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Friday, December 9, 2011
On Payroll, Mixed Messages and Marginal Improvements
The Blue Jays certainly were able to address the two primary areas that required tending when they made an astute trade for closer Sergio Santos and had Kelly Johnson accept arbitration, presumably to fill their hole at second base. In a vacuum, we'd be happy with those developments, and look forward to perhaps another deal or two to come to fruition before pitchers and catchers report. But in the wake of a Winter Meetings which returned to its former glory as a jamboree of signings, we've been flooded over the past week with angry tweets and notes focused on what the team didn't do, and how through their reticence to engage in the free agent market, they've failed to keep pace.
Our primary interest in the Blue Jays' success remains on the field, and we want to see the team built into a perpetual contender. This is not just about wanting to see "meaningful games" one year, but about building the foundation for a team that is always in the mix. That means spending on scouting, buying lots of lottery tickets in the form of draft picks and international free agents, and signing those emerging stars to club-friendly deals early on. From our perspective, the long term success of a team comes from within, and not by adding big contracts to demonstrate a "commitment to winning" to the fans.
But tied into the team's fortunes is its success off the field, and what frankly scares us going into the 2012 season is that a step back on the field could be disastrous to the team's conversational capital in the inherently cynical and nasty Toronto sports market. The smart moves made by the new regime and some exciting play on the field has brought back a set of fans who had checked out over the past decade or more. But spending money - BIG money - on free agents still seems in the mind of so many fans to be the exemplification of commitment, and a demonstration of the team's readiness to compete.
For those who had made the signing of Prince Fielder to be a moral imperative for the Jays, any step back,status quo or even gains that are too modest will constitute an abject failure to capture the moment. "You gotta spend if you want to compete with the big boys", they tell us.
(This morning's announcement that Rogers will buy a portion of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment only serves to further muddy those waters, and leave Jays fans apprehensive about the ownership's interest in the baseball team's success.)
It bears a mention here that the Boston Red Sox have made more splashy big offseason moves than any other team in baseball, and yet, they have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and haven't won a playoff game since 2008. Carl Crawford, John Lackey, Adrian Gonzalez, J.D. Drew, Bobby Jenks, Marco Scutaro...all were considered big deals when they were acquired, but none of them have contributed to the team's relative success as much as the homegrown core of talent, including Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, John Lester and Kevin Youkilis. And none of the acquisitions were enough to "guarantee" success, as many have attempted to convince us that the signing of Fielder clearly would for the Jays.
To be a bit less charitable to the Jays front office, we'd point out that they are beginning to reap the fruits of a media and fan relations strategy that is elusive at best, and illusory at worst. The desire to keep the team's budget a mystery is understandable from the point of view of the competitive marketplace, but the artfully dodgy allusions to growing the Major League player budget leads to an increased appetite to see that growth happen sooner. If you tell the fans and media that you can and will increase payroll when needed, the message that is sent when the payroll is not expanded is: "We're not ready to win yet."
We're not sure that giving a hard, self-imposed cap number would necessarily be more beneficial, as it might just feed the cynicism by making the gap between the Blue Jays and the bigger payrolls more obvious. But floating the $120 million figure, as Paul Beeston has on numerous occasions, has only served to create a desire to hit that number as soon as possible, whatever the consequences for the team.
Spending like sailors on Fleet Week is not the path to long-term, sustained success. We'd far prefer for the Jays to sign deals like the five-year, $14 million deal that the Rays just signed with Matt Moore as opposed to the five-year, $77.5 million deal that the Angels signed with C.J. Wilson. This isn't just a matter of being cheap, but it's a matter of maximizing every dollar spent for a team that doesn't have unlimited resources.
The deals that the Blue Jays have made over the past week were astute, and make the team better. So why the misery?
On "Parameters": The payroll elusiveness mentioned helped to fuel the parsing of the word "parameter", when it was dropped by Alex Anthopoulos earlier this week. We'll defer to some of the reporters who were on site, because they look the GM in the eyes when he talks about these matters and probably have a far clearer tableau from which to read than we do. But our initial take on the use of the term was this: The Blue Jays have several interwoven budgets, which include all aspects of the team's operations and which have clear dollar figures attached. However, they also have the ability to come back and make budgetary adjustments throughout the year if they can make a case that a modest investment in mid-stream could provide a short-term return.
In plain English: They'll be able to add a player with a large salary in mid-season if it provides a reasonable expectation of added playoff gates to the bottom line.
This is why we think Anthopoulos tends to punt discussions of bigger acquisitions to the trade deadline. It seems like an entirely defensible policy, though it won't do much to warm the hearts of Blue Jays fans through the Winter.
37 comments:
- Ian - BJH said...
Tao, I think the mistake was Beeston mentioning the Blue Jays COULD spend up to $120 million if need be. That number seems arbitrary to me, but to the casual fan they might see that is the Blue Jays withholding money.
In that case, it's just better off not to mention payroll totals at all.
- December 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Would love to see BCE and Tanenbaum put up some money to fold the Jays into MLSE. Gotta be big time marketing synergies and the Jays could use that cash to increase payroll sooner instead of having to trade more prospect currency right now.
- December 9, 2011 at 1:56 PM
- Tao of Stieb said...
I'm actually pretty relieved to see the Jays remain outside the MLSE umbrella. I think that the team's ability to set their course and follow it is much easier when they have one owner as opposed to three.
- December 9, 2011 at 1:59 PM
- The Ack said...
I think you alluded to this, but it feels like the Jays (Beeston and AA) somehow talked themselves into a corner - whether intentionally or not - by opening this "payroll parameter" can of worms and are forced to try and talk their way out. Which adds to the confusion.
And if the comments and message were intentional... directed to whom? the Borases and Lozanos of the world? Or to the media? Or to Rogers? I find it hard to believe it's all part of the master plan in playing possum in an effort to swoop in and win the Darvish bid.
One thing's for sure... AA seems ornery and out of character lately.
- December 9, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Tao - great read. Lots of rage out there on the blogs and I can see hpow the average fan can jump on the "Cheap Rogers Bastards!" bandwagon. That being said, this team has made huge strides in the past 2 years with upgrades at a number of positions and some smart and savy trades. The paying public would simply like to have their cake and eat it too me thinks...
Still...bringing in a solid #2/3 starter and clearing up LF would make me feel a lot better about the upcoming season!!
- December 9, 2011 at 3:27 PM
Hey Tao, do you have any information about Jays TV revenue? Where does the money go? I've heard that LA Angels signings are as a result of a very lucrative TV contract. I don't expect Jays TV revenue to be as high as LA or Texas, But it shouldn't be that low either.
btw, Matt Moores don't grow on trees. Do we have anyone like Moore or Paxton in our farm system?
- December 9, 2011 at 3:37 PM
I dunno, them talking about what they could spend (sometime, maybe, possible, in the future... perhaps... if we have certain conditions... which we will not outline... at the right time... that we won't tell you when) and contrasting it to what they do spend seems like a cruel tease of a fanbase.
- December 9, 2011 at 4:52 PM
I'm still stunned that most of the fanbase can't wrap their heads around the fact that the Blue Jays are a business operating within a budget. Apparently, they're hopeful that Rogers will turn out to be headed by Santa Claus or something. I'm also stunned that it's a story.
- December 9, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Well said, Tao.
- December 9, 2011 at 7:13 PM
- Dewey said...
What I love, and you've mentioned this on Twitter NUMEROUS times...
... AA has gotten Lawrie (fan-favorite) for Marcum, he got Colby Rasmus, who going into last season was regarded as the best young CF in the game, for essentially nothing of consequence off the major league roster, FOR AN EVERYDAY GUY WITH A RIDICULOUSLY HIGH CEILING! He signed the best slugger in the majors to a team-friendly deal that is the envy of just about every other contract in the majors.
He has built the farm system from one of the worst to possibly the best in his short time as the team's GM (though there's always the stories floating that a lot of scouts just didn't like JP Ricciardi).
... but because he goes 3 days without making a huge splash (although he did get a very solid bullpen arm for a prospect who has a ridiculously team-friendly deal), it isn't good enough. I don't understand how the fanbase can turn on AA so quickly when he's done so much already...
I DO wonder, however, if there's some sort of ridiculously team friendly deal coming for any of the Jays like the ones we've seen the Rays sign their young players to... I would LOVE to see some of this "ceiling" money spent on the young, controllable talent...
- December 9, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Dewey... I don't think the fanbase is "turning" on AA at all. If they're turning on anyone it's Beeston and through him Rogers.
- December 10, 2011 at 2:53 AM
- Paul said...
I really fail to see where the "huge improvements" are. Rasmus and Lawrie are still to early to call. 1B, LF and even with KJ signing 2B is just average at best.
But it's the starting pitching that's the big question mark. The Jays starter with the third most wins last year was Jo-Jo. I really don't want to see the "let's try 17 different SP and see what sticks" strategy of last year.
The Jays have basically the same payroll as in 1993. Expecting to get the same results from spending the same amount on something you did 20 years ago is just naive.
Yes, building from within is great, but we need some starting pitching now. Just bring us up to league average in payroll, otherwise what happened to Halladay will happen to Romero and Bautisa in a couple years.
- December 10, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Rasmus vs Davis = huge improvement
KJ vs Hill = Between big and huge improvement
Lawrie vs Nix/EE = huge improvement.
You're right, some of them are too early to call, but their ceilings are much higher than were the guys who patrolled those positions last year. As far as pitching, out of the group of: Alvarez, Jenkins, Hutchison, Drabek, McGowan, McGuire (am I missing someone?) they should get better back of the rotation results. Jo-Jo's win totals are a good indicator of how useless win totals are in judging the value of a pitcher.
If they have the opportunity to get a good top of the rotation guy then great, but other than that I'm happy with the status quo.
- December 10, 2011 at 9:50 AM
My take on this is it was a PR disaster. It worked well last year when people realized the team was in transition, but not this year when fans are starting to think why can't we be the wild card? In addition I think AA was using the media to send a message - to the agents who ate using the Jays in their negotiations. We are not going to be used. Be patient people the addition of Rasmus, Johnson, Santos and Lawrie is probably worth at least 10 wins over the rag tag players we threw out most of last year in those positions. Granted their are questions for at least 3 of those players, but it is reasonable to assume that they could each have 2+WAR seasons....if we get Darvish we will have a formidable starting 5. I think the Jays will be players in the Darvish sweepstakes .
- December 10, 2011 at 10:51 AM
I am of the belief that AA isn't going to say anything unless it's calculated. He knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he said what he said. The only question is who he was sending a message to.
To those of you saying it's too early to see if we're making progress I could say the same of the free agent signings. Have you already forgotten about Boston last season? Talk to me about Pujols and Fielder in 3 years. Face it we buy one big piece...and we're still missing many others. So why should AA buy a big expensive toy that's going to just sit on the shelf? Because you "think" they'll still be good in 3 years? I expect these arguments from people who know nothing about the Jays or who have no logic. But the majority of responses I see suggest people beyond the casual fan are enraged. And it's pissing me off!
- December 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Suppose, hypothetically, that the Jays actually were considering Fielder. What's the better tactic for negotiating with Boras:
"Hi fans! We have wads and wads of cash that we're itching to spend and we want to add a big name free agent, no matter what the cost!"
"Well, we do have a budget, and frankly, we think 8-10 year deals are ridiculous."
I think there's a case to be made for or against opening the bank for some free agents this year, but it would be stupid beyond belief for them to enter into negotiations with Scott Boras while flashing an open wallet about. A lot of fans right now seem to be enraged not only that the Jays aren't spending, but also that they're not spending stupidly.
- December 10, 2011 at 12:28 PM
- Ty said...
I think the most frustrating sentiment I've read across the blogosphere lately is "I dot want them to spend stupidly or just spend for th sake of spending, but I want them to do SOMETHING to show they're committed!"
Nobody ever says what exactly that "something" should be, and the way I'm reading it, they're basically asking for the exact same thing they explicitly claim they aren't asking for. The Jays actually had a much more exciting/interesting Winter Meetings than I think anyone could have reasonable expected and ended up filling what were ostensibly their two biggest immediate needs. People just like having something to complain about.
I guess the nice thing about having such a fickle/reactionary fanbase is that all those people who were so quick to turn on Colby Rasmus after 100 underwhelming PA's should turn around just as quickly if/when he hits well next year. The fairweather fans have been making a lot of negative noise this week, but that doesn't change the fact that the proverbial weather is going to be pretty fucking fair next year in Jays-land, and they'll likely be singing a different tune if the on-field product ends up being as good as we (reasonably, I think) expect it to be.
- December 10, 2011 at 1:01 PM
- Tao of Stieb said...
Thanks for all the great comments guys. I was a little afraid of what the discourse might resemble here, but I like what you're all bringing.
- December 10, 2011 at 2:03 PM
I think AA is broke, PB is a pawn, and all the PR bullshit will dry into patties before the Jays even hit .455 WP next year.
There is no money, there are no FA signings, nothing will change at all.
Is it negative in here, or is it just me?
- December 10, 2011 at 2:28 PM
- David said...
I understand the build from within philosophy. I understand that the budget exists for a reason and that any thought otherwise is ridiculous.
The fanboy in me would still love to see Darvish and Prince in blue next year.
At what point do I need to kick my own ass?
- December 10, 2011 at 4:52 PM
- Paul said...
Fair weather fan? 20 years of crap. 20 years. They have the same salary they had 20 years ago. If you had the same salary you did 20 years ago, you wouldn't bitch?
I for one said the "something" that I thought was needed, that being another starting pitcher. They need to get up to at least the league average and show me that it isn't all just about free TV content.
- December 10, 2011 at 6:11 PM
- Ty said...
Paul: what starting pitcher? Who would you sign?
- December 10, 2011 at 6:17 PM
- Ty said...
And the "20 years" argument doesn't seem sensible to me. The current regime has been in place for just over two years, and thus far they've done an outstanding job - they've done more with the team than the previous regimes did combined since the last WS win. I'd say that's a reason to be excited, not angry.
- December 10, 2011 at 6:19 PM
- Paul said...
There are tons of starting pitchers available. Mark Buehrle would have been a great fit, a perrenial 200+ inning guy that is proven, not more "potential".
And 20 years is extremely relevant. $56 million salary in 1993, and $63 million last year. Want to try and buy the same house or car for the same money you spent 20 years ago and expect the same results?
- December 10, 2011 at 8:22 PM
- WilsonC said...
If you want to compare the current payroll situation with the Jays from 20 years ago, you should look at the whole picture. The Jays of the late 80's and early 90's were built mainly through home grown talent, with some key trades. They did that without having big payrolls, but rather relied more on excellent player development. In '92 and '93, they doubled their payroll and won two championships - but only after they built a sustained contender and saw attendance rise, both as a result of their success and their new dome.
Their increased spending turned a perennial contender into a championship team - but the roster became less flexible and their extended run of success came to an end only two years after they went all-in. It was worth it, because it was successful - but it didn't come before they had at least a fringe contender in place long enough to have consistent fan support.
To me, the divide is this: the quality of the team is such that a big move could put the Jays in a position where they'd have a better chance at the second wild-card. As fans, that's a very appealing idea on the surface - we want meaningful games in September again. But competing for the second wildcard means hoping that one of the three top teams in the division will falter enough to be in reach, as well as hoping that no other team (the Angels/Rangers loser, for instance) jumps out of reach - and the road to a championship is now much harder for a wildcard team than a division winner. I'd much rather see the target painted on the divisional title, with the wildcard as a nice stepping stone but not something you sacrifice your building flexibility to attain.
- December 11, 2011 at 11:37 AM
- Paul said...
Over-analyzing to death.
The simple fact is that you can't expect the same results from the same payroll you had 20 years ago. Period. End of story.
There is no room for error with this lineup. One proven reliable starting pitcher, and unknowns at half the positions. Unless all of the "ifs" fall into place, we "may" end up with a record above .500.
Can't wait to tell everyone I told you so when Bautista and Romero want to go to a contender in a couple years.
- December 11, 2011 at 6:11 PM
Seattle Times had a very good article about the Blue Jays. I thought some of you might be interested.
- December 11, 2011 at 7:22 PM
- Paul said...
Great article BigBear. Rogers will spew out any excuse not to spend. As long as there are enough people out there willing to accept their BS, nothing will change.
- December 11, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Shorter Paul: No, I don't remember the Ricciardi years, why do you ask?
Rogers has spent money before. Loads of it.
And what did it get us?
$55M/5yrs for AJ Burnett's last few good-ish seasons.
$5M/1yr Bengie Molina.
$18M/2yrs for an aged Frank Thomas.
$47M/5yrs for one quality season of BJ Ryan.
And that's just free agents - never mind the albatross extensions of Wells ($126M/7yrs) and Rios ($70M/6yrs).
Did any of that get the Jays closer to the World Series?
Sure, they finished 2nd in the division on 2006, but that was still 8 games back of the Tigers for the wild card.
Willingness to win /= willingness to spend.
- December 11, 2011 at 9:22 PM
- WilsonC said...
No, the simple fact is that payroll doesn't play baseball; players do. And it's also a simple fact that the Jays' attendance is less than half of what it was before they wen all-in 20 years ago, and that it took years of contention before they reached the point of going all-in, and that Jose Bautista alone now makes more money than that entire team did when they were at their current stage of development.
The way I look at it, there are three mandates a team can operate under at a given time: cut cost, improve the current talent, or improve the future talent. It's often easy to accomplish one or two of the three at the expense of the third - for instance, trading a well-paid veteran will usually reduce the current talent, but cut costs and help restock the farm system. Or, signing a free agent improves the current talent without sacrificing the future, but at the expense of financial flexibility.
While it's true the payroll's down from before the current regime, the current roster has more talent than we've seen in a long time, and the farm system has taken giant leaps leaps forward in a short period of time. Somehow - and frankly I'm not sure how they managed it - the Jays have managed to make improvements both on the field and in the minor league system while simultaneously building a more financially flexible roster. That's a downright impressive accomplishment, and it's reason for some serious optimism surrounding the team.
- December 11, 2011 at 9:37 PM
- Paul said...
"Loads", what a laugh. Loads is only relative to what they are spending now.
Did you read the article from the link posted earlier? Until proven wrong, Roger's are cheap fraking bastards that only want the Jays as cheap content for Sportsnet.
Be a Roger's apologist all you want. The team isn't going anywhere until they spend at least the league average, which they haven't for a LONG time. They have done zero for the major league team, other than forcing AA to make deals on the cheap.
How many more years should we wait? The perpetual "two years away" will only end when the money comes through.
- December 11, 2011 at 9:37 PM
- Tao of Stieb said...
Learn how to correct your apostrophe faults, and I'll start listening to your wailing.
And seriously guys: Why so angry? It's sports. Can't you have a sense of humour about it?
- December 11, 2011 at 10:45 PM
@Paul: I did after commenting, so I will partially retract my thoughts based on it. All those big contracts came after 2005 when Rogers finally got the stadium.
I also find it interesting that Mariners writers are complaining about the same things - they're the other MLB team owned by a corporate conglomerate (Nintendo).
I dislike Rogers' growing hegemony in Toronto sports as well, but changing it is somewhat out of my control. What am I going to do, boycott the team? Not buy a Fan Pass or tickets? That only robs the team of revenue, giving Rogers further motivation to choke the squad of funds and handcuff Anthopolous.
I'm with Tao that Anthopolous likely does have access to the Money Bin, but is hesitant to dive in until he's confident he can sustain the winning.
- December 11, 2011 at 10:47 PM
- Paul said...
That's exactly what I'm doing, not buying tickets. My kids and I had a flex pack for the past few years, and while I enjoy going to a game for the game's sake, you can only take so much frustration.
Last season I saw McCoy pitch, Loewen, Thames and Rivera lose games by dropping routine fly balls, and a bevy of starters with great "potential" screw up royally.
I'm all for building from within, but for God's sake get a proven starting pitcher. I don't want Bautista and Romero to be wasted like Delgado and Halladay were.
- December 12, 2011 at 12:23 AM
- Tao of Stieb said...
- December 12, 2011 at 10:47 AM
- Naomi said...
The article articulates more clearly what I complained about on this blog a few weeks ago, with the same response... about incorrect spelling of AAs name (big deal) and a comment that my writing skills were less than stellar.
Rather than face the reality that they as apologist bloggers of the team, are actually a part of the problem, they prefer to continue their fascile disparagement of those who see this for what it is.
I was extremely angry when I learned Rogers had landed Skydome for 25M. The land alone is worth 10 times that amount. Essentially, the taxpayers gave Rogers Corp a welfare check of 275M. Yes I know the story is more complex that that, but the reality is that we as fans have been manipulated by Rogers.
Yes, the Jays have signed the big contracts. The Jays have always had at least 1 player to ensure that we are not the Pirates, but that is it. And be honest, Jose Baustista was lightning in a bottle, without him this team would have been Pittsburgh.
AA has made some shrewd moves, yes. The news that the Jays may have been high bidder on the Darvish sweepstakes is hope for a team that will be better. But for us to buy into the concept that this team can't "afford" to compete with New York, Anaheim, Philadelphia, or Chicago and then for you to blog on that as apologists is unfair to all fans of the sport.
Like Paul, I have given my thousands per year in ticktets, concessions, etc. Like Paul, I am fed up and don't buy into the AA story because it is simply history repeating itself. A fan who wasn't in the stands for the WS games of 92-93 or the run up to that, will think this is the first rebuilding, but we know better.
But all that said, I remain hopeful that perhaps now that Rogers has its shiny ball of part ownership of the Leafs, it will now try to build what other cities have in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia - which are professional sports teams that are always in the mix. If not, then I will trade in my energies for a team with ownership that gives its fans something back and not just its shareholders.
- December 17, 2011 at 1:52 AM
- Naomi said...
I should add too though, that this is the fun of baseball and sports talk in general. We should be able to have fun in our disagreements. Take our lumps when we are wrong, and delight when we are correct. I haven't always agreed with this blog, but I enjoy it enough to follow it, and at times comment.
Let's all remember one thing, we are all passionate about the sport and the Jays, and that binds us all in mutual interest and we should at least stay civil, especially as guests on the board that Tao has allowed us a voice to participate in.
- December 17, 2011 at 4:13 PM


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Redskin Wrestlers rally for 37-36 win over the Blackhawks
Trailing 36-28 with two matches left, the Belding wrestling team needed at least a pinfall and decision to come away with a victory Wednesday night against Leslie.
That's just what the Redskins got from sophomore Jesse Scheidel and senior Devin Bailey.
Jesse Scheidel earned a pinfall victory at 130 and Bailey earned a 9-4 decision at 135 to lift the Redskins to 37-36 win over the Blackhawks, giving the program its first regional title since 1988.
"It was very intimidating," Bailey said. "Coming down to the last match knowing I had to win to go to state, I was really feeling it.
"I was focused on not getting pinned and winning it all."
Other wrestlers earning wins in the finals for Belding were Dakota Foster by a 9-1 decision, (145), Michael Walker by major decision (152), Blake Rodarmer by pinfall (160), Neil McCully by technical fall (171), Todd Haller (215) and Nate Cooley (119).
Belding coach Travis Meyer said he was happy to see his wrestlers go out and do execute what they work on every day in practice.
"It's awesome to watch the kids do what they do in the wrestling room (at practice) and grind it out and get a match like that," Belding coach Travis Meyer said. "You feel satisfied when a kid takes down someone like that and he goes out there and does what he does in the room. It makes you feel like you had a big part in that and preparing your kid. It's cool."
Belding advanced to the regional finals by defeating Chesaning 39-31 in the semifinals.
Belding will travel to Kellogg Arena on Feb. 22 to compete in the Division 3 state quarterfinals. Matches will begin at 1 p.m.


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8:30 pm
Ciao Italia "The Cooking of Campania / La Cucina Di Campagna" Mary Ann has eager - and hungry - cooking students all to herself in a Italian restaurant kitchen in Amalfi. Without missing a beat they prepare traditional Campania recipes: Gnocchi Sorrentino, Eggplant Parmigiano, Veal Scallopine, and Shrimp Amalfi-Style. They top it off with an Amalfi Lemon Cake. D
9:00 pm
Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen "Fired Up, Down Under" Ozzies (Australians) and Kiwis (New Zealanders) may live half a world away, but they're every bit as grilling-obsessed as we North Americans are. Case in point: an Australian favorite, the proverbial "shrimp on the barbie," grilled here with basil and prosciutto and flambeed with Pernod. Or apostles on horseback-New Zealand sea scallops marinated in wine and grilled with smoky bacon. D
9:30 pm
Essential Pepin "Easy and Elegant Seafood" Lobster In Artichoke Hearts; Shrimp Pane On Watercress; Escoffier Quenelles; Monkfish Roulade. D
10:00 pm
America's Test Kitchen from Cook's Illustrated "Meat and Potatoes A La Francaise" Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen to update a classic recipe for French-Style Pot-Roasted Pork Loin with test cook Bridget Lancaster. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews knife sets in the Equipment Corner, and test cook Becky Hays shows Chris how to make Potato Casserole with Bacon and Caramelized Onion. And finally, gadget guru Lisa McManus reveals her top pick among mandolines. D
10:30 pm
Simply Ming "Creme Anglaise with Guest Duff Goldman" This week on Simply Ming, Host Ming Tsai is joined by pastry chef extraordinaire - Duff Goldman. Together they show us how to use Crè me Anglaise - a key ingredient in every pastry chef's arsenal, and create two delicious desserts: Old School Chocolate Souffle with Creme Anglaise and Vanilla Frozen Custard with Flambeed Berries. D
11:00 pm
Kimchi Chronicles "The Rice Chronicles" Rice, the bread and butter of the Korean table, is explored from Busan, Korea's second largest city, all the way to Seoul. Along the way, Marja and her dear friend, the actress Heather Graham, learn about instant rice, tteok (a pasta-like ingredient made of ground rice) and visit Bibigo, a new chain of contemporary restaurants serving fresh variations of bibimbap. Back in New York, Marja and Jean-Georges create their own version of bibimbap, along with sushi-like kimbap, kimchi fried rice and Jean-Georges' famous ginger fried rice. D
11:30 pm
Rick Steves' Europe "Cinque Terre: Italy's Hidden Riviera" Rick samples village life, fishing for anchovies at midnight, savoring pesto, picking grapes, cheering on cliff divers, and visits quarries where Michelangelo selected marble.G


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Compiz is no doubt the best compositing manager for Linux. It has been a part of Ubuntu for a long time and is actively maintained as well. Since the addition of the contentious Unity plugin, Compiz has become the most popular and reliable compositing manager easily surpassing GNOME 3's Mutter.
Being a part of a big project like Ubuntu, developers are coming up with amazing new plugins like Modal dialogs. This, of course, doesn't mean that there aren't any useless plugins for Compiz. Here are 5 such plugins that find no practical applications whatsoever:
1. Desktop Cube
The desktop cube was and is one of the most enviable features of Linux. Managing multiple desktops in a visually intuitive way has made the cube quite popular amongst Linux enthusiasts. Having said that, switching desktops using the cube plugin is, if not clumsy, distracting for many. Imagine you have a browser window in one desktop and LibreOffice Spreadsheet in the other. Now say, you have to quickly switch between the two, would you want a huge cube to take you from window to another? The cube, as fancy as it may look, is bereft of any practical application. Of course, many won't agree with me on that one, but some of the extra plugins that come with the Cube plugin are so ridiculous that you might eventually acquiesce.
Here are two other useless Compiz plugins related to Desktop Cube:
* Cube Gears
The Cube Gears plugin that is an extra plugin that places the gears from glxgears – which is basically a standard animation showing just rotating gears – inside the cube. Now why would anybody want to do that, I don't know, but all I know is that whenever you make the cube transparent, u can see some gears in action. I seriously would love to understand the motive behind making this plugin, is it some sort of mechanical voyeurism or just a joke?
* Cube Atlantis
Cube Atlantis is a similar extra plugin, which shows the fishes from the Atlantis screensaver on the Cube's walls. Having a fish tank while switching from one Window to another might be a great way to distract you a little, but on a practical level, it doesn't make sense.
2. Negative plugin
A negative image is what you see on a camera film, which is then developed in low-lit labs to give you the nice family photos that adorn your walls. Nobody in his or her right mind hangs, prints or even likes to look at negatives of a real image. So tell me folks, why would you want a plugin that turns your desktop into its negative image?
3. Water Effect
Another one of those eye candy plugins for the Linux desktop. It looks fancy but has no practical use. The plugin basically allows you to create water ripple effects on the screen. You can set a combination using which, you can draw trails of ripples on your screen, just to entertain and relax yourself. Alternatively, you can enable the rain effect, which makes your desktop behave like the surface of a pond. The effect emulates the feeling of rain falling on your desktop screen. Do let me know if you find this useful in some way.
4. Wobbly Windows
This has been one of the most used useless Compiz plugins. Enabled in Ubuntu (pre-natty) by default, wobbly windows is a plugin that does what it says – it makes the windows wobble. Whenever you grab a window by the title bar, and try to drag it around, the window will stretch and wobble in different ways depending on which region is grabbed. Despite, the sheer uselessness of this plugin, it has been used and loved by quite a lot of Linux users. Even some Windows users are envying this nifty little feature the reason for which, I don't quite understand.
5. Firepaint
Firepaint is an eye candy plugin developed specially for arsonists and pyromaniacs. The plugin allows you to set fire to any part of your screen, with no practical utility whatsoever. I don't know if Firepaint works with Unity, but considering how buggy Unity is in Ubuntu 11.04 'Natty Narwhal', you might sometimes feel like setting fire to parts of your desktop. A great way to give vent to your anger, but not something you should be enabling on your kid's desktop.
Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.


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Welcome to our Nike Air Max Store!
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Nike technology and terminolgy can sometimes be slightly confusing. Being such an innovative brand and one of the market leaders in sports technologies there are new materials and technologies coming out all the time.
If it's a simple Dri-Fit material used in a t-shirt or a new trainer using Flywire support, below is a guide to break down what each technology actually means and how they help!
Nike Footwear
Nike Zoom
Nike Zoom is a very lightweight, super-responsive performance cushioning system from Nike. Beca use the Zoom is very thin it brings the foot closer to the ground makin the shoe more responsive.
Nike Flywire
Flywire provides ultra-lightweight support and for your foot. Strong Nylon fibers strategically placed on the upper of the shoe holds the foot in place during movement. This allows for a massive reduction in weight because material is used only where it's needed for structure.
Nike Air
Nike Air is extremely durable and versatile and is designed to cushion the footstrike to offer you the best possible protection and comfort.
Nike Air has been going strong for over 20 years, and the materials used are continually being redesigned to give you even better comfort and performance.
What is Nike Air?
Nike Air cushioning is offered in a vast array of Nike footwear styles. We offer several different types of Nike Air so you can choose the best level of cushioning for you. If a style contains Nike Air, the Air type will be called out on the product page.
How does it work?
Pressurized air is captured inside a tough yet flexible urethane bag. Compression reduces the force of impact and then recovery allows the air unit to return to its original shape and volume. Air technology addresses the specific needs of the sport, the athlete's size, the terrain, the distance covered, and the speed and direction of movement. Configurations: heel, forefoot, or both locations.
Performance Benefits
Nike Air is lightweight, versatile, durable cushioning.
Nike Air systems are lighter per unit volume than many other midsole cushioning systems on the market today.
Pressure, placement, and thickness of the Air-Sole unit are engineered for the specific needs of a sport or athlete.
Each system maintains its cushioning properties throughout the shoes's life.
Each Nike Air system is comprised of pressurized, compressible Nike Air chambers engineered to provide cushioning based on a specific performance insight.
Nike Air Cushioning Differentials Explained
NIKE AIR - Nike Air cushioning provides a comfortable ride. Nike Air is almost always encapsulated in the midsole or sockliner. Original Nike cushioning technology debuted in 1979.
MAX AIR - Max Air technology is a form of Nike Air cushioning that contains maximum air volume for maximum impact protection. Always visible in the midsole.
ZOOM AIR - Zoom Air cushioning comes in a flat, thin unit that provides low-profile, super-responsive cushioning for top speeds and fast "off-the-mark" movements.
NIKE TUNED AIR - Tuned Air is a cushioning innovation that incorporates mechanical elements into a maximum volume Air-Sole unit.
Nike ArchSupport
Nike Plus
Nike Plus is a revolutionary way to track your runs, monitor your performance and communicate with other runners about your progress. Join communities around the world and store runs and times.
Nike LunarLite Foam
LunarLite foam is 30 percent lighter than standard Phylon and provides ultra-lightweight and springy cushioning for your foot. Encased in a Phylon or Phylite midsole, this new foam compound, invented at Nike, delivers cushioning that's soft and not too mushy. It allows impact force to be more evenly distributed and helps reduce painful pressure points on your foot.
Dynamic Support
This sits in the shoe's midsole and offers on-demand support in response to a runner's changing needs. It features more soft foam on the lateral side for cushioning on impact and more firm foam on the medial side for support.
Nike LunarLon Foam
The Lunarlon cushioning system comes in a 'bottomless' carrier construction that delivers a lightweight, springy sensation and responsive yet soft shock absorption.
Nike Cushlon
This gives a supremely cushioned and responsive ride. These are placed in the Air units of the shoe.
Nike Flex Grooves and Traction
Nike Free
The outsoles of Nike Free running shoes feature siping (deep slices) and reverse flex grooves to encourage flexion and extension in both directions. With a lightweight seamless upper atop this flexible outsole, Nike Free shoes merge the natural, healthy motion of a bare foot with the protection of traditional footwear.
Hyperfuse is a composite, or blend, of three materials (synthetic material as a supportive base layer, mesh for lightweight breathability, and TPU film as a top skin) pressed together with hotmelt.
This fusion produces a super-strong mechanical bond of the three layers, as well as a new, unique aesthetic. Hyperfuse construction delivers a wide range of performance benefits, but the primary benefit of Hyperfuse is its superior breathability.
Nike Shox
Autoclave construction
Remember mum's delicious roast? Know how she got it to be just right? Pressure-cooking. Autoclave construction uses a similar process, using high pressure and steam to ensure that our rubber outsoles are just right. But they're not nearly as fast.
Bi-directional lugs
Lugs are traction devices on an outsole. By arranging them in alternating directions, we generate maximum grab in wet, sloppy conditions.
Blow Molding
Used in Max Air cushioning, this process allows designers to make Air-Sole units in more shapes. Gas is injected through an external tube, forcing the plastic into the shape of the mold.
A highly durable rubber we invented for use in outsoles. BRS stands for Blue Ribbon Sports, which was our name before we came up with Nike. The tie-in? Both BRS and Nike last and last.
Carbon fiber
A material used in midsoles for support. It's stronger than steel, but lighter, which is another reason we don't make steel shoes.
The supporting frame of a structure. In cleated shoes, it supports your foot.
Contoured footbed
Flat feet are so unusual they can keep you out of the army. So a footbed that follows the contours of the foot not only makes sense; it makes sure you can be all you can be.
Contoured Phylon wedge
A piece of foam cushioning placed in the midsole, under the heel, for extra impact protection. So go ahead and make that hard cut.
Crash pad
No, it's not a place where you can sleep for the night. It's a pad on the outside heel of running shoes that helps minimize impact pressure.
An outsole with sidewalls that 'cup' the foot.
Dual-density Phylon
We have to get technical sometimes. So, we use a material like Phylon and make it more dense on one side to get just the right support. It still cushions. It's just a little thicker -more firm if you will.
Dual-density polyurethane/Phylon
Simpler than it sounds. Midsoles that are harder where you need them to be (that's the polyurethane part), softer and lighter where you don't (that's the Phylon).
Dual-pressure Max Air
Lower pressure = softer cushioning. Higher pressure = more stability. Lower pressure = crash pad. Higher pressure + medial heel. A+B=C. Put 'em together and you've got a great ride.
A blown outsole compound that resembles a foam pad. It serves to provide a cushy ride, and runs from the heel to toe. Techies call it an open cell material that is very porous and lightweight. But you can just think of it as all the cushioning without any excess calories.
Dynamic-fit sleeve
Made of spandex material, it hugs the foot and ankle for improved comfort and support. Another responsible use of spandex that reminds us that this wonder material is a privilege, not a right.
Encapsulated Air-Sole unit
Encapsu…what? Just remember that just because you can't see the Air-Sole unit, it doesn't mean it's not there.
EVA (ee-vee-ay)
Short for or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, EVA was the foam cushioning used by Nike before we developed Nike-Air cushioning. It's still lightweight and it still provides excellent cushioning. EVA is ay-oh-kay (in a hooked on phonics kinda way).
Fabric wrap technology
Three thousand years ago it was how the Egyptians preserved their rulers. Today it's how we preserve areas of the foot: by placing a piece of nylon fabric between the outsole and midsole to add stability and stiffness without adding much weight.
Flex grooves
Weightlifting to your favourite tunes or areas carved out of outsoles, midsoles and forefoot Air-Sole units to assure an anatomically correct response in the forefoot.
Flexible forefoot Air (aka Flexible Air)
What good is cushioning with flexibility? I dunno, but thanks to compartmentalized air pockets designed to follow flex groove patterns, I don't have to find out.
A device we use in shoes to help slow the rate of pronation. It is inserted between the upper and the midsole. You never know it is there, except when you think of how good your stride is.
Forefoot Air-Sole unit
Nike-Air cushioning placed in the forward part of the shoe. It keeps you on your toes longer.
Forefoot fabric wrap
A nylon underlay placed between the midsole and the outsole of the forefoot to help protect against stone bruising and other objects encountered on the trail.
G-Tek Traction
Oh, this is good. The Oreamnos Americanus joined with our engineers to offer a traction design on edge, literally. They took soft, sticky rubber pads with the ability to conform, and then took hard carbon rubber with the ability to give traction on loose gravel and dirt to create an outsole made for all terrain. Combine that with up and downhill wedging forces and you have a mountain goat.
Heel clip
A V-shaped piece of stainless steel positioned around the heel of the shoe. You pinch it together for a more customized fit. (Believe me, it's a lot more comfortable than it sounds.)
Heel counter
Your heel needs support and stability. Count on the rigid characteristics of a heel counter to provide it.
HF welding
Stands for High Frequency welding. The same principle that allows a microwave oven to bake your potato in minutes allows us to seal air into useful little cushioning and support compartments in our shoes. So you can go work off that baked potato.
Interlocking PU/Phylon midsole
Less geeky than it sounds. Merely a combination midsole that gives you the best of both worlds. Firm PU in the heel provides a good base for those uneven trails. Phylon (Nike's own EVA material) from the midfoot to the toe supplies lightweight cushioning. Less filling. Rides great.
Internal-fit system
Usually involves laces wrapping around and sometimes even under the foot and pulling the upper snug. We think that's fitting.
Large-volume Air-Sole unit
Say it loud: a running shoe is only as good as the amount of impact protection it provides. This unit provides ample protection without weighing down the shoe. Firm enough to protect the heel and still compress to provide awesome cushioning.
Refers to the outside (little toe) side of a foot or shoe.
I could get really scientific here, but I'll spare us both. It's a fiber designer's love because it makes other fabrics super-elastic. You'll recognize it as the stuff that makes biking shorts hug every curve in your body. Which may be a reason to love it or hate it.
Max Air cushioning
It's just what it sounds like: maximum cushioning. Through blow-molding, more pressurized gas can be put inside even bigger air bags. The bigger the Air-Sole unit, the less traditional cushioning material is needed. More cushioning, less weight. You do the math.
Refers to the inside (big toe) part of a foot or shoe.
Memory Foam
Conforms to the shape of your foot to provide a glove-like feel.
An open-textured, breathable fabric, knitted or woven...blah, blah, blah. For our purposes, if it's got visible holes in it, it's mesh.
Midfoot spat strap
A strap that runs across the upper to help lock your foot in place.
Midfoot support system
Any system, internal, midsole or outsole designed to enhance stability in the midfoot area.
Like you've probably guessed, it's the part of the shoe located between the upper and the outsole. It provides the bed your foot rests in, houses Air-Sole units and provides cushioning and support. Think of it as the meat of the sandwich, unless of course, you're vegetarian.
Molded lugs
Rubber pieces on outsoles that dig into ground for extreme traction. Like regular traction on steroids.
Synthetic rubber sponge-like material that goes between two layers of nylon knit to create better insulation.
Nike Alpha Project
A bunch of athletes and other sports freaks designing, testing and developing the best Nike shoes, clothes and equipment on a sport-by-sport basis. The best stuff Nike makes.
Nike Form
Kind of like little bean-bag chairs for the feet. They mold around the ankle for extra cushioning and protection.
Nike Waffle pattern
What's cooking? How about a revolutionary outsole pattern invented by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman on his wife's waffle iron? We now offer a full-size pattern, as well as, a low-fat mini-waffle. Talk about your breakfast of champions.
Open-weave mesh
A lightweight, breathable material used in the upper that provides consistent, resilient fit.
Optimal Motion flex grooves
A fancy name for a refinement of traditional flex grooves, incorporating grooves aligned along the heel-to-toe axis as well as the medial-to-lateral axis, and resulting in optimal motion during the foot-strike. Ouch, my head hurts.
You know those pontoon things sticking out the side of traditional Hawaiian canoes? They're called outriggers, and they add crucial stability. Same principle here. This refers to a stabilizing device on the outer portion of a shoe designed to keep you from tipping over.
The bottom, outside of the shoe. It gets dirty, it gets abused, and it still provides traction and durable protection. The king of sole, the outsole might just be the hardest working thing in shoe business.
A plastic material that bonds to rubber, it's ideal for use in cleated outsoles because it is lightweight, strong and flexible.
Originally used in dolls, it is a heated and compressed EVA foam cushioning compound that is light, resilient and capable of giving a soft, smooth ride. As a bonus, it is non-yellowing and impervious to attack from water and microbials.What kind of dolls were they?
Polyurethane (PU)
A durable material used in midsoles and other components to help produce stability and a firm ride.
Poron sockliner
A very soft foam insert that adds plenty of comfort.
PU coating
Polyurethane is applied like a foam to fabric to give it water-resistant properties. The foam laminate contains air pockets, which enable the fabric to maintain breathability.
Sculpted Phylon
Phylon carved or sculpted, as opposed to molded, to a particular shape. Used primarily in midsoles.
Seamless upper
Like it sounds, it's an upper made of a single piece to increase stability and/or reduce seam abrasion.
Shank plate
Sometimes the forefoot and heel don't want to go in the same direction, which can cause a problem if they're on the same foot. A shank plate, usually in the midfoot area, keeps the forefoot and heel working together to provide more force and stability when you make a cut.
We know you know this, we just want to be sure you know all of what it does: provide even more cushioning. A liner under the foot can add comfort and protection from blisters.
What you'd better call Lycra made by the Dupont Corporation if you don't want to get sued.
Thermoplastic Rubber, a very dense rubber used to make stabilizing sole inserts.
Thermoplastic Urethane. It can be fine-tuned for optimal stiffness and is used to make stabilizing plates.
Wasn't this an old Ziggy song? No wait, it's actually Thermopolyvinyl Resin. Nike's newest technology used to provide stability without adding excess weight. They're lightweight and appear as clear stripes on the shoe. Sounds like something Bowie would wear.
Tuned Air
Newton said that for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction. We weren't about to argue. Instead, we copped his idea and used it to make a supremely versatile and customizable cushioning system.
We don't think you're really looking for the upper on the bottom of the shoe, but just as a formality we'll tell you that you'll find it at the top part of the shoe. You know, the part with all the colors, laces and Swooshes. The upper not only grips your foot and provides comfortable support, but we also tend to make them look really good.
Visible Air-Sole unit
Some people just won't believe something is working unless they see it with their own eyes. So for the sceptics out there, we put our Air-Sole units in plain sight.
Visible Zoom Air
A vacuum-formed polyurethane bag houses densely packed fibers. The fibers, combined with Nike-Air, act as little springs. The result is low-to-the-ground, hyper-responsive speed cushioning you can feel. And it does it in less space than other Air-Sole units.
Women's-Specific Sockliner
A women's sockliner designed to mirror the unique contours of a woman's foot. Slightly narrower in the heel & higher in the arch, it provides a closer fit & more comfortable support.
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I believe that the doctors these days should be held accountable for giving out prescriptions that don't work. I think it's quite a racket they've got going. They give you something that they know will not make you better, just so you have to come back in another week pay for another visit to get the prescription that you should have gotten in the first place. I think if you are not a satisfied customer, you should get your money back, like any other business that wishes to stay in business. But no, instead you have to pay for another visit, take more time off work.
Healthcare is one heck of a racket.
Deborah Hunter
Via CortezJournal.com


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Carolyn Elaine Garr, 75, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at her residence.
Carolyn was born the daughter of Henry "Lloyd" and Nellie Phoebe (Flenniken) Fryer on Oct. 6, 1937, in Chillicothe, Mo. She was united in marriage to Donald L. Garr, and to this union two sons were born.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Mo. Carolyn enjoyed machine knitting, gardening, and antiquing.
Survivors include two sons, Mark Garr and wife Mary, of Chillicothe, Mo., and David Garr, of Platte City, Mo.; one sister, Lois Gastineau, of Chillicothe, Mo.; one grandson, Zachary Sterling Garr, of Chillicothe, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant brother, Eldon Lloyd Fryer; and one sister, Maurine Fryer Elliott.
Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo., on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at 10 a.m. There is no scheduled visitation. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, from 12 noon until 9 p.m.
Burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Forrest O. Triplet Animal Shelter, and may be left at, or mailed to, Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindeyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Mo.
Chillicothe resident Carolyn Elaine Garr, 75, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013
Carolyn Elaine Garr, 75, a resident of Chillicothe, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at her residence.


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Membership at Hegre.com costs
less than $0.42 a day!
Marketa knows that taking care of her skin is the first step to a young and healthy look for years to come.
Of course, she also knows that slowly lathering her entire naked body with lotion on film is perhaps one of the most sensual activities one can do to drive men wild! Watch this vivacious woman cover every inch of her body until her skin is literally glowing and baby soft.
Don't be surprised if by the end of this film you feel tempted to reach in and touch Marketa. I know we certainly were!
Would you like to comment? Join us today, or sign in if you're already a member.


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Coach Sigi Schmid and the Sounders' front office are on the hunt for a designated player to replace Fredy Montero. At the Star of the Year event, Schmid previewed the season for SPNW.
For the first time since their inception, the Sounders will begin a season without Fredy Montero, the striker who was loaned to a team in his native Colombia as the Seattle franchise seeks to remake itself into a championship-caliber MLS club.
The man in charge is coach Sigi Schmid, who attended the 78th annual Sports Star of the Year event Jan. 26 at Benaroya Hall just before training camp opened. Before the program began, Schmid talked with Art Thiel about Montero's departure as well as his two biggest personnel delights of the 2012 season, Andy Rose and Michael Gspurning.
The Sounders advanced out of the playoffs' first round for the first time in the club's four years, but were immediately thwarted in the second round by the Los Angeles Galaxy, which eventually won their second MLS Cup in a row. The regular season begins at home March 2 against Montreal.
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iPhone Cases & Covers designed by independent artists from all over the world.
High quality Funny Cat inspired iPhone Cases & Covers for XS/XS Max, XR, X, 8/8 Plus, 7/7 Plus, 6s/6s Plus, 6/6 Plus, SE/5s/5, 5c or 4s/4 by independent artists and designers from around the world. Dress up your phone with awesomely original iPhone cases & covers from Redbubble. They're durable enough to prevent breakage , yet slim and lightweight. Choose from hard or soft cases featuring super-bright, high-quality prints that won't fade. Deck out your iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8/iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE/iPhone 5s/iPhone 5, iPhone 5c or iPhone 4s/iPhone 4. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours.


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Estate Planning Overview, 101
Estate planning is not solely about planning for your death. It also involves planning for your life in the event you're mentally incapacitated. Having an estate plan in place is very important because it reflects your wishes for your children, family, property and assets.
Is Estate Planning Often Overlooked?
Despite its extreme importance, estate planning is often overlooked and neglected. Many people work hard throughout their lives to provide for their families and build their estates, only to have the very things they've worked for and people to protect in disarray because they didn't invest time in a comprehensive plan that reflects their wishes.
Statistics show that more than 50% Americans do not have an estate plan in place at the time of their death. This is likely due to the average person's unfamiliarity with the estate planning process itself. Because they do not understand its importance and how it works, many Americans forego wills, trusts and other estate documents.
Why do you Need an Estate Plan?
Without the proper documentation in place at the time of your death or incapacity, you are leaving it up to a judge you don't know to decide how to distribute your assets throughout your family, who will care for your minor children, and who will care for you if you're ever unable to care for yourself.
Five Questions to Answer in your Plan
In your plan, you want to proactively answer questions that may arise in the event of your death or incapacity. Generally, these questions will involve your assets, minor children, inheritances, health care directives and sometimes more.
Here are 5 questions you should answer in your plan:
- Who do you want to care for your minor children?
- Who will be responsible for managing your estates?
- How will your assets and property be distributed?
- Who will care for you if you're unable to care for yourself?
- How will inheritances be distributed to beneficiaries?
A comprehensive estate plan is not a mere document. It's actually a combination of several documents that reflect your wishes regarding your minor children, your health care, and distribution of your assets, property and inheritances in the event of your death. It also covers your health care wishes if you're ever incapacitated and unable to make your own decisions.
Here are the minimum five (5) documents you should include in your estate plan:
- Will
- Power of Attorney
- Trust
- Living Will and Advantage Directives
- Guardianship Plans for Minor Children
Many of us get uncomfortable when we think about dying and our family's life without us. It's not a topic anyone wants to consider more than once. However, it is critical that you take time now, while you're healthy and in a good state of mind, to invest time in getting your estate, health and other affairs in order, and create an estate plan that reflects your wishes upon your death or incapacitation.
Do you want a Free Initial Consultation with an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Call 1-800-564-2707 today.


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John "Landmine" Collins was disabled in the first Iraq War, but that has not slowed the veteran's efforts to honor those who have fallen in the fight for America's freedom...
John "Landmine" Collins was disabled in the first Iraq War, but that has not slowed the veteran's efforts to honor those who have fallen in the fight for America's freedom.
And Memorial Day will be no exception.
Collins and other members of the Patriot Guard riders will be one of several individuals and organizations laying wreaths at the Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
"Memorial Day is not about me or the other veterans out there," the 22-year Marine Corps veteran said last week as he stood in the Heritage Museum Veterans Hall at the Henderson County Department of Public Health. "This is about those who have gone before us and given their lives for us."
Collins pointed out 159 names of Henderson County residents who have not returned home from war.
The Veterans Hall is a reminder to Collins that he lives in an area that respects the military and its veterans.
"This place makes you really proud to be a veteran," said Collins, who is commander of the Beddingfield-Shytle Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.
In March 2003, Collins, now 48, stepped on a land mine that mangled his feet and sent shrapnel up the left side of his body and face. The injury also earned him the nickname "Landmine."
"John is one of the first people I go to when there is an issue with a disabled veteran," said Shuford Edmisten, president of Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Edmisten, an Army veteran, has been organizing Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies in Henderson County for 28 years and has worked closely with Collins for Disabled American Veterans.
"He takes charge and makes decisions," Edmisten said. "If I was in a foxhole, I would want that man with me."
The ceremony
The Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn will be dedicated to Jessie Cassada, Kade Warriner, Jimmy Warren, Terry Varnadore, Richard Waycaster and Samuel Kelly Watkins, Henderson County servicemen who were killed in action.
The guest speaker will be Martha Whitaker, past national executive committee woman for The American Legion Auxiliary. JROTC cadets from three area high schools also will participate in the event.
Following the ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m., barbecue will be served to the first 300 people, Edmisten said.
Personal mission
Since his retirement from the Marine Corps, Collins has devoted his time to attending ceremonies and advocating for veterans and families of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Hendersonville residents often see Collins cruising through the streets with the United States flag flying from his 2007 Harley-Davidson.
"I do it to help remind people that there are men and women still protecting you out there," he said. "There is something about seeing the American flag that really instills something in people."
After serving in the Iraq War and Operation Freedom and retiring in 2005, Collins joined the Patriot Guard Riders and now is the assistant state captain for the volunteer organization.
The Patriot Guard Riders was formed about eight years ago to form a shield between mourning families and protesters from Westboro Baptist Church who want to interrupt the funerals of fallen service members.
Collins calls the protesters "the uglies" and refuses to say the name of their organization to avoid attention to their cause.
"That is what we do," Collins said. "We block the families from the ugliness."
The Patriot Guard also supports the military with welcome-home celebrations and other events and ceremonies, Collins said.
In addition to the Patriot Guard, Collins also has been involved with the Marine Corps League Blue Ridge Detachment, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wreaths Across America and other veterans organizations.
"My time goes towards my fellow veterans and veterans causes," Collins said. "It is because of them, I can enjoy life — because of those that gave so much and sacrificed so much for us."
A day of gratitude
Mike Murdock, Henderson County Veterans Affairs officer, said Memorial Day is the one day each year set aside to remember the men and women of this county who never had the chance to become veterans.
It's the day set aside to remember those who never had the chance to grow old in the arms of their loved ones and never had the chance to watch children and grandchildren grow up, Murdock said.
"It's the day set aside to remember, honor and give thanks to the heroes who, as Abraham Lincoln said 'gave their last full measure of devotion'," he said.
"Memorial Day should be a solemn, respectful day of remembrance and contemplation. Memorial Day should be a day when we educate our children about the sacrifices made by the heroes who died defending our Constitution and our way of life."
Reach Schulman at 828-694-7890 or email@example.com.


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Saratoga Springs kids compete in 'reading playoffs' before Super Bowl
02/03/2013 6:04amFor the more than 800 students at Thunder Ridge Elementary School, reading is the game that matters. For a month, students have competed against teachers in "reading playoffs," earning small footballs for each hour they read.
Volunteers count homeless throughout Utah
02/03/2013 9:20amVolunteers fanned out across Utah Saturday, the final day of an annual effort to find those who are homeless so that a helping hand can be offered through the year.
Southern Utah man dies in accident on SR-12
02/03/2013 9:45amOne man was killed in a single vehicle accident Saturday in southern Utah.
Couple accused of taking money from shooting association
02/03/2013 11:10amA Utah County couple is facing criminal charges after authorities claim they confessed to misappropriating funds from a recreational organization they belonged to.
Utah joins in asking Supreme Court to uphold traditional marriage
02/03/2013 12:00pmUtah has joined two briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court asking justices to support state and federal laws defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
Puppy stolen from 5-year-old at Sandy gun show
02/03/2013 1:53pmA Price family is asking for help in locating their puppy that was stolen from them at the South Towne Expo Center Saturday morning.
Woman in critical condition after truck slams into car at light
02/03/2013 4:01pmA woman is in critical condition Sunday after a truck slammed into the rear end of her vehicle during a medical incident.
VIDEO: Man commits 3 robberies in 24 hours, police seek help
02/03/2013 5:08pmPolice are looking for a man who attempted but failed to rob a Walmart store, but who later robbed a Del Taco at gunpoint.
Man buried in avalanche rescued quickly thanks to beacon
02/03/2013 7:10pmA 36-year-old man briefly buried in an avalanche in a west bowl of Silver Fork Canyon Sunday was quickly rescued by fellow skiers Sunday afternoon.
Man injured after truck hits plane at Salt Lake Airport
02/03/2013 8:51pmOne man has been hospitalized after he drove a truck into the wing of a private aircraft at the Salt Lake International Airport.
Dying from flu while young, healthy 'uncommon,' doctor says
02/03/2013 10:17pmWith a community reeling from the unexpected death of a 16-year-old Provo boy who was reportedly fighting the flu and a staph infection, doctors said the death of a young, healthy person was "uncommon."
Local NFL players have impact in Super Bowl XLVII
02/03/2013 10:46pmThere were seven players with local ties on the field Sunday and five of them left the field as champions.
Thomas S. Monson marks 5 years as president of LDS Church
02/03/2013 10:46pmFive years ago Sunday, Thomas S. Monson became the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The last six months have brought the celebration of President Monson's 85th birthday and his announcement during General Conference in October that changed the faith's missionary program.
LDS missionary dies after being hit by truck while biking in Okla.
02/03/2013 11:59pmAn LDS missionary from Benton, Ark. was killed Friday when she was hit by a truck while biking.
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Village Council voted unanimously Thursday to give the Flat Rock Playhouse $100,000, provided the struggling theater company uses the "one-time, emergency donation" to pay down some of its $2.23 million debt.
FLAT ROCK — Village Council voted unanimously Thursday to give the Flat Rock Playhouse $100,000, provided the struggling theater company uses the "one-time, emergency donation" to pay down some of its $2.23 million debt.
The donation effectively gave the Playhouse $200,000, because the village's contribution fully matches a $100,000 challenge grant proffered by an anonymous donor Tuesday, said Bill McKibbin, president of the Playhouse's board of trustees.
The village's decision surprised many of the meeting's 15 audience members, made up mostly of Playhouse supporters. Mayor Bob Staton had suggested Dec. 3 that the village might allocate as much as $50,000 this year on top of $25,000 already given the Playhouse, plus another $25,000 next fiscal year.
Instead, Councilman Dave Bucher moved that the village commit an additional $100,000 this year, with three provisos: that Playhouse trustees confirm its 2013 business plan and season; that the trustees work with United Community Bank to "identify the most effective use of the contribution (to reduce debt);" and that the village make the check out jointly to the Playhouse and the bank.
"The council does not want to see the Flat Rock Playhouse fail and disappear," said Staton. "It's too important to Flat Rock and the community. It's one of our jewels ... Most of our citizens from whom I've heard, and of course the business community, expect us to step up and do our part. And while the move we're about to make will not please everybody, we do think it's the right thing to do."
The motion passed 7-0. Councilman Ron Davis said his vote was with the understanding that council's contribution to the Playhouse in no way rescinds an earlier ban on funding for nonprofits that council passed in October.
"This is a one-time, emergency donation," he said.
Two councilmen encouraged Playhouse leaders to keep the village abreast of their financial status. Jimmy Chandler asked McKibbin to give them a quarterly report, saying, "We don't want to wake up at the end of 2013 with another surprise."
Don Farr urged McKibbin to provide them with regular updates on the state of future expenditures.
The vote was a vindication for Playhouse Executive Director Vincent Marini, who has come under fire in recent weeks for his leadership. After listening to a presentation by Marini last week, Councilman Jim Wert said it left "no question in my mind that they have their act together."
If the bank concurs, Marini said the council's funds will likely help pay off two short-term notes totaling $104,000, due in December and February, respectively. The theater owes United Community Bank about $2 million in total, Marini said, but added "the short-term notes are more challenging because they have to be paid in full in a rather short period of time."
With Thursday's windfall, and $15,000 in proceeds from Tuesday's "For the Rock" fundraiser, Marini said the Playhouse now has raised about $468,000 toward its long-term goal of $1 million. That money will be used to shore up cash reserves and pay down debt, theater leaders said.
Flat Rock's donation did not require pulling any money from its reserve fund, said Bucher. He said $60,000 in contingency funds was transferred to an existing line item for "Flat Rock Support" to make $85,000, with another $15,000 coming from an existing line item for county support.
"All we've done is move money around," he said.
In other business, council:
• Voted to promote current zoning administrator Judy Boleman to village administrator, effective Jan. 1, with a salary of $54,000. Boleman has been the village's zoning administrator since 2008 and served two terms on village council, including a stint as vice mayor.
Staton said Boleman will remain in charge of zoning, but will take on additional administrative duties. He said the move "allows us to promote from within without having to hire another person for our staff."
• Received an audit report from accountant Carl Shaw, who told councilmen the village is in "a strong financial position," with assets exceeding liabilities by $5.9 million at the end of the fiscal year.
The village's total net assets increased by $131,067, primarily due to unanticipated collections of sales taxes and utility franchise taxes.
Reach Axtell at 828-694-7860 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I got pulled over going 55 on a 45, in about a 1/4 mile distance the speed limit increases to 55 on the road i was taking so I speed up a bit pre-mature. Does anyone have some good advice or something that will get me out of paying this fine? Any court advice?
First time offense by me.


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