that it doesn't take long for the scouts to start circling like vultures. It was pretty clear that Ray was destined for bigger things but he had a little bit of a headache as to which club was going to be the best place for him to progress.
"I had the opportunity to sign for a number of clubs at the time. There was Manchester United, Manchester City, Hibs and quite a few others. However, I decided to sign for Dundee United on an s-form as I remember thinking to myself at the time it would be the best place for me to go and get a first-team chance.
"When I first signed I can remember thinking, 'I'm in the big-time now'. I was still just a kid but I'd played for Scotland Schoolboys at Wembley so I was confident I was ready to step up. A few clubs had noticed me playing for Scotland and had approached me but by then I'd already committed to Dundee United and Jim McLean, so they were too late. That was Jim though, always one step ahead of the rest."
Jim McLean certainly was always one step ahead. Regarded by many as Dundee United's greatest ever manager, McLean took Ray under his wing and gave him his first opportunities in the professional game.
Although they didn't win anything during Ray's time at Tannadice, the side did manage to qualify for Europe in Tonka's final season and he was named the SPFA Young Player of the Year award that campaign too. Jim McLean gave him his debut aged just sixteen, and Ray still looks upon his former boss with great fondness.
"He was absolutely brilliant for me. Jim was a hard man, a hard task master and a disciplinarian but he knew the game inside out. I still use things in my life today that he taught me back then as a kid. Some of the things clubs are doing now; everyone thinks these are new ideas. They're not; Jim was doing them all those years ago.
"He gave me my first team debut in a match against Celtic and my job was to man-mark Kenny Dalglish. We managed to draw the match 1-1 and if I recall correctly Atholl Henderson also made his debut in that match, although he was playing for Celtic.
"It was obviously a great night for me and one that I remember well. I had no fear coming up against Kenny and I just wanted to prove that I was good enough to be at this level. You don't know how good you are until you come up against the best players."
It was a quick rise through the ranks at the Arabs for Ray, and after a few good seasons the vultures were circling again – this time in the form of East London outfit West Ham.
The Hammers had an initial bid of £175,000 rejected which prompted Jim McLean to pull his young superstar aside and ask him if he wanted to go. When Ray made his wishes clear, a deal was eventually agreed for £430,000 – a record transfer for a teenager at the time – and McLean wished him well as he left for Upton Park.
"Jim was very supportive of me and he knew that I had what it would take to be a success down in England. When I told him I wanted to go and play in the best league in the world, he said that he liked my attitude and that the club would negotiate the move with West Ham.
"With regards to the price tag, I never really felt any pressure from it to be honest. It was actually a nice feeling knowing I was the most expensive teenager at the time. Then, the media started whipping it up into a frenzy and I just started to brush it off and tell them I just wanted to play."
By now, Ray's beginning to speak with a lot of passion. He loves West Ham – the club, the fans, everything. He spent the best years of his career with the Irons and it's evident when he speaks about them that he still feels strongly about them today.
The next twelve seasons would be spent in the club's claret and blue and it didn't take him long before he earned a place in the West Ham fans' hearts.
"I got stuck in there and got the backing of the supporters straight away because I was a young, hungry Scotsman and I think that's what the side was missing. We had a good footballing side with a bit of flair but lacked that steel which is what I think I was signed for."
It didn't take long for the Perthshire villager to make his mark in the big city, and in 1980 he was part of the West Ham side that lifted the FA Cup – the world's most prestigious domestic cup competition – in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
When we started talking about the FA Cup and Wembley, his eyes lit up. This is a man with an incredible record at the English national stadium, a place that he looked forward to playing more than anywhere else.
"I've played at Wembley five times in my career and never lost there. It was always a great feeling going there and I can still remember the time I roomed with Frank Lampard Snr. I kept on singing to him, 'Wembley, Wembley, Wembley, we're on our way to Wembley!'
"I was always excited to play there and the other boys used to have a laugh about it. I'm proud of my record there though and it's nice to say I'm undefeated there. That day in 1980 was something else though.
"Winning the FA Cup was just incredible – the best feeling in the world. I can remember it from start to finish; the lead up to the game, travelling to Wembley, the game itself and the aftermath which included the most amazing celebrations with the fans in East London. These are the moments in life that just never leave you."
That was the beginning of a wonderful period for Ray and West Ham, as he played a part in a number of successful sides throughout the 1980s. Labelled the 'penalty king', he was the club's designated taker and netted 84 goals during his twelve seasons, with all but six of them being from the spot.
There were two iconic West Ham teams that Ray was a part of; the 1986 side and of course, the 1980 FA Cup-winning one. He took a minute to ponder them both, before telling me quite definitively which one he thinks was the best.
"The 1980 team – as a young lad playing alongside the likes of Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds and Frank Lampard it was just incredible. And of course we won the FA Cup so I'd have to say that team was the best.
"They were both great sides though and we have regular get togethers for them which are always a lot of fun. In terms of the best player I've played with I'd probably go for Alan Devonshire. There were so many tremendous footballers I was lucky to play with but I'd say he was the best. He was a fine player and between him and Brooking they used to win me most of the penalties!"
When it comes to the West Ham fans, it's very clear that they'll forever hold a place in Ray's heart. And when I reminded him about his inclusion in the Official West Ham Dream Team, you could tell it was something that he was quite emotional about.
"When someone told me I'd been picked it actually brought a tear to my eye. A wee boy from Stanley going to London to such a big club, a great club, and being considered as one of their greatest ever players is an amazing feeling.
"It means a hell of a lot to me it really does, and it's up there with the greatest highlights of my career to be included among some of the other greats."
One of the most surprising things about Ray's career was the fact he only amassed 10 caps for Scotland. As one of the country's great players throughout the late 70s and 1980s, it seems quite incredible that he did not make more international appearances.
With more competition for places and injuries being the main reason, it's clear that he has some regrets about his international career but he's still very proud to say he did play for Scotland.
"At that time Scotland qualified for the big tournaments, and I was in squads alongside the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Joe Jordan, Gordon McQueen and Danny McGrain. The standard was very high back then.
"I was involved in the build-up to the 1982 World Cup and played a part in the squad that qualified but then I missed out on the finals. Then I done my cruciate a few seasons later and I never really made it back to where I was before."
That injury proved to be the beginning of the end for Ray, as the serious knee ligament injury ruled him out of action for a lengthy spell. When he returned, he felt he was never the same player and when his contract expired with West Ham in 1991, he left the club having played 434 times for the Hammers.
He returned to Scotland and played with St. Johnstone for one season before moving into coaching and management. Following his departure as Forfar manager in 2003, he decided to move out of the game to focus on his kids and find a different career away from football.
"I had my injury and I just wish someone back then would've told me I was never going to be the same again. I came back to St. Johnstone and to be honest I never really felt fit. It was a chance to move home though and I'm proud that I managed to finish my playing career at my local club.
"I worked as a coach with Alex Totten at Saints before joining Kevin Drinkell at Stirling Albion. Then I got the top job as manager at Livingston and I gave it my best shot but it wasn't to be. I actually felt a bit hard done by there but that's football. I managed Stirling and Forfar after that which were tough jobs as we had very little money and again I felt I did as well as I could with what we had.
"After that I'd had enough and I've never regretted moving on from football. I've done it quite gradually and worked with St. Johnstone's community programme for a bit. I tried to help out with my kids' football but that's not for me. It's hard for them because everyone expects them to be at the level I was and judge them based on their dad's achievements. I've always wanted them to be judged on their own merits.
"I've got three great kids. Sam does his own thing and is working offshore now, doing really well and my daughter Kerri has had a lot of success in her female bodybuilding which is great. My youngest Mark is still at school and plays a little bit of football just with friends and I'm proud of them all."
I could've sat and listened to Ray's stories all afternoon. Starting out as a little boy in the wee village of Stanley, he's gone on to become an FA Cup winner and West Ham United legend. He has the memories of a lifetime and is still treated like a king to this day whenever he goes to watch the Irons play.
An example to follow for any youngster looking to make it in the beautiful game, it all started with a dream and a football for Ray. Kids, put down the PlayStation and Xbox controllers and get outside for a kickabout – you never know where it might take you.
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3:44 Wed Oct 4
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Have The Ray Stewart Signed Testimonial Ball, If anyone is interested in it let me know.
10:42 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Enjoyed reading that. Cheers
Sven Roeder
10:08 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Part of that is the reduction of numbers of English players in the top division.
Heard something the other day saying Southgate is picking from about 75 English starters in the Premier league so you have a 1 in 3 chance of making a squad.
The decline in Scotland is truly shocking. The great Liverpool sides were built around Scots ... Dalglish, Souness, Hansen etc
These days I expect none of the big 6 teams have a Scotsman in their squad
7:22 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Recall watching his first game for us with him playing in midfield first half he hit a shot 35 yards out which just went over the bar.
A proper football player!
4:56 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
In all my time of going to the training ground as a youngster, the only player to refuse to give an autograph the miserable jock sod!!! ha ha
He was quality, proper no nonsense defender of which the likes we'll never see again in the top flight.
78 goals from penalties is fucking mental as well.
3:41 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Sven Roeder 2:41 Tue Oct 3
England are the same though so it's not just a decline in Scottish players. Billy Bonds couldn't get a cap and yet Jake Livermore et all can these days!!!
Great player was Tonka. Remember listening as a kid to the 1981 League Cup Final one the radio and that last minute penalty. The crowd went so wild on the radio that for 15 seconds you didn't know he had scored or missed!!
Eddie B
3:34 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
That penalty against Ipswich in 1986 is one of the best moments of my footballing life.
3:31 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Anyone recall that goal he scored at the Boleyn against Spurs ?
From the touchline over by the West side halfway from the away dug out and the corner flag
Was it Clemence in goal ?
3:00 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Great player, late eighties/early nineties, when he was injured I'd often see him on match days driving along a busy barking rd towards the ground in a sponsored FORD ORION.
2:42 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Benjamin McButton?
Sven Roeder
2:41 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Great player for us from my favourite era
Scotland has gone from players like Ray Stewart to ones like Robert Snodgrass.
They will be struggling to walk upright in 30 years with that decline.
Bouncing Ludo
1:17 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Coffee wrote...
"and Stoke take the lead against the first division leaders"...IN OCTOBER !
"Ray Stewart....scored 4 penalties already this season" I think we're lucky to get 2 a season at the moment
Northern Sold
12:42 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
He was a tremendous player... especially his first few years... up there with Dicksy and Martin Allen with the hardest shot I have seen at our place... and ice cool nerves with teh ball on the spot... I remember his Villa FA QF kick like it was yesterday
Northern Sold
12:29 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
That is long.... almost as long as one of Sir Alf's posts... oh and far more interesting as well...
11:45 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
world record for a teenager, world record for a keeper
Was thinking the same thing. Not bad for division 2 side.........
And no I'm not Paul goddard
Private Dancer
10:24 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Use to love Ray Stewart. Still remember what his autograph looked like the numerous times I got it down at Chadwell Heath,.
He was a very good player, not sure how he would compare to some of the talent today, but at that time he was very good.
Does anyone else remember that volley he scored against Spurs? Incredible goal, and left foot iirc.
9:22 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Vividly recall the Villa at home quarter final pen
Pocket of West Ham behind the goal at the South Bank that was supposed To be all Villa !
8:23 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
From 0:56
8:16 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Good article. Thanks for posting.
The joy of a Ray Stewart penalty wasn't just the near certainty of the goal, but the pleasure of watching a football being hit at a million miles an hour into the back of the net. And, often, the look of terror in the keeper's eyes.
1:48 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Great article - apart from the bit where it calls us vultures!
What the fuck has happened to Scotland?
1:31 Tue Oct 3
Re: Ray "Tonka" Stewart great read (but long)
Best RB I've seen play for the club.
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text:
For Leafs to flourish, Brian Burke had to be fired
The flag-wavers and career apologists have been tripping all over themselves lately to credit Brian Burke for the Maple Leafs' first playoff season since Matt Stajan was a teenager.
Some of their assessments are accurate — the majority of the prominent players on the current Leafs roster were brought to Toronto by Burke. And the players who matter the most on the team — Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf, Joffrey Lupul and Jay McClement — came in Burke trades or signings. Also, coach Randy Carlyle, the single biggest difference-maker in this Maple Leafs season, was a Burke hire.
So yes, Burke's fingerprints are all over this team. And yet, I wonder if there isn't a smudge or two, wonder if this team could have or would have succeeded this season had Burke not been fired as general manager.
Let's begin with the shortened training camp, where general manager Dave Nonis — via Carlyle — made a difficult and expensive determination that Tim Connolly was going to be sent to the minors. The demotion of Connolly and the trading away of Matthew Lombardi in camp, essentially, provided a place for Nazem Kadri to play without any kind of impediment.
Burke had often threatened to "bury" contracts in the minors when he was running the Leafs, but he only "buried" Jeff Finger's, a deal he didn't sign, and half-a-season of Colton Orr, which was terribly emotional for him under the circumstances. Truth was, most of his threats to bury contracts were just noise.
Considering the controversial and personal manner in which Connolly became a Leaf, would Burke have made that decision in January, thus enabling the eventual development of Kadri under Carlyle's excellent tutelage?
I asked that question to a variety of executives with the team and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. The answer? Not a chance.
Had that decision not been made, the entire Leafs season might look considerably different.
It's easy to look at Nonis' transaction slate and say little has been done in his first season on the job. But that would be inaccurate. While his player additions of Frazer McLaren and Ryan O'Byrne have fit Carlyle's blueprint for success, neither is what you'd call a big deal.
The big deal was sending Connolly out and, before that, trading Lombardi. That opened up roster spots. The big deal was allowing the coach to scratch Mike Komisarek, a Burke favourite, night after night until Komisarek himself asked to be sent to the minors. The benching of Komisarek and Liles — who, combined, represent almost $9 million of Burke-signed contracts per season — enabled Mark Fraser to develop and Cody Franson to become comfortable again, while earning some playing time for Mike Kostka and Korbinian Holzer, which added to the Leafs' blue-line depth.
Would Burke have sat by quietly while his coach was benching $9 million worth of his acquisitions, both of whom were once skedded to play for the U.S. Olympic team in Vancouver? (Komisarek was injured and couldn't participate after being promised a spot on the team.)
Highly unlikely on that one, too.
How different would the Leafs' defence be had Fraser and Franson (who had a terrible first year with the Leafs and neither Ron Wilson nor Carlyle cared for his play) not become a pair of consequence?
These are questions we'll never know the answer to, but these are matters that factor hugely in the growth of this year's Maple Leafs.
Kadri has put up almost star-like numbers while not playing star-like minutes for the Leafs. Among the many reasons to like what Carlyle has done with the club is how he has brought Kadri along slowly and continued to challenge the young centre to get better.
He didn't hand him a job. He made him earn every minute of ice most nights. And there's hardly a player in the NHL who has leaped this far, from almost write-off to near-star in one season. Without the Connolly salary swallow, this could not have unfolded this way.
In Burke's favour is the hiring of Carlyle, which wasn't a unanimous decision by his staff at the time. Some wanted Carlyle. Some were in favour of Dallas Eakins, the Marlies coach. In the end, the decision was that Carlyle's experience made him the better choice for the position.
The structure and clear expectation he has placed on players has made this group perform beyond most reasonable expectations — with better goaltending than anyone would have thought possible.
If there has been a Leafs MVP for the entire 48-game season, it might be James Reimer, the accidental goaltender who was drafted by John Ferguson. The other Ferguson draftees playing for the Leafs: Nik Kulemin, Carl Gunnarsson, Leo Komarov and Matt Frattin. That's five players from Ferguson. One, Mikhail Grabovski, from Cliff Fletcher. And the two Nonis picked up in smaller moves. That means eight of the 20 Leafs who play every night were not Burke acquisitions — which means 40% of the roster doesn't relate back to him.
One more thing you can credit Nonis for: Being somewhat invisible. There haven't been any storms around the club, any of the explosions Burke had become famous for. In a season in which Carlyle continually talks of tuning out the "white noise," no one made more of it than the previous general manager.
It's a different team without him, a different atmosphere, full of the truculence Burke so admired. But you can't say with any certainty the Leafs would have had this kind of successful short season had he stayed on the job. You just can't.


text:
Minutes 2/09/10
From FamiLAB Wiki
Meeting Minutes 09FEB10
Members present: Brian, Tetsu, Sean, Fishtank, Mack, Jared
8:00 PM - Meeting called to order
- Tetsu: we continue to grow, new members last week
- Sean: No word from his aunt on incorporation, she's sick
- Tetsu: "YMCA model"
- Demographic changes: less "hacker" oriented
- Incorporation, incorporation, incorporation
8:12PM - Access control still our biggest issue
- Keys suck, RFID/magstripes
- Costs?
- "Lightning talks"
- When do we want to start?
- Do we record them?
- Not for now
- When? During the week.
- Movie night
- Basically, some more events to add to the calendar
8:42PM - Move the meeting next week?
- Will be our official Monthly meeting
- Move to Firehouse?
- Motion passes
8:48PM - Meeting adjourned


text:
This Friday evening, June 6, come see the opening reception and presentation for 5 INTO 1: Philadelphia Sculptors' 15th Annual Student Exhibition, at The Galleries at Moore. The show includes two Moore recent graduates, and is curated in part by a Moore alum!
Hosted annually by Moore and organized by Philadelphia Sculptors, 5 Into 1 features work by recent graduates from BFA and MFA programs at five Philadelphia art & design schools. Participating artists from the following schools include, Moore College of Art & Design: Lucy Heurich, Veronica Perez ; Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Eric Clark, Matthew Herzog; Tyler School of Art: Larkin Dugan, Theresa Sterner; University of Pennsylvania: Anthony Bowers, Theo Mullen; and The University of the Arts: Ryan Berardi, Ashley Carrega. This year's exhibition is curated by former 5 Into 1 exhibiting artists Aimee Gilmore and Sarah Peoples.
For more information visit:
The Galleries at Moore
Philadelphia Sculptors