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Chris Evert Becomes USTA Foundation Chair
The USTA Foundation, the national charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), announced that it has appointed 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1 Chris Evert as Chair of the USTA Foundation's Board of Directors. In her new role, Evert will serve as the USTA Foundation's spokesperson and ambassador to promote its mission, raise funds and increase the impact of its national outreach efforts to under-resourced youth. She succeeds former pro James Blake, who served as USTA Foundation Chair from 2015 to 2018.
In 2016, Evert partnered with the USTA Foundation to establish the Jimmy Evert Fund, a scholarship fund in honor of her late father who was a coach and mentor to many aspiring tennis athletes. These scholarships were developed, along with the support of Evert's family, as a result of the USTA Foundation's ability to directly impact youth through tennis and education programming, and are designed to provide opportunities for kids to excel both on and off the tennis court.
"I am honored to have been selected as the Chairperson of the USTA Foundation, one of the most remarkable organizations I have ever been associated with," said Evert. "I grew up playing tennis in a public facility where my father could keep an eye on us kids, making sure we all were safe and stayed out of trouble. That was a great, life-shaping experience for me; an experience I want to give back to a new generation of young people. I'm committed to helping make our sport more fun and more accessible to more kids, so that they can enjoy its many benefits, just as I did. The combination of tennis and education is a powerful one, and I will do all that I can to further the USTA Foundation's mission of improving the lives of under-resourced youth through that powerful combination."
Evert's stellar tennis career began when she turned pro in 1972 at the age of 18, eventually landing 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including six singles crowns at the US Open. She owns a record 157 singles titles, and has the highest winning percentage of any player—male or female—in the history of the sport. She is one of only three players in history to have a 100-match winning year with 103 in 1974, including 55 straight match wins on all surfaces, a record that held up for more than a decade, and she was ranked No.1 in the world for seven years, winning a total of 1,309 matches in her career.
In 1989, Evert retired at the US Open at the age of 34. On July 16, 1995, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As the sole inductee that year, she was only the fourth player and the sixth person ever to be elected to the Hall unanimously.
Evert's sports journalism career began in 2011 as a tennis analyst for ESPN, and she has covered all four Grand Slam events for the last seven years. In addition to her broadcasting role, Evert also writes a monthly publisher's column for Tennis magazine.
A resident of Boca Raton, Fla., Evert lends her time and effort to raise funds for many causes important to her and her family, and serves as a board member for several organizations. The Chris Evert Charities Inc., founded in 1989 following Evert's retirement, focuses on helping children who are at-risk due to drug abuse and alcohol addiction by focusing on programs whose mission is to keep families together as parents seek treatment. The charity has raised more than $25 million since its inception and is the sole beneficiary at the annual Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic, which has been heralded as the most successful fund-raiser in tennis history.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the USTA Foundation, we are truly honored to have Chris Evert serve as our new Chair and ambassador," said Thomas Chen, President of the USTA Foundation Board of Directors. "It's exciting to have Chris help us lead many of our fund-raising efforts so that we can continue to support tennis and education programs throughout the country. Her commitment to supporting programs like these speaks volumes, and we are thrilled to have her on our team as we pursue our mission to enhance more young lives through tennis and education."
Chris Evert's Boca Raton Home For Sale For $4.9 Million (Not Known If It Includes A Private Tennis Lesson)
Chris Evert's longtime Florida home, with tennis court, is for sale and featured this week at TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Photos with listing agent permission available for your use at: http://bit.ly/toptenmedia
"Chris Evert's Florida Tennis Home"
Chris Evert, former world tennis champion, is selling her 5.23-acre tennis estate in Boca Raton, Florida, setting the price at $4.999 million. It is not indicated if a private tennis lesson is included in the deal. When John McEnroe once bought a home owned by famed American TV host Johnny Carson, Carson made sure that a private tennis lesson with McEnroe was included in the transaction.
Chris was a key player of what made tennis a huge sport in the 1970s. A prodigy who won both the French Open and Wimbledon in 1974 at age 19 and was engaged to the American men's Wimbledon champion, Jimmy Connors, Evert was the teen tennis idol of millions of her fans who packed the tennis courts in the '70s.
Chris was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida into a tennis-fanatical family. Her father was a coach and all four children became expert players. Her siblings all won college scholarships but Chris went to the very top of the professional scene. She became the top-ranked female tennis player in the world for seven years and holds 157 singles titles including 18 Grand Slams. At age 19, she almost married Connors who, like Chris, had the highest singles ranking in the mid '70s. With their Hollywood looks and big personalities, Chris and Jimmy were one of the most popular celebrity couples in the world, but much to the disappointment of their fans, soon broke off their engagement.
Moving on to continue in her profession, marriage and family, Evert resumed her life in Florida after her retirement from professional tennis in 1989. She has since been operating the Chris Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton and helps coach the high school tennis team where she graduated. Now at age 63 with her children grown and with lives of their own, she is selling her large Boca estate.
At 12,296 square feet, the home has eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, formal public rooms, a library and cook's kitchen geared to entertaining on a grand scale. Built in 1995 and sprawling across the acreage, all rooms are quite large with many beamed, vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors with fireplace in the formal living room. A well equipped outdoor kitchen tempts everyone outside for an informal pool party or hot dogs and hamburgers after a rousing game of tennis at the court, some leisurely putting on the golf green or a vigorous workout in the gym. There are also two guest houses, a nine-car garage and a barn on the property converted into a gym and home theater.
Chris Evert's gated private tropical estate in Boca Raton with tennis court, putting green, swimming pool and plenty of space for ball games is now being offered at $4.999 million. Katia Reisler of Douglas Elliman and Rebecca Spooner of Siemens Group Realty, both in Boca Raton, are the listing agents.
Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, spectacular and celebrity homes and real estate news.
"The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time" Makes For Great Holiday Gift
Having trouble thinking of the proper holiday gift for the tennis player in your life? Consider the book "The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time" by 2017 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Steve Flink
"The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time" features profiles and rankings of the greatest matches of all time dating from the1920s featuring Bill Tilden and Suzanne Lenglen up through the modern era of tennis featuring contemporary stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Flink breaks down, analyzes and puts into historical context the sport's most memorable matches, providing readers with a courtside seat at these most celebrated and significant duels. Flink also includes a fascinating "greatest strokes of all-time" section where he ranks and describes the players who best executed all the important shots in the game through the years. Other champions featured in the book include Don Budge, Maureen Connolly, Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf among many others.
The book is published by New Chapter Press, the premier global publisher of tennis books.
The hard-cover book, that makes for a centerpiece of a coffee table or at your local tennis club, retails for $28.95, and can be purchased here on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257936/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_Qj-rybVBRK7ZW or at www.NewChapterMedia.com and where ever books are sold.
Flink, one of the most respected writers and observers in the game, is currently a columnist for TennisChannel.com. A resident of Katonah, N.Y., he is the former editor of World Tennis magazine and a former senior columnist at Tennis Week.
The book has received high praise from some of the most respected names in the sport, including Chris Evert, a winner of 18 major singles titles in her career, who wrote the foreword to the book.
Said seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras, "Steve Flink was there reporting on almost every big match I played in my career. He has seen all of the great players for the last 45 years. I encourage you to read this book because Steve is one of the most insightful writers on the game that I have known and he really knows his tennis."
Said former U.S. Davis Cup captain and player Patrick McEnroe, "As a writer and a fan, Steve Flink's knowledge of tennis history and his love of the sport are second to none, which is why you should read his book."
Said ESPN's Cliff Drysdale, "To see tennis through the eyes of Steve Flink is to wander through a wonderland. These are not fantasies because Steve captures the essence of tennis matches in graphic detail. There is no one more passionate or caring about his subject. In this absorbing book, I can relive matches that I have called on television."
Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of "The Greatest Jewish Tennis Players of All Time" by Sandra Harwitt, "The Secrets of Spanish Tennis" by Chris Lewit, "Sport of a Lifetime" by Judy Aydelott, "Absolute Tennis: The Best and Next Way To Play The Game" by Marty Smith, "Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection" by Rene Stauffer, "The Bud Collins History of Tennis" by Bud Collins (a new third edition published in late 2016), "The Education of a Tennis Player" by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, "The Wimbledon Final That Never Was" by Sidney Wood, "Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match" by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, "Your Playbook for Beating Depression" by Cliff Richey and Mary Garrison, "Titanic: The Tennis Story" by Lindsay Gibbs, "Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain" by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, "Tennis Made Easy" by Kelly Gunterman, "On This Day In Tennis History" by Randy Walker, "A Player's Guide To USTA League Tennis" by Tony Serksnis, "Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games" by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli (www.Boycott1980.com), "The Lennon Prophecy" by Joe Niezgoda (www.TheLennonProphecy.com), "Bone Appetit, Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog" by Susan Anson, "How To Sell Your Screenplay" by Carl Sautter, "The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According To Hoyle" by Stewart Wolpin, "People's Choice Guide Cancun" by Eric Rabinowitz, "Lessons from the Wild" by Shayamal Vallabhjee among others.
"On This Day In Tennis History" Book, Ebook, Mobile App Is Now An Audio Book
"On This Day In Tennis History," the popular tennis book, ebook and mobile app, is now also available as an audio book. The calendar-like compilation of historical and unique anniversaries, events and happenings from the world of tennis is now available in audio form via Audible.com and can be purchased here on Amazon.com: http://www.mailermailer.com/rd?http://www.amazon.com/This-Tennis-History-Day-Day/dp/B0178PCQH4/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1449508067&sr=8-1 The narrator is Tiffany Bobertz, a theatre production veteran graduate of Augustana College and resident of Tempe, Arizona. The audio version is available for sale for $26.21 or $14.95 with an Audible.com membership.
The popular mobile app version of the book is available for $2.99 at www.TennisHistoryApp.com. The app can be found by searching "Tennis History" in the iTunes App Store and Play Store or directly at these two links:
Apple iTunes: http://www.mailermailer.com/rd?https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/this-day-in-tennis-history/id647610047
Google Play: http://www.mailermailer.com/rd?https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstserveapps.thisdayintennis
"On This Day In Tennis History," compiled by Randy Walker, is a fun and fact-filled, this compilation offers anniversaries, summaries, and anecdotes of events from the world of tennis for every day in the calendar year. Presented in a day-by-day format, the entries into this mini-encyclopedia include major tournament victory dates, summaries of the greatest matches ever played, trivia, and statistics as well as little-known and quirky happenings. Easy-to-use and packed with fascinating details, the book is the perfect companion for tennis and general sports fans alike and is an excellent gift idea for the holiday season. The book features fascinating and unique stories of players such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, John McEnroe, Don Budge, Maria Sharapova, Bill Tilden, Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova among many others. "On This Day In Tennis History" is available for purchase via on-line book retailers and in bookstores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
"On This Day In Tennis History" is published by New Chapter Press while the mobile app was designed and developed in conjunction with Miki Singh, founder of www.FirstServeApps.com. Fans can follow the app on social media at Twitter.com/ThisDayInTennis and facebook.com/thisdayintennis.
Said Hall of Famer Jim Courier of the book, "'On This Day In Tennis History' is a fun read that chronicles some of the most important—and unusual—moments in the annals of tennis. Randy Walker is an excellent narrator of tennis history and has done an incredible job of researching and compiling this entertaining volume." Said tennis historian Joel Drucker, author of Jimmy Connors Saved My Life, "An addictive feast that you can enjoy every possible way—dipping in for various morsels, devouring it day-by-day, or selectively finding essential ingredients. As a tennis writer, I will always keep this book at the head of my table." Said Bill Mountford, former Director of Tennis of the USTA National Tennis Center, "'On This Day In Tennis History' is an easy and unique way to absorb the greatest—and most quirky—moments in tennis history. It's best read a page a day!"
Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of "The Greatest Tennis Matches of All Time" by Steve Flink, "The Secrets of Spanish Tennis" by Chris Lewit, "Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection" by Rene Stauffer, "The Bud Collins History of Tennis" by Bud Collins, "How To Permanently Erase Negative Self Talk So You Can Be Extraordinary" by Emily Filloramo, "The Education of a Tennis Player" by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, "The Greatest Jewish Tennis Players of All Time" by Sandra Harwitt, "The Wimbledon Final That Never Was" by Sidney Wood, "Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match" by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, "Titanic: The Tennis Story" by Lindsay Gibbs, "Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain" by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, "Tennis Made Easy" by Kelly Gunterman, "A Player's Guide To USTA League Tennis" by Tony Serksnis, "The 87 Rules For College" by Jacob Shore and Drew Moffitt, "Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games" by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli, "The Lennon Prophecy" by Joe Niezgoda (www.TheLennonProphecy.com), "Bone Appetit, Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog" by Susan Anson, "How To Sell Your Screenplay" by Carl Sautter, "The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According To Hoyle" by Stewart Wolpin, "Lessons from the Wild" by Shayamal Vallabhjee among others.
The Best Backhands of All-Time
Who has the greatest backhand in the history of tennis? Tennis historian and author Steve Flink throws out his thoughts on the debate ranking the top five men's and women's backhands of all time in his new book THE GREATEST TENNIS MATCHES OF ALL TIME, available on Amazon.com here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Greatest-Tennis-Matches-Time/dp/0942257936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354551927&sr=8-1&keywords=greatest+tennis+matches+of+all+time The except of the best backhands is excerpted below.
1. DON BUDGE When he captured the Grand Slam in 1938—the first player ever to realize that feat—Budge had it all, but the single biggest strength in his game was his majestic backhand. Most of those players who preceded Budge at the top of tennis were better off the forehand, but his backhand was the first of its kind. His aggressiveness off that side was ground breaking in many ways. He drove the backhand essentially flat and all students of the game marveled at its magical simplicity.
2. KEN ROSEWALL The diminutive Australian's backhand was legendary. He prepared early, turned his shoulders unfailingly, kept his eyes glued to the ball, but, most significantly, Rosewall's backhand was a slice. Across the history of tennis, many slice backhands have been used primarily for defensive purposes, but not Rosewall's. His slice backhand worked in every way: as a rally shot, as a passing shot, for the lob, and on the return of serve. It was multi-faceted. It was incredibly versatile. And above all else, it was unmistakably elegant.
3. JIMMY CONNORS Watching Connors launch into one of his two-handed backhand drives was one of the great joys for all erudite observers from the early seventies until the outset of the 1990's. Connors retained the old fashioned flavor of a flat, one-handed backhand, producing flat and penetrating two-handers of unrelenting depth and immense power, yet gaining stability with his right hand. His backhand was the picture of purity. It was his signature shot.
4. NOVAK DJOKOVIC A mesmerizing athlete, Djokovic can be forced well off the court by wide balls to his two-handed backhand and still recover in time to play the shot with assertiveness and astounding control. He returns with unswerving authority off that side, and in long rallies from the baseline, his two-hander is rock solid. Djokovic finds just the right blend of flat and topspin shots with his two-handed backhand. This shot made him the great champion he became.
5. LEW HOAD and GUSTAVO KUERTEN One match away from winning the Grand Slam in 1956, Hoad at the height of his powers was impenetrable. The gifted Australian had every shot in the book, could perform brilliantly on any surface and was universally admired for his immense talent. Off the ground, his one-handed backhand was widely appreciated. He drove through the ball with an essentially flat stroke and was lethal off that side. To be sure, he was a streaky player, but when he was on, there was nothing he could not do on a tennis court, including cracking the backhand mightily. Kuerten's one-handed backhand was the cornerstone of his game—a majestic, sweepingly beautiful, fluid, one handed stroke that carried him to three French Open crowns. Kuerten sparkled off that side, hitting winners at will, driving the ball both crosscourt and down the line with extraordinary pace and minimal topspin. His backhand was singularly inspiring in its time.
1. CHRIS EVERT While both Connors and Borg made substantial contributions toward the cause of the two-handed backhand, it is safe to say that Evert's impact was larger. Her success charted a new course for women's tennis and the two-hander became a staple. But that did not mean it was easy to replicate the geometric precision of her backhand. The daughter of an outstanding teaching professional named Jimmy Evert, she worked diligently on her two-hander. It was the shot that never deserted her across the years. In rallies, her depth was unmatchable and she seldom missed. Her returns were crisp and solid and her passing shots were unimaginably precise and unerring. Meanwhile, the topspin lob was always at her disposal. In my book, the Evert backhand was the best in the history of women's tennis and the precursor for so many great two-handers to replicate.
2. MONICA SELES Just as Djokovic broke new ground by taming the Rafael Nadal forehand with his backhand, Seles did essentially the same thing with her lefty two-handed backhand against Graf. The German always was more comfortable running around her backhand to play the inside-out forehand, but if you could keep her pinned deep in her forehand corner, she was not able to control rallies in the same manner. Seles forced Graf to do that by virtue of the depth and speed of her two-handed backhand crosscourt, forcing Graf back on her heels. That was no mean feat. The Seles backhand was immaculately executed.
3. JUSTINE HENIN The Belgian brought an awful lot to the table of competition. She was a complete player with all of the tools to succeed in her trade. Yet her one-handed topspin backhand was her trademark. Henin's backhand was sweepingly beautiful, a spectator's dream, an opponent's nightmare. She was willing to miss off that side because her goal was to make things happen off the backhand, and, if that meant making some aggressive errors, so be it. But she more than balanced the scales by sprinkling the court with clusters of topspin backhand winners, going down the line or crosscourt, long or short.
4. LINDSAY DAVENPORT At nearly 6'3," Davenport was an imposing physical presence on a tennis court. Over the years, she became decidedly better as a tennis player and athlete by losing weight, gaining momentum in the process. Across time, her two-handed backhand was strikingly effective, particularly crosscourt. She kept it uncomplicated, going for one deep, penetrating and flat shot after another until she could break down the defenses of her adversaries.
5. EVONNE GOOLAGONG The Australian often looked like a ballerina on tennis court, but never more so than on the backhand side. She was very flexible, using the slice backhand to keep herself in rallies, raising the tempo whenever she saw an opening to release her glorious topspin backhand. She did not have to think when she hit a backhand— it was all flowing and instinctive. The Goolagong backhand remains frozen in the minds of tennis fans everywhere.
"On This Day In Tennis History" Mobile App Now Available On Kindle
NEW YORK – "On This Day In Tennis History," the book and mobile app that documents daily anniversaries of historic and unusual events in tennis history, is now available as an electronic Kindle download. The new electronic version – and the mobile app – have been updated with recent tennis happenings into 2014.
The Kindle edition of the compilation is available for $7.99 here on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/This-Tennis-History-Day-Day-ebook/dp/B00JQDZ43U/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1402513835 The mobile app is available for $1.99 in both Apple's AppStore and the Google Play Store at www.TennisHistoryApp.com.
"On This Day In Tennis History" provides fans with a fun and fact-filled calendar-like compilation of historical and unique tennis anniversaries, events and tennis happenings for every day of the year. Presented in a day-by-day format, the entries in this mini-encyclopedia include major tournament victory dates, summaries of the greatest matches ever played, trivia, birthdays and statistics as well as little-known and quirky happenings.
The mobile app is easy-to-use and packed with fascinating details featuring captivating and unique stories of players such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova, Venus Williams, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras among many others.
Features of the "This Day In Tennis History" app include:
• Easily browse daily anecdotes and facts
• View birthdays for top legends and current players
• Tweet and email options makes sharing a breeze
• Set up daily reminders
• Quickly search the archive by player
• Save your favorite entries
• No internet connection needed
• Entries will be updated periodically
"On This Day In Tennis History" was created by Randy Walker, the former USTA press officer now the managing partner of New Chapter Media (www.NewChapterMedia.com) and developed and designed by Miki Singh, the former ATP Tour press officer and the founder of www.FirstServeApps.com. Most of the content in the app was originally published in Walker's hard copy book "On This Day In Tennis History" ($19.95, available here on Amazon.com http://m1e.net/c?96279190-.PAh92abybkPc%4018743019-Kel6bOgMLp6Qc published by New Chapter Press.
Said Tennis Hall of Famer and current U.S. Davis Cup captain Jim Courier of the book, "On This Day In Tennis History is a fun read that chronicles some of the most important—and unusual—moments in the annals of tennis." Tennis historian Joel Drucker, author of the book "Jimmy Connors Saved My Life," called the book compilation "an addictive feast that you can enjoy every possible way—dipping in for various morsels, devouring it day-by-day, or selectively finding essential ingredients."
The app can be found by searching "Tennis History" in the iTunes App Store and Play Store or directly at these two links:
Apple iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/this-day-in-tennis-history/id647610047?ls=1&mt=8
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstserveapps.thisdayintennis
Fans can follow the app on social media at www.Twitter.com/ThisDayInTennis and at https://www.facebook.com/thisdayintennis
Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press (www.NewChapterMedia.com) is also the publisher of "Andy Murray, Wimbledon Champion, The Full Extraordinary Story" by Mark Hodgkinson, "The Greatest Tennis Matches of All-Time" by Steve Flink, "The Education of a Tennis Player" by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, "Macci Magic: Extracting Greatness From Yourself And Others" by Rick Macci with Jim Martz, "Court Confidential: Inside The World Of Tennis" by Neil Harman, "Roger Federer: Quest for Perfection" by Rene Stauffer (www.RogerFedererBook.com), "The Bud Collins History of Tennis" by Bud Collins, "The Wimbledon Final That Never Was" by Sidney Wood, "Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion's Toughest Match" by Cliff Richey and Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, "Titanic: The Tennis Story" by Lindsay Gibbs, "Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain" by Jan Kodes with Peter Kolar, "Tennis Made Easy" by Kelly Gunterman, "A Player's Guide To USTA League Tennis" by Tony Serksnis, "A Backhanded Gift" by Marshall Jon Fisher, "Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games" by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli (www.Boycott1980.com), "Internet Dating 101: It's Complicated, But It Doesn't Have To Be" by Laura Schreffler, "How To Sell Your Screenplay" by Carl Sautter, "Bone Appetit: Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog" by Suzan Anson, "The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle" by Stewart Wolpin among others.
Serena Williams: Nothing Left To Prove
As I watched Serena Williams take on Johanna Larsson during last weekend's USA/Sweden Fed Cup tie, I will admit I was surprised by the level of her intensity. Given where she was, playing a relegation rubber in front of a rain-affected crowd, it seemed – how does one put this? – out of character.
Surely, I jest. Anyone who has watched even a smattering of tennis in the last decade can attest to the intensity this living legend possesses. Such intensity almost single-handedly took her to the pinnacle of the sport and helped her through the darker days, both on and off the court. It never mattered her shape, scoreline, or state of mind. It mattered even less who was across the net, be she rival or sister, Venus. In a game where many have been lambasted for their lack of mental toughness, Serena was the WTA's rock, who relied on her relentless intensity and competitive fire to finish off many a tough match.
How has she been able to do these incredible things for so long? It could be said that what has kept her at the top of the sport for nearly 15 years has been what could be deemed an "economy of intensity." Williams has made a career out of bringing her best when it matters the most. Arguably our sport's biggest star (at least in North America), she shapes her seasons around the Slams, peaking at the right time during those all-important two week stretches.
This extreme prioritizing has all but cemented her place in history, but often created a few problems for her in the present. Those who tuned in solely during the Grand Slams (or even those with a more comprehensive view of the sport) would see the most dominant player in the game ranked outside the top 3 and wonder "why?" A cursory glance at her results outside of the Slams would reveal a fair share of no-shows (she essentially took herself out of the race for year-end No. 1 when she withdrew from the Fall Asian swing) and shocking losses (Austrian journeywoman Sybille Bammer retired in 2011 undefeated against her).
A desire to explain this vast incongruity shifted the blame from her comparative lack of focus on a smaller stage to a lack of commitment to be a full-time tennis player. This truism dates back to 2006, when Chris Evert took to Tennis Magazine to write an open letter to Williams questioning her desire. At that point, she had won seven major singles titles, yet at the time, the tennis world felt gypped, and that Serena still had something to prove.
For all she has accomplished since then, it has been difficult for Serena to shake that stick.
Yet, for any of us to fall back on this notion is to ignore this latest incarnation of Serena Williams. The veteran of 30 who fought off a toe injury that led to a pulmonary embolism only to find herself back at No. 1 two years later. The woman who shed tears after her first Wimbledon match after that lay-off, and again when she was told of her return to the top of the rankings in Doha.
What more does she need to do to prove how much she wants to be here?
Against Larsson, she celebrated her good play, admonished herself for her errors, and was jubilant in a victory that tied the US with Sweden at one match apiece. We have been so conditioned to expect a flat, even blasé Serena show up on a smaller stage that this "new" Serena continues to shock us. But should we really be so surprised? When we remember who she is, what she's been through, her love for the game is suddenly apparent. And after 15 years, the sport should be grateful that that love is stronger than ever.
Coaches' Corner: Evolution of Tennis in the 1970's
The Ivan Lendl IJTA, one of the world's premiere tennis academies, has taken up residence in our "Coaches' Corner" series to dish out instructional tips and on court analyses straight from the Academy's top coaches and directors.
By David Lewis, Director of Instruction at Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy
The open era of tennis began in 1968 when amateurs were allowed to compete in world-class tournaments with professionals. Until then, amateurs were only allowed to play the Grand Slams.
In the 1970's, the style of play for most was "serve-and-volley," using a continental grip for all shots including ground strokes. Tennis was learned on a faster, lower bouncing surface, whether it be a grass or a hard court. The continental grip allowed for plenty of wrist action to control the ball and ability to move toward the net quickly because the ball didn't bounce high. Some professionals, like Connors and Evert, used the double-handed backhand and hit flat ground strokes.
Surprisingly, wooden racquets were still commonly used, but the small, heavy frame and delicate sweet spot didn't allow players to hit the ball hard. Metal equipment with lighter frames and bigger heads became more popular.
A player with great agility and speed could chase down most shots from the baseline because the ball didn't travel as fast. For the same reason, players who came to the net were more difficult to pass. This provided wonderful match ups with tactics becoming crucial. The game required plenty of finesse, craft and athleticism to outmaneuver an opponent.
During this time period, the U.S. dominated the game with players such as Billie Jean King, Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert. Later in the decade, a player named John McEnroe burst onto the scene.
Bjorn Borg popularized use of the western forehand grip and double-handed backhand, which produced incredible amounts of topspin. He won many Wimbledon and French Open titles and, in the process, became one of the first to modernize the game of tennis. Borg proved he could win on all surfaces with his different style of play.
Conversely, McEnroe used a continental grip, allowing him to take the ball on the rise which had seldom been seen before. An intriguing rivalry was starting to develop between these two stalwarts and helped increase the popularity of the game. By 1980, tennis was reaching a whole new level due to the double-handed backhand, hitting the ball on the rise and modern equipment.
Several full-time tennis academies in the United States opened in the 1970's. Harry Hopman, a famous Australian Davis Cup coach, operated a facility in Florida where many top professionals and juniors trained for the international circuit. He was renowned for getting players into peak shape. During the same period, another coach named Nick Bollettieri started working with top juniors, developing them into some of the best professionals of the 1980's.
Next month, we'll continue with the evolution of tennis in the 1980s.
About David Lewis
David Lewis, a native of Auckland, New Zealand, is the Director of Instruction at Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy on Hilton Head Island, S.C., a full-time tennis program for grades 5-12. For the past 20 years, he has coached top juniors and professionals around the world including Marina Erakovic, ranked as high as No.49 on the WTA world rankings.
Ivan Lendl IJTA exemplifies Ivan Lendl and Lewis' desire to give back to tennis and develop future champions through a new-era curriculum and holistic training approach. The Academy focuses on classic fundamentals, leading-edge biomechanics, strength training / fitness and mental preparation. The staff subscribes to a hands-on approach with students instilling dedication, focus, hard work, motivation and overall preparation.
For more information: www.LendlTennis.com/info, 888.936.5327.
Coco Vandeweghe on her pre-match rituals, her U.S. Open debut, and wanting to party with Novak Djokovic
WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Coco Vandeweghe, who shot up 50 spots in the the WTA Tour rankings after reaching the Stanford final three weeks ago, is in action this week at the Citi Open. After receiving the tournament's last wildcard and her highest career seeding, Vandeweghe finds herself in the quarterfinals with fellow American Vania King as her next opponent.
I had a chance to chat with the rising star and she cheerfully reminisced about her greatest on-court moment, admitted she would want to party with Novak Djokovic, and disclosed some funny pre-match rituals she has.
What is your most memorable moment in your career?
Playing on opening night in Arthur Ashe stadium against Jelena Jankovic when she was no. 1 in the world, and I was 16 years old.
What would you do if you weren't a tennis player?
I would be in college – playing basketball, probably.
If you could play against any player in history, who would it be and why?
I'd want to play against a couple: Chris Evert, Lindsay Davenport, and Martina Navratilova because they're all great players. I've looked up to Lindsay for a long time and she's been a great friend, and so has Chris Evert.
If you were hosting a party, what three tennis players would you invite and why?
I would invite my coach who is an ex-tennis play, Jan-Michael Gambill, Irina Falconi who is a great friend of mine on the WTA Tour, and Novak Djokovic because he's seems like a lot of fun. [Laughs]
What are two things you couldn't live without?
Music and probably my family.
What do you to get ready in the day before a match?
I enjoy my sleep. [Smiles] And then I have my own little rituals and different tedious things that I do, like tying my left shoe before my right shoe.
If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be?
I would invite my grandmother who died two years ago – pretty much just family members, my grandfather, my mom, my family.
No famous people?
No, probably not. [Laughs]
If you were given a camera crew and unlimited access to the WTA Tour, what would you want to show the public about pro tennis?
Just how fun the women's tour is. We have great personalities, but we do dumb stuff sometimes. Even myself – dumb little fights like with the airline attendant, and me trying to sneak my tennis bag onto the airplane without trying to check it because it's a pain in the butt! There's a lot of fun stuff on Tour, and I would want to capture that.
Elena Dementieva Still Wins Rewards: Fan Watch
By Luís Santos
As a die hard Elena Dementieva fan I was rooting for the fairytale thing to happen at this year's Australian Open final but alas, I was brought back to reality – just like when she was around.
So Kim Clijsters finally won outside of NYC and she shattered the hopes of millions of people and also of Li's. Now this might have been yet another Aussie Open that has gone by me without me watching much of it – it's either that or me failing my college exams to watch countless hours of tennis – but a few things come to mind when reminiscing about Down Under.
First, of course, the notable absence of Elena Dementieva, who would have probably swept away the title just based on elegance, and because it wouldn't seem right not mentioning, the absence of Serena William whose foot keeps on delaying her.
Henin retiring (for good) was also a headline that made the news on the eve of the women's semifinals to the dismay of her antagonists. A kind word for Justine is in order though. Personal preferences aside, she was a great champion, who made the most out of what she had. I just hope she stays retired – indecision is not something a champion should have.
Finally, Li's superb level throughout the fortnight, and the overall level of tennis displayed by the ladies with names such as Makarova, Kvitova and Schiavone coming to mind.
On a final note and in case you haven't heard, Elena Dementieva won was well this week. It might not have been on the court but she still pocketed the Jean Borotra World Fair Play Diploma for her sports career. Elena was the fifth female tennis player to win such award and first since Chris Evert won back in 1989. Instead of attending the award ceremony she played a charity match in Moscow to help orphan children in her city.


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See things from a different angle - we are contributing to The Baboon and writing about Zen Yoga Capoeira & life! Please have a read and let us know what you think. Below you will find a list of our blogs:
April 30, 2018 - Starting to practice Capoeira
May 23, 2018 - Let go & flow - developing a spontaneous movement practice
June 21, 2018 - Becoming a Master - how to train when you're not training
Sept 4, 2018 - Yoga is not Competitive
Oct 18, 2018 - The secret of practice
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subset: commoncrawl


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Music in Museums – Musical laboratories for children
LdM and partners organize musical laboratories for children in the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, 25 Nov – 1 Dec.
The LdM Institute, in collaboration with Marist, is proud to present "La Musica nei Musei", a series of musical laboratories for children and teenagers between 7 and 17 years of age.
Playing a composition by Lorenzo the Magnificent in the Sala dei Gigli of the Palazzo Vecchio, or a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach in the Sala Bianca of the Galleria Palatina. For many of us this might sound more like a dream than reality, but for a group of Florentine children this soon will become a true experience!
After an introductory visit to the spaces of the museums, maestro Martin Schaefer will guide the children during various sessions on their journey between past and present, using the art and impressions of their surroundings as a basis for the improvisational laboratories.
The results of the musical laboratories, together with a short video created by our MA Museum Studies students, will be presented during the conference La Musica nei Musei, which takes place from 20 to 22 February 2014 at LdM in Florence.
La Musica nei Musei is a project made in collaboration with:
• Comune di Firenze – Musei Civici Fiorentini
• Associazione MUS.E
• Soprintendenza Speciale per il Polo Museale e PSAE di Firenze (Galleria Palatina)
• Centro Musicale Suzuki di Firenze
• Martin Schaefer – violonista Gypsy Academy


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Gift vouchers are available for order online, by calling 07 3556 3333 or emailing [email protected].
For online orders, please complete your preferences below and our team will contact you to confirm your order and arrange payment.
Note: All prices include GST. Gift certificates usage is subject to availability and valid six months from purchase date.
Gift an Exquisite Stay
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Albert Einstein
We are a team of creative designers who are passionate about contemporary and sustainable design. We have developed a range of innovative, eco-friendly pods and studios – all high quality in design, materials and craftsmanship.
In addition to our 'standard range', we understand that each project is unique and therefore offer a bespoke design service. This enables us to maximise the potential of each site and provide our clients' with beautiful buildings to suit their exact requirements.
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|Bob Hope
|Emmerdale character
|Portrayed by
|Tony Audenshaw
|First appearance
|Episode 2749
19 September 2000
|Introduced by
|Kieran Roberts
|Present; regular
Cafe owner
|Connelton View
Bob Hope is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Emmerdale, played by Tony Audenshaw. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 19 September 2000. Bob is presented as having a happy-go-lucky, cheeky persona, and his storylines have included marriage, divorce, fatherhood, losing his daughter, and adultery. Bob is Emmerdale's most married character, having been married seven times to five women, with whom he has fathered seven children.
Tony Audenshaw auditioned for the role of Bob, a love interest for established character Viv Windsor, in 2000.[1] Deena Payne, who played Viv, was screen tested with Audenshaw and five other actors and when the producer asked if she had a preference, she replied that she did not like the fourth actor, who turned out to be Audenshaw.[1] A couple of weeks later, the producer told Payne that Audenshaw had been cast as Bob.[1] Payne told Tony Purnell from the Daily Mirror that she dreaded her first scene with Audenshaw and was nervous about "getting up close and personal" with him.[1]
However, when the two actors got talking in between scenes, they started to get on well. Audenshaw commented "I'm aware Deena didn't think I was right for the part at first. But we clicked early on and have built up a great working relationship. People assume she is like Viv – a nightmare on the set and a bitch to work with. I just say, 'Yeah, she is', but I'm only joking."[1] Audenshaw said that he loved the comedy aspect to Bob, but was not keen on his "ludicrous hairstyle".[1] The actor explained that it took ages "to quiff up" and spray it, so it would stay in place.[1]
Bob has been married seven times to five women. His first wife was Jean (Julie Higginson; Susan Penhaligon), whom he married and divorced twice. She is the mother of Dawn (Julia Mallam) and Jamie (Alex Carter), but the marriage ended when he walked out. His second wife was Barbara Hope; they had two children, Josh (Marc Silcock) and Carly (Rebecca Ryan; Gemma Atkinson), but this marriage ended in divorce when he again walked out. His fourth marriage was to American exotic dancer Vonda Lockhart (Lorelei King). They were married for only 24 hours and divorced. Bob and Vonda had a daughter, Roxy (Chloe Procter), of whose existence Bob was unaware until his former wife Viv (Deena Payne) tracked her down to invite her to their remarriage. His first marriage to Viv has ended when she had a one-night stand with a chauffeur driver and their second marriage ended when Viv was killed in a fire set by Nick Henshall (Michael McKell) leaving Bob a widower. Bob's seventh marriage, in 2018 to Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) ended at their reception after Brenda realised that Bob was still in love with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), with whom he had been conducting an affair, and had married her out of guilt.
Bob arrives in Emmerdale as a representative for Naughty Nylons. He and Viv Windsor are immediately attracted to each other and they begin a relationship. Bob moves in with Viv and tries to make friends with her daughter Donna (Verity Rushworth). He proposes while drunk and they marry in February 2001. Bob has one grandson T.J. Woods (Connor Lee), the son of his daughter Dawn.
Bob then has to deal with Dawn moving to the village and getting engaged to his friend, Terry Woods (Billy Hartman), who is 27 years older than her. Viv and Bob divorce in 2005 after Viv has a one-night stand with a limousine driver, but in the same year they reconcile after her affair with married Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), and they become engaged again. They marry for a second time on 16 February 2006 in a double wedding with Viv's daughter Donna and her groom, Marlon. Shortly after Viv and Bob's remarriage, they declare that they are going to try for a baby. This, however, proves difficult because of their ages and Dr. Adam Forsythe (Richard Shelton) tells them that Viv is now menopausal. This leads her to ask her daughter, Donna, to be their surrogate mother but on the day of Dawn's funeral, Viv is feeling unwell. Bob assumes she is hungover but is rushed to hospital by Donna when she collapses and learns that she is pregnant. Following Dawn's death in the King's River showhome explosion, Bob declared repeatedly that he did not want any more children so Viv decided to have an abortion but Donna told Bob about Viv's pregnancy and they decide to keep the baby. When Viv goes for a scan, they learn that she is carrying twins.
Viv gives birth to the twins, Cathy and Heathcliff in a shack on the moors, hence the babies' names as a reference to Wuthering Heights. On Emily Kirk's (Kate McGregor) return, Bob worries that she will snatch the twins and he temporarily quits his job as barman at the Woolpack to be a stay at home father. Viv becomes involved with Freddie Yorke's (Keith Goodason) children's charity known as the Happy Smile Fund. Early the following year, Bob and Viv discover that the money raised for the charity is missing. They are soon arrested for the fraud committed by Freddie and everything they do seems to strengthen the case against them. Distressed at the prospect of a prison sentence, losing their money and their reputation being destroyed, Bob is further devastated to learn that Freddie and Viv had kissed once. Bob forgives Viv, and they consider running away with the twins, but Jamie convinces them to stay and face the consequences.
Donna is nearly killed while in a high-speed car chase with Freddie. Viv cannot deal with the pain her actions have caused her family, and pleads guilty to the charges against her. Despite being innocent, she confesses and claims Bob knew nothing of her crimes. She is sentenced to three years in prison and Bob is devastated, even more so when she refuses to allow him to visit her and returns photos of the children. Bob tries to run the cafe and post office as well as work shifts in The Woolpack and raise the twins on his own. Jamie is concerned that Bob was going to run away again and Bob is hurt by his son's lack of trust. Even more distress is caused when John McNally (Steven Farebrother), a local reporter for the Hotten Courier, writes a story implicating Bob for fraud. Nicola De Souza (Nicola Wheeler) leads the villagers in threatening to sue Bob for the charity money. Bob finally snaps and demands to see the editor of the Courier, and when his permission is refused, he hijacks a cherrypicker outside the building and manoeuvres it as close to the top of the building as possible, in order to warn people of the evils of the Courier. He begin to suffer an anxiety attack and is brought to safety by the police and arrested but the charges against him are dropped. The villagers also drop their lawsuit plans.
Bob leaves Brenda Walker (Lesley Dunlop) in charge of the café while he visits Roxy and Vonda. When he returns, he is desperate to see Viv and concocts several schemes to get into the prison. Finally, posing as his friend Terry, he gets a job as a drama teacher and pretends he is reading from a script about a man who misses his wife. Viv is reduced to tears as she tells him again that contact with him is too painful for her. The warden discovers Bob's true identity and promises not to press charges on condition that Bob never returns. Bob tries to focus on his business and the children, but is shocked when he realizes that Brenda has feelings for him. Because he still loves Viv, Bob fixed her up with Terry but panics when Viv asks him to visit in July 2009, assuming that she wants a divorce and has a drunken one-night stand with Brenda's daughter, Gennie (Sian Reese-Williams). The next day, they agree it was a mistake and to keep it between them but the truth emerges when Gennie starts dating Jamie. Bob persuades Jamie not to say anything to Viv, despite repeated barbed comments.
Bob is also shocked by Viv's sudden release from prison and has trouble persuading Viv and Brenda to learn to work together. Viv assumes that Brenda is simply an employee and threatens to sack her repeatedly until Bob finally tells her that Brenda is a partner because she bailed him out of serious financial difficulties, following her conviction. She is shocked to learn this and apologises to both of them but on learning of Bob and Gennie's one-night stand, throws him out and demands a divorce. She soon regrets this and tries to reconcile with him but he is not interested so Viv gets jealous when he befriends any other females. She also tries using the twins to get his attention and even fakes a break-in to the shop. She also tries making Bob jealous by pretending that she has moved on and making up stories about men she has met, but to no avail.
When a fire is set at Victoria Cottage by Nick Henshall (Michael McKell), it spreads through the village, and sets fire to the café and Viv's flat. Bob and Terry run into the flames to save Viv and the twins. Bob emerges with Cathy and Heath, but the building explodes, killing both Terry and Viv. Bob buys a cottage in the village and moves in with Dan Spencer (Liam Fox). Bob and Brenda re-open the café and name it Café Hope in memory of Viv. Bob develops feelings for Brenda and is initially unaware that she loves him too. They eventually begin a relationship. Brenda is diagnosed with a brain tumour. Brenda ends her relationship with Bob. Gennie sees how much Bob and Brenda love each other and brings them back together, while Dan tells Bob about Brenda's tumour. Brenda undergoes surgery to remove the tumour and Bob supports her when she goes through chemotherapy. Brenda organises a handfasting for herself and Bob, while Bob plans a proposal with Dan's help. On the day of the handfasting ceremony, Bob proposes to Brenda, serenading her with a brass band. Brenda accepts and she tells Bob about the handfasting. They then go through with the ceremony surrounded by their family and friends.
Bob and Brenda are devastated when Gennie is murdered by Cameron Murray (Dominic Power). Bob comforts Brenda as much as he can, but knows that she is struggling to cope with Gennie's death and her tumour.
In 2014, Donna returns to the village after 5 years away with a daughter, April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan). Bob is shocked to see Donna in the village, and offers her and April a place to stay. Unlike the rest of the villagers, Bob and Brenda, now his wife, knew about April from being in contact with Donna, and Viv's funeral. Bob is just as shocked as everyone else when Donna reveals Marlon is April's father, and she was nine weeks pregnant when she left the village. When Bob asks Donna if Viv knew she had another granddaughter, Donna says Viv knew, and met April when Viv visited Donna when Viv was released from Prison. Donna then reveals that Viv knew about April being Marlon's daughter, but didn't tell anybody anything as it was what Donna wanted. Bob tells Donna that he never believed that Viv could keep a secret.
At the 2001 Inside Soap Awards, Audenshaw earned nominations for Best Newcomer, Funniest Character and Best Couple, along with Payne.[2] In 2008, Audenshaw and Payne were nominated for Best On-Screen Partnership at the Digital Spy Soap Awards.[3]
- ^ a b c d e f g Purnell, Tony (12 October 2002). "Emmerdale: Our love-hate relationship". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "The Inside Soap Awards 2001". Inside Soap. Attic Futura (UK) Ltd (33): 33–34. 18–31 August 2001.
- ^ Green, Kris (21 March 2008). "Digital Spy Soap Awards 2008: The Winners". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 11 July 2013.


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Former State Rep. Billy Spivey (R-Lewisburg) announced today that he is a candidate for the Republican nomination in the special primary election scheduled to replace former State Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) in the 14th State Senate District.
"Over two terms in the Tennessee House, I took on Common Core. I took on policing for profit, I took on the Hall Tax. And I won," Spivey said in a statement released to The Tennessee Star early Thursday morning.
"Not by being a bully and not by playing the games of the Establishment. I won these battles by listening, thinking, and standing on principle," he added.
"This is the passion and record that I now hope to bring to the Tennessee Senate," the former State Rep. continued.
"These are the reasons that I humbly request the votes of the good people of District 14, and promise, if elected, to bring true conservative, anti-Establishment change to Nashville . . . where we all know it's desperately needed," Spivey concluded.
As The Star reported on Wednesday, the Republican and Democrat primaries will be held on January 25, and the general election will be held on March 13, "according to a writ of election issued by Gov. Bill Haslam."
District 14 covers Bedford, Lincoln, Marshall and Moore counties and part of Rutherford County.
Early voting for the primaries begins Jan. 5 and early voting for the general election begins Feb. 21.
Former State Sen. Tracy resigned earlier this month to accept a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Spivey's announcement now brings the number of candidates vying for the Republican nomination to three. Former State Rep. Joe Carr (R-Lascassas) and Murfreesboro businessman Shane Reeves have already announced their candidacies for the Republican nomination. All three are well respected viable candidates.
Victory in the January 25 is considered tantamount to election in the very Republican district. There is one announced candidate for the Democratic nomination, but that candidate's chances of winning the March 13 general election over the Republican nominee are very slim indeed.
Spivey represented the 92nd District in the Tennessee House of Representatives for two terms, winning elections in November 2012 and November 2014.
The crowning achievement of his House legislative career came in 2016, when he led the way to end the Hall Tax, as Breitbart News reported:
In a powerful victory for conservatives, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to phase out the state's controversial "Hall Tax" on unearned income in a drama filled final week of its 2016 session.
The unexpected victory — an annual reduction over the next six years in the current 6 percent tax on unearned income that will completely eliminate the tax by 2022 — came when two Republicans, State Rep. Billy Spivey (R-Lewisburg) and State Rep. Mark Pody (R- Lebanon ), decided to challenge the bill passed in the State Senate earlier in the session to reduce the tax by one percent next year while "intending" to reduce it further in subsequent years. The lawmakers acted with the encouragement of Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee and the Beacon Center of Tennessee,
You can read former Rep. Spivey's full statement announcing his candidacy for the open seat in the 14th District of the State Senate here:
Like many hard-working, patriotic Tennesseans, I've come to realize that our state and national systems are broken. Institutions built to serve the people have become perverted to serve Establishment politicians from both parties at the expense of the average parents, business people, and aspiring young people who spend their days trying to build better lives, stronger families, and more prosperous businesses.
This situation cannot be allowed to stand if we're to have any real hope of leaving a better Tennessee for future generations.
We can't expect more of the same insider politicians to deliver us from the very system they've warped to their benefit. Now more than ever, we need men and women who will fight and win the battles necessary to restore freedoms that have been lost and roll back government power that's grown far beyond what was originally intended by those who established the great nation we were blessed to inherit.
As a former State Representative, I've demonstrated time and again not only an ability to fight those battles, but to win them. The most significant battles I've won have come in direct opposition to Establishment forces at the top of my own party. In my time representing District 92 in back-to-back terms in the House of Representatives I didn't just talk the conservative talk. I walked the conservative walk.
When Establishment leadership wanted to water down my effort to kill the Hall Tax, I stood firm and won. The more they pressured, the more I dug in. That experience taught me how Establishment leadership thinks and operates. It also taught me much about how they can be challenged and beaten.
We need more of that in Nashville, and now more than ever.
We need leaders who relate to issues like health care, health insurance, education, and taxation from the perspective of a hard-working, business-building, employee-hiring taxpayer rather than from the perspective of a well-connected self-serving political insider.
We need leaders who are committed to serving the people rather than serving the Establishment of either major party.
We need Christian men and women in government who understand that shrinking government power and increasing liberty empowers people to dream bigger, fly higher and achieve even greater things.
These are some of the thoughts that have been weighing on me since Jim Tracy announced that he'd be vacating his seat in the Tennessee Senate, and these are some of the reasons I've decided to seek the opportunity to carry the torch for the people of Senate District 14.
Having spent most of my career as a blue collar worker, I know what it means to pour blood, sweat, and sometimes tears in pursuit of a paycheck so that my family can be fed and prosper.
Having managed over 800 employees in a manufacturing facility, I know what it means to take on the challenges of large scale operations involving many valuable individuals, with each of them working hard to provide for their homes and families.
As a combat veteran of Desert Storm, I understand what it means to put everything on the line to defend the land that I know and love, and as a father of six daughters, I know the joy and hope of parents who want future generations to experience even more freedom, more prosperity, and more joy than I've been blessed to know in life.
Over two terms in the Tennessee House, I took on Common Core. I took on policing for profit, I took on the Hall Tax. And I won.
Not by being a bully and not by playing the games of the Establishment. I won these battles by listening, thinking, and standing on principle.
This is the passion and record that I now hope to bring to the Tennessee Senate.
These are the reasons that I humbly request the votes of the good people of District 14, and promise, if elected, to bring true conservative, anti-Establishment change to Nashville . . . where we all know it's desperately needed.


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You probably know a lot about Ruby on Rails. This framework is so popular between programmers and web designers. It is so smart and you could use it with different applications. Now it`s time for another collaboration. We will discuss the process of implementing Stripe in Ruby on Rails. First, we need to tell you what is stripe and what you can do with it.
Stripe is a technological company, which has special software. This software allows individuals and businesses to receive payments in the Internet. Stripe provides technical and fraud prevention. It also gives user a banking infrastructure to operate online payment system. The Stripe was found in 2011.
As we can see according to the users' activity, Stripe is the best payment system behind PayPal. Stripe testing shows that it is like a nutshell and you don`t need to worry about your money. It is simple to use and to work with it. All developers who have worked with Stripe told that with it, you can have a lot of space for creating applications and, as a result – good experience in working with such programs.
If we are talking about implementing Stripe in Ruby on Rails, we can say that it is an easy operation. You don`t need to be a great developers to perform this process. There is a ready object-oriented and well-designed gem supporting Stripe with full documentation list and easy option of testing. Stripe is also a good variant to begin your own startup. However, you must have a little experience of working in such programs to get a result you want.
Stripe is good. However, users often have a simple question: Stripe or PayPal? Later we told that in fact PayPal is better. And it`s a fact. This payment system has a list of advantages that Stripe cannot give. Let us show you one example to make sure that PayPal is better.
PayPal is very simple. If you didn`t use such programs before, it`s ok. Just download it and start making payments. With Stripe, you may have problems and difficulties. There are many details you that should understand well to use Stripe well. If you are a developer with great experience in this sphere, there is no doubt that Stripe will be better. Of course, for other users who need just to make payments, PayPal will be a good decision.
It`s your choice what to use. You should learn some information about both programs before choosing one. There are some aspects where Stripe is better, but PayPal also has some pros that it`s opponent don`t have.


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Tweens and Teens Favorite Book Sets
Rediscovering the World of Reading
Finding the right books for our tweens and teens to be interested in may take some effort on the part of every parent. Why not give them what they already like to read so they will develop a good habit of reading?
When my nephews were growing up they would spend many weekends with us. They knew that we were avid readers and encouraged reading. Being a teacher made it possible for me to keep up with the reading materials children needed for each grade level, and so I stocked up on those kinds of books.
I have highlighted some of the books that are very popular with children in their tweens and teens, from silly to serious. Often times when a child likes a particular book they will follow along with a series, which promotes a healthy reading lifestyle.
Let's face it; in order for our youth to be able to function in this world, they need to know how to read. Provide an environment in your home that will help your children establish a pattern for daily reading.
Select several sets and encourage your kids to read more with these proven favorites among children.
Image credit Amazon
Poll: Kids & Books
Do your tweens & teens enjoy reading books?
Getting the Kids to Read - Leading by Example
Every night before going to bed we have a tradition of reading. So when our nephews began spending oodles of time with us, especially on weekends, we encouraged them to do the same.
Our home has always had a library - one for children and one for adults. It was filled with our favorites from childhood through adulthood. To help encourage reading, we stocked the shelves with books in all different categories and interests so that each child would find something fascinating enough to actually read.
We started off with my husband primarily reading from the Bible story book when they were really young, and eventually branching out to some of his favorites. When he got to the more scary stories I slipped out of the room with them laughing as I made my exit.
The range of materials was vast leading from history to present, classic to prehistoric, sad to funny. When they didn't feel like reading something heavy, they would at least do word finds, fill in the blanks, finish the story and crossword puzzles. One of the favorites was to finish a story adding nouns, verbs, adverbs or adjectives. We would do them together and make up the funniest stories and read them to one another. So, in reality, they still read!
Whatever method you choose to get your kids to read, encourage them with a variety of things to chose from in your own reading library. Turn off the television, turn off the radio, Internet or video game and turn them on to good old fashioned reading - it will never go out of style.
Image Credit Favored1
The World of Narnia
Every year I assigned my students eight book reviews to complete. They could be in video, play, hanging mobile, report or diorama form.
Some of my classes selected the books from the Narnia Chronicles series. Even though they could only do one report on the series, many of them continued reading through the entire line of books by writer and scholar C.S. Lewis.
Each of his stories have an underlying theme that wars against good and evil. Although the books are based on fiction and fantasy, Lewis uses biblical theory in getting the message that good will overtake wrong doing in the end.
Get involved with your child's learning and read with them. Discover The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where the children climb into the clothes wardrobe entering the fantasy world of Narnia. The adventures continue on in this fictitional land for the entire series.
The Chronicles of Narnia Videos - If you are not familiar with what your kids love, take a quick look and see.
The full movie of the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. Where animals talk and good overtakes evil.
Items that are included in the gift box sets that go along with the Chronicles of Narnia Book series..
Character Lucy's episodes in the Chronicles series.
Trailer for the new movie from the Chronicles of Narnia series. The adventure continues on the open sea.
Review of all the books in the series ending with the final battle.
Master Replicas of the Narnia Series - Each gift set comes with their own pieces that coincide with the storyline.Click thumbnail to view full-size
Chronicles of Narnia Prop Replica Gift Sets - Not for young children. Contains small parts.
If you are familiar with the C.S.Lewis books, you know that there have been dolls, toys, games and other items made to bring out the characters in his books. Many have bought these items for their Barbie, My American Girl or American Girl dolls. However, because they are delicate, I would not encourage these replica items for "play", but to be used as display props for a collectors series.
Each set has a different miniature replica set that is fashioned after the story and comes in an attractive gift box. Help bring the characters and story to life using these gifts with the books.
In Peter's Gift Box you will receive the miniature version of his shield and trusty sword.
Susan's gift box set includes her magical ivory horn, bow and arrow.
Lucy's gift set includes a copy of the set she received from Father Christmas.
It includes her magical dagger and vial like she used to save the life of her brother.
Help build your child's imagination as they read the stories from the Chronicles of Narnia.
Poll: The Narnia World
Do (or did) your children follow the Narnia Chronicles?
J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien Books - The Histories of Middle Earth, Fantasy, The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings Books
It may seem funny, but I was first introduced to these books by one of my tenth grade students named Gary. Every month the classes would have the opportunity to purchase books from the Scholastic or Troll Book clubs. He couldn't wait for the next volume to come out, and would pester me until his selections came in that month. Over time his interest in the series enticed some other students, and he was the one that got the boys reading.
If you have a young man that doesn't have an inkling as to what good literature is, try giving them one of these books. These are not easy reads, but will take them to places in their imagination that is beyond their everyday thinking. I can assure you that they will not be disappointed.
These books are not for the occasional reader and are somewhat difficult to follow at times. By the time you get to the end though, it all makes sense. Really for the Tolkien fan and a good introductory set to his works.
If you are looking to go beyond the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings books, this is the set to consider. You will get four books in the Fantasy Tales set: The Tolkien Reader, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Probably the most popular of Tolkien's books among young teens, especially boys.
This set contains four master piece works: The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King, and the all-time favorite, The Hobbit.
The Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew Starter 5 Volume Set - Individually you'd pay over $5.00 each. Save by getting the set.
When my sister was a young girl she would read so many books that were part of a series. I can remember her reading mysteries, romances, fiction, non-fiction and practically anything. One series that stood out in my mind was Nancy Drew.
I cannot really speak for the boys, but I know that they like the Hardy Boys mysteries as much as the girls like Nancy Drew. As we grew older, our tastes in reading may have matured, but our love for the classics that got us hooked on books hasn't changed.
What boy doesn't like a mystery? This five volume set comes in a gift slipcover box for easy storage. Many of the covers have been redesigned but they are the same reading material. Titles include: The Tower Treasure, The House on the Cliff, The Secret of the Old Mill, The Missing Chums, and Hunting for Hidden Gold.
Tales of the Boxcar Children
The story of orphan children who live in a red boxcar as they try to keep the family together.
The Boxcar Children Bookshelf - The Boxcar Children Mysteries, Books 1-12
I remember purchasing some of this set for my classroom and home children's library. At the time many of my 7th graders were reading these books, mainly because they were introduced to them back in their lower grades through reading programs.
The first book is a heart-warming story of orphan children who run away from their horrible grandfather, in order to stay together as a family. They finally find solace in lowly red train box car, and that's where it all begins. From there we are invited to engage in their travels, escapades, troubles and celebrations along their mystery trail in life.
In celebration of their 70th year in print, the first six books have had a facelift – an attractive redesign of their covers.
This is a deluxe paperback set that has 12 books. I like that the expandable book holder can hold up to 32 books. Included are activities, a poster and accordion bookmarker with a title checklist you can fill in as you add to the set.
Poll: It's A Mystery
Do (or did) your children like to read mysteries?
In Search of Waldo
When my nephew was first learning about words and picture associations to those words, he discovered the Waldo books. Learning to read was difficult for him, so finding this series made books fun, because they were mostly interactive with few words on a page.
Any child will like this set, but it is a good introduction to books for kids that really don't like reading. The pictures are fun, trying to find Waldo isn't always easy either. It's a perfect series for several reading levels (and even adults like them).
This is the only series that has these titles in one boxed set. You will get these titles in a slipcase cover, making it easy to house the books in one place.
Where's Waldo; Where's Waldo Now?; Where's Waldo? The Wonder Book; Where's Waldo? In Hollywood and Where's Waldo? The Great Picture Hunt.
Oversized paperback edition set of Martin Handford's artwork.
Nice collection for any age really and for those who love finding Waldo.
Comics Come to Hollywood - Watch an episode of what your kids are reading.
Hagar the Horrible: "Hagar Knows Best"
Phineas and Ferb-Unfair Science Fair
Archie's Funhouse Episode # 1
Follow the typical adventures in the life of teens.
Have fun with music, stories, jokes and riddles with America's favorite comic strip teens.
What happens when a science project goes really wrong and Candice is launched in Mars?
Laughter - Medicine for the Soul in Books - Favorite comic books for tweens and tweens.
If your kids like the television series, introduce them to the books of their favorite characters. Included here are the first books in the series: Speed Demons, Runaway Hit, and Wild Surprise. There is a bonus gift of stickers of the characters that comes with this set.
Easy bedtime reading and has 338 pages.
Vikings have never looked better and the family is still intact! Even today, people have said that this is one of the funniest comics strips they have ever read.
Explore the life of a Viking with Hagar, Helga, Hamlet and Honey.
A great gift for comic book history buffs. It is a hardback reprint edition of the daily strip.
Two comics per page in this 248 page edition.
America's favorite teens are about to become senior "citizens" in theory. The comic strip celebrates 70 years in print with this collection of 1,000 pages, including 100 full color stories.
Included in this set are behind the scenes exclusives from the creators of the comic strip.
Root beer, pick-up lines, rivals, romance, friendship and comedy are what this group of kids are all about. No matter the decade, some things never go out of fashion.
Poll: Laughing the Way to An "A"
Do you think children should be permitted to read comics as part of the reading program?
This week's challenge on my: Daily Favor Blog
Do you have a "tale" to share about your children's favorite book series? - Thanks for visiting. Leave a comment or just say Hi.
I used to read to my bump when I was pregnant and now my little boy loves it when I read to him. I hope he always finds pleasure in reading, because it's such a wonderful, healthy way to take a break and relax - especially in this technology-crazed world! I used to adore the chronicles of narnia :)
We are avid readers in our home too! I am familiar with all of the box sets you have featured. At least one of my children loved each one. I used to read books before I would let me children read them. I could insure the content was appropriate, but it also gave us something to talk about. I miss those days!
If there were young kids in my family I would be prepared to buy any or all of these sets. They look fantastic, and I want to encourage kids to also read real paper books.


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9. Can my dog or cat or horse use CMO?
Most certainly. EHP Products sells almost as much CMO for veterinary use as it does for human use. In conjunction with our veterinarian customers, EHP Products has developed a tasty, chewable tablet for dogs and cats. Horse owners have used Myristin® 20% CMO powder in combination with other supplements for their horses for over fifteen years.


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Berkeley watch: English grad says "Hucked on fawnicks wurked four mee!"
October 2, 2009
You might of [sic] heard that Berkeley English grad students aren't what they used to be. You heard right — see below.
Perhaps this Ana Castillo, in addition to reading, can give Rosa a copy of Hooked on Phonics so the poor dear's no longer illiterate in two languages. After all, it's only because they've never been handed full funding for a Berkeley literature doctorate that unassimilated Hispanics can't master English grammar, right? Or perhaps Miss Hell Obomber, fresh from overtaxing herself talking to sock puppets on libtard agitprop Sesame Street — and herself an underqualified social promotion — can divert to Berkeley to offer Rosa sum remeedeeyall tootering.
Also, don't audiences normally listen to an author read, rather than see her read? I mean, I realize this Ana Castillo is the next James Joyce and all, with thousands being turned away by the fire brigade from the packed-out lecture halls where she reads, but I'm damned if I'll watch her silently, lovingly mouth her own ham-fisted prolix prose to herself, like a housebound cat-feeding hippie crooning to the mirror she holds up, under the size 42 muumuu, to her withered crotchparts. Not least since a cursory glance at Amazon tells me that this hasty scribbler has pounded out almost as many novels as Dame Barbara Cartland, but with even less benefit to the kulchur.
The scribbler herself: "Beauty is truth, truth beauty, — that is all / Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." (Keats, you know, not the scribbler — just pointing the contrast.)
This, I take it, is why Rosa makes an elaborate point of saying refreshments will be served — even drowned-rat literature grads, for whom bathing is an event not an institution, and scavenging in the faculty refrigerator haute cuisine, won't come late to the lecture hall for these precious, self-adoring chumps unless they're paid off in food. No scratch, no snatch, as the witty ladies who work the corner of Alvarado and Temple are fond of saying.
The "super solid" Rosa signs herself with, for those unused to the far-Left politics of the mainstream universities, is a Communist slogan signaling adherence to Marxist dogma. (Right now the asshole Berkeley graduate students, members of the United Auto Workers, along with layabout tenured radicals like lesbian self-promoter Judith Butler, are on the verge of setting themselves ritually afire because California's taxpayers have cut their budgets by .09% or something.) So Rosa's super solid — just not in second-grade usage and spelling, alas.
With thanks to an old friend in one of the Berkeley literature departments. Once we were lovers but now he's celibate — 6'1″ and everything in proportion. Sigh. But he still always finds time to send me little gems like this to brighten my day. Grazie bello!
---------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------- Subject: Ana Castillo is coming to CAL this Thursday! From: "Rosa -. M------z" <-----@berkeley.edu> Date: Fri, October 2, 2009 1:35 pm To: firstname.lastname@example.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Friends and Bibliophiles, You might of heard that Ana Castillo will be reading on campus next week. "An Evening with Ana Castillo" Thursday, October 8th, 6-7:30 PM Multicultural Community Center/Heller Lounge in the MLK JR. Student Union. Refreshments and lovely conversation will be served! Attached you'll find the flyer. Would you please forward this to all who might want to see her read! Super solid, Rosa M------z


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Siri Helps Four-Year-Old Boy Save His Mother's Life
Recently, Apple's Siri voice-based virtual assistant is said to have helped a four-year-old boy save his mother's life after she collapsed at their home in Kenley, Croydon. The little boy used Siri to call up emergency services who were able to reach their house and attend to his mother. The incident took place on March 7, according to… Read More »


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Fang Banger, fans of True Blood, Twilight and the classic Dark Shadows
The term fang banger has been used a lot in HBO's series True Blood. Bill Compton and Eric Northman are the cool yet metaphorically hot vampires that millions of women would eagerly yield to if only in their dreams. With a vampire that means blood as well as sex. Sookie Stackhouse can not really be called a fang banger as far as I am concerned because she isn't involved to get "high" on vampire blood but instead was looking for someone whose thoughts weren't constantly bombarding her and she found that peace of mind in the undead.
The term "Fang Banger" may have originated on True Blood but the term covers a phenomenon that has been around as long a vampire fiction has been around. It simply describes someone who wants to, has been or is currently having sex with a vampire and volunteering to let said vampire drink their blood. When I was a tween I can remember running home after school to see Dark Shadows. Now as an adult I can see it was very campy but to my tender Junior High School sensibilities it was mesmerizing. I was only one of millions of female viewers who dreamed of being carried off by Barnabas Collins. I know that dark Shadows wasn't the first story to have that effect on women. It goes back to Bella Lugosi's Dracula. Now many men as well as women are into the scene and I have a suspicion it has something to do with relinquishing responsibility for one's own behavior and allowing the primal beast out to play.
If you enjoy True Blood & Twilight – then you will like these tees:
Enjoy !!!


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Ahead of the demolition of iconic Mayrath house at 10707 Lennox Lane, midcentury modern lovers will be given the opportunity to pick over the bones of the Truett A. Bishop-designed home. Once lauded as one of the most innovative homes in the country, it will soon be razed to make room for a new build on the 2.29 acre lot.
I'm a little gobsmacked. This style is only growing in popularity, with more and more of these structures being updated and remodeled by caring and clever craftsmen. It's truly a sad day for Dallas.


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Web ID: 8011599
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text: Share: Comments Print June 4, 2013 at 3:13 PM A stop and chat with Sounders FC's Brad Evans during U.S. national team duty Posted by Joshua Mayers Local reporters got a chance to chat Tuesday with Sounders FC's Brad Evans, who is in Jamaica with the U.S. national team for a FIFA World Cup qualifier on the road Friday night. Evans, a right back, was one of the standouts in Sunday's 4-3 exhibition win against Germany in a celebration of U.S. Soccer's centennial. Here is a full transcript of our interview with Evans: * * * (What was it like being part of that centennial celebration?) "It was a great moment for U.S. Soccer. Obviously we heard about the introductions before the game of some former players that had played for the U.S. team, so it was a big deal. And obviously playing an opponent like Germany was also something that was special. Finding out that you're going to start the game the night before — I got a call from Jurgen (Klinsmann) just confirming that I was going to start — and the mind just starts to get into game mode from them on. It's not just a normal game at that point. Like you said, it's a centennial match, it's a sold-out crowd at RFK, and it's against a good opponent in Germany. It was a great test and really fun to be a part of." (Have you picked up on all the stories and mentions of you as a breakout player from the game?) "You guys know more than anything, I don't really read into media hype and pay attention to too much that's going on in the media. Obviously I keep up with (MLSsoccer.com) and like to reach out on my Twitter and everything like that, but I don't read too much into the hype. I've always been, 'You're next game is the one that you're remembered by.' It's obviously great to have confidence and know that you can play in that position, but there's a lot of work to be done and I start have a lot to learn. The things I remember from the game are, missed pass to Jermaine in the first half, maybe not following my guy on a 1-2 in the first half, and then maybe a letdown in defensive pressure from my part in the second half. So I still want to learn the position and look over tape and see what I can do better. That's the kind of guy I've always been, so I wasn't going to step away from that." (Was there a pinch-yourself moment as you get closer to being a bigger part of the team?) "I don't know. I was still on the alternate roster to start this camp, so not quite there yet. Obviously I'll be the first one to tell you that I'm not quite there. Just being around these guys, it's definitely a different level. Each day is a learning curve. But the more that you play, and the more you just dive headfirst into it and put in the hard work, you see the rewards. I just came into this camp with an open mind. Maybe I thought that I was going to be playing right back in the Belgium game but came in as a right mid. That's kind of where my head was at in that game. I had no inkling of starting in the game against Germany at right back until almost 24 hours before. So there is still a little bit of… not necessarily games to be played here, but there's still work to be done. Like I said before, it's all about the next game, so I don't want to look too much into the future at all. I just want to focus on this week of training in Jamaica, stay healthy, and if my number is called on Friday night, hopefully turn in another good performance." (Who have you been leaning on to help you in learning how better to play right back?) "That's a good question. I think before the game I had a good talk with Michael Bradley, who was one who came up and said, 'The first couple passes, just get into the rhythm of the game. Connect your first few passes and then take your chances in getting forward.' I think I took that to heart. Obviously Tim Howard in the back, his communication is something that I've never really experienced before. It's constant throughout 90 minutes. It's pretty incredible. Obviously rooming with Omar (Gonzalez) and staying with him, hopefully there's a relationship on that front, and not just on the soccer side. On the personal side of things it might make things a little bit easier. All the coaches have been an extreme help. Before Jurgen called me in, he said, 'You can do this.' When your coach has faith in you, that sort of pushes you, as well, to perform in that position. It takes away a little bit of the nerves also. Martin (Vasquez) has been nothing but positive, and obviously I've had a number of email exchanges with Andy Hertzog in the past, and that's all been positive, as well. On all fronts, I think it's been a good learning curve, but like I said before, we'll look over more video and see what we can do better." ("Development" is a word often used with younger players, but how do you think you've grown and developed in the past few years?) "I think I've gotten a little bit more mature. When we had this conversation early on in my career with the Sounders in playing different positions, I wasn't too keen on playing right mid or right back, whatever it was. I wanted to really establish myself as a center midfielder. As you get older and you have a couple lengthy injuries under your belt, you realize that you just want to play, and that's all you want to do. I can't be choosy, can't be picky. I don't know what it is about player development at this point or the knowledge of being able to play that position. Maybe I was meant to play this position all along. Maybe it's just that desire to be on the field. But I also think playing in the midfield helps out playing right back, and obviously playing on the wing this year helps out, as well. There's not too much difference in playing right mid — the type of right mid that I play being more on the defensive side — than playing right back here. I think that Graham Zusi helps out a lot in that because he helps out so much defensively, it gives me freedom to go forward. It's a good question. I don't know if I have a good enough answer for that." (Have you been able to keep up with the Sounders from afar?) "Yeah, obviously I'm keeping tabs constantly, whether it's phone calls or text messages with players, staff, whatever it may be. Watching games online. I watched the Chivas game on Saturday night. I didn't get to catch the game against Tampa, but from what I heard, obviously the game in Tampa was a tough one. Anytime you have to travel across the country, it's going to be difficult. You saw a number of MLS teams fall in that round of the Open Cup. A bit unfortunate on the PK, I think. If we score that PK, I think it's a little bit different. But a great result at Chivas. Obviously the buildup to that first goal was phenomenal. A bit fortunate on the own goal, but you get a red card and you're playing a man down for 20 minutes, and then it's going to be a task in itself no matter who you're playing. So a lot of work to be done, but after this next game in Vancouver with a large crowd, hopefully we'll get a result and go into a nice break, get guys healthy and get back after it after that break." (Jurgen mentioned the possibility of you also playing left back. Has he talked to you about that?) "No, he hasn't talked to me about left back at all, but if my number is called, my number is called." (Does playing right back with the U.S. change your view on wanting to play there at the club level?) "Sigi and I had this conversation in preseason. I think he had a lengthy (conversation) with Jurgen after the Canada game, and I think Jurgen said obviously — which it true — that this midfield is so packed on this team. There are so many players playing at top clubs that it's so hard to break into. But with DeAndre's play early in the year and obviously currently, too, as he's going to (FIFA U-20) World Cup, we'll see what happens when he's gone. I haven't really spoken with Sigi at length, but wherever the team needs me, the team needs me. DeAndre has done exceptionally well. I have no doubt that he'll be here one day in the near future, as well, playing for this team. But yeah, I haven't much conversation or even much thought about the club situation. The main focus right now has just been on performing day in and day out here." (You always want to take one game at a time, but are you starting to think about the next qualifier in Seattle?) "I think it's phenomenal. I always remember those "firsts", I guess you call them. Obviously the Gold Cup — first cap with the national team at CenturyLink Field — and coming in to a standing ovation at the time against Grenada was great. Came in and played right back in that game. Obviously playing in front of your home crowd is something that everybody loves to do. It'll be a spectacle, that's for sure. I know that we'll come out in numbers, the fans will be behind us 100 percent, and I think it will be something very, very special, regardless if I play, suit up, whatever it is. It's going to be a special night and I can't wait to showcase it for the other guys on the team who haven't played in our stadium or played in front of our crowd." (Have you been to Jamaica before?) "No. First time in Jamaica [Ed note: Evans attempted a Jamaican accent with the answer]." (What are you expecting in the game?) "Yeah, obviously traveling for the CONCACAF Champions League games I think a lot of the situations — hotels, food, travel, training, whatever it may be, the weather — are much of the same. I'm actually used to that by now. It's a little bit of a different feeling, but I expect a loud crowd. Obviously watching the last game, it was a packed stadium. Noisy, physical game, a fast-paced game, but we'll take it day by day now and train. We've gotten here early enough that hopefully we acclimate by Friday night and get used to it and it'll make for a good result. It's a big game. The first one in a series of three qualifiers, and you always want to start off on the right foot leading into the next two, especially in the short window that those next two games are in. We get off to a good start in this and hopefully it will propel us for the next two games." (When you got the late call-up, did you think you'd still be with the group and making the trip to Jamaica?) "Yeah. For sure. Anytime your name is called you want to stick around as long as possible. I hope that versatility had something to do with it, being able to play a number of positions, whether it's guys who pick up a knock during camp, whatever position it may be. There are still a number of players who are on the mend getting healthy who play right back, as well. Yeah, I wasn't planning on coming home anytime soon. That was kind of my focus — if I'm going to be here, I'm going to give it 100 percent from Day 1 and see what happens." (Will you host your USMNT teammates at the Sounders-Whitecaps game Saturday?) "Yeah, as long as our flight is on time. I think we get back at like 3 o' clock, so I'll spread the word and see which guys want to go. I'm sure you'll see hopefully at least a handful of players, and hopefully we'll have a monster crowd that night, too, which would be really cool." (Will it be weird watching that game?) "It will be very weird watching that game, yeah. Absolutely. It's different when you're just injured and watching from the top, but when you're playing host to some other guys and almost being more of a fan at that point, it'll be strange. But obviously I know that I'm part of the Sounders, nothing has changed there with my club team. I'll be supporting them, 100 percent." Comments | More in Stop and chats


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What Are The Penalties for an OWI Accident in Wisconsin?
Preventing accidents is the primary public policy argument in favor of the creation and enforcement of OWI laws. Accidents, however, are only involved in a small percentage of OWI arrests. When an accident does occur or when there is a significant threat of an accident occurring such as driving the wrong way on a divided… Read More »


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As our General Manager, Wayne Austin, demonstrated at our June Board Meeting, Lake Safety's new Body Cameras are high tech and easy to use. He just snapped the camera into its magnetic holder, attached it onto his shirt, and it was ready for action. LAPD and San Bernardino City PD are using the same cameras and state of the art digital file storage system.
Our Lake Safety staff is now outfitted with these high tech Body Cameras. These new cameras are meant to deter bad behavior encountered on the lake. They can be helpful by recording trespassers and vandals when observed by Lake Safety staff. ALA works closely with local law enforcement to help our Members when dealing with these issues. Please spread the word and report any suspicious behavior to Lake Safety at 909 744-2766


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The Silly and the Serious - The Rational versus the Irrational - Creationism & Intelligent Design versus Science and Reason in the UK
Monday, 6 September 2010
Flamingo's Smile: Reflections in Natural History by STEPHEN JAY GOULD
This is what the author is best at. He like language and uses it in his own verbose and slightly pompous manner but once again we can see that he doesn't seem to have a nasty bone in his body.
Having now seen him talk on you tube I can picture him reading the book to me, slightly out of breath, fiddling with his glasses dramatically and pausing for effect quite often. This only helps the enjoyment all the more.
Some of the material covered is getting old now (1987) so bear that in mind, but I particularly enjoyed some of the "period" references e.g. the dino-killing impact theory.
If you haven't read Gould then this might be a decent place to start - if you have read him then this is a cracking example of him in the medium he does best.
Three and a half out of five stars.
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