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When former Morenci resident Dave Koyl saw the story about the rock (Nov. 4 Observer) with the strange markings—either Native American carvings or glacial scratchings—he knew it looked familiar. He was with Bud Lenfesty mushroom hunting when they came across the rock in 1975.
"We never did find any mushrooms that day, but we found a rock," Dave said.
Dave had heard a story back when he lived here about a Native American burial mound in the area of the rock. The mushroom hunters associated the carved rock with the burial ground.
The MSU professor who commented about the rock might visit Stair Public Library in the future to present a program about Great Lakes Native American culture.


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Condoms are cheap, easy to get and pretty good at their jobs. So, they're a practical choice for people who want to have sex without making babies or passing around sexually transmitted infections – as long as they do it right. Male latex condoms, used consistently and correctly, are up to 94 percent effective at preventing the transmission of HIV and other STIs [source: WHO] And as long as they're used consistently and correctly, they're also up to 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy [source: CDC]. Not too shabby for a simple piece of latex.
Notice that I've already said "consistently and correctly" twice. Fail at either (or both) of those, and condoms are less effective. Case in point: "Up to 98 percent effective" for preventing pregnancy drops to more like 82 percent with imperfect use. And 94 percent drops to 80 percent for STI prevention [source: WHO].
"Consistent" is easy – it means using a condom every time, any time a penis is going into another person's body. (And it's not just for penises: Shared toys need condoms, too.) As for "correct": Condoms seem so straightforward they ought to be foolproof. Like I said, they're just a simple piece of latex. Yet people have found a plethora of ways to do it wrong.
Some of these 10 wrongs could apply to female condoms, dental dams or nonlatex condoms, but I'm sticking with male latex condoms for the sake of simplicity. And I'm going to assume that we're talking about actual condoms here – not jury-rigged substitutes thrown together from things around the house. There are zero right ways to use those.
Let's get started.
Get the Wrong Size.
That huge box of extra-large rubbers can be a big ego boost for people shopping for themselves or a flattering gesture for people buying them for a partner. But there are three big problems with using condoms that are too big, especially when they're too wide. Ever worn a pair of shoes that's just a shade too big and suffered the consequences later? Then you already know one of them – friction. Fortunately, blisters aren't the problem here, but condoms can break when there's too much friction. Since they don't fit as snugly, too-big condoms can also leak. And, worst of all, a condom that's too loose may come off completely during sex. Then, the whole scenario moves from protected to unprotected – and possibly very awkward and uncomfortable – in one fell swoop.
Latex condoms are stretchy and should fit snugly, so, while it's fine to comparison shop for a favorite, in most cases, standard sizes do the job.
Use a Wallet as Condom Storage.
The wallet: home to money, ID and other useful stuff that most people don't leave home without – which makes it seem like a brilliant place to stow an emergency condom. But walking around with a wallet full of condoms isn't smart. Especially if they're in a back pocket, wallets are also home to friction, heat and pressure. All three make latex weaker, so wallet-stored condoms are some of the least reliable.
This rule goes double for glove compartments (and anyplace else that's subject to extreme temperatures). Just like candles, red wine and oral contraceptives, condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Use an Old Condom.
Remember that thing on the previous page about how condoms and wallets don't mix? It's not just the heat-friction combo ... there's also the out-of-sight, out-of-mind factor. That sad, lonely condom, tucked between old receipts and tattered bills, may be long past its prime by the time anyone has a need for it. Condoms have expiration dates for a reason – old latex becomes brittle, even if it's been stored somewhere with much better climate control than a back pocket.
First step: Check the date on the package. If it's in the past, pitch it. Second step: Look at the condom itself. If it's dried out, sticky or brittle, it's too old to use. Throw it away.
Open With Teeth.
In a hurry? Hoping to look cool? Tied to something? None of these is a good excuse for using teeth to tear open a condom. Latex is a good barrier against semen and pathogens, but not against teeth. Even if it's not visibly punctured or torn, a bitten condom may still be damaged enough to break.
Aside from all of those actual risks, lube can taste gross.
Don't look for anything sharp as a substitute for canines and incisors: Scissors, knives, long fingernails and basically anything else that's sharper than fingertips are also on the "Do Not Use" list. It's a little like that rule about not putting anything in your ear that's smaller than your elbow.
A run-of-the-mill condom wrapper has serrated edges to make it easier to open, and the foil or plastic material tears easily once it's started. It's a two-handed – but zero-toothed – operation. Plus, designers like Ben Pawle continue to come up with easier-to-open designs, like this one-handed condom package, for people who need them.
Put It On Wrong.
Forget that old wives' tale about confused couples cluelessly rolling condoms onto veggies after sex ed. There are plenty of wrong ways to put on a condom that people actually do in the real world, such as:
- Inside out: It will unroll only with extreme (and possibly damaging) difficulty, and, if you flip it over and use it anyway, stuff that should stay on the inside will be on the outside.
- Too tight: The end of the condom needs some space for semen to go. Up to 45.7 percent of people mess this up [source: Sanders et al.].
- Too airy: Friction against air bubbles makes condoms more likely to break. About more than 40 percent of people don't squeeze out the air [source: Sanders et al.].
- Partial unroll: A condom that isn't unrolled all the way can come off during sex – and it can't do a great job of preventing contact between people's parts while it's on.
- Unrolling before applying: As with an inside-out condom, it's a harder to put on a condom that's already unrolled – so it's also much easier to break.
Here are the right-way basics. Carefully remove the condom from the package and check for damage. Make sure it's right-side up, with the tip of the condom poking up from the center (not wrapping around from the outside). Squeeze the air out of the tip, leave about a thumb's width of space, and place it on the penis (or toy, if that's what's being sheathed up in this scenario). Unroll it all the way down, squeezing out any air bubbles. You can read more detail on the right way to put on a condom in How Condoms Work.
Fail to Fix a Fail.
With so many wrong ways to put on condoms, everyone who uses them will probably slip up at some point during their sexual history. The worst thing to do when it happens, whether the condom's inside out, broken or on too tight, is just to ignore it and keep going. To repeat the last page: The deceptively simple solution of fixing a wrong-side-out condom by taking it off and flipping it the right way has its own major flaw. Once flipped, one partner's bodily fluid is on the outside, ready for contact with the other's. As many as 30 percent of people who accidentally start a condom off inside out make this mistake [source: Sanders et al.].
The best thing to do any time something goes wrong while putting on a condom is to throw that condom away and get a new one. It's a pretty good reason to keep extra condoms around (as long as they're not in a wallet, in a glove box or right next to the heating vent).
Use the Wrong Lube.
Latex pro: It's basically rubber, so it's stretchy. Latex con: It's basically rubber, so it's grippy. What it has in stretch, it lacks in slide.
Lots of rubbers are pre-lubricated to compensate for their annoyingly high coefficient of friction, but many people need (or want) things to be slipperier, or want a different lube than the ones that go on at the condom factory. But most of the slick substances likely to be around the house – like petroleum jelly or vegetable oil – don't mix well with condoms.
There are almost as many lubes to choose from as there are condoms, but water-soluble lubricants are the only ones that team up well with latex. Lubricants made with oil or petroleum products will weaken latex condoms, making them likelier to break. Water-soluble lubricants are also easier to wash away, which makes it easier to wash off any sperm or pathogens that might have gotten in there.
Put It On Too Late.
Condoms are a barrier method: They physically keep people's parts from touching. As a commonly cited (and complained-about) side effect, they can also reduce pleasure and sensation, so it can be tempting to put off putting one on.
Sadly, procrastination rarely works out well for anybody. The longer the rubber stays off, the more time people's bodily fluids have to accidentally tangle up with each other. Studies vary, but somewhere between 17 and 50 percent of people wait even later than the last possible minute, putting a condom on after starting sex [source: Sanders et al.]. That unprotected contact increases the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission.
The right time to put a condom on is before sex, not during.
Take It Off Too Late.
Procrastination can waylay more than just putting a condom on. Waiting too long to take a condom off has its own set of problems. An erection can begin to fade immediately after ejaculation, meaning a condom that was snug at the start can go baggy right after the finish. The softer the penis gets, the more likely it is for semen to leak out of the condom.
Immediately after ejaculation, remove the penis, holding the rim of the condom to keep it secure. Then, carefully remove the condom to avoid spilling its contents. Wrap it in tissue or toilet paper, and throw it away.
Reuse It.
This wrong way is No. 1 not because it's the worst wrong way – although it is pretty bad – but because it's hard to believe there are people who do it. After all, everybody knows condoms are disposable ... right?
Apparently, a few people do not. Between 1.4 and 3.3 percent of people reuse condoms during a single session of intercourse, and 1.5 percent of people reuse condoms during different sessions [source: Sanders et al.].
Apart from the yuck factor of reapplying a used condom, condoms just aren't safe to reuse. Sort of like there's not enough eye bleach to rid your brain of some of the most disturbing imagery the Internet, there's not enough scrubbing to make a condom OK to use again. Any treatment that would kill every sperm and every potential pathogen would also make the condom weaker.
Condom reuse is a bad idea. Use each one – correctly – once and only once, and then wrap it up and throw it away. In a wastebasket or garbage can ... not in the toilet.
Want Just a Few Kids? Ask Mom to Move In
Mom or mother-in-law live with you and the hubby? She might be interfering with your reproduction rates. Find about this new study at HowStuffWorks.
Author's Note: 10 Completely Wrong Ways to Use a Condom
This article got its start as a misheard word during a meeting – we were really talking about wrong ways to use commas – and it became a running joke. But after hearing a listener ask about wrong ways to use condoms during Dan Savage's "Savage Love" podcast, I realized that "How do you use a condom wrong?" is a legitimate question people are asking. I'm always up for a frank conversation about contraception, and our readers seem to enjoy our articles about the wrong, silly and stupid. It also helped that I'd previously written How Condoms Work.
Related Articles
- AVERT. "Using Condoms, Condom Types and Sizes." (11/13/2012) http://www.avert.org/condom.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Contraception." 9/10/2012. (11/13/2012) http://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/unintendedpregnancy/contraception.htm
- Holmes, King et al. "Effectiveness of Condoms in Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections." Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2004. (11/13/2012) http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/82/6/454.pdf
- Planned Parenthood. "Condom." (11/13/2012) http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/condom-10187.htm
- Sanders, Stephanie et al. "Condom Use Errors and Problems: A Global View." Sexual Health. Vol. 9, 2012. (11/13/2012) http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=SH11095.pdf
- World Health Organization. "Condoms for HIV Prevention." (11/13/2012) http://www.who.int/hiv/topics/condoms/en/index.html

subset: commoncrawl


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Who watched the SAG Awards last night? I have to say, it is fascinating to see the difference between how a dress plays out on camera versus in the flesh. In person, Mila Kunis absolutely KILLED IT on the red carpet. Her Alexander McQueen gown was so chic—and the Cartier jewels, all of it, just a show-stopper. Her Black Swan costar Natalie Portman absolutely glowed in a white Azarro gown (was that not the best maternity dress EVER???) and her makeup was stunning, but in photos weirdly the look falls a little flat. Similarly, photos do no justice to one of my very favorite looks of the evening, Claire Danes in a gorgeous floral Louis Vuitton, with little flowers sewn into the bodice and a chic black velvet belt.
True Grit's Hailee Steinfeld looked age-appropriate in a neon-striped Prada number, but I'm on the fence about whether this actually worked (below). In theory I like it, but in reality the dress is LOUD. Meanwhile, January Jones was gorgeous in photos in an elegant Carolina Herrera but in person she has gotten so skinny that she looked like a wire hanger poking through the dress.
With the exception of Mila Kunis and the flawless Julianna Margulies in her stunning YSL, red dresses have become such a cliché that they are now officially more boring than black. And speaking of black, Nicole Kidman looked like she was wearing a granny shawl with all that heavy stuff happening in the shoulders and neckline of her dowdy Nina Ricci dress. And is it just me, or did Christina Hendricks look as if she'd borrowed one of Hugh Hefner's bathrobes? Without doubt, the worst of the evening was Helena Bonham Carter, looking like a Texas madam in Marc Jacobs and featuring a hair tint that—when the light caught it backstage—can only be described as prune.
On the other hand, I found myself a little bit breathless when walking in on the red carpet behind her costar Colin Firth in a Tom Ford tux. The man is just stunning. Also, I may never wash my Lanvin frock again as I brushed shoulders with Christian Bale (who, ladies, was all the more devastatingly handsome in person) and Justin Timberlake, who looked AWESOME in his Simon Spur black 2-button gros grain peak lapel tuxedo and double-stripe tie. For sheer tailoring alone, however, my vote goes to his Social Network costar Andrew Garfield in an exquisite navy Burberry tux. Why do the Brits get this navy thing so right? (Exhibit A: Jude Law, below, navy Dunhill tux, Oscars 2004.)
Who were your favorite hits and misses from the awards?


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Joe Gentz won't withdraw guilty plea for 2nd degree murder in Jane Bashara's death
Man who pleaded guilty to role in Grosse Pointe Park woman's murder to ask judge to reconsider plea
DETROIT – Joe Gentz has changed his mind about withdrawing his guilty plea to second-degree murder in the death of Grosse Pointe Park mother Jane Bashara.
During a court hearing Wednesday, Gentz said he was taking back the letter he wrote to the court asking Judge Vonda Evans to reconsider the plea.
Evans scolded Gentz for going back and forth.
"This is not a game, this is very serious," Vonda told him. "I'm not going to continue to do this with you."
Evans said the county was suffering financially and it cost money to bring Gentz to court each time he had a problem with his case.
Gentz was the Bashara family handyman who admitted to playing a role in Jane's death.
Gentz had claimed he did not understand what he was doing when he accepted the deal.
Related: Gentz's bad behavior in prison could affect Bashara trial
Bob Bashara, Jane's husband, also faces murder charges connected to his wife's death. He has pleaded not guilty.
Gentz is expected to testify in Bashara's trial.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Opening at the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre on Friday, July 8 at 8 p.m. in the DeWitt Main Theatre is the award winning musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton. The musical integrates the great works of Shakespeare and music of the fifties.
Fasten your seat belts, return your tray tables to the upright position and prepare to blast off for rock and roll! Come aboard the starship Albatross on a routine scientific survey flight. But wait! We are hit by an asteroid storm, the science officer disappears, and our ship is being drawn into the planet D'Illyria by the evil force of Doctor Prospero. Will the passengers and crew survive? If survival depends on comedy and great rock and roll the answer is a resounding YES! Favorite musical hits include "Great Balls of Fire," "Good Vibrations," "Shake, Rattle and Roll," and "Born to be Wild."
Captain Tempest is played by Brian Patrick Williams, joining HSRT for his first season. He is a graduate of the Connecticut Repertory Theatre and University of Connecticut where he just graduated with a MFA. Some of his favorite roles include Mr. Bingley inPride and Prejudice, Cassio in Othello, Mr. Walker in The Who's Tommy and Claude inHair. Recently he worked with PUSH Physical Theatre Company in Rochester, NY on skills in non-traditional partnering, viewpoints, mime and ensemble-based devised Theatre. This summer you can also see him in the ensemble of Children of Eden and as Dr. Johnson in I Remember Mama.
Hayley Galbraith, returning for her second summer with HSRT, will be playing the smart and sassy Science Officer. Since graduating from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, she has worked with numerous regional theatre companies across the country. Last summer, Galbraith was seen as the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, the Duchess of Champigny in An Italian Straw Hat and as Reba in The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Other credits include: Dotty Otley in Noises Off!, Beline in The Imaginary Invalid,
Adriana in A Comedy of Errors, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Izzy in Rabbit Hole and Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!
Playing Miranda, the daughter of the evil Doctor Prospero, is Sarah Vogt. Vogt is also joining HSRT for her first season and will be beginning her senior year as a theatre performance major at the University of Evansville. Recent UE productions include The Hot L Baltimore (Girl), Force of Nature (Lucy/Lucianne), The Children's Hour (Mary), and As It Is In Heaven (Izzy). She can also be seen in Children of Eden and The Borrowers.
Directing the production is Fabio Polanco who has performed in many HSRT productions which include The Tempest, Twelve Angry Men, and Man of La Mancha. Directing credits include Sunday in the Park with George, Measure for Measure, The Spitfire Grill, Guys and Dolls, Dead Man Walking, Jesus Christ Superstar, Anyone Can Whistle, Godspell, Sweeney Todd, True West, Cloud Tectonics, Waiting for Lefty, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. In 2004 Fabio directed the Midwest premiere of Elizabeth Swados' Missionaries for which he was a finalist for Northern Ohio Live! Magazine's Award of Achievement in Theatre. A member of Actor's Equity, Fabio was recently seen in Bat Boy: the Musical and A Midsummer Night's Dream at Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Great Lakes Theatre Festival.
Performances of Return to the Forbidden Planet continue throughout the summer on July 9, 13, 15, 21, 18, August 3, 6, 9, and 11.
Tickets are now on sale through the DeWitt and DeVos Fieldhouse ticket offices. Prices range from $10-$26 for musicals and $8-$19 for plays. Season tickets, ranging from $48-$85, are also available.
The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Beginning June 14 the ticket office is open on Saturdays at noon. On performance dates, the DeWitt Ticket Office will be open through intermission. The ticket office is located in DeWitt Cultural Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. For tickets call the ticket office at 616-395-7890. For more information visit the HSRT website at www.hope.edu/hsrt.
The DeWitt Theatre is located at 141 East 12th street. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in Holland's downtown on 8th street.
HSRT is now on facebook! Keep up to date with what's happening this season by searching Hope Summer Repertory Theatre on www.facebook.com.


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After jumping 30 spots in the most recent International Scouting Service report, the 2012 MLHS Draft Profiles turns its watchful eye to Oshawa Generals centerman and Jack-of-all-trades, Scott Laughton.
There's a lot to like about Scott Laughton, who recorded 21 goals, 32 assists and 101 PIM in 64 games, skating mostly on a line with Christian Thomas (40th overall in 2010 by NYR) and Andy Andreoff (80th overall in 2011 by LAK). After starting the year slowly, Scott Laughton has developed into a reliable two-way force in the 'Shwa.
What Scott Laughton has that should separate him from the pack is will. Simply put, the guy works hard each night and was relied upon as a special teams cog over older, more established players on the Generals roster. He initiates contact, and is dogged in his pursuit of the puck. And despite a relatively average frame (6-foot-1, 178 pounds), he's a willing pugilist. He might want to rein-in that last element of his game for future success, as his any-situation utility is moot while he's in the sin bin.
Currently ranked 20th by ISS and as the 28th North American Skater by Central Scouting, there's some confusion to where the Oakville-born pivot will go. Critics will point to his lack of size and modest offensive numbers in his draft year as the main reason for why he could fall on draft day.
However, the pedigree is there. Scott Laughton was selected 3rd overall by Oshawa behind Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gaunce in the 2010 OHL Priority Draft after dominating the GTHL with the famous Toronto Marlboros AAA club. There he served as team captain and led his club with 55 goals and 95 points in 76 games. And with several players set to graduate from the Generals' system, he'll get every chance to develop the offensive talent and leadership skills that saw him selected so high.
Also working Scott Laughton's favour is his growing National team resume. He played at the Under-17s for Canada-Ontario, and for Canada at both the Ivan Hlinka tournament in 2011 and the recently concluded Under-18 World Championships. He scored the game-winner in the Ivan Hlinka against Sweden to capture a gold medal, and set up the game winning overtime goal to help Canada capture Bronze at the U-18s. It was Canada's first medal in four years at the U-18s, and Laughton excelled playing first team minutes on both the PK and PP, and finished the tournament fourth in team scoring with two goals and five assists through seven games.
For the sake of comparison it seems likely that Scott Laughton will fall somewhere in between a Mike Zigomanis-type and a Jarret Stoll-type centerman. He plays a determined, physical and dependable game while remaining valuable in all situations, and can chip in offensively often enough to be a threat.
With the Maple Leafs set to draft in the top-5 of the first two rounds, don't be surprised to see GM Brian Burke spend the Leafs second-round pick on him.


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MONDAY, Nov. 5, 2012 (HealthDay News) -- Millions of American men take them, but a new study finds multivitamins will do nothing to help stave off heart disease, heart attack or stroke.
The study tracked the cardiovascular outcomes of almost 15,000 older male physicians for more than a decade and found no benefit from multivitamin use across a wide range of cardiovascular outcomes.
"I think that people take for granted the idea that, 'You take a supplement, it must be good for you somehow,'" said study lead author Howard Sesso, of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston. "In fact, unless you do trials like this, that's really the only definitive way to provide evidence-based medicine to make the right decisions for patients."
Sesso and colleagues presented their findings Sunday at the American Heart Association's annual meeting in Los Angeles. The study is also being published online Nov. 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and will appear in the journal's Nov. 7 print edition.
The new findings are based on an analysis of data from the Physicians Health Study II, which has tracked the ongoing health of a pool of 14,641 male doctors since 1997. All of the men were at least 50 years of age when they enrolled in the study.
Participants were randomly assigned to take either a daily multivitamin or an inactive placebo. The multivitamin used was Centrum Silver. The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and BASF Corp. Multivitamins were supplied by Pfizer, which makes Centrum Silver.
Over an average follow-up of 11.2 years, Sesso's team found no difference between multivitamin users and nonusers in the risk for major cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack or nonfatal stroke. Speaking at an AHA news briefing on Sunday, Sesso said that it didn't matter if the man had complicating factors such as advanced age, smoking, daily aspirin use, high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease -- "there was a similar lack of effect."
Sesso did point out that although there may be no good reason to spend money on a multivitamin to ease your heart risk, an analysis using the same Physicians' Health Study data (published two weeks ago in JAMA) did find a modest effect -- about an 8 percent reduction -- in preventing cancer.
Still, another expert said he would not recommend multivitamins.
"The danger of taking multivitamins is that it will lead you to think that you don't need to do the other lifestyle things that are important," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said at the news briefing.
"I think that for many patients, they take a multivitamin or other supplements -- and it's a multibillion dollar industry -- as a means to improve their health as a quick fix," he said. "That can actually be dangerous and have negative effects, because they are not going to be doing the things related to their diet and physical activity or smoking."
Sesso agreed.
"For many people, they take vitamin supplements as a crutch, and you want to avoid that scenario," Sesso said. "Multivitamins and vitamin supplements represent a quick fix if you will, and we know that there are some benefits that can be seen from multivitamins, like cancer, but for cardiovascular disease we did not see the benefit."
More information
There's more on nutrition and the heart at the American Heart Association.


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By: Jack Moore
Each week we'll be providing you with insight into the best (and worst) baseball players to play in your fantasy baseball league.
1. Jhonny Peralta, SS, DET: Peralta is on fire over his last five games, batting 9-for-20 (.450) with two home runs, seven RBI and three runs scored. Particularly since June, Peralta has been rediscovering what made him so good last season – he's hitting .303/.344/.471 with 14 runs and 16 RBI. The power production is still slightly disappointing, but expect his doubles (19 already) to turn into homers as the warm weather continues through the summer.
2. Garrett Jones, OF, PIT: Jones has always been a solid power hitter, and this year is no different – he's on pace for 27 home runs and 29 doubles. This year, though, Jones is reaping the benefits of hitting behind a raking Andrew McCutchen. In 229 plate appearances, Jones has 37 RBI. He's hit himself in 12 times (his home runs) and he's knocked in McCutchen 11 times for a total of 23 between the two. The average major league hitter with 229 plate appearances has 24 RBI. Jones is hitting well enough on his own to be worth your while, but McCutchen's presence is a significant boost to his value. Throw in a series at Coors this week and he's worth a long look.
3. Brian McCann, C, ATL: McCann is starting to break through, hitting .345/.375/.759 in his last eight games. Nothing in McCann's game is out of whack – he's still making good contact, striking out less than 15% of time, he's on pace for 31 home runs and over 100 RBI, and he still owns an above average walk rate. The only issue is a .238 BABIP that falls far below his career average of .295. Look for that to correct itself and McCann to assume his role as a top fantasy catcher in the second half.
4. Rickie Weeks, 2B, MIL: Weeks spent much of the first half flailing, striking out nearly 30% of the time and putting up a batting average below the Mendoza Line. He's finally starting to look comfortable at the plate over the last month, though – he has a .264/.354/.436 line over his last 30 games and hit a pair of impressive opposite field home runs in a series at Houston just before the All-Star break. He still probably won't justify the kind of draft pick or auction value he warranted to start the season, but he's on the waiver wire in many leagues and worth a pickup – he should be a top-half second baseman for the rest of the season.
5. Casper Wells, OF, SEA: Wells is probably more of a deep league flavor, but he's been impressive in his opportunities in Seattle. He now has a .264/.338/.416 line on the season and .263/.333/.455 career in 480 plate appearances. Most notably, Wells has 19 home runs now, impressive power for a right-hander at SafeCo Field (10 have come at home). He's also finally getting consistent playing time with Franklin Gutierrez hurt (with no timetable to return, either), an appealing total package for a cheap-as-free outfielder off the wires.
1. Trevor Cahill, SP, ARI: There's a certain amount of excitement that surfaces around a pitcher when he's dealt from the American League to the National League. Aside from swapping out designated hitters for pitchers, the level of competition is generally worse, and the NL just lacks the general quality the AL has. But parks matter too, and Cahill headed from a homer killer to one of the best home run parks in the league in Arizona, and it's finally biting. Cahill has a 5.52 ERA and 6.47 FIP over the last 30 days as he's given up 2.45 home runs per nine innings. Don't expect the smooth ride of the early months to continue.
2. Desmond Jennings, OF, TBR: Jennings has been a major disappointment this season, hitting just .230/.294/.347 with five home runs. Although he clearly has the talent to get out of this slump, he won't be maximizing fantasy returns due to a bump down to seventh or eighth (depending on the game) in the batting order. Run and RBI opportunities will start to slip away and with fewer plate appearances, so will his stolen base totals.
3. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, BOS: Saltalamacchia's batting average topped out at .279 on June 6. Since then, he's hitting a meager .181/.243/.394 and has seen his average drop all the way down to .239. He has a mighty 34 strikeouts in 94 at-bats in this stretch – nothing new for Salty, who struck out 30.8% of the time last year and is up to 29.3% overall this year. As such, his .235 average – equivalent to last year's mark – is as to be expected for Boston's backstop.
4. James Shields, SP, TBR: Shields has, for much of his career, had a bit of an issue with the home run ball. He has a career HR/9 of 1.17 and this year's mark is nearly identical. Without Evan Longoria to make out-saving plays behind him, the defense hasn't been quite as good as in recent years either, making each long ball hurt a bit more. He still has the strikeouts, but he isn't providing ace-level production this season and shouldn't be expected to do so in the second half either – it's tough to expect better than a 3.75 ERA from him at this point.
5. Jose Quintana, SP, CHW: Quintana was a sensation early on, maintaining a 2.00 ERA for much of the season. That is now over – Quintana has a 2.60 ERA after allowing five runs in five innings in his last start before the All-Star break. The issue? Quintana allowed two home runs, just his fourth and fifth of the year in nine starts. He doesn't have an exceptional ground ball rate nor the absurd stuff necessary to maintain a rate so low – just 0.72 per nine innings. Expect that number to rise and for Quintana's ERA to approach 4.00 as a result.
Jack Moore is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Mathematics and Economics. His work can also be found at FanGraphs.com, DisciplesOfUecker.com, RotoWire.com, AdvancedNFLStats.com and ESPN. Follow him on twitter at @jh_moore.


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Person of the year, sure. But can he golf? (Image: Garfield/Flickr)
GOLF DIGEST HAS JUST PUBLISHED a feature article on "golfer" Barack Obama. In The New First Golfer, author and New York Times investigative reporter Don Van Natta reveals who suggested that Obama take up the game (hint: starts with "M"), how he approaches golf like politics, whether he, um, fudges his scorecard as did some of his predecessors, and a whole lot more.
This is part of the golf mission, folks. This man will be president for four or eight years, so we need to know how he conducts himself on a golf course. It's important. I hope you'll read it.
Of course, I have a completely selfish, ulterior motive. Don's piece is a perfect primer for the first annual Presidents Golf Championship (PGC), which gets underway next week at the ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG. And if you haven't been keeping up on things around here lately, Mr. Van Natta happens to be the guest golf analyst for the PGC. (I'm feeling pretty smug about that. I admit it.)
Early next week I'll have a preview of the first-round matches, including Don's analysis and predictions. We'll soon find out how the President-elect fares in match-play competition, along with 15 other presidential hopefuls.
Win an Autographed Copy of First Off the Tee!
Sign up for your chance to win a free autographed copy of Don Van Natta's First Off the Tee: Presidential Hackers, Duffers and Cheaters from Taft to Bush, a New York Times bestseller and Sports Illustrated book of the year. Entry is at right under the brown box.
−The Armchair Golfer
Ulysses S. Grant Earns Final Spot in PGC Field
Presidents Golf Championship Adds Golf Analyst
America's Golfing Presidents
Friday, January 2
The Goods on Barack Obama's Golf Game
4 comments:
- Average Golfer said...
Good get. Way to start '09 strong!
- Tom Blogical said...
I hope Obama loses early in your tournament, because I'm already sick of hearing and reading about the guy.
- The Armchair Golfer said...
Tom: Just want you to know that if it was McCain who'd won and was playing in the PGC, I'd be milking that to death, too. :)
- Tom Blogical said...
Yeah, I know. I don't like him either. ;-)
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IT HAS BEEN A WHILE since the LPGA Tour has teed it up in the United States. It was nearly six weeks ago the U.S. Women's Open wrapped up at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. The Evian Masters, Women's British Open and two lengthy breaks have filled the weeks since.
On Friday the ladies will begin play in the Safeway Classic Presented by Coca-Cola at Pumpkin Ridge near Portland, Oregon. The event, which began at the outset of Watergate, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The long-running tournament will have a stellar field, with 48 of the LPGA's top 50 money winners and the top seven players in the Rolex Rankings. The top seven are world No. 1 Yani Tseng, Cristie Kerr, Suzann Pettersen, Jiyai Shin, Na Yeon Choi, I.K. Kim and Ai Miyazato. Another win for Tseng would be her fifth LPGA title and eighth worldwide victory this year.
Safeway advertises low prices, but will the Safeway Classic have low scores? Perhaps. But the 6,552-yard par-72 Ghost Creek Golf Course at Pumpkin Ridge isn't necessarily a pushover. Last year's winning 54-hole total was 11 under by Ai Miyazato.
Golf Channel has the TV coverage (in the evening), 6:30 – 9:30 ET on Friday and Saturday and 7 – 9:30 ET on Sunday.
−The Armchair Golfer
Wednesday, August 17
The Ladies Return to Action in Portland
2 comments:
- PGAGolfLessons said...
If world #1 Yani Tseng can pull off another victory this year, I would have to say that she has put together one of the most impressive years in the history of golf. She is impressive to watch and I am looking forward to seeing her tee it up at Pumpkin Ridge. Pumpkin Ridge is a great golf course and will be a great test of golf for the players, especially if they can get the golf course playing somewhat firm...which is hard to do in Oregon.
- The Armchair Golfer said...
I agree that Tseng has had a phenomenal year. Too bad the women don't get more attention. I was talking to a friend who I'd call a fairly knowledgeable golf fan and he didn't know a thing about her.
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Tim Tebow to Speak in Las Vegas as Part of Church's Evangelical Outreach
Inspiring people on and off the field, Tim Tebow will be speaking this weekend at a megachurch in Las Vegas.
Canyon Ridge Christian Church in northwest Las Vegas invited the Denver Broncos quarterback to share his story with more than 20,000 people during their four worship services on Saturday and Sunday.
The church, which usually draws 6,000 people to their weekly services, hopes that the 24-year-old star will be able to help them reach out to nonbelievers in their community.
"We try to bring in a person with a story that excites people so that our members invite their friends and our neighbors can get connected to God, and maybe they'll come back next week," Kevin Oder, senior pastor of CRCC, told the Las Vegas Sun.
As part of their evangelical outreach to the community, Canyon Ridge usually brings two special speakers a year to their church.
"We saw Tim's name on a list of speakers, and then I saw that as a third-string quarterback he was endorsing Jockey T-shirts. I figured that if Jockey saw something in his character, there was a lot more to his story, and we decided to approach him."
Tebow, an NFL football player who quickly rose to fame for his 4th quarter comebacks for the Broncos, has drawn much attention for his frequent demonstrations of religious devotion.
He often kneels in prayer on the sidelines, also known as "Tebowing, gives credit to God for his success, and preaches the Gospel to people in prison, school, church, and other numerous places as well.
"I think a lot of people who watch the NFL are tired of some of the bizarre end zone dances and routines that players use to call attention to themselves," Oder explained to LVS. "To me, it's refreshing to see someone drop to a knee and give thanks to his God."
The former Heisman Trophy winner was additionally involved in a wide variety of philanthropic work, currently helping to build a children's hospital in the Philippines – where he was born and where his parents Pamela and Robert were serving as Baptist missionaries – and bringing faith, hope, and love to the disabled and underprivileged in the nation through his own Tim Tebow Foundation.
Canyon Ridge is paying an honorarium for Tebow's appearance at the church, all of which will go to his foundation.
Tebow's mother will also be attending the Saturday service. She happened to be in Las Vegas for a speaking gig at Shadow Hills Baptist Church.
Instead of preaching to the crowd, Tebow will be interviewed by the senior pastor during the four services.
"He gets really fired up when he preaches, just like he does on the football field," Oder explained. "I could just hand him the ball and let him run, but I think in an interview format we'll be able to get to understand him more as a person and he'll say a few things that he might not necessarily say when he's preaching."
The church will be opening up an alternate venue with a video feed for the special appearance in order to accommodate for the thousands of people they are expecting.
Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
The campus will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. on Sunday.
There will be no autograph or meet and greet opportunities with Tebow before or after the services.
The services will also be streamed live online.
On the Web: www.canyonridge.org


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Scooped: Bourbon Peach Brown Sugar Ice Cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for...
Get the Recipe
I'm not done with peaches yet.
Sorbet is one thing, and a very good thing at that. But Labor Day has come and gone and I'm looking for desserts with a little more creaminess to them, something cozy and warming to prepare me for fall. Like brown sugar. And bourbon.
Basically, this ice cream is a cobbler in a cup.
The brown sugar hits you first, warm and a little molasses-y, followed by the honeyed flavor of peach and a delicate kiss of bourbon in place of vanilla. It's sweet, but hey, so are peaches, and the ice cream retains some of the fruit's light acidity bolstered by the brown sugar. Riding through it all is an intense butteriness that comes from lots of heavy cream. And yes, it's worth it.
It's also simple to make: Blend together your sugar, peaches, and cream. Strain. Cook it down for just a couple minutes to concentrate the flavor and enrich the texture. Then chill and churn. No eggs to separate, no mix-ins to prepare.
The ice cream is pretty scoopable straight from the freezer, and though I've been enjoying it straight up, there's one last scoop's worth I'm saving for some warm cobbler. Some cobbler on cobbler action, as it were.
Get the Recipe
Bourbon Peach Brown Sugar Ice Cream »
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Listing ID: 00003012049
Extremely Well Built Steel Framed Warehouse Comprised of 20 Stratified Units. Located Directly Across from the Salt Rock Government Dock in Little Cayman.
The Location is Ideal for Any Type of Business That Needs to House Equipment, Materials, or Inventory. Also Convenient for Property Owners in Little Cayman That Need Storage Space Well Protected from Hurricane Threats. Property Averages 17ft to 23ft Above Sea Level. Stratified Units are 600sqft and 750sqft and Can Be Configured To Any Size A Purchaser Requires. Units Are Configured with Power and Water, and Designed to Support a Mezzanine Floor if Purchaser Requires It. Recent Increases in Land Sales Indicate New Construction Activities and Warehousing Will Be in Demand, in Little Cayman. This Stratified Warehouse Project Adjoins a 5+acre Parcel Comprised of 14 Lots for Sale. Owner Willing to Negotiate on Selling Both Warehouse Project and Sub-Division With a Return of 40% Upon Sale of Warehouse Units and Lots.


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Summer Camp Souvenirsstevejb68 on July 15, 2012 in collections, Memorabilia, summer camp
Doesn't it seem like every time you go to summer camp you end up bringing things home with you that were not in your pack when you arrived at camp? The camp trading post can be a dangerous place. Money can quickly disappear from your pockets. Strange items vanish from the shelves and somehow reappear in your tent when it comes time to pack up to return home. It can be very strange.
In my younger days I would usually come home from camp with a new tee shirt or two, or maybe a bolo tie, or a coffee mug, or some other items I just felt I had to have. Many years it was three, four, or five items. These items accumulated after a couple decades. I finally had to find the willpower to stop buying stuff while at camp. Unfortunately, it was sometimes hard to find Will Power.
This year I attended camp for only one day. I only made two quick trips to the trading post. As I walked around the store I heard the souvenirs call out to me… "Pick me!" said the tee shirts. "Buy me", yelled the tall glass mugs. "Take me home with you", whispered the colorful magnets. "I will keep you warm on those cool nights", tempted the sweatshirts and jackets.
I did not leave empty handed. I bought four small items to take home. Two were Order of the Arrow lodge patches to add to my collection. One was the 2012 Many Point Scout Camp patch. (I did attend camp after all, even if it was just for a day.) The fourth item was a small furry raccoon wearing a tee shirt that said "I Love Many Point". (If it would have been written out.) It was just too cute to pass up. It thought it would look great on the shelf with the other Scouting related critters I have collected over the years.
Did you buy any souvenirs at camp this year? What snuck into your pack for the journey home?


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The Professionals Salute Broadcasting
The first of The Professionals Network Organization's (TPNO) ever-popular monthly mixers for 2008, was a salute to broadcasting professionals and garnered over 600 Professionals at Chelsea's Club Nest on 28th Street in New York City, Thursday, January 17th. The line extended to the end of the block as professionals from all over the tri-state area waited to pay tribute to professionals in broadcasting. Organization leaders that position professional groups to unite were also recognized.
Mike Woods, meteorologist from Fox 5's Good Day NY, who does the Good Day Dance, was honored along with NY1's Dean Meminger and My 9 news anchor, Mike Gilliam. The Professionals also gave homage to music legend, now radio personality of Sunday's 98.7 Kiss FM Open Line, James Mtume. Mtume is best known for composing mega hits like Juicy Fruit and You Are My Sunshine, and produced major artists like Stephanie Mills.
Tony Herbert, CEO of The Professionals Network Organization was teeing off on the golf course, but took a moment to share with BSN, "The reception went really well. It was a chance to come together socially, but at the same time, the event enabled us all to network with one another, increasing everyone's opportunities for growth."
Also recognized at TPNO's January mixer at Nest was the Colombian Professional Network, an organization of Caribbean professionals, Marvin Mitchell's New York City Black Professionals Meetup Group, and Mark Anthony Jenkins' appointment of President for The Professionals Network Organization USA's Meetup Group was acknowledged and celebrated.
"I feel very optimistic of the future, not only because of my appointment as President of TPNO's USA Meetup, but also for the future of TPNO as we open chapters nationwide, in Canada and the Caribbean. We will also go into our underdeveloped communities and save our children and teenagers in public housing developments. We look forward to building our communities one at a time across the nation," Mark Anthony Jenkins declared.
TPNO USA's expected lineup of events include golf outings, field trips, dude ranch retreats, and more. TPNO USA Meetup will have their Super Bowl Sunday Jam, February 3rd from 5:30 PM until, at Corio, located at 337 West Broadway Between Grand and Broom Streets in Tribeca, New York, NY. There will be a Kick-Off Toast, Complimentary Appetizers, Cash Bar (2 for 1 Drink Specials), Large Video Screen on the Main Floor, Flat Screen on the bottom level, card games and lots of fun. Guests are encouraged to wear their best team colors and Jerseys. Admission is FREE, must be 21 and older. RSVPs are a must. To rsvp, logon to http://blackbiz.meetup.com/306/calendar/7198275/ .
On Valentine's Day, February 14th at 6:00 pm, Mark Anthony Jenkins will be celebrating the launch of his new magazine, Black Singles Magazine at Rebel Nightclub, located at 251 West 30th Street, New York, NY beginning at 6:00 pm. For more info, logon to http://blacksinglesmagazine.com .
So see great photos of The Professionals Network Organization Salute to Broadcasting at Club Nest, logon to http://smallbiz.meetup.com/792/calendar/7111843 and www.myspace.com/tpno .
Brenda Jeanne Wyche is Managing Editor for The Black Star News and Harlem Business News. If you have a solution, contact firstname.lastname@example.com . Maybe we'll talk.
To subscribe to or advertise in New York's leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, please call (212) 481-7745 or send a note to firstname.lastname@example.com .
Also visit out sister publications Harlem Business News www.harlembusinessnews.com and The Groove music magazine at www.thegroovemag.com
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text: Are you annoyed for looking for some chic and fashionable cool vests? These cool vests are just what you are looking for. These cool vests are of competitively high durability and stability as well as relatively charming styles, which will make you become absolutely distinctive and outstanding than that of other similar products does. You'll never hesitate. Please be quick! Features: Material: Cotton Pattern: Casual Season: Spring & Summer Specifications: The cool vests ensures you to be cozy no matter what kinds of activities you are taking part in The straightforward design can make you look like openhanded and vogue These nice vests will give you a chance to enjoy much more joyous life These nice vests can let you feel fresh and cool when summer is arriving Size in Detail: ClothType: Size Bust Length Strap Length cm: inch cm inch cm inch Top: / 85 33.15 63 24.57 0 0.00 NOTE: Measured size refers to the followed measurement image Because of measuring by hands,errors must have been existed, controlled from 1 to 5 cm These dimensions are for reference only; specific dimension varies from person to person How to Measure: Details: The simple design of these sleeveless vests can highlight your slim arms and cool as well These nice vests look absolutely chic and fashionable with their nice designs Besides, it is very convenient and necessary for you to wear these cool vests if you scare heat of summer It is a good gift for someone Dressed it up with cool feeling You can also match it with a coat How to Wash: Cotton is a durable, soft fiber, and most clothes today are made of it._ _Cotton is a natural vegetable fiber knitted and woven into fabrics of many textures and weights. While cotton shirts, pants and suits are wardrobe staples for both men and women. Whether your cotton fabrics are voile, organdy, batiste or linen, you can wash them at home and keep these breathable materials clean and pristine. •l _.Pretreat any stains with detergent and cold water. Place one to two teaspoons of liquid detergent on the stains before you load the clothes in the washing machine. Put your cotton fabrics in a small basin filled with cold water. After soaking the fabric for 15 to 30 minutes, gently rub the stain with a short-bristled brush. Roll your shirts, pants or blouses in a large towel to remove the water_ •l _Machine washes white and light-colored cotton fabrics in warm or hot water. If you are concerned with shrinking or bleeding, fill the machine with cold water and use a gentle washing cycle___ •l _Rinse your cotton fabrics on a cool cycle. Use minimal agitation to avoid shrinkage___ •l _ Shake garments after removal from the machine to remove wrinkles_ •l _ Dry cotton fabrics at a low or regular dryer setting. Dry towels and underwear on a hot setting. To prevent shrinking, remove cotton fabrics from the dryer while still damp. Hang in a cool and well-ventilated area to dry___ _Hand-wash lightweight fabrics, such as batiste, organdy and voile in a small basin filled with lukewarm water and one tablespoon of liquid detergent. Hang to dry or press damp with a hot iron to remove wrinkles _ Package Included: * 1 x Women's Vest


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Comedian Redford White passed away at 6:47 a.m. today, July 25. He was 54.
According to Tweets from his friends, Redford died from complications of brain cancer. APO Hiking Society's Jim Paredes, a close friend of Redford, said in his Tweet that the comedian died "peacefully."
Redford was first seen in the TV sitcom Iskul Bukol of Tito, Vic & Joey in the late '70's. He played Mang Temi's (Bing Angeles) helper in the school cafeteria.
Because of his unique brand of comedy, Redford became one of the top comedians in the '80s starring in a string of hit movies like Boni & Klayd (1981) with Pia Moran, Darakula (1982), Wrong Mistake (1983) with Chiquito, Hee-Man: Master of None (1983) with Roderick Paulate, Billy the Kid and the Sunshine Gid (1984) with Jess Lapid Jr., Sekreta Ini (1984), S.W.A.K. (1985), Johnny Rambo Tango (1984), No Return No Exchange (1986), The Untouchable Family (1988) with Regine Velasquez, and Captain Yagit (1989).
In the '90s, his tandem with Eric Quizon in the sitcom Buddy En Sol became so successful that they also made a series of films based on their TV characters.
Redford continued doing lead roles in movies in the '90s, like Neber 2 Geder (1996) with Andrew E, Pablik Enemi 1 N 2 (1997) with Dennis Padilla, Ala Eh Con Bisoy (1998) with Leo Martinez, Tong Tatlong Tatay Kong Pakitong Kitong (1998) with Babalu, and Haba Baba Doo! Puti Puti Poo! (1998).
On TV, his last two shows were GMA-7's Daddy Di Do Du (2001-2007) and ABS-CBN's Kokey (2007).
The comedian, Cipriano Cermeno in real life, is survived by his wife Elena.
His remains lay in state at Sto. Niño de Maligaya Chapel in Caloocan City.


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Magura RT8 TT Hydraulic Rim Brake
As a hydraulic rim brake, Magura RT8 TT has a crucial advantage over comparable mechanical braking systems: Friction losses are considerably lower allowing greater efficiency. This feature allows optimal control. Apart from this, only the slightest of touches is required to produce a high braking power. The RT8 TT combines rapid deceleration with the best possible modulation therefore providing ideal speed management.
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Posted by Editoress on 05/21/08
Manitoba Responds to Junior Women XC Controversy at Canada Cup XC #1
At the first round of the Canada Cup cross-country series in Bromont, Quebec last Saturday, there was an unfortunate incident which marred the finish of the junior women's race. Bianca Adolf from B.C., who was in the lead at the time, mistakenly headed out for an extra lap rather than crossing the finish line. This meant that Leah Kirchmann of Manitoba took the victory. B.C. asked to have Adolf declared the winner, but Manitoba correctly pointed out that under the rules of racing, the B.C. rider did not cross the finish line.
There has been some discussion as to whether it would have been more "sporting" to give the B.C. rider the win, and the Manitoba team manager has sent the following clarification on the situation:
We would like the facts of the matter reported as this is only fair to all the parties involved.
Manitoba did not protest the results of the race, as they were accurate. Leah Kirchmann was the first Junior Woman to cross the finish line and the rest of the results for the remaining athletes were accurate as presented by the Race Officials in both the preliminary and Official Results. It was the BC Coach who was requesting a change in the results of the race to accommodate a mistake made by his athlete Bianca Adolf.
All of the Junior women were instructed at the start line by the start Commissaire that they would be doing 4 laps. The girls were excited about the reduction from 5 laps to 4 and discussed this amongst themselves in English. The Start Commissaire confirmed this to the Chief Commissaire.
The only rider who went out for an extra lap was Bianca Adolf. All other riders crossed the finish after their fourth lap.
Our Manitoba athletes are well prepared to compete in all aspects of the sport of cycling and are taught to be attentive to the instructions given by the Start Commissaries. Our Manitoba Coach was present at the start of the race to assist the Junior Women and ensure that they understood all of the instructions being given. This has proven to be key to a good start and riders who are ready to race.
It is clearly stated in the rules that it is the Rider's responsibility to know and count the number of laps during the race. Preparing the athletes for this aspect of the race is just as important as preparing them for the other components of a mountain bike race such as cardio, technical riding, hill climbs, descents, feeding, rules, pacing, and more.
It is not the rider's, nor the coach's responsibility to "approve" a change to the race results as was requested of us by the BC Coach. The rules of competition are the same for all and are in place to allow for fair and equal competition. The Commissaries make the final decision based on the rules. We do not do any of our athletes any service by changing the rules to accommodate an athlete who has made an error.
As we prepare our athletes to compete at the National and International Level, those who are best prepared in all aspects of the race requirements will consistently perform according to the rules and demands of the sport for which they are competing, and thus be in the best position to represent our Province and Country.
Ruth Schappert
Manitoba Cycling Association
|Return to Canadian Cyclist homepage | Back to Top


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With the blizzard somewhat done blanketing the East Coast, Tina Fey returned to 'Saturday Night Live' for one of her more memorable characters: former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
And just like the real Palin, Fey's remarks in the cold opening were sometimes as incoherent as the former governor' speech during her endorsement of Donald Trump.
Whether she was taking shots at President Obama, the media, and rallying Americans to challenge the mainstream, Fey's opening was a knockout punch.
U.S. & World
Delivering lines like:
"Heads are spinning, Trump can kicks ISIS ass because he commands: Fire!" , "And May God bless some of the United States of America," to "Guess what America? I don't think this guy should be president. i'm just here because he promised me a spot in his cabinet, and I belong in a cabnet, because I'm full of spice and I got a great rack."
For her monologue, UFC star Ronda Rousey came-out of her self-imposed exile and like a champ poked fun at herself. She began by saying it was the first time she had been on television without getting punch in the face.
Back in November, Rousey badly loss her much anticipated fight with former boxer Holly Holm. Rousey added that Holms deserved to win the fight, and played off the rumors that she might have had brain damage from her injuries.
Rousey's first skecth was a high school love story where she is on a date with the school's most popular guy. But she soon discovers that the date was fake, and as the mean girls try to humilitate her, Rousey does what she does best: kick, punch, and hit.
In an homage to the movie Carrie, Rousey's character does not hold back in lashing out her revenge. As the popular girl taunts her, Rousey let's her fists and kicks do the talking. Kicks that even in a comedy sketch take the air out of your lungs.
Musical guest Selena Gomez also tested her acting skills by being a contestant on 'Bland Man'. Unlike the other women, Gomez walked away with the 'bachelor' by simply being herself.
A performance by Selena Gomez.


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Browsing Research documents by Author "Kallestrup, René"
Now showing items 1-1 of 1
Kallestrup, René (Frederiksberg, 2012)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The Global Financial Crisis which started in 2007 is a defining economic event of our lifetime. Recessions and public bailouts of banking systems have resulted in concerns about the solvency of sovereigns in recent years as many Eurozone countries face substantial fiscal pressures. The exact causes of the Global Financial Crisis are still debated but it is unlikely to be the outcome of one single event. In a review of the Global Financial Crisis based on 21 books on the topic, Lo (2011) summarises the underlying causes and policy prescriptions: "there is still significant disagreement as to what the underlying causes of the crisis were, and even less agreement as to what to do about it ... Like World War II, no single account of this vast and complicated calamity is sufficient to describe it." The listed causes range from global capital flows, poor regulation, regulatory capture, inequality, high leverage, skewed economic incentives of borrowers and lenders, etc. Gorton and Metrick (2012) also contain an interesting summary of the literature written in recent years and in "Lessons from the Financial Crisis" edited by Berd (2010) several chapters from academic researchers analyse the ongoing crisis. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/8450
Files in this item: 1Rene_Kallestrup.pdf (1.375Mb)
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Studio - Bones
Today i bring you one of the most funny animes ever created. Ouran High Shcool Host Club is a love comedy anime that is sure to put everyone with a smile in their faces. With 26 episodes get ready to laugh your heart out.
Plot Summary: Haruhi is a poor tomboyish student at a school for the ultra-wealthy, able to attend because of a scholarship, and unable to even afford a uniform. One day, she stumbles across the decidedly peculiar but very popular Ouran Host Club. She tries to leave, but accidentally breaks a vase, and unable to pay for it, she's told that she'll have to stay and do odd jobs. That is, until they decide she would be more valuable as a club member. Not realizing she's female due to her appearance, they fix her up and give her a male uniform. She's an instant hit, so they decide to have her keep up the charade even after they find out the truth. Haruhi, being average almost to a fault, doesn't know what to make of the unconventional activities of the Host Club (or of the even more unconventional members), but having little choice, she plays along. Before long, real bonds are formed, friends made, and Haruhi finds herself accepted in a way she could never have been otherwise in this affluent school.(taken from anime news network)
The animation is great as is the sound track, the characters are quite complex and well designed with very well done dialogs. The setting along with well written dialogs and interesting characters make an explosive cocktail of fun.
It has its drama moments but nevertheless they keep the show fresh and create a good balance between comedy and drama.
In my opinion its a must see for everyone that is craving for some laughs and overall good moment.
A must see for everyone.
So head on to http://www.animeshippuuden.com/watch/ouran-high-school-host-club/ and be welcomed to ouran´s host club.
Tier GOD LIKE!


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Opening Day tradition thrives in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI -- Fans in Cincinnati finally got to see first-hand on Monday that Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is doing well after being struck in the face by a line drive during Spring Training. Chapman, along with pitcher Mat Latos, were featured participants in the 95th Findlay Market Opening Day parade and rode in a car along the route through Over-the-Rhine and downtown Cincinnati.
"I feel really happy and proud. You can't ask for more," Chapman said of the reception he received from fans. "Today it was real loud when I was going through the streets. They were cheering for me and giving me good wishes. I feel really happy to hear those things."
Opening Day tradition remained strong in Cincinnati, the home of baseball's first professional team. Monday's meeting vs. the Cardinals marked the 138th Opening Day game and the 12th at Great American Ball Park.
"I've been fortunate enough to spend all of my Opening Days here," Reds right fielder Jay Bruce said. "It's very special, it really is. There's the parade -- which I've never seen or been a part of -- but I hear it's great. It's truly something Cincinnati really does first class. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of it."
Outside of the stadium, the Reds Community Fund's third annual block party packed Joe Nuxhall Way and began more than five hours before first pitch.
Inside the ballpark amid sunny skies, Reds shortstop great Dave Concepcion, who was the grand marshal of the parade, and Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin joined together to throw simultaneous ceremonial first pitches.
The honorary captain was new Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, while Hall of Famer Joe Morgan was charged with the delivery of the official first game ball. Recording artist Maggie Chapman sang the national anthem.
"I think every Opening Day is memorable," Reds left fielder Ryan Ludwick said. "Obviously, you have the jet fly over, the fireworks, the parade -- it's a special day. It's a day we all look forward to, getting out of Spring Training and actually getting under the real lights and playing meaningful games. If you don't have a little bit of butterflies and a little bit of nerves and a lot of excitement, there's something wrong."


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California Transparency in Supply Chain Act of 2010 Mandatory Disclosure
Chiquita Brands International, Inc., and its affiliated companies ("Chiquita"), recognize the atrocities of slavery and human trafficking which continue to exist in our society. In compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010, and in an effort to help eradicate these atrocities, Chiquita has taken certain steps to ensure that its supply chains are free from slavery and human trafficking.
First, Chiquita engages in the verification of its supply chains to evaluate and address risks of human trafficking and slavery through a variety of means:
* Agreements with Chiquita's suppliers typically require suppliers to certify that they do not use child labor, they do not use forced or mandatory labor, they do not violate workers' right of free association and collective bargaining, and that materials comply with all applicable laws regarding slavery and human trafficking. Chiquita is undertaking a review of our contracts, and formulating a plan to ensure such prohibitions are included in all supplier agreements.
* Chiquita's Sourcing Strategy, applicable to its vendors and suppliers, requires those entities to self-verify that employees are free to leave their workplace after their scheduled work hours and are free to terminate their employment after reasonable notice.
* Chiquita's Code of Conduct is incorporated into its contracts with vendors and suppliers and demands compliance with ILO Conventions 29 and 104 prohibiting forced labor and slavery. Through these yearly contractual agreements our suppliers certify that they are in compliance with laws regarding slavery and human trafficking in their respective countries.
* All Chiquita–owned farms and many of Chiquita's independent banana and pineapple growers are certified by the Rainforest Alliance and SA8000 as being compliant with antislavery and forced labor provisions. The Rainforest Alliance is an international, non-profit, environmental organization whose mission includes promoting worker welfare and community well-being. Compliance with the ILO Conventions and the UN Declaration of Human Rights, specifically prohibitions against forced labor, is mandatory. SA8000, developed by Social Accountability International, provides standards based on national laws, international human rights norms, and the conventions of the ILO. These standards include a strict prohibition against forced labor.
These verifications are in process and are being evaluated to ensure maximum effort is geared towards mitigating the risk of human trafficking and slavery. That being said, these verifications are conducted by Chiquita, by the suppliers and vendors, and, with regard to Chiquita-owned farms and many banana and pineapple growers, by the Rainforest Alliance and SA 8000 authorized independent auditors.
Second, Chiquita conducts random audits and on-site verifications of suppliers and growers to evaluate supplier compliance with company standards for trafficking and slavery in supply chains. These audits are conducted by Chiquita and we are in the process of contracting with an Independent Contractor to perform additional on-site verifications.
Third, Chiquita requires suppliers to certify that materials incorporated into the product comply with laws regarding slavery and human trafficking of the country or countries in which they are doing business. As outlined above, agreements with those suppliers require them to certify that they comply with those laws; vendors and suppliers must certify that employees are free to leave the workplace after scheduled work hours and may terminate their employment with reasonable notice; and Chiquita's Code of Conduct prohibition against forced labor and slavery is incorporated into all vendor and supplier contracts.
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Finally, Chiquita provides annual training to all company employees and management who have direct responsibility for supply chain management. This training includes information on human trafficking and slavery and recognizing and mitigating risks within the supply chains.
The need to evaluate and address the risks of human trafficking and slavery in our product supply chain has long been part of our commitment to Corporate Responsibility and will remain a critical aspect of our supplier management. We will continue to require our suppliers, vendors, and employees to comply with Chiquita's prohibition against slavery and human trafficking.
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�When America is absent, especially from unstable environments, there are consequences. Extremism takes root, our interests suffer; our security at home is threatened."
So declared Hillary Clinton in her final appearance as secretary of state before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Clinton was referring to the Middle East and the north of Africa, where a chain reaction of events has brought violence to the region.
She was wrong. Our intervention in Libya brought an attack on a consulate we set up in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. officials.
That same intervention unleashed military elements of the Tuareg ethnic group - which once had served Col. Moammar Gadhafi - to return to their home area in northern Mali to fight for independence from Mali. The Tuareg nationalists were shoved aside by Islamists, leading to the current French-led military intervention in northern Mali.
Clinton was not challenged on her point. Extremism, however, may be fed by our military presence in that part of the world. Our interests may suffer precisely because of our presence.
The Islamists in Mali are part of what is called al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb. In Arabic, Maghreb means "west," so it is the group operating in the Western reaches of Islamic-populated countries in the north of Africa.
From Mali, these Islamists infiltrated a few weeks ago into Algeria, where they took over an oil facility, killing workers there. Three Americans are among the dead at the oil base.
The Obama administration is acting on Clinton's view, though with some caution. It is aiding the French on communications and logistics in Mali, but is not jumping into a Mali intervention with both feet. It is beefing up our military's Europe-based Africa command, which has responsibility for anything we might decide to do in Africa.
Tellingly, we just made an arrangement with Niger, which abuts Mali, to operate pilotless drone aircraft from Niger territory.
Drones are used for surveillance but can also fire missiles to kill individuals on the ground. But our drone attacks in Yemen and Pakistan generate anger against the United States.
Reports abound of civilians killed when missiles are fired from drones. Drone aircraft hover for hours at a time over certain areas in Pakistan, awaiting a human target. The populations below, hearing the whirr, live in constant fear.
The United Nations has just decided to investigate the legality of our drone attacks. If we begin using them in North Africa, we may find new populations aligned against us.
While the Obama administration finds these missile strikes effective, there is no way to know the long-term consequences. Even if we reap a short-term military gain, the practice may come back to haunt us.
The Obama administration would do well to learn the lessons of recent history. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb is the descendant of the mujahedeen - the guerrilla fighters who operated in Afghanistan, starting in 1979.
The Afghani mujahedeen were largely our creation. We funded them to oppose a pro-Soviet government then in power in Afghanistan. We did make life difficult for the U.S.S.R. in Afghanistan, but after the mujahedeen evicted the pro-Soviet government, they turned their guns on us.
It is descendants of the mujahedeen who now plant roadside bombs to drive us out of Afghanistan. Even as we draw down forces there, it is hard to demonstrate that our presence there improves our security.
Our financing gave birth to the groups all over the region that use the name al-Qaida. Our longtime backing of Israel over the Palestinians provided these militants a rallying point. Our invasion of Iraq fueled the fire.
A major military presence in the north of Africa, if that is what the Obama administration envisages, may bring us more blowback.
John B. Quigley is a professor of law at Ohio State University. Readers may write to him at Moritz College Law, 55 West 12th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210.


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NORWALK, Ohio --
It is safe to say no one understands that saying more than Super Rod racer Michael Ruff.
Ruff had about as rough of a first day of racing as any one man could possibly have at the IHRA Summit Racing Equipment World Finals. After blowing a tire on his motor home on his way to Memphis Ruff, driving over 900 miles from his home in Orlando, Fla., began his big weekend with a first round loss in the Sportsman Spectacular followed by an even bigger loss in the re-entry round of that same race all on opening day.
With an 0-2 start to the weekend and the biggest race still yet to come, Ruff wasn't exactly high on his chances to be competitive during the Summit Racing Equipment Tournament of Champions presented by AMSOIL later in the weekend with the biggest prize - a world championship - still on the line.
"It certainly wasn't the start we had hoped for. After 900 miles and blowing a tire on our way here we go out first round, bought back in and then get whooped bad by (Steve) Furr," Ruff said. "That first day really took the wind out of my sails. It was really frustrating because I knew I had laid down good runs, I just got beat. I wasn't mad at the cars performance or my performance, I just got beat."
But that is where the storm began to subside.
"To come back the next day after a disastrous start and get a win light in the first round, that just helped build the adrenaline and get the next day off on the right foot," Ruff said. "From there things just took off."
And boy did it ever.
After defeating McCandless in round one Ruff found his groove and followed that up with wins over Jeff Estep and Shannon Brinkley before meeting Hamlin, Texas' Joe Collier in the final. In a battle of the Chevrolets Collier, behind the wheel of his 2000 Monte Carlo, got off the line first by a narrow margin - a .015 to a .019 - but Ruff battled back on the other end in a double breakout victory as Ruff crossed the line first in his '67 Camaro with a 9.890/147.39 in the 9.90 class while Collier took a bit more with a 9.884/151.10.
"This is just awesome. As tough as the competition is nowadays, to be able to come out and play with them and win, get the big check, is an awesome deal," Ruff said. "This is such a great opportunity the IHRA has given everyone for all the champions to come to one race and duke it out for the title. It is an amazing feeling to win this thing."
And amazingly, Ruff's weekend almost didn't happen.
Ruff entered the last race of the season in Division 2 outside of the top three in points and needed a monumental performance to sneak into the tournament field. And right when he needed it most Ruff posted a pair of semifinal finishes to propel him into second in the Summit Pro-Am standings, one point ahead of McCandless.
Ruff finished the year with two wins, both coming at Bradenton Motorsports Park in March.
After the .000 light in round one, Ruff continued to get it done on the tree with a .015 light helping propel him past Division 9 champion Jeff Estep and a lucky break in the quarters moving him on when Shannon Brinkley broke out by .013.
In the semifinals Ruff earned a bye run while Collier, racing out of Division 4, bested fellow D4 racer Clayton Nance with a .012 reaction time and a 9.908/151.99 run to advance. Nance broke out by ..036.
With the win Ruff collected his first career IHRA championship and second overall championship all in his first full season of IHRA racing. Now he will take the big trophy home with him to Orlando and hopefully try for a repeat in 2013.
"I have been racing around 20 years and this is the first year I have run IHRA and I can say I have really enjoyed it and let's just say I will be doing more IHRA racing in the future," Ruff said. "I want to thank my wife Sherrie, my brother-in-law Larry, FTI Converts, Mickey Thompson Tires and Takash Race Craft. If it wasn't for them it wouldn't be possible."


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From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...The tablecloths are ironed and I've just finished seasoning a pork loin that is the size of a small pig. We are having guests for dinner tonight and the pork loin is going to be the centerpiece of our feast. In order to keep the kitchen reasonably clear of last minute activity, I'm going to use the outdoor grill and slowly spit roast the pork. I'll serve it with a sauce made from a spicy peach chutney that I prepared earlier in the week and I have pickled peach halves that I'm going to use as a garnish. Pickled peaches are not easy to find west of the Mississippi, so if you want them, they have to be special ordered or made at home. Peaches are still being harvested in Oregon and they have been especially flavorful this year. I thought they'd be perfect for both chutney and a quick pickle. I found a terrific recipe for pickled peaches in Alice Water's wonderful cookbook, Chez Panisse Fruit. Her pickles are quick and delicious. They are not processed and they are table ready in 24 hours. The recipe is easy to follow and the peaches are unbelievably good. They are perfect to serve with pork or game birds and I know that those of you who try them will really be pleased. Here's how they are made.
Pickled Peaches...from the kitchen ofOne Perfect Bite courtesy of Alice Water's
3 peaches
2 cups water
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup red wine
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
4 cloves
2 allspice berries
1/2 stick cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1) To peel peaches, lower them a few at a time into boiling water for a minute or so, and immediately refresh them in a bath of ice water. When cool, use a paring knife to remove skins, which should slide off easily. Cut peaches in half and remove pits.
2) To make pickling solution, combine water, vinegar, wine, honey, peppercorns, cloves, allspice, cinnamon and bay leaf in a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3) To pickle peaches, add peach segments and cook just until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Test with a toothpick or tip of a sharp knife to make sure they are cooked through. They will turn brown if undercooked. Carefully remove peaches with a slotted spoon; they will be quite delicate. Let pickling mixture cool slightly and then strain over peaches. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to a week. Yield: 6 pickled peach halves.
One Year Ago Today: Rice and Mixed Bean Salad
Two Years Ago Today: Zucchini Fritters
Three Years Ago Today: Pilgrim Hat Cookies for Kids by Kids


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Sworn in as Alberta's human services minister less than a month ago, Manmeet Bhullar has already done an astonishing thing.
On Wednesday, he ended a generation of official secrecy by releasing the count of all children who have died in Alberta government care, or after some contact with the child welfare system.
There were 741 of these unfortunates — a fearful total.
And yet, through all the years, including the recent months when the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal were aggressively investigating child deaths, officialdom didn't crack. This information would not be public.
Bhullar became minister Dec. 13. On Jan 8 — light speed by government standards — he stood up at a news conference, his voice cracking at times, and read out the numbers.
The awful policy was gone in an instant. Like many encrusted systems, it was finally bowled over by the power of hope, painful memory and raw emotion.
The next day, Bhullar told me that because of his own experiences, that news conference was "one of the hardest things I've ever done."
He knew of a family that had a child taken away because "they couldn't get their act together," he'd said earlier to the Herald's Darcy Henton.
The child called the family and asked, "Why do none of you care about me? Why do none of you care enough to get me out of a foster home?" said Bhullar.
The child had only been in care for a few hours, "but ... it was already a lifetime.
"Those moments, those experiences, make you understand how fragile a child is, and how fragile a family can be."
Bhullar says the family immediately pulled together to get the child back when the incident occurred.
Although the parents had issues, the relatives saw no reason the child shouldn't be with other family members.
Relatives descended en masse on a social services office. They must have been convincing. About four days later, Bhullar says, the child was sent from the foster home to live with family.
That raises the question; why would a child be formally seized and placed, with little or no consideration of healthy family options? Why does it still happen now?
"Exactly!" Bhullar says. "I've made it abundantly clear (to his department) that this is priority No. 1."
The release of the information about deaths, and Bhullar's opposition to the still-existing policy of refusing to allow the naming of any children who die in care, are extremely hopeful signs.
Bhullar had Premier Alison Redford's approval to release the death totals. He then explained his plan to cabinet's agenda and priorities committee.
There was a good deal of concern in government. No wonder. Secrecy has shielded this system from proper scrutiny for decades.
But there were legitimate concerns, too, because some of the children who died had oblique contact with the welfare system.
In one case, for instance, a child who had once been in care was killed in a freak accident many years after being returned to the parents. Yet, that death is included.
Bhullar decided to release everything, in an effort to force light and air through this system — partly, he says, to eradicate endemic fear.
"We have to do our best to eliminate this culture of fear," he says. "People have to be able to work without fear — fear within agencies, within staff, within families.
"This is personal for me. It's heart-wrenching, but that's why it's the most important work we can engage in."
Remarkable. How wonderful, how powerful, to hear a minister speak with genuine, humane emotion rather than the standard bureaucratic doublespeak.
Don Braid's column appears regularly in the Herald firstname.lastname@example.com


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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A Jacksonville, FL, man recently filed a lawsuit against the YMCA of Florida's First Coast and TKO Sports Group. The man claims that he was injured after an exercise ball that he was using exploded, breaking both of his wrists and his forearm, and injuring both shoulders, according to local Jacksonville media reports.
Peter Royal told The Florida Times-Union that he was leaning back on the exercise ball and about to lift a pair of 75-pound dumbbells when the ball exploded beneath him. According to the article, Royal weighs 200 pounds.
The lawsuit claims that the Y had negligent trainers and that TKO Sports, the manufacturer of the exercise ball, mislabeled the ball as "anti-burst," the newspaper reported.
The incident occurred in 2005, but Royal told Jacksonsville TV station Channel 4 that since the incident, he's had five operations and has had his "life turned upside down."The Y, TKO Sports Group and Royal's lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.


text: How to compress DSD with WavPack? (moved from General Audio) 2016-12-01 10:56:25 Hello there,hope, that i am here in the proper subforum. It's my first thread... Shortly i realized, that it's possible to compress DSD with the new WavPack 5.0 (Alpha5) and that it's already implemented in Foobar2000. So i downloaded the latest WavPack Alpha5 and tested it with several dsf-files and also direct from sacd-ISOs. The results looked very good - fine compression-rate and not very CPU-demanding.BUT there seems to be something wrong with the conversation. When i invert the process with wvunpack.exe i don't get back a DSD-file in any form, but a PCM-file.When i instead convert a dsf-file with the original wavpack.exe and uncompress it with wvunpack.exe, i get the original dsf-file back.I tried to find an appropriate setting in the Foobar-convert dialog, but i am not able to find any.So what i am missing? Is there something important to consider? As far as i can create wv-files from DSD in Foobar now, it seems, that they get converted to PCM at some point, what is - of course - not wanted.


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Chet Parker
Northeast Zone Coordinator, Rockford Park District
Pathways A-Team Member
Bio and Professional Experience
Chet grew up a few miles outside of Rockford in a small town called Lindenwood, IL. He attended both Rock Valley College and North Park University receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry in 2009. Chet has a passion for working with non-profit organizations spending 10 years working with the YMCA before joining the team at the Rockford Park District in 2008. He began his career with the RPD working in Therapeutic Recreation and Community Recreation before starting full time in 2010 in the Environmental Recreation and Education Department at the Atwood Center. It was there that he was introduced to Alignment Rockford. Currently he oversees park maintenance for the RPD. He has participated in every year of the Academy Expo and more recently has joined the Pathways Team.
Chet has a beautiful wife Angie, a 1 year old Tasmanian Devil named Lucy and a golden retriever named Ginny. He enjoys anything outside, often visiting the beautiful parks and playgrounds in the city. His drive working with Alignment Rockford is based in he and his wife's deep seeded belief in the public school system. Chet believes that our school district can be great, but it is the responsibility of the residents of the community to take ownership and make it that way.
While you are a new member to the Alignment Rockford Pathways team, you are a veteran in volunteering for Alignment initiatives. Can you tell us about some of these experiences?
I was introduced to the Academy Expo while working at the Atwood Center. It was an awesome first year at Jefferson High school and really helped establish my belief in the school district. It was amazing to see the school district taking a leap and trying something different to engage the students. After a few years working at Atwood and having great success with building a more and more engaging booth at the Academy Expo, the Atwood Center won best booth in Academy. After that year, I changed positions in the Park District, the following year it was a showdown between Rockford Park District booths (all in fun spirits of course!) It took dragging a dead ash tree across town in a bobcat, but the parks department booth won best in academy in 2014! This rivalry has pushed us to realize that in 2016 a large master Park District booth will be the way to go and we will all take home the prize! All joking aside, the prize really was not that we won an award, but that we were able to engage students on the highest level. It is rewarding to see students eyes light up when they realize the potential of what they could do with their career. This experience makes all the extra work worth it.
Recently a teacher at Roosevelt High School was in need of some raised garden beds, something I have made quite a few of for the programs at the Park District. I took some reclaimed dock timbers and assembled some raised garden beds for the students at Roosevelt. This program will help them learn about food production from farm to table.
Why is it important for you to volunteer in these initiatives and what caused you to get involved with the Pathways team?
Anyone who wants to live in this community needs to understand that it will not be a successful one without the investment into our education system. None of us would be where we are without our education system. A solid education should not be something that is taken for granted and should be a right of all children in this community. I believe that the only way to ensure this education for not only my own family but for all students in my community is to step up and be a part of the movement. Educating our youth is not only the responsibility of the teachers and administration of the school district, but of everyone in the community. My hope is that any help I can give towards this movement and anyone I can help get involved will further the mission of educating our youth.
My decision to join the Pathways Team came from this passion for furthering our Education System. The hype of the Academy Expo can now not only last for the month around the expo, but year round, knowing that the work that I am doing is actively forming the students in RPS 205.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It has been a pleasure working with Alignment Rockford, but I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to get involved in some way. There are always opportunities to make a difference in our community. The reward is in knowing you're making a difference for the next generation.


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Student or Learner
Hi! This is my first post here, but I've followed this forum for a long time.
Today, I challenged myself with transcribing part of a YouTube video. Here's the URL:
The challenge was to transcribe everything between 00:45-01:01. I'm not sure I have it right. Here's what I came up with:
"What... what the f? What? What theoh! What the hell? No! What? This isn't... what? What's going on? Oh, for God's sake! How? What? Did awhoa! This isn't... I wantedI wanted weather."
Please be as criticizing as possible. I'm really trying to learn em-dashes. My biggest problem was understanding when to use an em-dash or an ellipsis. I also wanted to make the last sentence to read, "I wanted I wanted weather" (with a space after the em-dash). This is easier to read for me, but the rule forbids spaces before or after em-dashes. On the other hand, couldn't this be two separate sentences? The first would just be interrupted. Ahmy brain! Please help. Thank you.
The video is rated PG. There's no need to watch more than one minute of the video, but it only consists of a guy wondering around in a video game called Minecraft. He's looking for a new feature to the game (weather). The person in the video becomes a bit loud once he falls into a pit of skeletons attacking him (45 seconds into the video). Be prepared for that. Everything is transcribed as literally as I could. He doesn't actually say the f-word. He only pronounces the F before stopping himself. The worst word he uses is hell, and it's only used once. Some may find the video juvenile, but it offers a dialog with great impulsiveness and fluctuation.
I don't know anything about transcribing so I can't help you.
But the beginning of that video was hysterical.