text:
Adios, Figgy; hola, Woody
Before moving on to the Winter Meetings and long days filled with hot air inside the Indiana Convention Center, I'd like to offer a few words with respect to Chone Figgins, who is about to enrich the Seattle Mariners in so many ways.
First and foremost, I'll miss our daily conversations about the game, especially in a historical context. Chone wanted to hear everything I had to offer about players from earlier eras, such as the acrobatic idol of his youth, Ozzie Smith. As someone who loves an attentive audience, I was always deeply appreciative of Figgins' company.
Figgins is baseball's version of a gym rat. Nobody works harder at improving himself. I actually would get on him now and then for pushing himself too hard, for taking too much batting practice. He'd grin and say, "That's who I am. I love this."
He keeps finding new ways to get better, and there's no reason to believe he won't continue to add subtle new elements to his brilliant game. Watching Figgy and Ichiro together should be a real treat for those who love the inner game. Mariners fans should be pumped; there will not be a more exciting tandem in the game.
Figgins never can absorb enough information about the game. When he's not working on improving himself, he's watching the MLB Network or talking about the game with teammates, friends and family members. His mother knows what she's talking about, and it shows in the bloodlines. Chone's brother, Demetrius, has served as a respected scout for the Angels.
When Garret Anderson departed via free agency after the 2008 season on the heels of the departure of the third member of their inner circle, Casey Kotchman, I figured Figgins would be in the dumps. I was surprised to see how upbeat he was from the moment he arrived at camp in Arizona last spring. Before long, he'd developed a bond with Bobby Abreu, and the two clicked as if they'd been teammates for years.
This did nothing to diminish Figgins' appreciation for Anderson, who'd meant so much to him. Chone still talked about GA all the time. But he didn't let it cloud his impressions of the man who'd essentially arrived to replace his good buddy. Abreu had a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge, and Figgy soaked it in, raising his on-base percentage from a career .356 to .395 with a career year at 31. Through it all, Figgins praised Abreu for his daily influence.
How good a teammate is Figgins? He'd have agreed without complaint to move to the outfield if he'd been asked to do so to accommodate Brandon Wood at third — even though he'd made himself into a Gold Glove-level third baseman.
Wood — Woody in the clubhouse — now gets his shot, finally, to deliver on all that promise. He'll tackle the challenge with relish – while remembering Figgins fondly.
"Sure, I want to play every day," Wood said late in the season. "But look who's ahead of me – Figgy at third and [Erick] Aybar at short? How can I expect to play ahead of those two guys? They're great players."
If the season started tomorrow, I'd expect to see Wood at third, with Maicer Izturis in reserve, backing up at all three positions he plays with the skill and poise of an everyday performer. Izturis can be a free agent after the coming season, and he'll have the opportunity to go get an everyday job somewhere if he chooses that route. Baseball people know how good he is.
As painful as it is for fans to watch Figgins go, the Angels leave sentiment aside in their judgments. They calculated that they'll be fine with a new look at third, and there is an undeniable element of excitement for fans in seeing what Wood can do with an everyday job.
He might not erupt as Kendry Morales did in '09 when he finally got his chance, but Wood is capable of hitting 25-30 homers, driving in 80-100 runs (depending on where he hits in the order) and batting .275. Those who know him best – his Minor League teammates — fully expect him to flourish if he's allowed to relax and unleash all that natural talent.
Like Anderson, Wood, I think, has been misinterpreted by some people as too cool, owing to his relaxed, easy manner. Believe me, having spent hours with the guy, I can assure you Wood burns to be successful, just as Garret has throughout his career. Hey, people used to think Henry Aaron was a cruiser, because of his laid-back style. He turned out all right.
41 Comments
Boo Figgy is my family's favorite!!!!! We're gonna miss him very much. However he is still my favorite leadoff man and I wish nothing but the best for him! Nothing but love Figgy!!!! I'm still gonna check up on him and since he's going to a division rival I think we're gonna see him a lot! And hey Seattle's getting better and better so you never know! They might give us a run for our money 😛
As for Brandon Wood well he's deserving of a chance but I'll be honest and say he's not really my favorite. However I would happily eat crow if he proves me wrong.
Thanks for this blog Mr Spencer I think Figgy was robbed of a Gold Glove this year. He's beneficial in many many ways! Especially his signature Figgy smile 😀
Way to go Artie for letting another fan favorite Angel leave without so much as a good contract offer, and this one will hurt. Figgins going to the M's means the Angels hold on the AL West is now out. Plus with Lackey also set to move to Texas (another rival) the Angels have let there rivals catch up to them. Way to go Angel front office on another bumbling fumbling mistake!
Wrong! I am not at all excited at the prospect of Brandon Woods taking over for Chone Figgins. The Angels are stupid for getting rid of Figgy; Woods is merely a sub-par version of him. The Angels should be doing everything they can to hold onto both Figgy and Lackey, two great players and two fan favorites. I just hope the Angels come to their senses before its too late for the team and for Figgy. After the season he had, he deserves more from the team. I hope the Angels organization reads these comments and realizes how much Chone Figgins means to the fans. This slight will not be soon forgotten by them. The fans love you Figgy!
The Mariners? Really? You would think the Angels would do almost anything to stop that from happening but it seems that the Angels are content with going to the playoffs and thats it. I dont think we will be doing that next year unless something happens at the winter meetings. I knew Figgins was going to the highest bidder after some earlier interviews but who can blame him. I am bitter. I will cheer for O.C. and Anderson But Figgy….
ehh you may get a golf clap. The Mariners??? Thats almost as bad as the Yanks letting Jeter go to the Red Sox.
Figgy was one of my favorites and I'll continue to root for him as I did Eckstein and a few others. That said, I think this is the right move. He had an absolutely atrocious post-season and a bad year on the basepaths all together. His defense is great and Seattle will benefit from that, but I think four years is just too long of a commitment with Wood and Izturis at 3rd. Unlike some of the other posters on this thread, I don't think Figgins will jeopardize our hold on the West all by himself. The Mariners have plenty of holes to fill and it takes a lot more than a .295 hitting leadoff hitter to make up 10 games. Good luck Figgy, we'll miss ya!
Wood has already had plenty of time to prove himself. He has choked and will continue to choke. I despise him. As for Figgy going to Seattle, I hope his decision was one based on needing a change of scenery. From the info. I have read we made him a 3 year $30 mil. contract, but the M's gave him 4 years at $36 mil. If the details are different, and Figgy left because the M's offered him more money, than he can F' right off with all the other money ****** in MLB. I think the deal we made him was more than fair in this economy. Here's what I am hoping for in the offseason. We dump that tool Lackey and pick up Halliday, maybe get Beltre to fill in at 3rd (better than letting Wood screw it up), and then throw a big contract at Jason Bay. Bay will provide a proven player in left as opposed to Juan Rivera and his one fluke season. Hopefully they keep Vlad for a lower price, I'd like to see him finish out his career here.
As a die hard M's fan and also a fan of the sheer craziness that is the Angel's organization and how you guys always have everything moving in a constant right direction I thank you for the acquisition of Figgins. I'm a realist though. You wouldn't be giving up a player like him if you didn't have a backup plan that kept you positive. You guys aren't ran by the Bavasi of the M's era. As a M's fan I already appreciate Figgins because I feared him when we played you guys. In my perfect world he'll help bring my team to their first World Series victory in their history rather soon. Good luck to the Angels next year, I hope we can make it at least a race against you guys.
I like many others was a Figgins fan, but honestly knew that he had reached the end of the line for the Angels. While its always been obvious that nobody worked harder or was more liked and respected in the Angels clubhouse, it was just time for him to move on. The team honestly will be better without him. Brandon Wood is just way too good to be left rotting on the bench. Woods upside with sheer athletic ability can take him and the team so much higher than a speed guy losing a step could. There are many on these blogs that just dont understand that very few players can deliver any kind of numbers playing once a week. Baseball is a timing thing that requires steady play to get into a hitting rhythm. Even Kendry Morales was a .234 and .213 hitter with inconsistent play and the biggest break out star in the organization when he got regular play. Manny Ramirez batted .170 in a reserve role, ARod .204 and .232 before he became a starter. Pedroia .191 and Morneau .226 in their pre starter days. Anyone who thinks the pre starter stats are a good guage of a players ability just frankly doesnt know the game very well. Brandon Wood is a star and the Angels through subtraction just got a lot better… they just got the big bat everyone has been calling for. The Wood, Morales, Kendrick era is ready to begin, well in concert with the Weaver, Saunders, Santana, Kazmir era. Its a great time to be an Angels fan.
What are they drinking in the water at the head office? Chone was one of the best players the Angels had. I would like to see Brandon Woods steal that many bases in a season. The worst part of this is, who did we get in return, no one. This nightmare started with the playoffs and has just gotten worse with trading Figgins and if they trade Lackey they will have the best shot at being in last place next season.
I am really sad to see him go, but my wife who thought the world of Chone is now looking at becoming a Mariners fan. She figures that between him and Ichiro that will be one hell of a team. Bye Chone we will be dearly missed.
are you crazy??????? woods over figgy?????? offer figgy 40 or 44 million over 4 years with a 5th year option !!!! if he does'nt take that f — him & than let him go to seattle…nuff said
Sucks to see figgy sell us out by goino to a division rival! He was one of my favorites but now just a sell out, for those who like to knock mr. Moreno and the front office, check your facts and know the Angels offered him a 5 year $45 million dollar contract, needless to say he wanted out, as for Brandon Wood… who knows, I never expected what I saw kendry morales do, maybe we will be suprised.
Figgins isnt gone because of the money… Figgins is gone, because the team is better with Wood at 3rd. Figgins doesnt have power at a power position, Figgins is a speed guy losing a step. He was probably among the league leaders in caught stealing this year and his stolen base number way down, even with him being on base more than ever. Figgins is also gone because the team is trying to build a post season winner… and with Figgins being an intricate part of the offense every season his post season stats have proven that he is overwhelmed in the big games. The Angels have been to the post season 6 times with Figgins… His stats in those 10 playoff series are 21 hits in 122 ABs for a BA of .172. He has 4 SBs and 6 RBIs in 35 games. And those numbers include Figgins in his prime. Wood has been one of the most talked about and sought after prospects of the Angels along with Kendrick and Morales… He has amazing physical ability and what appears to be a top notch and classy disposition. While we cant go 6 months without hearing Matthews Jr complain about playing time, not once has Wood complained about his wait or watching all his former teammates get their breaks ahead of him. Im excited about the change and was praying for Figgins to leave to make room for Wood.
muzikman1 what are you drinking? your obiously a bandwagon fan you and your wife. I would never switch teams because a player left. Figgins was great but why spend money on a player when you have 2 players that can take his spot in wood and itzirus. Use that money and sign Lackey. I trust the front office,the same thing happened last year with tex.Morales stepped up and i believe Wood will too. LOL and Muzikman1 Figgins and Lackey are free agents the Angels cant trade them. But you obiously dont know anything about baseball. GO ANGELS!!!!
I can't believe people are actually butt hurt over losing Chone! I mean this guy couldn't do squat in the post season. Really, what's the use of performing during the season but when it really matters in the post season, he flops??? Like I've claim before this guy was a good guy, a team player and yeah that's the part I believe the Angels are going to miss, but that's all. Figgins is built more for the NL with his style of speed and play.Five years was more than enough time for him to prove during the playoffs in which he really never did. What was he like 2 for 100? With that being said, I don't know if Wood is the answer. I would of look for a trade and getting an experienced quality 3rd basemen like an Inge or Zimmermen. I just don't understand the logic of the Angles management when trying to get someone that has speed AND Power! We just saw Boston get a quality guy with some pop in getting Scuttaro. I just don't understand how the Angels don't get it. I'm just fed up with these lame and stubborn lack of commen sense smart decisions on their part. WAKE UP!!!
I will definitely miss Figgy, but after having to say goodbye to Garrett Anderson and Tim Salmon, I don't think there is a single player left that would affect me sentimentally. The reality is that whether it is due to free agency or retirement, at some point all players move on. It is the game I have always known (Free agency has been in effect since before my birth) and although it sucks to lose a player, it is just the nature of the beast. I tip my hat to Chone and I thank him for all of the great work he did in Anaheim, but that is where my civilities towards him end as he is now just another player trying to beat my HALOS!!! I hope he enjoys playing for a bush league team. Well, I guess he will always have his '02 ring to admire! Later Figgins!!!!
Good riddens, figgins. What did he have, 2 hits this postseason? Give brandon wood (not WOODS like every idiot posts on here, thinking they know what they are talking about) a chance. I live in salt lake city and have watched wood hit .290 with 30 homers consistently for the last 2+ years. Yes he has struggled with the halos so far, but what do you expect when he gets to start once every 2 weeks? Give him a full year and he will have 20-35 homers and hit .280. Thats quite a duo with kendry, and at a way smaller price.
figgy is one player out of 25 to make a team.when it really counted is that he stunk during the playoffs. there are alot of players with a .298 batting average and 1 homerun to get the job done.free angents will come thru and the angels will find a play better than figgins.i wish him well but if he was true to his team he would of stayed like abreau did.that's class.give brandon wood a chance like kendry.look for a starter and a solid catcher.mathis is good behind the plate but .212 does not cut it.GO ANGELS!
I like the fact that people keep saying Wood hasn't had a chance to "prove" himself…Do you not all remember 2008? Woods had 150 plate appearances and was only able to bang out a meager .200 b.a. If a player is as good as everyone says he is, he should be able to bang out more than 30 hits for every 150 a.b's. Almost every plate appearance he swings at crap! Do you mean to tell me that the pitchers in AAA are so horrible that Wood just tee's off on them? I don't buy it..I believe he is just a classic example of a perennial minor leaguer.
Byronfisher I remember the end of 2008 both Wood and Sean Rodriguez got playing time when Aybar, Izturis and Kendrick all went down to injury. But I remember watching it, not just checking the stat lines. After really rough starts to their seasons and a bunch of false starts with sporadic playing time both Wood and Rodriguez started most of the month of September. By mid september both had started to hit a groove and were strokin for both power and a decent average. Their early season stats were so terrible that even with a hot few weeks their averages were still pretty bad by seasons end. But they both showed at that time they can deliver in the clutch, hit with power and with regular play can hit for .280 + averages. They also showed A++ defense. Had the season not ended when it did, they were heading in the right direction statistically. But Wood said he learned that season he needs better plate discipline. When he swung at strikes he squared the ball up, when he chased garbage he struck out a lot. So 2009 plate discipline was his focus and it paid off big. His strikeouts were down from 120 – 140 range down to 80. Plate discipline was the same lesson that turned Figgins, Aybar and Kendrick around. Seriously Angel fans stop hating on Brandon Wood and embrace the fact that many of the experts around the league believe have another Kendry Morales on our hands and start getting excited about this team.
Gee, im wondering if the Angels are seeking to get into the world series next year or in last place in the west!!
oh, i forgot. All i hear is that Figgy didnt do nothing in post season!! well niether did Hunter, Rivera, Napoli,ect….
So the Angels are willing to pay GMJ over $20 million for two years to sit on the bench or play for someone else, but they're not willing to pay Figgins over $30 million for four years? Also, a team like the M's, who have been playing in front of half empty stadiums, can spend that money but the Angels can't?
Maybe Wood will eventually be a good major league player, I hope he is and I'll be rooting for him. But it's a huge risk that could effectively be more expensive than re-signing Figgins. Anyone remember Glaus and DMac?
I hope there is a bigger picture being worked on that just isn't being revealed yet, like signing Bay, because if not then sooner or later the Angels are going to pay a price for letting good players go without getting much, or anything, in return.
Knowing when to say goodbye to veterans is as valuable a skill as knowing who to bring in for a GM. Figgins isnt leaving because of money. He is leaving because its time for Wood to elevate the team to the next level. Figgins is a speed guy who is getting slower each season. This past season he was caught stealing almost as many times as he was successful. In another year or two he wont even be much of a threat on the bases… and what do you have left at that point besides a guy that cant and doesnt hit in October? The bigger picture is that the Angels had to choose between an aging player losing his biggest weapon and a young star with big power potential. Its never easy saying goodbye to a popular player… but sometimes it is just time to do it like Percival, Anderson, K Rod, Erstad, Washburn, and Kennedy before him. Maybe the player has a good year or two left, but the bet for management is that there isnt much beyond that and the guy coming up behind him has a full tank.
What's all the crying about? Even without Figgins we are still the favorite in the AL West. We still have Torii, Morales, Abreu, Rivera, Napoli, Aybar, Izturis, Mathis, Kendrick, and now Wood can show us what he can do full time. Baseball is a business that takes making some gutsy decisions from time to time.
Letting Figgins walk is risky, but we have 2 options in house (Wood and Izturis) to replace him. Chances are pretty good one of those will work out.
Muzicman if your wife wants to become an SEATLLE ANCHOR fan because of figg's departure than, ask her is she really an ANGEL FAN? Are you? Another thing you told me to get a grip when I said we needed to SPEND MONEY ON AN ACE, like our competition(jays,sox,red and black, yanks,rangers), Like someone stated above, you obviousley don't know baseball very well. It's Morphed into an Auction block where frachises NEED that ONE good ace or two to HAVE THE ADVANTAGE, it's not 1921 anymore, pitchers don't throw back to back complete games( cy young) WE NEED that ace, and another and another ect. ect. the rest of the team LOOKS just fine( rivera needs to ish or get off the pot.)We need D.O. back and I would like to see Vlad retire here as well, I offered GMJ for a taco and a coke but had no takers, I hope the Angels don't eat his salary like Spier's 6 mill, the way Artie is getting with the dinero….Didn't want to pay for 2 sport's announcing teams. I' am sick and tired of the Angels letting great players go without compensation for them as well, as someone else also pointed out, Look's like the ANGELS will be the FEEDER team for all other teams( LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN FOR THE past 10 years)and still somehow, make it there but are missing that PITCHER that can Hold it down for that crucial second game. Really, Angels ge4t another ace, even if it's not lackey, Give this team that extra umph to finally get over tha hump in the post, by the way when k-rod came out in 2002 for us the playoffs and the world series, he was the GAME SAVER and one of the big deciding factors, Thanks SPIEZ, Man I love watching my 2002 dvd when the Angels beat the yankees, it's so SATISFYING.
The biggest Angel fan here is me (season seat holder as well). It will be hard to see Figgie go, I love this guy. He is great. But I also understand that when managing a team, you need to let guys goes at the right time. I think this move makes sense as you have Brandon Wood waiting there and we must see what he can do when given his shot. Look what happened with Kendry last season. Look at the Abreu signing. Mike Scoisia must believe he is ready to go, so now he gets his shot. Wood has much more pop and can supply more power. Aybar will probably move to the lead off role (not bad at all!). I called this move at the end of the season. Just as I think Lackey will not be back. The Angels are going to restock the farm with the draft picks that they will get by letting them sign with other teams.
I get a sense that the Angels are going to work for a trade for a top line pitcher. If it doesn't work out, you still have O' Sullivan, Trevor Bell or Palmer to fill the 5th spot. In addition, I think they are going to use the money saved by not bringing back Lackey and Figgie to make a run for Jason Bay.
wood s u c k s. let izzy have 3rd. trade wood he will never make it, just like dallas mcpherson. booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Hey Angel fans (of which I'm a true blood) have you not noticed that ever since Figgy became a full-time starter, we've yet to even make it back to the big show? I'm sorry, but I've never been sold on him being our starting 3rd baseman. It's time for this experiment to end and let Woody show us what he's got! Every year Angel fans moan about "getting a big bat". Well, 3rd base is supposed to be a big power bat in any major league lineup. I'm happy this has happened so now we get some POP back at 3rd and Aybar gets to lead off (a more productive and clutch player than Figgy) so I'm with angelsownredsux on this one all the way.
As for Lackey – I think he stays; just my gut feeling.
Ok I have read every one's blogs about how bad of decsion it is to let Figgins go. I agree but i do have to say im a little bias over Figgins. I was at that great game 7 of the WS and Figgins was the first Angles to stop by all the great angels fans that we are to sign a few autographs. From then on i have seen him get better and better at the game. I have talk to his after games he never shund or walk right passed a fan as i have see a few Angels do, which as a fan really ticks me off us fans pay the players. Yes i know hes not a power hitter but a dam good hitter. And player all around. has any one seen the team wall of stats behind home plate Figgins up on that wall quite a bit that should tell you something. I do agree Wood needs a chance but there is always going to be a player waiting in the winds to get there chance. I do have to say yes hes hitting in the playoffs were horrible as were a few other players avg. Figgins is one man one player on a TEAM one player down others need to step up. I am very excited for baseball to start again and sad that i might have to see my fav player gone. i will root for him in seattle (when there not playing the angels of corse) and ready to see Wood step in to the shoes figgins left.. Go Angels
Im really not sure how I got credited with having said the stuff about becoming an Ms fan with the wife because Figgins was gone. (Those reactionary comments were made by hoghead44) I have said the exact opposite since the season ended Ive been saying that I hope figgins is not re signed because Im a HUGE Brandon Wood fan and truly believe that he is the big bat everyone has been crying for. Re read my posts even on this blog… I think the Angels are better without Figgins because he was blocking Wood and without Vlad because he is blocking more ABs from Napoli and Abreu. I also have repeated that the Angels are better with Lackey, but Im ready to watch him walk too, because in my opinion, the other four have already caught him and he is not the Ace he wants to be paid like. I am a huge fan of our young players and am excited that we finally have a management that has focused on better scouting, better development and then give the guys a chance to shine… and shine they have up and down the roster. Those who bring up Dallas McPherson as an argument against Wood again are grasping since Wood didnt have a career ending back injury like Dallas. Had he stayed healthy, he may well have been the next Glaus, but he didnt. Wood has been injury free his entire career and has done everything asked of him at every level. He has as much or more raw athletic ability and baseball intelligence of any of the guys on the roster. Wood is the real deal when he gets a chance to play more than once a week as he did briefly in September 08.
I'm sorry…but those of you who think Brandon Wood will step up when he "replaces" Figgy at 3rd are in for a rude awakening. Brandon Wood is all hype and can only play well when there is no pressure on him. He needs to stay in the minor league because he will never be Major League material. He just doesn't have what it takes. He is a No Talent …. Never Will Be. People say that with more playing time he will improve. The only thing that will be improving is the writing of critics from the proof that will be a mountain of strikeouts from a player who does not belong on the Angels. Hopes and high dreams will only produce another Dallas McPherson. Don't waste your time….let Maicer play everyday 3rd with Quinny as the back up and deal Brandon Wood away. Deal him away as quick as you can. Go Angels!!!!
typical angel front office. there is no way anyone is gonna convince me that we are "better" for losing Figgy. the guy is not just one of the best lead off guys in the game… he is THE BEST lead off man. now we get to face figgy followed by Ichiro?? well i hope Mike has been working with Napoli's rag arm.. cuz the Ms are gonna run all over us. Wakamatsu is an "angel" type manager.. they didnt pick up Figgy cuz he is a good guy.. they grabbed him cuz Reagans would rather throw good money after bad.. trying to buy another outfielder so Mathews doesnt feel so lonley on the bench.. Rivera can join him. yeah, thats gonna be the missing piece. so now we let Lackey go so we can put Palmer in the starting rotation? look big Matt is a stud out of the bullpen but there is no way he will hold up over 30+ starts next season.. so i guess Tony is cool with coming in a close 2nd in the division while the Ms win it and we race with the Rangers to see who is the 2nd best team in the division.. i mean what is this all about? it is obvious we need a #1 starter, and sorry sports fans Tony aint gonna give up what needs to be given up for Halliday.. we need a huge bat to DH sorry fans Rivera aint it.. and with Vladdy going (and dont get me started on how bad that is for us fans) and the only rumors circulating are trades for relief pitchers? guys that no one has ever heard of? any way you slice it, we are not gonna keep up with the Yanks or the Sox.. and now we will be lookin up at the Ms?? horrible job Tony i miss stoneman
Im a big figgins fan =[ this news was terrible for me when they play im going to see him yes im an angels fan but figgins was my fav … i will miss u figgins tear.teaR.you were the best . top of the line up=(
I'm cancelling my season seats!
It's not only the economy that causes the Angels Organization to lose season seat holders…it's stupid decisions like this of letting Figgens go and almost certainly releasing Lackey. I am a true Angels fan and season seat holder (6 SEATS!), but I'm not going to let go of my hard earned cash to an organization who doesn't take into heart what the fans want and Angels need. Arte, if you want to win, you need to pay the players. Then the fans will come and you will not have a financial challenge. Until then, I'll be enjoying the games on FSN West. You lost another season seat holder.
The Angels are trying to win a championship. Having Figgins at third is not the answer. The Angels know that and are going to make the adjustment. Seattle will find this out very quickly and will regret this move. As a lifelong Angel fan I made the same comments when they let Eckstein go and where is he now. You have to think long term when building a team. Pitching will win and advance the Angels past the Yankees or Redsox. Figgins can't touch Left handed pitching just look into the numbers. It would be nice to have him hit leadoff but look at the playoffs and he was exposed.
The good thing for Figgins is he doesn't show up for the playoffs. But neither do the Mariners. So he has nothing to worry about anymore. After all this is a business and he needs to get paid. He will never have to worry about the playoffs again.
One player does not make or break an organization, especially the Angels. Cancel your season seats, because I'll snatch them up in a second! The Angels are a class organization that goes to the playoffs every year. I will be an Angel fan till I die, with or without Lackey or Figgins. The way our team is now, we will win the division again easily. Plus, I believe Reagins has a trick up his sleeve to sign or trade for someone big. Don't worry or give up Angel fans. I remember the days when we never made the playoffs and were a joke. Go Angels!!
Hey, I like Figgy as much as the next guy. But Brandon Wood needs playing time to show people his skills. He is tall and super athletic. He can play SS or 3rd. In 2005 he hit 43 HRs and was named "Minor League Player of the Year!". Of all of the Minors, not just advanced A. I watched these young players come up through the Angels organization and you sense the ones that will truly make it. Morales, Aybar, Kendrick, Weaver, K-Rod, Santana, Saunders, O'Sulllivan, Jepsen, Bell, Napoli, Mathis, Willits, and our beloved Adenhart. (I know I left out some). Also, many players that moved on to different clubs. Derreck Lee and many many others. Lets give Brandon the chance he deserves!
Not bringing Figgy back makes me want to have stoneman back as GM. Figgy is a perfect representation of what angels baseball is, and now we have lost him. who is going to steal bases? Aybar can't steal them all and Abreu can't be leaned on for more than 25 or 30…
I have loved watching Figgy play for the Angels from the get go. He is STILL my favorite player. I may be disappointed that he is no longer an Angel, but I would cheer Chone on in a Red Sox uniform. I am and always will be Jiggy4Figgy! Best of Luck Chone!
Figgy will be missed. I am a big fan of his. But someone above made a good point. He was pretty exposed during the playoffs when time after time they turned him around to bat right. His batting average is about 50 points lower from the right side. I think they will be fine, they will give Wood his shot to see what he can do. If not, they have Izzy who has proven to be about a .280-.300 hitter…and that's playing part time. Trust me, it is difficult to play part time and stay in a groove and have the timing down. So I predict Wood will be a nice surprise playing full time (at least to start the season so we can see what he has).
Think about it, last season we were a couple of wins from the world series. So we are almost there and just need a couple of pieces to put us over the top. I know we lost Figgy, but I think we have coverage to make up for the production in Wood and Izzy. Wood has the potential to put up more power numbers as well, which is what the Angels need and could have used against the Yankees.
The Angels need a big name pitcher or 2, that is more important anyhow. And I would like to see Lackey back. If it were me, I would bring back Lackey and deal for Halladay. For Halladay, I would offer up Joe Saunders, Izzy and a minor league prospect or 2. Now that would be the kind of splash that you usually see on the east coast (like last year's Sabathia and Burnett splash).
Go Angels!
I think Figgins did great at 3rd defensively and leading off the team but now that hes gon the angels should consider to switch positions in where they move Kendry Morales to 3rd and hopefully go for a trade tha would bring Adrian Gonzales to cover the first base hes got a powerful swing can hit more tha 40 homeruns a season and also a great glove , i think Morales has tremendous power too and he become more versatil at the 3rd bag because of his great reflex and leg work , also Jeff Mathis should be the evreyday catcher as we saw in the post season he closed for the angels and option Napoli to a trade to bring A-Gon.


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Torani, the company that makes specialty syrups available at most coffee shops, has announced its newest flavor: Chicken 'n Waffles, which will be available in April.
"Torani Chicken n' Waffles syrup adds that 'is it chicken or is it waffles' allure to cocktails, lattes, sauces, and any deserving recipe. Just add 1/2 – 1 oz. of syrup to any 6-8 oz. beverage, and sandwich your taste buds in history's stickiest love affair," the description said.
Though most latte-drinkers prefer sweet tastes like vanilla and caramel, Torani has ventured into unusual flavors and even offers a savory bacon syrup.
"Chicken 'n Waffles is the perfect follow up to bacon," said Julie Firestone Garlikov in a company release. "Chicken and Waffles are a comfort food classic, combining the crispy vanilla deliciousness of a waffle with the salty and greasy notes of fried chicken and that lovely end note of sweet maple syrup."

subset: commoncrawl


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Bachelors Degree Nursing
Why Major in Nursing?
There are many nursing career opportunities for nurses with experience and a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Earn a college nursing degree and a field that traditionally has provided a number of nursing career opportunities. The demand for college graduates with a nursing degree is growing at an unprecedented rate in Michigan and Nationwide.
Driven by technological developments, rapid advancements in disease prevention and health promotion, increased public awareness of health concerns, and a booming, aging population, a college nursing degree such as a bachelors degree in nursing offers college nursing graduates a wide variety of health care job openings, ranging from traditional nursing degree positions involving patient care to executive and professional positions with a nursing degree in health care administration.
Advance Your Career with a Nursing Degree
College nursing degree students with an Associate Degree in Nursing and Registered Nurse licensure can earn a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN nursing degree) at Ferris State on a part-time basis at any of our Michigan nursing college campus locations or at selected nursing college sites across the state of Michigan, or full-time on campus. The bachelor degree nursing program builds upon your prior learning and reduces unnecessary repetition to minimize your investment of time and money. Designed expressly for an associate degree in nursing and registered nurses seeking to earn a bachelors degree in nursing as so many nursing students further their educational growth and development, college nursing degree classes are scheduled for evening and weekends or nursing degree courses held online (or a mixture of classroom and online time) - all to accommodate the busy lives of working adults.
The Ferris State University Bachelor of Science nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission NLNAC).
College Nursing Degree Graduates Get Great Jobs
The Ferris State bachelor of science nursing degree program equips students that major in nursing with the theory-based knowledge and skills to work in many of the new and expanding fields of healthcare and nursing. It increases your understanding of illness prevention, health promotion and maintenance, counseling and health care education and rehabilitative services.
College students in our leading nursing degree program will acquire the nursing skills and the self-assurance that will qualify nursing graduates for diverse nursing career opportunities when they graduate the college nursing degree program at Ferris State. Students of the bachelor of science nursing degree program, will be prepared to lead nursing and health care teams, coordinate and plan nursing care for a variety of clients, collaborate with other health professionals, and make confident, independent nursing professional decisions.
Nurses with bachelor of science nursing degrees typically earn higher salaries than bedside nurses when the students with a bachelor of science nursing degree assume roles in management and community health settings. Advanced practice nurses, with college education levels beyond the bachelor of science nursing degree can earn salaries ranging from $55,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on the nursing specialty and location of employment.
Bachelor's Degree Nursing Admission Requirements
To be eligible for our Nursing Degree Michigan College degree program you must have a Michigan registered nurse license, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the basic college nursing courses (Associates Degree Nursing ADN or a Associate Degree Nursing ADN Diploma), and in each of the biological and physical sciences. A completed application, copy of the registered nursing license and official transcripts from other institutions are all that is required for the nursing degree application process.
College Nursing Degree Graduation Requirements
Graduation from the college nursing degree program at Ferris State, requires a minimum of 2.0 GPA. College Nursing students must earn a grade of "C" or better in a nursing major and core nursing major courses and meet all the general education requirements as outlined on the nursing degree general education website.
If you would like more information on College Nursing Degree Programs at Ferris State University call (231) 591-2000.
About Ferris State University: College classes including our nursing degree program, are taught at all levels by professional teachers, not graduate assistants. College students that major in nursing at Ferris State University, study in many different college educational nursing programs including bs degree nursing, rn degree nursing, rn to bsn nursing degree program, bachelors degree nursing and associate degree nursing, asn degree nursing programs.
Ferris State University offers a wide variety of scholarships and financial aid. A majority of our students receive financial aid assistance. We encourage you to explore this website for more information on available scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Ferris State University. Ferris State provides all enrolled students access to a variety of academic skill-building opportunities that will assist them in their pursuit of academic excellence in a format that accommodates various learning preferences and schedules. At FSU students experience small classes with individual attention in 170 career-oriented majors leading to job placement for our graduates. FSU students also enjoy 220 student organizations for fun in a relaxed, hometown setting in the heart of Michigan's recreation area.
The group presentation, by one of our admissions recruiters, includes information on academic offerings, scholarships, housing, student life, and costs. A question and answer period follows the presentation and includes a few surprises! Lunch is provided at one of our well known dining facilities on campus. After lunch, guests may take part in a walking tour of campus led by one of our exceptional student guides. The walking tour takes approximately 1 hour.
If you would like more information on Nursing Degree or would like to talk with or visit our campus in Big Rapids, Michigan contact us.
To Learn More About Ferris State University click here for the Mission Statement.


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Accessories Collection
Dress it up with our Modus Vivendi accessories! A wide collection of towels, mini towels, pareos, sock garters / suspenders, cookwear, snood, cock ring, designed whip and apron. New additions in our collection with socks, gym socks, long socks, c-through socks, men tights, belts, scarfs and sleeved scarfs or boleros.


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Alice Schroeder
Photo: © Marion Ettlinger
About the Author
Alice Schroeder was a noted insurance industry analyst and writer who was a managing director at Morgan Stanley. She first met Warren Buffett when she published research on Berkshire Hathaway; her grasp of the subject and insight so impressed him that he offered her access to his files and to himself. Their friendship and mutual respect made her ideally positioned to write The Snowball. Schroeder was born in Texas, and she earned an undergraduate degree and an MBA at the University of Texas at Austin before moving east to work in finance. She is a former CPA and lives in Connecticut with her husband.


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The Collective
>> Thursday, January 21, 2016
It is one thing to start off the new year striving to be better and hoping for a better year than the year past. It is another event when groups of people are hoping for a better new year than the last. But this year it seems the masses are looking forward to 2016, which infers that so many people were looking for a do over because 2015 may have not lived up to expectations. I know for me I am more spurred on when "the collective" has the same goal and hopes as I do. I sense this togetherness that keeps me motivated. Now I have a new home and a new job from the indirect encouragement and examples of others. Mostly my relationship is not bogged down by worries but we have been more free to laugh as a result of hearing other contagiously happy couples. There is something to this collectivist mentality thing. It has its perks.


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We constantly seek for new talents and to attract high potentials from every background or culture.
If you join us, we will offer you experiences and opportunities to develop your strong potential and engineering skills, we will involve you into projects because, at ST, we consider it to be the best strategy to face our challenges of today and tomorrow.
That is why at STMicroelectronics we have developed relationships with campus throughout the world and regularly look for a large number of interns and thesis in all regions and all functions through ST.


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Animal Health Technician
Subject: Fully funded - International Training Course for Import & Export Agricultural Products Inspection and Quarantine Technicians
Dear Colleagues
The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries received an invitation to participate in a Training Course for Import & Export Agricultural Products Inspection and Quarantine Technicians of the Countries along "21st-Century Maritime Silk Road" of 2016. The training is offered by the Ministry of Agriculture in the People's Republic of China and it will take place on 11 November to 8 December 2016 2016 at Jiangsu Inspection and Quarantine Institute of Quality (JSIQ).
We humbly request you to nominate eligible participants to participate in this training course. (Please note the final approval to travel to China will be done by the Embassy). The deadline for submission of completed application forms is on or before 29 July 2016. Thisis a fully funded training programme the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China pays for: round trip air tickets, accommodation, transportation, meals and an allowance. The participant will be responsible for the medical examination, visa and transport to and from OR Tambo International airport from their respective companies.
Completed application forms and attachments should reach Mr Nakiseni Ndivheni on/or before 29 July 2016.
20 Beatrix Rd (V block Ground Floor 11)
Tel: 012 319 7159
Fax: 012 319 6851
With the following information:
1 . Passport copy and/or ID Copy
2 . Completed application form
4. Detailed CV.
For further information please call Ms Jacky Smit - Project Manager on 012 319 7019 or 083 642 6136.
Kindest regards,
Jacky Smit
Assistant Director
Directorate: Sector Education and Training
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Cell: 083 642 6136
Tel: 012 319 7019
Fax: 012 319 6851
Web: www.daff.gov.za
A. Proposed Election programme 2016
Dear Colleagues,
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced the Development Scholarships hosted by the New Zealand government. This scholarship target countries in Africa with the opportunity to undertake studies at tertiary education institutions in New Zealand. The Scholarship scheme is a central part of the New Zealand Government's development assistance to Africa and aims to straighten sustainable economic development in Africa by contributing to human resource, particularly in Agricultural and Renewable Energy. New Zealand target applicants from developing countries who are motivated to make a difference at home.
The department hereby invites eligible individuals to apply for Master of Science (M.Sc.) in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. The scholarship is open only for South African citizens who wish to further their studies
The closing date for applications is 11 April 2016.
The application process is open and competitive, providing equal opportunity regardless of gender ,ethnicity or disability.
Summer Equine Clinical Externship Lyon 2017 (France) / One year Clinical Externship in Equine Health 2017-2018
Please find attached, for diffusion to your students or to whom it may concern, two different Equine Clinical Programs :
1. Summer Equine Clinical Externship Lyon 2017
2. One Year Clinical Externship in Equine Health 2017
Catherine Barbet
Bureau des Relations Internationales / International Relations Office
Chargée Relations Internationales / International Relations officer
1, avenue Bourgelat
F- 69280 Marcy l'Etoile
Catherine BARBET
Tel : + 33 (0) 4 78 87 25 13
Fax : + 33 (0) 4 78 87 27 81


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by James Thurber ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
For Thurber devotees — not of his peculiar brand of humor, but of his equally personal brand of fantasy. This is a fable — a fairy tale of medieval days and doings, of the white deer who became a Princess and was courted by three sons of King Clode — and who, to determine the winner of her hand, sent each on a perilous labor. And it is Jorn, the youngest, and the one who loved her truly, who succeeds.
Pub Date: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Harcourt, Brace
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1946
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by Brit Bennett ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 2, 2020
Inseparable identical twin sisters ditch home together, and then one decides to vanish.
The talented Bennett fuels her fiction with secrets—first in her lauded debut, The Mothers (2016), and now in the assured and magnetic story of the Vignes sisters, light-skinned women parked on opposite sides of the color line. Desiree, the "fidgety twin," and Stella, "a smart, careful girl," make their break from stultifying rural Mallard, Louisiana, becoming 16-year-old runaways in 1954 New Orleans. The novel opens 14 years later as Desiree, fleeing a violent marriage in D.C., returns home with a different relative: her 8-year-old daughter, Jude. The gossips are agog: "In Mallard, nobody married dark....Marrying a dark man and dragging his blueblack child all over town was one step too far." Desiree's decision seals Jude's misery in this "colorstruck" place and propels a new generation of flight: Jude escapes on a track scholarship to UCLA. Tending bar as a side job in Beverly Hills, she catches a glimpse of her mother's doppelgänger. Stella, ensconced in white society, is shedding her fur coat. Jude, so black that strangers routinely stare, is unrecognizable to her aunt. All this is expertly paced, unfurling before the book is half finished; a reader can guess what is coming. Bennett is deeply engaged in the unknowability of other people and the scourge of colorism. The scene in which Stella adopts her white persona is a tour de force of doubling and confusion. It calls up Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, the book's 50-year-old antecedent. Bennett's novel plays with its characters' nagging feelings of being incomplete—for the twins without each other; for Jude's boyfriend, Reese, who is trans and seeks surgery; for their friend Barry, who performs in drag as Bianca. Bennett keeps all these plot threads thrumming and her social commentary crisp. In the second half, Jude spars with her cousin Kennedy, Stella's daughter, a spoiled actress.Kin "[find] each other's lives inscrutable" in this rich, sharp story about the way identity is formed.
Pub Date: June 2, 2020
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Riverhead
Review Posted Online: March 15, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2020
Categories: LITERARY FICTION | GENERAL FICTION
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by Brit Bennett
More About This Book
by Nicholas Sparks ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 19, 2000
High-stakes weepmeister Sparks (A Walk to Remember, 1999, etc.) opts for a happy ending his fourth time out. His writing has improved—though it's still the equivalent of paint-by-numbers—and he makes use this time of at least a vestige of credible psychology.
That vestige involves the deep dark secret—it has something to do with his father's death when son Taylor was nine—that haunts kind, good 36-year-old local contractor Taylor McAden and makes him withdraw from relationships whenever they start getting serious enough to maybe get permanent. He's done this twice before, and now he does it again with pretty and sweet single mother Denise Holton, age 29, who's moved from Atlanta to Taylor's town of Edenton, North Carolina, in order to devote her time more fully to training her four-year-old son Kyle to overcome the peculiar impediment he has that keeps him from achieving normal language acquisition. Okay? When Denise has a car accident in a bad storm, she's rescued by volunteer fireman Taylor—who also rescues little Kyle after he wanders away from his injured mom in the storm. Love blooms in the weeks that follow—until Taylor suddenly begins putting on the brakes. What is it that holds him back, when there just isn't any question but that he loves Denise and vice versa-not to mention that he's "great" with Kyle, just like a father? It will require a couple of near-death experiences (as fireman Taylor bravely risks his life to save others); emotional steadiness from the intelligent, good, true Denise; and the terrible death of a dear and devoted friend before Taylor will come to the point at last of confiding to Denise the terrible memory of how his father died—and the guilt that's been its legacy to Taylor. The psychological dam broken, love will at last be able to flow.More Hallmarkiana, from a shameless expert in the genre.
Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2000
Page Count: 352
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 20, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2000
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text:
This site has been shut down for selling counterfeit P90X® and INSANITY®
products and for infringing Beachbody's Intellectual Property rights.
Beware of websites offering "cheap," "discount," or "free" DVDs and
downloads. Consumers have reported these sites as carrying viruses and
malware that have erased their hard drives or stolen their identities.
Genuine Beachbody products — including P90X®, INSANITY®,
Brazil Butt Lift® and 10 Minute Trainer® — each come with a
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Click here to visit the official Beachbody website.
Beachbody brand logos – p90x, Insanity, Brazil Butt Lift, The Asylum, TurboFire, TurboJam, Les Mills Combat, Les Mills Pump and more


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1700 W. Whitner St.
Anderson, SC 29624
Attaway, Inc. has the distinction of being one of the largest privately owned manufacturers/distributors of business documents and related products in the Southeast. Although our customer base spans across fourteen states, the majority of our customers are right here in the Upstate of South Carolina. While our customers are very diverse, we primarily cater to the financial, medical, educational, and manufacturing industries. In addition to our printing services, we provide complete inventoried warehousing, pick and pack programs, product distribution, and mailing services. Since our incorporation in 1967, we have grown from a small office and three employees to a 25,000 square foot facility and twenty-five employees. Through our efforts to provide superior customer service, in addition to a quality product, Attaway, Inc. has become a leader in the document management industry.
Contact us today for more information.


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- This event has passed.
Tai Chi
December 10, 2019 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 5:30pm on Tuesday, repeating indefinitely
Tai Chi classes are run every Tuesday from 5.30pm – 8.00pm in the main hall.
New memebers are very welcome, just turn up.
For more details contact Grace Windle on 0114 285 1271


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For many women life, nowadays, is dominated by having fun, being yourself, and taking good care of you. A satisfied sex life is a very important part of this and the Celebrator offers you the possibility to enjoy this to the maximum!
On this site you will find information about the Celebrator; what it is, how it works and how it has been developed. You can also place an order online and/or you can let your girlfriends know about the Celebrator.
Have fun reading!
Click here for Australia / New Zealand orders or information
Your order will be shipped discreetly
© Celebrator Nest Company BV 2005 - 2010 - Images by Jacqueline van Leeuwenstein - Website by InterXL
The Celebrator has been protected and can not be copied in any possible way. You can find name protection (no. 1079703), idepot (no. 1992), model protection (no. 81705-01) and patent protection (no. 1023491) on the websites of the concerning agencies. If necessary we will use all possible ways to protect our product against any form of plagiarism.


text: Hello, As the title says this is my typical 1st post as I'm a new member. I just got my first BMW and for me it was a given to join BMW CCA. Long story short, I've always loved cars and I've always liked and respected BMW's. Then two years ago I heard about the Ultimate Test Drive event and decided to check it out. Well once I got about 5 ft in the 335i at the event I was instantly in love! Since then I'd been planning to get a 335 of some sort and then fortune smile upon me as I recieved a 60% raise and promotion at work and then along came great deals on M3's and I figured I'd check it out and see if it was do-able for my finance. Well after 2 months of working with the salesman on the price I finally have an 08 E92 M3 in Interlagos Blue. Below are some pics taken locally day after I picked it up. Let me know what you think!


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Relationships with
Photo Credit: Lucy Lawless' picture is courtesy of NNDB. Photographic illustrations of Lucy Lawless are copyright © by their respective holders. The images are published with permission or as allowed by the copyright law's fair use or quotation provisions. If any copyright holder objects to an image being included, please notify us and it will be removed immediately.
Disclaimer: This information about Lucy Lawless is derived from astrological interpretation of Lucy Lawless' date, time, and place of birth.


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Tag Archives: bottleneck cafe
CEDRIC BURNSIDE Benton County Relic
Born in Arkansas in 1915 Sister Rosetta Tharpe influenced Rock and Popular music more then most people know. A young Little Richard got his start by opening for her before anybody knew who he was. Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan all cite Sister Rosetta as a major influence, and during her heyday she performed for stadium sized crowds all over the world. In short, Sister Rosetta was a rockstar before Rock n' Roll even existed.
Soul Jazz Records
For fans of James Brown, Irma Thomas, Tina Turner, and The Meters
When you think of the greatest Soul singers of all time you probably don't think of the name Betty Harris. Despite being as talented as superstars like Tina Turner and Etta James, Ms. Harris isn't a household name. During the 1960's she only released a handful of singles and only a few of those became hits. She then retired in 1970 to focus on her family. While her music has become very popular among Soul record collectors and aficionados over the years, it has never reached a mass audience. Fortunately the good folks at Soul Jazz Records are trying to change that with their recent release, BETTY HARRIS: THE LOST QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS SOUL!
Born in Orlando FL, in 1941 (or possibly 1939) Ms. Harris started out singing gospel music when she was very young. Part of a very religious family, Harris wasn't allowed to sing secular music while under her parent's roof. She left home in her late teens to perform Blues and Soul music in California. After several years on the West Coast she moved to New York City where she hooked up with songwriter/producer Bert Berns. In 1963 she recorded her first hit, "Cry To Me", a slow rendition of a tune singer Solomon Burke had recorded a year earlier. The song became a big hit for Harris and actually surpassed Burke's original recording on the national charts! The success of "Cry To Me" inspired a few more releases from the Berns/Harris team including a fiery number called "Mo Jo Hannah". Unfortunately none of these other recordings because hits and Burns and Harris went their separate ways.
Shortly after her relationship with Burt Berns ended Harris met master Musican/Songwriter Allen Toussaint and began recording for his New Orleans based record label Sansu. Even though only one of the singles she recorded for Sansu charted nationally, the recordings she made while at the label are classic and make up the material on BETTY HARRIS: THE LOST QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS SOUL. The music on this compilation is all killer-no-filler and ranges from classic R&B to HARD FUNK ! Songs like "There's A Break In Every Road" and "12 Red Roses" are so funky you can smell 'em and the balled "Lonely Hearts" is greasier then a plate of food from a Louisiana Bayou Fish Fry! While it's Harris' larger-then-life vocals that command the most attention on these songs we must also note that the backing band is made up of some of New Orleans' finest musicians, including the legendary Funk group, The Meters. Like the Funk Brothers at Motown or Booker T. & The MG's at STAX, The Meters are as important to the recording as the artist they are supporting. Finally, we must acknowledge that none of these recordings would've been possible without master musician/producer Allen Toussiant behind the board. Not only do his talents as a producer take these recordings to another level, he also wrote all of these songs!
BETTY HARRIS: THE LOST QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS SOUL is an excellent compilation of Harris' Sansu recordings. Even though there are other compilations that go a bit deeper into her career this one hits all the main points and is a must have for FUNK loving fans.
THE ROLLING STOMES BLUE AND LONESOME (Universal Records)
For fans of Muddy Waters, B.B. King,
Of all the blues influenced rock bands to come out of England during the 1960's, few perform American Blues music with the same authenticity as The Rolling Stones. Ever since the band's early days when singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards bonded over their love for Blues artists like Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley, the Blues have been a big part of the band's sound. On their first visit to the states in 1964 they included a trip to Chess Records in Chicago to record where their Blues heroes had recorded. They've introduced Blues artists to a whole new audience by taking them on tour and donated to Blues museums. They've even picked up the tab for the funeral expenses of Blues musicians when the musician's family couldn't afford it. Now for their most recent release the band has decided to release a whole album paying tribute to their Blues heroes. Entitled Blue and Lonesome, this record shows that even after decades of sold out tours and millions of records sold they really are just a bunch of guys that want to play the Blues.
The recent formula of an artist recording a "Blues Tribute album" when they're unable to come up with new original material is a tired one, but here The Stones actually deliver! The band performs the songs on BLUE AND LONESOME (universal records) with a swagger that has long separated them from other Blues-based rock bands. The record kicks off with a cover of Little Walter's "Just A Fool". For those that are unaware Little Walter Jacobs was THE harmonica player on the Chicago Blues scene during the 1950's and has even been called "The Jimi Hendrix of Harmonica". While trying to match the exact sound and power of Little Walter's playing is impossible, Mick Jagger gets a lot closer then you'd think. His own harp playing isn't as flashy as Walter's but it more than gets the point across.
Another stand-out track is the slow Blues "Little Rain". Again The Stones come up big with their rendition of this lesser known Jimmy Reed tune. Playing slower tunes like this without losing the plot is usually tough on drummers. Fortunately for the Stones they have Charlie Watts behind the drums to keep them in-check. His laid-back drumming style perfectly fits this style of music by allowing the songs room to breath but without letting the bottom fallout. Such is the same with the rest of the Stones on this record. "Less is more" is the name of the game with this band and even when Eric Clapton joins the party on "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "Everybody Knows About My Good Thing" the focus is always on playing what's best for the song.
Bottom line is BLUE AND LONESOME is an excellent record that shows us the Stones are still just a bunch of music fans trying to turn people on to the Blues.
LABEL: Blackball Universe
For fans of Fishbone, Tom Waits, Funkadelic, Junior Kimbrough
For those of you who believe there is no more good new music being released these days, I invite you to listen to the new album, THE LAST DAYS OF OAKLAND, from multi-instrumentalist Fantastic Negrito. Born Xavier Dphrepaulezz, and raised in a strict and religious household, the man now known as Fantastic Negrito is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the Bay Area music scene in a long time. He moved to Oakland when he was 12 years old and immediately immersed himself in the wide variety of music styles that make up the Bay Area music scene. This explains to us why Dphrepaulezz's own musical style really can't be described as one genre. Elements of Funk, Soul, Gospel, Folk, and Blues make up the songs on THE LAST DAYS OF OAKLAND, and much like the city the album is named after, the music on the album is wonderful blend of styles and culture.
While this might be the first release for "Fantastic Negrito" it's not the first release for Xavier Dphrepaulezz. In the early 90's Dphrepaulezz was living in Los Angeles and briefly signed to Interscope Records and released one album. The album failed to satisfy the powers that be at Interscope and he was released from the label. Frustrated he actually gave up music. He then was involved in a terrible car accident which left him bedridden for several months. He returned to Oakland and several years later after the birth of his son the creative juices started to flow again and "Fantastic Negrito" was born. Then last year after many gigs around the Bay Area, Fantastic Negrito finally drew some well-deserved national attention last year when he won NPR's Tiny Desk contest. Now hopefully the publicity he got from NPR will translate into record and ticket sales for Fantastic Negrito, as he is a musician that deserves to be heard by the masses.
The music on THE LAST DAYS OF OAKLAND takes the listener on a journey through the history of American roots music. The haunting Blues-Gospel tune "In The Pines" is a song that dates back to the late 1800's and has been covered by everyone from Leadbelly to Nirvana. Here the song is given new life by Fantastic Negrito who recently released an accompanying video to the song that talks about the impact of gun violence in America today. Another one of my favorite tunes on the record is "Lost In The Crowd". Originally released on his Deluxe LP in 2015 Fantastic Negrito commands your attention while he screams and shouts through this bluesy-rocker. A word also must be mentioned about the album's cover art. The cover art features a character sitting a top a street sign that marks the location of Saint Andrews Plaza in West Oakland. Behind them is a beautiful drawing of the City of Oakland and a sunset. It might not be as important as the music on the record but the cover art truly makes this album a complete work of art. For fans who like something a little different or are fans of artists like Tom Waits, Fishbone, and Funkadelic, THE LAST DAYS OF OAKLAND is a must have.
WILLIAM BELL: THIS IS WHERE I LIVE Stax Records/Concord Music Group
Singer William Bell is a national treasure. Besides being one of the few artists still performing today that was with STAX Records in the early 60's, he also is one of the few artists still performing classic Southern Soul. His new album THIS IS WHERE I LIVE (Stax/Conord) finds the singer in fine form performing simple but well-crafted songs that draw from a variety of influences. The up-beat "Poison In The Well" could easily be a gospel song if the lyrics were slightly different and the slow-funky groove of "The Three Of Me" calls to mind the sound of urban-funksters The Impressions. The Blues are here too. While the decision to do a updated rendition of his Blues classic "Born Under A Bad Sign" could've been a mistake Bell and the band actually deliver! The song is given a complete make-over and is a bit darker sounding then the original. This is a real treat considering that most of the time when artists decide to cover their own music or "update" one of their classics it usually ends up being a step backwards for the song and the artist. Without a doubt, THIS IS WHERE I LIVE is a very welcome addition to William Bell's already impressive catalog.
William Bell started out performing in the late 50's as part of the vocal group The Del-Rios. After a releasing a few singles with the group that failed to catch any major attention, Bell decided to go solo and signed STAX Records in the fall of 1961. His first single for STAX was the gospel-flavored balled "You Don't Miss Your Water (Until Your Well Runs Dry)". Released in 1961 the song turned out to be a hit and his career at STAX was off and running. He released various singles for STAX through out the 60's finding major success again in 1967 when he co-wrote the Blues classic "Born Under A Bad Sigh" for label-mate Albert King. The song was not only a hit for King but it also became a crossover hit when it was recorded by the rock band Cream in 1968. Also in 1967 Bell released his first full-legenth album for STAX, THE SOUL OF A BELL. The album was very successful and yielded the hits "Everybody Loves A Winer" and "Never Like This Before". Bell's success continued in 1968 when he released the very popular single "I Forgot To Be Your Lover".
Bell stayed with STAX until 1975 when the label officially closed it's doors. STAX Records still exists today but as a brand only. After STAX, Bell went to Mercury Records and scored another hit "Trying To Love You Two". He continued to release music and perform throughout the 80's and 90's but never regained the success he had with STAX durning the 1960's and 70's. Still all that being said, his voice has never left him and along with Booker T., Steve Cropper, and Mavis Staples he continues to introduce new audiences to the sound of sweet southern soul music.
REAL FOLK BLUES! The George Mitchell Recordings
There was a time when all an artist would need to make a good recording was their instrument, a microphone, and a tape recorder. In fact, some of the greatest and most influential recordings of our time were made in rural areas in the back of small country stores or small cabins on equipment that was powered a car battery. Known as "field recordings", these recordings were usually done by folklorists determined on documenting maters of American Roots music in a natural setting.
Personally, some of my favorite field recordings where done by music historian George Mitchell. Born in Coral Gables, Florida and raised in Athens, Georgia, Mr. Mitchell has recorded hundreds of hours of music, mostly by musicians who would've never been heard outside of their living room if it weren't for him. He was the first to record Hill-Country Blues guitarist R.L. Burnside in 1967 in Mississippi, a recording session that yielded some the most heart-felt acoustic Blues ever recorded. He also was responsible for some excellent late-in-career recordings of Blues legends Fred McDowell and Furry Lewis.
In 2008 Fat Possum records complied a large number of George Mitchell's recordings for a massive 7-disc box-set simply titled "The George Mitchell Recordings Vol. 1-45". While the amount of music in this collection may have been perfect for the Blues connoisseur wanting to get completely stuffed on Mitchell's field recordings, the collection lacked a certain intimacy you get when you focus on just one single artist's session. Thankfully, the good people at Fat Possum/Big Legal Mess Records realize this and over the years have released entire sessions from individual artists recorded by George Mitchell. Below are some of my very favorites… No studio tricks, no auto-tune, just a musician and their music.
R.L. Burnside First Recordings Recorded in 1968
A popular style of Blues played by musicians from Northern Mississippi, "Hill Country Blues" focuses more on creating a hypnotic rhythm and less on following a specific chord progression. While musicians such as Otha Turner, Jesse Mae Hemphill and Mississippi Fred McDowell (actually from Tennessee) are masters of this style, the two best known Hill Country Blues musicians are Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside. Both Kimbrough and Burnside made their first recordings in the 1960's with the latter recording for George Mitchell in 1968.
George Mitchell first caught wind of R.L. Burnside while recording another Hill Country Blues master, Otha Turner. It was Turner who suggested to Mitchell that if he wanted to hear someone who could REALLY PLAY, he should check out his neighbor R.L. Burnside. Although both Turner and Burnside where unknown to the outside world at the time they were very popular in their respective communities and masters of the their instrument.
During his session for Mitchell, Burnside performed excellent versions of Hill Country standards, "Poor Black Mattie", "Goin' Down South" and "Rollin' and Tumblin". He also played a slow eerie-blues entitled "Just Like A Bird Without A Feather", which is the best track on this wonderful album.
JOE CALLICOT Ain't Gonna Lie To You Recorded in 1967
Recorded in 1967 and reminiscent of recordings by fellow guitarist Mississippi John Hurt, AIN'T GONNA LIE TO YOU is a mix of Blues standards and Gospel numbers. Also like Hurt, Joe's voice isn't the strongest in the world but yet it wonderfully complements his soft finger-picking guitar style. A perfect example of this is Joe's beautiful rendition of the Folk standard "Frankie and Albert". While Joe's career actually began in the 1920's and included recording sessions and performances outside of Mississippi he was never a household name and even gave up music in the 1940's. Fortunately for us he returned to recording after meeting George Mitchell in 1967.
J.W. WARREN Life Ain't Worth Livin' Recorded in 1981 & 1982
J.W. Warren was born in 1921 in Enterprise, Alabama. Like many of the musicians recorded by George Mitchell, Warren was a farmer who mostly performed just for friends at parties and in local juke joints. The recordings on LIFE AIN'T WORTH LIVIN' were done in Warren's own home in Alabama by Mitchell on September 15th, 1981 and in March 27th, 1982. Musically, Warren stuck mostly to traditional-sounding Country Blues. His powerful voice is best displayed on the tune "Hoboing Into Hollywood" and at times bares resemblance to the voice of Country Blues legend Bukka White. Also like White, J.W. Warren was a slide guitar player who's raw playing style helped him obtain local notoriety. He would scrap his jack-knife against the strings of his guitar to create the sound of a slide (documented here on the recording "My Mind Gets To Wandering"). Mostly a homebody, Warren never toured and rarely travelled out of his hometown. He lived out his final years at home in Ariton, AL, passing away on August 15th, 2003. Fortunately for us we can remember him through these excellent recordings.
LEON BRIDGES: Coming Home
LEON BRIDGES COMING HOME Columbia Records
For fans of: Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, The Temptations
Sounding like it was written and recorded in 1960, Leon Bridges' debut album COMING HOME might be one of 2015's best releases. Sometimes referred to as "Sam Cooke reincarnated", Leon Bridges didn't actually start listening to Sam Cooke's music until fairly recently. A fan of modern soul artists like Usher and Ginuwine it wasn't until someone compared one of his songs to the music of Cooke that Leon decided he needed to go back and listen to the classics. Inspired by the legendary soul artists he was discovering, Leon moved away from the electronic beats he was using to create songs and took a more organic approach to songwriting. After working up some new material Leon hit the Fort Worth music scene hard. Performing for anyone that would listen, his first real break in 2014 when he was approached by White Denim guitarist Austin Jenkins. Jenkins was so impressed with Leon's performance that he insisted the two of them make a record together. A few weeks later the the duo of Jenkins and Bridges were hard at work in the studio writing songs for what would become Leon's debut album. Now with a record to promote Leon will hit the road this summer playing shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Not bad for a kid from Fort Worth, Texas who just over a year ago was washing dishes and playing to a crowd of five people in a Texas dive bar.
Clocking in at just under 35 minutes COMING HOME is a breath of fresh air for today's soul music scene. The songs are simple, but well-crafted and the musicianship is solid but not ridged. If fact, part of the reason this album flows so well is because Leon and the band don't try to do too much. A perfect example of this is the blues-boogie track "Flowers". Here the band let's the groove do the talking as they swing hard over Leon's smooth vocals. In fact, Leon doesn't really scream or shout throughout the entire album. A self-proclaimed "smooth cat", he keeps things smooth and soulful, always serving the music and not over powering song. Another stand out track is the Motown-esq "Smooth Salin". An upbeat dance number, "Smooth Sailin" is stuck somewhere between early Marvin Gaye and Wilson Pickett. Again, Leon's vocals perfectly serve the song as they coast smoothly over the tune's driving back-beat. Definitely the album's most danceable number, this song is surely going to be a hit when performed live. Still, even though the music on COMING HOME is mostly upbeat, the album's finest moments are the slower gospel-soul tracks. The soul-gospel ballad, "River" is by far the the best song on the album. A beautiful song about life reflection and being honest with yourself, this song is a perfect way to close out the album. Reminiscent of Sam Cooke's "A Change Gonna Come", Leon Bridges' "River" is his defining moment.
All this being said, if there's one complaint I have about COMING HOME it's that sometimes Leon sounds a little too much like his influences. Songs like "Brown-Skin Girl" and "Twistin' and Groovin" sound almost like they could be Sam Cooke b-sides. While some might think that's not a bad problem to have, I personally feel that Leon's too talented to become a Sam Cooke cover act. Also, some of the videos that he's filmed for the album almost look like they could be part of a Sam Cooke or Otis Redding documentary. While I'm sure that his label has a lot to do with this, I think that Leon will really begin to shine when he finds his own sound. Think about it this way, artists like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke all started out trying to copy their influences. It was when they found their own voice that they became legendary artists and had successful careers. I'm suspect that in time Leon will find his too. It's obvious that this young man is incredibly talented and has the drive to really make a run at stardom. He's written an excellent album and released it at a time when soul music really needs someone like him. Here's hoping he stays the course and we hear about him for years to come.
New Music from Soul duo SAUN & STARR!
SAUN & STARR LOOK CLOSER Daptone Records
For Fans of: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Supremes, and Tina Turner
Both originally from New York's South Bronx, Saun and Starr have been part of the city's music scene pretty much their entire lives. Saun started out singing in church and local clubs before fronting her own band "Saundra & The Force". Starr also started out singing church before finding her way to performing on Broadway. While the ladies did cross paths at different times in their careers it wasn't until fate planted them both in a hard-working local wedding band (featuring a then unknown Sharon Jones) that they seriously started performing together. The group performed all over New York for most of the 90's but eventually each of the ladies left the group and went their own way. It wasn't until the release of Sharon Jones' fourth LP I Learned The Hard Way in 2008 that the trio of Sharon, Saun, and Starr would work together again. Originally only hired for one show as back up singers for Sharon, the duo of Saun and Starr took the whole group's performance to another level. Asked to join the band as "The Dapettes" the ladies quickly became an important part of the show. Now after seven years of performing behind Ms. Jones, the ladies are now stepping out on their own as "Saun & Starr" with their first full-length LP LOOK CLOSER.
Like many other Daptone releases the music on LOOK CLOSER was recorded in New York at Daptone's own "House of Soul" studios and was written and produced by members of the Dap-Kings. Even though the music on LOOK CLOSER isn't a huge leap from the music on a Sharon Jones album this record isn't just "a record by the ladies that backup Sharon". The performances here are really strong and the songs are well written. "Your Face Before My Eyes" is an up-tempo hard-soul scorcher, while tracks "Hot Shot" and "Big Wheel" both swing like something off a late 60's Motown record. Another stand-out track is the bouncy "Sunshine (You're Blowin My Cool)". Full of wonderful harmonies this song is definitely more soulful then anything you'll hear on today's Top 40 radio stations. A huge reason why the songs on LOOK CLOSER are so good is due to the vocal interplay between Saun & Starr. After logging thousands of miles with Sharon Jones these ladies definitely know what works and what doesn't. They switch effortlessly from sounding like one voice to taking turns leading the band. These ladies are true professionals and it's obvious that they're too talented to be confined to supporting roles.
In short, the debut album from Saun & Starr is a solid buy front to back. Here's hoping it brings them the attention they've worked so hard for and so rightly deserve.


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Get Out of Town: Rhinebeck, Red Hook, and Tivoli
View Hudson Bounty in a larger map
There is no lack of entertainment in and around Rhinebeck, the pretty little town about an hour and forty-five minutes north of New York. Between grand estates, lovely hikes, welness centers, Gehri-designed art performance center, and even a very cool art film theater, New Yorkers will find plenty to do during a weekend or day trip. But who really needs entertainment when there is so much to eat in Rhinebeck, Red Hook and Tivoli?
The area is not as easily reachable by public transportation as Hudson. Although there are a couple of daily buses servicing Rhinebeck from New York, you will probably need a car to fully enjoy the area. Rhinebeck, Red Hook and Tivoli are within 10 miles (10-20m) of each other, and while each has enough restaurants, farms and food establishments to satisfy a food lovers' curious appetite, a mix of the three might also be a good strategy during a weekend trip.
For breakfast, for example, there is no lack of great bread in the area. Bread Alone in Rhinebeck offers an amazing array of organic breads that might even distract you from the great brunch they serve in their café. Likewise at Tivoli Bread and Baking, a mighty little bakery in Tivoli, you'll find great breakfast treats and coffee; just beware of limited hours.
Lunch options are plentiful in the area and one of my favorites are Me-Oh-My Pies in Red Hook, where delightful owner Debra serves not only sweet pies but other pie-crust-embedded delights such as quiches and pot pies, in addition to panini, bruschettas, and cookies. Ask for a super thin cookie as a post-meal treat on your first visit! Down the street at Rusty's Farm Fresh Eatery you'll find an ambitious offering of burgers, hot dogs, panini and salads, sure to cater to every lunch whim.
For a farm-and-restaurant experience, head over to Gigi's Market and Café, located at Greig Farm off Route 9 just beyond Red Hook. At Gigi's you will be able to pack up sandwiches, salads, or one of their skizzas for a picnic to go (Bard College's Levy Institute lawn is my favorite picnicking spot). I am also partial to Gigi's lasagna, which I recommend if available at the counter. Besides Me-Oh-My pies and cookies, an afternoon sugar craving will be fully satisfied by the beautiful pastries and truffles at Calico Restaurant and Patisserie in Rhinebeck. They serve a beautiful array of French-style pastries as well as good old cupcakes and cookies.
The hardest part of a weekend trip to the Rhinebeck-Red Hook-Tivoli area is to choose a place to have dinner, for there are perhaps too many appealing dining options. For a Mediterranean-Hudson Valley experience, Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck and Mercato Osteria & Enoteca in Red Hook are two excellent fine dining, trattoria-style choices with great dinner scenes. Dinner reservations are probably a good idea.
Although I love both, my personal favorite is Madalin's Table over in Tivoli, where summer dinners on the restaurant-inn wrap-around porch are hopping with good cheer and beautiful light, not to mention great food that changes seasonally depending on the Hudson Valley's bounty. And if Madalin's closed, I have enjoyed many a meal of great tacos across the street at Santa Fe.
Finally, Rhinebeck has a great farmers' market on Sunday mornings, where food watching is as good as people watching. Two popular farms with chefs in the area also sell their products to the general public. Migliorelli Farm (whose products are also available in New York City) has a beautiful stand in Rhinebeck, just east of the Rhinebeck-Kingston Bridge. Northwind Farm seems to be listed as the purveyors of beef, pork, and poultry for many a fine dining spot in the region. Their products are also available at farmers' markets and by appointment in the farm.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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"Pluto's Newly Discovered Moons Get Official Names"
Andrew Fazekas
July 2nd, 2013
Back in February we told you about an online naming contest for Pluto's two newly discovered, smallest moons (P4 and P5). Now, nearly half million votes later, the moons have their official names.
Formally approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the governing body that officially names celestial objects, P4, which is 15 miles (20 kilometers) across, has been named Kerberos, after the three-headed dog of ancient Greek legend. P5, at 20 miles (30 kilometers) in diameter, will now be known as Styx, after the mythological river that leads to the realm of the dead.
The new cosmic recruits join the family Pluto's three other moons–Charon, Nix and Hydra–all named for characters associated with the Underworld of Greek and Roman mythology.
Both Kerberos and Styx were fist spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2011 and 2012, as part of a survey of the Pluto system in preparation for a NASA probe flying by the dwarf planet in 2015. The spacecraft, called New Horizon, is still 600 million miles (1 billion kilometers) from the icy planet. But when it arrives in the neighborhood New Horizon is expected to get up-close portraits of Pluto's recently discovered moons.
Vulcan Controversy?
This cosmic contest, which was started as a public educational initiative by the scientists who found these tiny moons, turned out to be quite popular worldwide. By the the time voting finished there were over 450,000 votes with front runners that included, other than the eventual winners, Persephone,Orpheus and the top vote getter – Vulcan.
However to the dismay of legions of Star Trek fans–and to the moons' discoverer–the name 'Vulcan' did not make the grade with professional astronomers . It had been proposed by actor William Shatner, a.k.a Captain James T. Kirk.
"The IAU gave serious consideration to this name, which happens to be shared by the Roman god of volcanoes,"read an official statement from the SETI Institute, which had sponsored the naming contest. "However, because that name has already been used in astronomy, and because the Roman god is not closely associated with Pluto, this proposal was rejected."
Within minutes of the announcement Shatner tweeted his disappointment.


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HOUSTON – The Houston Dynamo hope to start work on their new soccer-specific stadium by the end of the year, AEG president Tim Leiweke said at a press conference on Tuesday.
"Tentatively we'll open the stadium sometime in the early part of the 2012 season, and our hope is the Dynamo will play all of their home games of the 2012 season at the new stadium," Leiweke told the assembled media.
The team envisions a 22,000-seat facility with club suites on a county-approved parcel of land in downtown Houston just east of Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. The Dynamo would share the new venue with Texas Southern University's football team.
The club hopes to utilize the already existing surface lots utilized by the Astros for parking and are hopeful that a METRO light rail expansion will put a stop at the stadium's north end. However, many of the ultimate design details will have to be ironed out over the next several months.
READ: Leiweke gives Dynamo green light to sign "significant" DP for 2012
"It is important that before we get to [naming rights], we get to a definition of what the stadium will be and what it will look like," said Leiweke. "Naming rights are critical because of the private commitment being made to the stadium project."
The city and county agreed in April to share the costs of infrastructure improvements to the stadium site and approved the stadium project. But an actual lease agreement with the Dynamo has yet to be finalized with the Harris County Sports Authority, which would serve as landlord over the stadium site.
Both Leiweke and Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti are very confident a deal can be been ironed out.
"Our discussions with the Sports Authority have progressed," Canetti said. "We still have some ways to go and we are still working on some of the financing pieces that are coming together, but we're confident that as those pieces come together, we're working on a parallel path on the development side."
WATCH: Full press conference, Aug. 24
Leiweke also announced that the club would not seek a senior executive to replace former president Oliver Luck, as Canetti will continue to run the team's business operations. Luck left the Dynamo in July to become athletic director at his alma mater, West Virginia University.
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or Comments can be sent via email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Forest Day has become something of a tradition at the annual UN climate change conference, the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP). Here at COP17 in Durban, Forest Day 5 was held on 4 December, bringing together over 1000 people who work on – and are passionate about – forestry issues, including more than 200 official climate change negotiators.
Forest Day is convened by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) on behalf of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), which unites 14 of the worlds most important organisations working on forest issues, and of which IUCN is a prominent member.
CIFOR's Director General, Frances Seymour, explains more about Forest Day and its significance, on the sidelines of the Durban conference.
The objectives of Forest Day are multiple, including the opportunity for forestry researchers and practitioners to share and learn on the most recent developments in their field; but has it also been strategically important to the consideration of forestry issues in the official climate change negotiations at the last four COPs?
Although only half way through COP17, Seymour considers the potential impact Forest Day 5 May have on this year's COP.
Despite announcing at Forest Day 5 that she will be steping down as Director General of CIFOR, she still plans to attend the next Forest Day, in 2012 at COP18 in Dubai. She explained what she hopes to see at Forest Day 6, when for the first time she will take part as a regular participant.