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My wife Rebecca and I have a 2001 Odyssey Millennium 21-foot pontoon with a 90hp Johnson outboard and we live in Cape Coral, Fla., home of hot sun and hurricanes.
In September 2006, we bought a used pontoon from a gentleman in Kentucky. It wasn't long after we brought it home that the seats started to split, mold started to grow on the carpet, and our pride and joy started looking shabby.
Last fall we decided it was time to dive into a restoration project. After reading a lot of information online and researching many other products, we decided on a product called Durabak to restore our floor. We no longer wanted the hassle of wet carpet, mold, and the constant worries of spills. (We have a 6-year-old daughter; can you say red Kool-Aid?)
We ordered our new seats from Pontoonstuff.com, bought a new livewell, and bought a few other odds and ends to restore our toon besides the Durabak product. It was then time to go to work and with the help from my good friend Ray Crowl, we dove in head first. September and October proved to be challenging months to restore a pontoon, outside, with many tropical storms, and really hot and humid weather between storms. But with the help of a 20- by 30-foot tarp, we kept pushing on.
We stripped the toon of all furniture except the helm, because it didn't have any carpet underneath. We finally removed everything down to the wood floor and decided to rent a floor sander to give it a good go over. The floor was solid, but had a small oil stain, plus we also wanted a nice surface to start with. Besides, the old carpet glue wasn't coming off without a fight.
After the floor was stripped to a smooth surface we prepped the floor with Xylene and started with the first coat of Durabak. We soon discovered that pouring half the gallon in the paint tray was a bad idea, as the Durabak product would turn thick very quickly. I really had my doubts after the first coat was done as I had a difficult time getting the product evenly applied.
I waited two days to apply the second coat and that time it went on much easier. This time around I only put small amounts in the tray and stirred the Durabak product each time I put more in the tray.
The second coat looked much better with only a couple spots needing a third coat for added texture and coverage. I was a little disappointed that some of the seams of the floor showed through and a couple screw heads did not hold onto the coating. But the coverage area was just as the product label stated as we had just enough, two cans, for our 21- by 8-foot 'toon.
With the bad weather, our son's wedding, and a full-time job (had to pay for the restore somehow), it took us a few weeks to put the toon back together. Like a champ, the Durabak finish took the beating of the sliding tools, the new seats scraping during the install and empty drink bottles rolling across the floor. Takes a lickin' and keeps on.wait, that's a different product. Anyway, we finally got Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Overall, the floor turned out even better than I had expected. The textured surface is not slippery at all. It is a little warm to the bare feet, but not hot; then again, even ice cubes in Florida are warm to the touch in the sun. Cleaning the floor is easy as well, just a garden hose and a brush to remove those stubborn fish guts. With the exception of sea grass, most everything rinses right off.
It has been about five months since we applied Durabak to our pontoon and the floor looks as good as the day it was applied. No mold, no oil stains, and most importantly, no more wet and moldy carpet!
I would recommend this product to other pontoon owners and if I ever restore another toon it will be with Durabak.
Spill Proof. One of the reasons Tim Linville was interested in the Durabak product was to prevent mold and mildew from forming on the floor of his boat. The other reason was his 6-year-old daughter Ciara who has been known to spill a little Kool-Aid on occasion.
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Are PC shipments up or down? That depends on whether your definition of "personal computer" includes tablets.
Worldwide PC shipments are either up or down, depending on how you define the term "personal computer."
If you're the sort of person who's inclined to see the glass as half-empty, you may find recent reports from research firms International Data Corporation (IDC) and Gartner to your taste. They paint a bleak picture of the PC industry, a vision reinforced by Dell's decision to go private.
IDC in January said that worldwide PC shipments reached only 89.8 million units in the fourth quarter of 2012, down 6.4% from the same quarter in 2011. As if to underscore the dismal state of PC sales, the firm noted that the 6.4% figure was worse than the predicted 4.4% decline and that the launch of Windows 8 failed to buoy dwindling interest in PCs.
Gartner's numbers were no sunnier. It reported worldwide PC shipments of 90.3 million units for Q4 2012. Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner, noted in a statement that tablets have changed the device landscape by becoming, for many, an alternative to a PC rather than a complementary device.

subset: commoncrawl


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The End of Harry Potter, Served on a Slate
Jun 14, 2007
Will the final chapter in the Harry Potter saga end in the same mysterious manner as the hit cable tv show, The Sopranos? Online magazine "Slate" takes a humorous turn at fan fiction of sorts, as they present their ending to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, complete with our hero Harry (just like Tony in the Sopranos) sitting at the local friendly diner aka The Three Broomsticks awaiting his fate as the door opens…. Enjoy!
Thanks to all who emailed!


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What happens when a Vietnamese American political rookie goes up against the realities of Southern racial politics and ultra-partisan struggles in Washington, DC?
A fascinating portrait of an idealistic novice navigating the high stakes world of partisan politics, MR. CAO GOES TO WASHINGTON follows the unexpected journey of Representative Joseph Cao, a Vietnamese American Republican who scored a surprise victory when he was elected to Louisiana's mostly African American Second Congressional District, which had elected Democrats for more than a century. The first Vietnamese American ever
elected to the U.S. Congress and the only non-white House Republican of the 111th Congress, Cao quickly made headlines as the only Republican to vote for President Obama's Affordable Health Care Act. But will two years in Washington allow Cao to keep his integrity and idealism intact?
Winner of the Full Frame Film Festival Inspiration Award, MR. CAO GOES TO WASHINGTON, directed by S. Leo Chiang, premieres on Thursday, January 3, 2013 from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings).
"Mr. Cao explores partisanship and race, two issues which have been important - and divisive - this election season," says Chiang. "The film examines those two themes through the eyes of an idealist centrist who happens to be an Asian American Republican who tried to survive in the ultra-partisan climate that exists in the country today."
A pro-life Catholic, former seminarian and lawyer from the Versailles neighborhood of New Orleans, Anh "Joseph" Cao decided to join the public sector to fight for the greater good of his city and country. Elected in an upset in 2008 when his opponent was rocked by scandal, Cao enters the political arena with a disarming combination of earnest naiveté, integrity, and passion. While on the House floor, he speaks frequently about overcoming partisan and racial differences. He soon becomes known as the most liberal Republican in the House, infuriating his fellow Republicans by befriending President Obama and supporting health care reform, all the while insisting that his votes are based solely on personal principle and the needs of his district. Later, he reverses his position and alienates the President by voting with the Republicans against the health care bill, citing inadequate language to prevent funding for abortion. When Cao campaigns for re-election in 2010, he gets an eye-opening lesson in partisan politics and learns the hard way about the temporal nature of political friendships and the power of long-standing political alliances and traditions.


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Mark Webber takes pole position at Abu Dhabi GP
- Article by: JEROME PUGMIRE
- Associated Press
- November 2, 2013 - 3:25 PM
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Mark Webber managed to outshine his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel, beating the four-time world champion's time right at the end of qualifying to take pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday.
The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettel's run of six straight race wins on Sunday.
Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career.
"Good day," Webber said, who clocked 1 minute, 39.957 seconds. Vettel timed 1:40.075.
"It was a good lap on a track that, in the past, hasn't been super invigorating for me in terms of layout but we certainly enjoyed qualifying today. I knew I had to work on certain sections of the track which Sebastian had already been doing a good job there, so I needed to match him and keep the areas where I was still doing well."
Vettel, who already has his fourth straight F1 title, took pole in four of the past five races.
"I did what I could today but it wasn't enough. That's why I apologized to the team. I messed up a bit on turn 1, it's a tricky corner," Vettel said. "I think it's a great result for the team, first of all."
Mercedes starts on the second row, with Nico Rosberg ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who spun his car in the closing seconds.
"Nico and Lewis looked very strong, especially in Q2," Vettel said. "We found some extra speed in Q3, so congratulations to Mark. He deserved to be on pole, no mistakes."
It proved a disappointing afternoon for Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, who failed to make Q3 for the first time this season and starts from 11th on the grid.
Mercedes is battling with Ferrari for second place in the constructors' championship behind Red Bull, which has already won the title.
Mercedes leads Ferrari by 313-309, with Lotus back in fourth with 285.
"Third place, best of the rest, which is our target for this weekend," Rosberg said. "The constructors' is what counts for us. So that's a very good result for us."
But Mercedes will have to assess what happened to Hamilton's car.
"Something gave way on the right-hand side," Hamilton said. "I was going through the chicane and it snapped out. I tried to pull away and it wouldn't move."
Hamilton has won one race this season — clinching victory at the Hungarian GP from pole position in July — but has not managed a podium finish in his past five outings.
"This is a very difficult circuit to overtake on so being at the front means everything," Hamilton said. "Hopefully we can get a good start and maybe still challenge for podium positions."
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen qualified in fifth spot but was demoted to the back of the grid after his car failed a post-qualifying floor deflection test.
Lotus successfully argued that floor damage caused by track kerbing led to a similar failure by Lotus driver Romain Grosjean at the Hungarian GP, but this time their explanation was not accepted.
Raikkonen's exclusion elevates Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg to fifth place and moves Ferrari's Felipe Massa up to seventh and teammate Alonso back into the top 10.
It has been a frustrating weekend for 2007 champion Raikkonen, who on Friday made a rare public outburst over unpaid wages and threatened not to race in the final two races of the season.
Meanwhile, Alonso's qualifying form has been so bad that he has not even made the second row since qualifying third for the Bahrain GP in April. Massa, meanwhile, has made the top three only once, qualifying in second spot for the Malaysian GP a month earlier.
Because qualifying and the race itself are held at twilight, when the track is considerably cooler at sunset, only a limited amount of useful data could be gained from early afternoon practice runs, when the daily temperature peaked.
But Ferrari continued to struggle on the twisty circuit, just as it did on Friday, with Fernando Alonso down in 11th and Felipe Massa placing 14th in the final practice run.
The design of the track, with its long, sharp turns and hairpin bends, exposes the lack of traction on the Ferraris, an ongoing problem this season and last. Neither Ferrari driver finished higher than eighth over the three practice runs.
© 2018 Star Tribune


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We love working with local businesses! Here's a look at our Made In America wood wine racks in Nic L Inn Wine Cellar in Poughkeepsie. Our mahogany single tier wall merchandiser was stained black to match the industrial style look that the restaurant was going for.
The rack was then inset into the wall itself. We used our Elemental LED lighting kits to then make the rack and its precious contents pop. As we mentioned before, there's definite benefits to using LED lighting in your wine cellar including the fact that they generate little heat.
The black chalkboard paint on the wall is a final, beautiful touch that also allows the restaurant to easily highlight their wine specials.
All of this, when brought together, created just the upscale look that Nic L Inn was going for.
It is great to see so much of the Hudson Valley represented in Nic L Inn, from the local wine racks to the farm to table menu. And it was even better to get a rave review back from Nic L Inn.
"WineRacks.com was so pleasant and easy to work with! They gave us a great price for our custom wine rack, and made it exactly how we needed it, stained it to match our restaurant and installed it for us. It's perfect to use and to look at! Thanks so much!"
Like what you see and looking for wine racks for your store or home? Let us help and use the code FIRSTORDER to save 15%!


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This Week Sunday 4 May 2014
A look at events making the news in the past week with Colm Ó Mongain and Richard Crowley.
The North's Deputy First Minister, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness reiterated his belief that the arrest of Gerry Adams was politically motivated.
The North's Justice Minister and leader of the Alliance Party, David Ford, rejects Martin McGuinness's claims of political policing. We also hear from RTÉ's Northern Editor, Tommie Gorman.
The Smithwick Tribunal has decided that the State will pay almost all of the legal costs incurred by one of its most controversial witnesses, former Detective Garda Owen Corrigan. Our reporter John Burke has the details.
International Rescue Committee's David Miliband on the mounting humanitarian crises facing the international community.
Since last August Ibrahim Halawa has been in prison in Cairo, we speak to his sister Omaima Halawa who was also imprisoned in Egypt.
Secure Bio's Hamish de Bretton Gordon, a former British army chemical weapons specialist, on claims that forces loyal to President Assad have begun using lethal chlorine gas in recent attacks on opposition areas.
Presenters: Colm Ó Mongáin & Brian Dowling


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VTE Ordered prior to Surgery
Percent of surgical patients whose physicians ordered treatment to prevent blood clots (Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis) prior to surgery when appropriate. (CMS)
NOTE: Use caution when drawing conclusions when the sample size is small (generally considered 25 cases or less).
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Pitchers looked good. Props to Hanigan too. So underrated.
Pitchers looked good. Props to Hanigan too. So underrated.
"I can't take this homerism anymore." - 10xWSChamps, August 11, 2010. A Cardinals fan having a problem with all the homerism on Redszone. Classic.
"Man do I miss the days where were didn't need a calculator and an encyclopedia of baseball metrics to enjoy a baseball game ... - MikeS21" - 8/2/12 game thread
The loss isn't a big deal, but the injury potentially could be. It could very well take away most of the good they did in the offseason by adding Choo.
Now they really don't have anyone for that 4th spot in the order.
This team is too good to suck. It's always disappointing to lose opening day, but I remember a lot of losses on day1 of the season. It had no effect on the rest of the season. Just hate the custom of skipping a day before the next game, although this time it might work out better. They played a game and a half today.
"You only have to bat a thousand in two things; flying and heart transplants. Everything else you can go 4-for-5."
-Beano Cook
Cant Touch This (04-02-2013),redsrolen (04-01-2013),TSJ55 (04-02-2013)
Johnny Cueto looked sharp. Nice to see.
redsrolen (04-01-2013)
Billy_Bearcat (04-02-2013)
I find myself wondering with the additional coach allowed in the dugout this year, why not have it be a sports psychiatrist/psychologist? Semi-serious, as I can't see what 1 additional "normal coach" brings to the table.
Now now, it's only one game. I admit my patience with Bruce is wearing quite thin, but I'm trying to stay positive overall about the team. We do have to take into consideration they are coming from warm Arizona to chilly Cincinnati, for one possible take on the situation. The pitchers looked good, offense sucked canal water, but it will come around. they're too good not to.
Ludwick is going to be a big hit, but I think we have enough to muddle through without too much damage.
Reds fans on Twitter are already freaking out with there "#FireDusty" and "trade Choo" and "send Hoover to single-A". i could've sworn we just played the 1st game of a 162 game season...
There are 3 guarantees in life; death, taxes, and the leadoff walk coming around to score.
Spider Tre (04-02-2013)
Raisor (04-02-2013)
Well pitched game both ways, but when you get the kinda pitching we got today it sucks to lose. On the bright side Choo looked good.
_Sir_Charles_ (04-02-2013)
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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Is HP OK With Multivendor Deals?
In the spirit of openness -- and HP has always been an open [technology] provider -- yes, you can do multivendor deals. But we should also be clear that it is better together from HP. And as we look at our partner programs and the incentives that we put in front of our channel, you will clearly be incented to bundle the HP portfolio together. And as we roll out the changes in second half and the Nov. 1 changes that we spoke about in Las Vegas, you will see increasing incentive to really pull through the entire HP portfolio, whether it is convergence in the enterprise group or the entire HP suite.
--Sue Barsamian


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Mayor Alec Baldwin?
Before questionable Internet habits exposed the world to all of Anthony Weiner, the Congressman was considered the frontrunner in the upcoming 2013 New York City Mayoral race.
With Weiner's political future now very much in doubt, Alec Baldwin is letting it be known that he wouldn't mind running the nation's largest city.
The '30 Rock' actor has long said he'd like to run for public office, and according to The Daily, he's been telling friends that Weiner's demise might have created the opening he's been looking for.
Of course, saying you'd like to run for mayor and getting people to vote for you are two entirely different things.
What do you think? Would Baldwin make a good mayor? Or does TV's Jack Donaghy have an overinflated sense of his political appeal?


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Mrs. Patricia Jane White, age 75, of Potsdam, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at her residence while under the care of her family and the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 15th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Potsdam, with Msgr. Robert Aucoin celebrant. Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 14th from 4-7 p.m. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Thomas Robert White Sr.; her sons, David (Karen) White, Jeff (Sue) White, Thomas (Michelle) White Jr., and Terry White and companion Leanne Frediel; a daughter, Anne (Joe) Ward; brother Roscoe Hale; sisters Sally Beamish, Geraldine Lawrence and Evelyn Dwyer; 12 grandchildren; three step grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Lloyd and William Hale; sisters Barbara Perry, Virginia Slack, Dorothy Washburn, Alma Beaudin and Beatrice Podgurski; and a step grandson, Joel Ward.
Patricia Jane White was born February 7, 1937 in Potsdam, to the late Roscoe Hale and Jennie Thompson. She was a 1955 graduate of Potsdam Central High School. On May 14, 1955 in the Rectory at St. Mary's she was married to Thomas Robert White. She worked for New York Telephone Company for a few years. She then turned her focus to her family. Together they raised 5 children.
Patricia and her husband built their first home in West Potsdam, residing there until 1978 and then moving to Potsdam. They also built a camp in Hannawa Falls in 1968 and enjoyed many summers there with their children. Pat and her husband also enjoyed traveling with their motor home before buying a home in Florida for winter use.
She was a very generous person. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved crocheting, knitting and quilting items for her family and friends. She also had a lifelong very close friend Joyce Whitney. Patricia was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church and for years she helped out on the Election Committee at the High School. . Online condolences can be sent @www.garnerfh.com.


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Dear Editor,
Have youаheard of Where's the Beef, or Where's Waldo?
Well in Oregon we could say Where's Our Flag?
If you drive down 10th Street in front of the high school or west on Madison Street, you won't see the flag that has flown in front of our high school for at least the last 50 years...Why?
Because according to the people in power that I have spoken to, they say it was removed to unite the schools.
Does that make sense to anyone other than the ones in power?
The United States flag represents freedom and unity.
It would seem to me that our school system would be proud to fly as many flags as possible to honor our service people and our country.
We should all call our school board members and our superintendent so they know that we noticed and we care that our flag was removed.
Virginia A. Pearson
DeArvil speaks for Old Glory
Dear Friends,
I doubt if many of you gave much thought to me. I was just always there a symbol of what was right with your world. а
Now I am gone, removed because of a decision based on the fact that there were too many flags on the school property. а
I wonder how many will miss me and the beacon of hope and patriotism I provided for the community.
I really loved my job and served for more years than I care to remember at the Madison Street entrance to OCHS. а
Countless students passed under my stars and stripes to pursue their freedom of education, a freedom that is a birth right of children in America. а
Dedicated faculty hurried under my billowing folds to instruct and provide foundations for futures waiting to unfold. а
My stately presence let passing visitors know the importance of this building in our community.
I like to think my friendly salute each morning provided inspiration to the young men and women who loved their country enough they made the choice to serve in the military.
The freedom I stood for lent courage to the students that embarked on futures to pursue their dreams into adulthood.
And when they returned home to visit, I was there providing a spirit of continuity in the community.
My magnificent pole is gone now and so am I. There is just a patch of black soil where I once flew.
It looks like a tiny grave and makes me very sad to think my presence there has been dismissed so lightly. а
And so my friends I leave you with this message, when you see a flag waving in the gentle breeze remember what it stands for.
Stay strong in the spirit of patriotism, honor the courage of the men and woman who fought for freedom and keep the loyalty to our nation foremost in your heart.
Put some serious thought into what it could mean if there became a limit on how many of us could remain flying in a community. а
May my spirit always remain forever,а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а а
Old Glory
Liz DeArvil
Ogle County Fair queen says thanks
Dear Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to be Miss Ogle County Fair Queen 2012.
I had an amazing year. I have met so many wonderful people while having the opportunity to represent our county.
I would first like to thank the Fair Board for all their support over this past year, Michelle Eyster, my pageant director (and now my dear friend), Sharon Alderks, who has always been my biggest cheerleader.
But most of all I want to thank my parents, who gave up their time, money, and always put their schedule on hold while I was busy doing pageant duties; they always will be my biggest
There are so many others to mention who made this past year such a memorable one for me, and for that I am truly grateful and blessed to have had you beside me going through this experience.
I wish our 2013 Queen Kendal Anderson all the best in this upcoming year!
Emily Hanlin
Leaf River
Disagrees with the removal of flag at OHS
Dear Editor,


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Civil War Monthly Featured Document return to document overview
On Picket,
Dear Doctor.
I have waited, before I
I am sorry I cannot give you
who treat them as arrogantly as if they
were a different race of men, and who
mostly neglect all the duties they can, and
spend their time, loafing, and drinking -
In these regiments at least, the virus of
West Point has done its work.
The management of the Black troops
There is no seeking yet for earnest Anti-
There would, at present, be no chance
I can see or hear of nothing here
I am afraid I should discourage you,
The 2d Regiment S.C.V.'s, is
being made
The conscription embraces all the able-
Those left on the plantations, the old men,
The labor system is a poor one and ill-conducted.
Government now owns most of the lands, having
The most important measure I see to be
This would make them self-sustaining
If this is not done, these people will
course bring the worst out of bad men.
Yankee shrewdness will grind this
One of the main reasons of reluctance
The whole thing here is muddled -
I find many of the officers and black
would in a very few weeks, make for better
soldiers than these of more than
half a year's drilling - yet these could be
made of good use, if the right system
were severely adopted.
I know these things look fairer on
Jacksonville, which we left three
I sat on the deck of the steamer
I have submitted plans of special
I am not yet in a regiment, though
I find a bitter, crushing opposition to me
But for it, it was already settled I should have
[In left margin ] I am sorry to say that this originated with
C.P. Tidd, who thought it
convenient to charge upon me,
than fractiousness and disobedience.
I was stupefied when I heard it came from
I have stuck and hung thus far,
I have found some who take hold
The negroes are none too liberty-loving,
I find some splendid, manly fellows
I should hardly dare to tell you all I know unfavorable
Present my regards to your wife.
I should be glad to hear from you.
You might find it a pleasant
Perhaps the country pales beside my
All this region is level and the soil
Things are in a transition state here now.
The expedition has sailed again for
I must bring my long letter to a close.
Very Truly,
Yours, Francis J. Meriam.


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Story highlights
- Crossfire first aired on June 25, 1982
- Life then was big hair, heavy metal and Reaganomics
- Readers share their memories of the era
- What was your life like in the '80s? Send a picture!
"Crossfire" is back, and just look how much life has changed since that first show in 1982. The clothes. The hair. The music.
Yeah, we love the '80s, too.
In the early years, the political debate show was all about the Cold War, Reagan administration, death penalty, sex education -- and bow-ties, big glasses and tweed blazers with diagonally striped ties. The first show on June 25, 1982, focused on Alexander Haig's resignation as secretary of state.
These days, 31 years later, we're just as diverse on the daily commentary. Syria is weighing heavily on our minds, but then we just can't seem to stop talking about Miley Cyrus' over-the-top twerking performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Culturally so much has changed.
With "Crossfire's" return, we invited CNN readers to dish on life in the '80s. Many readers talked about coming of age and finding themselves during that era, with a little help from heavy metal, hairspray and MTV. These are some of our favorite takeaways:
Early '80s fashions were "simply outrageous." Stripes and polka dots combined, frilly dresses with leggings topped with leg warmers and tennis shoes, were just a few of the styles, wrote Yvonne Coverdale. "My favorite clothing at that time to relax in public was a pair of black pants with a white or red stripe down the sides, a double breasted white or black tunic blouse and knee-high black leather boots; two-inch black leather belt optional."
Music defined us. T. Ray Verteramo fell in love with heavy metal, which was under heavy fire at the time by Tipper Gore and those of the self-proclaimed moral majority. It was a topic of discussion on "Crossfire" when Frank Zappa was a guest. Verteramo believed it to be an issue of free speech. The experience shaped her. "When you're judged so readily, so quickly, and so harshly for so long, it's hard not to become more empathetic. My tastes haven't changed and I'll never use hairspray again. But my appreciation and gratitude to be able to enjoy and share the music I love freely has definitely grown."
Music was also a unifying force. Growing up in Illinois, Janee Blackwell Cifuentes was transcending race and making friends from all different cultures. "People may not like you on the outside, but they soften up when you sing them a song they can relate to," she said. "I remember white kids in my neighborhood ... being amazed when they found out Journey was one of my all-time favorite groups and I could sing all of their songs."
There was a time before business casual and dress down Fridays. Corporate attire involved scarves tied in bows, dress pants, blazers and pumps. Marjorie Zien dug up this gem of the IT team at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company in New York in 1985. "When I look at the photo, it all seems so formal to me. It was as if we were wearing a uniform, which I guess in some ways, we were."
We were divided on Reagan. Ronald Reagan took office as president in 1981, wrote Janie Lambert, and "within minutes, the Iran hostages were released. I was relieved and happy that he had been elected, having very high hopes for the next four years."
During that same time, Hilary Ohm was protesting against nuclear weapons, America's involvement in Central America and Reagan's economic policies, which she believed were "cruel and would hurt the poor and give the rich more wealth."
Cliff Olney voted for Reagan the first time around, but switched parties after Reagan fired more than 11,000 striking air traffic controllers in 1981. Olney is now a progressive Democrat "thanks to Reagan's 'trickle-down economics' that never trickled down," he said.
Life was simpler. At least, that's how we remember those times, "when we weren't always so plugged in or bombarded with data," wrote Ellen Jo Roberts, now 41. It also seemed easier to pursue your dreams, said Marie Sager, who was a recently divorced mom of two boys in 1981. She found work as a "helicopter hooker" and later started her own helicopter company. "Today that's not so, most people have to take whatever comes their way," Sager wrote. "For me, the '80s were great. Even being a single parent, we managed to do OK."
But it wasn't all sunshine and roses. Generation X grew up "with the threat of global thermal nuclear war and under the specter of AIDS," Roberts wrote. "I like to joke now that the freewheeling baby boomers, with their sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, got to have all the fun, leaving us with "Just Say No" and songs like Jermaine Stewart's 'We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off (to Have a Good Time).' However, we were lucky to be witness to new wave, the early days of beatbox and hip-hop and the earliest inkling of an environmental movement."
And we wished E.T. was real. After the Steven Spielberg movie came out in 1982, Lambert's 5-year-old daughter, Jennie, was enthralled. "She thought having an E.T. would be such a fun thing. She even invented a pretend E.T. of her own and would play for hours." If there was a full or almost-full moon, she would watch out the window to see if she could spot the alien. Jennie was thrilled to get a giant blow-up E.T. doll that Christmas. Wouldn't you be?
What did you care about in the 1980s? What did you look like? Share a photo here or join the conversation in the comments below.


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New Consumer Goods market report from Euromonitor International: "Personal Accessories in Australia"
Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2014 -- Subdued consumer spending impacted sales of personal accessories in 2013, with current retail value growth down one percentage point from the 4% CAGR witnessed over the review period. Volume sales in 2013 remained consistent with those recorded over the review period, thus indicating that the prevailing trend within the area is an economising shift towards items with lower price tags. However, while the 2013 retail environment was slow, there was some positive news. Due to the relatively strong...
Euromonitor International's Personal Accessoriesin Australia report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (2009-2013), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2018 illustrate how the market is set to change.
View Full Report Details and Table of Contents
Product coverage: Bags and Luggage, Jewellery, Watches, Writing Instruments.
Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.
Reasons to Get This Report
- Get a detailed picture of the Personal Accessories market;
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
- Understand the competitive environment, the market's major players and leading brands;
- Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.
About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.
Browse all Consumer Goods research reports at Fast Market Research
You may also be interested in these related reports:
- Personal Accessories in Singapore
- Personal Accessories in Malaysia
- Personal Accessories in Italy
- Personal Accessories in the US
- Personal Accessories in Indonesia
- Personal Accessories in Taiwan
- Personal Accessories in Japan
- Personal Accessories in Mexico
- Personal Accessories in Germany
- Personal Accessories in the United Kingdom


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Self-Driven Tour of Scotland's Castles and Scenic Lochs
This eight-day, seven-night self-guided tour of Scotland includes roundtrip airfare from and to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), three nights' lodging at Airth Castle, and three nights' lodging at Kingsmills Hotel. The deal also includes a six-day rental of a manual-transmission car, giving you the freedom to explore on your own. You'll be granted entrance to more than 70 castles and historic locations along the way.
Click here to view a suggested itinerary.
Suggested Stops
Stirling Castle: This 16th-century castle, located northwest of Glasgow, looks much as it did during the Renaissance—its rich interior is marked by ornate tapestries and stone carvings. Character actors dressed in period garb roam the halls, playing the roles of court officials, bodyguards, maids, and servants. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the historic events that took place within the great hall and royal chapel.
Edinburgh Castle: The most famous of all the Scottish castles, this monolith fortress dates back to the 13th century. Edinburgh Castle is the permanent home of the crown jewels of Scotland, including a 16th-century crown, scepter, and sword that are the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles. Be sure to check out the Stone of Destiny, a slab of rock where kings of Scotland were enthroned for centuries, and the National War Museum of Scotland, built in 1933.
The Highlands: Windswept bluffs, stunning lochs, and rolling green hills: the Highlands' scenery is quintessential Scotland. Visit the famed Loch Ness, one of Scotland's largest lakes, or ride a vintage steam train through the Glencoe area—the same ride Hogwarts students took on the way to their magical school during the filming of the Harry Potter movies. For a glimpse into the ancient history of the Highlands, stop by the Clava cairns, a cluster of prehistoric burial cairns dating back 4,000 years.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.


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The Ashes: Gary Ballance surprised to earn place in England squad
Gary Ballance has revealed his shock at being included in England's squad for the defence of the Ashes in Australia.
Last Updated: 23/09/13 9:35pm
The Yorkshire batsman is one of three players in the squad yet to win a Test cap, only making his international debut against Ireland earlier this month, when he was dismissed for a duck.
But his form with the bat for his county this season has been stellar with 995 runs in 13 County Championship outings and more than 600 more in limited overs cricket.
That was enough to see him beat out competition from the likes of Ravi Bopara and James Taylor for a place in the 17-man party, where he will provide back-up for England's regular middle-order batsmen.
Ballance said: "I wasn't expecting it and I was surprised when I got the call. I am looking forward to it.
"It will be a great lifetime experience. It will be an honour to represent England at the highest level and it will be extra special in an Ashes Series.
"It will be a little daunting playing with some of the best players in the world but I know that I'll be made welcome.
"I've spoken to Joe (Root), Jonny (Bairstow) and Tim (Bresnan) about the England set-up and they speak highly of the dressing room. It is very much like a club environment where everyone works hard for each other with one common goal of winning.
"I expect it to be a demanding tour, with massive interest. The pitches will be quick and bouncy and there will be a lot of pressure on us to deliver. No doubt Australia will be stronger and they will want to respond after their series defeat in the summer.
"I'm not thinking too far in advance about breaking into the team. I will work hard on my game. Develop my skills in the nets and practice and see what comes of it. There is a lot of competition for places, which is very exciting."
Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon was delighted to see Ballance's name added to the county's involvement with the England squad - Bresnan will also be with the party as he recovers from surgery on his back.
Moxon added: "Gary is rated highly by the selectors and his selection is deserved after an excellent season in four-day cricket.
"He has been one of the standout batsmen in the Championship and will relish playing at the next level. He has the right temperament to be very successful and will thrive on the added responsibility."


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The Raptors all game long controlled this one. I mean that quite literally as well as the Jazz never led this game in regulation. Even as the Raptors were successfully holding off the Jazz I had a sick feeling in my gut it wasn't going to last. When Al Jefferson makes only the second three of his NBA Career to tie the game that is likely a sign it just isn't your night. If the Raptors had just got the defensive rebound prior to that.
When you have a game like this there are a ton of moments where you can look back and say if only this happened or if only that happened. There was lots of complaining about calls and non-calls in this one. As many that read often know I seldom like to use that as an excuse. I won't simply say the Raptors got screwed by the evil bias officials. I will save that for my WWE viewing.
On a night full of tremendous efforts at the top of the heap is Demar DeRozan. He had a career high 37 and also a career high in minutes played at 60 minutes on the nose. Jose Calderon also deserves some credit for a 20 points and 17 assists night and he logged over 40 minutes. The Raptors entered this game with no Lowry, Fields or Alan Anderson.
Which lead to the most shocking contribution of the night hands down with Linas Kleiza coming off the bench to drop 20 points.
This is the end was a battle of will between a team that was desperate for a win in the Raptors and a team in the Jazz just as determined to get their first road win of the season. It was a great contest that went to triple overtime with Jazz surviving to win it 140-133. Just a fun fact the Raptors have been to Triple OT several times but never got to the fourth overtime. The Raptors have been to triple OT now 5 times and only ever winning once.
In a game like this I feel it is wrong to take to many shots at anyone seeing as the overall effort was so good. But two general things stick out in this one. Raptors play on defense continues to be a concern. Also Andrea Bargnani started like a house of fire and was burnt out long before any overtime was being played. I have never been a Calderon fan as most of you know. I will give him this though the guy does compete. Bargnani does it in fits and spurts and it grows tiresome after seven years.
Raptors are off to face the Pacers. No need to preview this one. It comes down to a few lines. Guts and energy. If the Raptors have the guts and any energy left they may not get blown out by the Pacers. If the Raptors were to win this game after what we witnessed last night you could perhaps look back on it as a turning point for this season.
Casey had been begging his team for 48 minutes of effort he got more than that last night and still ended up on the short end of the stick and sits at 1-6 on the season.
Raptors Get an "A" for Effort.
Posted by James Borbath at 11:14 AM
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Cycling in Sydney Australia
We rode in this morning to watch my dad march.
Beautiful and sunny, but very windy. Both girls nearly got blown right off their bikes on Kent St.
Views: 77
Many other cyclists crossing the bridge?
I was amazed at the numbers in KCNP and riding to West Head.
There were heaps coming down from the Pac Hway into LC when we were leaving, heaps down at Milsons Pt and going over the bridge and plenty circulating around town.
Certainly looked like they were taking advantage of the quiet roads.
When we got into town at around 10am we chained the bikes up at Barrack St near Wynyard and though there were no other bikes there I thought we'd be OK. When we came back every pole had bikes on it!
every pole had bikes on it
Probably as a result of the huge VMSs that hang over so many main roads warning about CBD road closures. "Use public transport" they say. The horror, the horror...
They really should say "Cycle instead."
Did you cycle all the way or get a train to MP?
They managed to cycle all the way there, then we followed my dad all over until he marched, then we walked back to the bikes. It was so windy they chickened out on the ride home and we trained back to Artarmon.
A fine choice of station, I have to say.
Getting 3 bikes down the stairs with a gammy leg was a PITA.
Easy after that though.


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Oakland County's average rainfall since June 1 is 4.07 inches higher than normal, according to the National Weather Service.
June and July of last year had a combined average rainfall of 3.48 inches. This past June alone saw an average 6.01 inches of rain, 73 percent more precipitation than last year.
National Weather Service meteorologist Dan Thompson explained that there has been a constant feed of moisture coming from the Gulf of Mexico, making rainfall significantly higher than normal in Michigan.
"Most of the rain is closer to the Ohio border and it lessens as you head north towards Saginaw," he said.
Steve Korth, the water systems manager at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office, said high amounts of rainfall over a short amount of time have caused some flooding problems for county residents.
"We've seen floods from Lyon Township all the way to Waterford," he said.
According to Korth, water levels in local lakes are up as well. However, the majority of standing water collects during periods of heavy downpours, he said, and floods recede within an hour or two.
To prevent flooding and water damage, Korth said the Water Resources Commissioner's Office will be maintaining regular inspections, keeping ditches and pipes cleans and responding immediately to any flooding or water damage complaints.
For more information, visit oakgov.com under the Office of the Water Resources Commissioner.
For water and sewer emergencies, call the water resources 24-hour emergency line at 248-624-6366


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Annabella Barber Might Be a Farmer
via Fashion Copious
Please Protect Me From What I Want: Text artist Jenny Holzer gets into the sneaker business. The result is pretty awesome. [Fast Company]
I Picked the Wrong Day to Quit Sniffing Glue: Airplane! turns 30 years old. Everyone involved seems astonished at how well it's aged. [NYTimes]
On Your Mark…: The gents at Choosy Beggar nabbed an early invite to a 30% off sale at Land's End Canvas online. If you were waiting to check them out, now's the time. [The Choosy Beggar]
Still Splendid After All These Years: A comic-based look at Doug Rushkoff and Harvey Pekar's grouchy eccentricities. [Smith]


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The sovereign of the UK and of all of the British Empire (what is left of it) has been hospitalized with gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is a disease symptomized by shitting and pukeing. Not a pretty sight, but it does not spare even royalty.
The sovereign of the UK and of all of the British Empire (what is left of it) has been hospitalized with gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is a disease symptomized by shitting and pukeing. Not a pretty sight, but it does not spare even royalty.
Thank goodness for the royal throne then.
Ouch. Are we gonna have a king soon?
That we are capable only of being what we are, remains our unforgivable sin.
- Gene Wolfe
She got the shits.
I lost half a stone at the beginning of Feb due to something similar.
She's an octogenarian, and she needs some geriatric care. I've seen how it affect the elderly, and despite her being a royal, she is nevertheless fairly robust for someone who is older than my late mum.
Really .... don't make a prank call to the hospital because the royal family will drive someone to commit suicide.
Charles must have gotten a boner thinking his time had finally come
In hospital?
She could die?
So, fingers crossed then.
Funny - I'm used to reading "Queen Elizabeth Hospital." Or "Queen Elizabeth Freeway," "Queen Elizabeth Theatre," etc. But Queen Elizabeth HospitalISED" is a new one.
Anyway I wish her well, and better her than Prince Charles. If he had diarrhoea for even just a day or two there would be nothing left.
I should know I spent a lot of time there.
At least she has health care coverage.
Happily, The Queen was well enough to leave hospital this afternoon.
Aw shucks, poor Chales .. no King .. again.
But seriously, I'm amazed at her highness' endurance and wish her many more proud years.
Check out my very own Body Hair Lovers and Photography Groups!
^he looks seriously unhappy and may not survive his mom with that!
I admire Queen Elizabeth II. No matter what, she just keeps on. Kind of inspiring.
God save the Queen and God bless her. Before anyone flames, consider that she has carried out a duty for over 60 years; a job she never wanted and watched kill her father. And she has done so without so much as a hint of bitterness or resentment. Perfect? No. She's human. But with quiet dignity she carries out HUNDREDS of official engagements throughout the year and does so with grace and aplomb. And for the record, Prince Charles doesn't even WANT the bloody job. I know its a life I wouldn't want. But it's the idea of service above self that keeps her going; something we all can learn from.
It appears Her Majesty is fully recovered and is about to resume her official duties.
She missed a trip to Rome.Gastroenteritis? The real problem was probably her getting sick to her stomach at the thought of running into that idiot Berlusconi that the Italians keep embarassing themselves by reelecting.
Ooh. Nice one with Blair.
Should've included Camilla.


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It's hard to find anybody who feels the Sixers can extend their playoff series to a seventh game.
The fans don't seem to be too excited about things, especially since as of late Wednesday, only 12,500 tickets were sold for the game.
If the Sixers have done nothing else this year, they have at least earned respect for never quitting. And if their season ends on Thursday against the Pistons, it probably will be because they were beaten by the better team.
What would be surprising is if the Sixers bow out meekly. They have scrapped all season and while they looked tired and demoralized in Tuesday's 98-81 win, their history suggests that they can bounce back.
That doesn't mean they can win the game, but it would be surprising if they don't put out a first-rate effort.'
As for winning, they need a better performance from Samuel Dalembert. While so much attention has been paid to the struggles of Andre Iguodala, Dalembert has been outplayed this series by Rasheed Wallace.
Another key will be getting a spark off the bench. And in that respect one of the few promising signs from Tuesday's loss was the play of Lou Wililams, who had 16 points and shot 6 for 9. Williams is now 9 for 14 in his last two games and he has adjusted to the physical play of the series and how defenders aren't making it easy for him to get to the basket.
Most of all, it's interesting to hear coach Maurice Cheeks talk about the Sixers' need to defend the screen and roll better Haven't we been hearing that all season?
While getting off to a good start is sometimes overrated, the Sixers must have it happen in Game 6. The last game was lost in the first quarter when the Sixers fell behind 35-21 and never recovered.
The Detroit players have talked about the importance of knocking the Sixers out now and not allowing this series to extend to seven games.
The Pistons seem determined, but the Sixers have surprised observers all season. They are built on grit and determination and those qualities don't allow a team to simply fold. Which is why the feeling persists that nothing will come easy for the Pistons in Game 6, while the possibility of a Game 7 can't be discounted, although few seem to believe it can happen.


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Somer Bigham of Coker College (23-15 overall, 12-4 CVAC) has been selected as the CVAC softball Pitcher of the Week. The Cobras had a 6-0 week on the strength of solid pitching, allowing only one earned run and three total to score all week.
Bigham dominated in her three outings, pitching 22 innings with one earned run, 11 hits, and five walks allowed. She had a miniscule .32 ERA for the week and struck out an impressive 23 batters. The Florence, SC native defeated Lees-McRae 9-0 in six innings, knocked off Mt. Olive 2-1, and outlasted Barton 2-1 in nine innings.
Against the Bulldogs, Bigham pitched a scoreless seven innings before giving up one unearned run in the eighth. Coker scored in the eighth and the ninth to pull out the nail biting win.


text: Tom Smith 3/24/2010 - 1:20 AM Permalink Report Abuse 32 out of 33 people found the following review helpful 3 out of 5 Not quite as described but fine leather. (Done) First the honey: the leather is pleasantly soft – a 'luxury leather' feel – but also appears strong and is nicely tanned, no dye transfer and perfectly molded to the Px4's shape. It's really a fine piece of work. The belt loops are sufficiently angled for a 'good feel' at either strong-side or cross-draw carry and also nicely sized at 2" x 3/16". The back-strap fastener at the thumb release wall is reinforced with steel and finished rivet that make releasing the snap a solid and crisp push. The 'pancake' design makes for a very secure, close-to-the-body holster that rides tightly but comfortably, although just a little 'high' for my taste, just a little. Then the vinegar: 1) unlike the description the holster is not a "closed barrel end" but an open holster (you can see the tip of the barrel, slide, and guide rod through the open bottom of the holster) which is better in my book, anyway (this sentence could almost appear in the "First the honey" section). 2) The holster does not have a second piece of leather (like many high-end holster manufacturers do), say at the top opening of the slide-side which could hold the holster open enough to make for either a fast draw or easy holster – the molded leather and the tension inherent in the two parallel pieces of leather grip the gun so it's slow to draw. 3) Unlike the picture and there is no description either way, the holster's back-strap fastener does not snap close unless the hammer is fully cocked and out of the way of the strap. The strap will not realistically snap close over an either uncocked or half-cocked Px4. I've been able to do it, and was even for a short time hopeful it was only a leather-break-in problem, but the amount of pushing, pulling, fiddling, stretching will ensure I could never draw or holster the pistol except with two hands and the stitching or leather would break under that kind of stress. Ha! So, it's a carry a holster that you carry cocked and ____. Oh, I can't say "locked" like a 1911, because unless you have the striker version of the Px4, you have to carry your double-action pistol cocked, safety off, which makes me sweat thinking about it, albeit safe with the strap between the hammer and the firing pin, the holster covering the trigger guard, and the very effective "firing-pin block" of the Px4. Whew, okay, this was only going to take ten minutes, but I wanted to be thorough. So, I hopes this helps in your purchase decision. Comment | Was this review helpful? Yes | No Name Leave a Comment Submit Comment


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Kauffman Stadium 5-14-2010
I wont really bore you with the details of entering the stadium. At Kauffman the crowds are small, and Im always the first one in. Once I got inside as you can see there was batting practice. The weather was miserable, cold, wet, and breezy. I didnt expect batting practice to even be a thought in a baseball players mind on a day like this. But the Royals had it going. In the above picture you can see a baseball at the bottom of the photo. Yup. I didnt get it. In fact, I failed to get any baseball from any Royals player. Which kind of bummed me out. The thing I hate about this stadium the most ( well, actually two things ) is all the gates you cant cross to run behind home plate to get to the other side, and the high fences down the base lines. A ball has to be hit into the seats or close by to have a fighting chance to get it
My first baseball came from Juan Nieves. I think hes the White Sox bullpen coach, or the pitching coach. Im not sure which one. At this point I scampered all the way around the diamond, and waited patiently for him, and another player to get done throwing. I put my hands up, and patted my White Sox hat, and he generously tossed me a baseball. My first one of the day. The stress of losing my streak was put on the wayside once again. I stayed on the third base side, and waited for the White Sox pitchers to come out, and start throwing. The Royals of course continued to hit, and many baseballs were laced down the line towards me but way out of reach. Finally Coach Cox was walking down the line, and calling out "WhiteSox! WhiteSox!" Just so happened yours truely had on a WhiteSox hat! So I gave him a thumbs up, and chanted back! We had a fun back, and forth, and then he picked up a baseball on the track. Well, I was the only person with Chicago gear on. So I knew that baseball had my name all over it. People hollered to him for it, and I ran up, and I simple said this;
" Coach! I know youre not about to throw that baseball to a Royals fan when you got home town love standing right here." Smiling, and nodding, I put my glove out. Ball number two was mine.
Now let me explain to you why Im at Kauffman Stadium for a Royals/Sox game. I drove three hours to watch a game between two teams that are probably going to finish in last place ( Royals ) and second to last place ( WhiteSox ). Well, Andruw Jones is a long time favorite of mine, and since he came to Chicago that has given me more of an opportunity to watch him play. Him, and Alex Rios of course. Well, I want to catch an Andruw Jones baseball. Jones is also close to hitting his 400th career home run. Wouldnt it be nice to be able to say I was the one that caught that ball? Well, unfortunalty, Jones didnt start at DH this game. But tomorrow was a new day.
As more, and more baseballs were hit down the line, the Sox trainer was scooping them up, and throwing them to the infield. He tossed one up to a Royals fan, he bobbled it, and it ended up back on the field. So I ran over within striking distance, and with my charming personality I said the following;
" Hey, as you can see the Royals fans cant catch! You know us boys from Chicago can! Toss it here!" Just then Andrew Jones got a hold of the ball, and he threw it to me. But he threw it way far to my left. I didnt even think it was going to cross over the railing, and Id seriously have to extend for this one. Well, I stretched out. My left foot extended to find the step. Nothing. I reached way to my left knowing that there was a father/son team with gloves. Stretch! Stretch! Stretch! Squeeze! Got it! What a grab, and I caught some applause as well from some fans behind me. I pointed at Andrew Jones, and tipped my hat while pointing to him with my gloved hand. He smiled, and jogged off.
That isnt the last of our friend Mr. Jones. Soon after I found myself near the Chicago bullpen. Alex Rios was smashing some screamers into the seats. I really wish I got up their sooner. He hit five homeruns into the stands, and I caught none of them because I was too focused on this.
And this….
I didnt get a single baseball thrown to me from the bullpen staff. Not one. He threw up six, but all to kids, and one girl. Anyway.
So I finally went to the centerfield seats to wait on Jones to take some BP. He was still lingering around in the outfield shagging baseballs. Rios was still putting them deep, and so was Paul Konerko. Jones was going all the way to the wall to make some catches, and fans were making their way down to him to get a baseball. So I hurried down there too. Not to get a ball, because I figured he would recognize me, and not hook me up again. Boy was I wrong. I got all the way to the corner near the Batters Eye, and I called to him.
" Andruw! How many homeruns do you need until 400?" I yelled. As soon as I finished what I was saying, a baseball was flipped up by Jones, it nearly grazed my face, and I had to kind of Matrix Style-lean back, and over the shoulder catch the ball. It really was graceful. I wish I had someone video taping that, or pictures. I didnt even expect it. I didnt even want the ball from him. I just wanted to ask him how close he was. MLB.com says he is three away. But I wanted to hear it from the horses mouth. So I got a ball out of it. Neat. I called to him again.
" Andruw! A couple more? Hey, when you hit it ill be there to catch it. Can I keep it?!" He smiled.
He nodded, waved at me, and smiled back. So that was ball number four. After batting practice I went, and found my seats behind the WhiteSox dugout. It was slim pickin`s there. The WhiteSox were greedy with the baseballs, and didnt toss a single ball into the stands.
After the game, I harassed the umpire for a ball, but he hooked up a kid instead. So I left that game with four baseballs. Not bad, I guess.
I got new shoes over the weekend as well. Maybe it was the shoes.
Game: Kansas City Royals Vs. Chicago WhiteSox May 14th 2010 7:05pm
Game Balls: Four
Autographs: None
Attendance: 22,192


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Now Playing: Language: NA. Duration: 58 minutes, 54 seconds
Topic: Russian Church
Today marks Christmas Day according to the Julian Calendar used by Orthodox Christians. This hour-long documentary was produced by Robin Scott and directed by Georges Gachot in 2006. It was filmed in the cathedrals, monasteries and sacred palaces in Moscow, the Golden Ring and New Jerusalem. The accompanying music is sung by the Moscow Chamber Choir and the Choir of Trinity St. Sergius Lavra. This wonderful documentary is presented here to all Orthodox Christians who visit the Royal Russia web site and blog, and to those who share a special interest and passion for all things Russian. It represents the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Saviour. "Christ is Born! Glorify Him!"
The spiritual culture of Russia is reflected in the beauty of churches and monasteries, in the paintings and frescoes that adorn them and - above all - in the sacred music that is sung in them.
The Russian Orthodox Church derives from that of Byzantium, which also inspired the 'onion-dome' style of church architecture. Many of the centers of ancient worship are contained within the high walls of kremlin fortresses, witnesses to a history of resistance to invasion.
The millennium of Christianity in Russia in 1988 coincided with the new age of 'glasnost' and 'perestroika' (openness and reconstruction), marking the beginning of the end for the Soviet state. For seventy years religious belief and practice had been discouraged, and hundreds of places of worship had been either destroyed or allowed to fall into almost hopeless disrepair.
A few of the very finest cathedrals and monasteries were maintained as museums, like those in the Kremlin in Moscow. Some monasteries miraculously survived. The Trinity St Sergius Monastery at Sergiev Posad (formerly Zagorsk) is the prime example.
Since 1988 many places of worship have been given back to the Orthodox Church, the 'established' church until the Revolution and regarded once again as Russia's national church. Massive restoration work has been accompanied by the return of sacred works of art hidden away for decades.
An aging congregation of believers - largely women - helped to keep Russian Orthodox Christianity alive. In recent years more and more young people have turned to the Church, not least for spiritual comfort and uplift. There has been a revival in choral singing and the rediscovery of many glorious works of sacred Russian music.
Even non-believers cannot fail to be moved by the orthodox liturgy in all its beauty; from the apparel of the priests, the pattern of the liturgy, the candle-lit icons, the responses of clergy, congregation and choir - to the devotion of the worshippers. It is this feeling of spiritual oneness in all its most Russian sense which Holy Russia seeks to reveal.
Christmas, (celebrated thirteen days after 'Western' Christmas under the old calendar) is one of the most important of the annual festivals of the Orthodox Church, the other two being the feast of Trinity (Pentecost) and, above all, Easter. The festival begins with the Christmas vigil and midnight liturgy on Christmas night (January 6 - 7) and ends twelve days later with Epiphany and the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
The Patriarch Alexei II (1929-2008) leads both of the main liturgies, parts of which are shown in Holy Russia, at the Epiphany (Yelokhovsky) and Assumption cathedrals in Moscow. Whereas the former remained a place of worship in the Soviet years, the latter (holiest of Russian cathedrals where Tsars were crowned) was only reopened for worship in 1989. At the Epiphany Cathedral the Patriarch is seen giving the final blessing (or 'dismissal') at the end of Christmas matins before beginning the midnight liturgy.
At the Cathedral of the Assumption (or Dormition) the Patriarch is seen completing the preparation of the bread and wine, which will be later consecrated for Holy Communion. The bread and the wine are carried then in procession from the offertory table to the altar for consecration. The Patriarch receives them; but before placing them on the altar he blesses the congregation as he offers them symbolically for the needs of the whole world. These are unique pictures never before shown in these surroundings.
Other services include part of the special Epiphany Liturgy at Kazan Cathedral at Kolomenskoye and an ordinary liturgy in the Church of the Resurrection at Kostroma (some three hundred kilometers from Moscow). The program ends with the Epiphany procession at the monastery of New Jerusalem and the great blessing of the waters.
This seventeenth century 'Holy City' was blown up by the retreating German Army in 1943 but is being gradually restored. The recently appointed Archdeacon leads a procession to the nearby - ice-cold - river for the blessing of the cross and symbolic bathing by some of the worshippers. It is the first time this ceremony has taken place since 1917.
The liturgy forms an important part of the program as does the music recorded by two of Russia's leading choirs: the Chamber Choir of Moscow conducted by Vladimir Minin and the Choir of Trinity St Sergius Monastery and Moscow Theological Academy and Seminary conducted by Archimandrite Mattheus. The choral singing is all a cappella (unaccompanied). It embraces a wide range of works, both traditional (for the monastic choir) and more modern for the essentially polyphonic singing of the Moscow Chamber Choir. © Royal Russia. 7 January, 2013
© Royal Russia. 7 January, 2013
Updated: Thursday, 10 January 2013 11:42 AM EST
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Sometimes treasures are found in the most unexpected places, including an airplane bathroom, a river or in a desk purchased on Craigslist.
Here's a look at some recent examples of valuables found in some very odd places.
|In an Airplane Bathroom
Two dozen gold bars worth more than $1.1 million were found hidden in an airplane bathroom after a flight from Bangkok to eastern India, according to The Associated Press.
The Jet Airways plane was being cleaned after landing before its next departure when cleaners found the two bags of gold bars, customs official Mona Priyadarshini said, the AP reported.
Customs officials confiscated the gold and are investigating.
India is one of the world's top gold consumers, and the government increased gold import taxes recently, which has encouraged smuggling, according to the AP.
|In a River
A man was walking his dog in Lincolnshire, England, when he spotted some cash floating in the Spalding River. A few bills turned out to be a lot of bills -- nearly $100,000 worth.
Officers retrieved the money from the water and said that while a large amount of it was damaged, a significant quantity was in fair condition.
"It isn't every day that an amount of money like this is found, and somebody must have information that will help the police trace the lawful owner," Detective Constable Steve Hull of Spalding CID said in a statement. "I would be grateful to hear from people who have genuine information to pass on to me."
Police have the money and are consulting with the Bank of England for a formal inspection.
|In a Desk
A Connecticut rabbi who bought a used desk on Craigslist for $150 found that it wouldn't fit through the door of his study. As he took the desk apart to get it inside, a bag containing $98,000 fell out.
Noah Muroff's windfall did not last long. The next day, with his four kids along, he returned the money to the desk's original owner.
The woman "was totally speechless" when she got a call from Muroff to let her know he had found.
"She was so shocked and touched that anyone would call," he said. "She said, 'You could have kept the money and nobody would have ever known.'"
The owner later told him the money was part of an inheritance she received and had misplaced.
Muroff said he and his wife agreed it was best not to take a reward for the good deed, but the woman presented them with a gift bag anyway.
Inside, she wrote a note and gave the Muroffs the original $150 they'd spent on the desk.
"I do not think there are too many people in this world that would have done what you did by calling me. I do like to believe that there are still good people left in this crazy world we live in. You certainly are one of them," the woman wrote. "I cannot thank you enough for your honesty and integrity."
|In a Safe
A Houston scrap collector hauled an old safe from a family's home, but when the vault was pried open he found that it held a fortune in gold coins and silver dollars.
The man who opened the safe was David Molick, owner of Robbie's Key and Lock shop, who told ABC News that the scrap collector had asked him to break into the safe before it was turned into scrap about a month ago.
"He showed me a picture of this safe, and I saw that it was a high security one," Molick said. "It was real difficult to get into. It was pretty beat up. Looked like somebody had tried forcing their way into it, since the front was beat up."
Molick said he spent more than 20 hours trying to open the safe. Finally, after drilling 10 holes through 6-inch walls of concrete, he discovered a bonanza.
"I thought, 'Oh, this ain't real,'" Molick said. "There were 50 Krugerrands in one pipe, and brand-new, uncirculated silver dollars in ammo boxes. All of them were well over half full. The entire safe must have weighed at least 3,000 pounds."
Molick estimated that the safe contained $2.5 million.
He then called the police and put a lock back on the safe the next day.
The scrap dealer and the family who originally owned the safe have remained anonymous, but Mike DeGuerin, an attorney for the family, told ABC News affiliate KTRK that the coins had been returned to the family.
|In a Backpack
A Boston homeless man was heralded as an honest guy after returning a backpack he found that contained more than $40,000 in cash and travelers checks.
Glen James found the black backpack with $2,400 in cash, $39,500 in travelers checks and a passport at the South Bay Mall in Dorchester on a September evening. He promptly reported it to the police.
Officers then returned the bag to the owner, a student visiting from China, and Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis presented a special citation to James for his "extraordinary show of character and honesty."
A fundraising campaign for James began when Ethan Whittington heard about what James had done, but there was no mention of James getting anything more than a plaque.
Whittington started a GoFundMe page for James that has raised more than $150,000, with a goal of reaching $250,000.


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Miami of Ohio Red Hawks Football Tickets
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When a team is returning 19 starters, this is usually considered a very good thing. In the case of the Miami Redhawks, this could either be a very good thing…or a very bad thing.
Last year's Redhawks squad finished a disappointing 1-11. However, this was also the first year under Head Coach Mike Haywood, who inherited a team that had gone 4-20 over the previous two seasons. Haywood came in with a fresh group of players at his command, and with a resolve to turn Miami back into the MAC powerhouse they were not too long ago. The question now becomes: Does the experience of last season mean that these players will be a stronger, more mature bunch, or does it simply mean that this group of players is not good enough to compete at the level Redhawks fans have come to expect? Many feel that the first option is the answer, and that a second year under Haywood will prove to make a huge difference in the way this team performs. Many others hope that this is the case, as the fans in Oxford are ready to start winning again. If you want Miami of Ohio football tickets, we have them for you.
The Miami Redhawks roster has some interesting components that can make them competitive in the MAC right away, with sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert among the most intriguing of all. Dyrset will look to spark the offense, with wide receivers Armand Robinson, Chris Givens, and Nick Harwell at his disposal. On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Jerrell Wedge and Evan Harris will look to toughen up a unit that was anything but impressive last season.
The Miami Redhawks schedule does not do the team any favors, with a trip to The Swamp to face the Florida Gators kicking off the season. However, some feel that the experience this team will gain from a trip to Gainesville will be key in its turnaround this season. The Redhawks open up their slate of home games on September 11th against Eastern Michigan, and the next week Colorado State will visit Yager Stadium. Miami closes out the season on November 23rd with a home date with Temple, and fans hope that this game will be the last piece of a landmark season.
Miami Redhawks football tickets will be a great way to catch some exciting college football action this fall. Come out to Oxford and watch as the Redhawks turn their program around and return to their status as contenders in the Mid-American Conference.


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Marianna, FL---Boys high school basketball is about set to get it's regular season going. As way to prepare for that, the Marianna Bulldogs are hosting a 6 team preseason event, the Sonny's Tip Off Classic set for Thursday and Saturday.
Marianna head coach Travis Blanton talks about the level of competition.
"Obviously when you have several division one players coming in, like Malone will have, and Holmes has the Walker kid coming in. And I think that brings something to the mindset for the kids, to meet the challenge. I think it's gonna be a great little shootout, the teams that are gonna be here are very competitive. And it gives you a great measuring stick to where you are and where you need to go."
Here's the schedule of games set for the Marianna gym.
Sonny's Tip Off Classic @ Marianna
Thursday Games
4:30 Cottondale vs. Maclay
6:00 Malone vs. Holmes Co.
7:30 Altha vs. Marianna
Saturday Games
4:30 Malone vs Altha
6:00 Cottondale vs Bonifay
7:30 Marianna vs Maclay


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The LA Times put it best today: Not since biblical times has the arrival of a tablet been greeted with such anticipation.
As the tech world holds its collective breath in anticipation of Wednesday's supposed tablet release, major industries are preparing to piggy back on Apple by lining up applications that could be even more self-supporting than they are consumer-minded.
The New York Times, for example, is believed to be rolling out a premium subscription application for the tablet, which, according to multiple reports, will similarly run iPhone applications. At present, iPhones and iPod touch devices run on the 3.1.2 version of the OS. The tablet is widely expected to run the same OS.
From the LA Times:
Condé Nast Publications, publisher of 18 magazines, and HarperCollins Publishers have been approached about developing content for Apple's tablet, according to the Wall Street Journal. HarperCollins declined to comment, but Condé Nast issued a news release last week, touting sales of a digital version of its men's magazine, GQ, for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and acknowledging it was developing content for "the anticipated tablet from Apple."
Amazon said that the Kindle is its bestselling product ever and that on Christmas Day, digital book downloads exceeded physical book sales. As of January, Sacconaghi said the Sony Reader, the Barnes & Noble Nook and the Amazon Kindle were sold out, "another strong indicator of burgeoning demand."
In case you haven't heard by now, Apple will officially unveil the tablet this Wednesday, January 27th.
Image via Reuters


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Here's a little repostage, a regift, if you will, of something I said two years ago. It still holds true....for me:
Christmas means a lot of different hings to a lot of different people.
It's a religious holiday.
It's a shopping holiday.
It's a day for those who shop religiously.
I'm not a big fan of either.
So for me, Christmas is a day to spend with those you hold most dear in your heart. For me, it's Carlos and my family. Of course, the family is mostly on the Left Coast and I'm over here on the right, so Christmas is me and Carlos, and Ozzo, Tuxedo, MaxGoldberg and Tallulah Belle--all furry kids.
It's a day of relaxation and togetherness; reflection and laughter; of a good dinner cooked and shared by the two of us. It's not a day for What did you get? or for thinking How could I have spent so much? It's a day for How lucky am I?
How lucky indeed.
Christmas is more than a celebration, it's a connection we all can share regardless of faith, if we look at it as a day of Peace. A day to relax; to forgive, if not forget. To be at Peace.
Every year I get the same question from friends and strangers alike: What are you getting for Christmas? What do you want for Christmas?
And I always say, What I get is a lovely day. What I want, and I ask for it every year, is Peace On Earth.
So here's to Peace On Earth, and the little parts that each of us play in creating our own peace. To make amends to those we may have slighted in the past year; to those who may have slighted us. To talk with the people we love just because we love them. To be nice.
Just to be nice. There's a concept.
Maybe if we all took a moment to think about how we'd like to be treated, we would find ourselves treating others the same way. It's a small step, but an important one. A Please here and a Thank You there. You're Welcome is good; My pleasure, is better. Hold a door open for someone; let someone with less packages get in line ahead of you. Lay off the horn. Don't speed. Smile. Be nice.
Be at Peace.
Merry Christmas world.
Happy Hanukkah.
Happy Kwanzaa.
Merry Festivus.
Happy Holidays.
And so that's my wish for you and yours. Health. Happiness. Love. Peace. And, while I've said it over and over again, that I have my personal spiritual beliefs and they do not follow the teachings of any organized religion, every Christmas, no song makes me feel more peaceful, more happy, more at ease, more hopeful.
I'll end with O Holy Night not because I am a religious man, but because I am a hopeful man, a peaceful man, a contented man, And no one, for me, sings it better than my girl, JHud.....Jennifer Hudson.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
Posted by Bob Slatten at 9:45 AM
Labels: Bob, Carlos, Christmas, Jennifer Hudson, Peace, Repost, Smallville
7 comments:
- Jim said...
Merry Christmas Bob!
- R.J. said...
Merry Christmas!
- SteveA said...
Merry Christmas to you, Carlos and the kids!
Well, no Christmas is complete without my (by now famous) pumpikn cheese came ( by demand) and my delicious cranberry sauce.. Once you make your own sauce you'll never go back to the canned stuff.... Recipe available for those interested....
- Wonder Man said...
Happy Holidays, Bob
- Joy said...
Sounds wonderful! Cozy and loving!
- RAD said...
Merry Christmas Bob! Hope your holiday season is going just lovely! ho ho ho! xo
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Thursday, September 01, 2011
Regulations, taxes aren't killing small business, owners say
Posted on Thursday, September 1, 2011
By Kevin G. Hall | McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Politicians and business groups often blame excessive regulation and fear of higher taxes for tepid hiring in the economy. However, little evidence of that emerged when McClatchy canvassed a random sample of small business owners across the nation.
"Government regulations are not 'choking' our business, the hospitality business," Bernard Wolfson, the president of Hospitality Operations in Miami, told The Miami Herald. "In order to do business in today's environment, government regulations are necessary and we must deal with them. The health and safety of our guests depend on regulations. It is the government regulations that help keep things in order."
McClatchy reached out to owners of small businesses, many of them mom-and-pop operations, to find out whether they indeed were being choked by regulation, whether uncertainty over taxes affected their hiring plans and whether the health care overhaul was helping or hurting their business.
Their response was surprising.
None of the business owners complained about regulation in their particular industries, and most seemed to welcome it. Some pointed to the lack of regulation in mortgage lending as a principal cause of the financial crisis that brought about the Great Recession of 2007-09 and its grim aftermath.


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It's fun to reach a point where I can just start to look back and laugh at fashion trends in my own lifetime. I recall being kindergarten age and wanting to be like those grown up teenage girls with their overalls...
By the time I reached her age, we were tight-rolling.
I personally think in 10 years we're going to look back at all the strapless gowns of today and scream, that's so 10's!.
That's a really beautiful picture, Cathy.
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Submission + - Ubuntu Can't Trust FSF: Thus Dropped Grub 2 For Secure Boot (muktware.com)
sfcrazy writes: Free Software Foundation, FSF, recently published a white paper criticizing Ubuntu's move to drop Grub 2 in order to support Microsoft's UEFI Secure Boot. FSF also recommend that Ubuntu should reconsider their decision. Ubuntu's charismatic chief, Mark Shuttleworth, has finally responded stating the reason why they won't change their stand on dropping Grub 2 from Ubuntu. Mark Shuttleworth said "The SFLC advice to us was that the FSF could require key disclosure if some OEM screwed up. As nice as it is that someone at the FSF says they would not, we have to plan for a world where leaders change and institutional priorities change. The FSF wrote a licence that would give them the rights to take specific actions, and it's hard for them to argue they never would!
So, does that FSF can't be trusted?"
So, does that FSF can't be trusted?"


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Evolution Hoax
Jabir quotes from Abu Ja'far: "When Umar asked Hazrat Ali (ra) about Mahdi, he (Umar) said: OIbn Abu Talib (Hazrat Ali), tell me about Mahdi. What is his name?" And Hazrat Ali (ra) said: "My dear, close friend, our Prophet saas) said: "Allah had me promise not to reveal his name to anybody until he would appear. His [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] name is one of the knowledge which Allah entrusted upon His messenger.


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How do i by-pass the Evapo. thermo switch on a '90 legacy? -- I only want to do it temporarly because I am trying to track down a A/C problem... my switch has three wires coming out of it, which ones do I put a jumper bettween? Everything in my A/C system checks out good, good pressure, all relays are good, all fuses good, compressor is good--- the only things I have yet to test are the evaporation themo switch and the A/C controls themselfs....
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Evaporation thermo switch
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|Jenna McCoy (from left) plays Emmy, Palm Beach Atlantic University student Amberly Harman plays Nora, Zosia Gordon plays Elizabeth and PBA student Claudio Conte plays Torvald in "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen. Performances are Nov. 28-Dec. 1 in the University's Fern Street Theatre.
The Palm Beach Atlantic University Theatre Department will present "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 1, at the University's Fern Street Theatre, 500 Fern St., West Palm Beach. An additional performance will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the theatre. Tickets are $15 general admission or two for $25; $10 for seniors 65+; and $5 for students with ID. For information, contact Ticket Central at 561-803-2970 or by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.
PBA Associate Professor of Theatre Don Butler offers this assessment: "Often called one of the greatest plays ever written about women's rights, Ibsen's 'A Doll's House' is probably more accurately understood, as the playwright himself averred, simply as an attempt to describe humanity. Seen in this light it becomes a story of identity, of finding one's place in the world, of reaching one's potential. The play and its main character, Nora, remain controversial, as Ibsen takes a scalpel to the accepted norms of 19th century marriage; but his dissections are timeless and instruct us still today. Ibsen is called the Father of Modern Drama and there is no better example than 'A Doll's House' of why that title is so richly deserved."
The performance is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Allen McCoy. McCoy has been acting, directing, producing and teaching for more than 30 years. As a member of AEA, he has held acting contracts with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Court Theatre, Indiana Repertory, Drury Lane Theatre, First Stage Milwaukee, Boarshead Theatre, Orlando Repertory, Universal Studios and the Walt Disney World Resort. He has held the artistic director position for Circle Theatre Company in Orlando and the Timestep Players in Chicago. He has served as director of education at both the North Carolina Theatre in Raleigh, N.C., and the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala, Fla. He has directed more than 40 productions and has served as production manager, fight choreographer and movement coach for numerous others. Prior to joining the faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic, McCoy taught theatre at Seminole State College and the University of Central Florida.
For information about upcoming performances, please visit www.pba.edu/performances.


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Jermain Defoe is one of the finest English strikers to have played in the Premier League.
Jermain Defoe has scored over 200 goals for club and country.
Jermain Defoe is the 13th highest scorer in Premier League history.
But there's one fact that sticks out above them all, Jermain Defoe has never won a trophy.
That's right, the England international is yet to get his hands on a medal and with the time running out on a career that could strangely be classed as unsuccessful, will the Tottenham striker ever add to his honours list that remains empty?
It seems wrong for such a great player to end his career without a single trophy, especially when you consider the impressive tally of goals he has collected at each of the five clubs he has played for.
Add to that, the 19 goals scored for his national side and the prospect of such a player failing to get his hands on silverware, is just unimaginable.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has two FA Cup winners medal's, a Champions League success and a Europa League trophy under his belt, despite the shot-stopper appearing only 18 times in a Chelsea shirt.
When you compare that to the 500+ appearances that Defoe has accumulated over the years and the outstanding amount of goals he has scored, you cannot help but feel sorry for the 31-year-old.
In 2008, Defoe moved to Portsmouth, who went on to surprisingly win the FA Cup that season, unfortunately the Londoner was cup-tied and watched his teammates lift the trophy from the sidelines.
In that same season, Tottenham Hotspur, who he moved to Pompey from, won the League Cup against Chelsea and piled on more misery as the striker missed out on yet another trophy.
With the England striker back at White Hart Lane, in his second spell for the club, there is no doubt his search for a trophy is in its most promising era, with the London club investing over 100m in the summer and mounting a challenge for trophies both in Europe and back home in England.
The Premier League may just be out of reach for Defoe, however with his club making it to the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup and going well in the Europa League, this year may be the strikers' best chance of losing the unflattering statistic that he surely doesn't deserve.
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ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Three Rockford men who were convicted of murdering an 8-year-old boy ten years ago are one step closer to clearing their names.
A witness who said he saw Anthony Ross, Tyjuan Anderson, and Lumont Johnson at the scene of the crime, may have been lying.
Defense attorneys say they can prove he lied because his telephone conversations in prison were recorded and they have 20 cassette tapes that never made it into evidence in the original trial.
"We've got three individuals who were framed for murder, it was clear they were framed for murder, we've now uncovered tape recordings of the state's star witness, being coached on what to say, talking about police threats that were never disclosed and talking about a deal that no one was told about," said Defense Attorney Steven Greenberg.
Today Judge Joseph McGraw admitted the jail recordings into evidence. Hearings in this case continue the rest of the week. In the end, the three men could get a new trial, or be freed.