text:
Microsoft late last week admitted that it will allow end users to remove Internet Explorer (IE) 8 from Windows 7, a decision that should forestall any pending antitrust charges in Europe and provide users around the world with a way to ensure that their browser of choice is the one used in all circumstances. (Currently, non-IE users still see IE pop-up from time to time in response to Internet-related tasks from other applications.) But the Microsoft decision goes far beyond IE: In addition to the browser, Microsoft has identified several other OS components, or features, that it will allow users to remove in Windows 7, in addition to what was previously available in Windows Vista. These include Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, Windows DVD Maker, Internet Explorer 8, Windows Search, Handwriting Recognition, Windows Gadget Platform, Fax and Scan, and the XPS Viewer and related services.
That's fantastic from a choice perspective. But Microsoft's announcement was purely focused on the end user and didn't mention businesses or managed environments at all. Surely, this functionality will be made available to Microsoft's biggest customer group as well, right?
Yes. As it turns out, the ability to remove Windows features like IE 8 and Windows Media Player will be extended to businesses via the usual channels. More specifically, you will be able to create Windows 7 install images using Microsoft's existing deployment tools that include (or don't include) any of the features that can added or removed via the end user Windows Features applet. You can also use Group Policy to control which of these features are available to users. So if you want to deploy versions of Windows 7 that do not include any Windows Media components, you can do so, and then ensure that your users can't add back those features later.
[ Read more about Microsoft's decision on the SuperSite Blog! ]
The Windows Features applet now includes a number of new choices.
There are good reasons to think about removing as many features as is feasible in your environment because doing so will reduce the OS attack surface and reduce the number of future hot-fixes and other updates that you will need to apply. Office workers may have valid business reasons for needing Windows Media Player, perhaps. But they most likely do not need Media Center, for example.
Aside from this removal capability, another obvious question involves how removing these features may impact the performance or usage of the OS. Microsoft has done a lot of work, beginning with Windows Vista, to componentize Windows, removing inter-component code dependencies where possible. This componentization effort has allowed the company to make more features removable in Windows 7, but we should be clear about what this means. When you remove a feature like IE 8, what you're removing is the end user application, not many of the underlying software APIs, which are of course used throughout the system for various reasons. This will ensure software compatibility--that is, third party applications that rely on lower-level technologies like MSHTML compatibility and Winsock will continue to work after IE 8 is removed--and provide a smoother experience for users and support staff.
[ From WinInfo: It's Not Just IE: Microsoft Allows Users to Remove Many Apps from Windows 7 ]
Put simply, Microsoft is not just doing the right thing, it's doing the right thing in the right way. And that's exactly the kind of clarity the company promised but did not deliver with Windows Vista. It's nice to see them get it right every once in a while.
An edited version of this article appeared in the March 10, 2009 issue of Windows IT Pro UPDATE. --Paul


text:
28 S.Ct. 328
52 L.Ed. 666
CLARENCE H. VENNER, Appt.,
GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY and James J. Hill.
No. 485.
Submitted January 20, 1908.
Decided February 24, 1908.
Messrs. Abram J. Rose, George H. Yeaman, Alfred C. Pett e, and Stephen M. Yeaman for appellant.
[Argument of Counsel from pages 25-27 intentionally omitted]
Mr. Julius F. Workum for appellees.
[Argument of Counsel from pages 27-28 intentionally omitted]
Mr. Justice Moody delivered the opinion of the court:
The appellant, a citizen of New York, brought this suit in equity in the supreme court of New York against the defendant railroad, a citizen of Minnesota, and the other defendant, its president, also a citizen of Minnesota. The complaint set forth in substance the following facts upon which the right to relief was claimed: The plaintiff was a stockholder in the defendant railroad at the time of the beginning of the suit in 1906. Whether or not he was a stockholder at the time when the alleged wrongful acts were committed by the defendants does not appear by any allegation in the complaint. The defendant James J. Hill was a director and the president of the other defendant, the Great Northern Railway Company, and that railroad and its board of directors were under his absolute control. While holding these offices and exercising this control, in 1900 and 1901, Hill purchased, or caused to be purchased for his use, stock of the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad Company of the par value of $25,000,000, at an average price of $150 a share. This purchase was made with the design of selling the stock at a higher price to the company of which he was a director and president. Subsequently, in 1901, while still holding his offices in the Great Northern Railway and exercising the same control over that corporation, he sold to it a large amount of the stock of the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad Company owned by him, and made an unlawful profit of $10,000,000 on the transaction. Before bringing this suit the plaintiff demanded of the Great Northern Railway Company that it bring suit against Hill to compel him to account for and pay over to it the wrongful profit which he had obtained. The railroad refused to comply with this demand, and thereupon the plaintiff brought this suit as a stockholder, in his own behalf, and in the behalf and for the benefit of other stockholders similarly situated. The prayer was that Hill should account for his profit and pay it to the Great Northern Railway Company with interest, and for general relief. On the defendants' petition the case was removed to the United States circuit court for the southern district of New York, on the ground of diversity of citizenship of the plaintiff and the defendants. In that court the plaintiff was ordered to 'replead the complaint herein according to the forms and practice prevailing in equity.' This was done on November 9, 1906. The new complaint set forth the facts in greater detail and with some variations, but its substance and effect was similar to that of the first complaint. The complaint did not conform to the requirements of the 94th equity rule, relating to suits of this nature, in that it failed to allege that the plaintiff was a shareholder at the time of the transactions of which he complains, or that his shares had devolved on him since by operation of law, or that the suit was not collusive, or the particulars of his efforts to procure action by the corporation defendant. The defendants then demurred separately to the bill, and the defendant Hill subjoined to his demurrer an affidavit denying every allegation in it tending to show wrongful conduct on his part. Thereafter the plaintiff moved to remand the cause to the state court on the ground that the circuit court was without jurisdiction over it. This motion was denied. The demurrer was sustained and the bill dismissed. The correctness of the ruling on the demurrer and the dismissal is not before us. The case comes here on direct appeal from the circuit court on the question of jurisdiction alone, certified in the following terms: 'Now, therefore, the court hereby certifies to the Supreme Court of the United States the question of jurisdiction which has arisen upon the aforesaid motion to remand and the demurrers to the complaint, to wit: Whether or not the complainant's amended bill of complaint showed that there was such diversity of citizenship between the party complainant and the parties defendants in this cause as would be sufficient, under the provisions of the United States Revised Statutes, to confer jurisdiction upon the United States circuit court for the southern district of New York of this cause, and whether this cause, as brought in the supreme court of the state of New York, was one over which this court would have had original jurisdiction, and was therefore removable into this court.'
We consider nothing but the question of jurisdiction, and express no opinion upon the decision upon the demurrer, which is not properly here. Schunk v. Moline, M. & S. Co. 147 U. S. 500, 37 L. ed. 255, 13 Sup. Ct. Rep. 416; Smith v. Mckay, 161 U. S. 355, 40 L. ed. 731, 16 Sup. Ct. Rep. 490; Mexican C. R. Co. v. Eckman, 187 U. S. 429, 47 L. ed. 245, 23 Sup. Ct. Rep. 211; Hennessy v. Richardson Drug Co. 189 U. S. 25, 47 L. ed. 697, 23 Sup. Ct. Rep. 532; Chicago v. Mills, 204 U. S. 321, 51 L. ed. 504, 27 Sup. Ct. Rep. 286.
The cause was removable to the circuit court by the defendants if it was one of which that court was given jurisdiction. 25 Stat. at L. 434, chap. 866, U. S. Comp. Stat. 1901, p. 508; Mexican Nat. R. Co. v. Davidson, 157 U. S. 201, 39 L. ed. 672, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 563; Madisonville Traction Co. v. St. Bernard Min. Co. 196 U. S. 239, 49 L. ed. 462, 25 Sup. Ct. Rep. 251. The only ground of original jurisdiction or of removal was that the suit was a controversy between citizens of different states. In that case Congress has given the circuit court jurisdiction over it, with certain limitations not material here. 25 Stat. at L. 434, chap. 866, U. S. Comp. Stat. 1901, p. 508. The plaintiff contends that the circuit court was without jurisdiction of the cause, and should therefore have remanded it to the state court, for two reasons: First, because, upon a proper alignment of the parties, there was not a controversy between citizens of different states. Second, because the cause of action, as disclosed by the pleadings, showed that the circuit court had no jurisdiction over the subject-matter. These reasons are entirely independent of each other and require separate consideration. First, was there a controversy between citizens of different states? As the parties were arranged by the plaintiff himself, on the face of the record there was a diversity of citizenship. The plaintiff was a citizen of New York and the two defendants were citizens of Minnesota. But the plaintiff insists that, by looking through the superficial aspects of the controversy to its real substance, it is seen that the railway company's interest is adverse to that of the other defendant, and the same as that of the plaintiff, and that therefore, for the purpose of determining the jurisdiction, the defendant railroad should be regarded as a plaintiff. If this should be done there would be a citizen of Minnesota, a plaintiff, and another citizen of Minnesota, a defendant, and the diversity of citizenship which is indispensable to the jurisdiction of the circuit court would no longer exist. Let it be assumed for the purposes of this decision that the court may disregard the arrangement of parties made by the pleader, and align them upon the side where their interest in and attitude to the controversy really place them, and then may determine the jurisdictional question in view of this alignment. Removal Cases, 100 U. S. 457, 25 L. ed. 593; Pacific R. Co. v. Ketchum, 101 U. S. 289, 25 L. ed. 932; Harter Twp. v. Kernochan, 103 U. S. 562, 566, 26 L. ed. 411, 412; Wilson v. Oswego Twp. 151 U. S. 56, 63, 38 L. ed. 70, 73, 14 Sup. Ct. Rep. 259; Merchants' Cotton Press Storage Co. v. Insurance Co. of N. A. 151 U. S. 368, 385, 38 L. ed. 195, 204, 4 Inters. Com. Rep. 499, 14 Sup. Ct. Rep. 367; Evers v. Watson, 156 U. S. 527, 532, 39 L. ed. 520, 522, 15 Sup. Ct. Rep. 430. If this rule should be applied it would leave the parties here where the pleader has arranged them. It would doubtless be for the financial interests of the defendant railroad that the plaintiff should prevail. But that is not enough. Both defendants unite, as sufficiently appears by the petition and other proceedings, in resisting the plaintiff's claim of illegality and fraud. They are alleged to have engaged in the same illegal and fraudulent conduct, and the injury is alleged to have been accomplished by their joint action. The plaintiff's controversy is with both, and both are rightfully and necessarily made defendants, and neither can, for jurisdictional purposes, be regarded otherwise than as a defendant. Davenport v. Dows, 18 Wall. 626, 21 L. ed. 938; Central R. Co. v. Mills, 113 U. S. 249, 28 L. ed. 949, 5 Sup. Ct. Rep. 456; East Tennessee, V. & G. R. Co. v. Grayson, 119 U. S. 240, 30 L. ed. 382, 7 Sup. Ct. Rep. 190; Doctor v. Harrington, 196 U. S. 579, 49 L. ed. 606, 25 Sup. Ct. Rep. 355; Groel v. United Electric Co. 132 Fed. 252; and see Chicago v. Mills, supra. The case of Doctor v. Harrington is precisely in point on this branch of the case, and is conclusive. In that case the plaintiffs, stockholders in a corporation, brought an action in the circuit court against the corporation and Harrington, another stockholder, 'who directed the management of the affairs of the corporation, dictated its policy, and selected its directors.' It was alleged that Harrington fraudulently caused the corporation to make its promissory note without consideration, obtained a judgment on the note, and sold, on execution, for much less than their real value, the assets of the corporation to persons acting for his benefit. On the face of the pleadings there was the necessary diversity of citizenship, but it was insisted that the corporation, because its interests was the same as that of the plaintiff, should be regarded as a plaintiff. The court below so aligned the corporation defendant, and, as that destroyed the diversity of citizenship, dismissed the suit for want of jurisdiction. This court reversed the decree, saying, p. 587: 'The ultimate interest of the corporation made defendant may be the same as that of the stockholder made plaintiff, but the corporation may be under a control antagonistic to him, and made to act in a way detrimental to his rights. In other words, his interests, and the interests of the corporation, may be made subservient to some illegal purpose. If a controversy hence arise, and the other conditions of jurisdiction exist, it can be litigated in a Federal court.' There was therefore in the case at bar the diversity of citizenship which confers jurisdiction.
Second. Did the circuit court have jurisdiction of the subject-matter of the litigation? It has already been shown that the plaintiff in his petition did not bring this case within the terms of the 94th rule in equity, which is printed in the margin.1 It may be noted that the plaintiff in Doctor v. Harrington complied with the requirements of the rule. It is argued that a compliance with that rule is essential to the jurisdiction, and that a controversy of the general nature contemplated by the rule is beyond the jurisdiction of the circuit court unless the plaintiff shows the existence of all the facts which the rule makes indispensable to his success in the suit. But this argument overlooks the purpose and nature of the rule. The rule simply expresses the principles which this court, after a review of the authorities, had declared in Hawes v. Oakland (Hawes v. Contra Costa Water Co.) 104 U. S. 450, 26 L. ed. 827, to be applicable in the decision of a stockholder's suit of the kind now under consideration. Neither the rule nor the decision from which it was derived deals with the question of the jurisdiction of the courts, but only prescribes the manner in which the jurisdiction shall be exercised. If a controversy of this general nature is brought in the circuit court and the necessary diversity of citizenship exists, but, upon the pleadings or the proof, it appears that the plaintiff has not shown a case within the decision in Hawes v. Oakland, or the rule of court declaratory of that decision, the bill should be dismissed for want of equity, and not for want of jurisdiction. The dismissal of the bill would not be the denial but the assertion and exercise of jurisdiction. So it was that in Hawes v. Oakland the demurrer was sustained and the bill dismissed, not for want of jurisdiction, but, in the words of the court (p. 462), 'because the appellant shows no standing in a court of equity,—no right in himself to prosecute this suit.' The same order was made in Huntington v. Palmer, 104 U. S. 482, 26 L. ed. 833, and Quincy v. Steel, 120 U. S. 241, 30 L. ed. 624, 7 Sup. Ct. Rep. 520. This very question was considered by the court in Illinois C. R. Co. v. Adams, 180 U. S., where it said, p. 34, 45 L. ed. 412, 21 Sup. Ct. Rep. 253: 'Jurisdiction is the right to put the wheels of justice in motion and to proceed to the final determination of a cause upon the pleadings and evidence. It exists in the circuit courts of the United States under the express terms of the act of August 13, 1888, if the plaintiff be a citizen of one state, the defendant a citizen of another, if the amount in controversy exceed $2,000, and the defendant be properly served with process within the district. Excepting certain quasi jurisdictional facts, necessary to be averred in particular cases, and immaterial here, these are the only facts required to vest jurisdiction of the controversy in the circuit courts. It may undoubtedly be shown in defense that plaintiff has no right, under the allegations of his bill or the facts of the case, to bring suit, but that is no defect of jurisdiction, but of title. It is as much so as if it were sought to dismiss an action of ejectment for the want of jurisdiction, by showing that the plaintiff had no title to the land in controversy. At common law neiter an infant, an insane person, married woman, alien enemy, nor person having no interest in the cause of action, can maintain a suit in his or her own name; but it never would be contended that the court would not have jurisdiction to inquire whether such disability in fact existed, nor that the case could be dismissed on motion for want of jurisdiction. The right to bring a suit is entirely distinguishable from the right to prosecute the particular bill. One goes to the maintenance of any action; the other to the maintenance of the particular action. Thus it was held in the case of Smith v. McKay, 161 U. S. 355, 40 L. ed. 731, 16 Sup. Ct. Rep. 490, and Blythe v. Hinckley, 173 U. S. 501, 43 L. ed. 783, 19 Sup. Ct. Rep. 497, that it was not a question of the jurisdiction of the circuit court that the action should have been brought at law instead of in equity. The question in each case is whether the plaintiff has brought himself within the language of the jurisdictional act, whatever be the form of his action, or whether it be at law or in equity. The objection that plaintiff has failed to comply with the 94th rule may be raised by demurrer, but the admitted power to decide this question is also an admission that the court has jurisdiction of the case.' These observations may not have been strictly necessary to the disposition of the case, but they declare the true purpose and effect of the rule. The jurisdiction of the circuit court is prescribed by laws enacted by Congress in pursuance of the Constitution, and this court by its rules has no power to increase or diminish the jurisdiction thus created, though it may regulate its exercise in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the United States. Congress has given to the circuit courts jurisdiction of all suits of a civil nature (in which the matter in dispute is of a certain value) where 'there shall be a controversy between citizens of different states,'—language taken from that part of the Constitution which defines the judicial power. There was such a controversy in the case at bar, and the circuit court had cognizance of it.
The judgment of the Circuit Court is affirmed.
Every bill brought by one or more stockholders in a corporation, against the corporation ration and other parties, founded on rights which may properly be asserted by the corporation, must be verified by oath, and must contain an allegation that the plaintiff was a shareholder at the time of the transaction of which be complains, or that his share had devolved on him since by operation of law; and that the suit is not a collusive one to confer on a court of the United States jurisdiction of a case of which it would not otherwise have cognizance. It must also set forth with particularity the efforts of the plaintiff to secure such action as he desires on the part of the managing directors or trustees, and, if necessary, of the shareholders, and the causes of his failure to obtain such action.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If wine and beer have methanol, why do people make such a big deal out of moonshine? – In addition to wine and beer having smaller concentrations of methanol than spirits, the way methanol is introduced into the distillation process is different. For wine and beer, methanol is spread throughout the batch evenly.
In contrast, with moonshine, the methanol is concentrated in the first few milliliters coming out of the still. These first few milliliters can be potentially lethal because they have high amounts of methanol. During Prohibition, when moonshine was becoming more and more popular, many backwoods home distillers didn't know about methanol toxicity.
So, they would inadvertently give out batches that contained enough methanol to cause toxicity and blindness. In other cases, distillers knew but didn't care. They would even use methanol instead of ethanol because methanol is cheaper. So, they would knowingly give people a product that potentially causes blindness.
How does moonshine affect people?
Consuming Methanol In Moonshine – Upon first sip, the dangerous potential of methanol is undetectable. It will simply get people drunker. However, after it is metabolized, the methanol can have an extremely harmful effect in someone's body.10 milliliters (ml) of methanol is all it takes to permanently damage the optic nerve and cause partial, if not complete, blindness.30 ml of methanol is lethal.
For reference, and standard shot glass in the United States holds 40 ml. If less than 10 ml of methanol is consumed then the worst someone will experience is a hangover, (albeit, quite possibly the worst hangover of their life). However, if someone consumes 10 ml or more of methanol, even split up among drinks, that can be enough to cause permanent damage or kill them.
While there are processes today to discard the toxic alcohol that is visually indistinguishable from water, some illegal Moonshiners will add methanol back in to provide a stronger potency. Obviously, without regulation, there is no way to know if illicit alcohol contains methanol.
Why does methanol make you blind?
Cause – Methanol has a moderate to high toxicity in humans. As little as 10 mL of pure methanol when drunk is metabolized into formic acid, which can cause permanent blindness by destruction of the optic nerve,15 mL is potentially fatal, although the median lethal dose is typically 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) (i.e.1–2 mL/kg body weight of pure methanol ).
How long is methanol blind?
Visual disturbances generally develop between 18 and 48 hours after methanol ingestion and range from mild photophobia and misty or blurred vision to markedly reduced visual acuity and complete blindness.
How long does methanol poisoning take?
Methanol: Systemic Agent
CAS #: 67-56-1 RTECS #: PC1400000 UN #: 1230 (Guide 131)
Common Names:
Carbinol Methyl alcohol Wood alcohol
APPEARANCE : Colorless watery liquid. DESCRIPTION : Methanol is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source. It also occurs naturally in humans, animals, and plants. Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, fermented beverages, and diet soft drinks containing aspartame are the primary sources of methanol in the human body. Most methanol poisonings occur as a result of drinking beverages contaminated with methanol or from drinking methanol-containing products. In the industrial setting, inhalation of high concentrations of methanol vapor and absorption of methanol through the skin are as effective as the oral route in producing toxic effects. The characteristic pungent (alcohol) odor of methanol does not provide sufficient warning of low levels of exposure. METHODS OF DISSEMINATION :
Indoor Air: Methanol can be released into indoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol). Water: Methanol can be used to contaminate water. Food: Methanol may be used to contaminate food. Outdoor Air: Methanol can be released into outdoor air as a liquid spray (aerosol). Agricultural: If methanol is released into the air as a liquid spray (aerosol), it has the potential to contaminate agricultural products.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE : Methanol can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye contact. Ingestion is an important route of exposure.
GENERAL INFORMATION : First Responders should use a NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) with a Level A protective suit when entering an area with an unknown contaminant or when entering an area where the concentration of the contaminant is unknown. Level A protection should be used until monitoring results confirm the contaminant and the concentration of the contaminant. NOTE: Safe use of protective clothing and equipment requires specific skills developed through training and experience. LEVEL A: (RED ZONE) : Select when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. This is the maximum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than the AEGL-2.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle. A Totally-Encapsulating Chemical Protective (TECP) suit that provides protection against CBRN agents. Chemical-resistant gloves (outer). Chemical-resistant gloves (inner). Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank. Coveralls, long underwear, and a hard hat worn under the TECP suit are optional items.
LEVEL B: (RED ZONE) : Select when the highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is required. This is the minimum protection for workers in danger of exposure to unknown chemical hazards or levels above the IDLH or greater than AEGL-2.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN full-face-piece SCBA operated in a pressure-demand mode or a pressure-demand supplied air hose respirator with an auxiliary escape bottle. A hooded chemical-resistant suit that provides protection against CBRN agents. Chemical-resistant gloves (outer). Chemical-resistant gloves (inner). Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank. Coveralls, long underwear, a hard hat worn under the chemical-resistant suit, and chemical-resistant disposable boot-covers worn over the chemical-resistant suit are optional items.
LEVEL C: (YELLOW ZONE) : Select when the contaminant and concentration of the contaminant are known and the respiratory protection criteria factors for using Air Purifying Respirators (APR) or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are met. This level is appropriate when decontaminating patient/victims.
A NIOSH-certified CBRN tight-fitting APR with a canister-type gas mask or CBRN PAPR for air levels greater than AEGL-2. A NIOSH-certified CBRN PAPR with a loose-fitting face-piece, hood, or helmet and a filter or a combination organic vapor, acid gas, and particulate cartridge/filter combination or a continuous flow respirator for air levels greater than AEGL-1. A hooded chemical-resistant suit that provides protection against CBRN agents. Chemical-resistant gloves (outer). Chemical-resistant gloves (inner). Chemical-resistant boots with a steel toe and shank. Escape mask, face shield, coveralls, long underwear, a hard hat worn under the chemical-resistant suit, and chemical-resistant disposable boot-covers worn over the chemical-resistant suit are optional items.
LEVEL D: (GREEN ZONE) : Select when the contaminant and concentration of the contaminant are known and the concentration is below the appropriate occupational exposure limit or less than AEGL-1 for the stated duration times.
Limited to coveralls or other work clothes, boots, and gloves.
Methanol reacts violently with strong oxidants, causing a fire and explosion hazard.
Mixtures of methanol vapor and air are explosive. Lower explosive (flammable) limit in air (LEL), 6.0%; upper explosive (flammable) limit in air (UEL), 36%. Agent presents a vapor explosion and poison (toxic) hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Run-off to sewers may create an explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated.
Methanol is highly flammable. The agent will be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive, and/or toxic gases. Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flash back. Run-off to sewers may create a fire hazard. Caution: The agent has a very low flash point. Use of water spray when fighting fires may be inefficient. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog, or alcohol-resistant foam. Move containers from the fire area if it is possible to do so without risk to personnel. Dike fire control water for later disposal; do not scatter the agent. Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams. For fire involving tanks or car/trailer loads, fight the fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tanks. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from the area and let the fire burn. Run-off from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. If the situation allows, control and properly dispose of run-off (effluent).
If a tank, rail car, or tank truck is involved in a fire, isolate it for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions; also consider initial evacuation for 0.5 mi (800 m) in all directions. This agent is not included in the DOT ERG 2004 Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. In the DOT ERG 2004 orange-bordered section of the guidebook, there are public safety recommendations to isolate a methanol (Guide 131) spill or leak area immediately for at least 150 ft (50 m) in all directions.
Methanol vapors may be heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect and stay in poorly-ventilated, low-lying, or confined areas (e.g., sewers, basements, and tanks). Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed, poorly-ventilated, or low-lying areas. Keep out of these areas. Stay upwind. Liquid agent is lighter than water.
NFPA 704 Signal :
Health: 1 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 0 Special:
ADDITIONAL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS INFORMATION : References are provided for the convenience of the reader and do not imply endorsement by NIOSH.
AIR MATRIX Allen TM, Falconer TM, Cisper ME, Borgerding AJ, Wilkerson CW Jr., Real-time analysis of methanol in air and water by membrane introduction mass spectrometry. Anal Chem 73(20):4830-4835.De Paula PP, Santos E, De Freitas FT, De Andrade JB, Determination of methanol and ethanol by gas chromatography following air sampling onto florisil cartridges and their concentrations at urban sites in the three largest cities in Brazil. Talanta 49(2):245-252. Leibrock E, Slemr J, Method for measurement of volatile oxygenated hydrocarbons in ambient air. Atmos Environ 31(20):3329-3339. Marley NA, Gaffney JS, A comparison of flame ionization and ozone chemiluminescence for the determination of atmospheric hydrocarbons. Atmos Environ 32(8):1435-1444. NIOSH, NMAM Method 2000 Methanol. In: NIOSH Manual of analytical methods.4th ed. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-113. OSHA, Methyl Alcohol Method 91. Salt Lake City, UT.U.S. Department of Labor, Organic Methods Evaluation Branch, OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center. Qin T, Xu X, Polak T, Pacakova V, Stulik K, Jech L, A simple method for the trace determination of methanol, ethanol, acetone, and pentane in human breath and in the ambient air by preconcentration on solid sorbents followed by gas chromatography. Talanta 44(9):1683-1690. Reichert J, Coerdt W, Ache HJ, Development of a surface acoustic wave sensor array for the detection of methanol in fuel vapours. Sens Actuators B: Chem 13(1-3):293-296. Tyras H, Spectrophotometric determination of methyl alcohol in the atmosphere. Z Gesamte Hyg 35(2):96-97. OTHER No references were identified for this sampling matrix for this agent. SOIL MATRIX Poole SK, Poole CF, Chromatographic models for the sorption of neutral organic compounds by soil from water and air. J Chromatogr A 845(1-2):381-400. SURFACES Almuzara C, Cos O, Baeza M, Gabriel D, Valero F, Methanol determination in Pichia pastoris cultures by flow injection analysis. Biotechnol Lett 24(5):413-417. WATER Blanco M, Coello J, Iturriaga H, Maspoch S, Porcel M, Simultaneous enzymatic spectrophotometric determination of ethanol and methanol by use of artificial neural networks for calibration. Anal Chim Acta 398(1):83-92.Martinezsegura G, Rivera MI, Garcia LA, Methanol analysis by gas-chromatography–comparative-study using 3 different columns. J Agric Univ Puerto Rico 69(2):135-144. Pettersson J, Roeraade J, Quantitative accuracy in the gas chromatographic analysis of solvent mixtures. J Chromatogr A 985(1-2):21-27. Wilson LA, Ding JH, Woods AE, Gas-chromatographic determination and pattern-recognition analysis of methanol and fusel oil concentrations in whiskeys. J Assoc Off Anal Chem 74(2):248-256.
TIME COURSE : Adverse health effects from methanol poisoning may not become apparent until after an asymptomatic period of 1 to 72 hours. EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM (LESS THAN 8-HOURS) EXPOSURE : Methanol's toxicity is due to its metabolic products. The by-products of methanol metabolism cause an accumulation of acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis), blindness, and death. Initial adverse health effects due to methanol poisoning include drowsiness, a reduced level of consciousness (CNS depression), confusion, headache, dizziness, and the inability to coordinate muscle movement (ataxia). Other adverse health effects may include nausea, vomiting (emesis), and heart and respiratory (cardiopulmonary) failure. Prognosis is poor in patient/victims with coma or seizure and severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7). Early on after methanol exposure, there may be a relative absence of adverse health effects. This does not imply insignificant toxicity. Methanol toxicity worsens as the degree of metabolic acidosis increases, and thus, becomes more severe as the time between exposure and treatment increases. EYE EXPOSURE :
Irritation, redness, and pain.
Ingestion of methanol may cause a wide range of adverse health effects:
Neurological: headache, dizziness, agitation, acute mania, amnesia, decreased level of consciousness including coma, and seizure. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, lack of an appetite (anorexia), severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding (hemorrhage), diarrhea, liver function abnormalities, and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Ophthalmologic: visual disturbances, blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), visual hallucinations (misty vision, skin over the eyes, snowstorm, dancing spots, flashes), partial to total loss of vision, and rarely eye pain. Visual examination may reveal abnormal findings. Fixed dilated pupils are a sign of severe exposure to methanol. Other: Electrolyte imbalances. Kidney failure, blood in the urine (hematuria), and muscle death at the cellular level (rhabdomyolysis) have been reported in severe poisonings. Fatal cases often present with fast heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia) and an increased rate of respiration. Low blood pressure (hypotension) and respiratory arrest occur when death is imminent.
Irritation. See Ingestion Exposure.
INTRODUCTION : The purpose of decontamination is to make an individual and/or their equipment safe by physically removing toxic substances quickly and effectively. Care should be taken during decontamination, because absorbed agent can be released from clothing and skin as a gas. Your Incident Commander will provide you with decontaminants specific for the agent released or the agent believed to have been released. DECONTAMINATION CORRIDOR : The following are recommendations to protect the first responders from the release area:
Position the decontamination corridor upwind and uphill of the hot zone. The warm zone should include two decontamination corridors. One decontamination corridor is used to enter the warm zone and the other for exiting the warm zone into the cold zone. The decontamination zone for exiting should be upwind and uphill from the zone used to enter. Decontamination area workers should wear appropriate PPE. See the PPE section of this card for detailed information. A solution of detergent and water (which should have a pH value of at least 8 but should not exceed a pH value of 10.5) should be available for use in decontamination procedures. Soft brushes should be available to remove contamination from the PPE. Labeled, durable 6-mil polyethylene bags should be available for disposal of contaminated PPE.
INDIVIDUAL DECONTAMINATION : The following methods can be used to decontaminate an individual:
Decontamination of First Responder:
Begin washing PPE of the first responder using soap and water solution and a soft brush. Always move in a downward motion (from head to toe). Make sure to get into all areas, especially folds in the clothing. Wash and rinse (using cold or warm water) until the contaminant is thoroughly removed. Remove PPE by rolling downward (from head to toe) and avoid pulling PPE off over the head. Remove the SCBA after other PPE has been removed. Place all PPE in labeled durable 6-mil polyethylene bags.
Decontamination of Patient/Victim:
Remove the patient/victim from the contaminated area and into the decontamination corridor. Remove all clothing (at least down to their undergarments) and place the clothing in a labeled durable 6-mil polyethylene bag. Thoroughly wash and rinse (using cold or warm water) the contaminated skin of the patient/victim using a soap and water solution. Be careful not to break the patient/victim's skin during the decontamination process, and cover all open wounds. Cover the patient/victim to prevent shock and loss of body heat. Move the patient/victim to an area where emergency medical treatment can be provided.
GENERAL INFORMATION : Initial treatment is primarily supportive of respiratory and cardiovascular function. The goal of treatment is to either prevent the conversion of methanol to toxic metabolites or to rapidly remove the toxic metabolites and correct metabolic and fluid abnormalities. ANTIDOTE : Fomepizole and ethanol are effective antidotes against methanol toxicity. Fomepizole or ethanol should be administered as soon as possible once the patient/victim has been admitted to a medical care facility. See Long Term Implications: Medical Treatment for further instruction. EYE :
Immediately remove the patient/victim from the source of exposure. Immediately wash eyes with large amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Immediately remove the patient/victim from the source of exposure. Ensure that the patient/victim has an unobstructed airway. Do not induce vomiting (emesis). Seek medical attention immediately.
Immediately remove the patient/victim from the source of exposure. Evaluate respiratory function and pulse. Ensure that the patient/victim has an unobstructed airway. If shortness of breath occurs or breathing is difficult (dyspnea), administer oxygen. Assist ventilation as required. Always use a barrier or bag-valve-mask device. If breathing has ceased (apnea), provide artificial respiration. Seek medical attention immediately.
Immediately remove the patient/victim from the source of exposure. See the Decontamination section for patient/victim decontamination procedures. Seek medical attention immediately.
MEDICAL TREATMENT : Antidotes fomepizole or ethanol should be administered intravenously as soon as possible to block the conversion of methanol to formic acid and prevent acidosis. Fomepizole is preferred as its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated, and its therapeutic dose is more easily maintained. Once the patient/victim has become acidotic, administration of fomepizole or ethanol may not provide much benefit, but they may be administered at the discretion of the physician in charge. Hemodialysis is the most effective form of treatment for an acidotic patient/victim. Folinic acid (leucovorin) should also be administered intravenously to increase the rate at which formate is metabolized into less toxic chemicals. DELAYED EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE : The most common permanent adverse health effects following severe methanol poisoning are damage to or death of the nerve leading from the eye to the brain (optic neuropathy or atrophy), resulting in blindness; disease caused by damage to a particular region of the brain, resulting in difficulty walking and moving properly (Parkinsonism); damage to the brain caused by exposure to toxins, resulting in abnormal thought (encephalopathy); and damage to the peripheral nervous system. EFFECTS OF CHRONIC OR REPEATED EXPOSURE : Methanol is not suspected to be a carcinogen. Chronic or repeated exposure to methanol is suspected to be a developmental toxicity risk. It is unknown whether chronic or repeated exposure to methanol is a reproductive toxicity risk. Methanol may cause birth defects of the central nervous system in humans. Chronic poisoning from repeated exposure to methanol vapor may produce inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis), recurrent headaches, giddiness, insomnia, stomach disturbances, and visual failure. The most noted health consequences of longer-term exposure to lower levels of methanol are a broad range of effects on the eye. Inflammatory changes and irritation of the skin (dermatitis), occurs with chronic or repeated exposure to methanol.
Consult with the Incident Commander regarding the agent dispersed, dissemination method, level of PPE required, location, geographic complications (if any), and the approximate number of remains. Coordinate responsibilities and prepare to enter the scene as part of the evaluation team along with the FBI HazMat Technician, local law enforcement evidence technician, and other relevant personnel. Begin tracking remains using waterproof tags.
Wear PPE until all remains are deemed free of contamination. Establish a preliminary (holding) morgue. Gather evidence, and place it in a clearly labeled impervious container. Hand any evidence over to the FBI. Remove and tag personal effects. Perform a thorough external evaluation and a preliminary identification check. See the Decontamination section for decontamination procedures. Decontaminate remains before they are removed from the incident site.
See Guidelines for Mass Fatality Management During Terrorist Incidents Involving Chemical Agents, U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM), November, 2001 for detailed recommendations.
STEL (skin): 250 ppm (325 mg/m 3 ) TWA (skin): 200 ppm (260 mg/m 3 )
TWA (8-hour): 200 ppm (260 mg/m 3 )
STEL (skin): 250 ppm TLV (skin): 200 ppm
NIOSH IDLH : 6,000 ppm DOE TEEL :
TEEL-0: 250 mg/m 3 TEEL-1: 694 mg/m 3 TEEL-2: 2,750 mg/m 3 TEEL-3: 9,300 mg/m 3
ERPG-1: 200 ppm ERPG-2: 1,000 ppm ERPG-3: 5,000 ppm
10 min | 30 min | 60 min | 4 hr | 8 hr | |
AEGL 1 (discomfort, non-disabling) – ppm | 670 ppm | 670 ppm | 530 ppm | 340 ppm | 270 ppm |
AEGL 2 (irreversible or other serious, long-lasting effects or impaired ability to escape) – ppm | 11,000 ppm* | 4,000 ppm | 2,100 ppm | 730 ppm | 520 ppm |
AEGL 3 (life-threatening effects or death) – ppm | ** | 14,000 ppm* | 7,200 ppm* | 2,400 ppm | 1,600 ppm |
Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) = 55,000 ppm * = > 10% LEL; ** = > 50% LEL AEGL 3 – 10 min = ** 40,000 ppm For values denoted as * safety consideration against the hazard(s) of explosion(s) must be taken into account For values denoted as ** extreme safey considerations against the hazard(s) of explosion(s) must be taken into account Level of Distinct Order Awareness (LOA) = 8.9 ppm IMPORTANT NOTE: Interim AEGLs are established following review and consideration by the National Advisory Committee for AEGLs (NAC/AEGL) of public comments on Proposed AEGLs. Interim AEGLs are available for use by organizations while awaiting NRC/NAS peer review and publication of Final AEGLs. Changes to Interim values and Technical Support Documents may occur prior to publication of Final AEGL values. In some cases, revised Interim values may be posted on this Web site, but the revised Interim Technical Support Document for the chemical may be subject to change. (Further information is available through ).


text:
If an artist or organization has provided us with an email address, you can send them a message directly via their online file. Please check. Out of respect for people's privacy, SPLA does not convey artists contact details. We are not able to forward them emails sent to Africultures either. Their producers (record labels, publishers, etc.) do generally forward messages, so it is best to write to them.
SPLA does not sell VHS or DVDs of films. Please contact the sales sites.
This file is not destined for sending information to add to our sites. To do so, please use the self-presentation files.
I add my informationRédaction d'Africultures
23 rue Bisson
75020 Paris


text:
Fears that President Barack Obama's re-election could send the U.S. economy and country over the "fiscal cliff" helped trigger a major stock market sell off and sent investors into the safety of Treasurys.
With a wary eye on Europe's continuing debt drama, investors also reacted to warnings, first from Fitch, then Moody's that the rating agencies stand ready to cut the U.S. triple A credit rating if responsible fiscal actions are not taken. Standard and Poor's already took action on the rating in 2011.
(Read More: Debt Threats From Ratings Agencies)
"The market is going down. The market does not want another four years of Obama. It does not want these tax hikes on a fragile economy," said Peter Boockvar, Miller Tabak strategist. "We have an economy that's barely staying above recession. Europe's problems are deepening. Now we have the prospect of higher taxes."
Boockvar pointed out that the Treasury's auction of $24 billion in 10-year notes at 1 pm Wednesday was surprisingly weak. The yield was 1.675 percent, and the bid to cover, at 2.59, was below the 12-month average.
(Read More: Treasurys Still Rally Despite Weak Auction)
"I can only speculate. We know a dovish Fed will be with us for another four years, with all the money printing and dollar debasement it brings. It was a squishy auction," he said.
The stock market selloff, with the Dow down more than 2 percent, was the second worst post election sell off since the late 1940s. The worst was in 2008, when Obama was first elected and the financial crisis was in full swing. That day, the Dow declined 5 percent.
(Read More: Stocks Dive 2% as Dow and S&P Skid)
Wall Street had favored Romney and the Republican ticket in part because it preferred their approach of retaining tax cuts, and making spending cuts. The Obama Administration favors raising taxes on the richest Americans, and also increasing capital gains and dividend taxes.
The fiscal cliff is the dual expiration of Bush-era tax cuts and the beginning of automatic spending cuts that take place starting Jan. 1 if there is no action by Congress. The spending cuts were agreed as part of the Congressional compromise on the debt ceiling and were viewed as so onerous that they would force Congress to act.
"I really think that we are going to see some pretty signifiant volatility that enters the market as we deal with this uncertainty back again about the fiscal cliff, and about the Administration and what theyr'e going to do with tax increases on rich people and potentially on dividends and capital gains," said Jeff Gundlach, CEO of Doubleline Capital, who appeared on "Fast Money Half-Time Report."
Bond yields fell as investors looked for a safe haven. The 10-year yield fell as low as 1.61 percent, well below the 1.75 percent it was at on Tuesday.
"The bond market is making a comment here," said CRT Capital chief Treasury strategist David Ader, in a note.
Ader said the fiscal cliff issues will impact already sluggish GDP growth. "That's 'good' for rates and keeps the Fed easy," he noted, and ultimately when rates rise, it would hopefully be offset by an improving fiscal story and less accommodative bond market.
Markets are looking for an immediate spirit of compromise. Already on Tuesday, Speaker John Boehner said that voters made clear there is no mandate for higher taxes, by keeping Republicans in control of the House.
"This doesn't' look like the government coming toward the middle to me. A divided government with hardened positions. Who knows, maybe the president wakes up and says my political career is over and he wants to be the great healer," said Barry Knapp, head of equity portfolio strategy at Barclays.
"I think the government looks very polarized, and the probability of going off the fiscal cliff goes up, and the outlook or the market looks negative. I don't see any silver lining in it," said "I clearly thought that a status quote election was negative," Knapp said. "We've had business confidence falling sharply. We've had capital spending contract. You can see it in the performance of tech stocks and industrials and in corporate earnings, and I think this is a negative outcome."
Ader said there may ultimatley be compromise, along the lines of Bowles-Simpson, a bipartisan plan to balance tax increases and spending cuts.
"This election admonishes the GOP, make no mistake, and perhaps has sobered Democrats as well," he wrote. "...I think he'll (Obama) be more conciliatory and more inclined to follow the bipartisan Bowles Simpson plan and expect the GOP conciliators too, will want to achieve more than simply being the petulant party to dig in its heels and achieve nothing."
(Read More: Get Ready for Cheap Money 'Run Amok': Rogers)
The U.S. was downgraded by Standard and Poor's after the debt ceiling battle in August, 2011, when Congress failed to take major steps to address the country's fiscal problems. There is concern that the failure to find a path to tackle the fiscal issues will result in another downgrade of the U.S. credit rating.
As Congress struggles with the cliff, the Fed will continue its easing programs, which were criticized by Romney and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. "Gold is hanging in because Bernanke will keep doing it," said Boockvar. "With Obama, it's still certainly a green light."
Stocks bounced on Tuesday on relief that the election would bring an end to uncertainty. There was also some speculation that perhaps Romney could pull off a victory and stocks that would do better under Republicans moved higher.
But many of the stocks that rose Tuesday were sold Wednesday, including coal, energy, and managed care shares.
Follow Patti Domm on Twitter: @pattidomm
Questions? Comments? Email us at email@example.com


text:
The Channel Gears Up For Major East Coast Storm
With a winter storm expected to pound the Northeast over the next couple days, local solution providers and distributors said they have diligently made plans to help customers -- and themselves -- to avoid potential damage.
For some VARs, the imminent blizzard is the first potential disastrous event since last fall's Hurricane Sandy.
Carl Mazzanti, president of eMazzanti Technologies, Hoboken, N.J., is one of those people. eMazzanti's headquarters was flooded after Sandy, and the company had to scramble to get back on its feet, all the while trying to help customers at the same time.
[Related: When Disaster Strikes: Let These VARs Tell You What Can Happen ]
This time, eMazzanti is ready, Mazzanti said. Hurricane Sandy still plays very much in the psyche of New Yorkers, Mazzanti said. The solution provider has invested in portable solar panels and has backup power for every desk as well as generators in case power fails.
"This time we're super prepared. Our staff knew what to expect. We had a plan. The guys went out and got fuel in their vehicles and filled containers," Mazzanti said. "We're in massively better position than people. It's fresh in their mind. We've spent four months prepping for today."
eMazzanti communicated out to customers that it was offering complementary help on Friday to prepare for the storm if they called beforehand, Mazzanti said. "That way, they won't have to worry about whether they should call or shouldn't call without being billed for it," he said.
As the East Coast batons down the hatches, a number of events have already been canceled. Microsoft, for example, has scrapped plans for a major publicity event in New York City tonight in celebration of Surface Windows 8 Pro edition.
Meanwhile, distributors are gearing up for the weather onslaught, as well.
"First and foremost we want to make sure of the safety of our employees in that specific region," said Pete Peterson, senior vice president of U.S. sales at Tech Data. "We have a logistics center in New Jersey, and we want to make sure that folks are safe. But, we also want to make sure that we are supporting our customers, whether that be through extended hours or by rushing specific products to the region in order to get people back online."
In the past, the Florida-based distributor has responded to emergencies with extended hours and specific hotlines. Such measures may be activated for the forthcoming storm, depending on the circumstances.
"We have already seen an uptick in orders over the course of the last day or two," Peterson said. "We have logistics centers in six different areas of the country, so we are well positioned to respond, even if our New Jersey facility is impacted. We are very much on high alert."
NEXT: Disaster Recovery At The Ready
Vendors focused on disaster recovery are also ramping up their efforts in advance of the storm.
"We are monitoring the situation and will work with the partners to get the customers back up and running through our network operations centers, which are available 24/7," said Steve Ricketts, vice president of marketing at Continuum. "In blizzard conditions, it may become difficult to physically get to the partner or the customer. So, that's where our ability to resolve issues remotely is really critical."
Another online backup provider is beefing up its staff in order to address developments in real time.
"We are maintaining full support hours today, despite Boston being shutdown at noon, and we are doubling weekend support coverage," said Jay Bolgatz, interim CEO of Intronis, a Boston-based cloud backup and recovery vendor, in an email to CRN. "We also keep a stock of media in case there is a surge of system restore requests."
Meanwhile, Mont Phelps, president and CEO of Waltham, Mass.-based NWN Corp., was traveling in another part of the country Friday, but said his company's command center was fully staffed and monitoring customers' IT systems as the storm approached.
"We're 24/7. We're always up," said Phelps, "We've taken all the steps necessary to keep our customers up and running. We never blink."
Rick Whiting contributed to this story.


text:
What is a snake without its bite? Well, the Los Angeles Lakers (36-32) are still Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, and a very dangerous team, especially to a team like the Phoenix Suns (22-45) at this point in the season.
With Kobe Bryant out, the Lakers were able to win their last game and they even won a tough one against Eastern Conference contender in the Indiana Pacers with only 12 minutes out of the Mamba. He is the best player on the Lakers roster, but when you start to create a pecking order of the best players in this match-up, the pendulum swings to L.A. and stays there for a while.
Universally, Bryant is the best player. It would be hard to argue that 2-4 are Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and Steve Nash. The debate could even be made that Ron Artest is the fifth best player between the two teams.
Subtracting Bryant makes this a lesser team, of course, but against a bottom-three team in the league, it does not make them terrible.
The Suns have something to play for as every Lakers loss gives them a better shot at two lottery picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. It is also the Lakers. So little needs to be said about knocking off the divisional rival and playing the role of spoiler for them.
(Recent) History Lesson
This will be the fourth and final installment of the Lakers-Suns this season. The Lakers won two of the first three, but they were all close affairs. In those three games, the teams have played tough, lower scoring games to a tune of the Lakers (97.0 PPG) being only a +4 on the Suns (93.0 PPG) in the series. The Suns look to even the season series tonight at home where they are 1-0 against their rivals.
Head-to-Head (past four seasons including Playoffs)
Suns: 104.2 PPG (7 wins)
Lakers: 108.5 PPG (14 wins)
There has been a triple-overtime game, six battles in the Western Conference Finals, and animosity between these two teams over the past four seasons. It has not always been this way, with the Suns looking at the lottery and the Lakers looking at the playoffs. This was a fairly even battle over the past 12 years.
Head-to-Head (career)
Lakers Player vs. Suns: 15.5 PPG 4.8 RPG 2.4 APG 2.4 SPG 42.8 FG% (34 games)
Suns Player vs. Lakers: 9.2 PPG 2.4 RPG 1.0 APG 1.0 SPG 40.7 FG% (9 games)
More on Artest below, but the Suns need a big game from Johnson as he will be matched-up with Jodie Meeks rather than Bryant. That is a situation that a player has to take advantage of. In his career he is 0-9 against the Lakers, but has broken out for a pair of 20+ point games, including a career-high 29 while in Minnesota.
Smiling Wes has scored 20+ points five times in his career and 40% of those games are against the Lakers.
Starting Line-Ups
PG - Goran Dragic v. Steve Nash
SG - Wesley Johnson v. Jodie Meeks
SF - Marcus Morris v. Ron Artest
PF - Markieff Morris v. Earl Clark
C - Jermaine O'Neal v. Dwight Howard
Potential Suns Inactives: Marcin Gortat (Foot)
Potential Lakers Inactives: Kobe Bryant (Left Ankle) and Pau Gasol (Plantar Fascia)
Key Match-Up
When you face the Lakers, you have to win the individual battle with Artest. Because if you do not, that typically means they are running away with the game. Or does it? He is a shell of his former self, meaning that Marcus cannot let him get into his head and throw his game off.
On the season, the Lakers are 4-4 when Artest scores 20+ points, 11-9 when he scores between 15-19 points, and 20-19 with 14 points or less.
Marcus has been in a funk the past few games and could use a breakthrough against what is now his biggest rival other than his brother wearing the same thing as him when they get ready to go out.
Interesting Stat: 14 Games
The Lakers only have 14 games, including tonight's tilt with the Suns, before the playoffs start. If they are a Top 8 team in the West at that time, then the Suns are drafting with their pick and Miami's pick. Getting this win to help the reeling Utah Jazz would give them .5 games back on the Lakers, who they have the tie-breaker with based on the in season match-ups.
Meaningless Stat: Lakers Offense
With Bryant: 102.3 PPG 22 APG 94.7 Pace 1.06 PPP (52.2% Winning Percentage)
Without Bryant: 113 PPG 28 APG 92.7 Pace 1.32 PPP (100% Winning Percentage)
That is a one game sample without Bryant this season by the way. You are welcome.


text:
Animal Communication Workshop
The Deepening – An In-Person Animal Communication Workshop
September 20 & 21, 2014
Saturday and Sunday
10:00am to 5:00pm
Asheville, North Carolina
This workshop is ideal for anyone who wishes to deepen and broaden their intuitive abilities for animal communication as well as in all aspects of life. Relax and connect in this small, supportive group environment where you will have the opportunity to: deepen your animal communication knowledge and experience; explore a deeper spiritual connection with nature; learn to strengthen and trust your intuitive flow and expand your receptivity; travel to realms often unnoticed by humans; enhance your awareness and communion with all life and enjoy the beauty of this soulful connection.
We will do exercises, meditations, and discussions designed to help you become more grounded and centered; open your heart and deepen your connections; broaden your receptive channels; increase your telepathic abilities and awareness of animals and nature; feel energies as well as enhance your knowing of the information, guidance and telepathic messagess that you receive.
Next workshop is September 20 & 21 in Asheville, NC. Please contact me at 828-337-4686 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Animal communication is a beautiful way to deepen your understanding of your animal companions and to enhance your relationship with one another. Explore and enjoy the journey of this amazing connection.
For more information about additional workshop offerings including: Basic Level Animal Communication, Tele-classes which you can attend from the comfort of your own home, Animal Communication monthly practice sessions, one-on-one Mentoring sessions, or Journey with Animals workshops, please visit the Workshop page on my website: http://rainhummingbird.com/workshops/.
For more information about Animal Communication consultations, Reiki healing energy sessions, Soul Journeys and more, please visit my website at: http://rainhummingbird.com/


text:
Piato TO GO Food Truck
Piato strives to provide fresh, scrumptious, quality food at a reasonable price. We are committed to our community and donate a large percentage of our profits to those in need. Piato aspires to grow and be of service to a greater good.
For more information you can visit their website here.


text:
Dec 01, 2011 | |
New switch could improve single-molecule electronics |
(Nanowerk News) Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have invented a new type of electronic switch that performs electronic logic functions within a single molecule. The incorporation of such single-molecule elements could enable smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics. The research findings, supported by a $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation, were published online in the Nov. 14 issue of Nano Letters ("A Molecular Switch Based on Current-Driven Rotation of an Encapsulated Cluster within a Fullerene Cage"). | |
By scanning tunneling microscopy imaging and electronic structure theory, we investigate a single-molecule switch based on tunneling electron-driven rotation of a triangular Sc3N cluster within an icosahedral C80 fullerene cage among three pairs of enantiomorphic configurations. | |
"This new switch is superior to existing single-molecule concepts," said Hrvoje Petek, principal investigator and professor of physics and chemistry in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and codirector of the Petersen Institute for NanoScience and Engineering (PINSE) at Pitt. "We are learning how to reduce electronic circuit elements to single molecules for a new generation of enhanced and more sustainable technologies." | |
The switch was discovered by experimenting with the rotation of a triangular cluster of three metal atoms held together by a nitrogen atom, which is enclosed entirely within a cage made up entirely of carbon atoms. Petek and his team found that the metal clusters encapsulated within a hollow carbon cage could rotate between several structures under the stimulation of electrons. This rotation changes the molecule's ability to conduct an electric current, thereby switching among multiple logic states without changing the spherical shape of the carbon cage. Petek says this concept also protects the molecule so it can function without influence from outside chemicals. | |
Because of their constant spherical shape, the prototype molecular switches can be integrated as atom-like building blocks the size of one nanometer (100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair) into massively parallel computing architectures. | |
The prototype was demonstrated using an Sc3N@C80 molecule sandwiched between two electrodes consisting of an atomically flat copper oxide substrate and an atomically sharp tungsten tip. By applying a voltage pulse, the equilateral triangle-shaped Sc3N could be rotated predictably among six logic states. | |
The research was led by Petek in collaboration with chemists at the Leibnitz Institute for Solid State Research in Dresden, Germany, and theoreticians at the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, People's Republic of China. The experiments were performed by postdoctoral researcher Tian Huang and research assistant professor Min Feng, both in Pitt's Department of Physics and Astronomy. |
Source: University of Pittsburgh |


text:
The White House fairy tale about the Happily Ever After Auto Bailout is missing a crucial, bloody page. While President Obama bragged about "standing by American workers" at a rowdy United Auto Workers meeting Tuesday, he failed to acknowledge how the Chicago-style deal threw tens of thousands of nonunion autoworkers under the bus.
In a campaign pep rally/sermon billed as a "policy speech," Obama nearly broke his arm patting himself on the back for placing his "bets" (read: our money) on the $85 billion federal auto industry rescue. "Three years later," he crowed, "that bet is paying off for America." Big Labor brass cheered Obama's citation of GM's "highest profits in its 100-year history" as the room filled with militant UAW chants of "union made."
"Union made" — but who: paid?: Scoffing at the criticism that his bailout was a massive union payoff, Obama countered that all workers sacrificed to save the auto industry. "Retirees saw a reduction in the health care benefits they had earned," Obama told the congregation, er, crowd. "Many of you saw hours reduced," he sympathized, "or pay and wages scaled back."
Let's clear the fumes (again), shall we? The bailout pain was not distributed equally. It was redistributed politically.
Bondholders standing up for their property and contractual rights got shortchanged and demonized personally by the president. Dealers and suppliers faced closures based on political connections and lobbying clout, rather than neutral efficiency evaluations. And as I first reported in September 2010, in the rush to nationalize the auto industry and avoid contested court termination proceedings, the White House auto team schemed with Big Labor bosses to preserve UAW members' costly pension funds by shafting their nonunion counterparts.
These forgotten nonunion pensioners (who worked for the Delphi/GM auto parts company) lost all of their health and life insurance benefits. Hailing from the economically devastated Rust Belt — northeast Ohio, Michigan and neighboring states — the Delphi workers had devoted decades of their lives as secretaries, technicians, engineers and sales employees. Some have watched up to 70 percent of their pensions vanish. They've banded together to seek justice in court and on Capitol Hill under the banner of the Delphi Salaried Retiree Association.
Through two costly years of litigation and investigation, the Delphi workers have exposed how the stacked White House Auto Task Force schemed with union bosses to "cherry pick" (one Obama official's own words) which financial obligations the new Government Motors company would assume and which they would abandon based on their political expedience. Obama's own former auto czar Steve Rattner admitted in his recent memoir that "attacking the union's sacred cow" could "jeopardize" the auto bailout deal.
Ohio Republican Rep. Michael Turner last month called attention to the glaring conflicts of interest that entangled Obama moneyman Tim Geithner's multiple meddling roles in screwing over the Delphi workers. Geithner served simultaneously as co-chair of the Auto Task Force, board member of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the federal agency overseeing pension payments to bankrupt companies) and Treasury Secretary. The General Accounting Office raised eyebrows at Geithner's "multiple roles" in the deal-making.
Thanks to a separate Freedom of Information Act request filed by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, we already know that Geithner's department and General Motors closely coordinated their PR strategy and collaborated on making fraudulent claims about GM repaying all of its government loans. The cash-strapped Delphi retirees are suing the transparency-ducking PBGC in federal court to unearth documents that may yield key details of the improper Obama administration influence over Delphi's bankruptcy organization.
As ebullient UAW officials hooted and hollered on Tuesday, Obama smugly attacked Republicans for "anti-worker policies" and their "same old you're-on-your-own philosophy." The Delphi workers know better: One union's government-subsidized, government-manipulated "success story" is the rest of the workforce's nightmare.
Michelle Malkin is the author of "Culture of Corruption: Obama and his Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks & Cronies" (Regnery 2010). Her e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Words can't express how my heart ached for New York and the East Coast of America when I heard about all the tragedies surrounding one of the worst storms in 100 years. I read eye witness accounts from my friends and saw terrifying images of the flood waters rising in the streets that I had walked down just a few days before… And I know it sounds strange, weird even, but being a wedding blogger I also wondered what might have happened to any weddings that we're planned around this time.
Is that an odd thing to think about? Maybe… But needless to say, I was overjoyed to read Laura & Rich's story and to see how they still managed have the happiest day of their lives, despite the destruction and chaos around them.
"We were married at The Inn at Millrace Pond in New Jersey on 2nd November," wrote the bride, "and it almost didn't happen… We were very close to postponing the wedding because it was all so crazy after the hurricane. We were without electricity and running water at home and the Inn's power was only restored two nights before the wedding date. I got a frantic phone call from Peggy, our florist, the day before to tell us that she had received a call from the Mayor telling her that he could see that the Inn was illuminated from his house and that our wedding could go ahead after all! I really loved how everyone pitched in to make the wedding happen, we felt very lucky. From friends and family carpooling and getting gas in the middle of the night, to Rich having to pick up the tuxedos on the morning of the wedding from another town, to all the girls getting ready by generator power."
"The hurricane really put things in perspective and it was so much easier to let all the little things go," she continued. "I felt like I had no place in complaining about the effect it had on my wedding when some people had lost everything they had. We were just grateful that we were able to pull it together and that some of our friends and family were able to make it. Additionally many of our overnight guests were just grateful to be at a place that had heat, electricity and a warm shower for the night."
What an amazing story. I'm so thrilled to share this wedding with you and I hope it might put any of the stresses or struggles you might be having with your own wedding planning into perspective. If they can pull it off in the middle of a hurricane then, by jove, so can you!
Thank you to Laura & Rich and Carina of Love Me Do Photography for sharing with us today.
The Gallery
Supporting Cast
Photography Credit: Love Me Do Photography
Venue: The Inn at Millrace Pond, New Jersey
Bride's Dress: BHLDN
Bride's Shoes: Moda Spana with vintage clips from etsy
Bride's Headpiece: DIY
Groom's Outfit: Dante Tuxedos
Hair: Adrianna Guillen
Make Up: Heather D'Amico
Catering & Cake: Frungillo's
Flowers: Peggy at The Flower Mill
Band: Heavy Traffic
DJ: An Affair 2 Remember


text:
Since we're on a Deborah kick lately:
The ESV renders Deborah's statement to Barak in Judges 4:6-7 as a question:
Has not the LORD, the God of Israel, commanded you, "Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand"?
The NIV and NJPS translate it as a statement while the NET makes it a hybrid: "Is not true that the LORD God of Israel is commanding you? Go..."
Should we understand that the prophetess is giving Barak a new command from the LORD? Or is it something that Barak should already know to do, and Deborah as prophetess is calling him to obey God?


text:
This article is more than 1 year old
Google '99.9%' certain to pull China search plug
At some unspecified point in the future
Google is now "99.9 per cent" certain it will shut down its Chinese search engine, according to a report citing "a person familiar with the company's thinking".
The Financial Times reports that the web giant has drawn up detailed plans for closing Google.cn, saying the company's discussions with Chinese authorities reached an impasse. The news came hours after a Chinese minister warned Google that it would "have to bear the consequences" if it stopped censoring results on Google.cn.
On January 12, after alleged Chinese hackers pilfered some sort of intellectual property from the company, Google announced it had decided to "no longer" censor search results in China, saying it would spend "the next few weeks" in talks with the government to determine "the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all". As it discusses the issue with multiple Chinese ministries, the company continues to censor results in accordance with local law, but it has postponed the release of two Google-branded Android phones in China and suspended the use of Google mobile apps on all Android handsets from Chinese carriers.
Echoing comments Eric Schmidt made the first week in March, The FT says that a decision on the matter could come soon, but the pink 'un also says the web giant may "take some time" to actually follow through with the closure and find ways of ensuring that local employees are protected from action by the government.
According to The FT's sources, Google wants to continue running its other operations in the country, but apparently, some company execs feel that may not be possible, fearing government reprisals for the closure of Google.cn.
With its January 12 blog post, Google seemed to indicate it may leave the country entirely. "We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China," the post read. But at one point, CEO Eric Schmidt told The FT: "It's very important to know we are not pulling out of China...We have a good business in China. This is about the censorship rules, not anything else." ®


text:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Looking at Brian Giles
I know a lot of people have been raising questions about Giles recently, as he's had a miserable start to his season.
I know he's 38, but this is also a very small sample that may not be indicative of anything.
In 2005 Giles hit .145/.294/205 over 100 or so pa's from early April to early May.
In 2006 Giles hit .115/.303/.135 in roughly 70 pa's from late June through early July.
In 2007 Giles hit .175/.273/.330 in more than 100 pa's from early Sept until the end of the season.
In 2008 Giles hit .218/.365/.308 in more than 70 pa's in late April through mid-May.
The point is that just about anything can happen to just about anyone over a span of 150 plate appearances, and in fact, something similar has happened to Giles in each of the past four seasons.
Here's another example: in 2003 when I was still in Oakland, we had the reigning AL MVP, Miguel Tejada, playing shortstop. After his first 120 pa's or so of the season, he was hitting .157/.229/.287 - the reigning MVP! By the end of the season he was up to .278/.336/.472 - right in line with his career norms.
Though Brian hasn't swung the bat the way all of us are accustomed to seeing, he has had some bad luck and his approach has improved. In the first 15 games Brian walked just four times and struck out 10. That is unusual for a guy who walked more than he has struck out over the course of his entire ML career. However, in the past 16 games Brian has walked nine times and struck out five. That's more like it and could be a sign that he's seeing the ball better. Then again, that could just be small sample sizes playing tricks on us...
The real point is that we're generally better served by looking at the body of work over a longer time frame than we are by focusing on the last 100 pa's. Furthermore, bad streaks get exacerbated early in the season because the numbers on the scoreboard look so terrible. If a player has a tough stretch in July that takes his average from .280 down to .255, it doesn't get nearly as much attention.
All of that doesn't mean that we're blind to changes of skill level, especially as players age. However, it does mean that players with long track records of success ought to be given more leeway before making irrevocable decisions.
22 comments:
- dan said...
With an established veteran like Giles, how large of a sample size do you need to discern whether poor play is indicative of a change in signal rather than just noise? (If anything, your answer here could help me with my fantasy team.) Thanks. - May 12, 2009 at 1:11 PM
- Sakei said...
Occam's razor: "The simplest explanation is most likely the correct explanation."
Which in this case equals: Brian Giles is old. Get over it. - May 12, 2009 at 1:43 PM
- Unknown said...
I am encouraged by the turnaround in his K/BB ratio. That said, I hate to be this snarky, but using Tejada as an example may not have been the best choice in the world. The world is a different place for major league baseball players now than it was in 2003. I'm pretty sure Giles and Tejada (among others) would agree.
- May 12, 2009 at 2:08 PM
- Ray said...
What is the difference between Giles' slow start this season and the slow start Jim Edmonds got off to last year?
- May 12, 2009 at 3:09 PM
- Diesel said...
@ JCIt's probably best to only toss out concepts like Occam's razor when you actually understand the concept itself, and more importantly its limitations. The Razor probably helps explain Giles' early-season struggles about as well as the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
What's funny about your comment is that the simplest answer, were one to be sought, would be "small sample size." In fact, there are tons of simple answers. You've picked one that suits you, which is fine. Just don't pull old William into your ill-defended argument.
Snark and ignorance are a fatal combination, champ. - May 12, 2009 at 3:23 PM
- Jon B said...
I read all the stats and explanations like anyone else. Still, I have yet to hear a good reason from any direction on why a player needs to work through an epic slump while batting in the 3-hole. Why not in the 7-hole, or better yet, in the cage?
Anyway, this is much like what Bochy did with Vinny Catilla. It makes no sense, hurts the team, and infuriates your paying customers. - May 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM
- Jeff M said...
The sample size is too small. BG has performed year after year. Usually you will see steady declines, not the drop off we are seeing, unless there is an injury or it's Andruw Jones. It is not like he is keeping a .300 hitter on the bench. That being said, if things don't take off in a week or two, sit him on the bench for a week.
- May 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM
- Unknown said...
Thank you for doing my homework for me. I did not know that Giles has had so many quite similar, what, extended slumps?
I apologize for my laziness.
I also want to say that this blog has been one of the best things about the Padres over the past couple years; your sporadic posts have definitely kept up my interest in the team.
I do hope that Giles pays back Bud Black and the organization for all the confidence Black and the Padres have put in him. I just figured the payoff would have come by now.
Looks like Giles is batting leadoff today. So he has a chance not only to get himself going, but to give the team a shot in the arm.
Or to infuriate me even more since his stats justify No. 8 in the order, or even No. 9, behind Peavy.
Thanks for the blog, Paul. - May 12, 2009 at 4:54 PM
- Poolie said...
I see 2 options:
1- Flush him now:
- we loose $9M
- get nothing in return
- he will heat up with another team. You do not go from .306 and 9th best hitting average in the NL 2008 to a .150 hitter overnight. It very reasonable to project that he will still finish the year around .280 depiste the bad start (see Paul's examples). This would mean that he would have to hit .310/.320 the rest of this year to get there, and we would have missed on that for zero returns.
If he was blocking Blanks, I could see that he would be blocking valuable landscape but Blanks wouldnt be ready for RF by mid-summer in the best case scenario. Venable and Macias are 4th and 5th OF's at best so no need to make room now for them either.
2- We stick with the plan. i.e. let him heat up, then when his value is back up, trade him to a contending team this summer, get some decent prospect in return and have the new team eat part of his salary. Then Venable/Macias can keep the seat warm until Gigantor is ready to spread his wings in RF.
At the current rate anyway, a Macias and Venable CF platoon should be replacing the current sad Gerut & Hairston combo by end of May! - May 12, 2009 at 5:22 PM
- Unknown said...
as a fan, i'd rather watch kyle blanks stumble around the outfield than giles and his sub .200 avg, lack of power, speed, and arm strength.
not a fan of veteran leadership.
A-Gon is a veteran. Problem solved. - May 12, 2009 at 9:26 PM
- Glenna said...
I guess a lot of us are at the point where we also want to frequently look at someone like Kyle Blanks in RF.
- May 13, 2009 at 7:39 AM
- Paul DePodesta said...
That's a great question.
When a player does something that they've never done before (either good or bad) we need to investigate if it's an odd occurrence or a fundamental change in the player. We actually have some ways of looking at this, but I can't get into detail. - May 13, 2009 at 9:54 AM
- Paul DePodesta said...
Fair enough. You have a point. - May 13, 2009 at 9:55 AM
- Paul DePodesta said...
jason, glenna, et al,
I hear you, but let's remember that Kyle Blanks has played exactly one game in the OF, and he also only has about 130 pa's in AAA. We had a similar situation with Headley last year - move to a higher level while learning a new position - and it can take some time.
That said, I think we're all excited about Kyle, and we look forward to having him up here. - May 13, 2009 at 9:57 AM
- What's He Thinking? said...
et him heat up, then when his value is back up, trade him to a contending team this summer"
Umm, didn't the Padres try that last year? They all but had him traded to Boston and Giles said no.
Where are all these "he sucks" people when you get a career .275 hitter batting .350 through the first six weeks of the season, but then by September, he's batting .275. Guess how he went from .350 to .275. A lot of bad PAs. But he's hitting for his career average, so people are willing to live with it. Like others said, if Giles were hitting .350 at the point, you'd be all excited, but then if he finishes the season at his usual .280, no one would even notice the struggles. - May 13, 2009 at 10:48 AM
- myk13 said...
Paul why has the transition to move Blanks to the OF just now getting started? Were you guys thinking Adrian Gonzalez was going to regress or something? We all know he is our 1B and Blanks has no shot at making it over there so i am puzzled as to why he didn't start making the transition while still in AA?
- May 13, 2009 at 11:50 AM
- WebSoulSurfer said...
JC, How does that explain Giles production last season?
If Giles age was the only factor then would one season make that big of a difference?
Somehow I don't think it does.
I think bigger factors in Giles production this season has been on two different areas of focus.
1 - The new emphasis by the hitting coach on hitting the ball down. Giles ground ball rates are up and his line drive rates are down 40%. Line drives are what you get most of your hits on and the vast majority of your 2 and 3 base hits. Giles needs to focus on doing what he has done well for 14 seasons, and forget what Lefebvre has to say. It simply does not apply to Giles who has always been a line drive type of hitter.
2 - Mental. The lawsuit and things that have been dredged up as well as the questions he must be fielding about it from the media and the fans seems to be affecting his production and his concentration.
JonB, no player can work through a slump unless he is facing live pitching. You CAN take extra batting practice or time in the cage, but I would be surprised if Giles was not already among the first in the cage every day and the last to leave. His work ethic is one of the reasons he has been so good for so long.
Moving Giles around in the batting order has seemed to have a detrimental effect so far, although it has been an extremely small sample size. He has gone 3/23 the past week with 2 strike outs and no walks. There is alot to be said for simply letting a player hit through his slump.
Last season Alfonso Soriano was hitting .164 after 25 team games and Piniella left him at lead off and it paid off when he got hot and finished the season at .280.
Last Season Jimmy Rollins had a prolonged slump from May 24th to June 29th in which he hit just .210 and the Phillies simply left him in the lead off and let him hit his way out of it.
If a player has a history of production, good managers will generally allow them to hit their way out of their slumps without changing them around much in the line up.
Giles was not hitting well during the Padres 9-3 run either and there was no public outcry for the Padres to sit him or move him down in the line up. In my opinion no one would say a thing if the Padres were winning. - May 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
- Unknown said...
JonB on Tuesday: "I read all the stats and explanations like anyone else. Still, I have yet to hear a good reason from any direction on why a player needs to work through an epic slump while batting in the 3-hole. Why not in the 7-hole, or better yet, in the cage?"
Paul on Wednesday AM: "JonB, Fair enough. You have a point."
Giles on Wednesday: Batting 7th.
Let me try: At some point a small sample size is no longer small. I'm just curious at what point the front office will pull an Edmonds and put someone with some athleticism (not to mention a throwing arm) in right field. Macias seems to be thought of as a AAAA player, but he seems more capable at this point. - May 14, 2009 at 10:45 AM
- Unknown said...
For what it's worth. I like Gaudin and Perdomo because they still have promise an electric arms. I believe that Giles will turn it around, but Duaner Sanchez has to go.
I don't understand why the team is struggling so much, what pressure? it is not the media, it is not coming from the high attendance figures, and certainly it shouldn't be coming from the front office that slashed half the payroll.
There is no pressure, just play the kids game. Wait for a good pitch to hit and put the fat part of the bat on the ball where it is pitched. - May 15, 2009 at 1:43 AM
- Alejandro said...
websoul. I once heard Mark Grant saying that after the 35´s there is years where you feel your body 3 or 4 years older from one year to the next one, and that happens a lot of times in MLB. So not age but olderness could be a factor in BG this year.
- May 15, 2009 at 11:11 AM
I am curious how much of it has to do with a new hitting instructor, or better yet, an organizational change to it's approach to hitting.
Remember, the philosophy completely changed under Sandy Alderson, from the MLB level, all the way down to the lower levels of the programs. In watching Jim Lefebvre's interview on hitter's approach, it was different than what was preached for the past 3+ years.
How long should this process take? As for Kouz, it was specifically mentioned that his swing was being made over.... thus far with lackluster results. - May 15, 2009 at 12:35 PM
- Unknown said...
I wish the Bay trade hadn't happened and we weren't having this conversation.
- May 28, 2009 at 12:24 PM


text:
Wednesday February 13, 2013 3:07 pm
Quote of the Day: Scarlett Johansson on Her Co-Star's Butt
"[His butt] is really one of the brighter points of my life. I have asked Ben at times, when I was having a more difficult day, to just leave it out there for a couple more moments, just to brighten my day a little bit... I think it adds a little bit of hope in an otherwise dismal situation."
- Scarlett Johansson talks about admiring her Cat on a Hot Tin Roof co-star Ben Walker, who spends a large amount of time during the play in a towel (and occasionally without even that).
(Make sure to check out other notable quotes.)
Read More | People
- Related Tags:
- ben walker, broadway, cat on a hot tin roof, co-stars, plays, quote, quote of the day, quotes, scarlett johansson
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.


text:
457 McKinley Blvd,
Eagle River, Wisconsin 54521-8422
The Eagle River Golf Course is one of the most beautiful courses you will ever play... wooded, watered, carefully groomed and totally in keeping with the unspoiled beauty of Wisconsin's Northwoods. But don't let the beauty overwhelm you. This is also one of the most challenging courses in Wisconsin!
The course was redesigned in 1988 by architect Don Herfort of Minneapolis, and features strategically bunkered greens, narrow forested fairways and prevalent water hazards. This course will excite and challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Come enjoy Northern Wisconsin's restful beauty, watch the wildlife crossing the fairways and take your best swing. You'll soon be enjoying a round of golf on one of Wisconsinís best keep secrets... the Eagle River Golf Course!


text:
Brunswick County, North Carolina
This article is a stub. Help us to expand it by contributing your knowledge. For county page guidelines, visit U.S. County Page Content Suggestions. |
Brunswick is a county in North Carolina. It was formed in 1764 from the following county/ies: New Hanover/Bladen. Brunswick began keeping birth records in 1914, marriage records in 1804, and death records in 1914. It began keeping land records in 1764, probate records in 1764, and court records in 1782. For more information, contact the county at P.O. Box 249, Bolivia 28422-0249. On the attached map, Brunswick is located at G6. Record loss, 1865.
For information about the state of North Carolina see North Carolina Family History Research.


text:
Sequel to anti-warlord video addresses criticisms
Apr 5, 2012, 9:07 PM
Associated Press
SAN DIEGO (AP) – A wildly popular Internet video turned African warlord Joseph Kony into a household name and boosted the international hunt for the brutal rebel leader. Can a sequel do more?
That's the burning question for the small California advocacy group Invisible Children and its follow-up effort, "Kony 2012 Part II." The Associated Press was given a copy of the sequel before its Thursday release.
Part II repeats some of the same slick, inspiring shots as the original of a young global community mobilizing into action. But noticeably missing is the voice of the organization's co-founder, Jason Russell, who directed the first video. Russell was diagnosed with brief psychosis last month after witnesses saw him pacing naked on a sidewalk in a San Diego neighborhood, screaming incoherently and banging his fists on the pavement. His outburst happened shortly after Kony 2012 thrust the group into the global limelight.
The sequel also lacks the kind of narrative that made the original unique. The first Kony 2012 presented the global issue through a child's eyes, with a discussion between Russell, who directed the video, and his young son Gavin about stopping the bad guys.
The latest video (
http://apne.ws/HZvaiz) is a traditional _ albeit hip _ documentary that addresses criticisms fired at the San Diego-based nonprofit since its overnight launch to fame.
Among the complaints were that Kony 2012 was too American-centric, that the group spends too little money directly on the people it intends to help, and that it oversimplified the 26-year-old conflict involving Kony's Lord's Resistance Army.
The original video drew some 100 million hits on YouTube, and likely will go down in history as a case study on what can go viral, says pop culture expert Robert Thompson. But the Internet is fickle, he said.
"The fact is, the story has developed in so many odd ways with all the controversy, and the sequel can't really promise the bang of that first video _ which is informing people of something they did not know before," said Thompson, a Syracuse University professor. "Now we're getting into the details, which is never that thrilling."
But then again, Thompson added, what goes viral never ceases to surprise.
Ben Keesey, Invisible Children's CEO, said the sequel was made in two weeks. The thinking, he said, was the organization needed to answer to people wanting to know who was behind last month's Internet success that prompted a bipartisan group of 40 U.S. senators to back a resolution condemning Kony and had children around the country asking their parents to do something.
Keesey acknowledged the challenge in keeping up interest but said the campaign resonates with young people who feel like they're part of a global community with friends across the world through social media.
"It's always hard to keep the momentum on an issue like this, especially because the majority of people watching this have no relationship, no connection to something that is happening thousands of miles away," he said. "Our goal is just to create compelling stories to bring back what the point is _ which is right now there are people living in fear of violence and being attacked by the LRA and we need to be reminded of that."
Part II features more interviews with Africans who talk about how the rebel conflict is complex and requires a multipronged approach to stop the warlord wanted by the International Criminal Court for heinous attacks in multiple countries. The LRA began its attacks in Uganda in the 1980s, when Kony sought to overthrow the government. Since being pushed out of Uganda several years ago, the militia has terrorized villages in Congo, the Central Africa Republic and South Sudan.
The video also touts programs Invisible Children supports _ including one that involves hanging pamphlets from branches in the African bush for LRA fighters to find so they can learn how to defect from Kony's militia. The LRA has kidnapped thousands of children and forced them to become sex slaves and soldiers.
The stylistic sequel, like the original, is clearly aimed at motivating young people. In the video, youth from the United States and Africa talk about how they will not let up.
Invisible Children calls on viewers to contact policymakers to push for Kony's arrest and then volunteer in their own communities April 20 in a day of action that it wants to culminate with people spreading the message. Invisible Children says people should be creative by using everything from skywriting to mowing the campaign's triangles into sports fields.
The group promises to release the best photographs and clips of those actions _ hinting that yet another video may be in the works.
Kony 2012, part II:
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


text:
Aiming to draw music fans from beyond the borders of Manatee County, the DeSoto Seafood Fest is bringing Uncle Kracker, a national star with broad appeal, to perform Saturday at the annual event taking place Friday through Sunday in downtown Bradenton.
The singer of the smooth-rock smash "Smile" who has famously collaborated with rap-rocker Kid Rock and country crooner Kenny Chesney, will perform on the main stage within view of the brilliantly renovated Bradenton Riverwalk that opened in October.
"He can reach more people," said Gary Kortzendorf, Seafood Fest chairman, of his headliner. "There's a lot of people that come to seafood festival, but maybe we can pull some people who have never been before because of Uncle Kracker; get more Sarasota people to check out downtown Bradenton and especially see the new Riverwalk."
In addition to booking the most famous music act in seafood history, organizers are charging admission for the first time. But the price shouldn't deter many.
Children age 12 and younger are free. Everybody else will have to pay $2. That is $15 less than concertgoers handed over at the door to see Uncle Kracker perform last year at a packed Joyland in Bradenton.
Plus, part of that $2, according to Kortzendorf, will go to Manasota Operation Troop Support and Feeding Empty Little Tummies.
"I don't think people will have a problem paying $2 knowing a portion is going to charities," Kortzendorf said. "I think it's very fair. I mean, where else can you get this kind of entertainment for $2?"
Seafood Fest entertainment schedule
Friday, April 5
Main Stage West Stage
5:30 Kettle of Fish The Dweebs
8:00 Highway to Hell AC/DC Tribute* Boss Hawg
Saturday, April 6
Main Stage West Stage
11am Soul R Coaster Shotgun Justice
1:30 Gladezmen Renegade
4:00 The Dweebs Kettle of Fish
6:30 Big Daddy Whiskey Blind
8:30 Uncle Kracker Wicked Jester
Sunday April 7
Main Stage West Stage
11am Steve Arvey Del Couch Foundation Kids
1:30 The Dweebs Gladezmen
4:00 The Boneshakers Big Daddy
*Highway to Hell AC/DC Tribute is also performing Sunday at Giving Hunger the Blues in Sarasota