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GGH Recognized for Quality and Patient Safety
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Grady General Hospital recently placed second among hospitals under 100 beds in Georgia for Quality and Patient Safety. This is the second year Grady General has placed in this category, marking an improvement from third to second place. The award is presented each year by the Partnership for Health and Accountability, a branch of the Georgia Hospital Association that focuses on providing guidance to healthcare organizations in the area of patient safety.
"Commitment to patient safety is a top priority," said Crystal Ramm, director of nursing at Grady General. "I am proud of our nurses for going above and beyond in caring for our patients."
The hospital was recognized in January at the Georgia Hospital Association's Quality and Patient Safety Summit in Greensboro. The conference was attended by representatives from hospitals of various sizes across the state. At the conference, representatives from Grady General provided a storyboard illustrating tips for improving quality of care and patient safety that was displayed both days during the meetings.
"I am very proud of the work of our frontline staff on a day-to-day basis," stated LaDon Toole, administrator at Grady General. "This award is given to hospitals that set the standard in providing quality care to patients in a safe environment."


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DIXON – Businesses were extra generous to a group that funds extracurricular activities at Dixon schools this past year.
The Partnership Development Committee announced local businesses donated $19,300 for 2012-2013, almost $2,000 more than the previous year.
The Dixon School Board subcommittee raises money for projects and activities that involve extracurricular and co-curricular groups, and for items the district and other resources do not pay for.
For example, the subcommittee paid for Dr. Seuss Reading Night, Theatre Works plays, Madcapp Puppet Theatre and author visits last year, and bought wrestling mats, weight room and football equipment.
The Dixon Schools Foundation also raises funds, but focuses its efforts primarily on educational items.
Donations to the committee ranged from $10,000 to $250 with contributions from 12 local businesses.
Committee members said Monday that they will pursue a $10,000 or $25,000 grant from Monsanto, money that must be used in math or science classrooms.
Last year, Monsanto gave 176 grants in 39 states. Dixon, which expects to be competing with thousands of other schools, has not received this grant in the last 2 years.
For more information
For more information on how to donate, contact the Dixon schools central office at 815-284-7722 and ask for a Partnership Committee funding application.

subset: commoncrawl


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Maybe the halftime show overloaded the circuits?
Um...is this part of the plan? Hell of a snafu for the SB
Maybe the halftime show overloaded the circuits?
Power outage.
Someone didn't pay the electric bill.
Nothing like this has ever happened in Superbowl history. What an embarrassment for the stadium!
This one is gonna be talked about for a long time, boys.
Is that what it takes to shut Simms the hell up
Bring the game back to Indy.
Sh!t like this doesn't happen when we throw a party.
NO just hosted it's last bowl.
METLife people, CHECK THE POWER SYSTEMS
This cannot be a coincidence... Some 49ers fan just sabotaged the Superbowl!
Good thing we got all that new solar ring at MetLife.
Revenge for messing with the Saints this season
What the hell? They don't have a battery backup system at the stadium? This is the worst thing I have ever seen in Superbowl history. Damned embarrassing!


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This isn't necessarily one of Ambient Entertainment's more useful tracks, but it's definitely one of the most creative. Unfortunately, those two things almost inherently work against each other, as the more creative a track is, the narrower its application. But if you have occasion to stage an alien autopsy in your RPG, this track provides a really flavorful backdrop. The thing that makes this autopsy "alien" seems to be "squishiness" of the autopsy subject. If you can hear past that, or explain it in some other way, you might be able to make this track work as background for any high-stakes autopsy that the PCs have to witness. One thing that might detract a bit from the "autopsy" feel is the occasional beeping of machines that sound like medical monitors—normally used on living patients. For a twist, use this track when the PCs wake up in an alien medical bay, strapped to their beds, with alien doctors performing experiments on living humans all around them!
Lots of white noise, dripping water, and what may be footfalls greet you as this track opens. I'm guessing that the white noise is intentional, and maybe represents the rumbling of a nearby generator, or maybe the HVAC system is still running down here. Once in a while you hear a quasi-musical tone, which I take as the sound of stressed metal or something like that. You might even imagine that there's something alive down here. I can definitely imagine using this soundscape to score a scene in an abandoned underground research facility, as the name suggests—as long as the facility has been damaged or otherwise seriously degraded, to allow for the dripping water and such. The track would also be useful as background ambience for steam tunnels—holler if you see Dallas Egbert down there. (What? Too soon?)
This book is not exactly a "thesaurus," although it resembles one since it presents lists of related words. In a typical thesaurus, you look up a word and get a list of its synonyms. For example, if I look up "musical" in the thesaurus installed on my computer, I get "tuneful, melodic, melodious, harmonious," and other things like that. Not so for the Storyteller's Thesaurus, which instead offers lists of words that belong together in a meaningful category. Look up "Musical" in the Storyteller's Thesaurus, and you'll find it under "Occupations" in the "Character Building" chapter. The list includes "bassist," "cellist," "flutist," "organist," and so forth, which obviously are not synonyms but are all examples of specific musical occupations.
Understanding the difference between the Storyteller's Thesaurus and an ordinary thesaurus is critical for using the book responsibly. The authors explain in the introduction that the book is intended to help writers avoid clichés, overcome writer's block, and defeat other such impediments to writing. The Storyteller's Thesaurus helps to spark your imagination when you're coming up empty. Reading the introductory chapter and taking its advice—especially its advice on research—is absolutely crucial, lest you end up thinking that a hippocampus is the same thing as a hypothalamus. Make sure you have, at the very least, a good dictionary handy as a companion volume.
The book is huge. It has 141 pages of content plus a alphabetical index that runs for 401 pages. No, really—the index is 401 pages long. But it's an amazingly useful resource for those times when you can't remember whether "Cape Cod" is an architectural style or a component of Aquaman's uniform.
Production values could have stood greater attention. The occasional formatting inconsistencies usually don't affect the book's usefulness, but they can be a little confusing. For example, in the list of phobias, the first six phobia names are set in a serif tytpeface, and the rest in a sans serif face. Also, that two-column list spans three pages—with the first column running all the way down to the third page, then wrapping back to the first page to start the second column, which is a bizarre way to format columnar text over multiple pages.
The PDF is thoroughly and helpfully bookmarked, but the capitalization is inconsistent in the bookmarks, which is both ugly to the eye and confusing as one tries to sort out whether that's just a mistake or whether there's semantic value to the (lack of) capitalization. Some of the bookmarks point to the header text, while other bookmarks are duplicated various places in the outline—that is, the same text but leading to different pages. The bookmarks almost seem to have been auto-generated by software rather than by a human being.
There are some errors or oddities in the book, too. For example, the city of Ur is listed under "Sites Lost or Unproven to Exist," which would surprise Sir Leonard Woolley, who famously excavated the city. In the same list, "Ghenna" appears to be a misspelling for "Gehenna" (which is also a known place, the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, although it has been mythicized in popular imagination). The "Books of the Bible" list fails to distinguish between Jewish Bibles and Christian Bibles, and between Protestant Bibles and Roman Catholic Bibles. All of this underscores the importance of following the introduction's advice about research.
Appendix A's list of commonly confused words is well-intentioned and very welcome, but too short, and its selectivity might leave one scratching one's head. For example, the list includes "your/you're," "their/there/they're," and "to/too/two," but not "its/it's." Appendix B's list of proverbs is fun to browse, but again is formatted in two parallel columns that don't wrap until the fifth page.
I recommend taking a good look at the "full preview" before buying this volume. That will help you make a good decision about whether the book is for you. If you follow the advice in the introduction about how to use the book, you should find that the Storyteller's Thesaurus sparks many useful ideas. If you ignore that advice and use the book ham-fistedly, you'll end up embarrassing yourself.
The models in this collection are beautiful and well-conceived, all the way down to using the same blades for multiple windmill layouts and including optional interior maps for the rectangular mill. The design is so clever that several of the pieces in this set—the main bodies of each mill, primarily—fold down and store flat, or very nearly so. Only one note of caution needs to be attached to this review: these models are fairly complex, and require some degree of modeling (cutting, scoring, and folding) skill and a good bit of patience to assemble. Whether they're worth the effort depends on how much use you'll get out of them. If you're running a game with recurring scenes in a village where such a mill would be useful, and you'll get to use the mill again and again, it's well worth it. If you'd just be using a model for a brief visit, the assembly effort might be more trouble than it's worth. This is not a weakness in the product, just a caveat to make sure that your needs match what this excellent product has to offer.
Whether you're a longtime ICONS fan or a new player/GM looking for a relatively rules-light yet richly textured superhero RPG, you'll welcome ICONS Superpowered Roleplaying: The Assembled Edition.
If you're not familiar with ICONS but are considering a purchase, this book will give you everything you need to get started … except for some six-sided dice, an adventure and friends to play it with. Chapter 1, "The Basics," starts off by describing ICONS scale, a system of ranking abilities, powers, difficulties, and so on using a scale of 1 to 10 with corresponding adjectives (think of the classic Marvel Super Heroes RPG). Almost everything in ICONS is measured using this scale. Chapter 1 also defines the six ability scores used for ICONS characters, and explains Determination, a kind of in-game currency that players can spend to gain advantages and GMs can award to cause trouble. Fighting, of course, involves the additional consideration of damage and healing, which are addressed here in chapter 1. Chapter 1 ends with a wonderful example of play that illustrates all the basic concepts.
Chapter 2, "Hero Creation," obviously covers character creation, but also team creation. The default method of character creation in ICONS is random generation using a series of tables, but a point-buy option is also presented. Character creation is illustrated using the origin of Saguaro, the iconic (heh) cactus-man on the front cover.
Chapters 3 and 4 describe the standard powers and specialties presented in the game. ICONS takes the approach of boiling powers down to their basic essences or most common expressions, then allowing customizations through limits and extras. Specialties are learned skills, and only have a three-step scale (specialist, expert, and master).
Chapter 5 goes into more detail about how characters' actions are mechanically resolved in ICONS. This straightforward chapter ends with another great example of play.
The book's longest chapter is chapter 6, on "Game Mastering." This chapter is chock full of great advice, ideas, and inspiration for ICONS GMs. It's useful not only for new GMs but for experienced game masters as well, since it provides helpful overviews of comic book tropes, quick villian creation, and so on.
A selection of NPCs, both allies and adversaries, rounds out the book. Some readers have noticed that the superheroes presented here do not have starting Determination values listed, but that's because they're intended as NPCs, not as pregenerated player characters.
For those of you who already play ICONS and wonder if you should get the new edition, I'd say "yes." There are a few significant rules changes that should make gameplay even easier than it was before. To highlight the three most important changes:
In the Assembled Edition, GMs now roll dice. The formula for task resolution has changed from relevant ability/power + 1d6 - 1d6 vs. target difficulty or opposing ability/power to 1d6 + relevant ability/power vs. 1d6 + target difficulty or opposing ability/power. The resulting probabilities remain the same as in classic ICONS, but the revised mechanic makes it easier to resolve villains' actions without mentally inverting the scale.
In classic ICONS, characters had aspects, divided into qualities (generally advantageous) and challenges (generally disadvantageous). In the Assembled Edition, the advantageous/disadvantageous distinction is dissolved, and new characters have three qualities that could potentially serve in a variety of circumstances to yield advantage or trouble. This particular change is, in my view, the best rules change in the Assembled Edition. Additionally, the whole system is explained much better in the Assembled Edition than in the classic ICONS rulebook. The Assembled Edition even gives GMs and players a "formula" to use to show how qualities are used: "Because of (quality), I/you get (advantage/trouble)." Through the use of models like "Because I am The World's Greatest Detective, I get improved effort on the Intellect test to figure out what happened here" or "As a Believer in All Things Good, I am taken aback by this horror and lose my panel this page" and the examples of play at the ends of chapters 1 ("The Basics") and 5 ("Taking Action"), the use of qualities becomes much clearer to readers of the Assembled Edition.
Since the Assembled Edition differs only in these two major and a few other minor ways from classic ICONS, it's very easy to use older adventures and supplements with the Assembled Edition. For the Villainomicon, I would suggest just ignoring the rules material up front in favor of what's in the Assembled Edition, but most of the villains should work fine with just slight adjustments to terminology and maybe reconfiguring their qualities. A good bit of material from ICONS Team-Up appears in revised form in the Assembled Edition, but that book still retains value in its chapters on exotic environments, sidekicks, and—if you want to use them—vehicles and bases. In general, Great Power also retains its value, especially in "translating" various power concepts into mechanical terms. You can also still use the random power tables in Great Power for the sake of variety, and then build the character according to the power terminology in the Assembled Edition.
Production values for this book are very high. The Assembled Edition uses the same page templates as Great Power, so the pages have plenty of light colors and white space, making them very readable and aesthetically pleasing. The book is also full of wonderful new artwork by ICONic artist Dan Houser.
In short, I enthusiastically recommend ICONS Superpowered Roleplaying: The Assembled Edition. My only "complaint" is that the PDF as initially released did not include bookmarks (but I hope this will be fixed soon).
Whether your PCs are visiting Innsmouth or some other creepy port town, this soundscape will help you set the mood. Mostly what you hear are the lapping of waves, the ocean breeze, and the creaking of boards (piers, I suppose, and maybe moored ships). Seabirds and (ships'?) bells are also in evidence; now and again, a dog barks. Very effective.
If you need the sounds of a windswept, barren, icy plain for your RPG, look no further. In fact, you could probably get away with using this track for a windswept, barren plain that isn't icy, since mostly what you hear is the wind.
This is a really nice map that includes both a ground floor and a balcony. PDF layers are used to let you customize various aspects of the map. The product may be slightly pricey for what amounts to one 8x10 inch tile (the ground floor) and one small add-on (the balcony), but the map and the PDF composition are high-quality.
Malfaex is an interesting villain in the vein of Thanos or a herald of Galactus. His "look" reminds me of Marvel's Terrax. Dan Houser's art is, as always, a highlight of the product.
These maps make a small but beautiful magic school or wizard's mansion. Just be sure your printer doesn't require more than 1/4 inch of white space on each side of the page, since the tiles are a full 8x10 inches.
There's honestly not much I can add to the catalog description, which does a really fine job of telling you what you'll get in this track. It's noisy and busy, and effective at conveying a sense of monstrous chaos.
This track does a great job of transporting the listener back to a busy city street in the 1920s. It's perfect for daytime "about town" scenes in a Call/Trail of Cthulhu game, and would really serve just as well for any kind of pulp setting up through, I'd say, the 1940s.
If you like to listen to EDM while role-playing, you'll probably like this trio of tracks. If you prefer a more orchestral flavor of background music, you should probably look elsewhere. I'm personally in the latter camp, although I can appreciate the skill that went into composing these tracks. "Cosmic Voyage" is upbeat and almost happy in tone. "Creeping Entropy" is, well, creepy, with excellent use of percussion overlaid by techno tones that I don't personally care for but that fit the "cosmic supers" genre reasonably well. The name "Starsiege" made me expect that the third track would imply some kind of battle, but it really sounds more to me like backing for a 1970s police show montage. The three tracks hang together pretty well. I really expected more than three tracks for a "soundtrack," but the per-track price is more than reasonable. Although it doesn't really fit my background music preferences, this collection could be just the thing that some GMs are looking for.
The drippy water, the occasional closing of a door, and the violin solo lightly playing in the background of this track all put me in mind of a "dungeon" in the sense of "prison in the cellar" rather than a "dungeon" in the sense of "mad wizard's underground menagerie." The overwhelming sense I get from this track is one of utter loneliness. Very effective, although the water dripping limits the range of situations in which you could use the track.
Mostly what you hear in this track is wind. Occasionally some rocks or pebbles will skitter along a hard surface. There's also quite a bit of chittering from some kind of animal—bats, perhaps, judging by the occasional flapping of wings. The overall effect is … well, not one of Wes Otis's better efforts. The chittering gets annoying pretty quickly, and the rest is primarily white noise. It seems to do what the composer/engineer intended, but the overall effect is just bland in my judgment.


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Cuffed Winter Top
Added Jul 6, 2013
by pambox
Sydney, Australia
I bought this wool jersey at the Remnant Warehouse in Alexandria a month or so ago when I was looking for some winter fabrics. The pattern is adapted from the 'She Has a Mannish Style' pattern book, pattern number 4. I narrowed and lengthened the body of the pattern, and made the sleeves longer. I decided to add on cuffs to make this top a bit more interesting, and a wide almost stand-up collar neckline. The top is still very simple, but the collar and slightly puffed sleeves are a bit of a change.
Photos by Ezzles
Material Notes
1 metre wool jersey
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Money Resolutions for the New Year: A 4-Step Plan to Achieve Your Goals
New Year's resolutions typically have to do with getting in shape and saving money. According to a study conducted by psychologist and author of The Luck Factor, Richard Wiseman, 88 percent of people do not keep their resolution. Make sure you meet your money resolutions in 2011 with a four-step plan to turn your resolve into a reality.


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A man who tried to get police officers to shoot him after he threatened to blow up the 31-story AEP building Downtown last year was found not guilty by reason of insanity yesterday.
A man who tried to get police officers to shoot him after he threatened to blow up the 31-story AEP building Downtown last year was found not guilty by reason of insanity yesterday.
Two psychologists separately evaluated Munir Saleh, 44, and both determined that he was so mentally ill at the time of the incident that he didn�t understand the wrongfulness of his actions.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Mark Serrott handed down the verdict after Saleh�s attorney and the Franklin County prosecutor�s office agreed with the psychologists� findings.
Serrott scheduled a Feb. 15 hearing to determine whether Saleh should be committed to a psychiatric hospital, the most-common outcome in such cases. In the meantime, he will remain in the Franklin County jail.
Saleh, of Hoose Drive on the Far West Side, was charged with felony counts of inducing panic and making false alarms after the May 31 incident in the building at 1 Riverside Plaza, across the street from Central Police Headquarters.
Saleh entered the lobby while carrying a package at 10:49 p.m. and told AEP security that he intended to blow up the building and would shoot any responding police officers. He had parked a Jeep in front of the building at Long Street and Marconi Boulevard, and removed three cases that he placed near the building.
When officers arrived, Saleh told them: �You�ll have to shoot me to stop me,� and then reached for his waistband, Assistant County Prosecutor Leigh Bayer said. He pulled out a cellphone, and officers used a stun gun to subdue him.
Bayer said Saleh also told officers: �You�ll see who we are,� and �Why did it take so long to get a terrorist event?�
Surrounding streets were closed to traffic, the AEP building was evacuated, and police were unable to process arrests at headquarters for five hours while the Columbus Fire Division bomb squad investigated the packages and the Jeep. None of the items contained explosives, and no gun was found.
The judge said Saleh has had a history of mental illness dating to at least 2003.
A Netcare psychologist who evaluated him in December found that he has bipolar disorder and was having a �manic episode with psychotic features� when he threatened to blow up the building.


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Tuesday, February 07, 2012
I must diasgree...
Today's Oatmeal was about people looking at each other in the gym and making assumptions about them, all the while those people are looking at the next guy and thinking their lives would be better if...and so on. I'm not going to say that doesn't happen - of course it does! But not like depicted in the cartoon. I'll see a really fit person and think "Wow! They put a lot of work into looking like that, I wonder what thier routine is." If I'm on the treadmill I will look at the display panel of the people around me and compete with them. I will say shit like "They're running at 9kmph? I'll run 9.5." "Tjhey quit at half a mile?! Wow that's weak, I'm running a mile just to show them." Completely disrespectful of the fact they may have been in there for an hour already and this is a finish.
I have thought to myself that if so and so wants to lose weight they should up their cardio and stop swinging those tiny half kilo weights around. I have looked in utter despair as some women contort themselves into yoga positions I'd dislocate a hip if I tried them. For me they gym is competition and pushing myself. To be better than I was the week before, and to be better than the person jogging beside me for that short time they are beside me. Not a better person. I mean a better runner, biker, weight lifter whatever. Just for that set. I could care less about their lives at that moment. After workouts, then I'll chat with them and all that competitiveness disappears. In fact I'm thankful to them for being there to help me challenge myself. I've been humbled and humiliated many times too by those who are slick gym masters. That challenges me more. I love those people, not envy their physiques in a way that I pine and moan over, but wonder if I push myself could I get that too? Then I tell myself they probably only eat egg whites and oatmeal so no.
Then again I've not been to a gym in six months so...
3 comments:
- Maja said...
I hate the human interaction at the gym. I try not to make eye contact with anyone and hope that no one is looking at me. I haven't been to the gym in about six months either! Happy to lounge around for now.
- Tuesday, 07 February, 2012
- Rox said...
Who knew you were so competitive?! LOL! I haven't been to the gym in so long...I'm controlling my waistline by wearing jeans (keeps me from over-eating) and eating off the smaller plates. It's working.
That being said, when I did Gym it, I went with Murphy and only really talked to her. I only noticed other people if they fell off their machine or groaned really loud or something. LOL!
- Wednesday, 08 February, 2012
- doug said...
I do it for the rush. And because if I don't do it, I get lower back pain. I don't ogle the muscular guys, but I do pay attention to the women. Something about sweaty women :)
- Monday, 20 February, 2012


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Topics: "Mental Health Collaborative" & "Morning Star Birth Center"
Description: A new collaboration of organizations will help strengthen the region's safety net for children and teens suffering with mental health issues.
And expectant mothers now have a new option to consider with the opening of a birthing center in a former Duluth mansion.
Guests: Dawn Peterson, Woodland Hills Clinical Director; Leslie Chaplin, Northwood Children's Services; Paul Goossens, Harbor City Psychological Associates; Paula Bernini Feigal, Morning Star Health and Birth Center


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Heritage 1/2015:6435, $3,760 - Heritage 2/2015:3297, not sold - Heritage 4/2015:6673, $2,820
Tom Gallup Collection
J&L Collection
San Diego Collection
Subway Tokens Complete Commemoratives
Heritage 1/2015:6436, $2,350
Ron Guth: 1946 marked the 100th anniversary of the "birth" of the state of Iowa. To honor the occasion, the mint produced 100,057 half dollars on behalf of the Iowa Centennial Committee. A medallist, Adam Pietz, was paid $1,000 to design the coin. The Iowa Half Dollars were offered in two ways: to Iowa residents at $2.50 each through an elaborate lottery system administered by banks, or for $3.00 each to anyone outside the state. Only 5,000 coins were set aside for sale to non-residents. An additional 1,000 half dollars were set aside, 500 of which would be sold to finance the sesquicentennial in 1996, and the remaining 500 to be sold to finance the bicentennial in 2046. All 1,000 of the set-aside coins were coated in lacquer for protection. The Iowa Half Dollar was a sellout in 1946; sales of those set aside for the 1996 celebration were not as successful because of the high selling price of $500 per coin. Unsold coins were held over for the 2046 celebration.
Sources and.or recommended reading:
"Last Of The State Half Dollars" b y Michele Orzano, COIN WORLD, July 24, 2000, p. 90
David Hall: No silver commemoratives were struck during the "war" years of 1940 to 1945. In 1946, the Iowa half dollar was struck to commemorate the centennial of Iowa statehood. The mintage was quite large, 100,057 coins. The issue price was a relatively high $2.50 for Iowa residents and $3.00 for everyone else. The coins were saved in large quantities and today the Iowa is one of the most common silver commemoratives of the 1892-1954 "classic era".
The average Iowa grades MS64 to MS66. MS67 examples are readily available and even MS68s are obtainable. In fact, the only grades in which an Iowas are rare are grades below AU50. Most Iowas are relatively mark-free and many have outstanding white frosty luster.
© 1999-2018 Collectors Universe NASDAQ: CLCT


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Pope Benedict XVI's resignation — or, more bluntly, abdication — has everyone buzzing about how the Vatican and the new pope will handle a retired pope living in a monastery on the property.
Pope Benedict XVI has managed to confound a 2,000-year-old institution that should have thought of everything by now.
His resignation — or, more bluntly, abdication — has everyone buzzing about how the Vatican and the new pope will handle a retired pope living in a monastery on the property.
It hasn't escaped notice that after Benedict becomes the Bishop Emeritus of Rome, what he thinks will certainly be highly influential. And who believes he will be hands-off?
Imagine the atmosphere in the College of Cardinals as they deliberate over who the next pope will be. Benedict won't be in the room, but his staring presence will be felt by everyone.
He ominously laid down a marker of what he expects on Thursday, declaring that Vatican II has been misinterpreted as liberalization of the church when it is actually the opposite, and that he expects the new pope to further advance his idea of the "true council."
The intrigue deepened when the Vatican confirmed that Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, or "Gorgeous Georg," as the Italians call him, will remain as Benedict's trusted private secretary, live at his residence, and at the same time work for the new pope as prefect of the papal household in the Apostolic Palace.
How's that for looking over the new pope's shoulder? Any chance that he'll be Benedict's conduit to the pope? If you were the new pope, how would you like it?
All the speculation about Benedict's future has taken the place of Vatican rituals in the conversation about the end of a papacy.
So here's one to consider: We know that when a pope dies, the ritual is to call his name three times and then, it is believed, tap him on the head with a small silver hammer to wake him up if he is in a deep sleep.
This is more than understandable, since for centuries people had feared waking up 6 feet under, put there because they were mistaken for dead.
Having established that the pope had indeed passed on, the hammer was then used to destroy his signet ring so no one could forge the seal on papal papers.
We hear that the ring is still to be destroyed, although it is unclear whether Benedict, or whatever he will be called at that point, will be in the room to witness it.
Also, I think it can be safely assumed that he will not be hit on the head with the silver hammer.
The Vatican will adjust its rituals to deal with Benedict's resignation. After all, it has changed or ended rituals in the past when times changed.
Finally, I can't pass up the opportunity to predict that Cardinal Sean O'Malley, archbishop of Boston, actually has a small chance of being elected pope. He's conservative. He's the right age. He's charismatic. And yes, he's an American, but I believe most people in the developing world look up to Americans still.
O'Malley says he doesn't want the job of pope, just the way he once told me that he didn't want the job as Boston archbishop. I respectfully told him I didn't think that would matter, that he would be coming back to New England from Palm Beach in under a year.
That's what happened, because O'Malley is uniquely qualified because of his handling of the sexual abuse scandal. He still is.
So there's an outside chance he won't need the return trip on the round-trip ticket he bought to Rome. Good luck, Cardinal Sean.
Steve Urbon's column appears in The Standard-Times and SouthCoastToday.com. He can be reached with comments and suggestions at email@example.com or 508-979-4448.


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Hugs, smiling, and interactive Twitter accounts, don't mean winning baseball. Until this community understands that we are cursed to relive the madness.
delete my phone made a double post
Hugs, smiling, and interactive Twitter accounts, don't mean winning baseball. Until this community understands that we are cursed to relive the madness.
Jonathan Joseph, Jonathan Fanene, Frostee Rucker, maybe Reggie Nelson
They have too many holes to compete next year, and their failings this week are forcing them to have a perfect draft in order to even have a chance at an 8-8 season. Seriously, they need a RB, a WR, two OG, a CB, a S, and maybe a MLB, not to mention more DL depth now. Even if they hit perfectly, they can only get three of those in the first two rounds.
Look at next year's schedule: Of course it is WAY too early to tell because we don't know what these teams will look like in September, but if I had to call it right now, I can envision home wins against Cleveland, Oakland, Miami and maybe Dallas. Road wins against Cleveland, Jacksonville, and maybe Washington. That sets us up for 6-10 or 7-9, probably at best...
...UNLESS they can shock the world and sign some combination (ie more than one) of Michael Bush, Brandon Lloyd, Mario Manningham and/or LaRon Landry. Drafting Trent Richardson wouldn't hurt either, but he'll likely be gone by 17. Nicks or Grubbs would have been huge but they are gone now, meaning we HAVE to spend one of the first round picks on either DeCastro or Glenn. If Nelson leaves and we don't sign Landry, we'll likely have to take Mark Barron if he's there as well. That leaves big holes at RB and WR (and CB) that need to be filled in FA...now!!
That said, I have NO interest in BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He is a downgrade from Benson. They must get Bush or Richardson. I'd happily take both.
Go BLUE!!!
Reggie Nelson is a starter but if he really didn't wow me last year. Solid, but replaceable, espeically if they are planning to move Clemmens to S. Fanene and Rucker are depth, something you should be able to replace. The last thing you want to do is pay them starting money.
I am not going to get upset about losing Fanene or Rucker as long as they make moves in free agency to address their needs.
Nicks, Grubbs, V-Jax, Colston, all gone.
Lloyd, Manningham, Landry, probably not far behind.
Signing Bush would be a start, but there are still way too many holes to even think about the playoffs next year.
Go BLUE!!!
Sure I would like to see them making deals already, but outside of Grubbs, Nicks, and Mario Williams I haven't seen a player that would have been a major upgrade go elsewhere.
Hugs, smiling, and interactive Twitter accounts, don't mean winning baseball. Until this community understands that we are cursed to relive the madness.
How was Jonathan Joseph not a quality player or a priority last year?
In addition to the three FA you mentioned (Grubbs, Nicks, Williams) basically any WR on the market would be an upgrade- including the still unsigned Lloyd and Manningham and the now off-the-market V-Jax, Colston and Meachem.
Bush would be good but the other guys you mentioned are exactly what you say you are not excited by- roster filler. Ross, Langford, and Steinbach at this point in his career are no better than what we had last year. We could get similar players after the first day of the draft. Bengals need IMPACT.
Go BLUE!!!
Jason Allen to the Bengals: 2 years/$8.2 mil. Reggie Nelson is also expected to make a decision by today.
Arise and walk, come through. A world beyond that door is calling out for you. Arise and walk, come through. It's calling out for you.
Reggie Nelson returns per @adamscheffter
Hugs, smiling, and interactive Twitter accounts, don't mean winning baseball. Until this community understands that we are cursed to relive the madness.
And it's not listed here but they also signed Travelle Wharton OG to a deal prior to Allen.
My thinking on the the Bengals this past week is I believe I know what they are thinking and I don't like the idea. The main issue here being they have to have the minimum cap filled by a certain date next year. The 5 core players that may require extensions at some point prior to the end of 2013/2014 all still have multiple seasons left on their deals (Dunlap, Atkins, Green, Dalton, Gresham). Why throw all that cheap production away and also end up having to pay them a 3rd contract further down the road potentially? Sure I'm all for signing guys a year prior to their FA year and depending on the guy/circumstances possibly a year sooner than that. But only 2 of those 5 qualify for that in my mind next season and that's if they continue to do well. There is still alot of uncertainty with most if not all 5 also and not necessarily no brainers to sign to LTC's.
I didn't expect them to go all crazy but OG was a glaring need and although Nicks contract demands were a bit ludicrous Ben Grubbs should have been a full court press. Instead they settle for not only mediocre Travelle Wharton but a 31 year old mediocre Wharton, Chilo Rachal would have made alot more sense and they didn't even bring him in for a visit. Neither are great pass blockers but at least Rachal is 25 years old and a much superior run blocker to Wharton who is good but not great, Rachal is a great run blocker perhaps the best in football. Something more needed to be done here.
Last edited by Mario-Rijo; 03-19-2012 at 08:48 AM.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
ESPN LinkThe Bengals made the AFC North's biggest move in free agency so far, re-signing safety Reggie Nelson, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Why is it so big? Cincinnati pointed to Nelson as its top priority in free agency and didn't lose him in a battle with the New York Jets. The Bengals also kept Nelson at a time when it would be hard to replace him (the safety position is weak in free agency and the draft) and didn't let him leave like cornerback Johnathan Joseph a year ago.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
The problem I have with free agency in the NFL is people make a big too do out of it but the reality is its impact isn't nearly as much. The Bengals let two underachieving guards go who all of a sudden became in demand free agents. In the NFL you don't build through free agency, you build through the draft. If the Bengals are intent on picking a Guard in the draft who they think can slide right in I have no problem with the way they are acting in free agency in regards to the OL.
I don't really know what to think about Reggie Nelson. He was a solid safety, nothing spectacular as a Bengal. Its nice getting him back because he has been in the system for a number of years. But he isn't a difference maker in the back 7 that the Bengals sorely need. Don't know enough about Jason Allen, but if he is a solid corner he will help the Bengals out. They still will need to take a DB with one of their first 3 picks, but it may just give them a little more flexibility in the draft.
If they sign Michael Bush I will consider it a very good offseasn for the Bengals. If you go back all the way to Carson Palmer IMO the Bengals have done well in FA. An extra draft choice, retained their #1 priority, and haven't lost a key contributor to the team.
Last edited by bucksfan2; 03-19-2012 at 09:15 AM.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
--Woody Hayes
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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The Life & Death of U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland
U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland, a Democratic congressman from Texas 18th District, died Aug. 7, 1989 at age 44 when a plane he was on crashed during a mission trip in Fugnido, Ethiopia.
See photos from his career in politics, the crash which took his life and those who came together to remember him.
By Carol Christian
on August 6, 2014 1:12 PM
Photo: Houston Chronicle file photo


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Family members say an infant seriously injured in a head-on collision Monday is showing some signs of progress as doctors try to determine the extent of his brain injury.
Family members say an infant seriously injured in a head-on collision Monday is showing some signs of progress as doctors try to determine the extent of his brain injury.
Heather Bradburn Stepp, a 26-year-old mother of three, was heading into town for lunch and driving down Kanuga Road in Hendersonville with her 6-month-old son, Ely, strapped in a car seat when their SUV was struck.
N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Mark Corbin said a Chevy pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed into the front of Stepp's SUV near London Road at about 12:15 p.m.
The force of the impact left baby Ely in critical condition. He remained in Mission Hospital's Prenatal Intensive Care Unit Tuesday night.
"Right now, we're just playing a waiting game," said Kim Crank, Stepp's cousin. "They've cut the baby's sedation and pain meds to see if they can get any response and he did move a little, which we're told is a good sign."
Stepp's uncle, J. Michael Edney, said in an email to the Times-News that Ely has a broken left leg, slight laceration of his liver, skull fracture and whiplash-type injury to the lower part of his brain where the nerves come together.
"The brain injury is the major focus and the doctors are unsure yet as to the extent of the injury. The area most severely injured affects his motor skills and sight," Edney said. "He has remained stable thus far with no brain swelling. The doctors will be reducing the medicines to allow Ely to start waking up. Then they will be able to determine the longterm effects from the wreck. They are also concerned about the effects of any lack of oxygen he may have had during the time immediately after the wreck.
"Again, only time will tell. The doctors are optimistic that Ely will likely survive!"
Both drivers were transported to the hospital in serious condition, according to Valley Hill Fire and Rescue Chief Tim Garren. Heather Stepp's condition was listed as fair Tuesday night.
"Heather has two broken feet in addition to her crushed left ankle. Her right elbow may also be broken," Crank said Tuesday. "They will scan it later today and operate and put pins in it tonight or tomorrow if needed. They are saying she won't walk again without pain and possibly assistance."
Edney said his niece underwent surgery on her left foot Monday night. "There was substantial bone loss and she will require several surgeries in the future," he added.
Later Tuesday afternoon, with the right amount of pain medication, Stepp was "finally resting," Crank said. "Right now, we're just asking for continued prayers."
Around 8 p.m., Stepp was finally able to see her son, who was given an encouraging report.
"They do feel he will pull through, but we just have no idea how much damage might have been done to his brain," Crank said.
Dozens of messages of support have been posted on Stepp's Facebook page and the Times-News' online story at BlueRidgeNow.com. Many people offered prayers, including those who said they have never met the family.
Stepp, a 2005 graduate of East Henderson High School, is a familiar face at Hot Dog World, where she works as a cashier.
"We are so very grateful to the good Samaritans who stopped to help Heather and Ely at the scene," Edney said. "Without God guiding their hearts and actions, we would not be standing beside Ely, holding his small hand and encouraging his recovery."
Family members said they were also grateful for the staff at Pardee Hospital, Mission Hospital, the MAMA helicopter crew and the "many, many strangers and friends who have lifted Heather and Ely up in prayer."
"Knowing the extensive cost yet to come and knowing that Heather will be unable to work indefinitely, we are going to open an account with the Local and State Government Employee's Credit Union to allow anyone who wishes to contribute to do so," Edney said. The account will be called the Heather and Ely Fund.
Corbin said he did not know why the truck veered over the center line. The accident is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.
Reach Weaver at email@example.com or 828-694-7867.


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The St. Louis Cardinals made a move to address their faulty bullpen Monday by optioning left-hander Marc Rzepczynski to Triple-A Memphis.
Rzepczynski has contributed to the majors' worst relief corps, allowing seven runs on 13 hits over eight innings. St. Louis is last in the league with a 6.08 bullpen ERA.
Conversely, the Cardinals' starters boast the lowest ERA at 2.18.
Rzepczynski's demotion created a roster spot for Seth Maness, who had his contract purchased from Memphis.
The 24-year-old right-hander, the Cardinals minor league pitcher of the year in 2012, made four starts this season for the Redbirds, going 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA.
Maness has issued only 18 walks in 247 2/3 innings throughout his minor league career.


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Bridging the generation gap in the workplace
Summit highlights how businesses can prepare for the loss in experience when baby boomers retire
Fact: 50 percent of Boeings workforce will be eligible for retirement by 2015.
So how do employers prepare to bridge the coming gap in knowledge and skills in the wake of a mass exodus by baby boomers?
Thats the question business, community and city leaders were addressing Thursday at the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Centers 14th annual Economic Summit. Bess Wills, Gresham Ford general manager and chamber president, opened the conference at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham by referring to an impending jobs war, where a business success or failure will depend on a skilled workforce.
A country goes broke one company at a time, Wills said. Education plays a big part in our future workers success and job creation. Finding their talent and skill and retaining them is the key to the future of business.
Stacy Stack, vice president, training for Express Employment Professionals, provided a humorous insight into the generational differences among workers. If employers want to retain talented employees, Stack said, the key is learning to communicate differently with each generation.
The life experiences and how they were raised is varied, Stack said. Just as the talents and skills they bring are different. But employers and managers need to move with the times to respond to the way each generation functions in the workforce.
For example, traditionalists (those born before 1946) are most likely to be veterans who view hard work as an expectation. They are loyal and dedicated to their employers and place a high value on job security and stability.
Baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) view hard work as a means of advancement. They are the first generation of workaholics, however, because their drive to get ahead often compromised their family or personal life.
Many Gen Xers (1965-1978) grew up in a home with working parents and learned to be independent and self-reliant at an early age. And although they, too, might manage a household with two working adults, they have found a balance between work and home.
The Millennials are the generation born after 1978. Stack calls them the most loved generation because their parents were so involved with them. Millennials, however, excel at teamwork and collaborative projects, probably due to the fact that so many grew up on athletic fields.
By gleaning the expertise of workers nearing retirement before they go, Stack said, employers can strengthen their workforces for the future.
Take advantage of the boomer and traditionalists knowledge by establishing mentorship programs between generations, she said. That will foster a pipeline where their knowledge will be passed on.
John Carter, chairman of Schnitzer Steel Industries, was the keynote speaker. He explained how the Oregon Business Plan is addressing the skills gap from a state level. Representatives from Boeing, Microchip and the Organically Grown Co. participated in a panel discussion and explained how their companies are preparing for the future through community partnerships.


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Sicily is Italy with magic dust sprinkled on it. The simplicity of life; the rough terrain; the history are just part of what makes Sicily so special. And the food! Simple ingredient are transformed into sublimely familiar dishes we all know and love. In this show, I'll share some of the secrets to great Southern Italian food and some of my favorite Auntie Pina stories.
Visit the Website: http://www.christinacooks.com
Episode #116 / Length: 26 minutes


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BUILDING THE MACHINE—The Common Core Documentary (Trailer)
"Building the Machine" introduces the public to the Common Core States Standards Initiative (CCSSI) and its effects on our children's education. The documentary compiles interviews from leading educational experts, including members of the Common Core Validation Committee. Parents, officials, and the American public should be involved in this national decision regardless of their political persuasion.
You Can Homeschool Thru High School—Series
You can teach high school with confidence by taking advantage of HSLDA's support and resources! Our high school consultants share practical tips, encouraging insights, and lots of resources. Watch the whole series here.
Remember the Blessings—Series
A weekly video series about God's blessing in our lives. See the whole series here.
Our Greatest Calling—Series
Join us in Season 2 of HSLDA's Weekly Video Series for a closer look at the meaning of the past and the promise of the future! See the whole series here.
The TRUTH about HSLDA
HSLDA is far more than simple legal representation for homeschool families in court. HSLDA has been the leading advocate nationwide for homeschool freedoms and has laid the groundwork for all homeschooling families to train their children without the intervention of the government. Get more info and join >>
HSLDA — A Celebration of Freedom
A great man once explained that, "When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution [. . .] they were signing a promissory note to which every American was heir." But with this blessing, we also owe a duty. So this year, join us in remembering our blessings and thanking God for His grace in our lives.
Mike Smith: Why HSLDA?
HSLDA President Mike Smith explains how representation by HSLDA is unique. In addition to all nine of HSLDA's attorneys being homeschooling parents, he points out that HSLDA has been focused on providing the best possible representation in every case since 1983.
Is Homeschool Freedom Still at Risk?
Threats to homeschool freedom can come in many forms: Local government officials. Judges. Legislators.
Is your right to teach your children still at risk?
Find out by watching this short, riveting video.
Mike Farris on the Cressy Case: The Bigger Picture
Is the Cressy case just a blip on the radar? HSLDA Chairman Mike Farris explains how this case and others fit into the big picture of current threats against homeschool freedom.
The Cressy Case trailer
Can parents be arrested simply for failing to file their homeschooling paperwork? Rick and Margie Cressy were! This trailer features highlights from their full story: learn more about their case at www.hslda.org/cressy.
You Can Homeschool — Series
Video series encouraging families thinking about homeschooling. Includes info about getting started and how well students perform vs. other options. Watch the whole series here.
Introduction to Policy Debate with Christy Shipe
In this series, Christy provides helpful practical application of the principles in the textbook along with insightful analysis of the two complete debate rounds included on Disc 3.
Breakthrough in International Homeschooling Freedom
Americans enjoy an almost unparalleled level of freedom when compared to virtually all other countries in the area of home education. In order to give hope to many and strengthen existing freedoms, the first ever global home education conference was held in November 2012 in Berlin, Germany.


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Well, it sure can't be said that the Bucs came out flat today against the Mets. Pittsburgh banged out 13 hits and made them count (even though eleven were singles) in pasting the New York nine for the third straight day 11-6.
Andrew McCutchen made his Bucco debut memorable in front of nearly 21,000 fans - a huge crowd by get-away game standards - by going 2-for-4 with a walk, scoring three runs, driving in a RBI, and swiping a base. Nice hello to the local crowd, hey?
McCutch batted lead-off and played center, just like the good ol' days at Indy when he and Nyjer Morgan were the dynamic duo. Morgan seemed to like it; he added two hits including a triple, scored twice, and drove in a run himself.
We think he's gonna like having that hole at second everytime his lil' buddy gets aboard; it makes good baseball sense to bat a lefty second behind a right-handed hitter, everything else being fairly equal.
But another rookie wreaked the most damage. Catcher Jason Jaramillo drove home 4 runs with two-run singles in the first and fourth innings, when the Pirates batted around.
The Big O was swatted around for the second time in a row, demonstrating why the Pirate suits are on the constant lookout for arms. But the Buc bullpen was equal to the task. Another fuzz-faced rook, Steven Jackson, went two scoreless innings to get his first win. It was a big day for the pups.
One somber note. Andy LaRoche took a pitch on the knee, and is day-to-day; it's supposed to be a contusion, so he shouldn't miss much time.
The Pirates move on to Houston for a three game set starting tomorrow night. The pitching match-ups from MLB.com. And then it's off to Atlanta and Nate McLouth's Braves. That'll be a little eerie.


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A teacher has filed a federal lawsuit against the Downingtown Area Educators Association and the Downingtown Area School District, claiming her rights were violated and that the parties refused to follow federal disclosure requirements.
District teacher Maria del Carmen Gonzalez Tucker resigned from formal membership in the union, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Education Association and the National Education Association unions, in early December 2012.
Tucker filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with free legal assistance from National Right to Work Foundation staff attorneys.
Despite Tucker�s resignation, union officials notified her that she �will be part of the DAEA through the 2012-2013 school year.� Tucker�s suit alleges the school district continues to deduct full union dues from her paychecks at union officials� behest even though the union hierarchy has refused to follow the federal disclosure requirements outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to previous rulings made by the U.S. Supreme Court, workers have a right to refrain from union membership at any time. Additionally, the court ruled in the Foundation�s Chicago Teachers Union v. Hudson case that union officials must provide nonmember public workers with an independently-audited breakdown of all forced-dues union expenditures and the opportunity to object and challenge the amount of forced union fees before an impartial decision maker.
According to the foundation, that safeguard is designed to ensure that workers have an opportunity to refrain from paying for union political activities and member-only events.
Tucker�s suit is requesting that the court to halt the deduction of full union dues from her paychecks until she receives proper disclosure and to order a refund of any illegally-seized union dues and fees. The suit also argues that two Pennsylvania laws that purport to grant union officials the power to force non-member workers into paying full union dues against their will are unconstitutional.
�Because Pennsylvania does not have a Right to Work law, union bosses can compel non-member workers into paying union dues and fees as a condition of employment,� said Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Foundation. �This case underscores why Pennsylvania needs a Right to Work law making union affiliation and dues payments completely voluntary.�
Lawrence Mussoline, superintendent for the school district, said he was unable to comment since the issue is ongoing.
Multiple attempts were made to contact union officials, as well as Tucker. At the time of publication, no response has been returned.
Follow Daily Local News staff reporter Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez on Twitter @DailyLocalSara.


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All the medical terms associated with Robert Griffin III's knee injury can be boiled down to one simple message: It's not too bad.
Beyond that, there are still some very important unknowns. The NFL's top-rated quarterback might or might not play Sunday when the Redskins visit the Browns.
The verdict from the team's medical staff Monday: Griffin has a mild, or Grade 1, sprain of the lateral collateral ligament located on the outside of the knee, caused when he was hit by defensive tackle Haloti Ngata at the end of a scramble late in regulation of the 31-28 overtime win over the Ravens.
''When I looked at it on film,'' coach Mike Shanahan said, ''I thought it would be worse than it was.''
A Grade 1 sprain typically means the ligament is stretched or has some minor tears and usually doesn't require surgery. Griffin will get multiple treatments daily and will probably have to wear a brace for several weeks.
''You're hoping with rehab it gets better very quickly,'' Shanahan said. ''But we don't know for sure. . . . He's definitely not ruled out for the Cleveland game.''
The most severe knee injury usually associated with sports is a season-ending torn ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament. Griffin tore the ACL in his right knee while playing for Baylor in 2009, but Shanahan said Griffin's reconstructed ACL ''looks great'' and that there's ''no problem there.''
If Griffin isn't ready fellow rookie Kirk Cousins will make his first start.
The fourth-round pick might not be much of a drop-off, especially after his super-sub performance against the Ravens. When Griffin left for one play, Cousins converted a third-and-6 with a pass to Pierre Garcon that drew a pass interference penalty on Chris Johnson.
When Griffin left for good later in the drive, Cousins completed two passes, and his nice pump fake allowed Garcon to get open for an 11-yard touchdown with 29 seconds left in regulation.
Cousins then did his best RG3 impersonation, running the quarterback draw on the 2-point conversion to tie it.
Shanahan defended the decision to have Griffin return to the game for four plays after the injury, saying he left the decision in the hands of James Andrews, the renowned sports physician who is on the sidelines for most Redskins games.
Ravens fire Cameron
Cam Cameron was fired as offensive coordinator of the Ravens, who have lost two straight and are still striving for consistency in the running and passing game.
Cameron ran the Baltimore offense since 2008 for coach John Harbaugh. Since that time, the Ravens' attack has repeatedly taken a back seat to the team's defense, and this year the offense ranks 18th with 344.4 yards per game.
Jim Caldwell, who was hired as quarterbacks coach before the season, will succeed Cameron. Caldwell was head coach of the Colts from 2009-11.
The Ravens (9-4) are stuck in their first losing streak since they dropped three in a row in October 2009 but need only one win to sew up its fifth straight playoff appearance.
Support for Brent
The Cowboys invited nose tackle Josh Brent to Tuesday's private memorial service for practice squad outside linebacker Jerry Brown. It was Brent's car that crashed early Saturday morning resulting in Brown being killed. Brent is out on $500,000 bail after being charged with intoxication manslaughter. Brent visited the Valley Ranch complex Monday and met with team doctors and coach Jason Garrett. "We're going to support Josh 100 percent in every way that we can," said Garrett, who had a one-on-one meeting with Brent and described him as distraught. "The players will do that, the coaches will do that and everyone in our organization will do that.'' The Cowboys also announced there's a chance wide receiver Dez Bryant will miss the rest of the season. Bryant injured his left index finger in a 20-19 victory over Cincinnati on Sunday. Garrett said that Bryant was still being evaluated . . . The 49ers suspended running back Brandon Jacobs for the final three games following a series of posts on social media sites addressing his lack of playing time, including one during the weekend saying he was ''on this team rotting away.'' The 49ers provided no explanation for why Jacobs had been disciplined. Jacobs has five carries for 7 yards while playing in only two games with the NFC West-leading Niners (9-3-1). He spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Giants . . . Cardinals president Michael Bidwill said a decision on whether Ken Whisenhunt remains as coach will be made after the season. Bidwill called the team's 58-0 loss Sunday at Seattle "unacceptable'' but added "there is plenty of blame to go around'' for Arizona's franchise-worst nine-game losing streak. The Cardinals also announced they claimed quarterback Brian Hoyer off waivers from the Steelers. Hoyer, who backed up Tom Brady for three seasons in New England, was with the Steelers for three weeks while Ben Roethlisberger was injured. Hoyer takes the roster spot of center Rich Ohrnberger, another former Patriot, who was placed on injured reserve with an injured knee.
Cutler says he's OK
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said he expects to play this week against Green Bay after leaving Sunday's loss at Minnesota with a sore neck. He said he got treatment Monday and ''should be ready to go later in the week.'' Green Bay can clinch the NFC North with a win . . . Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy have passed concussion tests and could return to practice with the Eagles as early as Tuesday. Vick has missed the last four games and McCoy the last three. Rookies Nick Foles and Bryce Brown have filled in at quarterback and running back, respectively. Coach Andy Reid already has said Foles will remain the starter for the rest of the season. Tight end Brent Celek sustained a concussion in Sunday's win at Tampa Bay and won't play against the Bengals on Thursday . . . Bills running back Fred Jackson will miss the remainder of the season with a sprained ligament in his right knee. Jackson, injured in Sunday's loss to the Rams, won't require surgery after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 sprain to his MCL . . . Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will miss Sunday's game at Oakland with a rib injury, and coach Romeo Crennel said it's possible he'll miss the rest of the year . . . The 49ers-Seahawks game that could decide the NFC West is moving to prime time. The NFL said that San Francisco's matchup with Seattle on Dec. 23 would be on NBC's ''Sunday Night Football.'' The Chargers and Jets were originally in that slot . . . The Raiders reinstated linebacker Rolando McClain from the suspended list and cut starting cornerback Ron Bartell in the team's latest roster shake-up. McClain had been suspended for two games on Nov. 30 for conduct detrimental to the team after a practice run-in with coach Dennis Allen . . . Tennessee tight end Jared Cook has a torn right rotator cuff and will be placed on injured reserve for the final three games. . . . Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue will rule Tuesday afternoon on the latest round of player appeals in the NFL's bounty probe, but any potential punishment will be delayed by a week, a person familiar with the decision said.


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Vanessa Anne Hudgens (born December 14, 1988) is an American actress and singer, who is best known for her portrayal of the character Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical series. She also earned critical acclaim for her role in the 2009 film Bandslam.
As an actress, Hudgens has appeared in several television programs including Quintuplets, Still Standing, The Brothers García, Drake & Josh, and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. She made her screen debut in the 2003 drama Thirteen as Noel. She got her first starring role in the 2004 science-fiction-adventure Thunderbirds as Tintin.
Hudgens' debut album V was released on September 26, 2006. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number twenty four, and was later certified Gold. Hudgens released her second album, Identified, on July 1, 2008 in the U.S.


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Beneficial oil combo
We have three or four pairs of cardinals that live in the trees behind our house. I'm sure they have suffered along with the other wildlife during this incredibly dry summer and fall. The last time I remember it raining was sometime in June. However, today while I was fixing lunch, we had a brief shower. As I watched out the back windows, the cardinals came out and perched in the top branches shaking their feathers and enjoying the rain. That has nothing at all to do with today's blog, but it was such a beautiful sight.
The first time I tasted flax oil I was sorely disappointed. It tastes like fish. In fact I remember looking at the label on the bottle, thinking that perhaps I had picked up cod liver oil by mistake. I use flax oil once in a while because I know it is highly beneficial, but I have to coax myself to do it.
A while back someone gave me a recipe that called for toasted sesame oil. It was ok, but I wasn't wild about the taste. So that bottle of oil has been neglected in the back of my refrigerator. I knew that if I didn't use it soon, I'd have to throw it out, and I hated to do that since sesame oil is beneficial for Hunters.
One night last week I mixed half and half of these two oils that I don't like on my salad. Don't ask me why – it must have been a masochistic moment. Incredible! The combination was good – not fabulous like the flavor of a newly opened bottle of extra virgin olive oil – not heavenly like a spoon of freshly made ghee – but good.
I thought it might have been a fluke, and I tried it again yesterday. Somehow the flax oil is less fishy, and the toasted sesame oil is less overpowering when the two are mixed together. As I'm typing this blog, I'm eating turnip greens with grilled onions and canned salmon, topped with a half teaspoon each of flax and toasted sesame oil. It's a surprisingly tasty combination. In addition, it is very beneficial for Type Os who are Hunters. If you are not a Hunter, experiment! Perhaps you will find another tasty combination using an oil that is beneficial for you.
1 comment
I use flax oil and olive oil as a mixture often in Caesar salad. I find that alone the flax oil is bitter so I, like you, thought to mix it up. :-)
I never did think to mix it with the sesame oil, though. I'll try that soon!
Karen B
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Friday, June 22, 2007
Michigan Blitz
* Steve Breaston signed a 3-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Breaston, a 5th round pick, was an All-Big Ten selection last year as an all-purpose back.
* Former Fab Four basketball player (I no longer count The Cheater), Jalen Rose has awarded $50K in scholarships to five Detroit HS students for the 5th straight year.
Oh, and in the article, here's something I didn't know -- Rose, who left Michigan after his Junior year, ended up getting his degree - not from Michigan - but from Maryland. Hey, at least all that "M" gear can still be worn.
* Michigan lands top softball recruit.
Ed. Note: My apologies that I have two male stories above and only this one female-centered story. Looks like we'll never get picked up by the Big 10 Network.
* Finally, as many of you wrote to tell us, the Big House is officially on its way to getting bigger. Yesterday, the U-M Board of Regents approved the $226M renovation plan. The work will be completed in 2010 and raise the total seating capacity from 107,501 to over 108,000. The "new and improved" Big House will include 83 suites and 3,200 club seats.
$226 Million. Wow. Pretty amazing, especially when you stop to consider the entire stadium was built in 1927 for $950,000.
You know, I must say, I was pretty opposed to the renovation when first proposed but I've softened in the intervening months. Maybe I've just become a big pussy. Or maybe, just maybe, I want to believe that the newfangled design will help trap sound and turn the Big House into the Loud House. Thoughts?
12 comments:
- god of the whoppers said...
I love Michigan games, however, i do not love having to share a seat with a 230lb professional stereotype psycho sport parent where every play there is a hold that he feels necessary to call out to me and everyone else. this is a big ten game, everyone holds. I think that with the addition of the club seats, the bleacher seats will be widened, since the last expansion saw not much construction, and mostly squeezing.i think that in 2010, some if not most of you will be praising the idea of not having to share your seat with this couple
- June 22, 2007 8:18 AM
- LudaChristian said...
Don't go jogging with David Lighty!
I'm new to the Meechigan Blue-blogging scene -- Stop by!
- June 22, 2007 9:50 AM
- Out of Conference said...
Wow, $226MM for about 500 more seats. I'll put in 1000 more for you for half that.
Obviously you're on the asymptotical portion of the curve that the marginal costs are way the fuck more than the benefit.
Yes, yes I know you're getting suites and skyboxes... I always see lawyers posting legalese all over the blogs and I hardly ever get a chance to show off my chemical engineering degree with a minor in economics.
/geekmode off
- June 22, 2007 9:51 AM
- Jennifer said...
"I want to believe that the newfangled design will help trap sound and turn the Big House into the Loud House."
The Loud House? Just last season, weren't you posting rant after rant about how a place that seats over 100K was a joke when it came to home field advantage, since Meeeeechigan fans don't know how to yell but instead jingle their keys? You could put a roof over the whole damn thing, but unless your fans learn how to use their "outside voices" (yes, I have two kids), it still won't matter.
Once again, I would like to invite you to an Auburn-LSU game sometime - neither stadium holds more than 90K, but you would swear that there were over 200K when a big play happens. I lived 10 miles from the stadium when I was at Auburn -I missed one game because I was sick, and from my back patio, I could hear the crowd when Auburn scored. Then there was the infamous "Earthquake game" at LSU one year, where LSU scored at the last minute to win the game. The crowd noise registered on the Reichter Scale at the LSU geology building, literally shaking the earth.
You know I love you guys, and I wish you and Meechigan all the best, but no one tops the SEC in terms of Loud Houses. But hey, everyone needs something to aspire to!! :)
War Eagle.
- June 22, 2007 9:55 AM
- ChicagoWolverine said...
The thing that irritates me about the tight seat issue is that it's only tight because people sit throughout the game.. if people would just stand and cheer their team this wouldn't be an issue -- and maybe it'd be a little louder too.
- June 22, 2007 11:19 AM
- Matt said...
Enough with the SEC centric bullshit. Yeah, you people get loud at games. However, you have not cornered the market on crowd noise. Go to a night game at PSU. They have been told they have to get quiter, or the whole damn stadium is going to break. I haven't heard anything about a fear of breaking stadiums coming from the SEC.
- June 22, 2007 11:21 AM
- harry hasselhoff said...
From Bill Martin's email to M ticketholders:
"The 400,000-square-foot additions include two multi-story masonry structures on both the east and west sides of the stadium; the ends zones will remain open. Approximately 83 suites and 3,200 club seats will be added. The structures, which will stand 10 feet higher than the current scoreboards at their highest point, also will direct crowd noise back onto the field, providing a greater home-field advantage." (emphasis added)
Those keys will be jingling at 120dB come 2010!
- June 22, 2007 12:10 PM
- Out of Conference said...
Matt - think again. Williams-Brice where my Gamecocks play.
... The stadium was again expanded in 1981 with the addition of the East Upper Deck. This addition caused somewhat of a controversy because of its tendency to sway during games. Shock absorbers were installed in the stadium after the 1983 season. But, fans will tell you that the East Upper Deck still rocks to this day when many fans jump up and and down. Because of the stadium's tendency to sway, former head Coach Joe Morrison coined the phrase, "If it ain't swaying, we ain't playing."
- June 22, 2007 1:09 PM
- maxr said...
So, what will be the *actual* capacity of the stadium? It's cute and all that the athletic department still clings to the myth that the stadium only holds 107k people, but please don't tell me that the "new" capacity of 108k will become the *actual* capacity when all is said and done.... I still have yet to see anywhere that definitively says the stadium will still be able to hold 113k+.
- June 22, 2007 1:20 PM
- Jennifer said...
"I haven't heard anything about a fear of breaking stadiums coming from the SEC."
That's because engineers from SEC schools know how to factor such things as noise and 90K people coming to their feet all at once into their designs. What your comment says to me is that you guys must have some pretty crappy engineers or some old P.O.S. stadiums... not sure I'd be bragging about that. Of course, at PSU, y'all seem to favor lots of things older than dirt...
And you may as well get used to the SEC being the center of the college football universe for a while and then some, friend. Facts is facts.
- June 22, 2007 3:02 PM
- maxr said...
We've got an SEC fan saying that their ENGINEERS are better than those from the Big Ten? Did I read that right?
...No, no I think I'll pass on the mockery. That's too easy. Like shooting fish in a barrel.
- June 22, 2007 3:06 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
Check out the photo... MSU is obsessed with Michigan.
- June 22, 2007 6:56 PM


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Scoring Summary
Game Leaders
Team Stats
Shots (on goal)
Corner Kicks
HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker women's soccer team opens their 2012 home schedule at 11 a.m. on Sunday against Young Harris College at the Coker Soccer Field. The match will be video-streamed and can be viewed for free at www.cokercobras.com.
The Cobras' season official began on Friday on the road at Valdosta State. Coker lost the match 1-0 with sophomore goalkeeper Lizz Morris making 18 saves in the net.
Young Harris began their season on Thursday night with a 3-0 win over King College. Senior Haley Holderfield led the Mountain Lions with two goals.
Sunday's match is the first time Coker has faced-off against Young Harris. Last season Mountain Lions finished the season with a record of 10-7-1. This season the Mountain Lions begin their first full season of NCAA Division II competition in the Peach Belt Conference.


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The proposal to create a Professional Regional Game Board was developed during discussions following an independent report which concluded that the Regions needed to improve their business management and explore collaborative solutions.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by all four Regions and the WRU late in 2012 agreeing terms for the creation of the PRGB, its remit, who should be its members and its independent Chairman.
Early in 2013 the Regions sought to interpret the memorandum of understanding in a manner which was unacceptable to the WRU.
On Tuesday March 26, in a desire to move matters forward, the WRU presented a new proposal for a PRGB and awaits a response from the Regions.
It is important to note that the WRU seeks to help the regions create long term rugby and business sustainability. Demands for more money do not address the fundamental problems.
The WRU urges the regions to work together with the WRU to ensure that a PRGB can become operational in order to help address the issues raised in the PwC report.
The WRU organised, marketed and managed the event within its stated aim of helping the Regions achieve greater visibility and attract more and new supporters. This initiative was first proposed to the Regions by the WRU in 2007.
The WRU guarantees significant match fees to the Blues and Dragons as this day replaces their scheduled home fixtures.
The WRU has underwritten the event for four years with financial guarantees.
The WRU has also proposed further, major events involving the four Regions at the Millennium Stadium.
Judgement Day has proved a remarkable success with 36, 174 people attending to watch a celebration of regional rugby which has raised the profile of the elite game in Wales.
The WRU accepts that some elite players will inevitably seek to leave Wales to achieve contractual incomes which are beyond the capacity of the current game in Wales.
The WRU has developed an elite pathway structure which nurtures talent through the WRU age grade structure, the WRU academies, the WRU funded regional age grade competitions, the Principality Premiership Division and its WRU resourced community game.
The WRU funds the Regions to secure the release of those elite contracted players with an annual sum in excess of £6million. This £6 million is part of the £15 million distributed to the Regions annually by the WRU.
The WRU has created a powerful elite playing and training environment through its National Centre of Excellence. The WRU urges the Regions to abandon the practice of selling Welsh qualified senior players for profit before their contracts are concluded.
The WRU further urges all four Regions to inform other regions and the WRU, as a first priority, when they are seeking to sell or release any elite Welsh qualified player.
The WRU is aware that the Scarlets opened discussions to transfer the player with clubs outside Wales and the UK late in 2012.
George North informed the WRU shortly after the Wales v Ireland RBS 6 Nations international on February 2 2013 that he had then been told of the transfer proposal.
George refused to consider France, but reluctantly conceded he would be prepared to move if the Scarlets wished.
The WRU first tabled an offer to discuss centrally contracting Welsh qualified regional players in August 2012 and has renewed that proposal. No meaningful response from the Regions has been received by the WRU.
The WRU revisited the issue of George North and agreed to consider assisting in a financial model to retain him in Wales with one of the four Regions.
The WRU has recently discovered that the Regions signed an agreement which precludes any of them playing an individual who is centrally contracted to the Union.
The WRU urges all four Regions to abandon this stance and return to the negotiating table.


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'Waypoint is more appropriate for Kinect,' says Frank O'Connor
Good stuff, means the box wont be ruined with that terrible purple banner saying "Better With Kinect". Ruins the box art completely
And false advertising It should be Horrible with Kinect
Or in terms of ME3 and its Kinect integration; "was done 10 years ago with a normal Microphone"
Yeah Kinect and move are a ****ing abomination
@irish If you don't like motion controls I understand but I believe ps move can be useful if done right,search iwaggle3d on you tube to see how ps move has been implemented in games
Thank God. Don't get any Kinect in my Halo 4!
Keep Kinect away from my halo pls.
nice move 343.
I'm actually quite surprised by this piece of news. This being Microsoft's IP, you would think they would force 343i to support Kinect. Glad to know MS at least gave 343i the freedom to not use Kinect in Halo 4. I'm pretty sure MS knows better than not to destroy their flagship title. ;P lol
Well they did experiment with halo:CEA, and seems like it wasn't worth it. It was pretty cool throwing and scanning things with voice control but i think it's too much effort integrating something like that without is being a bit a useless. And it wasn't even real kinect integration per se, it was mostly voice control. MS doesn't wanna waste money on something with no payoff, i think that's really the reason.
Glad to hear this, I was starting to think Kinect support was mandatory for when developing 360 exclusives. Though I can't help but think this status will change before launch... Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.
I wouldn't have minded it if they implemented it like they did with Halo CEA. I actually enjoyed the bit of Kinect implementation. Surprised Microsoft wouldn't put some sort of Kinect added bonus into the game, especially since they came out and said all first party games would have some Kinect feature. *Edit* Already getting disagrees, but I figured options were always good, that way it appeals to a wider audience. That was my take on it anyway.
But doesn't forcing devs to include Kinect support in all first party games actually hurt the final product? Kinect works best when a game is built around the motion detection mechanics, in pretty much every other case it's just a tacked on gimmick that adds little to no meaningful benefits, making the only seemingly reasonable reason for its inclusion that Microsoft wants to push Kinect down everyone's throats. @Dlacy13g But that is very much my point. Why include Kinect support if its only purpose of inclusion is for the sake of including it? In my opinion, just because you can do some interesting though gimmicks things with Kinnect, it really does not justify development time these side projects would take, that could have gone towards something more productive.
I think that determination is 100% based on how the kinect support is built in. Halo CE anniversary the support was just that...added support that took nothing away from the game proper. That is an example of well done Kinect support...use if you want it but you wont feel like you are being hand-cuffed by it either.
I don't see how Kinect hurt any game that it was added on to. Forza 4 especially benefited from Kinect and I really enjoyed the Halo CEA, Mass Effect 3 and even the Gunsmith option with Ghost Recon. I bought a Kinect, so of course I'd like it to support as many games in as many different ways as it can. Adding voice function or something completely different to Halo 4 with Kinect integration wouldn't have hurt anything, it wouldn't have hurt anyone who hates Kinect, because its just an OPTION. Video games as a whole are gimmicks, they are interactive experiences and I feel like Kinect adds to that in a lot of ways. Just my opinion though.
lol chunky and to think you're simply stating your opinion in a 360 article just being a 360 fan. Problem is it's on a ps3 fanboy infested site with butthurt 3rd place losers hunting you down haha. Just enjoy our two bubbles while we have em :)
Good call.
everytime i think of hear kinect i remember usher. man that E3 performance was a disaster and shows how GOOD kinect is
Good. No half baked and tacked on kinect intergration where it's not needed.
will be Better With Kinect
Que "MS giving up on Kinect" articles. Seriously. MS preferring not to possibly limit the restart of their flagship franchise by promoting something they want as associated with the Xbox brand?
MS has long said Kinect wouldn't be perfect for every game nor would it make sense for every game. This just proves they are willing to stand by that. Rest assured you will see kinect in tandem with smart glass via Waypoint for this game.
Pretty sure Kudo disagrees with you. I don't, but he does...
Kinect really has no effect over these games...In ME3 it was more of a "try this" feature. Until they go out of their way to produce a game that isn't on the rails, Kinect will never have potential in current gaming. Yelling out commands is probably the greatest feature I've seen, next to capturing images or scaling something, and even then I have yet to see most games take advantage of that. I think maybe Forza 4 allowed you to control using your hands, but even then... Halo was meant to be played with a controller.
I just want a own personal AI thing for halo waypoint and kinect or hell the entire 360.
Good, they shouldn't force it in if its not wanted or needed. That tantamount to raping.
Just leave kinect to the super casuals. Hell, I don't care if they call themselves gamers, just leave kinect out of my damn games.
Wow. Maybe Microsoft understands gamers more than I give them credit for. Don't see a problem if Kinect is added as long as you don't have to have it. Kinect needs its own games.
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It's part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today's pop culture.


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Eastern Illinois wide receiver Erik Lora hauled in more receptions than any FCS player in a season last year, but the ease with which he racked up yards after the catch led to his nickname.
In labeling him "The Astronaut," Panthers offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert noted how well Lora works in space.
The quick throws in Eastern Illinois' spread offense set up Lora to find room in opposing defenses, then exploit them. As a redshirt junior, the Ohio Valley Conference offensive player of the year had set the FCS single-season record for receptions by the end of the regular season, but he added another dozen in a playoff loss to finish with 136 catches for 1,664 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Miami native was at his best against Murray State, catching 21 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw the game-winning two-point conversion in overtime.
His success caught more than opposing defenses off-guard. He missed the entire 2011 season because of a hip injury, less than half a year after he had injured his back.
Undersized at 5-foot-10, all the sure-handed wideout does is come up big for Eastern Illinois. He joined his teammate and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as a Walter Payton Award finalist and finished fourth in the national voting for FCS player of the year.
"The Astronaut" wasn't alone in soaring to new heights in 2012. Eastern Illinois, coming off back-to-back 2-9 campaigns, won the OVC championship behind first-year coach Dino Babers.
Lora's goal this year is not to go through the stratosphere with more receptions, but to help the Panthers win back-to-back titles and return to the FCS playoffs.
In Five-a-Side - In the FCS Huddle's monthly feature of "five questions, five answers" with an influential person in the FCS - Lora discusses his record- breaking season and the work ahead.
TSN: You went from missing the 2011 season to catching an FCS record for receptions in 2012. How does that happen?
EL: There was a lot of preparation and hard work put into it, a lot of hours on the field and in the rehabilitation center. I give a lot of thanks to my family and the athletic trainers and the doctors who helped me do that because there was a point where I thought I would never be able to play at the level I played at before. So after this injury, I really put it in my mind to work harder and get better and come back stronger from being injured, and with the help of everybody it really worked out.
TSN: Can you talk about some of those doubts you had along the way?
EL: It was more of a health issue because before the hip (injury), at the end of the 2010 season I had injured my back in the last game. So I had kind of like a back procedure. It wasn't real surgical, but it was a time where I needed to take a month to two months off. And then spring football came up and I got injured. It was two semi-serious injuries back-to-back, and that really put it in perspective. I could (never) be able to walk or ever play football again.
TSN: Do you still look back on 136 receptions and just go, "Wow"?
EL: I literally laugh at it every time I think about it. Recently, we've been working on some videos and highlights and stuff, and I look back at it and every play still just wows me. Every game does. Just looking back at the season that EIU had and I had is just incredible.
TSN: Can you talk about your preparation during the offseason?
EL: With a season like this, it kind of puts it in perspective of the next level. So it just gives me that much more motivation to work harder and advance in everything I can advance in, marks and reading defenses, and also physically with my speed, my strength and my jumping ability.
TSN: It would seem hard for you to top last season statistically. Can you talk about dealing with high expectations from others and the pressure to kind of produce in a similar way?
EL: It's kind of funny because no one really knew who I was before the season. I sat out a year, I had an OK sophomore year, but no one really knew who I was. When I came out with this (past season), people had low expectations, so it kind of shot up so high and so quickly ... I don't go for expectations, I just go and play the game how I think it should be played, and I just have fun doing it right. And I work for my team, I don't really worry about the yards and the receptions and all this, I just want the team winning and I want to help the team as much as I can.


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Aldous Snow/Malcolm Pierce/Sam-Son Farm/Eurico Rosa da Silva
Big Kick/Jose Corrales/Stronach Stables/Kieren Fallon
Dragon Tail/Roger Attfield/Alchemy Stable/Richard Dos Ramos
Irish Mission/Mark Frostad/Robert Evans/Alex Solis
Peyton/Mike Doyle/Windhaven/TBA
Quaesitor/Ian Howard/Wayward Stables/Emma-Jayne Wilson
Sammy Maudlin/Catherine Day Phillips/Sean & Dorothy Fitzhenry/Jesse Campbell
Seen It All Before/Ashlee Brnjas/Colebrook Farms/Luis Contreras
Street Fight/Michael Keogh/Dogwood Stable/Jermaine Bridgmohan
Ultimate Destiny/Michael Keogh/Brenda Selwyn-Waxman/Steven Bahen
Wilcox/Josie Carroll/Melnyk Racing Stables Inc./Justin Stein
Top European rider, Kieren Fallon, will add a dash of spice to Sunday's Breeders' Stakes proceedings
The 47-year-old has been named to ride Stronach Stables' Big Kick in the 1 1/2-mile turf jewel of Canada's Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing at Woodbine.
"The trainer (Jose Corrales) and Kieren are friends," said Julie Bell, Woodbine Entertainment Group's Stakes Manager. "Jose asked him to come ride this horse and he is interested."
Big Kick, a bay son of Tiznow, is a maiden from four starts.
Fallon has won many of the world's biggest races and ridden some of the highest profile horses in his three-decade career, including recently with Ouija Board, Islington, Dylan Thomas, Hurricane Run and Golan.
Fallon has competed at Woodbine several times with his best finishes coming in 1999 (second in the Pattison Canadian International with Fruits of Love) and in 2004 (also second in the Pattison Canadian International with Simonas).
Bred and owned by Sam-Son Farm, Aldous Snow, a three-year-old son of Theatrical, goes after his third turf win in fifth try over the surface, in Sunday's $500,000 Breeders' Stakes, the third jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, at Woodbine.
Trained by Malcolm Pierce, Aldous Snow boasts two wins and one third on the grass, contesting three races over Woodbine's E.P. Taylor Turf Course and one at Keeneland.
His lone off-the-board finish on the grass came in an unfortunate incident in last October's Cup & Saucer Stakes. Sent off as the 2-1 mutuel favourite, Aldous Snow was pulled up by Eurico Rosa da Silva after the jockey was kicked in the leg by another horse.
"Life got pretty crazy...we didn't know what had happened," said Pierce. "Obviously, we were concerned about all involved. Then, after we jumped in the truck to go see the horse, we found Eurico, who was in a lot of pain. He suffered a slight fracture, but the horse was okay."
Aldous Snow returned to finish fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Coronation Futurity Stakes on November 6, showing a strong turn of foot to finish fourth, 4 1/2 lengths behind the winner, Maritimer.
The colt launched his three-year-old campaign at the Fair Grounds on March 25, finishing eighth in a 1 1/16-mile main track race originally slated for the grass.
After a third-place effort in a 1 1/8-mile turf race at Keeneland on April 22, Aldous Snow (the name of the character actor Russell Brand played in the movies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek) finished fourth at the same distance on the Toronto oval 'Poly' on May 27.
He comes into the 1 1/2-mile Breeders' off a smart 2 1/2-length win in a 1 1/16-mile grass race at the Toronto oval on June 24, Queen's Plate day, earning a career-best 82 Beyer for the effort.
Pierce's pre-race forecast calls for a confident contender to enter the gate on Sunday.
"We always knew his best surface would be the grass, so that's why the decision was made not to go to the Queen's Plate," offered Pierce. "These days, he has a ton of confidence. They seem to know when they win. Maybe it's the reaction they get from everyone afterwards...who knows? But I wouldn't trade places with anyone. The question mark is who will get the 1 1/2 miles."
In seven career starts, Aldous Snow has $104,518 in purse earnings.


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Harmonix has unveiled its new music game, but this one doesn't iunvolve instruments or playing with your friends. Rock Band Blitz is billed as "fast, loud and silly" and is a major departure from what the company has done previously.
Harmonix project Director Matthew Nordahus told X-play that the game is not so much about musical authenticity. It is an arcade game where the player can play all the musical tracks with a controller. Players can jump between tracks to get powerups and multipliers.
Blitz will work with the more than 3,700 songs previously released by Harmonix, but will also have 25 of its own songs that can be played in Rock Band 3.
The game will launch this summer on PSN and Xbox Live. The company also plans to release weekly DLC and will work with all the Rock Band games.