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Bastian's Midseason Awards
TORONTO — Anyone catch that Home Run Derby last night? Congrats to the Canadian Justin Morneau on taking the crown, but no one will remember that aspect. Everyone will remember the show that Josh Hamilton put on, putting some last-minute dents in Yankee Stadium before it closes its doors for good.
Seeing Hamilton rip baseballs off the billboards beyond the right-field bleachers and peppering the third deck with 500-foot bombs was a blast — 28 in the first round? Are you kidding me? And none were cheapos either. That was a joy to watch, even if I was in my living room in Toronto and not at The Stadium.
Mrs. Bastian is working tonight, so I'm planning on taking a break for the health kick I'm on by ordering a pizza and watching the All-Star Game. I will say that I believe BoSox manager Terry Francona made the wrong choice for the American League starter, going with Cliff Lee over Roy Halladay. But I digress…
As promised, I'm going to roll out my midseason award winners. Here we go:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Josh Hamilton, Texas
COMMENT: Call me a sucker for a great storyline. There's certainly a case to be made for Kinsler (.419 with runners in scoring position), or even Texas teammate Milton Bradley, but Hamilton's 21 homers and 95 RBIs before the break seem too hard to ignore. To return from the depths that Hamilton has is amazing, and what he's doing on a baseball field is simply icing on the cake.
APOLOGIES TO: Ian Kinsler (TEX), Alex Rodriguez (NYY), Jermaine Dye (CWS)
CY YOUNG AWARD: Roy Halladay, Toronto
COMMENT: Logging nearly 150 innings and spinning seven complete games and two shutouts before the break is ridiculous these days, when six innings and three earned runs are considered to be a "quality" start. Doc's ERA is only a touch above Lee's and, for not being much of a strikeout pitcher, Halladay nearly leads the league. Throw in just 21 walks and I just can't see why he isn't starting the All-Star Game.
APOLOGIES TO: Cliff Lee (CLE), Joe Saunders (LAA), Justin Duchscherer (OAK)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay
COMMENT: Longoria didn't make the Rays' roster out of Spring Training, but since being summoned from a brief stay in the Minors, he's emerged as the elite rookie in this year's class. Longoria, with his 16 homers and 53 RBIs at the break, is the face of Tampa Bay's unbelievable first half. It says something when Tampa Bay signed him to an extension before he barely had his feet wet in the bigs.
APOLOGIES TO: Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS), Nick Blackburn (MIN), David Murphy (TEX)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Joe Maddon, Tampa Bay
COMMENT: So they ended the first half with a seven-game skid? Did you think the Rays were going to go all season without a losing streak? Finishing second in the AL East to the reigning World Series champ Red Sox is accomplishment enough for a Rays squad that resided in the cellar a year ago. The question is whether Maddon can leads his troops to an unlikely October appearance.
APOLOGIES TO: Ron Gardenhire, Ozzie Guillen, Mike Scioscia
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Lance Berkman, Houston
COMMENT: This was by far the most difficult pick for me. There's a strong case to be made for Utley's season for first-place Philly, Jones' quest for a .400 average and for what Pujols is still doing for a St. Louis team that was left for dead in the preseason polls. Shoot, I hate to even leave Hanley Ramirez off the list. But, strictly poring over the statistics, I can't go against Berkman (.347/.443/.653, 22 HR, 30 2B, 73 RBIs, 56 BB vs. 61 K, 15 SB, 79 R).
APOLOGIES TO: Chase Utley (PHI), Chipper Jones (ATL), Albert Pujols (STL)
CY YOUNG AWARD: Tim Lincecum, San Francisco
COMMENT: I know, how good would that Alex Rios for Lincecum trade look right now for the Jays? Well, really, who knows with how Toronto's staff hasn't received much run support? Then again, Lincecum has gone 11-2 with a 2.57 ERA and 135 strikeouts against 47 walks for a Giants club that has actually scored fewer runs than the Blue Jays this season. That, to me, makes Lincecum the first-half Cy over the others.
APOLOGIES TO: Brandon Webb (ARI), Edinson Volquez (CIN), Ben Sheets (MIL)
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Geovany Soto, Chicago
COMMENT: Besides absolutely raking for my fantasy team — the South Side Spartans — Soto has been stellar (16 HR, 56 RBIs, .891 OPS) for the Cubbies. Growing up in Chicago, catcher always seemed to a trouble spot for the North Siders (Todd Hundley anyone?). It doesn't appear to be that way anymore with Soto, who has been instrumental in the Cubs' quest to shed that 100-years-with-no-World-Series label. And I'll always pick a "true" rookie like Soto over someone like Fukudome.
APOLOGIES TO: Kosuke Fukudome (CHC), Jair Jurrjens (ATL), Joey Votto (CIN)
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Tony LaRussa, St. Louis
COMMENT: When it's all said and done, this honor might fall to Yost, whose Brewers could have a huge second half with C.C. Sabathia and Sheets heading their rotation. For now, the story of the NL Central has been the Cardinals — not the Cubs. Even I had the Cards finishing fifth in the division. It'll be interesting to see who wins the three-team race between the Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals down the stretch. As good as the Cubs have been, this could go down to the wire.
APOLOGIES TO: Lou Piniella (CHC), Fredi Gonzalez (FLA), Ned Yost (MIL)
(For what it's worth, my preseason picks for these awards also included Halladay, Maddon and Soto for their respective accolades. Of course, I did pick Toronto, Cleveland and Seattle to each finish second in their respective divisions, too.)
78 Comments
Jordan, I'm not sure we've ever seen such a display of home run power like that before. I think the rules need to be changed for the home run derby. Hamilton, in retrospect, made a mistake in hitting so many in the first round. He had nothing left for the final and neither did his pitcher. I felt sorry for the guy-71 years old and tossing 70+ pitches. lol.
Although it was nice to see a Canadian win the derby, it was a bittersweet win, because of Hamilton's display. I'm sure even Morneau didn't feel he won.
Maybe they should go to a total aggregate of hr's hit, because if they don't guys will be backing of in the early rounds in the future to save energy for the final and we won't see such a show again.
I agree with picking Hamilton as MVP. His RISP isn't all that shabby at
.336 risp
.352 risp/2 outs
.444 bases loaded.
Morneau will be rememberd by all Canadian fans,Just because Hamilton played the showoff and wound up loosing you can't take away the fact that Morneau won fair and square.The only way Morneau will not be rememberd is beacuse of the brain dead American sports writers who are jealous that a Canadian won.Also the Canadian is not on ROIDS.
I don't think it has to do with Morneau being a native of Canada. Back in 1999 when the All Star Game was at Fenway, Mark McGwire put on a show, not quite like Hamilton. Hamilton is a great story and who isn't rooting for the guy? Mourneau did win fair and square but Hamilton stole the show. Hamilton used all his energy early.
I don't see how the A.L. can lose one tonight. If thought Halladay should be starting out there tonight. Then again Lee has been superb, can't go wrong either way.
Being a Jays fan I would have liked to see Halliday start but????,The only thing is I hope he gets a chance to go 2inn.
too late 1 inning job…francona just hates us
How do you like that Francona lol.
As much as I like Halliday, Lee deserved the start. He's 12-2 with an era of 2.31 and Halliday is 11-6 with an era of 2.71.
Nice inning from Halliday, 9 pitches and he's outta there.
I don't know about you guys, but I thought both A-Rod and Giambi were ***** because they didn't participate in the HR derby. These guys make huge amounts of money in this game and get an opportunity to give something back-in this case to their own fans. And pass. Pathetic.
Giambi wasn't an all star so he couldn't take part in the H.R. Derby. A-Rod should have participated, he should be ashamed of himself.
Giambi was a roid freak and A-Rod has no class.
Apparently, Giambi was asked by the commissioners office to partake because of A-Rod's no-show and the fact it was an historic event in Yankee stadium. Both of these guys declined the opportunity and should be ashamed-particulary A-Rod.
Francona is a class act. I'm pleased he only used Holliday for 1 inning. He could easily have left him out there for 2-3 but knowing how important Halliday is to us, Francono did the right thing and only used him for 1. He does "play the game" the right way.
Stray Rod is a loser plain and simple. If I was a pitcher I would put one in his ear every time he came to the plate. Then when he finally charged the mound after Madonna told him he should stick up for himself, I would drop him on his ***. For a man with so much talent he sure has no class. He is an ego maniac with the personality of a fish. One word sums him up…. CLOWN
Kujos to you no one could have said it better.
In this world what goes around comes around Stray Rod will get his and I hope it's a bad one,I love baseball and the players but I hate stray rod,This beast loves only himself and maybe Jeter.LOL.
What did everyone think of the alstar game and did anyone notice Rivera showing Halliday how to throw his one and only pitch,Can you imagine The Doc adding that pitch to his arsenal WOW.
Hi Guys,
From what I can determine from other internet sites, there is little to no interest in Burnett. Does anyone know more?
Is Jermaine Dye ever having a great year. I would have liked to have seen him get the All Star nod over Quentin.
Nice to see him in your MVP consideration Jordan, and Doc has to be the favorite for the Cy Young this year, it looks like he is ready to really turn it up.
burt check out MLB trade rumors scroll down on right side.
I loved seeing Doc and Mariano talking with each other about – I'm assuming the cutter. Doc already has a very good cutter that he uses but has had forearm problems in the past due to his cutter. Doc's pitch seems to have a slight downward tilt – kinda like a slider but harder with less break, whereas Mariano's cutter seems to keep it's plane with no downward tile – it almost seems to rise. I'm sure Doc was asking how Mariano keeps his flat and how he throws it to avoid arm problems. It just goes to show how hard Doc works… He is one of the best in the game and is still trying to gather as much information as possible. He said himself that you have to keep evolving as a player or the league will figure you out.
It looks like no team wants Burnett,But if he pitches like his last start I would like to see us keep him and if he opts out big deal we still get two first round draft picks.
I just read in trade rumors where Godfry said that Halliday is the frachise player and he will not trade him.Also Doc says he wants to stay here.
Garry-that's exactly the reason both Godfrey and JP have to go before anything is really going to change. We hung on to a lot of Maple Leaf Players over the last 40 years and haven't won yet.
What do you guys think about moving Inglett to short stop? I for one would prefer more power at that position, but I think it might be a decent idea.
I am a montreal canadians fan just hate the leafs,but both teams are in a rut.
As for Halliday we will never agree on him so let's put it to bed.
I would like to see Hill at short and Inglett at second if he comes back,I was hoping they would trade Burnett for a good shortstop but it looks like nobody wants him.
I agree with gsumner regarding Doc. Imagine what we could get back in return? The most sane thing that Toronto could do is offer Doc to Tampa for their top 4 prospects. Tampa is loaded with talent that could turn this team around in 2-3 years. Unfortunately, Godfrey is interested in putting "bums in seats" not winning teams on the field.
Until the upper management discover that it is not "star players" that fill the seats, but "great teams" we are going to be finishing 4th or 5th in the division. This is the time to make a bold move, and turn the direction of this team around in a hurry. Goodbye Mats, goodbye Doc. Hello bright future!
I think Scott Campbell at AA New Hampshire deserves a serious look at second. He's hit in the leadoff position all year, is currently batting .332ba/.422obp and was selected to the AA All-Star team. If he is as good as his record shows, moving Hill to SS with Campbell at 2nd might be a viable option.
Burt-unfortunately, I think we're hung with no bold moves. Godfrey and JP just want to keep their jobs. Hello, Maple Leafs 2. Tampa Bays top 4 prospects could probably play here right now-example David Price.
Burt, first of all I am tottaly against trading Halladay. And I highly dout that Tampa will trade for him. They already have Kazmir, Sheilds, and Garza. They don't need Halladay. And they wouldnt trade us good prospects, after all we are in the same division with them. I think if we trade the best pitcher in the game for a few prospects would be extremely stupid on our part.
They won't and shouldn't trade Halliday. If Godfrey considers him "his franchise player" then remove his salary from the books, pretend it is not even there. I'm sure Teddy has enough dough to pay Halliday himself. If they will never move Halliday and are commited to winning, prove it and spend money! That would free up 20mil (market price for Halliday not actual salary) that can go towards a slugger (Texiera) then we could trade Overbay and a prospect for a short stop who can hit.
All this team needs is a good slugger and a shortstop who can hit and hit for power like matty39 said.
As for trading for prospects not with JP we will lose good players and get losers in exchange like we always do.
If JP had done his job we would have plenty of good prospect in the minors now instead of a handfull.
We have to think in a sober fashion here. Tampa has a great team right now. Its prospects are so good, they could contend for the next 10 years. Boston and New York will always be contenders. How are we going to realistically finish above 4th place in the division? Saying that we need a hitter here and there and a short-stop won't cut it. I agree we need these peices. However, Tampa, due to its own incompetance is indirectly on the verge of building a dynasty, perhaps like Atlanta. They have not done it yet, but the peices are all there. We don't have the peices in place to compete. Doc must go, as hard as it is to say. I love the Jays and have watched them for year, but I have seen enough baseball to know that this franchaise is in long-term trouble. Our players are good, but not good enough. If you don't want to trade talent to get talent, how do you propose to obtain the type of up-and-coming prospects we need to be competitive over the long-haul?
Tampa built their team from making solid draft picks not from trades or free agent signings . The Red Sox have a good farm system , coupled with generally good free agent signings and trades , have made them the team we see today. The Jays have not accomplished any of this . A lot of teams will not trade their good farm system for a player, look at both the Yanks and Sox wanting Santana but not willing to deal the farm to get him . The same would happen with Doc. A great team needs veterans as well as young players . Tampa is a great team , as were the Rockies last year and the Marlins a few years before that . Will Tampa have the stamina to go the distance , nobody can be sure but the Jays giving up the one stable veteran pitcher they have for 3-4 unproven rookies just makes no sense . We should have been building a great team with the help of a great farm system. Baseball is a business, its entertainment and meant to make money so they need to put those "bums" in the dome's seats.
My take is, we have a decision to make both us as fans and also the owners of The Jays. What we do know is this team is not capable of contending. It wasn't this year or last year and it won't be next year either.
So the question we should all be asking ourself is are we happy just watching our favorite players we know, have reasonable attendance and break even each year and live with a 3rd or 4th place finish or do we seriously want to contend and win another world series?
The Maple Leafs had the same question and chose to stay the course, keep Matts Sundin and others and wallow in the standings and not win for the last 40 years.
If we're happy with this approach, then we should keep Halliday, Ryan, Burnett and others and try to add a short stop and new DH with power over the winter and try to maintain our 3rd or 4th place finish.
But remember, Burt is right about Tampa Bays prospects, they're very deep and will contend for years as will Boston and NY.
On the other hand, if we do want to win again, we need to dismantle this team, load up on A and B+ prospects in the AA and AAA level; bring the best ones up, play them and try to contend 2-3 years from now.
Those are our two choices.
I am not saying don' t trade the others but I do believe there are a few that the Jays shouldn't trade and for me , Halladay is on the do NOT trade list . There are no guarantees in baseball just like there are no guarantees in life , except death and taxes….lol….
Halladay might very well be the Jay's Tim Wakefield and pitch well into his 40s . Doc may not throw the knuckleball but every year he reinvents himself and every year comes out ready to win . There are very few pitchers in the big leagues today with his mentality . He goes into a game with the mindset to finish what he started . In business you don't get rid of your most productive worker, why get rid of the Jay's most productive worker . He gives great value and return on the dollar .
Indigo-the blunt reality is that Halliday has been here 11 years and we haven't won anything. So the question is do you want to win or are you happy finishing 3rd or 4th each year? I'd like to see us win another world series and contend each year.
Tampa Bay got all the depth in prospects by drafting AND by trading guys for high quality prospects. Now their farm system is stacked. You can't do it from the draft alone because you only get one first rounder per year. Right now, if we finish exactly how we sit today, we'd be drafting in 11th place-which might or might not deliver a MLB capable player with a high ceiling.
Halliday, Ryan and Burnett could be turned into 7-9 high quality A or B+ prospects. Of course, not all of these would impact the team here, but some would and when combined with our own, our minor league system would be loaded and continually provide players for quite some time.
As these prospects mature and grow at the MLB level, the final one or two guys could be added by free agency to put us over the top. That's how we won two championships before and in our division facing the Yanks and Sox, likely the only way we'll ever win again.
It's not by hanging on to guys, because we like them. Right now Halliday's value is better than it's ever going to be. He's the class of the AL on a low cost contract. Every team in baseball will try to get him, and Tampa Bay will try the hardest to get both Halliday and Ryan, because these two guys could put them into the world series.
Now is the time to trade him, just like 2006 or winter of 2007 was the time to trade Johnson-when his value was the highest. Instead, we simply gave Johnson his release and got nothing in return.
So the question is, do you want to win?
It is pretty obvious that the Jays need to do something to make it to the next level, and a rebuilding process is certainly one of the steps that they could take. However from reading some comments it seems that some people aren't fans of this because they picture trading every player that has a value. If the Jays go and trade players like Halladay, Burnett, Rolen, Overybay, Eckstien etc, they could get a great bunch of prospects to bring up around players like Hill, Rios, Lind, possibly wells that are a solid core of players. That isn't taking into consideration all the young pitchers that we have right now. I watched highlights from the AAA allstar game and it immediatly stood out that every pitch that Purcey threw was 97+ mph. Marcum and McGowan are also proving that they could be top of the rotation starters in the future. I think that this is a solid core of young players that are only getting better, and the Jays should consider trading the aging players to serious contenders like Tampa before the Jays wear out their worth by holding on to them and finishing 3rd and 4th every years.
Also, I couldn't help but comment on the Yanks gettin Richie Sexson which i think is a complete steal. Aside from his stats over the past to years which have been brutal, he is supposed to be a hard hitting first basemen, and the Yankees are only paying $390,000 of his 14 million dollar salary. If he somehow gets out of this ridiculous slump, this will turn out to be quite the snag.
I agree with mac regarding Sexson. Somehow becoming a Yankee seems to elevate the play of slumping, but talented players. I don't know if the same can be said about Toronto. With regards to gsumners comments and others, I would like to hear the Nay-Sayers regarding the trading of Doc (and others) present another plan for improving the quality of this team, other than the tried and failed method of signing old free agents that we have been living with for the past 7-10 years. Perhaps gsumner is correct when he suggests that there are some Jays fans who are simply interested in seeing their favourite player, not in seeing a winning team. If this is not the case, please explain to the rest of us how this team can be substantially improved without giving up its assets. Obviously, you must know something that Oakland and others do not know, as they are ALWAYS in the PROCESS of trading their stars and re-tooling for the future. Hence, easier division aside, they will be in the post-season before the Jays.
bmacgregor-my problem with Sexton is his hitting with risp at a measly .123, a slide from last year and a huge slide from 3 years ago. I'm just not convinced it's a slump, but you're right there's not a lot of money invested.
Jays trade everyone right now . Are you willing to wait the 4 or 5 years it will take to develop that talent before the Jays can contend, not to mention of all those rookies you are lucky if 50% make it to the majors and produce. Remember in that 4-5 years Hill, Rios , Wells etc are all now 4-5 years older and around the same age as Doc is now so do we trade them now to get younger again . I never said to not to trade Ryan, Burnett etc but remember they have salaries the Jays can't afford to carry on their payroll. I am talking strictly Halladay here . You need a veteran presence in a ballclub . I don't think there is any better veteran player to help this team than Halladay , plus he is inexpensive . I never said go sign more downhill veterans , thats exactly what the leafs have done and yes they haven't contended for over 40 years . I am sure numerous teams would love to have a pitcher who goes the whole 9 innings time and time again . You also have to remember every team thinks their player is worth more and they won't want to give up their farm system for 1 pitcher….Santana proved that point. I would trade McGowan before Halladay. I think McG has great stuff but he struggles with control and he reminds me of a younger version of Burnett . To put it bluntly , of course I would love to see this team win but i still believe Doc is a huge part of that winning team
Is Halladay the best pictcher in the league? prolly.
If thats so why trade him and take a risk on a prospect that will probably never be the best pitcher in the game?
Isn't it better to keep the best pitcher and because of the way halladay pitches its going to be much the same when he is 37 or 35 or 32.
Halladay made his pitching debut as a starter Sept 20th 1998 so he is in his 10th year . Every team wants to win , every fan wants their team to win , Jays fans are no different . A team needs to have a foundation and build from there , I believe Halladay is a part of that foundation . Unfortunately the GM has not utilized that foundation and built a solid team . He has not drafted well or spent money well . Until this team has a management that has a viable plan , it will never go anywhere . Halladay isn't part of the problem but he is part of the solution.
Yes I am willing to wait 4 or 5 years to contend, because at the end of those 4 or 5 years we WILL BE CONTENDERS. The way we are going, there is no reason to believe that we will ever contend. Our problem is that not only do we not want Burnett (wait for the Tampa meltdown 2nite), no one else wants him; or, at least no one wants to part with young talent to get him (I wonder why that is?). Ryan is intriguing. I imagine that more than one contender might be interested in Ryan, but given that Jays fans actually wake up and shout when he comes in in the 9th, Godfrey will not allow him to be traded. No one wants any of our other players, especially Wells and Rios. Perhaps we can move our third baseman who just arrived, but the return will be slim. We are stuck. Stuck with a crappy line up. Stuck with a crappy GM. Stuck with a crappy president. Who cares if you have the best pitcher in baseball (which Doc is not) if your nothing more than a .500 team. Why do you think that the american media pays no attention to the Jays. Even with Doc they know that there is no story in Toronto except the same old story…get out the golf clubs, see you next spring training!
What do you want for Halladay? Halladay will probably pitch until he is 40. He is one of my favorite pitchers, he doesn't mess around out there. If he was in Boston or N.Y. he would be a household name. Give me a trade proposal, your J.P. ( sorry ) and I am Theo. lol.
I will not give you Ellsbury, just to let you know. Lester and ????? That is a good start right there, don't you think? Buchholz?????? Lester and Buchholz wouldn't be in the same package, just to let you know. lol. This is funny, don't you think?
Nobody is interested in Burnett because of his injury record and his contract . Jays can't afford to carry him while he plays for another team ( don't forget Jays are paying Thomas salary while he plays for Oakland ) Why would a team rent a player like Burnett for a few months ? Nobody is going to give up good talent to do that . How do you know in 4 or5 years Jays will be contenders ? What happens if your new rookies don't pan out ? You even said Sox will be better ,along with Yanks and Rays maybe the Orioles will also. Whether you want to hear it or not, this is the toughest division in baseball and there are no guarantees. I often think the Jays would fair better in the NL
When Canada had 2 teams , they both flew under the American media radar . Baseball is considered the American sport not the Canadian one , there are 29 American teams to cover so why look north
This is all a moot point since Halladay wants to stay in TO and his contract isn't up until 2010 .
Jays will give you Halladay for the entire red sox team…..lol
The notion of trading the best pitcher in baseball to get a few prospects is, in my opinion, ridiculous. Seriously… Who are you gonna get in return that is better than Halladay. The OF, 2B, and starting rotation is already set for years. With the Yanks and BoSox payroll, there is never any guarantee that you will contend in 5 years with a bunch of unproven prospects coming up in the ranks. The Yanks and BoSox can turn around and sign proven stars to counter any "prospects" that we might bring up through the system.
I wouldn't use the Tampa Bay example either. They've been in the cellar for the last 15 years (who would want that), and they may very well finish in 4th in the AL East this year, next year and for many more years to come. It's still early…
Halladay is the kind of guy you build around. With his work ethic, he could be one of the best pitchers in baseball for another 10 years or so. We are priviliged to have him here. He wants to be here to bring a championship to Toronto, let him do it, and give him the tools to succeed.
For the Jays, the future is now, or at least soon. Next year, the Jays will be freed up of Zaun's, Eckstein's, Burnett's, and Thomas' salary dollars. With that money, and probably a little extra, they need to address the DH, 1B and SS situation and probably add another middle of the rotation guy.
Aside from that, they're pretty solid, and might even have a shot this year.
That being said, if the Jays are still not in the playoff picture by the 2010 All-Star break, it might be time to start looking at this stuff. Until then, in my mind, no way.
Indigo-the point you're missing is, we're in last place. We haven't contended for 15 years, we're not going to contend this year or next, so regardless of how much you love any of the players-it simply isn't working..
There's nothing wrong with a foundation of Hill, Rios, Lind, Accardo, Jannsen, Marcum, McGowan and Litsch-soon followed with Diaz, Arenciba, Cecil, Purcey and Snider. I am not disagreeing with your assessment of Jays management, frankly JP is really disapointing in that he learned from Billy Bean and I thought he learned from him and would have turned this team over last year.
I doubt very much if JP will make the changes we need-to do so would admit failure, so I doubt if any of these guys get traded. Unfortunately, we're hung with mediocrity and all we can hope for is .500 performance. Pathetic.
By the way, you are right about Baltimore, they started the surgury needed last year-so it is likely our current position of last place becomes home for a while.
Not trying to insult you, lol, but I don't think Boston has enough of what we need. Sure, I'd want Lowrie and Lester, but your AA + AAA group offers little in terms of high ceiling guys that would fit our needs and Lowrie and Lester aren't enough for Halliday.
When I first proposed trading Halliday it was to Tampa Bay for David Price, Evan Longoria and Player TBN. Before I proposed that trade I also wanted to offer Burnett and either Tallet or Carlson to Milwuakee for Escobar and Gamel from their AA affiliate.
Rene-the problem is, they've been "pretty solid" for the last 15 years and haven't been in the playoffs. We can be pretty solid for another 15 years and stick around the .500 area year after year.
But if we do, we should change the name from the Toronto Blue Jays to The Toronto Groundhogs-it'd be more appropriate. lol
Well forget about Burnett going to the Phillies, they just picked up Blanton for 3 minor leaguers. Blanton is doing really bad this year so it's no surprise that they went after Burnett first.
Yankees just picked up Sexson. I wonder how he is going to work out. For our sake I hope he really does bad.
By the way guys, I do not think that any fan should feel priviledged to have any professional athlete playing on his or her favourite team, and that includes DOC. He should feel priviledged that we, the fans, have made it possible for him to become wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, while playing a game we all love.
Halliday will get a new contract at the end of the season for sure, for at least five more years, so he will be here until 2015.
The mistake the Jays made was to sign Wells to such a big contract,Any team with a 100mil payroll can't afford to pay one player that much money,If wells was traded before they gave him all that money they could have traded him for prospects.
They let Thomas go right around the time he would have started to hit now they are paying him for nothing,I know he is hurt now but maybe not if he stayed.
JP worked for billy bean and guess who picked up Thomas for nothing I smell a skunk and so should Rogers.
If Rogers dosen't wake up soon and make some changes The Jays will never make the playoffs,
In 92-93 the Jays had one of if not the biggest payrolls in the Majors,They could afford to buy any player they wanted then,and lets not forget they had brains upstairs and that my friends never hurts.
Get used to Doc. he is staying.
The only reason why the Jays have been fun to watch over the past 8 losing seasons, is Doc Halladay. He truly is the best picther in the game and, no doubt, if he played for the Yankee or Red Sox people would be calling him a pitching god.
A good trade for Halladay would entail many number #1 pick type prospects and even if we get one that really promising, it won't be worth it. Hard to replace one of the best pitchers in the league. If Jays are going to build from the bottom up, we have to suffer in last place, like Tampa did for all those years and draft #1, #2, #3 picks. Upton, Longoria, Garza (who was traded for a #1) are there only guys. Tampa has a couple of veterns having baffling career year i.e. Eric Hinske, Troy Percival. Smoke in mirrors, they will fall off this half.
We need a team that drafts well and J.P. just hasn't got it done, until recently the Jays have been rated to have had some good drafts.
Blanton trade to Philly. Looks like these are the prospects that we turned down for Burnett. Good because I would have wanted Marson, or Golston anyways.
Agreed… The Jays haven't done anything in 15 years. But wouldn't it take a whole lot in return from a Halladay trade to make the Jays better, both in the short and long term.
And yes, professional athletes are privileged, but that's no fault of their own. However as fans, I think we're lucky (not privileged) to be able to watch and root for an athlete like Halladay every week. A guy like that doesn't come around that often, and it'd be a shame to let him go.
But hey, just my opinion folks.
I am not missing any point and we are in 4th not last place unless 10 ( Baltimore ) comes before 9 now……lol…. I understand what you are saying , I just don't agree with your wanting to trade Halladay .
Apparently you don't know much about Boston's farm system. Have you seen some of there talent that has played in the last 3 years or so? Boston has plenty to get Halladay but Toronto would NEVER deal him within the division. T.B. would NEVER give you Price and Longoria for Halladay. Perhaps Halladay could end up with the Dodgers, if he was ever dealt. I personally think Boston will hold onto there talented minor leaguers and make a push for Matt Holiday during the winter. I don't think Boston will pickup Ramirez's option. Of course alot can change as we know.
Burnett will be difficult to deal because of his no trade clause to 15 teams. If I had to take a guess I would say Burnett will end up in St. Louis. Cardinals had alot of interest in Burnett when he was a free agent. Of course the Jays gave him the 5th year and Burnett said where do I sign. You can't blame him, blame goes to J.P. I'm sure most Jays fans have gone over that many times.
The GOOD NEWS of the day
Shaun Marcum went 4 innings in Dunedin tonight. He gave up no hits, no bb's and struck out 6. Should be back soon.
Our first round draftee David Cooper is liking Lansing more than he liked Auburn, and is not hitting .345. In 29 games as a pro, he's hit 12 doubles, 2 hr's, 24 rbi's and has an OBP of over .400. There are some other nice bats on this team, Jaspe (.364BA) and our young friend from Mississauga-Baksh at .375BA. I'd expect they start moving some of these kids up soon.
Bosox-the question is, if TB would give us Price and Longoria for Halliday-would you do the deal-I would.
You misunderstand what I meant on your minor league system. We're in need of a short stop and a 1st and 3rd baseman with power. You have the short stop I'd trade for but not the other two and we are ok in outfielder, catcher and pitching prospects. Hey, maybe we should be offerin g you Wells instead. lol
Burnett would wave his no trade in a minute to get out of here to a contender.
I would do the deal for sure if T.B. included those two. You will not get a better package than that. Longoria is
Lars Anderson is a power hitting first baseman in the Sox system. He'll be with the big club in 2 years or so.
A few more hits with runners in scoring position, and this would be a very different discussion. The Jays screwed up in California and it deflated them. They should have won three in Seattle. I don't want to trade doc or AJ or Johnny Mac but please yes on Wells and Overbay….this second half just might be fun.
Am I the only women on this blog?
So what some of you are saying is, that the Jays haven't "contended" in 15 years but you want to wait another 5 if we dismantled this team? Just stop and think for a moment…….. We are in the AL EAST! If we completely rebuilt, and that would include trading Doc we would get our butts handed to us in this division. Gsumner wants to bring up our best AA and AAA players to play against the Red Sox and Yankees! Sorry, but can you say 110 losses. In 5 years there would be no one watching this team and once the prospects become decent we wouldn`t be able to afford them. What is wrong with building (NOW) around Doc, Marcum, Magowan, Hill, Wells, Rios, Snider/Lind, our minor league catchers and Rolen? Not to mention pitchers like Purcey and Cecil coming quick, plus our excellent bull pen. That means all we need is a flippin slugger, **** who can hit (yes, i`ve said this a few times) and maybe a first basemen.
In my opinion this team isn`t that far off from being good. So why tear it up? I would rather win 85 – 90 games with the potential for 95 over blowing up this team and being terrible for many seasons.
We should just trade everyone, finish in last for 15 years and get first round draft picks, that`s how you build a winner. Hahaha
You are not the only woman on this blog Indigo is also a woman and I'm not sure about hemgold who we have not heard from for a while.Glad to see more woman posting here.As indigo has proven manny times some woman know more than most of us guys about baseball.
I'm with matty39 we have all the tools now we just need a slugger and a shortstop who can hit and a new GM who wants to win instead of giving big money to hasbeens with a big name so he will look good and they never work out.
sorry hemgold LOL.
Bosox-would you do me a favor and provide some explanation and insight as to why you would trade Halliday to Tampa Bay for Price and Longoria. Also maybe include your feeling of how good these two guys are and will be.
I'm not sure about Anderson, he still lokks like a bit of a long shot to me and he isnt all that far ahead of our guy Cooper to get excited about.
Do you have a problem reading or do you just like to state stuff that isn't true. I did not say dismantle the Jays. In fact there's only two differences in between our opinions of guys to keep which are Rolen and Halliday.
My proposal was to trade Halliday to TB for Longoria and Price. Longoria is likely going to be the best 3rd baseman in baseball over he next 10 years and is an all-star this year. Check out his performance so far this year and compare it to Rolen's. If we got him, why in hell would you want to keep Rolen?
You should also do yourself a favor and check out David Price. He is likely going to be the next "best pitcher in baseball" in a couple of years. He's a 6'6″ LHander who really brings it.
I do agree with Bosox, in that its unlikely TB would do the deal, but even if we had to throw in a LH reliever-which they're looking for it would be worth it.
Price would be the stud in a rotation including McGowan, Marcum, Purcey and Cecil and give us 3 power left handers to go against Boston and NY-two teams who don't like hitting against LH's. I would take that rotation in this division all day long.
In case you haven't noticed, Oakland has now traded their entire starting staff from two years ago, because management made a decision to rebuild their minor league system in an attempt to be a serious contender for the next 10 years.
Although everyone thought Billy Bean was crazy when he did these trades, they are in 2nd place in the wild card race-6 games infront of us and only getting better.
But as I have also said in previous posts, this is all just speculation anyway, because JP and Godfrey are not going to do anything in an attempt to keep their jobs. So get used to 3rd or 4th place for a while.
JP isn't going to do anything agree with you on that. We need to get rid of Rolen…I don't mind that. We should trade Burnett…I don't mind that either.
We should trade Halladay NOOOOOO. unless you are right if we are offered Longoria and Price (who in their right mind is going to do that though, tampa doesn't need halladay) and for us and even you said LIKELY price is goingto be the best pitcher and Longoria is an all-star already but he is going to be the BEST. Unfortunately I don't agree with your assessment about Longoria abeing the best (AROD will still have the mantle for the next 5 years….even though we hate him we gotta agree on that he is undoubabely good) and for another 5 years we still can't say that about longoria.
So trading the best pitcher, the pitcher who had done a lot for us for 2 LIKELY great – best players seems fair. however tampa is just not going to do it and I wouldn't either, i just dont' want to see halladay go.
BTW who thinks burnett gets traded now…phillies being i think the only team interseted in him got blanton?
I thought everyone was entitled to give their opinions on this blog as they see fit,But it seems like I was wrong,We have to stop fighting and chastising each other just because we don't like what they write,infighting only destroys what we now have witch is a great blog.
As fans of the Jays and baseball in genral we all want one thing is to at least to be in the playoffs,But under this managment [Godfrey-J.P.] IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.
I meant which lol.
Do you think Burnett will be traded before the deadline and if so to who.
Yo G,
There is no possible way Tampa does that deal. They don't all of a sudden have a ton of money laying around, plus if Price is as good as claimed why give him up when he is being payed nothing relatively for the next 6-7 years. Doc is a proven vet, and with that comes the price. Rolen is fantastic! Longoria, has a way higher ceiling so again, why would TB do that deal? Rolen is not a fifth spot hitter anymore but his defence is second to none. Buy a bat via FA or trade and you don't need to rely on his bat. This team is not far off.
Garry-A lot depends on this series in Tampa Bay. Right now we trail TB by 8.5 games in the wild card race. If we sweep them, we'd only be 5.5 games back and still have an outside chance to contend. If we get swept, we're 11.5 games back with 64 left and our season is toast.
My guess is, if we sweep, we keep him a little longer, if we get swept-he's gone to the best bidder.
rmatty-tell me if you'd do this deal. Send Burnett, Overbay and Ryan to Atlanta for Tiexera-providing we could re-sign him to a 3-4 year deal.
See I think for Tiexera Burnett, Overbay and Ryan would bring perhaps an extra prospect because burnett is a great pitcher, ryan is a great starter and overbay is just mediocre so ryan and burnett = tiexera and overbay = prospect (something like that)
Oh and garry if we take 2/3 then we would be 7.5 games back and if they take it 2/3 then we would be 9.5 games back so at the very least we gotta take 2/3 although a sweep would be nice.
Nice play Rios zzzzzzzz.
Nice pickoff on Craford.
wat the hell was i saying…burneet is a great starter and ryan is a great closer*


text:
Campaign for Brian Blessed to do a voice over for my satnav
Turn by Turn beardie shouting
Brian Blessed fan Richard Gardner sent us the following report: we are delighted to republish it.
From time to time we all wish our driving experience was either shoutier or more beardy, or preferably both.
This was certainly the opinion of Richard Gardner, when he tried to buy a Brian Blessed voiceover for his TomTom, only to find such an option inexplicably unavailable.
Puzzled, but undeterred, he set up a campaign on Facebook at BrianSatNav.com, to share the idea, enjoy some driving-related Blessed funnies and to provide a forum for like-minded souls to voice support for what will surely be the most iconic cultural artefact since the iPhone.
Can't see the video? Download Flash Player from Adobe.com
As the Brian campaign quickly gathered momentum, he decided to contact the parties necessary for the realisation of his dream: satnav manufacturers and Brian Blessed.
TomTom agreed that if the Facebook group reached 25,000 members it would start talks with Brian Blessed to make it happen.
TomTom spokeswoman Rosie Tickner said: "The interest in the Facebook group has been amazing.
"When Richard initially contacted me three months ago there were only 500 members. If enough people vote to have the Brian Blessed voice, how can we refuse to speak to him about it?"
Brian's agent agreed it was certainly an idea worth exploring.
With 12,000 fans supporting the project, Richard also thought it might be nice to get Brian Blessed on board, and tentatively approached the great man in the improbable hope that he might agree to do a campaign video. Much to his delight Brian agreed.
The best-selling stars' voices for TomTom have been Homer Simpson, John Cleese and rapper Snoop Dogg, with Billy Connolly and Star Wars voices recently added to the collection. ®

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Home > International Air, Space & Water > Antarctica & the Arctic
|This section includes resources on international law concerning the polar regions. See also the International Environmental Law section of EISIL, under the subcategory Antarctica and the Arctic (Polar Regions).
Primary Documents
Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Conservation and Management of the Alaska-Chukotka Polar Bear Population
More Information
Web Sites
Research Resources
|[1] 2 Next


text:
55' Riviera Luxury Motor Vessel Private Charter
Customized designed to provide a luxury charter experience, MV Platinum is a perfect vessel for small to medium size groups to enjoy a private cruise on Sydney Harbour. Professional staff onboard can create a personalized itinerary to meet your needs. With three separate open plan entertainment areas, your guests can mingle freely for corporate engagements or social event cruises.
Party Boat Charter (this page)
Platinum Corporate Charters
Platinum New Years Eve Cruises
Platinum New Years Day Hire
Platinum Wedding Charters
Platinum Boxing Day Charter
Platinum Australia Day Charter
Platinum Event Boat Transfer
Total cost = Vessel Hire
+ Food
+ Beverages
+ Staff Fees
+ Optional Extras
+ Wharf fees
Includes Captain
(February - May) & (September - October)
$550 per hour
4 hour charter $2200
Minimum 3 hour charter $1650
June - August
$495 per hour
4 hour charter $1980
Minimum 3 hour charter $1485
November - January
$695 per hour
Sunday - Thursday
Minumum 3 hour charter $2085
Friday - Saturday
Minimum 4 hour charter $2780
BYO Charters
$200 amenity fee applies to all BYO Cruises
BYO fee includes ice, cups, cleaning, rubbish removal, use of fridges and eskies, serving of your drinks (on request)
BBQ Usage
$50 surcharge applies
Any changes to the menu including dietary changes will incur a fee of $7.50 per person
Platinum Canape Menu
Canape Menu 1
7 pieces per person
$39 per person
Moroccan spiced vegetarian frittata, chickpea puree, olive petals (v, gf)
Tortilla taco shell , pulled pork, red pepper charred corn salsa
Cider marinated rare roast beef fillet, brioche croutons, pesto, onion jam
Caramelised onion tart, gruyere, balsamic drops (v)
Prawn rice paper parcels, lychee, mint, coriander, chili (gf)
Braised mushroom, haloumi, herbed bruschetta (v)
Smoked rainbow trout pate, hickory smoked salmon, short curst salmon caviar
Canape Menu 2
9 pieces per person
$51.50 per person
Chicken camembert pies cranberry pie
Grilled prawn, chorizo, Spanish smoked paprika aioli (gf)
Smoked, 12 hours brisket, gruyere cheese, red onion, pickles, seeded mustard, Turkish wedge
Overnight candied tomato, shaved Parmesan, basil pesto tart tartin (v)
Sydney Rock oysters, ginger, lime dressing (gf)
Ocean trout confit, shaved fennel, labne, black olives, blood orange olive oil, spinach leaves food pail (gf)
Peking duck hoisin pancakes, shallots, sesame seeds
Chicken, peanut, coconut chili spiced skewers (gf)
Smoked rainbow trout mousse, smoked ocean trout tart, pickled onion, chervil
Caramelized onion Gorgonzola frittata, thyme (v, gf)
Canape Menu 3
12 pieces per person
$67.50 per person
Hickory house smoked salmon, waffle potato crisps, creme fraiche, fresh herbs, salmon roe (gf)
Moroccan spiced vegetarian frittata, chickpea puree, olive petals (v, gf)
Baby beetroot, roasted, goat's curd, butter shortcrust shell (v)
Prawn, seared scallop skewers, lime, dill dressing (gf)
Mushroom arancini, truffle aloi (v) OR lobster arancini / prawn veloute
Sticky pork salad boats, apple celery slaw, apple BBQ sauce (gf)
Lamb, prosciutto, mascarpone, fresh herbs
Oysters, seasonally available, smoked soy
Ocean trout confit, shaved fennel , labne, black olives, blood orange olive oil, spinach leaves food pail (gf)
12 hour slow cooked beef cheek sliders, Gruyere cheese, cornichon
Peking duck pancakes, shallots, hoisin
Cider marinated rare roast beef fillet, brioche croutons, pesto, onion jam
Platinum Buffet Menu
Buffet Menu 1
$43.50 per person
Charcuterie, house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives, cornichons crackers
Beef tenderloin, onion jam, horseradish
Chicken breast, candied cherry tomato, black olives, eggplant
Roasted baby potatoes, caramelised onion, thyme, sea salt
Mixed leaf, cherry tomatoes, balsamic, avocado
Seasonal fruits, berries, brownie squares
Fresh bread, butter, oils
Buffet Menu 2
$56 per person
Charcuterie, house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives, cornichons crackers
Beef tenderloin, onion jam, horseradish
Chicken breast, candied cherry tomato, black olives, eggplant
Roasted baby potatoes, caramelised onion, thyme, sea salt
Mixed leaf, cherry tomatoes, balsamic, avocado
Seasonal fruits, berries, brownie squares
Fresh bread, butter, oils
Buffet Menu 3
$68 per person
To Start
Charcuterie board with house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives and cornichons crackers
Buffet Includes
Moroccan spiced Lamb with preserved lemon
Beef fillet with roasted seasonal Mediterranean vegetables
Slow cooked Salmon fillet marinated with mustard & served with a citrus dressing
Breast of chicken salsa verdewith a side of blistered tomatoes
Kumara, feta, red onion, spinach leaf with olives
Roasted kippers with a herb sea salt
Fresh Seasonal fruits, berries with a luxurious rich brownie square
Platinum BBQ Menus
Minimum order of 10 guests
BBQ Menu 1
$35.50 per person
To Start
Charcuterie, house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives, cornichons crackers
Assorted gourmet sausages (2) - Pork fennel sausages, tomato relish, Beef herbed sausages, caramelized onion.
Marinated chicken, lemon, garlic, parsley
Pasta pesto salad, pine nuts, rocket
Mesculin leaves, cherry tomato, balsamic olive oil
Fresh breads, butter, oils
BBQ Option 2
$45 per person
To Start
Charcuterie, house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives, cornichons crackers
Rump steak grass fed, chimichurri, mustard, horseradish
Assorted Gourmet sausages, tomato relish, caramelized onion
Chicken, Indian spiced, mint yoghurt
Mediterranean vegetable salad, olives, Parmesan, pasta salad
Baby cos, vine ripe tomato, marinated feta, olives, lemon oregano dressing
Fresh breads, butter, oils
BBQ Option 3
$55 per person
To Start
Charcuterie, house made dip platter, grilled bread, olives, cornichons crackers
Local lamb, rosemary oil, tapenade, tomato relish
Salmon fillets, ponzu dressing, wasabi aioli
Chicken breast, preserved lemons, Italian parsley, garlic, cracked pepper
Assorted Gourmet sausages, tomato relish, caramelized onion
Roasted baby beetroot, goat curd, rocket, balsamic syrup
Kumara, zucchini, eggplant with penne pasta salad with rocket and pinenuts
Baby cos, vine ripe tomato, marinated feta, olives, lemon oregano dressing
Butter, oils Fresh breads
Platinum Platter Menus
Minimum 10 guests
Minimum order $200
Any changes to the menu including dietary changes will incur a fee of $7.50 per person
Platter Menu
Antipasto / Charcuterie
$110 – serves 10 people
Shaved ham, prosciutto, salami, chorizo, broscolla, beef, house made dips, grilled bread, olives, cornichons, crackers
Oysters - seasonal varieties (12 pieces )
Peeled prawns (12 pieces)
Hickory smoked salmon (12 slices pieces)
Traditional accompaniments
Cheese Selection
Selection of local and imported cheeses including wash rind, blue, cheddar, crackers, biscuits, dried fruit
Fruit Platter
Selection of season fruit and berries
Sweet Treats
$6.50 per piece
Macaroons (assorted varieties)
Chocolate Walnut Brownies
Frangellico Tarts
Polenta Passionfruit Pettie Cakes
Flourless Orange Almond Cake
Friandes (Assorted Varieties)
Platinum Seafood Menu
Fresh Seafood Menu
$85 per person
Crispy skin ocean trout fillets and kale citrus salad
Cooked king prawns and traditional accompaniments (3 p/p)
Seasonal variety of oysters
Pasta salad with smoked salmon, capers, sweet dill and chives
Prawn seafood kebabs with lime aoli
Platinum Breakfast Menu
Assorted Breakfast Basket
$23 per person
Mini house made muffin
Fresh Fruit Salad
Ham and Cheese Croissant
Mini Danish Pastry
Fresh Banana Bread
Light Breakfast
$21 per person
Ham and Cheese Croissant
Mini Danish Pastry
Fruit Salad
Platinum Beverage Packages
Gold Beverage Package
$15 per person per hour
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, De Bortli Windy Peak Chardonnay
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz, d'Arenberg High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon
Veuve Amiot Brut
All Beers
Coke, lemonade, orange juice and water
Platinum Beverage Package
$25 per person per hour
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, De Bortli Windy Peak Chardonnay
Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz, d'Arenberg High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon
Veuve Amiot Brut
All Beers
Spirits: Vodka, Scotch, Bacardi Rum, Gin, Jim Beam, Bundeberg Rum & Mixers
Coke, lemonade, orange juice and water
Non Alcholic Drinks Package
$7.50 per person per hour
Coke, lemonade, orange juice and water
Tea and coffee
Platinum Beverage on Consumption
White Wines
$39 per Bottle
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and aromatic with lots of lively, penetrating fruit characters. A concentration of tropical and gooseberry flavourswith an abundant bouquet, it is a wine that is always crisp, elegant and refreshing.
De BortliWindy Peak Chardonnay
The De BortoliWindy Peak Chardonnay is vibrant yellow with green hues, shows fig-like fruit aromas with barrel ferment characters. The full flavoured palate of melon and fig has great mouth feel and texture.
Red Wine
$39 per Bottle
PenfoldsKoonungaHill Shiraz
Berryliciousred fruit flavoursare the joys here, the wine showing lots of bright fruit and cast with some nice dry, light tannins.
D'ArenbergHigh Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a wine of great presence, loaded with classic Cabernet Sauvignon characters of cassis, plums, cedar, red capsicum andviolets.
Sparkling Wine
$39 per bottle
VeuveAmoit Brut
The Saumur Appellation in the Loire Valley produces some of France's best value sparkling wines. A lovely clean vibrant sparkling showing fresh green apples and citrus. Perfect luncheon, picnic or early evening sparkling.
$90 per bottle
Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial
With its perfect balance of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunierhas become one of the world's most-loved Champagnes. 'Moët' is characterised by bright fruitiness and elegant maturity. The palate reveals subtle pear, citrus and brioche notes.
Beer Selection
$9 per beer
Corona with fresh limes, Peroni, Hanh Super Dry ,Cascade light
Spirt Selection
$10 per glass
Spirits: Vodka, Scotch, Bacardi Rum, Gin, Jim Beam, BundebergRum & mixers
Soft Drinks
$5 per glass
Coke, Lemonade, Sparkling Water, Still Mineral Water, Orange Juice
Staff Fees
$62.5 per hour per wait staff (1 staff included in price)
1 - 12 pax – wait staff included
13 - 22 pax – 1 x wait staff required (for catering charters)
Kayak, SUP board & Lily Pad
Complimentary use on all private charters. (Available on request)
Pick up and drop off wharf fees apply (Usually $100 total). Check your quote and contract for more info.
All prices in $AUS and include GST
Prices are subject to change without notice
50% deposit required to confirm your booking
No stiletto heels to be worn on board
Boat inspections are welcome by appointment
Brand : Riviera
• Length: 55 feet (17m)
• Fine teak and leather appointments
• Expansive front deck and sun beds
• Personalised itinerary, charter course, sights and destinations
• Highly experienced captain and host included on all cruises
• Complete catering services for cocktail, formal dining or casual luncheons
• Fully licenced vessel with food and beverage staff available (BYO options are available)
• Generous outdoor areas both covered and open air
• Enclosed air-conditioned fly bridge for maximum comfort
• Fully air conditioned interiors
• Master cabin with ensuite, second cabin with queen sized bed, and a third cabin with a set of bunks
• The latest technical facilities for entertaining including the latest in surround sound , DVD, CD, IPod connectivity, 40 inch Plasma, XBOX , and Wi-Fi
• Optional teak table setting for up to 8 people for rear deck on request
Boat Suitability :
Private charters, corporate cruises, small wedding venue, luxury boat accommodation, team building activities, meeting room venue
Click here to view detailed booking information
Maximum number of guests
22 passengers
Arrival at the wharf
We recommend that your party arrives at the wharf 30 minutes prior to your charter. The boats need to book the wharves and have a limited time to pick up and drop off your guests.
Multiple pick up and drop offs
We do not recommend multiple pick up and drop offs as this can waste a considerable amount of your charter time. Instead, we are happy to supply you with a water taxi contact number that can deliver or pick up guests at their convenience.
What to bring
As with any outdoor venue, we recommend that your guests dress for the season (i.e. sunscreen and a hat in summer, a warm jacket in winter).
Booking and payment
We require a 50% deposit to lock in your charter date. Once we have received your deposit we will generate a contract for you with all your charter details. 2 weeks prior to the charter date we require final numbers to be confirmed so catering can be ordered and balance is also due.
Cancellation policy
See General Booking Information below
Boat inspections are welcome by appointment.
Max Passengers: 35
From $1050 Per Hour
Min 4 hour charter
from $4200
Max Passengers: 41
From $990 Per Hour
Min 4 hour charter
from $3960
From $750 Per Hour
Min 4 hour charter
from $3000
See all certified customer reviews
Many wharves available
for pick up/ drop off


text:
A Vibrant, Peruvian-Inspired Wedding at Old Town Farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ally Pachelli and Dave Pollack paid tribute to their love of Peru—the place where Dave popped the question—with a vibrant, fun-filled fete at Old Town Farms that included festive cultural touches. "We spent six weeks in Peru on our first extended trip together and fell in love with the country and colors," Ally says. "We got engaged while in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, and it was a very special place and time for us. We loved how fun and vibrant Peruvian textiles are and wanted to incorporate the bright color palette and textiles into our day." Peruvian fabric made appearances in everything from the table coverings to the bouquet and boutonniere wraps. For the rest of the decorative details, a color palette featuring every color of the rainbow dominated. "The florals were super bright so they would pop against the Southwestern backdrop," Ally says. "Inside, we used all greens and garlands for the tables so the fabric would pop and it would look very organic and natural." For both the ceremony and reception, the couple made an unforgettable entrance. Family members walked down the aisle popping flower guns, and guests formed a pom pom tunnel for Ally and Dave's grand entrance at the reception. The good times kept rolling after dinner when the band Vanilla Pop took the stage, and got everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor.


text:
What do you need help on? Cancel X
In Zapper, you play a small creature that embarks on a great quest. Zapper is a cricket in search of brother Zipper, who was kidnapped by the evil Maggie the Magpie. Through 18 twisted levels, you'll evade bizarre enemies and deadly hazards using your electrified antennae and springy reflexes. Zap your foes, explore your surroundings, and find and destroy eggs before they hatch. Zapper's intense action continues as you unlock hidden areas, bonus levels, and play multiplayer games.
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text:
TheSouthAfrican.com is all about South Africa and the stories that affect South Africans, wherever they are in the world.
We're independent.
No agenda.
No Bias.
Our offices are for administrative purposes only, no visitors will be accepted without an appointment.
South Africa– Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd – Company Registration Number: 2005/028472/07.
Address: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001.
United Kingdom– Blue Sky Publications Ltd – Company Registration Number: 04683692.
Address: Riverbank House, 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London, SW6 4TJ


text:
Newspaper editorials across the country today explained why yesterday's Supreme Court ruling is good for America:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Supreme Court ruling means a healthier America"
The details of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision will be parsed and debated for months, probably years. The votes and motives of individual justices, especially the apparent swing vote of Chief Justice John Roberts, will be the favorite subject of talk shows and pundits for weeks. But the bottom line today is this: The essential provisions of the Affordable Care Act stand, and the United States will be healthier for it.
The 2010 health care law is expected to bring coverage to about 30 million uninsured people; roughly 9 in 10 eligible Americans will be covered. Young adults will be able to stay on their parents' insurance up to age 26. Insurers won't be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, nor will they be able to deny coverage to children with health problems. Limits on how much policies will pay out to each person over a lifetime have been eliminated. Improved Medicare prescription benefits will reduce health care costs for older Americans. And co-payments for preventive care for all ages have been eliminated.
Despite the claims by detractors that the law will break the national bank, insuring most Americans should, over time, help reduce the cost of health care as people are seen by primary care physicians instead of in expensive emergency rooms and as people are treated before their conditions worsen.
The Des Moines Register: "Health care ruling was a 'win' for Americans"
The public finally began to understand what the law contained—and what they would lose if it disappeared. They don't want anyone taking away free preventive care, including mammograms. They don't want to lose the opportunity to start their own business and be able to buy their own health coverage without an employer.
Americans should remember what is at stake going forward—when they vote. The public is already hearing from politicians promising to "repeal" the law and "do what the Court would not do." That is a promise to reinstitute a system where Americans lose their health insurance when they lose a job or get sick. It is a promise to maintain a system that leaves millions of us uninsured.
Though the health reform law may need some tweaking, promises to repeal it should be met with resistance from all the Americans who will benefit from its protections and opportunities.
The News Observer: "Supremely right"
… [No] longer will the United States remain just about the only advanced country lacking universal coverage. No longer will the worst aspects of our often outstanding health care system work against us, bankrupting some unfortunate people who are badly hurt or fall seriously ill.
No longer will children in families that make too much to qualify for existing Medicaid but too little to afford private insurance go uncovered in the face of unaffordable medical costs. No longer will "pre-existing" ills disqualify people from coverage. No longer will those who lose or change their jobs—and employer-provided health insurance—be left out in the cold. Real, tangible benefits will reach tens of millions more Americans.
Los Angeles Times: "Vindication for Obamacare"
The highly polarized debate about the constitutionality of "Obamacare" was so overwrought that it obscured what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act actually does. Far from being a government takeover of health care, as its critics claim, the measure seeks to improve the current system while leaving private insurers, doctors and hospitals largely intact. Its three main, interdependent goals are to significantly reduce the number of Americans who have no health insurance, promote higher-quality care and find ways to slow the growth of health care costs.
If you agree that Obamacare is an important step forward, stand with President Obama and make sure we protect this progress.


text:
Bursitis is a painful swelling
of a small sac of fluid called a bursa. Bursae (plural of bursa) cushion and
lubricate areas where tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, or bones rub against
each other. People who repeat the same movement over and over or who put
continued pressure on a joint in their jobs, sports, or daily activities have a
greater chance of getting bursitis.
Bursitis is commonly caused
Bursitis can also be caused by other problems, such as
arthritis or infection (septic bursitis).
Bursitis usually causes a
dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected bursa. The bursa may
swell and make the skin around it red and warm to the touch.
Bursitis is most common in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Bursitis may
also occur near the Achilles tendon or in the foot.
Symptoms of
bursitis may be like those of
tendinopathy. Both occur in the tissues in and
around the joints.
Check with your doctor if your pain is severe, if the sore area becomes
very hot or red, or if you have a fever.
Your doctor will check
for bursitis by asking questions about your past health and recent activities
and by examining the area.
If your symptoms are severe or get worse even after treatment, you may need other tests. Your doctor may drain fluid from the bursa through
a needle (aspiration) and test it for infection. Or you may need X-rays, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
Home treatment is often enough
to reduce pain and let the bursa heal. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy to strengthen
the muscles around your joints.
If you have severe bursitis, your
doctor may use a needle to remove extra fluid from the bursa. You might wear
a pressure bandage on the area. Your doctor may also give you a shot of medicine to reduce swelling. Some
people need surgery to drain or remove the bursa.
Sometimes the
fluid in the bursa can get infected. If this happens, you may need
Bursitis is likely to improve in a few days or weeks
if you rest and treat the affected area. But it may
return if you don't stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint and
change the way you do some activities.
You may be able to
prevent bursitis from happening or coming back.
Learning about bursitis:
Getting treatment:
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
provides information and education to raise the public's awareness of
musculoskeletal conditions, with an emphasis on preventive measures. The AAOS
website contains information on orthopedic conditions and treatments, injury
prevention, and wellness and exercise.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the
Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP, a division of ACR) are
professional organizations of rheumatologists and associated health
professionals who are dedicated to healing, preventing disability from, and
curing the many types of arthritis and related disabling and sometimes fatal
disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones. Members of the ACR are physicians;
members of the ARHP include research scientists, nurses, physical and
occupational therapists, psychologists, and social workers. Both the ACR and
the ARHP provide professional education for their members.
The ACR
website offers patient information fact sheets about rheumatic diseases, about
medicines used to treat rheumatic diseases, and about care
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is a governmental institute that serves the public
and health professionals by providing information, locating other information
sources, and participating in a national federal database of health
information. NIAMS supports research into the causes, treatment, and prevention
of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases and supports the training of
scientists to carry out this research.
The NIAMS website provides
health information referrals to the NIAMS Clearinghouse, which has information
packages about diseases.
Other Works ConsultedColburn KK (2011). Bursitis, tendinitis, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia. In ET Bope et al., eds., Conn's Current Therapy 2011, pp. 1011–1015. Philadelphia: Saunders.McMahon PJ, Kaplan LD (2006). Sports medicine. In HB Skinner, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics, 4th ed., pp. 163–220. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Next Section:
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Last Revised:
September 27, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text: Your people and business can do amazing things when technology runs at its best. The new ITSM experience helps organizations achieve greatness in todays mobile, social and user-centric reality. Discover a better way for users to access service and support anywhere, anytime. Explore enhanced productivity for IT staff, and seamless integration across IT operation management systems. Download now.


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During a recent trip to Mauritius I came across a quote from Mark Twain in 1896, "Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and heaven copied after Mauritius." In my opinion, this could be one of the most successful destination marketing campaigns of all time, positioning Mauritius as a luxury tropical island getaway in the premier league of tropical island getaways.
If you look past the bourgeoning economic centre of Port Louis, the sophisticated financial system and a number of other first world characteristics, the Mauritius of today is not that different from the one Twain experienced: the same 177km of white sand beaches, lush tropical backdrops and idyllic light blue water.
However, as a destination Mauritius appears in a state of flux, grounded in the legacy as a luxury destination that Twain gave birth to, competing against the likes of Seychelles and the Maldives, against the backdrop of its primary source market (Europe) looking for affordable alternatives in the wake of an economic crisis and the muted economic growth that has followed.
The debate around whether to adopt an all-inclusive rate strategy among hoteliers is a central issue in the broader positioning of Mauritius as a destination. A number of upscale hotels have adopted either a full-board or all inclusive packages. From what we have seen these have been well received by the market. Often the guest isn't completely driven by a sense of price sensitivity, but instead a desire to know what their "all-in cost" of their vacation will be prior to departure.
The jury is still out as to what extent the broader sector will adopt a similar strategy, with little chance of the über-exclusive luxury resorts at the top end of the market changing course, however approximately 10 of the 140 hotels on the island fall into this category, and the remaining resorts have an opportunity to define the destination marketing narrative of where the destination is going in coming years more than perhaps they realise.
The next time you are in Mauritius, give the south of the island a try. It's quieter, greener and has some exceptional golf courses, which I unfortunately didn't get a chance to sample during this visit. While you are there, check out Shanti Maurice's Rum Shack – it has 180 different types of rum from around the world, set in an authentic and unique beach bar that is quirky and a really novel F&B concept.


text:
Worth Dying For
A video tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives to protect the environment.
Filmmaker Vivek Chauhan created this video celebrating the beauty and diversity of Earth's natural systems. The video also reveals the man-made dangers threatening those systems, and honors environmental advocates from around the world who have died to protect the places they loved from destruction.
Tornadoes, fires, floods, crop failures—they're all isolated events, right? This powerful video helps connect the dots of the climate catastrophe.
How a regular guy found some super power.
Bill McKibben: In the mighty struggles beginning between climate activists and the fossil fuel industry, geography is on our side.


text:
Joe Moody Harris Park
Panama City, Florida 1 course · 9 holes Driving directions
Course reviews
Most votes | Newest first | Oldest first
+1 votes James Kelly Jr › April 13, 2012
It's a good course to master your short, mid range shots. Also challenges you with tree angles.
+0 votes ronald shufelt › December 25, 2011
Good beginner course. If you are experienced only take a putter and maybe a roc!
+0 votes Timothy Ouimet › July 28, 2012
+0 votes Andrew Wells › September 7, 2013
+0 votes Hunter Davis › June 2, 2011
+0 votes Chris Brown › June 5, 2011
+0 votes christopher bennett › May 16, 2012
+0 votes Ferlain Hoover › July 24, 2011
+0 votes KC Griffin › March 24, 2014
+0 votes Chris Hawthorne › August 6, 2011
+0 votes Robert--GoatFish-- Goodrich › November 6, 2011
Not a favorite at first, but this course has really grown on me (us). It really is a fun course to play, and allows everybody to plat fairly evenly. It is a bit of an intimidating ride through the neighborhoods getting to the course, but you will find nothing but the nicest of people while you visit. The holes are quite short, but with the trees and terrain, it makes it a fun challenge. Well marked with a pleasant flow.
+0 votes Scott R. › March 27, 2012
Nice Par 3 course and really glad to have another course here in PC. The park is in the middle of a neighborhood but you wouldn't really know it from inside the park. The park is small but does have a small play area for kids and a covered picnic table. Holes 1-6 are not very difficult to score pars on, holes 7-9 gave me some problems since there are quite a few trees on the way to the basket. Granted I am not a pro, but for me I scored a 5 on each hole
7-9. IF you are in the area or visting the beach, come into town and give this course, and Under the Oaks, a try.
7-9. IF you are in the area or visting the beach, come into town and give this course, and Under the Oaks, a try.
+0 votes ALLEN RAMSEY › April 12, 2012
+0 votes VIctor Pulizzi › April 1, 2012
Perfect course for a nice easy round of mid range disc golf. Only pulled out my driver on hole 7 because I needed the break, tap-in birdied that tree ville dangerous hole the first time at play. One should be able to birdie holes one through six with ease. Hole 7 is impossible good luck. Hole 6 will work on your super straight 200+ narrow game if you got it. Hole 9 is another good luck hole.
Overall, good course to test your disc golf short/ mid-range game.
Overall, good course to test your disc golf short/ mid-range game.
+0 votes Sean carley › April 13, 2012
This is a great, tight 9-hole course in a small, well shaded, mutli-use park. It is great for working on your short game or for players just getting started. The walking trail and the park road both pass through the play area and require diligent attention to avoid mishaps. Most baskets are quite well protected by trees.
+0 votes Chris Whittle › January 10, 2013
A great course for beginners and intermediates. The trees make the course, and on a few holes you are faced with a small window that will make or break your par for that hole. Great for Mid-Range shots. Quite a relief from the long bombs @ most of the disc golf courses I've been to.
+0 votes Michael Hurd › January 8, 2013
+0 votes Mick Dees › May 14, 2014
Crap. Not a good course or location at all. Not maintained very well.
+0 votes art g › May 16, 2014
+0 votes Jacquelin R. › May 25, 2014
Nice course, Lots of trees
+0 votes Justin Eubanks › March 20, 2015
Fun course 9 hole course, I love all the tree obstacles to make you really focus on your shot placement. I frequent this course practicing accuracy and placement. A- because the course is poorly marked although completely visible.
+0 votes Brett D › March 3, 2017
nice course, some short holes, lots of trees. only 9 holes. scored 1 under
-1 votes Kirk Maddox › March 30, 2012
Holes are very short and, considering the space available, this is a really good course for your short game. A putter and one mid range disc is really all you need to play here. If you pretend that your drive is your second shot for a longer hole, you will be pleasantly surprised how well you will be able to play on a longer course.


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text:
The crime was horrific: Go into a town, round up Jewish families, take them to a ditch and shoot them.
The National Geographic Channel on cable will air "Hitler's Hidden Holocaust" Aug. 2 at 10 p.m EDT/PDT and take viewers on a journey back to Nazi Europe to tell the story of the killing frenzy of Adolph Hitler's extermination brigades, known as the "Einsatzgruppen," or action groups.
National Geographic will follow the quest of Father Patrick Desbois to document the crimes through eyewitness accounts and find the multiple killing sites known to exist but hidden throughout Ukraine.
Since 2001, through interviews with elderly men and women in remote villages in the Ukrainian countryside, Father Desbois and his team of experts have found 800 of an estimated 2,000 Nazi mass execution sites.
Catholic News Service was present during his presentation last year at the U.S. Holocaust Museum here in Washington and at his 2007 pilgrimage in Israel and has captured his descriptions of witnesses' firsthand accounts of soldiers murdering Jews in Ukraine and memories of being forced to dig a hole where their fellow villagers would be buried, sometimes alive.
Descriptions of these horrid crimes are recounted to Father Desbois as he tries to piece together what he calls in French "the Holocaust of bullets," in which about 1.5 million Jews were killed by the Nazis in the Ukrainian forests and ravines.
Father Desbois is secretary of the French bishops' office for relations with Judaism and adviser to the Vatican on Judaism. His interest in the Holocaust was spurred by his grandfather's stories about his imprisonment as a French prisoner of war during World War II in Ukraine's Rava-Ruska Nazi prison camp.
One elderly Ukrainian woman told the priest that as a young girl, she saw the Nazis order Soviet prisoners to burn the corpses of Jews. When they were finished, the prisoners were locked in a former chicken house and burned alive. Another woman told him Nazis used village children to walk on the bodies of the Jews who were shot in order to pack them down to make room for the next group of Jews. The woman remembered stepping on the body of a former classmate.
Father Desbois wrote a first-person account last year narrating his interest in the event and his methodical approach to uncovering the mystery of where the murdered bodies are buried.
"The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews" is a tale of the massacre of Jews in Ukraine but also gives a glimpse into the redemption received by eyewitnesses who had kept their 60-year-old memories to themselves until they told them to Father Desbois.
The National Geographic's one-hour special will present in chilling detail how Nazi soldiers planned, documented and committed these crimes.


text:
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text:
Snow Valley Skating Club
Box 98
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(250) 632-3832
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text:
Good morning. I hope you're all well. One of the things I have not written in an extremely long time is a personal update. A lot of this had to do with my disability case and the fact that social media was initially used against me to say that this made me capable of work at forty percent of my former job as an administrative assistant.
That was nine years ago, and I was on long-term disability for eight years. However, after a year of dealing with lawyers and the insurance company through my lawyers, I've settled and I'm so glad to not have that hanging over my head. I can finally, relax!
However, there are a few thoughts I have been thinking about sharing with you guys from the past year and currently. I think I'll begin after I first hired the lawyers for my case and initially signing all these forms and files after Christmas. The first thing I learned was to cut my budget from 60 percent of what I was bringing in before, and that took a couple of months for me to become used to, having less available funds. I learned to carefully budget my months beforehand and where to cut spending. Even if I could save ten or twenty dollars and hold off on buying an item until the next month, often this helped my monthly budget a great deal. As well, if you're in Canada and searching for a great Disability Law Firm, you can contact Share Lawyers. They are awesome if you are initially, denied disability or if your insurance company cuts you off.
As well, I began freelancing on a site called Upwork.com and it took about three months for me to find steady work for a two to three hours some days. I do a lot of academic writing, and that was a learning curve, as writing pays terrible. But even what I earned was better than nothing at about $5 US per page. I continue to do this although I'm taking a break right now for the holiday season and it brings in from $200 to $250 on average per month in Canadian dollars.
So, that's not bad, and I enjoy the academic research a great deal, and I have written on many topics. Dealing with difficult clients online can be frustrating as face to face communication and affirmation of instructions is much easier than messaging each other. And of course, if the client did not provide clear instructions, to begin with, that's your fault, not theirs. However, on the other hand, I have some great communicative and thoroughly clear clients too.
I tend to enjoy English Literature, Creative Writing projects, Psychology, History, Philosophy, and topics related to these areas the most. Also, although they are rare, Art History and any kind of Design topic or feature is great fun to research and write. I have learned a great deal about American History after the Civil War and into modern times and how that effects present-day America and immigration and other foreign policy. Also, I love writing on favorite poets such as Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath, along with various new poets. Also, I have written on poetic works I know well such as "Beowulf" and "Dante's Inferno" but compared these to Modern Superhero's such as Superman or Iron. And I've written on feminism and the development of Disney princesses, for example.
As well, from June until September, I did do a couple of blogs per week for a company from Upwork.com on beauty topics including anything to do with eyelashes — falsies, extensions, Mascaras, growth treatments, and natural lash treatments. Also, I reviewed hair straighteners on Amazon and wrote for a business that does non-evasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, dermal lip fillers, laser skin treatments, CoolSculpting, and many other fascinating procedures to help people shed excess fat cells or to improve their youthfulness. The neat fact is that many of these cosmetic procedures have medical applications as well.
Moreover, I learned a great deal about blog writing for companies, how conversational and informal it is compared to academic writing. At first, I had to learn to 'dumb down' my writing in a sense to write at a grade six to eight level at the most. I learned about a couple of tools that help me both in freelance blog writing and in academic writing. Grammarly is an awesome tool for any type of writing and is worth paying for the add-on monthly, and it works on WordPress too, to polish your writing and save time.
Also, Readable is an awesome tool to see where you need to make your writing simpler for blog or magazine type writing. I wouldn't pay for it unless you use it 24-7, but you can use it for free a few times a day. As well, since Upwork.com charges you for working through them, you have to keep that in mind, and I would recommend if you work for a client you can trust, work off of Upwork.com, unless they'll raise your wage. You can both save money after initial jobs on the site. For instance, I made $20 a blog piece and Upwork would take $2.50 off that. Invoicing through PayPal or another system works much better if you have clients you can trust.
Moreover, in a strange way this careful budgeting and knowing I needed to earn an extra two to three-hundred a month quickly, became apparent to me and gave pushed my boundaries. If I wanted to continue to buy my preferred skin care (Clinique), foundation, concealer, and the occasional other items that I could not find in quality drugstore makeup brands, then I had to earn more than what I was before freelancing.
Actually, the most important aspect of why I needed to make more money each month was to save for the wedding and the wedding events of my two best friends who had wedding events in June and in later fall. Even if I wanted to go out and visit friends, especially because a long bus trip would leave me exhausted before I even had a chance to visit, I knew I had to earn some kind of income. It had to be no more than $300.00 per month at the most to still receive my government benefits as a person disabled from working, and that amount was enough to buy extras and see my friends most vitally.
Both weddings were a ton of fun, and I have many great memories from Bridal showers, Stagettes, and for my one friend T, the wedding itself. Freelance writing permitted me to pay for presents, take taxis, and buy a couple pairs of dresses and shoes. LeChateau outlet is amazing for this kind of event in Canada while staying on a budget. They are an awesome trendy Montreal based clothing store in and not only an outlet.
My second friend, S, had her Bridal Shower at the very end of September and her shower Theme was a 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' theme and her Stagette, a '1950's Rockabilly Theme.' They were a lot of fun, although, I did not make it to her actual marriage celebration or the following Pub night as I was having a terrible day (health-wise). While T had a traditional wedding which was awesome and a lot of fun, S's wedding occurred on the field of our Home Canadian Football League (CFL) team field and her actual wedding for all those who could travel was in Varadero, Cuba.
I was looking forward to attending the Cuba wedding initially, but my settlement had been so close to the wedding that it wasn't possible and even making a couple of extra hundred dollars a month I couldn't have afforded Cuba in November this year.
Anyways, both brides are deliriously happy, and my friend T is pregnant with her first child who is due in a couple of months now. I received the baby shower invite but already had the gift put together. It's difficult not knowing if the baby will be a girl or a boy but at least her nursery theme of woodland/jungle animals is quite 'in' and I found outfits and blankets along with a couple other great items.
Another friend found out she was having twins and twins are a great deal to handle along with her almost two-year-old. My Mom and I attended a 'The Handmade Revolution' craft-show, 'MakeIt' and I received the business card there from a lady who makes these soft terry blankets/towels perfect for swaddling a baby and carrying a larger infant/toddler. Later, they work as towels for kids from three to five years old. I got two bundles with cream good for chapped skin, especially where babies feed. You can check out these handmade goods below if you're interested. Here's the online shop called OneBerrie.
Finally, one of the things I had been saving up for was a tattoo, and lucky I had saved it before my income went down last December. I found a great tattoo artist through friends at a place called Eye of Lotus. Megan is amazing, does watercolor tattoos and has a six-month waiting list at least and that's always a sign of a talented artist along with Megan's years of training, tattoo portfolio, and the personal artwork around her working space.
So the tattoo took two sessions and was three hours along with a touch-up session which was about thirty minutes but truly brought my tattoo to life. The touch up was only $25.00 but the other three hours were regular price for most tattoo places of repute where I live. Eye of Lotus was also rated highly as a tattoo place in Edmonton so there are also other talented artists there. Megan specializes in watercolor. Anyways, below is the final result.
The tattoo is on my right side and hip. It was not that painful. I mentally psyched myself up for much worse and truly it was pain much less worse than waxing certain areas of the body. The black lines barely hurt at all. Where the color was filled in felt like it burned at first, but I got used to it quickly. Only when the tattoo went right into my side did it hurt. The words of the tattoo have personal meaning and refer to the Bible verse in Romans 5:8.
Last but not least, I wanted to share some odds and ends with you guys. I can still apply for my MFA in Creative Writing, and I'm thinking about it. I have to act fast though as I only have a month. I've wanted to work on a short story for it, but it's been hard with freelancing. Also, I do plan to work on my book now shortened to the title How Was Last Night?. I'm still on my second draft, finished until about Chapter 20 or so, maybe a bit further.
However, I'm attending a writers conference next August with my friend who is also writing a book. I have learned a great deal more in a year and want to have the third draft done for this event or at least the first quarter of the book for the conference as we do have the opportunity to pitch our work. Here's the conference website if you are in the area for When Words Collide. Of course, there are many speakers and a fun Galla at night so I'm looking forward to this as it's all at the hotel we're staying at and I think the conference will be educational and fun.
Also, I have a story that is going to be part of a Cinderella Anthology. The Anthology is still being edited and I'm excited about its release. Moreover, if you want to read what I have of my novel in the second draft, it's on Wattpad under my pen-name 'A.M.Wilson' and @mandibelle16. It's still rough, even the two-thirds of it that are edited from the first draft, but unfortunately, this year has not left me much time work on it except after last Christmas.
But that will change as I'm not paying off debt anymore, due to my settlement. I do not have to freelance as much if I do not want to. Here's the link to my unfinished novel How Was Last Night by A.M. Wilson. Any tips, thoughts, or constructive criticism can be left in the comments after each chapter so please don't hesitate to speak up.
Lastly, something neat I found on Indigo this morning that you all might enjoy when searching for something good to read: Indigo's Best Books of 2017. This list is their top 50 books.
Have a Merry Christmas!
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