text:
This is one of those weeks where we get some epic battles for playoff lives…and some snooze-fests for draft position. Ah, the NFL in early December…and remember, come for the blog, stay for the comments!
For those that made their Fantasy playoffs, a hearty congratulation is in order. Fantasy Football is often mentioned here in passing, but there is something that has to be covered here….just too perfect not to be.
There has been mention of how badly my fantasy teams have performed this year. There are 3 leagues that I participate in…here are the results…
Yahoo League - Top record, #1 seed in the playoffs.
ESPN League 1 – Mediocre record, out of playoffs (This was just poor drafting on my part)
ESPN League 2 – This is the real story...
The League in question is one for work…and one that saw me draft FIRST. After the draft, the only position that seemed weak was my QB…reached on a couple players…one of which shouldn't be hard to guess if you've been reading this blog (See: Man Crush).
But due to some terrible performances (cough…LT…cough)….as of last week, my team sat at 0-12. That's right…winless. There were several weeks where I had the 2nd or 3rd highest score…only to play the guy with the highest score. The best lineup that could be mustered from my roster was always on the field…and yet…0-12. At about 0-8 the plan became to legitimately go 0-fer. Meaning, playing the best players I could…and still manage to lose out….
At 0-12, it all seemed perfect….and then…LT decided to FINALLY show up. Thanks LT, thanks a lot. Guess you figured, "Hey, been hosing this guy all year, might as well give him one more kick to the jimmy."
And so instead of the historic 0-13….I finished with embarrassing 1-12. And yes, for the record, my team name as of 0-8 was "The Dolphins".
After that epic collapse, there was a distinct need for music…because music makes the world go round….
Let's start it up and get to the picks! (Sorry, that video still cracks me up…)
Though I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I'm looking for.
Oh Lord, I pray you give me strength to carry on
'cuz I know what it means to walk along the lonely street of dreams.
- Here I go Again by Whitesnake
Every time the Bears and Skins play…all that comes to mind is the 86 and 87 playoffs. Everyone knows about the 85 Bears….but in 1986 the Super Bowl Champs finished with a 14-2 record. That tied them with the Giants for best record in the NFC. A return to the Super Bowl looked to be in our grasp….and then the frickin' Redskins came to town…
Then in 1987, the NFL Strike hit…but still, after the dust cleared, the Bears had a 11-4 record. The Niners had the leagues best record…followed by the Saints (Due a large number of players playing through the strike)…and the Bears and Skins were next. The Bears had home field advantage…and as the Skins pulled away with another…it was déjà vu all over again.
The images of the mighty Bears being upset by the Skins was burned into my young brain…and so, every time they square off, it is the only thing that rattles around in there. And guess what song was on the charts in 1987? If you guessed a certain song from Whitesnake.
The first 2 lines of the song perfectly describe the feelings of most Bears and Skins fans. Both these teams seem to play well at times…only to implode moments later. So what is the problem? Okay, other than a coach not understanding the Timeout rules…
But a different question, one that is more painful for fans…when does the switch flip from rooting for a win in every game…to hoping for a loss so that draft position improves? For some it's easy, Falcons fans should be cheering for every loss…and the Vikings should be cheering for every win…but these teams seem to be in limbo between the 2 areas…either that, or it's not in me to root for a loss….
The "Good Bears" show up…Rex and the Offense click like they did in the first half of the Giants game…and the Defense creates some turnovers. The Bears steal a win… which isn't necessarily a good thing…but hey, it's fun to watch a running back that gets it. Benson, please see Curtis Enis for instructions about the rest of your career.
Take me down to the paradise city
Where the grass is green
And the girls are pretty
Take me home (Oh, won't you please take me home)
- Paradise City by Guns N' Roses
Hasn't it been a miserable season for the Dolphins already? They now have to goto Buffalo in December to try to get a win? The image of the Dolphins on the field, yelling over to Cam "Oh, Won't you please take me home?" makes me chuckle.
The John Beck era is really quite amazing. Due to great programming locally and Monday Night Football, the last 2 Dolphins game have been featured here. All there is to say? John Beck looks like a younger Chris Weinke. But it could be due to the fact that he has zero talent around him. If you're spotted Ted Ginn, can you name 5 Dolphins skills players? And if you can…please seek immediate medical help.
In the cold and ice that is the Northeast right now, the boys from Paradise city won't have much luck. Bills get the win, and Phins fans everywhere long to be taken home.
Got what I got the hard way
And I make it better, each and every day
So honey, said don't you fret
'Cause you ain't seen nothing yet
- Soul Man by Sam and Dave
Some of you are saying "Hey, the Blues Brothers sang Soul Man!" Yes, yes they did…but Sam and Dave is the original…and in most cases, the original is always better. Plus, any time you can reference soul legends like Sam and Dave in a NFL blog…well, you do it.
This Bucs seems to do winning Ugly well…and they just keep rolling from week to week. They don't do anything that wows you, and they don't have any players on offense that make you say "Man, that guy needs to be on our team"…but yet, here they are…they have the South locked up, and are making their way towards the playoffs. And if you believe Dan, they'll win ugly all the way to the Super Bowl.
Don't see that happening…they are good, but Dallas and Green Bay are very good. But they will get a win in the playoffs. And it's one of those teams that if you don't take them seriously, they'll beat you. Can easily see a team in the playoffs do that, and the Bucs get a upset win. But once you lose the element of surprise…
The Texans don't have enough of anything to beat the Bucs. Tampa keeps rolling along. How many teams out there are thinking, "Man, really missed the boat on Jeff Garcia"…the guy just wins.
Born under a bad sign.
I've been down since I began to crawl.
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all.
- Born under a Bad Sign by Cream
These teams were born under a bad sign together…12 years ago. Man, has it been that long?
Had a good buddy in College who declared himself a Carolina Panthers fan as soon as they were awarded a franchise. He had never had a pro team, and took the opportunity to claim one with no history. When asked why, he would respond…
"It's not obvious? How often can you say 'I've been a fan since this franchise was founded" and not be full of it? And years from now, when their perennial Super Bowl contenders, I can talk about how I've been waiting forever for this day."
It's true; it's a very unique thing to be able to say. For most of us, we've been a fan of our team for as long as we can remember, or we've been alive…but only a hand full can claim "I've been a fan since the team came into existence." And after being in the league for 12 years, we're nearing the maturation of the first generation of fans that grew up being Panthers and Jags fans. That's a big moment.
There is something special about being able to pass on the responsibility of being a fan to the next generation. Being able to say to my daughter, "I've rooted for the White Sox and Bears all my life" and then to have her claim those teams as her own as well…something magical about that.
Once these franchises hit the 25 year mark, this will start to be a real thing, and that's a great moment in the history of any franchise.
Though they came into the world together, they aren't on a level playing field. One team is a solidly build team, that has a deep playoff run on its horizon. The other looks old, and has refused to address the QB and RB positions correctly.
The Jags flex their muscle over their expansion brother. Jacksonville wins. And the Panthers refusal to get a real backup QB, or even a developmental QB, starts to truly haunt them.
You can feel the eyes upon you as you're shaking off the cold
You pretend it doesn't bother you, but you just want to explode.
Most times you can't hear'em talk, other times you can.
Oh the same old cliché, is that a woman or a man
- Turn the Page by Bob Seger
This one goes out to Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb…
The spotlight is shining right on these guys. And the funny thing? It will get hotter for both if the Eagles win.
Eli should be giving his Defense a lot of gifts, props and back massages right now for pulling out the Bears game. They held the Bears to FG after FG…while Manning was just giving the ball back to them as fast as he got it in his hands. Then after his D gave him time…he won the game with a couple great drives at the end.
Meanwhile in Philly…what happens if AJ Feely leads the Eagles to the playoffs…or at least darn close? After Garcia did it last year…would that be the final nail in the coffin for McNabb? And wouldn't that raise some serious questions for any team that would be interested in pursuing him?
Let the record show that this Bears fan is completely against bringing McNabb to Chicago. The issues with the Bears offense go much deeper than QB, and tying up a ton of money in a overrated, over-injured…and nearing over the hill QB, will not help anything.
The Giants got lucky last week. They were just able to take down Peterson before he broke a couple of big plays…but they won't have that luck with Westbrook. And Eli will not look good against the blitz package that Jim Johnson has for him. No, this will not be a pretty game.
Eagles get a win, and the Giants are staring at 8-8. Even if the manage to get 9-7…after starting 6-2…shouldn't Coughlin or Eli lose their job? Can I get a ruling on this from someone? Look at the history, the Giants have fallen apart down the stretch every year that Coughlin has been there. Giants fans deserve better than that…can the bum.
I guess I was wrong I just don't belong
but then I've been there before, everything's alright
I'll just say goodnight and I'll show myself to the door
- I've got Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks
As loyal readers know, all 3 of you, Norv Turner is a favorite whipping boy…and going into this week, the plan was to just leave him alone. Focus on something else….and then the music lyrics started.
No matter if you like Garth Brooks or not…if you've been drinking and this song comes on in the bar…everyone sings along. It's just a great drinking song…one that I have screamed in many a bar…after many a beer. Ah, good times. While scrolling through lyrics…this line just jumped out at me…it was as if lightning had struck me where I stood. And the only thought my brain could muster…
"Man, this song is written about Norv!"
And finally, it all made sense. All these years, this song has been song at bar after bar…and not one person realized that they were singing about Norv Turner. Having toured with Garth for a brief time as a backup vocalist, I was able to reach him for comment…
"Who the heck is this? Josh who? No that song isn't about Norv Turner. Pull your head out of your…"
Like I said, Garth is a genius…wrote the perfect song about Norv, 4 years before his first head coaching gig. The man is a genius. Wait a second, maybe the Chargers should hire Garth?
Here's the deal with the Titans…if Albert Haynesworth plays, they win. And he's playing. Titans get the win, and Chargers fans everywhere start screaming the official Norv Turner anthem. At this point the line…"Where the beer chases my blues away…" seems to fit right in.
In Heaven there is no beer
(No beer?!)
That's why we drink it here
And when we're all gone from here
Our friends will be drinking all the beer.
- In Heaven there is no beer by The Pogues and the Dubliners (Actually just an Irish drinking song, but I like their version)
The fact that there is a category of music called "Irish Drinking Songs" just warms the heart. And this one, is simple yet perfect. Now why is it here? No, it's not the lame Wisconsin-Beer reference…although that helps.
No, simply re-read the lyrics and replace "beer" with "football" and "drink" with "play". Got it? Now you know the Brett Favre philosophy. Play all the football you can, cause once you're done…
Before we move onto the pick…why is it that Heaven has gates? Seriously, is there a high crime rate? If God is all knowing, and all powerful…why the gates? Were the older angles wandering off? Did God get tired of chasing down his best Bocce balls? Is it a town ordinance?
Let's look at this logically for a second…the gates aren't needed to keep people out. If all that stood between a person and heaven were some gates…well, there would be an illegal alien problem in Heaven. But that's not the issue, as God knows all, and sees all. So why the gates?
My money is on "Status symbol". I'm thinking Ole Beelzebub got some gates, and then God had to have them too. All the angels told him there was no need, and it was a waste of money, but God wouldn't have any of that…nope, he needed the gates.
Wait, what were we talking about? Um…heaven….beer….Wisconsin….Packers!
After you lose a tough game to a conference rival, it's always nice to head home, and face a team like the Raiders. It's like watching your team get creamed and then firing up Madden to whoop up on some unsuspecting opponent.
Packers win. Favre plays. All is right in the world. Meanwhile, if you're near some beer…what are you waiting for?
Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
- Lose Yourself by Eminem
The season is slipping away for Detriot. A 6-2 start got the fan base jumping…and the front office patting their own backs…but then 4 straight loses…and well…
Eminem really says it best. "Would you capture it or just let it slip?"
Let me be honest with you Lions fans, this team is staring at 6-10. Talk about a terrible collapse…but that's the reality of the situation here. After Dallas, comes the Chargers, then KC and then Green Bay. And the scary thought is, if you drop this game, the rest become harder to win. It's the snowball effect…as things start to go wrong, the ball starts rolling…and suddenly you have a runaway boulder heading down the mountain.
The silver lining here? Well, maybe, just maybe this would be enough to get Matt Millen out of there. And then the organization can get a fresh start, something it desperately needs.
But if there is any hope of turning the season around it starts right here. The Boys are coming off a big win, they've had extra time off, and they're coming to your house…seize everything you ever wanted. Do it right now. If you don't…well, you'll be watching the playoffs from the comfort of your couch again.
The Lions don't have enough of anything to keep up with the Boys…Dallas wins, and wins big. Lions fans look to Giants fans for a little comfort and direction with how to deal with a collapse.
At seven p.m. a main hatchway caved in, he said
Fellas, it's been good to know ya
The captain wired in he had water comin' in
And the good ship and crew was in peril.
And later that night when his lights went outta sight
Came the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
- The Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot
Both of these teams are wrecks right now. The Rams offense has been destroyed by injuries…and the Bengals defense has been as tough as a wet Kleenex. But the line that truly sums up with game?
"Fellas, it's been good to know ya"
Can't you hear both Scott Linehan and Marvin Lewis saying that to their teams at the end of the year? Linehan might be able to escape due to injuries, and this being his second year…but Lewis has got to be hanging on by a thread right now, doesn't he?
By the way, this is one of those games mentioned earlier…the "snooze-fest of 2 teams trying not to get injured" games. Enjoy!
The Rams offense seems to be getting on track, as is the Bengals offense…the Rams have a bit more defense though. St. Louis gets the win, and Marvin Lewis starts to pack up the things in his office.
Is something wrong, she said
Well of course there is
You're still alive, she said
Oh, and do I deserve to be
Is that the question
And if so...if so...who answers...who answers...
- Alive by Pearl Jam
Thought this was a perfectly fitting song…both teams are still alive in the hunt for the division title despite some ups and downs, ugly loses, ugly wins…and Kurt Warner starting. Despite all that, this game decides the NFC West crown.
Plus, there is the whole Pearl Jam-Seattle connection…don't think that didn't help out as well…
There has been quite a bit of bashing on the Hawks in this blog…and while none of it will be retracted, let me say this…the Hawks have really shown me something the last few weeks. Going on the road to Philly, and escaping with a close win is huge. That's a big morale boost.
And the fact that they have scraped what wasn't working in the early season, and gone to a wind open passing attack to take advantage of their stable of WRs and the great decision making of Hasselbeck is a great tribute to the intelligence of Holmgren.
Depending on who the wild cards end up being, this team looks like a team that can get passed the first round…and at least put a scare in one of the big boys…if only for a few seconds. But first, they have to solidify the division.
Arizona seems like a possible pick here…they seem to win the games you don't expect. But they also seem to make a lot of boneheaded mistakes. And when the pressure of the playoff chase heats up, mistake prone teams tend to implode. Hawks get a big win. And the Cards slink back to Arizona…and wait for next year.
I hear the train a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when
- Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
First, anytime you're busting out lyrics to help breakdown games, the rule is there needs to be a Johnny Cash song involved. The Man in Black just needs to be a part of this scene.
Second, can't you see Mike Nolan sitting alone in his office, watching tape of Adrian Peterson running through defenses as he slowly mumbles…"I head the train a comin'…" No? Well, that's the image that we're going for here, so start imagining it!!
Finally, am I the only one rooting for the phrase "Tavaris Jackson, playoff QB" to be uttered. What a momentous occasion.
This late surge, especially if it continues, definitely has saved Childress' job…so that's a good thing for him. With the housing market being all slow right now, it would be a shape for him to have to sell his house. The relief he must of felt after watching Peterson return from injury so quickly and then just blast through the Lions D…it's the same relief one feels after driving for hours and drinking a big gulp…and finally after having to go for the last 100 miles, reaching a bathroom.
Don't look now, but the Vikes are in the driver seat for the wild card spot.
They add to their resume with a win over the Niners. The train comes rumbling through The City…and leaves no one standing. And Tarvaris Jackson inches closer to fulfilling my…err…his dream.
The devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.
He laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet.
Johnny said: "Devil just come on back if you ever want to try again.
"I told you once, you son of a b***h, I'm the best that's ever been."
- Devil Went down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels Band
Classic song…that has gotten new life due to Guitar Hero 3. Too bad they don't have Fiddle Hero out yet, might be more inclined to play that…
Just replace "Johnny" with "Belichick"…see isn't that perfect?
Ah, the game of the week. It's great that the last few weeks we've had some great games between the top 5 teams. Just great to see the scheduling work out that way.
The Patriots have had 2 scares. Everyone is seeing this as a sign that this team is beatable. What I see? Not only is this team uber talented, but they also have luck on their side. That's a bad combo. At least for the rest of the league.
You'd be right in saying "the Patriots should of lost the last 2 games". But the key word is "should". They didn't lose those games. And what's more, when they needed to make the plays to pull those games out, they did. There are times in a season when you realize that your team has got that special something…
Last year, as a Bears fan, that realization came after the Cardinals game. The epic Monday Night comeback, that gave us one of the greatest post game press blow ups of all time. That was a game the Bears had no business winning. When you're QB plays as bad as Rex did, and you're down by that much in the 4th…and you don't score a single offensive touchdown…but you win? That's a sign that there are cosmic forces on your side.
In that final drive on Monday night…when the Ravens sideline called that time out…right there, you knew, the Pats were going to win. Not just this game, but that they would be in the Super Bowl. It's one of those moments…look around at the last time your team made it all the way…there is always a moment…where you suddenly realize, "We're going". For me it was that Cardinals game…
If the Pats are going to get a loss this regular season, this is the game. The big matchup will be the Steelers corners against the Pats WRs…while the Steelers D has been amazing all year…not sure if they win that matchup…and therefore the game.
There is this feeling in my belly that the Pats run away with this one…don't know whether to believe it or not…but regardless, both my belly and my head say…Pats win. The Steelers will fight the good fight, but the Pats will be dialed in for this one…the last to weeks were sleep walk sessions…this is a statement game.
Yes I'm stuck in the middle with you,
And I'm wondering what it is I should do,
It's so hard to keep this smile from my face,
Losing control, yeah, I'm all over the place,
Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right,
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you.
- Stuck in the Middle with you by Stealers Wheel
Just 2 teams stuck in the middle of the AFC West.
As discussed last week in the Friday debate, this division is just flat out whacky. The only rule seems to be expect the unexpected.
The real question here is….which one is Mr. Blonde and which one is the cop? And am I the only one that loves that Steven Wright is the DJ?
To be honest, this game should end in a 2-2 tie. That would be on par for this division…
The Chiefs sneak out of Denver with the win. Yes, you're right, there isn't much to this game…sorry, this one scores low on my "game excitement scale". If there is a chance this loss gets Shanny fired? Then I'm much more interested.
Good times never seem so good
Oh I've been inclined to believe it never would
- Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
This past weekend, my wife went to visit friends in NYC, leaving my daughter and I alone overnight for the first time. Both my wife and I were geared up for the worst…
What happened? Well, after a rousing morning of swimming and tumbling class, followed by lunch and college football…closely followed by a special viewing of "Babe" and a gourmet dinner at Applebee's (at my daughter's request)…by the time we were getting ready to pick up my wife from the train station, my daughter had this to say…
"Don't want to pick up mommy, just want you daddy."
Between that, and demanding I get her Chicago Bears pajamas…this has been a good week to be a Dad.
The Browns are in the same spot. They were geared up for a season of misery…lots of screaming, cries of "Mommy doesn't do it like that"…no sleep…rising levels of frustration…
And instead…they're gearing up for the playoffs. Good times never seemed so good. Browns fans, enjoy every minute of this season…you've more than earned it.
The Browns keep it rolling against the Jets, who looked great against the Dolphins…but it was the Dolphins. Cleveland get the win,, and the smell of playoff tickets is in the air by the Lake.
Now every gambler knows that the secret to surviving
Is knowing what to throw away and knowing what to keep.
cause every hands a winner and every hands a loser,
And the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep.
- The Gambler by Kenny Rogers
As the Monday night game faded into the surreal…one lyric kept swirling in my head…
"Every hands a winner and every hands a loser"
If that doesn't ring true after watching that game, then you weren't paying attention. Read the line again.
The Patriots see every hand as a winner. There isn't a doubt in their minds that they are winning everytime they step on the field, and that's a large part of the reason they pull out games like Monday Night.
The Ravens meanwhile, they seem to be tripping all over themselves. They had the lead, and they had McGahee running like a man possessed…but then Boller throws a pass to 3 Pats players. And then a timeout comes in from the sideline when there wasn't a need. Then the Ravens start mugging the Pats WRs…and then Bart Scott goes off the reservation.
That's not the secret to surviving by any stretch of the imagination. But what's worse? Billick utter the phrase of death this week…the "We should be 7-5". Anytime a coach or player starts in on the shoulds, woulda, coulda…it's the kiss of death. It fosters the wrong attitude, gets the team thinking they were cheated, and causes them to dwell on the past. You can't change what happened yesterday, you learn from it, and move on.
There are 16 games in the season. You lose one, you move onto the next. If you start talking about how you should of won the game last week, or the week before…that impacts your ability to win the next game…and suddenly…well…suddenly, you're saying things like "We should be "7-5". Let's get something straight…you're 4-8. Why? Cause you lost 8 games. That's how it works. Sorry, better luck next season.
With all the shouldas, wouldas, and couldas coming out of Baltimore…this game is over before it starts. The Colts get the win, and the Ravens sink slowly into oblivion. There's a good chance they'll have a new coach next year…Marvin Lewis might be available?
Show me the way to go home
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
And it went right to my head
- Show me the way to go home by ? (Best known for it being sung in Jaws)
Ah, another Monday night game that will put you to sleep. Yay!
Speaking of that, one of the songs I sing at night to my daughter is…Show me the way to go home. It started one night because said something like "I'm tired, I need to goto bed"…and I broke right into the song.
She got a big kick out of it, and then request that I sing it that night. That sung has since been sung about 8372 times in this house, by yours truly. But that's not the funny part…
My daughter is a little sponge, soaking up everything, and repeating back everything she hears. Everyday I'm amazed at the things she has learned, and the things she'll say. Nothing prepares you for rounding a corner, and seeing your 2 and half year-old daughter dancing around the room singing the line…
"I had a little drink about an hour a go, and it went right to my head"
I couldn't stop laughing for a good 5 minutes. She joined in as well. And after I got a hold of myself, my daughter simply said…
"Daddy, I crack you up."
Yes she does, yes she does.
Wake me when this game is over. Saints get the win. Hopefully, you've had many a drink by half time of this one, and have a trusty friend to show you the way home. That might make this game watchable.
Hopefully, you've all been singing along the whole way…or at least tapping a foot. No, you should have been singing along. That's it, Thursday night is FanNation Karaoke night. Everybody head for the Four Farthings Bar and Grill in Chicago. We'll watch the game and belt out some Karaoke.
While us Bears fans try to get over the hangover that won't go away. The magic Super Bowl journey is getting really close for a couple groups of fans. My only advice? Enjoy the ride. For every season like this, there is a season like the Bears are havng waitintg to grab you and pull you back down to Earth.
While the chosen few see their teams moving towards the big game…all us fans of the non-playoff bound teams…well…these lyrics sum it up quite well…
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
Man, went heavy on the country in this thing…seriously, don't know why that is…just sort of flowed out…ah well…there is always next week.
Author's Note: What song best describes your team's season? Come on, you know there's one in the back of your mind...
In the end, if this doesn't strike the right note with you...well, you can always read Dan's horse...pile.


text:
While the players left behind by Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville played a significant role in the Tigers' unbeaten season in 2010, a 14-0 record would have been unlikely without the difference-makers in Chizik's first two recruiting classes.
Look no further than quarterback Cam Newton, a five-star recruit who won the Heisman Trophy and was without question indispensable to Auburn's accomplishments.
Add freshman tailback Mike Dyer, who started slowly but broke Bo Jackson's school record for rushing yards as a freshman and wound up the offensive MVP in Auburn's championship victory over Oregon, and the Tigers could not have won it all without last year's recruiting class.
Then there's defensive tackle Nick Fairley, whom Tuberville signed out of high school in 2007 and Chizik re-signed out of junior college in 2009. Fairley won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top defensive lineman and has a chance to go first overall in this year's NFL draft.
"I'd say it's pretty clear that Auburn's recruiting is a lot better than it was a few years ago," said Bryan Matthews, who covers recruiting for AuburnUndercover.com. "Just look at the class they brought in last year and the one they're about to sign."
This year's class, at present numbering 22 oral commitments, is ranked No. 3 by Scout.com and No. 6 by Rivals.com.
Matthews credits the staff that Chizik, now entering his third season, put together and has maintained.
"Under Chizik, they've been going after better players, not just in state but around the region and around the country," Matthews said. "No. 2, Chizik just has more really good recruiters on his staff (than Tuberville).
"Curtis Luper, Tommy Thigpen and Trooper Taylor are three guys who could anchor a staff by themselves as far as a top recruiter, and Chizik has three on the same staff. Then there are some really underrated recruiters like Jeff Grimes and Gus Malzahn and Ted Roof."
However, it's not like Tuberville left the table bare.
A look at this year's depth chart shows that 13 of Auburn's starters off the championship team were fourth- or fifth-year seniors. All signed under Tuberville, who resigned after the 2008 season and now coaches at Texas Tech.
Standing out in particular were the players on the offensive line, where four of five starters were seniors. Center Ryan Pugh, left guard Mike Berry and left tackle Lee Ziemba were four-star recruits.
Only two starters on the championship team were rated below a three-star recruit.
Success should breed success. Look for the Tigers to continue to attract top-level talent on the heels of their national-championship season.
"It has definitely helped them," Matthews said. "It will help them even more with next year's class because many of the players who will form this year's class had already made up their minds.
"It's the sophomores and juniors in high school out there who are starting to form their opinions now."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Posts Tagged 'Summer'
For the village pedalers
Posted in Beyond Campus on September 11, 2012
We headed out to Granville's bike path for a ride and brought you a few scenes from the trail.
See you next summer, summer!
Posted in Sights & Sounds on September 22, 2011
It's the last official day of summer, and although it was a hot season, Admissions found a way to make it cool.
How to catch an iguana
Posted in Academics & Research on July 8, 2011
Bio students travel to the Bahamas for hands-on (literally) research of the most endangered iguanas in the world.
Granville on holiday
Posted in Sights & Sounds on July 5, 2011
Featuring fireworks, fair food, and fun on the Fourth, the Village of Granville celebrates Independence Day 2011 in style.
Summer is no time for a break
Posted in Academics & Research on June 17, 2011
For students in the 2011 Organizational Studies Summer Session, learning was much more than business as usual.
Blinding with science
Posted in Academics & Research on September 3, 2010
It was all about nucleotides, polymerases, and PR2 yesterday, as students showcased their summer research at the Science Scholars Research Symposium. Get yourself photoexcited by our Flickr slideshow!
Learning the ropes
Posted in On Campus on August 25, 2010
Whether it's through service, collaborating with artists, or hiking in the woods, Denison first-year students are acquiring the skills they need to succeed in college.
Make it happen
Posted in On Campus on August 24, 2010
Students get hopped up on pizza, caffeine, and ideas for social change at the 'Make It Happen' social entrepreneurship workshop, a six-day summer program.
- Remembering David Hallman '14 Feb. 9, 2014
- 'Sempre avanti' Feb. 13, 2014
- Spring is here! No, seriously. Jan. 21, 2014
- Professors of the future March 11, 2014
- They came. They saw. They led. March 17, 2014


text:
Please wait while page loads...
- $65.00
- Color: FLAMENCO BLUE SHIBORI PRINT FLAMENCO BLUE SHIBORI PRINT FUCHSIA PINK SHIBORI PRINT TNF BLACK SHIBORI PRINT MOJITO GREEN TNF BLACK FIRE BRICK RED FLOWERWORKS PRINT MARKER BLUE FLOWERWORKS PRINT JAIDEN GREEN POLKA DOT MARKER BLUE POLKA DOT
- Size Advisor
- Size: XS S M L XL
Dock your boat for your lunch on the waterfront and quickly cover up your bathing suit with this casual halter dress crafted of soft stretch knit fabric. QuickDry treatment discourages water absorption and speeds drying time. The halter neck of this soft, stretchy knit dress can be easily adjusted and tied in place. The new silhouette for spring 2013 features slight ruching at the seams and an exposed double-layer hem for a flattering fit.
Features Include
- Redesigned
- Luxuriously soft quick-drying stretch
- Quick-drying performance
- Halter ties at neck for adjustability
- Slight ruching at seams for a flattering and comfortable fit
- Exposed second layer hem
- Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50
Product Specifications
- Style:
- Fabric:
- 75D 208 g/m² (7.337 oz/yd²) 83% polyester, 17% elastane jersey knit
- Avg Weight:
- 230 g (8 oz)
- Length:
- 29.25"
- Source:
- Imported
- Guarantee:
- Lifetime Warranty
The sun-protection properties of a woven or knit fabric are dependent upon the transmission, absorption and reflection of UV radiation. The fiber type, dye, construction and finishes determine these characteristics. Our UPF-rated garments offer very good UV protection from prolonged exposure to the sun.


text:
Contract: $227,103,527 - Department of Energy - May. 5, 2009
50% voted satisfied - 50% voted not satisfied - 2 vote(s) cast
Award Description: Melton Valley Monitoring Wells This project involves the installation of groundwater monitoring wells to monitor and detect any potential off-site migration of contaminants from waste storage and disposal areas located in Melton Valley. The monitoring results from the well installation will confirm or refute the existence of any contaminants and may be used as the basis for future remedial actions, if required. Complete Removal Action at the Tank W-1A Project This project involves removal of Tank W1A (an underground storage tank located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Central Campus) and surrounding contaminated soils containing transuranic isotopes. This project also includes the packaging of waste in preparation for disposal of TRU soils at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and low-level soils at the Nevada Test Site. Approximately 355 cubic yards of contaminated soils will be removed and disposed. The accelerated completion of the removal action will reduce the Environmental Management liabilities and eliminate on-site sources of known contamination, reducing the risk of ongoing release of radioactive or other hazardous materials to the environment. Building K-27 Pre-Demolition This project will prepare Building K-27, a former uranium enrichment facility, for demolition. The work will include removal of all high-risk equipment from the facility; duct cutting necessary for Non-Destructive Assay and waste characterization; and foaming. This project accelerates completion of existing environmental protection and site cleanup goals at the East Tennessee Technology Park, eliminating potential environmental threats to the areas surrounding the Oak Ridge Reservation. Completion of the pre-demolition activities will eliminate the risk of a criticality during demolition and allow the Criticality Alarm system to be deactivated, reducing the Environmental Management liabilities. Oak Ridge Reservation Landfill Expansion This project provides for accelerated expansion and upgrades at the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) Landfill. The expansion is needed to safely meet increased disposal rates resulting from economic stimulus-funded projects and planned future needs. The project includes design and construction activities for landfill disposal space build-outs. The end product will allow efficient disposal at the anticipated increased rates while meeting Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation permits and prescribed operating plans. Completion of the ORR Landfill Expansion will provide a disposal outlet for waste created by currently planned environmental cleanup scope as well as new initiatives included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Environmental Management Waste Management Facility This project is to expand the waste storage capacity of the Environmental Management Waste Management Facility (EMWMF). The expansion is necessary to prepare for future demolition and environmental remediation. The EMWMF provides a waste disposition outlet for wastes meeting specific criteria and thus avoids significant transportation costs to other outlets.
Project Description: Five sub-projects were mobilized and progress achieved as follows: Subcontracts and Purchases - Issued 34 work releases under existing subcontracts, awarded 11 new subcontracts to support sub-projects, and made 646 material purchases. Building K-27 Pre-Demolition - Installed building construction power and lighting; air-gapped vault utilities to achieve safe working conditions; began draining coolant from vault components; began removal and disposition of universal wastes; began installation of grip strut to provide safe working surfaces; received scaffolding materials; and awarded asbestos abatement subcontract. EMWMF ? Awarded subcontract for 1,287,000 square feet of geosynthethic material. Developed on-site materials borrow area; cleared land for Cell 5; built perimeter berms (75,000 cy) and geologic buffer (20,500 cy); and installed leachate pipes (600 lf) at the south berm. Also, installed 2 piezometers and 1 shallow well for future sampling. Began production of low permeability clay (5,000 cy) at the off-site borrow area and placement of the clay liner (2,000 cy) into the cell. ORR Landfill Capacity Expansion - Completed design through the 90% stage 3 weeks ahead of the project milestone. Melton Valley OffSite Monitoring Wells - Acquired owner access agreements for 2 of the 4 well cluster locations and proceeded with construction of access roads. Drilling is to begin in October 2009. Complete Removal Action at Tank W-1A?Issued a Request for Proposal to prequalified subcontractors to remove and containerize contaminated soil, size-reduced 4,000-gallon tank, and tank foundation pad. Proposals were evaluated and a recommendation submitted to DOE for proceeding. Next, the project will initiate development of engineering design and work plans.
Jobs Summary: To date, Bechtel Jacobs Company LLC (BJC) has provided work to a total of 369 individuals (headcount) in support of Recovery Act projects. Of the total headcount, 13 individuals have worked in jobs retained, i.e., previously existing filled positions that were retained as a result of Recovery Act funding, and 356 have worked in jobs created. One hundred sixty (160) were in union positions, and 209 were in non-union positions. The breakdown of individuals by job type is as follows: Management 63, Technical 106, Business 31, Admin/Clerical 8, and Trades/Craft 161. The average annual salary for individuals who have worked on Recovery Act projects is $78,130. Total hours worked on Recovery Act projects by individuals in all jobs equate to 100.0 Cumulative Full Time Equivalents (CFTE?s). Of the total hours, hours worked in jobs retained account for 9.0 CFTE?s and hours worked in jobs created account for 91.0 CFTE?s. Hours worked by individuals in union positions equal 42.5 CFTE?s and hours worked in non-union positions equal 57.5 CFTE?s. The breakdown of CFTE?s by job type is as follows: Management 19.0, Technical 27.0, Business 8.0, Admin/Clerical 3.5 and Trades/Craft 43.0. Reported numbers for headcount and for CFTE?s include individuals who worked through Requests for Offsite Services. In addition, BJC provided work to individuals in subcontractor organizations who are not included in the reported totals. (Total jobs reported: 100)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on May. 5, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
Funds from this award have been disbursed to subcontractors. Click here to see a list of subcontractors.
|Street Legal Industries, Inc
|Street Legal Industries, Inc
|Street Legal Industries, Inc
|Street Legal Industries, Inc
|Street Legal Industries, Inc
|Tfe, Inc
|Tetratek Inc
|Turnkey Transportation Services LLC
|Washington Safety Management Solutions LLC
|Washington Safety Management Solutions LLC


text:
As the global leader in domain names, Verisign powers the invisible navigation that takes people to where they want to go on the Internet.
Verisign's infrastructure services help to ensure that your organization's websites are reliable and always available.
Verisign provides in-depth analysis, insight and response recommendations to help keep businesses and government organizations ahead of new and evolving cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
As the Internet continues to expand, Verisign is committed to creating and driving advancements that keep the Internet fast, safe, and reliable for all users.
The Computer Associates License Client/Server applications provide a
method for CA products to register their licenses on the network. The
License Client and Server are distributed with almost all CA software
distributions. More information about Computer Associates software
products is available from:
Remote exploitation of a buffer overflow vulnerability in Computer
Associates International Inc. License Server can allow attackers to
execute arbitrary code.
The vulnerability specifically exists in the handling of the filename
used in PUTOLF requests. A PUTOLF request looks something like this:
A0 PUTOLF 1 H A 10 name 2700 File Contents<EOM>
Using a name over 252 bytes long, it is possible to overwrite the saved
instruction pointer, allowing execution of arbitrary code.
Exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code under the
privileges of Local System (on Windows platforms) or root (on Linux
platforms). The CA License Client runs by default and is packaged with
almost all CA software.
iDEFENSE has confirmed that CA License Client 0.1.0.15 is vulnerable. It
is suspected that most CA products are running vulnerable versions of
the client and/or server.
Use a firewall to only allow trusted hosts to connect to the Computer
Associates License Server and Client ports.
A vendor advisory for this issue is available at:
Patches for this issue are available at:
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the
name CAN-2005-0582 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion
in the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for
security problems.
02/08/2005 Initial vendor notification
02/09/2005 Initial vendor response
03/02/2005 Coordinated public disclosure
This vulnerability was discovered by Greg MacManus, iDEFENSE Labs.
Get paid for vulnerability research
Free tools, research and upcoming events
Copyright © 2005 Verisign, Inc.
Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert
electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express
written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any
part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please
email email@example.com for permission.
Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate
at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use
of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.
There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the
author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,
or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,
this information.


text:
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
SOURCE Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
SUMMIT, N.J., Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC ("Nautilus Solar"), a leading independent solar power producer, has executed a Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA") for a 1.5 MW solar photovoltaic project with the City of Lordsburg, New Mexico. The project will provide clean, solar electricity to the City's wastewater plant, fluoride and pumping station, Police Station and City Hall. The project is expected to save the City approximately $3.5 million over the twenty year term of the PPA.
This development marks the first project in Nautilus Solar's expansion into the Southwest. "We are very excited about the opportunities presented for solar power in the Southwest. The Lordsburg project provides significant savings in electricity costs with no local incentives or subsidies and truly represents retail parity," said James Rice, Nautilus Solar's CEO. "We are looking forward to working with other municipalities and customers in the Southwest to deliver solar electricity that provides cost savings and environmental benefits."
About Nautilus Solar Energy
Founded in 2006, Nautilus Solar is a leading independent solar power producer headquartered in Summit, New Jersey. Nautilus Solar develops, constructs, finances, owns and operates distributed generation and utility-scale solar electric systems. The company sells its generated electricity through long-term power purchase agreements and has projects in NJ, CT, MD, CA, FL and Canada, with approximately 92 MW owned and managed. Nautilus Solar is majority-owned by an investment affiliate of Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC, based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
©2012 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Cake auction funds Toddler Enrichment and other programs at Carr Center
When Becky King's son enrolled in sessions at the Carr Center 18 months ago, he was completely nonverbal. Now, at 3 years old, 'he's a complete chatterbox.'
You will be redirected to the page you want to view in seconds.
When Becky King's son enrolled in sessions at the Carr Center 18 months ago, he was completely nonverbal. Now, at 3 years old, 'he's a complete chatterbox.'
The $12 fee most property owners pay to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District annually could be slated for a reduction in 2015 because of increased revenue from oil and gas leases.
In 24 years, several homicides in Licking County have remained unsolved. One of those cases involves an unidentified woman who has been known only as Jane Doe since she was found.
Four young girls spent part of Wednesday afternoon counting pennies in a cold gymnasium.
Newark police have arrested two people in connection with a weekend vandalism spree that damaged nearly 100 cars and residences.
West Muskingum students rehearse for roles in "Bye Bye Birdie." Cast directed by Josh Whetstone, orchestra directed by Andrew Ruetz.
Just hours after bonding out in her current drug case, Rhonda St. John-Berger was back in Coshocton County Jail.
A male western Pennsylvania police officer has been dressing as an Amish woman -- along with a female officer from a neighboring department -- hoping to scare off a man suspected of exposing himself to Amish children.Pulaski Township Sgt.
A group advocating the separation of church and state is protesting a pair of crosses displayed for Easter on a tiny eastern Ohio village's municipal building.
Ohio officials must immediately recognize the same-sex marriages of four couples who sued over the state's gay marriage ban, a federal judge said Wednesday, while staying the broader effects of his ruling to avoid 'premature celebration and confusion' in
Local band Carson Drive will be sharing the stage with country star Brett Eldredge on Thursday night as they play what they've called their biggest show yet.
Before Sarah Panzau Evans started her speech Tuesday at Newark Catholic High School, photos of her as a college student flashed across the screen.
A juvenile reported their mother was being beaten by a male at the residence on the 100 block of Eagle View Drive before 8:16 p.m. Monday.
Becky Kronebitter celebrated her 65th birthday Wednesday. Send cards to 2385 Clay Pike Road.
Tickets are now on sale for Muskingum University's concert with Machine Gun Kelly, Kid Ink and opening act Bas, to be held at 8 p.m. April 26 in the recreation center on the campus.
The New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District will host a swing dance workshop is from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Muskingum County Library System announced public availability of thousands of movies, television shows, music albums and audiobooks, all available for mobile and online access through a new partnership with hoopla digital.
Army Pvt. Scott N. Lowery has graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., which consisted of basic military training and advanced individual training.
Zane State College will host the 2014 Middle School and Community Health Expo from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. April 24 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1616 Blue Ave.
Five seniors from Muskingum University's Engineering Science program have presented their senior research projects at the annual North Central Section Conference of the American Society of Engineering Education held April 5 at Oakland University in Roches
Arlis Armansyah
Air Force Airman Ryan W. Harper graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.
Arlis Armansyah
Daniel J. Downing, son of Joel and Mirian Downing, of Zanesville, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, S.C., on April 4 as a motivated Marine private first class.
The aroma of sizzling sausage and pancakes at Bob Evans stops when the restaurant closes at 10, but that didn't stop a man from getting one last late-night whiff.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Police in central Ohio say an 8-year-old boy has died days after being shot in the head, and they expect to file updated charges against the suspect.
On the road in a tour bus this week, the U.S. transportation secretary is spreading some bad news: The government's Highway Trust Fund is nearly broke.
Tiffany Morones-Suttle opened the door to her 11-year-old sons room and stopped cold. There stood the raven-haired boy, his body slumped but strangely erect as he stared, still and silent, at his bunk bed.
Ohio wildlife officials have signed off on new hunting regulations for white-tailed deer, including decreased deer bag limits in Muskingum County.
Tony Bynum wants to change the dialogue in the community. To him, its simple if you want to live in a better community, then you have a responsibility to work at making it better.
The city of Zanesville and Muskingum County are pitted against each other in a dispute over an idea that would completely restructure the local court system, a discussion city officials say they have been left out of.
The Genesis HealthCare Foundation has announced that scholarship applications are available for students in Muskingum, Morgan, Perry and other counties pursuing degrees in health care.
The annual Muskingum County Republican Club Lincoln Day dinner was conducted Feb. 5 at the Amrou Grotto in Prophets Park.
Twenty-five local businesses have signed up to compete in a pinewood derby just for adults.
The public can rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs by dropping them off for disposal from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Katie Nicole Adams, a senior majoring in psychology at the University of Rochester, has been named to the dean's list for the 2013 fall semester.
Commuters throughout Ohio were dealing with messy roads thanks to a spring snowfall.
When Helen Felumlee passed away at the age of 92 Saturday morning, her family knew her husband Kenneth Felumlee, 91, wouldn't be slow to follow her.
Driving down Main Street, long-abandoned storefronts with missing bricks and plywood window coverings are a bleak reminder of a bygone era when New Straitsville was a thriving 19th century coal mining community.
A federal judge on Monday ordered Ohio to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states, and civil rights attorneys and gay marriage supporters immediately began looking ahead to their next fight: a lawsuit seeking to force Ohio to
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A mumps outbreak in central Ohio has grown to more than 200 confirmed cases, public health officials said Monday.
Skyler Gray will celebrate his birthday Friday. Send cards to 318 Pine St.
Wintry weather is coming back to Ohio.
Richard Breese, 32, 16 Summit Drive, drug paraphernalia, $150 plus costs.
The dog whisperer carries a pistol, but rarely uses it.
CINCINNATI (AP) A man who overdosed on heroin with his girlfriend at a McDonald's play area near Cincinnati was sentenced Monday to six months in jail for child endangering.
With the recent warm weather, it's easy to put memories of the harsh winter to the side. But while the winter worries may be winding down for most people, the city and county continue to deal with budgetary concerns stemming from the weather.
sponsored by
View some of our favorite videos, or visit the Make a Difference Day YouTube page for more related videos.
View the last seven days
See our paid archives for news older than a week.
Things To Do
Real Deals
Flip, shop and save on specials from your favorite retailers in central Ohio.
Most Commented
sign up for home delivery today


text:
New Group Featuring Robert Plant to Debut at WOMAD Festival in July
Robert Plant is part of a new musical collective called The Sensational Space Shifters that will make its live debut when the group headlines the 2012 WOMAD Festival, The Guardian reports. The world music extravaganza, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is scheduled for July 27-29 in Malmesbury, England. A post on Plant's Facebook page reveals that the group's performance will take place on the last day of the festival.
The Led Zeppelin singer's latest project features members of his old backing band, The Strange Sensation -- including multi-instrumentalist Justin Adams -- as well as Gambian musician Juldeh Camara. According to a bio supplied to WOMAD.co.uk, the outfit says it's inspired by "the roots music of Mississippi, Appalachia, Gambia, Bristol and the foothills of Wolverhampton and [draws] on influences collected in a lifetime of meander and journeying."
Plant played with The Strange Sensation from 2001 to 2007, prior to beginning his forays into Americana music with Alison Krauss and then with The Band of Joy.
The WOMAD Festival, which was co-founded by Peter Gabriel, was first held in 1982.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio


text:
My seven-year quest to get one more at-bat in the major leagues
Story Highlights
In '05, Adam Greenberg was hit in the head by the first and only MLB pitch he saw
The Marlins signed Greenberg and will give him an at-bat Tuesday night in Miami
Greenberg briefly left the game but was inspired to give his dream one last chance
On July 9, 2005, Adam Greenberg stepped into the batter's box at Dolphins Stadium for his first major league at-bat. Greenberg, then 24, had been a promising prospect for the Cubs ever since they had selected him in the ninth-round of the 2002 draft out of North Carolina three years earlier. He rose steadily through Chicago's minor league system and was batting .269 with a .386 on-base percentage and 15 steals in 19 attempts at Double-A West Tennessee when he was promoted to the parent club.
He came to the plate as a pinch-hitter with one out in the top of the ninth and the Cubs leading 4-2. The first pitch from Florida's Valerio de los Santos was a high fastball that smashed into Greenberg's helmet and made contact with his skull. Greenberg walked off the field under his own power but had no way of knowing that he had suffered a concussion or that he had just faced his only major league pitch.
Until tonight. More than seven years after that one-pitch at-bat that earned him a rare place in baseball history as the only player to be hit by the only pitch he ever saw in the major leagues, Greenberg was signed to a one-day contract by the Marlins last week. The team announced it will get him into tonight's game against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Greenberg, now 31, tells his story in his own words.
The only time I think abut the at-bat is when people ask me questions. I dismissed it a long time ago based on having to live it and deal with it in order to get over it. I wanted to get back on the field and get back to playing. It was really important to me that I not accept "Oh well, poor me." I always used it as fire, just like when I was just a little kid and I had that fire to reach the majors. I never really got to live my dream in playing in the major leagues. So I used it as fuel to keep that fire burning.
I never really felt like I wasn't going to make it back. That was what enabled me to keep going. But over the years there were points that have been difficult. The toughest probably came in 2009. I had left the Cubs organization in 2006 and spent time in the Dodgers', Royals' and Angels' systems since then, as well as played independent league baseball. But that year I had gone to spring training with the Reds and played well enough that they told me that if I continued to play the way I had I would get a shot at the big leagues, possibly even that year. I was at an all-time high from any point since the injury.
One day toward the end of camp I went to the park and someone grabbed me and said, "They want to see you upstairs before you get dressed." Everyone in baseball knows what that means. They don't tell you to go upstairs before you get dressed unless it's bad news. My heart sank. I thought, really? Again? It took them 10 seconds to release the guy in front of me. When I went in, they shut the door and everybody in the room said, "You earned your shot, you deserve to play at the big league level but unfortunately there's a business side to this and there's only so many guys you can have on the roster." I was the odd man out. I wasn't under contract. I had to walk across the field that day with my bags packed going, "How did this happen again?"
WERTHEIM: Greenberg fighting to get back to the majors
A few weeks later, while playing for Bridgeport in the independent Atlantic League I tore my rotator cuff 90 percent of the way through diving for a ball. It really affected my swing; I couldn't hit through the ball with the swing that I normally would have. I wound up hitting .248 that year, which was my worst season for any season in professional baseball. At the same time, I had started a software development company because I had to. I was only making $2,200 a month for five months, had no health insurance and had just gotten married. I wasn't 100 percent into the game mentally, which you have to be if you're going to succeed.
I had a solid season in 2010 and when I came back in 2011 I felt like this was it. I was physically ready, but even though I thought I was mentally ready, I really wasn't. There were times my first at-bat of the game would happen, I'd go 0-for-1 and only then would I get my head in the game.
This past February I had a heart-to-heart with Dusty Baker at his house in California. He was my manager during my one-game call-up with the Cubs, and he had been my manager in spring training in 2009 with the Reds. In 2008, a fan had written him a letter after I got cut by the Royals, telling him my story, and Dusty read the letter and went out of his way to find me and left me the most heartfelt message I've ever received. He and I had been in touch ever since and I can't rave enough about him as a human being.
When we spoke at his house, I told him everything that had happened to me and he knew that I had started some businesses off the field. He said, "You owe it to yourself to start your life. You can play at the major league level. But you've gone the independent route. Start your life. Don't give up on your dream but do what you need to do for yourself and your family. Get your head clear and good things will come of it."
That was what I needed to hear. I chose to take the year off. That was when Matt Liston called me. He's a filmmaker and lifelong Cubs fan who knew about my story and told me about this army of people he was building to get me back in the major leagues.
I had never heard of him until he called. He told me, "I followed your story I'm a lifelong Cubs fan. I have a mission to get you back to the big leagues and get you an at bat." To be honest, I didn't dismiss it because I heard the passion in his voice. For an optimist and someone who believes anything's possible, did I really believe it would happen this way? Absolutely not.
At some point, the petition Matt was pushing got some media attention and there was a moment in the trailer Matt has made where general manager Jed Hoyer says they owed me a look, but I never spoke to anyone in the Cubs organization and didn't expect it. They didn't owe me anything, not even a phone call.
YouTube: Watch the trailer for One At-Bat
Talking to Matt and him telling me what he was doing re-lit that passion in me. And that's when I realized that playing baseball is what I still want to do. In July, I got an e-mail from longtime major league catcher Brad Ausmus asking me if I was interested in playing for Team Israel in the qualifying round of the World Baseball Classic.
I had to relearn what it meant to be a big league hitter. I hit until my hands bled and worked with a former hitting coach of mine. By the time of my first batting session with Team Israel, I knew Ausmus was looking at me and saying, "This kid can hit." I was so happy because I was excited about what was going on. I made the team and played in a few games but didn't get an at-bat. We were eliminated on Sept. 23 by Spain in extra innings and I was heartbroken.
After that game, which was at Roger Dean Stadium, the spring training home of the Marlins, I happened to be with Matt and was mic'd up when he got a call from David Samson, the team president. Matt said, "Let me put you on speakerphone." Mr. Samson told me that he had been at that game seven years ago and he'd been following my story and that the organization wanted to give me a one-day contract to get my at-bat. I broke down. I couldn't even say thank you.
I've been so busy the last few days getting ready for this that I'm exhausted at the end of the day. Now that the day is here, I have to treat it like it's a regular game, but it is pretty cool and I'm trying to soak it all up. I'm going to enjoy every second of batting practice. When my at-bat comes, it will probably be against R.A. Dickey, who's having a great season and I hope he wins the Cy Young Award. But I have to play it like it's a regular game. This is a competition. There's no greater thing in the world than playing baseball, and that's what this is all about.
I hope to get on base and score a run, however it takes, whether by base hit, walk, even another hit by pitch. If that happens, hopefully this time I can at least run the bases.
Ryan Getzlaf leads Ducks past Stars 3-2 in Game 2
Pavel Datsyuk's late goal leads Red Wings to Game 1 win over Bruins


text:
The January issue of Vegetarian Times has generously listed Everyday Dish TV in their 2009 hot list of fresh voices and handy resources. Here's what they had to say:
Video How-tos - See why veg cooks can't stop blogging about Everyday
Dish (everydaydish.tv) host Julie Hasson's popular vegan sausages, which she makes by steaming a mixture of vital wheat gluten, herbs, and spices. Julie's cheerful cooking videos offer step-by-step instructions with ingredient information and recommendations as she cooks. Past guest chefs have included cookbook authors Bryanna Clark Grogan (vegan crêpes and dulce de leche), Dreena Burton (of Eat, Drink & Be Vegan and Vive le Vegan!), and the up-and-coming Hannah Kaminsky (Butterscoth Blondies and Whoopie Pies from My Sweet Vegan).
Needless to say that we are honored.


text:
We're dealing with another day of bone-chilling temperatures.
And overnight, some people in Gloucester County were forced out of their homes when a pipe burst.
"And then I heard a pop; the dog started barking and started running toward the front doors, so I went into the second floor bedroom…and I heard water running. I thought it was rain…I looked the right to the vent and water just started pouring down," said Tawana Watson, a resident. "The sprinkler itself just started pouring down from the ceiling; not spraying, just dropping down from the ceiling."
The apartment complex is trying to get the water situation fixed and then fix the electrical malfunctions. Steve Keeley has more in the report above.
Flames are tearing through a South Jersey forest right now, and this wildfire is only expected to grow.
WTXF-TV330 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106-2796Phone: (215) 925-2929Fax: (215) 982-5494


text:
Need more than 15 tickets?Visit our groups section
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Dollywood's Splash Country and Dollywood will host Live Positively: An Eco-Awareness Fair featuring the Coca-Cola® Recycling Education Vehicle(REV) on July 14 and 15, respectively, along with local organizations devoted to increasing environmental awareness and initiatives
Through interaction with the onsite staff, the goal is to show individuals how their personal efforts to recycle can have a greater impact in their own communities. Live Positively: An Eco-Awareness Fair is included with park admission.
The REV is a self-contained vehicle equipped with video screens, interactive displays, and games all designed to educate consumers about the benefits of recycling. Coca-Cola's three REVs travel more than 120,000 miles a year, visiting more than 200 events and venues across North America.
During park operating hours, booths will be hosted by the American Eagle Foundation, Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Friends of the Smokies, Sevier Solid Waste, Keep Sevier Beautiful and more.
The onsite staff will help increase recycling awareness by engaging park guests in recycling trivia and games as well as educational videos. Guests are encouraged to stop by during regular park operating hours to learn how to make a difference in their homes and communities through efforts to recycle and reduce.
The Dollywood parks' efforts to reduce waste and energy use also include recycling corrugated cardboard and replacing incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent and LED lamps.
Dollywood is a 150-acre family adventure park, and Dollywood's Splash Country is a 35-acre water adventure park, both located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Open nine months a year, Dollywood, the 2010 Applause Award winner, offers more than 40 rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Named America's Must-See Waterpark in 2009, Dollywood's Splash Country operates Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.
Media: Contact Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens at 865-428-9486, 865-755-7972 or by email at email@example.com for B-roll, photography and more information. Check the Dollywood Press Room at for updates and new images.
Super Season Passholders receive unlimited visits to both Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country. Buy yours now!
Learn More
Take the hassle factor out of the equation! Let us plan your trip from quality accommodations to tickets to local attractions, theaters, dining and more!
Make the Dixie Stampede part of your Smoky Mountain Christmas visit and discover the most fun place to eat!
Humana is the official presenting sponsor of Dollywood's Festival of Nations, National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration and Smoky Mountain Christmas.
Ready to soar with the eagles? Jump on the Wild Eagle All-Access Tour and you'll fly where very few have flown before.
Add a zip to your visit with Dollywood's first premium adventure, SkyZip™. Fly like an eagle over Dollywood and experience the majesty of the Smokies.
© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Breeze Adjustable Headset
From OTTO COMMUNICATIONS
Product From OTTO COMMUNICATIONS
OTTO Communications offers the new Breeze Adjustable headset. OTTO has taken the standard Breeze lightweight headset and expanded the product offering to include a version with an adjustable headband for those users who may require a smaller size. The Breeze lightweight headset is ideal for bike safety patrols and for anyone working in a moderate noise environment.
Expand for more details on this Product
BTH-SPM100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker MicrophoneProduct From Pryme Radio Products
The BTH-SPM100 wireless Bluetooth speaker microphone brings simplicity to the forefront and is excellent for use in industries outside of the first-responder. Users can integrate the BTH-SPM100 with various Android (tablet and cell phone) apps, including Skype.
PrymeBlu (BT-PTT2) - Bluetooth Radio AccessoryProduct From Pryme Radio Products
Pryme's second-generation Bluetooth push-to-talk button, the BT-PTT2, is smaller, lighter, and has a longer battery life—all at a reduced cost to previous models.
Enhanced PTT Wired Headset for Android Phones (AT&T, Bell Canada)Product From ADVANCETEC INDUSTRIES INC.
AdvanceTec Industries expanded its push-to-talk accessory line with the release of an Enhanced PTT wired Headset, compatible with Android phones on the AT&T and Bell Canada networks.
The new ATT8437A Headset is the first to feature a D-loop, over-the-ear design that rests snugly on either ear. Unlike ear-canal earbuds, this new design will not block hearing, which makes it unsafe under working conditions. It is easy to put on and remove and provides a comfort fit for extended wear.
Defender9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point Call Handling SuiteProduct From TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (TCS) INC.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. announced the availability of its Defender9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) call handling solution. Defender9-1-1, the next generation of TCS' X-Solution product line, features advanced capabilities, improved performance, scalability and availability. Its enterprise-grade components are compliant with National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards, and present modular and cost-effective configurations for public safety agencies of all sizes.
LETS 2.0 Investigative Phone Recording Management SystemProduct From LETS Corp. (dba Orion Systems)
LETS Corporation dba Orion Systems announced the addition of several new features to LETS 2.0 Investigative Phone and Audio Recording System. Our system has been updated to provide Hostage and Crisis Response Personnel to immediately establish a secure, recorded connection with the hostage taker or subject. Additionally LETS allows for notification and connection of command, supervisory or tactical personnel to the real-time audio as it is recorded to a secure server. Command, Supervisors, Tactical and the Negotiators can connect from any landline or cellular phone while responding to the scene, saving valuable time over traditional response equipment.
Real-Time Crime Center Start KitProduct From MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
Municipalities may enhance situational awareness and predictive policing efforts now with the Real-Time Crime Center Starter Kit from Motorola Solutions Inc. With 90% of police departments set to increase their use of predictive policing tactics in the next five years, Motorola's system integration and
- Product From MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
Motorola Solutions, Inc. added to its award-winning lineup of APX mission-critical two-way radios: the APX 4000XE portable radio.
Users like police, fire, EMS, corrections and public works agencies will find a full array of ASTRO 25 features and functionality on the
APX 1000 Mission-Critical Two-Way RadioProduct From MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
Users like police, fire, EMS, corrections and public works agencies will find a full array of ASTRO 25 features and functionality on the APX 1000.
The APX 1000 is a smaller, value-priced portable radio for utilities, public works and small public safety agencies. The radio features intelligent lighting and renowned APX audio quality with dual microphone noise suppression technology. APX 1000 provides users with P25 TDMA capabilities, including enhanced battery life and advanced radio features and flexibility.
- Product From RADWIN
RADWIN released its new Vehicular Mobile Unit (VMU), part of the FiberinMotion portfolio. VMU is especially designed for vehicle installations, enabling high-speed video, voice and data transmission for vehicles on the move.
APX 7000L Multi-Band Portable RadioProduct From MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS
Motorola Solutions, Inc. introduced the latest offering in its series of APX Series Project 25 (P25) Two-Way Radios: the APX 7000L Multi-Band Portable Radio with LTE, which was specifically designed to meet the evolving technical and challenging deployment needs of U.S. federal law enforcement. The APX 7000L operates on both Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) mobile broadband and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks, delivering fast and efficient data operation combined with mission critical LMR voice connectivity across the nation.


text:
Lean and mean! The airgun masters at Gamo® made the Varmint Stalker to satisfy the marksman who demands lethal performance. One cock of the break barrel action brings enough pressure to accelerate a .177 pellet to a screaming 1,250 F.P.S., with less noise thanks to the Bull Whisper barrel with built-in dampener. Completing the package is a 4x32 mm scope to ensure every shot is on-target!
Order yours ONLINE today!
Please Note: This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add it to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
Gamo® Varmint Stalker .177 Cal. Air Riflewith 4x32 mm Scope
You qualify for a free gift. It will be added to your cart automatically.
Shop Similar Items
to find something that we have now or that can be backordered.
If you would like to be notified when we have this item available for sale, click
and enter your email address to receive an email notification.