text:
Bye-bye Blue Jays.
I've actually known about this for a while, but I've been dragging my feet on just what to say about it. I've decided you need to know since you'll find out eventually and I'd rather it come from me than some other blog which will probably highlight my small career sample, average right-handed-ness, and otherwise inconsequential impact on a program of up and coming talent. If you're a fan of the idea of me being a Toronto Blue Jay, the following wont be easy for either of us: I won't be coming back to the Toronto Blue Jays organization this coming season.
First, I want you to know it wasn't my decision. The Jays elected to go a different route and that is well with in their right. Second, I'm not mad at them for their decision, and there is no bad blood. The Jays are a fabulous organization, and I enjoyed my time with them immensely. Now, before you bat that comment aside as the traditional athlete obligatory jargon about how to segue gracefully, make no mistake— I loved being a Blue Jay.
The Jays gave me a chance after I effectively shot myself in the foot with the Padres in my big league debut. They brought me to my first big league camp. They told me I had potential in one of the toughest leagues in the game after coming from one of the (supposed) weakest. In short, they believed in me and it showed even when I was injured. Since I got hurt in the off-season, the Jays could have dumped my contract and saddled me with the medical bills and no big league pay check for a year of rehab, but they didn't. That shows class, and in a game where human beings are turned into commodities, they treated me like a person and I'll never forget it.
Another thing I'd like to address is the fine citizen's of Toronto and Canada in general. I've never enjoyed baseball so much as I did when I played it abroad. Yes, I know that Hockey is the National Pastime of Canada, not baseball. And I will confess there were nights I wished TSN would give the Jays, the nation's only baseball team for crying out loud, a little more airtime instead of rehashing goals by guys who name I can't pronounce. But, hey, I liked the differences. I liked the culture. I liked the uniqueness and opinions and viewpoints that are underplayed, even missing from US turf. I actually liked reading Canadian's opinions on American behavior, even when we earned every possible ire for running the world's banking system into the crapper.
The city was progressive, clean, and beautiful; a great place to be if you're a player who writes books. I do hope I'm around long enough to write a book about my experience with your team, Toronto (that earthquake you just felt was the collective shaking of your past and present players seized in terror of what I might say). Fear not, you have some incredibly humble and respectable men on your club, many of them I'm proud to call friend.
I'll miss you, Toronto, but I'm confident we'll meet again. If not on the baseball field, then at a book signing. Or, at the very least, on the pages of one of the many great Blue Jay blog sites that routinely crank out conjecture on your birds. I owe the media in Toronto a lot, professional and amateur alike. To the crew that covers the Jays in the clubhouse, and the crew that covers them on the net, may I say I would never have been baseball's third player/author to reach the best seller's list without you— you were instrumental in one of my proudest achievement. Thank you.
One last point before I go. I'm not a big name, and I'll never consider my departure from Toronto on par with some of the truly great players you've lost. That's vanity, not to mention arrogant. But, I've come into my own in baseball during the Social Networking days of our civilization. Social Networking has changed how we relate as a people. A decade ago, players didn't have blogs, or Twitter, or Facebook access for fans. Because of these personal connection venues, we've had a chance to connect and I feel you deserve a personal farewell. Please don't think I'm doing any of this goodbye stuff because I think I'm great. On the contrary, I'm doing it because I think YOU ARE great. I wanted to thank you for all you've given me in my time with the Blue Jays. I'd also like to say that, thanks to these new tools, you don't have to say goodbye at all. I'll always be here in my digital incarnation, anxious to hear from you, even if I'm not wearing Blue Jay Blue this next go around.
Okay, Blue Jay. Thanks for everything, and best of luck this year. I'll miss you. Oh, and let's play ball.
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January 3, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Dirk, it is said when one door closes another one opens. Anyone who has made it to the majors should be appreciated for their talent and perseverance and hard work. Best of luck in finding a new team in 2011. Look forward to seeing you back in the majors.
January 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Thanks for the update Dirk. All the best in 2011, whatever you have in store for yourself.
January 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Thanks for the update Dirk. All the best in 2011, whatever you have in store for yourself.
January 3, 2011 at 8:28 pm
A beautiful thank you. Well done, Dirk. My Canadian friends led me to you. Canadians are awesome. 😉
I look forward to your future endeavors, whether baseball or writing or both. Keep on keepin on.
January 3, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Good luck with whatever team you end up with, I'm sure we'll all be rooting for you
January 3, 2011 at 8:35 pm
I remember the first time I read one of your stories online & then found out you were a Jay, and then you were called up & I was so excited. I desperately wanted to bake you cookies, because the story I had read was the autograph seeking one where you mentioned that you'd be happy if someone baked you cookies….but alas, my son thought that would be silly even if we could somehow get them to you. I had the pleasure to meet you at a booksigning, and I've written back & forth with you on occasion & I'm so glad that you can keep in touch with fans online. I'm very very sad that you will not longer wear the Jays uniform, and I look forward to following your career wherever you end up. I'm a fan…..of the ballplayer and the person. Thanks for the memories Dirk. Now I'm gonna go have a cry…..
January 3, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Dirk, you never fail to amaze. Wish they gave you another shot, but alas thats life. Best of luck in the future. You should donate a Garfoose to the Toronto Zoo in memoriam.
January 3, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Thank you Dirk for just being you, and having the courage to share who you are with all of us. My eyes were opened to how player and fan could relate to each other when I visited with you before a game in Des Moines in 2009. You visited about The Bullpen Gospels and I left thinking "if he's as candid, reflective and real in print as he is in person, this will be a tremendous book." The book delivered, and I'll cheer for you no matter if it is on the mound or on the bookshelf. – Jay
January 3, 2011 at 8:40 pm
I'm sorry to read this Dirk. I enjoyed watching you pitch, in part because your story was inspiring, even more so after I read your book. You are very gracious in departure, as I would expect. I hope to see you at one of those signings, or Big League bullpen. Next stop?
January 3, 2011 at 8:41 pm
Jays fans will miss you Dirk!
January 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Wish you the best, Dirk! I was hoping you'd make a rehab appearance at some point for Toronto's AA team in New Hampshire. Catch you in The Show in '11!! You've won this fan over … good luck!
January 3, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Much luck to you, Dirk. Thank you for the update. I'm glad that the Blue Jays organization was good to you when you needed it and hope you continue to have that good fortune in baseball.
January 3, 2011 at 8:55 pm
And now if the stars could align and the Seattle Mariners come a calling. I would be one happy Mariners fan again.
January 3, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Hey Dirk,
I'm sorry to see you go! Thanks for sharing your great writing talent with us and proving that not all professional athletes are prima-donna's.
I'll be following you wherever you go.
January 3, 2011 at 9:01 pm
I've had the pleasure of exchanging tweets with you on several occasions, Dirk, and you're easily the most awesome ballplayer I've ever "met", and I once had George Bell serve me a hamburger.
Okay, bad comparison.
I don't care if you pitch for Toronto, or Washington, or Seattle, or (god forbid) the Yankees, I just want to wish you good luck in the future in more than 140
January 3, 2011 at 9:02 pm
… characters. For some reason "characters" got cut off there. Sheesh.
January 3, 2011 at 9:05 pm
🙁 We'll miss you, Dirk! Best of luck wherever you end up, even if it's with the (damn) Yankees.
January 3, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Gosh, I'm not even in Canada and I feel disappointed! I've been following your blog since reading The Bullpen Gospels — and enjoying both. I wish you tons of luck. I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan living in Boston area — I wish you could join the Sox!!! Best of luck to you. Keep writing and plugging along.
January 3, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Dirk, I was really hoping you would still end up being a Jay. I lucked out and happened to be at your Jaybut (June '09, I think) and if/when you return to TO, I'm sure I won't be the only person who will make a point to be at the games and give you the ovation you deserve.
January 3, 2011 at 9:21 pm
I think the Red Sox still need bullpen help.
I hope you find a spot somewhere. Baseball will be better with you in it.
January 3, 2011 at 9:23 pm
I have really enjoyed reading your writing and watching you play. It's too bad this didn't work out, I look forward to seeing you come back to Toronto in another uniform! (Even a Yankees/Sox uniform)
January 3, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I have mentioned this to you before Dirk, but I'll say it again here… I am a big fan of Dirk Hayhurst – the man in the uniform… not the uniform itself… You are an awesome human being, a great role model and a great friend to all your Garfooslings.
Growing up as an Expos fan, I lost interest in the baseball world when the Expos were preparing to move to DC. You are a big reason why I am interested in baseball again. I will continue to cheer for you – on the field, off the field, at a bookstore or here at your site!!
You can expect to see "Business Garfoose" popping up all over the place for years to come – is the world ready for that?? It better be 🙂
January 3, 2011 at 9:53 pm
That's a shame; I was looking forward to seeing you in a Toronto uniform again. Best of luck at your next stop.
January 3, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Dirk, all my life I have cheered for the Blue Jays. I have been a dedicated and unwavering fan during that whole time, knowing that I am lucky to not only have a (now THE) MLB team in Canada, but to also have grown up a short train ride away during my teenager years. I have seen great players, both Jays or "the enemy". I have made many pilgrimages to The Dome to see guys such as Carter, Alomar, Olerud, Delgado, etc etc over the years. One thing I have always prided myself on is a "yankee fan-esque" attitude towards my Jays. If you are wearing the good guys uniform, I'm with you. If not, I may show respect, but that will temporarily end after inning 1. My bottom line is this: once a Blue Jay, always a Blue Jay. Regardless of tenure, nor how amazing/not amazing that player's time was as a Jay.
So, sir, this is not goodbye. This is merely good luck. Once a Jay, always a Jay. Forever.
January 3, 2011 at 10:20 pm
I don't even know what to say because I'm not as good with words as you are – but I couldn't read this and not say anything. Best of luck in the future! If this is the end of the road (which I'm sure it is not!!) I'm glad you were able to go through this amazing experience that not many people are able to do. You got to play professional baseball (something that can only happen in my wildest dreams for me, ha!). I'm sure it's not the end though – maybe you'll even wear Yankee pinstripes one day (me, the one Yankees fan here can dream, right?).
Take care of yourself, keep writing, and keep us updated!!
January 3, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Shame to see you go, Dirk. The Jays blogosphere was rooting for you to come back, and now it will be rooting for you to catch on somewhere else and stay in the bigs. Unless, of course, you sign with the Red Sox or the Yankees, at which point we'll root for the Jays to beat the absolute stuffing out of you the first time you come out of the bullpen against us.
But it will be with affection.
Good luck, looking forward to the next book, and the next time you step up to the rubber.
January 3, 2011 at 10:35 pm
I tweeted it, but this is the classiest thing I've ever read or heard from an athlete. Thank you for everything Dirk. Best of luck wherever you go. You'll always have fans/a home here
January 3, 2011 at 11:20 pm
I am bitterly disappointed. I was always checking in to get updates on your
progress and hoped to see you back in a Jays uniform. I was so excited
after I read your blog that you were in fact a Jay! I look forward to your
new book and wish you only the best. I will continue to read your blog and
follow you on Twitter. I am sorry your time with us was so short, but
we enjoyed every moment!
Good luck to you, you have another fan in Canada!
January 3, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Good luck Dirk. I hope you find your feet on a major league roster next year.
Maybe you can line up an interview on the Fan 590 for old times sake.
January 3, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Dirk! Thank you so much for being so cool to us fans. We all appreciate that so much. I agree that the digital world has made this all possible, but you and your personality and being so open to us has really been the best part! Dirk Hayhurst is not just a Baseball Player, he is a human being. We appreciate that fact! And Ray Halladay too! Be good and best of luck! I will still be watching! Maybe you can get in with Cleveland…keep ya local! I'd come see you for sure!
Take care!
January 4, 2011 at 12:17 am
Mr.Hayhurst, all the best in every future endeavour. Looking forward to seeing you on the mound again soon (for an NL team, or at least AL West/Central).Hell, come play for the Mariners, that's only a 2 hour drive as opposed to a 4 1/2 hour plane ride.
January 4, 2011 at 12:19 am
good luck buddy
January 4, 2011 at 1:24 am
Darn. I was afraid the rumours were true.
Good Luck Dirk. I enjoyed your book this summer while sitting in a Muskoka chair and downing some cold ones with friends. Wherever you land, I'll always think of you as a Blue Jay and reading about your time with the Padres as I enjoyed a Canadian summer.
January 4, 2011 at 1:48 am
Sad to see you go Dirk. I wish I had the chance to see you play. You're probably the most interesting and amazing baseball player I've ever read about, and the fact that you give your fans the opportunity to interact with you is great. Your book was amazing and your personality is fantastic. I hope you find success in the future, something tells me you will.
All the best, and I look forward to your next book!
January 4, 2011 at 2:10 am
Dirk: I know that baseball is where you hoped your future would be. And if that is what you want, I hope your wishes are granted. But your future is WRITING. Good luck in becoming the CY Young of the literary world.!!!!
January 4, 2011 at 2:23 am
Garfoose, forever.
January 4, 2011 at 2:25 am
Good luck dude! The book was fantastic, your destined for success regardless. This city has lost a fantastic human being! Hope to see you back soon, & write that next book.
January 4, 2011 at 5:13 am
Best of luck to you. I hope that fortune favors your career and you get a chance to further surpass your expectations on the field, though I'm certain you will do so off the diamond.
My one small wish is that when your playing days are through, if you choose to remain involved in the game in some capacity (such as coaching or front office work) that you don't forget to apply with the Jays organization. A good baseball team needs good people, and any organization sho9uld want to find a place for you.
January 4, 2011 at 7:43 am
Dirk, thanks for the amazing viewpoint on baseball and life in general. You are refreshing to listen to and I wish you all the best in your future endevours. Hope you come back to the Jays in some capacity over the next few years!
January 4, 2011 at 8:20 am
I know I speak for a lot of fans when I say that you'll be missed, and that we're rooting for you. Regardless of where the next step takes you – all the best 🙂
January 4, 2011 at 9:06 am
Dirk, it was always great to read what you had to say and to hear you in your (too rare) interviews. I will miss having you on the Jays and reading your insightful comments.
So, where are you headed next to play ball? I hope it is with an American League team so that we can see you more often than not.
I wish you nothing but the best and as the British would say, "keep your pecker up."
January 4, 2011 at 9:37 am
just read the bullpen gospels after months of searching, fantastic read. well done. good luck in the future, hopefully we'll see you in the big leagues and bookshelves again soon
January 4, 2011 at 10:09 am
Dirk, that was one of the best articles I've ever read. I only wish you could've played with Toronto more a little while long so that we the fans could've seen more of you.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck in the future whether it be baseball, writing or personal.
January 4, 2011 at 10:15 am
Disappointing. I am a big Jays fan and you are one of my favourite 'people' who also happens to be a baseball player.
Good luck and go find your next organization!
January 4, 2011 at 10:44 am
I am a lifelong baseball fan who grew up in Montreal only to see "my team" torn apart by the business side of sport back in the 90s. Having worked in the TV Sports industry for many years I know more than most what a "business" the world of sports is and will remain to be with billions of dollars at stake. That was one of the many reasons why I so thoroughly enjoyed your candor about playing for the love of the game.
It was also very refreshing to read a book without getting into the cliched details of salaciousness of, well, "ball players being ball players on the road" a la Bronx Zoo and other tell-all tales of the same ilk.
I wish you nothing but success in the future and hope that one day I see your name, and highlights of you, on TSN as you forge ahead with your career. "Play ball!"
January 4, 2011 at 11:11 am
Just 'heard' about this via Batter's Box. Not a shock (the Jays are buried in young pitching) but sad none-the-less. Hopefully you get another shot at the majors, but if not have you considered broadcasting or coaching? I know I'd love to see you return here in one of those roles (especially broadcasting).
January 4, 2011 at 12:08 pm
LOL who are you?? You only played what a handful of games with Toronto? Yet you say i'll miss you Toronto, lol good riddance u were not in the teams rebuilding plans anyways, GO JAYS GO
January 4, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Sorry to hear your news but wish you the best of luck. You will be remembered by Jays fans and hope we get an opportunity to met you again.
A Bowling Green graduate but many years before your time in Ohio.
January 4, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Dirk, I am almost finished with your book and enjoying it greatly. You are an incredible writer and human being. Thank you for letting see into the world of professional baseball and sharing your personal experiences. I am a huge baseball fan, and hope you catch on with another team this spring! In any case, I for one will be rooting for you, unless your pitching against the red sox, but then again, probably even then. I look forward to reading about more of your adventures. Best Wishes Dirk!!
January 4, 2011 at 12:47 pm
You've been a breath of fresh air for Jays (and baseball) fans these last couple of years, and while I can't wait to follow your career beyond the Jays, it sucks that we won't officially be able to call you one of our own anymore. (Unofficially, though, you'll always be a Jay.)
Thank you, sir, and best of luck!
January 4, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Toronto will miss you. I hope you come back in some capacity soon…
January 4, 2011 at 1:16 pm
You aren't the only one who wishes TSN (and the others) would give baseball its due in this country. Happy trails Dirk, all of us wish you well. Get healthy and kick some ass like you know you can!
January 4, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Dirk, thanks for what you have done for Blue Jays baseball. There are few players that I can recall rooting for for what they did OFF the field more than what they do on the field. Your contributions to baseball in general speak more of your character than any individual contribution on the field. I was as proud to call Dirk Hayhurst a Jay just as I was proud to call Roy Halladay or Jose Bautista a Jay. As cliche as it sounds, you will be missed here. I can say however that I will always be a Dirk Hayhurst fan, and cheer for you wherever you go. (Unless you are pitching against us 🙂
January 4, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Good luck, Dirk. Stay classy!
January 4, 2011 at 2:16 pm
All the best wishes. As you said, you are an athlete coming up in a time where you can develop incredible connections with people one on one, and you have touched everyone, everyone that you have connected with. Best wishes.
January 4, 2011 at 3:26 pm
So sorry to see you go. I'm a big Jays fan from Victoria, B.C. and after reading The Bullpen Gospels I was hoping to see you in a Jays uniform. Such is life. Thanks for your kind words about the Jays and Canada. Wishing you all the best.
January 4, 2011 at 4:25 pm
I hope you don't take offense to this (after all, it's tough for me to fathom how talented you have to be to just crack the bigs), but for the most part the departure of a middle reliever who hasn't hung around on the big league roster very long doesn't usually make much of an impact with fans. Instead, you've reached out and have become more than just another ballplayer to many of us. I don't doubt that this is the case with many other players, but you've managed to establish yourself as a quality person first and a ballplayer second in my eyes. That's the kind of individual you want to root for, the kind of player you're legitimately happy to see succeed, not just for the team but also for himself. Wherever you land next know that you've got a whole heap of Canadians rooting for you.
January 4, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for being such a class act, Dirk. Your great attitude and respect for the game and it's fans here in Toronto will be missed. All the best.
January 4, 2011 at 5:43 pm
I read your book over the holiday. It's a well-paced adventure. Very entertaining. go jays go.
January 4, 2011 at 5:57 pm
It takes a ton of talent, perserverance and luck to make it to the Majors, but it takes integrity, humility and a genuine concern and commitment to put other people ahead of yourself. You've been an example of all of those traits, and regardless of where you end up from a baseball perspective (though a Major league bullpen would be wonderful!) you will always be held as an example of the professional athlete who isn't afraid to show his humanity and take on the responsibility of the role. And you're a damn fine writer too, all the best!
January 4, 2011 at 7:01 pm
That's a shame. Yet they sign Chad Cordero. I sure hope you'll still be a guest on the fan 590 from time to time. I really enjoyed your book and your perspective. Good things happen to quality human beings like yourself hang in there.
January 4, 2011 at 8:14 pm
No doubt another team will benefit from Toronto's loss.
Loved your book unfortunately I never got a chance at spring training last year or throughout the season to get you to sign it for my wife; your fan.
Let us all know when your back in Toronto either on the field or signing books. I'll be there.
January 4, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Dirk, I loved "Gospels" and am tremendously sorry that we didn't get to see more of you on the mound at the Rogers Centre. Many Jays fans are going to miss you, mate. All the best to you and yours, and I hope that one day soon we'll get to welcome you back to Toronto, even if it's in the other team's bullpen.
January 4, 2011 at 8:33 pm
I never leave a comment but your words struck a cord with me. From the hearts of all Toronto fans and citizens, thank you for being a voice for the city. You are an outstanding athlete and writer, and i have no doubt towards your future success. All the best, We will be rooting for you.
January 4, 2011 at 9:21 pm
It's been a slice to follow your ball and writing careers during your time with the Jays, Dirk. Rest assured that plenty of us Canadians will continue to do so no matter where the future takes you.
January 4, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Dirk, I enjoyed watching you play in the limited time that you were pitching for us, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book once it came out. I had hoped to see you pitch again for the Jays, but good luck with whatever path you travel in the future. Know that our best wishes go with you.
January 4, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Dirk, thanks so much for this classy salute to Toronto. I'm glad to hear the Jays stuck by you despite the fact that they were under no obligation to do so and I'm sorry to hear that you're having to move on. Hopefully you'll be back here again, either as a pitcher or in some other capacity after your pitching days are done.
As a baseball fan here in Canada, I can completely relate to the comment about TSN, Sportsnet, and The Score in their nightly highlight packages showing hockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockey followed by five minutes or so of cramming together football, basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, MMA etc., so they can get back to hockeyhockeyhockey…..Aaargh! Enough already. I think it's getting worse too, but I guess hockey's kind of like Tim Horton's in this country: Unfortunately, there is no market saturation point for either of them. It was my first favourite sport as a kid, but I've grown to resent and even hate it because of the way it crowds out the other sports. I'm sure it's fine for the typical hosers, but I feel like I can relate to what hockey fans in the States must feel, if indeed there are any anymore.
Stay classy and I hope your next gig lands you in the big leagues sooner rather than later. You know every baseball fan north of the 49th is rooting for you. Cheers,
January 4, 2011 at 11:21 pm
We'll miss you Dirk, best of luck with all your future playing and writing
January 5, 2011 at 1:43 am
Good luck in future endeavora dirk
January 5, 2011 at 3:40 am
Good things happen to good people, so you should have an extremely bright future wherever you land.
Thanks for the book and the memories, and maybe you'll sample a few new beers and think back on the Jays over the coming months……
Good Luck Dirk.
January 5, 2011 at 4:44 am
Dirk who?… Time to go flip them burgers, buddy.
January 5, 2011 at 7:49 am
wow…beautiful….good luck…class act of you(dirk) and blue jays…please visit toronto often..
January 5, 2011 at 8:23 am
You are truly a classy professional. As a lifelong Jays fan, and proud Canadian, I assure you, you will be missed. I have had the pleasure of seeing hundreds of Jays games at the Dome/Rogers Centre and I always felt you're potential was never reached due to injury.
You will find another opportunity, and though I'd hate the Jays to lose out, I wish you nothing but the best wherever you land. Congrats on your writing career, the inside look of baseball is something that is privileged and beautiful all the same.
January 5, 2011 at 9:46 am
Best of luck, Dirk. I hope you land somewhere nice and make it back to Toronto soon.
January 5, 2011 at 9:55 am
Dirk, I thoroughly enjoyed your book and loved having you on the Jays. I kept hoping that you would be competing for a spot this spring and I will miss seeing you on Canada's baseball team. Thank you for your kind words to our country, our city and our baseball team. You are a model professional and an excellent human being. I wish you all the best in wherever your life and your career leads you.
God bless
January 5, 2011 at 9:59 am
The Garfoose will forever live in the hearts of Jays fans!!!
January 5, 2011 at 10:24 am
Dirk. As a BlueJays Fan who really got to know you (from a distance) after the release of your book and quickly became one of your biggest fans, I'm disspointed to see you go but am once again amazed and impressed at your maturity and level of professionalism. Once your career is over please consider a job in the Toronto sports media covering baseball! Just remember to use "u" generously in your word structure and you'll be a hit!
January 5, 2011 at 10:56 am
So sorry to see you go….I always enjoyed your tweets. Long live the Garfoose!
January 5, 2011 at 11:01 am
Sorry to see you go Dirk. You really became a fan favorite here, and when Toronto fans hold onto someone as a favorite, they really hold on (just look at Tucker and Domi in hockey), so you will always be one of us.
Hopefully AA will get you back with us, in some capacity,after your playing days are over.
Go get 'em and have a great career, but dont forget about coming back.
January 5, 2011 at 11:07 am
Dirk, your time here was short, but I can't think of any other players in any sport that have come into this city and won the hearts and minds of so many fans, especially in such limited active time with the club. This speaks monumentally about the type of person you are and the respect that you have earned in your endeavors. You've made many fans for life in a short time. I'll also finally get to read your book as soon as i steal it back from my buddy who stole it from me. That's right, The Bullpen Gospels is theft worthy it's so good (got 1.5 chapters in before the robbery.)
All the best wherever you land.
January 5, 2011 at 11:20 am
Have to admit, some people take the low road when something like this faces them because of the searing pain and plethora of mixed emotions that follow the final words.of their dreams. I really commend you for not only on being one of the few who ever gets the awesome chance to grace the MLB mound, but for being the social butterfly that has brought baseball to some unlikely fans from Toronto to Tampa Bay (and Dunedin). This also includes a bevy of fellow budding writers and that special collection of people who just love your brand of humor and pathos.
I wish you health, wealth and amazing future moments for your life..This sport goggles up guys by the hundreds every year, but most do not have the grace, charm or even the fortitude to embrace it like you have in your Canadian times.
You have been a class act from the first moment I shook you hand before a game in Dunedin Stadium one Spring….to this beautiful farewell. I know this is not the last time we hear your name….And for that I am extremely glad.
Rays Renegade
January 5, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Good Luck, Dirk, both in returning to the mound and in future writing. I first began reading your work in The Non-Prospect Diaries a couple of years ago and enjoyed everything you wrote. I still can't read the item you posted in November 2009 (Bullpen Gospels: Prayers are answered in unusual ways) about the disabled children playing baseball, without it bringing a tear to my eye. I was delighted when you came to my home team.
My sons and I had the pleasure of meeting you at the second Jays home game of 2010 when you were autographing copies of The Bullpen Gospels outside the Jays Shop at the Dome. You were kind enough to not only autograph a copy of the book, but also to draw us a Garfoose and spend over 15 minutes talking to my sons (then 14 and 15), both of whom are aspiring pitchers.
You have class, you are most entertaining and you are a terrific writer. I will look forward to reading anything you write in the future. Once again, best wishes.
January 5, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Though you weren't a tremendous presence on the field, you were still a very large part of the Blue Jays Persona during your short time here, you'll be missed and I hope you land on your feet somewhere else & eventually I'll enjoy reading about it. Take care and good luck.
January 5, 2011 at 12:46 pm
This is the first move by Alex A that I disagree with. I cannot see why the Jays would not want to have someone of your class and character in the organization. Best of luck with your playing career and I wish you continued success as a writer. I am confident you have a great future ahead of you.
If you're up this way, and feel like speaking to a bunch of university students, contact me. The pay is nil, the coffee is barely drinkable, but the experience can be wonderful.
January 5, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Dirk that was amazing. thank you so much for your time with the club and on behalf of everyone across this country you will be missed. I remember first seeing your story featured on tv just before a jays game(i hardly miss any) and thought whoa this guys deep.lol dude best of luck and keep writing and ill keep reading
January 5, 2011 at 5:57 pm
We'll miss you and your spirit. Thanks for the kind words. Right back at ya.
Best of luck in 2011 and beyond.
January 5, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Whether you played ball, wrote some of the most heart warming , endearing, knee slapping, inquisitive, literary enjoyment or not, you speak of Toronto with nothing but unobstructed CLASS, You speak with a fervour generations have been craving for, the home town flavour, the kid next door , my big brother, a mother at the store talking of her boy grown up , heart warming, revealing, with legitimate field cred, you fought the fight up and hope it will continue. If ball doesnt rear its head for the nod from the pen again, fear not greater things will be heard from Hayhurst for generations, The modern day voice of baseball, bridging the gap from young to stories of tutoledge of the old as if he was there when i was a kid humour. Obviously Dirk you have support and believe i am not solo in saying, We welcome you to our homes during the season and the gaps in between, as your presence and perspective wealth to the sport with pen in hand, on a ball or an inside cover, HEY why the hell hasnt sports illustrated drafted him yet, oh yeah he still throws a mean baseball.thank you Dirk for warming the pastime for generations to come
January 5, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Dirk, this is the first time I've visited your blog, upon hearing the Jay's cutting ties with you. It's too bad that there aren't more athletes like you that take the time for the fans and can write so openly about your experiences. Don't forget about us up here!! Maybe you will be the face/voice of Blue Jay's sportscasting one day? All the best to you and your family!
January 6, 2011 at 10:55 am
Dirk, you are too fine. It has been a privilege to read your work for the past several years and to review The Bullpen Gospels for Bluebird Banter. I have really enjoyed rooting for you and having you on the Jays, and am sorry to see you go.
But I wish you the best of luck in your baseball and writing careers as well as in life, and hope that you'll continue to stay in touch with we in the Blue Jays blogosphere.
January 6, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Dirk, I'm a huge blue jays fan and sad to see you go. i always thought you were better than average relief pitcher. (you were much more reliable than accardo, carlson… you name it.
i hope you find a good team you would enjoy playing. wish you all the best.
Thank you for playing for toronto and i hope you do come back for book signing… (i'll be there)
January 6, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Dirk, I'm sad to see you leave the Jays. I wish you the best of luck in your baseball career, as long as you don't join the Yankees or a Red Sox. =)
January 10, 2011 at 10:04 am
Dirk, your book stands out in the canon of jock literature – including Bouton's and Brosnan's. Your writing and humanity will always make you imminently employable even after the inevitable loss of heat on your fastball (you also have a bit of a knack for self-promotion, but given the quality and uniqueness of your "brand", that's a very good thing). Good luck to you and yours.
January 10, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Dirk: You were an excellent voice for the blue jays, I hope that when your playing career is truly over you will approach the jays about some type of baseball job (PR, play by play, a host of a jays show on the perhaps not yet established but should be Jays channel , like YES). and obviously I look forward to more writing. good luck with all and best wishes from this hoser.
January 10, 2011 at 10:22 pm
The Garfoose will watch after you. For he will search out a sprig of light from that stormy cloud. That for bringing intelligence to game, I will be look for your literature in the future.
January 11, 2011 at 12:38 am
Class is as class does. Best of luck and thanks to the 2nd best Dirk ever, next to Dirk Benedict.
January 11, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Dirk: You have been nothing short of amazing to us Jays fans. Amongst all of the amazing memories I have stemming from loving Baseball, I can now count winning a game worn jays necklace following a Monty Python trivia contest and staying up until 4 am to create a 3D abominable snow Garfookie (that auto-garfoosed baseball still has it's place of honour on my desk). I only hope that I get to see you back on the mound in the seasons to come. Best of luck bud. Your proud and loyal Garfoosling,
Andy (afjaysfan)
January 16, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I commented on your blog post on Twitter, about how classy your goodbye was, and I hope others, even non-baseball fans picked up on it and read your blog, to show that there really are American athletes who had played in Toronto, who actually loved their time here and loved our country. We sometimes feel like second calss citizens, being the only Canadian MLB team in an American sport, so it's alwasy nice when a Blue Jay becomes an ex-Blue Jay, and praises the team they had played for, as well as the city and the country, because when they become ex-Jays, they really owe nothing to us.
I also wanted to thank you for your book. I myself was also going through my own rehab, after having a kidney transplant 11 months ago. The recovery was slow, sometimes painful, and boring. Your book provided me with a welcome distraction. It was so entertaining and such a good read, that some nights I stayed up reading it much later than I should have, given I had just had major surgery and needed as much rest as I could get. While I found you to be an interesting "character" when you were called up by the Jays, from all the media coverage of your background, your writing, and of course the Garfoose, reading your book is really what made me a Dirk Hayhurst fan. I am sad to see you go as a Blue Jay, but I am rooting for you to land with another MLB team. Because I was in recovery for a good portion of last year, I was never able to come out to one of your book signings, but I hope you do come back to Toronto soon for anoter one, so I can finally come out to meet the creator of the Garfoose.
All the best to you Dirk. Eagarly looking forward to the next book.
January 17, 2011 at 10:03 pm
What a classy way to handle your departure from the Jays. I had become a fan of yours about a year and a half ago when I heard you on radio. I was impressed then, and after suffering a significant arm injury, and now being let go by the Blue Jays, am even more impressed now.
All your fans are praying you get to hook on with another team. Baseball will be better off for it. Truely, you are an inspiration to everyone. Best of luck in your future – one that is bright – whether or not it continues as a player. It's really something to hear of an athlete that "gets" it. You, sir, "get" it right.
January 17, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Was hard to read that as I've followed your career since I heard about 'this minor league kid who will never make it writing a book'. You've got the talent and even more so – the heart – to make it in the bigs, and more importantly in life.
Congrats on all your accomplishments and all of the best in your future, both in and outside of baseball.
May the fact that The Bullpen Gospels finds itself at the top of my favourite reads list, give you something to smile or at least roll your eyes about.
You've become more than a ball player and more than a writer through your connection with fans through social media. You've become a relative, distant family member and friend. We wish you the best.
Don't shoot the damn squirrels.
January 17, 2011 at 10:43 pm
You are a classy man Dirk, I'm sure you showed that in your time as a Blue Jay. Thanks to the social networking, you won't have to retract any negative comments about your departure.Good luck in your new endeavours.
January 17, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Well Dirk, not going to lie – I didn't really know who you were until I got a hold of your "Bullpen Gospels". You have given me a farther respect for the game and the players in it. I believe its guys like you, the characters, the people who really care that show just how great the MLB is. When Sportsnet did the story on you this past season, I was very happy to see you in rehab and it looked like we'd see you on the field this year. I feel robbed of seeing you on the field with a Blue Jay on your jersey. Best of luck in everything you do and hopefully see you around someday! Thanks for everything you've done for the fans, and the game of baseball. You are truly a class act.
January 19, 2011 at 10:59 am
Its been a treat watching you pitch day in and day out. Im surprised your not coming back. Best of luck too you and hopefully you'll find a job out there. Take care.
January 20, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Great farewell post, best of luck. After reading non prospects diary I was super stoked to find out that Toronto had picked you up, too bad couldn't have stayed longer hope you have lots of success with baseball/writing you'll be missed.
April 11, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Dirk – as soon as I heard you interviewed on CBC, I went out and bought the book. Totally loved it. I just came across your pic in a Rays uni (didn't know you were gone). At that instant, I quickly thought to myself, "the city lost a good cat". All the best, and hope to see you in town again.


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Summary Report of the Youth Suicide Prevention Stakeholder Consensus Meeting: June 20, 2013
Date: 2014
(For resources, this is the publication date. For programs, this is the date posted.)
Type: Report
Publisher: Illinois Suicide Prevention Alliance and the Youth Suicide Prevention Project, Illinois Department of Public Health
State: Illinois
See This Resource
This report summarizes the proceedings of a Youth Suicide Prevention Consensus Meeting held on June 20, 2013. It convened stakeholders from the health, mental health, juvenile justice, education, and human services sectors to expand shared knowledge and seek consensus on priorities for improving youth suicide prevention policy and practices within and across service delivery systems, at the statewide level and in local communities. Also included are conclusions and participants' recommendations for potential next steps.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Pink Room
Hello! it's been a while, but I thought it time to show a few photos. The pink room, as I call it, and the master bedroom are really the only two rooms I have essentially done on my ongoing project. Work getting in the way lately.
The above charming embroidered cottage Mom picked up at a Thrift store years ago. Isn't it sweet?
My vintage calligraphy pens & a few vintage brushes on top of one of my vintage artists supply boxes. I love how these look in the vintage pottery.
My darling Steiff Gussy cat, Floppy cat and Tiger. I adore these!
Three compo or composite dolls, from the 1930's or 1940's I believe. A little early for a mid century 1950's home, but Mom loved dolls so much, I had to get these darling girls. Wish I'd had these to play with as a kid! Aren't they sweet?
My bed, also a very vintage iron bed with the original excelsior stuffed mattress. I bought this at a Thrift store over 25 years ago.
The comforter is very much like the one I had as a girl. Silky, ruffles, with pink rosebuds. The two King & Queen pillows are pillows Mom bought me back in the early 1970's.
I bought some of my beloved childhood books. The Black Stallion series. I was a typical horse crazy kid. Dawn doll, Little Wooden Doll on the book that came with her, and a little green clay pot I made in grade school.
And the dresser with the ballerina lamps. I adore them! I wasn't a ballerina kind of kid, but I love them now.
That's all for this post, I'll post more tomorrow (fingers crossed). I know some of you have seen this room already, but I have so little to actually show!
I apologize for not even visiting your blogs. I launched a few new businesses and that was it. All my time and effort had to go there. They still are eating my time, but I could not let any more time pass before I updated.
I miss you all terribly and hope to have a bit more time for blogging!
Happy Sunday!
I tried to respond to some of your blogs, but blogger is being a pain and won't let me view them! I hope to check them out soon . . .
Posted by 1950s Atomic Ranch House at 12:17 PM Links to this post
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to the colorful journal of Marissa Berrini, creative director, artist and curator living in Los Angeles. Launched in 2010, Marissa's online journal tells of adventures with her husband Sam, their fur kids, the occasional cocktail creation and lots of conversations with inspiring people. This blog serves to celebrate tiny victories, inspiration for those times you're stuck in a rut and bring together a community that wants more than a perfectly curated feed of eye candy. Sometimes you just got to throw it out there and see where it goes!
"I was extremely impressed with Marissa from the beginning. She consistently brought great ideas to the table and you could always count on her to produce quality designs, often under tight deadlines. She is not only a fountain of creativity but she truly understands the business goals of a project and how to bring them to life in a design. I have worked with her on a wide range of projects — online advertising, web site design, print ads, e-mail, direct mail, reports, media kits, etc. – and can attest to her many, varied contributions that have had a direct impact on the success of each initiative"
— Allison Quiter, Digital Marketing and Ecommerce Specialist
"Marissa is one of the most creatively talented people I've worked with in my career. Her skills speak for themselves in developing everything Dermstore presented to the public: from site enhancements, to catalog, to print advertising, to email. Her visions always came across clearly in speaking to our customers and building our brand. She also took constructive criticism extremely well as her main driver was taking us to the next level creatively while staying on brand. Marissa is also an excellent leader—her team moved as a cohesive unit and met deadlines with the finest work product. With all her talent and skills, I think her best asset was being able to bring everyone to the table, including the "creatively challenged" and get the groups to agree on a vision and bring it to life in a way everyone could agree upon. It's important to me that any team or individual I work with understands that the best creative solutions come from listening to each other and an open mind. It's essential to work together to hit goals and understand the learning from any project. "
— David Olsen, CEO of CosBar (previously DermStore VP of Business of Development)


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The Intellect IT team
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A-Level Philosophy Tuition in London
Our A-Level Philosophy Tutors have years of experience and are passionate about helping their students overcome problem areas, feel confident and engaged in their subject and get the grades they need for further study and beyond.
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Furthermore, A-Level Philosophy has become one of the most popular 4th option when it comes to choosing A-Level subjects ever since the change of curriculum in 2000. Also, Students will explore the deepest aspects of what it means to be human. Asking questions such as: 'does God exist, and if so, what does God expect of us?' 'What can we know about the world we live in?'
Breakdown of the core Philosophy A-Level modules:
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Friday, 22 May 2009
Welford Park
24 comments:
Oh dear,these events are so hit and miss, it just depends who's there on the day.I've just been asked to do a fayre,the lady assures me the locals would love my stuff,but I havent decided yet.The lady who made comments about your lovely things was obviously just plain rude! All your stuff is gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Rachel x
Some people can just be so rude!!ReplyDelete
Hope you have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend
Victoria xx
What a rude person! Some people are just not able to appreciate all the work that goes into hand-made items.ReplyDelete
Hope other fairs are much more lucrative for you!
Margaret and Noreen
Dearest Lucy Bloom...well at least you had a beautiful spot for the fair...and you DID make a little profit. Your things are so cute...I can't believe they just passed them by. If I were there, I would surely buy something lovely from you. I still have your tiny little flowered heart on my fridge andd use the cute little clothes pins all the time.ReplyDelete
Won't you give your honey, Mr. Bloom, my regards and that I hope you both enjoy your break from REAL LIFE for awhile. We ALL need those kind of breaks..
love, bj
ohh gosh.. what a rude lady she is! can't keep her mouth shut! I wish I was there and visited your booth.. and came home with a big loot.. love your goodies a lot!ReplyDelete
have a good weekend!
Jealousy is a terrible thing, your stall looked brilliant and I guess she new that. Keep up the good workReplyDelete
love jules xx
Your stall looks gorgeous Lucy.. I would have been buying from you for sure!!Enjoy the break..Love Sue xReplyDelete
Oh Lucy, I know you are being very polite about it all but setting up and not selling much at all it the absolute pits and then to have a rude person ( who was probaly selling lots of her bought in ....) really makes you want to spit chips and have a good whine...I mean wine...I love your things and would have been first in line ( well I would have started the line). I do know exactly how you feel though and you are sooo much sweeter about it than I would/have been.ReplyDelete
Kiss Noises Linda
Horrible women. Well you do get them don't you Lucy.ReplyDelete
Never mind, your stall looked gorgeous as always.
I may see you at the fair, depends a lot on what is going on here!!!
Big hug to you.
How rude some people are!ReplyDelete
It's a shame you didn't sell more but it means you have lots to bring to the fair on Saturday!
Just to let you know that I have set up a new blog to replace my lost one at:
Hope to see you there soon!
Looking good Lucy! Have a lovely Bank Holiday. It'll be nice to catch up next weekend. Let's hope rude lady doesn't decide to come!ReplyDelete
Sue x
Hi what a gorgeous stall I would have been there ages taking it all in ...it looks stunning and hunReplyDelete
''She were'nt no lady!!''
First time visiting your blog but I'll be back to have a proper nose xx
Lucy you never have a gun when you need one do you!! You stall lokks fantastic and I hope you are totally cleaned at the 'do' next week. Where all your wares will be admired and appreciated.ReplyDelete
OOO! Your stall looks scrummy. I think the other stall holder was obviously jealous! There can be no other explanation.ReplyDelete
Have a lovely break with hubby.
love Fi x
Aren't people odd? I guess rude people, such as the woman you encountered, don't stop to considerReplyDelete
how they may affect the other person before they spout off what they think. They just have an urge to "share" their feelings, without a thought about yours.
I would have loved to have come across your stall Lucy. It would have been a lovely surprise and a feast for the eyes.
D. from Canada
Your stall looked brilliant.. so sorry the buyers weren't there.I rememeber doing a antiques fair at Newbury racecourse one time and only sold 1 book and that was to my mother!!....it is so disheartening....hope the 30th makes up for it..as for your rude 'person' she should remember to old adage..'if you can't say something nice say nothing!!'...ReplyDelete
Like all the previous comments I, too, think your stall looks amazing and I would be immediately drawn to it. Such a shame you didn't make enough money to justify the effort (and it is such lot of hard work). The other lady (and I use the term lightly) obviously wasn't brought up with the adage 'If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all'.ReplyDelete
Ruth x
Hi Lucy,ReplyDelete
I really do feel for you - I have been to events such as this in the past and it can be soul destroying. And to have rude comments to boot is just awful. (I stopped doing the Shepton Mallet Antiques fair, would you believe, because people didn't 'get' my look...thank goodness for all the kindred spirits who shop on-line! They make everything worthwhile.)
Well, you can just prove to rude-lady that people do love your stock, when you sell loads at the V&H on Saturday!
See you there!
Sorry to hear the fair wasn't so good, you just can't tell how things will go can you? Your stand looks absolutely beautiful, I would have been a captive audience for some time just drinking in all the loveliness! Have a good time this weekend, now I've found your blog I'll be back to see how it all went!ReplyDelete
Take care
Sarah x
Lucy, your space looks so attractive, and it was filled with lovely items. Too bad, it was a slow day.ReplyDelete
Bummer about the rude person. I don't know why people have to be like that.
Hello LucyReplyDelete
Gorgeous stall! I can't wait to see it tomorrow.
Isabelle x
- Anonymous30 May 2009 at 15:16
hiya, I have an award for you over on my blog!ReplyDelete
Hi, I am so pleased with all my lovely pretty things I brought from you today, your stall looked gorgeous!!!ReplyDelete
HAHA! Good for you for not buying! I once asked the price of some scrummy 50s pyrex on a stall and the silly woman said, "well they sell for quite a lot so I want £5 but I think they're horrid. I can't think why anyone would want them". How's that for an own goal!! HAHAHA! t.xReplyDelete


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Memorial day greetings!
Monday, May 28th, 2012 is Memorial Day. This day initially originated in an effort to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Now, Memorial Day honors all of the courageous Americans that have served - and are serving - their country, and those who have died in past wars. We want to take this opportunity to thank those who have served and protected the United States. We recognize their gallant efforts and appreciate their contribution to making our country what it is today.
If you ever have questions regarding what memorial day means and how it came to be a national holiday please see the Q&As here ~
Praying that all y'all have a meaningful memorial day!
7 replies
Hey James! Thanks a lot for the reminder. It is easy to forget what Memorial Day is all about with the all parades and the picnics. We our our armed forces so much. I hope you have are having a good weekend. Gary
My birthday was yesterday and usually close if not on part of memorial weekend. The conditions most people serve in is less than desirable
They do it for you and for me. My freedoms that are so many compared to other countries make my birthday pale in light of whats done. I must say thank you and God keep you!
Next Discussion: Happy Memorial Day! »


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A very quick card made for my mum to give to my cousin, she chose the image and papers and then left me to it lol. At least my cousin liked it lol.
Image: "cheers" A LA Mode by MFT
Paper: "blush" MME
Card: snippet draw
Dies: Blueprints 5, 6 and , sentiment strips and vertical stripes
Sentiment: "keep it simple - Happy Birthday" Papertrey Ink


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Muddy Water2009 Hare's Breath Pinot Noir
Waipara, New Zealand
Muddy Water is a small, organic estate in Waipara, a region on New Zealand's South
Island known for Riesling and Pinot Noir. It was started as a family-run operation but
was recently sold to neighboring vineyard Greystone Wines. Greystone plans to continue
Muddy Water's tradition as an environmentally friendly, boutique winery, including
upholding the winery's commitment to the Greening Waipara initiative to enhance the
region's biodiversity. Hare's Breath is Muddy Water's single vineyard Pinot Noir. It
offers ripe cherry, stewed plums and violets on the nose. On the palate, its fruit flavors
lean toward cherry pie and black plums. Near the back of the palate, interesting anise
and baking spice notes add complexity. Its tannins are surprisingly substantial but should
smooth out with a bit of age. Reasonably big bodied for a Pinot Noir, it would work well
with roasted game birds like pheasant or squab. This distinctly New World wine would
also be a match for hearty sea bass with a mushroom sauce. Or serve it at the end of a
meal with hard, well-aged cheeses.
Rating: 13.5/20
Price: $32
Other Pinot Noirs we have tasted
Check out our New Zealand Travel Guide
For more information, visit www.muddywater.co.nz
See also:
Muddy Water 2009 Pinot Noir
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text:
International Journal of Zoology
Volume 2012, Article ID 149026, 9 pages
Identifying Large- and Small-Scale Habitat Characteristics of Monarch Butterfly Migratory Roost Sites with Citizen Science Observations
1Odum School of Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
2D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
3Journey North, 1321 Bragg Hill Road, Norwich, VT 05055, USA
Received 29 January 2012; Revised 15 March 2012; Accepted 20 March 2012
Academic Editor: Anne Goodenough
Copyright © 2012 Andrew K. Davis et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in eastern North America must make frequent stops to rest and refuel during their annual migration. During these stopovers, monarchs form communal roosts, which are often observed by laypersons. Journey North is a citizen science program that compiles roost observations, and we examined these data in an attempt to identify habitat characteristics of roosts. From each observation we extracted information on the type of vegetation used, and we used GIS and a national landcover data set to determine land cover characteristics within a 10 km radius of the roost. Ninety-seven percent of roosts were reported on trees; most were in pines and conifers, maples, oaks, pecans and willows. Conifers and maples were used most often in northern flyway regions, while pecans and oaks were more-frequently used in southern regions. No one landcover type was directly associated with roost sites, although there was more open water near roost sites than around random sites. Roosts in southern Texas were associated primarily with grasslands, but this was not the case elsewhere. Considering the large variety of tree types used and the diversity of landcover types around roost sites, monarchs appear highly-adaptable in terms of roost site selection.


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text: Professor Peter W Daniels PhD School of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesEmeritus Professor of Geography Contact details Fax0121 414 email@example.com AddressSchool of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK Professor Daniels is an economic geographer with an international reputation for research, initially on the development and location of office activities in cities, and later on the rise of the service economy and its impact on cities and regions, as well as its role in globalization and the internationalization of service firms. He is a member of the Services and Enterprise Research Unit. Qualifications BSc (University of London) PhD (University of London) Biography Peter Daniels was born in Llanelli, Wales. He was educated at Llanelli Boys Grammar Technical School and University College London. He is Emeritus Professor of Geography, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences; he was previously Deputy Dean, Science (2000-2002); Deputy Dean (2002-2005), Dean of Physical Science and Engineering (2005-2008), and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Staffing) (2008-2011). Following a period at the University of Liverpool (1970-88), he was Professor of Geography and Head of Department, University of Portsmouth (1988-92), and Head of School of Geography, University of Birmingham (1993-98). He is a past-President of the European Research Network of Services and Space (RESER), was Human Geography Assessor for the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Programme (1992-1998), a member of the RAE Geography Panel (1992), and Honorary Secretary of the Institute of British Geographers (1991-1994). He was American Council of Learned Societies Fellow at the University of Washington, Seattle (1980) and has held other visiting positions at the University of California Los Angeles (1982), University of New South Wales (Australian Studies Centre Research Fellow) (1984), Macquarie University (1993), Monash University (1998), and Bocconi University, Milan (2000). In 2009 he was awarded the RESER Medal in recognition of 'lifetime achievement and contribution to the field of economic geography of services'. Postgraduate supervision Professor Daniels currently supervises one postgraduate student working on "Graduate students and the competitiveness of business and professional services in the West Midlands Region". Potential students can contact Professor Daniels directly for details of available postgraduate research opportunities. Research Stand-alone projects Producer Services and Urban Development in China Contribution to a four-year (2011-2015) EU-China Collaborative Project (URBACHINA) exploring aspects of sustainable urbanization in China up to 2050, including a study of the impact of a shift to producer services on the economy of cities. The sub-project will examine the distribution, and likely future growth trajectories, of intermediate (or producer) services in all cities with more than 1 million inhabitants. Secondary data on employment (and establishments) will be used to model the comparative shares of producer services in cities in relation to population, measures of manufacturing structure, location, inward investment by sector, size of the public sector, and governance status. Four cities (Shanghai, Huangshan, Chongqing, Kunming) will be the focus for more detailed analyses of: 1) the spatial distribution and functional characteristics of producer services in each city, 2) the production of producer services by firm size and type (including production within manufacturing enterprises), 3) the consumption of city-based producer services, including profiles of clients (sector, firm size, location, type of expertise used etc.), and 4) the negative positive and negative influences (city governance, zoning controls, economic development policies, skills and training environment, fiscal policies, quality of life measures etc.) on the performance of producer services. The findings will be benchmarked against evidence from cities of similar size in the EU along with a consideration of the functional, economic, social and local governance policies that will enhance the performance of producer services and deepen their integration into urbanization and city development in China. Role of the Services Sector in Urban and Regional Economic Restructuring in China The accession of China to the WTO in 2001 has consolidated recognition by national policy makers that services haves a key part to play in the transition from a centrally-planned to a market economy. A rapidly changing domestic market, industrial restructuring, and greater integration with international markets are just some of the drivers of demand for services. This research focuses on advanced (producer) services as sources of the knowledge and expertise that will support industry sectors across the Chinese economy, enhancing their comparative and competitive advantages, as well being an integral part of strategic planning for metropolitan and regional economic development. The initial stages of this research have been undertaken in collaboration with Dr Ying Qui (Hofstra University, New York). The research is ongoing. Producer Services and Economic Development in the Asia-Pacific A network of researchers based in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, the US, Japan and the UK is continuing collaboration that started in 1997. Some of the research by members of the network is reported in Daniels et al (2005). A further publication (Daniels et al, 2011) that examines the relationship between the new cultural economy and the form and structure of cities in the Asia-Pacific is in press. Second City and Regional Economy Research: An ongoing, long term research programme involving staff and research students sponsored by local agencies and the research councils, including the following: Evaluation of the Impact of Specialist Business and Professional Services on Regional Economic Development (with J R Bryson) A cross-sectional analysis of the business and professional services cluster in Birmingham and the West Midlands has highlighted a requirement to regularly monitor and evaluate its contribution to employment change, knowledge exchange and engagement with markets within the UK and overseas. The Skills Needs of Business and Professional Services in the West Midlands: A Sub-Regional and Sub-Sectoral Analysis (with J R Bryson) This research was initially co-financed by the European Social Fund and commissioned and managed by the Learning and Skills Council (Birmingham and Solihull). The research, completed in 2006, focused on BPS firms located within Objective 2 areas within the West Midlands region. An earlier study of professional services in the region highlighted demand-led labour force issues as one of the key concerns amongst employers; shortages of skilled staff, shortages of graduate recruits, high cost of staff, and poor educational attainment and qualifications were especially significant. The findings will facilitate the development and implementation of skills-based policies. Other activities Professor Daniels is currently a member of the Board of Directors, The Merlin Venture Ltd, Castle Vale, Birmingham (A not-for-profit social enterprise). Publications Daniels, P. W. (2013) Reconfiguring the global service economy? The case of the BRICs, in Cuadrado-Roura, J. R. (ed.) Service Industries and Regions. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 135-155. DOI10.1007/978-3-642-35801-2 Gipouloux, F., Du, D., NI, P., Daniels, P. W., LI, S., Huang L., Goulard, S., AI, C. (eds.) (2013) Institutional Foundations and Policies for Urbanisation. UrbaChina Project Report no. D2.1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Huadong Shifan Daxue (East China Normal University)( HUADA), Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Finance and Trade Economics, Beijing (CASS), University of Birmingham/Services and Enterprises Research Unit (SERU), Development Research Centre of the State Council of China (DRC). Paris: CNRS. Daniels, P. W. (2013) Geography of services industries, Oxford Bibliographies in Geography. Warf, B (Editor-in-Chief), New York: Oxford University Press, http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/obo/page/geography#3, (in press, Autumn). Bryson, J R and Daniels, P W (2013) The Handbook of Service Business: Management, Marketing, Innovation and Internationalization. Cheltenham: Elgar (in progress). Daniels, P. W., Bradshaw, M. J., Shaw, D. J. B., and Sidaway, J. D. (2012) (eds.) An Introduction to Human Geography. Harlow: Pearson, 4th Edition. Daniels, P. W. (2012) Changing landscapes of services and restructuring in Asian cities, inDaniels, P. W., Ho, K. C. and Hutton, T. A. (eds.) (2012) New Economic Spaces in Asian Cities: From Industrial Restructuring to the Cultural Turn. London: Routledge, 17-30. ISBN-10:0-415-56773-4. Daniels, P. W., Ho, K. C. and Hutton, T. A. (2012) Contextualising the transition from industrial restructuring to the cultural turn in Asian cities, ibid, 1-15. Daniels, P. W. (2012) The transition to producer services in China: opportunities and obstacles, in Yeh, A. G. O. and Yang, F. (eds) Producer Services in China: Economic and Urban Development. London: Routledge, 29-51. ISBN: 978-0-415-51677-8. Daniels, P. W. (2012) Service industries at a crossroads: some fragile assumptions and future challenges, The Service Industries Journal, 32(3-4), 619-639. DOI: 10.1080/02642069.2011.596536 Daniels, P W, Ho, K C and Hutton, T A (eds.) (2012) New Economic Spaces in Asian Cities: From Industrial Restructuring to the Cultural Turn. London: Routledge (in press). Daniels, P W (2012) Service industries at a crossroads: some fragile assumptions and future challenges, The Service Industries Journal, 32(3-4), 619-639. Daniels, P W (2011) Sustaining the creative city: The role of business and professional services, in Girard, F, Baycan, T and Nijkamp, P (eds.) Sustainable Cities and Creativity: Promoting Creative Urban Initiatives, Aldershot: Ashgate, 145-162. Daniels, P W (2011) The global economic crisis: opportunities for major cities in East and Southeast Asia? In Gipouloux, F (ed.) Gateways to Globalization: International Trading and Finance Centres in East Asia. Cheltenham: Elgar, 159-176. Daniels, P W, Rubalcaba, L, Stare, M and Bryson, J R (2011) How many Europes? Varieties of transformation of the European services landscape, Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, 10(2), 146-61. Bryson, J R and Daniels, P W (2010) Service worlds: The 'services duality' and the rise of the 'manuservice' economy, in Spohrer, J, Maglio, P and Kieliszewski, C (eds.) The Handbook of Services Science, New York: Springer, 79-106. Daniels, P W (2009) Service innovation in a globalized economy, in Gallouj, F (ed.) Handbook of Services Innovation. Cheltenham: Elgar, 452-469. Bryson, J R, Taylor, M and Daniels, P W (2008) Commercializing 'creative' expertise: business and professional services and regional economic development in the West Midlands, UK, Politics and Policy, 36(2), 306-328 Bryson, J R and Daniels, P W (2008) Skills, Expertise and Innovation in the Developing Knowledge Economy: the case of business and professional services, International Journal of Services Technology and Management (Special Issue on 'Innovation in Services'), 9(3/4), 234-248 Bryson, J R and Daniels, P W (2007) Business and professional services in the Birmingham city-region: shifting the horizon beyond global cities, in L Rubalcaba, H Kox (eds.) Business Services in European Economic Growth. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 251-262. Bryson, J R and Daniels, P W (eds.) (2007) The Handbook of Service Industries. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. Daniels, P W and Harrington, J W (eds.) (2007) Services and Economic Development in the Asia-Pacific. Aldershot: Ashgate. Daniels, P W, Leyshon, A, Bradshaw, M J and Beaverstock, J V (eds.) (2006) Geographies of the New Economy: Critical Reflections. London: Routledge. Harrington, J W and Daniels, P W (eds.) (2006) Knowledge-Based Services, Internationalisation and Regional Development. Aldershot: Ashgate. Daniels, P W (2006) On services and economic geography, in H Lawton-Smith and S Bagchi-Sen (eds.) Economic Geography: Past, Present and Future. New York: Routledge, 112-124. Daniels, P W, Ho, K C and Hutton, T A (eds.) (2005) Services Industries and Asia-Pacific Cities: New Development Trajectories. London: Routledge Daniels, P W and Bryson, J R (2005) Sustaining business and professional services in a second city region: the case of Birmingham, UK, The Service Industries Journal (Special Issue on Services and Regions), 25(4), 505-524. Bryson, J R, Daniels, P W and Warf B (2004) Service Worlds: People, Organisations, Technologies. London: Routledge. Daniels, P W (2004) Reflection on the 'old' economy, 'new' economy, and services, Growth and Change, 35(2), 115-137. Daniels, P W (2004) Urban challenges: the formal and informal economies in mega-cities, Cities, 21(6), 501-511. Daniels, P W (2002) EU services trade, with particular reference to business and professional services, in Cuadrado;Roura, J R, Rubalcaba-Bermejo, L, and Bryson, J R (eds) Trading Services in the Global Economy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 111-133. Daniels, P W and Bryson, J R (2002) Manufacturing services or servicing manufacturing?: new forms of production in advanced capitalist economies, Urban Studies, 39, 977-991. Daniels, P W (2001) Globalisation, producer services and the city: is Asia a special case? in Stern, R M (ed) Services in the International Economy. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 213-230. O'Connor, K and Daniels, P W (2001) The geography of international trade in services: Australia and the APEC region, Environment and Planning A, 33, 281-296.


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WASHINGTON (AP)- The government says 170 people now have been sickened in the meningitis outbreak linked to tainted steroid shots, and 14 of them have died.
Idaho becomes the 11th state to report at least one illness. The others are Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the count Thursday, showing 33 more cases and two additional deaths reported to the agency in the past day. The outbreak of rare fungal meningitis has been linked to steroid shots for back pain. A specialty pharmacy in Massachusetts has recalled the steroid that was sent to clinics in 23 states, as well as everything else it makes.
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Redmond wins 2013 Miniteams!
I'll try to make the blog post interesting and fun to read for the readers! I will give short descriptions of my games, since all of my games from the tournament will be in another post.
The 2013 WA Miniteams tournament, which was on 11/16/2013, was where teams of 3 people from the same high/middle school compete against other teams. Redmond High School has not yet competed in a chess team event, so I thought it was interesting to try it out. My brother Samuel He and I got our friend Tejas "Teho" to join our team. Teho hasn't played chess in a few years, but we taught him some quick traps to use in the tournament (Sadly, he didn't have the chance to use them) Our team average was around 1850, which was one of the highest rated teams, so we had plans on winning the tournament. I played on board 1 (the hard games), Samuel played on board 2, and Tejas played board 3.
My brother and I arrived at the tournament pretty early and we checked in. When check-in was supposed to end, Tejas has not arrived yet! Samuel and I were pretty worried that he wouldn't make it, and our team would have one less player. Luckily, he showed up just in time! Round 1 started at around 10:30, and our team was paired against a team with an average rating of 1300. My opponent on board 1 was rated 1300. I decided to play more aggressively (why not?) in this game, so I pushed my center pawns up, and eventually gave up two pawns for a big attack. The ending was a rook sacrifice for checkmate! In Samuel's game against an 1100 rated player, he played my recommendation of 2. d6 against the c3 sicilian, but he was confused and misplayed the opening, allowing a queen trade early in the game. After a surprisingly long game, Samuel finally won on time. In Teho's game against an unrated player, the position was pretty even most of the game, but in the middlegame, Teho won 2 pawns. Suddenly, his opponent blundered his queen, but Teho played too fast ended up blundering his own queen! The next thing that happened was too lucky. His opponent must've been to excited and he blundered his queen AGAIN! This time, Teho took the queen, and eventually checkmated. 3-0 in round 1. Whew!
Round 2 was against a strong team with an average rating of around 1500 I was paired against a 1760 on board 1. He started with 1. Nf3 followed by b3, Bb2, and e3. I was very surprised and had no idea what to play against this opening since I play the exact opening as white‼ I got out of the opening with an equal position, but I eventually trapped his knight and soon he resigned. Samuel's game ended quickly from a fast kingside attack. Teho played a 1000 rated high-schooler (who was very underrated). After being worse for most of the game, Teho blundered and got his king and rook forked. Teho played on until checkmate, and his opponent didn't make any mistakes at all. We had 5 points out of 6, which was still near the top.
Lunchtime was next. We were all pretty hungry from all that chess, so we ordered some pizzas to eat. Teho ordered "cheese-lovers" pizza, which we all expected to have just a bit more cheese and less other stuff. Strangely, there was like five layers of messy white cheese stacked on the pizza, which pretty much made in inedible! Teho ended up throwing it all away. Lesson learned: Never order extra-cheese pizza!
In round 3, we were paired against a stronger team. I had to play Masayuki Nagase (~1900) on board 1. I have played Masayuki at least 10 times OTB, and I usually have good results against him. I got an advantage out of the opening, and I found some nice moves to win a pawn and have the bishop pair. After simplifying the position, I found I was clearly up a pawn and have the advantage of two bishops vs bishop + knight. Then, Masayuki played a tricky move, which forced me to trade my bishop for his knights, resulting in an opposite colored bishop endgame. Being up a pawn didn't help, so I had to accept his draw. My team did better though. Samuel played 1. d6 and his opponent pushed too many pawns on the kingside, weakening his king. Samuel eventually opened up the center, and found some tactics to win the game. Teho played a very strong game in round 3! He forced his opponent to give up a piece, and he easily simplified the position, making no big mistakes. Our team had 7.5 points out of 9 at this point, which we considered good.
Round 4 was the strongest team we played. On board 1, I was playing ToTo Nagase, Masayuki's brother, who is also around 1900 rating. He played the exact same opening against my English, and I also got an opening advantage. I soon saw a tricky move, which won a pawn. Then, I got a passed pawn on the queenside, which was very important as I continued to push it all the way up, and eventually ToTo resigned. In Samuel's game on board 2, he was clearly not in a good position in the middlegame. In some time trouble, Samuel's opponent messed up and fell for Samuel's traptics (ha). Teho had a very bad game, and blundered a piece on move 10. He didn't recover and slowly lost piece after piece! We now had 9.5 out of 12. The leading team had 10.5, and we were tied with a few other teams, so we knew our last round game needed to be wins for us.
In round 5, our team played another team with 9.5 points. I played my friend Noah Yeo on board 1 as black. He is usually a pretty strong player and very hard to beat. Instead of my usual b6 sicilian, I played the Kan, and got a favorable position for black. White played passively, and I got the bishop pair in an open position. Noah did some minor blunders and I soon got a winning position. Samuel's game was interesting. He played the Closed Sicilian and got his usual attack on the kingside. After some mistakes in time trouble, Samuel's opponent resigned. We were all carefully watching the top team's games, hoping we could tie for first. Now, for my favorite part of the entire tournament, Teho's game! The quality of Teho's game was poor, but the ending was just miraculous! He was clearly outplayed throughout the whole game. In the endgame, Teho had 1 pawn against his opponent's 4 pawns. Samuel and I calculated that his opponent's pawn will promote first, and Teho could resign. Luckily, Teho never resigned, and he played on. His opponent brought his king back to fully stop the pawn to be safe. Suddenly, his opponent made a weird blunder, which allowed Teho's a-pawn to promote! Very lucky game!
I will post my games tomorrow in a new blog post. Good night, thanks for reading!


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Agfa Graphics with focus on sustainability, productivity and mobile publishing at World Publishing Expo 2014 in Amsterdam
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Press release from the issuing company
"Newspapers are continuously seeking new ways of improving efficiency in their print production while meeting a variety of future digital challenges. Agfa Graphics caters to all their needs", said Stefaan Vanhooren, President, Agfa Graphics. "More than half of the world's newspapers printed every day are produced with total solutions developed by Agfa Graphics, be it printing plates, imaging equipment or prepress workflows, mobile publishing and cloud software. At the World Publishing Expo 2014 we will once again highlight our dedication to newspaper print and mobile publishing and present the latest innovations in this field."
Complementing Arkitex Production is the Arkitex Enhance range of advanced add-on products. These include a.o. Intellitune for multi-channel newspaper image processing,OptiInk for maximum ink saving, and Analyst to capture, analyze and optimize daily production…
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About Us
Welcome to Prestige Property Management (PPM), an independent agency providing property management services to landlords. At Prestige Property Management we stand by our name and we deliver. We take enormous pride and care in knowing our clients entrust us with their investment properties and that they receive a Prestigious service. Being a Christchurch (and surrounds) based property management company specialising in residential rental/investment properties, unlike many real estate agencies who consider property management an adjunct to sales, we specialise in property management only. This is our focus. We measure the success of our Property Management services by the satisfaction of our clients, the revenue we generate for them, property upkeep and the high calibre of tenants we attract.
Owned and run by Danielle Whitham and Pip Bradford, exceeding our clients property management expectations is our real passion. We are small and flexible, always putting our customers first. We focus on what we do best and work for a limited number of clients at any time. Our portfolio of managed properties are spread throughout Christchurch and surrounds from Burnham to Lyttelton to Pegasus and Rangiora and everywhere in between. Having both worked for larger Property Management companies in Christchurch and now Managing Directors at Prestige PM you can be confident you are in safe hands with their combined knowledge and experience.
The majority of our properties under management are unfurnished, long term (six months plus) rentals as well as some fully furnished and partly furnished homes. We appreciate that putting your investment property in the hands of a property manager is a big decision. You want to be confident in your property manager's abilities and be confident that your investment is being well taken care of from selecting the right tenants to managing maintenance work and collecting rent . We also believe our job is much more than this and to be a valuable part of your investment property team we offer advice on adding value to your property.
What makes Prestige Property Management different and gives it the competitive edge is the attention to detail and personal service to their clients. Both Danielle and Pip are joint owners of the business, so the buck stops with them. They also maintain a policy to have a certain number of managed properties as to not to compromise quality of service to each individual owner and provides more time to build relationships and maintain a prestigious service. Word of mouth due to unequalled property management excellent has played the leading role in our companies success to date.
Meet the Team
Danielle Whitham
Director of Prestige Property Management
Danielle loves the variety her role brings and attributes her successes to a passion for the industry; integrity; taking the time to listen and understand each property owners investment goals, saying she will do what she's said she will and treating people with respect and professionalism. Danielles straightshooter approach and hard working attitude, teamed with a drive to provide her clients a personal, first class service.
Her passion for the property industry started when she purchased her first property at the age of 22, once completing University. This sparked her love of the industry and commitment ever since. Holding a bachelor's degree from the University of Canterbury in Forestry Science reflects her love of the outdoors. Continuing on to compete a Diploma in Business and Sustainably at Lincoln University and working in Christchurch as an Environmental Scientist before following her real passion into property. Firstly working as a Real Estate Salesperson giving her a well-rounded knowledge of this side of the industry before moving away from sales into the role as New Business Development Manager and Property Manager for a Christchurch Property Management company. Getting a real buzz with referrals from satisfied clients and the passion for servicing the industry to a high standard followed the natural step to start her own residential property management business - Prestige Property Management Limited.
When Danielle's not working, she loves to spend time with her friends trying the new restaurants and cafes emerging in Christchurch with the rebuild, enjoying the outdoors and walking her pet dogs or relaxing with a good movie and glass of red!
Pip Bradford
Director of Prestige Property Management
Every client is different and owns a rental property for different reasons – good communication and systems are the key to Pip's success as well as excellent client relationships with landlords and tenants alike. Pip's knowledge of the Christchurch rental market and attention to detail in all aspects, ensure that no stone is left unturned when dealing with your tenants and property as a whole.
Pip is well versed in not only the A-Z of property management but also the accounts system in place to ensure all runs smoothly and no question will ever be left unanswered. Pip has lived in Christchurch her whole life and began her career in working in reception and administration for a property management company. Moving her way up the company to gain knowledge in the accountancy systems and then into a position as Property Manager. This gives Pip a well rounded understanding of all facets when dealing with clients at PPM. Debt recovery is one of Pip's specialties and she has been described as a "pitbull" in taking on previous tenant debt for hard done by private landlords to ensure that they are successful in receiving back all the money owed. This is done through 'outside the box' thinking and a vast knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 and District Court systems.
As an owner of the business Pip has taken a hands on approach to oversee and provide a stand out duty of care. Pip attributes her success to a 'never give up' attitude and a love for the work itself. Having worked for a larger company and wanting to offer far beyond just run-of-the-mill service is one of the reasons Prestige Property Management was formed.


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andi's invites is a custom wedding stationery studio specializing in chic and modern designs that
you will cherish for life
lover of espresso, books, and of course - wedding invitations.
I'm Andrea (or you can call me Andi) and I absolutely love what I do. I work with brides all over the world to continue the tradition of creating beautiful wedding stationery.
Here, you'll work with a someone who knows what they're doing—I've never been a bride before but I can't even imagine the stress of planning an entire wedding. Invitations are probably the last thing on your mind. You're stressed enough as a bride so my job is to make the invitation process a fun and easy one.
I offer everything from customizable invitation templates to from-scratch designs. No matter what you're looking for, I can help you out.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your stationery search, I'd love to sit down with you and talk it out. I'm not here to sell you anything; I'm here to design the wedding invitation suite of your dreams all while fitting your budget.
andi's invites is so excited to capture your love story through heartfelt,
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take a peek at the beautiful invitation suites we blogged about


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Seattle Parks and Recreation Christopher Williams, Interim Superintendent
Photo Credit
Photo Credit: TIA International Photography
1 results for "Colman Playground"
Refine Search Results by FeatureFilter results by up to 3 features The refined results will contain at least 1 of the selected features.
Colman Playground
Baseball/Softball Fields Basketball Courts Restrooms Play Area Art in the Park Soccer Fields
Address: 1740 23rd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144
The old Colman School provides a backdrop to the carefully maintained Colman Playfield. The Children's PlayGarden is under construction south of the [...]View Park


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Pleasanton police have arrested the second of four suspects believed to have use a sawed-off shotgun to rob packages from a FedEx driver at Hacienda Business Park this week.
Jason Niusulu, 23, of Hayward was arrested at about 10:07 Wednesday night.
Niusulu, like the man arrested earlier, worked on the loading belt at FedEx in San Leandro and police say he and 20-year-old Dominique Hamilton, arrested earlier, were friends.
On Thursday, detectives from Pleasanton and San Leandro arrested Hamilton as he arrived for work at 5:50 p.m. A police report said Hamilton, also known as Dominique Fennoy, was in the same car used in the holdup, a gold Buick sedan, and that a sawed-off shotgun matching the one used in the crime was in the car.
Hamilton's job at FedEx includes loading trucks for Pleasanton deliveries. He'd been a FedEx employee for about 18 months. Hamilton was arraigned Friday morning on charges of armed robbery and possession of an illegally modified shotgun, according to a police report.
The report said police are working with FedEx investigators and are following leads to track the remaining suspects.
FedEx driver Francisco Matute, 32, of San Rafael was making a delivery at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday morning at a business in the 4300 block of Hacienda Drive when he was confronted by four men wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts, according to Pleasanton police.
The initial report said one of the suspects brandished a shotgun and ordered Matute to open the door to the cargo area of the his truck. The suspects took multiple boxes from the truck and fled the scene in a gold Buick sedan.
The loss included several computers, police said.
Matute was unable to provide much of a description of the suspects but said he was certain they were black because the skin around their eyes was exposed, according to reports. He was not injured during the robbery.