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Livingston Parish Public Schools
Department of Child Nutrition
We're Raising the Bar on Student Nutrition
Livingston Parish Public Schools participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. The Child Nutrition Program serves nutritious, appetizing and affordable meals to LPPS students.
Last school year, the Child Nutrition Department implemented new programs such as Breakfast on the Go, Breakfast in the Classroom and Second Chance Breakfast. Implementation of these new programs increased breakfast participation by 46%. LPPS Child Nutrition served 2 Million breakfast meals and over 3.3 Million lunches were served in our District last school year.
The success of these programs have been featured on WBRZ's Tune In, The Advocate and the Livingston Parish News. We also gained national recognition through Partners for Breakfast in Classroom, the School Nutrition Foundation and the National Educators Association.
In addition to the new breakfast programs, our District has expanded to provide a summer program, after school at-risk meals and after school snacks.
Our menus are designed to meet the USDA regulations and offer a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low fat or reduced fat entrées, and low fat or fat free milk choices.
Please check the menu section of our website for the latest menu.
Check us out on social media @LPPSSFS
The Livingston Parish School Board does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, disability or gender in its educational programs and activities (including employment and application for employment), and it is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of gender by Title IX (20 USC 168) and on the basis of disability by Section 504 (42 USC 794). The Title IX Coordinator is Stephen Parrill
Livingston Parish Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all websites and web applications, both public-facing and for internal use, conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (W.C.A.G.) 2.0 Level AA. Any issues should be reported firstname.lastname@example.com.
(firstname.lastname@example.com), Assistant Superintendent, P.O. Box 1130, Livingston, LA 70754; Phone (225) 686-7044. The Special Education Director is Dr. Eric Penalber (firstname.lastname@example.com); the LPPS 504 Coordinator is Marcia McKnight (firstname.lastname@example.com), P.O. Box 1130 Livingston, LA 70754; Phone (225)686-4248.


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Men's Rock Revival Jeans
Rock Revival jeans for men are a high quality denim line that embodies the heart and soul of the immortalized rock star. To this end, Rock Revival has studied the creative genius, persona and style of some of the biggest stars in music and their passion for rock n' roll and translated that into a one of a kind men's Rock Revival denim collection. Find your perfect outfit to fit your style with a men's shirt and shoes to go with your Rock Revival jeans. Find your look of men's Rock Revival jeans at Buckle.

subset: commoncrawl


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Nick Jonas sorta, kinda confirmed that he is, indeed, planning his marriage to Quantico actress Priyanka Chopra. A certain eavesdropping eyewitness told Us Weekly that the famous crooner was heard modestly accepting well-wishes from fans on his (alleged) engagement.
Per insider reports to the publication, the "Chains" musician had spent much of his night parlaying with guests at the launch party for his brand-new JVxNJ fragrance in collaboration with menswear designer John Varvatos in New York City on Wednesday night (August 8).
Evidently, Jonas, who arrived noticeably solo at the gathering and without the company of his bride-to-be — presumably due to some business in Mumbai, Maharashtra (per the actress' most recent Instagram) this week — was approached by a fan wanting to personally congratulate the 25-year-old on popping the question to the 36-year-old actress, to which the artist humbly replied, "Thanks, man."
We know, we know! It's a simple gesture, yes, but — if Jonas did, in fact, utter these very words — it would (finally) be the missing confirmation we've been longing for.
As you know, Jonas and Priyanka reportedly became engaged sometime in July after only two months as a duo. Social media dalliances, globe-trotting adventures, matching gold wedding bands (!!) — seriously, how much longer must we wait before these lovebirds profess their courtship in public?
Only time will tell… and we'll be keeping watch for every minute of it!
Photo: Getty Images


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Date: March 3, 2020
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Overhead Door Company of Hamilton-Burlington
House and Home / Doors and Windows
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R.A. Mihailoff, is best known as Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3, and currently is co-starring in the new movie Hatchet 2 as the hunter Trent. He has appeared in numerous horror movies and TV shows, mostly as a villain. R.A brings a unique perspective, hoping to find irrefutable evidence of the paranormal.
Past shows:
Live Aboard the Haunted Queen Mary
George Noory hosted a live remote aboard the haunted Queen Mary, as part of GhostFest Expo 4. Featured guests included paranormal researcher Rob Wlodarksi, actor R.A. Mihailoff and stuntman Rick McCallum of the Hollywood Ghost Hunters, psychic Erika Frost, and ghost hunter... More »


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A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
-inspired by SouleMama
love your neckwarmers... just beautifulReplyDelete
I love baby stare contests, they always win! Here's our moment:http://littlehomesteadinthedesert.blogspot.com/2012/01/this-moment_20.htmlReplyDelete
so pretty! Look at those eyes!
love the moment!
mine: http://lauraemily.typepad.com/laura-emily/2012/01/-this-moment-.html


text: Keith Souders of East Palestine was among the participants in the 16th annual East Palestine Car Cruise, which benefits Toys for Tots. The event was sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. Souders brought a 1973 Barbays Milk Co. truck, built by Ford, that he found in a swamp in Louisiana. Before Souders got it, it also was used as a beer truck. He converted it into a mobile repair shop. Souders also brought to the show a homemade dune buggy, which he made specifically for sand drag racing. It was built from a 1976 Chevy pickup. He races often at the Tri-County 4-Wheelers track, the Echo Valley drag strip near East Palestine and at Yankee Lake. Morning Journal/Patti Schaeffer


text: 6 by Nesster Songs mastering is an essential part of every hit record. However, few brand-new (as well as some "established") musicians have a good knowledge of exactly what mastering is and why they need it. This usually leads to numerous selecting the incorrect mastering studio… and making many unneeded blunders […] Understanding The Basics Of Music Mastering2 Apr, 2015 in Mastering tagged Basel / basics / Blythe Masters / Business Wire / California / CBS Sports / Chakra / Colored gold / Coupon / Credit derivative / Master P / mastering / Music / Understanding by Manuel Marino


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"Perfect beauty. . . . A classic of Japanese literature."
—Chicago Sun-Times
"Mishima was one of literature's great romantics, a tragedian with a heroic sensibility, an intellectual, an esthete, a man steeped in Western letters who toward the end of his life became a militant Japanese nationalist."
—Jay McInerney, The New York Times


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Created by "Entertainment Tonight" Weekend Host and Correspondent, Kevin Frazier,
HipHollywood.com features the latest videos, photos, news, and interviews coming out of
Black Hollywood. Additionally, the site offers viewers exclusive access to the red carpet and behind- the- scenes footage of Hollywood's hottest parties, award shows and events.
"We Don't Talk ABOUT Stars, We Talk
WITH Them" is the motto of the site.
The HipHollywood.com web site may be accessed via the World Wide Web at


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Join us online for What's New in Blackboard 9?
I will be conducting an online training equivalent to our face-to-face workshop entitled "What's New in Blackboard 9?". This workshop will be conducted in DimDim, which is a fully web-based free conferencing program. It will be beneficial for you to have a microphone to ask questions, but this is not required; there is a text-based chat available, as well.
We are hoping to use more web-based tools for training and feel this is a good move since our instructors are teaching online. DimDim will allow you to see the screen and hear audio, just as you would in a training lab.
The online workshop will be held on Thursday, March 4 from 2:00-3:00 pm.
Prerequisites: Blackboard 101 and "Getting Started with Blackboard" workshop.
Important: Please send me an email to sign up for this (or any) workshops: firstname.lastname@example.com . I'll send you the web address for the workshop at that time.
Don't forget to check our training page on this blog for more training dates.


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Article content
The Vancouver Giants and Western Hockey League released the 2013-14 schedule Wednesday and the Giants, now in their 13th season in the league, will open at Pacific Coliseum on Sept. 20 against the Victoria Royals.
Their first road game is the following night in Victoria and their first major road trip begins Oct. 4 in Brandon against the Wheat Kings. The Brandon game marks the first of six outings in nine nights during an East Division swing that will also see the team visit Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina and Swift Current.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Giants unveil 2013-14 WHL schedule Back to video
The Giants also finish October with four road games and that has head coach Don Hay a little nervous. All told, the G-Men will play 11 of their first 17 away from home.
"That October is a really tough month," Hay said. "I don't mind getting out on the road early in the season. Early is a good time for a young team to get to know each other so I don't mind that part. I just think that September and October, with six at home and 11 on the road, makes it really important that we're ready to go and it makes our first three home games in September really important. If we can get off to a good start and we're feeling good about ourselves, it is a good time to go out on that Prairie trip."
The Giants are less than two months away from training camp. Players report for medicals Aug. 20 and the first day of camp is Aug. 22. The first pre-season game is Aug. 31 at the Ladner Leisure Centre aganist the Kelowna Rockets. The other pre-season home dates, also in Ladner, are Sept. 8 versus Kamloops at 4 p.m. and Sept. 15 against Victoria at 2 p.m.


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You can't see it, but there's a quiet cultural revolution under way at the White House.
The Obamas are decorating their private spaces with more modern and abstract artwork than has ever hung on the White House walls. (Click here for an entire list.)
New pieces by contemporary African-American and Native American artists are on display. Bold colors, odd shapes, squiggly lines have arrived. So, too, have some obscure artifacts, such as patent models for a gear cutter and a steamboat paddlewheel, that now sit in the Oval Office.
Political coverage from NBC4.
Works by big names from the modern art world -- Jasper Johns and Mark Rothko -- are rubbing shoulders with lesser-known artists such as Alma Thomas, an African-American abstract painter of the 1960s and 1970s.
Thomas' "Watusi (Hard Edge)" now hangs in the East Wing, where Michelle Obama has her offices. The acrylic on canvas, on loan from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, shows a jumble of geometric shapes in bright reds, blues and greens.
Glenn Ligon's "Black Like Me No. 2," a Hirshhorn loan now hanging in the first family's living quarters, is a "text painting" that reproduces words from the 1961 book "Black Like Me," a nonfiction account by a white man who disguised himself as
a black man and traveled through the South.
Ligon, a black artist from Brooklyn in New York, said in an interview that the painting's theme fits with President Barack Obama's efforts to create a dialogue between the races.
"It's a really important part of what he's about and symbolically what he's done," Ligon said, adding that it was "intensely flattering" for the Obamas to want his painting to hang in their private spaces.
The Obamas got to work selecting new artwork for the White House even before the inauguration and had the first pieces installed on Day One. Other pieces have arrived only in recent weeks. And there's a Rothko piece -- "No. 17 (or) No. 15" -- in limbo; they
haven't quite decided what to do with it.
Working with California decorator Michael Smith and White House curator William Allman, the Obamas have borrowed dozens of works from various Washington museums and galleries, being sure to use only items that weren't already on display. Other recent first families hung a few modern pieces in their living quarters, but none approached the scope of the Obamas, Allman said.
Smith ferried lists back and forth between the White House and the galleries and museums as the Obamas narrowed down their
"The first lady had clear ideas about what they were aiming for," Allman said. "They knew their tastes, and Michael Smith
knew a lot about their tastes."
The new artwork is on display only in the first family's living quarters and office areas. Any changes to the historic public spaces --such as the Blue Room or the State Dining Room -- must be approved by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House,
which has yet to meet in the Obama administration.
Could more modern artwork be headed for public spaces at the White House?
"Undoubtedly, this will be a subject that will be raised," says Allman. There may be an opening, he said, to "collect something new and different and take a leap."
As for the private spaces, the first lady's office provided a list Tuesday of dozens of pieces of artwork-on-loan that now supplement the hundreds of more traditional landscapes, portraits and still life paintings that dominate the permanent White House collection.
Richard Feigen, a private art dealer in New York, scanned the list and pronounced it "highly sophisticated."
"We're encouraged as far as the art world," Feigen said. "We feel we have someone now in the White House who is saying that
culture is an important part of this country."
The Obamas' selections include an impressive assortment of modern and contemporary works from the National Gallery of Art. One
of the most striking is Edward Ruscha's ``I Think I'll ... ,'' which superimposes phrases such as ``I think I'll ...'' and ``maybe ... no'' and ``wait a minute'' on top of a blood red sunset. Others include Susan Rothenberg's ``Butterfly,'' which shows a horse with an X through it, and Richard Diebenkorn's ``Berkeley No. 52,'' an abstract oil on canvas in soft colors based on the landscape of Berkeley, Calif.
The Obamas' list of borrowed items also includes an intriguing trio of patent models on loan from the National Museum of American
History, including models for Samuel Morse's 1849 telegraph register, a gear-cutting machine and a paddlewheel for a steamboat.
Peter Liebhold, curator of the museum's Work and Industry Division, said the museum was both surprised and pleased by the White House choices, especially since two of them are from minor inventors. All three models, he said, are ``intrinsically beautiful. They say a lot about American ingenuity.''
They're also small enough to fit on the president's bookshelves, Allman said, and they make great conversation pieces.


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Gradable and non-gradable adjectival participles
Posted by TheFallen on March 17, 2003
In Reply to: Gradable and non-gradable posted by HCD on March 17, 2003
: : : : I'd like to know how to discover when a adjective or adverb is gradable
or non-gradable, without having to know a large list by heart. Can anybody help
: : : : Thanks.
: : : I don't understand the question. Do you mean gradable as in degrees -- "pretty, prettier, prettiest"? Or non-gradable meaning an absolute --"unique"? Something is unique or it's not.
: : Here's what I found:
: : "Adjectives can be divided into gradable and non-gradable (or classifying) adjectives. Gradable adjectives can be compared (happy-happier-happiest, good-better-best, beautiful-more beautiful-most beautiful) and modified with the intensifying word very. Non-gradable adjectives do not have comparative or superlative forms nor are they intensified: a financial plan, an electric train, semantic criteria." http://www.helsinki.fi/~mpalande/adjectives.html
: : Another good site is:
: : http://www.grammarstation.com/SpelltheAdjectives.html
: :
: Look! For
an English native the gradability can possibly be considered easy, but not for
other origin peoples, for instance the Latins's origin.
: To realize how difficult it is, take a glance at the site about gradable and ungradable adjecitves modifiers on the site:http://www.edict.com.hk/funcgrammar/NonGradable/Participles.htm.
: Thanks, HCD
Your question doesn't actually seem to be about adjectives in general. I took a look at that site, and the crucial point they're making is about present and past participles when used adjectivally - are they gradable or not? The conclusion seems to be that participles originating from an intransitive verb root are non-gradable, as are transitive-based participles where there's an implied causal agent.
I'm not sure whether I buy into all that or not, but it's probably a good rule of thumb. There are of course exceptions, as there are to so many grammatical rules - it is correct English to describe someone as "having a rather sunken face".
- Gradable and nongradable . . . R. Berg 03/17/03
- Gradable and
nongradable . . . HCD 03/19/03
- Grammar and Foreign Languages
TheFallen 03/19/03
- Grammar and Foreign Languages HCD 03/21/03
- Grammar and Foreign Languages TheFallen 03/19/03
- Gradable and nongradable . . . HCD 03/19/03


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Call Palo Alto Spousal Support Lawyers Today
In California, the court may award spousal support or alimony as part of a divorce agreement or decree. Sometimes, the divorcing spouses may mutually agree to terms of spousal support and put that into the divorce agreement. More often, a spouse in need of support will need to request this support from the court. It can be beneficial to have some idea of how spousal support is determined. Our Palo Alto spousal support lawyers may be able to help you understand California law and help you present your case for spousal support to the court.
Qualifications for Spousal Support
You do not have to be completely divorced or have your divorce finalized in order to claim or begin collecting spousal support. The court understands that a spouse in need of support may not have the financial means to wait through many months of divorce proceedings. It is possible to request spousal support while the divorce is pending or in the case of a legal separation.
The court will examine a variety of factors to determine if a spouse is entitled to support and the amount. Income and ability to pay are usually the most important factors. It is unreasonable for the court to award an alimony amount higher than a person can afford to pay. The needs of the spouse are the next most important factor. A spouse unable to work or with high medical needs, for example, may be entitled to more support. The court will also examine the relative nature of income during the marriage. For example, if one spouse supplied most of the income during the marriage, then they will likely be responsible for a higher amount of alimony support.
Calculating reasonable support can be complicated. An amount awarded by a judge is often determined by the evidence and argument a person can make in court. Our Palo Alto spousal support lawyers are here to assist you with determining a reasonable support amount and making a case to help you get that amount.
Term of Spousal Support
An award of spousal support often comes with a certain time frame attached to it. Our Palo Alto spousal support lawyers may assist you in determining what term of spousal support you may be entitled to.
Most types of spousal support are short term, rehabilitative payments. Their purpose is to provide an income buffer to one spouse while they adjust to living independently and providing for their own income. Short-term support generally lasts only a few years or half the length of the marriage, and the ending date is specified in the divorce agreement or court order. A person is likely to be awarded only short-term support if the marriage lasted for less than 10 years and if they are reasonably capable of supporting themselves.
Long-term or permanent support may be awarded in certain other conditions. The first condition is the length of the marriage. For marriages lasting longer than 10 years, the court generally does not set a termination date for alimony. Instead, the paying spouse will need to eventually prove alimony is no longer necessary, for example, if the other spouse got a higher paying job or remarried. Permanent support may also be awarded if the spouse is unlikely to ever return to work due to age or disability.
Contact Our Palo Alto Spousal Support Lawyers
Under most circumstances, a spouse in need of support is entitled to that support as soon as he or she separates or is no longer being supported financially by the other spouse. This can happen long before a divorce is finalized. It is important to consult with Palo Alto spousal support lawyers about getting a temporary spousal support order pending the final divorce decree. You may contact our team of Palo Alto spousal support lawyers at the Law Office of Daniel Jensen today for help regarding your divorce.


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In 1925, two men joined forces and together changed the course of the earthmoving industry. Benjamin Holt and C.L. Best's vision and ingenuity remain the driving forces behind Caterpillar Inc.
Fast forward nearly 100 years, and celebrate Daniel Hemric and Cat Racing with the No. 8 Throwback scheme. The Darlington car showcases Caterpillar's original gray and red colors that were once recognized as a sign of innovation and state-of-the-art machine design – just as Cat-yellow is today. The original logo features the unique movement of the Caterpillar undercarriage. Regardless of the year or color, Caterpillar remains world renowned for its power, durability and winning pace.
- Material: 100% Diecast Metal
- Plastic chassis
- Poseable wheels (not linked to steering mechanism)
- Opening hood
- Manufacturer-specific body contour
- Die-cast body
- Painted chassis details
- Detailed engine
- Fully decorated
- Opening roof flaps
- Die-Cast Identification Number (DIN) visible through rear window
- Fabric window net
- Closed trunk


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LocationMoose Lake, MN
4787 Co. Rd. 10
Moose Lake, MN 55767
Used 2016 Coachmen RV Freedom Express Blast 271BLCALL TODAY ! Like NEW!
This Coachmen Freedom Express Blast toy hauler features a 10' cargo garage for hauling your favorite toys, plus plenty of space to enjoy your down time when you want to kick up your feet and relax after a fun filled day!
Use the rear ramp door to make loading and unloading a breeze. The cargo area features two fold down sofas with an optional queen bed electric lift above for added sleeping space once the toys are removed. There are also overhead storage cabinets for all of your gear.
The center part of the unit features a kitchen where you will easily be able to prepare and cook food. There is a three burner range, double kitchen sink, and microwave on the road side, plus a refrigerator and corner pantry just inside the side entry door to the left. There is also a place for an optional flat screen TV next to the refrigerator that can easily be viewed from the sofa seating area.
A side aisle bath offers a corner shower, linen cabinet, toilet, and a sink.
A sliding door provides privacy in the front bedroom where you will find a queen size bed, dual bedside wardrobes, overhead storage, and so much more!
You will also love the exterior front pass-through storage compartment for all of your outdoor camping gear too!
Like most: Melissa and I wanted to say that we enjoyed our experience and it was refreshing to work with Alan on our Chaparral.
Rick - Melissa from Mosinee, WI
Stock# 19924
|30 ft 11 in
|Ext Width
|8 ft
|Ext Height
|11 ft 9 in
|Int Height
|7 ft 6 in
|Hitch Weight
|799 lbs
|Gross Weight
|9000 lbs
|Dry Weight
|5946 lbs
|Cargo Weight
|3054 lbs
|Fresh Water Capacity
|98 gals
|Grey Water Capacity
|33 gals
|Black Water Capacity
|33 gals
|Tire Size
|Number of Awnings
Coachmen RV is built upon a simple principle … "Dedicated to the enrichment of your life." By providing you with long term value through all that we do, our focus is on providing a product with superior value and backing it through superior service and support. Once you become a Coachmen owner, we are committed to enhancing your Coachmen RV ownership and lifestyle experience… creating friends for life and memories that will last a lifetime.
At Coachmen you will find a rich history of commitment from our Team Members. This commitment extends to our owners and in the pride we have for our brand. The close relationship that we share with our owners and our dealers is a quality that others have been trying to mimic over our 50 year history. Our goals and principles remain well in focus.
We do create customers for life
Oaklakerv.com is not responsible for any misprints, typos, or errors found in our website pages. Any price listed excludes sales tax, registration tags, and delivery fees. Manufacturer-provided pictures, specifications and features may be used as needed. Inventory shown may be only a partial listing of the entire inventory. Please contact us at 218-485-9900 for availability as our inventory changes rapidly. All calculated payments are an estimate only and do not constitute a commitment that financing or a specific interest rate or term is available.


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Sorry for that Striga ^-^; I'm just too typerhappy. XD
Sorry also for taking so long. My PC's Wi-fi screwed up and is now not working anymore. So I have to post this from my sister's PC X_X Besides, I had to rewrite some of the Chapters thanks to Two Officers being developed for DW8 XD
Two days before this, Lu Bu has built a small force of his own. Having lost the power struggle that ensued after he assassinated Dong Zhuo, he had been forced to wander from place to place. He guided them to the east, passed Luo Yang. Among them were Umi Mari, Tao and Zhang Liao, all formidable warriors. During a break of aimless wandering, the vacant force camped in an abandoned town. Most of the houses lay in ruins or were completely raided. Mhi Hayoli was standing in the trampled fields. Saddened by the view presented to her, she sighed deeply troubled. Within her hands she held a small bundle made of leather. She strokes her fingers gently over the silk ribbon that held it closed. "Milady?", a voice called out to her. Surprised, she turned around and saw Zhang Liao approaching. "My apologies. I did not mean to alarm you.", he said and bowed slightly. Mhi Hayoli was blushing and pressed the leather bundle close to her heart. She looked to the ground and shook her head. "No, no! I...It's... ...alright..." Nervously, she tried to avoid looking at him. Zhang Liao sighed and looked around, but he could not spot Tao or Umi Mari. "I wished to thank you properly for tending to my weapons, Milady. With all this disorder spreading however, I found it hard to find the time." He looked at his two halberds and was quite delighted over their sharpness and shine. She still wasn't looking at him, but spoke nervously. "I...I am ...glad... ...th...that I... ...could...be of...h...help, my lord...", she answered stuttering. Zhang Liao wondered if she was frightened by him. The girl looked very anxious and avoided to look at him. "I am sorry if my presence scares you, milady.", he apologized, "I am not even sure why some people are frightened by me or tell those kinda rumors." Mhi Hayoli suddenly turned around to him. She waved her hands and shook her head. "Ah...no...no! Th...This is not it!", she stated nervously, "I...it's just... ...I...I am not used...to speak...with men at all... ..." Her face was still bright red and her gaze wandered off to the ground again, saddened by the thoughts running through her mind. "Really? Why is that?", he wondered. The girl sighed slightly and tried to compose herself before explaining. "Well... ...My mother... ...she...used to tell me... ...not to speak with men until I was of age... ...I grew up without a father... ...so... ...she was all I had at that time... ... ... ...Until she passed away as well... ..." "I'm sorry to hear that... I did not mean to open old wounds.", Zhang Liao apologized and bowed slightly. She smiled and shook her head appreciating the thought. "No need to apologize, my lord... ...I may have lost both my parents... ...but I still have my Guardians, Umi Mari and Tao... ...and my little girl Pai Quan..." Worries started to fill her heart as she thought about her. Zhang Liao remembered that little girl with endless energy and joy, but he did not know that they were family. "So that girl is your daughter, then. I did not know.", he said a bit surprised. "She is not...not in that way... ...I adopted her, when she came to my town... ...Her parents died during the Yellow Turban rebellion... She does not speak much about it, though... ... ...I wonder if she is well..." "I am sure she is.", he tried to comfort her, "That little girl seemed like a formidable fighter to me." "Yes...", she answered him, still lingering in uncertainty, "Mari, Tao and even Pai Quan... They are all warriors... ..." Slowly she relaxed around him, but her hands still shivered a little. She did not realize how her worries overpowered her nervousness. Suddenly both Tao and Umi Mari approach them on horseback. A bit surprised of the two standing together like this, Mari gazed at them quite awkward. Reality caught up with her, however, and she reported to Liao at once. "Hey.", she yelled a bit frustrated, "We've got a problem, Liao. Bandits are blocking off the road ahead. Lu Bu is mobilizing the rest of the gang." "Understood.", he answered. Mhi Hayoli listened to her guardian's announcement and bound the leather satchel on her belt scarf. "I'm coming, too.", she stated. "Mhi Ha?!", Umi Mari was shocked, "What are you saying?!" "I know it will be dangerous, but... I just don't want to be the only one without use or purpose anymore... I...I wish to help... ...Even if it scares me..." "Mhi Ha...", Tao was concerned for his bond sister. He knew where her thoughts and actions might lead her. "Would you give it back to me, Mari? Please...", she asked with a begging stare at her guardian. "Are you sure? You gave it to me, because you wished to distance yourself from war, after all..." Mari wished to be sure that her nestling was thinking this through. Mhi Hayoli nodded with a smile. "I cannot run from it anymore... There is...something I have to...see... ...Something I have to do... ...I wish to end this war...more than anything else... ...I wish for it to end..." Mari realized that there was no talking her out of it anymore. Liao was a bit confused about this conversation. He looked at Umi Mari climbing from her horse and pulling a whip made of strong leather. It was covered with multiple rings that were decorated with sharp iron scales. She handed the whip to the girl with a rather serious expression. "But you are not going alone.", she stated and pressed the whip into her hands, holding them in her own, turning around to the horses, "Tao..." "Mari?", Mhi Hayoli interrupted her, "If it is okay with you, may I join master Zhang Liao on this assault?" "What?", she was answered with surprise by all three. Umi Mari sighed and smiled. "You're starting to worry me, girl, but he's reliable at least." She turned around to him with a serious glare: "You keep her save, got it?" Zhang Liao seems to have no real talk in this matter, so he nodded agreeing and met her glare with determination and assurance. "Thank you, sister...", Mhi Hayoli smiled with gratitude, "Don't worry, I will not slow him down or get in his way. I promise." The woman nodded and jumped back on her horse, turning it around towards the road ahead. "Let's go.", she said to Tao and headed out. The knight however seems to look at his sister still captivated in worries. "Come on, Tao!", Mari yelled to get his attention. He finally turned his steed around, still starring back at her. "Be...save...", it growled from deep beneath the helmet. Mhi Hayoli nodded towards him before he headed out. "I am not sure that I understand what lead you to this decision, milady. However, I shall keep my word and protect you from harm." Zhang Liao readied his halberds and moved out as well, followed by Mhi Hayoli. "I am sorry...", she stuttered nervously, "...if this seemed like we forced you into this, my lord... ...But I really do believe that I can find the answer by seeing you battle..." "What answer do you seek, then?", he wondered as they approached the road. "The answer on why I could not fight... I need to know...and...I need to face my fears..."
The two ran onto the street and followed the soldiers towards the upper road. Abandoned houses and burned down trees and fields lined the path before them. "Alright.", Lu Bu yelled his orders from atop of his Red Hare, "My forces will take the camp directly in front of us. Mari, you take your men to the northwest. Zhang Liao will go to the northeast. Nobody is blocking the road from Lu Bu!!" The groups gathered and then spread out to each side. Zhang Liao and his men, as well as Mhi Hayoli went to the northeast. Many of the soldiers were surprised to see the young lady following Liao over the battlefield. Bandits jumped from hiding spots in the ruins and ambushed them constantly. "Slaughter them all!", they yelled with mocking laughter. "I am Zhang Liao! And I have come to fight!", Liao yelled back at them, charging right into their ranks. Mhi Hayoli followed him, but kept her distance to not walk right into his slashing attacks. "This whip brings back so many bad memories...", she spoke while unfolding it, "I once trained with Tao under the branches of my families peach trees...and I wounded him badly... ...That was the first time when I laid my weapon down." She cracked the whip with a swing around her position. The crack was lout and echoed far over the ruins. Spikes ripped into the cloth of the bandits' simple armor. Three of them stumbled backwards in pain, for the iron scales have teared through their skin as well. She was concerned and hesitated to take another swing. Zhang Liao however slashed through them like a wild band of tigers. She admired his determination and loyalty, or maybe his merciless way of fighting. Mhi Hayoli watched him and his men fight. The way they battled was different from how he did. "Argh! Fall back, boys!", one of the leaders yelled and pulled back. Liao looked at the girl and was confused. She smiled gently and yet seemed so upset. "Milady? Are you alright?" "Yes...", she nodded and sighed, "I think I understand now... ...why I was unable to be a strong warrior...like Tao or Mari..." She took a deep breath and held onto her whip. The group moved on and she started explaining to Liao with hesitation and shame. "I realize now that I was selfish..." "How so?", he wondered. "Tao trained me to defend myself... But I was afraid of hurting people... That is why I failed and wounded him... ...The second time that happened was during an invasion of bandits in my hometown... ...I wanted to protect my family...but...I did not want to hurt people... ... ...I managed to fend of the bandits trying to enter my house, but I wounded Tao once more in the process... ... ...That is why I gave up on it entirely... ...But I never gave up on my wish for the world to be restored to peace... ...Mari, Tao and even Pai Quan fought so many times to help my wish to be realized... ...I relied always on them to do the fighting, while I was just praying, waiting and hoping... ... ...I was so selfish..." Zhang Liao stopped for a moment and turned to her. "No...", he answered, "You are just a soul of kindness...born in a world it was not meant to be in..." "...Maybe so...", she said with a light smile on her lips, "My lord, why do you fight?" "I fight to become stronger.", he explained, "I want to perfect my skills in the art of war. However, killing people is something that I cannot avoid in times like these... ...although, I wish for more honorable battle." "I see...", she understood and smiled anew, "That is what I thought." "Hm?" "The way you fight on the battlefield is different to that of my guardian siblings. Mari fights with such anger... Tao battles others as if he wishes them to acknowledge his power... You, my lord, however... You fight with such determination and control... I never have seen anything like it..." He smiled and bowed slightly. "I am honored, milady. Shall we move on?" She agreed and they headed out again. Following the road they came across the farmlands of this abandoned town. Archers attacked from the high grounds and rooftops. The soldiers covered themselves with shields. Liao ran through the arrow storm. Mhi Hayoli followed him and went towards the houses. She knocked the fragile, rotten wood pillars over, making the roofs collapse. Liao charged at the high grounds and scared the archers away with a violent roar. Yet again an ambush troop surrounded them. "Take them all out!", the commander yelled. This time Mhi Hayoli engaged the battle more openly. She tried her best to aim for the legs and hands of the bandits. Zhang Liao came to her aid when she got surrounded by them. His appearance made these thugs tremble in their boots. The commander tried to duel him and was slain. Still a bit shaken by this, Mhi Hayoli turned away. Liao walked over to her when the bandits started fleeing to their last outpost in the north. He sighed deeply, thinking that he might have scared her, just like the rumors tell. "Forgive me, milady... I guess it must be pretty frightening to watch me fight." She swallowed the pity she felt for these evil men and looked at him, shaking her head. "No...", she said weak, "It's just... ...I can't bring myself to not pity these men... ...To not feel sorry for them... ...What this chaos made out of them..." "Yes... It is sad...", he answered and tried to comfort her, "...but I am sure that peace will come. And the chaos will end." She smiled, filled with hope that he might be right. That is what she was trying to fight for now, so she has to move on as well. Together the two marched with the soldiers towards the northern outpost. Lu Bu and Umi Mari already were attacking the base and tearing the bandit force apart. Thugs could be seen running in panic and hysteria outside the gates and into the mountains to the west. Zhang Liao and Mhi Hayoli joined them in the fight and soon the bandits were eradicated.
Umi Mari, Tao, Mhi Hayoli and Zhang Liao rode alongside each other after the troops had rested and the travel went on again. "I see...", Mari muttered and sighed, "Well, I can't say that I am all happy about this, but it is your decision, girl. If you wish to fight than I can hardly hold you back." "Hm...", Tao sighed deep, worried about this. "I'll be fine, I promise... A...and I will train hard, too... So...so don't be worried...", Mhi Hayoli assured them. "Alright...", Mari agreed hesitant, "...but you have to stay close to one of us three, got it? No running into the frontlines on your own." "Three?", Liao wondered. "Of course, I mean you as well!", she pointed out, "You're the only man I can entrust her to, Master Zhang Liao. Besides, she seems to have found quite a liking to you, too." "Mari!", Mhi Hayoli yelled embarrassed and blushed. The Firestorm laughed heartily to her reaction. "If it is your wish, then I shall agree.", Liao stated, "I, too, wish that no harm befalls her." "My lord...", Mhi Hayoli was quite flustered and embarrassed by his words, but happy nonetheless. Right at that moment a messenger on horse appeared on the front and delivered a note to Lu Bu. Curious of what that was supposed to be, Mari rode towards him. "Be right back.", she said before overlapping several units of foot soldiers. Tao stayed silent and watchful of the surroundings, ready to react on any new bandit activity. "Milady?", Zhang Liao then addressed Mhi Hayoli who turned to him, "May I be so bold to ask... ...What do you think of me?" His gaze was a little grim as he stated his question. Mhi Hayoli blushed slightly again and smiled. "Uh... ...I like your hat, my lord.", she answered sincerely. He smiled and pulled his hat a bit embarrassed over his eyes. "He...that's not what I meant...", he muttered, but smiled delighted, though.
The messenger was a spy send by someone from within Cao Cao's camp, who brought him secret information about the capital city. Lu Bu viewed this as a good opportunity to seize Yan Province for his own. Despite not having recovered from the scars of its previous battle, Yan Province was once again thrust into chaos. Xiahou Dun had been entrusted with the defense of Yan Province at Puyang and eagerly went forth to meet Lu Bu in battle. Once they learned of Lu Bu's sudden attack, Xiahou Yuan, Hanleng and Yue Jin also raced to Xiahou Dun's side. Pai Quan was among the officers that were to aid in this battle as well. With mixed feelings about the possibility to face her family on the battlefield, she stood beside these four and readied every spark of courage that she had to offer.
Please be gently with my romantic writing. I am not a romance novelist XD


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The 12 Days of Holidays have come to EverQuest II! It's time to celebrate the Holidays with daily offers and deals.
Today's deals are:
Unfortunate Elf Frostfell Cube
Frosty Cap Frostfell Cube
Sinister Frostfell Backpack
Merry Frostfell Backpack
Festive Burynai
While these items will be available in the Marketplace throughout Frostfell, check for discounted prices that are good ONE DAY ONLY!
Also, make sure you check out our Sale category for great deals throughout the holiday season! Fun and festive items, like the ones shown below, are marked down for a limited time!
Mistshire Cloak
Windwalker's Robe Crate
Check back daily through December 24, 2012 to find something special each day when you log in.


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Technology Update: Low-power designs for automation
Microchip Technology provides microcontrollers with low-power capabilities, Powercast harvests energy to power wireless sensors, and STMicroelectronics demonstrates a chip for a smart power design to reduce electronic components' energy consumption.
Three recent low-power designs for automation include microcontrollers with low-power capabilities, energy harvesting that powers wireless sensors, and a smart power demonstration chip to reduce electronics' energy use. Technology providers are Microchip, Powercast, and STMicroelectronics.
8-bit low-power microcontrollers
Microchip Technology's expanded 8-bit segmented LCD microcontroller (MCU) family has five new devices (read more; click here to see diagram) — the PIC16LF1902/3/4/6/7 (PIC16LF190X) MCUs. Using Microchip's Enhanced Mid-range architecture, the PIC16LF190X family provides fundamental features and performance without burdening customers with the cost of unused peripherals.
Low-power architecture helps wireless sensing
Powercast Lifetime Power Wireless Sensor System (read more) broadcasts RF energy to power wireless sensors without batteries or wires up to 80 ft away from the transmitters. In the wireless powering system, receivers embedded inside the sensor nodes receive RF energy up to 60-80 ft away from the transmitters. Receivers then convert the RF energy into dc current to power the sensors wirelessly. Broadcasted RF energy can reach and power sensors even through walls, above ceilings, and behind objects, and provides a reliable energy source as opposed to pure ambient energy-harvesting technologies such as indoor solar, thermal, or vibration.
Next-generation power demonstration
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM) demonstrated a next-generation variation of its smart power technology (read more), which could enable significant power consumption decreases in electronic systems for manufacturing, hybrid-electric-vehicle chargers, power conversion, medical equipment, consumer devices, home appliances, and other applications. The ultra-low-power semiconductor technology was used as a demonstrator chip for ultrasound scanners that can handle more than one hundred channels, a step on the way to next-generation scanners with thousands of channels. Current chips typically handle eight channels, ST said. ST offers STM32L-Discovery kits based on the ultra-low-power STM32L microcontroller for ST EnergyLite applications, using ultra-low-power STM32L Cortex M3-based microcontrollers. Other kits available from ST include STM8S, STM8L, and the STM32F.
See also: https://www.controleng.com/channels/sustainable-engineering.html
…and the links below.


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Hydraulic fracturing used to access oil and gas from rock and shale hasn't caused "significant" earthquakes, according to a study by Durham University.
"Hydraulic fracturing is not a significant mechanism for inducing felt earthquakes," Richard Davies, director of the U.K. university's energy institute, said today in a statement. "The size and number of felt earthquakes caused by fracking is low compared to other manmade triggers such as mining, geothermal activity or reservoir water storage."
Tremors aren't the only concern about the method, known as fracking, according to a Greenpeace statement. "Communities have also expressed concern about noise, disruption, traffic, falling house prices and a general industrialization of the English countryside," Lawrence Carter, an energy campaigner for the environmental group, said in the statement.
Cuadrilla Resources Ltd. drilling caused two tremors in 2011 in northwest England, leading to an 18-month moratorium on fracking, which uses water, chemicals and sand to blast underground rock and release trapped fuel. The government lifted the ban in December and is preparing tax breaks to encourage drillers as it seeks to expand domestic energy sources amid declining North Sea fossil fuel production.
The Durham study of hundreds of thousands of fracking operations since 1929 found the process has the potential to reactivate dormant faults, the university said.
"We cannot see every fault underground and therefore cannot completely discount the possibility of the process causing a small felt earthquake," Davies said. "But there are ways to further mitigate against the possibility; the oil and gas industry can avoid faults that are critically stressed and already near breaking point."
Earthquakes caused by mining can range from 1.6 to 5.6 in magnitude and reservoir-filling can trigger tremors of as high as 7.9, according to the study. In comparison, fracking can cause movements of 1 to 3.8 magnitude, it said.
In the Netherlands, two quakes measuring 3.2 and 2.7 struck the gas-rich Groningen area in early February. The tremors near Blackpool in the U.K. two years ago were 2.3 and 1.5.


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Miss Mykie, Just Brittany, Tami Latrell & Nicoya (Houston Female R&B Artists) - Say Whatever
"Song is featured on Miss Mykie's "That Pink that Green: Vol. 3"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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After some complaints about the Gay Straight Alliance at a South Carolina high school, the school district tried to ban all non-academic clubs. Luckily, they failed.
According to the Post and Courier, students at Summerville High School complained after the Gay Straight Alliance put up a poster and ran a commercial on the school's TV channel. Their complaint led the school board of South Carolina's Dorchester District 2 to consider banning all non-academic clubs. Said board member Charles Stoudemire, who brought the motion, "Clubs should have a curricular orientation. They are not about pursuing personal identity." And board member Barbara Crosby said non-academic clubs "distract" students from their studies.
The motion failed, but not necessarily because the school board supports gay rights. Rather, the ban on non-academic clubs would have been so sweeping that it could have taken out the Student Council and National Honor Society (not to mention the all-important Zombie Appreciation Club). And the board may revisit the issue again later on, especially if it experiences further budget cuts. Still, it's encouraging that an effort to keep schools from supporting gay students has, for the time being, failed.
Schools' Gay Straight Alliance Survives Board Look At Non-Academic Clubs [Post and Courier]
Gay Straight Alliance Prompts Debate [Summerville Journal Scene]
Dorchester School District 2 Fails To Eliminate Non-Academic Clubs [The Digitel Charleston]
Club Comes Under Fire At Area High School [CountOnNews2]


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Get the sneakers & goods you want, shipped to your part of the globe. Int'l Shipping details.


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Holiday Sewing Club (9+yrs)
Sew what? Sewing classes & alterations
Event Details
Kids holiday classes are sold in pairs (per week) so that all projects started are completed across the 2 days. So there is a session on 2 days (usually (Tuesday AND Thursday) 10:15am-12:15pm (or 12:30-2:30) sold together.
[If you select the discounted bundle prices (for more than 1 week of classes) you can specify dates across different holidays - there will be a question during booking to confirm which dates you are booking.]
The project made is decided by the child but guided by the teacher depending on time available and skill required. Here are pinterest ideas:
Debbie's board Holiday sewing classes - Aged 9yrs plus on Pinterest.
Students must be older than 9 years.
- Bring your sewing machine and pedal (or hire one prior to session)
- Free PARKING at W5 1AH
Email queries to email@example.com or call 07946 826 338.
When & Where
Sew what cafe
151 Brunswick road (house with side gate entry)
W5 1AH London
United Kingdom
Sew what? Sewing classes & alterations
Sew what? offers beginner and intermediate sewing classes in Ealing, West London W5. Book online, enquiries welcome: Debbie 07946 826 338
Beginner classes teach you how to use a sewing machine and master popular sewing techniques and using a pattern. These help build confidence and achieve your sewing goals.
The Sew what cafe is a sewing space with assistance and tea at hand - get some sewing done. Monthly Feature projects - fab for few hours with your friends. Kids clubs available too.


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A running discussion on the Cincinnati Reds and everything else in the baseball universe.
Friday, October 8, 2010
NLDS Game 2: Pre-Game Thoughts
The Reds hold an $11M team option on Arroyo for 2011 with a $2M buyout. The Reds also have a surfeit of starting pitching in 2011, including Cueto, Edinson, Homer, Travis Wood, Mike Leake, Aroldis Chapman, and others. Does it make sense to pay Arroyo that kind of money when you have stable of young, cost effective starters already in the mix? I would submit that it only makes sense for games like tonight. That's the role that Arroyo needs to fill to justify such a significant financial outlay. We simply don't need him to beat up on the dregs of the NL Central. No, we need him to be a veteran stopper against the elite teams. If he can do that, then he should certainly have a role on this team going forward.
Tonight is a prime example of the caliber of lineup you have to face and defeat to win a championship. Unfortunately, Arroyo's current pitching profile is not that of a dominating pitcher, which could mean struggles against an offense like the Phillies. Of course, he has made a career out of proving me wrong, but from a statistical standpoint, the odds are likely against him tonight.
In 2010, Arroyo has 3.88 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, which are impressive numbers, but the component stats simply don't support his overall performance. His FIP is 4.61 and his xFIP is 4.60, so there are some legitimate questions on Arroyo. He managed to outperform his FIP and xFIP last year as well, but I'm not sure gambling big money on Arroyo continuing this level of performance is the best way to go. His strikeouts per nine has fallen for the third year (7.34 to 5.19 to 5.05) in a row and now sits at a borderline acceptable level. History shows that starting pitchers need to strikeout more than 5.0 hitters per nine in order to maintain consistent, year-in year-out success. Arroyo is trending in the wrong direction. Additionally, Arroyo had a BABIP of .246, which is probably unsustainable, even if he has managed to reduce his line drive rate to 16.3%. Additionally, all contact pitchers are getting a bit of a boost from the league wide decline in power hitting, which may or may not continue into 2011. It's largely a question of whether Arroyo can decrease his contact rate or, failing that, continue to effectively manage the type of contact that he gives up.
Overall, Arroyo is a high contact pitcher facing a stacked lineup that is lefthand heavy. Add in the bandbox that is Citizens Bank and it's a tall order for Arroyo. However, if Arroyo can't get the job done, then I'm not entirely sure we can justify paying him $11M in 2011. Granted, his 200 plus innings every year are nice, but this is a team that needs to continue improving. Given it's current position on the organizational win cycle, that may well mean building a team that is structured to succeed in the playoffs. If Arroyo can't succeed in the big games against the elite lineups, then maybe it's time to turn the rotation over to the young guys and use the salary savings to acquire some high leverage relievers or a better option in leftfield. Branch Rickey once said "Trade a player a year too early rather than a year too late." Arroyo will be 34 in 2011, so the Reds will have to factor that in when they determine Arroyo's fate with the organization.
The Reds need a win tonight and they are turning to Arroyo to get it. To be honest, I fully expect the Reds to bring Bronson back in 2011, but if he gets lit up tonight then I'm not so sure he deserves it. Still, I'm hoping he goes big tonight against the Phils and earns his next contract with the Reds.
15 comments:
how embarrassing.... that was some horrible baseball. they better get there heads in the game and not let there emotions get to them next game.ReplyDelete
hey lark ive been hearing some interesting names possibly being available, kemp and greinke jump to the top of my list.ReplyDelete
werth and dunn would be huge improvements in left but i dont see it happening
I see kemp bouncing back huge, especially in gabp and defensively in left. i would take him in heartbeat
greinke would solidify our already impressive rotation, but lets face it we need an ace. 5 number 2's is a nice rotation but only for the reg season. it hurts in the playoffs.
i dont know who would be available at ss but i wouldnt mind janish/cozart holding it down if we picked up kemp and greinke.
who would you go after lark? you might have some better ideas and i would love to hear your thoughts
hey lark, i like to play GM sometimes and this is what my offseason gameplan would be.ReplyDelete
This is what i would do.
First i would re-sign:
Nix, Hernandez, Rhodes, Arroyo
I would let these guys go:
Cairo, cabrera, Harang, gomes
Bailey, END, Alonso, Sappelt, Heisey, Bray, Maloney i would try to package for Kemp/Upton
Above guys plus one of wood/cueto I would try to get greinke or someone of his caliber
The leftover guys I would try to find a decent young SS that can play defense well enough to be an upgrade over janish, If i cant find one i use janish/cozart till all-star break and if they arnt performing i use Hernandez and some prospects for one. I also would try to hang on to Heisey if i could pull off those trades without using him to back up stubbs
Valaika/Frazier would takeover Cairos job. Wlad would take over Gomes Job
My team would look something like this
Rf- Bruce
4th/5th outfielders
Cueto(unless traded)
Chapman/leake/wood(unless traded)
Bull pen:
Yes we would be trading alot of our prospects away, but realistically none of them are going to hurt the future of this team. We have some absolute studs in the lower minors coming up along with frazier mes in the upper
Well what do you guys think? im definitely open to criticism
jeez just looking at that makes me smileReplyDelete
Could you ever see us losing with this lineup?
1. Stubbs cf
2. Phillips 2b
3. Votto 1B
4. Kemp lf
5. Bruce rf
6. Rolen 3b
7. Hernandez/Hanigan
8. Janish/cozart
9. Greinke
That really excites me :)
First thoughts, I think Dunn and Werth are nonstarters. I love Werth, but he's with Scott Boras and looking to cash in. He'd be the perfect fit and I've been a big fan since his Dodger days, but I think we waited too long to realistically obtain his services.
As for Dunn, no way we bring him back. Even if it made sense, Dunn is too controversial with the fan base.
Greinke is one of my very favorite pitchers. I wasn't surprised that he broke out last year. He's got great stuff, great command, and a massive pitching IQ. That said, it's unlikely we pay what it costs to get him.
As for Kemp, I heard that one, too. And, I think that one makes a lot of sense. I think we, as an organization, are in a position to make an acquisition just like Kemp. We have a lot of prospects withering on the vine. Guys like Juan Francisco and Todd Frazier who we may have held on to for one year too many.
Personally, I think we bundle up a nice package of prospects and make a move for a player like Kemp. To be honest, I have concerns about his attitude, but he'd be worth the risk and a real nice fit for the Reds current lineup.
Anyway, thanks for the comment.
I'm not sure just yet who I would go after. The key to the offseason will be deciding what to do with our starting pitching, namely Bronson Arroyo. Do we bring him back? If so, who gets dealt? If not, for whom do we deal him?
Potential holes to fill:
1. Leadoff hitter
2. Righthanded cleanup hitter
3. Leftfielder
4. Shortstop
Other areas of interest:
1. A legitimate ace
2. A high leverage reliever
The guys I want are probably familiar names, because I like the players I like. For shortstop, I still like Jed Lowrie. If we can't acquire him (and after his stellar return in 2010 the price would be prohibitive), then I'd probably just roll out Paul Janish out there. I've always viewed Janish as a sneaky good value and he had a nice season in 2010, but he has some odd splits that may indicate regression in 2011. Still, I think he'd provide enough offense to enable his glove to drive his value.
One idea rolling around in my head is whether we should break traditional baseball thinking and run a catching tandem out as our leadoff hitters. Hanigan had a .405 OBP, so he certainly has the skills. Additionally, John Jaso of the Rays, who hits lefty, posted a .372 OBP. A lefty/righty platoon of Hanigan and Jaso might make a mighty fine leadoff tandem. Of course, Dusty would never go for it, but that might finally solve our rotating door of low-obp leadoff hitters.
As for leftfield, there just aren't a lot of great options. Jayson Werth and Matt Kemp would be the best options, but the cost is heavy. Nick Swisher would have been a real nice addition in left, especially as a switch-hitter with solid defensive skills. But, the window has probably slammed shut.
Shin-Soo Choo would be a great addition, as would Brett Gardner. Gardner sees a massive amount of pitches and would be a great table-setter.
But, again, I think it comes back to what we do with our surplus starting pitching. Lots of tough choices, but those are my brainstorming thoughts.
I'm sure I'll have some more refined thoughts as the offseason wears on.
As for your lineup, that's unquestionably a formidable team. I don't quite buy Stubbs as a leadoff hitter. I like that the lineup bumps Rolen down to the 6th slot, which is a where a solid complimentary player should be.ReplyDelete
There is a lot of good L/R balance and the 3/4/5 of Votto/Kemp/Bruce is truly formidable.
We have a lot of nice pieces to move around the board, it's just a matter of figuring out the best way to manage them. Personally, I'd be very hesitant to trade Travis Wood. Having two pitchers like Wood and Leake with such a great feel for pitching is very intriguing.
Anyway, thanks for the thoughts!
Ah, forgot one other name that intrigues me: Alex Gordon. If the price is right, I'd love to see what he could do with a fresh start. I just fail to understand how such a highly drafted, polished collegiate talent could have so much difficulty at the MLB level. A move to a hitter's ballpark and a set of new coaches in his ear might be the best thing for him. I'd definitely kick the tires.ReplyDelete
- redsruleOctober 14, 2010 at 12:56 PM
I really like Alex Gordon but I'm more impressed by Stephen Drew.
Hey RedsRule,ReplyDelete
Yeah, I've heard Drew's name tossed around and I suppose it wouldn't be a bad choice. I've never been a big fan of the Drew boys, so I'd probably rather go in a different direction. I'm more of a Jed Lowrie guy.
I have questions about both Drew's offense and defense. Prior to last year, when he had a WAR of 5.1, Drew was only ~2 Wins Above Replacement in 2008 and 2009. In his first full season in 2007, he had a WAR of -0.4. So, maybe he's trending upwards in the 27-32 age range.
He'd be an upgrade offensively and might be worth it. At the very least, he's a more realistic option than Justin Upton. Upton is one of the most valuable players in all of baseball, so any idea of acquiring his services is probably over before it begins. Drew is more realistic, but I wonder about his defense and his true level of performance.
Anyway, thanks for the comment!
i dont think it would cost TOO much to get greinke. they r looking to trade him i hearReplyDelete
Greinke won the Cy Young last year. He'll cost a ton and justifiably so. I love Greinke, so I'd pay what it took to get him, but it would not be cheap.
He would take a hit leaving Kauffman for GABP, but he'd get a boost by leaving the DH behind. I'd love to see what he could do with a plus defense behind him and a bit more run support. Additionally, there's no guarantee that he'll bounce back to Cy Young performance levels. Still, I'd wager that he'd be a stud in GABP.
I wonder if they'd have interest in Arroyo. Would Arroyo plus a top notch prospect be good enough? Plus two prospects?
Not saying I wouldn't be interested at the right price, but starting pitching isn't an area of need right now.
Still, Greinke in Cincy would be great.
i agree, i think left field should be our number 1 goal. ive thought this for a few years now. wouldnt it be nive to have hamilton right nowReplyDelete
As of now, I'd have no problem backing up the truck and paying what it takes to land Jayson Werth. He's got great tools, great skills, and a very high baseball IQ. I just love watching him play and think his impact on the game is understated. Watching him in the postseason is fun, as he does more than just hit to help the team win. He cuts balls off in the gap to save runs and is very good on the bases.
Sign Werth to a 4 year deal worth $60M. Would $15M per season get it done?
A middle of the order of:
3) Joey Votto 1b l
4) Jayson Werth lf r
5) Jay Bruce rf l
6) Scott Rolen 3b r
...would be very formidable. Not to mention, it would drop Rolen down to a more complimentary offensive position, which is where he belongs at this point.
That one simply move would improve our team by 4-5 wins.
Thanks for the comment!
it would be nice for sureReplyDelete