text:
Looking at the Cubs in red, white, and blue
It's May 26th. The Cubs are 21-22, 5 games out of first, looking lost. People are freaking out. Players are under-performing. While cautious people like me are saying things like "steady, steady" and "relax, guy" I'd have to be living in Dumb-ass Canyon to not recognize how bad the Cubs are right now.
Recently -- hell, a lot longer than that -- I've butted heads with cliff jumpers, ledge walkers, Cubbie Downers, and quitters. But I think that even those who get riled up by my rhetoric would agree with the following statements:
1. The Cubs are a mess and need some work.
2. If the Cubs players actively quit on the team right now, we'd all be furious.
3. If Jim Hendry started a fire sale right now it would be labeled "white flag" and he would be scorned for it.
So, if you would be disappointed with the team for quitting today, then you are a hypocrite if you also have quit already on this team. There's no denying it, there's no rhetoric to counter that, it's a simple fact. Since nobody wants to be called a hypocrite, then let's all agree that nobody in their right mind feels the season is lost on May 26th with the Cubs 5 games out of first place. And I'm sure that we're all in our right minds here. Therefore, let's work together to identify the team's weaknesses, needs, and flaws.
You must be wondering what it would take for me to give up on the Cubs. After all, I have lovingly bashed, trashed, and something-else-that-ends-in-ashed everybody who's displayed the appearance of surrender. I have two very simple Pre-September conditions for "giving up."
The team needs to be 10 games under .500 or 10 games out of a playoff spot.
Even then, we've seen evidence in the past of teams reaching those points and still making the post season, but the 2007 Cubs are an ideal example of why surrendering before the Cubs meet that criteria is just plain stoopid. In '07, on June 2nd the Cubs were 22-31, 9 games under .500 and 6 games in the loss column behind the 31-25 Milwaukee Brewers. Things looked hopeless, we were dejected and prepared to surrender ... and then they took off like a rocket ship. Just wanted to remind you.
Jim Hendry has some problems on his hands, and he needs to start making some calls. Let's outline the issues here...
Bullpen? What bullpen?
With all due respect to Dave Patton, Aaron Heilman, Kevin Gregg, and especially Neal Cotts, you guys suck. Fortunately, Hendry has options. Why he hasn't tried any of those options is beyond me.
First, cut Neal Cotts. The guy isn't a tin can, he's not a punching bag, he's a tin-can-shaped punching bag. He is the destroyer of worlds. He is not, however, a LOOGY. Never has been, never will be.
Second, send away Dave Patton. The experiment hasn't worked and this team isn't playing well enough to justify such an experiment regardless.
Third, turn Aaron Heilman into the long-reliever. He should not be pitching in close games either way. Fourth, demote Gregg to set-up, promote Marmol to close.
That gives the Cubs a bullpen of:
CL Marmol
SU Gregg
MR Guzman
MR Ascanio
LR Heilman
If the Cubs go with 6 men, I would probably convert Randy Wells to the bullpen at first chance (guy's a stud) and I would use Guzman as my LOOGY. Lefties are batting .226 against him. I've made this point before but I will make it again.
Conventional baseball wisdom dictates the following scenario: Team A's lefty walks up to the plate, Team B calls on a lefty pitcher. Team A responds by bringing in a righty batter. And so-on. If Guzman dominates lefty hitters -- as he does -- then it's a huge advantage for the Cubs to have him be their stealth LOOGY. Managers trapped in the conventional way of thinking would trot out lefty batter after lefty batter to burn Guzman, failing to understand that Guzman is like ice against lefties. He can't be burnt.
If the Cubs go with 7 men then I would promote one of the following to try out as a reliever: J.R. Mathes - he's a lefty with a 3.40 ERA in Iowa. His strikeout numbers aren't good, but he'd be worth trying. Greg Reinhard - he's a righty with a 2.22 ERA in Iowa. He has tallied 36 strikeouts in 28.1 innings of work. Jeff Stevens has a 1.74 ERA in 20.2 innings, although he's walking too many batters for my comfort.
If and when all of those guys fail, Hendry needs to swing a trade. Until then, he's got options.
Offensive druthers
A month ago, people were lamenting the slow start of the Questionable Quartet. In a scolding fashion I said "let's talk again at the end of May." Well...
Derrek Lee - He's batting .248 on the season with 5 homers, 19 RBI, and a .730 OPS. For whatever reason Lee is the poster child of the Cub player fans want gone. Back on April 30th, Lee was batting .189 with 1 homer, 10 RBI, and an OPS of .537. In May he's batting .333 with 4 homers, only 9 RBI, and an OPS 1.011. Can we agree that while his neck problem is a concern he's not washed up just yet?
Milton Bradley - He was 1 for his first 23 at bats. Since that time, he's missed games due to nagging injuries, a suspension, he's slammed umpires in the press (repeatedly) and he's getting on everybody's nerves. Actually I totally understand him. If you ever get a new job in which there are expectations, you will probably start out nervous and feeling terribly insecure. To me, that's exactly how he's acting right now ... insecure. But since his 1 for 23 start, he's batting .244 (not great, but not as ugly as it looks) and he's got 3 homeruns, 11 RBI, and an OPS of .719 in May. He has a ways to go but he's better than he's looked. I'm not worried, except for the injury concerns.
Geovany Soto - at the end of April he was batting .109 with an OPS of .398. In the month of May he's batted .288 with an OPS of .755. That's a big improvement. Again, he could do better but if he bats .288 from now until October, then he'd finish the year with an AVG of .266. Not heroic, but better than we've seen. The only concern I have about Soto is his lack of power but I think he'll come around.
Mike Fontenot - For a while there, he looked like he was going to turn it around. On May 3rd, he was batting .266 with 5 homeruns, 14 RBI, and an OPS of .853. Since then he's been in a horrible slump and he looks like he should be starting perhaps in Iowa. No excuses - Fontenot needs to wake up NOW or get out of the way for somebody who'll perform. Hendry needs to start looking for a new second baseman.
The Bench
The biggest complaint I had against the Cubs earlier this year was their poorly constructed support players. They were all outfield and no third base. Then, Aramis Ramirez got hurt. At the moment the bench consists of the following:
IF - Aaron Miles, Bobby Scales, Ryan Freel, Micah Hoffpauir
OF - Reed Johnson, Ryan Freel, Micah Hoffpauir
C - Three Finger Hill
I honestly don't have a big problem with any of these guys. Miles is not a fire-starter, but he's not supposed to be. Scales is a feel-good story who felt worse after an 0 for 10 drought. Freel is probably better than his .158 AVG as a Cub, although he may not have time to show it. And the Hoff looks like what he is... a backup with no real position and booming power.
The problem is that with Ramirez hurt, Fontenot lagging, and Lee unreliable -- not to mention Bradley's bouts with insanity -- the Cubs probably could use another bat to hold them over. They need a guy who can passably play third base until Ramirez gets back who can also beat the cover off the ball. They need a guy who can swing over to first base and cover for Derrek Lee on those pesky days when he needs a neckbrace. They need a guy who can swoop in and play right field for Milton Bradley when Don't Wake Daddy is having one of his "special moments."
They need Aubrey Huff.
Huff, who is in a contract year, is currently on pace to hit 25 homeruns and has an AVG of .267 and an OPS of .812. He is not great defensively but fangraphs has me thinking that he's not a black hole either.
Huff can play first base, where his UZR is below average but not beyond forgiveness. Huff can play third base, where his career UZR is terrible but was actually in the plus in 2008 and will probably be acceptable as a short-term solution. Huff can also play right field, although he hasn't since 2006, where he'd probably as servicable if he threw his glove at the ball as he would be if he tried to catch it. Still, he's another option.
A Recap
So, what do the Cubs need to do to fix their ship? Simple steps:
1. purge themselves of their bullpen problems, shuffle around those that remain, and try out a handful of in-house solutions
2. Trade for Aubrey Huff
3. Maybe re-shuffle the lineup a bit since it's obviously not working just now.
4. Wait.
5. Win.
With all due respect to the nay-sayers, I swear to you that this team isn't as bad as they look. There is no way they play as poorly as they have been for the rest of the year. It's impossible. Maybe they'll figure it out on their own, but a few kick-start moves wouldn't hurt either. That said, whether Hendry trades for another bat or not, the bullpen needs fixing. NOW.
And once that happens, maybe -- just maybe -- the Cubs will start to win again. Or maybe they'll lose every game the rest of this season. Either way.
Chad Gaudin was just that bad
The Cubs did the unthinkable today -- they cut Chad Gaudin.
It's actually not that surprising, and is only unthinkable in the sense that a year ago he was the "pitcher insurance" the team needed to take on Rich Harden. Since then he's gone on to become most notable for his facial hair, which is not what you want to be known for if you're a Major League pitcher. (Instead, you might want to be recognized for your amazing ability at getting players out.)
In cutting Gaudin, the Cubs have freed up room on their roster for Angel Guzman (who's pitched poorly, but Gaudin was just that bad) and Dave Patton (who was the Rule 5 pick and before this Spring had never tossed fastballs above A ball).
It kind of goes back to what I said in a post not too long ago. Youth can only get you so far. Gaudin is young enough to bounce back, but he wasn't talented enough to bounce back with the Cubs.
Not too long ago somebody requested that we do a Player Preview for Patton. Since he's team-bound, we'll be sure to provide you with one tomorrow ... which is opening day.
Schilling? Why?
You have to love baseball fans - and Cub fans are no exception. I think that if Hank Aaron announced tomorrow a desire to play for the Cubs, there would be fans out there who'd get excited and start talking about the possibility. It's just our nature. We like our players who have big names, be they 30 or 40, should they play a position of need or one of excess. And believe me -- the Cubs do not need Curt Schilling.
This isn't 1999, or 2002, or even 2006. The Cubs aren't a poorly assembled baseball team. Right now there are three extremely capable, undeniably qualified pitchers competing for the 5th spot in the rotation. One is a 1st round draft pick, one is a 25-year-old grizzly man with starting credibility, and the other is a lefty who's done everything the team has asked of him - and he's done it well.
But suddenly, a 42-year-old guy who hasn't pitched since 2007 rolls around, saying he's "20% committed to playing in 2009" - on March 1st! - and he lists the Cubs as one of two potential destinations, and next thing you know Cub fans are beside themselves. After all, this guy has 216 career wins. And a bloody sock! And multiple World Championship rings! Wowee!
Hey, do you know who else is available? There's this guy with 10 World Series wins and a World Series ERA of 2.71. He's got multiple rings and he's currently without a team. Granted, he hasn't played in a while and he's pretty old, but Whitey Ford has done it before, right? Surely he could do it again! Of course I'm being sarcastic, but Curt Schilling honestly isn't much better at this point.
But hey - if he wants to "consider it," I'd offer him this kind of deal: I'd let him train in the Arizona facilities into the season. I'd let him work his way back with the intent that he might be ready come late May or early June. And if June rolls around and the Cubs are doing fine - and all evidence points to this happening - then I'd release him and let him sign on with some other team elsewhere. But if June rolls around and the Cubs are battling injuries, or if one of their five starters is just not cutting it, then I'd work something out to allow Schilling to pitch. But the only way he makes any sense is if there are no obligations and no expectations. The guy is 42 years old, coming off an arm injury that he may or may not have kept hidden when signing his last contract, and he's a bit of a dick. Just because we also know his name does not mean we should want him to pitch in Chicago.
Stump for Nomah
A few years back, like a big idiot I proclaimed that the Cubs had acquired the second-best shortstop of the organization's history and nothing but good times and sunshine awaited us. Then the team imploded in September - completely missing the playoffs in the process - and, the following year, Nomar Garciaparra's groin tried to make a runner and left him incapacitated for the bulk of the '05 season.
Since Nomar left the Cubs, he's gone on to do ... eh, not a whole lot. What once looked like a Hall of Fame career quickly nose-dived into mediocrity, and at the age of 35 Nomar became a backup in the Dodgers clubhouse last year.
Now with just a few weeks to go before the hitters report to Spring Training, the Cubs remain deficient of a backup shortstop and Nomar remains without a job. Sounds to me like it's a match made in heaven. Garciaparra can be the go-to guy to spell Lee, Ramirez, and Theriot and become the team's top RH option off the bench.
The questions in this scenario are numerous, though. Would he take a backup role? Would he be capable of pinch hitting? Would he stay healthy even as a backup?
I obviously don't know the answer to any of those questions, but I'll acknowledge that Rich Aurilia wouldn't be a bad alternative option. He's still hitting the ball well at his late age and he's a career .278 batter as a pinch hitter. Thing is, I have a feeling that Aurilia is still holding out hopes to start next year while Nomar is on his last leg as a professional. It's just a thought, anyway, but I am the guy who used to think Nomar was The Next Ernie, and we all know how that bloody disaster turned out.
Update: Apparently Andy Dolan had the same idea back on the 2nd of Feb. In his own words, "I was just trying to throw Kurt Evans off the scent so he wouldn't steal this as a blog entry four days later. It didn't work."
Except I haven't been reading Desipio - or any blog - in a while, so this one can be filed under coincidence ... unless you're paranoid. A note to Andy: if I'm going to steal ideas from you, I'll at least make sure that they're good ones. Nomar to the Cubs would be fun, but not necessarily sensible.
Abreu to Chicago - 1 year, 8 million?
There's a huge difference between being offered a 1 year deal and accepting it, but Bobby Abreu just might be playing for the White Sox next year at a bargain. Word on the street is that Abreu has been offered a 1 year, 8 million dollar contract - and this comes on the heels that Adam Dunn might also be a one-year-wonder for that much money or less.
Having signed Milton Bradley to a 3 year deal which could pay as much as 10 million per year, the Cubs are now going to have to deal with being second-guessed for a while - especially if Bradley goes down in a flaming ball of torn ligaments and rage.
Realistically speaking, Bradley is the better defensive outfielder than Abreu even though Milton didn't spend a lot of time out there last year. He's also a superior offensive hitter than Abreu, who's been on the decline for the last four or five years. But the risks that accompany the Bradley signing are nowhere to be found with a guy like Abreu. And if Abreu signs a one year deal for less than what Bradley is earning, I'd have a lot of trouble disputing people who feel the Cubs got the short end of the free agency straw.
Lovely trades, wonderful trades
Jim Hendry must've had the trading itch the other day because he sure got busy with Rich Hill and Michael Wuertz. Hill landed in Baltimore for the infamous Player to be Named Later, while Wuertz settled into Oakland for a minor league infielder and outfielder. I'm more sorry to see Wuertz go than Hill, as Michael has been nothing but steady in the bullpen -- except for when his mechanics got screwed up and he was tipping his pitches.
Hey, with the free agent market looking this messy, maybe I'm wrong and Hendry will have a final move or two up his sleeve. He didn't budget for some of the players still available, but the players still available were expected to go for a lot more money. A late addition at this point has to be seen as possible.
Oh, and if I'm the Royals and I see the level of talent still available out there, I'm gritting my teeth and going into the red to bring those guys to K.C. After all, when will there be another free agent buffet like this one for so cheap?
The 25 Man Roster - how does it compare to last year?
As inspired by Rob's most recent post, I'm going to try to construct the 25-man roster that we'd be most likely to see in Game One of the season. A fun exercise would be to revisit this post then to see just how wrong I'll be because I'm sure I'll screw up at least three or four roster spots.
Starting Pitchers (5): Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden, Gaudin
Relief Pitchers (7): Cotts, Marshall, Wuertz, Vizcaino, Heilman, Gregg, Marmol
Catchers (2): Soto, Bako
Infielders (6): Lee, Fontenot, Theriot, Ramirez, Miles, Rivas
Outfielders (5): Soriano, Fukudome, Bradley, Johnson, Hoffpauir
The most debatable guesses - Gaudin as a starter, Rivas cracking the lineup as a backup middle infielder, and Hoffpauir being the 5th outfielder in front of Gathright. My reasoning is that the Cubs need Marshall in the pen, Gaudin is young enough to still find success as a starter, the Cubs really have no good alternatives for backup middle infielder (Bobby Scales?), and unless he flat-out reverts, Hoffpauir earned it last year.
Compare these guys with last year's team.
2008 Zambrano vs. 2009 Zambrano
Carlos was plagued with arm problems last year. It seems to be an issue with his mechanics, though, not with the actual condition of his ligaments and rotator cuff. He was hurt and examined often; we were told that there is no damage and his arm is in good shape, let's assume that he'll have a healthier '09. Advantage: 2009
2008 Ryan Dempster vs. 2009 Ryan Dempster
Dempster won 17 games in a walk year. He's been rewarded with a large contract and is now 5 years removed from Tommy John Surgery. I just can't imagine him having a year as good as last year, although he should hopefully remain reliable as a front-line starter - albiet one who you do not want to start the first game of a playoff series. Advantage: 2008
2008 Ted Lilly vs. 2009 Ted Lilly
Lilly had a painfully rough start last year and then managed to climb out of it and win 17 games. He very well might be capable of winning 17 more this year, and unless the Reds continue to give him trouble he should have a better ERA. But overall I doubt he'll be much better - or worse - than last year's performance. Advantage: Push
2008 Rich Harden/Sean Gallagher vs. 2009 Rich Harden/???
When Jim Hendry pulled the trigger last year for Harden, he was seen as either a genius or an idiot. The basic argument was that Billy Beane knows when to cut the chord on a player and Harden would be unlikely to stay healthy enough to help the Cubs. Well, he had a great 2008 - when he was healthy enough to pitch - but he enters '09 with a damaged wing and about a zero percent chance of staying healthy all year long. Advantage: 2008
2008 Jason Marquis vs. 2009 Chad Gaudin/Sean Marshall/anybody else who wings the job
I just can't see the Cubs missing Marquis. The only thing he really brought to the team was consistency - he didn't miss a start due to injury concerns. Colin liked to point out last year that Marquis was the 7th or 8th best starter on the Cubs and I agree with him. It'll be hard for the Cubs to do worse in terms of overall performance. Advantage: 2009
2008 bullpen vs. 2009 bullpen
It would be way too time consuming to do this arm by arm. The Cubs are better by subtraction. Bob Howry and Scott Eyre are gone, and while Cotts lingers the Cubs should have fewer blowout middle inning defeats. Vizcaino, Heilman (or Gaudin), and Gregg all have the ability to be very capable middle relievers, and it seems unlikely that the Cubs will have 8th inning problems either. Nobody here will have the flat-out dominance that Marmol exhibited, but you don't need that to be a good team with a good bullpen. Overall, Advantage: 2009
2008 Kerry Wood vs. 2009 Carlos Marmol
I like Kerry Wood as much as anybody but there are a few things I won't miss. I won't miss his regular injuries. I won't miss the concern that he'll walk into a game without his stuff. I also like Carlos Marmol as much as anybody but there are a few things that worry me. I won't forget how he spent a month missing the plate with regularity. I won't forget how concerned Larry and Lou would look if his first couple of pitches were balls. I also won't forget how flat-out dominating he can be. While Marmol scares me a little, I think it's hands-down Advantage: 2009
2008 Geo Soto vs. 2009 Geo Soto
Catching is a weird position because it beats the crap out of your body. Players like Carlton Fisk and Johnny Bench are miraculous because they remained consistently good hitters while taking years of physical abuse. Geovany Soto has the body of a catcher and he's at the age where hitters tend to get better. I don't know if he's going to hit the ball with more pop, or even as much, but I'd have to say that it's going to be Advantage: 2009
2008 Derrek Lee vs. 2009 Derrek Lee
Derrek showed decline last year and he did a few concerning things. He was a little too prone for errors at first. He hit into a ton of double plays. He still managed to put up good offensive numbers with fewer homeruns than we would've liked. He shouldn't have been a #3 hitter based on his production and he shouldn't be the #3 guy in '09 either. But will he be any worse in '09? Probably not. I think that if he is on a decline, it will be a slow one. Advantage: Push
2008 Mark DeRosa vs. 2009 Mike Fontenot
This is the fun debate. DeRosa had a career year. Actually, so did Fontenot. It's very unlikely that 2009 DeRosa will be as good as the '08 version; in fact it's very unlikely in my opinion that 2009 DeRosa will be as good as 2009 Fontenot. Then there are two other factors to consider - the balance lefty Mike brings to the lineup and the better defense he has at second base. It's a tough argument to make and I'm going a little bit on faith and assumption here, but at this point I'd argue Advantage: 2009
2008 Ryan Theriot vs. 2009 Ryan Theriot
He played over his head in '08 and probably put up the best numbers that he'll ever have. He's not going to be any better or worse defensively, he might get caught stealing fewer bases, but overall I'd expect somewhat declined production from the Quite Theriot in 2009. Advantage: 2008
2008 Aramis Ramirez vs. 2009 Aramis Ramriez
I don't think he's going to put up better or worse numbers. A-Ram is consistently good and he will probably demonstrate the same sort of offensive dominance that we've come to expect from our third baseman. Advantage: Push
2008 Alfonso Soriano vs. 2009 Alfonso Soriano
The one argument I will make is that Soriano just can't keep getting hurt every single year. And if he stays healthy, even if he doesn't hit as many homeruns per at bat, then the Cubs will benefit from his health this coming season. Advantage: 2009
2008 Jim Edmonds vs. 2009 Milton Bradley
I know that Bradley won't be playing the same position as Lassie did last year, but realistically Edmonds is who he will be replacing in 2009 in the lineup. While Jim Edmonds put up awesome production in his limited play time, he was defensively horrible and he actually wasn't that great of a hitter especially as the season rolled on. Bradley comes to Chicago with an injury risk and a possible attitude, but he's younger and can hit the crap out of the ball. Advantage: 2009
2008 Kosuke Fukudome vs. 2009 Kosuke Fukudome
I keep saying it and I'll say it again. In March when we tried to guess how he'd do, some of us came extremely close to his final offensive totals. We then said "cut him some slack because it's his first year and he'll do better in '09." Then we forgot our own words and now we worry that he's a bust. I don't think he will be. He's not going to hit .300 next year, or even .290, but Fukudome will have a better second year in Chicago. I'd bet on it. Advantage: 2009
2008 Bench vs. 2009 Bench
Last year's bench was bar none stronger. Granted, Pontoon Butt didn't hit the ball well, but the bench benefited from guys like Blanco, Fontenot, Reed Johnson, and Hoffpauir. I don't think the bench of 2009 will fail the Cubs, but I don't think they'll be as responsible for as many awesome moments. Advantage: 2008
Final Tally: 2008 4, 2009 9, 3 ties
I've made this point before too, but I like to repeat myself I like to repeat myself. (That was a joke.) We as Cub fans are so enamored by how we feel about DeRosa and Kerry Wood that we kind of aren't looking with clarity at how much better the team actually is. I imagine that a lot of Cub fans would argue that this off season was a bust, despite upgrades in the starting rotation (by subtraction), the bullpen (by subtraction), and the outfield. The Cubs didn't have that one big move this year, but all the little ones will add up. I honestly won't be surprised if they come close to matching - or even exceeding - last year's total runs scored and if they stay healthy this might be the first time in a long time that the team wins 100 games.
It could happen. It may even be likely when you consider how bad the rest of the NL Central will be. But more importantly, could this team as constructed win in the playoffs? I say yes, even if we didn't know that they'd be likely to upgrade some more in June and July.
Once more with feeling
The Peavy Trade-0-Meter has been revamped due to popular griping.
With two weeks remaining before Spring Training starts, the Cubs appear to be pretty well done with move-making. I say this mostly because there have been numerous reports that a) the trade talks are presently dead, b) Hendry has said he's done, and c) different sources are reporting it.
What the Cubs aren't done doing yet is finding a backup shortstop. It shouldn't be so hard to do, though, so in terms of priority I'd say they have until the last day of Spring Training.
The fifth starter
With yesterday's trade, nobody knows anymore if Jake Peavy is a real possibility as the next Cubs ace. Luckily Jim Hendry has some options if Peavy isn't coming be they in-house or not.
Some guys who might take turns starting next year ...
Chad Gaudin: Although I want to punch him in his ridiculous face any time I see him on tv, Gaudin's not a bad choice to take a crack at starting. He was 3-2 with an ERA of 3.75 in 6 starts last year, and over the past 3 seasons the 25-year-old has started 40 games resulting in 14 wins and 15 losses. Fairly unimpressive until you consider that he has an ERA of 4.32 over that time while playing in The League With All That Offense, which is undeniably better than the 4.99 ERA posted by Jason Marquis in that same span. Using that keen and indisputable logic, it can therefore be concluded that Gaudin would be an improvement.
Sean Marshall: Maybe you have an older sibling - or hell, a younger one. If you have an older one then you know that there have been times in your life when you have tried desperately to capture the attention of your big brother or sister only to be ignored like a 3AM infomercial. If you have a younger one, then you might not have noticed that he/she is actually pretty freakin' cool sometimes. Sean Marshall is the younger sibling of the Chicago Cubs. He started in 19 games for the 2007 Cubs, where he went 7-8 with a 4.05 ERA. In 2008 Marshall started 7 more times, posting a respectable 4.15 ERA while going an embarassing 1-4. The ERA totals are good, the win-losses don't mean so much, if he's not traded for Jake Peavy then he has to be Lou's top choice to start fifth.
Aaron Heilman: The last time he started way back in 2005, he went 2-3 in 7 starts with an ERA of 4.71. And those are his best totals as a starter. One Goat Reader says that Heilman wants to start in 2009 but I'd honestly rather see the Cubs reverse their trade of Marquis before letting Heilman give up Hail Mary's to the bleachers.
Jeff Samardzija: The Shark should start in Chicago or in Iowa. He had success as a reliever in '08, but using a pitcher his age as a reliever is a waste of his talents. Chances are the Shark will begin the year in Triple A. He may be the first person they turn to if the Cubs have pen trouble or he'll be ready to step into the rotation should somebody get hurt or fail to do the job in the fifth spot.
Jake Peavy: The mere thought of Peavy brings fire to the loins of Cub fans everywhere - and it is apparently a mutual sensation for Peavy. If Hendry can somehow pull this off, then the Cubs will have undeniably the best Chicago starting rotation since the World Champion Cubs of the early 20th century used to have dueling shutouts on a regular basis. At this point some people think the Peavy Trade-0-Meter should be dipping into the red, but I'm not convinced. We'll keep it on lower Meh for the time being.
Ben Sheets: The poor man's Peavy. 2008 was the healthiest season Sheets has seen since 2004, which isn't to say that his arm didn't almost spontaneously combust in late September. The longer Sheets goes without finding a home the cheaper he'll be. The Cubs have no rumored interest in him.
Curt Schilling: File this one under Proof that Bloggers Are Often Wrong. I wrote Schilling a letter last off season begging him to offer his services to the Cubs because he would truly be a legend if he helped reverse our so-called curse as well. Schilling signed with Boston and spent the year watching his arm unintentionally contort into weird shapes. Anyway, my brother EMailed me last week and asked me what I'd think about the Cubs taking a chance on a reclamation project. I said it was probably a bad idea because the rotation isn't exactly invincible with Zambrano, Dempster, and Harden.
Besides, SI writer and injury expert Will Carroll made a point to me the other day...
The Cubs at Wrigley Field are not exactly in what we could call a "state of the art" situation. In fact the trainers and the training facility can only do so much and can often be easily stretched very thin. A reclamation project like Schilling or Sheets would be interesting, but the Cubs staff just might not have the tools-at-hand to keep them healthy - especially with pitchers like Harden and Zambrano being injury risks.
So, with all that in mind, I believe the Cubs should either go Peavy or stay home, if you get what I'm saying. The team has good depth right now and shouldn't have to worry too much about upgrading.
Random thoughts on trades, transactions, and other changes
One of the biggest misconceptions in baseball is that it takes a while for a team to gel. For example when Dusty Baker came to Chicago he was inheriting the beginnings of a solid core of players, but because there were a number of new guys and young players he felt he'd need time to succeed. On the contrary, the talent level was so high in those early days that Dusty actually looked like a good manager for about a year and a half.
It's sort of the same with Lou's situation. He inherited a last-place team with a pile of new, high-priced players. The first couple of months of the 2007 season were just about as ugly as the last couple of years of Dusty's ... er, reign ... but the players came together, they gelled, and the sheer level of talent eventually overcame the bad habits that they brought with them into the season.
The Cubs actually have a pretty good core of players right now, many of whom have been a part of the team for a while. Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden, Marmol, Soto, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Fukudome, and Bradley represent a solid group of mostly young - or in their prime - guys who have either been with the team for a while or should remain with the team for a while. Consequently, the Cubs have won the division for two consecutive years, which hasn't happened since they began mass-producing cars back when your great grand-pappy was wearing short-pants.
Yet, in spite of the success, maybe because we're bored, anxious, and waiting, some fans keep tossing out trade and free agency ideas which are sometimes interesting and other times ludicrous. It's kind of a Yankee-fan mentality thing which isn't necessarily actually good.
What I mean is this: things aren't broken right now. There is very little to fix. We sort of talked about this back in October, too. Sure, the Cubs got knocked out of the playoffs, and while the worst was happening before our very eyes some extremist fans wanted to take a "slash and burn" approach. After all, clearly these guys couldn't handle the pressures of playoff baseball in Chicago. They had to go. None of them should come back.
(This was ignoring the fact that we'd just seen the team enjoy a 97-win season, the most wins since 1945.)
Here's the thing we're forgetting: the playoffs are a crapshoot. Colin might disagree, but the best team does not win. The hottest one does. At points in the 2008 season the Cubs couldn't lose if they tried and at other times they couldn't win if they'd bribed the umpires. That's just the way it goes. The trick is to get there constantly because the more often you do something the more likely you are to get good results. (Point of fact: between 1945 and 2008, the Cubs reached the World Series just once. Sounds about impossible until you consider that between 1945 and 1984, they reached the playoffs not at all. It's hard to win when you never get there.)
I will submit then one simple argument: every team - even the one that wins the Series - has to look to upgrade every year. It's good to have a solid core of players but the trick is to continue to add to that core. No team should wait until they have to subtract because a guy is no longer effective. The Cubs entered the off season with a few pressing needs: 1) Get rid of the deadweight Marquis. 2) Balance the lineup to include more lefties. 3) Bring in a middle-of-the-lineup hitter who can step in and replace Derrek Lee in the 3-hole or Aramis Ramirez at cleanup. 4) Improve the bullpen.
It cannot be contested that they did #1, which likely means they are stronger in the rotation by default. They also now have 2 additional lefties in the everyday lineup, meaning that they succeeded with #2. Although Piniella isn't likely to shake things up the way he should, the Cubs have clear and superior alternatives for last year's lineup (which, by the way, was still outstanding). The only thing they haven't really addressed was #4, although how much worse they are is extremely subjective and very debatable.
Oh, and the Cubs just might bring in a guy who we could essentially call The Fourth Ace. This team is loaded. Huge changes are not necessary. They don't need a new second baseman - they already have one, a guy who worked hard to earn his chance.
So, let's let them be. Let's be excited that they're so potentially good. At least that's what I will be doing for the next few months.
Non Roster Invites
Ed Campusano - LHRP, 26-years-old until July 14, Campusano has never thrown above AA ball in his career. In 2008, Campullu, his tentacles waving in the air, went 3-3 ith a 6.34 ERA in 9.2 innings of work. He's got a good career K-Rating (223 SO's in 222.2 IP) but let's be real here. He's only invited so the big boys can feel good by beating on his ass.
J.R. Mathes - LHSP, 27-years-old, Mathes is a starting pitcher with 15 more career wins than losses (44-29). He also looks like he's got Down's Syndrome, but I am neither picking on those who have it nor him ... I'm just pointing it out. He's been in Iowa two years now, and he saw his ERA drop more than a full run in '08 from 5.58 to 4.29. He's got good control but when not cutting Life Goes On promos, he'd be the poster boy for Meh-diocre.
Matt Smith - LHRP, 29-year-old until June 15, it's tough to tell if I've got the right Smith. But I'm assuming the Cubs have invited the Matt Smith of OSU who has spent parts of 2 seasons pitching in the majors. As an ML pitcher, Smith has a 2.55 ERA in 24.2 innings of work, although he's got one particularly scary line - 24 innings, 23 walks, 22 strikeouts. As a minor leaguer, his numbers have never been so bad - he walked 3.6 per 9 innings compared to his 8.4 totals in the Majors - but it seems unlikely that he'll be the solution to the Cubs lefty conundrum.
Mike Stanton - LHRP, 41-year-old until June 2nd. Hey, speaking of lefty ex Yankees, Old Man Stanton is trying to get back in the game after pitching nowhere in 2008. Dude's been pitching since back in the time when I still thought farts were funny* but his last season in '07 was about as ugly as a Chicago stripper in the sobering light of day. But hey, you never know. He could be the next Terry Mulholland, assuming that Mo is finally done being The Next Terry Mulholland.
(*okay, okay, I still think farts are funny)
Jason Waddell - LHRP, 27-year-old until June 11. Waddle has never thrown in the majors before, but his minor league numbers are actually pretty respectable. In 396.2 innings of work, his ERA is 3.63 with 376 strikeouts to 144 walks. Waddell's never pitched above AA before though, and what will likely happen is that he starts the year off in Iowa and becomes a fallback when Sean Marshall gets emergency-rushed to the rotation or Neal Cotts pitches like the non-stud that we all know he is.
Bill White - LHRP, 30-years-old. White's career totals at the ML level: 13.1 IP, 15 H, 18 BB, 10 SO, 14 ER. The only thing I don't understand is how a guy who allowed 33 players on base in just over 13 innings was able to hold them to only 14 scores. Seems to me that a player with that kind of testicular fortitude would be valuable to have on the team. Wait, I'm not taking into account the inherited runners he let score? Oh. Right.
Esmailin Caridad - RHSP, 25-years-old. Good ol' Battin' Practice Caridad is the first legitimate Cubs prospect to make the list of non-roster invites. He's got amazing control and efficiency, and in 152.2 career innings of work Esmailin is 13-7 with only 88 SO's to 39 BB's. He also did this while pitching in AA ball in the first year he was a part of the Cubs system after having been signed as a free agent after pitching in Japan. I'm thinking he won't be breaking camp with the Big Team, but I'm pegging him as a potential '09 Surprise.
Andrew Cashner - RHSP, 22-years-old. #4 on our Top Prospects list, Cashner's got about as much a chance of making the team as I do this Spring. But he will be getting some much needed experience hopefully against the bench players and scrubs, since he's just as likely to blast a heater into a guy's ear as he is to strike a guy out.
Chad Fox - RHRP, 38-years-old. Jeebus, man, hang it up already! I actually have it on very good sources that a high-up member of the Cubs front office caught Fox banging his wife, and ever since the Cubs have been trying to seek revenge by making Fox's arm explode on national tv during a baseball game. Either that, or they feel guilty for the way Dusty Baker wrecked the guy's career and keep throwing him bones. Either way, I think boner time should be over for Chad Fox. ...er, bone time, I mean. Moving on.
Ken Kadokura - RHRP, 35 until July 29. Kadokura is another Japanese player that the Cubs appear hell-bent on bringing to the team to give Fukudome the company and companionship he needs. (Hmm, Brokebat Mountain, anybody?) He's 3 seasons away from his most recent successful year, and while the image of Crouching Kosuke Hidden Kadokura - robed figures running across Wrigley Field's wires while kicking the crap out of each other - is an enticing one, I don't think it should be the basis of awarding somebody a roster spot.
Rocky Roquet - RHRP, 26-years-old. If this guy ever makes it on the roster, then he should demand that they put his full name on the back of his jersey - and if that happened, then he alone would be the reason I'd support jerseys with names on them. Roquet, while not fighting villainy as a masked super hero, has one thing working against him - he's a career reliever, in the minors. Minor league relievers rarely get the chance to be major league ones, which is too bad for a guy who can throw 97 MPH, buckle knees with a slider, and has the coolest name ever.
Seriously. We gotta interview that guy. God as my witness, I'll make it happen.
And unfortunately, that's where I'll have to leave it for today. Tomorrow, I'll write about all the hitter invites.


text:
75 Chestnut
75 Chestnut St. (Charles St.) Send to Phone
617-227-2175 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
OpenDinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.
Open late (bar only)
- Valet parking
- Dress code: Casual
- Full bar
- Private room(s)
* Click here for rating key
75 Chestnut Restaurant Review: This cushy, clubby hideaway on a cobblestoned Beacon Hill side street is a blue-blood standby. Nightly, regulars line the bar and fill a small dining room that's all about smart comfort with its caramel leather booths and amber glow. The menu's comfortable, too, falling somewhere between that of a bar-and-grill and that of a steakhouse (although prices remain reasonable across the board). Rather than taste bud-boggling creativity, you'll find basics strewn with nice little touches---roasted polenta wedges to soften the blow of five-alarm chili; a generous mix of sides to accompany grilled chops; toasted marshmallow ice cream rather than vanilla atop a bittersweet brownie. In keeping with the cuisine, the mostly American wine list is small and moderately priced, save for a somewhat incongruous selection of private-reserve reds. Still, you ask, why traipse to Beacon Hill to find the kind of fare you can find anywhere? Well, newcomers are shown the same friendliness the regulars enjoy; indeed, it's the hallmark of this well-run operation. During the holiday season in particular, it comes across as one of the cheeriest, coziest finds around. The soothing weekend jazz brunch eases the pain of a late night at the yacht club, too.
Check out the 2014 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., Rising Chefs and more.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Most parents would agree: It's hard to get kids to do anything that's "good for them."
But when it comes to your child's health, you can't afford to leave it to chance. Childhood obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic in the United States, with the number of overweight children more than doubling in the past two decades.
Obesity, or being 20 percent or more above the recommended weight for one's height, can cause many health risks in children and adolescents, including high blood pressure and childhood diabetes. It also tends to be a lifelong problem: Three out of four children who are obese at age 12 will be obese as adults, making them candidates for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other serious medical problems.
Be proactive
The good news is that obesity in children is both preventable and correctable.
Parents must set the tone by creating a healthy home environment. Make good health a priority for your entire family, starting when your kids are toddlers. Serve well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks, emphasize physical activity and limit passive activities such as playing video games.
Also, make sure your child has a pediatrician who follows and assesses his or her growth. When kids go for their annual checkups, their pediatrician records their height and weight on a growth chart. "This enables us to see how a child is growing compared to other kids their age," says Beth Volin, MD, a pediatrician at Rush University Medical Center.
Body mass index (BMI) is used to determine whether a child or teenager is underweight, overweight or at risk for being overweight. Because girls and boys grow at different rates, BMI measurements for kids are both age- and gender-specific. A child with a BMI in the 85th percentile is overweight (meaning that compared with kids of the same gender and age, 85 percent have a lower BMI); the 95th percentile means the child is obese.
Volin talks to all of her preteen and teenage patients — whether they are overweight or not — about eating well and getting enough physical activity. "I make it universal," she says. "That way children who are overweight don't feel stigmatized."
Talk about it
If your child does have a weight problem, address it as early as possible, before any health problems occur. A good place to start is by talking to your child. Here are some suggestions for having a constructive and sensitive conversation:
To make sure children are not facing challenges alone, pediatricians and nutritionists can work with kids and their families to create realistic diet and exercise plans, as well as help kids cope with the emotional aspects of being overweight.
"The best thing you, as a parent, can do is be supportive," Volin says. "Be a cheerleader for your child."
To make an appointment with a pediatrician at Rush, call (888) 352-RUSH (7874).
More Information at Your Fingertips:
Please note: All physicians featured in Discover Rush Online are on the medical faculty of Rush University Medical Center. Some of the physicians featured are in private practice and, as independent practitioners, are not agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center.
If you enjoyed this article and are not already a subscriber, subscribe today to Discover Rush Online. You'll receive health information, breaking medical news and helpful tips for maintaining your health each month via e-mail.


text:
Clinical significanceIncreased values of TIBC and UIBC are very important in differential diagnosis of anemias caused by iron deficiency, infection or tumor.
1. Physiologic variations in TIBC:
• In infants, TIBC decreases in the immediate postnatal period; later, it increases to reach values of up to 71.6 μmol/L.
• In normal pregnancy, TIBC rises to about 80.1 μmol/L, while iron concentration decreases. UIBC is elevated in pregnant women.
2. Pathologic changes in TIBC:


text:
I was up late last night and when I was digging around the archive on here I started thinking about Jack Kirby, specifically Kirby and horror comics. Kirby never really gets talked about much in regard to horror, it didn't seem to be his bag usually. I mean he did Black Magic in the 50s, plus The Demon and the Spirit World one-off and a few other things, but horror is pretty far down on the list of things he's known for. As cynical and world-weary as Kirby could be at times, there's an optimism in him that probably is antithetical to doing full-on horror comics.
But looking at Kirby pages on their own I sometimes get this sense of an uptapped vein of horror in the King, particularly from his 70s stuff when his style got wilder and weirder. Amorphous terrors, distorted forms. Faces frozen in anguish or melting into nothing. Abstract, crackling energy. The way he morphs the human form at times seem like it could descend into straight-up body horror if pushed even the slightest. Even in his more optimistic comics there's often something eerie, uncanny creeping in the corners.
You can maybe see a bit of the Kirby-as-horror in Mike Mignola's comics I think, though of course he's developed a style all his own.
I don't know: late last night, tired, In my head I imagine there's a world of comics by Kirby that dives even deeper into this imagery and that gut level feeling I get looking at some of his stuff. Just kinda extrapolating whole comics from certain imagery. If I had the time and the talent I'd maybe take a crack at putting pencil to paper and try to capture that feeling.
Sorry if this isn't particularly compelling or coherent, I just needed to do a brain dumping.


text:
November 12, 2013 at 2:28pm
24,835 notes
Reblogged from humormansion
24,835 notes
Reblogged from humormansion
(Source: humormansion, via jeanbeanchoi)
A diverse collection of fashion, beauty, food, photography, baby animals, science-y goodness, and laughs... lots of laughs
(Source: humormansion, via jeanbeanchoi)
(Source: valscrapbook, via jeanbeanchoi)
(Source: booasaur, via jeanbeanchoi)
(via jeanbeanchoi)
(Source: meghannnleighhh, via blueberryskin)
Light bill …. paid.
(Source: only-cats-photos)


text:
Why I Decided on Nook Color Over Kindle, iPad & Books
I'm a voracious reader of all sorts of media. I currently hold 4 monthly magazine subscriptions, picking up another 2-3 on newsstands each month. I subscribe to 137 blogs in my RSS reader, with 273 new posts waiting for me since last night. On top of that, I find time to stalk the bookstore aisles, picking up one or two new non-fiction books each month. I'm drowning in words, and it's time to pick up an e-reader. I decided on the Nook Color, and here's why.
I've been flying a lot this summer. I think it's because I'm having a quarter-life crisis and it's making me want to see different places and eat every cuisine imaginable. But each time I fly, as I'm waddling through the airport a little later than I'd planned, I always stop to buy a book. My lack of foresight and absolute refusal to be bored on a plane make me buy those marked-up hardcovers that they stick you with at the terminal newsstand. After three different flights, with two more staring me down, I decided it's time for an e-reader.
The choices are vast; and as somebody who has difficulty deciding where to eat dinner, I was stumped. But after a bit of research, I've decided on one. Here's how I got there:
Staying Connected
The big problem with my numerous airport debacles was the fact that I was super-limited in what books I could buy. I have a running list of "books to read" stashed in my brain (and in my iPhone's Notes app), and none of them were available at the newsstand next to my gate. I want to be connected, able to download any of thousands of books anywhere there's a wi-fi connection. If an e-reader was missing at least wi-fi compatibility, it was out.
Eliminated: Sony Reader Pocket Edition, Sony Reader Touch Edition, Sony Reader Daily Edition,
Size Matters
I'm turning to an e-reader as a replacement for my daily habit of carrying around a lightweight paperback book in my purse. Th last thing I need is something bulky that won't fit in my purse and makes me want to leave it at home. If it was much bigger than my copy of Freakonomics, it was out.
Eliminated: iPad, Kindle DX, Samsung Galaxy Tab
Erasing E-Ink
As much as I'd like immunity from glare when I'm reading in the sun, I'm in love with magazines far too much to invest in an e-ink reader. Their non-lit black and white screens, even if they're compatible with my monthly subscriptions, will do glossies and their full-page editorials no justice compared to LCD screens. It stung, but I knew I'd have to cross any grayscale e-ink readers off my list.
Eliminated: Kindle 3, Nook Simple Touch E-Reader, Kobo eReader
What's left? Barnes & Noble's Nook Color. I'll get the connectivity I need, a reasonably compact package that'll slide in my purse, and full-color displays for all my magazine and blog subscriptions.
In addition, I'll get some features I didn't ask for, like access to some of the Android Marketplace (for apps like Evernote and Angry Birds), a multi-compatible e-mail client and full web browsing.
It's a great decision for me, and maybe for you too. But there's a wonderful world of e-readers out there. If you've got one (or have already decided like me), leave a comment and tell us all what sold you. You might be helping another indecisive soul make her choice.
(Images: Flickr member iampeas licensed for use under Creative Commons, Flickr member Librarian by Day licensed for use under Creative Commons)
13 Comments
and... if you root it, you can get a fully functional tablet for $250!
That is the way any purchase should be decieded. I love my nook color, especially because I do not have a smart phone. I only have a netbook as a computer which I now almost never use because I can access most everything on my nook color.
I'm always glad to see when people actually put thought into a purchase such as this. Kudos for your process of elimination
I bought Kindle 3 for the 3G connection so I could buy books and download them nearly anywhere. But now I'm pissed at Amazon for marking up all books by 2 dollar because I don't live in USA. They also refuse to sell me some books, for the same reason. But I love the month long battery life and the large hacking community that has allowed me to customize the interface to my liking.
I want to plug Smashwords.com they sell me the books I want from their selection and don't care where I live.
I have a nook color that I installed a stock android mod on. Got the nook for 200 on sale through an ebay deal. Totally worth it. As much as i tried to love the interface, I just can't see myself using it as an ebook reader. I would probably opt for a new standard nook or a Kobo touch edition.
I like the process that Taryn used. I read books on my iPhone when I need to travel light. I already had it and decided to save the money I would have spent on a dedicated e-reader. However, if I were in the market for an e-reader, Taryn's post would have sent me to the Nook.
I've had both and for reading books prefer my kindle. Super long battery life, good size and no sales tax (for now anyway...) on my purchases.
Magazines wasn't a factor to me as I wasn't really jazzed about the available selection at the time but now I see dwell, elle, shape etc are now available. The first nook I bought I mistakenly thought it was color but turns out only the bottom section was color. I felt a bit deceived. So when they came out with the actual real color version in full screen, I was already turned off to nook, not anxious to buy yet another reader.
Personally, I don't like the nook colour. It's the e-ink technology that makes it easy to read for hours without any eye strain and any excessive drain on the battery. I use my iPad to read any magazines that I have (via Zinio app) or for cookbooks but everything else I read on my kindle. I have and love a Sony eReader PRS505 BUT the lack of internet connectivity/3G means that it's terribly inconvenient to buy a book while travelling, which is the reason I wanted an eReader in the first place.
On my kindle, I can buy a book on the go and enjoy reading it. Although I do have some reservations about the DRM and inability to natively read other book formats, unlike the Sony eReader, and there was that whole 1984 scandal but I still vastly prefer my kindle--and it's the eReader that I use daily.
I am an avid reader (about a book a day, more or less). I even budget about $250/month in book purchases. I've had a Kindle for 3 or 4 years now, and I love it, periodically. I use it heavily for a while, and then go back to the library for a while. I love that I can check out ebooks at my local public library, and that I can reserve books online to pick up at the library desk.
I don't read a lot of magazines, though I do read 60+ blogs on my kindle with Kindlefeeder. I find magazines to not have much substance, as I prefer actually reading text. I always feel ripped off when I buy a magazine.
If I do want to read a magazine, I use my iPad.
The e-ink is unbeatable, IMHO, for reading in all kinds of light, and being able to go a month without charging it is another plus.
See, when I bought mine, I *had* to have e-ink. Oh so easy on the eyes.
I'm fine with magazines on a laptop, though,
I know! E-Ink is so great for reading, but I really want the functionality of mobile digital magazines.
That leaves two options: Go with Nook Color and go without gorgeous e-ink, or get a Nook Color for mags AND a Kindle for novels. Since I'm not Bill Gates, I think I'm happy with option 1.
This article made me take a proper look at the Nook too. Whats not to like about an ereader that can also be a full android tablet for nearly half the price of other tablets of its size! I ended up buying one and love it :)
I spent almost a year making the decision between the Nook and the Kindle. I wanted the e-reader primarily for reading books while either outside or in other high glare areas (I'm in Florida) and for travel. So I needed e-ink, compact, lightweight, long battery life and wireless. I even waited to see the new Kindle offerings in October before making my decision. After reading and comparing countless reviews, which basically said there wasn't a bad choice ... I eventually chose the Nook Simple Touch for two reasons. 1. The new Kindle touch has a weird grid thing on the front that looked like a sand/grunge trap (while the Nook Simple Touch was smooth allover). and 2. There is a Barnes and Noble store not to far away, so I can go there and "preview" (ie: read or browse), for up to an hour a day. I haven't done it yet, but it seems to mimic the "social" aspect of browsing I used to do for paperbacks. Not terribly scientific ... but that's it! Oh, and I've had the Nook Simple Touch for about two months and Love it!


text: images1 By JB Foxx October 7, 2011 2:50 AM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Category: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! More from K945 Wendy Williams Eats Crow! [VIDEO] The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show Answered Your Questions… Hear What They Had To Say! [VIDEO/AUDIO] Shreveport Green Receives $4,188 Grant for Clean and Beautiful Neighborhoods Project DigiFest South at Century Link Center Offers Unique Art, Laser Show This Week Best of the Web


text:
Before You Visit
The museum is offering free admission through September 2014 in celebration of our 5th anniversary. There may large crowds at certain times. To help us ensure that everyone has a meaningful and enjoyable visit, please review the museum's policies below. Click here to visit our calendar for additional museum programming. All programs and events that are included with museum admission will be free in September. We hope you enjoy your visit.
Museum Policies
To ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all of our visitors, we ask that you review the following policies before your visit.
- Flash photography is not permitted in the museum. Please turn your camera flash off when taking pictures in the museum. Members of the media may request a press pass at the front desk to take flash photography.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the museum and cannot be checked at the front desk. Neither chewing gum nor smoking are permitted in the museum.
- Please turn your cell phone ringer to silence or vibrate and limit the use of your cell phone to the lobby or outdoor areas.
- Please do not run, jump, shout or use disruptive behavior in the museum.
- Protect the miniatures and refrain from touching the glass or leaning on exhibits.
- Visit Fairy Caitlin at her home in the tree in the Enchanted Realm, but please do not climb on the tree.
- Large bags, packages, backpacks and umbrellas are not permitted in the galleries.
- Stollers are welcome. Please be considerate when using strollers in a crowded area.
- No animals or pets, besides service animals, are permitted in the museum.
- When writing or sketching in the galleries, please use lead pencils only. Please use a clipboard or notebook and not the walls or cases when writing or sketching.
- Please be aware that five minutes before closing time, the museum staff begins to clear the galleries. Please follow their instructions.
- Firearms are not permitted in the museum.
A variety of gallery guides to help you explore the collection are available in the lobby. Children may enjoy the Find Fairy Caitlin Scavenger Hunt.
To enhance your visit, the following resources are available for checkout at the front desk:
- Flashlights
- Step Stools
- Braille Maps
- Large Print Gallery Guides
- Large Print Collection Highlights Guide Notebook
- Large Print Temporary Exhibit Guides
- Braille Collection Highlights Guide Notebook
We hope you enjoy your visit to the museum and share your experience with your friends and family. For a hands-on experience, schedule your visit to coincide with our Art Carts or visit our Calendar for information on additional museum programs taking place.
Visiting Tucson
Tucson is a wonderful city with friendly people and beautiful weather offering a wealth of culture, heritage, outdoor adventure, family fun and art! If you are unfamiliar with the area, a great place to get ideas is the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitor's Bureau in downtown Tucson. Or visit their website at www.visittucson.org. Another great resource is the Southern Arizona Guide website where you will find information and videos about the best dining, shopping, and things to do in Southern Arizona. Ask your concierge about things to do or look for a copy of Tucson Guide in your hotel room. Whether you are looking for an outing in our unique desert setting, something to do with the kids or just want to pamper yourself- Tucson has something for you!
Where to Eat
Tucson has a fabulous and diverse culinary scene. We are fortunate to have several great restaurants as our friendly neighbors. Below is a short list of local restaurants within a mile, or even walking distance, of The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. For a more comprehensive list of terrific local restaurants, be sure to visit the Tucson Originals.
- La Placita
- La Hacienda
- Nico's Taco Shop 520-325-4021
- Relish Kitchen and Wine Bar
- Vero Amore
Where to Stay
There are lodging accomodations to meet every need and every budget in Tucson. The following is a short list of hotels and resorts in close proximity to The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
- Arizona Inn
- Embassy Suites Tucson- Paloma Village
- Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
- Lodge on the Desert
- Ramada Hotel
- Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites
- The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa
- Rental Homes and Condos in Tucson, AZ
The Tucson Attractions Savings Passport
The Tucson Attractions Savings Passport is your ticket to fun! The Passport is an unbeatable savings guide to the best there is to see and do in Southern Arizona. Each booklet includes over 40 two-for-one offers and discounts to the area's top attractions, museums, shopping and fun! Priced at only $18, the Tucson Attractions Passport offers over $400 in savings! The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a retailer of the Tucson Attractions Passport. Pick one up in our museum store and use our two-for-one offer inside. Or, click here to purchase a Passport online.


text:
If you are reading this post you have already discovered we are undergoing our first major revision of the site in 10 years. We have finally joined the 21st Century in web design and switched over to the WordPress format. (By the way, if there are any BadJocks readers out there who are WP experts, please let us know.) The good news is that you will now be able to post comments on our stories, we will be able to separate them into nice, neat categories and they will be automatically archived right here at BadJocks.com (and not over at badjocksnews.com). We also hope to have a lot more pictures, videos and other fun interactive stuff. You know, Web 2.0 and all that. (Just in time for Web 3.0 we think.)
On the down side, some of you loved how the old site looked and worked and we do too. It was my "home away from home" for more than nine years and we had a lot of fun with it. The problem was, it was just too much to maintain manually everyday. (You should have seen the blisters on your typing finger!) We are also working to restore the "old archive" of stories going back to 2003. Unfortunately, a couple of months ago we found a virus in some old advertisers code (thanks you bastards) and had to pull it after we–we're not making this up!–infected my own PC.
We're cleaning up that mess and should soon have everything you used to love in place, along with some cool new stuff. Please drop me a line whether you like what you see or not. Please keep in mind over the next few hours/days we will be making slight upgrades every few hours, so if you don't like what you see, come back later and maybe you will.
Thanks for your patience!
Bob Reno


text:
Spring Showers
One of the most versatile essentials you can add to your wardrobe is undoubtedly a classic belted trenchcoat. While this year is all about bold colorful parkas, the timeless panache and unique silhouette portrayed by the trench is, in my opinion, unmatched. It's just one of those pieces that will endure for eternity as a staple of menswear elegance, so it's worth splurging on a model that will likely last you for life.
This version by Paul Smith in a trademark khaki shade, has been with me for about 6 years and is definitely one of the most heavily rotated garments throughout the year. Besides the impeccable fit and exquisite details, it features a detachable wool inner lining perfect for colder months, which easily gives place to a lightweight version come Spring time. The muted lighter shade is perfect to contrast with darker bottoms such as charcoal wool slacks, while allowing to go bold on other pieces or accessories for extra flare. Here, burgundy was used to brighten things up and bring visual coherence to the look, with the pale pink shirt providing a clean background.
Details: belted trenchcoat by Paul Smith, cardigan by H&M, dress shirt by Hugo Boss, 110s worsted wool slacks by Gentleman tailors, leather boots by Buttero, tortoise shades by Linda Farrow Luxe, silk tie by Vicri and watch by Rolex (GMT Master II).
Model and Styling: Miguel Amaral Vieira
Source: beyondfabric
Spring Showers
There's a reason why every "Spring Essentials List" has a lightweight technical or waxed parka in it. Despite the outstanding last couple of days, the season has a special way of catching you off guard as we're still in for several rainy days, the so called spring showers. Although waterproof technical fabrics are a great alternative, I can't help to be drawn by the look and feel of waxed garments and mind you, Barbour is not the only way to go. This olive waxed cotton parka by Our Legacy is a favourite, lightweight and unlined, it's perfect to throw over a shirt and cardigan when low temperatures are not an issue. Besides the parka which is a statement piece by itself, l love how all the little details come together: the shirt and cardigan shades complement the paisley on the tie and the boots and belt match the adjustable leather drawstrings on the parka.
Details: waxed cotton parka by Our Legacy, contrast club collar shirt (custom made) by Gentleman, cashmere houndstooth elbow patched cardigan by Annapurna 5+1, Levi's 511 slim (tailored), waxed leather portuguese boots, black tortoise aviators by Linda Farrow Luxe, paisley cotton tie by Tie Rack and braided leather belt by Acne.
Model and Styling: Miguel Vieira
Photography: Rita Lino


text:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hoggersbud said...
>Whether or not it was free was besides the point, people were getting free play time that Blizzard didn't authorize.
Let me stop you right there Swurds, as you are completely and utterly wrong.
Because Blizzard DID authorize it. What, how you say, did Blizzard authorize it? By selling game cards that ANYBODY could use to give to others to pay for their account.
It would be one thing if YPOWP ran into Wal-mart and stole a box of cards, that would indeed be a problem, but that was not the case, not at all.
This is like saying my employer is stealing from Wal-Mart when they give out a batch of those Wal-Mart shopping cards as a bonus. They're not. Wal-Mart isn't getting robbed at all.
So please, please, retract your words.


text:
S.C.A.R.D. mp3 download
Insane Mytheries To Demise album:
- Artist - S.C.A.R.D. mp3
- Album - Insane Mytheries To Demise mp3
- Year - 2004
- Genre- Metal: Death,Black
- Dimmysterium
- Rebellion
- Armageddon Conquest
- …And Twilight Falls
- Above The Old Kingdom
- Burning Wings
- Nocturnal Winds
- Melancholy Of A Dying World
- I Everlasting Night
Download Insane Mytheries To Demise
SCARD (Support and Care After Road Death and injury) Email us or call us on one of these numbers: Office/Fax: 0845 123 5541 0845 123 5543 Help Line: 0845 123 5542 All calls to SCARD are charged at local rates only. . sort results: alphabetical | rank ? Rank Abbr. Please note the pattern shift in programming. SCARD SCARD 2011 Fall Meeting September 22-25, 2011 The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, Colorado. Click here to view the registration. Meaning **** SCARD: Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments ** SCARD: Side Channel Analysis Resistant Design. i also don't. Scard | Define Scard at Dictionary.com - Dictionary.com | Find. 1. SCARD - Definition by AcronymFinder - Abbreviations and acronyms. This is my first baby and i don't know what to expect with labor. SCARD Welcome! SCARD Purpose The SCARD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of radiology by the promotion of medical education. A shard or fragment. n. Scard - definition of Scard by the Free Online Dictionary. Acronym Definition; SCARD: Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments: SCARD: Support and Care after Road Death & Injury (bereavement group; UK) scard - African American Moms and Moms to Be - BabyCenter So now i am 34 weeks which means i am getting close to the time and i am getting scared. Abbreviations & Acronyms SCARD Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments SCARD | Free Music, Tour Dates, Photos, Videos SCARD's official profile including the latest music, albums, songs, music videos and more updates
Ian Anderson download
download Into The Night


text:
Login or
Home »
Outdoor Living
Barbeques & Accessories
With the Namath Rapid Cooker you can make steaks and other foods that taste like those of the top New York restaurants. The Namath Rapid Cooker also cooks faster, saves money and has many health benefits. It reduces fat and calories when cooking meats by melting away excess fat and catching grease in the drip tray. It also cooks faster and uses less fuel than traditional grilling units.
The Namath Rapid Cooker by EdenPURE uses far infrared as its heat source. Far infrared cooks much faster than all other heat sources. Gas and charcoal grills can only reach temperatures around 600° F. This Rapid Cooker can get up to 1400° F temperatures, which seals in flavor, juices and nutrition in foods. The heat source is on the top, not the bottom. Cooking from the top down eliminates flare-ups because grease drips harmlessly onto an easy-to-clean, removable tray instead of directly on the heat source as with traditional grills. The slide out grate is adjustable to three heights and makes for easy turning and maintaining a consistent cooking temperature. No lid to lift to inspect meat like a traditional grill, which results in temperature loss. Great for use at home or on the go at your favorite tailgate and camping locations.
(based on 1 review)
Ratings Distribution
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Stars
Reviewed by 1 customer
Displaying review 1
Back to top
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Just Got One!
By Jet Fan
from NYC
About Me Grilling Enthusiast
Best Uses
Comments about Edenpure Joe Namath Rapid Cooker - Stainless Steel:
Versatile product. Great for tailgating and the outdoors. It was tough to haul my big grill around to games and smaller events.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Receive all the latest offers and news fromP.C. Richard & Son!
© 2014 P.C. Richard & Son


text:
Lobster Stock
If you're having a lobster dinner, don't toss the shells. Save them to make this simple stock. It's a great way to add fat-free flavor. The stock can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and frozen for up to a month. Any size lobsters totaling about 5 pounds
This recipe goes with Mussels with Leeks, Fennel, and Tomatoes, Striped Bass Fillet with Lobster Stock and Aromatic Vegetables
Yield: 10 cups (serving size: 1 cup)
More From Cooking Light
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
- Calories: 25
- Calories from fat: 50%
- Fat: 1.4g
- Saturated fat: 0.2g
- Monounsaturated fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated fat: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Carbohydrate: 0.9g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
- Sodium: 52mg
- Calcium: 5mg
- 18 quarts water, divided
- 6 tablespoons salt
- 2 (2 1/2-pound) whole lobsters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup coarsely chopped fennel bulb
- 1 cup coarsely chopped parsnip
- 1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery
- 2 whole garlic heads, halved horizontally
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Bring 15 quarts of water and salt to a boil in a 19-quart stockpot; plunge lobsters headfirst, 1 at a time, into water. Return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes for small lobsters (1 to 1 1/4 pounds) and 10 minutes for larger lobsters (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 pounds). Drain well; cool completely.
- Remove meat from cooked lobster tails and claws; reserve meat for another use. Rinse out head portion of lobsters. Place lobster shells in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Coarsely crush shells using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add fennel and next 5 ingredients (fennel through onion); sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned. Add 3 quarts of water, crushed shells, wine, parsley, and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Strain shell mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving stock. Discard solids.
My Notes
Only you will be able to view, print, and edit this note.Add Note
Lobster Stock Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Sauces/Condiments
- CUISINE: French
- MAIN INGREDIENT: Shellfish
- DIETARY CONSIDERATION: Low Calorie, Low Cholesterol, Low Saturated Fat
- PUBLICATION: Cooking Light
More Recipes Like This
Lobster ChowderCooking Light
Mussels with Leeks, Fennel, and TomatoesCooking Light
Do you love cookies?
We do too! Get your favorite holiday cookies delivered to your inbox.(Nov.-Dec.)
We Respect Your Privacy. Privacy Policy


text:
A collection of news and information related to IBM published by this site and its partners.
Top IBM Articles
Displaying items 73-84
Made (once again) in America
No air-conditioning, 'no rent'
The job hunt gets social
New Grand Prix chief has been a big city contractor, campaign donor
Health exchanges: the missing pieceStory | Aug 11, 2011 | 10:00 AMHealth and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently argued that a new health insurance exchange will help Maryland's small businesses more easily find affordable coverage ("Insurance exchanges will help Md.'s small businesses," July 28). The...
Skills gap is the cause of USA employment problemsStory | Aug 29, 2011 | 4:00 AMCharles Campbell, former senior vice-president of the Gulf Oil Corporation says in his letter to the editor ("Free trade destroying the American economy," Aug 23 ) that the American economy is languishing because jobs meant for the American people are now...
Editorial: A dozen yearsStory | May 31, 2012 | 7:35 AMA dozen years ago, the Y2K bug recently had been defeated. A dozen years before that, Bill Clinton became one of an infamous few presidents to have faced impeachment proceedings. A dozen years before that IBM introduced a laptop computer that used 3.5-...
In reality, trade seldom free or fairStory | Sep 1, 2011 | 1:30 PMIn his letter ("Free trade does not kill jobs," Aug. 30), Thomas Jandl responded to my recent opinion piece in The Sun ("What's killing jobs?" Aug. 27) by questioning my analysis of our trade practices. He misunderstood the basis for the piece. His...
Comptroller accuses mayor of illegal $659,000 deal to purchase video phones
Rawlings-Blake challenged by council, comptrollerStory | Jun 18, 2012 | 7:17 PMBaltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake came under fire on two fronts Monday as the City Council sliced $6 million from her proposed budget and the city comptroller renewed allegations that the mayor's staff improperly purchased more than $650,000 in...
Administration relies on consultants from DigiconStory | Jun 21, 2012 | 4:56 PMMore than two dozen people working as consultants in the Mayor's Office of Information Technology are employees of Rockville-based Digicon Corp. — the company from which the office bought hundreds of thousands of dollars of phone-related equipment...
Baltimore City solicitor: Phone equipment purchases were legalStory | Jun 22, 2012 | 6:55 PMBaltimore's city solicitor defended Friday the purchase of high-tech phones and other equipment by MayorStephanie Rawlings-Blake's administration — an expense that has been questioned by another top City Hall official. George A. Nilson said the...


text:
Buying on EBay: A Primer
- Thursday, January 27, 2005
I didn't get the guy's name so I'll just call him ... Guy. He was a caller on one of those what's-your-legal-problem radio talk shows.
It seems Guy was the successful bidder for a motorcycle on eBay. He dutifully mailed the seller a $15,000 money order who immediately cashed it as payment in full.
And then, wouldn't you know it, on the journey to deliver said motorcycle to Guy, the seller was in an accident-the motorcycle was declared a total loss. The seller pled no money and no way to make a refund. After a few questions like "Did you have a contract?" the attorney host declared the news not good for Guy. You can kiss your bike and the money goodbye!
Think of eBay as the mother of all garage sales. Millions of transactions occur each day involving individuals, big companies posing as individuals, liquidators posing as home-based businesses and a few shysters and scam artists thrown into the mix. It can be the best or the worst place on earth depending on your temperament and personal discipline.
I am not an eBay expert. But I have devised a personal system that has worked well for me. Out of more than 100 transactions over a 5-year period, only one has been disappointing. And even that one was not a total loss.
If you are unfamiliar with the basics of eBay go to www.ebay.com and read the instructions on the opening page. Or click on "Sell" for selling tutorial. They explain it far better than I could.
I cannot speak to the art of selling on eBay. But I hear from those who sell that it is easy, but fees are high. So beware.
Buying on eBay is quite simple. And potentially dangerous. That is why you need to devise your own system that requires a strict code of personal discipline or you could find yourself deeply in debt, up to your eyeballs in other people's junk ... or worse.
Create rigid boundaries. There are mainly two things I buy on eBay. One is a particular brand of clothing and the other is a specific type of fabric. My rule is to stay away from everything else.
Do your homework. Take the clothes that I buy on eBay. I know this line inside and out. I go to a local department store to touch and try on. I know the specific colors by name, how the sizes run and the difference between what this designer calls a "tunic" and a "top." When a piece from this line shows up on eBay, I know exactly what it is and how it fits.
Ditto for fabric. I study the goods at a local quilt shop. I know just about everything there is to know about the types of fabrics I use to make quilts and other gift items.
Know your prices. Not everything on eBay is used. Or old or even cheap. Lots of things offered on eBay are readily available in regular stores. You have to know your prices or you will get burned. I know for certain there are sellers on eBay who go to local stores (fabric stores in my situation) and buy goods at full retail and list them for more on eBay. That makes me crazy. Before you bid, slip over to www.froogle.google.com and type in the item. If it's available anywhere for new, you'll find out the lowest price.
Set your limits. My specific type of fabric retails for around $9 a yard. It's good stuff. And my eBay limit is $5 a yard. And the clothes line I enjoy? My limit is 50 percent of the retail price provided the item is "new with tags." If not, my limit is much lower.
Before you place a bid, decide the maximum you are willing to pay. Period. Then be disciplined enough to stick to it.
Know your seller. This can be tricky. First, each auction is time sensitive. You could have 9 days to work on this or only a few hours. Seller's do not give their names or telephone numbers. You know approximately where in the world they are and you have an email address.
Recently on Finances
Editors' Picks
Have something to say about this article? Leave your comment via Facebook below!
Listen to Your Favorite Pastors
Add Crosswalk.com content to your siteBrowse available content


text:
"Parker" delivers what you'd expect when you have Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez on a poster — he kicks butt, she shakes hers — but it's a depressingly static exercise.
Statham plays Parker, the literary creation of the late Donald E. Westlake (under his alter ego Richard Stark), a tough thief with a code that emphasizes no killing of innocent bystanders and no double-crosses. Both happen after a heist at the Ohio State Fair, when his colleagues' mistakes kill a fairgoer and their greed leads them to shoot Parker and leave him for dead.
He recovers and tracks his former crew to West Palm Beach, Fla., where they are planning a massive diamond heist. Parker wants to pinch the jewels from the thieves while also killing them. He enlists a struggling real-estate agent, Leslie Rodgers (that's J-Lo), who rationalizes his plan by saying "everybody steals from somebody."
Director Taylor Hackford ("Ray," "An Officer and a Gentleman") provides some glossy images of south Florida excess, but John J. McLaughlin's script slows the pacing with extraneous characters and a muddled plot.
Statham again proves he's fine putting the hurt on baddies, but flounders during the movie's faltering attempts at romance and drama.
email@example.com; www.sltrib.com/entertainment
Opens today at theaters everywhere; rated R for strong violence, language throughout and brief sexual content/nudity; 118 minutes.


text:
Search Results
American Idol - Road to Hollywood: Steven Curd
Don't Miss American Idol XIII - The Search For A Superstar Wednesdays at 8/7chttp://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_xiii_road_to_hollywood/road-to-hollywood-steven-curd
and Thursdays at 9/8c on FOX! Visit AmericanIdol.com for exclusive videos, ...
Steven Tyler: The Dressing Room
Steven Tyler: The Dressing Room. Steven Tyler gives a tour of his fabuloushttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/season-11-finale/steven-tyler-the-dressing-room
dressing room in this fun moment from the Season 11 Finale!
Steven Tyler: Finale Thoughts - American Idol
Steven Tyler: Finale Thoughts. We caught up with Steven Tyler after the finale.http://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/season-11-finale/steven-tyler-finale-thoughts
Watch to find out his thoughts on Jessica's and Phillip's performances and their ...
Steven Announces the Save! - American Idol
The finalists take a look back at Top 7 week when Steven announced that thehttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/season-11-finale/steven-announces-the-save
judges would use their save after he saw who was in the bottom three, but before
it ...
Steven Curd - American Idol
Saying that he loves to "change the mood of the audience", San Antonio, TXhttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_12/season_12_contestant_interviews/steven-curd
native Steven Curd auditioned because he wants to be "a household name".
steven tyler - American Idol
Thoughts on Colton's Elimination. Steven, Randy, Jennifer, Jimmy Iovine and Krishttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/tags/steven%20tyler
Allen give their thoughts and impressions of Cotlon's elimination. Find out ...
American Idol - Steven Curd's music is the kind of stuff you want to ...
Steven Curd's music is the kind of stuff you want to hear at a beach bonfire. It'shttp://www.americanidol.com/photos/show/a7f3aa95-9f4d-42d8-8e1d-b3bb5a2a183f
calming, yet sexy. Anna Melvin came in like a "Wrecking Ball" and knocked the ...
Jennifer Lopez: The Performance
... Performance. Jennifer talks about what it was like to perform on the Americanhttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/steven%20tyler/jennifer-lopez-the-performance
Idol stage! Plus, Steven and Randy tell us what they thought of her performance.
Erika Van Pelt: After the Elimination
Videos/steven tyler ... TAGS: season 11 • steven tyler • colton dixon • randyhttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_11/steven%20tyler/erika-van-pelt-after-the-elimination
jackson • top 7 • kris allen • jennifer lopez • jimmy iovine · Thoughts on Colton's ...
Randy, Steven, Katy & David - American Idol
Randy, Steven, Katy & David. Randy, Steven, Katy Perry and David Cook sharehttp://archive.americanidol.com/videos/season_10/david%20cook/randy-steven-katy-david
their thoughts after the Top 7 results. Please Update Your Flash Player. We've ...


text:
We know you're obsessively checking What's New every day. We're right there with you, picking a new favorite every morning with The Daily Find.
The Find: Jocelyn Marabou Feather Bolero
This jacket should be hanging in your closet because its delicate feathers create a soft, yet edgy silhouette.
Still looking? Find more designer jackets, or shop Jocelyn jackets.


text:
43 CFR 2.26 - Does the bureau provide multitrack processing of FOIA requests?
(a) All bureaus will use three processing tracks to distinguish between simple, normal, and complex requests based on the amount of time needed to process the request. FOIA requests will be placed in one of the following tracks:
(b) Bureaus will exercise due diligence in processing requests in accordance with the requirements of the FOIA. Requesters should assume, unless notified by the bureau, that their request is in the "Normal" track.
(c) A bureau should, if possible, give requesters in its "Complex" track the opportunity to limit the scope of their request in order to qualify for faster processing. A bureau doing so will contact the requester by telephone (which should be promptly followed up by a written communication) or in writing, whichever is more efficient in each case.
(d) See the Department's FOIA home page at http://www.doi.gov/foia/policy.html for details.
[74 FR 17092, Apr. 14, 2009]
Title 43 published on 2013-10-01
no entries appear in the Federal Register after this date.


text:
Zero deaths and few injuries were reported in the second crash landing this month.
When a Southwest Airlines flight made a fiery landing at New York's LaGuardia Airport yesterday, it marked the second crash landing in the U.S. this month in which passengers and crew walked away alive, many even without injury.
At LaGuardia, where the failure of front landing gear on Southwest Flight 345 forced a nose-down landing, just a handful of injuries have been reported. Accounts vary, but the total of passengers and crew with minor injuries apparently numbers between six and 10.
The new law that bans smoking at popular beaches will take effect Jan. 1.
HONOLULU (AP) — Smoking at beaches, parks and bus stops on Oahu will be prohibited next year.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed two bills Sunday at Waikiki Beach that ban smoking starting Jan. 1 at bus stops and parks, including beaches, playgrounds, swimming pools and athletic fields.
Don't be a twit when you tweet.
Shouldn't Geraldo have known better? Well, it's not the first time we've uttered that phrase. After veteran news slinger Geraldo Rivera tweeted a more-than-half-naked pic of himself at 2:02 a.m. Sunday, web users woke up to a sight that not only marks the latest misstep in Geraldo's career but to an image we can't scrub off our eyeballs.
"70 is the new 50," wrote the host of "Geraldo At Large" with the image, which was apparently captured in his bathroom before or after a shower.
Australian team helps surfers and divers appear less delicious to sharks.
Surfers and scientists have joined league on Australia's west coast to develop a wetsuit believed to reduce the risk of shark attack.
Designed by researchers from the Oceans Institute at the University of Western Australia and shark experts from Shark Attack Mitigation Systems (SAMS), which is selling the suits and related watersport products, the new wetsuits capitalize on studies about how sharks see.
Texas contractor razes house, but the wrong one.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A demolition company has mistakenly torn down a three-bedroom home in North Texas rather than the condemned building next door.
David Underwood and his wife placed their Fort Worth house on the market with the intention of moving into the retreat they purchased near the shores of Lake Worth. The lakeside land has been in the family for decades and Underwood bought it from an aunt earlier this year.
The cafe sports Nazi-related memorabilia, including a large flag with a swastika.
BANDUNG, Indonesia (AP) — Authorities in central Indonesia will ask a restaurant owner to explain his reasons for opening a Nazi-themed cafe that has sparked controversy among locals and tourists, an official said Thursday.
Soldatenkaffee includes a red wall of Nazi-related memorabilia, including a large flag with the swastika and a giant picture of Adolf Hitler. Its wait staff dresses in SS, or Schutzstaffel, military uniforms, and can be seen posing in front of the cafe on its Facebook page.
State programs offer shoppers a short vacation from taxes.
Tax-free weekends are coming to many states in August, offering shoppers a break on clothing and other goods.
For several states the holiday from state sales tax falls annually on the first weekend in August.
If you follow Pope Francis on Twitter on World Youth Day, the Catholic Church will offer indulgences.
According to msnNOW, indulgences reduce the time Catholics believe they have to spend in purgatory before they're allowed to enter heaven.
Watch the video to learn more:


text:
Categories > Celebrities > Fall Out Boy > Believers Never Die
Rude Awakening0 Reviews
So Patrick finally gets to see just how bad Pete's condition is.
I jumped and my eyes flew open. "Wha!?" I exclaimed. I looked and there was Joe, shaking me awake.
"Sorry I'm late but Andy asked me to pick him up and I got stuck in traffic..." he said. Andy was standing to my right a bit. I sat up in my chair and rubbed my head.
"C-Can we see Pete yet?" I asked. Joe shook his head.
"Not that I know of...no doctor has been down here so far. But this is bullshit...we should be able to go see him." Joe snapped.
"You're right, Joe...but what can we really do about it?" I asked. Joe just sighed and shook his head.
"So uh...you doin' okay Patrick?" Andy asked. I nodded.
"Yeah...ugh...but how long have I been asleep?" I asked.
Andy shrugged, "I don't know. It's 5AM right now...so..."
"Dammit...I've been asleep for like an hour and a half..." I said, standing up and heading back over the receptionist desk.
"Hey...uhm...can we go up yet?" I asked the girl. She sighed.
"Well, I'll call up and ask, okay?" she replied. I nodded.
She dialed a three digit number and waited for someone to pick up.
"Hello? Doctor? I have three gentlemen for Mr. Pete Wentz in the ICU. Yes...mhmm...okay. Thanks, bye." she said, and hung up. Smiling, she turned to us. "You can go up."
She barely got the words out of her mouth before I was walking towards the elevator. I think that even if she'd told us we couldn't go up, I would have. I nervously pressed the button to the third floor as Joe and Andy entered the elevator.
When the doors closed, I exhaled in relief.
"Finally..." I breathed.
Joe, Andy, and I were silent for the remaining seconds of the ride and when the doors opened I nearly stumbled out. I jogged for the desk and said, "WhatrooisPeteWentzinn?" I asked quickly.The receptionist looked at me funny.
"What?" she asked.
"What room is Pete Wentz in?" Andy repeated. I was grateful.
"Uhm....312." she said.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed as I raced down the hall.
Joe and Andy hot on my heels, we passed 308, 309, 310, 311...
"312!" I said quickly, grabbing the door handle and slinging it open. The three of us shuffled inside to see a single doctor standing by a bedside which I assumed to be Pete's.
"Pete!?" I shouted. The doctor turned around and put his index finger to his lips. "Shhh." he whispered.
A frown crossed my face as Joe and I approached...Andy hung back.
A bolt of electricity shocked my entire body upon seeing Pete. He looked absolutely horrible.
His face has a few cuts on it that had stitches in them and his arms were all wrapped in bandages with blood coming through them. I assumed his legs were wrapped too, and felt a lump rise into my throat. Joe's hand rested on my shoulder and at that point I just lost it. Tears streamed down my face like never before and I got all choked up, holding back sobs.
"It's okay Patrick...it's okay...come on, don't do this to yourself, crying makes it worse than-"
"Pete!!!" I sobbed loudly, only to be interrupted by the doctor shooshing me again and Joe's comforting words.
I wiped tears from my eyes and gasped for air...I felt a bit better after letting out a little of my feelings, but I still felt like crying forever.
I carefully avoided the endless amounts of wires surrounding Pete's bed and walked up along his bedside.
"What's the diagnosis, Doc?" Joe asked under his breath, hoping me not to hear, although I did.
"Well, the car fire gave him extremely bad burns on his arms and legs and generally everywhere else...the impact caused a few ribs to snap and one has punctured his lung...he's got an artificial lung right now. Along with that he has cuts and bruises from the car spread across his body here and there. It appears that the truck hit the driver's side head on, causing most of the impact on his side of the car...."
I couldn't listen to anything else the doctor had to say. Tears were once again slipping down my face. I knelt down on one knee and took Pete's hand in mine lightly, as if it were fragile.
"Pete...I'm so sorry about this...it's all my fault you're like this. I shouldn't have let you drive...I'm so sorry...." I whispered, putting my head down on his sheets. Suddenly Joe was behind me.
"Hey...Trick? Don't blame yourself, dude....just don't. This is not your fault..." he tried. I started shaking and sobbing into the sheets.
"No, Joe....you don't understand!" I sobbed, standing up to face him. His hand was still on my shoulder.
"But Patrick-"
"Pete was drunk and I let him drive...that's why this is all my fault...I'm horrible...I'm a monster...I'm-I'm...I deserve to be in his position." I said defensively.
Joe's eyes were big and glassy and sympathetic. "Oh, Patrick, I just knew this would happen. I know how Pete gets when he's drunk...this isn't your fault, and don't you think it for a minute." he said, pulling me into a hug that Andy joined in on.
Tears escaped my eyes, "I know...but I'm just so worried...I have no one to blame but myself..." I whispered.
"Have hope, Patrick. I'm sure Pete will be just fine...a few burns is all...Pete will be fine." said Andy. I looked at the doctor who had been listening to our conversation. He didn't look as if he agreed with Andy.
The doctor cleared his throat. "Well, I advise you let him sleep awhile. He's had a rough night and could use the rest. But feel free to stay with him."
"We will. Thanks, Doc." Joe replied.
The doctor left the room and Joe and Andy took a seat in the chairs beside the bed. I knelt next to Pete, staring at his still face and pale features.
"Poor Peter. Poor, poor, Pete." Andy said sadly after awhile, shaking his head.
I sat up and looked around for what caused the noise. A nurse looked over at me sheepishly. I smiled lightly at her, telling her it was okay. She had only dropped a metal tray.
Stretching, I noticed I'd fallen asleep in the corner amongst an array of plugs and wires. I untangled myself and stood up.
Pete was still asleep and I looked over at Joe and Andy. Joe was asleep, but Andy was sitting up, just looking over at Pete morosely.
"Mornin', Andy." I said quietly.
He grinned, "Well, actually, it's 3 in the afternoon. You fell asleep at 6AM." he said.
"Oh." I said, taking my hat off to readjust it.
"You feel like going to get something to eat at the cafeteria? I'm starving, man." he asked.
I shook my head vigorously, "No! I mean...no...I want to stay here..." I replied quickly, looking over at still-sleeping Pete.
"I understand. But hey, I'll get you something. What do you want?" he said.
"Pete to be okay." I replied aimlessly. Andy frowned and looked at his feet.
"W-Well....I'll just get you some...toast, I guess..." he replied, shuffling towards the doorway.
As I waited for Andy to get back, I pulled the chair he had been sitting in over closer to Pete. I decided to talk to him.
"Hey, Pete...uhm...I know you're asleep and all but...I just wanted to tell you that what ever might happen, I still love you so much. And I'm here for you...and I won't leave until you're better. Okay? That's all...I couldn't wait until you woke up...sorry..." I said. When I turned around I saw that Joe had been watching me.
"You really do love him, don't you?" he asked.
"Yes, of course I do. More than anything." I replied. There was a pause before Joe spoke again.
He nodded, "He needs you Patrick...I'm glad you're there for him."
"I know he does..." I whispered, touching my fingers lightly to his cheek.
Joe cleared his throat. "We have to call his parents, you know. We should have already called, but...yeah...I'll call if you want." he said.
"Thanks Joe." I replied. Joe stood up and left the room to find a pay-phone.
I sighed and dug the pain-killer pills out of my pocket. I spun open the lid and put two in my hand. Glancing around the room for my water, I popped them into my mouth and took a long drink.
Andy walked in the room.
"Back. Here...all they had was bagels." Andy said, handing me a bagel and a pack of jelly.
"It's fine...I'm really hungry actually. I would have eaten anything." I said gratefully, biting into the bagel.
We ate in silence until suddenly the bed creaked. My head shot up and saw Pete shifting in his bed. He seemed to be stretching his arms and then he opened his eyes. He looked at me, soft and innocent, seeming to say, 'Where am I, Patrick?'