text:
Swisher signing could change Tribe's fortunes
Ohio native brings enthusiasm to franchise in need of jumpstart
By Anthony Castrovince
CLEVELAND -- It was one of many rain delays the Indians and White Sox have endured in recent years, and somebody in the visitors' clubhouse at Progressive Field said aloud, "Apparently, God doesn't like Cleveland-Chicago baseball."
A White Sox player quickly countered: "No, God doesn't like Cleveland."
If you're a native son such as myself, you don't know whether to laugh or cry at such a remark. What you do know is that, if professional sports results are absolutely any indication, the guy might be on to something.
And let's be honest, that sentiment is shared by many in Major League Baseball. There was a time, when Jacobs Field was rocking, playoff spots were destined and the Indians were the only show in town, when Cleveland was a destination of the first degree.
But as that era -- and its revenues -- faded further into the rear view, Cleveland became a destination more for the guys trying to repair their careers (see: Kevin Millwood and Aaron Boone, among others) than the guys cashing in on their cachet.
Want an example? Here's one. Last summer, it was reported that Justin Upton, burgeoning superstar of the D-backs, had four teams on his no-trade list. Now, it is commonplace for players to put high-revenue teams on their no-trade list to increase the likelihood that they'll be offered money to waive the clause if one of those teams comes calling. And so it was no surprise to see the Yankees, Red Sox and Cubs on Upton's list.
But the fourth team on the list was the Indians. And suffice to say it wasn't because they're in the high-revenue range.
Anyway, I bring all this up because the Indians had a press conference on Thursday afternoon. A high-profile outfielder named Nick Swisher sat there absolutely beaming (well, except when somebody asked him about getting booed at Yankee Stadium last October) and repeating "I'm so excited to be here" somewhere in the neighborhood of 97 times. A two-time World Series-winning manager named Terry Francona sat to his right and said, "I echo that." And it all felt so foreign, in a way that is undeniably encouraging to the long-suffering fans of this franchise, accustomed as they are to seeing the high-profile free agents and skippers settle in elsewhere.
Understand, of course, that there are stipulations to this situation. Francona and Swisher both have roots in this organization and area. Francona is the son of a former Tribe All-Star, is a former Tribe player himself and is a longtime friend of team president Mark Shapiro and general manager Chris Antonetti. Swisher is Ohio-born and Ohio State University-bred, and his father, Steve, managed Francona in the Tribe's farm system.
Both, then, were natural fits. And while it is cute to talk about the so-called "Buckeye Blitz" the Indians placed on Swisher during his visit here last month (enlisting Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer, among others, in the recruiting process), the fact of the matter is that the Indians gave Swisher a four-year guarantee and 56 million reasons to sign on the dotted line. For a 32-year-old attached to Draft pick compensation in the free-agent marketplace, this was an offer that could not be refused.
"All roads led to Cleveland," Swisher said with his characteristic smile.
That has rarely been the case with others in Swisher's position. And maybe his contract -- the largest given to a free agent in club history -- proves to be an isolated case.
But there is no mistaking that the culture in the Indians' clubhouse is changing, and perhaps the perception of this club around the industry will change with it.
It changes, first and foremost, with the presence of Francona, a great recruiter in his own right. And it changes with the particulars of a newly-signed TV deal with FOX Sports Ohio, which has afforded ownership a little more financial flexibility and the ability to reel in Swisher, Mark Reynolds and Brett Myers in recent days. Toss in a Shin-Soo Choo trade that looks like a win for Antonetti, who acquired high-profile pitching prospect Trevor Bauer and center fielder Drew Stubbs as the keys to the three-way deal with the D-backs and Reds, and suddenly a Tribe team largely expected to spend this winter in rebuild mode does look a little more frisky.
That's not to say the Indians are slam-dunk contention candidates. But they're moving forward, certainly, at a time when they could have retreated.
"Where I'm at in my career, it's very refreshing for me," Francona said. "I like the way we're going about it. It's fun, I'm energized. So it's a good feeling here. I walk into the office and I feel like I'm among old friends. Not that we're not going to have challenges. I know that. But going through challenges with people you respect and care about? I can handle that."
When it comes to respect, the hard truth is that, in recent years, this has been a clubhouse almost totally devoid of real veteran leadership and the respect that comes with it. Maybe guys like Jack Hannahan could speak up or show the way, but their impact was limited by their roles.
"We haven't had as many veteran players who were primary contributors," Antonetti said. "It's just very difficult to lead if you're not out there every day. With Nick, we have a guy we're bringing into the organization who has a chance to be one of our better players and provide leadership."
Francona is, of course, as respected as they come in the managerial role, and Swisher's energy and enthusiasm can be contagious.
Do either of those qualities amount to more wins? There is no way to quantify such a thing. But for a club that flirted with contention each of the last two seasons, only to come up empty in the second half (and dramatically so in 2012), those qualities count.
Even with the new TV deal in place, financial limitations remain. Even with Swisher in tow, the lineup has holes. Even with Bauer and Myers aboard, the rotation has major question marks.
But on yet another frigid winter day, the Indians brought a few smiles to the baseball town that God forgot. Maybe the tides are turning.
"This is a big deal," Francona said. "We know we have challenges ahead of us. But this was a huge deal for us."


text:
When Lucy Butler first moved to Hendersonville in 2006, she tried to find an organization that fed her desire to help the environment and to meet new people.
When Lucy Butler first moved to Hendersonville in 2006, she tried to find an organization that fed her desire to help the environment and to meet new people.
Six years later, Butler sat at a table as people signed in at the Environmental and Conservation Organization's biomonitoring training on Saturday. Butler has been a team leader that monitors the conditions of water in Henderson County for the past six years.
The class on Saturday introduced new members to the water-monitoring concept and helped refresh some members who are already helping with the work.
The program uses more than 40 volunteers to monitor 26 watershed sites around Henderson County. Saturday's volunteer training course was vital to that mission. The more volunteers trained, the more locations that ECO can monitor.
"It's really all about education," said Seirisse Baker, ECO's water quality administrator.
Those in attendance got an education on maps and plenty of pictures of bugs. They studied the different types of organisms in local water through microscopes. These "bugs" serve as indicators to the health of a stream, Baker said.
In their monitoring, volunteers use the Stream Monitoring Information Exchange method, which closely resembles the protocols of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality.
With cutbacks in the state budget, that division doesn't get to check the streams as often, Baker said, and that makes ECO's work extremely important.
"Everybody lives upstream to somebody else," she said, adding that it just comes down to simple "environmental stewardship."
All of the information collected is used to determine stream health and whether those waterways are in need of assistance.
The science and the health of the environment are important reasons to take part in this process, Butler said, but she thinks there's an additional benefit.
"Here you are on a spring morning in Henderson County in a crystal creek," she said. "You're doing good work, but you're also in this beautiful environment."
For more information on the program or to volunteer, call 828-692-0385 or visit eco-wnc.org.
Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Opportunity for MZone readers...
As noted by several of our readers, U-M officially posted the job opening for its head coach (which it's required to do as a public university)...
View Job Detail
Job ID: 13431
Job Title: HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Job/Career Family: Athletics
Country: United States of America
State: Michigan
City: Ann Arbor
Job Type: Regular
Full Time: Yes
Date Posted: Nov 26 2007
Minimum Salary:
Maximum Salary:
Salary Frequency: Annual
Job Description and Responsibilities: Market Title: Head Football Coach
FLSA: Exempt
Salary Range: To be Determined
Hours/Week: 40
Shift: Days/Evenings/Weekends
The University of Michigan invites applications for the position of Head Football Coach. This position entails the leadership of all phases of the Football program. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; coaching, the recruitment of qualified student-athletes, support of the academic progress of student-athletes, budget management, and community relations.
Job Requirements: Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree required. A thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is required.
Preferred qualifications: Graduate degree. Previous collegiate head coaching experience.
Whetstone? T9? Katie? Polish those resumes!
I was going to throw my hat in the ring, but in reading the posting I noticed under "Shift" that the job required some work on weekends and that blew if for me.
P.S. I wonder if Lloyd wants to punch the guy who wrote this: "Forty hours a week?! Are you out of your fucking mind?! If it was only 40 hours a week, I would have stayed, assface!"
140 comments:
- Ron said...
Looks like Mr. Miles saw our ad for a coach and is going to talk about it next week.
Is the salary really annual? You mean they really only get paid once a year? Must be a tough life to have to make 337,494 last all twelve months.
- November 29, 2007 8:16 AM
- whetstonebuck said...
Hot Damn!
Didn't say anything about winning. I'm qualified.
Someone have a pen I can borrow? Oh, thanks, Les.
- November 29, 2007 8:21 AM
- Fon said...
Thanks for the information on topics.I was excited by this article.
Thank you again.
College online for good ideas.
- November 29, 2007 8:27 AM
- Joshua said...
Fon! Dude, I totally agree with what you said. The info on "topics" that Yost sent you was awesome. Completely life changing. I'm so psyched up I'm legally changing my name to Chuck Ditka, b/c I may well now be the unstoppable love-child of Chuck Norris and Mike Ditka.
Oh, and PS: Next time you decide to post a "form comment" you may want to replace the word "topics" with an actual subject you abject moron. Serioulsy. Unless you're an automoted bot, in which case you're awesome.
[/rant] Man, I really don't deal well with stupidity.
- November 29, 2007 8:49 AM
- Joshua said...
*Takes ball off the tee*
I meant OTHER people's stupidity- I lurnt to deal with mine a long time ago.
- November 29, 2007 8:52 AM
- Katie said...
I did a job search the other day and found this......they already have my resume'......say your prayers!! ;o)
- November 29, 2007 8:58 AM
- Maize said...
They need to take the ad down. The job has been filled. Les Miles is the next coach. All he has to do is sign the contract next week. We'll probably hear about it on Tuesday by the latest. That's what I am hearing.
- November 29, 2007 9:18 AM
- Out of Conference said...
I'm with you Joshua - I hate that crap.
I did see the ESPN News "Breaking News" flash that LSU was allowing Michigan to talk to Les. I bet the loss to Ar - kansas had something to do with that. Maybe it's just a courtesy that they want to speak with Miles just so he doesn't feel snubbed and other coaches take Les's side about it.
- November 29, 2007 9:22 AM
- Out of Conference said...
Or if Maize's sources are correct, ignore what I said.
- November 29, 2007 9:23 AM
- beast in 'bama said...
For Joshua:
His lack of education is more than compensated for by his keenly developed moral bankruptcy.
- Woody Allen
- November 29, 2007 10:02 AM
- beast in 'bama said...
Thus begins the interview process...
So Katie, what's your position on the cover-2 with zone blitzing tendencies?
- November 29, 2007 10:05 AM
- Katie said...
Well...the cover 2 is quit effective, in fact the variant of that, the Tampa 2, worked very well for Tampa Bay. I personally love the Blitz....I love watching those hunks rush to the QB!!
I am concerned though, my "head" coaching experience is in something other than football. ;o)
- November 29, 2007 10:29 AM
- Roy said...
Does a double take at Katie! Cough, cough, uhem!!! It is going to be an interesting day
- November 29, 2007 10:57 AM
- zen wizard said...
"40 hours a week--
* Plus 30 hours at rubber chicken dinners, kissing the buttcrack of every instant-football-expert-alumnus who donated more than $1,000 last year and pulling the teeth out of your tongue after he gives you his "expert offensive strategy"...
* Plus approx. 15-hours-per-week holding a star player's hand when he flunks a test or his girlfriend breaks up with him at 2 a.m. on a Wednesday morning.
- November 29, 2007 11:35 AM
- Tim said...
Please sweet Jesus do not make Les Miles our next head coach. As a UM alum down here in Baton Rouge I can tell you we do not want him.
Not only is his game day coaching suspect, but he has a terrible habit of saying the dumbest things, for example, the calling out of USC and the PAC 10. You may have not heard his press conference this week where he talks about how LSU really is still the best in the nation because under the old system they would be 9-0-2 and two ties equals like one loss and there isn't a better one loss team out there now. I could go on, but I'm sick now. Plus, his discipline or selective discipline would make us look more and more like Sparty and OSU. Ryan Perillox (sp?) has had at least 4 reported run ins with the law over his 3 years here including a forgery charge that the FBI was involved in yet he has never been kicked off of LSU because if M. Flynn goes down they have none one behind him worth a damn.
Don't hire Les.
- November 29, 2007 12:02 PM
- Joshua said...
Sheesh! Someone throws out one little pic of Tom Brady and Katie goes all sexual double entendre on us.
Speaking of Tom, did you guys catch the Tom Brady pact with the devil youtube video? Friggin' hilariously awesome. I put a link in the "Here kitty, kitty" comments from yesterday.
- November 29, 2007 12:02 PM
- Katie said...
I really have been concerned about getting Miles and then after the scare of Ferentz, I felt much relief at the thought of Miles. I have said it before, anyone is a risk right now, the one thing that I do like about Miles is that he will come here to stay. He does bleed blue and maize and that is what I find attractive in him as our next coach....the rest.....not so much, but you never know it could turn out to be a good thing. Anyone is a risk........we could do worse than Miles.
*My apologies for the double entendre, but I couldn't resist!
- November 29, 2007 12:11 PM
- TitleIX said...
you are correct
Les Miles it is.
a well orchestrated timeline regarding announcements will ensue.
- November 29, 2007 12:24 PM
- Mikoyan said...
I seriously hope it is not Les Miles. If he is willing to do this to LSU, what makes us think he's not going to bolt for the next big thing?
I would really like to see them pick up someone else. Preferably someone who has shown they know how to win (or at least come close to it)
Go Navy - Beat Army
- November 29, 2007 12:32 PM
- TitleIX said...
it's allllll about MRS. Miles kids.
once he's here, the only way they'll leave is if he's fired....
- November 29, 2007 12:36 PM
- WingRG said...
"willing to do this to LSU"? Do what, leave an SEC school with no history to speak of for his alma mater? There's a reason that UM is the only school for which there's a buyout explicitly mentioned in his LSU coaching contract. I have a feeling this is his dream job.
Now, i'm not convinced he's the right fit for this job, but it's not b/c i think he'll "bolt for the next big thing". What can be bigger than this job, anyways? Any move from a program of UM's caliver is a lateral move, you'll never convince me otherwise.
- November 29, 2007 12:39 PM
- Joshua said...
"My apologies for the double entendre, but I couldn't resist!"
Yeah, that one might be difficult for some of our friends from the near south to understand, you should apologize. If you're apologizing for being fun- ha! Never do that.
Anyway, did anyone catch the Michael Rosenberg article in the free Press yesterday? Talks about Tedford and makes some good points.
Catch it here.
- November 29, 2007 12:39 PM
- WingRG said...
*that's "caliber".
- November 29, 2007 12:40 PM
- Mikoyan said...
I don't know. The thing that bothers me about Miles is that just about everyone under the sun is convinced he is the right fit. Last year, everyone under the sun was convinced that the Buckeyes were the next coming of the Four Horsemen/the Point a Minute Teams/Bear Bryant's Assholes/Barry Switzer/etc. and look what happened. A few years ago, everyone under the sun were convinced that the potent offense of Miami would wipe the field with the no offense of the Buckeyes. Heck, last year everyone had the Colts written off against the Patriots and then against the Bears. IT seems that everytime folks in the sports world are this unified, they are wrong.
Personally, Les Miles hasn't really shown much.
- November 29, 2007 1:11 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
I started to comment that I liked Les, but after reading Katie's breakdown of the Tampa 2? I'm thinking I like her better!
But Les is a good pick. He's won everywhere. He beat OU while @ osu, he's won 10. games for 3 straight seasons @ lsu.
No one's perfect. Every candidate has drawbacks. However, I like what I know about Les. He recruits well. His teams play good D. He adjusts during the game. He adjusts schemes/plays to match circumstances & personnel, all of these are big improvements.
What are the three biggest bitches you hear from our fans?
1.too predictable on O; 2 too conservative game management; & 3 playing not to lose instead of "to win".
We hire Les? Don't think we'll hear much of that.
Yeah, he may make some bone headed, "balls over brains" gambles. He'll lose a couple of games by taking risks instead of "playing smart". But I've had 13 seasons of "playing smart".
Remember the 4th quarter of the 2005 tosu game? 2 minutes to go? We have a 3 pt lead? 4th & 2 on tosu's 30 something yd line? D hasn't stopped tosu allday. 100,000 fans screaming "go for it?
Lloyd pooch kicks. Tosu scores. We lose.
Les would have run a play, tried to win the game by holding the ball.
I'll take my chances w/ the Hat.
Unless Katie is serious.
- November 29, 2007 2:42 PM
- Mikoyan said...
I'll throw my hat in the ring. I promise that if I were made coach, you would not see a punt if I'm on the opponents side of the field. Screw that field position crap. If nothing else, you eat up clock. If you are inside the 40, chances are that you gain about 20 yards because the punt is likely to end up in the endzone.
But my dislike of miles comes from the fact that when the bobbleheads are that unanimous about something, they are usually wrong.
- November 29, 2007 3:14 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Moral bankruptcy and Woody Allen in the same comment: the ol' soup and sandwich tandem.
- November 29, 2007 11:48 PM
- Lysa said...
They tried to hire Miles
Wolverine Nation said No No NO !
*Tommy Tuberville*
- November 30, 2007 11:52 AM
- Mikoyan said...
Hmmm...Woody Allen...there's a coach idea...
- November 30, 2007 11:55 AM
- Out of Conference said...
So, when does the official announcement come? In Mile's post-SEC championship game presser, Sunday am, Monday?
- November 30, 2007 12:48 PM
- Tim said...
Have to disagree with surroundedincolumbus. Les does not make adjustments. You can look at the Kentucky and Arkansas games for that. Against UK, LSU ran the standard zone package only rushing the four dl. What happened Woodson had all day to throw and he led the Cats to victory. The next week UF played UK (UF and LSU are very close in talent) and UF constantly mixed blitz schemes and coverages and destroyed UK by 30+ (if memory holds). Against Arkansas, Miles choose not to let his two all conference conrners cover the "recievers" one on one to commit to spy Macfadden and stop the run. What happened while LSU played zone all day long Arkansas ran for nearly 400 yards. LSU lost. LSU defense over the past six games has been average. Their ranking is still tied to the the domination of the first six games where teams were held to 100 total yards or so.
Miles is simply going to be Bo-Carr version 184.108.40.206.
He is a Michigan man but that is good and bad. He will be true to the school, but his teams will never overachieve and will often underachieve.
- November 30, 2007 2:58 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Normally, I would have your back, but "Miles is simply going to be Bo-Carr version 184.108.40.206." won me over.
Looks like Santa's going to grant my wish.
- November 30, 2007 4:11 PM
- TitleIX said...
remember that the players play the game.
personnel often dictate the scheme/approach. UF talent = LSU talent????
uh, I'll have what you're having
and, UF probably benefitted from watching the LSU game and switched up.
I'm as hesitant about an impending Charlie Weis-like transition, but something tells me that Michigan is gonna be a-ok.
and yeah===I'm SPITEFUL AS HELL too.
- November 30, 2007 4:53 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Spite will consume you. You'll get old and sick before your time. Let it go. Sing with me:
"Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner..."
- November 30, 2007 5:13 PM
- Katie said...
Just say NO to Oklahoma!!
I am with T9 on this one :o)
- November 30, 2007 5:17 PM
- beast in 'bama said...
whets: Isn't that really "Bula Bula?" Didn't know you were a closet Yale fan.
- November 30, 2007 5:27 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
"Isn't that really "Bula Bula?" Didn't know you were a closet Yale fan."
I'm not. University of Fiji. Bula Bula, mate.
- November 30, 2007 6:02 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Katie, T-9,
Whatever happened to all the magnanimous statements about supporting the Big 10?
I'm shocked, shocked!
More cowbell.
- November 30, 2007 6:06 PM
- Katie said...
I am supporting the Big Ten. tOSU is not good enough to play for the NC and I don't want to see another rote like last year, THAT makes the Big Ten look bad. Sorry. Just the way I see it. You can rest assured that whatever bowl game tOSU plays in, even if it is the NC, I will root for them then, (and only then) for the sake of the Big Ten :o)
- November 30, 2007 6:10 PM
- Mikoyan said...
Normally, I would say screw the Buckeyes, but I'm all for Chaos in the BS, so therefore I have to say go Oklahoma (ouch...) and Pittsburgh. And go Hawaii because another undefeated team not playing in the Championship proves the sham that is the BS.
- November 30, 2007 6:11 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
"THAT makes the Big Ten look bad."
True. THAT and Appy State. :o)
- November 30, 2007 6:15 PM
- Katie said...
Just like a tOSU fan to bring that up....LOL All the more reason to not have any more embarrassment in the Big Ten this year. :P
- November 30, 2007 6:18 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
"All the more reason to not have any more embarrassment in the Big Ten this year."
Miles or Ferentz; Kelly or Tedford...
So, where does one purchase flight plan software?
- November 30, 2007 7:14 PM
- swindlerjackson said...
Memo To All Les Miles detractors: There is still time to jump on the bandwagon.
That includes you Yost. You'll pay for your comments.
In Hell, you'll be watching re-runs of every one of your savior Lloyd's losses to Ohio State.
Enjoy it, heard it's like Florida.
Swindler Jackson
- November 30, 2007 7:32 PM
- Katie said...
Have you thought about anger management classes Jackson?
- November 30, 2007 7:40 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Don't fuss at the son of Swindler Jack. T-9, you and SJ have the makings of a great anger/bitterness group therapy session. Introduce yourselves, sing a few rounds of Boomer/Sooner and tell your story.
- November 30, 2007 8:25 PM
- Katie said...
Pushing buttons.........
- November 30, 2007 8:28 PM
- WingRG said...
My wish is for LSU loss in the SEC championship game, so that LSU has to face UM (in one of them non-BCS bowl games). And, oh yeah ...
If you think OSU will embarrass itself like last year you got another thing coming. As far as embarrassing the B10, you guys should concentrate on sending off your coach (who's done a lot for you over the last 13 years) and winning your own bowl game, rather than worrying about what the Bucks do.
- November 30, 2007 8:31 PM
- Katie said...
My wish is for LSU loss in the SEC championship game, so that LSU has to face UM (in one of them non-BCS bowl games).
I see you are not worrying about what Michigan does and concentrating on your beloved tOSU team.
- November 30, 2007 8:33 PM
- WingRG said...
I would like to see a good B10-SEC match up. You best believe i'll be cheering for UM, and not LSU. If you've read my posts before, i don't hate on anybody, except for SEC b/c they think they're something they're not.
- November 30, 2007 8:35 PM
- Katie said...
I seriously need to go meditate
Sorry Wing...I read you wrong.
- November 30, 2007 8:37 PM
- WingRG said...
No problem, you know me, i don't instigate :-) You sound a little stressed, Katie.
- November 30, 2007 8:39 PM
- Katie said...
Just the end of the term crunch, and the AD refused to look at my resume' so I am bit sensitive tonight.. :P
It is all good, and I will take a few deep breaths, this too shall pass.
- November 30, 2007 8:41 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
You can meditate at the session. Don't be late.
- November 30, 2007 8:41 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
ESPN: Pelini to Nebraska.
An LSU coach to Nebraska. Hmmm. Yet...
- November 30, 2007 9:41 PM
- Joshua said...
I really hope yoou're wrong about version 126.96.36.199. I'd be so friggin' psyched if we got someone in here who knew how to use the talent that comes our way. Granted, playing balls out instead of not to lose will be an improvement, but man I'm gonna be disappointed if it's SSDD just b/c Les came back. I want to see crazy over the shoulder fake fg's and our offense unleashed like the hounds of hell. Please. Is it too much to ask?
- November 30, 2007 10:11 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
"I want to see crazy over the shoulder fake fg's and our offense unleashed like the hounds of hell. Please. Is it too much to ask?"
Joshua, with all due respect, "yes, it's too much to ask." Regardless of what transpires in A2, you still have to face the unleashed hounds of hell defense of tOSU.
- November 30, 2007 10:19 PM
- Mikoyan said...
That's why I think that Les Miles is not the savior that everyone thinks he is. He's still running on Nick's teams and he hasn't quite produced yet.
I think Michigan would still be better with a roll of the dice and going after someone else.
- December 01, 2007 12:24 AM
- Jim said...
Not to change the subject, but with Penn State accepting the bid to the Alamo Bowl, does that put us in the Champs Sport Bowl? Ugh. I guess it's possible that if the BCS takes both tosu and Illinois, the Citrus Bowl (I mean, Capitol One) will be stuck with us.
Unless I misunderstand, we're no worse than 3rd in the Big Ten. If the tie-breaker is head-to-head, we should be second. I understand Wisconsin (better overall record and they beat us on the field), even Illinois (better overall record, exciting offense), but Penn State (4-4 in the Big Ten and lost to us)? Again I say, ugh. What a year to forget.
- December 01, 2007 7:30 AM
- IamCris said...
Michigan should be in the "What's in your wallet Bowl".
Miles in at Michigan w/ Tenuta as defensive coordinator. wow, wow, wow.
- December 01, 2007 10:47 AM
- Joshua said...
Mikoyan, they may be Saban's recruits but they're Miles' players. He's been there for three years and bhas been charged with their development in that time. From what I've seen he's done a pretty good job- god knows that's one department we've been lacking in lately.
And Tanuta in as the new DC would make me almost wet my pants with glee. His defenses are AGGRESSIVE, plus he coached at tOSU for several years, and was a DB's coach, meaning we'll be able to attract top talent back there again. Gotta go- moving day- but i look forward to seeing what you all have to say when this breaks big time. Later!
- December 01, 2007 10:54 AM
- Katie said...
The Tanuta news, makes me like Miles more......If this is true, I have a very good feeling about what is about to ensue! Let 'er Rip!
- December 01, 2007 11:10 AM
- TitleIX said...
I'm thinking Miles as head, and that Coach English stays.....
and well-behaved women RARELY make history
(one with a Big Block M and the other a maize-like and blue color scheme...that my friends is being a homer not tOSU back-door rooting)
Morning sunshine
Can we get a new thread for championship Saturday???
hugs and kisses
- December 01, 2007 11:34 AM
- TitleIX said...
espn now reporting that it's COACH MILES
- December 01, 2007 11:37 AM
- Katie said...
Also reporting Tanuta......the Georgia Tech (formerly tOSU) Defensive Genius. (!!!)
- December 01, 2007 11:39 AM
- TitleIX said...
I know....but I don't completely believe it.
Coach E has a lot of cred with the players
- December 01, 2007 11:40 AM
- TitleIX said...
plus, when you Google Tenuta...the first hit is JUDY Tenuta.
- December 01, 2007 11:41 AM
- Katie said...
LOL, it is Tenuta, here he is, he is interim HC
- December 01, 2007 11:46 AM
- TitleIX said...
I know
just being a goof (imagine)
11 minutes til the start of an AWESOME lineup of football
I either need another TV or I'm going to have to live at BW3's today ;-)
Hope you are done with your papers Katie!
- December 01, 2007 11:49 AM
- Katie said...
Not even close, but I have football to help me through it today! GO WVU!!! GO MIZZOU!!!
- December 01, 2007 11:52 AM
- whetstonebuck said...
ESPN is reporting that Les screwed you all.
- December 01, 2007 12:37 PM
- Katie said...
That came from the Detroit News......I am skeptical........I don't think that we are going to know anything for sure....until at least tomorrow......ESPN wouldn't report what they did without some firm information....something is fishy.
- December 01, 2007 12:57 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Hello, hello.
Geez, a whole blog site just jumped off the ledge.
Note to J.T.: order more little gold pants.
- December 01, 2007 12:59 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
It's not fishy. Ol' Les just chose to cut bait instead.
- December 01, 2007 1:00 PM
- Katie said...
Well...that certainly is the way it looks.....Now LSU has a press conference scheduled for 1:30....that would seal the deal. Interesting indeed.
- December 01, 2007 1:03 PM
- Greg said...
Let me make sure I have this timeline right...
- Herbstreit breaks news on ESPN that Miles will accept job at Michigan.
- Michigan fans wet their pants.
- Miles announces he's staying at LSU.
- Michigan fans wet their pants.
Go Bucks! Go Sooners! Go Herbstreit!
- December 01, 2007 1:18 PM
- Paulie Buckeyes said...
ESPN looks pretty foolish - getting caught up in the rumor mill like a bunch of high schoolers.
- December 01, 2007 1:27 PM
- IamCris said...
Is Miles pulling a "SABAN"?
Day of big game, everyone freaks out, LSU tells Miles "announce that you're staying and then drop it on Monday or Sunday but don't facerape us today".
Miles, "Ok, I can do that".
- December 01, 2007 1:49 PM
- Katie said...
OMG! LSU AD was who announced that we asked for permission....WTF???!!!!
- December 01, 2007 1:53 PM
- Katie said...
CBS sucks big donkey..........and I won't even tell you what I think about ESPN.
Whets, when is that group starting?
OOOOmmmm...deep breath....Oommmm
- December 01, 2007 1:59 PM
- IamCris said...
When Michigan is searching for a new head coach, it will be felt THROUGHOUT all of college football. This isn't Puxatawny Sisters of The Poor State seaking a new head coach. It's Michigan, and it's huge.
There will be major drama. Buckle up, isn't this fun?
- December 01, 2007 2:00 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
well, the cbs/sec crew just about wet themselves during the army-navy half time report on this. they loved pissing on espn/herbie for being wrong and then spit all over michigan, basically for herbstriet being wrong!
the funny thing is that the U has never said ANYTHING about Miles other than he was a possible candidate. and the official word from the AD has always been that this would be a comprehensive search that would include another half dozen interviews (of which Les would be one). even Brian @ MGBlog's report on Friday included that story from an "inside source" but followed an opposite story from a similar "inside" source.
so, at least on CBS, we end up w/ egg on our faces when for all we know, Martin never had any contact w/ Miles (or his agent, according to D-News) and never had Miles as the "top" candidate to begin w/.
yeech. can't wait for the Motor City Bowl to come & go and this season to end (finally).
- December 01, 2007 2:02 PM
- Katie said...
Umm...excuse me, he never said he was staying....he said he is the head coach of LSU and he is playing a championship game today. Did I miss something?
- December 01, 2007 2:06 PM
- Ron said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- December 01, 2007 2:09 PM
- Ron said...
I am with you Katie, that didn't sound like an absolute "I'm staying right here forever speech".
Not that I care, I'm with Yost and not completely sold on him yet.
But, it did ring a little hollow.
- December 01, 2007 2:11 PM
- Katie said...
I haven't been sold on him either, but the way that CBS just pissed all over Michigan really ticked me off.( I was however very excited about the report of Tenuta coming with Miles)
- December 01, 2007 2:14 PM
- TitleIX said...
everyone simmer
Miles has no clue how to keep his mouth shut.
Katie is right, his statement was all over the damned board and he never specifically said anything about Michigan.
the media LOVES LOVES LOVES to jump on Michigan at every opportunity. And Jim Carty is a TOOL.
I STILL stick with the original info....Les Miles, announces next week that he IS coming to Michigan.
- December 01, 2007 2:54 PM
- MaizeandBlueinValpo said...
The press conference after the game should be very interesting. There will be more questions in regards to today's soap opera than anything else.
- December 01, 2007 3:00 PM
- IamCris said...
Miles has NOT signed anything. It slipped out, Herbie wanted the glory of breaking the story, LSU does a big ol' WTF to Miles, fix it and don't screw us and our BCS payday. Not the DAY of the SEC championship game... o what you want but don't hose us. Miles with NO reason to hose LSU says I will announce something to the effect of stopping the panic (freakfest) yet not commit to any decision.
I still like the thought of Tenuta balancing out Miles, what a combo.
Also CBS is wrong, Miles stock just shot through the roof. What a bargaining tool to freak everyone out and the timing of it is almost hillarious.
Finally, the only benefit Herbie has to break the story relates to the rivalry. As an tOSU alum it hurts Michigan's image, but that's not really like Herbie to do that.
my .02
- December 01, 2007 3:01 PM
- MaizeandBlueinValpo said...
In the event that English doesn't stay in A2, where do you think he may end up?
- December 01, 2007 3:06 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
This from ESPN's website:
"LSU athletic director Skip Bertman said the school and Miles were in agreement.
'Coach Miles and the chancellor have already worked out a contract that they're happy with, but it hasn't been signed yet,' Bertman said."
I can't imagine a statement like this from LSU's AD just to reduce team distraction and then allow Miles' to take the Michigan job next week. If so, this is a bunch of not-ready-for-prime-time stooges.
- December 01, 2007 3:28 PM
- TitleIX said...
given all of today's bullshit....
I say let Miles stay at LSU
all second-rate rumor mongering, inflammatory drama queens.
Michigan's bad??
Operating under the naive assumption that there is honor left in the process.
I'm disgusted by the whole damned thing.
- December 01, 2007 3:36 PM
- Jim said...
T9 and Maize,
You all sound so sure. Do you have a source or any info on the situation, or is this just your eminent wisdom speaking? I don't mean to sound snarky, but you seem to have it all figured out when reports have been all over the map. The statement from the LSU AD seems pretty solid. If Miles pulls a Saban and reverses himself next week, I don't want him.
- December 01, 2007 3:39 PM
- Jim said...
...didn't really want him in the first place.
- December 01, 2007 3:40 PM
- Merrick 561 said...
Yeah umm is it possible for CBS to suck off/worship the SEC and insult Michigan/Big 10 anymore than they are today?
- December 01, 2007 3:43 PM
- Exley said...
What exactly has the Big Ten or Michigan ever done to CBS or the SEC to deserve it's scorn? The network sounds petty and childish. Isn't the first time a coach decides to leave school A for school B and then thinks better of it. At this point I don't want Miles either. He's either a drama king, not a man of his word or doesn't really know what he wants to do with his future...
- December 01, 2007 3:53 PM
- TitleIX said...
let's just say that I was posting based on reasonable knowledge and not wild speculation.
now here is my OPINION:
Les screwed himself by blabbing to EVERYONE including people up here in A2 and even his damned barber in Louisiana about coming to Michigan.
The deal was in the works and the paperwork was in the pipeline.
Then Herbie opens his mouth and BAM the whole thing blows up and Les gets all hot-headed and the AD down there tipped the media about things to gain leverage for himself. And now, here we are.
If THAT'S how Les Miles really rolls, I say GOOD RIDDANCE.
Because if he comes now, he's a mealy-mouthed two-faced double-talking liar. Would you want your kid to play for someone like that???
- December 01, 2007 3:58 PM
- god of the whoppers said...
agreed merrick,
this whole procces has been so hype up it makes me sick. the reason a wish list wan't made public was to protect all candiates, now, thanks to espn and CBS, miles is lloking like an ass and LSU is struggling to cover theirs. if the media would just shut the fuck up and let teh kids play their games, they can go wild about this on monday, or even next wednesday when the only thing there is (was) to read was notre dame's new strategy.
- December 01, 2007 3:58 PM
- Katie said...
Here Here T9!! I agree 100% with your assessment and CBS needs to get a fucking clue. There was no reason to piss all over Michigan today.....not cool.
- December 01, 2007 4:03 PM
- Jim said...
Good riddance is right. If you want to be a big shot and make your deals behind the scenes and it backfires on you, well, too bad. I don't think it's unreasonable to leave even a good job for what might be considered a "dream job," just be a stand up guy about it. Does a deal have to be made RIGHT NOW? Really? You can't wait a week knowing you're the top guy? As I said, didn't want him anyway...
- December 01, 2007 4:17 PM
- god of the whoppers said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- December 01, 2007 4:26 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
but, isn't martin also claiming that he hadn't talked to Bass yet? and hasn't there always (over the last two weeks, at least) been alternative stories that Miles wasn't "the" pick? that there were 3-5 other candidates that would still be interviewed before a decision?
if you take a moment to look at only the things said by school officials- 1) lloyd resigned; 2) martin said it will be a "comprehensive" job search; and 3) lsu & michigan both agreed wednesday to allow michigan to talk to miles next week.
everything else, from the covert prior contact to alleged deal, is reported rumor by nameless, supposedly creditable sources.
would be interesting to someday hear who Herbie's source was. it had to be someone really creditable to run w/the story, and really unethical to have leaded it in the first place. and it begs the question of whether the story was completely true to begin w/? add to that the theory that lloyd & his posse have been trying to undermine les's chances from the start? i smell an espn mini series.
- December 01, 2007 5:13 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
oh that should have been "leaked" and not "leaded".
and, what's w/ the whole angle on Tenuta (Jon or Judy, Queen of Desire)? he claims to not know anything about this. why would he lie?
seriously, whatever had happened between us & Les in the last two weeks? the story someone fed Herbie was obviously bogus at some level. Tenuta claims to know nothing of this. unless he's lying (for some inexplicable motive), ESPN's story was a mistake on at least half of it. have to question the accuracy of the other half.
- December 01, 2007 5:19 PM
- IamCris said...
"a lethal combination" to quote Herbie in reference to Michigan getting Miles and Tenuta. When I heard this I was, well like all of you...Muahahahahahahahahaha.
Anyways, far from over is the battle unfolding between CBS and ESPN. They are going back and forth like junior high girls.
Can't wait to see/hear Herbie's retort. This outta get real good.
- December 01, 2007 5:59 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
"and, what's w/ the whole angle on Tenuta (Jon or Judy, Queen of Desire)? he claims to not know anything about this. why would he lie?"
I don't know anything about Tenuta or his involvement, but human nature being what it is, I bet when he saw the feces headed for the fan blades he took off for the tall grass. He will surface once the enviromental clean-up crew is finished.
- December 01, 2007 6:12 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
seriously, whatever had happened between us & Les in the last two weeks?
It is my opinion Lloyd Carr carries a lot of weight in this process and Carr simply hasn't given Miles his blessing.
- December 01, 2007 6:27 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
CBS is to Sec, what NBC is to ND. Despite bcs being wide open to about 6 teams this year, none of Sec, is in the discussion. Must be tuff for both of them to listen to national debate on who should play & not have a dog in the fight.
So the "michigan's coach hunt made lsu lose last week" gives them a smoke screen. If Lloyd hadn't retired, lsu would still be #1? Sounds stupid when I say it but Gary Danielson says it more convincingly (at least to his target audience).
- December 01, 2007 6:28 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
No one loves a good conspiracy better than I do, but this? Everyone, Les, lsu AD, Tunata, Bass, and Martin, all more or less deny the espn story and say that michigan hasn't really talked to miles yet, let alone struck a K. So they're all telling the same lie? That's a stretch even for me.
However, I have come up w/ my own X-files theory- let's assume they're all telling the truth- we hadn't talked to les, lsu had started trying to persuade him to stay, & les hadn't made up his mind about what to do? When Lloyd retires two weeks ago, his faction figures that lsu won't let us talk to les prior to bcs game & that martin will pick someone else before then. Then lsu loses. Now we can talk to the Hat next week instead of January. If you are part of lloyd's cabal, what do you do.
If les comes to A2 next week, he might get the offer. How do you stop that? Hmmm. Leaking a false story to Herbie would really force lsu/les's hand & maybe avert the whole possibility. Herbie looks bad, can't reveal his source, & les gets taken out of the mix.
Far fetched? Sure- all good conspiracies are- that's how they succeed- no one believes them.
- December 01, 2007 6:47 PM
- Katie said...
One of the things that leaves a pungent taste in my mouth is CBS saying that we announced that we asked permission to talk to Les. WE did not make that announcement......the LSU AD did. I think that your conspiracy theory is not that far fetched. Michigan doesn't win in this for us to have leaked anything, LSU on the other hand, had everything to gain by doing it. (as in keeping Miles) Unless of course you want to consider a conspiracy theory for those in Michigan that are against Miles.....however I have a difficult time believing that those people would do such a thing to make Michigan looked soiled in this. I don't think we will ever know what really has happened. I for one is very tired of trying to read between the lines.
- December 01, 2007 6:56 PM
- Katie said...
LOL!! I sure IS!
- December 01, 2007 6:57 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
I think Herbie is on Tressel's payroll. Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
- December 01, 2007 7:06 PM
- Joshua said...
It's all Judy Tenuta's doing. She runs college football, and I totally want to do her.
- December 01, 2007 7:13 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Craigslist Ann Arbor lists a luxury home for sale.
Contact Kathy Miles for information
- December 01, 2007 7:19 PM
- Jim said...
IF there was a leak from our side, it need not have been so strategic or sinister. More likely it would have been some staffer with the need to feel important/special by being ESPN's secret source.
P.S. I stopped by the MGoBlog Boards. Those people are nuts: desperate, reactionary and irrational. Who would have thought the blog that boasts being best known for half-clad coeds and cheeky Photoshop shennanigans would be a (relative) haven for rational discourse.
- December 01, 2007 7:52 PM
- surrounded in columbus said...
Just watched 4th qtr of lsu-ut game. I'm sure I'll like our next coach (assuming it is NOT debord). I'm sure Les would have ended up disappointing in the end.
But right now? I liked the way lsu sucked it up, made plays even though Dorsey & Periloux were both hurt. The fake punt, the D when it mattered.
Oh well.
- December 01, 2007 7:57 PM
- DaBraylon17 said...
michigan football is in big trouble. that is all i have to say. these might be the dark ages for UM coming soon.
- December 01, 2007 8:12 PM
- MaizeandBlueinValpo said...
Les made it pretty clear when during the post game press conference he said that he will not be going to Michigan. He can't make it any more clear than that. I would like to think that Les wouldn't pull a Saban.
- December 01, 2007 8:58 PM
- TitleIX said...
gosh I'm sad.....
Harvard over Michigan
Mizzou losing
WVU losing
Coaching search completely torpedoed....
and, it's freaking snowing/sleeting
- December 01, 2007 9:52 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
I think the internet age and the expectation of information on demand is influencing this process. Michigan will have a coach within the next 3 weeks.
I'm glad U of M isn't rushing things. Good luck to Miles in the Sugar Bowl. That was a hell of a victory over Fat Fucking Fulmer.
A lot of us started having out doubts about Miles this week... the sketchy calls and bizarre press conference behavior. Now that he's out of the mix, we should be rejoicing.
That and hoping Martin hands the program over to someone who won't run to the left, run to the left, Tight End screen, and punt.
The new coach will find out quickly it's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!
p.s. Anyone see Herbie trying to save face during his take in the 2nd quarter of the game tonight?
- December 01, 2007 9:57 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
T9... it's the curse of the #2 ranking this season.
BTW, why do you want WVU to win?
- December 01, 2007 9:59 PM
- Katie said...
According to ESPN it doesn't matter if WVU and Missouri lose, the "voters" will put LSU and OSU in the NC game.
- December 01, 2007 10:04 PM
- TitleIX said...
because I'm spiteful and want to keep tOSU out of the championship game.
and WVU has the right 'colors'
I agree
but sports isn't supposed to make 'sense'
- December 01, 2007 10:28 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
I see your logic.
I've been pulling for Pitt... the underdog thing and all; plus I have a hard time rooting for such a consistently and colossally over ranked and over hyped WVU team.
But then again I have no logic because while I believe a team that lost to USF shouldn't play in the NC game... OU already beat Mizzou and Mizzou is #1. Arrrghhh!
- December 01, 2007 10:55 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Sung to the Pitt Panthers.
You are so beautiful...to me.
- December 01, 2007 11:03 PM
- wolverine425 said...
- December 01, 2007 11:13 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
Okay, you impartial Big 10 rooters.
Will it be tOSU vs. Georgia
tOSU vs. Kansas
tOSU vs. Virginia Tech?
- December 01, 2007 11:21 PM
- Katie said...
tOSU and LSU, and all I have to say is tOSU better win it.
Congrats to the tOSU friends.
- December 01, 2007 11:26 PM
- WingRG said...
Hey, if any of you guys (or ladies) know the answer to this, please post it. Is it possible (under BCS rules) for the Rose Bowl to lose both anchor teams to the NC game? thank you.
- December 01, 2007 11:35 PM
- whetstonebuck said...
I don't think LSU will be in the mix without causing a hostile takeover of the BCS.
I think USC or Oklahoma will get the nod over LSU.
Then again, I thought West "Highly Overrated" Virginia was going to make it in.
- December 01, 2007 11:36 PM
- Katie said...
Well, my theory is, if I have to root for tOSU, I want to root for them against LSU. Plus, that will probably make it even more difficult for Michigan to go after Miles. So it is all purely for my own satisfaction :o) Which I am getting very little of today....LOL
- December 01, 2007 11:39 PM
- MGoBlue93 said...
Wow... I didn't know folks in 2007 were still using ALL CAPS.
I don't see how Georgia should make it in; what conference did they win? But then again, NU made it without winning the conference so the precedent has been set.
So much for the stated BCS goal of giving us the two best teams in the land. Who can make such an argument this crazy season?
I just hope Lou Holtz doesn't have a vote.
- December 01, 2007 11:46 PM
- WingRG said...
the scary thing is he (Lou Holtz) does have a vote. In the Harris poll.
- December 01, 2007 11:49 PM
- Merrick 561 said...
Win, As far as I know it is POSSIBLE for the Rose Bowl to loose both anchor teams to the NC game, however there is nothing against replacing them with BCS eligible teams from the anchor conference if they choose.
And I may as well throw my 2 cents in on the NC talk. I do feel it will be tOSU vs. LSU, however Virginia Tech certainly can make a case with their convincing win in the ACC title game. Also Oklahoma and USC have an argument. Bottom line is theres going to be allot of upset people.
- December 01, 2007 11:50 PM
- Mikoyan said...
It doesn't look good for the last undefeated team in the nation either. Although, I think that if Hawaii should pull it off, they should get the nod over a bunch of 1,2 and 3 loss teams. I know I know, 1 loss in the SEC is like going undefeated in a lesser conference. Although people were making the same argument about Boise State last year.
This year is a perfect year for BCS haters because there is not clearly a 1 and 2 team. Whoever they put in the championship will be a punt by the selection committee.
- December 02, 2007 12:30 AM
- Jim said...
The BCS is a joke. We're all supposed to play by the system until the system doesn't give us what we want. Jumping LSU, USC, or Ok would be completely inconsistent. Recht said it tonight, winning your conference championship isn't required (see: Nebraska). Of course it should be, so why isn't in the formula? Why wasn't it put in after Nebraska? The ridiculous system (not to mention the "Coaches" Poll) had VTech in front of LSU. All three polls ranked Georgia #4 despite knowing full well couldn't their conference. So now what? Sitting at home didn't make OSU worse, but it does for Georgia?
6 BCS Conferences, 2 at-large. How hard is this to figure out? Send everyone else to the Bowls (they've always been glorified consolation games anyway). Don't tell me there's no money to be made.
If we're not going to make it right, lets just merge the polls and go back to the Bowls picking who they liked.
- December 02, 2007 12:34 AM
- Merrick 561 said...
Theres only 1 problem I have with a playoff system. The simple truth is a playoff will just cause more problems with teams whining about seeding while also shifting the "I got screwed" argument further down the the standing to the 17th, 18th, and 19th etc. teams. So I do Like a playoff system more than a BCS but the simple truth is, is there really a simple answer besides sating every conference needs a championship game, and then seeding all the the conference champions into a playoff.
- December 02, 2007 12:42 AM
- IamCris said...
Udub is handing it to Hawaii. The hat vs the sweatervest in the MNC. Anybody else like to have Mr. Lloyd Carr back coaching us next year? Doesn't seem so bad now does it. Didn't think i'd miss Coach Carr so much, so soon.
- December 02, 2007 12:44 AM
- Jim said...
Of course there will always be bitching, but now you move the kvetching down to the 7-8 teams, not the 1-2 teams. The best teams will be in. Let's not pretend that a playoff/tournament always gives you the best team, but at least it's decided on the field.
- December 02, 2007 12:57 AM
- MGoBlue93 said...
thank goodness I cannot find Lou Loltz on the list
Hawaii is now trying to make a game of it!
- December 02, 2007 1:04 AM
- Merrick 561 said...
Very good point, One that I was actually hoping someone would bring up (mainly to give me closure that the playoff system is the way to go).
On another note. As much as I question all of Les Miles recent actions, his post game press conference was actually pretty well addressed well minus the dig on "they'll bit them eventually" regarding tOSU.
Also, Now I hope we play Florida and beat the snot out of them in the Capital One Bowl, so we can stick it to that F*ck stick Urban Meyer for last year.
- December 02, 2007 1:10 AM


text:
Mac OSX Installation
From Gerris
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|This is only a recipe, first install brew and the packages, then gerris from source.
|This is only a recipe, first install brew and the packages, then gerris from source.
|= Install "brew" =
|installation of brew ( see the exact procedure on the web page, it changes)
|== X11 on MacBook: you need a three-button mouse or trackpad emulation ==
|== X11 on MacBook: you need a three-button mouse or trackpad emulation ==
Revision as of 16:57, 25 June 2011
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (Intel) Installation with MacPorts
Gerris installs and works fine on Snow Leopard. In you're using gfortran AND if you migrated your old data (from Leopard or Tiger), take care to update your gfortran installation. As of Apr 16, 2011, the standard way to install is using MacPorts. If you had fink previously installed and wish to use MacPorts you should uninstall the fink stuff, remove the /sw library and modify the environment variables accordingly.
Be careful that the ACLOCAL path is set like:
export ACLOCAL_FLAGS="-I/opt/local/share/aclocal $ACLOCAL_FLAGS"
You should also take care to avoid conflicts with libraries that may have been installed elsewhere. One way to avoid the conflicts is to set the MacPorts library first in the PKG_CONFIG_PATH variable.
export PKG_CONFIG_PATH="/opt/local/lib/pkgconfig":"/opt/gerris/lib/pkgconfig":"/usr/lib/pkgconfig":"/usr/local/lib/pkgconfig"
The Gerris configure will read this variable and get the right MacPort libraries. There is in fact a whole lot of other environment variables that should be set to use with MacPorts to paths starting with /opt/local, read the MacPorts documentation.
The packages must installed as in
sudo port install pkgconfig glib2 gtkglext startup-notification gawk ffmpeg
If you get an error like
libtool: Version mismatch error. This is libtool 2.2.4, but the libtool: definition of this LT_INIT comes from an older release. libtool: You should recreate aclocal.m4 with macros from libtool 2.2.4 libtool: and run autoconf again.
uninstall the libtool port:
sudo port uninstall libtool
and rerun the installation starting with
sh autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gerris
This should take you through gerris installation. The gfsview installation proceeds in a similar way.
There were difficulties in the past with gfsview installation because of conflicts with gtk2 and gtkglext packages, but as of Apr 16, 2011 the MacPorts packages are working fine. See the discussion page for a record of these problems and how they were solved.
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (Intel) Installation with "brew"
This is only a recipe, first install brew and the packages, then gerris from source.
X11 on MacBook: you need a three-button mouse or trackpad emulation
You need either to connect a three-button mouse to your Mac or have the middle and right-click functions of a mouse emulated on the trackpad. Go into the X11 application (it can be reached inside your Dock) then under the X11 menu go into "Preferences" and select "emulate a three button mouse".
Then press the "Command" (cmd) key and move ONE finger on the trackpad while clicking on the trackpad to emulate the right-click on the mouse and move around the gfs view. Press the "Command" (cmd) key and move TWO fingers on the trackpad to emulate the center-click on the mouse or the scrolling, to zoom in and out these pretty gfsview images ...
Mac OS X 10.5 (Intel) Installation with fink
The instructions below for 10.4 should work but there is an OpenGL bug in Xcode 3.0. Either upgrade to Xcode 3.1 or later, or use the following fix when configuring/compiling gfsview:
cd ../gfsview-stable LDFLAGS="-Wl,-dylib_file,/System/Library/Frameworks/OpenGL.framework/Versions/A/Libraries/libGL.dylib:/System/Library/Frameworks/OpenGL.framework/Versions/A/Libraries/libGL.dylib sh autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gerris make && make install
Mac OS X 10.4 (Intel) Installation with fink
Below are steps that have worked for at least three people, installing Gerris under Mac OS X 10.4 (Intel).
- You will need the Apple development tools installed - this is a free download from http://developer.apple.com/tools/.
- Check that you have Apple's X11 and the X11 SDK installed. They are not installed by default on a new machine (at least as far as I could figure out). If X11 is not installed, in OS X 10.4 you need to reinstall your system from the DVD (See here). Reinstalling the system will not remove your user files. (For comparison, on my system, the versions were X11 1.1.3 - XFree86 4.4.0 .)
- Install Fink (http://finkproject.org).
- Install various dependencies that Gerris requires.
sudo fink install pkgconfig glib2 glib2-dev glib2-shlibs gtk+2 gtk+2-dev \ gtkglext1 startup-notification-dev \ startup-notification-shlibs
Other packages may also be necessary. Look at the error messages during the configuration steps below to see what packages may be missing. Then the best way to resolve the problem may be to install "fink commander". Then search for all the packages that have a name beginning with pango, gtk+, atk1 and install all of them. Trial and error should eventually lead you to a full installation of all the necessary packages.
- Install darcs (needed to obtain the latest version of Gerris, GTS, and GfsView - the packaged versions available on the web do not work). Darcs is not available in Fink either.
- Download the DMG from http://glozer.net/darcs/, and mount it.
- From the DMG, Drag GMP.Framework into /Library/Frameworks.
- From the DMG, put the 'darcs' executable wherever you wish (e.g. /usr/local/bin).
- From a suitable folder, obtain the latest versions of GTS, Gerris, and GfsView.
darcs get http://patch-tag.com/r/popinet/gerris-stable darcs get http://gts.sf.net/darcs/gts-mainline darcs get http://patch-tag.com/r/popinet/gfsview-stable
- We will install these in /opt/gerris to keep them isolated from the rest of the system. This requires /opt/gerris/lib/pkgconfig to be added to your PKG_CONFIG_PATH. This directory does not exist yet - it will be created in the next step.
echo "export PKG_CONFIG_PATH=$PKG_CONFIG_PATH:/opt/gerris/lib/pkgconfig" >> ~/.profile
- Check your version of automake:
% automake --version
Currently (November 8, 2007) this installation procedure works with automake 1.6.3 which is on your system by default. Any later version should also work.
- Add the gerris directory to your path (so gts-config works properly), also add the fink directory.
echo "export PATH=$PATH:/opt/gerris/bin:/sw/bin" >> ~/.profile
- Compile and install GTS, Gerris and GfsView.
cd gts-mainline sh autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gerris make && make install cd ../gerris-stable sh autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gerris make && make install cd ../gfsview-stable sh autogen.sh --prefix=/opt/gerris make && make install
- Test your installation. Beware of end of line characters.
- You're done !
Optional tools
If we want to generate MPEG movies using ppm2mpeg we will need ffmpeg which is not available in Fink stable, so we must install it manually.
- Download the latest SVN snapshot from http://ffmpeg.org/releases/
- Unpack and install it.
tar -xvjf ffmpeg-export-snapshot.tar.bz2 cd ffmpeg-export-<insert date here> ./configure --prefix=/opt/gerris make && make install


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For proper support and drainage along the railroads both big and small, a good ballast maintenance program is key.
Not just any type, shape or size of rock is fit to be part of a railroad maintenance program. There is a specific science to the selection process, upkeep and replacement of ballast and suppliers across North America are utilizing the most advanced detetction technologies and the most efficient machines available to help the railroads keep track stable.
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc., has been working towards transforming the way the industry assesses and corrects trackbed issues. The company offers an assortment of solutions designed to save money by zeroing in on trackbed conditions. A number of devices work together to assess levels of fouling, identifying wetbeds and ballast pockets, known indicators of sub-grade problems.
The Rail Asset Scanning Car (RASC) is a track vehicle equipped with multiple sensor systems that capture information. For example, the RASC's Ground Penetrating Radar sends electronic magnetic pulses through the trackbed that return and furnish a clear picture of ballast conditions beneath the surface. The RASC is also equipped with Lidar laser technology and other devices for the mapping of the ballast surface, along with track assets and terrain/geographical features.
"This is a great convenience and time-saver for our clients," said Steve Atherton, technical services manager of the company's Rail Services division. "We realize they don't want anyone tying up the tracks any longer than absolutely necessary. Track time is money and we minimize that time using the RASC technology."
On the development front, Balfour Beatty Rail has been working with its partner, Zetica Rail, to build onto the RASC's capabilities. A particular focus has been integration of multiple trackbed inspection solutions. Balfour Beatty Rail and Zetica have researched the uses of RASC technologies around the world in order to broaden capabilities in the United States. The ongoing studies include the investigation of derailment sites, formation settlement and trackbed construction detail.
Additionally, a new system of measurement is in place to analyze and assess the materials that ballast undercutters handle on the sites. During 2012, Balfour Beatty Rail continued to use Work Order Recommendation (WOR), a software-based system that determines the most cost-effective maintenance plan. Using the data gathered from a number of technologies, WOR recommends whatever work is necessary, even informing the client when there's no current need for maintenance services.
"Railroads are always looking for ways to trim maintenance costs and this is one effective way we can make that possible for them," said R.T. Swindall, director of operations for the Rail Services division.
DymaxRail recently released its 15-foot Ballast Blaster with a spoil master system. The blaster expands versatility for those using 29- to 35-ton excavators. The Blaster Bar is 15-feet in length and can be used for ballast removal at switches. The chain is designed to cut in both directions and features a complete 360-degree rotation.
"No matter where you are positioned to the track the operator has total flexibility," noted Allen Switzer, general sales manager. "The chain is hydraulically tightened by using a patent-pending tightening system. The operator doesn't need to get out of the cab to tighten chains every two hours. The new spoil master system has been developed to pull the ballast away from the chain easily and is a great feature where track beds are relatively flat. No extra power source is required to be added to the excavator saving the owner money."
Dymax also offers its Rail Rider II. The remote-controlled system includes a power cart with a 240hp engine and hydraulic pump featuring the ability to use hand held-tools for the gang. The machine cart has two hydraulic motors to propel the Rail Rider with the excavator mounted. Dymax notes that removal of both carts along the track takes five minutes or less. The Rail Rider II can achieve speeds up to 25 mph and pull 50 tons of material in an additional cart.
Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) has been working to refine BallastSaver, its newest inspection technology, which it says provides railroads the ability to objectively define their ballast needs. During the past several months, enhancements have focused on finding new features, such as lateral instability detection and improving inclement weather inspection capabilities.
"BallastSaver is unique because it is preprogrammed with the customer's ideal ballast profile," said Lynn Turner, vice president of marketing and sales. "Since each railroad has their own ideal profile for ballast shoulders, BallastSaver customizes it's inspections for every customer and provides railroads an unbiased inspection across their system or subdivision. Uniform inspection provides accurate ballast assessment and allows planning for delivery of precise amounts only where needed. Our customers are recognizing the benefits of this and are responding to the availability of BallastSaver technology."
BallastSaver data can be collected during daylight or in the dark, rain or sun. One new feature that BallastSaver now offers is Lateral Instability Detection (LID). There are certain conditions in which a track shoulder can be completely washed away or eroded, thus exposing the ends of the ties. Turner says these instances weaken the track's lateral stability and create dangerous conditions that can result in derailments.
"When these conditions occur suddenly, they are identified by regular track inspections," said Turner. "However, when these instances develop slowly over time, they can easily be overlooked and become accidents waiting to happen. BallastSaver automatically identifies these areas and reports them for immediate remediation."
BallastSaver can be used as a stand-alone service or in conjunction with GREX's ballast delivery system, GateSync, which takes the precise location and amount of ballast needed, which is provided by BallastSaver, then executes a precise ballast delivery dump run at up to 10 mph.
Harsco Rail
Harsco Rail's Spreader Ditcher is a versatile maintenance machine used to plow heavy snow, spread ballast and cut trackside ditches. Originally introduced in the 1960s, Harsco points out this machine has continuously evolved for use by the railroads.
Recently, Harsco realized the Spreader Ditcher was in need of some updating to aid North American railroads with their winter maintenance and summer roadbed re-profiling programs.
At 53 feet long and weighing 160,000 pounds, the new Harsco Spreader Ditcher machine features an operator control cab, front plow, side wings, two non-powered bogies, AAR couplers and an APU for electrical/hydraulic power.
"With these updated machines, the railroads will not only fend off snow and ice, but achieve benefits in ballast spreading and ditching efforts," shared Craig Sandsted, product manager.
Harsco says railroads primarily use the Spreader Ditcher to reduce the time it takes to clear or re-profile their ballasted tracks. The machine is able to cut fouled ballast from the end of ties and plow clean ballast on the track. Carrying and distributing clean ballast, the machine helps move the ballast to produce the correct track roadbed section. The Spreader Ditcher also plows in center, right or left hand direction, while retrieving ballast deposited outside the toe line.
"We have had this machine in our product line for a long time. It is exciting to still be manufacturing the Spreader Ditcher today, especially with the updated features," shared Sandsted.
The Herzog Railroad Services, Inc. (HRSI), GPS Ballast Train took a big step in its evolution in 2012. Although the trains may look the same on the outside, HRSI says there have been many changes made internally.
Since the first generation GPS train, HRSI upgraded its computer circuit boards, wiring, door cylinders and flow sensors. All of these upgrades were made to increase the unloading accuracy and efficiency of the train. The company says further development of the Herzog ProScan Lidar Truck has also helped the evolution of its ballast trains. The ProScan Lidar Truck can replace the standard manual pre-dump survey with an automated one utilizing lasers to determine the appropriate amount of ballast needed.
"This technology will drastically reduce valuable track time needed for pre-dump surveys and remove the human subjectivity from the equation," explained Tim Francis, vice president of marketing. "When the Herzog ballast trains are used in conjunction with our ProScan Lidar Truck, we make sure that the ballast is placed where it is needed."
In late 2012, Herzog Railroad Services, Inc., was asked to write a new program to provide for a more robust ballast spread on concrete ties for new construction skeletonized track. The new program now allows the company to dump 30 cars per mile on concrete tie new construction projects with its GPS SMART train. The company can dump 10 cars to each shoulder and 10 to the center of track using GPS technology at a dumping speed of six mph; a 75-car GPS SMART train can be dumped in about 30 minutes.
Knox Kershaw
Knox Kershaw Inc.'s (KKI) KSF 940 can be equipped with ballast or snow equipment, based on location and season. Recently, a brushcutter option was added to the machine in order to give it more versatility.
"Based on requests from transit railroads, KKI has developed a special wing for its line of ballast regulators that is designed specifically for tight clearances, such as platforms and retaining walls," noted George Pugh, vice president of operations.
KKI now offers two convertible gauge ballast regulators that can convert from standard (56.5-in.) to wider gauges and from standard to narrower gauges.
Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., offers ballast services that include shoulder ballast cleaning, spot undercutting with the Loram Railvac and track lifting with the Track Lifter Undercutter Series (TLU). The company has expanded features of the TLU, which include track positioning, an improved sledding blade and a tie-pad replacement module. Loram says it has also added enhancements to its ballast cleaners and Railvacs that improve travel efficiencies and safety.
"Loram's customers continue to spotlight speed, performance and reliability when asking for equipment and services," explained Scott Diercks, product development manager. "Railroads continue to pursue advancements in machine performance that will optimize productivity. Productivity gains allow our customers to complete more work during a season and reduce costs. In addition, new technologies are beginning to enter the market that assist with assessing and planning work needs. These tools allow our customers to use their budgets in the most effective and efficient manner."
Loram points out that railroads are aware of the long-term sustainable benefits through increased budgets for ballast maintenance activities. Diercks says customers are working to maintain their ballast section in a preventative maintenance mode.
"Strategically, this allows our customers to cover more of their system rather than only focusing on problematic areas," he noted. "In addition, it lowers overall costs, increases traffic throughput and provides more return on their investment."
Loram has also seen a trend to coordinate equipment with system work gangs during major track outages. Utilizing work blocks in this fashion allows Loram to provide optimal production and reduce lower overall cost for the customer.
Currently, Loram is expanding its fleet of Railvacs for specialty ballast evacuation in areas of tight clearances, such as ballast deck bridges, switch winterization, tunnels and on transit properties. The company notes that its Railvac is designed to work on tough Class 1 railroad conditions, but flexible enough to accommodate transit and commuter railroads. It is designed to apply 5,000 pounds of force, coupled with a rotating nozzle to break up tough material. The machine also features remote joystick controls and nozzle flexibility to reach hard-to-reach track structures.
Miner Enterprises
Miner Enterprises, Inc., has been committed to improving the design and performance/life-cycle of the linear actuators and electrical systems used in the Miner Electric AggreGate®, a stand-alone electric aggregate system.
"The system enables independent operation of the car from anywhere within a ballast train, eliminating the need for grouping manual and automatic cars," noted Chris Gaydos, manager of mechanical engineering.
The company has been developing a ballast plowing system to add to existing ballast cars, which will use the existing cars, Miner AggreGate power supply system, including electric, hydraulic or pneumatic. A manual version of the plow can be applied to any ballast car.
During the past year, Miner has provided twin cylinder, remote-control-operated ballast systems for cars exported to South America. In addition, Miner provided AggreGates to FreightCar America, Inc., for a 162-car BNSF build and continues to supply various models for car conversions and ballast car upgrades. Miner AggreGate is available in pry bar manual, push-button or remote-control operations using pneumatic or electric power to operate the gates.
NMC Railway Systems offers the 320EL excavator package with an undercutter bar and four motor tie tamper.
"The 320EL design provides increased performance and durability, which allows for easy transportation to and from the operator's jobsite," explained Chuck Haskell, sales manager. "Available with undercutting capabilities, the set-up is ideal for removing ballast in all areas of track line."
New to the NMC Railway Systems product line, is the 15-foot undercutter bar with spoil management system (SMS). The redesigned undercutter bar features a 360-degree rotation, a bi-directional chain with fixed teeth and a self-tensioning chain system to lengthen the life of the undercutter chain. The company says it is best utilized on a Cat® 329EL off-track excavator.
"This past year, NMC Railway Systems has increased its rental fleet inventory to incorporate more custom engineered products," said Haskell. "We have found that customers have a strong need to add products to their rental inventory that can help increase jobsite productivity during key ballast maintenance months. Products like the Cat 420F IT Backhoe with an undercutter bar, two motor tie tamper and tie inserters, to the extremely versatile 312 HRE (hi-rail excavator) with a 10-foot undercutter bar, are both available on a rental contract. These products, along with other custom equipment, provide increased performance and improved track maintenance projects in short windows."
Nordco Inc. recently expanded its machine and parts rebuild capabilities for production tampers.
"We are able to completely rebuild and upgrade virtually any production or switch tamper on the market," noted Bill Straub, president of Nordco Equipment Services. "In addition, we now carry an extensive line of Jackson 6700 rebuilt parts and components and we continue to expand our offerings each month."
Straub says that railroads have been searching for ways to expand the useful life of their maintenance-of-way assets.
"The opportunity to completely rebuild, essentially creating a new asset for a fraction of the cost of a new machine, is key to achieving this goal," he said. "Our continuing emphasis on expanding our rebuild business is designed to meet this cost-saving need."
Plasser American
The Plasser RM 900 VB ballast cleaning machine offers a cost-savings to customers by reusing ballast, instead of replacing ballast, in addition to a number of versatile uses. The machine is fitted with the necessary work units for ballast recycling with optional supply of new ballast; ballast cleaning with optional supply of new ballast and full excavation with optional supply of new ballast.
The RM 900 VB incorporates a primary ballast screening unit and a crushing plant to sharpen ballast edges for recycling, in addition to the ballast undercutting/excavating chain and the high-performance eccentric screening unit, with dust suppression system. Other features of the RM 900 VB include the two track stabilizing units, which work to achieve the best possible initial track geometry quality and a sweeper unit. The sweeper unit sweeps ties and can pick up surplus ballast for redistribution. This is used to compensate for any shortage of ballast in the worksite.
Plasser also offers its RM 95-800 W, which is equipped with an impact crusher to sharpen the reusable ballast and a ballast washing unit.
"In combination with the vibrating screening units, this achieves a very high cleaning quality of the re-installed ballast," noted Plasser. "Besides the outstanding cleaning result, residue from the ballast is also washed away. Due to the integrated water treatment plant, the washing water can be re-used to a large extent. All of this is carried out on-track and achieves a considerable reduction of the transportation cost and the associated pollutant emissions. Only the non-reusable share of fine particles is taken away and this brings considerable cost savings."
In full operation, the RM 95-800 W performs the following stages of work: excavation of ballast, pre-separation, sharpening, screening, washing and returning ballast to the track. Additionally, it is possible to have a continuous supply of new ballast, which allows more material to be added and the track geometry is measured before and after ballast bed cleaning.
Rail Construction Equipment Co. has recently made some upgrades to help production and improve the routine maintenance of its undercutter bars. The company offers its under cutter excavators through sale, rental or lease programs.
Dennis Hanke, sales manager, says that versatility of equipment and the ability to work on- and off-track are at the top of customer requests.
"The most important thing the we feel our customers need to do is set up a good plan and a job site prep process, he said. "This, with the proper equipment selection and set up, will provide higher production in the long run."


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As expected, the Supreme Court has come to a decision in a case that would ultimately determine if video games can qualify for First Amendment protection. The answer was overwhelming a "yes," as the court ruled in favor of the games industry 7-2. The full decision summarizes it quite clearly:
Video games qualify for First Amendment protection. Like protected books, plays, and movies, they communicate ideas through familiar literary devices and features distinctive to the medium. And "the basic principles of freedom of speech... do not vary" with a new and different communication medium.
The ruling should come as unsurprising, given the Court's opinion during the original case. In November, Justice Ginsberg questioned the legality of California's attempt to restrict the sale of video games to minors: "if you are supposing a category of violent materials dangerous to children, then how do you cut it off at video games? What about films? What about comic books? Grimm's fairy tales? Why are video games special? Or does your principle extend to all deviant, violent material in whatever form?"
One of the bill's original proponents, then-California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the proposed bill would "ensure that parents are involved in determining which video games are appropriate for their children." Hopefully, supporters of California's effort to ban violent video games will see that today's ruling doesn't stop that effort. Even with violent video games on store shelves, you can always choose not to buy them for your children.


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|Corbin Bernsen with his mother, Jeanne Cooper
"An abundance of prayers needed this morning, mom has been taken back to hospital," Bernsen wrote. "Not sure what to pray for at this point or what we even want for her. I know in my heart there is more for her to do in this world, but I also know there is a season for all things. I want more than anything comfort for her. I want her to have peace. This is that tricky place where you start to weigh all things, not what we need to do, actions to take, but instead open ourselves for enlightenment as to what God has planned for her and ultimately what is best for her. She's a fighter and I know she'll continue that. But when you're boxer is in the corner, bruised and bloodied from battle and demands to keep going, what do you do? I'm saying my prayers this morning, asking for guidance. Again, not reporting 'the end' here, just that tricky place at the precipice and those moments requiring deepest reflection."
Bernsen later tweeted: "Back in hospital with mom. Need some heavy lifting prayers 4 what we R facing. Tough choices"
Cooper was released from the hospital on April 27.
She has played Katherine Chancellor on Y&R since 1973.
UPDATE #1 (Wednesday night, May 1):
Bernsen: "Purgatory. Best way I can describe an indescribable day. Waiting... with swings toward the Peace of Heaven and the Fires of Hell and everything in between. And choices. Choices I never wanted to be faced with. Highs and Lows. At one point mom 'left the building' - yes, she was gone, only to come back through the front door, kicking and screaming. A Doctor remarked, 'I've been in this situation a thousand times before and have NEVER seen this!' The fighter is out of her corner, amazing us all. Okay, enough with descriptive BS... Long story short, rough, rough day. She's back to square one. I don't want to disclose at this point the specific 'illness' though I'm sure many of you are curious. But I don't want a thousand comments about that. Not at this point. In time I will share it all. Just know that she is back in critical condition and needs your continued prayers. As for me. Honestly, I'm a bit lost, in this place - this purgatory - of truly being unsure where we are headed or what is best for her. I also toil with my choices and wonder if they are for me, for all of us... or truly for her. I'm in a haze of uncertainty about that and will be reflecting on it this evening, praying for guidance. In my heart, I see future, I see a fight and though I don't know the quality of that future I can't deny the sanctity of life. A tremendous battle raging inside. I wish I could have better news, or simply be more clear, but these words are a reflection of my state of mind. God Bless you all for your kindness here."
UPDATE #2 (Thursday morning, May 2):
Bernsen: "Woke up to beautiful sunshine this morning. Rays of hope. I'm leaving mom's journey truly in God's hands now. I slept well last night and at least for the moment, am at peace. And that's all I really want for her, either way. In my heart, and I think I'm being unselfish - I think - I do believe there is more for her here, on this earth, in this part of her longer journey. I don't know what it is or why, perhaps just a continued fight for some time to show us all the power we have to make a difference... or maybe simply to encourage me to write about that, share that... our individual power to bring change. For me, the world is suffering right now, and it is only through us, each of us; parents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and expanded communities of a variety of beliefs, faiths, and political agendas, that when we call on our deepest individual strengths as human beings - like my mom is doing now, hanging on, fighting - that we can come together for the common cause, and perhaps bring remedy to our suffering. Personally, while my faith is clear and has been made clear here, I welcome all into this challenge and conversation. Without judgement. With love. Maybe that is the point of all of this. That is indeed my mother and the lessons she taught me and is now, at the greatest cost, showing me one more time."
"Which leads to another concern. I also am feeling a bit selfish this morning. So many of your comments have been about going through things like this personally, today, as we speak. Either yourselves or with a parent or loved one. And here I am, going on about me, me, me. Blah, blah, blah, as someone put it last week. I'm sorry for that, and I want you to know, as I've often remarked here, that when I pray for mom, I always include all of you in my thoughts. I don't speak about it here much, reserving the already lengthy space to my personal situation, but it is in my heart. My mother taught me many years ago that we are all connected, my problem is your problem, your problem is my problem. We are inescapably connected through our humanity. So please know, you are not neglected and I feel for you as though you and your situations are indeed mine. Peace to us all, love to us all, God Bless us all. Going to walk the dog now and breath some fresh air."
UPDATE #3 (Thursday night):
Bernsen: "Tested today. My faith, my strength, my very beliefs. End of life sucks. It's a terrible thing. I don't know many cases of 'grandma went off peacefully in her sleep.' Instead it seems more often it's a battle, a fight to go beyond our expiration date. And maybe there's the problem, one we create. Pushing the limits. I asked God many times today, why. Why would you give us this incredible life and end it so miserably? Okay, yes, there is more beyond this life, and I do believe that, but why end "this" one so in opposition to the beauty you have created? I"m praying for enlightenment on this. I think I understand it, but it's not clear."
"Please know that I'm not saying my mother's life has ended, it hasn't, but no matter how you slice it, she is in the final stages, whether it lasts an hour, day, month or years. I had to say 'goodbye' to her tonight 'just in case' as I'm traveling tomorrow to Vancouver for Psych. I have prayed for her recovery - some sort of recovery - and earlier this week got a hint of it. But then I saw her tonight, connected once again to so many tubes and machines 'healing her.' And there is a difference - yes they are keeping her alive just as antibiotics would do for an infection - but they are more or less there to help in her short term recovery. Is she in a natural decent toward the end? Not sure. Is there a future? Not sure? And if so, what kind of future? Even less sure."
"So I said my goodbyes tonight, had a good release of emotion and then left the room, more uncertain than I have ever been about so many things. I wish I could be more positive for you tonight, but I reserve the right in this space to be plain, simple and honest. I know it's only in that realm that I will find the answers I'm looking for right now. I love you mom. I'm giving it up to you and God to find peace in this world or the next."
UPDATE #4 (Friday morning, May 3):
Bernsen: "Heading to Vancouver for a new season of Psych. As you can imagine my stomach is somewhat in knots. But know that your kind words and abundance of love for both myself and my mother have helped me through the night and into today - and to some degree - in letting go. 'Let go, let God' my mother often says. That is my battle right now. Maybe soaring in the clouds this morning will help, I often closer to my faith up there, above the bounds of earth. The funny thing about what's going on with my mom is that, while she is gravely ill, and at an advanced age, and will certainly be less of what "she was,' nobody has come out and said flat out that she is eminently terminal. Some of these things can be overcome and that's why I've been reporting on these miraculous turns. That is the metaphoric 'Purgatory' I spoke about yesterday, that place of between here and there, waiting for the hand to swing one way or the other pointing us in a certain direction. All the while, the efforts to even overcome the current obstacles are so... intrusive, horrifying, that I'm not sure about the battle. Again, metaphorically - the boxer still has fight and a potential to win (for the short term only - his title will certainly be taken away sooner or later), but he's still there sitting in a corner, bloody, unrecognizable, and his will to come out swinging isn't diminished. That is what it's like. So letting go, is more difficult. Unless, and I just came to this through this writing... hmmmm. is that "letting go" is letting go of all of it! Wow. I'll take to the air and somewhere above the clouds think on that. Again, I can't tell you how much I love you guys for being here for us and your generosity."
UPDATE #5 (Friday night):
Bernsen: "In Vancouver, not much to report. Fun to be back at Psych with a minor distraction from the realities and frailties of life. In a bit of a fog, unsure of so many things today. Aching. Exhausted. I would only ask that you continue your prayers for my mom, she needs all of it. Don't worry about me, time will wash this one way or the other. I have an incredible wife and four amazing sons. I have a brilliant brother and sister and their children. We have a family. We will be good. So today, through the weekend, please, all your love, thoughts and prayers for my mom and peace for her. I can't help but feel there is more for her, but also am aware that perhaps this is a selfish wish on my part to have more of her in this world, to finish conversations, to make up for time that I "should have" spent. I just don't know. Please let her know in your prayers that if she wants to let go, she does so with an abundance of love giving her the wings to soar. And if she wants to remain, she does with an abundance of love giving her the support she needs to accomplish what she feels needs to be finished here, on this earth. I wish I had a joke right now, could use a good joke. Tired of sounding morbid and introspective. Maybe Iron Man 3 and my buddy Downey can help me escape. Worth a try. A little popcorn never hurt anyone."
UPDATE #6 (Friday overnight/early Saturday, May 4:
Bernsen: "Clearly from my messages you all must realize the situation, and that what I had hoped and prayed for - more time - may just end up being the brief moments I had with mom earlier this week. I asked God for time, I got it and tried to fill it with as much love and laughter as I possibly could. Sitting in a movie tonight, mildly distracted from it all, I got a call from my brother and he said we have to stop being unfair. She's struggling too much. We have to let her go. I took it in, calmly, and walked back into the theater, finished the movie - Darn good Iron Man 3. I then went back to my hotel room, where I am now and broke down, conceding any fight I had left. I don't want her in pain. I don't want her in fear. I don't want her in agony. And Jeanne Cooper, Katherine Chancellor, Wilma Jeanne is a fighter! She will kick ass as long as we let her but I know now it is only for us, not for her. I had to think back sitting in her bedroom several days ago... she pointed to several objects, paintings, telling us their 'value.' Not much really but SHE WANTED US TO KNOW. I think she knew she was ready then, to let go. But she needed to test us to see our reaction - My reaction! Of course I immediately said, 'not ready to go there mom,' demonstrating exactly what she suspected; that I wasn't ready quite yet. So she hung on. Went another round. The boxer pleasing the team in their corner."
"I said goodbye to her yesterday, and even then not fully meaning it or expecting that would be the last time I saw her. But now it will have to do as we enter this weekend letting her final voyage begin. And I'm good with it, honestly. Enough to be saying it here. You all have been a tremendous ear for me, to verbalize my struggles with all of this... even now with these very words... I am good. I am good. I don't want her in pain. I don't want her in fear or agony. Along with her tremendous success she's had too much of all that in her lifetime. And she's shared much of it with all of you, candidly. So I'm giving her this weekend, take the holiday, mom, make it yours, let it take you where it will. My final words to her last night were, 'I'll see you again.' And I will, either here or there. Prayers please for her safe and peaceful journey. I may take a break here for a bit and stay silent in prayer and mediation for the next few days... Then again, I am my mother's son and staying quiet isn't always an option. May the light of God grace shine upon us all this weekend. Make it about love, compassion, and honesty, and in doing so you will honor my mom and the examples she has always tried to set, to this very moment."
UPDATE #7 (Sunday afternoon 5:10 p.m. ET, May 5):
From the family of Jeanne Cooper: "We have been read some articles that report Jeanne as having passed away. And while it is true that she is indeed still in the hospital and undergoing care, she is still with us and we are grateful that she is. We do not yet know what the future holds, but that is the nature of life. We know that updates have been less frequent, but that is because we are focusing all of our energy on her at this time. We continue to thank you all for your love, support, and prayers. Thank you! Love to all!"
From Eric Braeden: "Contrary to some statement, Jeanne Cooper is doing better and sitting with her daughter Caren by her bedside!!"
UPDATE #8 (Sunday late night, 11:45 p.m. PT):
Bernsen: "I had promised to stay silent for a bit but I feel it is necessary to make sure all know that a RUMOR of my mom's passing earlier today that had been spread by someone on Twitter is false! I want to confirm: This is NOT TRUE. I'm not going to elaborate on mom's status beyond this - she is still very much with us. Period. I vowed to give my mom and God the time and space - 'a holiday from all our personal needs and feelings' to work through this quietly, together and I will continue to do that here now - respectfully. You can be assured that I will continue to be truthful with you as I have been from the beginning regarding her condition - the good, the bad and the ugly at the right time and place. Please trust that. Rumors will fly in our tabloid hungry - rush to conclusion society, and part of my connecting with you here is to make sure we are all respectful of this incredible woman, and her present journey, wherever it takes her. I will close in saying that I've had a remarkably peaceful weekend, once again made possible by a million comforting words of inspiration, prayer, and love from all of you. It was an extraordinarily beautiful weekend here in Vancouver and I walked quite a bit, listened to music, and reveled in the abundance of beauty in Nature - perhaps the easiest way to know the heart and face of God. I was comforted by my Psych cast mates, the most loving group of people I could have hoped to be surrounded by. We had some fine laughs. Always good for the soul. Lastly, I did lash out the person spreading misinformation today, I was upset, understandably. I know my mom would be the first to say, 'let it go,' make peace. So I offer that before I head off to sleep. The pillow is much softer in doing so."
UPDATE #9 (Tuesday night, May 7):
Bernsen: "Many have asked for an update on mom's condition. In short, it remains the same. She is resting, she's in peace and in no pain. Where it will lead is now fully in God's hands and we have given over to that, to Him and his plan for her. But she is still with us on this side of the thin fence that separates us from our earthly body and the great mystery and magnificence of the hereafter. Honestly, all I want for her is comfort and to know the abundance of love that surrounds her. She knows of each of you and your prayers. I whispered to her today of the great love and affection you send her way. She is a beacon whose bright light will not easily fade away. She is a boxer who will not easily give up. So we wait for her to do things on her terms... as if it were ever anything but that!"
Sadly, Jeanne Cooper has passed away.
- CLASSIC CLIPS: Jeanne Cooper